New Parent Tip: Use White Noise
Your baby is still adjusting to life outside the womb, a period that lasts around 3 months and that we refer to as the “4th Trimester”. A white noise app is one of my favorite tools as it helps to simulate the noises your baby was used to hearing in the womb. White noise not only helps relax babies but it helps to soften environmental sounds that can disrupt sleep so you don’t have to tiptoe around the whole house when your baby is sleeping. Try a white noise app to simulate the womb environment for better sleep **A caution: 50 dBa is the recommend limit (AAP) of noise a newborn can tolerate comfortably. This is about the volume of your refrigerator. (As another reference a vacuum is about 70 dBa.)** My favorite white noise apps: 1. White Noise Baby Sleep Sounds or White Noise by Amicoolsoft - If you've had a newborn portrait session with me, then you've very likely heard the white noise sounds from this app. It has several different white noise options, many natural and urban sound options, as well as several baby oriented options such as heartbeat, shushing, and in utero sounds. It has a timer or infinite playback and you can adjust the levels of individual sounds. It's very intuitive and simple to use quickly. 2. Sleep Sounds - This is an app that I use at home when I need to drown out the noise around me. It has premixed sounds such as Lullaby Music Box or Rain with Piano. It also has individual options that can be mixed together in various ways. There are a lot more sound options than with the first app that I recommended, but fewer baby specific sounds. 3. Calm - This is an app that is primarily for meditation and calming the mind, but they also have soothing sounds, relaxing soundscapes, and music to help calm your environment. As a bonus for when your child gets older they have soothing bedtime stories. I myself really love listening to the train sleep stories.
0 Comments
Dads play an important role in the lives of their newborns, and there are many ways they can get more involved with their new baby. Here are a few ways dads can get more involved with their new baby: Bond with baby during skin-to-skin time: Dads can bond with their newborns by holding them close during skin-to-skin time. This can help the baby to feel safe and secure, and can also help dad to feel more connected to his new baby. Help with feedings: Dads can help with feedings by preparing bottles or helping to position the baby for breastfeeding. This can also be an opportunity for dad to bond with the baby. Change diapers: Dads can help with diaper changes, which can be a great way to get hands-on experience with caring for the baby. Take turns with baby care: Dads can take turns with baby care, such as taking the baby for a walk or a drive, to give mom a break. Help with baby's bath time: Dads can help with baby's bath time, which can be a great way to bond with the baby and make memories. Read to the baby: Dads can read to the baby, which can help to promote language development and create a bonding experience. Play with the baby: Dads can play with the baby, which can help to promote physical and emotional development. Take time to bond with the baby: Dads can take time to bond with the baby by cuddling, singing, and talking to the baby.
Take an active role in the baby's development: Dads can take an active role in the baby's development by attending parenting classes and staying informed about the baby's milestones. Show your love and support for your partner: Dads can also show their love and support for their partner by being understanding and helpful during this time, helping with tasks around the house, and making sure mom is taking care of herself, as well. This time on the blog I thought I'd share some basic tips on how to prepare yourself, your baby, and your home for a newborn portrait session. Some of these tips apply to newborn sessions that take place in a studio, but most are catered to newborn portrait sessions that take place from the comfort of your own home. Choose a reputable photographer: Research and choose a reputable newborn photographer who has experience with newborns and can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby. Make sure they only do safe poses with the babies they photograph. Scheduling the session: Schedule the session within the first two weeks of your baby's life, when they are still very sleepy and easy to pose. Even if your baby has already been born it's not too late to try and find a photographer. Ask around for recommendations if your preferred photographer is fully booked. Prepare your home: Before the photographer arrives, prepare your home by cleaning and tidying up the room where the session will take place. This room is usually the one with the most window/natural light but connect with your photographer to see what type of lighting they prefer. Baby's clothing: Dress your baby in simple, comfortable clothing that won't interfere with the poses. Avoid clothes with snaps or buttons that can be uncomfortable for the baby. Bring props: Bring any props or special items you would like to include in the photos, such as a special blanket, stuffed animal, or family heirlooms. Check with your photographer to see if there are any limits or restrictions on props. Feed your baby: Make sure your baby is well-fed and has a full tummy before the session to avoid fussiness or discomfort during the shoot. Plan for feeding and diaper changes: Be prepared for feeding and diaper changes during the session, and make sure you have everything you need on hand. Be flexible: Be prepared for the unexpected, as newborns can be unpredictable. Be flexible and try to go with the flow during the session. Take care of yourself: Make sure to get enough rest and take care of yourself before the session. Having a well-rested and relaxed parent will make the session go more smoothly. By following these tips, you can help to prepare for a successful and enjoyable newborn portrait photography session. It's also important to keep in mind that babies are unpredictable, so it's best to go with the flow and not stress too much about perfection. The most important thing is to capture the beautiful memories of your newborn as they were when they were brand new in the world.
|
AboutThis features new parent advice, what to expect when working with my business, and helpful tips for the clients of Jessica Esplin Photography. Categories
All
Archives
September 2023
This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of Cookies |
Featured as one of the best Provo photographers