@BasilPuglisi

Content & Strategy, Powered by Factics & AI, Since 2009

baby

5 ways to keep your new little one active

by Leave a Comment

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.

Transition from #Pregnancy to #Parenthood: A Love Path

by Leave a Comment

Author Eligreg López

For first time parents, pregnancy can be a bliss. If this period is risk-free, you’ll find yourselves awning in the thought of your soon to be born baby. The only thing is nobody is quite prepared for what’s coming. The transition from pregnancy to parenthood is a period of adjustment that most people feel is quite difficult. Nothing in the world can prepare you for this new stage of your life but we would like to share some thoughts with you. Remember that parenthood has never come with a book and no matter how much advice you receive, it’s the experience of holding that child of yours in your arms that will change your perspectives on life.

Parenthood is a universal experience. Since the beginning of life, all beings have reproduced to be able to endure. Us, as humans, experience joy at becoming parents. The catch of this whole situation is becoming a parent for the first time. The transition between these two stages is crucial in the lives of many people and that’s what we’re going to talk about: How to ease the passage from having a baby in your womb to taking care of a baby and choosing how to raise that child.

Educate yourself

The BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Journal published in 2009 a study on the transition to parenthood. Even though it could be considered outdated, it goes to show the great similarities every parent must face, from the early stages of humankind to their last. Being a single person with no children is certainly different than having to care about someone.

Nobody knows what it means to have children but parents. Seriously. No matter if it is a priest or a teacher: If they don’t have children, it’s impossible to really know what it means to feel the responsibility of being the person designed to care for that human being in such a vulnerable stage of their lives.

The study we previously mentioned was held in the United Kingdom, where people feel in a somewhat stable environment to have children and raise a family. Those interviewed expressed that besides family and friends with children, health professionals and midwives, the main source of reliable information were antenatal courses.

You will never learn everything there is to know about your family and your children but getting educated on these issues can relieve you from many distresses. Nobody knows everything there is to know about children and how to raise a family but it’s alright.

Expectations vs Reality

Pregnancy, when risk-free, can be a bliss. From your family to the media and every surrounding tell you that motherhood will be a joyous experience. You start envisioning every moment of your parenting days as they tell you. The only reference you have is the parents around you and the things you see on the internet, on TV or even in movies. You dedicate in choosing every décor you want for your baby’s nursery and when watching parents you tell yourself what you would do in that situation

The reality is another. When you’re facing your child for the first time you feel love, you feel scared, you feel so many things at once that it overwhelms you but it’s necessary that you know everything is going to be alright.

Children are tiny. There is nothing to fear. Their minds will develop and so will their feelings. We know that this new stage in your life might cause you some distress but that is also why these lines exist. New parents need any help they can receive and family members, friends, health professionals, doulas alongside books, courses and blogs can be quite helpful.

We can’t tell you how it is really going to be. Maybe your experience will be the best in the world or it will feel like drowning sometimes. What matters is that you feel alright most of the time and that your child is being taken care of. You should try to battle those over the top expectations and know that the only thing certain is that you need to have your baby in your arms to know how you feel about parenting.

New beginnings

As Developmental Science talks about it on a post “The transition to parenthood is profound, as many parents already know. Developmental scientists consider it to be one of the most massive reorganizations in the lifespan, changing the brains, endocrine systems, behaviors, identities, relationships, and more, of everyone involved”

Your life changes when you have a child. It seems quite perfect that pregnancy lasts nine whole months where you prepare yourself to birth a child. When that new human being arrives at your life, undoubtedly the feeling starts showing up. Ask any parent.

While pregnant you don’t really know who is that person inside you but once you meet that special little chap, everything you’ve learnt, heard, or read starts to make sense. Good thing that child still needs a lot of closeness and caring in the first years of their lives.

That time when you get to see your child face to face and your parental instinct shows up is when you start to decide your parenting methods and how do you want to approach that child. This is an advice we strongly believe in and we want to teach you. Don’t try to hurry things up. You, as a parent, need your time to figure out things and that’s fine. Everything will find a solution, all you need is to love your child first. Writer Robin Hoffman talks about it in The Huffington Post.

Parenting

Maybe you started outlining your parenting style way before he was born but as we assured before, one definitely know as a parent what will work for each of our families the moment that we have our child in our arms. You might as well choose from this list from Parent.co or outline your own parenting method, the results will be the same: As your child grows, you’ll learn which things work better for you and your family.

As the BMC study outlined, education is the best tool you have. It also showed that mothers were the ones who got more education regarding children upbringing and those first days as parents. It is true that aspects of breastfeeding are almost only concerned to mothers, it is important that in our modern society we keep the other parent involved too. Whoever is raising the children should get totally involved in every aspect of their beings.

Every bit of help to make the transition from pregnancy to parenting is great

We’ve been outlining how impossible it is to know everything about children and parenting from others but we need to remind you that it does help. Try to remember this advice when you’re at that critical moment that is having your newborn in your arms after that busy time pregnancy was.

Parent Partner

If you’re on this journey with company, also remember they exist as people. You need to take care of your partner’s feelings, that’s why you’re together. As they take care of you, you take care of them. It’s just logical. Share the co-pilot seat of parenting with a person that you feel is your accomplice in many aspects of your life. Before baby, during pregnancy, it is good to start outlining parenting methods and when the baby comes you will have a partner in heart and soul.

New baby, new friends.

Trust me on this one. You might keep your closest friends but single people and people with family sometimes don’t match. You’ll find yourself talking about what your child does or doesn’t do, that new thing you read online, the new priorities in your life and if your old friends don’t seem to accept that, you’ll be making new friends. And that is not bad, don’t feel guilty about it. Your priorities are just different.

Remember you are a person too

You liked music before your baby, you liked a certain movie, going to certain places, talk about certain things. Remember all this once your baby is born. You might not have the time or the energy at first but you will, eventually. Remember that you were someone who enjoyed certain things and you need to keep being yourself. Your kid will love you, I can attest that.

If you feel like failing, keep trying.

During pregnancy, the very thought of raising a human being might seem overwhelming. When the baby is here you might feel that too. The love you have for your child will overpower any feeling of failure and you will keep trying to do your best.

Love comes first

A bassinet is good, that new brand of diapers that don’t cause a rash is great, who are going to be the baby’s godparents is also good to know but, above all, love is going to be the most important thing you feel/do/give to your baby. Love your child with all your being and you’ll be the best parent in the world.

That period where you transition from pregnancy to parenthood is crucial in your life. Your baby won’t remember anything, don’t worry. You will figure everything out if you are aware that you love your child and you see what works best for your family. Parenting isn’t easy but millions of parents over the years only prove that parenting is a natural ability. Let your child teach you what love means and you’ll have a hang of parenting.

 

References

 

5 Things to Know When Choosing Diapers for Your Baby

by Leave a Comment

One of the less glamorous parts of being a parent involves changing diapers.  While there’s plenty of advice out there about how to change them, information is scarce on how to choose the right brand.  Before you load up your supermarket cart, here’s 5 things you should know.

Disposable Diapers Are Safe

There’s an ongoing debate about whether to use cloth diapers or disposable ones.  Cloth diaper advocates argue that disposables aren’t safe but this isn’t true.  The top sheet of a disposable diaper is made from polypropylene while the backing sheet is made from polyethylene.  These chemicals might sound dangerous but they’re gentle on skin and FDA-approved.

Most Brands Are Unisex

Some new parents wonder if certain diapers are better for boys while others favor girls.  According to an article from Parents magazine, it doesn’t matter.  Pampers spokesperson Tricia Higgins shared, “We were able to make diapers that have absorbency in the areas that all babies need with only one design.”  Problem solved.

Diaper Rash Isn’t Caused by Diapers

There’s a common belief that diaper rash can be prevented by switching diaper brands.  However, the rash itself isn’t caused by the diaper.  It’s most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to urine or stool.  To prevent it, make sure you change your baby’s diaper often.  In some rare cases, a diaper that’s too tight can cause diaper rash.  Again, this is less about the brand and more about the sizing.

Cloth Diapers Don’t Equal Early Potty Training

There’s an urban mommy legend that using cloth diapers means their little one will start potty training earlier.  This is a myth.  The type of diaper you’re using doesn’t determine the speed of this big step.  While some studies have shown that kids in cloth diapers were potty trained by 18 months, that difference was cultural, not material.  In those cultures, the moms spent more time with their kids.  Thus, they moved to potty training much quicker.

Save Money with Store Brands

Thanks to savvy marketing, most moms trust big diaper brands.  However, it’s okay to opt for a store brand if you want to save a few bucks.  They may not have the name recognition, but they’ve got close to the same absorption.

When you know the facts, buying diapers isn’t as stressful as it seems.

 

References:

5 Baby Shower Gifts That Mom Will Love

by Leave a Comment

With the pregnancy bug in the water system, you are bound to know someone who is having a baby, if you aren’t having one yourself. Pregnant women equal shopping time, and while that might sound fun it can get wild if you don’t narrow it down a little. So, here are 5 gifts that any mother will most certainly be appreciative of. The baby shower gift ideas are great for those who are shopping or for mom’s to put on their gift registry.

  1. Diapers, diapers and more diapers. That is quite a bland gift but a very much needed gift. I don’t any mom who will complain about having too many diapers with a newborn at home. To make diapers snazzy you have to dress it up a bit. You can find diaper cakes in lots of gift sites. Some come with as many as 150 diapers, plus booties, bibs and tons of other essentials for baby, but all in the shape of an all so cute cake.
  2. Layettes, blankets, socks and burp cloths. Chances are they are going to get tons of these. However, these gifts tend to come in newborn or 3 months sizes which after a few weeks probably won’t serve its purpose anymore. Making this a great gift is if you buy them in larger sizes. After a few months, mom still has brand new gifts for the baby to enjoy.
  3. Pamper products for Mom. The last few weeks of pregnancy are very uncomfortable and can be hard on Mom. Let Mom have the star treatment as well. Once the baby is born, Mom’s 15 minutes of fame are over.
  4. Savings Bonds. A savings bond is a great way to help invest in the child’s future. While everyone is thinking of now you are thinking ahead. It may also help jump start parents to jump start on baby’s future if they haven’t already.
  5. Gift Certificates. You can never go wrong with a gift certificate. Mom and Dad get to choose what they want and you gave them that satisfaction. The obvious choice for a gift certificate would where the registry is set up. If they do not have a registry set up, good choices could include their favorite supermarket (formula, diapers) or baby store. Another gift certificate idea could be a check card gift certificate. It works like a credit card and can be used anywhere.

Tip: I don’t suggest buying clothing unless the parents-to-be suggested so. Chances are they have already gone shopping and couldn’t resist those tiny adorable outfits. If you are so inclined to do so, make sure you request a gift receipt.

Baby Clothes: Essentials You Cannot Do Without

by 1 Comment

The greatest thing about getting ready for a newborn baby is to purchase clothes for the baby. The little dresses are a lot delightful and is capable of softening anybody’s heart at all times. If you have got some concerns in relation to whether you would be a fine dad or mom, simply catch a glimpse of an adorable ‘Onesie’ – whatever thing that fits someone so little just cannot be troublesome!

When buying for new clothes for your baby, you need to keep one thing in mind and that is that your newborn baby will require plenty of the clothes. The main 7 belongings, which your baby’s cabinet has got to have, are given below –

1. Diapers – I cannot even start to let you know about the countless number of diapers that your baby would require, nevertheless simply purchase them in a bulk. Try out the disposable types – they will be less of headache for mom and easy to use.

2. Onesies – These are one-piece outfits somewhat similar to coveralls or overalls and look forward to seeing your newborn baby spend lots of time in Onesies. Pick up Onesies, which can be opened with no trouble and fixed firmly in order that you can switch the baby’s clothes with minimum energy.
Cotton tees – These tees along with cotton skirts or shorts, are perfect for within the house. Do not forget to purchase a lot of tees since they will require repeated changing.

3. Sleep-ins – Sleep-ins are similar to pajamas and sleepers to be worn at night and they are comfy to sleep in and also keep the baby protected from some light wind.

4. Warm clothes – Put in a few warm clothes similar to fleece wear and sweaters in the baby’s cabinet for the reason that they call for lots of shelter from chilly weather conditions.

5. Hats and Caps – Perhaps not a lot of them, nevertheless do purchase a pair of caps in order to keep the baby’s head away from the breeze.

6. Mittens – During winters you cannot do devoid of them, nevertheless set aside a few cotton mittens for the summer season in order that the baby does not graze himself/herself with his/her own nails. Newborn babies at times do that, honestly.

Your Preemie Is In The NICU – What Can You Do?

by Leave a Comment

Your feelings are tied up in that tiny little preemie bundle, and you have a hard time comprehending this small, wrinkled resemblance of a baby that is attached to every conceivable contraption…could belong to you. But when your heart is broken in more places then you could ever dream possible, and waiting seems endless, you are harshly welcomed into the world of parenthood.

It is truly staggering when you consider that an average of 1300 premature babies are born every day in the United States. If you are reading this article, you are probably the parent of one of these preemies. With so many things in this new out-of-control world of “living” in the NICU, what can you control?

Be There For Your Preemie

For you, the first thing you can control is being there for your baby. It may seem like you are standing around (in the way) not being helpful, but you are doing an important job. Your voice, your touch, your prayers, and your deep love is something your preemie needs and craves as he or she is trying to get stronger. Your baby can see you, hear you, and/or feel you. You are important and you are needed.

It is just as important that you are there mentally. Everything is so “out-of-body” and surreal, but you can begin focusing on the essentials of your preemie’s care. Learn about your baby’s routine, his reactions, and health limitations. Keep yourself informed about everything and you can then notice the small things that are overlooked in you preemie’s care. You can then request that these things be taken care of from a knowledgeable perspective, not just as a panicky parent.

Knowledge Is Power

“Knowledge Is Power“ is a common saying. An important one when you consider the fact that you are now your baby’s cheerleader and coach for the rest of his or her life. Begin learning all that you can about your preemie and her specific medical needs now and in the future. Books, articles (like this one), your baby’s doctor, reputable websites, and other experienced preemie parents are wonderful sources of inspiration, information, and education for you.

It may seem difficult to find the time when you are so stretched, but go slowly when you can find that time and keep at it. Make small goals for yourself. Remember, if you set goals, you will get much farther than if you don’t. You can do some of these things in the NICU at your baby’s side.

Look To The Future

Last, look to the future. It may seem silly to plan out what kind of parent you want to be for the next 18 years, but long-term goal setting is a very worthwhile occupation for any parent. Right now as time seems to drag on endlessly, it is difficult to see that time will soon pick up speed and the years will fly by. Practice little things now, like patience, and it will be easier when your preemie is older.

How are you going to react to your preemie when he or she does something that makes you mad, upset, frustrated, angry, happy, or laugh? How will you discipline and praise your baby? What kind of people will you let your baby be around, and not? Do you have any family traditions you would like to start? What healthy habits do you want to instill in your preemie?

If you keep your mind busy with all of the things you can do for your new preemie, then it is harder to fall into constant anxiety. Try not to worry (though it seems an impossible task) about “will my baby make it”, or “what kind of problems will my baby have”, or “I can’t do this anymore”, or “Is my baby in pain?”, and whatever else is plaguing you. Stay focused on your goals, and keep your mind thinking positive thoughts even if you are tempted to do otherwise.

Remember, you are the best parent your preemie could ever have, and your baby is depending on you. You can do it if you take one day at a time. At times you may even have to break it down by minutes taking one crisis at a time. You are not alone, and you can forge your way through this trial as many parents have done before you.

Mommy & Baby: Keeping Tabs On Baby’s Growth

by Leave a Comment

Lactation difficulties are not completely prevented by using PDF; you are rested and eating properly, your baby is getting enough food and growing, and your life is relatively predictable. So you might think that you’re immune from production issues, right? There are many more factors which play in to milk production that’s just the ones I listed.

Factors that can affect milk supply include:

  • Amount of sleep a mother receives
  • Mom’s diet & nutrition
  • Her state of mind
  • Mother’s age
  • Whether this is her first child or sixth
  • Mom’s desire to breastfeed
  • Her capacity to nurse
  • A mother’s nursing techniques
  • Her baby’s ability to properly latch on

If you’re nursing, keeping tabs on your baby’s growth is incredibly important—your baby’s life depends on it. How will you know if he’s getting enough milk or nutrition? Unfortunately, the breast tissue isn’t transparent and we cannot see exactly how much milk your baby is drinking or your body is producing. Fortunately, there are other ways to achieve our goal.

In the first week of life, your baby will receive colostrum before your milk comes in. Not only is this rich in antibodies and helps your baby’s immune system develop, but it helps him pass his first stool—meconium. This is a black, tarry substance and will be in the first diaper or two after birth. He will transition to a brown substance and then as your milk comes in, to a mustard yellow stool that is watery or loose. A bottle-fed baby will pass stools that are firmer and more clay-coloured than a breastfed baby.

Within 24-48 hours, your baby should start having wet diapers, increasing to two or three per day.

As your baby works at sucking colostrum and then milk, you should hear a pattern of “suck, suck, suck, swallow.” This will be rhythmic and there will be no “clicking” noises—clicking indicates that your baby is improperly latched and potentially isn’t getting a good amount of milk from you. If you hear this, unlatch him from your breast and re-attach him. If it continues, talk to your pediatrician.

In the second and subsequent weeks of life, you should also notice 6-8 wet diapers a day in addition to at least 3 stools per day. His urine should be clear (not yellow), and he should be gaining alertness as each day passes. He should also be growing and gaining weight—weight gain is the surest sign of healthy growth. Any two days in a row of deviation from the growth indicators listed should be reported to your pediatrician immediately.

Make Your Own Baby Food- The Easy Way!

by Leave a Comment

Is your baby about to start solid foods? Are you thinking of making your own baby food?

When you make baby’s first foods, you can save money and reduce waste. You also can choose more nutritious options. Fresh foods are typically more nutritious than canned, and you can purchase organic food to prepare for baby if you wish. You can also avoid unwholesome ingredients that show up in commercial baby food.

Making baby food doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. In fact, the easiest and cheapest way is the best way!

The easy way to making your own baby food:

1) Don’t bother with buying one of those baby food grinders. They’re hard to clean and too much hassle.

2) If you wait until your baby is 6 months old to start solids, you can almost always just mash with a fork to the desired consistency.

If you’re breastfeeding, you can even wait until baby’s “pincer grasp” is developed and offer him small finger foods like peas, bits of grated apple, and the like. The pincer grasp is developed when baby can pinch small objects (like those bits of carpet fluff or food on the kitchen floor!) inbetween his thumb and first finger. In fact, if you have a family tendency towards food allergy, waiting longer to start solids may be preferable. No matter what baby’s age, always offer one food at a time and wait several days to watch for signs of allergy before offering another. Take it slow.

3) Start with fresh single ingredient foods like:

  • Banana
  • Steamed carrot, turnip, potato, yam
  • Avocado
  • Ripe pear, peach, melon, plum
  • Cooked squash
  • Grated apple- raw or steamed
  • Peas
  • Well cooked beans
  • Hard cooked egg yolks (avoid the whites until 1 year)

Some of these foods could be served raw. Others are lightly steamed (steaming retains more nutrients than canning), to make them softer for baby.

4) It’s not necessary to make a big deal of preparing baby’s food.

If you want to take a lot of time blending food and freezing them in ice cube trays, you could certainly do that. But I’m all for the easy approach!

Although you do want to avoid giving baby salt and sugar (and spices that may upset the tummy), you can usually just take an ingredient from your own menu and “make” baby’s dinner.

For instance, if you’re steaming veggies to serve at dinner, take a tablespoon of them out of the pan before you add butter and salt. Put this in baby’s plate and mash away. Voila! Instant baby food with no extra work. Or take a bit of beef from your roast and mash mash mash until it’s very soft.

Even when you’re at a restaurant, you can either bring an apple with you and “grate” it finely with a spoon at your table, or bring along a banana or other portable food. Any restaurant with a salad bar would have cooked beans or avocado. Or give baby a bit of your baked potato (before you add the goodies on top).

Life with a new baby is challenging enough. Keep starting solids simple!

For more helpful tips on simplifying life with kids, visit: http://www.natural-moms.com/homekeeping_organization.html

Dealing With Colic Without Losing Your Mind

by Leave a Comment

For a brand new mommy, or even a seasoned one, dealing with a colicky baby can be overwhelming. The constant crying is heartbreaking and nerve wracking, and leaves you with a sense of helplessness. But don’t lose heart; the only good thing I can tell you about colic is that it’s temporary. Here are a few ideas to keep you going.

First – Be sure it’s really colic. If you haven’t had the little one checked out by a doctor, do so. Sometimes what’s written off as colic is really a milk allergy or some other true gastric disorder, like acid reflux. If the baby is on formula, you should ask if making a change in brand might help.

Secondly, get help! If you have to deal with the colicky symptoms all by yourself every day, you’re bound to go nuts. Swap off with your spouse, another family member or a friend. My daughter had colic for the two longest weeks of my life, and it began every evening around 5:00pm. My husband and I took turns making dinner and eating with our other children while the other took care of the baby. It kept each of us somewhat sane to have a normal evening every other night, plus our other children didn’t feel so neglected.

Next, try some of those tricks everybody tells you about. A lot of them really do work! Take the baby for a drive (this worked wonders with my daughter). Vacuum, play music or sit with the baby on the washing machine during the spin cycle! Try to take the baby’s mind off her misery. For some babies a warm bath and a rock in the rocking chair is helpful. I don’t personally recommend the “crying it out” method for colic. Your baby is truly in pain and needs comfort during this time, and letting her cry for a long time will probably only escalate the situation. Mylicon Drops, an over the counter gas medication, might relieve symptoms on some babies. It’s perfectly safe, so it’s definitely worth a try. Otherwise, don’t medicate unless it’s something your doctor has told you to use. I’ve heard of moms giving the baby something to make them sleep. This is terribly unsafe.

Finally, if the colicky symptoms haven’t subsided within a few weeks, make a return trip to the doctor, just to be sure nothing has changed. Colic is a temporary condition, so just bear with it and look forward to better times.

Healthy Breastfeeding Tips For You And Your Baby

by Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard the debate. Breast Feeding vs Formula. But why do most people say breast feeding is the best for your baby? Because this natural mother’s milk is genetically the best food for your baby. This is the way GOD designed for things to work.

Want a more scientific reason? Okay, for one, the complex fats that are abundant in human breastmilk are vital to brain development and may have an effect on your baby’s intelligence as they grow older.

Breastfed babies are ten times less likely to be hospitalized with gastro-enteritis in the early months than babies who are fed formula.

Breastfed babies also gain immunities from a host of other infections.

Here are some terms you may not already know. “Foremilk” – the thinner milk that first comes from the breast when you begin feeding your baby. This is for quenching the baby’s initial thirst. “Hindmilk” – is the milk that comes later during the feeding of your baby. The hindmilk is much more filling and contains all the nutrients your baby needs to stay healthy.

Breastfed babies rarely need other drinks and supplements, because their mother has already given them what nature intended for them to have and need.

What’s in it for me as a Mom? There is nothing to compare the bonding and closeness with your baby that is caused by your choice to breastfeed. It is a great feeling to know that you are doing what is best for your baby.

Babies need to be close to their mothers. They need physical contact. Breastfeeding is one of the best types of physical contact you can have with your baby.

It’s also a whole lot easier than bottle-feeding! No feeds to mix, no bottles to warm or sterilize. Your breastmilk is always available, already sterile, and already just the right temperature for your baby.

Here is a real favorite among all women who breastfeed. Many women lose weight more easily after the birth if they choose breastfeeding over bottle feeding.

Another big issue is that there is evidence that breastfeeding reduces your risk for breast cancer.

What if I am having problems breastfeeding? Either your pediatrician can help you or there are breastfeeding counselors you can find in your area or online that can help you with any problems you may have.

If you have sore nipples or your baby isn’t getting enough milk, it may be your positioning. Your baby’s mouth should cover all of the areola, especially the part just under the areola. Sucking on just the nipple will keep the baby from getting enough milk and will make your nipples very sore.

Can I give my baby a bottle at times and breastfeed at other times? It’s not recommended. Bottle nipples are easier for the baby to suck on and they will obtain bad breastfeeding technique which in turn will cause them to be less hungry or not get enough milk from breastfeeding.