Parenting Tips for Babies
Published on August 3rd, 2011.
Bringing up a baby is a huge responsibility and no parent would want to go wrong at it. Here are a few parenting tips that will make raising a baby a lot more easier and enjoyable for all involved
Get into the practice of talking to the baby. It is soothing for the baby to hear the parent’s voice. Whenever the baby makes sounds, answer him or her by repeating the sound. Parents could even add words and have mock discussions with the baby. This will help him or her to learn to use language.
It is essential for parents to get into the practice of reading to their baby. This will help him or her develop an understanding of language and sounds. Play music to the little one. This will develop a love for music and math when he or she grows up.
Compliment the baby and shower him or her with lots of attention. Spend time cuddling and holding the young one. This will definitely help him or her feel cared for and secure.
The best time to play with the baby is when he or she is alert and relaxed. Watch the baby closely for signs of being tired or fussy so that the parent can then be extra patient with him or her.
Let us accept it parenting is hard work. It is important to take care of oneself physically, mentally and emotionally. It is easier to enjoy the newest addition to the family if the parent is a positive and loving person.
Also know that it is important that parents should never shake a newborn baby. This is because a newborn baby has very weak neck muscles that are not yet ready to support the baby’s head. Shaking the baby vigorously can damage his or her brain and delay normal development.
To prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), it is recommended that the baby is always put to sleep on his or her back. Also, installing a car safety seat for the baby is essential. This will go a long way in ensuring that the baby is safe.
Once solid foods are introduced mash the food well as not doing so could lead to choking. Also do not allow the child to play with any substance that could cover his or her face.
Never carry and place hot liquids or food when the baby is around. Vaccination (shots) is important to protect the child’s health and safety. So ensure that the child gets his or her vaccines on time.
Just follow these parenting tips to ensure that the baby is looked after well.
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Tips to Make Your Baby Sleep
Published on August 2nd, 2011.
Sleep problems among babies often rob parents of a good night’s sleep. Here are some ways in which parents can ensure that their babies enjoy a good night’s sleep
• Teach the baby to differentiate between day time and night time. Make them realise that night is for sleeping peacefully. For this parents need to set a bedtime environment for the baby. Also, waking them up early in the morning will help so that they feel sleepy at night.
• Gradually increase day time feeding for the baby so he or she will be less likely to feel hungry while sleeping at night.
• Before putting the baby on the cot take him or her around. A night time stroll is a good idea. This will help the baby relax and this kind of relaxation during early evening hours will graduate the baby from a busy evening to a relaxing night.
• Don’t stop the baby from having short day time naps as that might result in a restless baby. But again be sure that one doesn’t overdo day time sleep.
• When the baby wakes up at night, do not switch on harsh, bright lights. During night feeds switch on only dim lights so that the baby understands that it is still dark and time to sleep.
• Also, ensure that the place where the baby is going to be put to sleep is dark, undisturbed and comfortably cool. Further make sure that the baby’s clothes are neither too tight nor loose.
• No one should smoke near the baby. This would make the baby impatient and grumpy.
• Always make the baby sleep on his or her back. Be sure that the crib is not very hard or soft. A comfortable bed goes a long way in helping a baby have a sound sleep.
• Make the baby sleep at one place so that he or she develops a connection to the place. This way the place will have a calming effect on the baby and he or she will slowly realize that this place is for sleeping.
• Play soft lullabies to soothe and calm the baby in his or her sleep.
Set a sleep routine and repeat it every night around the same time. For instance, the baby’s sleep routine can consist of a bath, changing clothes, having a story book reading session and then slowly settling him or her to sleep. This will become a cue for the baby that his bed time is approaching.
If the baby wakes after he or she has settled, stay in the bedroom to soothe the baby back to sleep.
Implementing these small tips on a daily basis will definitely better the baby’s quality and quantity of sleep.
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Skin Care for Babies
Published on August 2nd, 2011.
Skin allergies and minor skin problems are very common in babies. In addition to that in the first few weeks after birth, the baby will retain some of the mother’s hormones which will cause several minor skin problems in the baby. Here are some commonly used products for babies that all parents need to know about
Soap
Use a mild soap containing olive oil, coconut, palm oil and herbal extracts for the baby. Most pediatricians recommend avoiding antibacterial soaps for the little ones. After applying soap, ensure that the skin’s oils are replenished by using a lotion containing sesame oil. This is because most babies aren’t sensitive to sesame oil. After the baby has been given a bath wipe him or her with a soft cotton cloth. Giving readymade wipes a miss is a good idea.
Shampoos
A shampooing schedule for the baby should be decided by the amount of hair the baby has and how oily it is. Using a mild shampoo is essential. The shampoo should not contain synthetic fragrances, artificial colours or allergenic preservatives.
Lotions and oils
Massaging lotions and oils to the baby’s skin can relieve irritation to a great extent. But any product that is used should be free of petrochemicals as they could irritate the baby’s skin. Ensure that oils that contain chamomile and aloe vera are used as they are good moisturizers.
Baby Powder
Most powders contain particles and fragrances that can irritate the little one’s skin. In fact this is often a leading cause of allergy and irritation among babies. Under all circumstances it is wise to avoid using baby powders containing talc. In case parents decide to use a little powder use it only in the creases of the baby’s skin. Powder can be applied in the baby’s underarms and neck. Avoid the genitals. Reason being when they urinate the powder gets mixed in the urine and a pack lines the genitals leading to rash and skin ailments. Picking up scent free powders made from cornstarch or betonies clay is a wise option.
Avoiding a rash
Allowing fresh air to get to the baby’s bottom will considerably reduce the likelihood of a diaper rash. Applying zinc oxide and chamomile to the inflamed area also helps dry and soothe the skin. Remember that most pediatricians specializing in natural skin care advise parents to avoid petroleum jelly, which is known to trap moisture making it a common allergy.
Avoiding cradle cap
Most babies develop a cradle cap in the first few weeks of his or her life. This can be treated and prevented by washing the baby’s scalp with soap and water on a daily basis. Further parents should use a soft brush on the scalp to get rid of the condition. Massaging a small quantity of mineral oil on the baby’s scalp can also ensure that the baby does not suffer with the condition.
Keeping in mind these small tips will ensure that the baby has a lot more healthy and supple skin.
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Treating Diaper Rash
Published on August 1st, 2011.
Cute little babies are like little angels in your arms. You love to cuddle them and make them smile. But as gentle as they are, one has to take extreme caution while taking care of them. One of the reasons being diaper rash.
Diaper rash is known to cause redness and scaling around the baby’s genitals. In some cases, the rash can lead to pimples and blisters on the baby’s buttocks, thighs and genital area. In some acute cases a diaper rash can cause the skin to swell too. If diaper rash is not treated in time these red, painful patches may spread beyond the diaper rash area and complicate the problem.
Causes of diaper rash
Diaper rashes are caused by ill-fitted or unclean diapers that rub against the skin. Some baby skins can also be irritated by the detergent or soap used to wash cloth diapers. In fact some newborns are known to show allergic reactions to certain baby wipes and disposable diapers while some other babies develop rash due to use of plastic pants, as these increase heat leading to moisture retention in the pamper.
Treating diaper rash
The only way to treat a diaper rash is to keep the baby’s diaper area clean, cool and dry as far as possible.
Once the baby develops a rash changing him or her often is important. Letting him or her go without a diaper for some time in a day will let the skin remain dry.
Place your baby on an open cloth diaper during his or her sleep time and keep checking the diaper soon after your baby falls asleep. This is because babies often end up urinating right after they fall asleep.
Using warm water (not hot) with a mild soap to clean the baby is one of the most effective treatments for diaper rash.
Once the baby develops a rash avoid using baby wipes and soaps that are scented. The alcohol or fragrance in them can worsen skin irritation.
Use products that contain zinc oxide ointment or petroleum to protect your baby’s sensitive skin from moisture, which is known to cause the entire problem.
Avoid making him or her wear pants or diapers with plastic edges.
Once the baby develops a diaper rash, stop using creams that contain even a small amount of boric acid, camphor, phenol, methyl salicylate and compound of benzoin tincture. These can prove to be harmful.
After the baby has had a bath, make sure that you pat dry your baby’s bottom with a towel rather than scrub it all over. Scrubbing is known to irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.
Remember doctors do not recommend using talcum powder or cornstarch on a diaper rash. Talcum powder can get in to your baby’s lungs and cornstarch can often worsen a diaper rash caused by a yeast infection.
If you are using cloth diapers, wash them at home, boil them for minimum 15 minutes on the stove after washing them. This will kill germs and remove soap that could irritate your baby’s skin.
In this way parents can treat painful diaper rash and ensure that the baby is happy and healthy.
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Potty Training Advice
Published on August 1st, 2011.
Often parents bringing up babies worry about getting their babies potty trained in time. Here’s all the potty training advice you needed to make this transition an easy affair.
When to try?
Most babies begin potty training sometime around one and a half to three years of age. So if your baby is otherwise growing and developing well, it is okay even if the baby is 2 and a 1/2 year old and does not want to use the potty. Although many parents feel that by the age of 3 one must be potty trained, it is not mandatory. Most parents will agree that their kids were not potty trained till they were 3 1/2 or even 4 years old.
Signs that your baby is prepared to be potty trained
- If your baby stays dry for at least two hours at a time
- If your baby more or less passes stools regularly
- If your little one comprehends and follows simple instructions
- If the baby is uncomfortable with dirty diapers and wants them to be changed
- If the kid hints that he/she wants to use the potty chair
- If the kid has started wearing a regular underwear
Tips to encourage potty training
Even if your kid is not completely ready to begin potty training, you can still buy him / her a potty chair and decorate it with stickers etc to make the chair attractive. You could then encourage the kid to sit on it with his clothes on to watch TV, or to play so that he / she gets used to the chair. Gradually whenever your child shows signs of urinating or a bowel movement you could ask him if he wants to use the potty.
Alternatively, you could take him to the chair and explain what you want him to do. Also remember that you should keep him seated for a few minutes at a time. Insisting too much at a time when he is not in the mood is a bad idea as this will only make the child more resistant. Also another way of familiarizing him with this is that you could empty his dirty diapers into his potty chair to help demonstrate what you expect him to do. Further as parents you could model in front of the child to make him understand. You could even ask the older child in the family to demonstrate how he makes use of the potty. Add some fun in this activity so that it does not seem boring. The more it involves the faster your child will catch on to it.
What to avoid when toilet training your child
First thing to remember while toilet training your child is that you need to begin training at a time when he or she is relaxed and happy. Avoid talking to him at a stressful time or when a new baby has arrived. Also be sure that you do not push the child too much and take mistakes lightly. But be sure to praise the child when he shows progress.
These tips will make the tiresome potty training class fun and your child will easily come around it.
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Toys for Babies
Published on August 1st, 2011.
When a baby completes six months he / she is constantly discovering new things. The baby is learning how to use her hands, feet, eyes and senses. In this age a baby is coming to know her surroundings. Toys for a baby in this age group should include objects that help the baby look, listen or suck. Also, a baby in this age loves to see bright primary colours like red, blue, or yellow so toys in these colours are a big hit among a baby. By and large most babies prefer light toys in contrasting colours and simple designs that are easy to handle.
Some popular types of toys for this age group include:
Rattles: Rattles entertain and stimulate a baby’s brain
· Teethers: Teethers are great for babies who love to put objects in their mouth. It helps soothe the itchy feeling that a baby feels while teething
· Cloth Toys: Are popular since they are safe and soft for the baby to handle
· Hanging Toys: Putting up hanging toys on the cradle and cot of the baby will make the place more inviting for the child
· Stuff toys and cartoon characters do not make good baby buys as they do not catch the baby’s attention too much. A baby prefers human faces more than animated characters. Also, it is most important to remember that all toys you buy for the baby follow and maintain adequate safety standards. The toys you buy should be BPA and Phthalate free.
· Rattles to make a good toy. This is because rattles provide an active source of stimulation for the baby’s brain and are certainly a sensory treat for the baby! Babies like listening to sounds and while doing so the baby tries to follow the path of the rattle as it is shaken back and forth. Along with providing entertainment they help in honing the senses of a baby. There are quite a few rattles available in the market that double up as teethers.
Safety Concerns
Before you buy a toy for your child, do not forget to check if the toy is right for your child’s age. Here are some pointers to guide you in buying the right toys keeping toy safety in mind
Check for sharp edges
It is mandatory to check all toys for sharp and pointed edges. This is important for small children since they have a tendency to put things into their eyes or mouths
Check if the toy has cords or strings attached
If the toy you are thinking to buy has cords or strings attached to it, please check that the cords aren’t too long. There is always a danger of the cord getting entangled into a loop which may pose strangulation hazards to the child.
Avoid toys with small parts
Never buy any toy for your baby which has small or loose parts. Younger kids have a tendency to swallow things, which can pose a danger.
Avoid toys that are too loud
In case the toy you are buying is sound enabled, check if the sound is pleasant and is not too loud. Loud toys can even permanently damage the sensitive hearing of children.
So just keep these points in mind while buying toys for your baby and you will never go wrong.
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Accessories for Babies
Published on August 1st, 2011.
Before the arrival of the baby every parent wants to ensure that they are sufficiently prepared for the new arrival. Collecting baby accessories goes a long way in preparing the parent for the tough role ahead. Preparing before time is essential as it will not only reduce your market trips later but also keep you a lot more relaxed.
Bathtubs
A bathtub is one of the most essential bath accessory a baby needs. The bathtub for a baby should be comfortable, safe and fun to be in. You could choose from the wide range of portable and cute bathtubs available in the market.
Bath Toys
Most kids do not like the idea of bathing and hence they cry a lot. As a parent, it becomes your responsibility to make bathing an enjoyable experience. This can be done by buying colourful bath accessories that interest a baby. Colourful bath toys will not only make a child happy but also help him/her have a bath without making a fuss. While buying bath toys just ensure that they are cute looking, colourful, non-toxic, sterilized and safe for the child.
Car seat
Having a car seat installed for your little one will make driving an enjoyable experience for you and your spouse. But more than making driving a pleasurable experience, installing a car seat will keep your baby safe.
Bottle sterilizer
Once you introduce the bottle to your baby having a good electric or battery operated bottle sterilizer is a must. Having a bottle sterilizer will prevent the baby from falling ill very often. Buying this slightly expensive apparatus will save you the hassle of keeping bottles in boiling water after washing which becomes a time consuming and tiresome procedure.
Pacifier
Pacifiers are a must have for all parents. Having a pacifier not only has a soothing and calming effect on the little baby, but also helps your baby fall asleep more easily. A pacifier is particularly good for providing temporary distraction for fussy babies. Pacifiers are available in a wide range of playful themes and designs that are sure to suit every taste.
Diaper bag
Buying a huge tote bag that will accommodate everything from diapers, bottles, wipes and a few changes is a necessary baby accessory. This will help you keep all baby things handy while you go out for a few hours.
Breast pump
If you plan to begin work soon or are required to go out every few hours, buying a manual or electric breast pump is essential. With the help of a breast pump you can express nutritious breast milk for your little one that a grandparent or father can feed in your absence. Also the fact that the expressed milk can be stored for more than eight hours makes it a must buy.
Feeding chair
Once your baby learns to sit and begins eating solid food having a feeding chair at home is imperative. This will inculcate the habit of eating with a straight back and will teach him the important lesson of becoming independent. Also a feeding chair and table will give him the feeling that he is a big kid now.
So what are you waiting for? Just buy these baby accessories and be ready to welcome your baby.
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Newborn Baby Care
Published on August 1st, 2011.
When a child is a born, a mother and a father is born. And as new they are to the entire episode, taking care of a newborn baby care is a challenge. But help is always at hand. You rather furnish yourself with pointers and hints that will help you manage your baby. Here is all that you need to know about taking care of the latest addition to the family.
· Put only loose cotton clothes for babies. This will go a long way in avoiding skin allergies and rashes. Soaking washed clothes in a sanitizer and ironing them is worth all the extra effort as it will help avoid rashes to a great extent.
· Always make it a point to read all manufacturer directions and safety precautions carefully before buying toys or other things for the baby.
· Never leave a young child with your baby, as he might drop him or give him unsafe objects to play with.
· Keep a supply of first aid equipment handy in your house.
· Never put oil in the ears or nose of the baby. It can cause serious damage and infection to the little one.
· Avoid using soaps with a strong odour for the newborn as they could lead to skin allergies and rashes. Instead choose from the range of mild soaps that are made exclusively for babies.
· Never leave the baby alone in bath. Make sure you have everything you need while giving a bath. Have the phone, towel, shampoo and soap handy so that you do not feel the need to leave the baby behind.
· Do not try any home remedy for even minor problems the baby may be experiencing. Consult your doctor as soon as you sense something wrong.
· Do not supplement or substitute breast milk with anything till the baby is at least five months old. Do not give the baby water even in very hot climatic conditions.
· Slowly when you introduce the bottle never leave the baby alone with the bottle as
he / she may choke.
· Do not bathe the baby more than once a day until he/she begins to crawl and get dirty. However, give the baby plenty of sponge baths after meals and diaper changes to keep him / her clean. Giving baby baths too often can lead to a dry and irritated skin.
· The best way to avoid diaper rash (a very common problem among newborns) is to change the diaper before or after every feed and as soon as possible after every bowel movement. Sitting in a dirty diaper for even a brief period of time can cause irritation to the baby’s skin. If your baby has already developed a diaper rash then applying a diaper rash ointment after every diaper change is a good idea.
· If you have a baby boy ensure that the penis points downwards while you are putting the diaper. This will minimise leaks and lessen the probability of rashes.
· Always swaddle your baby in a comfortable cotton cloth. But if your baby resists being swaddled you can leave his or her hands free for some movement.
· Pick up the baby gently and keep him or her close to your body. This will make the baby feel more secure. Always remember to support the baby’s neck with your hand.
Just keep these new born care tips in mind and this will go a long way in keeping your baby healthy and happy. And the most important among all is to cuddle your baby and give them as much love as you can. This will build their confidence and make them happy babies.
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