Cool Mum Hunting | Sleeping

Here comes the sun

Posted by Bo Piper on 21/4/2011

Tags: bedroom, Gro Clock, Gro company, kids, sleep, sleep aid for toddlers, sleeping, sun & moon clock, toddler

THE BEST CLOCK TO TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT – THE GRO CLOCK BY THE GRO COMPANY

Now if you like your sleep as much as I do (that’s probably not possible), then you’ll understand the importance of discouraging your excited little toddler from running into your room at the crack of dawn and arousing you from your slumber. What better way to do it than investing in a Gro-Clock from The Gro Company?

It’s so simple to use and for toddlers to understand. Kids should sleep when the moon is on the clock and (theoretically) shouldn’t get up until the sun appears. You set the time that you want the sun to come up at (it has a separate setting for naps) and voila, a full night’s sleep shall be restored.

The clock also allows parents to choose to display the digital clock during the usual ‘stars to sun’ countdown which helps teach older kids the time. It even comes with a cute little sleepy farm story book, to help explain the importance of a good night’s sleep.

We take ours on every holiday and i wouldn’t go anywhere without it (unfortunately it didn’t work in the States so I had to try to teach my 4yr olds to not make any noise until the alarm clock said 09:00 – sadly this method wasn’t as effective!)

£20 from What Baby Needs

The Scoop…on Newborns

Posted by Mary Mary on 17/12/2010

Tags: baby, celebrity maternity nurse, Margarita Atieh, newborn, reflux, routine, sleeping

Celebrity Maternity Nurse Margarita Atieh gives Cool Mum Hunting
The Scoop on Newborns

Like Mary Poppins, maternity nurse Margarita Atieh, arrives to meet Cool Mum Hunting with a bottomless bag (including her grandmother’s antique nursing manual). But though she has the same dark hair and porcelain skin, Margarita’s bag is purple suede, designer and gorgeous.

This supercalifragilistic childcarer is more than just a spoonful of sugar too; trained at a prestigious institution, she’s an expert when it comes to 0-6 month olds. She’s cared for over 5,000 babies and children in over 15 years, including rock star royalty….and real royalty. We make that nearly a million bottom changes, over half a million feeds and who knows how many sleepless nights – just the right person to hunt down for her pearls of wisdom on newborn babies…..

Man not machine: “There’s not a Haynes manual for babies – nor should there be. Every baby is different – if you want a routine, create one that works for your baby and your family. Don’t feel pressurised to exactly follow someone else’s from a book – or concerned if your baby doesn’t fit in to their suggested schedule.

Trends come and go: “Whilst it’s important to be abreast of the latest information on safety and child development, don’t feel that you have to follow the latest ‘guru’ or childcare manual just because it’s fashionable – trust your instinct and what works best for you and your immediate family daily life. Getting babies sleeping through the night is the main priority of some clients of mine but what is essential is leaving a happy, confident mummy/daddy and baby.”

Sleep on it: “I’m often on-call 24/7 for up to six months depending on each client’s needs, so I guess I’m lucky that I just don’t need that much sleep and also over the years I have managed to train my body into not needing so much sleep. I know that’s not very helpful for sleep-starved new mums to hear though! Ensure to eat healthily, keep hydrated, rest when you can and accept all the help that’s offered to you.”

Ask the experts: “As well as my time working at John & Lizzie’s [The pioneering St John and St Elizabeth's Hospital in London], I’ve been in the privileged position of access to some of the best paediatric care money can buy. It’s taught me that parents should persevere if they feel there’s a problem. Keep a 24-hour diary and persist with your GP and health visitor if you think your child needs further investigation for conditions such as reflux (which I have seen an increase in through my work over the past years).

Get organised: “I’m fanatical for organisation – get ready before your baby arrives and have a place for everything, so it’s easy to find things in the middle of the night and easy to tidy up. Stock up on freezer essentials and get help organized for older siblings/pets for when you go into labour and beyond. Plus, have Mummy & Baby Hospital Bags ready several weeks before your due date.”

This too will pass: “Every baby is unique and individual in its temperaments. If you’ve tried everything else and ruled out a medical condition such as reflux, which can be highly distressing for your infant, please do remember they’ll eventually pass from this stage. Importantly, if you feel exhausted do seek extra support from family, friends and support groups.”

Celebs v civilians: “You’ll be pleased to know your little bundle has as much star quality as a celebrity baby – all babies are wonderful and unique – every baby has star quality.”