Search Results for: new baby

Health For The Baby, Peace Of Mind For Mom

April 22, 2021 by Annie

Breastfeeding is perhaps the best possible way to nourish your newborn; but it’s not always something that’s straightforward. What many moms don’t realize is that breastfeeding is also good for their own personal health—you can learn more about that here. Even more than direct benefits of breastfeeding for mom and child are the psychological positives that come.

When you know your baby is nourished, you’re the one who has done the nourishing, and feedings happen on schedule, that makes it a lot easier for you to keep your emotions in check. Parenting is emotional from the very beginning. The highs are higher than anything you’ve as yet known, and the lows are similarly lower than you might have expected.

The takeaway is: control what you can. Lean into parenting styles that are both known to be effective, and have been known to be effective for a long time. To that end, consider the following breastfeeding tips.

1. Assure You Have Breast Pump Options Available

Sometimes a baby is born with a tooth or two—it’s rare, but it happens. Teeth can make it very hard to nurse. Nipples become sore, raw, cracked, and can even bleed. They take time to heal. If you’re going to properly nourish that newborn, you’ve got to handle this. Breast pumps allow you to lactate in a way that isn’t wasted and can still nourish the child.

Breastmilk doesn’t keep as long as that from the cow, so you want to be sure your baby has it soon. Also, it’s better if your newborn extracts that milk from you, rather than a bottle; but in a pinch, it’s better for them to get it after it’s been pumped out than to go with some formula option.

2. Find Consulting Options You Trust

There is a time when you need to get some professional help, like that available from a Nest Collaborative lactation consultant. Certain medical conditions or latching issues may contribute to duct blockage.

You may have engorged breasts, or you might not be producing enough milk. Professional consultants can help you determine what’s going on, why, and how to either therapeutically treat that issue, or if possible, fix it.

3. Nourishment, Rest, And Breast Alternation

Not only does your baby need nourishment, you need nourishment. You’re going to lose between 200 and 1,000 calories a day, based on whether or not you have twins, and child size. Smaller children don’t extract as much milk as larger ones. Either way, expect hundreds of calories to be lost daily. That’s going to tire you out, and you should rest.

Also, alternating breasts can help stimulate healthy milk production while reducing the pain of improper latching, or other similar issues. Between rest, alternation, and nourishment, feedings should improve.

Giving Your Child The Best From The Very Beginning

Eating right, resting enough to restore your body, and alternating breasts can help you produce milk in a way that doesn’t hurt as much as it could. Breasts do get sore, but they also toughen up in time. Consultation additionally helps streamline breastfeeding, and having breast pumps gives you a way of nourishing your child when tender breasts make it hard.

These are just a few tips to help you more effectively mother your newborn; there are many other complications for which advice, consultation, guidance, and a support network will very likely come in handy. Don’t go it alone! Parenting requires help for best results, so find it if and where you can.

Determining Your Baby’s Eye Color: Predictions and Possible Changes

March 16, 2021 by Annie

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Being in a relationship with your significant other is just the beginning stages. Once you and your partner become more intimate, babies come into play. It’s common to dream of what your baby will look like and wonder which traits they will take after.

Your baby’s eye color is something that may be hard to guess with certainty. However, there is a way you can predict the color thanks to science. Keep reading to learn how.

Predicting Eye Color

Some people think dark eye colors are “dominant” and common while lighter colors are less common and deemed a rare trait. Modern science tells us now this is not how you can predict a child’s eye color.

Your baby does not get their eyes as a blend of mom and dad alone. The parents, grandparents, and relatives even beyond that will determine the true outcome.

There are several genes involved in melanin production. You can get a better idea of your family’s eye color traits by understanding genes and chromosomes.

The environment also plays an interesting role in eye color. Certain populations and ethnic groups may also share certain genetic characteristics. Knowing where your family is from geographically may also give you more insight into your family background and typical eye color.

There are dozens of possibilities as to how this genetic information is later expressed. You can have a bit of fun looking at a baby genetics calculator to get a rough idea of what your baby’s eye color or other traits will look like.

Changes in Eye Color

You might be in for a surprise to know your baby’s eye color can change as they grow up. It may be gray at one point and turn blue, black, or green later. It could even be a combination of colors.

It’s a good idea to get a baby photographer who can capture these moments. If you’re wondering why a child’s eye color changes as they grow up it’s because of the pupil size. Anytime it changes, the pigment in the iris begins to spread which alters the eye color.

This can continue beyond their baby years. About 10-15% of Caucasians notice their eyes become different over time. You may notice your baby’s eye color changes depending on their emotions too.

In some scenarios, there are children who are born with different eye colors, known as heterochromia. This is actually caused by faulty pigment transport during development or trauma in the womb. It could also be a benign genetic disorder, and it is often nothing to worry about.

Determining Your Baby’s Eye Color

Genetics is what determines your baby’s eye color. Mom and dad have genes that are either dominant or recessive. Your child’s eye color is both a result of chance and a biological equation.

The best way you can figure out what eye color your baby will have is by learning how to make those predictions. When your baby is born, you may very well be right.

If you found this article helpful, explore our blog for more!

6 Newborn Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed

January 28, 2021 by Annie

As a first-time parent, there is a long list of things on your shopping list. From strollers to car seats to pacifiers, parents are constantly looking for things that will keep their infant safe and happy. Although the standard products sold in baby stores are important to have, there are a few underrated accessories that will make life easier for you and your baby. In this article, we will share six newborn accessories that you didn’t know you needed.

1. Stroller Blanket

You likely have plenty of comfy blankets for your baby that can be found in the crib or in various places around the house. Consider purchasing a stroller blanket that is designed to have a stretchy fit, aligning perfectly with the inside of the stroller seat. These blankets are made to be used outside and will keep your child warm on chilly days.

2. Diaper Rash Cream

Indeed, diaper rashes are a real thing. Even if your baby does not have a rash, they will likely have seasons of dry skin. When you invest in diaper rash cream, you can make sure that your child’s skin remains healthy and moist. Dry and rashy skin conditions are extremely uncomfortable for babies.

3. Onesies With Magnetic Buttons

Gone are the days of having to snap together twelve buttons on a onesie while a baby is screaming. Many brands are now manufacturing onesies that have magnetic connections. These connections allow you to seamlessly dress and undress your newborn. These suits have been tested to ensure that they are safe for use. Once you begin using magnetic onesies, you will not want to return back to traditional snaps.

4. Boogie Wipes

Especially if they were born in the winter season, the first few months of an infant’s life typically comes with many runny noses. Kids are constantly producing mucus that needs to be eliminated from the body. If you use traditional wipes or toilet paper, it will not be long before your baby has extremely dry skin under their nose. Invest in boogie wipes that are designed specifically to wipe the sensitive skin under the nose.

5. Bottle Drying Rack

When you wash your bottles, the different accessories that you use each day will quickly cover your whole countertop. Find a bottle drying rack that effectively dries all of the parts of your bottles. These racks often have hooks to hang lids. With many racks, there are additional components that make it easy to dry off the pieces of the breast pump.

6. Snap-On High Chair

There will likely be times when you need to seat your infant but there are no high chairs in sight. A snap-on high chair can be transported easily to restaurants. These seats can snap on to any sturdy table, allowing your child to be level with the rest of the group.

Summary

There are many brands and developers that have manufactured amazing accessories for newborns. These products are designed to make life easier for parents. In addition, these products will help keep children comfortable throughout the early months of their life.

Simple ways to make your baby’s first birthday extra special

January 8, 2021 by Annie

It seems like only yesterday you found out you were expecting a baby – your pregnancy went by in a flash, giving birth is a distant memory and after a rollercoaster year, you’re now planning your baby’s first birthday!

Your child’s first birthday is a momentous milestone and it’s easy for parents to put large amounts of pressure on themselves and feel the need to throw a birthday party that reflects the importance of the occasion. A stunning venue, a photoshoot, decorations, outfits, perfectly planned activities… it can quickly become overwhelming. Sadly, if parents allow themselves to be influenced by this pressure or they feel like they need to match the standards set on social media, then neither they nor their little one will enjoy themselves. Thankfully, there are some simple ways you can make your baby’s first birthday extra special. Read on to find out more.

Don’t worry too much about gifts

Do you remember what you got for your first birthday? Unless it was a dusty family heirloom that’s been stuffed in a drawer somewhere, chances are you probably don’t. It’s for this reason you should focus on gifting your baby something that they’ll enjoy in the here and now. You’ll find a range of toys suitable for 1 year old girls here. Something to cuddle, something that will bring them comfort or something to help develop their cognitive or fine motor skills is ideal. You’ll have plenty of happy memories of the day as they enjoy exploring their new gift!

Candid photos are best

Depending on the current restrictions in your area, you may not be able to hire a professional photographer for the day. But, chances are you have a powerful camera in your pocket already! Candid shots always look more natural and you’re less likely to get stressed out by trying to get your baby to pose or smile on cue!

Do something special

Big family parties and trips to play zones and centres may not be available right now, so why not try something a little different? Planting a tree in your garden or some beautiful flowers for your baby is certainly a unique approach. It’s something everyone can enjoy year after year and it’s an everlasting gift that they’ll cherish too.

Celebrate with your partner!

Of course, it’s your baby’s big day, however, all this fuss isn’t always essential. It can be incredibly stressful for you and your baby, with all the noise, visitors and disruption to their daily routine, your baby might prefer something a little more low-key. If current restrictions mean you can’t have visitors in your home anyway, then consider celebrating the occasion with your partner instead. Cook a meal together, watch a movie or have a date night at home and enjoy some time together before your one-year-old wakes up in the night!

Remember to relax

As the parent of a one-year-old, you’ve already got your hands full! Try not to let the pressures of social media influence your little one’s celebration. That way, you’ll remember their first birthday for all the right reasons.

In summary, celebrating your baby’s first birthday is a milestone filled with joy and precious memories. By incorporating thoughtful touches and creative ideas, you can make this day truly unforgettable. Don’t forget to document the celebration with some fall baby photoshoot ideas at home to capture those magical moments!

4 Tips For Becoming a New Dad

December 23, 2020 by Annie

The birth of your first child is something unlike nothing else. From the minute, your wife goes into labor to the moments that you first hold your baby in your arms. It can be confusing knowing what to do. Despite how many baby books you read, nothing can truly prepare you for the moment you become a father.

The whole experience can be incredibly disorienting, so it’s important you have the right tips on hand. Take a look at some of the best pointers for handling life as a new dad.

Relax!

It’s normal to want to check your baby’s breathing every single second on your baby monitor. It’s normal to be afraid that you might mess things up. However, it’s important that you relax. You’re not doing yourself, your partner, or your baby any favors by panicking all the time.

Believe it or not, babies can feel your energy. Try to be as calm as possible even when the last thing you feel like doing is relaxing. As time goes on, you’ll start to get a better grip on what to do. Embrace the chaos and uncertainty for the time being.

Develop a Routine

One of the best ways to get you and your baby into the swing of things is to develop a routine as early on as possible. Children thrive off of routine, so it’s important that you try to try to establish one as early as you can. Even though it’s important for your baby to have a routine, it’s also important for you.

Having a routine helps you know when you and your partner can eat and when you can expect to be able to sleep. Since things can be so irregular in the beginning, a routine helps you develop some sort of normalcy.

Sleep When The Baby Sleeps

We get it. When your baby is asleep, the last thing you feel like doing is sleeping. You probably want to catch up on all those piles of dishes, laundry and maybe even take a shower. However, sleep deprivation isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s downright dangerous. In order to be the best possible parent that you can be, it’s important that you catch those z’s.

Get as much sleep as you can by taking turns with your partner. You and your partner should take turns offering each other naps. Remember, it won’t last forever. Soon you’ll be sleeping again.

Help With Feedings

Whether you’ve decided to bottle feed or breastfeed, a dad can still help. Your support is incredibly important for your partner throughout the process. If your partner has decided to breastfeed, you can always offer your help by providing a pillow or a glass of water. If you are bottle-feeding, then obviously, you can feed half of the meals.

Baby Fail-Safes: What to Do Before You Find a Babysitter

October 28, 2020 by Annie

It can be a parent’s worst nightmare—leaving their kids alone with a stranger. You know a babysitter is needed sometimes, but how can you trust a new sitter to provide the best possible care for your kids?

With a bit of research and planning, you can find a babysitter for your kids and prep them with everything they need while you’re away. There are plenty of sitters out there, from students to retirees to single parents, so you’re to find the right one.

To learn more, keep reading to learn where to find a babysitter and what to do before they arrive. Then, head out for the night with confidence that your babies are in safe and capable hands.

First, Find a Babysitter Who Is Right for Your Family

Finding a babysitter who is a good match for your little ones can be tough—it’s nerve-wracking to leave your precious children with a stranger, so you want to be sure to find the right person for the job.

However, the good news is that knowing how to find a babysitter is easier than you might think. One of the best ways to find someone qualified is via a recommendation from someone else, so why not ask neighbors, friends, colleagues, or co-workers who they use for babysitting?

If someone comes highly recommended by someone you trust, there’s a good chance that they will be reliable. If you don’t have any close contacts to ask, you can still find a great sitter by searching online, especially in local community Facebook groups, job sites, or even the local paper.

After you’ve found someone who may be a good candidate, conduct a short phone interview to learn more about their experiences, interest, and availability. Ideally, you also want a babysitter with first-aid and CPR qualifications, in case of an emergency.

It may be a good idea to ask for references, so you can contact previous clients of theirs to learn more. This may all seem like a lot of work, but once you have a sitter you can trust, you can use them regularly.

Prepare the House

Next, it’s time to get ready before the sitter arrives. One of our top babysitter tips is to prepare the house.

It doesn’t need to be sparkling clean, but you should work out areas of the house that the sitter can use, along with any off-limits areas, such as bedrooms or offices.

You’ll want to make sure the babysitter has easy access to everything he or she might need, such as the phone, internet access, games or toys for the kids, and an area where they can relax after the kids have gone to bed.

If your children are young, you may want to install a monitor in their rooms, for extra peace of mind while you’re away. The best baby video monitor is one that’s easy to use and will offer live streaming directly to your smartphone.

Create a Babysitter Checklist

Have you created a babysitter checklist? If one, this is one of the key tasks before your sitter arrives.

This should detail everything they need to know while they’re babysitting. Contact details are key, including your mobile number, the number for your local doctor, and details of where you’ll be and when you expect to be home.

You may also want to include important information about bedtimes, screen time limits, dietary requirements, and how to calm down your child if they have a tantrum.

Although you’ll go over all of this verbally with the sitter, it helps them to have all the information in one document that they can reference when needed.

Stock the Kitchen

Next, be sure to stock the kitchen for the babysitter. If they are expected to cook or prepare meals, make sure they have all the ingredients they need.

Plus, both the sitter and the kids are likely to want snacks while you’re away, so be sure to have options that will be easy to prepare. If the sitter is taking the kids out, the polite thing to do is provide them with pocket money to cover both themselves and the kids, so they don’t have to pay out of their own pocket.

Trust Your Sitter to Do the Right Thing

One of the hardest parts of working with babysitters is trust! You know you have a great sitter, but you’re still nervous about leaving your kids with them—this is completely normal.

You need to try and relax and know that your children are in good hands. While it’s fine to check in with the sitter throughout the night, you don’t need to be in contact constantly as you need to give the sitter and the kids time to bond and get to know one another.

Your sitter is sure to give you a full report when you get home, so enjoy your evening knowing that your kids are happy and safe.

Use the Babysitter Tips to Ensure Your Kids Are in Good Hands

Hiring a babysitter is unavoidable from time to time, so it’s important to have someone you can trust for the occasions when you can’t be at home. Now that you know more about how to find a babysitter and prepare the house, use the tips above to find the ideal sitter for your kids.

You may even want to work with several different sitters, in case your regular isn’t available. That way, it will always be an easy process to find someone when you need to go out.

Start searching for sitters in your area today and you’re sure to find the right person for the job!

Did you find this helpful? If so, we encourage you to check out some of our additional articles on families and parenting.

7 Fall Baby Photo Shoot Ideas

October 23, 2020 by Annie

Autumn is, hands down, the most perfect time of the year to snap adorable photos of your little one. The rich, vibrant colors of the changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop for baby photos. The air is crisp, but not so cold that everyone is forced to dress like a marshmallow. Best of all, it’s the perfect excuse to go a little crazy on the latest newborn baby clothes, like cute baby hats and cozy leggings for fall. Babies are blessings. You can share your pregnancy journey at My Pregnancy Journey.

Ready to take advantage of nature’s stunning backdrop? Here are some fall baby photo shoot ideas that will help you capture both the magic of the season and your baby’s unique personality.

When to Take Fall Baby Photos

When it comes to taking fall baby photos, you’re racing against multiple clocks. The first clock is, of course, your baby. While grumpy baby pictures can be both hilarious and cute, you’d probably prefer it if your baby was happy and smiling for the photo shoot. Pick a time when your baby is well-rested, fed and comfortable so you can increase your chances of taking the perfect baby photo.

The second clock you’re racing against is the sun. Generally, the best time to take fall baby photos is right before sunset. If you can line up your baby’s schedule with this golden hour, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous baby photos.

What to Wear

Figuring out what to wear is always the hardest part of a photo shoot! One important thing to remember about fall is that it’s all about color. To make your little one pop against the fiery foliage, consider dressing them in light blue or white.

If you’re taking pictures outdoors, skip the fancy suits and cocktail dresses—they’ll look out of place in a natural setting. Instead, keep it casual with cute dresses for girls (with tights for extra warmth!) and long sleeve t-shirts and pants for boys.

7 Fall Baby Photo Shoot Ideas to Try

Start scouting for outdoor photo locations as soon as possible. If you’re taking your own baby photos, be careful not to wait too long to take your pictures. You don’t want the beautiful foliage to turn into dry, brown leaves before you can capture the beauty.

Ready for baby’s close-up? Here are a few fall baby photo shoot ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Playing in the Leaves

Let’s start with a classic fall backdrop: a big ol’ pile of autumn leaves! This is a favorite among families for several reasons. First, you can capture this shot practically anywhere, including your own backyard. Another reason is that kids LOVE playing with leaves. They’ll have an absolute ball tossing leaves in the air or simply staring at them with wide-eyed wonder, giving you plenty of opportunities to capture some cute fall photos.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

Is there anything cuter than pictures of babies with pumpkins? If you’re going to a pumpkin patch this year, plan to put your baby in a cute outfit and take snaps of them surrounded by all the pumpkins. Can’t make it to a pumpkin patch this year? Pick up a few pumpkins at the grocery store and create your own DIY pumpkin patch photo shoot in the backyard.

Embrace Natural Frames

As the leaves begin to fall, take advantage of the scraggly branches by using them to frame your shot. This is a clever photography technique that can add a beautiful depth to your shot while providing you with the perfect seasonal frame.

Take a Wagon Ride

There’s something about seeing a baby in a red steel wagon that is just so adorable. Best of all, this is an easy fall baby photo shoot idea that you can do at home. Just get a wagon (you can buy one for less than $60), pad it with a cozy, flannel blanket and add a pumpkin. Then, have your spouse tug baby along while you take some cute snaps.

Park Photo Shoot

A nearby park can be a convenient place to take fall photo shoots. Just walk around until you find a good spot and start snapping some pictures. If the weather is nice, you could also pack a picnic and make a family outing out of your photo shoot. The only downside is that you may not have much privacy, so keep that in mind if you don’t want any onlookers.

Into the Woods

If you want to go somewhere more secluded, consider heading into the woods for a family photo shoot. You don’t need to go too far to get a rustic-themed shot. You could have an outdoor photographer take a few pictures of you and the family walking a secluded trail or sitting on a log bench in the woods.

Pose in a Wheat Field

Another classic background for a fall baby photo shoot is a wheat field. Wheat field photos are especially gorgeous around sunset and are pretty easy to dress for—just have the entire family wear white or blue to pop against the tan.

A Beautiful Fall Photo Shoot for Baby

Taking baby photos in the fall is so easy that it almost feels like cheating. From pumpkin patches to backyard photo shoots in the autumn leaves, there are an endless number of ways to capture some great pictures of your baby against a stunning fall backdrop. Try one of these fall baby photo shoot ideas and preserve your memories for life.

Which of the Baby Carrier Types is Right For You?

September 30, 2020 by Annie

There’s nothing more important than the safety of your baby while you’re out and about. If you’re lucky, you’ll also find an option that won’t sabotage your lower back in your old age.

Fear not. Baby carrier types range from the questionable varieties in discount stores to the amazing brands that keep you needing to visit a chiropractor.

Take a look at this guide to choosing the right baby carrier for you.

Baby Carrier Types

Let’s be clear. Baby carriers are not just for moms. Because men and women have different anatomies, they’ll need different baby carrier types.

Here’s a way to navigate through the dozens of products on the market so both you and your spouse get the most comfort out of your baby carrier. Take a look at these baby carriers to narrow down your search.

Buckle Carrier

Classic style baby carriers are all about using your upper body strength to support the baby. If you’re a strong mama, you’ll be pleased to know your pushups are coming in handy while using a soft structured carrier.

Male caregivers can utilize their upper body strength to go long hours with the baby in tow. Structured soft carriers are intended to be worn on the front while the baby is young.

There are versions that allow you to carry the baby on the back but these should be used with caution. Babies with busy fingers can find their fingers in an actual jam if you’re not careful.

The safest option for this style carrier is to keep the baby on the front where you can see any mishaps before they happen. These straps are always adjustable to account for various heights and body types.

The extent to which they can adjust depends on the quality of the carrier. Expect fewer adjustment options with a cheaper carrier than you would with top brands.

Avoid putting a newborn into one of these carriers until they have neck control. These carriers don’t come with any neck support for infants.

Choose this carrier if you’re looking for a universal option for both you and your spouse. It’ll be the most flexible baby carrier you’ll find on the market.

For this reason, these carriers can also be somewhat more costly.

Fabric Wrap

Breastfeeding moms are often fans of the fabric sling since it allows them to discreetly nurse their babies in public. These baby carriers are perfect for newborns because they don’t require any neck support.

A mother can carry her baby horizontally or at an angle while the baby sleeps or plays. The baby enjoys this type of carrier because the mother or father’s heartbeat is audible from the sling.

Chubby babies beware. This sling isn’t the best option for larger newborns and infants.

You’ll have trouble keeping the wrap in place unless you’re a skilled fabric artist like many South African mothers. Many American moms are used to having the carrier do all the work and rightly so.

Once your baby moves up in weight, upgrade your carrier so the baby can see more of the world as you travel. Still, the main benefit of sling carriers is price and convenience.

This carrier is basically a piece of fabric with a ring on it. You won’t pay top dollar for it and it can pretty much fit anywhere you need it to.

Once you’re done using it as a baby carrier, some versions also make an amazing bathing suit cover-up for the beach. The downside to this carrier is that your baby will probably only use it for a limited time.

It’s also a chore to use on your back after a certain amount of time. Men might not enjoy the distribution of weight across their bodies as the design assumes a wider hip area.

Backpack Carrier

You may have noticed the backpack carrier while out hiking. It’s one of the best baby carrier options for families looking for carrier options for larger babies and toddlers.

This option is only available to babies who are crawling or at least sitting up on their own. It sits up high so babies don’t have the full reach of items at eye level that could pose a danger.

Backpack carriers are some of the best-designed baby carriers on the market. You can walk for hours and hours without putting a strain on your back.

The design is gender agnostic so it doesn’t matter who’s carrying the baby. You can take the baby on and off your back with little effort using a backpack carrier.

The main downside to this carrier is that its big and bulky. No parent would go through the trouble of mounting the large contraption on their backs while grocery shopping.

You also can’t stand up or sit down easily using this carrier. It’s an event both putting it on and taking it off. You’ll need a second set of hands which makes it a bad choice for solo hikers.

Leave the backpack carrier as a go-to for long hikes when you’re with a group. It’s a costly option but is worth the investment because of how well you can protect your back and your baby at the same time.

Baby Carrier Cost

You can search the world for baby carrier types that offer both great design and affordability and you’ll likely find tons of options. Baby carriers are one of the most popular products parents use before babies start walking.

But too many options usually causes decision making fatigue. Stick to tried and true baby carrier types to avoid experimenting at the expense of your baby’s comfort.

For more information and tips, visit our family blog for updates.

4 Tips For Getting Out of the House With Baby

September 2, 2020 by Annie

Someone once said that being a new parent is like you’ve created a new country. People can visit, but this new reality, this new state of being in just you and your little family. Things outside that small circle or bubble just don’t seem to matter that much anymore.

However, no matter how joyous the occasion, no matter how much you love your perfect little wonder, sometimes you just have to get out. Bask in the sunlight. Go window shopping. Maybe grab a latte or some hot chocolate.

And that’s okay.

In fact, even if you don’t feel like going out, you probably should. Self-care is still vital, and it’s easy to fall into a blue funk without even noticing it at first. After pregnancy, our lives are completely changed. For mothers, our bodies have been put through a traumatic experience, as well.

And then there’s that whole going without sleep thing.

It’s okay if you’re struggling. And it’s fine if you’re not.

But either way, get out of the house!

What You Need

1. Baby Essentials

First of all, you’ll want to make sure your baby has everything they’ll need. Nothing is worse than finally getting out of the house, and then having to turn right around and go back. Choose baby diaper bags that have plenty of storage and are a pleasure to carry.

Bring plenty of supplies for your baby. Make sure you have a couple more diapers than you think you need and more than one change of clothes. If you’re taking a walk, you’ll feel like a bit of a pack mule, but make sure you’re well-stocked with wipes, burp cloths, and anything else you need such as pacifiers. Triple check before you walk out the door.

If you’re driving, take the essentials with you wherever you go, but leave the rest in the car. You don’t have to do the pack mule bit.

A nursing cover can pull double-duty and provide some sun protection with creative draping. If Baby needs a quick feed at the park, you’ll be glad you have your cover with you anyway.

If you’re going out during the colder months, keep layers on your child but remove them as needed. A common mistake of new parents is to swaddle up their new child and let them get dangerously overheated.

2. Store Essentials

If you want to visit a store, make sure to use a baby hammock that locks into the shopping cart. A shopping cart hammock cradles your baby in cozy safety and leaves room for anything you need underneath your child.

If your baby is older, use a shopping cart cover for 360-degree protection from any germs.

If you’re driving, take the essentials with you wherever you go, but leave the rest in the car. You don’t have to do the pack mule bit.

3. A Snuggly Toy

If your little darling has a favorite snuggly friend, leave it at home if you can. If Baby needs their toy to cope out in the great, big world, you’ll have to bring it with you, but be careful! If you lose that special object, life as you know it is over.

I suggest keeping the snuggly fastened securely to your stroller or diaper bag. Also, consider buying two or three as a backup while they’re still available.

A Slumberkins is a favorite soothing animal friend that comes with a storybook and is used to create a bond between a child and their caregivers. They’re the perfect companions for children and their adventures.

They’re also completely adorable.

4. Find Fresh Air

Even if you don’t GO somewhere, try to get outside. Fresh air and a shady tree is good for your mental as well as your physical health. If weather permits, find a beautiful spot. Have some ice cream. Take a short walk with your baby carrier on. Don’t get too discouraged if your child gets fussy before you’re ready to go home. You can always try again tomorrow.

Hang in there, new parents! You can do this. Just love your baby and yourself. Be kind and patient with the new you while you adjust to your new role.

5 Types of Baby Clothes Every Parent Must Have

May 7, 2020 by Annie

Seeking out the perfect clothes for your precious bundle of joy is so much fun. And, the fact that you have so many options nowadays when it comes to buying clothes for newborn babies
, simply adds to the excitement. Not only are the modern baby clothes super cutesy, but also soft and comfortable. This sure puts the parents in quite a dilemma about the clothes that they should get for the baby.

So, here’s offering you the suggestions that will get you out of your dilemma. While you can fill your baby’s wardrobe with as many clothes as you want, these five types of newborn baby clothes are an absolute must-have.

1. Bodysuits

Getting bodysuits for babies is so obvious that parents might just end up forgetting to buy some while shopping for newborn baby clothes. You will get hundreds of prints and styles, but do not get overwhelmed by all that. Just get something simple and comfy. Make sure to get it in a size for three to six months, because after a few weeks, your baby will probably not fit into the ones that are meant for three months.

2. T-shirts and pyjamas

The t-shirts and pyjamas are other clothing essentials for your newborn. Your precious little ones will sleep for at least sixteen hours each day, and it is important to keep them comfortable as they do that. Your choice of t-shirts and pyjamas as newborn baby clothes depends on the season you’re shopping in. Opt for heavier materials during the winters, and something lighter for the summer.

3. Dungarees

Figuring out the right outerwear to get for your baby is not the easiest of things. However, you cannot go wrong with dungarees as your choice of newborn baby clothes for taking them outside. It gives just the right amount of layering without making the baby uncomfortable and irritated. In fact, dungarees are the perfect blend of style and ease for the youngest fashionista in the house!

4. Socks and beanie

Do not forget to stock up on a few pairs of socks and beanies when you are shopping for newborn baby clothes. After all, keeping those heads protected and those little feet warm is equally important. Cotton should be your material of choice when buying baby socks or beanies because it is a natural product that does not irritate their delicate skin. The beanies and socks can be bought separately, but these also come in baby clothing sets.

5. Sweaters and Mittens

You will need to buy sweaters and infant winter mittens immediately if yours is a winter baby, but otherwise, you can hold off buying it for a few more months. Make sure that you buy something with a softer fabric that does not feel itchy on their skin. And, do not go for sweaters that are too heavy because even that would make them uncomfortable.

So, there you have it! The basics of buying baby clothes have been outlined in detail for you. It is time to start shopping for your precious little one.