Kirsten Metcalf
You spent 9 months (give or take) carrying your baby 24/7. Your baby spent those 9 months safely and snugly against you. It’s not surprising that many babies' favorite way to sleep during the fourth trimester[1] is being held by their mom! Who wouldn’t sleep soundly in the cozy confines of their mom?Your baby being held in a baby carrier is similar to them being held in your arms. It’s warm, cozy and mimics the closeness you and your baby had during your pregnancy. But is it safe for your baby to nap in a baby carrier? Will napping in a carrier create bad sleeping habits? Read on to learn everything you want and need to know about babies sleeping in baby carriers.
1. Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a carrier?
As long as you are using a baby carrier correctly and safely, it should be safe for your baby to nap while you carry them in a carrier. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep alone on their backs on a firm, flat surface without any loose blankets,
Who doesn’t love the end of Daylight Saving Time in autumn? Parents of babies, that’s who. While most everyone else in the U.S. enjoys falling back an hour and thus getting an extra hour of sleep, babies have yet to get the memo that they’re supposed to sleep in the next morning.
If you have yet to experience a Daylight Saving Time, whether springing forward or falling back with a baby, then you may be wondering how one little hour can throw off your baby’s sleep schedule. From the personal experiences of mothers everywhere, if your baby isn’t prepared, they can go from a good sleeper to a bad sleeper overnight. Your baby may have a harder time falling asleep or they may start waking up an hour early every morning. Not even a morning and an afternoon caffeine pick-me-up can help you get through those long days and nights. And it can take up to two weeks before your baby is back to their normal sleep schedule.
Sleep matters – for your baby and you! So, if you want to help your baby continue
If you haven’t already learned, babies come with a lot of baggage. Diapers, wipes, toys, clothes, bottles, baby carrier, baby stroller and car seat – it’s like a never-ending packing list if you’re traveling with a baby. Thankfully, airlines understand that flying with kids is hard, which is why they try their best to accommodate families. As such, they allow parents to bring the most necessary baby items along with them – many even for free! So if you’ve been wondering if strollers and other baby gear count as carry-ons or if you can bring formula on the plane, here are the answers to those and other commonly asked questions about flying with a baby.
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles
From snow to sleet to temperatures and winds so ice cold you feel like you can’t breathe, Mother Nature doesn’t really welcome you with warm, open arms this time of year (unless of course you live in Florida, Arizona or Southern California).
Taking your baby outside for a walk in the winter? Your answer is probably, “No thanks!” And I get it. Staying inside your cozy home sipping a cup of hot chocolate while your baby plays with his toys sounds way more appealing than getting everyone all bundled up to go on a 10 minute walk in 40 degree temperatures. But you can’t stay inside all winter long – you’ll go stir crazy!
According to one pediatrician, and I’m sure many others agree with her, “Unless it’s dangerously cold, being outdoors helps infants acclimate to the seasons and the day-and-night cycle, and it often calms fussiness.” Getting exercise plus having a calm baby who may sleep better at night? We parents should all be saying, “Yes, please!”
As long as you follow the proper safety
When prepping for a baby’s arrival, whether you’re a first-time mom or having your third, shopping for must-have new baby items ranks at the top of your to-do list. But it can be overwhelming learning (or remembering) just how many essentials a baby requires during his first year of life and which baby products are best.
From diapering to feeding and everything in between, here are my 13 must-haves for a new baby.
What are the necessities for a newborn baby?
1. Diapers and Wipes
Of course you know diapers and wipes are new baby necessities. But do you know how many you actually need? On average, newborns go through 6-9 diapers a day, and during the newborn stage (first 3 months of life) that equates to 700 or more diapers! Before your baby arrives, make sure you have a good stash of newborn and size 1 diapers, as well as a big box of baby wipes.
If you plan on using cloth diapers, then you want to have enough to get you through at least two days.
2. Multi-purpose Ointment
Sure, you can
When you’re a parent on the go, a stroller is your best friend. It’s your extra set of hands. It’s basically your mobile command vehicle. You need your stroller to safely hold your child, diaper bag, toys, snacks, sippy cup, mommy’s drink of choice, cell phone and keys. But many strollers can’t do it on their own. They need a little help from their own kind of friends we like to call stroller accessories.
Whether you’re an urban or suburban on-the-go parent, here are some of the best and most useful stroller accessories to make your life out of the house a little easier.
1. Weather Shield
When partly cloudy skies turn to rain showers, a blanket or car seat cover won’t cut it. You’ll need a weather shield to keep your little one dry from rain and protected from the wind and bugs. It’s also a great option to keep your tiny tot safe while out and about in congested cities, stores or doctor’s offices, especially during cold and flu seasons. The Metro+ Stroller comes with a rain and wind cover
Parenthood brings with it a whole slew of questions to answer and lessons to learn. How do I know what my baby is trying to tell me when she’s crying? When do I transition her from a bassinet next to my bed to a crib in her own room? When do I start feeding her solids?
Another major topic for new parents revolves around their baby’s sleep schedule: Can my baby nap in the stroller? We’ve all been there. You’re out on a stroll and you go to check on your little one and they’re fast asleep. This poses the question as to whether it’s safe for your baby to continue napping in their stroller or not?
The Short Answer? Yes, it’s Safe.
In short, yes- you can let your baby nap in the stroller. There’s no need to be concerned about your baby’s safety if they fall asleep while you’re out on a stroll together. If you have a newborn, it’s preferred that they fall asleep in a bassinet style stroller that allows them to lay flat. But even in a traditional style stroller, an older baby
What to Pack in a Diaper Bag: Essentials & Extras
New parents have a lot of questions:
How can I help my spouse connect to our baby while I’m pregnant?
Can you hold your baby too much?
Do I count the time between feedings from the start of a feeding or the end?
Is green poop normal?
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
Other common questions relate to diaper bags, like what you should pack in a diaper bag or if you even need one.
Do we need a diaper bag?
Yes! Do you leave your house without a purse or at least a wristlet? (If you do, I don’t know how you do it.) Diaper bags are just like purses—they’re great for holding everything you need when you leave home; except this time you’re storing things for your baby and a few things for you.
Babies require A LOT of stuff, especially newborns, and you need a convenient place to put all the diapers, wipes, etc., even on those short trips to the grocery store.
What should I pack in my diaper bag for the hospital?
How a Compact Stroller Will Help Your Everyday Routine
The everyday routine of a parent is busy and at times chaotic to say the least. And while children are wonderful, they can also make everyday errands into an epic event. Need to run to the store just for milk and toothpaste? Alone, you can be there and back home in 10 minutes. But with a kid, you never know how long it’ll take. You have to pack a diaper bag, put your child and his stuff in the car, drive to the store, take him and his stuff out of the car—there’s 25 minutes right there (not including any surprise setbacks) and you haven’t even made it into the store. It can make any sane parent feel like going crazy.
But everyday life requires leaving your house some days. You have places to go and people to see; not to mention your sanity to keep. Want to know what can help you keep your sanity? A lightweight compact stroller. It can’t pack a diaper bag or put your child into his car seat, but it does add some convenience to your
12 Stroller Hacks Every Parent Should Know
Strollers — every parent needs one. Convenience — every parent wants it. And with these stroller hacks, you can make using your stroller more convenient and functional, as well as provide a safer and more comfortable ride for your little one.
1. Snack Organizer with Silicone Muffin Liners
Place silicone muffin liners in the stroller snack tray to keep snacks separated, tidy, and spill-free. They're easy to clean and perfect for dividing fruits, crackers, and small treats.
2. Portable Wipes Dispenser for Easy Clean-ups
Attach a compact wipes dispenser to the stroller handle using a hook-and-loop strap. It's perfect for quick clean-ups of spills, sticky hands, or even the stroller seat.
3. DIY Stroller Trash Bag
Turn a small reusable tote or drawstring bag into a DIY trash can by clipping it to the stroller handle with a carabiner. Ideal for wrappers, tissues, and other on-the-go messes.