As a new parent, you’re probably focused on what your baby is doing the majority of the time: sleeping and feeding.

I know you might even be thinking I’m a little crazy for suggesting your helpless tiny newborn can be active.

First of all, they can’t move much. Although you are very aware that they leave you exhausted all day long!

Your newborn baby can sleep up to 18 hours a day.

But that leaves at least another 6 hours of the day when they are awake. You’ll use most of that time for baby care such as feeding, diapering, and bathing.

However, you’ll likely find time on your hands where you actually don’t know what to do with your baby.

I also understand that sometimes you’ll be so exhausted from new parenthood that you can’t even think straight.

That’s where this handy guide comes in to help you.

Let’s look at the different ways you can keep your newborn baby active.

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6 Newborn Activities For Fast Development

1. Sensory Play

As your newborn can’t yet move the best way to include sensory play is to place baby on the floor, ideally, on an activity mat or soft covering (I love this one).

Baby gyms are ideal for this kind of set up as they are designed to stimulate your baby’s senses.

Don’t just put your baby down and leave them too it. Interact with your baby and the toys to show to help become curious about play.

You don’t need to shell out lots of money to have sensory play with your baby. Simple tactile toys or objects with a variety of textures such as feather, fabrics, mirrors, and bubbles can be used to stimulate your baby’s senses.

Great ways to stimulate your baby’s sense during sensory play include

• Gently touch your baby’s skin in various places
• Moving the objects to different positions for baby to follow
• Making noises with the objects

Praise your baby when they react movement such as a wriggle, kick, or grab. Positive feedback will let your baby know it’s good to move their body.

Stimulating your baby’s senses early in life gives them the confidence to want to explore as they grow.

I’d also recommend finding out what playgroups are available in your area. Weekly baby sensory groups are becoming a more popular and fun activity for you and your baby.

2. Tummy Time

If there is one activity to take away from this guide, I highly recommend that you practice tummy time with your baby.

Any good Physiologists will advise you it’s the one thing you should do to aid your baby’s movement from birth. Another benefit is that it prevents your baby from developing flat head syndrome.

Tummy Time strengthens your baby’s back, neck and arm muscles, which are all vital for learning to roll crawl and walk. You are giving them a head start if you practice regular tummy time from birth.

Some physios recommend you encourage your older children to continue tummy play as it’s so beneficial to their mobility. Starting this good habit early will prevent you from having to deal with the effects of poor posture caused by screen time as your baby grows.

For newborns, tummy time can be trickier as they have poor head control. I would recommend lots of skin to skin on your chest until your baby starts to hold their head up.

Once you’re both ready to progress to the floor, place a rolled up towel under your baby’s arms and entertain them for around 10 minutes on their tummy.

For a newborn baby, try this 2-3 times a day and build up longer periods.

Your baby may cry in this position at first; often it’s because they cannot see you. My advice is to keep close and continue for short bouts in the day. Their muscles will quickly strengthen, and they’ll find it easier each time.

3. Reading

Reading to your newborn is a fantastic way to spend your time together. You probably already know that reading is a great way to relax your baby, especially if you read to your bump during pregnancy.

What I love most about reading is that it can be used to stimulate your baby and act as a strong foundation for imaginative play.

When you use word combined with movement, it has a powerful impact on your babies learning by improving memory and language skills.

By over animating words, facial expression, and body language as you read, your baby is learning all about emotional, behavioral and social cues.

For your baby, it’s fun and entertaining while you develop their communication skills. It also allows you to let your hair down from the stress of being a new parent.

At first, it will feel silly as your baby will have no idea what you are saying. But I guarantee your baby will be captivated by the sounds, tone, and movements that you create from the words.  Your baby will learn to love books as they grow.

4. Baby Yoga

Practicing baby yoga is a great way for you and your baby to learn about moving together. It’s also a fantastic way for you to squeeze some gentle postpartum exercise into your busy day.

Yoga is a fantastic way for your baby to learn about movement through your gentle touch and interaction of guided rhythms.

Yoga teaches you and your baby confidence and builds strength. Another huge postpartum benefit is encouraging mindfulness to cope with your huge life transition to parenthood.

You can learn how to practice baby yoga at classes in your area, online classes or even free videos on YouTube.

If yoga isn’t your thing, you may find baby massage has many of the same relaxing and bonding benefits for your baby.

Both baby yoga and baby massage are great newborn activities which you can add to a bedtime routine for your baby to help them unwind.

5. Walking

Being active yourself is a great way to be a good role model for your baby.

Walking is a nice gentle exercise that most moms can do after birth (unless medically advised not to).

Again it’s another great activity which helps you and your baby to keep active during the day.

Being outdoors really helps to stimulate your baby with sights, sounds, smells, noise, and daylight. All of those experiences help your baby to start developing a better understanding of day and night which encourages healthy sleep rhythms as they grow.

I highly recommend using a baby carrier to walk with your newborn as it gives that added extra bonus of closeness.

You can use a newborn stroller if you prefer, but make sure it’s in a parent facing position. It’s important your baby is aware you are there, especially when outdoors, so they feel safe exploring all these strange new senses.

6. Dancing

Have you ever danced with someone and felt a powerful connection to them afterward?

The experience of touch and rhythm why dancing is the perfect activity for helping you to bond with your newborn.

Holding your baby as you move will give your baby the familiar sensation of being in your womb. That will make them feel safe, secure and loved.

Babywearing is an excellent way for you to put on your favorite music dance around your house with your newborn baby and relieve a little stress.

The magic of dance is that you can make it as stimulating or as gentle as you want.

Dance can help your baby to learn vital skills such as balance, coordination, and sequencing. Plus, if you like to sing along to the music, your baby will pick up lots of language skills.

How Active is Your Newborn Baby?

You may be thinking that it’s not important to introduce activities until your baby is older.

Lack of activity won’t harm your baby. However, introducing stimulation as early as possible is best for your baby’s development.

Now I’m not saying you have to constantly entertain your newborn with their every waking minute. Let’s be realistic, you’re exhausted and need to deal with things like that load of laundry that’s been piling up over the last few days.

Who knew a tiny baby could create so much laundry!?

What I am saying is you need to be mindful of times when your baby is experiencing prolonged periods of inactivity.

Recognizing these times can help you to add even 10 minutes of activities for your newborn into your day.

These are the most common periods of newborn inactivity that can build up quickly during the day.

Car seats

Have you ever thought about how much time your baby spends in a car seat?

From the moment you strap them in, run a few errands around the store and then drive back home it can quickly add up to a few hours every day.

It’s so easy with modern day travel systems you can simply click the car seat onto the stroller frame.

Surprisingly most parent also doesn’t know about the 2 hours rule that most manufacturers have for using a baby car seat.

A baby should not spend more than 2 consecutive hours in a car seat in 24 hours.

The main reason for this is due to:

• Poor spine development
• Chin to chest positioning causing restricted air flow
• Overheating
• Long periods of limited movement

The best way to tackle this by recognizing that your car seat should only be used for the car. For newborns, a bassinet stroller or a baby carrier is best when you are walking out and about.

Baby Bouncers

Unfortunately, our busy modern lives mean that placing your baby in a bouncer for a few hours allows you to get on with errands around the home.

It’s so easy to get caught up doing your normal day to day things that all those hours your baby spends in their their bouncer or swing chair start to add up.

Don’t fret about putting your baby down to get a few things done. Just remember the rule of a little interaction every hour if your baby is awake.

Taking baby out of the bouncer and interacting with them floor play or tummy time for a few minutes is great.

I recommend using a baby carrier and talking to your baby about the little tasks you are doing. It sounds silly, but it really works for connecting with your baby and helping them learn about their environment.

Screen Time

Tv’s, tablets, smartphones all make it so easy to have access to 24hr entertainment for your baby.

But excessive media use in children is causing huge problems with inactivity in children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend you set limits on how often your child has screen time.

Starting good habits in early childhood is a great way to set rules and boundaries around media use for your baby, so it doesn’t become an issue as they grow.

How Often Should I be Doing Newborn Activities?

There is no set recommendation for physical activity for your newborn baby.

With that in mind, it is recommended that you don’t let your newborn go for longer than one hour of inactivity when they are awake.

The key for a newborn activity is doing it in short 10-minute bursts of play a few times throughout the day.

Try to slowly build up period of activity as your baby grows and can move around more.

The newborn activities I’ve recommended above are beneficial for your baby’s development. Although your baby may need to build up a tolerance for some activities.

If they show signs of overstimulation, stop and try again at a more relaxed time of day.

Starting and continuing the activities when it’s tough will pay off if you persevere with them.

I know it can be difficult to continue when you don’t see instant benefits. However, as your baby grows you will notice that your hard work will pay off with their development.

Avoiding Overstimulation

Activities for a newborn are a tricky balance because your baby can become easily overstimulated.

Too much activity can cause your baby to become unsettled. This can be caused by sensory overload including sounds, noise, and touch.

You may notice these cues soon after baby is born and you lots of friends and family over to visit. After being passed around for cuddles your baby can become unsettled after too much handling.

If your baby becomes overstimulated, they need some quiet time.

The best way to achieve this is you holding baby skin to skin so they can hear the rhythmic beat of your heart. This gives them the sense of calm they had when in your womb.

Wrapping It Up

Adding a few newborn activities into your day is a fantastic way to boost your baby’s development from birth.

Keeping active has so many health benefits for your family.

It doesn’t need to be overwhelming for you or baby. Little and often is the key.

You soon find your hard work is paying off as you watch your baby grow and interact with you more.

The post Easy Newborn Activities Guide for New Parents appeared first on Stork Mama.

Are you an anxious mommy looking to buy a baby breathing monitor?

Welcome to the club Mama!

Those first few weeks of parenting a newborn are super hard, but oh. My. Word. No-one ever prepared me for how anxious I would be about putting my baby down to sleep.

That fear of not being able to watch over them as you sleep is quite frankly petrifying.

That is until the super-duper baby monitor companies came along and said: “fear no more mamas we’ve got you covered.”

Let’s face it baby breathing monitors are a fantastic invention for stopping you staring at your baby all night giving you peace of mind.

You might even get some of your sleep back, without having to prod you baby to check they are still ok.

But before you start typing “Best baby breathing monitor” into Google, we need to chat.

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What does a baby breathing monitor do?

First, you need to know that there are lots of different types of baby breathing monitors on the market. You’ve probably heard of the most popular ones like the Owlet and the Snuza.

These monitors are really well made and use technology usually to sense at least one of three things for your baby:

• Breathing movement
• Oxygen levels
• Heart rate

If any of these drop in your baby it could signal that they have stopped breathing.

What you may not know is that it’s quite normal for your baby to stop breathing for up to 20 seconds and then start back into a normal rhythm again.

Depending on what breathing monitor your use for baby, you may get a few false alarms if the sensor is sensitive to these breathing pauses.

Which, let’s face it, will be pretty annoying if you’ve jumped up in a panic at the breathing sensor alarm going off.

So just be aware that these devices may actually add to your anxiety if they continue to give you false alarms. Out of the current breathing monitors available to buy the Snuza Hero seems to have the least negative reviews for false alarms, I think that’s probably because one size fits all.

However, the Miku Smart baby monitor is new to the market but is getting fantastic reviews, and your baby doesn’t need to wear anything. Plus it saves you from needing to buy an extra baby monitor.

The downside is that it cost about the same as a lovely new crib, so you may want to add it to your Amazon baby registry and drop lots of hints to your family and friends.

SIDS Prevention

Another thing to remember about baby breathing monitors is that they will not prevent any incidence of SIDS.

It’s vital you know that any device that advertises that it will prevent or reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS is false advertising. If this were true the rates of SIDS would have fallen all over the world, and unfortunately, they have not. Even the AAP does not recommend sleep devices as a method of preventing SIDS (source).

The greatest risk of SIDS is within the first 6 months of a baby’s life. However, it can still happen up to a year old and very rarely over this age.

If you want to know more about creating a safe sleep space for your baby to reduce the risk of SIDS, head on over to my baby sleep space guide.

Although a baby breathing monitor won’t prevent SIDS or suffocation risk, what it can do is compliment your efforts to reduce your baby’s risk. Should something happen to your baby as they sleep, the monitor will alert you quicker to tend to them, which can save your baby’s life.

Related: A Sleep Positioner warning for new moms

Before You Buy – The Most Important Question

There is one important question I need to ask you before you buy a baby breathing monitor.

What would you do if your breathing alarm went off and you found your baby lifeless?

Because ultimately, there is no point in buying one of these devices if YOU don’t know what to do once it has done its job, right?

You probably already know the answer is baby CPR.

But do you know how to do baby CPR?

Don’t worry you’re not alone. I’d say most parents who buy baby breathing monitors but don’t know what to do if they found their baby not breathing.

Yes, these devices are great, but they won’t start your baby breathing again, that’s your job.

Don’t worry though. It’s super simple to learn and an amazing skill for you to have as a parent.

You may need to use it on someone else’s baby and not just your own.

How to Do CPR on a Baby

This guide will walk you through how to resuscitate your baby if you find them without signs of life.

I would highly recommend taking a class in person, so you practice with a dummy baby and get feedback from a trained CPR practitioner. You can find classes available in your area here.

Step 1. Call For Help

The first step is to get professional there as soon as possible. Shout to get the attention of an adult in the house and get them to call 911. If you are alone, use a cell phone on speaker phone, so you can get help but start CPR as soon as possible.

If you don’t have a speaker phone, start CPR and do it for at least 1-2 minutes before stopping to call for help. When you need to move to a telephone, take your baby with you.

Try to make a mental note of the time.

Step 2. Check the surface.

Move your baby from their sleep space to a firm, flat surface where you can easily reach their chest and mouth. The floor is often the best place in a bedroom environment.

Step 3.  Move the head.

You want your baby’s head in a neutral position, so their airways are open. So when your baby is lying flat move their chin up off the chest, but make sure the chin isn’t pointing upwards.

Step 4. Start the breaths

Before you start, Look in your baby’s mouth, if anything is in the way gently remove it. Do not stick your fingers down your baby’s throat to remove an obstruction.

Take a deep breath in and place your lips over your baby’s mouth and nostrils, creating a tight seal. If you can’t get a tight seal, cover only the nose and close your baby’s mouth shut (for toddlers it should be the opposite way around).

Breathe out for one second and watch your baby’s chest rise and fall.

Repeat this, so you’ve done 5 breathes in total.

The start compressions

Step 5. Give Compressions

Before you start quickly check your baby’s head position and adjust to neural is needed.

Point your index and middle finger together (similar to the scout’s honor) and place it onto the middle your baby’s chest between their nipples.

Press quick and deep into your baby’s chest (at least one-third depth) and do this 30 times. For every second that passes you want to do two pumps.

The pace is steady so keep your finger on the chest the whole time. Let the chest fully rise between pumps.

Now give two further breaths like in step 4.

Step 6. Repeat

Continue a pattern of 30 compressions to 2 breaths until help arrives or baby comes around.

 IF you have adult help available, you may want to switch over as you can start to tire and compression become less effective.

Step 7. Recovery position

If your baby starts to breathe you need to keep them in a recovery position.

Pick your baby up and hold them on their side with their tummy facing yours. Slightly tilt their head downwards, so their feet are slightly higher on one side.

Continue to monitor their breathing.

Soothe and reassure them in this position until help arrives.

Baby CPR Demo

Conclusion

I hope you’ve found this guide on baby breathing monitors useful. We’ve discussed how handy these devices are as a new parent.

But we’ve pointed out that baby sleep monitors can give off false alarms. Remember you are still responsible for creating a safe sleep space to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS.

If you take away one thing from this article, it will be what you need to do if your breathing monitor alarm does go off and your baby is not breathing.

There is no point in dropping your hard earned dollars on these devices if you don’t know how to react to them.

 As parents, we hope that day never comes, but without a doubt knowing infant CPR can save your baby’s life.

And always remember, you’ve got this Mama.

The post Thinking about buying a baby breathing monitor? Read this first! appeared first on Stork Mama.

You want to make sure you know your options for giving birth but have you thought about what choices you have after birth?

You’re probably so focused on just getting through the labor and meeting your little one, that you haven’t given it much thought.

You’ll be trying to soak up every last detail of your child’s birth while being flat out exhausted. It’s unlikely you’ll notice the buzz of your nurse or midwife as they try to get all their post-birth tasks done.

One of those jobs will be to give your baby their first baby.

But, what appears to be a simple offer, can change postpartum outcomes for you and your baby.

What? A Bath?

Yes, really.

I’ve created this guide on delayed bathing for newborns to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

If you’re not quite at the stage of writing your birth plan yet, then pin this page so you can come back to it later, when you’re ready.

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10 Benefits of Delaying Your Baby’s First Bath

1. Reduced infection

Did you know that your skin is the body’s biggest defence barrier against disease and infection? Newborns skin are epically vulnerable to our world as their immune system is so immature. Combine this with the fact that their skin is extremely delicate and you’re creating the perfect storm.

You’ve probably noticed new babies are often covered in a white substance. This is what we call vernix; it’s pretty much nature’s protective barrier for your baby. When you wash your baby, you’re taking away that protection, when you should try to leave it on as long as possible.   

Also, any baby wash will be made up of chemicals make up can disturb the natural balance of your baby’s skin. This can and make your baby more susceptible to skin infection or irritation.

And yes I’m talking about the ‘natural’ baby washes too.

2. Prevent dry skin

We’ve already discussed how amazing vernix is at preventing infection, but it’s also an amazing moisturizer for your baby’s skin. Once you feel it, you’ll realize it’s very similar to a thick skin moisturizer, except without the dollar dollar price tag.

Babies are often born with dry skin, especially when they are overdue. If you hold on the baby bath, you can simply moisturize the vernix into your baby’s skin to prevent their skin drying out.  Your baby’s skin will be so peachy and soft you’ll just want to gobble them up!

Also, this total isn’t scientific and just a nurse-midwife observation, but I find that if you delay your baby’s first bath, they will hold on to that new baby smell for much longer. So if you’re a baby smell addict like me, you can thank me later.

3. Less Crying

So this vernix stuff seems to be getting all the credit for awesome baby things. But bathing your baby too soon will also remove amniotic fluid which has benefits too. This liquid, which is pretty much made up of your baby’s pee, has provided a cushion for your baby in the womb. However, it’s also packed full of proteins and cells that are vital to mom and baby.

In fact, studies have shown that when a baby smells moms amniotic fluid, it provides amazing comfort for the baby and reduces the amount they cry.

Trust me, if you find anything that soothes your baby’s transition in the world then utilize it. Plus if you and your baby have had a tough labor, a calm and settled baby makes the transition to motherhood much easier.

4. Improves breastfeeding

From what we’ve already discussed, you’ll know that it’s beneficial for your baby to keep those natural bodily fluids in place as long as possible. If you intend to breastfeed, you are nearly 10% more likely to succeed if you delay your baby’s first bath.

A big reason for that will be due to how responsive your baby is to these smells. They will help your baby to instinctively react to their surroundings and display reflexes such as rooting and suckling which will kick-start your breastfeeding journey.

5. Improve bonding

Have you heard of the golden hour after birth? This is the most magical time in a mom and babies life when you can connect through skin to skin, feeding your baby and explore each other through your senses.

This time is really about taking it all in for mom and baby, so you start to stimulate all those vital hormones in the brain that are the foundation for loving and warm relationships. This time should be spent cradled in the comfort of moms (or dads) arms and not being subjected to an unnecessary bath by a health professional.

In fact, the longer to can continue skin to skin care within the first 24hours without the disruption of a bath can provide a lot of benefits for your baby.

Related: Best Baby Wash for Newborns

6. Stabilizes blood sugar

Your baby has to make huge changes in their body to adjust to life outside your body. One of the major impacts is that they have to survive without a constant source of food from the placenta. Because of this, your baby’s blood sugars can drop quickly in some situations.

Your baby has already used up a lot of energy from birth, but bathing them can be cause them to cry and use up more energy. A loss of energy results in sleepy babies who are reluctant to feed, which makes the problem worse.

Once you combine this loss of energy with disrupted skin to skin and washing away reflex stimulating fluids, it’s no wonder your baby might not want to feed.

That then means going down a slippery road of painful baby blood sugar assessment; longer hospital stays, supplementation and disruptions to your breastfeeding journey. It seems dramatic, but a simple task like bathing your baby too soon can result in this cascade of intervention. Simply holding off on the bath for a few hours at least can prevent this, or at least it won’t contribute.

7. Regulate temperature

Inside your womb, your baby is very warm at around 34F (1C) warmer than your body temperature. Helping them to maintain their temperature when born is easy with lots of skin to skin.

If fact, keeping your baby warm is important for newborns as they lose a lot of heat from their large head, especially when it’s wet. Plus your baby can’t shiver, tell you that they are cold or move to a warm place. They will simply start to use up vital fat stores.

Bathing a baby too soon will lower their temperature from undressing, and loss of heat through evaporation. Just think of how you when you’re exposed to the room temperature when getting out of the bath or shower. That’s why you don’t want your baby to get a bath too soon.  

8. Decreased weight loss

Now that we’ve discussed the regulation of blood sugars and maintaining your baby’s temperature, we can talk about weight loss. It’s normal for your baby to lose around 10% of their birth weight in the first few days, but any more than this can be an issue.

Baby’s that have uncontrolled blood sugars disrupted breastfeeding or are unable to control their temperature are at higher risk of losing more weight. Again this may result in you needing to supplement or try adopt some exhausting pump schedule to up your milk supply to help your baby.

This may happen regardless of when your baby has their first bath. However, an early bath certainly causes interruption to baby’s instinctive feeding behaviors and can have a huge ripple effect on their development in those first critical days.

9. Less stressful for You

You may be lucky and have a baby who loves a bath, but otherwise, the first bath can be really stressful for you and your baby.

It can be really difficult to watch your little baby screaming their head off if the bath is stressing them out. You’ll want to comfort them as much as possible but probably won’t be able to until the bath is over.

Even worse ? Some hospitals need to bath your baby in a different room, this separation can be quite distressing for you both.

The experience may also depend on your nurse’s attitude to bathing your baby. Nurses are well aware that baths cause baby’s temperatures to drop, so they are super-efficient at handling the bath, but they may be hurried with your baby to get things done swiftly.

If you prefer to have the bathing experience when you are all as relaxed as possible and can take your time, then hold off until you are both relaxed.

10. Improved postpartum healing

Delaying your baby’s first bath can allow you to have lots of skin to skin at the most vital time. This close contact helps you release the hormone oxytocin. This is what causes the awesome bonding we discussed above.

Natural oxytocin release also helps improve your milk supply, boost your mood, reduces your postpartum bleeding and return you uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. All of these can contribute to a quick postpartum recovery for you.

RELATED: How To Bath Your Newborn Baby at Home

5 reasons you don’t want to delay baby’s first bath

This guide is here to inform you about delayed baby bathing, but that doesn’t mean you need to feel pressured into holding off on your baby’s bath. Let’s look at some reasons you may not want to delay your baby’s first bath.

1. Body Fluids

We’ve discussed the benefits of body fluid for your baby, but that doesn’t mean you will be able to cope with them especially if it weirds you out. It’s ok if you want your baby cleaned down a bit before you hold them.

 I find that if the body fluids are an issue for you, then its best to as your nurse to clean baby up as soon as possible so you can hold your sweet little baby without feeling grossed out.

Even if you are super keen on delaying your baby’s first bath, there may be some unexpected material such as meconium (baby’s first poo) that may make you change your mind.

2. Faith reasons

Your religion may have birth ceremonies after birth with including a ritual wash. Washing your baby of bodily fluids may be required as part of your faith.

 It’s best to put your plans for baby bathing into your birth plan, so your health professionals are aware of any special circumstances for your family.

3. You want a demo

Bathing a baby can be really scary because tiny babies are wriggly and even harder to control when wet. Bathing a baby as a new parent can be petrifying.

If you have a short hospital stay, it’s only natural to have your nurse show you their technique before you go home. They may even give you their favorite tips for making the process easier. You can check out my method to bathing newborns here.

4. Pressure from family

Even if you are your partner are ok with holding off on the bath, a lot of new parents feel pressured to have their baby nice and clean for their first visitors.

I totally understand that you might want to show off your baby’s full head of silky hair and not have it caked in blood from your delivery.

In this case, instead of a full bath, your baby may benefit from a simple wipe down to remove the majority of the offending materials, and then it’s a win-win.

5. Tradition

Family tradition can play a big part in what you do after birth. You may have a family tradition of taking a photo of the nurse bathing your baby. Just remember you can still get this photo even if you delay the bath. However, it may be more important if you intend to have a short hospital stay.

Related: Best Baby Tub for Newborns

3 Reasons Your Nurse doesn’t want to delay your baby’s first bath

Delayed baby bathing is becoming more common in the hospital. However, some continue with the practice of bathing your baby soon after delivery. These are some reasons your nurse may not want to delay giving your baby a bath.

1. Risk of disease

The reason most hospitals started bathing babies was a universal precaution against disease for your baby. If you delay bathing your baby, and it may be hospital policy for your nurse to wear gloves while handling your baby until they have a bath.

2. They like bathing babies

Most nurses love bathing babies because it feels great to be able to teach new parents baby care skills. Plus I have to admit that once all the gunk is gone from their hair and it all fuzzes up, it is pretty darn cute.

3. Work pressures

It’s likely that your nurse may have other families they are caring for at the same time as you. This means there time is limited, and unfortunately, it may be more convenient to give a bath after birth than later.

Don’t be annoyed if you ask your nurse to bathe your baby later and she’s caught up doing something else.

Your nurse may need to prioritize their workload, and a baby bath will probably be pushed down the list of things to do when they are busy.

How long to delay baby’s first bath

Most hospitals are recognizing the benefits of delayed baby bathing and will wait at least 12 hours before bathing your baby. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours until your first bath your baby.

Ultimately the choice is up to you, just remember to weight up the pros and cons to make a decision that is right for you and your family and let your caregivers know what you want.

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The post Delay Baby’s First Bath? 10 Important Reasons You Should appeared first on Stork Mama.

It’s one of those parenting buzzwords that you’ve heard, but you’re not quite sure what it involves.

Tummy time plays a huge role in helping your tiny wobbly newborn develop into a curious crawling baby.

I know you want the best for your baby and tummy time is a great way to get them off to a good start.

This guide is to help answer all your questions about tummy time for your baby. That includes why you need tummy time, how to do tummy time and what to do if your baby hates it.

Now, this guide is crammed full of information that may be a bit overload to read in one go. I recommend you pin it to your baby boards to come back to it later.

Right, let’s do this Mama.

Pin For Later

Ultimate Baby Tummy Time Guide

What is baby tummy Time?

Tummy time is an essential skill your baby needs to learn.

Just as the name suggests, it involves baby lying on their tummy, or prone position, rather than on their back.

Now that doesn’t mean plonking your baby down on the floor and leaving them to it.

The most important part of tummy time is that you must interact with your baby.

As the building blocks for movement, you’ll need to do Tummy time until your baby can sit upright without support.

Importance of Tummy Time for Your Baby

You may be wondering just how vital tummy time is.

I mean sometimes it just seems like there is no time in the day to get anything done, never mind a few hours of tummy time.

However, neglecting tummy time can have serious consequences for your baby’s development.

Without Tummy time your baby may show delays in essential milestones such as rolling, crawling, and social skills.

Another issue is the official advice have your baby sleep on their back.

Now your newborn baby can sleep up to 20 hours a day. That’s a lot of time spend with their head on a firm surface. This can lead to physical problems for your baby’s fast-changing body.

Benefits of Tummy Time

Let’s look at the benefits of tummy time for your baby.

Develop Muscles

Tummy time will develop your baby’s back, neck, shoulder and arm muscles. All of these muscles are essential to progress your baby’s motor skills for rolling, sitting and crawling.

Coordination

Interaction with your baby during tummy time help your baby to progress their hand-eye coordination skills.

Stretching

Babies can suffer from ‘twisted neck’ or torticollis due to womb positions, childbirth or prolonged lying on their back. Tummy time allows your baby to get a full stretch from the neck down the spine.

Prevent flat head syndrome

This is a condition which caused your baby’s skull to become misshapen. It usually develops at a few months old due to prolonged periods of lying down. Tummy time is a great way to avoid this happening to your baby.

Bonding

Lots of skin to skin in the early days helps parents to bond with baby. The touch releases a hormone called oxytocin which increases the bond between you and your baby.

Social Skills

The interaction you have with your baby during tummy time will help your baby develop social skills. It acts as a foundation for them talking, problem-solving and interacting with others.

When To Start Tummy Time

You’re probably wondering ‘when do you start tummy time?’

It seems scary to do it with a newborn baby right?

It’s normal to be reluctant to start doing tummy time early, especially when your baby has no head control. But that’s exactly why you need to start as your baby is born.

Getting your baby to feel safe and comfortable in a front lying position can help avoid any problems as they grow.

Start with lots of skin to skin on your chest (or your partners) and then progress to the floor.

Remember it’s not all about playing with your baby on the floor.

Tummy time is about getting back to the basics of parenthood and interacting with your baby.

Newborn Tummy Time Tips

These are our tips for tummy time with a newborn.

Skin to skin

Start your baby with tummy time early by having lots of skin to skin on your chest. The touch and sound of your heartbeat and voice will make your baby feel safe in this position.

It’s also a great way to establish your milk supply or observe baby for hunger cues.

Tiger in the Tree

This is a position when you hold baby lying across your forearm. It’s a great way to get baby used to tummy time and can help to relieve colic for your baby.

You’ll love this positions for singing lullabies to your baby as you can easily move them up and down to the rhythm.

Use a baby carrier

Busy family life means you won’t have the luxury of too many lazy days with your baby.

Consider using a baby sling around the house or when out and about. These are amazing for bonding, breastfeeding and just generally getting shiz done.

Using a baby carrier tackles the problem of flat head caused by excessive use of bouncers, car seat or strollers.

Laidback breastfeeding

A side lying position is great for breastfeeding during the night. This can lead to your baby lying on one side more than another.

A great ‘tummy time’ position is laid back or biological nursing. Your baby lies on your tummy as you lay on your back.

It’s a great position for mums with large breasts or a fast milk ‘let down.’

Take it slow

Use the first month to allow your baby to adapt to a tummy time position. At this stage, too much interaction can cause your baby to become overstimulated.

Making your baby feel safe and secure in a front lying position will help you to progress to adding interaction into the mix.

How to Do Tummy Time

Once your baby is around one month old, they become more curious about the world around them. You can begin to add a lot more interaction to tummy time.

Let’s look at ways you can interact during tummy time.

Floor Play

As your baby begins to stay awake more during the day, that’s when the fun begins. You’ll need to keep them entertained.

Start placing your baby on the floor on top of a play mat or pillow for up to a minute. Slowly build up this time as you interact more with your baby.

Try to make tummy time a part of your daily routine.

Switch sides

If your baby is unable to support their head remember to alternate the side you turn their neck to.

I’d also recommend switching the direction you lay them down in the crib for each sleep. Babies prefer to turn their head to the side of the room you are on. This will help to even out the pressure the crib surface has on your baby’s head.

As your baby begins to lift, their head remember to interact with them using your face, voice or toys, equally on both side.

Massage

Tummy time doesn’t need to be all about play; you can make it relaxing for your baby too.

Use some safe baby oils and massage their neck and back during tummy time.

Baby massage helps to improve blood flow to hard working and fast growing muscles.

Read your baby

It’s important to observe your baby and how they are coping with tummy time. Remember to take it slow.

If your baby seems distressed, stop immediately and try again another time. Read my tips below for knowing when to avoid tummy time for your baby.

Tummy Time Activities by Age

All babies are different. However, you may want to know roughly when your baby will reach certain milestones. Your interaction with your baby during tummy time will depend on their age and motor skills.

One Month

At around one month old your baby should reach these milestones:

• Stares at Faces
• Responds to sound
• Smiling

Everything is still quite fuzzy to your baby as they can only see short distances. Try holding baby close to your face and speak to them.

They will recognize your tone and look in your direction. Smiling and making faces will help them to begin mimicking you.

Two months

During this month your baby should start to:

• Follows objects
• See Further

As your baby can now start to see further, it’s a great time to introduce toys. Noisy toys are great to help them recognize a difference between object and voices.

Use the toys and move them around, your baby will start to follow them bay moving their head around.

Help your baby adjust from skin to skin only to more floor time by getting down to their level.

Three to Four months

Your baby will start to move around more, and you’ll start to see:

• Head control
• Mini Push ups

Your baby will be able to interact a lot more during these months. This is a great time to encourage plenty of tummy time on the floor. An activity mat has lots of areas to hold your baby’s attention.

A soft mirrored toy will spark your baby’s interest.

Five to Six months

You’ll notice a huge change in baby’s abilities during these months. They’ll begin to interact with their surroundings more including:

• Grasping
• Rolling
• Sitting

Your baby will begin to purposefully move their arms and leg around more. Help encourage them to coordinate with lots of movement to songs or reaching for a toy.

Continue with your regular tummy time routine until your baby can sit unsupported.

Help, My Baby Hates Tummy Time

Your baby may appear to dislike tummy time by crying every time you place them into position.

It’s important that your baby is ready for tummy time. Otherwise, they will quickly become upset.

Let’s look at times when it’s best to avoid tummy time.

Discomfort

Try to avoid tummy time after a feed. Imagine how you would feel lying on your tummy after a big meal.

This is particularly important for babies who suffer from reflux as it can cause your baby to vomit.

Tired

It’s important to introduce tummy time slowly. Its hard work and your baby may only tolerate a few seconds at a time.

The important thing is to persevere and build up the length of time your baby can manage.

Overstimulated

All the interaction of tummy time can sometimes cause your baby to become overwhelmed.

Try to avoid tummy time after you’ve had lots of visitors or a busy day.

Full Nappy

Always check baby’s nappy before you start tummy time. A changing mat can be a great soft area for baby to begin tummy time before they can support their head.

Safe Tummy Time

It’s important you make tummy time a safe activity for your baby. Check out these tips for safe tummy time:

Sleep

Never place your baby on their tummy to sleep. It’s a huge risk factor for SIDS.

Make sure your baby has a good air supply and is awake at all time.

Observe

Never leave your baby in a front lying without an adult present. Don’t leave the room for even one minute. Your baby may restrict their air supply or vomit which can be fatal.

Safe environment

Your baby’s tummy should always be placed on a firm surface during tummy time. A prop can be used for the chest and arms such as a rolled towel or pillow.

Always place baby on the floor and never or a raised surface where they can roll and fall.

5 Best Tummy Time Products

Tummy time is a great way to interact with your baby. Check out these items which can help make regular tummy time a lot easier for you and fun for baby.

Baby Carrier

We’ve already discussed that baby carriers are a great way for baby to get tummy time through the day. A mei tai or wrap style sling (This one is my favorite) allows lots of skin to skin. The allow you to get on with your daily life while keeping baby close and having tummy time.

Tummy Time Mat

A baby play mat is a great way to transition baby onto the floor for tummy time. It provides a soft area for baby to play.

Activity mats often have lot of areas which are textured or noise to entertain baby.

You can even get mats deigned for Tummy Time with a slanted top or pillow to support your baby’s chest.

Tummy Time Mirror

Your baby loves to look at faces. Once they can hold their head up, place a play mirror in front of your baby. They will love to stare and interact with the cute baby smiling back.

A play mirror helps your baby to coordinate both sides of their brain for development.

Tummy Time Toys

Toys which stimulate your baby’s sight and sound sense will provide lots of stimulation. These are the senses which are developing before your baby learns to sit upright.

Tummy time toys which are soft, textured and noisy always go down a treat.  They’ll help you interact with your baby during the early days, and they encourage independent play as they grow.

Tummy Time Pillow

I always recommend you support your baby’s chest during tummy time with a tummy time pillow. Look out for an activity mat which has a cushioned area, or use a rolled up towel.

If you have a nursing pillow they are the perfect curved shape to support baby during tummy time. They can also be used to curve around your baby’s bottom as they learn to sit unsupported.

Tummy Time FAQ

Am I too late to start tummy time?

If your baby is unable to unaided then it not too late to start tummy time. Start slowly, and you’ll see a big improvement with your baby’s progress.

How long should I do Tummy time?

Start with up to a minute a day in the prone position and build up every few days. Once your baby is around 4 months old, they should spend around 20 minutes a day having tummy time. You may need to reduce this if you baby is uncomfortable. It’s important to persevere and keep trying. Adding tummy time to your routine will make it become a habit for you and baby.

What if my baby doesn’t like tummy time?

Check that you are avoiding all the situations I’ve listed above which are known to make baby cranky. If your baby continues to become dislike tummy time even during ideal times, discuss with your care provider or doctor. There may be an underlying medical reason which requires follow up.

How Much Tummy Time does my baby need?

The key to tummy time success is constancy. That way your baby gets into the habit of the tummy time routine and is less likely to fuss.

The minimum time I recommend to new moms depends on your baby’s age. As a rule of thumb start with 30 minutes then add an extra 15 minutes each month.

• Newborn – minimum of 30 minutes per day during awake periods
• One month – minimum of 45 minutes per day
• Two months – minimum of 1 hr per day
• Three months – minimum of 1hr 15 min per day
• 4 months – minimum of 1hr 30 per day
• 5 months – minimum of 1hr 45 min per day
• 6 months – minimum of 2 hours per day

Around 7-8 months your baby should spend most of their day sitting unaided or learning how to sit.

Summary

Tummy time is a great activity for parents and babies to learn.

There are so many benefits to your baby’s physical and social development. That gives your baby a great start to developing skills for life.

I hope this guide has covered all your questions on tummy time. If not leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to help out.

The post Master Baby Tummy Time Today – Essential Guide for New Moms appeared first on Stork Mama.

These sleep positioners are popular because as parents we are all petrified of SIDS. This fear means we’ll do anything to stick to Safe sleep advice for baby. These products not only claim to keep your baby safe from SIDS but prevent or ease other common health issues for babies.

Surely a product that claims to prevent your baby dying must be safe?

Read this guide to discover just why these claims can be fatal for your baby.

Remember to pin for later or share with any mama’s who would find this guide useful.

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Baby Sleep Positioners Safety

What is a Baby Sleep Positioner?

A sleep positioner is designed as an ‘anti-roll’ baby product, to hold or ‘position’ your baby as they sleep. These products are aimed at babies under 6 months who cannot yet roll back and forward unaided.

Two common type of sleep positioners:

Barrier – This is usually a mat with foam areas which act a barrier for baby. This foam is generally in the tummy area or the head.

Pillow – This type is designed to raise your baby’s head. Some have a belt or strap to prevent baby rolling.

At the time of this guide going live a quick search on Amazon found these infant sleep positioners:

• Red Castle CocoonBaby
• ClevaMama Clevasleep
• Sleeping Angel Pillow
• NobleBby Sleep Pillow

You’ll see a lots of these brands make claims their positioner can prevent reflux, flat head syndrome and even SIDS (crib death).

Sleep positioners are not to be confused with crib wedges or baby pods or nests, such as the Dock A Tot. I’ll discuss these later in this guide.

Safety Concerns

In 2010 the FDA consumer health information released a statement regarding their concerns over baby sleep positioners.

The FDA issued this recommendation due to the accidental deaths of 12 babies in the USA over the last 13 years.

The cause of these deaths was suffocation from restricted sleep positions due to the positioner. The means if a baby manages to get free, the positioner is an immediate hazard.

In 2017 the FDA re-released this statement over the growing popularity of sleep positioners.

Their advice is the never use a baby sleep positioner. They are not necessary, and they pose a suffocation and entrapment hazard for your baby.

The safest sleep area for your baby is a bare crib with a firm flat surface. The crib space should be free of any pillows, toys, bumpers, comforters or quilts. Any loose items pose a risk of suffocation, choking or strangulation for your baby.

Always put your baby on their back to sleep.

Related: How to Reduce Your Baby’s Risk of SIDS

Health Issues and Baby Sleep Positioners

It can be tempting to buy a product when it makes claims that it can be the answer to your problems. As a parent, you want the best for your baby and will do all you can to keep them safe and comfortable.

The FDA regulate items which claim to improve, prevent or treat any health conditions. Let’s looks at the three common conditions sleep positioners often claim to prevent.

SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)

Sudden infant death syndrome is the unexplained death of a baby as they sleep. Little is known about the condition, but it affects around 4000 babies in the USA every year.

The FDA never approve any sleep positioner that claims to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS.  These marketing claims are false and dangerous. There is no scientific proof to support that any baby sleep product can do this.

Alternative solution

You cannot prevent SIDS, but you can ensure a safe environment to reduce risks associated with SIDS. Check out my guide for official safe sleep advice for your baby.

Infant Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that causes stomach acid to back up in your baby’s throat. Positioning a baby at a tilted angle can reduce the severity if baby reflux. Sleep positioners were previously approved for this use. However, their approval has since been withdrawn as the risk of suffocation is greater than reflux benefits to baby.

Alternative Solution

A tilt can still be achieved to help with reflux and comply with safe sleep conditions.

You can use a crib wedge to tilt the entire mattress. Using this type of tilt means your baby remains on a firm, flat surface without restriction.

Some cribs like this one have a tilt function on the legs. You can achieve the same result with crib steps. Again this gives an overall tilt but the surface remains firm and flat.

Ensure your baby’s crib is stable and you conform to any product instructions for correct use.

Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)

Flat head syndrome is a deformity caused to baby’s who are placed on their back too often. The area at the back of their head flattens and may require treatment such as a helmet to fix the problem.

Sleep positioners claim the support your baby’s head upright. This position should prevent it flattening at the back.

Similar to the reflux issue, sleep positioners were previously approved for this. Again, this approval was withdrawn due to suffocation concerns.

Alternative solution

It’s debatable that positioners are suitable for times when your baby is awake, to prevent flat head. If you use one for this purpose, always closely observe your baby.

Try to keep your baby’s lying periods to a minimum. Lots of tummy time activities are encouraged to prevent this issue. This position will help build up their back and neck strength.

A baby carrier is a great way to prevent flat head caused by regular baby bouncer and stroller use.

Availability

Most major retailers have since withdrawn any sleep positioners from their shops or websites. They are harder to find but still available, mostly online.

These sellers don’t make it clear about the risk their product poses. Many new parents still buy these products, unaware of the dangers.

You may also find them being sold second hand at thrift stores, garage sales or on eBay. Lack of instructions poses a risk as you’ll be unaware of how to use them properly.

Makeshift sleep positioner

It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t use any type of homemade positioner to restrict your baby moving.

Everyday prop items include pillows, cushions, nursing pillows and rolled towels. Anything you add to your baby’s crib is a potential hazard and increases their risk of injury or accident.

Remember, always follow safe sleep advice and keep the crib clear.

Crib Wedge

A crib wedge is not considered to be a sleep positioner. It is placed under your baby’s crib or bassinet mattress to give a slight angle. The mattress remains flat and firm without any item in the sleep area to pose risk to baby. The hiccapop crib wedge is a popular choice.

Note – A crib wedge should not be confused with a pillow wedge. A crib wedge should be at least 27.25” wide and positioned under the mattress. A pillow wedge is placed directly under your baby’s head; this is a sleep positioner to avoid.

This type of tilt can help elevate discomfort caused to your baby by lying at a flat angle including:

• Reflux
• Congestion (from colds)
• Breathing difficulties
• Colic

You may want to discuss with your pediatrician if your baby would benefit from this type of product.

Related: Best Baby Products for First Time Moms

Baby pod and nests

Sleep positioners can often be confused with baby sleep pods and nests.

This includes products like the Dock-A-Tot or the First Years Secure Sleeper.

The difference is that baby sleep positioners restrict your baby’s movement. A sleep pod or nest offer a non-restricted sleep area for your baby.

However, it’s important to remember that sleep baby pods and nests may not conform to safe sleep advice. This advice refers to having nothing else in the crib.

The padded side of some pods and nests are soft and pillow-like, not flat as recommended.

These products conform to rigorous safety standards and are FDA approved. As it stands, there is no evidence for or against them.

• If you do use one of these products I recommend
• Never leave your baby to sleep unsupervised
• Don’t place them in a crib
• Don’t put them on a raised surface (such as a sofa)
• Keep them on a firm flat surface
• Don’t prop any part of the pod or nest

If you intend to buy a pod or nest to bed share, then check out my guide on how to co-sleep safely with your baby.

Ultimately it’s up to you whether you choose to use these products or not. Please be diligent with any baby sleep product. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them, but do use them wisely.

It’s easy to think that these type of accidents won’t happen to you. If it means I help prevent one family from suffering a SIDS tragedy, then it’s more than worth it.

Further Advice

If your baby has suffered an accident or injury due to a sleep positioner, you should report it to the FCA MedWatch Program.

If you are unsure of a product’s safety or are concerned about your baby’s health, please contact your healthcare provider for further advice.

The post Baby Sleep Positioners – A Safety Warning for New Moms appeared first on Stork Mama.

When your new and very tiny tyrant is sucking up all your energy you:

1. Want help quickly
2. Don’t have time to shop around

What you need is ease and convenience to get through the day.

I asked Stork Mama readers what products they would recommend to new mamas. Then I rounded up all the suggestions and created this post for you.

That’s right a whole list of best baby products for first time moms recommended by other mamas who have been there and got the puke-stained t-shirt.

So go ahead and stock up on these and you can thank me later.

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Best Baby Products for First Time Moms

1. Nasal aspirator

Anyone who is not a parent will find using a nasal aspirator totally gross. When you have a snotty baby, you are going to kiss the feet of the inventors. Yes, you use it to suck the stop from your baby’s nose. Gross? Yes, but completely hygienic with the use of a filter. Plus it’s effective.

Trust me, when your baby is completely bunged up and miserable, this little lifesaver will help them breathe easy again.

2. Butt cream applicator

Your baby will poop and pee a lot. Plus when they start to teeth they usually get a little butt rash. Using a butt cream is a super barrier. However, it’s sticky, greasy, waterproof and horrible to have slathered on your hands and stuck under fingernails.

A butt cream applicator is a genius little product. It’s like one those little plastic PVA glue spreaders you used in kindergarten.  Not only does it keep your hands clean but its super soft to apply to your baby’s sensitive botty.

3. Tub hammock

Bath time for a new parent is quite frankly petrifying. New-born babies are small and wiggly, and then you throw water into the mix, eek!

A baby bath tub with a small hammock is a great way to keep your baby in place. You will have two hands-free to wash and lift baby out without any hassle. These tubs can also fit into larger basins, so you don’t need to bend over to wash baby or empty the water.

4. Sleep Sack

You probably already know about safe sleep advice for your baby, but it’s another thing you’re worried about. Loose blankets have the potential to move during the night and cover your babies face.

You can use cellular cotton blankets, but a sleep sack is a great product to give you peace of mind. Your baby is warm while they sleep, without the worry the blankets will move.

5. Sleep monitor

As a new mom, you’d give anything to have a good night sleep. The truth is, when your baby does sleep through longer than usual, you probably check them a million times to make sure they are still breathing?

Sound like you? Well a baby movement monitor is something that can ease your anxiety. These type of products don’t prevent SIDS. However, they can alert you to any potential changes in your baby’s activity.

I’d recommend avoiding this type of product if false alarms will make you even more anxious.

6. Diaper pail

Did you know your newborn will need around 10 diaper changes a day?

Whether you are using disposables or cloth diapers, that is a lot of lingering smell. Honestly, an old diaper stinks after a few hours, never mind a day or two. With a newborn, you just don’t have time to put out the trash at every diaper change.

A diaper pail is trash can for your baby’s diapers. These are a great way to control the odour in between emptying the trash.

7. Peanut changer

Changing diapers is pretty gross, and you’re doing it all the freaking time with a newborn.

I highly recommend investing in a good quality changing mat. That means one which has a clean wipe surface, non-slip and a security buckle.

Honestly, without these features, you are going to get peeved quickly. Think how often you’ll need to change a poopy cover, the mat slips around or a baby who takes off mid-change.

8. Baby nail clipper

Do you know how tiny baby fingernails are? Plus they are super long at birth.

You’ll need to regularly trim your newborn’s nails because they love to your those little etalons to scratch up their face.

Unsurprisingly baby fingernails are hard to cut. They are tiny, and you don’t want to cause your baby any harm. I recommend buying a baby nail clipper to give you more control while cutting their nails.

9. Baby Lounger

You’ll need to put your baby down now and then to get things done. Before your baby can sit upright, they need a safe a supported area.

A baby lounger is a fantastic way to keep baby protected. Plus you can use it for tummy time to strengthen your baby’s back muscles and prevent flat head.

Moms also use it for sleep times to give the baby womb-like protection, or for co-sleeping.  Although, I’d advise you to be careful with this type of use. You should always follow safe sleep advice for your baby.

10. Back seat mirror

The AAP recommends your baby uses a rear-facing car seat until they are toddlers. This position makes it difficult for you to see your baby when you are the driver.

A back seat mirror is a great way for you to easily see your baby at a glance. That way you can make sure they are safe, and give them reassurance when they are upset.

11. Nursing pillow

I recommend getting a nursing pillow whether you are breastfeeding or not.

Obviously, if you are breastfeeding a pillow will help you get into right feeding positions. However, it also has other great uses.

If you had a c-section, it would take the weight off your wound, whether you are breast or bottle feeding. It can also be used to prop baby up for tummy time activities as they grow.

My favorite use is when your baby begins to sit upright. They go through a little phase of falling backward and sideways until they can support themselves. A nursing pillow can be wrapped around them to give them the freedom to try sitting, without any nasty bumps if they fall.

12. Humidifier

Dry air is terrible for young babies. Mainly because bacteria and viruses love it, and that’s bad news for your baby’s immature immune system.

A humidifier is a great way to hydrate the air, especially in dry climates or winter time. It will help your baby keep congestion, dry skin and coughs at bay.

These machines can also help your baby get better quality sleep. Adding essential oil such as chamomile or lavender is an age-old trick to ease your baby to sleep. Also, it may sound crazy, but the white noise these machines make can often soothe your baby to sleep.

13. Gas reliever

This list probably has some of the weirdest products you’ve ever seen. Well another one is a butt straw for your gassy baby.

That’s right, you pop this little device into your baby’s butt, and it will help them toot or even poop. It sounds strange, but honestly, you’ll do anything to help your baby when they have the discomfort of trapped gas or constipation.

I’d recommend trying these with lots of massage and tummy time to help ease your baby’s wind problems.

14. Baby carrier

If you have a busy lifestyle you need a baby carrier. I’m not saying you should replace your expensive stroller, but a carrier will complement it.

Baby carriers are simple to use and allow you to multitask. That means you can look after baby but get housework done, look after older children or send important emails.

You can use it in the house, or get out and about to places that a stroller can’t, or is restricting. Think about shopping in a busy mall or going for a hill walk.

15. Diaper bag

For someone so tiny, your baby will need a lot of things when you go out and about. It’s like packing for a military mission sometimes.

A diaper bag is a great way to be organized and have everything you need to hand. You can store your bottles, diapers, change mat, wipes, toys, keys, phone, and essentials all in one handy bag.

Plus some modern designs are really cute and make daytrips with baby a whole lot easier.

16. Muslin blankets

If you want to know a favourite for the mom arsenal, it’s a bunch of muslin blankets. These are so versatile for new moms.

You can use them to swaddle baby, burp cloths, emergency diaper changer and stop flailing arms when breastfeeding.

They are easy to use and comfortable for your baby. Plus they have great airflow, which makes them a great alternative to a blanket in warmer weather.

17. Stroller hook

That small stroller may have been a great idea to get around easier, however not so great for storage.

Have you ever been shopping alone with your baby a small stroller? Trying to carry multiple bags as push a stroller is a nightmare.

A stroller hook is a cheap and simple product you’ll be so grateful for. It simply clips onto the stroller handle and keeps all your bags in one place without the struggle.

It’s also great for grocery shopping to hold a few bags at a time. These are great if you live in a building with stairs or want to avoid multiple trips to the car to get everything in the house.

18. Video monitor

If your baby will be in a different room to sleep, then a monitor is a great way to keep an eye on them. I recommend a video monitor as not only can you hear them, but you can see them too.

That means if you hear a weird noise, you can see what’s causing it, without rushing to the room in a panic to check your baby is ok.

Also, video monitors give better feedback than cheaper audio monitors. A monitor which cuts out occasionally or crackles is annoying and can cause you to stress.

19. Amazon family

Although this isn’t a product, many moms recommended that you sign up for Amazon family.  It’s free, and you get sent money off coupons and exclusive deals for baby items. They’ll send you updates on the latest baby items and recommendations of items for your baby’s age.

Also if you use Amazon subscribe and save for baby basics such as diapers, wipes or diaper bags you can save 15%. These savings can add up to $100’s in the first few years, on things you’ll always need.

The post Best Baby Products for First Time Moms appeared first on Stork Mama.

If you are already at your wit’s end, you need these tips.

Colic is the diagnosis given to excessive crying in babies. If your baby is under 4 months old and cries for more than 3 hours a day, they most likely have colic. It’s a very common condition for both breast and formula feeding babies.

There is no known cause of colic. Apart from constant crying, your baby probably shows signs of a sore tummy. This behavior can last for a few months. We’ve gathered a list of well know ways to relieve colic in babies.

Let’s save your sanity.

Pin For Later

15 Ways to Ease Baby Colic

1. Vibration

Moms will swear by vibrating chairs or swings to calm a colicky baby. If you have a bouncer or baby swing with a vibrating motion give it a go.

An inexpensive way to get the same effect it to put your baby in a car seat or pram near a washing machine. As the machine spins the vibrations will gently sooth your baby.

And let’s face it you have a baby so your washing machine will never be off.

2. Position Change

Placing a little pressure on your baby’s abdomen can help. The best way to do this is by placing baby in the ‘tiger in the tree’ position.

You can rock your baby or gently rub their back while in this position. If you get tired holding baby, take a seat and switch baby to the same pose of the thighs.

Please note you should never put your baby to sleep on their tummy. To reduce their risk of SIDS always place them down on their back.

3. Less Stimulation

When your baby cries your automatic instinct is to pick them up. However, the stimulation of being handled too much can cause your baby to become more distressed.

Swaddling is a great way to make your baby feel secure without over handling them. You can find my recommendations for great swaddle blankets here.

If you are feeling frazzled by the constant crying try to let someone else take over.

Your baby can pick up on your stress, which then stresses them. This is why your baby may settle better when someone else helps out.

4. Change Bottles

If your baby is formula feeding or taking breast milk from a bottle, this may be the cause. Anti-colic bottles are designed to reduce the amount of air your baby takes in when feeding.

They allow excess air to escape through a vent rather than into your baby’s tummy. We found the Mam Anti Colic bottles were the best selling and highest rated bottles by moms.

If you are already using this type of bottle then check the teat is the correct size for your baby. A flow that’s too fast can mean your baby is gulping air with the milk.

When feeding always make sure babies chin pointing upwards. Think of how you tilt your head back when you take a drink and position your baby so they can do this.

5. Car Ride

A well-known parenting trick for unsettled babies is to take them in the car. Babies are more than likely settle by the rhythmic noises and vibrations of the motors.

Combine this with the motion and snugness of a car seat and you’re on to a winner.

With the price of gas, it’s an expensive solution but it will probably save your sanity in the long run.

You’ll often find that the routine of simply placing baby in the car seat will begin to settle them, without the journey.

Related: Start A Gentle Baby Bedtime Routine

6. Gripe Water

Gripe Water is an old-fashioned remedy for colicky babies. It’s a herbal water with ingredients to help relieve digestive problems.

Common ingredients include licorice, dill oil, peppermint, and ginger. These naturally help to neutralize any excess stomach acids that lead to trapped wind.

It’s easy to find on in a pharmacy, supermarket or on-line and cheap to buy. You can add a spoonful to your babies milk, or give it by syringe or spoon.

7. Colief

Already tried colic remedies such as gripe water or colic tablets with no success? Then Colief drops may be the solution for you. I never recommend using this first as it’s expensive to use over time.

These drops work by breaking down the milk sugars (lactose) which small babies struggle to digest. A 15ml bottle lasts around a week and costs $17 depending on offers.

8. Empty Breast

If you are breastfeeding it’s important to ensure your baby empties one side before moving to the next. A small feed on each side means your baby gets lots of foremilk. This milk is high in sugar and can make baby very gassy.

Keeping baby on the breast means they get the hind milk which is full of calories and fat to help your baby to settle longer.

You can often tell if you baby is getting too much foremilk as their dirty nappies are usually a greenish color.

9. Baby Massage

A great free technique for colic is to massage your baby. Studies shave show that babies are 50% less likely to cry when they are regularly massaged.

This may be due to the relaxation of a parents touch. The movement can also help to relieve any pain or discomfort baby is in.

Use a little massage oil and make a habit of regularly massaging baby. It’s a great way to bond with your baby. Check out the video below of how to do a basic baby massage.

10. Change Your Diet

If you are breastfeeding your diet can affect your baby.

Common foods which cause problems are dairy, caffeine, spicy foods and gassy vegetables such as onions, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Try to keep track of what you eat and babies behavior for the day after. If you find your baby is more unsettled try to remove the problem causing foods.

It’s important you still get plenty of calories and nutrients whilst breastfeeding. It may be a case of trial and error over a few weeks.

Related: 31 Easy Ways to Calm Your Crying Baby

11. Warm Bath

Having a warm bath is a great way to deal with trapped wind. The water and heat help to relax baby’s tensed muscles. The routine of a bath may be enough to relax your baby with a familiar routine or distract them at least.

If your baby cries because of a laid-back position, they may benefit from an upright baby bath such as the Schnuggle Tub.

If taking a bath isn’t convenient then try a warmed towel or wet face cloth on baby’s tummy instead.

12. Baby Sling

Using a baby sling will help keep your baby in the upright position colicky babies prefer. The closeness makes baby feel safe and secure.

As you can wear a sling almost anywhere you can keep you baby moving with you whilst you get on with daily tasks. Check out my top-rated baby slings here.

You may find that baby settles better in a sling if they get skin to skin. This is easier to do with a soft wrap type sling so you can keep baby upright on your chest.

13. White Noise

Most parents worry that noise will unsettle a baby, when the opposite is true. Babies love a noisy environment but it has to be the right type of noise.

Rhythmic ‘white noise’ is perfect for helping your baby to settle. When you baby is in the womb they are listening to constant rhythmic sounds such as the heart beating or digestion.

You may find you baby is more settled when they are near a vacuum cleaner, washing machine or fan.

You can buy white noise soothers for babies or you can re-run endless hours of white-nose video on YouTube for free.

14. Strong Smells

Most of our colic solutions tackle baby’s senses of touch, sound and sight.

Smell is often the forgotten sense that we forget with babies.

Strong scents such as perfume or foods can irritate your baby’s immature sense. Be aware of your baby’s environment when they are unsettled.

On the other side of the coin certain smells can help to relax your baby. Try baby safe aromatherapy oils in a room humidifier to help soothe your baby.

Lavender and chamomile are great options for young babies.

15. Baby Exercise

If you’ve ever had trapped wind you’ve probably contorted yourself into various shapes to dislodge the gas.

You can help baby to do the same with a variety of exercises.

Try baby sit ups, where you lay baby down their upper body into an upright position. This puts a gentle pressure on their tummy, which often eases colic pain.

Baby bicycles are another great move. Lie baby flat, then move their legs in a circular motion like they are riding a bike. This will simulate baby in reverse to the sit up.

It’s particularly good for aiding discomfort in the lower half of your baby’s body.

The post 15 Ways to Ease Baby Colic to Avoid Crying Burnout appeared first on Stork Mama.

You’re now responsible for a whole tiny little human. That includes making lots of important decisions for them.

Within the first few days after birth, you’ll be asked to make a whopping 14 life-changing medical decisions for your baby. You may already be aware of some of these decisions, but do you know all your options?

It’s vital that you are informed about these choices before your baby arrives. Otherwise, you need to make a quick decision during the pain of labor or after the exhaustion of delivery.

If you don’t make a decision, your caregivers will likely make one for you.

This informed choice guide is here to help you make the best decisions for your baby. What’s right for your family may not be right for other families. We’ll discuss all your options and the possible consequences.

This guide is massive and has a lot to take in. I recommend you bookmark or pin it for later. That way you can read it in bite-sized chunks, without information overload.

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14 Life-Changing Decisions to Make for Baby

1. Cord Clamping

Once your baby is born, the cord is clamped and cut to separate your baby from the placenta. This immediately stops any blood flow between you and baby. If everything is straightforward, you can decide how long you want to wait until the cord is clamped and cut. You have three options to choose from.

Early Cord Clamping

Usually, this is done by your doctor or midwife within 2 minutes of your baby being born. This is the option most caregivers will take unless you state a preference. There are a few reasons why early cord clamping is beneficial. If you want to collect stem cells from the cord (see next point), you may get more with early clamping.

Your doctor may also need to clamp and cut early, for resus, if your baby’s heart rate is very low after birth. This may be particularly true after a difficult birth or emergency cesarean delivery.

If you are at high risk of PPH (post-partum hemorrhage) and start bleeding heavily, the cord will need to be cut quickly. This is so they can administer the essential medicine to stop and assess the cause of your bleeding.

Your caregiver may also need to take cord blood samples for specific antibody or thyroid testing. You should be aware of a plan for this during pregnancy and discuss with your doctor or midwife.

Delayed Cord Clamping

This involves waiting around 5 minutes until after birth to cut clamp and cut the cord. It offers a few more benefits to your baby.

Immediately after birth the cord still contains about ^30% of your baby’s total blood volume. By waiting to clamp, all this blood flows into your baby’s system. This is thought to protect your baby against breathing difficulties and anemia, especially if they are premature.

If your baby is struggling to breathe, but their heart rate is ok, delayed cord clamping can help keep them oxygenated. It’s best to discuss this with your caregiver first as they may not be comfortable with delaying resuscitation.

Delayed cord clamping is still possible even if you are having an active third stage (assisted). If you opt for this choice the best time to clamp and cut is 4 minutes after birth.

Studies have found that delayed cord clamping is not linked to increase the rates of newborn jaundice.

Lotus Birth

This option is when you do not clamp or cut the cord after birth. Baby stays attached to the umbilical cord and placenta until it dries up and falls off a few days after birth.  You need to make sure you have somewhere to store the placenta alongside baby before it detaches.

A special placenta cloth, salt and herb rub will help the placenta dry out and prevent it smelling before it falls off.

Reasons to have a lotus birth include a spiritual connection to your baby; encouraging mom to take it easy and to discourage baby from being ‘passed around’ visitors.

A lotus birth will not be an option for you if your placenta does not detach after a vaginal birth. You will need to go to a theatre to have it manually removed.

2. Cord Blood Banking

The blood in your baby’s umbilical cord is known to be rich in stem cells. These cells can be collected and used in medical treatment. It’s similar to a bone marrow donation, which is also rich in stem cells.

Collecting this umbilical cord blood is not harmful to your baby. It’s taken from areas of clamped cord between where it is cut from baby and attached to the placenta.  Cord blood banking is still possible if you opt to have delayed cord clamping.

You have three options when it comes to cord blood banking.

Cord Blood Donation

This is like a baby blood drive. Just as you would donate to a blood bank. Any blood extracted from your baby’s cord is then screened, processed and available for public use by suitable matches.

It’s entirely free to donate cord blood. Apart from telling your caregivers, there is little you need to do, apart from giving a blood sample for screening purposes.

Donating to a public bank gives a larger stock to choose from, creating more potential matched for seriously ill patients.

It’s important to remember that it’s highly unlikely a donation will be available for you or your baby to use in the future. It may also be rejected as a donation in the screening process or used for research purposes instead.

Private Cord Blood Banking

You can pay a private company to retrieve your baby’s cord blood and store it for future use. You have full rights to the sample and have access to use it at any point. The cord blood can also be used for any suitable family members and not just your baby.

If you have a strong family history of a particular disease or have a rare blood type, it’s good health insurance to have.

Private cord banking costs around $2000 for the initial collection, then $100-$200 per year for storage.

No Donation

If you don’t choose any type of cord blood banking, the cord will just be discarded as medical waste. That is unless you request to take the placenta home with you.

Related: Cord Blood Banking Prep in Pregnancy

3. Holding Baby

If all is well at the delivery, you can choose how to hold your baby after they are born. You can opt to have your baby placed straight onto you or swaddled first. The Apgar score can be assessed at 1 and 5 minutes, whichever method you choose. Let’s explore each option.

Skin to Skin

This is when your baby is placed directly on your bare chest. Baby is dried with a towel on you, then a clean blanket put over you both. Ideally, skin to skin should last for at least 1 hour after birth.

Skin to Skin is highly encouraged as it is known to regulate baby’s breathing and temperature. It can also help speed up placenta delivery, reduce bleeding and encourage baby to start breastfeeding. It is particularly helpful if your baby is born slightly premature but well enough to stay with you.

The touch, smell and sight of each other promotes bonding, attachment, and your baby’s transition into the world.

Make sure baby is kept without a hat or diaper during this time for best results. They are not needed and will disrupt the attachment between you and baby.

If you need stitches, you can still hold baby while they do the procedure.

Usually, skin to skin is only interrupted if there is an emergency with you or baby need to be taken to NICU for extra support.

Swaddled baby

This option is better if you would prefer your baby to be cleaned up with a diaper on before holding them. This the standard procedure for a cesarean birth as you will still be on the operating table.

You may also feel sick, tired, shaky or too medicated to hold your baby correctly after birth. Your birth partner can opt for skin to skin or support baby next to you.

Your religion may not promote skin to skin contact at birth, let your caregiver know this before delivery.

4. Eye Ointment

Some hospitals routinely offer babies to have eye ointment within one hour after birth. The eye goop is actually an antibiotic treatment such as erythromycin, tetracycline or silver nitrate. The idea is to cleanse the eyes to prevent any infection usually associated with sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some states require you to give it by law, please research what

Some states require all babies have eye ointment by law. Please research your own state’s laws are on this topic.

Choosing the ointment

This is only essential if you have tested positive for an STD such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or herpes. Any infection left untreated after a vaginal delivery can cause your baby to go blind. Getting tested in the third trimester will ensure your baby receives the correct treatment for any known disease you have.

You may also opt for the ointment as protection if you have been treated for a previous STD but not an active one.

If you need to administer due to state law, wait until at least two hours after birth. Request the least irritating agent such as tetracycline.

No Ointment

If you have a cesarean birth, there is no need for ointment, regardless of known infection. This is because your baby will not pass through the birth canal.

Prophylactic use of eye ointment without known infection is actually harmful to your baby. It can cause eye irritation and blurring which disrupts the crucial skin-to-skin bonding. Your baby may even be allergic to the ointment, but you won’t know until it’s given.

The good bacteria in your birth canal helps your baby to develop a strong immune system. Giving unnecessary antibiotics can disrupt this process and cause future problems for your baby’s health.

If your state law requires you to administer, but you decline, you may be charged a penalty or threatened with Child Protection Services (CPS). You may want to discuss this with your local CPS to fully understand what this would involve, as it may be pure intimidation tactics.

5. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is used by the body to help with blood clotting. It’s an essential vitamin to stop bleeding. Newborn babies are born with low levels of vitamin K, compared to adults.

Adults get most Vitamin K from food, which your baby won’t get until they start on solids.

This ‘deficiency’ is thought to put newborns at higher risk of severe internal bleeding known as or Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).

The medical solution is to offer a synthetic dose of vitamin K to your baby after birth. There are three options you can take with Vitamin K.

Vitamin K Injection

This is the most popular option offered to parents. It’s an intra-muscular shot of vitamin K given in the leg. It’s quick to administer, and your baby only needs to be given once.

This method is highly recommended if your baby has had a traumatic delivery, long or speedy labor or born with cuts or bruising. Specific medication may also interfere with Vitamin K production. In these cases, your baby is at higher risk of internal bleeding. Premature or low birth weight babies may also have smaller stores and may benefit from an extra boost of vitamin K.

Mature breast milk contains smaller amounts of vitamin K than fortified formula. If your baby is having problems feeding they may benefit from a vitamin K shot.

Oral Vitamin K

If you want your baby to have vitamin K but you are put off by an injection, opt for an oral dose. This needs to be given three times: one treatment at birth, once on day 3-7 and one dose at 6 weeks.

An oral dose means the vitamin k is administered via the gut, just like the body naturally would. Three doses are given to ensure your baby gets the same dose as a shot. Although it’s difficult to tell how much they will absorb through the gut.

No Vitamin K

You may choose to opt out of giving vitamin K to your baby altogether. The question is why human babies have evolved to be born with low levels of vitamin K?

The dose given to a term baby is usually 1mg which is 20,000 times your baby’s natural volume. This will be adjusted for a low birth weight or premature baby. Administering this much vitamin K can cause your baby to develop jaundice.

If everything was straightforward with birth, your baby is at a lower risk of being affected by VKDB. Although it’s impossible to tell which babies will be affected by VKDB.

If you opt out of the Vitamin K shot, start to increase your own intake of Vitamin K rich foods in pregnancy. Once your baby is born, give them as much colostrum as possible as it’s extremely rich in vitamin K.

6. Supplementation

There may be situations that arise where you are recommended to supplement your breastfed baby. These medical reasons may indicate that your baby needs further nutrients to help them grow and develop. Let’s look at your options for supplementation.

Breast Milk Supplement

A baby who is having difficulty or cannot breastfeed can still be given breast milk. They can be fed by cup, spoon or tube instead. It’s mainly recommended for babies who are in NICU.

This is also an excellent method for sleepy babies or if you have sore nipples. Nutrients can be added to the breast milk to restore any deficiencies your baby may have.

You will need to learn to express breastmilk either by hand or using a breast pump. This helps to keep your milk supply high by removing milk from your breasts. You can then try baby at the breast at a later date.

The Simply Breastfeeding Course is a great resource for new moms. Cindy and Jana created a chapter on how  to hand express. In fact, they recommend it as a vital skill to learn and succeed at breastfeeding, and I totally agree.

Donor Milk

If you are unable to produce any breast milk, you may opt for donor breast milk. It’s a useful option if you want your baby to have breastmilk, but they cannot use your own. Medications, infectious disease or medical conditions may mean your own breast milk may be harmful to your baby.

Click here for a list of Donor Milk Banks in the USA and Canada.

Formula Supplement

Formula supplementation should only be used for under these circumstances:

• • Your preference of supplement

• • Baby cannot use any type of breast milk due to rare metabolic disease

• • Donor milk is not available or declined

• You are unable to express enough milk for baby’s needs

Giving formula supplement to a breastfed baby is known to cause problems with nursing. It can interrupt your baby’s gut bacteria and is associated with low milk supply and higher levels of quitting.

The benefit of using formula milk is that there is a constant supply available. It is also calorific and can promote quick weight gain in babies who are not gaining weight with breast milk.

7. Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can pass from mom to baby. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all babies have the Hep B vaccine before they are discharged from the hospital.

If your baby contracts Hepatitis B as a baby, it puts them at a 25% increased risk of chronic liver disease.

Having the Vaccine

The best way to protect your baby from Hep B is to give your baby the vaccine. It’s given as a shot in their arm or leg. Your baby will then need 2-3 more injections within the first 6 months, as boosters.

Even if you don’t pass it on at birth, your baby can contract Hep B from other infected adults or children. Hepatitis B can be contacted from blood, open sores or being bitten.

You can opt to delay the first vaccine until your baby is around 8 weeks old.

No Vaccine

The most likely way your baby will contract Hep B is from vaginal fluid during birth. If you are not a Hepatitis B carrier, you cannot pass it onto them. If you are sure your baby will not come into contact with a Hep B affected adult or child, there is no need for the vaccine.

As with any vaccine, there may be side effects which range in severity. You may want to avoid any risk that vaccines present to your baby’s immune and nervous system.

8. Pacifier

A pacifier is an artificial teat you can give to baby for them to suckle on.  There are a lot of pros and cons to using a pacifier.

Using a Pacifier

The sucking motion of a pacifier is well known to soothe most babies quickly. They are particularly useful if your baby wants to suck all the time, even if they are not hungry. There is also an active link between using a pacifier and a lower risk of SIDS.

Breaking a pacifier habit is easier than if your baby decides to be a thumb sucker.

Avoiding a Pacifier

The biggest concern with pacifiers is missing your babies feeding cues. These are really important when breastfeeding, as it can affect your milk supply. As the sucking motion from a teat is different to that of breastfeeding, it can cause teat confusion for your baby.

Pacifier use is linked to an increased risk of ear infections in babies and young children. You may also have trouble parting baby from their pacifier. Long-term use of a pacifier can lead to speech and dental problems for your baby.

Related: How to Lower Your Baby’s Risk of SIDS

9. Hospital Stay

Once you’ve given birth to your baby, you’ll usually be moved to a maternity ward or private room to recover until discharge. If your baby doesn’t need to be taken to the NICU, you can choose where you want your baby to stay. These are your options.

The Nursery

This means your baby will be kept in a separate room from you overnight, alongside other babies. The nursery is staffed by a nurse or midwife who takes care of your baby for you. They will even monitor baby for feeding cues and give them formula or bring them to you for a breastfeed.

This gives you and your partner the opportunity to rest after delivery. You can care baby during the day, then get rest overnight in-between feeds.

If you are worried about security, ask your hospital what the procedures are regarding the hospital nursery.

Rooming In

If you don’t want to be parted from your baby, opt to ‘room in.’ This means keeping your baby alongside you until you are discharged. It’s a great option if you are breastfeeding, as it makes skin to skin and reading feeding cues so much easier.

It’s an excellent way for you to have full control over what happens to your baby.  When your baby is always with you, nobody can perform procedures, administer meds, give pacifiers or supplements without you knowing.

If you become exhausted, you can always ask for your baby to be taken to the nursery for a few hours to get some rest.

10. First Bath

Birth is quite a messy process. Your baby will probably be covered in a greasy vernix, blood, amniotic fluid and even poop. It’s only natural you want to clean your mucky baby. You may want to re-consider how soon you give your baby a bath.

Early Bathing

Your baby can have a bath within the first few hours to clean them up. You may prefer this to get lovely newborn photos and pass your baby to your visitors. Your religion may require you bathe baby within a set time frame.

As a first-time parent, a bathing demo can be helpful. This will usually need to be done when your nurse or midwife is free.

Delayed Bathing

Waiting until your baby is at 24-48 hours before bathing is a WHO recommendation.  The reason is that the vernix on your baby’s skin is antibacterial and helps their immune system. This is especially important if your baby is born by cesarean and not exposed to good bacteria in your birth canal.

The stress of a bath can cause your baby’s blood sugars to drop as they use up vital energy. In the first 24 hours, your baby will work on regulating their body temperature. It’s better to bath once they are less likely to have a significant drop in temperature. Make sure you have a lot of skin to skin with your baby to help them maintain a proper temperature.

Related: 10 Reason Delayed Bathing Can Improve Your Postpartum

11. Hearing Test

Your baby will be offered a hearing screen test shortly after birth. This test is designed to identify if your baby has hearing loss as early as possible. This means you can get treatment, support, and advice as soon as possible.

Having the Hearing Test

The test is called the automated otoacoustic emission (AOAE) test. It involves placing an earpiece on your baby’s ear and transmitting soft clicking sounds. The equipment will detect how your baby responds to these sounds. It is not painful for your baby. However, it may make them unsettled.

You get a pass or a fail result straight away. This doesn’t mean your baby does or does not have hearing loss. A fail result means referral to an audiologist for further testing.

This test is highly recommended if there is a higher risk of hearing loss or your baby has spent more than 48 hours in NICU. The test cost around $30-$50 to perform.

No Hearing Test

The AOAE is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. That means your baby can still have some hearing loss even if they get a pass on the initial test.

You may prefer to observe your baby carefully for any signs of hearing loss as they grow.

It can be quite tricky to get your baby at a right time when they are settled enough to test. Some hospitals may even recommend mild sedation. If the test is done too early, gunk from birth can cause a false result. If you are likely to worry about these results, you may want to avoid the stress.

12. Guthrie Test

This is a screening test offered to your baby. It’s also known as the newborn blood spot or heel prick test. A blood sample is taken from baby and analyzed for various metabolic diseases. This test gives you an early diagnosis of the tested diseases and can help with early treatment.

Choosing the Test

The first test will usually be carried out soon after birth. Your baby’s heel will be pricked to draw blood. The blood drops are collected on an individual filter paper and sent to labs to test for the various diseases. The test may be repeated just before you are discharged, to compare the samples.

You may need to wait a few weeks for the results of the test. You will usually only be contacted if your baby tests positive for any condition. Further tests will be required to make a proper diagnosis of any condition.

Early recognition makes some of these rare diseases completely treatable. It may also save your baby’s life or prevent severe mental disability. This test is highly recommended if you have a family history of any of the diseases tested for.

No Testing

You may find it unnecessary to put your baby through a painful test for rare diseases. Even more so if your baby is low risk.

It is also possible you may get a false positive result. This means you get a positive result even when your baby does not have a condition. This may lead to you unnecessarily paying for further investigation or stopping breastfeeding on medical advice. A false diagnosis may also cause worry and stress for your family.

You may prefer to observe your baby closely and report any signs of health conditions. You can also delay testing for up to 12 months, although some screens may be time sensitive.

13. Circumcision

If you have a boy, then you may be asked about circumcision. This is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin from your baby’s penis. The procedure cannot be done without permission and a signed consent.

Routine circumcision is not recommended by the AAP. Unless there is a medical reason, circumcision is a cosmetic preference. It’s a hugely debated topic, so make sure you are fully informed of all the risks and benefits of this procedure.

Choosing to Circumcise

Circumcision had been linked to fewer urine infections, STDs, yeast infections and cancer rates.

You may be recommended to circumcise your baby if your baby has medical problems related to the foreskin.

Your religion or culture may prefer your baby to be circumcised as routine. You will need to arrange your own ceremonial procedure if you opt to have the circumcision outwith a hospital.

If you choose to circumcise for cosmetic purposes, please make yourself fully aware of the potential risks and complications that can occur from the procedure. Never choose it as an option due to family pressure or because ‘everyone else does.’

Leaving Intact

You may wonder why males are born with a foreskin if it doesn’t serve a purpose.  Painful and unnecessary surgery for your baby may lead to lifelong complications with their penis.

You put your baby at increased risk of bleeding, pain, infection, and amputation of part of the penis. Many of the benefits of circumcision can be prevented with proper hygiene and safe sex practices.

Other possible future complications for your baby include reduced sensation, permanent tenderness, deformity, further surgery, and urinary or sexual health complications.

14. Choosing a Baby Doctor

The best time to start looking for a doctor for your baby is in your third trimester. Ask family, friends, co-workers or your pregnancy caregivers for recommendations. By the time you deliver you can have a list of potential doctors to choose from.

Contact the doctor to make sure they are accepting patients and will take your health insurance. You might then want to interview them and choose the best.

 If you do not pick a doctor by the time you deliver, your hospital will assign you a pediatrician.

You’ll need to choose someone you are comfortable seeing. Your child will see a doctor for wellness checks throughout their childhood, or more when they get ill.

Pediatrician

Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in childhood medicine. They are the experts when it comes to dealing with baby and child illness or conditions. A pediatrician will look after your baby from birth until they are 21, then they will need to switch doctors.

If your baby has a known medical condition, they are better with specialized care. They will often be assigned to a consultant who specializes in your child’s specific condition.

Family Practitioner

A family practitioner is a doctor of general medicine. They are trained to recognize and treat general disease and ailments.  Once your family practitioner diagnoses a condition that requires specialist treatment your child will need a referral to a pediatric specialist.

A family practitioner can look after your baby from birth to old age. They also have a better idea of the whole family’s overall health and medical history.

Summary

Now to have a good idea of the decisions you’ll have to make for your baby after they are born. A lot of these you will already feel strongly about. Other choices may require a bit more thought or discussion with your partner.

Remember to write your preferences down in your birth plan. This way your caregivers will know your choices for baby. It can help them prepare or make them aware of your religious or cultural needs during labor and delivery.

The post 14 Important Decisions To Make for Baby Before Birth appeared first on Stork Mama.

Getting to meet your new-born baby is an exciting time. You’ll have an overwhelming urge to protect them from everything. As an anxious parent, you may be worried about safe sleep for your baby.

You may have heard of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or ‘crib death.’ It’s the sudden unexplained death of a baby as they sleep.

It’s not known what causes SIDS and because of that, we can never truly prevent it. However, we do know what can do to reduce the chances of it happening to your baby.

This guide is for you to know the steps you can take to ensure safe sleep for your baby. You should follow this advice for all your babies sleep times, not just at night.

The advice below will lower your baby’s chance of SIDS. Pin this guide for later or share with other Mamas.

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11 Ways to Reduce Your Baby’s Risk of SIDS

1. Back to Sleep

Always put your baby down to sleep on their back.  I can’t express enough how important this is to reducing their SIDS risk. If you only take away one tip from this article, make it this one.  The ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign has lowered the figures of babies dying from SIDS since 1991.

Placing your baby on their front restricts their airway. Side sleeping also increases the risk as they roll into a front lying position.

Don’t worry about spit up or vomit. From birth to 6 months your baby has a reflex which helps them to cough out or swallow fluid near their airway.

Once your baby starts to roll from back to front, gently place them on to their back. You can stop this when they roll both ways without help. At this stage, they naturally reposition themselves to breathe easier.

2. Avoid Smoke

Keep your baby in a smoke-free environment as much as possible. That includes smoking in the home, car or around others who do smoke.

Second-Hand smoke is still risky for your baby., even if you don’t smoke yourself. A smoking partner or housemate can increase the risk of SIDS. Also if they smoke outside, there is still a risk of third-hand smoke that stays on their breath, clothes, hands, and hair.

Baby’s from a smoking home are at 60% more likely to be at risk of SIDS. If you smoke 10 cigarettes a day in pregnancy, your baby is 4 times more likely to die from SIDS, than if you don’t. It’s unknown the risk of e-cigarettes or vaping on baby’s health.

The safest option for you and your baby is to give up smoking altogether.

3. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is well known to be a protective factor against SIDS. It’s recommended you exclusively breastfeed (no formula) for the first 6 months. However, even small periods or combination feeding are linked to lower risks of SIDS.

Breastmilk itself is full of antibodies and immunity boosters that formula isn’t.  This immunity helps new-borns fight off infection quickly. It’s also known to be better for their airways and reduce their risk to allergy. The motion of breastfeeding also helps your baby coordinate their breathing/swallow reflex makes their airways develop quicker and stronger.

4. Room Share

Your baby is at the lowest risk of SIDS if they have their own sleep area in your room for at least 6 months. This bed can be a bassinet or crib ideally next to mom’s side of the bed.

For daytime naps, keep baby in their own sleep space in the same room as you. The importance of this step is that the parent is close, not the bed your baby is in.

It means you can be responsive to your baby and give them the safety of their own sleep space.

If you are considering co-sleeping with your baby, check out our extra tips below to ensure safe sleep space. You can also read our safe co-sleeping guide here.

5. Mattresses

Whether using a bassinet or a crib a good mattress is essential. The mattress must be flat and firm. This is to help support babies head and keep their airways open. Any tilted or soft surface can cause your babies chin to tilt down and restrict their breathing.

A waterproof mattress is also needed so you can regularly clean it down. Keeping the mattress free from bacteria build up will reduce your baby’s risk of getting unwell.

We highly recommend using a new unused mattress rather than one which is second hand. This is particularly important if you are unaware of the hygiene and smoking status of the home the mattress is bought from.

If you can’t afford a new mattress, make sure to inspect your second hand one thoroughly. Check for any rips, holes, and areas of sagging. Give it a good clean down and airing before using and makeup with fresh linen.

6. Room Temperature

A comfortable room temperature is essential for your baby’s sleep space. This means the room should not be too hot or cold. Overheating is known to be a big risk factor for SIDS.

The room temperature should always be 61-68⁰F (16-20⁰C). You can check this by using a room thermometer set up in the room your baby sleeps in.

A fan in your baby’s room can help cool a hot room, however, don’t point it directly at your baby. You might also want to open a window to allow heat to escape. Also, consider using a shade if your baby’s crib is in direct sunlight.

For a cold room, it is safe to use a heater. Make sure it positioned well away from baby’s crib. Never keep heating on at bedtime if your baby’s crib is placed next to a fixed heater.

You can check your baby’s temperature by feeling their tummy or neck. If they feel hot and sweaty remove a layer of clothing. If they are too cold, try some skin the skin then add a layer. Don’t put a hat on your baby to sleep as it prevents them regulating their heat.

It’s important to keep a close eye on your baby if they are unwell. Fevers cause a rise in temperature meaning a sick baby needs fewer layers. Wrapping baby up too much will cause them to overheat.

7. Clear Crib

A clear crib is a safe crib. That means you should have no unnecessary item in your crib including:

• Pillows
• Crib Bumpers
• Toys
• Sleep Positioners

Extra things in the crib increase the risk of baby accidents becoming entangled, trapped, choking or restricting baby’s breathing. It’s well known that a baby whose head is covered is at higher risk of SIDS. Any loose item can cover your baby’s head, especially if they wriggle or roll around.

The AAP now strongly recommends parents do not use crib bumpers. There is no evidence they protect baby from injury. In fact, they create a bigger risk of strangulation and suffocation caused by a tie or baby caught in the fabric. Crib bumpers are currently illegal to buy in Ohio, Chicago, Maryland, and Watchung, New Jersey. More states are likely to follow with the ban.

The FDA has also banned the use of baby sleep positioners. They are restrictive to your baby and cause a suffocation risk if you baby wriggles free.

Never leave a bottle in your baby’s crib for during the night. It’s a choking hazard for a baby to drink lying flat. The bottle itself can also cause a suffocation risk.

Related: Baby Sleep Positioners – A Safety Warning for New Moms

8. Bedding

The right bedding is essential for a safe sleep space. Avoid soft, bulky bedding such as duvets or quilts or fleece blankets. This type of bedding poses many risks for your baby. First, they usually result in overheating. Second, they can cause your baby to become trapped underneath and restrict their airflow.

Never use pillows for a baby. They pose the same problems stated above, plus they create a poor sleep position for baby. A pillow tilts your baby’s head forward, tilting their chin and restricting baby’s airway.

The best bedding to use is cellular cotton blankets. These blankets allow airflow if they go over babies head when they move.  Baby sleep sacks are ideal to prevent blankets moving over your baby’s head. Always make sure you have the correct fit for your baby’s age range.

Note on Swaddling

There is some controversy regarding swaddling and SIDS. There is no evidence to suggest it increases the risk. Some parents find it helps to settle baby better. Keep this advice in mind when you swaddle your baby to sleep for naps or night time:

• Use thin, lightweight fabric such as muslin cloths
• Don’t swaddle tightly
• Never swaddle above baby’s shoulders
• Never place baby to sleep on their front
• Keep a close eye that they are not overheating

9. Crib Set up

Make sure you are familiar with all the feature on your crib before you use it with your baby. Modern-day cribs often have extra features such as lowering sides or tilting legs. Whether you buy the crib new or second hand, make sure its set up correctly. If you opt for a second-hand crib, do not buy unless you have access to the instruction manual from the seller or online.

Make sure you know how to apply any safety locks or attachment harnesses. Ensure they are all in good working condition and cannot be operated by a curious baby.

The mattress should always be a flat surface to ensure proper airflow for baby. The mattress should be suitable to use with the crib. That means the correct fit without spaces or sloped sides.

10. Sleep position

When you put a baby in a crib, they look tiny in a huge space. The best way to position your baby is with their feet to the bottom of the crib. Blankets can be tucked into the edges of the crib. This prevents the blankets from becoming loose. Also, baby cannot wriggle down the crib and under the covers.

When the blankets are in place, they should not cover further than babies shoulders. Again remember not to put a hat on your baby. This keeps your baby at a comfortable temperature without the risk of overheating.

Note for Twins

If you are using a smaller bassinet, each twin should have one each. This will prevent your babies overheating.

Twins can sleep side by side if they are in a larger crib, even from birth.  The ideal position is to have them in one crib with feet to the bottom at one end each. Once they start to roll and move about, they need to move to separate cribs to prevent the risks posed by extra bedding and their sibling.

11. Pacifier Use

There is mixed evidence on whether a pacifier can reduce SIDS. Some good evidence to suggests it does, whereas others found no link. There is also the issue that pacifier use can interfere with breastfeeding. It is recommended you only start using one once breastfeeding is established around 4 weeks old.

If you do you a pacifier, it’s important to be consistent and use it at all sleep times. Babies who regularly use a pacifier can be at greater risk of SIDS if they go to sleep without one.

The best way to introduce a pacifier is by making it part of your baby’s sleep routine. Whether it’s a nap or night-time, use the pacifier consistently until your baby is 6 months old.

You don’t need to replace the pacifier if it falls out of your baby’s mouth.  Also, never use any type of holder or pacifier cord when your baby is sleeping, as it presents a strangulation risk to your baby.

Pin These Tips

Mesh Crib Bumper Warning

We’ve already discussed crib bumpers and how they can increase SIDs. Yet you may be concerned that your baby will get their arms and legs caught in the crib slats.

Breathable mesh crib bumpers (like these) are advertised as a ‘safe’ alternative parents.

It’s extremely importnat that these are not seen as SID safe bumpers.

These types of crib bumpers  still pose safety risks for your baby as they sleep such as

• stangulation 
• entrapment
• reduce oxygen flow
• increased temperature

All of these situations are a toxic cocktail for an unsafe sleep environment for your baby, putting their life at risk.

I know that sounds scary, but it’s a reality and I don’t want your baby to become another crib death statistic.

The take home message is a clear crib, with no bumpers.

Co-sleeping Extras

The AAP states the Bed sharing remains the biggest risk for sleep-related infant deaths. However, it’s still an option many parents explore to survive the exhaustion of sleepless nights. In fact, countries where co-sleeping is the norm, they have lower rates of SIDS than the USA.

The reason is they know how to safely co-sleep with their baby. This advice is extra if you wish to co-sleep with your baby.

Know Your Risk

There are certain situations which put your baby at much higher risk of SIDs if they co-sleep.

For babies this includes:

• Prematurity
• Breathing conditions
• Neurological conditions

For parents this includes:

• Smoking
• Drinking
• Drug use (illegal and some prescription)
• Obesity
• Sleep conditions

If any of these apply to you or your baby, we strongly recommend you do not co-sleep together. You are putting them at higher risk of SIDS or suffocation when bed-sharing.

Unintended co-sleeping

A lot of the statistics from SIDS linked to co-sleeping is by parents who never intended to co-sleep. Sometimes parents can become so exhausted by frequent night waking that they take the baby to bed as a last resort.

The problem is that if you never intend to co-sleep your bed space will not be suitable for co-sleeping. This means your baby is at higher risk of overheating, suffocation, entrapment or strangulation by loose bedding.

Sofa Sleeping

Sofa sleeping is another cause for greater co-sleeping and SIDS statistics. You should never sleep with your baby on a sofa even for a nap. It’s common for parents to place baby on their tummy to sleep on a sofa. This is the riskiest position for SIDS.

The second risk of sofa sleep with baby is that they slip down the sides and become trapped between parent and sofa back or cushions. Again this situation is common with parents who are exhausted and do not intend to co-sleep with the baby.

Safe Sleep Space

I cannot stress enough, the importance of a safe co-sleeping space. Check out our article on safe co-sleeping and setting up a safe area for baby.

Ideally, your baby should have its own sleep space in a co-sleeper crib. This ensures baby is on mom’s side and away from the risk of suffocation by your partner. It’s important to keep pets and siblings away from baby to prevent further risk of suffocation.

Related: How to Safely Co-Sleep to with Your Baby

Sleeping Products to Reduce Your Baby’s Risk of SIDS

Now that you know what increases or reduces your baby’s risk of SIDS it’s easier to understand what sleep products are safe for baby. Apart from a safe crib, mattress and bedding you do not need anything else for baby to sleep.

Never trust a product that claims to prevent SIDS. No sleep product can prevent your baby from SIDS. Some products help make it easier for you to follow safe sleep advice. These are products which can help you set up a safe sleep environment for baby without increasing the risk of SIDS.

Co-Sleeping Crib

A co-sleeping crib is an ideal compromise for those who want co-sleep but are worried about the risk. They provide a safe space for baby with the closeness you want.

They are perfect for moms who have had a C-section or are breastfeeding. Our favorite is the Arms Reach Clear Vue. You can check out our co-sleeper buying guide for more great options.

Sleep Monitor

A sleep monitor will not prevent SIDS; however, it can give you an early alert if something does happen to your baby. These monitors detect changes in your babies breathing whether that’s movement or their oxygen saturation. Think of it as a little Fitbit for your baby.

The Owlet sock is highly recommended for giving anxious parents peace of mind.

It’s important to note that sometimes these monitors can give false readings which set alarms off, causing anxiety in parents. Do consider this if you are thinking about buying one.

Related: Read This before you buy a baby breathing monitor

Thermometer

A room thermometer is essential to making sure your baby is at a comfortable temperature as they sleep.

I love the Gro Egg thermometer, as it shows you at a glance if the room is safe or not. It glows one of four colors depending on whether the room is cold, hot or just right. Plus it acts as a soothing nightlight for baby’s room when they get older.

Sleeping Sack

Blankets can be a big worry for parents. How many to use? Are they safe to swaddle? Will they become loose? A baby sleep sack is a great way to provide baby with warmth overnight, allow room to cool down and prevent the blanket moving around.

The Halo sleepsack is the most popular one in the USA. The company committed to helping reduce SIDs. Their sacks are even embroidered with a ‘back is best’ motto to promote safe sleep positions for baby.

Great Resources for SIDS

• Cribs for Kids
• First Candle
• Safe to Sleep
• SIDS @ Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
• Safe Kids

The post How To Reduce Your Baby’s Risk of SIDS appeared first on Stork Mama.

Pin for Later

Children thrive on routine and bedtime is no different.

You may be stumped as to where to begin. The good news is that a bedtime routine can a simple 20 minutes each day. The most important part is that your do the same thing each time. This guide is to help you get stared with your routine, how to make it easier and how you can work with your baby to tailor it to your family’s needs. Let’s get started.

Related: How To Safely Co-Sleep With Your Baby

Introducing a Bedtime Routine for Baby

Don’t Start Too Early

When you have a baby people will become obsessed with how well they sleep. You’ll constantly be asked ‘are they sleeping through yet?’.

Well I’ll let you in on secret. Newborn babies are not supposed to sleep for longer than 4 hours at a time.

That means creating a bedtime routine is unnecessary before at least 4 weeks old. Until this time sleep and wake times are erratic and unpredictable.

That doesn’t mean you can’t start a bedtime routine. It just means you won’t see any benefit just yet, so don’t beat yourself up about it.

Around 3-6 months old your baby will begin to follow a pattern. You’ll notice they sleep for longer stretches and wake at similar times each day. This is the perfect time to start a bedtime routine as your baby will respond better to your efforts.

Choose a Bedtime

Choosing a regular time to put baby down by can really help regulate their natural body clock.

Most parents look to put baby down between 6.30pm and 8pm. This will stop your baby becoming overtired, which will lead to stress for you both. If you’ve had a good night sleep, try to start your day no later than 7.30-8 am.

You can be slightly flexible with this to allow for vacation or staying over at a relatives. As long as you use the advice in the next step, your baby will adapt.

Learn Sleep cues

If you prefer to avoid scheduled sleeping then you need to learn sleep cues. Your baby will always give you a clue when they are feeling sleepy. It’s important to recognise these cues and respond by settling them for a sleep. Ignoring these signs will lead baby to become overtired and have difficulty falling asleep or having a good quality sleep. Keep on reading for our full list of sleep cues.

Prepare the environment

Sometimes your baby will need to sleep in a strange environment. This may be a hotel or relatives house. If you set the environment up the same your baby will feel much more relaxed as they get cues it time for bed. Follow our steps below for reducing stimulation at bedtime to signal to baby its time to wind down.

10 Bedtime routine Ideas

We find that a bedtime routine is most successful when you dedicate around 20-30 minutes to it. This gives you baby plenty of time to wind down and take in the signals that it’s time for bed.  The key is to do the same thing each night. This is the perfect bonding time for parent and baby so try to choose something your parent feels comfortable with too.

1. Bath

The warm water can make your baby feel really relaxed. It’s just like how an adult takes a bath when they are feeling stressed out. Some babies just really love the touch and pampering bath. Remember to keep them cosy and dress them in pyjamas after they come out.

2. Massage

Gentle baby massage after a bath can add an extra element of touch to your bedtime routine. This is also great to do on days when you don’t want to give a full bath, or baby gets stressed at bath time.

Try using calming aromatherapy oils such as lavender or chamomile to induce sleep. If you prefer not to use scented oils on baby’s skin, you can use an aromatherapy diffuser as you massage baby.

3. Bedroom

Whether they have a nursery or using your own room, take baby to the room they will sleep in. Getting them to associate the room with sleep time will really help with your routine. Use our tips below for reducing stimulation in the room.

4. Sound

We often think that babies need silence to sleep, when this can actually upset them. Babies love soft, repetitive white noise. It soothe them as it reminds them of hearing your heartbeat or body sounds in the womb. Try using on YouTube for free videos with hours’ worth of white noise sounds.

5. Read a book

We actually recommend reading to your baby before they are born. Use the same book each night to soothe your baby with the repetition of words. This is not only great bonding time but will stimulate your baby’s language skills.

6. Feed

Giving your baby a last feed before bed will fill them up to see them through most of the night. Try to make this one of the biggest feeds of the day. If you are breastfeeding try to keep them on a long a possible so they get the rich, fatty hind milk.

7. Tooth care

Even when your baby has no teeth try to start a dental routine. After a feed give their gums a wipe down with a cloth or a soft toothbrush. This gets them into the habit or brushing their teeth before any teeth appear.

8. Lullaby or prayer

Short, repetitive words are a great way to help soothe baby. They will love to hear your voice and the words will sound become familiar to them. A great way to do this is by singing a nice lullaby or saying a prayer if your family follow a religion.

9. Cuddles

Holding your baby close is a great way to release your bonding hormones oxytocin. Also known as the ‘love’ hormone, it’s well known to induce sleep and is known to improve baby’s brain development.

10. Special goodnight cue

Signal to baby that it’s time to sleep with a goodnight. This may be a simple ‘I love you’ or ‘don’t let the bedbugs bite’. You might even want to make up something special to your family as a little bedtime tradition.

Signs of sleepy baby

Knowing when your baby is ready to sleep is half the battle. The following signs are the best time to start settling baby for them to get the best length and quality of sleep.

Early Sleep Cues

• Fluttering eyelids
• Jerking arms and legs
• Brief eye or ear rubbing
• Yawning
• Sucking on fingers
• Clenched fists
• Staring into space
• Decreased movement

Missing these cues will lead to your baby becoming overtired. This can make it extremely difficult to sleep. It can also lead to a broken, poor quality sleep for baby. If you notice the following signs you need to calm baby and remove any stimulation then encourage baby to sleep.

Signs of overtiredness

• Fussing
• Agitation
• Intense eye rubbing
• Back arching
• Clinginess or refusing to be put down alone
• Inconsolable crying

Related: 31 Ways To Calm a crying baby

How to Reduce Stimulation

Part of a creating the best environment for sleep is removing stimulation from your baby’s environment. Start doing this at the beginning of the bedtime routine so baby is relaxed by the time they are in their crib.

• Dimming the lights
• Blocking out natural daylight
• Whisper or talk in a slow, soft tone
• Turn off the televisions or any bright screens
• Tell older children not to squabble
• Use light touch, no play such as tickling
• Check the room temperature

7 Items to help baby sleep

These are a few items that parents swear by to help their little one settle better at night. They’ll help you create the perfect environment or add to your bedtime routine.

1. Bedtime book

We’ve already discussed how the repetitive word of a book will give baby a bedtime cues. They know once they hear a particular story that its time go to sleep. My absolute favourite is Goodnight Moon, an oldie but a goody. This book is almost hypnotic to children with its soothing words, repetitions and familiarity to everyday objects.

2. Nightlight

Soft light it essential for creating a night time ambiance for your baby. Their body will soon learn that dark time means sleep. However, you may still need to do feed and diaper changes during the night. A night light is handy to see what you’re doing without disrupting baby. Try to avoid blue tons lights as these are known to cause disturbed sleep patterns.

3. Humidifier

A humidifier is a great addition to your baby’s nursery. It can help to prevent congestion and open up their airways, for better sleep. They are great if your child has a cold, and can reduce the risk of allergies and infection. They are also a great way to diffuse some aromatherapy oils such as camomile or lavender to induce sleep.

4. White noise machine

A white noise machine will provide soothing, rhythmic sounds for our baby. This gives them a sense of comfort and relaxation as it reminds them of being in your womb. Common sounds include a heartbeat, waves or rain.

5. Sleep toy

There are some really great sleep toys available on the market. These toys are often a combination of soft material, soothing sounds or reassuring lights. The sleep sheep is highly rated. It can also be used in the daytime for naps, or to give baby a little comfort during the night. Remember not to place this in the crib with baby at night to prevent putting baby at increased risk of SIDS.

6. Baby shusher

The Baby Shusher is a highly recommended technique used by baby photographer to calm down little one. They work with a lot of babies and it’s a firm favourite to help them get little ones settled. It makes a repetitive ‘shhh’ noise, just like you probably do as you rock baby in your arms. It’s ideal for a bedtime routine as baby drifts off.

7. Light show

A light projector may be ideal for a baby who is soothed by light. This can be particularly useful for autistic children who are calmed by different colors. This aid may only be suitable as a last resort, as some babies may find the light and movement too stimulating.

The post How to Start a Gentle Bedtime Routine for Baby appeared first on Stork Mama.