Changing a baby's nappy on a plane might seem challenging at first, but with preparation and practice, it can become second nature.
Remember that every parent flying with a baby has to go through this experience and most passengers understand what you're dealing with.
Try not to stress too much about it – focus on ensuring that both you and your little one have as comfortable a flight as possib
]]>There are a few key differences which I will spell out below to help you choose the best product for you and your little one.
Colour
All SnoozeShade products are made from a double layer of our unique mesh – it’s very fine but in a double layer blocks big amounts of UV and light!
If colour is the only consideration, then we suggest you choose the product that you feel more comfortable with.
UV protection
Both products have the same inner window made from a single layer of black mesh which blocks 80% of UV. This is the highest level of sun protection available on the market for a single layer as no chemicals are used to provide UV protection – it comes from the unique weave of the mesh.
The UV rating difference between the two products is considered negligible in terms of sun protection. Of course, if you have a medical reason to block UV then we would always advise going for the Plus Extra.
Light blocking
Some parents have said they think that Plus Deluxe blocks less light because it’s paler – so to clear up that misconception you need to understand the difference between blocking UV and light.
Colour is a contributing factor in blocking UV naturally – so a darker fabric will block more UV. The Deluxe fabric was developed because some parents believed that a darker fabric would increase heat levels (it doesn’t) and they feel more comfortable with a less dark colour.
The weave of the mesh also blocks UV and specifically blocks light. All SnoozeShade products block 94% of light in a double layer – regardless of colour. This has been tested since 2010 and has never changed.
How the straps attach
The other difference between the two products is
Some parents complained about the fact they either didn’t like Velcro or felt it was too noisy and might disturb their child. So I investigated other attachment methods and found the safest poppers I could.
Other attachment options are available but would not pass the safety standards for a newborn that I choose to use to design all my products.
Long straps are an entrapment and strangulation hazard. Toggles and buttons are a choking risk. Magnets are not safe to use in a children’s product. So the safest options are the Velcro and the poppers.
I hope you have found this post helpful, if you have any other questions please click here to get in touch and ask away.
I really appreciate it when questions are asked so I can add them to answers we use often to help parents choose the best product for them and their little one.
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]]>One of the most common questions is "How soon can you fly with a baby?" This question is not only crucial for planning family trips and holidays but also for ensuring the safety and comfort of your little one.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of plane travel with a baby and provide you with all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision.
When can you start flying with your baby?
There are no universal rules regarding when babies can start flying so different airlines have different policies. It's essential to check with your specific airline before booking your tickets. Generally, most airlines allow babies to fly when they are at least two days old but others require them to be at least two weeks old.
Despite these policies, many doctors and pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least two months old (or eight weeks) before taking them on a flight. This allows time for your baby's immune system to mature and reduces their risk of catching an infection during travel.
Considerations for plane travel with a baby
If you want to fly with your baby there are several factors that parents should consider, which include:
Tips for flying with a baby
Now that we've covered when and what to consider when flying with a baby, here are some tips to make your baby travel plane experience smoother:
Flying with a baby may seem overwhelming at first, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be a manageable task. Remember that every child is different; what works for one might not work for another. So don't stress if things don't go exactly as planned. The most important thing is that you and your little one arrive safely at your destination.
Remember to consult with your doctor before making any travel plans and always prioritise the health and comfort of your child over everything else.
Happy travels!
]]>This is a guest post from Lauren @ Lullaby Bear Sleep Support
The holidays are such an exciting and busy time for families. Family trips away, days out, late nights and the normal day to day routine goes out the window. For some parents, this can cause some anxiety. How can we manage our little one’s sleep but also enjoy all the fun things the holiday period brings?
If you are going away, try and keep your sleep environment as consistent as you can for both nap times and bedtime. Bring all their usual sleep cues, for instance their sleep bag, comforters, and dummy. If you use white noise at home, bring a portable white noise machine. They are a great way to help block out those sudden loud noises!
Keep to your usual bed and naptime routine as best you can. Even while out and about you can still do a mini nap routine, for instance nappy change, milk and cuddle before placing them in the pram with their comforters and the white noise machine on.
Is the room you're staying in letting in lots of light?
You can put up a portable black out blind or if your little one is sleeping in a travel cot or cot bed, SnoozeShade has a black out canopy that I have used countless times for my boys and I thoroughly recommend it!
If you have lots of travelling to do, try and plan the car journeys during their nap times so that when you arrive, they are well rested and ready to enjoy all the festive fun! If naps haven’t gone quite to plan and there is still fun to be had, don’t be afraid to add in an extra catnap of 15-20 minutes in the late afternoon to help get them to bedtime.
Have you got a little one that gets distracted when trying to nap out and about?
SnoozeShade has a variety of stroller shades which not only provide your little one with a dark and cosy sleep environment, they will also help minimise all those distractions!
The holidays are such an exciting time and it can lead to a lot of overstimulation for our children. Before you start the bedtime routine, try and have 15 minutes of wind down time so that when you start the bedtime routine they are nice and calm and ready for bed.
Most importantly, try and not worry too much about sleep and just enjoy the festive season! As soon as it is over, you can get back to your normal routine. I hope these tips help and that you all have a happy new year!
About me
My name is Lauren and I am a Baby, Child and Autism Sleep Coach for children aged 0 to 10 years. After experiencing a range of sleep challenges with my 2 boys, I was inspired to train as a Sleep Coach myself. I work 1 on 1 with families to create bespoke sleep plans to help them achieve their sleep goals and I offer daily support and follow up calls so I can be there every step of the way.
Visit Laurens website for more info -- www.lullabybearsleepsupport.com
Our comprehensive guide aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of carrycots, backed by expert advice and research, so you can make informed decisions for your family.
In order to not have to say the same thing repeatedly, this guide is written on the basis that it is the parent's responsibility to ensure that any carrycot used conforms to required safety standards.
What is a carrycot?
A carrycot is essentially a compact, portable bassinet designed for transporting your baby. It provides a flat, sturdy surface for babies to lie on and is typically suitable from birth until around approximately 6 months old.
If your pushchair or stroller doesn’t feature a 100% lie-flat seating option, then a carrycot is a must as it allows a newborn to lie completely flat on their back which is the correct position for safe sleep.
This flat position is recommended by health experts, including The Lullaby Trust, for every sleep during the day and night, as it can help support with spinal development and growth and is the preferred sleeping position for easier breathing. This is especially important during the early months when newborns spend a significant amount of time sleeping.
As stated by The Sleep Foundation, ‘it is recommended that newborns have 14-17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, therefore it’s crucial that their sleeping environment is safe and comfortable.’
Who invented the carrycot?
We don't know who invented the carrycot but we do know how the pram itself was developed and the carrycot was a part of this journey.
The first "baby carriage" was invented in 1733 by William Kent for the Duke of Devonshire. It was a shell shaped basket on wheels that children could sit in and was highly decorated and supposed to be pulled by a goat or a small pony. This was something only for the rich as the middle class and working poor could never afford such an opulent baby toy.
Benjamin Potter Crandall sold baby carriages in the US in the 1830s which have been described as the "first baby carriages manufactured in the US". Then in 1848, an American inventor, Charles Burton, created the first recognizable stroller called the “perambulator" which had a three-wheel push design and is where we most likely get the word pram from.
In 1889, William H. Richardson walked into a Baltimore patent office with an idea that forever changed the look of prams and strollers. His idea used a special joint to allow a bassinet to be turned to face the operator (who in those days was more likely to be a member of the house staff than the parents) or face away and thus was created the first reversible baby carriage.
The term carrycot became more common in the UK after the introduction of lighter prams with detachable baby carriers in the 1970s. In a nutshell, a carrycot combines the traditional aspects of a bassinet or moses basket with the convenience of portability when attached to a pram.
What are the benefits of using a carrycot?
Choosing a carrycot offers several benefits, such as providing a comfortable and secure environment for your baby. Doctors and health professionals often emphasize the importance of providing infants with a flat sleeping surface, which aids in proper spinal development and safer sleep.
Carrycots are designed for flat sleeping which is safer as in the first three months as most babies at that age can’t lift their head and sitting upright can restrict baby's airway and make it hard for baby to breathe but they don't have the neck strength yet to lift their own head to help them breathe.
Are carrycots safe?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a safe sleep environment is one that includes a firm sleep surface covered by a fitted sheet, which is what a standard carrycot provides.
Is it better for babies to sleep in a carrycot rather than an infant car seat?
Many parents wonder about whether it’s safe to let their baby sleep in an infant car seat and this is when carrycots are often highlighted as an option for their safety and comfort for extended sleeping as well as their portability.
The primary concern for not to use an infant car seat for a baby to sleep in is the risk of positional asphyxia, which can occur when a baby’s heavy head falls forward, causing difficulty breathing or even suffocation. This is because infants in this age group do not have the strength to lift and move their heads to ensure an open airway.
A study analysing infant sleep-related deaths found that 3% of these deaths occurred in sitting devices (like car seats), with most happening when the car seat was not used for its intended purpose and was instead brought into the home for continued sleep.
One of the key points here is that carrycots give baby a completely flat sleeping environment, which is crucial for a newborn’s spinal development and may reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
The Lullaby Trust sums it up when it states: “Car seats are designed to keep babies safe while travelling, not as a main sleeping place. Car seats should only be used for transport and not as an alternative for cots or highchairs. It’s ok for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling, but they should be taken out as soon as you get to your destination, and placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep.”
So can a carrycot be used for daytime naps?
Carrycots can be used for daytime naps, which is in keeping with the suggestion that infants should sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months, as advised by many healthcare experts. It's easy to keep baby nearby in a carrycot as it's so highly portable and provides a flat, safe sleeping environment for baby.
Can a carrycot be used as moses basket?
While similar to moses baskets, carrycots often offer more stability and can also be attached to certain strollers which means you can get out of the house at baby's naptime.
The Lullaby Trust suggests that whatever option you choose should have a firm, flat, waterproof base.
The good news if you have a SnoozeShade Original is that it fits neatly over a carrycot or a moses basket. This can be useful in the early days when baby might sleep in the moses basket and you may not want that sleep disturbed by well-meaning visitors.
Can a carrycot be used for baby to sleep in overnight?
Some carrycots are suitable for overnight sleeping, but it is essential to check the manufacturer's information to ensure that they are appropriate. Some pram maunfacturers like Bugaboo, iCandy and Cybex have had their latest carrycots approved for unsupervised or overnight sleep. This is unusual and so do check each brand's safety information.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) advises that if a carrycot is used for overnight sleeping, it should be stable, well-ventilated, and without soft bedding. It's best if young babies are on a firm, flat, waterproof mattress for at least the first 6 months.
There is no mandatory testing for carrycots in the UK as there is for car seats, but looking out for a carrycot that complies with the new European standard EN 1466:2023 will provide peace of mind for parents as it's more rigorous than the previous standard EN 1466:2014+AC:2015 which will be withdrawn by June 2024.
This covers vital considerations such as the internal depth of the carrycot, entanglement hazards and sufficient ventilation and airflow, and ensures that the sleeping environment within the carrycot for babies under 6 months old is as safe as that in a Moses basket, crib or cot.
Cybex and Bugaboo join a number of other manufacturers who have already put their carrycots through the testing, including Oyster, egg and iCandy, with UPPAbaby, Silver Cross and Peg Perego also offering carrycot stands. Having a carrycot stand means parents can confidently extend the lifespan of using a carrycot.
What age does carrycot go up to and when is it time to stop using a carrycot?
Typically, carrycots are used from birth until approximately 6 months old. Most carrycots are designed to be used until the point when baby can roll over, sit up unaided, or has reached a weight of about 9kg (20 lbs), whichever comes first.
It also depends on how tall or long your baby is, some youngsters grow much quicker than others, and so they stop being able to fit in a carrycot sooner than the manufacturer's guide. As ever, be guided by your child's personal development.
The transition from a carrycot to a seated stroller should occur when your baby shows signs of outgrowing it, either by developmental milestones or size. It's important to watch your baby and make the change before these limits are reached to ensure their safety.
Typically, carrycots are used from birth until approximately 6 months old. However, it's essential to follow guidelines specific to the carrycot model you own and your child's growth and mobility. Remember that this is an approximate age – some little ones start sitting up or attempting to sit up much earlier.
In conclusion, a carrycot can be an excellent investment for the early months of a baby's life, offering convenience, comfort, and safety.
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This time with your toddler is precious and you will get so much out of just sitting with them looking at the rock pool, building a sand castle or trying local delicacies. Embrace this time – it passes so quickly!
]]>This time with your toddler is precious and you will get so much out of just sitting with them looking at the rock pool, building a sand castle or trying local delicacies. Embrace this time – it passes so quickly!
Hurrah! School’s out and you have your family holiday coming up. Everyone is getting excited and you’re making plans for what to do at your holiday destination. But one thing that can panic many parents is what to pack for a successful family holiday.
Well, worry no more. We have some great tips, we’ve spoken to family travel experts and also to other parents with years of experience of traveling with small kids. Here are some things to consider when packing for you and your children.
Get ready early
A couple of weeks before your trip, make sure your kids have not grown out of key items like shoes, hats and swimwear. Buy, hire or borrow specialist items, such as ski wear.
Put a wash on a couple of days before your holiday, with items for each member of the family, so everyone has clean clothes. You don’t want to find that there are no clean pants or socks as you’re dragging the suitcases out.
Make lists
A packing list is a must, on paper or your phone. Tick things off as you pack, then use it to make sure you bring all your items home with you.
That special toy…
Some kids have a toy or blankie they can’t sleep without. If it gets lost, it’s a disaster. Have spares, get a short strap to attach to your pushchair, or use a dummy clip.
Know what’s available at your destination
Find out what laundry facilities will be available. If you have a washing machine (and maybe a tumble dryer), you can pack less and do a mid-trip wash. It’s pants to do chores on holiday but it may mean you can pack less!
Pack whole outfits
Lay out whole outfits for each day, so you have it all – tops, trousers, underwear, jumper.
Label your luggage
Make sure each case has a luggage label on it with your mobile phone number. It’s not advisable to have your home address on it. A tracking gadget can also help you find lost bags.
Store the paperwork
Now, we know all tickets are online now and you should have those on your phone. Scan documents sent by mail and email them to yourself. But trust us, if your phone dies or you are miles from a signal, you’ll be pleased you printed off tickets and travel insurance details too.
From the experts
The family travel expert at Oliver’s Travels advises:
Of course, you are the real experts, so here are a few suggestions from parents:
“I suggestion to my eight-year-old what she needs and ask her to get it out. Sometimes she gets out more than she needs, or clothes for the wrong season, so I do some negotiating! I also pack things she says she won’t need, if I think she will.”
“My daughter chooses what toys she takes - this often leads to an argument when I seek to trim it down!”
“My child would pack the kitchen sink if she could, so it’s definitely a ‘no’ to letting her pick the contents of her case. It’s ok for her to pick some toys to take along – but with limits!”
“Last summer, my eight-year-old managed to smuggle a bedside light into the outer compartment of her suitcase!”
“I always pack everything for everyone at the expense of me (forgetting basic toiletries for myself). I’m guessing you have seen the viral video if the woman who forgot to pack anything for herself on holiday and was stuck wearing a towel…”
“I let my kids pack but it constantly goes wrong and I have to do emergency shopping on holiday, which costs a fortune! It was sandals last year, leggings the year before – both things you’d think would be fairly obvious to pack for a summer holiday.”
“Like others, I do the packing for the kids and chuck mine in last-minute (inevitably forgetting stuff). As for essentials, we bought mini Yoto players for a trip to Australia and they’re now travel essentials for planes and long car journeys.”
“I always use lists – one each for my older child, my baby and me.”
“I don’t let my daughter pack but she brings me stuff. Must-haves are sunglasses and SPF for everyone. For me – I always have exercise gear clothes my workouts.”
“I always pack nice toiletries for myself; face and hair mask and so on, so I can de-stress. I also take emergency food in case we are delayed.”
“Now my child is 11, I let her pack. She ticks items as she puts them in the luggage, then I quickly go through it and close the case, so she doesn’t remove anything.”
“Calpol and Piriton are the first things in the suitcase, plus other first aid gear for kids and the grown-ups.”
“I have strict lists for each of my three kids: enough underwear for the number of nights, plus swimsuits, tops, trousers, hoodies. Footwear depends on the destination.”
“I always make sure I have international plug adapters and the kids have something to read. They can each ‘pack’ their own backpack with toys, cards, books etc. “
“Pop your passports in the outside pocket of your luggage, so they’re not forgotten.”
“Use packing cubes – they’re a game-changer. Each person has their own and you put certain things in each cube. That way, everyone can find their clothes easily.”
“I haven’t let my son chose toys yet as he would want a huge one! I pack a mix of toys and books he hasn’t seen in a while, some of his favourites and a couple of new toys. I choose toys that entertain but don’t take up too much space!”
“I make sure we have first aid and medicines, food in case we get stuck and an iPad.”
“Always pack a change of clothes and swimsuits in your hand luggage, in case a suitcase gets lost. That way, you can jump straight in the pool on arrival!”
“We always bring pillowcases from our house so that a holiday bed smells like home – this works well for our lad who has SEN.”
Listening to what parents say, it seems that the bulk of the parents doing the holiday packing are the mums and that they leave their own packing until last. If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s to put yourself first. Choose some nice travel toiletries and self-care items, don’t forget your accessories (they can elevate an outfit) and above all, try to make sure you get some relaxing time while you’re away!
You might also find these posts helpful:
Camping & Glamping with a toddler or baby? Here's what to take!
Self catering with a baby - the essential packing list
10 best products for sleeping away from home with a baby
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So how can we prepare for this with our babies and children? It can be normal to take some time to adjust (some of us will take up to a week or so, and some of us might not notice it at all).
Initially, there will be more light in the evenings, and a little less in the mornings (although this will soon change). This Spring clock change can be really helpful for those with little ones who wake very early.
Hopefully you will get some later wake up times from your little ones. If your little ones wake up very early in the mornings, I highly recommend getting a black out blind. For those travelling I love the SnoozeShade cot cover. It is made of air-permeable mesh that blocks out 94% of light – perfect when you don’t know if where you are going will have black out curtains, or if you are staying up watching tv in the same room as your baby.
Rosey Davidson is an author, speaker and the founder of Just Chill Baby Sleep, an infant sleep consultancy supporting families to get better sleep. Rosey has a range of resources including her new book The Just Chill Baby Sleep Book, her award-winning online courses, one-to-one support, and her free resources over at @just_chill_mama.
For more great sleep advice pre-order a copy of Rosey’s new book 'The Just Chill Baby Sleep Book : Easy and Empowering Sleep Solutions'
Further Reading
Spotlight on baby sleep expert: Rosey Davidson - Just Chill Baby Sleep
6 Expert tips for helping your baby sleep in hot weather
How much does daylight affect your baby's sleep?
When you’re a parent of a small baby, you have the advantage over some families, as you don’t yet have to take your holidays when the schools are out. This means that not only are holidays that bit cheaper than when all the kids are on holiday but it also means that some family-friendly resorts are much quieter.
For your first holiday as a brand new family, we’d suggest you make it as easy and stress-free as you can and luckily, there are lots of holiday destinations that love babies and provide amazing facilities for families.
Here are our top tips for your winter sun holiday with baby:
Flying with a baby can be fine, as many babies love the sound of the engines and drift off to sleep. Others, however, hate it and scream all the way through the flight. So, it makes sense to start your family travel adventures with a short-haul flight and luckily, there are some destinations that are close enough to be easy to get to but warm enough for you to enjoy – see below.
If you are going to a family-friendly resort, you can relax, as they will have almost all you need on site. Most will have cots or cribs, highchairs, even loan pushchairs. Just take your SnoozeShade to pop over the pushchair for nap times. You can also make sure your baby keeps to their sleep routine even if the morning light starts earlier thanks to SnoozeShade for cots or travel cots. If you are going to a self-catering holiday house or to a villa, make sure that you know what facilities are available at your location and what you’ll need to bring with you. A quick Google for local supermarkets is well worth it too, to see if they have your favoured brands of baby milk and nappies, plus see our guide to packing for a self-catering holiday.
Even winter sun can burn your baby’s skin, so make sure you take as good care with winter sun protection that you would with summer sun. For babies over six months, a good organic and natural sun cream with UPF50 is ideal, plus you should have some long-sleeved, lightweight tops and long, light trousers to protect your baby’s skin. A sun hat is also essential and you can look for some UV protective sunsuits and pop-up tents for the beach. Remember that though UV is slightly lower in winter, it’s still there and your baby’s skin is very delicate. The sun’s rays are often lower in the sky too and will shine directly into the pushchair if you haven’t protected it with SnoozeShade.
Bear in mind that some resorts and restaurants close in the winter, so basing yourself near or in a larger town will mean that you can still find plenty of facilities. Here are our favourite short-haul winter sun destinations.
The Canary Islands are just four hours’ flight away and the average temperature in December is a balmy 210C. Lanzarote is the easiest to get to, with direct flights from most UK airports and resorts and restaurants tend to be open all year. Gran Canaria is also easy to get to from the UK and has plenty of gorgeous beaches; Fuerteventura also has some great resorts.
Destinations:
Robinson Club Esquinzo Playa, a sporty and tranquil resort on Fuerteventura.
Princesa Yaiza Hotel Resort is a budget resort on Lanzarote.
Oliver’s Travels has family-friendly villas on Lanzarote.
Madeira is also around 210C in mid-winter and also a four hour flight. It is a beautiful green island in the colder months and there’s lots to do, from sight-seeing to taking boats to other islands, with pushchair-friendly walking trails and cable cars into the mountains.
Destinations:
Porto Mare Hotel has good children’s facilities and kids go free.
Aqua Natura Hotel Madeira is beside the sea and near lots of visitor attractions.
James Villas has plenty of Madeira locations.
The Algarve is on Portugal’s Atlantic coast and while the sea may not be as warm as the Med, the coastline and sandy beaches have made it a family favourite for years. The locals love kids too and a range of languages is spoken, including English. It’s also a lot cheaper than other European countries, so your money will go further.
Destinations:
Martinhal Sagres, a luxurious family-friendly resort in a nature reserve.
Four Seasons Fairways, great for families and located near beaches and world-class gold resorts.
3HB Clube Humbria, is an inexpensive Albufeira resort.
Malta, with its sister islands of Gozo and Comino, has an intriguing blend of Italian, Arab and English cultures and there’s a lot to see and do – as well as gorgeous beaches too of course!
Child Friendly Villas Direct has several villas on Malta.
Db Seabank Resort & Spa has plenty for the kids – and parents too!
The Hilton Malta is a luxe hotel with good kids’ options.
Greece is also a good winter sun destination, especially the more southerly islands of Crete, Cyprus and Rhodes, though the smaller islands like Alonissos and Skiathos are also lovely.
Marpunta Resort, Alonissos is right on the sea in a quiet location.
The Princess Resort on Skiathos has kids’ clubs and a lively location.
Constantinos The Great on Cyprus is all-inclusive and family friendly.
Sardinia is a little-known destination and it can be more difficult to fly to direct in the off-season but it’s worth it for the crystal blue sea and golden beaches.
The Delphina Resorts have eight locations, many restaurants and spas as well as great children’s clubs and facilities.
Further reading:
What to know when planning on travelling with a newborn
Ten of the best travel cots
What to pack when travelling with a baby – the essentials
Learn how to make sure you prevent tooth decay and keep your baby’s teeth pearly white.
Once the first tooth has started to poke through the gum, use a cloth wrapped round your forefinger and wipe round very gently inside your baby’s mouth, massaging the gums to clean them. Do this twice a day, using a tiny smear of baby fluoride toothpaste. Don’t consider tooth care as optional just because these are milk teeth!
As more teeth appear, move on to a baby toothbrush, though make
this a manual, rather than an electric brush.
If you use a dummy, never dip it into anything sweet, including fruit juice. This can cause tooth decay. In fact, as fruit juices are very high in sugar, don’t introduce juices at all at this age.
Make tooth brushing time fun! Have a special song you sing, make a game out of it, or brush your own teeth at the same time. Babies love to mimic and this makes a chore more fun!
Brush the teeth in little circles and encourage your child to spit out the excess toothpaste.
You’re aiming for two minutes but in the early stages, your baby may not tolerate this long. Remember that you are getting your baby used to brushing, so start with a shorter time and increase until you reach the two-minute mark. Make sure one of your brushing times is at bedtime, the other earlier in the day at a time that suits you both.
There is lots of conflicting advice about using toothpaste, with some dentists recommending a pea-sized blob of ordinary, adult toothpaste, some saying you should only use a children’s formula and others saying an organic paste or none is best. Flouride is another confusing issue – should you use a flouride toothpaste if the water in your area is fluoridated?
It’s best to discuss this with your dentist while your baby is very young to get the right advice.
The biggest threat to those pearly white baby teeth is sugar, so try to restrict this in your baby’s diet. The worst thing is to have something that exposes your child’s teeth to sugar for long periods – things like lollipops and sugary drinks. If you do give your baby a sugary drink like fruit juice, rinse the mouth with water afterwards and never offer it to them in a bottle or spout as this concentrates the sugars straight onto the teeth.
Make Trips to the Dentist a Regular Family Outing
Check-ups and treatment for children are free in the NHS. Make sure you register your baby with a local dentist and book regular checks. You can find a local dentist here.
Further Reading:
Discover The 5 Stages of Baby Teething
How to Navigate The 4-Month Sleep Regression
Establishing a Good Sleep Routine For Your Baby
Baby Keepsake Book £35 Amazon
Somewhere to keep those first photos, first curl and first anecdotes. This stylish book has a linen cover with an embossed gold title, gold ring binding and sturdy pages to attach photos to. You can share it with your child in later years.
Personalised Teddy Bear £20 Amazon
Every baby needs a cuddly toy and this can be personalised with your baby’s name on its tummy, weight on one foot and date of birth on the other. It can be ordered in blue, grey, pink or black and it’s suitable for babies from birth.
Silver Brush and Comb Set £59.95 Harrods
This is really more of an heirloom than a brush and comb to be used but a silver gift is traditional for new babies. In a luxe presentation box, the soft brush comes with a matching comb.
Sophie la Giraffe Gift Set £55 Selfridges
In a cloth basket with handles sits a lovely set of the ever-popular Sophie gifts including a teether, a plush Sophie comforter, a muslin and a rattle toy (not suitable under 3 months). The basket can be used later on to store socks or other small items and the teether will be invaluable when those little toothie pegs start to pop through.
Peter Rabbit Flopsy Bunny Ring Rattle £12.99 John Lewis
Give the gift of the enduring appeal of the Beatrix Potter stories with this sweet Flopsy Bunny rattle. The ring is made from solid wood and will be a great teether while the bunny’s head is in plush with a rattling sound that your baby can have fun with.
First Curl and Tooth Keepsake Box £20 Amazon
A beautiful way to remember those ‘firsts’ is this pair of elephant shaped keepsake boxes. There’s one for their first curl, another for their first tooth and the elephants link trunks.
Baby Milestone Blanket £17.99 Etsy
Keep friends and relatives in the loop by using this mat to update them on your little one’s progress. Later, you can create a montage of the photos to see your baby’s amazing transformation from a newborn to a toddler.
SnoozeShade Deluxe Bundle £134.27
Offering a complete bundle of sleep products, this gift includes SnoozeShade for infant car seats Deluxe, SnoozeShade Original Deluxe, SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe and SnoozeShade for Travel Cots. Offering a premium blackout solution for every age and method of travel, the award-winning products are made from better-than-breathable mesh fabric that stops your baby getting distracted when you’re trying to get them to nod off. This one off buy also saves you 15% on the cost, too!
Sterling Silver Christening Baby Bangle £49 Etsy
One of the most traditional baby girl gifts is a silver bracelet or bangle, given either for the birth or for a Christening or naming ceremony. This has an engraved design in a floral pattern, is around 43mm and is designed to fit a newborn. It can then be kept as a memory for years and even passed on down the family.
Grey Bunny Ears Romper £19 Mamas & Papas
Many people buy clothing for a new baby and parents are always grateful. You can never have enough! A cute romper is a great gift and this one is fun too, with its rabbit ears. It’s made from soft jersey cotton and is easy to put on as it has a simple zip fastener.
Further Reading:
Which SnoozeShade Should I Choose?
10 of the Best Baby Sleep Books and Apps
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Sleep Regression
There was a time when the concept of a baby shower was unknown in the UK but as we lean closer and closer to the traditions from the US, they have become a much-loved part of the fun of preparing for the birth of your baby.
A baby shower is a party organised by the family and friends of a pregnant women that is traditionally thrown shortly before the baby’s birth.
It is a way to spoil the woman and to look forward to the baby’s arrival. Guests usually bring gifts along for the mum, the baby or both.
The mum-to-be should not have to organise her own shower, so it usually falls to a friend or relation. It should be someone who knows the mum-to-be well, so that they know her tastes and likes. Alternatively, if you are having a more elaborate shower, you might want to employ a party planner and perhaps hire a venue too, or a restaurant might be the perfect option.
The perfect time to hold it would be about six weeks before the baby’s due date.
It’s tricky making sure that everyone is able to attend, so it’s a good idea to check with all the most important people before setting the date – so that’s the immediate family, close friends, godparents and so on. Make sure invitations are sent in plenty of time and that you follow up on responses, so that you know how many people are coming.
Some people like to have a theme for the baby shower. If the gender of the baby is known, there might be decorations and food that’s suited to that – think pink cupcakes or blue balloons.
It’s a great idea for the parents of the expected baby to have a think about what they still need for their baby’s arrival and then to make a list. Guests at the shower can then choose something from the list. This means that the parents will receive gifts that they like and need. The list might be complied by the organiser of the shower or it could be held online at a retailer, like a wedding list.
Any good party is made by the food you serve - and the drinks. If you are holding the shower at a café or restaurant, make sure you discuss the menu for the shower in plenty of time and confirm the expected number of people attending. If you are catering it at home, make sure the food will be easy for everyone to eat – finger or bowl food is perfect – and also be sure to check if you have any people with specific dietary needs or preferences such as needing gluten-free or vegan food. A mixture of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is the perfect way to celebrate and you might want to theme the food and drinks, to give them more of a focus. You may want to have a cake to cut – though individual cupcakes or cake pops are more popular for showers. Make sure you have plenty of plates, bowls and cutlery, plus napkins and table decorations. You can also decorate the venue with balloons, bunting, flowers and so on, plus photos of the mum- and dad-to-be.
Baby Shower Games
Plan some fun activities to keep the fun moving right along with baby shower games. There might be one activity, such as making an item for the parents or baby, or you might have several smaller games. You can also schedule in a time for the new parents to open their gifts.
Have a keepsake book that guests can sign; an Instamatic camera is also a great idea – guests can take their pictures with the mum-to-be and then stick the photo into the keepsake book, along with a comment.
What are your favourite ideas for a baby shower?
Further Reading:
Seven tips for mastering your baby’s Christmas sleep routine
Can’t get together in person? See our tips for a virtual baby shower
Discover why getting outdoors every day makes you feel better
It’s hard to maintain a good baby sleep routine at the best of times and no sooner have you got your child into a good routine than something happens to disturb it. Perhaps it’s teething, or a sleep regression. One thing that’s beyond your control, however, is that the clocks go back in the Autumn.
Babies have no concept of the clock change and are governed only by their own body clocks. How do we help them to transition through the loss of an hour's sleep?
We all need to re-set our clock back by one hour at 02:00 on October 31 – that’s Hallowe’en. Usually, most of us re-set the clocks the night before, as nobody wants to sit up until 2 and you don’t want to wake up the next day not knowing what the time is.
The idea of changing the time came from the First World War as a way of conserving energy and even though many experts say that changing the clocks can mess with our natural sleep rhythms, it seems we’re stuck with it for now.
The good news? You get an extra hour in bed (if your baby will allow you to). The bad news? It can play havoc with your baby’s bedtimes for the next few days to come.
Some parents start reacting to the clock change early and gradually change their baby’s bedtime each night. This will get them ready for the change and is suitable for those with a very strict baby bedtime routine.
If you do want to prep ahead, start putting them down for their naps and bedtimes 10 to 15 minutes later each day. Start four days ahead. When Sunday is here, your routine will be an hour ahead in preparation for the clock change. If, after the clock change, your baby starts to wake earlier, slowly move their naps and bedtime forward by 10 to 15 minutes every day until they’re waking at a civilised hour. Try to stick to your usual bedtime routine as consistently as you can.
Once this transition has been made, you will continue to put your baby to bed at the usual time of 7pm but as the clocks have changed, this will not affect her sleep at all. Her body will be used to this new time. And hopefully she won't wake up at 6am instead of 7am!
If your daytime routine allows it, adjust your baby's naps to suit the clock change too. It will make it so much easier when the clocks have moved back an hour. Don't forget that if your little one is finding it hard to adjust to a new nap time, SnoozeShade is your friend! Lots of families report that the shade acts as a sleep cue for their little ones, and at the very least you're blocking out stimulation, which can make sleep a lot easier.
A good bedtime sleep routine is so important for little ones, never more so than when the clocks are changing. Start tweaking it now if you need to, to make sure that everything is running smoothly when the clocks move back. Remember to stay consistent and all will work out well.
Again, now is the time to check your child's bedroom and make sure that it is a suitable environment for sleep. Is it warm enough, dim enough and safe enough? You want to eliminate all possible problems so that the transition to new sleeping times goes as well as possible.
When your child is not quite so little anymore, the clock change can be a different kind of challenge. Some parents allow older kids to stay up a little later on clock change night, so that they don’t want to get up earlier than usual the following day. But as we all know, this doesn't always work! The best thing to do is to change the clocks in their bedroom (if you have one) the night before and let them know what's happening. Explain that they still need to get up at the usual time and praise them when they do so. It's only an hour but when it comes to getting up either at 5am or 6am, we know which we would prefer!
With thanks to Lucy Shrimpton, The Sleep Nanny, for her help with this post. Lucy has helped hundreds of tired parents and children around the world to win bedtime battles and finally gain the gift of a good night’s sleep. Combining insights from psychology, sleep, parenting and wellness, Lucy helps mothers all over the world to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Further Reading:
Clocks Going Back and Baby Sleep
4 Tips to Adjust Baby Sleep When Clocks Go Forward
How to Help Your Child Adjust to the Clock Change
Karen from Asleep at Last explains the link and what you can to get your baby sleep on track.
This is the science bit, where I have to talk a little about hormones. When we are tired our sleepy hormone, Melatonin starts to rise. When it’s high is the perfect time to go for a sleep, if however, we don’t go to sleep our brain signals for Melatonin to stop rising and the non sleepy hormone, Cortisol will begin to rise instead. Cortisol will wake you up and that is why you have a baby that may seem sleepy one minute, but by the time you try to get them down for a nap they’re now wide awake - essentially you have missed the sleepy window.
If you have a baby that is fighting sleep all day, come bedtime you’re now on the back foot and any attempts to get baby to sleep will result in tears, sometimes for hours on end. The hormones are now all over the place and the baby is extremely overtired.
Eventually your baby will crash out but it is likely they will be restless and wake often in the night and take short naps.
Getting them to sleep within that sleepy window is going to give them the best chance of falling asleep quickly and staying asleep for longer. Not only that, but if you keep on top of this overtired loop you’ll be in a really good place come bedtime to get them to sleep quickly.
All babies' sleepy windows are different depending on age so having a guide is key. I have a FREE guide for babies 4-12 months here. Put baby down within their window through the day and help them to link sleep cycles, so they get the total amount of day sleep for their age.
DARKNESS is key for babies to encourage the production of Melatonin, using SnoozeShade when out and about will help avoid babies being distracted by the outside world. When the baby only needs a short nap I do recommend going for a pram walk to get this in as motion will help. Longer naps are better in their own beds and using sleep bags and black out blinds will be key to encouraging more sleep as well.
Again this will differ depending on age, but as a guide this is what you can expect by age….
0-16 weeks 3-4 naps across the day.
4 - 7 months 3 naps across the day, 2 shorter ones and 1 longer one in the middle.
8-15 months 2 naps, 1 short and 1 longer middle of the day.
15 months + 1 nap in the middle of the day until 2.5-3 years old.
Keeping to a set nap time, helps to set an age appropriate bedtime as well. I recommend a bedtime of around 6.30pm for most little ones and this won’t mean an earlier wake up like most people think.
Waking up at the same time each morning is also key, even if the baby has a bad night, in order to get the correct amount of day sleep in. You can do a 7-7 day or a 8-8 day but sticking to that will help to set the baby's circadian rhythm.
Of course there will be days you cannot stick to a structure if babies unwell or you’re on holiday. Flexing a routine for a baby who is already established and in healthy sleep habits is easier than one who isn’t and the odd day / week off schedule will not ruin everything.
To recap then, day sleep directly correlates to night sleep because babies only need so much sleep across a 24 hour period. Ensuring they get the right amount of this sleep during the day will allow them to sleep better at night.
Yes this may mean waking the baby up if they sleep past 7am, waking them up if the nap is too long or having to help them to go back to sleep if the nap is too short. But this consistency and commitment will pay off when they start to sleep better at night.
Naps is exactly where I start with my clients when we begin working together and getting on top of any sleep debt is a priority so baby is no longer overtired.
If you want to explore working with Karen, she works with newborns through the children age 5 on her 4 week programme ‘The Dream Sleep Solution’. You can find out more about it and book a call here. Also head over and follow on Instagram for information and tips directly from Karen.
Further Reading:
Help Your Baby Nap Longer
Toddler Nap Problems and Their Solutions
The Importance of a Good Sleep Routine for the Whole Family
This book helps get a baby to sleep without tears and is aimed at parents whose babies are over four months old. The book helps parents keep a diary of their child’s bedtime routine, how many times they wake during the night and how they wake – crying, yelling, making small noises. It also asks you to record how you got your child back to sleep again. Based on this, you can start to pinpoint what might be hampering your baby from getting to sleep and staying that way, from external things like light and noise to when they had their last feed. It helps you to notice sleep cues, ensure they are getting enough daytime naps and helps you to be able to put your child down to sleep when they are sleepy but not yet asleep – the holy grail in terms of your baby learning to be able to self-settle. It’s good for parents who want to introduce some sort of structure but not one’s that’s too rigid.
Suitable from birth, this booked based on the acronym EASY (Eat, Activity, Sleep, You), advocates a routine, sure but one that ultimately revolves around both you and your baby. It’s great for those whose lives need some element of spontaneity, as it doesn’t enforce a strict routine but it helps new parents understand what babies do and when. It also helps you to understand the different noises babies make, from ‘hungry’ to ‘uncomfortable,’ so as to be able to calm your baby back to sleep at night if they are not actually hungry.
Ferber helps parents to understand the principles of baby sleep and self-settling in order to help establish a good sleep routine. It can help parents who have previously established a good sleep pattern in their babies but whose child then suddenly bucks their pattern with a. sleep regression. This may be due to illness or teething – or an unknown factor. Advocating a wind-down routine and sleep cues for your baby, plus helpful ideas like getting your partner to settle them if they wake in the night but are not hungry, it shows you how to establish a good routine once more. It’s great for babies who are a few months old and the helpful ideas for getting your baby back to sleep during the night will soon have them sleeping through.
Sarah is the founder of a method of gentle sleep training and provides help and advice to new mums. This book puts all her years of experience and knowledge into one place. For parents who do not want to approach cry-it-out solutions, this book helps them address their baby’s sleep in a gentle way, helping both sleep-deprived parents and restless babies alike. She offers lots of good, practical advice, such as telling you how long you should expect your child to sleep at each age, why so much sleep advice is inaccurate and how to treat common problems such as bedtime refusal, nightmares and frequent waking. With consistent bedtimes and how to use both diet and sleep comforters effectively, this book is a best seller for a reason.
Some people rave about Gina Ford, others steer well clear of what is a very restrictive routine that is supposed to be followed from birth – though you can start later on. But if you’re the kind of person for whom structure, planning ahead and routine is music to your ears, this method may just save your sleep! From the time your baby is woken in the morning, to nap times, mealtime and bedtime routines, everything is planned out for you at specific times. It may take you a couple of tries before you can get it to work with your baby, as they may already have some established patterns but in a few days, they will be used to their new routine and so will you. The bedtime routine is very long – two hours – and you can’t abandon the routine if you fancy a day doing something different but it may help establish sleeping through the night if you get your baby into a pattern.
Louenna Hood is a highly qualified nanny and maternity nurse. Since graduating from the prestigious Norland College, she has worked all over the world for several high profile and royal families. The Louenna app was created in 2020, to guide parents through the incredible journey of parenthood. From what to buy for your newborn, to feeding, bathing, sleep routines, potty training, language development and so much more. Whatever your question or concern, there is simple and practical advice available at your fingertips 24/7 with the Louenna app.
This app has lots of different functions, so whether you’re a laid back parent who just wants some tips, or are a tech addict who wants to know every move your little one makes, it has all you need. The app can track your baby’s feeds, when they feed and for how long, when their nappies were changed and of course your baby’s sleep too. It can also hold information like your little one’s weight and height so you can check their growth.
With this you can track all the information you need (and a lot you probably don’t) about your baby’s sleep, mood, nappies, activities, feeds, photos and more. You can allow several adults to use the app so that both parents, the babysitter, grandparents and day care staff can all have access to it and you and other carers can exchange information on your baby via the app. This can help ensure all grown-ups are following the same sleep routines.
This app focuses on sleep and relaxation and can be used for daytime naps or night time sleep. It can also be used for people of any age and the couple who created it for their baby still use it to help them relax and focus. It has several sounds to soothe your baby including a hairdryer, vacuum cleaner and shushing plus lullabies and it can keep track of how well and how long your baby sleeps. You can share it with other users and (best of all) the app does not collect your data.
With 30 sounds including white noise and lullabies, this has more than you need to be able to find some noises your baby finds relaxing. It offers high quality sounds and they are louder than you might expect – the app creator explains that sounds within the womb are actually quite loud to a baby! By replicating the loud and rhythmic sounds inside their mum’s tummy, this helps your baby feel at home and therefore able to sleep. You can record your own voice to calm your baby when you’re not there and the app will react when your baby cries and automatically turn on.
Many parents know that white noise can be a great asset when you are trying to get your baby to sleep – and that’s for a couple of reasons. It mimics some of the sounds from inside the womb, which is comforting and it also blocks noises from outside such as traffic, dogs and the TV, so it can keep your baby from getting distracted when they are dropping off. There are other noises too, such as the sounds of a car ride, the inside a seashell and the sounds of the womb. In addition, tunes by Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin provide sleepy time lullabies.
Further Reading:
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Sleep Regression
Three Baby Sleep Problems and How to Fix Them
What Should My Baby Wear in Bed? Tips from our sleep experts
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Many new parents get a little obsessive about their baby’s nap schedule and whether you are a follower of the Gina Ford method of rigid schedules, or like to take it a little more easily, you may wonder if it’s safe and healthy for your baby to have some of her naps in the pushchair. The answer is yes, it’s completely safe and has additional benefits, too.
For a newborn, you want to make sure that your baby is lying as flat as possible on a firm surface for naps. That’s why a carrycot or bassinet on the pushchair is idea for the first few months. Some carrycots double up as overnight sleeping cribs too – check out which carrycots are safe for overnight sleeping when you buy your pushchair and you can save yourself money on purchasing a crib or Moses basket.
If you don’t want to go to the expense of a carrycot or bassinet, make sure that the seat unit of your chosen pushchair lies completely flat - take advice from your local independent nursery store staff to find one that suits your needs.
If your baby is a little older and has been sitting up, enjoying the view as you stroll, make sure you recline the seat as soon as they fall asleep. This is the safest position for sleeping. Of course, as your child will be held by the harness, you don’t need to worry about your child rolling over.
When you have a newborn, everything is new to them and so they are actually very adaptable to new people, circumstances and locations. That’s why using the pushchair for some of your baby’s naps during the day means that your baby will be open to sleeping in different places. The last thing you need is a baby that will only sleep in their cot and can’t nap anywhere else!
While strolling, your little one is getting plenty of fresh air. Make sure your routes are away from heavy traffic and choose a walk that offers plenty of green space if you can, plus a café or two along the way for pit stops!
For you, being at home with a small baby can limit your horizons temporarily and you may feel that you are often stuck at home. Walking is one of the ways you can take back some control - and you have a very effective piece of exercise equipment right there.
Start small and go out for a short while every day at times when your baby is due a nap – after a feed is great, so prepare everything you need before your baby is hungry. If you’ve had a Caesarean, use the slopes in the curb and be careful about pushing down on the pushchair’s handle.
The fresh air, blue sky and green spaces have a positive effect on your mood. Plus, research shows that babies who have plenty of fresh air sleep better too!
Once you have started your new walking routine, aim to increase the distance a little each time, until you’re doing around 20 minutes three times a week. Walking up hills targets different muscle groups too.
Why not turn your walks with your baby into an opportunity to catch up with friends, perhaps those you met at parenting classes? Meet at a mutually convenient point, go for a good stroll and end up at a café or baby class.
Don’t Forget to Take All You Need Out With You!
Make sure you wear good, supportive trainers and comfortable clothes!
Do you like taking walks with your baby in their pushchair at nap times? Share your thoughts with our online community.
Further Reading:
Looking for a Running Buggy? See Our Pick of the Best
Get Started with Some New Mum Exercises
Which SnoozeShade Should I Choose for my Pushchair?
Everyone in the family benefits when babies and children sleep well - especially the little one’s themselves. Here are some facts:
If you’re worried about the sleepless nights in your family, the best thing that you can do is to start a bed time routine. This is simply a repeated series of steps leading up to bed time, which help a baby or child to mentally and physically prepare for sleep. A really consistent routine can make them feel both sleepy and safe.
The best bed time routines are very repetitive, and this is important, as babies and young children like to be able to predict what is coming next. In fact, they thrive and feel safe with familiarity and predictability. When the bed time routine regularly culminates with them falling asleep, they often become conditioned to feel sleepy towards the end of their familiar bedtime “script.”
An established and familiar bed time routine is great for parents too, as it gives you a well practiced structure to follow at the end of the day. Being a parent of a baby or toddler is very hard work, and as their bed time approaches, everyone, including you will be tired. It really helps when you can switch onto “auto pilot” and not have to think too hard about how to settle your child for the night.
Just because a bedtime routine is established and consistent [strict!], it doesn’t mean that it can’t also be fun and loving. It should incorporate cuddles and little songs/rhymes/games along the way, such as in the bath, cleaning teeth etc.
Having a nightly bath or shower is a great way for them to expend their energy reserves and don’t worry if it seems to energise them. If they are running around and giddy afterwards, this is normal and they will settle down when they get into bed if you direct them to. This nightly bath or shower serves as marker that the day is finished and now it’s time for bed.
Depending on your circumstances, your routine can be as long or as short as you like, provided that it is familiar.
Here’s an example of the kind of routine that you might want to try:
In addition to a good bed time routine, one of the best ways to improve a baby’s or a child’s sleep at night time, which involves no sleep training and doesn’t cost a penny, is to expose them to daylight - especially in the morning. The contrast of lightness in the day and darkness at night helps them to produce healthy levels of melatonin; the hormone responsible for putting them to sleep at night and keeping them asleep. Not only this, but daylight exposure can also improve your whole family’s mood, as it increases the release of the “feel good” hormone, serotonin.
This article was written by Andrea Grace, a Child Sleep Expert in the UK who works online and from her clinic in Harley Street, London with families from the UK and all over the world. She has worked in the field of child health and family support for 25 years and has helped thousands of families to overcome their children’s sleep problems. She is also a mum of four.
Andreas work is recognised by leading paediatricians, child psychologists and health journalists. You can find out more about her and her services at Andrea Grace or make contact on Instagram
How Do I Establish a Good Sleep Routine For My Baby?
Newborn Bedtime Routine Vs Toddler Bedtime Routine
Tips for Your First Family Holiday Abroad
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A new baby is so special and everyone wants to help celebrate your new arrival. But where can you find baby gifts for a boy? Whether you want to buy a traditional new baby gift, a keepsake or a modern present, we have some of the best ideas for you.
Having a baby here means your thoughts might go to those less fortunate, so a donation to a charity that helps children in developing countries is a lovely way to celebrate your special little boy. Compassion invests in entire communities and from as little as a few cents a day, you can ensure a child receives food and an education.
Laying down a bottle or case of wine or whisky is still a popular gift and it will not only(hopefully) mature in the bottle, it may even increase in value too! Choose a bottle that can be engraved and it makes it a really special gift.
In years to come, you can take out this sweet gift set and wonder how that huge toddler or hulking teenager ever lay on it. This blanket can be embroidered with your little boy’s name for the perfect gift.
Silver has been a traditional new baby or Christening present for generations and you can give it a thoughtful twist by offering a gift that doubles as a place to keep your baby’s first tooth and curl safe. This jolly little train is driven by a little teddy and its carriages make keepsake boxes for those toothy pegs and memories of your baby’s first haircut. It will sit on the shelf of the nursery and become an heirloom.
Before long, you’ll have lots of lovely toys for your little boy and what better place to keep them than a personalised toy box There are lots out there from small companies that will make them to different designs and colours, with your baby’s name carved into them. This one is a nice painted wooden box that will fit in any room and be a great place to teach your child how to tidy up. It’s never too early…
A teddy bear is a lovely new baby boy gift and Steiff, the best name in collectible and keepsake teddy bears, has created a range called Teddies for Tomorrow. Each is crafted from sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp, linen and paper and have been designed for play, washability and durability. Petsy bear is 24cm high and has the classic ‘button in ear’ that Steiff is famous for.
Love your trainers? Live for labels? You can dress your little boy’s feet in the latest designer trainers (they’re super soft to protect your little one’s feet too) and you can keep them forever to remember baby’s first shoes. There are lots of different brands that offer a range of baby shoes but we love these lion-embellished soft white leather shoes from Kenzo. Less expensive brands are also available!
The first year of your baby’s life is pretty intense and it’s easy to forget all the ‘firsts’ and special moments in the blur of new motherhood. So write it all down and in future, your child will be able to read about all those clever things he has done! Letters to my Baby by Lea Redmond contains 12 envelopes that you can fill with memories, hopes and thoughts for your baby. Seal them and send them to your child at a later date. Letters begin with prompts to get you started, such as: “On the day you were born….” Write now, read later, treasure forever, as Lea says.
Making a permanent reminder of just how tiny those fingers and toes were, this lovely kit enables you to take hand and footprints of your newborn and keep them, with two photographs of your little one, forever in a lovely cream coloured frame that will suit the décor of any home. Every purchase of one of these kits also goes towards new mums look after their perinatal mental health, too.
Another traditional baby gift is a set of silver ware and this silver plated set of knife, fork and spoon comes is beautifully packaged. The handles are festooned with teddies.
Further Reading:
What To Know When Planning to Travel With a Newborn
Discover All The Best Things About SnoozeShade - And Why It's Safe
How Your Baby Sleeps From 12 - 18 Months
We all want our babies to be safe and one of the key items of safety equipment we buy for our little ones is an infant car seat. In fact, your baby’s very first journey home from the hospital or birthing centre should be in a car seat appropriate to their age and size – some hospitals ask to see your seat before you leave to ensure your first journey is as safe as possible. Here’s all you need to know about car seat safety.
The UK law says that in any vehicle – that’s cars, vans and goods vehicles;
The driver is always the person responsible for the safety of passengers in the car.
Car seats should conform to UN and ECE standard 44.04 (or R.44.03) or to the EU i-Size regulation R129. You’ll see this number on the seat or its label.
A rearward facing car seat has been demonstrated to be the very safest for your baby. Children involved in accidents have far fewer, and less serious, injuries in a crash if they were in a rearward facing seat. So, it makes sense to have your child rearward facing as long as possible and certainly up to four years.
Most seats have a three- or five-point harness with a buckle in the middle. Make sure that the harness is properly done up each time you travel and that the straps are pulled tighter to your child’s chest – you should just be able to fit two fingers against your baby’s shoulders under the harness.
There are three ways that seats fit into your car:
Make sure you check the fit of the seat and the safety and engagement of the Isofix points at regular intervals. Always check the belt is fitted properly with every journey.
Babies should never wear puffy coats or snowsuits in a car seat. Not only are these a risk to your baby for overheating but they also make it difficult to adjust the seat’s safety harness properly.
Your baby’s car seat is safest in the back seat and the central seat is the safest part of that – it is therefore away from potential side impacts. If you do have to have the car seat in the front seat with you, you MUST make sure your car’s airbag is disabled by your car’s dealership.
Car seats are made for your baby’s safety but it is important to remember that they are made for travel by car – they are not a baby seat or bed for use at other times, when you are not in the car.
Newborn babies should lie as flat as possible for most of the time, apart from when they are in your arms, or in a sling. The position in which your baby sits in the car seat can may affect their breathing – they may slump, with the head falling to the side or onto the chest and this makes it difficult to breathe. They are also too small to be able to raise their head, as their muscles are not yet strong enough. So, it’s important to follow the car seat safety rules:
Many parents wonder when to move the headrest and harness as your baby grows. Your baby’s head should be held within the headrest, with the lowest edge of the headrest level with your baby’s shoulders. Move the headrest and harness (some move simultaneously) as they grow and if there is a newborn insert in your seat, remove that when appropriate – see your seat’s instructions. Once your child has reached the upper size limit for the seat or the upper weight limit, you must move up to the next seat.
Top Travel Hacks for Busy Parents
Travelling with a Newborn? Here Are Our Top Tips For An Easy and Stress-Free Journey
See The Essentials You Need When Travelling With a Baby
Are you heading off to a festival or show this year? Perhaps you’ve decided to go camping, whether it’s a simple tent pitched in a field or a luxe yurt on a glamping campsite. Any of these can be great fun but if you have a baby in tow, you need a little planning and some great products to help your trip go smoothly. Here are some of our favourites.
There are places that a pushchair can’t go, so to carry your baby at a festival or through the woods and fields of your campsite all day long in comfort, look for a great backpack carrier. Made with the same technology as a great rucksack, the LittleLife Voyager back carrier has been created using years research and testing in the wild and is designed to be as comfortable for the parent as it is for the baby. With an anatomically shaped baby seat, neck support and face pad, it includes a rear view mirror so you can see what your baby is up to, a sunshade and foot stirrups to keep their legs supported. The kick-out leg helps you get your baby in and out and it even has a bottle pocket, a toy loop and accessory pocket.
If you’re travelling by car, this is be perfect to pop into the boot for lots of fun and games for your baby all day long. It will keep your baby safe, raising them off the ground (especially if it’s muddy or a bit mucky) and because it has a seat that spins 3600, your little one can look all around them to see what’s going on. There are lots of activities on the Jumperoo, such as music, lights and sounds and your baby will learn how to make them all work. It has three different heights, so it will grow with your baby and the colourful toys will help your baby’s eyesight and development. Best of all, it folds for travel and it helps strengthen your baby’s legs for that all-important next developmental stage – walking!
Having a safe place for your baby to sleep at night and lay in during the day is worth its weight in gold, so this inexpensive travel cot is fabulous. It can be used from birth up to around six months (though you should stop using it when your baby can roll or pull themselves up) and it’s so easy to pack for your trip, as it folds into a tiny pack. It has a padded mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep and a built-in mosquito net to keep biting insects away from your little one.
Whether you’re taking a pushchair, a car seat or a travel cot on your trip, there’s a SnoozeShade to fit each one and keep your little one protected and calm for that all-important night’s sleep. Why not save money today on a bundle – save 10% on a pushchair plus a car seat SnoozeShade or alternatively grab a pushchair plus travel cot SnoozeShade. You can even save 15% on the full range, giving you sleep options wherever you go with your baby.
You’ve probably seen these trolleys before at festivals, packed full of cute babies and toys! This is our favourite, as it has big, chunky wheels that will glide over the biggest mud pits and ridges at Glastonbury or beyond. Built to last, it’s made from all-steel hardware (they don’t offer a canopy as they sensibly say they don’t meet fire standards) and it has industrial quality wheels with air tyres that make it easy to pull over rough ground. It has a comfortable handle to pull it along with and can be used at home too, for gardening or trips to the park.
It’s just 5.4kg, so in theory you could take this with you when travelling by any method, even train or bus, as long as your partner carries the baby in the backpack carrier, above! This enormous playpen is specifically designed for using anywhere to create a safe area for your child to rest and play. You can pop some toys inside (or create a mini ball pit) and it can be used indoors or out, at the beach or at a festival. The folding metal frame is light and easy to fold and unfold and the mesh sides mean you can always keep an eye on your little one. The base is water-resistant to keep your little one dry even on damp grass and it comes with its own bag with shoulder strap for easy transport.
It’s one of the most inexpensive items to pack for a trip but one of the most useful. In fact, pack two, as babies just love to pull them off and drop them from the pushchair, don’t they? This whale decorated hat not only has a peak to keep the sun off your baby’s face but has a neck flap too, to prevent sunstroke. Made from UPF50+ fabric it’s lightweight and quick drying and made from recycled plastic.
If you’re travelling light, you probably won’t want to take too many of your baby’s toys but if they are used to falling asleep to white noise, you can find an app on your phone so that you can play it when it’s time for your baby to sleep (check you’ve packed your travel phone charger). It’s the perfect way to help your little one drift off to sleep while masking external sounds. Just make sure you don’t choose an app that had adverts popping up in it that will wake your baby with a start!
Headed to a music festival? Worried that the music might be a bit loud for your baby’s delicate ears? These clever ear defenders will block out loud noises, keeping your little one happy and protected. They have an adjustable headband that’s soft and comfortable and the ear cups are well-padded too. They will be useful for all sorts of future events too – fireworks, parties and more!
Remember that babies under six months should not have sun cream applied to them, so keep them well shaded until then – of course, SnoozeShade is perfect for this! After that, look for a sun cream that’s as natural and protective as possible. We love Green People’s Organic Children range as it’s scent-free, chemical-free and made from the kindest of organic ingredients. Its soothing, does not clog pores and is water repellent and comes in recyclable plant-based packaging.
What products have you used at festivals and campsites? Share your baby travel hacks on our social media channels.
Further Reading:
Child Friendly Family Holiday
Help Your Baby Sleep Well on Holiday
Tips for Your First Family Holiday Together
If you want to have a couple of nights, a mini-break or a family holiday away from home with your baby, one of the things that might daunt you before you go is your baby’s sleep routine. But never fear, with these clever products, you can keep your baby’s sleep on track and have a break too.
We all have problems sleeping in a new location and unless you have thoroughly tired yourself out with activities during the day, you’ll probably find the first couple of nights away from home in a strange bed unsettling. Your baby is no different, so the key to successful baby sleep while you’re away from home is to pack a few clever products and to keep your baby’s sleep environment – and their sleep routine – as close as possible to the one you have at home. Sights, sounds and smells can all unsettle your little one and you may be in for a couple of sleepless nights, especially is your child is having problems with teething or is going through the four month sleep regression.
If you want your baby to have a comfortable and familiar place to sleep, don’t rely on hotel cribs or holiday house travel cots – you’re never sure how clean they are and they might even have broken parts. The best thing to do is to bring your own travel cot - and if you use it at home as a safe place for your baby to sleep and play in the living room or kitchen, it will take on the comforting and familiar smells of home. Take your own sheet for the mattress too, to further reinforce the familiar feel. Our favourite is the BabyBjorn Travel Cot Light, £247 but you can see all our top picks here.
Because some babies can be easily distracted by noises inside and outside the home, a white nose machine can be used to provide a continuous sound that helps them block out anything that could cause them to have problems sleeping. A machine that’s portable and that has additional functions makes for a great new baby gift, so put this one on your baby list! Our favourite is the ever-popular Ewan The Dream Sheep, £29.99, a cute and cuddly toy that has white noise but also has a volume control, a soft pink light to comfort your baby and womb sounds too.
You know what it’s like – you reach your relative’s house to spend the weekend and they put you in a bedroom with no curtains. Or you are abroad and the sun rises at a really, really early hour, waking your baby. So, taking a portable, pop-up blackout blind – well, give yourself a gold star. This clever GRO Anywhere Blackout Blind can be made to fit the window (up to 130 x 98cm) using clever Velcro tabs and the suction cups to attach it to the glass or the wall. It’s machine washable, too!
You probably already know that the great range of SnoozeShade products can help your baby sleep on the go – whether it’s for the pushchair, the travel cot or the car seat. It not only provides a dark, sleep-inducing environment, it prevents your baby from being disturbed by distraction and it deters well-meaning people from ‘just peeking’ at your baby and maybe waking them up in the process! Make sure you pack SnoozeShade for any trips out with your baby, whether it’s just for a stroll to the shops or a two-week trip to a foreign location.
When you are trying to get your little one to bed while you’re away on holiday, it’s best to stick to your usual bedtime routine and any sleep cues you can use will help. If you always use a baby sleeping bag at home, pack one for your holiday and your baby will recognise this and start to feel ready for bed when it’s put on. Simple to use and easy for night time nappy changes, there are lots of gorgeous sleeping bags and we have our pick of the best here.
A cuddly toy that your baby can cling to in the pushchair, in the car seat or when they are in their own little bed is a great buy. The Snuz Cloud, £29.95 is not only a cuddly plush cloud with a cute face design, it also has a handy loop so that you can hang it from the crib or cot, or from the car seat handle or pushchair bumper bar. It has a menu of sounds that can help sleep, such as a heartbeat, a lullaby, pink noise that mimics what it sounds like in the womb and a waterfall. It has a soft white light that’s great for nappy changes and a pink one that can aid sleep.
A story last thing before you pop your baby down to sleep can be another way that you signal to your little one that it’s time for sleep. Reading the same, calm, comforting story, preferably one with rhymes or repeated phrases, helps reinforce that idea, so make sure you choose a bedtime story that you love, too! Peepo is an old favourite by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, with its cut-out holes that allow you to see what’s coming up on the next page. The little baby in the story is settled for bed with his toy and sees all the comforting, familiar things of home around him. It’s sure to be a hit with your baby too.
If it’s too hot even for a sleeping bag, or your little one is still very much a newborn, swaddling can be a sure-fire way to help your baby sleep. It ‘cuddles’ them and prevents the startle reflex that can wake your baby after they have drifted off to sleep and a good muslin has lots of other great uses too; it can be used under your baby’s head in a travel cot or pushchair to catch drool and it’s great as a burp cloth. The packs of four by Aden + Anais are super soft and come in lots of lovely prints and colours.
You will want to have some quality time with your partner while you’re away from home, yet still be able to check your baby is doing fine, so a travel baby monitor is a handy addition to your suitcase. One that works on batteries will mean that you can use it abroad without having to worry about a plug adapter – even if you’re camping or heading to a festival! Look for the Babymoov Simply Care Audio Baby Monitor, £39.99, that has both audio and visual alarms, a range of 300m and an adjustable volume. Don’t forget to pack spare batteries!
If you use your baby’s travel cot quite a bit, an extra mattress is a great addition to ensuring a good night’s sleep. This fully breathable mattress by Pinkfairy, £19.99, has a removable anti allergen quilted cover that can be washed, it is made from a firm, dense foam and it is deeply padded so as to make it super comfortable. It’s waterproof too, to prevent spills and accidents affecting the mattress.
What products do you never leave home without? Share your baby travel hacks on our social media channels.
Further Reading:
Establishing a Good Sleep Routine For Your Baby
Tips For a Great Bedtime Routine
Want To Get Out With Baby and Have Some Exercise? Here Are The Best Running Buggies
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Cara xx
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What is the Snoo?
Well it's a cot - but like no other cot - it's the result of many years of research by American baby sleep scientist Dr Harvey Karp.
He is often referred to as "the baby whisperer" and he has written a best-selling book Happiest Baby on The Block.
The Snoo is an all singing all snoozing sleep machine - you can find out more about it here. Yes, it's very expensive but many parents rave about its sleep-inducing qualities.
Can SnoozeShade work with the Snoo?
Initially our answer was 'we don't know' but then a very kind customer offered to test it for us. She used one of our 6 month plus stroller shades and the version for travel cots.
She has taken some photos and we can see that both types of SnoozeShade can work - it all depends on what you prefer.
Now our answer is 'Yes and nicely'
You can use a SnoozeShade Plus (pictured) or SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe and then use on your pram or stroller.
Or you can use the travel cot version and yes it will be a bit big, but if you do as our clever mum did and put it on sideways the opening fits really neatly over the Snoo. Then when baby progresses to a normal travel cot (or you use one when on holiday) you can use the SnoozeShade on that too.
]]>It can be hard to get some exercise when you’re a new mum, as leaving your baby with a friend, relative or in a creche may feel too difficult at first, especially if you’re breastfeeding. So, one solution is to get some exercise with your baby along for the ride – quite literally! There are several companies that make great quality, dedicated running pushchairs and whether you’re in training for your next marathon, or just looking for a gentle stroll, one could be just right for you!
Running buggies are specially designed pushchairs that are for parents to want to walk, jog or run with their little one in tow. They have a larger, longer chassis than most standard pushchairs and larger wheels, to make the ride smooth. Typically, the front wheel is a single, fixed wheel, to allow the pushchair to run in a line forwards. It should also have good suspension and tyres so that bumps aren’t so noticeable.
They can cost a bit more than regular pushchair and can be an extra expense you might not be willing to make if you already have a stroller. But for many new parents, they are a lifeline when it comes to getting out into the fresh air and into nature, getting some exercise and still being able to be with your baby. They will also help you avoid injury, as they help you run correctly.
Make sure the buggy you look at fulfils the basic needs of a proper running buggy:
This is a sturdy, well-made running buggy from the Scandinavian company that also makes car roof boxes, bike seats and pushchairs. It is light, which is good for lifting and transporting when folded (it can be folded with one hand), yet it’s good as a serious piece of running gear. The front wheel can be locked in the forward-facing direction and it can also swivel for those times when you just want to nip into the shops after a run. The handle can be adjusted to suit your height – make sure you get it just right to avoid bending – and it has good suspension on the large, 16 inch rear wheels to make it a smooth ride for your baby. The brake is on the handlebar, so you can come to a safe stop even at a fast pace and the wrist strap offers security. The seat is over the back axle, making it more comfortable for your little one and the seat can be reclined almost flat, so it’s good from about six months (you could add a bassinet from birth), plus it has a good harness and generous canopy with side ventilation panels and peek-a-boo window. Last of all, its decent basket means you can combine a run in the park with a shop on the way home!
This is a very sturdy and sleek runner with large, pneumatic bicycle style wheels and it’s designed for off-road jogging as well as city streets. Suitable from birth, it will continue to be comfortable for a four year old and it has a multi-position seat that lies flat for newborns (though they recommend you only start to use it as a runner when your baby reaches six months). The wrist strap keep it tied to you when running and the brakes are mounted on both handlebar and the base of the chassis. It has a lightweight aluminium frame and quick-release wheels and inside is a five-pint safety harness to keep your little one secure. You can also buy this a double pushchair, suitable for twins or siblings of different ages.
BOB Revolution Pro
This buggy is suitable from six months and has a good suspension system and high-impact wheels that will offer a smooth ride for baby. It can be used for both running and skating, if you happen to live near a rink or streams that freezes properly, and its height adjustable handle comes with a security wrist strap. The frame is nice and light and it folds easily with a two-step function and the front wheel can either be locked in place or allowed to swivel for when you are not moving fast. The backrest has an impressive five positions and a padded safety harness and the canopy offers good weather protection and a viewing window so you can check on your baby.
From premium pushchair makers Cybex is this sporty-looking runner (and they are bringing out a new model in collaboration with Puma shortly). Designed for serious runners, this is not cheap but it will help you continue your fitness regime even when you have a small child in tow. It’s super lightweight with a sleek black chassis and huge wheels. Each wheel has luminous accents to help you be seen in the dark, so it can be as good for winter early evenings as bright days. The seat is hammock-shaped and comfortable for your baby from six months (it’s not suitable before, as the seat does not lie flat) and it can be reclined with one hand. The slip-proof handlebar has an ergonomic shape to make it comfortable to hold, while it is adjustable to suit your height and there’s a bright red wrist strap for safety. The fold is very compact and swift to achieve and there’s a good sized sun canopy with a mesh ventilation window.
This jogging stroller has air-filled tyres, suspension on all three wheels and nice reflective accents to keep you safe when it’s dark out. The fabrics are nice and comfortable with a padded seat and the pushchair can be folded quickly and easily with just one hand. The brake is located on the handlebar, where there’s also a wrist strap and there’s a foot brake too for parking. The seat can be reclined through several positions and it has side vents for warmer days and a large 50+ UV canopy with a peek-a-boo window for swift checks on your sleeping baby. The shopping basket is large too, so it’s a good all-rounder.
Further Reading:
Get Started With Some New Mum Exercise
Which SnoozeShade Should I Choose For My Pushchair?
Read All About How Your Baby Can Have Naps While You're On The Go
All new parents are anxious about their new baby, especially at night when they are sleeping. Make sure you know the ways to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death, a thankfully rare condition, so that you can relax while your baby sleeps.
A spokesperson from The Lullaby Trust, the organisation that offers help and advice to families bereaved by SIDS, says: “The sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of a child, with no determinable cause, is called Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There are ways that parents can help prevent this tragedy happening, because while it’s rare, it can happen.”
The causes of SIDS are not fully understood. Some factors seem to be:
The Lullaby Trust recommends an ideal room temperature of between 16-200C.
This applies to the rooms where your baby sleeps, so to your bedroom (where you should have your baby for their first six months) as well as other places in the house where your baby might nap – for example, in a crib in the lounge, or in the nursery during the day.
Always feel the back of your baby’s neck – it should feel the same as your own body temperature. Avoid feeling a hand or foot, which may be much colder. If your baby feels warmer than you and a bit clammy, remove a layer of bedding.
Remember that you can adjust your baby’s bedding as the room gets warmer in summer, colder in winter. Here are the ideal bedding needs for the temperature.
Room Temperature |
Clothing |
Bedding |
Sleeping Bag |
Under 160 – too cold, make the room warner |
Vest, babygrow |
2 blankets plus an extra that can be removed as the room gets warmer |
Long-sleeve vest plus 2.5 TOG bag |
16 - 200 |
Vest, babygrow |
160 – 2 blankets 200 – 1 blanket |
2.5 TOG 1 TOG |
20 – 240 (quite warm) |
Babygrow |
1 blanket |
0.5 or 1 TOG |
Over 240 (too hot, cool the room) |
Vest |
1 sheet |
none |
A baby sleeping bag such as a Gro Bag is great in place of traditional sheets and blankets, as you know exactly how warm it is. The best ones have a TOG rating (avoid the ones that don’t) so you know exactly how warm it is and you also have peace of mind that your baby won’t be wriggling under covers, which overheats them, or out from under them, which leaves them too cold.
Further Reading:
What Should My Baby Wear In Bed?
Ten of the Best Baby Sleeping Bags
How To Keep Your Baby's Room Cool When It's Hot Outside
Babies have an awful lot of growing and developing to do before they even start to walk and one of the biggest changes that affects them is starting to get their baby teeth.
Most babies start to get the first tiny teeth pushing through the gum from around six months, though it can start earlier or later than that – all babies are different.
Because your baby’s teeth are already present in the gum at birth, the process of their pushing upwards through the gum to their proper positions naturally causes discomfort at best and pain at worst. Some babies even get a fever when they are cutting a tooth. Red cheeks, dribbling and a miserable baby are common signs of teething and of course, one of the first things to suffer when your baby is uncomfortable is their sleep.
When your baby is cutting a new tooth, the pain and discomfort can wake them up from a nap or from their night time sleep. This is called sleep regression, when a baby who has previously settled into a good sleep routine starts to sleep in a different, more sporadic pattern, waking up at different times, or being more difficult to settle. Teething can affect a baby’s appetite too, meaning that they may miss a feed and then wake up hungry.
They’re too little to tell you what’s going on, so you have to do a little detective work. Here are the main signs that your little one is teething:
It’s instinctive to want to ease your baby’s pain and discomfort when they are teething and it will also help them to sleep well too, so try these simple ways to ease the pain of teething”
Once the new tooth is through, you should go back to your usual bedtime and sleep routine. It shouldn’t take your baby long to get back into their normal pattern of sleep, wake and play times – until the next tooth comes along!
Further Reading:
What Is Sleep Regression and Why Does It Happen?
How Can I Help My Teething Baby Sleep Better? Read Our Helpful Tips Here
Month by Month Guide to Sleep Regression
If you have seen social media posts of mums in Scandinavian countries putting their babies outside for their daytime naps, you may wonder what it’s all about. Should you give your baby some al fresco nap time? Is it safe and what do you need to know? We give you all the information you need for safe outdoor baby naps.
We live in a time when many of us are keen on getting back to nature, as we appreciate the benefits it can offer both for exercise and for mindfulness. Forest schools and nurseries are also becoming more and more popular. Leaving babies to nap outside, which used to be commonplace in the UK in past decades, may be in for a revival too.
It’s hard to pin down any actual medical evidence that sleeping outdoors is beneficial for your baby. However, there’s no evidence that it’s harmful, either.
A study conducted in Finland in 2008 showed that allowing babies to sleep outdoors was a common practice there from the time the baby was two weeks old. The research showed that babies took longer naps than others who slept indoors and that most of the parents felt it was a good thing for their children to experience. However, this was a very small study and the researchers did suggest that more work needed to be done to ‘prove’ that outdoor sleeping was beneficial.
Here are some of the things people claim about outdoor naps:
As we’ve said above, there doesn’t seem to be any actual evidence of this and it is mostly reported by parents, yet outdoor baby naps are so popular in Scandinavia that perhaps there’s something in it.
However, you should also consider that some babies may find it difficult to sleep in strong daylight, so if you are going to give it a try, pop SnoozeShade over the pushchair.
Of course, it’s fine to take a walk with your baby while they are in the pushchair and if you want to allow them to sleep in the fresh air without having to worry about them, this is perhaps the best way to do it. It also means you get some time in the outdoors too and some gentle exercise. Walking is great for new mums, as it helps you keep healthy without being too strenuous.
If there’s strong sun, pop SnoozeShade on over the pushchair before setting off and always have it handy in your changing bag, or the stroller’s basket.
Not only does SnoozeShade provide a darker and distraction-free environment for your baby to sleep in but it also means you can rest assured that your baby is protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Babies under six months should not wear sunscreen, so SnoozeShade makes a great solution to protecting your baby’s delicate skin. It can help you maintain your baby’s nap routine no matter where you are.
Would you think about putting your baby outside for their naps?
Further Reading:
Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep in Hot Weather]]>
Going on holiday is such an exciting time for a new family and you’ll want to relax and savour every minute with your brand new baby. Going for the self-catering option is very popular with parents, as you can please yourself when – and what – you eat and you’re never going to be worried about your child screaming all through dinner in a restaurant!
Here’s our essential family self-catering checklist., whether you’re looking forward to a Staycation or heading overseas…
Once you have asked these questions, you’ll have a list of things you won’t need to take with you – and a list of things you need. You can then check them off your list and pack a little more lightly!
Taking the dog with you? Don’t forget their lead, collar, treats and food, plus a small bed.
Further Reading:
Get The Most Out of SnoozeShade on Holiday
First Holiday With Your Baby? See Our Tips To Make It a Success!
Some Great Travel Hacks For Busy Parents