Andrea Scannell Andrea Scannell

Surviving the Witching Hour

When every evening is a struggle with your newborn, you are likely in the thick of the "Witching Hour." This guide breaks down why this common phase happens—from overtiredness to sensory overload—and offers empathetic, evidence-based strategies to help you and your baby find a sense of calm before bedtime.

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Andrea Scannell Andrea Scannell

Helping Your Big Kid Find Peace at Bedtime

Helping your "big kid" navigate nighttime fears requires a delicate balance of empathy and reality. Between the ages of three and six, a child’s imagination develops faster than the brain's logical centers, making it difficult for them to separate fantasy from reality.

While it is tempting to use "monster spray," this actually validates the fear by suggesting a real threat exists. Instead, ground your child in the safety of their environment through daytime play and evening "I'll be back" check-ins. By staying anchored in the truth—that their room is a safe, family-only space—you help their developing brain bridge the gap between magical thinking and security.

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Andrea Scannell Andrea Scannell

The Anchor in the Storm: Why Toddler Bedtime Routines are Non-Negotiable

Is bedtime starting to feel like a negotiation you’re destined to lose? From the "one more water" requests to the sudden second winds, toddlerhood brings new complexity to the evening. But structure isn't about being rigid; it’s about providing the security your child needs to let go of the day. Learn how a simple, sensory-based routine can lower cortisol, fill your child’s connection cup, and help you finally reclaim your evening.

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Andrea Scannell Andrea Scannell

Navigating the Four-Month Sleep Milestone: A Guide for Parents

The four-month sleep regression is often feared by parents, but at MOMally, we view it as a significant developmental milestone rather than a setback. This shift occurs as your baby’s brain matures, moving from newborn sleep patterns to adult-like cycles characterized by deeper sleep and more frequent transitions.

This guide explains why these disruptions happen—from increased environmental awareness to the mastery of new physical milestones like rolling. By focusing on consistent routines, optimized sleep environments, and encouraging independent sleep skills, you can support your baby through this growth spurt with confidence. We provide actionable strategies to help your family move past the "trenches" and back toward restful nights.

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Traveling with Little Ones: How to Protect Sleep on the Go

For most of us, schedules and routines go out the window when we’re on vacation. That’s kind of the point, right? Unfortunately, babies and toddlers don’t really get the whole vacation thing. They don’t suddenly stop needing 13+ hours of sleep a day.

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Breastfeeding and Sleep Training: You Can Have Both

Breastfeeding and sleep training are not mutually exclusive. Many mothers feel they must choose between nursing on demand and getting a full night's rest, but it is entirely possible to maintain a strong breastfeeding relationship while teaching your baby independent sleep skills. Once a baby is past the newborn stage and breastfeeding is well-established, they are physically capable of longer sleep stretches. You can hold onto those vital overnight feedings while still moving away from the cycle of hourly wakings that leads to profound exhaustion. Helping your baby learn to resettle themselves isn't about weaning; it's about supporting your own physical and mental health so you can be the present, energized parent your baby deserves.

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Bottle Refusal Sucks

If you are navigating the emotional and logistical hurdle of bottle refusal, this guide is for you. We explore why this transition is so challenging, offer evidence-based strategies to encourage acceptance without the stress, and provide a roadmap for parents who are feeling the pressure of a looming return to work. From simple environmental shifts to adjusting your perspective on the process, this article helps you bridge the gap between nursing and the bottle with empathy and confidence.

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10 Reasons Not To Go To A New Mom Support Group

What if I’m the only one who is breastfeeding? What if I’m the only one who is bottle feeding? What if I’m doing something wrong?  What if I don’t know how to get the stroller folded?  What if I can’t get the baby to latch?  What if I haven’t showered?  What if I am doing great and I feel like I’m supposed to be a mess?  What if I don’t like anyone?  What if no one likes me?  What if…

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