Category:

Baby

AdoptionBabyHomeKidsMotherhoodPregnancyProducts

How To Get Your Home Ready For Your Baby

by LifeAsMama
written by LifeAsMama

Becoming a parent can be so stressful. There are so many things that you need to get done and so many changes to your body happening at the same time. However, getting your home ready doesn’t need to be complicated. There are three main things that you need to do to get your home ready for baby – get the furniture you need, pick out some fun toys and do your best to babyproof the spaces your baby will be in. 

Acquire Furniture

You are going to need a crib for your baby, even if you plan on co-sleeping for any stretch of time. You can even get ones that transition into a toddler bed and even a full-sized bed so that you have a little more time with a fairly large purchase before it needs to be returned. You’ll need to make sure you get one with a comfortable mattress in it so that you don’t have any additional issues.

You will also need to get enough storage for your baby’s things. This doesn’t have to be expensive. If you have friends or family that have had kids, chances are they have some things that they can pass your way. You can also usually find kid’s storage furniture for cheap on the Facebook marketplace and from thrift stores, which is a great way to make your life – and your wallet – greener. 

Find Stimulating Toys

Gender shouldn’t play into the kind of toys your baby gets. Make sure that you have a variety to choose from so you can see what things your child gravitates toward. As for the rest of the toys that your child wants nothing to do with, think about reselling them or donating them to a local charity. That way, your home will have a little bit less stuff for you to have to tidy up later on and you’ll be helping someone else’s baby out.

Babyproof Your Home

Babies have an almost magical ability to injure themselves on anything and everything in their paths. It’s kind of impressive. However, as a parent, your job is to do everything you can to keep your baby safe. 

With that in mind, you need to make sure that anything made of glass or easily breakable is moved far, far out of your baby’s reach. If you have tall shelves that are not built into the wall, do your best to keep your baby away from them to avoid any tipping issues. 

You should also pad any sharp corners that you have in the room. This will save you a lot of tears and headaches in the long run from babies grabbing them or running into them.

Last but not least, put babyproof handles on doors to anywhere that your baby could get into trouble. This means kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, even older kids’ bedrooms. By limiting the space that your baby is in, you will keep them just a little bit safer every day. As they get older and more responsible for their own bodies, you can start to open the house up a little more. 

If you aren’t sure about something, don’t be afraid to reach out to your support network, whether that is online or in person. Other parents will have some advice that might work out well for you and your family. 

About the Author

Heather Viera is a lifestyle expert and researcher for FamilyLivingToday.com. She is dedicated to achieving a balanced lifestyle, even with two small children and a full-time career. In the little free time she has, she enjoys hiking with her partner and taking her dog to the beach.

 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
BabyFamilyHealthKidsLittle KidMotherhoodPre-TeenTeenagerToddler

How to Get Outside With Your Kids This Fall

by Jennifer Landis
written by Jennifer Landis

During the summer, it’s easy to get the kids outside. As soon as that fall air rolls in, though — and brings with it cold temps and rainy days — it can seem much harder to do so.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this colorful season with your children, both inside and out. If you need fresh air but don’t know how to get it, read on. We have five ideas for getting your brood outdoors this autumn and beyond.

1. Color Walks

As we know, fall has plenty of colorful foliage to stare at for hours on end. So, grab your kids and take them outside to check out the leaves and all the other eye-catching plants that grow during this time. Don’t just call it a nature walk — consider this stroll to be a color walk. Choose a particular hue, or let your child choose the shade they like best. Then, as you walk around, have them point out everything they find that’s that color. If you have a digital camera and trust your little one enough to use it, then they can take pictures of everything they see for even more color-walk fun.

2. Leaf Jumping

This one’s a classic, but it’s so much fun that it’s worth mentioning. Have your kids help you gather up the leaves in your yard. Not only will they burn off some energy doing so, but they’ll also help get the job done quicker. Having a few helpers will make the task simpler on you.

Once they’ve built a giant pile of foliage, let them go wild. Jumping in and out of the leaves just never gets old — join them for a few leaps and see. You can mix things up by fashioning your leaf pile into another interesting activity. For instance, some have built a leaf slide. They place their foliage mound at the base of a slide and zoom into it. You can also use your leaves to outline a small backyard maze. Regardless of how you play with the leaves, one thing’s for sure — your kids will love it, and they’ll never forget it.

3. Playground Games

When you play outside in summer, it’s often too hot to do anything but splash in the pool or run through the sprinkler. In the cool fall air, though, you can have your kids play and run in the yard. So, take advantage of the cooler temps and set up a group game. You might want to rely on some of your playground favorites. Something as simple as tag, kickball or red rover can do the trick.

There are so many benefits to organizing a playground-style game for your kids. Little ones who spend all their time indoors may be more susceptible to obesity, which remains an epidemic across the country. On the other hand, if they play outside, your kids will develop healthy behaviors that push them to exercise throughout their lives. Plus, such playground games give them the chance to build teamwork and social skills.

4. Orchard Visits

Fall brings us gorgeous foliage, but it also brings a slew of new fruits and veggies to be harvested. In some cases, farmers will open up their fields for the public to pick their own produce to bring home and enjoy.

For instance, a local orchard might allow people to come in and pick apples directly from their trees. You might hop onto the back of a tractor or pickup truck to visit a pumpkin patch. There, you and your kiddos can select the perfect gourd for your front stoop. All the while, your kids can run around and explore the farmland around them. At the same time, you’ll all be taking in some much needed fresh fall air.

5. Scavenger Hunts

What bits of nature can you find in your backyard or at the local park? Let your kids answer that question. Start by drawing up a list of common fall finds, such as pinecones, acorns and leaves — one in each color. See how many items your kids can knock off the roster.

If you don’t have enough variety in natural elements, then combine your scavenger hunt with a walk through the neighborhood. Make sure to add other autumn finds to your list. Some fall scavenger hunt lists for kids will include pumpkins, scarecrows, bales of hay and other decor. They may not come from nature, but your kids will have a blast scoping out their neighbors’ homes in search of the must-sees on their scavenger hunt list.

Fall in Love With the Outdoors

It’s cooler outside, and you might not be able to get out there every day. However, the above five activities will make your outdoor pursuits even more fun for both you and your kids. In fact, such memorable moments will remain with you for years to come — and we bet your kids will beg to do the same activities every year. You and your family will fall in love with the season and the time you spend outside together.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
BabyKidsMotherhood

5 Sleep Mistakes New Parents Make

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

Having a baby is the best time in a parent’s life. However, it also comes with a lot of trial and error, especially in terms of sleep.

You’re learning how to be the best mom you can be, and it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s not okay, though, is to stick to them and harm your little one — and yourself too. A newborn with poor sleep is a nightmare for the whole family.

Lucky for you, this article contains a list of the most common mistakes that new parents make, so you can make sure you’re doing things right.

#1 Being Inconsistent

Inconsistency in sleep training or in establishing sleeping habits is the most common mistake of new parents. Many moms and dads don’t think that babies feel any difference between being sung to sleep, being put in a bouncer, and being allowed to co-sleep on parents’ bed.

But that’s not true.

First, babies do feel the change of the environment or sleeping area and can get confused. When that happens, putting them to sleep may turn into a challenge.

Second, when you fall asleep with your baby on the couch, armchair, or any other place after the feeding session, you put her at risk of being dropped or even smothered.

To avoid all of that, find the best time, place, and routine that works for your little one and stick to it religiously. A warm bath, feeding, and then sleep will do for most. And make sure you don’t fall asleep while feeding.

“A solid routine and familiar surroundings may help your baby learn to self-soothe herself and fall asleep without your assistance, which in turn will help you score more sleep for yourself.”

#2 Buying Borders and Bumpers for Your Baby’s Crib

Of course, buying the best crib mattress for your little one is a must.

But some parents go further and equip the cot with all sorts of bumpers and borders to make it look like a cute nest.

It’s easy to understand why.

You want to protect your baby from any sharp corners and injuries, especially when she learns to roll and crawl.

The thing is, using bumpers might be fatal for your baby.

How?

Well, you’ve probably heard about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The most common cause of this syndrome is asphyxiation, and it turns out that crib bumpers can actually contribute to that. Models with the pillow-like design are the most dangerous, as the newborn can press the face against it and suffocate by breathing in the oxygen-depleted air.

“Crib bumpers are banned in Ohio, Chicago, and Maryland due to the safety hazard. In fact, your little one cannot get a severe injury when accidentally bumping into a crib rail. So, it’s better to keep her safe and do not use borders.”

#3 Manipulating with Bedtime

Another common sleep mistake among the new parents is either rushing or delaying bedtime for an infant.

The issue of rushing a baby to sleep is tied to the fact that parents often do not recognize the main signs of sleep readiness from their baby and won’t allow her to have some time to wind down.

To get your little one to sleep without tears and protesting, pay attention to the following signs:

  • fussing
  • rubbing eyes
  • looking away

The opposite situation, when parents intentionally delay the sleep time, is more common among working moms who want to spend more time with their child. Instead of the expected effect, they get a screaming baby who will need even more time to relax and fall asleep.

If you’re experiencing this scenario, it’s better to address the problem to your boss and ask to come home earlier, or work from home.

#4 Expecting the Baby to Sleep Throughout the Night

Photo by Peter Oslanec on Unsplash

Although newborns typically sleep 16-17 hour a day, they cannot sleep through the entire night without waking up for two reasons:

  • Their stomachs are tiny, so they need to eat every 2-3 hours, and their sleep-wake cycle is dependent on the time of feeding.
  • Babies under three months don’t understand the concept of day and night.

Thus, even if you have an extremely calm newborn sleeper, she is unlikely to make it through the night at least for the first three months. After that, babies theoretically can sleep for 6 to 8 hours in a row if they have gained 10 to 12 pounds of weight.

“Note that even if your baby can sleep peacefully through the night after she has reached three months, it doesn’t mean that she will be a good sleeper forever.”

#5 Relying on Props

The modern world provides many devices and gadgets for easier parenting. The thing is, many young parents overestimate these devices or begin to rely on them too much.

The first problematic prop is a pacifier. Some babies become overly attached to it and can fall asleep only with a pacifier in their mouth. Thus, when you remove it for the night, and then the baby suddenly wakes up, she will undoubtedly scream for it.

It’s better not to use a pacifier at all, or go through a couple of rough nights and let your baby cry the need for this thing out and forever.

The other prop many parents love is a so-called cyber-nanny, which comes as a set of two video monitors allowing you to watch the nursery room while working at your laptop or cooking in the kitchen.

Some of these devices come with equipment that can check the infant’s vital signs, such as heartbeat and oxygen saturation levels. It usually comes in the form of wearables or sensors you need to put under the baby’s mattress.

Now, although these devices seem safe, they actually do more harm than good. First, they may cause false alarms if your baby is an active sleeper. There’s also the chance that they’ll mislead you by creating an illusion of safe sleeping surroundings.

As a result, you may get either over-anxious or over-confident. The former poses a risk of not getting enough sleep yourself, while the latter might make you go against the safety guidelines for newborn’s sleep.

About the Author

Edna Alfaro is a child sleep expert at Happysleepyhead. She knows how to deal with sleep issues of any kind, from teething pain and sleep regression to night terrors and sleepwalking.

Having a degree in Pedagogy, Edna had been working as a kindergarten teacher for seven years before she got her sleep expert certification. She also is a mom of three beautiful kids, so all her tips are based on the combo of personal experience and proven educational techniques.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
BabyKidsLittle KidToddler

5 Tips to Help Kids Sleep Through the Night

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

Sleeping through the night can feel like such a milestone, especially if you’ve been getting fragmented sleep for months on end. Unfortunately, night waking doesn’t always disappear with infancy. Instead, sleep patterns and behaviors respond to routines, schedules, and healthy sleep habits, which gives you, as the parent, some ability to influence your child’s ability to sleep through the night. Keep reading to get our top five sleep improvement tips.

1. Consistency is Your Friend

The human body relies on predictable patterns of behavior to time the sleep cycle. A consistent bedtime uses that fact to your advantage. The key is that those patterns have to be repeated every day, sometimes for weeks, before the brain fully adjusts and responds. The consistency of a bedtime can translate to less nighttime wakings because it means your child’s sleep hormone levels are where they should be both at the start, middle, and end of the night.

2. Schedules Save Bedtime

To fully support that bedtime, you absolutely need a bedtime routine. Many children have a hard time transitioning from an alert state to asleep. A routine gives them a chance to bring their energy levels down in preparation for sleep. That process also provides time for their sleep hormone levels to regulate and release at the same time every day. The routine can be simple, like changing into pajamas, brushing teeth, and listening to a story. It can also be more complex with picking up toys and taking a warm bath before crawling into bed. You have the flexibility to decide what works for you and your child’s schedule.

3. Kids Need Comfort

Now that you’re past the falling asleep part, you have to decide what to do during nighttime wake-ups. Putting yourself back to sleep at night is a learned skill, and some children struggle with it. One way to help is to address physical and emotional comfort issues.

The easiest issues to take on are physical. Check the mattress to make sure it’s supportive. Children, with their low body weights, can sometimes be uncomfortable on a mattress that’s too firm, or your child could be waking because she’s getting poked by a mattress tag or sticker all night long. The room should also be cool, somewhere between 60 to 68 degrees usually does the trick, and try to make it as dark as possible. Night lights are fine, but opt for a motion-activated model that won’t wake your child during the night.

4. Remove Screens from the Bedroom

Televisions, tablets, or phones in the bedroom can disrupt your child’s sleep in two ways. First of all, electronic devices emit light on the blue spectrum which can suppress sleep hormones. Using any of these devices before bed can delay the start of the sleep cycle. Second, having these devices in the bedroom can not only be a source of blue spectrum light, but also cause a temptation that can be hard to ignore. Your child may be too young to turn on the television, but it’s still a distraction that can lead to wakefulness.

5. Teach Them to Fall Asleep on Their Own

You can start to teach your child to fall asleep on her own while she’s still in infancy. Lay your baby down when she’s almost asleep rather than fully asleep. Or lay her down in her crib while you sing softly or read a book to her until her eyelids close. If she can learn to quiet herself at bedtime, she can learn to self soothe herself back to sleep during the night too.

For older children, this can be a bit trickier. If your child comes out of her room, quietly take her back without making a fuss. Keep nighttime wakings quiet and boring. It’s not playtime or special cuddle time because who wants to go to sleep when that’s the reward? Every time your child comes out of her room, take her back. Don’t give in, or you’ll be going through the whole process over and over again.

Conclusion

Sleeping through the night is more of a challenge for some children than others. But with consistency in effort and technique, you can help your child learn to handle nighttime waking in a stride. Before you know it, you’ll all be getting better sleep.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
baby milestone blankets
BabyKidsPregnancy

7 Gorgeous Baby Milestone Blankets We Found On Etsy

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

There’s so much to do when it comes to welcoming a new baby into the world, especially when it comes to documenting how fast they grow! In addition to just taking tons of photos, a sweet way to mark all those moments is with baby milestone blankets. Basically, they are pre-made blankets with a pretty design and numbers 1-12 to mark days, weeks and years. It makes those monthly photos all the more special, and we’ve rounded up some gorgeous options from Etsy.

Source: Sweet Blooms Design Co. via Etsy

1. Floral Watercolors

Pick from fleece or minky fabric for this beautiful and feminine milestone blanket. The 30×40 blanket is the ideal size for baby and the bright colors will really make this monthly photos pop! We love the watercolor style and the ability to add baby’s name, too.

baby milestone blankets

Source: Blue Elephant Prints via Etsy

2. Hot Air Balloon

Boy or girl, this baby blanket is perfect for either on your new adventure as a parent! This whimsical design extends across the whole blanket that can be ordered as big as 40×50 in fleece or minky fabric. This is such a sweet design!

baby milestone blankets

Source: Occasional Genius Co. via Etsy

3. Little Prince

It’s been quite a year for the royals and it will be for your little prince, too! This sweet blanket is made from cotton and comes in either a black or white background, whit a personalized name option and enough date options to photograph from birth to 12 years old!

baby milestone blankets

Source: Sweet Chickadee Shop via Etsy

4. Boho Unicorn

Well isn’t this a gorgeous blanket?! The round shape is not one we’ve seen, especially with the beautiful feathers, arrows and mythical unicorn in ethereal water colors. It’s made from microfiber material and measures 5 feet in diameter.

baby milestone blankets

Source: Sparkly Prints via Etsy

5. Modern Geometric

Add baby’s name to this soft and minky blanket that has the option of coming with a gray back. This is the perfect style for modern parents, and can be ordered in sizes ranging from 28×38 to 40×50.

baby milestone blankets

Source: Finch and Fox via Etsy

6. Plaid Moose

Choose from soft or fluffy when ordering this adorable boy-inspired blanket. The poly-spun fabric makes a super soft backdrop for baby as you snap a ton of pics. Wouldn’t this be the perfect accessory to that adorable plaid shirt you got as a baby shower gift?

baby milestone blankets

Source: YayaTete via Etsy

7. Donuts

Need we say much more? DONUTS! Ok, if you’re not into the delicious baked treat, you can pick from 7 other patterns (like Llamas!), all in a soft jersey fabric. Sizes range from 30×40 to 50×60.

 

RELATED POSTS

8 Adorable Ideas For Monthly Baby Photos

9 Cool Etsy Baby Shower Decor Finds

10 Unique & Creative DIY Baby Shower Gift Ideas

7 Gorgeous Baby Milestone Blankets We Found On Etsy

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
teething necklaces
BabyBeauty & Style

7 Stylish Teething Necklaces We Can’t Wait To Sink Our Teeth Into

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

How we handle baby teething has changed dramatically in the last 5 years. We no longer rely on over the counter teething tablets (hello, belladonna!) and we look more towards baltic amber jewelry for our little ones and seriously fashionable teething necklaces for ourselves! We’ve rounded up some insanely stylish teething necklaces to go with every outfit and take a bite out of your little one’s teething pain.

teething necklaces

Source: LittleTeether.com

1. Geo Teething Necklace

Coming in every color you need to match your entire wardrobe, Little Teether’s Geo Teething Necklace is a surefire winner. At only $22, this teether fits almost any budget. It’s made with BPA-free silicone, has a breakaway clasp and added knots in between each bead for extra safety. If you don’t love this style, Little Teether has TONS of additional jewelry to fit any fashionista mama.

teething necklaces

Source: ChewableCharm.com

2. Wooden Danny Teething Necklace

A combination of food-grade silicone and soft organic maple wood, this Danny teething necklace is perfect for mamas with a natural style. This necklace boasts several colors in varying sized-beads, and is dishwasher safe!

Check out all the styles available at ChewableCharm.com.

teething necklaces

Source: TheSugarPlumCollection.com

3. Blush Modern Silicone Teething Necklace

Minimal and girly, this blush modern necklace is perfect for mamas who go easy on the jewelry. Simple geo beads in an ombre pattern means this necklace goes with just about anything, but it’s not so “loud” that it screams “I’m wearing a teething necklace!”

Head to TheSugarPlumCollection.com to see tons of styles and even some non-teething jewelry too.

teething necklaces

Source: MamaAndLittle.com

4. Lulu Silicone Teething Neckalce

Perfect for the office or the weekend, this completely neutral necklace has it all. A classy shape made in a color that matches anything means this necklace is perfect for any day of the week. This is perfect for teething littles or to keep your breastfeeding babies focused.

Check out more hip teething jewelry at MamaAndLittle.com.

teething necklaces

Source: ChewBeads.com

5. Brooklyn Collection Metropolitan Necklace

Worn as one statement piece or two separate necklaces, the Brooklyn Metropolitan style is 100% silicone and easy to wash with dish soap.  Choose from this black version, or opt for a minty green or blush combo.

Check out all the styles at ChewBeads.com.

teething necklaces

Source: LouLouLollipop.com

6.  Carrera Marble Silicone Teething Necklace

Trendy enough to pair with jeans or a dressier outfit, this Carrera Marble look alike necklace is the perfect combo of style and function. Beads that don’t go all the way around mean you won’t get your hair caught in it while you little tugs and chews away.

Tons of additional styles away you at LouLouLollipop.com.

teething necklaces

Source: Etsy.com

7.  Gummy Chic

Perfect for teething babes or even adults with anxiety, this stylish Gummy Chic silicone necklace is gorgeous. Don’t like these colors? No problem! The shop owner of Gummy Chic loves custom orders and has TONS of color and bead shape options.

 

More teething advice:

teething necklaces

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
sophisticated nurseries
BabyDesign

7 Sophisticated Nurseries That Will Make Grownups Jealous

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

Nursery styles have evolved dramatically over the years. From frilly pinks and boyish blues, to neutral blacks and whites, your babe’s space is now more a reflection of your own style then ever. If you’re looking to create a space that your baby can grow into, then check out some of these dramatically sophisticated nurseries that are bound to make any grownup jealous.

sophisticated nurseries

Source: ApartmentTherapy.com

1. Old English

About the only thing baby related in this nursery is the sweet crib. The beautiful rug and warm navy wall really bring this space warmth, and although it’s not overtly “baby,” no one can argue this nursery isn’t stunning.

Head to ApartmentTherapy.com to see 9 more sophisticated baby spaces.

sophisticated nurseries

Source: Popsugar.com

2. Regal Nuetrals

No need to get rid of your grandma’s timeless furniture if you want a sophisticated nursery- simply incorporate it into your design! Old relics like mirrors, vintage toys and rustic rugs and dressers can still play an important part in your new baby’s nursery, making it beautiful and meaningful.

Check out a huge list of more mature nurseries at Popsugar.com.

sophisticated nurseries

Source: ProjectNursery.com

3. Boho Chic

Your eclectic boho style doesn’t have to stop at the door of your nursery, bring it on in! Neutral colors, lots of texture and varying textiles will seamlessly flow in a nursery. Use simple furniture with clean lines, and then dress up with natural elements like wood and greenery. Doesn’t this rom just feel alive?

See more photos of this beautiful space at ProjectNursery.com.

sophisticated nurseries

Source: Domino.com

4. Modern & Creative

Sometimes modern designs get flack for being cold and uninviting, but that’s not the case with this nursery. The black accent wall really grabs your attention, and the colorful print immediately warms the space. The cozy furniture, pillows, curtains and rub do a great job of giving these nursery a welcoming vibe, all while looking worthy of an adult room.

Want more modern nursery ideas? Visit Domino.com.

Source: MeganBurges.com

5. Black, White & Rose Gold All Over

This space looks like it was a former office, converted into a sophisticated baby space with style. The oversized black and white prints are perfectly accented with hints of pink and copper, giving it that rose gold vibe. The sweet crib and baby toys, along with that super comfy-looking rocker make this a great space for baby.

Check out more amazing designs from MeganBurges.com.

sophisticated nurseries

Source: 100LayerCakelet.com

6. It’s A Jungle Out There

Forget whimsical woodland creatures and embrace this modern, jungle design for your little one’s nursery. Coordinate with some jungle green paint, lots of live greenery, and some old school animal accessories and you’ve got a room fit for your newest adventurer.

Check out the rest of this amazing space at 100LayerCakelet.com.

sophisticated nurseries

Source: StyleMePretty.com

7. Vintage Florals

Wallpaper is back and it’s fabulous, and when it’s paired with fresh board and batten, you can never go wrong. This dainty and sophisticated nursery is perfect for little girls with big girl style. The light and airy style is reflected in the neutral colors, white trim work and accessories and that rockin’ chandelier!

See the entire house tour at StyleMePretty.com.

 

Check out more of our nursery posts!

7 Sweet And Stylish Twin Baby Nurseries

7 Fantastic Feature Walls For Nurseries

9 Creative Gender Neutral Nurseries

10 Exquisitely Decorated Nurseries

8 Accessories You Need For Your Woodland Nursery

 

sophisticated nurseries

 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
calm a fussy baby
Baby

5 Helpful Ways To Calm A Fussy Baby

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

New babies are so exciting. There’s nothing like a new life, that baby smell and tiny baby clothes. But once the “newness” has worn off and reality has set in, you are often left with a sleep deprived mama, and a fussy baby. Even the most easy going infants have moments of fussiness, and it can be stressful, exhausting and sometimes even scary trying to figure out why your new bundle of joy just doesn’t want to calm down. While the reasons your baby is upset can be endless, we’ve rounded up some simple and helpful ways to calm a fussy baby that we think are definitely worth giving a shot.

calm a fussy baby

1. Make Sure Baby Has A Full Timmy

One of the easiest ways to eliminate fussiness in a baby is to make sure they’ve eaten and have a full tummy. Of course, this can be a catch 22 if your new bundle of joy has colic, digestive issues or trouble nursing. For my daughter in particular, she fussed constantly, even after long nursing sessions. When we gave her a bottle, she sucked it down right away and was almost immediately happy. Apparently, she just wasn’t getting enough at the breast and was seriously hangry. While not all babies fuss because of hunger, it is super common and worth a feed to see if it reduces your little one’s unhappiness. If you formula feed and have a particularly fussy baby, consider switching your formula (with your doctor’s permission and help) to a gentle formula that reduces gas. Once we switched to formula feeding in our house, finding a sensitive formula was a game changer!

2. Try the “5 S’s” From “The Happiest Baby On The Block”

When I was pregnant, I read Harvey Karp’s famous book, “The Happiest Baby On The Block,” and I always recommend to my friends to do the same. It’s a very simple read that is packed full of information, and there’s also a DVD which I’ve heard is extremely helpful (though I myself haven’t watched it). Karp’s method is based on implementing 5 common actions to soothe your fussy baby: swaddling, placing your baby on their side, shushing, swinging and sucking. The biggest emphasis is placed on swaddling first, because it gives your newborn a sense of security that mimics the feeling of being in the womb. Now, we know not all babies love being swaddled, and that’s why there are 4 more S’s that almost always work in some form. You don’t need any special equipment and even in a sleep deprived state, you can usually remember a few of them!

3. Get A Change Of Scenery

Sometimes your fussy baby just needs to be distracted, and changing rooms or getting outside can be just what they need to get out of their fuss rut. Physically move your baby into another area of the house that looks and smells different, or strap them into the stroller or baby carrier and head outside for a walk. To be honest, this is just as much a benefit for YOU as it is for your baby. I know first hand how stressful it is to have an incessantly screaming baby and even tiny babies can pick up on a stressed out mama. Do yourself a favor and get outside! If you don’t want to go for a walk, strap that baby in the car and go for a ride. Any change of scenery will do you both some good.

4. Try “The Hold”

Several years ago, Dr. Robert Hamilton of Southern California grew to fame when a video of him implementing “The Hold” was splashed all over news outlets. I’m sure tired parents everywhere accounted for the majority of views and it’s no wonder. Hamilton effortlessly shows us how to take a baby that’s fussing and quiet him within seconds just by holding him a certain way. It’s much easier to watch the video then to explain, and you can find our post on how to do it right here:

Crying Baby? This Baby Hold Will Solve All Your Problems!

5. Eliminate Gas

Gas is one of the biggest reasons for a fussy baby. Your little one is so new to the world that they aren’t use to the way their bodies work to process food and that can lead to painful tummy aches. There are many ways to help prevent and get rid of a gassy tummy. If you nurse, make sure you are avoiding foods that tend to give gas, like broccoli and even dairy products. If you are formula feeding, find a sensitive stomach version like we talked about above. If baby is still fussy, I’ve heard the use of gripe water, probiotics and even medicinal gas drops that are approved by your pediatrician also work. It’s also helpful to massage baby’s tummy and to move their legs in and out like they are “running” to help move gas along.

 

We know there are TONS of reasons your little one can be fussy, and even more ways to solve them. We hope these quick ideas help calm your little one and bring you a little peace (and quiet).

 

calm a fussy baby

 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Baby

5 Must-Haves For Breastfeeding Mothers

by Amanda Foust
written by Amanda Foust

(This post contains affiliate links.)

When I found out I was pregnant, all the “new mom” decisions flooded me. One of those decisions was breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. I am definitely one that is an advocate for moms to choose what’s best for them and their babies with NO guilt. I had originally planned not to nurse. I didn’t believe that it would fit into my lifestyle, and I was nervous about the pain I heard was involved with breastfeeding.

But after a failed epidural and seeing the pain I could withstand during delivery, I decided to try nursing. Why not?

However, I soon discovered I was completely unprepared. To save you from scrambling at the last minute trying to gather breastfeeding supplies, here is a list of 5 must-haves:
must-haves for breastfeeding

1. Nursing Bras

This is one of the most important things nursing moms need. A bra that’s easy to unclip for quick access while you’re out and about or even just sitting around the house is a must! You want to think about comfort and one-handed accessibility. This particular bra also allows enough room to fit a nursing pad (also a must-have). 

2. Soothing Gel Pads

Soothing gel pads were like a best friend to me the first few months of nursing! My son had a strong latch, so my breasts were begging for relief. These pads provided an instant cooling sensation whenever I was in pain. In fact, if a mom-friend of mine decides to nurse her new baby, I always include these in my baby shower gift!

3. Reusable/Washable Nursing Pads

There are disposable nursing pads, but the reusable, washable kind are a great investment! You can use them for all of your babies and they are very absorbent. I know some women who don’t use any pad, but as someone who produced a lot of milk and often leaked, I don’t know what I would have done without these easy-to-use nursing pads! They helped me feel protected against leaks when I was out and about!

4. Nursing Pillow

Comfort is important for both baby and mama! If you are considering nursing, make sure a nursing pillow is added to your registry list! Especially the first few months, you will feel like you are constantly in “nursing position” and it can often be uncomfortable without the support of a nursing pillow. I love how the one pictured above even has a place to put a water bottle; nursing mamas know the importance of always having water within arms reach!

5. Nipple Shield

This is one nursing must-have that may not be for everyone, but as I mentioned before, my son had a strong latch. To avoid the constant pain and to ease the latch, I really enjoyed having a nipple shield on hand! This particular product comes with THREE shields so you can keep one in the car, at your home, and in your diaper bag for those unexpected nursing sessions.

Tell us in the comments your favorite product for nursing mamas! 

 

must-haves for breastfeeding

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
pacifier
BabyKids

5 Tips To Get Your Baby Off The Pacifier

by Amanda Foust
written by Amanda Foust

A pacifier can be a magical thing! My daughter didn’t take much interest in one, but for my son, it was the key to our survival! I remember being in the hospital room after delivery and trying to nurse. My lactation consultant was observing us and immediately recommended we use a pacifier or he was going to want to nurse 24/7. He was the kid who always needed to be doing something.

Now that he is 2.5 we have limited the pacifiers to nap time and night time. But we are trying to eliminate them all together. It hasn’t been easy, so I’ve been doing research on ways to get your baby off the pacifier. Here are 5 tips

1. Go cold turkey

Weaning my child off has made it a bit easier as far as the protesting goes because I can just negotiate that he will get the pacifier again when he rests. However, it’s making this process drag on and on. Going cold turkey and simply saying “no” can be a hard battle to fight at first, but the child moves past it fairly quickly. I’ve heard of parents having their children gather all the pacifiers and then together throwing them into the trash can while they say “goodbye.” This is a great way to cut them off completely. The child believes they are “gone” and learns to cope.

2. Replace the pacifier with another soothing option.

There are a few techniques I’ve been incorporating so that my child can still find a sense of comfort.

  • Happy thoughts- when he gets upset, I ask him to think of 2-3 happy things to think about. This takes his mind off of why he was upset and fills it with positivity.
  • Deep breath- Daniel Tiger has a song about what to do when you’re upset. It includes: “Take a deep breath, and count to four.” We implement this and it’s been effective!
  • Give your child a blanket or stuffed animal to replace the comfort of a pacifier. Let him/her choose the replacement or it won’t be effective.

3. Make it taste bad

Have you ever heard of putting nasty tasting nail polish on your nails to prevent you from biting them? The same concept can be used for pacifiers. Have your pediatrician recommend a safe product to put on your children’s paci’s that tastes bad and will encourage your children to want to give them up! Who wants to continue putting something in his mouth that tastes bad?

4. Introduce the Binky Fairy

This is a fun way to get rid of the pacifiers. It is less “traumatic” and involves the kids in making the decision. You tell your child that when he/she is ready to be a big kid, the Binky Fairy comes and takes away all of the pacis. So together you gather all of them together and place them in a box by the door. The next morning, the pacifiers are gone and the child is now officially a “Big Kid!”

5. Get Everyone Onboard

Something that we struggled with in the initial weaning process was my daughter’s kind heart towards my son. She would assist him in hiding pacifiers around or would offer one to him throughout the day when he would get upset. It was important for me to sit her down and explain that we needed to work together to help him soothe himself in other ways. If you have babysitters or daycare workers, make sure they are all on board with this decision as well! You all have to be a united front.

Getting rid of a pacifier isn’t easy for you or your child, but remember that it’s better for him/her in the long run! And take it from me, start sooner rather than later!

Tell us in the comments how you got your baby off the pacifier!

 

pacifier

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts