Baby Care

Posts Tagged ‘baby’

No-one told you but the first few months are tough. Rest assured they get easier but our survival tips for new mums will speed up the process!

Round-robin dinners
If your friends ask what they can do for you in the early days, get them to do a round-robin of dinners for the first couple of weeks. It’s so exciting waiting for the dinner to turn up and people usually prepare their most decadent meals. It’s better than eating in a restaurant every night. And you’ll find even if your baby has been an angel all day, from 5 – 7 is witching time for many newborns.

Power naps
Business people may think they are the ones who invented these but new mothers have always done them. Don’t always do chores when the babe goes down. Have a rest and don’t feel guilty about it. If you’re not the type to nap during the day just read a book but give yourself a break. It is not a luxury, it’s an investment. Remember they are here to replace you!

Get a house clean
If you don’t normally have a house cleaner, get one for the first three months (they may never leave) – hire a local teenager to do it, they are much more affordable. It will help your sanity. There is nothing more annoying than nursing constantly on the sofa and having to stare at un-vacuumed rug and stains which never go away. You immediately forget about them, the moment you get up.

It takes a village
Do hand your baby over to a trusted family member or friend from time to time and go for a walk or do something for yourself, have a massage or just go to a cafe and stare into space for half an hour. You will return SO much better off, again in love with your baby with energy to spare.

Get out of the house!
Take advantage of all the baby-friendly activities out there and get out the door! A walk is one of the best things you can do for everyone’s health. One of the best inventions in recent years are mother and baby cinema outings. No one minds if a baby is crying because they all will at some point and the movie is loud enough to drown out most of it. Heaven.

Travel the world
This may sound like madness, but in the early days, especially if you are nursing, your baby is incredibly mobile. Don’t take much with you – they no doubt have babies where you are going – just get on a plane and make that visit to relatives. Things like jetlag don’t affect the babe at all, your hours are up the spout anyway. Once your baby is more mobile, grabbing at every passing ornament at granny’s house, that’s a bad time to travel. Then you get people to come to you, because you have the place all set up and you don’t have to worry about any breakages.

What you wear matters!
Do invest in a new interim wardrobe after the baby is born. Nobody wants to see those maternity trackies ever again. Okay it may be sacrilege to buy some size 16 outfits, but look on the bright side, you can wear them early on in your next pregnancy! And you’ll feel like a new woman.

Lighten up!
If you were a perfectionist before, give it up. You have lost certain control of your life for quite some time to come. Yes, you can have a routine, and babies by and large respond well to routine, but there are times when they literally spit the dummy and decide it’s a good idea to wake at 2, 3 and 4 am – a growth spurt we like to say – and there’s not a darn thing you can do about it.

A non-baby task
Do take on a bit of work: it may sound crazy but take on a work project with a long lead time and it gives you a point of focus. The upside is you are earning some money again so you can buy that much lusted over pair of jeans for your new post-baby body. There is no downside.

Remember to enjoy your baby!
Remember to take time to enjoy the baby – this may be tricky in the first few weeks but you will regret it if you don’t take time to just play with the baby every day. Don’t set off in the morning with a long list of things you want to achieve. If you can get one thing done in a day you are doing well, give yourself a big pat on the back.

At first you may be nervous about dressing your baby and trying to support him while manipulating the garments. Dressing will become easier with practice, so just be gentle and patient.

You should always dress and undress a young baby on a nonskid flat surface, as this allows you to keep both hands free – a changing pad is ideal. Your baby is very likely to cry as you take off his clothes. This is because young babies hate the feel of the air on their naked bodies; they like to feel snug and secure. It’s not because you’re hurting him, so don’t get flustered by it.

Taking care of your sweet baby’s health is very important. You should always make sure they get all their shots so that when it comes time to go to school, they can be admitted.

You are probably thinking that I should have said that they should have their shots so they can be healthy, but that reason is debatable.

I believe that most of these shots that are given during the baby health care treatments are really poisonous. They are full of hormones and whatever else. Why would it be considered “healthy” if you are in fact shooting our babies up with the very virus you are protecting them from?

How can that possibly be “healthy”?

Also, what other medicines and viruses are concocted in these shots? We, as parents, really have no idea, yet we are told to do so by the government and our doctors.

My babies’ health care is very important to me and I wish I had the means to teach all of my children at home and therefore, avoiding dosing them up with all this poison.

It is all too easy to spend a lot of money on baby clothes – especially as there is a tendency for manufacturers at the cheaper end of the market to guarantee itself a profit by spending less themselves on making the clothes.  Finding the right material for baby clothes is very important.  Although human beings have made great advances in manufacturing over time, the fact is that synthetic fabrics – though cheaper than cotton – are not as kind to the human skin. If you want to be kind to your baby – who will, it is certain, have softer skin than yours – it is important to buy baby clothes made of cotton, or wool.

Synthetic fabrics are known to be harsh on the skin, and also have a tendency to be more allergenic than natural fabrics due to the chemicals used to make them. The processes used to turn natural ingredients into natural fabrics require a little bit more work, and less chemicals, so they will be more expensive.  But set next to the medical bills which can result from a child’s reaction to cheaper fabrics, it could be said that the more natural fabrics you clothe them in are an investment.

The right mix to go for, then, is clothes in a natural fabric which are dyed in a relatively gentle way to be brightly colored. It is well known that children react well to bright colors as a visual stimulus, and consequently they will be happier in such clothes.

Also, it is proven that synthetic fabric is highly flammable as opposed to cotton.  It is highly recommended by professionals that a child sleeps in cotton material as opposed to any other in case of a fire.  Although all materials burn, it has been proven that materials other than cotton burn faster and therefore can be very harmful to a child.

Who would have thought that choosing the right material for your baby’s clothes could mean a matter of life or death or lesser degree of burns?

With any luck your child won’t be averse to warmth and affection even after she’s reached adulthood, but cuddles do change and get more grown-up, and you have to give the kind of affection your child needs rather than the kind you want to give. So adapt your style to what gives her most comfort.

Preschool children need lots of hugs every day, especially congratulatory ones, as when they’ve mastered something like getting their shoes on the right feet. Comfort hugs are essential at the first sign of tears. A child responds much better to a hug than a reprimand. Therapeutic hugs reduce the pain of a vaccination, a bump, or a cut in seconds. Never let your child go to sleep without a huge hug and an “I love you.”

As your child gets older, hugs are transformed into other actions, but they have the same bolstering, encouraging effect. A hand on the shoulder, a caress, or talking your child’s hand is a sign of love and her sense of security and confidence will soar. Your child craves your love and approval; never leave her in any doubt that she has both.

Giving comfort

Many of your child’s troubles can be solved with a hug and a few sympathetic words from you.

In anticipation of the child, prospective parents do not often realize what problems they may encounter in the first months of baby’s life.
Therefore, when there are any signs of illness mothers and fathers often get lost and do not know what to do. One of these pitfalls, delivering a lot of anxiety to kids and their parents, is intestinal colic. The overwhelming majority of kids have such a problem and, nevertheless, it becomes a matter of excitement. What do you need to know about colic?
First of all, parents need to understand what infantile colic really is. For the entire period of prenatal development the stomach and the intestines of the child do not work, because the baby receives its food through the umbilical cord. Now the gastrointestinal tract needs to master difficult job. Setting and synchronization of the digestive process usually takes several weeks.
During this time, the processes of fermentation and gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract cause painful for the child intestinal spasms. There is no need to be afraid of this – in most cases, colic passes together with the growth and development of the baby. However, this does not mean that you have to sit without taking any steps: colic delivers child serious suffering and he/she always needs help. You can help him/her in the following way:
- First, mothers and fathers should calm down, because it was proved that the excitement of adults passes to kids and worsen their condition.
- It is necessary to try solving the problems of breastfeeding: for the first time baby should be fed on demand, but it is desirable to observe the intervals between feedings at least two hours. Whilw breast-feeding you need to ensure that he/she tightly clenches lips around the nipple and does not swallow “portions of air”, which aggravate the painful spasms of colic. In that case, when child restlessly catches nipple with a mouth, you should help him/her holding the breast.
- If a child is on artificial feeding, it is necessary to seize the nipple away from the end. Also, to secure the child from the “excess air” during feeding keep a bottle at an angle of 30-45 ° – in this situation the air accumulates at the top and does not enter into his/her body. Another option – you can use special “shrinking” bottles or fitted with a valve (the so-called anti-colic). They also prevent the uptake of “excess air” and reduce the risk of colic.
- After eating, the child (both on breast-feeding, and on artificial feeding) should be held straight that he/she could “take out” extra air from body.
- It is important to regularly to put the child on the tummy (7-10 minutes); it contributes to a discharge of gases and strengthens the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, which favorably affects the intestinal peristalsis.
- Do not neglect the massage. It should become a mandatory part of everyday life of your baby. Daily do massage light strokes in a clockwise direction (about 10 turns)
- Nursing mother should pay particular attention to her menu, because everything she eats gets into her breast milk and the baby’s intestines. If a child has colic, you should carefully avoid foods rich in fiber (cabbage, whole-grain bread, apples, eggplant), and food, reinforcing the processes of fermentation (buns, beans, grapes).
- To cope with painful cramps helps a warm diaper, applied to the tummy. The heat allows the baby to relax, so the colic after some time diminishes and ceases to disturb the baby.
Using the whole set of measures you can successfully cope with intestinal colic. Your child will be happy, will develop, learn about the world and grow to the delight of his/her mother and father.

Pregnancy is one of the most serious tests in woman’s life, which she must overcome. It is divided into several main phases concerning the important changes in mother and baby.
Due to the fact that science has been noted and recorded major changes in the body of a pregnant woman, you can prepare for these phases in advance without future surprises. All this will benefit prospective parents, as well as help in planning pregnancy. You can prepare your and your child’s body to these changes in advance.
Of course, it is easier to identify and observe the changes taking place with the future mother. But it is much harder to detect any changes in the body of your baby. The calendar of pregnancy for each woman is strictly an individual process. But there are some general phases that occur in the life of every expectant mother.
The very first phase in this process is conception, which occurs during the first four weeks. Conception is the fertilization of female ova with male sperm. This is the starting point of pregnancy. Then within five to eight weeksbaby’s heart starts beating and arms and legs are already formed. Then baby begins to perform some motions. In the womb, this period begins in nine to twelve weeks. At this time the child is still quite tiny, and the mother can not immediately feel these movements. Upon reaching the thirteen-sixteen weeks mother already feels these motions performed by the child. Doctors at this stage can determine the sex of the child. Children even acquire bad habits – they can suck big finger. During the seventeenth to the twentieth week, the doctors can confidently tell you whom you will give birth – a boy or a girl, because at this stage are forming the genitals of the child and hair.
At the next phase of development the child becomes quite capable. Some fat appears which protects him/her against extreme temperatures. This process occurs within 21-24 weeks.
Then the organs of hearing are formed, he/she feels the external noise. This stage occurs at 25-28 weeks of development.
He/she feels the restriction in space and begins to move less, but starts kicking.
At the next phase begins to grow his/her head, he/she already moves eyes, and by the end of 32 weeks all organs except the lungs are formed. At the 33rd week, the child already blinks. And at the 40 th week finally the baby’s lungs are formed. Now he/she waits only for childbirth.
For women and men the calendar of pregnancy is a great opportunity to stay close to their baby throughout all phases of its development. This is an interesting, exciting occupation; the calendar of pregnancy will help them more clearly and properly to conduct themselves in each new stage of development of their baby. Do not throw it; it’s a real remarkable thing that belongs to your child. So it can become your family heirloom. When child grows up and becomes adult, probably he/she will be very interested in seeing his/her life’s path, starting from the source. Yes, and he/she himself/herself will need parent experience, when taking care about his/her children and family.

Most of the parents before the birth of their first child have no experience in raising children. When they are on their way to create a family way, a lot of questions on child-raising, and in general on this matter appear. When parents begin to understand that the child entirely depends on their care and attention, they are attacked by fear, because they are often not prepared to answer many questions concerning the child. This emotion can only be overcome after studying all that is necessary for the child in detail.
In the period up to four months takes place the child’s adaptation to the world. He/she almost always sleeps. Then he/she gradually starts waking up for a long time. This is the time when parents must be very sensitive to the child, because at this time he/she can not do without you. He/she needs help in everything. The more he/she grows up, the more he/she begins to show interest in the outside world. At this time the child starts crying, because it is the only signal that he/she is able to make in order to attract attention. He/she begins muttering and shaking hands. At this time, he/she learns rising head, playing with his/her hands and sucking fingers. Baby begins to show signs of pleasure, writhing body. He/she responds to loud sounds.
In the period up to eight months, the child begins to explore the world around him/her. He/she already feels when he/she is home. It is his/her territory and he/she likes to be there with mother and father. At this time, he/she begins to recognize and respond to their name. He starts holding objects with his/her hands, rising the head and chest. He/she can laugh and squeak. He/she understands the separation from parents.
From eight months to a year the child becomes more independent and physically strong. He/she crawls around, trying to explore all around, without missing anything. He/she is constantly sticking his/her head in various subjects. Now baby feels his mother and wants her always to be near. At this time the child already can: show the objects and voice the gestures to express emotions by crying, play happy games, creep, stand for a long time, hold objects in his/her hands, worry about the presence of strangers, eat with his/her hands and look for items that interest him/her.
From a half year child begins walking. At this time all the senses are already developed, only the sense of danger is a little behind. He/she starts walking literally everywhere, so it is required to be very careful. Child shows interest in other children, he/she wants to play with them. In this period of life, children are able to: pronounce some words, follow the instructions, dance, play with toys, climb stairs, etc.
From birth to 18 months takes place the most intensive growth of the child. During this time he/she learns many new things. This rich period of learning will never repeat in his/her life. At this period parents should provide the child with care and attention, as well as help him/her in discovering this world.

Finally long, complex process of preparing for pregnancy and carrying your baby will come to its end. Now you have no less difficult and important task – childbirth. For this you are carefully prepared. And soon your child will see the white light.

Deliveries are accompanied by profound emotional and, above all, physical stress. Therefore, future mothers should take most comfortable position, so as not to be distracted by discomfort in the most inopportune moment. Choosing the position, just think that you need to help your baby. Deliveries for him are not easy too. Lie down, sit, recline. Choose a convenient place – bed, couch, maternity chair. Calm down, take it easy. When it starts, keep your back straight. The doctor and obstetrician are always near. They will help you mentally, give the right advice. Most importantly do as they say. Between contractions breathe properly. This will help to calm down, and will also facilitate relaxation of the pelvis, rectum and anus.

At a time when the baby’s head appears in the vagina, you need to calm down. This moment is called discovery. Now it is very important to follow the advice of a doctor. He/she will tell you when you need to push and when to relax. If you do not get nervous, but quietly comply with the physician, you can avoid gaps in vagina. Once the head appears further process will go much easier.

Sometimes, at first birth, or because of incorrect disposition of the child episiotomy happens. The idea is to cut between the vagina and anus. As a result, conditions for easier passage of the head of the child are created. Before doing episiotomy, the doctor must obtain the consent of women. During this anesthesia is done. Fabrics vagina relax and the process becomes easier. After the release of the child, followed by the placenta, the incision is stitched.

The appearance of the head is the most difficult moment, as it is the widest part of the baby. Since its inception, thephysician sees that the umbilical cord is not wound around the neck. Over time he/she cleans the mouth and throat of the child from the liquid. Then the doctor will turn, with contractions, the child’s shoulders so that they open the vagina. The rest of the body slips out itself, under pressure from uterine contractions. And now you will feel an incredible relief. Now your kid screams, letting the world know about his/her appearance. But not everyone starts screaming. Some kids just whine, other just breathe.

Finally, this fairy-tale moment came. You can take your little miracle in your hands. He/she claps eyes and looks at you without understanding what happened. But now he/she feels your care. He/she knows that you can protect him/her. These moments are worth all the difficulties and hardships, through which you had to go. You are still physically inseparable. At the time of cutting umbilical cord, attach the child to your heart. Let him/her feel your breath, and the beat of your heart, your velvet skin, your endless love for him/her. Enjoy this time. You will never forget it. Now you are a mother. Life of this little creature depends on you.

Human body is a well-established system of interaction mechanisms and natural nutrients. Everyone must be considerate to all the processes taking place inside him, and be able to recognize signals that our body sends. After all, if we treat ourselves with care and love, our body responds to us in return.
Conversely, if we do not notice the signals sent by our body, then over time it just stops sending them. And we won’t be able to treat ourselves. Mostly women must think about this when planning a child or when they are already pregnant. Every mother wants a beautiful, healthy and strong baby. If a woman eats properly and fully receives the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals, she can count on a powerful little fellow. If you are planning a child, then you should think about a special pregnancy diet.
Remember that baby gets all the vitamins and minerals necessary for its growth and health from his mother. Woman’s body contains trillion different cells. In order to control their normal functioning pregnant women should constantly receive vitamins and other beneficial substances. This can be done only through well-balanced meal. Do not forget that during pregnancy a woman is experiencing tremendous overload, because her body is working for two.

Every cell in the body carries out its role, so it is important to provide nutrients to each of them. The interaction of these cells, in general, provides a healthy, strong baby.
One of the most important elements is iron. It is present in large quantities in the blood. Above we said that our body is a unique tool of interaction. Therefore, the lack or decrease of one substance in the chain entails a decrease in another. The lack of this element impacts on the overall state of health. When pregnant women have iron deficiencythey will have headache, uterine cramps, etc.
So you see how the lack of one substance leads to serious consequences. Now imagine that there are several substances. If the expectant mother does not want to be exposed to such diseases and harm your child, she should supply the body with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Carelessness may entail dire consequences (the loss of the fetus or the birth of weak and sick child).
Expectant mothers should carefully select vitamin supplements, because they are different on the content of the most indispensable substances. Take supplements containing magnesium and vitamin D. In the body, these two substances play a huge role. First, they provide the bones with calcium. Second, calcium and magnesium support to the optimum performance of the muscles. Do not forget that the main muscle is the heart, but it feels more pressure because it works for both. Therefore, the recommended dose of magnesium for pregnant is about 500 mg per day. It is noteworthy that the amount of magnesium is not shown in blood tests. Because it is contained in the cells themselves, and its level in the blood is consistently supported by the bones and the muscles. Woman must ensure adequate consumption of magnesium. However, magnesium can provoke diarrhea, so its use splits throughout the day.
We think these examples are enough to see how the selection of vitamins and minerals is needed for healthy expectant mother and baby.
In this issue there can be little things, so take everything with utmost seriousness and responsibility and your child will be grateful.