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"Van de kraamzorg mag mijn baby niet in een slaapzak slapen." Het is een opmerking die ik de laatste tijd steeds vaker hoor. Maar klopt dat eigenlijk wel? Als neonatologieverpleegkundige ben ik opnieuw in de richtlijnen en wetenschappelijke literatuur gedoken. In deze blog lees je wat KCKZ, VeiligheidNL en de JGZ-richtlijn zeggen over slaapzakken voor pasgeborenen en waar een veilige babyslaapzak aan moet voldoen.

Complementary feeding is often discussed in the Netherlands as something you can start between 4 and 6 months. However, "from 4 months" does not mean that every 4-month-old baby is ready for practice bites. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by appropriate complementary feeding alongside breastfeeding. The Nutrition Center states that small practice bites between 4 and 6 months are possible, but they do not replace breast or bottle feeding. From a baby coach perspective, it is important to mainly look at developmental signals: good head control, sufficient trunk stability, interest in food, the ability to process food in the mouth, and the ability to practice in a relaxed way. For many babies, a natural starting point is closer to 6 months than to 4 months.

Short-term supplementation with formula in the first days of life, followed by exclusive breastfeeding, may increase the risk of cow's milk allergy according to scientific research. The Dutch guidelines are cautious: there is insufficient evidence to actively avoid exposure to cow's milk. If supplementation was medically necessary, that is always the right decision. Parents who are concerned are advised to observe symptoms and discuss them with a doctor, midwife, or child health clinic. Questions answered by the blog Does introducing complementary feeding in the first days increase the risk of cow's milk allergy? What does scientific research say about complementary feeding and cow's milk allergy? What are the signs of cow's milk allergy in babies? Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby has a cow's milk allergy? What is the difference between cow's milk allergy and cow's milk intolerance? What do the Dutch guidelines say about cow's milk exposure in babies?

Many parents hesitate between a sheepskin and a wool liner. They look similar but differ significantly in safety, texture, and use — even in warm weather. Daniëlle explains it calmly.

Diaper rash, also known as diaper dermatitis, is an inflammation of the baby's skin in the diaper area caused by moisture, friction, and the chemical reaction between urine and stool. The most effective treatment consists of regular changing, allowing the skin to air out, gentle cleansing without perfume, and consistently applying a barrier ointment with zinc oxide and/or calendula. Cornstarch and olive oil are popular home remedies but are not scientifically recommended. In the case of a fungal infection (Candida), medical treatment is necessary.

Hiccups are one of the most common occurrences in newborn babies and one of the things parents worry about the most. Why does my baby hiccup so often? Is it dangerous? Should I have burped them more? In this blog, I explain what happens inside your baby's body, why hiccups are actually a sign of healthy development, and what you can and cannot do.

Not every baby needs firm massage techniques. Butterfly Touch is an ultra-gentle form of massage, developed by Dr. Eva Reich, that invites a baby’s nervous system to relax without demanding anything. It is especially suitable for babies who become easily overstimulated, cry a lot, or have had a difficult start. In this article, I explain what it is, where it comes from, and how you can start using it tonight.

A baby with bottle aversion almost never simply leaves the bottle alone. Behind bottle refusal often lies a combination of physical discomfort, sensitivity, tension, or a negative experience. This can show in turning away, crying, stiffening, taking small sips, or only drinking while asleep. If your baby refuses the bottle or drinks poorly from it, the key is rarely: try harder. Rather: understand better. By taking signals seriously, reducing pressure, and carefully examining causes, space for calm can return. As a neonatal nurse and baby coach, I support parents in exactly these kinds of situations. Not with a fixed protocol, but by carefully observing your baby and your situation. If you feel you want support with this, you can read more about what that looks like on the page for my bottle aversion program. And if you prefer to start by reading calmly and working on it yourself, my e-book is a good first step — practical, relatable, and without pressure. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

The first months with a baby pass by quickly. That is why many parents choose to capture this period with a baby or newborn photoshoot. Minimalist baby photography fits perfectly here: by working with calm, soft light, and natural materials, the baby is fully highlighted.

Many new parents wonder in the first months with a newborn: is this normal? In my career, I have supported thousands of parents. And if I know one thing, it is this: almost every parent has doubts. Not because they are doing it wrong, but precisely because they want to do it right so much. “Is she drinking enough?” “He sleeps so differently than yesterday, is that okay?” “Should she already be able to do something?” These are questions I hear daily. From parents with a newborn just three days old, but also from parents with a three-month-old baby. The uncertainty does not disappear on its own over time. It just changes form. Why new parents often have doubts A baby cannot yet tell you in words what they need. They don’t say: I’m hungry, I’m tired, I don’t feel well, or I just want to be close to you. Everything you know, you infer from behavior, body language, and small signals. And that can make it difficult sometimes. Babies are naturally not the same every day. One day a baby drinks eagerly and sleeps deeply, the next day they are more restless and everything seems different. That’s part of it. Especially in the first months with a baby, variation is very normal. As a parent, you are still building your own frame of reference. You get to know your baby while you are right in the middle of it. You don’t yet have an archive of: this is how my child usually behaves. Everything is new. And in that newness, uncertainty is not a sign that something is wrong. It is a very human reaction. Is my baby growing well? How to recognize healthy growth This is perhaps the most frequently asked question of all. And I understand that very well. You can’t objectively assess your baby’s weight daily yourself, you only see the growth curve occasionally, and meanwhile, you wonder at home if your child is gaining enough. What I always tell parents: look at the whole picture, not just one moment. A baby who feeds regularly, has enough wet diapers, is alert when awake, and often looks content after feeding usually grows well. Weight is important, but it’s not the only signal. Sometimes parents leave a consultation with a restless feeling. I understand that. Such a moment is often brief, while you may have many more questions. So write down your questions beforehand. Not because you are being difficult, but because as a parent you have the right to clear explanations. If you doubt your baby’s growth, don’t just look at numbers, but also at how your child behaves, drinks, urinates, and reacts. That often already provides a lot of information. Is my baby drinking enough? Signs that your baby is getting sufficient nutrition Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, many parents wonder if their baby is getting enough. With breastfeeding, that uncertainty is often greater because you can’t see exactly how much your baby drinks. That can cause anxiety. We are used to measuring and controlling, and with breastfeeding, you have to rely much more on your baby’s signals. Fortunately, the body often gives more information than you think. A baby who drinks enough is usually calmer after feeding, visibly relaxes, or falls asleep contentedly. Wet diapers also remain an important and reliable indicator. With bottle-feeding, parents see the milliliters, but often a different doubt arises: “He drinks less than the package says, is that normal?” Yes, that can very well be normal. Guidelines are averages. Your baby is not an average. Every child has their own pace, needs, and rhythm. If you wonder whether your baby is drinking enough, always look at the whole picture. Not just how many milliliters go in, but also behavior, growth, stool, wet diapers, and how your child feels after feeding. Is my baby developing normally? What you can expect Development is an area where parents often make themselves unnecessarily uncertain. And honestly, the outside world doesn’t always help with that. A friend says her baby was already smiling at four weeks. A family member asks when your baby “already does something.” On social media, you see videos of babies who seem to be able to do all sorts of things. Before you know it, you wonder if your child is falling behind. What I have learned in almost 30 years working with newborns is this: development happens within ranges, not according to a strict schedule. Some babies smile early, others are very observant at first. Some babies quickly sleep for longer stretches, others need months longer for that. That doesn’t always say much about how things will go later. That doesn’t mean it’s not good to stay alert to signals. A baby who makes little eye contact over a longer period, hardly responds to sound, feels very limp, or moves noticeably little deserves extra attention. When in doubt, it is always wise to discuss this with your doctor or the consultation clinic. Not because you shouldn’t make a fuss, but precisely because early detection is important if something is going on. Recognizing your baby’s signals is something that grows Much of the uncertainty among new parents ultimately revolves around the same question: do I really understand my baby? That is very logical. In the beginning, you still have to learn to recognize your baby’s signals. Is this hunger? Is this tiredness? Does my baby need closeness? Or is something else going on? You don’t learn that in one day. It grows. By watching. By feeling. By being allowed to make mistakes. And by discovering that your baby sometimes just has an off day, just like you. The better you get to know your own child, the less dependent you become on lists, other people’s opinions, or standard schedules. Trust doesn’t come from knowing everything immediately. Trust grows because you increasingly see what your baby is trying to tell you. What helps with uncertainty as a new parent I don’t believe in brushing aside doubts. A remark like “don’t worry so much” usually doesn’t help when you’re lying awake in the middle of the night watching your baby and wondering if everything is okay. What often does help: Get to know your own baby, not the average baby. Every child has their own rhythm, signals, and way of communicating. Choose consciously who you ask for advice. Not every voice around you helps you move forward. Look for people or professionals who have knowledge and bring calm. Limit comparisons through social media. What you see there is rarely a realistic picture of daily parenting. Ask for help if doubts persist. Not as a sign of failure, but as a sign that you are involved. In my practice, I see that parents who ask questions often tune in very well to their child. Not because they know everything for sure, but because they look carefully and want to understand what their baby needs. In conclusion: doubting doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong Doubting is not the same as failing. It usually means you are paying attention, feeling, observing, and wanting to understand. That you are present. Trust as a parent doesn’t grow because you always have the perfect answer. It grows through experience, by getting to know your baby better and better, and by having the courage to keep asking questions. Your baby doesn’t need a perfect parent. But a parent who looks at them, feels them, and is there.

Is your baby crying for hours on end and you no longer know what to do?Excessive crying is one of the most exhausting experiences in the first year of life. Yet, in most cases, there is no medical cause. Crying is communication – but sometimes also a sign of overstimulation, immature regulation, or tension. With nearly 30 years of experience as a neonatal nurse and baby coach, I look beyond just “colic” or “reflux.” I help you understand what is truly happening in your baby's nervous system and how you as a parent can offer calm, boundaries, and safety. No standard step-by-step plan.Instead, insight, practical tools, and personal guidance. So that not only your baby becomes calmer — but you as well.

There's nothing more frustrating than a little one crying during diaper changes. Diaper rash is painful, but with the right care, it's often quickly resolved. Learn why dabbing is better than rubbing, when to choose calendula over zinc ointment, and how the right materials can protect your baby's skin barrier. Read on and give your baby the gentle care it deserves.

In a world that never stands still, peace is the greatest gift for your baby. As a neonatal nurse, I know that the most beautiful growth happens in silence. Discover why "doing nothing" is essential for healthy brain development and how you can press the pause button together with your little one.

Do you think your baby is allergic to wool? In 95% of cases it is not an allergy but mechanical irritation caused by coarse fibres. Neonatal nurse Daniëlle explains the difference and shows with the Moalie test how you can find out for sure what is going on with your baby's skin.

Baby skin is up to five times thinner than adult skin. As a neonatal nurse I explain using scientific studies — including the DESSINE study from 2017 — why superfine merino wool is not only safe but one of the most beneficial choices for sensitive and eczema-prone baby skin.

Worried your baby has a wool allergy? In 98% of cases it is not an allergy but irritation from coarse fibres. Neonatal nurse Daniëlle explains the difference, why merino wool is different and why she recommends cotton over synthetic fabrics for a true allergy.

Separation anxiety is a normal, but sometimes intense, phase in which your baby discovers that you and they are two different people. This can cause them to cry or panic when you step away for a moment—even if you're just going to the bathroom. It doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong: your baby reacts this way because you are their safe haven. In this blog post, I explain what's happening in your baby's brain, why this phase can feel so difficult, and how you can gently help your little one with rituals, short practice sessions, predictability, and lots of recognition. Separation anxiety isn't a problem to be solved, but a developmental phase you'll experience together. And you are the safe haven your baby always returns to.

Merino wool is a natural material that breathes, cleans itself, and lasts for years—if you store it properly. In this blog post, you'll learn why cotton bags are better than plastic, how to keep wool fresh, and why our sustainable packaging is not only beautiful but also functional. As a thank you, you will receive our cotton Moalie bag as a gift with orders over €100.

At Moalie, we believe that softness shouldn't come at the expense of animal welfare. In this blog post, you'll learn exactly what mulesing is, why we categorically oppose it, and what sustainable, animal-friendly alternatives are available. Discover why mulesing-free merino wool is not only better for the sheep, but also for your baby and the planet. As a neonatal nurse and founder of Moalie, I'll explain why this choice is a natural one for us.

A fever in your baby or child can be quite frightening. A warm body, red cheeks, and listless behavior can quickly raise concerns – but usually, a fever is actually a sign that the body is functioning well. This blog explains when a fever is harmless, what you should and shouldn't do, and when it's wise to call your doctor.