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Interview with Jamie Cantalupo, the President of Nook

We recently spoke with Jamie Cantalupo, the President of Nook Sleep Systems about her passion for breathable, safe and natural crib mattresses to enhance baby’s sleep.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself

This is always a hard one! My husband and I are blessed to have to three beautiful, funny and strong children. In addition, we are the proud parents of two very rambunctious and spirited Golden Retrievers, so our house is busy and full of lots of love! We live in the South Bay area of Los Angeles and spend a lot of time at the beach and enjoying all that the South Bay has to offer. It’s such a great place to call home. Before I became a mom to my girls, Nook was my first baby. I have run the company for six years and live and breathe it every day. There isn’t any role that I cannot or don’t enjoy to do. Whether it is creating a new product, designing new packaging, answering a product question on the phone or driving the forklift- I feel so lucky to call Nook my “job.” I think that is what makes me love it as much as I do. I get to have my hands (and heart) on every aspect of the business.

What inspires you as you lead Nook?

As corny as it may sound, when you truly feel you are making a difference, work doesn’t feel like work. Nook is able to be part of such a special time in most families’ lives. Bringing home baby, is exciting but it can also be a very stressful and overwhelming time. I believe we eliminate some of that stress and worry by offering the highest quality products that are safe for baby while functional and easy for mom and dad to use. While I am the “President” at Nook Sleep, I am first and foremost a mom. I still love talking with expecting moms, dads and grandmas on a weekly basis about our products. For me – that is what it is really all about. In addition, I have an amazing team that is as passionate for the cause as I am. As we say in the office, we are helping the world (or homes) one pebble at a time.

How are Nook mattresses different than other crib mattresses?

I think what makes our mattresses, and all Nook products for that matter, so great, is that we keep it simple. At Nook – breathability, firmness and safe materials are what constitute a SAFE crib mattress and crib environment. Take our Pebble Pure for example, made of Coconut Husk, Natural Latex, Unprocessed Organic Wool, Organic Cotton and Eucalyptus. These are all very simple and straightforward materials that are safe and easy to understand. There is much to learn when prepping for baby, but at Nook we try our best to educate parents in a very honest and simple way.

In what ways do Nook mattresses help babies and toddlers sleep better?

In short, breathability and air flow help little ones sleep better and longer. However, in order to best answer that question, I really have to go back to the beginning. One of the driving forces behind Nook Sleep was a couple that saw a major lack of safe and quality options within the crib mattress category and for the love of their own children; they found a solution. At that time, the only options most parents had to choose from was a metal spring based mattress encased with a crunchy vinyl liner. Does that sound comfortable to you? Research shows that inner-springs are really not ideal for growing bodies and vinyl/plastic materials cause overheating. Throw in the fact that most of those materials expose baby to harsh chemicals- it was a no brainier that something had to be done. By thinking outside of the box, the Pebble Organic was born. No inner-springs, no plastic covers. Just simple, safe materials. All Nook mattresses since have been developed with the same focus in mind; ideal firmness and structure for a growing body and spine, temperature regulating materials which promote restful sleep, breathable composition that allows for optimum airflow and of course a soft and snuggly surface for comfort.

What are some unique features of the Nook crib mattresses?

Color and texture! While many of our Nook parents choose Cloud (our white) and opt to incorporate bedding, we have seen our beautiful Pebble Palette used in so many different types of nursery designs. Traditional to Modern, Shabby Chic to Minimalistic, the Pebble really has a place in every nursery. It also allows for our other pieces like the Pebble ChangePad, Niche Feeding Pillow or LilyPad Playmat to be worked in to the nursery design as well. I think parents love that it comes crib ready and crib sheet/bedding is optional. And lastly, I know for a fact so many parents find peace of mind that their babies, the most special beings in their lives, are sleeping on the safest space, other than being in their own arms of course.

Can you tell us a bit about your new toddler pillow?

One of the many things we are proud of here at Nook is that we have the best community of retail partners and loyal customers. We respect and honor their opinions and feedback and often find they are the inspiration behind the products we bring to the market! For some time, our customers and retailers have been expressing that when it came to toddler sleep pillows, what was available on the market was truly lacking either in materials (i.e. best case scenario was a pillow with an organic cover but questionable fill) or size/longevity (i.e. it was too small/too large/too full or the window of use was too small). LIGHT BULB MOMENT. Nook needed to offer our Nooksters an all-organic option, with our amazing pebble fabric and just the perfect construction that was suitable for toddler and kids. Bam! The Pebble Pillow Jr. was born!

What tips do you have for parents when shopping for a crib mattress?

I often get calls asking which of our three mattresses is the “best” and I always say “what will work for one family, may not work for another.” Although Nook is known for our Organic Pebble Pure Crib Mattress, we also offer other options with great benefits at different price points. While my kids sleep on the Pebble Pure, my best friend chose the Pebble Lite for her baby girl because she preferred its lighter weight and eco-friendly materials. When making the decision on a crib mattress, I always encourage parents to make sure it is breathable, made of safe materials, has quality construction for longevity, fits taunt in the base of your crib and of course is protected by an organic mattress wrap.

Visit nooksleep.com to see their entire product line.

The SNOO to Make Babies Sleep? Is Parenting Too Automated?

By Nicole Johnson

happiestbaby_hp-1200x630-e1476736745858 Image via Wired

If we travel back just a couple of decades ago, we would find that parents used to have a lot fewer modern conveniences to help us in the day to day. Nowadays, however, parents have a lot more tools in their arsenal that were likely not available a few decades ago. We have swings, several variations of bouncing and vibrating chairs, automatic sterilizers, moving rock and plays, and the list goes on. I know some of us would gladly declare we may not have survived those first months without our favorite baby gadgets, but what are possible drawbacks of relying too much on technology? At a recent trade show, I had the opportunity to view one of the newest tools to help parents, called the “SNOO,” created by Dr. Harvey Karp, which costs $1200. You can see it in action here.

The SNOO is a rocking bassinet that adjusts its speed and white noise level, based on your baby’s crying. As a mom who has been through countless sleepless nights, and has helped sleep-deprived parents everywhere, I was able to see the benefit for those desperate moments when you don’t have someone to help, and are in desperate need of some rest, or just a shower 🙂 But, it also got me thinking about how much parenting has changed, and whether we are moving in a direction where parenting is getting progressively more automated.

Now, Dr. Karp makes a very valid point, that another noteworthy change that parents of today have compared to parents from just a few decades ago, is less help (that’s why we are here as an extension of your village!). Parents today are able to count on less and less help from family and their community, as more and more of us live far away from family members, and those who live close have their own work and parenting responsibilities. Unfortunately, we no longer have aunts and grandmas who can hold and rock the baby for a couple of hours while you eat some lunch or just sleep, and if we are lucky enough to have some family help, it is typically only a week or two after baby is born. This is where a SNOO would be a big help.

Another instance where a SNOO would be a welcome helping hand is for parents of twins, or multiples, where they have double or triple the work! The SNOO would keep one baby content while you change their twin’s diaper or give them a feeding. High needs babies, who need constant soothing and holding, would ideally have 2 parents at home to care for them, but that is not always possible. The SNOO could be a great help there, too.

With these scenarios in mind, a SNOO becomes a welcome addition to any household with a small baby. But, after seeing it in action in the video and having some time to weigh the pros and cons, I also have some concerns. The first is that the bassinet is flat, and as of right now, there is no option to incline the sleep surface. Given that so many newborn babies experience reflux and benefit tremendously from sleeping on an incline, the SNOO may not be very useful for these babies. In addition, since moms don’t know whether their baby will have reflux or not, this would be enough to discourage me from buying it in advance, especially with the price tag.

Another very important concern is that if a newborn baby is soothed back to sleep too quickly, they may miss important feedings, and this may negatively impact their growth (and mom’s milk supply if breastfeeding). If a baby cries in the SNOO, it will attempt to soothe the baby back to sleep or calm for 3 minutes. After these 3 minutes are up, the SNOO will stop and send a message to the parent’s phone to come check on the baby. This is an important feature, but it may not be enough to resolve the feeding concerns, because a common pattern for babies is to cry, then calm or go back to sleep when soothed, then cry again 10 minutes later, fall back asleep when soothed, cry again 10 minutes later, and repeat. In my opinion, the SNOO would need to alert parents if this situation happened, because in my experience, this typically indicates hunger. Even though the baby may go back to sleep quickly, if she wakes frequently every 10 minutes or so, she more than likely needs a feeding.

A final consideration is whether parents should use the SNOO as soon as a baby is born, or whether they would opt to use only if they experience severe sleep problems that are not resolved by the traditional 5 S’s for which Dr. Karp is known? For more adaptable babies who may need less soothing and could potentially have more sleep independence, is it possible the SNOO might even get in the way of that independence and cause more sleep problems down the road?

All in all, it looks like the SNOO would be another good tool in a parent’s toolbox, which does not mean you have to use it non-stop. Just like many things, moderation is key as we don’t want to replace human touch with a machine. As many of us know, sometimes those early months can be tough and all of us need to take breather, take a shower, or have a snack 🙂 But I do hope the creators of SNOO evaluate the possibility of missed or delayed feedings, and the needs of babies with reflux, as those would be enough to give me pause if I was considering getting my own SNOO.

Have you heard about the SNOO? Would you buy a SNOO for your baby? We would love to hear your thoughts on this bassinet and about being a parent in the 21st Century!

Need Newborn Sleep Help? We Have the Resources You Need!

If you are tired of wading through stacks of baby sleep books that just aren't working, if you are beyond exhausted and just can't solve your newborn's sleep problems on your own...than personalized sleep consulting is for you. Our team of expert consultants will create a Personalized Sleep Plan^® just for your family and then support you through every step of implementing your plan. We encourage you to consider our personalized, one-on-one baby and toddler sleep consultation packages if you want to see real, meaningful results now. Your consultation package also includes ample follow-up help, designed to help you troubleshoot problems and tweak your plan as needed.

For even more help getting your newborn baby to sleep, check out our e-Book, Essential Keys to Your Newborn's Sleep . At over 90 pages long (and containing a variety of sample schedules for breastfed and formula-fed babies from birth - 16 weeks), this e-Book truly is a one-stop resource designed to help your newborn establish healthy sleep habits, right from birth. Whether you're a brand new parent or an experienced parents who needs to brush up newborn sleep basics, Essential Keys To Your Newborn's Sleep is a comprehensive and budget-friendly resource that will provide the information you need to work towards excellent sleep for your whole family, from day one. Grab your copy today!

Or, join our Members Area that will grow with your family. It's packed with exclusive content and resources: e-Books, assessments, detailed case studies, expert advice, peer support, and more and actually costs less to join than buying products separately! As a member, you'll also enjoy a weekly chat with an expert sleep consultant. And the best part - members receive 20% off all sleep consultation services! This is a resource that will truly grow with your child: it'll help you through the newborn phase and prepare you for the months ahead.

Can't decide which product or service is right for you? Visit our Getting Started Page for help.

Benefits of Swaddling with 7 Swaddle Safety Tips (Plus a Giveaway!)

By Kimberly

Today we have a guest post written by Karen Barski, BSN, RN and inventor of the Woombie Baby Swaddle. Woombie is also giving away two of their Woombie Air so be sure to read to the end to find out how you can enter to win one!

Benefits of Swaddling Your Baby

When your baby is swaddled, he or she is taken back to the days in the womb, when everything was comfortable, safe and snug.

Swaddling has a number of key benefits for both parents and babies – when done correctly and safely:

Swaddled babies sleep longer and sounder.
Swaddled babies experience less anxiety.
Swaddling prevents unnecessary wake-ups due to the startle reflex.
Swaddling eliminates the need for comfort items in baby’s crib – no pillows, bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. (using these items in crib have been linked to SIDS)
Swaddling prevent face-scratching.
Swaddling mimics touch, which is important for baby especially when they wake up at night.
Swaddling helps maintain the back sleeping position and also reminds tired parents to place baby on back to sleep.
Swaddling soothes babies with colic (again, when swaddled, they feel secure and safe just like they felt in the womb).
Swaddling in the hands-over-heart position is the preferred sleeping position for babies; in this position they learn to self-soothe and can get back to sleep on their own.
Swaddling benefits parents too — when baby sleeps more, mom and dad sleep more!

Safe Swaddling Tips

Over the last 20 years, we’ve learned how to swaddle safely. It’s safe to say we have come far from the tightly wrapped, mummy-style swaddle bands and swaddle boards! Learning to correctly swaddle baby is key to ensuring safety and effectiveness. Here are seven tips:

Do not over-swaddle – Over-swaddling or using double swaddle blankets can lead to overheating. This factor has been linked to SIDS. Signs of an overheated baby include damp hair and sweating. Today parents can use swaddles that are specifically designed to allow excess heat to escape which provides ventilation for baby.
Make sure the swaddle won’t unravel – A loose blanket can end up covering your baby’s airway.

Position baby “hands-over-heart” – In the past, it was traditional to swaddle baby’s arms at his/her sides, but this can cause joint problems and limits mobility. Place baby’s hands over the chest before wrapping, or with a swaddle sack that requires no wrapping, put baby in, place baby’s hands over chest, and zip!
Don’t swaddle too tightly – Rather than a blanket, use a specially made baby swaddle that hugs baby comfortably but allows for natural movement of the legs/hips to prevent hip issues like hip dysplasia.
Place baby on his/her back to sleep – When baby sleeps on his/her tummy he is more likely to rebreathe his own exhaled air and start to overheat, both of which can lead to SIDS. Remember: “back is best.”
Stop swaddling when baby begins to roll – When baby begins to roll, this is a good time to consult with your pediatrician or a baby sleep consultant on whether or not swaddling should be continued. Usually you want to transition baby to arms-free sleep once baby begins to roll, but some pediatricians are now saying that swaddling is safe even after baby begins to roll as long as the crib is free from all suffocation hazards such as bumpers pillows toys and blankets. When it’s time to transition, an arms-free sleep sack is a wonderful tool so baby can feel snug but with their arms free.
Don’t swaddle all day – Babies need freedom to move around and learn their bodies. Even if your little one loves being wrapped up all day, give him/her time to develop and leave the swaddling for sleep time.

Most people use swaddling during the newborn stage and begin to phase it out before six months. Some babies like being swaddled up to nine months, and that’s perfectly fine so long as you are using an arms-free sleep sack once baby begins to roll. At some point though your baby will prefer the freedom outside the swaddle and struggle to break out. Click to read more about when and how to stop swaddling.

Note: Each baby is different; some babies resist swaddling from the very beginning, although this is rare. All newborns put up a little bit of a fight, but they quickly accept the feelings of security and peace the swaddle affords them.

Written by Karen Barski, BSN, RN, Mother of five, Certified Infant Care Specialist & Instructor, & Inventor of the Woombie Baby Swaddle
Karen has been an RN for 20 years, and has worked in many different nursing roles. As a Certified Infant Care Specialist, Karen counsels thousands of families yearly on a multitude of issues relating to pregnancy and infancy. Also, as a mother of five, she has invaluable experience and tips to share especially on the subject of swaddling, child sleep, baby safety, newborns, pregnancy, and more.

Since 2007, Karen started KB Designs and is most known for inventing two swaddle brands, Woombie and Mod’Swad. Her line of signature baby swaddles have helped parents across the globe easily transition their new babies from womb to home. There are multiple designs and sizes so that babies can enjoy the comfort and security of the Woombie up until the time they begin to roll and even longer with specialty “Big Baby” swaddle sizes and “convertible” swaddles where baby’s arms come out (arms-free sleep).

Each product has been created and designed by Karen because of a need she identified in her life with her five children. With convenience, safety, and fashion in mind, KB Designs has helped over a million babies and counting!

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Woombie makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information in this blog post and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information, or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Giveaway

Woombie is giving away two of their Woombie Air swaddles to two lucky winners! Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries for the giveaway will be accepted today through Monday, June 1, 2015. Please note: Woombie can only ship prizes to US mailing addresses.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Sleep-Friendly Crib Toys For Babies

By Emily DeJeu

In past articles, we’ve established that crib toys don’t have to be bad for your baby’s sleep, provided they are ‘sleep-friendly’ toys. Remember, in general, sleep-friendly crib toys do not light up or make noise, and (with the exception of board books) should be relatively soft, and have rounded edges. (Of course, you know your baby best – if your baby does just fine with noisy, light-up toys in the crib, then carry on! 😉 )

With that in mind, here’s a list of 5 fantastic, sleep-friendly crib toys that will pull double-duty: they will entertain your baby as he winds down for sleep, or just after he wakes up, but they will not overstimulate him or interfere with naptime or nighttime sleep.

5 Sleep-Friendly Crib Toys

Flensted Swallow Mobile

I love this elegant, understated Flensted Swallow mobile. Done up in muted colors, this mobile is as simple as it gets – no lights, no batteries, no sound. Very sleep-friendly! According to Amazon reviewers, the swallows are lightweight and stir in even the slightest breeze, so if you run a fan in your baby’s room, that should provide just enough movement to interest your baby without overstimulating him.

Peter Rabbit Teether

This Kids Preferred Peter Rabbit toy is too cute. It’s the classic Beatrix Potter character you love, done up in a combination stuffed animal and teether toy! Peter Rabbit’s soft, plush body makes a slight crinkly sound when squeezed (enough to capture baby’s interest, but not enough to overstimulate), while his feet are made of hard, textured plastic – perfect for teething little ones!

Crib Mirror

Often, a young baby’s favorite sight to behold is herself! And this Sassy Crib and Floor Mirror will allow her to do just that. The mirror can be attached to the side of the crib or propped up on the floor during tummy time. It comes with a few attached toys – a spinning black-and-white ball and a bee that can be rotated. For most babies, this will provide enough stimulation to hold their interest for a time without overstimulating them and making sleep difficult.

Fabric Books

I’m a bookworm, and I love for my kids to be surrounded by books at all times. That’s why I always loved to keep a few fabric books in their cribs. These two adorable choices – Squishy Turtle and Fuzzy Bee – make excellent crib additions. There are plenty of textures included here, to keep baby’s interest, but the books themselves are cuddly and soft enough to make them very sleep-friendly crib toys.

Cloud b Sleep Sheep

The ultimate sleep-friendly crib toy! The Cloud b Sleep Sheep is the only noise-making item on our list – and that’s because the noises it makes are white noise, which can actually drown out other distracting noises and help baby relax and fall asleep. This cute little sheep is totally huggable and comes with 4 soothing sounds. And it includes a velcro enclosure that allows you to secure it to the side of the crib, ensuring that it doesn’t become a SIDS risk.

What are your baby’s favorite crib toys? Leave your recommendations in the comments section below!

Whether you use crib toys or not – baby sleep can sometimes be a tricky and elusive thing. Need help getting your baby to sleep better? We have the resources you need!

Need more sleep training resources? We have a ton! Browse our list of e-books and e-book packages, designed to help your baby, toddler, or newborn develop better napping and sleeping habits.
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How Warmly Should You Dress Your Baby For Winter Sleep?

By Emily DeJeu

Given that it is getting pretty darn cold outside these days, we thought it would be appropriate to bring you an article about dressing your baby for wintertime sleep.

How warm should your baby be at night? Let’s take a look!

**Don’t Dress Your Baby Too Warmly**

It’s a safe bet that most caring, loving parents (and we know that’s just what you are!) are more in danger of overdressing their babies for sleep than of underdressing them, because we worry about our babies feeling cold.

But remember, babies who are TOO warm won’t sleep well (just like you probably don’t sleep well if you feel overheated). In fact, toddlers and preschoolers who are too warm at night may be more inclined to have nightmares or night terrors. So avoid the urge to pile on fleece, as it could make your little one too warm.

In reality, the ideal sleep temperature for most children and adults is a bit on the cool side – right around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). Not sure if your baby is too warm or too cold? Do a ‘skin check’ – your child’s skin should be comfortable to the touch and even a little cool (but not cold/frigid.)

Dressing Your Baby For Sleep

Here are some general guidelines as to what babies sleep in at various ages, but you do have to use your best judgment based on where you live, how hot/cold you keep the temperature in your house when your baby sleeps, and your baby’s preference (some will prefer to be warmer than others), among other factors. These are just guidelines, and you know your baby best.

FOR NEWBORNS

For newborns who are swaddled, Nicole recommends a onesie underneath a light sleep-and-play outfit (long-sleeved in the winter). In the summer, you can probably skip the footed outfit or socks, but in the winter, you may want to keep them on. If your newborn is no longer swaddled, read the ‘Babies’ section below.

Then, over top of this, you can swaddle your baby snuggly in a lightweight cotton blanket. Just be sure that your swaddle is snug enough that your baby can’t kick the blanket loose, but not so tight that he can’t move his legs and breathe comfortably.

FOR BABIES

Once your newborn has grown up a bit and you are trying to stop swaddling your baby, you can dress your baby the same as a newborn, but then consider a sleep sack, instead of the swaddle. It provides warmth without the suffocation dangers associated with loose blankets.

More Tips on ‘Winterizing’ Your Baby

For even more tips on dressing your baby for winter weather (including outdoor winter gear and tips on your baby’s winter skin care), check out this video, from cloudmom.com blogger Melissa.

Get Sleep Help That Works – Guaranteed!

Knowing how to dress your baby during the winter months is pretty key in encouraging restful, deep sleep – but the right sleep gear won’t solve all your sleep problems. You may very well need to work on sleep coaching in order to achieve that…and we can help! Why not check out our array of personalized sleep consulting services, and get expert help today?

Browse our list of consultation package options here.

Once you make your choice and purchase a package, you will immediately receive an e-mail with your Helpdesk login information. You’ll be able to log in and get started immediately!

Want more information about how personalized help works? Check out our FAQ page here, and get answers. You can also take a tour of the Helpdesk.

Share your questions and tips below – as always, we love to hear from you!

Our Members Area is packed with exclusive content and resources: e-Books, assessments, detailed case studies, expert advice, peer support, and more. It actually costs less to join than buying products separately! As a member, you’ll also enjoy a weekly chat with an expert sleep consultant. And the best part – members receive 20% off all sleep consultation services!

If you’re looking for ways to get your baby or toddler into a healthy sleeping routine during the day, I encourage you to explore Mastering Naps and Schedules, a comprehensive guide to napping routines, nap transitions, and all the other important “how-tos” of good baby sleep. With over 45 sample sleep schedules and planning worksheets, Mastering Naps and Schedules is a hands-on tool ideal for any parenting style.

For those persistent nighttime struggles, check out The 3 Step System to Help Your Baby Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your baby sleep through the night.

For those persistent toddler sleep struggles, check out The 5 Step System to Better Toddler Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your toddler sleep through the night and enjoy a better daytime schedule.