Listen to your child.
Listen to yourself.
Stop listening to the advice of every "expert" (or "well-wisher") who comes along (including me).
Follow your instincts...you know your baby better than anyone else. (Nine months better, in fact.)
Trust what your child tells you.
Trust what your gut tells you.
Your baby chose you to be mommy and daddy for a reason...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Creating a Bedtime Routine to Help Baby Sleep
When it is time to go to bed, we adults have our routines: a cup of tea, a good book, watch a little TV, brush your teeth, or take a relaxing bath. No matter what routine you have, it helps you to sleep better. Babies are no different. They need a routine to help them get to sleep as well. It is up to you to find out what works best for your baby.
For babies, the routines can be fairly simple and shouldn't take too long. If it takes too long, the baby can sometimes get a second wind and be harder to get to sleep. For many babies, a bath is a relaxing start to the evening. There are even soothing baby baths that are nice to use. (Of course, if your baby is like mine and HATES the bathtub, this may not be such a good idea!) Then you can snuggle them into some comfy pajamas.
After that, sitting together in a rocking chair is a nice way to spend some time together before the baby nods off to sleep. Singing or playing some lullabies while you rock can help relax the baby to sleep. You have to be careful not to move too soon to put the baby in the crib, or you may find yourself starting over. Watch for steady breathing, and relaxed arms and legs.
Another wonderful addition to any bedtime routine is reading bedtime stories. This is one that will continue as the baby gets older. Children love bedtime stories, and it also encourages them to become readers themselves.
It may take awhile to find what works best for your baby at bedtime. Give it a week or two before you make any changes to see if the baby will adjust to it. If it's still not working, try a slight change, only replacing one part of the routine. Eventually you will find the right combination.
If your baby has a particularly restless night, the homeopathic remedy Chamomilla is a great soothing remedy to calm baby (it's great for irritability of any type--even teething).
Consistency is the key, once you've established a routine that works. It may be hard to keep up with at times, but babies need that steady habit. Once they are used to it, bedtime won't be a struggle, but an enjoyable time for both of you.
For babies, the routines can be fairly simple and shouldn't take too long. If it takes too long, the baby can sometimes get a second wind and be harder to get to sleep. For many babies, a bath is a relaxing start to the evening. There are even soothing baby baths that are nice to use. (Of course, if your baby is like mine and HATES the bathtub, this may not be such a good idea!) Then you can snuggle them into some comfy pajamas.
After that, sitting together in a rocking chair is a nice way to spend some time together before the baby nods off to sleep. Singing or playing some lullabies while you rock can help relax the baby to sleep. You have to be careful not to move too soon to put the baby in the crib, or you may find yourself starting over. Watch for steady breathing, and relaxed arms and legs.
Another wonderful addition to any bedtime routine is reading bedtime stories. This is one that will continue as the baby gets older. Children love bedtime stories, and it also encourages them to become readers themselves.
It may take awhile to find what works best for your baby at bedtime. Give it a week or two before you make any changes to see if the baby will adjust to it. If it's still not working, try a slight change, only replacing one part of the routine. Eventually you will find the right combination.
If your baby has a particularly restless night, the homeopathic remedy Chamomilla is a great soothing remedy to calm baby (it's great for irritability of any type--even teething).
Consistency is the key, once you've established a routine that works. It may be hard to keep up with at times, but babies need that steady habit. Once they are used to it, bedtime won't be a struggle, but an enjoyable time for both of you.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
What if the worst happens...?
Last night as I watched my baby girl breathe in and out in sleep, I thought of the two miscarriages that I had between she and her older brother...
Only a woman who has lost a baby could really understand, I suppose, the emptiness...or perhaps only a parent could understand. Either way, it struck me how much more painful those memories would be today if we hadn't succeeded in having our baby girl...
Yet even after the birth of our beautiful miracle, there is a sort of haunting that goes on that I never experienced with her older brother. Because we experienced such profound loss not once, but twice, every moment with her is twice as precious...and every scary moment with her is twice as scary, echoing our earlier loss...
I discovered this following website, with a comprehensive list of loss for those mourning a miscarriage or loss of a little one:
BABY LOSS BLOGS
I also found the following website of stories:
BABYSTEPS
for it is often in sharing our stories, and reading the stories of others, that we begin to heal, I find.
Only a woman who has lost a baby could really understand, I suppose, the emptiness...or perhaps only a parent could understand. Either way, it struck me how much more painful those memories would be today if we hadn't succeeded in having our baby girl...
Yet even after the birth of our beautiful miracle, there is a sort of haunting that goes on that I never experienced with her older brother. Because we experienced such profound loss not once, but twice, every moment with her is twice as precious...and every scary moment with her is twice as scary, echoing our earlier loss...
I discovered this following website, with a comprehensive list of loss for those mourning a miscarriage or loss of a little one:
BABY LOSS BLOGS
I also found the following website of stories:
BABYSTEPS
for it is often in sharing our stories, and reading the stories of others, that we begin to heal, I find.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Why Buy Natural Sheets and Blankets for Baby?
Many families are concerned about the amount of chemicals in our everyday lives. While we might not be able to remove all the chemicals our family is exposed to, we can reduce the amount in the home. When a new baby comes into the family, it is just as important to surround the baby with all-natural products. Since babies sleep nearly half of the day, it only makes sense to make sure they are sleeping in a safe environment.
There are many styles of all-natural bedding. You can find blankets, sheets, swaddling blankets - pretty much the same selection you would have with other baby bedding options. They even come in a wide variety of colors, not just neutral tones.
Having organic bedding is better for your baby's health - as opposed to the 50/50 non-organic cotton and polyester blend that is made from a petrochemical. These chemicals can irritate the tender newborn skin. Another chemical found in bedding and other fabrics is the fire-retardant chemical PBDE. This chemical is sprayed on to the product, so it gets into the environment quicker than other chemicals.
Many people have allergic reactions to some of the chemicals in household goods. By reducing the amount of chemicals your family is exposed to, it will reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Undergroundbaby.net offers a variety of natural, organic baby blankets!
There are many styles of all-natural bedding. You can find blankets, sheets, swaddling blankets - pretty much the same selection you would have with other baby bedding options. They even come in a wide variety of colors, not just neutral tones.
Having organic bedding is better for your baby's health - as opposed to the 50/50 non-organic cotton and polyester blend that is made from a petrochemical. These chemicals can irritate the tender newborn skin. Another chemical found in bedding and other fabrics is the fire-retardant chemical PBDE. This chemical is sprayed on to the product, so it gets into the environment quicker than other chemicals.
Many people have allergic reactions to some of the chemicals in household goods. By reducing the amount of chemicals your family is exposed to, it will reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Undergroundbaby.net offers a variety of natural, organic baby blankets!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
SUMMER SLEEP GIVEAWAY!
UndergroundBaby.net is giving away one Sounds for Silence Baby Settling and Sleep Program to celebrate summer and this amazing new program that REALLY WORKS!!!
This program, which normally retails for $59.95, includes the proven Sounds for Silence CD and 100 page Sounds for Silence Baby Settling and Health Guide. Even the most settled babies have their irritable moments and times when they do not sleep.
The Sounds for Silence Baby Settling and Health Guide is a comprehensive and practical book containing over 100 pages of reassuring advice for parents on baby sleep and settling strategies, managing irritability and infant health issues. Dr Zehnwirth's informative and encouraging Guide offers parents practical tips, ideas and support.
Chapters in the book include:
• Intuition
• Infant irritability
• Strategies for managing irritability
• Baby sleep and settling
• Feed, play, sleep
• Helpful general information
• Scary episodes
• The preterm infant (prematurity)
• Alarm bells
• Harry's maxims - the minimum you should know
• Family stories
• Troubleshooting
• More information
• Behaviour diary
Dr Harry Zehnwirth has been specializing in Pediatrics for over 20 years. After caring for thousands of babies with irritability and sleep difficulties, he wanted to provide parents with practical answers to help them manage these common problems. What he developed was Sounds for Silence Baby Settling Program.
For more information about this great program, check out:
http://www.okidokiebaby.com/
CLICK HERE TO WIN YOUR OWN FREE COPY!
Here's to peaceful summer nights!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Baby Slings with SUNBLOCK!
SolarWeave Baby Slings are perfect for these hot summer days...these slings are made from a unique material known as SolarWeave! It has a very smooth finish, is soft and is light-weight.
SolarWeave is 100% non-irritating fabric (even for the most sensitive skin) and will protect your little one from 97% of the ultra-violet light. This sling is a must-have for summer use!
Comes in black, white, or light blue--check out UndergroundBaby.net to order!
40+ UPF / 97%+UV
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
New Diaper Colors!
Our Organic Bamboo Diapers just got better! Check out this beautiful array of colors, and don't forget our FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Simply THE BEST Nursing Covers!
Baby Time Nursing Covers are simply the best nursing covers available...for more information about these wonderful innovations, check out: UndergroundBaby.net
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tips for Helping Baby Sleep the Whole Night Through
Getting a baby to sleep through the night is one of the first things new parents look forward to after coming home from the hospital. However, new parents have to remember that it takes time for the baby to sleep through the night. Newborns will sleep anything from sixteen to twenty hours a day, usually a couple hours at a time. Their small stomachs means that they need to eat frequently, so it will take time before they are physically ready to sleep all night. Most infants are capable of sleeping all night by about three months.
Many parents set up a cradle in their room for those first few months to make those night-time feedings easier. Other families have adopted a co-sleeping method, where the baby is in the parents' bed (with baby-proofing precautions, such as a rail on the outside edge and a firm mattress). But no matter which method works for your family, the baby can't sleep through the night until they are physically ready to do so. Trying to force it too soon will just frustrate everyone.
One night, when the baby is around three or four months, you'll wake up and realize they are still asleep. It's a very nice feeling. But what do you do after you get used to it and they decide to not sleep all night again? By now, you should have a well-developed bedtime routine, but you may find you need to adjust things a little. Nap times begin to change, with the baby taking fewer and shorter naps. Sometimes simply adjusting the naps will take care of things, and your little one will be sleeping soundly all night again.
You may also need to adjust the before bedtime feeding a bit. If the baby's tummy is full closer to bedtime, they will sleep longer. Getting the baby to sleep at least five to six hours is a good start when adjusting to going longer between feedings.
However, there are those babies who just don't want to go back to sleep. They wake up either cranky or want to play. You have a few options. Some parents use the "cry it out" method, where they let the baby cry for increasing intervals, until they learn to fall asleep on their own. Others use a "peek in and check" method where they come in, but do not take the baby from the bed. They comfort them and help them drift back to sleep. Some have continued to use the co-sleeping method and just let the baby nurse and go back to sleep; some mothers barely realize the baby has been awake.
Another thing that might help is to give the baby a massage before bedtime. This can help the baby to relax more, and hopefully drift off into a deeper sleep. If they wake, you may want to give them a very short massage, possibly only on the arms and legs until they relax again.
Every child is different, so you need to find what works for you and your baby. Once you do, stick to it. Establishing a routine will help the baby realize that this is the way things are going to work. Before long, everyone is getting more sleep and feeling much more rested during the day.
Many parents set up a cradle in their room for those first few months to make those night-time feedings easier. Other families have adopted a co-sleeping method, where the baby is in the parents' bed (with baby-proofing precautions, such as a rail on the outside edge and a firm mattress). But no matter which method works for your family, the baby can't sleep through the night until they are physically ready to do so. Trying to force it too soon will just frustrate everyone.
One night, when the baby is around three or four months, you'll wake up and realize they are still asleep. It's a very nice feeling. But what do you do after you get used to it and they decide to not sleep all night again? By now, you should have a well-developed bedtime routine, but you may find you need to adjust things a little. Nap times begin to change, with the baby taking fewer and shorter naps. Sometimes simply adjusting the naps will take care of things, and your little one will be sleeping soundly all night again.
You may also need to adjust the before bedtime feeding a bit. If the baby's tummy is full closer to bedtime, they will sleep longer. Getting the baby to sleep at least five to six hours is a good start when adjusting to going longer between feedings.
However, there are those babies who just don't want to go back to sleep. They wake up either cranky or want to play. You have a few options. Some parents use the "cry it out" method, where they let the baby cry for increasing intervals, until they learn to fall asleep on their own. Others use a "peek in and check" method where they come in, but do not take the baby from the bed. They comfort them and help them drift back to sleep. Some have continued to use the co-sleeping method and just let the baby nurse and go back to sleep; some mothers barely realize the baby has been awake.
Another thing that might help is to give the baby a massage before bedtime. This can help the baby to relax more, and hopefully drift off into a deeper sleep. If they wake, you may want to give them a very short massage, possibly only on the arms and legs until they relax again.
Every child is different, so you need to find what works for you and your baby. Once you do, stick to it. Establishing a routine will help the baby realize that this is the way things are going to work. Before long, everyone is getting more sleep and feeling much more rested during the day.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Help For Colicky Babies!
Tips to Help Colicky Babies Sleep Better
Colic is one of those things every parent hopes they can avoid. But what is colic? Colic is when a baby starts crying for no apparent reason for about three hours at a time. There is no real medical reason, or treatment, for colic. It usually starts when the baby is between two and six weeks old, and lasts until about three months old. It can be hard on the whole family.
Nursed babies tend to be less colicky, but there are still a few that may develop colic. Some people think the baby is hungry or in pain, but the truth is no one really knows why it happens. Some experts feel it could even be from an immature nervous system and it just takes time to develop.
So what can be done? There are a few things that you can try that may help calm your baby. But first, as difficult as it may be, try not to stress. The baby will pick up your feelings and it just makes things worse. Try to take turns with someone else when the baby is colicky. If you are alone with the baby and just feel overwhelmed, put the baby in the crib and go to another room. Even just a few minutes away can help you be better able to calm your baby. Never blame yourself or the baby. It just happens; you haven't done anything wrong as a parent.
Motion has been shown to offer relief for some babies. Swings or car rides can sometimes help offer relief. It may just remind the baby of being in the womb. If you have a front-carrier or stroller, go for a walk, even if it is just around the house. Rock together and hum or sing to the baby.
Sometimes certain sounds will help the baby to settle down. Some have found that the sound of a fan, washer, dryer or vacuum seem to help calm the baby. Putting the baby in a carrier seat on top of the dryer may also help. Just be sure to stay with the baby, so they don't vibrate off. Parents even combine using the sound of the vacuum with having the baby in a front-carrier.
Giving your baby a massage can sometimes help. Gently moving the legs toward the stomach can also help relive any excess gas that might be adding to the discomfort. The massage can relax the baby and maybe they can fall asleep during it. Sometimes a warm water bottle on the stomach can offer some relief as well - just be careful that it isn't too hot.
If you notice a pattern to when your baby becomes colicky, try to snuggle before the fussiness starts. Sometimes that added attention might help reduce the intensity of the crying. Holding and loving your new baby is in no way spoiling them.
If none of these ideas help and you feel something is really wrong beyond colic, always give your pediatrician a call. Often just talking to the nurse can give you some peace of mind.
Colic is one of those things every parent hopes they can avoid. But what is colic? Colic is when a baby starts crying for no apparent reason for about three hours at a time. There is no real medical reason, or treatment, for colic. It usually starts when the baby is between two and six weeks old, and lasts until about three months old. It can be hard on the whole family.
Nursed babies tend to be less colicky, but there are still a few that may develop colic. Some people think the baby is hungry or in pain, but the truth is no one really knows why it happens. Some experts feel it could even be from an immature nervous system and it just takes time to develop.
So what can be done? There are a few things that you can try that may help calm your baby. But first, as difficult as it may be, try not to stress. The baby will pick up your feelings and it just makes things worse. Try to take turns with someone else when the baby is colicky. If you are alone with the baby and just feel overwhelmed, put the baby in the crib and go to another room. Even just a few minutes away can help you be better able to calm your baby. Never blame yourself or the baby. It just happens; you haven't done anything wrong as a parent.
Motion has been shown to offer relief for some babies. Swings or car rides can sometimes help offer relief. It may just remind the baby of being in the womb. If you have a front-carrier or stroller, go for a walk, even if it is just around the house. Rock together and hum or sing to the baby.
Sometimes certain sounds will help the baby to settle down. Some have found that the sound of a fan, washer, dryer or vacuum seem to help calm the baby. Putting the baby in a carrier seat on top of the dryer may also help. Just be sure to stay with the baby, so they don't vibrate off. Parents even combine using the sound of the vacuum with having the baby in a front-carrier.
Giving your baby a massage can sometimes help. Gently moving the legs toward the stomach can also help relive any excess gas that might be adding to the discomfort. The massage can relax the baby and maybe they can fall asleep during it. Sometimes a warm water bottle on the stomach can offer some relief as well - just be careful that it isn't too hot.
If you notice a pattern to when your baby becomes colicky, try to snuggle before the fussiness starts. Sometimes that added attention might help reduce the intensity of the crying. Holding and loving your new baby is in no way spoiling them.
If none of these ideas help and you feel something is really wrong beyond colic, always give your pediatrician a call. Often just talking to the nurse can give you some peace of mind.
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