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The role of the Registered Nurse or Newborn Care Provider is to feed, soothe, bathe, change & provide all other gentle care to baby through the night.

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12 Ways to Soothe Baby

Your baby is fed, diaper is changed and none of the usual baby hold techniques are working to keep the fussiness away, so what else can you try? Here are 12 Ways to Soothe Baby with videos and explanations.

12 Ways to Soothe Baby – the top 5

1) White noise: The rhythmic, monotonous whooshing sound remind your baby of what it sounded like in the womb and covers up distracting noises by making one uniform sound. There are free white noise apps on your smartphone, but even the sound of a fan or a humidifier will work and of course your own gentle shhhhhh will work. Just make sure the noise is not too loud, and don’t shhh directly into baby’s ear. White noise can lull babies to sleep and help them stay asleep.

2) The OM Technique: Thank goodness for this guy who showed us all how powerful laying baby on your chest and chanting a low, slow ohm…ohm…ohm can be! The vibration and sound are soothing to baby, kind of a different version of white noise.

3) Exercise ball: Hold baby in either a cradle hold or up on your chest, sit on an exercise ball and gently bounce. 

4) Baby-wearing:  Babies, especially newborns love to be held constantly so a baby carrier or sling keeps your baby close while leaving your hands free. Our favorites are the Moby and the Baby Bjorn; your decision will depend on which is most comfortable for you. Babies can’t be spoiled by being held too much. Think about it…your child was literally inside another person for their whole life before being born!

5) Swaddling: Babies like to be tightly swaddled because it reminds them of being snug inside the womb. They also get relief from the reflexive motions that cause them to sometimes flail their arms and legs; they don’t have control over these so swaddling helps. If you want to learn to swaddle like a pro, watch 2 different techniques of here in our step-by-step demonstration YouTube.

12 Ways to Soothe Baby – 7 More!

6) Skin to skin contact:  Called “Kangaroo care” in the NICU, skin to skin not only calms babies, but helps them grow and develop. Get your baby down to her diaper, snuggle in close and get as much “skin to skin” contact as possible. It calms, reassures, and is great for bonding.

Skin to Skin is helpful for all babies (and parents!) of course, not just those born premature or with reasons to be in the NICU. A very cool study by the AAP shows that when done safely and in accordance with safe sleep guidelines, SSC decreases maternal stress and improves paternal perception of stress in their relationship. Additional benefits include, stabilized body temperature, glucose levels and reduced crying!

7) Take a bath with baby. Have you ever heard a veteran parent say, “If they’re crabby, put ’em in water!”? Taking a bath is a soothing experience for adults so why not baby too? First, test the temperature of the water. Then get in the tub and have baby lay chest to chest with you. Gently hold little one and relax. This is also a wonderful opportunity for breastfeeding or skin to skin contact

8) Try the “colic hold:”  To do the colic hold, you’ll lay baby tummy down and face out on your forearm and gently rock him back and forth. Pressure on baby’s tummy is soothing and may help relieve gas. Watch here!

9) Or try Dr. Hamilton’s The Hold: made famous by pediatrician Dr. Robert Hamilton where you lean baby forward, secure her arms and you slightly jiggle their bottom. (yes, really!)  Watch here for his personal demonstration.

10) Eyebrow strokes: Human instinct is to close our eyes when something comes close to them so gently stroking baby’s eyebrows with one finger can help them calm when they don’t yet have their own tools to relax. Demo from the Peaceful Sleeper here.

11) Massage. Massage can be a useful tool in calming your baby. Lay your little one on her back on a changing table or other flat surface. Gently massage the top and sides of her head, the face and jaw muscles, then the arms, tummy and legs. You can even combine soothing massage with laying baby on your legs or belly.

12) Turn down stimuli: It’s easy for us parents to overlook the daily barrage of lights and sounds we’re all accustomed to. Your newborn baby was in darkness for nine months; his nervous system is still immature and all these new stimuli can be overwhelming. Try turning off the TV and dimming the lights. Sometimes, bringing baby to his dark, quiet nursery will also help him relax.

Included in stimuli for babies and kids is blue light. Blue light is given off by tablets, smartphones, flat screen TV’s and laptops. Children’s eyes don’t filter this type of light as well as adults and the more light we’re exposed to at night, the less melatonin we produce. This affects sleep and natural rhythms.

12 Ways to Soothe Baby, techniques from the night nannies
Baby Soothing Techniques

But what if none of it works?

It’s important to remember that sometimes your baby will just cry. And you will feel frustrated. If baby is not hungry and not injured or in need of medical attention, and you feel like you might be reaching a breaking point while baby is crying, it is okay to place baby in a safe place like the crib and walk away for a few minutes.  If your infant is over 12 months old, it’s also okay to let them sleep with a favorite item that might help calm them as well. Before 12 months there should be no items in the crib because they may pose a safety risk.

The Period of Purple Crying is a real phase that babies go through when they cry more than any other time. Your baby will most likely go through it too. If you’re concerned, contact your child’s primary care physician. And if you’re worried about yourself or your partner, reach out to Postpartum Support International, because you’re not alone.

Are there other soothing techniques we missed here in 12 Ways to Soothe Baby? Let us know on IG or Facebook!

Postpartum Doulas holding baby girl while smiling
Newborn Caregivers are expert baby soothers!
Baby care shown by yellow lab puppy standing over adult lab
skin to skin care benefits babies and parents! You can’t spoil your baby with too much holding!

2023 Car Seat Laws

Car Seat Laws 2023, updated on April 2, 2023 – After analyzing over 10 years of vehicle crash data, the American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded: “The most dangerous thing that U.S. children do as part of daily life is ride in a car. Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for children 4 years and older.”  2023 Car Seat Laws helps parents understand child passenger safety laws and recommendations.

2023 Car Seat Laws

What are the child passenger safety laws and recommendations?  

As of July 2019, 12 states have adopted this law: “Children are to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until the age of two or the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing safety seat as prescribed by the manufacturer of the safety seat.”  The states are: Virginia, California, Connecticut, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Carolina. 

As of January 1, 2022 Nevada has also added the “rear facing til 2 years old” law for child passengers.

It’s important to remember that as of August 2018, the CDC now recommends that rear-facing child safety seats be used for infants and toddlers from ages 2 -4 years old.  For the best possible protection, infants and toddlers should be buckled in a rear-facing car seat, in the back seat, until they reach the maximum weight and/or height limits of their car seat. While not the law in every state, it is a national recommendation.

Which car seat is the safest?

According to SafeWise.com the best overall child carseat remains the Graco 4Ever Delux. This is because it is a 4 in 1 seat made to take children from infancy through age 10. The complete 2023 list is here however. Reading the manual and having the seat properly installed is just as important as safety ratings. Also remember it’s okay for infants to fall asleep in a car seat but it’s not okay for them to sleep in their carseat for long periods or overnight.

While car seats themselves are safe, it has been reported in many accidents that seats have been installed too loosely or at an incorrect angle. To be sure your seat is installed correctly, visit SafeKids.org to find a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. The website also lists inspection stations in your area.

AlabamaHawaiiMassachusettsNew MexicoSouth Dakota 
AlaskaIdahoMichiganNew YorkTennessee
ArizonaIllinoisMinnesotaNorth CarolinaTexas
ArkansasIndianaMississippiNorth DakotaUtah
CaliforniaIowa MissouriOhioVermont
ColoradoKansasMontanaOklahomaVirginia
ConnecticutKentuckyNebraskaOregonWashington
DelawareLouisianaNevadaPennsylvaniaWashington DC
FloridaMaineNew HampshireRhode IslandWest Virginia
GeorgiaMarylandNew JerseySouth CarolinaWisconsin | Wyoming
2022 Car Seat Laws by State

What about Uber or Lyft…can my baby ride? 

Uber and Lyft offer rides with actual carseats in New York City only. Drivers must pass special safety You must request “car seat mode” in each app. 2023 Car Seat Laws on Lyft’s website states that in NYC drivers are responsible for:

  • Safely installing and uninstalling car seats at the beginning and end of each ride
  • Taking the test on how to properly install and maintain car seat
  • Recognizing whether their car seat is in proper working condition

If you’re in any other city, you must use and install your own seat. The driver is not responsible for installing the seat. Of course, ride share services are bound by their states child passenger safety laws regardless of company policy.

2023 Car Seat Laws What if I’m traveling between states with my baby?  

Each state/jurisdiction has its own laws and it is the driver’s responsibility to know the laws in each state. Check your state and any state’s you plan to drive to below: 

2023 Car Seat Laws, Other Safety Considerations

  • Secure Your Belongings: Most of us spend lots of time in the car, especially if we’re the main transportation for our little ones. If you’re driving kids around, chances are your center console looks something like this:
car console filled with snacks, phone charger as potential projectiles
Secure your belongings when driving!

And even if you’re not driving kids, it’s not unusual to have snacks, a water bottle and a phone within arms reach. Secure your belongings in the console, glove compartment or other safe place in the vehicle when traveling. These items can become projectiles in an accident or even if you just stop short. This goes for mirrors and other loose items in the back seats.

  • Expect the Unexpected – Keep a small bag with essentials in the trunk. Extra diapers, water, formula if baby uses it, wipes and snacks for you too. This blog details what should be packed in a 72 hour emergency prep kit for infants if you want to follow FEMA and DHS recommendations. You never know when a traffic accident or other unforeseen event might cause you to have to stay on the road.
  • Seatbelts for Everyone – This is an obvious one but remember to have everyone buckle up before the car is in motion…even grown ups!
2023 Car Seat Laws by state

LMS Wichita is Serious About Sleep

Opening a new business, let alone a new concept is no easy task. But with a combined 30 years of Nursing experience and warm community support, LMS Wichita is doing just that! Sandy Schremmer, RN and daughter Rachael Eaves, RN are dedicated to helping postpartum families. This blog, LMS Wichita is Serious About Sleep shares their commitment to community.

LMS Wichita is Serious About Sleep

One of the ways Sandy and Rachael are showing their dedication to their local community is by offering 1 free night of sleep when 2 are purchased. Most sleep deprived folks feel pretty good after a night of uninterrupted rest, but the deep, restorative effects of sleep happen after at least 2 nights. And 3 nights truly makes a difference in keeping up mental and physical health! By this we mean that new parents can pay back their “sleep debt” as sleep strengthens the immune system, allows for optimal reaction times (meaning less chance of mishaps or accidents due to drowsy driving) and of course keeps energy up overall.

LMS Wichita is serious about sleep, and to show just how serious they are, they’re putting their money where their mouth is! Click here to get a FREE night of sleep after the purchase of 2!

Buy 2 nights, get 1 free from LMS Wichita
That’s right! 1 FREE night of sleep when 2 are purchased!
LMS Wichita is Serious About Sleep night nurses on KWCH news
LMS Wichita is Serious About Sleep

LMS Wichita in the Community

Did you know the owners of LMS Wichita were recently featured on KWCH-TV? When asked why she wanted to open a night nanny business, Sandy said: You go into nursing to help people . That’s really where your mission is, knowing how much need there is out there and how much moms and families need that support just during those few months. It really tugs at my heart.

Rachael added that while the business is in it to help families sleep, and recover from childbirth, evidence-based education is also a needed service. She states: Nurses can be there to help with newborn sleep and with feeding. Whether that be breastfeeding or bottle feeding we are there to support. These services are especially helpful to first time parents and parents expecting twins and higher order multiples!

To learn more about how LMS Wichita is serious about sleep, you can read their bio here. Or watch the news piece above! Contact them anytime at letmommysleep.com/wichita.

Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help

The link between adults with sleep deprivation and postpartum depression has been proven over and over. According to the Sleep Research Society, women report “the highest levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in early pregnancy and the lowest levels of social support.” Hormonal shifts are normal and expected after your newborn arrives but they should be monitored. This blog Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help, describes tips to increase sleep and sleep quality. Use these tips to keep normal post-baby mood shifts from elevating into depression.

Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression tips by Newborn care expert
Sleep Deprivation & Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help

More Than Mom: Depression Affects the Family

The link between sleep and poor mental health outcomes up to 3 months postpartum affects not only women’s mental health but the health of the family as well.

  • Babies: Women with postpartum depressive symptoms were less likely to place infants in safe sleeping positions. Additionally they are less likely to bring infants in for routine health visits, and to have infants fully immunized. (Annals of Behavioral Medicine)
  • Partners: Sleep problems may also contribute to the transmission of depression within a couple. “Mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms were correlated with each other…” Further depression is associated with more depressive symptoms for both partners at all three assessments.
  • Community: Accidents are also more likely due to drowsy driving. This is true for anyone who’s sleep deprived, not just new parents.

Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene…when you can!

Basic sleep hygiene is a great foundation for sleep for everyone. Parents of newborns may not be able to do all of these activities but try to include as many as possible into your day:

  1. Be consistent: This is the hardest of course but when you can, go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
  2. Have a good set-up: your bedroom should be quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
  3. Remove electronic devices: Remove the temptation to watch TV, use a computer and scroll your phone. Blue light from tablets, phones and computers suppresses the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a natural hormone released in the evening to help you feel tired and ready for sleep.
  4. Keep your diet in check: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
  5. Try to get exercise: Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

How to Switch Gears when you’re Overtired

For many of us, the feeling of being “on” as a new parent and the adrenaline that comes with it hinders our natural sleep cycles. So we can’t sleep when we’re supposed to because our bodies are trained to be on alert for baby’s needs. Here’s what you can do to facilitate sleepiness when you’re overtired:

  • Meditate – Here are the basic steps of meditation:
  1. Find a quiet area. Sit or lie down, depending on what feels most comfortable. Lying down is preferable at bedtime.
  2. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Inhale and exhale deeply. Focus on your breathing.
  3. If a thought pops up, let it go and refocus on your breathing.
  • Meditate…with a little help!: It’s okay if it’s hard to practice the steps above. Mediation apps like Calm or Insight Timer are free or low-cost. They can help your brain switch from alert to calm.
  • Try a Breathing Method like the 4:7:8 Technique. Here’s how:
  1. Inhale through your nose for four counts.
  2. Hold your breath for seven counts.
  3. Exhale through your mouth for eight counts.

Divide and Conquer!

This is perhaps the easiest and most effective way for both parents to get sleep!

Swap night time care duties with your partner – You can care for baby in shifts. Parent A is on from 9pm – whenever baby gets up overnight, then parent B is on from the end of that wake-up til morning. Better yet, do a 3 nights on/3 nights off schedule. You may miss your partner but remember this routine it is only temporary. You’ll lower your risk of postpartum depression and keep your immune system strong by getting blocks of deep. restorative sleep.

What if I’m Nursing?: If you’re breastfeeding during the night, simply stay in bed to nurse while your partner does all other care.

Accepting help is NORMAL! – Friends, neighbors and family can provide child care relief, whether they act as a night nurse, or even if it’s just for an hour or 2 for you to get a nap.

Thank you to Jordan Seidel, CLC and owner of Let Mommy Sleep, Las Vegas. for writing and presenting this article. It was presented at the Nevada Maternal and Child Health Coalition ‘s recent mental health symposium. If you ever have questions or need overnight support, contact us here. If you’re having thoughts that scare you, call or text 988, or contact the National Maternal Health Hotline at 833.9HELP4MOMS.

Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help
Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help

Sleep Deprivation and Postpartum Depression: Proven Tips to Help – Have a Plan & Preps Before Baby Arrives

We’ve all heard that we should meal plan and try to outsource household tasks. And the reason we’ve all heard it because it’s really great advice! Here is a more detailed list of what can help in your first weeks and months home so you aren’t tempted to use sleep time on everyday tasks:

  1. Make you own frozen or ready-to-eat food favorites before baby arrives.
  2. Have a “go-to” list. Write down the top 5 items or tasks that need to be done consistently. Laundry, wiping down the counters, vacuuming, running to the store for food, diapers and wipes…whatever you might need. Then when a neighbor or friend asks “what can I do?” and you know there’s a million things but your brain can’t think of one, hand them the task list and empower them to do what needs to be done.
  3. If you have a toddler or older child, stash away a few surprises for them like their favorite treats or inexpensive toys. There will be a time when the newborn and toddler both need you at the same time, or you want to give your older child more attention than you’re able. This is when you can whip out a special new toy for the toddler to keep them busy and allow them to know you are always thinking of them too!
  4. If you have trusted adults close by that can help, put them on a schedule. Knowing that Grandma comes every Monday and Tuesday means you can predictably plan outings, appointments and down time.
  5. Have the tough conversation with your partner about who-does-what in those first months home with baby. If you’re nursing it’s important that an adult takes care of you while you take care of the baby. Some things to consider might be: do you both have family leave? Neither of you? Is there family close by who can step in periodically? How will the nights be divided up? Clear expectations of each partner at the beginning can make adjustments down the road easier.
If your job is feeding the baby, their job is YOU.
Sleep Deprivation tips from our night nurses and nannies

The Best Newborn Care Websites You’ve Never Heard Of

Updated February, 26, 2023 – Evidence-based websites can be hard to find, especially for expecting and new parents inundated with opinions and advice on “What’s Best for Your Baby.”  Add in a pandemic and constantly evolving news, and parents can access thousands of websites with conflicting information.  Below are The Best Newborn Care Websites You’ve Never Heard Of. These are our night nurses’ favorite evidence-based sites for newborn and postpartum care to help parents separate baby care fact from fiction.

The Best Newborn Care Websites You've Never Heard Of
The Best Newborn Care Websites You’ve Never Heard Of

The Best Newborn Care Websites You’ve Never Heard Of

For Your First Week Home

  • Newt – The Newborn Weight Tool is an online calculator that “allows pediatric healthcare providers and parents to see how a newborn’s weight during the first days and weeks following childbirth.” If you’re concerned about your newborn’s weight loss this tools tracks growth to identify weight loss or weight gain issues.
  • The National Perinatal Association has compiled essential information and resources for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Info is for parents, healthcare providers and educators in the perinatal space.  COVID19 information is continually updated, as well as listings of medical help, community assistance, and mental health resources. 
  • LactMed Database – Searchable database of medications that are safe to take while pregnant or nursing. If a medicine is deemed unsafe, the site suggests alternatives. All data are derived and updated from scientific literature and fully referenced.
  • From seasonal allergy meds to depression and anxiety medications, the answer to if your medicine is safe is usually yes. But the National Institute for Health’s LactMed Database tells exactly medications are safe to take while breastfeeding and which are not. For medications which may be contraindicated during nursing, LactMed names safe alternatives.  
  • Postpartum Support International trains and connects mental health professionals to those in need of postnatal mental health support. Use these resources for dads and partners and non-binary parents, as well as moms. You can receive support online or in person.
  • Getting Ready to Go Home from the NICU– While it’s not uncommon for some babies to need of a little extra time in the hospital, having your baby stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) means needing extra support and information. The March of Dimes website provides step by step information so parents know exactly what they can expect when transitioning from hospital to home.
Newborn Weight tool is at newbornweight.org
Our Night Nurses Top Newborn and Postpartum Care Websites

The Best Newborn Care Websites You’ve Never Heard Of: Breastfeeding

It’s hard to pick one breastfeeding resource when there are so many wonderful sites out there. Two of the most highly respected and comprehensive are KellyMom.com and La Leche League.

However, there’s a lesser known site that is all about the “how-to’s” of nursing – The International Breastfeeding Centre’s Breastfeeding Videos. These are real-life, instructional videos to help with breastfeeding. Demonstrations of what good drinking looks like and how to distinguish “nibbling” from efficient nursing are just 2 examples.

The Best Newborn Care Websites You’ve Never Heard Of: Soothing and Sleeping

  • Soothing: This list of 12 Soothing Techniques can help you find the perfect way to help baby feel comfortable, pass gas or get lulled to sleep. Even when attempting every soothing method, sometimes babies just cry. Remember that your baby’s preferences may change so a checklist can help when a method that used to work, doesn’t anymore.
  • Sleep: The Baby Sleep category on the LMS website contains age-appropriate sleep schedules and a step by step outline for babies to sleep through the night. We also have answers to frequently asked questions about napping, sleep cycles and more.
  • Colic and Crying: PurpleCrying.Info helps parents understand that “colic” is actually a very normal developmental phase. Knowing that the crying can be somewhat predictable can help ease frustration. This site also has tools to help if you’re having extreme frustration or thoughts that scare you.

In addition to these websites, you can always visit our Newborn and Postpartum Care Resource Center. This is our continually updated guide to answer new parents’ frequently asked questions. You can also sign up for personal support. We’re here for you in-home or virtually.

NAPS certified newborn care provider holding newborn with mom and aunt on her side
The Best Newborn Care Websites You’ve Never Heard Of