There’s just one problem: your baby won’t nap. 

Maybe you’ve tried creating a routine or teaching him to self-soothe. Maybe that even worked for a while. But now it seems like he won’t sleep for anything and you’re starting to wonder what you’re doing wrong.

As a mom of two, I feel your pain! My girls have spent the better part of their lives on a steady sleep routine and we’ve still experienced long, frustrating periods of terrible (and non-existent) naps. 

Today we’re going over some common but sneaky nap-busters that your baby could be experiencing. Better yet, we’re going to talk about how you can fix these sleep issues quickly so you both can get the rest you need.

5 Reasons Why Your Baby Won’t Nap (And How to Fix It)

Overtiredness

You’d think infants would sleep better when they’re exhausted, but often the opposite is true. In fact, overtiredness is the destroyer of long, restorative naps. 

When your baby passes his ideal sleep window, cortisol runs through his body like a shot of espresso. This jolt of energy makes him less likely to fall asleep and much more susceptible to early wakings. 

If your baby is extremely cranky before nap time and he only sleeps for about 45 minutes, overtiredness could be the problem. 

When your baby’s body is filled with cortisol it will take a while for him to switch gears. Your job is to convince his body to relax, produce melatonin, and go to sleep. 

Positive naptime cues are an excellent way to do this. Take him to his sleeping area and dim the lights. Verbalize that it’s naptime. Begin whatever naptime ritual you’d usually do to help calm him down, but expect to spend more time doing it.

The best way to get an overtired baby to sleep is to avoid it altogether. Become familiar with your baby’s sleep cues and get him to bed before he becomes exhausted.

Below are a few of the most common sleep cues (or signs of an overtired baby) to get you started:

• Pulling ears
• Yawning
• Red eyes
• Staring into space
• Jerky movements
• Crying
• Abnormal clinginess

Developmental Leaps

When your baby is learning a new skill, he’s not interested in sleeping. I mean, why sleep when you can practice rolling over?

 If your baby won’t nap all of a sudden, take a moment to think about what he’s doing while he’s awake. Sleep interruptions are especially common for babies that are learning active skills, like sitting up, standing, rolling over, or walking. 

Sometimes there’s nothing you can do but wait out these little interruptions. You can try to lay your baby down in his crib, but there’s a good chance that he’ll hop right back up. Once your baby has mastered his new ability, his sleep will naturally get better. 

Having said that, you absolutely can help him along by encouraging him to practice during playtime. The quicker he learns, the faster he’ll get back to sleep! 

Swaddling

Wait, isn’t swaddling supposed to help your baby sleep? Yes, but hear me out! 

According to recent studies, swaddling can help your little one sleep longer and more restfully. It stifles his startle reflex and creates a womb-like environment that makes him feel secure and warm. 

Having said that, when a baby is uncomfortable or continuously breaks his swaddle, swaddling can actually interrupt sleep.

Many babies fuss after they’re swaddled, but does yours refuse to settle? If he falls asleep, will his little arm or leg breakthrough? If so, you might want to try a different swaddle.

Like adults, babies have unique preferences. 

For example, my first daughter hated any kind of leg movement. I had to invest in a swaddle that weighed down her legs and hands. My second daughter couldn’t care less about her legs, but she’d scream if her arms escaped from her sides.

Alternatively, if your baby is starting to roll, it might be time to ditch the swaddle and try out a sleep sack. Sleepsacks allow for more limb freedom and are much safer for active babies.

Experiment a little and see if a different swaddle helps when your baby won’t nap.

Too Much Light in the Nursery

Some babies require a dark, cozy space to sleep. Others need a pitch-black cave. 

If your baby is not taking naps during the afternoon hours (or whenever the sun is at its brightest in the nursery), it might be time to invest in some 100% blackout shades.

This was the case for my youngest. She refused to nap in our room where a sliver of sunshine crept between the blinds. Once she relocated to her blacked-out nursery, her sleep improved dramatically.

The quickest way to determine if the nursery is too bright is “the hand test.” When you’re in your baby’s room, make the space as dark as you possibly can. Raise your hand in front of you. If you can still see your hand, it’s not dark enough.

Trapped Gas or Reflux

If your baby wakes from his nap with a high-pitched scream, sometimes trapped gas or reflux can be the culprit. Reflux is particularly nasty for newborns, who possess underdeveloped esophagus sphincters and have less time between feedings and naps.  Reflux can also occur when air bubbles disturb his stomach.

On the other hand, if your baby is waking from his naps with an arched back, clenched fists, and inconsolable screaming, he may be suffering from trapped gas. If your baby won’t burp, try rotating his legs (just like he’s on a bicycle) or administering a dose of infant simethicone drops to minimize the bubbles before bed.

While every baby suffers from gas from time to time, keep in mind that constant gas or reflux can be a sign of an underlying issue. It wouldn’t hurt to check in with your pediatrician to rule out things like GERD, allergies, or breastfeeding issues.

I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to despair when your baby won’t nap. Sometimes babies go through phases where they fight sleep. Even the most experienced moms suffer through awful nap periods! 

Still, keep in mind these common nap-busters since they are so easy to overlook. Hopefully, this post illuminated what could possibly be disturbing your baby’s naps and gave you some fresh solutions. Good luck!

***

GUEST POST

Erin loves helping new and expecting moms have the best motherhood experience they possibly can. At her blog, Blunders in Babyland, you’ll find the practical tips, baby gear reviews, and new mom advice you need to raise your baby confidently.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Baby Won’t Nap? Do This to Get Them to Sleep appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Did you know that babies can only breathe through their noses? According to experts, babies do not have the developmental reflex to breathe through their mouth until about one year old.

This makes clearing stuffy or clogged noses during cold season and beyond, that much more essential.

Even a partially clogged nose can therefore bring major issues including trouble sleeping, eating, and trouble breathing. And no parent wants to see their little one suffer from the prolonged congestion.

It always pained my heart to hear my babies sniffle and sometimes wheeze when they weren’t feeling well.

So what can parents do to help a congested baby?

One of the first things you can do to help alleviate nasal congestion in baby is check the moisture in the air.

Dry air can contribute to mucus buildup inside the nose. Adding moisture via a cool-mist humidifier can help. Make sure to follow safety guidelines, clean regularly to remove mold, and keep out of baby’s reach.

Running a warm shower and letting baby breathe in the mist is another option to help.

Next, use saline drops or saline spray with suctioning. These should be a staple in your medicine cabinet. The drops help loosen up dry mucus so it’s easier to suction with a baby nasal aspirator device.

How to clear baby’s congestion with a suction-device

When a baby is congested or has some mucus building up in their nasal passages, parents can try a few different suctioning tools.

After a few drops of saline, they can try a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator made to suction out mucus or loosen boogers.

And these rubber bulbs are often the first things parents turn to, but they can also be a bit daunting for new parents. The design of your standard bulb syringe makes it so that you have to insert the pointy nosepiece carefully into the nostril without going too far in before squeezing and releasing the bulb. So it’s not the most gentle option and takes practice.

Next, you have a variety of manual nasal aspirators that help improve the nose piece, but do not have the strongest suction power and require a bit of trial and error.

Then there are snot suckers that aim to improve the suctioning limitations of these devices, but require the use of both hands and have you literally “suck out the boogers” through a tube. And I can tell you while these can do a much better job than your standard bulb syringe, they are quite gross if you don’t get that filter on properly — I know because it’s happened to me!

The NozeBot was designed to help solve these issues.

Why is the NozeBot a better way to clear baby’s nose

The NozeBot is a battery-powered suction device designed to clear even the toughest nasal congestion in babies, from newborns to 3 years old.

It is quite the upgrade and solution to many of those typical ways to clear congestion and was designed by Dr. Steven Goudy to help babies better breathe, eat, and sleep at home instead of having to visit the hospital for congestion issues.

With a uniquely designed nose piece gentle enough for baby, and a suction power that can handle everything from little boogers to stubborn snots and prolonged congestion, it’s a great tool to have handy. 

No more accidentally inserting the piece too far in and risk injuring baby, and no more accidentally ingesting baby boogers.

When you need to clean the nosepiece, simply replace the disposable filter and give it a deep clean in the dishwasher if needed.

One of my favorite features of the NozeBot is how easy it makes suctioning — since you only need two fingers to use, it helps free up your extra hand to support baby’s head as you suction.

The device is rechargeable and includes 3 levels of hospital-grade suction to handle a wide range of nasal congestion issues right at home.

Parents will appreciate that the device is not too bulky either, so you can take it with you on the go as needed.

If your child suffers from prolonged congestion or if you simply want to be ready to manage cold season for the first three years of life, the NozeBot is the upgrade you need in your home.

Learn more about The NozeBot here and use code NOZEBOT10 to save 10% off your order.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post The BEST way to clear baby’s clogged nose appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Every parent knows the struggle: scouring through the endless options of toys online and in-stores. Trying to find the best toys for their baby or toddler. And often, we grab whatever is a “top-seller” or popular brand marketed for our child. However, we often find that those toys are not actually the best for supporting development long-term.

That’s where Lovevery comes in. The brand makes toys that are tailored to a child’s developmental stage, taking into account the age and milestone a child is approaching. And because those first few years of life are some of the most formative, choosing the right toys early on is key.

What exactly is the Lovevery Play Kit?

Lovevery is a subscription-based toy box, featuring stage-based play essentials — meaning the toys in each play kit are specifically made to support your child’s learning and play, according to their age and developmental stage.

The toys are built to last and made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and baby-safe plastics.

From newborn babies to age 4, Lovevery play kits focus on the specific skills your little one is working on at that moment.

So for babies between 0-12 months, the kits are further broken down to cater to those needs: The Looker (0-12 weeks), The Charmer (3-4 months), The Senser (5-6 months), The Inspector (7-8 months), The Explorer (9-10 months), The Thinker (11-12 months).

Lovevery Play Kit for Newborn Babies

I had the chance to explore some of these toys. Below is a closer look at the Looker Play Kit for newborn babies (between 0-12 weeks old).

Although newborns don’t actually need toys per se, they can still play in non-conventional, yet developmentally appropriate ways. At this stage in development, babies are sensitive to light and sound and growing awareness of the world around them. They are building new brain connections and exploring high-contrast images. The Looker Kit features play items to help baby practice these new skills, like black and white contrast cards, sensory links, and mittens.

Play items in the kit:

There’s a two-sided Mobile for visual exploration and focus — and you can get the most out of this toy by using it at each diaper change as those will happen frequently during the newborn stage

Simple Black and White Card Set – great high-contrast images to use throughout the day especially tummy time. In addition to this set, you also get a more Complex Black & White Card Set to tailor to baby’s needs as their vision develops and they become more interested in complex patterns.

Wooden Book

A cute little baby book made with sustainably harvested wood

Standing Card Holder

Great for keeping those contrast cards together and making tummy time more fun wherever you are!

Black & White Mittens

A fun sensory experience that promotes hand discovery, hand control, and body awareness

Sensory Links

The perfect Play Gym and stroller accessory: switch, hang, and separate the links for new sensory exploration.

Silicone Rattle with Removable Ball

Perfect for grasping—and learning how to track moving objects and sounds.

BONUS: Play Guide

Each kit comes with a play guide for PARENTS! So you know what baby is working on and how to play with your little one at this stage — backed by research.

The Best Evidence-Based Toys for Babies and Toddlers

One of the greatest perks about the Lovevery play kits is that the toys are designed with a team of experts: academics, researchers, and specialists that do the work for you — so you spend less time scouring the web researching the best toys for babies and spend that time better connecting with your child.

The kits are based on the Montessori method that emphasizes:

• Sensory-rich play
• Freedom of movement
• Open-ended toys
• Letting kids face challenges to develop independence
• And less clutter

Should you buy the Lovevery Play Kits?

As you can see there are many pros to the Lovery toys — the fact that they are specifically tailored to your child’s age and developmental needs is a great reason to love it. And knowing the kits are created with expert input helps parents and caregivers feel a little more confident in their selection.

But is the subscription worth the investment? For some parents, the price may seem a bit steep, especially with the upfront cost. However, for those who’ve been through tons of both cheap and pricey toys alike and know how much you inevitably spend on kids’ toys (that you regret), Lovery is a no-brainer. Each toy serves its purpose and is benefiting your child’s learning experience, rather than over-stimulating. Plus, if you want to skip a month for any reason, you can manage your subscription preferences as needed.

If you’re shopping for gifts and looking for toys that parents can appreciate, Lovevery Kits are a great choice — birthdays or holidays!

To learn more about Lovevery Subscriptions, see the Play Kits here.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Find the Perfect Developmentally Appropriate Toys with Lovevery appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), an estimated 40 million adults in the US suffer from anxiety every year, with 264 million people worldwide. 

And the last few years living through a worldwide pandemic has only exacerbated anxiety issues.

Women, who are twice as likely to be affected as men, are feeling the brunt of the struggles. More and more worries are adding to that mental load – whether it be keeping her family healthy, balancing child care and work or simply being able to get out of the house without fears and anxieties.

Unfortunately, many of these worries and anxieties surface at bedtime, making it a challenge to quiet the mind and sleep well.

So what can you do to improve your sleep quality when intrusive thoughts fill your mind?

Below are some tried and true tips to ease those anxieties and help you relax a little more at night.

How to ease anxieties and sleep better at night

LIMIT CAFFEINE INTAKE

Whether it’s coffee, soda, or candy, caffeine is a stimulant and is made to keep you awake. While this is helpful when you need a boost of energy during the day, it can interfere with restful sleep at night and add to the jitters. Remember to limit your caffeine intake each day and try to avoid it as much as possible in the evenings.

AVOID SCREENS AT BEDTIME

We all know this is easier said than done, but staring at your phone right before you go to bed, can keep you up longer than you intend. The Blue light of screens is known to interfere with sleep, even after you put it away. The best practice is to turn off screens about 1 hour before you plan to sleep…it may take time to adjust to, so I suggest you work your way up to an hour gradually.

MEDITATE or Practice deep breathing

The benefits of slow, deep rhythmic breathes are well documented. Inhaling and exhaling in this manner, has the power to release negative energy and bring in calm soothing energy. Practicing this throughout the day, and as you lay down in bed can help relax both your mind and body.

USE A BEDTIME TO-DO LIST

Take some of the mental load out of your head and onto paper — because we all know EVERY thought tends to come to mind when winding down for the night. One thing I like to do is keep a journal on my nightstand. This way I can quickly jot down all the things that fill my mind and be ready to tackle them the next day. And if I have an urgent thought pop in my head after I do lay down, I don’t have to run out of bed or add it to a phone calendar.

TRY A WEIGHTED BLANKET

Weighted blankets have been growing in popularity recently, as more and more people tout their calming benefits.

This type of blanket is heavier than a normal blanket, either densely knitted or filled with glass beads and other fillings to promote calmness and relaxation. The deep pressure provided is meant to stimulate the production of serotonin feel-good hormones, reduce stress hormones, and increase the levels of the sleep hormone, melatonin.

The Hush Weighted Blanket

One weighted blanket that is worth considering to help ease those bedtime anxieties is the Hush Classic Blanket designed for insomniacs, those who toss and turn or wake up throughout the night, and those who have occasional stressful days.

I recently got to check out the blanket to see it in action. The first thing I noticed was how heavy the blanket truly is — exactly how the pressure is meant to work to ease stress and increase those feel-good serotonin levels.

As far as what it feels like, the Hush is made of super comfortable microfiber material and includes a duvet cover with super-soft minky threading. It mimics the warm comfort of being wrapped in a baby-like swaddle.

I really like the fact that I can separate the cover to throw in the wash and still use the inner blanket as is too.

You can get the blanket in a variety of sizes to accommodate your lifestyle too — Twin blankets wrap around one for a stress-relieving cocoon feel, while Queen/King is made to be shared. The blanket is designed to be about 10% of your body weight, so keep this in mind when choosing a size.

The queen blanket is just what an anxious mom like myself needs right now.

I often have every worry and to-do pop in my head the minute I lay down… it becomes a vicious cycle and struggle to wind down after a long day. The pressure from the blanket helps to provide that restful nudge I need. I also like the fact that I can layer it on top of my regular comforter to induce sleep or use it alone.

For a cold sleeper like me, the heaviness and added warmth the blanket provides is a great fit. However, if you’re one to get too hot or sweaty at night, the Hush Iced might be a better option — it is designed to add a cooling effect for hot sleepers.

I’ve only had the Hush blanket for a few days, but can already see why so many others have turned to weighted blankets for anxiety relief. It provides that that physical comfort and warm fuzzy feeling to help keep your worries at bay, if just for the night.

You can check out the array of weighted blankets Hush offers HERE. (They even had blankets for kids).

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post 5 Ways to Reduce Anxiety at Bedtime appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

But did you know they also have a convenient shopping app?

Yes! And it’s an app that makes finding daily deals even easier for busy moms like me always on the go, stocking up on essentials for the kids and home.

It’s my newest indulgent when I’m sitting comfortably in bed and have a few minutes to myself after tucking the kids in for the night.

Zulily App: Why it’s my favorite late-night shopping ritual

Popular brands at affordable prices 

I’ll admit it: as a mom of three, I don’t get much uninterrupted time to shop. When I do, it usually involves sitting at my computer, browsing different websites for the kids, and waiting for a sale to pop up. It often becomes a time-consuming activity going down the rabbit hole searching for the best deals on quality products.

That’s why I’ve really enjoyed shopping via the Zulily app.

Zulily helps me tone down that comparison shopping with its daily deals and price matching perks. I always know I’m getting the best deal and don’t feel guilty adding things to my cart.

Never miss a deal

Of course, with little ones, it’s easy to get distracted doing anything, including shopping. You hear of a sale, go to your computer with the intention to snag a few deals while you can, but then have to step away to handle snack duty, sibling rivalry, or clean-up. And then when you get back online, the items are out of stock or the sale is over! This has happened to me more than I care to admit.

With the Zulily app, I can favorite items on my list or tap on the sale icon to get an alert on my phone when it begins — this way I am always in the know and don’t miss my absolute must-haves for the season!

Plan ahead

Like many moms unwinding after a long day, all of my to-dos come to mind at bedtime…when I’m trying to relax.

This can be a good or bad thing that makes actually falling asleep a challenge. But for those nights that I’m up in bed and scrolling my phone already, it means a chance to plan ahead. With the Zulily app, I can quickly add a few forgotten items to my cart, decide on my favorites and finish processing my order!

Shop for everything in one place

With the Zulily app on my phone, I’m finding myself spending less time on other shopping apps — because I know I am already getting the best deal AND can shop for everyone in the family. There’s no need to add many more. 

I like to think of it as my one-stop shop.

Home decor items? Kid’s clothes? Shoes for mom? Birthday toys? Gift for the in-laws? There’s an app for that — the Zulily app!

Then when I put my phone away for the night, I can finally let go, knowing I’ve got a little less on my to-do list and get some much-needed zzz’s!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Why Scrolling Zulily’s App is my Favorite Late Night Shopping Ritual appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

This is a sponsored post for Keababies. All opinions are my own.

Why the backpack style is one of the best diaper bags

Whether you’re looking for a diaper bag for boys or a diaper bag for girls, one thing is certain, we all want something that gets the job done — carries all of the things we need for baby and works for our lifestyle.

These days one of the best diaper bags on the market for parents is the backpack diaper bag style. You may have seen these all over the place now and there’s a reason they are growing in popularity.

Why should I use a diaper bag backpack?

Let’s get straight to the point: Diaper bags are HEAVY. Traveling with a baby, whether for doctor appointments or everyday errands means packing lots of essentials for the trip. Babies need diapers, wipes, ointments, change of clothes, bottles, bib, blanket, and maybe a teether or two.

But you are most likely also packing essentials for mommy/daddy too — a water bottle, snack, hand-sanitizer, your phone.

All this adds to the weight of your diaper bag…and weight on your shoulders.

A diaper bag backpack helps distribute the weight more evenly on your shoulders and back — alleviating a lot of the aches and pains parents feel from the imbalance.

Plus, in this day and age, living through a pandemic, most moms are trying to get out of the house for fresh air more. This means more walks and hikes.

A diaper bag backpack is easier to travel with because it doesn’t hang off one shoulder AND works great for both mom and dad!

What the best diaper bags have in common?

Obviously, you want to choose a diaper bag that meets your lifestyle needs too. This means finding a bag that includes the following features:

• Ample storage space – Enough space to carry all baby/parents need
• Quality material – Fabric that is easy to clean and able to withstand wear and tear
• Separate compartments – An organized system to quickly find what you need
• Comfortable – Something that is easy to carry around
• Your style – A baby diaper bag that you actually like aesthetically
• Within your budget – An affordable price-point that doesn’t break the bank

Keababies Diaper Bag Backpack

I recently had a chance to check out a baby bag from Keababies — the explorer diaper backpack to be exact. This is just one of the many diaper bags the brand sells in a variety of styles.

A quality diaper bag

My first impression of the bag was quite positive — it looks much like many of the high-end diaper bags on the market (without the high price tag). The bag is comparable to either the Skip Hop diaper bag or Kate Spade diaper bag.

The Keababies diaper backpack is made of quality, sturdy oxford fabric made to last. It is water-resistant and scratch-free — both essentials when we are dealing with the spills and leakage that comes with mom life.

Versatile & comfortable diaper backpack

The versatile design of the Keababies backpack bag takes comfort into account with the cushioned back support. Because as parents, we know diaper bags get heavy — the extra cushion takes the load off your shoulders and back when you need relief from the aching effects of carrying a baby.

It’s also a bag that can be used by BOTH parents — the colors are gender neutral (navy, black and gray)…so no need to add a diaper bag for mom + diaper bag for dad on your baby registry! This one works well for either!

And for those moments you just don’t need a backpack, just use the two stroller hooks. It makes it easy to attach to your stroller for hands-free traveling! Plus, if you’ve been looking for a breastfeeding diaper bag, this one doesn’t get in the way so you can latch baby to the breast or bottle on the go!

A multi-functional diaper bag

Finally one of the biggest reasons, the Keababies diaper backpack might be worth adding to your list of favorite bags, is due to its functionality.

The diaper backpack features 17 storage pockets (6 with zipper compartments) — so really a place for everything!

You have a main storage space room for the big things like clothes, blankets, ointments, diapers, and wipes (and if feels bigger than most bags)!

Along the sides, there are elastic slots for holding a bottle for baby and a bottle for mommy. There’s even a separate area on the backside with a changing mat — with space to store a couple of diapers and a small wipe pack for easy access when you’re in a pinch.

One of my favorite compartments is the inside cushion space for a laptop!! A super thoughtful design for the modern parent.

If you’re on a budget, but still want to find a quality diaper bag that meets the needs of today’s busy parent, the Keababies diaper bag backpack is a great option!

You can check out the array of diaper bags directly on their website.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post The Diaper Bag Backpack: Why Moms Are All Over It appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

So if you’re looking for the best mom gifts in 2020, below are the top picks to help bring a little more simple joy into her year!

All-Natural Hand Soap

To kick-off our 2020 gift ideas for moms, we’ll start with the obvious: hand soap!

Washing hands before meals, after grocery-shopping or bathroom usage, is a MUST every day, but now so more than ever during COVID-19.

And even though anti-bacterial soap is ideal and harder to find these days, experts have said any type of soap and water wash works for removing germs from our hands, as long as you’re washing thoroughly for about 20-30 seconds.

Try a hand wash like the everyone line — an affordable 3-pack wash with lavender and coconut essential oils.

It’s a favorite, all-natural handwash to keep mom’s hands clean and lightly scented throughout the day — making it a top pick to include in your gift basket of mom goodies!

Hand Towels

When the inevitable shortage of paper towels hits, make sure you are prepared to dry those freshly cleaned hands with hand towels!

This year, it’s been quite the challenge to find a number of products in stock — one of the most notable, paper products like paper towels!

But no need to fret!

Stock up in advance on these household basics to avoid the stress and frustration when you can’t find paper towels anywhere in town (or online!).

Whether you go with a theme for the holidays or basic colors and patterns, don’t overlook this one, mamas!

NOTE: If you need paper products for cleaning around the house, these micro-fiber cloths that come in a multi-pack are a great alternative!

Mom-Approved Face Masks

If your previously purchased (or home-made face masks — yes, even I tried this during the shortage earlier this year!) is in need of an upgrade, make sure you stock up on new masks now!

Because as much as I’d love to think this pandemic is almost over, the reality is things are not looking so good right now…and it may take a bit longer until we truly round a corner.

Old Navy has some really nice face mask designs on SALE!

But you can also find custom ideas on Etsy like any these.

Warm Blankets

What better way to cozy up indoors this season (and year of quarantine) than with a warm cuddly blanket, like a Puffy Blanket?

Puffy Blanket is a premium quality faux fur blanket from the Puffy Mattress brand. Made from 100% hypoallergenic polyester, the blanket is resistant to common allergens such as dust mites and ideal for sensitive sleepers.

Moms will appreciate Puffy Blanket’s dual-feel design, with one side being faux-fur and the other a plush micro-mink for velvety softness. From modern gray to ivory color, the versatility makes it easy to change up and spread whatever your preference.

As a mom to three children, going from remote learning and working at home to just trying to keep it all together, the soft-luxurious and calming feel of the blanket is exactly what we all need to relax at the end of the day.

But the Puffy Blanket isn’t just for night-time sleeping. It’s generous size and lightweight coziness works to wear or throw around the house as you move from room to room.

This year, I will be gifting a Puffy Blanket to my own mother who struggles with being cold due to circulation issues. Just the comfort and coziness she needs whether sleeping or relaxing to her favorite tv show on the couch!

Learn more about Puffy Blanket HERE.

At-Home Mani/Pedi Kit

No one’s making it to the salon these days…at least not at the normal rate.

And for those that need a little pampering or self-care right now, it makes things a little harder, contributing to feelings of frumpiness or just not feeling put together.

An at-home spa kit for manicures and pedicures makes such a nice gift idea for the mom in need of a little make-over.

A bubbling warm pedi spa like this one helps mom relax and pamper herself while multitasking.

Make sure to also include mani/pedi essentials like nail polish, polish remover and accessories!

Sleep Eye Mask

With so much mental load keeping her up at night, it’s tough to get a good night’s sleep. Help mom unwind and relax a little easier at night with this comfy sleep eye mask!

The mask is constructed from memory foam for a soothing way to block out light for a more restful night.

And unlike typical masks, it is contoured for the ideal comfortable fit to effectively block out light.

Read all about it HERE.

Cozy Earth Lounge Wear

These days with so many of us are working from home or just supporting kids remote learning, we need comfortable clothes that also looks presentable.

And as a mom to little ones, I must admit the casual outfits and leggings are my favorites. But they can also get quite worn out and make me question my wardrobe choices.

Cozy Earth, a line of organic clothing offers a luxurious feel with some of the softest material out there.

I recently had the chance to check out their pull-over crew and jogger pants from their loungewear collection and was instantly sold.

The bamboo material is seriously some of the softest fabric available and does not pill after washing like many of the casual clothing I’ve owned over the years!

The simplicity, yet superior quality makes it a top pick for mom gifts of 2020!

Go here and use code BUNDLE50 to save 50% off the loungewear through the holiday season.

Food Delivery Service

In a year where online shopping is families shop safely, membership to a food or essentials delivery is a must! A 2020 gift guide for moms wouldn’t be complete without one.

So whether you opt for a local food service or Instacart, don’t overlook this one.

When the pandemic began earlier this year, enrollment was limited or just very difficult to find for those who didn’t already have a membership. So as an uptick of cases and more need to shopping online, nows the time to join.

If no longer delivery options are available, make sure you have an Amazon Prime account. This will help expedite deliveries when you just can’t make it to the store in-person.

You can go here to learn more about Amazon Prime benefits.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post The Best Gift Ideas for Moms in 2020 appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Let’s face it. The aftermath of life as a new mom can blindside even the best of us. We spend so much time caring for our pregnant bodies and preparing for birth but rarely do we prepare for the transition to motherhood postpartum.

Usually, any preparation for life as a new mom centers on baby. The baby clothes, the baby gear, the hundreds of diapers and essentials they require those early days.

READ MORE: Pregnancy & Postpartum Gift Box

Of course, many of these things are necessary for baby care, but they don’t take into consideration mommy care or the things a new mom actually needs to survive the physical and mental challenges life after birth can bring her.

So what does a new mom actually need for herself during that fragile time during postpartum recovery?

Below we break down the postpartum essentials for each stage in her recovery period.

Postpartum Mom Gifts: Practical Things She’ll Need and Want

Along any stage of the way, one of the TOP things experienced moms said they wished they personally had post-partum, was simply a NEW MOM CLASS, just like they did for labor/birth to educate and support them during the motherhood struggles.

A newborn sleep prep course, a breastfeeding course, a baby care course, or even just a postpartum 101 course to set expectations are all some of the best gift ideas for new moms.

Another resource she may want to check out during those early days is Postpartum.net online support and resources for moms struggling with Baby Blues, PPD and other mental health issues.

Gift Ideas for New Moms 0-6 Weeks Postpartum

The first six weeks after birth is traditionally what we think of as the postpartum period. It’s a time of critical care for physical recovery, due to the bleeding, soreness and healing a new mom undergoes.

This is the time period where a postpartum essentials list comes in handy. But most new moms won’t know exactly what they’ll need for this recovery period until they are actually in the thick of things, so planning ahead will help her know what to expect.

A postpartum gift basket to help mom survive the first six weeks after birth, can include the following items:

• A postpartum care kit or peri bottle by FridaMom (a popular choice among moms polled)
• Loose-fitting clothing like these maternity leggings, cozy jogger pants (code: BUNDLE50 for 50% off) or soft pajamas and maternity robes
• Fuzzy, warm, non-slip socks (or these clever “if you can read this…” socks)
• Easy-access tops, nursing bras, and nipple pads — check out the Everything Bra by Bodily (super comfy and great for ALL stages of feeding)
• Organic creams moms love for sore nipples or the popular Haakaa for the breastfeeding mom
• A reliable water-bottle to keep her hydrated throughout the day/night
• Healthy homemade meals or a MealTrain (I WISH I had this one)
• One-handed snacks and goodies (this was a TOP pick among moms!)
• A small mom-approved night-light for middle of the night feedings
• Baby record or milestone book for mom to treasure and remember the special moments
• Sound machine to help baby AND mom sleep well
• Extra pain meds to add to her medicine cabinet
• And a postpartum doula to help with mom care and baby care (such an AMAZING option that most moms only consider after the fact!)

Check out suggestions HERE to get more gift ideas for new moms in the full postpartum period.

And you can make things easier, by having a mom-to-be send you her Amazon wish-list. This way you can put together a postpartum care package to include EXACTLY what she wants and needs following her specific type of birth and recovery.

Gift Ideas for New Moms 3-6 Months Postpartum

After about 3 months of navigating postpartum life, both mom and baby may start developing more of a routine, with new struggles emerging.

This is the time period where baby typically sleeps less during the day, but also experiences sleep regressions and cluster feeds. At the same time, mom’s postpartum hair loss peaks, ideals of motherhood may fill her mind and her body confidence may drop. She may even return back to the work force, while still being susceptible to postpartum depression.

All of this contributes to an exhausted mother, both physically and emotionally.

So postpartum gifts should center around ways to help her manage time during the day, find emotional support and take better care of her physical health.

When asked about new mom gift ideas, moms on Instagram had a variety of helpful suggestions listed below:

• Gift cards to Starbucks, Target, Amazon or anywhere the mom can shop for herself
• A good coffee machine to survive the exhaustion
• A mani/pedi or spa-at-home kit including an undereye healing mask
• A basket of snacks to fill her breastfeeding or postpartum hunger
• An easy-to-use baby wrap to help her multi-task at home, cook a meal or keep her sanity with a colicky baby
• A mom support group where she can meet new friends (Peanut is a great app for this!)
• Soft scrunchies, detangling sprays and creams to deal with the hair mess and loss
• A heatless curling set from Kitsch can help her add some volume and better manage postpartum hair issues without the hair damage many other styling tools cause
• Useful new mom books you don’t often hear about like Moms on Call, Shit No One Tells You

Check-in with the new mom to see what she is struggling with most and then pick a few items from the above list to create a postpartum gift basket to drop off.

Gift Ideas for Moms 6 Months+ Postpartum

While most people aren’t aware, a mom with a baby 6 months-year is still a mom in the postpartum period, it is just a delayed stage.

During this time most of the initial struggles and concerns like healing and pain management have been resolved, but other issues may linger including pelvic floor issues, baby weight, finding time for personal hobbies, and maintaining a sense of identity outside of motherhood.

Gifts for moms in the 6 month+ period should consider these ongoing needs.

One of the BEST gift ideas for a postpartum mom during this phase is getting some ME TIME for self-care.

So having a babysitter to free up her time is a major help! It can be more of a challenge this season in the middle of a pandemic, but if it’s what she really needs follow the safety cautions like social distancing, mask-wearing and getting tested to make sure you are well enough to provide child-care and provide some time for her own passions.

In addition, gift cards for date night, meals, wine and wine tumblers are also super helpful gifts for the overwhelmed mom who just needs a break and wants to unwind.

Another nice new mom gift idea is a family photoshoot — unlike the newborn photos, photos taken when baby is a little older and when mom feels more like herself again is a great way to lift her spirits.

And finally, one of the lesser thought of but super helpful gifts a mom in the postpartum time could really use is a specialist to troubleshoot her ongoing concerns. Whether she’s dealing with pelvic floor pains from a vaginal birth, gas and a mommy pooch or just needs a professional to talk to.

A physical therapist, post-natal fitness coach, maternal mental health therapist or mom-to-mom support group can really be the most helpful gift during the delayed postpartum time period.

If (and-only-if) she specifically tells you she is looking for a fitness program for postpartum moms, check out the Postpartum Guides. These downloadable pdf designed by fitness experts walks mamas through what to do just after birth through 8 months postpartum. The guide includes breathing exercises to help the core and pelvic floor heal to diastasis recti safe exercise to help heal and lose the mommy pooch.

Use code: MOMMYSBUN10 to save $10 off the price HERE.

Remember to take into account the new moms birth plan, experience and motherhood style when choosing gift ideas.

However you decide to treat a new mom, a thoughtful gift specifically taking into account her postpartum and self-care needs will be truly appreciated, during what is often a major life transition.

***

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post The Best Postpartum Gifts for the New Mom appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

This is a sponsored post with Boiron. All opinions are my own.

Swollen gums, drooling, crying, crankiness, disrupted sleep, chewing on objects, tugging at ears.

These are all some of the telltale baby teething symptoms.

Every mother knows the heart-wrenching feeling when she can’t provide instant relief to baby’s teething pains. It’s hard to watch our little ones experience those painful moments, however normal they may be.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the first tooth eruption ranges between 4 and 15 months of age. But for many parents, teething and the seemingly never-ending symptoms can start on the early side.

So what is a new parent to do, when the pain is just not going away?

Finding Natural Teething Remedies

There are a ton of ways to help provide baby teething relief — below are a few options that have worked best for new parents time and time again to alleviate painful gums and the endless fussiness teething brings.

Baby Teething Relief #1: Teething toys

Teething toys are probably one of the first teething relief options that come to mind. You can find ones with all sorts of textures and styles to provide relief — from rubber and silicone to plastic or wood. The soft silicone bristles in baby toothbrushes can provide even more comfort.

Look for teethers free of BPA, PVC and phthalates and make sure they don’t have long pieces or “legs” that can contribute to gagging.

Baby Teething Relief #2: Apply Cold Pressure

Another easy option for providing teething relief to baby is applying cold pressure to the gums. Freeze a non-toxic teething toy or fruit in a mesh teether, and apply to baby’s gums. You can also simply use a cold washcloth to help numb the pain by gently massaging the gums.

The cold pressure will help soothe inflammed gums and provide a natural numbing sensation.

Baby Teething Relief #3: Feed

One often-overlooked option for teething is to feed baby. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding your baby can provide oral relief and act as a temporary pain distraction.

Some babies may want to feed more when a new tooth is about to erupt. If this sounds like your child, you’re not alone!

During the teething phases with my own kids, they always wanted to nurse frequently. The breast was a familiar source of comfort to alleviate fussiness, but also provided oral stimulation to the swollen gums.

(And any time, they bit, I just had to latch off and take a break to get the message across!)

Natural teething medicine

When the above comforts are just not cutting it, it’s time to look into natural or herbal medicines for baby. While your pediatrician might recommend Tylenol for temporary pain relief, parents of younger babies may want to just stick to more natural remedies, they can apply as needed.

That’s where Boiron’s Camilia comes in.

Camilia Teething Relief

Camilia is a natural teething medicine, parents can turn to when looking for more effective and natural remedies for painful gums. These homeopathic liquid drops are intended for babies over one-month-old.

The medicine is derived from plants — one of the active ingredients is chamomile, a plant used for centuries for healing benefits. It is formulated without preservatives, or benzocaine, flavors, dyes, lactose, sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

How safe is Camilia teething medicine?

Some parents may wonder if homeopathic teething remedies are safe, because of the recalls found in other homeopathic brands — those homeopathic teething tablets and gels contained chemicals that the FDA warned against.

But, not all homeopathics are considered equal. Unlike, those traditional homeopathic medicines that have raised concerns in the past, Camilia teething relief does NOT contain benzocaine or belladona — the ingredients in question.

Camilia is a worry-free homeopathic medicine. The medicine comes in the form of teething drops that are pre-measured — so no need to search for syringes or worry about accidentally administering the wrong dosage. (Trust me when you have a cranky baby seeking relief, the last thing you need is something else to stress about!)

The liquid drops also come in sterile vials that are recyclable, and small enough to take with you wherever you go — another must-have when managing the unpredictable teething phase.

Personally, I appreciate that Camilia is flavorless and doesn’t have to be applied directly to gums — just give to baby orally, like normal meds, without any sugary additives or dyes.

When you’re a worried parent simply trying to provide relief to a teething baby in a worry-free and reliable manner, Camilia helps reduce the fussiness, so you can focus on adding more giggles to the time spent with your precious baby or toddler.

It’s no wonder the natural teething medicine received the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award® — moms know what works!

Find Camilia at Walmart and get $2 off your purchase. Visit the site here for coupon details.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post How to Relieve Baby Teething Pain Naturally appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

As parents of small children, we understand the importance of baby-proofing our homes for the early years.

We install baby gates, cover outlets, move or secure furniture and pick-up small choking hazards throughout the house for baby’s safety.

But there is one area we forget about…or just don’t pay much attention to: child-proofing window coverings.

And window coverings are 1 of the top 5 hidden hazards in the home.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, other top hazards include magnets, recalled products, furniture that can tip over and pools/spa drains.

But window coverings are the MOST overlooked baby and child hazard.

Keeping Child Safety in Mind

From a parent’s perspective, I get it. Windows don’t automatically come to mind — they are built into the house and the window coverings that we use are often inherited from the previous homeowners.

Even my own home which we bought just 5 years ago included out-dated blinds — the real estate market was quick to highlight the fact that the windows were new…but I didn’t realize the coverings were not.

So parents may forget about childproofing windows early on, or just wait to update them at another time — because they can be expensive to replace.

But therein lies the danger…putting things off.

And accidents and hazards happen when we least expect them.

Now more than ever, paying attention to these hazards around the home is essential. With more and more time spent indoors at home it just makes sense.

So how do you go about making changes for your child’s safety?

Well, first consider the age of your children — if you have small children in the home, you know that curiosity is a big driver of exploration. Kids see something new and want to play with it. This is especially true as your child grows from a baby to toddler to preschooler.

Children have a wild imagination — and pretend play is the norm.

They see a dangling cord and may think — a vine to swing like a monkey, a lasso to round up my animals, or may just innocently tug at it out of curiosity and end up in a seriously compromising position. 

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a pediatrician was to put myself in my child’s shoes when baby proofing — and literally get down to their level and crawl around the house to see it from their perspective.

So I like to take that piece of advice and apply it to everything else around the home. Because then it helps me take note of household dangers and understand what’s at stake.

HOW TO CHILDPROOF WINDOW COVERINGS

Now that you can truly understand the hazards window coverings pose, consider your options for childproofing.

Install Cordless Window Coverings

First look around your house, and check your windows. Go from room to room and take note of the type of window coverings installed — blinds or shades, look closely to see if they are cordless. 

If they aren’t, the best fix is to replace the window coverings just like you would replace any recalled baby products. 

Because the truth is, long or dangling cords can lead to entanglement or become a strangulation risk for small children.

There’s no use in keeping things in the house that pose a serious risk to your family, especially if you have small children. 

Instead, the first thing to do is to research and install the safest alternatives — cordless window coverings.

If you’re not sure where to start, no need to worry, because a new US Safety Standard requires that all stock products be cordless or have inaccessible cords. Meaning, that’s what stores will have in stock! Look for products marked with a Best for Kids certification label.

The label lets you know that window coverings have gone through third-party testing and are specifically designed for use in homes with young children.

Keep Cords Out of Reach

If you’re unable to update to cordless window coverings right away, make sure the cords are out of reach and not accessible to children as a short-term fix.

This may mean wrapping the cords up and securing them at the very top of the window.

You can also shorten or cut tasseled pull cords — so kids can’t reach them.

The key is to keep the cords hidden and inaccessible until you’re able to replace the coverings with cordless and safer alternatives.

Move furniture away from windows

Another helpful tip to keep cords out of reach, is to look at the furniture in and around your windows.

Do they make it easy for your child to access windows and/or the hidden cords?

Think stools, chairs, bureaus or other furniture kids can climb on to reach.

Start with your child’s nursery or bedroom. Move the crib away from any windows — this may be tricky depending on the layout of your home, but it is worth the extra caution.

Even if your crib is on the adjacent wall to the window, take a close look at the distance to the window — toddlers can be quite clever in planning an escape. Don’t overlook the small things when it comes to baby safety!

As you make adjustments to your home to protect your children, keep a reminder of when you plan to replace corded window coverings with cordless window coverings.

Because when you have small children, it’s easy to forget and leave things on the ever-growing to-do list.

Taking initiative early on will help to prevent accidents and keep your children as safe as possible while at home.

To learn more about window cord safety and cordless window coverings during National Window Covering Safety Month and throughout the year, visit WindowCoverings.org.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post The Most Overlooked Child Safety Hazard in Your Home appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.