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Do you sing to your baby? If you do, it’s likely that you are among a smaller and smaller number of parents who sing lullabies to their little ones. There have been several studies over the past few years in both Europe and the U.S. that show that the younger a parent is, the less likely they are to sing to their child. 

One study of 2,000 households revealed that only 38 % of parents sing to their kids who are 5 years old and younger and mothers are twice as likely to sing to kids over fathers. (source: The Bump Magazine)

While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why the decline in singing has occurred, there is a consensus between hospitals and parenting groups in regards to the benefits of singing to babies and young children. Not only do studies site emotional well-being and better sleep patterns as benefits but one study even found that infants born with respiratory distress did physically better when listening to their parents sing a lullaby.

1. PICK A SONG YOU LIKE

• Want to incorporate singing into your baby’s routine? You don’t have to be Beyonce or Josh Groban to get started. Pick a song that you know. Can it be a classic like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “Rock-a-Bye Baby?” - sure but don’t feel like you have to use the standard “lullaby” from generations before. You are more likely to sing, and sing often, if you enjoy the song and know it well.  Think Frank Sinatra, Bruno Mars or Carrie Underwood.

2. DON'T TRY TO SING A WHOLE SONG

• There are no rules and you’re baby will pass no judgement if you only sing the chorus of a song on repeat or make up words for sections you forget. The point is to sing! Your baby will like to hear the same tune over and over anyway because it establishes a predictable rhythm which lowers stress levels. It doesn’t matter if you can hit the high notes either.

3. TURN DOWN THE LIGHTS

• Most of us have a small amount of stage fright so to make it easier, sing in a darkened room with just you and baby - this is why nap & bed time is perfect! Feel free to use your body to establish a rhythm (a slight rock from side to side or front to back) and start with a light humming. 

We all want to give our children the best “ingredients” for success in life - consider adding singing to your ongoing parenting “recipe.” 

It’s fairly common knowledge that leaving children in the car on a hot day, even for a few minutes, is a big no-no but as temperatures soar this summer, there’s a good chance that a common stroller mistake could be putting babies at risk. Covering a stroller with a blanket to shield your baby from the sun can have a furnace-like effect, according to a recent study done by Swedish researchers. While parents and grandparents believe that they are keeping the child shielded from the sun, adding a blanket over the stroller can cause the temperature inside a stroller to skyrocket to dangerous levels.

It gets extremely hot down in the pram (stroller), something like a thermos,” pediatrician Svante Norgren told the Swedish newspaper, Svenska Dagbladet. “There is also bad circulation of the air and it is hard to see the baby with a cover over the pram.”

The newspaper decided to do a stroller experiment of its own, just to see what would happen. Here’s what it found:

• Without a cover: The temperature inside the a stroller left out in the heat was 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit.)

• With a thin cover: In 30 minutes, the temperature rose to 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit.) And after an hour, it was at 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.)

The biggest increase in temperature occurred when the blanket was a solid weave (such as cotton or fleece) and the stroller or bassinet insert was completely covered so that air flow was stifled.

Young children are especially at risk for overheating and even heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke can include hot, red, dry skin; rapid pulse; restlessness; lethargy; rapid, shallow breathing; vomiting and unconsciousness. Make sure to dress your baby in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and give more fluids on hot days. When in doubt, keep your child in the shade or indoors and see care from your doctor if you are concerned that your child may suffer from overheating.

If you do need to cover your stroller to prevent the sun from getting into your child’s eyes, use a light colored, breathable cloth that leaves space for air flow. Check on your child regularly to make sure they are not over heated. Feeling the back of the neck is a great way to assess baby's core body temperature to see if it is to warm. Please seek emergency medical attention if you believe your baby is suffering from heat stroke or other heat related illness.

Have a magical day momma!

Data Source: Baby Center 

Packing a diaper bag is one of the key skills you quickly master as a new mom (right between snapping up pajamas in the dark and pulling off a onesie after a blowout). A diaper bag should have all of the essentials for on-the-go adventures. A SUPER diaper bag has these 3 secret weapons that make it easier, cleaner and more fun when leaving the house with baby. (Plus scroll to the bottom for a promo code)

Please note: we are not affiliated with any of the companies of the items we show as examples. These images and trademarks are retained by their respective companies and are only used for references.

"When we leave the house - we call it an "adventure." In every sense of the word - as parents - we are in "survival" mode; there will be challenges, bruises and a fight to keep the tiny humans alive, clean and fed. But adventures can also mean lots of fun because you are experiencing something new." - Ashlei

Power Up #1 - The Interest Catcher (not just your ordinary toy)

Over-stimulation, boredom, tiredness all occur on adventures so its imperative to bring something for baby to focus on. Focus is key for keeping a meltdown at bay because it helps baby ignore other stimuli that might be overwhelming them.  This interest catcher toy should be:

• Special - he/she will only see it on car trips. This keeps the toy interesting and different from other toys. 

• Bold - leave the neutrals at home. This toy should be colorful and fun for baby to engage with. Buttons are a HUGE plus as they enter the infant/toddler phases.

• Noisy - I hate to say "the noisier the better" so I'll put it this way - the toy should be loud enough that baby can hear it over the radio or buzz of the mall when sitting in their carseat or stroller. 

• One Piece - this is not the time for removable parts. If it can come apart - pieces get lost.

Power Up #2 - The Taste Bud Activator (irresistible edible)

Remember how I said that focus is key for keeping a meltdown at bay? An edible treat is awesome at this! Think about your most stressful day and the relief you experience when you decide to have a favorite comfort food for dinner instead of cooking. Food makes us happy and it will make little ones as well. Here are a few suggestions:

• Gripe Water - Before baby has started solids, this is an all natural, herbal supplement that can help with gas and fussiness. Just a few drops can help distract baby before they get worked up.  We also love the Wubbanub pacifier because it stays in place and offers comfort and color for baby to focus on.

• On-the-Go Friendly Baby Food - Once you have started solids - there are a variety of baby food options but we like Happy Baby organic pouches for on-the-go. No spoon required! If you make your own baby food - we like the Kiinde Foodii option to make your own travel-friendly food pouches.

• Fruit & Veggie Melts - once your baby is doing well with light chewing - we LOVE taking melts on our adventures. My 4 year old still loves them! They don't make a mess and dissolve quickly in the mouth so it's less of a choking hazard!  Perfect as a treat!

Power Up #3 - The Dribble Shield (for mom)

While the first 2 power ups were for keeping baby happy - this last one is for mom! We created the Dribble Shield cloths specifically to handle on-the-go adventures. I wanted a burp cloth that effectively kept the spit-up off me, was comfortable for baby’s sensitive skin, helped me out during breastfeeding or pumping sessions and didn’t weigh down my already loaded diaper bag. And thus the Dribble Shield was born. We call it a burp cloth but it does so much more, goes anywhere and grows with your child.
  Why we love it:

• The Perfect Size - The Dribble Shield is 3 sizes in every cloth. This means that you can go from a travel nursing cover to burp cloth to bib in less than 2 seconds. 

• Snap It & Go - Messes happen and because the Dribble Shield can easily snap onto a stroller or diaper bag - it's on hand when you need it. 

• Loop On - The elastic loop at the corner lets you connect it to a pacifier or stroller belly bar or hook or even our travel toy, the Dragon Squire. Easy to use and more playing ground patrol.

• Soft & Fast Drying - The muslin cotton gets softer with every wash, is super absorbent and fast drying. The last thing you need is a wet burp cloth in your bag.

FYI - I am not a medical professional or nutritionist so please always check with your doctor is you have questions about your baby's nutrition and follow all guidelines on baby gear & toys.

Have you gotten a Dribble Shield yet? Use the code TRYTWO to save 50% on a set of 2 Dribble Shields! Free U.S. Shipping. Limit one set per person. 

Shop at everafterbaby.com

Alright momma - go out there and have a magical day.