How do I prepare my home for a night nanny?

Prepare a quiet sleep area with feeding supplies and diapers nearby, and share routines and preferences. Your Let Mommy Sleep caregiver will bring tracking tools and follow AAP-safe sleep guidelines each night.

How do I tell visitors not to kiss or hold my baby?

You can politely say, 'We’d love for you to meet the baby, but our doctor recommends limiting contact right now while baby’s immune system is developing.' It’s clear, kind, and places the responsibility on health guidance rather than you personally.

When is it safe to have visitors after giving birth?

Visitors should wait until parents are ready and everyone in the household is healthy. Most pediatricians suggest limiting visitors for the first few weeks and avoiding anyone who’s been sick or exposed to illness.

How can I set boundaries with family who don’t respect them?

Be polite but firm. Use clear language like 'We’re keeping visits short for now while we adjust' or 'We’re focusing on rest this week.' If someone pushes back, repeat your boundary calmly and change the subject or end the visit.

Are parents who hire a night doula lazy?

Absolutely not. Most parents who hire a night doula are seeking help because they have no other support—due to factors like traumatic birth, twins, short maternity leave, or lack of family nearby. In over 15 years, we have never encountered a parent who just didn’t want to care for their baby.

¿Cuáles son las mejores maneras de calmar a un bebé inquieto?

Algunas de las estrategias más efectivas incluyen el uso de ruido blanco, contacto piel con piel, envolver al bebé, mecerlo suavemente o practicar técnicas como la del Dr. Hamilton. Cada bebé responde de manera diferente, por lo que es importante probar distintas opciones.

¿Qué es el Período de Llanto Púrpura?

El Período de Llanto Púrpura es una etapa normal del desarrollo en la que los bebés lloran más que en cualquier otro momento. No es culpa de los padres ni del bebé. Si te preocupa la intensidad del llanto, contacta al pediatra o médico de atención primaria.

¿Es seguro dejar objetos en la cuna del bebé?

Antes de los 12 meses, no se deben colocar objetos, mantas ni juguetes en la cuna, ya que pueden representar un riesgo de asfixia o accidente. Después del año, se pueden permitir objetos suaves que ayuden a calmar al bebé.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar más información sobre sueño seguro?

Puedes leer '10 Pasos para un Sueño Seguro del Bebé' en Let Mommy Sleep y consultar las guías oficiales de la Academia Americana de Pediatría (AAP) para más información sobre prácticas de sueño seguras y actualizadas.

Let Mommy Sleep Blog - Overnight Infant Care + Resources

Charlotte Night Nanny FAQ’s

November 14, 2025

Charlotte, NC is the sixth-fastest growing major city in the country, and the Queen City also holds the unique status of being one of the most affordable too. Cecilia Smith, of Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte has tapped into this by not only offering night nanny services to new parents, but by packaging postpartum and newborn care as an employee benefit to area businesses. Corporate Care as a separate division of Let Mommy Sleep means more families stay healthy, companies retain elite employees and the larger community benefits.

Companies start here to add night nanny care to your Employee Assistance Program or as a standalone benefit.

Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte offers the following:

In Home Baby Basics Class
Postpartum Visits to support mom, parents and babies
Newborn twin care
Virtual Postpartum Doula Visits
Night Nanny Care

FAQ’s

Below are the most common questions Charlotte families ask when looking for night nannies, newborn care or postpartum doulas in the Queen City.

What does a night nanny do for new parents in Charlotte?

A night nanny provides overnight newborn care and evidence-based education to families. They feed, change and soothe your newborn while maintaining safe sleep practices. At Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte, caregivers also track feeding and sleep patterns so parents wake up rested and informed. Learn more at What’s a Night Nanny? Roles, Benefits, Costs and How They Help Families

How much does overnight newborn care cost in Charlotte, NC?

Overnight newborn care in Charlotte typically ranges from $38–$55 per hour, depending on caregiver credentials and number of babies. Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte offers customized packages and matching services so families can find the best fit for their needs and budget.

When should I hire a postpartum doula or night nurse after my baby is born?

Many families schedule care before delivery so they have support right when they come home with their newborn, but you can begin anytime after birth. Our Charlotte team often starts during the first few nights home, helping parents recover and establish healthy newborn feeding and sleep habits.

What qualifications should I look for in a newborn care provider or night nurse?

Look for certifications in newborn and postpartum support, verified background checks, up-to-date CPR/First Aid training. Let Mommy Sleep caregivers are also vaccinated, screened, Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep partners and experienced in evidence-based infant care.

What’s the difference between a night nanny, a baby nurse (RN), and a postpartum doula?

A night nanny provides overnight newborn care and support to parents. A baby nurse or RN is a licensed nurse specializing in maternity and labor and delivery. A postpartum doula focuses on emotional recovery, households tasks and can care for siblings. Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte matches families with the right professional based on their needs.

How does Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte serve the Charlotte metro and suburbs?

Our caregivers serve families throughout the Queen City metro area including Ballantyne, Matthews, Huntersville, and Lake Norman. We match each family with a trusted local night nanny or RN who provides in-home, evidence-based care and overnight newborn support.

Does insurance cover overnight newborn care in North Carolina?

Most private insurance does not cover overnight newborn care so Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte offers Corporate Care to be used as an employee benefit. Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte provides itemized receipts and documentation to help families use pre-tax funds.

How long do families typically use night nanny or newborn care services?

Families usually book 4–12 weeks of overnight support, depending on recovery time and baby’s sleep development. Some extend care until their infant or twins consistently sleep through the night.

What should I expect during overnight newborn care visits?

Your night nanny handles all newborn care, including feeds, soothing, diapering, pump and bottle cleaning and breastfeeding support. You’ll receive a detailed log every morning with sleep patterns, feeding amounts and overnight notes.

How do I prepare my home for night nanny?

Set up a safe sleep space with feeding supplies and diapers nearby, and share any routines or preferences. Your Let Mommy Sleep caregiver brings tracking tools and follows AAP-safe sleep guidelines every night.

Do night nannies stay awake all night?

Yes. Let Mommy Sleep night nannies stay awake to care for and monitor your newborn throughout the night. This ensures continuous monitoring, safe sleep practices and responsive feeding care.

Is it safe to hire a night nanny or baby nurse for my newborn?

Yes, when you hire a certified and vetted professional. Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte caregivers complete background checks, newborn and postpartum certification, CPR/First Aid, are vaccinated and follow Safe Sleep guidelines.

Can a night nanny help with breastfeeding?

Absolutely. Our newborn experts assist with positioning, latching, storage and combined breast/bottle-feeding. You’ll receive overnight support and evidence-based guidance. You’ll also get more sleep if you’re breastfeeding and have a night nanny.

Meet Cecilia

As the owner of Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte, Cecilia Smith partners with families, healthcare providers and employers to deliver evidence-based postpartum and newborn support throughout the region. As she continues to advocate for maternal health, Cecilia recently added corporate care to the company’s list of services. In a recent She Owns It profile Cecilia said: I want to normalize creating your village as a new parent... I really want moms to utilize these resources and understand that they do not have to do it alone.

Charlotte Service Area

Let Mommy Sleep Charlotte proudly serves: Uptown, Ballantyne, SouthPark, Matthews, Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, Huntersville, Quail Hollow, Davidson, Concord, Lake Norman, Marvin, Chantilly, Eastover, Myers Park Steele Creek, Barclay Downs, Freedom Park, Foxcroft, Wessex Square, Piper Glen and the greater Mecklenburg County region.

Let Mommy Sleep has been proudly serving newborns and their families since 2010. Read about their most recent TITAN award in the Charlotte Gazette.

Setting Boundaries When You Have a Newborn

November 5, 2025

Advocating for your baby is always the right thing to do but we know it’s not always the comfortable thing to do. Between well-meaning family, friends and holiday gatherings, new parents often find themselves managing other people’s expectations while trying to balance what’s best for the newborn and ourselves. Here are tips for setting boundaries when you have a newborn.

Why Postpartum Boundaries Matter

Newborns have developing immune systems, so even mild illnesses in adults can cause serious complications for babies. It’s up to the adults around them to be sure babies aren’t exposed to germs or contagious illness. It’s really just that simple.

But boundaries aren’t just about germs, they’re about your recuperation from childbirth and your families experience during the special bonding time that only happens once in your lives. Protecting your family’s physical space also protects your emotional space and gives you all time to adjust to and enjoy your new dynamic. So unless you consent to having a visitor in a role that takes household tasks off your plate or otherwise enhances your experience, it is okay to choose to experience the postpartum phase solely as a family unit.

Setting Boundaries When You Have A Newborn

When Visitors Want to Come Over

It’s natural for loved ones to want to meet the baby, but “drop-ins” can be disruptive when you’re recovering from birth or figuring out feeding schedules. Here’s how to make visits comfortable for everyone:

Set Expectations and Keep Visits Structured

Start Early – Before the baby arrives, communicate your visitor plan. A simple group text works wonders: “We can’t wait for everyone to meet the baby! We’ll be in recovery mode for the first few weeks but we’ll let you know when short visits are okay.” This way no one is caught by surprise and you can answer any follow-up questions. If you want visitors to mask or quarantine before visiting, let them know well in advance. It’s also of course fine to have a second set of expectations for grandparents and other close relatives that you do want to be with you in the early days home.

Set a Start and End Time– When you’re ready to accept visitors, let guests know in advance a specific start and end time. Once you have a general idea of baby’s awake and asleep times, it can make deciding on visiting times a little easier. Something like: We’d love to see you from 2–2:45 before baby’s next nap communicates what the visitor can expect, and also minimizes the chances of disrupting your family’s routine.

Be clear about health rules – Let visitors know your rules: it may be washing hands, removing shoes, masking if there’s a chance anyone is sick or pushing off the visit if there’s a chance they’ve been exposed to an illness. When you do have a caregiver, be sure they also understand and follow the 10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby.

When You’re Out and About

Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a crowded store or a neighbor’s house, you’ll sometimes need to protect your baby’s personal space in public too.

Here are three gentle but firm responses to file away before heading out:

Blame the pediatrician (again!)“I would love to let you hold him, but my doctor says no extra handling right now because they’re seeing a lot of illness going around right now.” This keeps you guilt-free and reduces awkwardness.
Redirect with warmth – “He’s not taking kisses right now, but let’s sit down and catch up that way he can see you and hear your voice!” You’re setting a limit and offering an alternative.
Be direct but polite – “I’m going to keep him close to me right now. It’s flu season, and we just can’t take any chances.”
Simple, respectful and firm. No justification needed.

If you’re someone who feels shy or non-confrontational, it can help to practice your responses ahead of time. Rehearse them in front of a mirror or with your partner until they feel natural, that way, your brain won’t freeze up in the moment.

Even with kind explanations, some people will push back on your boundaries. In those cases hold your ground by and then exit if needed. Something like “it’s nap time now, gotta go” can end the interaction.

When You’re Traveling

If you’re traveling and staying with family, there’s a chance you might here: We did X when you were a baby and you turned out fine! in response to a parenting choice you’re making. Before your trip, decide on a gentle but firm response so you won’t be caught off guard and can keep your own peace. Sleep Tips for Baby During Travel has more practical advice about maintaining your schedule and sanity during the holiday season.

Protecting Yourself Too

Boundaries aren’t just about the baby they’re also about you and your family. Postpartum recovery is physical and emotional, and your body deserves the same protection as your baby’s. Your spouse and your older children deserve this same level of respect as they adjust to life with your new baby too.

If someone offers to visit and they ask “What can I do to help?” you can hand them one of the checklists in Essential Guide: How To Prepare Your Home for a Newborn. Sometimes the real help is folding laundry, making meals or running our for supplies. If you don’t feel up to hosting, the truth is simply that you don’t owe anyone an explanation. “We’re not having visitors right now, but we really appreciate you” is enough.

A Final Word from Our Night Nannies and Doulas

Bringing home your baby for the first time is one of life’s truly amazing experiences and it only happens once. You deserve to spend it in calm, comfort and confidence, not managing other people’s feelings or doing work to host others. Advocating for your baby is advocating for yourself and you won’t regret doing what’s healthy and comfortable for your family. If you’d like tips on what to expect in those early ays (and nights!) visit our guide, Your First Week Home with Baby: Ultimate Q&A.

Spit-Up, Reflux and GERD in Newborns

October 28, 2025

Spit-up, reflux and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) are all part of the same spectrum of digestive development in newborns. In most cases, these issues are signs of an immature digestive system, and they resolve with time; milk simply flows back up before the stomach valve fully strengthens. However, when that backflow becomes frequent or uncomfortable, it’s called reflux. And when reflux starts to interfere with feeding, growth or sleep, doctors may diagnose GERD. Understanding the difference between Spit-Up, Reflux and GERD in Newborns helps parents know what’s normal and when it’s time to check in with the pediatrician.

newborn care certified doula and baby. night doula holding baby upright

Spit up: Common and Harmless

Spit up in newborns is common and usually harmless. It happens because the valve that keeps milk in the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) isn’t fully developed yet. Until that muscle matures, milk can flow back up easily, especially if your baby’s tummy is full or they’re laid flat.

Normal spit-up can happen when baby is otherwise calm and comfortable and even when baby is gaining weight and feeding well. Spit-ups can look dramatic but are only a teaspoon or two of milk. Spit up usually improves on its own by 9–12 months.

You Can Help Minimize Spit up By:

Feed in a semi-upright position
burp midway and after feeding
hold baby upright for about 20–30 minutes afterward
delaying tummy time or play until the stomach settles
make sure baby isn’t moved, bounced or laid down too soon after eating

If you’re bottle feeding, night doulas recommend pace feeding to try to minimize the effects of reflux. Pace feeding means holding baby in a semi-upright position and keeping the bottle horizontal. This allows babies to feed at a slower, more controlled pace, minimizing the amount of air swallowed and potential discomfort from being overfed.

When to Call the Pediatrician

Spit up should not cause pain, distress, or weight loss. Contact your pediatrician if your baby:

Is not gaining weight or begins refusing feeds.
Has spit up that is green, yellow, or blood-streaked.
Coughs, chokes, or pauses in breathing during feeds.
Cries in pain or arches their back during or after eating.
Produces forceful or projectile spit up.

These symptoms may signal something more serious, such as GERD, pyloric stenosis, when the muscular valve connecting the stomach to the small intestine becomes narrowed, or an infection.

Reflux and GERD

What is Reflux?

Reflux is the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It’s very common in newborns and occurs because the esophageal sphincter muscle is still developing.

When this backflow causes pain, frequent spit-up, or feeding issues, it may be classified as GERD. The difference between reflux and GERD is that GERD interferes with feeding, growth or comfort.

Reflux can appear with visible spit-up or as silent reflux, when milk and stomach acid flow up the esophagus but don’t reach the mouth. Silent reflux can still cause pain and irritability due to the acid’s burning effect.

How Long Does Reflux Last?

Reflux typically begins when baby is about 2 to 3 weeks old. It often peaks and has the worst symptoms between 4 and 5 months of age and resolves between 9 and 12 months of age.

Reflux almost always improves naturally as the esophagus matures, usually resolving within the first year. In the meantime, pediatricians may recommend medication to reduce stomach acid and ease discomfort. However, time and growth are the only true cures.

What about Twins & Preemies?
Reflux and GERD are more common in twins and premature infants because their digestive systems are immature and underdeveloped, compared to full term babies. Learn more twin facts in So You’re Having Twins! Proven Support and Fun Facts.

How to Soothe a Baby with Reflux

While the only true remedy for reflux is time, there are some techniques to help keep your baby comfortable during and after feeding. You can read more in 6 Easy Tips to Help Your Reflux Baby

Keep baby elevated while feeding.Gravity helps milk stay in the stomach. Avoid positions where the baby might slide down, which can increase abdominal pressure.
Burp frequently.
Release swallowed air midway and after each feed to reduce gas and pressure.
Offer smaller, more frequent feeds.
Overfilling the stomach can cause discomfort and increase reflux episodes.
Ensure proper bottle angle.
If bottle-feeding, keep the nipple fully filled with milk to prevent swallowing excess air.
Hold baby upright after feeding.
Maintain an upright hold for at least 30 minutes after each feeding to allow digestion to begin.

Some families use over-the-counter remedies such as gripe water, but these should only be used under the guidance of a pediatrician.

Condition	What It Looks Like	Baby’s Reaction	When to Call the Doctor
Spit Up	Gentle dribble, often after burping	Calm, comfortable	Normal if baby gains weight
Vomiting	Forceful, with muscle contractions and pressure	May look distressed or tired	If persistent, green/yellow or blood-tinged
Reflux/GERD	Frequent spit-up or none (silent reflux)	Cries, arches back, refuses feeds	If discomfort interferes with eating or sleep

Spit Up, Reflux and GERD in Newborns

Key Takeaway

Spitting up is part of normal development for most babies and almost always resolves on its own. Reflux and GERD, while uncomfortable, are temporary and manageable. Supportive feeding positions, frequent burping, and smaller, more frequent meals are the best ways to help your baby stay comfortable.

If your baby shows signs of pain, weight loss, or persistent vomiting, talk with your pediatrician to rule out other causes and ensure your little one gets the right care. If you’d like to learn more about common infant health issues, visit Your First Week Home with Baby: Ultimate Q&A.

The Truth About Overnight Newborn Care: Debunking Common Myths About Night Doulas

October 20, 2025

Overnight newborn care is often misunderstood. It makes sense because there are so many terms for this type of support from newborn care specialist to night nanny to baby nurse. The term “postpartum doula” has also only recently become widely used. Parents also hear conflicting stories: some say night nannies sleep when the baby sleeps, while others hear about “awake care” being the norm but costing more. And while there are many private certification programs, there is still no licensing body in the newborn care industry. This blog serves to help in debunking common myths about night doulas.

We’ve supported thousands of families here at Let Mommy Sleep and our newborn care curriculum has been used by public school systems, pediatricians and nanny agencies since 2010. We’d like to help clear up some misconceptions and show what professional overnight care really looks like.

Happy Let Mommy Sleep Night Doula with sweet newborn

Myth #1: A Night Doula is a “Stranger”

Truth: Many parents dismiss the idea of a night doula by saying, “I could never let a stranger take care of my baby overnight!” This is a natural instinct but parents should know that they will receive their caregivers photo, profile, references, background check and phone number even before care begins. Then there are many conversations and chances for the families and doula to get to know each other. This process still happens even if care is scheduled on short notice. Additionally caregivers document all important details of baby’s night and stay in communication with parents even when they’re “off the clock.”

Parents get genuine rest and peace of mind knowing their newborn is in the care of someone they trust. You can use the questions in What Should I ask a Night Nurse? if you’re considering overnight care.

Access to professional support is increasingly realistic for families with diverse financial situations. Learn about bringing postpartum care to your company here: Postpartum Employee Benefits: Positive Disruption at Work

Myth #2: Parents that Hire A Night Doula are Lazy

Truth: You will always hear an older parent say, “I had kids and no help and I was fine!” And that’s nice for them! But in reality, 99% of the new parents that call Let Mommy Sleep are doing so because they are hurting and have no other help. Traumatic birth, twins, short maternity leave, no family help…there are a million reasons parents contact a night doula. In over 15 years of being in family homes, we have never- not ONCE- encountered a parent who just didn’t feel like being with their baby.

Myth #3: Overnight care interferes with bonding

Truth: Night nannies do not replace parents. They ensure parents are physically and emotionally present to be parents, giving them the sleep and recovery time necessary to be emotionally present with their newborn, their older children and their spouse. Overnight care has positive effects on the health and attachment of the entire family.

Sleep deprivation after birth is linked to higher rates of postpartum mood disorders, delayed physical healing and impaired decision-making. Well-rested parents interact more positively with their newborns, are more responsive to feeding cues and have the bandwidth to nurture their older children as well.

Myth #4: There’s No Point in Having a Night Doula if You’re Breastfeeding

Truth: A night nanny brings the baby to you to nurse and then does all the diaper changes and soothing baby back to sleep. If you’re pumping, the night doula also cleans and sterilizes the pump and organizes and stores the milk. This saves parents 1-3 hours of sleep per night. You can check the math in Breastfeeding? Yes You Get More Sleep with a Night Nanny

Parents should know that babies do a lot more than just nurse at the breast overnight! They still need their diapers changed, sometimes a clothing or sheet change and need to be soothed back to sleep. By staying in bed, nursing moms and parents also have a chance of getting themselves back to sleep quicker after being awake to feed.

Parents should also know that having a night doula does not automatically mean they need to give formula.

Myth #5: Night nannies are a luxury only for wealthy families

Truth: It’s true that night nanny care it is not cheap. It’s typically paid out-of-pocket. However, coverage options are expanding. Some insurers reimburse postpartum doula services, employers are including care in benefits and platforms like BabyList allow families to fund services through registries. Let Mommy Sleep also offers financing options. You can learn about pay-over-time and other options in How to Get Insurance to Cover my Night Nanny or Doula

Myth #6: Night Nurses are Always Medical Professionals

Truth: “Nurse” is a legally protected title and should only be used by the following: Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) or Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). In the past, the terms Night Nurse and Baby Nurse were commonly used to describe non-clinical caregivers but this is no longer the norm. Night nannies are certified newborn care specialists or postpartum doulas, who are not performing providing medical level care. If a baby has medical requirements such as feeding tubes, chronic conditions or doctor-prescribed care, a Nurse should be hired.

Families should understand the legal scope of care and make informed decisions about when medical oversight is needed.

Debunking Common Myths About Night Doulas – **What Overnight Newborn Care Really Looks Like**

A trained night nanny or postpartum doula provides:

Hands-on care: Feeding, burping, diapering soothing and keeping living spaces organized and clean
Sleep support: One of our most FAQ is “can you help my baby sleep through the night”? We help establish safe sleep routines and healthy night patterns so that sleeping through the night is a natural next step for infants.
Breastfeeding assistance: Bringing baby in to parents for nursing session, doing all post-feed care and cleaning and sterilizing pump parts and bottles.
Documentation: Logging feeds, diaper changes and sleep in LMS Live, other apps or pen and paper.
Guidance & reassurance: Offering evidence-based advice, emotional support and further resources to parents

When Families Benefit Most

Overnight support is especially valuable for:

Birth mothers and parents recovering from c-section or complicated birth
Families with twins or premature infants
Those who are returning to work soon after birth
Parents experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression
Parents whose own families and friends are far away or unable to offer support

The Let Mommy Sleep Standard

Founded by a mother who personally navigated traumatic birth and postpartum struggles, Let Mommy Sleep provides experienced and trained caregivers who follow evidence-based safe sleep, lactation, and newborn care practices. Families can trust that overnight care is professional, safe and designed to help both parents and baby thrive. You can look up newborn and postpartum care credentials in Introducing the National NAPS Registry for Night Doulas.

Should I Hire a Night Nanny?

Night nannies do far more than “help with the baby.” They provide safe, evidence-based overnight care that improves parental health, infant safety and family confidence. By debunking myths, parents can make informed, empowered decisions about overnight newborn support.

Learn more about the role and credentials of overnight newborn caregivers in What Is a Night Nanny?

FAQs – Debunking Common Myths About Night Doulas

Q1: Do night nannies sleep while the baby sleeps?
Not usually. They remain awake to anticipate feedings, do diaper changes and soothe the baby, ensuring parents get uninterrupted sleep. While a night nanny may nap when baby is safely asleep, it is not expected that families provide a bed or bedroom.

Q2: Are night nannies nurses?
No. Night Nannies are certified newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas. Nurses -RNs, LPNs and LVNs – are used when there is medical need.

Q3: Does overnight care reduce bonding?
Rested parents bond better with their newborn, each other and their older kids. Night nannies provide care so parents can be fully present during the day.

Q4: Is overnight care only for wealthy families?
No. Financing options, insurance coverage, corporate benefits and baby registries make care more accessible than ever.

Q5: How do I know what a night nanny will actually do overnight?
Ask about feeding, sleep and diapering routines; documentation practices; and training or certification.

Q6: Are parents that hire night doulas lazy?
No. They almost always have no other support or choice due to traumatic birth, no family support and short family leave.

12 Maneras de Calmar al Bebé

October 14, 2025

Tu bebé ya comió, tiene el pañal limpio y ninguna de las posiciones comunes para cargarlo parece funcionar para calmar su inquietud… ¿Qué más puedes intentar? Aquí tienes 12 maneras de calmar al bebé, con videos y explicaciones.

12 Maneras de Calmar al Bebé – Las 5 Principales

1) Ruido blanco:

El sonido rítmico y monótono del “shhhhh” recuerda al bebé lo que escuchaba en el útero y cubre ruidos que distraen al crear un sonido uniforme. Existen aplicaciones gratuitas de ruido blanco en tu teléfono, pero incluso el sonido de un ventilador o un humidificador funciona. ¡Y, por supuesto, tu propio suave “shhhh” también! Solo asegúrate de que el sonido no sea demasiado fuerte y no lo hagas directamente en su oído. El ruido blanco puede ayudar a que los bebés se duerman y se mantengan dormidos.

2) La técnica del OM:

¡Gracias a la persona que nos mostró lo poderoso que puede ser recostar al bebé sobre tu pecho y cantar un “ohm…ohm…ohm” lento y grave! La vibración y el sonido son muy relajantes, una especie de versión distinta del ruido blanco.

3) Pelota de ejercicio:

Carga al bebé en posición de cuna o sobre tu pecho, siéntate en una pelota de ejercicio y rebota suavemente.

4) Cargar al bebé en portabebés:

Los recién nacidos, especialmente, aman ser cargados constantemente. Un portabebés o fular mantiene al bebé cerca mientras te deja las manos libres. Nuestros favoritos son el Moby y el Baby Bjorn; la elección dependerá de cuál sea más cómodo para ti. Los bebés no se malcrían por estar mucho en brazos: recuerda que tu hijo estuvo literalmente dentro de ti toda su vida antes de nacer.

5) Envolverlo (swaddling):

A los bebés les gusta estar envueltos de forma ajustada porque les recuerda la seguridad del útero. También les da alivio frente a los movimientos reflejos que los hacen agitar brazos y piernas sin control. Si quieres aprender a envolver como un profesional, mira las dos técnicas paso a paso en nuestro video de YouTube.

Calmar al Bebé – ¡7 Más!

6) Contacto piel con piel:

Conocido como “cuidado canguro” en las UCIN, el piel con piel no solo calma a los bebés, también los ayuda a crecer y desarrollarse. Coloca al bebé solo con pañal, abrázalo cerca y ten la mayor cantidad de contacto directo posible. Esto calma, da seguridad y fortalece el apego. El piel con piel es beneficioso para todos los bebés (¡y padres!), no solo para los prematuros. Un estudio de la AAP muestra que, realizado de forma segura y siguiendo las pautas de sueño seguro, disminuye el estrés materno y mejora la percepción paterna de estrés en la relación. Otros beneficios incluyen mejor regulación de la temperatura corporal, niveles de glucosa más estables y menos llanto.

7) Bañarse con el bebé:

¿Has escuchado a un padre experimentado decir: “¡Siestá inquieto, ponlo en agua!”? El baño es relajante para los adultos, y también lo puede ser para el bebé. Primero prueba la temperatura del agua. Luego métete a la tina con tu bebé sobre tu pecho. Abrázalo con ternura y relájate. Es también una hermosa oportunidad para amamantar o tener contacto piel con piel.

8) La posición contra cólicos:

Coloca al bebé boca abajo sobre tu antebrazo, con la cara hacia afuera, y mece suavemente. La presión sobre su pancita es calmante y puede ayudar a aliviar gases.

9) La técnica del Dr. Hamilton (“The Hold”):

Popularizada por el pediatra Dr. Robert Hamilton, consiste en inclinar al bebé hacia adelante, asegurar sus brazos y mover ligeramente su cadera. (¡sí, de verdad funciona!)

10) Caricias en las cejas:

Nuestro instinto es cerrar los ojos cuando algo los roza. Pasar suavemente un dedo sobre las cejas del bebé puede ayudarle a relajarse cuando aún no tiene sus propias herramientas de calma.

11) Masaje:

El masaje es una herramienta útil para calmar a tu bebé. Acuéstalo boca arriba en una superficie plana y masajea suavemente la cabeza, cara, músculos de la mandíbula, brazos, pancita y piernas. Puedes incluso combinar el masaje con tenerlo recostado sobre tus piernas o vientre.

12) Reducir estímulos:

Muchas veces los padres no nos damos cuenta de la cantidad de luces y ruidos que nos rodean a diario. Tu recién nacido estuvo en la oscuridad durante nueve meses; su sistema nervioso aún es inmaduro y todos estos estímulos nuevos pueden ser demasiado. Apaga la televisión, baja la intensidad de las luces y prueba llevarlo a su cuarto oscuro y tranquilo.

También es importante limitar la exposición a la luz azul de las pantallas (tabletas, teléfonos, televisores, computadoras), ya que los ojos de los niños no la filtran igual que los adultos. Cuanta más luz azul recibimos de noche, menos melatonina producimos, lo que afecta el sueño y los ritmos naturales.

¿Pero qué pasa si nada de eso funciona?
Es importante recordar que, a veces, tu bebé simplemente va a llorar. Y tú te sentirás frustrada.
Si el bebé no tiene hambre, no está herido ni necesita atención médica, y sientes que estás llegando a tu límite mientras el bebé llora, está bien colocarlo en un lugar seguro, como la cuna, y alejarte por unos minutos.

Si tu bebé tiene más de 12 meses, también está bien dejar que duerma con un objeto favorito que le ayude a calmarse.
Antes de los 12 meses, no debe haber ningún objeto en la cuna, ya que podrían representar un riesgo para su seguridad.

El Período de Llanto Púrpura (Period of Purple Crying) es una etapa real por la que pasan los bebés, durante la cual lloran más que en cualquier otro momento. Es muy probable que tu bebé también pase por ella.

Si estás preocupada, contacta al pediatra o médico de atención primaria de tu hijo.

Y si te preocupa tu propio bienestar o el de tu pareja, lee PPD vs. Tristeza Posparto Leve: Conoce la Diferencia y comunícate con Postpartum Support International. No estás sola.

No lo olvides sueno seguro, lee 10 Pasos para un Sueño Seguro del Bebé.