You’re looking forward to enjoying your baby! Imagine for a moment you are at the beach, walking along the shoreline, feet in the sand, wind in your hair, and your growing baby bump leading the way. You stop for a moment, close your eyes, breathe in the ocean air, and feel the sun on your skin. You’re thinking of how incredibly grateful you are and you’re envisioning what life will be like with your newest addition; tiny toes, wrinkly skin, and all the precious moments that are to come–and pass so quickly!
In addition to looking forward to enjoying your baby, you also have some slight worries or concerns, nothing major, just some normal parent jitters. You quickly move past those jitters back to happy thoughts of warm snuggles, and newborn noises and smells!
It’s what you are craving, it’s what you’re dreaming and obsessing over: enjoying your baby!
Some of the very best experiences happen when people purposefully make time for one another, to slow down and be in the moment. For a newborn that is normal, but for parents slowing down and being in the moment takes practice. To your newborn you are their entire world. The sun rises and sets on you. One day life will be very, very different. They won’t always look to you with such desire and love in their eyes. Babies don’t keep! Before you know it, they’re no longer newborns, but infants, no longer infants, but toddlers, no longer toddlers but teenage dirt bags who will soon fly from the nest– and you’ll never get that time back! It’s gone forever.
Enjoying your baby does happen spontaneously, but it’s rare when it happens that way!
Life happens, work happens, car troubles happen, other priorities happen, meals, laundry, cleaning, and appointments happen. More times than not you have to invest financially, mentally, and emotionally in the time to be present.
It’s safe to say you’ll never regret enjoying your baby over doing those things, right?! Of course, it is.
Enjoying your baby means making the time, now, not later! Later is now!
Everybody eventually longs for the gift of time whether they’ve realized it yet or not. This is especially true for parents and grandparents. Just ask your elders about when they gave birth or adopted their babies, what they regret and what advice they might pass on to you!
Think about it!
Time can feel as though it’s standing still or as though it has rushed right by us. There are songs about time, “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin and “7 Years” by Lukas Graham come to mind. Sadly, time is something you realize the value of AFTER it has passed.
“Where were you when I was pregnant, I really wish I had was someone to do exactly what you do, I wish I had more time with my babies” they say. “I was so sleep deprived I barely maintained; I didn’t really get to enjoy it!” They see the value now that time has passed, and they tell others hoping to spare them from letting it slip away– the most valuable commodity in this life is time.
When you make the time, you’re not only enjoying your baby you’re imprinting upon your newborn! Bonding, and unrushed, tender, and sometimes silly moments, is time spent imprinting. These moments are crucial for both the newborn and the parent.
Lucky for you The Jacksonville Baby Company knows the importance of enjoying your baby! We provide the service that allows you to reclaim your sleep so that you feel rested, and your time so you can actually start enjoying your baby more!
Each member of our team is hand selected and has received the highest level of training by the owner, Elizabeth Luke. Our team is adult and pediatric CPR and first aid certified, fully vetted, follow American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
We provide skilled one-on-one, hands-on help and support 24 hours a day 7 days a week! During the day, during the night, on the weekends and weekdays, while out of town for work or play, while in-town for work or play, we have you covered!
From infant feeding and development to sleep, solids and everything in between we are the experts in newborn care in the Northeast Florida area! Since 2013 we’ve provided first coast families with excellence, professionalism, and reliable support!
Packages for the First Six Weeks
Hello, Sunshine | $5040
Sweet Dreams | $7420
Transitions | $7980
Milestones | $11900
Want to try it out? Single shifts are great for just that!
Want more or something a little different? Custom contracts can be written to suite families specific needs!
Not sure what you may want or need? Contact us today we’re happy to help you decide so you can start enjoying your baby more!
I’m just going to say it, I sure hope you prioritize sleep over things like baby gear, photoshoots, baby showers, and gender parties. And I hope you do it now before your baby makes their debut! Sleep is as important as eating nutritious meals, exercising, and annual checkups. So, you think you need that brand new (fill in the blank)? Unless that blank is a full night’s sleep or a brand new carseat you likely can do without it! Newborns are exhausting! They’re tiny adorable squishlets that will turn your life and your sleep upside down and inside out.
When You Prioritize Sleep Over Things the R.O.I. is HUGE
Parents who hire us to help them overnight from the start report a substantial difference in quality sleep for themselves saying, “We feel like ourselves again,” and “I can think more clearly”, They also see more consistent sleep and shorter periods of sleep regressions long-term from their babies!
Babies are the O.G. minimalists
Warmth, nourishment, love, and security, a basic assortment of clothing according to the season, a safe carseat, two to three nice stretchy swaddles, some burp cloths, and place to sleep and you are done! Of course, there are other things you will actually end up “needing” for your newborn, but you catch my drift here. Tucking away some cash for quick trips to CVS or Target and a prime delivery from Amazon and you’re good to go mate!
I’m not here to tell you how to spend your cash, but why waste it?
There are so many things you will inevitably end up not needing when you know for certain you’ll need sleep! I mean you won’t know exhausted, depleted, and out-of-touch with reality until you experience it for yourself, but why do that to yourself when you could be enjoying this time with your baby? Why not humbly take the advice of those who have been there?
Exhaustion is not a badge of honor that new parents must wear!
Prioritize sleep over things and you’ll be setting your baby up with a solid foundation for sleep, establishing safe sleep habits, and practicing good sleep hygiene. There are parents out there right now enjoying 10, 11, and even 12 hours of blissful, restful, restorative sleep while we help them overnight with their babies and even beyond our time working together.
There is zero guilt in good sleep!
Trust me when I tell you sleep is a need and no one should feel guilty for getting it! If you know someone who would guilt you for sleeping and setting your baby up for good sleep, I urge you to consider giving no fucks about what they think! Do they pay your bills, are they giving you a kidney, do they sleep in your bed, or make decisions that affect you day in and day out? If you answered no, I don’t really see why they need to know what happens in your bed or your home over night.
What Families Are Saying About The Jax Baby Company
“I don’t know how we would’ve done it without you guys here.”
“I regret not hiring you all sooner.”
“Nothing can prepare you for the exhaustion you experience after you have a baby. I don’t know why we waited to contact you all.”
“It’s easy now to see how people end up with postpartum anxiety and depression, not sleeping wears on you mentally and emotionally. I don’t think we would’ve survived it without you.”
“We will be hiring you all right when we find out we’re pregnant with the next one.”
“Why didn’t our doctors tell us about you all?”
“We’ve only ever heard of a night nanny on t.v., but we didn’t know you all really existed until we started Googling for help.”
If you or someone you know is expecting a little one soon or have a new baby and you’re in the thick of it, give us a shout! Our calendar typically fills about six weeks out, but we do occasionally have nights here and there for those needing some immediate and occasional relief.
Setting Up Your Baby’s Nursery | Tips from the Baby Experts
As you begin setting up your baby’s nursery these tips from a seasoned mom, experienced infant care specialist, and infant sleep coach should be a big help. Babies have pretty basic needs, I believe in safety first, and I am a minimalist. So naturally, my recommendations will follow the K.I.S.S. method. Keep It Simple Silly!
Sleep is the magic word when we’re talking about the first year after welcoming a baby into the family-everyone wants it, but not many get it! The Jax Baby Company helps parents get the sleep they need, and we can help you too!
“…A newborn has only three demands; warmth in the arms of its parent(s), nourishment with love, and security in the knowledge of their parent’s presence.” Quote adapted by Elizabeth Luke, from the original words of Pamela K. Wiggins to be more inclusive to all families!
Original quote, “… A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence.”
What to Consider When Setting Up Your Baby’s Nursery
First, consider how your nursery will function and flow. Newborns sleep between 16 to 18 hours a day. That’s a whole LOT of sleep and that’s a good thing because parents, especially the birthing parent will need this extra sleep to heal, recover, and make milk (if lactating). However, majority of newborns don’t start off as great sleepers. In fact, they’re notorious for being noisy and unpredictable buggers.
Setting Up Your Baby’s Nursery
An Adult Bed
Safe sleep for everyone comes first! Newborns begin life sleeping near their parents, a caregiver like an infant care specialist, or both alternately. It is recommended by the AAP that infants sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parent’s bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants (flat, no incline), for at least for the first six months of life to help reduce the risk of SIDS. With that in mind, the nursery should be conducive to sleep, not just for the baby, but also for the parents and caregiver.
Sleep for everyone! Doesn’t that sound lovely?
If it doesn’t yet, it sure will when you’re about 3 weeks in! First, I highly recommend putting an adult (twin, full, etc.) bed in the nursery for the parents/caregiver for at least the first 3 to 6 months of your baby’s life. Not an option? Then a bed in a room as close as possible is the next best thing. Still not an option? Then a comfortable raised cot or air mattress is another option that can work. This helps maximize sleep for all adults caring for your infant which is of more importance than most parents realize until they’re in the thick of it. Well rested parents and babies are our specialty!
Somewhere Safe for Baby to Sleep
Many products labelled for sleep are NOT safe for your baby to sleep in! You read that right! In the first few months your newborn can sleep in a bassinet, after that they’ll need to move to a crib or pack-n-play as it is no longer safe as they begin to roll onto the sides and their tummy. Remember nothing in the sleep space, no bumper, blankets, or toys, only your baby in a sleep sack or swaddle and a pacifier, that’s all.
Sound Conducive to Sleep
Most parents fall into two categories of belief; being quiet not wake their newborns or not adjusting sound for their newborns so they get use to normal sounds of their home. It’s true babies can learn to adapt to the sounds of a normal functioning home, but you’re going to get your best sleep when recreating sounds from the womb because when baby sleeps better you sleep better. Womb sounds = home for the last 40ish weeks for your newborn. For this reason, a white noise machine is amazing!
Place the sound machine nearest your baby’s sleeping space, either just below the crib on the floor or on a table nearby. I recommend if you have a sound machine with a red-light function to place it on the changing table so you can use that light at diaper changes. Crank up the white noise too, don’t be stingy with the volume. With the nursery door closed you don’t want to hear anything that is going on elsewhere in the home. Not only will this help your baby it will help you get more restful sleep while in there, even if you are getting brief periods of sleep.
Lighting is a Concern When Setting Up Your Baby’s Nursey
You need blackout curtains, trust me! Your newborn’s circadian rhythm is controlled by an area of his brain that is affected by daylight and darkness. Distinguishing between the two is essential in creating healthy sleep habits. From day one, dark for sleep and lots of natural light and outdoor time for awake time is essential. A tabletop nightlight with adjustable brightness to minimize light in the room is the way to go. Dimmest safe light possible for diapering and feeding and complete darkness for sleep. Big bonus if the night light has a red light setting. Again, this helps you and your baby get more restful sleep. Make sure you can’t see anything in the room, no light!
A Video Baby Monitor
A video baby monitor is great for so many reasons, but my number one reason I like a video monitor is that it allows a parent or caregiver to check in on the baby without interrupting their sleep! It’s a great way for us as postpartum and infant care specialists to help parents and other caregivers identify what their babies are doing throughout their sleep cycles so that they can support their little one as they learn how to sleep longer stretches of time.
Changing Essentials
Diaper changes and the inevitable clothing changes you’ll do through the night with a newborn require you have the essentials easily at hand. When setting up your baby’s nursery make changing diapers and clothing easy peasy, especially for nighttime. I recommend a dresser that doubles as a changing table with a changing pad and diapering essentials such as a diaper pail, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, a burp cloth, swaddle, and one or two easy on onesis/sleepers, kept all right there within an arm’s reach.
High Contrast Mobile & Artwork
Newborns don’t have the best eyesight. They rely mostly on smell in the beginning. You can help them develop their eyesight using high contrast artwork or mobiles hung in the nursery. Most newborns love to look at the ceiling fan because they’re usually high contrast against a light-colored ceiling. Hanging a mobile above the changing table or above a comfy chair (not above the crib or bassinet) and artwork within eyesight of the crib or bassinet will be well-loved and enjoyed over time. You can even switch out art easily if you use these or these, easy open frames!
Comfy Chair
A comfy chair is nice relaxing place to feed, snuggle, and interact with your newborn. You could include a light throw blanket for you and a wallrack for reading materials for both you and your baby. This cozy space can be a nice part of your baby’s bedtime routine! Setting good sleep habits from day one is important for better sleep.
The Final Touches as You’re Setting Up Your Baby’s Nursery
A few final touches and your nursery will be complete. A side table to hold little things like a breast pads, pump parts, bottle, and a pacifier during feeds. In addition, it’s nice to have a charging station, a bottle making-breast pumping station, somewhere like a mini fridge or small cooler bag with ice packs to store your milk and bottles. I also always love it when there’s a live plant in the nursery. It just brings a little bit of the outside in, and some plants help create healthier air quality in homes. Just be sure it’s safe for kids and animals if you have any pets in your home.
Good Sleep Hygiene
As you get ready to welcome a little one, be it the first or third I know sleep and healing after birth is on your mind! I can’t stress enough how important a strong foundation is for good sleep hygiene, for you and your baby! Time and time again clients who have us with them from the start experience better sleep overall. Their babies get off to an excellent start because we are there to assist them with safe sleep, good habits, and allow parents to get the rest they so greatly need to function during the days and eventually overnight when we are not there.
Want Your Baby to Be a Good Sleeper?
Duh! Who doesn’t?! All babies and children hit big waves at some point when it comes to sleep. A solid foundation is the key to a faster, more confident passage through those big waves and back to smooth sailing! Being the parent of a newborn is amazing, but those first few months can often also be described as traumatizing, defeating, and lonely! The Jacksonville Baby Company will get you and your family off to the best start! Consider how much sleep means to you when setting up your baby’s nursery. Check out our reviews on Google and Facebook and contact us today!
Keep Your Baby Safe During the Coronavirus Pandemic
We know many of you are remaining calm, cool, and collected, but are silently wondering should you be doing more to keep your baby safe during the Coronavirus Pandemic. We have some words of advice during this time.
First, as you’re probably already doing, remain calm and don’t panic.
Panic is stressful to the body and we know that large amounts of stress put our immune systems at risk. COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus impacts those with compromised immune systems, infants, and the elderly hardest. So keeping calm really is numerous uno.
Secondly, what do we know about COVID-19?
The best way to prevent getting COVID-19 (coronavirus) is to avoid being exposed to this virus. So, how’s it spread? The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. First, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Secondly, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. The incubation period is asymptomatic for at least 14 days. That means anyone can appear well and without a single symptom for 14 days. Two full weeks! We also know that someone with a good immune system may not react or display the same symptoms as a newborn, the elderly, or individuals who are immune-compromised.
Another way that COVID-19 is spread; from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but person to person contact is thought to be the number one way it’s spread. Basically, anyone could have it, so there’s that.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections. What we do know if that with viruses from the same family as COVID-19, and other viral respiratory infections, like influenza, women are at an increased risk for developing severe illness. It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses. How? By following the same guidelines listed below.
Here’s what you can do to keep your baby safe during the Coronavirus pandemic:
This is going to sound redundant, but wash your hands all the way up to your elbows well with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. Wash often and avoid touching your face with your hands. Remind your family and anyone who comes into your home or around you and your baby.
Social distancing measures have proven to slow the transmission of disease and save lives. It’s proven to help! So social distancing is next on our list.
Avoid going out unless necessary. If you must go out avoid anywhere there’s a crowd when you can. Public or private events, even grocery shopping during peak hours is not a great idea. Remember social distancing can and does help! I would cancel any non-essential appointments or outings. When you must go out if you have the option to leave your baby at home with a caregiver or partner do that as a first option.
Other things you can do to keep your baby safe during the Coronavirus pandemic:
Wipe down cart handles well with hand wipes or hand sanitizer applied to paper towels. Keeping a few white hand towels in your car to bring into stores to cover the cart handles is a good idea as well. Then you can toss them into the washer and bleach those suckers.
Use your elbows or your hand covered with your shirt or that hand towel if you brought it to open doors. Doorknobs and light switches are crawling with germs.
Change your baby in a safe place outside or in the back of your vehicle right before going into the store and or right after coming out of the store instead of using the bathrooms in the store. Most stores are on heightened alert and are being vigilant to sanitize more often, but again the bathroom is an enclosed space and you can’t be too careful during this time.
Make sure all caregivers are feeling well (although remember, people are asymptomatic for at least 14 days). Have each caregiver remove their shoes at the door, change into clean clothes upon arrival and wash their hands up to their elbows well with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds before touching your baby.
Breastfeeding provides protection against many illnesses. If you’re breastfeeding your baby it’s highly recommended that you continue to do so. Giving toddlers breastmilk during this time isn’t a bad idea at all! If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 the decision to continue breastfeeding, stop breastfeeding, or to pump milk and have someone else feed your baby should be made between you and your medical providers. Breastfeeding provides infants with lots of antibodies and it’s likely your body was already producing antibodies specifically to help your baby fight this virus before you ever knew you had it. Again, remember people with Coronavirus are asymptomatic for at least 14 days before visible symptoms.
Are you still wondering if there’s more you can do to keep your baby safe during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Here are our final 5 recommendations:
Just say no to travelers, visitors, likewise traveling or visiting, get-togethers, and playdates during this time.
Create a plan just in case you, your partner, or you both come down with the virus. How will you care for yourselves? Do you have what you need at home to get through the next few weeks at home? Who will care for your baby if you get sick and cannot?
Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks).
Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Alcohol solutions. Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Complete disinfecting guidelines are found here.
The Jacksonville Baby Company is being proactive.
We want to keep your baby safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. If you or your baby is sick, please stay home! If you or your baby have flu-like symptoms contact your providers away for advice, testing, and treatment. We are reaching out to current and past families we’ve worked with to make sure they feel informed and have what they need during this time while also trying to reduce the risk of infection. If you have any questions or pressing concerns please let us know.
Lastly, if you or your immediate family tests positive for the Coronavirus and you need supplies please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We will help in any way that we can including dropping off supplies in a box at your driveway. Practice good hygiene, remain cool and calm, and most importantly be kind to one another.
Today we’re giving you 5 ways to comfort a baby without picking them up. Not because we don’t love holding babies, we totally do! We’re giving out these goodies because sometimes you can’t pick them up, other times, you’re touched out and need other solutions. The Jax Baby Company is big on giving parents and caregivers options and solutions that’ll work for their family.
During the fourth trimester, it’s not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed and be exhausted.
It’s important for parents to take care of themselves so they don’t crash and burn along the way. When burnout occurs relationships and careers struggle. No one wants new parents struggling or suffering, especially our team! There’s a fine line between normal levels of manageable stress and unnecessary suffering. This goes for parents and for babies! There have been no scientific studies to date that show periodic crying is harmful to anyone, including babies. It’s safe for your baby to cry for short periods so long as they’re safe, cared for properly, and their needs are met.
What we’re not saying: Leave babies to cry for long periods of time or ignore babies.
What we are saying: It’s okay to take a few minutes for Y-O-U and to accomplish other things on your list.
Here are 5 ways to Comfort a Baby Without Picking Them Up
Not only do these five ways work, but they’ll also help you and your baby build confidence through-out the day. You’ll want to practice these early on and practice each and every day throughout the day. Success will come, it takes time and practice for you and your baby! You’ll be able to go longer in between as you and your baby become pros and this! Before putting your baby down and trying these things make sure your baby is not hungry, dry and clean, as well as calm when being held. All the comfort in the world won’t help if they are dirty or truly hungry.
Swaddle
Babies are snuggled up cozy and tight in the womb. It’s warm and comforting, it’s home! The womb must be like chicken soup when you don’t feel well. Swaddling is one of the best ways when done correctly to soothe a baby! The trick is to get it snug, but not too tight, allow room for the hips to move freely, and be sure there’s no way the swaddle can get up around baby’s mouth or nose. A good swaddle, a slight sway(not bounce), and then lay your baby down. If you have a baby that’s a little older (but younger than 8 weeks) you can swaddle with one arm out! After 8 weeks swaddling is no longer recommended by the AAP. A sleep-sack would be a safer option.
White Noise
Once your baby is swaddled nice and cozy utilize a shusher or white noise machine to recreate the comforting womb sounds. This is the next layer of comfort. It should be loud enough to be the primary sound in and around the room, but not close to the ears. I always tell parents I personally recommend reserving this tool for naps, overnights, and to get in a shower!
Gentle Chest Rock
You’ve swaddled your baby, laid your baby down, and you’re utilizing the white noise machine or shusher. Now, you’ll place one hand lightly on your baby’s chest and gently rock your baby. This isn’t a full-on rock, moving your baby from side to side, but rather a gentle controlled shifting motion. You’re ever so softly shifting the weight from one side of your hand to the other.
From Crown to Eyebrows
We couldn’t share 5 ways to comfort a baby without sharing this one! A true trick up the sleeve if there ever was one! This one takes some practice, but man is it amazing! You’ll place your entire hand, palm side down at the crown of your baby’s head, your fingers facing one ear and the heel of your hand facing the other ear. The same direction a headband would sit. Then, in one slow very gentle motion stroke their head all the way down to their brows. Repeat. Do this slowly several times over and over. As you learn your baby this technique will be intuitive to you! You’ll figure out what your baby likes and dislikes, how slow they like it, and when you reach a sweet spot. It takes practice, even for us pros!
Pacifier
We highly recommend that if you’re exclusively breastfeeding you wait to utilize a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established for 3-4 weeks. This exclusivity will help establish your milk supply, ensures your baby isn’t being given a replacement for hunger, and helps reduce the chance of “nipple confusion”. After that have at it! If your baby will take a pacifier not only can it be a big help, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends it for safer sleep! If your baby doesn’t take it at first and you would like for him/her to, keep trying! Try different pacifiers, FYI, they make different sizes for babies of different ages. Some babies do better with one type over another. You can dip the pacifier in a bit of milk to help entice them!
Parenting is a wild rollercoaster of a ride! There are ups and downs, and twists and turns, but The Jax Baby Company has your back! Did these 5 ways to comfort a baby without picking them up help you? Let us know! If you’re in the Greater Jacksonville, Florida area and are a new or expecting parent, contact us! We would love to help your family prepare and thrive!
You don’t have to be a brand new parent to get butterflies in your stomach when you think about washing your newborn baby. Lots of parents who’ve done it before worry about “doing it right” or doing it all wrong. Much like riding a bike it usually comes back to you after a time or two. Step by step we’re walking you through bathtime and helping you gain the confidence you need when washing your newborn! If you’re about to embark on baby’s very first bath using a tub with water, you’ll want to go over and read “Baby’s First Bath, Level Up With These Tips” to get all the best tips ahead of this step by step blog.
Did You Know: It’s not necessary to wash your newborn or infant every day.
Newborns and immobile infants don’t get “dirty” often. You’ll want to wash your baby two to three times a week maximum to avoid drying out their skin. Until your baby begins scooting, crawling, or playing with pets on the floor or other infants out in public a simple wipe down with a warm wet cloth in between baths is sufficient.
Did You Know: A little dab will do ya! You don’t need to use much soap at all.
In addition to being bathed too often, using too much soap can also dry out your baby’s delicate and oh so soft skin. You can just put a tiny drop or two of your soap of choice into the bath water for washing your newborn baby, reserving a single drop for washing his hair. That’s all you need.
Step #1: The Set Up
Choose a time when your baby isn’t tired and hungry to bathe him. Begin by placing the baby bathtub either in the sink or on a level surface, not too close to the edge of the counter. If you’re using one of those blooming sink inserts you will use it in the sink. If you’re using a bather that sits inside the tub you’ll either be in the tub with your baby or kneeling beside the tub. If you’re getting in with baby you want to have a second person to assist you with getting yourself and baby out. If kneeling, please protect your knees!
Step #2: Washing Your Newborn
Make sure all supplies are easily within reach, make sure the tub is plugged, add the water, and then your sweet babe! Immediately place one washcloth that you’ve wet over your baby’s genitals, remembering the 3 T’s of Bathtime.
Your baby will pee in the tub and it’s okay and there’s no need to drain the water! If poop happens, you’ll want to drain and start again. Fun times! While we’re talking pee and poop believe it or not sometimes little girls can pee up and everywhere just as little boys can. Pro tip, I recommend always starting by placing a wet washcloth over their genitals as soon as the diaper comes off and baby is placed in the tub.
Wash and rinse in this order: top to bottom, front to back. Beginning with baby’s hair use a single drop of soap of choice (tear-free may be a good option for you) onto the other wet washcloth and gently begin washing your baby’s hair. Pay close attention not to get soap in her eyes or mouth. Wipe behind her ears and then under her neck, in his little neck creases where milk gets trapped. Rinse carefully avoiding his eyes, nose, and mouth. Work your way down the front of your baby. Use the towel over his/her genitals to clean the diaper area well. How you clean your baby’s genitals depends on if your baby is a boy or a girl, is circumcised or intact. Check carefully to be sure your baby doesn’t have any hair wrapped around his toes.
Washing a baby’s backside isn’t as easy as the front, but in time you’ll become a pro at washing your newborn baby! You can either tip your baby carefully onto his side and wash the opposite side of his back and bottom and then repeat. Or, you can gently transfer your baby to lay face down onto your hand and arm always keeping his face out of the water while you wash then rinse.
Step #3: The Wrap Up
Remembering timing in the 3 T’s of Bathtime wrap it up as soon as possible, even if things are going really well. Pull the plug from the tub being careful to make sure the water is making it in the sink and not your countertop and floor.
Holding the towel on your chest using your teeth and toss the right side over your right arm and left side over your left arm. Then, standing as close to the counter and your baby as possible carefully lift your baby from the bath and transfer him to the center of the towel on your chest. Wrap up your baby burrito!
If your baby is happy you may be able to transfer him to the place you’ll lay him to dry and dress him. If he is upset, take a moment or two to calm and comfort him before continuing being mindful of the possibility of pee and poop. Place your baby on his back and dry him well. Then put his diaper on. If you are planning to use lotion on his skin, nows the time to do it. Start by rubbing the lotion in your hands to warm it first. Begin at the top and work your way down your baby’s body. You can use the towel to cover the areas you aren’t applying lotion to, to keep your baby warm.
When you’ve finished the top half of your baby’s body put his shirt/top on. Then finish applying lotion to the bottom half and put his pants/bottoms on. Before putting on his socks check his nails and clip them if they need to be clipped. Brush his hair/head with a soft bristle baby brush. Use cotton balls to dry his ears. Avoid putting anything into his ears including Q-tips you can damage his eardrums.
That’s it! You’re done!
Whether your baby blissfully obliged or painfully protested his bath you’re awesome! You’ll get the hang of washing your newborn and he’ll get the hang of being pampered and may even become playful with time!
These tips for a baby’s first bath will help ease your fears and make the first bath (and many more) run smoothly. At The Jax Baby Company, we help bathe lots of slippery newborns, wiggly infants, and rambunctious toddlers. We have bathtime down to a science!
When parents talk about baby’s very first bath, most of them are referring to a bath with water and some soap. That’s what we will cover here today. However, until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off you’ll want to skip a traditional bath with water and soap and give a “sponge bath”. Wiping your baby down with a warm wet washcloth is sufficient and keeps the umbilical area dry. Pay close attention to the neck creases where milk drips and collects, the creases of the legs, and diaper area.
Tip #1: Follow the 3 T’s of Bathtime
When we teach parents about babies we always talk about safety! Follow the 3 T’s of tub time What are the 3 T’s you ask?
Temperature: A newborn can chill easily. You want the room your bathing your baby in to be free from drafts and not too cold. You don’t need to turn on the heat in Florida unless it’s true winter, but you can turn off any fan you may have running in the room. Likewise, make sure the water temperature isn’t too hot or too cold. Baby bear like’s it “just right”. To prevent scalding, before your baby is born adjust the thermostat on your water heater to below 120 F (49 C). Always test the water temperature with your hand or thermometer if needed before bathing your baby. Aim to have the bath water around 100 F (38 C).
Touch: Keep one hand on your baby at all times. Babies slip and slump easily in the water. It only takes a moment for an accident to happen. If you can’t reach “it” while keeping a hand on your baby you don’t really need it.
Time: Baby’s first bath shouldn’t take long, in fact, all baths should be kept to under 10 minutes. Newborns have very short sleep/wake cycles. So, although your baby may seem very content, at a moments notice your baby can be sleepy again and things can escalate quickly.
Tip #2: Gather Your Supplies First
You want everything you’ll need for the bath, from start to finish, within an arms reach. Go ahead and rip those safety seals off before you ever starting. Remember touch of the 3 T’s of bathtime? One hand on your baby at all times, always! You’ll want all the rest of the supplies you’ll need right where you’ll dress and groom your baby. What supplies do you need? Well, that depends on what you’re tackling, remember to keep it under 10 minutes total.
Most newborn babies hate being naked, cool, and wet. If you find that your baby starts to cry keep calm! Don’t panic! If she takes a pacifier you can use one that doesn’t allow water to get inside of it, like this. Most of the time baby’s first bath involves some tears. You can stop where you are, wrap it up, move on to our bonus tip and call it a success. OR you can push through, finish the bath, move onto the bonus tip, and call it a success! Either way keep calm because your baby can sense when you’re feeling sad, down, or panicked. This is new to you too, it gets easier I promise!
We’re wrapping up tips for baby’s first bath with a bonus tip!
Bonus Tip: Follow Up with Skin to Skin Bonding
Babies love being skin to skin with their parents! They love everything about it! The warmth, the closeness, and the hormones it helps mom release. They love your smell and the gentleness. They love the sound your heart makes as they lay against your chest and the humming of your voice. If your baby cried during bathtime this is a sure way to make it up to him (and you). Fresh babies are the best! So this bonus tip is just as much for you as it is for them. These moments are the “stop and smell the roses” of life. Take them every chance you get!
How do you do skin to skin?
You’ll want your baby to be in only a diaper and you’ll want to remove your shirt and bra if you’re wearing one. Lay your baby on your bare chest facing you on his/her belly. Place a blanket over the two of you leaving only your baby’s head exposed. Snuggle that muggle! Smell him, caress him, touch his soft, fine hair. Let him hold your finger in his tiny precious hand. Enjoy this time, uninterrupted for as long as you’d like.
I hope you find these tips for baby’s first bath as helpful as the families we work with. If you’d love help with your baby’s first bath contact us and one of our baby whispers will come and help you through bathtime, instilling confidence along the way!
To recap just remember:
3 T’s of Bathtime: temperature, touch, time (10),
Gather all of your supplies first
Follow up with skin to skin
Be sure to check out our upcoming blog: When and How to Wash a Newborn for step by step instructions!
When I was pregnant I kept hearing how I’d lose weight while breastfeeding. Other moms said weight just fell off of them when breastfeeding. I looked forward to nursing my baby and really looked forward to losing even just a few extra pounds me since I put on lots of it during my pregnancy.
I looked at those pre-pregnancy clothes in my closet for months and months.
Finally, I gave in and bought new clothes after wearing my maternity pants for so long that I’m almost ashamed to say how long. Okay, I was nearly five months postpartum before I bought a single new piece of clothing that fit me. It would have been awesome if I slid back into my pre-pregnancy clothing within a few months of giving birth. Then sometime around seven or eight months postpartum, I started to lose weight while breastfeeding, but not as much as I expected.
Meanwhile, I watched as friends dropped the pregnancy weight, fast!
I’ve rarely been jealous of anyone in my life, even still at nearly 40 years old. I’m pretty happy with my body, always have been. It’s pretty awesome what it’s been through and continues to carry on! I admit though, I felt a little cheated and defeated! I didn’t lose weight while breastfeeding. Sure, I lost the water weight and I dropped some weight slowly, but it did NOT fall off or melt away like I was told it would. Was there something wrong with me? Later, as I began my career working with expectant and new parents I learned that some women need to hold onto the extra weight. Turns out I was completely “normal”!
Some women just don’t lose weight while breastfeeding!
Hormones are partly to blame. Prolactin, the essential hormone responsible for milk production can also reduce your body’s ability to metabolize fat. Especially during the first six months of breastfeeding. Generally speaking, moms who are breastfeeding will need to take in between 1800-2200 calories or more per day. Consuming less than 1500-1800 calories per day may put a woman’s milk supply in danger. A person’s baseline caloric needs depend upon their activity level, weight, and nutritional status. So naturally, a person’s ability to lose weight while breastfeeding will vary.
Like many thing in life there’s a wide range of normal!
Exclusively breastfeeding moms need about 300-500 extra calories each day. That’s right at or above what they “need” during the third trimester of pregnancy. Take in too few calories and your metabolism slows down to conserve and will hold onto that “extra” weight you gained in pregnancy. This is your body’s natural response and helps you maintain weight instead of losing it. Take in too many calories and you risk gaining weight or holding onto the weight just the same.
Another reason you may not lose weight while breastfeeding is lack of sleep!
Sleep is an essential ingredient for a healthy life. Your mental, physical, and emotional health depend on good sleep quality at the right quantity. Chronic sleep debt can sabotage all your valiant efforts.
Oh, my gawd!
So, you’re a new mom who needs sleep to heal and function optimally. You also have a new baby who needs your boobs, basically around the clock for nourishment and comfort. A new baby, learning to breastfeed, and quality sleep aren’t typically things that mesh well together. So, what’s a new mom to do?
Funny story, when I was nursing our 2nd son I felt like a giant cow. I almost dressed up as a cow for Halloween that year after telling my husband during a shopping trip while walking and nursing our son, “I swear I feel like a cow always being milked,” and then I turned around to see a cow costume in front of us in Target. We both busted out laughing, but if I’m being honest I shed some tears in Target that day..
So what gives? Are you screwed?
Nah! Not at all!
Here are 5 tips to help you lose weight while breastfeeding if you are struggling to shed any of the pregnancy weight by 3 months postpartum:
Stick to water instead of drinks that are moderate or high in sugars. Love your coffee? That’s cool, keep that cup of coffee, but cut the sugar and use a teaspoon of honey or pure maple syrup instead.
Exercise daily in a way that’s appropriate for you. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure what appropriate is for you!
Breastfeeding your baby frequently and for longer than six months can help increases weight loss.
Reduce your stress levels by taking time out of EVERY day for you!
Eatat least 1500-1800 calories per day, most moms need to stay at the high end of that range. Try eating lots of healthy snacks instead of 3 meals each day.
Still on the struggle bus?
If you struggle like I did to lose weight while breastfeeding it may help you to know, you’re not alone. Many women, just like you and me experience a pause in weight loss. While it can make you feel defeated it’s important to stay the course! The good news; if you continue to eat and exercise appropriately for your body’s specific needs and abilities and implement little changes along the way you will see weight loss in time. In fact, like me and many other moms who held onto the weight you just might see it start to come off after you stop nursing.
Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, pumping, or combo feeding The Jax Baby Company is here to help you every step of the way.
Through breastfeeding in the wee hours of the morning, to lots of late nights running together, we’re there to help you maximize your sleep and bond with your baby. We’re here to cheer you on as you head to your Pilates class and to hand you a bottle of water as you nurse your baby after a nice hot shower! We can tap in so you can tap out! Let us lighten your load and help you lose weight while breastfeeding. All you have to do is contact us!
As Jacksonville’s trusted newborn and postpartum support professionals we get asked a ton of questions! So, we will break all these newborn questions down into a blog series called, The ABC’s of Newborn Care to make it super duper easy. We want to help you learn about caring for your little one!
First up in the ABC’s of Newborn Care Series is B is for Breathing
Babies can make some unusual breathing sounds!
These sounds can be adorably cute. Sure, they can also be slightly weird. Most of the time though these sounds are completely normal. Newborns can breathe fast or take long pauses between breaths. Often newborns still have amniotic fluid in their airways and it needs a little more time to clear it. This is typical of any baby, but more pronounced sometimes in babies born via cesarean. As a new parent, the breathing sounds your baby makes can be alarming.
Become familiar with what’s normal and what’s not.
30-60 breaths per minute, slowing down to approximately 20 breaths per minute when they sleep is normal. Adults breathe an average of 12-20 breaths per minute. Kind of a big difference there, huh? Newborns can breathe fast several times and then stop breathing for 5-10 seconds (but no more than that) and then breathe again. If you see breathing at a rate of over 60 breaths per minute it’s time to have them checked out! No waiting!
What’s with the whistle kid?
While some whistling of the airway can be normal, it might also mean there’s mucus in the nasal passages that just may clear up when it’s suctioned out. You should learn to effectively clear your baby’s nasal passages of mucus via suction. A saline solution and bulb syringe or Nose Frida can help with this. Another tip is cupping the hand while “burping” your baby. You’re just patting their back with your hand cupped, daddies are usually really good at this! Wheezing could also be a sign of blockage or narrowing of the lower airways. Contact your pediatrician and have it checked out if it doesn’t clear up with rinsing and suctioning of the nasal passages.
I’m pretty sure my human baby shouldn’t bark, what gives?
A barking cough could be a sign of croup, croup is almost always worse at night. This barking cough sound could also be caused by a windpipe blockage, for that reason if you aren’t sure what it is you need to have them seen right away. I can NOT stress to you enough how important it is to get trained and certified in adult, child, and infant CPR and first aid. Everyone who will be responsible for caring for your baby should also have this knowledge and feel comfortable using it if needed. Don’t wait it could be too late!
My newborn is sneezing, does that mean it’s allergies?
Sneezing is trickier. Newborns do sneeze and it can be completely normal. When accompanied by a runny nose or cough it’s worth keeping an eye on and using a saline nasal spray or drops and a suction device to clear. If it doesn’t improve, the runny nose changes from clear to white, yellow, or green then you should definitely put a call into their pediatric office!
This isn’t what they mean by baby blues.
Blue or darkening of the skin is probably one of the most telling signs that your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen. In the first few days of life, your baby’s most vital organs are getting oxygenated blood first. Their hands and feet may appear less pink in appearance than the rest of her body. Notice this, recognize this, and seek medical attention right away if something doesn’t seem right to you. Do not ignore this, and if you see blue coloring of the lips or nose or both you should call 911 right away.
Are you noticing an obvious struggle?
Two more telltale signs that something is not right are chest retraction, your baby’s chest sinks deeply with each breath and stridor, an inspiratory sound heard in the upper airway. These things mean your baby is working too hard to get air into their lungs. These are definite reasons to have them checked out.
Accompanied by other things!
If your baby has a fever, vomiting, yellow or green discharge, or is lethargic along with any of the above-mentioned signs you should have them checked out right away. Please note that a fever in a baby younger than 3 months old is a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
In this installment of The ABC’s of Newborn Care we hope you’re take away is this:
You know your baby best! You are the most invested in him, her, or them! If something doesn’t feel or look right it is always best to have it checked out. Second opinions aren’t a bad thing. Become familiar with your baby’s normal, learn about what is “normal” for a newborn in general, and get CPR and 1st aid certified!
Let us know if you have a suggestion for a topic for the ABC’s of Newborn Care series or any others you would like to see covered! In the Greater Jacksonville area? Expecting a baby soon? Have an infant already? Reach out to us and our team will help you learn your baby, get more sleep, eat yummy foods, and enjoy your baby even more!
Writing an informative piece on umbilical cord care is right up my alley! When I’m not helping parents with all the things after their babies are born I’m teaching classes that include information on optimal umbilical cord clamping and providing placenta encapsulation services. During that time I often get to talk with parents about the anatomy of the placenta and cord and the functions of the umbilical cord during pregnancy. After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer needed as the placenta will no longer supply nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to the newborn. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut leaving behind a small nub of cord still attached to your baby’s abdomen.
Clamped and cut, now what?
Your baby’s umbilical cord should begin to dry out, turn into a stump, and eventually, it falls off. What kind of time frame are we talking about here? Usually, within one to two weeks after your baby is born the stump that once was the cord falls off. Until then, follow the 5 simple steps below unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician.
Umbilical Cord Care in 5 Easy Steps:
1. Only give a sponge baths IF a bath is needed.
Generally speaking, newborns don’t need to bathe. A simple wipe down with warm, clean water and a cloth is sufficient. Pay close attention to areas that are moist and tucked away like the creases of their necks and their legs near their diaper area. Avoid their umbilical cord area. The idea is to keep it dry and sponge bathing your newborn will help with that!
2. Keep the stump dry.
You may hear all sorts recommendations such as putting breastmilk on it or applying Goldenseal and Echinacea powder to the area. Please consult your care provider before putting anything on the umbilical cord as it heals. Dry care is currently said to be the best care! There is research that suggests by putting anything on the cord you may be killing beneficial bacteria that is present naturally to help the cord heal on its own. What if my baby pees or soils the umbilical cord area? Don’t stress it! Just wipe it clean using a cloth and warm water (no soap), and let it dry out!
3. Let the umbilical cord air out!
Keep the umbilical area exposed to the air in a controlled temperature environment as much as possible. Fold down the newborn’s diaper, don’t allow it to touch or rub on the cord! Won’t my baby get cold with his umbilical cord area exposed? As long as you have him dressed for his environment he should be fine. For example, if your home is kept around 76 degrees Fahrenheit and you’re wearing shorts and a tank, your baby will be fine in a shirt, diaper, socks, and loose blanket over her lower half. Better yet, snuggle up!
4. Leave it alone!
Let the stump fall off on its own. No pulling or picking at it! If there’s some dried blood around the cord itself (that’s normal) on the skin, you can leave it or wipe it off with a cloth and warm water (no soap), being careful not to get the cord wet. Can I do something so my baby will have an “innie/outtie”? Nope! There’s nothing you can do to encourage or ensure your baby will have an “innie” or an “outtie” a belly button is a belly button! If it’s meant to be it’ll be!
5. Report any problems or concerns to your pediatrician.
Similarly to a scab, the stump might bleed a little when it’s falling off, that’s normal. However, you’ll want to contact your baby’s doctor if: The umbilical cord area oozes or has visible puss. The skin surrounding the cord gets red and swollen. If there’s an odor or smell coming from the area. If your baby’s umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off by the end of week two, even without signs of infection.
Together we can keep dem’ babies safe!
There isn’t a general consensus for umbilical cord care everywhere. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that, “dry cord care without the application of topical substances is preferable under most circumstances in high-resource countries and for in-hospital births elsewhere; the application of topical chlorhexidine is recommended for infants born outside the hospital setting in communities with high neonatal mortality rates.20 ” Basically, they’re saying that that dry care is usually the best care in low-risk environments. In settings where the risk of bacterial infection is high, it may be prudent to use an antiseptic as per your pediatrician or general practitioner’s recommendations.
Here’s the recap:
keep it dry
sponge bathe only as needed
let it air out
leave it alone
report possible problems or infections to your pediatrician right away!
That’s it, folks!
Sounds simple enough, right? For the most part, it is! Follow these recommendations, that of your pediatrician, and most importantly listen to your gut! Not familiar with that? Our postpartum and infant care specialists are amazing at helping you tap into that parental power! Book a consult with us today and grow more confident in parenting each day!
