Becoming a mom is a journey full of joy, surprises, and... a mountain of advice!
If you're open to hearing tips from other cultures, France has some interesting newborn practices that might make you raise an eyebrow, nod in agreement, or even breathe a sigh of relief.
French moms have their own approach to baby care, and it’s often all about keeping things simple and natural. Here are five bits of advice from French moms that might just change the way you look at life with your little one.
5 surprising newborn tips from France
Babies can only sleep through the night once they reach 5 kg
Here’s a reassuring bit of wisdom: French moms believe babies only truly start sleeping through the night once they weigh about 5 kg (around 11 pounds).
The idea is that babies need a certain level of fullness from their daily feeds to be able to make it through those long nighttime stretches. Instead of rushing into sleep training, French moms tend to be patient, feeding their babies on demand and letting them reach this milestone when they’re ready.
This approach can be a breath of fresh air for moms feeling pressured to have their little one sleeping through the night by a certain age. Following your baby’s cues, rather than the clock, can make nighttime a little less stressful.
Post-birth osteopath visits for mom and baby
French moms swear by osteopathy—not just for themselves but for their babies, too.
They usually schedule a visit to the osteopath a few weeks after birth. Why? The birthing process can leave both mom and baby with lingering tension or slight misalignments that can affect comfort.
Osteopathic therapy is gentle and intended to release any tension, especially in newborns who had a longer or more challenging birth.
French moms say this can help soothe fussy babies or even make breastfeeding easier if a baby is more comfortable. While it’s not as common in the U.S., many French moms feel this check-up is a simple, proactive way to make sure baby (and mom) start off feeling good!
Skip the baby wipes
Yes, you read that right—no baby wipes!
Instead, many French moms reach for good old cotton pads with a mild baby cleansing lotion. The idea here is to avoid the chemicals and fragrances that can irritate delicate newborn skin.
While baby wipes are undeniably convenient, they can also cause reactions on sensitive skin, something French parents are often keen to avoid. Using water and cotton might take a couple more minutes, but it’s a simple way to go chemical-free for babies, especially right from the start.
No swaddling
While swaddling is often recommended to soothe newborns, in France, it’s far less common.
French parents tend to skip swaddling, as they believe it can restrict a baby’s natural movements. Instead, they opt for sleep sacks, allowing babies the freedom to wiggle and move.
French moms also think that by letting babies sleep with arms free, they learn to self-soothe. So, if your baby prefers a little extra room to stretch, don’t worry! A sleep sack might be a cozy, safe alternative.
The magic of the doudou
Ah, the doudou!
In France, this little comfort object—a soft blanket or stuffed toy—is essential for babies. Most French parents offer their baby a doudou from early on, and it becomes a cherished companion, often lasting well into toddlerhood.
The doudou is thought to bring comfort during transitions, like naps or when starting daycare, thanks to its familiar scent of home.
French parents encourage the bond with the doudou, believing it’s a positive way for babies to learn to self-soothe. Instead of avoiding attachments, they see the doudou as a helpful friend for their little one’s adventures.
Petites pensées
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to baby care - as you probably already know!
These French tips offer a unique perspective that’s all about simplicity, comfort, and patience. Whether it’s trusting your baby to sleep through the night when they’re ready, or finding comfort in a soft doudou, these cultural curiosities might just make your newborn journey a little sweeter.
As we all know, every mom, every baby, and every culture has something special to share!