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... that I needed to pack an extra shirt for myself, not just for the baby.
#PoopGetsEverywhere #BoobsLeak
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Your turn! Fill in the blank with your best newborn tip: Why didn’t anyone tell me _______.
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❤️Just for today, let’s hold sleep questions so new and expectant parents can read through great advice in the comments. ❤️
Let's talk about music!
Music is a brain-boosting awake-time activity for babies!
Music stimulates growth and development of brain synapses, allowing your baby to understand rhythm and flow. These are directly linked to your baby's ability to understand language and eventually speak fluidly.
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But...when it comes to sleep, it’s time to stop the music. Now, a lullaby during your bedtime routine is great, BUT during sleep, there’s something better than music!
Remember, music provides interest and stimulation! ♀️ Instead, we want to use sound that relaxes the brain like the "shhhh" sound heard inside the womb. This is best produced by white noise on a sound machine. (Tip: It should be about the volume of a shower running.)
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See the highlighted story called “Sound Machine” as I test the safety volume and explain more.
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What music do you play for your baby? What songs does your little one love? Do you enjoy dancing with your baby? Show me today in your story!
Btw, I need one of those signs that says "My kitchen is made for dancing," because my kitchen sees more dancing than cooking most days
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Incredible photo by @mrsjessicaroberts!
Worried about your baby's temperature when the days are SO HOT?!?!
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I have to tell you: I hear from so many parents who want to know the magical temperature or the perfect clothing for baby to wear while sleeping. Why? We know that overheating isn't safe, and cold babies aren't comfortable.
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Want to know the thermostat secret There isn't one!! I know. I know. Some literature says 68-72 degrees is the “gold standard.”
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In the Arizona summer, my home is rarely below 78-80 degrees. In the winter, it sits at 73 degrees most days without turning on the heat. I know this varies from home to home.
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So ask yourself: Am I comfortable with the temperature? What am I wearing? If your baby's layers match your layers, she's probably comfortable too! So if you're comfortable only wearing a T-shirt under a sheet for sleep, your baby should be dressed similarly: Maybe just a diaper under a swaddle is perfect. Perhaps a onesie with just a swaddle strap would be perfect! (See stories for samples.)
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Still not confident?
☀️Look at your baby. It’s time to assess! Is he flushed or sweaty? If so, remove a layer! Trade a onesie for just a diaper and the fleece sleep sack for a breathable cotton one.
❄️ Cranking the AC in your house? Does her neck, chest, back, or tummy feel cold? If so, add a layer! Perhaps footie jammies and a sleep sack is the answer.
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I promise....it's that easy!
You don't have to be quite so stressed about that silly thermostat. If you’re comfortable, your baby probably is too.
Here’s a phrase to help you with this topic: “Assess don’t obsess!”
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Tag a new parent to show him/her the not-so-secret key to dressing your baby at night. Tell us in the comments what temperature you like to keep your house and share your baby's favorite sleepwear!
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*As a Labor and Delivery/NICU Nurse, I often told parents to add an extra layer to baby. Keep in mind, this is necessary in those first couple days when temperature regulation is immature. Typically, within a few days/week, babies can match you without difficulty.
It's TUMMY TIME!
WHY is it necessary and what do you do if you have a TUMMY TIME HATER?
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Tummy Time:
➡️helps to strengthen the neck and back
➡️allows for muscle stretching and mobility
➡️reduces the chance of plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
➡️encourages developmental milestones like rolling and crawling
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What do you do if your baby just isn't having it?
Understand that haters CAN learn to enjoy tummy time.
Begin in the first days of your baby’s life (but it’s never too late to begin either).
Start slow. Even 20-60 seconds at a time is great.
Make it a no-cry experience.
Do it for as long as your little one tolerates and then try again later.
Do it multiple times a day. Think: at least 8-10 times or more.
Start with laying your baby on your chest or across your lap.
Get down on the floor with your baby so you can see eye-to-eye. Sing, smile, and talk.
Use a boppy or rolled blanket to prop your little one up a bit.
Place toys or books close enough for your baby to see.
Find a non-breakable mirror as babies love their own reflection.
Don’t let it cause you stress. Make it fun. If today didn’t have much tummy time, try for more tomorrow.
Follow an occupational therapist like @candokiddo for more.
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When to do tummy time:
✅When baby is awake
✅Before and after diaper changes
✅When you are supervising baby 100%
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When NOT to do tummy time:
❌Immediately following a feeding. (Unless it’s upright on your chest as you are slightly reclined. This is a great option... esp for reflux babies.)
❌While sleeping. Back is best for sleeping until baby can purposely roll. If baby falls asleep during tummy time, please roll her to her back.
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What have you tried to make tummy time a more fun activity for your little one? Will you tag me in your stories today if you found ways to help your little one enjoy it?
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by @stitchedandfound
Raise your hand if you think you’ll take SHORT NAPS today!
If you have a little one 4 months or younger, and you're on the short nap struggle bus- you are not alone!
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I’d love to share some quick science to help you:
It is normal for naps at this age to last 20-120 minutes.
For many babies, naps BEGIN to consolidate and lengthen at about 5 months of age.
Naps tend to develop separately. The first nap usually gets longer and more consistent FIRST, then the second nap, and finally the others.
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Cara- Are you telling me I can’t do ANYTHING about short naps with my young baby?
No!!!
Here are some great tricks to help with #TakingCaraNaps, specifically with young babies:
1️⃣. After about 9-10 weeks of age, a darkened environment with decreased stimulation really can help. If you are only attempting naps in the living room, try for it in a darkened nursery or bedroom.
2️⃣. If your baby wakes after a short nap, try replacing her pacifier, picking her up, or rocking her back to sleep. Try this for 5-15 min, and if she won’t go back to sleep, just let that nap go. Also know that some naps can happen while holding, rocking, or babywearing.
3️⃣. Practice the first nap of the day in the crib. Any length of nap counts as a win!
4️⃣. If you need to be out and about, naps can happen in the car seat in the car or in a stroller. You don't have to be in mommy jail!
5️⃣. Put your focus on night sleep. Nights are conquered prior to naps for most babies. (Tips 5 and 7 in the newborn class= ) Link in bio.
6️⃣. Let go of the idea that you are creating a crutch. You are meeting your baby where he/she is developmentally. It won’t always be like this. Longer naps will come later. Stressing about naps at this age only steals your joy!
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*Be sure to check out the blog post "Short Naps and Newborns" to see flexible, real-life schedules with short naps. Yes, sometimes, your baby will fall asleep while eating. It’s okay!
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Have a baby > 5 months & naps are still short? See today’s story for a blog post to help!
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Which tips are you willing to try? Which ones have been helpful? Tag a new parent and help reduce the stress about naps. -
by @gigiandmax
Little one King or Queen of The Fart Factory?
Let’s talk about gas!
Gas is a normal by-product of digestion. It increases as babies swallow air while eating and/or crying. Gas can cause pain as it stretches the intestine.
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If you suspect that your little one is gassy, start with:
▶️ double checking your baby's latch and/or bottle nipple/feeding angle. These can contribute to taking in air during feedings.
▶️ bicycle leg exercises.
▶️ adequate tummy time.
▶️ making sure you are burping effectively. (Check link in stories to see some tricks for burping well!)
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If that gas looks painful or you're still concerned, here are a few things to discuss with your doctor:
•probiotics
•mylicon (simethicone) drops
•using the Windi Gaspasser
•perhaps a change in diet/formula. (Lactose/Casein in your diet or baby’s can be the culprit for many gassy babies.)
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Please know a baby can be fussy for many reasons other than gas. The newborn class can teach you ways to calm a fussy baby and prevent overtiredness. Often overtired little ones can mimic the signs of discomfort or pain.
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Please see today’s story for more! Will you send it to a new or expectant parent? Gas causes so much stress for new parents!
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Who has experience with a gassy baby? Can you encourage other parents? Anyone think their little one was in pain, but found the newborn class to be helpful in calming a fussy baby?
by @applers
SLEEPY CUES
Did you know your newborn can TELL YOU when she’s tired (and overtired)? Swipe to see how!
Tag a new parent! This is such valuable information!
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Examples of sleepy cues include: Yawning, turning away from stimulation, blank stares, and fussiness. Swipe for more.
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Why are they so important
For newborns (12 weeks and younger), we have to be very aware of sleepy cues because an overtired baby can have so much trouble falling asleep AND staying asleep. We even begin to see colic-like symptoms with overtired babies.
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In the newborn class (link in bio), I‘ll show you how to read your little one’s sleepy cues and what to do when you see them. You may be surprised to hear that many parents tell me their babies, who suffered from colic, were so much happier after implementing the tips from the newborn class.
♀️Why?
Sometimes overtired babies mimic colicky babies.
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What sleepy cues do you notice with your baby? If a new parent is on the fence about getting the newborn class, why should they just go ahead and get it? ☺️❤️
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by @lizzyjeanphotography