3 Ways to Avoid Baby Information Overload

New parents often tell me how overwhelmed they feel about information overload on baby products.

“Where do I start?” parents often ask.  Here are 3 ways to start your knowledge, and avoid information overload.

1. Listen to old knowledge

Listening to old knowledge by talking with experienced parents, grandparents, midwives, medical advisors (add anyone else you trust to this list) is often a good start and can be reassuring.

Swaddling a baby has stood the test of time, it goes across all cultures, and if you are lucky enough to have access to an experienced parent or grandparent, they will know about swaddling.

2. Look for new knowledge

Search the internet for trusted and known sources of new knowledge.  Government and long-standing organisations are a great start.

At Safe T Sleep we are delighted that the NZ Government advises “wrapping/swaddling your baby is a useful method to help baby settle and sleep on their back. This method can help to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and development dysplasia of the hip.”

https://smartstart.services.govt.nz/stage/birth-to-1-year-old#card178

SmartStart is a joint initiative between NZ government agencies responsible for services associated with the birth of a child (Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Development, Inland Revenue, Ministry of Health).

At Safe T Sleep we are also delighted that Plunket NZ advises “if you swaddle your baby, use the arms-free method”.  Arms free is a Safe T Sleep method.

https://www.plunket.org.nz/your-child/newborn-to-6-weeks/safety/keeping-baby-safe-and-warm-in-bed/

Plunket has been in existence for more than 100 years and is New Zealand's largest provider of support services for the development, health and wellbeing of children and families.

3. Put the old and new knowledge together and trust your gut instinct

Once you have done your research, listen to your gut instinct.  You will know what’s best for your baby and your family.

By Miriam Rutherford-van Gisbergen

Educator/Designer/Director