You spent a lot of time researching childcare options. Luckily, you found a professional nanny or childminder you like and can trust. Your little one also seems happy with your choice. So why are you having such a hard time letting go?

The reality is regardless of how much you like your nanny, it’s often an emotional tug of war to leave your baby. On one hand, you may enjoy working outside the home. But your heart also wants to be home all day with your little one.

It might help to take a step back and figure out what’s going on. For example, are you worried that your nanny won’t do things exactly like you do?

It’s perfectly acceptable to let your nanny know if she is doing something you don’t like or if you want her to do things a certain way. But you can’t expect your nanny to be you. If you are standing over her every minute and correcting her every move, she may not want to stick around too long.

It might help to make a detailed schedule and provide tips on what your baby likes and dislikes. Be clear about your expectations and give your nanny a little time to get “tuned in” to the ins and outs of your routine. Give her a little space to learn how to do things the way you prefer.

Controlling how things are done while you’re at work might not be the only reason you can’t let go. Maybe you feel a bit guilty about leaving your baby and worry you’ll miss out on some of her “firsts.”

If possible, check in throughout the day to see how things are going. You can also agree to use a webcam or an app on your phone to sneak a peek at your baby during the day. Keep in mind, there are many precious and cute moments you’ll share with your baby.

It could also be a little difficult to let go if you feel a pang of jealousy. Of course, you want your nanny to be loving and affectionate with your baby. But some moms also feel a bit envious over the amount of time a nanny may get to spend with their baby or worry the baby will love the nanny more.

Try not to stress. After all, there is plenty of love to go around. It’s a good thing if your nanny and baby have a strong bond. Remember, you’ll always be the mommy. That special bond is not replaced by any other relationship.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Your baby has come such a long way from the eat-sleep-poop newborn to this little ball of energy who is starting to sit and maybe even wanting to crawl. He can roll around, and pass objects from hand to hand. He may not be able to pick up tiny objects yet, but he can rake things into his hands. He’s doing so many new things, so fast.

Babies around six months old …

… can see in full color, have improved distance vision, and can track moving objects well.

… can react to their own names, and tell your emotions from the tone of your voice.

… can find partially hidden objects, and will toil to get objects that are out of reach.

Six-month-olds are sociable – they love playing and cuddling with caregivers. Your baby will enjoy repeating sounds you’re making, and may even babble away all day long – especially if you’re providing feedback! Mimicking your baby’s expressions and sounds will help her learn about body language and the art of conversation. Talk, read or sing to your baby as much as you can – it’s the start of language learning.

Provide a safe area for baby to explore. Be sure you’ve started childproofing your home, since your baby will soon begin exploring every corner. Babies this age will put everything in their mouths – from fuzz they find on the floor, to dog food, to the button you didn’t know fell off your coat. Be sure that small and fragile items are out of reach. Gate any stairs and close doors where you can to keep baby contained.

Get down on the floor and play with your baby every day. Place toys just out of his reach once in a while, and allow him to strengthen his upper body, and gain more balance and coordination, by reaching for them. Toys your baby might like at this age include:

• Any kind of ball: Soft balls and open balls are easy for tiny hands to manipulate. And textured balls will give your baby different tactile experiences. Your baby will love rolling the ball back and forth with you and chasing after those rolls that miss the target.
• Anything with mirrors: Babies love looking at faces, and looking at his own in a shatterproof mirror allows him to develop his sense of self.
• Toys that are made for manipulation: Any bead maze, activity gym or busy board gives babies opportunities to use logic skills and to learn how moving parts work on a very basic level.
• Books: Soft fabric books or board books should be available for baby to handle. Read to your baby every day. Literacy learning can start even before six months. The great thing about the fabric books is that they’re washable; and since he likes to put everything in his mouth, they won’t get destroyed in the same way board books might.
• Teethers: Around this age, your baby will start getting teeth. But even before those pearly whites appear, baby may need something to soothe sore gums. Teethers with nubs and textures, as well as ones that can be chilled, are good options.
• Cooking and kitchen supplies: You don’t need to spend tons of money on specialty toys. Babies will play with just about anything. Consider filling a low cupboard in the kitchen with plastic bowls or containers with lids, wooden spoons, and measuring cups. Then allow baby to clean out the cupboard while you’re working.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Caring for one baby isn’t easy, but caring for two babies is without doubt more difficult. After all, you don’t get the peace and quiet during nap time because you probably have a wide awake baby still demanding your attention. And you can’t always respond to your baby’s cries right away because you might be busy caring for your other baby. You’re outnumbered and it’s exhausting. As a twin mama, however, you’ll also know how amazing it is to care for twins. Here are five practical tips for caring for twins:

1. Bath time

Now that your babies are old enough to sit up by themselves, twin bath time can become a whole lot more enjoyable. Long gone are the days of trying to bathe one baby at a time whilst still entertaining the other baby. Now you can stick both babies happily in the bath where they can splash, giggle and play to their hearts’ content. Remember, you don’t need to bathe your babies every day. Just do it when you can, there’s no need to incorporate it as part of your nightly bedtime routine if you find bath time to be a little stressful still.

2. Sling cuddles

You really have to be a parent to twins to understand just how hard it is to have two clingy babies suffering from separation anxiety. Most singleton parents will end up in tears by the end of the day, and it is twice as bad for twin mamas. One thing you might find helpful is investing in a sling. This will allow you to carry the cling baby in the wrap so she’s content and still leaves your arms free to care for your other baby. Once you’re feeling confident, you might even progress to a tandem carry and have both babies in the wrap at once (twin mama level: expert).

3. Keep them in the same room

As your babies are approaching six months, you may be thinking about moving them into their own bedrooms. Your babies were snuggled up tightly together in the womb and have spent most of their lives together, so you may want to let them share a room in your house. The babies will find the company reassuring in the night and you might even find you get a little bit more sleep thanks to the new setup.

4. Make temporary adjustments

Caring for twins is really difficult now, but it will get easier. One day, you will feel well rested, drink hot drinks and enjoy your sanity again. It may not feel that way now, but it will happen. In the meantime, make adjustments to your life. If your partner can alter his working hours so he’s around at bedtime to help out, do it. If you can get a cleaner to help out around the home and take the pressure off you and your partner, do it. Think about what small changes you could make to make your life easier today.

5. Remember, it will pass

Looking after twin babies is hard. So hard. But they will grow up and sooner than you think. This high demand baby phase won’t last forever. On the hardest days, try to remember that this will all be over soon. That you’re doing an amazing job. And that nobody expects you, or any other mama, to be perfect. All you can do is your best. Your babies love you and that’s all that matters.

Are you a twin mama? Do you have any sanity saving tips to share?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

The funny sounds your baby makes might be pretty cute. But they also serve a purpose and help prepare her for saying her first words. For example, somewhere between five and eight months, you might notice your little one is blowing bubbles, clicking her tongue on the roof of her mouth or smacking her lips. So what’s going on with all these silly sounds?

Your baby has been developing her communications skills since her first cry. She may have started cooing and giggling a couple of months ago, but now she is learning even more. Making sounds, such as clicking her tongue, is part of your baby’s language development. These little tricks actually help her learn to talk.

Although her first words may still be a few months away, she is learning how to move her mouth and tongue to create different sounds. Don’t be surprised if you hear these sounds over and over again. Your baby wants to practice her new skills.

You might also notice that she tries to copy the sounds you make. Although she may not always get it right, she’ll give it her best shot. So if you blow raspberries, she is likely to try to do the same thing. After a few tries, your baby will usually catch on pretty fast.

Making sounds, such as blowing bubbles or clicking her tongue teach your baby a few skills that are needed for language development. For instance, blowing bubbles teaches her how to change her volume and move her mouth, lips and tongue. She will need those skills when she is learning how to pronounce words.

Around this same time, your baby may also be starting to babble more and may vary his tone and pitch. Your baby’s babbling may produce various combinations of consonants and vowel sounds that eventually turn into words, such as mama.

Keep in mind, babies are unique and hit certain developmental milestones at different times. Not all babies blow raspberries or babble by a specific age. If your baby is not attempting to babble or vocalize by about eight months, talk to your pediatrician.

You can encourage language development by imitating the sounds your baby makes. Go back and forth making silly noises as if you are having a conversation. Above all, be sure to spend a lot of time talking to your baby. She probably makes for a pretty captivated audience.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

It seems that everywhere you look these days, you’re accosted by another parenting expert. From the Tiger Mom to the Super Nanny, not to mention these 20 experts who will tell you what is up with parenting on Twitter, there is no shortage of “expert” parenting advice out there. But who were the original famous parenting experts, and what did they have to say?

John B. Watson

Watson was the “Father of Behaviorism,” with a theory on detached parenting that suggested allowing a child to become too attached was a recipe for creating dependent and insecure adults. Instead, he argued for viewing parenting as a job; one that required lots of rules, controlled environments, and very little affection or regard for a child’s free will.

B.F. Skinner

Most of Skinner’s parenting philosophies came from his work with rats, so there’s that to keep in mind. But his theories revolved around the effect of consequences on behavior, and he believed that child behavior could be controlled through a series of rewards and punishments. His theories still remain strong today, especially in the education system.

Jean Piaget

Piaget was one of the first parenting experts to argue the importance of a child’s environment. He believed that it was important for parents to understand each step a child goes through in development so that they could meet the needs for exploration at each of those steps. Paramount to having those needs met was the encouragement for a child to be involved in, and interactive with, their own environment. His theories were basically an expansion upon those of Watson, arguing that it wasn’t enough to just do everything a certain way in parenting; that how a child perceived and interacted with their environment would play a part in who they became as well.

Carl Rogers

Rogers is considered to be the founder of the unconditional positive regard theory. This is where the idea of “child-centered” parenting came from, and the philosophy itself revolves around encouraging your child’s individual strengths and accepting without judgment their weaknesses.

Dr. Benjamin Spock

Dr. Spock was one of the first to approach attachment theory, which is the parenting philosophy Dr. William Spears is known for embracing in modern day. According to Dr. Spock, children needed to be treated as human beings, not obedient robots. He saw rewards and punishment as a way to manufacture superficial results, rather than character-driven behavior. He encouraged parents to trust their instincts and to nurture the bond with their children, which he believed would produce better behavior results in the long run.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Finding the right balance between work and family life is often a challenge for parents. It can be especially tough for new moms and dads who are learning to juggle their new parenting role.

Let’s fact it, parenting is a lot of work. Between feedings, playtime, doctor’s appointments and endless laundry, there is a lot to do. But you may also have another job that pays the bills. Is it possible to juggle both worlds and do it well? The answer is yes. With a little planning, support and attitude, you can find the right balance between work and being a mommy. Consider some of the following suggestions:

Drop the guilt: Lots of new moms work. Whether you work out of financial necessity, or you love your job, remember you’re doing the best you can. Feeling guilty while at work will prevent you from focusing on your job. While feeling guilty when you’re at home prevents you from enjoying precious time with your family. Learn to be present whether you’re at home or work.

Consider alternatives: One way to balance everything on your plate is to consider alternative working arrangements. Working a full-time job and caring for an infant is a lot of work. It can be even more of a challenge if you are breastfeeding or have a long commute. Find out if it’s possible to cut back hours, job share or work from home one day a week. Although an alternative work arrangement may not work for every situation, you never know until you ask.

Let go a little: You don’t have to be a gourmet cook or keep your house spotless. Some things may need to take a back seat while your baby is young. Simplifying meals and letting household chores go a bit are not going to hurt anyone.

Prioritize: Figure out what is most important to you. Is cuddling your baby every night at bedtime non-negotiable? Are weekends away from work a must? Focusing on what matters most will make it easier to let go of certain things and enjoy others.

Get support: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Have your partner pick up some of the slack at home or take your friend up on her offer to babysit. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Carve out “me” time: Taking care of everyone else without taking care of yourself can leave you feeling depleted. Everyone needs a little time for themselves to recharge. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, a date night with your partner or some quite alone time to exercise or just relax, do what helps you decompress.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

After months of being your baby’s only mode of transportation, you’re probably keen for him to get moving by himself. One of the most amazing things about having a baby is being able to watch and share in his excitement as he masters new skills. Crawling is a milestone that will allow your baby to better explore his world. It is his first step towards independence and a reminder of how quickly time passes. Crawling will help him to develop the skills necessary for walking. It will also help him on his quest for mischief, but don’t worry too much about that.

Most babies learn to crawl between the ages of seven and 10 months old. Some babies learn sooner, however, and for others it can take a little longer. Some babies skip the crawling stage altogether, opting instead for a maverick move like the bum shuffle to help them get around at baby group.Here are five ways to encourage crawling:

1. Tummy time

To be able to crawl, your baby needs muscle control and strength. He needs to be able to raise himself up, move his legs and use his tummy muscles. Tummy time is important for helping him to develop the necessary muscle strength for crawling. Make supervised tummy time a part of your daily routine to make sure he has lots of opportunities to build up these muscles and learn how to use them.

2. Opportunity

To perfect his crawling skills, your baby needs plenty of opportunities to practice moving around. This means he needs freedom to move, explore and play as much as possible. Spending time in strollers, bouncy chairs and highchairs limit the time babies have to learn valuable skills such as crawling. Of course, some time spent in these things is unavoidable, but do make an effort to provide your baby with plenty of opportunities for floor play throughout the day.

3. Play

Children and babies learn best through play. You can encourage your baby to crawl by making it a game. Placing exciting looking toys slightly out of reach might tempt your baby to try and reach for them. Babies love to explore so leave the toys in sight but leave your baby to discover it for himself if he can. To begin with, place the toys just out of reach, but as your baby gets better at reaching them, move them further away.

4. Safety

Babies are easily spooked, so you need to make sure his crawling practice arena (aka your living room) is a safe environment for him. Avoid banged heads, trapped fingers and falling objects by baby-proofing the room long before he learns to crawl. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around the room to identify potential dangers for crawling infants.

5. Relax

Your baby will master crawling in his own time. The above suggestions will provide him with ample opportunity to practice the skills needed for crawling, but it’ll still be up to him when he finally does it. Help your baby build his confidence by remaining cool, calm and collected while he’s trying to crawl. If you feel stressed, he could pick up on that. You don’t need a strict, regimented schedule of crawling lessons, just plenty of time and space to explore.

Has your baby started crawling?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.