In honour of World Sleep Day & we’re delving deep into baby sleep with Sleep Consultant Lucy Ferber, Founder of Tiny Sleepy People. We chat all things sleep with Lucy & she shares her top tips for getting those all important zzz’s.
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In honour of World Sleep Month & we’re delving deep into baby sleep with Sleep Consultant Lucy Ferber, Founder of Tiny Sleepy People.
Lucy is a mama to 3 young BINIBABES & has taken her own experiences as a mother, experiencing sleepless nights in to her work.
We chat all things sleep with Lucy & she shares her top tips for getting those all important zzz’s
There are a number of things that you can implement as a parent to help lay the foundations of great healthy sleep for your baby from day one.
My foundations to sleep success include creating an ideal sleep environment, maintaining safe sleep practices, following an age appropriate routine, introducing positive sleep associations & being consistent in responses.
There is SO much conflicting advice out there about infant sleep and what is ‘normal’ or ‘not normal’ and ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ be changed, I want to reassure you that if what you are doing is working for your family then it absolutely does not need to be changed.
If however, you are finding your current routine unsustainable and you would like to make some gentle changes towards better sleep, then that is also OK - there should be zero shame in asking for help!
Sleep training is simply, the process to teach a child to become a great independent sleeper, capable and confident of falling asleep without any assistance. Sleep training does not mean that you say ‘night night’ and leave the room, walk away and leave your child to cry alone to exhaustion.
When I work with families I want to have as few tears as possible and first work on getting the right foundations in place to encourage a positive experience for the whole family.
Absolutely not, some babies sleep more consistently than others from day one and require little to no assistance falling to sleep, others require a bit more support. If you support your child to sleep and that works for your family then fantastic, your baby will learn to sleep for longer stretches eventually, regardless of whether or not you have sleep trained.
If you are finding your situation unsustainable and your baby isn’t getting enough cumulative sleep over each 24 hour period, then some gentle changes can help.
A baby who gets enough sleep is generally more content, eats well, is less fussy, easier to soothe and more responsive during their awake time.
If your baby is beyond the 4th trimester and you are finding sleep is erratic and infrequent then I would go back to the basics I mentioned at the start so making sure they have an ideal sleep environment conducive to sleep and following age appropriate wake windows to prevent over tiredness.
Once that is done you can aid your baby to fall bask to sleep by gently patting their back bottom or side and repeat a key phrase that sounds right to you like 'sleepy time now', so they know you are there. Once they calm give them the space to try and fall asleep independently with you there and then if they get upset wait a couple of minutes before repeating. This will help them learn that they can fall asleep unaided, whilst being soothed by your presence.
Comfortable sleep promotes better rest, which is essential for a baby's growth, cognitive development and emotional wellbeing. When babies are comfortable, they are more likely to settle faster and sleep longer.
Using a sheepskin for naps can provide additional comfort for babies due to its soft texture and natural warmth. Sheepskin can also help regulate body temperature, keeping your tiny person cosy and content during sleep. Also, the gentle support provided by sheepskin can create a snug environment to help them feel safe and secure.
It’s always important to follow safe sleep guidance, I recommend following the Lullaby Trust for more information - https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/
There are so many factors that can cause middle of the night wake ups, but I most commonly find that babies who wake frequently in the night in older months nearly always rely upon some form of prop to fall asleep at bedtime. If your baby replies upon a prop to fall asleep such as a dummy or your assistance, when they come into light sleep (which we all do multiple times a night!) they will find it incredibly hard to fall back to sleep without that prop.
Create an ideal sleeping environment - Ensure the room temperature is right, use black out blinds, keep the cot clear of any toys, mobiles etc. Introduce a comforter (6 months +), a BINIBAMBA Crochet BINIBEAR is the perfect size! Introduce a swaddle or sleep sack at an appropriate age. Playing consistent white noise throughout the night can help too. Always follow @lullabytrust for guidance on Safe Sleep.
Gently start to practice allowing your baby to fall asleep independently without any external props. Props come in MANY forms - dummies, feeding, patting, rocking and many more. If your tiny person is reliant on one or more to fall asleep then they will need it each and every time they wake in the night ... which we all do at least several times a night briefly!
Be consistent. Whatever is happening at one sleep situation needs to be happening at all sleep situations to send a clear message about what is expected.
Early bedtime. When a baby is overtired, it becomes more difficult to settle down and fall asleep. When sleep does come, it can be a lot more restless and fragmented. Try to pick a bedtime between 6pm - 8pm based upon the last nap of the day and your baby’s age. Bedtimes do not have to be set in stone, you can always move bedtime a bit earlier if your child seems tired or cranky – just try not to make it any later.
Bed-time routine. You can start this at a very early age and is an excellent cue to the body and mind that it is time to settle and get ready for sleep. Routines should last from 20 – 30 minutes and at least some of it should take place in your child’s room.
Nap-time routine. A short routine can help cue your tiny person’s body and brain that it is time for sleep. Naps can be done in a buggy on the move outside in the fresh air and I really recommend using a BINIBAMBA Snuggler to help them settle on the go! Follow age appropriate wake windows throughout the day to make sure your baby isn’t getting overtired.
Exhausting your tiny person will not make them sleep any better! Skipping naps or a late bedtime will affect the next 24 hour cycle. Do not let anyone tell you that naps are not important, or that skipping them will help your baby sleep longer at night.
Keep feedings low key and quiet and use white noise to avoid a full wake. If you are feeding during the night & want to encourage more independence when it comes to falling asleep you can try not to let them fall asleep at the breast or bottle.
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Yoga was something that I had dipped in and out of since my teens, but it didn’t become a constant for me until I left university. I went through a big transition with my lifestyle from a place of chronic inflammation, bloating and exhaustion to completely refocusing on my body and mind through a holistic approach to my wellbeing. While it felt as though everything else was changing, yoga became my constant and gave me so many tools which ultimately supported me in finding a lifestyle that actually worked for me.
I was made redundant and used the last of my savings to do a yoga teacher training, thinking I would come home and find a ‘proper job’ at the end of the month away. But, as the cliche goes, it just felt right and so I found my way back home and straight into the studios of London where I had the opportunity to share the work that had been so profound in my own experience with others seeking a tool for their own wellbeing.
It varies a lot but usually involves a combination of laptop work, recording classes for The Practice, looking after Marlowe, moving my body, getting outside and keeping the home running!
I spent years trying to create freedom so that my days could flow in whatever way I wanted or needed them too but it is all about to change because I am opening an in-person yoga studio in the Spring which will bring a whole new juggle to the table!
I love that no two days are the same and while there are small routines that exist in my day-to-day, I am more likely to feel stressed if I am bound by a tight schedule. When I moved out of London, the one thing that instantly shifted was how I tried to do one less thing a day rather than one more. The sense of spaciousness is important to me - even if I still end up with one too many things to do, the intention of trying to do less is helpful!
I think there are so many benefits to having a post-natal practice. And it doesn’t have to be about movement if you’re not ready for that. From day one, you can use your breath to support you physically and mentally in the post-natal period. It can be so hard to carve out the time to look after yourself when you have a whole new person to prioritise but we have to keep coming back to the idea of ‘putting on your own mask before helping others’ whenever we remember to.
Start small. I am currently taking part in a 40 day sadhana (a sort of spiritual practice or commitment) as inspired by my own teacher. The idea is that you commit to practicing every day but it could just be one yoga pose, or 3 deep breaths. Sometimes the idea of having to make enough space for a 60 minute class is too much. In fact, for most people it’s unrealistic most days.
I love that I get to support people in their own wellbeing journey. No two people need the exact same thing, and so helping them find their own unique set of tools to support their own wellbeing and to fit in their lifestyle is always an honour. I love seeing people grow and to be able to support them in that is such a special part of my work.
Just because something suited you before, doesn’t mean it's the right choice for you now. Life is full of seasons and our bodies and minds need different things at different times. Being constantly aware of our own changing wellbeing needs is such an important thing and yoga really helps me to connect to that. That being said, when we find the right thing for ourselves right now, consistency counts for a lot. The more we commit to something, the easier it is to get results (whether that be physical, mental, spiritual, energetic etc!).
I think the fact that we are finally recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wellness. There are now lots of people offering much more individualised support, as well as tools to help you figure out your unique set of wellbeing tools.
I absolutely love being a mama. As I write this, Marlowe is 15 months and it just keeps getting better. There have, of course, been challenges but I feel that what makes parenting hard, for me at least, is everything else we try to do & be at the same time.
I don’t have a solution for that and sometimes the juggle of work, parenting, staying on top of the house and life admin is overwhelming but I try to remember we were never meant to do it all and to give ourselves permission to do one fewer things in order to manage better.
Seeing your child explore the world is such a unique magic - for me, it makes absolutely everything worth it. I feel lucky that I have been able to navigate challenging times from a place of good mental and physical health (aside from the onslaught of viruses that seemed to arrive with Marlowe’s first birthday and keep us feeling less than 100% ever since!). Prioritising my wellbeing is no longer just about me. I want to be strong, and well and happy for Marlowe too and that gives me a whole new motivation.
I really try to listen to my body. Moving almost always feels good and helps to shake whatever the night was like BUT that movement can look different on different days. I know that when I exercise and practice yoga I have more energy and I sleep better so even if I have a little sleep thief needing me in the night, at least I am setting myself up as well as possible!
Honest conversations, painting realistic pictures and creating support circles/networks (and don’t get me started on maternity and childcare support ;))
I’m very excited to have some big news to share - Bump + Breath is expanding to include post natal classes and will be available along with The Practice, as an app soon too.
PLUS my big news for 2024 is that I am opening my first yoga studio in Frome, Somerset. I can’t wait to create a place to nurture collective wellbeing and offer space for mamas and all people to come together to move, breathe and feel the value and impact of a nourishing community.
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So I am Bliss, I don’t often show my face around social or online as I’m busy head down in the nitty gritty getting stuff done, generally that’s my go to mode… Maybe it will change one day! Before starting or collective I was head of buying at COS, a role & company that really shaped my skillset & ignited my passion for product, details & the construction of garments through work with so many talented people. After having my daughter Bay, life totally flipped around & I learnt how totally insane the world of baby-and kids clothes is: the high volume of waste & how easy it is to reach for lower priced, lower quality products - because reaching for high quality again & again as they grow so fast gets expensive! It was enough to make me take the jump, start a trial & I quickly saw how this would take off so extremely scarily took the jump to leave a safe salary and put everything in to make this work.
'or' stands for on rotation, I loved that the acronym ‘or’ is also a synonym standing for an alternative way to shop.
The ‘collective’ part is a nod to how we are building the business, the community we are building and the incredible partnerships we have in place to build the business into a reality.
There have been so many moments… I don’t feel I have come up for air to celebrate enough but I have such a fierce belief in what or is offering that keeps me powering through!
I always get that giddy feeling every time I talk to a mum that uses the service, always so generous with compliments and passionate about the service -- you can spot the super stylish little ones a mile off! That feeling never gets boring and always makes me feel super proud of what we have built, it's why I started it in the first place!
More recently we also won 2 awards, Marie Claire sustainability award for children’s fashion and Junior magazine Gold award for circular business. We were up against fierce competition and have only been trading a year so couldn’t be more proud to have achieved that!
You pay a monthly fee to be a member - the fee is based on how big you want your little ones rental wardrobe to be. Once you’re in, you pick your items from our big selection of the coolest cult kidswear brands and you are free to change the items up whenever you like. In simple terms : Rent. Wear. Rotate.
There is always more that can be done and we are striving for the best so when we started we turned over every stone, not everything has been possible (yet!) but our non negotiables are:
All our brands have a sustainability mission and produce high quality goods that can stand the test of time.
We waste nothing… Not one item goes to landfill, we donate, resell or recycle after its rental life. We even collect any plastic packaging that comes our way to melt into (soon to come) gift cards!
We use low to zero net impact washing, using ozone technology. This was a big piece of work for us, to find the balance between impact & quality with no compromise at all on hygiene or cleanliness but we got there, and our process surpasses NHS-grade disinfection!
Delivery has been our biggest challenge, starting local I delivered all rotations myself! We now partner with Zedify who can deliver locally with no carbon footprint on cargo bikes & are working hard to expand this service to be able to offer nationwide zero emission deliveries.
I strongly believe that caring about quality and longevity can have the biggest effect. Overproduction is one of the biggest yet under-spoken about problems in the industry but the one that we, as consumers can have an impact on by consuming less, especially less low quality – short lifespan products.
Or is a real testing ground for this, we get to see the true lifespan of a quality product over different families and we have some brands that far exceed expectations on how long a product can last. BINI products are such a perfect example of something to invest in, treasure & then hand down - they last literally forever! We still use my daughters BINI snuggler 3 years down the line for all sorts (Frankie the whippet is a big fan of the snuggler too!).
You can join in the rental movement at www.orcollective.co.uk & follow them on Instagram @or_collective. Click here to rent BINIBAMBA!
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I think I have always been fascinated by & in awe of the power of the female body & the everyday miracle that pregnancy and birth is.
The birth of my daughter four years ago was a deeply transformational and spiritual experience; at home in water, I feel I was also birthed into a new world.
I had been working as an Art Director & Creative Producer in the fashion industry for over ten years but after suffering with Postnatal Depression (PND) and finding little to no support I became interested in sound therapy and trained as a sound therapist on my maternity leave. I immediately started offering free 1:1 sessions to anyone suffering with PND & was asked several times in conversation if I worked as a doula before the penny dropped!
I guide mothers to prepare emotionally, physically and spiritually to cross the threshold from maiden to mother. Witnessing the contraction and expansion as a new life enters the world & the euphoria that follows as well as each birth’s divine uniqueness is an absolute gift. My support is intuitive, sensitive and compassionate; it is a great honour to forge these beautiful bonds & walk alongside women on their precious journeys into motherhood.
I also love that everyday is creatively unique. From the liminal sacred space of labour, to photographing my clients along their journey from pregnancy to motherhood. I am also creating a series of beautiful day retreats and women’s circles in London. They are a container to be deeply nourished & held, a feast for the senses, to connect, and to recharge - perfect for anyone who identifies as a mother.
The postpartum period is such a tender time where mothers are still so energetically open and therefore very sensitive and still needs time to physically heal. It's so vital that they feel held through the early weeks and months. Advice is often well intentioned but a non-judgemental ear can be the sweetest tonic for a new mama.
Traditionally, women gathered, held space and supported each other through birth and postpartum, we did not journey alone. I find so often that all a new mama needs is reassurance, it can be hard to follow our mother's instinct with the abundance of contradicting information thrown at us.
Ideally the mother is physically comfortable, in a chair that provides back and arm support, or, my favourite: cocooned in bed with plenty of pillows for support. If your baby has a preference for a long feed (the full tasting menu), make sure you have supplies to hand: nutritious snacks, a glass of water or herbal tea, a book or something to keep you entertained in case you need...and most importantly to be as calm and relaxed as possible.
Having a longer exhale causes the vagus nerve to send a signal to your brain, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and in turn helping you feel calm and relaxed.
Also, getting to know your baby's hunger cues can be invaluable, so that you can feed them before they become upset and irritable, and therefore in a calm state to latch.
For months I expressed day and night to keep my supply, (IYKYK) whilst eliminating any dairy products from my diet. It was emotionally and physically an incredibly hard period to navigate. Etta was around four or five months old when she finally accepted the boob again, after rejecting it for the ease of the bottle that she had gotten used to. I'm so glad that I persevered with what I felt was the right journey for us, we haven't looked back since.
Everyone's journey is unique and we must support mothers with the decisions and paths they choose. I feel it is important to note that my determination was driven by my pure desire to breastfeed, not by any external or societal pressure to do so. For me, breastfeeding has been a maternal superpower that has brought me and my daughter joy in abundance. The power to give and sustain life, the capacity to calm her in any circumstance, to comfort her day and night and to bond so deeply eye to eye each day - I feel proud to have persevered through the many challenges we have faced along the way. I know it is not always possible to get back on track after a difficult start but I hope that my story offers some hope to anyone navigating a difficult feeding journey.
If you are struggling please don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Breastfeeding journeys can be complex and however natural breastfeeding may be, it does not always come naturally or without challenges for many.
I would encourage anyone struggling to seek support in whichever form they find most accessible and comfortable. This may be from a sister, neighbour, family member, but ideally from an expert. There are many community infant drop-in support groups you can attend around the UK - a quick google will help you locate one local to you. Ask your obstetrician, paediatrician, or midwife for the name of a lactation consultant who can help you. Or find a certified Lactation Counsellor or Certified Breastfeeding Educator (IBCLC) in your area. I also love the instagram account @olivia_lactation_consultant.
You can find out more about Imogen's work as a Doula on her website www.mothers-palm.com or follow her on Instagram @imogenlove
Some more useful links shared by Imogen below:
National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212
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"Without a doubt motherhood gives us incredible mental, physical and spiritual strength. It is a real source of inspiration and motivation for me. There are of course hard times, fatigue, discouragement, guilty feelings..but i want to highlight the beauty and unconditional love of parenthood - it's magic"
"I'm still learning to juggle! I don't have any special tips except to say that I find I need to be very organised, keep a schedule and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep my energy up! Since having my second child I have found that my priorities have changed and that I just don't have as much time as I did. To manage this I have also learnt to say no when needed and to take some time for me, including to exercise, to maintain a positive attitude.
"It takes time to find success so be patient and have confidence in yourself and your idea and you will find the way! I also found connecting with other entrepreneurs very helpful as it helped me learn along the way. There is never a good time to start.. so start before you are ready! And be tenacious!!"
"I really like the practicality and simplicity of the sheepskin liner and the way it fits perfectly inside our baby carrier!"
"I loved carrying my kids but the traditional baby carriers were very bulky and complicated, with too many straps to adjust. I felt like Robocop, not to mention that the materials were often synthetic and the buckles made of plastic...That helped me come to the design of a new minimalist and simple baby carrier"
"We created Studio Romeo REBORN to extend the life cycle of our baby carriers. We will send old but good condition carriers to our french partner Secours Populaire. In exchange, we send you a voucher that you can use at studioromeo.com to buy another treat for yourself or as a gift. Any that are too damaged to donate are recycled to manufacture new raw materials or upcycled."
"Thank you! Babywearing often looks easy and serene in photos but it can be intimidating. To use a carrier with confidence you should always check for safe positioning using the TICKS acronym.
T = Tight
I = In view at all times
C = Close enough to kiss
K = Keep chin off chest
S = Supported back
Most importantly, it must be comfortable - The carrier should fit you properly and suit your body type to allow you to carry the baby without strain. This also makes it comfortable for your baby!
"A divine purpose that makes me feel happy, loved and useful!"
"A lot of swaddles and of course a good baby carrier!"
"To continue to promote babywearing around the world!"
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"The inspiration for the Reborn Playmat was a tiny textile artwork I created one year ago. Emma from Binibamba offered me the softest pieces of 100% Merino sheepskin to bring this artwork to life as a unique, tactile Playmat"
"The larger organically shaped piece is cut out of dead-stock velours that is super soft and compliments the sheepskin. I wanted the edges to look like ripped paper. The smallest raw linen patch is overlocked with a mix of beige threads that I inherited from my Grandmother. These were left over from fabric that I used to make kimonos"
It took me 1,5 months and a lot of broken needles and hard work to sew all of these beautiful playmats. I am so proud to see how our two sustainable brands have blended together perfectly through this unique and special piece"
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Binibamba
Interview with Rachel Walker, Founder/Designer
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I'd recently returned from living back in Australia for a year or so when we first started work on the collaboration, and my head was still swimming with images from my time there; the colours over the ocean at sunrise, the way the waves warp a straight line, clusters of shells scattered.
A lot of my work is trying to channel the colours at a certain time of day, picking up on natural shapes and trying to convey a feeling within a pretty strict, minimal set of parameters I've set myself. I really enjoy working within my own visual language, as tricky as it is!
Each block is unique, it's a shape I've either carved myself, or someone has helped me cut! It's a slow process, with each shape being individually pressed by hand with to eventually build up the total print. I've gotten strong wrists over the past couple of years!
I started experimenting with block printing after my first baby was born, struggling to find neutral textiles to make some clothes for them, I tried printing my own. The first attempts were far from perfect but it became a very meditative process, with no plan. So I just taught myself really, feeling my way through, lots of intuition, trial & error!
It's why the block printing didn't really develop into clothing, I just loved the way the textiles hung on their own! I celebrate them. We've got a real shared responsibility as an industry to not do any more damage to the planet, and to figure out how to begin improving it.
I've got to say it's the swaddle blanket- they're super versatile. I'm honestly still using the first ones I developed when my daughter was born 2.5 years ago! It's my everyday go-to: a lightweight blanket, a throw, coverup, quick picnic rug, tent for my 5 year old and I still enjoy catching them draped around the house. They make for a pretty handy emergency beach towel too!
It's hard to pick favourites but I'm really loving the Confetti Liner and Confetti Comforter, and the Rose Swaddle!
Confetti Snuggler £98 Rose Moon Swaddle £39 Confetti comforter £18
Got to be the Confetti Tote Bag with the Rose Moon Liner!
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We're so excited that BINIBAMBA has been nominated for BEST NEWBORN PRODUCT in the upcoming Baby Magazine Awards.
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We're so excited that BINIBAMBA has been nominated for
BEST NEWBORN PRODUCT in the upcoming Baby Magazine Awards.
We would be delighted if you could show us some love and vote for us.
https://awards.baby-magazine.co.uk/vote/
Voting closes early August.
Keeping our fingers & toes crossed
Every BINIBABES BFF come summer...
How does it keep my baby cool?
100% NATURAL & BREATHABLE
Sheepskin is a 100% natural & breathable fibre. Unlike synthetic materials (which most buggys are made from) sheepskin's natural fibres create tiny pockets of air around your baby allowing cool air to flow, keeping Binibabes cool & comfortable.
THERMOSTATIC SUPERPOWERS
Sheepskin's thermostatic superpowers help to regulate your baby's body temperature, naturally wicking moisture & sweat away, keeping your Binibabe at an optimum temperature when the sun comes out to play.
SHEEPY FACT FOR YOU
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In tribute to Chelsea Flower Show opening this week, we teamed up with Leyla Husseyin - founder of London florist Bloom of the Block - to reimagine BINIBAMBA's sheepskin world in bloom as striking floral arrangements.
B I N I IN BLOOM
In tribute to Chelsea Flower Show opening this week, we teamed up with Leyla Husseyin - founder of London florist Bloom of the Block - to reimagine BINIBAMBA's sheepskin world in bloom as striking floral arrangements.
]]>Inspired by BINIBAMBA's signature palette of MILK, MOON, ROSE and our rich deep navy NIGHT NIGHT, the series features this season's finest alliums, delphiniums, peonies and anthuriums in a celebration of colour, texture and the beauty of the natural world.BINI BUNCH £35
Treat yourself to a limited edition BINI BUNCH over at Bloom of the Block and for this week only we're offering FREE SHIPPING on all UK BINIBAMBA orders with code BINIINBLOOM.Styling & photography by Bloom of the Block