Helping your little one get a good night’s sleep when you’re away from home.

When you’re away from home, bedtime can be something of a struggle with little ones in tow. I mean, we all like our home comforts, don’t we? Just as you might find the hotel pillows less than perfect while you’re on holiday, there’s a good chance your little ones might find it hard to sleep in a strange environment too.

Here are three top tips for helping your baby to sleep on vacation.

Stick to Your Routine Wherever You Can

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

Try these tips to help your baby sleep on vacation:

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

Take Home Comforts With You

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

Stay Sun Safe

If you’re going somewhere hot, take precautions throughout the day to limit the amount of sunshine your baby is exposed to and keep her cool and shaded. Obviously, SnoozeShade will play an important role in this! At other times, follow this guidance for easy ways to protect kids from the sun:

• Remember that babies under the age of six months cannot use sunscreen
• Make sure you avoid the sun completely at its hottest
• Find as much shade as you can for the rest of the day
• Dress them in long sleeved, long legged lightweight clothes and a sun hat

If your child does get too much sun, seek medical help. Be aware that too much sun exposure can not only be disastrous for night time sleep but can have serious health implications too. If unsure, stay out of the sun, cover up and always use sun protection.

Further Reading:

Helping Your Toddler Sleep in Hot Weather
Helping Your Baby Sleep in Hot Weather
Newborn Baby Travel Checklist

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

Want to get a bit fitter now that baby is here? We put some of the best running strollers through their paces

It can be hard to get some exercise when you’re a new mom, as leaving your baby with a friend, relative or in a creche may feel too difficult at first, especially if you’re breastfeeding. So, one solution is to get some exercise with your baby along for the ride – quite literally! There are several companies that make great quality, dedicated running strollers and whether you’re in training for your next marathon, or just looking for a gentle walk, one could be just right for you. 

What are running strollers?

Running strollers are specially designed strollers that are for parents to want to walk, jog or run with their little one in tow. They have a larger, longer chassis than most standard strollersand larger wheels, to make the ride smooth. Typically, the front wheel is a single, fixed wheel, to allow the strollers to run in a line forwards. It should also have good suspension and tyres so that bumps aren’t so noticeable.  

They can cost a bit more than regular strollers and can be an extra expense you might not be willing to make if you already have a stroller. But for many new parents, they are a lifeline when it comes to getting out into the fresh air and into nature, getting some exercise and still being able to be with your baby. They will also help you avoid injury, as they help you run correctly.

What should I look for?

Make sure the strollers you look at fulfils the basic needs of a proper running strollers:

• Good suspension
• Large pneumatic (air-filled) tyres – make sure you also buy a pump and puncture repair kit
• A fixed front wheel (some have a lock that allows it to swivel but only when you are not running)
• An adjustable handlebar height
• A handbrake
• A wrist strap that ties the buggy to you if you happened to slip and let go of the handle

Thule Urban Glide

 

This is a sturdy, well-made running strollers from the Scandinavian company that also makes car roof boxes, bike seats and strollers. It is light, which is good for lifting and transporting when folded (it can be folded with one hand), yet it’s good as a serious piece of running gear. The front wheel can be locked in the forward-facing direction and it can also swivel for those times when you just want to nip into the store after a run. The handle can be adjusted to suit your height – make sure you get it just right to avoid bending – and it has good suspension on the large, 16 inch rear wheels to make it a smooth ride for your baby. The brake is on the handlebar, so you can come to a safe stop even at a fast pace and the wrist strap offers security. The seat is over the back axle, making it more comfortable for your little one and the seat can be reclined almost flat, so it’s good from about six months (you could add a bassinet from birth), plus it has a good harness and generous canopy with side ventilation panels and peek-a-boo window. Last of all, its decent basket means you can combine a run in the park with a shop on the way home!

Jeep Hydro Sport Plus

 

This beast of a stroller is perfect for keen runners and it can hold your child up to 50 lbs. It can also take an infant car seat, with adaptors, making a handy travel system. It folds into a compact bundle and the quick-release wheels make it even smaller when you want to put it in your car’s trunk. The seat is comfortable, with a reclining back and a tray for your child’s drinks and snacks. The handle is adjustable, with a leather cover to make it good to hold, plus there’s loads of storage space for your baby gear and shopping. There’s a double cup holder for the parent too, plus a place to stash your cell phone. The canopy is a very good size, with UPF50 protection, a sun visor and peek-a-boo window and the large 16 inch rear and 12 inch front wheels will ride smoothly over the bumpiest terrain. 

Mountain Buggy Terrain

 

One of the best-made running strollers and one that has been around for many years due to its popularity is this sturdy jogger. It’s big and durable, though surprisingly light for its size as the frame is made from aluminum. It has a 12 inch front wheel and 16 inch rear wheels, all air-filled and suited to all terrains. You even get a 12-inch wheel set that’s better for use in town and a large 10kg capacity shopping basket. It has a five-point harness for safety and the sun hood is not only a good size but it has a magnetic peek-a-boo window with storage pockets for your valuables. The seat liner is reversible and the bumper bar can be opened from either side to help you get your baby in and out easily.

BOB Gear Revolution Flex

 

This stroller is suitable from six months and has a good suspension system and high-impact wheels that will offer a smooth ride for baby.  It can be used for both running and skating, if you happen to live near a rink or streams that freezes properly, and its height adjustable handle comes with a security wrist strap. The frame is nice and light and it folds easily with a two-step function and the front wheel can either be locked in place or allowed to swivel for when you are not moving fast. The backrest has an impressive five positions and a padded safety harness and the canopy offers good weather protection and a viewing window so you can check on your baby.

Cybex Avi

 

From premium pushchair makers Cybex is this sporty-looking runner (and they are bringing out a new model in collaboration with Puma shortly). Designed for serious runners, this is not cheap but it will help you continue your fitness regime even when you have a small child in tow. It’s super lightweight with a sleek black chassis and huge wheels. Each wheel has luminous accents to help you be seen in the dark, so it can be as good for winter early evenings as bright days. The seat is hammock-shaped and comfortable for your baby from six months (it’s not suitable before, as the seat does not lie flat). It can be reclined with one hand and the slip-proof handlebar has an ergonomic shape to make it comfortable to hold, while it is adjustable to suit your height – and there’s a bright red wrist strap for safety. The fold is very compact and swift to achieve and there’s a good sized sun canopy with a mesh ventilation window.

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger

 

This jogging stroller has air-filled tyres, with the choice of a locked or swivel front wheel. You can add an infant car seat to make a travel system and there’s a parent tray with two cup holders to keep you hydrated as you run. The well-padded seat reclines through several positions and has a good safety harness for baby, plus there’s a safety strap for your wrist. The canopy is a good size to protect your little one and the fold is effortless, using a handy trigger release. The handle is ergonomically shaped and nice to hold and there’s a very large shopping basket for all your baby needs for the outing.

Further reading:

 

 

Get started with some new mum exercise

 

 

Which SnoozeShade should I choose for my pushchair?

 

 

Three ways to keep baby’s naps on track

 

How choosing the right room temperature helps keep your baby safe at night.

All new parents are anxious about their new baby, especially at night when they are sleeping. Make sure you know the ways to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death, a thankfully rare condition, so that you can relax while your baby sleeps.

What Is Cot Death?

Information from The American SIDS Institute the organisation that offers help and advice to families bereaved by SIDS, explains the condition: The sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of a child, with no determinable cause, is called Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There are ways that parents can help prevent this tragedy happening, because while it’s rare, it can happen.

Why Does It Happen?

The causes of SIDS are not fully understood. Some factors seem to be:

• baby is too warm
• passive smoking
• exposure to chemicals.

Why Is My Baby’s Room Temperature Crucial?

Experts recommend an ideal room temperature of between 60-68⁰f

This applies to the rooms where your baby sleeps, so to your bedroom (where you should have your baby for their first six months) as well as other places in the house where your baby might nap – for example, in a crib in the lounge, or in the nursery during the day.

How Can I Check My Baby Is The Right Temperature?

Always feel the back of your baby’s neck – it should feel the same as your own body temperature. Avoid feeling a hand or foot, which may be much colder. If your baby feels warmer than you and a bit clammy, remove a layer of bedding.

A Note On Bedding

Remember that you can adjust your baby’s bedding as the room gets warmer in summer, colder in winter. Here are the ideal bedding needs for the temperature.

Room Temperature	Clothing	Bedding	Sleep Sack
Under 600 – too cold, make the room warner	Vest, babygrow	2 blankets plus an extra that can be removed as the room gets warmer	Long-sleeve vest plus 2.5 TOG sleep sack
60 – 68	Vest, babygrow	600 – 2 blankets 680 – 1 blanket	2.5 TOG 1 TOG
68 – 75 (quite warm)	Babygrow	1 blanket	0.5 or 1 TOG
Over 75 (too hot, cool the room)	Vest	1 sheet	none

 

A baby sleeping sack is great in place of traditional sheets and comforters, as you know exactly how warm it is. The best ones have a TOG rating (avoid the ones that don’t) so you know exactly how warm it is and you also have peace of mind that your baby won’t be wriggling under covers, which overheats them or out from under them, which leaves them too cold

Safety Notes

• Make sure your baby sleeps at the bottom of the crib in the “Feet To Foot” position.
• Never put a hat on your baby when sleeping indoors
• Never use a duvet or pillow

Further Reading:

What Should My Baby Wear In Bed?
The Ten Best Baby Sleep Sacks
Tips For Coping In A Heatwave

What you need, what you should find at your destination and what to take with you

Going on vacation is such an exciting time for a new family and you’ll want to relax and savour every minute with your brand new baby. Going for the Air BnB option, be it a cottage, cabin or apartment is very popular with parents, as you can please yourself when – and what – you eat and you’re never going to be worried about your child screaming all through supper in a restaurant!

Here’s our essential family vacation checklist., whether you’re looking forward to a US-based trip or heading overseas…

First, you should contact the owner or broker for your vacation home and ask the following very important questions:

• What food essentials do they have in the kitchen – cooking oil, salt, pepper and sugar, drinks, spices?
• Do they provide toilet tissue, cloths, cleaning products and refuse bags?
• Do they offer a shopping service, so that you can pre-order enough food for the first couple of days?
• Are there laundry facilities and do they offer detergent and softener? You might want to take your own if you prefer an eco-friendly or baby-friendly version
• Are there facilities for kids, such as beach towels, mats and beach toys?
• Are there books and games and are some of these suitable for kids?
• Do they have a highchair, a crib, child safety items such as stair gates, kids’ flatware and plates?
• Is there a television and a way to play DVDs, or to use your streaming service on it? Is there good internet coverage?
• Is there a First Aid Kit and have they noted numbers for nearby doctors, pharmacies and the local hospital? Can they suggest good local stores and food delivery services?

Once you have asked these questions, you’ll have a list of things you won’t need to take with you – and a list of things you need. You can then check them off your list and pack a little more lightly!

Essential documents and must-have items

Passports and Visas

Booking confirmation

Insurance documents

Tickets and boarding passes

Cell phones, tablets and computers and chargers with adaptors for the country you’re going to

Headphones

Camera and charger, film if necessary

Foreign currency or a travel money card

Any regular medication (make sure you have enough in case of delays) plus pain killers suitable for adults and baby

Cooking essentials shopping list; if you are driving to your vacation rental, you can pop these in the car. Buy these in advance on your usual weekly grocery shop and choose smaller sizes for easy portability, or put some into small screw-top jars (make sure you label them). Pack all bottles and jars upright in a box with some wadding around them to prevent breakage. If you have to buy it at your destination, use this as a basic shopping list.

Cooking oil

Margarine or butter

Small containers of ready ground salt and pepper, plus any other spices you use frequently

Coffee & tea

Mini cereal boxes

Baby’s milk and food (pouches are great for travel) – make sure you have enough if you are delayed

Kitchen towel

Pasta or microwave rice sachets and a jar of sauce – great for the first night

Bread, crackers and cookies

Milk or plant milk

Snacks for all the family

Favourite drinks for each family member

A cool box for perishable items – this can double as a beach box for picnics

Household essentials

Toilet tissue

Cleaning items – an all-purpose cleaning spray and a couple of cloths, washing up gloves, tea towels, refuse bags and wash up liquid

Refuse bags and re-usable shopping bags

Soap or hand wash (or use baby bath for everyone)

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner

Sun cream and after-sun

Re-usable plastic boxes for picnics, travel cutlery

Deodorant

A travel First Aid Kit

Insect repellent 

Baby and child essentials

Baby’s bottles, steriliser (microwave sterilizer bags are ideal for travel) bowls and spoons

A backpack changing bag that doubles as a bag for days out

Nappies, nappy sacks, biodegradable wipes, baby toiletries

Baby transport – a carrier or back carrier, a lightweight stroller, a travel cot, your infant car seat

Travel potty and toilet seat

Sun cream suitable for kids (babies under six months must not use sun cream), a shady hat, long sleeved tops and trousers, swimsuit

A pop-up UV-resistant beach tent

A couple of favourite toys (don’t take that irreplaceable one), books and TV shows

SnoozeShade for pushchair, car seat and travel cot

Blackout blinds for baby’s room

Baby sleeping bag

A crib sheet so their bed smells of home

Bibs and muslins

A travel highchair

Other useful items 

A torch

Waterproofs and rubber boots

Matches or lighter

Pillow slips if you’re fussy!

Taking the dog with you? Don’t forget their leash, collar, treats and food, plus a small bed.

Further reading:

Get the most out of SnoozeShade on holiday

First holiday with your baby? See our tips to make it a success!

Some great travel hacks for busy parents

 

This tricky time in a baby’s young life can lead to pain, fever – and sleepless nights. Learn how to tackle the dreaded teething sleep regression.

Babies have an awful lot of growing and developing to do before they even start to walk and one of the biggest changes that affects them is starting to get their baby teeth.

Most babies start to get the first tiny teeth pushing through the gum from around six months, though it can start earlier or later than that – all babies are different.

Because your baby’s teeth are already present in the gum at birth, the process of their pushing upwards through the gum to their proper positions naturally causes discomfort at best and pain at worst. Some babies even get a fever when they are cutting a tooth. Red cheeks, dribbling and a miserable baby are common signs of teething and of course, one of the first things to suffer when your baby is uncomfortable is their sleep.

When your baby is cutting a new tooth, the pain and discomfort can wake them up from a nap or from their night time sleep. This is called sleep regression, when a baby who has previously settled into a good sleep routine starts to sleep in a different, more sporadic pattern, waking up at different times, or being more difficult to settle. Teething can affect a baby’s appetite too, meaning that they may miss a feed and then wake up hungry.

They’re too little to tell you what’s going on, so you have to do a little detective work. Here are the main signs that your little one is teething:

• They have a slight temperature (around 38°c)
• You can see that the gum looks red, sore, or has a white spot underneath – this is the tooth breaking through
• They have red, flushed cheeks that feel hot
• They have a rash on their face or around their mouth where they are dribbling
• They are dribbling a lot more than usual
• They are rubbing or pulling their ears
• They try to chew anything
• They are more unsettled or fussy than usual
• They’re not eating in their usual way

How Do I Help My Baby’s Pain When Teething?

It’s instinctive to want to ease your baby’s pain and discomfort when they are teething and it will also help them to sleep well too, so try these simple ways to ease the pain of teething”

• Offer a teething ring or toy that they can chew. This helps distract from pain and aids the tooth to get through the gum more quickly. Teething items can often be put in the fridge and the cold can really help ease those sore, swollen and painful gums.
• Offer healthy snacks to chew on, such as apple, carrot or breadsticks f they are over six months old. Always supervise your child when eating to avoid choking.
• Try rubbing some teething gel or granules onto the gums. Ask you pharmacist for a baby-safe option.
• If your baby is generally grumpy and in pain, you can give a baby-safe pain relief. Make sure you follow the instructions for the correct dosage.
• Give them plenty of cuddles to help them feel reassured and comforted.
• Keep plenty of bibs and muslins at hand to dry any dribble and prevent rashes before they start.

Once the new tooth is through, you should go back to your usual bedtime and sleep routine. It shouldn’t take your baby long to get back into their normal pattern of sleep, wake and play times – until the next tooth comes along!

Further Reading:

The Five Stages of Teething
Baby Sleep Myths – Busted!
Month by Month Guide to Sleep Regression

Should Your Baby Have Their Nap Outdoors?

If you have seen social media posts of moms in Scandinavian countries putting their babies outside for their daytime naps, you may wonder what it’s all about. Should you give your baby some al fresco nap time? Is it safe and what do you need to know? We give you all the information you need for safe outdoor baby naps.

We live in a time when many of us are keen on getting back to nature, as we appreciate the benefits it can offer both for exercise and for mindfulness. Forest schools and nurseries are also becoming more and more popular across Europe. Leaving babies to nap outside, which used to be commonplace in past decades, may be in for a revival too.

Medical Evidence

It’s hard to pin down any actual medical evidence that sleeping outdoors is beneficial for your baby. However, there’s no evidence that it’s harmful, either.

A study conducted in Finland in 2008 showed that allowing babies to sleep outdoors was a common practice there from the time the baby was two weeks old. The research showed that babies took longer naps than others who slept indoors and that most of the parents felt it was a good thing for their children to experience. However, this was a very small study and the researchers did suggest that more work needed to be done to ‘prove’ that outdoor sleeping was beneficial.

Benefits of Outdoor Baby Sleep

Here are some of the things people claim about outdoor naps:

• The fresh air may help babies sleep longer
• Being out in the fresh air means babies are not exposed to colds and other viruses in an enclosed space
• Children will grow up to like outdoor adventures such as camping
• They will learn to appreciate nature as they see it from their stroller; watching the sky and branches waving in the wind is very calming

As we’ve said above, there doesn’t seem to be any actual evidence of this and it is mostly reported by parents, yet outdoor baby naps are so popular in Scandinavia that perhaps there’s something in it.

If you do want to try putting your baby to sleep outdoors, there are some simple rules you should follow.

• Make sure that you place your baby’s stroller within sight of you, preferably in a private rear yard that isn’t accessible from the street.
• Check your baby regularly to make sure they are warm enough.
• Do not leave your baby in a front yard and don’t leave them outside a store or restaurant – it’s just not safe as they could be taken and you’re also in danger of passers-by criticising you. Parents in America have even been arrested for it!

However, you should also consider that some babies may find it difficult to sleep in strong daylight, so if you are going to give it a try, pop SnoozeShade over the pushchair.

Walking With Baby

Of course, it’s fine to take a stroll with your baby while they are in the stroller and if you want to allow them to sleep in the fresh air without having to worry about them, this is perhaps the best way to do it. It also means you get some time in the outdoors too and some gentle exercise. Walking is great for new moms, as it helps you keep healthy without being too strenuous.

If there’s strong sun, pop SnoozeShade on over the pushchair before setting off and always have it handy in your changing bag, or the stroller’s basket.

Not only does SnoozeShade provide a darker and distraction-free environment for your baby to sleep in but it also means you can rest assured that your baby is protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Babies under six months should not wear sunscreen, so SnoozeShade makes a great solution to protecting your baby’s delicate skin. It can help you maintain your baby’s nap routine no matter where you are.

Important Safety Notes

• Do not leave your baby in a place from where they could be taken
• Always have an eye on your baby while they nap, to prevent health risks
• Make sure the stroller has a lie-flat seat and that your baby is strapped in
• Make sure the stroller wheels are locked and never put it on an incline
• Be sure that the area is secure from animals
• Don’t put your baby to sleep outside if it’s raining
• Be sure your baby is wearing the appropriate clothing for the temperature
• Never put your baby for naps in an infant car seat, unless it is a lie-flat model
• Babies are not able to regulate their body temperature easily, so are at risk of hypothermia in the winter and sunstroke in the summer. Be aware of the risks and avoid them
• Air pollution may be high where you live, so do not put your baby outside if this is the case

Further Reading:

Tips for Helping Your Baby Sleep in Hot Weather
Using Your SnoozeShade After Summer
Your Newborn Baby Travel Checklist

Taking a mini break or a proper family vacation with a newborn? While you might find the idea a little stressful at first, with a little planning it can be a truly wonderful and memorable experience.

Stop! Before you do anything else, have you got, your baby’s passport? Don’t book a trip before it arrives, as it can take several weeks to get it back from the passport office. If you are travelling with a child alone and their surname is not the same as yours, make sure you get the appropriate authorisation and check if you need a Visa too.

Bag it, baby!

First, you need to know what to pack. This can be daunting, as babies seem to need a huge bag of gear just for a trip out for coffee. Fear not, with a little homework and the right gear, you’ll soon become an expert. The four main areas to consider are; sleeping, changing, feeding and playing.

Baby vacation packing list:

• Passports and travel documents
• Clothes and accessories like sun hats, gloves etc – take a mixture of garments to allow for layering, plus items like a swim nappy
• A travel cot plus a sleeping bag 
• A few favourite toys
• A small baby first aid kit
• Infant car seat
• A sling or baby carrier
• A travel highchair 
• Extra blanket for the stroller
• Breast pump if using, sterilising and feeding gear
• Snacks for all the family
• Storage bags for dirty and wet items
• Baby toiletries including sun cream
• A universal bath plug
• A battery-operated nightlight
• Electrical socket adaptors
• Snoozeshade for the stroller and the travel cot

Travel light 

Cutting back on the amount of gear you have will help your trip go smoothly. A travel stroller is easier to take with you than your large stroller. Some even fold up small enough to go in the plane’s overhead locker. A baby carrier or sling is great for walks in places that a stroller won’t go, such as forests and beaches. If you’re flying or driving, a travel system with an infant car seat may be the best option, so you don’t have to swap your baby from one place to another as you negotiate planes, cabs and cars.

Planning ahead

If you’re going to a vacation home, resort, hotel or a friend’s house, try to find out as much as you can about your destination as you can. Do they have strollers, highchairs, cots, car seats, baby monitors, a baby sitting service, a kids’ club or nursery? Are there laundry facilities and how far away are the nearest stores? This way, you’ll know what you have to pack and what you can leave at home. Make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes, plus a change of clothes for you and baby in your hand baggage in case of travel delays and check to see that you’ll be able to buy your favoured brand at your holiday location.

Choosing a family-friendly hotel or resort means you’ll find all you need for a proper family break. Though it might be a little pricier, it’s a good idea to choose a destination that caters for families .

Choosing self-catering can be a great option, as you can suit yourself and your baby as to what, and when, you eat. It also means that you can feed and put the baby to bed, then share a grown-up meal and perhaps a couple of glasses of wine in safety and comfort. 

Manage your expectations 

If this is your first trip with your baby, you may think it will be like previous vacations. Lovely as it will be to take your little one somewhere new, it is going to be very different to holidays before you became a parent, so make sure you have the right expectations. Although you won’t be having long lie-ins and late nights at clubs, you’ll be having such fun with your little one that you won’t miss them – and you’ll be making wonderful memories!

Long haul?

Very small babies are much easier to travel with than toddlers who want to run about and get into everything, so if you have always fancied a long-haul trip somewhere exotic, take it now. It’s cheaper too, as your baby will have to be on your lap for the journey unless you book a sky cot. However, if your baby has any health problems or colic, you might want to think about a holiday in the US. Nobody likes being on a plane for 18 hours with a screaming baby!

Feeding your baby on the go

If you’re breastfeeding, you already have all you need. It’s a good idea to feed your baby when taking off and landing in a plane, as this helps with ears popping. If bottle feeding, you can buy travel packs of ready-made formula. You may be asked to taste milk going through airport security – make sure you don’t go over the airline’s fluids limit.

Sleeps tips when travelling with a baby

• Maintain the same bedtime routine as you would at home
• Take comforters or favourite sleep aids with you
• Keep your child’s sleep schedule on your home time zone for short trips. For longer trips, adjust them gradually
• Keep your baby’s sleep space dark, cool and free from distractions with Snoozeshade

Find the best sleep solutions for travel with baby

When you have a baby, it’s great to add a travel crib to your list of must-haves. It makes it simple to travel with your baby, as you don’t need to worry about whether there’s a crib at your destination and your little one will always have a familiar sleep space. It can be kept at a relative’s or childminder’s house and you can also use the larger versions as a play yard, ensuring your baby’s safety while they play. Here are our favourite travel cribs.

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light

Weight: 6.8kg

Suitable for: birth to 3 years

Light and airy, this has mesh all round for easy visibility and an external frame to avoid accidents. Its shape, with the base wider than the top, also makes it very stable even with the most adventurous of babies! It opens with one movement and the base has a nice mattress with an organic fitted sheet can be bought as an extra. It has a travel bag and although it has not got wheels, it’s one of the lightest around, so you can easily move it about. All fabrics that come into contact with your baby are organic and certified with the OEKO-TEX Standard Class 1. It’s also machine washable, so it will look good for longer. You can buy an additional mattress to make it more comfy if you’re going to be using it a lot.

Graco Pack and Play Change ‘n Carry Playard

Weight: 12.95kg

Suitable for: birth to 3 years

 If you’re looking for a long-term solution to travel with your baby, plus a safe place for them to play during the day, this is great value for money. From birth, you can use the bassinet section of the travel crib – a higher sleeping area for smaller babies who are not yet able to sit up or pull themselves up. Once your little one is a bit older, from 4-6 months, you can remove this and they sleep in the larger section of the travel crib and they can use this up to three years or even a little longer. Then there are all the extras that you get with this model – the control panel on the side offers a nightlight, music and a timer that allows you to set the sounds for a period of time before it turns itself off. It also vibrates, which can help your baby fall asleep. The crib is easy to both assemble and to fold, with just a push of a button and it packs away neatly into its own travel bag. Wheels on one end mean you can transport it with you when folded or move it around your home. There’s a little changing table that pops on the top, making it a travel changing table and a toy bar with three sweet toys to keep your little one amused while they are being changed or dressed.

phil&teds Traveller Crib

Weight: 2.8kg

Suitable for: birth to 2 years

Super light weight and compact, this is great for occasional use and for things like camping and festivals. It fits easily into car trunks in its travel bag, which is almost as small as a yoga mat! It’s simple and easy to assemble and has four mesh sides, one of which unzips from both sides to allow toddlers to crawl in and out – it’s also easier on your back when getting baby to bed! The mattress is firm and comfortable, with insulating properties that will keep your little one warmer if it’s on the ground outside, plus the frame is held outside the play and sleep space, making accidents unlikely and the top rails are all padded too. There is an included fitted sheets that’s made from OEKO-TEX fabric.

besrey Bassinet for Baby

Weight: 4.12kg

Suitable for: birth to 6 months

Not quite a travel crib, not quite a crib, this clever little gadget is ideal as a temporary travel bed for very small babies younger than six months, or before they can pull themselves up. It works like a Moses basket, in that you can have it next to you around the home and at night and it is much easier to fit into a small bedroom than a traditional travel crib. It has a mesh cover over the top that will protect your little one from insects and pets. You can see through it to keep an eye on your sleeping baby and it can be removed when not needed. It has a nice mattress and a stable base. It folds flat for transport or storage and come with a carry bag.

4moms Breeze GO Portable Travel Playard

This is a simple and easy to use travel crib that uses just one push to open and one pull to close it. It’s ideal for traveling with your baby or having them when playing around the house. It has a water-resistant playard mattress and a simple, clean design that allows your to see your baby through the mesh sides.

When you have a newborn at home, it can be hard to know how to help them establish a good sleep routine but don’t worry – in just a few weeks, you’ll hopefully have it nailed.

We have some great tips for helping establish a sleep routine for your new baby that works for you.

• How do you set a good bedtime routine?
• When is my baby ready to start sleep training?
• What’s the best way to ensure a good night’s sleep?

Newborn Days

When your little one is under six to eight weeks, they will be spending a lot of their time sleeping and you’ll both be getting used to each other. Try to treasure each moment when they are this tiny, have plenty of time for skin-to-skin bonding and try to establish breastfeeding, if that’s what you have chosen. This is a time to just relax and be with your baby and not a time to start trying to impose plans and timetables.  

Why is a Bedtime Routine a Good Idea?

A bedtime routine will help your baby to wind down after a busy day eating, sleeping and filling their nappy, and it will also help them to recognise the difference between day and night, making the change from sleeping at any hours of the day to sleeping mostly at night with naps during the day. Gradually, they will recognise the signs that it’s time to go to bed and will be happy to do so. Hopefully, this is a schedule that you’ll be able to use well into childhood.   

When is Best to Start?

When your baby reaches about six to eight weeks and you are starting to get used to each other and to your little one’s sleep cues, you can start to establish a sleep routine. You will notice that you can start to predict their patterns a little bit more and so it should be possible to start to introduce an element of routine into their day – and night. If your baby has been sick, was born early or has health problems, you might find that you need to delay setting a sleep routine but do try to start by the time they are six months old. Choose a time when they are in good health and when you have plenty of time to spend with them in the evening.  

It may be helpful to record your baby’s sleep patterns for a few days before you get started. Note down the times your baby goes to sleep, and for how long, in a journal like our Baby Log Book. Doing this will help you recognise when their longest sleeps are and what sort of sleep they like; are they an early riser or do they like to snooze in the morning? Soon, you’ll get to recognise their patterns and that can help you form a routine around it.   

Getting Started 

If you would like your baby’s bedtime to be, for example, 7pm, take some time an hour to half an hour before this to start winding down. Be at home, in a peaceful environment, with the TV and any other distracting electronics turned off and the lights dimmed. Gather all the things you might need for the bedtime routine, so that you won’t have to disturb your baby getting something that you’ve forgotten – and then, off you go.   

Sing to Sleep 

Play some soothing music or lullabies (some baby monitors have these) in the room your baby is going to sleep in; when they are younger than six months, this should be in your own bedroom, so that you can keep an eye on them and be there for night feeds and nappy changes.  

Meanwhile, read your baby a calming book – those that have repeating phrases on each page are ideal, as the familiarity will help them to wind down. Choose a comfortable chair, get settled with your baby on your lap and read in a calm, low voice. You can choose to read before a bath or afterwards, or read before and after – it’s up to you. 

Baby’s Bathtime 

Time for a soothing bath. Have the water at body temperature (always test it with the back of your wrist before lowering your baby in) and add a soothing bath oil or bubbles containing things like lavender, which aids sleep. Playing in the bath is fine but keep it low key and not too exciting. Pat dry with a warm towel and dress your baby in his bed clothes – a baby sleeping bag is ideal, as it’s always at the right temperature, can’t be kicked off in the night like sheets and blankets and allows easy access for nappy changes. Some babies also like a massage after their bath.   

Nighttime Feed 

Next read another calming book or sing a few lullabies to your baby. Give them their night time feed and when they have been winded and are sleepy but not yet asleep, lower them gently into the crib or cot, singing and soothing them as you do so. The idea is to try to get them to fall asleep by themselves.   

Be Consistent 

Try to stick to the same routine each night, doing things in the same order and at the same time of day. Don’t be too precious if your plans go awry at times, as long as overall you have a soothing route to bedtime snoozing. If it works, you may find that you can also use these sleep cues to help your baby nap during the day.   

Dream Feed 

When you go to bed yourself later on, you may want to wake your baby for one more feed to ensure you get as long a patch of sleep as possible – unless you’re so exhausted you’ve gone to bed with your baby at 7!  

When Things Go Wrong 

Sometimes something comes along that interrupts your plans such as colic, illness, holidays or family events. This may interfere with your baby’s sleep patterns so go with it and when your little one is feeling better, aim for your routine again. 

Hopefully some, or all, of these tips will help, but do pop over to SnoozeShade on Instagram as we follow lots of great Baby Sleep experts over there and often share their posts, as well as doing live Q&A sessions too!

Further Reading:

Baby Sleep Patterns – What You Need to Know
The Importance of a Good Sleep Routine for the Whole Family
Foods That Help Your Little One Sleep