Baby Bedding and Bags

Welcome To Our Personal Blog

2010-11-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone who visits this blog. Up until now, the posts have been informative articles relating to products we sell on our online store. Starting today, we are going to begin using this blog as a personal diary for family, friends and anyone else who is interested. We will keep you updated on our life as well and fun facts, good recipes, products reviews, handy household tips and anything else that we think is interesting.

First of all, I will introduce myself. My name is Janet and I am 26 years old. I married one of the very best and now we have a beautiful son.
Last year (2009) was very interesting for us. We moved into a brand new house in March, had our son in May, my husband went back to school in September, and we started working on our online store in December.
It has taken quite a while to get it up and running but we are determined and hopeful that it will help us get through the next couple of years while Matt is in school. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. We hope that we can continue to provide all of your baby bedroom needs.

Take Prenatal Classes...

2010-10-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

After hearing many mixed opinions about prenatal classes, we decided to try them and hoped that we weren’t wasting our time. We heard that you sit on the floor and practice breathing for 2 days straight. We also heard that the classes were full of people asking stupid questions the whole time. Okay, so maybe that happens. Probably the most awkward moment in our class was when we were going around the room saying our names and due dates and one mom-to-be burst out crying when it came to her turn. No one knew where to look or why she was even crying. After she was done, she laughed and said it was normal and she had even done it while ordering at a restaurant. Hormones do crazy things – and make for some awkward moments.

Other than that, we had a great experience. We went to the Ottawa General Hospital and our instructor was awesome. She went over so many important things with us. I felt like I was fairly prepared for the delivery. I had read a lot and had witnessed my nephew’s birth. We went to classes more for my husband’s sake than anything else.

I didn’t think that I had learned anything new until we were sitting in triage and it all came back to me. No one can prepare enough for labour. You cannot imagine what it is going to feel like until you are right in the heat of it. The instructor went through all kinds of coping strategies for both of the partners and we sure used them to our advantage.
It was my husband who used more skills than I did, and in turn, I benefitted most from our prenatal class experience. He was right beside me the entire time, full of encouragement. At times when it was really tough, he would look me in the eyes and convince me to focus and breathe and remind me that our little boy was almost here. The classes had a ton of video footage of women moaning and groaning in labour. I think they prepared him for the worst. After he saw the videos, he realized how much support a women needs while going through such a painful experience.

After the delivery was over with, the nurses asked if we had taken classes because they were so impressed by him. In fact, he left to get our bags from the car and they told me that he was one of the best coaches they had ever seen. I won’t give all the credit to prenatal classes, but they did help.

Labour and delivery is not all about the mom. The dad endures a lot and will have a much better experience if he knows his role during this process. Dad's don’t experience the physical pain or the hormonal roller coasters but personally, I would not have been able to go through labour without my husband. Women are running on adrenaline and are in massive amounts of pain so we don’t think about anything else. I clearly remember him telling me that he needed to use the bathroom and I pleaded with him to stay because I couldn’t have a contraction without him. I can only imagine how starving hungry and dead tired he was when the baby arrived at 6am. He stuck by me the whole time and had nothing but encouragement and comfort for me.

Luckily for both of us, it was the prenatal classes that prepared us for what to expect. They taught us to have a plan and discuss it together so we both knew what we wanted. Sometimes the professionals just do things that we perhaps don’t want them to do, or maybe they don’t explain things without us asking. It gave us a lot of comfort and a sense of control over what was happening. We knew what to expect and felt very confident during the whole process.
If you are debating about taking classes, I would highly recommend it.

How to Deal with a Crying Baby

2010-10-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

A crying baby is one of the most disturbing sounds for most people. It is a desperate cry for help and unfortunately, it’s hard to know what they are asking for. With time, parents will learn how to interpret the cries and will discover the comforting techniques that work best for your baby.
Crying is a developmental function for an infant. All babies need to cry. It enables them to release tension and is their way of communicating sensations such as hunger, fear, cold and discomfort. It is also a way for them to express their desire for physical contact.

Many parents believe that their baby has “colic”. It is an overused term and is incorrectly used as a diagnosis rather than behavior. All babies cry to varying degrees from insignificant fussiness to persistent screaming. All babies have fussy times or even fussy days. This does not mean that they are colicky.

Doctors will consider a baby colicky is they cry continuously for three or more hours every day. They will usually cry at the same time every day. They often bring their knees up to their abdomen, are very rigid and they pass a lot of gas. While most newborns can be calmed by holding or rocking them, nothing seems to calm a colicky baby for more than a few minutes at a time.
Colic has been reported for generations and there is no relation to gender, culture, social class or whether there were complications during the pregnancy.
It is comforting to know that colicky infants are otherwise healthy. They are often very alert and active, they have no issue with weight gain and colic shows no long term effects.

The people who suffer the most from colic are the parents of the fussy baby. It is important to remember that the parent has not done anything to cause this and it will get better at the baby gets older. It is not uncommon for parents to doubt their abilities. Other common feelings are tension, exhaustion, frustration, guilt, overwhelmed, desire to hurt the baby, desire to run away and isolation.

Here are some tips to help parents maintain control during this difficult time:
- Put in earplugs and take a shower for 15 minutes.
- Exercise or yoga helps relieve tension and frustration.
- Try to go outside on a daily basis. Fresh air will be good for both of you and most babies like riding in the stroller.
- Ask for help from friends and family. Have someone watch the baby while you nap or do something for yourself. Ask someone to help you with your housework. People will be happy to help in whatever way they can.
- Do one thing for yourself every day.
- Try to sleep when your baby sleeps.

Here are some tips on ways to soothe your crying baby.
- Hold the baby close while walking or rocking.
- Turn on something noisy with a constant sound (vacuum, hairdryer, fan)
- Try talking or singing
- Play music – repeating tunes is said to have a calming effect.
- Babies like to suck – offer a nipple, finger or pacifier.
- Lay baby on their tummy across your lap and gently massage their back.
- Gently massage their abdomen or feet.
- Lay them on their back and pump their legs upward toward their abdomen. This will help with gassy pains.
- Rock the baby in a swing or rocking chair.
- Give the baby a warm bath.
- Put a ticking clock close to the baby
- Wrap the baby tightly in a blanket.
- Give the baby the recommended amount of Gripe Water (available at the drugstore). Put their pacifier in immediately after they swallow it.
- Do not give pain killers unless the baby has a fever or you have discussed it with your doctor/pharmacist.

Dr. Harvey Karp is the author of The Happiest Baby on the Block.
He suggests the 5 S’s to calm a crying baby.

1 – Swaddle: Wrap the baby snugly with their arms tucked inside.

2 – Side/Stomach: Lay baby on their left side or on their stomach either in your arms or under close supervision. The back is still the safest position for sleeping.

3 – Shushing: Say sh-sh-sh loudly near the baby’s ear. It mimics the sound that baby hears in the womb.

4 – Swinging: Start with a fast and gentle bounce and gradually move into a swinging motion as the baby calms down.

5 – Sucking: Offer a nipple, finger or pacifier.

Dealing with a fussy baby is very tiring and draining. Remember that it will get better with time. As your baby gets older, both you and baby will learn how to communicate and this will ease the frustration.
You have a lot of smiles and cuddles to look forward to. This difficult time is only for a matter of months. You have a lifetime to enjoy being a parent.

"Protect Your Baby, Protect Your Crib" - CribWrap Rail Covers by Trend Lab

2010-10-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

The concept of the convertible crib is one of the greatest ideas when it comes to baby furniture. Buy a quality product one time and you are set until your child is ready to move out. This convertible crib starts as a crib, converts to a toddler bed, and finally, a double bed with a headboard and footboard. Most convertible cribs look great and are built with solid wood. They are built to last and will endure just about anything.

The problem is, a practical brain thinks of all the things that could possibly go wrong. This piece of furniture, like every other piece of furniture, will not escape the bite marks, crayons, scratches and handprints. How will it look when it finally does become a double bed?

Trend Lab has found the most brilliant answer. They have a line of products called CribWrap Rail Covers. Their slogan is, "Protect Your Baby, Protect Your Crib".
These rail covers are lightly padded fabric that can be wrapped around the crib rails to protect them. They have a waterproof layer and they are machine washable. They come in 51" and 27" lengths.
There are various colours and patterns to match your nursery decor.
Not only will they protect the crib, they will also protect your teething baby from paint chips or wood splinters.

Along with their practical purpose, rail covers look great too. They add a nice finishing touch to your perfectly decorated nursery. Many people like the look of bumper pads but choose not to use them for safety reasons. CribWrap Rail Covers are a great alternative.
They are an inexpensive way to protect your crib so you can get the full benefit of your investment.

Finding the Balance

2010-09-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Before my new baby was born, I had ideas of how I wanted things to go. I didn't want to get cabin fever and I didn't want to be a paranoid parent. I’ve been around enough babies to know that they don't need to be held every moment of the day and they will not suffer later in life if they have to cry themselves to sleep once in a while.
I was in for a reality check when we brought our son home. My mothering instinct kicked into overdrive and I became extremely in tune with ever little whimper and squirm. A baby has been an emotional and physical part of the mother for at least nine months. It is no wonder that we are so protective of these tiny, innocent babies. It is even strange to see them wrapped in a baby blanket sleeping in their bassinet. You will wonder how they got there—it is almost unfathomable.

Before we had him, I read Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracey Hogg. I highly recommend it to new parents. There are some things that I don't totally agree with but we used it as a guideline and I truly believe it was a big part of why we have such an adaptable child today.
Her theory is to start as you wish to continue. For example, if your newborn sleeps in your bed, chances are good that when he or she becomes a toddler, (s)he will still be sleeping in your bed.
She really believes in teaching your infant independence. Every child has the ability to soothe themselves. If you pick them up every time they squirm, they never have the opportunity to soothe themselves.
I had a really hard time with this at first. I remember the first day that we got home from the hospital. My husband told me to go take a nap and he would stay with our baby while he napped in his bassinet. I went up into my room and started bawling. I needed to be close to my baby. I felt like I was missing something or maybe I felt like I had abandoned him. I wanted to lie with my newborn baby right beside me. My husband reminded me that we were going to try this technique and let our baby learn independence. It sounds like a great theory to read about but it was so hard to do. We agreed to settle on middle ground. He told me that he would bring the baby in an hour, after I had some much-needed sleep.
Everyone has to find their own balance but I like to see it from both sides. I agree with this author that children latch on to habits extremely quickly, whether we intended them to or not. I also see it from a mother’s perspective. Everything that happens to us for the first weeks after birth revolves around the baby. It's only natural to be close to your baby. I personally decided that I wasn't going to worry about setting habits until he was 6-8 weeks old. We used her techniques for some things like soothing him with our voice but we certainly did not start him off in his own bedroom. I just enjoyed holding and "spoiling" him as much as possible while he was still so teeny-tiny. It was around two months that we started using more Baby Whisperer techniques. He has adapted just fine. I decided that I didn't want to waste those few precious weeks on trying to "teach" him something.

I was so afraid of getting cabin fever after a few days. Looking back on it I realize how dumb that was. I don't think I napped more than five times in the first 3 months. I tried to have something to do every single day. That wasn't so hard to do between having visitors and doctor appointments. If I didn't have anything to do, I would go for a walk or talk on the phone. I wish I had listened to my body and taken care of it. I struggled with keeping my milk supply up and I now realize that it was because I was always on the go. No, you cannot crawl into a hole when you have a baby. You will get overwhelmed and baby blues will get the better of you, but listen to your body. You will feel so much better if you have a good balance of baby time, sleep and social time. Those are about the only things that should matter to you in the first few weeks.

When babies are around three months old, most mothers have found this delicate balance and begin to feel like themselves again.

Breaking Night Time Habits

2010-09-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

We expect to wake up in the night with our newborn baby. There is a certain novelty about the bonding time we spend while the rest of the world is asleep. Reality will soon strike and sleep quickly comes to the top of our priority list.

I saw the doctor when my baby was 8 months old. She told me that the only reason a baby this age does not sleep through the night is because of a bad routine habit. I decided that we needed to find a way to break this night time routine. I was reluctant at first because his crying tore my heart out. I felt like he thought I had abandoned him but then I came across a method that really worked for us.

When your baby cries, go into the bedroom and pat their chest or try the pacifier. If neither works, pick them up until they stop crying. As soon as baby settles, lay them back down and walk out of the room. Obviously, baby starts crying again. The first day, wait 2-3 minutes and do the exact same thing over again and again. The next day, bump it up to every 5 minutes. Over the next 4-5 days, work your way up to 15 minutes. The trick is consistency. Don’t go into the room after 10 minutes one time and 5 minutes the next. Use the same routine every time you go into the room. If you want to quietly whisper to them, say the same short sentence and perhaps repeat it a few times. Babies love routine. Routine is where they feel security because they know what to expect. When they feel secure, they can learn to trust and will soon be able to soothe themselves back to sleep.

Don’t leave them for longer than 15 minutes, especially if they are really crying. If they are just whimpering or talking, it might be okay to leave them until they go back to sleep. Personally, I don’t think I ever made it to 15 minutes. My baby would scream for about 5 minutes and then start to quiet down. By 15 minutes, he was usually asleep, if not just talking or whining.
As with all parenting tips, use your discretion. If your baby is trying to tell you something, of course you need to respond. Perhaps they have a fever or want their diaper changed. If they are waking up at the same time as they normally do, or if they settle down as soon as you pick them up, chances are good that there is nothing wrong. Use your parent-instinct but don’t give in just because you feel sorry for your baby. You are helping them learn to soothe themselves and feel secure on their own.

I found that this really worked for us because it is a transition for the parents and the baby. The first few times it was really hard to listen to my baby cry. I set myself a timer otherwise 45 seconds felt like 5 minutes. It gets easier as the days go on and your baby will get used to it as well. You might even try this routine for nap time.

Our 8 month old baby was sleeping through the night in one week. It is so worthwhile to be consistent and dedicate one week to this.
Our son is now 16 months and loves his crib. When he is tired, we can lay him down and he will go to sleep. Sometimes in the afternoon, he doesn’t want to sleep but needs some quiet time. He will sit in his bed and look at books or play with his toys for a good hour. When he wakes up in the morning, he plays until we go get him. We think that he is well adjusted because of his routine. His crib is a secure and peaceful place for him, not lonely or scary. He can trust that we have not left him. If a child does not learn a routine, they will always question what will happen next.
My only regret is that we did not start this routine sooner.

It's all in the Diaper Bag

2010-08-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

The baby is adorable; the outfit straight off the trendiest rack; the car seat is the safest money can buy… All ready for a great outing with baby! Then you ask each other, “what about the change of clothes? What about a snack? What about diapers, and bottles, and blankets, and changing pad, and medicine, and… Thankfully the solution to all those parental worries comes in all shapes and sizes and looks genuinely chic.

Yes, it’s the diaper bag. Diaper bags were once used as functioning items—they held all those necessary items. Lately, the lowly diaper bags stock has been rising, thanks in part to pregnant celebrities and parental stars. Instead of a drab old bag that screams, “I’ve got a snot nosed kid,” there are a myriad of diaper bags that say, “I’m a parent, I’ve got it covered, and I look good doing it.” But looks aren’t everything…

On the inside, once we’ve ‘ooh-ed’ and ‘ahh-ed’ over that diaper bag-that-looks-like-a-trendy-Armani-handbag, it is evident that the simple bag has evolved. No longer is there a cavernous uni-space where your child’s diaper rash cream (that exhorts “Do not ingest”) rubs shoulders with your child’s favorite snacks. There are pockets for diapers, pouches for wipes, places for food, nooks for phones, and crannies for mom’s wallet. Lest we forget, there is also that extra handy changing pad slot for when your precious little child fills his or her drawers right at the wrong moment and wants it off NOW!

A downfall of scientifically engineered diaper bags and all its pockets is the propensity to stockpile out of date items. You may think you have 4 extra diapers, but they won’t help if they are size 2 and your child tots around in sneakers and size 6 Huggies. Other items that find semi-permanent homes are emergency outfits and blankets. Babies grow out of those outfits so quickly and blankets should be washed if they are being used on occasion. The lesson one should take from this—check diaper bags monthly for dirty laundry, stale cracker crumbs, and the occasional emergency diaper changes wrapped in those handy plastic bags.
Here are a few tips to keeping diapers bags organized.
Leave a sealed package of wipes in the diaper bag. Wipes kept in those cases that everyone has in their regular diaper bags will dry out. Ziploc bags work really well—the wipes will stay moist.
Snacks, snacks and more snacks. Preferably something that won’t spoil—gold fish, cheerios, raisins and granola bars to name a few. Packing snacks in Tupperware containers is perfect because they won’t leak and it keeps things from getting smashed around in your diaper bag.
Disposable changing pads are great if you are in a public place. You can just throw it away rather than inviting all kinds of germs into your diaper bags.
Always have a spare blanket in your diaper bag. They are great for the late night sleepy drive home or when baby has made an emergency mess. They are also great when you need to prop something up, keep the sun out or wipe up a bottle leak. It’s amazing how many uses you can find for a simple cotton blanket.
Keep an extra pacifier in your diaper bag. Ziplocs or pacifier pods are great for keeping it lint-free. Also consider some Tylenol, rash cream, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a few plastic bags. You don’t want to put dirty diapers or dirty clothes directly into your diaper bags.

You may look trendy to others judging your diaper bag. What matters more is how you feel when this stylish accessory contains everything you need to feel like a prepared and capable parent.

Baby Gift Ideas

2010-08-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for an extra special gift idea for a new baby? Perhaps you could buy from a gift registry but you want to get something that will be a surprise, something that you thought up all on your own.
Baby blankets seem like a boring idea, but with a bit of research, they are the perfect way to go. There is nothing like having a good quality blanket to wrap your newborn baby. A nice baby blanket could end up being the security item that gets dragged everywhere or it could be a special keepsake for years to come. Either way, a quality blanket is an ideal newborn gift.
There is a wide variety of different styles and colours. Any combination could be found, especially if you are shopping online. A hand-knit blanket is great keepsake. There are several places to have blankets embroidered. The satin trimmed blankets are perfect every day use. If not for the crib, they are perfect for tucking baby into the stroller or infant carrier. Most babies love the feeling of satin so these often end up being the security item.
An original idea is a growth chart blanket, available at our online store, www.babybeddingandbags.com. These are velour on one side and soft cotton with a printed chart on the other. Parents can watch how fast their baby grows and keep it as a valuable keepsake for years to come.

Another great idea is a do-it-yourself gift basket. Newborn gift baskets tend to be very expensive and it is difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. You could choose a theme and fill the basket with related items. For example, a bath time theme could be a basket or even an infant tub filled with soaps and lotions, towels, washcloths and tub toys.
Other themes could be mealtime, baby medicine cabinet, playtime, bedtime or even diaper time.
Do-it-yourself baskets can be as conservative or extravagant as your budget allows. Either way, they are always fun to give, and perhaps even more fun to receive.

If you know Mom well enough, you could prepare her for the hospital stay. She will surely appreciate some nice shower products, pajamas, slippers or some tasty treats. Perhaps she could use a blanket for herself while she spends the next few weeks resting and recovering. She will receive plenty of gifts for her newborn but there is something really special about a personal gift for mommy. I know this from experience...

If you know the nursery theme, another great idea is to get a nursery accessory. You can be sure that she will like it if it matches the nursery. There are plenty of inexpensive yet great gifts items such as a picture frames and lampshades or larger items such as a mobile or an extra set of sheets.
The crib bedding itself is a very personal choice so I wouldn’t suggest giving that, but you could certainly add to the nursery theme.

Most new moms set up gift registries so it shouldn’t be too hard to see what she needs. You are safe when buying from the gift registry because you are buying something that she has chosen.
No matter what, it is always extra special to receive an unexpected gift that someone else picked out, just for you.

Preparing the Nest

2010-08-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

You are about to begin the ride of your life. You might be busting with excitement to finally hold your newborn baby or cringing at the thought of being responsible for this new little life. You would love to have the birth experience over and done with, but are enjoying the last few weeks of peace and quiet. There are so many emotions that go along with becoming a new parent. Embrace your hormones and recognize that what you are experiencing is totally normal. Every woman has a different pregnancy experience. The one thing that we all have in common is the excitement and anticipation when preparing a home for this new little baby.

Whether you know the gender or not, the baby needs somewhere to sleep. Their nursery is where they will spend most of their time for the first year. Put some thought into making the baby bedroom as cozy and practical as possible.
Decide on your crib. The latest trend is the convertible crib. These can be used for an infant, all the way up to an adult double bed. These are typically more expensive than your average crib but well worth the money. If the budget allows, a solid wood crib can be stripped and re-stained. You will want to protect the crib from all the abuse it will get over the years. A great idea is CribWrap Rail Covers (available at babybeddingandbags.com). They are lightly padded covers that tie onto your crib rails to prevent damage like teeth marks or stains from oily hands. They also add a nice finishing touch to your baby’s crib.
Choosing the bedding and nursery accessories can be either fun or frustrating. You might find the design you like, but it is poor quality. You might find a nice crib blanket, but can’t find the sheets that match. It takes time to pull it all together.
Neutral with a splash of colour is a great way to go, especially if you don’t know the gender of your baby. Go with beautiful white, cream or brown tones and add the accessories after the birth. This way, you feel prepared enough to bring your baby home but aren’t left with a bunch of yellow and greens that won’t match anything you buy later on. There are numerous people who don’t know the gender and they prepare themselves with all kinds of neutral coloured blankets and pyjamas. Guess which ones never get used...?
Knowing the gender makes it a lot easier. Some people find that preparing for their boy or girl is more rewarding than experiencing a surprise. It is obviously much easier to prepare but it still takes some thought. Is this baby bedding going to be used for a couple of years?
Some bedding sets look amazing for a newborn baby, but would it suit a toddler? There are so many themes and patterns available, you are sure to find something that will suit your needs.
Online shopping is perfect for this type of thing. It saves a lot of time and gives plenty of ideas. It’s also great because you can find all the matching accessories in one place.
If the nursery is small, use the space wisely. Use practical accessories to decorate with. You can find laundry hampers and storage boxes that match your bedding. Toy bags are an adorable way to display stuffed toys without using valuable shelf space. You can also store your diapers in a matching diaper stacker. There are numerous ways to decorate in a strategic way so that it serves a dual purpose.

Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. All the effort that goes into preparing your baby’s “nest” is well worth it. There is a satisfying feeling when you finally show your newborn baby, Home Sweet Home.

Crib Bedding Safety

2010-08-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

Ask ten people what safety tips they follow when caring for their newborn and you’ll most likely get a very wide variety of answers. Each family has generations of traditions or practices that have been handed down through the generations. For example, some parents swear by bumper pads as part of their crib bedding. Others absolutely refuse to use them... the question everyone should ask is, “what does research say?”

New scientific research often contradicts commonly used practices and therefore ongoing education is vital in caring for your baby in the best way. For example, the ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign (encouraging parents to put their baby in their crib on their back because it reduced the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)) was instituted in 1994, but renewed again in 2000 because many parents were holding on to their old, less safe, practices. One good source for the best infant care is the government of Ontario. They’ve created a fantastic program meant to educate new parents and correct the improper practices used by experienced parents. Some of the safety guidelines regarding crib safety and baby bedding are discussed below.

Newborn babies sleep a lot... they spend more time in their crib than out. The first area of crib bedding safety stressed by the government of Ontario is the type of sheet covering the mattress. The bedding must include a fitted crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the corners. Anything else has the chance of coming loose, carrying the risk of suffocating a squirming baby.

The only thing under the baby should be a sheet, a mattress pad, and a firm, water-proof mattress. Included in the safety ban are soft pillows, adult beds, sofa cushions, waterbeds, and beanbags... pretty much anything that isn’t specifically designed for infant sleep. The soft, fluffy types of bedding that make the nursery look so nice (sheepskins, stuffed toys) should be used for decoration only and removed when the baby is put down. These things can cause the baby to overheat or suffocate in their crib.

Most crib bedding sets include bumper pads. Not all bumper pads are created equal. Safe bumper pad styles fit snugly around the entire crib and tie, or snap, securely into place. There should not be a gap between the mattress and bumper pad. If the pads have ties, the ties should not be longer than nine (9) inches long.
Since most newborns feel safe when swaddled it is important to use the proper technique and blankets when swaddling. Thin receiving blankets are recommended over every other style. If the baby isn’t swaddled, the blanket should cover the baby up to the chest and be tucked around the crib mattress. This keeps bedding from inching up and covering the face, creating another suffocation hazard. Baby bedding should be checked periodically for loose stitching.

The purpose of safety guidelines is not to create a state of paranoia. Risk detection and safety education is the best way to create peace of mind. Once a parent has prepared the crib, nursery, or sleeping area properly they can rest assured that they did everything they could to promote a safe, healthy environment for their precious baby.

Snug As a Bug

2010-08-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Infants spend most of their day (and hopefully night) sleeping. It is during their sleep that they grow, both physically and mentally. For this reason it is important to swaddle newborns and keep them feeling secure.
The following are four key points to take seriously.

1. Infants have incredibly undeveloped nervous systems. It is most apparent when they flail their arms and end up hitting themselves in the face. They do not have control over the electrical impulses sent to their arms and legs. For this reason they often jolt themselves awake, scared and crying. The American Association of Pediatrics found that infants swaddled in an appropriate baby blanket awaken less due to reflex motion than unswaddled infants. The risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is also reduced when swaddling the baby. Furthermore, infants stay in REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep longer when swaddled. So, a properly wrapped blanket keeps babies from sleeping longer, deeper, and from waking themselves accidentally.

2. Infants are used to confined spaces. The womb is a very warm, snug place. Research shows that when babies are swaddled they immediately associate their situation back to the womb. This promotes familiarity and comfort in any environment. In spite of recommendations supporting swaddling, many new parents forego wrapping their infant because the infant often struggles out of the swaddle. Despite what parents may think, infants like to be swaddled! Just a little persistence is needed to condition the baby… They will soon begin to associate swaddling with sleep, and co-operate much more than an unswaddled baby.

3. Babies are fragile and much more susceptible to allergens and dirt than adults. Parents should not have a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to baby blankets. Infants should have separate sets of blankets—One set for in the crib, one set for going out in the car and stroller, and possibly one for around the house (on the floor/play mat). The ‘outside’ set of blankets will naturally pick up different smells, dust, and pollen and should be washed much more frequently than the rest. This reduces the risk of the fragile infant catching colds or viruses due to their undeveloped lungs. Hypoallergenic blankets are definitely something at which to look closely.

4. Baby blanket quality is very important in both your own and in newborn gifts. The type of fabric chosen for the ‘outside’ baby blankets makes a huge difference with the extra washing. Plain cotton is probably the most durable and long lasting, but other types may be used as well. Jersey knit (t-shirt material) is great for night-time swaddling because it stretches a bit and helps the infant stay snug as a bug. Satin framed baby blankets may be better suited for naps or play because some babies love the slick feeling of the satin. Velour lined blankets are soft and cuddly, extra warm for that precious newborn or for the colder winter months.

When Do I Upgrade My ‘Baby’ to His Own Toddler Bed?

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Cribs are the home base, fort, security, battleship, starship, boat, prison, and comfort all in one place. So when should a toddler ‘graduate’ from crib into a toddler bed? There are some clear Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to this transition.

A toddler between 1½ and 3 years old is usually ready to move from a crib to a toddler bed. A potty trained toddler benefits the most from the transition because they can get in and out. The transition straight from a crib to full sized bed would most likely be too large of a change for two reasons: toddler beds have safety rails for the ‘active’ sleepers and children generally feel safer in a smaller bed. The transition to a full sized twin should come later as the toddler outgrows his/her small bed.

Since most kids don’t have very much choice in matters (i.e. food, clothing, bedtime, bath etc.) it is highly recommended that your toddler is given full choice in this simple matter. A toddler that gets to choose when to move to a bigger bed and how it should look will feel immense pride in themselves. So talk to your toddler about getting a bigger bed and what kind of fantastic new kids bedding they could have on it for a few weeks ahead of time. They’ll get used to the idea and hopefully get excited about going to the store and helping pick out their new bedding.

Put the new bed in the same location that the crib was located. Continue encouraging your toddler and playing up the new bed even if they take to it just fine. If the toddler has a hard time with the new bed, it is no problem to let them go back to their crib—some kids just don’t like change. Try building up the excitement again and try to introduce it at a later time. If your toddler wants to keep their old nursery set, let them.

Never make multiple changes to a toddler’s life or schedule at one time. If they are potty training, or moving, or welcoming a sibling, or dealing with a new babysitter, or experiencing another change let them first settle into a quality routine. Don’t rush your toddler. Forcing them to be a ‘big’ boy or girl could give them the feeling that you are disappointed. It could also be dangerous if they aren’t ready because they could fall out or get out in the middle of the night and make mischief when everyone else is asleep.

Finally, a toddler bed should be of quality and fun. Put extra thought into making it a welcome and fun place for your toddler. Who knows, your toddler might even go to bed willingly.