Every parents knows that sleep-deprivation is just part of the package when it comes to life with a newborn.
I won’t sugarcoat it, the first few weeks are tough. They will absolutely test you - baby’s up every few hours, he or she may be gassy and fussy, your boobs are leaking all over the place, and the list goes on. Not to mention the constant lying in bed wide awake, listening for signs of life coming from the bassinet (trust me, the worry is real).
I won’t sugarcoat it, the first few weeks are tough. They will absolutely test you - baby’s up every few hours, he or she may be gassy and fussy, your boobs are leaking all over the place, and the list goes on. Not to mention the constant lying in bed wide awake, listening for signs of life coming from the bassinet (trust me, the worry is real).
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Like I said, those first few weeks are really tough. But, not to worry, you do get into a rhythm. You begin to work on autopilot - you just get up and go and eventually it becomes your new routine. The tiredness may never go away, but that’s just the new normal.
So despite cursing the 3am wakeup in the moment, cherish them. Those priceless, magical moments you spend with your baby in their first few weeks of their life make it all worth it. Babies grow way too fast.
There are many different baby sleep products available on the market - from bottles to bassinets. Where do you even begin?
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As we near the two month mark with little Berkley (holy cow, two months already?!), we have begun to develop a sleep routine. These are all products that we use in our home and contribute to what we would consider a better night’s sleep.
There are many different baby sleep products available on the market - from bottles to bassinets. Where do you even begin?
You may also like >> What's In My Diaper Bag?
As we near the two month mark with little Berkley (holy cow, two months already?!), we have begun to develop a sleep routine. These are all products that we use in our home and contribute to what we would consider a better night’s sleep.
Here are my favourite baby products for a better night’s sleep:
Baby Probiotics
Like adults, infant probiotics are also used to help with digestive issues. When Berkley was first born, she was extremely fussy and gassy, entering the early stages of colic. We immediately started her on BioGaia probiotics, and while the issues have not completely resolved, we are noticing a difference in her - less gas, less discomfort and less fussiness.
BioGaia Protectis baby drops are a food supplement containing the patented lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis®/™that helps the good microorganisms restore a natural balance in the gut.
Sleep Sack
Not only is swaddling meant to help babies feel safe and secure, it also helps keep them warm. Especially as we move into the colder seasons. However, our babies were not and currently are not ones for being swaddled.
Researching an alternative to swaddling, and as blankets are a no-no, we found the Halo® SleepSack® wearable blanket. It replaces loose blankets in the crib that can cover your baby's face and interfere with breathing. In addition to sleeping safer, it helps babies sleep better, too. It's a warm cuddly blanket they can't kick off; ensuring baby sleeps soundly throughout the night. Available in cotton and micro-fleece, and a variety of designs and different sizes depending on baby’s age. (Berkley is in size small, designed for babies 10-18 lbs. or newborn to 6 months.)
Bassinet
When Morley was born, she slept in the bassinet attachment for the pack and play travel crib. Now that space is at a premium in our master bedroom, we needed something a little bit smaller that could easily be transported for traveling to visit family. We also did not want to spend a lot of money on a bassinet, knowing it would only be used for six months max.
The Fisher Price Stow and Go Bassinet is a portable flat bassinet that gives your baby a comfortable spot to soothe and snooze, without taking up a ton of space. It's easy to assemble, has breathable, mesh sides, a calming vibration setting and everything stores in the easy-to-carry storage bag! It can also be purchased for under $100.
White Noise
Living in a condo, potential noises can come from all four sides of us. Not to mention the noises of a crazy toddler running around while baby is trying to sleep. White noise helps to mask the sounds that might occur naturally in an environment, such as a condo.
The Sleep Sheep from Cloud B is the perfect night-time companion to help soothe children to sleep in a safe, calming and effortless way. A sound box tucked safely inside Sleep Sheep lulls one to sleep with pleasant "white noise” - soft sounds from nature (my favourite is the waves) and the reassuring sound of a mother's heartbeat.
When changing baby in the middle of the night (often in the dark), I want it to be as quick and painless as possible. That means removing as little of her clothing as possible.
When it comes to her sleepers, I am pro-snap. Snap up sleepers from Carter’s are my go to. Unlike those with zippers, when changing baby, you can just undo the bottom few snaps to easily remove their legs and change their diapers while keeping their upper body warm.
Soother
Now that Berkley is beyond the recommend 4 weeks of age, we have begun to give her a soother when she is fussy and at nap or bedtime to do just that, sooth her.
We have always been a Philips Avent family which is why we are currently using the Philips Avent Newborn Soother (0-2m). This soother is extra small and lightweight for tiny babies up to 2 months old. Unlike normal soothers which fall out of their mouths, this soother fits just right. It is also designed for natural oral development - the collapsible silicone nipple has a symmetrical shape that respects baby’s plate, teeth and gums as they grow.
And, if all else fails, there’s always coffee. In fact, I think I’ll grab another cup…