Showing posts with label infant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label infant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label infant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label infant. Show all posts

How to get Baby to Sleep for a Nap

Foolproof ways to tire your toddlers out for nap time


Are you struggling to get your little toddler to take a breather and rest? Nap time can be heaven for both you and your toddler. They get some much-needed rest before carrying on with their day, giving you a chance to get a few things done, or simply take a minute for yourself. You've probably wondered, how to get your baby to sleep for a nap, here are some tips to earn that well deserved quiet time.


How to get Baby to Sleep for a Nap


While nap time sounds like a dream, getting your toddler down and asleep is much easier said than done. Although some days may not run to plan, there are some great ways to encourage a toddler to take his nap, so you can have a moment to get through your to-do list. Here are some infant nap time parenting tips so you can get some things done around the house.


Encourage or play active games with them


Active games are a great way to burn off all that extra energy before a nap. It can be as simple as a game of Simon Says or Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Not only are these games fun and easy, but they also require minimal set-up and clean up. 

Simon Says can help kids learn about body awareness and movement, as well as how to pay attention, follow instructions and be a leader. Whereas Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes can help kids with their balance, coordination and learning about their bodies.

Other games like Duck Duck Goose and Ring Around the Rosie lets kids literally run around, but can also help them develop strategic thinking skills and spatial awareness – although you’ll need more than one child (or adult!) to be able to play them.


Get some fresh air and/or exercise


This goes without saying – exercise is a great way to tire your little ones. Ideally, any exercise you choose to do should burn through their excess energy without giving them a second wind and keeping them wide awake. The key is to stay active and keep babies moving, but not to have too much fun so they won't fight sleep when it comes.

The old stand by activities are great for tiring out your baby for outside play: 

  • Bouncing or kicking a ball.

  • Riding a bike or scooter.

  • Playing chase.

  • Blowing bubbles.

You can even go for a light walk around the block or to their favorite playground. Let them loose on the play equipment and they’ll be ready to nap when they get home.

If the weather isn’t the best, you can still get your toddler moving at home. Encourage them to have a dance along to a music video or get them running and climbing with a make-shift obstacle course. 


Put them to work with some household chores


If you’ve got a few jobs to get done around the house, why not get your toddler involved? This will take a little patience, the job will likely take a little longer, but every little chore will get your toddler closer to sleep.

The easiest way to make this nap time trick work is by giving your kids chores that are appropriate for their age, which also keep them active. Start with simple things like picking up their toys or tidying up their room. You can add a touch of fun to the household chores by having clean-up races, enjoying a toy scavenger hunt to be found in the bottom of the laundry pile, or making a game of loading the dishwasher.

Not only will doing household chores wear your kids out, it also teaches them responsibility about how a household functions. These are valuable life skills your children will carry with them throughout their lives. It’ll also help you get through the household chores on your to-do list, even if they’re not perfectly done!

 

Encourage winding down activities


Even with all their energy burnt off, your little one might not just drop straight off to bed. Sometimes they need a little quiet time to help them settle and wind down.

Relaxing activities that will keep their attention are key to quiet time. These activities can be as easy as giving them an age-appropriate puzzlea simple coloring activity, or engaging them in quiet building activities, like a Lego set.

When all else fails, a good-old children’s book is a sure-fire way to help them unwind. You can encourage them to curl up on the couch and read to themselves or mimic bedtime and read to them as they fall asleep.  


Create a nap time ritual


Complement winding down activities by creating a nap time ritual to follow. This should be similar to creating a bedtime ritual. It should be consistent, such as setting aside a specific period of time everyday for the nap, dimming the lights, reading a story to them, and playing some white noise (like rain or wind) to block out outside noises.

This nap time ritual gives your baby's body a cue to fall asleep, rest, and recharge.

Once you start giving these nap time sleep methods a try, you’ll soon be watching your little one drift off to sleep with ease, allowing you some much needed me time.


Recommended:

How to get Baby to Sleep through the Night Tips

Nap time Tips for New Parents

Breast Milk of Formula?


Nursery on a Budget Ideas

Decorating a Creative Nursery on a Budget: A Guide


Having a baby is an exciting time, and as a result, many parents go all out to create the perfect, creative space for their new bundle of joy. However, due to restrictions such as maternity leave or working only part-time, parents are often looking for inexpensive ways to transform their spare room into a creative nursery space for their infant. If you're looking for ways to design your nursery on a budget, here is a guide with some top tips for saving money while decorating the new baby's room.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Nursery on a Budget Ideas
Portable crib doubles as a playpen. Get one here: budget friendly crib by Baby Delight.


Use Furniture Store Coupons  

If you want to buy new furniture for your baby’s room, but struggle to save up the necessary funds to give your child the nursery that you've dreamed about, consider finding coupons for furniture stores in your local area.



Table and chairs for baby's room from Bed Bath and Beyond.


For instance, a Bed Bath and Beyond coupon can cut the cost of a range of vital items that you'll need for the renovation, including beds, bedding, rocking chairs, and vanities. This will ensure that you can create a special space for your child without over spending.


diy wall art for baby's room nursery


Create Your Own Decor and Wall Art 

One of the best ways to create a bright and inspiring nursery for your child is to install eye-catching wall art and fun nursery decorations in their space. Although you might not be able to afford the extravagant ornaments of home design magazines, you should consider DIY to make your baby nursery decorations that they'll love. The more vivid, the better for baby to see!


For instance, you can use tape, paint, and stickers to create inventive murals for your child, or create flags, soft toys, and cushions out of scraps of leftover fabric. As your child gets older, you can also help them make their own wall art by framing their paintings.


make your own wall art with fabric scraps kids room


Buy Pre-Loved Items 

If you want to invest in child-friendly furniture without the high cost of buying new, consider purchasing pre-loved items? Not only is shopping second-hand much cheaper than buying from your local store, but it can also help you find one-of-a-kind gems that match exactly what you have in mind! You can buy pre-loved furniture from charity shops, antique and second-hand furniture stores, and even through buy-and-sell groups on social media like Facebook Marketplace.


Re-purpose Furniture You Already Own 

Many families have a vast array of unused furniture stored in their attic and garage. Hoarded furniture comes in handy when you're looking to create a nursery for your newborn. You may discover that much of this old furniture can be adapted toward a new purpose in your nursery, which saves you money. Redo it in funky colors and add new nobs and hardware to give it a modern look.

Buy Long-Lasting Furniture

When you're considering how to decorate your baby’s bedroom on a budget, you also need to think about saving money in the long term. For instance, buying long-lasting and multi-purpose furniture, such as loft and desk beds, allows your nursery to grow with your child and reduces the need to replace furniture as your child ages. You should also think about choosing furniture in durable materials that can withstand the chaos of childhood play. It may not save you money upfront, but in the long-term you'll be thankful for the wise purchase.


nursery dresser that grows with child
Get a quality nursery dresser that will grow with your child.

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How to Get Babies to Sleep Through The Night Tips

The True Secret to Getting Babies to Sleep Through the Night


There's no denying that every parent wants their child to have peaceful sleep throughout the night – an uninterrupted night of great sleep. However, the reality is most kids don’t function that way and will keep waking up time after time, night after night. That’s really frustrating, especially for a parent, you can't sleep if your baby is awake. So what's the secret on how to get babies to sleep through the night?



How to Get Babies to Sleep Through The Night Tips baby infant toddler


This post contains Amazon affiliate links.


Even though it’s common for babies and toddlers to wake up frequently and “refuse” to take quality naps during the day, there are some things you can do to help your baby sleep better through the night. If you were wondering what you can do to make bedtime sleep better for your infant or toddler, consider the following tips:

Baby Sleep Tips


1. Avoid Over Tiredness

Overtired babies find it hard to sleep, which means you might think your child can’t sleep, while it’s actually an effect of over tiredness. It's in your best interest to know your baby’s sleep patterns and to avoid keeping them awake for longer than necessary. Doing so can help you catch the earliest signs of tiredness in your baby, hence address them effectively.

2. Swaddle your Baby

Most babies love being swaddled, and it makes sense! Newborns have just come from a safe environment in their mother’s womb, and they're used to being held tightly, which is why swaddling a baby makes perfect sense. Besides, a swaddled baby won’t be able to hit themselves in the face, which in most cases, wakes them up. Ensure that your baby is comfortable, wearing overnight diapers, and you'll be surprised by how peaceful their sleep will be through the night (and yours too.)

3. Calm your Baby Before Sleep

Babies need some settling time before bedtime, it helps their body to begin a “shut-down” process which enhances better sleep. This is the time when you turn off the TV or music, take your baby to their bedroom which is a quieter environment, and let them have their settling time (10 – 15 minutes.) There are different ways to calm down a baby, dimming the lights and ensuring that the room temperature is perfect are both helpful options. Also, playing nature sounds such as chirping sounds of crickets and other calming nature sounds can help soothe baby. With these calming techniques, your baby’s mind will easily adjust, allowing them to fall asleep faster and easier.

4. Have a Routine

According to Sleep Reports, a sleep routine for baby’s nap times and bedtimes can help. As far as sleeping is concerned, our bodies “learn” and adjust so that they're always ready for the same process. A bedtime routine can involve activities such as bathing your baby, changing their clothes, feeding them, and then observing some “quiet time.” After the bath, it’s always a good idea to avoid playing, and preserve such moments for cuddling and giving your baby the comfort they need to help them fall asleep faster.

5. Avoid Over-stimulation

If your baby can't sleep, the best thing you can do is avoid overstimulating them. Look around your baby’s room, and you’ll notice it’s probably very stimulating. Lots of shapes, colors, sounds, objects, and even other people.

Of course that was the plan, you designed it to stimulate your baby’s senses. One of the ways babies get overstimulated is when you play with them at bedtime or giving them toys to keep them company. This causes them additional stimulation and makes it hard for them to sleep throughout the night. It’s the same as when an older child plays video games at bedtime.

6. Embrace the Sun

When a baby’s “body clock” is off schedule, it can be “reset” by exposing it to the sun, whether it means opening the blinds once your baby is awake or taking them for a morning walk in their stroller. Wondering how that makes them sleep better? If your baby’s sleep patterns aren't set, they’ll have some trouble sleeping through the night. However, correcting that by exposing them to sunlight once they wake up, helps your baby sleep better at night.

7. Avoid Sleeping Props

Another thing you'll want to keep in mind is that babies learn by association. Once you understand that, you should discourage using sleep props to lure your baby to rest. Sleep props are things that you regularly use, such as, feeding or cuddling, to encourage your baby to sleep. If you use sleeping props as solutions to get your baby to fall asleep, your baby will get used to them, which means you have to use such “solutions” every time the baby needs to sleep. As long as your baby is relaxed and not over-stimulated or over-tired, you don’t have to stimulate them to fall asleep – they’ll do so automatically.

8. Handle Night Wakings 

It’s normal for your baby to wake up at night for diaper changes and nighttime feeding during the first few months. When such situations arise, they should be handled correctly so that your baby won’t find it hard to go back to sleep again.

The most important thing you can do is to ensure you remain in their bedroom if it’s time to feed or change their diapers. Don’t take them to another room or they'll learn this routine. Also keep the room as dark as you can, but ensure that you can see around the room comfortably. You also have to avoid making any unnecessary interactions with your baby – stick to simple feeding and changing.
Once you’ve done everything your baby needs, it’s time to get your baby back to sleep. This is something you need to do quickly to ensure your baby doesn’t get confused thinking it’s time to rise and shine. Make it less complicated, as you want your baby to start learning that they need to sleep through the night.

In some cases, your baby might wake up only for you to find out that they're not hungry nor do they need a diaper change. During such times, you should only give them gentle pats or strokes to encourage them to go back to sleep.

As a result, getting your baby to sleep through the night shouldn't be impossible. One thing you need to remember is that some babies are just better at sleeping than other babies, which is why the above tips might not always work effectively for every kid out there. If you have repeated issues with bouts of crying, you’ll want to check your baby for colic or other health concerns.



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Homemade Non-Toxic Safe Face Paint for Babies

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Get Pregnant Calendar: Fertility Calculator and Tips

Looking for a Fertility Chart, Calendar, or Calculator?


Are you dreaming of having a family? Excitedly wishing and hoping for a positive pregnancy test? When you make the big decision to start a family, it can be exciting, scary, and overwhelming. When is the best time to try? Are their tips to help you get Pregnant? What can you do to help the process? Scroll Down for a Fertility Calculator and a Printable Calendar ChartEnjoy!
It was difficult for us. Once we made the decision, we were eager to have a little one join our family. It was not an easy journey for us and as our friends excitedly announced their pregnancies, we were thrilled for them, but anxious for it to be our turn. Maybe you are in the same boat or maybe you have just started trying.


Get Pregnant Calendar: Fertility Calculator and Tips
Get Pregnant Calendar: Fertility Calculator and Tips.
What if you knew there was an over the counter product that could aid you in your journey to natural conception? A product that was proven and safe.

Conceive Plus® Fertility Lubricant can help achieve pregnancy.



Fertility Products to help get pregnant.
Conceive Plus® Fertility Products to help you get pregnant.
Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant is an excellent product for all couples trying to conceive. This trusted and side-effect free lubricant can work for you. If you have just started trying or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally!



Conceive Plus® is a fertility friendly personal lubricant that is isotonic and has a controlled pH that is safe for sperm, embryos and the process of fertilization. 

Conceive Plus is different to other sperm friendly lubricants because it contains Calcium and Magnesium ions, these are essential for the process of fertilization and actually help increase the chances of getting pregnant, naturally. It is available in both convenient pre-filled applicators and also in a multi-use tube bottle. The pre-filled applicators can be used up to 15 minutes discreetly before then use the multi-use tube together with your partner.

Conceive Plus® Fertility
Recommended by hospital, doctors and fertility clinics globally since 2008 Conceive Plus is FDA cleared and now available in the United States from just $14.90. There are several retailers who carry it.

Conceive Plus® has been available since 2008, and there are thousands of user reviews and success stories from couples trying to conceive. Visit their website to find out more. Follow them on: Twitter Facebook Pinterest

We love being parents and are so thankful for each of our kids. While our journey to parenthood wasn’t as easy as many of our friends, it was totally worth it. Wishing you the best on your journey to parenthood.
We found this helpful fertility calendar chart to help you on your journey. Hop over to TheBump.com for a free printable PDF.


free printable fertility chart get pregnant calendar
Free printable fertility calendar
 chart to help you get pregnant.

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What Every Woman Should Know About Fertility and Her Biological Clock*

Our favorite Baby Carrying Slings

Fertility Calendar: Know your body. Know your cycle.*

Afghanistan Country Study Lesson


If you have just started trying or have been trying for a while, Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally! Now available from selected online retailers from just $14.99. SASMAR Conceive Plus® sponsored this blog post. The opinions and text are all mine.




10 Toy Safety Tips for Babies and Toddlers

10 Game and Toy Safety Tips for Caregivers

Toys! Mommy, can I have that toy? Can I, can I, can I? Think before you give in and buy it. All toys are not created equal. Toy safety isn't just for infants and toddlers. Children with special needs are prone to accidents with toys too. Even young, elementary-age children can choke on small toy parts or game pieces. Until about age six, kids have a tendency to put everything in their mouths. So, make yourself familiar with Game and Toy Safety TipsEnjoy!



This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

10 Game and Toy Safety Tips for infants, babies, and toddlers.

Toy Safety Tips and Toy Recall Information:

  1. Toy shopping shouldn't be done on sight alone. When shopping for best infant toys, consider the child's age and ability. Don't waste money on flashy toys the child may not be capable of playing with.
  2. Toy labels give safety warnings and recommended ages for safe toy play.
  3. Children, especially those under the age of three, love to put toys and small objects in their mouth. Small game pieces, broken toys, or loose parts are choking hazards. If something can fit inside the center of a cardboard toilet roll or paper towel tube, consider it a choking hazard.
  4. When putting a toy or game together, always read the instructions. Items put together incorrectly can fall apart and become a choking hazard.
  5. Plastic bags and packaging are dangerous. They can be stuck in the mouth or placed over the nose. It isn't just bags that cause suffocation. A small toddler or infant can suffocate on a piece of plastic stuck over their mouth and nose.
  6. Children, especially infants and babies, must be supervised at all times during toy and game play. Never leave the room and leave a small child unattended.
  7. Don't mix baby toys with those of older children. Small blocks are especially attractive to younger children. Keep older children's toys put away in containers. Teach older siblings to put their toys away.
  8. When toys break, discard them! Don't keep old toys around. Check toys often for broken or loose parts and sharp edges.
  9. Toy storage is essential. Toys on the stairs can cause family members to trip and fall. Toys left out on the floor can be swallowed by a toddler. Keep toys for babies stored separately from toys for older children.
  10. Toys with wheels and motors can pinch fingers or entangle hair. Watch children closely with these types of toys. Even cars designed for toddlers can present a problem.
For more game and toy safety tips visit safekids.org.



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My Best Option: Formula Alternatives to Breast Feeding

Formula was the best choice for us.

This post brought to you by Sam’s Club. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m a mama of four - blessed through adoption. Choosing to adopt comes with different feeding options and needs. While working towards breastfeeding is possible with the help of your doctor and a lactation consultant, it was not the route we chose or felt was best for our family. So, formula was the best and only option for us. I wish we had known about SIMPLY RIGHT™ Infant Formulas!

My Best Option: Formula Alternatives to Breast Feeding
Happy formula fed baby.
Our oldest son, suffered from serious malnutrition when he came to us and even though he was above the age of typically needing formula, we used it in his cereal to increase the calories and nutrition that he desperately needed. One of our sons came to us as a newborn and struggled with a sensitive stomach. After trying several formulas (with our doctor’s guidance), we ended up using Similac Sensitive™ with success.

SIMPLY RIGHT™ Infant Formulas are available at Sam’s Club and in retrospect would have saved me a lot of money while still providing the important nutrition that my children needed. It even comes with three different options to best fit your baby's needs: Baby Care Gentle®, Baby Care Complete®, or Baby Care Sensitivity® SIMPLY RIGHT™ Infant Formula. They each provide the best nutrients for your infant and now include Lutein for brain and eye health. They have also recently improved their formula ingredients, included a useful scoop holder and leveler, and offer an easy open top all while being very affordable.


The bottom line is, you will get a great formula with everything you need while paying less - in fact, you can save up to $617 per year by switching to SIMPLY RIGHT™ Infant Formula. That's undeniably a wonderful savings that can be used for so many other things that your child may need.

Have you tried SIMPLY RIGHT™ Infant Formula? Has formula been something that you needed for your baby? I have four wonderful, formula-fed kiddos and I don't regret choosing formula for their early nutrition!

Visit Sponsor's Site


Breast Milk or Formula? What Challenges Defined your Choice?

Which Infant Formula is Best?

Here at Kids Creative Chaos, the mommies have nursed over 20 babies. Whenever possible we encourage breastfeeding, but that isn't always the reality of life. Some of us adopted our children as infants, others faced milk allergies, and some just couldn't produce enough milk.
Infant formula Parent's Choice Walmart
Walmart infant formula.

Personally (Lora), faced a child with a rare true milk allergy- not lactose intolerant. What does that mean? Everytime, I had milk in my cereal, a glass of chocolate milk, or ice cream, Jake projectile vomited. At first, the doctor thought it was acid reflux, but we soon realized it was milk! During the time we thought it was acid reflux, we tried forumula. I used Enfamil. Eventually, we had to swtich back to mommy milk. Turns out, Jake was allergic to soy too, so I had to give up my indulegences. We breast fed until Jake was nearly two years old. Yep, I recently discovered there is a name for my parenting style. I practice attachment parenting.

Anyway, I just went to the Wal-mart website and wow! Look what I could have saved if I had used Parent's Choice formula.


Another one of our mommies, Jessica, used Parent's Choice Formula. Here's what she had to say about it:

"I was determined to breastfeed, however (long story), I had to begin supplementing with formula beginning at 8 wks old. We used Parents Choiceformula from 2 mos to 1 year. We even used Parents Choicetoddler formula for about a month. We were always very happy with it - no issues. AND, because we DID supplement, we were able to continue a successful nursing relationship well into toddlerhood!"


which infant formula is best? Parent's Choice.
Photo of a happy formula baby.

Turns out, Parent’s Choice Formulas are clinically proven to be as well tolerated as the national brands.

It contains DHA and ARA which may support brain and eye development - Just like Enfamil®. It is milk-based which is good for most babies! It also contains prebiotics which support your babies' immune systems. Go check it out so you can give your baby the best and save money too!  Parent's Choice

We'd love to hear about your challenges. It is always nice to know you aren't alone.

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