Are you a lover or hater of boundaries? In this video I share all my thoughts about this topic.
Please click here: Boundaries…Lover Or Hater?
Developmental Leaps
Why is life so bumpy with a baby? Find out in this video as I talk you through the world of developmental leaps.
Please click here: Developmental Leaps
Daytime Napping
Find out all about daytime naps in this video.
Please click here: Daytime Napping
Let’s Get Rolling!
Is your baby just on the verge of mastering the skill that is rolling? Have a look at this video to see how you can help ‘roll them on’.
Please click here: Let’s Get Rolling
Reflux
Caring for a baby who is struggling with reflux can be incredibly daunting, upsetting and exhausting. I explore the topic a little further in this video. If you are having difficulties with reflux, or you suspect there is something wrong with your baby, but you’re not sure what, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You don’t have to be in this alone.
Please click here: Reflux
To Swaddle Or Not To Swaddle?
If you are undecided about whether or not to swaddle your baby, perhaps have a look at this video.
Please click here: To Swaddle Or Not To Swaddle?
Sleep Environment
One of the areas I look at when working with my families is the sleep environment. Sometimes, just tweaking a few practical elements, can make the world of difference. Have a look at this instructional video for some tips and tricks.
Please click here: Sleep Environment
Burping Your Baby
If you have a polite little bubba, who doesn’t like to bring up their burps, have a look at this instructional video for some tips and tricks.
Please click here: Burping Techniques
How To Handle A Heatwave
Heat waves can cause real havoc with baby/child sleep!
Here are my top tips:
1) Dress your baby appropriately for the temperature of the room:
for 24 – 27 degrees: short-sleeved vest OR sleeveless vest PLUS 0.5 tog bag
for 27+ degrees: 0.2 tog bag, OR short-sleeved vest, OR just a nappy;
2) Leave windows and doors open in the house, during the day, as much as possible (including the room your baby will be sleeping in);
3) Keep curtains and blinds part-way closed, during the day, in the room your baby will be sleeping in. This will block out direct sunlight but still allow the air to flow within the room;
4) Use a fan in the room your baby will be sleeping in, but don’t face it directly at your baby;
5) Hang wet towels over chairs/doors and/or in front of a fan – the evaporating water will help to cool the air;
6) You can place large bowls of ice, or frozen bottles of water (1 litre +) in your baby’s room or in front of a fan, if you are using one. This may help to cool the air as the ice melts;
7) Offer small amounts of water to your breastfed and bottle-fed babies, but only if they are over 6 months (cooled, boiled or tap water). The kidneys are not yet mature enough in babies under 6 months;
8) Breastfed babies may need feeding more than usual, but breast-milk should be enough to keep babies younger than 6 months fully hydrated. Bottle-fed babies may need extra formula, but paediatric advice suggests that a few, closely monitored SIPS of cooled, boiled water may also be OK. If in any doubt, please seek advice from a medical professional;
9) Monitor the temperature in the room your baby will be sleeping in by using a room thermometer;
10) Take off any waterproof mattress coverings you may be using in your baby’s cot/crib;
11) Give your baby a cooler (and quicker) than usual bath – this will help to cool them but ensure they don’t get too chilly;
12) Move your baby into a different, cooler room if necessary;
13) If you have a loft hatch, open this during the day to allow the heat to rise up through the roof;
14) Watch for the temperature in your baby’s room changing throughout the night as you may need to add or remove clothes;
15) You can ‘test’ your baby’s body temperature by touching the back/neck. Their hands and feet may always feel a little cool to the touch, so this is not a good indication of how warm they may be.
STAY COOL EVERYBODY!
Troubled Toddlers
There is no doubt about it…life for a toddler can be a bit tricky! Big emotions to handle, big decisions to make and big skills to learn!
Here are my 5 top toddler tips:
1) Offer your toddler lots of simple choices about the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of life. This will help them to feel in control, and tap into that love of being a ‘big’ girl/boy now.
2) When you catch a meltdown in its early stages, try to distract your toddler with lots of silliness, imaginative stories and play! Everyone has an inner Children’s T.V. Presenter! Now is a good time to tap into yours!
3) Try to use instructions instead of questions. If you say, “are you going to climb into bed now?”, your toddler is perfectly within their rights to say, “no.” Doh! Instead, try, “it’s time to get into bed now. Would you like to hop in like a frog or whoosh in like a rocket ship?”
4) If your toddler is displaying a behaviour that is not acceptable to you, it’s OK to say, ‘no’. But, let them know that the big emotion that led to the behaviour is OK.
5) If your toddler has gone over into a big emotional meltdown, and you know it’s pointless trying to reason or connect with them, simply ‘Hold Space’. This is when you stay calm, centred and present, to help your little one regulate these BIG feelings. It may take a while, but they will always know that there is a big cuddle waiting for them whenever they are ready.