The NeoBulle Journal

Which carrying system should be used for a short trip?

We often talk about the choice of carrying systems for hikes and walks... But less so when it comes to carrying over shorter distances. Yet, it is also a real issue! And yes... Quick trips, school/nanny/crèche runs, and other short errands punctuate the parents' daily life. So which baby carrier to choose? Can we use the same as for hikes? We tell you everything! What is my main need for carrying my baby? To choose the right carrying system, it’s a bit like when you want to buy a pair of shoes or clothes: you need to be clear about your main need, to avoid ending up stuck on the beach in flip-flops. Most often, when you want to carry over short distances, you will look at the following criteria: Practicality: the baby carrier must be easy and practical to put on in all circumstances (including in the middle of the street)Quick donning/doffing: the baby carrier should be put on (or taken off) very quickly, possibly in a waiting room or in a parking lotNo straps dragging on the ground: the baby carrier must be able to be installed in the middle of the street, for example after getting out of the carThese criteria are, of course, not exhaustive but already help to get a sense of the overall situation.In daily life, unlike during a walk where once properly adjusted and fitted you don’t touch anything for a long time, you need to imagine that the baby carrier will be frequently put on and taken off, sometimes a bit "on the fly" (not to say completely haphazard!), so it’s really important to choose a model that is not a headache and that truly makes your life easier! If it takes too long to put on (meaning more than the travel time itself), it can quickly become frustrating and discouraging.Then, you will find several configurations depending a bit on your lifestyle and whether you have other carrying systems to complement or not. I just want a model to carry my baby during my short urban trips If you only want a small carrier for short trips: the sling is your friend!This is THE portable baby carrier par excellence. Set up over the shoulder on one side, it pre-installs and can be kept on you, for example in the car while the baby is in the car seat, ready for easy installation as soon as you arrive at your destination. He adjusts easily and detaches with one hand: tensions are self-blocking in the rings and do not require any knot at the end.Since it is quite compact, it easily slips into the diaper bag to stay, for example, at the daycare in the baby bag during the day.By offering off-center carrying, the sling allows you to show your little one many things and to share many beautiful moments with them. Off-center carrying is also appreciated when you have a bigger one to manage because it frees up a bit more space in front! At the "expert" level: the sling is the only carrying system that does not require you to lay down your baby to be able to install it! Bonus? The most skillful among you will also be able to breastfeed their little one while walking (not too fast!).Disadvantage: carrying on one shoulder is not suitable for long-term carries, where it will become quickly uncomfortable. I also want to go hiking with it! Want to combine the needs inherent to both small and large movements? Why not opt for a preformed baby carrier? The Neo range is the ideal solution for parents who like to alternate between metro rides and café terraces, and open spaces. Installed in 2 clips, preformed carriers blend into daily life and provide both comfort and freedom.Like the sling, the preformed can simply stay clipped at the waist while waiting to welcome your child, and even then , it doesn’t drag on the ground and stays clean, which is all the more appreciable when it rains.At the "expert" level, the baby will do the shopping with you on your back and will show you all the vegetables and fruits they want to put in the basket!Disadvantage: when changing carriers, there are a few adjustments (quick ones!) to be redone. My toddler is walking When the child walks, the needs change and often carrying becomes less and less necessary… Especially since toddlers love exploring their environment on their own and playing superheroes as soon as they find a nice stick!Nevertheless, even the most enduring superheroes are entitled to be tired and need a super-parent to rescue and carry them during a more challenging journey than usual.This obviously happens when you no longer have a backup baby carrier with you. We recommend all parents to have a hip seat carrier support of the Hop-la type on hand in their bag! Ultra-compact, the hop-la fits in a handbag, designed to support your child's bottom and relieve your arms. It does not replace a real baby carrier but can save your day in many everyday situations and proves to be a wise choice for many small trips with a "small-big"! And the other carrying systems? What about other carrying systems? Indeed, we did not mention slings and mei-tai in this article. These tend to be a bit more time-consuming to set up (especially for the sling) and/or have significant fabric lengths, making them less suited for quick uses than a sling or a preformed carrier, and we would not recommend those for specific quick-use scenarios. However, if you already own them, do not hesitate to experiment with many different configurations to see for yourself and in your daily life whether they suit you, before considering other purchases!As always in carrying, there is no single truth and it is up to each individual to choose based on their feelings.You are now equipped for your small trips with babies! So, which baby carrier will you choose?

Lice alert!

“Lice have been reported in the classroom, please check your children's heads.” This little note in your child's notebook triggers a tachycardia attack doubled by a furious urge to scratch your head and disinfect the entire house to get rid of the invader? Don't panic, put away that hair clipper, and let's take the time together to see how to face the situation! 1 – Some general information about lice Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis for their scientific name), are parasites of humans. As for us, we will only talk here about those that live in the hair, but some can also live in body hair (morgellons) or on the body (less common). They measure about 2 to 4mm and feed on blood, their bites causing significant itching (related to their saliva). If an infestation does not pose a danger to health by itself, prolonged situations where scratching occurs can eventually lead to infection. During its life cycle, the lice go through several stages of development: J0 : laying an egg (the nit) at the root of the hair J7-8 : hatching Between J10 and J17 approximately : the larva goes through 3 successive molts J17-18 : first possible mating From J18 until the end of its life around J50 : females can lay up to 8-10 eggs per day We spare you the calculations: During its lifetime, a single female louse can lay up to 300 eggs! Each egg once laid can generate a mature louse capable of mating in about 3 weeks. Dizzying, isn't it? It quickly becomes clear why it is better to take the problem in hand as quickly as possible! 2 – Identifying the infestation How to tell if your child has lice? Often at the beginning, there is not much visible, and you have to wait until proliferation has started to realize that your little one scratches his head a bit frantically, mainly around the neck or behind the ears. A more careful examination of the scalp can reveal small red spots on the skin of the scalp, nits (about 0.5 to 1mm, yellowish or grayish in color while the egg is full, then white once the larva has emerged), or even lice that are walking around… Distinguishing between nits and dandruff is sometimes not easy. Dandruff are not attached to the hair, and can be easily removed with your fingers or a brushing. Nits, on the other hand, are firmly glued to the hair. In case of lice alert in a setting frequented by your child, it is highly recommended to check their scalp, or even preventively use a fine-tooth comb throughout their hair to remove any unwanted lice before they start reproducing! It should be noted that, contrary to popular beliefs, an infestation is not at all related to poor hygiene. 3 – What to do if you find lice on your child? The time when they shaved their head is fortunately over! And chemical and aggressive products are now forbidden (potentially harmful, lice have developed resistance anyway…) Smother nits and lice with an appropriate product At Nébulle, we offer a lice treatment lotion, made from ingredients derived from coconut oil. It contains no insecticides, fragrances, or essential oils, and its primary action is mechanical: it blocks the respiratory openings of lice and nits, suffocating them. During rinsing, lice and nits lose their fluids, which kills them through desiccation. Applied carefully over the entire scalp (not wet), it is enough to leave it on for 1 hour before using a fine-tooth comb and rinsing. Attention: the application time is calculated from the moment the lotion dries, you can use a blow dryer to speed up the process. Use a fine-tooth comb The fine-tooth comb is a comb with very close teeth that allows you to remove lice and nits from the hair. For an effective pass, it is recommended to thoroughly comb the entire hair and to start from the scalp. You can use clips or hairpins to identify areas remaining to be combed. Regularly passing the comb is also an effective technique to get rid of lice, but it requires a bit of patience.  ! Indeed, this requires using it long enough to have: Eliminated all adults capable of laying eggs Eliminated all larvae from previously laid nits before they are able to reproduce If you followed the above, the development cycle of the lice taking about 3 weeks, this means you should commit to daily treatment for at least this period… This also requires being sufficiently diligent not to miss any areas. Treat the environment Lice do not survive very long away from a head (about 36 hours), and they do not detach from hair when still alive. Environmental transmission is therefore quite limited. Nonetheless, it is recommended to wash bed sheets and pillowcases at 60°C, the same goes for other surfaces in contact with hair : car seat covers, hats… You can also consider disinfecting the hairbrush to prevent recontamination, using for example our Deo Couches spray! Note that if something cannot be washed at 60°C, it can be replaced by either placing it in the freezer for 8 hours or leaving it in a sealed bag for 48 hours. Inspect the whole family Since family cohabitation is a major factor of infestation, it is strongly advised to inspect and comb all heads in the household when one of the residents shows signs of lice! Lice can colonize everyone and not just children: babies, teenagers, adults, elderly… As long as there are hair, lice can be present. Sooth the scalp Bites and scratching can cause scalp irritations. Alongside treatment products, using a soothing shampoo can help relieve discomfort! 4 – Avoid lice! Better to prevent than to cure… Although it can sometimes be difficult to completely eliminate, we can significantly reduce the risk of infestation with a few simple gestures: Tie long hair in a ponytail or braids Use different brushes and combs for each of your children Encourage your children to not exchange hats with friends Apply a little of preventive anti-lice oil behind the ears on school mornings Regularly inspect your children’s heads who attend group settings, even if there are no reports currently in the class. If your children have "a head full of lice" and catch them easily despite all prevention advice, it may be helpful to use the comb regularly (at least once a week) to immediately stop any new infestations! Lice are able to survive in water, so swimming pools can also be a place of contamination. It is recommended to wear a swim cap while swimming. There you go, you now know everything about these infernal creatures! Stay strong, parent team, and we wish you encounter them as little as possible!

The essentials of family hiking

Long live holidays! The fresh air of the countryside, the little paths lined with flowers and wild strawberries, the beautiful panoramas… You're eager to share your passion for hiking with baby, and we understand you! But planning baby’s gear can sometimes be a real headache, so how about we help you not forget anything before departure? 1 – A baby carrier Have you already imagined taking a stroller on a steep trail? Forget right away this ridiculous idea! Some have tested it (yes, we’ve already seen it at Néobulle!), and frankly, it’s a no-go. The baby carrier is by far the ESSENTIAL accessory for all hiking parents, whether their child walks or not (because even good walkers, little ones tire quickly, and carrying them by the arms along with the bags is not very practical). Want to know more about how to choose your ideal baby carrier? Here it is! Otherwise, know that our new version of the Néo+ has been specially designed to support family adventures, with lots of little details (thumb rests, loops for attaching accessories…) that make a difference! 2 – Things to protect It’s difficult (impossible) to ensure you’ll stay in the shade throughout the trip… So it’s essential to plan how to protect baby from the sun: A hat, ideally that covers the neck Sunglasses suitable for their size and with a good protection (at least category 3) Comfortable and lightweight clothing but covering (which also protects against insects) Depending on your child's age, also consider sunscreen (SPF 50 and apply every 2 to 3 hours). And because the weather can sometimes turn bad and/or cool down unexpectedly, a light jacket and waterproof clothing can complete the equipment! 3 – How to stay hydrated This is obvious, but we still remind you! Always carry plenty of water, for both adults and children. Plan for an ultra-large amount, and add another 1 or 2 liters for safety to these generous estimates, so you will have the right quantity! Children do not always realize If they are thirsty too, don't hesitate to take frequent breaks to offer them a few sips of water. Note that a child is perhaps simply slightly dehydrated! If your baby is still exclusively breastfeeding, no need for water (which is less hydrating than your milk!), but small snacks. 4 – Things to treat minor injuries Even if it’s not necessary to carry the entire house, it is always recommended to have the basic essentials on hand to treat the most common minor inconveniences: An antiseptic and some gauze, to clean scratches Our 2 emergency sticks badaboum and p’tits bobos, to help absorb small wounds and bruises Bandages An analgesic suitable for all family members and easy to administer (99% chance it will be unnecessary but it takes up little space and we’re glad to have it when needed!) A tick remover Our Adoupik stick to relieve insect bites and falls into nettles! 5 – Time to eat! Hiking with an empty stomach, by default, is already a bad idea… With kids, it becomes more than critical! If usually the little one nibbles on their plate with difficulty, be assured that fresh air will open their appetite and it’s highly likely they will turn into a bottomless pit. So now is not the time to forget snacks or to worry about quantities! Focus on everything that provides energy but remains digestible: dried fruits, cereal bars… off? A little convoi struggling to move due to fatigue? Now is the perfect time to boost the troops with a small snack! 6 – How to change the baby A few diapers, some wipes, and a spare onesie… The basics of all outings with a baby! We also recommend adding a small bag that will serve as a trash bag, which you can throw away upon your return. Nothing worse than ending up with a messy diaper overflowing in your hands and nothing to store it in until the end of the walk! 6 – And how do we carry all this? Once the child is strapped into their baby carrier, how do you easily carry all that without turning into a Sherpa? Thanks to our 2 new accessories! From changing to clothing to pharmacy items, the wandering swaddle will allow you to store everything related to baby. Attached directly to the neo+ V2 baby carrier, its load distributes perfectly and it takes up very little space for the carrier, while avoiding accumulating XXX bags and straps that get tangled. On the meal side, the wandering bib as its name suggests can keep the bottle water warm… but not only! It can just as well be used to keep a small water bottle or the baby's meal at the right temperature. It too attaches directly to the neo+ V2, or if not, to your shorts' loop… You're ready to go on an adventure with baby!

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.

Accompanying a baby suffering from reflux (2/2)

Article 2 : Carrying a Baby Suffering from Reflux After discussing daily life with a child suffering from GERD in the first article of this topic, the following article will be dedicated to the specificities of carrying that reflux induces. Between theory and practice… In the frequent advice regarding supporting a baby with reflux, it is recommended to keep the baby vertical as much as possible, and to carry. On paper, carrying is ideal because it calms stressed babies, promotes falling asleep, offers a vertical posture, liberates the parent's arms, and so on... That’s the theory. In practice, it’s another story! Babies suffering from reflux have an instinctive NEED to be carried, but very often CAN’T STAND IT! They want to be held, cuddled and reassured... But they don’t tolerate contact. Moreover, being extremely stiff, the setups are more complex (not to say sometimes downright acrobatic). You’ve understood from these few lines, practical life is not straightforward! The vicious circle of hyperextension The first difficulty in carrying is hyperextension, and the manipulation challenges it causes! Be careful, GERD does not have a monopoly on hyperextension; many other factors can promote this (such as torticollis, for example). We discuss this here in the context of supporting a baby suffering from reflux because it is one of the major difficulties that can be encountered, but the following advice applies regardless of the initial cause. Babies who suffer from reflux are generally described as very tonic babies... This is often related to hyperextension, and it has nothing to do with a possible “advance” in psychomotor development. The normal (by standard) posture of a little one is a flexible and curled-up posture, with the back more rounded (see physiological position). When hyperextension occurs, the baby becomes very stiff, adopting straight postures (or even arched), in the jargon of carrying sometimes called a “stilted baby”. One might think that these "thrown back" postures are pain-relieving for the very young, that they help relieve some of their pain by relaxing the stomach and reducing the occurrence of reflux, but in fact no, it's quite the opposite! They are actually reflex positions in response to pain. To put it simply, we confuse cause and effect, the baby does not arch to hurt less, it arches BECAUSE it is in pain. Since we mistakenly believe (incorrectly) that keeping the body straight will make our little one hurt less, we naturally allow them to settle into this position, or even encourage it. This leads to 2 things: 1/ more complicated digestion (if you remained yourself in an arched position after a meal, you would see that it’s not very helpful for digesting properly), which itself is a vector for acid reflux if you followed along... 2/ a postural habit combined with excessive contraction of the dorsal muscles, which will prevent your little one from returning to more upright postures (kind of like having a too tight elastic pulled in their back). And thus the vicious circle. The hyperextended posture is also problematic on other levels that we will not detail here. But you might say, that’s all very nice, but what do we do to address this and correct it? Supporting rolling over daily The first thing to do is treat the pain (see the first article in the reflux series). Then, daily, we will ensure to gently work on the "good" postures, while limiting as much as possible all movements likely to re-induce hyperextensions (and you will see that they are numerous!). Thus, we will avoid anything that stimulates your little one to "arch" backward, such as for example: A mobile above their head (preferably an installation closer to their feet) Toys behind their head In the arms, we will also be careful to avoid anything that could encourage them to arch, especially by using the forearm instead of the hand to carry them. Indeed, when using the hand, or if the forearm is placed too far behind the hips, it creates a pressure that pushes their pelvis forward instead of inviting them to sit. In short, it’s as if someone told him "throw yourself backwards," and at that age, well, they listen to what we say! This can be seen as a true re-education, both in terms of the parent’s gestures and the overall posture of the child. NB: In a physiological position, the stomach is not supposed to be compressed. If the baby is not "tucked" or "faced down," his stomach remains free. And what about carrying in all this? Carrying is coming into play. We saw that it can be more delicate to implement due to the stiff postures of the very young child. The other complex aspect is the tolerance of the baby, especially when the pain is not yet relieved. As with anything that touches on somewhat specific needs, it is difficult to draw generalities, and you will need to do several tests to find the tool that best suits your little one, and arm yourself with a bit of patience! The following tips are those that seem appropriate for the majority of babies suffering from reflux, but unfortunately do not constitute a magic wand that works every time! Choosing and adjusting your system The choice of system should take into account both the needs of the baby and the ease of the carrier. For the baby, generally, we prefer very stable and not too constraining systems. For the carrier, we will prefer systems that can be easily installed even with a crying and stiff baby (we understand…) You understand, the babywearing sling (especially stretchable) is clearly not the number 1 choice! It can be poorly tolerated by your little one (too tight, wrapping), and requires a great mastery to be properly installed when he is in crisis. Systems like mei-tai or preformed are often better tolerated because they are less constraining, and they have the huge advantage of having material between the legs. To understand: when the little one is stiff as a board, crying and flailing, it is still possible to install him in the baby carrier even for a novice… The installation will be completely missed according to usual physiological criteria, but he will be safe!!!! And this will allow you to quickly walk and soothe him without overloading your body. Once calmer, it will always be possible to adjust the settings. ... The sling is also a system that, in some cases, works well, especially because it allows for a very gradual installation that is better tolerated by children. If you are using a sling or a wrap, a good tip is to start adjusting from the bottom edge, rather than from the top as is usually done. You will probably notice but often it is the adjustments and transitions of fabric around the neck and shoulders that trigger tears: by starting to tighten around the pelvis, it will help your little one get used to it gently. Do not hesitate to take breaks after each adjustment, and to walk and rock your baby so that he can relax before moving on to the next adjustment. Accept imperfection Last but not least: despite everything discussed in these 2 articles, it is very likely that your little one will not adopt very “conventional” positions in their carrying system. Forget about the baby bump, with knees well up and back nicely rounded… Sometimes when you manage to get a 90° angle (or nearly) between the thigh and the back, you are super happy and know that it will be difficult to do better! And honestly, it’s not a big deal! What matters most is that your baby’s needs are respected, and that you can breathe a little too and/or attend to some tasks with your hands free… Are the airways clear? Is there a risk of falling? Then everything is perfect. All that’s left is to put all this into practice! Don’t hesitate to also get support from a carrying coach to help you and adjust the carries to your specific situation. Courage and stay the course! You are the best parents you can be for your baby, reflux is fortunately not eternal and with your good care and his growth, things will eventually become easier.

Support a baby suffering from reflux (1/2)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, on a daily basis All parents who have faced this situation know : between crying, feelings of helplessness, fatigue, and not to mention endless laundry, being a parent of a baby suffering from reflux is hell! And unfortunately, this situation is not rare since it is estimated that this condition affects 1 in 5 babies, or 20% of infants. Warning signs, tips to relieve, carrying tricks... We discuss this through 2 articles specifically dedicated to this topic! Physiological regurgitation or Gastro-esophageal Reflux (GER)? First, a few brief explanations. Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER for short), is what is more commonly called acid reflux. Ladies, during pregnancy, you probably experienced this, and if so, you usually remember. Because it hurts (a lot). It corresponds to a reflux of part of the stomach contents into the esophagus, which is not designed at all to support the acidity of the liquid in question. This causes very unpleasant sensations of burning, and can, over time, cause an inflammation of the esophageal mucosa (esophagitis). It is not uncommon to wonder about the difference between a pathological reflux and physiological regurgitations, especially since it is quite common to hear that a baby who regurgitates is normal, and that a crying baby is also normal. Certainly, this can be true to some extent, but even parents of a first child realize when their baby’s crying is abnormal in intensity. Physiological regurgitations are related to an immaturity of the small valve at the base of the esophagus. After a bottle or a feed, overflows come out (often at the same time as burping), without the baby seeming at all bothered by having soaked your shirt. In fact, he gives you a big smile! Physiological regurgitations occur just after feeding, the milk that comes out is not at all curdled – pre-digested. And most importantly, your little one is neither bothered nor in pain by these. In the case of GER, the refluxes are less related to meals, they occur even when the stomach is "empty", and they are extremely acidic. Among the signs that may indicate this, we can find (not exhaustively): A baby who cries excessively, is very restless, nervous… He often tolerates poorly lying down and you need to keep him upright as much as possible He sometimes regurgitates curdled milk from a distance from feedings He seems to chew often You hear him regularly swallowing something (and he cries or tightens up often right after) He is extremely stiff, very tense, hypertonic and seems to never relax He may have an 'acid' breath He may have a voice that becomes hoarse, hoarse Obviously, not all babies will show the same signals, some will only display a few, others almost all of them… Note that reflux is not necessarily associated with milk regurgitation; this is then called 'internal' reflux. As soon as you have doubts on this subject, it is strongly recommended to inform the doctor or pediatrician in charge of your baby’s medical follow-up, so that they can establish (or not if that’s not the case) a diagnosis, and if necessary, propose treatments to relieve your little one. Relieve the pain The first difficulty generally faced is the pain that your little one encounters. He cries, a lot, really screams that leave you completely powerless to relieve him. We will address more specifically after feeding, which plays a role in this story, but modifying or improving this is often not enough to really limit the damage. This is where the doctor comes in. Gastric dressings, anti-acids (proton pump inhibitors), they have many tools at their disposal and can help your family and relieve your baby. Even if obviously no one likes to give medications to their little one, significant pain heavily tips the balance of benefits versus risks (and let’s be honest, when we have a migraine attack or other pain… we also take an analgesic. It’s the same for our little ones). Reflux can sometimes impact other health spheres of your baby by inducing notably increased ORL vulnerability, or by causing coughing. The first reflex, therefore, is to make an appointment to discuss the subject with a healthcare professional, which does not prevent simultaneously exploring other levers of action, especially through diet. Diet and reflux While baby’s diet is always subject to debate and reflection, it is even more so when the baby shows some particularities! It is often said that in case of reflux, you should space out meals and thicken the milk, but this is not necessarily a very good idea  ! Indeed, the most painful refluxes occur not when there is milk in the stomach, but when it is "empty"! It is important to remember that in this pathological case, refluxes are present even outside of meals, regardless of whether there is milk in the stomach or not. The presence of milk helps to slightly soothe the acidity and makes the reflux less painful. In the case of thickened milk, it often turns out to be less digestible, which can promote… refluxes. Moreover, if the baby no longer regurgitates, the stomach contents still come back up, just a bit lower, and instead of burning only during the ascent, it also burns during the descent… Therefore, it is advisable to divide meals into smaller portions given at more frequent intervals (especially since drinking milk relieves pain), to help limit acidity and avoid the "large quantity at once" effect, which is often less digestible. If the baby is breastfed, it is not a question of pulling to thicken the milk, nor stopping breastfeeding! Breast milk is a true "medicine" in cases of reflux, its healing properties especially help greatly in limiting the occurrences of esophagitis. It is also very digestible. Do not hesitate to offer as often as the baby demands. If the baby is not breastfed, a few small tips can help promote digestion: Absolutely warm the milk. At "room temperature," the preparation is very indigestible and requires the baby to expend a lot of energy to regulate its internal temperature after a meal perceived as cold (18-20 degrees Celsius, which is quite cold compared to the body temperature of 37), energy that is not allocated to digestion. Offer the bottle in a physiological manner: the baby semi-sits on the parent’s knees, bottle offered horizontally. There will be air at the top of the head, which is normal and not serious. This way of feeding allows the little one to be active during feeding, to not be overwhelmed by too large a flow, and to more easily pause and feel satiety. Do not hesitate to offer "on demand" feeding, with smaller, more frequent amounts (not necessarily every 30 minutes). The hungrier and more irritable the baby, the more chaotic the bottle feeding will be, and the less well they will manage —> reflux. The truth is that there is no single magic solution when it comes to feeding. It is up to each parent to test and find the balance that seems most suitable. With his baby. There is often a small adjustment in the feeding schedule, where we realize, for example, that the little one is more comfortable if we leave 1 hour 30 minutes between two feedings and that if we give really all the time as he demands, it doesn't really calm him down. It's up to you to see what is most suitable for your family (even if we agree, it's not simple!). Note that in some cases, reflux can be associated with a allergy to cow's milk proteins (generally non-IgE mediated), and in the presence of other warning signs, it may be worth discussing with your doctor to evaluate the relevance of tests and/or elimination. If your baby suddenly shows significant difficulties in feeding (implying: he is in too much pain), it is an urgent consultation reason. Do not hesitate to call 15 for advice. Surviving everyday life... We agree that, said like that, it's not very encouraging, but parents who have been through this know and will confirm: everyday life with a 'GERD baby' as we sometimes read, is a mode of survival! Intense crying is extremely tiresome and difficult to live with for families. It is a condition that should lead healthcare professionals supporting the baby to be very vigilant about the parents' health (especially psychological). It is a factor that particularly promotes postpartum depression or shaken baby syndrome. Once the context is set, what do we do? We do our best.And as much as we can. Relieving pain is a priority. For everything else, if the house is a mess and we eat a little more pasta than usual, well, it's not that serious. It’s the right time to reach out for help around you: grandparents, uncles and aunts, friends… Being able to leave your baby for 1 hour to breathe or sleep, or delegate a bit of cleaning and cooking. You can also find listening ears and resources at PMI centers or parent-child reception areas (LAEP). Generally, it is important to understand that if your child cries, it is not your fault. You are not doing anything bad, it is not related to any incompetence of yours. You are doing everything necessary to help your little one (by the way, you are precisely reading this article!). It is indeed a pathology. So, we've covered what reflux is, along with some resources and key points for daily life. Physiological carrying (babywearing) also proves to be a significant help in everyday life, see the second article dedicated to this topic.

Baby's tears

            Crying is often part of our daily life with the arrival of baby. They can be difficult to experience, especially when they are frequent or when we fail to understand their meanings. Sometimes, as parents, we are overwhelmed, exhausted, in the face of these, which is understandable. Yet, crying is so important for baby. It is his only way to communicate that he needs something, that something is wrong... Given that he has not yet acquired speech or walking to move around and meet his own needs. For him, it's a matter of survival above all!! What is hidden behind these cries? Baby may have a physiological need (thirst, hunger, dirty diaper, heat...) or emotional (fear, feeling alone, overstimulation...). If baby cries, it means he has something to say, he cannot throw a tantrum before a certain age because his brain is not mature enough to manage his emotions. It is obvious that this can sometimes be exhausting for a parent, but responding to these cries remains important. Recent research in neuroscience, psychology... supports this. According to a psychology study from the University of Notre Dame in the United States, for example, "leaving a baby to cry without trying to comfort him would have negative consequences for his health and could lead to anxiety problems in adulthood." It is not about blaming parents on this matter but about providing information. Not even about blaming previous generations or the people around us who encourage us to let the baby cry, for example. Everyone deals with what they received from their parents, with some advice from loved ones or professionals... The advances on this subject are relatively recent and sometimes still not well understood by many.               You might think that all this is fine in theory but sometimes in practice, it’s a whole different story and, quite simply, we just can't take it anymore! It is also important to know how to listen to oneself with kindness, as a parent. It’s not always an easy role to hold. Before "losing it", it’s better to temporarily put the baby in a safe place and let him know that you need five minutes to regroup... Or, pass the baton to someone trustworthy. In any case, don’t stay alone in these moments, you can talk to your loved ones or trusted professionals, or other parents (for example, during workshops with other parents) and you will probably realize that you are not alone in facing these difficulties, and others might be able to offer solutions that suit you... And what if crying was viewed from a more positive angle? Did you know that they promote the secretion of hormones that encourage milk production, that they strengthen the parent-child attachment bond – baby, the sense of security in babies when there is an appropriate response from their parent? Tears also help to restore the body's chemical balance after stress... So, it's not about eliminating them at all costs but rather learning to welcome them and sometimes support them. What about colic? Today, the term colic is sometimes frequently used as soon as a baby cries. Not that these do not exist, but it is a term that can be "restrictive" because sometimes behind it hides an emotional problem and not necessarily stomach pain (although that can also happen!). As a parent, we are primarily responsible for the baby's safety, by seeking what distresses them. We must ensure an appropriate response to their immediate need, even if it is embarrassing. If in doubt (suspected pain, illness...), do not hesitate to consult a doctor. And also keep in mind that even if they are clean, full... some emotions can remain unmanageable for a baby. Finally, if you have tried everything and everything seems fine for the baby's well-being, perhaps it is worth just holding them in your arms with love and verbally reassuring them that they can cry safely if needed… Besides, isn’t it a proof of trust that they show you by allowing themselves to cry beside you?             « Imagine that you have just experienced a traumatic event, something thathas deeply disturbed you. You are on the verge of tears and unable to relax or concentrate. You will find a friend or your partner to get help. You start talkingabout what happened to you and how you feel about it.After some empathy, your friend begins to calm you by saying: " Ça va aller, Çava aller, don’t think about it, please don’t cry, I can’t stand it when you cry. Come on, give me asmile now. Let me prepare something to eat for you. Maybe you should see adoctor? ». You will probably wipe away your tears and internalize your suffering, in order topreserve your friendship and also because your friend’s response showed you that you cannot be yourself in their presence.Now, imagine yourself in the same situation, receiving a different response from your friend.You start talking about what happened to you and how you feel. Your friend looks you in the eyes,leans forward, and takes your hand saying: "I am here for you, tell me what happened. I can see that you are really suffering and I want you to know that I love you and I want to help you overcome this experience." She kisses you and you relax" In deep sobs, protected by her presence. Youlet yourself go, sometimes in an incoherent way, and she says to you: « Tell me more … And then whathappened? This must have hurt you a lot. ». You will find her sincere and this trust willmake you able to let yourself go and ultimately regain yourself. Your relationship will be stronger, your friend will feel good because she was there for you and you will feel more capable of finding a peaceful way of functioning. » Article « Listening to babies », by Vimala McClure, founder of AFMB (French Association of Baby Massage)

10 original ideas for baby shower gifts

Your little one will soon be showing up, and your family keeps asking you what you need or what you would like to receive as a gift. You are desperately trying to make a birth list but, if you generally know very well what you DON'T want (you've already declined Aunt Cunegonde's offer and her old baby walker), you have no idea what you could possibly ask for! We help you with some ideas. – The anti-list: no plush toys, clothing, and Co Let's start with the gifts that should BE REMOVED from the possible choices. Plush toys: A plush toy is cute. The problem is that generally, you receive more than one, rather 10! All this so that in the end, baby ends up choosing a pacifier, a sheet, a duvet, or balloons (dedication to dear son) and the pile of plush toys ends up in a box in the basement. Clothing: In 3 or 6 months, you often receive enough to dress quintuplets (meaning: you won't even have time to put everything on him before baby has already outgrown it)... Often these are very pretty clothes but also very uncomfortable: frilly little dresses, slim jeans, beautiful for souvenir photos but much less for your little heart and his comfort. Larger sizes are more durable and less often given, but there remains the risk that when baby reaches the right size to wear them (which is hard to predict), the clothing will not be suitable for the season. Snaps and headbands: Similar to plush toys, it's a "easy" and inexpensive gift, as long as baby has a head which is not guaranteed! Dangerous objects: We repeat and reiterate: in a baby's bed, you put NOTHING. Bed canopies and crib bumpers are very Instagrammable but pose a serious risk of suffocation. Babies always move much more than you think and can get stuck inside, and the materials sold as "breathable" are just as problematic as their counterparts (marketing hello...). In general: you do not give a parent a tool that you know is "against" or that does not match their values. (We know, it sounds basic but unfortunately, this notion is not understood by everyone! 1 – The cocoon bath: the original towel-bib You don't know it yet, but taking your little frog out of the bath, all wet, slipping, crying, and struggling because she would rather stay inside, is sometimes a bit like catch and everyone ends up soaked! The apron design allows the parent to have free hands to pick up their little one, and to be able to wrap them very quickly in the towel as soon as they are out, to quickly keep them warm against them while staying dry. Big, fluffy, and incredibly soft, the cocoon bath is definitely a must-have! 2 – Parenting workshops Carrying, baby massage, wrapped bath, sign language… The offer is increasingly developed and allows learning a lot about your baby in an atmosphere that is generally relaxed and warm. More than a material gift, it is time spent with your family and helps strengthen bonds. It is also useful, which adds to the pleasure! 3 – A baby carrier Sometimes a bit expensive for one person, the carrying system can be the subject of a group purchase. It is a useful gift that will serve daily to make life easier for the whole family by meeting the needs of the baby while freeing the parents' arms. We always recommend having the main carrying system at home before the baby is born, even if you buy it yourself and get reimbursed afterward (possible when it is a gift from a close person, for example): this allows to be sure to have it right away and not to have to wait to see people when you would have needed it earlier. If you already have your main baby carrier, the gift registry can allow you to be offered a secondary system (for example, a sling to complement the already owned wrap). If you're still unsure about what will suit you, don't hesitate to prefer a small fund for later financing! 4 – Baby care products Well-being oils, to soothe digestive troubles and colic or to help with sleep… We always appreciate having something to massage the baby and it allows for a privileged contact with them and to strengthen the bond. Care products also come in many other ranges focused on bath time (soap, shampoos, bubble bath…), everyday minor injuries (bruises, small wounds…), winter viruses, or insect bites. Always useful to have on hand in case of need. Can't decide? Opt for gift sets offering carefully selected skincare assortments based on your needs! Bonus: Neobulle oils are delicately scented and crafted in France from organic and natural ingredients. 5 – Chewable toys Made of natural rubber and free from toxic substances, we love Oli and Carol toys, and so do children! Shaped like fruits and vegetables and just the right flexible, they are a must-have that babies will love to chew on when their gums start to tickle. The range also includes bath toys WITHOUT HOLES that won't mold (those who know...). A personal favorite is the flycatcher anemone for its slightly rebellious vibe, but we leave it up to you to discover their entire range! The fruit and vegetable ranges can then be recycled into a play kitchen, making them very durable toys! NB: Want a targeted gift for teething? You can pair a calming gum oil with the rattle! 6 – The practical "you can never have too many" The "you can never have too many" category includes everything you can buy AND be given as duplicates or triplicates because, as the name suggests, you can never have too many! Among the items on the list are: - Diapers: these large muslin fabric squares are absolutely useful for EVERYTHING! Including: for reflux and vomit, milk overflowing during feeding, isolating baby from the floor when placed somewhere, swaddling, as a light improvised blanket... You quickly get used to losing a few everywhere (in every room of the house, stroller, car, diaper bag...), and they also have a pretty interesting potential to be turned into a comforter. - Washable wipes: an easy substitute for disposable cotton and wipes used for cleaning baby's bottom during diaper changes, washable wipes do just as good a job AND are eco-friendly since they prevent a lot of waste. Easy to maintain, they also remain very useful later for wiping the face. or rinse the little hands full of chocolate. Want something more complete than just a few wipes? Opt for kits that combine washable wipes and care products that can complement them and easily fit into the diaper bag! 7 – Little dishes This gift is a bit separate, but fully in line with the parenting support necessary postpartum. Having one or more dishes brought to be frozen is taking full advantage of the visit from a loved one because then you won't have to prepare a meal once they leave! And it's also appreciated to have advance preparation for the difficult days when fatigue and baby’s cries mix. This also works for hours of cleaning or babysitting as needed! 8 – A portable diaper bag We all know the bottomless diaper bag that allows you to bring half of the house with you. Reassuring for first outings where we tend to pack it a bit "just in case," but ultimately quite quickly cumbersome, especially for short trips… The portable diaper bag easily slips under the stroller or into a large handbag, and allows you to have all the essentials for changing the baby within reach and with minimal bulk. It’s also a real asset for parents who love to travel and hike! 9 – Simple toys By simple toys, we mean anything that doesn’t contain batteries. Whether for your nerves (and your eardrums) or for your baby’s, simpler toys are better. Say goodbye to blinking noise-making gadgets (always too loud and without adjustable settings), which overstimulate and excite the baby! Prefer wooden or fabric toys, which gently stimulate the senses (notably touch). It also applies to mobiles: an object that spins with light and music just above the baby’s head is more like a disco ball in a nightlight than a soothing lullaby! 10 – A portable carrier blanket / sleep sack Did you know? Thick clothing (coat, snowsuit…) is not recommended in car seats (safety risk because the strap is no longer properly adjusted on the child) and baby carriers (impossibility of properly adjusting the system in particular). On the market, there are carrying blankets and footmuffs for strollers or cars. Neobulle makes your life easier by combining the 2 needs into a single product A blanket designed to accompany carrying in protecting baby from the elements thanks to its water-repellent and windproof exterior, AND that can be used as a footmuff thanks to the opening allowing the strap to pass through. Your little one can thus switch from the carrying system to the car seat while staying warm. The list is obviously not exhaustive but we hope it will give you and your loved ones some ideas! Note that some needs may also arise later in the baby’s life and cannot be anticipated: gift cards or crowdfunding can help avoid buying lots of "useless" items because "you have to", and to enjoy the thoughtful gestures of loved ones at different times! For a gift card, click here!