Why is SnoozeShade a Dark Color?

At SnoozeShade, we don’t just create helpful products for babies – we thoroughly research the science behind them too, to make sure that everything we sell is super safe for your baby.

SnoozeShade is made from an air permeable black or dark grey mesh and one of the questions we are often asked is: “don’t dark colors absorb more heat than light colors?”

A darker color sunshade creates a shaded environment inside the stroller and most sunshades are black or dark colored for this reason. After all, you would go into the shade to stay cool on a hot day, wouldn’t you? A simple way to explain this is that if you put your arm out into direct sunlight, it burns. Now bring it back into the shade and even if it’s still hot, the burn has gone.

While a SnoozeShade cannot cool the ambient temperature (the air temperature around you), it will not make it hotter inside the stroller and, most importantly, it will protect your baby’s skin from sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer.

As we get asked this question so often, we decided to ask Dr. Michael de Podesta MBE, one of the UK’s leading chartered physicists and a member of the Institute of Physics to explain the science behind the color-versus-heat question.

Our Thermal Physicist Explains:

“It might seem that a white shade would be cooler but in fact the colour of the shade makes almost no difference! When it’s sunny, the best way to keep your baby cool is keep him or her out of direct sunlight. And for this, an opaque shade is best.

“In direct sunlight a typical baby is exposed to almost 100 watts of heat input and their delicate skin is exposed to intense UV. The best thing to help your baby control their temperature and to keep their skin protected is to keep them in the shade.

A dark shade is definitely better than a light shade that will still allow some of the light through. A shade that protects from all angles is best of all.”

Some Facts About Sun Protection

• If it is a hot day with no breeze, you should take action to avoid your baby getting sunstroke. Sunstroke is a serious condition where the body overheats to 104⁰ F and is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It is extremely dangerous and can cause damage to the muscles, kidneys, heart and brain. Remove excess clothing and get your baby into the shade as soon as possible.
• Strollers and infant carriers are made from dense fabric and metal that may heat up in hot weather. If the hood is raised, then hot air has nowhere to go, which can make it stuffy. If this is the case, we suggest you open any ventilation panels, retract the hood and use SnoozeShade to allow maximum airflow.

Parents Often Comment On How Surprised They Are When It Feels Cooler Inside The Pram On a Hot Day:

“The mesh material allows air in, while keeping the light out. The interior of the carriage also stays nice and cool.”

“It worked a treat, he fell straight to sleep every night and it seemed a lot cooler in his pushchair then it did in the entertainment venue, which was an added bonus as he suffers from severe eczema and the heat irritates him.”

“I have used it on the beach during our vacation and my 7 month old went right to sleep. The material lets air in but keeps the sunlight out. People were asking if my son was baking underneath and I offered to let them place their hand under to see just how cool it was inside.”

“My son naps best when it’s dark. It’s breathable so he doesn’t sweat. It’s always attached to our stroller. We love it!”

Further Reading:

How SnoozeShade Goes The Extra Mile for Safety
Learn Which SnoozeShade to Choose and How to Use It
Using Your SnoozeShade After Summer is Over

Safety has always been at the heart of every SnoozeShade product.

SnoozeShade’s inventor Cara explains how it all began:

“I invented SnoozeShade to use with my own baby daughter.  She had a febrile convulsion when she was tiny (she was in hospital for 2 days) and so I was super paranoid about her overheating. Before I even started developing the product idea fully I investigated the safety requirements needed for a baby product.

I was actually quite shocked to discover that most mainstream products (made by well-known and trusted brands) only actually needed to test to show their products were safe enough for a three year old to use. The assumption was that the product was actually being used by the parent. That wasn’t safe enough for me.

Safety comes above all else so SnoozeShade products are designed to meet the same strict safety regulations as a toy for a newborn baby. This is the safest standard I could find.

Many of the safety features I have mean that my product doesn’t look as pretty as other baby products and many add cost to the manufacturing process, but I have always been an advocate of function over fashion and SnoozeShade products do what they’re designed to do – safely!“

Some of the safety features that SnoozeShade products have include:

• Short straps to minimise risk of strangulation or entrapment (it would be easier and cheaper to have two longer straps but this would not pass newborn standards)
• Strong zips which are tested against heavy loads to ensure that they do not break off easily which would otherwise be a choking risk
• The poppers we use are the only baby-safe certified poppers in the world
• All fabric and components are tested for any toxic nasties
• The mesh fabric has been tested for, and scored highly for, air-permeability – this means air passes through it easily 
• The fabric is scored as non-flammable as it self-ignites (Cara has even tested this herself with a lighter)

Every product has been designed to comply with European Standards, particularly BS EN 71 (the standard for the safety of child use and care articles).  

In addition, the SnoozeShade range has been designed to meet, tested, and is compliant with, the following UK, European and US safety standards.

• BS EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 Safety of Toys – Mechanical and Physical Properties
• BS EN 71-2:2011+A1:2014 Safety of Toys – Flammability (our fabric self extinguishes)
• EN71-32013+A3:2018 Migration of Certain Elements
• CEN/TR 13387: Safety Guidelines
• BS EN 13758 PART 1 (2002): UV Radiation Through Clothing
• BS EN 13758 – 1:2002+A12007: Textiles Solar UV Protective Properties with measurement made in the visible light range
• BS EN ISO 9237:1995 Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics
• BS EN ISO 105-X12: 2002 Colour Fastness to Rubbing
• BS EN ISO 5077: 2008/BS EN ISO 3759: 2011/ BS EN ISO 6330:2012: Dimensional stability to washing
• BS EN ISO 14184-1: 2011: tests for presence of formaldehyde – not detected
• REACH 1907/2006 Annex XVII: Cadmium content – not detected
• REACH 1907/2006 Annex XVII entry 43: tests for presence of banned Azo dyes – not detected
• US CPSC 16 CFR 1500.48 – sharp parts in toys
• US CPSC 16 CFR 1500.49 – sharp metal in toys
• US CPSC 16 CFR 1501 – choking, aspiration or ingestion hazards for children under 3 years of age
• US CPSC 16 CFR 1500.44 – method for determining extremely flammable and flammable solids (Did NOT ignite)
• US CPSC 16 CFR 1303  – Lead in paint
• US CPSC 16 CFR 1307 – Phthalates content
• Title 16, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter II – Consumer Products Safety Commission of USA – Part 1303 – Ban of Lead
• CPSIA section 101 – Total Lead content
• CPSIA section 101(f) (1) Lead in Paint
• CPSIA section 101(a) (2) Lead in accessible substrate materials
• US 16 CFR Part 1307 – Phthalates

Cara also keeps an eye on what safety testing is possible

“I have been in business since 2010 and a lot has changed.  In 2021, I invested a significant amount with a respected US safety testing laboratory to test my products for CO2 rebreathing (which can be a risk for SIDS) and direct suffocation (as if a baby was enveloped in the fabric).  My products came in at the lowest level of risk.  I didn’t have to do this testing but felt it was a sensible investment as many parents worry about air circulation around their baby.

I appreciate the trust parents put their trust in my products and hope that the above shows how committed to product safety SnoozeShade is.“

If you have any further questions (and there is no such thing as a silly question), then please click here to get in touch. 

We are here to help.

PS: We often get asked why our products are not CE marked. This is because you can’t put a CE mark on any product that is not relevant. Children’s toys have to be CE marked – this does not apply to any SnoozeShade product!

Further Reading:

Why Is SnoozeShade a Dark Colour?
Which SnoozeShade to Choose for My Stroller?
A SnoozeShade is for Life, Not Just For Summer

 

When you have a new baby, you can expect some sleepless nights, but after the first few weeks, when they start to get their days and nights sorted out, most babies begin to sleep through the night.

Everyone in the family benefits when babies and children sleep well – especially the little one’s themselves. Here are some facts:

• Sleep strengthens baby’s and children’s immune systems and helps them to fight infection.
• It improves their memory, learning and concentration skills.
• When a baby or child sleeps well, they are happier in the day and on an emotional even keel.
• The most intense period of growth hormone release is during sleep – Having a good diet is only part of what makes them tall and strong.

If you’re worried about the sleepless nights in your family, the best thing that you can do is to start a bed time routine. This is simply a repeated series of steps leading up to bed time, which help a baby or child to mentally and physically prepare for sleep. A really consistent routine can make them feel both sleepy and safe.

The best bed time routines are very repetitive, and this is important, as babies and young children like to be able to predict what is coming next. In fact, they thrive and feel safe with familiarity and predictability. When the bed time routine regularly culminates with them falling asleep, they often become conditioned to feel sleepy towards the end of their familiar bedtime “script.”

An established and familiar bed time routine is great for parents too, as it gives you a well practiced structure to follow at the end of the day. Being a parent of a baby or toddler is very hard work, and as their bed time approaches, everyone, including you will be tired. It really helps when you can switch onto “auto pilot” and not have to think too hard about how to settle your child for the night.

Just because a bedtime routine is established and consistent [strict!], it doesn’t mean that it can’t also be fun and loving. It should incorporate cuddles and little songs/rhymes/games along the way, such as in the bath, cleaning teeth etc.

Having a nightly bath or shower is a great way for them to expend their energy reserves and don’t worry if it seems to energise them. If they are running around and giddy afterwards, this is normal and they will settle down when they get into bed if you direct them to. This nightly bath or shower serves as marker that the day is finished and now it’s time for bed.

Depending on your circumstances, your routine can be as long or as short as you like, provided that it is familiar.

Here’s an example of the kind of routine that you might want to try:

• Begin your routine about half an hour before you know your baby or child is ready for sleep.
• If they have been watching TV, turn it off now.
• The sequence is more important than the timing and it’s a mistake to start the routine too early or too late. You need to know your child’s ideal awake windows.
• Take everything that you need for the night with you, to avoid having to come back into the living area.
• Follow a similar bed time “script” by using familiar phrases and actions at key points during the routine.
• Bath or shower every night if you can.
• Go directly to your child’s sleep room from the bathroom.
• Clean nappy and dressed for bed.
• Milk if your child is still having it, and whether they have the breast or a bottle, don’t let them fall asleep as they are drinking it. Keep the bedroom light on or the curtains open, so that the room isn’t dark.
• Read stories together, sitting on on your knee. The final story should be the same each night, so that it becomes a sleep trigger.
• Put them into their cot or bed whilst they are still fully awake.
• Kiss them goodnight and leave the room. It’s important that they fall asleep alone so that they don’t feel upset or confused when they wake later and you’ve gone.

In addition to a good bed time routine, one of the best ways to improve a baby’s or a child’s sleep at night time, which involves no sleep training and doesn’t cost a penny, is to expose them to daylight – especially in the morning. The contrast of lightness in the day and darkness at night helps them to produce healthy levels of melatonin; the hormone responsible for putting them to sleep at night and keeping them asleep. Not only this, but daylight exposure can also improve your whole family’s mood, as it increases the release of the “feel good” hormone, serotonin.

 

This article was written by Andrea Grace, a Child Sleep Expert in the UK who works online and from her clinic in Harley Street, London with families from the UK and all over the world. She has worked in the field of child health and family support for 25 years and has helped thousands of families to overcome their children’s sleep problems. She is also a mum of four.

Andreas work is recognised by leading paediatricians, child psychologists and health journalists. You can find out more about her and her services at Andrea Grace or make contact on Instagram

Further Reading:

How Do I Establish a Good Sleep Routine For My Baby?
Newborn Bedtime Routine Vs Toddler Bedtime Routine
Tips for Your First Family Holiday Abroad

 

When you have a new baby, it can be hard to get out for some air, to stretch your legs, to get some chores or to meet your friends. That’s why it’s a great idea to time your walks around your baby’s sleep schedule and use your stroller. With SnoozeShade, you can keep your baby’s naps on track while having some me-time. 

Is it Safe for My Baby to Nap in the Pushchair?

Many new parents get a little obsessive about their baby’s nap schedule and whether you are a follower of the Gina Ford method of rigid schedules, or like to take it a little more easily, you may wonder if it’s safe and healthy for your baby to have some of her naps in the stroller. The answer is yes, it’s completely safe and has additional benefits, too. 

How Should My Baby Lie? 

For a newborn, you want to make sure that your baby is lying as flat as possible on a firm surface for naps. That’s why a carrycot or bassinet on the stroller is idea for the first few months. Some carrycots double up as overnight sleeping cribs too – check out which carrycots are safe for overnight sleeping when you buy your stroller and you can save yourself money on purchasing a crib or Moses basket. 

If you don’t want to go to the expense of a carrycot or bassinet, make sure that the seat unit of your chosen stroller lies completely flat – take advice from your local independent nursery store staff to find one that suits your needs. 

If your baby is a little older and has been sitting up, enjoying the view as you stroll, make sure you recline the seat as soon as they fall asleep. This is the safest position for sleeping. Of course, as your child will be held by the harness, you don’t need to worry about your child rolling over. 

Advantages of Outdoor Naps in the Pushchair 

When you have a newborn, everything is new to them and so they are actually very adaptable to new people, circumstances and locations. That’s why using the stroller for some of your baby’s naps during the day means that your baby will be open to sleeping in different places. The last thing you need is a baby that will only sleep in their cot and can’t nap anywhere else! 

While strolling, your little one is getting plenty of fresh air. Make sure your routes are away from heavy traffic and choose a walk that offers plenty of green space if you can, plus a café or two along the way for pit stops! 

Fresh Air and Exercise Makes for a Happy Mummy 

For you, being at home with a small baby can limit your horizons temporarily and you may feel that you are often stuck at home. Walking is one of the ways you can take back some control – and you have a very effective piece of exercise equipment right there. 

Walking with a Pushchair Exercises

• your leg and bottom muscles
• your abs – especially in tipping the stroller up curbs
• your pelvic floor 

Start small and go out for a short while every day at times when your baby is due a nap – after a feed is great, so prepare everything you need before your baby is hungry. If you’ve had a Caesarean, use the slopes in the curb and be careful about pushing down on the stroller’s handle.

The fresh air, blue sky and green spaces have a positive effect on your mood. Plus, research shows that babies who have plenty of fresh air sleep better too!

Once you have started your new walking routine, aim to increase the distance a little each time, until you’re doing around 20 minutes three times a week. Walking up hills targets different muscle groups too.

Why not turn your walks with your baby into an opportunity to catch up with friends, perhaps those you met at parenting classes? Meet at a mutually convenient point, go for a good stroll and end up at a café or baby class.

Don’t Forget to Take All You Need Out With You!

• Your baby changing bag with a change of clothes, diapers, wipes etc
• Your baby’s food, snacks, bottle
• A drink to keep you hydrated – water in a reusable flask is ideal and a snack
• Your SnoozeShade to keep the pram calm, dark and suitable for great quality sleep
• Sunscreen if it’s sunny, wet weather gear if it’s raining
• A comforter to cover your baby with if the weather turns colder 

Make sure you wear good, supportive sneakers and comfortable clothes!

Do you like taking walks with your baby in their stroller at nap times? Share your thoughts with our online community.

Further Reading:

Looking for a Running Stroller? See Our Pick of the Best
Get Started with Some New Mum Exercise
Which SnoozeShade Should I Choose for my Pushchair?

Ensure that your baby gets a good night’s sleep when you are away from home with these helpful tips

Are you busy planning to take your baby for their first vacation? Travelling with a baby can seem daunting, as there is so much to remember! Babies may be small but they seem to need lots of gear, so know what is good to take with you and what you can leave behind – we have a helpful newborn travel checklist here.

How do you keep your baby happy on the journey? How do you manage travel sickness? How many changes of clothes do you really need and, of course the big question that every parent asks themselves, how will baby sleep on vacation? Here are some tips and tricks for helping baby to sleep when you’re away from home.

Routine

Vacations are great fun and sometimes they’re only opportunity we get to have break from routine and let our hair down for a week or two. However, babies like routine and it helps them sleep a lot better, too. So how do you keep things roughly the same as they are at home?

Going away might well upset your baby’s sleep routine and you might find yourself with an unsettled baby for a night or two, either once you arrive at your destination, or when you return home again. Thankfully, these disruptions are usually short-lived fixed and can be minimised, too. Here’s how:

• Relax your routine. While still aiming to have roughly the same sleep routine on vacation as you do at home, you need to have some flexibility. Don’t abandon your routine but don’t be rigid with it either. Once you’re home again and back in familiar surroundings, your baby will probably fall back into her usual habits. It might take a few days but nothing that can’t be fixed.
• Be in tune with your baby. If baby usually naps at 11am, aim for that time while you’re on vacation but don’t panic if you’re a little late. Watch your baby for signs of tiredness and let your baby lead the way.
• Let your baby nap for longer. Especially if they are sleeping outside, in the pushchair while you’re on your way somewhere or eating out at a restaurant or if you’ve had a busier than usual day. Make sure you have SnoozeShade over your stroller to help them nap! Let your baby sleep a little longer if it suits your plans. It won’t hurt.
• If your baby does sleep a little longer during the day, it may be possible to move bedtime a little later too. If this is the case and you want your baby to stay up a little later, watch for signs of tiredness and start your usual bedtime routine as soon as you feel your baby is ready.

Keeping Baby Cool and Shaded

Babies sleep better when they’re cool and shaded and if you’re in a hot country it’s more important than ever to practice sun safety. Don’t leave home without SnoozeShade, the only way to create a shady nook for sleep when you’re out and about. There’s a chance that your baby will take all their naps in their stroller while you’re away, so SnoozeShade helps you create a sleep space she is familiar with and it offers sun protection too.

Sleeping In An Unfamiliar Bed

Even adults can find it hard to sleep in an unfamiliar bed with strange surroundings, so don’t be surprised if baby has trouble too. Try to keep things familiar if you can:

• Take a travel cot with that your baby has used before. SnoozeShade for pack-n-plays makes an essential travel item when it comes to sleep too. Unfamiliar rooms can be unsettling and if you’re sharing a hotel room, you’re going to want to take all the steps you can to make sure your baby isn’t disturbed.
• Take blankets, sheets or sleeping sacks with you that baby usually sleeps in at home and that have a familiar smell to them.
• Take your baby’s favourite toy/comforter with you for familiarity.
• Try to keep as many of your same sleep cues and bedtime routine as you can: read the same story, sing the same song, have a bath. Do this in the same order as you usually do at home.

The first couple of days may be unsettled for your baby but it shouldn’t take too long to get into a new routine that works for your vacation. At least you don’t need to get up for work the next day!

What tips can you share about helping your baby sleep well while you’re away?

Further Reading:

Your Newborn Travel Checklist
Easy Ways to Protect Babies and Toddlers From The Sun
To Cover Or Not to Cover Your Stroller

Are you, or is someone you know, expecting a little boy? We’ve rounded up some of the sweetest new baby boy presents.

A new baby is so special and everyone wants to help celebrate your new arrival. But where can you find baby gifts for a boy? Whether you want to buy a traditional new baby gift, a keepsake or a modern present, we have some of the best ideas for you.

1. Help Another Baby

Having a baby here means your thoughts might go to those less fortunate, so a donation to a charity that helps children in developing countries is a lovely way to celebrate your special little boy. Compassion invests in entire communities and from as little as a few cents a day, you can ensure a child receives food and an education.

2. Celebrate Their 18th Birthday

Laying down a bottle or case of wine or whisky is still a popular gift and it will not only(hopefully) mature in the bottle, it may even increase in value too! Choose a bottle that can be engraved and it makes it a really special gift.

3. Personalised Blanket

In years to come, you can take out this sweet gift set and wonder how that huge toddler or hulking teenager ever lay on it. This blanket can be embroidered with your little boy’s name for the perfect gift. 

4. My First Tooth

 

Silver has been a traditional new baby or Christening present for generations and you can give it a thoughtful twist by offering a gift that doubles as a place to keep your baby’s first tooth and curl safe. This jolly little train is driven by a little teddy and its carriages make keepsake boxes for those toothy pegs and memories of your baby’s first haircut. It will sit on the shelf of the nursery and become an heirloom.

5. Everything In Its Place

 

Before long, you’ll have lots of lovely toys for your little boy and what better place to keep them than a personalised toy box There are lots out there from small companies that will make them to different designs and colours, with your baby’s name carved into them. This one is a nice painted wooden box that will fit in any room and be a great place to teach your child how to tidy up. It’s never too early…

6. My Best Bear

 

A teddy bear is a lovely new baby boy gift and Steiff, the best name in collectible and keepsake teddy bears, has created a range called Teddies for Tomorrow. Each is crafted from sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp, linen and paper and have been designed for play, washability and durability. Petsy bear is 24cm high and has the classic ‘button in ear’ that Steiff is famous for.

7. Baby Designer Footwear

Love your trainers? Live for labels? You can dress your little boy’s feet in the latest designer trainers (they’re super soft to protect your little one’s feet too) and you can keep them forever to remember baby’s first shoes. There are lots of different brands that offer a range of baby shoes but we love these lion-embellished soft white leather shoes from Kenzo. Less expensive brands are also available!

8. Keepsake Book For Your Baby’s Future

The first year of your baby’s life is pretty intense and it’s easy to forget all the ‘firsts’ and special moments in the blur of new motherhood. So write it all down and in future, your child will be able to read about all those clever things he has done! Letters to my Baby by Lea Redmond contains 12 envelopes that you can fill with memories, hopes and thoughts for your baby. Seal them and send them to your child at a later date. Letters begin with prompts to get you started, such as: “On the day you were born….” Write now, read later, treasure forever, as Lea says.

9. Little Tiny Hands and Feet

Making a permanent reminder of just how tiny those fingers and toes were, this lovely kit enables you to take hand and footprints of your newborn and keep them, with two photographs of your little one, forever in a lovely cream coloured frame that will suit the décor of any home. Every purchase of one of these kits also goes towards new mums look after their perinatal mental health, too.

10. Silverware Set

Another traditional baby gift is a set of silver ware and this silver plated set of knife, fork and spoon comes is beautifully packaged. The handles are festooned with teddies.

Further Reading:

What To Know When Planning to Travel With a Newborn
Discover All The Best Things About SnoozeShade – And Why It’s Safe
How Your Baby Sleeps From 12 – 18 Months

Important safety information to be aware of when using an infant car seat with your baby

We all want our babies to be safe and one of the key items of safety equipment we buy for our little ones is an infant car seat. In fact, your baby’s very first journey home from the hospital or birthing centre should be in a car seat appropriate to their age and size – some hospitals ask to see your seat before you leave to ensure your first journey is as safe as possible. Here’s all you need to know about car seat safety.

The Law Says:

The car seat laws are set by each State, so check this helpful feature for the laws in your area.

The driver is always the person responsible for the safety of passengers in the car.

Which Direction Is Safest For a Baby Car Seat?

A rearward facing car seat has been demonstrated to be the very safest for your baby. Children involved in accidents have far fewer, and less serious, injuries in a crash if they were in a rearward facing seat. So, it makes sense to have your child rearward facing as long as possible and certainly up to four years.

The Harness

Most seats have a three- or five-point harness with a buckle in the middle. Make sure that the harness is properly done up each time you travel and that the straps are pulled tighter to your child’s chest – you should just be able to fit two fingers against your baby’s shoulders under the harness.

Fixing The Seat Into Your Car

There are three ways that seats fit into your car:

• Using your car’s seatbelt
• Using Isofix points on the car seat and in the car
• Using an Isofix base, onto which the seat clicks

Make sure you check the fit of the seat and the safety and engagement of the Isofix points at regular intervals. Always check the belt is fitted properly with every journey.

What to Wear 

Babies should never wear puffy coats or snowsuits in a car seat. Not only are these a risk to your baby for overheating but they also make it difficult to adjust the seat’s safety harness properly. 

Where to Site The Car Seat

Your baby’s car seat is safest in the back seat and the central seat is the safest part of that – it is therefore away from potential side impacts. If you do have to have the car seat in the front seat with you, you MUST make sure your car’s airbag is disabled by your car’s dealership.

How Long Should My Baby Be in a Car Seat?

Car seats are made for your baby’s safety but it is important to remember that they are made for travel by car – they are not a baby seat or bed for use at other times, when you are not in the car. 

Newborn babies should lie as flat as possible for most of the time, apart from when they are in your arms, or in a sling. The position in which your baby sits in the car seat can may affect their breathing – they may slump, with the head falling to the side or onto the chest and this makes it difficult to breathe. They are also too small to be able to raise their head, as their muscles are not yet strong enough. So, it’s important to follow the car seat safety rules:

• If you are travelling by car, even for a very short time, the safest place for your baby is in a safety-tested infant car seat
• For newborns and for the first four weeks, try to ensure car journeys are 30 minutes or less.
• If a longer journey is unavoidable, have an adult sitting in the back seat with the baby to regularly check on them. Have a break every 20-30 minutes.
• For older babies, take a break from driving every two hours and take your baby out of the car seat. This will help you have a break too and allow you to feed and change your baby too.
• When you reach your destination, take your baby out of the car seat and lay them flat in a cot or crib. Don’t leave them in the car seat, even though they might be asleep.
• Never leave a baby of any age in the car seat for longer than two hours – that’s in the car, in your home or on the stroller when using it as a travel system. 

Car Seats That Grow With Your Child 

Many parents wonder when to move the headrest and harness as your baby grows. Your baby’s head should be held within the headrest, with the lowest edge of the headrest level with your baby’s shoulders. Move the headrest and harness (some move simultaneously) as they grow and if there is a newborn insert in your seat, remove that when appropriate – see your seat’s instructions. Once your child has reached the upper size limit for the seat or the upper weight limit, you must move up to the next seat. 

Further Reading:

Top Travel Hacks for Busy Parents
Travelling With a Newborn? Here Are Our Top Tips For An Easy and Stress-Free Journey
See The Essentials You Need When Travelling With a Baby

It’s heart breaking to see your baby struggle to sleep when they are poorly. How do you help your baby sleep when they are ill?

Every parent knows that a sick baby is an unhappy baby and an unhappy baby means sleep disruption, which is probably the last thing most families want. If you already have a baby who does not sleep well (or as much as you’d like them to), sickness can have a negative impact on the amount and quality of sleep for all the family. So how do you help your sick baby sleep when they have the sniffles? We’ve put together some advice on helping your baby to sleep when they are poorly.

Know The Symptoms of the Common Cold

The common cold is so named for a reason – lots of people, babies included, catch them. Sadly, there is no cure but colds usually pass quickly with no lasting effects, so they should not be cause for concern. It’s important, however, to know the signs of a cold so that you can gauge when medical attention is needed. It’s recommended that babies under the age of three months should see a doctor when they catch a cold but don’t be afraid to seek medical advice if you’re unsure.

The Signs of a Cold Are Usually:

• runny nose
• fever
• coughing and sneezing
• red eyes
• sore throat
• loss of appetite
• irritability
• swollen lymph nodes- under the arms, on the neck and at the back of the head

Relax The Sleep Schedule

When babies are sick, their sleep schedule will be disrupted and it can be hard to keep your usual sleep routine on track – but don’t stress too much about this. Colds and minor illnesses pass quickly – even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time- and a small break in your baby’s sleep routine won’t hurt. Make the most of the chance to cuddle your longer and let her know that you’re there for her when she really needs you.

Call for Back Up

Caring for a poorly baby 24/7 is no mean feat and chances are you will need some help. There’s no shame in this, so if you’ve been up all night with a sniffly baby who can’t breathe easily lying down, share the care with your partner and don’t be afraid to ask a friend or relative to take over for a while. You will need as much energy and strength as possible to provide your baby with the love and care that she needs and that means taking a break now and then.

Practical Tips

• Babies breathe through the nose, as this helps them feed effectively. When they have a cold, a blocked nose can cause babies distress. Lots of moms recommended a nasal aspirator to clear the mucus from the nose; you can buy these from the supermarket or pharmacy- and this might help your baby to settle a little more easily at night. Saline drops can also help unblock little noses, or can be used before the nasal aspirator to loosen mucus for suction.
• Another great tip is to set baby’s bed to an incline if you can, with their head higher than their feet, as this position will help clear her nose a bit more and thus make breathing – and sleeping – a little easier. Use blocks under the legs of the cot or look for a crib that has an inclined position. Make sure that you are still following all sleep safety advice from The Lullaby Trust.
• Keep your baby hydrated. Offer extra breast feeds (make sure you also drink plenty of water) or water if bottle fed, as this can help bring down a fever.
• Medication can help to relieve discomfort and pain associated with a cold but make sure you read the product information carefully and stick to the recommended doses.
• Check your baby’s temperature regularly and seek medical attention if it goes over 38 degrees for babies under three months and 39 degrees for older babies. If your baby feels hot and clammy, remove some layers to help bring comfort.

Preventing Another Cold

Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that your baby will not catch a cold. You might want to avoid friends and family for a day or two if you know they’ve been unwell but generally there is no way to ensure that germs aren’t passed on from somewhere. Make sure that anyone who handles your baby has washed their hands first. At the end of the day, colds help to build up a baby’s immune system so the only thing you can do is grit your teeth and get on with it! It’s good to know that, if you breastfeed, this can help to build your baby’s immune system.

When to Seek Medical Help

Don’t be afraid to seek medical attention if you feel your baby is really struggling, or if the symptoms of her cold persist for longer than normal. Use your instincts and seek advice as soon as you feel it is necessary. Seek medical help if:

• Your baby is floppy, unresponsive, or won’t wake
• Has difficulties breathing
• Is having a fit or seizure
• Has a rash that does not fade when you place a drinking glass on it

Colds can be miserable and sleeping through them can be difficult for babies. Take comfort in the fact that they are usually short lived and any disruption to sleep will be temporary. Good luck!

Further Reading:

Baby Colic: Myths and ‘Cures’
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Sleep Regression
Three Baby Sleep Problems and Their Solution

How to successfully keep your baby nap and sleep routine even if you have a short break or vacation away from home.

If you want to have a couple of nights, a mini-break or a family vacation away from home with your baby, one of the things that might daunt you before you go is your baby’s sleep routine. But never fear, with these clever products, you can keep your baby’s sleep on track and have a break too.

We all have problems sleeping in a new location and unless you have thoroughly tired yourself out with activities during the day, you’ll probably find the first couple of nights away from home in a strange bed unsettling. Your baby is no different, so the key to successful baby sleep while you’re away from home is to pack a few clever products and to keep your baby’s sleep environment – and their sleep routine – as close as possible to the one you have at home. Sights, sounds and smells can all unsettle your little one and you may be in for a couple of sleepless nights, especially is your child is having problems with teething or is going through the four month sleep regression.

Pack n Play

If you want your baby to have a comfortable and familiar place to sleep, don’t rely on hotel cribs or holiday house pack n plays – you’re never sure how clean they are and they might even have broken parts. The best thing to do is to bring your own pack n play – and if you use it at home as a safe place for your baby to sleep and play in the living room or kitchen, it will take on the comforting and familiar smells of home. Take your own sheet for the mattress too, to further reinforce the familiar feel. Our favourite is the BabyBjorn Travel Cot Light, £247 but you can see all our top picks here.

White Noise Machine

 

Because some babies can be easily distracted by noises inside and outside the home, a white nose machine can be used to provide a continuous sound that helps them block out anything that could cause them to have problems sleeping. A machine that’s portable and that has additional functions makes for a great new baby gift, so put this one on your baby list! Our favourite is the ever-popular Ewan The Dream Sheep, £29.99, a cute and cuddly toy that has white noise but also has a volume control, a soft pink light to comfort your baby and womb sounds too. 

Blackout Blind

You know what it’s like – you reach your relative’s house to spend the weekend and they put you in a bedroom with no drapes. Or you are abroad and the sun rises at a really, really early hour, waking your baby. So, taking a portable, pop-up blackout blind – well, give yourself a gold star. This clever GRO Anywhere Blackout Blind can be made to fit the window (up to 130 x 98cm) using clever Velcro tabs and the suction cups to attach it to the glass or the wall. It’s machine washable, too!

SnoozeShade

You probably already know that the great range of SnoozeShade products can help your baby sleep on the go – whether it’s for the stroller, the travel cot or the car seat. It not only provides a dark, sleep-inducing environment, it prevents your baby from being disturbed by distraction and it deters well-meaning people from ‘just peeking’ at your baby and maybe waking them up in the process! Make sure you pack SnoozeShade for any trips out with your baby, whether it’s just for a stroll to the shops or a two-week trip to a foreign location.

Baby Sleeping Sack

When you are trying to get your little one to bed while you’re away on holiday, it’s best to stick to your usual bedtime routine and any sleep cues you can use will help. If you always use a baby sleeping sack at home, pack one for your holiday and your baby will recognise this and start to feel ready for bed when it’s put on. Simple to use and easy for night time nappy changes, there are lots of gorgeous sleeping sacks and we have our pick of the best here.

Favourite Bedtime Sleep Toy

A cuddly toy that your baby can cling to in the stroller, in the car seat or when they are in their own little bed is a great buy. Little Love by NoJo is not only a cuddly plush cloud with a cute face design, it also has a handy loop so that you can hang it from the crib or cot, or from the car seat handle or stroller bumper bar. It has a menu of sounds that can help sleep, such as a heartbeat, a lullaby, pink noise that mimics what it sounds like in the womb and a waterfall. It has a soft white light that’s great for diaper changes and a pink one that can aid sleep.

Book for Bedtime

A story last thing before you pop your baby down to sleep can be another way that you signal to your little one that it’s time for sleep. Reading the same, calm, comforting story, preferably one with rhymes or repeated phrases, helps reinforce that idea, so make sure you choose a bedtime story that you love, too! Peepo is an old favourite by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, with its cut-out holes that allow you to see what’s coming up on the next page. The little baby in the story is settled for bed with his toy and sees all the comforting, familiar things of home around him. It’s sure to be a hit with your baby too.

Muslin Swaddle

If it’s too hot even for a sleeping sack, or your little one is still very much a newborn, swaddling can be a sure-fire way to help your baby sleep. It ‘cuddles’ them and prevents the startle reflex that can wake your baby after they have drifted off to sleep and a good muslin has lots of other great uses too; it can be used under your baby’s head in a pack n play or stroller to catch drool and it’s great as a burp cloth. The packs of four by Aden + Anais are super soft and come in lots of lovely prints and colors.

Motorola Baby Monitor

You will want to have some quality time with your partner while you’re away from home, yet still be able to check your baby is doing fine, so a travel baby monitor is a handy addition to your suitcase. One that works on batteries will mean that you can use it abroad without having to worry about a plug adapter – even if you’re camping or heading to a festival! Look for the Motorola Baby Monitor, that has both audio and visual alarms, a range of 300m and an adjustable volume. Don’t forget to pack spare batteries!

Pack n Play Mattress

If you use your baby’s pack n play quite a bit, an extra mattress is a great addition to ensuring a good night’s sleep. This fully breathable mattress has a removable anti allergen quilted cover that can be washed, it is made from a firm, dense foam and it is deeply padded so as to make it super comfortable. It’s waterproof too, to prevent spills and accidents affecting the mattress.  

What products do you never leave home without? Share your baby travel hacks on our social media channels. 

Further Reading:

Establishing a Good Sleep Routine For Your Baby
Tips For a Great Bedtime Routine
Want To Get Out With Baby and Have Some Exercise? Here Are The Best Running Buggies

How To Pack For An Outdoors Vacation

Are you heading off to a festival or show this year? Perhaps you’ve decided to go camping, whether it’s a simple tent pitched in a field or a luxe yurt on a glamping campsite. Any of these can be great fun but if you have a baby in tow, you need a little planning and some great products to help your trip go smoothly. Here are some of our favourites.

Veelar Premium Baby Backpack Carrier

 

There are places that a stroller can’t go, so to carry your baby at a festival or through the woods and fields of your campsite all day long in comfort, look for a great backpack carrier. Made with the same technology as a great rucksack, the Veelar back carrier has been created using years research and testing in the wild and is designed to be as comfortable for the parent as it is for the baby. With an anatomically shaped baby seat, neck support and face pad, it includes a rear view mirror so you can see what your baby is up to, a sunshade and foot stirrups to keep their legs supported. The kick-out leg helps you get your baby in and out and it even has a bottle pocket, a toy loop and accessory pocket. 

Fisher Price Animal Activity Jumperoo

 

If you’re travelling by car, this is perfect to pop into the trunk for lots of fun and games for your baby all day long. It will keep your baby safe, raising them off the ground (especially if it’s muddy) and because it has a seat that spins 360⁰, your little one can look all around them to see what’s going on. There are lots of activities on the Jumperoo, such as music, lights and sounds and your baby will learn how to make them all work. It has three different heights, so it will grow with your baby and the colorful toys will help your baby’s eyesight and development. Best of all, it folds for travel and it helps strengthen your baby’s legs for that all-important next developmental stage – walking!

Graco Pack ‘n’ Play

 

Having a safe place for your baby to sleep at night and lay in during the day is worth its weight in gold, so this inexpensive Pack n Play is fabulous. It can be used from birth up to around six months (though you should stop using it when your baby can roll or pull themselves up) and it’s so easy to pack for your trip, as it folds into a tiny pack. It has a padded mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep and a built-in mosquito net to keep biting insects away from your little one.

SnoozeShade

Whether you’re taking a stroller, an infant car seat or a Pack n Play on your trip, there’s a SnoozeShade to fit each one and keep your little one protected and calm for that all-important night’s sleep. Why not save money today on a bundle – save 10% on a stroller plus a car seat SnoozeShade or alternatively grab a stroller plus Pack n Play SnoozeShade. You can even save 15% on the full range, giving you sleep options wherever you go with your baby.

Veer Cruiser Next Generation Premium Stroller Wagon

You’ve probably seen these trolleys before at festivals, packed full of cute babies and toys! This is our favourite, as it has big, chunky wheels that will glide over the biggest mud pits and ridges at Coachella or beyond. Built to last, it’s made from all-steel hardware and it has industrial quality wheels with air tyres that make it easy to pull over rough ground. It has a comfortable handle to pull it along with and can be used at home too, for gardening or trips to the park.

Summer Infant Pop ‘n’ Play Portable Playpen

It’s just 5.4kg, so in theory you could take this with you when travelling by any method, even train or bus, as long as your partner carries the baby in the backpack carrier, above! This enormous playpen is specifically designed for using anywhere to create a safe area for your child to rest and play. You can pop some toys inside (or create a mini ball pit) and it can be used indoors or out, at the beach or at a festival. The folding metal frame is light and easy to fold and unfold and the mesh sides mean you can always keep an eye on your little one. The base is water-resistant to keep your little one dry even on damp grass and it comes with its own bag with shoulder strap for easy transport.

Green Sprouts Baby Sun Hat

It’s one of the most inexpensive items to pack for a trip but one of the most useful. In fact, pack two, as babies just love to pull them off and drop them from the pushstrollerchair, don’t they? This whale decorated hat not only has a peak to keep the sun off your baby’s face but has a neck flap too, to prevent sunstroke. Made from UPF50+ fabric it’s lightweight and quick drying and made from recycled plastic.

White Noise Baby Sleep Sounds App

 

If you’re travelling light, you probably won’t want to take too many of your baby’s toys but if they are used to falling asleep to white noise, you can find an app on your phone so that you can play it when it’s time for your baby to sleep (check you’ve packed your travel phone charger). It’s the perfect way to help your little one drift off to sleep while masking external sounds. Just make sure you don’t choose an app that had adverts popping up in it that will wake your baby with a start!

Banz Ear Defenders

Headed to a music festival? Worried that the music might be a bit loud for your baby’s delicate ears? These clever ear defenders will block out loud noises, keeping your little one happy and protected. They have an adjustable headband that’s soft and comfortable and the ear cups are well-padded too. They will be useful for all sorts of future events too – fireworks, parties and more!

Two Peas Organics  Sunscreen Lotion

Remember that babies under six months should not have sun cream applied to them, so keep them well shaded until then – of course, SnoozeShade is perfect for this! After that, look for a sun cream that’s as natural and protective as possible. We love Two Pea’s Organic Children range as it’s scent-free, chemical-free and made from the kindest of organic ingredients. Its soothing, does not clog pores and is water repellent and comes in recyclable plant-based packaging.

What products have you used at festivals and campsites? Share your baby travel hacks on our social media channels. 

Further Reading:

Child Friendly Family Vacation
Help Your Baby Sleep Well on Vacation
Tips for Your First Family Holiday Together