Focus on the Mei-tai

First day of school: how to experience it calmly?

The first day of school is a unique moment in a child's life… and in that of their parents! Between the excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a bit of worry, this step marks a big move towards independence. Why is the first day of school an important step? Starting school means discovering a new environment: a teacher (or a male teacher), an ATSEM, many classmates, a classroom with limited space, rules…Some children have previously been cared for by their parents, especially if they have taken a career break, for example with parental leave. Others have experienced a nanny or daycare. The first day of school marks a new milestone. This transition requires a period of adaptation, for both the child and the parents. The start of kindergarten also signals the beginning of new routines: a morning routine established by the teacher, discovering the leisure center, the cafeteria, the playground… Preparing your child for the first day of school Talking about school beforehand To reassure your child, talk to them about school several weeks before the first day.Explain what will happen: Who will be there to welcome them (their teacher and the ATSEM)What they will do during the day (activities, games, nap, meals)When they will go homeHow key moments will unfold (arrival, recess, departure)Children's books about kindergarten entry are an excellent way to put simple words to this new rhythm.💡Tip: during the summer, have fun creating a simple timeline to help your child gauge time. The timeline will serve as a visual aid throughout the summer to answer the question "how many sleeps before school?" Visiting the school before the first day of school If possible, organize a visit to your child's kindergarten before the first day of school.Seeing the classroom, the playground, and the toilets helps the child become familiar with the environment.This visual discovery reduces anxiety and facilitates adaptation. D-Day. Some schools even offer a small group meeting with future classmates, which is ideal for creating a first social connection before the big day.💡Tip: take photos of key places that you can show your child during the summer. Preparing school supplies as a family For the first day of school, the list of supplies is very short. However, there are a few essentials:A small backpack that is easy for the child to openSimple school supplies: tissue box, complete change of clothes, comforter if neededA leak-proof bottle labeled with their name💡 Tip: let your child choose their backpack so they can make it their own. This will surely boost their enthusiasm for the start of school, having a backpack "like the big kids"! Establishing a morning routine During the week before kindergarten begins, start establishing a morning routine similar to that of school: waking up at a fixed time, getting dressed, breakfast, brushing teeth. This will promote a smooth transition in anticipation ofthe first day of school.In the toddler section, 3-year-olds do not yet have the ability to understand time. Yesterday, tomorrow, next week, in an hour... these are concepts that are unfamiliar to them at this stage. Setting up time cues will be very helpful in learning these spatio-temporal references. For example:A very simple weekly planner, which distinguishes with two different colors the time spent at school from that spent at home,A morning routine chart, to reassure the child and help them grasp the departure time for school,A wake-up clock that distinguishes day and night, to facilitate bedtime and wake-up moments Managing separation moments Morning tears: a common phenomenon during the first day of school Let's be honest: tears are common during the weeks following the first day of school. We sincerely hope you can avoid this, but... entering kindergarten comes with a flood of emotions.Experiencing this separation, discovering this new environment, meeting classmates who were previously unknown, is a huge hurdle to overcome. Especially since group dynamics also play a role. Even if your child is enthusiastic, on the eve of their first day, if surrounded by other children crying, they will probably have difficulty holding back their tears. This does not mean they dislike school, nor does it reflect poorly on your preparation, so don’t worry. Often, children calm down quickly after the parent leaves.Rest assured: teachers and ATSEM staff are accustomed to guiding children through this adaptation phase. Say goodbye without lingering The metaphor of the bandage illustrates this delicate morning separation time quite well. Sometimes, saying goodbye without lingering makes the transition easier.Be attentive to your child's emotions and feelings, of course. But do not hesitate to create a short and recognizable ritual that you and your child can adopt to feel secure:Take them to the door or to the classroomFree activities are often set up by the teacher; invite your child to choose the one they like the most,A small comforting cuddleA reassuring phrase ("I love you, have a great day, I will come back after the nap")For some children, seeing their parents stay too long indeed makes separation more difficult. Supporting your child's emotions The first day back at school (and the following ones) is very often filled with emotion. It’s the end of one chapter, the beginning of another. A new environment, new people to talk to. Just as a lighthouse guides ships lost in a storm, do not hesitate to support your child in verbalizing their emotions. Here are several resources that can be helpful to ease separation anxiety:Drawing a heart on your child's hand: a well-known trick among young parents, tell your child that this heart is filled with kisses, and if they feel the need, they can look at it. It’s proof that you are thinking of them all day long, and that you love them with all your heart.The practice of carrying: some parents fear "carrying" their child too much, risking creating bad habits and making separation more difficult. But quite the opposite: carrying helps create a secure attachment bond. A child with a secure attachment bond thus feels confident to explore the world around them. Their instinct tells them that in times of distress, a parent will always be there to soothe them.The practice of massage: massages offer many benefits for babies, just like adults. Oxytocin secretion, relaxation, strengthening of the attachment bond... Do not hesitate to include it in your evening routine, for example using the organic P'tits Câlins oil, which soothes, nourishes, and hydrates the skin.Essential oils: they have many virtues. To soothe children from 3 years old, the D-Stress organic oil, made in France, can become your best ally before going to school!   The issue of continence: don't panic! Many parents fear that their child may not be fully toilet-trained before the first day of school. It is a legitimate concern. But, in reality: every child develops at their own pace, and it is common for the acquisition of continence to continue at the beginning of preschool.Teachers and ATSEM (early childhood staff) are there to:Help children in case of accidentsOffer (very) regular bathroom breaksEncourage and praiseThe group effect also promotes this learning! Trust your child. Once again, some children's books gently address this topic.💡 Slip into the backpack a complete change of clothes and a small pouch for wet clothes. There are training pants padded for a smooth transition. The 3 mistakes to avoid for a peaceful first day of school! During the first day of school, the desire to do well is natural... but some habits can, without realizing it, increase the child's stress. Remembering that this step is primarily a period of adaptation, it is easier to adopt good habits beforehand :There's no need to pressure yourself about continence: promise, daytime continence will come with time, let go of the subject.Focus your questions in the evening: some parents would like to turn into little mice to observe what their child does during the day. Don't expect a detailed report from the teacher. Keep in mind that your child cannot remember everything and is tired after a day at school. For example, simply ask: "What did you enjoy the most today?".Avoid changing the entire family routine at the same time : maintaining certain familiar references to avoid further disrupting their favorite days will promote a smooth transition. FAQ – First day of school, the most frequently asked questions by parents My child cries every morning, what should I do? Morning tears are common. Don't feel guilty. Reassure them that you will come back to pick them up and adopt a consistent separation ritual. Most children calm down quickly after the parent leaves. If the tears persist for several weeks after the start of school, do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with the teacher to discuss possible measures to facilitate separation. Should my child be able to dress themselves? Not necessarily! The teacher and the teaching assistant help children put on or take off their coats. The important thing is that they participate according to their abilities. It is through practice that they will develop fine motor skills and learn to dress independently. Choose clothes that are easy to handle and comfortable (Velcro sneakers, pull-over sweaters, etc.). My child is not toilet-trained, can I put a diaper on them at school? No, it is not allowed to send your child to school in a diaper. This applies to both traditional Velcro models and panty-style models. However, you can opt for training pants. They have a padded section that prevents your child from getting soaked in case of an accident. In conclusion The first day of school is a mixture of emotions for the whole family.It is possible to prepare your child beforehand (emotionally and materially), establish a reassuring morning routine, and communicate kindly to help them face this step with confidence.Whether it’s choosing the backpack, comforting during tears, or preparing for separation, every detail counts to facilitate the transition. There will surely be a gap between what you envisioned for that first day of school and... the reality at the moment. It is impossible to foresee everything in advance. But remember: you are doing your best, with the resources available to you.

First minor injuries of baby: identify and soothe

Even if a newborn is often in good health, they are not immune to minor discomforts as they grow. Learning to identify and quickly soothe these little ailments helps calm the entire family.Summary Baby ailments #1: stomach aches and digestive discomforts Baby ailments #2: first falls and small bumps Baby ailments #3: teething pains Baby ailments #4: scratches, scrapes, and other daily annoyances In summary: simple gestures to soothe baby's first ailments Baby ailments #1: stomach aches and digestive discomforts Recognize signs of colic and digestive discomfort Digestive pains are common during a baby's first year of life. Especially in the first few weeks, then during the introduction of solid foods. The immaturity of the newborn’s digestive system is largely responsible: things develop gradually. Baby twists, grimaces, pedals, and pushes with their legs? Your instinct tells you the answer: these are indeed signs of digestive discomfort! Simple gestures to soothe baby Here are some simple reflexes to incorporate into your daily routine to soothe your baby:  Perform small circles clockwise with Calm'Bidou Organic Oil from birthApply it after diaper changes or during a calm wakeful phase (avoid crying spells)Gently bring baby's knees toward their belly to facilitate gas evacuationGive a warm bath at the end of the day to help them relax💡 Parent tip: If in doubt or if symptoms persist, always consult your doctor. Baby ailments #2: first falls and small bumps Secure the baby's environment Even very young children can sometimes topple over and become little aspiring stunt performers! For example, during the learning of crawling or walking. Secure your home’s areas (table corners, non-slip mats, etc.), but don’t forget: these small bumps are part of discovering the world. Relieve baby with appropriate care Keep the Bio Badaboum oil within reach. It’s the favorite of many parents: based on arnica and helichrysum, it soothes bumps and bruises from 3 months old. Thanks to its roll-on format, it can be applied directly to the skin, without massage. Baby bumps n°03: teething pains When do the first teeth appear? Teething usually begins between 3 and 6 months, but every baby develops at their own pace. Some are even born with a first tooth!These teething episodes are often accompanied by irritability, excessive salivation, redness on the cheeks, and can affect your little one's sleep (and... yours!). Relieving the first teething pains Although there is no miracle cure to completely soothe teething, here are some simple gestures to gently relieve your baby:Gently massage their gums with the Bio First Teeth Oil from 3 months, composed of a blend of calming vegetable oils and essential oils,Offer a cooled teething ring for a soothing effect.If your baby is eating solids, place some pieces of fruit or breast milk in a teether,Provide a reassuring presence and cuddles to help your baby through this phase (spoiler: carrying sessions can help and promote the secretion of oxytocin!)➡️ To learn more about teething, check out our dedicated article! Baby bumps n°04: scratches, scrapes, and other everyday ailments Don't panic: minor bumps without seriousness Baby’s nails grow quickly and can cause scratches, just like toys or everyday discoveries. If you are breastfeeding, you may have already noticed how formidable their tiny nails can be!In summer, the delicate skin of babies also tends to attract mosquitoes.As your baby develops motor skills, they start crawling and going on all fours. This is often a sensitive period for their knees, which can easily get scratched. A gentle and quick solution For small cuts, scratches, scraped knees, or injured elbows, the Bio P’tits Bobos Oil is ideal. Its roll-on format makes it so easy to apply, even for a moving baby from 3 months old!Formulated with essential oils of cistus, rose geranium, and fine lavender, this stick promotes skin healing and is suitable for the whole family! In summary: simple gestures to soothe baby's first bumps Minor bumps are an integral part of a baby's life and daily routine for parents. Whether it's digestive discomforts, small falls, teething episodes, or scratches, learning to identify and gently soothe them helps calm the whole family. By adopting simple gestures, using appropriate products, and providing a reassuring presence, you support your child in their discovery of the world around them.

What are the essential care for the newborn? All our advice and products

The arrival of a newborn is a unique and moving moment. To welcome baby in the best conditions, it is essential to know the care gestures to adopt and to equip oneself with suitable products. In this article, we guide you step by step through the essential care of the newborn, while offering gentle, natural, and effective solutions signed Nébulle.SummaryWhy are newborn cares so important?What are the essential cares for the newborn?Fostering the creation of bonds and emotional securityFAQ: Essential cares for the newbornIn summary: cares that rhyme with gentleness and simplicity Why are newborn cares so important? The first days and weeks of life are marked by an adaptation period for the baby. After 9 months, they leave the intrauterine environment and discover the outside world. Until then, they were sheltered in their amniotic sac. The placenta served as a real filter. At birth, the newborn comes into contact with microorganisms present in our environment. Gradually, they will develop their immunity.On a daily basis, it is the adults around them who take care of them. We speak of "caregivers" (or "caregiver") according to John Bowlby’s attachment theory. During these cares, adults interact with the child, who is entirely dependent on them during their early years. Donald Winnicott, a major figure in child psychoanalysis, wrote "a baby alone, that does not exist".Taking care of a newborn fulfills their need for social connection and strengthens emotional bonds. These gestures, often taken for granted, have an impact far beyond hygiene. Through them, parents become true attachment figures. They help reinforce the child's sense of security. If they are exposed to a stressful situation, if they feel distressed, they will know they can turn to their attachment figures, like a boat seeking the light of a lighthouse in a storm. What are the essential cares for the newborn? Daily cares: bathing and changing For daily bathing (face, skin folds of the groin and neck, diaper area), prefer washable wipes. Practical and economical, they are often easier to use than cotton squares that fray. About ten are enough, washed with the rest of the family’s laundry! Prefer wipes with one soft side and one absorbent side. Regarding exchange products, it is essential to use suitable products. The liniment, for example, protects the baby's sensitive skin from moisture, diaper friction, and weather aggressions. A true magic potion that can be used without rinsing, the liniment from Néobulle soothes and repairs from the first redness, starting from birth. An essential item to keep within reach! Bath time: gentleness and bonding Although not necessarily daily, bath time is part, in some families, of a significant moment in the weekly routine. We can distinguish:hygiene bath, aimed at cleaning the delicate skin,relaxation bath, during which it is not necessary to use soap. During the first weeks, and up to around 2 months, do not hesitate to prefer the technique of the wrapped bath. Simply swaddle the baby with a cloth before immersing them in water, which you will have previously checked the temperature of (between 37.5°C and 38°C). The bedtime ritual: establishing a calming routine Sleep is a major concern for young parents. And for good reason, a baby's sleep is very different from that of adults. Over a long process, which spans several years, their cycles will evolve, they will learn to differentiate day and night, and to fall asleep peacefully. But initially, night awakenings are frequent, and they still need their parents' presence to fall back asleep feeling secure.Implementing a gentle routine can facilitate falling asleep. This routine acts as a "time giver" that helps the baby to orient themselves and anticipate what is coming next. A massage with an appropriate oil, such as the Bio Gentle Night oil, from 3 months old, helps relax the baby before bedtime. Here is a simple sequence to reproduce:Position your hand in a C shape and smooth the baby's leg, from the groin to the toesUsing the pads of your thumbs, smooth the underside of their foot, from the heel to the toesWith your thumbs, smooth the top of the foot, from the toes to the ankleUsing a C-shaped hand, envelop the entire baby's leg and smooth the leg up to the groinRepeat each movement 5 to 6 times. The massage is a wonderful way to build a bond with your baby and allow the whole family to secrete oxytocin!It is also possible to massage the belly, arms, back, or even the face (the only area where oil use is not recommended). Calming assured, to prepare for sleep.  👉 Discover how to create a sleep-friendly environment thanks to our article on essential oils to diffuse to promote sleep in young children. Promoting the creation of bonds and emotional security Skin-to-skin contact: a comprehensive care From the very first hours, skin-to-skin contact plays a fundamental role. It helps your little one regulate their temperature, stabilizes the heartbeat, promotes the secretion of oxytocin, and thus facilitates breastfeeding. This proximity also meets a fundamental need of the newborn, who is unaware of their existence as an individual in full consciousness. It is a small mammal, programmed to feel secure when against its parents. After birth, but also upon returning from maternity, do not hesitate to include skin-to-skin sessions in your daily routine.The skin-to-skin wrap is an excellent tool for practicing comfortably, whether in maternity or at home.  Designed with neonatal professionals, its soft and stretchable fabric wraps the baby against the parent's chest, creating a soothing cocoon. This shared moment helps to build the foundations of a strong and secure relationship. Therapeutic virtues of physiological carrying Are you looking for a solution to soothe your baby daily? The practice of carrying can undoubtedly meet your needs. In addition to freeing tired arms of new parents, carrying your baby allows you to: Reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes in case of gastroesophageal reflux,Limit the risk of plagiocephaly,Promote the evacuation of gases and thus limit digestive discomfort,Reduce your baby's crying,Help regulate their temperature and vital functions (breathing, heartbeat)Meet their need for containment and proximity FAQ: Essential newborn care What are the first cares for a baby in the maternity ward? At birth, the initial cares vary according to the protocol and location (maternity ward, birth center, home, etc.). But, in most cases, the baby is dried, covered with a blanket, and quickly placed skin-to-skin. The cares generally include clamping the umbilical cord, checking reflexes, assessing the APGAR score, and taking measurements (weight and length). Depending on the gestational age at birth, your baby's skin may be more or less covered with a whitish substance . Don't worry, it is about the vernix caseosa. Increasingly, families are choosing to preserve this vernix by delaying the first bath so that the baby's skin can absorb it and benefit from its nourishing and protective properties. How do I know if I am doing the right things for my baby's daily care? We are not born parents; we become one. By groping, trying, and doing our best daily. Few adults have had the opportunity to truly handle a newborn for just a few hours! We all go through the "first time". Often, handling a baby during care can make them cry a little. For them too, it’s all new. The professionals present at birth and during the postpartum period will teach you each step, and it is by practicing them that you will become more and more comfortable and confident. My baby cries during bath time, how can I soothe him? Birth involves many upheavals for the baby. They go from an aquatic environment heated to 37°C to a terrestrial environment with many temperature variations. Their skin is also sensitive to touch (so avoid stroking and tickling in the first few months). Make sure the bath water is between 37.5°C and 38°C. To meet your little one's need for containment, don’t hesitate to swaddle them before the bath. They will feel the boundaries of the swaddle, which will remind them of the uterine walls, and will calm down. Finally, it is not necessary to wash your baby every day; you already clean them frequently during diaper changes. Which products should I favor for essential baby care? Choose products without synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or harsh preservatives. Neobulle offers a full range of natural-origin care products, made from ingredients from Organic Farming, formulated in France specifically to respect the sensitive skin of newborns. In summary: care that embodies softness and simplicity Essential care for newborns is not just about technique: it is an invitation to slow down and marvel at every moment shared with your baby. Through them, you also strengthen the emotional bond that unites you with your child. It’s not just about "cleaning" your little one (even if sometimes, you face a diaper overflowing on all sides!); these are also precious moments of interaction, communication, and complicity.If you are interested in the topic, Céline Alvarez explains simply how, from birth, the child's brain is shaped by sensory, emotional, and relational experiences: this is what is called brain plasticity. A concept that helps us realize how much daily care contributes to the overall development of the child.