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)
Protect baby from mosquitoes!
BzzZBZz Did you recognize it too? The unbearable mosquito BzzBzz that waits for the light in your room to go out so it can taunt you with its "sweet" melody then bite you… Are you tired of ending up in spy mode under the sheet in the middle of a heatwave, to protect yourself from the invader's assaults? Good news, we have solutions for you! Without chemical insecticides, only based on organic essential oils, carefully dosed to be used even with babies and pregnant or breastfeeding women, we explain everything about our mosquito repellents! Neobulle anti-sting range Repelling Invaders Avoid being devoured; it’s primarily about keeping the unwanted at a distance! Combining mosquito nets, fans (some mosquitoes can be disoriented by airflow), and long clothing, repellents come in different forms: Spray or diffuse into the air of a room Apply directly on yourself The anti-sting repellent spray is ideal when you want to protect yourself from mosquitoes in an enclosed space (house, tent, etc.). Made from organic essential oils of fine lavender, eucalyptus citriodora, and rose geranium, it is specifically designed to be safely used even with babies (from 3 months) and pregnant women (from 3 months of pregnancy). The spray contains no gas. For optimal effectiveness, it is best to spray it before nightfall (and the arrival of nuisances!) in a well-ventilated room, and wait 15 minutes before letting the baby re-enter. Its diffuser counterpart works on the same principle, with either a 10-minute diffusion in an aired room before nightfall, or 5 minutes per hour in other living areas. Note that these two products are intended for outdoor use only and should not be used to impregnate clothing or on the skin! Once outside, we prefer protections to be applied directly on the skin. To best suit all needs, anti-sting oils come in 2 concentrations: Light formula for babies over 3 months old, pregnant women (from 3 months of pregnancy), and breastfeeding women Stronger formula for adults (excluding pregnancy and breastfeeding) and children from 3 years old. The oil is intended to protect exposed parts of the body (no need to slather from head to toe!), and is applied on healthy skin to avoid worsening eczema, for example. Enjoy meals on terraces and walks in complete serenity! You're about to enjoy 5 hours of peace! Unidentified flying or crawling creatures! HAAAAAA what is this thing?! Does the sound of an unidentified insect's wings make you scream in panic, coupled with frantic arm waving, even at home? While we talk a lot about mosquitoes (especially our new friends the tiger mosquitoes), unfortunately they are not the only ones bothering us in summer. Although our formulas have only been tested and proven effective against mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes, we have received plenty of feedback from our teams and other heavy users of the anti-bite range indicating good results on other six- or eight-legged creatures (or more). Down with flies, ticks, and other spiders! Oh no, it's too late! An insidious mosquito waited for you to lower your guard and viciously attacked you… The result is immediate: IT ITCHES!!! Now's the time to grab the Adou'Pik stick! A quick roll-on later, PHEW, relief is immediate. Because we know everyone can get bitten, the Adou'Pik stick is designed to be used even on very small children (from 3 months) and future mothers (from 3 months of pregnancy). It easily slips into a handbag or pocket and will accompany you everywhere without any hassle. Mosquitoes, but not only… The Adou'Pik formula is effective against anything likely to bite, not just mosquito bites but also other biting insects. It can be used to relieve mosquito bites and generally all other stinging plants, as well as wasp and bee stings, and jellyfish stings. … One can imagine, out of desperation, that the most avid users of our products have ventured much further than us and have tried less conventional tests such as incredible chickenpox buttons. Regarding this last point, it seems that the ultimate combination consists of the Adou'Pik stick on the itchy vesicles, then the P'tits Bobo stick when they swell and are likely to leave scars. You understand, the anti-itch range is a real must-have in family pharmacies! Developed in France with ingredients from organic farming, it is also local and ecological, which adds to the pleasure. And you, have you already tried it?
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!
Wearing winter
Too hot? Too cold? It's the eternal question of ALL parents, which becomes a reality until the child is old enough to clearly express how they feel (and where, generally, you don't believe them anyway, but that's another topic...). The most obvious solution is to favor contact and proximity with your little one, and therefore carry them. But how to cover them and be sure they won't be cold when temperatures drop? We offer you a brief overview of best practices. Dress baby in the baby carrier It is always recommended to dress your baby normally, as indoors, remembering that the carrier counts as clothing: if your little one has a small undershirt on the floor on their mat, for example, you should remove it in the carrier, because the material of the system around them replaces it. When you want to go outside, you dress more warmly, but around the baby and yourself, not each individually. The first reflex is often to want to put a jumpsuit (pilot suit) or a coat on your child. This raises several problems: It is very uncomfortable for your baby, especially if you try to maintain a physiological position: imagine sitting, crouched in a ski suit, and you'll get a little preview! It's quite stiff: it generally prevents your baby from bringing their hands to their mouth, which they need to calm and reassure themselves. This is also true in a stroller! It creates significant layers at the joints, which can especially hinder proper blood circulation in the legs It can hinder the proper clearance of the airways by creating thickness at the throat It prevents proper adjustment of carrying systems and can pose safety issues (increased risk of falling, especially in a sling) And most importantly: since the baby is farther from you, they also cool down much more because they no longer benefit from your body heat! Which is totally counterproductive. Carrying over your coat is also discouraged: Impossible to make a proper installation this way Risk of injury from buttons and zippers And like with the jumpsuit: the farther the baby is from you, the easier they cool down. The idea is then to have your little heart dressed in normal indoor clothes, possibly a thin undershirt if it's really -10°C, and then: Cover what extends beyond the baby carrier: hat, slippers/leggings (hands are against you and do not get cold) Put on your usual coat and we position a carrying blanket to make the connection on the baby (wide coats tend to cover the respiratory pathways). The advantage of doing so is that in case of passing through warmer places (such as a store), it allows you to easily uncover your baby and prevent him from "cooking" in his suit and crying while you finish your shopping. Note that thick clothing is also discouraged in cars: The harness of the car seat or shell must be very snug on the baby; with a suit, it adjusts to the thickness, but in case of shock, it flattens and the child can pass through the harness, so he is no longer protected The car's heating quickly warms the interior and your baby will be way too hot. NB: Neobulle's carrying blanket is designed to be used also in the car, making it a go-to tool for everyday logistics! Clear the airways The fear of cold should not make you forget the basic safety rules; clearing the airways is at the top of the list. It is not uncommon in winter to see parents pull up the blanket or their coat all the way to the top of their toddler’s head, to be sure that cold air will not bother him. In fact, cold air won't bother him, but the air in general will not circulate! And it’s likely you’ve noticed that he needs some air to breathe. Like with the baby carrier, the blanket or coat should reach up as high as the back of the neck of your child, leaving the face visible and clear. A hat or a hood is more than enough to protect his head. "Put on your little woolly sweater, you'll catch a cold!" In quite general terms, behind the fear of cold is actually the fear that the child won't get sick, largely fueled by popular beliefs and the injunctions to "dress the baby well because they get cold easily, you know". On one hand, overbundling is not better than underbundling. And most importantly, you don’t get sick because of the cold, but because of pathogenic elements in the environment (viruses, etc...). If cold can slightly sensitize the mucous membranes and humidity can promote germ proliferation, it is not directly responsible for falling ill. You could run naked in the snow, for example; if your path did not cross with a virus, you would stay healthy (plus cold preserves). ) ! Avoid passing from arm to arm and kisses, airing out the home, washing hands well, and wearing a mask if you are ill will be much more effective measures to protect your little one from winter ailments (bronchiolitis, for example)! Singing in the rain Carrying your baby also makes outings easier in rainy weather. We dedicate this paragraph to those who have already had to urgently figure out how to install the rain cover on the stroller in pouring rain, to those who had to mop up their flooded entryway with water dripping from the rain cover and mud from the wheels, and to those who found themselves pushing the stroller in a deluge without a free hand for an umbrella. We know you know! (Others, we leave it to your imagination) With just an umbrella, you can continue your journeys calmly and dry ! Carrying and winter activities Mountain activities, does that appeal to you? Yes, but with a good baby carrier! Many winter activities are accessible when you carry your baby. Of course, we advise against climbing Mont-Blanc, but a short walk or snowshoe hike is entirely possible ! The usual precautions are quite basic: Favor back carrying due to increased fall risks with front carrying Avoid a too long walk, especially if it is very cold (remember that your baby does not exert physical effort and cools down faster than you) Take small, regular breaks to move your baby a bit and ensure that their extremities do not get too cold. Feet, in particular, are very prone to frostbite. This risk is greatly reduced by using a physiological baby carrier and by the close proximity to the carrier (far from you in a child carrier with supports, the child cools down much faster !) In case of extreme temperatures, you can opt for lightweight woolen clothing instead of cotton: soft and thin, they keep the baby warm without making them sweat or overheat, and allow freedom of movement and comfort. You also appreciate carrying if you have clothes to retrieve from the snowfront (étonnantly, the wheels of the stroller roll much less well on snow). In short, you understand that close to you, it is much easier to assess whether your child is hot or cold, and they better regulate their temperature. Incidentally, it also keeps you warm, which adds to the pleasure !
The containing touch
The benefits of massage are numerous! Touch, no matter how simple, is important for baby and their development. Touch, is already what you do when you carry them, give them a bath... There are several types of touch, and in this article, I would like to talk more specifically about the containing touch, which I find particularly magical. The containing touch is particularly suitable for many situations: For children who do not want to be massaged, for children we cannot calm down, for disorganized children, "scattered"... The technique has the advantage of being very simple. It suffices to use both hands, placing them at two opposite points on the baby's body, then applying gentle pressure while bringing our hands closer together (keeping the baby's body between our hands). This movement aims to "gather" the baby and has a calming, containing virtue... like in the mother's womb! This technique is magical: I have tested it on people of all ages and the reactions were quite surprising. With a baby who was crying and, as soon as his mother performed this touch, he stopped, started to fidget again if his mother removed her hands, and calmed down as soon as she put them back... Older, on a teenager who told me: "what you just did is great, it brought us together!". On an adult woman I performed this touch at the end of a massage session, and she told me it was her favorite moment. I think that somewhere, deep inside each of us, who has known the containing womb of our mother, this touch brings us back to something very reassuring, archaic.
Taking a baby on a trip
Dreaming of adventure, travel, hopping into a van for a road trip all around Europe... But your family has just grown and you're not quite sure how to reconcile the two. What if carrying gear was a key element to making your project happen? The quest for minimal clutter Young parents know this: the volume of equipment to bring when you have a baby is ! Whether for a short weekend or a longer trip, renting the necessary semi-trailer to carry the "just in case" gear is generally not part of the plan. So begins the painful sorting process. Some choices are simple, but others are more tricky: the maxi stroller is very comfortable for the baby but takes the space of 3 suitcases. Meaning: you'll have to do without, but you'll need to figure out how, without sacrificing everyone’s comfort. This is where the baby carrier finds its first advantage: Flexible, compact, and lightweight, it easily slips between two bags and takes up almost no space. Remember a weekend in the mountains with 3 children and a dog in a tiny car packed to the brim, where the baby carrier was folded as a blanket over the baby and the sling was worn as a snood around my neck (the stroller, on the other hand, wouldn't fit!). Note that space saving is only effective if you opt for physiological baby carriers: large hiking backpacks with frames, besides being very uncomfortable, don't fold well and also take up a huge volume! A little breeze of freedom Who hasn't found themselves stuck in front of a huge staircase, a cobbled street, or a monument visit where stroller access is prohibited? The baby carrier allows you to face all unforeseen obstacles of your trip without headaches. Baby follows you everywhere, regardless of the terrain! Fancy a spontaneous hike on nearby paths? Just clip it on and go! An inaccessible place for the stroller? No need for a last-minute backup plan, nor the risk of theft if you leave the stroller in designated space. Whether for a day at the beach or a sightseeing tour, thanks to carrying you remain free to move around and can travel anywhere without the risk of getting stuck. Travel with confidence in transportation A suitcase in one hand, the stroller to fold in the other, the crying baby to manage in the middle, and the crowd getting impatient behind (without help, of course, that would be too simple)... Does this situation sound familiar to you? It’s the one that often occurs when trying to take the train with your baby. Sometimes, there are also difficulties when taking the plane, between the oversized stroller that must go in the hold or takes the place of another carry-on bag, and the security checks and waiting time before boarding to manage. Seated in a carrier, your child is secured during various handling procedures, you have free hands to manage a possibly fussy baby, and you can also sneak through the aisles more easily if they need to be rocked. The globetrotting baby For the baby, there are also many advantages to traveling in a carrier! Environmental changes can sometimes be more difficult for some little ones to handle: away from home, they can become nervous, anxious, have more difficulty falling asleep, and their routines and references are disrupted. This is all the more true as the transit places can be noisy and overwhelming (crowds, noise, lights...). Snuggled against you, they are reassured and secured and cope better with the various upheavals. Since tourist sites are often very popular, it’s not uncommon to find yourself right in the middle of a crowd. In a stroller, the child is at knee height of the people, even if you are careful they can be jostled, burned by cigarettes held downward, and the sight of legs pressing around them is clearly not the most pleasant. Snuggled against you, they will feel less overwhelmed by the crowd, and they can also enjoy the visits and panoramic views. For older children, they will also appreciate being able to rest a bit when they are tired. The ideal baby carrier for the little budding adventurer Now that the basics are covered: which carrying system should we put in our travel bag? If you have to choose only one, a preformed carrier is probably the most versatile because it combines both comfort with good weight distribution and the practical necessities of emergency or outdoor setups. It is easy to use for passing airport security or re-installing the baby in the middle of the train aisle upon arrival. Compact and lightweight, it also features a very low volume of bulk. Wrap, sling, and mei-tai They remain choice allies as well but will often need to combine with each other to handle all situations. Being very flexible, they easily slip to the bottom of a bag or between two suitcases and will be appreciated for a more cozy side with a very small one. All that remains is to wish you a good trip!
Hiking with baby
The nice days are coming, and with them the prospect of beautiful walks with your baby. It goes without saying that since a stroller is not particularly suitable for scrambling in the middle of the forest (some have tried but did not repeat), carrying your baby is highly recommended to make the experience enjoyable! So yes to carrying, but how, with what, are there any specific recommendations? Let us serve as your guide and let's go on an adventure together. 1st step: safety As with any respectable adventure, it is good practice for the guide to detail the safety rules to incorporate so that the hike takes place under the best possible conditions. Good condition equipment: this seems obvious but it’s always good to point out! Besides the risk of injury from faulty equipment, no one wants to end up carrying their baby in their arms for 5 km during a hike. A well-chosen schedule: in hot weather, prefer the times when it’s coolest, for example in the morning. Coincidentally, the child who acts as your new alarm clock is naturally programmed to wake up very (too) early and allows you to enjoy beautiful sunrises. Generally speaking, avoid routes in direct sunlight at 2 pm, even with good protection, the risk of heatstroke for your baby remains significant. An adjusted itinerary: for the ascent of Mont Blanc, baby must unfortunately grow a bit! More seriously, very long trips can sometimes become boring for children who may become less cooperative after a while. Opt for short enough circuits, which can be done in half a day, for example, allowing you to take your time to enjoy and make all necessary breaks. The route should also be practicable; overly steep or rugged terrains increase the risk of falls and are less suitable for carrying. Regular breaks: speaking of breaks, we invite you to take small pauses regularly to hydrate your baby, check that everything is OK for him, etc. Appropriate clothing: hat and sunglasses are essential! And a good layer of sunscreen as well. Favor light and comfortable clothing, and still bring a small jacket in your bag in case you pass through a slightly cooler forest. Back carrying: last but not least, it is highly recommended to avoid front carrying when the terrain is uneven. Indeed, the risk of falling is increased, especially since a baby affects your balance and obstructs your field of vision, preventing you from clearly seeing the stones and roots to step over. It goes without saying that these recommendations are only supplementary to the general safety rules already mentioned, especially regarding clear respiratory pathways. 2nd step: the baby carrier With safety ensured, we can now focus on choosing the actual carrying system. We have already mentioned it in another article (link to the 10 mistakes), the baby carrier must adapt to your needs and not the other way around, and it is essential here that you feel comfortable with your equipment so that the hike does not turn into a nightmare. When talking about hikes with children, one immediately visualizes large baby carriers with frames and lots of pockets. In reality, these carriers are not very relevant to use, and for several reasons: They are not suitable for the youngest children who cannot stand well They rarely allow the child to be comfortably seated (generally non-physiological, either the legs hang down or the child is sitting but without anything to contain him when he falls asleep) They are abominably uncomfortable: when carrying a hiking backpack, we make sure to place the heaviest elements at the bottom of the bag and as close to your back as possible. Here, you place 2 water packs at the top of the bag, flailing around and far from you! Options sold with sun-shade types are rendered obsolete by good practices, which involve avoiding being in direct sunlight and using a hat and sunglasses. Since this solution is ruled out, the final choice will actually depend on a simple question: do you have a child who walks? Non-walking child: In this case, your baby will be carried throughout the hike. Comfort is therefore paramount! You can use the equipment you are used to carrying with and feel most comfortable with on a daily basis: a sling or mei-tai, for example, can be perfectly suitable. Once installed, you will hardly touch it again. Walking child: This scenario involves the legendary cooperation of the toddler. Like Schrödinger's cat, which is both alive and dead in its box, Schrödinger’s toddler is both too tired to walk but too determined to be carried. Besides wanting to go right when you want to go left, he walks 100 meters, collapses from exhaustion demanding to be carried, then 100 meters further, marvels at a butterfly and wants to walk again, only to collapse 100 meters later and demand to be carried, then pick up a dead leaf 100 meters further and walk again… Immediately put away this carrying sling with which you might quickly end up tying it to a tree, and grab a preformed baby carrier ! The latter remains clipped to your waist, and your toddler will be free to climb up and down as they wish without requiring too much manipulation on your part. Well secured against you, the carrying times will remain pleasant for both him and you. 3rd step: additional equipment You have the baby, the baby carrier, drinks, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, you're ready to go. We suggest you pack in your snack bag for your little one: cookies for an older child, a pre-filled bottle for a younger non-buttered, fresh air makes them hungry and they might feel hungry sooner than usual. You can also pack a small first aid kit with bandages, disinfectant, and an insect-repellent stick Our excursion is over, you now have all the basics to go hiking peacefully with your children! Now, just enjoy these beautiful moments shared with family.
