It is customary to throw a birthday party for your child’s first birthday, but birthday parties are expensive and time-consuming. Plus, at one year old, your baby will not even remember that you threw a party for them in the first place. If you are interested in celebrating his birthday without throwing a party, here are three ways to celebrate your baby’s birthday.

THREE Ways to Celebrate your Baby’s First Birthday

1. Take a vacation. First, take a vacation. Let’s face it. Your baby’s first birthday is more about you than about your baby, so what better time to spend some time away from home? Whether you choose to take the baby to the beach or the mountains, a vacation can be just the thing for your family.
2. Buy a special cake. Next, you can purchase a special cake. Part of the fun of your baby’s first birthday is watching them enjoy the taste of birthday cake. However, you do not need a party for this. Instead of going through the whole process of planning a birthday party, consider buying a special cake that your baby and the family can enjoy. This way, you will still have traditional first birthday photos without spending all of the money to have a full party.
3. Have a photo session. Finally, you can invest in a special photoshoot for your baby. Professional photos can be expensive, and while you may not be interested in having a special photoshoot now, you will be glad you did it when you look back through the family photo album. You can have a photoshoot with just your baby, candid photos of the family, or a mix of both.

First birthdays are a special occasion, but because your baby will not remember it, you may not want to spend too much money on the event. There are many ways to celebrate a birthday without breaking the bank, but no matter what you choose, the most important part of your baby’s first birthday is to enjoy spending time with your child.

When it comes to childcare for your baby, there are many available options. Many families utilize babysitters, nannies, and family members to watch their children while they work or have adult time. Another option that has grown in popularity over the years is an au pair.

What is an au pair?

An au pair is a helper from another country who works for and lives with the host family. An au pair may take on a share of the family responsibilities for childcare and housework and may also receive a monetary allowance for personal use.

Au pairs differ from nannies because they have more restrictions. Au pairs are generally young adult females with a high school graduate degree or equivalent. They also usually have some concept of the host family’s language, and they are fully insured, including medical, travel, and accidental death coverage. Au pairs are often also committed to a specific time with the host family, such as a year or two years.

Au pairs have a lot to offer when compared to traditional daycare because they provide your child with a dedicated caregiver. They can also be a better alternative to nannies because they can expose your child to a different culture and allow your child to experience the diversity in the world.

If you are interested in a unique childcare experience, you may be interested in hiring an au pair. An au pair is a young woman from a foreign country who stays with a host family and assist them with childcare and work around the home. Au pairs can provide a unique and rewarding experience for the host family and the worker, and it is a great way to expose both to a unique cultural experience.

As a new parent, you have likely thought about how best to raise your child. You and your partner may have considered the best ways to support and guide your child through their lives. However, have you considered other role models for your child? Beyond grandparents, aunts, and uncles, you may want to give your child a godparent.

What are godparents?

The word godparent gets tossed around a lot, but many people do not know the origin of the term. Traditionally a godparent is a sponsor who is chosen when someone is baptized. The godparent is a member of the church community who supports the faith of the person being baptized. For religious people, this position is sacred.

Today, however, godparents are not strictly a religious thing. Even people who are not religious can appoint godparents to their children. If you are following the religious version of godparents, then your child can only have two godparents, and they must be a man and a woman. If you take a more secular approach, your baby can have as many godparents as you want.

Becoming a godparent is a big responsibility, but appointing the appropriate godparents can be just as challenging. Most of the time, people select godparents from their family and close friends. In the Catholic church, there are other requirements for godparents, such as the godparent cannot be directly related to the child. The godparent must also be over 16 years of age and active within the church.

Whether you take a religious approach or a nonreligious approach, becoming a godparent is a big responsibility. It is important to stay in the child’s life, and it is also important to be a good role model for the child.

If your baby is feeling unwell, it may be tempting to give them something from your medicine cabinet to treat it. However, adult medicine can be very dangerous for babies. Instead, you should stock a separate supply of infant-approved medicine and other necessities in your nursery’s bathroom.

Let’s talk about some of the medications approved for babies and what you should have in your baby’s medicine cabinet.

What medicines can an infant have?

One important staple in your child’s medicine cabinet is a fever reducer. Sometimes infants get fevers, and they can be very difficult to settle when they are feeling under the weather. It is also important to relieve the fever as fast as possible, so a fever reducer such as infant aspirin or ibuprofen can be beneficial.

It is also important to stash wound cream and diaper rash cream inside your baby’s medicine cabinet. Both of these products have important ingredients to relieve your child’s suffering. Despite this, it is important to check with your pediatrician before giving your baby anything over-the-counter.

Some other beneficial products you should have in your baby’s bathroom are a rectal thermometer, a bulb syringe, and baby oil. A rectal thermometer is the best and most accurate way to take your baby’s temperature. A bulb syringe can be beneficial because babies are not able to blow their noses, and finally, baby oil can be the perfect antidote for your baby’s skin if it gets too dry.

When your baby gets sick, your first thought may be to give them something from your medicine cabinet. However, this is a bad idea. Adult medicine can often be too strong for babies, so the best thing to do is stock up on baby-approved medicine well before your baby falls ill.

Colds are common in young children, especially when they start interacting with other kids and going to school. Exposure to germs helps your child develop an immune system, and it’s important to help your child feel comfortable and manage their symptoms so they can recover from their cold or cough as soon as possible.

How to help a toddler with a cough or cold

Children get sick regularly, and a cough can last up to two weeks. Most coughs are due to common viruses that have no cure, and unless the cough is extreme or comes with other symptoms, your best solutions will be found at home.

When it comes to coughs, all coughs are not created equally. If the cough is a deep cough coming from the chest, it is probably due to mucus in the airway. A tight cough from the upper throat is due to an infection or swelling around the voicebox. A mild cough with sniffing is likely because of postnasal drip in the back of your child’s throat.

One of the best remedies for coughing or a cold is saline nasal drops. You can use these with a nasal syringe, and saline drops can help soften mucus to remove it. If you cannot get the nasal drops into your toddler’s nose, a warm bath can also clear the nasal passage and soften mucus.

You can also offer your child fluids and honey. Stay hydrated is very important when your child is sick, and the best way to ensure that housing enough water is to make sure that they drink one serving of water for each year of their life. For example, a two-year-old needs a minimum of two servings of water per day. You can also offer honey because this natural sweetener helps soothe a sore throat.

Coughs and colds are common, and they help your baby develop their immune system. A cough can linger for two weeks, but if it lasts for longer, is persistent, or comes with a high fever, it may be necessary to pay a visit to your child’s pediatrician.

As your baby nears the six-month mark, it becomes time to start solids. Solids come in two different stages. Stage 1 baby food is typically very thin and easy for a baby to move around the mouth. The second stage, stage 2 baby food, is thicker and can include more than one ingredient. Babies are ready for stage 2 baby food around 7 to 8 months.

Here are three homemade baby food recipes.

THREE Homemade Baby Foods

1. Pineapple and mango. First, this pineapple mango recipe is simple and refreshing, perfect for eating at room temperature or frozen. The recipe is simple. Combine 1 cup of steamed pineapple and 1 cup of steamed mango. To thin, you can use water or breast milk.
2. Beets and blueberries. Another fun food combination is beets and blueberries. This combination makes a pretty shade of purple and is nutritious and full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. This recipe is easy. Simply combine a cup of beets with a cup of blueberries and blend. If you need to thin the mixture, you can add water or breast milk.
3. Butternut squash and pear. Finally, butternut squash and pear is a recipe combination a baby is sure to enjoy. Butternut squash is a great ingredient for sensitive babies because it rarely causes allergies, and pears add a little bit of sweetness to the mixture. To create this recipe, add one medium butternut squash and one ripe pear together. You can blend them, adding breast milk or water to achieve the consistency you want.

Babies can begin eating solid foods around six months, and while there are many options for baby food in the grocery store, you may be interested in trying your own. Baby food is easy to make at home, and your at-home recipes will not include the same additives and preservatives you will find in baby food on the shelf. These three recipes are a great starting point for babies ready for stage II foods.

Most people have primary teeth inside the gums when they’re born. These teeth will come through the gums later, and the eruption of baby teeth varies from person to person.

Let’s talk about when you can expect your baby’s teeth to come in.

When do baby teeth come in

Generally speaking, you can expect four teeth every six months after your baby is born. Teeth also come in a certain way.

In the first 6 to 12 months, your baby’s two front bottom and top teeth will pop through their gums. At 10 to 16 months, the lateral incisors will come through. At 16 to 23 months, the canines or pointy teeth will come in. It is also possible that some of the first molars will also show up. Finally, at 23 to 33 months, your baby’s second molars will come in.

It takes about three years for your baby’s teeth to come all the way in, and they mirror the way your baby develops eating, chewing, and speech. Your baby’s first teeth start coming in as they begin eating solid foods and saying their first words. These first teeth are temporary, and only three years after your baby has a full mouth of baby teeth, the teeth will start falling out.

Every baby has a different reaction to teething. Some babies experience little discomfort, while others may be upset and fussy. If your baby is uncomfortable, you can rub their gums, keep their gums cool, or try over-the-counter pain remedies.

To take good care of your baby’s mouth, you should schedule a dentist appointment once you see your baby’s first set of teeth. This is also the time to teach a baby proper brushing techniques that will set them up for good dental care for the rest of their lives.

Babies can go a long time between bowel movements, and for the most part, this is normal. It is completely normal for a baby to go several days to a week without a bowel movement. However, sometimes your baby may be constipated, and they need extra help to pass a bowel movement.

Here are three ways to help your constipated baby.

THREE ways to help a constipated baby

1. Let them get some exercise. First, exercise can stimulate your baby’s bowels. If your baby is not walking or crawling yet, a caregiver will have to help them exercise to relieve the constipation. The caregiver can move the baby’s legs while they’re on their back to mimic a bike-riding motion and help alleviate some of the constipation pain.
2. Give them a warm bath. Another way to help relieve your baby’s constipation is by giving them a warm bath. A warm bath can relax the abdominal muscles, help them stop straining, and relieve some of the discomfort that comes with being constipated.
3. Offer them a massage. Finally, you can offer your baby a massage. There are several ways to massage your baby’s stomach to relieve constipation. You can use your fingertips to make circular motions in a clockwise pattern, you can walk your fingers around the navel in a clockwise pattern, and you can hold your baby’s knees and feet together and gently push their legs forward.

While it is normal for babies to go long periods without a bowel movement, they can also become constipated. There’s no reason to be alarmed if your baby hasn’t passed stool in a couple of days. On the other hand, if you notice your baby feeling uncomfortable or straining, they may be constipated. If constipation is frequent, it may be beneficial to contact the baby’s pediatrician and assess their diet.

Once your baby is born, it is natural for people to want to visit you and meet them. Traditionally, people would just come by whenever they wanted, but a new trend is to have a sip and see baby shower.

What is a sip and see?

A sip and see party is a post-birth party where all your friends and family can meet the newest addition to your family. This party is usually hosted once the baby reaches 8 to 10 weeks because it gives the family some time to adjust and make sure the baby is healthy enough.

Unlike a baby shower, the sip-and-see party happens after the baby has arrived. There is no specific format for this party. It can be a small group get-together or a huge event. The sip and see can also be held wherever it is most comfortable for the parents. The guests do not have to bring a gift for this party, but if they choose to bring something special, they always can.

If you are planning to host a sip and see, do not hesitate to ask your family or close friends for help. For this type of party, fancy decorations are unnecessary, but invitations are a must. You can be modern and send your invitations through social media, or you can be traditional and send formal invitations through the mail.

Baby showers are a common way for people to appreciate the upcoming addition to the family, but once the baby is born, you can have a sip and see. A sip and see is a party that allows friends and family to visit the new parents and the baby. There are no specific rules on this type of party, but no matter how you plan it, it can be a rewarding experience for everybody involved.

New traditions are getting started all the time, and one of the more recent traditions is a push present. A push present has been increasing in popularity over the last ten years, and it is a gift given to new mothers during or following childbirth.

What is a push present?

Essentially, a push present is a gift to reward the hard work someone has gone through to push a baby into the world. Of course, most new mothers will say that their baby alone is a priceless gift, but if you want to show some extra appreciation, you can give them a push present. This is especially great if the mom-to-be’s love language is receiving gifts, but even if it isn’t, they may still enjoy the present.

The most typical gift for a push present is jewelry, but a push present can be any gift that is sent with love. A push present can be anything from sushi to extensive bottles of tequila. You can also customize something for the mom-to-be.

Another thing to consider when you are given a push present is timing. Some people enjoy giving push presents at the hospital, but it’s important to pick a private and quiet moment to give your gift if that is your choice.

Traditionally speaking, push presents are for the one giving birth only, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start your own tradition. If you want to give a present to the father, there is no reason why you cannot do that.

Push presents have been growing in popularity over the last ten years, and they’re traditionally a gift given to the person giving childbirth. Push presents are most commonly jewelry, but they can be anything you want them to be.

Planning a baby shower can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many moving parts to the process, but with a solid checklist and a well-working plan, your baby shower can go off without a hitch.

4 Tips for Setting Up a Baby Shower

1. Consider the basics. The first step to planning your baby shower is to decide on the basics. Where you want your party to be held is one of the most important questions to answer. You should also finalize the guest list and pick a date. Most people prefer to pick the second or third trimester to host their baby shower.
2. Decide on a theme. Next, you should decide on a theme. When you pick your theme, you will be able to start buying things that match it. You don’t have to have a theme, of course, but having a theme tends to make the baby shower a little more exciting.
3. Send the invitations. The third thing to do is send out invitations. When you create the invitation, you should include all the necessary information, including time, date and location, registry information, and RSVP details. This is a good time to get a headcount of how many people will be at your shower so you can purchase enough supplies for everyone.
4. Plan the menu. Finally, it’s time to start planning the menu. The menu can consist of the parent-to-be’s favorite foods, cupcakes, fruit displays, and more. If you are hosting your shower virtually, you can send your guest a list of ingredients so they can create a fun beverage and toast while you guys are on camera.

There are many things that go into planning a baby shower, and if you’re disorganized, it can be an overwhelming process. When planning your shower, it’s important to organize things by importance and make the big decisions first. When you start planning, you should consider the basics, decide on your theme, send the invitations, and, lastly, plan the menu.

Between the diaper changes and feeding sessions, newborns have a busy schedule. Babies often fall asleep during the day, but because you have to wake them up frequently to eat, you may be wondering if your baby is getting enough sleep.

Is my newborn getting enough sleep?

Infants typically sleep from 16 to 18 hours a day, and their sleep patterns can be erratic because they do not have an internal biological clock or circadian rhythm. It’s also important to note that all babies are different. Newborns may sleep more, while a baby dealing with colic may sleep far less.

Because your baby’s sleep schedule is unregulated by daytime and nighttime schedules, they may not have much of a pattern in how they sleep. However, you can expect your newborn to sleep around nine hours a night with three naps. Once your baby is a year old, they may be sleeping 11 hours at night with two naps during the day. The number of hours they need starts at around 15 hours and will decrease to approximately 14 hours by a year old.

Regardless of the standards, all babies are different. If your infant’s sleep pattern deviates from what’s normal, it’s not a cause for alarm. As long as they are eating well and filling their diaper, you do not need to worry if your baby is sleeping enough. On the other hand, if your baby seems tired, overstimulated, or cranky, it can be a cause for concern.

Infants have a busy schedule between diaper changes and feeding schedules, but they also require plenty of sleep. At the beginning of your baby’s life, they may be sleeping nearly 16 hours a day. That will decrease over time. It’s important to note that as long as your baby is eating well and filling their diaper, they’re probably getting enough sleep. On the other hand, if they seem cranky or overstimulated, it may be necessary to call your pediatrician.

When you’re ready to have a child or a grandchild, you may experience strong emotions associated with children. This phenomenon seems to affect childless adults who are of parenting age. It can be especially strong when they encounter a baby and hold one in their arms.

What is baby fever?

Baby fever is described as the strong emotions a childless adult feels when they encounter a baby. While it has been long joked about, baby fever is real. It is an overwhelming emotional desire for a child, and it is more common in women than men. For men, as they age, they also experience an increased desire for a baby, which is called baby lust.

People with baby fever have reported having psychosomatic symptoms, like having dreams of being pregnant and caring for a child, feeling restless and unfulfilled because of their desire, and experiencing visceral, radiating pain.

There have been many attempts to explain the prevalence of baby fever, including the byproduct theory, sociocultural theory, and adaptationist theory. The byproduct theory sees baby fever as a result of having the biological need for reproduction. The sociocultural theory suggests that our cultural socialization encourages baby fever on women. Finally, the adaptationist theory is a theory that says that baby fever is an emotional signal telling a person’s brain that it is the right time to have a baby.

Baby fever refers to the extreme emotions a childless adult may feel when they encounter a baby. This phenomenon has been a joke for decades, but it is real. People with baby fever can experience psychosomatic symptoms ranging from dreams of pregnancy to visceral pain, and while baby fever causes real symptoms, researchers can’t truly explain why it happens. If you’re going through baby fever, take time to think about the consequences of having a baby. Babies are fun and rewarding, but raising a child is a commitment that changes your life forever.

Babies have a strong sucking reflex, and many babies may start sucking their thumb or fingers before they are even born. The sucking reflex is necessary to gain nutrients, but it also has a soothing effect.

Pacifiers can help soothe your baby by feeding into this reflex, but are they okay for your baby?

The Ins and Outs of Pacifiers

Pacifiers have many benefits and their own set of risks as well. Let’s talk about it.

Pros:

• They can soothe a fussy baby.
• They can give a temporary distraction during shots, blood tests, or other medical procedures.
• It can help your baby fall asleep if they have trouble settling down.
• It might reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Cons:

• The baby can become dependent on using a pacifier, which can be a problem should it fall out of their mouth in the middle of the night.
• Pacifiers may increase the risk of middle ear infections.
• Prolonged usage can potentially lead to dental problems.
• It can potentially disrupt breastfeeding when offered too early.

If you choose to give your baby a pacifier, you should not use a pacifier as a first line of defense. If your baby is fussy, consider soothing them in other ways first. You should also choose a one-piece, dishwasher-safe variety and go at your baby’s pace. If your baby isn’t interested in the pacifier, don’t force it. You also need to keep your pacifier clean, and you should avoid putting sweet substances on it.

As a baby gets older, the risks of using a pacifier outweigh the benefits. Most kids stop using a pacifier between the ages of two and four, but some need help breaking the habit. The best way to do this is by rewarding your child when they do not use a pacifier.

When your baby is first born, they may not do very much. As they get older, they start smiling, laughing, crawling, and more. Babies pick up this information naturally, and they learn through all of their senses. The eyes, ears, nose, hands, and mouth are how they process information as they grow.

How do babies learn?

Babies learn primarily through observation. They can see and hear everything around them and communicate their needs and interests. You will be your baby’s first teacher, and you can help them learn by playing with them.

Your baby’s first experiences greatly impact their future, and the growth of your baby’s brain is affected by the care and experiences you give them. Giving your baby love and attention helps new brain cells connect and helps your baby feel secure and confident, process new ideas and information, and grow a healthy body.

Babies are all unique, and you can start seeing their personalities at a very young age. As your baby grows, you will get to know your baby’s likes, dislikes, and needs, and you will see how your baby relates to other people and situations. For example, some babies love to be played with and enjoy activities, while other babies are quieter and more content to be left alone.

The first few weeks of your baby’s life are filled with eating, sleeping, and pooping, but it doesn’t mean they’re not learning from their environment. Babies learn through all of their senses, and you are your baby’s first teacher. The most important thing you can teach your baby is that they are loved and cared for, and this foundation can set a perfect stage for your baby to grow and thrive.

Every parent wants the best for their children, especially when it comes to their academic career. The Mozart effect was first reported in 1993, and it found that college students who listen to Mozart before a test do better than students that don’t. The effects lasted only fifteen minutes and have always been controversial.

Does playing classical music for a baby make them smarter?

The Mozart effect wasn’t studied in babies. Still, ever since this study was conducted, people have been hopping on the Mozart effect bandwagon, claiming that listening to classical music has benefits.

They’re not wrong. Listening to classical music can provide plenty of physical and mental benefits, including decreasing blood pressure, boosting memory, sparking creativity, and reducing stress levels. Listening to classical music can also put you to sleep and relieve pain.

However, no positive research says that listening to classical music can make babies smarter. Experts advise that it would be better to teach your kid an instrument at a young age rather than allow them to passively listen to music. It has been proven that students who have spent time learning a musical instrument score higher in reading proficiency exams than those who haven’t.

There is no danger in allowing your child to listen to classical music. However, if it takes away time spent interacting with other children or participating in other social activities, it can be detrimental to their growth. While classical music has plenty of positive benefits, it may not be the key to raising a truly intelligent child.

If you have been agonizing over your baby’s name, you’re not alone. Picking your baby’s name is a serious decision because the name you choose will follow them for the rest of their life. You don’t want to pick a name so common that they will be the fifth Heather in the class, and you don’t want to choose a name that is so rare they get teased for it.

Here are three ways to find a unique baby name.

3 Unique Places to find Baby Names

From the family. First, consider family names. Family names can come from the parents, grandparents, or any distant relatives you know of. If you do not want to make your baby a junior, you can always give them an individual name and make their middle name the same as someone close to you.
From your ethnic background. Another great place to look for baby names is through ethnic background. If your family came from France, you could give your baby a French name. This can be very meaningful, especially if you are a first- or second-generation immigrant.
Books and movies. Finally, you can also find inspiration through books and movies. Especially if you have a favorite novel or film that has spoken to you and touched you on an emotional level, it may be honoring to use those characters’ names for your child.

The name you choose for your baby is deeply personal and can be overwhelming for some people. You don’t want a name that is too common, and you don’t want to name that is too “out there,” either. If you’re looking for a place to find unique and personal baby names, you can look at names from your family, your ethnic background, and books and movies that you connect with.

One of the most important things you will do before the baby comes is baby-proof your home. We are all aware of the obvious things like putting safety covers over electrical outlets, moving wobbly lamps behind furniture, and placing baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs. However, there’s more to it than that. Here are three unique things you should baby-proof in your home.

Three Unique Things to Baby Proof in Your House

Remove blinds or Curtains with looped cords. Even if you choose not to put safety bars on your windows, it’s important to remove blinds and curtains with looped cords. These cords can look attractive to a curious baby and become dangerous. You can install safety tassels or cord stops to hide the cords from a curious infant.

Install stove knob covers. Young children are eternally curious, and they find knobs especially fascinating. To keep your stove off limits, you can invest in stove knob covers. These covers will allow parents to access the stove easily while making it frustrating for children, and it will make it easier for you to make sure the burners are and the off position.
Place a non-slip rug liner under the rug. Finally, it’s important to place nonstick rug liners under all the rugs in your home. Especially if you have hardwood floors, rugs can slip and slide under the baby and cause them to fall. While babies will fall naturally, it is still a good idea to prevent as many falls as you can.

Baby-proofing your home is an ongoing process, and it is impossible to think of everything all at once. Some of the most common things to do for your home are to cover your electrical outlets, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and place baby gates wherever you need them. There’s more to baby-proofing than that. You should also remove loose cords, install stove knob covers, and place nonstick rug liners under your rugs.

Teething is a process where your baby’s first teeth come through their gums. It can be stressful and frustrating for both babies and parents, and this process can start as early as three months old. Let’s talk about what to expect during teething.

When do Your Baby’s Teeth First Come In?

While your baby may start the process of teething at three months old, you may not see the first teeth push through your baby’s gumline until they’re between four and seven months old. Usually, the first teeth to appear are the two bottom front teeth. These are called the central incisors. Four to eight weeks later, the four front upper teeth come in, and the lower lateral incisors will come in a month after.

The major first sign of teething is that your child may drool more and want to chew on things. That is not universal to all babies, however. For some babies, teething is painless. Some babies will be irritable briefly, and some will be cranky for weeks.

To make teething easier for your baby, you should wipe your baby’s face with a cloth to remove drool and prevent rashes, rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger, and give them something to chew on.

When picking the best toys for your baby, you should choose something too large to be swallowed or choked on and something that cannot break into small pieces. If your baby seems incredibly irritable, you can put the item in the refrigerator to chill to give them a little relief from their sensitive gums.

Even though your baby’s teeth may not poke through their gums until they’re four months old, the process can start a little earlier. It can take weeks for all of your baby’s first teeth to come in, but while they are going through the process, you can soothe them by keeping their face clean, rubbing their gums gently, and giving them something to chew on.

One of your baby’s most important milestones is starting solids. Babies can start solids between four and six months, but it still depends on your baby. Before starting a baby on solids, it’s important for them to lose their tongue-thrust reflex. They also need to sit upright and hold their head up. Here are some tips on introducing solid foods to your baby.

What are the first real foods you should give your baby?

While the thought of weaning your baby may be exciting, it’s important not to rush this milestone. Most babies are ready to start solids between five and six months, but you should never begin solids before four months. Once your baby starts solids, the American Association of Pediatricians recommends continuing to breast-feed for as long as possible.

One of the best foods to start your baby on is iron-fortified single-grain cereal. These are ideal because your baby’s iron will reach an all-time low around nine months. The best way to introduce this food to your baby is to mix a teaspoon of single-grain cereal with four to five teaspoons of breast milk or formula.

At first, this process may be messy, and most of it may end up on your baby’s chin. If your baby seems uninterested or refuses to eat after one mouthful, you should not force your baby to eat. However, once your baby gets used to swallowing the watery cereal, you can start using less milk and more cereal.

At the same time, you can introduce your baby to pureed vegetables, fruits, and meats. The AAP believes that introducing your baby to common allergenic foods can reduce the risk of your baby developing a food allergy, especially if your child is at risk. Common allergenic foods are peanuts, eggs, and dairy.

When introducing a baby to solid foods, it’s important to go slowly and read your baby’s cues. If your baby seems disinterested in eating solids, then it is important to pull back and do what is best for you and your child.

The average starting age for preschool is between three and four, But the Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines the preschool age range between three and five years old. Most preschools start accepting children at 2 ½, but since everything is different, there’s no magic number as to when they should start preschool.

When should you sign your toddler up for preschool?

Being ready for preschool is much more about developmental factors than chronological age, and preschool can be detrimental for a child who is not prepared to go. There are many things to consider before signing a child up for preschool, such as separation anxiety, social development, And potty training.

Your child may know their colors, letters, and how to count, but it’s important to make sure that your child is ready emotionally for the day-to-day challenges they would face in preschool. If your child is comfortable being away from you, this exhibits the ideal emotional maturity for preschool.

The next question is about social development. If your child doesn’t have a lot of experience playing with other kids, they may not be ready for preschool. The usual age where children start playing with each other is around three years old, so if you enroll your kid in preschool, it’s important to make sure they know how to treat other children before going to the classroom.

Finally, it’s important for your child to be fully potty-trained before starting preschool. There are some preschools that will help with potty training, but most of them require your child be potty trained before enrolling.

Most preschools start accepting children at 2 ½, but that doesn’t mean your child is ready. Preschool is much more about a child’s emotional development than it is about their chronological age. When deciding if your child is ready for preschool, you should ask yourself if they are emotionally prepared to be away from you for a long time, how well they play with other children, and if they are fully potty trained.

If your baby hasn’t gotten sick yet, they will, and a sick baby is rarely a happy one. When your baby is sick, they will be fussy and difficult to console. The first thing to do is to consult your pediatrician. They will give instructions on medicating your baby, but after that, you have to wait it out. Here are three tips for caring for your sick baby.

How to deal with a sick baby

1. Give them plenty of liquids. When your baby is sick, it is important to avoid dehydration by ensuring they get plenty of fluids. If you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you may need to offer your baby the breast or bottle more frequently for hydration and comfort. Don’t expect your baby to feed for the same time while they’re sick, so you may have to feed more often during this time.
2. Make sure they rest a lot. Thankfully, even though your baby will be fussy, they will need plenty of rest. Rest not only helps your baby heal, but it can help soothe them as well. While they’re sick, don’t hesitate to put your baby to bed early and encourage naps. You also want to avoid overstimulating situations and places where they may encounter more germs.
3. Nose drops and a nasal syringe. Finally, one terrible part of being sick is congestion. If your baby is particularly congested, you can use saline drops, gel, or spray to help relieve them. After you have used nose drops, you can use a nasal syringe in your baby’s nose. This can be particularly useful before feeding, at bedtime, or at any point where your baby seems particularly congested.

Dealing with a sick baby can be stressful for you and your baby, but it is unavoidable.  At some point, your baby will become ill, and they may be fussy and cranky for several days. Once you contact your pediatrician, it’s all about keeping your baby comfortable until the illness has run its course.

Your baby’s first year of life is packed with many milestones, including rolling over, taking their first steps, and saying their first words. These milestones are generally well known, but there are other milestones that are equally as important that are lesser-known. Here are three important milestones that are less well-known than others.

3 Lesser-known Milestones in your Baby’s First Year

1. The startle reflex. During a baby’s first month of life, most behaviors are reflexive, meaning they are automatic. The more common instinctive behaviors are the mouthing and grasping reflex, but the startle reflex is another important one for your baby. This reflex occurs when a baby hears a loud noise or falls backwards, and it tends to fade by 2 to 3 months old.
2. Finding partially hidden objects. By 4 to 7 months, your baby will have developed tremendously, including lifting their head and bringing toys to their mouth. They should be mastering the clawlike grip to pick up objects, but one milestone that is less talked about is finding partially hidden objects. This is the start of understanding object permanence, so games like peekaboo are great during the stage.
3. Becomes shy around strangers. Finally, by 8 to 12 months, your baby should have mastered crawling and made attempts to walk. They may have said their first words, too. In this stage, they also can become shy around strangers. As your baby grows, they will develop an attachment to familiar faces. Don’t be alarmed if your baby suddenly becomes fussy when interacting with strangers.

The list of milestones the baby will hit in the first year of life is extensive, and many of them are well-known, such as mastering the pincer grip, rolling over, and standing. These are all important milestones, but there are other important milestones that signal your baby is developing normally.

Most people think of pregnancy as a nine-month, three-trimester event, but more and more professionals consider the 12 weeks immediately after you have your baby as the fourth trimester. The term is new, but every mother and newborn baby will go through it, and it can be a time of great physical and emotional adjustment as both of you adjust to a new life.

What is the fourth trimester?

The fourth trimester, or the 12 week period right after you have your baby, is a period of major growth and development for both parent and baby. Dr. Harvey Karp was the first pediatrician to popularize the idea of the fourth trimester because he thought human babies were born too soon.

The goal of the fourth trimester is to try to think of newborns as fetuses outside the womb for the first three months of their life. During this period, there may be plenty of swaddling and skin-to-skin contact. The bulk of the fourth trimester for your baby will be filled with feeding, sleeping, and crying. Newborn babies eat every 2 to 3 hours or 8 to 12 times per day. They also sleep for over two-thirds of the day. Unfortunately, they sleep between eating, so that means that this new schedule can be quite erratic until they get older.

Parents also experience major changes during the fourth trimester because they are adjusting to a whole new life. Birthparents may be dealing with postpartum pain, breastfeeding challenges, and fluctuating hormones, along with typical newborn sleep deprivation.

While pregnancy is considered three trimesters, pediatricians are beginning to call the first three months of a baby’s new life the fourth trimester. These first three months come with many changes for parents and babies, so even though it is not discussed more often, it is a period all babies and parents will go through.

It’s normal for babies to spit up, especially after they swallow air during feeding. When your baby’s stomach is full or they shift positions suddenly after eating, they may spit up. Spitting up is common in healthy babies, but some babies spit up more than others.

Why Do Babies Spit Up so Much?

Humans have a muscle between the esophagus and the stomach that keeps the stomach contents where they need to be, but this muscle is not yet fully developed in babies. Most babies will experience gastroesophageal reflux in their first three months of life.

Spit up is different than vomiting, too. Vomiting is a forceful flow that tends to shoot out further than spit up. On the other hand, spit up is an easy flow of your baby’s stomach contents back through their mouth. It can often accompany a burp.

While most babies stop spitting up as they reach a year old, there are some ways to reduce the amount and frequency that your baby spits up. One tip is to keep your baby upright during feeding and for 30 minutes afterwards. You can also avoid active play or putting your baby in an infant swing. Another tip is to begin feeding your baby smaller amounts with more frequency and taking the time to burp your baby as you are feeding them. Burping your baby more frequently can prevent them from swallowing too much air as they eat.

Finally, you can experiment with your diet. Your baby can have allergies, and if you are breast-feeding, your diet may be affecting your baby. Trying an elimination diet can be beneficial in reducing your baby’s spit up or gastroesophageal discomfort.

For the most part, spitting up is normal. However, if your baby isn’t gaining weight, spits up forcefully, spits up green or yellow fluid, refuses feedings, has blood in their stool, or has fewer wet diapers than normal, it can be necessary to consult your doctor.

Most babies start sleeping through the night around three months old. However, before that point, newborns need constant attention. They need to eat almost every two hours, and they need their diaper changed just as often.

Here are three tips for dealing with sleep deprivation during the first three months of your baby’s life.

THREE Tips For Dealing with Sleep Deprivation with a Newborn

1. Go to bed earlier or try relaxation exercises. Even though you know you’re going to be interrupted during the night, going to bed earlier can be beneficial to getting more hours of sleep. Instead of staying up to your usual bedtime, turn in a couple hours earlier or try relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, taking a bath, or getting into a good book.
2. Slide in more exercise. It may seem counterintuitive, but getting enough exercise can help you feel less tired. One of the easiest forms of exercise as your body is walking. Walking is a low-impact exercise that you can do every day with your baby, even if it is just going around the block.
3. Ask family and friends for extra support. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your friends or family. If possible, you can ask a relative or a friend to come over and watch your baby while you take a nap. If you’re raising your baby by yourself, it may be beneficial to ask a loved one to stay with you for a few days so you can get some much-needed rest.

The newborn stage will not last forever, but sleep deprivation is normal for the first three months of your baby’s life. Your baby will need around-the-clock care, and it can be almost impossible to get a good amount of rest. If you are struggling with sleep deprivation, consider going to bed earlier, getting more exercise, or asking a friend or relative to help you.

Potty training is a major milestone for children and their parents. Children can’t wait to be more independent, and parents can’t wait to stop spending so much money on diapers. Most children show signs of being ready for potty training between the ages of 18 months and two years. Of course, some kids may not be ready until they are three years old.

Let’s talk about when is the best time to start potty training your baby.

When should you begin potty training your baby?

1. When they start showing interest. First, it’s important not to start potty training until your child is interested in the process. They may show interest by staying dry, asking what you are doing in the bathroom, or wanting to wear regular underwear. To increase your child’s interest, you can invest in potty training books and videos.
2. When they stay dry for two hours or more. Once your child can stay dry for more than two hours, they may be ready for potty training. Staying dry shows that their bladder is maturing, which is important for the potty training process.
3. When they can follow directions. Finally, another important milestone your baby should reach before you start potty training is the ability to follow directions. For adults, going to the bathroom becomes intuitive after a while, but for a child just starting, there are many steps to consider. It’s not just about the desire to follow a multi-step process, but it is also about being able to do so, and the latter can take time.

Most babies will be interested in potty training around their second year of life, but some babies don’t show any interest in the process until three years old. Once your child starts showing interest in the process, staying dry for long periods, and following multi-step directions, it may be time to start. If your baby isn’t showing any interest in potty training, you can encourage them, but you shouldn’t push them too much because it may set things back instead of moving them forward.

When a child reaches a year of age, they become a toddler. Toddlers can vary a lot in their size, shape, and what milestones they’ve reached, but even then, there is a well-defined timeframe where most toddlers will reach their developmental milestones.

When does a baby become a toddler?

All children develop at different rates, but one thing that is universal with toddlers is that they need plenty of sleep. Toddlers need about 12 to 13 hours of sleep over 24 hours. They can have a long sleep overnight and then have one or two shorter naps during the day.

Between 12 and 15 months, most toddlers will be able to stand up with support and start walking. During this time, they will also begin to understand how other people feel, and they may mimic these emotions by looking sad when someone else is, for example. Your toddler will also start hugging you, pointing to body parts and favorite things, and following simple instructions.

Between 15 to 18 months, toddlers will have a lot more control over their hand and arm muscles, and they may now want to assist with getting dressed. They will start attempting skills like using a pencil or drinking from a cup, and their fine motor skills will be developed enough to start picking up smaller objects.

At this stage, your toddler can develop a sense of embarrassment and self-awareness, and they may get anxious if people are watching them. They will also recognize their names, follow simple instructions without being prompted by gestures, and recognize themselves in the mirror.

Growing up can be very overwhelming, and many developmental milestones happen in your baby’s second year of life. To help your toddler develop with confidence, you should show lots of warmth and love, play with them, talk to them, and encourage them to try new skills and explore the world around them.

Bathing your newborn is one of the most nerve-racking things about bringing home your new baby. You may have many questions about the process, and you want to make sure your baby feels good and comfortable at the same time.

How often do you bathe a newborn?

The longtime practice has been to bathe your baby right after delivery, but research shows it’s better to wait a little while instead. Waiting at least 12 hours after birth may promote breastfeeding, and waiting for 48 hours has the potential to keep your newborn at a steady temperature and help skin development.

Your baby does not need a bath every day. Until the umbilical stump falls off, you can bathe your baby one to two times per week. You don’t want to submerge them in water, however. Instead, use a warm washcloth and give your baby a sponge bath starting from their head and going down their body. Once the umbilical stump falls off, you can start giving your baby a more traditional bath, but you still do not need to bathe them more than twice a week.

There are two major ways you can bathe your baby. One way is to fill a baby bathtub with lukewarm water and let them splash around as you wash them with gentle baby soap. An alternative is to bring them into the bath or shower with you. If you do this, you must remember that babies do not prefer water as warm as adults. As long as you keep the temperature lukewarm, your baby will be happy with this type of bath time.

Bathing your newborn can be nerve-racking, but once you know what to do, it’s very easy. Until your baby’s umbilical stump falls off, stick to sponge baths and avoid submerging them in water. Once a stump falls, you can them a more traditional bath or take them into the shower or bath with you.

Some parents of newborns wonder if they will ever get a full night’s rest ever again, but on the other hand, other parents are lucky enough to have a baby who loves to sleep. If your baby seems to sleep all the time, then it may beg the question of whether a newborn can sleep too much

Can newborns sleep too much?

The good news is babies can’t really sleep too much. Most newborns sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, so if they are not crying or eating, they’re sleeping. While babies sleep a lot, they do not usually sleep in one long stretch. Instead, they sleep in chunks that last 30 minutes to a few hours. These chunks should be distributed fairly evenly between day and night for the first month, but eventually, your baby’s circadian rhythm will set in, and they will start sleeping longer at night than they do during the day.

For the most part, it’s best to allow your baby to sleep as much as they need to. However, if your newborn is sleeping a lot, is difficult to wake, and is sluggish when awake, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician. Many infections or genetic disorders can present like this in the first few weeks of your baby’s life.

Another reason to be concerned is if your baby is not gaining the weight they need to gain. If your baby is sleeping for long hours and not gaining weight steadily, your pediatrician may suggest you wake your baby up for regular feedings.

If you’re lucky enough to have a baby who loves to sleep, it can seem like a blessing, but it may have you wondering if your baby can sleep too much. Generally speaking, your baby cannot get too much sleep, but if it’s hard to rouse your baby from a nap or they seem sluggish even though they’re sleeping plenty, then it’s best to speak with your pediatrician.

Diapers are one of the biggest expenses for new parents. Your newborn may need a diaper change every 2 to 3 hours, but as they get older, they will need less frequent changes. Eventually, your baby will start the process of potty training and no longer need to be in diapers at all.

How long do babies need to be in diapers?

One of the biggest milestones your baby will cross is the potty training milestones. Most children will complete their potty training between 1 ½ to 2 ½ years old. However, that’s just an estimate. Some children will not be fully out of diapers until they are four years old or later.’

Because all children develop differently, it’s hard to give a concrete estimate on when your child will be ready for potty training. Some research has shown that potty training too early or too late can lead to regression or delays, but most studies show that children are emotionally ready to begin potty training around 1 ½ years old. Some readiness signs your child may exhibit are the ability to follow simple directions, staying dry for two hours at a time, the ability to sit on a potty chair, or asking for a dirty diaper to be changed.

When your child is ready to potty train, it’s important to let them know you are serious about the process and ditch the diapers. You don’t have to throw them away, but keeping the diapers out of your child’s sight can let them know that you are serious about the process.

Generally speaking, your baby may be ready to start the potty training stage in their first year of life, but every baby is different. Some children do not fully become potty trained until after four years old, but you will know when your child is ready to start the process when they can stay dry for several hours, sit on a potty chair, or ask for their diaper to be changed.

Playing music has many benefits for your baby, including brightening their mood and boosting their language skills. Playing music for your baby is also a great way to interact with your baby in their first year of life and set the stage for a lifelong love of music and musical development.

What music should you play for your baby?

It may seem like the best music for babies is classical music or lullabies, but the truth is any music is baby-friendly. In fact, if you play the music you enjoy, you will have a lot more fun listening and singing along. Of course, the more fun you have playing music for your baby, the more likely you are to do it more often.

There are other benefits to listening to music you enjoy with your baby. Dancing along with the music has many benefits for both you and your baby. Dancing with your baby can trigger the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone that is also produced during nursing. Studies have also shown that babies who move rhythmically to music smile more, are easier to soothe, and are more willing to explore the environment around them than babies that only listen to music.

Making music a regular part of your routine may also prompt your baby to speak sooner. Babies who engage in making music and moving to music tend to use more communicative gestures. The more your baby communicates through gestures, the faster your baby is likely to acquire language skills.

Listening to music can be very beneficial for babies. It can strengthen your relationship with your baby, boost their language skills, and prompt them to explore the world around them. It may be tempting to stick with lullabies and classical music, but your baby can listen to any kind of music, including classic rock and R&B!

Babies are like sponges because they soak up all the information around them. They pick up emotional cues from others and use the response of their caregivers to determine how to react in certain situations. Needless to say, babies are really in tune with their caregiver’s emotions, whether they are positive or negative.

Because babies are so highly tuned into their caregiver’s emotions, they can absolutely sense stress. In fact, stress can be spread from parent to child. In one study, babies were kept from their mothers for a short period while they completed a stressful task. When the babies were reunited with their mothers, the babies showed signs of stress, too.

Even though your baby can sense stress, not all stress is harmful. There are three types of stress. There is positive stress, tolerable stress, and toxic stress. Positive stress is the low anxiety you may have when meeting new people or going to a new location. Tolerable stress is more intense but manageable, such as losing a family member or moving to a new city. Toxic stress is anxiety that goes on for a long time, such as abuse or neglect. The stress you have to be worried about is toxic stress.

It is unrealistic to remove all stress from your life because stress gives us motivation, drive, and purpose. As long as you have a healthy response to your stress, your baby will mirror your response, and it will help your baby’s emotional growth. On the other hand, parents dealing with toxic stress can be less responsive to their baby’s cues, and this type of parenting is stressful for babies.

Separation anxiety is when your baby starts becoming anxious at the idea of you leaving. Symptoms of separation anxiety can be clinging to parents, extreme crying, refusing to sleep alone or frequently waking up at night, and refusing to do things that require being separated from their parents or caregivers.

At some point, almost all babies go through a period of separation anxiety because it is a state of development.

During the first few months of your baby’s life, your baby doesn’t have a concept of independence. They don’t have the intellectual development to have a preference between who is holding them. This is why it is easy to pass around young babies. However, around eight months, your baby will start distinguishing between people and forming emotional attachments to the people who care for him. 

The timing of separation anxiety will be different for each child, and the intensity can vary as well. Separation anxiety can occur anywhere, including leaving your baby at daycare, a relative’s house, or even in their crib. Luckily, they usually calm down once you’ve left. 

Many factors contribute to the intensity of your child’s separation anxiety, including their temperament, their exposure to other caregivers, and their mood that day. If your child has been exposed to other caregivers early on in their lives, then they tend to have an easier time with separation anxiety. Also, if your baby is tired, hungry, or sick, they may have a harder time when you leave.

Separation anxiety is a normal stage of your child’s development, so it’s not something to be alarmed about. They tend to develop separation anxiety starting around eight months, and the severity of the anxiety will depend on your baby’s temperament. Even though it is tempting to give in to your baby’s separation anxiety, canceling your plans will only make the anxiety worse.

Playtime is a major part of your new baby’s development. Play can help cognitive and physical development along with emotional and social growth. Children can learn about themselves and the world around them through play, and it gives you an opportunity to engage with your baby as well.

Here are four of the best baby toys for your new baby.

1. Freddie the Firefly. This toy is great for newborns and beyond. This toy features many things that your baby will like, including bright colors, patterns and textures, a squeaker, a peekaboo mirror, and even a teether. This toy is perfect for playtime or tummy time, and it can easily attach to strollers or car seats.
2. Bendy Ball Rattle Toy. This toy is ideal for babies three months and older, and it is made from squishy, bendable plastic, so your baby can grip it easily. The mix of different textures makes this an engaging toy for your baby, and the 4-inch diameter makes it the perfect way for your baby to practice their fine motor skills.
3. Rock-a-stack Bat-at Ring-Stacking toy. This toy is an absolute classic, and you can’t get a better deal than this one. This toy helps improve your baby’s fine motor skills, build hand-eye coordination and size recognition, and the five rings are engaging individually just as well.
4. Fat Brain Toys InnyBin. Lastly, this toy is great for babies six months and up because it provides a unique playtime experience. This innovative shape-sorting box comes with six uniquely textured shapes that fit through elastic bands on the cube. It encourages fine motor skills and tactical development.

One of the most important aspects of your baby’s development is playtime. Playtime is where your baby can practice their fine motor skills along with their emotional and social growth. These four toys Are four of the best ways you can purchase for your baby.

One of the most important decisions you’re going to make in your baby’s life is choosing a pediatrician. A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the physical, behavioral, and mental care of children. Pediatricians do not just treat babies. They actually care for children up to 18 years old and sometimes even older.

Because you’re going to have a long-term relationship with your pediatrician, here are some things to think about when you’re making the selection.

How to choose a pediatrician

1. Is the office convenient? One of the most important questions you should consider when picking a pediatrician is how convenient the office location is. You will be visiting them every two to three months during your baby’s first year of life, so it’s important to pick a doctor close to your home or work to save time.

2. Is the pediatrician recommended? You don’t have to pick a pediatrician on your own. You can ask your OB/GYN for recommendations, along with friends and family.

3. How do they run their practice? Another thing to look at is the way the pediatrician runs their practice. Does the office allow last-minute appointments or same-day appointments? Are the office hours convenient for your schedule, and does the pediatrician offer evening and weekend hours? 

4. How do you feel? Finally, it’s important to take note of how you feel. If you go to the first visit and don’t feel comfortable at the doctor’s office, it is probably not the best practice for you and your baby. Remember, you will be seeing this pediatrician every two to three months for your baby’s first year of life and then for the next 18 to 20 years afterward.

Picking a pediatrician for your baby is no small decision. You will be developing a lasting relationship with the doctor who will care for your baby throughout their life, so it’s important to take time to make this decision.

Babies make many different noises, including coos, gurgles, and cries, but none of these are true speech. Experts used to think that babies reach the speech milestone around 12 months of age, but new evidence gives a better estimate of between 6-14 months.

When do babies say their first words?

There is a process to speech development, and experiments indicate that babies understand certain words, such as the names of everyday objects, as early as six months old. Around six months, babies also began making noises that sound similar to speech. With this in mind, it’s possible that babies are intentionally speaking at this point, or at least putting together simple syllables to communicate a specific meaning.

Babies are very vocal, but it isn’t until around the four- to ten-month mark that babies begin repeating sounds that we recognize as speech syllables. This is called canonical babbling, And it is a prerequisite to speech where babies practice pronunciation of syllables that will eventually become words.

It can be difficult to draw the line between babbling and your baby’s first words, but the difference is not just in the sounds they make but also in whether your baby has figured out what the sound is supposed to mean. If your baby intentionally uses a noise to specify a certain thing, that may be considered a word, even if it isn’t pronounced correctly.

It’s normal for babies to vary in their speech milestones. One baby may already be attempting to communicate at 6-10 months of age, while others may not move from the canonical babbling stage until a year old. However, babies who don’t begin canonical babbling by the end of ten months may be at risk for language problems. Also, if your baby has not spoken their first words by 14 months, it’s time to consult your pediatrician.

Newborns spend up to three hours a day crying, and while this is normal, it can be rather distressing for parents and babies. Sometimes babies cry for no obvious reason, but most of the time, they’re trying to tell you something about their needs through their tears.

How to diagnose baby cries

It’s normal for a baby to cry when hungry, thirsty, tired, lonely, or in pain. It’s also normal for babies to be fussy in the evenings or when it’s time for a nap. However, how do you diagnose what each cry means?

After a few weeks, you will be better at diagnosing what your baby’s cries mean, but there are some tips and tricks to help you develop an ear for the different types of cries a baby can have. Usually, when a baby is ready to eat, they will make a short, low-pitched cry that rises and falls. At this point, you can offer breastmilk or a bottle to see if it helps, but sometimes they will make this cry when they want to nurse for comfort.

Babies also cry when they are exhausted, and if your baby has eaten recently and doesn’t need a diaper change, they are probably ready for a nap. The best way to get your baby to go to sleep is by swaddling them or taking them for a walk or car ride.

If your baby is in pain, then their cry will be piercing and grating. The baby may also arch their back and thrash. If the pain is from gas, your baby may bring their knees up to their chest and grunt. A solution for this kind of pain is to allow your baby to suck on a pacifier or breastfeed because the sucking reflex can calm your baby.

For newborns, crying is completely normal, but if you feel like your baby is crying too much or you’re concerned about the types of cries your baby is expressing, you should use your best judgment and consider taking your baby to your pediatrician.

Human breast milk is the only milk that is specifically designed for human babies. This natural food source reduces the risk of asthma, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome, gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, and even pneumonia. Breastfeeding also lowers the mother’s chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes.

Nearly 84% of moms breastfeed their babies right after birth, but despite all these benefits, only 32% of women continue nursing for the recommended amount of time.

How long should you breastfeed your baby

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. However, mothers can breastfeed for as long as they want. After six months, babies can eat a mix of solids and breastmilk, but there’s no need to wean your baby off of breastmilk if you don’t want to.

Babies can also be breastfed beyond the one-year guideline, and extended breastfeeding has plenty of benefits for brain development, the immune system, and bonding. Unfortunately, only about 15% of mothers breastfeed up to 18 months.

For some women, breastfeeding can be a struggle, whether it is because of initial pain and complications with producing enough milk or getting the baby to latch on properly. Some mothers also find it difficult to continue breastfeeding once they move back into the workplace or get busy with other life commitments. In these cases, switching the formula is perfectly valid, but there is no need to continue formula feeding after six months.

A mother’s breastmilk is specifically designed for her baby, and it is the best source of nutrients for them, too. There are many benefits to breastfeeding, including reducing the risk of asthma, obesity, and sudden infant death syndrome. It is recommended to breastfeed for at least the first six months of life, but breastfeeding can extend for as long as the mother and baby want to do it.

Adults are most likely to dream during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. While dreams can happen in other sleep stages, REM sleep is the most common time for adults to dream. For children, REM sleep may start before birth. Brain waves that resemble REM sleep waves have been measured inside the womb between 25 and 28 weeks.

Babies spend about half of their sleeping time in REM sleep, so the next logical question is if babies can dream.

Do Newborns Dream?

The truth is researchers do not know if babies can dream. Usually, the only way you know if somebody was dreaming is if they wake up and tell you about it, but because babies cannot tell us about their dreams, there is no concrete evidence one way or the other.

While some researchers believe the babies do dream, other scientists say the babies do not have the developmental capability of the abstract thinking that one needs to dream. However, if babies were to dream, their dreams would likely be very similar to what they experience when they are awake. The dream may be a collection of sensations or images of familiar faces.

Basically, just as adults use REM sleep to process their day, an infant’s brain can do the same thing, except it is not as advanced yet. Babies are also very active during REM sleep. They may twitch, Smile, or laugh during their sleep because this is when the baby’s brain creates new pathways and they learn how to use their muscles.

While babies don’t dream like we do, they likely have some sort of dream experience. The good part about not being able to dream is not having nightmares. Even if your baby cries out or twitches with their whole body, they’re probably not having a nightmare as an adult would. They may simply be processing a loud noise or event that may have startled them during the day. The truth about babies dreaming is still inconclusive, but because they spend so much time in REM sleep, it’s likely they do dream about something.

Burping your baby is a necessary part of feeding because when your baby drinks, they swallow air along with the milk or formula. These air bubbles in their tummy can make them feel uncomfortable and full before they’re finished eating.

How to burp a baby

The best way to burp your baby is to take a moment halfway through the feeding, position your baby on your shoulder, face down over your lap, or sitting up. Once they are positioned properly, place a burp cloth or a bib between your outfit and your baby’s mouth, and then give your baby a gentle pat on the left side of their back. A gentle pat or rub is enough for most babies, but some babies may require slightly harder pats.

The three major burping positions are over your shoulder, face down over your lap, and sitting upright. Once your baby can hold their head up, you can walk around with them upright in front of you. 

The over-your-shoulder position is the most commonly used burping position, and it is where you have your baby against your shoulder with their bottom supported by one hand. Facedown over your lap requires the baby to be across your legs, with their head on one leg and their stomach on the other. The last position is sitting up. While your baby is in a seated position over your lap, you support the baby’s head and chest with one arm while you rub their back with the other.

Ideally, you should burp your baby at least one time halfway through the feeding. For bottle-feeding, you should burp them every 2 to 3 ounces. When you are breast-feeding, it’s easiest to burp the baby when they switch from one breast to the other. Remember, a baby that has swallowed too much air may stop eating because they feel uncomfortable, so it’s important to see if a baby is still hungry once you have burped them.

In the first year of life, babies have many milestones to reach. One of the first major milestones is reaching their birth weight. Another milestone is learning how to control their head. Once your baby learns how to sit independently, they will usually learn to roll over.

When do babies roll over?

Your baby may be able to kick himself from their tummy to their back as early as four months old. However, it may take your baby five to six months to flip from their back to their front because this process requires more neck and arm muscles than the other maneuver.

Rolling over is a complex movement, and it takes several months for your baby to develop the skills. At three months, your baby will lift their head and shoulders using their arms for support. These mini push-ups help your baby strengthen the muscles they will use to roll over.

At five months old, your baby will probably be able to lift their head, push up on their arms, and arch their back to raise their chest off the ground. They may even rock on their stomach, kick their legs, or make swimming motions with their arms. All of these little movements help to develop the muscles they need to roll over.

The first time your baby flips over may be a surprise, but after a while, many babies use rolling over as their primary mode of transportation. If your baby isn’t rolling over, don’t be alarmed because some babies skip rolling over altogether and move straight to sitting, lunging, and crawling.

While some babies develop skills differently than others, if your baby hasn’t rolled over by the time they’re six months old or hasn’t moved on to sitting or trying to scoot or crawl instead, it’s important to bring it up to your doctor the next time you have a visit. Always remember that babies develop skills differently, and premature babies may reach milestones later than their peers.

At the beginning of their life, your baby is completely dependent on you to move around. Because of this, crawling is a huge milestone. It is the first move towards independence for your baby. Getting around on their own can give your baby a great sense of power and accomplishment, along with a huge boost to your baby’s self-esteem. It also leads towards more complex movements such as pulling up to stand, walking, and eventually running.

When do babies crawl?

Most babies begin crawling around the nine-month mark or later. However, some babies crawl as early as six or seven months, and some skip it altogether and go straight from sitting to standing and walking.

There are several different ways your baby can crawl, and each method requires strength and dexterity. The classic method, crawling on hands and knees, is the one most pictured when you think of a baby crawling, but your baby may also get around by using the bottom scoot method, the leapfrog method, or the bear crawl method. 

The bottom scoot is exactly how it sounds, meaning your baby will use their bottom to move across the floor. The leapfrog method requires your baby to get in a bridge pose and move by thrusting themselves forward. Lastly, the bear crawl method requires your baby to get in a downward-facing dog yoga position and waddle along the floor on their hands and feet.

There are many other ways your baby can crawl, but any mobility is an accomplishment. If you’re trying to encourage your baby to crawl, practice tummy time, propping your baby up to sit, and playing in the belly bait game.

If your baby has passed the nine-month mark and hasn’t started crawling yet, this is not a cause for concern. However, if they are behind in other development areas, such as language, social interaction, or other motor skills, it may be worth bringing it up to your doctor.

Preparing for a new baby can be daunting, and there’s no shortage of baby items available for purchase. It can be overwhelming to decide which items you need and which you don’t. Aside from the basics – crib, bedsheets, bottles, and pacifiers – here are four must-have baby items.

4 Must-have baby items!

1. Newborn size diapers. Whether you are planning to cloth diaper or use disposable diapers, newborn size diapers are requirements. The newborn size diapers have a special cut out for your baby’s healing umbilical cord, and some even have wetness indicators to tell you when your baby needs to be changed. This allows you to avoid multiple trips to the changing table.

2. Scratch-proof mittens. Your baby’s nails start growing at the 12th week of pregnancy, and they never stop growing from there. Your baby’s nails can be tricky to maintain, but a set of quality scratch-proof mittens can keep your baby’s hands covered so they won’t scratch their face.

3. Healing ointment. This is a must for newborns with sensitive, soft skin. With a quality healing ointment, you can soothe and prevent diaper rash and moisturize dry skin. The best healing ointment should be preservative and fragrance-free and have all the quality ingredients for protecting your baby’s skin.

4. Sleep sack. Finally, a sleep sack can make swaddling a baby so much easier. Swaddling is an age-old soothing technique that creates the feeling of being inside the womb for the baby. You can swaddle with a regular blanket or swaddling blanket, but purchasing a sleep sack makes the process quicker and easier for the caregivers.

Whether you and your partner are purchasing baby items outright or you have a registry for friends and family, these four items should be on the list. It’s easy to get wrapped up in purchasing clothes, sheets, and toys, but don’t forget about these necessities.

The most important task you have as a new mother is to make sure your baby gets enough food, and it can be daunting for the first few weeks. Whether you have decided to breastfeed your baby or use formula, it’s important to keep your baby on a feeding schedule.

How much should a newborn eat?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a breastfed baby should eat as often and as long as they want. Most newborns nurse every 2 to 3 hours, which ends up being around 8 to 12 feedings a day. For breastfed babies, you should let your baby be your guide, so offer a meal whenever your baby shows signs of hunger. If your baby seems very sleepy, you should still wake them to make sure he gets at least eight feedings in 24 hours.

Formula feeding is a little more complicated. However, there isn’t a single number that works for everyone. The amount you feed your baby will be dependent on its weight, age, and appetite, but a good rule of thumb is that a baby will drink 2 to 2 ½ ounces of formula per pound of body weight within 24 hours. With a ten-pound baby, that ends up being 20 to 24 ounces per day.

If you are doing a combination of formula and breastmilk, it’s important to listen to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. Instead of measuring how much food your baby is getting, let them nurse until they’re not hungry anymore. The only way to feed a baby too much is by forcing it to eat, so as long as you are letting your baby lead the feedings, you will be okay.

As your baby starts eating solids, the amount of milk they drink will slowly taper off, and at the 12-month mark, they will probably have little interest in drinking formula or nursing. As long as your baby is gaining an appropriate amount of weight, there is little reason for you to worry about exactly how much they drink a day.

Bringing your new baby home is an exciting experience. Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, eating, and using the bathroom, but is it possible for your baby to sleep too much?

How much do newborn babies sleep?

Your baby will spend about an hour awake right after being born before going to sleep because birth is just as exhausting for them as it is for you. For the first twenty-four hours, it’ll be very difficult to keep your baby awake during feedings, but it’s important to maintain a consistent eat-sleep cycle during this time.

As newborns, babies should spend about 75% of their time sleeping. The number of hours that your baby sleeps each day will slowly decrease, but they will spend most of their time sleeping at first. 

For the first six weeks of your baby’s life, they should be sleeping 15-18 hours a day, broken up into 3 to 5 naps during the day and up to four-hour increments at night. Between six and 15 weeks, your baby should sleep 14-16 hours and take 3 to 4 naps during the day while sleeping 3-6 hours at night. By six months, your baby should be down to 15 hours a day of sleep which looks like three naps and sleeping almost through the night.

Babies can’t sleep too much overall, but they can sleep too long during their nap sessions. If you find that your baby is sleeping for longer than 2-4 hours, it’s important to wake them for feeding. Because newborns lose so much weight when they’re born, the goal is to get them on a steady weight gaining pattern. Once they’re on that pattern, your pediatrician will likely give you the green light to wait for overnight feedings until your baby wakes up.

When it comes down to it, every baby needs to be sleep trained. Sleep training means only one thing, and it is all about helping your child learn to fall asleep on their own. This means that your baby will be capable of going down with their eyes wide open and fall asleep without the help of a parent, caregiver, or other props, such as a swaddle, pacifier, or moving car.

The sleep process can be draining for new parents, but sleep coaches are available to help.

What is a sleep coach?

A sleep coach is a person who can provide sleep solutions and techniques to families while helping them develop good sleep guidelines and practices. This allows for healthy sleep habits to develop. 

Not everyone needs a sleep coach. If you are starting to feel frustrated, exhausted, and beaten down, and your baby is not getting enough sleep each night, it may be time to hire a sleep coach to assist you in developing good habits and also provide relief and assurance.

You can start sleep training your baby from day one. Even though you need to adjust to your baby’s natural routine initially, it’s easy to fall into a schedule once you can predict your baby’s activities. Sleep training is all about being able to put your baby down in their crib and let them fall asleep on their own, but it’s okay to continue nighttime feedings if your baby is hungry.

Whether you want to start your baby off on the best foot possible or you have been feeling frustrated with your baby’s lack of sleep progress, you can hire a sleep coach. A sleep coach is someone who can come into your life and help you set up your routine and space for optimal sleep conditions. Not everyone needs a sleep coach, but if you and your baby are struggling, then a sleep coach can offer assistance and a sense of relief.

Veganism has been gaining popularity in recent years, so much so that even Megan Markel and Prince Harry may be raising their baby vegan. If you are vegan yourself, then you are probably excited to explore vegan food with your baby. The best part is a vegan diet is perfectly healthy for you and your newborn.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has officially deemed a vegan diet healthy for both children and adults. However, it’s important to make sure your baby’s diet is complete, so they get all the nutrients they need.

What milk to give a vegan baby?

More than likely, when you bring your baby home, they will be drinking breastmilk. And it is best to continue breastfeeding your baby for at least six months. If breastfeeding is impossible or your baby stops before six months, then an infant formula fortified with iron is the best alternative. Cow’s milk, soy milk, rice milk, or homemade formulas are not appropriate for babies because they don’t have the proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

If possible, vegan mothers are better off breastfeeding for over a year. However, vegan infants can be weaned with full-fat soymilk fortified with calcium and vitamins B12 and D. If you wean your baby before 12 months, they should receive iron-fortified infant formula until they are one year old. For vegan babies, it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough vitamin B12 from supplements and fortified sources.

If you plan to feed your baby vegan, then it may be necessary to find a pediatrician who is well-versed in veganism. A pediatrician who is well-versed in veganism can offer insight and guidance as your baby grows. Babies can thrive on a vegan diet as long as the baby gets all of the nutrients and vitamins it needs.

When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, it may seem like all they do is sleep, eat, and poop. Newborns tend to sleep 15 to 16 hours per day. While this may leave you with lots of time to nap, you may be wondering when do babies sleep cycles lengthen.

For the first few weeks, the goal is to get your baby back to their birth weight and on a healthy track for proper weight gain. Breast-fed babies will often wake up every 3 to 4 hours to feed even if you don’t wake them. Focusing on weight gain and healthy growth is the best way to help your baby develop sleep understanding for the time they are ready.. Take as many naps as you can at this point because days and nights are the same for your baby at this point, and will be until closer to 8 weeks of age.

At 3 to 5 months old, your baby will be more alert during the day and want to spend more time interacting with you. You also may find that at this point, the baby will sleep about an hour less during the day and sleep longer at night. Be consistent with putting your baby down when they are drowsy but not fully asleep so that you can prepare your baby for sleep success. This is a great tool to use for independent sleep but remember it is not for every nap of lay down. Just try it one time a day to start. IT is all about practice.

By six months, most infants are sleeping through the night without waking up for feeding. You will also notice that your child will take fewer naps during the day but may sleep for the same amount of time. In other words, your baby may take 2 to 3 long naps versus 3 to 4 shorter naps.

Babies can go through sleep regression stages at four months and six months, but these are normal periods of growth for your baby. As your baby develops and grows, it can be difficult to get them to fall asleep in their own space. However, if you have been practicing good sleep habits, these regressive periods will be a little easier to manage, and by nine months old, your baby should have a good daytime and nighttime routine. Every step of growth is a is your baby mastering a new skill or technique and they will present differently with night and day sleep. We hope this article helped answer the question of when do babies sleep cycles lengthen. If not, feel free to contact us below!

For many parents, bed-sharing is a rather heated debate. It’s easy to start asking yourself “can both parents sleep with a newborn? “Some cultures are pro bed-sharing, while others are not. People who support bed-sharing say that it helps the baby fall asleep, it’s easier on nursing mothers, and it promotes a bond between the parent and child. However, bed-sharing can be dangerous. Adult beds are unsafe for babies, parents can roll over on the baby, and the baby can suffocate in the bedding. Studies show that bed-sharing can potentially increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), especially for babies whose mothers smoke.

While there is no final verdict on bed-sharing, there are some guidelines you should adhere to if you choose to share your bed with your baby. First, you should not sleep next to your baby if you are a smoker, if you have been drinking alcohol, or if you’ve taken medicine that can make you groggy or less responsive. Breastfeeding is also an important aspect for bed sharing. As for the bedding you will need to remove any loose blankets and pillows  from your shared sleep space. Finally the room temperature needs to stay between 69-72 degrees for safe infant sleeping.

After four months old, napping beside your baby can be a great way to strengthen the bond you have with them. You should always put your baby to sleep on their back, refrain from bed-sharing on a soft surface, such as a water bed, couch, or armchair, and make sure that your bed’s headboard or footboard does not have openings where your baby could be trapped. Finally, make sure your mattress fits snugly on the bed frame and use minimal amounts of bedding to avoid covering your baby’s head.

Bed-sharing or co-sleeping can be a very personal decision between you and your partner, and while there are no perfect answers, there are some guidelines you should follow before you decide to sleep beside your baby. You should try to avoid falling asleep on the couch or in an armchair with your baby, and you should also avoid sleeping next to your baby if you have taken any medications or are a smoker. If you have further questions relating to can both parents sleep with a newborn, feel free to contact us and we should be able to help!

A common question we get from new parents is how long should baby sleep in parents room? When you bring your baby home from the hospital, he will likely sleep in the same room as you. Not only is this considered the safest place for your baby, but it is also convenient to have your baby near you for late-night feedings. However, as your baby gets older, you may be wondering when you should move them to their own room.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should sleep in their parents’ room for the first six months of life to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Room sharing can reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%. Exactly why this lowers the likelihood of SIDS is unclear, but it is speculated that having other people in the room makes your baby sleep lightly.

Another reason why room sharing is great is because it keeps the baby within mom’s reach and makes it easier to breastfeed. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by 70%.

Room sharing with your baby for the first year of their life can help boost the parent-child bond. The longer the baby sleeps in the parents’ room, the closer the bond is, and the baby can learn that they can count on you to be around as they adjust to life outside of the womb.

So when asking yourself how long should baby sleep in parents room, it’s important to make sure your baby is prepared for the transition. Whether your baby is 12 months old or not, it’s important to check with the pediatrician to make sure your baby is growing well and doesn’t require middle of the night feedings. You may also be ready to make the transition if your baby can roll from their belly to their back and sleep for six hours or more. If you have more questions about this topic, you can always contact us to get more info and advice!

Many baby shower gifts are crib-related, including sheets, comforters, hand stitched quilts, and knitted blankets. It’s tempting to put all these gifts in bed with your baby, but adding a blanket or soft bedding too soon can be a danger to your baby’s safety. Today, we’re answering the question of when can your baby sleep with a blanket.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no official age where having a blanket is 100% safe. Still, most medical experts feel that soft bedding is okay for healthy babies at 12 months or older. However, the ideal time to introduce soft blankets is when they’re 18 months.

So – when can your baby sleep with a blanket? The major reason babies should not sleep with blankets is that blankets can be a hazard in the crib. Every year over 3000 babies die unexpectedly while they are asleep. The reason is often related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, or strangulation, with blankets increasing the risk of all three.

Because of this, the safest sleep environment for a baby is a bare crib that is completely free of comforters, bumpers, pillows, and stuffed toys. The only thing your baby needs at night is a fitted sheet that is tucked in tightly on all sides.

Babies can be swaddled or in a swaddle sleep sack from birth until two months of age or when the baby starts trying to roll over. Babies can also be dressed in a sleep sack or wearable blanket sleeper to keep warm. These one-piece outfits come with snaps, a zipper, or elastic gathers, and they are designed to cover your baby’s body but not their head.

Baby bedding can seem overwhelming at first, but keeping these guidelines in mind can keep your child safe and reduce the risk of SIDS. Put simply, if your baby is less than 12 months old, the only thing they should have in their crib is a fitted sheet. After 12 months, it is okay to use light bedding, but you can always stick with a sleep sack instead. We hope this helped answer the question of when can your baby start to sleep with a blanket. If you have further questions, reach out and we can help!

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October is a wonderful time of the year, especially for families with kids: cooler temperatures, pretty fall foliage, and of course, Halloween! However, parents also know that October is also usually the beginning of flu season. The flu virus starts making its way around in October and typically peaks during December through February, according to the CDC. When the flu season hits and your child or spouse gets sick, it can make the autumn season as well as the holiday season a lot less fun.

Why are fall and winter considered “flu season?”

Why does the flu seem more common in the winter? Many people think that it spreads more quickly when people are packed together indoors due to the cold. Think of people taking public transit or flying on planes for the holidays. Lots of kids share one classroom and spend most of the day together, and it only takes one of them to be sick for the virus to spread. 

Another common theory is a weaker immune system. Days are shorter during the winter and people are outside less often. Because of this, people make less vitamin D, or melatonin. A slower immune response means you’ll get sick more easily, right? 

However, lack of vitamin D and people crowding together aren’t the problem: it’s the virus itself. The influenza virus is more stable and long-lasting when the air is cold and dry. Flu viruses spread through the air, compared to the common cold, which is spread by direct contact. And when the air has low humidity and low temps, that means the virus particles stick around longer, making it easier to catch the flu. 

Luckily, there are ways you can protect yourself and your kiddos during the flu season.

Protecting yourself and your kids against the flu

Kids younger than 5 years of age, and especially toddlers and babies younger than 2 years old, have a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Pneumonia, dehydration, ear infections, sinus problems, and even life-threatening illnesses can arise from the flu.

Flu vaccine

A yearly flu vaccine can protect kids against the flu, reducing the risk of flu itself as well as flu-related complications. Children 6 months older, parents, family members, and caregivers can help prevent the spread of flu by getting vaccinated.

Everyday actions

Staying aware from others who are sick and avoiding contact when you’re sick can help prevent the spread of flu. Remember to wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use the crook of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, to lessen the amount of germs released into the air. Even though the flu spreads through the air, other germs like the common cold spread through touch: try not to touch your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.

What to do if you get the flu

Symptoms

People who get the flu sometimes feel some or all of these symptoms, which show up abruptly:

• Fever
• Chills or feverish feeling
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Body aches or muscle aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (common in children)

Be aware

If your child develops these flu symptoms, talk to your doctor. It’s especially important to call your doctor if they’re having trouble breathing, experiencing chest pain, have a fever, or are less responsive than normal. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine depending on the age and overall health of your child. 

Recovery

Most people recover from the flu in a few days to less than a couple weeks. Antiviral drugs can prevent serious flu-related complications, and can also shorten recovery periods. 

If you or your child gets the flu, be sure to get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluid. Water, fruit juice, hot tea with honey, and warm soup can help you feel better and also prevent dehydration. Breathing moist air from steamy baths or a humidifier can soothe the throat and help with congestion. Remember to stay home and away from others to stop the flu from spreading as much as possible.

The Sleep by Rachelle method of sleep training is more than just simple sleep tips. Understanding your baby’s nutrition and digestion is an important part of helping your baby find restful sleep. However, what if you’re ready to stop breastfeeding your baby? You may not know when to start weaning, how to do it, or how it might affect your baby.

Don’t worry, mama. Read our guide below to get you and your baby ready for weaning.

What is weaning?

First off, let’s talk about what the term “weaning” is. Your baby is considered weaned when she stops nursing completely and gets her nutrition from sources other than milk. However, weaning usually means when a baby stops breastfeeding. She may still take the bottle.

What age to start weaning

The simple answer? When you and your baby are ready. There’s no “correct” time you’re supposed to start weaning. 

If you need a little guidance though, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests babies are breastfed for the first 6 months of their life. After that, mothers can continue to breastfeed while also introducing other foods to their baby until at least 12 months of age. The AAP also recommends that breastfeeding continues for as long as mother and baby desire. 

There are a couple of different approaches to weaning. If you feel like it’s the right time for you, or perhaps you’re returning to work, or you have your own reasons for wanting to stop, you may decide to start weaning, which is called “mother-led weaning.” On the other hand, if your baby seems to lose interest in nursing after starting to eat solids, you may decide to start weaning then. That’s called “baby-led weaning,” and it can happen anywhere from around 4 months up to 12 months. As babies enter toddlerhood, they may become more easily distracted or impatient with nursing, which are signs that it’s time to start weaning.

Time it right

Weaning takes patience and time. To help weaning go more smoothly, you may want to start when there are no other significant changes going on in your family. For example, starting to wean when you’re moving to a new home, starting daycare, sleep training, or learning to walk can add stress on top of stress. Pick a time when things are fairly stable, and give yourself plenty of time to complete the weaning process (about a month or so.)

Take it slowly and gradually

Start weaning slowly and gradually so your baby can adjust to this new change. It’s best not to completely drop breastfeeding all at once. For one thing, your baby will probably become frustrated and upset. And stopping all at once may cause breast engorgement, plugged ducts, or an infection for you.

To start, choose your baby’s least favorite feeding and drop it from your schedule every few days. That may be in the morning, at night, or at an inconvenient time during the day for you. You’ll gradually reduce the number of feedings this way, giving your baby as well as your breasts time to adjust. You can also offer up a bottle of milk instead of nursing. If your baby won’t take the bottle from you, see if she’ll take it from a different family member instead.

Also, expect your baby to resist weaning. That’s totally normal! If your baby refuses the bottle from you or anyone else, or can’t seem to handle fewer or shorter feedings, that’s okay. Revert back to your previous routine for awhile, and try weaning again in a week or so. It may not be the right time. 

More tips for weaning

• Try the “don’t offer, don’t refuse” method: breastfeed your baby if she shows interest, and don’t offer to when she doesn’t.
• Change up your schedule: avoid typical areas in your home where you nurse during feeding times, nurse with a bottle in the living room rather than the bedroom, or plan a different activity or a snack during typical nursing times.
• Ask family members to help: if your baby typically nurses after waking or before bed, have them take over the morning or sleep routines.
• Spend some quality time with your baby! Many mothers start to miss the close bond they share with their baby while breastfeeding. Take time to snuggle, play together, or read books to keep that bond strong. 

Weaning can be a stressful, difficult time for you and your baby. Many mothers feel sad that their baby is growing older, happy to get their bodies back, or frustrated by the process itself. It’s all okay. If weaning is affecting your child’s sleep routines and you need extra guidance, contact Sleep by Rachelle! We’re here to help. 

Why we swaddle our babies?

From the day you bring your little one home, you will begin a journey of finding ways to soothe, feed, and help this little human sleep. You will go to great lengths to ensure your baby is full and content. One tool we all use to do this is swaddling, which helps babies secure their arms and rest. Babies will often fling their arms around with zero control, and they grab things with a death grip and often can not let go. This is all due to their heightened reflexes. These amazing reflexes help them use their hands and face to get to the milk source. We use swaddling when we need to give them a break and go into a deeper rest and repair sleep.

How to Swaddle Your Baby Safely

Swaddling your baby is a simple way to keep your baby warm and secure by using a snugly fastened blanket. It can also be a source of comfort to your baby, since it mimics the familiar feeling of being inside the womb. However, when not done properly, swaddling can be unsafe. That’s why it’s important for parents to know how to swaddle their baby safely. Follow our guidelines for swaddling safely so you can soothe your baby or help lull them to sleep.

Choose a swaddle blanket

A ready-made swaddle blanket is a little more sophisticated than a simple thin blanket, but both can be used for swaddling. If you want something that will take the guesswork out of swaddling, choose one that fastens with Velcro, zippers, or hook and loop closures. Some highly-rated favorite swaddle blankets include the Halo Sleepsack and the SwaddleMe Original Swaddle. 

If you’re comfortable with swaddling your little one in a blanket, you can take some home with you from the hospital: they’re free! Or, try a cotton muslin blanket by popular brand aden + anais. They come in all sorts of adorable patterns, and they’re versatile enough to work as more than just swaddle blankets. You can use them as stroller blankets, nursing covers, or burp cloths in a pinch. 

Once you have your swaddle blanket picked out, you’re ready to swaddle your baby.

Lay the blanket in a diamond shape, and fold the top corner down

Arrange your blanket on a flat surface into a diamond shape. Then, fold the top corner down towards the center. The top of the blanket should now form a straight line.

Place baby face-up on the blanket

Place your baby face-up on the blanket. His neck should rest along the top edge of the corner that you folded down. Gently place his right arm (your left) alongside his body, leaving it slightly bent.

Pull the swaddle securely across your baby’s chest and arm 

Take that same side of the swaddle and pull it across your baby’s right arm and chest. Tuck the end of the fabric under baby, leaving his left arm (your right) free. 

Fold the bottom of the swaddle up and over baby’s feet

Next, fold the bottom of the swaddle up and over your baby’s feet. Tuck the end of the fabric into the top of the swaddle. Your baby’s legs and right arm should be covered at this point. While his right arm should be snug to discourage wriggling out of the swaddle, his legs and feet should be able to move around.

Pull and secure the other corner of the blanket to finish swaddling

Then, gently straighten your baby’s left arm, and pull the remaining corner of the blanket snugly across his body. Tuck the end of the fabric underneath him to secure the swaddle. Make sure the swaddle is nice and tight, but leaves enough room for the legs and feet to move.

Safety tips for swaddling

• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, especially when swaddling. 

• Make sure that your swaddle can’t come loose, which can smother your baby.

• When your baby learns how to roll onto his stomach, stop swaddling. Your baby may also begin to fuss or fight the swaddle, signaling that it may be time to stop swaddling. This often happens between two and six months.

• Babies’ legs need room to bend up and out at the hips, so don’t force your baby’s legs to extend or make that section too tight. Restricting movement can lead to developmental dysplasia of the hip. 

• Not all babies enjoy being swaddled. It’s common for babies to fuss at first when being introduced to swaddling, but if yours seems happier without it, then that’s okay!

When it is time to stop swaddling

From birth to 8 weeks, swaddling is a big part of your life. It supports sleep as well as resets your baby when they have become overwhelmed. It is a great way to help your baby when they can not developmentally control their limbs and need to just relax. But like all things in the first year, they will grow out of it. 

The first sign your baby is outgrowing the swaddle is the desire to begin rolling over. This is a fun and exciting time, when they begin to master their movement and developmentally want to start moving. Because it is unsafe to have a rolling baby in a swaddle, we need to “break” the association of the swaddle to sleep. To do this:

1. Begin with all naps during the day being unswaddled
2. Practice rolling during the day time …A LOT! They will use muscle memory and natural curiosity to master this new skill, but it takes practice.
3. Once your baby starts rolling over regularly (not just once), you will stop using the swaddle “cold turkey” during the night. I do not advise leaving one arm out, as it just limits their movement and is higher risk for them to roll and get stuck.

Swaddling can work wonders for soothing a fussy baby or encouraging sleep. If you need more guidance on sleep training methods or soothing techniques, Sleep by Rachelle is here to help! Learn more about the Sleep by Rachelle method or reach out to us with your questions now.

For new parents, settling your baby into a decent sleep schedule can be exhausting. And if you turn to friends, parent groups, baby books, or your pediatrician for advice, it may seem like they all have something different to say. What can you do?

If you’re considering hiring a sleep specialist to help you and your baby, but you’re not sure what you’re actually hiring them to do, read on.

What is a sleep coach?

A baby sleep coach may have other names: sleep specialist, sleep consultant, or sleep training expert. Whatever their title may be, a sleep specialist typically works with families to help their baby fall asleep and stay asleep. The sleep training method may vary depending on the sleep specialist. Some will examine your baby’s sleep habits and health history. Others will analyze your baby’s feeding schedule and nutrition. A sleep coach’s methods may depend on their past experience with other clients, their own children, or their education and training.

To get the best help for you and your baby, you want a sleep specialist who has a lot of experience working with many families, not just someone who has worked with her own family or a handful of others. Each baby is different, which is why experience is so important!

What is working with a sleep coach like?

Every sleep coach is different, especially since there are many different methods of sleep training out there. When you first contact a baby sleep consultant, in some cases they may ask you to do a sleep study with your baby in a pediatric sleep office, which may rule out sleep disorders. However, most baby sleep consultants will work with you in your home where the family is most comfortable.

Many sleep coaches will ask you to answer questions about your baby and family before visiting your home. Then, they’ll create a feeding and sleep schedule for you to implement. With Sleep by Rachelle, your baby’s sleep cycles are used to create a customized sleep program. Rachelle also looks at your baby’s digestive system and nervous system in order to create a comprehensive sleep plan, which not all sleep coaches do. She also takes your family’s individual needs and habits into account. Most importantly, Rachelle knows that it’s not easy listening to your baby cry: Sleep by Rachelle’s sleep training method is gentle for both baby and parents. Giving a voice to your baby to help clear up the confusion around night wakes.

Interested? Schedule a complimentary sleep assessment.

How do I know it’s time to hire a sleep coach?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already considering hiring one. Some other signs you’re ready for a sleep coach include:

• You and your partner have experienced so many sleepless nights that it’s affecting your daytime routine. You feel like a zombie.
• Your baby is at least 4 months old and doesn’t show any signs of a health condition related to sleeping (that you should bring up with your pediatrician.)
• You’ve tried working through your baby’s sleep struggles, but you can’t seem to get past it.
• You’re overwhelmed by all the conflicting opinions about sleep training methods.
• You’re not sure how your baby’s feeding habits are affecting their sleep schedule.
• You’ve tried one sleep training method before, but you didn’t like it.
• You’re ready to try one approach and stick with it, but you’re not sure which to choose.

Do some of these signs sound familiar? If so, you’re ready for an experienced sleep coach to help ease your stress. Get in touch with Sleep by Rachelle to learn more about your customized sleep program. We’re here for you.

Hi parents and families! We’re so excited to introduce you to Sleep by Rachelle!

I’m Rachelle: infant sleep and development expert, author of Creating Sweet Dreams, mother of four, and founder of Maternal Instincts and Sleep by Rachelle. Sleep by Rachelle is a customizable sleep training program that works toward pinpointing and reversing what keeps your baby (and you) awake at night.

Why work with me?

I have 17 years of experience working with families in their homes. That’s what sets Sleep by Rachelle apart from other sleep training programs. Frustrated parents looking for help can rest more easily when they know they’re working with a trained, experienced sleep expert rather than someone relying just on her own experience. By working with families and babies of all kinds I’ve learned techniques and approaches that you can’t get from working with one family alone. Being a mother of four has taught me a lot, but having the opportunity to work with other parents and their babies has been invaluable.

In addition to my years of experience, I have a degree in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Food and digestion plays an important part in your baby’s sleep schedule, so every customized Sleep by Rachelle plan takes your baby’s nutrition into account too.  

Parents, you might think this period of sleepless nights with your fussy baby is just a phase that you “get through.” I understand that point of view. However, treating it like a phase means neither you, your spouse, your baby, nor your other family members are getting the rest they need. You CAN work through it now so your family can find peaceful sleep.
Learn more about the Sleep by Rachelle program or reach out with your questions during a complimentary sleep assessment. We’re ready to help.

– When you think of sleep in the first year so many things will come to mind. When will your baby start sleeping through the night is usually the first one. This is followed by my baby was sleeping through the night and no longer is….regressions ….WHY? To when should my baby be napping? Does my baby nap enough? Finally we are to no more questions and simply making statements……My baby is overtired because they don’t sleep day or night…..They can’t sleep…..My baby is broken….and so am I!!

All jokes aside, this is a tough thing for the majority of parents during the first year. Baby Created Sleep was built to give parents a better understanding of sleep development in the first year and tools on how to approach both daytime and night time sleep.

I am breaking down the biggest milestones in sleep, the famous “ SLEEP REGRESSIONS”.

So why would a baby go from sleeping extended hours in the night to waking up every 1-3 hours again?

– Who is This For?
My program works most effectively for parents who:

Prefer a gentle solution to sleep issues at night
Are willing to implement a day time schedule that will support night time sleep
Are ready to have a full nights sleep again!

How Long Does it Take?
Each plan is custom created for your little one and where they are at developmentally. Once they are at the correct weight, age, you can be on your way to restful sleep in as few as 7 nights!

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What if They Regress?
Sleep “regressions” occur when your baby hits a development milestone and during growth spurts. When this happens, adjusting their schedule and doing another 1 to 2 nights of sleep training will get them back on track.

What is the Cost of Sleep Training?
We have a wide variety of support that can accommodate all budgets.

– Who is This For?
My program works most effectively for parents who:

Prefer a gentle solution to sleep issues at night
Are willing to implement a day time schedule that will support night time sleep
Are ready to have a full nights sleep again!

How Long Does it Take?
Each plan is custom created for your little one and where they are at developmentally. Once they are at the correct weight, age, you can be on your way to restful sleep in as few as 7 nights!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What if They Regress?
Sleep “regressions” occur when your baby hits a development milestone and during growth spurts. When this happens, adjusting their schedule and doing another 1 to 2 nights of sleep training will get them back on track.

What is the Cost of Sleep Training?
We have a wide variety of support that can accommodate all budgets.

– Baby is growing up right before your eyes! Somehow it’s already time to introduce solids and you want to ensure they are getting the best nutrition possible. This course is educational but also fun! Don’t be afraid to let them get their hands dirty and learn how to handle food. If your baby is struggling with solids, or if you just want to know the latest in nutrition for babies and toddlers, this is a perfect course for parents.

Learn the best utensils for babies and toddlers as well as my favorite tips and tricks.

Ready to learn more about introduction to Solids? Schedule your very own day and time here.

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