FAQs

Fever. It’s the one common symptom that every parent inevitably faces, and in most cases, it’s not a sign of anything serious. But as parents who worry, everything feels big when our little ones are sick. And all that really matters is making them feel “all better” as quickly as we can. While most fevers are harmless and caused by mild infections, it’s important to be prepared and know the signs. Let’s tackle this together with facts and treatments to get babies and kids back on track and parents back to breathing a sigh of relief. When their fever breaks – we all feel “all better.”

Causes…

A fever usually means the body is fighting an illness and your little one’s immune system is working correctly. If your baby or child has a fever, it most likely means they’ve gotten a virus, or some other possible infection and their little body is fighting it.

What’s normal?

A normal temperature can range from about 97 to 100.3 F while most doctors consider a rectal temperature of 100.4 F or higher to be a fever. It’s never a bad idea to take your little one’s temperature when they’re well to gain some context. And as always, it’s important to monitor and help comfort your little ones until the fever breaks. If your child has a fever, it’s essential to know the signs and know when to seek medical care.

How to comfort a feverish baby or kid…

• Try a cool towel and put it on their back or neck. You might even get a smile.
• Give them a lukewarm bath. It’s good for the fever and it just feels nice.
• Offer lots of fluids. Even though your child may resist, try water, juice, milk, or even popsicles for older kids to add some fun and color. For babies, try to offer the breast or bottle more often, as a fever can cause dehydration.
• Keep them dressed in light, cool clothes
• Acetaminophen can help provide relief. We recommend Mommy’s Bliss NEW Infants’ and Children’s Acetaminophen to reduce fever and ease body aches.

Be sure to check your little one’s temperature after administering the above.

Call the doc if your little one…

• Is under 3 months.
• Has a fever over 102 and is 3 months old or older (especially if they are under 2 years old)
• Is unusually lethargic, not responsive or has problems breathing or eating
• Has a rash
• Shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, no tears when they cry, or a sunken soft spot on the head
• Is vomiting or has longer term diarrhea
• Is unusually sleepy or fussy
• Has had a fever for more than 72 hours

Keep NEW Mommy’s Bliss Infants’ and Children’s Acetaminophen handy for pain and fever relief. This is the first-ever Clean Label Project Certified acetaminophen, and it’s what we give our own family to ease our little ones and quickly reduce their fever. Feels good to know we’re in this together. We call it Medicine for Peace of Mind.

Sources:

Healthline.com
MedlinePlus.com
Mommy’s Bliss Parents

How to care for baby’s adorable little newborn teeth? Spoiler alert…it’s never too early to start...teeth or not! For starters, good tooth care begins with great gum care. Before those baby teeth appear, amidst cheers and awe, and photo ops, the gums are bursting with readiness and pain. It’s a notoriously tough time for babies and the grouchies are likely to follow. Wouldn’t you be grouchy if your gums were inflamed, and you didn’t know why? Rhetorical. And by the way, asking baby if their gums ache is like talking to a newborn. But you can ease their hard-working tender gums with Mommy’s Bliss Little Gums Soothing Massage Gel. Just a drop of this magical gel with organic chamomile and vanilla on the tip of mommy’s finger for a mini massage and it’s smiles all around. Yes, this one won the 2023 Innovation Award...all those tiny gums can’t be wrong. Once those pearly wonders burst onto baby’s scene (or even before they do), let’s talk about how to take the very best care of them and set them up for future dental success. You’ve got questions…as you should.

When do I start brushing baby’s teeth?

Believe it or not, you can begin brushing baby’s gums before the first tooth appears. Simply run a soft infant toothbrush or clean, damp washcloth over little gums to remove harmful bacteria. As soon as baby has their first tooth, let the brushing begin – twice a day…even if it’s just that lone first pearly white. Talk with your doctor or dentist about toothpaste options and what they recommend. This is also the perfect time to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment to get them accustomed to visits – after the first tooth or on baby’s first birthday – whichever comes first. Typically, the first teeth to come in are the lower front teeth and most children will usually have all their baby teeth by age three. But don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal for some babies not to have a single tooth at their first birthday party. Normally, around 3 months old, you’ll notice baby exploring the world with their mouth, increased saliva and putting their hands in their mouths is all normal. The first tooth usually appears around 6 months old. As soon as baby’s teeth start touching, start flossing. Gently, of course. When your child is old enough, teach them to spit out the excess toothpaste and continue to watch them so they aren’t swallowing the toothpaste! Brush alongside them as a perfect example of how it’s done. Look at mommy’s pearly whites…healthy habits begin by example.

What if my baby refuses to open their mouths for brushing (We’ve been there)

Babies can be insistent – especially if gums are sore. The last thing baby wants is mom or dad getting close to brush or massage. If two grown-ups are available, the knee-to-knee approach works great. Place your child’s head in your lap while the other holds your child and chats with them, sings or distracts them if they’re upset. Try saying “uh oh” and open your mouth really wide and your little one may mimic you. Silly, but it works! You can also gently place a finger between the back gums to carefully hold mouth open for brushing. Brush gently but swiftly before they catch on. Hoping this blog finds you and your little one happy, healthy, and finding your way on your breastfeeding journey. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so settle in, pump on, give yourself some grace, and enjoy the ride, if possible. You got this! And if you don’t...that’s ok too. Never forget – this is hard – and you’re amazing.

Can babies get tooth decay?

Believe it or not, even babies can get tooth decay. Putting a baby to sleep with a bottle can harm teeth thanks to the sugar in juice, formula or milk that lingers on baby’s teeth for hours. This sugar can eat away at tooth enamel leading to “bottle mouth” or “baby bottle tooth decay.” When this happens, baby’s teeth could get discolored, pocked or pitted, cavities may form and in severe cases, these teeth may need to be pulled. No baby (or mama) wants that! When kids are 6 months old, switch from a bottle to a sippy cup with a straw or a hard spout to prevent liquid from pooling around teeth.

What else should I know?

If your baby is fussy, gums are red and tender and they are drooling (more than usual), it’s likely teething. Massaging gums with clean fingers and Mommy’s Bliss Little Gums Soothing Massage Gel works wonders, as does a solid cold-filled teething ring, cold washcloths or a teething biscuit (be sure to keep a close watch with this one to avoid a choking hazard). If baby is still upset or uncomfortable, reach out to your pediatrician to ask if a weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen or, if over 6 months, ibuprofen, would be helpful. Try to avoid teething products with benzocaine. The FDA has issued warnings against it due to potential side effects. With a few helpful pointers, and our award-winning gum massage gel, it’s easy to care for tiny new teeth, sore gums, and to teach baby good habits from the get-go. Healthy, pearly whites and a calm baby are such a sweet reward. The tooth fairy would be proud of both of you. Smiles all around. 

Babies go through so many changes and milestones in their first year. It’s exciting and usually adorable, but each new chapter brings new needs and new concerns and so many not-so-adorable moments. Let’s talk about how to make transitions easier for baby and mom with a few little essentials that make a world of difference. Let’s talk about Mommy’s Bliss blissentials and what you’ll need every step of the way.

Digestive Development

Babies’ digestive systems develop so much in that first year. Between learning how to digest milk, then pureed food, then onto solids, it’s a lot for tiny tummies to process. Keep Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops on hand, and stock up on a goldmine of goodness with the world’s most studied single strain probiotic that keeps baby’s gut full of “good bacteria” supporting their ability to digest food, and absorb vitamins. Happy belly. Happy baby.

Sore Gums

Oh, those tiny tender little gums. If baby could tell you they ache, they most certainly would. And sore gums can make even the calmest of babies feel cranky. When baby’s cranky…everyone’s cranky. Ease the soreness as they transition through this phase with Mommy’s Bliss Little Gums Soothing Massage Gel. It’s gentle and safe for teething babies, and features organic ingredients such as chamomile and vanilla for daytime and lemon balm and passionflower for nighttime. Just one drop massaged onto baby’s gums with mommy’s finger, and tears turn to smiles…on the spot.

Sleep Changes and Regression 

Sleep - that elusive luxury…for both of you, may seem out of reach during transition time as baby deals with so much newness.  Just when you had a routine figured out – voila – it changes again. It’s normal, but exhausting. Mommy’s Bliss Bedtime Drops can get baby back on track with organic chamomile, passionflower and lemon balm to promote calm, restful sleep, while simultaneously providing immunity support that will help mom rest easy. And when baby’s calm and peaceful, it’s pj time for mom. 

When you prep for each milestone, it’s easier to keep baby happy and less rattled along the way. From the first tooth to that first bite of solid food, these are the moments to be treasured. Enjoy the changes that come and come and come. Mommy’s Bliss - and our baby essentials - is along for all of it. 

There’s so much information out there for babies! What they need. What they don’t. How much? How little? We get it. Let’s start with the all-important letter...Vitamin D. Read on for the full A-Z on D...and why it’s so essential for your little one.

Vitamin D:

First and foremost, Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium, something all babies need for strong bones and growth. Little bodies also need D for brain development and overall immune system health. But let’s answer your questions about when, why, and how much...

What if I’m breastfeeding?

Infants who are exclusively breastfed are at a higher risk for a Vitamin D deficiency. Not enough can result in rickets, a softening and weakening of the bones, and a higher risk for bone fractures later on. And since sun exposure (where we get so much Vitamin D) isn’t recommended for babies, supplements are the best way to be sure they’re getting what they need. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU of vitamin D daily for breastfed babies to promote healthy growth.

When should I start breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adding Vitamin D as early as the first few days after birth. And babies should continue to receive 400 (IU) daily until age 1. A dedicated Vitamin D supplement is one of the best ways to ensure they receive the full recommended amount until they are old enough to receive it from diet and/or formula alone.

When will babies get Vitamin D on their own?

Once the baby is old enough to get a full dose of Vitamin D from the diet, including solids like tuna, salmon, eggs and cheese, whole milk, or from a big dose of sunshine (with SPF, of course), they won’t need to take an extra vitamin. Until then, a supplement is essential and an easy way to support healthy growth and development.

Do I need to add Vitamin D if I’m using a fortified formula?

All infant formulas provide the required amount of Vitamin D as a regulation requirement, but it typically requires consuming 32 ounces (or approximately 1 Liter) of formula every day. Since many formula-fed babies are not consuming that much in the first few months, ask your pediatrician if an additional Vitamin D boost may be needed.

What if I already take a Vitamin D supplement myself?

Moms can safely supplement 600 IU/day and fortify their breast milk to the necessary requirement but it’s worth a conversation with your doctor to see if this is a valid option.

Does Mommy’s Bliss have Vitamin D I can easily give to my baby?

We’re so glad you asked, and the answer is a blissful, resounding “yes”! Our Organic Vitamin D drops contain 400 IU per one-drop serving and have zero additives, chemicals, or artificial flavoring. Each drop is made of only two simple ingredients: high-quality Vitamin D3 and organic fractionated coconut oil (aka MCT oil) as a carrier to help with absorption. Just one little, easy-to-administer drop is all you need to be certain the baby is getting what they need. “This is the perfect solution to giving babies the Vitamin D they need without all the stuff they don't need…this is so easy and she doesn't even notice! “ Jess A. It’s easy to add Vitamin D, and the peace of mind is priceless. Definitely add a D and subtract the worry that comes with being a new mom to such a precious, ever-changing little bundle.

Babies are (very) unpredictable and sometimes gripes, tummy troubles and achy little gums kick in at 2 am – aka, not our dream time for an errand. When baby hurts, we hurt too. So, stock up and keep on hand these new baby essentials for the first 6 months.

1. Gripe Water Original & Gripe Water Night Time

There’s a reason Gripe Water has been our #1 bestseller for over 20 years – actually, there are three reasons...gas, colic, and fussiness. All those calmed tiny tummies can’t be wrong. Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water soothes and relieves with organic fennel and ginger, a combination that’s been used for ages to calm colicky babies.* Gripe Water Night Time adds chamomile, lemon balm and passionflower to the mix, nudging baby to sleep by soothing discomfort and inviting a restful night's sleep*. “A must-have for every new mom! Your Night Time Gripe Water will be included in every baby shower gift from now on. This stuff is fabulous.”- Melody. Mom and Awesome Baby Shower Gift-Giver.

2. Gum Massage Gel

Tender sore gums call for tender loving care in a mild, sweet vanilla and chamomile organic gel for day or a comforting organic lemon balm and passionflower gel for night. Just a drop on your finger of Organic Little Gums Massage Gel to sweetly massage away baby’s tenderness and put a smile where a frown used to be. “These gels were a life-saver...this stuff works great!” Latisha – Mom, and Gum Massage guru.

3. Multivitamin + Iron

Even the best-fed baby can benefit from a thoughtful multivitamin. Just one serving of our Baby Multivitamin + Iron is high in iron for immune support and healthy development,* plus provides 100% daily values of vitamins C, D3, E, B1, B2, and B6, so you never have to doubt your newborn’s nourishment.

4. Digital Thermometer

… Not the forehead kind. It’s recommended that parents take their kiddo’s temperature rectally until the age of three, for the most accurate results. Of course, clean the end with rubbing alcohol or soap and water before and after every use.

5. Petroleum Jelly

Nervous about the whole rectal thermometer thing? Apply a dab of petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer to make it easy to insert. Petroleum jelly is also a top-notch baby-friendly moisturizer, great for keeping scrapes, dry skin, and diaper rash well-lubricated, which speeds healing.

6. Cool-Mist Humidifier

The cool, moist air from a humidifier helps to gently thin out nose-stuffing gunk, making it one of the safest and most natural ways to ease congestion. (Warm-air humidifiers work, too, but steam can cause burns, so it’s best to avoid those around newborns.)

7. Saline Nasal Drops

Unlike steroid nasal sprays that grown-ups may use to tackle drippy allergy-infested noses, babies only need a med-free saline nasal solution, like our Saline Drops. The saltwater solution dilutes nasal mucus, in a safe and gentle way to relieve congestion.

8. Nasal Aspirator

Since stuffed-up infants can’t blow their teeny noses yet, you’ll want to gently suction out mucus buildup with a soft nasal aspirator (AKA bulb syringe). A couple of quick squeezes can help your congested baby breathe more easily. (If you’re using nasal drops, use the aspirator afterward, so you can suck out any loosened snot.)

Stay Prepared! - Stock Baby Essentials

Keep these new baby essentials handy so you don’t run out! Prepare for the fussiest before they happen and you may never go to the drugstore in your bathrobe again. You got this mama!

Ohhhh, baby’s skin. That kissable, squeezable, soft, smooth deliciousness. Where do you think the phrase “soft as a baby’s bottom” was born? So, when common culprits like Eczema, rashes, and other itchiness strike delicate skin, we want to get baby comfortable again as soon as motherly possible. Let's cover how to ease baby Eczema, anytime of day. It’s tough to see your baby in pain or discomfort with red, itchy, irritated skin. So, let’s put skin concerns to sleep or give baby a fuss-free day with our Mommy’s Bliss Complete Skin Support System and some helpful hints from our moms who’ve been there.

Preventative Tips for Eczema:

• Be wary of irritants like laundry or bath soap or rough, scratchy clothes.
• Be mindful of heat and sweat which can cause skin to stay moist and stir up discomfort as can extremely dry skin, especially during winter.
• -Remember, allergens from cow’s milk or certain foods can certainly cause outbreaks.

What to do?

Eczema at Daytime:

• Steer clear of any known allergens and try to keep baby cool on hot days and warm on cold ones.
• Try to keep baby’s mind off their itchies with toys, books, songs or even their favorite age-appropriate snacks. If they’re picking up cheerios with both hands, they’ve got zero hands left to itch with. Mom math.
• Apply Mommy’s Bliss Eczema Ease Daily Moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and olive oil to provide some “ahhh” and keep skin protected all day.
• For flare-ups or trouble spots, Mommy’s Bliss Eczema Ease Spot Treatment is a must-have to quickly ease and treat extra-irritated spots with our strongest colloidal oatmeal formula.

Eczema at Nighttime:

• Use a mild baby soap and lukewarm water to help soothe skin and gently pat baby dry. Distract baby with toys and sweet music.
• The National Eczema Association suggests moisturizing baby’s skin within 3 minutes of bath time to help lock-in moisture. Apply NEW Mommy’s Bliss Night Time Body Lotion with aloe and ceramide to replenish moisture and lock it in so baby stays hydrated (and hopefully resting) all night
• How to dress baby with eczema at night? Dress baby in loose, cool, cotton pj’s so skin can breathe.
• Use a humidifier in baby’s room to help keep skin hydrated.
• Sing and read stories to make them forget all about it...and feel all better.
• And because skin issues are often more than skin deep, try a probiotic like Mommy’s Bliss Skin Support Probiotic Drops to help balance baby’s skin from the inside out with a clinically studied probiotic strain.* It’s important to reach for both topicals and probiotics for complete skin health and blissful, happy skin.

Mommy knows best and the best thing for baby is luscious, itch-free skin. With our Complete Skin Support System, Eczema doesn’t stand a chance. Don’t mess with a Mommy on a mission.

When do babies start sleeping through the night?

Some tips for helping put a baby to sleep are: 

• Set up a bedtime routine so baby knows what’s coming. 
• Try a warm bath to relax before bed. 
• Get baby’s room ready for sleep - darkness, a soothing sound machine, a comfortable sleep temp (between 68-72 degrees).
• Swaddle. Nothing is more cozy.  
• Avoid letting baby get over tired. Sometimes that can backfire.  

For something so small, it’s amazing how many things babies need…or possibly don’t. Let’s talk about the must-haves that matter for baby’s immunity, and mommy’s peace of mind, and ensure baby is growing strong, healthy, and happy. So read on to add peace of mind to your list and be certain you’ve got just what you (and baby need) to grow, change, and thrive. Mommy’s Bliss Essentials Checklist – “essential” is right in the name. You might want to save this…

1. Baby Vitamin D drops:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU of Vitamin D daily for breastfed babies for strong bones and healthy growth**. Just one drop daily of Mommy’s Bliss Organic Vitamin D Drops –done. They might not even blink. “This is the perfect solution to giving babies that extra Vitamin D they need without all the stuff they don’t. This is so easy.” Jess A.

2. Baby Multi-vitamin + Iron:

Essential (there’s that word again) vitamins for healthy growth put baby’s development first and foremost. Mommy’s Bliss Baby Multivitamin + Iron is easy to use and contains 100% daily value of no less than six vitamins, including C, D3, and E. Did we mention it has a yummy grape flavor? “The baby multivitamin with iron is easy to use and the baby had no problem taking it. I like that it is made with 70% organic ingredients.” Jess

3. Baby Probiotic Drops:

Pure and simple, support baby’s gut with the “good bacteria” that help their ability to digest food, absorb vitamins, and develop the strong immune systems they need as they grow *. Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops Everyday are made with Pure Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, the world’s most-studied single-strain probiotic, and is safe to use from day one. “Works like a charm! Helped my little one's slow digestive system so much.” Naynay419

4. Elderberry Drops:

A baby’s immune system is constantly developing, and keeping immunity in mind early promotes health for a long time down the road. Mommy’s Bliss Organic Baby Elderberry Drops combines high-quality, organic elderberry with the additional immunity support of echinacea, Vitamin C, and zinc for a great-tasting way to safeguard y our baby from the get-go. * “I bought this for my 9-month-old granddaughter ...what a great product. Will buy it again. ” Nana Before our very eyes...babies grow up so fast. It’s beautiful, and unique and leaves us wondering if we’re doing all we can to foster this. Mommy’s Bliss has taken the worry out of the wonder with the essentials you (and baby) need. Feels good to know you’re doing amazing. Carry on mama, you truly do have this.

Recognize and avoid the following triggers:

• Irritants like laundry soaps, bath soaps, and scratchy or rough clothing.
• Heat and sweat cause the skin to stay moist.
• Allergens from cow’s milk or certain foods.
• Extreme dry skin, especially during winter.

Gear up, clear up! Here are some routines and items that can help clear baby eczema:

1. Use mild baby soap and lukewarm baths to help soothe the skin. Pat baby dry after a bath.
2. Use a humidifier in the baby’s room to keep skin hydrated.
3. Apply moisturizers, such as Mommy’s Bliss Eczema Ease Daily Moisturizer, to keep skin hydrated daily. When baby eczema flare-ups arise, try Mommy’s Bliss Eczema Ease Spot Treatment with colloidal oatmeal to quickly relieve dry skin.
4. Try a probiotic, like Mommy’s Bliss Skin Support Probiotic Drops, to help balance baby’s skin from the inside out with a clinically studied probiotic strain.

Ask any parent what makes the biggest difference in their lives, and you’ll likely hear the same answer: good sleep. Besides making the whole family happier and less stressed, good sleep is crucial for your child. Getting the right amount of sleep is associated with better memory and increased attention; better regulation of their emotions; and even benefits their physical health. When kids don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, the problems can be daunting. They can have trouble learning, start having behavioral challenges, and experience health problems you’d more commonly expect in adults, like hypertension and depression. But when you’re in the trenches dealing with a child who’s having trouble with sleep—and causing you to be sleep deprived yourself—it can be really, really frustrating. All that hard work you did back when they were a baby (I still remember the heartbreaking cries of my own when we did sleep training) seems like it’s gone out the window. The first step to getting back on track is to make sure you know what the right amount of sleep is for your child—and the signs that they may not be getting it.

How much sleep does my child need?

Of course, every child is different, but here’s a good baseline from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Don’t stress out if they’re not hitting their range every single night, but definitely look for patterns if you’re concerned. Newborn to 3 months: 14 to 17 hours 3 months to 1 year: 12 to 16 hours (including naps) 1 to 3 years: 10 to 14 hours (including naps) 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours (including naps) 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours

What are the signs my child isn’t getting enough sleep?

Next, look for these common signs that your child isn’t getting enough shut-eye.

For babies & toddlers

• They’re cranky, whiny, or fussy regularly, especially in the late afternoon
• They’re acting especially clingy
• They’re more fidgety or antsy than usual
• They’re more quiet than usual
• They wake up groggy
• They fall asleep during short car rides
• They’re snoring

For young kids

• They’re hyperactive
• They fall asleep at inappropriate times
• You have to wake them up several times each morning
• Their attention span has decreased
• They’re having problems with their schoolwork or homework
• They have trouble falling asleep at night
• They start having night terrors or sleepwalking
• They’re snoring loudly
• They’re anxious about being separated from you (day and night)

The good news is you can get your kid back on the good sleep track, and our 7 Tips for Bedtime Bliss is a great place to start. If your child needs extra support from time to time when your sleep plan is thrown off, our Kids Sleep Gummies, Kids Sleep Liquid, and Chewables can help. They contain our own special blend of melatonin plus calming herbs to help reset your child’s “sleep clock” and bring bliss back to bedtime.

1. Prebiotics

2. Probiotics

3. Vitamin D

We have the pleasure of speaking with one of the experts on the Mommy’s Bliss team, Dr. Smita Malhotra. Dr. Smita is a pediatrician and mom who talks to a lot of newborn parents. We asked her to share some of the common questions she gets and how she responds.

Can my newborn see me?

The short answer is, yes! The longer answer is a little more complex. As a rule, newborns can only see about 8-to-12 inches in front of them. That's why breastfeeding is such a bonding experience. When your newborn is breastfeeding, your faces are the perfect distance from each other so he can stay fixated on you. Anything beyond 12 inches is a big blur. Newborns mostly see in black, white, and shades of gray; color vision doesn’t develop until a bit later in babyhood (along with their ability to see farther and farther away). Something else that’s interesting about newborns is that they have a very keen and distinct sense of smell, and they can always smell their mom (or whoever carried them), even if she’s on the other side of the room. A lot of dads have a hard time feeding their newborn a bottle if the birth mom is nearby; the baby knows there’s breast milk right there! And when moms are trying to wean from breast to bottle, I tell them to leave the room or leave the house so the baby can’t tell they’re around.” For more Q&As with our experts, follow us on instagram or facebook.

When you become a parent, it can come as a surprise that “mind reader” is part of the job description. When your baby’s fussiness can’t be connected to hunger, a dirty diaper, or being overtired, it’s most likely gas or colic. Which one? And what to do? Here’s your fussy-baby cheat sheet.

Is it colic?

Babies with colic have regular fussy periods, usually between 6:00 p.m. and midnight. What makes colic, colic, is that it’s exceedingly tough to calm your baby and the crying lasts and lasts. At its peak, crying can go on for three grueling hours. Yikes. You can help by doing this:

• Wear your baby. The gentle bump-bump-bump of being walked while nestled in a baby carrier can be a great soother. The combo of close contact and motion does the trick.

• Swaddle up. A safe, tight swaddle is comforting for newborns because it reminds them of the close quarters of the womb.

• Try an old-school approach. Parents have been using gripe water for colic since the way-way back of the 1800s. While the formulas of yesteryear featured alcohol (oops!), today’s are a mix of sodium bicarbonate (AKA baking soda) and baby-safe herbs like ginger and fennel, historically known to help soothe a sensitive stomach. Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water is free of alcohol, added sugar, and artificial flavors and colors. And our ginger and fennel are organic. Ahem.

Is it gas?

Babies are full of toots and burps, thanks to a still-developing digestive system and a habit of gulping air while feeding and crying. If you notice your baby is squirming and pulling their legs up, she’s probably trying to relieve gas pains. You can help by doing this:

• Mimic baby’s moves. Help your baby pump their own gas out by laying them flat on their back and moving their legs in a bicycling motion.

• Try gas drops. Ask your pediatrician about gas drops containing simethicone, a baby-safe medication that breaks down gas bubbles, making them easier to pass. Look for a gentle formula, like Mommy’s Bliss Gas Relief Drops, which is 100% free of sugar, alcohol, and artificial flavors or colors.

• Feed differently. Tilt your baby’s bottle at an angle so the entire nipple is filled with milk —not air bubbles — and be sure their little head is higher than their stomach. Using powdered formula? Let bubbles settle post-shake before feeding.

Good luck, and, if it’s time for Gripe Water Night Time or Organic Gripe Water Gel Night Time, good night!

Immunity’s on our minds most of the time these days. By now, we all know the drill: wash hands often, for 20 seconds at a time, with enough soap and water to clean every inch. Eat a balanced diet rich in a variety of whole, healthy foods. Drink water. Get plenty of sleep. Making these everyday habits a practice goes a long way toward keeping us feeling well, and full of the energy we need to enjoy each other. These are also great ways to keep our babies healthy. A lot of their development is amazing to watch — they get taller and bigger, their faces come into focus, and their emerging personalities start showing us who they are. But they’re also developing in ways we can’t see, like their continuously evolving immune systems, which can use all the support we can give.

1. Practice Clean

Wash your baby’s hands when you wash yours: before and after meals, when coming home from outside, and after playtime. Handwashing can be a fun and nurturing part of your mealtime rituals, and the more it’s a matter of course now, the less you’ll have to teach (or nag) about it later.

2. Sleep Steady

The body does much of its most important work while we sleep, so rest is a crucial component of immunity support. If you don’t already have a sleep routine that works for you and your baby, now’s the time to build one (perhaps starting with these tips for bedtime bliss). We’re living through times of unprecedented chronic stress, which are even more impactful for those of us who were already dealing with the health effects of societal imbalances. If you’re struggling to keep sleep on track for yourself and your family, try some suggestions from sleep expert Nicole Cannon.

3. Get Moving

Work some kind (any kind!) of movement into your days. Exercise, be it yoga, strength training, walking around the block, or dancing in the kitchen, can lift our moods while it lifts our immunity. Being stuck in the house for a while has emphasized the value of a little fresh air, but it’s harder to get out in the winter. This means that most of us can use a vitamin D supplement, babies included. Our Baby Vitamin D Organic Drops are safe for newborns, and just one drop a day provides 400 IU of vitamin D.

4. Keep Help Handy

Even while keeping up all these healthy habits, sometimes your baby might need a little extra support. Our variety of probiotics are ready for your newborn’s intestinal and immune systems from day one. Try Baby Probiotics + Vitamin D to support bone development, or Probiotic Drops + Colic Support to help with fussiness and tummy troubles from colic. Our Organic Baby Elderberry Drops are a great option for bonus immune support, with organic Black Elderberry, prebiotics, zinc, and organic echinacea. There are many paths to well-being, so always check with your pediatrician as you try what resonates with you and works for your wee one.

The snuggles. The cries. The first smile. You’re there for your baby every step of the way. Every fiber of a parent’s being is geared toward making your baby happy, healthy, and comfortable. When your baby doesn’t feel well, seeing them suffer is the worst! The saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” strikes true here. Get ahead of the curve by supporting baby’s immunity early with these easy yet trusted tips.

Get Fresh Air and Sunshine

Doctors have long been recommending that infants get at least 30 minutes of fresh air and sunlight per day. In 1884, Dr. Luther Emmett advocated “airing” babies to promote robust health. We can get Vitamin D from foods or supplements and our body can make it from sunlight. We also know that oxygen-rich fresh air clears lungs and energizes bodies. Taking a walk near some trees before 10 a.m. is calming for both baby and parent and supports healthy immune function. Make sure to dress your baby in as many layers as you would wear, plus one; this could be as simple as keeping a blanket with you.

Give Them a Multivitamin

When our bodies don’t have enough vitamins and minerals, our immunity doesn’t function as well as it could. You can get ahead of the deficit by trying Mommy’s Bliss Organic Multivitamin at 2 months of age. It’s a daily organic supplement that provides essential vitamins for baby's optimal nutrition, healthy growth, and bone development. It’s certified USDA Organic, made from real-food, and contains 5 essential vitamins: A, B, C, D, and E. Always consult a pediatrician before adding supplements to your baby’s diet.

Keep Them Hydrated

Babies and children have a greater risk of dehydration, because their bodies contain a higher proportion of water than adult bodies; they use more water during activity; and their kidneys aren’t fully developed. Staying hydrated helps their little bodies process toxins. Infants get hydration from milk, but once they start eating solids, transition to offering milk with foods and eventually water.

Wash Hands From The Start

Believe it or not, babies’ hands need to be washed as often as adults’ are. Maybe even more often, since they're exploring everything—including all the icky things. (Eek! Don’t touch that!) You don't want to go overboard, but wash their hands whenever you wash your own: after you change their diaper (think of the germs on a changing table!) and before eating. Use soap and warm water, rubbing hands gently for 20-30 seconds—as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice—and rinse well.

Try Elderberry for Immunity

A baby’s immune system is in a constant state of development, and if you’re anything like us as parents, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your baby healthy. Our Organic Elderberry Drops are designed for babies 4 months and up, to support their immunity with a baby-friendly blend of organic herbs, extracts, prebiotics, and vitamins. Once a day will do it!

Start a Probiotic Regiment Early

Probiotics can be started from the time a baby is born, and pediatricians often recommend them. Probiotics help to regulate the immune system by balancing good bacteria in the tummy. These helpful microorganisms potentially reduce the risk of diarrhea. Strengthen your child’s immune system by adding a high-quality probiotic supplement like our Probiotic Drops to their daily intake.

When your little one has a cough or sniffles, we know it can be scary, especially if you’re a first-time parent. The good news is it’s probably just an occasional cough: babies get between 7 and 8 of them a year! But that doesn’t make their discomfort (and your lack of sleep!) any easier to deal with. Lucky for you, the moms at Mommy’s Bliss have all been there and so we know what works and what doesn’t when you’re trying to make baby feel better. Here are our top six soothing strategies.

Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer.

These devices add much-needed moisture to the air in baby’s bedroom, which is especially important in the winter months when heating systems dry out the air even more. These devices help keep those little nasal passages moist. Pro tip: Clean the humidifier or vaporizer regularly (check the instruction manual) to keep mold at bay.

Fluids, fluids and more fluids.

Just like us, babies need to stay super hydrated when they’re sick. Here’s why: fluids help to thin their mucus and make it easier for mucus to get out of their little systems. Breast milk and formula are great for the littlest babies. For older babes, you can give them water, juice, or a rehydration drink.

Steam it out.

Create your own steam room for baby. Head to the bathroom, shut the door, turn on a hot shower, and sit with them for 10-15 minutes. The steam will help loosen congestion and open up their little nasal passages (Bonus: it’s good for your skin, too!).

Flush it out.

A saline mist can help clean and moisturize baby nose helping clear mucus and congestion. Mommy’s Bliss offers Saline Mist which is free from preservatives, parabens, or alcohol.

Calm and soothe.

A mentholated chest rub is a good way to ease congestion and soothe sniffles. To calm and soothe your baby safely, try a non-medicated chest rub made with organic essential oils.

Give an extra dose of love.

There’s nothing better for them (or you!) than extra hugs and snuggle time. Cuddling will help distract them from their discomfort and help them relax so their bodies can heal faster and better.

Not Today, Coughs!

We’re all extra careful these days to take every possible precaution to keep our families healthy. As the season shifts, it’s even more important to strengthen immunity, especially for your littlest one. Start with these everyday tips to keep healthy habits on point, and, if occasional coughs break through, we’ve got some simple ways to keep comfort close.

WASH THOSE HANDS

Keeping hands clean is fundamental to keeping everyone healthy. It’s never too early to teach your baby how to wash their hands, so they develop a lifelong good habit. Everyone should give their hands a good long scrub before eating, after using the bathroom, and first thing when returning home from the outside world. This is especially important when your baby’s teething and constantly sticking her hands in her mouth!

SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP!

Lack of sleep can lower the body’s immune response, so make sure your little one is getting enough sleep. Babies may need up to 18 hours of sleep and toddlers between 12 and 13 hours. Check with your child’s pediatrician to see how much sleep they should be getting. It can be a lot harder for busy parents to get enough sleep themselves, but … do your best. Laundry and dishes will still be there in the morning.

AVOID LARGE CROWDS

You know this one. It’s super important to avoid large gatherings, especially through the winter, when they’re more likely to be indoors without enough ventilation. If you have kids in daycare, they’re regularly in close quarters with others, so it’s even more essential to double up on immunity-perking practices. When handwashing is second nature, hand sanitizer ever-present, and helpful supplements are on hand, you’ve got what you need to stay protected.

SANITIZE WISELY

If possible, avoid letting your baby play with objects such as cell phones and car keys, as they can harbor quite a bit of yucky bacteria. Make sure you’re routinely cleaning and sanitizing frequently used surfaces and items like counter tops and all the devices we touch without thinking. And, of course, baby toys can get particularly gross when your little one is teething, so wipe those down routinely. We love Seventh Generation’s botanical disinfecting wipes. They’re safe for baby and super easy to use.

GET YOUR ELDERBERRY ON

One of our favorite supplements is black elderberry syrup, which has been used since the time of ancient Greece to support immunity. Our Organic Baby Elderberry Drops include zinc and organic echinacea for added support, and are made with agave syrup, so they’re delicious and appropriate for babies 4 months and older.

GIVE A DAILY PROBIOTIC

Probiotics help support a balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and can support digestion and boost immunity. Try feeding your little one probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir, or give her a daily probiotic supplement to keep her immune system flexing.

When All Else Fails

REST

If an occasional cough comes through, your little one needs plenty of rest in a quiet, comfortable place. Stick to calm, restful activities for a while. Books, puzzles, art projects, or even a favorite show can all be good options. And, of course, extra cuddles!

SALINE

Saline drops are a fantastically easy, drug-free way to help with drippy noses. We designed our Saline Mist and Saline Drops to soothe dry nostrils and help loosen mucus.

AGAVE

For kids more than 12 months old, honey can be a safe way to soothe an irritated throat and reduce occasional coughing. But what can you turn to when your little one is still under a year old? Try Mommy’s Bliss Organic Baby Cough Syrup. It’s formulated with organic agave, which is soothing and approved for babies 4 months and above, along with slippery elm bark, organic ivy leaf, and herbal extracts.* The daytime version includes elderberry to support immunity and the nighttime version includes our Bedtime Bliss Blend of organic chamomile, organic lemon balm, and organic passion flower to help promote restful sleep.

STEAM

Moist air is key to clearing mucus and can help to loosen nasal secretions, making it easier for baby to breathe. Try keeping a humidifier running in your child’s room or sitting in a hot, steamy bathroom for 15 minutes a couple of times a day. A warm, steamy bath is also helpful for calming your little one and helping break up mucus

ELEVATION

For kids that are older, prop up one end of their crib mattress, or if they are in a bed, prop up a few pillows to reduce the amount of postnasal drip. This will help with any coughing overnight.

HYDRATION

As a pediatrician, parents often bring newborns into my office for common tummy troubles. A newborn’s digestive system is still in the process of developing so it makes sense that they will have some difficulty as it matures. Here are three of the most common newborn tummy troubles and what we can do about them:

1. Gas

Because a baby’s digestive system is still developing, air can get trapped-known as gas. It is important to note that gas is a natural product of the bacteria that line the digestive tract and babies swallow air when feeding. So many babies can be gassy. It is only when babies are fussier than normal, arching, squirming, or are significantly relieved after passing gas that this may be a cause for concern. To help a baby suffering from gas, first, have your child evaluated by a pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and also to exclude any dietary causes. Since babies suck in air while feeding, it’s important to burp your baby during and after feeding to relieve some of the gas. Bottle-fed babies can take in a lot of air during feeding so by making sure that the nipple of the bottle is filled with milk before giving it to your baby, you can decrease some of the air that gets ingested. If those methods don’t work you can try gas drops like Mommy’s Bliss Gas Relief which provides a small dose of simethicone to help break up bubbles in a baby’s tummy.

2. Colic

Colic is defined as frequent crying in a baby that is otherwise healthy. Babies with colic cry for three hours a day, for more than three days a week and this can last three weeks or more. As a parent whose child has also suffered from colic, I know firsthand that parents can often be seen crying alongside their babies as well! To help a baby with colic it is important to have a pediatrician first exclude other causes. Once a diagnosis of colic has been established, we can try and ease a baby’s discomfort by various methods of calming babies--such as swaddling, swaying, and using white noise. You can also try Gripe Water like Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water made with ginger and fennel to ease baby's tummy troubles and fussiness. Colic can start in the first few weeks of life and while there is no established medical treatment for colic, it usually resolves by about 3-4 months of age. Colic is short-lived, but for parents, this can feel like a long time!

3. Constipation

When you are a parent of a newborn, having daily conversations about poop is the new normal. You become intimately connected to the timing and consistency of your child’s poop patterns. So how do you know when your child is constipated? Some babies can poop several times a day and others can poop once every couple of days. All of these patterns can fall within the range of normal. If your child has poop that comes out as hard balls or your child is uncomfortable and straining to poop-these are signs that your little one may be constipated. Constipation can be caused by switching between breast milk and formula, by the mother’s diet in a breastfed baby, or even due to an intolerance to milk protein. Therefore, it is important to get your child evaluated by a pediatrician to determine how to best manage constipation for your baby. As the newborn’s digestive system is developing, probiotics such as Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops can help to support a newborn’s gut as it matures. By adding beneficial bacterial flora to the gut, we can help to ease some of these common tummy troubles. For babies six months and older, Mommy’s Bliss offers Constipation Ease made with ingredients like prune juice to help get things moving again quickly. However, before giving any supplements to your baby-check with your pediatrician first. I’m Dr Smita and I hope this helps you on your path toward finding belly bliss. – Dr. Smita

Even though I have been a pediatrician for almost ten years, it was only when I became a parent four years ago, that I realized how overwhelming it is be a new parent. As a pediatrician, I had questions for my own pediatrician. So when new parents come to my office with questions, I not only welcome them…I expect them! Here are the top five questions I get from new parents:

1) How often should my baby poop? What color should it be and when should I worry?

When you become a new parent, one thing you can count on is endless conversations about poop! Newborn stools change quite frequently as their diet changes so it makes sense that parents will have a lot of questions about it. In the first 2-3 days of life, your newborn will have stools that are black and tarry. This is called meconium and it is made up of substances that your baby ingested in the womb such as dead skin cells, mucous, bile and water. As your baby starts to take in milk, the stool will change in color. Breast-fed babies will have watery, yellow colored stools with a seedy appearance, like mustard. Formula fed babies usually have stool with a pasty consistency and can range from green to tan to yellow in color. Because breast milk is easier to digest than formula, breast-fed babies can average about 2-5 stools per day. Formula fed babies stool less often and generally stool about once per day. However, each child is different and babies can go 2-3 days without stooling. Check with your pediatrician to make sure your baby is not constipated. If the color of your baby’s stool is chalky white or black or if you notice blood or mucous in the stool, please make sure that your child is seen by the pediatrician.

2) How much should my baby sleep? Is it okay to let my child sleep through the night?

Newborns can sleep up to 16-17 hours per day. But they usually don’t sleep for longer than a 2-3 hour stretch during the first weeks of life. This results in exhausted parents and an unpredictable schedule! The first two weeks of life are crucial for your newborn to regain their birth weight, so it is important to wake your child to feed every 2-3 hours. After that, it is okay to let your child feed on demand. Around 6-8 weeks of life, newborns start to sleep more at night. And around six months of age, most babies start to have regular sleep cycles and can sleep 8-12 hours through the night. So relief is on the way!

3) Can I give my baby a pacifier?

The use of a pacifier is a personal decision for each family. But pacifiers are not harmful. There are a few things to keep in mind before you offer the pacifier. First, if you are breastfeeding, it is best to wait at least 3-4 weeks until breastfeeding is fully established. Second, pacifiers should also not be used as a substitute for feeding. If your baby still wants to suck after being fed, then a pacifier can help to soothe your baby. And finally, remember that eventually you will have to wean the pacifier!

4) Can I take my baby outside?

You can take your baby outside. In fact, fresh air is great for both parents and baby. You should be careful not to take your child to crowded places or where there are sick people to minimize the risk of infections. Also, remember to keep your child out of direct sunlight. Because newborn skin can burn easily, keep them fully clothed and shaded with an umbrella or a stroller with a hood. If your child is premature or has a medical condition, please discuss with your pediatrician before taking them outside.

5) Does my baby need vitamins?

If your baby is exclusively or partially breastfed, it is recommended that they get 400IU of supplemental vitamin D daily. If your baby is drinking at least 32 ounces of formula per day, then they do not need supplemental vitamin D. All formulas sold in the United States have the appropriate amount of vitamin D. The first few months of a child’s life are a tremendous time of change and adjustment for both parent and baby. And having a support system of reliable people that you can reach out to for help is crucial. In those moments when you are completely exhausted and sleep-deprived- it’s important to remember that our lives are made up of changing seasons. And this season will change. So you don’t have to be a perfect parent, just a real and loving one! I hope this helps you on your path toward finding bliss. – Dr. Smita

What are probiotics? Probiotics are the “good” bacteria that make it easier for your little one to digest their food, absorb vitamins and develop strong intestinal and immune systems.

As a new parent, you find yourself more curious and concerned with poop than ever before. When your baby is constipated and having trouble or lack of pooping it can be very painful for baby and disconcerting for you as a parent. Along with pain and excessive crying, constipation can also interfere with regular feeding. For your baby’s health—and your own sleep/sanity—it’s always recommended to take a proactive approach to ease your baby’s constipation.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition where the correct number of bowel movements are not taking place. For adults, this is about three times a week, whereas for babies it is upwards of three times a day. It’s best to understand why your baby is crying, so you can do the best you can to help them. Whether through various physical therapies, a change in diet, or the right natural supplement, there are many ways to ease the pain of constipation. The key factor to understand is that the passing of a stool should be a regular way for your baby to rid itself of waste. Yet, pain during pooping is an important sign to understand if your baby is constipated.

When Do Babies Suffer Constipation?

An infant may suffer constipation throughout the day, since they usually poop at least three times daily. If your baby has a specific rhythm of feeding and pooping, you’ll know something’s wrong when that rhythm is interrupted. For babies, constipation is a painful experience. When babies experience pain, they will cry to let you know. If your baby is crying and hasn’t pooped in a while, all signs point to infant constipation as the problem.

What Causes Baby Constipation?

Baby constipation is something we’re only aware of through excessive crying or a lower frequency of pooping. Though there are many causes of baby constipation, including but not limited to diet, medication, and prematurity.

Diet

How your baby reacts to the food he or she eats is a major factor in baby constipation. Many times, moving from one type of food to another requires a transition period for your baby’s digestive system. Moving from breastmilk to formula, or to cow’s milk, can cause constipation. Moving to solid foods can also cause constipation. While still developing, a baby’s digestive system can see solid food as something to be rejected as it’s not used to breaking down harder compounds.

Medications

We’re all familiar with the side effects of medications. For infants, almost every medication has a side effect, and infant constipation could be one of them. Medications that have a high iron content can often cause constipation. Some pain relievers also list constipation as a side effect. If you’re concerned one of your baby’s medications is causing constipation, consult your pediatrician about a potential medication change.

Prematurity

Many babies are born prematurely each year. Premature babies often have organs that are underdeveloped, which could impact digestion. With underdeveloped gastrointestinal tracts, premature infants will have a harder time passing stools. If the GI tract is underdeveloped, this can lead to lower rate of digestion, meaning harder stools are produced.

What Are the Signs of Baby Constipation?

Trying to tell whether your baby is constipated is a guessing game. Since your baby cannot simply tell you, “Mommy, I’m constipated,” that means we as mothers must take all the evidence we have on hand to determine if constipation truly is the problem. Signs of constipation include:

• Excessive crying
• Irregular bowel movements
• Blood in their stool
• Hard belly
• Loss of appetite

How to Tell Your Baby Is Constipated

Since constipation is a source of pain, a crying baby is a pretty good indicator of constipation. All mothers seem to have one sure-fire way to calm down their baby, but if this doesn’t ease the abdominal pain of constipation, this could be an issue to address. You can take note of when your baby is crying. If it is right after a feeding, this could indicate that your baby’s gastrointestinal tract is not pushing out poop once new food is introduced.

How Often Should Your Baby Poop?

The frequency pooping is a clear indicator of if your baby is constipated. Much of this depends on what your baby is eating. Breast milk contains a natural laxative that will often lead to pooping almost immediately after feeding. Sometimes—as is the case with those little poop machines—a breastfed baby can poop several times a day. Bottle-fed babies will poop less often, mainly because formula can be more difficult for a baby to digest. The frequency will be lower, and it’s at this stage that many babies begin to experience constipation. Solid foods are furthermore difficult to digest. This means that your baby’s gastrointestinal tract will have to work even harder as it transitions to breaking down solid food.

What Happens When a baby is Constipated?

Constipation is defined as the inability to pass a stool. But, what actually happens? In most all cases, the stool is too solid to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Many times, this is simply because the poop can’t be broken down into a soft-enough form to pass through a baby’s still-developing digestive system. As you’ve probably seen, baby poop is most often soft, and sometimes liquid. This is largely because it’s much easier to pass a soft material through a developing digestive tract than solid matter. Adult poop is very often solid, mostly because we’ve moved on to solid foods years ago. If you see your baby has a more solid poop, you can bet it was painful for your baby to pass. Along with the crying and discomfort your baby may experience after a feeding, a solid poop is one of the clearest indicators your little nugget is feeling constipated.

How Long Does Constipation Last?

In many instances of baby constipation are caused by adjusting to new diets, meaning it’s only a matter of time before your baby’s gastrointestinal tract matures enough to handle formula or solid food. This doesn’t mean you have to wait for your baby to develop to ease constipation—by using various safe remedies such as juices, foods, and organic supplements, you can safely curb your baby’s constipation pain while also offering yourself some much-needed relief.

Remedies for Baby Constipation

1. Juices

You may be familiar with various juices that are helpful in easing constipation. Prune juice is an incredibly powerful, simple, and healthy way to ease constipation, but you may not know that apple and pear juice are also effective remedies. This is because these fruits contain sorbitol, a natural laxative found in many foods. Sorbitol works by drawing water into the gastrointestinal tract which can break down solid stools, one of the leading causes of constipation. As these are fruit juices, you can be assured they are a great healthy alternative for your baby—an added bonus: they are tasty too! A note on juices—a baby’s palate might be sensitive to the acidity of various juices. This can be eased by simply diluting the juice with water to your baby’s liking.

2. High Fiber Foods

Various foods are also great remedies for constipation. Breast milk contains natural laxatives, in part because of baby’s developing gastrointestinal tract in the first months of life. Sometimes pediatricians will suggest reverting to breast milk during a period of constipation to give baby’s body more time to adjust to formula or solid foods. Foods high in fiber are also great for baby constipation. Oatmeal cereals, fruit sauces (apples, pears, and prunes for example), and many vegetables such as broccoli are effective foods for constipation. We like Beech-Nut's Naturals Just Pears Jar or Naturals Prunes Jar, both are high in fiber and made with no artificial ingredients.

3. Physical Therapies

One of the tell-tale signs of constipation is a taut or hard stomach, potentially caused by gas buildup. Gently massaging the stomach can help to ease pain and has been known to encourage bowel movements. You can also encourage your baby to exercise, either with guided movements, such as bicycling their legs, or by simply moving around. Getting the muscles moving allows the colon to contract with baby’s movements, potentially breaking down harder stools and fostering healthy bowel movements.

4. Natural Supplements

There are many various supplements known to be beneficial for baby constipation. Gripe water is made most often with ginger and fennel, gripe water is a great way to relieve gas and the associated pain that follows. What’s important about easing pain is the strain it causes on the colon—as the muscles are relaxed, regular bowel movements and passing stools becomes much easier. Similarly, probiotics help foster healthy colons, as harmful bacteria are replaced with healthy bacteria. This has the potential to improve colon operation and lead to a healthier gastrointestinal tract while your baby is still growing. A formula like Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops are great for babies as they can be adding right into formula, with breast milk, or applied on breast when feeding.

The Best for Your Baby

Constipation is a complicated issue for infants and newborns. As a parent, you want to do what is best for your baby. Regardless of how you choose to help ease baby’s constipation, it’s always advisable to contact your pediatrician about issues surrounding constipation. With all the factors that can contribute to constipation, a strong relationship with your pediatrician is crucial to ensuring you make the right choice for baby.

Gripe Water 101

When your baby has gas buildup, colic, or abdominal discomfort it can be a very difficult time for the baby and parents. Crying, lack of sleep and the overall discomfort that gas and colic bring can have parents desperate to find some relief for their baby. Luckily there is Gripe Water, a tried and tested remedy for fussy babies, great for relieving discomfit caused by colic, hiccups, and other issues related to stomach discomfort.

What Is Gripe Water for Babies?

Gripe water is a time-tested herbal supplement that helps to ease an infant’s symptoms of gas, colic, hiccups, and fussiness. Gripe Water contains fennel seed, and ginger root, which can ease nausea and discomfort caused by stomach gas and other colic symptoms. Mothers have used many variations of gripe water for generations, with today’s products focusing on quality ingredients.

Is Gripe Water Safe?

Gripe water is made with many natural ingredients to ensure it is safe for your baby, made of various mixes of herbs that make it incredibly mild for an infant's digestive system. Mild enough for a baby’s developing digestive system, yet effective enough to bring peace and quiet to the home. Gripe Water is made with safe & gentle ingredients and does not have gluten, alcohol, dairy, soy, or parabens.

What Is Gripe Water Used For?

As their internal organs are still developing, infants often will experience gas buildup. This discomfort often leads to babies crying for extended periods of time, as they cannot relieve themselves of the pressure from gas buildup. This internal discomfort can be caused by several factors, including colic, for example. If your infant is crying for at least three hours a day three or more times a week, he or she might have colic. Prolonged hiccups can cause discomfort as the muscles in the abdomen contract quickly and repeatedly. One potential cause of hiccups is taking in too much air while feeding too quickly. Using gripe water for babies and newborns helps to relieve gas pressure and the buildup of air that causes hiccups; a common cause of internal discomfort for infants up to six months of age.

What Does Gripe Water Do?

Gripe water for newborns helps to relieve gas that causes many different issues. With the blend of herbal ingredients, gripe water is mild enough to be safe for newborns and infants, and gentle enough to address the many problems babies face in the first six months of life.

Several issues gripe water can be used for including:

• Colic symptoms
• Gas buildup
• Hiccups
• Fussiness

By settling the stomach of gas buildup in infants, gripe water addresses the symptoms associated with all the above issues—the buildup of gas in the abdomen.

What Is Gripe Water Made Of?

Gripe water is a mixture of natural herbal ingredients. While many traditional gripe water recipes have existed over the years, many variations use ginger as the main ingredient. Gripe Water contains organic herbal ingredients, such as ginger and fennel, which work together to calm hiccups, soothe upset tummies, and help ease the symptoms of colic. Made with natural herbal ingredients, it doesn’t contain any gluten, alcohol, dairy, soy, or parabens.

How Does Gripe Water Work?

Gripe Water is a gentle herbal supplement that offers relief to babies who suffer from gas, colic, hiccups, or general fussiness. Gripe water helps to settle the stomach by relieving gas buildup. Gripe water contains fennel, and ginger, which are historically known to ease nausea and discomfort caused by stomach gas.

When Do You Use Gripe Water?

Most babies will need gripe water after feedings when they get gassy from eating too fast or from gulping in the air while feeding. It is a good idea to wait 30 minutes after a feeding to administer Gripe Water, as this allows time for food to digest.

How Do You Use Gripe Water?

Gripe Water Original comes in liquid form that is fed directly to your baby. To avoid diluting the solution, gripe water should be applied by dropper or syringe into your baby’s mouth or in an empty bottle. Gripe water serving size is important to consider. The serving you use per application is based on the age of your baby.

We recommend using the gripe water usage dose guide:

• Two weeks old to six weeks old: 1 mL up to 15 times a day
• Six weeks old to ten weeks old: 2 mL up to 15 times a day
• Ten weeks old to six months old: 5mL up to 6 times a day

Organic Gripe Water Gel uses our same tried and true Gripe Water liquid formula in a new easier-to-administer format. This gel is gentle for baby to consume and helps ease gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic and fussiness. To administer, simply apply a small, pea-sized amount (0.33g) of gripe water to your fingertip and place inside of cheek, or to a pacifier and let baby consume slowly.

Side Effects of Gripe Water

Because gripe water is made with gentle herbal ingredients, there are likely to be no side effects when using this product. Parents may notice that their babies become sleepy after administering gripe water. This is because babies who have been suffering from colic, extreme discomfort or gas are often exhausted due to the tension. Gripe water offers much-needed relief which will help them get some much-needed rest. As with any medicine, whether all-natural or otherwise, we recommend consulting with your pediatrician before giving your little one anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many common questions about how to administer gripe water to your infant. We’ve brought those questions together to ensure all your concerns are addressed.

When should I give gripe water to my baby?

Gripe water can be used any time your baby is experiencing discomfort from gas buildup, and the various issues associated with it. It is advised to administer gripe water 30 minutes after feeding, to give your baby time to digest their last meal.

How often can you give gripe water?

Mommies can use our gripe water up to six times per day, as needed.

Do I give gripe water to my baby before or after feeding?

Because each baby has different needs and unique symptoms, there is no specific time during which it is best to administer gripe water. However, most babies need gripe water after feeding because they can have gas from eating too quickly and gulping in the air while feeding. We recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after feeding to administer Gripe Water.

Can you mix gripe water with formula?

As gripe water is a mild supplement, mixing it with formula will often dilute the solution. It is suggested to give your newborn a dose of gripe water by itself after feeding.

How do I give my baby gripe water?

You can give your baby gripe water either through a dropper or in an empty bottle.

Can I use gripe water with baby gas relief drops?

Yes. Using gripe water with gas relief drops is completely safe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gripe water is a great way to ease your newborn’s stomach discomfort. As a mild herbal supplement, it is a safe way to relieve your baby of discomfort from hiccups, colic, and upset tummy—anything related to gas buildup. Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water is NSF certified and loved by mothers. Our gripe water is also the number one selling natural supplement for the relief of colic symptoms.

Is Your Baby Suffering from Gas?

Babies cry for a variety of reasons, especially within those first few months. So how can you tell if your baby is crying because of gas?

Look for these signs:

• Pulls legs toward tummy
• Cries when feeding
• Has a bloated, hard belly
• Clenches fists
• Has a red face
• Spits up

What causes gas?

Gas is often caused by the combination of an immature digestive process and air that is swallowed while feeding or crying. If your baby drinks too quickly, he can end up gulping down air along with his milk or formula. If the flow of milk or formula is too slow, this can also cause baby to suck in air. If you are using formula, shaking the bottle can cause air bubbles to form, which are then swallowed by baby. While gas related issues can last from infancy through the toddler stage, the most difficult period is often from 4 to 12 weeks.

How Gas Drops Can Help

Mommy’s Bliss Gas Relief Drops contain simethicone, which helps ease discomfort by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to combine into larger bubbles in the stomach that can be passed more easily, helping baby pass gas and feel nearly instant relief from that full, bloated feeling. Gas drops are perfect for newborns because the small dosage is easy to administer, fast acting and can be given after every feeding when used as directed. Simethicone is safe and gentle for infants, and is unique in that it passes through the intestinal tract without being absorbed. For additional tips on helping ease discomfort associate with gas, check out 4 Ways to Calm a Gassy Baby

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for overall growth and development and aids in the healthy development of bones and eyesight. Vitamin A is in both breastmilk and formula. As baby gets older and starts eating solids dark green, red and orange vegetables are all great sources of Vitamin A.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Thiamin protects the nervous system and helps the body convert sugar into energy. Thiamin is in both breastmilk and formula. As baby gets older and starts eating solids beans and fish are great sources.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 aids in digestion and healthy immune function. Vitamin B6 is in both breastmilk and formula. As baby gets older and starts eating solids bananas, chicken, beef and potatoes are great sources of Vitamin B6.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids in the creation of red blood cells, aids in healing, helps boost the immune system and helps keep gums healthy. Vitamin C is in both breastmilk and formula. As baby gets older and starts eating solids oranges, strawberries, broccoli, spinach and bananas are great sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is very important for babies, it helps with the absorption of calcium. Too little Vitamin D can cause rickets, a softening and weakening of the bones. All Infant formula provides the suggested amount of Vitamin D as a legal requirement enforced by the FDA, but exclusively breastfed infants are at risk of a vitamin D deficiency. For babies, liquid supplements are a smart option. Mommy’s Bliss Vitamin D Organic Drops contain 400 IU per one-drop dose, and have no additives, chemicals, or artificial flavors. As baby gets older and starts eating solids tuna, salmon, eggs and cheese are great sources of Vitamin D.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps with healthy immune function and blood flow. Vitamin E is in both breastmilk and formula. As baby gets older and starts eating solids kiwi, peanut butter and almond butter are great sources of Vitamin E. (note that nut butters should be spread thinly for small children) All of the vitamins listed above can be found in our Multivitamin Organic Drops

! Provide your baby with essential vitamins for healthy growth and bone development. All vitamins are derived from extracts of organic fruits and botanicals and come in a yummy grape flavor. A 1mL serving size contains the daily amount of Vitamin C and D recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as Vitamins A, B & E. Remember to consult your child's physician before giving a supplement.

Here’s why: When sunlight hits the skin, specifically UVB rays, the body begins to go through a natural chemical reaction that turns a prohormone on the skin into vitamin D. But if you live in far in the north or in an urban area where the buildings block the light or your baby or toddler spend a lot of time indoors, it can put them at risk for deficiency.

Many believe that their newborn is getting enough of the vitamin through breast milk. But unfortunately, babies who are exclusively breastfed are even more likely to be deficient. This is because breastmilk only contains about 50 IU per quart if the mom has sufficient vitamin D in her diet. And even formula-fed babies might not be getting enough of the vitamin. Though many formulas are fortified with vitamin D, babies need to drink 34 ounces of it to get enough. According to the CDC, only one in five babies on formula are getting the recommended 400 IU that pediatricians call for.

Why does your baby need vitamin D?

Vitamin D not only helps the body absorb calcium, ensuring bone health and density, but it also helps regulate the immune system. Without it, the bones and teeth may not develop properly. A deficiency causes the bones to break easily, delay growth and cause cavities or other issues with the teeth.

Infants and toddlers who are severely deficient in vitamin D may have some serious health concerns like rickets. Rickets affects the development of the bones causing stunted growth, wide bones, and soft skulls.

How do you give vitamin D to babies?

Luckily, there are ways to get vitamin D into your child’s system easily.

If the child is still breastfeeding exclusively, increase your own vitamin D intake to increase the amount of the vitamin available in your breastmilk. Studies have shown that women consuming 6,400 IU per day will give breastmilk enough vitamin D for the baby’s needs.

Liquid supplements are also a great way to make sure your baby is getting the recommended 400 IU per day. Drops are an easy way to administer the vitamin. You simply place the dropper in the baby’s mouth and squeeze gently, providing just the right amount. As your baby hits the 12-month mark, they might need more. Toddlers need about 600 IU each day.

The Mommy’s Bliss Vitamin D Organic Drops are an excellent option for moms looking for a safe and organic way to make sure your baby is getting enough vitamin D. It’s only one drop, once a day. As always, it is free of additives, chemicals, and parabens.

Bloated tummy. Lots of crying. Spit up everywhere. These are all signs your baby is suffering from gas and tummy troubles. We know the fussiness can sometimes be overwhelming and how hard it can be to see your little one uncomfortable or in pain.

How to Prevent Gas & Tummy Troubles

The best way to avoid fussiness and discomfort from gas and tummy troubles is to keep them from happening in the first place. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks to keep baby’s tummy from ever getting unhappy.

SPITTING UP

Spit up is a normal part of babyhood, and as long as a baby is healthy, happy, and consistently gaining weight, there’s usually nothing to worry about. But if you’re wanting to minimize how often you’re washing your shirts, try these ideas:

• Feed baby smaller and more frequent meals
• Pause to burp multiple times throughout the feed
• Practice paced bottle feeding
• Avoid laying your baby flat during feeding, keeping his or her head above the stomach
• If breastfeeding, try eliminating dairy, eggs, beef or other potential allergens from your diet.
• Try using a different brand of formula. Your pediatrician will be able to offer some suggestions
• Change to a slower or faster bottle nipple size.
• Keep baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding

BLOATING & STOMACH PAIN

If your baby is suffering from gas-related discomfort, you aren’t alone! Gas affects both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, and the majority of parents deal with this at some point during those first few months.

Many normal, everyday baby things can create gas, including an immature digestive system, excessive crying, and eating too quickly or too slowly. All of these mean gas becomes trapped in the belly, causing bloating and discomfort.

Here’s how to keep that gas from getting in:

• When feeding, keep baby’s head higher than her stomach so the air is easier to burp out.
• If bottle feeding, make sure there are no air no air bubbles in the nipple.
• Burp early, burp often.
• Switch to a slower-flow nipple.

EXCESSIVE CRYING

Babies cry. It’s as simple as that. And newborns typically cry a lot because of their little bodies trying to keep up with all the new things going on with them. Look for these signs when you’re trying to figure out if your baby is crying because of gas and tummy trouble:

• Pulls legs toward tummy
• Cries when feeding
• Has a bloated, hard belly
• Clenches fists
• Has a red face
• Spits up

And here’s the 3-3-3 rule: If your baby cries for 3 or more hours per day at least 3 days a week for at least 3 weeks, he may have colic. Consult your pediatrician for the best way to make him feel better.

How to Soothe Gas & Tummy Troubles

While the best defense is to try to prevent gas pains with burping, proper feeding techniques, when the discomfort has already set in there are a few tricks that can help calm your baby:

GENTLE MEDICINE

To help baby gently pass gas, we recommend our Gas Relief Drops. Made with simethicone, Gas Relief Drops provide baby with nearly instant relief from that full, bloated feeling.

GRIPE WATER

Gripe Water is a great option to relieve the discomfort that infants face from colic, gas, and hiccups. It typically contains natural herbal ingredients, such as ginger and fennel, that work together to calm hiccups, soothe upset tummies and help ease the symptoms of colic quickly. Mommy’s Bliss #1 selling Gripe Water has been used effectively by millions of parents to relieve their distressed babies.

SOFT TUMMY MASSAGE

Softly stroke baby’s belly in a clockwise direction, this follows the path of digestion and can help get the air moving in his tummy

A WARM, CALM BATH

Giving baby a bath can take his attention away from the discomfort while the warm water will help him relax.

SWADDLE

A safe, tight swaddle can comfort your baby and help calm him.

WEAR YOUR BABY

A carrier is a great option for combining soothing motion with skin-to-skin contact.

WHITE NOISE

Turning on a fan, running the vacuum, or using a white noise machine to mimic the sounds of the womb can help create a calming environment.

GO FOR A WALK

Sometimes a change in surroundings, fresh air, and different sounds can be just what baby needs to calm down and reset.

Dealing with tummy troubles can be incredibly frustrating, and it’s perfectly okay for you to put baby down in the crib and take some time for yourself by catching up on The Crown or having a cup of tea. Try to remember that this is just a phase and it will pass. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, be sure to contact your pediatrician.

As parents, we can feel extremely helpless when our little ones are in pain. We spend countless hours reading, seeking the advice of family and friends, and desperately trying to avoid anything that might cause our babies discomfort. We at The Teething Egg have discovered firsthand that the teething stage is not only one most expectant mothers don’t know how to prepare for, but it can also sneak up on you and strike at very inconvenient times such as the middle of the night or a long car trip home for the holidays. So, we are here today to outline the main teething symptoms most babies experience and provide helpful tips on soothing your little one to help make teething more bearable… for the entire family! Teething can be a very different experience from child to child and can start as early as 2 months old. Some parents will say they didn’t even know a tooth was coming through, while others will stress it was a long few months before their baby got just one. The first signs of teething can range from drooling, sore and swollen gums, irritability, trouble sleeping, biting, chewing, to putting anything they can find in their mouth, rejecting food, grabbing their ears, and lastly, a visible tooth showing below the gums. The first reaction a lot of parents experience is 'Could these symptoms be related to other issues?' And the answer is yes! Many parents will rush their little ones to the doctor only to be sent home with a teething diagnosis. As with any stage of growth with a baby, the symptoms can vary. The secret is observing your child and learning what symptoms affect them most. Some babies will drool a lot, while others just simply do not want to eat or become very irritable. Your parents or grandparents may have warned you that a fever or a runny nose could also be related to teething. This is merely an Old Wives Tale. There’s no scientific proof that these conditions are a direct link to teething even though many parents will swear they are related. Call your child’s healthcare provider if your baby experiences a fever higher than 101 degrees F or shows symptoms of lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea. When it comes to treating teething pain we wish we could say there was just one thing that works, but as we know, each little one is different and what might work for one baby won't soothe another. Cold compresses are a great place to start. Place a wet washcloth in a plastic bag and into the freezer. The fabric with help massage the gums while the cold numbs the pain. Monitor baby at all times and check that the frozen washcloth is not too cold for their tiny hands. Finding a teether that is both refrigerator and freezer safe is best! There are a wide range of teethers on the market today, here are a few key aspects to check for when shopping and using a teething toy.

1. What is it made from? Does it consist of any toxic materials?
2. Is it liquid filled? Check for leaks each and every time before handing to your little one.
3. Are there any holes in the toy? If so can water, saliva, or other liquids get caught inside causing mold?
4. Check for choking hazards.

When we designed The Teething Egg we made sure it checked off on all of these. The Teething Egg is CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) tested and made from an all-natural, FDA Approved, Food Grade TPE material. TPE is the latest in rubber blend technology and is completely BPA, BPS, PVC, Phthalate, Metal, Latex, and Lead-Free! The Teething Egg is a completely closed system so no liquids can get inside, which makes it easy to clean to sanitize. Teething babies need to overwhelm the sensory receptors on their gums to help stop the (Nociceptive) pain signal that is sent to the brain that says 'OUCH!'. Having a consistent, soft textured surface with a firm body underneath is one of the key features that sets our product apart from other teethers. If your baby has already graduated to solid foods, some can be used to put pressure on the gums and relieve the pain similar to the way teethers do. Large carrots, teething crackers, and frozen bananas are just some of the popular teething items found in your kitchen. Always keep an eye on your baby to make sure they do not choke while gnawing on them. Finally, gently rubbing your baby’s gums with your clean pinky finger might just do the trick! There are many popular sayings we hear as moms that can help us cope while tackling adversity. Our favorite has to be, 'The days are long but the years are short.' We know how hard the teething stage is for both you and your baby, but the key is to find joy in the ways you soothe your little one and lift your spirits. We recommend putting the cleaning on hold, ordering in food and soaking up the extra snuggles. It might just be what your baby (and you!) need! We are always available at www.TheTeethingEgg.com to answer any questions and offer you support. We hope once this stage passes and you are onto the next one, you take some beautiful memories along with you.

Are you scratching your head trying to figure out what to give baby this holiday season? Here are a few of our faves: PS scroll to the bottom to find out how you can win some of these products! ;)

0-3 Months

Those first few months with baby are absolutely magical, but they can also be quite challenging. Whether you're a first-time parent or on your fourth, here are a few products we love to make that time just a little bit more manageable.

Aden & Anais Silky Soft Swaddles

Swaddle blankets are key for sleep and to helping soothe a fussy baby, but they can be used for so much more! In a crowded restaurant? Cover your baby's car seat to keep out noise, germs, and the inevitable nosy stranger. Keep baby cozy in her stroller or use the blanket for tummy time at the park. We love these because they are made from natural, breathable fabric and are perfectly soft for your baby's fragile newborn skin. Plus, how cute is this print??

TWELVElittle Diaper Backpack

Babies come with a lot of gear. A basic trip out of the house can mean diapers, wipes, changing pad, extra clothes (hello, blow out), bibs, burp cloths, bottles, toys, a blanket...yikes! Keeping all of that organized can feel nearly impossible. And forget about looking stylish, right? This diaper backpack from TWELVElittle perfectly combines function & fashion. It's gender neutral for both mom and dad, stylish, comfortable to wear, water resistant and filled with tons of inner and outer compartments to help you keep track of your baby's items.

ModBabyCo Lovey

These loveys from ModBabyCo are dreamy. The fabric is perfectly soft for your little one's skin, they fit nicely in a diaper bag or car seat, are easy to clean, and with so many adorable prints to choose from, you're bound to find one you love.

Bright Starts Tummy Time Prob & Play Mat

You can start tummy time with your little one as early as two weeks. If your baby seems to hate tummy time, you aren't alone. It is pretty common for babies to be resistant to tummy time at first. We love this play mat because it keeps baby engaged with crinkle sounds, a baby-safe mirror, a rattle, teether, and other toy attachments. There's also a cute prop pillow for extra support during those newborn months. And, since the mat is machine-washable, you can easily keep your baby’s play place fresh and clean.

Boogie Wipes

These saline wipes are perfect for gently cleaning snotty noses, messy faces and sticky hands. They are extra soft & made with aloe, chamomile and vitamin E to help moisturize baby's skin. We love the unscented version!

Gripe Water & Gas Drops

There is nothing worse as a parent than watching your little one suffer and not knowing how to help. If your baby has gas & tummy troubles, you know first hand how hard it can be to see him uncomfortable or in pain. Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water and Gas Relief Drops are must-haves for easing your baby's symptoms. Made with simethicone, Gas Relief Drops safely decrease the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to combine into larger bubbles in the stomach that can be passed more easily, providing baby with nearly instant relief from that full, bloated feeling. Gripe Water contains bicarbonate and natural herbal ingredients, such as ginger and fennel, which work together to calm hiccups, soothe upset tummies and help ease the symptoms of colic quickly. They are the ultimate team in combating tummy troubles! Pro tip: keep one of each in the diaper bag!

Peek-a-Boo Forest Soft Book

Peek-a-Boo Forest is an interactive soft book that allows your little explorer to learn about different animals that live in the forest. Each durable page has soft peek-a-boo flaps that are easy for little fingers to open and close, promoting hand-eye coordination. We love that it features bright colors, multiple textures and surprise crinkles to encourage exploration & development.

3-6 Months

Phew! You are out of the newborn stage, hopefully sleeping a bit more and your little one is more interactive everyday. Here are some of our favorite items for developing baby.

Chewbeads Perry Teething Necklace

Most babies can expect their first tooth by 6 months and if you've gone through teething with your little one, you know just how challenging it can be. This baby-friendly necklace doubles as a soft, flexible teether and is designed to safely soothe your little one's gums. Great for on the go teething needs, this necklace is the perfect balance between functional for baby and fashionable for mama.

Nuby IcyBite Keys Teether

We love these for soothing the toughest teething pain! The ring and keys are perfect for little hands & with multiple textures and surfaces, baby is bound to find a chew spot that feels good on her gums. The keys can also be refrigerated & stay cold long enough to provide extra relief for sore gums.

Oball Rattle

This adorable rattle ball is easy to grasp and hold with finger holes that fit just right for little hands. Embedded in the ball are multiple rattles filled with shaker beads that encourage your baby to hold and shake to hear fun rattle sounds. Pro tip: When you're on the go, attach a pacifier clip to keep the rattle within baby's grasp!

Boobie Bar

These delicious lactation bars are perfect for the nursing mamas out there. Just one bar is packed with all your daily milk-boosting herbs. We love that they are non-GMO and they even offer a gluten-free flavor!

Covered Goods Nursing Cover

These multi-use nursing covers give you all the benefits that traditional covers do... and more! They actually provide FULL coverage and can be used as a car seat or shopping cart cover or as a cute scarf. We love all of the different prints and the super soft, stretchy material.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

This toy is amazing for keeping baby happy & distracted. Designed with large and easy noticeable push buttons, your baby will love clicking her way through baby-friendly versions of music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Rossini, Chopin & more. We love this toy's ability to keep baby entertained and promote development. Pro- tip: Keep one by the changing table for those moments when your little one is a bit too wiggly during her diaper change.

6 months+

This stage couldn't be more fun. Full of giggles, wiggles & tons of new developmental milestones, you better hold on to tight, because your little one is about to take you on one wild ride!

Melissa & Doug First Play Wooden Jumbo Knob Safari Animal Puzzle 

How cute is this puzzle? The smiling tiger, giraffe, and lion have wooden knobs for noses that are easy for little hands to grasp. Babies and toddlers 12 months will love matching pieces to pictures on the wooden puzzle board, discovering colors and patterns, and developing fine motor skills and problem-solving.

GoSili Tableware

From bibs and spoons, to table mats and coffee cups, we love the GoSili tableware products. The silicone products are a wonderful alternative to plastic and combine functionality with modern design.

Constipation Ease

At 6 months, your little has probably started solids! It's such an exciting & fun time, but can often come with occasional constipation. Mommy's Bliss Constipation Ease is a safe and effective, all-natural supplement that gently alleviates occasional constipation. It contains prune juice to help ease constipation and organic fennel and organic dandelion extract to relieve stomach discomfort and bloating. A must-have starting from 6 months all the way through toddler and childhood!

cuddle + kind Maximus the Cat Stuffed Animal

These adorable, mission-driven dolls are made with all natural, high-quality cotton. Every doll is lovingly handcrafted by incredible women artisans in Peru, providing them with a sustainable, fair trade income and for each doll purchased, 10 meals are given to children in need. Definitely a purchase you can feel good about!

*image by Molly Conner, Brand Ambassador

As a parent, keeping your baby safe is always a top priority. It’s just one of those things you can never be too careful about. From the careful selection of the products you use to baby proofing your house, parents can spend a ton of time on safety. In honor of Baby Safety month, we wanted to share some safety hazards and tips that are often overlooked:

Cords

Because the cords are often right at eye level for a baby who is starting to stand, it can be a particularly tempting object to touch and play with. It can be easy to forget about certain cords, but cords like your phone charger, lamps, or TV cords can be a hazard to your baby’s health. It’s particularly important to keep your baby away from them because he could end up pulling on the cord and cause the object to fall, potentially on him. It’s also vital to keep your baby away from cords because of that tendency to put everything in his mouth! If the cord is within reach, your baby may try to put it into his mouth. He may try to chew on the wire or on the end of it which may cause him to get an electrical burn. Almost two-thirds of electrical burns happen to babies and children, and if the cord is in his mouth, it can make the electrical burn even worse. Electrical burns can cause damage (both temporary and permanent) to the skin, tissues, and even the major organs. To prevent this, keep all the power cords out of your baby’s reach. This includes cords for your phone charger or even chargers to your baby’s toys. Make sure you put them up and away when you aren’t using them.

Clutter

Clutter is another often overlooked hazard to your baby. Loose change, batteries, rubber bands, or other little objects left around the house are choking hazards to your baby. If he discovers them on his crawl around the room and you’re turned away for just a second, he could pop them in his mouth and start choking. Similarly, a lot of clutter on the floor can be a tripping hazard for your baby. It’s not only difficult for you to manage, especially if you’re carrying your baby around the obstacle course of your living room, but it can also be dangerous once your baby starts crawling and walking. Toddlers are very shaky and unsteady, making it easier for them to trip. Improper toy storage can be a danger to your baby too. Once he is independent enough to start pulling on things, if he tries to pull a particular toy away from a stack, it could cause the whole thing to come tumbling down on him. Having a lot of clutter around the house can also be a bacterial nightmare for your baby. If there are a ton of items stored in a damp environment, it could begin to grow mold or fungus. Dry climates might be full of dust and other microbes. If your baby disturbs the clutter, it could send all that into the air and into his lungs, which is not good for his health. To prevent clutter from becoming hazardous to your baby, make sure you keep all the little items picked up off the floor and countertops and keep your home organized and clean.

Dishwasher

The dishwasher can present a variety of safety risks to your tiny tot. Not only can an open dishwasher give your curious baby access to all sorts of sharp items like knives and forks, but it can also give them easy access to the detergent. If your baby puts the detergent in his mouth, it can burn his mouth, airway, and esophagus. Dishwasher detergent is incredibly corrosive and poisonous that can lead to lifelong injuries. It can even be fatal depending on the dose. Household cleaning products are one of the leading causes of chemical exposure for children. If your baby swallowed any detergent, call Poison Control immediately. Keep your dishwasher safe from your baby by always making sure that it is clicked shut. Also, make sure detergents are kept in a childproof container.

Trash Cans

Trash cans and small wastebaskets can be dangerous for your baby. If your baby tips over the wastebasket in the bathroom, he could unleash a ton of hazardous material. The waste baskets are often full of things like cotton balls, old razors, or old cosmetics. The cotton balls can be a choking hazard, and some cosmetics could lead to poisoning or overdose if swallowed. The razors can cut or scrape the baby, and if he puts it in his mouth, it will be even worse. Trash cans in other areas of the house are still full of bacteria and other objects you don’t want in your baby’s mouth. An easy solution is to keep the trashcan in a locked cabinet to keep your baby from getting into it.

Unsecured Furniture or TV’s

Another safety issue that might have escaped your notice when you were babyproofing your house is all that big furniture. The TV, TV stand and other furniture like bookshelves can be hazardous to your baby if it isn’t safely anchored to the wall. Not only could the sharp edges impale your toddler’s soft head, but he could also yank on it and pull it down on himself if it isn’t stable. Bookshelves with a shelf that’s eye level can be tempting to your toddler. He can end up toppling the whole thing by climbing on it or by reaching for a book. Make sure your furniture has rounded corners. Or if you aren’t looking to repurchase all the furniture you already have, cover the sharp edges with adhesive cushions. Keep your bookcases secured by bracketing them to the wall. Also, make sure there are no items on your baby’s eye level shelf that could potentially fall and injure him.

Doors

Doors can be another favorite toy for your little one. But it can be dangerous if your baby starts pulling on it or if something causes it to close with force. Doors can cause a variety of finger injuries to your little one’ digits depending on the force. It can either cause a slight pinch to a crushed finger, and it can even amputate them if it is slammed closed. Always make sure you keep those little hands away from the door before you close it and don’t allow him to play around the doors in your house. Try using a pinch guard to prevent the doors from slamming on those little fingers.

Conclusion

Remaining vigilant is one of your top defenses against any hazards towards your baby. Make sure you always keep an eye on your baby, because no baby proofing is 100%. If you are looking to baby proof your house before your little one is crawling around, invite a friend over who has older kids… you’ll learn very quickly what needs to be baby proofed and what doesn’t!

The first six months of baby's life is full of changes! The baby you bring home from the hospital will hit many milestones by the time they reach just 6 months old! While every baby is different and hits milestones at their own pace, here are a few you can expect to see in those first months of parenthood and some tips for encouraging development:

First Smile

Between 6 and 8 weeks baby will give you that first toothless grin (and this time it isn't gas!) To encourage those smiles...talk to baby which won't be hard at all.

Holding up Head

Between 1 and 3 months baby will begin to lift their head and chest off the floor when lying on their stomach. To help develop these muscles keep up with the 'tummy time'. We know tummy time isn't always baby's favorite time of day so here are a few ways you can make the AAP recommended 15-20 minutes of tummy time per day more fun:

• Tummy time doesn't have to be on the floor. Lay on your bed and place baby stomach down on your chest.
• Get a play mat and some toys and play to keep baby engaged.
• As baby gets older place a plastic mirror on the ground in front of them. They will love looking at the 'baby!'

Focusing on Objects 8-12 Inches from Face

Starting around the end of the first month baby may begin to focus on objects 8-12 inches away and their favorite thing to focus on...a face! So keep baby engaged by talking to them and getting plenty of face time. (That mirror might come in handy here too as babies love looking at themselves!)

Opening and Shutting Hands and Following Moving Objects

Between 1 and 3 months baby may begin to open and shut their hands, follow moving objects with their eyes and swat at toys...all making playtime more fun! During playtime grab a toy that baby seems to love and try moving it around to encourage tracking with their eyes and to see if they reach or swat at it.

Rolling Over

Some babies reach this milestone between 3 and 4 months, with most reaching this around the 6 month mark. When baby is starting to show signs they are ready to roll over try to encourage this by placing baby on their back and putting a toy on their side just out of reach.

First Food

By 6 months baby is likely ready to start solids. You'll know baby is ready when they have head control, are curious about food, are able to grasp objects with hands and bring to mouth and have good control over tongue movement. This is a very exciting time and after talking to your child's doctor about the foods to start with, give it a try! Occasionally this change to baby's diet can lead to occasional constipation. If this happens Mommy's Bliss Constipation Ease may help. Again remember that every baby develops differently and will hit milestones at different times. If at any time you are concerned about baby's development consult your pediatrician.

People tell you about colic, but you just don’t know how bad it can be until you hear your little one cry for hours with no end in sight. You would do anything to make them feel better. You pull out your mom's bag and try everything that worked before: swaddling, rocking, singing, running the shower, driving around (and around) the block. Finally, you realize you need some help, and you look for more options. We’re glad you found Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water. We’ve been there ourselves, and we are here for you—we moms know how to make it better.

What is Gripe Water?

Gripe Water is what we can give our little ones when they are colicky, gassy, or fussy. We moms hurt right along with them, and we rush to soothe them through the slightest discomfort. Still, we know that one of the scariest moments for a mom is giving your baby a new product. The last thing you want to do is make your baby feel worse.

How to Administer Gripe Water

When administered properly, Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water is a safe and gentle way to help ease the symptoms of colic, gas, and other abdominal discomforts*. As with anything you give your baby, read the full package instructions thoroughly and always consult your pediatrician before administering. Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water comes with a no-spill syringe and bottle top adapter designed to make it easy to administer safely. Before dispensing, shake the product well, and follow the package directions to fill the syringe. Always follow the usage directions, amount, and frequency of Gripe Water administration, for the age of your baby. Never give Gripe Water Original to babies under 2 weeks old or less than 7 pounds and never give Gripe Water Night Time to infants under 4 weeks of age or under 8 lbs. To avoid causing your baby to gag or choke, hold your infant upright, and never give liquids to a crying child. Our Gripe Water should not be diluted in any other liquid—including water or milk—but given directly into baby’s mouth by syringe, dropper, or using a slow flow nipple on a bottle. Using the no-spill syringe provided, dispense the liquid slowly toward the side of the mouth/inner cheek, a few drops at a time, allowing your baby to swallow after each amount. It is important to make sure you don’t administer it too quickly or shoot it in the back of the baby’s throat, which can startle and cause your baby to choke on the Gripe Water.

Slow and steady is the way

It can take several minutes to get the entire serving of Gripe Water administered. And remember babies have a good gag reflex, so don’t push the syringe into the mouth too far or your baby may gag and choke. You can also use a dropper, taking care that the Gripe Water lands next to the baby’s cheek, not on the tongue—and never in the back of the mouth to avoid choking. Always make sure to give your baby time to swallow each drop before continuing. Some moms put the measured amount in an empty bottle with a slow-flow nipple. Remember: We’re moms too, and we’ve been there. We got you—and you got this!

Read more about how and when to use Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water:

• Gripe Water 101: Is It Safe for Babies?
• When Should I Give Gripe Water to My Baby?
• Give Gripe Water Before or After Feeding?

An exciting milestone in your baby’s development is the switch to solids. It’s messy, fun and definitely frustrating for both of you at times, especially considering that introducing solids into her diet can also cause some issues in that tiny tummy. First foods can be challenging for your baby as her digestive system is accustomed to formula or breast milk. While at this point the system has matured and developed, allowing her to digest more complex foods and absorb nutrients, the process of digesting solids takes longer and can often leave her constipated.

Why does your baby get constipated?

Adding solids to your baby’s diet can lead to constipation mainly because many of those recommended 'first foods' don’t have enough fiber, causing her to become backed up. Solids like bananas, applesauce, or low fiber cereals can induce constipation. Dairy-based solids like cheese or yogurt are also more difficult for your baby to digest which can lead to constipation.

How to help a constipated baby:

Start Simply

One of the best baby constipation remedies is to eliminate the guesswork of what is causing it. Start introducing only one type of solid food every other day or every third day. By adding foods individually, you will have instant feedback on what food causes constipation or if your baby has an allergy to certain foods.

Avoid the ABC Diet

Foods like applesauce, bananas, and cereals are very binding and can cause constipation in babies. Instead, choose more fiber-filled fruit or vegetables to help loosen her stool. Foods like fiber-rich cereals or fruits like prunes, peaches, or pears can help the stool pass through the intestines quicker. Prune, apple, or pear juice can also soften the stools and make it easier to pass. They are particularly helpful in providing minor constipation relief.

Gentle Massage

Sometimes the baby’s bowels only need to be stimulated with a little help. Massaging the belly in a light circular motion near the belly button can help encourage your baby’s digestive system to get moving again. The massage may also help relieve the discomfort your baby is feeling from constipation and can relax her muscles which stimulates the digestive tract.

Warm Bath

A warm bath can have a similar effect on relieving a constipated baby. The warm water relaxes the muscles, reducing the abdominal pressure and discomfort.

Bicycle Kicks

Exercise is necessary for regular bowel movements. It helps the food move through the GI tract faster. For babies, moving the legs in a bicycle movement can help stimulate the contractions of the intestinal muscles. By assisting the muscles contract more efficiently, it keeps things moving throughout the system and encourages regular bowel movements. Just lay your baby on her back and move her legs as though she was riding a bicycle.

Probiotics

Probiotics can be a long-term solution for constipated babies. The naturally occurring bacteria help the healthy flora thrive in your baby’s digestive system. The probiotics support the healthy bacteria to break down the waste, making it easier for your baby to pass the stool.

Mommy’s Bliss Constipation Ease

Another option for your 6-month old’s occasional constipation is Mommy’s Bliss Constipation Ease. The all natural liquid supplement has prune juice and organic dandelion extract. The prune juice loosens the stools while the dandelion extract helps ease the discomfort and bloating, relieving your baby’s constipation without any harsh stimulants.

I remember the very first time I heard about gripe water. It was at 2 am and my daughter Sophie was about 4 weeks old. She had been up all night screaming. I was a first-time mom and I was clueless. I had no idea what to do or how to help her. I was browsing some mom groups on Facebook and just lurking the posts. I noticed a couple of moms had mentioned 'gripe water'. I thought it was a typo.

Gripe water? Do they mean grape water? What is this?

I had never heard of it before. So I decided to make my own post. At this point it was 2:30am- I was not expecting anyone to respond to my 'baby won't stop crying, please help!' Post. But right away I received a ton of comments. 'Mommy's Bliss.' One mom said. 'Yes! Mommy's Bliss is the best!' Another mom commented. Hmm...I thought. Okay, off to google. So I did some research and it turns out Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water is highly recommended and it had great reviews. I sent my husband out that minute! (3am) and I told him to make sure he got 'Mommy's Bliss' Gripe Water! He came back and we gave it to Sophie and ahhhh, relief! She stopped crying!

From that moment on, it's been my saving grace, my go-to, my Hail Mary, and my absolute must-have favorite baby product.

This is now my go-to baby shower gift to new moms. I tell every mom I can about it because it's given my baby so much relief it's amazing. I now have a new baby! He has his share of tummy issues. Gas and hiccups keeping him up at night but I was prepared this time! I now give him my Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water (I love the night time version) and he sleeps like, well, he sleeps like a baby!

All babies have gas because all babies have digestive systems!

This is due to what I call the baby gut trifecta:

• Babies are on all liquid diets (meals move through them very fast).
• They eat frequently (8-12 times in 24 hours).
• They do this with a digestive tract which is very immature.

It’s no wonder our babies spend their days and nights with rip-roaring gas! Since passing gas signals good GI health, these noisy tooting babies are at least happy most often. The real problem lies when their gas can’t be passed. It becomes trapped in their intestines which can cause bloating and discomfort. This inability to pass gas has parents often losing their minds. Try these simple prevention tips, along with some tips on how to soothe even the fussiest gassy baby.

1. Prevention

Feed Upright

No matter if your baby is fed by breast or by the bottle, the more swallowed air = the more gas goes into their large intestines. Does feeding upright sound unnatural? Not really, when you think of how only human babies are fed this way. Feeding upright is more natural. Need further proof? Google nursing pictures of other mammals and you’ll find them always nursing upright.

Feeding in an upright position has many advantages for the gut:

• A new baby who is just learning how to suck-swallow-breathe can accommodate large volumes of milk, from both breasts or bottles while coordinating breathing better, if sitting upright. This is especially imperative for breastfed babies whose moms have a fast milk ejection reflex, aka fast let-down.
• Eating and staying upright after meals aids in digestion. In fact, staying upright is the best way for swallowed gas to escape upward before going into our large intestines causing discomfort. So hold your baby a little longer before immediately laying them down or use an infant seat or swing.

How do I feed upright? Modify your nursing positions. Have the baby’s tummy facing yours with their butt lower than the breast. To bottle feed, hold baby in a sitting up position( about 90°) and externally pace how fast the baby swallows air by offering breaks. Remove the bottle after gulping down 1-2 ounces. then restart the feeding when baby has time to rest. Burp While some babies don’t burp well, it’s best practice to always offer between switching breasts if nursing and after an ounce if bottle feeding especially if you heard air being swallowed(big gulps). You can also see “air” swallowed with bottle-feeding which makes bubbles appear in the bottle. Too late...my baby’s tummy is distended and bloated and he can’t pass any gas!

2. Soothing Techniques

Babywear

Comfort your baby while getting all the “stuff” done. Babywearing was a real game changer for me 16 years ago when I became a mother. It’s the perfect solution for any mama needing to be hands-free while still be able to soothe her fussy baby. In fact, this is one of the most effective tools to own if you have a high-needs baby or a gassy baby. Unlike, a crying baby who can’t pass gas, a high-needs baby is content 90% of the time as long as he is being held. Whereas, a gassy baby still continues to cry even if picked up.

A baby benefits from being worn too. Gravity is your baby’s friend when being worn. Not only will being upright aid in their digestion preventing trapped gas, but it also helps pass any swallowed air from their upper GI(burps) and lower GI(toots from down below). This occurs from the gentle bounces which naturally occur each time you walk while wearing your baby.

It’s a natural heating pad. Did you ever have a tummy ache or menstrual cramps and reach for a heating pad? Warmth is very soothing when discomfort is present. Placing your baby in the carrier facing you becomes the perfect heating pad from the body heat the tummy to tummy position creates. This is the ideal position when treating gas pains. If your older baby insist on facing out, create faux body heat by placing a warm rice sock in between your baby’s clothed tummy and the carrier. (Add rice to a tube sock, tie the open end in a knot, and heat in the microwave to warm not heat)

Go Outside

Hit the “reset” button for both you and baby. Since most babies have their fussiest gassiest hours in the early evening hours before dark, if weather permits, take them outside to help soothe them. Babywear or use a stroller if you prefer. Being outside works by resetting their emotions the same way “getting some fresh air” does for us adults. There is a bonus for parents too. Taking a walk and getting out of the house will help recharge you so you have the stamina to get through the final, and often hardest hours of the day(it could also help you shed some baby weight too.). Added Bonus: No sunscreen or covers needed in the early evening which saves time!

Bathtime

Emulate the womb. If your baby has a set window when they are the fussiest , then plan to do the activities that give them the most pleasure to comfort them. Since babies come from a water environment, bathtime should be a real comfort to them. When I hear parents complain their baby doesn’t like their bath, I remind them to make sure they are emulating the womb.

Keep the water warm.(in utero is about 98° so get the water warm enough)

Choose a Tub that is Soft and that Cradles Them

MOST IMPORTANTLY, 10 minutes before bathtime, pre-warm the bathroom by using a small ceramic-type heater or similar and closing the door to assure the room air is also warm. Think that sounds strange? Not really, since no adult I know likes to take a warm shower only to step out into a freezing drafty room.

Call a Code Brown! Warm water is very therapeutic in relaxing the gut and easing tummy cramps. Beware: It will often produce a sudden Code Brown=poop in the bathtub.

3. Probiotics

Add healthy bacteria to your gut. Even breastmilk-fed babies suffer from gas and bloating. Breastmilk naturally contains both prebiotics (fertilizer for the gut) and probiotics. Probiotics powders and drops made for infants work by adding “good” bacteria to the gut. Increasing the number of healthy bacteria is helpful when there is a history of commercial formula use, or any milk if there are symptoms present. Since our digestive health correlates with our immune health, adding “healthy” bacteria will ward off the “bad” bacteria. Having the ideal environment in the bowels will aid digestion and can minimize painful gas. Mommy’s Bliss© Probiotic Drops are a great option for infants, they are 100% dairy-free and have an easy dropper for administering.

Hooray for a poopy diaper! Before you became a parent you would've never thought you would get so excited for a poopy diaper. Some babies have a hard time pooping after the newborn stage. Moms will tell you on the days their baby poops their baby is a different baby and dread the days when they skip a bowel movement. Giving probiotics help create a healthy gut making it easier for babies who skip a day to “go”.

4. Gripe Water

Gripe Water is a great option to relieve the discomfort that infants face from colic, gas, and hiccups. It typically contains natural herbal ingredients, such as ginger and fennel, that work together to calm hiccups, soothe upset tummies and help ease colic symptoms quickly. Mommy’s Bliss #1 selling Gripe Water has been used effectively by millions of parents to relieve their distressed babies.

5. Gas Drops

Made with simethicone, gas drops decrease the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing them to combine into larger bubbles in the stomach that can be passed more easily, helping baby pass gas and feel nearly instant relief from that full, bloated feeling. Mommy’s Bliss Gas Relief Drops provide safe & effective relief from gas and work in just minutes! Gas Relief Drops can safely be used in conjunction with our Gripe Water products. The two products together can be especially useful to babies who have been crying incessantly. The Gas Relief drops help baby to burp up all the churned-up air in the stomach from bouts of crying. Gripe Water likewise aids burping and helps soothe baby’s tummy distress with the ginger and fennel ingredients. The two together relieve gas pains and provide longer-lasting relief by soothing the baby’s tummy.

If these tips don’t show much improvement be sure to discuss your findings with your baby’s healthcare provider. If breastfeeding, also see a board-certified lactation consultant(IBCLC). They will rule out any medical conditions or lactation conditions that can cause more gas which is easily treatable. Hang in there mama! Your baby’s gut is maturing every day making these times less more frequent as time passes.

When your newborn is constantly upset, it’s not only frustrating—it breaks your heart! When you’ve helped in all the ways you can think of, it’s time to find the reason for the racket. Pediatricians say that colic and gas are two of the most common causes of fuss in new babies. Here’s how to tell which kind of trouble is making your baby’s tiny tummy too tender, and how to get quick relief.

It could be colic if he:

• Cries for no apparent reason
• Cries around the same time every day
• Cries for at least 3 hours a day, for at least 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks
• Exhibits signs of gas (see below)

Get Relief

Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water and Gripe Water Night Time are safe, gentle, NSF-certified herbal supplements that relieve fussiness and discomfort associated with both colic and gas. Our mom-designed formula soothes sensitive stomachs with organic ginger and fennel, and never contains alcohol, parabens or artificial colors or flavors. Take Mommy’s Bliss Organic Gripe Water Gel with you for an easy on-the-spot swipe, or pop in a drop of Organic Gripe Water Gel Night Time to promote restful sleep with lemon balm, chamomile and passionflower, so you can both have a quieter night.

It could be gas if he:

• Pulls his legs towards his body
• Cries after feeding
• Spits up frequently
• Has a bloated belly

Get Relief

Mommy’s Bliss Gas Relief Drops work in minutes by safely breaking up gas bubbles, effectively helping baby pass gas so she feels better immediately. You can use Gas Relief Drops and Gripe Water together, to cover all the bases of your baby’s belly woes. Calmer babies mean calmer parents, so here’s to finding our chill together.

Walking the aisles of a baby store can be overwhelming, what do you really need for baby? Here are a few of our favorites for those first few months, they may not be necessities but they can help make things a little easier.

Gripe Water: In those first few months baby may experience some tummy discomfort, Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water is a safe and gentle herbal supplement used to ease stomach discomfort often associated with gas, colic, and hiccups.

Baby Carrier or Wrap: Perfect to keep baby close and keep your hands free, great to take for those shopping trips and just around the house.

Diaper Bag: A large diaper bag packed with all baby's essentials ready to go will make getting out the door much easier!

Baby Bath Tub: A baby bath tub isn't a necessity but it really makes bath time much easier. There are many units on the market now that fit right into the bathtub.

Onesies with Zippers: All those cute outfits (skirt and top, jeans and button up) are great for pictures and special occasions, but you will not want to put baby in them everyday. Make sure you have plenty of one piece outfits around, zippers are great for those night time diaper changes as the buttons can be hard to match up in the dark.

Muslin Swaddles: Muslin swaddles are multi-purpose and can be used as blankets, car seat cover, play mat and much more.

Bouncer or Swing: A safe place where you can place baby is essential.

It's amazing how much you care about poop after you become a parent. What is in baby's diaper can tell you a lot about how baby's digestive system is working and help you determine if baby is constipated. Here's what you can expect from baby's bowel movements:

Frequency

Depending on your baby, what's considered normal may range from one bowel movement every several days to several poops every day. Generally breast-fed babies poop more than formula-fed ones.

Consistency

Infants who are breastfed tend to have somewhat watery bowel movements that are soft or even runny. Formula-fed babies pass slightly more firm stools that are similar in consistency to peanut butter.

Color

For breastfed babies, a mustardy yellow color with little seed like white bits is common. A yellow-tan with hints of green is typical for infants who are formula-fed. Small changes to baby’s diet and routine can lead to occasional constipation, while the complete absence of bowel movements can be an indicator of constipation so can stools that are hard or difficult to pass. If baby’s stool is small and pebble like or they are really straining to pass stools they may be constipated. Some things you can do to bring baby some relief include:

• Some foods and juices like pear, apple and prune have a laxative effect and can help to relieve minor constipation.

• Gentle stomach massage and bicycling baby’s legs can help to get things ‘moving,’ try after a warm bath.

• If you are formula feeding baby consider switching to a different formula that might be gentler on baby’s system.

• A natural way to help ease occasional constipation in babies older than 6 months is Mommy’s Bliss Constipation Ease*. Its extra gentle formula contains prune juice and organic fennel and dandelion extract, and is free of harsh chemicals or laxatives.

If you have any concerns or baby is not getting better, be sure to contact his or her doctor.

Chances are you’ve been hearing about the benefits of probiotics for a while now. You may even take one yourself every day—good for you! Wondering if your baby could also benefit from taking a daily probiotic? We’ve gone through the latest research and the good news is yes! Here are just a few of the ways your baby could benefit.

GAS AND COLIC

Probiotics are natural microorganisms similar to those found in healthy digestive tracts. By adding them to your baby’s routine, you can help to build up good bacteria in the gut leading to less tummy troubles like gas or colic. In fact, a 2007 study in the journal Pediatrics found that giving probiotics helped to keep the bacteria in the gut balanced which resulted in less intestinal inflammation, which is a major cause of gas and colic in infants. A 2011 study in European Journal of Clinical Investigation found that probiotics can also help food to move through the digestive system more easily, leading to less frequent spitting up.

UPSET TUMMY

Giving probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in baby’s bowels and can help with digestive upset. A great daily option to build up baby's gut microbiome is Mommy's Bliss Probiotic Drops- Everyday. If you are looking to build up baby's gut health quickly try Mommy's Bliss Probiotic Drops- 15 Day Boost.

CONSTIPATION

Sometimes it feels like the first year of your baby’s life is really just a series of discussions about poop. What color is it? What’s the consistency? Is this normal? And maybe most concerning: where is the poop?? Constipation can be caused by several factors including changes to diet and changes to routine, but studies have shown that keeping the digestive tract healthy with a healthy amount of “good bacteria” can help to prevent occasional bouts of constipation. To put it simply: a daily probiotic supplement can help keep your little one regular!

IMMUNE FUNCTION

In addition to digestive and gut health, probiotics can help fight toxins and boost baby’s immunity. Try feeding your little one probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir or give her a daily probiotic supplement to keep her immune system strong.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROBIOTICS FOR C-SECTION BABIES

If your baby was born via C-section, he could benefit from a daily probiotic supplement. A 2013 Swedish study found that C-section babies had less gut diversity during the first two years of life than babies delivered vaginally. They found that C-section babies are lacking the Bacteroides phylum, which helps the immune system respond to the right triggers, a bacteria they would have otherwise been exposed to in the birth canal.

What are probiotics?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus Plantarum

Bifidobacterium longum

How do probiotics work?

Probiotics map help your baby with colic and other digestive issues

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

Where do you get probiotics and how often do you take them?

Looking for Digestive Health Boosters?

Baby gassy?

Here are 5 things you can try to calm your gassy baby:

How do you get rid of infant hiccups?

Nursing

Reduce Air Intake

Take a Break During Feeding

Feed Less More Often

Offer a Pacifier

Try Gripe Water

Hiccups and Reflux

Massage

Gripe Water

Feeding Angle

Burp

Tummy Time

How can you tell if your baby is constipated?

• Hard, dry stool
• More than three days since the last stool
• Trouble passing
• Firm belly
• Less than three bowel movements per week
• Irritability, crying, or discomfort while trying to pass stool
• Spitting up more than usual

Why is your baby getting constipated?

Babies who are not formula fed are unlikely to have constipation because the stool remains soft. However, once you start switching to formula and solids, you are more likely to get a constipated baby. That’s because the proteins in formulas are slightly different and cause the stool to become harder. Illness is another reason you could be dealing with baby constipation. When babies get sick, they don’t eat or drink normally which can cause their delicate digestive systems to get off track, often leading to constipation. If your baby was born premature, he might also have some difficulty with constipation. Some premature babies don’t develop the GI tract fully causing food to move more slowly through their digestive system. Also, watch out for dehydration. When your baby is dehydrated, his body starts to redirect the fluid from whatever he drinks into the more vital systems, leaving the stool to become dry and hard.

Here are some remedies to try on how to relieve constipation in babies quickly:

1. Change Mom’s Diet

2. Change Formulas

3. Get Off the BRAT Diet

4. Fruit Juice

5. Warm Bath

6. Gentle Massage

7. Bicycle Legs

8. Constipation Ease

Signs of constipation include:

• absence of bowel movements for three or more days
• straining while passing stool
• painful stools
• small streaks of bright red blood in stool (caused from small tears in anal wall)
• small hard stools

Constipation can be caused by changes in baby's diet and routine including:

• starting solids
• new foods added to diet
• new formula
• not getting enough water
• not getting enough fiber

Easy things you can do to try to bring baby some relief if they are constipated:

• small amounts of diluted fruit juice (prune, pear, peach or plum are best)
• switch formulas (consult child's physician first)
• for baby's eating solids cut back on applesauce, bananas and rice cereal
• for baby's eating solids offer them purees of prunes, pears, peaches and plums
• Mommy's Bliss Constipation Ease

• Pain or discomfort while passing stool.
• Less than three bowel movements per week.
• Stools that are hard or like small clay balls.
• Hard or firm belly that is tender to the touch.
• Loss of appetite.
• Bright red streak of blood in stool (caused from tearing of anal walls when passing harder stools)

Burp

Feeding Angle

Massage

Gripe Water

Bicycle their Legs

Warm Bath

Diet

Gas Drops

If the baby is constipated here are a few things you can try to bring them some relief:

• Feed them fruits like pears, peaches, plums, and prunes or vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts.
• Increase breast milk or formula. Talk with your child's pediatrician about offering small amounts of water or diluted fruit juice.
• Try bicycling their legs or gentle massage to help.
• Mommy's Bliss Constipation Ease is a safe & effective all-natural liquid herbal supplement used to promote regular bowel movements and ease occasional constipation.

Always consult your child's pediatrician with any concerns.

• your baby has a hard time going or seems uncomfortable
• he has hard stools
• he doesn't poop at least once every 5-10 days

So What Causes Constipation?

Diet

Dehydration

Illness

Medication

Tips for Relieving Constipation:

• A warm bath - this can relax your baby's stomach muscles, helping him to more comfortably pass stools. Just watch out for that code brown!
• A gentle tummy massage - softly stroke your baby’s belly in a clockwise direction, following the path of digestion to help get things moving.
• Bicycle his legs - lay your baby on his back and gently move his legs and hips in a bicycle motion.
• High fiber foods - if your baby has started solids, try increasing her fiber intake with foods such as spinach, pears, plums, peaches and peas.
• Constipation Ease - try this safe and effective, all-natural supplement that gently alleviates occasional constipation. It contains prune juice to help ease constipation and organic fennel and organic dandelion extract to relieve stomach discomfort and bloating.

What are Probiotics and What Do They Do?

Why Babies Get Colic

How Probiotics Help Colicky Babies

Why Babies Get Gassy

How Probiotics Help Gassy Babies

Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops

Why does my infant get fussy at night?

Colic

Overstimulation

Overtired

Gas Pains

Prolactin Levels

How can I help my fussy baby?

Skin to Skin Contact

Simulate the Womb

Burp

Gripe Water Night Time

1. Warm Towel

2. Rocking

3. Probiotics

4. Kangaroo Care

5. Gripe Water

6. Bicycle

7. Tummy Massage

Treat It:

Prevent It:

A baby with an upset stomach is no fun, here are some tricks you can try to help ease baby's stomach discomfort. In addition to the tricks listed below try to keep a log of when your baby is experiencing stomach discomfort to see if there are any triggers.

1. Burp Baby

Whether feeding milk, formula or solids try burping baby in the middle of a feeding if you suspect gas may be the culprit.

2. Gripe Water

If burping doesn't help try our gripe water with ginger and fennel to help with infant gas relief.

3. Bicycle Legs

Try laying baby on his or her back on a firm surface and moving their legs in a bicycle motion to help with gas pains. You will know this is working if they start to pass gas.

4. Don't Overfeed

When baby starts solids it can be easy to feed them too much, if you think they are getting a stomach ache from eating too much try cutting back a little to see if that helps.

5. Tummy Massage

Try a tummy massage, gently move hand in a circular motion over your baby's tummy. In addition to relieving stomach pain this could relax baby and help get them ready for sleep. If these don't work or if you are concerned about your baby's upset stomach consult your physician.

1. Plan travel around nap times

2. Bring plenty of food

3. Travel Gear

4. Well stocked diaper bag

Avoid Possible Triggers

Give Your Baby Gripe Water

Try Sound and Motion

Use Sleep Patterns

Remain Calm

Why is Your Baby Gassy?

Tips and Tricks

What Is Gripe Water?

Is Gripe Water Safe?

Looking for additional tips & techniques to ease your baby’s tummy troubles?

As Moms everywhere out there know, sleep is precious. When your little one is soundly sleeping, your day and night transforms into the opportunity to catch up on work, with family, tidying up, or some R&R for you. In order to help your baby sleep better, here are Mommy’s Bliss recommended Ten Steps to Help Your Baby Sleep Better. Follow these quick tips to help create a bedtime routine, help your baby sleep through the night and continue with a good sleeping schedule. Be sure to share your very own tip that helped your baby sleep soundly.

Step #1: Find the Drowsy Sweet Spot

Put your baby into the crib in that magically drowsy state that’s somewhere between fully asleep and awake-and-screaming. Babies in the sweet spot will pacify themselves and fall asleep in the crib on their own without creating associations with sleep time that are difficult to break.

Step #2: Set a Pattern

“Babies become more aware of their surroundings after about 3 months,” says Aliza Pressman, PhD. She recommends setting a pattern for them to ideally sleep at the same time and in the same place every day and every night.

Step #3: Sleep Cozy

Babies who feel safe always sleep better. If your child is enclosed in a bassinet, the coziness helps sleep to come more quickly. If your infant is having trouble sleeping, move the bassinet into your bedroom for a time to raise your baby’s feeling of safety.

Step #4: Regulate the Light

Babies’ bodies are sensitive to light in the daytime and darkness at nighttime to coordinate with their body clocks. Use dimmer switches to regulate the lights in your home. Turn them a little lower after sunset and make the lights brighter during the daytime to help regulate your child’s circadian rhythm.

Step #5: Bright Light at Wake Time

Use the bright morning light to help your child become alert when it’s time to awaken. Walk over to the window or walk outside to stimulate your child’s body clock.

Step #6: Climate Control

The ideal comfort temperature for babies to sleep soundly is between 65 and 70 degrees F. The room should be a little cooler at nighttime and a bit warmer in daytime.

Step #7: Avoid Eye Contact at Night

When you’re up feeding your baby in the wee hours of the morning, avoid eye contact. Locking your gaze with your child’s eyes causes a rise in blood pressure and an increased heart rate. This makes your baby more awake and less likely to go back to sleep.

Step #8: Bedtime Message

“Babies fall asleep faster and sleep longer after a 15-minute pre-bedtime massages,” says Dr. Pressman. It also reduces colic and improves growth and muscle tone. Use a baby massage cream to soothe the skin and try slow, soothing strokes with a slightly moderate pressure.

Step #9: Rhythmic Noise

When your infant was in the womb, the rhythmic noise was loud and constant. Babies respond well to soft sounds of nature CDs and white noise that simulate this rhythmic din.

Step #10: Swing

Infants who have trouble soothing themselves usually respond well to a swing. Use a mechanical swing with a reclining position to lull your baby to sleep.

Gripe Water

Gas Relief Drops

Your baby might be gassy if he...

• Pulls his legs toward his body
• Cries after feeding
• Spits up frequently
• Has a bloated belly

Your baby may have colic if he...

• Cries for no apparent reason
• Cries around the same time everyday
• Cries for at least 3 hours a day, for at least 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks
• Also exhibits signs of gas

When Do I Administer Gripe Water?

Are there any side effects when using Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water?

What makes Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water so special?

As a parent, there is little that is more stressful than a seemingly inconsolable baby. Gas & colic are common causes of fussiness, but how do you know if your baby is colicky or just gassy?

Gas vs Colic

Colic is excessive or intense crying in babies who are otherwise healthy and feeding well; it generally begins between two to three weeks old and typically ends when babies are between three to four months old. Often, colic is described as crying for at least 3 hours a day, for at least 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks. On average, one in five babies have colic or exhibit colic-like symptoms, so although you may feel alone in your frustration, you aren’t - and relief is available.

Gripe Water

If your baby is suffering from colic and you’re searching for a gentle supplement, try Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water. Made with organic fennel and ginger, it's the #1 selling natural supplement for colic and can help relieve fussiness, hiccups, and gas.

Gas Relief Drops

For many babies, fussiness can be caused by gas rather than colic. Babies that are suffering from gas often pull their legs toward their bodies, crying after or during feeding, spit up frequently, or have bloated bellies. A few different tools can help provide relief for your baby; try a warm bath, a tummy massage, or bicycling his or her legs. Mommy Bliss Gas Relief Drops are an effective option that can relieve baby's gas. Mommy’s Bliss Gas Relief Drops can safely be used in conjunction with our Gripe Water products. The two products together can be especially useful to babies who have been crying incessantly. The Gas Relief drops help baby to burp up all the churned-up air in the stomach from bouts of crying. Gripe Water likewise aids burping and helps soothe baby’s tummy distress with the ginger and fennel ingredients. The two together relieve gas pains and provide longer-lasting relief by soothing baby’s tummy.

When do babies start teething?

What are the symptoms of teething?

Drooling

Irritability

Biting

Rubbing Ears or Cheeks

Loss of Appetite

What can you do for your teething baby?

Gum Massage

Cold

Teething Toy

Acid reflux can be painful for baby and parents alike. For the parents, acid reflux means watching your little one struggle with eating, vomiting, and irritability. For the baby, acid reflux can often lead to pain in the stomach and throat, eventually creating a disinterest in eating or even colic.

Despite the tears from baby and the panic from the parents, acid reflux is common, even in healthy babies. Babies under a month old will experience it several times per day, often soon after he feeds.

As your baby grows older, it will become more and more infrequent. By the time he is a year old, most babies will grow out of it altogether.

What is acid reflux and what causes it in infants?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux or GER, is when the acids and content of the stomach come back up into the baby’s esophagus. It happens because the lower esophageal sphincter isn’t fully developed. This causes the muscle of the esophagus to let the stomach acids and content flow up from the stomach into the esophagus. When this happens, your baby will often spit up or vomit.

As your baby grows, the esophageal sphincter becomes stronger and prevents acid reflux from happening. However, if it fails to develop correctly or becomes weak, a baby may develop GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) which has more severe complications. Luckily, GERD is quite rare. It only occurs in about one of every three hundred babies.

How do you know if your baby has acid reflux?

The symptoms of acid reflux are typically clear and easy to read. Here are the top signs that your baby might be suffering from acid reflux:

1. Frequent Vomiting

Healthy babies will spit-up frequently. But if your baby is vomiting after each meal, he may have acid reflux. Because the lower esophageal sphincter is still developing, the pressure on your baby’s tummy triggers him to vomit.

Many babies with reflux will even experience projectile vomiting or vomiting with such force that parents may become worried about their child’s safety. If you notice your baby vomiting frequently, he may become dehydrated.

Try giving small amounts of liquid to keep him hydrated. You can give him a little water, depending on his size. However, babies can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly. If you notice darker urine, diapers that have stayed dry for more than three hours, or tearless crying, go to your pediatrician. Likewise, if your baby has lost weight due to vomiting, it’s time to talk to your child’s doctor.

2. Irritability

If your baby suffers from reflux, he will likely cry and become fussy. Infants nearly triple their weight in the first year which means your baby is taking in a lot of calories into that tiny tummy. Taking so much fluid into their stomach can cause the stomach to distend or cause the contents to come back up into the esophagus. The acid of the digestive juices irritates the stomach and esophagus, making baby irritable.

3. Persistent Coughing or Wheezing

Many new parents don’t realize a persistent cough or wheeze can actually be a symptom of acid reflux. There is a link between acid reflux, wheezing, coughing, and even asthma.

If your baby has a chronic cough or wheeze, it could be caused by the acidic stomach contents irritating the esophagus. If your baby is coughing at night, after a meal, or while lying down it may be a sign of reflux. Before treating the cough, check in with your pediatrician to see if reflux could be the culprit behind the cough.

4. Eating Issues

Because the acidity of the stomach’s contents irritates the esophagus and stomach, it may make your baby disinterested in eating or even cause him to refuse to eat. If you notice your baby’s feeding habits have become less frequent, try feeding him less milk more frequently. This can help make sure he is still eating enough while reducing the chance that it will come back up.

If your baby has lost weight or has refused to eat for more than five to ten hours, call your pediatrician. It’s essential to ensure that these symptoms aren’t being caused by something more serious, so talk to your doctor.

5. Colic

The persistent crying of a colicky baby could be a symptom of reflux. The irritation of the stomach and the esophagus from all those digestive juices may trigger your baby into colic. The pain will cause him to feel frustrated and uncomfortable, leading him to cry for long periods of time.

How do you help a baby with acid reflux?

If you noticed your baby has any of the symptoms listed above, here are some easy ways to ease the symptoms of your baby’s reflux and reduce his discomfort.

Feed less, more frequently

Overfeeding your baby can cause the stomach to distend and may cause the contents of the stomach to flow back up through the esophagus and into the mouth. To prevent reflux caused by overfeeding, just feed your baby more frequently but with less milk. Feed your baby every two or three hours with half of the typical serving. The smaller amount of fluid will be absorbed and digested faster, preventing your baby from spitting up as much.

Burping

Burping your baby frequently can also help prevent acid reflux in your little one. A smart way to avoid it is by burping every ounce or two to help keep the stomach pressure to a minimum. This will help your baby lower the chances of regurgitation and will help him digest the milk quicker.

Keep Baby Upright after Feeding

Holding your baby in an upright position after feeding can also help prevent acid reflux. The gravity will help keep the milk down and may stop vomiting. Keep him upright for at least half an hour to ensure the milk is digested correctly.

Give Breast Milk or Change Formula

Breast milk can help babies with an irritated stomach because it is more easily digestible to the baby’s system. It will not only minimize acid reflux, but it will also aid digestion because of the particular enzymes found in breast milk. If you are using formula, try using hypoallergenic formula. These are more suited to the sensitive and developing digestive system of infants. These formulas are created to be digested quickly, reducing the amount of time it is in the stomach and therefore reducing the chances that your baby will spit it up.

Try Gripe Water

Gripe water can also be a great way to ease the symptoms of acid reflux in infants. It is a natural approach to help reduce the stomach acid that causes pain. The mixture of herbs is designed to soothe and relax the infant’s developing digestive system.

Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water is a safe and gentle way to help ease your baby’s stomach discomfort. The organic ginger and fennel relieve the irritation and prevent the stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus. Fennel is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and acid in the stomach while ginger’s phenolic compounds help relieve irritation and reduce gastric contractions.

You can use Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water up to 6 times in 24 hours. As always if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your pediatrician.