Summer travel with a toddler is a special kind of adventure. One minute you are dreaming about sandy beaches or grandma’s backyard, and the next minute you are mentally calculating how many snacks you will need to survive a three-hour car ride without a meltdown. We get it, and we are here to help. The … Read more
The 4th of July is one of those holidays that is just plain fun. Barbecues, sparklers, that one neighbor who insists on starting their personal show at 9 p.m. sharp, and of course, fireworks lighting up the sky. But if you have a baby or toddler in the house, the holiday brings a few real … Read more
Breastfeeding already comes with its own built-in heat source. Your body is working hard to make milk, you are often holding a warm baby against you for extended stretches, and now summer wants to add its own contribution to the situation. If you have ever finished a feeding session feeling like you just ran a … Read more
There is a lot to love about summer. The long days, the backyard barbecues, the excuse to eat ice cream at any hour and call it seasonal. But if you have a baby at home, summer brings with it a very specific kind of stress that nobody puts on the highlights reel: keeping your little … Read more
If you have ever been startled out of a dead sleep by the sound of your toddler crying out in the middle of the night, you know that particular brand of heart-in-your-throat panic that only parents get to experience. You rush in, half asleep, to find them sitting up in bed, upset, confused, and absolutely … Read more
There are clingy babies and then there are what is known these days as “velcro babies.” Do you suspect that your baby may be a velcro baby or maybe a close friend or family member has one? In today’s article, we’re going to cover the signs to watch for and some things that you can … Read more
If you are a breastfeeding mom, you already know that feeding your baby doesn’t pause just because life doesn’t. Grocery runs, doctor’s appointments, family visits, a walk around the block that turns into an unexpected hour-long adventure. Your baby does not care about your schedule or your location. They are hungry, and they are going … Read more
When the big day comes and your baby finally arrives, it’s easy for everyone around you to put all of their attention on the new child, and how can we blame them? But, there is a real toll that the birth process takes on the mother, whether it’s her first child or fifth. After giving … Read more
So much anticipation and preparation goes into being ready for your child’s actual birth that we tend to get tunnel vision and forget about an equally important part of the birth process: what happens when you get home? At the hospital, you are surrounded by medical professionals and family members who can help you at … Read more
When it comes to your second or third child, as a parent you definitely tend to enter that space with more confidence. You’ve already survived at least one birth and you are a pro at napping, diapers, breastfeeding or feeding in general and all of the above, however, there is one important thing that you … Read more
When you know for sure that your baby is on the way, there are about a literal million things that you need to prepare for both physically and mentally before your baby arrives. You have to pick a name, you have to prepare their room, you have to get diapers, wipes, medication, thermometers, diaper bags, … Read more
Before your parents picked out your name, or at least settled in on their top five favorites, they probably already figured out something else very important: whether or not they were going to breastfeed or jump straight into bottle feeding. Many women think about it and even come to a decision long before even becoming … Read more
It is a common enough piece of parenting advice and sounds really reasonable, but at its core, it is deceptively difficult. That piece of parenting advice is the old chestnut: “Just sleep when the baby sleeps so you won’t have to worry about getting caught up on sleep through the night.” Sounds great in theory, … Read more
We’ve all probably experienced this. When you tell someone that you’re expecting or you’ve recently had a baby, they are always quick to give you advice, whether you solicit it or not. It truly is nice when they do it, because it is from the goodness of their hearts, but what isn’t so nice is … Read more
Quick Disclaimer: We recommend having your car seat reviewed by a certified CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician) before using it with your child. You can typically get this done for free at any EMS or Fire Station in your area. Contact us if you have any questions regarding this. When it comes to keeping … Read more
Whether you use traditional plastic ones, or cloth, or a mixture of the two, diapers are a way of life when it comes to modern baby care. If you’ve been around babies enough, you know that diaper rashes are also a common part of life, but we have put together a quick guide to help … Read more
At face value, a baby monitor is an efficient, flexible, and powerful way to enable you to practically be in two places at once. You can keep the monitor with you as you do chores or grab a meal or try to relax in your own bed while your baby is sleeping in theirs. You … Read more
“I’m breastfeeding, but I would love to have a night nurse. Is that possible?” Besides questions about getting more sleep or how to put a baby down to sleep quickly, this has to be the most common question we get when talking with new parents. It makes perfect sense. Most see the role of a … Read more
Welcoming a night nurse into your home is definitely a game-changer for new parents or parents with new babies. Being able to finally get caught up on rest, concentrate on your recovery (after all moms, you just went through a major medical procedure and are expected then to take 24 hour care of someone else?!) … Read more
Many people have this idea that once you can get your child through the newborn stage that you can finally have your nights of sleep back, but that isn’t always the case. Toddlers often have trouble sleeping through the night and can wake up every few hours just like their infantile counterparts, just with less … Read more
We all are constantly hearing (from our screens) that we and our kids need less screen time each day, and that’s not wrong! However, there are a few great apps that are strong resources and tools for both you and your child that will help to make the best of screen time. You’ll feel a … Read more
Having a baby at any time of the year is stressful in and of itself, but having one, especially a newborn during the winter months, aka the dreaded cold and flu season is stressful on a completely different level. We can help you not only avoid the stress of having a sick baby, but can … Read more
One of the most common and stressful moments a parent can have when they are caring for a newborn is to be caught flat-footed during the middle of the night with a hungry, crying baby and nothing but dirty bottles. Don’t let this nightmare scenario become a reality! In today’s blog, we will cover some … Read more
Caring for a newborn is a big transition, and adding nighttime breastfeeding into the mix brings its own unique learning curve. While it can take some adjustment, the experience is incredibly rewarding and deeply bonding. In today’s blog, we’ll share some helpful tips to make nighttime breastfeeding smoother—so you can nourish your baby and still … Read more
As a new parent, you really hate the idea of making a mistake when it comes to raising and caring for your child. Mistakes are for people who didn’t prepare or study as much as we did in anticipation of our new baby, right? Unfortunately, even the most prepared can be susceptible to mistakes, but … Read more
Learn safe sleep best practices for newborns and infants. Discover expert tips to reduce risks, promote healthy sleep, and give parents peace of mind.
Discover effective ways to calm a fussy baby. Learn gentle, proven soothing techniques that help parents ease crying and create peaceful moments.
Discover simple self-care tips for new moms. Learn practical ways to recharge, reduce stress, and nurture your health while caring for your newborn.
Ok, aside from babies, we love helping people put together the perfect packing list! In today’s article, we’re going to share with you some of our favorite and possibly most surprising tips for putting together the perfect diaper bag that will help you and your baby get into and out of just about any situation … Read more
If you currently have a newborn or are expecting one, then you may be curious about how to prepare both yourself and your little one for their first (inevitable!) playdate. Even for very young babies, having even the most basic social interactions can be helpful. They can see and experience other babies like themselves and … Read more
Getting a baby to sleep through the night can feel like a mystery to many new and expecting parents—but at The Early Weeks, it’s what we do best. As professional newborn care specialists and pediatric sleep consultants, we’ve supported families across the country in creating peaceful nighttime routines and healthy sleep habits right from the … Read more
It might seem like a simple task, but preparing your baby’s bottles for overnight feedings is one of the most important steps you can take to support smoother nights and a well-rested household. In those early weeks—when newborn life feels especially chaotic—having a safe and efficient system for bottle prep can make all the difference. … Read more
Preparing for your baby’s arrival often means focusing on the physical essentials — setting up a beautiful nursery, stocking up on diapers, burp cloths, swaddles, and baby clothes, and making sure you have basic medical supplies on hand. But what many new parents aren’t fully prepared for is the intense emotional, physical, and mental demands … Read more
As much as parents might cherish those diaper-changing days (and all the surprise checks that come with them), there comes a time when it’s time to move on — to potty training. Helping your toddler make the leap from diapers to using the toilet is a big milestone, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re … Read more
Burping babies has been a go-to punchline for TV and movie sitcoms for about as long as there have been sitcoms. While it plays well on the big screen, it is anything but a silly joke played for laughs. When your baby feeds, especially from a bottle, air bubbles and pressure can build up in … Read more
Summer is a wonderful season for making memories with your family — whether it’s beach days, backyard barbecues, or long road trips. But if you have a newborn or young baby, those fun outings can quickly become overwhelming. Between managing nap schedules, keeping your baby cool in the heat, and trying to maintain some sense … Read more
It goes without saying that having a baby is one of the most stressful things you can do in life, yet it is, of course, the most rewarding. Between the pregnancy, the delivery, the hospital, and adjusting to your literal new life after bringing your baby home, there isn’t a lot of time or attention … Read more
Traveling with a newborn is quite the proposition. It takes the already Herculean task of caring for a newborn child in the comfort of your own home and adds the stresses and challenges of travel on top. However, as we start this busy summer travel season, many parents of newborns may not have much of … Read more
Having a baby is such a wonderful journey, but it does come with its challenges, as you may imagine. The great thing is that you don’t have to face those challenges alone. If you and your partner are in need of some help throughout the night in order to help you catch up on sleep … Read more
Swaddling is a common practice among parents of newborns for good reason. It helps keep your baby comforted and helps them feel more secure and can even help them sleep longer and better. While swaddling has many benefits, knowing when to stop swaddling is key for your baby’s safety and continued development. In today’s article, … Read more
When you bring your first newborn home from the hospital, it can be pretty overwhelming, to say the least. As a new parent, you have probably purchased many things to help with your baby like diapers, fancy trash cans, car seats, strollers, and so on. It’s safe to say you’re pretty well prepared for handling … Read more
As a parent, especially of a newborn, you have to constantly be on the lookout for how your baby is feeling. The younger your child is, the less they are able to deal with certain diseases and medical complications on their own. The constant vigilance can be stressful, but it is of course very worth … Read more
Bathtime can be a fun, semi-relaxing time for parents and babies alike, but do you have a plan for what to do after the bath is over? In today’s blog, we’re going to walk through some of the fundamentals of what you can and should do after each bath in order to ensure that your … Read more
Safety. It’s a word that, to no one’s surprise, is on the minds of parents from day one, dollar one. While we would just love to help you do everything safely with your babies, today we are focusing on how to safely bathe your baby at any age, from newborn to toddler. While we will … Read more
There are a lot of challenges that are presented to new parents once they are able to take their little one home from the hospital. One thing that they have to face sooner rather than later is how to bathe a baby. Of course, it is similar to bathing oneself as a grown up, but … Read more
When you’re expecting your first child, it’s hard not to feel anxiety about nearly every aspect of child-rearing, especially during those crucial first hours, days, and months. You know intellectually that your whole world is about to be turned upside down, but you can’t really prepare for everything that will be thrown at you until … Read more
Pregnancy. When you are expecting a baby, especially your first, you may not be prepared for all of the secondary and tertiary problems that arise during the pregnancy process. Things like hormone imbalances and strange food cravings are just the tip of the iceberg. We don’t have enough time to dive into all of the … Read more
Just like any topic that has to do with caring for a newborn or any child for that matter, the topic of bathing has lots of intricacies and best practices, often with competing schools of thought. In today’s article, we’re going to help deliver a clear and concise set of tips that is designed to … Read more
The concept of a strict set “bedtime” is something more relevant to parents of older children, but what if we told you that some parents have been finding success with setting a “strict” bedtime for their 6 week old infants? It’s like Flaming Hot Cheetos, what seems crazy to one person, is delicious or even … Read more
We all know that when you first bring your newborn home from the hospital, you can expect to not sleep very well for the coming weeks and months. When can we parents expect to see some light at the end of that sleepless tunnel? The answer is, sooner than you may think. In today’s article, … Read more
There is an old saying that goes “get four doctors in a room and ask them a question and you’ll get 8 opinions.” When it comes to the world of parenting, especially newborns and infants, there are a lot of strongly held opinions. In today’s article, we’re going to cover the topic found in a … Read more
While “the witching hour” sounds like something out of a spooky campfire story, it’s really just a naturally occurring phenomenon or phase that occurs with many babies. It can be stressful, but it is perfectly normal. The challenge comes with both knowing what it is and then knowing how to deal with it successfully. In … Read more
When you are faced with the proposition of helping your new baby develop healthy and optimal sleep patterns and routines, there are a LOT of options out there. As a new parent, one thing ‘they’ don’t prepare you for is the veritable onslaught of information and opinions from friends, family, and social media that will … Read more
As a new parent, one of the most precious yet challenging aspects of early parenthood is ensuring that your child gets enough sleep. A contact nap is a period of sleep in which the child is constantly being held by the parent or caregiver. Contact naps are about the only naps that your child can … Read more
To most grownups, a nap sounds like paradise. You get to take a part of your day and sleep for an hour or two so you can wake up recharged and ready to take on the rest of the day at your own pace. For parents though, naps can be a bit of a nightmare … Read more
Sleep training can be a difficult process regardless of how your baby gets their primary source of calories. Whether breastfed or bottle fed, your baby will have a unique set of circumstances and attributes that will determine how you will sleep train them. In today’s article, we’re going over tips and tricks specifically for how … Read more
Many of us hear about the horrors of labor. The pain, the pushing, the possibly pooing ourselves in front of practical strangers. But, we don’t always hear about afterwards: learning to breastfeed, getting babies through potential bouts of jaundice, the exhaustion, the vaginal pain, or the pain after the C-section, the hemorrhoids. And mostly: the … Read more
Babies and toddlers change and develop at such a rapid pace. This means two things: They need a good amount of sleep. Their sleep patterns and needs change rapidly as well. As a parent, you’re likely no stranger to the ever-evolving sleep patterns of babies and toddlers. Just when you think you’ve cracked the code … Read more
Good rest is very important to babies and caregivers alike. While the number one recommendation for new parents is to get enough rest, the number one thing new parents have trouble with is exactly that. Balancing the need for rest with the needs of a baby can seem like an impossible juggling act. This blog … Read more
One of the biggest challenges parents face can be calming and soothing a crying newborn. Undoubtedly everyone will have suggestions for how to soothe your baby. While there is no one quick answer, there are a few techniques to keep in mind that can help ease your infant. Here is what our team recommends to … Read more
It’s the middle of the night and your baby is crying. Determining whether your baby is waking up out of habit or hunger can be challenging, especially when drowsy yourself! Understanding their sleep patterns and needs can help you make an informed decision. Here are some tips to help you distinguish between habitual vs. hunger-driven … Read more
Sleep. Precious, precious sleep. We want our babies to sleep because it helps them grow and stay healthy and for so many other reasons, but it also helps that the more they sleep the more we (parents) get to sleep. In today’s article, we’re going to help you and your baby with just that: getting … Read more
As a parent of a newborn, you’re definitely grateful for any amount of time that your baby is sleeping, however, when your child is sleeping restlessly or sleeping for only 30 to 45 minutes at a time between wake windows, then there may be another issue at hand. Short naps are very common during the … Read more
As the nights get longer and colder each year, it’s especially important to take steps to help keep your baby warm and comfortable through the night. This will help with your sanity as well as with the baby’s comfort and overall quality of life! If you’re a parent with a newborn during the fall and … Read more
Weighted sleep sacks for babies are a topic of some debate among experts. Weighted blankets and products have gained popularity for their potential to provide a sense of comfort and relaxation, particularly for individuals with sensory processing disorders or anxiety. However, when it comes to using weighted sleep sacks for babies, safety considerations are paramount. … Read more
In today’s world of modern medicine, it’s so easy to try to solve just about every problem with a pill, but does that work for children? If your child is having trouble sleeping, especially if they are a young baby or toddler, then there may not be very many options for you to try in … Read more
Toddlers. Many people think that having your child grow from a newborn into a toddler can mean that you will have to deliver less 24/7 hands on attention to them, but they would be wrong. Toddlers, though not necessarily known for their inability to sleep through the night, can have just as troubled a relationship … Read more
Just because you have a small infant or newborn during the summertime doesn’t mean that you can’t still get out there and enjoy the great weather while it lasts. Sure, things will get a little more complicated and you may have more limited options as to your entertainment choices (sorry, they don’t allow infants at … Read more
It’s bound to happen. Many parents, especially first time parents struggle with sleep regressions in their newborns. It may not happen to every child at the same time, but there are clear patterns of sleep cycling and regression that emerge as the child ages into toddlerhood. The verdict for the child is simple, they are … Read more
What is something more valuable than gold yet can’t be held or locked in a vault? If you answered “sleep” then you are correct! Sleep is one of the things in our lives that is so crucial to our day to day function and overall success yet it can’t be bought, sold, or traded and … Read more
People often associate the stresses of having a child with him or her not sleeping through the night and keeping tired and weary parents up along with them. Many will tell you that is definitely the case, however, most of the time that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Getting your baby to … Read more
If your baby has a tongue tie or lip tie it can impact many areas of your baby’s daily routine. In today’s article, we’re going to explore what these areas typically are and how you can both recognize the signs of a potential lip or tongue tie and how you can get your child on … Read more
Sleep sacks for babies! No, we’re not going camping, although that sounds really fun right now (can’t wait for summer to come back!), but we are talking about safe, easy, and excellent ways to help your newborn baby get to sleep using these wondrous sleeping contraptions. Sleep sacks and swaddles really are worth their weight … Read more
Whether in the home or the office, the battle over the thermostat for the perfect ambient temperature rages on. Some people run cold and need it set high, while others run hot and need it to be down low to function. It’s hard enough to get a room full of adults to agree on an … Read more
Getting your infant to sleep through the night can depend on a lot of factors: your infant’s age and weight among others. Typically, the first three months or so of your newborn’s life will not include sleeping through the night on a consistent basis. This is because during the first few weeks of life, your … Read more
As parents of newborns will know, getting a baby to fall asleep is typically not an issue. Most babies can definitely fall asleep on their own with little encouragement from mom and dad, however the real rub is getting them to fall asleep in any sort of predictable and quick fashion. That’s where we come … Read more
Winning the lottery. Eating a steak prepared by Gordon Ramsay himself. Getting more sleep when you have a newborn at home. Three things that would be wonderful to have happen to you but seem very unlikely. Or are they? No. Mr. Ramsay is very busy right now and we have no lottery strategies, but we … Read more
Helping your baby sleep at night without feeding is a tough prospect, but definitely not impossible. With a little patience and some tips from the pros, you will be doing so in no time. At best, babies are as unpredictable as they are adorable, so each baby may respond differently to different tactics. All things … Read more
Getting your baby to sleep can, in the moment, seem like an impossible task, but rest assured it is very possible! We all know what it’s like to have a tired, restless infant that just doesn’t seem to want to sleep, even when you know they need to! Rest assured, we can help you get … Read more
Sleep. One of the most valuable resources the world over, yet so scarce for new parents and parents of young children. If there was only a magic button we could press that would make us feel rested! Until that day comes, we are on our own to get the rest we need as parents and … Read more
As a parent, there is almost no faster way to feel instantly terrified and sad than when your child wakes up screaming in the middle of the night from a bad dream. For many children, they may just be experiencing a simple nightmare, but for others, it may be a true night terror and it … Read more
Ear infections are no fun for both parent and child. They are unfortunately rather common as nearly five out of every six children will have one before the age of three in the U.S. according to the NIH. An earache can have many causes, which include cold and flu viruses, and bacterial infections among others. … Read more
Even at the best of times, Thanksgiving is an overwhelming and stressful time. These days, it can be even more so, especially with a newborn infant in tow. Luckily, we have come up with a few time honored expert tips and strategies that you can use to help you and your partner navigate this holiday … Read more
If you’re a new or expectant new parent, the topic of this post may seem a little baffling. You may be wondering, “why would both primary caregivers / parents not be caring for their newborn”? The reality is that the scenarios below happen fairly regularly. Bringing Up Baby Surprisingly, it is relatively common for … Read more
What exactly is a cat-nap? Cat naps are short naps, typically between 30-45 minutes. Why does my baby catnap? There are several reasons: First, When your baby is a newborn, their sleep is very immature. There is a natural tendency for them to only sleep for 1 sleep cycle (30-45 minutes), vs connecting … Read more
TRUE or FALSE?? Babies less than 2 weeks old can get full feeds and go three hours between feeds. TRUE! Once mom’s milk has come in, usually by day 5 postpartum, a newborn can and absolutely should be able to transfer what they need to make a 2.5-3 hour time stretch. 2 hours is on … Read more
A few days ago, I received a call from a new dad. It was late at night and he and his wife were struggling with their 5 day old baby. Neither of them were getting more than 20-30 minutes of sleep at a time and neither was their newborn baby. “We don’t know if he’s … Read more
When Should You Stop Swaddling Your Baby? If you are reading this, chances are you are a new parent and trying to understand what is the right age to stop swaddling your baby. I’m glad you are here, because there is a lot of information out there on Google Land, in parenting groups or safe … Read more