Tag Archives: Newborn

June 21, 2021 · 10:42 am

Last-Minute Shopping for the New Family Member

By Katie Tejada

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When your little one is about to come home for the first time, your to-do list for preparing can feel endless. You only really need clothes, food, and shelter for a new baby — but it’s the 21st century, and there are a variety of products available to make your life with your new bundle of joy so much easier!

Not sure where to start? We’ll discuss some must-have items for taking care of your new family member, as well as things you can get at the last minute that you may not have thought of before.

  1. Zip-Up Onesies

You can never have too many clothes for your newborn. These are the outfits your little one will be wearing most of the time, and chances are you’ll be going through them quickly. Babies seemingly double in size overnight, so you’ll want to have lots of options available in different colors and sizes.

When choosing a onesie for your newborn, you’ll inevitably have to decide between zippers and snap buttons. While snap buttons are the more common option, most parents will tell you that no one likes to wake up in the middle of the night and snap a bunch of buttons together when they’re half asleep. With zip-up onesies, you’ll have a much easier time dressing and undressing your baby, which you’ll be thankful for when you’re busy dealing with a thousand other things.

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  1. Plushies

Stuffed animals are a popular toy for children of all ages, and they’re guaranteed to become your baby’s favorite comfort object. They come in all different shapes and sizes, from licensed characters to adorable animals. Whether you want tutu-wearing rabbits or funky, rainbow-colored characters, the possibilities are truly endless and depend only on your personal taste.

These toys are seriously cute, entertaining, and will make a fun addition to any newborn’s nursery. Begin building your child’s collection of plushies today!

  1. Blankets and Rattles

Beyond stuffed animals and onesies, you’ll want to make sure your child has other comfort objects and sources of stimulation, like a baby blanket and rattle set. Rattles make noise to entertain your newborn and encourage their brain’s development. Tracking the sounds the rattle makes can help your child improve their hand-eye coordination while grasping and releasing it can strengthen their fine motor skills. Most rattles double as teething toys, as well, with textured edges that will soothe your baby’s aching gums as they grow.

By combining these rattles with an adorable, super-soft blanket, you’re sure to keep your newborn happy and entertained. They may even fall asleep curled up with their new, fuzzy blanket.

  1. Baby Bracelets

These baby bracelets aren’t an absolute necessity, but they would make a great last-minute present for any newborn. These delicate, beautiful pieces come in a variety of colors and feature unique charms. They’re a sweet gift that can be passed down for generations to come, and they’re perfect for baptisms, first birthdays, and other important events in your child’s life. Just be aware they can present a choking hazard so may be best displayed rather than worn for the first few years.

  1. Lots of Diapers

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to make sure that you have the true essentials before bringing your little one home. Odds are you’ve already stocked up on diapers (or had others buy them for you), but if not, you’re going to need them! From sustainable diapers with colorful prints to classic disposable diapers from the grocery store, there are tons of options to choose from to keep your little one clean and dry. 

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Stay Prepared

No matter how prepared you think you are, there will always be something you’re missing when that magic moment finally arrives. Zip-up onesies and extra diapers are essential for keeping your little one looking fresh and feeling clean, while plushies, blankets, and rattles help them stay cozy and entertained throughout the day. To commemorate special occasions, like their first night at home, a delicate baby bracelet may be the perfect gift.

With this list, you’ll be one step closer to making sure your new baby has absolutely everything they need to feel safe, warm, and welcome in your home. Are there any items you think we’re missing? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!

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November 13, 2020 · 3:14 pm

What do you look for when hiring a newborn specialist?

By Clara Morton
Sleeping Angels Co
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Having a baby for the first time is a wonderful experience, but it can be stressful. That is why some new parents want to hire a newborn care specialist Los Angeles to make the process easier at first. 

But what should you look for in your newborn care specialist? We asked the experts and this is what they said. 

First, the specialist should be skilled in how to establish a schedule for the baby that includes feeding and sleeping times. She should be able to show you how to fit baby’s schedule into your family schedule so that everything runs smoothly. For the new baby to be healthy and happy, it is essential that she is well fed and gets plenty of sleep, so your specialist should be comfortable setting this up for you. 

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Second, a newborn care specialist should be able to handle common minor baby issues, such as diaper rash, colic, soothing methods, reflux problems, and swaddling. They also should know a lot about breastfeeding and formula. Ask detailed questions about these matters when you interview your specialist. 

Photo by NIKOLAY OSMACHKO on Pexels.com

Third, your specialist should be good at educating you about caring for your new baby as well as neonatal issues. It is very important that she be a good, patient educator with you. She also should have knowledge of useful resources in your city and give you referrals and insights about problems that arise. 

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Fourth, you should check to see how long you can have the specialist stay with you. Most newborn specialists can stay with you up to the first three months of baby’s life. But some new parents use the service just until the baby is sleeping through the night. 

Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Fifth, you should check if the specialist is certified or non-certified. If she is certified, this means she has been approved and certified by the Newborn Care Specialist Association. This organization requires several criteria to be met for the person to be certified, including passing a test, completing reading requirements, professionals references, knowing CPR and first aid, completion of breastfeeding classes, and completing an internship. 

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It is not required for your specialist to be certified, but it gives some new parents peace of mind. 

Now that you know more about what to look for when you bring in a newborn care specialist, you should be more comfortable that your baby is going to get the care that she needs. 

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February 5, 2020 · 10:18 am

Are Professional Photos worth it?

Photography has come so far since we were children. The photos of my childhood are not few, but they are limited and curated in a way the photos of my own children are not. My parents might have taken shots when we were at the beach, or on Christmas day, or in the bath, just as I do now. Except I can take dozens and immediately view them and chose the best, or not and keep them all – too lazy to cull and too enamoured to delete. The cloud stores millions of photos of children, documenting their every move and every milestone.

Photo by Valeria Zoncoll on Unsplash

Yet, despite the ability to photograph our children ourselves with ever improving cameras in phones and at our fingertips, professional photography of babies and children is a booming business. A once virtually unheard of market, the newborn photo shoot is now almost ubiquitous. Parents can choose from a myriad of photographers and pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars to create and capture some newborn twee on film (Or not, as it were. In fact, the change from film to digital is partly responsible for the newborn shoot’s rise in popularity; now that photos of otherwise wrinkled and smudged babies fresh from birth can be smoothed and beautified on screen.).

Photo by Laura Garcia from Pexels

But is it worth it? For my first child I thought: no. For my second I decided I may as well (jealous spats in the future as one has photos in a nest and the other does not?). Obviously, I saved a lot of money the first time. But now I do have some special photos of my second baby (and the first as a toddler) that will be treasured, always. Of course, you can try and take some photos at home, and there are plenty of tips on how to get the best out of your child and save your money. But, there is clearly more to it than simply plonking your baby on a rug and snapping away.

Take a look at these newborn shoot ‘fails’ and try not to laugh out loud, I dare you!


A professional photographer should have skills you don’t, in the art of photography, in the knack of posing and settling babies, and in the tricks of editing. It’s tough wading through all the options and knowing who is best, so try and ask around and trust word of mouth and recommendations. Look at their portfolio and make sure the style suits you. Ask about their prices and have a clear budget set. Don’t be afraid to turn down an option that costs too much. There are plenty of photographers out there and there is bound to be one that fits your style and budget.

And if you decide to skip the professional photo shoot and do it yourself, please laugh out loud if it all goes wrong. The photos of us as babies likely weren’t styled, or edited, or planned, and we all turned out fine!

Share your newborn photo shoot story with us in the comments!

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November 6, 2012 · 2:35 pm

Breastfeeding: All too important or all too hard?

A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that by the time a child is 6 months old in this country, only 15% are still being breastfed. Both the World Health Organisation

Breastfeeding symbol

Is breast best for you?

and the Australian Breastfeeding Association recommend breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months, and continuing for up to and beyond 2 years when combined with meals of solid food. Clearly, the reality of breastfeeding for most Australian mothers is not in line with the guidelines being presented.

I’m a nanny – not a doctor, nurse, or lactation specialist. My advice on breastfeeding has always come from a mixture of personal research and observation. Any serious concerns or questions, I’ll tell parents, should be directed at the appropriate health professionals. But I am often involved in changes in breastfeeding and can give basic advice and share my opinions and experiences. Continue reading →

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