original sleepsuit

When it's time to start shopping for your little one, it feels like the whole world has an opinion. From what kind of car seat to buy to what brand of stroller, there are a million choices and a million different ways to parent. It can be overwhelming, and it's tough to know where to start.

The same goes for baby supplies. Do you need an expensive changing table or will a changing pad on the floor do? How many onesies does a baby really need? We're here to help you sort through the essentials and figure out what you really need (and what you can live without).

Furniture

• Crib
• Changing table or pad
• Rocking chair or seat for feeding
• Storage system for clothes/diapers/toys

At a minimum, you'll need a crib, a changing table or pad, and a place to sit while feeding and snuggling. Some like to have a rocking chair or glider, but if you don't have room, a comfortable spot on your couch will do. You may also want a bassinet or crib for the early months, and a toddler bed for when your little one outgrows the crib.

If you're tight on space, look for multifunctional furniture like a dresser that can double as a changing table, or a crib that converts to a toddler bed. And don't forget about storage! You'll need somewhere to put all those clothes, diapers, and toys. A toy chest, dresser, or bin system is essential.

Baby Clothes

• 12-15 outfits (onsies, pajamas, pants, etc)
• 12-15 pairs of socks

Onesies, sleepers, outfits, pajamas, socks, shoes… the list goes on. How many do you really need? It depends on how often you want to do laundry (we recommend every two to three days). A good rule of thumb is to have four or five outfits for each day of the week (babies get spit-up, food, and poop on their clothes a lot), plus a few extra in case of accidents.

Many parents have found that, even though they're adorable, shoes for babies just are not functional. And since your little one won't be crawling or walking for a while, shoes aren't a must-have right when they’re born. Socks, however, are a must-have for keeping your little one warm.

Baby Sleep

• 3 or 4 sets of crib sheets
• Swaddling blankets
• Magic Sleepsuit
• Magic Dream Sack
• White noise machine

Where will your baby sleep? In a crib, bassinet, Moses basket, or co-sleeper? It's up to you, but know that wherever the baby sleeps, you'll need sheets and blankets. Two or three sets should do the trick. And if you plan on swaddling your baby, you'll need some good swaddle blankets. When it's time to transition out of a swaddle, our Sleepsuit or sleepsack can be a lifesaver.

You'll also need a white noise machine to help your baby (and you!) sleep through the night. Look for one that has different sound options and can be controlled remotely.

Feeding

• 2-3 nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Nursing pillow
• Breast pump, milk storage bags, bottles/nipples, and a bottle brush
• Bibs and burp cloths

Whether you're breastfeeding/pumping, formula feeding, or doing a combination of both, you'll need some supplies. If you're nursing, you'll need a good nursing bra (or two), breast pads, and some cream for when your nipples get sore. You may also want a nursing pillow to help you get comfortable.

If you're pumping, you'll need a breast pump (manual or electric), storage bags, and bottles. And whether you're pumping or formula feeding, you'll need bottles and nipples (plenty of extras!), a bottle brush, bibs, and burp cloths.

Seats & Stroller

• Stroller
• Rear-facing car seat
• Headrest mirror

When you're ready to take your little one out and about, you'll need a good stroller. Look for one that's lightweight and easy to fold – you'll be doing a lot of lifting and carrying, so it's important to have a stroller that won't be clumsy and cause strain on your muscles.

When it comes to car seats, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, the seat should be rear-facing until your child is at least one year old and weighs 20 pounds or more. Second, make sure the seat is properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. And third, always use the car seat when driving with your child – it's the law.

Other than that, you might also be carrying the detachable part of your car seat a lot so read lots of reviews and even try some out at the store to find one that's not too awkward.

You'll also need a few things to keep your baby entertained while you're driving, like a mirror so they can see you and some soft toys.

Baby Basics

Some extra essentials that can be easy to forget or underestimate:

• Pacifiers 
• Diapers 
• Wipes 
• Extra blankets 
• Diaper bag
• Thermometer 
• Nasal aspirator (aka snot-sucker)
• Nail clippers or electric file
• Gentle baby lotion

Cozy and Comfortable Sleep with Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit

Sleep is one of the most essential parts of a baby's life—after all, they spend more than 14 hours a day catching those z’s! It helps them grow and stay healthy and allows you to get much-needed rest, too.

We created the Magic Sleepsuit to help babies and parents because we understand how important sleep is for everyone. The Magic Sleepsuit is a cozy, comfortable swaddle transition product that helps babies and parents get the sleep they need.

Our products come in multiple designs—the Magic Sleepsuit, Dream Sack, and Dream Sack Walker— so you can find the perfect fit and style for your baby. Visit our website to check something off your list of essentials!

Are you getting ready to transition your baby from swaddling? This can be a difficult process, but it is important to do it gradually and follow the proper steps. In this blog post, we will discuss seven tips for swaddle transitioning that will help make the process easier for both you and your baby!

If you're like most people, you probably struggle with finding the perfect gift for a baby shower. You want to find something that is both practical and meaningful, but it can be difficult to know what new parents really need. Well, we've got the perfect solution - the Magic Sleepsuit!

To every parent, there comes that moment in time when you just can't get your baby to sleep. Babies getting poor sleep is one of the most common sources of stress for new parents. It's important to remember that everyone copes with these challenges differently and if you are feeling stressed about it, talk to someone.

Friends, family members, and doctors are all good places to start if you feel as though the lack of sleep is affecting your personal well-being. Everyone has a different opinion on how to get babies to sleep, but the one thing that remains consistent with every method is that there is no right or wrong way, just what works for you and your baby.

The information below is a collection of tips from parents with advice on how to keep your baby sleeping through the night.

Keep a sleep log

Make sure that you are writing down when your baby wakes up and for how long in order to have a better idea of what might be going on. Some babies will wake up every hour, but the total amount of hours they sleep is still 10, while others will only wake up twice in one night but the total amount of hours is less than what you would like. You can also check for patterns by seeing when your baby sleeps best

Give yourself a break

If your baby is constantly waking up and it has been going on for months, take a break. This means that you should stop doing any activities at home that require your attention for a little while and get out of the house or simply lay down and relax until they fall asleep. There is no reason to feel bad about taking time away from the baby if it's going to make you feel better in the long run.

Put them down awake, but drowsy

If your baby is in the habit of falling asleep while feeding, try changing it up by putting them in their crib when they are still awake. This will help you to avoid the situation where your baby gets used to falling asleep with a bottle in their mouth and can make for some frustration when you try to take it away. Be prepared for some crying during the process, but do not give in and simply hold them instead of laying them down. If nothing else, this will teach your baby how to self-soothe.

Don't wake a sleeping baby

It may be tempting to go in and check on your sleeping child after they have been quiet for a while, but never do this. If you enter the room and they open their eyes or make any noise whatsoever, it will only let them know that if they make enough of a fuss, you will eventually come. This will make them cry even harder when they finally do get your attention.

Ensure you are properly dressing your baby for bed

You should always ensure you are properly dressing your baby for bed. The AAP recommends that babies should ideally sleep at cooler room temperatures, but should still be dressed warmly. The Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuit and Magic DreamSack are great products to consider when dressing your baby for bed at different stages of their growing up. If you have any questions about the Baby Merlin sleep system, check out their FAQs or contact Baby Merlin today!

Infants are wonderfully curious by nature. Once your baby hits the toddler stage, you may find that this wide-eyed wonder has extended to touching objects and, yes, putting things in his mouth. This behavior is entirely normal as this is their way of getting to know the world around them. 

This curiosity may be the reason why as a parent, you may be anxious to have your baby around other children or pets. We understand that it can be unnerving to watch your baby play with your pets at home, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make it a part of your everyday routine.

Set the Scene 

Before introducing your baby to other children or pets, ensure that you have set up the space ahead of time. Set the meet-up in a familiar environment. This set-up can be done at home, where other children and pets are acclimated. When the environment is familiar, this creates less anxiety for children and pets alike. 

If the child is old enough to understand, inform him ahead of time what to expect from a toddler- this sets expectations on his part and will help lessen frustrations. You can also prepare pets ahead by training them to respect off-limits areas, such as the baby’s crib. With proper preparation, your infant can meet other members of the family with ease. 

Use Positive Reinforcement

Use this tip to praise good behavior when your pet is around your infant. Pets can get a bit rowdy, but when they know that their good behavior is praised and rewarded with the occasional treat or snack, this prompts them to behave better in social situations. 

Positive reinforcement is not only reserved for the pets in your life but works great for children, too! Use positive reinforcement as encouragement when an older child shows good behavior around your infant. Words like “You did a great job!” or “I like how you behave around the baby” are great ways to encourage older children. 

A reward system is also a great way to promote good behavior around an infant. For example, if your older child behaves well around your infant, you can give him a sticker or an occasional treat. 

Introduce Slowly 

Before introducing your infant to your pets, try to let your pets be familiar with how the baby sounds, where the baby is located and how the baby smells. You can let your pet sniff the baby’s toes or clothes, for example, with your supervision. This allows your pet to be accustomed slowly to a new family member and not perceive your toddler as a threat.

You can also slowly let your infant touch your pet; just make sure that you are there to supervise to make sure that it is a safe space for both your pet and your infant. Your older child can also get used to meeting your toddler by allowing him to join in the activities involving your toddler, such as feeding or changing.

Introducing your toddler to other children and your pets is a fascinating journey. With your supervision, you can create a safe environment for everyone. Try our top tips and watch as the friendship between your toddler, children and pets grow. 

Ensuring your infant’s safety and comfort is important to you, and it’s important to us at Baby Merlin, too! Keeping your infant safe and snug in the Baby Merlin Sleepsuit is just one more way to keep your baby comfortable and safe.

Is it time to transition your baby from the Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuit? Help your baby to continue to sleep well with the Baby Merlin Dream Sack. 

This wearable blanket product allows for a seamless transition for your baby from the sleepsuit, to allow them to continue in their sleep routine without interruption.

We interviewed the mother of a 3-year-old and 15-month-old to ask about some of her best tips for new moms. She said, “I'm always wary of dishing out advice. But there are still plenty of things I wish someone had told me when my bundle of joy first arrived! Of course, we all parent in our own way, and every child is different. “

Parenting is a full-time job on its own, so when you add in working, it becomes even more challenging. These tips may help.

Tip 1: Establish a Routine

Nothing is better than a routine for making life simpler for working parents and grandparents. Not only is it easier on your child if you have an established schedule, it helps you move through the morning faster. 

You can choose any routine you like, just make sure it works and is something sustainable. This should extend to the evenings when you’re home again, too, as your child will enjoy knowing what to expect. You’ll like the predictability, too!

Tip 2: Take a Moment for Yourself

Rushing from work to look after your little one can be exhausting, but taking a moment to relax before you walk in the door can be quite useful. Plan a buffer between work and home to give yourself that little bit of time to break free of the work stress and prepare yourself for parenting again.

Tip 3: Get a Good Night’s Sleep

How do you get up after a sleepless night and head to work to put in a productive day? Many parents do it, but you’ll find life infinitely easier if you can get in those eight hours. In addition to a good bedtime routine, there are a few other tricks you can use to help your baby sleep better so you sleep better.

Swaddle your baby. Babies tend to sleep best when swaddled in something like a baby sleepsuit, but even once they’ve outgrown that step, you can use a baby dream sack to help your little one sleep through the night.

Bathe at night. A nice lavender-scented bath in the evening can help your baby sleep better.

Give a little massage. A gentle body massage with some baby oil can help your little one calm down and get sleepy before bedtime. It’s also good for their circulation.

Tip 4: Hire Good Help

The person or people looking after your baby are the most important people you can choose. You need to be completely comfortable with them and know that if there is an issue, they’ll contact you. This is essential if you want to get through the workday with minimal anxiety.

Whether you are leaving your baby with a nanny, grandparent, or at a daycare, do your research and make sure you have everything prepared. You’ll feel far more confident about going to work this way.

Did you find these tips helpful? Let Baby Merlin help you find a better routine with our baby sleepsuit to help your little one sleep soundly.

Parenting a newborn baby can be difficult as-is, but when you add in newborn sleep issues, lack of sleep can become problematic for both parents and the baby. Read below for some tips for helping your baby sleep better.

1. Check with the Doctor

Before anything else, you should rule out a medical cause for your baby’s sleeping problems. Are they in pain? Uncomfortable? Seeing a doctor will put your mind at ease and let you focus on looking after your little one. There’s the added advantage of getting advice from your baby’s doctor.

2. Get Outside

It’s important to get your baby up and moving, so they are sleepy when bedtime rolls around. Try taking a walk or just going outside and spending time sitting on the porch. 

The change of scenery may do your little one some good. Outdoors, your baby can look at the wind moving leaves, people and cars going by, and animals running around. This excitement will wear out your baby so he or she will be more tired when it’s time for bed.

3. Try a Baby Sleep Suit

Some babies need a little extra something to help them feel secure and content at bedtime. That’s where a baby dream sack comes in.

A baby sleep suit or sleep sack is designed to help your little one feel snuggly and protected, so they’ll feel nice and swaddled, even in the crib. A sleep suit is for younger babies, and provides a tighter swaddle, while a baby sleep sack is a good transition from the sleep suit for babies when they are around 6 months old. This is an excellent method of getting your child to sleep longer.

4. Use a Baby Carrier

Babywearing is often the best way to keep your baby happy throughout the day, and some babies even nap better in a baby carrier! You may need to test out a few different carriers (try borrowing some to test before buying) to find the one that works best for you and your infant.

If your little one just wants to be on you at all times or needs to be moving constantly, this can be a way to compromise for both of you. Your baby gets to enjoy being on your body, and you can still have hands free to do what you need to do. Babywearing may be the trick to getting your baby to nap.

5. Take Advantage of Friends and Family

There’s nothing wrong with asking other people to help out. If you have close friends or family, ask for some help tending the baby while you take a nap. A little rest on your end is helpful for both you and your baby.

Are you struggling with getting your baby to sleep? A baby sleep suit could help you both get some rest. Contact us today to learn more.