How To Help Your FOMO Baby Sleep

FOMO. Is that acronym new to you? Up until about a year ago, it was new to me, too. I’d never heard of FOMO (or Fear Of Missing Out) until a friend told me that she was afflicted with it. She was constantly on social media, checking in with her friends and catching up on the latest news.

But here’s something interesting – did you know your baby can have FOMO, too? It’s true; some babies just can’t seem to settle in and fall asleep, for fear that they’ll miss out on all the action!

Now, by this point in the article, your eyes may be widening as it dawns on you: “OMG, MY baby has FOMO!” And you may be right; if your baby shows most of the common FOMO symptoms, then you’ve got a FOMO baby on your hands, baby! 

6 Signs Your Baby Has FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

1. FOMO babies don’t find soothing activities very soothing. Other babies may be soothed by nursing, rocking, or patting – but not a FOMO baby!
2. FOMO babies flip over new places and people. If you think your FOMO baby’s sleep is bad, try taking her to her grandparents’ house. I guarantee it’ll get worse! A new location means tons of new things for your baby to observe and take in, and that means shortened (or non-existent) sleep.
3. FOMO babies eat actively. Hoping to nurse your baby in public, under a cover? Forget about it! Your FOMO baby won’t allow that for a minute. Trying to get your baby to hold still and focus on drinking her whole bottle? Nope! Your baby is too busy observing the world/people around her.
4. FOMO babies aren’t great at the whole “drowsy” thing. We talk a lot about “drowsy, but awake” on this blog, and in our one-on-one work with families; that’s because it’s a great way to gradually teach your baby how to fall asleep without your help. But FOMO babies don’t exactly do drowsy. In fact, FOMO babies often don’t show any tired signs until they’re already overtired – and then the sign is usually screaming.
5. FOMO babies tend to resist bedtime and nap time routines. Bedtime routines and nap time routines are designed to signal to your baby that it’s time to relax and fall asleep. Your FOMO baby gets that; the trouble is, she doesn’t want to relax and fall asleep. So she’ll fight even your best efforts at a relaxing, soothing routine.
6. A FOMO baby’s sleep is elusive – and it doesn’t last long. Many parents have told us it takes hours to put their FOMO babies to bed, and that even after sleep finally comes, it’s light.

How To Help Your FOMO Baby Sleep

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? How do you help your FOMO baby sleep? Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet that’ll fix this problem for you. Remember, this is part of your baby’s temperament. There’s no changing it! (Take comfort, though, in the fact that the really tough effects of FOMO will lessen as your baby grows.) Simply accept that your baby won’t be one of those “easy” sleepers who just falls asleep effortlessly and slides right in to a perfect eating and sleeping schedule, and you’ll save yourself a lot of wasted effort and frustration.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you have to live with a sleepless, overtired child in your home. There ARE steps you can take to help your FOMO child lengthen his naps and sleep longer at night:

• Be consistent and persistent. FOMO children thrive with consistency (as do so many others!), so be sure to keep sleep and feeding schedules as consistent as you can. Even if your baby isn’t ready for a clock-based schedule, you can still work towards consistent sleep/feeding cycles. Additionally, you’ll need to be persistent with your child’s sleep. FOMO children are themselves very persistent when it comes to resisting sleep, so you’ll have to “out-persistent” your persistent child in this arena.
• Make your child’s sleeping area as boring as possible. Many parents of FOMO babies and toddlers report that it’s only when their children are confined to bed, with nothing to see or hear or do, that they will finally fall asleep. You can achieve this kind of boring, sleep-inducing ambiance with black-out blinds and a white noise machine.
• Sleep coach, but be ready for it to take awhile (and for some fussing to be involved). If your baby’s sleep-fighting has reached the point that you’re both exhausted, then it may be time to take action and sleep coach. Sleep coaching is a great way to help your baby learn healthy sleep habits! Just be advised that sleep coaching may take longer if your baby suffers from FOMO; what takes other parents two weeks may take you four (or maybe even six). Additionally, keep in mind that your FOMO baby’s persistent nature means that there will likely be at least a little bit of fussing involved with sleep coaching.

Sleep Help For Your FOMO Baby or Toddler

Getting your FOMO baby or toddler to sleep well can feel like a monumental task. Fortunately, we can help! Connect with one of our expert consultants today; she’ll craft a Personalized Sleep Plan™ just for your baby, walk you through every step of sleep coaching and schedule-making, and provide detailed answers to your most pressing sleep training questions.

Baby Care Tips For You And For Baby

What baby care tips are essential for you and your newborn??

The mother of a baby is the busiest person on earth, and these baby care tips are designed to put a little order and routine back into your day to day routine. In no time at all, these baby care tips will become second nature for you and your baby helping you to get back to a somewhat 'normal' life.

Breastfeeding Baby Care

There is, has and always will be a lot of controversy on breastfeeding depending on where you live in the world. In some countries it's the norm and most people would not bat an eyelid if they saw a mother sit down in a restaurant and start to breastfeed her baby. In other countries such as the UK and the US, surprisingly and quite sadly, breastfeeding is frowned upon by many. I personally breastfed both my children and though I made a point of being discreet, I valued my right to feed my child where, when and how I chose to.

However, I also appreciated the fact that I was lucky to be able to breastfeed as I know many mothers want to but can't for whatever reason. Even those that choose not to breast feed should not be maligned. The majority of us live in a society where we have a freedom of choice and whatever our feelings or opinions on a matter, we should allow everyone the right to choose what is best for them and their baby.

That said it is common knowledge that there are huge health benefits to breastfeeding for both mom and baby so that's why this is key to baby care. Baby's first drink of breast milk is colostrum which is full of antibodies which help babies immune system and is full of fat and protein to help baby put on weight in their first few days. Breastfeeding also helps mom's uterus to contract more quickly. A weird sensation when it happens but utterly amazing when you think about it.

Then consider the other positives of breastfeeding to baby care. Milk is on tap, ready to go at the right temperature whatever the time of day and if baby emptied one 'bottle' or boob, there was another ready and waiting to go. I did co-sleeping with my second baby as I was concerned about waking the house up in the middle of the night for feeds which worked out well for all as most times throughout the night, she would latch on herself and feed without me being barely aware. Baby care doesn't really get any easier than that.

I did express so that my husband could also be involved and there were times that he did the night feeds with both children so that I could get a complete nights rest.

Bottle Feeding Baby Care

If you are bottle-feeding your baby then make sure that the bottles are well sterilized and clean. There are many makes of bottle sterilizers that are available. There are some that you can put in the microwave and some that will continually sterilize throughout the day so that you always have clean bottles and teats available to go when you need them.

Also consider your formula well. Check the ingredients and look for those that have the friendly bacteria for the gut. Make sure that you buy the formula appropriate for your baby's age. To rich and it may cause constipation, too thin and lacking in vitamins etc, and your baby may not gain weight as they should.

Baby Sleeping Baby Care

With your first child, you will have probably read numerous books about how to put your baby to bed and have bought a moses basket, then a cot or cot bed. Come your subsequent children, you then realise though nice to have, the most important thing is whether your baby is comfortable, safe and warm or cool enough. My first child went into his own cot bed when he was 3 weeks old as we couldn't stand anymore of his warthog snoring. He was also in a baby sleeping bag. Our daughter slept with me in our bed until she slept through most of the night before moving to her own bed. Especially as I was breast feeding both, I made sure that I didn't drink a lot (the odd glass of wine at a weekend is fine), I don't do drugs, they weren't too hot or cold and the room was well ventilated. Use your common sense here regarding baby care and use and do what's best for you.

Clothing Baby Care

Summer clothes should be light cotton ones. When baby is taken out, make sure that his head does not get the direct sun. Make the most of parasols or stroller sun covers. The covers in particular also help against wasps. An important baby care tip to remember for all - sun cream is essential even if your baby is dark skinned. My children are mixed race and even with factor 50, they still tan.

In winter, there may be sweaters, trousers and other woollens. Just bear in mind that if they are in nappies or diapers still, you need quick and easy access to change them especially when you are out and about. Some changing facilities are tiny or cramped and you don't really want to spend more time there than you should. Remember a change of clothes too. My son was the worst but they both had explosive poos the force of which sent their poo right up their backs and it was far easier to take the whole lot off than to try and clean around it!

Changing Baby Care

Changing of nappies or diapers whether disposable or not should take place regularly. Sometimes babies will let you know in their own particular way but it's best to get into the habit of checking their bottoms at least every 3 hours. That way you'll soon get to know baby's toilet habits and can adjust it accordingly.

Bathing Baby Care

I hope that I don't sound too patronising but the best advice here is common sense. Make sure that you have everything that you need BEFORE you start bathing. Have baby's towel ready on his changing mat, his nappy and night clothes all in place before you start.

Please ensure that the bath water is not too hot and not too cold - 9of or 32c is ideal. It should only be a couple of inches deep if it is in a family bath. At this age baby doesn't need bubble bath, just gentle no-tears formula soap should suffice.

Ensure that you support baby's head safely. Once washed and dried, massage a little moisturizing cream into baby's skin and get him dressed for bed.

Immunisation Baby Care

The baby should be immunized against Small Pox & Measles with BCG within 3 months of its age. The first DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Psertussis, Polio, HIB, Meningitis C) is due within the first 2 months followed by the 2nd and the 3rd one at one month intervals. The MMR vaccination against Measles, Mumps and Rubella should be done within 1 years of age. The boosters should be taken after the baby is 4 years old.

Training and Education Baby Care

Babies learn by watching and listening. Yes I babble baby talk to my two but I also talked sensibly to them like an adult. When getting them dressed I would put their left arm in its sleeve and say to them, 'let's put your left arm in your sleeve'. By 18 months both children knew their right from their left, could say things like open door, shut door, roof, bus, sky drink, biscuit etc because I constantly read or pointed things like this out to them. Learning can and at this age, should be fun.

The most important baby care tip of all

The parents should find enough time to spend quality with the baby but also together and by themselves. Find time for baby time, couple time and me time!

Erin Costello was an industry executive but is now a mother of two.

She researches and writes from personal experience as well as on topics and issues that affect women such as breast, ovarian and cervical cancer, pregnancy and baby care, women's health and beauty, relationships amongst others.

Baby Skin Care Is More Than Preventing Diaper Rash

Besides diaper and heat rash, babies can develop a condition called 'cradle cap'. Baby skin dries easily and it can even sunburn because melanin production is low. Sun protection is a most for baby skin. And because of the surge in hormones at the time of birth, babies can break out in acne, although baby skin is far less oily than an adult's.

General guidelines and tips on baby skin care and protection

Start life off right by protecting your baby from ultraviolet radiation exposure. Keep infants out of direct sunlight during the first few months. If you do go outside, be sure to cover the baby's skin with certified sun protection clothing (UPF50+ sun clothing is the highest sun protection you can get), a sun hat and baby sunglasses. Turn that into a habit and teach your child the importance of doing so as he or she grows older. Sunscreen products shouldn't be applied until the baby is 6 months old, but after that, they're absolutely necessary. Take care when riding in cars and when out for a stroll.

As for baby skin care, it won't be hard to find products formulated especially for babies. Purchase these and use as directed. Adult skin care products are not recommended for babies. They're far too harsh. You may have to switch laundry detergents if you find the one you're using is irritating your baby's skin.

Always change diapers as soon as possible. Urine and feces contain bacteria and must be washed away with warm water or baby wipes, otherwise infections can develop. Make sure wipes don't contain alcohol which can dry out a baby's skin. Remember to clean in the folds and also to dry this area gently but thoroughly. Diaper rash is very uncomfortable so apply an ointment or cream formulated especially for this common baby skin problem.

Moisturizing regularly with lotions and creams formulated for infants helps retain moisture. 

Excessive bathing isn't necessary and in fact can sap a baby's skin of moisture. Never use hot water for bathing. Like adults, babies prefer warm water. If your baby has cradle cap which resembles scaly dirty-looking skin, gently scrub top of head with a soft brush. If cradle cap doesn't go away, have the baby's physician take a look. Wind and cold can also cause dry skin so protect your baby when outside. If the air in your home is dry, consider getting a humidifier to add moisture.

Because a baby's skin doesn't yet perspire properly, babies aren't efficient at controlling their body temperatures. Sometimes, heat rashes can develop. Be sure to dress babies in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that's appropriate for the temperature to avoid these rashes that resemble red patches or pinkish-red bumps.

Good habits begin early and it's never too soon to develop a proper baby skin care routine!

Remember to protect your baby skin from UV radiation, use UPF50+ certified sun protection clothing when outdoor, proper sun protection hat, and sunglasses. UV radiation can affect skin even on cloudy day.

Author,

J Edmond Souaid

Which Used Baby Items are Safe to Buy

Buying used baby items can be a great way of curbing huge expenses that come with a baby. However, one must know what items are safe and what are absolute 'no-no' while buying secondhand stuffs for babies.

Parenting is a full-time job that involves a lot of responsibility. Caring for your little one is not just laborious but an expensive affair as well. However, one cute smile from your baby and you feel like everything is worth it. With little planning and wise decisions, you can bring smile on your baby's face a little too often.

 Besides, you too can be relieved of financial burden to some extent. So, what are these intelligent ideas to keep off unnecessary baby expenses? Well, for one, you can largely rely on 'hand-me-downs' and used stuff, which can greatly cut the cost of numerous baby items. However, checking out the safety quotient of used items is of utmost importance to secure your baby's health. Besides, it is not recommended to get anything and everything from the consignment shops as some things are best bought new.

Used Baby Items that are Absolutely Safe

If you are expecting a baby, you will get hand-me-downs from numerous friends and relatives. Some of these items can be extremely useful and save a lot of money. However, certain items may not be entirely safe for your baby and must be discarded without a second thought. Such items are listed at the end of this article. But before that, let us discuss baby essentials that are okay to buy as used or secondhand items.

Baby Clothes

Babies need a change of clothes at least 5 - 6 times a day. Besides, babies grow out of their old clothes pretty quickly. As a result, you have to keep buying clothes every month. You can imagine the amount of money wasted on clothes, that your baby will be wearing only for a short time. Hence, it is absolutely a great idea to ask your friends and family for hand-me-downs or buy them from consignment shops. Buying used clothes online is also a good and safe option. 

No matter where you buy used clothes from, just make sure that the clothes are in good condition and without drawstrings or other fancy accessories.

Socks and Shoes

Infants do not need shoes as much as toddlers do. You will be dressing your baby in shoes only once a while. Hence, it makes no sense to buy brand new shoes for your little one. Besides, she'll be outgrowing them sooner than you think. Thus, it makes perfect sense to get a pair or two of secondhand shoes. 

However, you will need quite a number of sock pairs to keep your baby's feet warm. Hence, investing in used socks is also a good idea.

Hats and Sweaters

Unless you live in a hot, arid desert, you will need to wrap your little bundle in warm clothes, especially, during chilly evenings. Again, your baby will outgrow all the coats and sweaters in no time. So, you might as well get them from secondhand stores.

Toys

Used toys are safe to buy only if they are in extremely good condition. Look for chips and peeled paint (especially, if it exposes hazardous parts) as well as missing hardware. Also consider choking hazards that may result from loose parts. Buying used toys is a good option considering the fact that babies quickly lose interest in their toys and look for something new. Thus, no point in buying expensive brand new toys.

Strollers

Baby strollers can be safely bought secondhand if they are manufactured after 2007. Those manufactured before 2007 do not adhere to revised standards for safety. While buying, make sure it is sturdy, stable and without any damage. Do not a buy stroller unless you can personally assess its condition. Thus, buying online may not be a good option.

Used Baby Items that Should be Bought with Caution

While some items can be bought secondhand without thinking much, there are certain baby items that are safe only when they meet certain specifications. Some of these items include:

Baby Cribs

Owing to a large number of crib accidents and several manufacturers recalling their products, buying baby crib has become a difficult task. Crib safety standards were revised in June 2011, hence cribs produced before this date can be considered unsafe. If you must buy a secondhand crib, you need to conduct a thorough examination, so that you end up with only the best crib for your baby. Check, if the crib is sturdy and its posts are secured in place. Avoid drop-side cribs at all costs, no matter how lucrative the deal. Also make sure the posts are high enough to prevent the baby from climbing out of it, as well as closely spaced, to avoid incidences of suffocation.

Baby Furniture

Baby furniture like high chair, play-pens can be bought used, only if it is gently used and in brand new condition. The high chair should have five-point harness and a crotch post for your child's safety. Avoid buying furniture that has been re-painted.

Car Seats

Car seats are an essential item to secure your baby's safety during car journeys. 

You must not compromise with the quality of the car seat at any cost. 

Secondhand car seats may have been damaged in crashes even though they may not show signs of it. This renders them useless for another such event. 

Hence, avoid buying car seats from unknown owners. If you must, buy them from friends and family or other reliable sources, so that you can be assured of your child's safety. Considering the low cost of car seats, you might even think of buying a brand new one.

Baby Bathtubs
Getting used baby bathtubs is a good idea as they are expensive and required only for a short while. However, secondhand bathtubs may raise certain hygiene issues, if you are not careful enough while buying. Avoid tubs that show signs of mold, mildew growth or other damages.

Baby Items that You Should Never Buy Secondhand

We have seen items that can be bought safely as well as ones that need caution while buying. However, there are certain baby items that you should never reuse for your baby, even if you are getting them for free. The list of such items is as follows:

Breast pumps

Baby bottles

Crib mattress

Blankets and bedding

Baby slings

Although, it's a good idea to buy used baby items in some cases, make sure you do not compromise on your baby's safety in any way. Always buy used items from reliable sources and inquire if the previous owner bought them new or used. Besides, plan your finances well so that you are not tempted to buy everything used and thereby, jeopardize your baby's safety.

Author,

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule

Five Essential baby apparels

Essential baby apparels

 

As a mother you would definitely want your baby to look like a cutie pie all the time. Dressing up your baby is one of the most important activities that mothers enjoy doing as this helps a mother give a kind of expression to the immense love that she nurses for her baby. You would definitely want your baby to look great and feel comfortable at the same time. It is very important to choose the clothes and apparel of the baby wisely as proper clothing is essential to keep the baby protected from the external weather and to maintain a comfortable body temperature for the baby.

Here are a few vital apparels and clothing needed for a baby.

Side snap onesies- As the head of newborn baby is delicate; these side snap onesies are a favorite across new mothers. As a mother you will not have to undergo any stress in sliding a tee through the delicate head of your baby. These side snap onesies can be opened in the front and it is very easy to make your baby wear them. The bottom of this apparel is also very comfortable and does not have any tight waistlines as they can be fitted onto a baby just like a diaper. There is enough room for the baby to move his hands and legs in this dress, thereby, making the baby feel super comfortable.

Sweater or a sweat shirt- In order to keep your baby warm a sweat shirt or a light sweater comes in very handy. As per the general recommendation, you should always dress up your baby with an additional layer of clothing in comparison to the number of layers of clothing that you wear in order to keep him warm and comfortable. Babies tend to feel cold in the night as their body temperature drops suddenly. So keep your baby warm with the help of a sweat shirt or a sweater. Dress up your baby in cute little jackets and pullovers during the winters. However, you should also ensure that you baby does not get overheated due to excessive clothing.

 

Shirts- Once your baby's head is stable you can opt for t-shirts for your baby. However, opting for shirts that can be opened in the front are always a safe option as they are easier for the baby to wear them and you will also find it easy to make your baby fit into them. Ensure that these shirts are made of cotton and the material should be supple and soft. Opt for colors that are soothing so that baby feels happy and comfortable in these shirts.

Pyjamas or pants- Get pants or pyjamas for your baby those are comfortable in the waist of your baby. Therefore, opting for the ones that have an elastic which is not too tight or loose will be the right choice. Babies feel very comfortable in pyjamas that are made of breathable fabric. These are also very easy to be removed for a quick diaper or a nappy change.

Socks, mittens, hats, caps and bibs- Though these might look like accessories, these form a formidable and important part of the baby attire. In order to keep your baby warm and cozy it is important that his hands and legs are protected with mittens and socks. Mittens also protect your baby's face from getting scratched as newborns tend to scratch their faces with their hands after birth. 

A hat or cap will protect your baby from the scorching rays of the sun if you venture out with your baby during the summers. Woolen caps help in keeping the baby's head warm during the winters as it is through the head that the babies lose a lot of heat during the winters. Nice bibs always prove to be handy to contain sudden spit ups or to manage food spills while feeding the baby.

So keep your baby comfortable and cozy by stocking up the important apparels mentioned above and do not let seasonal and weather changes have any impact on the health of your baby.

Author;

foryoumum.com

Do You Know How To Keep Baby Warm In Winter?

When a family friend had her first baby just days before Christmas, I was thankful I was not in her position. The whole world was covered with a thick blanket of snow, the sky threatening to unleash even more, and I would have not had the slightest idea as to how to keep my infant warm in such conditions!

But since then, I have made it a priority to learn how to dress baby appropriately for the harsh winter weather so that when my spouse and I decide to expand our family, I will feel prepared. Let me share what I have learned with you so that your little tot will also feel comfy and warm in the coming seasons.
 

First of all, make sure that you are prepared well in advance. I know that where I live, the weather can be very unpredictable, so we can experience tremendously chilly temperatures starting in October. That means that you should be purchasing winter-warm items like jackets, boots, and snow suits by August or September at the latest.

Babies grow quickly, of course, so it can be difficult to predict their size so far in advance. So you may want to ask family, friends, or neighbors for hand-me-downs or visit your local thrift store to get the essentials to tide you over until you can buy your child their own items when you can more accurately shop for them.

Wrap Baby up in one extra layer than whatever you are comfortable in. For example, if you are venturing out in a long-sleeved shirt and a thick sweater, then your wee tike needs the shirt, the sweater, and a jacket as well.

People lose the most heat through their heads and feet, so you can even layer accessories. Multiple pairs of socks or tights with socks will be more effective in making sure that baby loses less heat. 

Baby headbands and crocheted baby hats beneath wool beanies will also be doubly protective. So, it's okay to get a bit creative when it comes to keeping your little one warm.

Make sure to keep a warm blanket in the car seat at all times. You may even want to keep small fleece blankets in the diaper bag or in your purse so that if the weather turns foul unexpectedly, you can wrap up your child at a moment's notice.

Avoid using a heating pad or other heated device, as these can burn adults easily--your child may not be able to push away something that's burning them. Instead, focus on body heat and insulation. That will be your best bet.

By: Jordan Rocksmith