Baby development: which nursery equipment to choose (or avoid)?
The development of a baby is a comprehensive, rich, and fascinating process. It is partly predetermined by the transmitted genetic material and the "cabling" pre-established in the small human being. But, above all, it depends on its environment and the quality of its human interactions. Every gesture, every word, every contact helps stimulate the baby's sensory, motor, emotional, and cognitive development.Are you wondering which baby gear to choose? Which objects are truly useful and which are better to avoid, on the contrary? How, as a parent, can you support the development of your baby through your daily gestures? In this article, we guide you to make informed and tailored choices based on your child's actual needs. The role of the environment A reassuring environment based on rich human interactions A large part of the baby's development unfolds depending on all the elements that make up its environment. Its diet, sleep, rhythms, living conditions, and especially its relationship with adults are crucial. The people around it therefore play a significant role, through their gaze, words, and their interaction with it. The baby feels, touches, listens, senses, opens its eyes, observes, and feeds on all the information it receives. Its brain is wired to learn and become curious. But, without relationships with loving humans, there is no development. Your role is therefore essential.Parents are thus the first essential material for the baby's development. Indeed, the baby cannot do without them! Carry your baby, rock it, talk to it, place it in the crook of your neck, your arms, your chest, or on your knees. These gestures promote bonding, eye contact, play, communication, and stimulate its development. The essential role of carrying in the baby's development The physiological baby carrier, the carrying scarf, or the sling are perfect tools to support the sensory and motor development of the baby. Being close to you, the baby can fully express and develop its sensorimotor abilities.To learn more about choosing an appropriate model, discover which preformed baby carrier to use from birth. Respecting your baby's physiology, meaning its naturally curled position, is essential. Create a wake-up space with a mat and contrasting objects A playmat or gym mat, where parents and babies can gather on the floor together, is very useful in the first few months. Enhance this space with colorful and contrasting objects, such as a black and white book or a frieze placed near the mat. Indeed, these contrasting elements help babies focus their attention. Make sure to change the baby's position or the objects' placement so that they don't always wake up with a toy hanging above their head, or so that they don't have toys behind them that would force them to arch their back to look at them. Limit objects that replace human interaction Babies understand the world around them when they are in contact with the people who care for them. Consequently, mechanical swings that rock and play music, or music boxes reproducing parents' voices, should be used with caution. Baby development primarily relies on real, qualitative human interactions, with those who care for them daily.💡 Want to choose a baby carrier suitable for your baby's development? Take a look at the Neobulle carriers made in France! The first suitable toys to support baby's development Later, baby discovers their hands, mouth, and feet. Their hands, initially closed, open and then close around objects. The first toys should be small, lightweight, and easy to grasp with small handles suitable for their hands. They can be larger if they are lightweight. Colorful toys with varied textures Colorful and contrasting toys are better perceived by babies from 0 to 6 months. At this age, their sensitivity is very fine. It is not necessary for their toys to make noise and light at the same time. Indeed, this could be too stimulating. Prefer objects with varied textures and shapes: hard, soft, smooth, rough. They can be varied but few in number: if there are too many stimuli, the baby becomes distracted or bored. If there are a few objects around them, they can focus on them and discover many ways to use them. The evolution of play and motor skills in baby's development Baby observes, grasps, passes toys from one hand to the other, releases, and throws them. Their grasp becomes more complex and precise. Over the months, their toys evolve:containers with contents,boxes to fill or empty (simple small cartons will do!),stacking and building blocks to knock down 1000 times,simple or complex insertions, Screwing and unscrewing elements... Encouraging fine and gross motor skills The practice of fine motor skills is intensifying. Your baby is catching small objects with the thumb and index finger or practicing making bead necklaces on a string. Parallel to the development of manual coordination, gross motor skills are also evolving. It is preferable to offer games or furniture that promote standing without forcing it.Thus, during the acquisition of walking, the baby can support themselves on a small chair, a bench, or have fun with a push toy. These are wheeled toys with handles, or sometimes a box to fill. These games are very appreciated, especially if they have a brake for safety. The goal is not to surprise them by progressing too quickly. Small cars, trucks, or riding animals are also suitable.💡 Tip: place a water pack in the small chests to weight down the push toy.To foster interaction with the baby, ball or balloon games are excellent. They provide a timeless support. Indeed, they promote exchanges, coordination, and visual attention, and should be explored without moderation!Finally, your baby will also enjoy moving with you, sharing walks, outdoor visits, or trips to the market. Once again, the physiological baby carrier will accompany you, perhaps on your back this time, a vantage point that babies love. Materials to avoid: risks to baby development Any systems that encourage the baby to stand when they are not yet able to do so themselves should be avoided. Walkers or yuppalas, for example, force an unacquired posture. Uninteresting in terms of development, they can become dangerous for the baby's safety. In short, it is preferable to support the baby's development without forcing them into a position they have not yet mastered. Books, allies in the cognitive and emotional development of the baby Books accompany the baby's development from the first weeks of life. Initially, black and white images captivate the infant's attention. Then, stories can very early support a moment of awakening for the little one.Gradually, the baby will become interested, listen to the voice, look at the colors, follow the parent’s finger pointing to the images. These are supports of infinite richness that accompany them from birth to adolescence and help develop their imagination, language, vocabulary, understanding, and attention... There are no limits to the stories you can read together! The dangers of screens for baby development Many studies show that screens are useless or even harmful, when consumed too regularly, before age 6. The baby does not learn anything through screens. On the contrary, early use can significantly impact motor and cognitive development. It is important to understand these dangers in order to use screens wisely. Conclusion: promote harmonious baby development with appropriate materials You understand it: to promote baby development, prefer simple tools. A mat for everyone to lie on and do "tummy time," a carrier scarf to go everywhere with baby, and encourage interactions, balls to play together, books for quiet moments, and nature for walks!💡To stimulate baby's vision and attention from the first weeks, discover this great DIY of contrast and shape cards for baby's awakening!On June 30, 2025, Anne Petit-Jean Robert, psychomotor therapist (co-founder of Néobulle)
Carrying a baby with hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects a non-negligible proportion of newborns and is characterized (in simple terms) by impaired development of the joint and a poor positioning of the femoral head within the hip socket. Without causing pain to the child, it still requires management to prevent later complications. In this context, the question of carrying is quite common: can you carry your baby despite the braces? Is there a risk of worsening the condition? 1 – A baby carrier, yes, but not just any When hip dysplasia is suspected in an infant (or has been confirmed), the recommendations are to ensure that it is handled by avoiding as much as possible traction and extension positions of the leg, in order to maintain as much as possible the correct position of the femoral head in the hip socket. The proposed therapy is often carried out using bracing devices that aim to stabilize the leg in an appropriate axis and that, with time and the child's growth, the hip develops back to normal. The posture induced by orthoses is a combination of abduction (opening) and flexion of the thighs (knees also being flexed and spread apart). Considering all this, it appears that the recommended positions for physiological carrying, notably with a slightly open pelvis and knees raised higher than the hips, are quite similar to those induced by the braces used to treat dysplasia.Non-physiological carrying , characterized notably by a suspension by the crotch (narrow seat) and unsupported leg that "hangs", are on the other hand contrary to the intended goal.Whether by arm or with the help of a baby carrier, carrying a baby presenting hip dysplasia is always possible but only if it helps stabilize the hips in flexion and abduction, which will be the case if the baby carrier is physiological. 2 – Baby carriers and braces for dysplasia The biggest difficulty usually encountered is to reconcile the implementation of carrying with the presence of the orthosis. Several configurations are possible:The device can be removed a few hours a day: the baby carrier can then simply be used as usual during the "free" periods, which also allows for continuity of treatment by maintaining good postures longer.The device should never be removed: in this case, it will be necessary to adjust the setup to be able to use the baby carrier without compromising the treatment. Depending on the device used, the recommendations and adjustments will vary. The soft abduction diaper One of the simplest cases is that of the soft abduction diaper (also often called "cocoon" or "cocooning" diaper), as it is less prone to errors. The setup is the same as when carrying a baby without any brace, except that the little one will have more spread legs. The correct position is already provided by the diaper, the baby carrier simply fits around it. With an abduction diaper, due to its rigidity and the fact that it extends high on the baby's belly, it is not possible to achieve a pelvic tilt and a well-rounded back.With a wrap, you can opt for dynamic "plate-like" tying methods, such as the crossed swaddle for example. With a mei-tai or a preformed baby carrier, you can possibly widen the seat slightly to accommodate the more pronounced opening of the legs. With a sling, it is best to prioritize an installation as ventral as possible so that the carrier's abdomen maintains proper hip opening (on the hip, the opening is insufficiently pronounced).Be careful to check that the baby carrier does not compress the baby's leg at the level of the diaper (mainly with wraps and slings). If there is difficulty on this point, you can pad the fabric on the edge of the diaper instead of reaching for the hollow of the knee. The Pavlik Harness The Pavlik harness, being more flexible, is often less bothersome than the diaper at the material passages and is more conducive to pelvic tilt. However, you must be very rigorous with the installation to ensure the abduction position is well maintained, since this time, the device will not correct it on its own. Displaced carrying methods are not recommended with this system for this reason. Some children are sometimes clumsy; when this is the case, the baby carrier installation mainly requires ensuring that the position does not cause chafing or injuries and irritations. It may also cause discomfort for the wearer.In all configurations, substituting a period of orthosis wear with a period of carrying cannot be done without prior medical advice. 3 – label "international hip dysplasia institute" The International Hip Dysplasia Institute is a non-profit organization that works to prevent, diagnose, and treat hip dysplasia, aiming to improve the health and quality of life of children and adults with hip dysplasia. To this end, the organization has developed a certification label indicating that a product is safe for proper hip development. Baby carriers bearing this label guarantee that their design preserves the baby's hip joint; this is a useful mention when there is doubt on the subject. This label presents some limitations. Since it is a paid, expensive, and non-mandatory certification, the absence of the label does not necessarily mean that a baby carrier is unhealthy for the hips but sometimes just that the brand could not or did not want to perform the appropriate tests.Moreover, it is important to distinguish between the notions of hip preservation, carrying physiology, and safety.A baby carrier that keeps the femur in the correct axis but does not allow a good close body contact between the child and the parent nor a proper rounding of the baby's back is thus OK from a hip perspective, but not at all from a physiological and comfort standpoint (spread legs and straight back, it’s better than dangling legs but not very comfortable either).Similarly, the safety of the baby carrier is completely independent of the notions of hip physiology and posture. Carrying systems from the different ranges of neobulle have all been designed to allow proper development of the hips of very young children while respecting their physiology and safety. They all display or nearly all display the international hip dysplasia institute label and will allow you a comfortable carry for both your baby and yourself, with peace of mind.If your baby is at risk of developing hip dysplasia or has already been diagnosed with it, the use of all our tools is possible.Do not hesitate to contact a carrying instructor to help you choose the model, install it, and adjust it according to your specific situation!
Working with your baby
For some, resuming a professional activity does not necessarily mean childcare arrangements! The choice is made differently by working while having your baby with you. Of course, this is not possible for everyone and can be adapted in various ways. Shall we talk about it? Why work with your baby? Choosing to not have your baby in daycare despite returning to work is a decision that can surprise in our cultures. The reasons are often very diverse depending on families, including notably: The desire to stay with your baby as long as possible The difficulty in finding suitable childcare Specific child needs requiring parental presence or making care more complex Working with your child is also a matter of compromise, with part-time childcare only, which allows you to spend more time with them while preserving a space 100% dedicated to your job. What jobs can be combined with having your baby? Before imagining organization, it is relevant to question the jobs that can be combined with the presence of your child by your side. If you are self-employed, all activities with flexible hours at your convenience and done from home can easily allow you to keep your baby. During their wakeful times, you can take care of them, and during their naps and in the evening and/or early morning, you can work, for example. With a salaried job, on paper it’s a bit the same, but in reality it depends on the flexibility of your schedule and your employer’s tolerance! If for various reasons your hours are not flexible, for example, keep in mind that teleworking with your child can quickly become a source of discomfort and frustration, especially if considered full-time. Many self-employed parents also bring their children with them including for missions outside the home: you can find babies in some stores, fields, markets, etc. They integrate into community life! It requires a little organization but is entirely feasible if that’s your wish. However, we advise against activities that could compromise the safety or well-being of the child. If you are a taxi driver, for example, it’s not really advisable for your baby to spend their day in a car seat with you! Organizing when working with your child Working with your child requires a minimum of organization… and especially flexibility!!! If you imagined that your little one would nap most of the time and that you could simply work during those times, you are very likely to be disappointed. Here it is.So, how do we manage?Well, as always, we adapt because we are super-parents! The golden rule of parenting is that children always have a knack for being the most demanding of attention and fighting as much as possible to NOT SLEEP because SLEEP IS A SURFACE when you absolutely need to finish an important file or connect to a video meeting. Here are some tips that might help you: It’s better to start by addressing your child's need for attention rather than trying to delay it: once this need is satisfied, your little one will be calmer and you will be able to work more efficiently (and thus save time!) Take advantage of moments when you have others who can look after your little one to schedule meetings or tasks requiring more concentration. Is it a no-day? It happens. Take your baby carrier and go get some fresh air with your baby, you'll work better once everyone is relaxed! Secure as much as possible the space where you work with your child, once they start moving it will allow you to be more serene and not fear that they put themselves in danger if you are a little less attentive for a few moments. If possible, schedule as many work blocks as you can early in the morning and/or late at night, at times when your child almost certainly sleeps and when you have your partner’s support. If you work , a good baby carrier is essential to free your hands and meet both your baby’s and your own needs. The ideal is to learn how to install the baby on your back as quickly as possible! Until when can you keep your child with you to work? Very young, your little one takes several naps, can be placed in a baby carrier and does not move much yet or only a little, so it’s fairly easy to organize your work in their presence. As they grow, sleep times decrease, and they demand more and more attention and vigilance, and it is important to gradually incorporate more awakening activities into their days, as well as outings so that they can meet other children of their age. This is no longer very compatible with most jobs. So, it is often around 10-12 months that you should start a transition to a childcare mode… Not necessarily full-time, a few hours a week can sometimes suffice to meet everyone's needs! Useful resources when working with your baby Always useful to have or plan: A carrying system, ideally dorsal harness mastery as soon as possible, the parent’s hands-free kit which meets everyone's needs! An attractive toy to take out in anticipation of a moment when you want to focus your child on an activity so you can concentrate on an important task. Food: a hungry child is a grumpy child. Delaying meal times to finish a task is always a bad idea. A grandmother, a friend, or a kind neighbor you know well and who could look after your little one for an hour or so from time to time, always convenient occasionally! What are the advantages of keeping your child with you If working with your child involves a certain organizational headache, it also brings a lot of joy in parallel. When it’s a choice, it’s often an opportunity to rethink your lifestyle, adapt your rhythm to that of your baby and it allows you to see them grow and develop. This enables a smoother and more gradual transition to a childcare mode, more gentle and progressive… Sometimes in some families, it’s an opportunity to ask other questions and completely change life plans! In short, you understand, having your child with you when you work is a little exercise in flexibility and organization, but what a happiness to be able to enjoy them daily! It’s worth more than gold.
10 "chill" activity ideas with baby
Autumn is settling in… Temperatures are becoming cooler, days are shorter, and the weather is more unstable and humid… It's the time of year when we love to bring out our cozy chunky sweaters, curl up under a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa, and relax. Has baby arrived since your last autumn of cuddling under the duvet with your loved one? Never mind! We give you 10 relaxation activity ideas for the family. "Chill" idea No. 1: Family massages A small amount of P'tits Câlins oil and off we go for a little family massage session!With the youngest, you can target the tummy that twists or have fun tickling the feet a little…For the older children, why not make it a ritual? Print cards showing different areas of the body. Every Sunday, draw one at random to see what we will massage!Nothing beats filling up with softness and releasing all the tensions of the week… Did you notice that the P’tits Câlins oil smelled like frangipane? Chill idea #2: A walk in the forest Even if freshness settles in, the sun is sometimes still part of the scene, illuminating with its rays the blaze of the trees.Baby snuggled in its baby carrier, the carrying blanket to stay warm, and hop, off for a little walk in the forest to admire the beautiful autumn colors.If you have older children, they will also love making bouquets of fallen leaves and then creating beautiful drawings to give to the rest of the family! Chill idea #3: Making pancakes or a good cake Even if your baby is still a little young to taste (you have to wait until they can manage pieces), nothing stops you from preparing it!As soon as they are old enough to be seated, don't hesitate to put your little one in their high chair next to you during the preparation so they can observe the different steps. Children love to imitate you: give them a plastic bowl and a wooden spoon in their hands to pretend to be like mom/dad, guaranteed delight!For the older children, cracking eggs, pouring flour into the bowl, or stirring the dough are activities generally very appreciated. Prepare clothes that are easy to wash (or even better: an apron) to avoid stress over stains. Don't miss the moment. Chill idea #4: Go to the museum A calm atmosphere, the opportunity to learn a lot of things, and a sheltered place from bad weather... What more could you ask for?We don't always think about it but it's an original outing and an opportunity to ignite the natural curiosity of the youngest and to make them discover new worlds.Did you know? All museums and national monuments are free for teachers and those under 25 all the time, and for everyone on the first Sundays of each month! Chill idea #5: Take a bath with baby There is much talk about the virtues of skin-to-skin contact, but have you ever tried taking a bath with your baby?With you in the water, they rediscover certain reflexes and sensations known in utero, maximum relaxation guaranteed.Caution, getting out of the bathtub can be a bit of an acrobatic feat. We advise you to always have your partner nearby to ensure the towel logistics. Chill idea #6: A sensory discovery workshop Different textures of fabrics, tubs with flour or chickpeas, small jars filled with spices with very characteristic smells... Sometimes it’s not necessary to invest in very expensive toys, just open the cupboards to improvise learning-rich workshops for your babies!Taste, sight, hearing, smell, touch… Choose your theme, find as many varied accessories as possible related to it, settle comfortably with your little one, and depending on their age: let them explore the workshop freely or offer them different sensations. Sensorial discovery can be offered from the first weeks of life, but it must be adapted to your toddler's age. The younger your baby, the more the elements should be differentiated and the activity time should be short because it is very . We invite you to be quite attentive to your little one's reactions and to stop the session when you feel they are starting to get upset, even if it seemed quick to you (a few minutes may suffice for a baby of a few weeks for example)! "Chill" Idea No. 07: Listening to Soft Music Music soothes the soul, they say, and rightly so.Melomaniac friends, now is the time to introduce your favorite playlists to your children!Which team will you be on?Rather classical music, jazz, Tibetan bowls, nature sounds… For a calming atmosphere…Or percussion, pop, rock, metal… to dance, have fun, and let loose!Let your desires run free and enjoy yourself!If you play an instrument yourself, your little ones will also be delighted to see and hear you repeat… something that could spark a vocation in them later, who knows? "Chill" Idea No. 08: Going to the Aquarium If there is an aquarium near you, it’s a trip worth taking with your little one!The atmosphere is , especially thanks to reduced bluish lights. From its stroller, your baby will be able to observe the fish swimming in the different tanks. "Chill" Idea No. 09: Reading Stories Sober, simple, effective: reading!!!Travel, discover the world, the universe, without leaving your couch? Thanks to books, anything is possible. From the first weeks of life, your little one can listen to you tell stories, you can show him picture books, and encourage his love for tales and paper adventures.Does your child develop a fierce appetite for reading? Don’t hesitate to browse libraries to stock up on new books without breaking the bank. "Chill" Idea No. 10: Napping When you have a baby, sleep becomes a rare and precious commodity. Has your little one fallen asleep in his cradle? Quick, your warm and cozy bed is calling for a little rest that is comforting and restorative!Isn’t it nice here, wrapped in the soft cocoon of his bedding, peacefully drifting into Morpheus’ arms, rocked by his gentle breathing? Close your eyes, ENJOY! Now you’re ready to face winter weekends! Which activity will you try?
End of maternity leave: how to properly prepare for your return
Your maternity or parental leave is coming to an end and after a more or less long break, it's almost time for you to return to work.How to prepare your return properly? What should you consider to make everything go smoothly? Let's try to cover it together? Accepting the ambivalence of feelings related to returning to work You love your baby and your heart breaks at the thought of leaving them in someone else's care…BUT you are so happy to do something for yourself…BUT it’s a heartbreaking feeling to leave your little one…BUT there’s also joy in talking with adults!You oscillate between intense joy and despair regarding this return to work, sometimes several times within the same hour.Rest assured, you're not crazy!You are just a normal mom experiencing all the ambivalence of feelings generated by contradictory emotions…Within each of us can coexist multiple desires, not always aligned with each other, and it is completely legitimate to love your child more than anything, but also to get a bit tired of it and want to regain a bit of your active woman’s life… But despite everything, it’s still difficult to leave them with someone else and to part from them (even though we dream of that moment without them!).Is there a magic solution to manage this? Unfortunately not. But knowing it’s normal is often already helpful!NB: often it’s also guilt that sneaks into the celebration, returning to work does not make you a “less good mother”! You have the right to really want and be eager to return to your activity without it meaning that you don’t love your little one! It’s not a competition of who does more for their child, each family should find the balance that suits them according to their constraints. Who will take care of my baby at the end of my maternity leave? Returning to work means finding a childcare arrangement for your little one. The process can sometimes be delicate because it involves many constraints that depend on parameters sometimes beyond your control.Some times of the year are more favorable for searching: especially September, or January. Indeed, with the start of the school year, many places become available. However, keep in mind that it’s not impossible to obtain a childcare arrangement for the rest of the year: structures open up, and childminders start their activities. , parents move or change their childcare arrangements… Sometimes you have the impression of searching for the perfect solution but aren’t quite sure what you can or cannot compromise on ? A little trick might be to make a list of criteria ranked by importance: you can easily cut back on items at the bottom of the list, but not on those at the very top, otherwise it’s likely you’ll find yourself urgently looking for a new childcare option shortly after resuming work! Continue breastfeeding or wean my baby to prepare for my return? If your baby is breastfed, the question may arise of weaning or not in view of the return. Know that contrary to many received ideas, it is quite possible to combine breastfeeding and professional activity, and it’s not even that complicated!Want to learn more about this topic? Don’t hesitate to visit this comprehensive article which will give you several tips and small tricks to evaluate the feasibility (or not!) of this project for you.We also invite you, in parallel, to discuss it with a trained health professional (IBCLC certified lactation consultant, midwife). You can also contact breastfeeding support organizations that often offer support groups which can help visualize and exchange with other mothers facing the same situation. Flexibility and letting go, the key words for a peaceful return to work Even if, of course, we know that taking care of your little one is not easy and that the "maternity leave" only has the name… Let’s be honest, after several weeks at home, rejoining 7 hours of work (+ commutes, lunch breaks, etc.) into your daily schedule creates some disorganization! Maybe it’s best, initially, not to set the bar too high and to organize your return gently… Give yourself time to find your bearings, see what new balance is established for your family, and avoid trying to be perfect on all fronts! Since parents’ time is not unlimited, each family must set its priorities, which will vary depending on personal circumstances Some people's house will be a bit more messy and the mop will be used a bit less diligently, for others it will go through a period of all ready meals, etc... And that's okay! As long as everything is roughly clean and you have something to eat that's roughly balanced on your plates, well, everything is fine. It will always be time later to get a slightly more organized routine!Don't hesitate to ask for some help in advance: family members or close friends will probably be happy to give you some time to accompany you through this important step of your new life. A little hello to colleagues before maternity leave ends If you have a good relationship with your colleagues, don't hesitate to come and introduce your little miracle before you return to work...Because it's the most beautiful baby in the world and it's essential that they know and can see for themselves! This is also a good way to gradually reconnect with the company, get some news, and if you feel like it and your return is fairly soon, start to see how your return will be organized.Generally speaking, it is wise to have contact with your manager before your return date to find out what is planned for you, ask if a handover period has been considered with the person who replaced you, etc. Don't hesitate to discuss any specific constraints that may be related to your new needs.Pampering yourself for a beautiful return Self-esteem is often somewhat diminished postpartum, we feel fat (baby is born but the kilos, they are still there!), flabby, we lose our hair…And why not take advantage of the adaptation hours at the nanny or at the nursery for your little one to take a quick trip to the hairdresser to refresh your hairstyle?After several weeks (months) of taking care of this little heart 24/7, you have earned this moment just for yourself! It can also be an opportunity to refresh your wardrobe so you can approach your return wearing clothes that make you feel beautiful. Isn't it less stressful like this?This time you're ready for the big day... Courage, everything will go well for you and your little one!
The urban carrier's checklist
Here you are setting out to attack the city, your baby snuggled in its stroller and your bag slung over your shoulder! Is there something to consider to ensure the adventure goes well? We have prepared a little checklist so that you can just enjoy! A baby carrier in good condition and well adjusted Because comfort is fundamental! In the city, carrying needs are very varied, and you may need to carry both for short periods and for longer trips, and these are often very recurring needs.The right adjustments of the carrying system are the guarantee of your future consistency: no matter how practical it is, no one uses long-term a tool that causes pain. Neobulle Tip: We recommend checking once a week roughly that the settings of your baby carrier are still adjusted to your child's growth (and yes, they grow quickly!). Don’t hesitate to check the good condition of your equipment. Comfortable outfits for carrying In the comfort category, you’ll also find clothing! Whether for your little heart or for yourself, plan an outfit in which you feel comfortable to move… Soft clothing, the right size, that does not constrict the body, does not pinch and does not ride up with movement should be prioritized when you plan a carrying trip with your baby. Between stairs, sidewalks, and construction sites, the terrain is not always stable for walking, so we invite you to wear practical shoes: no heels or high shoes, prefer sneakers, trainers, and other sneakers! We also think of seasonal classics: A hat and slippers for winter A hat and sunglasses for summer Neobulle Tip: Be careful with decorations on some adult clothing (pearls, zippers…), which can sometimes irritate or hurt your little one. Baby essentials! What ranks 3rd on this list and not 1st? A moment of distraction, perhaps… We are obviously talking about the comforter and the little head! NEVER forget! Never! Like if it happens to you, turn back, even if you risk being very late for work afterwards. We invite you to take them first, check during preparations that you have packed them properly, then before leaving the house, and again before exiting the building (you never know!). Neobulle Tip: Plan a backup set in the diaper bag. Be prepared for all emergencies, even outside carrying Parenting Murphy's Law is just like that: no matter the duration of a trip, the diaper will always leak RIGHT on the day where you haven't planned for something to change your baby.Ward off bad luck by always having on you a diaper, some cotton, a small lotion bottle and a clean onesie in your diaper bag. Yes, even for a short outing!Neobulle Tip: Remember to regularly check that the spare onesie is still the right size! Food and Drink! As long as your little one is breastfeeding, managing outings is quite simple since the breasts are always ready to provide meals and drinks as desired.When this is not or no longer the case, we advise you to always bring a bottle in advance in the bag (or for older children, a packet of biscuits and a small water bottle), to prevent the small hunger pangs that are sure to occur during the metro ride. Neobulle Tip: Having food ready is always useful in case of an incident during travels (like a stuck train), even later with older children! You can also use this little "emergency bag" in the car and supplement it with a survival blanket in winter. A diaper attached to the baby carrier Not all trends are good to follow, the "milk stone" perfume popular among new parents is actually one of them. Especially once your work routine resumes!The morning rush, a quick snack or bottle in haste, and suddenly your little one takes advantage of the 10-minute walk between your house and the daycare to give you a nice vomit of some of their milk… on your clean shirt? No! Because being prepared, you had attached a diaper to your baby carrier, and sensing the "wet" burp, you had time to protect your clothes!Hats off to super parents!Neobulle Tip: We never have enough diapers… Don’t hesitate to leave some everywhere — in the diaper bag, the car, on the baby carrier, etc. An activity suited for carrying your baby Whether in the city or in the countryside, it remains essential to adapt your daily life and your leisure activities to your child's presence, especially when carrying himIf you can definitely resume a bit of walking or other gentle physical activities with your baby in a baby carrier, more intense practices such as jogging should obviously be avoided! Neobulle Tip: There are now dancing classes in carriers! Don't hesitate to look around if this activity is offered near you? Getting around in the city: when baby carriers are prohibited! Sometimes you see baby carriers in the city in places where they shouldn't be found!A quick reminder about safety AND legislation: on the road, during transport in a vehicle, the highway code states that babies must be secured in approved seats, which baby carriers are not.Subject to the highway code: cars, but also bicycles!Therefore, it is not only highly discouraged, but also illegal to use a carrying system to transport a child in a car, or on a bicycle (or an electric scooter by the way…).Neobulle Tip: If you need to get around by bicycle with your child, we recommend choosing a suitable seat and getting advice on this subject at a specialized store… Or walking on foot alongside your bicycle while dropping off baby at their childcare!
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 benefits of aloe vera for the whole family
Stretched, itchy, prickly, peeling skin... Does that sound familiar? Have you also tried applying fifty-two creams, sold for 4 arms and 6 kidneys to fund them, and all for a at best mixed result (when it doesn't end with allergic reactions)? And what if you tried aloe vera? We're about to tell you everything! 1 – What exactly is aloe vera? Aloe vera is a succulent plant (from Latin suculentus meaning full of sap) cultivated for a long time in Mediterranean regions, North Africa, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. It is mainly found in arid environments, where it grows by storing water in its leaves. Besides its aesthetic appeal, aloe vera is appreciated in cooking, as well as in cosmetics and dermatology. Don't have a green thumb? It's a plant that is generally easy to care for (except that, like cacti, you shouldn't drown it!). 2 – In what form should you use it? In culinary form, aloe vera can be found in many different forms: yogurts, drinks, desserts, dietary supplements... Rich in proteins and vitamins, it can be recommended to aid digestion or even regulate bowel movements. However, be careful: only the pulp is edible! Preparations using the whole leaf can cause poisoning and are classified as carcinogenic due to the significant proportion of aloe latex it contains. For internal use, aloe vera is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as children under 6 years old. Cosmetic uses have been documented since antiquity. Again, it is the pulp that is used. You can simply cut a leaf directly from the plant and press the pulp onto the skin; however, since it oxidizes quickly, this limits its use as it is delicate to preserve once extracted. Many attribute virtues to aloe vera, including: Hydration of the skin Assistance in healing Soothing of irritations and redness 3 - Aloe vera for the whole family So that the whole family can enjoy the virtues of aloe vera safely and without having to dig up flower pots around the house, at NéoBulle we have designed a ready-to-use gel : The Aloe Caresse Gel. We use for its production an organic Aloe Vera juice, directly sourced from a Spanish producer (Andalusia). Organic polyculture farming allows the soil to maintain its natural organo-mineral balance. Water needs are met by a pollution-free source and rainwater collection reservoirs. The harvest is done manually on leaves that have reached maturity, and the juice is then extracted from fresh leaves. The manufacturing process is artisanal and the processing unit is located within the plantation (short supply chain). Leaves are brushed, washed, and peeled meticulously to eliminate aloe latex, a laxative substance contained in the skin. The pulp (called mucilage) is crushed and pressed to extract the juice, following a specially studied protocol. Fresh and whole, the juice then retains all its properties. The quality of the juice mainly depends on how the plant was cultivated, the type of soil, climate, and care it receives. An organic Aloe Vera plant is mature between 4 and 5 years, and at that point, the juice has its potential nutritional components. It is at this stage of maturity that leaves are harvested to extract their juice. The rest of the formula? A natural thickener (to achieve the desired texture), glycerin (a powerful moisturizer), and a natural extract for preservation. The only one on the market to have been tested and approved for babies (from birth) and pregnant women (from the 1st month of pregnancy), it is a true must-have that can save you in many everyday situations. 4 – Little Neobulle Tips! Focus on hydration: For daily skincare, Aloe Caresse gel pamper your skin by providing real hydration but without greasing it! Ideal for oily skin that also needs water… It also pairs very well with our Radiance Face Oil : enhance your morning routine by mixing a small amount of gel with a few drops of oil. before application on the face. Recommended for very dry skin, aloe caress gel can also help relieve discomfort caused by eczema. Do not hesitate to seek advice from the health professional who follows you to assess its relevance for your case. A dream hair: Aloe not only nourishes the skin; it is also an excellent hair care! Applied as a mask, it nourishes dry, brittle ends, regulates scalp sebum, itching, and helps fight dandruff. Ouch ouch ouch, that burns! A missed spot of sunscreen? Aloe vera gel can help soothe the burning sensation from a sunburn and stimulates skin repair cells. Don't hesitate to place your bottle in the fridge before application for an extra refreshing effect! A pretty scar A scar that remains ugly, swollen, and pulls? You can try to massage it for a few days with a hazelnut-sized amount of aloe caress gel to help resorb and soften it. Be careful not to apply the gel on a fresh scar! 5 – Aloe in summer! Sanding friction that gets into clothing and the layer Sea salt or pool chlorine that irritates the skin Friction of clothes made sticky by sweat Sunburn (even without a sunburn) Summer is clearly not the friend of your skin: aloe vera can help you effectively soothe all small aggressions. An opportunity to establish a new beauty routine with a daily application on clean skin to keep it well hydrated? Now you know everything about aloe vera! And you, how will you use it?
Le P'tit Evo: Birth of a baby carrier
On the occasion of the arrival of the P'tit Evo in our ranges, we invite you to dive with us behind the scenes of creating a baby carrier.From the initial idea to carrying your little one, the journey is long and full of obstacles! Shall we tell you about it? 1 - The origins: the idea It seems simple written like that, but finding new product development ideas, it's sometimes a real headache! Especially since it’s not just about designing an item, but first ensuring that it will be aligned with parents' needs that we support. At Néobulle, since the carrying range has become quite extensive, the field of possibilities narrows. However, there are still some gaps to fill, and notably we had in mind for a while that it was a shame not to offer a baby carrier inspired by Asian designs (mei-tai) that would be suitable for a newborn. The mei-tai is a perfect compromise between wrap carriers and preformed baby carriers. It combines comfort and the enveloping feel with the ease of installation. To learn more about mei-tai, click here! Our évolu'bulle, which falls into this category, is very well appreciated but it only allows carrying from 3 months old, which is too late for many families who love the cocoon-like feeling of a wrap but do not want to learn the knots. With more and more requests from carrying instructors (indicating that the interest was also present among parents for whom it would be intended), we decided to embark on this adventure! 2 - Defining the criteria The first step in design is to define the specifications that the baby carrier must meet. For us, it included: suitable for a newborn expandable shoulder straps easy to use comfortable evolving at an affordable price And of course, in addition to Néobulle's usual requirements, including the complete components of the baby carrier made in France, sewing done in our workshops in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château (42), and fabric certified organic cotton without toxic dyes. The shoulder straps were a tricky point because depending on whether you carry in front or on the back, the behavior of the strap changes: in front, the straps that unfold are often more comfortable, but on the back, they are less stretchable and padded straps are then preferable. Since the P'tit Evo is intended for carrying young babies, we favored front carrying but included removable padding for parents who might use it on the back later. Having similar age criteria to those of the Néo model, (our preformed baby carrier for 0-2 years), very naively we thought that it would be easy and that it would be enough to reuse the same apron and replace the straps (spoiler alert: no!). In general, it is important that the ranges are coherent and that the specifications take into account the other baby carriers we offer so that all complement each other in their use and that it is easy for parents to find their way around. 3 - The prototypes The prototype is the realization, the moment when we start serious things. It is also the moment when we often realize that the idea that seemed brilliant on paper is actually disastrous! Take this story of reusing the Neo apron, for example: well it doesn’t work at all. Because between the preformed straps and mei-tai straps, the tension lines applied to the apron are not at all the same, and we ended up with a very wrinkled fabric and a baby that was not at all wrapped. Critical failure. To better explain the course of this testing phase, you need to imagine that there are several people involved more or less closely, and who need to coordinate, all across different locations! Séverine (the big boss) sends precise manufacturing instructions to Caroline (our prototype sewing specialist). Caroline makes a prototype at home.Elise (who is responsible for home seamstresses) picks it up to bring it back to Séverine. Séverine has Delphine (the carrier instructor) try it on when she is in the premises. Delphine notes what’s wrong. Séverine and Delphine rack their brains trying to understand how to fix it, noting everything carefully on the analysis and report sheet (or rather: forgetting to note it, then getting scolded by Elise for thinking about it and doing it)Elise brings everything back to Caroline, who creates a new prototype taking the comments into account.etc... etc... Of course, every time we correct something, there’s a risk that it will modify everything else! Starting with a strap that doesn’t fit, ending with an apron that’s too loose, then returning to poorly fitting straps... The corrections must take into account the result in carrying, but without forgetting that it is not only about producing a prototype, then our seamstresses must be able to manufacture it on a large scale without too much risk of error (which could lead to later after-sales returns). In the middle, it’s also necessary to insert tests with other instructors to get their opinions and ideas, always very valuable. And real babies. , because babies are just substitutes that are not always realistic enough in their behaviors. Also with parents of various morphologies to ensure that the baby carrier will fit everyone. Friends and family are then involved (they serve science and it's their joy!). And above all, after a while, you need to try to make sense of the different trials, correct without reproducing the previously encountered problems (after 7 or 8 prototypes, it becomes difficult!), not to mix up the prototypes... and not to give up! 4 - The Holy Grail! 15 prototypes and several hours of head-scratching later, finally, the Grail! The perfect prototype! Dance of joy and champagne, we can now launch production! Our little hands in the workshop are briefed on all the details of manufacturing: cutting, sewing, tips for assembly, nothing is left to chance. They are the ones who add the little doses of love and sleep powder necessary for the baby to be perfectly settled and soothed! The baby carrier is sent for testing to ensure it complies with safety standards. And meanwhile in the offices, we need to prepare the launch: Photo shoot (thanks to our one-day models!) Step-by-step photos for the manual Video tutorials Color choices and their names Packaging design Manual creation (layout, texts, legal notices...) Internal training on usage (so everyone can advise you properly afterwards!) Product sheets for our websites, partners, and resellers and I forget some! 5 - It's starting Finally, the big launch day! Moment of truth: will our little newcomer appeal to you? Did we think of everything? A big release is always a bit stressful. Coincidence of the calendar: from idea to sale, about 9 months will have passed (which is exceptionally short! We are usually closer to the gestation of an elephant than that of humans!)... At Nébulle, baby carriers are our real babies ;-) And so: do you like this little evo?!
