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Breastfeeding Challenges: Common Problems & How to Overcome Them

Breastfeeding Challenges: Common Problems & How to Overcome Them

in Post

Breastfeeding Made Easier: Tips for Common Challenges

Before your baby arrives, it's easy to imagine that breastfeeding will happen instinctively. While that can be true for some families, it's perfectly normal if it takes a little longer to find your rhythm.

Many new mums experience challenges like sore nipples, engorgement, latch difficulties or concerns about milk supply in those first few weeks. If that sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone.

At Dimples, one of the things we hear most often is, "I thought breastfeeding would just come naturally." The reality is that for many mums, it takes a little time, plenty of patience, and the right support.

Thankfully, many breastfeeding challenges are only temporary, and with the right guidance they often become much easier to manage.

If you decide to supplement or switch to formula, that's okay too. A fed baby and a supported mum are what matter most. But if breastfeeding is something you'd like to continue, know that many mums find things improve with time, patience and the right support.

You've got this.

Here’s a gentle guide to some of the common hurdles and how to help overcome them:

1. Engorged Breasts

A few days after giving birth, you may notice your breasts suddenly feel hard, heavy, warm, and tender as your milk comes in. Although it can feel quite uncomfortable, this is a completely normal part of your body adjusting to your baby's feeding needs.

The good news is that engorgement is usually temporary. As your milk supply begins to regulate and your baby establishes a regular feeding pattern, the fullness will often settle.

What can help

  • Feed your baby regularly, even if it's only for a short time.
  • If your breasts are too full for your baby to latch comfortably, try hand expressing a small amount of milk first to soften the breast.
  • A cold compress after feeds and gentle massage can also help relieve discomfort.

💛 A favourite with our team: Many mums find the Bare Mum Hot + Cold Breast Therapy Packs incredibly soothing. Warm them before feeding to help encourage milk flow, or chill them afterwards to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.

And here's a little old-school wisdom that's been passed between mums for generations: chilled cabbage leaves tucked inside your bra between feeds have long been used to help soothe engorgement. It might sound unusual, but plenty of mums still swear by it!

2. Latch Issues

A little tenderness during the first few days of breastfeeding is common, but ongoing or severe pain isn't something you should simply put up with. A painful feed is often a sign that your baby isn't latching deeply enough, making feeding uncomfortable for you and less effective for them.

What can help

Try encouraging your baby to open their mouth wide by gently brushing your nipple against their upper lip. Position them with their nose level with your nipple and bring your baby to your breast, rather than leaning towards them. A good latch usually means your baby's mouth is wide open, their chin is pressed into your breast, and your nipple sits comfortably towards the back of their mouth.

If breastfeeding is still painful after the first week or two, or your baby continues to struggle with latching, it's worth reaching out to your midwife or a lactation consultant. Sometimes a simple adjustment, or identifying something like a tongue tie, can make all the difference.

3. Cracked or Bleeding Nipples

Sore or cracked nipples are very common in the early weeks of breastfeeding. They can be caused by a shallow latch, frequent feeding while your skin adjusts to this new rhythm, or even overuse of your breast pump.

What can help

Applying a nourishing nipple balm after every feed can help soothe and protect the skin, while hydrogel pads can provide instant cooling relief for particularly sore nipples.

One combination our team often recommends is Pure Mama Nipple Butter together with Silverette Cups. The nipple butter helps moisturise and soothe damaged skin, while the Silverette Cups protect sensitive nipples between feeds, allowing them to heal naturally.

If your nipples aren't improving after several days, it's important to have your baby's latch assessed, as treating the cause is just as important as treating the symptoms.

4. Low Milk Supply

Worrying about milk supply is incredibly common, especially during the first few weeks when your baby may seem to want to feed constantly. The reassuring news is that frequent feeding, cluster feeding and night waking are all normal behaviours and don't usually mean you're not producing enough milk.

True low milk supply is less common, but if your baby isn't gaining weight well or has very few wet nappies, it's important to speak with your midwife, GP or lactation consultant.

What can help

If your healthcare provider is happy that everything is progressing normally but you'd like to naturally support your milk supply, try feeding frequently, pumping between feeds if appropriate, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet.

Many mums also enjoy adding lactation cookies or a lactation blend to their daily routine. While they're not a guaranteed way to increase milk supply, many mums enjoy them as part of their breastfeeding routine alongside regular feeding, good hydration and a balanced diet.

Shop our lactation support range here

5. Inverted or Flat Nipples

You may never have paid much attention to the shape of your nipples before breastfeeding, but flat or inverted nipples can sometimes make it more difficult for your baby to latch.

The good news is that many mums with flat or inverted nipples go on to breastfeed successfully.

What can help

Speak with your midwife or a lactation consultant, who may recommend using a nipple shield or expressing a small amount of milk before feeding to gently draw the nipple out.

6. Blocked Ducts

A blocked milk duct often feels like a tender lump beneath the skin and usually occurs when milk isn't draining effectively. This can happen if you've missed a feed, your bra is too tight, or your breast hasn't emptied fully.

What can help

Continue feeding regularly, particularly on the affected side, to help keep milk moving. Applying warmth before feeding and gently massaging the area towards the nipple can also help encourage the blockage to clear. Most blocked ducts resolve within a day or two but if you are experiencing alot of pain and unable to breastfeed, please see your GP.

7. Mastitis

Sometimes a blocked duct can develop into mastitis, or bacteria can enter through cracked skin, leading to a breast infection. Mastitis often causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and body aches, along with a painful, red area on the breast.

What can help

If you think you may have mastitis, it's important to see your GP promptly, as antibiotics are often needed.

Although feeding may feel uncomfortable or sore, continuing to breastfeed or express milk can actually help speed up recovery by keeping the breast well drained. Warm or cool compresses between feeds may also provide some relief.

💛 Don't try to push through - Many mums think they can "tough it out", but mastitis really needs medical treatment. The sooner you seek help, the quicker you'll usually recover.

You Are Not Alone - and You're Doing an Amazing Job

If there's one thing we'd love every new mum to know, it's this: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness!

For over 30 years, we've had the privilege of supporting hundreds of New Zealand families through pregnancy, newborn life and beyond, and we've learned that almost every breastfeeding journey is different, and has its own ups and downs.

And if, despite your best efforts, breastfeeding doesn't work out the way you'd hoped, that's okay too. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed or combine the two, what matters most is that your baby is fed, loved and thriving.

Be kind to yourself, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to lean on your midwife, GP, lactation consultant or the people around you. Sometimes the right support is all it takes to help you find your confidence.

❤️

Shop our full range of breastfeeding support and essential items here

Tags: Breastfeeding

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Breastfeeding Challenges: Common Problems & How to Overcome Them

Breastfeeding Challenges: Common Problems & How to Overcome Them

Breastfeeding Made Easier: Tips for Common Challenges Before your baby arrives, it's easy to imagine that breastfeeding will happen instinctively. While that can be true for some families, it's perfectly normal if it takes a little longer to find your rhythm. Many new mums experience challenges like sore nipples, engorgement, latch difficulties or concerns about milk supply in those first few weeks. If that sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone. At Dimples, one of the things we hear most often is, "I thought breastfeeding would just come naturally." The reality is that for many mums, it takes a little time, plenty of patience, and the right support. Thankfully, many breastfeeding challenges are only temporary, and with the right guidance they often become much easier to manage. If you decide to supplement or switch to formula, that's okay too. A fed baby and a supported mum are what matter most. But if breastfeeding is something you'd like to continue, know that many mums find things improve with time, patience and the right support. You've got this. Here’s a gentle guide to some of the common hurdles and how to help overcome them: 1. Engorged Breasts A few days after giving birth, you may notice your breasts suddenly feel hard, heavy, warm, and tender as your milk comes in. Although it can feel quite uncomfortable, this is a completely normal part of your body adjusting to your baby's feeding needs. The good news is that engorgement is usually temporary. As your milk supply begins to regulate and your baby establishes a regular feeding pattern, the fullness will often settle. What can help Feed your baby regularly, even if it's only for a short time. If your breasts are too full for your baby to latch comfortably, try hand expressing a small amount of milk first to soften the breast. A cold compress after feeds and gentle massage can also help relieve discomfort. 💛 A favourite with our team: Many mums find the Bare Mum Hot + Cold Breast Therapy Packs incredibly soothing. Warm them before feeding to help encourage milk flow, or chill them afterwards to reduce swelling and ease discomfort. And here's a little old-school wisdom that's been passed between mums for generations: chilled cabbage leaves tucked inside your bra between feeds have long been used to help soothe engorgement. It might sound unusual, but plenty of mums still swear by it! 2. Latch Issues A little tenderness during the first few days of breastfeeding is common, but ongoing or severe pain isn't something you should simply put up with. A painful feed is often a sign that your baby isn't latching deeply enough, making feeding uncomfortable for you and less effective for them. What can help Try encouraging your baby to open their mouth wide by gently brushing your nipple against their upper lip. Position them with their nose level with your nipple and bring your baby to your breast, rather than leaning towards them. A good latch usually means your baby's mouth is wide open, their chin is pressed into your breast, and your nipple sits comfortably towards the back of their mouth. If breastfeeding is still painful after the first week or two, or your baby continues to struggle with latching, it's worth reaching out to your midwife or a lactation consultant. Sometimes a simple adjustment, or identifying something like a tongue tie, can make all the difference. 3. Cracked or Bleeding Nipples Sore or cracked nipples are very common in the early weeks of breastfeeding. They can be caused by a shallow latch, frequent feeding while your skin adjusts to this new rhythm, or even overuse of your breast pump. What can help Applying a nourishing nipple balm after every feed can help soothe and protect the skin, while hydrogel pads can provide instant cooling relief for particularly sore nipples. One combination our team often recommends is Pure Mama Nipple Butter together with Silverette Cups. The nipple butter helps moisturise and soothe damaged skin, while the Silverette Cups protect sensitive nipples between feeds, allowing them to heal naturally. If your nipples aren't improving after several days, it's important to have your baby's latch assessed, as treating the cause is just as important as treating the symptoms. 4. Low Milk Supply Worrying about milk supply is incredibly common, especially during the first few weeks when your baby may seem to want to feed constantly. The reassuring news is that frequent feeding, cluster feeding and night waking are all normal behaviours and don't usually mean you're not producing enough milk. True low milk supply is less common, but if your baby isn't gaining weight well or has very few wet nappies, it's important to speak with your midwife, GP or lactation consultant. What can help If your healthcare provider is happy that everything is progressing normally but you'd like to naturally support your milk supply, try feeding frequently, pumping between feeds if appropriate, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet. Many mums also enjoy adding lactation cookies or a lactation blend to their daily routine. While they're not a guaranteed way to increase milk supply, many mums enjoy them as part of their breastfeeding routine alongside regular feeding, good hydration and a balanced diet. Shop our lactation support range here 5. Inverted or Flat Nipples You may never have paid much attention to the shape of your nipples before breastfeeding, but flat or inverted nipples can sometimes make it more difficult for your baby to latch. The good news is that many mums with flat or inverted nipples go on to breastfeed successfully. What can help Speak with your midwife or a lactation consultant, who may recommend using a nipple shield or expressing a small amount of milk before feeding to gently draw the nipple out. 6. Blocked Ducts A blocked milk duct often feels like a tender lump beneath the skin and usually occurs when milk isn't draining effectively. This can happen if you've missed a feed, your bra is too tight, or your breast hasn't emptied fully. What can help Continue feeding regularly, particularly on the affected side, to help keep milk moving. Applying warmth before feeding and gently massaging the area towards the nipple can also help encourage the blockage to clear. Most blocked ducts resolve within a day or two but if you are experiencing alot of pain and unable to breastfeed, please see your GP. 7. Mastitis Sometimes a blocked duct can develop into mastitis, or bacteria can enter through cracked skin, leading to a breast infection. Mastitis often causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and body aches, along with a painful, red area on the breast. What can help If you think you may have mastitis, it's important to see your GP promptly, as antibiotics are often needed. Although feeding may feel uncomfortable or sore, continuing to breastfeed or express milk can actually help speed up recovery by keeping the breast well drained. Warm or cool compresses between feeds may also provide some relief. 💛 Don't try to push through - Many mums think they can "tough it out", but mastitis really needs medical treatment. The sooner you seek help, the quicker you'll usually recover. You Are Not Alone - and You're Doing an Amazing Job If there's one thing we'd love every new mum to know, it's this: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness! For over 30 years, we've had the privilege of supporting hundreds of New Zealand families through pregnancy, newborn life and beyond, and we've learned that almost every breastfeeding journey is different, and has its own ups and downs. And if, despite your best efforts, breastfeeding doesn't work out the way you'd hoped, that's okay too. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed or combine the two, what matters most is that your baby is fed, loved and thriving. Be kind to yourself, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to lean on your midwife, GP, lactation consultant or the people around you. Sometimes the right support is all it takes to help you find your confidence. ❤️ Shop our full range of breastfeeding support and essential items here

Learn more
Bottle-feeding: choosing the right bottles and teats - Dimples

Bottle-feeding: choosing the right bottles and teats

Choosing the Right Bottle & Teat for Your Baby A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Bottle Feeding Setup We’ve been helping families for many years now, and a question we are always asked by new parents is “Which is the best baby bottle?” - and while we wish there was a one size fits all answer to this question, the reality is that there isn't one perfect bottle for every baby. The best baby bottle is the one that suits your bub's feeding style, comfort, and stage of development, while also fitting your family's routine and preferences. Finding the right bottles and teats can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options available, from anti colic bottles and wide neck designs to glass, silicone, and plastic bottles… it's natural to wonder which choice is best for your baby. In this guide, we'll help you understand the different bottle and teat options so you can find a feeding setup that feels right for your baby and your family. How to Choose the Best Baby Bottle When comparing baby bottles, start by thinking about your baby's feeding needs rather than focusing on brands or features. Newborn? Look for slow flow teats and easy to clean bottles – you’ll likely be using up to 12 bottles a day in those very early stages! Breastfed or mixed feeding? Wide neck bottles and breast shaped teats can help support a natural latch. Experiencing wind or reflux? Anti-colic bottles will help reduce swallowed air. Need something practical for everyday use? Lightweight plastic bottles are often a great choice. Looking for a long term option? Glass bottles are durable and long lasting. Choosing the Right Bottle MaterialDifferent bottle materials offer different benefits, but there isn't a single right choice. Bottle Type Best For Things to Know Plastic Everyday use Lightweight and practical Glass Durability Easy to clean but heavier Silicone Mixed feeding Soft and flexible 💛 Dimples Tip: Something we often tell parents is not to overthink the bottle material too much. Most babies will adapt well to different bottle types, so it's often more about what works best for your family and feeding routine. Bottle Shapes at a Glance Standard Bottles - A simple, reliable option that works well for most babies. Wide-Neck Bottles - Easier to fill and clean, and often preferred by families combining breast and bottle feeding. Anti-Colic Bottles - Designed to reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeding. 💛 Something we get asked a lot at Dimples: "Are anti colic bottles really worth it?" For babies who experience wind, gas, or reflux, or even for as a preventative method – yes! We know many parents who have found they make feeding more comfortable and reduce post feed fussiness. Explore our bottle range here Explore our Infant and Toddler Formula range here Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies & Mixed Feeding Another common question we hear at Dimples is: "What's the best bottle for a breastfed baby?" While every baby is different, wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great place to start. When introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby, look for: Wide teats that encourage a natural latch Slow flow teats that mimic breastfeeding Soft silicone teats with a familiar feel Bottles designed to support mixed feeding Many parents also find paced bottle feeding helpful, as it encourages babies to feed at a rhythm that's closer to breastfeeding. You can learn more about paced bottle feeding here.  Shop bottles suitable for mixed feeding Choosing the right teat flow can make feeding feel calmer and more comfortable for your baby. For newborns and younger babies, a slow flow teat is usually the best place to start. This helps milk flow gently and steadily, giving your baby time to feed at their own pace. As your baby grows and becomes more confident with bottle feeding, they may be ready for a medium or faster flow teat. Age guides can be helpful, but your baby's feeding cues are often the best sign. The flow may be too fast if your baby is coughing, spluttering, gulping milk, leaking milk from their mouth, or becoming unsettled during feeds. The flow may be too slow if your baby seems frustrated, takes a very long time to finish a bottle, or often falls asleep before finishing their feed. 💛 Another common questions we are asked: "When should I move up a teat size?" The answer is usually based on your baby's feeding cues rather than just their age alone. Shop our teat range here Cleaning, Sterilising & Bottle Care Keeping bottles and teats clean is a very important part of bottle feeding. Wash bottles and teats thoroughly, replace worn teats when needed, and sterilise bottles up until your baby is approximately 12 months old. A few simple essentials can make life easier: Bottle sterilisers Bottle warmers Bottle brushes Drying racks Feeding bibs Shop bottle cleaning and sterilising essentials here   Frequently Asked Questions about Bottle Feeding What bottles are best for newborns? Most newborns do well with bottles fitted with slow flow teats. Anti-colic designs can also be helpful for babies prone to wind or reflux. What bottle is best for a breastfed baby? Wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great option for supporting mixed feeding and encouraging a natural latch. Are anti-colic bottles worth it? For babies who swallow excess air while feeding, anti-colic bottles may help reduce wind, gas, and feeding discomfort. How do I know if teat flow is too fast? Look for coughing, spluttering, milk leaking from the mouth, or your baby struggling to keep up with the flow. Glass vs plastic baby bottles: which is better? Both are excellent options. Plastic bottles are lightweight and practical, while glass bottles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to staining. Finding the Right Feeding Fit for Your Family Every baby is different, and finding the best baby bottle often involves a little trial and error. Trust your baby's cues, be kind to yourself, and remember that there's no single "right" choice. What matters most is finding a feeding setup that feels comfortable for both you and your baby. 💛 A final note from our team: We've helped hundreds of New Zealand families navigate bottle feeding over the years, and if there's one thing we've learned, it's that every feeding journey looks a little different. You're doing a great job. Shop our full range of baby bottles, teats and feeding essentials  

Learn more
Rotating car seats – should you choose one?

Rotating car seats – should you choose one?

Getting a wriggly toddler into a car seat shouldn’t feel like a workout. That’s why rotating car seats are quickly becoming a go-to for modern parents. In this blog, we explore how they work and why so many families are making the switch. From extended rear and front facing options to reducing back strain, we’ll help you decide whether a rotating car seat is the right choice for your growing family. Benefits of a Rotating Car Seat Easier access in and out of the car - The swivel function turns the seat towards the door, making it easier to get your child in and out of the car without awkward angles. With the seat facing you, it is easier to correctly position and tighten the harness, helping ensure your child is safely secured every time. Reduced strain on your back - Rotating the seat towards you helps minimise bending, twisting, and reaching, which can help prevent back and shoulder strain, especially with growing toddlers. This also helps parents (or grandparents) recovering from birth, injury, or surgery, or those with limited mobility, who often find rotating seats easier and more comfortable to use. Rear and front facing options - While your child is young, rear facing car seats are recommended for their safety. Though you want to keep them rear facing as long as possible (according to weight and height restrictions), you will eventually need to switch to forward facing, which is made incredibly easy with the swivel feature. You also have multiple angle options to recline the seat and can change all of these settings without having to re-install the entire seat. Things to Consider Before Buying Weight limits - Most (though not all) rotating car seats have a weight limit of 18kgs because of the isofix installation. On average, that’s around four years old, and while many parents are happy to switch to a booster seat after that, others just want one seat that goes all the way. If you’d prefer to buy a single seat with more longevity, a non-rotating option may suit you better. The Nuna Rava Next goes up to 29.4kgs (seven or eight years on average), and the Exec Next has a booster seat conversion, meaning that it lasts right from newborn up to 49.9kgs, around 12 years old!  Space in your car - If you have multiple kids and multiple car seats in the car, having one that rotates might be a bit tricky. Rotating seats generally have a larger base, and the swivel motion itself can be blocked if there are other seats in the way. If you plan on having three seats side by side in the back row, swivelling is a no-go. If you have two seats, then a rotating seat might be a good option depending on how it fits into your car. If you’re not sure, give us a call at our Newmarket or Christchurch stores, and book in a time to try out some options and see what works best. What Are the Rotating Car Seat Options? Nuna NEXT System  Built to work together seamlessly, the Nuna NEXT System offers flexibility, longevity, and peace of mind in one refined package. With two different base options (Base Next & Base Curv), two capsules (Pipa Next & Arra Flex), a unique lie-flat car seat (Cari Next), and a toddler seat for good measure (Todl Next), the NEXT System gives you a range of options for travelling in style. The bases come equipped with True Lock™ technology and coloured installation guides for your peace of mind, and one base can be used for all compatible products (keeping you covered for the first four years of baby’s life). Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro Capsule & Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360  As part of the 360 Pro Family range, the Pebble and Pearl (when on the Family Fix 360 Pro Base) not only rotate 360°, but also slide towards you to eliminate the awkward reaching that usually comes with buckling in a little one. While the Pearl must be attached to the base in order to go in the car, the Pebble can also be seatbelt installed by itself. Nuna Pruu  If you love the Todl but don’t want to bother with the separate base, the Pruu might be the seat for you. With the same detachable Side Impact Protection, integrated rebound bar, and smart-swivel lock, your little one will be travelling in stylish safety from start to finish. The big difference? The Pruu is one piece, with no separate base, making it a bit heavier to carry around, but super convenient for those who’d rather not bother with the extra pieces.  We also have the new Nuna Pruu Aire with a retractable sun canopy. Nuna Rylo   A new and popular choice is the Nuna Rylo. This seat has it all: 360° rotation, seat belt installation capability, and premium materials. Certified to the AS/NZS standard, it’s perfect for Trans-Tasman travellers, or anyone who’s after the latest version of Nuna’s award winning technology.   Not sure which seat is right for you? Visit us in Auckland or Christchurch to see them in person. You can also book in a fitting with our team - we’ll help you find the safest, easiest option for your car and your family.  

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Keeping Winter Bugs Away from your Baby

Keeping Winter Bugs Away from your Baby

How to Keep Your Baby Warm and Well This Winter Winter with a baby can bring a few extra worries, especially when they are brand new. Along with keeping your little one warm and comfortable, there are the inevitable winter sniffles, coughs and bugs to navigate. Babies have very small nasal passages, so even a little congestion can make feeding and sleeping more difficult. While it is impossible to avoid every winter cold, there are a few simple ways to help protect your babe and keep them comfortable when the sniffles arrive. Dress your baby in warm, breathable layers Keeping your baby warm does not prevent a cold, but it does help them stay comfortable during chilly winter days. A helpful guide is to dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing. Choose light, breathable layers that are easy to add or remove as the temperature changes. Merino wool is a wonderful choice for winter baby clothing. It naturally helps regulate body temperature, keeping your baby warm while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. Soft merino bodysuits, babygrows and sleepwear are ideal for layering without adding too much bulk. Create a safe and cosy sleep space For every sleep, place your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress with their face and head uncovered. Keep pillows, toys and other loose items out of their sleep space. During winter, it is safer to dress your baby in suitable sleepwear or a baby sleeping bag than to add heavy or loose bedding. Avoid overheating the room and adjust your baby’s clothing when needed. Help keep winter germs away Good everyday hygiene can help reduce the spread of coughs, colds and other winter illnesses. Wash and dry your hands regularly, especially before feeding your baby, after changing nappies and when returning home. Encourage older siblings to wash their hands and cough or sneeze into their elbow. It can also help to regularly clean frequently handled toys and surfaces, and avoid close contact with people who are (or have just been) unwell. Breastmilk provides valuable nutrients and antibodies, but every family’s feeding journey is different. Whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed, continue offering their usual feeds regularly. When your baby has a blocked nose A blocked nose can make it harder for your baby to feed, settle and sleep comfortably. Saline drops suitable for babies can help loosen thick mucus. You can then use a baby nasal aspirator to gently remove it, following the product instructions carefully. This can be particularly helpful before a feed or sleep. A cool-mist humidifier may also help make a dry room feel more comfortable. Place it safely out of your baby’s reach, change the water regularly and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mould or bacteria from building up. Keep an eye on their temperature If your baby feels unusually hot, cold or unwell, checking their temperature can help you understand how they are doing. The Oricom Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer provides a quick reading without disturbing your little one. Always follow the user guide carefully, as forehead thermometer readings can be affected by positioning and the surrounding environment. A fever is generally considered a temperature of 38°C or higher. If your baby is under three months old and has a fever, seek medical advice urgently. A gentle chest rub for older babies For babies over three months, the Nude Alchemist Chest Rub for Babies can be added to their comforting bedtime routine. Apply it only as directed and remember that chest rubs provide comfort rather than treating or curing a cold. This particular formula is suitable from three months but there are other types of rub on the market as well. Always check age recommendations, complete a patch test and stop using the product if irritation occurs. Baby Cold and Sniffles Comfort Checklist Keep these winter essentials together so they are easy to find when your baby needs a little extra care: A reliable baby thermometer Baby safe saline drops A gentle nasal aspirator A clean cool mist humidifier Chest rub suitable for your baby’s age Soft, breathable layers Hydration - Plenty of regular milk feeds and water if they are over 6 months Extra cuddles, comfort and rest When to seek medical help You know your baby best. Seek medical advice if they are becoming more unwell, feeding poorly, having fewer wet nappies, unusually sleepy or difficult to settle. Get urgent medical help if your baby: Is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher Is struggling to breathe, breathing unusually quickly or grunting Looks blue around the lips or mouth Is floppy, very pale or difficult to wake Is unable to feed because of breathing difficulties If you are unsure, contact your doctor, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or call 111 in an emergency. You can also read Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s guidance on colds in babies and children. A Little Winter Preparation Goes a Long Way Winter bugs are an unavoidable part of childhood! Having a few trusted essentials ready can make those sniffly days feel much more manageable. With breathable merino layers, a cosy sleep space and gentle comfort close at hand, you can help your little one feel warm, secure and well cared for throughout winter. You’re doing great.

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