We’ve all been there, tiptoeing over to the crib because your baby just twitched, made a little squeak, or started moving their eyes under their eyelids, absolutely convinced they’re waking up. You scoop them up, ready to soothe, and suddenly they’re wide awake and upset, when a few seconds ago they were actually still asleep. … Read more
Katie B. Expertise You Need: Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant Certified Advanced Newborn Care Specialist (2016-2022) Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner 16 years professional childcare experience Certified Postpartum Doula (2015-2022) Travel & ROTA Nanny Katie has over 16 years experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care … Read more
We’ve all been there, walking through the front door for the first time with a brand new baby, feeling equal parts thrilled and completely unprepared, even after months of planning. Those first days home are a blur, and having the right basics already in place makes a real difference. In today’s blog, we’re covering what … Read more
We’ve all been there. Everything was going smoothly, sleep was finally clicking, and then your little one wakes up with a stuffy little nose and a cough that breaks your heart a bit every time you hear it. Sleep goes out the window fast when a cold moves in, for your baby and for you. … Read more
We’ve all been there. It’s 3am, you’re staring at the ceiling with a baby who will not settle, and somewhere in the exhaustion you start wondering if you’re doing any of this right. Rough sleep stretches happen to every single family, and getting through them takes more than a game plan for your baby’s sleep. … Read more
We’ve all been there, standing in the bottle aisle completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, wondering if you’re somehow doing it wrong because your baby fusses through every feed. Bottle feeding looks simple until you’re actually in it, and a few small adjustments can make a surprisingly big difference for both of you. … Read more
Bedtime can be the sweetest part of the day or the most stressful, and for a lot of families it swings back and forth between the two depending on the week. One night your baby drifts off after a quick feed and a lullaby. The next night, the same routine ends in forty-five minutes of … Read more
We’ve all been there. The calendar flips to August, the school supply displays show up at every store you walk into, and suddenly the whole rhythm of your house changes overnight, even if you don’t have a single kid old enough for a backpack yet. Older siblings need to be at the bus stop by … Read more
We’ve all been there. Your baby was finally starting to string together longer stretches at night, you let yourself feel a tiny bit hopeful, and then somewhere around the 3 to 4 month mark, everything falls apart. Suddenly you’re back to waking every hour or two, and you’re Googling at 3am trying to figure out … Read more
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.
One of the only things more stressful to think about other than having a new baby is to plan for your transition back into work after baby. Not only do you still have the little one to worry about, but now you also have to manage baby along with your job. In today’s blog, we’re … Read more
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
Dealing with nighttime diaper leaks can be no fun for parents and babies alike. This common phenomenon is something that many parents have to deal with, so you’re not alone in this at all! In today’s blog, we wanted to explore this topic again with an eye toward helping you and baby stay dry all … Read more
Sleep is so important to so many factors in our lives. As parents of young children, even infants, we know that it is also something that is hard to get enough of, even if you really want to! In today’s article, we’re going to explore some techniques that you can start using in 2025 and … Read more
Happy Holidays! We wanted to do a holiday themed blog post this year to help celebrate our little ones and how this time of year is so special to them, from day one. So, thank you for reading and for being a part of our community. Outside of our sincerest and most heartfelt holiday wishes, … Read more
The importance of sleep for a baby cannot be overstated! But, what if your child is sleeping relatively well for long stretches, but that sleep isn’t as impactful or as restorative as it could be? Today, we’re going to talk about some signs that you can look out for to tell if your baby is … Read more
Expertise You Need: Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant Certified Advanced Newborn Care Specialist (2016-2022) Board Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner 16 years professional childcare experience Certified Postpartum Doula (2015-2022) Travel & ROTA Nanny Katie has over 16 years experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Specialist, … Read more
There has been a lot of talk lately on popular social media platforms about whether or not you should feed your baby just before putting them down for bedtime. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss the pros and cons of doing just that. As always, give us a shout out on social or in … Read more
Before you become a parent, people try to prepare you for things like not getting enough sleep or having to deal with dirty diapers and baby barf, but what they don’t prepare you for is how heartbreaking it is to see your little baby suffer from a cold. And the worst thing is that there … Read more
There are many ways to feed your baby and not every way may be right for you or your baby. Today, we are looking at the benefits of side lying bottle feeding and how it may be a good solution for you and your baby. As always, give us a shout out on social media … Read more
There are many benefits to investing in overnight newborn care for your child or children, but today we are going to go over the very top ones. If you don’t see your favorite benefit here, make sure to shout it out in the comments or on social media. We would love to hear about your … 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
Yes, the attachment parenting philosophy is all about forming strong bonds with your children, but what about times when you need to “detach”? Today, we are going to talk about some of the top ways in which you can set healthy boundaries with your children while also keeping in line with the core values of … Read more
With the rise of social media in our lives, and especially when it comes to parenting advice, it is difficult these days to decipher exactly what is best for you and your child. You may have heard about this unique style of parenting that is gaining a lot of popularity lately both on and off … 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
As parents, we of course, love holding our babies. Sometimes, we just can’t get enough of holding those tiny, warm, fidgety and cute bundles of joy, but there are other times where we need to get some things done around the house or take care of our own personal hygiene among other things. Theoretically, this … Read more
Your baby is fussy. It’s past bedtime, and you know she just needs sleep. But she is refusing. And now you, too, are exhausted. It seems like a puzzle your brain doesn’t have enough energy to work through. Here are some common reasons your tired baby will not sleep: Overtiredness Babies, especially in their early … Read more
We know: if your baby doesn’t sleep, you don’t sleep. And sleep is important for everyone. No new mama wants to answer the question, “how’s he/she sleeping?” unless you’re one of the few parents who have one of those miraculous beings who sleep very well, naturally. The sleep-deprived moms definitely don’t want to hear about … 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
As a refresher, contact naps refer to the practice of a baby falling asleep while in physical contact with a caregiver, typically by being held, rocked, or even just being in the same room. This can involve the baby sleeping on the chest, arms, or lap of the caregiver, or even just being close enough … Read more
A strange phenomenon that happens for a lot of us is how mothers, while we’re pregnant, explain the agony of labor. It is labor, after all. But what’s not often described is the agony of the first months, the “fourth trimester,” as it’s sometimes known as. For moms who love their babies dearly, but are … Read more
Sleep time is crucial for babies as it plays a significant role in their overall growth, development, and well-being. Ensuring that you are providing the safest sleep environment to help support your baby’s growth and development is extremely important. We highly recommend parents use a sleep sack for their baby to support safe and productive … 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
Contact naps refer to the practice of a baby falling asleep while in physical contact with a caregiver, typically by being held, rocked, or even just being in the same room. This can involve the baby sleeping on the chest, arms, or lap of the caregiver, or even just being close enough to feel the … 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
Active sleep, also known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and muscle tone changes. In newborns, active sleep is particularly important for their development. We know active sleep is something parents are curious about, so we put together this blog as a … Read more
For a family working on crib sleep and establishing regular nap times, having your child fall asleep in the car can throw a real wrench in all of a parent’s diligent planning. This blog is focused on how to avoid an early nap in the car, what to do to recover if this happens, and … Read more
You are finally transitioning from crib to bed. Hooray! This is such a big moment and transition for your kiddo. However, your little one may have other plans. Falling asleep in their new bed and STAYING asleep in their new bed are two very different things. If your toddler is creeping into your bed in … Read more
Your little one has begun the painful process of teething. You may notice that the experience that your baby is having is beginning to affect their precious sleep. This blog is all about the how’s and whys of helping your little one sleep better, while going through teething. Please share with us your experiences in … Read more
Sleeping and eating. Besides being cute and lovable, those are an infant’s primary occupations. As parents, we have to be on top of ensuring that they get enough sleep and food each day and to optimize the benefit of both, it helps to be able to time everything out correctly. If you feed too close … Read more
It’s a stunning realization when it happens. It seems like just moments from when you brought your child home from the hospital. Your little tiny newborn is finally 12 months old and isn’t a teeny newborn at all anymore. Over the last 12 months (which can feel like many years) you have honed and perfected … 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
When your newborn finally arrives, it’s such a magical and special moment. Your family has a new member! You want to shout it from the rooftops or these days, post it on social media. It’s time to have everybody come and visit and hold and give lots of love to your new bundle of joy, … Read more
Newborns are just like adults except smaller and everything is different. All joking aside, there are some very specific things that you should be paying attention to in your newborn as a new parent or parent of a newborn. Aside from how often they eat and sleep, it’s vitally important to be paying attention to … Read more
Sleep is so valuable to both newborn and parent, yet during those crucial first few weeks and months, it seems that neither gets as much as they want. Well, in today’s blog, we’re going to cover a few ways in which you can get a little more sleep or to maximize the amount of sleep … Read more
This season is nothing if not full of travel. Whether you’re packing up the car and taking a road trip or you are flying the friendly skies on your favorite airline, traveling with a baby can make everything a little bit more complicated. The good news is that it is very doable and that you … Read more