Love to Dream vs ergoPouch: baby sleep suits compared
Once your bub gets a bit older, there’s a good chance they won’t enjoy sleeping in a sleeping bag as much, especially after they start walking. But if you aren’t ready to make the move to blankets, there is an alternative: a baby sleep suit!
But which are the best baby sleep suits?
To help you figure that out, the Tell Me Baby community has rated the baby sleep suits they’ve tried, and they’ve shared their opinions on what has, or hasn’t, worked for them.
Currently, the Tell Me Baby community has reviewed baby sleep suit bags for two popular brands: Love to Dream and ergoPouch. Based on their sleepsuit reviews, we’ve compared the 2.5 tog sleepsuit for both brands.
Parents can also take a look at our sleeping bag reviews to find out the most rated products.
ergoPouch Sleep Suit Bag 2.5 Tog
Features
Made from organic cotton 400 thread count fabric
2-in-1 system – sleeping bag and sleep suit bag
4-way zipper for easy nappy (diaper) changes and transitioning to the car or pram
Stretch side panels for comfort and movement
Friendly for hips and leg movement
Grip pads on the feet
Long sleeves with foldover mitts for hands
Best for sleeping in room temperatures between 17°C and 23°
Price
$89.95
Pros
With a 4.5-star rating, parents love the ergoPouch Sleep Suit Bag 2.5 Tog. One parent said it’s so cuddly and warm, with many agreeing that it’s perfect for winter.
Another parent said: “The jersey material is beautifully soft and the quilting is perfectly snuggly and warm when the temp drops.”
Cons
One mum says her daughter finds it hard to walk in.
“I found my daughter was unable to walk when the bag was used as a suit because the “legs” are quite baggy. So she mostly used it as a bag, which she loved,” she said.
Sample review
“Perfect bedtime attire. My baby absolutely loves his sleep suits, and so do I! They’re soft, warm, and give me the peace of mind that my babe will be warm at night. He can’t kick off his covers and be chilly or get tangled in his sheets. The tog rating is great for knowing what to dress him in at night too. I have all of the tog ratings so there’s an option for every night.”
New horizontal quilting provides a snug, cosy, and loftier feel
Can be tumble dried on low for easy cleaning – plus low shrinkage!
Very versatile; can be used for sleep, play or on-the-go
Built-in legs and feet allow your child to safely move around their sleep space
Grip pads on the feet help reduce slipping
Best for sleeping in room temperatures between 16 – 20°C
Twin zipper
Feet can be covered or uncovered.
Price
$69.95
Pros
Love to Dream is the cheaper of the two. Lots of parents say their children were kept nice and warm wearing this sleep suit during winter nights and also when they get up in the morning.
Cons
Some parents found that if their child wasn’t wearing ‘the feet’, the material was a little tight around the ankles.
Sample review
“I used this for my 2 older kids last winter and they were amazing. Both my kids don’t keep blankets on at night so these suits really helped to keep them warm on those cold winter nights and mornings. The sizing is quite decent, the ones I purchased last year can be worn again this winter as my kids still have plenty of growing room. My only downfall I found was if my son wasn’t wearing the feet the material was quite tight around his ankles, however he is a chunky boy. Overall excellent product and well worth the money.”
Baby monitors have come a long way since the analog walkie-talkie-style ones were invented. Now, a top-of-the-range baby monitor comes with all the bells and whistles including video, cry detection and sleep tracking data, to name a few. These are known as smart baby monitors.
So which is the best smart baby monitor?
To help you figure that out, the Tell Me Baby community has rated the smart baby monitors they’ve tried, and they’ve shared their opinions on what has, or hasn’t, worked for them.
Here are the 3 best smart baby monitors the Tell Me Baby community loves. Each one has a rating of at least 4.7 stars out of 5 (click through to each smart baby monitor’s page to see its current ratings).
Read all the baby monitor reviews to see what other parents have said about these products. You can also see our baby monitor comparisons to find the top-rated products and tips for buying a baby monitor.
Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor
There is nothing the Cubo Ai can’t do. And with a current 4.7-star rating, it’s clear that parents are very happy with this smart monitor. The main features parents love are the Ai Baby Safety Detection, Covered Face detection, and sleep analytics.
Not a monitor as such, but a very smart feature to have for your baby. The Owlet Smart Sock wraps around your baby’s foot to track heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep using clinically-proven pulse oximetry. Lots of parents say this product gave them great peace of mind during the night.
a2 vs NAN formula: what’s the difference? It’s a question many parents ask when trying to decide on baby formula.
Tell Me Baby parents have rated baby formulas they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has or hasn’t worked for them. Based on their baby formula reviews, we’ve compared a2 Platinum Premium Infant Formula Stage 1 and Nestlé NAN COMFORT 1 to help with your buying decision.
You can also take a look at our baby formula comparisons to find other highly rated products, according to other parents.
This article contains information about infant formulas. Under the WHO Code, the information presented here is free from advertising and is based on unbiased opinions from parents.
a2 vs nan formula
Before we dive in, let’s talk about protein. There are two main types of protein found in cow’s milk-based baby formula (and breastmilk): whey and casein. Whey digests quickly while casein is digested more slowly. Whey dominant formulas are easier for younger babies to digest. Both of these formulas contain the same whey: casein ratio. Want to know more? Read everything you need to know about choosing a newborn formula.
a2 Platinum Premium Infant Formula Stage 1
Features
Protein: (whey:casein: 60:40)
The milk powder in this exclusive formulation contains only the naturally occurring A2 type of beta-casein protein to the exclusion of the A1 type of beta-casein protein, which may help support your baby’s natural digestion.
1.5 grams of protein per 100 ml
Price
$38.00 for a 900g tin.
Pros
Lots of parents said they had no issues with this formula. One sprint wrote: “I switched over to A2 after using another formula that was causing my little one some discomfort and this was truly a godsend.”
Cons
A few reviewers said this product was hard to come by and a little pricey compared to other brands. “The formula itself is pricey compared to other formulas. We had issues with availability in our area as Not all stores have it,” said a reviewer.
Example review
“After not being able to breastfeed, I tried quite a few formulas that didn’t agree with baby. Someone suggested A2 platinum and I didn’t look back. Baby became very settled after a bottle and no chucking up. Easy to make if your baby needs a quick top up it’s 50ml to one scoop so not wasting a big amount if a top up is needed. I have moved through the stages of A2 with ease and continue to use it.”
Whey dominant (whey:casein: 60:40) starter infant formula, from cow’s milk.
Innovative packaging format with a separate storage area for the scoop
A semi-transparent window that allows you to see how much powder is left in the can without having to open it.
1.4 grams of protein per 100mls
Price
$24.49 for an 800g tin.
Pros
It is the cheaper of the two products, and it has lots of positive reviews on Tell Me Baby.
Cons
Some parents say the recipe has been changed recently, and they’ve had trouble with it. But most say they haven’t had any issues. You can read more about the recipe change here.
Example review
“This is the first formula we used for our baby as he had jaundice and I couldn’t breastfeed properly being a typical new mum with absolutely zero knowledge about it. The midwife gave a green tick to it and baby approved- so a win-win. The best thing I liked about it was its scoop though, you could make 30 ml and if baby refuses not much formula is wasted.”
Fed-up mum: ‘I’m sick of people ignoring my baby’s routine!’
For many parents of babies who hate sleep, the only way to get through this really tough time is to have a consistent routine and stick to it.
But not everyone gets this.
One fed-up mum has taken to Reddit to express her frustration about people not caring about her son’s routine.
“My one-year-old has a very set schedule when it comes to naps. He’s up for two hours then he naps, wake up, up for three hours another nap, and he’s good till bedtime. It keeps him happy, it keeps me sane,” she says.
“But no one seems to care!”
The mum says that her family isn’t being respectful of her schedule.
“Grandma coming over? ‘Oh yeah I’m just getting dressed’, 40 minutes later, ‘gotta walk the dogs’, 30 minutes later ‘I’m leaving soon!’ Well great because by the time you get here he’ll be ready for a nap!” she says.
“But no you’ll want to play with him! And I’ll get to deal with an angry baby.”
Her friends aren’t much better.
“Of course on the same day, playdate mama is giving me the old, ‘Oh I don’t know when we’ll be free so just sit around all day waiting for me to text you!” the mum explains. “Because I have nothing else I could be doing on the one day this week there might be someone around to help me run errands.”
“I think they forget that we have schedules”
It seems this mum isn’t alone. Lots of parents commented saying they know exactly how she feels.
“My MIL also does not adhere to a schedule. I think it must be a retired person thing. Once we called her when she hadn’t arrived at our house on time, and she hadn’t even left her house yet. I think they forget that we have schedules that are pressing”, says one parent.
Another says: “My mum ALWAYS visits when the kids are either just about to nap or already napping and then gets all sad face about not getting to see them. We tell her when nap time is every time and it’s still somehow always a surprise.”
“He doesn’t seem tired”
Others say they have experienced something similar where people try to convince them to stray from the routine or tell them their kids aren’t tired yet.
“The ‘he doesn’t seem tired’ is the worst thing ever. No shit. Some kids don’t show major tired signs, like my son, because he’s an energetic maniac like his father,” writes one commenter.
“I’ve very recently grown more of a backbone to say no when my baby needs to sleep,” another mum chimed in. “There was a final straw incident where I let people twist my arm into taking my baby to a restaurant when I knew she was too tired (we were on vacation and it was near her bedtime). It was a nightmare, and it really stressed me out.”
We get it!
And we get it! When sleep-deprived parents weigh up the pros and cons of messing with their little one’s routine, sleep wins every.single.time. For some parents, nothing is more important than sleep. You can’t function without it. If having a strict routine is the only thing that helps everyone (including your baby) get a little bit more sleep, then it’s okay to prioritise your child’s routine without feeling guilty.
Remember: you know what’s best for your baby!
10 top songs to help your baby go to sleep (according to parents)
Music is a great way to soothe your baby at bedtime, and if your baby is anything like mine, reading a book might not be helping with the wind-down process (he eats his books).
Instead, we play some music and sing a few songs before popping him into bed.
But which songs give off the strongest sleepy vibes to help your baby drift off into the land of nod?
For us, surprisingly, the album that soothes bubs off to sleep (sometimes) is Bon Iver, their self-titled album (which is – thankfully – not annoying to listen to!).
Collecting data from Spotify, Babysense researchers checked out a bunch of baby sleep playlists to see which songs popped up the most.
Here are the top 10 lullabies for babies, according to those public playlists.
1. You Are My Sunshine (Originally performed by Jimmie Davis)
4. Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Originally performed by Elton John)
Featuring in 124 lullaby playlists, Can You Feel The Love Tonight is another Disney song from The Lion King that parents use for bedtime. Parents prefer the Rita May version over the Elton John version (for these bedtime playlists, anyway).
5. A Whole New World (Originally performed by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane)
The Purple Tulips version of this love ballad appears on 110 playlists, but it was originally written as the main theme of the 1992 Disney movie Aladdin.
6. When She Loved Me – Toy Story 2 (Originally performed by Sarah McLachlan)
The Rockabye Lullaby version of When She Loved Me features on101 baby bedtime playlists. The song was originally written by Randy Newman and performed by Sarah McLachlan for the film Toy Story 2.
Trying to teach your baby to eat like a civilised human being is no easy feat. There’s the food throwing and rubbing porridge in their hair. Not to mention the only eating with their hands. (Which is a developmental milestone, I know.)
But why do they have to throw every bowl and plate on the floor? Why!
As a result, I’ve stopped using bowls and plates altogether. Instead, I plop my son’s food straight onto the tray of the high chair. Believe it or not, this strategy means less mess for me to clean up at the end of every meal.
Recently, I wondered if I should start trying to teach him to eat food out of a bowl.
So I went in search of a suction bowl that actually suctions, and I came across this product on Tell Me Baby that some parents say actually works: the Heinz Baby Basics Unbelievabowl Suction Bowl. At the time of writing this article, it had a 3.7-star rating with parents saying it actually sticks to their high chair tray.
The Unbelievabowl has been designed to stick to non-porous surfaces such as your baby’s highchair or tabletop using a suction pad, which the bowl is the attached to.
“This suction bowl is amazing”
“This suction bowl is amazing,” wrote one reviewer. “It helps avoid my little one tipping his bowl over very good suction.”
Another parent backed up the bowl’s power of suction. “This is the perfect suction bowl. It does not come off at all. No matter how my little one tries. The suction is really strong,” they said.
“The base has a locking function to suction onto high chair surface. The bowl is a good size and it is a neat package with the spoon and lid for travel, said another reviewer.
“I love that there is a spoon”
If great suction isn’t enough, parents also love that there’s a spoon and a lid too.
“The lid is great for going out and the spoon too. A bit pricey but I think it’s worth the money. And the fact that you can take it out too,” wrote one parent.
Another said, “I love that there is a lot and spoon too, great little set when going out so baby can also sit and enjoy a meal when out. Easy to clean. Love the variety of colours.”
Watch the video below to see how it works.
The ultimate guide to newborn formula
How to choose the best newborn formula for your baby in Australia? It’s a question many new parents ask themselves when faced with a shelf full of formula tins.
Many of us choose one that our friends recommend or maybe you’ve stuck with the brand you used in the hospital without giving it a second thought. Either way, the choice can be overwhelming.
To help you make the best decision for your baby, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to choosing a formula for your newborn.
This article contains information about infant formulas. Under the WHO Code, the information presented here is free from advertising and is based on unbiased opinions from parents.
How is newborn infant formula regulated in Australia?
Infant formula is highly regulated under Standard 2.9.1 – Infant Formula Products in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The code covers all three categories of formula: infant formula, follow-on formula, and formula for special dietary use.
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand website says: “All commercially produced infant formula products available in Australia and New Zealand must comply with the composition and safety requirements outlined in the Code.
“Standard 2.9.1 specifies the mandatory nutrient content for infant formula and follow-on formula to ensure that the nutrition requirements of infants aged up to 12 months are met.”
Thanks to the code, newborn formula manufacturers must also comply with strict labeling guidelines, prohibiting some types of “claims, images, and symbols on product labels.”
The code also controls food additives in formula.
So, parents can rest easy knowing that regardless of which formula they choose, bub is going to get all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Ingredients
When choosing newborn formula, protein should be top of mind. A cow’s milk-based formula is recommended for babies under 12 months, unless they have a diagnosed milk allergy.
Whey: casein ratio
Breastmilk and cow’s milk both contain the protein whey and casein, just in different ratios.
Casein becomes clots or curds in the stomach and takes longer to digest. The Kids with Food Allergies website says the casein in cow’s milk protein is a common cause of allergy symptoms. Whereas, whey remains a liquid in the stomach and is easier to digest.
A review of key breastmilk and formula features says, “depending on the stage of milk, 80% to 50% of the protein in breastmilk is whey. The whey/casein ratio in human milk fluctuates between 70/30 and 80/20 in early lactation and decreases to 50/50 in late lactation.”
But “in cow’s milk, whey proteins represent only 18% of milk protein.”
Because of this, animal milk proteins are greatly modified so the whey: casein ratio resembles something a little closer to breastmilk.
While it’s always best to speak to your doctor when choosing a formula, if it’s for a very young baby, it might be a good idea to choose one with a higher amount of whey for easier digestion. (This might also help with gassy babies too.) The whey: casein ratio can usually be found on the tin.
Formula alternatives for diagnosed cow’s milk allergy
Babies who can’t have cow’s milk-based formula might need a special dairy-free formula. Parents should only make the switch under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
If your doctor recommends switching formula, reading baby formula reviews from parents can help when choosing a formula brand that’s right for you and your baby.
Cow’s milk-based extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF) – they are treated with enzymes to break down most of the cow’s milk proteins. But, this isn’t suitable for babies who have had anaphylaxis to cow’s milk.
Soy protein formula – Soy is an alternate protein to cow’s milk. But some babies who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy. So if you’re thinking about switching to soy formula, talk to a doctor or dietitian first.
Rice protein – Rice protein-based formula is available without a prescription. It may be used as an alternative formula to extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF) or soy protein formula.
How much protein?
In an article published in The Conversation, Dr. Rachel Laws from the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University says parents should choose a formula with the lowest amount of protein.
“For healthy full-term babies, there is little evidence to say that one formula is better than another. The only recommendation we can provide is around protein levels,” she writes.
“The Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines actually recommend choosing a formula with a lower amount of protein, as a large trial conducted in Europe found that a higher protein content of infant formula is associated with higher weight in the first two years of life.”
Protein in newborn formula ranges from 1.3-2 grams per 100ml, so try and pick one with a lower amount.
Other types of formulas:
Stage 1 or starter formulas – these are suitable for babies aged up to 6 months. Dr Laws says: “This [Infant stage 1 formula] is the only type of formula babies need until they’re 12 months old. No studies have shown any advantages in using follow-on formulas.”
Stage 2 – stage 2 or follow-on formulas often have a higher protein content, so do your research before switching.
Anti-reflux or AR formulas – these have a thickener added to help with reflux babies. Read our best formula for reflux article.
Goat’s milk – goat milk based formulas are not a suitable alternative for infants with allergies to cow’s milk based formulas unless advised by a doctor.
Organic formula – the milk used in organic formula is free of hormones, chemicals, and pesticides.
Toddler milk – toddler milk, sometimes known as follow-on formula, is a milk drink fortified with vitamins, minerals, and sometimes pre and probiotics.
Baby formula with special additives
LCPs: gold formulas have certain types of fats – long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) – added to them. Breastmilk naturally contains LCPUFAs (especially DHA and AA). Raising Children says, “It isn’t known if these added fats in formula work in the same way as those naturally found in breastmilk, or if they are absorbed as effectively.”
Betacarotene: a source of vitamin A and anti-oxidants. Most formulas already have added vitamin A and anti-oxidants.
Prebiotics and probiotics: these can help formula-fed babies grow healthy bacteria in their bowels.
Iron: all infant formulas available in Australia are iron-fortified.
Tips for choosing a baby formula
Choose a cow’s milk-based formula for under 12 months, unless diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy.
Formula prices vary and aren’t necessarily a sign of quality.
Always read the label.
Choose a formula low in protein.
Consult your doctor before switching formula brands and give your bub a few days to get used to a new one.
It might take some trial and error to find the right formula for your baby.
How to prepare formula for your baby
Prepare infant formulas according to the instructions on the formula tin. Not all formulas come with the same measurements so make your read the label carefully.
If you’re just starting out on your formula feeding journey, read our article on how to clean baby bottles so they are ready to go when your baby is hungry.
Mixed feeding
Some mums introduce formula to their babies by mixed feeding. Mixed feeding means allowing the baby to feed on the breast first and then following up with formula from a bottle. It does NOT mean mixing breastmilk and formula together in the same bottle, though. Read our article for tips on how to mix feed your baby.
What changes might I expect when introducing formula?
Your baby’s poos are going to be a lot different in both colour and smell. Take careful notice of these changes as they could indicate that the formula you have chosen might not be quite right for your baby. If you’re worried about constipation, read our best formula for constipation article.
Formula brands in Australia
Parents in the Tell Me Baby community have rated baby formulas they’ve tried and shared their opinions on what has or hasn’t worked for them. Click the links to see what our community members think of each brand.
Listening to my child whining is quite possibly the most annoying sound in the world. As a first time mum, I was caught off guard at just how bananas his whinging sends me. Especially because he’s only 10 months old can’t actually talk yet.
An enlightening article in The New York Times on the evolution of kids’ whining says children use this communication style as a tactic to get a parent’s attention – fast. And when you think about it, it’s quite genius (because it works).
The good news is that this annoying milestone is something so universal and common that all children go through, so I’m not alone.
Plus, children apparently reserve their best whiney voices for people they are emotionally attached to, which I’ll take as a compliment.
The bad news (for me) is that it’s only going to get worse once he starts talking.
Please, make it stop!
So how do you make the whining stop (once they’re talking)?
There are a couple of approaches parents can take to help reduce toddler whining. One is ignoring it. But this method comes down to a battle of wills and should only be attempted if you’re confident you can absolutely keep your cool.
Dr Dunya Poltorak, a paediatric medical psychologist, told The New York Times that yelling at your kids for whining can backfire.
“Scolding or disciplining can inadvertently reinforce the behaviour. They’re looking for a response; when they don’t get a positive response, they’ll go for the negative one,” said Dr Poltorak. So yelling may actually teach them they’ll get a response – making them do it more.
“It’s hard for me to understand you”
Here’s what you can do instead.
In a podcast episode of Raising Good Humans, developmental psychologist Dr Aliza Pressman tells parents to take a deep breath.
“Here is the problem with whining: it’s not harmful, it’s just annoying,” she says.
“It’s an annoying behaviour, and we tend to get really annoyed and then tell our kids, or show our kids, with our body language that we’re really annoyed. This prompts them to whine more because it’s kind of working,” she says.
“But if you can take a deep breath and get down on eye level and say to them, ‘I’m really trying to understand what you’re trying to say. It’s hard for me to understand when you are whining. Can you try that again in your real voice?’ They are much more likely to respond to you.”
The leg tug
Similar can be said when you’re chatting with a friend and your child is tugging on your leg.
Dr Pressman suggests saying something to your child along the lines of, “’I see you. You really want my attention right now. I’m talking to my sister but then I’m going to get to talk to you as soon as we take a break.’ And then ideally you tell them when that’s going to be.”
So as hard as it might be, the best strategy for minimising a whinging toddler might be to have no strategy at all. Simply let your child know you’ve seen them and keep calm and carry on.
Review to win one of 10 $50 gift cards!
Ten lucky winners will receive a $50 VISA gift card each – and to enter, all you have to do is leave a review of any product from 6 select brands!
Review any product from these brands between 21st April and 22nd May 2022 for an entry in the draw. Every valid review is a new entry, and there’s no limit to how many reviews you can leave.
PLUS you’ll get a bonus entry every time you leave 3+ photos of the product, too!
You’ll need to join the Tell Me Baby rewards program to take part. It’s free, and only takes a few seconds. Sign up here – you’ll be on your way to earning Coles, Kmart and Target vouchers, just for writing reviews of baby products you’ve tried.)
Tips for your reviews
As always, be honest: parents want to hear what you really think.
Only review products you’ve tried, and only include photos you have taken yourself.
All reviews must be in keeping with our review guidelines. If your review is deemed to be a copy (of someone else’s review, or a copy of your own review), or we believe you haven’t tried the product, your review will be deleted and your account suspended.
Try to answer questions other mums may have, such as: – What do you like most about the product? – Does it offer good value for money? – Would you recommend it to a friend?
When adding photos, take photos of the product, not just the packaging. Duplicate photos of the packaging/box will not be published.
The competition closes 22nd May at 11.59pm (AEST) 2022. Full terms and conditions here.
S-26 Original vs Bellamy’s Organic: infant formulas compared
When choosing a formula for your baby, we’re very lucky that here in Australia infant formula is highly regulated, which means it has to meet certain nutritional standards. But, there are a few features that vary between formulas.
If you’re tossing up between S2-6 Original and Bellamy’s Organic infant formula, we’ve put together a quick rundown of their main differences, plus what Tell Me Baby parents have said in their baby formula reviews.
Reviewers like that Bellamy’s Organic is Australian-made and certified organic. At the time of writing, this product had a 4.5-star rating on Tell Me Baby.
Cons
One parent said they are very happy with this formula, but wished it had “a space to put the scoop, i hate how it gets lost in the tin.”
It’s also expensive compared to other formulas.
Example review
“I have done mixed feeding with both of my babies and the Bellamy’s organic formula has been our go to brand from the very beginning. Both of my babies have enjoyed this formula and have never refused their top ups. The formula is more expensive than other brands, but I liked that it was Australian made as well as organic.”
At the time of writing, S-26 Original had a star rating of 4.2. Lots of parents say their bub drank this formula without any issues. They are also happy with the price.
Cons
Some parents said this formula doesn’t suit a reflux baby.
Example review
“They use this formula in the hospital – it was recommended this way to us so bub has been on this formula since day 1. We have never had any issues and it is widely available at Coles and Woolworths. Never caused any issues re: constipation or tummy upset. We will continue to use this formula.”
