Tag Archives: baby

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Learn to Be a Diapering Master

There are always questions that linger about the proper way to diaper an infant or toddler. We put together some basic rules to keep in mind so the next time it’s time to change, you’ll be taking care of business like a pro!

1. Remove the used diaper and clean between the folds of baby’s skin. Use gentle diaper wipes if the baby has very sensitive skin, or if he/she seems allergic use a wet cloth (with luke warm water).
IMPORTANT: Remember to always wipe front to back.

2. Raise baby carefully by the ankles and slide a clean diaper underneath. The colorful markings should be on the front, facing you. The stretchy tabs are in the back and get wrapped to the front.

3. Close the diaper and adjust the stretchy tabs. Make sure it isn’t too tight or too loose. You should be able to fit two fingers snuggly between the diaper and their stomach.

Top Tips:

Remember it’s important to check the baby’s diaper frequently. Change after every poop, and after every nap or feed (on average this is every three hours).

Cover the baby boy’s penis with a diaper or burp cloth while changing him to prevent getting a surprise shower yourself.

If you start to experience frequent leaks, it might be time to move up to the next diaper size.

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Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell

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The Nursing While Walking Mom

Spotted! It’s a mom who’s nursing while walking.

Have you ever done this?

I was headed to the mall with my mom when my lil’ guy got hungry. I did not want to spend my special time with my mom sitting in a fitting room nursing for the next hour. So, I got my son situated on my breast and wrapped a light scarf over us and continued shopping. I got some looks, but I also had moms come up to me saying that was them a few days ago.

Phew, I’m not alone!

I think mothers can agree, we just do what we can to make it work and still have a life. Otherwise, we feel like we’re at the mercy of our nursing child.

I don’t ever feel annoyed by how much he feeds, and he feeds often. I just try to find ways to make it work for both of us. I do like nursing, and still do our chair feedings, but it’s also nice to be able to move around!

Just be careful if you need to walk and nurse. Wear flat comfortable shoes and have a buddy with you so you are not alone.

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Written by our CEO & Founder, Lindsay Bell

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Nap Schedules and Bedtimes for All Ages

Are you uncertain if your baby or toddler is on track with the number of hours he/she sleeps each day? Is your baby’s bedtime normal?  When will your child sleep through the night?

Checkout these age-by-age charts that are helpful to see where you are now, and where you need to be next. It also includes a printable PDF and resources to get you help!

And if you are looking to compare, here is a sleep chart from Parents Magazine, which offers a quick and to the point guide.

Once you have the norms from these two sources, read up on Parents Magazine’s, “10 Steps to Sleep Training Success.”

Happy sleeping!

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Written by our Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, Taylor Bell

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Classic Kids Photo Shoot

When my baby was born I wanted the hospital photos to be perfect. I knew by the second day of recovery a photographer would come by and snap mommy and daddy with their new bundle. I came prepared with my make-up, hair supplies, and a cute new dress. But it soon turned out as you would expect… it’s difficult for a mom (aka me) to look good after having major abdominal surgery. Then there’s the baby who just wants to sleep and be cuddled – no flashes please.

Nearing the second month, I was feeling like myself again and was approached by a boutique photography company that’s in all the same cities as my company (UWS, UES, Greenwich CT, Chicago, and Los Angeles).

Meet Classic Kids. Their motto is about the family experience, curated, helpful, and guiding to the best memories possible. They pride themselves on nurturing and making their customer feel comfortable to unveil their most relaxed, easy smile.

Bedside manner is so important when it comes to family. They make you feel loved and important during your shoot. They bring you a freshly made latte to make you feel at home, while they prep for the photos. Our photographer, Ashley, was fantastic with my son as was her assistant (a former nanny of course).The shoot was about 90 minutes. They provided us with a sentimental slide show to review all the shots about a week after the shoot. It was perfect to forward to the family to enjoy from out of state.

Classic Kids is a class act. If you have any questions about my experience let me know, or feel free to contact them directly to get your shoot scheduled.

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Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell
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The Baby Box Company – Review

When I first received The Baby Box Company product soon after my son was born, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The idea of putting my son in a box seemed unusual, but both the contents of what came in the box, as well as his time spent in the cozy box itself were wonderful as can be.

Inspired by packages sent by the Finnish government, to new mothers, Baby Boxes typically come stocked with clothes, blankets, newborn necessities, and of course the box itself for newborns to snuggle up in through the age of eight months. Though, I had stocked up on similar items before my son was born, I can honestly say that I could have survived with the Baby Box and its contents alone for plenty of time. With all of the products and advertisements out there today it can feel confusing to a first-time mom to figure out what to buy for your little one to meet all of their needs. But with the purchase of a Baby Box the work is done for you, and that is why I love it so much.

Finland is ranked as one of the best countries in the world for mothers to live and now it’s beginning to make a bit more sense…

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Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell!

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Up~Chuckies (feat. Elegant Personalized Blankets) Review

For the longest time I couldn’t decide what type of burp cloth worked best for my son and I. I have every possible kind (as I’m sure all first time moms do) small/medium/large, thick/thin, firm/soft, bib style, etc.

It may depend on my mood that day to decide which one to chose, but I find myself mostly going for the Up~Chuckies burp cloth with my son’s name monogrammed by Elegant Personalized Blankets. At first, this was not my first choice because I was not opting-in for large and firm, and I was spending so much time at home that it didn’t matter the look. Then I realized that using a light and small burp cloth was not absorbent enough and barely lasted through one feeding without being soaked. I can have the more durable option around all day and beyond.

We have been doing some traveling and attending some special occasions. I much rather have a fashionable and presentable burp cloth when around others at these events. I feel a little less disruptive, and it serves as a nice accessory for an otherwise gross purpose.

The monogrammed name is classy, a nice keep sake, and it makes me feel more put together when feeding or burping. Plus, the coverage is better – it covers me and the baby from leaks.

Special thanks to Elegant Personalized Blankets for providing me with a great gift as a new mom!

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Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!

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To Pacifier or Not to Pacifier – Part II

As a follow-up to our pacifier post last week, we asked a few of our sitters turned moms, “How do you clean the baby’s paci when it falls to the floor?”

Each sitter turned mom read the following article prior to sharing their feedback.

Brittany S. (first time mom of 6-week old boy)

Funny that this was a topic you are writing about because it has been a topic of conversation in our house. I spent money on wipes specifically to clean pacifiers and have yet to use them. My husband of course questioned the purchase and since he was born I have too. We both believe that some germs are good for the baby, especially the ones in our house. The pacifier has yet to be something he enjoys, so it usually ends up on the ground shortly after we have given it to him. Before reading the article I was literally cleaning it myself by putting it in my mouth! I was laughing when I read that this was something other people are doing. If the paci dropped on the subway platform I maybe would whip out those wipes, but for most situations I think a simple clean in mommy or daddy’s mouth is a-okay. It is a little like the five second rule, right?

Monica M. (first time mom of 6-month old)

Personally, if I am home and the pacifier falls, I do suck it clean and then give it back to the baby, so I’m relieved to hear that it has benefits. It’s only in my home that I do this, because I am in control of the conditions there. If I am out of the house I run it under water to clean it off or even swap it out for a new one and deep clean the other one later.

Lindsey S. (mom of toddler and one on the way)

When my little guy was an infant, I often carried paci wipes with me in his diaper bag. When I didn’t have a paci wipe on me, I would suck the paci to clean it. On a weekly basis (still), I boil all paci’s, especially the ones that come from his daycare. If he is sick, I find myself cleaning the paci’s more often (similar to changing pillow cases or sheets when you are sick).

The study and article is interesting.. and I 100% agree that some degree of exposure to germs at an early age benefits children. I never got neurotic about cleaning the paci’s; it really depends on where it would fall. For example, if it fell on the floor at the airport or grocery store, I would generally stash it away for a deeper clean. However, if it fell at home somewhere or in the car, I would either use a paci wipe, regular wipe, or suck clean.

Leave a comment and share with us what you do!

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Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!

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Top Five Tips for Bathing Your Baby

Before you head out into the world, you may decide your baby needs a bath. Believe it or not, babies only need two or three baths a week during their first year. More frequent baths can dry their skin and cause irritation. For the first few weeks, sponge baths are in order. Once remnants of your baby’s umbilical cord fall off—within one to four weeks—and circumcision heals, you can start bathing your baby in a tub.

Here are our top five tips for bathing your baby:

  1. Be sure the room is warm. If necessary, turn up the heat before bath time.
  2. Have what you need within reach. This includes: soft washcloth; mild, unscented baby soap and shampoo; soft brush to clean the scalp; towels (have extra for unexpected needs); an infant tub; a changing pad or clean flat surface; and a clean diaper and clothes.
  3. Fill tub with a few inches of warm (not hot) water. Test the water temperature with your elbow. Add a few squirts of baby wash.
  4. Gently lower your baby into the water, supporting the head and neck gently. Never let go of an infant in the tub. Using your other hand, begin gently washing. Rinse carefully, protecting baby’s eyes from soap.
  5. Wrap your baby securely in a warm towel, making sure to cover your baby’s head.

 

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Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell!

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To Pacifier or Not to Pacifier

During our recent trip to Cleveland to visit my family, my husband was holding our son when the paci fell to the ground. My husband picked it up, stuck it in his mouth; sucked it and then put it in our baby’s mouth. Gross, I snapped in front of everyone (whoops)!

I know there are articles claiming this is good for the baby, but I just don’t like the idea after my husband throws back a coffee or a beer and then puts those tastes, smells, and germs in our baby’s clean mouth.

When I used to babysit, I remember dads doing this first thing in the morning with their coffee breath, and then it would smell the baby’s mouth.

I’m all about our baby being exposed to society. He’s traveled across five states, been held by friends, and has served as my sidekick to brunches, park visits, and grocery store runs. Somehow, none of these things compare to the exposure of a paci that’s been in mine or my husband’s mouth.

Here’s the article about parent germs providing helpful antibodies to the baby. There are studies to support that babies exposed to these antibodies have less allergies, eczema, etc.

Tell me what you think!

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Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!
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Road Tripping with a Newborn

I’ve heard and seen how much new parents bring on road trips for their baby. I made a special point to not be one of those that bring everything they practically own (my attempt is seen in the photo below).  I wanted to be prepared, but bring the minimum!

Thursday night before our trip I had the list in my head and began piling all the necessitates on my bed. I already prearranged to borrow certain things from my sister in Ohio (the big things).

My son and I woke around 4:30 a.m. and did our feeding routine. I put him down for a quick cat nap while I showered, ate, and finished cleaning the apartment. My husband got the car and we were on the road by 7:15 a.m. My son had never taken a paci before (the hospital I gave birth at made the suggestion), but I packed one just in case. Naturally, he began to fuss as soon as we got into the car, but then something happened…he took the paci and fell into a deep sleep! The sleep lasted till around 9:30 a.m., when we stopped for his feeding. We found a Panera Bread with clean outdoor seating that was perfect to nurse my son and grab a bite to eat. We sat next to a family with six kids under the age of eight. It didn’t take long for us to decide that we wanted to wait awhile before having another baby.

Back on the road again he resumed his sleep, while my husband did business calls and I answered e-mails. We stopped two other times, once to nurse again around 1:00 p.m. and another for a bathroom break before arriving at my parents house at 4:30 p.m. We didn’t make great timing like we used to, but I’ll take a no-cry ride with an extra two hours of travel any day!

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Written by our Founder & CEO, and new mom, Lindsay Bell!