The Sound of Silence

Getting and keeping a baby asleep becomes an obsession for most new parents. Whether it is lighting, temperature or noise, there is a strong focus on making the environment conducive to sleep. Perhaps it is sleep deprivation sending us around the twist that makes this focus so intense.

Layla (2 days old) asleep with Daniel in hospital

When it comes to noise, the pursuit of silence is often misguided. Babies are used to hearing and sleeping with a range of noises while in utero rather than in complete silence that as adults we often crave. One of the most annoying noises to an adult is that of radio static. You know the one where you have not properly tuned the radio and a hissing noise is heard. Amazingly this static sound is wonderfully calming for babies especially when they are distraught and inconsolable. This kind of noise is often referred to as 'white noise'. White noise helps to block out general noise like traffic, construction and gardening noise that always seems to start just as you go to put your baby down for a sleep.

There are countless CD's, iPhone apps and MP3 player downloads available featuring white noise to help your baby sleep. The one I found that really worked features white noise with a faint heartbeat in the background that emulates the sounds of the womb. The track can be downloaded for FREE from this link...

http://cantonbecker.com/music/white-noise-sleep-sounds/mp3s.php

I burned the track multiple times onto a CD so that it ran for a couple of hours...worked a treat!

Have you had success with using white noise to help your baby sleep? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.

But darling, I never pay retail!

Let's face it, kids stuff is CUTE! There are amazing things available for babies and children. There are more things than you'll ever need, you'll ever be able to use or you can afford to buy. That won't stop you wanting to shop! The good part is that many, if most, things you can pick up online are far cheaper than retail. If you're into bargain shopping (like me!), here are a few ideas:

1. Sign up for sale email notifications. Here are a few links to get you started:
http://www.kidsconfidential.com.au/
http://www.mumsgrapevine.com.au/
http://www.kidstylefile.com.au/

2. Find out if your local baby shop has a discount or loyaly program. For example Baby Bunting gives 5% discount if you join their loyalty program. Baby Village in Bondi Junction gives you a $30 discount after you've spent $300.

3. Ebay is your friend! Ebay can offer you many alternatives.

• Many ebay stores sell baby stuff for cheaper than retail. I bought my Phillips Avent Baby Monitor brand new for a fraction of the RRP;
• People sell unwanted gifts on ebay. I found my Baby Bjorn really cheap. It was a brand new unwanted gift still in the box;
• I'm generally not a lover of used goods especially when it comes to baby things. However there are some exceptions. I bought our baby bath and stand on ebay for $25 instead of over $100. BARGAIN!!

4. Shopping in the USA is way cheaper than here. The variety, prices & sales far exceed what you can find locally. Many sites now ship to Australia and even with the shipping costs, things often work out cheaper. If a site won't ship to Australia, USA based freight forwarders will send things onto you in Australia for reasonable shipping charges. Check out http://www.hopshop.go.com/ or http://www.ishop-america.com/ .


Layla looking adorable in some of the clothes I bought online from GAP in the USA


5. Find baby good sellers on Facebook and either join or like their pages. This will mean you'll be notified of pop up sales and great opportunities. Purebaby has a Friday Facebook sale each week with great bargains.

Happy shopping !

The Wonder Weeks - the answer you've been looking for

After reading all the books, you think you know what to do when things don't go as you expected. The reality is that most books are only guides rather than instruction manuals. There are times when you've tried everything but nothing seems to be working. You've fed the baby, burped the baby, rocked and patted, walked and even contemplated taking the baby for a drive. Still your baby won't settle. You're tired and frustrated and the sound of your crying baby can take you close to the edge. The mistake here is that we often forget what our new baby is going through herself. Babies go through such massive changes that can be both scary, confusing and challenging for them.

When Layla was 8 weeks old, my parents were overseas and nothing was working. Layla was waking to feed every 2 hours through the night, night after night. I was emotional and exhausted. In my desperation, I turned to Google. My search delivered a book which has changed my life and outlook on my child's development and behaviour. What I learned was that Layla was dealing with a mental leap that was challengin her, hence the change in her behaviour.

The Wonder Weeks by Hetty van de Rijt, Ph.D. and Frans Plooij, Ph.D. scientifically predicts fussy periods based on your baby's mental development as they face the 8 (now 10!) predictable leaps.

The blurb from the website says:
Ever wondered why your baby drives you crazy during certain times? And that, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to make him happy or comfort him? Or , that he doesn’t eat well; doesn’t sleep well? Have you ever thought – based on your child’s erratic behavior - that there’s something wrong with your parenting skills? The Wonder Weeks explains this all, based upon decades of scientific research.

There is a new edition of the book out now (from end of October 2010) that includes 2 additional leaps taking it from 8 to 10.

The book is available here in Australia but I found it to be a bit pricey and hence cheaper to order from overseas. Check out http://www.booko.com.au/ for the best price. The book explains each leap as well as offering parents signs to look out for and activities to help your baby as they face each challenging period.

Their website http://www.thewonderweeks.com/ features a newsletter email alert subscription where you are sent an email just prior to your baby reaching the next mental leap so that you're prepared for an unsettled period. There is also an iPhone app available from the website.

When all else fails, I turn to this book. It gives me peace of mind when I feel that things are starting to unravel. It's just wonderful!

How to photograph your baby with brilliant results

The world of amateur photography has changed significantly since I was a child. No longer is there the single carefully compiled baby album but rather digital cameras, computer, memory cards and USB sticks filled with countless photos of our precious bundles. Digital photography means we take so many more photos than we used to. There is always the hope, that the all elusive 'perfect' shot is gained the more we snap away.

I was recently listening to an episode of the podcast 'New Moms, New Babies' on how to photograph your baby that featured the acclaimed professional photograper Nick Kelsh. Nick is one of the America's leading experts on baby photography. Nick is the author/photographer of nine books including Naked Babies with Anna Quindlen, How to Photograph Your Baby, How to Photograph Your Life, and The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson. He has appeared on Oprah! and The Today Show multiple times. His photographs have appeared on several of the covers of the prestigious Day in the Life series and in dozens of major magazines.

In the podcast, Nick offers the following tips on how to photograph your baby:

• Parents have the best access to their babies and as such should make better photographers than professionals. You know when they are at their best, most relaxed and ready to be photographed;
• Pick a day/time when your baby is well rested and happy to be photographed;
• Pick a location where there is plenty of natural light. Photos are best taken in the morning or afternoon rather than at midday when facial shadows can be unflattering. Take photos near open windows and doors that let the natural light flood in;
• Turn your flash off;
• Pick a plain background. Put up a sheet or use a blank wall so that items in the background don't ruin a great photo;
• Get in really close, closer than you may usually get so as to fill the frame with your baby's face, body or both;
• Keep clicking. Take heaps of shots in the hope that one of them will be really special.

Taking Nick's advice, I set up a photo shoot of Layla the other day to mark her 6 month birthday. Here are a sample of the results.

I took over 60 shots with my point & shoot Canon IXUS 110 IS and am so happy with the results. I now plan to replicate the shoot on her monthly birthday so I can capture how she changes from month to month.

Nick has a great website at http://www.howtophotographyourbaby.com/ as well as a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/how.to.photograph.your.baby 

The 'New Moms, New Babies' podcast can be downloaded from iTunes or their website http://www.newmomsnewbabies.com/  

Anne Gedes also has some great tips on photographing your baby http://www.babycenter.com.au/advertorials/anne-geddes/tips-for-taking-photos/

The question remains as to what we do with all the great photos we now have of our darlings. Some people use digital photo frames, others keep photos hidden on their computers, some prefer to print and frame their photos while others use them as phone or computer wallpaper. Personally, I'm working on a photo book for Layla of her first year. I plan on using the photos I've taken together with text I've written that captures my memories of the day she was born, coming home from hospital, our first months at home getting to know each other and all the exciting milestones to come such as her first tooth, crawling and walking. There are plenty of online providers that can help you put together photobooks of your child. I've included a few links taken from my google search to get you started.

www.harveynormanphotos.com.au

www.bookroom.com.au

www.snapfish.com.au

www.momento.com.au

www.clickonprint.com.au

www.photobookaustralia.com.au

(Note: I have not used any of these companies and cannot recommend their products.)

Good luck and happy snapping!

Picking a Pram

Pram choice is about as controversial as discussions regarding politics and religion. Everyone has their favourite brand and model, their reasons and their regrets. Ultimately, you don't really know what you need in a pram until you have the baby and for most people, they want to be organised before bubs arrives.

I'm not going to go into what you should look for in a pram except to say that you should clearly know what you want to do with your pram before you buy. Do you want to:

• take long walks;
• run or jog with it;
• only use it in the shopping centre;
• how often will you be putting it in and out of the car;
• do you want baby to sleep flat in the pram; 
• do you want to be able to carry more than one child if you decide to do the whole pregnancy and birth thing again?



Layla when she was 1 week old asleep in her pram in our kitchem

 When you think you know what brand you want, make sure you stop every Mum in the shopping centre to ask her what she loves and hates about her pram. Hear first hand what the market is telling you before you make your choice. Ultimately you need to go for practicality and functionality as your pram will be really important in getting you out of the house once bubs arrives.

Buying a pram is a big investment and something you only really want to do once. If all else fails and your choice doesn't suit, don't forget that there is always Ebay.

How big is big enough?

Many breastfeeding Mums I've spoken to express a concern about their baby's weight gain at some stage, whether it be after leaving hospital or much later down the track. We often assess our children against the growth charts that appear in the 'Blue Book'. Layla took over 4 weeks to regain her birth weight and during that time there was a lot of pressure on me to either stop breastfeed or to supplement with formula. Even after she regained her birth weight, her weight gain was slow. In saying that, I have to ask now, was her weight gain slow in relation to the wrong measure?

Did you know that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has release revised charts for breastfed babies? Have a look at this great article from the Australian Breastfeeding Association with links to the WHO charts and tables.
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/weightgains.html

As you can see from her photos, there is no longer an issue of slow weight gain! 26 weeks on and we're still breastfeeding.

Can fashion and breastfeeding really mix?

Before I had a baby I had not given any thought to breastfeeding fashion. Nowadays, whenever I look at clothes, I'm overcome by thoughts of "hmmmm....could I feed in that top/dress/outfit?"

Trying to find nice and reasonably priced breastfeeding tops is no small task. I found that the style choice was limited and generally the prices were way too expensive. Target and KMart keep some simple styles but not a great range.

I've come up with a couple of solutions:
1. Milkshirts - these funny looking singlets allow you to turn any top into a breastfeeding top. They allow you to lift your shirt in order to feed without exposing your post pregnancy tummy to the world. http://www.milkshirts.com/ is the webpage from the USA but they can be ordered here in Australia from http://www.nursingangel.com.au/.

2. Motherwear - this USA based online store specialises in nursing clothing from dresses to tops and pyjamas. Not only are their prices very reasonable, they have GREAT sales and ship to Australia for a reasonable rate. With the difference in seasons between here and America, you can easily pick up a bargain. They have a great size and colour range as well. http://www.motherwear.com/

Productive Podcasting

Being a new Mum involves heaps of time alone. Often you'll be home alone with bubs or walking. I have found a way to fill the time - Podcasts!

iTunes has heaps of great podcasts that are interesting, educational and informative. My favourite by far is "New Moms, New Babies". This podcast from the states is like a mothers group for your ipod. They discuss all different relevant topics associated with having a new baby. They also feature authors and medical professionals on issues I have found to be really helpful. In addition, they've also helped me find wonderful new websites or given me ideas that I've been able to apply with Layla. They have a website http://www.newmomsnewbabies.com/ where you can also download the podcasts or listen directly.

Guided relaxation and mediation podcasts are also a really good way to unwind after a trying day when you're dead tired or your mind is racing a hundred miles an hour.

Night Time Leaking Problem Solved

I've recently gone back to giving Layla a dreamfeed between 10 and 11pm. In order not to fully wake her, I don't change her nappy. As a result, we had a few night time disasters with nappy leakage through her clothes, grobag and sheets. I've tried a number of things including:

• fluffies pilchers - old favourites. They are good but you can only buy them online and can get expensive plus as summer roles around they are going to be too hot;
• trying the next size nappy - worked for a while but no solution;
• nappy liner inserts - had to buy 200 of them online. Worked well but were very bulky.

The solution has been Pampers' Baby Dry Nappies. You can't buy them in the supermarket as they are imported European Pampers nappies (the ones in the supermarket are from the USA). I have no idea how they work but they are brilliant. They are super thin and super absorbent. The other night I fed Layla twice without a change and still no leaks.

They are available from http://www.pampersnappies.com.au/ . For $10 you can get a trial pack in whatever size and nappy type combination that suits. Delivery is included in the $10!

The website blurb says....
"Designed to help give your baby undisturbed sleep, Pampers® Baby-Dry has the Extra Sleep-Layer™. It's an extra layer of protection that helps lock wetness away for up to 12 hours. So your baby gets the sleep he needs to develop. With correct sizing you will never need to worry about leaks and bed wetting during the night!! "

I ordered my box on Tuesday night and they were delivered to my door Thursday morning...brilliant!
Great find ;)

Keeping track of time

Whether it is due to sleep deprivation, exhaustion or brain fade, keeping track of when your baby last fed, how long your baby has been asleep or when you last gave medication can be an onerous task. While some parents like to keep a written record, I found that the Itzbeen baby timer has been my best friend since Layla arrives. My husband likes to call it the 'Itzgone' as I'm always asking him "have you seen my Itzbeen?"

The Izbeen Baby Care Timer was developed by a new mum and dad who found themselves sleep-deprived and needing help to remember baby care details, such as when their baby last ate or napped. They tried charts and journals, but thought there had to be a better way. So, they created the ITZBEEN™: a multi-purpose nursery tool that helps new parents remember the basic details of baby care. The ITZBEEN™ has four timers that count up with the touch of a button, and a host of other helpful features, all designed with the needs of a new parent in mind.

http://www.itzbeen.com/

I'm told that there is an iphone app that performs a similar function to this timer. The difference is that the Itzbeen timer also has a night light which is really handy when checking on baby during the night or trying to find a dummy that has fallen down the side of the cot!

I bought mine from Baby Bunting for $39.95 but they are available from most baby shops as well as numerous online stores.

Welcome to my blog!

Six months ago today, I become a Mum for the first time. After a long labour, our beautiful princess, Layla Jade, came into this world. I was overcome with emotions - joy, fear, exhaustion, amazement and happiness. While my journey into motherhood had started many months before, that day in April saw the start of a new chapter in my life.

Since then, I have ridden the rollercoaster that is motherhood. We have had our ups and our downs. There have been days that I would rather forget as well as experiences that still amaze me. Having a child is like waking up on a new planet where everything seems the same but is different. As a well educated, corporate career woman, I had read every book and thought I was prepared. Ultimately, being a parent is one where education happens on the job. Every child is different, somethings work, others don't. There are no silver bullets just trial and error.

Every week now I come across products, resources and opportunities that make my life a little bit easier. My inspiration for this blog has been to help new parents navigate their way through the minefield of baby 'stuff'. I will be posting information on things that I have found useful, things that have helped me and recommendations. I look forward to your comments and contributions.

Jas x