Lullaby Baby Carriers Blog

If you’ve recently had a baby, are about to have a baby, or even if your child is already in preschool – this is a really awesome thing you can do to commemorate their birth and make time stand still.

The moment your baby enters this world is a special time that you’ll want to remember for years to come. A newborn time capsule is a great way to honour your baby’s birth and share with him a snapshot of that special time when he is grown.

To create your time capsule, you need to gather several things that reflect the events of the day.

Newspapers make a great addition to any time capsule. Local papers tell the story of what was happening in your community on the day he was born, while national papers provide a glimpse of then-current events. Both offer the opportunity for you to stroll down memory lane, as well as give your child a brief history lesson when the capsule is finally opened.

Money and stamps provide fun signs of the times, too. Throw in a few different coin denominations and a sheet of stamps. If possible, make a list of prices for goods and services, like milk and bread or gasoline. Whether done on the computer or simply handwritten on a sheet of paper, this is a nice addition.

You can personalize the time capsule by adding things like baby’s first picture, the outfit he wears home from the hospital and even his hospital beanie and bracelet. Take time to write a special letter welcoming your child and sharing your hopes for his future to give the capsule even more meaning.

Although my son is now 3 years old, I’ve got many of these things stashed away that I’m going to put together into a time capsule.  As for the newspapers, I’ll look for news articles of the day online and print them out. You could also do a time capsule for any other special day in your child’s life, such as a milestone birthday or first day of school…whatever!  It doesn’t have to be for his birth.  Doing something like this is a wonderful tribute to your child and shows them how special they are to you.

You are limited only by your imagination – and the size of your capsule container.  Have fun with it!

A friend of mine just had her first baby and she’s feeling a little distraught about the adjustment for both herself and the baby. I remember feeling really out of sorts and a bit nervous about being able to meet all the needs of my new baby too.

The truth is your newborn goes through a lot right after he’s born. Whether the birth was natural or assisted, he experiences a great deal of stress as he copes with the abrupt change in the world as he knows it. No wonder he’s a little out of sorts.

Remember to be kind to yourself too. It’s not uncommon for moms to feel out of sync with their babies in the first few weeks. You’ve also experienced a lot of stress and big life changes.

The first days home with baby can be trying. He’s adjusting. You’re adjusting. Everyone is a bundle of nerves. If you stay calm, however, these simple tips will ease the transition for both of you.

*Sing and talk to your baby. Your newborn begins to hear your voice while still growing inside you. By the time he is born, the familiarity of that sound has a remarkable calming effect. Talk to him, sing your favorite lullaby, and read books to him, especially stories that rhyme.

*Make eye contact. While baby’s do not have 20/20 vision at birth, they can see you. By making eye contact with your baby when you talk to or massage him, you are communicating with him, and if you watch his cues, you”ll learn how he communicates with you.

*Touch your baby. It’s natural act, yet so powerful. Stroke his arms, legs, head, and back. The sensations relax both of you and enhance your bonding. If possible, learn about infant massage techniques and incorporate them into your daily routine. Research suggests that simple massage strokes relieve colic and constipation, as well as help infants establish regular sleep patterns and form stronger bonds with their caregivers.

*Hold your baby close, often. Research shows that keeping your baby close is good for him. Of course you know I advocate for babywearing, so remember an easy way to help your baby thrive is to carry him in a baby carrier sling or baby wrap. Cuddled next to you, baby feels your warmth and the comforting beat of your heart. The familiar rhythm helps him relax and feel secure.

Using a baby sling also frees your arms and hands so that you can do a few things around the house, while still enjoying the benefit of snuggling with your baby. And that might help you feel calmer, too.

*Respond to your baby. It’s that simple. Though crying can be nerve-wracking, it’s the only way your baby has to let you know he needs something. He cries when he’s hungry; he cries when he’s wet; he cries when he hurts or doesn’t feel well; and he cries when he just doesn’t know what else to do.

While this barrage of bawling might make you feel like crying, too, the best thing to do is simply to respond to his needs. Pick him up, cuddle him, and try to figure out just what it is he needs. Soon you’ll recognize his cry for hunger over his pain cry and be able to soothe him by quickly filling the need.

Worried that you’ll spoil him? Don’t be. Meeting your baby’s needs is not spoiling him. By regularly responding to your newborn, you’re forming a healthy bond that makes him feel secure.

Don’t worry too much if you feel out of sync with your baby in the first few weeks – it’s a natural transition period. But communicating your love to him through all his senses goes a long way toward calming those delicate newborn nerves.

I came across this site today and got pretty excited about it. Granted these ideas are geared for kids who can read and write but I bet you could easily modify it for preschoolers.

Undoubtedly, there will be times when your child is in between favorite characters or heroes and can’t decide on a theme for his birthday party. Or you’re having a few of her friends over and are looking for something fun for them to do together. Teachers and homeschoolers would probably love these ideas too.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck for ideas, you may want to add these Parties With Purpose guides to your bag of tricks. The set includes The Giving Book, The Hero Book, The Greening Book, and The Healthy Body Book. (I receive no compensation for any purchases you make). You can plan a whole party around the ideas in these guides or just select specific activities that meet your needs.

If anyone has held one of these parties, or plans to… I’d love to hear how it worked out!

Nursing in a Cuddly Wrap

There are many benefits of breastfeeding, which is why there has been a great increase in the number of breastfeeding moms in recent years. Check out some these breastfeeding benefits to mom and baby:

Breastfeeding, like babywearing, provides a great bonding experience between mom and baby. Because mom is the only one able to feed the baby for at least the first few weeks of life they have more time to bond. The baby’s eyes can only focus about 8-10 inches away, which just happens to be how far from mom’s face they are when breastfeeding. The eye contact, skin to skin contact, and early interaction provide a wonderful bonding experience.  Fortunately, whether your breastfeeding or not, this bonding can be achieved to a large degree by using a baby wrap, or sling (great news for Dads!).

The colostrum or “first milk” for the baby is very important for health and immune development. Colostrum is produced in the first few days after giving birth and is more condensed than regular breast milk. The baby gets a lot of nutrients, vitamins and benefits of your immune system in colostrum.  In fact, colostrum is so good for health, it is now available to adults in pill form in some health food stores.

Breastfeeding is better overall for the health of mommy and baby. The baby continues to get nutrients and vitamins that mom takes in everyday, and is able to work up immunities to allergies through mom’s milk. As for mom, her body will go back to normal faster after childbirth by simply breastfeeding. It is a natural process that that helps mom and baby ease into natural health and well being.

In the mother, the uterus goes back to normal faster, shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. Because it happens faster there will be some mild cramping, usually felt during nursing sessions.

Many moms lose baby weight faster when they breastfeed. You will burn more calories everyday to keep up with the baby’s diet. You are feeding someone else and maintaining your own body systems so this means the extra calories you burn will help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy faster than if you were bottle feeding.

Babies often thrive when fed breastmilk. Formula has synthetic vitamins and minerals, made in labs, and they aren’t as healthy as the ones that come from mom. Nothing can replace breast milk, it is naturally one of the most healthy things we can ingest.

Babies also use breastmilk to develop an immune system in early weeks. During the first few months and weeks of baby’s life he or she has no immune system of their own. By breastfeeding they are still using mom’s until they are able to build one of their own. This means less colds, less infections and overall a healthier beginning to life.

Breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower incidence of SIDS. Although scientists aren’t quite sure why, but the numbers show breastfeeding may very well offer protection against this mysterious phenomena.

The saying “breast is best” is still alive after all this time. If you have to formula feed, don’t feel guilty, but if you can breastfeed, even some, it will be completely worthwhile for you and your baby.

Recently I have been reading about “emotional intelligence,” which basically is about understanding and being able to regulate your emotions. One particular book I’m reading is about raising emotionally intelligent children, and I’ve found it supremely helpful in stopping tantrums!

If you’ve read anything else about dealing with tantrums you’ve probably heard the following tip:

*Ignore the tantrum.  This technique works best when at home.  In public places, you don’t want to ever leave your child unattended as a form of punishment.  Good behavior in public begins at home.  Ignoring a toddler is not harsh.  If your child is squirming on the floor screaming for a cookie, act as if you never noticed.  Eventually, they will get the hint and stop screaming.*

If your child is anything like mine, you’ve probably tried that technique with limited (if any) success. When it does work, it’s not without the fallout of you coming to the brink of a nervous breakdown because it’s nearly impossible to ignore the screaming and it takes so long to stop!

In John Gottman’s book, “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child,” he says that dismissing the child’s emotional outburst is teaching them that their feelings are inappropriate or not valid, which in turn may teach them that there is something inherently wrong with them because of the way they feel.  This may make it difficult for them to learn to regulate their emotions as they grow up.  Instead he offers a 5 step process that basically asks you to be an “Emotion Coach” for your child.  The steps are:

1. Become aware of the child’s emotion: anger, sadness, frustration, stress, hurt, irritation, disgust, guilt, envy, regret, shame, pity, and also non-negative ones like happiness, affection, interest, excitement, pride, desire, love, and thankfulness.

2. Recognize the emotion as an opportunity for intimacy and teaching. Ignoring negative feelings rarely makes them go away.  Instead these feelings will dissipate when children (and even adults) can talk about their emotions, label them, and feel understood.

3. Listen empathetically, validating the child’s feelings. Reflect back what they tell you in a soothing, noncritical way, and use your heart to feel what they are feeling. If your child is really upset, you may need to just hold your child and let them cry for a few minutes before they will be ready to talk.

4. Help the child find words to label the emotion he is having. Studies show that being able to label emotions can soothe the nervous system and help children recover more quickly.  If you think about this, it makes perfect sense in your own life too.  I’ve personally found this works like a charm for my 3 year old!  But be careful not to tell him what YOU think he’s feeling – you might get a defiant “no!” You need to ask and offer ideas such as: are you feeling angry?  It seems like your feeling sad, is that true?  I see that you’re upset, are you frustrated about something?

5. Set limits while exploring solutions to the problem at hand. First make sure you set limits on bad behaviour, for example, “I understand you’re mad that Joey took that toy, but it’s not okay to hit him.  What can you do instead?”  Remember their feelings aren’t the problem, their misbehaviour is.  Next you want to help your child identify what they would like to accomplish related to the problem at hand – what is the goal?  With that in mind, help your child think of possible solutions to achieve the goal.  Then evaluate the proposed solutions based on your family’s values – is it fair, will it work, is it safe, how will it affect others?  Finally help your child choose a solution to try and a plan to follow through.  If it doesn’t work, help them learn why and start problem solving anew.

In essence, this technique is teaching children that it’s okay to have all kinds of emotions – everyone has them all – and it’s important to learn how to deal with them effectively to get along in the world. I’ve found this technique invaluable – it really works with all ages of kids!  You just have to adjust to their level of development and understanding.  A friend pointed out the similarity of this method to teaching a baby sign language.  Baby sign language is often promoted as a way to stop tantrums because your child has a way to communicate instead of getting frustrated.  Emotional coaching also offers your child the words to express themselves that they would otherwise feel frustrated about not being able to convey.

At first my husband thought this technique would encourage more crying because you’re giving the child attention, but after 3 years of trying the “ignore it and it will go away” method, we have both noticed an incredible (and I really mean incredible!) difference with our son since adopting emotional coaching.

Another concern of my husband’s was that the technique is too permissive.  He worried that our son would increase his demands for privileges because of our empathetic responses to his outbursts.  According to the author of the book, this should be addressed clearly in step 5 – setting limits.  Parents should let their child know what consequences he can expect for breaking rules or inappropriate behaviour.  It’s important to note, that if you’re an overly permissive parent, you will need to set some rules and stick to them, otherwise this method could backfire on you.

I’m so excited about this book, that I want everyone to know about it.  I highly recommend you pick up a copy of “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child – The Heart of Parenting” by John Gottman. (I’m NOT receiving any compensation for promoting it). It’s only about 200 pages, it provides lots of examples, talks about different parenting styles, and addresses how to deal with children of different ages too.

Now that you know how to effectively stop a tantrum that has already begun, here are more tips on avoiding them in the first place:

1. Avoid instant gratification. In public, toddlers throw tantrums when they are denied something that they want.  Some parents give in to keep their child quiet but a child learns quickly.  Tantrums will continue if they know you will cave.  Simply tell them “no” and keep moving.

2. Don’t get angry. When you scream and they scream the situation is wildly out of control.  You’ll end up crying and your toddler will still be screaming.  In any situation, raised voices mean civilized conversation has ended in favor of basic primal instincts.  Don’t revert back to the days of early man.  Keep using the same calm voice you use when they are behaving to get your child to calm down as well.

3. Praise your toddler when they behave well. Positive reinforcement is better than negative.  In the absence of positive attention a child will behave badly just to get some attention at all.  Acting out and throwing tantrums may be a cry for attention.  Don’t let it get to this point.  Clap and celebrate when they go to the potty successfully and when they put away their toys.  Good manners such as saying “please” and “thank you” deserve a smile and a hand clap as well.

4. Run errands after nap time. Kids get punchy when they get tired.  A toddler misbehaves more often if they are dragged around when they are tired.

5. Carry snacks with you. Low blood sugar can lead to tantrums.  If you are out longer than anticipated and lunch or dinner time is close at hand, let them eat a healthy snack to keep their hunger pains at bay and sugar levels stable.

6. Be consistent in your punishment. At home, you might use “time out” to deal with bad behavior.  In public do the same.  Sit your child on a bench for five minutes or take them to the car.  Eventually they will learn that you are not a pushover and they will begin to behave.

You will survive the toddler years.  Nip temper tantrums in the bud with the above tips.  And read up on raising emotionally intelligent children – the benefits FAR exceed the one small example I’ve given about dealing with tantrums – you will be giving your child a much brighter future in more ways than you can imagine!

Do you have a “Kamakaze” Kid?  My little guy is actually quite cautious, but the little girl I babysit, is downright daring and indestructible (mostly).  Scrapes and bruises are a part of everyday life.  Honestly, there are times I’d like to strap her into a baby carrier and avoid the pain that will otherwise ensue… but I resist restricting her freedom… and keep the Arnical Gel handy.

Whether your child is adventurous or cautious, there are still plenty of opportunities to get scraped up.  While there are many over the counter remedies to clean cuts, reduce swelling, prevent infection and promote healing there are twice as many natural remedies which accomplish the same thing.  Nature really does take good care of us.

Here are 10 natural remedies for minor injuries:

1. Witch hazel. This plant is actually a deciduous shrub and the bark and leaves are an astringent which can be used to disinfectant to clean skin.  It’s also commonly used to treat sore muscles and swollen tissue.

2. Aloe vera is a common treatment for sunburns and rashes. A succulent plant grown in warm, tropical climates, it protects and moisturizes the skin.

3. Arnical Gel, which comes from Arnica, a perennial in the sunflower family, is excellent for treating muscle aches and bruising.

4. Raw garlic.  Despite the very unique and potentially unpleasant aroma, garlic cloves can be used to disinfect cuts and scrapes. It’s an antiseptic.

5. Yarrow leaves, when dried and ground into a powder, can be uses to disinfect cuts and scrapes and to stop the bleeding.

6. Lavender essential oil, when combined and diluted by jojoba oil or olive oil, relieves pain, burns and bee stings.

7. Tea tree essential oil, when diluted with jojoba or olive oil, is an antiseptic and antibiotic.  It is great for cleaning minor cuts.

8. Thyme essential oil, when diluted with a base oil like olive or jojoba has both antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.  Use it to clean minor cuts and scrapes and to soothe bruised and sore muscles.

9. Castor oil can be used to treat bruising and reduce swelling.

10. Calendula oil or lotion is used to soothe rashes and minor scrapes.

In addition to these natural remedies, homeopathic remedies can be designed to treat swelling and bruising and flower essences can be used to reduce stress and alleviate shock symptoms.  Mother Nature has provides you with a number of first aid remedies.  You can create your own natural first aid kit today and take advantage of all nature has to offer.

If you have a fussy child, you’re probably also exhausted or overwhelmed with constantly trying to please your little one.  You’ve tried everything… the diaper is clean, the tummy is full, the nap was on time, and yet this little person is still irritable… it can be so frustrating.

In my experience there are two things that almost always work.  First, if your child is still a baby, put them into a baby carrier and go about your business.  Something about being so snugly supported and so close to mom, just seems to work wonders.  Let’s face it, your arm strength will only hold out so long before you need to shift him around or put him down.  Babywearing allows them to feel snug and secure and you can wear them for a long time with your hands free to do other things.  Many toddlers love this too.

The second method is going outside.  Just stepping out onto your balcony or front porch to get some fresh air works miracles for fussy kids… and weary parents too!  Of course, you may notice the fussing start up again as soon as you go inside.  In which case, why not put your child in a baby carrier or take him by the hand and go for a walk?  Studies have shown that getting out in nature improves your (and your child’s) emotional wellbeing.

You’ll likely notice that you both feel more relaxed almost immediately.  You’re mind will stop jumping from thought to thought.  Instead of thinking about that project that’s due or that bill you have to pay, or how to stop the baby from fussing, you’ll notice the rabbit sitting in the grass or the strange bird chirping in the tree.  You’ll notice the colors of the leaves on the trees and feel the sunshine on your shoulders or the wind in your hair.  In short, your mind clears and you begin to focus on the present moment.

The same thing happens for children.  Nature walks tend to generate curiosity and a sense of exploration in children.  They wonder what that funny orange moss was or what animal could have made that strange sound. This sense of wonder and curiosity helps them feel a part of something bigger than themselves.  In effect it changes their focus from internal to external and often results in happier kids.

If your children are older, then chances are they’re living extraordinarily busy lives.  Nature walks will help them concentrate and focus on the present. In fact studies have shown that nature walks for children with attention deficit issues were just as effective if not more so than medication to improve their concentration. Get your children interested by pointing out interesting features and encourage them to show you what interests them.

Many physicians and counselors actually prescribe “nature walk therapy” for adults and children to treat depression, stress, high blood pressure and to boost mood.  So it follows that a distressed baby would also be soothed by being in nature.  Nature walks work because nature is a proven method to improve mood and reduce aggression.  Some scientists theorize that sunlight has a chemical effect on mood.

In addition to helping children focus, giving them more self-confidence and boosting their mood, taking a nature walk with your children helps foster the bond between you.  It creates fond memories, lets your child know that you enjoy quiet time with them in nature and gives them an overall appreciation for life.

I was speaking to a friend yesterday about the difficulty in finding natural products for her baby. It troubling that so many products that claim to be natural still have some toxic ingredient(s) in them! So she has decided to make her own products, and knowing I had done the same, asked me what my favorite (and simplest) recipes were.

The great thing about making your own baby products is that it’s much easier than you might expect and then you know exactly what’s in it; you can even use organic ingredients and herbs right from your own kitchen or garden. An added bonus is that making your own products also reduces the amount of unnecessary packaging that goes along with purchased products.

My favorite at-home baby product I made for my little one was a blend of both sweet almond oil and olive oil poured into a small bottle. The great thing about this blend is that it has so many uses. I originally started using this as an infant massage oil on my baby. You pour a small amount into your palms then rub together and gently give him or her a massage. It helps reduce colic and promotes blood circulation. It can even be utilized to relax baby and put him or her to sleep.

Another use for this oil blend is to use it in place of conventional baby oil that is made from petroleum. After a bath, instead of using petroleum based oil or lotion, you can keep in that moisture by applying the blend of oils. It is far better for your baby’s skin. It’s also great for mild cases of eczema, dry skin and chapped or peeling lips. Breastfeeding mothers can also use this for chapped areolas.

If your baby has cradle cap, you can apply a small amount of this oil to reduce or eliminate the dryness. Rub it gently into the scalp and leave it overnight for cradle cap and in the morning comb through his or her hair to gently remove the loosened cradle cap. Be careful not to pull unloosened parts as it may cause bleeding. If you don’t get it all, just repeat the process a few days later. As cradle cap can result in the loss of some hair, it’s best to keep on top of this from an early age – you wouldn’t want your two or three year old to lose their hair because you were hoping the cradle cap would go away on its own.

Another product I made myself is baby wipes. I couldn’t find a brand of wipes out there that didn’t have some kind of toxic chemical in it, so I made my own. If you’re cloth diapering, this is a no brainer. I used about 25 baby washcloths, folded them in half and placed them inside a rectangular tub (a recycled wipes container). Measure 1 1/2 cups of boiled water and add 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice (optional) and 1 tablespoon of grated unscented natural soap (or liquid castile soap). Pour the mixture over the cloths and they’re ready to go. Toss the used wipes in with the diapers for laundering and be sure to wash the container between uses. If you want a disposable option, you can take a new roll of unbleached paper towels, cut through the whole roll lengthwise and then either fold each one in half or cut them all in half a second time and place into a tub to be soaked in the same mixture as above.

Teething is never a fun time for baby or parent. Instead of numbing his or her gums with something like Orajel, there are natural things you can use instead. My little guy loved it when I gave him a slice of frozen fruit such as mango or peach wrapped in a wet (and cold) baby washcloth. Gnawing on the washcloth helped relieve gum pain. I later discovered a product called the Baby Safe Feeder, which is a mesh bag that you put the food in, with a plastic handle for baby to hold.  You can just google “mesh teething feeder” to find one you like.  Another natural remedy many parents use for teething pain (but I have never tried) is diluted clove oil – 1 drop clove oil to one teaspoon of almond oil. Test it on your own mouth first to make sure it’s not too strong, then rub it on baby’s gums. Using your finger to massage the pain while applying the oil will be a relief for baby. Do not use the clove oil remedy in excess.

Before baby products came on the market, mothers all over the world utilized the ingredients in their homes to create safe baby products. If you talk to the older generations in your family, you might just discover a wonderful remedy they used with babies in the past.