Did you have a babymoon when your little bundle arrived? It’s a relatively new idea, we believe, and one that we can really get on board with. Simply put, a babymoon is a period of time set aside after a baby’s birth, in which you- the parents- focus solely on your new role as protectors and providers for the new person in your lives. How perfect is that? If we’re starting to convince you, then read on for more reasons why a babymoon is a great idea…

Where the babymoon originate from?

The term ‘babymoon’ was coined by Sheila Kitzinger in her book, The year after Childbirth. The official description is a period of time where parents focus on establishing a bond with their new baby, and many parents choose to add their own spin on it to make it special, and to make it work for their family.

What does a babymoon mean?

For some, a babymoon is locking the doors, closing the curtains and turning off the telephone. It is curling up in bed with the new baby and focusing all energies on getting to know this tiny new person. For others, it is going away with the baby, to somewhere relaxing and calm where nobody can disturb the precious bonding process. Some couples choose to take their babymoon even before baby arrives, so that they can take some time to bond as a family before the birth. Ultimately, the result is the same- you set aside time to be with your baby, and to block out the rest of the world.

It sounds like bliss.

A new baby often brings lots of visitors and well wishers, and while it is lovely to know that people care and want to see you, it can be quite overwhelming when you are trying to establish a new way of life with a brand new person. A babymoon could just be the most perfect way to make the world pause a moment while you regather your strength for the next phase in your life!

A babymoon helps you to bond with your baby

Having a baby is an emotional time and often the hormones that come with pregnancy can make everything seem a lot more torrential than it needs to be. Add to that the whirlwind of visitors, cards and gifts, and the first few weeks with a newborn can be exhausting. In between all the well meaning people who want to see you and welcome your baby, you will be yearning to bond with your baby. That’s not always easy to do when there are so many waiting to hold your precious bundle! If you’re breastfeeding, the bonding process is sometimes more easily facilitated, but even still it can be hard to focus on just your baby with so much else going on.

A babymoon- where you instruct visitors to respect your wishes to stay away until a set period of time has passed- can help to eliminate all of these issues. Your baby becomes your sole focus and you have precious time to get to know your baby, uninterrupted.

A babymoon helps you to find your new routine

If you do take a babymoon, you might find it easier to find your feet when it comes to new routines for your family. No disruptions means that you can take your time getting to know what works best for your family, and taking it at a slower pace helps to keep the atmosphere calm and peaceful too.

Why take a babymoon before baby arrives?

Some couples prefer to set aside dedicated time before baby arrives, as they see it as the perfect chance to focus and channel their energies into becoming parents. Some pregnancies can be stressful, certainly emotional, and such a busy time for lots of couples. Often hospital appointments and preparations for baby’s arrival means that you don’t actually have a lot of time left over to prepare emotionally for it all. A babymoon means that you can take time out to choose a name, relax and unwind, eat well and get lots of sleep ahead of baby’s arrival!

Did you take a babymoon? Were your visitors understanding of your reasons to keep the world at bay for a while?

 

Has your little one suffered from colic? You’ll know it when you see it. Colic can affect your baby’s sleep patterns like no other!

Often babies that suffer will cry for prolonged periods around the same time each night, and nothing seems to soothe the poor little souls what-so-ever.

Colic can be so hard to deal with for the rest of the family too, and seeing your tiny baby crying inconsolably can be a tough thing to witness. Lots of parents feel helpless, and this is quite normal, especially since there are so many conflicting theories based on what causes colic and how to ‘cure’ it.

Some doctors maintain that there actually is no cure for colic, while some parents swear that they managed to find some relief. We’ve done a little research of our own, so here is our two pennies worth on colic, its myths and its ‘cures’.

What is colic?

The official definition states that colic is severe abdominal pain that is caused by wind or another blockage in the intestines. Mostly suffered by babies, who unfortunately cannot tell us where the pain is, how bad it feels and what helps to relieve it. A baby can only cry, and this is often the first sign that anything is wrong.

What are the signs of colic?

As already mentioned, if your baby has colic there is no doubt that you will already know about it! But just in case…

• Baby cries inconsolably and frequently
• Baby pulls legs up to tummy as if in pain
• Baby cries mostly in the late afternoon and evening

If this sounds familiar, colic could be the cause.

How can I help my baby?

Colic is persistent by nature and sometimes there is very little that you can do to stop the crying. In some cases, it is caused by an immature digestive system that is struggling to cope with basic functions, and this gets better as baby gets older. There is no evidence that breastfed babies suffer more or less than formula fed babies either. However, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to ease discomfort and help to reduce the crying during an episode:

• Wind your baby frequently, and especially after feeds. This helps to release trapped gas that can cause pain, and is essential for all babies whether they suffer from colic or not.
• Keep baby upright after feeds for as long as possible, to help wind pass more easily. Don’t be tempted to lie baby down for a sleep straight after a feed either, as this can cause more trapped wind and disrupt sleep.
• Wear baby in a sling or carrier. Often being close to you helps to soothe and comfort baby and being upright will help too.
• Try baby massage, focusing on the tummy to help ease pain and discomfort. There are some good tips to help you get started here. 

Are medications necessary?

If your baby seems to be suffering more than you’d like, it’s important to speak to either your health visitor or GP for further advice. There are some over the counter products that your doctor may recommend, but you would need to take your baby in for a check up to make sure they’re suitable first.

Some parents swear that medications and over the counter remedies are the only thing that helped to ease their baby’s colic, but others will say that only time helped- as baby grew older and digestive systems matured, the colic seemed to gradually ease. It’s up to you to decide what is best for your baby.

Myths surrounding colic

Since all babies cry (this is, at first, the ONLY way that they are able to communicate their wants and needs to you) there are lots of myths surrounding colic, and we were interested to read about some of the things that parents have been told over the years. It’s worth noting here that we aren’t sure whether these myths are true or not…

1. Your baby is not in pain. It’s widely believed that cortisol (stress hormones) levels are no higher in a baby diagnosed with colic, which indicates that your baby is not suffering from pain during a colic episode. This contradicts the theories that colic is caused by trapped wind and is the result of abdominal pain…
2. You shouldn’t hold a colciky baby too much. The basis of this one is that if you pick up your baby every time she cries, you will pick up your colicky baby ‘too much’ and she will come to depend on you. It’s just our opinion, but a crying baby is trying to communicate something to you and if your instincts are to pick her up and soothe her, then that is what you should do. Besides, being upright in your arms is likely to help with releasing trapped wind.
3. Colic can delay development. There is no proof of this myth at all. Most babies grow out of colic by the age of twelve weeks or so, and there is no evidence that development is affected at all.
4. There’s no such thing as colic. Tell that to the parent that has spent the last three hours pacing the floors with a crying infant…

What’s the difference between colic and reflux?

Sadly, many babies who suffer from reflux (silent or otherwise) are initially diagnosed with colic, and parents are advised to ‘ride it out’ since most cases of colic do ease by themselves after a period of time. But there is a difference between the two:

• A baby with reflux has no schedule. A baby with colic often cries at the same time each day, but a baby suffering from reflux will experience pain at any time of the day or night, and will cry accordingly.
• A baby with reflux does not always gain weight well, especially if she is being sick after feeds, or reluctant to feed due to experiencing pain. A colicky baby tends to gain weight fairly well.
• A baby with reflux will stop crying when her pain is eased, so if you wind your baby she may find relief in discomfort and crying will ease or stop. A colicky baby tends to carry on crying despite all of your best efforts.
• A baby with reflux may be sick quite a lot. And with each feed that is brought up, acid also travels up the oesophagus, resulting in pain. Babies with silent reflux are sick less often, but still experience the pain. This pain is evident in the way that a baby with reflux will arch her back and grimace, even during sleep. A baby with colic will pull up her legs when she cries, but there are very little other signs of pain.

Again, the only way to get a true diagnosis is to speak to your doctor if you’re at all worried.

Now that school’ s started back no doubt you’ve noticed a change in your little one’s sleeping habits. Either they’re sleeping for England (in which case, hooray!) and falling into bed gratefully at the end of each busy or day, or else they are perhaps struggling a little to switch off. Either is completely normal- school is tiring at the best of times, but never more so than when you’ve just had almost two months off. Add to that the fact that the days are becoming shorter and the weather colder, making getting up a lot more difficult too. For children just starting school especially, the first time can be exhausting. That’s why a good night’s sleep is essential, right? But what if your little one is finding it hard to switch off with so many new faces and exciting challenges presented to them every day? Fear not. Here we are with some tips for helping kids to relax and unwind at the end of the school day!

Bedtime

First to focus on is, naturally, sleep. Is your child getting enough? There are average age recommendations of how many hours your child will need, but as a parent it’s more likely that you have a better idea of that. If your child does not want to get up in the morning, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they haven’t had enough sleep. Let’s face it, when it’s cold and dark, not many of us leap from bed in a joyous fashion! But if your little one remains tired and fatigued once they’re up and about, there’s a good chance that they didn’t get as much as sleep as they could have. One way to tackle this is by taking another look at your bedtime routine.

All children respond well to a routine that works well for the whole family, so spend some time reading a quiet book, or talking together after bath time in order to prepare your child for sleep. Set bedtime at a reasonable hour and make sure your child knows what time they are expected to be in bed and quiet. Some children need more wind down time than others- again, only you know best how much time is needed for your child.

The child that cannot sleep

Some children, like some adults, struggle to switch off at bedtime. They may be worn out after a busy day, but they are just unable to relax and wind down ready for sleep. This is normal when there are big changes occurring (such as starting school) so don’t panic. Try the following tips to help your child relax for sleep:

• A warm, milky drink. It’s not just an old wive’s tale- warm milk contains lots of calcium, which helps you to relax, and tryptophan, which converts into serotonin that helps you sleep. Not only that, but a warm milky drink before bed fills the tummy nicely, and stops it rumbling in the night.
• A warm bath. If your child usually showers before bed, try a bath instead. You can let them soak for a while perhaps with the lights dimmed to help them to relax- but stay on hand as you don’t want them falling asleep in there.
• Meditation. Not just for adults! Lots of parents swear by meditation for kids to help their little ones wind down for sleep. There are apps you can try (Smiling Mind is great for children aged 7 and over) and the wonderful Relax Kids has CDs that you can purchase too. Alternatively, dim the lights, and teach your child to take a few minutes each night to clear the mind and breath deeply. Talk gently to your child and encourage mindfulness.
• Quiet reading. Some children need to unwind slowly, by themselves. There is nothing wrong with leaving a book and a bedside lamp for 20 minutes or so, before returning for final lights out and sleep.
• Talk. If your child has things on their mind, or concerns about school etc then sleep will be hard to achieve. Set aside some time each day, before sleep time, to talk everything through.

The child who doesn’t want to sleep

Some children may just refuse to unwind and settle for sleep when you want them to! Remember that this is most probably also because there is a lot going through their minds and that they are finding it hard to switch off. It’s hard not to feel frustrated when your child calls you for the fifteenth time to bring a drink/ straighten the bed covers/ read one more story… but it’s important to stay calm. Some children are just a little more demanding than others! Some tips to deal with this situation include:

• Again, a consistent bedtime routine helps here. If your child knows what to expect each night, it really does help. If your bedtime routine needs tweaking, try to agree some ground rules with your child. For instance, what time lights go off, and what the rules are on coming downstairs after a certain time.
• Limit screen time before bed, and switch off the TV too. Some children can become over stimulated and find it difficult to sleep, so its a good idea to read a book instead.
• If your child gets out of bed after lights out, stay calm. Return your child to bed and explain what you are doing and why. Do listen to your child if they try to tell you something, but beware of stalling! Make sure you are consistent and spend a few moments re-settling before lights out once more.

Of course, it’s easier said than done to stay calm when you’ve been up and down the stairs countless times before 8pm rolls around. Some children are naturally more demanding and will find an excuse for anything when it comes to settling down for bedtime! It doesn’t hurt to compromise a little though, so you could try allowing an extra ten minutes reading time for example, if you think this will help your child to unwind. Compensate for this by starting the bedtime routine a little earlier.

In the early weeks of the new school year, it might be a good idea to limit after school activities too, and keep weekend low key if you can. Tiredness can catch up with children very quickly! That said, gentle exercise may actually be beneficial for a child who has trouble sleeping. Yoga is excellent for children as it helps them to focus their minds concentrate on breathing- these techniques can be used at bedtime too.

How do you help your kids to relax and unwind? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

So school is back in full swing and we’re either clapping our hands in glee at the thought of a new term, or grudgingly accepting that the school run, homework and packed lunches are here to stay for another few weeks at least. Despite all key stage one pupils in England now being entitled to free school lunches, it seems that some of us still prefer to send in a lunch we’ve prepared ourselves. There can be many reasons for this- be it dietary requirements or fussy eaters, it seems that not all parents are taking the government up on their offer. And with this in mind, we wondered how exactly those parents are keeping packed lunches interesting (and appetising) for their little ones? Which leads us to a few tips and tricks for lunch box inspiration- thanks, of course, to our wonderful Twitter followers!

Why choose packed lunch over school dinners?

It’s a personal preference in many cases. Perhaps you’ve seen the menu and know that your child won’t enjoy many of the choices there. If you send a packed lunch, than at least you stand a chance of sending food that your child will eat, and you also have the benefit of knowing what he doesn’t- since that will be coming home again! Or maybe your little one, like Melaina’s (@Melaina25) son has allergies that need to be considered before school dinners are an option. Some parents, such as Carol (@caroljs) have opted for school dinners on some days, and packed lunches on others. It seems most schools are entirely flexible over this so go for whatever works best for your family.

How to pack a lunch

Yes, it can be as simple as popping some sandwiches into a box, or you can get really clever. Mumra (@stepfordreject) recommended these super Packit cooler bags, which we have to say look super. They’re basically insulated lunch bags with a freezable gel inside the lining. This means the lunch bags are like little mini refridgerators, making it possible to keep food cool and fresh for much longer than usual. Ingenious idea! Alternatively, you can pop reusable ice cubes or small ice packs into the lunch to keep food cool- but make sure your child knows to bring them home again! Another tip from Mumra is frozen yogurt tubes- less mess than pots and spoons and the yogurts will stay cool too.

Melaina sends her son’s lunch into school in a reusable bag, like these from Lunchskins. What a super idea! No waste, no need to keep buying little plastic bags, and the designs are bright and cheerful too. You can also go for reusable sandwich wraps, like these from Eco snack wrap. A super way to keep sandwiches fresh and good for the environment too.  Perfect!

Bex (@mummyadventure) uses lots of little pots to keep her son’s lunch both interesting and fresh. Little pots of fresh fruit, veg and treats keep little fingers busy and the lunch box varied too. Alternatively you could go for the Bento style boxes like these at Yum Box, which are proving highly popular right now. For more inspiration on Bento style lunches, revisit this post here. 

What to pack in your lunch

Think packed lunch, think sandwiches, right? And there’s nothing wrong with that, especially for the child who would live on peanut butter sandwiches if you let him. Don’t be afraid of serving up something a little different though. Even kids get bored of the same thing sometimes. Ideas to try:

• wraps
• crackers and cheese/ dips
• cold pizza slices
• bread sticks and dips
• cold pasta/ rice salad

There are some wonderful lunch box ideas on Pinterest too. We found this awesome set of ideas at Bless this Mess and these super Simple and Healthy school lunch box ideas over at Simple as That made us smile too.

Whatever you decide to pack, make sure that your child will eat it, and that it follows school policy on healthy eating too. A treat is fine, but if your school is going to confiscate it you might want to save it for home time instead.

Be prepared

One of the biggest reasons why we parents hate packed lunches is because they can be a pain to make every day. If that’s the case, then school dinners are certainly a more attractive option, and there’s no shame in that. We all lead busy lives after all. But if you do have time, here are some tips to help you stay on top of the game:

• Get your child to help. No matter how old they are, give your child some responsibility in both choosing what they want to eat, and helping to prepare it too. And make sure they help to clean it out after school too.
• Meal plan for your packed lunches. If your child likes something different every day, ask him to help you plan the meals he wants and then he can help during the grocery shop too.
• Make the lunch the night before and store in the fridge overnight. There’s nothing worse than making a hurried lunch in the morning!
• Use up your leftovers. If you have pasta spare after dinner, use that to make a cold salad to pack up the next day.
• Keep an eye on what’s not being eaten. enjoyed and make sure you leave that out next time to eliminate waste.

So, tell us. Is your little one on packed lunches or school dinners this term?

Our top tips on helping your baby to sleep better.

Baby sleep is a hot topic; it even has its own hashtag on Twitter. Have a search and you’ll see that you’re not the only parent who is more than mildly obsessed with getting more sleep. It’s little wonder that parents are so enthusiastic when it comes to new and inventive ways to help get their baby to sleep.

Sleep deprivation can be cruel. It lowers your defences, plays havoc with your health and makes you want to curl up and cry at times. So, finding new ways to get more baby sleep can only be a good thing, right? Here are five ways to get more baby sleep.

Establish a Sleep Routine as Soon as Possible

Babies do not come equipped with a knowledge of what time you like to eat dinner or how long you like to sleep for. They do come with a disregard for night and day and a curious habit of waking at least every four hours for food.

You’ll find your newborn a lot easier to predict if you try to establish some kind of a routine. Of course, the first six weeks or so are pretty crazy in most new families’ households but after that you might start to notice that your baby has some patterns – and you can work around those. To help make the initial craziness a little easier, try setting a regular bath and bedtime routine first. Babies adapt quite quickly and come to realise that they are required to wind down and sleep when certain sleep cues are initiated.

So, make bath time the same time each night and always follow the same routine before you put your baby down to sleep – that might be bath, massage, dressing your baby in their night clothes, then a story. Establish a shorter routine (without the bath) for naps during the day too. Eventually your baby will start to notice and understand their sleep cues and they will settle into their routine.

Swaddling Your Baby

Babies are born with a startle reflex, the Moro reflex, which some believe goes back to ancient times when mothers carried their babies around with them everywhere. If the baby lost their grip on mom, the startle reflex kicked in and forced the baby to regain their grip and stay close.

These days, the startle reflex is not quite so essential and can actually disturb baby sleep. Some babies are so unsettled each time they startle that they can be woken from sleep quite easily. One of the best ways to soothe and calm your baby so that the startle reflex doesn’t cause a problem is to swaddle your baby. Basically, swaddling means wrapping a baby tightly in a thin sheet or blanket so that the arms and legs are unable to move freely, thus dampening the startle reflex. Done properly, swaddling can mimic the conditions inside the womb, which helps your baby to feel relaxed and safe. It’s worth looking into if your baby seems to become easily distressed and is waking frequently but is not hungry or wet.

White Noise

Another simple trick to calm your baby that stems from their days in the womb, is white noise. When your baby is inside you, they hear many loud noises: blood whooshing around the body, your heartbeat, voices, music and the general sounds of life on the outside. It’s no wonder that babies dislike the silence we assume they need, hence why white noise is so comforting to some babies. There are machines and toys that are designed specially to make this noise, or you can download apps for your phone or tablet. Failing that, a whirring fan or even the washing machine on full spin ought to do the trick.

Dream Feed

Babies mainly wake because they’re hungry. It’s true that as they get older, there are many other reasons why your baby’s sleep could be disrupted but lots of parents will assume hunger is the most likely reason. This is why many swear by a ‘dream feed’ to stretch out your baby’s sleep a little longer and to help you get a good block of sleep.

The concept is simple; lift your baby from their sleep when you go to bed and rouse them just enough to give them a feed. Then return them to slumber and hope for a good four-hour stretch. Whether it works for you or not is up to your baby. Some will happily feed and return to sleep, others will be disturbed enough to wake fully and let you know about it. Only you know how your baby will react!

Get Lots of Fresh Air

Whatever the weather, fresh air is good for the mind and the body and for babies, it helps them to sleep better. We swear by this. I know we have a vested interest, seeing as SnoozeShade was invented so that babies could sleep outside more – but it really is true! Studies have found that being outside helps your baby to regulate their body clock (remember that they aren’t born knowing the difference between day and night). Being exposed to healthy amounts of daylight and fresh air helps the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that helps to balance sleeping patterns.

So, get out there and walk with your baby!

Don’t forget that SnoozeShade is also a wonderful windshield, so don’t mind the weather and think of the end result: lots of lovely baby sleep!

Further Reading:

Did You Know You Can Also Buy SnoozeShade For Your Baby’s Infant Carrier?
Why Going for a Walk When Your Baby Naps is a Great Idea!
How Do I Establish a Good Sleep Routine for My Baby?

When the weather cranks the temperature up a notch or two, it can make for uncomfortable sleeping arrangements now and then. For adults, this can be easily remedied. We can open a window, take off a layer of clothing and swap our duvets for lighter blankets. Our body temperatures are easily regulated and we are in control. For babies and infants, however, it isn’t that easy. Sleep can be elusive at the best of times for some babies, so the last thing you want is for the hot weather to play a part in keeping them up at night. Plus, of course, there is the essential need to keep baby as cool as possible in hot weather to avoid over heating. So here are our top tips for helping baby to sleep, and stay safe in the warm weather.

Check oom

First things first. Baby’s room need so to be kept as cool as possible. If you can, take these steps:

• Keep curtains or blinds drawn all day, to prevent direct sunlight from warming up the room.
• Open windows as far as possible. Ensure that there is no furniture underneath the windows that could be used to climb etc, and keep blind cords away from children at all times. For more advice on baby safety around windows, please see our post on baby proofing your house.
• Use a fan to circulate cool air around the room. Keep this well away from baby’s reach and make sure that it is directed away from the face at all times.
• In really humid weather, you can use wet towels to draw moisture from the air. Hang them over chairs etc.

Clothing

It goes without saying that baby needs less layers in the summer. You may only need a nappy and a thin sheet when it’s really hot. Check the temperature in the room with a nursery thermometer and keep an eye on baby by feeling under the chin. If it is clammy, baby is too hot and will need more layers stripping off.

Bedding

Remove all excess bedding and, as always, make sure that there are no loose covers etc and no toys in the cots at any time. If you use cot bumpers, remove them so that air can circulate freely around the bed, and check the thickness of the blankets. A thin sheet may suffice when it’s hot.

Out and about

When not at home, always take precautions to keep baby as cool as possible. In the car, use window shades and air conditioning if you have it. Alternatively, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate in the car. Never leave a baby to sleep in the car, even for just a moment.

In the pram, use your SnoozeShade to keep direct sunlight from penetrating the pram, but do check on your baby regularly to ensure that she is not too hot. For more advice on using your SnoozeShade, please see our post with instructional video tips.

Keep hydrated

It’s so important to keep baby hydrated in hot weather and if you are at all concerned, do speak to your GP at once. Lots of breast/ bottle feeds and water if they are able to drink it is a good idea- and don’t forget to drink plenty yourself!

 

I don’t normally take to the blog on controversial issues but a story from a Swedish newspaper has made my blood boil.

The news  at the heart of this claims that parents are risking their children’s lives by putting blankets over their prams in hot weather. This to me is scaremongering for publicity rather than a responsibly written and researched article.

Unscientific testing means nothing

As someone who has spent the last 6 years working with products that cover prams I am shocked that this story has even been published as it scares parents unnecessarily and without any scientific facts to back it up. It quotes a random test carried out by a journalist from a newspaper as if it is proves something credible. The only ‘credentials’ it has is that a comment is made by a Swedish paediatrician (who does not seem to have been involved in the experiment).  This does not make it a valid test.

I have spent tens of thousands of pounds on safety testing for my products and am horrified that ‘stick a pram in the sun and put a thermometer in it’ has been given pseudo-scientific credibility and then shared tens of thousands of times in order to scare parents and actually potentially expose small children to UV when it could be dangerous (ie at the hottest time of the day).

Don’t get me wrong – I’m no fan of blankets

Parents have been covering prams with various items including blankets, muslins (even coats) for many years ( I did it myself which is why I invented SnoozeShade as it didn’t work for me).

I am not saying that a blanket is the best way to protect babies from the sun but, as a short term measure (and when the parent regularly checks on their child), a blanket will provide some protection from harsh UV which is better than leaving delicate skin exposed.

Doctors around the world state that babies aged under 6 months must not be exposed to direct sunlight for any reason. A child’s skin is delicate and it takes just FIVE sunburns in childhood to increase the risk of melanoma in later life by 80%.  If it’s hot enough to worry about the heat then UV levels will also be high!

Fortunately, I have not heard of a child dying due to a blanket on a pram.  I have heard of children burned when parents have left them exposed to the sun and, sadly, there are far too many accidents where children have been left in a hot car (which is totally different from being in a pram which is not a sealed unit made of glass and metal).

Sun protection facts

A professionally manufactured sunshade that is made from a woven mesh fabric is the best thing to use to protect a baby or small child from the sun. It is designed for that purpose and will adhere to set UV safety standards to ease parents’ minds.

In order to claim that a sun shade gives UV protection the fabric must be laboratory-tested to ensure it meets certain criteria.

If you want to double check what UV protection is provided then most manufacturers will be happy to provide you with the proof of this testing.

If the fabric does not provide over 97.5% protection (UPF40+) then it cannot be considered to be a UV shade. Do check carefully as I have seen many products that baffle parents with science and numbers.  You cannot claim that anything under 97.5% is UV protection.  Shade – yes/ UV protection – no.

If you can see your baby then so can the sun

One other important thing to check is how visible your child is through the shade. The science of sun protection is simple – the darker the fabric the better unless it has been chemically treated – that is why so many are black.  Many baby sun shades claim to have UPF50+ (maximum) protection but when you check into the detail there is one strip of fabric somewhere on the product that is UPF50+ but if there is a mesh that you can clearly see your child through it will not be giving UPF50+ protection – it’s just not possible.

When SnoozeShade fabric is in a single layer it blocks 80% of UV and I make best efforts to ensure that this is very clear so customers know what they are buying. This makes it harder to see your child but is why I built in zips which you can use to check on your child.  80% is the best I’ve seen for a single layer of mesh with no chemical additives.

In addition, I have gone one step further with SnoozeShade and had the fabric tested in a respected independent laboratory specifically for breathability and air permeability (even though it is not necessary to do this).

I did this as we have many parents using the products in hot climates worldwide and I wanted to be absolutely sure that I could say I had done everything I can to ensure my products are ultra safe. And they are.

What does breathable actually mean?

Breathability does not, as you might think, relate to an exchange of air. Instead it is the ability of a fabric to allow moisture vapour to pass through it. This is a word used frequently in relation to sportswear and the ability of a fabric to let sweat escape. Many fabric-based products claim to be breathable but if you were to actually hold it up to your face and try and breathe through it you would struggle to do so comfortably.

One concerning trend I have seen – particularly in car seat canopies – is the use of fluffy minky-like fabrics. As a parent I would be worried as the air will not be able to move if a car seat or stroller is completely covered with this type of fabric.  Science dictates that hot air will rise unless it us unable to.  I would not want my baby’s face to be accidentally covered with this type of solid fabric.

Air permeability is king

Air permeability is intrinsically linked to breathability. Air permeability is “the velocity of an air flow passing perpendicularly through a test specimen under specified conditions of test area, pressure drop, and time” (according to BS EN ISO 9237: 1995). All air permeable fabrics are breathable to some extent, though not all breathable fabrics are air permeable.

The best way to quickly test if a fabric is air permeable is to pop it over your face and nose and see if you can breathe comfortably through it.  If you can’t then it is not letting air pass through it easily – try it with a towel or blanket and you’ll see what I mean.

What causes heat stroke anyway?

According to American paediatrician Dr Paul there are 3 things that contribute to heat stress in children. The biggest culprit in causing heat stroke is humidity (70%) which , if you’re outside, there’s not a lot you can do about – other than get inside to air conditioning.  The second biggest contributor of 20% is UV radiation from the sun –  so keeping baby shaded from UV is important.  Only 10% of the cause of heat stroke in children is the ambient temperature. So if you’re out and it’s hot and humid – the advice would be firstly try and get somewhere out of the humidity.  Whether it’s humid or not you should firstly cover your child from the sun  (ideally using a product designed for purpose) and seek shade and then do what you can to get cooler.

Key points for parents to remember are:

* Doctors and health professionals state that babies aged under 6 months must be kept out of direct sunlight at all times. This is due to the thinness of their skin and how easily they could burn. Keeping your child shaded from the sun when it is very hot is always going to be better than a sunburned baby which can have both short and long term consequences.

* If it’s very hot outside stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am – 3pm). If this is not possible then keep in the shade wherever possible and turn the pram away from direct sun.

* Do not bundle baby up in lots of thick layers when it’s hot outside. Loose, thin and cool is the best way to go.

* Use lightweight air-permeable fabrics (or sunshades that have been designed for purpose) to shade the pram. Synthetic fabrics are better as they do not absorb any moisture from humidity (fibres in a woollen blanket would swell if they get damp).

Air permeable fabrics are those that you can literally breathe comfortably through if you held it over your own face – so that thick minky blanket or solid towel may not be a good choice but if it is loosely draped over to allow air to move then it is better than nothing.

* The most important thing that any parent can do is to regularly check on their child (at all times not just on hot days). It is better to have a grumpy tired child than one with heat exhaustion.

Enjoying the sun safely is something every family can do. We have also produced a few tips on how to keep your child cooler on a hot day and also some extra tips on sun safety which I hope you find helpful.

 

This time of year, lots of us are busy planning our summer getaways. If you’re flying somewhere lovely (lucky you!) then maybe now is the time to consider how to negotiate the flight, especially if you’re flying with babies and young children.

Today’s guest post is from the wonderful Carrie, a former flight attendant and school teacher. She is now a mom to one very well-travelled toddler, with another one on the way. Carrie’s toddler took 17 short, medium and long haul flights before her first birthday! Carrie is married to an Australian and the family are well versed with ultra-long haul flights too, and we’re thrilled that she has agreed to share her top tips with us today! Carrie says,

“I couldn’t find any quick reference guide to everything about flying with a baby, with all the answers I required in one place, to make any flight as painless and easy as possible. So, Flying With A Baby was born. I knew many things from working on flights which have helped us but some practicalities you learn along the way as parent. My information is based on personal experience and research to help you.”

Happy Flying!  www.flyingwithababy.com

Plan ahead before you even book your flight

Your biggest concern might be, how will your little one sleep in the unfamiliar environment of an aircraft? It’s worth booking an airline that offers bassinets or sky cots.

Different airlines have different sized bassinets; they vary as to whether they have an age or weight restriction. As a guideline, many airlines have an upper age limit of approximately six months but others allow up to 18 months or even two years. This link compares airlines bassinets.

Check which airline best suits your needs and bring a familiar-smelling comforter or toy helps to help settle your baby.

Choose the best seats

Several airlines allow you to choose your seats online as soon as you have booked your flight. Bassinet seats are usually located at bulkheads. For other seat types, check www.seatguru.com for your aircraft type to show the pros and cons of every seat on your plane. I find that if there are two of you travelling with an infant on a wide-bodied aircraft with a 3-4-3 configuration, then the two seats at one side of the section of four are the best and mean you do not have to climb over anyone. However, if you are breastfeeding, you may prefer a window seat for a little more privacy.

Pack a baby carrier in your hand luggage

Whether you decide to check your stroller at check-in or at the aircraft door, a baby carrier is invaluable. It not only keeps your hands free for boarding the aircraft, it’s also great for disembarking and the long walk to baggage reclaim. Some airlines bring your stroller to the gate on arrival but this does vary with each airline and even each airport.

Some airlines provide designated stands for courtesy strollers in their terminal, including Emirates in Dubai and Qatar Airways in Doha. Gatwick airport also provides courtesy strollers on arrival along designated places to baggage reclaim. However, just in case there are none available, your baby carrier may save the day.

Pack extra baby food and milk (and medicine) for the entire journey in your hand luggage

 

Delays are unfortunately commonplace and there is nothing worse than having to hunt for baby food in a transit airport. In some airports, pharmacies airside allow you to pre-order milk before you travel, to pick up after you have passed security; check your airport website for details and contact numbers. Security no longer requires parents to taste baby food, milk, and water etc, but these may be subject to other tests, so be patient and leave plenty of time for this. In a nutshell, pack a little extra to cover all eventualities. Medicine-wise, infant paracetamol and ibuprofen come in handy 5ml sachets that are available from most supermarkets and chemists. Other essential medicines, larger than 100ml, can be brought on-board but may need a doctors letter and prior approval from the airline. This does include inhalers.

If you have a crawling or walking baby, board last 

Although many airlines provide priority boarding for parents, I recommend that only one parent boards first with all the baby gear. This enables you to secure space in the overhead locker whilst the other parent can let your baby crawl and walk right up to the last minute before being confined to the limited space on an airplane.

Bring along some entertainment

For your baby, that is! For a younger baby, a favourite toy or familiar comforter helps to settle them. For an older baby or toddler, small toys help to entertain a little longer – hand them out one at a time. Stickers and small packets of raisins also keep little fingers busy. I also like colouring in with water ‘pens’ you can buy. No mess! You can also pre-download free apps to your phone or tablet. There are some great Fisher Price apps for babies of six months and older, including the Laugh and Learn collection. If that all sounds like it will only entertain your little one for five minutes, consider booking Gulf Air or Etihad Airlines, who provide a free sky nanny in all classes!

Are you flying with a baby or toddler this summer? Do get in touch and let us know where you’re going!

 

Let’s face it. Living with a toddler is no easy feat. No two days are the same and the rules are different too. Granted, most toddlers usually live by just the one simple rule: it’s mine. But now and again they like to mix things up so you have to be prepared. We asked on Twitter what your top tips for living with toddlers were and, as ever, you told us. So if you’re struggling with a demanding toddler and are looking for some answers, look no further. Here are your tried and tested tips for living with a toddler!

Get out of the house

The lovely Carol (@CarolJS) told us that toddlers can be a little like dogs- they need walking twice a day! Joking aside, this is not a bad tip. Getting out of the house every day with a toddler is a must. Ask any parent and they will tell you. It only take around half an hour for a toddler to fully exhaust every room in the house (and yes, we’re talking ‘playing’ with Mummy’s makeup and toilet fishing too. They want to do it all!) and then what? Then you take them out, obviously.

Be prepared though. Getting out of the house can take up to an hour in itself. Have you packed enough nappies/ knickers/ underpants? Have you got spare clothes? Wellies? Bread for the ducks? Pennies for the shop? Have you been to the toilet/ brushed your hair/ washed your face/ remembered snacks? Have you expressly told your toddler at least three times exactly where you are going, in what order, for how long and- most importantly- why? Only once all of the above has been done, will you finally be ready to leave the house. And then you can stop to switch shoes onto the right feet, wrestle your toddler into a buggy/ scooter/ trike and off you go. Twice a day. Believe me, it’s better than staying in.

Have some good answers ready for all the questions

Toddlers are naturally inquisitive. That’s how they learn, and how they make sense of the world around them. It’s also their secret weapon. It’s how they wear you down into a gibbering mess at the end of the day. How they get to you agree to an extra scoop of ice cream after dinner, and one more story at bedtime. It’s also how they make you smile, certain that they are the most intelligent and interesting toddler that ever there was. But you need the answers, people.

‘Why?’ is the most popular of questions, and it’s not good enough to reply with ‘Because.’ Toddlers need more than this. They need real answers, so get an encyclopaedia if you need one. Or at the very least learn how to give a convincing answer. Toddlers need this interaction with you, so you may as well make it worthwhile.

Stay strong through the tantrums

Yep. Tantrums. They are totally normal, an essential part of growing up, asserting personalities and testing boundaries. That doesn’t meant that they are any fun though. Kerry (@Scrapbookerry) advises lots of cake, chocolate, coffee and wine to get through it all. And you know what? That’s not a bad idea. Whatever keeps you calm, helps you to wind down and essentially gives you strength to deal with it all is a must. We don’t recommend drinking wine while you toddler kicks and screams at your feet, but there’s nothing wrong with a glass once they’re in bed. To relax.

In all seriousness, tantrums are not fun, but it’s important to keep your cool if you can. The scale of the tantrum is often determined by how you react to it, so try to keep in mind that your toddler is expressing frustration and anger in the only way they know how. Don’t take it personally.

Expect the unexpected

Sometimes, you brace yourself for a tantrum, and your toddler remains sweetly smiling. Other times you are sure that your fine rendition of Mickey Mouse Club House will result in peels of laughter (as usual) but instead you are told to stop singing and when you don’t, a tantrum erupts. There can be no predicting it. A shopping trip with toddlers can be either heaven or hell. Only your toddler will know. So, as @RowCB recommends, expect the unexpected. Don’t assume anything, because your toddler will always manage to surprise you- often in a wonderful way.

Enjoy these precious days

Your toddler is hard work, but this is measured with a healthy dose of cuteness too. Make the most of these precious days, because they don’t last forever. Enjoy the sticky kisses and snotty embraces and don’t forget to take lots of photos. Your toddler will soon grow up and- believe me- you will miss these days!

Today we an amazingly emotional and wonderful story from Rachel, who writes at Confessions of a Stay at Home Mum.

Her birth story originally appeared on her own blog and she has agreed to share it with us here.