Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Frequent Fussy Baby? Your Daily Baby Plan - Create It!
Everyday doesn't have to be drastically different than the last. Sure, things will come up, but some part of the day should be routine when it comes to caring for your babies and toddlers.
Let's say that you have been to the doctor's with your baby and all is normal. Yet, you notice your baby is often fussy at home. It seems no matter what you do, there is an issue. Now keep in mind, no two babies are a like. Maybe your friend who also has that issue discovered it was something she was giving her baby and maybe another friend learned that the home environment was a cause of her baby often crying. Sometimes there is no serious issue causing the fussy behavior, but what about the baby's routine or lack thereof?
Studies have shown that babies and children do quite well in routines. Their expectation of when they will be fed, what typically happens in a day, and other things, makes them easier to manage. In addition, you are better able to control your day.
For instance, if your child typically eats at a certain time in the morning, but then for the next three days you were to feed him or her during the afternoon, what do you think will happen? The child will become more fussy, irritable, and might possibly develop a health issue like gas. But when the expectation is that he or she will eat at XYZ time, the baby is better able to handle his or her emotions because the little person knows the food is coming.
Sometimes parents get caught up in so many activities that they forget to look at the clock; therefore, it seems as if the day is going downhill. However, no worries! Even though you can't get the time back, you can slow things down or cut certain tasks out particularly when you have a fussy baby. It is better to do that then to have to contend with whining, tantrums, and more especially in public!
If you don't have a baby plan, create one! It is real simple and there are many calendars, tools, schedules, and more to help you. Your baby plan is a guide that helps you stay on track with your child's activities during the day. You list what you typically do, include times that you do it, and hang it up on a refrigerator or somewhere in your home that others can see. This way, if you keep to the schedule, others who might have to watch your child will have no problem picking up where you left off. Be sure to include things like: meal times, menus, diaper changing times, bath times, reading, swing time, floor play, etc. By the week's end, review your schedule, if you keep to it, you might learn what patterns that might be contributing to your baby's fussy behavior. For instance, I learned years ago that I wasn't changing my baby's diaper enough--go figure!?
May your days be well-planned and your baby less fussy!
Nicholl McGuire
Let's say that you have been to the doctor's with your baby and all is normal. Yet, you notice your baby is often fussy at home. It seems no matter what you do, there is an issue. Now keep in mind, no two babies are a like. Maybe your friend who also has that issue discovered it was something she was giving her baby and maybe another friend learned that the home environment was a cause of her baby often crying. Sometimes there is no serious issue causing the fussy behavior, but what about the baby's routine or lack thereof?
Studies have shown that babies and children do quite well in routines. Their expectation of when they will be fed, what typically happens in a day, and other things, makes them easier to manage. In addition, you are better able to control your day.
For instance, if your child typically eats at a certain time in the morning, but then for the next three days you were to feed him or her during the afternoon, what do you think will happen? The child will become more fussy, irritable, and might possibly develop a health issue like gas. But when the expectation is that he or she will eat at XYZ time, the baby is better able to handle his or her emotions because the little person knows the food is coming.
Sometimes parents get caught up in so many activities that they forget to look at the clock; therefore, it seems as if the day is going downhill. However, no worries! Even though you can't get the time back, you can slow things down or cut certain tasks out particularly when you have a fussy baby. It is better to do that then to have to contend with whining, tantrums, and more especially in public!
If you don't have a baby plan, create one! It is real simple and there are many calendars, tools, schedules, and more to help you. Your baby plan is a guide that helps you stay on track with your child's activities during the day. You list what you typically do, include times that you do it, and hang it up on a refrigerator or somewhere in your home that others can see. This way, if you keep to the schedule, others who might have to watch your child will have no problem picking up where you left off. Be sure to include things like: meal times, menus, diaper changing times, bath times, reading, swing time, floor play, etc. By the week's end, review your schedule, if you keep to it, you might learn what patterns that might be contributing to your baby's fussy behavior. For instance, I learned years ago that I wasn't changing my baby's diaper enough--go figure!?
May your days be well-planned and your baby less fussy!
Nicholl McGuire
When I Had Babies...I Didn't Anticipate How Much My Life Would Change
From the person within to the fathers who helped me create life, I had no clue how much life would change.
As far as I remember, I didn't want the marriage and parenting side of life that God said I would have one day. His message was prophetic back in 1997, as much as I thought I wouldn't be a mom and wife one day, God said, "But you will be." (Came to pass with the first child in 1999). It wasn't his command, it was just a fact. He knew things about me, that I didn't know. Like feeling unloved, bored with life, desiring more, and looking to a man (or men) to fulfill voids.
In time (a period of 20 plus years), I didn't realize how much of myself got lost in relationships (married before, married again--children in both--dating in between). There were babies--not just one, but four! Different times in my life, usually the highs, brought on the news we were expecting. It seemed that the babies came when I was trying to do more for me--they were like champagne toasts to humanity.
The dreams, plans, new faces, and challenges that came along in my world didn't show up without a baby bump, a baby walking, talking, or in school. As their milestones showed up, so did mine. In some cases, I improved emotionally and physically, but then there were those times that I didn't see anything positive--no progress just regress financially, spiritually and mentally.
Back in the early stages of parenting, how could I see the light at the end of the tunnel when a dad fell into temptation too many times to count and brought unnecessary issues to our home? Then there was the crying and needs of children that seemed to come in the middle of arguments, phone ringing, doorbell chiming, and aha moments. Fast forward past the time of separation, divorce, new job, and relocation, and along comes another man in my life and two more babies on the way and far too many issues to count--I still am upset about some things as I write. Prior to the birth of the second two babies, I will be the first to admit, I didn't leave any room for my Creator. But when I realized that I couldn't do this parenting thing without a Savior, is when he made life a tad bit easier for me.
The closer I walked with my Lord, the more I could see purpose and the more I realized just how much these children were His than mine. I was a mere vessel created for someone else's plan. Now that my sons are no longer babies, I feel somehow empowered and overwhelmed with the desire to finally get it right for me, not for a man and not for them, but for me! It's yet another journey, but this time I am willing to stick to the righteous path since I have young boys who are great motivators.
Nicholl McGuire
- No more looking out for just me.
- No more eating just for me.
- There isn't a day that you don't think of your children.
- Men change and don't see you, the mother, the same way.
- Relatives and friends treat you differently (more respect, sometimes include your children, want to help...)
- Career focus is not what it use to be.
- Everything costs more.
- You take your faith in God more seriously.
- Bodily changes.
- Friends come and go.
- Jobs come and go.
Must-Haves for Babies
I don't want my readers to miss this, especially if you or someone you know is pregnant. Visit my Squidoo page on this topic. When I had my baby, I was so happy to have these goodies for him. Must-Haves for Babies.
How to Make Your Home Safe For Babies
The first year of your baby can be an exciting time for you and your little one. It is during this time of his/her life that you get to witness their first smile, first laugh, and in most cases, first steps. Most of the special "first" moments of your child's life happen throughout the first year. However, if you are not careful, you might also witness their first accident.
I'm not writing to scare you; I'm just making you aware of the possibilities if you don't pay utmost vigilance when dealing with your child and his/her safety. And really, accidents happen. Accidents happen to us as adults and it can definitely happen to our babies.
So in this article, I'll share with you simple things you can follow to keep your baby away from danger and the likelihood of accidents in your own home.
Install smoke alarms in your child's bedroom. I doubt that your baby would start creating fire in his/her crib but you'll never know if fire hazards around him/her (i.e. electronic appliances) can malfunction and create havoc.
Keep plants out of reach of your baby. Not only that it might be poisonous to your baby but it can be a choking hazard. Better be safe than sorry right?
If you have firearms, lock them up tightly and put ammunition's in a separate location. Ammunition's can go off if the conditions are right. This is a general safety tip as much as it is for your baby.
Matches, cigarettes, and other flammable substances should be out of your baby's reach or placed in a childproof container.
Practice a rule that no person can handle your baby while handling something or just finished handling something hot (like a cup of tea or hot towel).
Be mindful of the things you put in the table. Children tend to pull tablecloth so either make the tablecloth high enough to be beyond the reach of children or just keep them away from it entirely.
The kitchen should be a no-access zone for children. There are just too many things that can happen in there.
Electronics outlets, especially the open ones (unused ones), should be completely covered and secured to avoid electrocution.
Electronic cords should be secured and well-maintained. Children might chew on them.
Door stops and safety knobs for the doors that should be off-limits to children.
So here are some simple tips for making your home safe for your children. Follow them and you can rest easy that your child won't run into the risk of having his/her first accident.
About The Author
Iska L is has been writing articles about child care and parenting for quite some time now. Do visit her latest website over at http://www.babyeducationaltoysguide.com/ which helps parents find the best baby educational toys for your baby's optimal development.
I'm not writing to scare you; I'm just making you aware of the possibilities if you don't pay utmost vigilance when dealing with your child and his/her safety. And really, accidents happen. Accidents happen to us as adults and it can definitely happen to our babies.
So in this article, I'll share with you simple things you can follow to keep your baby away from danger and the likelihood of accidents in your own home.
Install smoke alarms in your child's bedroom. I doubt that your baby would start creating fire in his/her crib but you'll never know if fire hazards around him/her (i.e. electronic appliances) can malfunction and create havoc.
Keep plants out of reach of your baby. Not only that it might be poisonous to your baby but it can be a choking hazard. Better be safe than sorry right?
If you have firearms, lock them up tightly and put ammunition's in a separate location. Ammunition's can go off if the conditions are right. This is a general safety tip as much as it is for your baby.
Matches, cigarettes, and other flammable substances should be out of your baby's reach or placed in a childproof container.
Practice a rule that no person can handle your baby while handling something or just finished handling something hot (like a cup of tea or hot towel).
Be mindful of the things you put in the table. Children tend to pull tablecloth so either make the tablecloth high enough to be beyond the reach of children or just keep them away from it entirely.
The kitchen should be a no-access zone for children. There are just too many things that can happen in there.
Electronics outlets, especially the open ones (unused ones), should be completely covered and secured to avoid electrocution.
Electronic cords should be secured and well-maintained. Children might chew on them.
Door stops and safety knobs for the doors that should be off-limits to children.
So here are some simple tips for making your home safe for your children. Follow them and you can rest easy that your child won't run into the risk of having his/her first accident.
About The Author
Iska L is has been writing articles about child care and parenting for quite some time now. Do visit her latest website over at http://www.babyeducationaltoysguide.com/ which helps parents find the best baby educational toys for your baby's optimal development.
3 Ways Babies Can Teach Us How to Beat Fatigue
We've all experienced it at some point. Some days, exhaustion can feel like a way of life. Sometimes new parents have it the hardest. Middle of the night feedings disrupting your sleep, which interrupts a regular exercise routine, which compounds with an unpredictable diet. But for new parents and non-parents alike there are things we can all learn from the techniques of a baby's simple and natural way of living that will help us combat our own fatigue.
Here are 3 simple things you can do to easily beat fatigue:
1. Keep a Regular Schedule
Now of course I'm not suggesting you nap throughout the day like a baby, but with a consistent nightly sleeping schedule, your body's natural circadian rhythm is easily maintained. The circadian rhythm is a term that describes the natural sleep/wake/eating schedule that we all have and are supposed to follow. It's a complex system that is regulated by your exposure to light (or lack thereof) as well as a number of hormones, including melatonin and cortisol. These two hormones have a direct effect on core body temperature and blood sugar regulation, respectively.
The circadian rhythm is much like the sun which predictably rises and sets each day. Your body mimics this predictability to live effectively and efficiently. However, with our brilliant intellect and ingenuity, we've invented ways to live outside of this natural cycle. We have lights during darkness and food at our disposal any time of the day or night. Unfortunately, these wonderful conveniences make it easier to stray from a regular eating and sleeping pattern. Then, as a result of poor sleep and fluctuations to normal blood sugar levels the circadian rhythm is disrupted and fatigue begins to set in. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep and do your best to go to bed at the same time every night. With this consistency, your body is able to maintain a normal circadian rhythm that will ultimately help you combat fatigue during waking hours.
2. The Most Important Meal
New babies can enjoy nature's perfect baby food: breast milk. Cleverly designed to contain the proper amounts of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in a great package which makes it available for easy feedings, breast milk provides all the nutrition babies need for at least the first six months of life. There is ample literature to suggest that feeding babies every 3-4 hours allows them to be more relaxed and easy going because they consciously know that food will be coming, plus their digestive systems will not be overtaxed with too frequent or too spread out of feedings.
Finding this proper nutritional balance for children and adults is also critical for good health. As with babies, you should eat smaller meals every 3-4 hours throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar and prevent tiredness.
And, when it comes to preventing fatigue during the day, breakfast truly is the most important meal. Our normal metabolic functions slow down throughout the night so we don't get hungry as we sleep. We wake each morning having not eaten anything for 8-12 hours, depending on what time we had dinner the night before. A healthy breakfast helps balance cortisol and therefore prevents you from a mid-morning energy crash from dropping blood sugar levels. A study published earlier this year demonstrated the cognitive benefit that test subjects had when they consumed at least a 450-calorie breakfast of both protein and fiber. Another group of scientists studied over 200 medical students and monitored their performance after skipping breakfast. Not surprisingly, those students who skipped breakfast had an overall increase in fatigue.
3. Belly Breathing
With the rhythmic movement of their little bellies and the innocent, gentle noises they make, there are few things in this world more peaceful than watching a baby sleep. Babies naturally take deep breaths that originate from their bellies, with both inhaling and exhaling taking on a slow and relaxed state. We average about 15,500 breaths a day and for every single one of them, we don't even have to think about it! It's a natural action. But unfortunately, as we move out of childhood and into adulthood, life gets busier and our breathing becomes more hurried and shallow, coming less from the muscles designed to facilitate breathing (i.e., the diaphragm) and causing an increase in accessory muscle tension. Because the lower third portion of your lungs has the most efficient oxygen exchange sites, this type of shallow breathing prevents you from getting all the necessary oxygen your body needs, causing fatigue.
It's important to get as much oxygen to those lower lungs as possible! A famous study done in the early 1980's demonstrated that adults who spent as little as 10 minutes a day focusing on their breathing had better energy and greater work performance. You can do that. Just take 10 minutes each day and focus on improving your belly breathing. Sit in a comfortable location, with your spine straight and shoulders back, breathe in deep through your nose for a count of seven seconds. Allow your belly to expand outwards as you inhale. Then hold your breath for a count of four seconds. Finally, exhale for a count of nine seconds, this time moving your belly inward. The exhale is a little longer than the inhale, which is done on purpose. When you move to the next inhale cycle, you'll notice some reflexive support from all the muscles that are necessary for proper belly breathing.
In summary:
*Get 7-9 hours of sleep and go to bed at the same time each night
*Eat a healthy breakfast of protein and fiber
*Spend 10 minutes a day belly breathing
Follow these simple steps, and you'll be as happy as a baby and smiling at the world with plenty of energy!
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Phil Wazny, NMD is a naturopathic physician at Integrative Health Care, a "Results Based Natural Medicine" Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. He created several dynamic programs designed to help patients gain strength while reducing their rate of debilitating conditions like cancer and heart disease. His areas of specialty are permanent weight loss, natural pediatrics, allergy solutions, hormone balancing and pain relief with prolotherapy and PRP therapy. He can be reached at http://www.integrativehealthcare.com and 480-657-0003.
Here are 3 simple things you can do to easily beat fatigue:
1. Keep a Regular Schedule
Now of course I'm not suggesting you nap throughout the day like a baby, but with a consistent nightly sleeping schedule, your body's natural circadian rhythm is easily maintained. The circadian rhythm is a term that describes the natural sleep/wake/eating schedule that we all have and are supposed to follow. It's a complex system that is regulated by your exposure to light (or lack thereof) as well as a number of hormones, including melatonin and cortisol. These two hormones have a direct effect on core body temperature and blood sugar regulation, respectively.
The circadian rhythm is much like the sun which predictably rises and sets each day. Your body mimics this predictability to live effectively and efficiently. However, with our brilliant intellect and ingenuity, we've invented ways to live outside of this natural cycle. We have lights during darkness and food at our disposal any time of the day or night. Unfortunately, these wonderful conveniences make it easier to stray from a regular eating and sleeping pattern. Then, as a result of poor sleep and fluctuations to normal blood sugar levels the circadian rhythm is disrupted and fatigue begins to set in. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep and do your best to go to bed at the same time every night. With this consistency, your body is able to maintain a normal circadian rhythm that will ultimately help you combat fatigue during waking hours.
2. The Most Important Meal
New babies can enjoy nature's perfect baby food: breast milk. Cleverly designed to contain the proper amounts of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in a great package which makes it available for easy feedings, breast milk provides all the nutrition babies need for at least the first six months of life. There is ample literature to suggest that feeding babies every 3-4 hours allows them to be more relaxed and easy going because they consciously know that food will be coming, plus their digestive systems will not be overtaxed with too frequent or too spread out of feedings.
Finding this proper nutritional balance for children and adults is also critical for good health. As with babies, you should eat smaller meals every 3-4 hours throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar and prevent tiredness.
And, when it comes to preventing fatigue during the day, breakfast truly is the most important meal. Our normal metabolic functions slow down throughout the night so we don't get hungry as we sleep. We wake each morning having not eaten anything for 8-12 hours, depending on what time we had dinner the night before. A healthy breakfast helps balance cortisol and therefore prevents you from a mid-morning energy crash from dropping blood sugar levels. A study published earlier this year demonstrated the cognitive benefit that test subjects had when they consumed at least a 450-calorie breakfast of both protein and fiber. Another group of scientists studied over 200 medical students and monitored their performance after skipping breakfast. Not surprisingly, those students who skipped breakfast had an overall increase in fatigue.
3. Belly Breathing
With the rhythmic movement of their little bellies and the innocent, gentle noises they make, there are few things in this world more peaceful than watching a baby sleep. Babies naturally take deep breaths that originate from their bellies, with both inhaling and exhaling taking on a slow and relaxed state. We average about 15,500 breaths a day and for every single one of them, we don't even have to think about it! It's a natural action. But unfortunately, as we move out of childhood and into adulthood, life gets busier and our breathing becomes more hurried and shallow, coming less from the muscles designed to facilitate breathing (i.e., the diaphragm) and causing an increase in accessory muscle tension. Because the lower third portion of your lungs has the most efficient oxygen exchange sites, this type of shallow breathing prevents you from getting all the necessary oxygen your body needs, causing fatigue.
It's important to get as much oxygen to those lower lungs as possible! A famous study done in the early 1980's demonstrated that adults who spent as little as 10 minutes a day focusing on their breathing had better energy and greater work performance. You can do that. Just take 10 minutes each day and focus on improving your belly breathing. Sit in a comfortable location, with your spine straight and shoulders back, breathe in deep through your nose for a count of seven seconds. Allow your belly to expand outwards as you inhale. Then hold your breath for a count of four seconds. Finally, exhale for a count of nine seconds, this time moving your belly inward. The exhale is a little longer than the inhale, which is done on purpose. When you move to the next inhale cycle, you'll notice some reflexive support from all the muscles that are necessary for proper belly breathing.
In summary:
*Get 7-9 hours of sleep and go to bed at the same time each night
*Eat a healthy breakfast of protein and fiber
*Spend 10 minutes a day belly breathing
Follow these simple steps, and you'll be as happy as a baby and smiling at the world with plenty of energy!
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Phil Wazny, NMD is a naturopathic physician at Integrative Health Care, a "Results Based Natural Medicine" Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. He created several dynamic programs designed to help patients gain strength while reducing their rate of debilitating conditions like cancer and heart disease. His areas of specialty are permanent weight loss, natural pediatrics, allergy solutions, hormone balancing and pain relief with prolotherapy and PRP therapy. He can be reached at http://www.integrativehealthcare.com and 480-657-0003.
What New Parents Or Parents-To-Be Ought To Know About Choosing Names For The Baby
It must be beautiful having a new baby or expecting one. You go through names again and again, trying to find one name that will fit your precious little baby. Yet, none seems good enough for your angel. One sounds weird, the one sounds silly. Nothing.
You need a guide. Almost all new parents need guides, so don’t you worry about it.
Try these simple tips:
• Close the baby names book or list you found on the net
Pick some that you like best without having to refer to those names in the book or list. Simply use your brain and heart. Make a list of five to ten names. This has to be done by both parents. After it’s done, check out each other’s list. Some are lucky enough to find a name that they both like.
• Find the meaning
For some culture a name can be a hope for the children. Yet, you wouldn’t want to have a child whose name might be cute or unique yet has a bad meaning. Now, it’s time to check out the book or some sites on the net.
• Check out the initial
Ok, now you have decided that the first name would be Rebecca. Your last name is Taylor. If you don’t want the initial to be R.A.T., don’t give Anna as the middle name.
• Get the right combination
Some names aren’t good together but some others don’t. So, make sure you make the right combination. The first, middle and last name should sound beautifully.
• Don’t choose a name that can cause frustration to your child
No, of course you don’t want that. That’s why you’d better think wisely about it. How would you feel if given such a name? If you don’t like it, neither would your child.
• No need to hurry
Take as much time you need.
David W Richards is a father of two. He likes sharing his parenting experiences. He also has some sites such as Insurance Jewelry.info, Graduate Mortgage.info, and Expat Mortgage.info
You need a guide. Almost all new parents need guides, so don’t you worry about it.
Try these simple tips:
• Close the baby names book or list you found on the net
Pick some that you like best without having to refer to those names in the book or list. Simply use your brain and heart. Make a list of five to ten names. This has to be done by both parents. After it’s done, check out each other’s list. Some are lucky enough to find a name that they both like.
• Find the meaning
For some culture a name can be a hope for the children. Yet, you wouldn’t want to have a child whose name might be cute or unique yet has a bad meaning. Now, it’s time to check out the book or some sites on the net.
• Check out the initial
Ok, now you have decided that the first name would be Rebecca. Your last name is Taylor. If you don’t want the initial to be R.A.T., don’t give Anna as the middle name.
• Get the right combination
Some names aren’t good together but some others don’t. So, make sure you make the right combination. The first, middle and last name should sound beautifully.
• Don’t choose a name that can cause frustration to your child
No, of course you don’t want that. That’s why you’d better think wisely about it. How would you feel if given such a name? If you don’t like it, neither would your child.
• No need to hurry
Take as much time you need.
David W Richards is a father of two. He likes sharing his parenting experiences. He also has some sites such as Insurance Jewelry.info, Graduate Mortgage.info, and Expat Mortgage.info
What to Expect With a Newborn
Caring for a newborn can be an overwhelming task, even if the baby is not your first. The task is best approached with common sense, but common sense is most useful when rooted in experience. Fortunately, even if you are having your first child, there is plenty of experience to draw on - people have been having babies for as long as there have been people.
A newborn baby can bring about a whirlwind of activity, and be a source of excitement. Baby can also bring stress as well as tire you out. Adjusting to life with a newborn can be a major change, and round the clock care for a newborn baby can turn your life upside down. Your newborn will bring a lot of joy to your life, though. Enjoy it, and cope with the rest as it comes.
One thing you need to be sure to do is take care of yourself. You must resist the urge to over-indulge in caffeine. Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods, get fresh air, and if you can, get regular exercise. Also, for your sanity, do something you enjoy every day. You may need to have a little time to yourself to keep you balanced. It is important to take good care of yourself. This will give you the energy to take good care of your newborn baby.
Sleep is at a premium when you have a newborn baby, but get it when you can. If you can, sleep when your baby sleeps, and work out a coordinated schedule with your partner so both of you can rest and still take care of the baby.
No doubt your friends and especially your relatives are eager to spend as much time as possible admiring your new baby. It may make sense for you to establish visiting hours to help you maintain a schedule that works for you and your newborn. Let your visitors know what time is best, and make sure anyone who is not feeling well visits when they are healthy. After all, you don’t want anyone to pass a cold onto your new, vulnerable baby. Now is not the time for social graces; don’t be afraid to be direct. You can also take advantage of the interest in your baby and have friends and family help with household chores so you can get some rest every now and then.
It’s never too early to establish a routine, but you have to let your baby set the pace. Make sure you set aside plenty of time for nursing sessions, naps and crying spells. Don’t schedule too many activities; most of your time is now baby time. Give yourself extra time to pack and get items together when you do have to go somewhere.
Be prepared to have a roller coaster of emotions. You will of course admire your new baby and adore him or her, but there will be times when you grieve for your fatally wounded independence, and worry about your ability to care for a newborn. These may be seconds apart. It’s all part of the process. You will be back to your normal self shortly. It is always OK to ask for help if you need it, and your newborn will thrive as you do.
Maria Cummings is a devoted parent, wife and expert author on family matters and parenting. She is devoted to helping children's organizations and activities. Maria is also the Sales Manager for BustlingBaby.com which offers a variety of baby mobility products, from convertible car seats to lightweight strollers
A newborn baby can bring about a whirlwind of activity, and be a source of excitement. Baby can also bring stress as well as tire you out. Adjusting to life with a newborn can be a major change, and round the clock care for a newborn baby can turn your life upside down. Your newborn will bring a lot of joy to your life, though. Enjoy it, and cope with the rest as it comes.
One thing you need to be sure to do is take care of yourself. You must resist the urge to over-indulge in caffeine. Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods, get fresh air, and if you can, get regular exercise. Also, for your sanity, do something you enjoy every day. You may need to have a little time to yourself to keep you balanced. It is important to take good care of yourself. This will give you the energy to take good care of your newborn baby.
Sleep is at a premium when you have a newborn baby, but get it when you can. If you can, sleep when your baby sleeps, and work out a coordinated schedule with your partner so both of you can rest and still take care of the baby.
No doubt your friends and especially your relatives are eager to spend as much time as possible admiring your new baby. It may make sense for you to establish visiting hours to help you maintain a schedule that works for you and your newborn. Let your visitors know what time is best, and make sure anyone who is not feeling well visits when they are healthy. After all, you don’t want anyone to pass a cold onto your new, vulnerable baby. Now is not the time for social graces; don’t be afraid to be direct. You can also take advantage of the interest in your baby and have friends and family help with household chores so you can get some rest every now and then.
It’s never too early to establish a routine, but you have to let your baby set the pace. Make sure you set aside plenty of time for nursing sessions, naps and crying spells. Don’t schedule too many activities; most of your time is now baby time. Give yourself extra time to pack and get items together when you do have to go somewhere.
Be prepared to have a roller coaster of emotions. You will of course admire your new baby and adore him or her, but there will be times when you grieve for your fatally wounded independence, and worry about your ability to care for a newborn. These may be seconds apart. It’s all part of the process. You will be back to your normal self shortly. It is always OK to ask for help if you need it, and your newborn will thrive as you do.
Maria Cummings is a devoted parent, wife and expert author on family matters and parenting. She is devoted to helping children's organizations and activities. Maria is also the Sales Manager for BustlingBaby.com which offers a variety of baby mobility products, from convertible car seats to lightweight strollers
What Does Your Newborn See In His First Few Days
A young baby is aware of a lot more then we used to think in the past. In fact some of the capabilities of very young children are astonishing. In the “Good Old Days” people thought that a newborn was almost blind. They thought a baby couldn't focus and was more or less colorblind. Meaning that a newborn is only aware of a fuzzy colorless world. We know now that this is not the case.
A newborn is not that little being focused only on himself and his own needs, like hunger, thirst, and other discomfort. From day 1 a newborn is fairly alert, interested and aware of what is happening in his surroundings. He is capable of experiencing and very interested about what is going on is his world. Contrary to old beliefs a baby is able to focus on objects and people that are about 10 inches away. Things that are closer of further away are out of focus, if this were different our newborn would be highly intimidated by the multitude of stimuli. If a child can see color from the moment its born is still unknown, but chances are that he can. And if not he or she will learn in a very short while.
A natural preference for faces
So your baby sees the same things you see, but of course has no idea about its meaning. That's something he has to learn. Still very young children have a clear cut preference for certain objects. He or she will stare (or gaze if you will) to more complicated and will show more interest to moving then to static objects. This is one of the reasons your face is so enormously interesting to him. The eye contact that he is capable of during the first few days is very important for the development of his social skills.
Your baby is programmed so to speak to find your face attractive and inviting. As his interest in your face grows, his interest in the rest of the human species will grow with it.
It takes about 8 months before your baby is really capable of recognizing your face, at that point he or she will temporarily be scared by unfamiliar faces.
Linfa, mother of two is an inspired author of http://www.baby-strollers-guide.com/ and http://www.baby-product-guides.com/
A newborn is not that little being focused only on himself and his own needs, like hunger, thirst, and other discomfort. From day 1 a newborn is fairly alert, interested and aware of what is happening in his surroundings. He is capable of experiencing and very interested about what is going on is his world. Contrary to old beliefs a baby is able to focus on objects and people that are about 10 inches away. Things that are closer of further away are out of focus, if this were different our newborn would be highly intimidated by the multitude of stimuli. If a child can see color from the moment its born is still unknown, but chances are that he can. And if not he or she will learn in a very short while.
A natural preference for faces
So your baby sees the same things you see, but of course has no idea about its meaning. That's something he has to learn. Still very young children have a clear cut preference for certain objects. He or she will stare (or gaze if you will) to more complicated and will show more interest to moving then to static objects. This is one of the reasons your face is so enormously interesting to him. The eye contact that he is capable of during the first few days is very important for the development of his social skills.
Your baby is programmed so to speak to find your face attractive and inviting. As his interest in your face grows, his interest in the rest of the human species will grow with it.
It takes about 8 months before your baby is really capable of recognizing your face, at that point he or she will temporarily be scared by unfamiliar faces.
Linfa, mother of two is an inspired author of http://www.baby-strollers-guide.com/ and http://www.baby-product-guides.com/
What To Do If Your Newborn Has Jaundice?
Don't panic if your doctor tells you that your newborn baby has jaundice. Jaundice in a newborn baby is a common condition.
Most newborns have normal physiological jaundice and in very rare cases is the jaundice due to serious liver disorders.
Why my baby?
The blood cells in your baby's body are broken up into a yellow pigment called bilirubin. The level of bilirubin needs to be kept normal by the liver and kidneys by excreting it in the baby's poop. But the liver of a newborn baby is not very mature. So bilirubin levels rise in the blood causing yellow pigmentation of the skin.
More than 90% of newborn babies are affected by normal physiological jaundice. So relax. This type of jaundice is seen usually on second or third day of the baby's life and disappears by the 7th or 10th day.
How to tell if your baby has jaundice
Yellow discoloration of the skin and the white of the eye is the key symptom of jaundice. Your baby may also be sleepier than usual. This could be normal physiological jaundice especially when it appears 3-4 days after birth.
Monitor your baby after 1 or 2 days of his birth. You can diagnose jaundice in the newborn baby by doing a very simple test. Press your fingertip against your baby's forehead or nose tip. If it appears white, you have nothing to worry about. If a yellowish color appears, it is time to call your doctor. A blood test might be needed to confirm that there are no specific causes for the jaundice.
More on jaundice in the newborn
Normal physiological jaundice does not affect baby's general health.
Breast milk can also produce jaundice in a few babies. However, the pros of breastfeeding outweigh the condition and you will probably be advised continue breastfeeding.
Premature babies are more prone to developing jaundice. Blood group incompatibility between you and your child can also produce jaundice.
When jaundice is a cause for alarm
If jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth and persists for more than 14 days, it could be pathological jaundice due to a liver condition. Other pointers include baby's refusal to feed, dark yellow urine, pale or clay colored poop and a weak and irritable baby. Call your doctor immediately if you detect any of these warning signs.
How your baby will be treated
Normal physiological jaundice in your newborn does not require any special treatment. Adequate fluid intake is essential. Breast feed your baby at least 8-12 times a day.
A mini sunbath might be recommended. You may be asked to put your baby's crib near the window that gets the maximum sunlight. Make sure you protect baby's eyes and limit exposure to direct sunlight. Follow the instructions from your caregiver.
In case of severe jaundice, phototherapy or bililight therapy will be used. Your baby will be exposed to artificial light, which can decrease the bilirubin levels.
Most newborn babies have jaundice. In some, it so mild that it goes unnoticed and in some babies it may worsen to produce symptoms.
Detecting the symptoms early does help. So do keep a close watch on baby (as if you need telling). If your newborn is diagnosed with jaundice, you now know what to do.
This article has been provided by ParentingSurvivalGuide.com. Please visit our web site at http://www.ParentingSurvivalGuide.com to discover more articles.
Most newborns have normal physiological jaundice and in very rare cases is the jaundice due to serious liver disorders.
Why my baby?
The blood cells in your baby's body are broken up into a yellow pigment called bilirubin. The level of bilirubin needs to be kept normal by the liver and kidneys by excreting it in the baby's poop. But the liver of a newborn baby is not very mature. So bilirubin levels rise in the blood causing yellow pigmentation of the skin.
More than 90% of newborn babies are affected by normal physiological jaundice. So relax. This type of jaundice is seen usually on second or third day of the baby's life and disappears by the 7th or 10th day.
How to tell if your baby has jaundice
Yellow discoloration of the skin and the white of the eye is the key symptom of jaundice. Your baby may also be sleepier than usual. This could be normal physiological jaundice especially when it appears 3-4 days after birth.
Monitor your baby after 1 or 2 days of his birth. You can diagnose jaundice in the newborn baby by doing a very simple test. Press your fingertip against your baby's forehead or nose tip. If it appears white, you have nothing to worry about. If a yellowish color appears, it is time to call your doctor. A blood test might be needed to confirm that there are no specific causes for the jaundice.
More on jaundice in the newborn
Normal physiological jaundice does not affect baby's general health.
Breast milk can also produce jaundice in a few babies. However, the pros of breastfeeding outweigh the condition and you will probably be advised continue breastfeeding.
Premature babies are more prone to developing jaundice. Blood group incompatibility between you and your child can also produce jaundice.
When jaundice is a cause for alarm
If jaundice appears within 24 hours of birth and persists for more than 14 days, it could be pathological jaundice due to a liver condition. Other pointers include baby's refusal to feed, dark yellow urine, pale or clay colored poop and a weak and irritable baby. Call your doctor immediately if you detect any of these warning signs.
How your baby will be treated
Normal physiological jaundice in your newborn does not require any special treatment. Adequate fluid intake is essential. Breast feed your baby at least 8-12 times a day.
A mini sunbath might be recommended. You may be asked to put your baby's crib near the window that gets the maximum sunlight. Make sure you protect baby's eyes and limit exposure to direct sunlight. Follow the instructions from your caregiver.
In case of severe jaundice, phototherapy or bililight therapy will be used. Your baby will be exposed to artificial light, which can decrease the bilirubin levels.
Most newborn babies have jaundice. In some, it so mild that it goes unnoticed and in some babies it may worsen to produce symptoms.
Detecting the symptoms early does help. So do keep a close watch on baby (as if you need telling). If your newborn is diagnosed with jaundice, you now know what to do.
This article has been provided by ParentingSurvivalGuide.com. Please visit our web site at http://www.ParentingSurvivalGuide.com to discover more articles.
Are You Looking to Create the Next Great Genius?
Here are some ideas to get you on your way to helping your baby's mental and physical capabilities!
1. Read to your baby.
2. Massage your baby each night before he or she goes to bed.
3. Play classical music.
4. Spend time singing to your baby.
5. Look your baby in the eye and just talk to him or her about anything fun, positive!
6. Allow your baby to spend time exploring his or her toys and environment uninterrupted.
7. Play videos that show and tell what basic objects are. You may want to create your own video pointing out household items.
8. Take your baby to the park and allow he or she to observe his or her surroundings.
9. Bring your baby around other adults and children to enhance social skills.
10. Put money aside for programs such as this GeniusMaker
1. Read to your baby.
2. Massage your baby each night before he or she goes to bed.
3. Play classical music.
4. Spend time singing to your baby.
5. Look your baby in the eye and just talk to him or her about anything fun, positive!
6. Allow your baby to spend time exploring his or her toys and environment uninterrupted.
7. Play videos that show and tell what basic objects are. You may want to create your own video pointing out household items.
8. Take your baby to the park and allow he or she to observe his or her surroundings.
9. Bring your baby around other adults and children to enhance social skills.
10. Put money aside for programs such as this GeniusMaker
How to Get Your Toddler to Go to Sleep
Listen closely to the advice, create a plan, follow through with it come hell or high water and it will work in time! Trust me. I created my own plan similar to this some months ago and years ago (I have four sons) and it works! The only people who have problems following this advice are those who aren't doing exactly what they are told, those with children who have some kind of illness, and those who can't seem to get everyone in the household to conform their routines so that the younger children can get to bed on time. So here's to those of you who want your child in bed and out of your hair!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Custom Search