February 27, 2023
Your baby is blissfully sleeping through the night until one day, they wake you from a deep sleep in the middle of the night. It’s sleep regression time! Sleep regressions are extremely frustrating—you had such a good thing going and then your baby decides to switch it up.
If you're experiencing sleep regression or you've heard about it from frustrated parents and you're trying to prepare, here's everything you need to know.
Sleep regressions usually happen around 4 months, 8–10 months, 12–18 months, and then again at 2–3 years. They usually coincide with developmental milestones such as learning how to roll over, crawl, or walk. These new skills require more energy for your baby so it can interfere with their sleep pattern.
Sleep regression is also thought to be linked to changes in a baby’s internal clock, hormones, and environment or due to psychological stress such as separation anxiety. It's important for parents to recognize the signs of sleep regression and take steps to stick to a routine.
A sleep regression typically lasts anywhere from 2–4 weeks but can vary depending on the individual baby. Remember that this is just a temporary blip in your baby's sleep pattern and eventually they’ll return to their normal sleeping habits.
Sleep regressions are a normal part of development, so most babies experience them. However, that doesn’t mean every baby will have the same sleep regression experience. Some may only last for a few days while others could last for weeks or even longer.
There's no "right" way to get over a sleep regression but there are some things you can do to make it easier:
It's important to remind yourself that your baby will eventually be back to their old sleep habits. Keeping a positive mindset and reminding yourself that your baby can and will sleep through the night will help you stay patient during this trying (and tiring) time.
You may need to add even more soothing activities to your daily routine. This may include reading stories before bed, playing with a stuffed animal, or giving your baby a warm bath. All of these things can help your baby relax and promote better sleep.
Sleepwear doesn't just keep your baby at the right temperature; it can also mimic the comfort of the womb and help your baby keep from startling themselves awake. Swaddles, sleepsuits, and sleepsacks can all help keep your baby snug and get them the extra few hours of sleep they need.
Make sure your baby is getting plenty of outdoor time and activities during the day. This can help tire them out before bedtime and prevent them from becoming overtired at night. Taking walks, playing at the park, or just having some quiet time in the backyard are all great ways to keep your baby occupied throughout the day.
It can be a challenge to get your baby’s sleep schedule back on track after a regression but with some patience and dedication, it can be done. The Baby Merlin Magic Sleepsuit is the perfect sleep solution to get your little one back on track and sleeping through the night again.
It provides gentle, secure pressure that helps simulate being in the womb and soothes babies into deep sleep without swaddling or a heavy blanket. So get ready for your baby to have some magical sleep with the Baby Merlin Magic Sleep System.
February 22, 2023
There's no comprehensive handbook for parenting—you learn as much as you can and then learn to roll with the punches. If you have a list of questions a mile long about babies, you're in good company. You'll have a different experience than every other parent out there, which means you'll have different questions.
As parents who run a business focused on helping other parents raise healthy, happy (aka well-rested) children, we get a lot of questions about babies. We thought we'd take the time to answer some of the most common ones, like "How long does colic last?" and "When will my baby sleep through the night?"
Remember that every situation is different and if something feels off, follow your gut. But if you're experiencing some of these common challenges, here are answers to your questions and things that might help.
Colic is a term used to describe intense and seemingly endless bouts of crying in an otherwise healthy baby. According to Mayo Clinic, it can typically begin when your baby is about two weeks old and peak when they reach 6 weeks. Most babies outgrow colic by the time they reach four months, but it may be longer for some.
To help manage this stressful time, focus on providing a soothing environment with plenty of quiet snuggles, gentle rocking, white noise, and warm baths. You may also want to talk to your pediatrician about ways to manage the crying or if there are any underlying medical issues you should consider.
For your sanity, find as much help as you can. This will depend on your environment, but don't feel bad about asking for help from family members and trusted friends so you can take a break or get a few hours of sleep.
Stanford Children's Health states that most babies won't sleep through the night until they're around 3 months old. Many children could be sleeping through the night by 6 months because they usually won’t be getting hungry during those hours.
There are so many different strategies you could use to help your baby sleep through the night, but here are our favorite tips:
The CDC states that if you're storing your breast milk, it's important to make sure you label the container with the date and time it was expressed. You'll also need to remember that breast milk should not be stored at room temperature for more than four hours.
You can store your expressed breast milk in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to 12 months.
If your baby's poop is a different color than normal, chances are they've just eaten something that affected the hue of their bowel movement. Babies digest foods differently than adults do so something that doesn't affect you could affect their digestive system. Just like adults, babies may experience constipation, and this could cause the poop to be a dark color or even have tiny flecks of undigested food in it.
But if you're ever worried about your baby's poop being an unusual color or consistency, it never hurts to speak with your doctor. They'll be able to help you determine if there's a more serious issue at hand or just a dietary change that caused the color shift.
For a breakdown by color, check out this blog from the Cleveland Clinic.
Good baby sleep starts in the morning! Plan simple activities throughout the day to make sure your baby is getting enough stimulation and movement. Here are 3 daytime activities to promote better sleep:
Creating and following a consistent nighttime routine can help your baby to get better sleep. Start by setting a regular bedtime for your baby, and make sure to stick to it each night so your baby's body learns when it is time for sleep. Include calming activities such as taking a warm bath, reading stories, singing lullabies, or cuddling.
Make sure the room is dark and quiet, and avoid any stimulating activities or bright screens before bed. White noise mimics a womb-like environment and can help get your baby to sleep. Finally, consider swaddling or using a sleepsuit so they don't wake themselves up with their own movements!
These strategies may take time to put in place, but have patience and stick with them—your baby's restful sleep is worth it!
When it comes to helping your baby sleep, there are few solutions more trusted than Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit. The Magic Sleepsuit is designed to help babies transition from swaddling and provide a comforting feeling of security during sleep. It makes babies comfortable and helps them to fall asleep in a safe and cozy environment.
With a zipper for easy diaper changes and cozy fabric, it’s comfortable enough for babies of all ages. Sleep is essential for your baby's development, so having the right tools in place can make a big difference—and this product was designed with parents in mind. Check out Baby Merlin’s full line of products for more solutions that can help you and your baby get a better night's rest.
February 06, 2023
Creating a registry can be time-consuming and confusing: What's the best stroller? What kind of car seat is the safest? Where should I register? Here are six tips to help you create the perfect baby registry.
January 31, 2023
January 24, 2023
The team at NAPS helps you tackle the issue of early wakeups. *BONUS* NAPS is hosting a webinar on February 24th. Register here and use the extra-special code MAGICMERLIN and you can join the webinar FREE of charge!
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The sound of cheery calls of “MAAAAMAAAAA” from the next room may be lovely at 7am. At 4am, or 5 am, not so much. Your baby may be up and ready to start the day, but you probably aren’t.
Answering the questions below may help you get there.
This might seem like an obvious question, but your baby’s sleep needs will change fast in the first few years of their lives. A quick look at the average nap number and duration might give you an idea:
Part of the reason you might be seeing earlier wakeups is that your baby has graduated from one nap cycle to the next.
We call this an “awake window,” and it can make a big difference. It might seem strange that your baby went to bed fine the night before, and you’re seeing a response to nap scheduling in the pre-dawn hours, but if your kiddo’s sleep is disrupted at night, it will impact the morning.
Black 0ut curtains can make a big difference here. Remember that our brains signal wakeup when the light changes. So if dawn is at 430am, and even a little bit of light comes into your baby’s room, their little brains will PING with wake up juice.
It might seem counter-intuitive, but a late bedtime can actually backfire on you. Overtired kids don’t sleep as well. If you made their bedtime later and it didn’t fix the problem, try an earlier bedtime and see if that helps. You might be surprised.
Try to make one change at a time; just one. Stick with that change for 3-5 days to see if it impacts things. (One night is usually not enough to see substantial change.) Be as consistent as you can with the change you made. For instance, if you decide to increase the space between bedtime and final nap wakeup, make sure to stick to the wakeup time you planned.
If your baby is waking up and chirping happily to themselves, feel free to leave them there for a little while. Let them get used to being alone in the crib. If you can, try to delay the start of the day by 5-10 minutes each day. This can make a big impact.
Everything else aside, remember that this is a short time in your kid’s life; as they get older, their sleep will become more regular, and so will yours. Don’t let yourself get too discouraged. Things are hard now, and you’re doing a great job.
January 10, 2023
Oh baby, there are lots of baby products out there! How do you know what's worth buying and what's not? At Baby Merlin, we live by three rules:
Opinions abound about how to get your baby the best possible sleep because that means the best possible sleep for you too. One product that checks all the boxes above is the Dream Sack Walker. This sleep solution was designed by parents who were looking for a better, safer way to help their baby fall and stay asleep.
Designed to work like a wearable blanket, the Magic Dream Sack is sleepwear made with cozy cotton or microfleece that keep your baby cozy and comfortable. It's cozy to help your baby relax and drift off to sleep more quickly.
It's a bit like a sleeping bag with armholes, so your baby still has a free range of movement. Because loose blankets are not recommended in your baby's crib, Our Magic Dream Sack is an ideal alternative, providing all the comfort and security of a blanket without any of the risk of loose bedding in the crib. And instead of buttons or clasps, all the Magic Dream Sack products have two-way zippers for easy diaper changing.
But the Baby Merlin Magic Dream Sack isn't just great for babies. Parents love it too! It makes naptime or bedtime easier on everyone because you don't have to worry about loose blankets getting kicked off, your baby being cold, or any wriggling out of that well-folded swaddle. It’s the perfect product for a swaddle or sleepsuit transition.
Every parent looks forward to that first step, but it also comes with lots of extra movement from your baby. They learn how to really wiggle their toes, kick their feet, and make that much-welcomed transition from baby to toddler. So while you're probably excited about their newfound independence, you need a product that can keep up with them.
The Dream Sack Walker is designed for older babies and toddlers who are ready to take the next step, literally. It's the same design as the Magic Dream Sack but has foot openings so your baby can move around freely without being covered by any blankets. So if your baby has made the transition from crawling to walking, it's a great time for the Dream Sack Walker.
We love simple products that help you and your baby catch some extra zzzs, so that's why we love letting parents know about the Baby Merlin Magic Dream Sack products! As parents, we know that getting your baby to sleep is crucial for everyone's sanity.
The Baby Merlin products have helped thousands of parents across the country get their babies to sleep and keep sleeping throughout the night. So if you're looking for a better way to help your baby or toddler sleep well, check out the Baby Merlin Magic Dream Sack collection today. We know you and your baby will love the results.
January 05, 2023
Two things go by quicker than the blink of an eye: the amount of sleep you get when you have a baby, and the commitment to New Year's resolutions. We all make them, and most of us forget about them. In fact, 80% of people drop their resolutions by February.
While this blog is about making New Year's resolutions, we want to help you learn how to stick to them as well. You don't need us to tell you the negative effects of bad sleep because you're probably already experiencing them - low energy, grouchiness, lack of focus to name a few. Low amounts of sleep make it hard to show up for your family.
If you're ready to tackle your sleep struggles this year and make a change, here are five resolutions that can help:
You may have laughed at this first one because, duh, right? Of course, you want to sleep for longer stretches at night. But there may be little things in your control that are keeping you from doing so. If your baby is younger than 9 months old, they may still be waking up because they're hungry. In that case, it’s important that they get the food they need.
If your baby is older than 9 months, it may just take some time and practice. Try experimenting with bedtime routines, such as having a bath or reading a book to your children before bed. You can also try moving around their nap schedule so they're going to bed earlier in the evening.
Your baby could also be overtired, meaning they're not getting enough sleep during the day and are so tired by bedtime that they don't want to go to sleep (sounds ironic, we know). Try your best to stick to wake windows during the day, which goes as follows:
And that brings us to our second resolution: keeping a nighttime routine. Routines are critical for babies, but we often make the mistake of changing up their bedtime without thinking about how it affects their sleep.
Your nighttime routine doesn't have to be complicated. Some parents swear by warm baths, while others want plenty of cuddles and reading time before bed. It could even look like singing/playing a soft song, turning the white noise machine on, and laying them down. The point is to find what works for you and your baby and do it every night before bedtime. This will help them understand when it's time to snooze, so they'll be more likely to drift off quickly.
Since babies were snug and cozy in the womb for 9 months, they love the feeling of being bundled up when they fall asleep. It helps them understand where they are and feel secure, which can help them get to sleep faster.
There are many options out there for sleepwear that make it easy to keep your little one cozy, but also allow freedom of movement so they don't feel restricted or uncomfortable. Swaddles are perfect for babies who aren't able to roll over yet. You could also try a sleep sack or swaddle suit, which is perfect for babies who are breaking out of their swaddle.
This one can be really hard, especially if you get your baby to sleep before your normal bedtime and then want time to relax. It's easy to turn to your phone or TV to get a little "me-time" but like most things, moderation is key. Do what you can to limit blue light exposure to your baby so that their circadian rhythms aren't affected and they can sleep better.
As for your own sleep hygiene, avoid bringing your phone into bed with you or watching TV while in bed. It might take a while to purge yourself a blue light before bed, but take it 5 to 10 minutes at a time and you'll notice how much more prepared you feel for a good night's sleep.
It's easy to want to snuggle during your baby’s wake periods, but making sure your baby gets enough activity and stimulation during the day will help them sleep better at night. A regular bedtime routine is crucial, but it's also beneficial to keep things relaxed and quiet during naptimes.
Try taking daily walks around the neighborhood or a local park, reading together, playing outside, or making music together. For young babies, this will look like appropriate tummy time activities. Whatever you do, make sure it's something fun and active that keeps your baby stimulated, but not overtired. You can check out our five ideas for productive daytime activities here!
One of the worst things you could do for your sleep would be to try too much. Pick out one or two of these resolutions and see what works for you, or what you can perfect. Whatever you do, remember that every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another.
At the end of the day, your ultimate goal should be to make sure you're both safe and well-rested.
And if you decide that one of your goals is to find the right sleepwear, try out Baby Merlin's sleepsuits or sleep sacks. Designed by parents for parents, our products will help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Let 2023 be the year of sweet dreams!
December 05, 2022
There are few things more frustrating than barely being able to keep your eyes open during the day only to toss and turn all night long. Welcome to the world of postpartum insomnia. But before you start Googling "how to survive on no sleep," know that there is hope for a good night's rest. It might be from one of your baby gifts!
Whether you're trying to figure out if you have postpartum insomnia or are just looking for some tips on how to deal with it, we'll cover what's causing it and how to get better sleep tonight.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to postpartum insomnia, including hormone changes, stress, and the demands of being a new parent.
We know, we know—it's dangerous to blame everything on hormones. But let's face it, they can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life, and your sleep is not exempt.
During pregnancy, your body produces higher levels of the hormone progesterone. This helps relax muscles (including those in your uterus) but can also lead to feeling sleepy and tired during the day.
But once you give birth, those hormone levels drop rapidly—which can impact not just your energy levels but also your ability to fall and stay asleep.
The stress of being a new parent is real. And while it's exciting to welcome a new baby into the world, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. This stress can manifest itself in many ways, including trouble sleeping. You might be worried that your baby is safe during the night, or constantly thinking about everything you need to do during the day.
Also, if you've recently had a difficult or traumatic birth experience, that can also contribute to postpartum stress and insomnia.
By now, you know that having a newborn can be demanding. But even if you have a great support system and are able to get some help with caring for your baby, it's still tough.
Newborns typically need to eat every 2-4 hours (sometimes more frequently) and can wake up multiple times during the night. This can lead to interrupted sleep and can make it hard to fall back asleep after feeding or rocking them to sleep.
The first step in improving your sleep is making sure you have good sleep habits or "sleep hygiene." This includes things like having a regular bedtime, avoiding screens before bed, keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable, and meditating.
If you suspect that hormones or stress may be contributing to your insomnia, talk to your healthcare provider about potential solutions. They may suggest hormone therapy or refer you to a therapist to help cope with stress and anxiety.
If you're not getting enough sleep at night, try to squeeze in some extra shut-eye during the day. Take turns with your partner or ask for help from friends and family so that you can catch a few winks when the baby is sleeping.
We know this is a really hard one because you have so much to do during the day. But a 15-minute nap is going to help you so much more than getting those dishes done right away.
Know that it's okay to ask for help with your newborn, whether it's from your partner, family members, or hiring a postpartum doula or night nurse. This will give you some much-needed rest and allow you to focus on your own self-care.
You don't have to go through this alone—connecting with other new moms who may be experiencing similar challenges can provide a sense of camaraderie and support. Your healthcare provider or hospital may offer postpartum support groups, or you can search online for local ones.
Whether it's a white noise machine or sleep sack, there are many products designed to improve your baby's sleep (which in turn can lead to better sleep for you!). Talk to your pediatrician or do some research to find out what options may work best for you and your little one.
Remember—postpartum insomnia is temporary and treatable. Don't hesitate to reach out for help and take steps toward getting some much-needed rest. Your body will thank you.
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dealing with postpartum insomnia, but we do believe that helping your baby get better sleep will help you too! That's why we created the Baby Merlin products—Sleepsuits and Dream Sacks—to support your baby's natural sleep patterns and promote longer, more peaceful nights.
Our customers say they've seen an improvement in their baby's sleep within the first night of using Baby Merlin. Plus, it's made with soft and cozy fabric and has adjustable grow-with-me sizing to last your little one through those early months and beyond. Check out the Baby Merlin Sleep System and give yourself and your baby the gift of better sleep.November 09, 2022
Luckily for babies, wearable blankets have become all the rage in recent years and make diaper changes a breeze! But with so many options on the market, what should you look for in your search for the perfect wearable blanket? Take a look at Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit.
November 01, 2022
October 31, 2022
When it comes to daylight savings and baby sleep, there's a notable consensus: making small adjustments in the days leading up to the time change can make a big difference.
October 10, 2022
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some extra essentials that can be easy to forget or underestimate:
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!
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