#WIN with Love To Dream SA

You know those parents who brag about how their baby sleeps through the night... has countless naps during the day... and who never sport those hectic bags beneath their eyes?

Yeah... I dislike them too!

I'll be the first to acknowledge and admit that Nova is our biggest blessing and greatest joy, BUT, the girl does NOT know what sleep is. She was born to party all night (let's get that out of her system now so when 18 comes she'll be over it... haha, wishful thinking?)

If you have a baby/child who shares in Nova's sentiments, you'd understand how terrible sleep deprivation is, right? It goes beyond "I'm so tired" and ventures into a realm of complete emotional instability... Or is that just me?

So while on the brink of a meltdown, due to lack of sleep, a Guardian Angel by the name of Sharon, approached me and asked if I'd like to partner with Love To Dream SA and try their Love To Swaddle Up™... Now, in the subject line of her mail, she used the word "REVOLUTIONARY" which, I mean, is quite the word... And quite the promise.

So, if I'm being honest (and an honest blog this is), the first two nights of attempting the swaddle was a complete fail. Nova HATED it. If her little fingers can't stroke her face, or hold her ears, she isn't a happy camper. She screamed until she was blue, but we (my husband) was determined to make it work. So we pushed through to a third night.

Third times a charm they say.

And what a charm it was. Guys. We slept. Like. SLEPT. And long story short, we've been sleeping (bit by bit... because a baby is still a baby) ever since. You may argue that the same would work with a normal muslin/swaddle blanket, however, the Love To Swaddle Up™ allows a safer swaddle for your baby.

• There’s little risk of the wrap unraveling during sleep time.

• Having their arms UP means less chance of involuntary rolling.

• They have room to move their hips and legs.

• The single layer of breathable fabric reduces the risk of overheating.

You (like I was) may be a bit weary of something which seems so restrictive and a little bit strange at first... but on doing further research, I found so many benefits to SAFE swaddling!

Benefits such as:

• Regulates babies body temperature.

• Reduces the likelihood that the startle reflex will wake baby up.

• Helps baby to feel more secure and safe especially in the “fourth trimester" the first 3-4 months after baby is born.

• Reduces excessive crying in young babies, especially babies with colic/reflux.

• Helps babies to get the sleep they need for optimum infant development.

*as found on https://lovetodream.co.za

We have found the swaddle to be extra safe and secure, however, when it comes to a precious little treasure, such as your baby, you can never be too cautious...

So here are a few safety regulations to keep in mind:

• Sleep baby on their back from birth, not on the tummy or side.

• Sleep baby with head and face uncovered.

• Keep baby smoke free before birth and after.

• Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day.

• Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult caregiver for the first six to twelve months.

• Do not put anything in the cot or in reach of baby.

*as found on http://www.sidsandkids.org/safe-sleeping/

We love love love our Love To Swaddle Up™ swaddles and are VERY sad that Nova is close to outgrowing it. They are quite pricey, but if your budget does allow for it, there are different stages/sizes of swaddles, as your child grows.

Nova and I have partnered with Love To Dream SA and are giving away 1x Original Swaddle UP™ to a lucky (and in need of sleep) Mama! Visit my Instagram for info on how to enter!