http://parentingintheloop.wordpress.com/
Let's all have the safest of holidays...
Here are some tips to follow for holiday safety in your home.
Keeping your children safe is a constant vigil.
Here are some suggestions, along with a link to POISON CONTROL.
Keep in handy.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Hospital Essentials...
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40490920#40490920
If you are expecting the "what to take to the hospital" is a definite list that you need. Take a look at this Today Show segment from "Big City Moms"
My personal take on this one is:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40490920#40490920
If you are expecting the "what to take to the hospital" is a definite list that you need. Take a look at this Today Show segment from "Big City Moms"
My personal take on this one is:
- your own pillow with a colorful pillowcase
- inexpensive new PJ's with a front access for breast feeding moms
- camera
- lollipops
- cellphone for baby announcements
- non-perishable snacks to delight in when you are up in the middle of the night.
- car seat
- baby clothes
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40490920#40490920
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Study: Nighttime Sleep Linked With Better Cognitive Skills in Infants
Study: Nighttime Sleep Linked With Better Cognitive Skills in Infants
Interesting findings in this study on baby sleep habits....
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fight for Preemies // Bloggers Unite
Fight for Preemies // Bloggers Unite
November is Preemie Month for the March of Dimes.
"Unite for Preemies"
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Back to Standard Time...
If you have a baby that still takes a nap you will have to do a little adjusting to get him/her onto the new time schedule. Probably this morning he woke up an hour or so earlier due to the clocks moving back an hour.
So in order to accommodate, try to keep your little one up as close to the regular time for his nap and then put him to bed at his normal hour.
If your little one has given up his nap put him to bed as close to his normal time as you can and he will gradually adjust.
Good luck. Happy sleeping...
So in order to accommodate, try to keep your little one up as close to the regular time for his nap and then put him to bed at his normal hour.
If your little one has given up his nap put him to bed as close to his normal time as you can and he will gradually adjust.
Good luck. Happy sleeping...
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Attachment Parenting....discussion
http://www.babble.com/science-of-kids/attachment-parenting-made-easier/
If you are an "attached parent" and are some times overwhelmed by it here is a little bit of history on attachment theory before Dr. Sears.
As with any theory of parenting you as parents need to develop your own style of parenting with a balance of good consistent ways of dealing with your infant as he/she grows and develops.
Each child will test your style and it helps to realize that this is okay. In fact it is a good thing.
So...whatever parenting skills you practice...do it consistently with love and affection for your child.
If you are an "attached parent" and are some times overwhelmed by it here is a little bit of history on attachment theory before Dr. Sears.
As with any theory of parenting you as parents need to develop your own style of parenting with a balance of good consistent ways of dealing with your infant as he/she grows and develops.
Each child will test your style and it helps to realize that this is okay. In fact it is a good thing.
So...whatever parenting skills you practice...do it consistently with love and affection for your child.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Discipline: Stop Before Entering
Discipline: Stop Before Entering
Wonderful parenting blog...discipline is so difficult and every parent has their own issues with it.
How do we actually discipline in a way that is effective?
One of the keys is to be consistent with the rules of good behavior so that your child knows what is expected of him/her.
This is not always easy but it is necessary for all the caregivers to be "on the same page" with the child's behavior expectations and the discipline rules.
Check out this blog and see for yourself.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
http://www.phdinparenting.com/2008/07/05/no-cry-it-out/
http://www.phdinparenting.com/2008/07/05/no-cry-it-out/
This is an excellent blog on why "crying it out" is not the way to deal with baby's sleeping problems. Crying it out can traumatize a child.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Toddlers and the I-Phone...
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/fashion/17TODDLERS.html
What a nice controversy we have here. The I-Phone, learning apps and the toddler. Are these compatible?
I definitely think that they are if they are used judiciously with the toddler in your life.
In amazement, I watch toddlers with their parents tuned in to the I Touch, I Phone or whatever, learning sounds, shapes, animals, or vocabulary words and then hearing canned clapping as their reward along with a stickers for repeated successes.
How could something like this be bad in this age of technology? These are the children of the future and it will be a future fraught with choices. Many of those choices will involve technology and "soft addictions" to technology.
Parents have a clear obligation here to monitor a toddler's time and use of this current technology... yes again the responsibility lies with the parent. Just as you would not want your child to sit and eat a gallon of ice cream you would also not want to just leave them in front of the television or have an I Phone/Pad to themselves for hours on end.
With supervision and with rewards coming from their parents on their successes playing such "apps" "Toddler Teasers" it is my opinion that technology can enhance a child's learning and prepare them for the technology world that is ahead of them.
An additional perk is that as a grandparent your grandchild's use of the I-Touch may actually keep you "in touch" with the changing world around you.
What do you think?
What a nice controversy we have here. The I-Phone, learning apps and the toddler. Are these compatible?
I definitely think that they are if they are used judiciously with the toddler in your life.
In amazement, I watch toddlers with their parents tuned in to the I Touch, I Phone or whatever, learning sounds, shapes, animals, or vocabulary words and then hearing canned clapping as their reward along with a stickers for repeated successes.
How could something like this be bad in this age of technology? These are the children of the future and it will be a future fraught with choices. Many of those choices will involve technology and "soft addictions" to technology.
Parents have a clear obligation here to monitor a toddler's time and use of this current technology... yes again the responsibility lies with the parent. Just as you would not want your child to sit and eat a gallon of ice cream you would also not want to just leave them in front of the television or have an I Phone/Pad to themselves for hours on end.
With supervision and with rewards coming from their parents on their successes playing such "apps" "Toddler Teasers" it is my opinion that technology can enhance a child's learning and prepare them for the technology world that is ahead of them.
An additional perk is that as a grandparent your grandchild's use of the I-Touch may actually keep you "in touch" with the changing world around you.
What do you think?
Toddlers and the I-Phone...
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/fashion/17TODDLERS.html
What a nice controversy we have here. The I-Phone, learning apps and the toddler. Are these compatible?
I definitely think that they are if they are used judiciously with the toddler in your life.
In amazement, I watch toddlers with their parents tuned in to the I Touch, I Phone or whatever, learning sounds, shapes, animals, or vocabulary words and then hearing canned clapping as their reward along with a stickers for repeated successes.
How could something like this be bad in this age of technology? These are the children of the future and it will be a future fraught with choices. Many of those choices will involve technology and "soft addictions" to technology.
Parents have a clear obligation here to monitor a toddler's time and use of this current technology... yes again the responsibility lies with the parent. Just as you would not want your child to sit and eat a gallon of ice cream you would also not want to just leave them in front of the television or have an I Phone/Pad to themselves for hours on end.
With supervision and with rewards coming from their parents on their successes playing such "apps" "Toddler Teasers" it is my opinion that technology can enhance a child's learning and prepare them for the technology world that is ahead of them.
An additional perk is that as a grandparent your grandchild's use of the I-Touch may actually keep you "in touch" with the changing world around you.
What do you think?
What a nice controversy we have here. The I-Phone, learning apps and the toddler. Are these compatible?
I definitely think that they are if they are used judiciously with the toddler in your life.
In amazement, I watch toddlers with their parents tuned in to the I Touch, I Phone or whatever, learning sounds, shapes, animals, or vocabulary words and then hearing canned clapping as their reward along with a stickers for repeated successes.
How could something like this be bad in this age of technology? These are the children of the future and it will be a future fraught with choices. Many of those choices will involve technology and "soft addictions" to technology.
Parents have a clear obligation here to monitor a toddler's time and use of this current technology... yes again the responsibility lies with the parent. Just as you would not want your child to sit and eat a gallon of ice cream you would also not want to just leave them in front of the television or have an I Phone/Pad to themselves for hours on end.
With supervision and with rewards coming from their parents on their successes playing such "apps" "Toddler Teasers" it is my opinion that technology can enhance a child's learning and prepare them for the technology world that is ahead of them.
An additional perk is that as a grandparent your grandchild's use of the I-Touch may actually keep you "in touch" with the changing world around you.
What do you think?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
You're Pregnant, Have a Drink
You're Pregnant, Have a Drink
What do you think about this controversy?
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Katy Perry sings "Hot N Cold" with Elmo on Sesame Street!
Okay...what do you think...is this offensive?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Be mindful of gratitude
Be mindful of gratitude
Try to take time every day to sit quietly for a few minutes.
Focus on your breathe.
Think about something or someone that you are grateful for having in your life.
You can do this anywhere at almost anytime except perhaps when you are driving. I would not recommend it then.
Gratitude will lighten your thoughts and make you feel happier and hopefully make your day a little better!
Try it and see for yourself.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Depression in Young Children...
Here is a link to a response to the recent article in the New York Times concerning depression and children. http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1pEO6O/babble.com/toddler/toddler-health-and-safety/kids-depression-symptoms-child
Many adults who have depression say they remember feeling "sad" as children.
Treatment for children is done with the parents and the child. I love the use of the ear piece to help the parents interact with the child complete with prompts from the therapist.
See what you think!
Many adults who have depression say they remember feeling "sad" as children.
Treatment for children is done with the parents and the child. I love the use of the ear piece to help the parents interact with the child complete with prompts from the therapist.
See what you think!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Adoption Questions and Answers....
I often think about what parents tell their adopted child about the child's birth mother. This is a tender topic for a child.
As with any questions that a child asks the answers should be age appropriate and honest as can be. It is good to remember to just answer the question as simply as possible. Many times a parent makes the mistake of interpreting the question as far too complex and then delivers a complex answer.
The child usually does not need a complex answer nor does he want one.
The following article received many comments in disagreement with how this mother handled her child's questions regarding his real mother.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05Lives-t.html
What was this little one really wanting to know?
Who was served by the answers that his adoptive mother gave him? The child or the adoptive mom?
How would you have handled this tender situation?
As with any questions that a child asks the answers should be age appropriate and honest as can be. It is good to remember to just answer the question as simply as possible. Many times a parent makes the mistake of interpreting the question as far too complex and then delivers a complex answer.
The child usually does not need a complex answer nor does he want one.
The following article received many comments in disagreement with how this mother handled her child's questions regarding his real mother.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/magazine/05Lives-t.html
What was this little one really wanting to know?
Who was served by the answers that his adoptive mother gave him? The child or the adoptive mom?
How would you have handled this tender situation?
Monday, August 30, 2010
Family Time....Meal Time....
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/16/health/16well.html
I loved this article...family time is indeed important and all the better if it is at meal time even with the television on!
What .... television?
It seems that it is not as negative as one would think according to the researchers.
And guess what ...be creative if you cannot have a dinner time together try breakfast!
But most importantly figure out a time for everyone to eat a meal together during the week.!
I loved this article...family time is indeed important and all the better if it is at meal time even with the television on!
What .... television?
It seems that it is not as negative as one would think according to the researchers.
And guess what ...be creative if you cannot have a dinner time together try breakfast!
But most importantly figure out a time for everyone to eat a meal together during the week.!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Attachment and Immunity...
http://www.parenting.com/Common/printArticle.jsp?articleID=1000081944
Good attachment and good immunity go hand in hand. This mind body connection is explored with Deepak Chopra in this wonderful short article.
Enjoy and keep hugging your child...
Good attachment and good immunity go hand in hand. This mind body connection is explored with Deepak Chopra in this wonderful short article.
Enjoy and keep hugging your child...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Salmonella and Pregnancy!
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=8080
Everyone should be aware of this salmonella outbreak...particularly pregnant women!
March of Dimes is wonderful.
Everyone should be aware of this salmonella outbreak...particularly pregnant women!
March of Dimes is wonderful.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Kangaroo Care...
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=8033
Kangaroo Care---beautiful way to experience and support yourself and your preemie! Read on and marvel at the closeness of parents and preemie and the therapeutic affect of this type of experience!
Kangaroo Care---beautiful way to experience and support yourself and your preemie! Read on and marvel at the closeness of parents and preemie and the therapeutic affect of this type of experience!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
"Getting baby to give up bottle"...
How do you get your baby to give up his precious bottle. The March of Dimes has some answers for you.
Hope this helps.
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=7917
Hope this helps.
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=7917
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
PhD in Parenting
PhD in Parenting
This is an interesting perspective on promoting Breast Feeding! One of the ways to promote behavior is to provide information and help to actually practice the behavior.
See what you think!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Separation Anxiety – Your Child and Your’s
Separation Anxiety – Your Child and Your’s
This may direct you to some helpful comments about "separation anxiety". We all experience it but when our child is going through it is helpful to know that this is an important stage of development!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Good parents...not so great kids!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/health/13mind.html
Apparently according to this discussion you can be good parents and have children that are not so good.
I have a tendency to agree with many of the points in this article by a New York psychiatrist.
It has always been my approach as a Clinical Social Worker who works with parents to gather all the family information available and work from the point where the family currently finds itself.
There is many times no reason for parents to beat themselves up and blame themselves for behaviors that may actually be "hard wired"in their children!
What do you think???
Apparently according to this discussion you can be good parents and have children that are not so good.
I have a tendency to agree with many of the points in this article by a New York psychiatrist.
It has always been my approach as a Clinical Social Worker who works with parents to gather all the family information available and work from the point where the family currently finds itself.
There is many times no reason for parents to beat themselves up and blame themselves for behaviors that may actually be "hard wired"in their children!
What do you think???
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
"Parent's Medical Literacy"
According to "The Research Report" in the Wall Street Journal, printed materials that parents receive when they purchase common pediatric medications are written in language that is above most parents' reading levels.
This is according to a study in "Academic Pediatrics".
This is very important information and pharmaceutical companies should probably take this finding very seriously. They should endeavor to make their printed information more within the reading comprehension level of their users in order to protect our precious children.
Here is the full article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111704575355412689162070.html?mod=rss_Health
This is according to a study in "Academic Pediatrics".
This is very important information and pharmaceutical companies should probably take this finding very seriously. They should endeavor to make their printed information more within the reading comprehension level of their users in order to protect our precious children.
Here is the full article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111704575355412689162070.html?mod=rss_Health
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Car Seat Safety...
Infants are not necessarily safe when their car seat is used outside of the car.
Many injuries have been reported involving babies that are in their car seats propped in grocery carts or even on the bed in their homes.
Read what the March of Dimes has to say about this!
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=7782
Many injuries have been reported involving babies that are in their car seats propped in grocery carts or even on the bed in their homes.
Read what the March of Dimes has to say about this!
http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.com/?p=7782
Chocolate and Pre-eclampsia???
Yesterday I read an article which reviewed a small study done at Yale University.
It found a correlation between pregnant women who ate chocolate and pre-eclampsia. In the article it seemed that this was a newly published study when in fact the results of this study were published two years ago.
I then searched for the original study and the professional comments on the results.
What I found should be of interest.
Basically in a nutshell, further studies need to take place to confirm that chocolate consumption may help reduce the risk of pregnant women developing pre-eclampsia.
It is always risky to take announcements of this kind and "run with them" without investigating the original research and the quality of that research. One would also want to review the professional comments about research of this kind.
So... if I were pregnant I would not be running out to consume more chocolate...I would discuss anything that I read like this with my doctor and get a professional opinion.
Although it may be true that chocolate consumption might in fact have some of the protecting qualities, I am sure more will be revealed about this in future research.
In conclusion what I have learned is to beware of statements like this and reviews of scientific research by "freelance" writers who are not necessarily equipped to review such material.
It found a correlation between pregnant women who ate chocolate and pre-eclampsia. In the article it seemed that this was a newly published study when in fact the results of this study were published two years ago.
I then searched for the original study and the professional comments on the results.
What I found should be of interest.
Basically in a nutshell, further studies need to take place to confirm that chocolate consumption may help reduce the risk of pregnant women developing pre-eclampsia.
It is always risky to take announcements of this kind and "run with them" without investigating the original research and the quality of that research. One would also want to review the professional comments about research of this kind.
So... if I were pregnant I would not be running out to consume more chocolate...I would discuss anything that I read like this with my doctor and get a professional opinion.
Although it may be true that chocolate consumption might in fact have some of the protecting qualities, I am sure more will be revealed about this in future research.
In conclusion what I have learned is to beware of statements like this and reviews of scientific research by "freelance" writers who are not necessarily equipped to review such material.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Gulf Oil Spill and Pregnancy
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/gulfoilspill2010/2010gulfoilspill/pregnancy_oilspill.asp#
Here is the CDC information on the effects of the gulf oil spill on pregnancy! Please forward to those that you know who may be affected.
Here is the CDC information on the effects of the gulf oil spill on pregnancy! Please forward to those that you know who may be affected.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Nursemaid's Elbow
This is something all parents should be aware of...when it happen it is frightening and it can sometimes be remedied without a trip to the pediatrician.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
More on Postpartum Stress...
Newborns can definitely add stress to your life along with the joy that they bring...this can produce anxiety on the part of the parents both mom and dad.
There are so many questions that new parents have concerning feeding, crying, trying to give attention to the other sibling(s) and to your partner.
These concerns are so common and there are ways to help manage them...taking care of yourselves is very important...and probably number one.
If you do not care for yourself then it is very hard to take care of your newborn.
Here are some helpful tips from the March of Dimes website: www.marchofdimes.com
There are so many questions that new parents have concerning feeding, crying, trying to give attention to the other sibling(s) and to your partner.
These concerns are so common and there are ways to help manage them...taking care of yourselves is very important...and probably number one.
If you do not care for yourself then it is very hard to take care of your newborn.
Here are some helpful tips from the March of Dimes website: www.marchofdimes.com
- Sleep- get as much rest as you can wherever and whenever. Share night feedings with your partner so that each of you gets rest.
- Eat healthy foods as much as you can.
- Exercise- a few minutes here and there will help you to have more energy. Take baby for a walk...I actually did leg lifts and yoga on the floor next to baby when baby was having tummy-time or in the swing!
- Please and most importantly know that you are not alone...there are many emotions floating around at this time especially during the "Fourth Trimester".
- "Baby Blues" can occur 3-5 days after delivery and usually go away by the 10th day postpartum.
- If these "blue" feelings continue for more than two weeks or get worse...this could be postpartum depression consult your physician right away.
More to come about Postpartum Stress...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Top Toddler Fears - What Scares Babies and Toddlers Most
"Fears are a huge reason why some toddlers cannot get to sleep or return to sleep in the middle of the night. This explains some fears and some suggestions to deal with them."
Learn what tops the list of the scariest stuff for young children and how you can use playtime to conquer those worries.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Baby's First Four Months Continued....
The first four months of a baby's life is all about development and learning on both the baby's and parent's part. It is also about developing routines and rhythms. As the baby becomes more calm and secure so do the parents. This sounds so simple but when you have a crying baby and you are exhausted simplicity is the farthest thing from your frazzled mind. At that time there seems to be a thin line between sanity and insanity!
Baby can be fussy for no apparent reason. The deal is not to rely on the breast or the bottle as the only way to calm a fussy baby. These are not the only way to pacify a newborn. Nothing will matter if the baby is hungry. So making sure that hunger is not the cause of his fussiness is of utmost importance!
There are definitely some subtle techniques that begin to lay the foundation that will help your baby become a good sleeper and have the ability to self soothe. This will also help the parents stay well rested. Well rested babies are more apt to be happy babies!
The term "bonding" will be very familiar to any parent that has read anything about having a baby. Essentially that is what has been happening since your very first "ultrasound" when you first were able to see your embryo's beating heart. Bonding was beginning at that time and now continues very much so during this "fourth trimester"
To continue bonding after you bring your newborn home begin to create a routine with your baby. Not too rigid but never the less a routine...something that the baby can count on and expect at bedtime, mealtime, naptime etc. It can be as simple as a favorite CD of lullabies or a lovey...whatever is soothing to your child. The newborn should be on a flexible "demand" feeding and sleeping schedule. Do not confuse routine and consistency with inflexible. Routines will make parenting easier in the long run and will assist you in figuring out what your baby wants when he becomes fussy.
Babies all need to know that they can count on their parents and caregivers. Therefore responding to their needs swiftly will be very important. You cannot spoil a child at this age. Do not let his needs or cry go unanswered. There is no such thing as too responsive to a child under the age of 1 year.
Holding your infant is so good for him and for you. This closeness is very soothing to both of you. Of course it is not necessary to hold him 24/7 but again it is not spoiling your baby in this "fourth trimester" of development.
Soothing techniques other than feeding must be learned and encouraged at this time.
Building a secure environment for your newborn is one of your primary concerns during this phase of development and will help to shape his future in many ways...becoming a good sleeper will be one of those ways.
Some soothing techniques, sucking on a pacifier, swaddling, swinging, shh...shhing noises and side holding are a few of the recommended ones in "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Harvey Karp.
Baby massage is another soother.
Babies that develop "colic" during the "fourth trimester" can defy all of the above suggestions at times.
Colic deserves to be discussed in a separate blog.
Next time: Facts about colic...causes and cures!!!
Baby can be fussy for no apparent reason. The deal is not to rely on the breast or the bottle as the only way to calm a fussy baby. These are not the only way to pacify a newborn. Nothing will matter if the baby is hungry. So making sure that hunger is not the cause of his fussiness is of utmost importance!
There are definitely some subtle techniques that begin to lay the foundation that will help your baby become a good sleeper and have the ability to self soothe. This will also help the parents stay well rested. Well rested babies are more apt to be happy babies!
The term "bonding" will be very familiar to any parent that has read anything about having a baby. Essentially that is what has been happening since your very first "ultrasound" when you first were able to see your embryo's beating heart. Bonding was beginning at that time and now continues very much so during this "fourth trimester"
To continue bonding after you bring your newborn home begin to create a routine with your baby. Not too rigid but never the less a routine...something that the baby can count on and expect at bedtime, mealtime, naptime etc. It can be as simple as a favorite CD of lullabies or a lovey...whatever is soothing to your child. The newborn should be on a flexible "demand" feeding and sleeping schedule. Do not confuse routine and consistency with inflexible. Routines will make parenting easier in the long run and will assist you in figuring out what your baby wants when he becomes fussy.
Babies all need to know that they can count on their parents and caregivers. Therefore responding to their needs swiftly will be very important. You cannot spoil a child at this age. Do not let his needs or cry go unanswered. There is no such thing as too responsive to a child under the age of 1 year.
Holding your infant is so good for him and for you. This closeness is very soothing to both of you. Of course it is not necessary to hold him 24/7 but again it is not spoiling your baby in this "fourth trimester" of development.
Soothing techniques other than feeding must be learned and encouraged at this time.
Building a secure environment for your newborn is one of your primary concerns during this phase of development and will help to shape his future in many ways...becoming a good sleeper will be one of those ways.
Some soothing techniques, sucking on a pacifier, swaddling, swinging, shh...shhing noises and side holding are a few of the recommended ones in "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Harvey Karp.
Baby massage is another soother.
Babies that develop "colic" during the "fourth trimester" can defy all of the above suggestions at times.
Colic deserves to be discussed in a separate blog.
Next time: Facts about colic...causes and cures!!!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Baby's First Four Months
Babies are extremely immature when they are born. They depend on their brains for survival and therefore their head is the largest part of their body. It takes a full three months for a normal newborn to develop the ability to do very small but significant behaviors.
Newborns initially can only focus on things that are about 12 inches away which is why they are fascinated by their mother's face. They can imitate facial expressions and can stick their tongues out in imitation of their parent's behavior.
They also enjoy looking at bright colors and contrasts. Socially infants are amused by their parent's voices and can actually recognize their mother's voice from the sounds they heard while in utero. They enjoy voices more than music or noise at this time in their growth and development.
Newborns have limited motor abilities. They cannot purposely put their fingers or hands in their mouths. They have jerky movements that are uncoordinated.
As the newborn's brain develops over the first three months it becomes easier for them to focus on large objects that are farther away. They can begin to purposely turn their heads when they hear their mother's voice. At this time they begin to coo and giggle. They start to smile and become socially interactive.
Now is also the time that babies start to put fingers in their mouths and perhaps suck their thumbs. Overall babies at four months old have more developed sensory, social, motor and physiological capabilities.
Understanding your baby's "Fourth Trimester" is crucial to understanding why in "The Happiest Baby on the BlocK", Dr. Karp's 5's help to soothe the newborn and why these 5's initiate the calming reflex.
During the first three months of life the newborn's brain grows another twenty percent in size. There are many changes in the neural pathways that lead to the baby developing more complex purposeful behaviors. The newborn reflexes will now diminish and disappear and will be taken over by purposeful behaviors.
Next:" Imitating the Uterine Environment for Your Newborn".
Newborns initially can only focus on things that are about 12 inches away which is why they are fascinated by their mother's face. They can imitate facial expressions and can stick their tongues out in imitation of their parent's behavior.
They also enjoy looking at bright colors and contrasts. Socially infants are amused by their parent's voices and can actually recognize their mother's voice from the sounds they heard while in utero. They enjoy voices more than music or noise at this time in their growth and development.
Newborns have limited motor abilities. They cannot purposely put their fingers or hands in their mouths. They have jerky movements that are uncoordinated.
As the newborn's brain develops over the first three months it becomes easier for them to focus on large objects that are farther away. They can begin to purposely turn their heads when they hear their mother's voice. At this time they begin to coo and giggle. They start to smile and become socially interactive.
Now is also the time that babies start to put fingers in their mouths and perhaps suck their thumbs. Overall babies at four months old have more developed sensory, social, motor and physiological capabilities.
Understanding your baby's "Fourth Trimester" is crucial to understanding why in "The Happiest Baby on the BlocK", Dr. Karp's 5's help to soothe the newborn and why these 5's initiate the calming reflex.
During the first three months of life the newborn's brain grows another twenty percent in size. There are many changes in the neural pathways that lead to the baby developing more complex purposeful behaviors. The newborn reflexes will now diminish and disappear and will be taken over by purposeful behaviors.
Next:" Imitating the Uterine Environment for Your Newborn".
Friday, April 2, 2010
Sleepy Baby Spring is Here!
This week celebrates Passover and Easter. I hope that all of you have a very nice restful weekend!
Happy Spring!
Happy Spring!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Crying Baby
Nothing is more upsetting to parents than a crying baby. After only a few hours after his birthing experience your baby is set to go home with you. This in and of itself is a daunting adventure! Just think about what has just happened in those first few hours of your newborn's life not to mention what you as parents have just gone through. And now you are all getting into a car and going home together. YIKES!!!
For the first few days the baby will undoubtedly sleep, eat, cry and need to be changed. This will take up most of your time and that of your significant other. It is just amazing how a little package can change the pulse of a household.
One of the things that a baby does to communicate with you is cry. It is your job to figure out his cry and what it means. Is he hungry, wet, gassy or is something else bothering him. And then it is your job to try and soothe your baby...many times easier said than done!!!
Harvey Karp, MD and pediatrician writes that "one out of every five babies has repeated bouts of terrible fussiness ---for no apparent reason." The question is will your baby be one of these "fussy" little ones? One thing is for sure that for as many well meaning friends and relatives you have that will be the number of well meaning solutions you will get for dealing with this fussiness. Many parents turn to their pediatrician for advice. Most parents will be sent home from their pediatrician with no more answers than they came into the doctors office with. This is disconcerting...for many the next stop is the baby book advice aisle at the nearest bookstore or their computer. There is a wealth of information in books and on the internet but where does a parent with a "fussy" baby begin.
I particularly like Dr. Harvey Karp's suggestions and recommendations which he bases on his research about how our ancient ancestors intuitively understood how to calm a crying baby when all else fails.
He uses five different characteristics of the in utero environment called the "5 S's" They have to be performed exactly right for them to be effective if not they will not succeed in calming the fussy baby.
He refers to the "calming reflex" and the "Cuddle Cure" This calming reflex is elicited by layering the "5 S's" on top of one another.
Dr. Karp also refers to the "fourth trimester" of pregnancy which is the newborn period. Newborns are neurologically immature when they are born. He says that by mimicking the conditions that they experienced in the uterus it is possible to elicit "the calming reflex" and thus help babies to stop crying and settle down which is the first step towards assisting them in learning the ability to self soothe. This calming reflex is believed to be a neurological response triggered by the "5 S's".
I will be discussing more about the "5 S's" in later blogs. So stay tuned!
For the first few days the baby will undoubtedly sleep, eat, cry and need to be changed. This will take up most of your time and that of your significant other. It is just amazing how a little package can change the pulse of a household.
One of the things that a baby does to communicate with you is cry. It is your job to figure out his cry and what it means. Is he hungry, wet, gassy or is something else bothering him. And then it is your job to try and soothe your baby...many times easier said than done!!!
Harvey Karp, MD and pediatrician writes that "one out of every five babies has repeated bouts of terrible fussiness ---for no apparent reason." The question is will your baby be one of these "fussy" little ones? One thing is for sure that for as many well meaning friends and relatives you have that will be the number of well meaning solutions you will get for dealing with this fussiness. Many parents turn to their pediatrician for advice. Most parents will be sent home from their pediatrician with no more answers than they came into the doctors office with. This is disconcerting...for many the next stop is the baby book advice aisle at the nearest bookstore or their computer. There is a wealth of information in books and on the internet but where does a parent with a "fussy" baby begin.
I particularly like Dr. Harvey Karp's suggestions and recommendations which he bases on his research about how our ancient ancestors intuitively understood how to calm a crying baby when all else fails.
He uses five different characteristics of the in utero environment called the "5 S's" They have to be performed exactly right for them to be effective if not they will not succeed in calming the fussy baby.
He refers to the "calming reflex" and the "Cuddle Cure" This calming reflex is elicited by layering the "5 S's" on top of one another.
Dr. Karp also refers to the "fourth trimester" of pregnancy which is the newborn period. Newborns are neurologically immature when they are born. He says that by mimicking the conditions that they experienced in the uterus it is possible to elicit "the calming reflex" and thus help babies to stop crying and settle down which is the first step towards assisting them in learning the ability to self soothe. This calming reflex is believed to be a neurological response triggered by the "5 S's".
I will be discussing more about the "5 S's" in later blogs. So stay tuned!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sleep Habits
In the next few weeks I will be posting information to help new mothers with newborns. I will provide suggestions that will help soothe a crying newborn, and assist in establishing a consistent routine for baby.
Consistent and routine will be words that will be used repeatedly when dealing with your infant. They thrive on routine. You will be encouraged to establish a routine and stick to one because the results will be a happier baby and then a happier you.
From time to time when I come upon websites that could be of interest to you as parents or grandparents, I will post them for you to check out and decide whether they could be helpful to you.
In the meantime. Enjoy those babies!
Consistent and routine will be words that will be used repeatedly when dealing with your infant. They thrive on routine. You will be encouraged to establish a routine and stick to one because the results will be a happier baby and then a happier you.
From time to time when I come upon websites that could be of interest to you as parents or grandparents, I will post them for you to check out and decide whether they could be helpful to you.
In the meantime. Enjoy those babies!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Graco Recalls Harmony(tm) High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard
Graco Recalls Harmony(tm) High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard
Check out the details of this warning if you own a Graco high chair.
Check out the details of this warning if you own a Graco high chair.
Parents: Use Extra Caution When Wearing Baby Slings
Parents: Use Extra Caution When Wearing Baby Slings
This is a very important warning to parents and anyone who uses a Baby Sling. Please READ it!!!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Daylight Savings and Baby's Sleep Schedule
Well, it is that time of the year again after a long winter that we get to lose an hour of sleep this Saturday night March 14th as we turn the clocks ahead one hour.
How will this affect your little one? Well if s/he sleeps normally until 7:00 a.m. then you may hear him at around 8:00 a.m.
That may be an okay hour on Sunday but if you want to go back to 7:00 a.m. on a regular basis then you will have to make a one hour adjustment and wake your child at 6:00 a.m. daylight savings time on Sunday morning. During the day on Sunday try to keep the same nap schedule as usual and put your baby to bed at the regular time. This should allow him to make the time adjustment and be somewhat back on schedule on Monday morning.
It will be lighter now longer and so this may cause a little bit of havoc if the babies room has more light coming in earlier or later in the day. Room darkening shades maybe a worthwhile investment.
Have a great weekend!
How will this affect your little one? Well if s/he sleeps normally until 7:00 a.m. then you may hear him at around 8:00 a.m.
That may be an okay hour on Sunday but if you want to go back to 7:00 a.m. on a regular basis then you will have to make a one hour adjustment and wake your child at 6:00 a.m. daylight savings time on Sunday morning. During the day on Sunday try to keep the same nap schedule as usual and put your baby to bed at the regular time. This should allow him to make the time adjustment and be somewhat back on schedule on Monday morning.
It will be lighter now longer and so this may cause a little bit of havoc if the babies room has more light coming in earlier or later in the day. Room darkening shades maybe a worthwhile investment.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Newborns and Sleep
Babies who are 0 -2 1/2 months old do not differentiate between night and day very well as they do not have enough melatonin in their systems. Infants at this age require frequent feedings since there stomachs are very small and they cannot eat enough to allow them not to get hungry after 3 - 4 hours. The simple fact is that developmentally they are not ready to sleep more than 3 - 4 hours at a time.
Therefore sleep "coaching" or "training" cannot be accomplished until around 3 - 4 months of age when an infant is capable of sleeping through the night. Now there is one other reason a baby may not be sleeping through the night at this age and that is if he is breastfeeding. Why is that? Well, breast milk is actually digested more rapidly than formula so the breastfed baby gets hungry more frequently than the formula fed infant. This is important to keep in mind when trying to coach your infant to sleep through the night. Just because he now is developmentally capable of doing so, if he is hungry he will awaken and need a feeding. I will discuss this night feeding in a later blog.
So sometime during this developmental stage parents can expect that their baby will sleep for longer periods of time and hopefully that will be at night!
Coming next .... how to establish a consistent sleep pattern for your baby!
Therefore sleep "coaching" or "training" cannot be accomplished until around 3 - 4 months of age when an infant is capable of sleeping through the night. Now there is one other reason a baby may not be sleeping through the night at this age and that is if he is breastfeeding. Why is that? Well, breast milk is actually digested more rapidly than formula so the breastfed baby gets hungry more frequently than the formula fed infant. This is important to keep in mind when trying to coach your infant to sleep through the night. Just because he now is developmentally capable of doing so, if he is hungry he will awaken and need a feeding. I will discuss this night feeding in a later blog.
So sometime during this developmental stage parents can expect that their baby will sleep for longer periods of time and hopefully that will be at night!
Coming next .... how to establish a consistent sleep pattern for your baby!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Helping your Baby to Sleep!
As any new mother knows their newborn sleeps many hours during a 24 hour period. Their wakeful time is somewhat limited to feeding, bathing, changing, being held or in an infant swing or bassinet.
The mom's daytime hours are filled with trying to balance the baby's feeding schedule which is usually a demand feeding schedule...simply meaning that when the baby is hungry and crying he gets fed, with trying to take care of herself, other siblings and all the things that go along with being a mom. This can be an exhausting time particularly when at night the cutest infant can become almost nightmarish.
Night time is a special time for babies and parents and can actually be wonderful if the parents do not have high expectations of having their baby sleep through the night too early on. As the evening approaches the infant may sometimes have a long period of crying...this can also occur during the daytime as well. Many times this happens because infants have no other way to release tension except by crying. When an infant has had enough stimulation from the mother, father, grandparents, siblings or just his surroundings he will divert his eyes and look away signaling that he is done with interacting, he might quietly fall asleep or start howling. This can sometimes be referred to as a colicky baby if this crying lasts for an extended period of time particularly at night.
The term "colic"can be somewhat confusing because it is associated with several mixed definitions. It can be associated with a baby who is experiencing gas, who may actually need a change of formula or perhaps a baby who is experiencing reflux after a feeding and needs a sleeping wedge in his bassinet or crib to keep the reflux under control. These are questions for his pediatrician to answer and offer advice.
During the first few weeks after birth the newborn and parents are getting to know each other. The mom and dad and other caregivers are getting to know the different newborn signals that let you know when he is tired and needs to be put down to rest and hopefully sleep. This is an exceptionally important time to become "tuned" in to him and how he "talks" to you and expresses his needs.
Enjoying this time as a "getting to know you phase is so important. It will help parents learn to look forward to the hours that they spend with their child tending to his many needs as he grows and develops before their eyes.
This is not the time for "sleep training". It is too early for baby! But it is a good time to learn his signals so that sleep habits will be easier to establish when he is ready.
The mom's daytime hours are filled with trying to balance the baby's feeding schedule which is usually a demand feeding schedule...simply meaning that when the baby is hungry and crying he gets fed, with trying to take care of herself, other siblings and all the things that go along with being a mom. This can be an exhausting time particularly when at night the cutest infant can become almost nightmarish.
Night time is a special time for babies and parents and can actually be wonderful if the parents do not have high expectations of having their baby sleep through the night too early on. As the evening approaches the infant may sometimes have a long period of crying...this can also occur during the daytime as well. Many times this happens because infants have no other way to release tension except by crying. When an infant has had enough stimulation from the mother, father, grandparents, siblings or just his surroundings he will divert his eyes and look away signaling that he is done with interacting, he might quietly fall asleep or start howling. This can sometimes be referred to as a colicky baby if this crying lasts for an extended period of time particularly at night.
The term "colic"can be somewhat confusing because it is associated with several mixed definitions. It can be associated with a baby who is experiencing gas, who may actually need a change of formula or perhaps a baby who is experiencing reflux after a feeding and needs a sleeping wedge in his bassinet or crib to keep the reflux under control. These are questions for his pediatrician to answer and offer advice.
During the first few weeks after birth the newborn and parents are getting to know each other. The mom and dad and other caregivers are getting to know the different newborn signals that let you know when he is tired and needs to be put down to rest and hopefully sleep. This is an exceptionally important time to become "tuned" in to him and how he "talks" to you and expresses his needs.
Enjoying this time as a "getting to know you phase is so important. It will help parents learn to look forward to the hours that they spend with their child tending to his many needs as he grows and develops before their eyes.
This is not the time for "sleep training". It is too early for baby! But it is a good time to learn his signals so that sleep habits will be easier to establish when he is ready.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Welcome to Sleepy Baby Sleepy Mom
Sleepy Baby will discuss various sleep help tips for infants and children that parents can use to promote healthy sleep habits for their babies. There are many methods available to parents. At Sleepy Baby parents will get information that hopefully will help them decide on the method that works for their particular family and their baby!
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