Securing Your Child’s Health

September 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There is nothing more important to a good parent than the health of their child. From the day the child is born, the parents begin looking out for its best interest. Child care requires constant attention and continuous study on what the latest health findings are.

Infants

It doesn’t matter if it is your first child or fifth, a newborn baby will take up your entire schedule. The feedings, bathing, diaper changing and all night bouncing when the baby just can’t sleep are all part of the package. If a woman is not breast-feeding the child, then the formula she uses and its nutritional value is important. Look into it and see what the doctors think about it. After a diaper change or a bath, the baby’s skin needs to be taken care of. An infant’s skin is very sensitive and needs baby oil and powder.

Toddlers

Once your child is up and running around, there will be a lot of falls and accidents. This is normal and rarely results in a major injury, however, it’s always a good idea to have a children’s hospital near by. Take your toddler in for regular fitness and nutritional check ups. The doctors can help guide you through your child’s specific dietary needs.

Older Children and Teenagers

Once your child is older, you will need to focus on fitness and good eating habits. Children and teenagers love sugar and processed foods. If you don’t watch them, they can go overboard. In the U.S., 3 out of 4 children are obese or overweight. In the last 30 years, obesity in children has tripled.

Get a check up for your children regularly. If you are short on cash, get a payday advance. It’s really easy and your child’s health is worth it.

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Socializing With a Baby

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A young girl kisses a baby on the cheek.
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When you have a baby, it might be hard to imagine why they need socializing. For the first few weeks of life, they seem only to sleep and eat. However, babies build neuron connections much more rapidly than adults. They need socialization, company, and love for their brains to develop.

The high-pitched, sing-song tone of voice that many people use to talk to babies can seem annoying. However, it actually has a basis in human development. Referred to as “Motherese”, this type of speech is easy for baby to hear. It teaches them to look for patterns in speech as well as changes in tone. You can alternate it with regular speech to acclimate your child to how adults talk to one another.

Even though your baby can’t understand what you’re saying, they love to hear you talk. Either from living in you for nine months or from hearing you talk to their mother for nine months, they know the sound of your voice. Continue that outside the womb by talking to them frequently. Talk as you go throughout your day by telling the baby what you’re doing or how you’re feeling. One of the earliest skills a baby learns is turning their head to follow a voice. Talking to them helps them learn this faster.

Try to expose your baby to new people on a fairly regular basis. Don’t over stimulate them by surrounding them with a lot of people they don’t know, but do visit different family members often. The baby will learn different speech patterns, faces, and ways of being held and comforted. Even better, you get a break from being the primary caretaker for a bit!

Although it may seem like an exercise in futility, talk to your baby as if they know what you are saying. You will have a stronger bond with them and their brains will benefit immensely.

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Baby’s First Milestones

December 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As soon as your baby enters the world, it seems like time suddenly speeds up. Before you know it, you’re past the sleepless nights and onto your baby’s first milestones.

When your baby is born, he has very poor eyesight. They can typically only see in black and white, and what they see is very fuzzy. They can see relatively clearly at about eight inches away, the distance between a baby’s face and his mother’s as she feeds him. However, babies’ eyesight quickly improves. The first milestone is being able to focus on an object or face about a foot away and tracking its slow movement.

Depending on how often you do tummy time with your baby and his individual strength, he will begin holding his head up for short amounts of time by about one month of age. If you frequently do tummy time, he will surpass this quickly and gain better neck strength and control.

By six weeks of age, about half of babies have reached a milestone that their parents long for — sleeping through the night. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean eight or ten hours. It actually means five or six hours of sleep. This indicates that your baby’s stomach has expanded to the point that he doesn’t need to be fed every two or three hours.

The last major milestone that occurs early in a baby’s life is rolling. Now that pediatricians recommend tummy time, most babies roll from their front to their back by three or four months. There is a delay between this skill and learning how to roll from back to front.

Remember, there is a large window for any of these milestones to occur. If your baby appears to be behind schedule, it typically works itself out. Try not worry and just enjoy your baby!

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Different Types of Baby Carriers

December 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Stroller
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The increasing popularity of attachment parenting has caused baby carriers to become more common amongst new parents. If you’re interested in wearing your baby, you may be overwhelmed by the many choices available.

A sling may be the most common of all baby carriers. However, it also has the most controversy around it, due to infant deaths in slings. Slings should be tight around a baby, providing head support and holding their spine correctly. Additionally, the sling should keep the baby very close to your head. Slings that sit down by your waist or hips prevent you from being able to feel your baby breathe and hear your baby breathe. Ring slings are a very popular sling variety.

Soft wraps have a bit of a learning curve, but they are also a very affordable type of baby carrier. Typically made of one very long piece of fabric, wraps hold your baby very close your body. You wrap the fabric in such a way that you can insert the baby into a pocket of fabric that holds him tight to you. They can be hard to learn, but once you learn it, it’s easy to do.

Structured carriers are some of the most expensive baby carriers available, but they are also easy to use. Typically, they fit on your body with straps and buckles. They can be tightened for the individual wearer. Typically, the baby sits on the front of you, facing in. Some carriers also have the option of carrying your baby on your back.

The best way to find a baby carrier you will love is to try them out. Visit a baby boutique and try several different kinds. Look for one that is affordable, easy to use, and appropriate for the age of your baby. You won’t miss hauling the stroller around!

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When Do You Call The Doctor?

October 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Newborn baby
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Parenting can be confusing. If your child is crying, should you call a doctor immediately, or wait until she runs a temperature? What time is the right time to call the pediatrician? Every child is different, and every child’s response to a particular situation may vary. That said, there are, however, some signs that clearly tell you that it’s time to take your child to the doctor.

  • Fevers that cross 100 degrees in infants need a doctor’s intervention.
  • Uncontrollable crying. Babies are moody by nature, altering between crying and smiling. Your baby can cry for anything from hunger to attention to pain. However, if your baby cries uncontrollably for two to three hours continuously, call the doctor. Before doing so, consider environmental stimulants. For example, a visit to the grandparents living in nursing homes may upset the baby because of the new surroundings. Find a quiet place where you can calm the baby.
  • Unresponsive babies. If your child is completely unresponsive to people, sights, and sounds, there may be a problem.
  • Refusal to eat. If you try to feed a baby within half an hour of her drinking milk, she will obviously refuse food. On the other hand, if she refuses two or three consecutive feedings, it is good to check with her pediatrician. Babies cannot go without food for a long time, or it may lead to dehydration.
  • Strained, labored breathing. A newborn baby’s breathing is different from an adult’s. Many times a baby’s heart beats faster than usual. But, labored breathing means it’s time to call the doctor.
  • Serious vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in the vomit or stool. Spit ups and passing stools a number of times in a day are common. But, these other symptoms may indicate something’s wrong.

When it comes to babies, it is better to err on the cautious side. Trust your instincts and you will not go wrong.

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Everything You Need To Know About Bonding With Your Newborn

September 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bonding with your newborn is something that is a matter of grave concern. Everyone knows how important the first few days of life are, and it can seem intimidating to instigate the process. Chwo-foundation.org is a wonderful place to look for information.

The process of bonding can be both easy and natural.
Whether your new baby is breast or formula fed, the basic act of holding him or her during feeding is a vital part of the process. Although it is impossible to prove in a humane manner, studies suggest that lack of nurturing during this crucial time will stunt a child’s emotional growth, i addition to causing a failure to thrive.
Chwo-foundation.org allows access for all parents to necessary information.

Did You Know?

a) That simply loving your child will actually help them to grow? This happens because it results in the production of chemicals that allow for the growth of cells.

b) Babies love to be held closely, and need to be kept warm. Just by doing these, you encourage them to feel secure, which relates directly to bonding.

c) That the initial confusion a baby feels upon birth may continue for several weeks or longer. Even when it seems like your baby doesn’t need anything, holding them may calm them down. This happens because you are teaching them to trust that you will always meet their needs. Chwo-foundation.org is an excellent resource for new parents.

Making Your Baby Feel Safe and Secure

The vast majority of babies born in this country are both wanted and loved. However, that doesn’t mean that they come with directions, and there is a lot of information out there that tells you the best way to nurture the new addition to your family.

Simply put, if you hold him or her in a way that makes them feel secure, you will do well. Adequate back and neck support is crucial, as there has probably never been a baby who likes the feeling of flopping around. Some babies do well with being swaddled, as it is thought to mimic the feeling of the womb.

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Of babies and running noses

August 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Newborn Blood Sampling
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A new born baby can be difficult to handle even when they are feeling fine and well. However, a baby suffering from a cold can be irritable, kicking up a storm, crying themselves hoarse and raising their parents’ anxiety levels to a boiling point! There are several medicines available that your pediatricians will advice you give your child to cure the ailment but as the age old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Curing a baby’s cold takes at least 10 to 15 days as their body need to develop the immunity required to beat the virus. Watching your child suffer through those days is a harrowing experience any parent would want to avoid. This is why it is important to know the cause of your little one’s running nose.

It could be that your baby is allergic to dust or something that is being fed to him/her. This can be identified if the cold keeps recurring even after it has been cured. You should consult a doctor in such a situation to prevent the condition from escalating. Anther cause of babies catching a cold is their diapers not being changed regularly. Staying wet for prolonged duration leads to infections which is why parents need to pay specific attention. If both parents are working and have to leave their child at a day care centre, it could be that he/she has contracted a cold from another child.

A baby needs to be kept warm and dry as far as possible. Dry your little one well after giving him/her a bath, especially the hair. Dress the baby in warm clothes or wrapped up in a cloth or blanket. A baby’s body is used to warmth, considering they spend a good nine months in their mother’s body. It takes them a bit of a time to get used to the external environment. Sudden changes in temperatures can cause them to develop a cold as well. Also, keep your baby away from gusts of cold air, whether it is from the air conditioning or a fan. Keep an eye for these causes and take relevant preventive actions to keep your baby healthy and smiling.

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Keeping your infant’s teeth from decay

July 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
6-month baby, first teeth
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Kids love sweets. Whether it is chocolates, ice creams, jelly beans or sweetened drinks, kids find it difficult to stay away from sugars. This, unfortunately, isn’t too good for their teeth! Excessive intake of sweets leads to faster tooth decay and development of cavities. This bit of information has been known for ages now. However, tooth decay not only affects children but infants too. In fact, newly erupted teeth amongst babies are highly prone to decay.

Babies start teething between 4 to 6 months of age and are around 2 years of old by the time the complete set of 20 teeth has emerged. Children use this primary set of teeth till the age of 10 to years, when this first set starts falling off naturally to make way the permanent set of 32 teeth, which are meant to last a life time. The primary set is much more fragile though and are likely to start decaying as soon as they erupt if not cared for properly. The responsibility of taking care of an infant’s teeth lies with the parents.

Tooth decay at this young age is also caused by the same sugars that spoil teeth among older children. Infants consume juices, formula and other sugary liquids through baby bottles. The sugar gradually coats the child’s teeth and starts breaking down the enamel that protects the teeth from decay. Once the enamel is eroded, the teeth become vulnerable to attacks by germs which erode the calcium that forms the teeth, leading to cavities.

To prevent tooth decay amongst infants, parents can follow simple steps. Of course, infant teeth have to be carefully brushed well no matter how tiny they are! It is also a good practice to rinse the infant’s mouth thoroughly with water after every meal to prevent sugars from depositing in the teeth. Infants should not be allowed to fall asleep with their baby bottles in their mouth. This prolongs the exposure to teeth to sugars as the liquid flows directly over the teeth and stays there till whenever the child wakes up. Parents should try to ensure their infant’s mouth remains clear of sugars as far as possible.

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Minding manners – Watching your toddler’s behaviour

June 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Baby-oph-2
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Babies and toddlers have the least comprehension of right and wrong, acceptable and not acceptable, allowed and not allowed. Controlling a toddler’s behavior can be a night mare for parents if they don’t know how to handle the little one. Toddlers are naturally inquisitive, especially around the time when they first learn to crawl, stand and walk. They want to touch, feel and most likely throw every object that they have been eyeing in the first few immobile months. Yet, they do not realize that throwing, breaking an ingesting certain thing is bad. It falls on the parent’s shoulders to start grooming the little one’s manners.

When your baby first begins to crawl, it is would be very wise to remove all breakable, consumable and movable objects away from the toddlers reach. This includes electronics, books on lower shelves, cabinets that can’t be locked, lamps and other table top items etc. Take special care to keep medicines and other ingestible items away from your toddlers reach. Scolding or hitting a toddler never works for the simple reason that their mind does not link the punishment to their actions. Punishing a toddler will only confuse him/her. If you notice your toddler heading towards a certain object you want touched, use a common word like ‘No’ or ‘Don’t’ to address the little one and then move him/her away from the object. Repeatedly doing this will enable a toddler to form a connection between the object and your action (moving away). This might take some time though. If a toddler is persistently trying to grab an object, try placing him/her in the crib for a few minutes. Toddlers have limited attention spans and the little one will most likely forget about the object by the time you bring him/her back to the room. Toddlers learn the most by imitating their parents so you need to watch your behavior as much as your toddler’s. Keeping you belongings in place, not talking in raised voices, a strict no-no to bad language etc all go a long way in minding your toddler’s behavior.

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Recognizing signs of sickness in a new born baby

April 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Newborn child, seconds after birth. The umbili...
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It is easier to identify signs of illness on older children while compared to new born babies as older children have ways to tell you if something is ailing them. The only way in which new born babies communicate is by crying, which is something they do even when they are hungry, need a nappy change or are simply bored. This is why it is important for parents to be able to identify signs of sickness in a baby so that it can be diagnosed and treated well in time. So what are the signs a parent should look out for?

New born babies, especially small or premature ones, have a risk of developing jaundice. If on the very first day of life your baby appears yellowish, press the baby’s sole with your thumb for a few moments and then release. If the returning color is pink, there is nothing to worry about but if the color returns as yellow then you should consult a doctor immediately.

A new born baby is used to the warmth of the mother’s womb and loses a lot of body heat if not covered properly. Lowering of body heat may lead to infections especially in premature babies as their immune system is not that strong. Touch the babies sole with the back of your hand and then touch the abdomen. If the sole feels cooler, then your baby’s body heat is low. Immediately take measures to warm the baby and feed him/her more frequently. If the condition persists, consult your doctor.

Other signs of illness are, if a baby’s crying seems weak suddenly, has difficult or irregular breathing, does not respond well to nudging or it gets difficult to feed, then your baby may be ill. If a baby’s vomit is greenish or brownish and persistent, instead of the usual curdled milk after feeding, seek medical help immediately. New born babies lose a bit of weight initially but quickly gain it back in about 10 days of life. If your baby loses excess weight and is not regaining it, consult your doctor.

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