BABY LEARN TO DANCE

Movement is the key to learning! Movement and dance activities such as crawling, creeping, rolling, turning, walking, skipping, reaching, and swinging are essential for baby's brain development. These specific and intensive motor activities make full use of babys complicated nervous system and follow a plan. The nervous system of each new human being must go through a series of developmental stages before the brain can operate at its full potential. Using her whole body, her movements, and all her senses, the baby "programs" her motor/perceptual equipment, her nerves, and brain cells.

 

This process, called neurological organization, describes the development of the central nervous system, and takes place between birth and six to eight years of age. The first year is critical. By twelve months, many children are doing tasks that are easily recognizable as leading to the development of adult skills, particularly walking and talking. By twelve months, the brain has grown to 50 percent of its adult size.

 

Neurogenesis, the birth of brain cells, takes place in the womb, and the cells move to the areas of the brain where they are needed. The brain continues to grow and develop after birth, as baby's movement patterns and other experiences actually help create connections between nerve cells.

 

When placed on her tummy, a new baby may appear to move her arms and legs randomly. However, this pattern is common to all normal babies and is called core-distal movement. The baby is reaching out to discover her new world. Gradually, her movements while lying on her belly will turn into a more organized pattern called head and tail movement. Around two months of age, she will begin to stretch her head up to see the world, which helps develop important neck and shoulder strength needed later for sitting up and standing.

 

Between two and a half and seven months, most babies will begin to organize their upper and lower body movement. They learn to hold the lower half stable so that the upper half can move and vice versa. They also learn to keep the right half stable so the left can move and vice versa. This allows baby to travel toward and away fiom a noise or object by squirming on her behy. This early belly crawling will evolve into more skilled crawling, and as baby learns to get around, she will also improve her ability to track objects with her eyes in a horizontal direction. This will later help her read. Her back and hips also become stronger and more stable, laying the foundation for the next stage of creeping on hands and knees. During this time the vestibular system in the inner ear, which helps to orient baby in space and aid with balance, is also being developed through rouing, rocking, and swaying movements.

 

Sometime between seven months and a year, the baby puts distance between herself and the floor by pushing up onto hands and knees. The curvy litde baby legs begin to become aligned with hip sockets and feet in preparation for standing. As baby moves up to creep on hands and knees, the ability to track objects vertically with her eyes improves. Coordinating vertical and horizontal eye tracking is an essential skill for reading and writing.

 

While these observable changes are taking place, countless other neurological tasks are being stimulated and organized through movement. These include more detailed visual perception and focusing, the stabilization of body temperature and waking/sleeping cycles, and the gradual disappearance of newborn movement patterns. More mature human movements and behaviors begin to emerge.

 

If babies do not have the opportunity to roll, crawl, creep, rock, turn, stretch, clasp, focus, babble, and do many more movements such as these, little gaps in their development may appear in the years ahead. Yet babies sometimes don't have many chances to practice these instinctive activities. In the interest of convenience, love, and safety, babies are sometimes kept off the floor for much of their first year. A baby who spends too much time being restrained in a car seat, jumper, or walker, or being held or lying on a blanket on her back (during awake periods) will not move through the important fundamental patterns of the first twelve months of life.

 

The fear of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has caused a widespread campaign to put babies down to sleep on their backs. But this does not mean that babies should stay on their backs even while awake. They can sleep on their backs and play on their stomachs!

 

Babies spend a lot of time in their car seats. Even when not riding in a car, babies spend lots of time sitting in car seats in homes, in stores, and waiting at lessons for siblings. A baby can't move much while sitting in a car seat. She also can't see much, since she is tipped back at a 45-degree angle. While car seats are very important in saving lives, they can hinder normal growth and development when used too often as a playpen or holding area.

 

Babies need to be on their tummies in order to go through the fundamental patterns that wire the brain and lay the foundation for reading, writing, socialization, and healthy behavior. When a baby is prevented through illness or through social or environmental obstacles from moving through these patterns, she may later encounter problems in school with learning and behavior, no matter how intelligent she may be. Missed or disorganized developmental stages can create barriers that make learning difficult. The good news is that movement activities that take children back through these missed stages and fundamental patterns can often correct flaws in their perceptual processes and enhance learning.

 

One way to enjoy movement with your baby is to dance together. Dancing with your baby provides brain activity, stimulates growth, and also brings joy and laughter to this wonderful relationship!

 

Moving naturally through fundamental movement patterns (raising the head, rolling over, creeping, and crawling) during the first year is essential for healthy brain development. Mothers can help make sure their babies have the opportunity to learn and practice these movements simply, just by giving them enough time on the floor on their tummies to enjoy time to play. It's a great way to meet your baby's needs while helping your babys brain to grow.

Here are Some Suggestions for Babies From Birth to Twelve Months
Let your baby's arms and legs be free to move.
Put your baby on her tummy on the floor for exercise and play.
Provide a smooth surface that your baby can move across when she is ready (wood, linoleum, a piece of cardboard from a very large box). Kitchen floors are great and usually cleaner than rugs! Lying on blankets or quilts makes it harder for your baby to travel when she is first learning.
Let feet and hands be bare so that baby can use them for belly crawling—an important fundamental pattern. Socks and long sleeves are slippery and make it difficult for baby to crawl.
Get down on your belly facing your baby and coo and talk.

Mimic your baby's movements—stretch head up, crawl on belly, creep on hands and knees, roll over, and sit up. Moving through the fundamental patterns is good for everyone's brains!
Do not teach your baby to walk. Belly-crawling and creeping on hands and knees (in that order) may be essential for creating a healthy person emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually. Between 12 and 15 months is a fine time to start walking.
If baby begins to pull upon furniture before crawling and creeping, remove some of the furniture so that there is a big space for baby to move on tummy and hands and knees.
Nurse baby, hold baby, touch baby, and massage baby, swing, sway, turn, dip, and dive with baby.

Sing to baby and dance with baby!
Simple Dance Activities
Do simple stretching exercises with your baby, moving arms, then legs, right side and then left side, and finally cross-body movements (right arm to left leg and vice versa).
Sing or say rhymes for accompaniment. Get down on the floor with your baby to encourage creeping and crawling as appropriate to development.
Explore ways of carrying, rocking, swaying, swinging, and turning with your baby. Experiment with holding your baby in different positions and on different levels.
Use props. Swing or pull your baby in or on large pieces of material such as table cloths or sheets. Swing baby side to side in a hammock or bounce up and down in a large thick piece of stretchy material.
Dance around your baby with brightly colored scarves, touching her and playing peek-a-boo. Try other sensory activities with different textures and materials.
Carry your baby while doing different locomotor movements. Walk, run, jump, bop, turn, tiptoe, slide, gallop, and skip. All these movements have different rhythms. Dance with your baby to a variety of music and meters. Try music from cultures around the world, such as African, Latin, Japanese, or Indian music. Find music with different rhythms, such as waltz, tango, salsa, polka, and rock and roll.
Play instruments (bells, shakers, drums, rhythm sticks, pots, and pans) in front, next to, above and behind, and gently on top of baby. Encourage her to focus on the instrument and eventually hold and play the instrument herself.
Play instruments to children's songs and world rhythm that have a strong beat.
End dance sessions with baby massage, or just lie down on the floor and relax with your baby lying on top of you, breathing slowly, and rubbing your baby with long gentle strokes.

Start Your Child in Dance

Starting dance lessons is exciting for children as well as parents. Dance is a wonderful activity for kids, capable of fostering a positive self image in both girls and boys. Dance lessons can teach a child self confidence, self discipline, poise and grace. A child introduced to dance at an early age will likely develop a love of the arts and a passion for rhythm and movement. Most importantly, dancing is lots of fun!

Deciding When to Start:

Some people believe that a child should be enrolled in dance classes as soon as possible, sometimes as early as the second birthday. Toddlers and preschoolers usually begin with "creative movement" classes instead of structured dance classes. If your child is 4 or 5 years old, consider his or her emotional maturity and personality. If she is extremely shy, forcing your child into an uncomfortable position may discourage her from dancing altogether. However, if your child is ready, an early start will give her a tremendous boost.

 

Several things should be considered when deciding where your child will enroll in dance classes. Dancing has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, so you will probably have several studios from which to choose. Make a list of the possibilities and then visit each one. All dance studios are not created equally...do your research to ensure your child receives the highest quality of dance instruction.

 

Choosing Dance Styles:

Which dance classes is your child interested in? Many young girls have dreams of becoming a famous ballerina, so you might want to start with ballet. Most dance instructors offer mixed classes for younger dancers, often devoting half of the class time to ballet, the other half to either tap or jazz. Ask the dance teacher if your child could try a couple of different classes before deciding. You may be surprised to see your little one's delight for tap shoes or passion for front rolls and headstands.

 

Dressing for Dance Classes:

Probably one of the most exciting things about starting dance lessons is shopping for leotards, tights and shoes. If you are unsure about what your child is expected to wear to class, ask the dance teacher. Some teachers require certain uniforms, such as a specific color of tights and leotards. Try to involve your child as much as possible when shopping, allowing him or her to choose a favorite style or color. Make sure your child actually tries on the leotards, as dance clothes generally run smaller than regular clothes.

 

Having Fun:

Dancing is a joy, but it is also hard work. When your child is young, dance classes should be viewed as a fun experience, not as a chore. Watch your child during a class to make sure he or she is smiling and having fun.

Probably the highlight of the year will be the annual dance recital. Most dance teachers hold a recital at the end of the dance year (usually right before summer) to allow their students to show off their moves and to gain a little stage experience. Dance recitals are known to be stressful for parents, but a fantastic experience for kids.

10 tips for helping babies learn to roll

Rolling is one of baby's first significant motor milestones. Hello, mobility! Not only is rolling the first step in developing postural control (important for later development of fine motor skills such as handwriting), it is also important because it engages a part of the brain responsible for making the left and right sides of the body "talk" to and coordinate with each other (important for reading, writing, and developing higher motor skills). Cool, huh…or am I the only nerd in the room?

 

Some babies are ready to roll from the get-go, while others take their time. On average, babies tend to first roll from tummy to back between 2-5 months, from back to side between 4-5.5 months, and from back to tummy between 5.5-7.5 months. Regardless of whether babies take the fast or slow road to rolling, their bodies begin preparing to roll wayyyyyy before they ever flip themselves over that very first time. And, guess what? YOU get to be a part of that preparation!

 

Here are 10 tips for helping babies learn how to roll:

 

1. Set down and pick up baby while shifting his weight to the side in a rolling motion. You can start this one as soon as baby is born and — guess what? — it's super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You can do this with every diaper change and sleep session which means, for a newborn, it can add up to 20 or more times a day. That's a lot of practice!

Here's how you do it: Sit baby on his bottom and roll him over to the side while setting him down. He will automatically try to keep his head from falling out of line with his body (a reflex with which babies are born), strengthening the muscles on the sides of his neck. This move also allows him to practice pushing against the floor with the arm on the way down. Simply reverse this motion when it's time to pick baby up. Be sure to practice rolling baby to both sides throughout the day…we don't want a baby who only moves to one side! Check out the photos below or watch a short video demonstrating this maneuver by clicking here.

 

2. Minimize time spent in baby equipment. This includes baby swings, bouncer chairs, play saucers/jumpers and, yes, even car seats (though car seats should ALWAYS be used while baby is in a vehicle). The only way babies develop new motor skills is through experience, practice, and trial & error, so for every minute they are in baby equipment, that's a minute of lost experience. Don't get me wrong, baby equipment is super helpful for busy caregivers and fussy babies, and it makes for great photo ops for that adorable baby scrapbook you'll never get around to completing. I'm currently writing a post on this very topic (baby equipment, not hopeless photos…we all know that scrapbook will never happen). We just don't want babies spending the majority of their waking (and sleeping) hours confined to spaces and equipment preventing them from practicing their new and exciting motor skills.

 

3. Allow baby plenty of tummy time during the day. All of a baby's major motor skills develop from the tummy time position, which is why it's so important for babies to practice being on their tummy. Time spent on the tummy helps babies strengthen their neck and back muscles necessary for arching against gravity and, eventually, rolling. In general, babies fully lift their head off the floor during tummy time by 2 months, hold their chest off the floor between 2-4 months, and bear weight on their hands while in prone between 4-6 months. I know, the majority of young babies hate tummy time with a burning passion. You'd scream too if you were stuck with your face on the floor! If this is the case for the baby in your life, you're in luck! Check out my earlier post to learn seven tips for making tummy time less miserable by clicking here

 

4. Allow baby to play on her back while helping her move through "rounded" positions. Playtime on the back is just as important as tummy time, especially when baby has the opportunity to move into and out of a rounded position. We want babies to develop a good balance of extension (learned in tummy time) and flexion (learned in playtime on the back) as they grow and learn new motor skills; we don't want one position overpowering the other. This rounded position is easy to achieve because most young babies prefer to be on their back, plus it allows caregivers to easily interact with and entertain them. Playtime on the back can take place on any flat surface — even in your lap — as you sing, read, or talk while providing flexion in baby's knees, hips, and/or trunk

 

5. Allow baby to play on his side. You can use toys, mirrors, books, or the most exciting toy — your face! — to engage him in the side lying position. He may need help staying on his side when he's younger, and this can easily be done with your hand, foot, or a rolled up receiving blanket wedged behind his back. As he becomes more comfortable on his side, he will begin to cross his top leg over to the floor…this is how he will initiate the roll to his tummy!

 

6. Allow baby to spend roughly equal amounts of time on all four sides of the body: tummy, back, left side, right side. This gives baby's body exposure to all positions involved in rolling as she strengthens her neck, trunk, and arms. It's also good for preventing the formation of flat spots on the back of her head which, if you ask me, is incentive enough to mix things up throughout the day. Try to vary baby's position about every 15-20 minutes.

 

7. Carry baby in a "tucked", face down, or sideways position. Who knew rolling could develop from being carried? You can carry baby around the house this way or, better yet, you can DANCE WITH YOUR BABY! Turn on some music, get in front of a mirror for baby's viewing pleasure, and move her through space in all of these positions as you bounce and sing and smile. You'd be surprised how much babies love this one! Be sure to STOP every 30 seconds or so to take a 10-second break in order to give baby's nervous system a chance to fully process and adjust to the movements (their system will sort of "tune out" the movements if you keep going long enough).

 

8. Encourage baby to separate movements of upper and lower body. Newborn babies are wired to keep their body in one line, so they'll do a "log roll" if you try to roll them over. The "segmental roll" typically develops between 4-5 months, as they are able to twist and dissociate the movements of the upper and lower body while initiating the roll with their hips. Once baby is comfortable playing at midline in the rounded position mentioned earlier, you can go ahead and move her back and forth through these twisting positions to the rhythm of your favorite children's song (Row, Row, Row Your Boat has won critical acclaim in our household). Start with both legs moving together, then progress to helping baby grab one foot with the opposite hand. Pause for a second after each twist in order to give baby's body a chance to register the movement, then proceed and let the good times roll!

 

9. Encourage baby to play at (and cross) midline. All movement is performed in relation to the center of our bodies, and the ability to roll is dependent on a baby's ability to come to (and cross) that invisible line in the middle of his body. The great thing is, our center moves with us wherever we go, so midline play can be done lying on the back or the side. Babies generally develop the ability to play with their hands in midline between 1-3.5 months (while on their back), and are able to look with their head in midline in this position between 4-5 months.

 

10. Wear baby in a carrier that keeps her legs together or in a frog-like position, rather than separating her legs into a straddle position. These carriers encourage engagement at the midline which, as noted previously, is important in the development of rolling. Such baby carriers include various over-the-shoulder slings and commercial brands such as Moby Wrap or Baby K'tan.

So there you have it! Ten ways to help babies learn how to roll. Don't go overboard with this stuff. We're not training babies for the Infant Olympics! Start with the basics, have fun, and let the baby be your guide. Share this information with people you know who may find it useful…the more who know about it, the better for our babies.

Time to get rolling!

—

Developmental milestones referenced from HELP Strands, a curriculum-based developmental assessment used in pediatric therapy for ages 0-3.

 

What causes cracked heels during pregnancy

Pregnancy is probably one of the best things that women experience in their life but this experience doesn't come only with happiness. The happiness of pregnancy comes with many small problems that pregnant women face during this period. Most common problems are morning sickness, nausea, back pain, constipation which every woman go through during pregnancy. But there are some problems which some women can face if they do not take care of themselves. Flat feet (over pronation), swollen feet cracked heels are those small problems.

 For women, having a baby is one of the most prestigious and dreamed gift. There is no price that can surpass the pleasure and happiness pregnancy gives a mother and nothing else in the world can parallel this feeling. The pleasure and mirth however come at the price of a tremendous amount of pain and endurance.

 It's a dangerous thing to consume alcohol during pregnancy. It severely affects the unborn infant health. It leads to major health disorder to the child or in some cases it leads to death of the child in serious condition. The mother should think over the unborn child health and to avoid consuming alcohol. The mother should take care of all her food habits not only for the alcohol, because each and every food taken by the mother, affects the infant in her. It's a mother's responsibility to take care of her child healthy growth.

 There are so many things that pregnant women are told not to drink or eat and one of those thing is pregnant women are not allowed to consume caffeine. It has always been associated with the pregnancy problems. It is strictly advised not to consume alcohol and cigarettes during pregnancy. But a cup of coffee is needed to make you fresh. Why is caffeine so dangerous? What are the problems a pregnant woman can face by consuming caffeine?

 Have you been trying to get pregnant for quite some time and wondering why it's taking so long? Do you want to know what is stopping you from getting pregnant fast? Don't worry… It's completely normal to ask these questions when you face trouble getting pregnant.

 

 

Natural Ways To Cure And Avoid Baby Cough

It is exceedingly common to catch cold for babies because they don't have well established strong immune system. It might be darned upsetting to newly parents, and they might get panic believing their baby has some serious problem. But remember that the cough is not going to end the life of your baby, so don't look for strong medication, to quickly heal your baby. Experienced and well-informed parents avoid use of medical drugs for

problems like cough and cold because of the side-effect on infant health. These common health problems provide support to the development of resistance system of babies, so it is better not to run for strong medical drugs, but take care of it with alternative medicines.
If you are seriously concerned about your kid, here are some natural ways to treat cough of your baby which can help you both to get some decent sleep.

Tips to Cure Baby Cough:

1. Give half teaspoon of honey to the kids with age 2-5 years and full teaspoon with age 6-11 years. Avoid honey for the children age less than a year as honey may cause infant botulism.
2. Never smoke near your baby as it may further irritate the inflamed airways stirred up due to cough.
3. Giving the hot water bath will sooth your baby but water should not be too warm. Adding few drops of thyme or sage oil drops in the warm water will help you to sooth the airways of you baby.
4. Give your baby natural and healthy diet. If you are breast-feeding mother, then it is hugely crucial for you also to have healthy and natural diet.
5. Give your children some metal stimulation by walking in a park or walking on the beach. Ensure that you wrapped your baby in warmly cloths while going outside in cold.
6. For toddler, homeopathic medicine can be given without any side-effect.
7. If your child has a fever along with cough and it in not fading in 2-3 days, you must seek a doctor.
8. Your baby must be always hydrated. For infants, stick to breast milk. Oral electrolytes designed for infants can also be given.

These are few points that you should remember for tackling the baby cough problem. Most of the case, baby cough is not a serious problem and can be tackled with home remedies.

 

Baby’s smile: drug-like high for mothers

SYDNEY: Seeing her own baby smile can give a mother a natural, drug-like high, according to new research.

Scientists at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, U.S., have found that key reward areas of mothers' brains were activated by the sight of their own babies smiling. The regions affected include areas involved in emotion processing, cognition and behavioural outputs – areas that have also been associated with drug addiction.

Critical bond

"The relationship between mothers and infants is critical for child development," said lead author and paediatrician, Lane Strathearn. He said the findings, reported in the journal Pediatrics, help to explain the neural basis of how mother-child bonding works.

The response that babies get when they smile or cry has an important impact on their development. Strathearn said that while experts already knew that the reward system of a baby's caregiver could be activated by these cues, but they didn't know if seeing someone else's baby would cause a different response.

Scientists scanned the brains of mothers with a functional magnetic resonance imager (fMRI) while they looked at smiling, crying and neutral pictures of both their own baby and an unrelated baby. fMRI measures blood flow to different regions of the brain, indicating which are getting the most use.

Seeing their own baby smiling produced significantly stronger responses in the mothers' brains, than seeing another baby smiling, said the authors. Seeing their own baby smile also activated reward areas of the brains that are stimulated by drug-taking such as some frontal lobe regions, the substantia nigra regions, and the striatum.

Drug-like high

The activation of so many reward areas of the brain could be why mothers are motivated to continue interacting with their smiling baby, Strathearn said.

Romina Palermo, a cognitive psychologist at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, agreed that these parts of the brain might be important in mother-infant bonding "[But] you would have to…see whether mothers who showed poor attachment to their infants showed reduced activation in these same brain areas," she said.

Like Strathearn, Palermo believes that studies like this may one day help parents who have poor attachment to their babies. In the meantime, it explains why seeing your own baby smile is a uniquely pleasurable experience.

Baby Milestones: Smiling

When will my newborn really smile at me?

Your child's first smile is an important baby milestone in his or her development into a social being. It is just as important developmentally and rewarding emotionally as his first words or her first hesitant steps across the room!

All infants develop at different rates, but most babies should have a smile by the time they are 6 to 8 weeks old. For the first several months of their lives, babies are generous with their smiles, greeting family and strangers alike with the same radiant grin. Around 7 to 9 months of age, babies become a bit more discriminating, saving their biggest smiles for the people whom they love the most!

Some people swear that their baby smiled "right when she came into the world!" Others would dismiss that early smile as "just gas." Gas or not, a smile is a smile! Value and treasure each and every smile as your baby's way of saying. "Thanks! I love you!

Can You Breastfeed Your Baby Too Often

Q: My question is basically, "Can I nurse my baby too much?" My son is 5 weeks old, and I nurse him an average of every 45 minutes to an hour. I am aware that he probably is not nursing for nutrition this whole time, but for comfort also. I enjoy nursing him and respond to him quickly by offering him my breast. However, I find myself confronted with many others that say he should be going two to three hours between feedings and that I am training him to "need" me. Others seem to think I should be training him to be "good" and not need me. I am confused. Am I making him a needy baby? Should I try to expand the amount of time between nursings?

A: It really is not possible to nurse a baby "too much." One of the most beautiful things about breastfeeding is that you can't force a baby to eat if they are not hungry, much unlike a bottle fed baby who can be coaxed to take a little more. You mention that your baby is 5 weeks old. In the first six weeks, there can be several growth spurts which cause a baby to increase their time at the breast, which in turn increases mom's supply. Babies of this age who seem fussy can be said to be "missing the womb" where they enjoyed constant motion and warmth along with endless feedings.

Perhaps the baby will enjoy being carried in a sling at your side; this can free you up for other activities that can lull a baby to sleep. Needy babies are born, not made and the best thing a mother can do is respond to those needs. Independence and trust is fostered and encouraged when a baby feels secure and his needs are met. Psychologists and child development specialists agree that you can't force a baby to achieve a higher stage of development before he is physiologically ready.

One thing to keep in mind is that babies frequently fuss when they get a large supply of foremilk as a result of frequent feedings. You don't say that he is gassy or otherwise fussy but consider using one breast per feeding if that is the case. Occasionally moms with an ample milk supply and good let down find that their baby gulps at feedings and seems content for a while, showing signs of fussiness later which can be calmed by, you guessed it, feeding. Feedings at one breast per feed can increase the amount of fat-rich hind milk that baby gets, which in turn, makes a difference in their stool and their behavior. If you suspect this is the case, read more about foremilk-hindmilk imbalance.

One of my favorite stories to share with new moms with concerns such as yours is by Liz Baldwin, a La Leche League Leader from Florida, titled, So I Nursed Him Every 45 Minutes. She shares similar concerns and concludes that she did the best thing that she felt was needed for her child and she and her husband are really the only ones who needed to agree on that.

Good luck to you and keep up the good work. As long as you enjoy nursing your baby and meeting his needs, you will both be happy. Follow your heart.

BABY ARM STRENGTH EXERCISES

Although those rolls of baby fat are adorable and squeezable, even young babies need to build muscle. You don't need to take baby to the gym, but you do need to make sure she has ample opportunity to pump up those baby arms and start developing the muscles she needs to push herself up and eventually crawl and pull to a standing position.

Tummy Time
Your pediatrician has probably explained to you how important it is for baby to have tummy time. It helps baby strengthen his neck and back muscles, but also his arm muscles. When he's on his tummy, he learns to push up on those little arms to better see the world. Starting from birth, place baby on his belly at least two to three times a day, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. Don't worry; you won't have to hear your baby protest for too long -- three to five minutes of tummy time per session is good enough. As baby gets older, increase the length of each tummy time session.

Tease With Toys
Let's face it, tummy time can get boring -- so stimulate baby with books and toys. She'll want to push up on those arms and get a better view of her surroundings, especially those colorful toys and pictures in the books. Place a few favorite toys and books just out of her reach to encourage her to reach out, stretch those arms and strengthen those muscles as she pushes up and reaches out to get what she wants.

 

Baby Pullups
When your baby can sit up, even with support, help him practice getting into a standing position. Hold onto baby's hands and gently pull baby from a seated into a standing position. You can count or say "up we go!" or something that will bring a smile to his face. He'll think it's a fun game, but he's also beefing up those baby muscles.

Work It Baby
Try working baby's arms with a few simple exercises that he'll enjoy. Place your finger in baby's hands and let him practice his grip. He'll strengthen hand and arm muscles as he holds onto your fingers -- try moving your hands around so that he learns to hold on and follow. You can also hold baby's little hands and gently move arms up, down and across baby's chest.

Dance Baby Dance
Even little babies love a good tune, and can't help but get moving. Turn on your favorite music that makes you want to dance, start clapping your hands and shimmying with baby. Let baby sit or lie down, and try putting a rattle in her hand. Let her shake it and move her arms to the music -- she'll strengthen arm muscles and improve her coordination, too.

 

EXCESS FAT IN LEGS IN BABIES

Although adults frequently worry about becoming overweight, body fat provides babies with important protection. Infants need extra fat stores until they are about 2 years old, according to the textbook "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology," and much of this fat is stored in the legs and thighs. While parents may worry about their babies' fat legs, this fat is almost always a sign of good health. If you're concerned about your baby's weight gain, consult her pediatrician before making alterations to her diet.

Causes
In the first year or two of life, the majority of a baby's nutrition comes from milk, which is high in fat. This fat protects your child from sudden illness; children with sufficient fat stores are less likely to fail to thrive or suffer from sudden infant death syndrome, according to the textbook "Child Psychology." As your child's diet changes and she begins walking, her legs will slowly begin to look less fat and more similar to an adult's legs. However, many children retain some baby fat into their teen years. Children should not be diagnosed as obese simply because they have fat legs. However, the fat on a child's legs can indicate whether a child's weight is evenly and healthily distributed, according to pediatrician William Sears in his book "The Portable Pediatrician."

 

When to Worry
If fat on your child's legs is not evenly distributed, it could signal a problem with her hips. Babies with dislocated or malformed hips frequently develop extra fat rolls on one leg, according to Sears. Solid fatty masses can be caused by cysts, so if you feel any masses underneath your child's baby fat, consult a pediatrician.

 

Proper Nutrition
Babies should not be put on diets except in extreme cases. Proper nutrition in infancy can help your child remain healthy well into adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be exclusively breastfed until they are six months old. Breastfeeding reduces a child's lifetime risk of obesity. If you choose to give your child formula instead, follow her cues and avoid overfeeding, even if it means you throw some formula away. When your child begins eating solids, provide her with fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Avoid giving your child sugary juices and soda. Early exposure to sugar can cause your child to crave it, increasing her risk of becoming obese, according to "Child Psychology."

Leg Care
Some parents find that their child's fat can make bathing, dressing and other normal tasks difficult. Excess sweat between fat rolls can cause skin irritation such as heat rashes and yeast infections. Dry your baby's skin in between skin folds after bathing or changing her diaper. If your child's legs are large enough that they make it difficult for her to fit into diapers or clothes, buy items big enough to accommodate your child's legs, even if this means they are slightly large around the waist.

 

 

A slight rant about formula feeding and breastfeeding

Okay, so I tried to breastfeed. I really tried. Really really really. But the baby was about ten days old, losing weight and the doctors pretty much told me that unless I gave her 'some' formula then I would damage her kidneys. Great. So I did.

Aaaaaand, I think that's one of the main reasons that my breastfeeding got bollocksed up.

Well, I have some medical issues which may also be implicated but we'll never really know if the baby hadn't been introduced to a bottle ('hello Babybear' 'hello Bottle') whether we might have been able to get my supply up a bit more. As it was, with feeding round the clock, domperidone medication and yield tests (expressing every two hours for 48 hours – what fun), combined with the expertise of one of the best breastfeeding specialists in the country, fenugreek, Guinness, other stuff I took that I can't remember…. I managed to get up to about 30% of what she needed per day and so we did mixed feeding (otherwise known as the worst of both worlds) for 17 weeks. It wasn't perfect, but I really loved it. And I think I went a wee bit mental, which helped.

People talk about 'nipple confusion' but I don't think Babybear was in the slightest bit confused. She knew that the bottle was easier and so she slowly took less and less from me, therefore stimulating me less so the whole thing kinda petered out. Gutted doesn't touch it. I was heartbroken. That's why I put myself (and Babybear, if I'm honest) through the mill about it for such a long time. I was so sad when it stopped, so humiliated to pull out my formula bottle in cafes etc and it totally got me down. Still does, when I think about it, which I try not to.

Anyway, onwards and upwards, yes? If I can't breastfeed then I'm sure as dammit going to see to it that she enjoys a healthy and varied diet…

So I look at weaning material online and pretty much everything talks about transitioning from breastfeeding to solids. I understand that the advice has to be pro-breastfeeding, but it rather seems to defeat the point of trying to create a strong and positive lifelong relationship with food for our babies if those of us who couldn't or didn't want to breastfeed feel excluded when it comes to the next stage. Is it a class thing? Are formula feeders, having 'opted' for a processed solution to milk feeding just supposed to head for the jarred food section of the supermarket until the babies are old enough for turkey twizzlers? (Not that jars are inherently evil, don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but… oh you know what I mean.)

Then one day I was chatting with my rather marvelous ante-natal class chums and someone mentions baby led weaning and Gill Rapley. Really? No purees? Straight onto solids? Hhhmmmmm, sounds interesting…

At first I found it incredibly difficult to find written material (hence this blog, ladies) but when I did, on some crazy Dutch website, inevitably came the warning.

"Parents who are bottle feeding their baby should also consult with their health advisers, for the reasons outlined below.

It is not clear whether a baby-led approach to the introduction of solids is appropriate for babies who are bottle fed; more research is needed to establish this, since bottle-feeding seems to be more mother-led. It is difficult to make predictions about how bottle-fed babies will manage solids, so we need to be careful. However, as long as care is taken to ensure an adequate fluid intake, there would seem to be nothing inherently wrong in adopting this approach. It is recommended that parents of babies who are being bottle (formula) fed discuss the matter fully with their health advisers if they wish to use this method."

Oh yeah. I forgot.  I jam bottles down my baby's throat regardless of whether or not she wants it. In fact, I schedule her feeds solely to coincide with my soaps on the telly and the sooner she learns how to boil the kettle so she can make her mother a cuppa, the better.

Ach, I know that's not really what it says, in fact I think it's phrased rather well in a manner that is clearly designed to play it cagey while not ruling out baby led weaning for formula feeders, but when you've tried and 'failed' to breastfeed it doesn't take much to kick you in the chops. And the advice to ask our health advisers..? Fine, but what if they say 'I've never heard of it. Sounds unusual. Don't they choke? I wouldn't do it myself. Do you want a free pack of baby rice?'

So here's what I think. It's not medical advice, it's just my feeling on the matter.

I can see the point that if you do keep to a strict schedule then your baby might be unaccustomed to regulating their own appetite… but I'm not 100 per cent sure I buy it. Maybe it's just my daughter, but I can't get her to drink half an ounce more than she wants to, and she will make herself perfectly clear if she fancies some milk at any time. I haven't met anyone who feeds specific amounts at specific times, and certainly any reading material I have is quite clear about the necessity to demand feed with formula.

From my experience, therefore, I would say that if you are demand formula feeding I can't see what the problem would be. (Frankly if you aren't I can't see what the problem would be if you were scheduled so long as you were able to cede control to the baby, but it's not something I've done so I can't really comment.)

With regards to the water issue, my daughter really didn't drink much of it to begin with but I made sure it was always available as the formula is unchanging whereas breastmilk has a lipsmackingthirstquenching effect, so too much formula liquid can lead to over-feeding. It took a while and a massive heatwave to get her going with water, and she now drinks from a Tommee Tippee cup while we're out and a shot glass in the house. With varied results…

To be honest, I don't think that Babybear is drinking less milk than she used to, we've just incorporated the solids into her usual intake. (We normally make up about 6-sh bottles of 7 ounces per day, and she drinks what she wants of them. Sometimes loads, sometimes hardly any. She's obviously growing fine so I think what's happening is that the solids are supplementing her feeds so the milk isn't going up but her meal time consumption is. )

So I know this is quite the rant, and to anyone who managed to get to the end of it, well done. All you breastfeeders out there, keep it up, you're doing a grand job, really, and to the formula feeders considering baby led weaning… don't worry, everything's going to be fine.

How to Gain Weight While Breastfeeding

There are a variety of reasons why a woman may want to gain weight following a pregnancy. Many women actually lose weight during pregnancy due to excessive morning sickness and wish to regain their pre-pregnancy weight. Trying to gain weight can be very frustrating, and you might not be able to find a lot of help since most resources are directed at losing weight after pregnancy. There are, however, things you can do to successfully gain weight while maintaining your health.

Instructions
1
Record everything you eat and track your calorie intake for at least two weeks. This will allow you to figure out your average calorie intake so you know how much you need to increase your calorie intake.
2
Add at least 500 calories to your daily intake. The average woman burns 500 calories a day just from breastfeeding. In order to gain weight you need to compensate for that calorie loss. Once you've compensated for the calorie loss, add another 500 calories to put on weight.

3
Add protein and carbs to your diet to increase your calorie intake. You don't want to sacrifice your health in attempting to gain weight so you still want to avoid fatty junk foods. Try to increase the amount of chicken, fish, potatoes, pasta and rice.

4
Remain active, but keep track of how much you exercise. You'll need to compensate for those calories in your diet. You'll lose one pound for every 3500 calories you burn. So to prevent weight loss, you need to track the calories you burn and add it back into your diet.

5
Continue tracking your calorie intake each day, and weigh yourself once a week. You can adjust your calorie intake each week based on whether or not you've gained weight.

6
If you find you can't eat as much as you need to in order to gain weight, consider drinking a daily protein shake. Whey protein is fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at any GNC or other nutritional supplement store. You can add the whey powder to a milkshake or fruit smoothie.

 

Tips & Warnings
Find someone in your life you can confide in. Trying to gain or lose weight can be frustrating and support is always helpful.

Losing pregnancy weight while breastfeeding

I was bothered by what Salma Hayek said on Oprah about women who lose weight when breastfeeding not eating enough and that weight loss while breastfeeding is a lie. I know from my personal experience that it isn't a lie – I ate well, didn't intentionally exercise (I took a lot of stroller walks), and still lost all of my pregnancy weight and then some. Many friends, relatives and others have shared similar stories to me. I do know, however, that many women do not lose weight at all while breastfeeding or not until their child weans. So I asked an expert, lactation consultant Catherine Genna, BS, IBCLC, about the weight loss. Here's what she said:

People with gestational diabetes [like Salma] have a 33% chance of getting type 2diabetes in their lifetime, so their carbohydrate metabolism is alreadyproblematic. Type 2 diabetes rates are strongly linked to obesity,though genetics play a role as well. Breastfeeding protects women fromtype 2 diabetes, even 10 years after their baby weans. So there is a lotgoing on that we don't fully understand.

 

Women are primed to put on fat during pregnancy to support lactation.Lactation is a fairly energy efficient process. The body changes the wayit does things (absorbs more nutrients from food, reabsorbs more calciumfrom the kidneys) to be more efficient while breastfeeding. The "old"studies that CALCULATED that women needed 500 extra calories a dayduring breastfeeding are likely responsible for some of the "not losingweight" during breastfeeding. We make up for the extra calories with ourfat stores and by reduced activity while we sit and breastfeed ourbabies. Studies that actually measured weight loss (rather thancalculating by some proxy measure) showed that breastfeeding women onaverage lose more weight than women who don't breastfeed

 

The big problem is that our bodies are designed for hunter-gathering,and we now have access to tons of food without having to walk or dig orhunt to get it. Being reasonably active after birth and eating a widevariety of foods with as little processing as possible (apples ratherthan apple pie or apple granola bars) will result in a healthier body.

 

Unfortunately in the US the cheapest foods are the most processed; themost fat, sugar and salt laden; and the least nutrient dense. This meansthat many people in poverty are undernourished even while they areobese. TV or video/computer games are the safest thing your kids can doin an urban neighborhood. They are inside, away from the dangers of thestreet. This promotes obesity too. Many of us were not breastfedourselves, which also affects our number of fat cells and ourmetabolism. Our social activities mostly involve eating, and sittingstill. We have a lot of Standard American Diet (SAD) to overcome beforewe can see how our bodies are supposed to be.

 

Keep up with your favorite celebs in the pages of PEOPLE Magazine by subscribing now.
If you breastfed, what was your experience losing weight? Did you lose weight or hang onto it until you stopped? If you had gestational diabetes and breastfed, what was your postpartum weight loss experience? If you formula fed one child and breastfed another, what kind of difference did you notice in terms of weight loss?

 

Note: Please keep comments limited to the questions asked about nursing and weight loss, not about breast vs. formula in general. If you'd like to discuss Salma's interview, please head to the original post.

 

Lose Weight After You Stop Breastfeeding

According to Breastfeeding.com, the average mom burns about 600 calories each day just from breastfeeding. Mother Nature gives women an innate ability to burn extra calories, which naturally stimulates weight loss. Unfortunately, some moms aren't able to breastfeed for a variety of reasons. Other moms use over the counter formula as a supplement for breast milk. Motherhood takes a toll to a woman's body, especially once she stops breastfeeding.

Instructions
1
Count your calorie intake. According to Babycenter.com, your body needs a minimum of 1,200 calories a day. Nursing moms need between 1,500 and 2,200; eliminating 500 calories a day could help you lose about 1 lb. a week.

 

2
Drink lots of water. According to Mayoclinic.com, the average physician recommends drinking a total of 8 to 9 cups a day.

 

3

Prepare light, healthy and balanced meals rich in vitamins and antibiotics. Eat lean protein, whole-grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. Avoid refined flour and foods with high sugar and fat content.

4
Strengthen your muscles by doing push ups, Kegel exercises and stretching. Babycenter.com advises moms to wait at least six weeks after baby is born before beginning a workout routine and start slow.

 

5
Network with moms in your area to start your own fitness support group. Join a club such as Stroller Strides, a workout group of moms with infants and toddlers. Visit its website for class information.

6

Do cardiovascular exercises. Consider a routine that incorporates taking your child along for a stroll or light jog through the neighborhood. According to the American Council for Exercise (ACE), an hour of exercise each day contributes to successful weight loss.
7
Get an adequate amount of sleep and rest. Not only is your body changing, you will need the energy to keep up with baby and your new weight loss plan.

 

Natural Remedies for a Coughing Baby

Cooler temperatures are upon us and our babies (under 1!) are already suffering through coughs and colds. We don't use many herbs for babies under one but there are safe, mild, natural remedies to help clear coughs in an infant. We just went through this in our house with Giant Baby who is not even six months yet so I thought I'd post some encouragement and share what we used.

 

Coughs can be a good thing if they're clearing congestion. However, let them go too long or be unaware about the kind of cough you're hearing and coughs can progress into something serious.

 

By nursing my kids through coughs, I've learned that to clear them quickly, it's best to

Keep congestion thin and moving (moisturize inside & out)

Boost the immune system
As I regularly say – natural remedies work best when applied as soon as the onset of symptoms occur. When noses start running and coughs begin, head it off at the pass! The duration of illness is usually shorter and not as severe.

Here's what we used on Giant Baby. I used all of these steps at once because I don't mess around with coughs.

 

1. Steam, Steam, STEAM!
If the coughing isn't clearing the congestion within minutes and a hacking fit seems imminent, we head straight to the shower. I shut the door, drop a little Eucalyptus oil in the corners of the shower and relax until he's been cough free for several minutes.

I also shower him before bed to moisten his sinuses & loosen congestion because lying down automatically seems to trigger coughing because it's harder for congestion to clear in that position. The extra moisture helps! I keep him warm after we get out of the shower.

If he coughs in the night and can't seem to stop, we head right back into the shower no matter how tired I am. I have learned that it's worth it. It's the fastest way to calm the cough. I think we showered about three times a day while he was coughing.

 

2. Garlic oil.
Man, this stuff is magic! I use it for my kids (and me!) when our ears are sore and my herbalist also suggested we could safely rub a little on Giant Baby's feet. I probably used 1/2 t. (maybe less?) and massaged his feet gently. I'm not gonna lie to ya'. It was skunk-a-licious! But, it seemed to calm him and he coughed less afterward. Learn how to make garlic oil.

 

3. Massage the chest.
After the shower, using a little coconut oil (NO VICKS for babies this small – it's just too harsh), we rub that little chest gently but firmly. It seems to help ease the cough and  Giant Baby loves it because we talk with him while we do it.

 

4. Hose the nose.
In babies, the nose, throat, ears are so close together and the passages are small. Congestion affects them all. During coughs, congestion or earaches, I "hose my kids' noses" to loosen congestion so it will clear more easily. Don't be intimidated by this. Learn how to Hose the Nose.

 

5. Moisturize the air.
We use either a vaporizer or humidifier in the bedroom to add moisture and keep congestion moving.

 

6. Eucalyptus oil or Vicks.
I wouldn't put Eucalyptus oil or Vicks on an infant. But, I DO think it's ok to use them to scent a room to provide their expectorant powers. I place a little vicks or Eucalyptus oil on an old diaper and wave it around the room (to infuse it into the air) and then lay it near to the bed so we can smell it all night.

***REMINDER!! While Essential oils are wonderfully healing, they are also super concentrated (read: powerful) and should never be left where little hands can reach them. Be safe. Educate your little ones not to touch them & store them out of reach

 

7. Keep the fluids coming.
I would have offered him warm chamomile tea but my little guy wanted to nurse. So, nurse I did. The only caution I'd add with chamomile is that people with known allergies to ragweed should avoid it.

 

8. Elevate the sleeping position.
It's hard for congestion to clear when a baby is flat on his back. That's why coughing increases at night. Our baby sleeps with us so it's easy to elevate him on my arm and keep a close ear on him in the night. I sleep better and so does he.If we used a crib, I'd find a way to safely elevate the mattress slightly (no pillows in a crib!).

 

9. Garlic.
Again? Yep. Only this is for nursing moms. Since I nurse, my baby gets the benefit of what I eat. I ate sliced fresh garlic on buttered toast to pass on it's immune system boosting benefits.

 

10. Echinacea tincture.
Another immune booster for use by the nursing mama. I took a few droppers 3 times a day.

Using these remedies from the very start of his little cold to the end, Giant Baby only coughed for about three days and it was very mild, usually worse at night.

Remember – the key to successful natural remedies is to jump on that cough as soon it projects its loud sound. Don't wait till it sounds scary.

*As always, I'll remind you that I am not a doctor.  These are common sense choices I have made for myself & my family. I have taken the time to research any health decisions I make and have consulted with my local herbalist. I encourage you to always do the same before choosing to take or administer any kind of remedy, whether herbal, prescription or off the shelf at a local drugstore.*

 

Coughs, colds, and ear infections in children

Colds

It's normal for a child to have eight or more colds a year. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they've never had them before. Gradually they build up immunity and get fewer colds.
Most colds get better in five to seven days. Here are some suggestions on how to ease the symptoms in your child:

• Increase the amount of fluid your child normally drinks.
• Saline nose drops can help loosen dried nasal secretions and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask your pharmacist, GP or health visitor about them.
• If your child has a fever, pain or discomfort, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. There are special products for children. It will state on the packet how much you should give children of different ages.
• Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.
  Nasal decongestants can make stuffiness worse. Never use them for more than two or three days.

Ear infections

Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a temperature. A child may pull or rub at an ear, but babies can't always tell where pain is coming from and may just cry and seem uncomfortable.

If your child has earache but is otherwise well, give them paracetamol or ibuprofen for 12-24 hours. Don't put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child's ear unless your GP advises you to do so. Most ear infections are caused by viruses, which can't be treated with antibiotics. They will just get better by themselves.
After an ear infection your child may have a problem hearing for two to six weeks. If the problem lasts for any longer than this, ask your GP for advice.
Go to Ear infection for more information.

Glue ear

Repeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child's hearing. This may lead to unclear speech or behavioural problems.
If you smoke, your child is more likely to develop glue ear and will get better more slowly. Your GP will give you advice on treating glue ear.
See Glue ear for further information.

Coughs

Children often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat. If your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough isn't usually anything to worry about.
If your child has a bad cough that won't go away, see your GP. If your child also has a high temperature and is breathless, they may have a chest infection. If this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus your GP will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Antibiotics won't soothe or stop the cough straight away.
If a cough continues for a long time, especially if it's worse at night or is brought on by your child running about, it could be a sign of asthma. Some children with asthma also have a wheeze or breathlessness. If your child has any of these symptoms take them to the GP. If your child seems to be having trouble breathing contact your GP, even if it's the middle of the night.
Although it's upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat. If your child is over the age of one, try a warm drink of lemon and honey.

Sore throats

Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Your child's throat may be dry and sore for a day or two before a cold starts. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to reduce the pain.
Most sore throats clear up on their own after a few days. If your child has a sore throat for more than four days, has a high temperature and is generally unwell, or is unable to swallow fluids or saliva, see your GP.
Go to Sore throat for more information.

 

Babies daily care

By the time your newborn becomes a baby, you've probably got clothes, nappies and bathtime down pat. But now there are teeth to think of.

Clothes

Although your baby is no longer a newborn, it's still a good idea to keep clothes as practical as possible. Stretchy body suits, t-shirt tops, cotton elastic waist pants and tops with envelope necks that stretch over heads make dressing and undressing easier. Read up on dressing a baby for more ideas.

As she gets older and is sleeping less, you'll probably get out and about more. So make sure she has a hat and other sun smart clothes that will protect her from harmful UV rays.

 

Nails

To trim nails, you can use a small pair of ordinary nail scissors or child nail clippers. (You can try a nail file but beware of filing delicate fingertip skin.) If you feel up to using nail clippers, then be careful to gently press and hold the fingertip skin away from the nail when clipping. And remember to stop as soon as your baby protests or pulls her hand away – start again later or when she's sleeping. A treat or a favourite toy could help her get over a bit of anxiety. Even if you just want to press on with it, it's not worth it if she's likely to develop a fear of it, which will make nail trimming almost impossible when she gets older.

Remember to always clip toe nails straight across. Never round the edges, as it can lead to ingrown toenails.

 

Bathtime

Until your baby is about six months old, you can continue washing her in a little tub (or even the kitchen sink!). But as soon as she can sit up, you can move to the regular family bath. This is also when babies can become more adventurous so ensure bath safety is kept top-of-mind at all times.

You can bathe your baby each evening or less frequently provided she has a daily top and tail. Stick with non-soap cleanser (it won't irritate the skin like soap can) and follow the basic 'wash order' you used when she was a newborn:

wash the face first
the body second
the genitals last.
After a bath is a good time to massage your baby.

Baby girls' genitals should always be washed front to back to avoid urinary infections.

 

Teeth care

Most babies get their first teeth between six to 10 months, although a few don't get them till about 12 months. You can start cleaning your baby's teeth as soon as they appear. Toothpaste, even the baby variety, isn't recommended until your child is two years old. Instead, you can use a clean washcloth to gently rub the teeth clean twice a day. After breakfast and before bed are good times to give it a go. But good oral health practices should start even before your baby's first tooth appears.

You can prevent tooth decay by cleaning your child's teeth and gums regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drinks.

 

Nappies

In the first few years of your child's life you're going to change a lot of nappies – around 6000, in fact, so choosing the right kind of nappy is important. In the end, your choice of nappy will depend on what factors are most important to you and your family.

Nappy changes become less frequent as your baby gets older although you can still expect at least six to eight changes a day. Remember: lots of wet nappies is a good sign – it shows that your baby is getting all the fluids she needs.

And don't be surprised if her nappies become a little more 'whiffy' – it's common for poo to get more smelly when babies start eating solids.

Understanding and examining your baby's poo and wee isn't disgusting – it's actually one of the best ways you can monitor her health.

 Changing nappies
As your baby gets stronger and quicker, constant rolling and kicking can turn nappy changing into an endurance test. The main thing is to get through it as quickly as possible while making sure your baby is safe at all times.

If your baby won't stay still during nappy changing, try distracting him with a song or a favourite toy.

 Nappy rash
To avoid nappy rash, change your baby's nappy as soon as possible after a poo (you may need to check with a sniff or quick peek). Poo is acidic and can actually 'burn' the skin, which – aside from other obvious reasons – is why you want to change a 'number two' nappy straight away.

You can apply a dollop of nappy rash cream right where it counts to prevent rashes. If her skin is raw with severe nappy rash, don't wipe – instead, rinse with water and gently pat dry.

If you can give it some air time by letting her go bare bottom for a little while, that can help it heal. If not, apply lots of nappy rash cream to create a barrier and check the rash to make sure it's healing.

How to treat coughs in babies and children

A cough is one of the most common symptoms in childhood and is sometimes difficult to treat. Coughs tend to linger on in young children, often disturbing sleep and everyday functioning. They can be upsetting for children and parents alike.

Causes

There are many causes of a cough in children, including infections (both viral and bacterial), irritations (cold air, smoke, inhaled foreign body), allergies, asthma and psychological causes (habit cough).

By far the most common cause of cough is a viral infection, with the cough usually occurring as part of a cold.

The next most common cause of coughing is asthma. Other causes of a cough are relatively uncommon.

Symptoms

The nature of your child's cough and any associated symptoms will vary according to its cause.

A cough that follows a cold will be loose and sometimes produce mucus. Often it's worse at night, because when your child lies down, mucus drips from the back of her nose and mouth into her wind pipe. The cough might persist for up to six weeks after the other symptoms of the cold have disappeared.

The cough associated with asthma is often worse at night or after exercise. Your child might also have an associated wheeze and breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath.

A barking, hoarse cough could mean your child has croup.

The sudden onset of a cough with associated wheezing, following a choking episode, might suggest an inhaled foreign body.

If your child has had a very heavy cold, then gets bouts of coughing for many weeks, where he 'barks' when breathing out and makes a 'whooping' sound when breathing in, he might have whooping cough.

In a child less than 12 months old, a cough that's associated with difficulty in breathing might be caused by bronchiolitis.

In an older or adolescent child, a cough might develop into a habit. Usually such coughs are 'honking' coughs and don't happen when the child's asleep.

When to see your doctor

Your child should see a doctor if:

• the cough goes on for longer than a week or two after a cold
• there's a sudden onset of cough
• the cough is significantly interfering with your child's sleep or daily life
• there's any difficulty with breathing
• there's an associated high fever
• your child's skin changes colour, and turns blue or very pale.

In most cases, you don't need to see a doctor if your child's well except for his cough.

Tests

Most children with a cough don't need any tests. A doctor will work out what the trouble is by taking a careful history of your child's cough and any other symptoms, and also by physically examining your child.

The doctor might order a chest X-ray if your child has had pneumonia or to make sure your child hasn't inhaled something. A blood test might be helpful in working out whether there's a serious infection present.

Treatment

If your child's cough is caused by asthma, it's treated with medications, depending on the nature and extent of the symptoms and the age of your child. You can read more about treating asthma.

The most common cough is the one that follows a cold, and it doesn't need any specific treatment. In this case, most children don't need antibiotics, because the original infection was caused by a virus and antibiotics only treat bacteria. This cough is likely to be caused by prolonged irritation of the respiratory tract, rather than an ongoing infection.

Cough medicines and expectorants (medicines that are supposed to help cough up mucus from the lungs and airways) haven't been shown to make any difference to a cough.

Vaporisers and humidifiers similarly haven't been shown to relieve coughing. There are dangers in young children accidentally swallowing the vaporiser solution (usually containing menthol or eucalyptus) or burning themselves.

Honey might reduce the severity and duration of a cough. Note that honey shouldn't be given to children under one because of the risk of infantile botulism (a rare but serious form of food poisoning).

Usually a cough following a cold will improve with the passage of time, no matter how you treat it.

Prevention

If your child's cough is caused by asthma, you can usually prevent it with appropriate treatment.

You can minimise the risk of inhaling foreign bodies by not letting toddlers and infants eat nuts or play with small objects that can be easily inhaled.

Unfortunately, you can't prevent the cough caused by a viral infection.

 

Causes and Treatments of Children's Cough

A child's little body can make a big sound when wracked with cough. To help your child cope with a cough, know the common causes and treatments you can try at home.

 

Children and Cough: Common Causes and Treatments

A cough is usually a sign your child's body is trying to rid itself of an irritant, from mucus to a foreign object. Common causes of cough include:

• Infection. Colds, flu, and croup can all lead to a lingering cough for kids. Colds tend to cause a mild to moderate hacking cough; the flu a sometimes severe, dry cough; while croup has a "barking" cough with noisy breathing.
  Medication can't cure colds or flu, but hard candies or cough drops can help relieve a sore throat caused by coughing. Because of choking hazards, only give hard candies or cough drops to children over age 4. Moist air can help children cope with croup; try a warm, steamy bathroom, or cool morning air. For lingering coughs due to asthma, your child may need to take steroids or other medications prescribed by the doctor.

 

• Acid reflux symptoms in children may include coughing, frequent vomiting/spitting up, a bad taste in the mouth, and heartburn. Treatment for reflux depends on a child's age, health, and other issues. Try these three tips: Remove trigger foods from their diet (often chocolate, peppermint, and fatty foods). Eat at least two hours before bedtime. And eat smaller meals. See your doctor if you are concerned about your child's acid reflux.

 

• Asthma can be tough to diagnose because symptoms vary from child to child. But a wheezing cough, which may get worse at night, is one of many asthma symptoms. Treatment for asthma depends on what's causing it, and may include avoiding triggers like pollution, smoke, or perfumes. See your doctor if you think your child has asthma symptoms.

 

• Allergies/Sinusitis can cause a lingering cough, as well as an itchy throat, runny nose, sore throat, or rash. Talk to your child's doctor about allergy tests to find out which allergens cause the problem, and ask for advice on how to avoid that allergen. Allergens can include food, pollen, dander, and dust. Your doctor may also recommend allergy medication or allergy shots.

 

• Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is characterized by back-to-back coughs, followed by an inhale that has a "whooping" sound. Other symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, and low fever. Whooping cough is contagious, but easy to prevent with a vaccine. Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics.

 

• Other reasons children cough: A child may also cough out of habit after having been sick with a cough; after inhaling a foreign body like food or a small toy; or after exposure to irritants like pollution from cigarettes or fireplace smoke.

A Word About Children and Cough Medicine

Don't give cough medicine to children under age 4. Not only are these drugs not approved for very young children, there's no proof that they benefit them, either.

Also important: Never give aspirin to children under 18. Aspirin in children may cause Reye Syndrome, a rare but serious brain disease.

 

When to Call a Doctor About Your Child's Cough

Call 911 if your child:

Is struggling for breath, can't talk, or grunts with each breath
Is choking and unable to stop
Has passed out or stopped breathing
Has blue-tinged lips or fingernails

Call your doctor right away if your child:

Continue reading below...

Has trouble breathing
Persistent vomiting
Turns red or purple when coughing
Drools or has trouble swallowing
Seems very sick or fatigued
May have an object caught in their throat
Has chest pain when breathing deep
Is coughing blood or wheezing
Has a weak immune system or is not fully immunized
Is younger than 4 months old with a rectal temperature above 100.4° F (Do not give fever medicine to infants.)
Has a fever over 104° F, with no improvement in two hours after fever medicine

Tips for Losing Weight After Pregnancy

Now that your new baby is here, you have a lot to think about: when to feed her, what to do if she cries -- and how to get rid of those extra pounds you packed on during your pregnancy.

If you started out at a normal weight and gained the 25-35 pounds your doctor probably recommended, it shouldn't take you more than a couple of months to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight if you watch what you eat and exercise.

If, on the other hand, you were overweight before your pregnancy or you put on more weight than your doctor advised, it could take much longer -- up to a year -- to get the weight off. Any baby weight you don't take off could stick with you for a long time.

"It's very critical that you do get the weight off, because if you don't it has been associated with overweight and obesity 15 to 20 years later in life," says Debra Krummel, PhD, RD, endowed professor in the University of Cincinnati department of nutrition.

And although every new mom is eager to look like her old self again, one of the most important things to remember is to be patient with yourself. Your favorite celebrity might have gone straight from the delivery room into her size 0 jeans, but she may not have done it in a way that was good for her body.

"All the magazines ask, 'How did she do it?' The more important question is, 'Why did she do it?'" says Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). "They do this with very, very strict diets, and a lot of them do it by getting back into activity before their body is really ready for it."

Johnson advocates a more gradual approach to weight loss. "The number one thing new mothers have to have is a certain amount of patience with their body," she says. "It took nine months to get there. It should take at least that long to get back to their fighting weight."

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you lose weight after pregnancy and fit back into your old jeans -- whatever their size.

Don't diet.

It may sound strange, but going on an official "diet" could derail your post-pregnancy weight loss goals. Feeling deprived of your favorite foods while you're already stressed out by your new role as mom could actually cause you to gain weight, Johnson says.

"If you go back to eating healthy and eating for your hunger, most women find that the weight comes off pretty naturally," she says.

Instead of dieting, she recommends eating a well-balanced variety of foods. Keep different snacks in the house to keep you from feeling hungry and give you energy throughout the day. Apple slices, carrot sticks, and wheat crackers are all good for noshing.

No matter how much you want to lose weight, try not to dip below 1,800 calories a day, particularly if you are breastfeeding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid site can help you design a personalized eating plan based on your age, activity level, and weight loss goals. The site even has a special section for breastfeeding moms.
Load up on "super foods."

When you're a new mother, your body needs maximum nutrition, especially if you're nursing. Choose foods that are heavy in the nutrients you need and light in calories and fat.

Fish is one of these "super foods" because it's packed with DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that helps your newborn develop a healthy brain and nervous system. The best sources of DHA are cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna (stick to canned light tuna because albacore tends to be high in mercury).

Milk and yogurt are also super foods because they're high in the calcium you need to keep your bones strong. And don't forget the protein. Lean meat, chicken, and beans are low in fat and high in protein and fiber. They're good for you, and they'll keep you feeling full for longer.

Breastfeed.

Whether breastfeeding can actually help you lose weight is still up in the air -- some studies find that breastfeeding exclusively can help you return to your pre-baby weight faster, while others find no difference in weight loss between women who breastfeed and those who bottle feed.

What is for sure is that breastfeeding is good for your baby, boosting immunity and providing a number of other important health benefits. And nursing exclusively lets you add about an extra 300 calories a day to your diet (you can add slightly more calories if you have a really big eater or twins). Just make sure that if you do breastfeed, you don't use it as an excuse to eat whatever you want.

Drink up.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day prevents you from getting dehydrated. It also fills you up so that you don't eat as much, and some research has found that it may speed up your metabolism.

Whether you need the often-recommended eight glasses a day isn't certain, so Johnson recommends using the color of your urine and how often you need to go to the bathroom as guides. If you're drinking enough fluids, your urine should be relatively clear, and you should be going to the bathroom about every three to four hours.

Move it!

Diet is important, but it's only one part of your post-pregnancy weight loss plan. You also need to incorporate aerobic and strength training exercises after pregnancy to burn calories and keep your muscles and bones strong. "Exercise, beyond helping you lose weight, provides so many benefits to a new mom," Johnson says. "It helps with depression, it helps with the sleep issue ... it helps in relieving stress -- and having a new baby in the house can definitely be stressful."

You don't have to hit the gym to get back in shape after pregnancy -- taking a brisk walk with your baby in the stroller is enough to get your heart pumping and muscles working. "You want to shoot for at least 150 minutes a week," says James M. Pivarnik, PhD, FACSM, professor of kinesiology and epidemiology at Michigan State University and president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine. With a new baby, finding 30 minutes in a row might be impossible, so Pivarnik suggests breaking up the time into 10-minute increments. Then try to work your way up to 20- or 30-minute sessions.

Lugging around a baby all day is itself a workout, but you still need to add some strength training. Use light weights -- or even a couple of soup cans -- as resistance. Many health clubs and community centers offer "mommy and me" classes that will let you incorporate your baby into your workout routine. But before you start any exercise program, get your doctor's approval, especially if you had a C-section.
Get some sleep.

It may seem impossible to get a full eight hours of sleep when you have a baby summoning you like clockwork throughout the night, but being sleep deprived could make it harder for you to shed the baby weight. In one study, new moms who slept five hours or less a night were more likely to hold onto their extra pregnancy weight than women who slept seven hours. When you're tired, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones that can promote weight gain. "Also when you're exhausted, you don't feel like taking good care of yourself," Johnson says. "You're less likely to choose healthy food. You're more likely to grab something through a drive-through. You're also less likely to get physical activity."

Your friends or family members may have told you to "sleep when your baby sleeps," and that's good advice. Catch as many naps as you can during the day and go to bed early -- at least until your baby starts sleeping through the night.

Ask for help.

If you're struggling to lose the weight, enlist the help of your doctor and a dietitian. The dietitian can help you design an eating plan that will let you lose weight safely and effectively, while the doctor can guide you on how much weight you need to lose and when you can start exercising.

Starting your baby on solid foods

Starting your baby on solid foods can leave you wondering when the right time is and how to begin. The term "solid foods" means foods for baby other than breast milk or formula. These foods are soft, liquid or pureed. (The word puree refers to a paste or thick liquid that is made by grinding up certain foods.)

When to start solid foods

There's no exact time when your baby should begin solid foods. Every baby is different. But moms and dads can look for certain signs (developmental cues) that will help you know that your baby is ready.

In the first 4 months of life, babies only need breast milk (if they are breastfed) or formula (if they are bottle fed). In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed babies get only breast milk for the first 6 months of life and continue getting breast milk along with solid foods for up to age 12 months. But some babies might be ready to start some solid foods between 4 to 6 months of age.

During pregnancy, your baby got all of her nutrients and vitamins from the food you ate and the vitamins you took. Once your baby was born, all those extra vitamins and nutrients were stored in her body to help her grow. As your baby gets bigger, those extra vitamins start to lessen. When your baby is between 4-6 months, she may begin to show signs that she is ready to try some solid foods. However, don't rush to start your baby on solid foods. Just watch for her developmental cues and she'll let you know when she's ready.

When introducing solid foods to your baby, it's important to know that solid foods are meant to complement your baby's overall nutrition, not replace breast milk or formula. During this transition, your baby's primary source of nutrition should still be breast milk or, if he is bottle-fed, formula.

Learning baby's signs

As you spend time with your baby, you will learn to read her developmental cues. These cues are signs that tell you how your baby is growing, both mentally and physically. Understanding your baby's developmental cues is an important step in knowing when she is ready to begin eating solid foods. Remember: Even after your baby begins solid foods, she should continue eating breast milk or formula for the first 12 months.

To help you find out if your baby is ready for solid foods, use this guide to learn about your baby's developmental cues.

0-4 months of age

Developmental cues for baby

• The baby turns his head toward anything that brushes his cheek.
• He has a strong reflex, called extrusion, to push things out of her mouth with his tongue. This tongue-thrust reflex means he's not ready to eat anything other than breast milk or formula.

What baby can eat

• Breast milk or infant formula only (no solid foods)

How much baby can eat

• Newborns typically want to eat every 2 to 3 hours.
• By the end of the fourth month, your baby may want to eat every 4 hours.
• When he's full, he will stop sucking and he will be relaxed and sleepy.

4-6 months of age

Developmental cues for baby

• The extrusion reflex goes away. The baby develops the ability to eat non-liquid foods.
• She may show a desire for food by opening her mouth, drooling and leaning forward.
• She begins to chew and brings her hands to her mouth.
• She begins to handle objects with the palm of her hand.

What baby can eat

• Iron-fortified cereals (such as rice, barley and oatmeal) mixed with breast milk or infant formula (It's best to start with rice cereal, since it's less likely to cause an allergic reaction.)
• Breast milk or infant formula

How much baby can eat

• Your baby will only eat a little bit of solid foods at the beginning.
• Start with 1 tablespoon of cereal combined with 3 tablespoons of breast milk or infant formula once a day.
• Little by little, increase the amount of cereal to 3 to 4 tablespoons mixed with breast milk or infant formula once or twice a day. Remember: You can choose how thick to make the mixture by adding more breast milk or infant formula.

6-8 months of age

Developmental cues for baby

• The baby begins to sit upright with support.
• He feeds himself finger foods.
• He develops the ability to pick up foods with a pincer (finger-to-thumb) grasp.

What baby can eat

• Pureed and textured cooked vegetables and fruits (start baby on one food at a time to see if there are any allergic reactions)
• Unsweetened, non-citrus juices, such as pasteurized apple or grape, mixed with water from a cup
• Breast milk or infant formula

How much baby can eat

• Begin with 1 tablespoon of a fruit or vegetable once a day.
• Slowly increase to three solid foods meals a day, with each meal being about the size of baby's fist.
• Mix juices with water (1 part juice and 1 part water). Do not substitute breast milk or formula for water.
• Do not give your baby more than 4 ounces of juice per day.

8-10 months of age

Developmental cues for baby

• The baby begins to hold her bottle.
• She reaches for and grabs food and her spoon.
• She sits upright unsupported.

What baby can eat

• Breads and cereals
• Yogurt
• Soft, cooked vegetables, such as squash, peas, green beans and carrots
• Cooked fruit, such as peaches, apples and pears
• Very finely cut or pureed meats, fish, casseroles, cheese, cooked egg yolks as well as mashed legumes
• Breast milk or formula

Note: If you give your baby canned fruits or vegetables, be sure they come with no added salt or sugar.

How much baby can eat

• When you first introduce meat and fish to your baby, expect her to only eat about 1 teaspoon a day.
• Little by little, offer more meat and fish to your baby, giving her as much as 1 to 2 tablespoons of meat a day.
• Baby can eat small portions (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon) from the other suggested foods each day.
• Feed baby three solid foods meals a day, with each meal being about the size of baby's fist.

Note: Watch for signs of food allergy when first introducing fish and wheat-containing products, such as bread and crackers.

9-12 months of age

Developmental cues for baby

• The baby begins to use a spoon correctly, but spilling may still occur.

What baby can eat

• Each solid food meal should have iron-fortified cereal, a fruit or vegetable and some finger foods
• Breast milk or formula

How much baby can eat

• Offer your baby 1 tablespoon of each food group at each meal. The main food groups are grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat and beans.
• Feed baby three solid foods meals a day, with each meal being about the size of baby's fist.

First foods

When picking foods to feed your baby, make sure they are foods that he is able to eat and digest. Cereals are easy for babies to digest and can be mixed with breast milk or infant formula to be thick or thin, depending on what your baby is able to eat. Again, it's best to start with rice cereal because it is gluten-free. This means there is less chance of causing an allergic reaction.

Once your baby is ready for finger foods, try giving him:

• Crackers
• Cooked macaroni
• Bread
• Well-cooked and cut-up potatoes
• Small pieces of cooked soft vegetables
• Small pieces of soft fruit
• Small pieces of meat

Sweets and salts

Avoid giving your baby too much sugar. Excess sugar can cause tooth decay and adds unnecessary calories. Every food you give your baby should be nutritious to promote healthy habits. If your baby gets used to sweet flavors, she might reject healthier food options later on.

Also, keep baby away from foods with added salt or seasoning. Although the foods may taste bland to you, she will find the natural flavors stimulating!

Making the transition

It's important for your baby to feel comfortable sitting up, eating from a spoon, taking breaks between bites and stopping when he feels full.

Use a spoon.

• Make sure to start with a quarter to half of a teaspoon of food per bite.

Talk to your baby.

• Your baby needs to hear your encouragement so that he knows he's doing it right.
• Tell your baby "Yummy, this tastes so good!" and have a bite yourself.
• When you show your baby what to do, he is more likely to understand and follow your behavior.

Be sure the baby is sitting comfortably.

• Try to find a place where you and baby can both be comfortable.
• If baby is already sitting up, you can put him in the high chair.
• If he is still learning how to sit upright, try having him sit on your lap.
• Seating him in an infant carrier or motionless swing can also work.
• It's fine if he is slightly reclined, but make sure he is upright enough to avoid choking.

Introduce new foods slowly.

• It's a good idea to wait 4 to 5 days before you introduce a new food to your baby.
• By giving your baby one kind of food at a time, you'll be able to tell which food caused an allergic reaction if one occurs.
• Introducing new foods slowly allows your baby to become comfortable with the new foods.

Offer appropriates sizes.

• Give your baby the right size and amount of food that you want him to eat.
• In general, this means baby should eat solids around three times a day, and each meal should be about the size of his fist.
• Meats, fruits, vegetables and anything large can cause choking. Cut food into small pieces that he can manage.
• Make sure foods that need to be cooked are cooked thoroughly.

Watch for signs of fullness.

• Your baby will let you know that he is full by turning away or leaning back.
• He may also start to fuss if you force him to eat when he is no longer hungry.
• Follow your baby's cues to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
• This will also help avoid a pattern of overeating (and potentially being overweight) in his childhood.

Foods to avoid

Some infants may feel ill or have allergic reactions to foods that don't affect your other children. After you introduce a new food, watch for signs like diarrhea, rash or vomiting. If your baby has any of these signs or any other signals that concern you, speak with your baby's health provider before giving her this food again. The health provider will help you find out if your baby is allergic to this food.

In your baby's first year, avoid feeding her:

• Egg whites
• Citrus fruits or juices
• Cow's milk
• Honey (this may contain bacteria that can develop into a toxic illness called botulism, which can be very dangerous to infants)

Prevent choking

To prevent choking, do not feed your baby:

• Uncut or large foods (all foods should be cut or mashed into very small pieces for baby)
• Raw vegetables
• Raisins
• Cherries
• Gum
• Hard candy
• Hot dog slices
• Marshmallows
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Popcorn
• Whole beans
• Whole grapes

In general, it's best for children under age 4 to avoid foods that are round and firm, unless these foods are cut into very small, chewable pieces.

Be sure to keep your baby away from:

• Coins
• Small balls
• Balloons
• Pen tops
• Other potential choking hazards

Remember

• Although you're starting your baby on solid foods, you don't need to wean him from breast milk right away. Some babies may no longer have an interest in breastfeeding after 1 year of age. But breastfeeding can continue beyond the first year of life if mother and child wish.
• Don't feed your baby solid or pureed foods through his bottle. This takes away from your baby's overall learning about how to hold and eat foods. It can also put him at risk for eating too much and becoming overweight. It's best to use a teaspoon to feed your baby solid foods. Also, feeding baby with a spoon plays an important role in your baby's language development.
• Do not give your baby cow's milk until he is at least 1 year old. At age 1, cow's milk can become a major source of essential nutrients for your baby. Babies should be given whole milk until age 2.
• Do not give food or sweets to your baby as a reward for good behavior. Instead reward him with praise, kisses, love and attention.
• Practice good oral hygiene for your baby right away. As soon as he has teeth, start cleaning them with a small wet washcloth.