Baby deedee Blog

Many new and not-so-new parents find themselves checking on their newborn babies multiple times a night - making sure they are breathing safely.  Here is a quick reminder of important safe sleeping guidelines for your baby. Always in the crib! No matter how tempting it is and how tired you are, it is not recommended to share a bed with your baby or let her sleep on a sofa or other soft type of bedding. The safest place for your baby is her crib. Keep the Crib in Your Room for 6 Months to a Year The American Academy of Pediatrics’ new safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping your baby’s crib in your room for 6 months at least. Room sharing leads to a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). You’ll also sleep better knowing that your little one is just a few feet away! Place baby to sleep on her back All babies should be placed on their backs to sleep. They may have a lighter sleep in this position, but it may also be this lighter sleep that makes sleeping on their back safer. If you feel like your baby would be comforted by having some form of covers while sleeping on her back, a baby sleep bag is the perfect and safest solution. Avoid Loose Objects or Bumpers To make sure your baby is safe when she sleeps, it’s important to ask yourself whether they have any objects in their crib that could endanger them. Examples include loose blankets, toys, and similar items. Bumpers, while designed to protect your baby, actually pose a safety risk as they can topple over and increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Use a Baby Sleeping Bag Since loose blankets are deemed unsafe, consider tucking them into a baby sleeping bag! Snug and comfortable, they can rest on their back in the crib without the danger of getting tangled or waking up cold. We have all sorts of different baby sleeping bags available in different Tog ratings, from our quilted winter-weight to fleece mid-weight and cotton light-weight versions, ensuring baby has the best and safest night’s sleep ever! When it comes to keeping your baby comfy and snug while they slumber away, you can’t forget about safety. With these essential proactive tips, mommy and daddy can rest easy knowing that their little one is better safeguarded against safety risks. For super-soft, snuggly, and protective baby bedding and sleep accessories, check out our products today!

Being a parent is a beautiful experience however it’s so easy to get caught up in your daily routine and this can put strain on even the most solid relationship. Enabling some one-on-one time with your significant is so important! With your kids snug in their cozy sleep bags and the babysitter on duty, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to step out. Here’s why date night is important not only for parents but for their children as well. It Helps You “Recharge Your Batteries” There’s no denying that parenting babies or young children is exhausting. By going out for some “you” time even once a week or two, you gain the chance to restore lost energy and develop a better mental focus. This is particularly important when you have young infants and need to keep a close eye on them as you want to be fully alert and not burnt out, which can happen if you don’t take care of yourself as well as them. It Keeps Your Romantic Relationship Healthy Your significant other may feel neglected or “put on the back burner” from time to time if you’re the primary carer of a baby, infant or young child. Date night can be a miracle worker in this regard, helping the two of you re-establish your romantic connection and maintain a healthy, strong bond with one another. It’s important for that baby in its comfortable and warm sleep sack under the watchful eye of a babysitter, to be able to count on both parents being there. Keeping your relationship with your significant other healthy and ensuring that “spark” is still there can safeguard this need. It Helps You Connect Better with Your Children Sometimes, being away even for a few hours can make you long to return home, gently lift your little one from its comfy sleep sheet and hold them closely while snug in their blanket. That’s because the very process of being away on date night can help remind you of what it’s all for. There are so many joys associated with parenting, but not making time for yourself and your significant other can blur the lines, making the process feel slightly mundane. Of course, if you take the time to get away for a little while on a regular basis, it’s going to be easier to find joy and inspiration. Coming home from a night out to find your child warm and snug in their pajamas and blanket is the strongest reminder of love there is. Regardless whether you’re a parent of a baby, infant, toddler or 6-year old, it’s important that you use date night not only as a means of having fun, but also as a way to recharge, restore bonds and develop a stronger connection with your little one.

Keeping up with laundry is quite the chore as a new parent with spit-ups and everything in between to deal with. But protecting your baby from germs is important, especially since they frequently put their hands in their mouth. This is why every surface that your baby touches should be clean, including their bedding. If you’re unsure of how often you should be changing your baby’s bedding, here’s what you need to know. Toddler Sheets Your baby or toddler has direct contact with her bedding several times a day, so this is an item that must be kept clean from body oils, residue, and any bacteria.  In many cases, for convenience, we may put our baby down in the clothing that she were wearing outside. Always make it a point to change your child’s bedding sheets 1 to 2 times per week. For any spills or upsets, always clean immediately. Mattress Pad The mattress pad can also harness bacteria and germs, so include it in with the bedding sheets and wash at least once or twice a week. Bumper Pads If you use bumper pads in your baby’s crib, take note that, according to the Safe Sleep Guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics, any loose bedding including bumper pads, are no longer advised to use for risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). What detergent should you use? Some children are sensitive to the allergens in regular detergents. For this reason many parents choose to wash their baby items with more gentle hypoallergenic detergents. Other Items To Take Note Of Whether it’s your baby’s bedding or any other item that they’re frequently in contact with, always be mindful and wash what’s frequently used at least once per week. Also, aside from the actual bedding, keep in mind that allergens and dust mites can linger directly along the crib and other surfaces too, so don’t forget to give them a good cleaning frequently. Allergens, dust mites and bacteria thrive off of anything that your baby might be leaving behind on their bedding. So without frequent washing, it could create an unhygienic environment for your little one. When in doubt, always stay cautious by throwing in a load of laundry more frequently than not, to be safe. And when you need new bedding or any other sleep gear for your little one, baby deedee has everything you need to keep your baby comfy, clean and safe.

There’s no better way to enjoy time indoors this winter than by cozying up at home with fun games and activities for your little one. If you’re searching for a few inspiring ideas, we’ve compiled a list of our top favourite fun indoor games to try with your child. Little Drummers We all love to make a little noise now and then, so why not get your baby in on the fun? Using whatever you have at home – bells, drums, rattle, spoons - play along with your little drummer with some happy, rousing beats to put a smile on their face. This also encourages your child’s coordination and listening development. Just make sure whatever your baby is using is child-friendly! Go-Get Game Babies love to explore and be helpful. With this game, you can create little errands for your child to do, like deliver a cup to another room, go get their favourite toy, find your shoes – or anything that requires them to complete simple tasks. This activity allows your child to learn how to follow directions and also gives them a sense of accomplishment. Counting Together As your baby develops, they become enamored by their fingers and toes. So turn this into a game for them. Teach your infant how to count out loud – whether it’s their toes, their fingers, bubbles, or even their toys. Touching objects while counting helps them develop this skill while having fun. Playing House House is always a great fun indoor game to play with your child. All you need is a big cardboard box - or if they have their own playhouse, even better! You can switch it up also by creating a cozy fort, and then show your child how to crawl in and out, while pretending how to mimic actions like ringing the doorbell, cooking up dinner, and letting their imagination run wild. Dress Up Time Using any old clothes, costumes, or items that you have hanging around in your closet, create a fun dress up game together. Let your little one explore items and pick out clothing to dress up in. This always results in giggling and encourages creativity and social development for your child. Finding fun games to play indoors with your child is easy – all you have to do is use your imagination. Or, when you’re stuck for what to do, use these fun ideas to help inspire you to enjoy those precious moments you have together at home.

As a new parent, it’s completely natural to worry and question just about everything that you purchase for your baby – especially when it comes to safety and comfort. And although not every question will have a definitive answer, there are some that can be tackled right from the get-go to ease your mind so that you can better understand what suits your baby best – like when purchasing their first pair of booties. When it comes to these tiny items, how do you know which are the best for your baby? Booties are meant to keep your baby’s feet warm during the daytime and at night by trapping their own body heat easily to keep them snug. The problem with booties – whether hand-knitted by grandma or store-bought, is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Also, without the right material, they can end up causing irritation to your little one’s sensitive skin. So, when it comes to your bootie bonanza shopping spree, here are some tips to remember. Different Materials that are Commonly Used Being aware of any particular allergies or sensitivities that your baby might have is important to know when selecting the type of material used in the booties you purchase. Some of the most common materials that you’ll find available include wool, faux Sherpa, fleece, along with buttons and beads for decoration. Each of these has their obvious pros and cons when it comes to washing and the ability to stretch or fall of their little feet. Materials like Sherpa and fleece are popular since they are great at insulating heat, easy to clean and are extra soft and cozy. Soles with Traction An important point to remember is to try and select booties that have some form of traction on the exterior sole. It’s always safer to have, even if your baby isn’t close to walking around yet. It gives extra peace of mind knowing that their feet won’t keep slipping from under them even when you’re holding them on a surface. Padded Soles In addition to traction, you want your baby’s little feet to be as comfy as they can with padded soles. This will heighten their warmth and comfort considerably. Keeping them on Your Baby’s Feet Since this isn’t a great one-size-fits-all type of purchase, look for booties that have something designed across the top and/or heel to ensure that they won’t keep sliding off. You want them to look great but also be practical and functional primarily. So before you head out to purchase your baby’s booties, remember these points to look out for when selecting them. And for booties, clothing, bedding and more, check out Baby deedee for baby items that you can count on to keep your little one comfy, warm and protected.

When it comes to holiday family gatherings, you can bet that your adorable baby will be the star of the show. With all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and everyone in between getting a chance to see baby, it can be a welcomed break for you, but also an overwhelming amount of attention for your little one. To help keep your baby calm during family gatherings, follow these helpful tips. Keep Your Baby with You Initially When you first enter the home, don’t immediately pass around your baby throughout the family. Instead, keep your little one in your arms where they can feel safe and most comfortable. Once your baby gets used to the environment, and they seem more at ease, pass them around gradually to family members. It can also help if you do the passing around so your baby can come back to you more often and not feel overwhelmed when everyone comes at them all at once. Watch for the Signs At this stage, you’ll already know what the signs look like when your baby becomes overstimulated, overwhelmed, and is heading towards the upset stage. So in order to you’re your baby calm during a family gathering, keep a lookout for any signs during your visit. If your baby starts to get distraught, take them outside or to a quiet area for a calming breather. Take out a Crying Baby If your baby starts to cry, it’s best to also take them into a quiet room where they can relax and calm down, maybe with a favourite toy on hand to distract them. Being in a more peaceful atmosphere with just you can quickly soothe your little one. And if you’re at a gathering with numerous babies, if one starts to cry it can trigger all of them to feel distressed. When this happens, it’s an appropriate time to take your little one to another room until the other baby can calm down. Stay on Schedule Your baby will notice if you go off of their regular schedule and will show you just how much they don’t appreciate it. So, when it’s their normal nap time, make sure your baby gets their nap. And most definitely, don’t’ miss your feeding time - you can always step out for a little while before rejoining in on the family fun. Take Some Quiet Time If it’s time to nurse your baby, then it’s your perfect opportunity to get away for a little while in a more relaxed environment away from all the noise and excitement. Not only will it help ease your baby, but it will also give you a well-deserved time out in a peaceful environment since it’s always an exhausting stage of life. The holidays can be filled with so much energy and excitement that even as adults, we can become frazzled and overwhelmed. This will be all new to your baby, and you can’t always be certain of how they will react to all the excitement and noise. But with these simple techniques in mind, you can help in keeping your baby calm during family gatherings and happy, while allowing your family to enjoy seeing you and your little one as well.

As winter zeroes in on us yet again, we make sure to keep our babies warm – but keep in mind infants have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Overheating is a serious problem that can occur. Here are some tips to help you keep your child only as snug and warm as they need to be.   What are the Warning Signs of a Baby Overheating?   There are several things to watch out for as a parent of an infant or toddler that indicate a high body temperature – if they feel warm to the touch, for instance, then it’s a sign that baby is too hot (be sure to check their chest, back, and neck while they’re sleeping and throughout the day on occasion). Rapid breathing is another sign of them overheating, as well as fever without sweating. Also, if they happen to have red skin with a combination of any of these symptoms, it’s a major indicator of baby’s body temperature being too high.   The Right Baby Sleepwear Makes a Difference   Babies who sleep in their crib benefit from warm baby pajamas that avoid being overly thick but provide lots of comfort and airflow. Baby sleeping bags are also great solution – we’ve got loads of them in stock for all sorts of sizes! Our baby sleeping bags do not have sleeves. This enables baby to stay warm without overheating.   What Other Solutions Are There?   Aside from keeping baby comfortable in clothes and fabric that isn’t too hot and breathes properly (be sure to remove extra layers if not needed), there are other ways to prevent or reduce the dangers of baby overheating. Providing plenty of liquids (breast or formula milk before 4 months, and water if older than 4 months) is key to lowering their internal body temperature to safe levels. When it comes down to it, you can never be too careful about your baby’s sleeping arrangements and comfort. The right clothing and environment can play a role in affecting your infant or toddler’s internal body temperature, and there are ways to lower it if they’re running too hot. When in doubt, be sure to speak to your doctor or, if there’s no time to lose, call 911! If you’re careful about how baby warms up, how much airflow they have, and whether any warning signs are present, you and your baby will sleep more soundly at night!

Your baby’s safety is your number one priority, and that’s why at Baby deedee, we design bedding, as well as clothing and accessories, that keep your baby snug, comforted, and protected

When it comes to a calming a fussy baby, sometimes the pacifier can seem like a magical thing. It can soothe and calm our babies down instantly. But sooner or later, it might be time to start considering ending the pacifier stage. Beyond a certain age, when your baby continues to sleep with a pacifier it can hinder their development by creating dental problems for them in the future as they continue to grow. To avoid this, read on to learn when your baby should stop sleeping with a pacifier and how to help wean them off it.   Start to Limit Use of a Pacifier at Age 2   The opinions surrounding the use of a pacifier will differ according to different experts. The general recommendation is that up until the age of two, your baby can use the pacifier as they like since they have an innate urge to suck. The sucking motion has been shown to help soothe them as a natural reflex when they feel distressed. But once they hit the age of two, it’s a good time to begin weaning them off their use and dependence of it. Whether it’s sucking on the pacifier, thumb, or both, it’s recommended to discourage these acts around this timeframe to allow them to develop the higher levels of stress management which usually begin to emerge around this age.   Eliminate Use of Pacifier at Age 4   By the age of four, it’s time to leave the pacifier behind. Hopefully, by this age the weaning off from age two will help make this transition as easy as possible. At this stage, pediatric dentists recommend having your child stop sleeping with a pacifier to avoid any associated dental problems in the future. This is also the average age that most kids are okay with letting go of their pacifier (with maybe a little more convincing if necessary).   How to Wean Them Off   Of course, every child will differ with what will work for them. But one of the more proven and effective methods for encouraging your child to wean off their pacifier is by focusing on how big they’re getting. Encourage the idea that your child is becoming a “big kid now” and how a part of getting older means saying goodbye to some of the little items, like their pacifier. Speak to them in a gentle yet firm tone and tell them that they’re “a big girl,” or “big boy now.”   Some families use the “Pacifier Fairy”. You can tell the child that when she is ready,  she can put all the pacifiers in a designated spot and Pacifier Fairy will take them to bring them to babies. The Paci Fairy will bring a present the child really wants in exchange. Baby deedee founder Dominique de Bourgknecht said “it cost me a box of magna tiles but that was the end of the pacifier for my son Mateo. He complained a bit the first night but then never looked back!”.

Sleep is one of the most important factors for allowing your baby to grow up strong and healthy. But between their feeding cycles and frequent restless nights, it’s important to note that night-time is not the only moment when they gain their rest. As much as we’d love for their sleep cycle to be in total sync with ours, the fact is that whether it’s short interval naps or an extended snooze time they prefer, it’s important to follow some of your baby’s natural tendencies, such as this.  If you’re looking to create a soothing nap routine for your infant, here are some suggested methods to help them get the rest they need throughout the day. Encourage Nap Time With a Soothing Environment   Babies need to have a soothing and comfortable environment to get that sound sleep. That means dimming the lights, pulling the blinds, reducing noise and having a cozy place for them to nap. It’s also important to take note of the temperature in the room that they’re napping in – this can greatly impact their comfort and sleep. Experts recommend aiming to have the temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.   Keep a Designated Napping Spot   Whether it’s in their room, or in another area of your home, try to keep nap time in one place. This allows them to get used to all of the elements that they will learn to associate with sleeping time.   Be Consistent With the Routine   Creating a soothing nap routine for your infant requires consistency in both the napping location and the schedule. Keeping a routine allows babies to fall easier into that pattern sleep. This can help make it much easier to get them to sleep and to stay asleep.   Create Rituals   Consistency in small rituals or actions before nap time can also be helpful for encouraging them to sleep. This can involve a cuddle and rocking motion, or any other rituals you enjoy that won’t stimulate or excite your baby.   Use White Noise or Music   If you’re concerned about noise throughout the day when your baby settles down to rest, using white noise can help to drown out any potential sounds that could waken them. Alternatively, soothing music can also be very effective at minimizing the effect of other ambient, loud sounds. Developing nap routines for your baby is important as they grow. You can encourage nap time throughout the day by incorporating these steps to help give your baby that peaceful, restful sleep they need.

A regulated body temperature is key to a snoozy night’s sleep, but trying to keep your baby covered during the night can be challenging. Newborns, babies, and toddlers like to move around a lot as they sleep, but you can have some success in keeping them cool, comfortable, warm and cozy if you dress them in a snuggly baby sleep bag. One baby sleeping bag that is specially designed for keeping temperature stabilized for babies is baby deedee’s Sleep Nest Lite brand sleep bag. It’s not only soft and snug but has plenty of benefits for your baby’s health as well. Here we look at how you can keep your baby cool and comforted at the same time with the Sleep Nest Lite. Lightweight & Soft Materials Your baby’s skin is so delicate. To ensure your baby doesn’t experience irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes, you need to buy sleepwear with comfortable and lightweight materials. That’s why the Sleep Nest Lite is made of lightweight double layered soft Indian jersey cotton. Cotton is the perfect choice for your baby as it’s the ultimate soft material. A natural fiber, it won’t rub harshly against your baby’s skin, permits better aeration to keep your baby cool, is non-allergenic, incredibly durable, and can be washed easily. Keeps Baby Snug This lightweight cotton jersey is shaped just like a cozy cocoon and is designed specifically for infants and toddlers. It’s just like a sleeping bag for babies and is worn right over top of their regular sleepwear to keep them cozy and snug. With the Sleep Nest Lite you no longer have to spend money on blankets and sheets that your baby tends to pull off in the middle of the night. Comfort for Any Temperature To ensure your baby stays comfortable, you need to keep them at the right temperature no matter the temperature or season. Babies are unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as kids and adults. Because they have more surface area by weight and not as much insulating fat, they lose heat quicker. So, the Sleep Nest Lite is the perfect addition to their wardrobe, as it can be used year-round in any temperature - keeping your baby warm in air-conditioned spaces through the summer. Designed to Make Your Life Easier The Sleep Nest Lite comes with unique shoulder snaps that make it incredibly easy for you to place your baby into the wearable sleep bag. You will no longer need to worry about struggling to get your baby into the slumber sack even when they’re asleep. When looking to maintain your baby’s comfort all night long a snuggly sleep bag from baby deedee is the answer. Shop now!

In this day and age, it’s hard not to take advantage of the many benefits of technology. When it comes to settling the kids or keeping them busy so that you can relax and enjoy a peaceful moment to yourself, those devices that grab their attention in an instant seem like a blessing. But too much screen time is not without drawbacks, especially as we begin to rely on it more excessively. In fact, sleep specialists are starting to see a noticeable connection between increased screen time – whether it’s the computer, iPad, smartphone, or TV – and poor quality of sleep. To learn more about how screen time affects sleep quality for your children, read on. Excessive Use of Electronics Ask any parent these days and they’ll tell you that some form of electronic device is an important part of their parenting arsenal. These devices have become so helpful in calming the kids and keeping them distracted that they’ve become almost too much of a crutch. The use of technology and screen time has become so widespread that studies are showing how this increased exposure to screens is impacting the quality of sleep for both adults and children. Studies have shown in particular that excessive screen time leads to shortened sleep duration and a delay in the timing of sleep.  With the almost addictive nature of electronic use, it’s cutting into the duration available to get that full amount of rest we all need. Bright Lights Stimulate Brain & Disrupt Circadian Rhythm In addition, there are more severe impacts than merely cutting into bedtime. The constant long exposure to bright light emitted from the screen suppresses the release of melatonin, which is largely responsible for maintaining our circadian sleep rhythm. This in combination with the content being viewed stimulates the brain enough to release adrenaline. Once this hormone is activated, it makes it hard to get to sleep. If you keep electronic devices in your child’s bedroom, these can also disrupt sleep. It’s not unusual for an iPad screen to turn on with no prompting in the middle of the night, or for a smartphone to buzz with an alert. This interruption can cause your child to wake up and struggle to fall back to sleep. Limit Screen Time to Improve Sleep Understandably, screen time before bed has the biggest noticeable impact on the quality of your children’s sleep. Sleep needs to remain as a priority and establishing healthy habits early is essential. This is why Department of Health guidelines recommend creating limits for children under 13 years of age to two hours of screen time per day and children under 5 with less than one hour per day, avoiding usage at least three hours before bedtime. Also keep screens out of the bedroom to prevent unwanted interruptions or distractions throughout the night. With the widespread use and growing dependence on electronic devices, problems associated with excessive screen time are only bound to get worse. But by creating limitations for your children now, they can hopefully develop better habits that don’t allow technology to take precedence over their wellbeing and quality of sleep.

Summer is finally here and that means you’ve got plenty of quality family time to spend with the kids. Whether it’s road trips or family outings at the park, you always need to have some snacks on hand to satisfy your little one. And with so many fruits and veggies that are ripe and in season, there are many healthy snacks that you can whip up for your baby in no time. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are a few fun summer snacks for babies that you can try out this season.   PUREES Making a puree out of fresh fruit and veggies is one of the easiest snacks you can make for your baby. And best of all, it takes little time and effort. Kiwi Apple Zucchini Puree In a blender, combined two cored apples, three kiwis (leave the skin on to enjoy triple fiber), and three zucchini. The sweet flavor of the kiwi hides the taste of zucchini, so even the pickiest eater will lap this up. This puree is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and dietary fiber. Recipe Source: Simply Whisked Blueberry Apple Spinach Puree Combine two chopped apples, one cup of organic blueberries, and ¼ cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for at least ten minutes to soften the fruit and meld the flavors. Remove from heat, add a handful of fresh spinach, and blend until smooth. The extra healthy twist on apple sauce is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Recipe Source: Baby Foodie Soft Banana Toast This recipe is perfect as a snack or breakfast that’s a soft finger food and will get them into trying slightly different textures. Keep in mind that this snack is meant to be very soft, so don’t expect it to be firm like actual toast. What you need: 1 piece of bread, sliced into “fingers” 1 ripe banana 60 ml of milk Dash of cinnamon What to do: Mash or blend banana, milk and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth. Then heat a pan over medium heat. Dip the bread into the banana mixture and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden brown on each side. Let them cool before serving. Recipe Source: One Handed Cooks   PUREE POPCICLES Nothing captures summer quite like a cool, refreshing popsicle. You can get really creative with different flavors and ingredients to satiate your teething baby. Carrot Mango & Raspberry Pops You’ll need two cooked carrots, the flesh of one ripe mango, and a handful of raspberries. You can adjust the amounts depending on taste preference. The carrots work well to balance out the sweet tartness of the fruit. Just blend together, pour into your popsicle tray and freeze. Recipe Source: Miedema Produce Watermelon Pops Watermelon is one of the best snacks to serve to your infant in the summer time. And beyond slicing it, you can throw some in a blender and freeze as well to have some cool pops to serve on those hot and humid summer days. The summer months are perfect for taking advantage of those fresh flavors while keeping your baby happy and cool. If you’re looing for ideas, try out these easy summer snacks that your baby will love during the summer time.

It may seem obvious but sometimes we are so overtired that we forget how important it is to get outside with our children. Apart from the first few weeks where some pediatricians recommend limiting exposure to germs before the first immunizations, adults and babies alike really need that outdoor time. Outdoor play promotes wholesome development, both physically and cognitively for everyone – especially infants. That’s why outdoor play is important for all ages. Taking your toddler out to explore the outdoors also helps their development of fine motor skills, coordination, and flexibility. Read on to learn more about why time spent playing outdoors is important for your children. Critical For Cognitive Development For many parents, the idea of taking their baby outdoors can be a nerve-wracking idea, with the fear that their little one might get injured or sick.  But those first years are when your child is soaking up every sound and sensation around them. They process new textures, sounds, scents, and sights. The first three years of development are when brain synapses form at a rapid rate, which are shaped from your baby’s sensory experiences around them. This is why outdoor play is most important for their cognitive development. The stimulation from the outdoor environment helps them learn and grow. Encourages Basic Motor Movements In addition to cognitive development, the prenatal stage up until the age of five is when the brain acquires a foundation for basic motor skills. Being outside gives them interesting experiences and stimulation to look at. Crawling around in the grass, playing with different materials and having things to pull themselves up are all important in helping them develop those muscles and coordination for movement. Enjoy Fresh Air and Natural Environment Taking your infant outdoors helps them foster pleasant feelings towards play and builds appreciation for the natural environment as they continue to grow. Of course, being in the fresh air is also important and beneficial to their health and well-being. But adopting feelings of care and respect towards their environment and nature is something that often stays with them as they continue to grow into their adulthood years later on. Interaction and Expression When kids are outdoors, they’re able to run around, get messy, jump, shout and express themselves without being as limited by their indoor environment.  They get the freedom to enjoy self-expression, while also interacting with other infants and people. This can help them foster good social skills and confidence also as they continue to grow. Sleep Right, Play Right The energy to play and explore outdoors starts with a good night’s rest. Help your baby have a better night sleep this summer with Sleep Nest Lite brand sleep bag, short-sleeve footless cotton romper pajamas, and breathable cotton bedding sets. Taking your infant outdoors to play doesn’t have to be a scary experience. No matter the age, we all greatly benefit from being outdoors. And during those first initial years of life, it’s more important than ever for virtually every aspect of both physical and cognitive development. So this summer, make time to get outdoors with the family and enjoy the fresh air!

Preparing your home for your new bundle of joy is a time filled with excitement. Decorating the nursery, selecting your stroller and cute new outfits are usually on everyone’s mind...

Cry it out? No-cry sleep training? Baby deedee founder and mother of three offers a personal approach to what worked for her.

Being a first-time mom can be challenging, especially when it comes to figuring out what to feed your baby and when to start them on solids. There are many signs to look for to indicate if your baby is ready to eat, and there are lots of great food options that are safe and nutritious for them. That’s why we’ve put together this quick information sheet to help you out with starting your baby on the right foods first. When to first introduce solids Experts believe that the best time to introduce your baby to solid foods is in the first four to six months. The timing will depend on a few different factors with their overall development, including if your baby has the coordination to chew and swallow, if they’ve mastered tongue movement, and can hold their head up on their own. Another tell-tale sign is if they have started to show interest in your foods and have reached out to try and grab items during your meals. The best starter foods You will want to start with mashed and soft foods. Small amounts of mashed cooked meats, beans, tender cooked vegetables, cut up bananas, grated cheeses, cooked egg, mushy cereal, and soft deboned fish are excellent starter foods. The goal is to introduce iron-rich foods into their diet that are easy for them to self-feed. Also, don’t be afraid to introduce flavorful foods into their diet, it will help them to accept different types of foods further down the road. The foods to avoid Avoid any foods that are hard, long, and sticky. Things like peanut butter, honey, popcorn, whole nuts, long uncooked vegetables, and full-sized hot dogs are bad to start with. These foods can become an easy choking hazard. Introduce allergenic foods Contrary to what you believe, introducing peanuts and other typical allergenic foods may help to prevent a risk of developing these allergies further on. Of course, if you notice any hives, breathing issues, or rashes, make sure to take your baby to the hospital right away. Gagging is normal Gagging is actually a natural reflex for your baby. It teaches them how to move food around in their mouth and how to not choke on the food. Begin a daily schedule Start scheduling feeding times at the same time every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. This will help your baby learn to eat at specific times of the day, which will be easier for you as they age.   It’s going to be messy It will take time for your baby to master eating so it’s going to be pretty messy for the first while. Plus, they will make all kinds of funny faces as they experience new tastes and textures. This is all completely normal and is all part of the parenting fun. Parenthood can be scary at times, but it’s also exciting - especially when it comes to feeding your baby for the first few times. And starting them on solids may take a little time to master but it will ensure proper development for your baby. Follow these tips and you will be able to start off on the right foot!

One of the most frustrating issues when parenting a small baby is not being able to figure out why your baby is crying. Parents feel helpless and exhausted as they are not able to fix their baby’s problem.

You don’t have to be worried about suffering through the summer heat when you’re pregnant. There are plenty of ways to keep cool and have a smooth summer pregnancy. With a little preparation and these seven simple tips, you will be able to enjoy venturing outside and getting the most out of your maternity months.    Light and Loose Sleepwear Getting a good night’s sleep is so important during pregnancy, but the humid summer heat makes it an added challenge to rest and recharge at night. Loose sleepwear made of lightweight, breathable cotton can help expectant mothers have a comfortable, re-energizing sleep no matter the temperature outside. Once the baby arrives, a Sleep Nest Lite brand summer sleep bag does just the trick for a cozy and restful night.     Adjustable Sandals To combat ankle swelling that often comes with pregnancy, wear sandals that will allow you to adjust the straps. Just make sure they have adequate ankle support and decent treads to optimize your comfort and safety.   Avoid Intense Peak Hours Try to plan your day around those peak hours of the day when the sun is most intense.  You can head outside during the cooler morning and evenings to avoid that exhausting humidity.   Hydrate Often Dehydration is dangerous when you are pregnant. So, make sure to always carry a bottle of water and even a spritzer of water to give you a dose of hydration throughout those hot and humid days.   Pack Fruit Drinks Nutrient-rich fruit smoothies or low-sugar fruit drinks are also handy to help you keep up your energy levels throughout the day.   Moisturize Often Some women are susceptible to dry, itchy and stretched skin during pregnancy. Ensure you apply a moisturizer throughout the summer months to help relieve any irritated skin. Better yet, use a combined moisturizer with SPF when traveling around through the summer months to also help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.   Take a Swim Taking a refreshing swim in a pool can help cool you down and take some weight off your legs. It’s also an excellent way to squeeze in some light and enjoyable exercise by yourself or with some friends. Many women dread the idea of being pregnant during the summer months - especially in locations where the heat and humidity can be overwhelming. But getting that fresh summer air is beneficial, along with that dose of Vitamin D. By integrating these tips into your daily routine, you can learn to enjoy your summer pregnancy and embrace those summer months before the baby arrives.

Separation anxiety can occur at many stages throughout your child’s early years when your child is adjusting to spending time away from you...