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POPULAR SEARCHES: naps, pacifier, swaddle, schedules, newborns, transitions, sleep training, sleep regression
Active Sleep and Newborns
Parents, will you watch this video? Turn on the sound. I want you to see what newborn sleep can really look like! Newborns can be SO active while they sleep. If you heard that in the night, would you hop out of bed and immediately pick up that baby? Did you know that...
Wake Windows and Baby Sleep
Want an easy way to help your baby sleep? Pay attention to how long your baby is awake. Truly! Knowing your baby’s wake windows will help your baby fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer! What are wake windows? A wake window is the amount of time your baby is...
Babysitters and Baby Sleep
Trusting your baby with a sitter can be a big milestone, especially if they are helping your baby with bedtime or naps. So let’s talk about how to set your sitter and your baby up for success. 1. Start with a great sleeper. One of the number one concerns that parents...
Why I Love the Pacifier
I love pacifiers…. even for breastfed babies! Why? 1. A pacifier allows for non-nutritive sucking. Obviously, if a baby is hungry, you need to feed him. However, sometimes babies have a drive to suck even after they’ve finished eating. This is called non-nutritive...
Toddlers: Holding Boundaries and Offering Choices
Toddlers are natural-born boundary pushers. If you have a toddler, I bet you've seen this. It can be tempting when every boundary is a battle to simply give in and let your toddler have what she wants in the moment. But, can I tell you something? When it seems like...
24 Month Sleep Regression
Your little one is officially two! Two year olds are so fun with their busy brains and busy bodies. Unfortunately, all of this busy energy can sometimes lead to a struggle with sleep. I’d love to talk about it. What is a sleep regression? When a little brain is going...
Creating a Bedtime Routine
You’ve probably heard that bedtime routines are an important piece of your baby’s nighttime sleep. Wondering why they’re important, when to start, and what to include? Let’s talk about it. Why are bedtime routines so important? Babies thrive on predictability and...
Congestion and Baby Sleep
Did you know babies can only breathe through their nose?! It’s true! For the first 12 months of life, babies can’t breathe comfortably through their mouths. Because of this, they can scare parents by making strange snorting, congestion-type noises in their sleep. It...
When Pacifiers Become a Problem
Pacifiers can be such a wonderful tool for babies and parents. However, when a baby begins to scream the moment a binky falls out of his mouth or awakens multiple times a night for it to be replaced, it’s time to do something. What do I do? If your baby is 3 months...
18 Month Sleep Regression
18 months! Your little one is well into the toddler stage now. This is one of my favorite ages to talk about because your toddler is learning so much about their ability to impact the world. He is figuring out that his actions cause reactions. He has power! Let’s talk...
12 Month Sleep Regression
Your baby’s first birthday has arrived! She is learning so much, moving all over the place, and getting into everything! During all of this physical, mental, social, and emotional growth, sleep can become a little tricky. I want to help! What is a sleep regression?...
8-10 Month Sleep Regression
Babies at 8-10 months are learning so many exciting new skills. Unfortunately, that can also come with some less exciting sleep struggles. You may have heard this called the 8-10 month sleep regression. Let’s talk about it. What is a sleep regression? When a baby’s...
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety: when suddenly (or not so suddenly) your baby becomes nervous whenever they lose sight of you! If you’ve experienced it, you’ve likely noticed that separation anxiety can impact all aspects of your baby’s life including nap and bedtime. Let me...
Safe Sleep Checklist
Having a great little sleeper is wonderful, but at Taking Cara Babies, we also want you to have a safe sleeper. Please use this checklist for babies 0-12 months as a quick reference and reminder. Make sure the baby products you are using are safe too. Sleep surface...
Why isn’t my baby sleeping through the night?
Wait, before we talk about why, what does “sleeping through the night” actually mean? You may have read that a 5-7 hour stretch of sleep is “sleeping through the night.” While that is a developmentally appropriate and even amazing stretch of sleep at some ages,...
Nap Schedules: 5 Months to 25 Months
Let's talk about naps. If naps are a struggle for you, you're not alone. Please remember naps ARE important. We know “sleep begets sleep.” This means that adequate daytime rest leads to fewer night wakings and longer night sleep. However, naps can be so difficult to...
Which Class Should I Take?
Are you wondering which of my classes is best for your baby? Let’s talk about it. Where do I start? Start with your baby’s age! Each of my classes emphasizes meeting babies where they are developmentally. Because of that, I always encourage families to buy the course...
10 Questions to Ask if Your Little One is Struggling with Short Naps
It’s FINALLY NAP TIME! Mamas everywhere rejoice!
….Well, mamas with babies who take long naps rejoice. If you have a baby who never sleeps longer than 45 minutes, the rejoicing is cut to a quick sigh.
Short Naps & Newborns
“I have been doing everything I can do to get my new baby on a set daytime schedule. It’s just not working. I feel like a failure.” ~so many new moms who contact us
Marriage After Baby
Let's get real about relationships. As I read these words from a new mama, my heart broke. "I did NOT think our marriage would get so HARD after we had a baby. I married my best friend, and our relationship has been fairly easy. Having a baby has somehow shifted the...
Baby Play for Newborns
Baby play. It sounds so simple, right? It can be! But, if you’re unsure of what to do with your newborn, that’s okay too. Let me help! What is play for a newborn? In the newborn phase, play is ANY interaction that your baby has with you and the world around them. Play...
Dear New Mama
Do you have a brand new little one? I’m talking to you today. I want you to know, you’re doing it right. I’d love to be able to speak right to your heart. Would you watch this message from my heart to yours? Let me say it again. I want you to hear it; I want you to...
Baby Naps and School Pickup
If you're wondering just how to make a baby sleep schedule work when you have to taxi your older kiddo(s) to and from school, you're not alone! Here are my 4 best strategies to help you "hack" preschool pickup and baby sleep: 1. Make the drive longer. Yes, LONGER! We...
Sleep Sacks®, Sleep Bags, and Wearable Blankets
Want to know a topic that I get asked about almost daily? Sleep sacks, sleep bags, and wearable blankets. They all mean generally the same thing - a sleeveless zip up bag that your baby or toddler can wear as an alternative to a blanket for sleep. View this...
Transitioning Home from the NICU
You’ve learned more than you’ve ever wanted to know about oxygen saturation and bradycardias. You’re celebrating every gram your baby gains, the car seat test has been passed, and you’ve memorized every detail of the NICU schedule. Just when you’ve gotten the hang of...
Should I Swaddle My Baby?
I get so many questions about swaddling! Why swaddle? Does swaddling make babies safer? How do you swaddle properly? Can swaddling delay important developments? When should I start or stop swaddling? Is swaddling the right choice for my baby? I would love to answer...
Introducing a Pacifier
So many parents ask: “Should my baby use a pacifier??” My answer will always be “It’s up to you and your little one!” There truly is no “right or wrong” approach when it comes to pacifiers. Some babies never take a pacifier, and that’s okay! However, for many babies,...
Top 10 Tips to Help with the Witching Hour
If you’ve landed on this page, you might just have a crying baby in your arms, so let’s skip the intro and dive right in. What is the witching hour? The witching hour(s) is a time when an otherwise content baby has an extremely fussy period, often occurring daily...
Transitioning Out of the Swaddle
If you've taken Will I Ever Sleep Again? you know that newborns long for the womb those first few months after birth. They love the security of feeling snug while sleeping, and this is exactly what swaddling offers.* However, as the saying goes “all good things must...
Understanding The Dreaded Four Month Sleep Regression
“He was sleeping great, but suddenly he started waking up every hour. It’s harder now than when he was a newborn.” Oh this story is so common when I’m speaking to sleep deprived parents. “It all started at about four months. I’m at a loss of what to do.”
Active Sleep and Newborns
Parents, will you watch this video? Turn on the sound. I want you to see what newborn sleep can really look like! Newborns can be SO active while they sleep. If you heard that in the night, would you hop out of bed and immediately pick up that baby? Did you know that...
Wake Windows and Baby Sleep
Want an easy way to help your baby sleep? Pay attention to how long your baby is awake. Truly! Knowing your baby’s wake windows will help your baby fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer! What are wake windows? A wake window is the amount of time your baby is...
Babysitters and Baby Sleep
Trusting your baby with a sitter can be a big milestone, especially if they are helping your baby with bedtime or naps. So let’s talk about how to set your sitter and your baby up for success. 1. Start with a great sleeper. One of the number one concerns that parents...
Why I Love the Pacifier
I love pacifiers…. even for breastfed babies! Why? 1. A pacifier allows for non-nutritive sucking. Obviously, if a baby is hungry, you need to feed him. However, sometimes babies have a drive to suck even after they’ve finished eating. This is called non-nutritive...
Creating a Bedtime Routine
You’ve probably heard that bedtime routines are an important piece of your baby’s nighttime sleep. Wondering why they’re important, when to start, and what to include? Let’s talk about it. Why are bedtime routines so important? Babies thrive on predictability and...
Congestion and Baby Sleep
Did you know babies can only breathe through their nose?! It’s true! For the first 12 months of life, babies can’t breathe comfortably through their mouths. Because of this, they can scare parents by making strange snorting, congestion-type noises in their sleep. It...
When Pacifiers Become a Problem
Pacifiers can be such a wonderful tool for babies and parents. However, when a baby begins to scream the moment a binky falls out of his mouth or awakens multiple times a night for it to be replaced, it’s time to do something. What do I do? If your baby is 3 months...
Safe Sleep Checklist
Having a great little sleeper is wonderful, but at Taking Cara Babies, we also want you to have a safe sleeper. Please use this checklist for babies 0-12 months as a quick reference and reminder. Make sure the baby products you are using are safe too. Sleep surface...
Which Class Should I Take?
Are you wondering which of my classes is best for your baby? Let’s talk about it. Where do I start? Start with your baby’s age! Each of my classes emphasizes meeting babies where they are developmentally. Because of that, I always encourage families to buy the course...
Short Naps & Newborns
“I have been doing everything I can do to get my new baby on a set daytime schedule. It’s just not working. I feel like a failure.” ~so many new moms who contact us
Baby Play for Newborns
Baby play. It sounds so simple, right? It can be! But, if you’re unsure of what to do with your newborn, that’s okay too. Let me help! What is play for a newborn? In the newborn phase, play is ANY interaction that your baby has with you and the world around them. Play...
Dear New Mama
Do you have a brand new little one? I’m talking to you today. I want you to know, you’re doing it right. I’d love to be able to speak right to your heart. Would you watch this message from my heart to yours? Let me say it again. I want you to hear it; I want you to...
Transitioning Home from the NICU
You’ve learned more than you’ve ever wanted to know about oxygen saturation and bradycardias. You’re celebrating every gram your baby gains, the car seat test has been passed, and you’ve memorized every detail of the NICU schedule. Just when you’ve gotten the hang of...
Should I Swaddle My Baby?
I get so many questions about swaddling! Why swaddle? Does swaddling make babies safer? How do you swaddle properly? Can swaddling delay important developments? When should I start or stop swaddling? Is swaddling the right choice for my baby? I would love to answer...
Introducing a Pacifier
So many parents ask: “Should my baby use a pacifier??” My answer will always be “It’s up to you and your little one!” There truly is no “right or wrong” approach when it comes to pacifiers. Some babies never take a pacifier, and that’s okay! However, for many babies,...
Top 10 Tips to Help with the Witching Hour
If you’ve landed on this page, you might just have a crying baby in your arms, so let’s skip the intro and dive right in. What is the witching hour? The witching hour(s) is a time when an otherwise content baby has an extremely fussy period, often occurring daily...
Transitioning Out of the Swaddle
If you've taken Will I Ever Sleep Again? you know that newborns long for the womb those first few months after birth. They love the security of feeling snug while sleeping, and this is exactly what swaddling offers.* However, as the saying goes “all good things must...
Understanding The Dreaded Four Month Sleep Regression
“He was sleeping great, but suddenly he started waking up every hour. It’s harder now than when he was a newborn.” Oh this story is so common when I’m speaking to sleep deprived parents. “It all started at about four months. I’m at a loss of what to do.”
Breastfeeding Basics as Taught by a Subway Sandwich
As a former Labor and Delivery/Postpartum Nurse and a mom who nursed her own babies, I know first-hand that breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning! In those first few days and weeks after the arrival of your newborn, there seems to be so much...
The Dream Feed
If you Google the phrase “dream feed,” you find so many “rules” and opinions. Let me simplify it for you! What is the dream feed? Basically, a dream feeding is the last feeding of the day. It typically happens 2-3 hours after the bedtime feeding and right about the...
5 Tips For Transitioning Baby From Your Room to the Nursery
I know you’ve spent months creating the perfect nursery, but here’s the truth: Most newborns don’t actually sleep in their rooms initially. Chances are, your baby will start off in YOUR room. This truly is safest and most convenient during those early weeks and months. BUT… at some point, you will find that you’ll want to reclaim your bedroom and actually use that well-decorated nursery. When that time comes, here are five tips for a smooth transition to the nursery.
Ditching Unsafe Sleep Products
To get babies sleeping, parents use all kinds of baby products... the Rock ‘n Play, DockATot, cosleepers, and swings. Please know that the AAP does not recommend any of these products for safe sleep. As of April 2019, Fisher Price recalled all Rock ‘n Plays. Also,...
All About the DockATot and How To Wean Out
The DockATot... When I even mention this name, I hear a wide array of comments from new parents ranging from: “This is the most amazing baby product since the invention of baby wipes.” to: “I wish I never bought this thing. Now he won’t sleep without it.” Let’s face...
Bonding in the NICU
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a place where miracles take place. But no one expects to be there. While the NICU is not the place where you imagine your baby’s first days, 10-15% of babies spend time in NICU care. That time can feel confusing and scary as new...
Wake Windows and Baby Sleep
Want an easy way to help your baby sleep? Pay attention to how long your baby is awake. Truly! Knowing your baby’s wake windows will help your baby fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer! What are wake windows? A wake window is the amount of time your baby is...
Babysitters and Baby Sleep
Trusting your baby with a sitter can be a big milestone, especially if they are helping your baby with bedtime or naps. So let’s talk about how to set your sitter and your baby up for success. 1. Start with a great sleeper. One of the number one concerns that parents...
Why I Love the Pacifier
I love pacifiers…. even for breastfed babies! Why? 1. A pacifier allows for non-nutritive sucking. Obviously, if a baby is hungry, you need to feed him. However, sometimes babies have a drive to suck even after they’ve finished eating. This is called non-nutritive...
Toddlers: Holding Boundaries and Offering Choices
Toddlers are natural-born boundary pushers. If you have a toddler, I bet you've seen this. It can be tempting when every boundary is a battle to simply give in and let your toddler have what she wants in the moment. But, can I tell you something? When it seems like...
24 Month Sleep Regression
Your little one is officially two! Two year olds are so fun with their busy brains and busy bodies. Unfortunately, all of this busy energy can sometimes lead to a struggle with sleep. I’d love to talk about it. What is a sleep regression? When a little brain is going...
Creating a Bedtime Routine
You’ve probably heard that bedtime routines are an important piece of your baby’s nighttime sleep. Wondering why they’re important, when to start, and what to include? Let’s talk about it. Why are bedtime routines so important? Babies thrive on predictability and...
Congestion and Baby Sleep
Did you know babies can only breathe through their nose?! It’s true! For the first 12 months of life, babies can’t breathe comfortably through their mouths. Because of this, they can scare parents by making strange snorting, congestion-type noises in their sleep. It...
When Pacifiers Become a Problem
Pacifiers can be such a wonderful tool for babies and parents. However, when a baby begins to scream the moment a binky falls out of his mouth or awakens multiple times a night for it to be replaced, it’s time to do something. What do I do? If your baby is 3 months...
18 Month Sleep Regression
18 months! Your little one is well into the toddler stage now. This is one of my favorite ages to talk about because your toddler is learning so much about their ability to impact the world. He is figuring out that his actions cause reactions. He has power! Let’s talk...
12 Month Sleep Regression
Your baby’s first birthday has arrived! She is learning so much, moving all over the place, and getting into everything! During all of this physical, mental, social, and emotional growth, sleep can become a little tricky. I want to help! What is a sleep regression?...
8-10 Month Sleep Regression
Babies at 8-10 months are learning so many exciting new skills. Unfortunately, that can also come with some less exciting sleep struggles. You may have heard this called the 8-10 month sleep regression. Let’s talk about it. What is a sleep regression? When a baby’s...
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety: when suddenly (or not so suddenly) your baby becomes nervous whenever they lose sight of you! If you’ve experienced it, you’ve likely noticed that separation anxiety can impact all aspects of your baby’s life including nap and bedtime. Let me...
Safe Sleep Checklist
Having a great little sleeper is wonderful, but at Taking Cara Babies, we also want you to have a safe sleeper. Please use this checklist for babies 0-12 months as a quick reference and reminder. Make sure the baby products you are using are safe too. Sleep surface...
Why isn’t my baby sleeping through the night?
Wait, before we talk about why, what does “sleeping through the night” actually mean? You may have read that a 5-7 hour stretch of sleep is “sleeping through the night.” While that is a developmentally appropriate and even amazing stretch of sleep at some ages,...
Nap Schedules: 5 Months to 25 Months
Let's talk about naps. If naps are a struggle for you, you're not alone. Please remember naps ARE important. We know “sleep begets sleep.” This means that adequate daytime rest leads to fewer night wakings and longer night sleep. However, naps can be so difficult to...
Which Class Should I Take?
Are you wondering which of my classes is best for your baby? Let’s talk about it. Where do I start? Start with your baby’s age! Each of my classes emphasizes meeting babies where they are developmentally. Because of that, I always encourage families to buy the course...
10 Questions to Ask if Your Little One is Struggling with Short Naps
It’s FINALLY NAP TIME! Mamas everywhere rejoice!
….Well, mamas with babies who take long naps rejoice. If you have a baby who never sleeps longer than 45 minutes, the rejoicing is cut to a quick sigh.
Sleep Sacks®, Sleep Bags, and Wearable Blankets
Want to know a topic that I get asked about almost daily? Sleep sacks, sleep bags, and wearable blankets. They all mean generally the same thing - a sleeveless zip up bag that your baby or toddler can wear as an alternative to a blanket for sleep. View this...
Sleep Training Q&A
If you’re thinking of giving sleep training a try, you’ve probably already started scouring the web to find out exactly what sleep training is and how to do it. There are so many opinions on the topic that, like other new parents, you may be wondering when to begin, how difficult it is going to be, how long will it take or if sleep training is even the right choice for you and your baby.
Top Culprits for Early Morning Wakings
All the coffee in the world doesn’t seem like enough for mamas who are on the EARLY WAKING STRUGGLE BUS. If your baby’s alarm clock seems to be set for 5:00am EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING, you’re not alone!
Weaning the Pacifier
I get this question all the time from parents who loved the pacifier. They say “Cara, we’re ready to eliminate the binky. What do we do?” I want to help. So much of this decision depends on the personality of your baby and your family. Here are some general principles...
The Dream Feed
If you Google the phrase “dream feed,” you find so many “rules” and opinions. Let me simplify it for you! What is the dream feed? Basically, a dream feeding is the last feeding of the day. It typically happens 2-3 hours after the bedtime feeding and right about the...
Tummy Sleep
Research shows a decreased risk of SIDS when babies are placed flat on their backs for sleeping (specifically, on a firm mattress with no loose bedding). Can a baby ever safely sleep on his tummy? If so, when? There is not a universal age for safe tummy sleep because...
5 Signs It’s Time to Drop a Nap
Oh mama—babies can be so tricky! As soon as you’ve settled into a comfortable, predictable routine, everything changes. It’s not your imagination! This near-constant changing is true for baby activities, baby skills, baby feeding — and, of course, baby naps.
How to Transition from 2 Naps to 1
Originally posted on Nested Bean Around the time you find a consistent routine with your little one, everything changes. He grows. Her personality emerges. He’s saying a few words. She’s starting to walk. All sorts of changes are on the horizon. One of the biggest...
Will Starting Solids Help My Baby Sleep Better?
Originally posted on “Once Upon a Farm” Beginning solids is a huge milestone for your baby and is one that should be celebrated! Regularly exposing your little one to different food options can prevent allergies, widen their taste palate, and set up a healthy...
Will Starting Solids Cause Problems with Sleep?
For little ones who have a strong sleep foundation, adding solids does not derail sleep. For some, however, there may be a few bumps in the road, so what should a parent do if nights suddenly become disrupted after beginning solids? Ask yourself these questions: Are...
Is It Time For A Toddler Bed?
Do you know the #1 cause of toddler sleep problems???
Moving out of the crib too early!
It’s true!
Wake Windows and Baby Sleep
Want an easy way to help your baby sleep? Pay attention to how long your baby is awake. Truly! Knowing your baby’s wake windows will help your baby fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer! What are wake windows? A wake window is the amount of time your baby is...
Safe Sleep Checklist
Having a great little sleeper is wonderful, but at Taking Cara Babies, we also want you to have a safe sleeper. Please use this checklist for babies 0-12 months as a quick reference and reminder. Make sure the baby products you are using are safe too. Sleep surface...
Nap Schedules: 5 Months to 25 Months
Let's talk about naps. If naps are a struggle for you, you're not alone. Please remember naps ARE important. We know “sleep begets sleep.” This means that adequate daytime rest leads to fewer night wakings and longer night sleep. However, naps can be so difficult to...
10 Questions to Ask if Your Little One is Struggling with Short Naps
It’s FINALLY NAP TIME! Mamas everywhere rejoice!
….Well, mamas with babies who take long naps rejoice. If you have a baby who never sleeps longer than 45 minutes, the rejoicing is cut to a quick sigh.
Short Naps & Newborns
“I have been doing everything I can do to get my new baby on a set daytime schedule. It’s just not working. I feel like a failure.” ~so many new moms who contact us
Baby Play for Newborns
Baby play. It sounds so simple, right? It can be! But, if you’re unsure of what to do with your newborn, that’s okay too. Let me help! What is play for a newborn? In the newborn phase, play is ANY interaction that your baby has with you and the world around them. Play...
Baby Naps and School Pickup
If you're wondering just how to make a baby sleep schedule work when you have to taxi your older kiddo(s) to and from school, you're not alone! Here are my 4 best strategies to help you "hack" preschool pickup and baby sleep: 1. Make the drive longer. Yes, LONGER! We...
5 Signs It’s Time to Drop a Nap
Oh mama—babies can be so tricky! As soon as you’ve settled into a comfortable, predictable routine, everything changes. It’s not your imagination! This near-constant changing is true for baby activities, baby skills, baby feeding — and, of course, baby naps.
Daycare & Baby Sleep
Parents, whether working inside or outside of the home, all have challenges with baby sleep. However, some unique questions and situations come up specifically for those who have babies at daycare. I'd love to talk through a few common questions with you. Can we still...
How to Transition from 2 Naps to 1
Originally posted on Nested Bean Around the time you find a consistent routine with your little one, everything changes. He grows. Her personality emerges. He’s saying a few words. She’s starting to walk. All sorts of changes are on the horizon. One of the biggest...
How to Drop a Nap
As your little one grows and develops, his daytime sleep requirements change. It seems just about the time you’ve got this whole “nap schedule routine” figured out, it’s time to alter it again.
Daylight Savings: Fall Back and Your Baby’s Sleep
Are you worried about how falling back and daylight savings will affect your baby's sleep? Let me show you three ways to shift your baby's sleep schedule for the end of daylight savings to help you adjust smoothly and prevent early mornings. Option 1: The week prior...
Babysitters and Baby Sleep
Trusting your baby with a sitter can be a big milestone, especially if they are helping your baby with bedtime or naps. So let’s talk about how to set your sitter and your baby up for success. 1. Start with a great sleeper. One of the number one concerns that parents...
Toddlers: Holding Boundaries and Offering Choices
Toddlers are natural-born boundary pushers. If you have a toddler, I bet you've seen this. It can be tempting when every boundary is a battle to simply give in and let your toddler have what she wants in the moment. But, can I tell you something? When it seems like...
Creating a Bedtime Routine
You’ve probably heard that bedtime routines are an important piece of your baby’s nighttime sleep. Wondering why they’re important, when to start, and what to include? Let’s talk about it. Why are bedtime routines so important? Babies thrive on predictability and...
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety: when suddenly (or not so suddenly) your baby becomes nervous whenever they lose sight of you! If you’ve experienced it, you’ve likely noticed that separation anxiety can impact all aspects of your baby’s life including nap and bedtime. Let me...
Safe Sleep Checklist
Having a great little sleeper is wonderful, but at Taking Cara Babies, we also want you to have a safe sleeper. Please use this checklist for babies 0-12 months as a quick reference and reminder. Make sure the baby products you are using are safe too. Sleep surface...
Baby Naps and School Pickup
If you're wondering just how to make a baby sleep schedule work when you have to taxi your older kiddo(s) to and from school, you're not alone! Here are my 4 best strategies to help you "hack" preschool pickup and baby sleep: 1. Make the drive longer. Yes, LONGER! We...
Sleep Sacks®, Sleep Bags, and Wearable Blankets
Want to know a topic that I get asked about almost daily? Sleep sacks, sleep bags, and wearable blankets. They all mean generally the same thing - a sleeveless zip up bag that your baby or toddler can wear as an alternative to a blanket for sleep. View this...
Transitioning Home from the NICU
You’ve learned more than you’ve ever wanted to know about oxygen saturation and bradycardias. You’re celebrating every gram your baby gains, the car seat test has been passed, and you’ve memorized every detail of the NICU schedule. Just when you’ve gotten the hang of...
Breastfeeding Basics as Taught by a Subway Sandwich
As a former Labor and Delivery/Postpartum Nurse and a mom who nursed her own babies, I know first-hand that breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning! In those first few days and weeks after the arrival of your newborn, there seems to be so much...
Teething & Baby Sleep
Teething- UGH! The very word causes parents everywhere to cringe and have visions of drooling, fussy babies. Watch the IGTV video below for a deep dive on teething. You’ll learn: symptoms of teething, symptoms that are often confused with teething, ways to soothe...
5 Tips For Transitioning Baby From Your Room to the Nursery
I know you’ve spent months creating the perfect nursery, but here’s the truth: Most newborns don’t actually sleep in their rooms initially. Chances are, your baby will start off in YOUR room. This truly is safest and most convenient during those early weeks and months. BUT… at some point, you will find that you’ll want to reclaim your bedroom and actually use that well-decorated nursery. When that time comes, here are five tips for a smooth transition to the nursery.
Reflux & Baby Sleep
When parents are trying to help their baby sleep, reflux can be a topic of concern. Why? Because when parents see their babies struggle with sleep, they often wonder if a physical issue like reflux could be causing rough nights. Even though I have twenty years of...
When Siblings Share a Room
In the movies, babies always seem to have a picture perfect nursery with more room than that sweet darling could ever use. In the real world, this just isn’t what life looks like, and sometimes our children outnumber our bedrooms.
Sleep and Sick Season: What’s a Parent to Do?
So you’ve set your baby up for sleep success (or you’re desperately trying to), and now your sweet little one is sick! What now??? First, when babies are sick, they need lots of love. They DON’T need to “tough it out” or “learn how to sleep in all circumstances” as...
Daycare & Baby Sleep
Parents, whether working inside or outside of the home, all have challenges with baby sleep. However, some unique questions and situations come up specifically for those who have babies at daycare. I'd love to talk through a few common questions with you. Can we still...
Decorating Your Nursery
As an expectant mom, I started researching baby sleep the second I discovered I was pregnant. That’s how I found Taking Cara Babies. As a designer, I started planning my son, Teddy’s, nursery even before I was pregnant. Ok, maybe you’re not crazy like me and...
Ditching Unsafe Sleep Products
To get babies sleeping, parents use all kinds of baby products... the Rock ‘n Play, DockATot, cosleepers, and swings. Please know that the AAP does not recommend any of these products for safe sleep. As of April 2019, Fisher Price recalled all Rock ‘n Plays. Also,...
5 Things Every Expectant Parent Needs To Know About Baby Sleep
This article was originally posted on The EveryMom. You’ve been waiting months or maybe years for a baby to enter your life. You might even be gushing about your sweet baby’s impending arrival to everyone you meet. People have all kinds of comments ready for you. They...
Transitioning From One Baby to Two (or Three or Four)
This post was first published on “What Lola Likes.” Your family is growing! You’ve announced on social media that your child is soon to be crowned “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.” This time is so exciting, BUT… if you catch yourself wondering: “Can I really do this?”,...
Let’s Discuss: Room Sharing
There it was loud and clear blasting from my television on an October morning in 2016: “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies should sleep in mom’s room FOR THE ENTIRE FIRST YEAR!” Thank you, Good Morning America.
Will Starting Solids Help My Baby Sleep Better?
Originally posted on “Once Upon a Farm” Beginning solids is a huge milestone for your baby and is one that should be celebrated! Regularly exposing your little one to different food options can prevent allergies, widen their taste palate, and set up a healthy...
Will Starting Solids Cause Problems with Sleep?
For little ones who have a strong sleep foundation, adding solids does not derail sleep. For some, however, there may be a few bumps in the road, so what should a parent do if nights suddenly become disrupted after beginning solids? Ask yourself these questions: Are...
Tips for Baby Sleep While Hosting for the Holidays
Hosting loved ones over the holidays creates life-long memories. However, joy can often turn to frustration when a baby is added to the mix if expectations and preparations are not clearly established beforehand. A sleepy and cranky little one is not on anyone’s Christmas list, so let’s lay out a game plan before the guests arrive.
Sleeping Babies in Car Seats
Let’s be honest: babies fall asleep in their car seats! But...if we aren’t educated, the very product we use to keep babies safe in the car can actually become a safety HAZARD! HOW is it possible to keep your baby SAFE when he falls asleep in the car seat? Let me show...
Oh Baby, Let’s Travel – Eight Sleep Tips for Traveling With An Infant
Traveling can be such a relaxing treat or exciting adventure. However, if you are traveling with a baby, “vacation” can often feel like more “work” than staying home. Let me share a conversation I had with a mom of a 9-month-old: “Cara, I’m thinking of canceling our...
Thumbsucking: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
I will never forget those middle of the night wake-ups trying to calm my little guy. Unfortunately, this was before Taking Cara Babies had amazing online courses. One night, I heard the familiar cry and rolled out of bed, but before I could get to his crib, the crying...
Daylight Savings: Fall Back and Your Baby’s Sleep
Are you worried about how falling back and daylight savings will affect your baby's sleep? Let me show you three ways to shift your baby's sleep schedule for the end of daylight savings to help you adjust smoothly and prevent early mornings. Option 1: The week prior...
Transitioning to the Toddler Bed
Hey mamas! I’m Jennifer, Head of Content and Communication as well as one of the Sleep Consultants with Taking Cara Babies. I’m also mom of 3-year-old Lukas. Cara and I wanted to share Lukas’s recent transition to the toddler bed with you!
Spring Forward – Adjusting Baby Sleep for Daylight Savings
Ahhhh… Spring!
Spring means flowers are blooming, birds are tweeting, and mamas are pushing strollers without freezing.
But…there are also three naughty words also associated with spring: Daylight Saving Time.
Marriage After Baby
Let's get real about relationships. As I read these words from a new mama, my heart broke. "I did NOT think our marriage would get so HARD after we had a baby. I married my best friend, and our relationship has been fairly easy. Having a baby has somehow shifted the...
Dear New Mama
Do you have a brand new little one? I’m talking to you today. I want you to know, you’re doing it right. I’d love to be able to speak right to your heart. Would you watch this message from my heart to yours? Let me say it again. I want you to hear it; I want you to...
Breastfeeding Basics as Taught by a Subway Sandwich
As a former Labor and Delivery/Postpartum Nurse and a mom who nursed her own babies, I know first-hand that breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning! In those first few days and weeks after the arrival of your newborn, there seems to be so much...
5 Things Every Expectant Parent Needs To Know About Baby Sleep
This article was originally posted on The EveryMom. You’ve been waiting months or maybe years for a baby to enter your life. You might even be gushing about your sweet baby’s impending arrival to everyone you meet. People have all kinds of comments ready for you. They...
8 Steps to Help YOU Get Restful Sleep
People will ask you all the time, “How’s the baby sleeping?” Wouldn’t it be great if they asked about your sleep? If you’ve taken one of the Taking Cara Babies classes, you have the tools you need for baby sleep, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re snoozing...
Pregnancy Loss: Finding a Miracle Amidst the Pain
I saw it plain as day: “pregnant” written out in digital form on a stick!
Me! Pregnant! At 42!