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Now that your newborn is home with you, part of their new routine is making sure they are clean and comfortable. Bathing a newborn can be a little nerve-racking but is a necessary care routine. When your baby is first born, they will still have their umbilical cord, and so you will need to be extra careful while giving them their bath. Until the umbilical cord comes off, it is best to provide them with a sponge bath. There will be many new experiences with your newborn child, and bathing can sometimes be a scary one. With a little bit of guidance and practice, you can feel comfortable and at ease with this new step in your weekly practices. How Best to Give your Newborn a Bath We have put together some simple tips for new parents on how to give your baby their first bath. 1. Babies Bathing is a new experience for first parents as well as their babies. At first, your newborn may not like the uncomfortable feeling of water, so don’t be too worried if they cry or make a fuss. After several times your child gets at least a little bit used to the idea. So no need to panic if your baby is giving you a hard time. 2. Wash their face first When babies are naked, damp, and cold that is when they start to feel very uncomfortable. So before removing all their clothes, you can start by washing their face. Use a damp washcloth, ensuring the water is not too hot nor cold. Wipe their faces with the washcloth, over their eyelids, and gently over the corners of their eyes. Also, clean around their nose and in the crevices. You do not need to use soap; warm water will do the trick and hopefully keep your baby cozy for the time being. 3. Clean their ears Do not use a cotton swab to clean your baby's ears. This can be very dangerous and may damage their eardrums. Instead, again use warm, damp washcloths and your finger to get in and around their ears. 4. Wash their hair You can also start by washing their hair while they are still clothed or have a towel wrapped around to keep them warm. To wash newborn babies' hair, remember to support their spine and neck with one arm while you are tipping their head backward. Using child-safe shampoo, first, lather it between your palms before gently applying it to your baby's head. Softly massage the shampoo into their hair with warm water and then rinse it out using a damp washcloth. Once all the shampoo is out, you will want to towel dry their heads so they can stay warm. 5. Wash their body After washing their heads and hair, you can now remove their clothing so you can clean your baby's body. It is easier to lay them down flat on their backs in a safe place that won't be too slippery. Use a washcloth or bathing sponge, warm water, and gentle baby soap to wash every part of their bodies. Remember to gently scrub their necks, getting into all the little crevices in between their cute baby rolls. You will want to avoid washing over their umbilical cord and try to keep that area dry. Also, don’t forget their hands and feet. You can then use a clean damp cloth to rinse off the body wash and gently turn your baby over so they are lying on their tummies to clean their backs as well. Once they are clean and fresh, use a dry towel to dry them off again, remembering to dry in between any crevices. Then wrap them in a towel or blanket to stay warm 6. Lotion their body It is also an excellent idea to lotion your baby’s skin after bathing, remembering to use a baby-safe product. Softly apply the lotion to their clean, dry skin, massaging it in. This can be an extraordinary intimate moment between a parent and child, hopefully, one that your baby will enjoy as well. When Should Your Baby’s First Bath Happen If you are giving birth in a hospital, generally, nurses will give your baby a quick sponge bath after they are born. Otherwise, it is recommended to bathe your baby 24 hours after birth for the first time. This will, of course, be a sponge bath, and you should continue to give your baby a sponge bath until their umbilical cord has fallen off. You do not want to use a baby bath right away since soaking the umbilical stump is not good and will not allow it to heal, dry, and fall off. Babies' skin is very delicate, and you do not need to be bathing your child every day. Doing a full sponge bath approximately three times a week is sufficient in keeping your baby clean and healthy. However, as part of a daily routine, your child's face and hands should be consistently washed since this is where a lot of milk can build up, and other germs are gathered. Also, your baby’s diaper area should be wiped and properly washed as well to ensure their skin is protected. Make sure you are getting both the front and back of the genital area, so your baby remains fresh and clean. What do I Need to Give My Baby and Sponge Bath Before your baby arrives, you will want to be equipped with a few essentials to help with your bath time routine. When it is bathing time, have your supplies ready near the bathing area so that you can keep your eyes and hands on your newborn at all times. Being prepared before the first bath time will help you feel a little more comfortable with the process. Here are a few essential items to have ready and nearby before bathing your baby. Washcloths (at least 2) Baby body wash Warm water Dry towel Baby lotion A clean diaper A clean, warm outfit With these quick tips and essential items, you will be all set to give your baby the best first bath.

Although traveling with a newborn breastfeeding baby can be a challenge, as long as you are prepared and up for the task, you will be able to continue your traveling plans. All you need are a few essential tips and the appropriate gear to make your journey enjoyable while you have a breastfeeding newborn. Tips for Traveling while Breastfeeding Below, we have put together a few essential tips to help mothers be more comfortable with the idea of breastfeeding while traveling and ensure that they are well equipped to set out on their trip. 1. Take your time If you are traveling with a newborn, you will want to give yourself a little extra time than usual to ensure you are not rushing to get things done, for example, the needs of your baby. Set some time aside within your travel plans so that you can breastfeed your baby and be relaxed while doing so. 2. Plan Ahead Take a look at your travel route and see where any convenient stopping points will be, then you can plan out different places that would be most comfortable to breastfeed. For example, if you are on a road trip, you may want to look at cafes or restaurants along the route where you can stop for both you and your baby to eat. 3. See if there are breastfeeding areas Again depending on where you are traveling or what transportation you are using, there may be designated breastfeeding areas. Some airports, for example, have breastfeeding pods so that moms can nurse their babies in private. 4. Choose a window seat on the plane If you will be traveling on the plane, chances are you may have to breastfeed on the plane. Having the window seat will allow you to have a little more privacy. 5. Pumping Another piece of advice is to try to pump some milk into bottles whenever you can. You can pump before heading off on your trip or perhaps when your travel partner is driving. This way, you can more easily feed your baby with a bottle in a crowded area or while in the car. 6. Hydrate As for any breastfeeding mom, you want to ensure that you are drinking enough water, especially when breastfeeding. When you are traveling, thinking about drinking water may not be of top priority, but it should be since your baby needs adequate hydration too. 7. Wash your hands frequently When you are traveling, you will encounter many different people and travel through other areas. Remember to wash your hand before breastfeeding to safeguard against spreading germs to yourself and your baby. While traveling, you will often stop at gas stations, restaurants, train stations, or airports filled with many people and many germs daily. Stay safe so that your newborn is safe as well. 8. Baby bag Traveling with a baby bag will be extremely helpful to stay organized and ensure that all your essentials are in one place. Now that you have a newborn, you will need a few more items while traveling than usual, and having one designated place to put them will help with the traveling process. What Extra Breastfeeding Gear Do I Need to Travel Before you set out on your trip, pack your baby bag equipped with a few extra items that will help you while breastfeeding on the go. Planning ahead to make sure you have everything you may need will help relieve some unneeded stress and focus on enjoying your time. 1. Nursing blanket or top Throughout your travels, there may be times that you will need to nurse in public, and having something to cover yourself with will help you feel more comfortable and intimate. You can use a nursing cover or blanket to drape over your shoulder while breastfeeding. Alternatively, you may want to wear a nursing top that is designed for breastfeeding easily. 2. Cooler bag If you are pumping your breast milk, you will need somewhere to keep the bottles. While you are on the move, having a cooler bag or pouch is a great place to store your bottles safely. Keeping the milk fresh doesn’t just improve the taste; it protects your baby from any bacteria or other problems that spoiled milk might create. 3. Portable breast pump Since you will be traveling, having a portable pump will make pumping much easier. You may not always be near an outlet or want to fuss with always trying to find one, and you may want to try pumping in the car, so having a portable version will be beneficial. Traveling With a Newborn Hopefully, these tips will help with planning your travels and packing the right gear for breastfeeding while on the road. If this is your first time traveling with a newborn baby, as long as you are organized beforehand, you should be set to go on your adventure. Remember to try and relax and take some time for yourself too. If you are traveling with someone else, swap duties throughout your trip so neither of you are overwhelmed. If you are going to pump, your travel partner can take over feeding the baby so you can focus on yourself even for a few minutes. As a new mother, you will likely still be dealing with some of the natural postpartum consequences that will be different if this is the first time traveling after having a baby. Maybe pack a book for a little bit of me-time or to get it done at the same time as pumping. Also, try wearing a girdle while traveling. They are designed to make you look and feel great after giving birth and will also make moving around just a little more comfortable for you. Traveling can be stressful under normal circumstances, so the added pressure of postpartum traveling with a newborn and breastfeeding may seem like a lot, but as long as you are prepared, we know that you can handle it!

Swaddling is a recommended way to soothe your baby. It is an excellent hack for parents of small infants. Swaddling is a technique in which a baby is wrapped tightly with a blanket and is shown to help them sleep better. Wrapping your baby nice and snuggly is supposed to resemble the warmth and comfort of the womb. When done correctly, swaddling is a safe and effective way to calm down your baby and promote sleep. How to Swaddle Correctly There are a few simple steps that parents should follow to ensure that their baby is being wrapped up properly before you place them down to rest. If swaddled correctly, you can be more confident that your child is safe when they are sleeping. We will go over these steps and some tips to ensure the safety of your child. Spread out your blanket on a soft flat surface and slightly fold in one corner Place your baby down on their back, with their head poking out the top of the folded corner Keeping their arms inside, wrap one side (left or right) of the blanket over the top of your babies body, ensuring that their head and neck are out of the blanket Tuck that corner of the blanket between their body and opposite arm Pull the bottom corner of the blanket up over the baby's feet and body and tuck to one side of their body Fold over the remaining side of the blanket and tuck underneath their body Following these simple steps will help guide you in how to effectively and safely swaddle your baby so they can sleep better. In addition to the swaddling procedure, there are a few key things to remember as well to ensure it is being done correctly. Things to Remember When Swaddling your Baby When you are swaddling your baby, you want to wrap the blanket tightly but not too tight. The blanket should feel secure around their body but not overly tight. When you wrap the baby's legs, you want their hips to be loose so they can move them slightly. They should be able to bend their legs. You will want to be careful not to restrain their hips; this can cause damage and possible hip dysplasia. Another thing you want to keep in mind is the type of blanket you are using to swaddle your baby. There are specific blankets made for swaddling that are thin and breathable. They are easy to wrap and won’t be too warm for the baby. The blanket should be a baby-sized blanket that is not too large and bulky. One that can wrap entirely around your baby and keep its shape throughout the night. How to Put your Swaddled Baby to Sleep Once your baby is wrapped up in their swaddle blanket, you want to place them down into their crib or napping area safely. Firstly, it is recommended that you place your baby down flat on their backs. This position is safe and will reduce the risk of SIDS. Monitor your baby while they are sleeping, so you ensure they do not roll over. It is also vital that you do not have other loose blankets or cushions in the crib. Having loose objects in their crib could also put your baby at risk of suffocating while sleeping. Similarly, you don't want any other hard object in their bed either, which could also be harmful. Lastly, since swaddling may increase the chances that your baby overheats, ensure that you are monitoring them and look for signs of sweating or flushed cheeks. The blanket you are using may be too thick for swaddling. When do You Swaddle your Baby? Swaddling is appropriate for babies up until they are about 3 or 4 months old. It is intended for newborn babies that have minor mobility capabilities to help them calm down and get used to being out of the womb. Once a baby is able to roll over on their own, it is no longer a good idea to swaddle them. They are more likely to roll over in their sleep, and if they are swaddled, this could be very dangerous. Once your baby is able to roll over on their own, they may be used to and still need that tight feeling in order to fall asleep quickly. When a baby is no longer being swaddled, there are some ways that you can still create this comfort and help them with this transition to sleeping freely. There are unique sleeping sacks that are made for older infants that still wrap around their feet so that they are snug but still allowing their arms to be free. Why Should I Swaddle My Baby? There are a few great reasons why swaddling can be beneficial for both you and your baby. Swaddling often helps babies fall asleep and allows them to stay asleep for longer periods. It helps to refrain them from their natural startle movements, where otherwise they may wake themselves up. Wrapping your baby at night has also been shown to calm down colicky babies. Even if your baby is not sleeping, it helps to soothe them and keep them relaxed. Ultimately, swaddling your baby will help your baby get more rest and relax more easily. Additionally, if your baby gets more rest, as a parent, you have more time for yourself. The extra time your baby spends sleeping will allow you to either get rest yourself, spend on some much-needed you time, or possibly give you more time to cook healthy meals. New mothers will have more time to focus on themselves and get their minds and body back to what they used to be. Maybe you can splurge on a new outfit. Or perhaps you might want to buy one of Bellefit's multiple Girdles to find a design that works for you and help boost your body confidence. Wearing a girdle or a new outfit can do wonders for a new mom's confidence and help you be more you. All in all, if your newborn baby rests well, you will also have more time for yourself. You deserve it.

Let’s be honest, having a baby isn’t as easy and comfortable as the media would like us to believe. You see these beautiful girls in commercials having babies looking flawless and snatched after delivering their baby and it is simply not true. Having a baby is hard work for your body and your mind. You made it through labor and all the pain throughout it and now what? There is this little human that you and your partner need to take care of but how can you survive this stage of chaos? You might experience pain, swelling, and more after you give birth and all you want to do is rest but a baby needs attention 24/7 a day. Being a mother and away from your baby isn’t as easy as it is for fathers. So you are there around your child all the time breastfeeding, changing diapers, calming it when it cries and you think all I want to do is sleep but it seems impossible. If you wanna know how to survive the newborn stage then you are at the right place. What is The Newborn Stage? The newborn stage is the phase from birth to two or three months after. Your baby may start to smile, raise their head, take objects and follow objects with their eyes. This stage is hard for most mothers as it is right after labor when their own body is sore and might be swollen and they need to take care of the baby. As the baby has to get used to living outside of the womb it is a whole new world for them and it takes a while to get into a rhythm with your baby. The stress is understandable and there are ways to make this stage a little easier. Ways to Survive the Newborn Stage Think About Having The Crib Next to Your Bed If your baby wakes up at night you want to calm it down right away and not run around the house first. Having your baby close can help to get your baby to sleep better as well, as it is close to you and your partner. Think about taking turns with who wakes up to check on the baby and who gets to sleep in. Expect to Feed The Baby Around The Clock Babies need to eat around the clock so waking up at night to a crying baby won’t be a rarity. Prepare yourself to make that easier and quicker for you. After a while, you can also ask your partner to take over and feed pumped breast milk to get more sleep for yourself. It’s teamwork after all. Ask Your Doctor for Help if Breastfeeding Hurts Breastfeeding might be a little uncomfortable at first but shouldn’t cause pain. Try to reposition your baby to see if the pain eases. Otherwise, consult a doctor as this might have different reasons. Take Naps When Your Baby Naps As your sleep schedule might be all kinds of messed up after giving birth and your baby might not let you sleep through the night, you should sleep and take naps whenever your baby does. As you will need the rest for yourself. Get YOU Time in It sounds silly but making time just for yourself is actually incredibly important to survive the newborn stage. With all the new things happening around you and your body trying to recover, rest and some time away are needed. Ask family or your partner to lend a hand with your baby. As always it is not selfish to take time for yourself. Recharging and getting your time in should be on your daily schedule. Your body just worked really hard and might be sore and swollen after labor, hormones change and feelings are all over. Do whatever you feel like you need during that time of day that you have to yourself. Check-in With Your Feelings Many women are affected by postpartum depression which can go undetected for a while. Check-in with how you are feeling. A new baby means a new routine, new tasks, and a new schedule that you have to figure out yet. It can make you feel angry, frustrated, and even lonely sometimes. Talk to someone you trust, that might be your partner, a parent, or a friend, and tell them how you feel. Sharing emotions is good for your soul and might take some of the weight off your shoulders. Talking about your problems can reduce stress which makes it easier to rest at night. If you think you might suffer from postpartum depression, call your doctor or a therapist to get the help you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and speak honestly about what you are feeling and experiencing. It’s different for everyone and you are not alone. Split the work with your partner As this is a team effort, let your partner do tasks like changing diapers, cleaning, cooking, laundry, waking up at night to get a bottle, etc. Mothers often feel like they are responsible for everything but it is completely acceptable to let your partner do half of the work. Many tasks around the house might feel like too much for you after labor and can be easily done by your partner. When does the newborn stage end? It’s hard to answer when your child gets easier but usually around three months your baby will get used to a routine and things might seem less impossible. As the baby grows it won’t need food every hour and can also sleep longer during the night. Summary It won’t be easy to get rest during the newborn stage but there is light at the end of the tunnel and things will get better. Having a new baby is always hard at first as you still have to establish a schedule and rhythm around the baby. It is therefore important that you take care of your own body as well. Getting enough rest might look like asking someone to watch the baby for a few hours or letting your partner help with chores. It will be hard but everything will work out in the end.

Childbirth is perhaps one of the most natural procedures and is a seminal moment in every mother’s life. For almost all first-time moms, it can be a strange and confusing process. Although there is a lot of information online, even the most well-researched soon-to-be mom often seeks the preparation of childbirth education classes. These classes provide new moms with hands-on techniques and knowledge about the entire childbirth process that ultimately reduces stress when the day finally comes. Some of the main topics of these classes include: Pain relief Relaxation Different labor positions Advice on where to give birth Firsthand testimonies about the experience Medical Interventions Class Logistics (Size, Curriculum, Methodology) Childbirth classes can range from private care sessions to large groups. Classes of 10-12 or more tend to be far too big since the teacher is not able to provide the required attention to each couple. Private sessions tend to allow more individual attention from the teacher but do not allow for any bonding between different couples going through the pregnancy process. Most experts believe the ideal class size should be around 5-6 couples. The class is also often taught in different ways. Many use slideshows and lectures while others put more effort into interactive based activities. The curriculum often deals with both the physical and psychological aspects of the birthing process and some of their processes include massage, aromatherapy, or epidural anesthesia. These classes are run by both public hospitals and private practitioners and differ in many ways yet all share a common goal of preparing both the mother and their spouse for the birthing process. Types of Childbirth Classes There are many different types of childbirth classes and it's key that soon-to-be moms research the different options available and decide what’s right for them. There are numerous types of childbirth classes that range in group size, teaching methodology, ideology, and birthing techniques. Listed below are the most known childbirth class programs. Many classes use different variations of these techniques and may even use a melange of a few of them, but they can be roughly categorized as such. Lamaze When one thinks of childbirth classes, this tends to be the first name that comes to mind. Since the 1950s Lamaze classes have been a staple of naturalized childbirth classes that place heavy emphasis on maintaining calm through rhythmic breathing exercises. These classes center around a more naturalized method approach to childbirth rather than modern medical techniques used to artificially reduce the mother’s pain. While this name is often used to refer to childbirth classes writ large, it is only one of the many approaches to parturition. Bradley Pioneered by Dr. Bradley through his work on ‘Husband-Coached Childbirth’, the Bradley method believes that women have been proven to have better birthing experiences when their husband is there to support them in the delivery room. The study also claimed that if the father was present during the birth, the father developed a stronger bond much quicker than they would have otherwise. This work was enormously helpful and helped advocate for fathers being more present in the birthing and pregnancy process. The Bradley method also emphasizes an acceptance of pain as part and parcel of the birthing process and mothers who take these classes rarely use painkillers. Alexander While some of the other approaches emphasize breathing or relieving stress, the Alexander technique appears to place emphasis on physical exercises to make sure the mom’s body does not tense up during the delivery. These classes force the moms to cope with pain by teaching them to deal with uncomfortable physical positions. These students also learn to properly squat to move their body in conjunction with their pelvic floor to smoothen the process through the birth canal. International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) The International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) has a more progressive philosophy when it comes to childbirth. It has a more interdisciplinary approach to parturition which incorporates ideas from the fields of sociology, anthropology, midwifery, psychology, nursing, and medicine. It also believes in the principle that each mother should choose their own preferences for the delivery room and tries not to sway them in one direction or another. However, the ICEA does mirror the Bradley method, emphasizing a family-focused approach to childbirth rather than keeping the mother as the only focus of attention. Hypnobirthing This technique emphasizes a more epicurean approach to birthing that aims to help moms achieve the most relaxed state possible during the birth. These techniques aim to reduce discomfort and apprehension and even help the mother deal with stressful situations after the baby is born. It avoids the use of drugs or medication and instead focuses on the mother’s mental state through neurological training exercises. When should you take a class? During the first and second trimesters, new moms should take ‘early bird’ classes that center around diet, exercise, sex, and fetal growth. These allow the mother to slowly ease into the pregnancy process and help them get their body ready for birth down the line. However, there are also 4-10 weeklong prep classes that moms usually take in the last couple of months of their pregnancy which focus more directly on going into labor, contractions, delivery, and post-natal care for the mom. Frankly, it is never too early in your pregnancy process to take these classes, but most experts believe that it is best if you enroll during month 6 or 7 of the pregnancy process. Even if this is the mother’s 2nd or 3rd child, it still is worthwhile to investigate some childbirth class options. No delivery is the same and even those who have had ample natal experience can benefit from a review of some birthing techniques. It's also true that new research often emerges during the time between the mother’s 1st and 2nd pregnancy so it may always be great to learn as much as possible to make the 2nd time smoother than the first. At the end of the day though, these prep courses can only go so far in preparing women for the birth of their child. But it is always best to be as prepared as possible to make sure you feel ready for such a seminal moment in your life.

Although the days of needing to always be with your baby to breastfeed are over, there are still some challenges every mother encounters when breast pumping. Being able to maintain breastfeeding with the help of a breast pump is incredibly useful and increasingly essential, but it can be difficult to maintain. Increasing your supply and finding the time are two of the most common challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers. If you want to be able to feed your baby breast milk while having the flexibility to be away from your baby occasionally, here are five things you can do to make it work: Pump at Work Although it might take some planning, pumping at work is a great way to keep pumping through the day and maintain your supply. Thanks to the federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, employers must provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding mothers. This means your place of work should have a private space to pump or breastfeed and give you the time to do so. You should also check your state laws to make sure because the rules change depending on whether you are paid hourly or you are a salaried employee. Your supervisor will be able to help you find a place, get you the time to pump, and the rest is up to you! Pump A LOT The more you pump, the more milk you will make. If your breasts are full, this is a signal to your body to stop making more. To trigger milk production, a signal should be sent to your body that your breasts are empty and production needs to start. A popular technique is cluster pumping which means pumping every five minutes for repeated stimulation. This isn’t practical for many mothers, especially at work, but when it is possible, give it a try! Eat Healthily Maintaining a healthy diet is critical to maintaining a healthy milk supply. Make sure you are getting enough calories, and are staying hydrated by drinking water and other clear liquids. If you can, start eating a bit more. Some breastfeeding women need to add about 450 to 500 calories per day to their diet. Of course, the kind of calories you are adding is important, just like when you were pregnant. Stay Calm Soothing and calming sounds can sometimes help produce more (and fattier milk) if listened to while pumping. If you’re looking to increase your milk production, this is a simple but fun way to make the experience more enjoyable. Relaxing while you pump is important, and particularly if you are pumping at work, don’t check your phone or respond to messages and calls while you’re pumping. Additionally, focusing on the task at hand sometimes makes the task and its outcome more stressful. Try not to think about how much milk you’re producing, and avoid any other stressors. The Right Gear Your pump, the breast shield, and the speed of suction will all affect how much milk you can get while pumping. It’s important to keep the machine clean and replace anything that needs replacing right away. Sometimes you can rent a hospital-grade pump for a week or month to get more milk when pumping. The Joy of Breastfeeding No matter how much or how often you pump, these tips will help you on your nursing journey and let you and your baby enjoy it every step of the way. If you’d like more information about this or other similar topics head over to our site!

Co-sleeping has become a widely controversial topic in the realm of parenting. Advocates claim that it can help with bonding, while others claim it to be an unsafe practice. Knowing all the pros and cons of co-sleeping can help you and your family make an informed decision. In this article, we will discuss the basics of co-sleeping and list out some pros and cons. What is Co-Sleeping? Co-sleeping is the practice of sleeping close to your newborn. There are two main subsets of co-sleeping, bed-sharing, and room-sharing. Bed-sharing is when you and your infant sleep in the same bed together. Room-sharing is sleeping in close proximity (within the same room) but not sleeping in the same bed together. There are many people who claim that co-sleeping is a dangerous and unsafe practice. These claims are largely in regards to bed-sharing and not room-sharing. Staying Safe While Co-Sleeping Co-sleeping in and of itself is not necessarily dangerous and can have beneficial effects. Some women choose to have a crib located close to the bed so that the baby can be close but not in the same bed. The main danger of co-sleeping comes when you introduce bed-sharing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns against bed-sharing because it can lead to an increase in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The safest way to co-sleep is to share a room with your infant but not share a bed with them. If you want to be near your baby you can always try placing a crib or bassinet right next to your bed. You would still be able to touch and be near your child while you sleep, but they will not become endangered. In addition, the AAP suggests a baby sleep in a separate crib/bassinet with a mattress and a fitted sheet. There should be no toys or blankets or pillows in their beds until they are about 1 year old. Pros of Co-Sleeping When it comes to co-sleeping there are actually a large variety of benefits. For this list, we will indicate whether the benefit is a claim of room-sharing or bed-sharing. This will help give you a more well-rounded view of the benefits and allow you to make an informed decision. Decreased risk of SIDS by 50% (room-sharing). According to a study published by NPR, the risk of a baby dying from SIDS is 50% lower if the child sleeps in the same room as their parents. Skin-to-Skin Contact (bed-sharing/room-sharing). Skin-to-skin contact reduces physiological distress in infants. While this claim is usually attributed to bed-sharing, room-sharing can also show the same benefits. You can still have some skin-to-skin contact with your baby without sleeping with them. Bonding (bed-sharing). Many parents who bed-share feel as though the emotional bond with their child is strengthened. This is not unfounded, as studies have shown that people who sleep together often trust each other more. Similarly, some studies have suggested that bed-sharing allows children to develop a stronger emotional attachment to their parents. Breastfeeding/Convenience (bed-sharing/room-sharing). Advocates of bed-sharing also tend to cite breastfeeding as a pro. This is because it is easier to breastfeed a baby when you are sleeping in the same bed as them. Similarly, it is convenient. There is no need to leave the room or get up in the middle of the night. You can simply turn over and breastfeed. It also makes it easy to comfort your baby if they are not fussy or not feeling well. Sleep Cycles (bed-sharing). Your presence in the same bed as your child helps them stay asleep in between sleep cycles. This prevents them from waking up throughout the night and in turn waking you up as well. It also helps your child continue to stay on a regular sleep pattern even when their sleep cycles are changing. Cons of Co-Sleeping Many of the cons of co-sleeping are against bed-sharing in particular. Similar to the list above, we will indicate what the con is in regards to. This way you and your family can make an informed decision. Increased risk of SIDS (bed-sharing). As mentioned above, room-sharing can decrease the risk of SIDS, however, bed-sharing increases that risk again. Increased risk of Suffocation (bed-sharing). An infant is not supposed to sleep with anything in their bed until they are about a year old. Blankets, pillows, sheets, and other things found on adult beds pose a risk of suffocation. Increased risk of Injury (bed-sharing). In addition to the risk posed by blankets, other injuries are more likely to occur when bed-sharing. There is the risk of the baby getting stuck somewhere (between the headboard and the mattress). There is the risk of them falling off the bed. And there is the risk of one of their parents injuring them when moving or rolling on the bed. The transition can be harder (bed-sharing/room-sharing). The transition between co-sleeping and sleeping in their own room can become harder. If your child is already accustomed to sleeping with you, they may be less inclined to sleep by themselves later on. Less Privacy (bed-sharing/room-sharing). At the end of the day, you and your partner may want some alone time away from your child. If they are co-sleeping there is less privacy. Key Takeaways Co-sleeping is when you and your baby sleep in close proximity to one another. Room-sharing and bed-sharing are two of the main ways that parents choose to co-sleep. There are many pros and cons of co-sleeping and making a decision can be difficult. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one and it is up to you and your family to choose what is best. If one of your main reasons for choosing to bed-share is the ease of nighttime breastfeeding, why not try a Bellefit nursing bra. Bellefit’s nursing bras are easy to clip-down and are comfortable and supportive. They make it easy to breastfeed your baby without the hassle. Invest in a good night’s sleep by purchasing a Bellefit nursing bra today.

The transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can be a particularly difficult time. Whatever your reasoning for the transition we are here to help. In this article, we will discuss why you may want to transition, when you should transition, and how to do it. Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottle Feeding For some women, it can be a hard emotional journey to transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. For other women, they can’t wait to make the transition. In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months, and more if you are able. However, some women are unable to do this. Don’t feel bad if you cannot do it, and don’t feel guilty if you want to transition them earlier. All situations are different and require you to make a decision--welcome to parenting. There are many reasons that women choose to transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Your child may not be growing enough on just breast milk, or you may not be producing enough milk to satisfy them. Similarly, you could just be tired of nursing or you cannot get enough time to pump at work. Whatever the reason, we are here to help. Partial vs Full Weaning With breastfeeding, there doesn’t have to be an all-in mentality. If you want to continue breastfeeding, you can always try partial weaning. This means that part of the day you are breastfeeding and part of the day they are being bottle-fed. Many women choose to breastfeed at night and bottle feed throughout the day. If this seems like a route you would like to take, these tips will still be helpful. When Should Your Baby Be Transitioned From Breastfeeding To Bottle Feeding? Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding depends on you and your baby’s preference. Most children will begin to wean themselves around 9-12 months, but some children may want to continue breastfeeding into their toddler stage. In general, making the transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding should be led by your child. Listening to your child’s cues paying attention to their preferences can make weaning much easier. However, you can still decide to wean them before they are ready, it just may take a longer time. As stated earlier, the AAP recommends waiting until they are at least 6 months old, but if you want to do it earlier, you are able to. Some women don’t breastfeed at all. The decision is ultimately up to you. How do you Wean A Baby? The transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can take a while. Make sure you start weaning your baby a few months before you want them to be weaned. Take it slow and steady, not only will this help your child from fussing, but it will help prevent any pain from engorged breasts. When you are beginning the transition, replace one feeding with a bottle feeding or slowly decrease the amount of time they breastfeed. For example, try feeding them from the bottle first. If they drink from it a little bit and then reject it, you can allow them to breastfeed. Gradually increase the amount of time they feed from the bottle before they get your breastmilk. Once they have adjusted to this (it may take a couple of days or a week) you can then replace another feeding. Gradually you will replace all of your child’s feedings with a bottle-feed. This slow and steady approach is a tried and true method to weaning your baby. Throughout the transition process, make sure you are paying attention to how your baby is reacting. If they are becoming fussy, not going to sleep, or becoming moody they may not be ready. Some children are easy to wean, but some are not. Even if you are going slowly, some babies may still resist the transition to bottle-feeding. Tips for Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottle Feeding These tips for transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can increase your chances of success. Transition using breastmilk. Some children may reject the taste of formula and will not take a bottle because of this. When you are in your early stages of the transition, try using breastmilk in the bottle. This will allow your child to become comfortable with the bottle, and make it easier once you do switch to formula. Try different positions. Some children are very particular about the way they feed. Try to keep them in the same position when they are bottle-feeding. Similarly, if they are not positioned correctly they can get reflux. This is uncomfortable and can prevent them from wanting to bottle-feed. Try different bottles. There are a variety of different bottles available on the market. Some of them have rounded nipples, others are pointier. Some of the nipples are harder and some are softer. Your child may be unfamiliar with the texture of the bottle and may reject it because of that. Try using different bottles to help with this. Try having someone else feed them. Babies who are used to being breastfed may reject a bottle if a breast is nearby. Try having someone else feed them from the bottle. Key Takeaways Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding is a very personal choice. Make sure that you and your baby are ready and take it slow and steady. Slowly switch one feeding from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Then let them adjust before switching another feeding. Repeat this process until they are fully bottle-feeding. If you are having trouble with them taking the bottle, try out some of our tips. In addition, if they are waking up at night for a feeding, make your life easier by purchasing a Bellefit nursing bra. Bellefit’s nursing bra is a comfortable and supportive garment that takes the hassle out of late-night feedings. It comes with a clip-down panel that allows for easy access. It also catches any milk that may leak in the middle of the night. Keeping you comfortable and asleep. Don’t suffer through sleepless nights, make your nightly feeds easier with Bellefit’s nursing bra.

After a long night of crying, fussing, and screaming you finally gave in and just gave the baby a pacifier. How are you going to wean a baby off a pacifier now? Will it mess up their teeth? Will it cause ear infections? Don’t worry, in this article, we will address all those questions and more. Why Pacifiers Help Baby’s are born with an innate desire to suck. This “suck reflex” develops in the womb and helps the baby soothe themselves and receive sustenance from their mothers. Even if a baby is not hungry, they will want to suck on something. If they are not sucking on a pacifier, they will suck on a hand, finger, bottle, or breast. The act of sucking on something helps them to self-soothe and is part of the way they control their distress mechanism. Therefore, it is very normal and beneficial for a baby to use a pacifier. Most babies will find a pacifier very beneficial and soothing. As they age, a pacifier turns into a security blanket of sorts and it can be hard to rid them of their habit. In order to avoid this, you will need to wean a baby off a pacifier. When to wean baby off pacifier Between the ages of 6-8 months is the easiest time to wean a baby off a pacifier. Around the age of 9 months, babies begin to develop a sense of attachment to their objects. After around 9 months of age, it will become harder to wean your baby off of their pacifier. However, this does not mean you have to do it at this time, it just means that it is easiest to do it then. You can wean a baby off a pacifier once they reach the toddler stage, and even later if you need. There may be some other reasons you may want to wean a baby off a pacifier. Pacifiers, while great for soothing, can lead to health problems. If you notice your child is developing an increasing number of earaches, or their teeth are beginning to move it may be time to wean them of their pacifier. Pacifiers are a great way to calm down a fussy child so it is sometimes easier to just give in and give them their pacifier. Don’t be too hard on yourself, even if it takes a while, your child will eventually rid themselves of their pacifier. Different techniques to wean a baby off a pacifier There are a few different ways that you can wean a baby off a pacifier. Cold turkey The most difficult way to wean a baby of their pacifier is to cut it out cold turkey. With this technique, you will take away their pacifier and simply not give it back. This technique can be hard and requires a lot of self-will. Your child will scream, cry, fuss, and try everything in the playbook to get it back. In order for this technique to be successful, you cannot give in to their demands. It’s incredibly hard, and some people just can’t take it anymore and give in. However, if you persist, you can have your baby weaned off a pacifier in less than a week. It will be a long few nights, and you may not get much sleep, but it can be done. Phase it out In contrast to the cold turkey method is the phase-out method. With this method, you will slowly determine when and for how long your baby can have their pacifier. You can let them cry it out during their naps, but give them a pacifier when they go to sleep. Slowly reduce the amount of time that they use their pacifier throughout the day. Typically, this can be done over the course of a month or two. This teaches them to self-soothe. Transition Another method is to transition their soothing needs to another object. Instead of them needing a pacifier to go to sleep or calm down this will teach them to reach for a stuffed animal or a blanket. You are not taking away their soothing object, but you are changing the object to something else. You do this by phasing out their pacifier usage and replacing it with another object. This gives them something else to hold onto while they are upset. Almost Sleeping Another way to wean a baby off a pacifier is to prevent them from using it to fall asleep. This technique is different from cold turkey because the baby is not prevented from using a pacifier, but they don’t use it to fall asleep. The technique is used when your baby is almost asleep -- they have stopped sucking on the pacifier. You will simply take their pacifier before they are completely asleep. This teaches the child to self-soothe without the use of a pacifier. Tips for weaning a baby off a pacifier Weaning a baby from a pacifier is a difficult, and sometimes long, journey. Try to be as patient and soothing as possible. Yes, crying and screaming and sleepless nights can make you lose faith, but it is all temporary. The best way to wean a baby off a pacifier is to use a combination of all the different techniques listed above. Phase-out the pacifier use throughout the day and only use it in emergency situations. Similarly, right before they go to sleep offer them a stuffed animal or a blanket instead of a pacifier. If they still want the pacifier, try taking it out before they are fully asleep. Key Takeaways Many parents dread the day that they have to take away their baby’s pacifier. However, with a combination of techniques and tricks, you can have your baby weaned off a pacifier in just a couple of months. Weaning a baby off a pacifier can be hard and difficult and lead to many sleepless nights. Not only are you dealing with pacifier crying, but you may be dealing with night-time feeds as well. Don’t make it more difficult than it needs to be by investing in a Bellefit nursing bra. This bra makes it easy to clip down and give the baby access to your breast without any hassle. Not only is this bra supportive and effective, but it is comfortable too. Don’t waste a second of sleep. Invest in a Bellefit nursing bra today.

Raising a baby comes with many trials and tribulations. Learning how to burp your baby is one of the many obstacles that you will face as a parent. In this article, we will discuss why you need to burp your baby, when you do it, how to do it, and for how long. Why do babies need to be burped? One of the many parenting duties for a newborn is burping your baby. Unlike adults, babies are not fully self-sufficient and need to be burped by their parents. Similar to adults, babies tend to swallow air when they are eating/drinking. The swallowed air creates gas bubbles in their stomach or intestines. Your baby burps to release the gas that is trapped in their stomachs. This prevents them from becoming fussy or cranky. Think of it like this, if we, as adults, have a lot of gas we know how to position ourselves so that we can release that gas. Either in the form of a fart or a burp. Babies cannot do this on their own because they don’t have a lot of muscle control. Therefore it is the responsibility of their parent or caretaker to burp them. Trapped gas bubbles can cause babies to have stomach aches and being uncomfortably full. The only way that babies can express their discomfort is by crying or becoming cranky. Releasing these gas bubbles helps them feel better which can prevent them from becoming cranky and fussy. When do you burp your baby? In general, babies need to be burped while they are feeding, and after they are done feeding. The trick to burping your baby is to gauge when you think they will need to burp. In general, it is best to input burpings into a natural time when your baby will likely need it. For women who breastfeed this generally occurs when you are switching them between breasts. Once they have fed on one of your breasts you can burp them and then let them finish eating on the other breast. If you are bottle-feeding you will generally have to feed them after they have had about 2-3 ounces. Some babies require you to burp them more frequently. Babies who drink really fast or are bottle-fed tend to swallow more air and therefore need to be burped more often. Other babies don’t need to be burped as frequently and can actually become upset if you burp them too much. Based on your baby’s behaviors you should be able to figure out how often they need to be burped when they are eating. How to burp your baby Burping a baby is actually pretty easy. Some babies require a firmer hand, but most babies simply need you to rub or pat their back. Make sure that when you are rubbing or patting that you are doing it on the left side of their back. This is where the stomach is located and where the motion will be the most effective. When you are burping a baby you also need to make sure that you have a burp cloth on you. Sometimes if a baby has too much gas that has been trapped they can spit up some of the milk that they just had. So, having a burp cloth on you ensures that you can wipe up any messes or keep yourself clean. Positions to burp your baby There are a few positions that will make it easy to burp your baby. Resting them on your shoulder, setting them face-down on your lap, or sitting them up. These positions are the best techniques and the most effective for burping your baby. Resting on the Shoulder: In this position, the baby’s belly is placed on either your breast the upper part of your chest and their face is positioned on your shoulder or over your shoulder. You support their body with one hand under their butt and then lightly pat/rub on their back until they burp. Face-Down on Lap: In this position, the baby’s belly is placed on one of your thighs and their head is hanging over your other thigh. You then lightly rub in a circular motion or firmly pat their back until they burp. Sitting: In the last position, the baby is set into a sitting up position and leaned slightly forward. One of your hands is used to support their head and chest and the other hand is used to rub/pat their back. You continue with them in this position until they have expelled all their gas. Each of these positions is effective but you may find one of them to be the most comfortable for you and your baby. Experiment with each position until you find one that both you and your baby like. How long to burp a baby Depending on your baby, you may not need to burp them for that long. For some babies it may take a little longer. Some babies don’t swallow a lot of air as they eat. This means they may not have to burp, or they may only have a little gas to expel. Other babies may have a lot of gas they need to expel but it could take them a little to do it. If your baby is not burping after a few minutes of trying, set them down, and then try again in 4-5 minutes. You can also try switching their position. If your baby is still not burping it could be that they don’t need to. The only way you will learn is by experimenting and listening to your baby. If they are fussy and cranky then it is likely that they still need to burp. Some babies end up swallowing a lot of gas and tend to have gas problems. This is called colic. If your baby is continually crying/fussing for 3 or more hours a day then they may have this condition. In that case, it is essential that you talk to your pediatrician and get the problem taken care of. Takeaway Burping your baby takes time and experimentation to become an expert at. Each baby is different so each of their needs is going to be different. The key to burping your baby is to listen to their cues. If they are fussy/cranky while you are feeding then they probably need to be burped. Make sure that you are prepared for burping your baby by investing in a nursing bra and a burp cloth. Each of these things can make burping your baby much easier for you. Bellefit’s nursing bra is designed to make it easy to clip up or down. This helps you feed your baby quicker and easier without having to worry about taking off your bra. In addition, it is soft and comfortable making it easy to wear all day and even to bed. Take away the hassle of nursing and burping your baby by investing in one of Bellefit’s nursing bras today.

When you are pregnant with your first child, you can typically expect people to throw a baby shower for you. But what happens when this isn’t your first child? Enter the baby sprinkle. In this article, we will explain what a baby sprinkle is, etiquette, and give you some fun ideas for themes, games, and gifts. What is a baby sprinkle and is it different than a baby shower? A baby sprinkle is a smaller version of a baby shower. It is meant to help the mother-to-be stock up on all the newborn essentials. Unlike a baby shower, a baby sprinkle is more about celebrating the new child and less about ensuring the mom has all the proper equipment. Having a child can be expensive and there are many things that you need to get when you are expecting your first baby. Baby showers allow your friends and family to help get you all that you will need--- a crib, high chair, car seat, breast pump, etc.--to take care of your newborn. In contrast, a baby sprinkle is less grand and more subdued. A second-time mom (or 3rd or 4th) won’t need all new equipment; she already has a crib and a car seat. So, a baby sprinkle is designed to help her stock up on the essentials or anything that her other child is still using. This can include things such as diapers, wipes, onesies, formula, stroller, a car seat, etc. Baby sprinkle etiquette There are a few things to remember when you are hosting a baby sprinkle. Baby sprinkles are much more low-key than a baby shower. The parents-to-be already have the majority of their big items so they will likely only need smaller gifts. The guest list can be kept to a minimum and the gifts can be smaller. The baby sprinkle is more about celebrating a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkles don’t tend to have a registry. This may not be true for all sprinkles though. If there is a long period of time in between the two children, it is very possible that the parents-to-be got rid of their baby’s old things. Now they may need the big-ticket items, so it is perfectly appropriate to have a registry; but in general, a registry isn’t needed. The host should not be the mother-to-be or either of the grandmothers. This is true for all baby showers and it is also true for a baby sprinkle. Don’t add any more stress to their already stressed-out life. Be prepared to explain. Baby sprinkles are a relatively new phenomenon and many people will not understand what it is. The typical etiquette is that baby showers are reserved for the first baby. So, many guests can be confused as to why they are being invited to a second one. Make sure that the guests understand that this is a get-together to celebrate a new life, and not to ‘shower’ the mother with gifts. Put gift ideas on the invitation. Because many people have never been to a sprinkle before, they will likely not know what to bring. Make sure to list gift ideas on the invitation so that they know what is expected. How To Plan A Baby Sprinkle Baby sprinkles are a much more casual affair and don’t require a lot of planning. However, you can still have fun with a baby sprinkle and keep it informal. A baby sprinkle typically lasts about 2 hours instead of a whole afternoon. This makes it easy to have a small get-together like a birthday party. Instead of catering, just have a few light snacks. Invite the closest friends and family--including the male relatives--and allow their children to join too. A baby sprinkle should be a fun, small celebration of the new baby that is on the way. Baby Sprinkle Party Themes and Ideas To make a baby sprinkle feel a little bit more special try adding a theme to the decor. Some fun baby sprinkle themes include A Sprinkle of Rain - include clouds and rain imagery in the decor Sugary Sweet Sprinkles - coat a cake with jimmies, and use colorful polka-dots on the decor Growing Family - Use lots of flowers, seeds, and plants to show the growing family New Drafted Player - Add a sports element to the party to show that a new member is going to be added to the team. Baby sprinkle games If you have ever been to a baby shower you are probably aware of how crazy baby shower games can get. People get competitive and it can become a little rowdy. Baby sprinkles are more relaxed. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun games, but they are probably not going to get too out of control. Baby sprinkle games tend to be more creative and fun instead of competitive. For example, you can have a onesie decorating contest and have a prize for the cutest onesie. You could also have everyone create a cute piece of art for the baby’s nursery. Similarly, you can forgo games altogether and opt for a fun advice box. This gives people an opportunity to write their best advice for a growing family and put it in a box for the parents to read later. A baby sprinkle is all about spending time with family and friends and getting excited for a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkle gift ideas Typically, there will be a small list of gift ideas that the parents are looking for on the invitation, but sometimes that is not the case. Other times, you may just want to give them a little something special. If you are attending a baby sprinkle and have no idea what to get the mother-to-be, here are a few ideas. Stick to the basics. You can never go wrong with the essentials. Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby powder, etc. Your gift might not be the most amazing or the most creative, but they will be the most grateful for it. Clothes. Clothes are another thing that parents will be grateful for. This is particularly true if the baby is the opposite gender of their previous child. If they are the same gender, then try going for larger clothes designed for one-year-olds. They may not be immediately useful, but they will be grateful later on. Big-Ticket Items. If you know that they don’t have a lot of the bigger items they will need, go ahead and get it for them. Maybe their stroller is only designed for one--get them one for two. That way there is enough room for the new baby and the other child. Gifts for Mommy. Trust us, a gift for mommy is going to go a long way towards keeping them sane. Especially in the last trimester. Get them a spa gift card, or a prenatal massage, or if you want to go the extra mile--a postpartum girdle. A postpartum girdle is designed to help support and compress the mother’s abdomen after giving birth. It promotes a faster healing time with less pain. A postpartum girdle is a perfect and thoughtful gift to get your friend or family member who is expecting. Because it is not something they would think to get for themselves, but they will thank you for it. Key Takeaways A baby sprinkle is a time to get celebrate the arrival of a new addition to the family. It brings together family and friends and helps the parents stock up on the essentials they will need. A baby sprinkle is much more relaxed than a baby shower, but cute themes and small games are always a plus. Make sure that you take the time to get the growing family a thoughtful gift and invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Trust us, they will be forever grateful.

Sleep. The ever-important yet sometimes elusive beast. A good night’s sleep is necessary to maintain your mental and physical health. Sadly, once you add a newborn into the house it is unlikely you are getting that much of it. However, once you figured out a schedule that works for you, and become attuned to your baby’s habits you have probably settled into a routine. Suddenly, your baby is deviating from that routine--fussing when you put them to bed, waking up more often, or even not falling asleep. If any of these sound familiar it is likely you are experiencing a case of sleep regression. In this article, we will discuss sleep regression, what it is, why it happens, when it happens, and how to deal with it. What is sleep regression? Sleep regression is when your baby (who normally sleeps pretty well) suddenly has trouble sleeping or falling asleep. Cases of sleep regression typically last between two to four weeks before the baby settles back into its old routine. The occasional nighttime interruption or temporary changes are to be expected with a newborn, but if these turn into the new regular you are probably dealing with sleep regression. This break from their normal sleeping habits can be frustrating for you and for them, and can even be an indication that there is a bigger problem to deal with. Signs of sleep regression So, what are the signs of sleep regression? And how are they different from the occasional sleeping disruption? The signs of sleep regression can vary depending on the reason for your baby’s change in sleep schedule. In general, the signs for sleep regression include: Fussing or crying when you try to put them to sleep Waking up more often during the night Not wanting to take naps Trouble falling asleep or getting back to sleep Changes in appetite Why does it happen? There are multiple reasons why your baby may be experiencing sleep regression. A change in routine A growth spurt (causing them to be hungrier than usual) Teething pain Illness Developmental Milestones Traveling All of these things can cause your baby to wake up more frequently or have problems going to sleep. When does it happen? Depending on the reason for their sleep regression there may be no way to tell when your child will experience a sleep regression. However, some reasons, such as developmental changes, teething, or growth spurts are pretty predictable. There are typically about three sleep regressions that you are likely to experience in your child’s first year of life. They occur around four months, six months, and eight months of age. At four months, your child is experiencing a developmental change in their brain that causes them to wake up more frequently. When your baby is first born their brains are wired to have two sleep cycles a night. Around the four-month mark, their brain begins to develop and mature, and their sleep cycle changes to four times a night--like an adult. This means that they are having lighter sleep cycles and are more likely to wake up. At six months, your baby is experiencing a growth spurt and this can cause them to have an increased appetite. Similarly, at eight months, your baby is going through a lot of developmental milestones. They are learning a language, starting to crawl, teething, and growing. All of these things can cause them to experience a sleep regression. How to combat sleep regression In order to combat sleep regression, you need to ensure that your baby is tired, pain-free, and full when putting them to sleep. One of these three things is often the culprit when it comes to sleep regression. Here are some tips to combat sleep regression: Put your baby to bed when they are drowsy but not yet asleep. This teaches them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Rocking your baby or holding them until they are almost asleep and then setting them in their crib can help. You can also remain in the room and offer reassuring touches and sounds until they fall asleep. If they begin to fuss and cry again then you can pick them up and try again. Feed them as much as needed. If your baby is going through a growth spurt they can sometimes wake up hungry. Try feeding them a little bit more food before putting them to sleep and seeing if that helps. If they wake up in the middle of the night, try seeing if they are hungry before putting them back to sleep. Keep it quiet and dark in the room. As your baby’s sleep cycle changes, they will be easier to wake up in the middle of the night. Making sure there are no noises or excess light to wake them up can help them stay asleep and fall back to sleep if they wake up. Investing in a white-noise machine can help keep the room quiet. Try to stick to a routine. Sticking to a routine can help your baby stay asleep and fall asleep because their body has adjusted. Deviating from this routine can cause problems with sleep regression. Adjust their bedtime. If your baby typically has two naps a day but decides not to sleep for one of them, adjust their bedtime accordingly. If they have two 30 minute naps, but they missed one, put them to bed 30 minutes earlier. If a baby is overtired it can increase its crankiness. Preventing sleep regression Sleep regression is a natural and normal part of child development. In most cases, there is not a way to prevent sleep regression. Developmental milestones and outside influences are likely leading to your baby’s sleep regression. Try your hardest to makes sure your infant’s needs are met, keep them on a schedule, and alleviate any pain (if they are sick or teething); but if those are not the cause it could be indicating a bigger problem. When to contact a doctor If your baby appears to be sick contact your pediatrician. Illness or pain can be causing sleep regression. Similarly, if you have been working on a consistent sleep routine for a while and nothing seems to be helping, contact your pediatrician. They can address any concerns you may have and offer advice. Key Takeaways on Sleep Regression Sleep regression is when your baby deviates from their normal sleeping routine and wakes up frequently or has trouble going to sleep. It can be caused by many different factors, but staying consistent with a routine, making sure their needs are met, and keeping them pain-free are the best ways to combat it. As it has been said, sleep is an important part of your life as well as your baby’s life. Make sure you are getting enough of it and make sure you are staying pain-free by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Bellefit postpartum girdles are designed to help your body heal after childbirth. They offer medical-grade compression and can help prevent diastasis recti. Stay pain-free, heal faster, and take care of your baby with the help of a Bellefit postpartum girdle.