Aug 5 | Useful information
I’ve got a ton of ideas going on in my head and really, I could be working so many “good” projects. However, I only want to work on the ones that matter most to you!
In order to do that, I have to ask a few questions. Would you mind taking a super short 7-question survey? You can do that right here.
The 2016 summer survey will be open for the next week (that’s through August 12, 2016).
Thanks so much!
Jun 20 | Useful information, Thoughts on Life
Those early days of with a newborn often mean the baby schedule is out of whack and days and nights are confused. Depending on when your child was born, it can be tough to regulate their sleeping habits. Then mix in the idea of breastfeeding around the clock, siblings, your own need for sleep, work and potential pain post-delivery and you have a frustrating and overwhelming time when you arrive home. These ways to help create a baby schedule for better sleep are meant to encourage you and your child to rest better early on in their life.
7 Ways To Create A Baby Schedule For Better Sleep
Don’t wake your baby to change diapers. This is one thing that many new moms do because they are told to check the baby diaper regularly. A baby schedule works when you stick to it, but moving your soundly sleeping baby around to change a diaper is something that can only interrupt their sleep and make them struggle to settle back down later. If the diaper is truly dirty it will wake them. A slightly damp diaper won’t usually wake them and can be okay to leave on your baby long enough to continue their nap.
Don’t always wake your baby to feed them. There are some times when you should definitely wake your baby to make sure they eat, but in general it will not hurt your baby to go for a 4-6 hour stretch getting quality sleep. When they are newborns you can expect them to wake every 3-4 hours at least for food, but if they happen to sleep a solid 5-6 hours in the first month of life that is okay. Follow your doctors recommendations for a premature or underweight baby since those are times when this rule would not apply. Otherwise, if your baby sleeps 5-6 hours at a time don’t wake them to eat. If they are sleeping 8-10 hours right away however, you will want to talk to your pediatrician and make sure something else isn’t going on. Most babies will sleep in 3-4 hour stretches for at least the first 6-8 weeks of life. After that point, they may begin sleeping longer periods of time.
Co-sleep if breastfeeding. One of the best ways to create a baby schedule for better sleep is simply to co-sleep. While this doesn’t work for everyone, and some believe is a health risk, it can be beneficial especially when breastfeeding. I like having my babies beside me in a playpen or bassinet.
Utilize white noise at nap times. Your baby has been inside your womb for many months and the sounds of your heart are white noise for them. Sometimes the quiet in your home may make it difficult for them to sleep easily. Invest in a womb bear that plays womb sounds, or utilize a sound machine or fan for white noise.
Use blackout curtains. Sometimes even babies require darkness to rest better. Blackout curtains in the nursery or bedroom can keep sunlight out and help them to stay asleep easier and longer.
Feed more prior to nap times. Sometimes it may be hunger that wakes your baby earlier than you would like. Feeding extra prior to nap times may work well. You don’t want to over feed your baby, but you may want to adjust your schedule so their nap time comes right after your regular feedings so they are warm, full and content prior to naps or bedtime.
Be consistent with nap times. A schedule for your baby to nap and go to bed at night is really important. Consistency helps them to learn to not fight sleep. While some things can happen where naps don’t happen right when you want them to, overall you’ll see they sleep better when you are consistent. This means planning errands and events around the baby schedule instead of the baby around them.
These tips to create a baby schedule for better sleep will help your first months with your new child to be much easier to manage since you won’t be as sleep deprived.
May 11 | Useful information
I hope you aren’t getting frustrated with all my recent surveys lately! I just love hearing from you all and I find this is a great way to do it!
Today’s survey is all about grocery shopping! So, if you’re particularly frustrated with the amount of money and time you’re spending getting groceries and even putting them to use, this is for you! I want to help solve some of your biggest frustrations so your answers will be very valuable. (As always, your answers are 100% anonymous.)
Thanks again!
Fill out the Grocery Shopping survey here.
May 4 | Useful information
Hello all! Happy May the 4th (be with you)! 😉
I have a survey I’d love for you to fill out! I’ve been brainstorming a lot these days. Probably because I’m away from the computer a lot holding a fussy, needs mommy a lot, baby so my mind tends to wander.
I’d say that this survey is geared towards those of you that have not so good spending habits and/or debts.
It’s 100% anonymous. 🙂 I appreciate the time you take to fill it out!
Fill out the form here.
Feb 1 | Useful information
A disaster isn’t something that we want to think about, but are you prepared in the case of an emergency? In our area we are currently dealing with flooding and after that comes forest fire season. If disaster were to strike, would you be ready and would your family be able to get by? If not, then it’s time to start putting together an emergency supply checklist and making sure you have some important items on hand.
An emergency supplies checklist isn’t difficult to compile, but I have thought of some important items for you to consider, below. Start checking off your list and start building an emergency supply kit that will help you get through anything that may come your way. Especially power outages that can last for days.
Emergency Supplies Checklist
1. Water.
This is one of the top priorities. You should have a gallon of water per person, per day. Store water gallons in a dry and cool area where they are protected from the elements. You can even add some water purification tablets or the popular Lifestraw Personal Water Filter to your supply just in case you need to clean additional water.
2. Waterproof matches.
Matches will be vital in building a fire should you need to They are also what you may need for lighting your light sources such as gas lanterns and for cooking food. Be sure you have plenty of waterproof matches should the need for them arise. You can also include other heat/fire sources for back up such as lighters.
3. Non perishable foods.
Have plenty of non perishable foods or foods with lengthy expiration dates. Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, pastas, juices, broths, and soups are all advised. Choose plenty of high in protein foods as well such as beans, granola, and supplements.
4. Manual Can Opener
To go along with your non perishable foods, you’ll want to have a manual can opener on hand so you can actually get access to your food!
5. Clothing.
Since you don’t know what the weather will be like, or if you will have heat, you want plenty of clothing options to keep you warm and dry. You should allow for several changes of clothes per person, along with extra socks, blankets and outdoor gear such as gloves and hats. Opt for waterproof clothing if possible and always choose durable pieces that will last.
6. Medications.
You should always have extra prescription medications on hand or at least the prescriptions for them. You also want general pain killers, antacids, bandages, and plenty of purified water for washing wounds. Look at the medicinal needs of your family and pack a medications kit accordingly.
7. Pet supplies.
Do you have a pet? You will want to include them in on your planning. Be sure you have an ample supply of pet food, medications, first aid items, blankets, and other items they may need. You will also want a list of any medications they are on as well as the vet’s contact information.
8. Light sources.
Gas lanterns, battery operated flashlights, and candles are all wonderful light sources. You can also opt for solar lights, but you don’t know what weather conditions will be like. Be sure you have at least one light source per person and plenty of batteries to back them up.
9. Power sources.
As mentioned above, power sources are important. This would include fuel for your lanterns, gas for gas operated stoves and lighters, batteries, and of course chargers. You most likely won’t be able to use the chargers via traditional electricity, but charged battery packs could prove helpful.
10. Entertainment items.
This seems frivolous, but entertainment items can prove useful and help everyone stay calm. Books and magazines, a deck of cards, board games, and other simple entertainment items are all great. They can help keep kids calm, develop a sense of normalcy, and help the time pass a bit quicker. You might want to consider a battery powered or crank radio as well.
11. Contact information.
Should you lose the power on your phone and have no way to charge it, would you have all of the contacts you need? Be sure you keep a good old fashioned contact book with important numbers and addresses. They may prove to be more useful than you think!
Preparing for an emergency doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming, or scary. With this checklist you’ll definitely have some helpful ideas.
What else would you put in an emergency supplies kit?
