baby Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Crying & Colic: What You Need To Know

November 26, 2020 by Mandy

A baby that won’t stop crying is seriously frustrating and stress-inducing. If your baby has regular episodes of crying and nothing seems to help, she may be suffering from colic. Colic is something that many parents struggle with. It can be tricky to pinpoint colic and treating it is even more challenging. It’s important to stay calm and be patient while your baby goes through what is usually a short phase. In many cases, there is a way to offer your baby relief, whether it’s through different gas relief products or a teething solution. Use your best judgment and check out wellements baby tooth oil reviews to see how to deal with a suspected case of colic.

Colic Timeline

Colic typically occurs in babies that are a few weeks old. Once a baby has reached about four months of age, colic starts to go away. Generally, colic is suspected when there is a significant amount of crying, around three hours or so, each day. Parents may try a variety of products from companies like Wellements to treat and lessen the symptoms of colic.

Signs of Colic

The most noticeable sign of colic is excessive crying in a baby that’s younger than four months old. Babies with colic may also turn red from discomfort, cry with a high-pitched screech, clench their hands and pull up their legs. A colicky baby is also nearly impossible to calm down.

Ideas for Relief

There are different strategies to try if your baby has colic. Parents have found some success with gas drops, burping, a pacifier, car rides, rubbing the baby’s back, a bath and music. Talking to your baby, going for walks with the baby and singing to her may also offer a few minutes of calm. Most of these solutions only work for a short time, so it’s important to try different things to give your baby some relief.

Other Causes of Crying

While colic is often suspected in a young baby’s excessive crying, sometimes it may be something more serious. Your baby’s crying may be due to an illness or some other problem. Be on the lookout for fever, vomiting, loose stools or a baby that isn’t gaining weight. These symptoms may point to a different diagnosis.

Talk to Your Pediatrician

If you’re running out of ways to soothe your baby or if the colic seems to be getting worse, it’s time to call your pediatrician. Sometimes, it may be a simple solution like Wellements constipation relief or switching formulas. Other times, your pediatrician may offer to run some tests to find out if there is a food allergy or something else to blame for the baby’s discomfort.

Take a Break

Hours of crying with a new baby is painful for parents. If your baby seems physically fine and still continues to cry during colic episodes, it’s important for parents to stay calm. One way to deal with the stress of a baby that cries a lot is to take plenty of breaks. Sometimes, it’s best to put the baby in a safe place, like her crib and walk away for a few minutes.

Crying and colic in new babies are hard to solve. In many cases, this is simply a phase that will eventually pass. Try some of these tips to deal with a colicky baby.

Factors to look at before buying strollers for your baby.

November 2, 2020 by Mandy

Babies play a vital role in every family, and seeing their godly toothless smile is very memorable. As they balance to sit by themselves, every parent will wish to take babies out to make them enjoy the outer world. So, most of the parents will wish to buy strollers for their babies to make them enjoy the ride as well as an outing. But before buying one, there are certain factors to be considered to offer you’re a comfortable and safe ride. This article discusses a few important factors in the following sections.

1. Pick a suitable stroller type

This is a very important factor because, based on the requirement, an appropriate stroller type has to be chosen. If you go for frequent outing or traveling, then instead of buying ordinary strollers, choose a traveler type. If your babies can sit by themselves with the proper head fixed, then you can choose umbrella type strollers. If you opt for a compatible model, then buy a stroller that occupies less space with a folding option. If you are a morning or evening lover of walking and jogging, then you can choose strollers with three wheels.

If you want a super high quality and sturdy stroller, then a full-sized stroller will be an apt choice. Because they have various features like a snack tray, wide seat and comfortable seats, transformable based on the baby weight and height, and the tires are also very strong and offer 360-degree wheel rotation.But the only drawback with this model is, the size is very large and very heavy to carry.

Imagine you have got twins and you need to buy a stroller for them. Mommyhood101 comes with a special option for twins with a double stroller. In this model, one baby can sit next to another baby or back-back. But the width and weight will be heavy than the normal stroller.

If you want your stroller to be a 2-in-1 choice, then you can opt for a car seat carrier, where they can be used as a car seat for babies and transformed into a stroller, with unfolding the wheel options.

So, based on the requirement and looking into Mommyhood101’s reviewsabout the stroller types and its significance, parents will be able to make an appropriate choice.

2. Buy the one that comes within your budget

There are many options for buying a stroller type. The parents must choose the one as per their needsand also pay attention to whether they all within their budget setting. Because there are a lot of other essential products that have to be bought for your precious babies, so when it satisfies the safety and comfortable criteria and falls within the budget, then never hesitate to buy them.

3. Choose the product based on the baby’s requirement

The strollers come with various options like there will be cup holders, trays, seat belts, sunshade, double padded seats, 360-degree rotating wheels. So based on the requirement of your baby, choose tan appropriate stroller.

4. Choose good quality wheels

This is a very important factor while choosing strollers for your babies. As the wheels offer complete support and able to balance weight, always choose a stroller that has sturdy wheels and 360-degree rotating wheels. The road on which you take a ride may be smooth or harder. So, the parents must choose the one in which the stroller willsbe able to safeguard from toppling from any kind of road surface.

5. Compatible

If you want your baby strollers to be taken while traveling in a car, choose one which will be easily foldable and kept on the rear side of your car. If you buy a bigger stroller, then they will not fit behind the car trunk, and you can use only to the nearby house roads or must you must buy a new one.

6. Ensure whether the stroller is safe

Always buy a stroller that has wheel clips because, without clips, the wheel will start to rotate and make the stroller to run. Also, always ensure whether the stroller has seat belts, as the baby cannot peak while riding when they fastened with seat belts.Also, the babies are very sensitive and check if the stroller has nicely molded nooks and corners without any nail protrusions and sharp edges.

Check whether the seats are comfortable and ensure they do not go back very further, which might make the babies feel frightened. If you have decided on a product, check for customer reviews of that product, and decide on whether it will be a good choice to buy them.

Thus this article has given a deep insight into the factors to look for before buying a stroller for the babies. mommyhood101 comes with a range of baby strollers and other baby products, which are safe and 100% natural for the babies.

10 Tips for Building the Perfect Baby Registry

October 15, 2020 by Mandy

Did you just find out that you and your partner are expecting a child? If so, congratulations!

There are few things more exciting in life than discovering that you’re expecting. It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world.

But finding out that you’re going to have a baby can also be stressful. There are so many things that you’ll need to buy before the baby comes.

Creating a baby registry is one way to ease the burden that you feel. There are all kinds of baby registry must-haves that you can ask your family members and friends for to make sure that you have everything you’ll need to welcome your child into the world.

Need help coming up with the ultimate baby registry checklist? Here are 10 tips that will help you put together the best baby registry possible.

1. Start Creating Your Baby Registry as Soon as You Can

You don’t necessarily need to create a baby registry the day after you find out that you’re expecting. But you should try to get it together by the time you’re entering your second trimester.

It’s not going to be too long before people begin asking you, “Where are you registered?” You should be prepared to tell them so that they can go and check it out for themselves.

2. Consider What You Want to Put on Your Registry Before You Begin Making It

While you might be tempted to dive headfirst into creating a baby registry, you should take your time with it and think about what you want to put on it before you actually start making it. It’s easy to get out of control when creating a registry when you go into doing it without any ideas as far as which items you want to include on it.

Sit down with your significant other and consider which items you want to put on your registry prior to creating it. It’ll help you see which items are the most important to you.

3. Find the Right Place to Put Your Registry Together

In this day and age, there are so many different stores that you can create a baby registry at. From brick-and-mortar operations to online retailers, you should choose the one that you like the most.

Look around at a few different places to see which one carries items that you’d like to buy for your baby. This will be the place that you should use when creating your registry.

4. Make Sure You Put Your Big-Ticket Items on Your Registry First

There are some big-ticket items that you’re 100% going to need when your baby arrives. This includes things like:

Crib
Car seat
Stroller
Changing table
Bassinet

You’ll also want to get your hands on things like an affordable baby monitor camera.

It’s very easy to lose sight of these items and focus on things like baby clothes when you’re making a registry. You should instead try to hone in on the things that you need as opposed to just the things that you want.

5. Limit the Total Number of Items That You Put on Your Registry

The average baby registry has just over 120 items on it. You should do your best to keep the number of items on your registry under that if you can.

If you put too many items on your registry, there is a decent chance that you’re not going to get all of them. And it would be a real shame if people purchased things that you don’t need in favor of those that you do.

6. Try Not to Put Anything on Your Registry That’s Too Expensive

You shouldn’t shy away from including a few expensive items on your baby registry. There is no getting around adding things like a crib or a stroller.

But if almost everything on your registry costs several hundred dollars, it’s going to make it hard for people to find something for you that fits into their budget. You should have something that will fit into almost everyone’s price range.

7. Think About Whether or Not You’re Really Going to Use the Items on Your Registry

Once you have your baby registry together for the most part, you should comb through it and see if there are any items that you might not ever get around to using. If you’re on the fence about any of them, it’s best to leave them off your list.

This is a simple way to limit what ends up on your registry. It’ll ensure that you only get things that you’re definitely going to put to good use.

8. Read Reviews for Every Item That Ends Up on Your Registry

Another way to narrow down your registry when it’s all finished is by reading through reviews for the various items that you have on it. If you see any items that have nothing but bad reviews, you should knock them off the list.

The last thing you want to do is have people purchase low-quality items for you that you don’t even want to use. You should look exclusively for items that have garnered good reviews from those who have used them.

9. Prepare to Purchase Some of the Items on Your Registry Yourself

Even if you trim down your baby registry and don’t include that many items on it, you’re probably not going to get everything that you put on it. You should be prepared to purchase at least a few items on your own.

This is another good reason why you should start making a registry on the early side. It’ll give you plenty of time later on to buy any items that people don’t buy for you off your registry.

10. Steer Clear of Letting Your Registry Stress You Out

When you’re in the process of preparing for a baby, you’re inevitably going to get stressed out. There is no avoiding it.

But you shouldn’t let something like your registry stress you out. You should have fun with it and enjoy putting it together and seeing people buy things off it.

Remind yourself every day of just how lucky you are to have so many family members and friends willing to buy things off your registry. It’ll help to keep everything in perspective for you.

Begin Building the Perfect Baby Registry Today

Now that you know how to build the perfect baby registry, get out there and do it. You’ll have a blast brainstorming items that you want to put on it.

Keep the tips found here in mind at all times to ensure that you end up with everything that you need for your baby. They should help lead the way and leave you with the best possible registry.

Read the other articles on our blog for more tips on preparing for a new baby.

Checklist for Newborns: Everything New Mothers Should Have

September 30, 2020 by Mandy

Happy laughing baby taking a bath playing with foam bubbles. Little child in a bathtub. Smiling kid in bathroom with colorful toy duck. Infant washing and bathing. Hygiene and care for young children.

According to the UN, there are 385,000 babies born each day. That equates to more than 140 million babies per year!

Having a baby is undoubtedly a life-changing event. But, before your new baby arrives, there’s a lot that you need to do to prepare. What do you need to do as a new mother?

Check out this checklist for newborns to learn everything new mothers need to have.

Feeding Essentials

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, there are some essentials you’re going to need. Here’s what you need to stock up on if you’re breastfeeding:

Bibs
A breast pump
Burp cloths
Nursing bras (Buy your nursing bra in one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
Breast pads (We recommend buying both disposable and washable ones)
Lotion for sore nipples

You’ll also want to buy storage containers for your breast milk. Keep in mind that once you put your breast milk in the fridge, it can stay there for up to eight days. If you keep it in an insulated cooler, it can last for up to 24 hours.

If you want to freeze your breast milk, freeze it within 24 hours of pumping. To thaw it safely, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also run it under warm water to thaw it.

Here’s what to stock up on if you’re formula feeding:

Bibs
Burp cloths
Thermal bottle carrier
Bottle and nipple brush

Of course, you’ll also need to buy formula. We recommend speaking with your OBGYN for recommendations. Also, remember to check the expiration date on the formula and check the lot number in case there’s a recall.

Diapering Essentials

Diapering definitely isn’t the most exciting part of having a baby, but the right essentials can make changing diapers a lot easier.

If you’re using reusable cloth diapers, here’s what you need:

Several dozen cloth diapers
Changing pad
At least 8 waterproof covers
Baby ointment or some other type of barrier cream
Velcro, snaps, or safety pins to secure the diapers
Disposable wipes or a few dozen washcloths for cleaning your baby’s bottom

If you plan on using disposable diapers, you’ll also need disposable wipes, barrier cream, and a changing pad. You’ll also need at least two boxes of diapers. Make sure to choose the newborn size.

Clothing

One of the most fun parts about shopping for your new baby is picking out newborn clothes. Before you go wild and buy every pair of adorable overalls you come across, don’t forget to purchase the essentials, such as:

At least 8 onesies or undershirts
At least 5 nightgowns
At least 5 pairs of pants
A few one-piece stretchy sleepers
A few hats
A few pairs of pants
10 pairs of booties or socks,
A couple of pairs of scratch mittens (these help prevent your baby from scratching their face)
Dress up outfits (optional)

Also, don’t forget to purchase laundry detergent that’s specially formulated for infants. You’ll also want to buy a few cotton blankets and at least eight receiving blankets.

Bedtime Supplies

Newborn babies sleep an average of 8 to 9 hours during the daytime and 8 to 9 hours at night. However, a lot of babies don’t sleep for more than 1 to 2 hours at a time. In fact, most babies don’t start sleeping through the night until they’re three months old.

How well your baby sleeps comes down to luck a lot of the time. However, with the right supplies, you can help your baby sleep better. Here’s what you need in terms of bedtime essentials:

A crib and crib mattress
A few waterproof mattress covers
4 fitted crib sheets
A sleep slack
A few light blankets that fit into the crib

If you plan to co-sleep with your baby, you’ll want to invest in a firm mattress, a light comforter, a sleep slack, a few crib sheets, and a few waterproof pads.

Bathing Supplies

You should plan on giving your newborn a bath a few times a week until they become mobile. Even though babies don’t need to bathe as much as adults, they still need the right bathing supplies to get squeaky clean. Here’s what you’ll need to stock up on:

A plastic infant tub (you can also use a large dishpan in the sink, or take your baby into the bath with you)
A dozen washcloths (not the same ones you use for your baby’s bottom)
Baby cleanser or soap
A soft-bristled hairbrush

You’ll also want to invest in a few soft-hooded towels.

Other Essentials for Your Baby

In addition to all of the above, here are some other essentials you’ll need for your baby:

A baby carrier/baby sling (you can check out this site for some great baby carriers)
A stroller (we recommend choosing one that reclines so your baby can lay flat)
A car seat
Baby thermometer
Nail scissors or clips
Medication in case your baby gets a fever
A baby monitor
Medication spoon or eye dropper

Additionally, here are some items that are nice-to-have, but not absolutely essential:

Playpen
Change table (as an alternative, you can just place the change pad on top of the dresser)
A few pacifiers
Night lights
A mobile for above your baby’s crib
A rocking chair for swaddling and feeding
A sunshade for your car windows
Plastic hangers for your baby’s closet

You’ll also want to buy rattles and other baby toys.

Checklist for Newborns: Time to Start Shopping

Now that you’ve read this checklist for newborns, it’s time to start shopping. Pretty soon, you’ll be all ready for your new baby.

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more parenting tips and tricks.

Baby sleep science: A complete guide for new parents

August 16, 2020 by Mandy

The science of baby sleep is a little bit complex to understand, but those who take the time to learn it can really apply it to help improve sleep quality for their little ones. It is an essential factor for a baby’s mind to mature and increase learning capacity and memory. It also helps the baby’s brain to preserve the present memories while making new memories at the same time.

It’s common for babies to have sleep problems, and babies often wake up at night, which eventually disturbs the parents’ sleep. We have listed some tips provided by a sleep consultant which should help new parents understand new ways to improve their baby’s sleeping habits:

Baby sleep patterns

When your baby is three months old, they will start sleeping for a more extended period at night, which should allow you to get more sleep. Baby sleep patterns start developing at the age of six weeks. Babies develop more regular sleep-wake cycles over time as they age, especially between the ages of 3 to 6 months old.

Teach your babies to sleep by themselves

You don’t have to get your baby addicted to their bedtime story to sleep effectively. If your cant learn to fall asleep by themselves, it will undoubtedly disturb your sleeping hours as well. Put your baby in their cot/bassinet when they start displaying their sleepy signs, but before they are fully asleep. This will drastically help them develop their own capacity to fall asleep while giving you a better chance of success with the process.

Sleeping hours

At 3 months of age babies can sleep from 13 to 15 hours a day. That said, every baby is not the same in terms of sleeping hours. Some babies need less sleep while others require more. Some might even say its genetic and to look to the parents sleep habits as a reason for the sleep behaviours in their babies – particularly how did the parents sleep when they were babies themselves.

Baby Naps

At 3 months of age your baby needs a nap 2 to 4 times a day. If you try to cut back on their naps, there is no guarantee that they won’t wake up in the middle of the night. The reason is that your baby can become overtired if they dont get their sufficient naps during the day which leads to a more frequent waking and sleep disturbance.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Once your baby starts developing physically, it may eventually change your baby’s sleep patterns as well. For example, if a baby learns to roll over/to stand up, it can temporarily disturb their sleep pattern. This is also referred to as a “leap” where your baby’s brain has had a significant advancement in development. In other words, new parents should not get worried about these changing habits. Just keep following the previous sleep routine of the baby, they will get back to routine soon enough.

Read your baby’s cues

Some parents are extra cautious while taking care of their babies. With that, they end up disrupting their baby’s sleep because they are so sensitive about their baby’s sleep. They should let their baby go back to sleep on their own (self settle) when they start waking up a bit. Don’t rush to pick them up and start soothing them, rather see if your baby can self soothe. Finally, try to make the baby’s surrounding environment calm. According to some research studies, babies react more to their mother’s voice than a regular alarm. So if they hear their mother talk, there are higher chances that they may wake up. So, just try to be a bit more careful while your baby is asleep!

Educate Yourself

Babies are a precious and delicate gift for any parent. Parents should be more understanding towards their babies rather than being sensitive towards them. Understanding that they have emotions and that is to be respected – even if they can’t express themselves or talk yet. Your baby will understand much more than you think. Baby sleep science is a subject which is being studied all over the world. It worth performing some more research to get to know more about your baby’s sleep. This knowledge will serve you well during this initial period and help explain some of the responses from your baby which can only be a good thing right?