Baby Safety

Your mother was right. There was no official manual handed to you after your baby was born. Who would have thought that learning how to burp a baby could be so complicated for many parents!

You’ve probably had to rely on your Mom’s advice more times than you expected. Whether it’s learning how to change a diaper properly (didn’t it seem so easy in the movies?) or trying to soothe your crying baby—a task which can seem on par with rocket science—parenthood is full of unexpected frustrations.

Few parents seem to innately know how to burp a baby on their own. It’s not your fault though if you don’t know how to safely and effectively burp your baby. There are many circumstances which are unique to you and your child. That we know 100%. It’s easy to get frustrated comparing your situation to other parents thinking “they have it all perfect”. In reality each parent has their own special set of challenges, many of which we don’t see because they are happening behind closed doors.

Knowing how to burp a baby effectively and safely isn’t exactly what you’d call a highly refined art. And it’s not a science, either. It’s simply a natural extension of your love; one which nurtures and reassures your newborn when they can’t quite communicate their own frustrations.

It’s natural and expected for babies to swallow air during feeding. In fact, it would be a cause for concern if they didn’t. But it can lead to fussiness, crankiness and one messy baby.

The right way to burp a baby is whatever brings them instant relief. Even when you’re burping a sleeping baby. But there are some methods that are more efficient than others. If you’ve ever been perplexed about how to burp a baby safely, here are five approved methods that have stood the test of time even before your mother was in a high chair.

1. Burp Your Baby By Rearranging Your Baby On Your Chest

Sitting upright, hold your baby so that their chin rests upon your shoulders. With your other hand, gently pat them on the back and reassure them by circular motions with the palm of your hands. If they’re still fussy, rearrange them so their forehead rests comfortably anywhere from your shoulders to your sternum. This might seem like a question of trial and error, but it can help reassure your baby during burping time simply by the rhythm of your own heartbeat.

2. Sit Your Baby On Your Lap to Safely Burp Your Baby

Either on your lap or across your knees, try supporting their head and chest with one hand, resting its heel gently in your baby’s chest. Carefully cradle your baby’s chin with your palm and use the other to gently pat their back. Use the other hand to pat your baby’s back. Use particular caution not to grip their throat, since the slightest pressure could potentially damage their windpipe.

3. Hold Your Baby On Your Shoulder During the Burping Process

Keeping your baby upright can help comfort them to sleep while the pressure of your shoulder helps relieve them of excess stomach gas. This also allows you to coo and whisper softly in their ear for added reassurance. Just be careful. Babies in this position have a tendency to spit up as a result of burping, so you may want to keep a bib or several on hand just in case.

4. Rock Your Baby In Your Arms While Burping

Slowly turn your baby away from you so their belly is in your forearms and their head rests in the crook of your shoulders. This places a soft pressure on their stomachs and allows you to pat them gently and without any significant fussiness.

5. Burp While Feeding

Babies are eager to feed and they can frequently wind up swallowing too much air as a result. You can alleviate the discomfort of gas by burping your baby during their feeding. Simply burp when switching your breasts or when they pause their bottle. This can also help your baby make digest milk better instead of spitting up their food.

Bonus Tips On How to Burp a Baby Safely

• If you have a particularly fussy or gassy baby, try burping every five minutes during breastfeeding or after every ounce if you’re bottle feeding.
• Always burp your baby immediately after feeding time to release additional gas, even if you’ve already burped them during feeding.
• To prevent your baby from spitting up milk after feeding them, keep them upright for approximately 10-15 minutes.
• It’s fairly common for babies to awake with excess gas in the middle of the night. Burping a baby can frequently help them fall back asleep almost instantly.
• Burping a baby typically takes no longer than two or three minutes, but don’t be alarmed if it can take you in excess of five sometimes, particularly in cases of colic. If it regularly takes much longer or any of the above methods don’t help, speak with your pediatrician. Your baby may suffer from a reflux condition which can be alleviated by gentler over the counter and prescription medicines.

Need more tips on how to keep your baby healthy and happy? We’ve got you covered. Visit us today at Melon Bellies.

When it comes to child care products, it’s hard to think of a company that has drawn quite more of a devoted following in recent years than Lillebaby. And it’s not hard to see why. Not only do they provide some of the most innovative baby carrier designs on the market, but they’re also immensely practical designs. LÍLLÉbaby® carriers are designed by parents specifically for parents. Parents who are just as active and on the go as their children. What’s more, given the rapid pace at which infants grow into toddlers, it just makes sense to provide an adjustable carrier with multiple positions that’s both sturdy, durable and ready to handle the fast pace of modern life. Lillebaby doesn’t just meet those demands. They set the standard which others will follow. They’ll simply be ahead of the pack.

Still, we hear from some parents about the potential inconvenience of Lillebaby carriers. How do they wash a LÍLLÉbaby® carrier? How do they wear them? When should they use a wide seat? And most importantly: which Lillebaby carrier is best?

All great questions, and ones which we’ll address. But let’s start backwards; with the last first, and give you some examples.

Which Lillebaby Carrier Is Best?

There’s no such thing as the best Lillebaby carrier—just the best for your needs. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the more popular items currently on the market.

1. Lillebaby Disney Baby Airflow

What baby doesn’t love Disney? Or for that matter, their parents? Now, you can declare the world your love for wonder and imagination with the LÍLLÉbaby® Disney Baby Airflow! With a breathable mesh design for maximum comfort and six carrying positions, this is one carrier that will keep both you and your baby safe, comfortable and stylish.

2. Lillebaby Pursuit Sport Baby Carrier

Stylish, lightweight and vibrant, LÍLLÉbaby®’s Pursuit Sport Baby Carrier is the perfect carrier for the active parent looking for low impact exercise for both themselves and their baby. Two-way adjustable straps, lumbar support, and head support provide a comfortable fit, while reflective material helps allow for optimal safety when you’re on the go.

3. LÍLLÉbaby® Complete Woven Baby Carrier

It’s not just the woven fabric that makes LÍLLÉbaby®’s Complete Woven Baby Carrier so popular. It’s a question of comfort. Where other woven fabrics can be rough and abrasive, LÍLLÉbaby® takes into account both durability, convenience and design in a striking match where tradition meets the modern need for a soft fit for both you and your baby.

4. LÍLLÉbaby® Complete Original Baby Carrier

The design that started it all! Even as a prototype, the LÍLLÉbaby® Complete carrier was already a hit with mothers globally who were eager to find out more about these new Scandinavian innovators. Made of 100 percent cotton and with six adjustable positions, the Complete Original Carrier remains a peerless flagship as noteworthy for its ease of use as it is in design and durability.

5. LÍLLÉbaby® Complete Embossed Baby Carrier

With the popularity of the LÍLLÉbaby® Complete Original Baby Carrier reaching maximum proportions, the company had to come up with a way to improve their initial design. And their Complete Embossed carrier was certainly not a let down! With a lightweight, moisture-resistant microcloth design and breathable suede cloth lining, this carrier manages to provide both maximum comfort and functionality while still managing to look elegant and timeless.

6. LÍLLÉbaby® CarryOn Airflow Toddler Carrier

It’s not just infants who need close supervision. Toddlers and growing children also need a comfortable carrier, even if it’s just an extended piggy back ride. And the CarryOn Airflow Carrier from LÍLLÉbaby® is the perfect solution. Capable of carrying up to 60 lbs and with a tall back and wide seat to accommodate a toddler’s growing needs, the CarryOn Airflow Toddler Carrier features LÍLLÉbaby®’s patented breathable mesh design to keep your toddler comfortable and ready to take on all the day’s adventures.

7. LÍLLÉbaby® Serenity All Seasons Baby Carrier

While multiple positioning may be what LÍLLÉbaby® is best known for, the Serenity All Seasons Baby Carrier has a zip-down front panel with a breathable mesh lining, giving you the option to control the temperature for your baby and allow for optimal comfort and versatility; all in a sturdy design that’s perfect for babies aged 0 – 18 months old.

8. LÍLLÉbaby® Complete Organi-Touch Baby Carrier

Made of 100 percent organic cotton, LÍLLÉbaby®’s Organi-Touch Baby Carrier combines green thinking with their original Complete design. Soft stitch pastels are comfortable to the touch, while two-way adjustable straps, adaptable seating and an extendable back panel allow for customizable fit that’s both soothing, ergonomic and sustainable.

9. LÍLLÉbaby® Serenity Airflow Baby Carrier

Part of what makes the LÍLLÉbaby® Serenity Airflow Baby Carrier so popular is the adjustable multi-position waist belt, including both a wide seat and a narrow seat setting. But by combining this versatility with the breathable mesh fabric LÍLLÉbaby®’s Airflow models have become famous for, the Serenity Airflow Carrier is comfortable enough for babies anywhere from 0 – 18 months old.

10. LÍLLÉbaby® Pursuit Pro Baby Carrier

LÍLLÉbaby®’s Pursuit line has been designed with active lifestyle parents in mind, and the Pro Baby Carrier is no different. Boasting of soft-knit durable fabric, reflective details and with 7 convenient pockets (including a convenient tech touch pocket,) the LÍLLÉbaby® Pursuit Pro Baby Carrier is ready to help you and your baby take on all the day’s adventures come rain or shine!

FAQs About LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carriers

• How Do I Wear A LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carrier?

The chief convenience of a LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carrier is the fact that they adjust to multiple positions of your child, including a fetal position, inward and outward positions, hip and back slinging positions and even toddler inward position—providing you and your toddler with versatility and maximum comfort.

• When Should I Use A LÍLLÉbaby® Wide Seat?

Using a LÍLLÉbaby® wide seat should be used whenever your baby can comfortably sit with their legs around your waist. For most infants, this is right around six months; but there’s nothing keeping you from adjusting to a wide seat setting several months earlier or later.

• How Do I Wash A LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carrier?

All LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carriers are machine washable, but we don’t recommend that you machine wash them too frequently. If you find that you need to wash them more than once than once a week, we recommend simply doing a small bit of spot cleaning using a soft cloth, a mild baby friendly detergent (preferably all-natural) and warm water.

For machine washing heavily soiled carriers:

• • Remove the seat carrier first and buckle all the buckles on soft-structured carriers.
  • Machine wash using cold water on the delicate setting.
  • Use only mild, baby friendly detergents. Do not use detergents containing bleach, perfumes, dyes, chlorine, or optical brighteners.
  • All LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carriers are air dry only and should not be dried in a dryer.

• How Do I Use A LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carrier?

Just the same as you would a normal baby carrier—only with up to six different options to choose from, and adjustable straps that are capable of handling babies up to 18 months. Need more help and ideas? Just check out these instructional videos straight from LÍLLÉbaby® themselves!

• Where Can I Buy A LÍLLÉbaby® Baby Carrier?

Only directly from authorized retailers just like us!

There’s nothing in the world that can compare to being a new parent. It just may be the hardest job you’ll ever love. Joy. Triumph. Sacrifice. And ultimately, selflessness. A selflessness that changes your life as much as it changes your baby’s.

But for all the sacrifice and joy, there’s countless hours of lost sleep. All those endless tears spent in frustration. And the inevitable sense of helplessness which drives away any sense of immediate relief.

And then there’s your baby to think about!

No one ever said being a parent was going to be a stroll in the park. It requires an almost superhuman sense of patience and a vigilance you may not have been even aware of for even the most basic necessities of your baby. But every now and then, you need your own break. You need shut eye just as much as your newborn does. And while baby monitors may be a vital necessity in any parent’s life, they’re not made equal. Some models have particular advantages over others. Some baby monitors come with expensive but entirely unnecessary features. And some are just simply cheap junk you’re not just wasting your money on; you’re actually putting your baby at risk by using them.

It might seem like a question of your own particular circumstances. But do you really know what to look for in a baby monitor? How do you know which is right for you and your newborn? More importantly, how do you know which ones to trust?

What To Look For In A Baby Monitor

If you don’t remember the quality of baby monitors in the past, just ask your own parents. You’re sure to get an earful about shoddy craftsmanship, garbled transmissions and battery drainage that resulted in replacements every other month.

But thankfully… that was the past. Today’s generation of baby monitors aren’t just more efficient. They’re undergoing constant innovation in both design, materials and price to offer parents the most reliable and state of the art features that aren’t just secure. They’re cost effective, as well.

Even at their most basic, today’s baby monitors come equipped with sophisticated wi-fi connectivity and range, providing efficient and secure remote accessibility that connect to many major apps. That’s the good news. The bad news is that illicit interference from hackers remains a major security concern. It’s not as widespread as twenty years ago, but it is an area you need to be cognizant of. Luckily, many manufacturers have begun implementing Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) technologies to help combat this nuisance.

But it’s not just increased security you want from a baby monitor. Like every other parent, price is a contributing factor in ensuring the best overall model for your money. But luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice quality and durability to be cost effective. How cost effective? In some cases, not much more than $100.

The Top 10 Baby Monitors

1. Nanit Plus Video Baby Monitor With Sleep Tracking

Nanit has been making headway in security by their use of high definition audio and video as well as design, and their video baby monitor is a perfect example why. Automatic alarms monitor both your baby’s movements as well as room temperature, while bird’s-eye view, zooming and night vision features help you keep watch even when you’re away! As an added bonus, the Plus video monitor comes with one full year of sleep tracking analytics to help you understand your child’s sleeping habits absolutely free.

2. Infant Optics DXR-8

There’s a reason why the DXR-8 model consistently draws rave reviews as one of the leading baby monitors on the market. It’s not just consistently reliable, but the clarity of its video transmission is virtually unsurpassed. With features such as remote panning and zoom capability, your child’s security is ensured even when you’re in the other room.

3. Snuza Pico

One of the biggest fears when you’re a parent is your child’s irregular breathing. Sometimes it’s an entirely natural occurrence, but it can still be alarming. That’s why the Pico movement monitor from Snuza is such an incredible blessing. It automatically vibrates if it notices no abdominal movement for 10 seconds, which can sometimes be enough to rouse your baby into waking. An additional bonus is a sleep analytic resource which helps you track your child’s sleeping habits, as wall as an automatic alarm if the Pico monitor notices your baby’s abdomen moving less than 8 times per minute.

4. iBaby Care M7

Boasting of a 1080 pixel video with infrared night vision, the iBaby Care M7 promises parents one of the most adaptable monitors available with full WiFi capabilities and even access for multiple users. But the M7 isn’t just a baby monitor. You can actually live stream footage of your baby for friends and family, making it an excellent choice for both versatility and communication.

5. Snuza Hero SE

One of the great things about Snuza is that they never fail to innovate. And their Hero SE model only adds to their reputation of high quality monitors. It’s lightweight and portable enough to allow maximum comfort for your baby while they’re sleeping, but highly effective in keeping track of their abdominal movements. The rouse warning can often be enough to wake them up entirely; which might seem frustrating at first, but can be just what you and your baby need for a good night’s sleep.

6. Philips Avent SCD630 Digital Video Baby Monitor

Philips has long been renowned for manufacturing high quality consumer electronics, and their SCD630 Digital Baby Monitor is certainly no exception to the rule. But where the SCD630 truly excels is its long range capabilities with crystal clear reception for close to 1000 feet. With a battery operating time of up to 10 hours, this digital video baby monitor combines superior performance, reliability and affordability in one superior product.

7. Toddlermonitor

Monitoring your children doesn’t just end once they turn 2! Toddlermonitor is a lightweight smart monitor that hangs on doorknobs and alerts you if your toddler leaves their bedroom. With state of the art Bluetooth LE technology that pairs with both Android and iOS devices, it’s easy to set up and grants you reassurance that the terrible twos don’t have to be so terrible after all!

8. Evoz WiFi Baby Vision Monitor

Evoz is a relatively new innovator in home security, and their WiFi Wireless Baby Vision Monitor connects directly to their free app supported by both Android and iOS. But that’s not even the main benefit of this model. There’s a wide range of auxiliary features with the Baby Vision Monitor, including in-app learning and advice resources, data and record tracking, instant notifications and sophisticated security technology making it one of the wisest investments you can hope to make in your child’s safety.

9. Snuza GO!

One of the more affordable and lightweight movement monitors we’ve seen from Snuza, the GO! model comes complete with a flexible tip and attaches easily to your child’s diaper without wires, cords or sensor pads. With a programmable alarm capable of being set at 15, 18 or 20 second intervals, GO! provides you peace of mind that your baby’s movements are healthy and entirely natural.

10. DBPOWER Digital Sound Activated Video Record Baby Monitor

Anyone who has multiple children knows that monitoring them at all times can present a unique challenge. But DBPower’s Digital Sound Activated Video Record Baby Monitor is capable of supporting a split screen for up to four video cameras, with full panning, tilting and shelf mounted functionalities. A full scale room temperature monitor alert, two way talk and sound activated LED lights help make this baby monitor a versatile addition for any family with two or more children.