TIPS TO HELP SICK BABY SLEEP AT NIGHT

It hurts my heart to hear Emily coughing and wheezing at night.   I would gladly exchange places with her if I could. The following two items are essential in helping Emily breathe better and rest more comfortably.

1. VICKS VAPORUB

This is a true lifesaver in my house.  Basically, I apply a thin layer to her chest and more importantly to the bottom of her feet and cover with socks.  The constant swing in temperatures this spring and being around other babies in general led to Emily developing this god awful cough. One night, my husband forgot to apply the vaporub, and she woke up 4 times and coughed so much that she threw up. He never forgot again! 

2. HUMIDIFIER

Humidifiers add moisture to the air easing coughs, clearing nasal passages, and loosening mucus. Personally, I prefer a warm air humidifier as I find the it more soothing but if you have a mobile child, it's better to use the cool air one.  The steam and hot water from a warm air humidifier could accidentally burn your child if she spills it.  Just make sure to clean it every few days to prevent the buildup of mold.  I find that with the regular use of the humidifier, Emil sleeps infinitely better even while super stuffy and congested.

TUMMY TIME: GREAT BUYS FOR BABY

Tummy time was a nightmare with my baby; I used to dread placing her on her stomach.  As soon as I put Emily down on her tummy, she would shriek and cry and I would just give up after a minute or so.  The following are a couple of my favorite products that helped make tummy time a happier and more peaceful process.


Tiny Love Tummy Time Play Mat - Lady Bug

The Tiny Love baby gym was a godsend for tummy time.  In the beginning, Emily loved the crinkly parts and the bright colorful patterns.  Later one, she started lifting her head to watch her reflection in the mirror.  I really liked the small size u-shaped padded pillow for chest support.  It is not as thick or tall as the boppy pillow I was using previously and she seemed more comfortable resting on it.


Sassy Crib & Floor Mirror

I loved this mirror for tummy time.  Emily lifted her head to reach for the crinkly leaves and black and white spinning ball.  She was mesmerized by the contrasting colors.  Now that she's 12 months old, she still plays with it.

FEEDING TIPS FOR WHEN BABY HATES SOLIDS

Emily hated solids. She would either just play with her food, spit it out right away, or throw it on the floor. She shrieked whenever a spoon came near her mouth. I tried more than a few techniques to end her aversion to solid food and the following worked the best for me.

EXPECT THE MESS AND ROLL WITH IT
I realized that Emily hated it when I wiped her face while she was eating. Now I just accept that there will be avocado in her hair and banana in her ears and I just give her a quick washdown and outfit change after she has finished eating.

LET HER WALK AROUND WITH FOOD 
I noticed that Emily ate more and even tried new food items when she was out of her high chair. Yes, this made for a messy house while I tried this strategy but I was delighted when she developed a love for steamed broccoli and carrots. Once she became a more adventurous eater, she didn't mind being in the high chair as much.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

• Offer larger chunks of food as your baby might prefer that over small bites. 
• She might not be hungry when you decide to feed her. Try again in 15-30 minutes.
• Let her feed herself. Around 9 months, some babies refuse to be spoon fed. Offer a variety of finger foods.
• Timing is everything.  Some babies hate eating right before or right after they poop. Some babies don't want to eat right after they wake up.  You know your baby best so pay attention to her behavior and adjust accordingly. 

Happy feeding!

BEST DIAPER CHANGING TIP MY MOTHER GAVE ME

Diaper changing is a messy sport. I am constantly trying to prevent an impending disaster from taking place. Oftentimes, it's more convenient to change Emily on the couch or on the floor instead of the changing table. I don't always have my favorite waterproof changing pad handy.

So my mother suggested to just slide the new diaper underneath the old diaper before I change my baby. I know it sounds so simple but it has made changing diapers a relatively stress free process. The new diaper catches any spillover or mid-change pee from soiling my furniture, carpet, blanket or whatever is underneath.

This is also great for public changing tables in case you forget your changing pad. Your baby's bottom will be protected from the germ saturated surface by the new diaper underneath!