Page 4 - Baby Gear
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.
4. Collapsible Storage Bin for Under Seat Basket
Congrats! You’re going to be a grandparent. New babies are fun for the entire family, but especially grandparents. And do you know what’s almost as gratifying as becoming a grandparent? Getting to spoil the new little one with baby’s first gifts from his grandparents. But first grandchild gifts can be tricky. You have to find a balance between what you want to give, what his parents want and what the baby actually needs/can use. So if you’re ready to spoil your soon-to-be grandbaby but don’t know what makes an ideal gift, considering how many options are available these days, I’ve got you covered. Here are some first grandchild gift ideas that will make the receivers and givers happy.
Something Homemade
[Image: beechtreelandehandmade.com]
When you give a homemade gift made with love, it instantly becomes a family heirloom. If you can sew or knit, make a baby blanket or quilt. Store-bought blankets have nothing on ones made by grandma, and it’s something she can use later on
Have you ever wondered about babywearing? It’s a great thing to try! There are so many wonderful benefits of babywearing. From supporting baby’s natural posture to reducing infant crying, strengthening the bond between baby and her caregivers and more, using a baby carrier is a win-win for you and your baby, emotionally, cognitively and physically.
But if you’ve never used a baby carrier, everything is new and unknown. So, you might be asking yourself things like what kind of ergonomic baby carrier should you use? When can you start using a baby carrier? Is a baby carrier safe for newborns? What about baby carrier safety and hip dysplasia?
Here are the basic things you need to know about using a baby carrier.
1. You can start using a baby carrier from day one.
So, let’s start with the question: is a baby carrier safe for newborns? Yes, but it depends on a few factors. Some parents think they can’t use a baby carrier until their baby is six weeks old
Baby carriers are a lifesaver for many parents. But as a first-time parent, you probably have a lot of questions about baby carriers, like when can I start putting my baby in a baby carrier and at what age or weight can my baby sit forward facing in a baby carrier?
With my first child, I had lots of babywearing questions. But with a little research, and learning while babywearing with my son, I found the answers and am here to answer your questions about forward facing baby carriers.
When is it safe to put my baby in a baby carrier?
You can start using a baby carrier from day one. Most are meant to hold babies when they’re a newborn up to 2-3 years old. Babies who are younger than 4-6 months should only be carried in the inward facing position in your newborn carrier with proper head, neck, hip and bottom support.
When can a baby face forward in a carrier?
Unlike car seats where age and weight are the two factors used to determine
Summer is upon us, and with that comes lots of visiting our beautiful National Parks. Have you ever been to one? There are 58 National Parks in the US, with plenty of Mother Nature's beauty to explore. And the best way to visit these places with your little ones? While babywearing. Not only do the wearer and baby get to bond while taking in some of the most beautiful sites you'll ever see, there are a few great reasons to choose babywearing when national park-hopping:
- Safety. The safest place for baby is on you, and when you're exploring with your family, it's great to have your little one on your front, hip, or back. Rocky terrain, potentially hazardous conditions for new walkers, all wonderful reasons to have your baby on you. There's always time to explore on their own two feet, but when you're trying to get a hike in or check out a new spot in the park, babywearing is key.
- Safety. The safest place for baby is on you, and when you're exploring with your family, it's great to have your little one on your front, hip, or back. Rocky terrain, potentially hazardous conditions for new walkers, all wonderful reasons to have your baby on you. There's always time to explore on their own two feet, but when you're trying to get a hike in or check out a new spot in the park, babywearing is key.
The Omni 360 in Cool Air Mesh is our latest carrier at Ergobaby. Breathable, lightweight, and easy to use, our mesh fabric is soft and durable so you stay cool and comfortable. If you're just getting started with this carrier, here is a simple tutorial to get you started with facing baby in!
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 were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote
With the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh baby carrier, you can do it all (like hiking!) and stay cool. A few of our mama friends hit the trails this past week in Los Angeles. Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors with babe! Just be sure to prep and bring along the sunscreen. Please use caution when attempting any of the carries, exercise or activities highlighted on this blog, social media or any other content channels. Please use common sense and caution when using a baby carrier. You should consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise program. For more information, see our Disclaimer.
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 were extra fussy, I’d take