3 Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Better

As a new parent, sleep is probably the last thing on your mind. Often it is no wonder that parents often leave their own needs until last. After all, there are diapers to change and feedings to get through, not to mention all the other challenges of caring for your baby. As you begin to adjust to life as a parent, one of the most challenging aspects is modifying your schedule to cater to your baby’s needs while at the same time meeting your own. You might feel like you never get enough sleep and always have excuses as to why you can’t visit friends or have time for yourselves, but it gets easier with time, patience, and lots of practice! Here are some tips to help your baby sleep better. 

 

Establish a bedtime routine 

A bedtime routine can be a great way to help your child wind down and transition from a busy day to a restful night of sleep. Babies who experience a consistent bedtime routine will learn to associate it with sleep, which will make it easier for your child to fall asleep on their own whenever they need to. Keep in mind that the ideal bedtime routine for your child is likely to change over time as your baby grows. For example, while they’re very young, a nightly ritual might include a bath, bottle feeding, and a lot of cuddling and rocking. But as your baby gets older: they will likely be ready for an older kid approach, such as a bath, reading a story, and leaving out a small nightlight. 

Stay calm 

Babies are remarkably perceptive; They can pick up the vibe in the environment very well. So if you’re anxious or nervous about getting your baby to sleep, they’ll almost certainly be able to pick up on that. In other words, staying calm when trying to get your baby to sleep will help your child learn how to soothe themselves. 

 

Seek advice 

If you find yourself at a loss when it comes time to get your baby to sleep, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about how much sleep you should be getting, and be aware that some medications could lead to problems with milk production. If you’re feeding your baby formula, check with your pediatrician about how much sleep is normal for your child. If you’re co-sleeping, make sure that’s a choice you’re comfortable with — and know that it might not be a great long-term solution for everyone. If you’re still feeling stressed about baby sleep, try taking a few slow, deep breaths. And remember that it’s okay to make mistakes — it’s normal for parenthood to become challenging sometimes. As long as you’re trying your best and have the support you need, you’ll get there. And before you know it, your baby will be turning into a little toddler — and sleeping through the night.

If you have any tips you would like to share please do. Until next time 🙂

6 Tricks to Help a Baby With Colic

Is your baby experiencing crying spells lasting for several hours? I suggest bringing your baby to their Pediatrician to rule out anything serious at first. And once there, the doctor will probably mention the word colic. It's when a baby cries excessively for more than three hours and at least three days a week. It typically starts in the first few weeks of life, peaks at 3-4 months, and usually resolves by six months. There are many theories about the cause of colic, but no one knows what causes it or how to cure it. I can recall my two oldest experiencing it, and I found myself crying along with my firstborn, and that was bad because it made the situation much worst. After all, babies can feel stress from others. After trying out different strategies, I found some ways that helped us.

Rocking 

It's one of the most traditional ways to soothe a crying baby. You can do it several ways, sitting in a rocking chair, lying down with the baby in your arms, or simply holding the child and swaying back and forth.

Car Rides

Taking your baby for a car ride can help in two ways. One way is helping to soothe, and the other is putting your baby to sleep.

White Noise

Try to have something with noise playing in the background. Such as a fan, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, and washer machine. You can also search on YouTube or have any music app playing white noise. 

Baby Workouts

Have your baby lay on their back, and you gently move their legs as if they were bike riding a few times.

Baby Massage

You can give gentle massages with oil or lotions made for babies. Put a small amount on the palms of your hand and rub them together to warm them up. Do gentle tummy strokes moving your hands clockwise. You can also watch videos on YouTube that will demonstrate it correctly.

Swaddling 

The swaddle keeps them from wiggling their arms, but their legs are free. And, always place your baby on their back, and stop swaddling them once they can roll over. 

If you have any tips you would like to share, please do! Till the next time ;)

First Weeks Home with your New Baby

When it's time to bring your newborn home from the hospital, trust me, you will be experiencing lots of emotions. You will be excited, stressed, and worried but don't worry; it will be okay. Most of all, don't forget to breathe. I can recall with all three of my kids. I was feeling so anxious. You would think after your first or second child, it would be easy, but every time it took some time to adjust to it all, especially being a single parent. Here are some tips to help you in your new journey.

Fill up Your Fridge and Cabinets

Make a list of groceries you will need, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Whatever you typically buy for yourself. Try to do a week or two worth of shopping. If possible, you can either have someone from your family go or use one of the many options of food delivery apps that are out there now.

Set up a Support Team

Ask a few members of your family or friends if they would like to help you during this time of adjustment. You will likely need it, so don't be ashamed to ask for help.

Take time to Rest

Make sure to take time to rest. Try to nap when your baby is sleeping because you will lose sleep during the evenings since most babies tend to wake up every hour or two to eat. Not only that, but you need time to recover from delivery.

Introducing Your Baby

Take time to introduce your new baby to all members of your home, including your pets. If family and friends come by, be sure everyone washes their hands before handling your baby, and try not to have so many visitors at once because it can be overwhelming for both you and your baby.

Establish a routine

If you want things in your home to be less chaotic, once you're home with your baby, work on a schedule that includes everyone, such as cooking, feeding, household chores, bathing, bonding, and time for yourself. And if you have other children, try to make individual time with each child because they will need that time to bond with you. Especially if you are in a relationship, make time for that person too.

If you have any tips you would like to share, please do. Until next time ;)

Confused About What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

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Are you puzzled about when to have your hospital bag ready or what to pack? Usually, it is best to have it prepared once you enter your last trimester. Keep in mind that yes, your Obstetrician gave you a due date, but sometimes babies make surprise appearances. So you wouldn’t want to leave it for the last minute because there is so much to remember in packing and to put any stress yourself is not good. I can recall my first pregnancy; I had no idea what I needed and packed things that weren’t necessary. After that experience, I took the time to learn and become better prepared for the next time. Here you will find a list of things to pack for yourself and your newborn as well.

The Necessities:

Essential documents

Bring your ID, Insurance cards, and any documents considered vital to you and your baby during birth and stay at the hospital. 

Medications

Pack your medications in a sandwich or freezer bag, so it’s easily accessible, and bring a list of any medications your doctor allowed you to take during your pregnancy. So it’s kept on file while you are there.

Pediatrician Information

Be sure to have selected a pediatrician for your baby before going to the hospital and have that information on hand because the delivery nurse will contact your baby’s doctor once he or she is born.

Phone Charger

It’s always good to have an extra one that you can pack up in your hospital bag because of the fewer chances of you forgetting to pack one up because it’s not in use daily.

Money

Be sure to bring whatever form of payment you feel comfortable using. Such as cash, debit, or a credit card to purchase something during your stay if you are up to it from vending machines, cafeteria, or at the gift shop.

Notebook and a Pen

You may need to write things down. Things you may need to get or do once released from the hospital with your baby.

Items to help with Relaxation

Pack any item you enjoy doing or even help you relax. Also, remember these items will help you kill time during labor. It can be a book, puzzle books, magazines, headphones to listen to music or watch a movie on your phone if you have movie apps downloaded on your phone, to name a few.

Items for Mom:

Toiletries

You will need your toiletries like deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick to keep your lips from getting dry, hairbrush and comb, scrunchies to pull your hair back. Trust me; You will need it to keep your hair out of your face. You can also bring your sanitary napkins (heavy flow or overnight), but the hospital will provide some to you. But if you don’t want to use theirs, you can get your own but bring plenty because you will need them.

Clothing

Some people will either wear the hospital gown given to them during their stay or even wear their pajamas from home. It’s your choice. If you decide to bring some, be sure they are loose-fitting pants, and the tops are easy to open if you choose to nurse. If you are going to breastfeed your baby, be sure to pack nursing bras and nursing pads. The nursing pads will help with the leaking, and you must frequently change, usually after you nurse—pack up a few non-skid socks and comfy slippers. Don’t forget to pack an outfit to wear when it comes time to go home.

Items for Your Baby:

Car Seat

You need to have one to leave the hospital with your baby. Be sure to have it properly installed ahead of time.

Outfit to Leave-In

Pack a few outfits since you don’t know which size will he or she fit in. Bring newborn and size (0 to 3 months old) clothing and a few infant hats to keep their head warm. Depending on where you live, you may need a sweater or a coat, a thin or heavy blanket for your baby.

There are a few things for the baby you don’t need to worry about packing. Such as bottles, formula, diapers, and wipes. The hospital will provide these items to you.

Thanks for reading, until next time, and please comment below if you have any tips.😊