Frequently Asked Questions

"No snaps!  No buttons!  Skin to skin made easy!"

What, exactly, is Bonsie?

Do Bonsie products replace skin to skin?

Absolutely not!  The Bonsie brand was designed to help promote skin to skin contact between caregivers and their babies when fully undressing their baby was not an option.  Some examples include (which I've experienced myself) breastfeeding on an airplane, in a public space, in a cooler environment or just when 100% privacy is not an option.   ​

What are Bonsie products made from?

Our introductory product, which is a footie, is made from Rayon from Bamboo, Cotton and Spandex blends.  This blend offers a very soft, forgiving and breathable footie that washes easily and holds up very well.  Soft hook and loop fasteners were used for securely keeping the footie closed and a stretch-elastic waistband for easy dressing and diaper changes.   ​

How does the Bonsie Footie work?

Our footie is unlike any other on the market.  Two double layered flaps are fastened together with ultra soft hook and loop fasteners.  Once the two flaps are open, the baby's chest and belly are fully exposed for skin to skin connection.  The elastic waistband allows for easy dressing and (as easy as they can get) diaper changes.

"An important practice every new parent should know about."

What is skin to skin?

Can you explain what skin to skin means?

Skin-to-skin is when a baby snuggles bare chest to bare chest with a caregiver.  Skin-to-skin is good for all babies within the first few months of life, whether they are breastfed or not!  Skin to skin is full of benefits for both caregiver and baby.  Here are just a few:​ boosts baby's brain development and function, builds mom's milk supply, helps baby cry less, releases the "feel good" hormone Oxytocin and regulates baby's body temperature and heart rate. 

Can I practice skin to skin if I don't breastfeed?

Yes!  Skin to skin is not just about breastfeeding babies, it's about creating bonds early in life.  The first bonds we make lay the framework for all others. These relationships, positive or negative, effect everything from our ability to sustain loving and meaningful relationships, to our risk of illness throughout life.

Can my husband practice skin to skin?

Of course!  It is strongly suggested that both parents practice skin to skin as often as they can.  Even grandparents can take part in this practice if they are comfortable doing so.  Humans don't need that much to be well connected: touch, eye contact, predictability and love from our primary caretaker (generally mom in the first few months) are just about all we need to develop a secure attachment.  We are then able to take that feeling of security and attach it to other, worthy humans like dads and grandparents.   

Benefits of Practicing
Skin to Skin

Mom

  • Increases levels of oxytocin in mom and baby
  • Promotes healing for mom
  • Helps baby cry less
  • Lowers mom's risk of postpartum mood disorder

Breastfeeding

  • Helps initiate breastfeeding
  • Helps baby attach to caretakers if breastfeeding is not an option
  • Builds moms milk supply
  • Helps baby gain weight faster

Development

  • Boosts brain functioning & development
  • Allows for the sharing of good bacteria between mom and baby
  • Boosts baby's immune system and protects against illness and disease

Baby

  • Stabilizes heart and breathing rates
  • Helps baby regulate temperature and blood sugar
  • Helps baby sleep more soundly and wake less often.