Swimming with your baby

Carry the baby in the summer

The sun is settling in, summer is arriving, and with it the entirely legitimate question:  "But if it's hot, will I still be able to carry my baby?"  The answer is YES, but with some common sense practices, which we will take the time to detail below. 1 – Carrying and thermoregulation  We all generally know that when it's cold, having your baby in close contact helps them warm up. We also know that skin-to-skin greatly helps the newborn regulate, especially in the first weeks of life.  What is less known is that in hot weather, close contact also helps the toddler regulate, and thus suffer less from the heat!  Whether it's 30, 40, or 50 degrees, your body is always at 37°C. Luckily, that’s the temperature babychou also needs to maintain internally! Close contact allows them to have a reference point to rely on, and will greatly help them spend less energy to regulate their internal temperature.  Also, in a completely counterintuitive way, when it is very hot, it’s better to keep the baby on you than in a stroller, which is entirely made of synthetic padding. The temperature inside the stroller is often higher than the outside air, and additionally it does not help with thermoregulation and is therefore much more difficult for your little one's body to manage. A quick safety note: if your baby is in a bassinet during summer, using a swaddle to protect from the sun recreates an oven and should therefore be avoided!  Tested and approved: even for the carrier who might think they will get too hot, after the first 10 slightly uncomfortable minutes, regulation then sets in and… ultimately it balances out!  Did you know?In case of fever, skin-to-skin contact and carrying can help lower your child's temperature in addition to what the doctor has recommended (only if you yourself do not have 40°!) 2 – Choice of material  Articles in the media have recently highlighted the danger of carrying wraps during heatwaves. These articles are incorrect: they do not differentiate between the various types of carrying systems available on the market and only discuss the most sold wraps in traditional stores, namely knitted wraps!  Using a knitted wrap, especially one containing elastane (synthetic = heats up), will be indeed discouraged in hot weather: these wraps require 3 layers Material around the baby to ensure the safety of the installation, and you will indeed end up cooking a little past the 20-25 degrees mark!  We also advise against systems that include padding on the seat, as is the case with some popular brands.  Carrying scarves and woven slings are, on the other hand, entirely usable without presenting a risk of overheating for your little one:  The fabric is always a bit less dense than a knit and is more breathable  Being more supportive, one layer of material is sufficient to secure the installation  In pre-made baby carrier ranges, we will especially appreciate those made with scarves fabrics that are more breathable than canvas ones.  Asian baby carriers (Mei Tai) are also appreciated for their less enveloping aspect.  In woven ranges, you will generally find cotton, which is a very pleasant natural material to wear in summer. You can potentially gain additional freshness by choosing blends of materials that include, for example, Seacell, which is a seaweed viscose that provides fluidity and a sensation of freshness to the scarf (note, it’s not air conditioning either!).  Seacell "Azalée Rose" "Eucalyptus" sling P'tit Evo "Savane" 3 – Baby clothing  Baby clothing in hot weather is generally very minimal: a small cotton bodysuit, or even just a diaper , and that's it! It is always recommended to keep a layer of fabric between your little one and yourself, ideally made of natural material (cotton, linen, hemp, etc.) : direct skin-to-skin contact makes you sweat and isn't the most pleasant.  Bonus: don't hesitate to use a burp cloth at the neckline to avoid the "schloupsss" effect that can be quite unbearable when baby lifts their head and gets stuck by the sweat from your chest!  Once outside, we gear up a bit more! Hat and sunglasses are mandatory, preferred over bibs and other sunshades that can be useful but hinder the child's head and offer less protection (plus increased risk of suffocation if too covering).  The detail we always forget: beware of reflections from certain surfaces that can cause sunburn on the soles of the feet! You can choose to put on a pair of thin socks, use a bit of baby-friendly sunscreen, or simply cover the legs of your baby with a thin burp cloth.  4 – Choose the right time  Common sense but it's always good to remind: avoid peak sun at 2 pm! Opt for walks in the morning or evening, preferably in the shade.  Note: don't panic if you have to spend 3 minutes in the sun to cross the street!  If it's really too hot and you have no urgent reasons, stay calm at home.  5 – Cool down during carrying  Nothing very exotic here: it is recommended to take very regular breaks to hydrate your little one (reminder: for breastfeeding babies, water is not only unnecessary but potentially harmful: breast milk at the start of weaning has a composition close to rehydration solutions, and hydrates much better).  You can help them better tolerate the heat by using a spray bottle (on the legs and arms, avoid the head!), by passing a cool washcloth, or by lightly humidifying their hat. Regularly check that everything is okay for your little one; if they turn very red, especially remove them from the carrier and offer them a drink.  Avoid: putting an ice pack on your baby's back (yes, we've seen it before)...  In short, as you understand, carrying your baby in summer is not only not a problem if the clothing and carrier system are well adapted, but it can also help them better manage the heat!  Now all that's left is to enjoy! 

The essentials of summer

It's almost time for vacation departures… and packing suitcases. You know yourself that the amount of stuff to transport is to the size of the child. And your partner doesn’t hesitate to remind you in parallel that the family vehicle is not a semi-trailer and that no, really, bringing their crib is unnecessary and IT WON'T FIT in the trunk (even disassembled). At Néobulle, we work for family peace, and we have put together a small list of essentials to slip into your luggage! 1 – A baby carrier More compact than a stroller (which frees up a LOT of space in the trunk for other things), the baby carrier is the true ally of travelers! Thanks to our Neo range, you can move around freely without getting stuck in a cobbled alley or a restricted access to a historic monument (holiday memories at Mont Saint-Michel and its forbidden to strollers abbey...). Also ideal for nature walks, it’s a great way for baby to discover the landscapes at a good height. The Néobulle tip: Discover the Lange and the Bib en Vadrouille, the perfect accessories for easily carrying baby’s belongings and skipping the stroller and diaper bag! 2 – Protect yourself from the sun We can never say it enough, the sun is not a friend to our little ones’ delicate skin. Besides the usual advice to avoid the midday sun and prefer outings during the cooler hours (before 11 am and after 5 pm), we invite you to pack in your bag: Sun cream with SPF 50 (ideally safe for marine life if you’re heading to the sea) A hat or a cap Well-fitting sunglasses for the face An anti-UV top The Néobulle tip: UV-protective clothing effectively shields baby and reduces the amount of sunscreen needed (and the risk of forgetting to reapply it) 3 – Say no to unwanted guests! The little monster that grows, grows, is cute in the nursery rhyme, but much less in real life. Mosquitoes and other unwelcome guests can quickly turn a pleasant stay into a scratching hell. Do you know our anti-sting range ? Repellent oils and sticks to easily fit in your bag and naturally keep six- or eight-legged invaders away. Similarly, we highly recommend doing a full inspection (including hair) upon returning from a walk in the forest to check for ticks, and so also keep a tick remover in your bag. Neobulle Tip: Anti-sting repellent oils also help repel ticks, and the roll-on adé pik is also very useful in case of a wasp sting or falling into nettles… 4 – The first aid kit While it’s not necessary to carry your entire pharmacy, and although in theory it’s always easy to get specific treatment if needed at your holiday location, having a few supplies with you remains reassuring and practical (especially since we know that children tend to fall ill at night or on weekends when everything is closed)! Bandages, compresses, and supplies to disinfect a small wound. An analgesic / antipyretic (to be prepared in baby/child doses but also for adults…) Physiological saline solution Hydration solution Our emergency kit with roll-ons suitable for big accidents and all little bumps! Tissues And of course all ongoing family treatments (making sure beforehand that you have enough to finish the trip peacefully before the next renewal) Neobulle Tip: Pack at the bottom of your suitcase a pouch containing prescriptions for ongoing treatments and health records 5 – The essentials for swimming No joke: don’t forget your swimsuits! Another must-have: our Aquabulle! It’s no bigger than a pair of socks, and with it you can cross the beach with baby and your bags, as well as introduce the waves to your little one in complete safety. Want to learn more about swimming with baby?  ? Find here our article dedicated to this topic! Neobulle Tip: the aquabulle is also very practical for taking a shower with baby at the campsite 6 – Water bottles and flasks Nothing is more disagreeable than planning a family outing and discovering when preparing the picnic that we forgot the water bottles… If it's hot, you need to ensure that baby drinks often and in sufficient quantities to avoid dehydration. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, your milk is more hydrating than water thanks to the sugars and minerals it contains (equivalent to a rehydration solution). Neobulle Tip: offer your baby a drink or a breastfeed each time you take a few sips of water yourself. 7 – THE DODOU!!! Last but not least… The ultimate comfort for baby, his companion at every moment, his precious ally for naps and nights, (almost) more important than you, I call it: THE DODOU! Forgetting this one exposes you to consequences similar to those of a world war. Same for the little head if baby has one, by the way. Really, don’t do that. Neobulle Tip: plan a backup doudou and some spare tétines in advance at the bottom of the suitcase, just in case. Now you are ready for the big departure! All that remains is to wish you a fantastic holiday full of beautiful moments with family.

10 "chill" activity ideas with baby

Autumn is settling in… Temperatures are becoming cooler, days are shorter, and the weather is more unstable and humid… It's the time of year when we love to bring out our cozy chunky sweaters, curl up under a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa, and relax. Has baby arrived since your last autumn of cuddling under the duvet with your loved one? Never mind! We give you 10 relaxation activity ideas for the family. "Chill" idea No. 1: Family massages A small amount of P'tits Câlins oil and off we go for a little family massage session!With the youngest, you can target the tummy that twists or have fun tickling the feet a little…For the older children, why not make it a ritual? Print cards showing different areas of the body. Every Sunday, draw one at random to see what we will massage!Nothing beats filling up with softness and releasing all the tensions of the week… Did you notice that the P’tits Câlins oil smelled like frangipane? Chill idea #2: A walk in the forest Even if freshness settles in, the sun is sometimes still part of the scene, illuminating with its rays the blaze of the trees.Baby snuggled in its baby carrier, the carrying blanket to stay warm, and hop, off for a little walk in the forest to admire the beautiful autumn colors.If you have older children, they will also love making bouquets of fallen leaves and then creating beautiful drawings to give to the rest of the family! Chill idea #3: Making pancakes or a good cake Even if your baby is still a little young to taste (you have to wait until they can manage pieces), nothing stops you from preparing it!As soon as they are old enough to be seated, don't hesitate to put your little one in their high chair next to you during the preparation so they can observe the different steps. Children love to imitate you: give them a plastic bowl and a wooden spoon in their hands to pretend to be like mom/dad, guaranteed delight!For the older children, cracking eggs, pouring flour into the bowl, or stirring the dough are activities generally very appreciated. Prepare clothes that are easy to wash (or even better: an apron) to avoid stress over stains. Don't miss the moment. Chill idea #4: Go to the museum A calm atmosphere, the opportunity to learn a lot of things, and a sheltered place from bad weather... What more could you ask for?We don't always think about it but it's an original outing and an opportunity to ignite the natural curiosity of the youngest and to make them discover new worlds.Did you know? All museums and national monuments are free for teachers and those under 25 all the time, and for everyone on the first Sundays of each month! Chill idea #5: Take a bath with baby There is much talk about the virtues of skin-to-skin contact, but have you ever tried taking a bath with your baby?With you in the water, they rediscover certain reflexes and sensations known in utero, maximum relaxation guaranteed.Caution, getting out of the bathtub can be a bit of an acrobatic feat. We advise you to always have your partner nearby to ensure the towel logistics. Chill idea #6: A sensory discovery workshop Different textures of fabrics, tubs with flour or chickpeas, small jars filled with spices with very characteristic smells... Sometimes it’s not necessary to invest in very expensive toys, just open the cupboards to improvise learning-rich workshops for your babies!Taste, sight, hearing, smell, touch… Choose your theme, find as many varied accessories as possible related to it, settle comfortably with your little one, and depending on their age: let them explore the workshop freely or offer them different sensations. Sensorial discovery can be offered from the first weeks of life, but it must be adapted to your toddler's age. The younger your baby, the more the elements should be differentiated and the activity time should be short because it is very . We invite you to be quite attentive to your little one's reactions and to stop the session when you feel they are starting to get upset, even if it seemed quick to you (a few minutes may suffice for a baby of a few weeks for example)! "Chill" Idea No. 07: Listening to Soft Music Music soothes the soul, they say, and rightly so.Melomaniac friends, now is the time to introduce your favorite playlists to your children!Which team will you be on?Rather classical music, jazz, Tibetan bowls, nature sounds… For a calming atmosphere…Or percussion, pop, rock, metal… to dance, have fun, and let loose!Let your desires run free and enjoy yourself!If you play an instrument yourself, your little ones will also be delighted to see and hear you repeat… something that could spark a vocation in them later, who knows? "Chill" Idea No. 08: Going to the Aquarium If there is an aquarium near you, it’s a trip worth taking with your little one!The atmosphere is , especially thanks to reduced bluish lights. From its stroller, your baby will be able to observe the fish swimming in the different tanks. "Chill" Idea No. 09: Reading Stories Sober, simple, effective: reading!!!Travel, discover the world, the universe, without leaving your couch? Thanks to books, anything is possible. From the first weeks of life, your little one can listen to you tell stories, you can show him picture books, and encourage his love for tales and paper adventures.Does your child develop a fierce appetite for reading? Don’t hesitate to browse libraries to stock up on new books without breaking the bank. "Chill" Idea No. 10: Napping When you have a baby, sleep becomes a rare and precious commodity. Has your little one fallen asleep in his cradle? Quick, your warm and cozy bed is calling for a little rest that is comforting and restorative!Isn’t it nice here, wrapped in the soft cocoon of his bedding, peacefully drifting into Morpheus’ arms, rocked by his gentle breathing? Close your eyes, ENJOY! Now you’re ready to face winter weekends! Which activity will you try?