Things To Know About Taking Your Baby Outside For The First Time

September 6, 2022 by Leave a Comment

When you first have a baby, you’ve got to get used to a lot of new things. You’ve got a new bundle of joy in your life, but you’re also going to be stressed out here and there, and always worried about providing the best for your baby. Eventually you’ll be able to calm down and realize you’re a great parent, but it takes a little while to get there.

mother and baby fall leavesAnd nothing is more worrying than knowing you’ve got to introduce your baby to the big bad world outside. Taking your baby outside for the first time is a big step, and it’s one a lot of parents approach with trepidation. But just like getting into a sleeping and feeding routine, it’s something you can get used to, even if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing.

As such, here are our tips for taking your baby outside and making sure they love being out. It can be a hard adjustment, for both of you, but it has to be done. Babies love being in nature, and you need to show yourself that being out with your newborn isn’t as scary as it seems. 

Picking Your Moment

Taking your baby outside is a personal decision, and you should only do so when you feel ready. Of course, your baby will need to see the outside at some point, but you can take a week or two if you feel like it. For now you could simply be happy being indoors with your little one, and they don’t know much different until you do take them out.

Indeed, a lot of new parents like to spend these initial stages inside to better bond and get used to each other, and only then does the idea of going outside start to come in. So pick your moment; it could be now, it could be at the end of the month. It’s up to you, and you should never feel rushed into going out there before you’re truly ready. 

Pack Your Bag Well Ahead of Time

Once you do decide it’s time to head out, it’s best to pack your outdoors bag early. Get everything you need in there well ahead of time, to give you a chance to double check. We all know how easy it is to forget about things when you’ve got a fussy baby in front of you.

It’s best to get all your hygiene items in there now and keep them there – buy separate supplies for outings. You should also pack extra clothing and blankets in case the weather turns. If you’re breastfeeding, you might feel like taking a privacy cover out with you, but if not be sure to have plenty of water and dry formula all packed up too.  

Dress Right

Dressing for heading out with a baby is fairly simple, but it can feel like a complicated decision. Above all else, you need to feel comfortable. You need to feel like you can walk a good way with the baby in front of you, which usually means putting on comfy jeans and well worn shoes that won’t leave you with blisters. 

And the same goes for your baby! They need to be comfortable, but you also need to keep an eye on the temperature. Babies can’t quite regulate their own temperature in the first few months, so be sure to wrap up warm. Make sure the sun isn’t directly on them, and always have a rain cover ready to go just in case. 

Make Sure Baby is Settled

Your baby is about to head out into the world for the first time, so they should be feeling comfortable and calm before being taken out the front door. As such, most parents wait until their baby has been fed before going out; it’s much easier to take a sleepy baby out than it is one who’s awake and alert and hungry.

You should still think about taking food out with you, but if your little one has recently had a meal, your trip should be calm and without worry. If they wake up it’ll be far less of a drama, and you can just whip them out and let them feed again if need be. They’ll soon take to being outside as a normal thing, and won’t fuss much even without that pre-walk feed. 

Keep the Car to Pram Transition Easy

If you’re planning to go on a little journey, the easiest way to transport your baby is via the car. And that means you should get used to clipping your baby in and out of a car seat. Take your time to feel relaxed with getting your baby in and out, and making sure they’re strapped in safely. 

However, you can still make this easier for yourself and buy a stroller that doubles up as a car seat. Indeed, more and more pushchairs of this variety are on the market, and you can check out the common car seat stroller features right here. If you can just lift the whole seat in and out, there’s nothing to worry about.

Start Short and Build Up

Start by going on short walks, and then slowly let them get longer and longer. You don’t want to rush yourself or your baby down a long winding road, only to be tired and feel like crying knowing you have to get back up it again. It won’t make you feel any more positive about going outside with your newborn, and your baby will pick up on these vibes and start to hate it too. 

So take it slow, go at your own pace, and don’t let other parents who go on long adventures with their baby make you feel bad. It’s up to you to introduce your baby to the outside world, and you can take as much time as you like in doing so. 

Get Some Professional Advice

If you’re really worried about going out and about with your baby for the first time, talk to your doctor. Get to know their opinion on your worries, and also how your baby’s health might fare. If a professional tells you it’ll all be fine, you can feel a lot stronger in your decision to pack them into the pram and set off. 

Of course, it’s always a slight worry to be out where all kinds of infections could linger, but there’s still only a small chance anyone could catch something. If you go out early in the morning or early afternoon, you’re far less likely to run into crowds of any kind. Plan your trips around work rushes, lunch periods, and the school run, and you’ll find being out far more peaceful than you ever expected. 

Taking Your Baby Out for the First Time is Special

Taking your baby outside for the first time is daunting, but it should also be an exciting time. This is your baby’s first step into the outside world, and getting used to being part of what’s going on. And as a parent, this is a lovely chance for you and your child to bond in a new way. 

Exploring together, and being a safe base for your baby, both go a long way to building the love you’ve always wanted to experience! So keep the advice above in mind if you’re worried about the idea – it’ll happen one day, but you still don’t have to rush into it.

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Evening Rituals Before Bedtime: 6 Tips to Help your Baby Fall Asleep Faster

August 12, 2022 by Leave a Comment

baby pic

It would seem so easy to put a child to bed, turn off the light and leave the room, but everything is not so simple. Especially if you need to put an infant to bed. Read the article to find out about some tips that can help a kid to fall asleep faster.

Keep the Schedule

As a rule, children have problems falling asleep if they go to bed at different times. That is why it is essential to ensure that a baby falls asleep and wakes up at the same time every day. Specialists believe that at every age there is a different time for going to bed and the amount of sleep needed. Infants usually need to sleep at least 12-14 hours, toddlers need to sleep from 9 to 16 hours, schoolchildren from 8 to 14 hours, etc. It’s essential to clearly define the time for preparing for sleep and the morning routine to follow. Routine is the most important part of a child’s lifestyle, which helps a kid to fall asleep faster.

Eating Regime

For a baby to fall asleep quickly and have a good sleep, along with rituals before bedtime, an important role is played by a hearty but easily digestible evening meal. Experts recommend allowing children to have a snack like whole grain toast, an apple, or crackers 45 minutes before bedtime. If a kid is under the age of 4 months, to avoid sleep disturbances and colic and improve the quality of sleep, it is recommended to give baby formula containing prebiotics. Their presence in the content promotes comfortable digestion, development, and maintenance of normal intestinal microflora, ensures regular bowel movements, and prevents the development of constipation.

Evening Bathing

To help an infant to fall asleep, bathe it before going to bed. For many babies, a warm scented bath has a calming effect after which children sleep sounder and sweeter. Bathing is a wonderful ritual to end the day. For a newborn, this procedure is a signal that it is time to go to bed.

Pleasant Bed Linen and Pajamas

Coziness will set a baby to sleep faster. The bedding should be soft and not cause irritation and allergies. But there is one factor that parents don’t always pay particular attention to and it’s color. Children have a strong psychological relationship with color. A baby will fall asleep faster and more peacefully among pastel tones, while bright colors will irritate its nervous system.

 

The same applies to drawings and patterns. By preferring gentle shades of blue, gray, beige, and green, you will increase the chances of peaceful sleep for your little one. The same with pajamas, which by the way can be several sets to give a kid the opportunity to choose which one to wear.

Prepare a Comfortable Room

A child’s sleep is influenced by several factors, the most important of which are its bed or crib, temperature, humidity in the room, noise, and lighting. If a baby sleeps in a crib there should not be extra pillows, lots of toys, etc. because they disturb it from sleeping. In case a child sleeps alone, protective sides are mandatory.  If you are taking a baby to sleep with you then you should put a newborn between you and the wall, placing something against the wall to protect from injuries. 

 

The temperature in the baby’s bedroom should not be higher than +18°..+20°, and the humidity should be 40-60%. Air circulation is also important, before going to bed you need to ventilate the room. There are eternal disputes about whether to leave the light or not in the room. The sleep hormone melatonin is produced depending on how bright or dark the room is. In bright light, this hormone stops being synthesized, so babies should sleep in a dark room. 

Cry It Out Method 

If you are a fan of different methods of putting children to sleep, then ask your pediatrician for more details about these. For example, pediatrician Richard’s Ferber Cry It Out method is generally based on allowing an infant who does not want to sleep to cry as much as it wants by putting it in the crib and leaving it alone. The pediatrician believes this is the natural way for a kid to learn to fall asleep independently. Besides, there is a method founded by Maria Montessori. According to her, to make a kid fall asleep the room should generally consist of several zones which are the zone where a child sleeps, eats, and changes clothes.

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The Cuddliest Valentine’s Gift for Your Little One!

February 8, 2022 by 1 Comment

toys that give back

With Valentine’s day slowly approaching it’s time to start thinking about what to gift your loved little ones.

Help your little one get extra love and cuddles this Valentine’s day and feed children in need, with a cuddle+kind doll. It’s the perfect gift for any precious newborn or treasured toddler.

For every ethically produced, hand-knit doll sold, we give 10 meals to hungry children around the world.

1 doll = 10 meals.

Started by a family of five who were inspired to help after seeing a documentary about childhood hunger, cuddle+kind has been able to give over 7 million meals in three years.

best toys for kids

A tremendous amount of love goes into each toy from artisan knitters in Peru. Hand stitching and crafting goes into every single artisanal, heirloom-quality dolls. There are 27 adorable toys in the cuddle+kind collection, each with its own birthday and a favorite quote. This collection continues to grow each year as new dolls are added.

cuddle+kind has partnerships with several respected humanitarian agencies including World Food Program USA, Children’s Hunger Fund, Breakfast Club of Canada and WE Charity to guarantee that every purchase directly benefits children in need.

Are you ready to join us on our journey to donate over 1 million meals this year? Adorable toys, well made, with no wild price tag, and it gives to those who need a hand? An all around win.

You can check out the full collection and choose your perfect toy here: https://cuddleandkind.com/collections/hand-knit-dolls.

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How to choose a travel sleepsuit for babies

January 25, 2022 by Leave a Comment

When looking for baby sleepsuits, it is essential to consider a few factors. You should pick those that are breathable and comfortable because you will be travelling with your little one- they need their comfort when going through such changes in environments from hotel rooms or airplanes.

Additionally, go for the chemical-free fabric to not cause any reactions on delicate skin during hot weather. Nonetheless, when travelling, the chances are that it may get hot during the day; therefore, cotton is an excellent fabric choice as opposed to synthetic ones because cotton breathes better than polyester or nylon fabrics.

Here are other insights when picking out clothes:

 

1. Consider the baby’s size.

Baby pajamas should have a perfect fit, not too tight or too loose, be comfortable and provide excellent protection from minor burns.

The law has very specific requirements for baby pajamas, and companies that manufacture them must follow suit or risk penalty. One of these regulations is ensuring they don’t exceed the maximum dimensions in various body parts set by respective countries/regions where they will be sold. So it’s essential to pick out sleepsuits from high quality brands with all relevant measurements met to lower risk of the baby sustaining injuries should fire erupts.

2. Baby’s age

Sleepsuits have different designs to fit babies of all ages. For infants, zero to six months, choose sleepsuits that cover the body completely. That is because it might get cold, and it is always advisable to keep the baby warm enough during such a time.

Since you are on the road, pick a sleepsuit that will make changing diapers easy. You will not have the luxury of time when you are travelling. Furthermore, if your baby is learning to walk, choose footless sleepsuits. They allow the baby to walk around more easily.

3. Material

Sleepsuits are made from different fabrics. Some are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, while others from natural fabrics like cotton. It is best to be careful with the material you choose because various fabrics offer different comfort levels. It is advisable to select baby sleepsuits made from natural fabrics because they are considered more comfortable.

Organic cotton is the healthiest alternative. That is because they are breathable, chemical-free, gentle on the skin, and are moisture absorbent. Picking a good sleepsuit fabric can make a lot of difference in the level of comfort. It will also improve the quality of sleep.

4. Travel destination

Where you are travelling should also be a factor you put into consideration. If you are travelling to a cold place, the baby should be warm at all times. Further, your destination might be warm. Therefore, pack pajamas made from a light fabric if travelling to a hot destination. Remember always to keep the baby comfortable. If you carry pajamas with a heavy fabric and visit a warm destination, the baby might suffer a rash due to the heat.

Sleep is essential for babies during travel time, especially if they are still infants. Picking the wrong sleepsuits can make a lot of difference in their sleep quality. Comfortable sleepsuits will ensure the baby gets enough sleep and wakes up the following day full of energy. Therefore, when picking a sleepsuit for a baby, consider the baby’s size, type of fabric, baby’s age, and travel destination.

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Ways To Still Earn Will On Maternity Leave

December 21, 2021 by Leave a Comment

If you are currently on maternity leave, you may be looking for different ways you can make a bit of cash during your time off work. There are a number of options available to you that will not require a lot of exertion or a certain amount of time commitment on your behalf. So, with that being said, let’s take a look at some suggestions regarding making money while on maternity leave below.

Take online freelancing jobs – There are many freelancing jobs available online today. These jobs present you with a great way of making some extra cash, especially as you are able to pick and choose how often you work. If you have skills in areas such as writing, translation, software development, marketing, and admin, you should have no problem picking up some jobs online. There are many different ways to source these jobs too, as numerous job boards and websites have been created for freelancers specifically.

maternity

Make sure you are being treated fairly – If you are being treated fairly by your place of work and receiving the payout you are entitled to while you are pregnant, you may not need to look for additional ways to make money. If you feel you are the victim of pregnancy discrimination, it is important to work with a legal professional that can help you to launch a case and get the compensation you deserve. After all, there are lots of costs involved while pregnant. You need to prepare for the baby while caring for yourself with regular visits to a doctor and pregnancy chiropractor. Therefore, it is imperative your employer pays you what you are entitled to. 

Take surveys – There are lots of different websites that enable you to take surveys. You will be awarded points for each survey you can take, which will be converted into cash. This is not going to make you rich, but it is a good way to make some extra money.

Sell some of your belongings – Use this time as an opportunity to go through everything you have in your home and don’t need. Not only does this give you an opportunity to make some extra money by selling some of your belongings, but you can also clear any clutter in your house and create some more space, which is handy when you have a baby on the way.

Rent out your driveway – This is a good option if you live in a fairly busy area that is popular with professionals. You can rent out your driveway to someone who needs to park in the area on a weekly basis. This is a great way to make some extra cash and it is not going to require any effort whatsoever on your behalf. It is a win-win.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can make money while you are on maternity leave. If you follow the ideas that have been mentioned above, you should, hopefully, have no trouble finding a method that suits you.

 

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Ways to Prepare for Your New Baby

December 21, 2021 by Leave a Comment

If you have a baby on the way, then you know that your life is going to change. A baby is a huge life event, and you are going to learn so much about yourself and life in general for doing this. It is hard and rewarding, and you are going to feel things you never thought you would feel. You are also going to be worried, excited, nervous, scared, and everything else in between. And although you cannot possibly know how you will feel once the baby comes, there are a lot of things you can do to make your life a little easier. So, let’s have a look at a few of them.

mom and baby

Take Care of Yourself

Yes, you are pregnant, and it will all be about the baby, but you can’t forget yourself in the process. And that does not mean ensuring you are taking the right vitamins. It means you need to take care of yourself and spend a little time and money on yourself. If you feel stressed, for instance, get yourself a massage, or go for a walk. If you have any back pain then ensure you use a specialist like a pregnancy chiropractor. Also, give yourself little pep talks. Always remind yourself that you can do this, that you are beautiful, that you are going to be an excellent mother. Ensure that you have far more positive thoughts than negative ones. Thoughts create emotions, and that means you need to be kind to yourself to avoid unnecessary heartache and stress. 

 

Your Support Network

When you have your baby, you are going to need some support, and friends and family are the perfect solution. Most people in the family, especially grandparents, are usually more than happy to take up some of the slack. If you need errands run, like getting a pint of milk, you may need someone to go to the shop for you, and having someone willing on side is a huge bonus. Also, a baby is the perfect way to heal any wounds that may have happened in the past. A baby is a new start and could be a new beginning. If everyone is willing to compromise for the baby, then it could be a healer.

 

Get Saving

Saving money is essential when you have a baby, and the more you can save prior to giving birth, the better you will feel. Even knowing that you have that backup is really important. It can just offer you peace of mind that was now there before and reduce a lot of stress. Also, consider saving you can make on buying all the baby things. You can use pregnancy apps the find the best deals snd even benefit from a lot of freebies. And consider the second-hand market. In some cases, you may be able to get some stuff for free, or at a much-reduced price. If you try any buy everything first hand, then you may find it a bit of a struggle to save anything. 

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Five Newborn Essentials That Every Parent Needs

November 24, 2021 by Leave a Comment

When it comes to newborn babies, there are a lot of things that you need to grab before the baby arrives. But are there certain things that should be on the list? Of course, there is! Here are some of the top items or services that you should have at the ready for your new baby arriving into your life.

baby

Sleeping gear

Fun fact about babies, they sleep a lot. This means that you will need somewhere for them to sleep that is safe. The major item that you need is the crib so that they can sleep soundly. When they are sleeping in a different room, it helps to have video baby monitors from Babysense so that you can keep an eye on them. These can be handy if you put them to sleep in their room while you get on with some housework.

Feeding equipment

When it comes to feeding, we all know that breast is best. However, there are some people out there who cannot feed this way. In this case, fed is better. No matter what way you choose to feed your babies, there will always be a need for equipment. From breastfeeding pillows to sterilising systems for bottles and milk storage, you will find plenty of gadgets that will keep your feeding experience safe and fun.

Travel

Getting around with your baby can be tough, mainly because you have to bring so much with you. However, with the right equipment, you can easily travel the world with your little one. Car seats are a must if you drive, and you will need some sort of buggy or pushchair for the first few years. There is no reason why you have to be stuck in the house when there are so many items that can help you get around.

Sitting service

This might seem like a strange one but hear us out. There will be times when you need to leave the house and cannot bring your baby with you. These are the times that you will need a sitting service to give you a hand. You don’t need to use them all the time but it helps to use the same person regularly so that it is not a shock to the system. Of course, you could also ask the grandparents or the aunts to help you out here, but they might not always be available.

Getting clean

Babies can be a bit of a difficult challenge to get clean because they are so small, so it can help to have some equipment to make it easier. Baby baths that are small enough to hold them while you wash their toes are a great place to start. However, nappy pails and reusable nappies are another great investment. When it comes to the products that you use on your baby’s skin, make sure it is mild and suitable for them to use, especially when it comes to cleaning their hair if they have a cradle cap or som

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Bathorium’s Little Charlie Bubble Bath Milk

November 3, 2021 by 1 Comment

Babies and kids spend a ton of time in the bath, but unfortunately these experiences aren’t always as beneficial as they should be – as many bath products are typically formulated with parfums, toxins, and harmful surfactants that aren’t safe for their sensitive skin.

It doesn’t have to be like that- there are so many products to choose from that don’t use harmful ingredients or harm to the environment, nor will they bother your baby’s sensitive skin. I know I prefer products that are better for us and for the environment, and I try very hard to use them as much as possible. We try really hard not to buy toxic items, and with your skin being your largest organ, what you put ON yourself is as important as what you put IN yourself, which I think is often forgotten.

baby bath

Check out Bathorium’s Little Charlie Bubble Bath Milk, which offers the massive bubbles and fun scents that your child knows and loves – but is made with clean, good-for-you ingredients like plant milks and light essential oils for a bathing experience you can feel good about. This bubble bath will nourish skin and provide no harsh drying effects, making it a safe choice for even the most sensitive bathers.

Notable Ingredients:

  • Organic Coconut Pulp CO2: Natural soft scent and packed with skin-nourishing and soothing properties
  • Coco Betaine: This gentle surfactant helps create rich, foamy bubbles with none of the harsh drying effects
  • Organic Benzoin Resinoid: Powerful natural healing agent that reduces inflammation and helps protect your skin barrier

$15 on Bathorium.com & The Detox Market

They smell really nice, and do create a nice sudsy bubble as well- which is of course fun for the smaller kids (and the kid in everyone). When looking for new bath items to try, consider Little Charlie Bubble Bath, and see what you think. Enjoy!

Filed Under: baby, review