Sounds of Silence is a baby settling and health guide in addition to soundtracks by Dr. Harry Zehnwirth, a pediatrician. This comes as a set and includes a condensed and informative book on baby sleep. I agree with the advice Dr. Zehnwirth shares, along with his advocating of white noise. He has a very realistic way of communicating through his book- he even challenges us to rely more on a very under utilized skill- intuition. The book covers sleep and health issues. Where it discusses sleep I am almost in complete agreement. The only two things that I differ slightly on are: total amount of sleep needed each day- it seems slightly low but just slightly, and the age a child can be sleeping through the night. He suggests 6-7 months, I have experienced it happening earlier on a pretty regular basis. BUT I highly recommend this book- it really covers many great areas and provides you with great information as you sleepily wade through the first months of being a new parent.
Not only can you use the soundtrack for home- you can put it on your computer, iphone, or some sort of traveling music player- then, whenever you have to put down your baby out you have their chosen white noise with you. I don't know how many times I have put a radio alarm clock on static or dealt with the interference in some alarm clock sound makers, or pulled a white noise track off the internet to play in the room with my child. This is a way that you can keep your white noise with you as you put your child down out.
*Make sure you read the HOW TO USE section. You need to play Sounds of Silence loudly!
They have generously given a set for a GIVE-A-WAY. Comment on this post to enter. The winner will be selected the last week of November.
Showing posts with label infant sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label infant sleep. Show all posts
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Travel on the Go: Graco Infant Travel Bed
Traveling with a baby? In search of a compact sleep solution?Graco makes an Infant Travel Bed that is great for travel, nap time out or whenever you need a place to put your baby to bed. It is very compact- ideal for airplane travel as well as an already loaded car. It weighs under 5 pounds and has nice shoulder strap for comfort. You could also easily pack it in a larger suitcase. It is wipeable and comes with two removable, washable sheets and is extremely easy to assemble. This bed could serve your sleep-on-the-go needs until your baby is 5-6 months and/or the baby starts rolling/pushing up... I suggest keeping it on the floor for safety purposes.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Product Review: Baby Sleep Bags
Even though baby sleep bags have been used for the last 25 years and are the norm in many European countries, I was not familiar with the "baby sleep bag" until I started to look for something that would work to keep babies warm while camping. I wanted something that would be like a sleeping bag with the goal of keeping them warm and be safe. Low and behold, I came across the baby sleep bag- not designed for camping specifically, but for keeping babies warm in their own beds. The baby sleep bag actually promotes safe sleep by taking the place of blankets that could be dangerous to a baby or toddler and allows the child to move around naturally in their bed avoiding getting caught up in blankets. It encourages back sleep (although my daughter will sleep on her tummy too) reducing SIDS risk factors and increasing safer sleep. They are made to keep a child at a comfortable temperature all night long making for better sleep. They are also safe because a baby can't slip down into them.
The sleep bag can be useful in a crib, while camping, some in a car seat, or wherever your child needs to sleep with extra warmth. And just like any commonly used sleep "extra" that triggers the thought "It is time for bed" a sleep bag can do that too. On first look, you may think the large size and length is odd (I did), but it provides for greater movement, and air circulation, so the baby does not overheat. As your baby grows up, starts standing in her crib, and just moving more overall, you can see the necessity for the size. My one year-old daughter can even walk around in hers.
A sleep bag is worn over pajamas. You will need to decide on the weight of the pajamas based on the temperature of your sleep environment. I reviewed four bags- many have similar characteristics, but you will have to decide which is best for you and your situation. I highly recommend trying one before you decide to throw a blanket in the crib for extra warmth.
MerinoKids Baby Sleep Bag
The Merino Sleep Bag comes in very cute prints and sizes for ages 0-4 years. It goes on easily and is made from a thin, soft fabric that wears well. It is a year-round sack. It is perfect for sleep environments of 65 to 75 degrees. They also have a winter weight bag for sleep environment temperatures of 59 to 68 degrees. You wear pajamas under, and Merino suggests avoiding synthetic fabrics that don't release heat or moisture. Merino Kids' New Zealand Merino wool fabric is unique to other sleep bags. It is made of natural merino fabric that readily absorbs and releases moisture to warm and cool a child and regulate their body temperature so they don't overheat or wake up cold as the temperature in their room changes through the night. For sleeping in a stroller or car seat it comes with a safety belt aperture. Another unique element of this bag is that besides being made of natural material, it is naturally fire resistant. You might think- wool? Allergies? Washing? I don't know? Well, it is allergy safe and can be machine washed. Another plus, is that Merino wool is naturally resistant to stains and odors and so washings can be less frequent if the bag is left to air.
Cost: Even though the MerinoKids baby sleep bag is pricier-$119- than other sleep bags it can be used for a long time, is all natural, and has the special attributes of Merino wool. They come sized for newborn to 24 months or 2-4 years. That is a lot of use out of one bag with some unique features.
Camping tip: Try the winter weight bag with one or two layers of warm pajamas underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "Both of my children sleep in the toddler-size Merino Kids sleep sacks
and love them. They are reluctant to take them off in the morning and
will sit happily playing in them. My children started with the Merino
Kids Baby Sleep Bag from the newborn age. and it was a natural
progression for them to move to the toddler-size."
Grobag Sleep Bags
"A Grobag Baby Sleep Bag is a wearable blanket that will keep your baby at a comfortable temperature all night long." The Grobag comes in different "togs" for different seasons as well as a variety of different colors and patterns. It is made out of 100% polyester fiber batting and is surrounded by 100% cotton. It has a full length zipper and zipper guard so zippers don't touch skin. It comes with a 2-way zipper on the front and back that works with stroller harnesses and 5-point harnesses. It is machine washable. Check out the Grobag site for some other safety tips while using your Grobag. Grobag is very interested in sleep safety and has partnered with the FSID (Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths).
Cost:$40
Camping tip: Try the 2.5 tog with 1-2 layers of warm pajamas underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "I was given a Grobag when my son was three years old. We had previously not used anything like a baby sleep bag. Even though he was older and slept in a bed, he often woke up cold from kicking off all of his covers. Once, we started using the Grobag (which did take a week or so to get used to) he stopped waking up at night and woke up warm."
Lullabag by cloud b
"The LullaBag is a sleep bag that is specifically
designed to help babies sleep through the night.
With the LullaBag, baby stays at a constant comfortable
temperature, which greatly improves the quality
and duration of baby’s sleep, not to mention
Mom and Dad’s! Because the LullaBag promotes
back sleep and replaces loose bedding, it is a
safer way to put baby to sleep- reducing certain
risk factors associated with SIDS." It comes in two sizes: birth-9 months and 9-18 months. It comes in soft materials with simple embroidery or plain: Lightweight Cotton, Deluxe Fleece, Pointelle Cotton, or a New Bamboo material that is coming out this month. All bags the have a Polyester Innerfill.
Cost: $32-36
Camping tip: Try the Pointelle Cotton with 1-2 layers of warm jammies underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "We live in a cold house; we only have wall heaters. After having my baby, I started searching for something that would keep him warm, so I wouldn't have to worry so much. I knew blankets were an unsafe choice. I ran across the Lullabag and have used it for the past couple weeks. It has been great and kept him warm."
Dreambag
The Dreambag comes in a variety of fresh prints with the goal of keeping baby safe and warm as he sleeps. It comes in 3 togs for the different warmth needs and 3 sizes (0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18-36 months). The material all feels nice to the touch. The outside is 65% poyester and 35% cotton, the inner padding is 100% polyester, and it has a 100% cotton lining. It too can be machine washed.
Cost: $45-50
Camping tip: Try the 2.5 Tog with 1-2 layers of warm jammies underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "I am always worried about my baby when we go camping- she sleeps in a little baby tent deal which is great. But, even with two layers of pajamas on, she doesn't stay warm all night. I tried using the Dreambag with a pair of warm pajamas the last time we went camping and it made a huge difference!"
The sleep bag can be useful in a crib, while camping, some in a car seat, or wherever your child needs to sleep with extra warmth. And just like any commonly used sleep "extra" that triggers the thought "It is time for bed" a sleep bag can do that too. On first look, you may think the large size and length is odd (I did), but it provides for greater movement, and air circulation, so the baby does not overheat. As your baby grows up, starts standing in her crib, and just moving more overall, you can see the necessity for the size. My one year-old daughter can even walk around in hers.
A sleep bag is worn over pajamas. You will need to decide on the weight of the pajamas based on the temperature of your sleep environment. I reviewed four bags- many have similar characteristics, but you will have to decide which is best for you and your situation. I highly recommend trying one before you decide to throw a blanket in the crib for extra warmth.
MerinoKids Baby Sleep Bag
The Merino Sleep Bag comes in very cute prints and sizes for ages 0-4 years. It goes on easily and is made from a thin, soft fabric that wears well. It is a year-round sack. It is perfect for sleep environments of 65 to 75 degrees. They also have a winter weight bag for sleep environment temperatures of 59 to 68 degrees. You wear pajamas under, and Merino suggests avoiding synthetic fabrics that don't release heat or moisture. Merino Kids' New Zealand Merino wool fabric is unique to other sleep bags. It is made of natural merino fabric that readily absorbs and releases moisture to warm and cool a child and regulate their body temperature so they don't overheat or wake up cold as the temperature in their room changes through the night. For sleeping in a stroller or car seat it comes with a safety belt aperture. Another unique element of this bag is that besides being made of natural material, it is naturally fire resistant. You might think- wool? Allergies? Washing? I don't know? Well, it is allergy safe and can be machine washed. Another plus, is that Merino wool is naturally resistant to stains and odors and so washings can be less frequent if the bag is left to air.
Cost: Even though the MerinoKids baby sleep bag is pricier-$119- than other sleep bags it can be used for a long time, is all natural, and has the special attributes of Merino wool. They come sized for newborn to 24 months or 2-4 years. That is a lot of use out of one bag with some unique features.
Camping tip: Try the winter weight bag with one or two layers of warm pajamas underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "Both of my children sleep in the toddler-size Merino Kids sleep sacks
and love them. They are reluctant to take them off in the morning and
will sit happily playing in them. My children started with the Merino
Kids Baby Sleep Bag from the newborn age. and it was a natural
progression for them to move to the toddler-size."
Grobag Sleep Bags
"A Grobag Baby Sleep Bag is a wearable blanket that will keep your baby at a comfortable temperature all night long." The Grobag comes in different "togs" for different seasons as well as a variety of different colors and patterns. It is made out of 100% polyester fiber batting and is surrounded by 100% cotton. It has a full length zipper and zipper guard so zippers don't touch skin. It comes with a 2-way zipper on the front and back that works with stroller harnesses and 5-point harnesses. It is machine washable. Check out the Grobag site for some other safety tips while using your Grobag. Grobag is very interested in sleep safety and has partnered with the FSID (Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths).
Cost:$40
Camping tip: Try the 2.5 tog with 1-2 layers of warm pajamas underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "I was given a Grobag when my son was three years old. We had previously not used anything like a baby sleep bag. Even though he was older and slept in a bed, he often woke up cold from kicking off all of his covers. Once, we started using the Grobag (which did take a week or so to get used to) he stopped waking up at night and woke up warm."
Lullabag by cloud b
"The LullaBag is a sleep bag that is specificallydesigned to help babies sleep through the night.
With the LullaBag, baby stays at a constant comfortable
temperature, which greatly improves the quality
and duration of baby’s sleep, not to mention
Mom and Dad’s! Because the LullaBag promotes
back sleep and replaces loose bedding, it is a
safer way to put baby to sleep- reducing certain
risk factors associated with SIDS." It comes in two sizes: birth-9 months and 9-18 months. It comes in soft materials with simple embroidery or plain: Lightweight Cotton, Deluxe Fleece, Pointelle Cotton, or a New Bamboo material that is coming out this month. All bags the have a Polyester Innerfill.
Cost: $32-36
Camping tip: Try the Pointelle Cotton with 1-2 layers of warm jammies underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "We live in a cold house; we only have wall heaters. After having my baby, I started searching for something that would keep him warm, so I wouldn't have to worry so much. I knew blankets were an unsafe choice. I ran across the Lullabag and have used it for the past couple weeks. It has been great and kept him warm."
Dreambag
The Dreambag comes in a variety of fresh prints with the goal of keeping baby safe and warm as he sleeps. It comes in 3 togs for the different warmth needs and 3 sizes (0-6 months, 6-18 months, and 18-36 months). The material all feels nice to the touch. The outside is 65% poyester and 35% cotton, the inner padding is 100% polyester, and it has a 100% cotton lining. It too can be machine washed.
Cost: $45-50
Camping tip: Try the 2.5 Tog with 1-2 layers of warm jammies underneath depending on conditions.
Mom Story: "I am always worried about my baby when we go camping- she sleeps in a little baby tent deal which is great. But, even with two layers of pajamas on, she doesn't stay warm all night. I tried using the Dreambag with a pair of warm pajamas the last time we went camping and it made a huge difference!"
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Article Review: "Sleep Baby Sleep: Parents' Behavior has Direct Impact on Children's Slumber
I just read an article conducted by the Department of Psychology at the Universit de Montral and its affiliated hospital. This study "investigated how parenting can affect sleep in children."
So, you are wondering? Can I mess up my baby/child's sleep? This study indicates that "the way parents put their babies to bed has a direct impact on how well children sleep when they reach four to six years old." I have always known that the way you put your baby to sleep is extremely important and lasting, but here you can statistically see how much it impacts them.
"The researchers found that the manner 29-to41 month old toddlers were put to sleep influenced how they would slumber between the ages of 4 to 6. Parents behaviors that most affected childrens' sleep included:
So, you are wondering? Can I mess up my baby/child's sleep? This study indicates that "the way parents put their babies to bed has a direct impact on how well children sleep when they reach four to six years old." I have always known that the way you put your baby to sleep is extremely important and lasting, but here you can statistically see how much it impacts them.
"The researchers found that the manner 29-to41 month old toddlers were put to sleep influenced how they would slumber between the ages of 4 to 6. Parents behaviors that most affected childrens' sleep included:
- Giving children food or drink after they awoke, which provoked bad dreams, sleep of less than 10 hours or delays in falling back asleep.
- Co-sleeping with children when they awoke delayed their falling back asleep by 15 minutes."
- Mothers often think that infants cry only when hungry and so they may continue to respond with food or drink when 29-41 month old toddlers awake- which can cause bad dreams and shorter total sleep when children reach 4 to 6 years old.
- "Parents often opt for co-sleeping as a reaction, but co-sleeping is not the best option to prevent future sleep difficulties. Co-sleeping and other uncommon parental behaviors have negative consequences for future sleep."
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sleep Product Review
So, what do you do when your new baby starts finding a way to escape from your oh-so-tight burrito wrap (swaddle)? You tried having them sleep unswaddled and it just didn't go very well. They still sleep so much better swaddled... what to do...
Kiddopotamus makes a wonderful swaddling blanket. It is easy, adjustable, and it will keep your baby snug in a swaddle a bit longer. I prefer the cotton over the fleece, and the organic option is wonderful.
Kiddopotamus makes a wonderful swaddling blanket. It is easy, adjustable, and it will keep your baby snug in a swaddle a bit longer. I prefer the cotton over the fleece, and the organic option is wonderful.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saturday Sleep Tip: SIDS
I just read an article stating that ""Infant mortality rates attributable to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed have quadrupled since 1984," the CDC's Carrie Shapiro-Mendoza and colleagues wrote.
Wow! Parents of infants/newborns I would take a minute and read this article: Infant Suffocation Rates Quadruple.
SIDS prevention tips:
Wow! Parents of infants/newborns I would take a minute and read this article: Infant Suffocation Rates Quadruple.
SIDS prevention tips:
- put your baby to sleep on her back
- avoid soft bedding
- never smoke in her room
- don't share a bed with your baby
- keep a fan running during sleep: portable or ceiling
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sleep Ponderings from Me: Newborn Sleep-On-The-Go
A great part of newborn sleep is that they can sleep anywhere for the first few months. First time moms appreciate this as they transition from "no kid" life to "kid life". And moms with other children appreciate this, since they can easily continue with their other childrens' activities or out of the house play.
Take advantage of this 'skill' that will disappear quickly. So, how does this "Sleep-on-the-Go" work?
When: Newborns need to sleep again after being awake for 1-2 hours; I always tend to lean more towards the one hour window- look for your baby's sleep signs (yawning, rubbing eyes, mild fussiness, not wanting to be put down...)
Where: Carseat, Bassinet stroller attachment, sling or front-pack carrier, your arms, a pack-n-play at someone's house, etc.
Why: Because newborns can sleep out and about. Take advantage of the short lived freedom that allows you.
How: If your baby falls asleep in an infant carseat- just take them with you in the carseat. If your baby needs to take a nap- swaddle them and put them in the stroller bassinet or pack-n-play, or Kiddopotamus swaddling blankets have holes in the back where carseat buckels can go through and you can buckle your swaddled baby into your carseat. Or put your newborn who needs a nap in a sling or other newborn carrying device.
Other tips: you can put a sound spa wherever they are sleeping... and really try to mimic their sleep environment when you are out. Check out this past post for an example of how one mom extended her sleeping-on-the-go to 7 months: sleep environment to go.
Take advantage of this 'skill' that will disappear quickly. So, how does this "Sleep-on-the-Go" work?
When: Newborns need to sleep again after being awake for 1-2 hours; I always tend to lean more towards the one hour window- look for your baby's sleep signs (yawning, rubbing eyes, mild fussiness, not wanting to be put down...)
Where: Carseat, Bassinet stroller attachment, sling or front-pack carrier, your arms, a pack-n-play at someone's house, etc.
Why: Because newborns can sleep out and about. Take advantage of the short lived freedom that allows you.
How: If your baby falls asleep in an infant carseat- just take them with you in the carseat. If your baby needs to take a nap- swaddle them and put them in the stroller bassinet or pack-n-play, or Kiddopotamus swaddling blankets have holes in the back where carseat buckels can go through and you can buckle your swaddled baby into your carseat. Or put your newborn who needs a nap in a sling or other newborn carrying device.
Other tips: you can put a sound spa wherever they are sleeping... and really try to mimic their sleep environment when you are out. Check out this past post for an example of how one mom extended her sleeping-on-the-go to 7 months: sleep environment to go.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday Sleep Dilemma
Q: What is up with evening fussiness? I feel like my baby gets good naps all day and then is tired but won't go to sleep in the evening?
A: This is a part of how the newborn stage goes for many babies. Continue with making sure they get naps after only being awake every 1-2 hours (Note: If you think they are tired after 30 minutes or 45 minutes by all means put them down- YOU WANT TO AVOID HAVING THE BABY GET OVERTIRED). And continue making sure they eat often enough (I have always done every 3 hours) and get a full feeding, so they are always well fed. Fussiness usually peaks around 6 weeks of age and then begins to decrease.
Ideas for dealing with the fussiness:
A: This is a part of how the newborn stage goes for many babies. Continue with making sure they get naps after only being awake every 1-2 hours (Note: If you think they are tired after 30 minutes or 45 minutes by all means put them down- YOU WANT TO AVOID HAVING THE BABY GET OVERTIRED). And continue making sure they eat often enough (I have always done every 3 hours) and get a full feeding, so they are always well fed. Fussiness usually peaks around 6 weeks of age and then begins to decrease.
Ideas for dealing with the fussiness:
- Have them take a nap in a sling, swing, or such
- Use a paci (and the sling)
- Go on a walk or go out and run errands- sleep-on-the-go idea- if they aren't going to sleep at home go out
- Swaddle!
- Have an evening routine- bath, cuddles, feeding...
- Set a time for their last feeding (I always did 10pm) and then put them down for the night
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Product Review: Products for Newborns
It is hard to decipher what you need for your baby, many times you don't actually figure it out until after the baby is born.
Here are some products that can help you create the desired sleep environment:
Swaddling Blanket:
Sleep Positioner:
A fan:
*Any fan (ceiling, portable...) works- new SIDS prevention tip.
Pacifier:
Sound Spa/White Noise:
Black-out shades/dark room
Here are some products that can help you create the desired sleep environment:
Swaddling Blanket:
Sleep Positioner:
A fan:
*Any fan (ceiling, portable...) works- new SIDS prevention tip.
Pacifier:
Sound Spa/White Noise:
Black-out shades/dark room
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Saturday Sleep Tip
Newborns NEED and want sleep- sleep- sleep!! Keeping them up longer or later does not increase their length of sleep, it may actually decrease it and lead to them becoming overtired. They will probably only be awake for 1-2 hours at a time (I tend to lean more towards the one hour than the two hour length). for the first 3-5 months.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Saturday Sleep Tip: SIDS Update
According to research published by Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, experts believe "that a baby can die in her sleep if she breathes exhaled carbon dioxide instead of oxygen, and this study shows that simply increasing air circulation is protective."
So, what does this mean?
"A ceiling fan, a desk fan, forced-air heating, or even an open window can help."
A reminder of other SIDS prevention tips according to Parents magazine:
- put your baby to sleep on her back
- avoid soft bedding
- never smoke in her room
- don't share a bed with your baby
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sleep Product Review: Holiday Gift Idea
A great gift set for someone with a baby are the Petunia Swaddling Blankets. They come in a set of three unique, adorable, and hip prints. They have sets for a girl, a boy, or gender neutral. Not only are these blankets made out of a very soft organic cotton, they are great for swaddling. They are a large 40x40 square that gives you plenty of fabric to properly swaddle that little cutie. And they come ready to gift away!
Check out their link: www.petuniapicklebottom.com/collections/accessoriesandgear
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