If you're reading this at 3AM, rocking your baby with one hand and scrolling with the other—hi. You’re not alone. The first weeks with a newborn are magical, but wow… they’re also a sleep-deprived blur. I’ve been there. And so have thousands of parents before us, asking the same questions: “When will my baby sleep longer?” “Am I doing something wrong?” The good news? You’re probably doing just fine. And a few gentle adjustments can make a big difference. 🧠 Babies Need Sleep—But They Don’t Know How to Do It Yet Newborns are biologically wired to sleep a lot—14 to 17 hours a day, in short bursts. But they don’t come with a built-in day-night schedule. Their little internal clocks haven’t formed yet. So yes, those 2AM feedings? Completely normal. Most babies start sleeping longer stretches by 6–8 weeks. Until then, your goal isn’t perfection—it’s survival, safety, and little wins. 🛏️ Set the Scene: Calm, Safe, and Simple Want to help your baby sleep better? Start with the environment. • 🌡️ Keep the room cool (around 20–22°C) • 💡 Dim the lights in the evening • 🔊 Try a white noise machine to block household sounds • 🛏️ A firm, flat crib mattress (no blankets, bumpers, or toys) And the big one: Always put your baby to sleep on their back. It’s the safest position, no matter what relatives or myths might say. 🌙 Build a Bedtime Rhythm (Even If It’s Basic) Your baby won’t follow a “schedule” just yet, but gentle patterns help them feel secure. Here’s what worked for me: 1. Bath time 2. Dim lights 3. Quiet cuddle or soft lullaby 4. Feeding 5. Lay down while still a bit awake (so they learn to settle on their own) Even if you only do 2 of these, that’s a win. Routines aren’t about control—they’re about comfort. ⚠️ Common Sleep Myths to Let Go Of • “If I keep them awake during the day, they’ll sleep more at night.” Nope. An overtired baby = harder bedtime. • “If I feed them to sleep every time, they’ll never learn.” Don’t stress. You’re building habits slowly. It’s okay to do what soothes your baby. • “Other moms have it all figured out.” They don’t. Social media lies. We’re all winging it. 🩺 When Should You Worry? If your baby: • Rarely sleeps more than 30 minutes at a time • Struggles to feed or breathe while resting • Cries for hours despite all soothing …it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician. Sometimes, reflux or food sensitivities can affect sleep. 💛 Final Thoughts (from a Mom Who Googled All Night Too) You’re not failing just because your baby isn’t sleeping like the books say. This phase is hard. Really hard. But you’re not alone—and you’re doing better than you think. Keep showing up. Keep trying. And when in doubt? Snuggle your baby, take a deep breath, and know that rest will come—in time, for both of you. ________________________________________ 🛍️ Want to make nights easier? Check out our newborn sleep section on Mommytobee.am for baby-safe essentials trusted by local moms.

Newborn Essentials Checklist: What You Really Need to Buy Before Birth (From a Mom of Two) Becoming a parent is magical — but let’s be honest, preparing for it can feel overwhelming. Especially when it comes to shopping for a newborn. With shelves full of baby clothes, gadgets, and “must-haves,” it’s tempting to buy everything “just in case.” But here’s the truth from a mom who’s been through it twice: you don’t need half of what you think you do. And some things? You definitely shouldn’t buy before your baby arrives. Let’s walk through a realistic baby shopping list that saves money, space, and sanity — without compromising your baby’s comfort. 🚫 What NOT to Buy Before the Baby Is Born ❌ Tons of newborn clothes Babies grow fast. Most newborn-size clothes fit for only a few weeks (if at all). Stick to a few neutral basics. ❌ Diapers in bulk Don’t stock up on size S or size 1 right away. Instead, get a small pack of NB (Newborn) diapers to test fit. ❌ Fancy baby accessories Wipe warmers, frilly outfits, newborn shoes? Cute but not necessary. 💡 Remember: you’ll get gifts too — clothes, blankets, toys. Leave room for those surprises. ✅ What You SHOULD Buy Before Giving Birth Here’s a practical newborn essentials checklist — the things you’ll actually use in the first few days and weeks. 👕 Baby Clothing & Textiles • 4–5 cotton bodysuits (short or long-sleeve depending on season) • 2 baby hats and mittens • A warm baby wrap or swaddle for hospital discharge and outdoor walks • Muslin or flannel swaddles • A hooded towel for bath time 🍼 Baby Care & Hygiene • 1–2 pacifiers — even if you’re not planning to use them right away • Diaper cream and baby wipes • A simple baby care kit with thermometer, nasal aspirator, and soft brush 🤱 Essentials for Mom • 1–2 nursing bras • A nursing nightgown or shirt for comfortable feeding • Breast pads and postpartum essentials (check our Mom category) 🛒 How to Shop Smart (Especially in Armenia) • Start with the essentials — you can always order more later via fast delivery. • Use trusted local stores like Mommytobee.am, where all products are original, certified, and mom-approved. • Don’t forget: Armenia’s weather changes! Prepare baby clothes based on the current season. 🎁 Don’t Overdo It — Family & Friends Will Help Expect gifts. Lots of them. Relatives and friends love buying clothes and toys, especially if it’s your first baby. Leave room in your checklist for the unexpected. 📌 The Final Minimalist Baby Checklist ✔️ 5 bodysuits (cotton, neutral) ✔️ 2 hats and mittens ✔️ 1 warm wrap/swaddle ✔️ 1–2 pacifiers ✔️ 3–4 muslin swaddles ✔️ 1 hooded towel ✔️ 1 nursing bra and nightgown ✔️ Diaper wipes, diaper cream, NB-size diapers ✔️ A few baby care items: thermometer, nail scissors, nasal aspirator 💬 Final Thought You don’t need to fill your house with baby gear before the baby arrives. What you really need is a few essentials, flexibility, and a whole lot of love. You can find everything in one place at Mommytobee.am — curated with care for moms like you.

There comes a time when every parent looks at a diaper and thinks: “Enough. It’s time for the potty.” But the transition from diapers to independence isn’t a sprint — it’s a slow and personal process. And no two kids do it the same way. So how do you know when your child is ready for potty training? What’s the best way to approach it without pressure or drama? Here’s a guide from both real-mom experience and child psychology — with practical tips for parents in Armenia and beyond. 🧠 First, Forget the Myths One common method, especially in some cultures, is early potty training (starting at 2–3 months by “holding the baby over the sink”). While this can work for some families, pediatricians and child psychologists agree it’s not developmentally appropriate for most babies. Why? Because real potty training isn’t just about physical control — it’s about: • body awareness • communication • motor skills • emotional readiness So yes — timing matters. ✅ Signs Your Child Is Ready for Potty Training Most children are ready between 18–30 months, but every child is different. Watch for these signs: • Can walk confidently and sit down on their own • Shows interest in what happens in the bathroom • Stays dry for 2+ hours at a time • Tries to pull pants up/down • Communicates (verbally or nonverbally) when peeing or pooping • Doesn’t like the feeling of a wet or dirty diaper 💡 Pro tip: Let your child follow you into the bathroom and explain what’s happening. Modeling is powerful. 🚽 How to Choose the Right Potty Skip the fancy musical toilets and metal pots from your grandma’s era. Look for: • A simple plastic potty with a removable bowl • Stable base (no wobbling) • Easy-to-clean design • A shape that fits your child’s bottom For boys, try placing a fun sticker inside the potty — even thermosensitive ones that change color when peed on. It turns aiming into a game! Check out potty training accessories on Mommytobee.am → 🧩 Step-by-Step: Gentle Potty Training Method 1. Introduce the potty Show your child where it is, what it’s for, and how it’s used. Place it in the bathroom if possible — this builds routine and privacy. “This is your potty. If you ever feel like you need to pee or poop, you can sit here or tell me.” 2. Don’t force, don’t rush Ask gently once or twice a day. If your child says “no,” respect that. Pressuring creates anxiety and resistance. 3. Use training pants Instead of removing diapers cold-turkey, switch to pull-up pants your child can try removing. It builds confidence and keeps accidents low-stress. 4. Watch for interest If they explore the potty, sit on it, or mimic you — that’s progress. If they ignore it completely after several days, put the potty away for 2 weeks and try again later. 5. Praise effort, not just success When your child tries, sits, or even helps clean up — praise them. This builds motivation and pride. “Wow, you tried all by yourself — I’m so proud!” 💡 Extra Tips from Pediatric Psychologists • Don’t punish accidents – they’re part of learning • Avoid bribes like cartoons or snacks – these can create unhealthy associations • Respect privacy – teach your child that potty time is personal • Expect nighttime training to come later – focus on daytime first 🛏️ What About Naps & Nighttime? Once your child uses the potty regularly during the day, you can try skipping the diaper at nap or bedtime. But protect the mattress with waterproof pads just in case — available at Mommytobee.am. Never scold for nighttime accidents. Bladders develop at different speeds — some kids are dry by 3, others by 5 or 6. ❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid • Forcing your child to sit on the potty constantly • Taking away diapers too soon • Reacting emotionally to accidents • Starting just before a big change (e.g., new baby, moving) ✅ Final Word: Trust the Process No healthy adult walks around in diapers. Your child will get there too — with time, patience, and your support. You don’t need to rush, panic, or compete. All you need is a child-friendly potty, a calm voice, and lots of hugs. 🛒 Need gear for potty training? Explore Mommytobee.am’s essentials — including gentle cleaning products, pull-ups, and waterproof pads.