Babies aren't born with set sleep patterns!
When a newborn comes home with the family for the first time, there is a period of adjustment for everyone. While at the hospital, there are nurses to help; you are able to rest every time they take the baby to the nursery. You don't have to cook or clean. It's quite a different thing once you are home and you have complete responsibility for this new life. If you are first-time parents, your baby will be teaching you a lot as you both go on this adventure. Even if you are pros at this parenting thing, every child is different, so there will always be new things to learn.
Sleep is now at a premium. One of the best things you can do, especially in the first few weeks, is to nap any time the baby naps. Your body needs to adjust, and you will be tired. At first, the baby will likely be sleeping for about two hours at a time. You'll find yourself in a pattern of nursing, napping and new diapers. Don't try to force the baby to stay awake, or go to sleep at certain times. They have small tummies and need food frequently and will tend to fall asleep shortly after nursing.
Once the baby is about a month old, you will probably notice a change in their sleep habits. They will begin to sleep a bit longer at a stretch, around three hours at a time. Naps during the day may be about two or three hours each. You will notice they start to stay awake a bit longer after nursing. Watch for those signs that the baby is starting to get sleepy, like yawning or getting a glazed look. Once you get to know your child, you will start to see a pattern of when they are ready to sleep, and start a pre-nap or bedtime routine.
Between three and six months, most babies will begin to sleep through the night. It may not be a consistent thing at first, but their stomachs are able to hold more food and won't need to feed as often. You need to decide how to deal with those nights that the baby may slip back into the old pattern of waking off and on through the night. Do you use the "cry it out" method? Do you try co-sleeping? Do you use the "peek in and check" method?
All three of these methods have their supporters, and critics. It is up to you to decide what works best for your family. However, most doctors agree that forcing any behavior on an infant younger than one year is counterproductive. If something isn't working, try something else, while trying to maintain a routine of some sort at bedtime.
By about nine months, not only is everyone starting to get more sleep at night, your baby may only be napping once in the early afternoon. It is important that you find the best time for your baby to nap. If the nap is too early, they will probably be cranky by bedtime. If it is too late, or too long, bedtime will become a real nightmare. Look for the signs that they need a nap, and start the nap routine. If you need to adjust the start time of the nap, do so gradually by about thirty minutes a time until you find the right balance.
By establishing the routines early, and adjusting them as the sleep needs change, you will find everyone is much happier. It takes time, but it will be worth it once everyone is getting a good night's sleep.
For an in-depth resource that really works, check out the book "The 90-Minute Baby Sleep Program", listed to the right of this post in "My Favorites--Nice to try"!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Which cover is best for my cloth diapers?
I've tried them all, and it's time to talk: what are the pros and cons of each type of diaper cover?
WOOL DIAPER COVER
Pros: Completely natural, environmentally "green", and recyclable. Incredibly soft and breathable for baby's bottom (no more diaper rashes, mom!). Least amount of upkeep for longest lifetime (all your children will be using these!) If lanolized correctly, holds in moisture beautifully--great for night time use and heavy wetters! Don't have to wash as often as other types of diaper covers.
Cons: Most expensive investment (especially upfront...however, if you have more children you will easily recoup the money you initially invest). Some people don't like lanolizing (a fifteen minute procedure about once a month) wool covers, but this is essential for waterproofing. I've heard of occasional wool allergies, but I've never actually MET anyone who's baby has had this problem...
PERFECT POCKET DIAPER COVER
Pros: A One-size-fits-all (no matter how skinny or fat, long or short) diaper cover (TRULY unique in the business)! Best buy in the long run (lasts throughout the diaper life of at least one baby). Can be used with every type of cloth diaper out there, including pocket diapers. Waterproof exterior, with organic cloth interior that allows baby's bottom to breathe more than a purely PUL cover. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and wear).
Cons: Doesn't last quite as long as wool diaper covers. Organic cloth interior with PUL exterior, so not completely "green". Baby's bottom doesn't breathe completely, as with a wool diaper cover, so there's a possibility of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Some people don't like the neon color choices, although personally I love them.
PUL WATERPROOF DIAPER COVER
Pros: Cheapest up front. Completely waterproof. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and dry). Note: Baby Milano PUL diaper cover is the softest by far of this type available--and trust me, I've looked!)
Cons: The least "green" option--but still better than disposables! Have to keep "buying up" as baby grows (4 sizes). Doesn't last as long as other diaper cover options (wears out faster). Doesn't allow baby's bottom to "breathe", so greater chance of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Limited color choice: white.
Don't want to bother with diaper covers? Of course, there is one last cloth diaper option...
ALL-IN-ONE (AIO) Diapers:
Pros: Easy, easy, easy--daddys and caregivers love them! Lots of attractive colors. Less bulky than a diaper with a separate diaper cover, so works well even under the skinniest baby clothes--less steps to put on and take off. Once properly pre-washed, a delight to use--very similar to disposables, except far more "green"!
Cons: A bit tricky to wash because of the combination of materials (can't use vinegar or natural bleach with PUL cover, for example). Need to wash many times before first use so that the PUL does not leak or "wick" moisture (I learned this the hard way). Pretty expensive option--but you're trading your money for the ease and convenience.
WOOL DIAPER COVER
Pros: Completely natural, environmentally "green", and recyclable. Incredibly soft and breathable for baby's bottom (no more diaper rashes, mom!). Least amount of upkeep for longest lifetime (all your children will be using these!) If lanolized correctly, holds in moisture beautifully--great for night time use and heavy wetters! Don't have to wash as often as other types of diaper covers.
Cons: Most expensive investment (especially upfront...however, if you have more children you will easily recoup the money you initially invest). Some people don't like lanolizing (a fifteen minute procedure about once a month) wool covers, but this is essential for waterproofing. I've heard of occasional wool allergies, but I've never actually MET anyone who's baby has had this problem...
PERFECT POCKET DIAPER COVER
Pros: A One-size-fits-all (no matter how skinny or fat, long or short) diaper cover (TRULY unique in the business)! Best buy in the long run (lasts throughout the diaper life of at least one baby). Can be used with every type of cloth diaper out there, including pocket diapers. Waterproof exterior, with organic cloth interior that allows baby's bottom to breathe more than a purely PUL cover. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and wear).
Cons: Doesn't last quite as long as wool diaper covers. Organic cloth interior with PUL exterior, so not completely "green". Baby's bottom doesn't breathe completely, as with a wool diaper cover, so there's a possibility of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Some people don't like the neon color choices, although personally I love them.
PUL WATERPROOF DIAPER COVER
Pros: Cheapest up front. Completely waterproof. Easy care and upkeep (machine wash and dry). Note: Baby Milano PUL diaper cover is the softest by far of this type available--and trust me, I've looked!)
Cons: The least "green" option--but still better than disposables! Have to keep "buying up" as baby grows (4 sizes). Doesn't last as long as other diaper cover options (wears out faster). Doesn't allow baby's bottom to "breathe", so greater chance of diaper rash if not changed regularly. Limited color choice: white.
Don't want to bother with diaper covers? Of course, there is one last cloth diaper option...
ALL-IN-ONE (AIO) Diapers:
Pros: Easy, easy, easy--daddys and caregivers love them! Lots of attractive colors. Less bulky than a diaper with a separate diaper cover, so works well even under the skinniest baby clothes--less steps to put on and take off. Once properly pre-washed, a delight to use--very similar to disposables, except far more "green"!
Cons: A bit tricky to wash because of the combination of materials (can't use vinegar or natural bleach with PUL cover, for example). Need to wash many times before first use so that the PUL does not leak or "wick" moisture (I learned this the hard way). Pretty expensive option--but you're trading your money for the ease and convenience.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Why Use Organic Bamboo Diapers?
Organic bamboo is a highly eco-friendly material which grows naturally without the need for chemical pesticides or fertilizers. It has a very short growth cycle, is easily cultivated, quickly replaced, and is totally bio-degradable. It has an amazingly silky texture and offers 60% more absorbency than a cotton diaper of the same size. Bamboo fabric has natural antibacterial elements and thus is considerably less likely to give your baby diaper rashes, as well as helps keep your diaper pail less stinky in-between washes!
For the BEST in Organic Bamboo Diapers, click here!
For the BEST in Organic Bamboo Diapers, click here!
Monday, April 20, 2009
What are "colorgrown" organic clothes?
At UndergroundBaby.net, we use "colorgrown" organic cotton for many of our clothes, blankets, hats and towels, as this is the purest cotton. Because it is not dyed, it is virtually free of chemicals, making it the best for our planet and all creatures who reside here.
We have also added low impact dyed colors to our clothing line. We will still continue to offer clothing in the colorgrown cotton (it is so pure, natural and healthy!). However, organic colorgrown cotton is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the U.S., so we have decided to offer low impact dyed organic cotton as well. Yes, it does increase the chemical content (but only to the degree that is recommended by the Organic Trade Association). We do require documentation from our dye houses as to the chemical composition of their dyes, so we can be sure we are not using harmful pigments which do not conform to the low impact dye standards for organic cotton.
Our mission in providing organic cotton clothing overall is to recognize the impact on our earth through farming practices which use immense amounts of harmful chemicals (pesticides and herbicides-among the highest pecentage of any farming chemicals used for any crop). Cotton is especially damaged by pests and diseases, making it a prime target for chemical use to enhance better yields. It is also the largest textile crop grown worldwide, and the most preferred textile for clothing worldwide. Everyone loves to wear cotton, which is why it is so important to support the organic farming of cotton, even if we do go one step further by using dyes.
We have also added low impact dyed colors to our clothing line. We will still continue to offer clothing in the colorgrown cotton (it is so pure, natural and healthy!). However, organic colorgrown cotton is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the U.S., so we have decided to offer low impact dyed organic cotton as well. Yes, it does increase the chemical content (but only to the degree that is recommended by the Organic Trade Association). We do require documentation from our dye houses as to the chemical composition of their dyes, so we can be sure we are not using harmful pigments which do not conform to the low impact dye standards for organic cotton.
Our mission in providing organic cotton clothing overall is to recognize the impact on our earth through farming practices which use immense amounts of harmful chemicals (pesticides and herbicides-among the highest pecentage of any farming chemicals used for any crop). Cotton is especially damaged by pests and diseases, making it a prime target for chemical use to enhance better yields. It is also the largest textile crop grown worldwide, and the most preferred textile for clothing worldwide. Everyone loves to wear cotton, which is why it is so important to support the organic farming of cotton, even if we do go one step further by using dyes.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Healthy Bedding for Baby
Decorating the nursery is one of the first things expectant parents tend to do. There are so many adorable things to choose from. There are a few must-haves that every new baby will need when they first come home from the hospital.
Every baby needs somewhere to sleep, so a crib is a good start. Some people prefer to have the baby in a bassinet or cradle in their room until the baby is a bit older. This way the baby is close by at night, and the smaller size of the bassinet makes the adjustment a little easier for some babies. Co-sleepers are also popular, as it keeps the baby even closer for late night feedings, but is still in their own space. If you look to the right of this post you will see the Arms Reach Co-sleeper available at Amazon.com (for a great price, I might add). Co-sleepers are available in every size--from tiny bassinets for the newborn to room for twins! This is what my husband and I used for our second baby, and we LOVE it! A Moses Basket is another great option for a newborn, as it fits into the Arms Reach Original Co-Sleeper for younger babies who need to feel more contained, yet is portable, too! (To find a reliable resource for the Arms Reach Co-sleepers and Moses Baskets, look to the right of this post at my "My Favorites--Why Not Try" list!)
Having the right mattress for the crib is also crucial. It should be a new, firm mattress. The mattress also needs to fit snugly in the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib frame, the mattress is too small.
You can never have enough sheets. When those inevitable leaks happen, it is good to have plenty of replacement sheets handy for quick changes during the night or naptime. It is also important that the sheets fit well. If they are too loose, they can tangle around the baby at night.
Most people love the adorable comforter sets. They come with matching bumper pads and sheets. However, research has shown that it is best to not have the comforter and bumper pads in the crib as they can contribute to SIDS when the baby is less than a year old. You can still get the sets, and simply use the comforter while snuggling in the rocker until the baby is old enough to use it in the crib.
A great alternative to the comforters for keeping the baby warm is the baby sack. These are like sleeping bags with head and armholes. They keep the baby warm and they aren't able to squirm out from under them like they can a blanket. To find the absolute best organic baby sleep sack, click here!
Once you've purchased the bedding for the baby's room, be sure to wash it first with a gentle baby detergent. It will help reduce any possible dye residue on the product, as well as give it a nice, fresh scent. (I recommend Maggie's Soap Nuts or Charlie's Soap--both may be found on my "My Favorites--Nice to Try" resource list to the right of this post.)
Happy sleeping!
Every baby needs somewhere to sleep, so a crib is a good start. Some people prefer to have the baby in a bassinet or cradle in their room until the baby is a bit older. This way the baby is close by at night, and the smaller size of the bassinet makes the adjustment a little easier for some babies. Co-sleepers are also popular, as it keeps the baby even closer for late night feedings, but is still in their own space. If you look to the right of this post you will see the Arms Reach Co-sleeper available at Amazon.com (for a great price, I might add). Co-sleepers are available in every size--from tiny bassinets for the newborn to room for twins! This is what my husband and I used for our second baby, and we LOVE it! A Moses Basket is another great option for a newborn, as it fits into the Arms Reach Original Co-Sleeper for younger babies who need to feel more contained, yet is portable, too! (To find a reliable resource for the Arms Reach Co-sleepers and Moses Baskets, look to the right of this post at my "My Favorites--Why Not Try" list!)
Having the right mattress for the crib is also crucial. It should be a new, firm mattress. The mattress also needs to fit snugly in the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib frame, the mattress is too small.
You can never have enough sheets. When those inevitable leaks happen, it is good to have plenty of replacement sheets handy for quick changes during the night or naptime. It is also important that the sheets fit well. If they are too loose, they can tangle around the baby at night.
Most people love the adorable comforter sets. They come with matching bumper pads and sheets. However, research has shown that it is best to not have the comforter and bumper pads in the crib as they can contribute to SIDS when the baby is less than a year old. You can still get the sets, and simply use the comforter while snuggling in the rocker until the baby is old enough to use it in the crib.
A great alternative to the comforters for keeping the baby warm is the baby sack. These are like sleeping bags with head and armholes. They keep the baby warm and they aren't able to squirm out from under them like they can a blanket. To find the absolute best organic baby sleep sack, click here!
Once you've purchased the bedding for the baby's room, be sure to wash it first with a gentle baby detergent. It will help reduce any possible dye residue on the product, as well as give it a nice, fresh scent. (I recommend Maggie's Soap Nuts or Charlie's Soap--both may be found on my "My Favorites--Nice to Try" resource list to the right of this post.)
Happy sleeping!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tips for Helping Mom Cope with Baby's Sleep Schedule
A new baby in the family means changes for everyone. One of the biggest changes is in sleep, or rather lack thereof. Even if there are other children and you've gone through the adjustment before, every child is different. Some babies sleep through the night early, others make you wonder if you will ever sleep again.
One of the best pieces of advice given to new moms is: sleep when the baby sleeps. While this may seem simplistic, it really does help. Many moms treat nap times as work times, to get things done. But if you aren't well rested, you won't enjoy time with the baby when it is awake and ready to play.
Some babies are born with a "different clock"; they seem to want to be awake at night and asleep during the day. While still in the womb, babies were rocked to sleep during the day by the mother's movements. Then when mom settled down for the night, the babies think it's time to become more active. So, once the little one arrives, it will take some time to adjust to the new routine.
Even though it may be difficult at first, it is important to remind yourself that eventually things will settle into a normal routine. But what is normal for one family isn't for another. You have to find what works for yours. Start to establish a nap and bedtime routine as soon as you come home from the hospital. It will help the transition, and hopefully the baby will start sleeping regularly for you.
If your baby seems to be a night owl, and you want them to go to sleep at an earlier hour, try adjusting the time a little bit each day. It can also be a help to dim the lights as it gets closer to bedtime. This can help the baby adjust and realize it's time to sleep soon. Turn off the TV and maybe play some gentle music. It will help both of you relax. Once the baby is asleep, spend a little more time pampering yourself before getting some sleep.
Babies get hungry during the night. How you handle night-time feedings can make a difference to how much sleep everyone gets. If you are nursing, keeping the baby's crib in your room, or even co-sleeping, can reduce the amount of time it takes to get back to sleep. If you are bottle-feeding, you can ask your partner to take a turn feeding the baby during the night so that you get a little extra sleep.
All babies take time to begin sleeping through the night and it won't happen overnight. As long as you are consistent in your approach, everyone will soon find they are sleeping better. Remind yourself that you aren't a bad parent if you baby doesn't begin sleeping well right away. It just takes time.
For some great resources about helping baby sleep, check out the list to the right of this post: "My Favorites--Why not try"!
One of the best pieces of advice given to new moms is: sleep when the baby sleeps. While this may seem simplistic, it really does help. Many moms treat nap times as work times, to get things done. But if you aren't well rested, you won't enjoy time with the baby when it is awake and ready to play.
Some babies are born with a "different clock"; they seem to want to be awake at night and asleep during the day. While still in the womb, babies were rocked to sleep during the day by the mother's movements. Then when mom settled down for the night, the babies think it's time to become more active. So, once the little one arrives, it will take some time to adjust to the new routine.
Even though it may be difficult at first, it is important to remind yourself that eventually things will settle into a normal routine. But what is normal for one family isn't for another. You have to find what works for yours. Start to establish a nap and bedtime routine as soon as you come home from the hospital. It will help the transition, and hopefully the baby will start sleeping regularly for you.
If your baby seems to be a night owl, and you want them to go to sleep at an earlier hour, try adjusting the time a little bit each day. It can also be a help to dim the lights as it gets closer to bedtime. This can help the baby adjust and realize it's time to sleep soon. Turn off the TV and maybe play some gentle music. It will help both of you relax. Once the baby is asleep, spend a little more time pampering yourself before getting some sleep.
Babies get hungry during the night. How you handle night-time feedings can make a difference to how much sleep everyone gets. If you are nursing, keeping the baby's crib in your room, or even co-sleeping, can reduce the amount of time it takes to get back to sleep. If you are bottle-feeding, you can ask your partner to take a turn feeding the baby during the night so that you get a little extra sleep.
All babies take time to begin sleeping through the night and it won't happen overnight. As long as you are consistent in your approach, everyone will soon find they are sleeping better. Remind yourself that you aren't a bad parent if you baby doesn't begin sleeping well right away. It just takes time.
For some great resources about helping baby sleep, check out the list to the right of this post: "My Favorites--Why not try"!
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