Sleep Product Review: Petunia Pickle Bottom Sojuourn Sling

I have the Petunia Pickle Bottom Soujourn Sling that I LOVE!! (http://www.petunia.com/collections/original/sojournslings/) I have used it since my baby girl was born in March. It keeps them all tight (much like a swaddle), warm, and snuggly- a great sleep environment- when you have to be out. I would just put her in there, give her her paci and she would be out. I have also nursed in it numerous times- easy! This is great when you have older kids in school or activities and your little baby needs to sleep during one of these activities. As much as I hate for my little one to have naps on the go it happens.
I just used it on my trip to Oklahoma- she nursed in there, slept in there on the plane ride to and from and did wonderfully. It is also compact- fold up and throw in your purse. You can use it in three different positions- cradle, front, and hip. (http://www.petunia.com/questions/). We have actually just started using the front position which also works well (not for sleeping on the go but for carrying)
So, why do I love this one? I have actually used four different sling brands. I have liked them all. But, I honestly like this one the best for a variety of reasons: stretchy and soft fabric (I have not used one that is as stretchy), great pattern(s), comfortable to wear (more comfortable than the other four I have used), reversible, organic fabric.
The Serenity Sling does not have the same stretch, but fits differently making getting baby in and out easy and is just as cute! For more detailed descriptions visit their site: www.petuniapicklebottom.com

Sunday Sleep Dilemma: Preschoolers

Q: My preschooler comes home from school wired. He has no interest in taking a nap but needs to, what do I do?

A: Preschool can leave a child very excited about their day. If you can leave sometime between preschool pick-up and naptime that would be ideal. You may need to eat lunch (do that first). Then, depending on the amount of dirt and sweat he accumulated in his busy day a bath may be a good idea. Then, take some time to cool down and calm down: read a few books, have him tell you about his day, cuddle. Maybe just take 10-15 minutes but make it calming. And then explain that he needs to take a nap for a little bit so that you guys can have more fun in the afternoon. Also, make sure that the naptime isn't too late- you don't want him to become overtired, and you want to leave enough wake time before bedtime. Be calm, firm, and consistent in your naptime routine. Also, remember that sometime between age 3 and age 6 kids drop their naps... look for more on that later this week.

Saturday Sleep Tip: Preschoolers...

Create a short and calming sleep routine. Take care to not give into all the pre-sleep requests and excuses- it is okay to say no.

Sleep Ponderings from Me: How much sleep is enough sleep?

Does your baby, toddler, child get enough sleep? Do you know what signs to look for in your children that tell you if they have gotten enough sleep? They are probably fairly obvious- although we sometimes misinterpret them. They may even be similar to the signs we show when we are tired.
Possible signs that your child is NOT getting enough sleep: cranky, irritable, falls asleep in the car, you have to wake them up every morning, hyperactivity, falling asleep in class, acting out.
Possible signs that your child IS getting enough sleep: happy, alert, has organized sleep.
Important to sleep: consolidated sleep, soothes self back to sleep, regular sleeptimes.
Dr. Marc Weisbluth, in his book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, reminds us that it is never too late to help healthy children sleep better.

Question For You

What excuses do you hear from your children at bedtime? How do you combat these excuses?

Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: How can I let a babysitter put my kids down to bed? I just haven't been able to let this happen.

A: First, you need to find a babysitter that you trust and that likes kids.
Second, you need to just do it and let what happens happen- babysitters are quite a blessing- you need to be able to go out with spouse, friends...
Third, you need to prepare your children for the babysitter- explain your expectations of them and what the night will look like for them (if they are at the appropriate age for such an explanation- otherwise skip this step).
Fourth, write out directions for your babysitter and your phone number (add tips like how the baby likes to be put down- they are not going to know these things. May even want to add things like don't put them down on their tummy- if the baby doesn't do this.)
Fifth, go over these verbally with the babysitter- show them where things are- paci, swaddling blanket, PJs, etc. Show them how to do anything they have questions about- they may be nervous about asking questions so be attentive to that. Also, you may want to do somethings for them- close the blinds, turn on noise makers, put out water cups, put out toothbrushes...
Sixth, go, have fun. And when you get back don't be cheap paying them- you want them to come back.
Seventh, reuse the good babysitters, get rid of the bad ones. It is nice when a babysitter starts to learn your routines and your kids like the consistency. We have a few favorite babysitters- and my kids love them, they know our routines, and my kids listen to them- even about bedtime. They do a great job!!

Saturday Sleep Tip

Although the time after your children go to sleep is such a sacred time where you get stuff done, relax, unwind... tomorrow will come quickly... figure out how you can get a nice 8 hours of sleep for yourself based on when your children wake you from your slumber. You and your children deserve it.