Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit

Tweet

I really don't like to hear my kids cry. And when they are sleeping (or suppose to be sleeping!) I really don't like to hear them cry. I'm a bit of a softy, and I also get really anxious when I hear their tears from afar, especially when they are babies. So while this doesn't mean I don't have any crying at all from my babies, I certainly try to reduce it as much as I can.

When it's time for my kids to make some sort of sleep transition, like out of the swaddle or out of the rock 'n play, I get a little nervous. They've all done pretty well with these transitions ('well', not 'perfect') but I'm always working on ways to make the transition even more easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. I know, I know. I'm often telling each of you that sleep isn't ever going to be perfect and that there are no magical sleep fixes, but apparently I'm still dreaming of that for myself.

WHEN AND HOW TO DROP THE SWADDLE

Tweet

Stella recently reached the 3/4 month mark which made me contemplate how long we were going to continue the swaddle. For some reason, when it comes to dropping the swaddle,

Is Swaddling Dangerous?

Tweet

If you've read many newborn posts of mine, you know that I've a huge advocate of swaddling. I recommend it for pretty much every newborn. And I plan on swaddling my baby girl who is due any day now.

Why? Because it's an awesome soothing tool and sleep tool (it's part of the 5 S's for a reason!). Swaddling helps most young babies fall asleep quicker and sleep longer. It doesn't take more than that to convince most people that swaddling is pretty awesome! To add to this, a baby that sleeps better may

Swaddling and Hip Dysplasia

Tweet

Don't swaddle your newborn? You should! It helps a tired baby sleep well and an upset baby calm down.

But did you know that doing it incorrectly can lead to hip dysplasia? I remember this being mentioned quickly while I was

Swaddling Guide

Tweet

One of the fist things you should be doing with your baby (outside of feeding and holding your little cutie) is swaddling.

The moro or startle reflex is present at birth and often occurs right before baby is about to fall asleep or wake up. It causes baby to suddenly startle which can wake him up or make it hard for him to fall asleep. This is where swaddling comes in handy. Not only does it help prevent the moro reflex from disturbing baby (he doesn't even realize those limbs are his!), but it helps keep baby nice, tight and snug like he used to be in the womb which is comforting rather than confining or claustrophobic like some people think. It may also reduce the risk of SIDS.