As parents, we want to give our children the best things in life. We want our children to be strong and healthy. We want to protect our kids from anything that might hurt them, but no matter how hard we try, they will end up bumping into things and falling while playing. Moreover, with germs and viruses surrounding them everywhere, flu and colds are going to be an inevitable reality of life for them. It is, in some sense, a part of life when you are a kid.
Suffering from 8 to 10 colds or flu per year is considered normal for a child. We are all born with an untrained immune system. However, with the right care and habits, you can strengthen your child's immune system and support their natural growth. If you put some thought and effort into naturally boosting your child's immune system from an early age, it will help them fight diseases and infections effectively throughout their lives. Read on to find out how you can boost your baby’s immune system right from the start.
Top 10 ways to boost the immune system of your baby.
Here are 10 of the best ways to naturally boost your baby’s immune system:
There are many other health benefits associated with breastfeeding for children as well:
Bonus Benefit: Although it is still not conclusive, there is evidence that babies who are breastfed for a longer period of time tend to have a higher IQ. |
Breastfeeding is one of the most potent ways that you can use for naturally strengthening the immune system of your child. It not only helps form a closer mother-child bond but according to a study, this interaction ensures that the baby gets the required nutrients. However, in today's busy world, breastfeeding is not possible all the time. In some situations, tools like milk extractors or breast milk pump machines, little milk bottles, and milk pouches can come in handy.
If you are a mother of a newborn and are looking to breastfeed your child, then there are some essentials that you should consider buying:
2- Maintain Good Hygiene – It is essential to maintain a high standard of hygiene in general, but it is even more crucial when you have a child. Good hygiene for the baby and his surroundings is vital for the natural development of a robust immune system. It ensures that your child gets limited exposure to bacteria and viruses, plus it also encourages the proper development of antibodies, which are essential for a healthy immune system. If you take adequate care of your child's hygiene and keep your house disinfected at all times, your child will grow up to have a naturally healthy immune system.
3- Get proper sleep and rest – This is another factor that has a significant impact on our bodies' immune system. When we sleep out, the body heals and optimizes all its systems, including the immune system. Most children don’t get proper sleep. It is your job to make sure that your baby gets the recommended hours of sleep every day. It is crucial for the natural development of their immune system. A child must get between 10-14 of night's sleep daily. There is another factor to consider here, the quality of the sleep. You have to make sure that once your child is asleep, he does not wake up because of any disturbances; this also has a major impact on the immune system.
4- The right supplements – There are certain minerals that a child's body requires for healthy growth and a robust immune system. You need to provide your child with the right supplements if you want them to have a healthy and strong immune system. Vitamin D and zinc are two of the most supplements that a baby needs for proper growth and a healthy immune system. The most convenient and natural way to get vitamin D is from the sun. So, make sure that your kid gets an ample amount of sunlight every day. You should also include foods that are rich in these vitamins and minerals. Fish is an excellent source of vital minerals that boost the immune system and keep diseases and infections at bay. Before you start to incorporate anything new into your child's diet, it is recommended to check in with your physician.
5- A well-balanced diet – Your baby's immune system can really suffer if it does not get the support of the right kind of foods. It is essential to monitor the intake of sugar and additives of your child. The best way to make sure that your child has a healthy and strong immune system is to make sure that they eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. A well balanced and healthy diet consists of foods that are probiotic and natural. Fruits and vegetables are key here. Make sure that your child eats their greens on a daily basis. Foods rich in Vitamin E and A help naturally boost immunity and give your child the proper support that they need to fight off bacteria and viruses.
6- Exercise – An active kid is a healthy kid. Please encourage your child to engage in exercise; by this, we mean movement. Try to take your kid out in the park as much as you can and play with them. Make playtime as physical as possible. When children start to engage in physically demanding tasks from an early age, it strengthens their immune system and promotes overall growth.
7- Do not overuse antibiotics – This is a significant factor you need to understand as a parent. The bodies of an adult react differently to medicine than a child. We all want to see our children healthy and disease-free but getting sick when you are young is natural and almost crucial for developing a strong and healthy immune system. So, it might be tempting to give your children medicine for even common colds and flu, but you will unintentionally hinder the natural growth of their immune systems. When we are small, our immune system does not have much experience of which bacteria and viruses will be attacking the body. When we get sick, our antibodies get a chance to interact with these bacteria and viruses. If we use antibiotics at this stage, the immune system stays inexperienced and does not develop at the rate that it needs to. This means that your child will be more vulnerable to getting sick when he grows up. Talk about this with your physician and think twice before giving your child any kind of medication.
8- Water – It is vital to keep children hydrated. Every system of our body requires water to function properly. The immune system is no different. Proper hydration ensures that your child’s immune system is adequately optimized at all times. It is an essential factor when it comes to naturally boosting the immunity of your child.
9- Essential oils – Several essential oils have been proven to boost children's immune systems naturally. Clove, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary, cinnamon, and lavender are readily available essential oils that help kill bacteria and increase a child's immunity. They can be used in a variety of different ways, such if mixed with coconut oil, they can be used to create an organic sanitizer which users can use to disinfect your child's surroundings. If your child is suffering from a common cold or sore throat, essential oils can be used to treat that as well. Since they do not hinder the immune system, they are a great way to treat some common diseases. Essential oils can really help your child develop a healthy immune system.
10 – Probiotic foods – Your child's diet is the most important factor when it comes to developing a strong and healthy immune system. Probiotic foods such as miso soup, sauerkraut, soft cheeses, yogurt, and kefir are all examples of foods that can help your child develop a healthy microbiota, which is essential to the development of a good immune system.
Reference List:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586783/
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20181092
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150317195937.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171030123401.htm
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-probiotics
https://sunwarrior.com/blogs/health-hub/19-ways-naturally-prevent-cold-flu-season-kicking-butt
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13175/6-ways-to-boost-your-childs-immune-system.html
https://drwillcole.com/functional-medicine/8-ways-to-naturally-boost-your-childs-immune-system
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/want-boost-childs-immune-system-5-tips/
https://www.parents.com/health/cold-flu/cold/boost-childs-immunity/
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Introducing Little Martin’s disposable changing mats that are one of the most popular products among new parents. These foldable changing mats can be used for multifarious purposes. These can deal with every kind of your baby’s mess and much more.
What Can Little Martin’s Diaper Mats Do?
These diaper mats are super absorbent and easy to carry around. Moreover, they come in different sizes and thickness. You can choose the size according to your baby’s requirement. They keep the moisture away from your baby and make them super dry. Hence your little one feels dry and happy. You can easily fold it and place it in your bag when you are on the go.
These baby travel changing mats are extremely convenient to use. All you have to do is just unfold it, place your baby on it and do the cleaning. The size is quite reasonable, having dimensions of 24 by 18 inches. You just don’t need to worry about your changing area with these diaper mats.
These are super affordable and are made of high quality material. Also, these folding changing mats are super gentle to your baby’s skin. Based on the experiences of the users, they are fully confident that they have been spared from many mishaps while changing diapers. Coming to the material again, cotton is used in it to make it smooth and not harsh to the touch so that your baby doesn't get irritated.
Is It A Mom’s Must-Have Or Not?
Let’s talk about the perks of using this product in the light of the users. These mats are said to be the most convenient ones to use, they are light, and easy to carry around. They also don’t take much of your space in your baby bag. Also you get a handsome quantity of these waterproof changing mats in one pack.
Different sized packs are available such as 20, 25, 30 etc. they are cute with no leaking guaranteed. This is absolutely a favorite among people who travel with their babies, just because of the ease of use, be it a restaurant, an airport or other public place, these mats would never disappoint you. These are portable and come in the pack individually folded to make them easier to carry around. This product saves you a lot in dirty laundry, you can dispose them off after each use and don't have to worry about the mess.
How To Use Changing Mats?
Using the mats is super easy, you just pull it out of the pack and lay your baby in it. These are super large, actually big enough for the baby's bum and head both to be on it. Designed such that it has a plastic layer on the bottom so that no spills make it through the bottom.
The mat is large enough to cover the base of your baby, not only as a wipe but you can also use it as a leak free bottom for your baby to lay on and sleep without having to worry about creating a mess. Other brands in the same game are expensive, this product is a winner for the benefits it offers. These diaper mats are environment and animal friendly.
Specially made for outdoor usage keeps you away from the hustle of cleaning and dumping, just use it and dispose of it off, it’s that simple! You can also use these folding mats to dry your baby after a shower, it absorbs most of the moisture leaving smooth rash-free skin. These foldable mats serve many of your purposes while on the go, and prove to be the best companion along your way. So you don’t need to worry about your baby’s mess.
Why Choose Little Martin’s Changing Mats?
Little Martin’s diaper mats are waterproof and they are super absorbent, almost capable of absorbing 150 oz. The pack includes 20 thin and 30 thick pads.
You can use them as a towel to dry your baby, they can be used as a wipe as they are super absorbent. You can use them to protect your bed sheet and mattress while the baby is sleeping on it.
The three layer technology is both useful and comfortable so that your baby doesn’t feel any discomfort while lying on it. Can be easily disposed of once completely used. These foldable mats are sealed from all four ends so you don’t need to worry about any spills or overflows. These changing mats are super breathable and work great for outdoor and indoor uses.
The 30 count economy packs save you time and gives you a break from washing the reusable pads. These diaper mats give you perfect value for money, once experienced, it is guaranteed that you won’t go for any other brand because they do the job even better than those expensive ones.
These diaper mats prove to be the best companions for parents. Just for the fact that they save you a ton of time and hustle. These foldable changing mats are must if you are a parent to a baby or even a toddler, you can never deny the fact that how useful they are, always helps you on the go. You can choose in blue and pink color according to the gender of your baby.
Comparing it to the other brands with similar products, these waterproof changing mats are cheaper yet deliver more. These diaper mats have the most user satisfaction as well as they are also recommended to everyone. Just use them once and you’ll instantly feel the difference.
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It is no brainer that, if you’re new to parenting and have a mischievous new-born, your life is not as easy as it was. You need to scrutinize every single thing from diapers to car seats. This novelty can be quite intimidating for you.
This is why you need a great pair of baby trimmers or baby nail clippers with light to make your day-to-day life easier.
The bottom line is a good pair of nail cutters for your baby is a lifesaver. So, here’s everything you should know about baby nail care.
Why do you need baby nail cutters?
Some parents might be wondering, why do they even want a nail cutter for their baby in the first place. Don’t ever come to the conclusion that nail cutters for babies are an unwanted necessity.
The reason is, your baby’s nails are constantly growing, not to mention fast. When they get uncomfortably long, they get jagged, and sharp making your baby injure itself. According to Josh, a dad for over 10 years and counting at naturalbabylife.com, baby nail clippers prevent the painful cuts on those little ones’ bodies. What’s worse, they become sharp as razors with a little length.
You don’t have to trim their fingernails frequently, but they definitely should be trimmed properly from time to time.
Newborns or babies’ skin is soft, mild and prone to injury if you’re not careful with the tools you choose for their nail care. This is why baby trimmers or nail care kits like Little Martin’s Baby Nail Care Kit are specially designed for tiny baby fingers in order to achieve the goal safer than the adult nail cutters.
What are baby nail cutters exactly?
Some might wonder why cannot they use a regular nail cutter for their toddler. The main reason is their augmented safety. Especially as a parent, you have a responsibility not to injure your little one’s fingers, or tear the nails.
Therefore, a specifically made nail cutter should be used that is perfectly sized and shaped for the job. Likewise, these nail cutters for babies usually come with special features. So, the smaller versions of adult nail cutters cannot do the job as nearly as easy as these when it comes to the features.
Some of the common features that come with baby nail cutters are,
How to use baby nail cutters or trimmers?
The best time to cut babies’ nails is when they are sleeping, so they won’t get scared or wiggle and squirm making the task difficult for you. If your kid is a bit older you can strap them into a high chair or a car seat prior to cutting their nails.
If you find yourself struggling to use baby nail clippers with light or scissors, you can opt for a baby nail trimmer. If you choose one of the best baby electric nail trimmers such as Little Martin's Baby Electric Nail Trimmer with Light, you might feel that baby nail care is easier than ever.
With these, you can swiftly trim and polish your baby’s finger and toenails without the thought of cutting their skin off. These trimmers are quite silent as well so you won’t wake up your baby.
Tips for baby nail care
If you’re a new parent, the thought of trimming your baby’s nails itself can intimidate you. However, if you follow the correct steps, this might not be a burden but a great advantage for both you and your baby. Here are some baby nail care tips you might find handy.
Wrapping up
Baby’s nails grow unbelievably fast and not to mention sharp. When they move their arms and legs, these razor-sharp nails can scratch and cut their skin easily. Therefore, investing in baby nail clippers with light, or one of the best baby electric nail trimmers will be a huge benefit for you.
References
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Parents can rest assured that a stuffy and runny nose is not uncommon among infants. But what's a desperate mom could do to ease her baby's blocked nose?
An option is the human suction nasal aspirator, which essentially is a tool through which parents can suck out mucus via a mouthpiece, tube and filter that catches snot into a neat little container for disposal.
There are pros and cons to this method. If parents can get over the gross factor, they can easily control the level of suction for an effective clean. There is, however, the possibility of catching the little one’s cold.
The team at Little Martin’s Drawer encourages parents to opt for what they have tried and tested to be the safest, convenient and most effective way to clear a baby’s blocked nose, that is, with a battery powered, handheld device.
Little Martin’s Drawer baby nasal aspirator is gentle, yet powerful at removing stubborn mucus without harming your little one's delicate sinuses or lining.
Made with BPA free, premium hospital grade material, cleaning is a breeze. Simply wash the waterproof device after use. The mucus collection cup and nozzle can be easily removed and boiled for sterilization.
The FDA approved device is also compact and can be taken along anywhere, ready for use with the simple push of a button.
]]>Vaccines protect babies from 14 diseases by the time they reach 2 years of age. It is of utmost important that babies receive all doses of each vaccine and receive each vaccination on time. After 6 months of age, CDC recommends children receive a yearly flu vaccine.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time should get two doses of flu vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Children are also due for additional doses of vaccine between 4 and 6 years of age. If a child falls behind the recommended immunization schedule, the child's doctor can still give vaccines to "catch up" the child before adolescence.
Child care facilities, preschool programs and schools should be aware that they are prone to disease outbreaks especially in certain seasons. Children in these settings can easily transmit illnesses to one another due to poor handwashing, not covering their coughs and sneezes, and other aspects related to interacting in crowded environments.
Parents ought to be informed that unvaccinated children are not only at increased risk for disease, but they can also spread disease to others in their play groups, child care centers, classroom, and communities - including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people who might not be able to receive certain vaccines due to cancer or other health conditions. If you feel that your child is not feeling well, you should keep your child home and out of activities until the illness passes to avoid transmission of disease.
Source: https://www.nphic.org/niam/item/11315
]]>Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances that generally do not affect other individuals. These substances, or allergens, can cause sneezing, coughing, and itching. Allergic reactions range from merely bothersome to life-threatening. Some allergies are seasonal, like hay fever. Allergies have also been associated with chronic conditions like sinusitis and asthma.
Anyone may have or develop an allergy - from a baby born with an allergy to cow's milk, to a child who gets poison ivy, to a senior citizen who develops hives after taking a new medication.
Allergies can generally not be prevented but allergic reactions can be. Once a person knows they are allergic to a certain substance, they can avoid contact with the allergen. Strategies for doing this include being in an air-conditioned environment during peak hay-fever season, avoiding certain foods, and eliminating dust mites and animal dander from home. You can also control the allergy by reducing or eliminating the symptoms. Strategies include taking medication to counteract reactions or minimize symptoms and being immunized with allergy injection therapy.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include flush; tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips; lightheadedness, and chest-tightness. If not treated, these can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, and respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis can result in death. Food, latex, insect sting, and drug allergies can all result in anaphylaxis.
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Begin cleaning the gums from birth, once a day, taking advantage of the moment of bathing. Use a wet gauze, the tip of a clean cloth dampened in water or a silicone thimble only with boiled and purified water making gentle circular movements throughout the oral area of the baby, including tongue, gums, and teeth.
The thimble brushes can soothe the itching and discomfort caused by the eruption of the baby's first teeth, while at the same time cleansing his delicate mouth. Starting from the 6 months of life - when they begin to erupt their first milk teeth, it would be advisable to start using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a size appropriate for the baby's mouth. The brushing should be done in a soft and circular movement on each of the baby's teeth and is exclusively with water.
As for toddler, perform oral hygiene with a toothbrush the size of his mouth. If your toddler does not wake up to eat at night or eat sweets, you can brush his teeth only with water. Otherwise, you should use 1000ppm fluoride toothpaste.
If your child have already had his molars, flossing between contact areas between the molars before sleeping. You can use a dental floss with wax, or use flossers.
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Given its prevalence, you might think cavities were unavoidable. The truth, however, is that tooth decay is highly-preventable with good hygiene and routine maintenance. Apart from brushing and flossing, the most effective treatment for tooth decay is to apply fluoride to the teeth.
Fluoride is easily accessible in our lives. 80% or more of mouthwash in supermarkets contains fluoride, and more than 90% of toothpaste, except for infants’, contains fluoride. Direct fluoride application can be done by dentists, but it can also be applied through the products sold in market.
For children, it is advisable to apply fluoride regularly at the dentist. However, if you are looking for a fluoride-containing product at a mart, make sure you see the letters 'fluoride~' among the ingredients. The most typical example is sodium fluoride.
How does fluoride actually works to prevent cavities? When your saliva has fluoride in it from sources like toothpaste, your teeth are able to take it in. Once in your enamel, fluoride teams up with calcium and phosphate there to create the most powerful defense system your teeth can have to prevent cavities (fluoroapatite) from forming.
It’s never too late to inculcate a good hygiene and routine maintenance to your children by incorporating dental and mouth care. Little Martin’s Drawer has developed a Sonic electric toothbrush that made up of DuPont nylon bristles which are soft and gentle to protect young teeth and gums, while silicone brush head to help soothe discomfort of teething when used to massage baby’s gums. Also, it is designed with white LED light for moms to observe baby’s teeth.
]]>A nightlight is particularly essential for predawn activity. At 2 a.m., you might want to change diapers or breastfeed your baby, a nightlight provides sufficient brightness, but is gentle on your blurry eyes. The dim light also keeps you and your baby in sleep-time mode. And for toddlers, it shows them that there’s no monsters creeping under their bed or ghosts haunting their room. A night light also gives off plenty of light for your toddler to use the potty overnight...
However, with so many different night lamps available how do you choose the suitable one for your baby's bedroom? Join us as we explore the features you need to know about night lamps.
Most traditional lights requires you to find an outlet to plug in. Before choosing a night lamp for your baby, take a look at the layout of your baby's room. Look out the location of the electrical sockets in relation to your baby's crib or bed.
If the power outlet is too far away or too close from the crib then the light may be either too dim or too bright for your baby. If this is the case then you may want to consider a portable night light which will allow you to place at a more comfortable distance to your baby’s bed. A portable nightlight will also allow you to bring on vacation and to other places you’ll be overnight without too much of a hassle.
According to Dr. Michael Grandner, a board-certified pro in Behavior Sleep Medicine at the university of Pennsylvania, the best light color is reddish, yellowish, or orangish light.
You notice that they are the same colors that feature markedly in the twilight of sunset, nature's very own way of telling you to get ready for bed. Baby finds red light soothing as it helps them easily to fall asleep. Experts believe that this is because the only colored light baby would have seen in the womb would have been a red color.
The idea of a night light is for it to function in night mode, gently illuminating the room with soft, ambient light. There should be no flicker or glare that can cause dizziness. The nightlight should also be easily adjustable to your ideal brightness.
You might want to opt for one that is easily to be recharged either with a wall charger plug or simply a USB charging cable, especially when you are on vacation.
While there are tons of night lamps to choose from, a great option is Little Martin’s Feeding Lamp that fits for these features. Armed with a classic designed, it produces light with LED, and having multi-functional purpose to be used as feeding lamp, bedside or desk light, or night light. The cool part is it can be switched between cool white or warm yellow light color according to preference or function. Sometimes newborns do need some cool white light before sleeping time. It helps them to distinguish between nighttime and daytime hours.
]]>Here are the keys to common misconceptions for caring baby's hair.
There is no right time to cut your baby’s hair. But if you need a guide, perhaps it's when you notice:
Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explained that hair texture and growth rate are determined by genetics, and the only time a person's hair will change is due to chemotherapy.
No, there is no scientific proof to this. It has to stick with genetics, it is not about the timing of baby's first haircut.
It is best to cut baby's hair dry to avoid any unpleasant surprises as hair will seem longer when wet.
Shampooing your child's hair until it creaks can make your child's hair dry and kinky. Stick to lathering just once and rinsing thoroughly with baby shampoo and it is safe if it gets into their eyes.
“Simply be reminded that cutting child's hair does not strengthen the regrowth either. However, it does allow you to rebalance the hair growth. It is also an opportunity for you to keep the hair out of your child's face, ears and off the nape of the neck, where it particularly tends to stick,” according to expert hairdresser, Jean Louis David.
Cutting a baby or toddler's hair can be quite tricky, especially when you try to cut the hair while holding a squirming baby still. Some parents prefer to get their baby's hair trimmed at a hair salon while others prefer to cut their baby’s hair themselves at home with a blunt-ended scissors.
A great option is the baby hair clipper from Little Martin’s Drawer which is whisper quiet can help your child stay calm, and also it's waterproof design. Your child can play with water while you give him a haircut!
]]>And if you are a first-time mom, you should know why is your baby crying and how to stop him from crying.
]]>And if you are a first-time mom, you should know why is your baby crying and how to stop him from crying. To give you ideas on how to understand, handle and soothe his crying, you may read further below some details.
Experts say that a baby cries when they want to say something to you. It is his way of communication because he could not talk yet. Of course, a newborn baby cannot say, “Hello mom, I’m hungry!” Or “I’m wet!”
You may be wondering why he is crying loudly and doing it for a few hours. The average hour a baby would cry is about 3 hours. And that is quite long and disturbing. To recognize and know why your baby crying, here are some of the reasons why they shed tears or howl:
The real challenge for parents is how to stop the baby from crying. You may start with the basics by knowing the reason why your baby is crying. Here are some steps on how to handle him:
1. Determine the reason
There are a few reasons why your baby weeps. You will know if he is hungry if you put your finger near the end of the side of his mouth. When he responds like grabbing your finger, then he is hungry. He probably thinks that your finger is his milk bottle. If he is not hungry, check out his diaper if wet. Meanwhile, if the baby cries for so long, he might have a sickness or pain. It is advisable that you bring him to his pediatrician right away, especially if he does not stop from crying after doing the following ways below.
After knowing the reason and you find out he is hungry, then feed him immediately. Check your feeding schedule from time to time to prevent your baby from being hungry and crying.
Your baby will feel discomfort if he is wet. Usually, a baby cries out loud. This is the time that you make him comfy by changing his diaper.
Touching or caressing your baby’s hands, cheek, legs, and stomach may stimulate his brain’s receptors and makes your baby calm. A study indicates that long and smooth touch is better than the short strokes. Hold him gently and swaddle him with your arms.
Take your baby out or introduce him to a new toy or something that is new to him. You may also talk to him or sing a song. This may shift his attention and change his mood.
It is normal when your baby cries. You just need to understand him and meet his needs. Soon, he will stop from crying. The good news is when your baby starts to talk, he will surely refrain from crying always.
]]>Foods like peanuts, sesame, shellfish, tree nuts, fish, milk, soy, egg, wheat are widely known to cause allergies in babies. The fact is that a baby’s risk of developing common food allergies can actually be reduced by up to 80% through early and frequent exposure to allergenic foods based on Landmark studies.
EARLY INTRODUCTION
For babies as young as 4 months, parents can consider to feed their child daily and consistently (with continued breastfeeding) to help gently train their baby’s tummy to accept food as food, rather than as an allergen. Though breastfeeding imparts lots of benefits for mother and child, mothers ought to be informed that breastfeeding alone has not conclusively been proven to prevent food allergies.
DIVERSE DIET
Experts support diversifying babies’ diets to include the most commonly allergenic foods as mentioned above. Some ideas to tasty mixed foods include lightly toasted whole grain bread or crackers; wheat through pasta such as bowtie or rotini; salmon, tuna, or any white fish baked and flaked into tiny pieces or pureed with a little bit of breast milk or formula into baby’s favorite foods like sweet potatoes, squash, or any other veggies.
Parent can introduce tree nuts like almonds and hazelnuts to baby simply by mixing one of these nut flours into a puree food like applesauce or yogurt and feeding it to the baby; incorporating cow’s milk in baked goods, mixing tiny bits in a cereal, or feeding baby yogurt or soft cheeses. And for parents who wants to introduce soy to baby, you can offer an organic non-gmo tofu apart from the idea of blending a soft tofu in with baby’s favorite veggies.
As for peanut, allergist Ruchi Gupta from MD advise that it shouldn’t be the first food to introduce to child, and before introducing it parents should make sure first of all the child is healthy – he doesn’t have a cold, fever or anything else. And to introduce peanut, the simple good way is to mash a ripe banana with a small spoonful of peanut butter!
ROUTINE FEEDING PLAN
Feed a baby potential allergenic food few times per week through infancy and early childhood.
Resources:
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergy
https://readysetfood.com/blogs/community/does-breastfeeding-prevent-food-allergies
]]>The following are the tips to handle twins:
Experts agree that one of the fundamental tips is syncing up twins’ schedules. “When one infant wakes up to feed, wake the other one up as well." Do not worry about disturbing the sleep of the other twin. Also, getting yourself a twin nursing pillow would be a good idea to make feedings easier.
Mother needs to schedule every task, so if required create a timetable which will be helpful for your commencing days. It's common to have one baby sleeping and the other not get sleep, and sounds of one baby wake the other. If one baby didn’t get sleep, try for some more time and put him to sleep. If one of them makes noise and disturbs the other don’t panic, let the other also wake up. By the next nap time or sleep time, they will both fall asleep without much effort from you. Soon they will also learn to sleep with each other sounds not disturbing them.
Having twins means you are going to be running out of essential items at lighting fast speed. Diapers, wipes, formula, bathing supplies, diaper rash cream, and so forth. You are not going to want to run to the store every time you run out of one of those items. Therefore ordering online and in bulk is going to be an easier and cheaper alternative in the long run.
The first few weeks after delivery can be so busy and tired. Sometimes you may not even have the energy to pop a pair of jeans and a blouse on in the morning. Grab yourself a pair or two of comfortable yoga pants, some tee shirts, and casual oversized loose dress.
Being a first-time mom is challenging. You may encounter postpartum and nursing problems that you cannot figure out. Don't keep your problems to yourself. Finding the right group(s), and you may be surprised that many undergoes the similar situations like yours. You can swap all kinds of stories and maybe even get some tips on parenting twins.
One of the important tips is for postnatal mother to seize every opportunity to rest. When your sweet little ones are finally fast asleep, take the opportunity for yourself to get in bed as well! Close your eyes and get that rest while you can! Remember to have the baby monitor right next to you, so you’re able to hear when they wake up.
You should track things like sleep patterns, bowel movements, their feeding habits, how much they eat, and if they are taking medicine, how much and when they have taken it last, and so on. Maintain a notebook to track their activities, it will make your pediatrician's work a lot more easier and your effort will be much appreciated!
Twins look alike. You may feed them the same thing at the same time, but you just couldn't assume they would have the same bowel schedule too. If you are always around both of your little ones, you will never get a chance to know them as individuals. Spend some quality time with each twin. This will give you a chance to bond with each one of them, separately. You will be able to get a sense of their personality and what makes them unique as a little person. You will get a feeling of what their personalities and what their likes and dislikes are. After all, twins are still their own people.
Sorting out your baby's room so that everything fit can be a tough job. If you have children, then you already know this. But if you are becoming a mother for the first time, here are a couple of tips that will allow you to better handle space.
As you anticipate your baby's arrival, it’s absolutely normal to feel the need to prepare your home so that he or she is cozy. You want to provide the warmest welcome as well as a pleasant ambience.
Below are 6 tips for organizing your baby’s room so that everything fits. Take note and put them to use in your home!
Tip #1 Pick the "Right" Room
Before anything else, you need to pick the right room for your baby. If you have alternatives to choose from, select a room that is far away from loud noises, and is well insulated to maintain the right temperature - about 70°F. Ensure the room is well ventilated, and that it gets natural light at some point during the day.
Next, you can start to decorate the room by painting the walls. When it comes to picking out wall colors, it’s best to go for soft colors like pale purple, blue, pink, lavender and lilac. To add a whimsical touch, you might consider to arrange some wall stickers, wallpaper bordering or other decorations on the walls.
Tip #2 Baby Furniture
As for furniture, the most essential thing is none other than a crib. Whether using a family heirloom or purchasing a new bed, make sure whatever you pick meets current safety standards. Besides that, you might want to include a small dresser or wardrobe. If you're tight on space, multi-functional furniture would be a wise option. Consider consolidating the changing table and a dresser into one unit, and use closet space or some small storage drawers for accessories and small clothing items.
Tip #3 Decorative & Storage
Apart from storing a bazillion amount of baby clothes, you also need space for toys and all sorts of other stuffs. In this case, (adult-size) storage furniture is necessary. Invest in double-duty furniture such as ottomans, stools, and even beds with built-in storage. Meanwhile, adjustable shelves are great to adapt to all of your stuff including items like photos, your child’s foot prints, baby blankets, etc. Also, remember to keep diaper and changing items to the side of your dominant hand. If you're right-handed, keep your wipes and diaper pail to the right. When it comes to grabbing what you need, they'll never be out of reach.
Tip #4: Bedding
Bedding is a great way to add a soft touch to your little one’s nursery. Pillows, stuffed animals and crib bumpers can make the room look picture perfect, but remember that safety comes first. Leaving these items in the crib while your baby is sleeping increases the chances of sudden infant death syndrome. Bare is best! Your baby is safest while sleeping in a crib with nothing but a firm mattress and a snug fitted bottom sheet.
If you have hardwood floors, then a throw rug is great. Choose something that’s delicate and comfortable, and be sure to vacuum it regularly to keep dust from building up.
Tip #5 Lighting
Lighting is an essential part of creating the ambience you’re looking for. You should include several soft white light sources. You can include a nightlight, a string of lights, a small table lamp, etc. You can also install a dimmer to customize lighting.
Tip #6 Safety First
As you plan and choose, always keep your child’s safety in mind as your biggest priority. Remember that the first sense your child will develop is the sense of taste. In other words, babies put everything in their mouths as a means of exploration. Therefore, avoid placing any small objects within your little one’s reach.
Also, avoid leaving any pull strings or electric cables where your little one can reach them. These pose a threat for strangulation, not to mention the danger of electrocution with electric cords and outlets.
Besides, parents should be aware to prevent tip-over tragedy. Statistics show that about every 30 minutes a child in the U.S. is injured as a result of a TV or furniture tip-over incident. So anchor and protect! To prevent a tip-over tragedy, make sure to use sturdy furniture, secure your TV by anchored it to the wall, and remove tempting objects that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture.
You may feel overwhelmed by so many options and aspects to bear in mind, but need not worry. Arranging your baby’s room will be a graceful and memorable experience.
RELATED: Tips for Cleaning Baby's Room
]]>How to care for your baby's skin in the winter?
1. Layer up, but not too much
When it’s cold outside we want to bundle our little one up in a little snow hat, and dress him in several layers of clothing. In general, baby needs one more layer of clothing than adults. Put your hand inside your baby’s clothing to see if he's sweaty, and take one layer off if he's overheated.
Heat rash can happen too when your baby is sitting in an area (such as a car seat) that has poor air circulation. To prevent this nuisance from bothering your baby's skin, be sure to dress him in breathable layers, and place him in an area that is well-ventilated.
2. Protect against the elements
Be sure to keep your baby protected from the cold and wind by using a lid for your stroller so you can still get in those daily walks but your baby won’t be exposed to the wind and cold. And make sure your baby's head and hands are covered whenever you’ll be out for extended periods of time.
3. Use a humidifier
Plug a humidifier in your baby’s room when he sleeps at night. Since central heat in the home also leaches out the moisture out of your baby’s skin, you’ve got to restore it. Maintaining the humidity level between 25 percent to 40 percent is ideal, and using a humidifier is a must if your little one is prone to eczema flare-ups. Though both cold or warm humidifier can be beneficial for the skin as well as breathing, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only using cool humidifiers, since warm ones can pose scalding hazard if a child pulls it onto himself.
4. Warm bath
A warm bath can help your baby calm down and get ready for sleep. It is advisable you keep a nighttime warm bath routine throughout the winter, and keep bath times short – as short as five minutes for small baby since extended exposure to the water, and hot water temperatures can also suck out moisture from your baby's skin.
5. Baby Moisturizers
We all know that it’s important to moisturize skin all year long, and winter weather is surely no exception. While it's always necessary to apply moisturizers on baby before heading out in the cold, moisturize instantly after his each bath is even more beneficial.
When your baby finishes a bath, gently pat dry his skin with a clean towel, then massage your baby lotion over his slightly damp skin to help lock in the moisture. Good moisturizers for baby can include jojoba oil, shea butter and cocoa butter.
6. Managing diaper rash
Change your baby's diaper often and clean it thoroughly. Apply a layer of cream to ease the rash. You may also consider giving your baby some diaper-free time to allow his bum to air out.
7. Preventing Chapped Lips
Simply coat with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or gentle lip balm a few times a day. This will create a barrier of protection from the cold and help your baby to decrease the chances of chapped, cracked lips.
8. Apply sunscreen in the winter
While we know that it’s important to apply sunscreen in the summer, using sunscreen in the winter is still necessary since the UV rays are still strong. You may consider to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. In the first six months, use one that contains physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
]]>All parents want the best for their child. And we know that healthy food helps grow a healthy baby. However to grow a healthy brain, a baby needs more — lots and lots of loving words.
A baby’s brain grows super fast. Research shows that a child’s exposure to language spoken by parents and caretakers from birth to age 3 makes a huge difference. A strong vocabulary allows a child to more easily follow instructions, express their feelings and develop the fundamental skill: the ability to read. If a child has the ability to read (by the end of third grade), he would shift from the culture of learning to read, to reading to learn.
You will be surprised by the evidence showing that stream of parent-to-child baby talk - Feel Teddy’s nose! It’s so soft! Baby feels hungry? Now Mommy is opening the fridge! “You see Daddy, don’t you?” Does my little Thomas hear me talking? — is very, very important.
It’s common that most parents gave their children directives like “Put away your toy!” or “Don’t eat that!” But interaction was more likely to stop there. Parents are advisable to engage their little one in baby talk more. (So put those smartphones away!)
Study shows that the greater the number of words children heard from their parents or caregivers before they were 3, the higher their IQ and the better they did in school. TV talk not only didn’t help, it was destructive.
]]>A recent study on 2,000 American moms shows that new moms generally take an average of three months and 13 days to feel they have got the hang of motherhood. Till then, it is inevitably for them to make mistakes. But if you know the 7 most common parenting mistakes, you can avoid them.
Mistake #1 Panicking over anything and everything
"Many new parents have overblown physical reactions to spitting up, vomitting, and other things a baby does,” says Leon Hoffman, MD, director of the Pacella Parent Child Center in New York. ” And the baby naturally picks up on that anxiety."
Hoffman says parents tend to worry about the small stuff instead of enjoying their infant's first year of life. Is he having too many bowel movements or too few? Is she spitting up too much? Is she getting enough to eat or too little? Does he cry too much or not enough? Do these sound familiar to you?
Mistake #2 Not letting baby cry it out
Parents often think their job is to make sure the baby is not crying. That's because they relate crying with the fact that they are doing something wrong, and they need to fix it. However babies are designed to cry. They can be perfectly diapered and fed and still cry because that's the way they communicate. But if your baby is inconsolable for an hour and has a fever, rash, vomiting, a swollen belly, or anything else unusual, or you think something is not right, call and check with your doctor as soon as possible.
Mistake #3 Waking baby up to breastfeed
In fact, breastfed babies can and should sleep through the night, but nursing mothers has the common misconception that their breast milk isn't thick enough to get their infant through the night. But it is possible and beneficial for both the nursing mother and her baby to sleep through the night.
Mistake #4 Confusing spit-up and vomit
The difference between spit-up and vomit is frequency, not forcefulness. Spit-up can absolutely fly across the room. But vomiting is all about frequency. It is saying that if your baby is vomiting with a gastrointestinal virus, it will come every 30 or 45 minutes regardless of feeding. Spit-up, on the other hand, is usually related to feeding.
Mistake #5 Expect newborn to self-defense against fever
For a 3 months old baby, any fever over 100.4 rectally is an emergency, except fever that develops within 24 hours after an infant's first set of immunizations.
Some parents may just think their baby feels warm and give the baby Tylenol, but that's a parenting mistake in this age group as an infant's immune system is not set up to handle an infection on its own.
Mistake #6 Not properly installing the car seat
Parents should choose the right seat [based on child's age group], and have it installed correctly, or go to get help putting it in.
Mistake #7 Neglecting oral care
"Many new parents don’t think about their newborn's teeth until it is too late," says Saul Pressner, a New York City-based dentist.
New parents should be mindful:
Certainly it can be irresistible to witness an arrival of a newborn child — but you really should be thinking twice before touching or kissing or holding an adorable baby.
What will happen when someone touch your little one?
Infants are born with fragile immune systems. When an adult touches the infant’s cheeks, hand, or any part of their skin or even breathes on them, any bacteria or virus they may have will be spread to the infant.
Research shows that about 70% of all adults in the U.S have the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the type that is most often associated with oral cold sore outbreaks. Though it's rare, infants can infect the virus from coming into contact with someone who has cold sores. While these outbreaks can be quite benign for adults, the consequences can be severe for infants whose immune systems have yet to develop. There is high risk where the virus can transmit to their liver, lungs, and brain.
3 Pieces of Advice to Hold a Baby:
So the next time you want to give your friend's baby a cuddle, you may want to think twice — the baby's parent might feel pressured to let you do it. Parents too should be mindful to guard their babies from germs in the first three months -- and if possible, the first six.
For more information about Herpes Simplex Virus in the Newborn, please refer: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/herpes/newborns/fact_sheet.htm
]]>Germs spread via airborne move on dust and through droplets that are coughed or sneezed, and through contact.
#1 Areas to watch out: the changing table and crib railings should be washed with a disinfectant daily.
Bleach is quite effective in stopping the spread of viral or bacterial contamination, but be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly and allow any chlorine fumes to completely dissipate before placing baby back into the area.
#2 Damp laundry should be washed as soon as possible.
#3 Sheets and bed cover should be laundered and changed-out at least once a week. Wash them instantly with hot water and bleach if a child has been sick or soiled them.
#4 The proper level of humidity will make it easier for your baby to breathe. Do depending on the season you might use de-humidifier or humidifier to keep the air- moisture level in the baby's room at between 30 and 60 percent.
As mineral deposits can build up and stagnant water can turn to breeding ground for harmful bacteria, portable appliances like humidifiers need to be cleaned frequently.
#5 Floors in baby's room should be cleaned or vacuum once a week to keep dust from building up.
#6 Using a high efficiency air filter in your heating and AC unit may reduce pollen, mold spores, and levels of other allergens and dust throughout the entire home.
]]>Teething between 4-7 months old is normal for most babies, however some start much later.
Common symptoms and signs of teething in babies include:
What kind of thermometer is suitable for your baby?
Your options depend on your child's age.
1. Rectal Temperature
OK for Newborns and Babies
2. Forehead Temperature
OK starting at 3 months old
3. Ear Temperature
OK Starting at 6 months old
4. Underarm Temperature
OK for all ages, but it's the least accurate method.
Little Martin's Drawer has launched his Medical Forehead and Ear Thermometer, Infrared Digital Thermometer which enabled forehead and ear temperature to be taken with the infrared thermometer, while oral, rectal and armpit temperature to be measured with the digital thermometer.
The great benefit is that they provide a fast and accurate reading. An instant 1 second readings provided by infrared thermometer allows for quick diagnosis, and digital thermometer gives rapid results within seconds.
The thermometer set is suitable for all family members - infants, kids, and adults though it's specially designed for babies and younger children.
]]>Have you ever used an electronic bidet? One of our primary concerns in life is our health, but most time we forget that our toilet is the most basic place. While we spend so much money on several safeguard measures, we tend to forget the little most important thing we need in our toilet.
Despite adopting the use of water to clean our bum after using the toilet, many have stubbornly continued to use dry paper. But do you know that wiping your bum or private part with dry paper won’t eliminate the contaminated bacteria?
Toilet hygiene is especially important for women, because of the special need to clean their genital and anal part. Although women need to be more conscious when using the toilet, toilet hygiene is essential to maintain a disease free family.
Nowadays, most people have swapped toilet paper for bidet toilet to make cleansing of their genital part easier. Better still, the electronic bidet is fast becoming the most important thing in the toilet because it is portable and easy to use. With an electronic bidet, one can spray both cold and hot water through the nozzles.
You may ask; why is electronic bidet so important?
Why you need electronic bidet
Electronic bidet offers a lot of benefits that paper will never provide for you. Here is the importance of electronic bidet:
Bidet how to use
If you are thinking about how to use a bidet, it is very easy to use. With it, you can gently wash your baby bottom without the harsh chemical in baby wipes. You can equally clean your bum, new mom’s private part following delivery, older adults and all family members can also use it.
When new mom just delivers her baby, electronic bidet provides the best technique to clean her properly. With an electronic bidet, you just have to spray her with either cold or warm water to clean her private part.
You can choose strong or soft flow modes based on your need, and you can easily select the water temperature. Also, its angle of spray head can be turned up to 180 degrees to achieve efficient cleaning. In fact, you can travel with electronic bidet because it is foldable and battery operated.
Here is the catch; you can get the electronic bidet at the most affordable price. Good things are not made for rich a person alone, which is why the electronic bidet is made available at an affordable price and you can buy it today.
]]>Affected babies typically begin to display signs of colic at around 2 to 3 weeks of age, or later if premature, and will go away on its own by 3 to 4 months.
It is estimated to affect up to 20% of babies, and is not correlated to a baby’s sex, birth order, or whether they are breast or bottle feed. After a baby has grown out of colic, he or she is no different to those who did not have it.
What causes colic?
Though the exact cause of colic in babies remains unknown, there are some theories as to why it occurs, such as muscle spasms from a growing digestive system, oversensitivity or overstimulation by light, noise and other factors, moodiness, or gas.
How To Treat Colic
As the cause of colic is a mystery, treating it is difficult. Many suggested medications have not been proven to work, and can come with serious side effects.
Thus far, only time cures colic, but in the meantime you can help to calm your baby when crying in several ways.
Use sound and movement
Motion or music can help to calm crying babies. Try walking around with your baby in a baby carrier, or rock him or her gently in a stroller, baby bouncer, or swing. The rhythm may help soothe him to sleep.
Gentle hums or melodies can also be effective in calming your baby. Try classical or instrumental music, or bring your baby to a place where there is the sound of a machine humming, like a clothes dryer or fan.
Soothe your baby’s senses
To help calm a colicky baby, you can try to soothe his senses. Ways to do this include lying him down on his back in a darkened, quiet area, putting a warm bottle on his belly, giving him a pacifier to suck on, bathe him in warm water, or trying an infant massage or back rub.
Reduce gas when feeding
There are many baby bottles available in the market that are specially designed to help reduce gas and help fight colic. Also, make sure to burp your baby during and after feedings.
Take a break and seek support
Parents dealing with colic can easily get worn out, so taking an occasional break can help to relieve some stress. Get help from a family member or trusted friend to watch your baby so you can take the time to go for a walk and get some fresh air. Another good idea is to find a community group in your local area that can give you support.
Be aware that crying can be for many different reasons, so make sure to have your baby checked by a doctor or nurse if you suspect he or she has colic.
]]>But now you can relax and be prepared to travel with the newest member of your family with our guide below.
Pack a diaper bag
A well stocked diaper bag with all the essentials is a must have for all outings with your baby. Make a checklist, or even pack the night before, to make sure you don’t forget anything. Check out our diaper bag essentials when travelling with newborns.
Get familiar with your pram
Navigating your way around with a pram is something can be surprisingly confusing. Try practicing the mechanisms of your pram such as opening and folding before you set out into areas that can be busy and chaotic.
Leave plenty of time to get ready
If you’re on a schedule, make sure to allow plenty of time to get ready. Your baby could demand a last minute feeding or need a nappy change right when you’re about to step foot out the house.
Limit the time you are out
Keep your very first outing short and simple. Allow yourself time to grow your confidence and become comfortable with feeding and caring for your baby in public. Soon you’ll find yourself easily preparing for longer day trips with your little one.
Take a baby carrier just in case
It is possible your baby will get restless in the pram and want to be held instead. This is when a baby carrier will come in handy so you can still have two hands free to push the pram.
Avoid crowded places
Public areas that are crowded can pose a potential health hazard for your newborn. These areas tend to be less clean and can be a place filled with germs or viruses. Until your baby is older and his or her immune system has further developed, stay away from such places when going out with your newborn.
Most of all, make sure to relax and enjoy the experience of going out with your baby for the very first time!
]]>Follow these tips below to help feel closer to your little one when bottle feeding.
Do most of the feeding yourself
Being a mother is exhausting at times, so it may be tempting to pass off the feeding job to your partner or someone else when the going gets tough. But hang in there and commit to bottle feeding your baby as often as you can.
During feeding times, cuddling with your baby and simply spending that time together will help you to both feel closer to one another.
Do skin to skin
Mimic what would usually happen with breastfeeding by doing skin to skin with your baby during feeding times. Not only will this help with bonding, but your baby will feel like he is getting the same experience.
In colder winter months try using a blanket or doona to wrap yourself together with your little one to feel extra close.
Cuddle and chat
Use bottle feeding times with your baby as a chance to spend some quality time together. Create a quiet and tidy area so you have a relaxing atmosphere to cuddle, chat, sing, or simply be in each other’s presence.
Make sure to watch out for distractions like the TV or your phone that will detract from the bonding experience.
Swap arms
Though this may look and feel a little strange, swapping arms when your baby gets halfway through the bottle can help you feel close to your little one. Asides from imitating breastfeeding, this will also provide relief for you arms, especially as he gets heavier.
]]>Make sure your diaper bag is well-stocked with our list of essentials.
Nappies and wipes
As obvious as it may sound, moms can sometimes forget to pack the all important nappies and wipes. These are staples for every diaper bag and can spell disaster if forgotten. Make sure to have enough for your trip and even throw in a few extra!
Changing mat or blanket
A changing mat or blanket is a must when travelling, especially when using public toilets where change tables can be dirty and gross.
Disposable bags
These can be used to contain anything that has been dirtied, including diapers, clothes or blankets.
First aid kit
Although you hopefully won’t be needing a first aid kit when you head out, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Buy a first aid set, or make your own in a pouch, making sure to have band-aids, tissues, nappy rash cream, antiseptic cream and hand sanitizer.
You might also want to include a thermometer on longer trips incase your baby becomes unwell.
Baby bottles (and formula)
Whether using breastmilk or formula, baby bottles are a convenient way to carry or prepare milk. Some diaper bags come with an insulated cooler compartment, so you can prepare milk ahead of time for when your baby gets hungry.
If you choose to mix formula with water at the time of use, it helps to pre-measure what you need to minimize what you need to carry and preparation time.
Change of Clothes
Often a necessity when your baby spits up, drools, spills or has a poop explosion.
Water in a sippy cup
Carrying water for your little one helps to keep him well hydrated throughout the day.
Nasal Aspirator
If your baby has a cold or the sniffles, a nasal aspirator will help you keep him snot free. Opt for a travel-friendly aspirator like the Little Martin’s Electric Nasal Aspirator that is quick and discreet so you can use it even when on public transport or at the shops.
Emergency information
Keeping a copy of important phone numbers and emergency contacts can come in handy when a situation arises. Don’t forget to include your family’s doctors and health insurance contacts.
]]>Below is our simple guide on a baby’s bowel movements:
After birth
For the first few days, your baby’s bowel movements should be a dark green to black colored substance called meconium, a combination of mucus, amniotic fluid, bile and other things ingested in the womb.
As your baby begins to feed, his digestive system should be prompted to pass the meconium to prepare the bowels. This is a sign that the bowels are working normally.
If your baby continues to pass meconium for a few days or has not passed any after 24 hours, this could be a sign of intestinal blockage or other problems, and should be immediately reported to your doctor.
Breastfed babies
Once the meconium is out of your baby’s system, and breastmilk comes in, his poo will become lighter in color to a yellowish brown, and loose in texture. Normal poo may either appear grainy or curdled.
For the first few weeks, your baby may poo after every feed until his routine settles. Then he may poo just once every few days. Make sure to check your baby’s stools are soft and easily passed. At this stage your baby should be frequently nursing and urinating.
Formula fed babies
A baby’s poo may be different if you are feeding him formula. As formula cannot be digested as fully as breastmilk, your baby’s poo will likely be firmer in texture like that of toothpaste, and the smell may also be stronger. The color should be pale yellow to brown.
Newborns on formula normally poo up to five times a day, and are more prone to constipation. See your doctor if your baby seems to have difficulties with bowel movement.
Beginning solids
The introduction of solids into your baby’s diet will drastically alter his poo. You will find that what foods he eats will also determine the appearance and smell of his stools.
Colored foods such as carrots will result in bright orange poo, while fibre rich foods including mashed peas can pass straight through and end up in his nappy.
Regardless of what you feed him, his poo should become thicker, darker, and stronger in smell once he begins eating solid food.
What to watch out for
Diarrhoea could indicate your baby is intolerant to a particular food he has eaten. It could also signify your baby has an infection or virus.
Blood in the stools is not normal and can be caused from several different reasons, including broken skin, a food allergy, or other intestinal problems.
Discomfort when passing stools can occur as your baby begins to consume solid foods. This could be from constipation, or may signify an underlying medical condition such as hypothyroidism or coeliac disease.
If your baby displays any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.
]]>Combine interaction with your baby, games, and toys, to give your little one plenty of opportunities to have fun while learning important movement and motor skills for a bright future.
Reasons to play with your newborn
There are many benefits to playing together with your newborn. You will get to know each other more, and your baby will learn to trust and depend of you, which helps him to feel more loved and secure.
Playing will also aid in your baby’s overall development. Through playing, your baby will learn how to interact with the world around him. Games can also help your baby’s ability to understand words and develop movement and motor skills.
Fun ideas for playing with newborns
Here are some play ideas for newborns to help new moms get started.
Washing new bottles
Before using any new bottles, make sure to wash and sterilize them to kill any germs that may make your baby sick.
Preparing formula
Commercial baby formula is the only safe alternative to breastmilk in a baby’s first 12 months and will help to provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fats that infants need. Follow the steps below to prepare formula in a bottle.
Tip: If you prepare multiple bottles to use later on, you can choose to warm up the bottle in a pot of hot water before giving it your baby. Always test beforehand that the milk flowing from the teat is not too hot.
Preparing expressed breastmilk
Fresh breastmilk can be warmed by placing it in a bowl of warm water. Gently swirl the bottle and test the temperature before feeding your baby.
Frozen breastmilk should first be thawed in a bowl of cool or warm water. Do not use a microwave to thaw the milk as this often heats up the breastmilk unevenly and can destroy some components of the milk.
Make sure to discard any unfinished breastmilk from the feed..
A good baby bottle available is the Little Martin’s Drawer Breastmilk Bottle, which can be used to safely store and prepare breastmilk and formula.
]]>
Choose the right equipment
Finding the most suitable teat, or nipple, for your baby is essential as an inappropriate flow rate can lead to feeding problems. To prevent a too fast or too slow flow rate, make sure to check the recommended age of the teat.
However, these are only guidelines and may not be suitable for your baby. To check if the nipple is right, measure the time of bottle feeds. Babies under 3 months should finish within 20-40 minutes, while babies between 3-6 months should take 15-30 minutes. Babies 6 months and over should complete their feed within 10-20 minutes.
Find the proper position
Positioning your baby in the proper way will also help greatly in successful bottle feeding. To do so, support your baby’s head with the crook of your arm, making sure the head, neck, and body are in a straight line. Prop him at 45 degrees to prevent him from swallowing too much air. If your arm tires, try switching arms or tucking a pillow underneath to rest your arm on.
Feed in a relaxing environment
Avoid bottle feeding in noisy or busy places. Your baby is a sensitive being and is more likely to be receptive to the bottle in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Try to create a good feeding environment by dimming the lights and sitting in a comfortable chair.
Avoid screwing the bottle ring on too tight
Maintaining even pressure within the bottle is important. If the bottle ring is screwed on too tightly, this prevents air from entering the bottle, making it harder for your baby to suck against the negative pressure. You will know the ring is screwed on just right when you can see a steady flow of bubbles enter the bottle when your baby drinks without any leaks.
Enlist dad’s help
Babies occasionally refuse to take a bottle from mom, especially those who have been breastfed. Just the sound or smell of mom can cause a baby to struggle and resist. In this case, try passing the feeding job to dad. Your baby may be more likely to take the bottle when offered by the father.
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