The NeoBulle Journal

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!

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?!

Protect baby from mosquitoes!

BzzZBZz Did you recognize it too? The unbearable mosquito BzzBzz that waits for the light in your room to go out so it can taunt you with its "sweet" melody then bite you… Are you tired of ending up in spy mode under the sheet in the middle of a heatwave, to protect yourself from the invader's assaults? Good news, we have solutions for you! Without chemical insecticides, only based on organic essential oils, carefully dosed to be used even with babies and pregnant or breastfeeding women, we explain everything about our mosquito repellents! Neobulle anti-sting range Repelling Invaders Avoid being devoured; it’s primarily about keeping the unwanted at a distance! Combining mosquito nets, fans (some mosquitoes can be disoriented by airflow), and long clothing, repellents come in different forms: Spray or diffuse into the air of a room Apply directly on yourself The anti-sting repellent spray is ideal when you want to protect yourself from mosquitoes in an enclosed space (house, tent, etc.). Made from organic essential oils of fine lavender, eucalyptus citriodora, and rose geranium, it is specifically designed to be safely used even with babies (from 3 months) and pregnant women (from 3 months of pregnancy). The spray contains no gas. For optimal effectiveness, it is best to spray it before nightfall (and the arrival of nuisances!) in a well-ventilated room, and wait 15 minutes before letting the baby re-enter. Its diffuser counterpart works on the same principle, with either a 10-minute diffusion in an aired room before nightfall, or 5 minutes per hour in other living areas. Note that these two products are intended for outdoor use only and should not be used to impregnate clothing or on the skin! Once outside, we prefer protections to be applied directly on the skin. To best suit all needs, anti-sting oils come in 2 concentrations: Light formula for babies over 3 months old, pregnant women (from 3 months of pregnancy), and breastfeeding women Stronger formula for adults (excluding pregnancy and breastfeeding) and children from 3 years old. The oil is intended to protect exposed parts of the body (no need to slather from head to toe!), and is applied on healthy skin to avoid worsening eczema, for example. Enjoy meals on terraces and walks in complete serenity! You're about to enjoy 5 hours of peace! Unidentified flying or crawling creatures! HAAAAAA what is this thing?! Does the sound of an unidentified insect's wings make you scream in panic, coupled with frantic arm waving, even at home? While we talk a lot about mosquitoes (especially our new friends the tiger mosquitoes), unfortunately they are not the only ones bothering us in summer. Although our formulas have only been tested and proven effective against mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes, we have received plenty of feedback from our teams and other heavy users of the anti-bite range indicating good results on other six- or eight-legged creatures (or more).  Down with flies, ticks, and other spiders! Oh no, it's too late! An insidious mosquito waited for you to lower your guard and viciously attacked you… The result is immediate: IT ITCHES!!! Now's the time to grab the Adou'Pik stick! A quick roll-on later, PHEW, relief is immediate. Because we know everyone can get bitten, the Adou'Pik stick is designed to be used even on very small children (from 3 months) and future mothers (from 3 months of pregnancy). It easily slips into a handbag or pocket and will accompany you everywhere without any hassle. Mosquitoes, but not only… The Adou'Pik formula is effective against anything likely to bite, not just mosquito bites but also other biting insects. It can be used to relieve mosquito bites and generally all other stinging plants, as well as wasp and bee stings, and jellyfish stings. … One can imagine, out of desperation, that the most avid users of our products have ventured much further than us and have tried less conventional tests such as incredible chickenpox buttons. Regarding this last point, it seems that the ultimate combination consists of the Adou'Pik stick on the itchy vesicles, then the P'tits Bobo stick when they swell and are likely to leave scars. You understand, the anti-itch range is a real must-have in family pharmacies! Developed in France with ingredients from organic farming, it is also local and ecological, which adds to the pleasure. And you, have you already tried it?

Postpartum after a cesarean

Your labor was or will be by cesarean section and you don't know if carrying your little one is possible and if so under which conditions? This article is for you! The immediate postpartum, what precautions Whether after a vaginal birth or a cesarean, carrying your baby in your arms or using a carrier system is possible right after birth, but requires some precautions: Avoid pressure on the abdomen: the perineum being weakened by pregnancy, it performs its role less effectively and pressure on the belly tends to push the organs downward, increasing the risk of complications such as organ prolapse Take time to recover: pregnancy and childbirth are trials for the body; taking care of yourself allows to recover physically and psychologically Sometimes it is said that after a cesarean, you should wait a month before carrying your child. While it is true that a cesarean being an operation, recovery can sometimes take longer, the scar may take more or less time to heal, pain may be observed, and it is therefore important to be especially cautious not to push too hard. It is also worth noting that it is not realistic to imagine that the young mother will not carry her baby at all! Sometimes we find ourselves in very paradoxical situations where carrying a baby with a carrier is discouraged but where the new mother ends up carrying the baby in the stroller or in a car seat, which turns out to be much worse than the initially prohibited situation! A well-adjusted baby carrier allows distributing the load across the entire chest, often relieving tensions observed in the arms (tensing, fear of dropping the baby, baby appearing heavier) and overloading the abdomen, so it is a real ally, especially after a somewhat complicated delivery. Whether carried in arms or with a device, it is recommended to listen to your body: when a feeling of heaviness is felt in the perineum, if possible, it is strongly recommended to lie down to relieve the area. Which baby carrier to use? All physiological systems allowing to carry high on the chest (to avoid pressure on the abdomen, especially the scar which can be painful) are usable. In brief: Carrying scarves Slings Mei-tai carriers Preformed carriers allowing high shoulder carrying (Neo or MyNeo, for example) Preformed baby carriers that distribute the load only on the pelvis are not recommended, not least because the waistband will be positioned directly on the scar! Non-physiological baby carriers that do not allow a proper fit and promote the baby hanging on the caregiver's body will tend to put more strain on the abdomen to compensate for their poorer stability. You understand, using a carrying system after a cesarean is entirely possible. It is always important to listen to your body and not push yourself in case of pain or heaviness. Remember that baby carriers are not meant to allow you to tidy up the house immediately postpartum: rest is essential above all!

10 original ideas for baby shower gifts

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

Wearing winter

Too hot? Too cold? It's the eternal question of ALL parents, which becomes a reality until the child is old enough to clearly express how they feel (and where, generally, you don't believe them anyway, but that's another topic...). The most obvious solution is to favor contact and proximity with your little one, and therefore carry them. But how to cover them and be sure they won't be cold when temperatures drop? We offer you a brief overview of best practices. Dress baby in the baby carrier It is always recommended to dress your baby normally, as indoors, remembering that the carrier counts as clothing: if your little one has a small undershirt on the floor on their mat, for example, you should remove it in the carrier, because the material of the system around them replaces it. When you want to go outside, you dress more warmly, but around the baby and yourself, not each individually. The first reflex is often to want to put a jumpsuit (pilot suit) or a coat on your child. This raises several problems: It is very uncomfortable for your baby, especially if you try to maintain a physiological position: imagine sitting, crouched in a ski suit, and you'll get a little preview! It's quite stiff: it generally prevents your baby from bringing their hands to their mouth, which they need to calm and reassure themselves. This is also true in a stroller! It creates significant layers at the joints, which can especially hinder proper blood circulation in the legs It can hinder the proper clearance of the airways by creating thickness at the throat It prevents proper adjustment of carrying systems and can pose safety issues (increased risk of falling, especially in a sling) And most importantly: since the baby is farther from you, they also cool down much more because they no longer benefit from your body heat! Which is totally counterproductive. Carrying over your coat is also discouraged: Impossible to make a proper installation this way Risk of injury from buttons and zippers And like with the jumpsuit: the farther the baby is from you, the easier they cool down. The idea is then to have your little heart dressed in normal indoor clothes, possibly a thin undershirt if it's really -10°C, and then: Cover what extends beyond the baby carrier: hat, slippers/leggings (hands are against you and do not get cold) Put on your usual coat and we position a carrying blanket to make the connection on the baby (wide coats tend to cover the respiratory pathways). The advantage of doing so is that in case of passing through warmer places (such as a store), it allows you to easily uncover your baby and prevent him from "cooking" in his suit and crying while you finish your shopping. Note that thick clothing is also discouraged in cars:  The harness of the car seat or shell must be very snug on the baby; with a suit, it adjusts to the thickness, but in case of shock, it flattens and the child can pass through the harness, so he is no longer protected The car's heating quickly warms the interior and your baby will be way too hot. NB: Neobulle's carrying blanket is designed to be used also in the car, making it a go-to tool for everyday logistics! Clear the airways The fear of cold should not make you forget the basic safety rules; clearing the airways is at the top of the list. It is not uncommon in winter to see parents pull up the blanket or their coat all the way to the top of their toddler’s head, to be sure that cold air will not bother him. In fact, cold air won't bother him, but the air in general will not circulate! And it’s likely you’ve noticed that he needs some air to breathe. Like with the baby carrier, the blanket or coat should reach up as high as the back of the neck of your child, leaving the face visible and clear. A hat or a hood is more than enough to protect his head. "Put on your little woolly sweater, you'll catch a cold!" In quite general terms, behind the fear of cold is actually the fear that the child won't get sick, largely fueled by popular beliefs and the injunctions to "dress the baby well because they get cold easily, you know". On one hand, overbundling is not better than underbundling. And most importantly, you don’t get sick because of the cold, but because of pathogenic elements in the environment (viruses, etc...). If cold can slightly sensitize the mucous membranes and humidity can promote germ proliferation, it is not directly responsible for falling ill. You could run naked in the snow, for example; if your path did not cross with a virus, you would stay healthy (plus cold preserves). ) !   Avoid passing from arm to arm and kisses, airing out the home, washing hands well, and wearing a mask if you are ill will be much more effective measures to protect your little one from winter ailments (bronchiolitis, for example)!   Singing in the rain  Carrying your baby also makes outings easier in rainy weather. We dedicate this paragraph to those who have already had to urgently figure out how to install the rain cover on the stroller in pouring rain, to those who had to mop up their flooded entryway with water dripping from the rain cover and mud from the wheels, and to those who found themselves pushing the stroller in a deluge without a free hand for an umbrella. We know you know! (Others, we leave it to your imagination)  With just an umbrella, you can continue your journeys calmly and dry !   Carrying and winter activities  Mountain activities, does that appeal to you? Yes, but with a good baby carrier!   Many winter activities are accessible when you carry your baby. Of course, we advise against climbing Mont-Blanc, but a short walk or snowshoe hike is entirely possible ! The usual precautions are quite basic:  Favor back carrying due to increased fall risks with front carrying Avoid a too long walk, especially if it is very cold (remember that your baby does not exert physical effort and cools down faster than you)  Take small, regular breaks to move your baby a bit and ensure that their extremities do not get too cold. Feet, in particular, are very prone to frostbite. This risk is greatly reduced by using a physiological baby carrier and by the close proximity to the carrier (far from you in a child carrier with supports, the child cools down much faster !)  In case of extreme temperatures, you can opt for lightweight woolen clothing instead of cotton: soft and thin, they keep the baby warm without making them sweat or overheat, and allow freedom of movement and comfort.  You also appreciate carrying if you have clothes to retrieve from the snowfront (étonnantly, the wheels of the stroller roll much less well on snow).  In short, you understand that close to you, it is much easier to assess whether your child is hot or cold, and they better regulate their temperature.  Incidentally, it also keeps you warm, which adds to the pleasure ! 

Which pre-shaped baby carrier should be used from birth?

Your little miracle will arrive soon and you want to carry her. You have read everywhere that the sling is ideal, but it scares you or doesn’t appeal to you at all. Don’t panic: the carrying market is very diverse and there are now preformed baby carriers perfectly adapted to the specifics of the newborn! What should we pay attention to in order to choose well? We’ll explain everything to you! The Hypotonic Newborn At birth, the infant is completely hypotonic: to simplify, it is all soft, a bit like a rag doll, and is not capable of voluntary and controlled movements nor of simply stabilizing its body. This is mainly due to the immaturity of part of its nervous system (myelin sheaths, which help transmit nerve impulses, are not well formed), and also the muscles that have not yet been trained. The tone of the newborn will follow the maturation of the myelin sheath: initially along the spine, which will allow axial tone development (around 3-4 weeks, you will notice that the baby begins to stabilize on its vertical axis), then along the arms and legs (about 5-6 months for the baby to voluntarily grasp something). Carrying a newborn involves taking into account the lack of tone to offer an arrangement that compensates for it. In a carrying sling, precise fabric adjustments are used; in a baby carrier that doesn’t allow such fine tuning, you can play with 2 factors: The size of the panel The fit of the bodies A baby carrier of the right size A too-large baby carrier risks floating and gaping in the back of a small baby, not offering the necessary stability to compensate for the lack of precise adjustments: the newborn risks collapsing inside, which is not optimal for freeing their airways To reduce the size of the panel, brands offer several options. Option 1: using a reducer / cushion: With a reducer or cushion, the panel itself is not adjustable, but the baby sits higher on the device, which artificially decreases the height. In this configuration, the baby’s feet cannot come out because the seat is too wide, so they remain inside. This causes a problem where the support under the soles of the feet stimulates a pushing reflex: the baby will automatically start pushing with their legs, and soon they may stand up inside the system. Generally, around 3 or 4 months, they will be too big for the reducer but too small for the main system, and you will be stuck. The use of a reducer should always catch your attention: you are sold a baby carrier designed for a child of at least 6-8 months, trying to fudge so that it looks like it’s for a younger one. A more illustrative corollary: it’s like selling you a pair of shoes two sizes too big, claiming the foot will grow, and telling you to use insoles until it fits properly. Option 2: offer adjustments on the panel: Adjustments allow you to reduce the height and width of the back panel and adapt it to the actual size of the baby. This solution is more relevant because it allows for better overall adjustability of the system. The limitation is that you cannot evolve a panel from birth to 4 years because the amount of material necessary to carry a larger child cannot be folded enough for the size to be small enough to stabilize a newborn. There are therefore baby carrier sizes, generally with ranges such as: birth/2 years, 3-4 months/3 years, 1 year/5 years. A carrying system sold to carry from birth to 4 years must always catch your attention too! No material in baby gear is as adjustable because the needs of a newborn and a 4-year-old are too different. You need to change stroller, bed, car seat, etc. Carrying systems are no exception to this rule. The fitting of bodies The concept of body fitting is a key notion that involves finding a carrying height that allows the newborn to naturally align with the carrier’s body. This enables stability and is largely what allows physiologic carrying to avoid needing to hold the head because it rests on the chest. Respecting body fitting is essential as long as the child cannot support their back on their own! It is considered that sitting is well acquired (around 8-10 months if we want to be precise, when they can sit up alone). Generally, to find the right position, aim above the woman’s breasts and the man’s pectorals: if the carrier is too low, the baby’s head ends up right in the middle and has no choice but to lean backwards or to the side to avoid it (it’s like putting two rigid cushions right on your head—you will try to go around them and won’t settle into them). The other consequence is that the baby, losing the necessary anchoring for stability, sinks. While body fitting is quite intuitive for women, for men it initially requires a bit more reflection because it’s not natural to bring the child up on their body: you really need to aim as high as possible, as if you wanted their head nestled in the neck. (for more comfort, the installation can be slightly shifted). Let's go back to our preformed baby carriers, problem: the vast majority of these are designed to distribute the load on the belt. This results in carrying low on the pelvis, which is not at all compatible with what we just saw regarding body fitting. Therefore, it is necessary to look for a baby carrier whose design allows for high carrying on the chest: these are recognizable by the attachment of the strap on the belt and not the apron. This allows, by adjusting the straps, to lift the child instead of pressing him down. Attention: this type of carrying distributes the weight entirely on the straps (meaning: the carrier’s shoulders), so for comfort it is essential to take the time to tighten well to have a baby as high as possible and in close contact with you. This prevents the very unpleasant hanging effect. The body of the young mother We have covered the needs of the little one; it is also important to consider the needs of the young mother. Immediately postpartum, it is strongly advised against applying pressure on the abdomen to allow the perineum to strengthen and the organs to return to their proper place. With a baby carrier that distributes the weight on the belt, one might be tempted to place the child at the waist to lift him and seek proper body fitting, but doing so compresses the belly by exerting downward pressure, creating a "toothpaste tube" effect between the organs and the perineum, which, as you understand, is a very bad idea! Even without going to such extremes, simply feeling pressure on the belly is generally quite uncomfortable, especially since the belt is often rigid. Using a baby carrier that distributes the load on the straps is therefore essential for the mother’s proper recovery. The belt, in this context, only serves to stabilize the initial setup; during carrying, it becomes useless and could even be unclipped if desired. It is also preferable that this belt be flexible and not rigid: even if not tight around the abdomen, it could hinder the young mother. Worn high on the chest, the weight of the baby will also be less felt, which is reassuring when one has not yet fully regained control of one's body. The Neo range At Néobulle, the Neo range was designed to try to best adapt to the various constraints listed above. Neo and my Neo have been specifically designed for carrying a newborn, with a reduced apron size and a carry mode exclusively on the straps to avoid having to worry about choosing the right type of carrier when the baby has just arrived and you're tired. The My Neo in knit is perfect for the first year, the Neo in fabric wrap can be used up to 2 years old for your little one. Neo Plus is aimed at slightly older babies, from about 3 months up to 3 years. It is a transitional age product for a child who still requires high chest carrying but, as they grow, will weigh more and will find carrying more comfortable with a weight distribution on the hips, this baby carrier offers two carrying modes with two possible strap attachments: on the belt or on the apron. You are now a little better equipped to choose your ideal baby carrier by outsmarting marketing tricks! Now all that's left is to enjoy your little sweetheart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZfwO6HLkYY