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.
Mothers on the go, a new family experience
The beautiful weather is settling in, bringing with it the desire to take a walk and share beautiful moments with family… Traveling with a baby may seem complex and laborious ? Don't worry, our new range "Moments on the go" is here to make your life easier! In the "On the go" family… In the "On the go" family, I first ask for… the baby carrier! The Néo+ is a so-called preformed baby carrier (with clips and straps), designed for carrying children from 3 months to 3-4 years. Made from the same fabric as our carrying scarves (organic twill cotton), it combines support, comfort, and lightness (which is appreciated when the thermometer rises!). It features multiple adjustments that allow it to fit perfectly to the body types of both babies and wearers, and offers different carrying modes (high on the chest or snug on the hips, crossed straps or not…) allowing everyone to find their ideal setup. Did you like our Néo+? You will love its new version! The little extras of Néo+ Version 2 + in physiology Thanks to a deeper seat that allows the baby to settle in comfortably at the bottom of the pocket immediately, without specific manipulation by the wearer. This deeper seat also makes it possible to use the baby carrier a bit longer (between 3 and 4 years instead of 3 years for the first version)! + in ergonomics We have placed rings at the ends of the adjustment straps of the baby carrier. Thanks to this: The handling of the straps is easier, you can grab them better (especially when the baby is lively while you're trying to install them!) It is easier to quickly identify all adjustment points of the baby carrier, reducing the risk of missing one and thus providing more comfort upon use. + in comfort We have added a small removable pad on the belt strap. People with a very slim physique can skip directly to the next paragraph. For the vast majority... for others for which the foam pads of the current belt do not go all the way around their hips, no more worries about straps slipping or pinching the back or stomach: the pad provides softness, a better distribution of pressure, and greater stability on the hips. + more hikes Do you instinctively look for an anchoring point on your straps when carrying your baby on your back during longer walks? We thought of you and integrated thumb rests into the baby carrier! + Made in France Well, honestly, on this side, nothing changes, everything is still entirely sewn by our talented seamstresses in our workshop in Saint Bonnet le Châteauneuf (Loire)… We just added a discreet small tricolor flag on one of the straps because we are happy and proud to continue producing in France! Did you know that our fabrics are also woven and dyed in the Loire? Want to learn more? Discover our article on the Values of Nébulle here! And + accessories thanks to loops placed at key points of the baby carrier, designed to hold the rest of the new features! The allies of family adventures Because when you're a parent, every outing is an adventure, we wanted to support you all the way! Tired of struggling with 15 extra bags for the baby? You love carrying your baby but don’t know how to transport the baby’s belongings? The “On the Go” family offers its new accessories: the On-the-Go Swaddle and the On-the-Go Bib. The On-the-Go Swaddle is a practical and ingenious fanny pack. It contains a removable changing pad and allows you to easily carry everything needed to change your baby anywhere. Need to bring a bodysuit, pajamas, and some diapers? It all fits inside! To prevent the search for small objects you stuff inside (like keys, for example) from turning into a treasure hunt, the on-the-go swaddle features internal storage pockets. The on-the-go swaddle follows your needs and desires, and can be adapted to your preferences: Clip onto the neo+ v2 belt in front carry Clip onto the shoulder strap of the neo+ v2 in back carry Clip around the stroller handles Carry it over the shoulder, even for a trip without the baby! Afraid of not finding a way to reheat the baby's meal during a walk? The bib on the go completes the range! Insulated container, it can hold either a bottle, a small water bottle, a snack, or a meal… It also clips onto the buckles of the neo+ v2, or any other bag or pant loop! Enjoy the freedom with your baby! What adventure will you embark on?
The values of Néobulle
Néobulle was created in 2005 by Séverine Martial. We often talk about ethics and the values of our company, a little here and there, disseminated through our daily actions… but never really in depth. What if we took a little step back? At the beginning… It's hard to talk about Néobulle's values without going back to the origins of its creation! Originally, there was Séverine, a mother of 4 children, nurse, and lactation consultant. Aware of the need for mothers to receive support, she created an organization for breastfeeding support, then for parenting, and gradually ended up making babywearing scarves and slings for the organization's parents, then for the general public. Néobulle was thus born, almost by chance, from a desire to help families! This vocation of support and assistance is ultimately the red thread of all the company's choices and actions. At the heart of family needs At Néobulle, we don't like excess! Our products are all designed through the lens of families' needs. It is a real ant's work to follow trends, list daily encountered problems, and try to provide truly relevant solutions without falling into fashion trends. French manufacturing At Néobulle, everything is French! This is a very strong commitment that involves major constraints. Our range of carriers is entirely manufactured in our workshop at our premises, in Saint Bonnet le Châteauneuf, by our experienced seamstresses. Our care ranges are assembled and bottled by our local partner Abiessence, according to formulas established by our scientific manager Claire. For each new product, it is a real ant's work carried out notably by Valérie, to find THE French manufacturer who can offer us the desired reference (she manages over 3000 references!)! Everything is done to optimize cuts as much as possible, avoid waste, ensure that the seamstress's work is not too tedious… and to offer a product at the fairest possible price. Healthy products No superfluous elements in the ranges… but not in our raw materials either! Say goodbye to preservatives, processed products, pesticides, and other additives… We always use, whenever possible, organic textiles that are free from toxic dyes. for our carrying systems, and components from organic farming for our care products. Our care formulas aim to be as minimalist as possible: each ingredient in our formulas has a purpose. Our baby carriers are studied to support the developmental specificities of each age, especially for newborns with special needs. For this reason, we choose to offer different systems depending on age. Respect for the environment At Néobulle, we pay very special attention to the impact of our activity on the environment. We did not wait for CSR standards to do so! We promote ultra-short supply chains, a large part of our textile and care production is within a 50km radius. We use natural products, mostly certified organic We ensure to minimize waste as much as possible and seek solutions to valorize it. For example, our textile scraps are used to make small storage pouches for care products, which we donate to fashion schools, and employees can also reuse them for their personal projects. Our new building is also eco-constructed and harmoniously integrates into the surrounding nature. Kindness At Néobulle, kindness also applies to the entire company and not just to the families we support! Everything is implemented for the well-being of employees. Everyone is free to choose their hours, based on their family constraints (and that’s why the building is often almost empty on Wednesdays!). Thanks to socio-economic management (ISEOR), each person is responsible for their missions and activities, which is more gratifying and rewarding than just following instructions. In terms of manufacturing, we aim to reduce pain, injuries, and other TMS. The seamstresses carry out from A to Z the baby carriers entrusted to them, no assembly line work, to avoid repetitive gestures and boredom. The design of the baby carriers is also carefully thought out to avoid gestures likely to cause tendinitis. And you, did you know all this?
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)
Pampering his Little Evo
You just received your P’tit Evo, you finally have the box in your hands, and the question arises: « By the way, can it be washed? And how? » Don't panic, we're going to tell you everything! Before using with your little one It's finally here, the temptation to use it RIGHT NOW is so great... But we all know how it ends: we tell ourselves it's okay just to try it and wash it, and then we end up using it and don't find the time to put it in the machine... Be strong, RESIST! Like new clothes, it is highly recommended to wash your baby carrier before first use. Unlike our carrying scarves, which need a first wash at your place to reach their final size and behavior, our P’tit Evo are sewn from a textile whose dyeing process includes a pre-wash and are therefore already “ready to use” in this regard. Nevertheless, the fabric passes through many hands, is handled on various surfaces, etc... So once at your home, it's not very “clean”. One of the great joys for our little ones is chewing on the straps of their carriers, so we strongly recommend that you put it in the washing machine before installing your little miracle! How to wash your P’tit Evo? Since the P’tit Evo is made of quality cotton, it is a not very fragile baby carrier and very easy to maintain, which is a crucial criterion when you have a refluxing baby. Washing can thus be simply done in the machine (and not by hand!), preferably with eco-friendly detergent. To prevent premature wear of the fabric and excessive energy consumption, we advise sticking to a cycle at 30 degrees max, with a gentle spin (800 rpm). Ideally, when possible, wash it alone to prevent other clothes from bleeding onto it, and put it in a laundry net or pillowcase so that the straps or belt clips don't get caught in the drum seal (if not, we recommend closing the belt clip). Cotton, being naturally soft and flexible, does not require fabric softener (which unnecessarily fats the fibers). Remember to set all adjustments (seat width and apron height) to the maximum looseness so that the fibers do not deform and the drying is faster. Unless absolutely urgent (you know who you are...), using a tumble dryer is not recommended. because it risks damaging the fabric and the belt foam. Tip: don't hesitate to use a hanger to stretch it more easily! Besides the first wash, which is highly recommended before first use, the subsequent frequency is quite variable… It all depends on the speed at which it will get dirty (a baby who regurgitates a lot or not especially…), and to what extent it is indispensable in your daily life! We leave it up to you to assess when the smell of curdled milk becomes more annoying than just passing the baby carrier a few hours later. Tip: the little evo is like a pair of jeans: the more you wear it, the softer, more flexible, and more plush it becomes! With each wash, it’s normal for it to be a little more rough, but it will transform back into a cozy cocoon very quickly! And daily use? In everyday life, everything comes down to common sense. For example, avoid leaving your little evo on the back seat of the car and in direct sunlight, which could cause discoloration of it (Note: discoloration does not compromise the integrity of the baby carrier, it’s just a cosmetic issue), and it might be interesting to check from time to time that everything is okay in terms of seams or that there are no rips in the seat. We have carefully inspected it from all seams before handing it over to you… Now it’s up to you to give it a little look from time to time! There are no other particular precautions to take, as our baby carriers are specifically designed to accompany all your daily adventures and are not fragile by nature! You’re now ready for the maintenance of your little evo, we hope it will allow you to share many wonderful adventures with your baby!
Swimming with your baby
Whether it’s because the nice days are coming, or more simply because we’re considering a family pool outing or swimming sessions with baby swimmers, questions about swimming with a baby are frequent. From what age? How? With what precautions? Can you carry them in the water? We tell you everything! When can you take your baby swimming? Before planning a trip to the pool or the sea with your little one, you need to be a bit patient! Indeed, it is generally recommended to wait around 4 to 6 months (mainly for immunity reasons). This recommendation is based on the fact that it usually involves crowded places, where humidity and heat can promote germ spread, but not only... A very small baby generally has more difficulty regulating their body temperature, and as a result, risks getting cold very quickly in water cooler than 37°C. Even in your well-maintained personal pool, unless the water is at 36-37°C, you’ll need to wait a bit! Meanwhile, if it’s very hot, nothing prevents you from dipping your baby’s little feet at home if you feel like it! What precautions should be taken? We mentioned the child’s age above, as well as the water temperature. It’s important to note that even with an older baby, this remains a key parameter to consider because the smaller your little one is, the faster they will cool down. As a rough guide, for baby swimming sessions, the water is generally a bit warmer (around 33-34°C) than during regular opening hours. A tip when planning a family outing is to come right after a session, while the water has not yet cooled down to its usual temperature. Generally, we always remind that during summer it’s advisable to avoid exposing your child to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Ideally, choose swimming times before 11 am and after 4-5 pm, in the shade, with appropriate sun protections (hat, sunglasses, UV-protective top, sunscreen, etc.), and remember to offer drinks regularly. Stay vigilant and keep constant watch over your child whenever you are near a water point (reminder: a child can drown in just a few centimeters of water, and unfortunately, it can happen very quickly!), and also be attentive to their general condition. (blue lips, shivering, heatstroke…) And what about carrying during all this? Already your everyday ally, carrying is also a real asset to facilitate going to the pool or the sea. First of all because unfortunately, you can't teleport from the car or bus directly to the water's edge! You need to carry the bags, but especially possibly manage a hyperactive baby, etc... Carrying the youngest allows you to be more reactive and more pragmatically just cross the beach, for example, which is not possible with a stroller. If you go to the pool, it is also not allowed to move around inside with the stroller (hygiene, etc...), having them in a carrier is simpler and more stable than holding them in your arms. Secondly, it allows you to secure your movements on sometimes slippery ground, or again to take care of 2 children at once in an environment that requires vigilance. There are now dedicated swimming carriers systems. This is notably the case with our Aquabulle, made of lycra, which offers the advantage of being very quick and easy to put on, and to dry very quickly. Note that the "real" baby carriers are generally, like strollers, forbidden in pools, while the aquabulle is allowed! Water carrying can help some little ones who are a bit overwhelmed by reassuring and containing them, and open up to new sensations during this special contact with their parent. Carrying in the water requires a system that can be easily removed so you can immediately take the baby out in case of problems (forget straps designed for swimming, as they are dangerous). It is not recommended to be alone to manage 2 young children in the water, nor to go to places where there is no foot support. You are now prepared for the next swims! So, pool or beach near you?
Which baby carrier should I choose for hiking?
Stand up campers and raise your hearts! You are eager to share your passion for hiking with your baby, and to introduce them to beautiful landscapes, but you are hesitant about the carrying equipment that would be most suitable for this activity? This article is for you! The Classic In the field of hiking, when we think of baby carriers, we immediately imagine rigid "tours", which offer some storage but are quite not very physiological or ergonomic. These models are designed by hiking gear specialists certainly, but not by baby-carrying specialists. This small nuance is actually a key point, because logically: a baby does not behave exactly the same as technical equipment, clothing, or water bottles (if that’s the case: consult!). Among other things: The child is often suspended by the crotch: top comfort during several hours of walking… There is no real support for the baby, so they cannot fall asleep without ending up completely crooked (corollary: the parent ends up with a completely unbalanced load) The child is very far from their carrier: the center of gravity is very shifted backward and their movement perception is amplified. This design choice is all the more surprising as it goes completely against usual best practices, which involve positioning heavy loads as close as possible to the carrier, to limit lever effects and the perceived weight increase! No one would think of placing a moving water pack 30cm behind the top of their bag. This type of gear is also particularly heavy and bulky (frames, large volume), and you need to wait until the child is at least 9-10 months old to install them. The Comfortable So what gear to choose? Well, it depends. Not on the wind direction or the captain’s age (although... ), but mainly on whether your little one walks or not… Option 1: Babychou does not walk In this setup, you can be sure that they will be carried throughout the entire hike. It’s on comfort that you should focus! Since comfort is subjective, the simplest is to use the carrying system you feel most comfortable with: wrap, mei-tai, or preformed, even if some lengths hang down anyway you are not supposed to re-install the baby 15 times Once gone. Bad point: If your usual favorite is the sling, in this case, it’s probably not the one to prioritize, due to the asymmetry that might make it quickly unpleasant ! Option 2: cute but functional In this configuration, things get complicated. The child is TALL. The child is STRONG. The child wants to CONQUER THE WORLD. And they want to do it ALL BY MYSELF. But not too much, though… Understand that he will launch an assault on the universe, but only 100 meters at a time. Then he will be too tired. You will need to carry him. Then let him re-explore ME ALL ALONE, ME BIG 100 meters. And so on. During the X (insert a very high number here for your patience) km of the hike. Preserve your mental health (and your eardrums) and put away the baby carrier. This is exactly the right moment to pull out a preformed baby carrier ! Clipped to your waist, it will allow you to let your little one climb up and down as often as needed during his trip, while avoiding complicated adjustments. Lightweight and compact, preformed ergonomic baby carriers are really essential for parents who enjoy walking without being too bulky. And they guarantee comfort for both the baby and the carrier! Tip: Is the walk a bit long? Our neo + offers 2 different carrying modes that allow you to switch during the hike which part of the carrier is used, and comfortably extend the outing. So, ready for new adventures with baby?
The 10 tips for balancing breastfeeding and work
Maternity leave is coming to an end and it's almost time for you to return to work. Your baby is breastfeeding and you were thinking of weaning, but did you know that it is entirely possible to balance professional activity and breastfeeding, and that it's not as terrible as it seems? Here are some tips to help you see more clearly and adjust according to your constraints and desires! 1 - Breastfeeding, work, and legislation It is often quite unknown, but the labor code grants mothers 1 hour per day to breastfeed their baby (or express milk), and this applies throughout the child's first year. In the absence of other specific provisions, this hour is divided into 2 periods of 30 minutes, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Companies with more than 100 women in their workforce can theoretically be required to set up a dedicated room, but let's not be fooled: this is never actually enforced! Are you planning to discuss with your supervisor how to organize yourself? The rhetoric is important: do not ask if you can have your hour, for fear of being refused (even if it is forbidden). Instead, be clear and informal, and avoid giving a simple opening for a possible refusal: "I am breastfeeding my baby, I will express my milk mid-morning and in the afternoon as permitted by the labor code, how should we organize?" 2 - To express milk or not? When thinking about breastfeeding and work, we immediately imagine milk expression. The reality is that between complete weaning and exclusive breastfeeding, there are an infinity of alternative solutions. You can express your milk several times to maintain exclusive breastfeeding You can express your milk only once a day to relieve yourself and maintain lactation: your baby will then receive formula to supplement their needs You can choose not to express at all and only keep the breastfeeding during your presence The younger your baby, the more it is advised to try to maintain at least 1 expression per day: partly to prevent your lactation from drying up due to insufficient stimulation, and partly to limit discomfort on your side. The more your baby breastfeeds in your presence, the more likely the breastfeeding will continue. The classic mistake (if your wish is to continue and you do not want breastfeeding to stop) is to switch to mixed feeding before returning to work and give formula even in your presence: with a baby under 6 months, it is likely that lactation is not sufficiently stimulated and that you will quickly run out of milk and end up fully weaning your baby. More simply: as soon as mom is there, the baby is given the breast. Formula feeding is reserved only for care times. 3 - Prepare reserves in advance Organization and anticipation are key words for surviving the return to work when you're a parent. This is all the more true when you want to maintain your breastfeeding! If your wish is for your baby to receive only your milk, we recommend that you prepare reserves to have some ahead for, on one hand, the first days of care, and on the other hand, to compensate for small drops in the baby's intake and unexpected setbacks in pumping. The simplest way is to plan a small pump session every day, ideally at the same time of day (for example, in the evening once the baby is asleep). We call this a "fictitious pump", where you simulate an additional pumping session with the breast pump. Often, you won't collect much since it adds to the usual feeds of the baby; it can be around 30 or 40 mL... Taken in isolation, it's indeed little, but over a month, it amounts to 1 liter of milk in advance, which is not negligible! Bonus: this pumping can be maintained after returning to work and on weekends to supplement the daily collections. Note that the quantities obtained during this fictitious pump are not at all representative of what you will be able to pump under real conditions: replacing a real pump session, it is much more productive! 4 - Make the milk available Whether it's breast milk or formula, the way to give it in the absence of the mother is quite important. The bottle is often seen as indispensable: not only is this not the case (you can give your milk in other containers), but it also presents a significant risk of jeopardizing breastfeeding. With a bottle, the baby just has to pinch the nipple and the milk flows out effortlessly: it is not uncommon for the baby to prefer the ease and become frustrated at the breast (or even refuse it), leading mothers to believe they are no longer producing enough milk (in reality, it is mainly that the baby no longer wants to make the effort to get it) or that their child has chosen to wean (before 2 years old, a child is not supposed to wean on their own; it is generally a result of external factors). If the childcare mode is open to discussion, the ideal is to offer milk in a cup, for example, so the baby will lap it up or be given small sips. Note that in some neonatal units, milk is given this way to preterm infants, which is entirely accessible to full-term healthy children! If conversation is impossible, we advise choosing bottles with long, flexible nipples (contrary to the ideas promoted by some brands: more "natural" nipples are worse) ), at minimum bandwidth speed (within which the bandwidth does not increase: it should not increase at the same rate either). Whether the baby is breastfed or not, the bottle should be given heated (to promote digestion and metabolic well-being) and horizontal with a semi-sitting child, so that the baby has to exert effort to get the milk and can feel satisfied and space out their feedings. Ideally, we will favor small, regular, and spaced-out feedings, like breastfeeding, rather than large quantities spaced out. 5- To train the baby or not? While it is reassuring to know that your child will take the milk well in your absence, the many preparatory tests before returning to work are often very stressful and unproductive. Most often, it is recommended to have attempts done by someone other than the mother, and that she be absent for a little while. Many babies refuse outright all attempts as long as it’s not “for real”, and end up taking without fuss once mom is back at work. Conversely, some children who took very well during trials refuse outright once real care begins. It is also very common for a baby to choose to wait for their mother’s return to eat. This is objectively no worse than “sleeping through the night”: if it is considered normal for a baby to sleep 12 hours straight without feeding or drinking, waiting 9 or 10 hours during the day is not more problematic! Often, this is temporary, and after a few days or weeks, children end up thinking it’s more fun to eat and finally accept milk during the day. Note that to unblock certain situations and depending on the baby’s age, it may be possible to thicken the milk (with agar-agar, for example) to give it with a small spoon. There is no real rule other than doing what feels right, as this will be the least stressful for us, and to make sure not to insist too much in the face of refusals to avoid completely turning off your child. If the baby will be fed formula, it can still be relevant to ensure beforehand that they are not allergic. 6 - Preserving expressed milk Breast milk is alive and can be stored differently and longer than formula. When stored in the coldest part of the fridge, it can be kept up to 5 days. However, it is better to freeze it within 24 hours of expression to be sure not to have to throw it away! If travel times are long and despite the cooler, it is also better to freeze or have the expressed milk given as quickly as possible. When mixing different expressed milks, it is necessary to first bring them to the same temperature (put the freshly drawn milk in the fridge 1 hour before mixing it with a previous draw). During the day at work, do not hesitate to check if the break room or the infirmary have a fridge, and if not, consider investing in a portable electric cooler. Mother's milk can be warmed and offered twice, but thawing counts for one. This means that once thawed, it can only be offered once. You might be tempted to optimize containers (often generous) by filling them to the maximum, but this results in if the baby only takes 10mL from a 200mL pouch later, there will be 190mL that can no longer be consumed! To optimize stock, you can, for example, use clean ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes into standard freezer bags once formed. This allows you to thaw only what is strictly necessary afterward. Waste reduction tip: if despite everything you have leftover milk that is no longer suitable for consumption, do not hesitate to add it to bath water! Ideal for hydrating and softening the skin. 7 - Choose your breast pump wisely The choice of breast pump is also an important criterion to optimize breastfeeding continuation. It’s obvious that a machine that hurts you and is too bulky or noisy will quickly discourage you from continuing (and will be ineffective)! There are many different brands, and especially various flange sizes (the part that fits on the breast). Depending on your breast morphology and sensitivity, you will choose different materials. It may be helpful to schedule a consultation with a lactation consultant to review what is available and see what will best suit your needs and constraints: manual or electric, which flange size, etc... Note that there are now small breast pumps that can be directly slipped into the bra, super practical and discreet! 8 - Focus on diversification When your child reaches the age of solid foods (around 6 months), gradually the constraints may ease. A child receiving a larger share of solids in their diet can eat yogurts or cheese in your absence instead of expressed milk, for example. Between 6 and 12 months, depending on the woman, lactation is generally sufficiently established to start reducing the draws without the production drying up. It becomes quite simple: mom is there, baby nurses, mom is not there, baby takes a bit more solids. The nutritional balance builds over several days/weeks and not day by day, so it’s not an issue if the baby receives more or less milk/dairy products on different days. 9 - No pressure! It's easier said than done, we agree! Keep in mind that a mother is not a machine, and that you absolutely have the right to adjust your organization according to the realities of daily life. You wanted to avoid artificial milk but you are at your wit's end and/or having trouble obtaining the right quantities? It's okay to loosen up a bit, especially if your baby is old enough to be diversified: after all, it's also a form of diversification! Have you tried to continue but ultimately it weighs on you? You absolutely have the right to change your mind along the way and it's not dramatic. Your baby has had the chance to benefit from your milk for a good while, and every additional breastfeeding session benefits both him and you! 10 - Get support Since breastfeeding is not at all a cultural practice here, and good practices have been somewhat forgotten, don't hesitate to seek support for your project! Whether through a support organization in your geographic area or via a certified IBCLC lactation consultant or someone holding a DU in human lactation, nothing beats enlightened and caring help to put aside critical and discouraging comments and fill up with good ideas and tips to organize yourself better. Support from those around you (especially the father) is also essential! Don't hesitate to discover our products specially created to help you during breastfeeding Bonus - the myth hunt! The little bonus point covers everything related more generally to breastfeeding, which is often exacerbated by the continuation project despite returning to work. As soon as more or less close family members hear about it, it's a race for unsolicited comments and opinions! Block out your ears to "But you won't make it" and other "You're crazy, it will tire you out" without forgetting the bitter undertones based on "perfect mother while artificial milk is just as good". Remember that what tires you out is not breastfeeding but more simply having a baby! And whether you breastfeed or not, your baby will always need his parents (including and sometimes especially at night, particularly once the care has started, as he will then take advantage of the nighttime to recharge with "mom/dad"...). You understand that breastfeeding and work can perfectly coexist, with or without pumping, and according to the modalities that suit you! Every family should find the balance that works for them without unnecessary pressure. Enjoy the happiness of evening reunions as you pick up your little ones!
