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How Single Fathers Can Overcome Some Of Their Most Overwhelming Challenges by Daniel Sherwin

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All parents face many challenges, especially in this age of technology, when their children are dealing with so many different obstacles than they themselves did: social media, cyberbullying, and new forms of drugs, to name a few. As a single parent, things can become overwhelmingly stressful very easily. It’s hard to perform the duties of both parents alone and try to tackle daily issues–such as work and household chores–at the same time.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can make your life a bit easier and retain peace of mind. The key is to think outside the box a little and find your comfort zone wherever you can. Since most boys aren’t pushed to be caregivers from a young age like girls are–for instance, they don’t usually play with dolls made to look like babies–many men can find it difficult to leap into the roles of both mother and father because they aren’t sure about the “right” way to parent. However, there is no one “right” way to be a single dad; it’s all about navigating your way through the ups and downs and doing what makes you–and your child–feel happiest.

Here are a few tips on how to overcome some of the most popular challenges single fathers face.

Feeling overworked

Most parents feel this way at least some of the time, and when you’re doing it all on your own, things can get pretty overwhelming. It’s important to stop, take a breath, and relax now and then, so carve some time out of your schedule to unwind. Choose something you love to do–playing a game of pickup basketball with your friends, catching a movie, being creative–and either book a babysitter or bring your child along and let him or her join in on the fun. Allowing your kiddo to be involved in your downtime will help the two of you bond and you’ll be pushing away the stresses of everyday life at the same time. For some helpful tips on how to de-stress, check out this article.

Feeling stressed or anxious

There’s a lot to think about when you’re a single parent; you might worry about your child’s health, whether they’re doing well in school, and if you’re doing the best job you can do as a parent. These are normal feelings, but when they bring about anxiety and stress, your mental health will suffer. It’s important to learn small ways to face that stress head-on and reduce it no matter where you are, because having effective coping mechanisms handy will allow you to get through even the most challenging times. You can use your new skills to immediately start feeling better, and to prevent the emergence of chronic mental health problems. For a helpful list of ways you can do just that, read on here.

Not being social anymore

Single parenthood is hard in many ways, but one of the most difficult for some to get over is the change it can bring to one’s social life. If you’ve found that you don’t have as much time to spend with friends, you’re not alone; it’s common for many parents to slide into a routine that allows them to spend most of their time and energy on their children, which means friends get pushed to the side. Yet it doesn’t have to be that way. Depending on the age of your child, you might set up a play-date, head to the local bookstore for story-time, or invite a fellow dad to bring his child to the park and meet up for a little while. Let the kids play while you have some grownup time; it will do you a world of good.

Remember that parenting is done best when you’re stress-free and feeling good, so take care of yourself. Exercise daily and eat well-balanced meals, and reduce stress by getting organized, both at home and at work. This will allow you to be the best dad you can be.

 

Article contributed by:

Daniel Sherwin
daniel@dadsolo.com
DadSolo.com

Visit a Trained Gynecologist To Solve Some Post-Pregnancy Issues

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The efficiency of the pregnant woman’s body is a marvel in itself. The hormonal changes alone can be truly punishing physically and emotionally. Moreover, it is primarily during pregnancy when a woman’s body undergoes some of the toughest and most complex changes of possibly in the human body. Your body is going to produce another human being  within a span of nine months. After that, some woman can face some post-pregnancy issues. There are certain major bodily changes, which women should not ignore after giving birth.

  • Hemorrhoids can be a painful reminder of bodily changes throughout pregnancy and vaginal delivery

Hemorrhoids are basically swollen, bulging veins in the anal passage. They are usually very painful and can arrive during the pregnancy or pop up during a vaginal delivery. If you ever discover that your hemorrhoids are bleeding, that means it’s time to consult a doctor and get them treated. This problem is not just painful but can also be incredibly itchy and a great source of anxiety for many reasons. So, consulting a doctor is the first step to take.

  • Pain in perineal area

Post-pregnancy, many women complain of pain or soreness in the perineal area. A perineal tear or cut can occur during vaginal delivery and can remain painful for a week or more.  However, even the women who make it through vaginal childbirth without a tear or being cut can still remain quite sore for several days post-delivery. Therefore, it is mandatory to share any issues, injuries or anything that you feel is other than normal postnatal perineal problems. For particularly tough births that include long pushing sessions before delivery, you may need to take  a mild pain reliever post-birth.  

  • Pelvic and back pain

Pelvic, back and hip pain may be present in some way just after delivery and up to a few weeks afterwards.  These are most commonly the same type of ‘growing’ pains such as one might experience during the last few months of the pregnancy itself. Just like your body once had to adjust its weight, ligaments, joints, and other muscle functions helping to accommodate the growing baby, the sudden loss of that baby weight may very well cause you to experience the same type of pain and soreness of swift changes in body size.  

  • Discomfort during sex

An issue which is probably more common than it is discussed is discomfort during sex after childbirth.  Most medical professionals will recommend a woman abstain from sex for 6 weeks post-delivery. Most medical professionals recommend this period of time so that any delivery injuries, such as the perineal tear or cut, can fully heal to avoid pain or discomfort during sex. But it is also to allow the woman’s body to safely flush away the remnants of childbirth in the uterus.  Dangerous infections can occur in the time just post childbirth so it’s super important to try to abstain for the full six weeks.  

Visit Your Trained Gynecologist

Always try to catch up with a professionally educated and trained gynecologist whenever you are facing problems with such post-pregnancy matters. With a new baby in your life and a growing family to take care of, it is of utmost importance to be aware and maintain proper self-care after the birth of a child.  

 

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The Benefits of Having a Birth Plan

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It’s impossible to plan every minute detail of your birth. Any body process as complex as birth is going to have some unpredictable moments – but that’s just where a birth plan can help. It is possible that some things can go wrong during labor, even things you don’t plan for. But once you have a healthy understanding that there are some things that even your plan can’t cover, making a birth plan can prove very helpful for pregnant women. Here are some of the benefits.

It’s Up To You

A birth plan can be highly individualized. You may only have a few key points you want covered (no pain relief, no episiotomy, etc.), or you may be more detailed (no visitors for a certain number of hours after the birth, an epidural after a limited number of hours in labor, etc.). The point is, the birth plan is yours, and reflects your level of comfort with interventions and care.

Preparation

Your birth plan helps prepare you, your partner, and your care provider for your labor. Drawing up a birth plan requires research as to the nature of labor, birth, and various hospital practices. Preparing a birth plan can be very eye-opening for you, and prepares your care provider ahead of time for your wishes.

A Spokesman

Your plan can “speak” for you at a time when decision-making can be very difficult. During labor, a woman is considered very vulnerable, and at certain points in labor, such as transition, a laboring woman’s mind is in a very unusual (and somewhat unpredictable) state. Therefore, a birth plan drawn up when you are thinking clearly can prove very helpful.

Unification

During labor in a hospital, various nurses, doctors, and other professionals may have a hand in your labor. A birth plan relieves you and your partner of having to re-explain how you want things to proceed, and it helps prevent misunderstandings between hospital personnel. If you are giving birth at home or in a birth center, a plan can still be helpful as a clarification for you and everyone involved.

Peace of Mind

Whether or not you feel relaxed and at peace can have a profound effect on your labor. If you are anxious, uncertain, and scared, it may affect your laboring body and cause things to go badly. If you know you have a birth plan that every relevant individual is aware of, it can help you feel calmer and better able to focus on labor and delivery.

Protection

In case things go wrong during labor, a birth plan can offer protection against unwanted interventions and provide for interventions that you do want.

Dad’s Role In Mom’s Post-Pregnancy Life

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Being a new Dad comes with loads of responsibilities. You were happy when you first got the news that you were becoming a Dad, but when the child finally arrives, it is not uncommon for both parents to feel a bit overwhelmed. You may also feel an new element of protectiveness towards your child.  Suddenly, you feel all the more possessive towards your newborn baby and try to give him or her the best of everything. However, do not forget that you’re not just a new parent, you’re still a husband, partner, and lover. Try to remember that those nights where baby is up, feeling bad all night, and you both begin to get a little edgy. Let’s take a look at how Dad’s can help be the support system a new mother needs and a partner that is one that lasts for life.   

  • Make relationship a priority

There’s nothing wrong with that sudden rush of protectiveness over the new baby in your life, but in order to see your child grow up with loving parents, it is critical to remember to nourish your relationship as often and as fully as you do your new child.  A child can help spouses to come closer to one another, but some of the elements of parenthood can be rather stressful on all roles in the household. After giving birth, your wife needs more attention and love. So, spending more time with her after pregnancy is a must have to enrich the beauty of your relationship more. Sometimes, going out for dates at night can be a good option to keep that relationship warm and healthy.

  • Talk to one another

Post-pregnancy is another time of a woman’s life where she can feel some hormonal changes. That can make your wife and partner suddenly seem like a different person. Don’t leave unspoken stress and concerns between you or allow resentments to build.  It is always mandatory to communicate in healthy relationships and post-childbirth and with all of the hormonal changes she may be experiencing, now more than ever might be important to apply some extra empathy and sensitivity every chance you get! Making sure she knows she’s still the love of your life and your whole world can be extra important at this time.  

  • Divide the work

A child is not only your wife’s responsibility, but yours as well. So, you need to divide all the chores of taking care of baby with your partner as often as possible. She should not be the only one to change a diaper or get the baby to sleep.  If she appears overly tired or distressed, now might be a great time to take the baby for a soothing car ride or maybe off to get a nap with Daddy!

  • Ask about her health

The post-pregnancy period can be a bit of a perilous time hormonally, physically and emotionally.  Make sure your partner is making her post-birth check ups and that she is feeling even keeled emotionally. She might not want to add to your stress by sharing the reality of post-birth body issues, but you consistently asking about her health will let her know that she’s still incredibly important to you and that she can tell you anything, about her physical or emotional health, and that can be critically important at this time.

Common Post-Pregnancy Issues a Majority Of Women Face

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Pregnancy can be the most wonderful experience for a woman. It is not just going to change her life, but that of the father and other family members. You are inviting a new life in this world after dealing with the pain and discomfort for nine long months. So, it’s very important to remember that during pregnancy, a woman will go through some serious physical and sometimes emotional changes. Some women may experience an enjoyable, issue free pregnancy, but still suffer from post-pregnancy issues. The time just after the birth of your baby can already be stressful enough.  Let’s take the time to learn more about the post-pregnancy issues a majority of women will face so you’ll know what to expect.

Post-Pregnancy Issues

Physical recovery is going to take some time post-delivery. It can be even more painful and take a lot longer to recover if you had to go through C-section. When it comes to vaginal delivery, you won’t have to take pain medication, but you will still need to maintain the best self care you can so that you have plenty of energy to take care of your newborn baby.  Let’s learn a bit more about the post-pregnancy issues now:

  • Breast Engorgement:  Whether you have decided to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, you will still have to deal with the initial engorgement, sometimes also known as ‘your milk coming in’. With or without breastfeeding, your breasts will become full and incredibly sore within the first week of giving birth.  Most women deal with this by using safe pain relievers, or hot and cold compress methods but always consult with your physician on important physical health matters.     
  • Hair loss:  Pregnancy can do a real number on the hair.  During pregnancy women will often have luxurious, glowing, wonderfully healthy looking hair that grows fast, but post-pregnancy, just as many women find themselves shedding more hair than usual.  This shouldn’t be cause for alarm unless a bare spot begins to form.  It would be important to get to a doctor for that since it could be from a vitamin deficiency, especially common in women who are breastfeeding. This hair shedding commonly last around six months.
  • Vaginal bleeding:  You will bleed vaginally post-pregnancy, even if you deliver by C-section. For most women, you can expect to bleed for a period of 2 to 4 weeks, but it isn’t rare to bleed vaginally up to six weeks post-pregnancy.  What is important to watch out for is the rate of flow.  By the end of the two week period, the flow should be seriously diminished from what it was just post-birth.  If you’re still bleeding heavily at that time, contact your medical professional.
  • Discoloration of skin: Many women have skin discoloration during and after pregnancy. This discoloration can come from everything from stretch marks and strained skin to actual melanin changes in the skin during the hormonal period of pregnancy. One of the issues relating to melanin and fluctuating hormones is known as the linea nigral. That is where a line from below the navel all the way to the pelvis can grow fine, dark hairs as well as the melanin itself darkening under those fine hairs.  The unusual nature of linea nigra is that for some women, it will disappear post pregnancy.  The fine hairs will drop off and you’ll never know it was there.  For others, it may be there for life.  Women with darker shades of hair are more likely to experience this type of skin discoloration from pregnancy.  

There are solutions available for all these problems, and a trained gynecologist will be able to help you with that. So, if you are suffering from any of these issues, you know who to call for help.

 

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Your New Life with a Baby: Support Systems and More

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Author Eligreg López

Many publications tell us to avoid people while the baby is little but that leaves mommy, and daddy too, feeling kinda lonely. While nobody gets to decide how we raise our child, it would be best to rely on close friends and family to keep us company and sane. Nobody should quit society just because they have a newborn.

When the baby comes, especially for new parents, life might be overwhelming. Reading books and all the information online makes us feel like we have most of the work done when, in reality, once the baby comes out of the womb is when the work really starts.

Parenting is hard but is not a one-man job

While you were pregnant, whether it was your spouse or yourself, having thoughts of how the baby was going to be, how his eyes were going to look at you back, how his cry would sound like, how his head would smell is recurrent. Further from that thought comes how you are going to deal with toddler tantrums, whether you’re choosing to leave the baby at daycare early on or what to do if he develops any kind of food allergy.

Pregnancy is a time to reflect on your parenting methods. If you don’t have children, pregnancy means you will be a parent for sure and you want to learn everything there is to know about children. If you do have offspring, most people reflect on their previous upbringing methods and maybe start fresh with a new child. Either way, pregnancy helps you reflect, imagine and wonder about the endless possibilities a child means.

Once the baby is born, there are so many emotions in the air. Nobody knows this person who just arrived into the world. Their personalities won’t show up right away but looking at their tiny little faces is enough to start wondering how everything might turn out.

Learning how to deal with a new human life

There are traits that are particular for every baby. Some cry when they’re a little bit wet, others take longer. Some babies are easier to put to bed, some won’t sleep on their backs, some will just want to sleep nursing, some are very strong-willed, some are easier to deal with and all of them are wonderful little creatures. Every parent has to deal with each personality and it helps a lot if both parents are around.

Newborns are just a little box of surprises. That newcomer is discovering how his body works, how the world actually is, what he likes and dislikes and how wonderful love is, although the baby doesn’t really understand that what he’s feeling and what others are feeling for him is love.

You love your child and your world spins around that wonderful kid but, suddenly after a while, you start remembering that you used to be a person before this baby was born. You had friends, conversation, hobbies, books, tv shows, a place you were a regular at, the family that visited or called often, but right after you had a baby it all seem to disappear. Maybe it lasted a month, maybe more but it certainly happened and you didn’t realize.

All you think and talk now are diapers, spit up, food allergies, breastfeeding schedules, best brand of baby products and the best routines to have. If you remembered that you had friends, they might give you the side eye when talking about babies after a Netflix conversation.

From my experience, even if you do love that child more than life itself, you do need some time for yourself and that includes your social self. Having interactions with other people is a must. You must never forget that you live in a world surrounded by people other than your children.

Everybody needs a support system

When you come back from the hospital with you little one, it doesn’t matter if the delivery was natural or if it was a c-section, the baby is there and he needs your love and attention. That vulnerable human being needs you but there should be a balance. You need to keep your sanity as he needs to be nursed and changed.

If grandma wants to help, let her. If daddy wants to deal with bedtime, wonderful. Mommy doesn’t always have to be the one who performs every little thing for the kid. When nobody is around, mommy and/or daddy should be available so rest, food, and sanity are very important to have when taking care of a newborn.

If the dishes aren’t done and your best friend comes for a visit and offers to help, just let that happen. It does take a village to raise a child, a support system is always necessary.

Postpartum depression can be serious

A lotof women deal with depression after delivery and in this article that means nobody should be left alone. There are times to be alone but this isn’t one of them. If mommy doesn’t feel right at all and daddy is in too much pressure, having company is the best remedy in that moment. It is nice to have someone to lean in when things get tough and you haven’t had any sleep or a decent meal.

Having people around you can be overwhelming when dealing with PPD but if the attention is centered on the baby, everything can turn out great. The support system we talked about before is the key to not let what came over you, come for your baby too. Being a lonely mommy is not advisable when dealing with this issue. Once you get back on your feet, you can do whatever it is that you want as a family.

Some people love quiet time, some others need their friends and company. Everybody needs to take care of their children and if that means to finally trust another adult with your child, so be it. Parents need a break, even when babies are small. Sleep is important for everybody and nutrition too, mostly when dealing with depression.

Let baby get used to regular home life

This little human being depends on you for everything. Even if there are some basic reflexes in humans, not all newborns know how to properly do everything. They suck as a reflex but they don’t really know how to suck from the breast. They could fall asleep but they don’t know squat about bedtime. They need their caretakers to help them learn how to be human beings and that includes how to tolerate regular home life surroundings.

From day one, the baby shouldn’t be left apart in a room where nothing but mommy’s boobie and daddy’s touch happen. If it is a daily occurrence that people come to visit, let the baby participate in family life by joining the room. You don’t need to do things outside your regular routine just because you had a child.

Befriending other parents is a blessing

Whenever we feel passionate about a subject, we try to talk about it with others. Our friend circle consists of people who have similar interests and who we can talk to and relate. That’s why once you’re a parent, you need fellow parent friends.

Maybe your single friends are really invested in your life and offer to help you with the child but the truth is life becomes easier when you have friends with children almost the same age as yours. Advice on discounts, comparing baby’s stages, relieving concerns and just having a laugh about kids are enough reasons to have parents as friends.

If you’re a millennial parent, meaning that you were born in the 80’s up to ‘95, you’re a young parent that grew up dealing with technology and even social media. Sharing your experiences through these media will make you closer to people who have children.

Maybe after the baby, you might feel you don’t need to change your social circle or that making new parent friends could be exhausting but there is one thing that is certain, having a network of people going through the same thing as you is a relief. Your kids might be wonderful but you do need to talk or share experiences. Whether it is your parents, your in-laws, friends, neighbors or maybe people in a support group, it is good to have someone there.

Another thing to keep in mind is to set boundaries for people. One thing is to count with a support system and another is to let people make decisions in your life you want and need to be making. If you need to have company, make sure the ones involved with it know where they stand and what they can do, how long can they stay and what is the relationship they have with your baby.

It is true: You can’t escape parenting advice

All parents dread unsolicited parenting advice. Once you turn into a parent, you get flooded with the advice you didn’t know you needed. Some of it might crash with your own plans and some might be hideous and plain rude.

Your friends and family, even if they seem rude, they mean well. If you know that person is there to care for you and your child, what they’re doing is therapy. Not only you need to share your parenting with others, experienced parents feel the need to advise others from their own experience. Listening to them is a good way to keep you company and keep them company at the same time.

So if you need company from other adults during this time of caring for a small child, don’t worry, open up to people and you will find family and friends that will not only care for you but also for your child. Remember your baby needs you in mind and soul and that includes your sanity. Keep on parenting!

 

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Unique Names For Baby Girls And Boys With Deep Meaning

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After waiting for nine long months, the time has finally arrived when your baby is going to enter the world. After a few days, it is mandatory for parents to register their baby’s name. Trying to find unique names for your baby can be a long term procedure for those parents. Going for common Tom, Dick and Harry won’t work well if you want to create a unique identity for your little ones.

Go for the biblical names:

For those in love with religious values and Bible, there are some unique biblical names waiting to be grabbed. Some are unique and others are associated with great biblical characters. Names like Delilah, Barnabas, Elisha, Gabriel, Gabrielle, Isaiah, Magdalen, Joel, Rebekah and even Solomon. If you have twins, then go for the similar sounding names. That will help in adding bond with one another.

Name with meaning:

Before you choose a name for your little one, you should understand the meaning. A name without any meaning or thought is proof that you haven’t devoted much time in deciding. So, without wasting time, let’s learn a bit more about some names with great meaning to it.

  • Aislinn: This is an amazing name for pretty girls meaning dreams. There are some variations available too, like Ashlyn or Ashlynn, or you can opt for the original one. Through this name, you can give her the chance to dream.
  • Cadence: For that unique yet sophisticated touch, you can name your boy Cadence. It is basically a musical term and perfect for parents in love with music. It is primarily a rhythmic pattern, which means end of phrase.
  • Dulce: For that touch of modernized to Portuguese or Spanish name, you have Dulce. This is basically name of Virgin Mary, and it shares an aura with Dulce Marian. The meaning of Dulce is sweet and it’s a perfect match for your cut little girl.

There are thousands of other names available, and you can choose whichever one matches your background the most. Join hands with the best online sites and get working on the right name, matching the look and significance of your little bundle of joy.

 

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How to raise a happier newborn

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Parents definitely want to set their kids up in life to have the happiest children possible. The idea of raising a happy newborn is actually something that can be extremely positive in the life of a child later on. There are some fantastic strategies that parents can use for raising children happier in the first 12 months of age:

Spend time studying their emotions: it can be very difficult to actually start to read the emotions of a young child in their earliest stages of life. After run the first six months however it can become very easy to start understanding what may be bothering your baby and what you can do to soothe your baby at any time.

Learn some basic ways to hold your baby: you might be surprised to know that holding your baby in different ways can actually have a huge impact on the way that they can be soothed. Often times the way that your child is reacting to be an indication of the way that they want to be held or soothed as they cry. Studying or trying different and comfortable ways to hold your baby could give you multiple options for soothing and burping them successfully.

Bond with your baby by helping them discover the world: When babies discover new things they can often be overjoyed. This can help them to expand their minds as well as really bond with you as a parent. Gaining a reward or learning something brand-new in a discovery is a great way to keep babies engaged in to create happier newborns.

Let babies learn to self soothe: self soothing and allowing your kids some space to themselves can be extremely important. Many new babies often cause parents to fret at every sign of hiccups, burping or distress. Taking the time to actually let babies self soothe after the first six months is important.

 

References:

  • “8 Happy-Baby Secrets.” Parenting. N.p., 09 July 2014. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • Storey, Jill. “How to Raise a Happy Baby and Child (birth to 12 Mo.).” BabyCenter. N.p., 15 May 2017. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • Woolston, Chris. “10 Tips for Raising a Well-rounded Boy.” BabyCenter. N.p., 25 Apr. 2017. Web. 24 May 2017.

What Gay Men Can Expect After Adoption

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Author: Jefferey Spivey –

Adoption can be a lengthy and exhaustive process for any parent. When an adoptive parent finally gets their child home, it can be an overwhelming but rewarding experience.  Welcoming a new child into your family can be fun as you try to match the energy of a toddler.  It can also be emotionally daunting as you come face to face with your child’s past.   But for many gay men, new challenges arise because of their non-traditional family makeup.  The good news is these hurdles can be cleared with a little patience and open communication.

Get Support

In 2007, The Independent published an in-depth profile of 5 gay couples who’d adopted children in various parts of the country.  “The main response we get is surprise,” said Lewis Campbell, a 44-year-old dad.  He recalled taking his daughter shopping for a dress and being asked why his wife couldn’t make it.  Upon explaining that he didn’t have a wife, the sales clerk quickly became embarrassed.  Those types of experiences are common in the lives of adoptive gay dads.  And sometimes, the surprise can manifest itself as prejudice.

To overcome awkward, and sometimes hostile, interactions, enlist the support of your local community.  Search for support groups like Philadelphia Family Pride and Rainbow Families, which specialize in connecting gay adoptive parents.

Explain Sexuality in an Honest Way

Quite often, your child will come from a family with heterosexual parents.  With little exposure to the LGBTQ community, it’s important to help your child understand your family make-up and why other kids may not understand it.  Make sure the information you disclose is appropriate for his or her age.  Also, be open and honest.  The objective here is to make sure your child knows your family is just like anyone else’s—normal.

Normal Challenges of Parenting

Once you get past the difficulty of helping your child understand your family and finding a supportive community, settle into the everyday challenges of parenting.  From figuring out how to care for your daughter’s hair to defining masculinity for your son, you’ll face the same issues as any other parent.  The difference?  You might not have the advantage of a woman’s touch when it comes to more delicate female issues.  But you have community for that.  And as long as you both have love, you can overcome anything.

 

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5 ways to keep your new little one active

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Childhood obesity is on the rise and a fair degree of this obesity actually begins when children are in their earliest stages of life. Many new parents are interested in making sure that their kids are set up for a very healthy future and this means keeping their children active to promote a healthy metabolism as they grow up. A big part of parenting involves creating a healthy lifestyle for your baby and even during pregnancy can be a good idea to include regular exercising as well as assistance in the earliest stages of life.

The good news is that toddlers don’t often sit still for very long. They can often become extremely active all on their own. When dealing with a one-year-old however who is learning how to crawl, walk and even run planning of activities for them to expand on these skills can be good for developing motor coordination and their metabolism. Expecting parents should consider a way that they can keep their kids healthier and how they can plan for fitness and activity early on in a baby’s life. Here are some of the top five ways to keep a new baby active to ensure that they have a healthy metabolism in the earliest stages of life:

  1. Going out for a walk: many parents keep their kids stuck in a stroller or in some type of carrier as they go out for a walk around the neighborhood. As soon as children are able to be a little bit mobile make sure that you give them the time to explore the neighborhood and the environment around them. Go to the park and let them crawl around or walk around in the grass. Having safe spaces where they can explore and enjoy activity in a new environment apart from home is a great way to help them improve their activity levels as well as learn more about the world. Going out for a walk should never be just a guided activity in a stroller as soon as kids can start crawling.
  2. Get into some dancing: just because your new parents it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on dancing with each other. Bringing your newest family member into the dance party is very much encouraged. Helping your baby enjoy some fun and guided movement through some of your favorite music can really help them to expand their mind as well as get some fun activities in with mom and dad or even just one parent. You might be surprised how quickly your baby will start to match up with some of your movements and you can get them up and moving to music having fun quite regularly to burn off some calories and help to teach them motor skills and movement. For the most part dancing is just a fun activity but it can really help to strengthen your child’s balance in their legs and prepare them for other activities.
  3. Trying the stairs: stairs are going to be something a young toddler will eventually need to master. With a bit of supervision you may want to have fun going to a local park on some climbing equipment or trying out the stairs at home. Laying down some pillows can prevent accidents but keeping a close and watchful eye over your child on the stairs can prevent accidents. Trying out the stairs and even just climbing stairs can be a huge activity for one-year-old but it can give them confidence out in public and improve their balance and motor skills for eventually tackling stairs on their own. Trying out the stairs under supervision is an activity that strongly encouraged for many parents.
  4. Jumping game: Getting your child to learn how to jump can be a fun activity and a wonderful bonding experience. Grabbing their hands and letting them jump to you and practice their skills while jumping is a great activity for children to learn and it really helps to strengthen their legs. Make sure that you are available as a parent or caregiver to catch them and to have fun during the process picking them up. This game can often result in many belly laughs and kids love it!
  5. Swimming: swimming is a great bonding experience that can even be enjoyed by children as young as one years of age. Toddler swim classes and parent/baby swim classes are a great activity for parents and babies to enjoy together. It’s very surprising to see just how comfortable kids can be in water and how quickly they can learn how to learn swimming with some parental support. Even simple things like kicking their legs, splashing their hands and staying close to parents can be a huge physical activity for kids at this age. Swimming classes are a wonderful experience for parents as well with plenty of fun bonding time and a relaxing time out in the pool to bond with some other new parents as well. Taking on a swimming class at the local YMCA or aquatics pool could be a great idea for many parents and kids in getting active early on.

Consider any of these top activities if you are interested in keeping your one-year-old to early toddler extremely active in the earliest stages of life. With some of these activities planned  it possible to make sure that your child has a much better start in life for the improvement of their motor skills, metabolism and more. Planning out daily physical activities can be a great way for parents and children to bond as well as a whole family to experience better health together. Encouraging athleticism and activity early on will also help to make sure that as a child ages they are too dependent on sticking close to the TV or devices. Make sure to keep planning this physical time and family time even as your children become more self-dependent!

 

Sources:

  • “Home and Away: How to Keep Toddlers Active.” KidsHealth. Ed. Mary L. Gavin. The Nemours Foundation, Aug. 2014. Web. 23 May 2017.
  • Henry, Sarah. “Five Ways to Get Your Kids Active.” BabyCenter. N.p., 26 Apr. 2017. Web. 24 May 2017.
  • Niz, Ellen Sturm. “11 Fun Activities for 1-Year-Olds.” Parents. Parents, 04 Feb. 2016. Web. 24 May 2017.