ML Interest Tag: sleep-deprived

15 Startup Businesses That Are Making Parenting Life Easier

by Candace Nagy

Being a parent can be tough! That’s why we appreciate any company that creates a shortcut or finds a way to ease the daily grind of parenthood. Startup companies are everywhere, and not surprisingly, many of them are founded by parents in business who had a genius idea and ran with it. After all, who better to solve parenting problems than parents themselves? From kid’s meal delivery services to cribs that rock babies to sleep, we’ve rounded up 15 startups designed to make parenting life easier. Scroll down to learn more.

Zūm

Ridezum.com

All parents, at some point, have wished that they could be in more places at once. But, unless you’ve cloned yourself, the reality is that the only way to get it all done is to ask for help. And one place to start is finding transportation for your kids that will help them maintain their educational pursuits without the added stress of playing chauffeur. Sure, parents could use one of the many ride platforms, but precious cargo like kids requires a better solution.

Zūm, a transportation service for kids, offers optimized transportation solutions and fulfills daily transportation needs, “Whether it’s home-to-school transportation, off-campus events, or delivery of meals and educational materials.”

Wonderschool

istock

Wonderschool is often described as an Airbnb for daycare services, and it also helps launch in-home preschools and daycares. The idea for the startup came from co-founders Chris Bennett and Arrel Gray who saw too many parents worried about finding child care. So they designed a company to increase access to high-quality early childhood care for families.

Wonderschool empowers experienced educators and childcare providers to run their own in-home businesses while providing service to other families in their communities. The programs are diverse and designed to educate in the warmth of an in-home child care program.

Otter

Parents in business is Otter
iStock

It’s not uncommon for stay-at-home parents in communities to babysit each other’s children on occasion. But sometimes making the connection between parents looking for care and parents looking to provide that service isn’t easy. If you’re new to your neighborhood or just don’t know where to look, this next startup is for you!

Helen Mayer, the founder of Otter, was in this same boat in 2020, turning down a dream job because she couldn’t find safe, reliable, and affordable care for her twins. Wondering if she was alone in this, she went to her community for feedback and received overwhelming feedback that cemented her desire to help parents in situations like hers. Shortly after, Otter was born, offering parents a tool that “matches parents who need childcare with stay-at-home parents who can care for their kids.”

My Fourth

parents using My Fourth
Pexels.com

Have you heard of the “fourth trimester?” If you haven’t, we're talking about the first three months after giving birth. It’s a time of adjustment for your baby and you that requires a lot of support! Enter the My Fourth app!

Major Care Doulas founder, Mandy Major, created the My Fourth app to help extend the care delivered to her clients into the fourth trimester, saying that their tagline is “put a doula in your pocket,” and adding that “[our mission is] to mainstream postpartum doula care and use digital tools to make it as affordable and accessible as possible. We track pregnancy so diligently in this country but totally fail families in the fourth trimester. We're left to figure it all out on our own. Parents need education, connection, support, and personalized advice! That's why we blend bite-sized content with regular text check-ins from our doulas. Continuous care is what it's all about!”

Pinwheel

parents in business like Pinwheel
iStock

It’s officially the future, and although many advances in technology have made parenting easier, there are some that have created challenges that parents might not be ready for. Like when your 10-year-old asks for their first cell phone. Gulp. Parents who feel completely unprepared for this big step are not alone. In fact, Pinwheel, “smartphones that enable responsible and healthy usage with modes managed by parents for everyday kids' life,” was founded on that very feeling.

Dane Witbeck founded Pinwheel when his eight-year-old son announced that his friend got an iPhone back in 2019. A user himself, he says “Pinwheel lets [me] see his grades in real-time and helps him focus on what matters most by excluding web browsers, app stores and social media. And of course, it supports all of the basic functions like calls, text, and GPS locations, so I can keep an eye on him if he forgets to tell me that he's going to a friend's house after school!”

Got a kid that’s ready for their very own cell phone? Try Pinwheel and use our exclusive promo code TINYBEANS for 10% off.

Cradlewise

Cradelwise

Having a new baby is a beautiful experience that brings parents memories to cherish for a lifetime. But it’s also a time of complete exhaustion from all those sleepless nights soothing baby back to sleep every hour. If only there was a crib that would rock your baby back to sleep for you. Oh, wait, there is!

According to Cradlewise Co-founder and CEO, Radhika Patil, “Modern-day baby monitors notify you once the baby wakes up crying and that’s too late already. Cradlewise is the world’s first crib that senses the first signs of stirring and automatically rocks the baby to sleep. This proactive soothing helps safeguard sleep for babies.” The genius crib, made with natural materials, was designed to grow with your baby—adjusting from bassinet to crib—and has a built-in smart baby monitor and sound system for playing white noise and other curated playlists that can be connected to their corresponding app, allowing you to track your babies’ sleep journey, and get some shut-eye of your own.

Vivvi

A toddler stretches out on the floor to draw using school supplies
iStock

Sometimes one of the toughest parts about being a working parent is finding childcare for the kiddos. That’s where Vivvi comes in to make life easier. Think of Vivvi as the Four Seasons of Childcare, but for medium-sized employers. This startup provides employer-sponsored childcare for companies of all sizes. The care is provided either on-site or near the company and is geared toward kids ages newborn to five years old.

Vivvi’s co-founders Ben Newton and Charles Bonello designed Vivvi to make it possible for companies of all sizes to implement a childcare program and change their employees' lives.

Little Spoon

Littlespoon.com

Spending hours grocery shopping, prepping and serving meals, and cleaning up, only to have your child pick at their plate? Yup, it's exhausting. The founders of Little Spoon felt the same way! That’s why they started a meal delivery service for babies to big kids to bring clean, non-GMO meals and snacks right to your door. Its mission is to make parents' lives easier while offering the healthiest, tastiest food options for children. From chicken potstickers to turkey meatballs and even fresh smoothies and vitamins, your time, and your child’s nutrition and tastebuds are covered.

Shoott.com

Shoott.com

What parent hasn’t scrambled to find a last-minute photographer for birthday parties, holidays and family photo sessions? Shoott.com makes that problem obsolete. This startup provides on-demand professional photography at affordable rates. Shoott.com offers 30-minute photo sessions with an elite-level photographer at select iconic outdoor locations. Sessions are complementary to book, and you only pay for the photos you love at $30 or less. The company started in New York City and now offers services in 35 states.

“Our website makes it easy for anyone to book a professional photographer on demand for all of life's occasions, big or small—including holiday, engagement and family portraits as well as headshots or content for social media,” said Jennifer Tsay, CEO and co-founder of Shoott.com.

Lovevery

Lovevery

Play Kits by Lovevery are a subscription box service that delivers the right science-backed, non-toxic toys babies both want and need, at exactly the right stage of development, so that parents can rest assured they're giving their little ones the best possible start in life. Kits are delivered every other month and start at $36 per month. Lovevery was created to help parents give their little ones an easy alternative to screen time, as well as the ability to maintain a minimalist lifestyle, by cutting out the unnecessary excess and delivering all that baby needs for playtime.

"At Lovevery, we make the science of early childhood more approachable and help parents feel confident they're giving their children the best start,” said Jessica Rolph, Lovevery co-founder and CEO. “We work with child development experts to distill all the research into a system of essential products that are stage-based and crafted with care. You can see that care in our Play Kits and our Play Gym, and it's why parents love what we do."

Huckleberry

iStock

If you’re a parent, sleep struggles have likely been a reality with your little ones at one point or another. That’s why Huckleberry was founded, as a new way to improve the way kids sleep. This app uses artificial intelligence and pediatric sleep experts to create individualized sleep plans for every family. Through Huckleberry, parents take a diagnostic quiz, track sleeping hours, naps and bedtimes, and the app predicts when your kiddo will be sleeping next. The program has several other features that can be purchased beyond the free app as well.

Huckleberry was co-founded by Jessica Toh who states that as a new parent, she never expected her baby would wake up every few hours for nearly two years, in spite of all the books and methods she tried. “It turned out there were many others in the same position,” said Toh. “I felt in this day and age there must be a way to solve this for all the sleep-deprived people out there who just want the best for their children.”

Aiko and Egor Animation 4 Autism

See Beneath

Aiko and Egor Animation 4 Autism is an animated video series and interactive app designed to help kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The activities use evidence-based principles to create activities that focus on simple animation and language for kids with ASD. The app is produced by See Beneath, whose founders are Gerin Gaskin, Casey Hoffman and Jim Turner, all of whom have a background in autism intervention and research from the University of California San Diego. These individuals spent more than 7,500 hours sitting on the floor with kids under the age of three diagnosed with ASD to develop the app. 

“Our vision is a world where all children with autism will develop to their full potential,” according to the See Beneath website. “Our mission is to engage and educate children with autism (ASD) by creating and providing innovative tools that foster positive change and help children reach developmental milestones.”

Peanut

Peanut

Get ready to swipe right on the latest app to help moms make friends. Peanut is a Tinder-type app that matches moms so they can meet other like-minded moms. Once you create an account, Peanut shows you women in your neighborhood with similar-aged kids and creates matches based on shared interests. Then it’s up to you to create playdates and start conversations. 

Michelle Kennedy came up with the idea for Peanut after having her first baby, Finlay, and was struggling to meet other moms. She decided to create a product that would make life as a new mom a little easier. “Peanut is more than an app to connect mothers,” according to Kennedy via Peanut’s website. “It’s about recognizing a pain point that millions of women encounter and finding a solution.” 

Cognitive ToyBox

iStock

Cognitive ToyBox allows teachers to do what they do best: teach. This gamified early childhood assessment allows teachers to test a student’s learning and social-emotional readiness without spending countless hours administering tests. Here’s how it works: kids play five-minute assessment games and the results are then sent to the teacher automatically. The tool saves the teacher hours of work and provides objective data for teachers and parents. 

Co-founders Tammy Kwan and Dr. Brenden Lake created Cognitive ToyBox because they wanted to develop an evidence-based technology solution to support early childhood educators, parents and children. The company currently provides preschool and kindergarten learning assessments.

 

Nanno

Nanno

Every parent has been through it. You confirm plans and then you can’t find a babysitter. That’s where Nanno comes in. This app allows parents to secure a sitter within minutes. There is no minimum hour requirement and you can book as few as two hours in advance. Nanno runs a full criminal background check on all its sitters and requires a skill set for every person. They also offer on-demand matching and booking, quality control based on reviews, and free cancellation protection.

Liz Oertle, CEO and Co-founder of Nanno, is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world problems of everyday people, especially parents and families. A former startup lawyer turned startup founder, Oertle met Desi McAdam, a software engineer and director of a software consultancy. Together, they decided to build a product that would solve a real-world problem that desperately needed to be solved. That’s when the idea of Nanno took form.

—Candace Nagy with Leah Singer

RELATED STORIES:
49 Mom-Invented Products Our Editors Love
Dad-Invented Products Our Editors Love
Companies with Secret Perks & Ambassador Programs for Moms

 

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Milestone: Your Tinybean is Ready to Communicate

by Tinybeans Team
Partner Content

Before you hear those first precious words, your baby is already hard at work communicating. From crying to cooing, smiling to waving, babies continue to amaze their sleep deprived parents with just how much they have to “say.” There are lots of ways to encourage your child’s continued growth during this exciting milestone. And it’s as simple as making enthusiastic animal noises when you’re pushing the stroller (no one will judge, we promise!).

(PS: Every child develops on their own timeline. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.)

Point with purpose. This non-verbal gesture plays a big role in getting the verbal part going! Point at things you see when you’re on the go to build their vocabulary. When your child is excited and points, you’ll learn a lot from them too! Does your kiddo always point to the page with the kitten or light up when you see a neighbor’s dog on walk? Hint hint: Could be a sign you should add a furry family member to your crew. And if you do find yourself with Fido, your little one will be a great helper when they are able to speak more words and engage with their new BFF!

Considering adding a pet to your family? See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

Start with newborn “chats”

You’re pretty familiar with crying as a way of communicating. (Hungry? Tired? Memo received!). The addition of sweet “cooing” to your kiddo’s vocal repertoire around months 1-2 is a nice change of pace. You’ll be compelled to coo right back for your first two-sided convos! Anywhere from six weeks to three months, your baby will show off those first smiles (and not just facial expressions from having gas). This is an exciting milestone because it feels like you two are really connecting.

All about those belly laughs

Thought it couldn’t get any sweeter? At around three or four months old, babies start to laugh. The sillier you are, the more giggles you get. Whether you’re blowing raspberries on their tummy or making an elated “woof!” sound when reading a story about pets, laughter goes a long way in boosting budding communication skills. Add different voices, movements, and funny sound effects to books and songs. You may be a “Wheels on the Bus” soloist for quite awhile, but eventually you’ll be part of the cutest duet. Pro tip: throwing in a “pop” sound to peek-a-boo will really blow their mind.

The more you talk, the more they learn! Simply narrating what you’re doing (“I’m changing your diaper now!”) or referring to objects and saying the name (“The cat is on the couch”) helps babies gain an understanding of their world. You’ll feel like you’re repeating yourself a lot, but that’s a good thing when it comes to word recognition. You can do this from day 1!

Read, read, read. It’s never too early to read to your baby. Aside from helping spur language development, it’s wonderful quality time and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Start with simple books that have colorful drawings or photos. Say the name of what you’re looking at (“green apples!” or “striped cat”). Board books are great because they’re sturdy, can’t be ripped, and hold up to drool and curious baby nibbles! Touch and feel books are also exciting for little hands to explore.

Say it with signs

Baby sign language is an effective way to help your baby express what they want well before they can say the words. At around six months, start teaching simple signs for common objects, activities, or people. “More” and “milk” are some good go-tos to get started. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your kiddo to catch on, but the more you demonstrate, the better. Signing can help ease frustration when communicating (for both of you!).

Babble on!

8-10 month-olds seem to have a lot to say… even if you don’t have a clue what that is exactly. You might catch some “ma-ma” and “da-da” consonant/vowel sounds, although they’re probably not saying them intentionally yet. Heart melting first words will delight you anywhere from 12-18 months.

Practice those royal waves

Babies love to mimic… especially waving! Somewhere around 9 months, they may start saying hi and bye using this adorable gesture. Heads up: it’s a real crowd-pleaser on walks in the stroller. As your baby gets older, you’ll notice their imitation game gets stronger. They’ll love to copy you clapping and making silly faces and gestures. Remember, this fun back and forth is their version of having a conversation!

Show excitement. Babies pick up on your cues. If you’re engaged and respond with interest (even if the fire truck isn’t that exciting to you) they’ll pick up on those positive (and talkative!) vibes!
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Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Baby Sprinkle

by Jamie Davis Smith

Friends and family have no shortage of activities and gifts to choose from when it comes to planning a baby shower. But, when it comes to a second (or third or fourth) baby, celebrations look a little different. Read on for tips on how to host a baby sprinkle, a smaller, scaled-back event that’s just as special as the new baby.

The Guest List

While baby showers are typically big events, baby sprinkles tend to be smaller but just as joyous affairs. It’s perfectly acceptable to invite everyone who attended the expectant mother’s baby shower, but because baby sprinkles are scaled-back events, it is also perfectly acceptable to cut down the guest list. The host and parents-to-be can determine what would work best.

Location may also determine the size of the party. If the parents-to-be feel up for it, ask if the baby sprinkle can be held in their home or yard. Assure the mom-to-be that she will not have to lift a finger! Then, enlist a couple of guests to help set up and clean up. Or, have a family member or close friend host at their place. Another option is to gather at a restaurant for a luncheon or high tea where everyone chips in to treat the expectant mom.  

Things to consider: Some guest lists are limited to a smaller group that may include just the expectant parents’ closest friends and families. Some expectant parents choose to celebrate in smaller groups at different times, having small, separate get-togethers for family, neighborhood friends, work friends or college friends. If the expectant parents travel to their hometowns, having a baby shower with just family when they go for a visit can be a lot of fun too. Some parents-to-be prefer smaller gatherings that are low-fuss since it is easier to spend time with everyone who attends while also keeping an eye on their kid(s).

The Grub

Left Coast Original

Because baby sprinkles are usually more casual than baby showers, lighter fare is more than okay.

A charcuterie board that contains a variety of cheeses, meats, olives and nuts is a great way to feed guests at any baby sprinkle. Or, serve a pretty cheese board with specialty cheeses. You can even surprise the parents-to-be with a custom engraved charcuterie board from Left Coast Original (above) for under $50.

Every baby sprinkle needs a dessert with lots of…sprinkles! Serve mini cupcakes or a full-size cake covered with sprinkles in the color of the baby’s nursery or the mom’s favorite color. Consider upping your sprinkle game and getting some gourmet Sprinkle Pop sprinkles from their baby shower collection or create a custom mix.

If the Mom-to-be has had any unique cravings during her pregnancy, try to incorporate them into the sprinkle. If you aren’t sure, ice cream and pickles are always a safe choice! When it comes to drinks, anything goes but make sure that the Mom-to-Be has some tasty, non-alcoholic options. Mocktail Club sells non-alcoholic drinks that are a great choice for any guests who are skipping alcohol. And have some juice on hand for the big siblings in attendance!  

The Gifts

The Honest Company

For the parents who already have it all, diapers may be the one thing they need. Show up with a pack or two in newborn sizes. To get more creative, make your own diaper cake with a kit from Wilton. Or, order a custom diaper cake from The Honest Company (above) for a striking gift the new baby will definitely use.

Unlike baby showers where the parents-to-be need everything, a baby sprinkle is a great opportunity to chip in and get mom something she wants but is out of her price range. A stroller that converts to a double like the Cybex Gazelle or the UPPAbaby Vista 2 is a great choice. Both can be used immediately as a single, then convert to a double and then back again as the needs of the family change. Or, the Sirona S rotating car seat makes parent's lives easier by twisting to face the car door and then back to be rear- or front-facing will make mom's life so much easier once she is caring for a baby and an older child.

A baby sprinkle is also a great time to get mom something just for her. Try a Beauty Cloud box full of items to help mom pamper herself at home and feel her best in her last weeks of pregnancy and during the sleepless nights after giving birth. Another lux item that will help mom make the most of the time she does get to sleep is a silk pillowcase and eye mask from Silken Pure. For the mom who wants to support other mothers, an Anchor of Hope gift box is full of handmade goods like a raw ruby necklace and a handwoven basket. Items are all made by refugee women, some of whom have been trafficked.

Need more gift ideas? Read our ultimate guide to baby sprinkle gifts.

The Siblings

red and olive

Some baby sprinkles include the older sibling(s) while others do not. Discuss with the expectant parents whether they want to include their other children and how to make the baby sprinkle kid-friendly. Even if children are not a part of the baby sprinkle, it is a good idea to include them in the celebration in some way and send the parents-to-be home with gifts for their other kids so they don't feel left out.

Gifts that help kids feel secure and loved as their family grows are always a good choice. A special, new lovey from Red & Olive (above) that is made to last and comes in fun themes like Foxy Bella Ballerina and Sassy Cat will help toddlers with being apart from their parents during childbirth and after when they have to share their parents' time with the new baby. Boundless Blooms Mindfulness cards teach kids mindfulness and provides affirmations for kids, both of which may come in handy as kids find their family and their role changing. For older kids (6 and up), Big Life Journals include daily activities to help build resilience.

Because kids can never have too many books, some new additions to the family library will be welcome. What on Earth Books teach kids about everything from machines to germs to hidden treasures. They're great for creating new opportunities for parents and kids to snuggle up and read something new together.  

Activities that big siblings can do with a parent on their own after the baby arrives are also helpful. Color My Cookie makes fun kits with delicious cookies that kids paint themselves with included edible colors. Choose from themes like dinosaurs and gems. If kids will be included in the baby sprinkle, the company's mini-kits are the perfect addition to the party! And you can never go wrong with a LEGO set or craft-related items from Crayola.

Something that will definitely help a big sibling feel special is a set of matching mommy & me (or baby & me!) pajamas. Kyte Baby makes super-soft pajamas in sizes ranging from newborn to adult, so gifts could include just the big sibling and Mom, just the baby and newly minted big sibling, the whole family or any other creative combination!

The Activities

1littlehapalamb

Baby sprinkles are typically less structured than baby showers, and that means activities and games are optional. While it’s perfectly fine to skip planned activities altogether, it can be fun to plan one or two.

Instead of traditional games like guessing how many squares of toilet paper will fit around the expectant mom’s belly, try crafting items the new baby will use. Any baby that follows the first is bound to have a lot of hand-me-downs. So spend the baby sprinkle making unique, personalized gifts for the new addition. Put some white onesies or infant towels on a table with fabric markers and stencils and ask guests to decorate them with the new baby’s name or in the colors of the nursery.

For another low-key activity, print out paper with each letter of the alphabet. Place some colored pencils next to the pages and ask guests to personalize a letter with a drawing or word. After the baby sprinkle, laminate the pages and bind them together to make a special and unique ABC book for baby’s library.

If the parents-to-be are already dreading a return to diaper changes, have a basket of diapers and a Sharpie available. Ask guests to write funny sayings on the diapers for parents to find during late-night diaper changes. No matter how sleep-deprived they may be, they won't be able to help but smile when they pull out a diaper that says “One day it will be my turn to change your diaper” or “Code brown!”

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How to Tame Your Child’s Sleep Monster

By Sally Baird

In the land of kids and monsters, Sleep Monster wouldn’t let anyone sleep a wink. Although Sleep Monster said it was fun not to sleep, he was telling a lie. Kids and monsters alike were tired and cranky, but no one knew what to do.

And so begins the saga of the Sleep Monster who discourages sleep and well-being for everyone around him. Sleep Monster is related to the Worry Monster who appears in the author’s popular book on children’s anxiety. Now the author addresses ways to tame the sleep monster as another important health focus for families.

The Importance of Sleep in Children

Sleep is an essential building block for your child’s mental and physical health. Scientists know that a child who consistently gets a good night’s sleep is more creative, can concentrate longer, can solve problems better, is able to remember new things, has more energy, has a more robust immune system, and can create and maintain good relations with others.

But, according to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, almost half of American children do not get enough sleep. The risk factors for sleep-deprived children are great. Many of these children show signs of increased irritability, stress, forgetfulness, problems learning, low motivation, and high levels of anxiety. Often sleep-deprived children’s behaviors will mimic ADHD leading to incorrect diagnoses and treatment. As if these issues weren’t enough, prolonged sleep deprivation can worsen existing behavior problems and contribute to depression and anxiety.

Physically, kids who do not get enough sleep are at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, smaller stature, weakened immune system, and obesity. According to sleep experts, the link between obesity and weight gain is related. Along with fast food and insufficient exercise, lack of sleep is a factor in weight gain.

How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need?

The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following guidelines for the amount of sleep needed per day (naps included):

  • Toddlers: 11-14 hours
  • Pre-schoolers: 10 -13 hours
  • Children 6-13 years: 9 -11 hours
  • Teenagers 14-17 years: 8 -10 hours

What Interferes with a Good Night’s Sleep?

Sleep is a complex, yet imperative biological function. For children, there are many factors that interfere with sleeping well, with one of the biggest problems being screen time. According to the National Sleep Foundation, using electronic devices before bed (especially small screens held close to the face) interferes with the release of melatonin—the hormone that helps us sleep. This is mainly due to the blue light emitted from the screen, which can be the equivalent of drinking a cup of coffee. Parents wouldn’t say, “Why don’t you have a cup of coffee and go to bed.” Yet when screens are allowed in the evening, the effect can be similar.

Other risk factors include living below the poverty line, lack of caregiver information about the importance of sleep, adverse home life, and mental health issues. One of the biggest mental health issues is anxiety—the number one referring problem to mental health providers in the world.

Anxiety is like a constantly dripping faucet. Worrying thoughts come into the brain like water from a leaky faucet and it seems impossible to stop them. Soon the thoughts get to a very high level and will cause real damage if not controlled. The anxious dripping thoughts are often worse at night. The anxious child lays awake in bed, unable to shut off the worries and unable to sleep. Then he worries that he is not sleeping. It is a vicious cycle. The book, Shrinking the Worry Monster, A Kid’s Guide for Saying Goodbye to Worries, addresses the topic of kids’ anxiety and offers many concrete solutions to lower worry.

Ways to Tame the Sleep Monster

It is important to carry out good sleep hygiene, which refers to healthy sleep habits. The behaviors and choices your child makes during the day and especially at night affect how well he or she sleeps. Seattle Children’s offers an excellent handout on tips to help children sleep well. Some of their tips plus other ideas are described below.

1. Keep consistent bedtimes and wake times every day of the week. Changing times on the weekend can throw a sleep schedule off.
2. Keep your child’s bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable. Make sure the mattress and pillow are of good quality.
3. Keep your child’s bed for sleeping only. Discourage the use of electronic devices or reading in bed, so the bed won’t become associated with wakefulness.
4. Limit electronic devices and anything with high stimulation to within an hour of bedtime.
5. Bedtime should include a predictable sequence of events like bath, brush teeth, quiet talk, story, and lights out.
6. Relaxation techniques have become more popular and effective. Try deep, slow abdominal breathing or remembering positive scenes from past events. There are a number of apps that offer mediation for children’s sleep.
7. Turn the clock away from view. Clock watching at night only increases anxiety about not sleeping.
8. Physical exercise and being outside are important every day, but don’t exercise within 2 hours of sleep time.
9. Security objects at bedtime can be helpful.
10. Limit caffeine and soda after 2 p.m. Caffeine can fragment sleep.
11. Worry time should not be at bedtime. There are a number of wonderful techniques for handling worries in children. In addition to the author’s book, her blogs include articles on how to build a Worry Box and how to use Worry Time. Do not let anxiety interfere with your child’s sleep. Anxiety is controllable.

Good sleep is essential for all kids (and adults). It’s imperative to discuss why sleep is important, how sleep deprivation hurts kids, sleep requirements, and offers concrete tips on ways to tame the sleep monster. Just like the Worry Monster, the Sleep Monster can be managed. Hopefully, the end of our story could be—In the land of kids and monsters, everyone sleeps well.

This post originally appeared on Why Can’t I Sleep? Ways to Tame the Sleep Monster.

I am a child psychologist who specializes in children's anxiety. I just published a top seller children's book titled Shrinking the Worry Monster, A Kid's Guide for Saying Goodbye to Worries. I love sharing ideas about decreasing worry in children, especially now. I also love to hike and bike in beautiful Pacific NW. 

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The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist for New Moms

by Anna Knoebel
Partner Content

When it comes to labor and delivery, there’s not much you need besides, well, you. It’s only after baby has arrived that you’ll love having your gear bedside (hello, favorite pillow!). Remember, there’s no way to tell how long you’ll be checked in, so our ultimate hospital bag checklist for expecting moms has a little something for everyone. From important paperwork to your coziest pajamas, keep reading for our guide to the things new moms should consider packing in a hospital bag.

Jonathan Borba via Pexels

1. Hospital paperwork, ID and insurance info and your birth plan (if you have one). This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a good idea to have all your important documents organized and together for easy access, especially if you’re already in labor and don’t feel like searching through your bags.

2. Robe, cheap slippers and wool socks: Walking around and squatting truly eases the pain of contractions, so make sure you have something warm and full coverage to wear. Even in summer months, the hospital might be chilly.

3. Comfy sleep gear: Hospital gowns, with their open fronts, work beautifully for the baby-pushing situation, but having your own sleep gear helps you feel more at home after Baby arrives. Choose one that opens in the front, pack nursing bras if you plan on nursing, and don’t worry about bottoms.

4. Snacks: Even if the thought of eating during labor seems silly to you, your partner might not feel the same way. There’s no telling what type of vending machine options your hospital offers, so be sure to pack a bunch of your favorite snack foods. Don’t rule out fresh veggies or prune juice, either, because once you have your appetite back, you’ll want to up your fiber intake to get your body moving at a normal pace.

5. Lots of liquids: Labor is hard work, and you’ll want to stay hydrated. If plain H2O doesn’t sound appealing, consider an electrolyte supplement or pack sports drinks like Gatorade.

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6. Clothes to wear home: Don't panic! You will be smaller than when you arrived at the hospital, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to feel like wearing your skinny jeans. It takes time for your belly to return to its previous size and shape. Maternity leggings and a comfy top are the best bet.

7. A car seat: The majority of hospitals will not allow you to leave without a proper car seat for your newborn. Be prepared, and have it installed in advance. To make getting baby in and out of the car easier, we love the Maxi-Cosi® Coral™ XP—the first-ever integrated car seat and carrier nesting system. The Coral™ XP has a lightweight carrier inside the car seat and is removed with the touch of a button, so you're less likely to wake a sleeping baby. And, when you get home, the Coral™ XP fits seamlessly with the Tayla™ XP Travel System by Maxi-Cosi.

8. "Going Home" outfit: Dress baby to impress for his ride home, but make sure it’s comfy enough for that first car seat attempt.

9. An extra bag: Use it to carry home the gifts and freebies you’ll receive while you’re in the hospital. If you can’t carry home your bouquets, give them to the nurses as a thank you.

10. A mini bottle of champagne: You just brought a baby into this world! Take a moment to celebrate the accomplishment with your partner.

11. A bottle for baby: Packing a bottle for the hospital can help you get ahead of the game when it comes to choosing the right one for your family, plus it allows your partner and/or siblings a chance to bond during feeding time. Some bottles are designed specifically for newborns, with a slow-flow feeding system, an "easy-latch" and a valve that eliminates extra air in the nipple so baby can learn to feed with ease. 

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12. Camera, smartphone and chargers: You will absolutely cherish these images and videos when you come back from the sleep-deprived zombie world of early parenthood, so make sure you don't run out of battery power.

13. Relaxing music or noise-canceling headphones: Staying relaxed really does make labor easier, so bring these helpful items knowing you might not have the chance to use them. If you can, turn off the lights in your room. Low lighting also helps you relax.

14. Toiletries and makeup: Keep it simple, but definitely bring toothbrushes and toothpaste, moisturizer, deodorant, shampoo, your brush and hair ties. Also, it’s totally ok to want to look good in your baby's first pics, so go ahead and bring that eyelash curler and lip gloss.

15. Pre-made email/phone number list: All those people who’ve been your support system (and sounding board about backaches and swollen ankles) for the last nine months? Thank them by including them on your first birth announcement sent from your (or your partner’s) phone. They’re waiting to hear the good news, and they can't wait to see that first picture of you holding your new baby.

16. Granny panties: These work to hold ice packs and huge maxi pads in place—the hospital will provide disposable ones, but after a day or so, you'll want the real thing. Something else to consider is bringing your own maxi pads (choose the heavy flow kind), as the hospital-provided version comes in a triple-extra large size.

17. Nipple cream: If you intend to nurse your newborn, this stuff is a godsend, and it doubles as a lipgloss. 

Also, speaking of nursing, don’t lose the lactation consultant’s number. You might need it once you get back home.

18. Your own baby blankets: You'll want photos of your newborn in the hospital's blankets, of course—there's something so charming about seeing all babies wrapped in the same swaddle—but for a prettier and more professional looking picture, bring a cute swaddle that makes other parents say, "Why didn't I think of that?"

19. Your own pillow: You're going to want to try to get sleep in the hospital while you can, and having your own pillow can make a big difference in the hospital bed's comfort level.

20. Prenatal pills: Doctors advise to continue taking them after delivery. Also helpful, if you’re into it, is Fenugreek for milk production.

21. Newborn pacifiers: Whether it's mom's arms or a tight swaddle, babies liked to be soothed from the very beginning. If you decide to use a pacifier, bring your own to the hospital.

—Anna Knoebel and Gabby Cullen

 

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Feature photo: Unsplash

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Fourth Trimester Necessities

by Jamie Davis Smith

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Your first few months with a newborn is a special but overwhelming time with you and your baby adjusting to your new lives. Even if you received everything from your baby registry, stocked up on health and safety items and know which resources to contact for support, these are the fourth-trimester necessities you’ll need to survive and thrive during those sleepless nights and amazing days.

fourth trimester necessities wooden keepsake box

Keepsake Boxes from Mad Tree Woodcrafts

$123+ BUY NOW

From baby's hospital bracelet to their first swaddling blanket, new parents will start amassing keepsakes as soon as baby is born. Make sure these precious memories don't wind up in a shoebox that will get crushed or lost. A keepsake box is the perfect solution. Have your baby's box engraved and get one large enough to keep adding to as your little one gets bigger and bigger.

fourth trimester new parent necessities YETI tumbler

YETI Rambler

$80 BUY NOW

New moms need to stay hydrated, especially if you're nursing, so this is one of the fourth-trimester necessities you won't want to miss. But getting in all that water is tough when you have your hands full. Larger water bottles, like the 46-ounce YETI Rambler, can help, since you won't need to make as many repeat trips to the kitchen. It's well insulated and can keep your water cold from sunup to sundown. It also has a chug cap so you can down a lot of water quickly in those rare moments baby lets you have use of your hands.

fourth trimester new parent necessities portable throw and eye mask

Open Road Portable Throw Set

$165 BUY NOW

New parents are always told to sleep when the baby sleeps. Easier said than done. A good quality sleep mask blocks out light to get you much-needed naptime, and a cozy blanket is your new best friend. This Kailu mask is made out of light-blocking black mulberry silk that is soft and easy on sensitive skin. It comes with a portable silk throw perfect for catching naps on the sofa or snuggling with baby.

fourth trimester new parent necessities loop earplugs

Quiet Earplugs from Loop

$20 BUY NOW

Noise-reducing earplugs, like this pair from Loop, blocks some noise to help you relax and sleep but still hear what's going on while someone else cares for baby. Paranoid parents will appreciate that these fourth-trimester necessity lets some sounds through.

 

refillable hand sanitizer fourth trimester new parent necessities

Refillable Pocket Hand Sanitizer Five-Pack from Noshinku

$42 for 5-pack BUY NOW

Even though you lived through a pandemic, having a baby means using more hand sanitizer than ever before. Noshinku is a great choice for anyone with a newborn since it's made from gentle, organic ingredients and comes in a variety of pleasing scents like lavender and citrus.

 

Garmin smartwatch fourth trimester new parent necessities

Garmin vivomove Sport Hybrid Smartwatch

$180 BUY NOW

Between lack of sleep and lack of time to cook healthful meals or exercise, parental health and well-being can go downhill quickly. A smart watch can give new parents the information they need to be the best they can be for their little one. The Garmin Vivosport has a traditional face that works with any outfit. Plus, it has the hidden capability to track how much shut-eye you get, your activity level, heart rate and even stress level.

 

single serve coffeemaker fourth trimester new parent necessities

Single-Serve Coffee Maker from Art and Cook

$60 BUY NOW

New parents often find themselves in a conundrum: They are exhausted, so they want a caffeine boost. Yet they rarely have time to wait for an entire pot of coffee to brew. The solution is a single-serve coffee maker that brews a cup of Joe quickly so you can drink it before the baby needs you. It's small enough to fit on almost any countertop.

 

gooseneck electric kettle fourth trimester new parent necessities

Gooseneck Kettle from Ulalov

$70 BUY NOW

If tea is more your speed, use an electric kettle to heat water quickly to the perfect temperature. This kettle has pre-set temperatures for different types of teas. Best of all, its keep-warm feature means that if the baby wakes up just as you were ready to enjoy your hot beverage, this kettle will keep your water warm until you're ready.

Anker magnetic battery fourth trimester new parent necessities

MagGo Magnetic Battery from Anker

$70 BUY NOW

Keeping phones charged can be a challenge under the best of circumstances. Having a newborn only makes this harder. The solution is a portable battery that can be used around the house or thrown in a diaper bag. To make sure you always have enough juice when you need it, get a charger that is compact but powerful. This one is thin, light and comes with a kickstand to make viewing comfortable while charging.

kindle paperwhite fourth trimester new parent necessities

Kindle Paperwhite

$140 BUY NOW

New parents may find themselves pinned under their adorable sleeping baby. The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect solution for any new parent who likes to read and needs to be able to hold a book with one hand with the lights off. This ultra-thin, super light device can download the latest bestseller or your favorite magazine with a couple of taps. It's small enough to stash in a diaper bag without adding additional weight so it's a great item to bring on-the-go for those times your baby falls asleep in the stroller or the car.

headphones fourth trimester new parent necessiites

UE Fits from Ultimate Ears

$164 BUY NOW

File this under fourth-trimester necessities you'll love for years to come. Wireless earbuds are key since there are no cords for babies to pull on or get tangled. These have fast-charge capabilities, meaning users get an hour of use in just 10 minutes of charging. This is perfect for sleep-deprived parents who can't remember what day it is, let alone that they need to charge their earbuds. They also mold to your ears so they will be comfortable and less likely to fall out.

 

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Remember Your Why

By Laurie Hellmann

Whether currently, or at one time or another in our lives, I think most of us have experienced the feeling of not having control in a situation, or not knowing what to do, or what is the best decision to make. Perhaps you’ve felt helpless, emotionally overwhelmed, or as if you just couldn’t stand one more thing occurring. Being the mom of a child with profound special needs definitely generates those feelings in me on a frequent basis.

In my opinion, life is about learning to cherish every moment granted to us, especially the sorrowful or ordinary ones because each moment that passes us by holds eternal weight. I’ve identified three ways to encourage myself to retrain my daily focus—to learn, appreciate and soak up how each moment, happy or difficult adds value to the overall story of my life.

Seize the Day
How often do we tell ourselves that we will call our friend later, start eating healthy, focusing on self-care or we’ll start working on accomplishing that life-long dream when the timing is right—then never actually do it? It seems that we are always putting things off because we tell ourselves that we don’t have time right now. If the COVID quarantine has taught us anything it’s that ‘timing’ isn’t the issue. What we may be lacking is the motivation or confidence to live for today and identify the value in the little things.

Regardless of the challenges each day may bring, and with special needs children those can be unique and plentiful, remember your ‘Why.’ Each day presents an opportunity, whether it’s large or small to push ourselves to grow and learn and appreciate the now. That is my ‘why.’  By seizing the most out of each day, I’m modeling for my kids the importance of never settling and to keep seeking ways to turn lemons into lemonade.

Especially on days when I’ve lost my patience because my son has thrown his food to the floor and his hitting was at an all-time high, all while I was extremely sleep deprived, I recognize that how I handled those tough moments doesn’t define me or my entire day—but rather refines me and how I will handle adversity in the future. I instead choose to be grateful for the sweet family moments, random acts of kindness, laughter and the chance to experience it all again tomorrow.

Attitude Is Everything
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact a positive attitude has on one’s life.  I truly believe a person’s attitude is more important than money, than failures or successes, and certainly more important than outward appearances and social-media profiles.

We have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change how others act, the things they say (or post), or the inevitable outcome of many situations. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. We are in charge of our attitude!

I also hold onto a strong belief that everything happens for a reason. I wake up each day with the intention of smiling and laughing more while not wasting energy on gossip, negative thoughts, or things beyond my control. The benefit of maintaining a positive attitude (and constant resetting throughout the day if needed) is that when situations go awry it’s so much more productive to laugh and develop an alternative solution rather than being stressed and angry.

Stop & Appreciate the Beauty in & around You
It is so easy to become hypnotized by a daily routine and feel that everyday actions such as driving to work or coordinating therapy sessions are mundane and monotonous thus causing fatigue and burnout. I would wager that we don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it.

We must remind ourselves that we are surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation and we ourselves are a part of that. Choose to focus on what you “get to” do versus what you “have to” do. Life is a gift, not an obligation.

“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” ― Earl Nightingale

I'm the mom to an 18 year old son with severe autism, a neurotypical teen daughter & have an incredibly supportive husband! I authored a memoir - Welcome to My Life: A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism & host the podcast Living the Sky Life. Visit my website www.LaurieHellmann.com to learn more about me!

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My Tried-and-True Steps to Having an Amazing Sleeper

By Karissa Whitman

I learned a lot about baby sleep after my first was born. Lucky for us, he was an amazing sleeper! We got into a great sleep routine very quickly and not long after a girlfriend of mine welcomed a sweet new baby into the world too! Except her baby wasn’t sleeping. She asked me what she could do to help her baby self soothe?

I thought long and hard about all the different tactics we tried. All the ways we had prepared his sleep environment to help him sleep through the night. That’s when I realized, there were three solid steps we took to help your baby self-soothe for better sleep, here’s what they are:

1. We always put our baby to bed drowsy, but awake. This can be confusing, but it’s a crucial step toward allowing your baby the chance to fall asleep independently without any sleep associations tied in. What I mean by sleep association is, for example, let’s say you put your baby to sleep with their pacifier. Eventually, the pacifier falls out. Many babies then wake once their comfort item is taken away from them. Since they need that comfort item to go to sleep, they will struggle to put themselves back to sleep and cry until it’s returned to them. The pacifier is only one example of a sleep association.

Other common examples include:

  • Rocking baby to sleep

  • Feeding baby to sleep 

  • Falling asleep in a baby carrier

It might be challenging at first and don’t worry if your baby doesn’t get the hang of it right away, but give your baby 2-3 minutes to try and put themselves to sleep.

This can be done by feeding the baby their bottle or nursing the baby while they’re awake. Proceed to burp your baby and gently rock until they are calm and look sleepy. Once your baby is calm and quiet, place them down in their sleep spot on their back. 

Quietly walk out of the room and give them time to try and fall asleep.

If your baby doesn’t succeed right away, that’s ok. Simply repeat the process until they do. 

Plus, we can all agree that us sleep-deprived moms need sleep. Feeding baby to sleep or letting them sleep in their carrier while running errands won’t make or break your progress from time to time either.

2. Set up a safe sleeping environment for your baby. The other big thing we did was we made sure our son’s sleep space was 100% safe and calm. This looked like keeping the room completely dark, using a white noise machine to mimic what life was like in the womb, placing him down on his back while sleeping, keeping him in a baby sleep sack, and making sure there were no loose toys or items surrounding him in his crib or sleeping space.

Let’s break these down a little more to understand their benefits.

  • Keeping the room completely dark: The biggest reason for darkening a baby’s room is to help them learn the difference between day and nighttime sleep. As newborns, babies aren’t able to consolidate their sleep routine until they reach that 4-5 month mark. That’s why it’s important when they’re younger to build that healthy foundation to help them start to learn the difference between daylight (getting outside when the sun is out) vs. nighttime (keeping the rooms dark to promote sleep).

  • Using a white noise machine: Using a white noise machine (or turning a bedroom fan on) is nice because it can help drown out outside noises that may startle your baby awake and it can help mimic those slushing and swashing sounds they heard in utero.

  • Placing your baby down on back: You’ve seen the term “back is best”. Prior to learning how to roll, if you place baby on their stomachs and they end up getting short of breath or shoving their face into their mattress, they have a significantly higher risk of suffocating because they aren’t strong enough to move themselves out of that position.

  • Using a sleep sack or swaddle: Using a swaddle or sleep sack can simply help your baby feel warm and secure. Imagine that snug little amniotic sac they’ve been living in for so long and now it’s just gone. It may be a trick to find the right one for your baby, but when you do, it’ll be glorious!

  • Removing toys and loose objects in their sleep area: Because young babies aren’t strong enough to move themself out of harm’s way, it’s always best to eliminate any risk of choking or suffocation.

3. Pay attention to baby’s sleepy cues and start a sleep routine. One of the hardest things to do in the early days is to know exactly when your baby needs to sleep. It seems like one minute they’re sleeping and the next they’re ready to eat. As your baby gets older, you can start to pick up on their sleep cues which will help you get them down to sleep before they become overstimulated and unable to self soothe at all.

For my son, he would always start rubbing his eyes and looking around the room. That was his first sleepy cue I began to notice.

When I’d miss his cues, he’d start to become fussy, agitated, would bring his hands to his face, and ONLY want to nurse—he would refuse a bottle each time he got too overstimulated.

Other baby sleep cues might also look like:

  • Yawning

  • Rubbing face

  • Rubbing their eyes

  • Crying

  • Grunting/Whining​

  • Pulling ears, hair, or face

Now that you know my three steps to help baby self soothe themselves to sleep, I hope you can be well on your way to a much needed night’s rest!

 

Karissa is a mom to two young boys and a blogger of Mom After Baby. Karissa believes ALL moms are capable of life beyond motherhood and is passionate about providing informative & educational content to new, expecting, and postpartum moms.

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19 Useful Baby Shower Gifts Moms-to-Be Will Treasure

by Sarah Blight

Baby shower registries aren’t limited to big box stores these days. In fact, there are many websites where you can register for anything that’s on the internet. So what are the most useful and appreciated baby gifts that you could and should register for? We’ve done our research and come up with 19 ideas that you will actually use and appreciate having after your baby’s arrival.

1. Pregnancy pillow. It’s one of those items you may have felt frivolous buying for yourself, but trust us, it’s worth every extra hour of sleep you’ll recieve.

2. Gift certificates for a local baby store. Sometimes doing the shopping yourself is the fun part: browsing through a store and marveling at the teeny tiny booties, adorable newborn outfits, and sweet nursery accents.

3. House cleaning service (before or after baby comes). Not only will you suddenly feel the need for a pristine house with a newborn around, but also, you’ll be sleep-deprived and short on time.

4. Contribution to a doula service. If you are dreaming of a doula birth, but can’t afford it, this is one way to get the birth you really want.

5. Hiring a photographer for baby pictures. This is a gift you’ll cherish forever.

6. Personalized new mom note cards. When you meet the first nice mom at mom and baby yoga, you’ll thank us for making it easy to keep in touch. Swapping numbers in your phones isn’t always so easy when you’re running off with a hungry newborn.

7. Paying for someone to give a CPR and infant first aid class. You’ll rest easier knowing you have these skills just in case.

8. Prenatal or postnatal massage. Feel free to be specific about the spa and/or masseuse you prefer as well. You deserve it.

9. Gift certificate for a pedicure. Your feet could use the extra massage right now, and you can’t see your own toes for a DIY pedicure anyway.

10. Date night certificate. Feel like you’ll never leave the house after baby? If you’ve got a free dinner for two and babysitting in the books before she arrives, you’ll have extra motivation.

11. Shower saver kit. This tongue-in-cheek gift gives a nod to the fact that finding time for a shower after baby isn’t always easy, but this clever gift grouping will make it doable: a clear plastic shower curtain, bath accessories for mom, and a bouncy seat for baby.

12. Cloth diaper service or a supply of disposable diapers. If there’s one thing you know your baby will use, it’s diapers!

13. Emergency diaper kit to leave in the car. This clever and ever-useful wet bag should include diapers, wipes, plastic baggies, and a clean change of clothes.

14. Meals for a month. Organize a meal train of family and friends to provide simple dinners several days a week for a month.

16. Favorite children’s books. Start building your baby’s library from day one. Books will be treasured forever.

17. Uh-oh kit. Here’s an easy way to ensure you’re stocked with the necessary first aid supplies including a thermometer, gas tablets, teething tablets, baby pain reliever, nail clippers, diaper rash cream, etc.

18. Handmade hats or blankets. If you’ve got relatives or friends that knit, hint that handmade is appreciated.

19. Nursing pillow. If you overlooked this on your registry—don’t. Not only is it good for breastfeeding, bottle-feeding moms find comfort in it as well, and these pillows can be a great spot to prop your baby.

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