Why napping outside is great for your baby

How fresh air benefits your child and what you should keep in mind as we head into the colder seasons.

Recently Annie Samples, a Denmark-based American content creator and mom of four, shared a TikTok video showing seemingly abandoned strollers with sleeping babies all over Danish cities. The video went viral and left especially American moms in a state of shock and disbelief. Spoiler alert - parents don’t actually leave their babies completely unsupervised and often keep a baby monitor and thermometer inside the stroller.

It is a common practice in many Nordic and central European countries to leave sleeping babies and toddlers in their strollers outside of cafes or restaurants while parents head inside, sip their coffee and enjoy a break. It is a popular parenting advice to take kids outside for multiple hours every day despite the cold temperatures because “fresh air is good for babies.” But what EXACTLY does being outside do for your little ones sleep and development?

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Let’s look at exactly how GOOD fresh air is for little ones.

A Finnish study on sleep quality of babies outside during the winter months (mind you, outdoor temperatures ranged between -27 and +5 degrees C there) gathered parents’ experiences. Outdoor naps are taken for granted at least once a day and here are some of the benefits the majority of parents identified: 

LONGER naps

Napping outdoors increases the quality of sleep, enabling longer naps compared to indoors, resulting in more rested babies. The study found that cold temperatures actually help extend sleeping hours assuming the baby is dressed and bundled up appropriately.

HIGHER immunity

We’ve probably all heard “it’s too cold outside, baby will catch a cold”. It is a common misconception that cold air causes infections. In reality, bacteria and viruses cause infections. If your little one stays indoors during flu season, the same air circulates throughout the house, increasing the risk of spreading the germs. When babies nap outdoors with proper clothing, they may have fewer colds and higher immunity.

BETTER circadian rhythms

Longer exposure to natural sunlight will help your little one establish their circadian rhythm faster, leading to improved sleep cycles. (And parents LOVE reliable sleep cycles!)

A 2004 study found that babies who spent more time in the sunlight slept better than babies who didn’t. When babies get sufficient sunlight exposure especially during early afternoon periods, their bodies will produce melatonin at night, which will help them fall and stay asleep.

They NAP anywhere

The natural environment - chirping birds, the sound of the wind, rustling of leaves or even constant big city buzz - all helps your baby to fall asleep faster. It’s their natural white noise machine that encourages them to become aware of their surroundings and fall asleep to nature’s sounds. Eventually, they’ll develop the ability of being able to sleep anywhere as they start associating external stimuli as a cue to fall asleep.

ACCELERATED cognitive development

As previously mentioned, there are a lot of sounds surrounding us outdoors. Adding other sensory stimuli like the warmth of sunlight and feeling the wind on their skin makes for a lot of information your baby’s brain needs to process. It constantly creates new neural pathways boosting their cognitive, motor, and language abilities.

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Glüxkind infant bassinet is perfect for dreamy outdoor naps

If you have been following us for a while, you know that we are proud of our German roots. It is very common to take babies outside regardless of the weather conditions in Germany. For that and many other reasons, we designed our infant bassinet for the Glüxkind smart stroller to be the perfect companion for any weather, keeping your little one safe and comfortable.

You are wondering why you should get a bassinet? Check out the benefits in a previous blog post - some of them might really surprise you.

But what makes our Glüxkind infant bassinet so perfect for any weather? Here are the features for cold and hot weather and anything in between.
Smart design doesn’t always have to include technology to be super handy for your daily adventures.

Cold days

• Warm and cosy mattress protecting from the cold

• Extra padding inside the bassinet keeping the warmth inside

• Bassinet cover with extra padding that closes tightly with zippers

• Enough space for winter onesies, or other safe for sleep clothing underneath the cover

• Large canopy that can extend way down keeping wind outside while allowing sufficient ventilation

• Water resistant surfaces keeping light rain outside and your baby dry

Hot days

• Large canopy for extra shade and sun protection

• SPF 50+ rated fabrics

• One entire segment that can be opened up as a mesh segment allowing better airflow while still providing shade (see image)

• Integrated mosquito net folds out of canopy and closes tightly around the bassinet

• Special airflow opening at the front quarter of the bassinet (see image) for extra circulation while walking

• Secret vents integrated in the bottom of the bassinet that can be opened and closed as needed

The Glüxkind smart stroller “Ella” comes with the infant bassinet and toddler seat. With those products at hand you are set for great naps outdoors all year round. Remember what they say -  “fresh air is good for babies” - and they definitely do have a point.

It’s important to keep in mind that irrespective of where your baby sleeps, you should follow the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines.

Happy napping!
The Glüxkind family 

Post inspired by our friends from Cradlewise.

8 Outdoor Baby Gear Accessories for Summer Stroller Outings

Keeping little ones comfortable and safe during the hot summer months can turn into a real challenge. Here are some products that’ll help you keep your cool.

While it’s great to get out of the house, enjoy parks, festivals and other fun summer activities, keeping kids cool and hydrated in soaring temperatures and protected from the sun’s UV rays can be a daunting task.

We got you covered with this list of great companions for your summer outings. While you can keep all these items in your stroller on-the-go until they come in handy, it is even more important to learn how to tell when your baby might be overheating. An easy tip to remember for quick temperature checks is to use the back of your hand to feel their forehead, cheeks, and touching especially the back of their neck. Check for any signs of overheating (sweating, redness, irritation or a rash, skin that is abnormally hot to the touch, etc.). If these areas feel abnormally warm to you, trust your judgement and use that as an indicator that it is time to help them cool down. 

For new parents, there’s so much to know about how to go on an outing, from choosing a stroller, a car seat,  learning about stroller safety, whether or not to buy a bassinet, and more … Let’s be honest, it’s a lot! We hope this tip will help you in moments when you need it the most, and that you find some (or all) of these products fitting into your lifestyle! If you’re interested in learning more, check out our other blog posts for more informative articles. 

1.) Cooling Stroller Liner

Another way to help keep your little one comfortable in their stroller during the hot months is getting a cooling liner! Easily place the liner on the stroller’s seat and pull the straps through the holes and your baby’s ride is instantly upgraded. This cooling liner cools in three ways, with a top layer that wicks away moisture, a bottom mesh layer to allow air to flow, and quilted channels to move warm air away. 

Designed to keep your baby comfortable year round, this liner has multiple slots to accommodate most stroller strap configurations. It also has a non-slip backing to keep the stroller cushion in place, so you don’t have to worry about readjusting it. This innovative stroller liner gives you peace of mind when it’s hot out because it helps regulate your baby’s body temperature and keeps things clean. It’s easy to install and remove, and is machine washable.

2.) Stroller Fan

A stroller fan might just be what you and your baby need while you’re out and about this summer. Maybe your baby or toddler gets a little cranky on walks - aren’t we all when it's scorching, sweaty and hot? It’s understandable, and a stroller fan might be exactly what you need to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Stroller fans are great because they not only help cool your little one down, but also provide you with a nice breeze while you’re pushing your baby around.

This fan by Jiffi is rechargeable, with a flexible tripod that can attach onto more than just a stroller - clip it to upright standing bikes, spin bikes, treadmills, or a table or shelf and have a simple cooling system wherever you are!

3.) Baby Sunscreen

Babies’ and toddlers’ skin are super sensitive so sunscreen is really a must-have. Remember, you shouldn’t apply sunscreen on a baby before they turn 6 months old. This is because sunscreen can cause irritation to delicate baby skin that cannot handle harsh ingredients yet. Putting sunscreen on a newborn can also interfere with their skin microbiome development, because it can prevent the skin microbiome from being able to develop in a healthy, natural way. 

However, once your baby has turned 6 months old, try to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and up. If you can, find one that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these ingredients will help to prevent sunscreen from causing irritation to the eyes and skin. We suggest taking the time to find which sunscreen works best for you and your family because everyone’s skin is different. 

We like Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen because it has an SPF 50 with UVA/UVB protection, has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in it to prevent tears, and was made without parabens, phthalates, PABA, fragrance, or nanoparticles. It’s non-allergenic, water resistant, and goes on white so you don’t miss a spot, but it rubs in fast and easy. Enjoy the sun without worrying about your kids’ delicate skin!

4.) Thermos Water Bottle

A high quality water bottle is an absolute essential for summer outings, and this Wide Mouth Hydro Flask for kids will keep your water or milk cool for up to 24 hours. When playtime wraps up, the perfect refreshment is waiting on the sidelines! This water bottle will keep your milk cool while you are on the go, before you are ready to heat it up using the Jiffi Bottle Warmer and give it to your baby. Available in 12 oz or 20 oz, with an easy to clean Straw Cap and a durable perforated Flex Boot, the Wide Mouth makes it easy to add ice and take on your next adventure. It comes in a variety of fun colours, and will  last for years to come!

5.) Portable Bottle Warmer

Not all babies need or want their milk heated, but especially for breastfed babies who are used to drinking warm milk, or babies who are a little particular about how they like their bottles - a bottle warmer can be super helpful for when you’re on the go. Not having to worry about being close to a stove, sink or microwave enables you to be more flexible wherever you are. Not to mention that microwaving breast milk can cause it to lose some of its nutritional benefits, so a bottle warmer helps retain the nutritional value while keeping the milk at a steady and comfortable temperature for your baby. 

For tech-savvy parents, or parents who just appreciate functional and smart baby gear, the The Jiffi Bottle Warmer not only warms bottles, but it also dispenses formula - making it twice as useful for some parents. The warmer is charged for use and can heat bottles 3-4 times, or you can keep your baby’s bottle warm for up to 6 hours before recharging it. This bottle warmer is super easy to use - all you have to do is attach it to the top of your bottle, turn it on, and give it to your baby once it’s warm! This set comes with an attachable formula dispenser that dispenses formula one scoop at a time, making feeding time completely mess free. Keep it in your stroller when you’re out and about, and feed your baby wherever you are with eno str

See guideline on how long it is safe to drink formula once it’s prepared and breastmilk once it is out of the fridge or freezer.

6.) Kibou (Diaper) Bag

This stylish, versatile, and functional bag works like a cross body satchel or as a fanny pack, and it comes in different stylish shades that will seamlessly fit in your wardrobe no matter what your style is. Good for Mom or Dad, this surprisingly spacious bag is perfect to keep everything you need on hand while out and about. When it's hot out we don’t need to pack as many layers of clothes for our little ones, so this bag is the perfect little diaper bag for summer stroller activities.

7.) Portable Tent

Have you seen one of these at your local park or beach before? Protect your baby from the sun’s UV rays or winds with this portable beach tent - no assembly required! Lightweight and easy to set up with a pop up design, this tent is perfect for your summer outings. Its UV rating of 50+ (UPF 50+) protects you and your family from the sun’s harmful rays, and also works great to keep your little one cool at the park or even in your own backyard. It’s spacious and comfortable for 2-3 people and can give you and your family some privacy on a busy beach for naps or feeding time. When it is not in tent formation, its package is small enough to keep inside your stroller, making it a no-brainer to bring along on hot summer days.

8.) BooBoo Ball

BooBoo Balls are huggable first aid kits, with bandages and more self care supplies included in every plushie’s zipper! For soothing anxiety and booboos, this cute first aid kit is perfect for the summer as kids are more likely to get a booboo while being active outdoors, and are wearing shorts/less clothing. They give children a special place to hold their EpiPen, Inhaler, or whatever else they want to store inside! You can choose between the different plushies or get a BooBoo keychain if you want to clip it onto something.

With these accessories in your pockets, enjoy the summer while it lasts. Soon we will be looking at preparing our strollers for fall and winter! Hopefully this list is helpful to you. 

We wish you many GlüxKind moments with your little ones in the sun!

Father’s Day Gift Recommendations for the Modern Dad

Sophisticated and innovative gift ideas over $100 guaranteed to impress, intrigue, and interest even the most particular Dads around.

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Ostrichpillow - The Original Napping Pillow

Image source: ostrichpillow.com

It might make you laugh when you first see it worn, but trust us when we say this pillow is a game changer. Whether it's for a plane ride, a road trip, a quick nap during the day, or just to take a break from the never-ending stimuli of being a Dad, this immersive cozy experience is like no other. Getting him this may just change him forever, and for the better. “What’s a neck pillow?” He will ask, like he completely forgot what life was like before his Ostrich Pillow. You will remind him, and he will sigh and ask himself, “How did I ever travel without it?”

Reasons we love it:

• Block out light and distractions with the cocoon-like pillow that helps to provide him absolute comfort to disconnect from the world.

• A dreamy soft high quality combination of viscose and elastomer with the next generation coated micro bead filling helps him drift calmly and easily into relaxation mode.

• He can use it as a cozy huggable lounge pillow great for travel (or just to hug), or he can slip on the cocoon at any time to take a break from his hectic Dad schedule.

• Using it as a tool to help with meditative moments and to take a break from a loud, bright, and busy environment can really help with Dad’s mental health and energy levels throughout the day.

If this doesn’t seem like the best fit for him, check out their other self care products that include ergonomic solutions to everyday items for on the road and at home comfort. Their hot and cold eye mask, go neck pillow and heatbag are just some of the products they have that Dad is sure to appreciate.

Browse and learn more at ostrichpillow.com

The Tushy Bidet Attachment

Image source: hellotushy.com

Whoever the Dad you’re buying for is, this bidet attachment is an awesome gift he probably wasn’t expecting but would definitely enjoy. The Tushy Spa 3.0 is our top choice within their product line, with features like water pressure control, a Cleaning SmartSpray™ nozzle, bamboo or metal knobs, and a sleek design. It’s not only functional but also a bathroom accessory that once he tries, he won’t be able to live without. It cleans with warm or cool fresh water, the same as your sink or shower (not the bowl!) and although not necessary, you can buy their bamboo bum towels to pat dry. If you’re still skeptical, let us remind you that this household item can save you hundreds of dollars over time on toilet paper, it helps with hygiene, prevents UTIs and hemorrhoids among other health problems, it saves trees, looks nice, and it’s a gift you can enjoy as well!

Reasons we love it:

• Soothing temperature control from cool to warm water for a comfortable clean with optimized pressure and angle control.

• Universal fit on almost any toilet with adjustable seat fasteners for a secure fit and a 6-foot long hot water connection to reach the sink.

• Slim design with Patented Buildup Resistant Design for a sleek profile that seamlessly fits into his home

• Easy to install in 10.5 minutes or less. He’ll make it a competition.

• 6 different color options, with 3 limited edition colorways so there’s no way you can’t find one that doesn't suit his favorite bathroom.

Check out their other products and learn more at: hellotushy.com

reMarkable - The only tablet that feels like paper

Image source: remarkable.com

Tablets are recommended as a gift for Dad so often that we had to include one in this list. But getting just any tablet isn’t going to do it for him, and we know that. That’s why we think reMarkable is an interesting and unique choice because of the many useful and helpful features he’s sure to love. We love how the combination of technology and the physical act of writing combine to create a whole new experience, but not everyone will appreciate it. This is a sophisticated gift for a sophisticated man who is ready to ditch paper for good..

reMarkable bridges the gap between pen and paper, and digital devices to simulate a paper-like writing and reading experience. Convert handwritten notes into text, read, write, draw, annotate, save, and share files to Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive easily. It’s a tool that facilitates efficiency, brain dumping, organization, and productivity with features you can’t get in any other tablet.

Reasons we love it:

• Easily access notes from your laptop or phone, where they’re always readily available to review and reuse.

• Convert handwritten notes to text documents seamlessly.

• Comfortably read PDFs or ebooks for hours without backlight, glare, or eye strain.

• 2 weeks of battery life. Yes please!

• Is he always complaining about Zoom? Turn the paper tablet into a digital whiteboard and write, draw, and demonstrate tricky concepts live by sharing the screen in video meetings.

• Free express shipping to Canada within 2-7 business days. Hooray! We love a last minute gift that doesn’t suck.

Browse products and learn more at: remarkable.com

Lumio’s Sculpture-Lamp-Speaker

Image source: hellolumio.com

Teno is a beautifully crafted bowl structure that, when cracked open, reveals warm light and a powerful speaker controlled through intuitive touch. With a $75,000 funding goal on Kickstarter, Teno raised the attention of 1,269 backers who in total pledged $396,019 to support its creation.

There’s excitement and interest for a reason - Teno blends intuitive technology with the refinement of a handcrafted object, resulting in a refreshing take on how we design and experience the technology used in our daily lives. And if that isn’t enough for him to be impressed, then we should add that it also won two “Best of the Best” Red Dot Awards for Innovative Product and Audio Design. Available in lava black and Arctic white color finishes, this speaker/art piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, while combining beauty with thoughtful technology.

Reasons we love it:

• Interesting design choices such as having to crack it open to turn it on, and controlling it with intuitive finger gestures makes the experience feel unique and magical.

• If he's particular about his sound quality, you don’t have to worry. Big sound in a small package (5 ¼” (13.3cm) diameter x 2 ¾” (7cm) height) delivers deep bass and crystal clear treble.

• Unlike most tech designed to be obsolete soon after its release, Teno is made with a textured natural sand that only gets more beautiful over time.

• The light has different settings so he can create the perfect ambiance for whatever occasion.

Click and Grow’s Smart Garden

Image source: clickandgrow.com

An innovative indoor garden that cares for itself and grows fresh, flavourful herbs, fruits and vegetables for you. This automated indoor home garden will grow herbs and greens to enhance his favorite meals and drinks with 3 easy steps: plant the provided plant pods, add in water, plug it in and enjoy! This self-sustaining garden works no matter where you live, allowing the Dad you're celebrating this Father’s Day to have a zen moment while growing those plant babies in his home all year round.

Reasons we love it:

• He gets to experience having his own garden without the supplies, mess, seeds, and hassle.

• The sleek, bright, and beautiful design makes it a visually appealing addition to the home that everyone can enjoy.

• Automatic watering and lighting (Do we need to say anything more on this?)

• Comes with a companion app so he can become a plant expert

• With 3 different price points, you have options to find the Smart Garden that fits his lifestyle and your wallet

• Apparently gardening together can strengthen your relationship, and it definitely still counts if you're using a smart garden.

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This Father’s Day we have no doubt you will surprise, impress, and delight the special Dad in your life. We hope these gift recommendations are helpful to you, and if you’d like to see more innovative, informative, and fun parenting content, follow us on Instagram @glux_kind and connect with us on Linkedin

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