Archive for the ‘Post Birth’ Category

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Infant Basics: When to Breastfeed Your Newborn

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Worried about whether or not your baby is getting enough to eat? Find some tips that will help you determine when to feed your baby and how you can make feeding times a little easier for both mom and baby. 

Not sure when to breastfeed your newborn? Worried that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat? Unlike formula feeding, there isn’t a way to really determine how much your baby is getting at each feeding. This can be further complicated by a sleepy newborn that won’t stay awake at feedings. If you are concerned about your when to breastfeed your baby or just need some help making sure they get enough to eat, these tips can help.

Four Hour Maximum

In the first few weeks, you will notice that your infant sleeps…a lot! This sleepy phase can make it really difficult to know when to breastfeed your baby. Because of this, there may be times that you have to wake your newborn, no matter how sleepy they are or how much you hate to do it. Breastfed infants should never go more than four hours without a feeding. To help them stay on track, many new moms set an alarm every four hours. This trick can help you know when to breastfeed your newborn.

Waking Up Your Sleepy Baby

So how exactly do you wake that sleeping baby when it’s time to nurse? It is a task that seems next to impossible. During the first couple of weeks, you may even find that your infant falls asleep during feedings. A few things you can do to make sure they wake stay awake include:

Stripping them to a diaper – infants really don’t like to be cold, so the cool air on their skin will help them stay awake.

Use a wet rag on their heads – newborns dislike water in the first few months. A wet cloth nearby will give you a way to wake them while nursing.

Tickle their feet – gentle tickles work best and they are great for waking your infant while they are at the breast.

In addition to these tips, you may want to refrain from pacifier use until you better know when to breastfeed your baby or when your baby is more alert during the day.

Posted in Caring for Baby, Feeding, Post Birth | No Comments »

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore in a Newborn

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

When you have your first baby, you may feel like an incessant worrier. You call your doctor for everything and you are constantly assured that everything is fine. For new parents, however, there are some symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. Find out what they are and what you should do here.

There are some symptoms you should never ignore in a newborn; this applies whether you have just had your first child or your twentieth child. In most cases, these symptoms are an indication of a serious health condition. Most of them require immediate medical attention. All of them require you to at least call your child’s pediatrician. Before you shrug off your baby’s symptoms, read over this list of symptoms you should never ignore in a newborn.

Red, Brown, or Bright Green Vomit

Babies spit up—a lot! But vomit that is red, brown, or bright green is one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. Vomit with these colors can indicate intestinal bleeding or blockage and your baby should be evaluated by a health care professional immediately.

Not Enough Wet Diapers

At six days of age, your baby should have at least six wet diapers a day. A lack of wet diapers is an indication that your baby is dehydrated, making this another one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. This symptom may not warrant a visit to the emergency room, but you should at least contact your infant’s pediatrician. More severe signs of dehydration can include sunken eyes, lethargy, and dry mouth. You should seek immediate medical help at this point, but counting wet diapers can help you catch dehydration before it reaches this point.

Labored Breathing

Because babies make funny sounds and their breathing still isn’t regulated, it may be hard to tell if your baby is having trouble breathing. If you suspect that your infant is struggling with their breathing, watch their nose. A nose that flares could be a sign of respiratory distress. Infants that are using their abdominal muscles are in respiratory distress and they should be seen by a health care professional immediately because this is also one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn.

Posted in Baby Safety, Caring for Baby, Feeding, Health, Parenting, Post Birth | No Comments »

Helpful Tips for Handling a Colicky Baby

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

If your baby won’t stop crying and you feel like a frazzled, overstressed parent, there are a few things you should know. Check out these helpful tips for handling a colicky baby.

Helpful tips for handling a colicky baby can help you keep your sanity in check. They can also help you better understand why your baby is crying. Most importantly, they can help you handle your baby in a way that is loving, compassionate, and well educated. If your baby won’t stop crying, then take the time to read over these helpful hints for handling a colicky baby.

Why Your Baby is Crying

Before diving into helpful tips for handling a colicky baby, it is important to understand why your baby is crying in the first place. There are three basic types of colic: gastrointestinal colic, trauma colic, and overstimulation colic. While all colic results in a fussy baby, not all types of colic can be comforted. Knowing the difference between each type of colic can help you determine your next plan of action.

Gastrointestinal Colic

When your baby has gastrointestinal colic, you may notice symptoms of gas, such as grunting, passing gas, or a tight abdomen. This type of colic should be discussed with your child’s doctor because certain types of formula can increase gastrointestinal colic. In the meantime, try holding your baby in a way that places pressure on their tummy while supporting their head. Gentle tummy rubs in a clockwise direction can also help loosen gas bubbles. This helpful hint for handling a colicky baby may not resolve the colic completely, but in can give your baby a little relief.

Overstimulation Colic

Helpful hints for handling a colicky baby that is overstimulated include darkening the room, turning off all devices that create noise, and holding your baby closely. Making “shhhhh” sounds into your baby’s ear can also help. This is the sound that your baby heard while in the womb and it is very comforting.

Trauma Colic

Trauma can happen during birth for a variety of reasons. If you suspect post-birth trauma, you should talk to your baby’s doctor. To comfort your baby, try skin-to-skin contact in addition to the helpful hints for handling a colicky baby that are listed in the overstimulation section.

Posted in Caring for Baby, Colicky Baby, Post Birth | No Comments »

Dos and Don’ts for Your Baby’s Bed

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Whether your baby is sleeping in a crib, a bassinet, or a co-sleeper, there are things that your baby will need for their bed and other things that they will not. Use this list of dos and don’ts for baby’s sleeping area.

Dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed go further than just style and taste. They are also intended to help keep your baby safe. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS, continues to happen to an alarming number of infants each year. And while no one really knows what causes it, there are some things that experts know can contribute to the problem, which is why we are offering our list of dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed.

Don’t: Use Stuffed Animals, Pillows, or Crib Bumpers

This “don’t” for your baby’s bed is essential. No matter where your baby is sleeping, you should never place stuffed animals, pillows, crib bumpers, comforters, or any other soft, plush item in their crib. Infants do not have the head and neck strength to pull their faces out of these items, which can lead to suffocation. If you need to use a blanket, go for a thin blanket and tuck it under the mattress and place baby at the foot of the bed under it.

Do: Use Fitted Sheets

Fitted sheets for your baby’s crib will help keep your baby’s mattress clean and will give your baby a soft surface to sleep on. These sheets are also less likely to come off of the mattress and pose a risk to your baby, making it another important item on our list of dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed. You can find a wide range of fitted sheets in a variety of colors and themes. Just be sure that you check the sheet daily to ensure that it is safely secured.

Don’t: Buy a Crib without Checking it Out

Older cribs may not meet current safety recommendations. Some cribs, particularly those with drop rails, have been recalled. Before you purchase a crib, make sure that you check for recalls and distance between the slats (no bigger than 2 3/8 inches). Also, avoid cribs that have any missing slats, missing hardware, or damaged parts. This tip on our list of dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed is extremely important for safety.

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Posted in Baby Items, Baby Nursery, Baby Safety, Caring for Baby, Cribs, Post Birth | No Comments »

Caring for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Umbilical cord care is an important part of caring for your newborn. Learn what to do, what not to do, and what to look out for in this umbilical cord care guide.

Caring for your baby’s umbilical cord properly can help prevent infection and promote healing. Unfortunately, there is some confusion among parents when it comes to cord care. This is due to some recent changes in the healthcare industry. With this umbilical cord care guide, however, you will learn how to properly care for your baby’s cord stump.

Cleaning the Stump

When caring for your baby’s umbilical cord, it is important to keep the stump and its surrounding area clean. To keep the cord area clean, change soiled diapers quickly. Wash the area with soap and water if it becomes dirty or sticky. After washing, fan the cord area to help it dry. Alternately, you can use an absorbent cloth, but watch out for cloth fibers that can get stuck in the stump. Previously, physicians recommended swabbing the area with alcohol. However, more recent research has indicated that the cord stump will heal faster if left alone.

Keeping the Stump Dry

Keeping the stump dry is also important when caring for your baby’s umbilical cord. Fold the front of baby’s diaper down to avoid trapped moisture around the area. Dress baby in a t-shirt and a diaper in the warmer months to promote airflow to the area. You can also expose the area to air by removing your baby’s shirt for 10 to 15 minutes a couple of times a day.

Avoid Pulling the Stump Off

When caring for your baby’s umbilical cord, it can be pretty tempting to pull that last little thread of your baby’s stump. However, healthcare professionals say you should never pull it off, no matter how little the thread may be. Pulling it off could rip baby’s delicate skin and cause an infection.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Skin that is red or swollen around the cord, a cord that continues to bleed, yellowish pus that oozes out, or a foul discharge from the cord area are all signs of infection. You should call your baby’s pediatrician if you notice any of these signs. Crusting and dried blood, however, are normal signs of healing that you should expect when caring for your baby’s umbilical cord.

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Posted in Caring for Baby, general, Post Birth | No Comments »

How to Choose Your Infant’s Formula

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

Whether you have decided to formula feed exclusively or just part time, it is essential that you choose the right formula for your baby. Take a look at these tips that can help you narrow down your options.

If this is your first baby and you don’t know how to choose your infant’s formula, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Countless brands and types are now offered for formula-fed babies, and each formula makes claims that theirs is the best. To make matters even more confusing, not all babies are able to take just any formula. If you need help deciding which nutrition is best for your infant, here are some tips.

Don’t Forget That Breast is Best

There are many reasons that parents choose to formula feed their infant, and it is definitely a personal choice. And there is no doubt that you have heard of the countless benefits of breast milk for babies. Babies that are breast fed are less likely to get sick than formula-fed infants. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding between mother and baby. Additionally, digesting breast milk is easier for baby. All of these things are true, but you have to choose what is best for you. It’s never too late to change your mind and choose the healthiest option for your baby.

Gassy, Fussy, Colicky Babies

Gassy, fussy, or colicky babies often struggle to digest the compounds found within regular formula. To choose your infant’s formula, look for soy-based formulas or opt for specialized formulas that are designed for infants with sensitive digestive systems. These are generally more expensive than regular milk-based formulas, but you should notice that your infant is better able to digest their food and is notably less fussy.

Vegan Formula Options

More and more families are deciding to adopt a vegan lifestyle because of the noted health benefits and the potential dangers that accompany the hormone injection and diet of dairy cows. Breastfeeding is naturally vegan, but there is another vegan option for families that want to formula feed. To choose your infant’s formula as a vegan option, look for soy-based formula.

Posted in Baby Items, Feeding, Post Birth | No Comments »

Announcing Your Baby’s Arrival with On-line Birth Announcements

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Technology has made a lot of things in life easier and faster, including birth announcements! Discover the benefits of on-line birth announcements and learn how to determine if they are right for you.

Announcing your baby’s arrival with on-line birth announcements can provide you and your family with many benefits, but the method isn’t right for everyone. Most parents, however, will find that the benefits of on-line birth announcements greatly outweigh the disadvantages. And thankfully, conventional birth announcements are still an option should you decide that on-line announcements aren’t right for you.

Advantages to Announcing Your Baby’s Arrival with On-line Birth Announcements

Benefits of on-line birth announcements are plentiful. Some sites offer on-line announcement templates for free, so there is no cost to you. Your announcements are customizable, and depending on the site you choose, you can have many professional-looking extras to incorporate into your on-line birth announcement.

Family and friends are often impatient to see that first picture, which makes on-line birth announcements a perfect option. Because you are e-mailing them directly to friends and family from your computer, your family can receive a photo and announcement of your baby within just moments of his or her first picture. And because you are using an announcement, your family receives a print-worthy announcement that they can show off to their friends and co-workers.

Disadvantages to Announcing Your Baby’s Arrival with On-line Birth Announcements 

Even with all of the advantages to using on-line birth announcements, there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of. Some family members may not have the ability to print the announcement. This leaves them with only an on-line photo of your baby. For some family members, especially grandparents that love to dote, this can be a real problem.

Another disadvantage is the possibility of the announcement finding a spam or bulk folder and never reaching your family members. There are specialists that can help you get all of your birth announcements out safely, but there is a cost for announcing your baby’s arrival with on-line birth announcement specialists, so think carefully before choosing this option.

Posted in Birth Announcements, Post Birth | No Comments »

Angelic Baby Name Ideas for Your New Baby

Monday, November 14th, 2011

A new little angel is deserving of an angelic baby name! Here are some beautiful name ideas inspired by the angels themselves to help you find a name for your new baby boy or girl.

Angelic baby name ideas are plentiful, and choosing an angelic name is a great way to emphasize the essence of new life and happiness your bundle of joy will bring. Angels have long been prominent symbolic figures in many world religions, and their significance in art and culture around the globe has been and continues to be a fascinating phenomena.

Whether you choose an angel-inspired name because of your interest in the history of angels or you simply love the sound and meaning of an angelic name, any of the following angelic baby names are beautiful options:

Seraphim—This name is equally great for a boy or a girl and its meaning is just as majestic and mysterious as the name itself. The seraphim are considered the highest ranking of all of God’s angels. For example, they are above cherubim and archangels, which makes them pretty special in the heavenly realm.

Uriel—Do you love music? Do you want an angelic baby name that will have some musical influence as well as a heavenly symbolism? Uriel is the biblical name of the angel who is to blow the trumpet on Judgment Day and is a beautiful name for a new baby boy.

Solange—Solange is a very pretty baby girl name that means “angel of the sun.” It is French in origin and also means “dignified.” If you want an elegant, striking name for your baby girl, this is a good option.

Gabriel—This is a very popular boy’s name and has been for many years. It is especially significant in the realm of angelic baby name ideas. Gabriel is a biblical name that is packed with a lot of honorable significance. It means “God’s able-bodied one” or “hero of God.” It is Hebrew in origin and offers many female variants, including Gabriele, Gabbi, and Gabriella. This is one of the strongest, most versatile angelic baby name ideas you can choose.

Posted in Angelic Baby Names, Baby Name Themes, Parenting, Post Birth, Pre-Birth, Pregnancy | No Comments »

Caring for and Choosing Your Baby’s Pacifier

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

While not all infants take well to pacifiers, others cannot live a day without them. But before you purchase a pacifier, there are some basics you should know about caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier. Find out more here.

Caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier may seem like a simple and straightforward task, and it is—if you know a few basic rules. Lack of knowledge, however, can result in a number of complications, from bacterial infections to choking hazards and even pacifier rejection. To prevent these common pacifier issues, among many others, follow these simple tips and guidelines that can help you in caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier.

Caring for and Choosing Your Baby’s Pacifier: Selecting the Right Pacifier

First and foremost, you need to know how to choose the right pacifier for your baby. Every baby is different and preferences will vary. Breastfeeding babies may prefer different types of pacifiers than bottle fed babies, but a breastfeeding pacifier may not always be preferred by a breastfed baby, or vice versa. For this reason, you should purchase a wide range of pacifiers before your baby is born. Buy one of each type: orthodontic, standard round, latex, and silicone.

All pacifiers you choose should be for babies 0-6 months. Pacifiers should also have ventilation holes to allow saliva to disperse away from baby’s face. Mouth shields should also be at least 1 ¼ inches to prevent your baby from being able to put the entire pacifier in his or her mouth. Failure to follow this guideline can result in choking.

Caring for and Choosing Your Baby’s Pacifier: Cleaning

Before your baby uses their pacifier for the first time, it should be washed in very hot, soapy water. After that, normal washing should suffice. You may also want to soak the pacifier in equal parts vinegar and water daily to prevent fungus buildup. If your baby drops his or her pacifier on the floor, you can simply rinse it in hot water.

Caring for and Choosing Your Pacifier: Replacement

Your baby’s pacifier should be replaced as soon as it starts to show any signs of wear and tear. This can include spots on the nipple that look weak, separation of the nipple from the mouth shield, and holes or bite marks in the nipple. Replacement is an important part of caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier for both safety and sanitary reasons.

Posted in Baby Items, Baby Nursery, Baby Showers, Post Birth | No Comments »

Money-Saving Tips for New Parents

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Are you overwhelmed by the costs of a new baby? Try some of these basic money-saving tips for new parents.

Unless you have some money-saving tips for new parents, keeping costs of a new baby manageable can be close to impossible. Expenses can add up quickly and new parents are often led to believe that they need everything they see. However, this is not the case. Learn how to prioritize your new baby spending with these money-saving tips for new parents.

Check Out Cloth Diapers

Diapers are the single most expensive item that you will buy—especially if you go for disposables. Cloth diapers have changed drastically over the last several years. You can now find cloth diapers that slip on and off just like disposables. The only difference between the new cloth diapers and the disposables is that you have to wash them. Dumping what’s in the diaper is pretty simple and many parents that use cloth opt for a small trash can with a lid filled with water and baking soda to prevent drying and to keep the smell down. When it’s time to wash, you just dump the container into the washer.

Limit What You Buy

New parents are often led to believe that they need an excess of everything. You’re told you need pacifiers, slews of receiving blankets, and dozens upon dozens of outfits. If you use these money-saving tips for new parents, however, you’ll see that you can limit what you buy. Not all babies like pacifiers. Some babies love being swaddled, and others don’t. And all those outfits? Your baby is going to grow out of them within weeks. You can always buy more of something if you need it later, but you can’t or won’t be able to return extra items.

Buy a High-Quality Convertible Crib

A high-quality convertible crib is one of the best places to spend money. You can use the crib all the way from infancy to (in some cases) the teen years and beyond. Again, just be sure to buy a model with quality so that the crib is able to withstand the test of time. Also, to ensure safety, be sure to purchase the crib brand new so that you avoid any chances that it was recalled over the last several years. While it may cost you more in the beginning, this money-saving tip for new parents will save you money over the next several years.

Posted in Baby Items, Baby Showers, Cribs, Furniture & Toys, Post Birth | No Comments »

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