The period of time after baby arrives is not only an incredibly joyous one, but can also be confusing for a new mother.  With fluctuations in hormones, sleep deprivation, body issues, and a myriad of new roles…mom can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed with meeting the needs of her family and herself.

Below you will find links to some wonderful articles from Pregnancy & Newborn that are worth reading if you are a mom trying to wade your way through the days after baby is born. Also- scroll a little further for a classic post over at Pregnant Chicken: Happily Giving Birth- 10 Things They Don’t Tell You!

:: Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Partner

Mother Lover: Keeping Your Relationship Strong by Sarah Granger

:: When Baby Has an Older Sibling

And Baby Makes Four by Sarah Granger

:: Navigating the First 7 Days with Baby

Beyond the Belly by Meredith Parker Toy

:: Dealing with Postpartum Hormones

Emotional Overload by Molly Jones

:: Easy Steps to Losing Baby Weight

5 Steps to Lose the Baby Weight by Lissa Harnish Poirot

:: Find Some Humor...

Happily Giving Birth-10 Things They Don’t Tell You: Pregnant Chicken

It’s a time of utter exhaustion, when it seems that sleep should be easy to come by.  Unfortunately, however, pregnancy can offer all sorts of obstacles when it comes to getting a good (and comfortable) night’s sleep!  Between hormones, anxiety, stress, physical discomfort, and an increasingly cramped bladder… an uninterrupted night of sleep is usually highly unlikely- especially as you get further into your pregnancy.  Maybe it’s Mother Nature’s way of preparing new moms for sleepless nights to come?!

Luckily, there are a few things you can try to make your sleepy time a more pleasant one.

:: STAY HYDRATED (but not too close to bedtime)

Drinking plenty of fluids, mainly water, during the day can greatly improve how you feel at all times of the day.  Staying well hydrated can reduce your chances of muscle cramping, and improve the function of all of your organs.  Just be careful not to drink too much for the few hours before bedtime.  Chances are, you’ll be tending to your bladder at some point in the night anyway… try not to add unnecessary trips to the bathroom during the night!

:: EXERCISE REGULARLY

For optimum health, and to improve your circulation… frequent (and appropriate) exercise when pregnant can help your sleep patterns tremendously.  Try not to exercise right before bed, though, as it may increase your adrenaline and make it hard for you to settle into sleep.

:: REDUCE STRESS & ANXIETY

Find ways throughout your day to reduce stress and anxiety, so that when bedtime comes, your mind is at ease and can concentrate only on pleasant dreams!

A few tips for reducing stress and anxiety:

1.      Find people you can talk to and commiserate with. 

2.      Make lists to prepare for baby, and find peace in checking them off each day.  

3.      Give yourself a break…take a short nap during the day.

:: FIND COMFORT

While comfort is hardly a word used to describe pregnancy, you can at least improve your level of comfort when it comes to sleep.  Make pillows your friend, and experiment with ways to position them in order to achieve some support and relief from the weight of baby.  Pregnancy or body pillows can be particularly helpful, while regular pillows can typically do the trick with some adapting.  A pillow between bent knees, and one behind your back is one position that has been known to provide some relief for those expecting.  Also, if you’re feeling like baby is restricting your breathing, you can alleviate pressure on the lungs by propping yourself into a semi-sitting position with pillows. 

Keep in mind that it is recommended that expectant moms sleep on their left side for best blood flow to the fetus and to your uterus and kidneys.  It is best to avoid lying flat on your back for a long period of time.  However, don’t lose even more sleep worrying about accidently rolling on your back.  Most likely, the discomfort will awaken you anyway. 

:: ESTABLISH A BEDTIME ROUTINE

Just as important as it is to establish nighttime rituals when baby arrives, is establishing your own routine before bedtime.  Try to decompress about 45 minutes before lying down.  Try prenatal yoga, take a bath, or read a book to get your body and mind ready to settle down for sleep. Use a favorite lotion, massage your feet and hands, or light a calming candle. You can avoid restless (and awkward) tossing and turning, by preparing yourself for sleep before ever entering your bed.

Sources:

:: http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/812876/better-sleep-tips-for-pregnant-women 

:: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/sleep/

:: http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/landing-page.aspx

:: http://busymommymedia.com/2010/11/pregnancy-guide-week-20/ 

* image from busymommymedia.com

Somewhere between 5 months and your due date, you have most likely found yourself with an uncontrollable urge to get things done!  Whether it is deep cleaning, organizing, or tying up loose ends, one thing many soon-to-be moms have in common is the primal instinct to nest.   Have you found yourself irrationally demanding that every square inch of your home be cleaned?  You’re not alone.  It’s a true fact—females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need to ensure that their offspring will be cared for properly after birth.

The experience of nesting is different for all women, and although your hormonal fluctuations may make you act in crazy ways…the sudden burst of energy you may experience when nesting can be a great time to get things accomplished.  It’s important, however, that you keep your own health in mind first and foremost…and try not to over-do. 

Trying to make some sense of how to put this altered state to the best use?  We have included a list below of worthwhile tasks to devote your nesting energy into without pushing yourself too hard. Nesting can be one of the most rewarding parts of pregnancy—and it can also be a bit overwhelming.  We suggest making short and long-term lists to help yourself feel like you’re accomplishing tasks without overwhelming yourself and your body by trying to get it all done at once.  Remember that part of nesting can also be mastering the art of a really good honey-do list! 

:: Equip Baby

After you have put the final touches on baby’s room, stock your nursery with all of the baby essentials…. clothes, diapers, baby soap, baby thermometer, nasal syringe, nail clippers, bottles, formula, etc.  Most likely you won’t feel like running to the store multiple times a day, and you’ll be at ease knowing you have these things on hand when they’re needed.

For a great list of baby essentials… check out the What to Expect Buying for Baby Worksheet here .

:: Equip Self 

While you’re busy supplying baby’s needs, don’t forget your own! In a fit of nesting, get your hospital bag packed and ready to go!  Read our recent Oilo blog post about hospital bag essentials here.

While you’re at it- stock your personals with post-baby essentials such as post-partum clothing, nursing bras, nursing pads and all of your regular personal care products.  Trust us- sending daddy to the store to buy cosmetics (or worse) is not ideal!

Lastly, equipping yourself and your growing family with a good camera/video camera option during this time is something you will so appreciate having done when baby decides to make his/her arrival.

:: Equip Home

Nesting is a wonderful time to deep clean and organize your home.  It’s also a great time to stock your house with essential s such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, laundering products, etc. You’ll be grateful to have plenty of these products on hand- especially if you’re lucky enough to have the helping hands of others for the first little while.  

In addition to these household items, it’s also a great idea to stock your pantry with staples that your family uses often.  Grocery store runs will probably be one of the last things you want consuming your time- and having your favorite snacks and meals stock piled is an easy way to eliminate some stress.  During the final weeks of your pregnancy when nesting can be at its most powerful peak- cooking in quantity and freezing extra servings of your favorite meals can be the ultimate convenience shortly after baby is born!

Among the seemingly endless list of to-do’s in preparation for baby, is the task of getting your bag ready for your anticipated delivery and hospital stay.  Below you will find our checklist of must haves when packing this infamous bag.  There are obviously several things that will need to be thrown in at the last minute, but there are even more things that can be prepared and packed weeks ahead of time…just in case!

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS:

When your find yourself in labor, scrambling to find your insurance cards is probably the last thing you’ll feel like doing! Have these following items on hand and ready to eliminate unnecessary last-minute stress.

:: Insurance Cards

:: ID

:: Hospital Paperwork

:: Birth Plan (if you have one)

:: Wallet with Checkbook, Credit Card, Spare Cash/Change

PERSONAL ITEMS FOR MOMMY (and a few for DADDY):

While there are many things that the hospital will provide for you, being prepared with your own personal items can only enrich the hospital experience and help you to feel all the more like yourself during this time of transition.  We are firm believers that taking good care of yourself at this time will only make you feel better faster! Plus, with constant photo opts, and endless visitors, it’s always nice to feel put together (or somewhat…at least!).

 :: Toiletries:

   Soap

   Shampoo

   Toothpaste/Toothbrush

   Hairdryer

   Light Makeup

   Razor

   Hair Bands

   Deodorant

   Your Favorite Lotion

   Lip Balm

:: Electronics:

   Cell Phone

   iPod and Earphones

   Camera

   Video Camera

   Batteries

   Chargers/Cords

:: Nursing Pads/ Nipple Cream

:: Nursing Bra/Sports Bra

:: Flip Flops (For Showering)  

:: Nice Socks or Slippers

:: Sleepwear: Nightgowns or Comfy Pajamas, Bathrobe

 You’re sure to feel better after changing out of that revealing hospital gown!

:: LIGHT Reading Material

 Grab a People Magazine or two…save your deep reading for later!

:: Music

Prepare a few playlists ahead of time… during labor or restless nights recovering, music just might be your saving grace!

:: Snacks

 Of course there will be food to be found at the hospital, but having a few of your favorite snacks on hand is always nice for both parents at any stage of the hospital stay.

:: Notebook/Journal

 Have a book set aside to record your birth story, feelings, gifts given, and hospital visitors.

:: Thank You Cards

You may find yourself with more time while you’re in the hospital to get through writing thank you notes than once you are home.   They are also nice to have on hand if you have a particular doctor or nurse you’d like to thank before leaving the hospital.

FOR BABY:

When it comes to baby, the hospital will provide essentially everything you need during your stay.  Here are a few items you’ll need to have on hand when you make that journey home from the hospital.

:: Swaddling/Receiving Blanket(s)

:: Soft, Warm Outfit for Baby to Travel Home In (see our Oilo Layette Sets here.)

:: Infant Car Seat

We are now several days into 2012, and amidst closing the door on 2011 and starting new resolutions, transitions are already in full effect!

Around our house, the biggest transition in store for 2012 is getting ready for baby #2!  Not only are we clearing space and shuffling furniture about, we also have the task of preparing a toddler to become a big brother!  With this transition, which has admittedly caused a few teary days for this mama, comes a major graduation for big brother as he moves from crib to “big boy bed.”  While this may seem like an exciting milestone… I find myself dragging my swollen feet to take the plunge!  Not only are my sentimental tendencies kicking in full force, I can’t help but fear that his currently perfect sleeping habits aren’t compatible with a real bed. 

I knew I surely wasn’t the only mom out there unsure about rocking the toddler boat with this transition, and thankfully I’ve found many great articles on the issue written for moms with my exact worries.  With this being my first time at the bed transitioning rodeo, I looked to the experts to help me out on the issue.

Some Helpful Information:

:: There is no set time for when to make the switch from crib to bed.  Every child is different, and        unlike potty training or starting solids, moving to a big-kid bed doesn’t involve an obvious checklist of signs telling you they’re ready.  Typically, toddlers make the switch sometime between 2 and 3 ½, either because a sibling is on the way, they are too big for their crib, or they are climbing out of their crib excessively.

:: Some children adjust readily to a toddler or regular bed.  Others may struggle.  Some toddlers just aren’t ready for the switch.  Keep in mind that it takes a certain amount of cognitive development for a child to understand a bed has imaginary boundaries to stay within.  If your child is never sleeping, and is getting out of bed constantly, it may not be their time for the switch.

:: Take the transition slowly.  Start introducing your child to the concept of beds for several weeks before they ever try out their own bed.  Get your toddler excited by letting them help you set up their bed and having others over to see it.  Celebrate the novelty of a real bed!

:: Ease the transition by putting their bed in the same place their crib used to be.  Wait to make an immediate switch to grown up sheets and blankets.  Remember that there is nothing wrong with using their old crib blankets and trying to create a similar atmosphere to their crib.

:: Dismantle your child’s crib or store it in a room out of sight during the transition.  Out of sight, out of mind can be a powerful help in this process.  If your child knows that they can just go right back to their crib, their efforts to stay in a new bed may not be as successful. 

:: Transitioning to a bed is just one of the many changes in a toddler’s life.  Try not to pile too many changes on at once.  If possible, wait to potty train until sleeping in a real bed has been mastered.

:: Maintain your child’s bedtime routine.  If you haven’t already established one, getting into good bedtime habits is recommended before ever trying to make the switch.  Following a predictable bedtime routine will help your toddler feel grounded, and will help them prepare for sleep instead of play once they have their newfound freedom outside of a crib.

:: If your child is making the jump to a bed because of the impending arrival of a new baby, try to make the switch 6-8 weeks before your due date.  Give your toddler time to settle in to their new bed before baby takes over “his” crib.  If you plan to have your newborn in a bassinet, this can buy you a couple of months before making the switch.  A new baby is a sensitive time for the older child.  Try to avoid making them feel displaced.

:: Safety is an important factor when making the switch to a bed.  Many parents put their child’s mattress directly on the floor at first to ease any falls. Guard rails are also a good way to prevent your toddler from falling out of bed, and also create a similar feeling to a crib during this transition period. 

:: Patience is an important virtue in teaching your child the ground rules of sleeping in a bed. Don’t give up right away if your child is having a hard time.  Give it a few days.  If your child is frequently getting out of bed, take their hand and walk them back to bed.  Prepare yourself to repeat this process several times, and to be firm with your child about staying in bed. 

:: Remember that your child’s move from crib to bed is a milestone in YOUR life, too.  It is a sign of your baby growing up.  Take time to prepare yourself for the switch.  When you feel like your toddler is ready for the switch, pick a date and mark it on your calendar so that you have time to prepare emotionally as well as with all of the necessary tools to make it a successful transition!

Good luck to any parents out there that are with me in the midst of this transition!!  The date has been set at our house… and our fingers are crossed! 

 Guard Rails

Regalo Hide Away Bed Rail

Summer Infant Sure and Secure Double Bedrail

Munchkin Safety Toddler Bed Rail

Articles on Transitioning from Crib to Bed

Baby Center: How and When Should I Move My Toddler From a Crib to a Bed?

Parents.com: Transitioning Toddlers from Crib to Bed

One Tough Job: The Crib to Bed Transition

What to Expect: Making the Move to a Toddler Bed

Did you know that you can make the transition from crib to bed and still maintain your Oilo style?

See Oilo Twin/Queen Duvet Covers here.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Oilo to you and yours! We hope you and your families find yourselves happy, safe, and healthy this holiday season!

Unfortunately, in the midst of holiday cheer… the risk of illness and RSV in infants is particularly heightened this time of year.  Recently, Growing Your Baby posted some of their recommendations for preventing RSV this season.  We highly recommend reading the article in its entirety here. You’ll find, that in addition to encouraging good hand washing practices, they also highly suggest using an infant seat cover- such as Oilo’s new Car Seat Canopies.  Using an infant seat cover can help to prevent strangers from touching your newborn, shield infants from coughs & sneezes, and can block wind and cold weather.  Be sure to check out our Car Seat Canopies here, available January 20, 2012!

Again, we hope you have the happiest of holidays & send our best and healthiest wishes your way!

At Oilo, we’re about turning your nursery into the most comfortable, clean, and carefree sanctuary in your home.  While making decisions in planning and designing baby’s beautiful nursery, we encourage you to learn about proper use of your baby’s crib and crib bedding for optimal safety.

Safety Guidelines

 Bumper Pads

:: No pillow-like bumpers

:: No sagging bumpers

:: Keep bumper upright and in position

:: Remove bumper when child can sit up unaided or pull to standing position.  At this point,  children may use a bumper to boost them out of their crib.

Oilo is pleased to provide 2-piece bumper pads that allow for secure attachment without unwanted gaps.  Our bumpers are foam filled for standing durability, and this eliminates the tendency of bumper sagging and falling. 

 Crib Ties

:: Always secure crib ties to the outside of crib.

:: Double knot all crib ties tightly, with very short excess hanging loose.

:: Corner ties should only be tied to corner posts.

Oilo crib bumpers are designed with plenty of well-placed ties, maximizing attachment safety.

Additional Safety

:: No adult bedding in crib.

:: No stuffed animals in crib.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the greatest risk is to an infant sleeping in the prone position or in a crowded sleep environment that includes pillows, cushions, and adult bedding.

Parenting involves many choices.  You’ll find yourself making lists of pros and cons to everything involving your child, and it is ultimately up to you to make the decision that is best for you and your baby.  When shopping Oilo, parents have the option of purchasing a 3-piece crib set, including bumper pads, a crib sheet, and crib skirt, or the option of buying these pieces separately. If you choose not to use bumper pads, or remove them as baby gets older, Oilo crib sheets and skirts will still provide a distinct design statement! Look for Oilo’s new collection of patterned crib skirts debuting January 2012 to add some flair to cribs without bumpers.

For more information on crib safety and healthy sleep environments, see here.

With Thanksgiving in the recent past, and plenty of holidy parties around the corner… thoughts of good mannered toddlers have been frequent on my mind.  What should I be expecting of my two –and-a-half-year- old as we sit down to eat at grandma’s house?  How should I handle the situations when my toddler is less than warm when greeting family and friends?

I so love that Stroller Traffic was on the wavelength as me about this with their recent article, Rules of Civility…10 Things to Know about Toddler Manners.  I love the simplicity of this article, and the reality of what we can legitimately expect from our toddler-aged crowd.  You can read the article here.

I don’t know a parent who doesn’t strive for their children to be nice, polite, and well mannered.  I suppose in my digestion of this article and in recent thinking- I’ve come to the conclusion that the cold hard fact is that children are learning these behaviors more from watching the example of their parents and less from an innate “nice” gene.  Repetition and consistency of good behavior seem to be the ultimate keys here…a good reminder for us parents who expect so much of our little ones… and tend to forget our part!

Anyone know where I can find a refresher course on good manners?!