How’s the sleep going in your house these days? So many parents I speak to tell me that they expect a little sleep deprivation when they’re set to become parents. It’s expected. We know babies wake up, and we’re ready for it. But what nobody tells you is that some babies carry on waking up, long after they ‘should’ be sleeping through. Or, at least, long after the baby next door started sleeping all night. It’s hard not to compare, and when all you want is a goodnight’s sleep it’s little wonder many of us consider sleep training. So, is sleep training for you?

YOU ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED. We all know what it’s like to be tired, but sleep deprivation is something else altogether! Sleep deprivation has been used as a form of torture and when you experience it, you know why! So if you’re sleep deprived and seriously wanting to get some more sleep- maybe sleep training is for you.

YOU’RE RUNNING OUT OF IDEAS. You’ve seemingly tried everything. You’ve tried rocking, shushing, swaying, driving around at midnight, dummies, feeding to sleep, co-sleeping. You name it, you’ve tried it. And nothing has worked. Nothing!

YOU CAN’T CARRY ON AS YOU ARE. We all reach a point where we need to change things for the better. Some families exist really well on little sleep and prefer to co-sleep etc rather than turn to sleep training. And that is absolutely fine. But If you’re reading this and thinking that actually you do want to make some changes to your baby’s sleep, then sleep training just might be the answer.

What does sleep training mean?

Just as we all need to learn new skills in life such as how to ride a bicycle or drive a car, some babies need a little help in learning how to fall asleep independently- and how to settle back to sleep after waking in the night. This is what sleep training means. It’s literally teaching your baby new skills to develop and use through life.

Types of sleep training

Not all sleep training programs are the same, and not all of them will be right for you. It’s important to only go ahead with sleep training if it feels right with you and if you’re happy to see it through to the end. Some programs require you to leave your baby crying for longer and longer periods, and that is something that not all parents are happy with at all. It’s your decision. Don’t let others persuade you one way or another. If you’d rather take a more gentle approach, then that’s fine too.

Do your research

It really does help if you research as much as you can. Sleep coaches can be hired, but there are also plenty of books out there and online articles that will help you when you start sleep training. Read as much as you can before you start to make sure it’s the right path for you.

Teamwork

If you do decide to sleep train, it’s important that everyone in the family is onboard. Make sure your partner and other family members know what you’re  planning to do and are also happy with it. Sleep training requires patience, time and consistency so you will need help  and support. Good luck!

 

When you’re away from home, bedtime can be somewhat of a struggle when you have little ones in tow. I mean, we all like our home comforts, don’t we? And just as you might find the hotel pillows less than perfect while you’re on holiday, there’s a good chance your little ones might find it hard to sleep in a strange environment too. This week we’re looking at three top tips for helping baby to sleep on holiday. Do let us know if you have any more to add!

Stick to your routine wherever you can

It’s important to remember that while you’re on holiday, flexibility is key- but that doesn’t mean you should drop your whole routine altogether. In fact, while you’re away form home sticking to your routine wherever you can is probably the most important thing you can do if you want to help baby sleep. We humans are creatures of comfort, and that goes for babies and adults alike. We need to know what we’re doing and when, and for babies this is essential if you want them to sleep well. So stick to your routine wherever you can- try these tips to help:

• Take a SnoozeShade for naps on the go! If you’re out and about and it’s nap time, there’s no need to cut things short or to change your plans. If you have your SnoozeShade with you, simply pop it over the pram or stroller and create a darkened sleeping environment in just a couple of minutes. This will help to eliminate distractions and protect from the sun’s rays too- so don’t leave home without it!
• Plan your day around your naps. If you know that you’re likely to be out for most of the morning, try to stick to the same routine as you normally would at home, returning back to the hotel or villa in time for a sleep. Or, return to the pool and pop baby in the pram with the SnoozeShade. Don’t worry if you’re a little late for the nap, or if baby was up a little later than usual- adjust your timings as necessary.
• Don’t skip naps. This is probably one of the worst things you can do while you’re on holiday- an over tired baby doesn’t sleep better at night, I promise!
• Let your baby lead the way. If she is ready for a nap a little earlier than usual, then go with it. And if she doesn’t sleep at bedtime until a little later, go with that too. Things will settle back down again once you’re home and back to reality.

Take home comforts with you

It might not be possible to take everything that your baby usually relies on for sleep, but there are a few home comforts you can pack with you to make bedtime a little easier. Favourite blankets, comforters and so on are all important and essential tools when it comes to helping baby sleep on holiday. Write a list of the things that your baby needs, and make sure you pack them!

Stay sun safe

If you’re going somewhere hot, take precautions throughout the day to limit the amount of sunshine your baby is exposed to, and to keep her cool and shaded. Obviously, your SnoozeShade will play an importune role in this! At other times, follow this guidance for easy ways to protect kids from the sun. Remember that babies under the age of six months cannot use sun screen, so make sure you avoid the sun completely at its hottest, and find as much shade as you can for the rest of the day.

If your child does get too much sun, read this post for advice on what to do. Be aware that too much sun exposure can not only be disastrous for night time sleep, but can have serious health implications too. If unsure, stay out of the sun, cover up and always use sun protection.

Confused by what you’ll need when you go to the hospital to give birth to your baby? Here’s our essential hospital bag checklist.

This guest post comes from a midwife

Midwife Marie says: “There’s so much conflicting information from the internet, companies and sometimes even health care professionals that I thought you might find it useful to have some clarity on what to pack in your hospital bag.

“You should have your bag ready by the 36th week of pregnancy (even if you are having a planned homebirth, in case you need to go into hospital). All information below is in accordance with credible, scientific research and comes via almost a decade of experience in midwifery.”

For your newborn baby

• Diapers. These are on your baby’s skin for the best part of 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you may want to consider which brand to choose and how this may affect your baby’s skin; many contain chlorine, bleach and chemicals. Each child uses around 8,000 diapers and regular disposables take up to 100 years to degrade. It won’t be you and me that will be faced with the problem of landfill, it will be our children and grandchildren. Biodegradable nappies are a happy medium, containing fewer chemicals and they’re made from natural fibres. They are good both for your baby and the environment. If you are planning on using washable diapers, great!
• Baby wear. Your baby has been in a natural, safe environment in the womb. They have never seen light, heard clear sounds, or felt the sensation of being held skin to skin. Once born, we expose newborns to lots of new stimuli, including chemicals. I recommend that you clothe your baby in organic fabrics for the first four weeks if possible and pre-wash them in natural, non-bio laundry soap. This is kinder to baby skin and helps reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals, which may cause irritation. A plain cream colour is best; you can boil wash cream clothing to remove poop stains rather than ruin outfit after outfit. Try and opt for babywear that fastens down the front, as it’s so much easier to get on. Finally – a soft hat; your baby will be wet at birth, so we dry them off and then recommend you pop a hat on to keep the heat in.

• Muslins. These are just brilliant and versatile. They can mop up drool, protect your shoulder whilst winding or be used as a little comforter or swaddle.
• Nappy rash cream. Baby’s skin is five times thinner and more permeable than an adult’s and takes four weeks to build up protective skin barriers. I use a simple rule for baby skin creams – if you wouldn’t rub it into your lips or eat it, don’t put it on your new-born baby’s skin. Any products that contain sulphates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, artificial colours and perfumes will strip the build-up of natural skin barriers and enzymes, increasing the risk of dryness, rashes, eczema and psoriasis. Avoid washing your baby or using fragranced creams for at least four weeks. Use 100% food grade, organic nappy rash cream if required.
• Cotton balls. For the first few days of life, your baby will pass a thick, black, sticky substance called meconium. Using a cold, fragranced baby wipe can cause unnecessary discomfort and strip important skin barriers, so warm water and cotton balls are all you need. Save wipes for later and when you start using them, opt for the most natural, chemical- and fragrance-free products to protect your baby to unnecessary exposure to chemicals.
• Safe mode of transport home. You’ll need an infant car seat to take your baby home from the hospital. Some hospital guidelines recommend that midwives briefly assess your mode of transport to ensure it’s safe before you leave.
• Infant Formula. if you plan to bottle feed your baby, have formula milk ready. 

And that’s all you REALLY need for your newborn.

For you

You need a few things to make your life as a new mum as easy and comfortable as possible.

• Toiletries. After meeting your baby and eating something, you’ll want to have a shower. Bring in your regular toiletries and maybe something a little more indulgent like a luxury, relaxing wash. Try to opt for a natural or organic product as you will be a little more sensitive than usual.
• Face cloth. This is ideal for labour, as you will probably get a little hot and sweaty, so a cool cloth will help cool you down. A few drops of lavender oil can help you feel calmer. If you have a Caesarean, you may not be up and walking for a day, so hospital staff can give you a bed bath with your own cloth.
• Soft slippers. To protect your feet from the hospital floor and to warm cold toes. Go for non-slip ones.
• Maternity sanitary pads. You’ll bleed quite heavily after the birth, so choose maternity pads. Opt for natural, chlorine and bleach free pads.
• Nipple cream. The number one reason women stop breastfeeding is because their nipples get sore. Firstly, a good latch is key. Secondly, caring for your nipples is paramount. Get a 100% food-grade organic cream and use it from the first feed. It really helps to protect and heal your nipples.
• Hair ties. You want your hair away from your face so you can breathe properly and keep cool. If you are breastfeeding, tie your hair up so you can see the attachment properly.
• Maternity underwear. Choose real Bridget Jones style underwear because comfort is key after you have had a baby. Make sure they rise up above your belly button encase you need a Caesarean, as if they sit on the incision, it can be really uncomfortable. If you don’t have a Caesarean, your tummy won’t go down right away and it’s nice to have that extra support.
• Night wear. Choose something that means you can breastfeed at night with ease. Get a super soft and comfy top that unbuttons down the front so you can feed without the hassle of getting your top off, or pulling it up and struggling to see.
• Snacks. You’ll need some food for you and your birth partner. Although there are snacks and sandwiches in most hospitals, you’ll want your own favourite snacks with you so you can just help yourself, rather than end up with a sandwich you don’t really fancy. Also, take plenty of drinks to keep you hydrated and your sugar levels up. Pack a mix of water and fruit juice but steer clear of energy drinks as they are packed with caffeine.
• Music. Make a playlist for labour (unless you plan to hypnobirth). Start listening to the playlist during your pregnancy in your favourite room at home. Breathe and focus on the feeling of calmness and being in control. I am always surprised at how many women forget this, when it really does make a difference. The power of music is phenomenal.
• Your antenatal notes. This is key to helping midwives and doctors provide you with good care. It’s got everything we need to know about you, blood test results and pregnancy scans. Without your notes, it’s possible things can get missed as we can’t get the history we need.
• Going home outfit. I am a massive fan of comfy maternity dresses, especially if they tie above your waist and facilitate breastfeeding. They take up less room in your bag, you don’t need to worry about the fit if it’s adjustable, you haven’t got to think about a matching top to go with jeans/trousers, they are airy and don’t rub anywhere that could be sore and they are much easier to get on and off.

That’s all you really need to take with you, hospital rooms are small and if everything goes well, you can go home after six hours. Most women spend one night in hospital and go home the next day. If you do need to stay, then your birth partner can always grab extra bits for you.

 

Further reading:

See our pick of the ten best Sleeping Sacks

How to use your SnoozeShade

Understanding your baby’s sleep; newborn to three months

 

 

We’ve read many articles and posts lately celebrating the benefits of grandparents providing childcare for families. Studies are suggesting that taking on the responsibly of caring for grandchildren whilst parents go out to work is great for improving nana’s mental agility and keeping dementia at bay. And, of course, there are benefits for the kids too- being cared for by family members helps little ones to bond with their wider family, and for the parents it’s often a cheaper way to work things overall. So with this in mind, we asked our lovely community about taking grandparents on holiday. Is it a yes or a no?

We our holidays at our own pace

Jade, who blogs at Late for Reality, told us that she can see the appeal, but family holidays are special to them. She says, “we do enjoy that experience of spending time as a family in our own way without having to worry about others and what they want to do/waking them at the crack of dawn etc.” and others agree. When it is just you and your little ones, you don’t need to worry about adjusting your routine to suit anyone else.

But Sarah, who blogs at Toby Goes Bananas counters this with her experience of going away with her parents. She says, “ We went on a mobile home holiday in France and took my parents when Toby was 10 months. It was great – I would recommend doing something where you still have your own accommodation and remember you don’t have to do everything together all the time.”

Emily at Emily and Indiana agrees, adding “We went away last year with my husbands parents. It was lovely to see the kids spending time with their grandparents, and it gave us a chance to go out for dinner by ourselves! We did have separate accommodation though, as I think everyone needs their own space!”

Our tip? Plan it well. Make sure everyone knows in advance that you’ll be having time to yourselves and that you might want to do different activities most days, a piece of advice echoed by Petra at A Mum Reviews. Separate accommodation is a great idea too, so that nobody feels stifled during your time away.

Grandparents shouldn’t be seen as cheap babysitters

There is a fine line. Nobody likes to feel used and there is noting worse than seeing the same miserable nana night after night pushing the pram up and down the pier trying to get baby to sleep while the parents live it up at the bar. Ok, so that’s an exaggeration but you get my point! Carolin at Mummy Alarm told us, “ I think going on a family holiday together can be great and if grandparents offer to babysit that’s fine but I wouldn’t purposely take my parents just so that I have a cheap babysitter. I’d feel bad about it as they deserve to relax too.”

Helena at Babyfoote agrees: “We have been on holiday with my parents a few times. I can’t say it was so that we had a babysitter, more so we all had an extended period of time to see each other. Usually we only see my parents for a weekend at most, so 2 weeks together was lovely for everyone.”

Our tip? Make sure that grandparents get their space and their time to go out and explore too. Agree ahead of the trip how many nights out you will have, and make an effort to ensure childcare expectations are agreed before you go. Grandparents will inevitably want to help out, but don’t forget it is their holiday too.

Grandparents relish the chance to go away with the family

It’s so easy to judge and many of us are often too quick to do so. There’s a really good chance that many grandparents will jump at the chance to go away with the whole family and will want to babysit more than you realise. Sarah at The Herniman House told us, “We almost always go away with my parents. They’re an amazing help and the kids really enjoy having them there.

We all get on brilliantly so it’s actually nice for us to spend time with them too.” and Lucy at Real Mum Reviews adds” “We are planning on taking Dad away with us this October – since my Mum died he rarely gets to go away as he’s reluctant to travel alone”.

The joy for the grandparents should never be underestimated. Victoria at Mummy Times Two told us, “My mum is coming with us on a Disney Cruise this year. She has been away with us before and loves seeing the children’s faces.” and we can’t think of a better reason to consider an extended family holiday. Jennifer at My Mummy’s Pennies agrees: ” When the children were small we went to Center Parcs for two holidays with my in laws, this meant that they got to spend some really quality time with the children”.

Our tip? Travelling is all about making memories, so why not include the grandparents in the magic?

You get some quality time together as a couple, and with the kids too

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking time out from the kids while you’re on holiday. Many of us are reluctant to admit that an afternoon lying by the pool with a cocktail actually sounds blissful, but why?!

Emily at Babies and Beauty told us that taking her parents on holiday with her was helpful “as it meant we got an evening to ourselves because ultimately holidaying abroad with small children can be super stressful too.” and this is echoed by Karen at That Lancashire Lass, who told us: “ We have just been away with my husband’s parents. We went to Disney World so it meant we could all enjoy the theme park and take turns watching the baby. Without them my husband and I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy rides alongside the older two children. It worked really well for us. “

Victoria at My Little L agrees, adding: “ Having grandparents around (who are willing to babysit) allows you to have a child free day, time to unwind and appreciate the sightseeing without the stress.”

You can spread the costs

If you’re sharing a villa, then it makes sense to fill the rooms up and spread the cost! And an extra set of adults on holiday also means that every days costs can be lowered too. Rachel at The Little Pip told us that not only do they love having the grandparents with them on holiday, but the practical benefits suit them all too. “We usually have one set of grandparents join us for a few days.” she says. “I love an intergenerational holiday, the kids adore having their grandparents there, the budget goes further and it eases the pressure on childcare. My husband also has a partner for a round of golf and I’m not stuck with the children whilst he plays. Win win in my book, but luckily I get on with my mother in law!”

Our tip? Again, discuss budget expectations ahead of your trip, and make the most of the extra company! Grandparents on holiday doesn’t have to equal childcare every day- it can be a chance for you all to spend quality time together too.

Huge thanks to all who helped with this post. Happy holidays everyone!

If the recent heat wave is anything to go by, this summer is going to be a hot one! Just ignore the rain right now, we have been promised sunshine this year! And so with the expected increase in temperatures and the fact that so many of us will be spending more time outdoors, we thought it was a good idea to offer a little refresher in sun safety and some easy ways to protect kids from the sun.

Sun protection is VERY important

We write about this a lot! Keeping little ones safe from the sun is so important; experts say that it only takes one incidence of sunburn in childhood to significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. That’s scary! And not only that, but sunburn itself is pretty miserable too. Not only does it hurt, but it can lead to premature ageing too. Avoid, avoid, avoid! For more information on sunburn read the NHS guidance here. Read also our posts on what to do if your child has heat exhaustion, three things you need to know about babies and sun care, and why sun care for babies and toddlers is so important. Do get in touch if you have any questions at all- tweet us @SnoozeShade or get in touch via Facebook.

Protecting kids from the sun

For younger babies (aged under 6 months) experts agree that sun cream cannot be used, so finding that shade or staying inside is probably the best idea- it’s when they get older we need to be clever. It’s never quite so straight forward as ‘ staying indoors’ or ‘sticking to the shade’ at all times is it? Kids are kids! They like to roam, they like to play. And so they should! So keeping them protected isn’t always as easy as you might think. Here are three easy ways to keep them safe this summer.

Apply sun screen as soon as you get up… and keep re-applying!

Sun screen is recommended from the months of April through to October and should be applied even on over cast days. Young skin is delicate and more susceptible to burning, so it’s vital that it’s protected as much as possible throughout the whole of summer- even the British summer!

Applying sun screen can, however, be easier said than done! Older babies aren’t so bad, but you might need to convince your toddler and older child that it’s a good idea if my own past experiences are anything to go by! Here at SnoozeShade HQ we love Solar Buddies, the child friendly way to apply sunscreen, and a fantastic solution for independent little things who like to take control. These applicators can be filled with the sun screen of your choice and are especially great for kids to take to school, where teachers aren’t always allowed to apply cream.

We also love the fact that Boots have launched the Sun Ready Challenge app to help kids to learn about the importance of staying protected from the sun. You can find out more here, and there are lots of resources intended for school use so let your child’s teacher know about it and hopefully the message can spread a little wider this summer. Looking forward to the launch of this app!

Choose clothing with added sun protection

There is so much choice these days when it comes to shopping smart for summer! We love the fact that you can now buy swim suits with UV protection built into the fabric. We couldn’t possibly choose our favourites, but check out the stuff from Splash About, Sunuva, Konfidence (but be quick with these!) and of course not forgetting the amazing SPF50+ poncho towel from Cuddledry– a fantastic choice for getting dry (and staying protected) in between applications of sun screen.

UV clothing’s not intended to replace sun screen and should be worn alongside for added protection.

Find shade or make it

If you can’t keep the kids indoors (at least try to go inside when the sun is at it’s hottest, around noon) then try and find as much shade as possible- even on over cast days. Of course, the SnoozeShade is our go to product for this so babies and toddlers are covered! We’ve even heard from customers who have taken their travel cots out to the garden and used the SnoozeShade for cots to keep them protected. But how to convince older kids?

What kid doesn’t want a den? Sometimes just a few sticks and an old sheet will make an ideal shady hideaway! Or you can buy little UV tents like this one from Babymoov. And if you can’t convince your child that staying in the shade is a good idea (even after moving ALL the toys to the lady part of the garden!) then at the very least invest in a good hat that covers the neck and ears and shades the face, and maybe even some sun glasses too!

 

Having already written travel tips for toddlers, travel tips for newborns, what to pack when you go away with kids, how to help the kids sleep while you’re away, what to expect when jet lag strikes… we thought it was time to mix it up a little. This time we’re looking at how to cope with kids when you’re moving around away from home. You know what it’s like on a normal day at the park- your changing bag is bulging and it takes you at least three hours just to get ready to go out. What’s it like while you’re away and out for the day? Or how about if you have a very long haul journey ahead of you, with more than one stop over or change? How on earth are you going to manage that?! Stay calm. Here are out top five travel tips for when you’re on the move. Hope they help!

Always s ALWAYS take a stroller/ pram/ pushchair with you!

You might think that as your three year old doesn’t use a stroller at home anymore, you won’t need it while you’re away… and maybe for the most part you’d be right. But I guarantee that once you’re away from home and moving around you are going to wish you brought one with you!

Lots of families  tend to buy a cheaper, lightweight stroller to take away with them and this is such a great idea. Not only will a stroller be invaluable for those times where you have to keep moving (that train won’t wait for you!) and little legs are flagging, but it will be absolutely vital when your little one is tired and needs to sleep. Of course, you’ll need your SnoozeShade too, but you already knew that didn’t you?

A stroller has so many uses on holiday. It serves as a quick and convenient way to get yourself and your child from one place to another, it can double up as a booster seat in cafes, a makeshift bed at nap time, a shady shelter from the sun on the beach… if you do opt to buy a cheaper stroller to travel with, make sure you choose one with a hood so that you can use your SnoozeShade too.

Always agree a designated meeting place

This one is particularly useful if members of your party are likely to want to to do other things while you’re out, and also if you have children that tend to wander! As soon as you arrive wherever you’re visiting, agree a designated meeting place. Make sure that everyone is aware of the meeting place, and that they must go straight there should they get separated or lost.

Take a plastic sheet with you

This one is so simple but actually so essential while you’re traveling! The humble plastic sheet (can be a cheap shower curtain from the pound shop) has so many uses. Lay it on the floor wherever you are so that your little ones can sit down to play, or rest. Pop it under your chid’s highchair at meal times, slide it under bed sheets at bedtime in case of accidents. Honestly, don’t leave home without one!

Take a sling for younger babies

Baby wearing can be such a lifesaver for traveling families! Slings can be folded up neat and tidy whilst traveling and allow you to have two hands free while you sort out documents, bags and other children. If you don’t already use a sling, start now before you go away so that you and your baby can get used to it before you leave. You won’t regret it!

Take advantage of meet and assist services

This one is especially valid for families traveling by air. If the service is there, then book it! These services are generally supplied by the airport and not the airline, so you’ll need to seek it out but it’s another vital travel essential for some families. Meet and assist means you get help with the kids, the bags and all the paraphernalia  you’re traveling with. So worth it, and especially if you traveling as a single parent.

What are your top travel tips for parents on the move?

It can be hard to know when to start exercising after having a baby. Read our guide for some great new mom exercise tips.

Pregnancy can be hard on your body. There’s no escaping the fact that everything changes a little as your body adapts and grows to accommodate its precious cargo. Once your baby is born, not all of us ping back into shape as soon as the media would like us to. And do you know what? That’s fine.

The pressures on new moms to be able to perform as the perfect mom and partner, slip into skinny jeans without any effort and be happy about it all can be immense!

On the flip side, we’d just like to point out that if fitting back into your pre-pregnancy jeans is on to-do list, then that’s fine too. The most important thing is that you are happy and you’re not punishing yourself for something amazing that your body did.

With that said, here is a really quick guide on exercise for new moms, for those wanting to get out there and make some positive changes, post-baby. Good luck!

Depending on their birth experience, most women are able to start gentle exercise around six weeks after your baby is born. Do check with your GP or Health Visitor at your six week postnatal appointment to double check that you’re healing well, have no problems that might make exercise a bad idea and to raise concerns about any injuries or strains you may have had.

If you had a Caesarean section, the general advice is to wait 12 weeks after the birth before starting to take part in any strenuous exercise – but really, it depends on the individual, so if you’re not sure, then it’s best to check.

The biggest hurdle to get past when it comes to exercise after baby is usually psychological. It’s normal to feel self-conscious after giving birth – your body is going to look and feel different and your fitness levels might not be what they once were but don’t let this put you off. We all have to start somewhere and making small first step to improving fitness is the best place to begin.

Using Exercise to Boost Your Mood

One of the best pieces of advice I was given as a new mom was to get out with the stroller every day if I could. I would even go out for walks in the rain once I realised how fantastic a tip this was. Not only was I getting fresh air and spending precious time with my baby but I was boosting my mood immeasurably too. When we exercise, endorphins are triggered in the body that are natural mood elevators. They make us feel good, reduce stress and help us to sleep better, too. So, even if you’re not bothered about those skinny jeans just yet, even gentle exercise is going to be good for the soul.

Don’t Forget the Pelvic Floor!

Being pregnant and giving birth puts a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor muscles, so this is one area that we all need to focus on pretty much as soon as we give birth. Pelvic floor exercises are so important – please don’t skip them!

Start Slowly

You won’t be running marathons two weeks after giving birth – if you tried, you’d probably be in a lot of pain and you don’t want to set yourself unachievable goals either. Start slowly. Doctors say that it can take around two years for your body to return to normal after giving birth, so give yourself time to get back into the game. Don’t forget that taking care of a new baby is itself pretty demanding, so adding in a gruelling workout regime too soon might not be the best idea.

Recruit Some Friends

Everything is better with friends! Having a workout buddy can help to motivate and encourage us to keep going – and it is a lot more fun too! Take a look online for local stroller fit classes, or gym classes that you can go to with friends.

You’re more likely to stick to a form of exercise if you’re having fun too, so don’t go for classes that you know you’re going to hate.

What are your top tips for exercising after baby?

Further Reading:

The Best Running Strollers to Get You Out and About
Why Going For a Walk While Baby Naps is a Great Thing
The Best Exercises for New Mums to Do at Home

Hooray! So you have your holiday booked, and you have your travel check lists ready to go. Packing is sorted, early check in completed… you’re ready to go! Hopefully you’ve read our post on helping to sleep on the go (if not, catch it here) and you have your SnoozeShade ready to save the day whenever you need it. So this time we’re going to take a look at using your SnoozeShade on holiday. Hopefully you know the benefits, but do you know how to make the most of it? Read on to find out how to use your SnoozeShade on holiday.

 

What you get

Your SnoozeShade comes with a handy little pouch so that it can be stored conveniently when not in use. We’d recommend you keep your SnoozeShade in this little pouch and store it in your hand luggage while you travel, then pop it under the pram or in your changing bag while you’re away. That way, you always know where it is and it’s less likely to get lost.

The SnoozeShade protects from up to 99% of the sun’s harmful rays, so it’s going to provide fantastic all round sun protection for your little one. It’s made from breathable fabric that has been tested rigorously to ensure that it’s safe for use in hot weather- so please don’t worry that your baby will over-heat. As with anything, on hot weather it’s best to look for as much shade as you can, and always check on your baby regularly whilst sleeping.

The SnoozeShade provides a universal fit, so it will work with any pram or stroller, including the small foldable model you might choose to take on holiday with you. It’s fastened with stretchy tabs that you can place wherever you like on the pram to maintain a good fit. There is a sneak a peek zip (and all of our zips are the strongest they can be) so that you can check on baby regularly, and there are no cute buttons or logos etc that little hands can pull off either. We design every product to exceed normal safety testing so that you can rest assured the SnoozeShade is as safe as can be.

SnoozeShade Original

The SnoozeShade Original is designed for babies up to six months of age, and will protect from 99% of all UVA and UVB (UPF50+). Made from a soft, permeable fabric (designed not to retain heat), the SnoozeShade Original is safe to use both indoors and out. So if baby has been sleeping whilst you were taking a stroll along the beach, it’s perfectly fine to pop into a cafe for refreshments and keep the SnoozeShade in place.

The benefits of the SnoozeShade Original on holiday means that you don’t need to take a cumbersome parasol with you, or spend ages each day constantly adjusting it. You have one shade that fits perfectly and provides full sun protection plus a distraction free place for baby to sleep on the go. Use the sneak a peek zip to check on baby without disturbing too. This product is also available as the SnoozeShade Original Deluxe, providing 97.5% protection from the sun and using a air permeable mesh which is grey in colour. The Deluxe is fastened with universally safe poppers rather than velcro.

SnoozeShade Plus

The SnoozeShade Plus is designed for older babies, aged nine months plus- or babies who like to sit up and have a nosey! The reason for this is that it has a two panel system depending on baby’s needs. 

In ‘look out’ mode, (achieved by un-fastening the sleep panel and creating a window for baby to see out) your baby is protected from up to 80% of UV rays. This means that when you’re sight seeing, your little one doesn’t have to miss out. The SnoozeShade Plus will provide adequate protection from the sun around the sides and on top so again you don’t need to worry about parasols.

When it’s sleep time, simply replace the sleep panel to create a darkened space for baby to sleep, away from stimulation and with protection from 99% of UV rays. Again, there’s no need to remove the SnoozeShade once indoors, and there is a sneak a peek zip which allows you to check on baby regularly. Air will circulate freely inside the SnoozeShade, and like all of our products this one has exceeded all safety testing standards too. The SnoozeShade Plus is also available as the SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe, providing 97.5% protection from UV rays when in sleep mode, and 80% when in ‘look out’ mode. The Deluxe has a larger viewing panel for full access to your child, so when you’re out and baby needs to stretch her legs, you don’t need to remove the SnoozeShade to do this. It can stay in place for as long as you need.

Points to note

Your SnoozeShade can be washed at 30 degrees and should be checked regularly for signs of wear. They’re designed to last years and years but as with anything, regular inspections are recommended. Store your SnoozeShade in the pouch provided when not in use to ensure they don’t get snagged or damaged.

You need a pram or stroller with a hood or sun canopy to fit your SnoozeShade. Most strollers, even cheaper lightweight models that are perfect for holidays, will have a hood, but do check before you travel.

We have yet to find a stroller that the SnoozeShade will not fit! But just in case you’re not sure, please check our list of compatible strollers here.

For information on how to fit your SnoozeShade, check out the videos on our YouTube channel.

Please please please don’t forget to use sun cream on your little ones aged over six months. The SnoozeShade does provide sun protection but it is still recommended that sun block be used along side our products.

Check our FAQ page for more info, and get in touch if we still haven’t answered your questions.

When it comes to parenting, there really is never a ‘one size fits all’ approach to anything. At least,  not one that works. You can read all the parenting books and you can get all the advice you like from friends, family and experts- but at the end of the day you are the one who knows your child best. That is to say that only YOU know whether your child is best suited to a routine or schedule. This week we’re looking at the benefits of both, so that you can make your mind up for yourself.

The difference between a routine and a schedule

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a routine and a schedule are one and the same thing. But actually they are separately very different approaches, and there are pros and cons to them both. Essentially, both a routine and a schedule are plans with an objective- the difference comes in the way that you achieve these objectives.

A routine requires you to perform the same things in the same order each day- so for example at bedtime you would do the bath, then the story and then tucking up in bed. Always in that order, but with no strict timings applied. A schedule would be the same events in the same order, but to a timetable that is rigid, and that doesn’t change no matter what life throws at you.

Should I follow a routine or a schedule?

As already mentioned, whether you follow a routine or a schedule is entirely up to you. Some parents find that being strict on timings helps them to organise their days better, while others know that often things come up that means being flexible is a must. The only way to know what’s going to work best is by keeping a journal for a week or so, and see whether or not you need the flexibility of a routine, or if sticking to timings actually benefits your family better.

Benefits of a routine

• A routine means that you can be more relaxed, and more open to changes in your day to day life. A must if you are a busy family with members coming and going.
• A routine means that you can tweak your days as your baby grows and their needs change. Being flexible also allows for disruptions such as teething and illness- being responsive to your child and allowing them to lead the way.
• A routine can be tailored to your specific child’s needs and doesn’t rely on clock watching.
• A routine means that travel and special occasions don’t cause disruptions to your child’s sleep.

Benefits of a schedule 

• A schedule benefits families who like to be organised and feel comfortable knowing what to expect and when. For larger families it can make all the difference knowing who will be where and when.
• A schedule suits those who are definite creatures of habit. Some babies (and parents) are comforted by knowing exactly what they’re doing and when and this can help to foster independence at bedtime too.
• Being on a schedule makes it easier to plan your time off. If you know the baby will be in bed by a certain time, you know you have that time to yourself. This can be essential for some parents, and it can really help to make the hard days pass more quickly.

What reasons does your toddler give you for not sleeping? Thirsty? Hungry? Cold? Hot? Bored? The list can go on and on and ON. But how far can we trust the reasons they give us for not being able to sleep? When you’ve done the drink, supper has been eaten, thermostat has been checked and stories have been read- what on earth else can be keeping your toddler awake? Here are three reasons why your toddler won’t sleep… and what you can do about it too.

Toddlers e tricky

Ah toddlers can be tricky little things can’t they? But we, as parents, need to stay one step ahead. Oh yes, we can beat them at their own game- make no mistake! Employ all the help you can muster and don’t be afraid of admitting when things are getting a little too much. Toddler ARE hard work, so don’t be too hard on yourself if bedtime is getting you down. Now, pep talk over- let’s move on to why your toddler won’t sleep and how you can deal with it once and for all.

Your toddler is stalling

Yep, even at this tender age your toddler knows how to play you for time. And bedtime is the best time to do it. All those glasses of water, monsters under the bed, secrets they need to whisper in your ear… its all a ploy to stay up that little bit longer. Like you didn’t know that already, hey? So why does your toddle do this, and how do you get over it? Quite simply your toddler has a case of FOMO. Fear of missing out. Everything down stairs past 7pm are THE most interesting and exciting things ever. And so your toddler just does not want to go to bed and miss it all!

How can you tell if your toddler is tired but stalling (and not genuinely thirsty or genuinely petrified of monsters under the bed)? They will be rubbing their eyes, yawning, displaying irritable behaviour and most likely crying. But they will not go to bed, no thank you! So you can deal with this in three easy steps:

• Show your toddler how to fall asleep independently. This isn’t easy, but its essential for a decent night’s sleep in the long run. Make sure your bedtime routine is tight, and keep the sleeping environment dim, quiet and at the right temperature. Talk to your toddler, and prepare her for bedtime well in advance so that she knows its coming and is not only expecting it but anticipating it too. It can take a little while to get there, but you will get there eventually.
• Offer some choices. Because toddlers are notoriously stubborn and independent, they respond well to being given choices. So instead of insisting it’s bedtime and no arguments, give them a series of small choices to make instead. ‘Would you like a teddy bear or a dolly to take to bed tonight?’ ‘Are you wearing pink pyjamas or blue pyjamas to bed tonight?’ ‘Do you want the red pillow or the yellow pillow?’ etc. Let your toddler feel so in control they will think bedtime was their idea.
• Stay calm and consistent. Make sure you don’t spend 30 minutes convincing your toddler its bedtime, then give in and take her downstairs. Mixed messages are going to make the whole thing so much harder in the long run.

Your toddler is teething

So many parents forget that toddlers still have a couple of teeth yet to make an appearance, and they’re big chewing teeth too. So just when you think the nightmare that was teething was over, think again. And when you’re a toddler, the pain of teething is just that little bit worse than when you’re a baby. Because, let’s face it- drama is a toddler’s middle name! But seriously, teething pain can be hard for toddlers especially when they aren’t always able to tell you what’s hurting them. if you think your little one is teething, look for these signs:

• dry rash on the cheeks, thanks to excel dribble
• constant gnawing on toys, books, hands etc
• ear pulling and cheek rubbing
• refusing to eat
• waking up during the night
• general irritability

Speak to your health visitor about pain remedies for your toddler.

Your toddler isn’t tired yet

Sometimes, your toddler just isn’t tired! If this is genuinely the case, try either moving bedtime back a little, or work on cutting down the day time naps.