Sleep regression: Navigating Baby’s Sleep Regression with Ease

Leanne — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:38:37 +0000

Sleep Regressions

Navigating Baby’s Sleep Regression with Ease

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the middle of a sleep regression nightmare with your little one. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! I want to share some tips and tricks to help you survive those sleepless nights and get through this challenging phase.

First things first, let’s talk about what exactly sleep regression is. It’s like hitting a speed bump on the road to dreamland. Just when you think you’ve got the whole sleep thing figured out, your little one decides to throw you a curveball and suddenly forgets how to sleep through the night. Don’t worry, nothing is wrong! It’s totally normal.

BUT WHY?

One possible reason could be a growth spurt. During times of rapid physical development, your little one’s body is working overtime to grow bigger, stronger, and maybe even cuter. And all that growing requires energy – lots and lots of energy. So, it’s only natural that your baby might need to refuel more often, even if it means disrupting their precious sleep schedule. Other reasons could be teething, changes in routine, overtiredness, separation anxiety or illness. Be sure to get baby checked out by a paediatrician if you suspect any underlying illnesses (or even just to give you peace of mind).

How to deal with sleep regression

One thing you’ll want to remember through this journey is “routine is your best friend.” Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can work wonders. Whether it’s a warm bath, a bedtime story, or rocking baby to sleep… find what works for you and stick to it.

Things to try…

Please notice the “try” in the heading. Before I give you some tips that (sometimes) worked for me, let’s just be honest with each other. There is no magic cure. We all have or had to navigate through this, and it is going to be tough sometimes! You will have to figure out what works for your little one and what not. With that in mind here are a few tips that may (or may not) work for you. Test them and if you find something that works – stick to it!

NAPS

Something to consider is baby’s naps. When your baby is going through a sleep regression, naptime can become a battleground. Don’t stress too much about it – it’s normal. Try to encourage longer naps during the day to help compensate for those disrupted nights. And don’t be afraid to sneak in a power nap yourself whenever you can – you deserve it!

WHITE NOISE

Contrary to popular belief… you don’t have to invest in a good white noise machine or app. Here are just a few items you likely already have at home that you can use:

Fan

A fan can provide a steady hum of white noise that’s soothing for your baby. Just make sure it’s positioned safely away from your little one and doesn’t blow directly on them.

Vacuum cleaner

A great way to get some housework done while baby is sleeping! Just turn it on in the room adjacent to where baby is sleeping, so it’s not too loud.

Radio static

Remember that old radio you haven’t used in ages? Switch it on and tune it to a frequency where there’s no station and let the static fill the room with gentle white noise.)

Dryer or Washing Machine

The rhythmic sound of a dryer or washing machine can be surprisingly effective as white noise. Just start a load of laundry before bedtime

Phone Apps

There are plenty of free white noise apps available for download on your smartphone. You can choose from a variety of sounds, including rain, ocean waves, and even womb sounds, to help your baby relax and sleep better. This sometimes isn’t as practical as you may need your phone while baby is sleeping, but if you have a spare phone lying around, give it a try! If you don’t want to download any apps you can also search for some whitenoise video on youtube.

Humidifier

Running a humidifier in your baby’s room not only adds moisture to the air but also produces a subtle white noise that can aid in creating a peaceful sleep atmosphere.

Once again, see what baby likes and stick to it! White noise also helps to drown out any unexpected noises that might disturb their sleep (like the neighbor’s barking dog or that loud truck driving by).

take care of yourself

Of course, it’s also important to take care of yourself during this challenging time. Treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee in the morning (or let’s be real, reheating the same cup a few times), go for a walk to get some fresh air, or ask for help when you need it. My husband and I had a rule in our home when my kids were babies: one of the two parents should be well rested at all times (it doesn’t always have to be the same parent). This ensures that there’s always someone (the well-rested one!) who can step in and take charge when the other parent is, let’s be honest, close to losing it. And if you’re not lucky enough to have two parents present, consider getting some help. It really takes a village to raise a child!

And last but not least, remember that this phase won’t last forever. As exhausting as it may be, your baby’s sleep regression is just that – a phase. So hang in there, and know that you’re not alone. Before you know it, you’ll be back to getting those precious hours of uninterrupted sleep (well, as uninterrupted as it gets with a baby in the house).

This too shall pass!

MARKETING DISCLOSURE

Hey there! In my blog, you might come across some affiliated links that can earn me a little money. But don’t worry, I’ll always keep it honest with you. I only share links of products that I genuinely love and think you’ll find helpful too. What works for me may not work for everyone, and that’s totally cool. I’m simply sharing my personal experiences and opinions. (and I hope you may benefit from it too!)

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“Skuimpies”

Leanne — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:11:34 +0000

Skuimpies

The “Skuimpie” recipe that doesn’t flop!

This recipe is foolproof! I’ve tried various “skuimpie” recipes before, and this one has never flopped. My kids absolutely love it and it’s so simple that even the kids can lend a hand in making these delightful treats. It’s also a party favourite at our house!

Ingredients:

1 egg white
250ml caster sugar
30ml boiling water
15ml vinegar
5ml vanilla essence
Food coloring to taste
2ml baking powder

Instructions:

Whisk together the egg white, vinegar, caster sugar, and boiling water. After about 5 minutes of whisking, add the vanilla essence and food coloring to your liking.
Continue whisking until stiff peaks form. This can take anywhere from 10 to 13 minutes in total.
Gently fold in the baking powder.
Pipe the mixture onto baking paper and bake in a preheated oven at 100°C for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your “skuimpies.” Larger “skuimpies” may require a longer cooking time. Begin checking on them from 1 hour onwards to ensure they don’t burn or turn brown. Resist the urge to open the oven door while checking.
Turn off the oven and let the “skuimpies” sit in the oven without opening the door for another half hour to an hour. Allow them to cool completely before you open the oven door (to avoid any cracking). And now, enjoy your delicious “skuimpies”!

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To swaddle or not to swaddle

Leanne — Tue, 30 May 2023 07:17:20 +0000

To swaddle or not to swaddle

What is the hype about?

One of the things that really stood out for me once I had my first child, was the power of swaddling! However, it is important to note that what worked for me may not work for you. Some babies love being swaddled and others, for some reason, doesn’t like it. But at least there is a 50/50 chance your baby will like it, so let’s talk about this parenting trick that, to some parents, feels like pure magic.

what is swaddling?

Swaddling is basically wrapping your baby in a lightweight blanket, creating a cozy cocoon that mimics the feeling of being in the womb. It’s like giving them a warm and secure hug, and trust me, most of them absolutely love it! There are a few ways to swaddle your baby and, according to me, there is no wrong (if baby is happy with the technique you are using then who is anyone to tell you you are doing it wrong!?) Below is a diagram of what I found worked best for me:

The benefits of swaddling

Let’s dive right into it! One of the biggest advantages is that it helps soothe and comfort baby. By recreating the familiar environment they experienced before birth, swaddling helps babies feel safe and secure. It can work wonders when it comes to calming them down, especially during those fussy moments or when they’re having trouble falling asleep.

Speaking of sleep, swaddling can be a game-changer in the sleep department. It helps reduce the startle reflex, which is that sudden jerk that wakes up babies in the middle of their sleep. By swaddling, you’re providing a gentle constraint that prevents their arms from flailing around and waking them up. This means more peaceful sleep for your little one, and let’s be honest, more uninterrupted sleep for you too. Win-win!

Fun fact: most newborn photographers are also trained to swaddle baby in cute fabric. Although it makes cute photos, it also helps baby to sleep through the shoot!

Besides the comfort and better sleep, swaddling can help prevent babies from scratching their faces as their hands are tucked away. It can also reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies on their backs. A highly effective measure parents and caregivers can implement to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths is to consistently ensure that baby is placed on his/her back when sleeping, be it during naps or throughout the night.

When to start swaddling (and when to stop)

The ideal time to begin swaddling is right after baby’s birth. During those early weeks, swaddling can provide a sense of security as your little one adjusts to the outside world. As they grow, you’ll notice their movements become more active, and they start exploring their arms and legs. This is a good sign that it might be time to transition out of swaddling and let them have some freedom of movement. When my boys reached this stage, I decided to keep swaddling them but left their arms free. It was a great way to slowly wean them off swaddling without any sudden changes.

Remember, every baby is different, so keep an eye out for cues that they’re ready for a change. Some babies naturally show signs of wanting to break free from the swaddle, while others may need a bit of encouragement during the transition phase. You can gradually loosen the swaddle or try other sleep aids like wearable blankets or sleep sacks, which allow for more movement while still providing a cozy feel.

safety tips when swaddling

Before we wrap up (pun intended!), it’s important to remember a few safety tips. Always make sure the swaddle is snug but not too tight. You should allow room for natural hip and leg movement. Avoid overheating by choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics, and never cover your baby’s head with the swaddle. And, I know it’s difficult, but try and always keep an eye on baby while sleeping. It might have just been a blessing in disguise, but the old rule of “I sleep when baby sleeps” just didn’t work in our household. If you are anything like me, you would want to check in on baby throughout his naptime. This can easily be done with the use of a monitor or by just (very quietly!) peeping into his room to ensure he is safe and happy!

If you haven’t tried swaddling yet, why not give it a go? You might just be amazed by the benefits it brings to both you and your little one.

Happy swaddling!

MARKETING DISCLOSURE

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Help! My 3-Year-old isn’t speaking in sentences

Leanne — Thu, 25 May 2023 14:53:18 +0000

Help! My 3 year old isn't speaking in sentences.

What can I do to help him?

This was me, several years ago: Googling in the middle of the night to find some answers because my own 3-year old wasn’t speaking in sentences. I was looking for a self help guide to “fix” my son’s speech delay without having to go for assessments or receiving therapy. Sounds familiar? Then you are at the right place!

Today I want to share a personal story with you about my journey with my son who, as a 3 year-old, wasn’t saying any sentences. As a first-time mom, I was slightly concerned and felt a bit lost. I kept telling myself, “We’ll just wait it out. He’ll start talking soon.” But as months went by, that worry began to gnaw at me from the inside.

SPEECH DELAYS: A MAMA KNOWS

Deep down, I knew he was falling behind in his speech development, but I was hesitant to have him evaluated. Somehow, I felt that taking him for an assessment meant I didn’t believe in his ability to catch up on his own. Silly, right? But as moms, we often have these conflicting emotions.

My son wasn’t attending daycare since I had the privilege of my mom looking after him during the day while I was at work. Many people around me, with their well-meaning advice, reassured me, saying things like, “Don’t worry, boys are late talkers anyway,” or “He’s not in a school where he hears other children. He’ll come around.” And of course, everyone had a story about someone’s child who only started talking when they were 4 or 5 and turned out to be a successful engineer or accountant. These anecdotes gave me hope, but I couldn’t shake off my worries completely.

Time passed and my son celebrated his 4th birthday. While he could say individual words, sentences were still missing. It was around this time that we made the decision to enroll him in a preschool. All went well and he got an amazing teacher who met him where he was in his development.

Somehow I felt better because he was attending preschool now and surely his speech would catch up. I kept postponing any evaluations because I didn’t want to hear anything in terms of delayed development – I knew he was smart! But then, the school sent out a letter to all parents informing us that a speech therapist would be visiting and if we wanted our child to be screened, we should sign an approval letter. Surprisingly, I felt relieved. It wasn’t me initiating the evaluation anymore, and it no longer felt like I was “failing” my son by not “believing he could do it on his own.”

therapy started

After the assessment, it was recommended that my son undergo a full evaluation. We went through with it, and that’s when our journey with speech therapy began. The therapist also recommended occupational therapy, as speech and body coordination go hand in hand (without going into all the technical details). For the next 3.5 years, we walked this road, receiving speech and occupational therapy on alternate weeks. It was a long and sometimes challenging journey, but when my son turned 8, both the speech and occupational therapists recommended that we stop therapy. They believed he would be okay on his own now. Looking back, I had nights filled with tears and prayers, begging God to help my son talk. Little did I know that God works in mysterious ways, and in our case, he wanted to use people to help my son. It turned out to be the best decision of my life!

IN HINDSIGHT

If I could go back in time, I would’ve started therapy when my son was 2 years old already. I want to encourage you, as a fellow mom who might be worried, to just go for an assessment. Trust me, it’s really not that bad, and you’re not failing your child. In fact, you’re helping them. Don’t listen to everybody telling you to wait it out. You know in your heart that you’re worried, so do something about it!

Once therapy starts, you’ll feel so much better, and your child will thrive. I can’t stress enough how important it is to seek help for them.

LET'S BE HONEST...

I know you’re reading this and hoping to hear that everything will be okay without therapy. That’s what I was looking for every time I searched the internet for tips to help my son talk. What I can tell you is that your child IS going to be okay. But here’s the thing, please take them for an assessment. I don’t know why we, as moms, tend to avoid this issue. Trust me, you don’t have to feel guilty or ashamed if your child needs help from a speech or occupational therapist. In fact, you should be proud of them for working hard for something that most kids just get handed to them.

Oh, another thing: seeking therapy doesn’t make your child any less smart. Please don’t care about what other people think… at the end of the day it can make a world of difference for you and your child. That’s the most important thing, isn’t it? Let me tell you something amazing: My son thrives in school! And guess what, his favorite subject is Oral communication! Can you believe it? Today, at 8 years old, he absolutely loves talking in front of a crowd. He’s got so much confidence, and I couldn’t be a prouder mama!

If you needed to hear this today, promise me you’ll take action. Trust me, you’ll feel better, your child will feel better, and you’ll be equipping them with the BEST tools for a bright future. I beg you, go ahead and make that appointment today! You really have nothing to lose and SO MUCH to gain. You got this, mama!

MARKETING DISCLOSURE

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How to soothe a crying baby

Leanne — Thu, 18 May 2023 12:59:29 +0000

How to soothe a crying baby

Is it even possible?

So, the reason you are reading this is because your baby is crying non-stop in the middle of the night, and you are desperately seeking ways on how to soothe a crying baby back to sleep? Welcome to the club! We’ve all been there… wondering why babies have a knack for challenging your sanity at 3 a.m. Hang in there, tired Mama. These midnight escapades won’t last forever.

As moms, we know that welcoming a newborn into our lives is an incredible joy, but it also brings its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles we face is soothing a crying baby. Understanding the reasons behind our baby’s tears and learning effective techniques to calm them can make a world of difference for both our little ones and ourselves. In this article, let’s explore various strategies and techniques that we, as moms, can employ to soothe our precious crying babies.

Mastering the art: how to soothe a crying baby

Understanding the Crying

Our babies communicate through crying, and it’s vital for us to recognize the different types of cries and what they might mean. Hunger, discomfort, tiredness, colic, and overstimulation are some common causes of a crying baby. By understanding these cues, we can respond better to our baby’s needs and provide the comfort they seek.

Creating a Soothing Environment

Let’s create a serene and calming environment to ease our baby’s distress. Dim the lights, play soft music, or use white noise to create a soothing atmosphere. Ensuring a comfortable room temperature, practicing swaddling techniques, and offering a pacifier can also contribute to a peaceful environment that helps calm our little ones.

Gentle Touch and Motion:

Our babies find solace in gentle touch and motion. Techniques like rocking, swaying, or carrying them in a baby sling can replicate the sensations of being in the womb. Let’s embrace the power of a tender touch and gentle movements to provide comfort to our babies. A soothing massage can also work wonders in relaxing them.

Soothing Sounds and Music:

We’ve all experienced the incredible impact that sounds and music can have on our babies. Experiment with different calming sounds, such as nature sounds or lullabies, to create a tranquil ambiance. And don’t forget the magic of your own voice! Sing or hum softly to your baby; it will provide them with a sense of security and reassurance like no other and, crossing fingers, it will assist in helping you soothe a crying baby.

Establishing Routine and Predictability:

Our babies thrive on routine and predictability. Let’s establish consistent daily schedules for feeding, sleeping, and playtime. This helps reduce fussiness and creates a sense of security for our little ones. Predictable patterns also help our babies anticipate what comes next, resulting in a calmer disposition.

To soothe a crying baby you need to look after yourself!

Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone! Reach out to your loved ones or fellow mom friends for help and support. They’ve been through it too and can offer invaluable advice and a helping hand. And don’t forget to take care of yourself. Take breaks, practice self-care, and ask for help when you need it.

Soothing a crying baby requires immense patience, unwavering attentiveness, and deep understanding. As moms, we hold within us the power to recognize the reasons behind our baby’s cries and employ various soothing techniques to provide comfort and create a nurturing environment for our precious little ones. Remember, it may take time to discover what works best for your child. Every baby is unique, so let’s trust our instincts and find what works best for our own child. Be patient, trust your instincts, and above all, shower your baby with boundless love and care.

Lastly, remember that your baby’s crying is a call for “I want my Mama”. It’s normal and you are not alone in this. Sometimes it just takes a while to soothe a crying baby. We’ve got this, moms… Stay strong and let coffee be your morning hero!

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

It’s essential to address a serious matter: never, under any circumstances, shake a crying baby. It can lead to severe, permanent damage. If you find yourself feeling depressed, experiencing a lack of affection or interest towards your baby, it’s crucial to recognize that these could be signs of postpartum depression (PPD). Please, always seek help. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in this struggle. Approximately 1 in 10 women will experience postpartum depression after giving birth, with some studies reporting 1 in 7 women. It is not something to be ashamed of! Let me say that again… please don’t be ashamed of your own feelings. I encourage you to reach out for support and assistance. You will feel so much better! There are compassionate individuals ready to listen, provide guidance, and lend a helping hand. Remember, taking care of your own well-being is just as vital as caring for your precious little one. You have the strength to overcome this challenge!

MARKETING DISCLOSURE

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group:

0800 567 567

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