You’ve installed the car seat, and assembled the crib, changing table, swing, stroller, and more. You have washed all of the onesies and sleepers, and have stocked up on diapers. Now what? What else can you do to prepare for your baby’s arrival?

Try this exercise:

Draw a circle on a sheet of paper and divide it into 24 slices. Now think about all the ways you spend your time each and every day. Eight hour workday? Shade in eight slices of pie. An hour of commuting to and from work? There’s another slice. A regular eight hours of sleep – shade it in. Showering, doing your hair and make-up, fixing meals, exercising, housekeeping, etc. Consider all the ways you spend your time and record them on your pie chart. Ask your partner to do the same on his own pie chart.

Now imagine life with a baby. How much time will baby care take? If this is your first baby, you may not have any idea. Take infant feeding, for instance. If you’re breastfeeding, expect your newborn to eat 8-12 times each day (maybe more!). If he’s eating 12 times a day, and each feeding takes on average 30 minutes (and that’s the low end of average), you’ll be spending 6 hours a day on feeding. Even if you’re formula feeding, preparing bottles, cleaning them, and actually feeding baby takes time, too. How will your pie chart need to change to accommodate this? What about diaper changing? Expect to change a diaper with every feeding – if you figure 12 per day at 5 minutes per change (once you get good at it), that’s another hour there. Add in clothing changes, comforting, putting baby to sleep, burping, etc. and add that all to your pie. How will baby care fit into your life?

Discuss this exercise with your partner, and work on a system for who will do what and when. If you’re over your allotted 24 hours for the day, something’s got to give. Can your partner take over some duties? Can you forego some daily activities? Think about what will be essential in the beginning – sleep and food (for baby and for you!). Pare down your day to these activities.

Sleep deprivation is the number one hurdle all new parents face. Babies sleep a lot, but they wake a lot, too, and at the most inconvenient times (like at night when you’re trying to sleep). While you may be mentally prepared for this – everyone tells you it’s coming – the reality can be quite challenging. Try to sleep – or at least rest – when baby sleeps. Limit visitors in the early days, and ask those who stop by to give you a hand with a load of laundry or the dishes in the sink. Eat well, drink enough water, and exercise daily – these will help minimize the effects of the lack of sleep. Most of all, keep in mind that all babies wake often, and that it’s a protective mechanism they will grow out of when they are developmentally ready.

Consider the first three months with a new baby your 4^th trimester. Your baby will appreciate a womb-like environment: low lighting, warmth, being near mom, and feeding on demand. By meeting these needs, your baby will have a sense of security. But caring for your baby this way will also help you learn to parent. You’ll learn all of your baby’s subtle cues, his likes and dislikes, and more. You’ll ease into parenting gently. Keep in mind that you will need time to recover, too. So allow the 4^th trimester to be your time to recuperate. Lower your expectations, and let go of the to-do list. Enjoy your baby, and be gentle on yourself as you learn to mother.

Enjoyed this article? There are lots more interesting articles and tools in our new follow-on App Baby+ for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

What tips do experienced moms have for those who are having their first baby?

Written by Michelle: lactation consultant, childbirth educator, writer, editor, 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 2018. All rights reserved.

Various theories have emerged over the years about the effects of alcohol on pregnancy. Certain official recommendations state that pregnant women should totally refrain from drinking alcohol, while others say that moderate or light drinking is acceptable. However, a study found that even moderate drinking during pregnancy can affect the IQ of a child.

How does alcohol affect a child’s IQ?

After ingestion of alcohol, enzymes will metabolize ethanol to acetaldehyde. However, the differences in the genes of people result to the variations on how enzymes metabolize ethanol. So, people who metabolize ethanol slowly have increased levels of alcohol that last longer than those who metabolize quickly. Experts believe that fast ethanol metabolism prevents damage to the brain development of infants as smaller amounts of alcohol are exposed to the fetus.

About the Study

The researchers used the study data of Children of the 90s (ALSPAC) which was participated by over 4,000 mothers and their children. The trial was first to use genetic variation (Mendelian randomization) in analyzing the effect of moderate drinking (less than 1 to 6 units of alcohol per week) of pregnant women on the IQ of their children. Genetic variation is ideal since every woman has a different DNA, which is not linked with lifestyle factors.

The studies showed that a strong link was found between a lower IQ at 8 years old and 4 genetic alternatives in the genes that metabolize alcohol in the 4,167 children. In each genetic modification of a child, the IQ was found to be 2 points lower in children whose mothers reported moderate alcohol drinking during their pregnancy. On the other hand, this link was not found among children whose mothers did not drink during pregnancy. This indicates that there is no direct relationship between the low IQ of a child and alcohol exposure in the womb.

At week 18, mothers answered questions about the average amount of alcohol consumed and the frequency of alcohol drinking prior to their pregnancy. At 32 weeks, they completed the second survey on average amount of alcohol they had on weekdays and weekends. Those who answered the first survey were considered light drinkers, while those in the second survey were moderate drinkers.

Results

At age 8, the IQ of the children was tested using the Wechslet Intelligence Scale for Children. The results suggest that even at low levels of alcohol consumption, there are differences in childhood IQ. This means that even at moderate levels, alcohol affect the brain development of a fetus.

For many years, experts have known that heavy alcohol consumption can cause birth defects. Now we are learning that even moderate drinking can have subtle effects on children as they grow. Because researchers don’t know how much (or how little) is a safe amount of alcohol to consume when you’re pregnant, they err on the side of caution and suggest all pregnant women abstain from drinking alcohol. Factors that can impact the effects of alcohol on a fetus include maternal metabolism and enzymes, as well as the amount of alcohol consumed. Many doctors leave the decision up to the individual mother, saying that there’s no evidence an occasional drink can harm a fetus. So educate yourself and so you can make healthy choices for yourself and your developing baby.

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 2018. All rights reserved.

Bicycling is a gentle way to ease yourself back into an exercise routine after the birth of your baby. But, can you bring baby along for the ride? The answer may depend on where you live. Check local laws (which typically have minimum ages) before riding with baby.

There’s not much research out there to support when it’s safe to bike with your baby. Health authorities in the UK and US recommend not biking with your baby until after your baby can sit well on his own (around age 9 months) when your baby has more stable head and neck control. Some suggest maybe not even until after your baby is one year old. In other countries, such as Denmark and the Netherlands where cycling is one of the preferred ways of getting around, riding with baby is much more common, even at younger ages. If in doubt, speak to your healthcare provider.

While accidents (falling or colliding with another vehicle) are a concern, the main worry with biking are the small bumps and jolts a baby without good head control will experience when riding even on everyday road, sidewalk or path conditions. Each of the bumps in the road can cause your baby’s tiny still-forming brain to move around inside the skull, with the potential for harm.

Safety precautions when riding with a baby include:

• Be sure the bike seat is correctly installed

• Babies should ride with an adult driving the bicycle, not with a sibling

• Do not carry your baby in a backpack or frontpack when cycling

• Your baby should always wear a lightweight, infant-sized bike helmet (though these may be difficult to find)

• You baby should be firmly strapped into an approved carrier or seat – whether on the back of your bike, or in a trailer towed behind the bike

• Bike in low-traffic areas, if possible

Keep in mind that carrying a baby on your bike will make you a little off balance, and will make stopping harder. You may want to consider the weight of the seat when deciding which to buy – heavier may mean a more difficult ride for you, while lighter may mean not quite as safe.

Types of seats for babies include:

• Rear Bike Seat: These seats are typically mounted to a rack on the back of the bike in order to support the weight of seat and passenger. Frame mount options are also available.

• Front Bike Seat: Mounted on the handlebars, these seats are best for children younger than age 3. While you might feel safer being able to see your baby as you ride, the seat itself may cause you to bump your knees as you pedal or to pedal bow legged (both of which may be less than comfortable).

• Bike Trailer: These carts attach to the rear axle or frame of the bike, and allow one or two children to sit or recline. They are typically covered and come with a windshield. Trailers are lower to the ground (so less chance of injury if the bike should tip), but they are often difficult for drivers to spot. Trailers can also make maneuvering more cumbersome, and may add quite a bit of weight to the biking experience.

• Box Bike or Cargo Bike (Bakfiets): These look like a cross between a wheelbarrow and a bicycle – the large open box in the front can carry your goods, including your child. Some cargo bikes have adapters that allow you to mount an infant seat in the cargo basket.

Before buying any seat, make sure it’s appropriate for your bike. Check to see that your bicycle has the correct type of handlebar connections with enough space for mounting a seat (for front mounted seats), enough frame space for the seat as well as your own body, and the correct mounting areas for trailers or rear mount seats. You’ll want to be sure mounting the seat doesn’t interfere with braking or with your ability to steer.

In addition, features such as kid handlebars, headrests, weather covers and windscreens may be important features for you. Adjustable straps that grow with your child (including foot straps) and always hold secure are the top safety feature to consider.

Do you enjoy biking with baby? How did you decide when and how?

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.

You know your baby is learning every day. And you want to do all you can to engage him and help build his little brain. While flashcards and structured lessons aren’t necessary, some simple lifestyle adjustments can encourage creativity, problem solving and, eventually, more complex thinking.

Babies in the first year experience sensory-motor thinking – learning about their world through touch, sound, taste, sight and smell. When your baby starts to play more with objects, he begins to learn the significance of cause and effect (if I drop this, mom will pick it up) and problem solving (how do I get this into this?).

Along with more complex thinking, you can foster creative thinking in your children. Creativity is a critical component of success, health and happiness. Creative people are flexible, adaptable and good at problem solving. Creativity isn’t necessarily inborn – it can be taught. It doesn’t mean buying all the right toys or watching just the right videos – it means giving your children opportunities to explore and challenge themselves, even at this young age.

1. Limit screen time: If your child is younger than age 2, you should discourage screen time altogether, and it should be limited for older children. Too much screen time may lead to attention problems, among other adverse outcomes.

2. Unschedule: Allow your child to have regular downtime or unstructured play time to explore his own interests (yes, even as a baby) and skills.

3. Get outdoors: Spend time in nature. Being outside encourages physical activity and active play. Hiking, biking, or just playing tag in the yard or park should be regular parts of your child’s life as he grows. Even now, the fresh air and sunshine will keep your baby happy and healthy as you take a walk with the stroller or with baby in a carrier.

4. Provide toys, like building blocks and dress-up clothes, that facilitate imaginative thinking. Themed toys limit your child’s creativity – there is a proscribed way to play with them and often children won’t think outside the box. Even plastic containers and lids, wooden spoons, and your car keys are fun “toys” for babies.

5. Hands off: Don’t direct all of your baby’s activities. Allow him the space to explore and try new things. Sometimes he might fail, and that’s OK. It teaches him resilience and problem solving.

6. Encourage reading: Read to your baby every day. This facilitates language learning, as well as imagination. Have books that your baby can manipulate on his own (even though he may just chew on them at first).

7. Play with your baby, toddler, preschooler, child: Take time out from your schedule and routine to play with your child, whether it’s building a block tower, throwing a ball, or chasing around the yard, your involvement is an important component to your child’s feelings of security and attachment, a good base for creativity and intelligence.

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.

Your days are full of diaper changes, feedings and hours spent comforting a little one. Baby care certainly takes up much of your time. But it’s easy to work some exercise into your routine if you include your baby. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes at a time, you’ll feel energized and ready to keep up with baby tasks all day long.

Any floor exercise you can do while baby lays on a blanket next to you can easily be integrated into tummy time or even earlier with baby on his back just watching what you’re doing. If you’re going to have your baby in arms while performing some moves, just make sure he’s able to hold his head up on his own (which happens around 3 to 4 months old) and that you’ve got a firm grip on baby’s wiggly body.

Ab Curl:
Lie on the floor, knees bent, feet flat, and baby on your abs (with your pelvis supporting baby’s weight). Hold baby in place gently. Using your abdominal muscles, slowly raise your head and shoulders from the floor, moving toward baby with a smile or a kiss, and then slowly lower yourself again.

Reverse Curl:
Lie on the floor and lift your feet, bringing your knees toward your head. Hold baby in place on your shins. Using your abdominal muscles, slowly lower baby toward you while lifting your head and shoulders, come in for a kiss or a snuggle, and then slowly return to your starting position.

Baby Bench Press:
Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat, and hold baby securely under his arms against your chest. Slowly raise baby in the air, then slowly lower him to your body again. You can also do this while sitting cross-legged on the floor.

Airplane:
Lie on your belly with your baby in front of you. With your arms outstretched on either side of your body and your legs straight, slowly lift arms, legs and chest off the floor. Hold briefly, and then return to your starting position.

Push Ups:
With your arms and legs straight, and hands and feet supporting you, slowly lower yourself toward your baby, and then slowly raise yourself again. Alternatively, you can practice planks with baby lying on his back watching you. Support your weight on your feet and your forearms with your elbows bent, and hold. Sing or talk to baby, then rest.

Baby Lunges:
You can do lunges with your baby in a front carrier for some weight training, or you can do them toward your baby if he’s sitting in an infant seat, high chair or stroller. With one foot at the back and the other foot forward, bend both legs until your one thigh is parallel to the floor, keeping your knee in line with your ankle (don’t over-lunge). Then slowly return to start. Do several repetitions with each leg being the one bending (by switching lunging direction or which leg is forward).

Baby Carrier Squats:
With baby in a front carrier (facing you or facing out), place your feet shoulder width apart (maybe a tiny bit wider). Point your toes out a little then slowly begin to lower your body as if your are going to sit. Keep your pelvis tucked and remember that your center of gravity is pulled forward a little since you’re holding baby. Slowly return to standing, rest, repeat.

Walking:
You can walk with a stroller or with your baby in carrier. But go briskly enough that you get your heart rate up. If you enjoy running, consider investing in a jogging stroller so you can take baby along on your daily route. Your baby may even sleep better from the fresh air and movement.

Almost any exercise can be adapted to include baby in the fun. Don’t forget the importance of warm up stretches before any exercise. If you’ve recently given birth, be sure you get your doctor’s OK to start an exercise program. If you’ve never had a regular workout routine before, start slowly. Stay hydrated, and don’t overexert yourself.

Exercise doesn’t need to be just another chore on your to-do list. Have fun with your baby – talk, sing, smile, interact. You’re baby will love being with you, even if you’re multitasking!

What are your favorite postpartum exercises?

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.

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.

Your baby will soon be a year old. So much has changed over the last several months! Here’s what you can expect around 9-months-old:

On the Move

Your baby has likely been crawling for a while now, and may be trying to pull to a standing position. Once standing, he may enjoy cruising around the furniture. Hold your baby’s hands and allow him to walk across the room and back with your support! If your baby is a climber, make sure you teach him to climb back down safely. Gate stairs and close doors to keep baby safe.

Your baby can also change positions pretty easily now, from crawling to sitting and then on the move again. Be sure your home is safe for baby to explore. Childproofing is an ongoing battle – just when you think you’ve got it all taken care of, baby reaches another milestone! Crawl around with your baby (who will think it great fun) and check for any hazards.

Other motor skills are improving, too. Your baby has probably mastered the pincer grasp (grabbing small objects with the thumb and forefinger), and can move toys from hand to hand (and then straight to the mouth). Toys that allow them to manipulate objects – stacking cups, sorting toys, building blocks, etc. – will give your baby a chance to work his mind as well as practice his fine motor skills.

Making Conversation

All day long it seems like your baby is talking to you, though you don’t really know what he’s saying. By answering his babbling, you’re teaching him how to converse. Throughout the day, name objects around the house, on your walk, in the grocery store, at the park, etc. Your baby will likely begin to mimic your sounds, eventually saying simple words like ‘mama’ and ‘dada.’

Even though he can’t talk yet, he will be able to understand many words, as well as gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice. Your baby will also start to understand the word ‘no,’ and you may find yourself saying it more often. Setting limits can begin even at this early age.

Stranger Anxiety

Your baby may begin to be wary of new people, and maybe even people he knows but doesn’t see often (like grandparents or a sitter). He may be clingy with you, and may fuss when you try to leave. These are normal changes related to your baby’s growing brain – his awareness of self and others, his memory, and the idea of object permanence are all maturing. Separation anxiety is always worse when baby is tired, hungry or ill. It usually peaks between 10 and 18 months, and is usually gone by age 2.

Mealtime Fun

Your baby is probably a little gourmet, having started solid foods around 6 months. Your baby may enjoy small, soft pieces of food he can feed to himself. He can start to have cheese and yogurt around this time, if you haven’t already introduced them. Breastmilk or formula should still be your baby’s main source of calories, though. He might like to try using a spoon – though he won’t be very good at it yet.

Your baby may also enjoy learning to use a cup around this time. Try to find a cup with handles, which will be easier for your baby to manipulate. Most parents opt for ‘sippy cups’ with spillproof spouts. But you can teach your baby to drink from a straw or even an open cup, too. Simply fill the cup with water and let your baby experiment with it. It will take a while before he’s proficient enough to take all his liquid from cups.

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.

When my daughter was 5-weeks-old, my husband had a conference to attend and I had decided to go with him. We dropped the preschoolers off at grandma’s house, and took baby along. It was probably one of the easiest trips I’ve ever taken – even though we had a short layover and needed to change planes.

Just because you’ve got a little one doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying the world. Babies are pretty portable, and they tend to enjoy anywhere you are. It doesn’t need to be a trip to Disney World yet – it can be a visit to your friends in another city. Traveling with a baby simply takes some additional planning – especially when you’re flying.

Give yourself lots of extra time for security, baggage checking, and getting to your gate. Flying overnight – or at naptime – can be helpful. Your baby may sleep through the whole thing! Dress your baby and yourself in layers and be sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Packing:

While you may have been able to get along with just a carry-on for past trips, you’ll likely have checked luggage on this trip. Take advantage of curbside luggage check-in, if available. Know ahead what counts as a carry-on. You may have a diaper bag, purse, stroller, car seat and small suitcase, and you don’t want to be caught off guard at the gate.

Wearing your baby in a sling or soft carrier may make maneuvering in the airport much easier than trying to do so with a stroller. You’ll have both hands free to steer the luggage. If you bring the stroller, you may end up using it as a luggage cart! Know your airline’s policies for gate checking larger items.

Pack extras of everything – you never know when flights will change due to weather or other issues. Being stuck in an airport without diapers and wipes will be a challenge, so make sure you have plenty.

Check with your airline:

Will you be purchasing and extra seat so you can bring baby’s car seat? Or will the airline allow you to hold your baby? Are there regulations for size you need to take into account? Even though it’s one more bulky thing to carry, a child safety seat may be better than keeping your baby in arms throughout the flight. You’ll have more mobility, and you will have a little more space.

Some airlines have priority boarding for families, but some don’t. It’s helpful to know ahead of time. Getting your baby settled and all your stuff stowed before other passengers start to board can relieve a lot of stress. You’ll also want to keep baby safe as others are placing their belongings in the overhead bins.

Choose your seat ahead if you can. If you’re bringing a safety seat, airlines may have restrictions on where these can be placed (not in a row with emergency exits, for instance). Bulkhead seats also tend to be a little roomier and a little more private (your baby won’t be bothering anyone in front of you).

Check your airline’s website for additional information about their policies – for example, will you need to bring baby’s birth certificate? Will you need a boarding pass for baby?

On your flight:

If you’re breastfeeding, you may want to nurse your baby during take off and landing. The sucking helps to help with the pressure build-up in baby’s ears, and will keep him calm (and quiet). A pacifier or bottle will work, too.

Depending on the length of your flight and your baby’s age, you may need to pack some toys to keep baby busy. Consider buying one or two new toys that baby has never seen before – the wonder of exploring something new may keep baby busy longer. Even a Baby Einstein video downloaded to your tablet can be a life-saver on a long plane ride.

Have you traveled with a baby? What tips do you have for other parents?

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.

You’re snuggling your little one to sleep and look down to see a tiny smile flickering across her face. You love watching her sleep – the calm breathing and soft warm body against yours. When she first falls asleep, you notice her twitching eyes and small body movements – and you wonder what she might be dreaming about, hopeful it’s about the pleasant life you have created for her filled with mother’s love.

Sleep Cycles

Adults move through 5 sleep cycles, starting off in deep sleep and moving into lighter sleep. As the hours pass, adults spend more time in light, REM sleep and less in deep sleep, spending about a quarter of their overall sleep time in the REM stage. And REM sleep (so-called because of the rapid eye movements of this stage) is associated with dreaming.

Infants, on the other hand, sleep differently. They enter sleep in the REM stage for about 20 minutes, and then move into deep sleep. Infant sleep cycles are also much shorter than adult cycles – babies move from REM to deep and back to REM in about an hour whereas adults take about 90 minutes to complete a cycle. This means babies spend a much greater proportion of their sleep time in the REM stage – about 50 to 80 percent of their total sleep.

Brain Growth

Human babies are the most neurologically immature mammals – with brains that are only a portion of their adult brain volume and that take a long time to mature. At birth, your baby has all of the neurons she will ever have, but they still need to form more connections. This interconnectivity is the basis for memory storage, learning, emotions, and more.

By age 3, your baby’s brain is about 80 percent of it’s adult size and has twice as many synapses as an adult brain. During those first 3 years of growth, the rapid brain growth leaves room for pruning – eliminating unused connections – which will take place through adolescence.

What we know from research is that there’s lots of activity going on inside your baby’s growing brain when she’s in the early stages of sleep. Scientists believe babies are processing newly acquired knowledge while they are asleep, making new connections and pathways in their brains. This is linked very closely to language learning for your wee little one.

So, do babies dream?

Our dreams tend to have a storyline based on our past experiences. If we translate this to babies, there is not much they can dream about apart from diaper changes and eating. But every interaction with the world gives your baby new input.

While babies might not be dreaming in the same way we do, their brains are working hard during sleep. Experts say that by age 2 or 3, children’s vivid imaginations can lead to vivid dreaming (and maybe even nightmares). By age 7 or 8, when children develop a stronger sense of self, dreams tend to take on more of the story-like quality we associate with the activity.

Since babies can’t yet tell us, we’re not absolutely certain that they’re not dreaming. Regardless of whether or not your baby is imaging a relaxing breastfeeding session, a nap on dad’s chest, or is simply filing away the sights and sounds of the day, REM sleep is helping your baby’s brain development.

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.

First it was sponge baths, and then you started bathing baby in a specially designed infant tub or maybe even in the sink. He’s getting a little bigger now and you’re wondering: when will it be time to move your baby to a bath in the big tub?

Once your baby can sit up on his own – typically around 6 months – he’s ready for the big bathtub. Here are some tips to make this bath-time transition a little smoother:

• Make sure the bathroom is nice and warm.

• Fill the tub with only a couple inches of water.

• Have some fun toys for baby to play with. Bath time can be a splashing, fun time – and playing around with water may be a completely new experience for baby.

• Have all of the bathing supplies – soap, washcloth, towel – handy. If you forget something, take baby out of the tub while you get it. Don’t turn your back on baby once he’s in the water.

• Use a non-skid mat under baby to keep his slippery bottom from sliding around in the tub.

• A baby’s bath water should be around 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). Test the water with your elbow or wrist before setting baby in or invest in a floating thermometer made just for this purpose. Be sure your hot water heater is set low enough to prevent scalding should the water be inadvertently turned on when baby is near the tap.

Never leave your baby unattended around water – even just for a second. Babies can drown even in just an inch of water. If the phone rings or your attention is needed elsewhere when baby is in the tub, wrap baby in a towel and take him with you, then return to the bath when you’re done.

Keep in mind moving from a comfy, tight tub to a big, open tub can be scary for some babies. Sometimes putting the infant tub inside the big tub the first few times can make this transition easier for baby.

If you don’t have a tub? No problem. Most babies (and toddlers) will happily play at your feet in the shower, and you can easily give them a quick washing before you both get out. Be sure to put a non-slip mat at the bottom of the shower though, so baby doesn’t slip around (and hurt himself). Some parents buy an old-fashioned steel washtub, a large plastic bin or a small inflatable bathtub if they live in a home with only a shower.

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.

Your baby was growing by leaps and bounds – he’s a huge, plump breastfed baby. But now that he’s a little older, it seems like he’s not gaining weight as fast. And you’re worried that he’s not getting enough milk or that your milk supply is disappearing. So, what’s going on?

From birth to six months, breastfed babies average about 4-7 ounces (113-142 grams) of weight gain each week. But from six months to one year, that weight gain normally slows to about 2-4 ounces (50-80 grams) per week. Other resources suggest babies gain about one pound (1/2 kilogram) per month from six months to one year. Your baby should regain his birthweight by 10 to 14 days of age, double his birthweight by 4 months and triple his birthweight by one year.

If you are tracking baby’s weight gain on growth charts, be sure the ones you are using are the most currently WHO growth charts for your country, which are based on the average growth of breastfed babies. Tracking baby’s weight gain on older charts that were developed using formula fed babies can make it seem like baby isn’t gaining enough.

Some things that could impact your baby’s weight gain include:

• Your baby’s genetic body type and metabolism: For example, long, lean babies tend to be above average for length but below average for weight on growth charts.

• Your baby’s temperament: Calm, laid back babies may burn fewer calories so gain weight faster; while their more active counterparts use up more energy and seem to gain less weigh overall.

• Your baby’s developmental stage: As your baby starts crawling and walking, more calories are being expended on movement and are no longer just being stored as fat.

• Your baby’s breastfeeding pattern: Babies who are fed on cue (including throughout the night) tend to grow faster – and this growth is appropriate. Babies whose feedings are scheduled and who are trained to sleep through the night tend to have slower growth.

Sometimes a baby’s weight gain does slow due to a dip in mom’s milk supply. If you think this is the case for you, nurse or pump more often to boost supply, and consider these possible causes:

• Have your periods recently returned? Hormonal changes may cause a dip in supply for some moms.

• Have you started using hormonal birth control? Again, the change in hormones can lead to low milk supply.

• Are you pregnant? The hormonal changes necessary to sustain pregnancy do cause a milk supply to diminish.

• Are you taking any medications? Some medications can impact milk supply, especially antihistamines and pseudoephedrine.

• Are you recovering from illness? Some moms see a decrease in supply if they have been sick, especially if they have been at all dehydrated.

• Is your baby getting a bottle more than occasionally? Any decrease in breast stimulation will lead to a decrease in supply.

• Has your baby just started sleeping through the night? Again, those missed nighttime feedings can cause milk supply problems.

If you suspect baby’s slowed weight gain is due to milk supply challenges, the help of a lactation consultant can be essential.

For most babies, though, slow weight gain in the second half of the first year of life is completely normal, especially if they stay on a similar growth percentile as plotted on a WHO growth chart.

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.

Breastfeeding has been going well for you and your little one, when suddenly, baby begins refusing the breast. You may ask yourself: Is he weaning? Is something wrong with my milk? Is it something about me?

A nursing strike is a sudden refusal to nurse (whereas weaning is typically a gradual reduction). Babies younger than one year rarely self-wean. Nursing strikes are most common between 3 months and 9 months. The breast refusal typically lasts 2 to 4 days, but may last a week or more. The worst part is that your baby will likely be pretty fussy and unhappy about the situation.

Knowing the cause of the nursing strike – which may take some sleuthing – will let you know how best to proceed to get baby back to the breast. Occasionally, a strike comes and goes and the root is never determined. Some common reasons for a nursing strike include:

• Illness: Does your baby have a stuffy nose (so that he can’t breathe while nursing), an ear infection (which can cause discomfort with being held certain ways or when swallowing), or thrush (which can cause a tender mouth)?
• Pain: some teething babies refuse the breast due to painful gums; immunizations and injuries can cause pain when baby is held in a nursing position.
• A change of schedule: If baby is staying with a sitter more often or if you are separated longer than normal, he may refuse the breast.
• A change in mom’s smell: Are you using a new soap, perfume, deodorant, lotion, fabric softener, detergent?
• A change in the taste of the milk: Have you eaten anything with a strong flavor? Have you recently had mastitis? Could you possibly be pregnant? These could all change the taste of breastmilk.
• A change in milk flow: If your milk supply is decreasing, your baby may be getting frustrated trying to increase the flow, and may just refuse to do so (leading to an even lower supply).
• A dramatic reaction from mom while baby was at the breast: If your baby bit you and you reacted strongly, or if you were speaking loudly or arguing with other family members while nursing, your baby may go on strike.
• More frequent use of pacifiers or bottles: A baby with nipple preference may just decide the breast is too hard and the bottle much easier.
• Stress: Do you have extra company at home, have you been traveling, have you just moved to a new home, or are you amidst a family crisis? Is your baby just overstimulated? Are there simply too many exciting distractions for your baby to be bothered with stopping to nurse?
• Developmental milestones: Some experts think when baby is concentrating on a new skill like crawling, standing or walking, eating sometimes takes a back seat.

Your baby will still need to eat during this crisis. Offer your breast often, but be nonchalant if he doesn’t nurse. Don’t force breast feedings – you want to keep the breast a safe relaxing place for baby. If your baby starts to get upset while you’re trying, feed him another way and try again at the next feeding to get him to latch and nurse.

You can use bottles, if you’d like, though you want to make it as much like breastfeeding as possible by practicing paced feeding and using a slow flow nipple. If you want to avoid using a bottle, try giving milk in a cup or syringe, or with a spoon or eye dropper. If baby will latch at all, you might be able to use a nursing supplementer to keep the flow of milk steady. You will need to pump or hand express milk as often as your baby would be feeding in order to avoid a drop in milk supply, plugged ducts or mastitis.

Getting your baby back to the breast will take patience and persistence. Other tips and tricks include:

• Spend time skin-to-skin, offer lots of extra cuddling, increase attention
• Wear your baby in a sling or wrap
• Take a bath with your baby
• Nurse when your baby is drowsy, or even when he’s sleeping
• Pump for a couple of minutes before offering the breast to get milk flowing
• Change up your positioning, or nurse in motion (walking, swaying, rocking)
• Try feeding in a quiet, dim room without any distractions, turn off the television and any music, put your phone away
• If your baby has a stuffy nose, use saline drops or breastmilk in the nose before feeding, and try clearing his airway with a nasal aspirator
• If teething pain is the culprit, offer something cold for baby to chew right before a feeding. Pain relievers are also an option

While a nursing strike can be challenging, it’s only temporary. Expect getting baby back to the breast to be a slow process. Don’t get discouraged. Most babies return to the breast and go on happily nursing as if nothing ever happened.

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.