Why do I need a Nursing Necklace?

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A Nursing Necklace gives baby a focal point and has been proven to keep a child breastfeeding longer, not only each time, but for longevity.  Nursing Necklaces have been given credit for helping Mums breastfeed up to 2x longer.  BubbaBeads are designed for the Mother or Caregiver of the baby wear the necklace during feeding so the baby can focus on colours and shapes.  This aids in sharpening their visual skills and helps to keep the baby focused on the necklace, not painful head-turning distractions.  Nursing Necklaces have been used for a very long time in traditional cultures, and have recently been approved by La Leche League as an aid to new mothers. These necklaces have also been called Mother’s Necklaces, Feeding Necklaces and Breastfeeding Necklaces.

BubbaBeads can be used effectively by Dads, Siblings, Grandparents, Nannies, extended family or anyone else that aids in the caring of a child.  Many Grandmothers wear these types of necklaces, and it is said that they actually help the child identify them.

As the baby progresses, the beads become something they can reach for, grab and play with saving the feeder’s hair, clothes and skin.  For this reason alone these are great for bottle feeding folks who are tired of being yanked and pulled too.

As the child becomes more independent, and the necklace is no longer required for feeding time, it can become the first piece of jewellery for the toddler – a happy childhood memento!

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Babies are amazing, and go through so many changes in the first few years.  BubbaBeads are multi-sensory stimulators for baby during these changing times.

Before 3 Months Old

Infants are usually far sighted at birth.  Infant eyes can focus distant objects and close objects but do not focus very accurately, meaning they usually focus in front of or behind the subject.

By 2 – 3 months old most infants can focus much more accurately. You can help to encourage the development of your baby’s vision by slowly bringing the necklace closer to them and allowing them time to focus.   You can also assist them in learning to track or follow an object with their eyes by slowly moving the necklace back and forth.  The eyes will follow but with a jerky motion doing this.  By 3 months old they will be able to follow much more evenly.

High Contrast colours are great for assisting babies to focus at this tender age as their “contrast sensitivity” is not yet developed. They can see large patterns but not subtle differences.  What this means is they can distinguish blue from yellow if they are the same brightness, but have a hard time distinguishing between pastels.  At this stage you want high contrast, like basic black and white or bright colours.

Over 3 Months Old

As your baby progresses, the beads become something that they not only look at, but something they can reach out, grab and play with  –  leaving the caregiver’s hair, skin, and clothes alone!

Tracking skills can be developed by dangling your BubbaBeads Necklace horizontally from side to side. Hang it from the stroller or other area in front of baby and let it swing (with or without your help!).  Now Baby can track it back and forth.  Fun, bright colours and shapes, full of textures make the best of baby’s development now.

The different shapes and textures will help your baby develop an understanding of how the 3D world around him works.  Grabbing and pulling the necklace and twisting as little fingers experience the different textures all the while developing his sensory perceptions!!  Shades are now easier for baby to distinguish and baby can now tell the difference in facial features.

For more information on your baby’s developing vision, see: https://www.babycenter.com.au/a6508/developmental-milestones-sight

Like all jewellery, BubbaBeads necklaces are NOT meant to be used as a play toy outside of a caregiver’s eyes.  A baby should NEVER be left alone with these.  They are made for, and are great at distracting, stimulating and involving baby during feeding so they are more focused on feeding, and not pinching or pulling the caregivers hair, clothes or skin.