Baby

Is your baby’s sleeplessness giving you sleepless nights? Are you at your wit’s end due to a lack of sleep? Don’t panic. There are things you can do to help your toddler or baby get to sleep early or on time!

If it is an early, or stress-free night that you want, then you could help yourself out by using an awesome baby night light projector with music to help soothe your little one!

Here are my top 5 night light projectors with soothing musical options…

Best Night Light Projector with Music Comparison

Best Night Light Projector with Music Review

1. SOAIY Aurora Projector Night Lamp

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SOAIY’s night light projector with music has a little bit of everything that’s good: a relaxing Borealis/nebular pattern, ambient LED lights, music, timer, remote control and basically everything that you would expect in a good night light projector for toddlers.

When you cover the dome you get the Borealis/nebular pattern. When you remove the cover you get a brighter LED color that you can use as a substitute for the ordinary light. Both options will keep your baby’s eyes transfixed on the ceiling.

Best Features of the SOAIY Aurora Projector Night Lamp

• Cool light pattern: this is what your child will like the most. Instead of some random colors, this projector displays Borealis and nebular-like patterns. Imagine looking at the aurora borealis on a dark night in the Antarctic sky or observing the stunning nebular cloud using a really powerful telescope! This right here is the closest thing to those two. And when your little one seems tired of marveling at them you can switch the mode to a warm LED color.
• Adjustable angle: instead of projecting patterns in only one direction, this lamp rotates through 45 degrees to ensure that the pattern moves to various positions on the wall and ceiling. That’s top-notch entertainment for any toddler.
• Customizable music: while it doesn’t have built-in songs, you can create your own playlist on a phone, iPod or any other MP3 player and plug the device to this lamp. That’s an opportunity to play your child’s favorite lullabies.
• Remote control: when the child finally goes to sleep, you can use the lamp’s remote control to switch it off, reduce the volume, change the light and what-have-you. Besides, the remote allows you to set the timer in case you want the lamp to switch off automatically after 1, 2 or 4 hours.

Cons

• You can only set the timer using the remote control. If the remote fails it means you won’t be able to use the timer either.

2. TOTOBAY Remote Control Ocean Wave Projector (Newest Generation)

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Contrary to the Moredig Baby Projector which only has built-in songs, the TOTOBAY Ocean Wave projector allows you to create your own playlist in addition to the 4 hypnosis sounds that are built in the device. You can hook it to your phone, MP3 player or computer to play music, or you can load the songs on a memory card and insert it in the projector.

Look at it this way: you can create a playlist with your child’s favorite songs!

That alone is reason enough to call it one of the best night light projectors with music. But it offers plenty more, including several projection patters, LED lights and easy controls.

Best Features of the TOTOBAY Ocean Wave Projector

• 19 color modes: the Ocean Wave projector offers an abundant number of color modes. There are 7 seaside patterns and an additional 12 LED lights. If you want to create a sea-like ambiance you can choose from the 7 ocean wave options and let the projector rotate (rotates through 45 degrees). Alternatively, you can pick a warm LED light to get your little one in the mood for sleep.
• Built-in sounds: we’ve mentioned that you can hook an external player like a phone to this projector and play your child’s favorite lullabies. The other alternative is playing the 4 hypnosis sounds that come with the projector. From seagull sounds in the ocean to insect sounds in the forest, bird sounds along a river and merry nature sounds – the choice is yours (and your child’s).
• Remote control: this is a convenience that you don’t want to miss out on. Feeling too tired to make the walk to the projector? Switch it off with remote control. You can also use the remote to adjust volume, change the light mode, choose an LED light and so on.
• Timer: if you need the device to shut itself off you can set a timer for that. There are 4 timer settings: 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours.

Cons

• Makes some slight noise when rotating even when the music is turned off. However, it’s not so much noise to deny your baby sleep.

3. Moredig Baby Projector with Timer and Remote

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If you’re looking for the most well-rounded night light projector with music, then this is it. In addition to calming songs, the Moredig Baby Projector offers tons of options when it comes to lighting. You can either choose a warm and sleep-inviting LED light or project a pattern on the ceiling.

Regardless of your pick, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a built-in timer for anywhere between 5 and 500 minutes. If you don’t want it to run the whole night you can set the timer so that the unit shuts off automatically.

Best Features of the Moredig Baby Projector

• Three lighting modes: you can choose between a starry night, animal kingdom and warm LED light. The first two options project a pattern on the ceiling (stars or sea animals). LED lights, on the other hand, create a sleep-inviting ambiance. There are 4 color options for LED lights, namely warm, red, blue and green. You can change the brightness level of each light.
• 360-degree rotation: the Moredig Baby Projector is not one of those projectors that just stay there. It rotates through 360 degrees to project the pattern on different parts of the room. That’s one of the ways through which it grabs the baby’s attention and keeps him/her from crying.
• Soothing songs: the 12 carefully selected songs are relaxing and soothing. You’ll be amazed at how fast they can make a baby (and even you) go to sleep. Simply press the music button and a tune will play. You can adjust the volume to a level that’s comfortable for your little one.
• Remote control: this is important because there are times when you want to change the pattern, start/stop the music or turn off the projector altogether without having to get out of bed.

Cons

• The remote only works over a 5-meter distance. It might not be so helpful if your toddler’s room is far from yours.

4. AnanBros Remote Baby Night Light

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Think your little one is an up and coming astronomer? There’s barely a better way to acknowledge that interest than gifting him/her with this night light projector with the capability of playing music.

It displays an awesome night sky complete with the moon and vibrantly colored stars.

The 12 relaxing lullabies that come with the lamp will put your little astronomer to sleep before he/she can count the stars. They are loaded in a 128MB memory card which you can take out and customize the playlist to suit your baby’s interest in music.

Best Features of the AnanBros Remote Baby Night Light

• 360-degree rotation: the moon and stars rotate through 360 degrees to give a factual representation of the night sky. It barely makes any noise while rotating. Also, you can stop the rotation at any time. It’s possible to have the lights on and the rotation turned off. There are some night lamps that don’t have such a setting.
• 9 different colors: in addition to the beautiful night sky pattern, the AnanBros Remote Baby Night Light has 9 different LED lights that include red, blue, green and white. They are perfect if you want to create a warm and sleep-welcoming ambient in your baby’s room.
• Remote control: this is a given for any good night light projector with music, but a point worth mentioning nonetheless. The remote works over a distance of 32 feet and controls almost all the functions, including the timer (yes, there’s a timer with 5 to 999 minutes), volume and ON/OFF switch.
• 2 power options: you can choose to power the AnanBros lamp with a USB cord or with 4 AAA batteries.

Cons

• You can’t change the rotation speed on this night lamp. That may be a bummer if you want it to go slower or faster. Other than that, the device is perfect in so many ways.

5. Delicacy Ocean Wave Projector

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The Delicacy Ocean Wave Projector is a lot like the TOTOBAY (check #2 above). They both have an ocean wave lighting pattern, LED lights, built-in hypnotic music, customizable playlist, timer, remote and even fall in the same price range.

As a matter of fact, if you’re not feeling so thrilled about the TOTOBAY lamp you can go with this one as a substitute. So what does it bring to the table?

Best Features of the Delicacy Ocean Wave Projector

• Ocean wave lighting: there’s something about ocean wave projector lamps that makes them irresistibly cool. Not sure if it’s their bluish light or the underwater pattern they create in a room. Either way, this particular model will create that blue, relaxing ambiance in your toddler’s room.
• 7 different lights: the color blue is always nice in a child’s room. But every once in a while you may feel the need to mix things up a little. Luckily, the Delicacy Ocean Wave Projector allows you to choose from 7 different colors, including purple and green. In addition to that, you can set it to LED mode. In that case, your color options shoot up to 12.
• Customizable music: it has a built-in speaker for playing mellow music as your little one enjoys his/her much-needed rest. The lamp takes a TF card which you can load with your toddler’s favorite lullabies. Alternatively, you can hook up your iPhone, iPod, MP3 player or laptop (even PC or Mac) to the lamp and play music straight from the device.
• 45-degree rotation: the lamp rotates through 45-degrees. You can turn off rotation using the remote control that’s included in the package. Speaking of which, the remote control also allows you to turn the lamp on or off, change lighting colors and modes, set the timer and adjust the music’s volume.

Cons

• It doesn’t have wireless connectivity like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You have to use a cord every time you hook up to a smartphone, iPod or any other device. That, however, shouldn’t be a big bummer seeing as most of these lamps don’t support wireless connections.

Projectors With Music – Do They Work?

The relationship between babies and sleep is, um, let’s call it complicated.

There are days when your little one will be out like a light and there are days when he/she will have trouble getting to sleep. The latter case is the more problematic one.

Babies need good quality sleep for proper mental and physical development. Not to go into details but if your toddler doesn’t get enough sleep, he/she will be at a higher risk of developing diabetes and being overweight. He/she may also have learning and attention problems.

Those are all things that you want to avoid at all costs. How? By putting a night light projector with music in your little one’s room. These soothing sleep aids not only calm your baby to sleep but also grab and hold their attention when they wake up at night. That prevents them from crying and ultimately sends them back to sleep. Besides, the soft light that they produce will make it unnecessary for you to switch on the bright light when you go to check on the baby.

Long story short, a light projector is a must-have.

Conclusion

See how simple it is to get your little one to sleep? All you need is a night light projector with music. And the best part is that all these lamps are pretty affordable.

Need a more specific recommendation? How about one ocean wave lamp (TOTOBAY Ocean Wave Projector or Delicacy Ocean Wave Projector), a one-night sky lamp (SOAIY Aurora Projector or AnanBros Remote Baby Night Light) and the Moredig Baby Projector because it provides more options when it comes to projected patterns.

Good luck!

When you are expecting a new baby it can feel like money hemorrhages out of your wallet! The thought of yet another item to purchase may have you breaking out in a cold sweat… but don’t worry. In this post, I am going to run you through a list of the best affordable baby carrier options!

Just because you are not paying top dollar for a baby carrier, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a safe, dependable option within your budget.

Baby Carrier vs. Baby Sling: Picking the Right One for You and Your Baby

Just before you meet your bundle of joy there comes the (rather tricky) task of deciding which parenting products are going to serve you and your baby best. Picking the right baby carrier or baby sling will be one of those decisions.

First things first, what is a baby carrier and what is a Baby sling? Do the two differ in any way?

As a matter of fact, they do differ. By simple definition, a baby carrier is a cloth designed with a seat that your baby rests on. It has straps that attach to you. By doing so, the straps ensure that you support your baby while keeping him/her close to you for protection. Baby carriers can also include additional back support for you.

Calling a baby carrier “a cloth” may seem too basic because it actually looks like a backpack (or front-pack). A typical baby carrier is made of heavy-duty material like cotton canvas, cordura, nylon, or PVC fabric and has a fairly large seating space.

A sling, on the other hand, is essentially a large piece of fabric that you place sash-style over your shoulder, allowing you to hold your baby in front of you.

Knowing the difference between the two babywearing products is just the first step. Next, you need to know the benefits of each, when to use it and the best products on the market today. We have you covered on all that!

Best Affordable Baby Carrier Options – Carriers

The primary selling point for baby carriers is their generous padding and fixtures. They offer nice and comfortable seating for your baby, which makes them ideal when you’re expecting a long day out (e.g. hiking or going to a theme park).

Most babies will be able to support their own heads from the age of 4 months. So it is always worth checking each option to ensure it offers the best support for your baby’s head.

Typically, carriers come in either front or backpack style. Either way, the best affordable baby carriers are those that are equipped with adjustable straps that can extend in length as the baby grows.

Some units feature a canopy or hood to protect your baby against elements like sunlight and rain. If you and your Baby are outdoorsy people then those are the ones to consider most.

Speaking of consideration, below are three of the best cheap baby carriers to add to your shopping list:

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 – The Best Affordable Option!

The best affordable Baby carrier award goes to this Infantino Flip 4-in-1 convertible carrier!

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Weight capacity: 8-32 lbs

The Infantino Flip baby carrier is called a 4-in-1 because you can use it in four different ways. First, you can carry your baby in a “facing-in narrow seat” position. That means your baby will be facing you and his/her legs will not be spread widely. This position is perfect for newborns who don’t need their legs uncomfortably wide apart.

Secondly, the carrier allows for a “facing-in wide seat” position. Your baby will be facing you, and his/her legs will be wider apart. This position is for older kids whose legs and groin regions are well developed.

The third position is “facing out”. While your baby will be positioned in front of you, he/she will be facing the same direction as you.

Finally, the Baby carrier supports back carry. You will need this style when you have to carry the baby for a long time. Generally, your Baby will feel lighter when you carry them on your back.

Besides the various carrying positions that it offers, the Infantino Flip earns a spot among the best affordable baby carriers because of its excellent design and finish. In addition to having straps and a waist belt (for you), it features an adjustable baby seat (for your baby). In other words, you can customize it for a comfortable fit.

Reasons to Buy the Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier

• Offers 4 different ways to carry your baby
• Fitted with an adjustable seat, straps and waist belt. It can be used for small infants and older babies as well. It’s also good for parents of all body sizes, including plus-size people.
• Sufficiently padded for your baby’s comfort
• Machine washable fabric
• Package includes a Wonder Cover bib

MaxKare Baby and Infant Carrier

This MaxKare carrier is made from 100% cotton and allows excellent airflow for Baby and you!

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Weight capacity: 8-33 lbs

Designed with 100% cotton, this unit from MaxKare is one of the best affordable baby carriers on account of the comfort it offers to you and the baby. For starters the cotton fabric used is skin-friendly. It’s reinforced with plenty of padding that not only offers snuggly seating to your baby but also protects your back from bruising.

The baby carrier supports three babywearing styles. You can carry your baby; face inward, outward or use the backpack style. Either way, you and your baby will be safe thanks to the fastening options that come with the carrier. They include a waistband buckle as well as a hook and loop fastener.

You may need to know that the carrier only comes in purple, which, to an extent, is a nice thing. Purple doesn’t stain easily, so keeping the carrier clean shouldn’t be an uphill climb. In fact, it’s machine-washable.

Reasons to Buy the Maxkare Baby Carrier

• Can be used for Babies who are at least 3 months old
• Made with 100% cotton that is durable, breathable, skin-friendly and machine-washable
• Fitted with a hood to protect your baby against sunlight and other weather elements
• Anti-scratch edges prevent both you and your baby from injuries and bruises
• Supports three different carrying positions, namely, front-outward, front inward and back carry

Lictin Baby Carrier

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Weight capacity: 7.7-33 lbs

If you thought cheap baby carriers don’t pack impressive features then this model from Lictin will definitely change your mind. It is SGS-certified and tested to meet ASTM F2236-16a standards. In other words, the material used is soft enough and safe for a baby.

Plus it is breathable, so your Baby will get enough air during those hot summer outings.

Lictin did consider the baby carer as well during the design of this carrier. While the shoulder straps are interlayered with sponge for extra comfort to the user, its belts are widened to help distribute the weight of the carrier. That means your waist will not have to bear all the weight. And the fastening tape, together with its accompanying buckles, allows you to adjust the fit of the carrier while at the same time guaranteeing your baby’s security.

That extra safety and comfort that you and your young one get from the Lictin Baby Carrier are what earns it a spot among the cheap baby carriers to consider.

Reasons to Buy the Lictin Baby Carrier for Newborn

• A removable hood that protects your Baby against sunlight and other weather elements
• Pocket breathable window for temperature regulation. You can zip it during the cold weather or unzip it when its hot outside
• Lots of padding and sponges for extra comfort
• Has H-type safety belt for easy adjustment. The carrier can be used by people of all body sizes. Buckle locks and unlocks easily
• Has pockets for storage

Best Affordable Baby Carrier Options – Slings

A sling makes an excellent choice when you want body-to-body contact with your baby, which is always an important aspect of bonding. The best affordable baby slings feature a ring that allows you to make simple adjustments. You can move your baby up and down more easily (compared to a carrier) when you want to stand/sit or breastfeed.

Yes, the sling will help you create some privacy for breastfeeding sessions.

Overall, slings are ideal for newborns who need to be held in the arms frequently. With one of them, you can hold your baby on your hip and free up both of your hands. Their small and lightweight nature makes them easy to transport. Plus most of them are made of very soft fabric, rocking your baby to sleep will feel like a breeze.

An important point to note is that baby slings can be a bit confusing to use for first-timers. If you’re finding it hard to figure out how to use yours you may consider watching a how-to video, requesting a sales clerk for help or asking someone who has experience with baby slings to help you get a hang of it.

In the meantime here’s a review of three of the best affordable baby slings on the market today.

Cuddle Bug Baby Wrap – Best Affordable Baby Wrap

Simple, easy to use, highly rated, and totally affordable!

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The proprietary blend of French terry cotton and spandex that is used to make this baby sling will make you fall in love with babywearing. It is nice and soft to the touch thanks to cotton, yet it expands gently on account of the spandex material used.

Besides offering a warm snuggly feeling, the blend allows your baby to grow in the sling. That’s one of the reasons why it’s among the highest-rated affordable baby slings.

In case you’re not sold yet then you may need to know that the CuddleBug baby sling is, in fact, a 3-in-1 product.

First, it’s a sling that doubles up as a wrap. Secondly, you can use it as a nursing cover. The 177-inch-long material is more than sufficient to cover your baby when he/she falls asleep (when you’re not at home) or create room for privacy when you need to breastfeed.

Finally, you can use the sling as a postpartum belt during the recovery phase after delivery.

Reasons to Buy the Cuddlebug Baby Sling

• More than just a baby sling, it can also be used as a nursing cover and postpartum belt
• Cotton and spandex blend makes the sling warm, soft, breathable and expandable
• Recommended for babies and Toddlers of up to 35 pounds
• Fits slim as well as plus size baby carers
• Perfect for the front as well as side carry (on the hip)

Boba Baby Wrap Grey

The Boba Baby sling is another easy to use, cheap option!

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If you are interested in cheap Baby slings for new parents then this piece from Boba ought to be on top of your shopping list. It’s very simple to tie, which explains why it’s one of the best slings for new parents.

Actually, there’s only one way of tying your Boba Baby Wrap. No second-guessing yourself, no unnecessary “fashion” experiments with the sling and most importantly no safety risks for your baby!

Designed with 95% French terry cotton and 5% spandex, the Boba Baby Wrap is soft, comfortable and breathable. The spandex allows it to stretch and add more room for your growing baby (without sagging).

With a length of roughly 5 yards, the Boba Baby Sling is long enough to act as a nursing cover, especially during breastfeeding. Plus the stretchy material (cotton and spandex combo) provides more room when you need it.

That may be the case if you are a plus size or if the baby is closer to walking upright than crawling. Boba recommends it for toddlers who are 35 pounds or less.

Reasons to Buy the Boba Baby Wrap

• Very comfortable. Baby will likely fall asleep every time you tuck them in this sling
• Made with a strong blend of cotton and spandex to keep your baby safe
• One of the simplest baby slings to ties
• Its machine washable

Boba offers arguably the best after-sale support. You can contact them for help on how to tie and use your baby sling

Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier

Baby K’tan has released some awesome Baby carriers, but this is the most affordable!

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The Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier and Sling has cotton as the predominant material, as is the case with all the good and affordable baby slings.

But there’s a twist to this one.

While most cheap baby slings require you to do the tying yourself, the Baby K’tan comes ready-to-wear straight from the box.

If you are a new parent or are generally new to baby slings you may find them rather complicated to tie. And that’s where this model comes in. All you have to do is wear sling, tuck your baby nicely, and ensure that he/she is snug in the warm cotton fabric of the Baby K’tan. It has a double-loop design for added safety of your baby.

Since its slip-on wearable, this Baby sling is not adjustable. That would have been a major downside if the good people at K’tan didn’t offer it in varying sizes. Just make sure you choose a size that fits you and the baby comfortably. The rule of thumb is to base the decision on your pre-pregnancy size, and there’s a K’tan chart to help with that.

Reasons to Buy Baby K’tan Original Baby Sling

• Tied and ready to use out of the box
• Can be used for five different carry positions
• Supports up to 35 pounds
• Well-built with natural cotton and double-loop design. It is machine washable
• Available in various sizes starting from 0 to 24

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Baby Carrier or Baby Sling

There are so many brands and models of affordable baby carriers and slings. You would think that’s a good thing, and it is in some respect because parents are spoilt for choice. The problem comes when you have to choose just one, without making the wrong choice.

The recommended products (above) will work fine for virtually all parents and Baby carers, but just in case you want to keep browsing here are some tips to keep in mind:

Affordable Baby Carrier Considerations

• Safety: Your baby’s safety should always come first. Whether it’s a carrier or sling, look at the design and construction. Make sure its well-build to sustain the baby’s weight. The material used should be strong (cotton is always a safe bet) and connections at the edges should be tight. Check that the openings are not too large for your baby to slip out and fall down.
• Comfort: here we’re talking about your comfort as well as that of your baby. How you tie your Baby sling will determine your baby’s level of comfort, so be sure to get that one right. If you’re buying a ready-to-wear sling then check that its size fits both you and your baby. The same goes for baby carriers. Those with lumbar support and extra padding will make you feel like you’re getting a massage.
• Climate control: breathable fabric is great for warm weather. On the other hand, heavy-padded carriers and thick slings make perfect choices for wintery weather. Some baby carrier units like the Lictin Baby Carrier allow you to zip or unzip when it’s cold or hot respectively.
• Durability: the longevity of a baby sling or carrier largely depends on the material used and the quality of tailoring work put in its production. As mentioned, cotton is always the best in terms of comfort and in durability as well. In the case of a carrier, you can consider one whose skeleton is made of lightweight metal like aluminum.
• Usability: how easy is the carrier or sling to use? Carriers are generally straightforward, but slings are not. Don’t buy a sling that you can’t tie. If you know you probably won’t be able to tie the sling by yourself you can consider buying one that’s already tied, like the Baby K’tan Original Baby Sling.
• Maintenance: Babies are messy, and that’s okay. But it doesn’t justify using a dirty or stained baby carrier or sling. For easy cleaning, make sure that the one you choose is machine washable, or at least easy to cleanse. Check its labels for instructions on the same.

Conclusion

Those are the ultimate best affordable baby carriers and affordable baby slings. Each one of them will make your parenting job a lot easier and fun while putting your baby safely under your protection. And if you have the budget it won’t hurt to have more than one; perhaps one carrier and one sling.

From a general point of view, some activities like breastfeeding and completing house chores feel easier and convenient when you have a sling because you can rest the baby on your laps or hip.

On the other hand, doing outdoor activities like hiking or trips to the store will feel like a breeze if you have a baby carrier. That is to say, if you can get at least one of each then, by all means, do so.

Good luck!

Where do you start? You have a baby on the way, and even though you have brushed up on some newborn baby tips, you still have no idea what to buy first! What are the most essential things a newborn baby needs?

In this post, I will give you a rundown of each item, so you can chill out, relax, and wait for the birth!

…if only it were that easy, right?

14 Most Essential Things A Newborn Baby Needs – Checklist

Calm, Quiet Environment

First things first, an essential item that your Baby will need is to come home to a calm and quiet environment.

I know it is a challenge, especially if you have other children, but you still need to think about the environment they will be arriving in.

Babies are brand new. Although I have never got much sense from a baby when asked, I imagine the world is a pretty scary place.

Imagine coming home to lots of noise, stress, and arguments? Put some measures in place to ensure your new baby is not disturbed too much.

Thermometer

There are 2 types of thermometers that I recommend you purchase before the baby is born.

• Thermometer for reading your baby’s temperature – It is vital that you have the tools to check your baby’s temperature! When a baby is fresh out of a secure, impenetrable womb, they are immediately exposed to the same viruses you are. The only difference is they do not have a strong immune system!
• Room thermometer – A room thermometer will let you know if the room is within the temperature range recommended by baby experts.

Clothes

You need to think about the climate that your new baby will be taken out in.

If your baby is due in Summer, then there is no need to purchase big coats for a newborn! If it is going to be a Winter baby, I am pretty sure you will not need shorts or a Summer dress.

You will need to cover the basics, and I recommend the following items:

• Sleepsuits
• Jumpsuits
• Outdoor Clothing
• Socks or booties

In terms of how many of each item? Let me tell you that babies will need a change of clothing at least 4 times per day! Now you can make your own mind up…

Food

Food is truly one of the most essential things a newborn baby needs!

If your baby is going to be breastfed then you are pretty much sorted for the next few months (although you might want a breast pump).

Should you choose to use a milk formula for your newborn then you will need to buy a few tins of the formula of your choice. I would not stock up on formula right at the start. Always be sure that your baby is happy with the formula before bulk buying.

Babies have very sensitive stomachs and your choice of formula might not agree with them.

Bottles (If formula-fed or using breast pump)

Load up on bottles, seriously!

I recommend you get in at least 12 bottles for the baby food. These are essential items that a newborn needs! Whether you are planning to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you are likely to need bottles.

The bottles will also need to be sterilized before use, so a sterilizer is also a very good idea. I used the Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer, simply because it is cheap and so easy to use.

Somewhere To Sleep

It is essential that your baby has somewhere to sleep when they are not feeding and pooping.

Sleeping recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics can be found here.

Ultimately, you should not co-sleep with your newborn, and their crib should be bare.

A bassinet is my choice when it comes to baby sleeping arrangements. Simply because they are much easier to pick up and move to whichever room you are in!

Oh, and don’t forget the sheets and blankets…

Diapers

If I can give you one tip, it is to load up on diapers before your baby is born.

Babies will need a diaper change up to 12 times per day at the start, so you can easily go through a packet of them in no time at all!

If you have friends who want to buy you a gift for the newborn, the answer is always diapers! Everytime.

Don’t forget a diaper bag too, oh and diaper wipes! A diaper bag is very important when traveling with a baby. These are 2 extremely important baby items.

Stroller

When you are considering the most essential things a newborn baby needs, many people go straight to the stroller.

I think it is because they cannot wait to go and show their newborn off, right? And who can blame them?

Yes – a stroller is essential. When you are shopping for a stroller, ensure that you purchase one that can take the car seat. Because it is so much easier to pick your Baby out of the car and put the seat on the stroller… especially if they are asleep!

Monitor

For me, I would not recommend anything other than a baby monitor that detects movement or breathing.

Too many babies are lost due to SIDS, and as a Dad to a newborn, I don’t mind admitting that scared the hell out of me!

I truly believe that have a baby movement monitor allowed me to get some good quality sleep during the early stages of being a Dad.

Blankets

You can never have enough blankets!

Baby blankets are comforting, my son still has his!

One of the most essential items that a newborn needs are burping cloths. They are not simply for burping, they are great to have on hand to clear up and baby-related spillages too.

Bathing Equipment

Babies poop, pee, and puke. Everywhere. Anytime. Without warning.

After a while, they begin to kick up a stink!

Bath time can be extremely fun for a Baby, but it can also be a bit scary in the beginning.

A baby bath is essential if you want a sweet smelling baby. It is also essential that you take great care when bathing your baby!

Changing Mat

A changing mat is a very good friend to you!

I personally used a portable baby changing mat, simply because it was so easy to roll out and use anywhere I needed to use it.

I loved the fact that I could roll it up an take it out with me too.

Car Seat

The only thing I recommend when choosing an infant car seat is that it passes all the required safety tests, and you can easily fit it onto the top of your stroller.

There are so many choices available when looking for a car seat, so choose wisely.

Bibs

You will need a small number of bibs for your newborn, these are also essential.

When shopping for bibs, always go for waterproof bibs that can be wiped down and used again without the need to run them through a full wash!

Conclusion

When considering the most essential things a newborn baby needs, I found the first few easy, but then as the list progressed I found it a bit of a challenge.

Babies need so much equipment when they are born because they rely on you for everything.

The items on this page would be the first items on my shopping list to prepare for the arrival of a newborn, there is no doubt about that!

Now you have the knowledge on the equipment needed, all you need to give your new baby is a huge dose of love and affection. Even when they are crying. I know, it is tough!

Good luck.

When your baby finally drifts off to sleep, it is one of the greatest moments of your parenting life, right? The only problem is, sometimes it is a challenge to settle a Baby!

Thankfully, there are many tools we can use as parents to help us get some adult time back. I have already taken a look at one particular sleep-inducing tool (night light projectors), and here I take a look at the best white noise sound machines for babies!

DadGold recommends…

Bubzi Co Baby Toys Owl White Noise Sound Machine

As much white noise as your baby can listen to. All wrapped up in a cuddly owl! What more do you need…

View Price on Amazon

White Noise – Is It Good For Getting A Baby To Sleep?

Simply answer – yes, a white noise machine is an excellent tool for getting your baby to sleep, especially if your baby suffers from colic.

In another trial, 80% of babies fell asleep within 5 minutes of listening to white noise.

I am not sure about you, but I would take those odds at 3am!

Let us take a look at the 5 best white noise machine options:

5 Best White Noise Sound Machines For Babies

Bubzi Co Baby White Noise Sleep

The Bubzi White Noise machine is an awesome choice to help get your baby to sleep!

View Price On Amazon

Sounds

The Bubzi has 10 relaxing songs, along with heartbeat, and bird songs.

Songs include: Minuet, Brahms Lullaby, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Hush Little Baby, and others.

Auto Shut-Off

A 30-minute auto shut-off ensures that you do not disturb your baby’s sleep.

Power Source

3 x AAA batteries, which means the Bubzi is totally portable and can be used wherever you need to use it.

Durability

The Bubzi is extremely well made! Like any cuddly toy, it is made to be comfortable enough for your Baby to hug it.

The cuddly toy can be cleaned easily by removing the sound and visual unit beforehand washing the cuddly toy. Always use cold water.

Visuals

Any visuals are excellent tools to distract your Baby. The Bubzi has a star projector unit, which will keep your baby entertained while the while noise soothes them to sleep.

Volume

You can adjust the volume by choosing one of the 4 volume levels. The maximum volume is a little too loud if you plan to keep the Bubzi in your baby’s crib.

Other Features

Included with the Bubzi white noise machine is an adjustable strap, which allows you to attach it anywhere in your baby’s crib. Always be careful when attaching anything in your baby’s crib. When they are not very agile, it is fine. But, when your baby is able to move around and reach out to grab things then you should remove anything that may be dangerous, such as any cords. When your baby is agile, simply remove the strap and give them Bubzi to hold onto.

Buying the Bubzi White Noise machine helps Moms overcome postpartum depression. Each purchase will include a donation to Postpartum Support International. An awesome contribution to an excellent cause!

Marpac Hushh White Noise Sound Machine for Baby

The Marpac Hushh if a highly rated white noise machine!

View Price On Amazon

Sounds

There are 3 sounds, gentle surf, bright white noise, and deep white noise.

Auto Shut-Off

There is no auto shut-off functionality with the Marpac Hushh, which is slightly disappointing, but if you are going to be awake until your baby is asleep, then you can always switch it off manually. I recommend that you do not leave it on all night, or throughout your baby’s sleep during the day.

Power Source

The Hushh is powered by a lithium battery, which is charged via a USB cable. You can also use the unit whilst it is plugged in.

Durability

The Hushh is very durable with a strong build quality. It feels like it can accept a few knocks, but I would not go overboard!

Visuals

Along with the excellent, calming sounds of the Hushh, it also has an ambient LED nightlight. Awesome to keep your baby entertained, but will also help to stop you tripping over things when it is dark!

Volume

The volume settings range from 0dB to 85dB. I recommend that you do not set this unit over 50dB if you are going to place it close to your Baby.

Other Features

A great feature of the Hushh is the child lock. As you can hang the Hushh in the crib, it is vital that you can lock the settings to stop little hands turning the volume up and down.

Also – the Hushh has a strap that allows you to attach the white noise machine anywhere in the crib. Please remove this strap, or place outside of the crib when your baby is old enough to reach out and grab objects.

You will also be pleased to know that the Hushh is backed up by a 12-month warranty!

Pictek White Noise Machine

The Pictek white noise machine has 24 soothing sounds, and auto shut off!

View Price On Amazon

Sounds

The Pictek has a vast array of sounds to choose from. You can select 24 of them, including white noise, lullabies, rain, zoo sounds, home appliances, and ocean sounds.

Auto Shut-Off

There are 3 options available. Auto shut-off can be set to 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and also can be set to stay on all night (not recommended).

Power Source

You can either plug in the white noise machine, or you can power it with 4 x AA batteries.

Durability

Hardened design, but light. Perfect for travel.

Visuals

No visuals.

Volume

Variable volume control can be set from off to loud. As I have already mentioned, the recommendation is that you do not set the volume greater than 50dB.

Other Features

The Pictek has a headphone adapter. Although using headphones is not a great idea on a baby, it does give you the option to plug in a better quality speaker if you need to.

An 18-month warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee come with the Pictek.

Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother

The Baby shusher really is a miracle when you need to get your baby to sleep!

View Price On Amazon

Sounds

Unlike all the other options on this page, the Baby Shusher only has only one sound, and that is a real voice continually shushing! We all know that shushing will soother a baby, so why not leave that job to technology?

Auto Shut-Off

The Shusher has a 15 minute, and 30-minute auto shut-off.

Power Source

2 AA batteries.

Durability

Portable, but be careful when handling the shusher. It can break easily if it falls onto a hard surface.

Visuals

No visuals.

Volume

Volume control, with a max volume of 85dB. The manufacturer’s recommendation is that you start the shusher at a volume loud enough to get your baby’s attention, then turn the volume down as your baby becomes more relaxed.

Other Features

The Baby Shusher is made with BPA free materials.

OHbaby! 2018 Gold Award Winner and Voted by parents as BabyList’s 2019 Best Product Award

You will also be pleased to know that the Baby Shusher is backed by a 12-month limited warranty.

LectroFan White Noise Machine

Adaptive Sound Technology has created an awesome white noise machine that will send your baby off to sleep!

View Price On Amazon

Sounds

Ambient fan noise can reduce the risk of SIDS. With that in mind, you will be pleased to learn that the LecroFan has 10 fan sounds and 10 ambient noise selections. White noise, pink noise, and brown noise.

For those of you who do not know the difference:

White Noise

White noise is intense, like static or an untuned TV.

Pink Noise

Pink noise is less harsh than white noise, and the intensity drops as the frequency increases.

Brown Noise

Brown noise is very much like rushing water, or strong wind.

Auto Shut-Off

The LectroFan has a 60-minute auto shut-off.

Power Source

You can power the LectroFan with a USB cable or an AC adaptor.

Durability

The LectroFan has excellent build quality! Some of the options on this page are built to be added to your baby’s crib, but the LectroFan is not.

Visuals

No visuals.

Volume

You can control the volume with a dial, which means you can set the volume at a level that you and your baby are comfortable with. It is important to remember that you should not set your white noise machine louder than 50dB if it is going to be placed near your baby’s crib.

Other Features

The LectroFan comes in 3 styles, and 5 colors.

Also, the LectroFan is backed by a 12-month limited warranty, giving you peace of mind!

Safe Way To Use A White Noise Machine For Babies

There are some rules to using a white noise machine for babies, and after completing some research on the use of white noise machines, I always stick to the following guidelines:

• Place the white noise machine at least 7 ft away from your Baby.
• The sound should not exceed 50dB.
• Always use a timer! As tempting as it is, do not leave the white noise machine on throughout your Babies sleep because it could lead to sleep disturbance. Use white noise to get your baby to sleep, but switch it off shortly afterward.
• Use sparingly – do not use every night, or it will become difficult to get your baby to sleep without one!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a white noise machine for your baby, then any of the options on this page are excellent!

Details given in this post are for guidance only. White noise machines can be an awesome way to sending your baby off to sleep, but you should always carefully consider other options too, such as a Baby night light projector!

When I have struggled to get my baby to sleep in the past, I have used white noise, night light projectors, and if none of those options work, then it is a short drive in the car and he fell asleep within minutes!

Research has also shown that ambient fan noise can reduce the risk of SIDS, which is another great reason to use white noise to get your baby to sleep.

Good luck.

Carrying a baby around in a carrier can be tough, right? When you leave it late to have kids, like me, then your back is easily affected by carrying a baby around. Hands up who gets a bad back when they have sat on the floor building lego for too long! In this post, I take a look at the best back support baby carrier options, so you can save the pain for lego building!

DadGold Recommends…

LÍLLÉbaby Complete Original 6-in-1 Ergonomic Baby Carrier

Your back will thank you for using this baby carrier. The lumbar support is awesome, and it looks great too.

View Price on Amazon

Carrying a baby close will help to build a bond, so why should you not have a baby carrier, just because you have back pains?

The 5 Best Back Support Baby Carrier Options

1: LILLEbaby SIX-Position, 360° Ergonomic Baby

The LILLEbaby Complete offers excellent back support!

View Price On Amazon

Comfort For Your Back

The LILLEbaby Complete Baby carrier has lumbar support in the form of a robust waist strap that ensures an even distribution of weight when carrying your Baby.

The Amazon reviews for this baby carrier are littered with positive comments regarding comfort, and the fact that it can be worn for hours with no backache!

Not only does the LILLEbaby Complete offer excellent lumbar support, but the padded straps offer all-around comfort for the wearer.

Comfort For Your Baby

The LILLEbaby Complete has been evaluated by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute and is found to be a ‘Hip Healthy Carrier’ for babies. That alone offers you the confidence that using this baby carrier is good for the baby!

Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable, safe, and secure journey for your newborn, up to toddler age.

In the warm weather, you can be assured by the well-built ventilation system that you and baby will not overheat.

Verdict

I found the LILLEbaby Complete to be a sturdy, well build, ultra comfortably baby carrier if you need back support.

You can clearly see why they named it COMPLETE!

This is a 6 in 1 Baby carrier that will grow with your family, from baby to Infant to toddler, it can be adjusted to accommodate children from 7lbs up to 45lbs.

Not only have they created the best baby carrier with back support, but they have also created THE most comfortable baby carrier for your baby too. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Other features include; Headrest, zippered pockets, dual adjustments, and machine washable coverings.

2: BABYBJORN Baby Carrier One Air

The BABYBJORN Baby Carrier One Air has a robust back support strap!

View Price On Amazon

Comfort For Your Back

Similar to all the options on this page, the BabyBjorn One Air has a very sturdy waist strap to ensure evenly distributed weight when carrying your baby. This will ensure that you can wear this for hours without any back pain! Awesome.

Some baby carriers have padded shoulder straps only, which is a good product feature for comfort but, the BabyBjorn has strap covers that cover the entire strap. Incredibly comfortable for the person wearing it!

Comfort For Your Baby

In terms of comfort for the baby, the BabyBjorn is created with unique mesh fabric which means you can carry your baby without you, or the Baby getting too hot.

All of the BabyBjorn Baby carriers comply with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 for Baby products. That means the material used in construction is certified to be free from harmful substances. This is a huge certification that brings with it a lot of confidence in the manufacture of this carrier.

Verdict

The BabyBjorn Baby carrier offers so much comfort to the person wearing it, and the baby being carried in it. The robust waist strap is key to ensuring that no back pain is felt by the carrier and the mesh material ensures that the baby is in a comfortable, temperature-controlled environment.

Not only does the BabyBjorn One Air have the product features needed to stop back pain, but it also looks fantastic, especially for Dad to use!

There are 4 positions, which are front-facing (2 height positions), facing out, or baby on your back. Also, the carrier is suitable from birth up to 3 years, with a weight restriction of 7.7 lbs to 33 lbs).

Ultimately, it is an awesome choice if you are looking for a baby carrier with back support!

3: Lictin Baby Carrier

The Lictin Baby Carrier has the largest back support strap for any Baby carrier!

View Price On Amazon

Comfort For Your Back

The Victin Baby carrier has the biggest back support strap out of the options on this page. The ergonomic design ensured the baby’s weight is distributed evenly between the hips and shoulders, which means the lumbar support is excellent!

Similar to the other options, the Victin also has straps that are mostly covered with padding. There are some parts of the strapping that is not covered completely, but the important sections are.

Comfort For Your Baby

Your baby will be comfortable in the Victin carrier, especially in the hot weather. For a start, it has a pocket at the rear of the carrier which can be removed for hot days. Secondly, it has a removable hood so you can protect your baby from the Sun.

There are 4 ways that you can carry your baby in the Victin; Front (backward and forwards), rear, and to the side.

I recommend that you do not spend a lot of time with the baby on one side of your body. If you are reading this because you need back support, then it could hinder your back if your baby is sitting on one of the sides.

Verdict

The Victin Baby carrier with back support is the cheapest option on this page, and one of the best features is the material used in production.

Because they know how clumsy infants can be, they created this baby carrier out of quick-drying, non-sticky material – what a great idea!

In my opinion, the only thing that separates this baby carrier with the other options on this page (aside from the price) is the fact that it is only available in one color. To be completely honest, the fact that it is a neutral color means that I can live with that!

Ultimately, this is an excellent, and cheap baby carrier with awesome back support!

Weight range – 7.7 lbs to 33 lbs.

4: MiaMily HIPSTER+

The MiaMily HIPSTER+ is both lightweight and offers some excellent, strong back support!

View Price On Amazon

Comfort For Your Back

The MiaMily Hipster + is another baby carrier with awesome back support. The waist belt is big, and that is exactly what you need. This carrier has been designed with your back in mind, because it distributes the weight evenly, and all the options on this page do.

Comfort For Your Baby

There are many features about the MiaMily Hipster + that improve the comfort of your baby. The best of them is the integrated hip seat. The hip seat is especially important because it means that your baby is resting correctly within the carrier. It helps to lift the legs and ensure that support is taken at the hip level, which also helps to distribute the baby’s weight to help YOUR back! Win-win!

The breathable material means that your baby is very comfortable throughout the journey too.

Verdict

The MiaMily Hipster + is a great option if you are looking for a baby carrier with back support! I mentioned the hip seat above, and this really helps to distribute the weight.

That means you can wear this for hours without back pain!

Out of all the options on this page, this carrier offers more seating positions than the rest. There are 9 of them, including the option to use the hip seat on its own which is great if you just want to carry your baby around the house but need the support for your back.

There are a couple of pockets on this carrier. In fact, for storage, it is the best option on this page.

It supports babies up to 40 lbs, which is also higher than other baby carrier options on this page.

Ultimately, I love this baby carrier because it is not simply a baby carrier, the hip seat on its own will save your back from extra strain!

5: BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Miracle

I love the BABYBJÖRN products, and the Miracle has a strong, secure back support strap!

View Price On Amazon

Comfort For Your Back

The BabyBjorn Miracle carrier has an extra strap which helps to support your back. Yes, it has the classic lumbar support waist belt, which is very robust. But it is also built with a strap that connects the waist to the shoulder straps, securing the baby’s weight even more, and your back will thank you for it!

Comfort For Your Baby

The Miracle comes with adjustable, and sturdy head support for your little one. Out of the options on this page, the Miracle allows for closer contact with your baby, increasing the comfort and helping to build the bond between parent and child!

Verdict

I think the BabyBjorn make some awesome baby carriers for Dads, and this is certainly no different.

The back support is very, very sturdy. As they are with all of the BabyBjorn carriers.

Similar to the BabyBjorn One Air, the Miracle also complies with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 for Baby products. That means the material used in construction is certified to be free from harmful substances. This is a huge certification that brings with it a lot of confidence in the manufacture of this carrier.

You simply cannot go wrong with the Miracle, especially if you need back support!

As a Dad, it is sometimes a challenge to find a baby carrier that I like, but the BabyBjorn has everything that I need and looks great too.

The Miracle can host a baby from birth to around 15 months, and the weight range is 3.5 lbs to 26.4 lbs.

It is tested, and the fact that it complies with European and U.S. safety standards EN 13209-2:2015 and ASTM F2236, means it is certified as safe.

Why back support is important when you are using a Baby carrier

Back support is extremely important when you are using a baby Carrier.

When you have a newborn baby, a lot of your new life is spent bending over interacting with your baby. Whether that is playtime, settling them down when it is time to sleep, or changing their clothes or diaper.

You know the feeling when you have been being over for too long! Sometimes you have to make a grunting noise because it somehow helps you to stand back up straight!

If you are breaking out the baby carrier, it is likely that you will be wearing it for a long time. Whether that is going for a walk, or going shopping. Sometimes that can last a few hours, which is why it is very important that your baby carrier evenly distributes the weight to ensure you do not get any back pain.

You need to look after your back now, your future self will thank you for it!

Sometimes, especially when you are young, it is easy to forget to look after your back. I am guilty of not sitting correctly, and whilst that never affected me when I was younger, I am starting to feel the effects now. Ultimately, you need a baby carrier with back support, so you can be a spritely old person in years to come!

There are multiple reasons why you have back pains, but the most relevant reasons are:

• Lifestyle Triggers
• Sprains

You can avoid back pain, or improve it by making some changes to the way to sit, and by ensuring that you have the correct back support when using a baby carrier.

What gives a Baby carrier good back support

The key product feature for a baby carrier with back support is the strap across your lower back. It is very important that the waist belt is sturdy. A sturdy waist belt will give real pressure relief when you are carrying the baby.

Without the waist belt, the baby’s weight is not evenly distributed which can result in back pain. With the waist belt, the baby’s weight IS evenly distributed, allowing for a much more comfortable fit.

Do not forget about Baby comfort!

Whilst you are looking for a baby carrier with back support, please remember to take the comfort of your baby into consideration!

It is cool having a baby carrier that supports YOUR back, but what if that means your baby ends up with their face squashed against your chest, and their neck unsupported?

The baby carriers on this page have been designed with you AND your baby in mind, so rest assured!

Conclusion

If you are looking for a baby carrier with back support, then the 5 options on this page will certainly not let you down.

The options on this page will suit any budget! There are cheap options, and there are options that cost a little bit extra. Ultimately, if you have back pain and need back support with your carrier then they will all suit your needs.

If back pain is common for you, then take a look at some things you can do to improve your posture and reduce the pain that you feel. There are some lifestyle changes that you can make that will help you out!

Good luck, and take it easy!

So, you have a newborn baby and not much space… Bringing up a baby in a small living space is tough, right? In this post, I will go through the best baby swings for small spaces. Because having one less thing to trip over is a blessing!

DadGold recommends…

Ingenuity Swing ‘n Go Portable Baby Swing

This portable swing is awesome, and just the right size if you need to fit a swing in a small space!

View Price on Amazon

With a newborn baby, you can expect a house full up with various toys and tools to help your baby through the first few months, and beyond.

When your living space is not very big you need to look for baby toys that do not take up much space, right?

Baby swings can be bulky and can take up a lot of space.

Thankfully, there are some smaller, more compact baby swings available, and you can see the best of them right here!

Baby swings can be an excellent friend to you when you are a new dad, and will certainly help if your new baby is difficult to settle.

The best baby swings base all of their functionality on aspects that act to settle your baby:

1. Slow, steady movement
2. Peaceful music and other sounds
3. Hanging toys

5 of the Best Baby Swings for small Spaces

1. Ingenuity, Swing ‘n Go Portable Swing

View Price On Amazon

Maximum Weight

20lbs / 9.07 Kilograms.

Dimensions

6.8 x 14.5 x 22.2 inches / 17.3 x 36.8 x 56.4 cm

Speed Settings

5 swing speed settings.

Sounds

The 8 melodies and 3 nature sounds will keep your baby entertained, and comfortable.

Foldability

The Ingenuity swing will fold up very easily.

Power

4 D batteries required.

Safety

Like all of the swings on this page, there is a 5 point safety harness.

Review

Along with the dimensions, there are two features on the Swing ‘n Go portable swing that makes it a must to be on this page:

• Timer Setting
• Extra Quiet Motor

It is all well and good having a baby swing, after all, they are a fantastic tool in your baby calming arsenal, but what if it is too noisy to actually give them any comfort?

Well, there is no need to worry about the noise with this swing! The extra quiet motor will ensure your baby is not kept awake with the constant droning.

If like me, you prefer your home to have wooden flooring then you will be pleased to know that the Swing ‘n Go has no-slip feet, which means fewer marks on the floor, and less operating noise, awesome.

In terms of safety and comfort, the seat has a 5 point harness and padded head support, which is extremely important if you are looking for a swing for a young baby.

Like the Fisher-Price option above, this option also has a Toy bar, which can be removed from the Swing ‘n Go if needed.

2. Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Swing

View Price On Amazon

Maximum Weight

19 lbs / 8.62 Kilograms

Dimensions

20 x 6 x 21 inches / 51.1 x 15.2 x 53.8 cm.

Speed Settings

There are 6-speed settings.

Sounds

6 Melodies along with volume control.

Foldability

Easy fold for storage and portability.

Power

4 C batteries required.

Safety

5 point safety harness.

Review

As we progress through this list, the size of the swings increases slightly, and the Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Swing is no different.

It is still small enough to make it an excellent choice for a baby swing for small spaces, and will certainly not take up too much of your precious home!

What I love about this baby swing is the reclinable seat, which is a product feature that is not readily available with other options. It just adds in a little bit of extra comfort for baby, which is what we are all trying to achieve, right?

The Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Swing has 3 timer settings, so as soon as you learn how quickly it can send your baby to sleep, you can simply set it to go and put a movie on!

Make the most of this time, it does not last long!

In terms of noise, the Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Swing utilizes whisper quiet operation, adding extra comfort.

The toy bar is a little bit lower than other options, which means your baby is more likely to interact with it at a younger age. It can also be removed.

If you are looking for a baby swing for small spaces, this is a great option that also folds away easily to save space and ensures easy portability.

The pads are easily removable and are machine washable, which is awesome because babies easily make a mess, right?

Again, the Ingenuity Cozy Kingdom Swing uses a 5 point safety harness system so you can be confident that your baby is locked in and will not fall out.

3. Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing and Seat

View Price On Amazon

Maximum Weight

24.9 lbs / 11.3 Kilograms

Dimensions

6 x 20 x 21 Inches / 15.2 x 51.1 x 53.8 cm

Speed Settings

6 swing speeds.

Sounds

12 soothing sounds.

Foldability

Easily foldable.

Power

4 C batteries required.

Safety

5 point harness.

Review

You might pay a little bit extra for this swing but boy, it is the most comfortable on this page!

Check out the pictures for yourself, your baby will be snuggled in this baby swing.

In terms of portability, it is very similar to the other Fisher-Price swing on this page. Easily foldable and super compact, which are 2 key features if you are likely to be traveling a lot with it.

The plush head support will keep your baby’s head still and will protect it during the swinging, and the 5 point harness system will also act to keep baby from falling out.

As an added bonus, there is a security strap to stop the chair from swinging when you simply want to use it as a baby seat.

Although the dimensions are slightly bigger than the rest of the options on this page, it is still small enough to be used when you are limited on space in your living area.

The toy bar is within easy reach too, which means your baby can play with the toys from an earlier age.

Whilst the seat is very comfortable, it cannot be adjusted. That is not too much of a problem though, because it already looks comfortable enough.

The Fisher-Price Deluxe Take Along Swing is the best option for bigger babies because it has the highest maximum weight restriction on this page.

4. Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing

View Price On Amazon

Maximum Weight

25 lbs / 11.3 Kg.

Dimensions

29.2 x 27.7 x 38.1 inches – 98.2 x 61 x 90 cm.

Speed Settings

4 speeds.

Sounds

No sounds.

Foldability

Easy to fold and carry.

Power

4 x D batteries.

Safety

5 point harness.

Review

By far, the best thing about this baby swing is that you can adjust the legs to make it compact or full height. This is an excellent product feature if you are looking for a baby swing for small spaces.

Similar to other options on this page, this is a 2 in 1 baby tool that can be used both as a swing and as a rocker. By the way, the rocker can be removed to make it even easier to transport!

In terms of safety and comfort, the Graco Slim Spaces Compact baby swing has a 5 point harness and excellent, comfortable head support. Fabric covers and the head support can be removed for cleaning. As a parent, I fully appreciate that!

The toy bar is a little bit higher than the other baby swing options on this page, which may frustrate the baby at first but when they eventually reach the toys they must be filled with a great sense of achievement, right?

The Graco Slim Spaces Compact baby swing will also fold away and has a carry handle for portability.

Disappointingly, there are no sounds though.

5. Fisher-Price Rainforest Take Along Swing and Seat Set

View Price On Amazon

Maximum Weight

24.9 lbs / 11.3 Kg

Dimensions

5.9 x 20 x 21 inches / 15 x 51 x 54 cm

Speed Settings

6 swing speed settings.

Sounds

This Fisher Price portable swing has 10 musical tunes along with 2 nature sounds to soothe your baby.

Foldability

Folds flat and is very easy to transport.

Power

The swing is powered with 4 x C batteries, so no need to plug it in wherever you take it.

Safety

There is a 5 point safety harness to ensure your baby is safe and secure.

Review

I absolutely love this baby swing, and the dimensions of the unit make it a perfect choice if you live in a small space, such as an apartment.

The Fisher-Price ‘Take Along’ swing is basically a 2 in 1 baby soothing wonder toy! You can either use it as a swing or as a totally calming vibration seat

As a parent, you are forever cleaning the baby’s clothes…and yours too.

There are some baby swings that do not have a removable seat pad, and the only way to clean it is with some wipes which sucks!

This baby swing allows you to remove the soft seat for easy clean, which makes being a parent just that little bit easier.

One of the best features of the Fisher-Price Take-Along is the fact that it senses your baby’s weight and adjusts the speed of the swing. As your baby grows, they will not be slowing down…which is something you need to get used to!

In terms of sensory experience, it has 10 music sounds and 2 soothing nature sounds and it has a toy bar with 2 toys hanging from it. Remember everything is new for babies, and they will spend hours of fun trying to reach each of the toys.

As I said above, this is the smallest swing on this page, and with the features on offer here it makes it one of the best baby swings for small spaces!

What needs to be considered when looking for small baby swings

Because space is a premium, you need to consider the dimensions (height, width, and depth).

Before you buy a baby swing for small spaces, you will need to decide when you would like to put it. Now, using a tape measure, check to see how much space you have available for the swing.

Do not forget that the swing will be moving, so consider leaving an extra couple of inches around the swing to allow for some extra movement.

Foldability

Wait, is foldability even a word? Well…it is now!

Does the swing fold away neatly? How easy is it to fold the baby swing?

The thing about baby things is they can be very bulky and difficult to store when you are not using them.

When looking for a baby swing for small spaces, you need to be confident that it can be folded easily, and confident that it will not take up much space when it is not in use.

Conclusion

So, now you have even more of an arsenal when you are faced with a battle to settle a baby!

The best 5 baby Swings for small spaces that I have identified above will certainly give your baby comfort and will give you more time to settle down and chill out in the first few months of your new baby’s life.

There are other items, such as a night light projector, that will act to calm your baby.

You also need to consider items that entertain your baby, which to be honest, is pretty simple.

As everything is new to the baby, they will be entertained by pretty much anything!

It is a blessing, but it becomes more difficult when they reach a toddler’s age, so make the most of it!

If you can think of a baby swing that should be on this list then please get in touch or leave a comment below.

Good luck!

Flying with a Baby has the potential to be one of the worst flights you have ever been on! How can you make it easier for you? How can you make it easier for everyone else on the flight?

You may be lucky enough to book a seat with a baby seat, or you may decide to wear a baby carrier.

DadGold recommends…

LÍLLÉbaby Complete

The LÍLLÉbaby Complete in black is my number 1 choice! This baby carrier is an excellent choice for flying with a baby!

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What is the best baby carrier for flying?

Here, I take a look at the options…

The Best Baby Carrier For Flying

1. LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE Baby Carrier
2. BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Original
3. Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling
4. Baby Wrap Carrier
5. 6 in 1 Lictin Baby Carrier

Seat v Carrier For Flying

A few years back we took to the skies for a 9-hour flight, and because we booked early, we were able to book the ‘baby seat’ aisle.

It was awesome, but it had drawbacks. For instance, when the seatbelt sign was illuminated, my son had to move back to sit with one of us because it was unsafe to have him strapped into the baby seat. Every time he drifted off to sleep, the light would appear and we would have to disturb him. Every. Single. Time.

Using a baby carrier for flying is a fantastic idea and gives you the option to sit down, stand up, walk around, and lay back (a bit).

Maybe you can even catch some Z’s while your baby is!

The Best Baby Carrier For Flying – Top 5

The baby carriers are in order of my recommendation.

LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE Baby Carrier

Lillebaby produces some awesome baby carriers, and this one is perfect for a plane journey due to the lightweight design and cooling airflow!

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In 2nd place, we have the LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE baby carrier, another fantastic option if you are looking for a baby carrier for flying, why?

Let me tell you:

• Suitable from birth to 4-year old
• Temperature regulating panels
• Head support
• Padded shoulder straps

The LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE baby carrier will keep you both cool during your flight, with the added confidence that you will be able to walk around the plane with total support. In fact, the LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE baby carrier has been given the seal of approval from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

This is not just a great option for the plane journey, it can be used as a general day to day baby carrier too, so there is no excuse to not get your steps in!

BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Original

The Babybjorn Original is still one of the best baby carriers! The excellent design will keep your baby comfortable on long plane journies!

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I have tried various ‘clip-on’ baby carries in my time as a parent, the model I purchased was, in fact, the BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier.

I know how comfortable this is, and I know how comfortable my son was when he took a ride with me!

So why is it not the best?

Simple, when compared with the 1st option on this page, the ONLY thing it doesn’t have is the ability to increase airflow through the carrier. Sure, it is pretty ‘airy’ anyway, but it is good to have some extra options for when it gets hot, and it sometimes gets hot on a plane!

When it comes to putting the BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier on and removing it, the process is very simple, even I can do it. When on, it is very sturdy and you will have no worries about the whole thing coming apart!

During the early years of my son’s life (well, the 1st year only, after that he wasn’t happy in any carrier), I used this carrier A LOT and never had any issues with my back, hips, or anything else.

Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling

Your baby will be snug in this awesome Baby carrier wrap!

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The Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling is the 1st of 2 slings I have taken a look at.

Wearing a baby sling has shown to be very beneficial for increasing the bond between parent and baby, so why not take advantage and build a strong bond on a plane too?

You probably know already, but babies love to feel snuggled up. You might already be swaddling your baby to help them sleep (If you don’t, you really should give it a go!). Wrapping your baby up in a sling will give them comfort, and will hopefully help them sleep during the flight?

If they are that great, why are they not the best baby carrier for flying?

I have not picked a wrap in the top two, simply because of the lumbar support that the others will give you. Part of your journey may involve walking around the aircraft in a fruitless attempt to comfort them. You might even spend a number of hours just walking around the same old plane!

If you do, then (IMO) you will need lumbar support because you don’t want a painful back on vacation, right?

Another drawback is as your child gets older, they will not find a sling as comfortable as the first 2 options. Having said that, you are probably here because you want to know the best BABY carrier for flying. The Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling will do the job.

Baby Wrap Carrier

This Baby wrap carrier will keep your loved one tight and comfortable throughout the flight!

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The Baby Wrap Carrier is the cheapest baby carrier on this page, but that does not mean it is inferior!

It is very similar to the option above and has exactly the same drawbacks.

The best thing about these types of slings is that they will be a cooler option for you and the baby. The material is much lighter than the first 2 options, and that means it could increase the comfort for you and the baby.

If your journey is going to be spent in a seated position (if you take a night flight, for instance) then I would recommend these types of slings above the others, simply because of the breathability.

I may get some conflict because baby slings have a strong following due to the closeness these slings give you when compared with the others, but I have tried these slings, and I have tried the clip-on baby carries. I vouch for increased lumbar support any day!

6 in 1 Lictin Baby Carrier

Check out the lightweight design of this baby carrier! During long plane journies heat can be a problem, but not with this option!

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The 6 in 1 Lictin Baby Carrier is the perfect baby carrier for flying!

Let’s have a look at the reasons why:

• Easy to cool baby and parent
• Lumbar support
• Head support for newborns
• Breathable mesh

One of the main pieces of functionality here is the easily adjustable panel that can be unzipped to allow extra airflow when things are getting hot on the plane! It is really important that you both keep cool during the flight so you can be as relaxed as possible.

If your baby is not happy and wants to explore the aircraft, take them for a walk! With the padded straps and lumbar support, it is going to be like a Sunday stroll through the woodlands…..

The  6 in 1 Lictin Baby Carrier is an awesome baby carrier for flying!

Baby Carrier For Flying – What To Consider

Comfort

The most important thing to consider is how comfortable the baby carrier is for both you and the baby, it goes without saying!

Remember, although the aircraft is going to have aircon, it can also get very warm. If I needed a baby carrier for flying, I would be looking at an option that allows the air to flow to stop us both getting too hot.

Easy Of Assembly

For me, putting together a baby carrier needs to be as easy as possible, especially if you are swapping around when one of you gets tired!

The baby carrier needs to be easy to wear and easy to put together. Do you want an easy to clip baby carrier? Or a baby carrier that you have to tie a few times. Think about the clips, are they going to dig in your back when you are sitting down.

Do Not Get A Bulky Baby Carrier

You are just going to annoy everyone, including yourself and your baby. Small, simple, and light are what you need.

Best Baby Carrier For Flying – The Conclusion

When you are looking for the best baby carries for flying, you need to consider your circumstances before you decide which one to go for.

Personally, I would prefer to have the option of a baby seat, although that is not always possible so you will need to consider an alternative.

The best baby carries for flying are detailed above and are in order of how much I rate them for the job they need to do.

As a Dad, I have been through different stages when flying. Before I was a Dad, hearing a kid scream on a plane would be annoying, then it happened to me, now when I hear a baby screaming on a plane, I just feel sorry for the parents!

Good luck on your flight!

Are you struggling to get your child to settle for bedtime?

When the end of the day is here, all you want to do is chill out and unwind, right?

DadGold Recommends…

SOAIY Sleep Sound Machine

The best thing about the SOAIY Sleep Sound Machine is the fact that you can use bluetooth to play any relaxing sounds your baby likes!

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If you want an awesome tool that is going to get your baby to sleep quickly, then you need to consider a light projector!

It worked for my Son!

You might also want to consider a white noise machine to help you get your baby to sleep.

In this post, I highlight the 5 best baby light projectors, so you can chill out when it is adult time!

Sometimes, getting my son to sleep was a difficult task. The feeling of FREEDOM you get when your child is asleep is within touching distance.

It is so close….all you need to do is get them to drift away into slumber. Easy, right?

Nope!

There were times when I thought he would never sleep again.

My eyes were dragging, my eyelids heavy. I needed some help.

Getting your baby or toddler to sleep, and developing a good bedtime habit has some huge benefits for their development! It is time to take advantage. It is time for you to consider a baby light projector!

Baby Ceiling Projectors, What Do They Do?

Some simply show a colorful display on the child’s bedroom ceiling. This will give them something to focus on, and it is relaxing….kind of like staring at the waves crashing down on a beach.

The best baby light projectors also have relaxing music, which will also help to get them off to sleep. Honestly, if you are going to get one, then get a baby night light projector with music. You will thank me for it.

Both of these features help to regulate Melatonin, which is the sleep hormone. When you regularly use a baby light projector, it becomes a routine for the child to sleep. The more you use it, the more it works!

Ultimately, you want to create the ultimate baby light show on their ceiling, so they can do nothing BUT gaze at it until their eyes are closed and your life becomes so much more relaxed.

The Best Baby Light Projector – Top 5

The following baby light projectors are in the order that I recommend them. It is also worth noting that these are not just for babies, these can also be used as awesome toddler night light projectors!

SOAIY Sleep Sound Machine

The SOAIY Sleep Sound Machine is the best baby light projector!

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The SOAIY Sleep Sound Machine is a great choice for a baby light projector!

Check this out: Bluetooth speaker, remote control, adjustable brightness and timer, and psychedelic light show!

This is the ultimate Baby ceiling projector.

You have a choice of colors, which are Red, Green, Yellow, and Blue. You also have a choice of in-built relaxing sounds, which are White Noise, Thunder, Brook, Ocean Sounds, Summer Night (not Summer Lovin) and Rain. Don’t like the options? Well….it is a Bluetooth speaker, so just hook up your phone and play whatever you want!

All of this is easily controlled using the remote, and the rotating light show will have them staring at the ceiling for hours.

There is no doubt from me that this baby night light projector with music will help YOU get some sleep too!

Ocean Wave Night Light Projector

The Ocean Wave Night Light Projector is an awesome night light projector, with tons of color choices, and great music!

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The Ocean Wave has some excellent features that make it one of the best choices for a baby ceiling projector!

7 colors, 4 sounds, remote control, 12 bright LED’s, a timer function, and a built-in speaker.

Let’s take a look at the sounds:

Seagulls and Ocean Wave, Forest Insects, Generic Nature, and Flowing Water featuring some Birds. Some very nice, and very relaxing sounds in there. Sure…Seagulls are relaxing to listen to, but just make sure there is no food in the room, I am sure they will go for it!

The built-in speaker is pretty cool, it has a slot for a TF card and you can also hook up your phone to play whatever music you want…..more whatever music your CHILD wants!

The timer option is there too, and you can set the baby light projector to turn off after 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours.

With features like these, it is easy to see why the Ocean Wave is a top baby light projector.

SOAIY Soothing Aurora LED

The SOAIY baby night light projector is a great looking tool to get your little one to sleep!

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The SOAIY Soothing Aurora LED is very similar to the option in 1st place, although it does have two big differences…..

Built-in speaker – which is not Bluetooth.

No built-in sounds – you have to plug a device in to play music or sounds.

The SOAIY Soothing Aurora LED is a 2-in-1 baby star projector, that acts as both a night light and a star projector.

Like the option in 1st place, you can control is using the remote controller, and you can set the timer to turn the lap off at whichever interval you choose. The choices: 1 hour, 2 hours or 4 hours.

This awesome piece of equipment will help your Baby fall asleep in minutes!

Wood Grain Star Projector Night Light

This wood grain baby projector looks awesome, and has some excellent features for calm and soothe your baby.

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Wood Grain Star Projector Night Light deserves a place on this list on pure looks alone!

How stylish is a Wood Night Light?? Send them off to sleep in STYLE!

It is actually a 2 in 1 night light. The Wood Grain Star Projector Night Light has an outer casing that when used, creates a simple night light. Removing the cover gives you something very similar to the option below, which is a starry ceiling!

You can put this on a flat surface, or you can also use the hanging strap to hang from a ceiling…..or a tent…wherever!

Light modes: Warm White Light and multiple/single color.

Oh, and it also has a timer feature – nice touch!

There is a USB cable included (please use what is included in the kit, do not use a fast charge plug), but you can also use 4 x AAA batteries to power it.

Baby Star Projector Night Light

This is a classic night light projector with thousands of happy customers!

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This option is available in Blue, Pink or Purple, and it is the Starry Night Light Projector.

Make sure you take off the cover before you use it!

The night light projector projects a night-time starry sky onto a wall or ceiling, creating a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect to send your child to sleep!

It has 3 modes, Warm Light, Colorful Light, and Rotating. The colors are Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green.

You can power this with either the USB cable (please use what is included in the kit, do not use a fast charge plug) or 4 AAA batteries.

Rainbow Night Light Projector

This rainbow night light projector does not have any sounds, but it does have an awesome light show!

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A rainbow night light projector deserves a special mention here.

Ok, so it does not have Bluetooth or music, but displaying a rainbow on your Babies ceiling works wonders if you are trying to get them to sleep.

Sometimes, relaxing music might have the opposite effect on your child and may keep them awake. Settle them down for bed with a wonderful rainbow light show.

Along with a night light projector (with music), I have used one of these in the past. In fact, it is still in my son’s bedroom and now acts as a night light to help him drift off to sleep. He lays in bed, eyes transfixed on the ceiling until they are too heavy to keep open.

It is powered by USB and can even work without it, simply charge the unit up, it only takes 2 hours.

Features To Consider When Buying A Baby Ceiling Projector

There are a number of things you should take into consideration before buying a sleep-inducing light projector:

Where are you going to put it?

Some of the light projectors are dual powered and will take batteries as well as having the ability to be powered by a USB cable. If you choose to go for the USB cable then you will need to ensure you place the light projector in a space close to a wall socket.

I know it sounds obvious, but it is something I forget about ALL of the time!

If power sockets are limited, go for a battery-powered option.

How loud does is the max volume?

As I have previously mentioned in this post, if you want your baby to truly relax then you need a baby night light projector with music.

If the only power socket you have available is far away from the baby, then you will want the ability to increase the volume loud enough so your child can hear the soothing, relaxing sounds.

The SOAIY Sleep Sound Machine has an in-built Bluetooth speaker. This option gives you the ability to control at least some of the volume from your phone.

It is the best baby light projector for a reason!

Color choice

This is not just down to personal preference. When your child is transfixed on the ceiling, you need to keep them interested, and the changing colors will increase their interest in this fantastic light show!

Having a rotating light project will make the different colors ‘dance’ on the walls and ceiling, creating a relaxing wave of colors that is sure to send your child off to sleep…..and you if you stay in the room long enough! Trust me, I have been there.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my collection of the best baby light projectors! The ultimate baby ceiling projector tool so they can sleep and you can relax!

I have lost count of the times I have been in the position where I will literally do anything to get them to sleep, just so I can capture those precious peaceful hours! Buying a baby light projector was one of the best things I did to improve sleeping.

It comes with a warning though. I got into the habit of laying down with my son to give him reassurance. I would take him to his room, lay him down, switch on the light projector and lay down with him, fantasizing about watching something on TV without interruption. 2 hours later, I woke up.

Do you have any good or bad experiences with any of the light projectors on this page? Do you recommend any others? What about other sleeping aids for your child? Please get in touch, I would love to know about them!

Check this out if you need more tips on getting your child to sleep – tips from my own experience!

Good luck!

Babies are interested in everything, right? As long as it is within reach, your baby will be using their newly developed gripping strength to see what they feel like, what they taste like, and how hard they can throw them! For this reason, I prefer soft blocks… and in this post, I am going to take a look at the best soft block options for your baby.

Baby blocks are fantastic, and one of the classic baby toys! They are educational, excellent for sensory engagement, and for developing fine motor skills too. The soft blocks also do not hurt when they are thrown at you, which is a huge bonus for parents!

Right from the baby stages, you can help your child learn by repeating what they see on each block. As they progress, they will use the blocks to practice building a large tower! Eventually, you will end up as a target, but as I said above, these are all soft blocks, so injuries will be limited!

Best Baby Blocks

1. Bright Starts Grab and Stack Blocks
2. Baby Einstein Explore and Discover Soft Block Toys
3. Galt Toys Inc Soft Blocks

Baby Blocks – When Should I Start Using Them?

The simple answer is – as soon as possible!

My son was less than 2 weeks old when I started to teach him some basic math skills!

It was a routine for us, kids love routine, I would change him, give him some milk, and then as he drifted back off to sleep I would count using my fingers. As he stared at my fingers, my monotonous tone would send him to sleep.

I was hoping this would somehow stick in his brain, and I am pretty sure it did. When he was a little bit older, he picked up counting very easily! Now I wish I would have taught him to make coffee, then he would be much more useful!

Baby blocks are an excellent educational toy, and you should start them off as soon as you can.

Baby Blocks – How Do They Help Your Baby Learn?

Studies have shown that Babies who play with blocks have an increased spatial vocabulary, and awareness. It also improves troubleshooting skills!

At first, they are just another soft toy for them to play with, but when you think about it, Baby blocks are much more than that.

When they are introduced to baby blocks, they use them (especially the baby blocks on this page) as a sensory toy. Some baby blocks have different materials like velcro or wool, some have mirrors, and some have bells that ring when you shake them. All of this is new to your baby, and it is getting them used to the differences.

You need to use this time to repeat everything they see on the baby blocks, as they examine their new toys. ‘That is number 1, that is a Lion’. This repetition will help your baby to recognize certain objects and will embed the knowledge deep inside their sponge-like brain.

As they get older, they will throw them at you, which is excellent for developing hand-eye coordination. As each of the choices on this page is soft baby blocks, you will not get hurt too much either!

The next stage is to put the blocks on top of each other. Again, this is excellent for developing hand-eye coordination and balancing.

All of that from a simple baby block!

The Best Baby Blocks

As I mentioned above, all of the baby blocks toys on this page are soft blocks, and are excellent for learning and for sensory play!

The baby blocks are in order of my recommendation.

1: Bright Starts Grab and Stack Blocks

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Pros

• Sewn-in loops to connect to car seat
• 3D features for sensory play
• Early start with numbers and letters

Cons

• Only 4 soft blocks

These are great to keep your baby entertained! When they are just a baby, they will absolutely love the feel and noise of the Bright Starts Grab and Stack Blocks.

You have to remember, everything is pretty new to them.

To you, they will seem like soft blocks that you can use to throw at people, but to them, they are different and something they will use to kick-start their learning process.

On each of the blocks, there is a letter, a number, a pattern, and an animal. Take some time to point at each one and tell them what it is. Seriously, their brains take in so much more than you think at this stage, and simply repeating what they can see will improve their knowledge and attention.

2: Baby Einstein Explore and Discover Soft Block Toys

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Pros

• Sounds for sensory play
• Self-discovery with a peek-a-boo mirror
• Early start with other languages

Cons

• Only 4 soft blocks
• I prefer more numbers/letters

The Baby Einstein Explore and Discover are a sensory explosion for your baby!

The blocks come in a packet of 4 and each block has a combination of the Sun, numbers, animals, and there is even a mirror so they can play peek-a-boo with themselves!

The animal block has some chime sounds to keep them entertained.

An excellent addition is the color block has each color in English, Spanish and French, so you can start them learning a different language….even before they have mastered their own!

3: Galt Toys Inc Soft Blocks

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Pros

• 6 foam-filled blocks
• Perfect for stacking
• Do not hurt when thrown at you
• Combine them to make a puzzle

Cons

• Lack of letter/numbers

Here is another set of soft building blocks, the Galt Toys Baby Soft Blocks.

You get 6 blocks in this pack, and the blocks have animals, and vehicles on. Again, great for repetitively explaining what is on each side. It may seem fruitless…..but they really do pay attention!

On one of the sides it a puzzle of a beanstalk. When they get a little older, they will really enjoy putting the puzzle together. They will also enjoy throwing them at you, which is why all picks on this page are soft blocks!

I am thinking of your safety here!

Age: Suitable for 6+ months.

Best Baby Blocks – The Conclusion

So there you go, there are 3 of the soft blocks for you and your baby to have tremendous fun with!

Whether it is baby blocks or another learning tool for babies, you should be encouraging them to learn, even at a very young age.

The first 3 years of a person’s life is when the brain is most receptive to what you need to teach them. Think about it, they need to learn to walk, talk, eat, and many many more things during this time. Nature basically opens their brains up for some super quick learning.

Take advantage!

Good luck!

I cannot emphasize it enough, this product was the sole reason I was able to sleep well when my Son was a baby. I decided to create a guide and identify the best baby movement monitor because I really want every parent to recognize the benefits of them!

Why You Get More Sleep With A Baby Movement Monitor

The worst-case scenario is exactly what I prepare for!

What if the baby is sick in the night and isn’t able to turn their head away? What if you do not hear it through the monitor? Damn, it has me sweating just thinking about it!

Let us also remember SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome), which is a very grim topic! This is the term used to describe the unexpected death of a child less than 1-year-old. It is one of the very worst situations you can find yourself in as a parent, without a doubt. These deaths happen in and around the sleeping area of a baby.

Reading The Dangers Of SUIDS Stopped Me Sleeping!

If you are like me, you will read all you can about the dangers of SUIDS and what you can do to reduce the chances of it happening. The annoying fact is, after I read about the dangers, I found it difficult to sleep.

On the lead up to the birth of my Son, I searched the internet for the best baby movement monitor, because I WANTED TO SLEEP. Sleep is a luxury when they are first born, make it easier on yourself by getting some good quality sleep….when you can!

Knowing that I would be woken up if there were any issues with his breathing was extremely reassuring! The result was some good quality sleep – sometimes for well over an hour….bliss!

Best Baby Movement Monitor – Snuza Hero

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Pros

• Medically Certified
• Completely Portable
• Vibrates first to reduce false alarms
• More comfortable than they look

Cons

• Doesn’t link up to the main monitor, but you can still hear it through the speaker

I rated this Snuza Hero as the best baby movement monitor purely because it is a medically certified device and has far fewer false alarms than other options!

The Snuza Hero is a small device that you attach to your baby’s diaper/nappy and senses breathing.

After 15 seconds, it will give a little vibrate, which acts to stir the baby and minimize false alarms. If after 20 seconds, it still does not pick up any movement, the alarm will sound and you will jump out of bed and burst into their room like the Special Forces!

Another reason I love this is the portability options. Obviously, it is no good for use in cars, or when you are taking them out for a walk but if you are stationary, it can be used as a movement monitor.

As soon as you have a new baby, everyone you know will want to see it. When you pay your friends a visit and the baby is asleep, simply put the Snuza Hero on and you can relax!

Although it looks pretty bulky, it is still comfortable and will not give your baby any problems. There are options out there with sensor pads, like the one below, and these are fantastic for your home but are not very portable….and they tend to give more false readings.

Baby Movement Monitor – Another Excellent Option – Angelcare

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Pros

• Well Known Brand
• Not intrusive
• Temperature display
• Baby monitor too

Cons

• Not as portable as the Snuza above

The Angelcare baby movement monitor is the exact model I used when my Son was a baby.

During the time we used this, we did have a few false alarms. The first had my heart beating through my chest and for some reason, my left eye hurt for hours afterward….it was likely to be a result of the rush of adrenaline! After the first couple of false alarms, I was much more cool about it, even taking a leisurely stroll in to make sure he was still breathing.

Don’t get me wrong, there were not too many false alarms in the first 9 months….probably around 1 every couple of months. As soon as he started rolling about in his cot, it was giving us false alarms more regularly.

The Angelcare is an awesome solution though. It is made by a well-known brand that has tremendous expertise in creating baby movement monitors.

Are There Any Drawbacks When Using A Baby Movement Sensor?

Just one! False alarms!

The first few times they happen, your heart races, and you are likely to trip over things as you rush to the aid of your child.

Then, after the first few, you take it a bit easier….but there is still an element of panic involved.

Whilst the above is said in jest, it is really important to familiarise yourself with some basic infant resuscitation techniques, just in case you hear the alarm and it is not false.

Conclusion

The Snuza Hero is the best baby movement monitor available.

I will reiterate, just in case you missed the first 100 times! Having a movement monitor gave me so much reassurance when my Son was a newborn. I have no doubt that it was the sole reason that the little sleep I got, was actually good quality sleep. Sometimes getting your child to sleep can be challenging enough! So you need to enjoy the time you get when they do finally drop off!

Sleeping is extremely important as a parent when you have work the next day (although, you are fully prepared for going back to work after your paternity leave), so anything that is going to help the quality is well worth me investing in it!

I have many friends who have gone on to have kids since I spawned a child, and every single one of them has been told the reason why I used a movement monitor (Whether they like it or not). Around 50% of them took my advice on board and each one of those has come back to me and agreed!

There are many parents who decide not to use one, mostly because they ‘can’t deal with the false alarms’. Personally, I would much rather deal with the false alarms if it meant I avoid what would be an utterly devastating discovery, should the worst happen.

Anyway, I hope this has been useful to you. Good luck with whatever choice you make!

If you have used one of the above options and have a different opinion, or you have had a good experience with another baby movement monitor, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or get in touch!