baby tips Archives - Bilingual Beginnings

105+ Old Fashioned Scottish Baby Girl Names & Their Meanings

Lorena — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:34:27 +0000

Are you searching for old fashioned Scottish baby girl names for your soon-to-be-lassie?

Look no further. In this post, I’ve gathered a delightful collection of Scottish baby girl names that will capture your heart.

Each name is deeply rooted in Scottish history and culture and carries a rich symbolism of Scottish roots. From traditional names that evoke images of ancient castles and misty glens to modern choices that celebrate Scotland’s vibrant spirit, you’ll find the perfect name to honor your little princess’s Scottish heritage.

Let’s embark on this journey together and discover the enchanting world of beautiful Scottish girl names.

If you find the perfect Scottish baby girl name, or if your bonnie lassie already has one of these 👶 names, let me know in the comments below!

Scottish Baby Girl Names and their unique meanings

1. Abercrombie

Abercrombie has Scottish origins and is derived from a surname that signifies “from the mouth of the bend” or “from the crooked river.” It exudes a unique and distinctive charm, making it an intriguing choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.

2. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is of Scottish origin and is derived from the city of Aberdeen in Scotland. It means “mouth of the Dee,” as the name combines the Gaelic elements “aber” (mouth of a river) and “Dee” (the name of a river).

3. Agan

Agan is a unisex name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “fire” or “flame,” symbolizing passion, energy, and transformation.

4. Agnes

Agnes is of Greek origin and means “pure” or “chaste.” It has a long history and is associated with virtues of purity and innocence, making it a timeless and classic choice for parents looking for a traditional name with a strong meaning.

5. Aileas

Aileas is of Scottish Gaelic origin and is the Scottish variation of the name Alice. It means “noble” or “exalted,” reflecting qualities of dignity and high social status, making it a graceful and sophisticated choice for parents seeking a Scottish-inspired name.

6. Ailis

The baby name Ailis is of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from the name Alice. It means “noble” or “exalted,” conveying qualities of dignity and high social standing, making it a refined and elegant choice for parents looking for a Gaelic-inspired name.

7. Ailsa

Ailsa has Scottish origins and is derived from the name of a small Scottish island called Ailsa Craig. It is thought to mean “fairy rock” or “rock of victory,” and it carries a mystical and enchanting quality, making it a beautiful and distinctive choice for parents seeking a Scottish-inspired name.

8. Ainsley

Ainsley has Scottish origins and is derived from a surname associated with a place name in Scotland. It is believed to mean “one’s own meadow” or “clearing,” reflecting a connection to nature and land.

9. Alba

Alba has multiple origins, with Celtic and Latin roots. In Celtic, it means “white” or “bright,” while in Latin, it means “dawn” or “sunrise.” It carries connotations of purity, light, and new beginnings, making it a lovely choice for parents seeking a name with a positive and radiant meaning.

10. Alexina

The baby name Alexina has Greek origins and is the feminine form of the name Alexander. It means “defender of mankind” or “protector,” signifying strength, courage, and a noble character, making it an empowering choice for parents seeking a name with a powerful meaning for their daughter.

11. Alna

The baby name Alna does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning. It is a rare name with uncertain etymology, making it a unique and intriguing choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

12. Arya

The baby name Arya has multiple origins and meanings. It is derived from Sanskrit and means “noble” or “honorable.” In addition, it gained popularity through the character Arya Stark in the TV series Game of Thrones, representing a strong and courageous young woman, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a blend of traditional and modern significance.

13. Athol

Athol has Scottish origins and is derived from a Scottish place name. It is associated with the Gaelic word “ath Fodhla,” meaning “new Ireland,” and carries a sense of pride and connection to Scottish heritage, making it a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents seeking a Scottish-inspired name.

14. Blair

The baby name Blair has both Scottish and Gaelic origins. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “blàr,” which means “plain” or “field.” It carries a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, making it a unisex name that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

15. Bonnie

The baby name Bonnie has Scottish origins and is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “bonnach” or “bonnie,” meaning “pretty” or “beautiful.” It conveys a sense of charm, loveliness, and youthful appeal, making it a delightful choice for parents seeking a name that captures a sense of joy and attractiveness

16. Camdyn

Camdyn is of Scottish and English origins. It is a modern variation of the name Camden, which is derived from a place name meaning “enclosed valley” or “winding valley.” With its combination of Scottish and English roots, Camdyn represents a contemporary and gender-neutral choice for parents seeking a name with a strong and natural connotation.

17. Cameron

Cameron has Scottish origins and is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “camshron,” which means “crooked nose” or “bent nose.” It is a unisex name that carries a strong and distinguished quality, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a rich Scottish heritage and a touch of uniqueness.

18. Catriona

The baby name Catriona is of Scottish and Gaelic origin and is the Scottish form of the name Katherine. It carries the meaning “pure” or “chaste” and reflects qualities of innocence, elegance, and strength, making it a beautiful choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name with Scottish flair.

19. Daviana

Daviana is derived from the combination of the names David and Anna, suggesting a blend of strength and grace.

20. Davina

Davina is is a girl’s name of primarily Scottish and Hebrew origin. A feminine form of David, the name also shares the meaning “beloved” in both languages.fection.

21. Edina

Edina is is derived from the Old English word “ead,” meaning “prosperity” or “riches,” combined with “wine,” meaning “friend” or “friendship.”

22. Effie

Effie is derived from the Greek name Euphemia, meaning “well-spoken” or “eloquent.”

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

23. Eilidh

Eilidh is an uncommon Scottish baby girl name derived from the longer name Ealasaid, which is the Scottish Gaelic form of Elizabeth.

24. Eimhir

Eimhir is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from the Old Norse name Eimhjǫrt, which means “swift deer” or “deer warrior.”

25. Eithne

Eithne is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic word “eithne,” which means “kernel” or “grain.”

26. Elsie

Elise is a diminutive form of the name Elizabeth and originated as a nickname in Scotland. The name Elsie carries the meaning of “pledged to God” or “consecrated to God,” representing a sense of devotion and faith.

27. Elspeth

Elspeth is a Scottish variant of the name Elizabeth and is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning “God is my oath” or “consecrated to God.”

28. Eppie

Eppie is a diminutive form of the name Euphemia, derived from the Greek word “euphēmios,” which holds the beautiful meaning “well-spoken” or “eloquent.”

29. Esme

Esme is a fun choice unisex name with a French origin. It is derived from the French word “esmé,” which means “loved” or “esteemed.”

30. Euphemia

Euphemia is derived from the Greek words “eu,” meaning “good” or “well,” and “pheme,” meaning “voice” or “fame.”

31. Fenella

Fenella is derived from the Gaelic word “Fionnghuala,” which means “white shoulder” or “fair shouldered.”

32. Finola

Finola is of both Irish and Gaelic origins. It is derived from the Irish name Fionnuala, which is composed of the elements “fionn” meaning “white” or “fair,” and “guala” meaning “shoulder.”

33. Fiona

Fiona is derived from the Gaelic word “fionn” which means “white” or “fair.”

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

34. Flora

Flora is a name with Latin and Roman mythology origins. It is derived from the Latin word “flos” which means “flower.” In Roman mythology, Flora was the goddess of flowers and spring. The name Flora carries the meaning of “flower” or “blooming,” symbolizing beauty, nature, and the vibrant colors of spring.

35. Geillis

Geillis is a feminine name with Scottish origins. It is a variant of the name Giles, which has Old Greek and Latin roots. Geillis carries the meaning of “young goat” or “kid.” It can also be associated with the idea of agility, playfulness, and youthful energy.

36. Greer

Greer is a unisex name with Scottish origins. It is derived from the Scottish surname “MacGregor,” meaning “son of Gregory.”

37. Grizel

Grizel is a variant of the name Giselle or Ghislaine, with possible roots in Old Norse and Old Germanic languages. The name Grizel carries the meaning of “pledge” or “hostage,” symbolizing loyalty, commitment, and trustworthiness.

38. Gwyneth

Gwyneth is of Welsh origins. It is derived from the Welsh word “gwyn,” meaning “white” or “fair.”

39. Halleigh

Halleigh is a variant spelling of the name Hailey or Haley. It is derived from the Old English word “hǣlīġ,” meaning “hay meadow” or “hero.” The name Halleigh conveys a connection to nature and can also symbolize strength or bravery.

40. Heather

Heather is a feminine name with English origins. It is derived from the plant name “heather,” which is known for its small purple flowers and association with the moorlands

41. Iona

Iona is derived from the name of an island in Scotland called “Iona,” which is known for its religious significance. The name Iona carries the meaning of “blessed” or “gracious,” symbolizing spirituality, peace, and serenity.

42. Ione

Ione is derived from the Greek word “ion,” meaning “violet flower.”

43. Iseabail

Iseabail is a Scottish Gaelic form of the name Isabella or Elizabeth. It is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning “God is my oath” or “consecrated to God.”

44. Ishbel

Ishbel is another Scottish variant of the name Isabel or Isabella. It carries similar meanings as Iseabail, signifying a commitment to God or a strong spiritual connection.

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

45. Isla

Isla is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “Aileach,” meaning “island.”

46. Ismay

Ismay is a feminine name with English origins. It is derived from the Germanic name “Ismeg,” which means “iron strength” or “strong-willed.”

47. Jackie

Jackie is a unisex name with English origins. It is a diminutive form of the name Jacqueline or Jack, which are derived from the name Jacob or James. The name Jackie is associated with qualities such as strength, playfulness, and a friendly disposition.

48. Jamesina

Jamesina is a feminine name and a feminine form of the name James. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yaʻaqov, meaning “supplanter” or “one who follows.”

49. Jean

Jean is a timeless name with French origins, radiating an air of elegance and sophistication. Derived from the French name “Jeanne,” it carries a sense of grace, strength, and unwavering character, making it a true embodiment of refined beauty.

50. Jocasta

Jocasta is a name steeped in Greek mythology, evoking a sense of intrigue and mystique. With origins in ancient Greece, it embodies a captivating allure, representing a woman of depth, intelligence, and a hint of enigmatic charm.

51. Kay

Kay is a unisex name with multiple origins. It can be derived from various sources such as the Welsh name “Cai,” which means “rejoice,” or from the Old English word “kay,” meaning “joyful” or “happy.”

Scottish Baby Names for your little girl

52. Keltie

Keltie is a feminine name with Celtic origins. It is derived from the word “kelt,” which refers to the Celtic people.

53. Kenna

Kenna is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be derived from the Irish name “Cionaodh,” meaning “beautiful” or “lovely.” In Scottish Gaelic, Kenna can mean “fire-born” or “born of fire.” The name Kenna carries the meaning of beauty, vitality, and a fiery spirit.

54. Kirsteen

Kirsteen is a feminine name with Scottish origins. It is a diminutive form of the name Kirsty or Kirstin, which are Scottish variants of Christine. The name Kirsteen carries the meaning of “follower of Christ” or “Christian.”

55. Kirsty

Kirsty is derived from the Scottish Gaelic form of Christine. The name Kirsty carries the meaning of “follower of Christ” or “anointed one.”

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

56. Leith

Leith is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “liath,” meaning “grey” or “greyish.” The name Leith carries the imagery of the color grey, which is associated with wisdom, stability, and neutrality. It can also evoke a sense of calmness and balance.

57. Lesley

is a unisex name with Scottish origins. It is derived from the Scottish surname Leslie, which originated from a place name in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

58. Letitia

Letitia is a feminine name with Latin origins. It is derived from the Latin word “laetitia,” meaning “joy” or “happiness.”

59. Lileas

Lileas is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Leas,” which means “lily.”

60. Lilias

Lilias is a variant of the name Lileas, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “leas,” meaning “lily.”

61. Lilidh

Lilidh is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Lìleas, which is a variant of the name Lily. It means of “lily” and shares the same symbolism of purity, grace, and elegance.

62. Lindsay

Lindsay is a unisex name with Scottish origins. It is derived from the Scottish surname Lindsey, which is derived from the place name Lindsey in Lincolnshire, England.

63. Liusaidh

This cool Scottish name is a variant of the name Lucy, derived from the Latin name Lucia, meaning “light” or “illumination.” The gaelic name Liusaidh carries the meaning of “light” and represents qualities associated with brightness, enlightenment, and intelligence.

64. Lorna

Lorna is derived from the Scottish place name Lorn, which refers to an area in Argyll and Bute, Scotland.

64. Mackinley

Mackinley is a unisex name with Scottish origins. It is derived from the Scottish surname McKinley, which originated from the Gaelic name Mac Fhionnlaigh, meaning “son of Fionnlagh.” The name Mackinley signifies a connection to the Scottish clan heritage and represents qualities associated with strength, leadership, and determination.

66. Maesie

Maesie is a variant spelling of the name Maisie, which is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Mairead or the English name Margaret.

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

67. Maighread

This unique name is a feminine name with Irish and Scottish Gaelic origins. It is the Irish variant of the name Margaret, meaning “pearl.”

68. Mairead

Mairead is the Irish Gaelic form of Margaret. It carries the same meaning as Maighread, signifying a “pearl” and symbolizing uniqueness, elegance, and inner radiance.

69. Mairi

Mairi is the Scottish Gaelic variant of the name Mary, derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, meaning “wished-for child” or “rebellious.”

70. Maisie

This sweet name is a diminutive form of the name Margaret. Maisie carries the same meaning as Maighread and Mairead, signifying a “pearl” and representing beauty, grace, and preciousness.

71. Malina

Malina is a feminine name with multiple origins, including Slavic, Inuit, and Hawaiian. In Slavic languages, it means “raspberry,” while in Inuit it means “woman” or “song.”

72. Malvina

Mavina is derived from the Gaelic name Mala Mhìn, meaning “smooth brow” or “gentle forehead.”

73. Margery

Margery is a feminine name with English origins. It is a variant of the name Margaret. Margery shares the same meaning as Maighread and Mairead, representing a “pearl” and symbolizing beauty, elegance, and purity.

74. Marjorie

Marjorie is a feminine name with English and Scottish origins. It is a variant of the name Margaret. Marjorie carries the same meaning as Maighread, Mairead, and Margery, signifying a “pearl” and representing beauty, grace, and preciousness.

75. Marsaili

Marsaili is the Scottish Gaelic form of the name Marcella, derived from the Latin name Marcellus, meaning “warlike” or “dedicated to Mars.”

76. Morag

Morag is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word for “great” or “majestic.”

77. Morven

Morven is a unisex name with Scottish origins. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “mòr,” meaning “big” or “great,” and “bheinn,” meaning “mountain.”

78. Muireall

Muireall is derived from the Gaelic word “muir,” meaning “sea,” and “éal,” meaning “bright” or “radiant.”

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

79. Muriel

Muriel is is derived from the Gaelic word “muir,” meaning “sea,” and “éal,” meaning “bright” or “radiant.”

80. Myra

Myra is a feminine name with multiple origins, including Greek, Latin, and Arabic. In Greek mythology, Myra was a city associated with love and romance. It can also be derived from the Latin word “myrra,” meaning “myrrh.”

Scottish girls names

81. Neilina

Neilina is a feminine name with Scottish origins. It is a feminine form of the name Neil, which means “champion” or “passionate.”

82. Nessa

Nessa can be derived from various sources such as the Irish name Nessa, meaning “not gentle” or “rival.” In Hebrew, Nessa means “miracle.”

83. Niamh

Niamh is derived from the Irish word “niamh,” meaning “radiance” or “brightness.”

84. Oighrig

This interesting name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “og,” meaning “young,” and “rioghail,” meaning “royal.”

85. Orla

Orla is derived from the Irish word “orlaith,” meaning “golden princess” or “golden lady.”

86. Paisley

Paisley is a unisex name with Scottish origins. It is derived from the Scottish town of Paisley, known for its distinctive textile pattern.

87. Peyton

Peyton is a unisex name with English origins. It is derived from the Old English words “pege” meaning “magpie” and “tun” meaning “enclosure” or “settlement.”

88. Quinn

Quinn is a unisex name with Irish origins. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Coinn, meaning “descendant of Conn.”

89. Rae

Rae is a unisex name with multiple origins. It can be derived from various sources, such as the Hebrew name Rachel, meaning “ewe” or “lamb.” In Scottish, it means “grace.”

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

90. Raegan

Raegan s derived from the Irish surname Ó Ríagáin, meaning “descendant of Riagán.”

91. Rhiannon

Rhiannon is derived from the Welsh word “rhiain,” meaning “maid” or “queen.”

92. Rhona

Rhona is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “ron,” meaning “seal,” or the Irish word “rón,” meaning “mighty.”

93. Roisin

This beautiful name is a feminine name with Irish origins. It is derived from the Irish word “rós,” meaning “rose.” This is the perfect baby name with a botanical touch.

94. Rona

Rona can be derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “ron,” meaning “seal,” or the Hebrew name Rona, meaning “joyous song.”

95. Rose

Rose is derived from the Latin word “rosa,” which means “rose” flower.

96. Rowena

Rowena is derived from the Germanic elements “hrod,” meaning “fame,” and “wyn,” meaning “joy” or “friend.”

97. Sandy

Sandy is a unisex name with English origins. It is derived from the word “sandy,” referring to a light brown color resembling sand.

98. Senga

Senga is a Scottish variant of the name Agnes, derived from the Greek name Hagnē, meaning “pure” or “chaste.”

99. Sheena

Sheena is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Sìne, which is a diminutive form of the name Jean or Jane.

100. Sile

Sile is a feminine name with Irish and Gaelic origins. It is derived from the Irish name Sheila, which is a variant of Cecilia.

101. Skye

This short and adorable name is derived from the name of the Scottish island “Skye.” Skye represents a connection to nature, vastness, and freedom, symbolizing open spaces and limitless possibilities.

102. Sorcha

Sorcha is derived from the Irish word “sorcha,” meaning “bright” or “radiant.”

Photo Credit: Olesiabikei from Getty Images

103. Teagan

Teagan is a unisex name with Welsh origins. It is derived from the Welsh word “teg,” meaning “fair” or “beautiful.”

104. Teasag

Teasag is a feminine name with Scottish Gaelic origins. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “teasag,” meaning “a young girl” or “a lass.”

105. Torey

Torey is a unisex name with uncertain origins. It can be derived from various sources such as the Irish name Torin, meaning “chief” or “from the craggy hills,” or from the Old Norse name Thor, meaning “thunder.”

106. Una

Una is derived from the Irish word “uaine,” meaning “green” or “fresh.”

107. Vanora

Vanora is derived from the Scottish Gaelic name Fionnghuala, meaning “white shoulder” or “fair shouldered.”

108. Wynfreda

Wynfreda is derived from the Old English elements “wynn,” meaning “joy” or “bliss,” and “fred,” meaning “peace.”

I hope you found the perfect Scottish baby girl name for your wee bairn. For more baby name inspiration, check out some of my other posts below!

CHECK OUT SOME MORE BABY NAME LISTS

The post 105+ Old Fashioned Scottish Baby Girl Names & Their Meanings appeared first on Bilingual Beginnings.

165+ Top French Baby Girl Names With Meaning (2023)

Lorena — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 16:34:32 +0000

Are you expecting a new bundle of joy and searching for the perfect name that reflects your French heritage? Look no further!

This curated list of top French baby girl names and their special meanings is here to inspire and delight you.

From classic favorites to enchanting rarities, these names embrace the beauty of the French language and hold a timeless charm that resonates with parents worldwide.

Whether you desire a name with historical roots or a contemporary flair, this selection offers a diverse range of meanings and origins to celebrate the arrival of your petite fille with grace and sophistication.

What are you waiting for? Let’s pick out the perfect name from this list of 165+ French baby girl names!

10 French unique baby girl names inspired by famous French women

Before I get into this list of 165+ French baby girl names, I wanted to highlight ten unique french girl names that I love.

These names are super unique, and they also represent prominent figures in French history.

If you’re into history like I am, you will enjoy this list. Voyons!

Adélaïde

This antique French baby girl name is inspired by the French artist Adelaîde Labille-Guiard (1749-1803) who was a strong advocate for women receiving the same artistic opportunities in men.

Amantine

Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, better known as George Sand since she chose to wear male attire in public, was an advocate for women’s right and the working class.

Antoinette

This old-fashioned French baby girl name is inspired by Antoinette du Ligier de la Garde Deshoulière, a french poet. (1634-1694)

Camille

This popular French baby girl name is inspired by Camille Claudel (1864-1943), one of France’s most famous female sculptors.

Eleanor

This vintage French baby girl name was also the name of Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204), a leading figure in both French and English history. She was a queen, a regent and a political force in her time, when women had very little power.

Source: Snippets of Paris

Germaine

This unisex French baby name is inspired by Germaine de Staël (1766-1817), a women of letters and politics who was a voice of moderation in the French Revolution and the Napoleanoic era.

Jeanne

This mystical French baby girl name is inspired by Jeanne d’Arc (1412-1431), who became a national symbol of France after the French Revolution during her role in the Lancastrian phase of the 100-year war.

Marguerite

Inpired by Maguerite Duras (1914-1996) a 20^th century French novelist, playwright, screenwriter, essayist and experimental filmmaker

Rosa

This short French baby girl name is inspired by Rosa Bonhuer, France’s most famous female painter of the 19^th Century.

Simone

The beautiful name Simone is inspired by Simone de Beauvoir (1908-86) who was a French writer and female activist.

165+ French Baby Girl Names

1. Adèle

This elegant name has Germanic roots and means “noble” or “noble kind,” portraying a refined and regal persona.

2. Aélis

This name hailing from Germanic roots signifies “noble” or “of a noble kind,” representing a refined and dignified presence.

3. Agnès

Inspired by Agnes, this name means “pure” or “chaste,” portraying a simple and virtuous nature.

4. Albane

Of Latin origin, Albane means “white” or “fair,” symbolizing purity and innocence.

5. Amalia

This elegant name has Germanic roots and means “work of beauty,” signifying a radiant and industrious personality.

6. Amandine

With Latin origins, Amandine means “lovable” or “worthy of love,” representing a cherished and affectionate presence.

7. Ambre

Inspired by the French word for “amber,” this name symbolizes rare beauty and allure.

8. Amélie

This charming name is a variation of Amelia and signifies “hardworking” or “industrious,” epitomizing determination and diligence.

9. Anaïs

Of Hebrew origin, Anaïs means “grace” or “favor,” exuding elegance and divine blessings.

10. Andréa

A feminine form of André, this name signifies “manly” or “brave,” portraying strength and courage.

11. Angélique

Inspired by the French word for “angelic,” this name symbolizes divine grace and celestial beauty.

12. Anouk

Inspired by the Hebrew name Hannah, this name means “favor” or “grace,” representing divine blessings and kindness.

13. Apolline

With Greek roots, Apolline signifies “belonging to Apollo,” representing strength and creativity.

14. Astrid

This Scandinavian name means “divine strength” or “divine beauty,” portraying a powerful and alluring character.

15. Aude

This unique name is inspired by the French word for “sound” or “noise,” signifying vibrancy and life.

16. Aurélie

Derived from Latin, Aurélie means “golden” or “gilded,” reflecting radiance and splendor.

17. Aurore

Derived from Latin, Aurore means “dawn” or “daybreak,” embodying new beginnings and hope.

18. Axelle

This captivating name signifies “peaceful” or “tranquil,” reflecting serenity and calmness.

19. Babette

With Hebrew origins, Babette means “God is my oath,” representing loyalty and devotion.

20. Béatrice

This classic name of Latin origin means “she who brings happiness,” capturing the essence of joy and delight.

Photo Credit: Sarah 8000 from Getty Images Signature

21. Bérénice

Inspired by the Greek name Berenike, this name means “bringing victory,” signifying a triumphant and accomplished persona.

22. Bertille

A name of Germanic origin, Bertille signifies “shining” or “brilliant,” representing a radiant and luminous personality.

23. Blanche

With Germanic roots, Blanche signifies “white” or “fair,” symbolizing purity and innocence.

24. Brigitte

Inspired by the Celtic goddess Brigid, this name represents creativity and inspiration.

25. Camille

This popular French girl’s name is derived from Latin, and means “young ceremonial attendant” and embodies grace and poise.

26. Capucine

This delightful name is inspired by the French word for “nasturtium flower,” signifying liveliness and energy.

27. Carine

Of French and Latin origins, Carine means “dear” or “beloved,” representing affection and endearment.

Classic French Names

28. Cécile

A name of Latin origin, Cécile means “blind” or “dim-sighted,” but don’t be deceived; it represents a wise and perceptive character.

29. Céleste

With Latin roots, Céleste means “heavenly” or “celestial,” symbolizing divine inspiration and spiritual beauty.

30. Célestine

This name hailing from Latin means “heavenly” or “celestial,” symbolizing divine inspiration and spiritual beauty.

31. Célia

With Latin origins, Célia means “heaven” or “celestial,” embodying divine grace and elegance.

32. Célina

This beautiful name signifies “heaven” or “sky,” portraying a celestial and ethereal presence.

33. Céline

With Latin roots, Céline means “heaven” or “heavenly,” symbolizing a divine and ethereal aura.

34. Césarine

Inspired by the Roman clan name Caesar, this name signifies “long-haired” or “head of hair,” representing a person with beauty and grace.

35. Chantal

A name of French origin, Chantal means “stony place” or “song,” signifying strength and musicality.

36. Charline

This charming name signifies “free man” or “strong,” reflecting a person with independence and resilience.

37. Charlize

Charlize is a sophisticated and elegant baby name of Afrikaans origin. It is a feminine form of the name Charles, meaning “free man” or “warrior,” reflecting a strong and independent character.

38. Charlot

Charlot is a charming and endearing baby name of French origin. It is a diminutive of Charles, meaning “free man” or “manly,” showcasing a warm and affectionate character with a touch of masculinity.

39. Charlyn

Charlyn is a lovely and modern baby name of English origin. It is a variation of the name Charlotte, meaning “free man” or “petite” and representing a sweet and independent spirit.

40. Charlotte

Charlotte is a timeless and elegant baby name of French origin. It is derived from the male name Charles, meaning “free man” or “manly,” and has been embraced worldwide for its regal charm and grace.

Photo Credit: LindaYolanda From Getty Images Signature

41. Chloé

Inspired by the Greek goddess of agriculture, this name embodies fertility and abundance.

42. Claire

Derived from Latin, Claire means “clear” or “bright,” exuding a luminous and radiant personality.

43. Clarisse

This beautiful French girl name has Latin origins and means “bright” or “clear,” signifying a person with a brilliant and intellectual mind.

44. Clothilde

Of Germanic origin, Clothilde signifies “famous in battle” and represents strength and courage.

45. Colette

Inspired by the French word for “victory of the people,” this name embodies leadership and triumph.

46. Constance

This name hailing from Latin means “constant” or “steadfast,” portraying a person with unwavering and resolute character.

47. Coralie

With Greek roots, Coralie means “coral” and symbolizes rare beauty and uniqueness.

48. Corinne

This captivating name is inspired by the Greek name Korinna, symbolizing a person with a radiant and luminous spirit.

49. Cyrielle

This enchanting name has Greek origins and means “lord” or “ruler,” portraying a commanding and authoritative presence.

Gorgeous Names for French Baby Girls

50. Delphine

Inspired by the dolphin, this name signifies intelligence and harmony.

51.Denise

With Greek origins, Denise means “devoted to Dionysius,” symbolizing a person with a playful and joyful nature.

52. Diane

With Latin roots, Diane means “divine” or “heavenly,” representing a celestial and otherworldly aura.

53. Dominique

A name of Latin origin, Dominique means “belonging to the Lord,” embodying divine guidance and protection.

Photo Credit: Sarah 8000 from Getty Images Signature

54. Édith

Of Old English and Germanic origins, Edith means “riches” or “blessed,” signifying prosperity and divine favor.

55. Éléonore

A variation of Eleanor, this name means “God is my light,” symbolizing divine guidance and wisdom.

56. Éliane

With Hebrew origins, Éliane means “my God has answered,” representing divine blessings and providence.

57. Élodie

With French and Greek roots, Élodie means “marsh flower” or “water lily,” reflecting a graceful and delicate nature.

58. Éloïse

This delightful name has Germanic roots and means “healthy” or “wide,” portraying a robust and vibrant personality.

59. Émeline

Inspired by the Germanic name Amelina, this name means “work” or “striving,” representing industriousness and ambition.

60. Émilie

This name hailing from Latin means “rival” or “emulating,” representing a person with determination and ambition.

Photo Credit: LindaYolanda From Getty Images Signature

61. Emma

With Germanic origins, Emma means “whole” or “universal,” embodying completeness and wholeness.

62. Estelle

Derived from Latin, Estelle means “star,” signifying a shining and radiant presence.

63. Eugénie

A name of Greek origin, Eugénie means “well-born” or “noble,” embodying grace and refinement.

64. Eulalie

A name of Greek origin, Eulalie means “sweetly speaking” or “well-spoken,” symbolizing a person with eloquence and charm.

65. Éva

This delightful name signifies “life” or “living,” portraying a vibrant and energetic personality.

66. Evelyne

Inspired by the French word for “hazelnut,” this name represents a person with warmth and kindness.

67. Fabienne

Inspired by the Roman clan name Fabius, this name symbolizes craftsmanship and skill.

68. Fanny

This delightful name signifies “free” or “independent,” reflecting a person with a free-spirited and resilient nature.

69. Flavie

With Latin roots, Flavie means “golden-haired” or “yellow,” signifying a person with a radiant and sunny personality.

70. Floriane

Inspired by the Latin word for “flower,” this name embodies beauty and blossoming.

71. Fleur

Meaning “flower” in French, this popular choice represents beauty and blossoming.

72. Flora

With Latin roots, Flora signifies “flower,” embodying the enchanting essence of nature.

Great French Names for Your Petite Fille

73. Françoise

A feminine form of Francis, this name means “French” or “free man,” portraying independence and resilience.

74. Gabrielle

Derived from Hebrew, Gabrielle means “God is my strength,” portraying a powerful and resilient character.

75. Gaëlle

Inspired by the French word for “generous,” this name embodies compassion and magnanimity.

76. Garance

This unique name is inspired by the French word for “madder plant,” signifying depth and complexity.

77. Geneviève

With Celtic origins, Geneviève means “tribe woman” or “woman of the people,” representing a strong and community-minded individual.

78. Georgette

A feminine form of George, this name signifies “farmer” or “earthworker,” representing a person with grounded and practical nature.

79. Géraldine

With Germanic origins, Géraldine means “ruler of the spear,” embodying leadership and authority.

80. Germaine

Inspired by the Latin word for “brother,” this name signifies a person with a protective and nurturing nature.

81. Gisèle

Derived from Germanic roots, Gisèle signifies “pledge” or “hostage,” representing a person of trust and loyalty.

82. Hélène

This name hailing from Greek mythology represents the face that “launched a thousand ships,” signifying a mesmerizing and captivating presence.

83. Honorine

With Latin roots, Honorine means “honor” or “respect,” embodying dignity and esteem.

84. Huguette

A feminine form of Hugh, this name signifies “mind” or “intellect,” portraying a person with wisdom and intelligence.

85. Inès

Inspired by Agnes, this name means “pure” or “chaste,” portraying a simple and virtuous nature.

86. Irène

A name of Greek origin, Irène means “peace,” embodying serenity and tranquility.

87. Isabelle

Derived from Hebrew, Isabelle means “God is my oath,” representing loyalty and devotion.

88. Jacqueline

This French first name is a feminine form of Jacques, signifying “supplanter” or “one who follows,” representing a determined and ambitious character.

89. Jade

This captivating name is inspired by the precious green gemstone, symbolizing prosperity and harmony.

90. Janine

Janine is a charming and elegant baby name of Hebrew origin. It is a feminine form of John, meaning “God is gracious,” representing a person with a kind and merciful nature.

Photo Credit: Sarah 8000 from Getty Images Signature

91. Jeanne

Jeanne is a classic and enduring baby name of French origin. It is the feminine form of the name Jean, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious,” symbolizing a person with divine blessings and kindness.

92. Jeannette

Jeanette is a graceful and timeless baby name of French origin. It is a diminutive of Jeanne, derived from the name John, meaning “God is gracious,” symbolizing a person with divine favor and blessings.

93. Joséphine

A feminine form of Joseph, this name signifies “God will add,” representing divine providence and abundance.

94. Juliette

Inspired by the character from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” this name embodies romance and passionate love.

95. Justine

With Latin roots, Justine means “fair” or “righteous,” representing a person with a strong sense of justice and morality.

96. Léa

This lovely name signifies “lioness,” reflecting courage and strength.

97. Léna

With Greek origins, Léna means “light” or “shining,” symbolizing brilliance and intelligence.

98. Léonie

A feminine form of Leon, this name means “lion” and represents a strong and fierce character.

99. Liliane

Inspired by the Lily flower, this name embodies purity and beauty.

100. Lisette

A diminutive of Elizabeth, this female French name means “God is my oath,” symbolizing loyalty and devotion.

Photo Credit: Sarah 8000 from Getty Images Signature

101. Lorette

Inspired by the Latin word for “laurel,” this name embodies victory and achievement.

102. Louane

A combination of Louise and Anne, this name signifies “famous warrior” and “grace,” representing strength and gracefulness. A beautiful and unique choice for your baby’s name.

103. Louise

Derived from Germanic roots, Louise means “famous warrior,” representing strength and bravery.

Top French Names for Girls

104. Lucie

With Latin origins, Lucie means “light” or “illumination,” signifying brilliance and enlightenment.

105. Madeleine

This name has Greek origins and means “of Magdala,” symbolizing a person with a unique and extraordinary essence.

106. Maëlle

Inspired by the French word for “chief” or “prince,” this name embodies leadership and authority.

107. Manon

A diminutive of Marie, this name signifies “bitter,” but its sweet charm makes it a beloved choice for baby girls.

108. Margaux

This popular French baby girl name is derived from the Greek name Margarita which means “pearl,” representing rarity and beauty. This is a pretty name with french flair!

109. Marguerite

With Latin roots, Marguerite means “pearl,” symbolizing a precious and cherished presence.

110. Marianne

A combination of Marie and Anne, this name signifies “bitter grace,” representing strength and resilience.

111. Marion

Inspired by the French word for “star of the sea,” this name embodies a guiding and radiant presence.

112. Mathilde

With Germanic origins, Mathilde means “mighty in battle,” portraying a strong and courageous character.

113. Mélodie

This delightful name signifies “song” or “melody,” representing a person with a harmonious and musical soul.

114. Mia

With Italian origins, Mia means “mine” or “beloved,” capturing the affection and endearment of a cherished one.

115. Michèle

A feminine form of Michel, this name means “who is like God,” symbolizing divine protection and guidance.

Photo Credit: Sarah 8000 from Getty Images Signature

116. Mirabelle

Inspired by the French word for “admirable,” this name embodies charm and admiration.

117. Mireille

This enchanting name is inspired by the French word for “wonderful,” reflecting a marvelous and extraordinary presence.

118. Monique

With Latin roots, Monique means “advisor” or “counselor,” representing a wise and trusted confidante.

119. Morgane

This name hailing from Celtic mythology represents a “sea circle” or “sea fortress,” symbolizing strength and protection.

120. Nadine

The French variant of Nadia, this name has Slavic origins and means “hope,” embodying optimism and positivity.

121. Natacha

With Greek roots, Natacha means “to be remembered” or “birthday,” signifying a person with a memorable and celebrated presence.

122. Nathalie

A variation of Natalie, this name means “birthday” or “born on Christmas Day,” representing a special and blessed beginning.

Unique French Baby Names

123. Noémie

With Hebrew origins, Noémie means “pleasantness” or “delight,” reflecting a joyful and pleasant demeanor.

124. Océane

This captivating name is inspired by the French word for “ocean,” symbolizing vastness and depth.

125. Odette

Of Germanic origin, Odette signifies “wealth” or “fortune,” representing prosperity and abundance.

126. Olivie

Inspired by the olive tree, this name embodies peace and abundance, representing a person with a calm and nurturing presence.

127. Olympe

A name of Greek origin, Olympe means “from Mount Olympus,” embodying greatness and excellence.

128. Pascale

With Latin roots, Pascale means “Easter child,” representing a person with a joyful and celebratory nature.

129. Pauline

A feminine form of Paul, this name means “small” or “humble,” signifying modesty and grace.

130. Pénélope

With Greek origins, Pénélope means “weaver,” symbolizing creativity and resourcefulness.

131. Perrine

Inspired by the French word for “rock” or “stone,” this name embodies strength and durability.

132. Philippine

With Greek origins, Philippine means “lover of horses,” representing a person with a spirited and free nature.

133. Quiterie

This unique name signifies “quiet” or “peaceful,” reflecting a person with a serene and tranquil nature.

134. Rachel

This name has Hebrew origins and means “ewe” or “female sheep,” symbolizing gentleness and nurturance.

135. Raphaëlle

A feminine form of Raphael, this name means “God has healed,” portraying a nurturing and restorative presence.

136. Reine

With French roots, Reine means “queen,” signifying a person with royal grace and elegance.

137. Régine

Of Latin origin, Régine means “queen,” portraying a person with royal grace and elegance, much like a regal monarch.

138. Roxane

Inspired by the Greek name Roxane, this name means “dawn” or “bright,” representing a person with a radiant and luminous spirit.

139. Sabine

This name hailing from Roman origins represents a “Sabine woman,” symbolizing strength and independence.

140. Salomé

With Hebrew origins, Salomé means “peace” or “tranquility,” embodying serenity and calmness.

Photo Credit: Sarah 8000 from Getty Images Signature

Unique French Girl Names

141. Sandrine

Inspired by the French word for “defender of man,” this name signifies strength and protection.

142. Sara

Of Hebrew origin, Sara means “princess,” embodying nobility and grace.

143. Sibylle

This name has Greek origins and means “prophetess,” representing a person with wisdom and foresight.

144. Sidonie

Inspired by the ancient city of Sidon, this name embodies a proud and cultured heritage.

145. Solène

With French and Latin roots, Solène means “dignified” or “solemn,” signifying a person with poise and composure.

146. Soline

This name is inspired by the French word for “sun,” symbolizing warmth and radiance.

147. Sophie

Derived from Greek, Sophie means “wisdom,” portraying a person with intellectual acuity and insight.

148. Stéphanie

A feminine form of Stephen, this name means “crown” or “garland,” representing a person with royal honor and respect.

149. Suzanne

With Hebrew origins, Suzanne means “lily,” symbolizing purity and beauty.

150. Tatiana

Inspired by the Roman clan name Tatius, this name means “founder” or “ruler,” representing a commanding and authoritative presence.

151. Thaïs

With Greek roots, Thaïs means “beloved” or “dear,” representing a person with cherished and beloved qualities.

152. Thérèse

A name of Greek origin, Thérèse means “harvester” or “reaper,” signifying a person who cultivates and nurtures.

153. Ursule

This name hailing from Latin means “little bear,” symbolizing strength and protection, like a bear watching over her loved ones.

154. Valérie

Derived from Latin, Valérie means “strength” or “valor,” representing a person with fortitude and courage.

155. Véronique

With Greek origins, Véronique means “true image” or “bringing victory,” embodying authenticity and triumph.

156. Victoire

This name hailing from Latin signifies “victory,” portraying a triumphant and accomplished persona.

157. Violette

Inspired by the violet flower, this name embodies delicacy and charm.

158. Viviane

With Latin roots, Viviane means “alive” or “lively,” signifying a vivacious and spirited character.

159. Wandrille

Of Germanic origin, Wandrille signifies “wanderer” or “traveler,” representing a person with an adventurous and free-spirited nature.

160. Xavière

This unique name has Basque origins and means “new house” or “bright,” signifying new beginnings and illumination.

161. Yasmine

This feminine name is inspired by the jasmine flower, symbolizing beauty and fragrance.

162. Yolande

With Greek roots, Yolande means “violet flower,” representing delicacy and elegance, much like the gentle blooms.

163. Yvette

Of French and Germanic origins, Yvette means “yew wood” or “archer,” representing strength and resilience.

164. Zélie

A diminutive of Azélie, this name signifies “dedicated to God,” symbolizing devotion and faithfulness. Zélie is an excellent choice if you are looking for rare names!

165. Zoé

With Greek origins, this popular French girl’s names means “life” or “vitality,” embodying energy and vivacity.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this diverse list of French baby girl names and their fascinating meanings.

Didn’t find the right name for your little girl?

Don’t fret! I’ve got plenty more baby name lists that can provide further inspiration. Feel free to explore and dive deeper into the wonderful world of baby names. Trust me, the perfect name is out there waiting for you to discover it.

5 Tips to Keep Your Baby Warm at Night During the Cold Winter Nights

Lorena — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 17:00:00 +0000

As temperatures drop, the task of keeping your little one warm becomes increasingly important. While my son Lennox was born in the summer, I vividly recall the adjustments we made to ensure his comfort during colder nights.

From battling with space heaters to experimenting with various clothing options, we eventually discovered a reliable system to keep him snug throughout the night.

Today, I’m excited to share our top five tips for effectively keeping your baby warm during winter nights. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or navigating this journey for the first time, these insights are designed to provide practical solutions for a restful night’s sleep for both you and your baby.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but this comes at no additional cost to you.

1. Practice Safe Sleeping Practices

The most important thing to remember when dressing your baby for nighttime sleep is to follow safe sleep guidelines.

Experts say that until a baby’s first year of life, “soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that can increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation” should be kept out of the baby’s sleep area.

So even if you are tempted to add in an extra blanket, DON’T. Absolutely no loose blankets in the bed with baby. For your baby’s safety, it is essential to follow all of the safety protocols for infant sleep. You can find more in-depth information regarding infant safe sleeping practices here at Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Here are some important highlights:

Young babies should sleep on their back for every sleep
They should sleep on a firm sleep surface
Soft objects should not be placed in the crib because it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
- No pillows, quilts, sheepskin, or loose bedding (blankets, non-fitted sheets). These all pose a suffocation hazard.
- Infant Sleep Clothing is preferred
- Avoid the use of bumper pads and crib liners

So now that we have a basis for the safe sleep guidelines, let’s look at ways to keep your baby warm once cooler weather hits.

2. Keep the temperature of the room between 65-70°

Our first winter month with Lennox was a struggle for Carlos and me. We lived on the bottom floor of an apartment complex, and let me tell you, there were lots of bone-shattering cold nights. Brr.

That’s why we ended up getting a rinky-dinky space heater, thinking that it would be a good choice to put in Lennox’s room to keep him warm.

However, that thing had a mind of its own. Sometimes we would look at the monitor, and it would have a red alert saying too hot, and at other times it was pushing into the low 60s.

I recommend that if you use a space heater, invest in a room thermometer to ensure your baby is sleeping at a comfortable temperature.

We only ended up using our space heater for a couple of days or so, during which sleep was not a thing.

Why? Well, first starters, Lennox was an extremely sensitive sleeper until seven months old. Secondly, with the space heater, we constantly checked the room temperature to make sure Lennox was okay.

My advice is to ditch the space heater unless you invest in a nice one that maintains consistent heat and is safe for a nursery.

Raisingthem.com has a whole article on safe space heaters and offers some great recommendations.’

Once we ditched the space heater, we monitored the central air in my apartment. I kept it a little higher, so that way during the nighttime, Lennox’s room would maintain a temperature of 65-70°, which is the recommended ideal room temperature for your baby’s room. [1]

Now that I live in a townhouse, it is harder to keep the upstairs heated. So to help direct heat to Lennox’s room, I close the vents to less-frequently used areas in the house.

3. Keep a humidifier running.

Now, since you will be running your heat more often, it is a good idea to keeo a humidifier plugged in and running. This will prevent your baby from getting a common cold or drying out your baby’s skin.
Lennox has Eczema, and the dry air from the heat has always triggered it even more, so our humidifier is necessary.
We have two of these Vick’s Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifiers. They are fantastic, and to this day, Lennox uses the stars that project from the humidifier as his night light.

Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Humidifier. #1 Brand Recommended by Pediatricians*. 1.2 Gal Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier for medium to large Bedrooms, Kids Rooms, and More. Use with Vicks VapoPads.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

4. Have the right fitted sheets

Since babies shouldn’t sleep with loose objects, investing in the perfect fitted sheets is vital.

An awesome mom in my mom group recommended these Soft Chenille Fitted Crib Sheets to me during Lennox’s first winter. To this day, we still put them on his toddler bed to keep him extra warm at night.

These soft chenille fitted crib sheets are soft, warm, and provide a layer of comfort to your infant’s sleep, all while following the safety protocol.

Absolute must have!

American Baby Company Heavenly Soft Chenille Fitted Crib Sheet 28" x 52", Warm and Cozy Neutral Chenille Sheet, Pink 3D Cloud, for Boys and Girls, Fits Crib and Toddler Bed mattresses

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

5. Layers, Layers, Layers to provide extra warmth

If your baby is out of the swaddle, here are some great baby clothes options to layer your baby in to keep her warm at night and to aid comfortable sleeping.

You will want a light layer of clothing, such as a short sleeve onesie for your first layer of clothing.

If you are using a sleeveless sleep-sack, you can use a long-sleeved onesie to keep your baby’s arms warm.

Make sure to keep this first layer light. You don’t want your baby overheating either.

Then, add a pair of baby socks to your baby’s feet and some sleep mittens on those cold hands.

Lastly, you can add an additional layer of either of the following options to your baby’s sleepwear.

Swaddle Blankets

Swaddles are a safe option to use for newborns until 3 months of age.

Not only do they keep newborns warm, but they help calm their Moro reflex, which gives them the feeling of being startled.

Swaddles blankets will help your baby sleep longer, as well as provides a womb-like sensation.

The first time you use a swaddle on your squirmy baby, they might not like it, but once they get used to the sensation of being wrapped, it will be very soothing for them.

Muslin blankets are a great choice if you like making your own swaddle.

If you struggle with making your own swaddle (it’s not an easy task, I don’t blame you) then try these adjustable velcro swaddle blankets.

Sleep Sacks

Sleep sacks are like a wearable blanket that keeps your baby warm without posing a suffocation risk.

You stick your baby into the sleep sack like a dress and zip it up! It’s as easy as that!

Many long-sleeved sacks also have built-in mittens to keep the baby’s hands warm. Even better, they have zippers for easy diaper changes in the middle of the night.

Here are some great options for sleep sacks below:

Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit

This product is incredible. It serves as a transition from the swaddle to normal sleep. In addition, it provides an extra layer of warmth and establishes good sleeping habits. It’s like a baby sleeping bag!

Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit - Swaddle Transition Product - Cotton - Cream - 3-6 Months

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Footed Pajamas

Footed pajamas are another great choice for keeping your baby warm, especially the fleece ones. Don’t forget to get ones that have zippers! Way easier to put on and off, and to change diapers in the middle of the night!

Well, I hope these tips and items help you. The Soft Chenille Fitted Crib Sheets are a must-have you need to get now!! I wish that I could sleep with sheets like this, but unfortunately, DH gets hot with regular sheets alone, so I am out of luck.

To wrap things up, here are some takeaway notes and extra tips:

When the colder weather hits, absolutely NO blankets in the crib with baby. Instead, dress baby in a number of layers with breathable fabrics or use one of the layering options listed above.
Keep a thermometer in your baby’s room to make sure the room stays at an ideal temperature of 65-70°.
If you bathe your baby at night, and if you baby has a lot of hair, make sure to dry hair. You don’t want your baby going to sleep with damp hair.-Keep a humidifier running to prevent your baby’s delicate skin from drying out from higher heat levels in the house.

Do you have more tips on how you keep your baby warm at night? Then share them with us in the comments below!

Understanding What is Infant Colic

Lorena — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:03:20 +0000

Today I want to share my personal story with infant son and his experience with colic.

Then, I will dive into what is infant colic, and share tips on calming colic in your newborn.

*Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor and I am not giving medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional if needed. I am mother and blogger sharing my personal experiences and opinions with the goal of helping other fellow parents.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but this comes at no additional cost to you.

Here’s my story with infant colic

If you have read any of my older posts, you know that my adorable son, Lennox, was not an easy baby. From day one of his 9.4 lb. entrance into the world via C-Section, he was a horrible sleeper (and still is to this day). He suffered from infant reflux, and breastfeeding was a straight-up battle.

Those first few weeks of his precious life sent me spiraling into a deep, dark postpartum depression. I couldn’t figure out what the hell I was doing wrong, and instead of spending the time loving my wailing infant, I was consulting Dr. Google every five seconds.

On my search history you might have found:

“Why is my baby not sleeping?”
“ Is it normal for my baby to be spitting up so much?”
“Why don’t I feel connected to my baby?”
“Is it okay not to love the newborn stage?”
“Why is my baby fussing at the breast?”

By week three, I felt that something was off with me, and I knew that to take care of Lennox properly, I needed to help myself first. After self-diagnosing myself with Postpartum Depression and confirming it with my doctor, I started to free myself from the deep dark cloud that was not allowing me to see the clarity and take the proper measures to ameliorate Lennox’s fussiness.

Did you know that 50-70 percent of women suffer from the “baby blues,” and 15 percent of these women go on to develop a more severe PPD? If this is you, you are not alone. Please reach out to your doctor and find a support group as soon as possible.c

That’s when I had a lightbulb moment and referred back to The Happiest Baby on the Block. It all made sense now. My baby was not broken. I simply needed to change the way I was doing things. Once I came to this realization and implemented Dr. Karp’s tips with Lennox, I knew what the underlying issue was, and I became an expert on how to take charge of his colicky moments.

I would love to share Dr. Karp’s main points with you. However, I highly recommend buying this book and reading it entirely because it is genuinely so useful for understanding the myths and theories of colic and how to combat it.

Keep reading below to understand more about colic and tips on how to survive it.

What is Infant Colic?

Colic is a very mysterious and undefined term. According to Mayoclinic.org, “colic is frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant.”

The key term here is healthy. Baby is eating, sleeping (maybe), peeing, pooping, growing, (read more about healthy babies here), but for some reason, she has crying spouts throughout the day that can last hours.

When Lennox was born, he was the most charming baby during the daytime. All of a sudden, the clock strikes 7 pm, and it was nonstop crying. There were pauses in between, but I couldn’t figure out any method to make it stop until he would finally fall asleep for the night—sorry, I mean the next 45 minutes, all to start the screaming over again.

This cycle happened All. Night. Long.

I remember when Lennox would finally fall asleep, I would lay in bed scared even to attempt to close my eyes because I knew he would start screaming bloody murder, and I would have to start the whole process over again.

It was scary, and it was absolutely exhausting. Having a baby in itself is tiring, but having a colicky baby is out-of-this-world exhausting. I was in pure survival mode.

You best bet that when I heard family or peers talked about how their baby was “sleeping through the night”—a concept I still do not understand and Lennox is almost three!—I would grit my teeth and imagine poking their eye out with a skewer. Okay, not really, but maybe.

Please don’t get me started about when everyone and their mothers visited and tried to help during a screaming spout only to realize it made the situation worse. They would graciously say goodbye exit as quickly as possible. I can’t imagine what they were thinking. All I know is that their visits became near to extinct.

This, my friends, is infant Colic at its colicky finest…

If you are reading this, and relate to this story, do not fret, because I am here to highlight Karp’s most essential points about Colic and give you some reaffirmation and tips on how to deal with a colicky baby,

But first, I want to start with one of the most encouraging quotes from Karp’s book. “If you have a challenging baby, don’t lose heart. These kids often become the sweetest and most enthusiastic children on the block!” (Karp, 59).

What is infant Colic according to Dr. Harp?

In chapter three of The Happiest Baby on the Block, Karp goes into the five theories of Colic that have emerged over the generations. They are the following:

Theories of Colic over the generations

Gas, constipation, and overactive intestines.
Food sensitivities and stomach acid reflux
Maternal anxiety
A baby’s immature brain
A challenging temperament

He goes into further detail of each of these theories and explains how each theory may be the cause of the baby’s crying throughout the day, but is not the underlying cause of Colic.

His arguments reveal that Colic happens during a specific timeframe, usually around two weeks past the due date until months three or four.

Karp emphasizes the start being two weeks past the due date because even in situations with premature babies, Colic does not typically begin until two weeks past their due date.

Therefore, if a baby were to incessantly cry from tummy issues or because she has an intense temperament, why would the crying stop after a precise time frame?

He also argues that Colic is much worse in the evening, also known as witching hour. Then, if tummy troubles (gas, constipation, food sensitives, reflux) were the issue, the baby would be crying at all times of the day.

Another one of Karp’s arguments is that there are many cultures around the world where Colic is not a thing. These babies, too, experience stomach issues, and some are born early; however, it is very uncommon for these babies to have screaming fits for hours.

His last point is that the colicky crying highly improves when the baby is rocked or held. This, in turn cause more damage to an infant suffering from tummy issues.

Enough already, tell me what is infant colic!!

Thank you for making it to this point. Karp has so many interesting points in his book. I could keep writing and writing about them all. But, to answer your question, he theorizes that:

Colic exists because of the missing fourth trimester.

He offers a history of evolution and how our ancestor’s babies grew to have bigger and bigger heads. To ensure proper delivery and safety of the mother, babies were born earlier.

Due to this earlier delivery, mothers learned how to protect their immature babies outside of the womb. By imitating the womb on earthside through slings, warm clothing, and cuddling…

(again, read this book to know more fascinating facts!!)

Karp argues that over the past century in the United States, parents have stopped cuddling their babies due to bad expert advice that it will spoil the child.

I can also add that living in a high-driven capitalistic society requires the participation of both parents to work to maintain a living. The short maternity leave given does not allow the mother sufficient time to be with her baby during the fourth trimester.

Also, the idea of a village family has become extinct. Grandparents, who once used to look after the grandkids, also have to work to stay afloat.

This explains Karp’s theory about colic-free cultures, where mother’s and women (village family) hold their infants for 24-hours a day. You read right. 24 hours a day.

This may sound bizarre, but I agree entirely. Having a first generational LARGE immigrant family (well in-laws), I have witnessed this phenomenon first-hand.

The majority of Carlos’ (hubby) family live under one roof. The seven youngest babies, that I have seen grow up, were almost always held. They also co-slept, were breastfed into toddler years, and they hardly ever fussed.

Meanwhile, Carlos and I live alone with little to no help with Lennox. Having to carry out daily life responsibilities, plus having postpartum depression restricted me from giving Lennox exactly what he needed. A fourth trimester.

But once I took reigns of my postpartum depression and got treated. I put Karp’s “ancient art of soothing” tips to work, and Lennox’s colic slowly disappeared.

How to “turn infant Colic off” through Karp’s Ancient Art of Soothing

Karp says that a way to combat Colic is to create a resemblance of life inside the womb for your baby. This is done by implementing the “5 S’s” during times when your baby is inconsolable. (93)

The “5 S’s” are:

Swaddling
Side/Stomach
Shhhhing
Swinging
Sucking

Karp goes into these “5 S’s” in the whole second part of his book, but I will mention them briefly to give an idea. Combining all five of these will work as an off-switch to your baby’s cries, and trust me, it works. It got me out of the fourth trimester alive and sane.

Step 1: Swaddle

The first step is to swaddle your baby, which will calm your baby’s reflexes. This will soothe the baby’s Moro reflex, or the falling reflex which according to Karp “ your baby’s arms shoot out and around, as if he’s trying to group hold of you.” (92)

Lennox has a strong Moro reflex until around four months of age (end of the fourth trimester!!) See picture below.

This reflex would instantly put Lennox into tears, which is why swaddling was a lifesaver for us.

Step 2: Put baby on side

Once your baby is swaddled, you then want to place her on her side in your arms. Similar to the way I am holding Lennox in the picture below.

Step 3: SHHHHHHHH

Thirdly, you want to make a LOUD sssshhhhhhh noise, or use a white noise machine, which will resemble the sound of the womb.

Step 4: Rock a Bye Baby

Swing your baby, or if you have a intense baby, rock/bounce her. The more intense the baby, the louder the shhhhing and the rocking needs to be.

Often times, once I got Lennox calmed and asleep with all the steps, I would put him in the Mamaroo or Rock n Play, where he took some of his most profound naps.

A lifesaver for our reflux baby!

4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Step 5: Suck

Lastly, the baby needs to suck, whether it be the breast, or a pacifier. Often times, I bounced Lennox, on his side, swaddled, with white noise, all while holding his pacifier. I know, it seems like a lot, but it becomes second nature, and after the first few calming attempts, your baby will catch on will melt into a womb wonderland.

To sum things up…

Lennox was an intense baby, who had a hard time maintaining what Karp terms “state control”, the ability to shut off when he was overstimulated or under-stimulated. (51). The “5 S’s” helped him turn off and finally be able to settle down.

After implementing these tips, Lennox started to sleep better, and once I created a steady eat, play, sleep routine for him, he turned into a completely different baby.

With that being said, Lennox is still so intense, and maybe even more now as a toddler. But, he is so full of personality and joy, and I can tell you one thing for sure, he keeps me on my toes. He is a real jokester and has charisma for days. Even though he gave me a lot of sleepless nights during his colicky days, he taught me so much about babies and I grew so much as a person myself. That’s why I am so happy to share this story with you today.

Today, I can confidently tell you that I am ready for baby number two. I will be so much more prepared this time regardless if I am blessed with another intense baby, or a sleeping beauty.

Thank you for reading, and mama, if you are suffering from a colicky infant, just remember the time really does go by so quickly, but give these tricks a try and you might see a huge difference!!

Thanks for reading friends! Please comment below with any questions or comments!!!

The post Understanding What is Infant Colic appeared first on Bilingual Beginnings.

4 Ways to Have a Family Fun Day in the Snow with Your Baby This Winter

Lorena — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 19:50:51 +0000

Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy this snow this winter!

I love the outdoors. It doesn’t matter if its sunny, rainy, windy or snowy, you cannot keep me trapped indoors.

I want to pass this on to my son by exposing him to outdoor time as much as possible, no matter what the weather is!

In this post, I want to share four fun ways to safely have fun in the snow with your baby this winter!

Enjoy. Tag me on Instagram using the handle @lorenaylennox if you try any of these ideas!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but this comes at no additional cost to you.

Before having fun with baby in the snow, you need appropriate snow attire

Before taking your baby into the snow you need appropriate attire to protect them from the cold. I recommend dressing your baby in loose, long-sleeved layers. When Lennox was a baby, I dressed him in a onesie, then I put him in a long sleeved-shirt and pants. I put on two pairs of socks, and lastly a water resistant snowsuit.

Here are some recommended snowsuits. I personally enjoy the snowsuits with the footies and mittens, but if your baby is walking, you will want to buy a snow suit with no footies so you can put on snow boots for extra protection from the cold snow.

Water proof Snowsuits:

Below you can find a list of recommended snowsuits for your baby this winter!

Snow hats

Hats are important for maintaining body heat. A hat that covers the ears is essentials. On top of that hat, use the hood of the snowsuit.

Snow Boots

As I mentioned above, if your snowsuit has the footies, the double pair of socks as well as the footies from the snow suit will do the trick to keep your babies feet warm. They won’t be putting their feet directly on the ground so that is okay.

If they are walking, snow boots are a must. Below you can find some recommended baby and toddler snow boots.

Four ways to have fun with baby in the snow

1. A magical sled ride

Lennox’s first snowfall was about two inches, so I wasn’t worried about him getting too friendly with the snow. We had recently purchased this sled from Costco, so the first thing we did was take Lennox for a ride. We put him on his back and his belly and let him visually experience the snow. He was a little curious at first but enjoyed the change of scenery.

On our magical sled ride, we also had our two fur babies with us and Lennox loved watching them jump around like snow bunnies.

2. A laundry basket isn’t only for laundry!

To give Lennox a little more hands-on sensory experience with the snow, we propped him up in a laundry basket. Even though Lennox already mastered sitting up, the snowsuit made it difficult for him to do so. Therefore the basket helped keep him propped up. We put in some toys and added some snow. He loved it.

The basket keeps a layer in between baby and snow to avoid your baby from getting cold. You could also add a blanket in the basket for even more warmth.

It also gave us some time to indulge in our adultness with free hands and enjoy everything the snow has to offer: snowball fights/ building a snowman/ making snow angel etc.

If you can’t tell, we love snow. We were making it a family tradition even before we were a family. Check out these throwbacks from 2012!

3. Creative Carlos’ Snowmobile

Later on during Lennox’s first winter, we got a massive snowfall. Now that Lennox had already experienced our family snow tradition, it was ready to graduate him to be a sled master.

Carlos is the creative mind in our family. He is always coming up with hacks and fun ways to entertain Lennox. If you haven’t checked out his bath hack, do so here!

Well, he decided to take the Summer 3-Stage Deluxe SuperSeat and put a rope through the two tiny holes that are on each side and tie them onto the handles of the sled. The seat was very tightly and securely fastened onto the sled. Carlos is also a knot master, so I am not sure how he tied his knots.

Disclaimer: *This hack is not safe by any means. Please do not do this snow hack and send your baby down a hill by himself. Big no, no. However, if you would like to take your baby on a (slow) pleasure ride, it worked very nicely.

4. Down the hill we go

Lastly, Carlos took Lennox on his first ride down a hill, making sure he held onto him very tight. Lennox has a blast and kept asking for more. See video below =)

Thank you so much for reading. The snow will be here before we know it, so make sure you get out there and make some great memories.

Thank you for reading how we had fun in the in the snow with out baby! Now, go have some fun in the snow with yours!

Baby Led Weaning Must Have Products

Lorena — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 05:01:53 +0000

Inside this post you can find all of the baby led weaning must haves, from the utensils, highchairs, and safety essentials.

Welcome back to the last question in my 10 questions and answer series about baby led weaning. In this question, mamas answered: “What were some of your favorite products for baby led weaning?”

To see their answers, keep reading =)

First, I will show some products that were extremely useful in our baby led weaning journey.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but this comes at no additional cost to you.

Le Highchair

The essential item to have for baby led weaning is a good high chair. I am very whimsical and easily distracted by appearance over quality. Since Lennox had a mint theme going on in his nursery, I thought it would be cute also to buy a mint-colored high chair. Well, that was a stupid decision on my behalf, because the highchair featured in the picture below sucks. Don’t buy it, just don’t.

The point of this post isn’t to trash talk our highchair, but if you are curious as to why I loathe this highchair, you can ask me in the comments below =)

Anyhow, for my next babe, I will definitely get a more practical highchair. My friend has the Chicco Progress Relax Highchair, and I love it. It grows five times with your baby! Also, It has a newborn recliner with a toy bar and an infant high chair, a toddler booster, a big kid booster, and lastly, it turns into a kid stool. Pretty cool, huh?

The Chicco Progress Relax Highchair is a bit on the pricey side, so my next recommended highchair is Ikea’s Antilop Highchair. Not only is it minimalistic, but it is ridiculously cheap. At Ikea it is $19.99. That’s a steal.

My favorite part about this high chair (see picture above) is that it is not so “high as normal highchairs. This is great for baby led weaning because your baby should partake in family mealtimes, and that can be hard when he is sitting way higher than the table height.

If you do not have an Ikea near you, don’t fret. Amazon carries this high chair. It is a bit more expensive, but hey you’re getting two-day shipping, and saving gas!

Les bibs

Another important thing to have ready are bibs. One of the only downsides about baby led weaning is that it gets messy, so it’s important to have bibs on hand. Here are some of my favs, but I am not gonna lie, I’m one of those moms whose child is always naked, so if you are in my boat, then you might not need the bibs so much =)

Small shop, BibaDo, has some of the best bibs I have ever used. Not only is their material super soft, but the fabrics are adorable.

They were kind enough to let us try two of their bibs. The first bib they sent us was the Double Dribble bib which is perfect for babies. Especially teething babies.

It has one two layers to it made out o 95% absorbent bamboo fabric. The first layer is meant to catch the food and protect the clothing. The second layer is to protect your baby’s chin from getting a rash due to irritation from a wet bib.

Now that Lennox has passed his drooling years, I have tucked the Double Dribble bib away for our next baby led weaner. Lennox did have fun touching and playing wth the soft fabric. See for yourself below.

This Catch-It-All Coverall is my absolute favorite. It still fits Lennox at almost three years old. Now, we use it for more than just eating. We use it for arts and crafts as well as haircuts! It’s amazing.

Below are a list of some other bibs that I really liked:

Les Utensils

It is crucial to introduce utensils to your baby at a young age because they will be feeding themselves. At first, they will use their hands, but once they start getting better fine motor control with their hands, utensils will come in handy. By seven months, Lennox was already feeding himself yogurt on a spoon. I was impressed.

*Remember, don’t confuse them by hand feeding them. Baby led weaning is all about the baby feeding himself, all by himself.

Related: Purees and Baby Led Weaning

Here are great Utensils for baby led weaning.

Le tableware

With infants, it is easiest to serve the food directly on the high chair top or tabletop. However, plates can come in handy for separating foods or attempting to contain the mess. Good luck!

With toddlers, I recommend tableware that suctions to the table because if your toddler is anything like mine, you never know when a plate will go flying across the room. Watch out!

Here are some recommended tableware items.

Out & About

Lastly, we dine out quite frequently, these disposable placemat stickers will help your baby led weaning experience on the go!

What did other mamas say about there baby led weaning must haves?

Kassandra at Adelaideandi

I really love OXO forks and spoons. The forks and curved and food stays on them well for the early fork days, and the spoons are pretty deep as far as baby spoons go, so they’re a lot easier to get food to stay on as well.

Taylor at Mindful.mom_ents

We quickly transitioned out of a high chair, he loves sitting at his IKEA table. I detest high chairs with any sort of fabric on them. Grabease spoons are nice to transition to.

Emily at This Crazy Maze

We honestly haven’t used any special products. We got bibs from the baby shower. My son sits in my lap to eat.

Sheridan M.

E-Z mini mats for plates and grabease utensils, but really we don’t use a lot of gear

Brooke at Simply Well Family

Fisher-price makes a booster seat with a removable tray that I liked using. IKEA also has a variety of baby & toddler sized utensils and dinner ware that I like.

Thank you so much for staying tuned for this baby led weaning Q & A Series. Nine months ago, I started this series, and back then, it seemed like we were still doing baby led weaning. Now, I can’t exactly call It baby led weaning anymore because, well, Lennox is a big preschooler.

I hope you enjoyed this series and got some insight into the ins and outs of what baby led weaning is. I hope it helps you to help your child become an excellent eater as it did with Lennox.

The post Baby Led Weaning Must Have Products appeared first on Bilingual Beginnings.

Benefits of Baby Led Weaning

Lorena — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 03:43:37 +0000

Inside: Starting solids with your baby? This post will go into four benefits of choosing the baby led weaning with your baby.

Welcome back to the Mamas Tell All: 10 Q & A Baby Led Weaning Series.

Today, I want to go into four benefits of baby led weaning.

I will start with offering the benefits my son has received from doing baby led weaning. At the end, you can read the baby led benefits from other mamas who have embarked on their baby led weaning journey.

Did you do baby led weaning? If so, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but this comes at no additional cost to you.

1. Baby led Weaning encourages Courageous Eating

Once Lennox hit six-months of age and started baby led weaning, he has tried an array of foods.

From his first foods, avocado and fruits, to chicken and seafood, there were very few limitations on what we could give Lennox. To see what you should not offer during baby led weaning, click here.

Not only did Lennox develop a rich palate for a diversity of foods, but he learned to appreciate different food textures, colors, feels, smells.

Exposing him to different foods, with different textures is the reason today, at two-years-old, I can serve Lennox dinner, and he will gladly try everything on his plate. There are times that he doesn’t like something, and that is completely fine. However, he is not hesitant to try new things. I love that about him, and it makes my life a little easier because I do not have to worry about preparing separate meals for him.

Photo Credit: tatyana_tomsickova at Getty Images Pro

2. Baby led weaning encourages intimate family time and socialization

Since it is recommended that baby led weaning take place around the dinner table, for us, it has forced us to allocate a special part of our day to mealtimes and family socialization. This forces us give the phone and TV a break, and create genuine family memories. This brings me to my next point.

3. Baby led weaning facilitates dining out experiences

Since Lennox is used to having a mealtime routine, this makes going out to eat a lot easier. NOW, that does not mean that Lennox is an angel when we go out and about because that is FAR from the truth. In fact, he’s quite the terror. However, as soon as Lennox has food in front of him, the scenario changes.

Also, from a financial perspective, we save money going out to eat because since Lennox is such a courageous eater, he shares food with Carlos or me.

Photo Credit: tatyana_tomsickova at Getty Images Pro

4. Baby led weaning allows parents to eat at the same time

This is the best part. Since Lennox started BLW, I have hardly had to feed him. He feeds himself and insists on feeding himself. It’s beautiful to be able to eat my own food, and also to watch him develop his fine-motor skills using utensils.

These are four awesome beneficial impacts baby led weaning has had on Lennox. Let’s see what the other mamas said.

Let’s see what these mamas have to say when I asked them about the benefits of baby led weaning

Kassandra at Adelaideandi

Adelaide is definitely the opposite of picky and will eat pretty well whatever is put in front of her. I never have to worry when we are out to eat because there’s always something on the menu she’ll like!

She’s a really great eater and is not picky at all besides a handful of veggies she has never liked. She has days where all she wants is peanut butter toast, but don’t we all?

Taylor at Mindful.mom_ents

Russell is pretty good at trying new things and eating clean. I think it’s great for fostering independence and works well with our Montessori style of learning

Like a normal toddler – likes something one day, doesn’t want it the next. Sometimes isn’t too hungry but likes to snack all day. But he does sit down at his table and eats things with a utensil well and doesn’t just play in his food.

Photo Credit: tatyana_tomsickova at Getty Images Pro

Jessica at HeyMamaJess

My son developed his pincer grasp very early. He also is a pro at using silverware at 18 months, like a 30 year old haha

Emily at This Crazy Maze

My son is independent and actually eats really well for his age!

He just turned 1 and he eats with his hands (I JUST bought baby sized utensils… oops) but he eats everything and wants to eat everything!

Sheridan M.

My children are very adventurous eaters and love sharing meals with family.

Both have a great variety of fruits and veggies they eat, 2 is teething and picky right now, but stills eats veggies!

Brooke at Simply Well Family

My children benefited from being able to taste multiple foods at each meal.

They are good eaters today. My oldest is willing to at least taste whatever I offer while my second enjoys every fruit & vegetable offered to him.

Lastly, I want to get the results from question 10, If you had the option to do baby led weaning again, or with your next child, would/will you do baby led weaning again?

Thank you for reading this series. I hope it has helped you with your weaning journey. Please feel free to reach out to me for any questions. Follow us on social media for daily toddler tantrums and activities.

The post Benefits of Baby Led Weaning appeared first on Bilingual Beginnings.

Pros and Cons of Baby Led Weaning

Lorena — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 22:13:30 +0000

Today, I want to go into the pros and cons of baby led weaning.

First, I will start with the pros and cons of my personal baby led weaning experience. Then, you can read the pros and cons from other mamas who have embarked on their baby led weaning journey.

Did you do baby led weaning? If so, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Pros of Baby Led Weaning:

1. Encourages better eating. Your child will most likely be less picky eaters.

This is why I praise baby led weaning the most. Lennox took to baby led weaning very well. He enjoyed trying new foods every day and very rarely did he not like something. His adventurous eating carried over into toddlerhood.

I am curious to see how Lennox’s palate would be today if we would have continued down the puree path. We originally started Lennox off with homemade purees at four-months-old and what’s interesting is that he despised carrots. However, once we stopped purees and started baby led weaning, carrots became one of his favorite foods.

2. Increases motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

It allows your baby to use all of her senses while eating and exploring with different colors, textures, and shapes.

Once Lennox started baby led weaning at six months…

he loved being able to grab at his own food and bring it to his mouth. It improved his eye-hand coordination, as well as fine-motor skills. It was an awesome experience being able to watch Lennox develop and learn new skills each day.

For a baby…

eating is so novel, every part of it; the different types of foods, their tastes, learning how to chew, how to hold the food, use utensils, etc.. They need to be able to have the liberty to play around and understand their food to promote healthy eating skills

3. It allows your baby to decide when he is done eating, promoting appetite control.

Since the baby is in control of his eating, baby led weaning allows the baby time to digest and feel full, unlike purees, which are fed to the baby. A baby could feel too full if fed a puree too quickly which could put him in an uncomfortable state, especially if he has Gastroesophageal Reflux.

4. It allows your child to take an active part in mealtime and encourages socialization.

5. It is less time consuming.

You offer your baby exactly (minus the condiments) what you are eating, eliminating the mess and time of having to blend purees.

6. It teaches independence and confidence.

Photo Credit: Natalila Denabina at Getty Images Pro

7. It allows you, mom, dad or guardian, to be hands-free and enjoy your food while baby enjoys hers.

8. It encourages healthier eating on behalf of the parent.

At least for me, anyways. I wanted Lennox to be a healthy eater so in order to do that I had to change my bad eating habits at mealtime.

9. It’s cheaper than store-bought purees.

Since day 1 of our baby led weaning process, meals always happened at the table, together. It was a sacred time of enjoying and exploring our food.

While Lennox benefited socially and nutritionally from eating around the table, I benefited also because I was able take a much-needed break to sit down to enjoy a meal with Lennox. I started noticing myself enjoying my food, instead of inhaling it.

Furthermore, I started cooking healthier items. I wanted Lennox to eat healthily, so in turn, I had to change my bad eating ways.

It was less time consuming as well because I was only preparing one meal each time, instead of having to blend purees.

Furthermore, I could enjoy my meal because I didn’t have to feed Lennox. He was feeding himself! The only thing I had to do separately for Lennox was cut his food differently, and not add any condiments.

10. It aids your baby in understanding what is edible and what isn’t.

Cons of Baby Led Weaning

1. It’s extremely messy

I recommend using a plastic wipe-clean bib or even better, let your baby eat in just a diaper.

Photo Credit: Evgenyatamanenjo at Getty Images Pro

2. The reactions of family members and bystanders

The older generations and people who think they know it all will constantly nag you that your baby is too young to be eating this type of food or is going to choke. You do you, mama. You know your baby the best.

3. My hypothesis: baby led weaning may make teething more uncomfortable

I am not sure if this is BLW-related or not— or if Lennox just has stubborn teeth— but, I hypothesize that baby led weaning makes the baby’s gums harder from chewing solids so early on.

This might cause teething to be a bit more difficult for them if their teeth are late bloomers.

Has anyone else experienced this? Comment below and share your experience, if so.

What other mamas think about the pros and cons of BLW

Kassandra at Adelaideandi

I love how fun it is! Seeing Adelaide’s reaction to new foods is the best. I hated (and still do sometimes) how messy it can be!

Taylor at Mindful.mom_ents

I don’t really dislike anything, it made it easy when cooking dinner and made me make better choices for myself as well. Reading labels is key… just because baby eats what you eat doesn’t mean they should be eating the processed, pre packaged food available.

Jessica at HeyMamaJess

My son is a good eater. Dislike the mess!

Emily at This Crazy Maze

Overall, I like BLW. It is messy so I really don’t like feeding my son solid foods. Breastfeeding is just so easy! And I’m super picky about organic food – trying to keep my son organic for the first 2 years, but it’s tough when I don’t always eat as good as I should.

Sheridan M.

It’s so easy! No need to pack baby specific food, they can always eat off my plate at restaurants and they have both been great eaters of fruits of veggies

Brooke at Simply Well Family

Baby-led weaning is natural for babies. I like that children are introduced to a variety of food textures & colors with baby-led weaning. I also like that it helps to foster independence, since children feed themselves instead of relying on a caregiver to spoon feed them purées.

The post Pros and Cons of Baby Led Weaning appeared first on Bilingual Beginnings.

What to Know About Purees and Baby Led Weaning

Lorena — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 03:11:00 +0000

Inside: Weigh the pros and cons between purees or baby led weaning, and information about combining them.

Is your baby starting to take interest in your food? Well, once you get the go ahead from you pediatrician, it’s time to make a big decision, will you give your baby purees, or do baby led weaning?

You might be wondering what is baby led weaning? Or, maybe you want to combine them and do both!

Regardless, this post will answer some of your questions about purees and baby led weaning and hopefully guide you into the right decision for your family!

I will start by telling you a little bit about my personal experience with both purees and baby led weaning. Then, at the end of the post, some other seasoned baby led weaning mamas will share their experiences too!

Did you do baby led weaning? If so, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Our experience with purees and baby led weaning

We stated with purees

If you read my post What were some of the first foods you offered, you know we began giving Lennox homemade purees when he was 4.5 months old.

He was already sitting up and was grabbing at our food, so we decided to give it a try.

His first purée was apples mixed with breastmilk. He loved it.

Then, we switched to carrots because Lennox’s pediatrician recommended that we start with vegetables to avoid Lennox becoming accustomed to the sweetness in fruit. Side note, he hated pureed carrots. This is interesting because during BLW and now as a toddler, carrots are one of his favorite snacks.

Photo Credit: Getty Images Pro

Then we switched to baby led weaning.

It was one of our best parenting decisions

It was right about the time that Lennox suffered through pureed carrots that some online mom friends introduced me to the baby led weaning phenomenon.

I was sold. Immediately, I ditched the spoons and threw away my stash of frozen purees. It was a fabulous decision, and I don’t regret it one bit. See the adorable video below of Lennox thinking he is about to get a yummy treat, only to find out its carrots 😀

Here is a cute video of Lennox eating pureed carrots.

What to do if you already started purees with your baby, but want to switch to baby led weaning?

Give your baby a week break in between

After stopping purees, we gave Lennox a week off from solids to reset his mind and tongue-thrust and then, we embarked on our baby led weaning journey.

For the first few weeks, we did not use purees to avoid confusion. Once Lennox was getting used to exploring new food items, I slowly reintroduced purees again, mostly as a snack when we were out and about.

This purée experience was different than the first because this time around, Lennox was in control of his eating, whereas before I spoon fed him.

If you want to have a combination of purees and BLW, allow your baby to self-feed the purees

Once I reintroduced the purées, Lennox still didn’t have complete control over his hands so I would put some of the puree on a spoon, set it in front of Lennox, and let him bring it to his own mouth. Or, I would allow him to play around and have some sensory fun with his mush. He enjoyed making a mess.

Overall, the vast majority of the time, Lennox was uninterested in the pureed foods so, we eventually stopped using them.

To wrap thing up, if you are deciding to do baby led weaning and are not sure whether or not to offer purees, Feeding Bytes offers a comprehensive post about the combination of both weaning methods here.

In my personal opinion, each baby is different, and you, mama, know your babe the best.

Do what feels best for you and your baby. All I can say is that you should give BLW a go because it is so nutritionally and educationally beneficial for your baby.

Check out the other mama’s responses below.

Kassandra at Adelaideandi

I did both purees and baby led weaning – we adults eat stuff like soup and mashed potato so I felt it appropriate that she should eat everything too! I never purées and solids at the same meal though, as I feel that’s what can confuse babies and lead to scares.

Taylor at Mindful.mom_ents

No purées, if my son had something soft like mashed potatoes, he fed himself.

Jessica at HeyMamaJess

We did not do purees. Not until after 1 we started giving yogurt.

Emily at This Crazy Maze

We would use mashed up food sometimes and we have used those baby food pouches a few times (like, less than 5) when we have gone out to eat. It did not cause any confusion.

Sheridan M.

We did some purees for my 1st, it never caused confusion, she also didn’t have a problem with being spoon fed occasionally

Brooke at Simply Well Family

None of my children have been given purées. Though my oldest enjoyed softened apple chunks. At 9 years old he still prefers apple sauce over whole apples.

Thank you for reading. Go get your baby led weaning on! You might be surprised by the results!

Learn more about baby led weaning:

The post What to Know About Purees and Baby Led Weaning appeared first on Bilingual Beginnings.

Baby Led Weaning Scares

Lorena — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 04:47:42 +0000

Baby led weaning might seem scary to do for the first time mom. In this post, moms will share some of their baby led weaning scares.

Today I want to share some baby led weaning scares that I have experienced in my son’s baby led weaning journey.

Then, I will share some other mama’s baby led weaning scares at the end of the post.

Did you do baby led weaning? If so, let us know your experience in the comments below!

My own personal baby led weaning scares

Choking was one of my biggest fears upon starting the baby led weaning process.

I remember before learning about BLW, one of my close friends who has a little girl a month older than Lennox, gave her six-month-old daughter a whole piece of steamed broccoli. I was in disbelief! How was she so comfortable giving her infant an entire piece of cooked broccoli? She’s was for sure going to choke!

At that point, Lennox was five-months-old, and I had begun giving him some homemade purées because he was extremely interested in table food.

Shortly after, I discovered what baby led weaning was and I knew I immediately wanted to change routes. My ultimate goal was to have Lennox be a fantastic eater, and baby led weaning seemed like it would promote healthier and more independent eating. So, I stopped the purées, let him reset for a week, and then we embarked on our BLW journey.

Lennox took to his first foods like a champ and the more foods we introduced, the more comfortable I felt. Of course, with baby led weaning comes the natural reaction of gagging which can be terrifying for a parent who may think that their baby is choking. However, that is most likely not the case. In my introductory post on BLW, I go more into choking versus gagging and mention foods that pose choking hazards.

Family Style Nutrition says:

Basically, if baby gags but keeps on happily eating and shows no signs of distress, everything is fine. You will know if she’s choking because her eyes will get wide, she won’t be getting any air and she will stop eating. This NEVER happened with either of my children and is highly unlikely with Baby Led Weaning.

Lennox gagged A LOT, and as scary as it was at times, I believe it was an educational process for him because he learned how much food he can adequately fit into his mouth, and how much he can comfortably swallow.

As an infant, Lennox never had a choking scare. However; a couple of months ago, when he was around 22 months or so, he did start to choke on one of his favorite foods; edamame, as he accidentally got some of the shell into his throat.

I could tell that this time it wasn’t his normal, I put too much food into my mouth, let me gag it out. This time he seemed worried and was having trouble breathing. I immediately put Lennox on my forearm and gave him a firm blow between the shoulder blades. After a couple coughs the edamame shell came back up.

Lennox is usually a champ at eating edamame, but I am glad that I was with him so that I could prevent further damage. It is vital that you are always present when your baby is eating, and to make sure you are preparing your baby’s food in the appropriate manner.

Sarah Remmer offers great tips for choking in her post Choking and Baby-Led Weaning: What You Need to Know. Most importantly, it’s vital to know what to do if your baby starts to show signs of choking.

This post is not to scare you or to prevent you from doing baby led weaning. In my opinion, baby led weaning was one of the best things I did for Lennox because today he is a healthy eater and does not hesitate to try anything!

Let’s hear what other mamas have to say about their negative experiences or fears during the baby led weaning process. Enjoy, and if you are a mama who did baby led weaning, please share your story with us through the button below.

Did you experience any baby led weaning scares?

Kassandra at Adelaideandi

Yes, for sure. She started choking once but got it up herself before I intervened.

Taylor at Mindful.mom_ents

I knew what to look for and could tell the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging would make me nervous, but I wouldn’t interfere. One time he did begin actually choking, and I quickly held him down at an angle and delivered angled hits in between the shoulder blades to expel it, and it worked within a few seconds.

Jessica at HeyMamaJess

It’s scary at first but once you realize gagging is natural it gets easier.

Emily at This Crazy Maze

The gagging was kind of scary in the beginning, especially when other people were around. It was also tough when he would gag, and we would be out to eat because I wasn’t giving my 100% focus on him like I would be at home. And my husband HATED this. Everyone made me feel like my son was going to choke and die, and like it was going to be all my fault. I actually have a whole blog post about this.

Sheridan M.

A few moments that scared Dad/grandparents, but they were gagging, not choking. Scariest was a blueberry with my oldest and my mom had to suck it out of her throat (she probably was choking, I wasn’t there). We have always 1/4ed or squished them since then.

Brooke at Simply Well Family

I have not had any negative experiences with baby-led weaning.

Thank you for reading. We hope you still feel encouraged to try baby led weaning. It really is a fantastic and interactive way to encourage healthy eating.

The post Baby Led Weaning Scares appeared first on Bilingual Beginnings.

baby tips Archives - Bilingual Beginnings

105+ Old Fashioned Scottish Baby Girl Names & Their Meanings

​Most popular Scottish girl names

Scottish Baby Girl Names and their unique meanings

Scottish Baby Names for your little girl

Scottish girls names

CHECK OUT SOME MORE BABY NAME LISTS

165+ Top French Baby Girl Names With Meaning (2023)

10 French unique baby girl names inspired by famous French women

Most Popular French Baby Girl Names for 2023

165+ French Baby Girl Names

Classic French Names

Gorgeous Names for French Baby Girls

Great French Names for Your Petite Fille

Top French Names for Girls

Unique French Baby Names

Unique French Girl Names

MORE BABY NAME INSPIRATION POSTS

5 Tips to Keep Your Baby Warm at Night During the Cold Winter Nights

1. Practice Safe Sleeping Practices

Here are some important highlights:

2. Keep the temperature of the room between 65-70°

3. Keep a humidifier running.

4. Have the right fitted sheets

5. Layers, Layers, Layers to provide extra warmth

Swaddle Blankets

Sleep Sacks

Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit

Footed Pajamas

Understanding What is Infant Colic

Here’s my story with infant colic

On my search history you might have found:

What is Infant Colic?

This, my friends, is infant Colic at its colicky finest…

What is infant Colic according to Dr. Harp?

Theories of Colic over the generations

Enough already, tell me what is infant colic!!

Colic exists because of the missing fourth trimester.

How to “turn infant Colic off” through Karp’s Ancient Art of Soothing

The “5 S’s” are:

Step 1: Swaddle

Step 2: Put baby on side

Step 3: SHHHHHHHH

Step 4: Rock a Bye Baby

Step 5: Suck

To sum things up…

Related baby tips:

4 Ways to Have a Family Fun Day in the Snow with Your Baby This Winter

Before having fun with baby in the snow, you need appropriate snow attire

Water proof Snowsuits:

Snow hats

Snow Boots

Four ways to have fun with baby in the snow

1. A magical sled ride

2. A laundry basket isn’t only for laundry!

3. Creative Carlos’ Snowmobile

4. Down the hill we go

Other winter posts you might enjoy:

Baby Led Weaning Must Have Products

Le Highchair

Les bibs

Below are a list of some other bibs that I really liked:

Les Utensils

Here are great Utensils for baby led weaning.

Le tableware

Here are some recommended tableware items.

Out & About

Other important baby led weaning posts you cannot miss out on!

What did other mamas say about there baby led weaning must haves?

Kassandra at Adelaideandi

Taylor at Mindful.mom_ents

Emily at This Crazy Maze

Sheridan M.

Brooke at Simply Well Family

Benefits of Baby Led Weaning

1. Baby led Weaning encourages Courageous Eating

2. Baby led weaning encourages intimate family time and socialization

3. Baby led weaning facilitates dining out experiences

4. Baby led weaning allows parents to eat at the same time

More baby led weaning posts:

Most popular Scottish girl names