Swaddling

They say it helps babies sleep longer.  There are also claims that it helps babies regulate their temperature better.  And it’s said that it cuts down on the risk of SIDS.

We’re talking about swaddling, the act of wrapping the baby up snug in a blanket.  One friend likes to refer to swaddled little ones as “burrito babies”.  It’s easy to see why.

Swaddling is really meant for sleep time, feeding, or when the baby needs comfort.  Some suggest babies not be swaddled after the child’s first month, while others say it’s ok up to the third or fourth month. It can be dangerous for babies to be swaddled too much, or left lying on their back for extended periods (which can impact respiratory issues).

There’s an art to snuggling, no doubt.  The baby is placed on a blanket which is then wrapped around them and tucked in tight.  But if you don’t start with the blanket in the right position you’ll have a tough time getting it right.

You’ll want to start by laying the blanket down in a diamond shape, then folding over the top.  You’ll place the baby on the blanket, positioning them so the head is just above the fold.  You’ll then fold the left side of the blanket around the baby, followed up by the right.  You’ll finish by tucking the extra cloth into the fold.  Some say the tighter the better, but it truly depends on the baby’s preference.  Some also choose to wrap the arms up in the swaddle blanket, while others find leaving the arms out makes the baby happier.  You may want to try both options to see what works best in your case.

There are swaddle blankets sold in all materials and patterns, and even some with special Velcro pieces to make it easy to know where to tuck what.  Some brands even offer them in organic materials.

Shop at the Baby Junction for all your swaddling needs!

You know the second you tell people you’re expecting people start pouring on the advice.  Of course they’re trying to be helpful, but a lot of their “helpful tips” may turn out to be the last kind of wisdom you want.  So we’ve started a series we call “Why didn’t someone tell me…?” that includes feedback from other parents who have “been there and wiped that”!  From buying a crib to treating teething, each month we’ll hit on another topic of parenting that you may be wondering about, offering words of wisdom from at least five moms and dads who survived the frustrating maze of parenthood.  This month, the topic is the baby’s stroller. These parents say, “Why didn’t someone tell me…

Tip #1: …that I would be using my stroller for a carry-all wagon (quite often the baby would be the only thing NOT in the stroller on my outings). No joke—we’d go to sporting events for the older children and I’d have the big canopy tent in the seat, football shoulder pads and helmet straddling the handle, a cooler underneath, and my purse stuffed in whatever space was left. So, pick one with lots of storage room.  You might not have the gear I mentioned but you will be surprised how much you need just for the baby on your journeys.

Tip #2: …to be careful strapping the baby in the stroller.  Those harness clips can really pinch so I always put my finger in between the buckle and the baby to make sure if anything was caught in the clip it would be my finger, not the baby’s delicate skin.

Tip #3: …adjustable handles are a necessity if you’re a taller mom.  It’s not fun to be hunched over trying to push a stroller with a handle that won’t adjust up for height.

Tip #4: …that the weight of the stroller will matter more and more as the baby grows, not because of any safety for the baby but for the safety of my back.  I got very tired of lifting a stroller that was nearly 30 pounds in and out of my car and these days there are lots of lightweight options.

Tip #5: …that there are some fabulous extras, just like with cars.  The bells and whistles are cool and helpful and if the stroller you prefer doesn’t have them you may be able to find them as add-ons, whether it’s a cup holder or rain cover  Things you can’t add on are options like the ability for the seat to recline.  If that’s important to you it could be a deal breaker.

Remember we stock several kinds of strollers and we’d love to help you test run some.  We hope these tips help make life a little easier for you when your baby arrives, or if he or she is already here, maybe you’ll find some great ideas for the next few years in the suggestions.  If you have a “Why didn’t someone tell me …” suggestion, please tell us the next time you’re in the store and we’ll try to include it in a future post.  We wish you all the best!

Baby's Nursery

You know the second you tell people you’re expecting people start pouring on the advice.  Of course they’re trying to be helpful, but a lot of their “helpful tips” may turn out to be the last kind of wisdom you want.  So we’ve started a series we call “Why didn’t someone tell me…?” that includes feedback from other parents who have “been there and wiped that”!  From buying a stroller to treating teething, each month we’ll hit on another topic of parenting that you may be wondering about, offering words of wisdom from at least five moms and dads who survived the frustrating maze of parenthood.  This month, the topic is the baby’s nursery.

Tip #1: Never put off buying a crib or decorating the baby's room (if you really want to be involved in that) because you never know when the baby is going to come or if you won't be able to do it yourself.  (this came from a mother who was put on bed rest at five months and spent the last two months in the hospital)

Tip #2: Don’t believe everything you read online about what paint colors can do to your baby.  Some suggest your child will have jaundice if you use the color yellow, or be angry if they have red in their room.  If you love those colors, it’s ok for you to use them in your child’s room.  Follow your gut.

Tip #3: It’s totally fine to use a bassinet or Moses basket for the first few weeks.  However, just like the crib, it’s important to make sure it’s not filled with stuffed animals or fluffy blankets so your child is still safe.

Tip #4: Your baby is going to spend a ton of time in the crib that you pick (remember, they spend about 16 hours a day sleeping!) so be sure you pick a good, sturdy one, and give the mattress as much attention as the crib.

Tip #5: Lots of people make the nursery so wonderful it’s their favorite part of the house.  It’s ok to splurge on a chandelier or extra comfy chair to make you and the baby feel fabulous while you are in there.  Odds are they will be things your child will consider favorites for years to come.

The First Few Days

Tip #1: I remember being upset about my daughter crying so much just after being born and not sleeping very long... wanting to feed ALL THE TIME. I was worried that I was spoiling her by going into her room when she cried out. I couldn't let her cry too long but people were telling me to let her cry. I called my mom and she gave me the best advice... she told me to go with my instinct and my heart and to not worry what other people were telling me.

Tip #2: Every mom, on more than one occasion, after a rough day of a baby crying, locks herself in the bathroom and cries for a minute, too.  That’s ok for a few minutes.  If you feel like this much longer or need help, get it…from a neighbor, a family member, a friend, or a baby nurse if you need it.  Just be sure to take care of yourself right along with the baby.

Tip #3: In the first couple of weeks/months, EVERYTHING changes often. Good and bad things. If your baby is a cranky mess and you think you are going to die, give it two weeks, it WILL get better. Conversely, if you brag that your baby is an amazing sleeper at 4 days old, give it two weeks.  Hopefully it will continue, but the only thing you can truly count on is that as soon as you think you've gotten it figured out, it all changes.

Tip #4: Do NOT remove price tags from baby clothes until you are putting them on the baby. The kid might outgrow stuff before it's the right season to wear it. Everything is easier to exchange if you still have tags attached.

Tip #5: The days are long but the years are short! And no one accurately relayed to me how tired I would be. I had no idea what sleep deprivation was and by the time I did, I had no coping skills. It's impossible to nap every time the baby sleeps, and even then, that's not enough sleep. I actually had to come up with a schedule with my husband to handle night feedings, etc. It worked!

We hope these tips help make life a little easier for you when your baby arrives, or if he or she is already here, maybe you’ll find some comfort in the suggestions.  If you have a “Why didn’t someone tell me …” suggestion, please send it to us at lglbabyjunction@aol.com and we’ll try to include it in a future post.  All the best!