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The Happy Baby Expert, Edinburgh (2025)

16/08/2025

✨ The Invisible String ✨

I’m lending this beautiful book to a friend for her son who’s in P4. Even though he’s not brand new to school, he’s really finding the transition back into routine tricky.

It’s such an important reminder — whether your child is starting P1 or further on in school, transitions can still feel hard. 💛

That’s why I love The Invisible String so much. It gently reassures children that no matter where they are, we’re always connected — even when we’re apart.

💡 A little tip I often share: give your child a “touch object” to keep in their bag — like a keyring with your photo, or a heart pebble. It’s a tangible reminder that although you’re out of sight, you’re never far away.

How is your little one coping with the back-to-school transition? P1 or beyond, I’d love to hear below 👇

14/08/2025

☀️ Keeping Your Baby Comfortable in Hot Weather

When the temperature rises, it can feel tricky to keep your little one cool and settled. Here are some gentle, practical tips to help:

1. Create your own cooling breeze.

Freeze a bottle of water and pop it in front of a fan for a light, refreshing airflow.

2. Pre-cool the cot

Place a wrapped frozen hot water bottle in the crib for about 30 minutes before bedtime—remove it just before you lay your baby down.

3. Give a soothing tepid bath

A lukewarm (not cold) bath helps bring their body temperature down gradually, making them more comfortable for sleep.

4. Keep the heat out during the day

Close windows, blinds, and curtains to block out the sun. Once your baby is asleep, you can crack open a window and door to let in cooler evening air.

5. Watch the nighttime temperatures

Pop a reminder on your phone to close the window around 2–3 AM, when the outdoor temperature begins to rise again.

6. Top up hydration

If your baby is weaning, offer water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, or yoghurt. If they’re breastfed, offer extra feeds for comfort and hydration.

7. Be kind to yourself

Hot weather can throw off routines—and that’s okay. This is just a short season, and your baby’s comfort and connection with you matter most right now.

💛 Pro tip: Heat-induced fussiness is temporary. You’re doing so much more than you realise—and you’re doing it wonderfully.

18/07/2025

☀️ Too hot to sleep?

If your baby’s room feels like a sauna right now, you’re not alone.

Babies sleep best between 16–20°C, but summer heat makes that tricky.

Here are some clever, parent-tested ways to help your little one sleep more comfortably on hot nights:

🧊 DIY air con — Freeze a bottle of water and place it in front of a fan for an instant cool breeze.

🛏️ Pre-cool the cot — Pop a frozen hot water bottle (wrapped in a muslin) into the cot 30 mins before bedtime, then remove before laying baby down.

🛁 Tepid bath before bed — Not too cold, not too warm — just enough to gently lower their core temperature.

🌬️ Window hack — Unless you have a strong through breeze, keep windows, blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out heat.

Once baby is asleep, sneak in and open the window and door to allow airflow overnight.

⏰ Set a reminder to close the window around 2–3am, when outside temps drop — so baby doesn’t get chilly before morning.

🍉 Offer hydrating foods — Think watermelon, cucumber, yoghurt, or smoothies (if age-appropriate).

🤱 Extra breastfeeds — Offer more feeds if your baby is breastfed — it helps with both hydration and comfort.

💤 Lower your expectations — Sleep may be more unsettled during hot spells, and that’s okay. Babies feel the heat just like we do. Offer comfort, keep routines flexible, and know it’s temporary.

You’re doing an amazing job — and I’m always here to support you through the tough nights 🌙

08/07/2025

Escaped to Southold for a few days with my oldest and dearest friend—and wow, did my nervous system need it 💛

My boys are 8 and 9 now, and although the baby phase is well behind us, the pace of life still feels relentless some days. School runs, snacks, sport, sibling squabbles… it adds up.

This little break reminded me just how important it is to step out of the chaos every now and then.

To laugh until you cry. To finish a conversation without being interrupted. To remember the version of you that existed before the to-do lists and packed lunches.

If you’re feeling frayed at the edges—whether you’ve got a baby on your hip or big kids testing your patience—I see you. You’re doing an amazing job.

But you don’t have to do it all alone.

💬 I support families from the newborn days through to toddler tantrums and tricky transitions.

If you’re ready for a bit more ease in your home, I’d love to help.

06/06/2025

✨ The Fussy Eating Plan ✨

Feeling stuck in a loop of snacks, treats and barely touched meals?

If your little one is grazing all day and refusing proper food at mealtimes, you’re not alone—and there is a way forward.

Here’s a simple plan I use with families to take the pressure off and get mealtimes back on track:

👨‍👩‍👦 Eat together as often as you can

🥄 Always serve 1 safe food they like and you know they will eat.

⏳ Stick to 2.5–3 hour gaps between food (water only in between)

🙅‍♀️ Stop offering alternatives—if it’s refused, move on

👏 Praise effort (even a lick counts!)

🍽 Offer toddler-sized portions—1/4 of your meal is enough

📦 Ditch the pressure—no begging, bribing or bargaining

🌿 Keep offering new foods—exposure takes time!

Small changes. Big impact.

Let’s bring calm back to your kitchen 💫

What challenges are you having around food? Let me know 👇

03/06/2025

Thinking about switching to a floor bed?

Here’s what you should know:

Floor beds are everywhere right now — cozy, minimalist, and all about giving toddlers independence. And that’s wonderful! But if bedtime feels stressful or your little one’s sleep is all over the place, it might not be the magic fix you’re hoping for… at least not yet.

Here’s why I gently caution families before making the switch:

✨ Toddlers are still learning how to manage big feelings and self-control. Without boundaries, the freedom to roam can feel overwhelming for them — and exhausting for you.

🛌 Many parents find themselves lying down beside their toddler until they fall asleep. If you want independent sleep, that can be tough. And sneaking away too soon can lead to worried wake-ups overnight.

⚠️ No rails means the whole room has to be super safe — no cords, no climbable furniture, nothing that could cause a risk. It’s a lot to manage.

⏰ A cot says “sleep time,” but a floor bed sometimes feels like playtime too. That can make bedtime more of a struggle.

😴 When they can get up so easily, toddlers might refuse naps more often — leaving everyone more tired.

🌿 Sleeping near the floor isn’t great for little ones with sensitive skin or allergies.

🛏️ It’s normal for toddlers to roll off, but sleeping on the floor isn’t always comfy or safe.

🧍‍♀️ Those firm toddler mattresses aren’t made for grown-ups to lie on night after night.

❄️ Cold floors can make it harder for toddlers to settle deeply into sleep.

✈️ If you’re used to a floor bed, hotel rooms or visits to family can disrupt your routine.

✨ Floor beds can absolutely work beautifully for some toddlers — especially when they’re older and have clear sleep boundaries. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed or your toddler’s sleep is tricky, a cot or toddler bed with rails often offers the calm and consistency everyone needs.

If you’re struggling with bedtime battles or early wakes, I’m here to help you find a sleep solution that fits your family’s needs — with kindness and understanding 💬

📩 DM me anytime or visit my link in bio to work together.

Follow for gentle, realistic sleep support 💕

02/06/2025

Q&A time!

Why is my baby making a clicking sound while bottle feeding?

That little clicking sound often means your baby is losing suction — typically because their latch on the bottle teat isn’t quite right.

It’s a very common issue and, in most cases, easily corrected.

Here are a few things to check:

✔️ Ensure your baby’s lips are flanged outward (like a little fish 🐠)

✔️ The bottle teat should be well positioned inside their mouth — not just the tip

✔️ Hold the bottle horizontally so it isn’t pressing into the roof of their mouth

✔️ Keep enough milk in the teat to cover it (without flooding)

✔️ Try to maintain the teat’s position in the mouth, even during brief pauses

A few clicks now and then — especially as your baby adjusts to feeding — aren’t usually a cause for concern.

If they’re feeding well, gaining weight, and not overly gassy or unsettled, it’s likely nothing to worry about.

⚠️ Note:

Frequent clicking or repeated loss of latch can sometimes be a sign of oral function issues such as tongue tie or a high palate. If you’re noticing persistent feeding difficulties, it may be worth reaching out for a feeding consultation.

📌 Save this for your next feed

💬 Not sure what’s normal or need personalised support? Reach out anytime or book in a free 15-minute call — I’m here to help!

30/05/2025

✨ When’s the best time to introduce a routine with your baby?

Firstly, you don’t need a strict schedule at this early stage.

Think of it more as a gentle rhythm 💕

🍼 Why 4–6 weeks?

🤱Feeding starts to feel a little more predictable

👶 Baby is more awake, and we can begin using wake windows

💤 Here’s how to get started 👇

The bedtime routine ⏰

👐 Massage
🛁 Bath
🍼 Feed
🛏️ Bed

Same time each night, same order = powerful sleep cues over time.

🌞 Then?

Begin starting your day at the same time and work with wake windows + nap timing to gently shape sleep across the day.

Need support?

👶 I’m a qualified Maternity Nurse right here in Edinburgh

🌙 I also offer Night Nurse and bespoke consultancy services.

💬 Drop me a message if you’re in the thick of it—I’m here to help.

29/05/2025

📣 Due September, October or November?

Here’s why hiring a night maternity nurse might be the best gift you give yourself this year 💫

It’s not what you think…
There’s a HUGE myth that maternity nurses are only for formula-feeding mums.

But here’s the truth:

👉🏼 We’re especially important for breastfeeding mums.

With 20+ years of experience supporting breastfeeding families, I’ll be right there through the night to:

🤱 Help you with latch & positioning

🍼 Troubleshoot pain, ni**le damage or supply issues

🔦Spot potential tongue tie

⏰ Guide you on when baby is collecting milk at the breast vs snoozing at the breast—so you can protect your supply and avoid weight loss concerns

Why does it matter?

Because those early weeks are everything.

✨ You get real rest to recover from birth

✨ Baby gets expert, responsive care

✨ You get hands-on, in-the-moment guidance when it matters most

✨ And… you lay the foundations for great sleep—no sleep training needed.

Let me help you feel supported, confident, and rested in the newborn haze.

DM me if you’re expecting in Sept, Oct or Nov and want to chat about working together 💌 or head to my website www.thehappybabyexpert.com and arrange a free call to find out more.

23/05/2025

💤 One thing I wish every parent knew about baby sleep…

It’s not about doing everything perfectly.

It’s about finding what works for YOUR baby and your family.⁣
⁣
So many parents come to me feeling like they’ve “failed” because their baby still wakes at night or doesn’t nap on schedule.⁣

But sleep isn’t linear.

Regression, teething, illness, growth spurts—these all play a role.⁣
⁣
✨ Progress looks like:⁣

✔️ Shorter wake windows before overtired meltdowns⁣

✔️ More consistent naps⁣

✔️ Happier, more rested mornings (for both of you!)⁣
⁣
If you’re in the thick of it right now, just know: you’re not alone, and better sleep is possible.⁣
⁣
👶 Tell me—what’s been the hardest part of sleep for your baby lately?

Drop it below and I’ll respond with a tip! 👇
⁣

17/05/2025

Welcome! If you’re new here, I’m Sarah Murphy — a qualified maternity nurse and paediatric sleep expert. 👶✨

Here’s how I can support you:
💤 Newborn night nurse care
🍼 Breast & bottle feeding support
🚫 Bottle refusal help
😴 Sleep thief solutions (because you need rest too)

I’d love to hear from you — what are you currently struggling with? Drop your challenges in the comments or DM me anytime. 💬💗

16/05/2025

One of the biggest formula feeding myths? That your baby must have exactly the amount listed in NHS guidelines.

Yes — the NHS recommends 150–200ml per kg of body weight per day for babies under 6 months. But guess what?

👉 Your baby is not a robot.

Some days they’ll want more. Some days, less. That’s totally normal.

💡 If baby is consistently draining their bottles, add an extra 1oz to see if they need more. Ideally, there should always be a little milk left at the end of a feed — that’s your sign they’re satisfied.

⚠️ Got a guzzler? The answer isn’t always more milk. Fast feeding can lead to wind and tummy upset. Try a slow-flow teat or paced bottle feeding instead.

👶 Watch your baby:

Are they settled between feeds?
Or are they still hungry, agitated, or waking after short naps?
Let them guide you.

✨ True story: A mum I worked with was terrified something was seriously wrong with her baby. He cried nonstop, never slept, and even had strange jerking movements. But all his medical checks were normal.

Turns out? He was just hungry — and being underfed because she was told never to go over the NHS formula calculation.

We gave him a little extra and let him lead. He stopped crying, slept, and all those “symptoms” disappeared.

🧡 Trust your baby. Trust your gut.

Not sure what your baby needs? Book a free 15-min call with me or DM me . You’re not alone.

The Happy Baby Expert

16/08/2025

14/08/2025

18/07/2025

08/07/2025

06/06/2025

03/06/2025

02/06/2025

30/05/2025

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16/05/2025

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