• Babies have an easier time putting themselves back to sleep with something that is soothing and familiar.  When babies are really small, this is often done by nursing.  Often without even realizing it.  Hence, comes the soother!  By having this at nap time or bed time it helps recreate that sucking motion which was soothing while nursing.
• By using a blanket or small stuffy (when baby is a it older) in the crib this becomes a familiar object and makes it easier for baby to fall back to sleep.  Having this item around during play time helps it to pick up mothers scent and baby can have an even stronger bond with it because of the scent. 

In our case the blanket obsession went beyond simply nap and bed times to needing it evryday in every way!  My first thoughts were “oh great, this is going to be such a chore to get rid of this __________ (insert blanket, soother, stuffy, here).”  But as it turned out, Stacey has started at a new dayhome and I have been told blanket has never left her side.  Now I think without that security object she’d be feeling much more nervousness in the new environment and am thankful she has something that smells of home and makes her feel secure! 

South Edmonton: #109, 10903 23 Ave

St. Albert: 60, 585 St. Albert Road

1. bumper pads decrease the oxygen rich air flow to a sleeping infant
2. bumper pads that are not form fitted to the crib create a suffocation hazard as an infant can wedge their head between the crib and bumper pad, or the bumper pad may fall on the infant  (in this situation newborns are unable to lift or push dangerous objects away from them to ensure proper breathing).
3. bumper pads with strings or ties can create entanglement and strangulation hazards
4. bumper pads that are used in a crib when a child is able to roll over or sit up unassisted can be used as a climbing mechanism once the child pulls to standing

All that being said, ones argument might be; “But my baby will get their leg caught or hit her head!”.  In actuality, bumper pads were not intended to be used once baby is able to roll or sit unassisted.  And even if baby did roll and hit her head, baby does not have enough strength to injure themselves in this manner.  As for a limb being caught, the severity of this is likely discomfort or a possible bruise. If you are worried about the above issues there are safe alternatives. Mesh bumper pads will keep sufficient air flow through the crib and are available at most local retail stores. As for Winifred Babies stance, we have decided not to offer bumper pads in our Nursery Bedding Sets. The cons seem to out weigh the esthetic pros here and in our experience, there are many other finishing touches you can add to your Nursery to create that perfect tranquil room for your new baby!

To view the official statement issued by Health Canada visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

** Although many of our blankets are a “crib size” and we offer a crib blanket in our Nursery Sets we never recommend using loose or quilt like bedding with a newborn.  Always research proper sleep methods and use our bedding when baby is able to roll over, lift their head, and move around on their own.

Questions or feedback about this topic?  Please email us!

Stacey’s Nursery Includes: Crib Skirt, Crib Blanket, Valance, and matching Receiving Blankets (not shown).

What isn’t in the picture?  Bumper Pads!  Winifred Babies does not offer these as Health Canada’s official statement on these controversial items is “Health Canada does not recommend the use of bumper pads in cribs because they pose an entanglement, entrapment, strangulation, and suffocation hazard to infants.” I’ll be posting more about this issue in an upcoming blog!

Many many thanks to:

2K Design (http://www.2kdesign.etsy.com/) for the amazing rocking chair cover!

Maifly Designs (http://www.facebook.com/maiflydesigns) for the ultra cool damask painting!

Got Something To Say (www.gotsomethingtosay.ca) for the wall decals!

On top of all that there is a new sewing room complete with cork floor, a murphy sewing table, and closet space.  No more sewing in the middle of the living/dining room.  No more asking husband and eldest daughter to jump over sprawled fabric.  And no more risk of melting carpet when the iron drops off the ironing board.  (Yes, this happened in our old house and the mark it leaves is very very large!).  Some pics are attached of the new room although there are still curtains to hang and details to add but those will come, when I get a minute…..

www.stalbertchamber.com

www.cosybabyhappymommy.com

When Sydney was 2 Winifred Babies was created.  Having a busy 2 year old and working at an office 4 days a week wasn’t enough (apparently) so I began making things mostly for Sydney but soon for others as well.  Now our home business has grown into its own and is now like one of the family!  The past year has marked some of our biggest changes; namely our newest addition baby Stacey and the moving of Winifred Babies into its own studio area (and out of the living room!).   It has been a long adventurous road to get here with lots of twists and turns along the way.  I hope with this blog to be able to share some of our many ventures with you!