Congratulations!

Hello friends,
It is my pleasure to announce that the winner of a FREE hour of consulting is.......Rebeca @ The Average Parent! Yay!!!
Congratulations Rebeca. To get started, just submit our Client Questionnaire and I'll contact you about setting up your consultation.
In other news, the tip if the day is about cleaning with less chemicals. There are tons of new "green" cleaning products, but the best all-pupose cleaner is plain old distilled white vinegar. That's right, you probably have some under the sink right now. It's non-toxic, cheap, a natural deodorizer, disinfectant, and much more.
Check out this awesome website for tons of vinegar uses. I use vinegar in place of softener in my Downey ball. I also clean my counters and floors with it. In the winter, I use a vinegar/water mixture to keep my car windows from icing over. The possibilities are endless!
Your personal baby care expert,
Cortney

FREE Consultation

Hello friends,
To celebrate our Facebook "likes", we're giving away a 60 minute phone/email consultation ($75 value). We can talk about sleep or lack thereof, nursing troubles, nap time drama, what to do with your charming, colicky baby, how to increase brain power through play, or anything else you can dream up.
Sound like a good deal? Perfect, well here's how to win.

1. Go to our Facebook Page and "like" it.
2. Follow our blog by clicking one of the "subscribe" buttons on the right side.
3. Post a comment here that is a baby-related problem you'd like to solve or an issue you're having with your little one.

At 5:00 pm EST on Friday, we'll randomly select the winner and pretend to do a balloon drop/confetti cannon. :)

Don't forget, you have to do all three steps to be considered. Now, fire up those questions!!

Your personal baby expert,

Cortney

Happiest Baby/Toddler Workshops

Hello friends,
Have you ever wished your baby had an off switch for crying? Wondering how you can extend your newborn's sleep by an hour or two? Are you fed up with your tantrum-throwing toddler? Counting the days until your 3 year old learns to be patient? Well, I've got you covered.

Join me in Chicago for two parenting workshops designed to educate and empower parents. Learn some game-changing techniques for soothing your baby or taming your toddler. First Class Care is hosting the event at New Mother New Baby in Northbrook.
Space is limited, so register today. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!
Click here to see all the details and to sign up.
Your personal baby expert,
Cortney

Sleep trouble for a 12 week old baby?

Hello friends,
Loyal GNS follower, Kristina, submitted this question:
"I have read all of your posts and have tried your methods. My baby is 12 weeks however after her 730 evening feeding she wakes at anywhere from 1145 to 2 am for a feeding and then about every 3 hours from there. I feel like I am missing something minor yet apparently crucial. Her naps are also starting to get bad. She is waking about an hour or so into the nap not quite hitting the 90 minute point. When she wakes early do I just let her cry and just not pick her up until she hits 90 mins even if she never goes back to sleep? Should I let the whitenoise machine play the whole nap? HELP PLEASE!!!"
Well Kristina, thanks for the question and so sorry your little one is having trouble with her sleep. First let me say that the advice I give here is general and you should always consult your pediatrician before making any changes to your baby's diet or routine. When I perform an assessment for a consulting client, I ask the parents a lot of questions that help me determine what is going on with their specific baby. That's hard to do through a blog, but I'll give it a try.

• I use white noise during all sleeping times (and during very fussy times for babies under 3-4 months old). The white noise should be loud enough that you can't hear someone whispering in the room, but not so loud that you can't have a normal conversation. I would also still swaddle a 12 week old with the arms safely down at her sides. Favorite swaddle: Swaddle Buddies
• Your baby is too young to cry for extended periods of time, in my opinion. You can use the "minute rule" to allow your baby to try out self soothing. As long as she's clean, dry, well-fed, and not in pain, you can allow her to fuss and cry up to one minute per week of age. 12 weeks = 12 minutes.
• Naps tend to change between 12-16 weeks. Eventually they become more predictable, but this age is often accompanied by a regression in napping. Your baby will likely be able to stay awake for longer periods of time in the coming month, so watch for those sleepy signs!
• Day sleep is different than night sleep, but they do effect one another. 
• Be sure to feed your baby every 3 hours during the day, even if you have to wake her. Aim for full feedings! She should probably be awake no more than 90 minutes at a time, including feeding. Be sure to transition from playtime to nap time with some cuddle time, dim lights, and white noise.
• Follow the FAST plan: Feed, Activity, Sleep, Time for you. Resist the temptation to feed right before a nap. Be sure not to feed, rock, or soothe your baby all the way to sleep. It's fine to get her groggy, but try to put her in bed awake. If she does fall asleep in your arms, gently rouse her before placing her into bed. This way she knows she's going in to her crib for sleep.
• When she wakes during a nap and you know she needs more rest, you can allow her that 12 minutes to try and find her way back to sleep or you can go straight to soothing in the crib. Patting and shushing work best, but you can also offer a pacifier if she takes one.
• When she wakes after the 7:30 feed/bedtime, give her 12 minutes, then use your soothing techniques to get her to go 15 more minutes. 7:30-1 or 2 would be great, but if it's earlier, try getting her back to sleep. If she's a big, healthy baby, she can probably go from 8-2 (with a little encouragement).

I hope that helps! If you'd like a personalized Plan of Action and email/phone support, don't hesitate to call or email to schedule a consulting appointment. 

Best wishes for a good night's sleep,

Cortney

Do you have a question for us?

Hello friends,
GNS took a little vacation, but we're back and ready to answer some of your burning questions. Submit your question today and if yours is chosen, we'll give you 25% off a one hour phone consultation.
Let the question-asking begin!
Your personal newborn expert,
Cortney

Tip of the day!

Hello friends,
Well, it's Monday, so that means it's time for Tip Of The Day! Today's tip is related to shopping trips and kiddos.
When you go to the grocery or Target-like store with your baby or babies, park next to the cart corral. Even if you have to park at the back, take a spot next to that metal playpen for runaway carts. First of all, this keeps at least one side of your car from getting dinged. Secondly, you can rest assured that you will be able to load and unload your kids, no matter how close the guy next to you parks his car.
If you have two or more infants, consider a stroller for the kids and a cart for your stuff. Yes, it slows down your otherwise streamlined shopping experience, but it's safer and you can fir more stuff in your cart.
NEVER attach an infant seat to the top of your cart. Although it appears as though this is what you're supposed to do, it is highly unsafe and a great way to earn a trip to the ER. If you must, put the infant carrier in the big part of the cart, but leave him strapped in tight. Another option is to wear your baby in an infant carrier while in the store. This frees up your hands and your cart.
When you return to your vehicle with all your loot, load your baby first, and then your purchases. Stay alert and don't leave your keys or purse while you load your car. Because you were so smart and parked next to the cart corral, you can return your cart without leaving your child alone.
Happy shopping!
Your personal baby care expert,
Cortney

The power of white noise

Hello friends,

If you have a fussy baby or a little one who doesn't sleep well, listen up. For the first 3-4 months after Baby's 40 week due date, strong white noise is one of the ways to turn on the calming reflex. It can instantly calm a colicky, fussy baby and can increase sleep by a few hours.

Babies spend 9 months surrounded by the whooshing sounds of your womb and are often in a state of sensory deprivation when they are born into a "quiet" world of tip toeing and whispering. Strong white noise, at the level of a vacuum cleaner or running shower, is your baby's language of love. He hears this and feels instantly calmed and more secure. Be sure to match your baby's intensity, then lower the sound as he settles down into sleep.

White noise can be used for all sleep times and particularly fussy times. After 3-4 months, white noise loses a little magic, but remains a great buffer for sleep times and a cue that helps Baby know it's time for sleep. You can utilize white noise into toddlerhood and can easily wean a baby off it by turning it down a little every 3-5 days.

Use a white noise machine, mp3 and speaker dock, or the real thing. Just remember, hairdryers should be at least 6 feet from Baby and can't be left on for long periods of time. GNS recommends using a white noise track on a continuous loop with your iPod and speaker dock for the optimal sound experience. If you don't want to invest in anything new, your carpets will never be cleaner than if you make your own white noise. :)

Check out this fussy baby who is instantly calmed by white noise. Can you see in his eyes when the calming reflex is turned on?

As always, if you need help implementing any of our advice or you have a specific problem that needs solving, get in touch and we'll be happy to help!

Your personal newborn care expert,

Cortney

The dangers of allowing Baby to sleep in a car seat

Hello Friends,

Many parents rely on the naps their kiddos get in the car seat. Some parents even use a long car ride to get their babies to fall asleep. Then there are those of you who have spent many nights in the driveway, sleeping in the car with your baby. Sounds familiar?
Of course, I recommend protecting and respecting a child's need for restorative sleep by sticking close to home during nap time. I realize this isn't always possible, so if you have to run errands during your child's nap time, keep a close eye on your little one. Research now shows that oxygen levels can drop while infants are sleeping in their car seats, which can clearly be a hazard. Check out this article about car seat sleep and remember to transfer your sleeping baby from her car seat to her crib when you return from an outing.
If you find yourself loading up the car to get your baby to sleep and it's not how you'd like to spend every bedtime from here on out, consider a sleep consultation with GNS. We'll work together to eliminate negative sleep props and start creating new healthy sleep habits and a manageable routine.
If you're using the car seat to provide relief to your refluxing baby, you might be surprised to learn that this position actually exacerbates reflux symptoms. A better alternative to elevating your baby's sleeping surface is the Baby Stay Asleep system.
Your personal baby care expert,
Cortney

Worried about SIDS?

Hello friends,
Most parents worry about SIDS. As an NCS and a devoted aunt, I too worry about it. I also worry about apnea, asphyxiation, and other sleep-related tragedies. 
As many parents probably do, I frequently check on the babies in my care, but as an extra layer of protection I also use a Babysense V infant movement monitor. It's the only product of it's kind that I use. 
Although the AAP discourages its use, I find that when you follow safe sleep guidelines and continue to supervise your baby, the use of the Babysense is perfectly fine. The monitor is a back up to attentive parenting, not a replacement.
Although it can't prevent a tragedy, it alerts parents and caregivers to act and does indeed save lives. If the baby stops moving (including breathing) for more than 20 seconds, a loud alarm sounds, prompting you to act. The sensor goes under the mattress and is very sensitive. Unlike other products, the Babysense is battery operated, so there is nothing plugged in to the wall that is also connected to the crib.
"False" alarms are non-existent, in my experience. When installed and used properly, it does its job and it puts my clients' minds at ease.
Make no mistake, using a movement monitor does not replace adult supervision and certainly doesn't give parents a license to break all the rules. It does, however, give you precious seconds to resuscitate and call 911. If you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, please take a CPR/First Aid class and post laminated CPR instructions in the nursery (I like to use the inside of the closet door).
Sleep safe and you'll rest well!
Cortney

Houdini baby? Not any more!

Hello friends,
If you've been following the GNS method, you know that swaddling is the cornerstone for soothing and EST (Early Sleep Teaching). For many parents, swaddling can be a bit daunting, as a safe and effective swaddle must be tight with the baby's arms down at his sides. There are many different kinds of swaddling blankets on the market that promise the relief of sleep and a happy baby. Unfortunately, most of those products, in my professional opinion, have some major flaws. Because of these serious drawbacks, I have not recommended anything but a large, square flannelette blanket...until now.
PeaWee Baby has designed a series of products that address all the issues I have with other "gimmicky" blankets. There are three options that all utilize the same swaddling mechanism. The SwaddleBuddy keeps the arms secure and can be used with any blanket. The SwaddleBuddy Suit is great for swaddling babies who need to be strapped in to a swing, bouncy seat, or reflux nest. The SwaddleBuddy Sack uses that same arm securing technology with a large pocket for the baby's legs.
Benefits:

• No long "belt" to wrap around and around the baby.
• Hook and loop keeps the swaddle in place and doesn't allow the blanket to ride up over the baby's face, like other blankets.
• Fool proof, even for the novice swaddler.
• Light weight and stretchy - perfect for any weather, just layer clothing as needed.
• No busting out! Even your big strong baby will be happily contained for the night.
• Multiple options to fit any situation. Even a baby on an apnea monitor could be swaddled with the SB Suit.
• Perfect companion to the Baby Stay Asleep system for safely elevating reflux babies.

If you'd like to learn more about how swaddling can help your baby stay calm and sleep longer, call us today! 

Your personal baby sleep expert,

Cortney

New recommendations for rear-facing car seats!

Hello friends,
I've been sharing this message with families for several years now, but the rear-facing movement has finally taken root with a strong statement from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).
Babies should sit rear-facing until they no longer meet the height and weight requirements of the seat's manufacturer. Many convertible car seats are designed to be used rear-facing up to 35 lbs and some go even higher than that! For many kiddos, that means they can safely sit RF until 3+ years old.
I've heard all the excuses in the book about why parents don't want to keep their kids RF. Not a single one of those excuses is worth the life of a child. I know it can be tough, but there are ways to make RF not only manageable, but completely comfortable and hassle-free. Check out this video and pay close attention to the side by side crash test of forward facing vs rear facing. Also note all the happy, big kids in their RF seats!

We all want the best for our kids, so protect them by keeping them rear-facing. No more excuses. Your baby's life is too precious to risk. If you need more information or want to learn how to make RF a more pleasant experience, please call today.

Best wishes for happy, healthy babies,

Cortney

Daylight Savings Time

Hello friends,

Spring is just around the corner and that means it's time to change the clocks. Most of us will "spring forward" this weekend, which has parents asking "what does that mean for my baby's sleep"?

The good news is that the Spring time change is usually more beneficial for sleep training than the Fall time change. If you have a little one who tends to wake earlier than you'd prefer, like 5:30 am, that wake up time is now going to be 6:30 am. To your baby, it still feels like 5:30, but your clock will say 6:30. Make sense? Good.

So, now you're probably wondering how to adjust your baby's routine to take advantage of the time change. Well, your window of opportunity is short. After a few days, your baby will adjust to the new time, so it's important to help your baby make the most of the time change.

There are two ways to handle DST. The first is to just make the switch cold turkey style. If your baby's bedtime is 7:30 pm, you can change the clocks on Sunday evening and put your baby to bed at the new 7:30 (which feels like 6:30 pm). If your baby isn't ready for sleep, you can put her to bed at 8:30 (which feels like her good ole' 7:30 pm). The next morning, you should wake your baby at her regular time, say 7:00 am (which feels like 6:00 am). Now you should follow your regular routine according to the new time. By the second or third night, you and your baby will adjust to the time change.

The other way to adjust your baby's bedtime is to do it slowly over the next few days. Start backing up your baby's bedtime by 15-30 minutes each day until you've reached the new time (so you're backing it up one hour). So, if 8:00 pm is bedtime at your house, you'll need to work on getting to a 7:00 pm bedtime because once DST happens, what feels like 7 pm will now be 8 pm on the clock. The next morning, be sure to wake your baby at her regular start time, like 7:30 am (which feels like 6:30 am).

Alternatively, you could just change the clocks and change your child's bedtime to be an hour later than usual, which means the same would apply for your morning start time, feedings, and naps. The baby wouldn't feel any different, only the number on the clock would change. For example, if 7:00 pm is bedtime now, next week it would be 8:00 pm.

The time change is really helpful if you have a baby or toddler who tends to wake earlier than you'd like and has trouble going back to sleep. The baby who likes to start her day at 5:30 am will now be getting up at 6:30, which is a much more reasonable start time.

Still have questions? Call or email for a quick consultation!

Your personal baby sleep expert,
Cortney

How much should your baby be eating?

Hello friends,
One of the most common questions my clients ask is "how much should my baby be eating" and the answer might surprise you. 
For nursed babies who are healthy and weight-gaining, the answer is exactly what they are already eating. Now, I realize this isn't the answer most new parents are looking for when they worry about their baby's health. As long as your nursling is gaining weight (1/2 - 1 oz per day), has several wet diapers and bowel movements and is content between feedings, he's probably eating precisely what his body needs.
For your bottle fed baby, there are a couple of easy guidelines for knowing how much to offer your baby. The first is the most simple, but not quite as accurate. Take your baby's weight in pounds and multiply by 2.5. For example: an 8 pound baby should eat around 20 ounces in 24 hours. 8 x 2.5 = 20. This is just a guideline! It's okay if your little one takes in 22 oz or only 18. Just be sure your baby has at least 6 wet diapers a day and is steadily gaining weight.
My favorite way to calculate the amount you offer your baby is to convert the baby's weight into ounces and divide by 6. For example: a 7 lb 6 oz baby weighs 118 ounces, divided by 6 equals 19.7 ounces per day (rounded up). 7 x 16 = 112 + 6 = 118/6 = 19.7.
Spread the total equally over the whole day. For some babies, this might be 8 feedings or for others it might be 6 feedings. 
As babies get older, they require fewer feedings each day , but are able to eat a larger amount at each feeding. The bottom line is this: don't worry so much! Just in case you do tend to worry, now you know how to estimate what your newborn is likely to eat.
Best wishes for healthy and happy babies,
Cortney