Archive for September, 2009

Flying with an Infant

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 8th, 2009

How to Make the Ride Pleasant for Everyone

On the best of days traveling by plane is a pain in the rear end. Imagine trying to do this stressful occasion with a baby with you. Not only do you have to worry about how the infant will handle the sudden change in altitude and environment but you also have to deal with the looks from
unsympathetic passengers. While there is no guarantee that the flight with your baby will be tear free here are a couple of things to help try to make the trip more peaceful.

Pacifier–the bane of parents everywhere once your child starts getting teeth, many people forget that it starts out as a very helpful aid. It helps your baby learn how to self soothe in any situation plus it also helps pop their ears once you reach your cruising altitude. You don’t want to leave home without this on baby’s first (or second or third) plane trip because even if they don’t use it all the time on the ground, it could be a necessity for them once you are in the air.

Tylenol–there are very few cases where I suggest giving your child this pain medicine just for your convenience. Some of these occasions are teething, for shots (usually before hand to counteract any type of pain they may feel) and flying. It may help them become sleepy so they won’t be awake for take off and usually landings are easier than the former so there should be no problem there. I understand how some parents may be hesitant to use this but it can really help in the long run with your baby’s discomfort.

Loveys–when my niece was toddler age she had a pink blanket that she carried around everywhere. It helped comfort her and would be packed along for any road trip to help her adjust to her new surroundings. Sadly my son is not constant with his lovey affections so there is no certain one that I know will calm him down. Hopefully your child does have one particular lovey and you have something to carry with you to help them get use to the airplane ride. If they have something familiar to carry with them it should alleviate some fears.

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Planning a Baby Shower on a Budget

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 8th, 2009

Planning a baby shower can be fun, exciting, and stressful. It can also run into a lot of money if not planned properly. You want to throw a great baby shower, but have to do it on a tight budget. It can be done.

Make sure you plan you baby shower. You need to know how many people will be attending, when it will be, and a theme. The theme s very important, you do not want to purchase a lot of items that you will not be using for the shower. You will only purchase items that will go with your
theme, not because the item is cute.

Your invitations are important. I would not suggest paying for expensive printing. You can make great printable invitation online. Just use free clip art to decorate you invitations to your preference. There are also more people using evites. Evites are very acceptable, and free.

Have the party at someones home. Whether it is yours, or someone else’s. You should not have to pay for a location. When you are at a home, you also have the convenience of a kitchen.

Buy bulk items for party favors. You can purchase basic items in bulk, and make small favors for your guests. Doing this, you can also make the gifts more personal. I like using cheap baby bottles, and put candies or other items inside. You can then decorate with ribbons or stickers.

I would suggest shopping at your local dollar stores for the best prices on favors, decorations, and snacks. You may also shop at discount retailers, or even a thrift store. All of these places have items that you may use for your baby shower, at low prices.

Food is another item that runs into a high cost. You can reduce this cost in many ways. You should not buy store made platters, be creative and make these yourself. Buy bulk foods and low priced plastic platters, then put a few things on the platters in a creative way. You can decorate these with small baby items, to make it fit the theme.

Another option for food, ask people that will be attending if they would like to contribute anything. Most will be thrilled to give a little to the baby shower. Be sure to get a list of items your guests will be bringing, so you will not have duplicate items.

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A Bedtime Routine for Your Baby

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 8th, 2009

As soon as possible, you should start a bedtime routine with your baby. You can start when the baby is six to eight weeks old, and your baby will surely reap benefits from the early routine setup. Establishing a stipulated system will make your baby appreciable of the consistent pattern.
The baby will be comfortable knowing beforehand what is it follow next. This would facilitate better and faster sleep for your baby. Even without your presence in the house, make an attempt to maintain the routine of the baby. And when you try to settle down your baby in a new place, the routine will ease the baby.

Some tips that you can involve in organizing the routine of the baby are giving your baby a bath, helping him to get into pajamas, telling stories, or playing a game. Select activities that soothe the mind rather than those that excite the mind, because they would help your baby to fall asleep faster.

Keeping track of a baby by following a bedtime routine is beneficial to both the parents and the baby. At the fag end of the day, the routine gives an opportunity for the child and the parent to create a special bond between them. Following are a few ideas worth a try:

At times you should allow the baby to let his stored energy to escape before you settle him down. Two good ways to do so are bouncing in a bouncer or on a knee or having a ride on a horse. When the excitement is done with, change into an activity that is quieting and relaxing. Follow this only when your little one goes to sleep effortlessly during bedtime, or it might be too much excitement for him.

Bath is a bedtime routine that is calming. A warm bath cleans the baby and makes him relax. You can try an aromatherapy bath by putting some scented lavender oil into the warm water. But then again if you see that your baby cannot adjust with a bath at night and feels uncomfortable and cannot go to sleep, then it would be prudent to strike it out from the list of bedtime routines.

Indulging in some quiet playing games can bring some fun moments to the bedtime ritual, like a floor game, stacking blocks, or peek-a-boo.

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Early pregnancy acute pain: round ligament pain

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 3rd, 2009

Severe round ligament pains during early pregnancy occur in many women. Your body is changing and preparing for fetus development.

Many women dream of moderate pain during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Indeed, most women think they are preparing to give birth because they feel cramping. This article will teach you how and why you feel a spasm during early pregnancy and when to call a doctor.

Round ligament pain. Your uterus consists mainly of muscles and other surrounding tissues, which allow it expanding during pregnancy and decreasing during childbirth. These actions are achieved by hormones.

Some women may feel light cramps, when a fertilized egg is transplanted into uterine wall. This happens 6-8 days after fertilization. Perhaps you will have a light sprinkling of bleeding, when the egg itself moved. Another reason for acute pain attack during early pregnancy is that hormones cause your uterus expanding, preparing for embryo growth. These cramps can be uncomfortable and look like labor pains. This is perfectly normal, as long as they become severe and are accompanied by heavy bleeding. Spasm mainly happens after sexual activity, and when your bladder is full.

Round ligament pain. The round ligaments support your uterus. As your uterus is growing, round nodes must be stretched to provide it. This can give rise to sensations of acute round ligament pain or blunt pain in the lower part of your stomach. In such period you should rest. However, if cramps become more acute and will be accompanied by heavy bleeding or other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. There are ways to eliminate round ligament pain during early pregnancy. A good way to soothe acute pain – a resort to the warmth. Electrical heater in the lower abdomen works wonderfully against colics, but be careful not to overheat uterus. You can get acetaminophen against pain, if necessary. However, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken during pregnancy. Do not take other medicines without a doctor’s permission.

With development of pregnancy the bottom of the uterus takes a spherical shape. The uterus is growing stronger in length – up, becoming oval. It has already filled small pelvis and grows further, rising to stomach, soon it reaches the liver. Increasing in size, the uterus moves internal organs upward and to the sides.

The uterus is not fixed firmly in place, but not swimming freely. It is held in the pelvic cavity by ligaments in the lower part and in the neck. When you stand, uterus regards the anterior abdominal wall, in this situation it is easily detectable. When you’re lying down, the uterus is shifted to the spine and the vena cava.

Round ligament pain. Round ligaments are attached to the sides of the uterus in its upper part and go to the side wall of the pelvis. During pregnancy, when the uterus is increased, these ligaments are stretched. They become longer and thicker. With your sharp movements ligaments are stretched, causing discomfort or even round ligament pain. And the pain may appear as one or both sides or one side it will be stronger.

This pain is not terrible, it only shows that the uterus is growing. In case of pain, try to lie down. And some women simply ignore the discomfort.

Take care of yourself, have a good rest and eat properly. Active hormones in your body can slow digestion and cause constipation, which can cause pain in the abdomen. If you feel constipated, take plenty of fluid.

Finally, another way to get rid of acute round ligament pain during pregnancy is to abstain from sex. Sex does not cause harm to you or your child, but it may increase colics and be a cause for bleeding. A combination of acute pain and bleeding may make you thinking you have a miscarriage.

Spasm during early pregnancy is quite common. Colics should be calm and never unbearable. However, if they become severe or more frequent, and will be accompanied by other unusual symptoms, let your doctor know about it immediately.

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Baby christening gifts

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 3rd, 2009

There are many christening customs and traditions. Many of them are directly related to protection from diseases, bad thoughts and actions. One of the most interesting and mysterious customs – child christening. But, for a start, all must understand that christening is not a tribute to fashion or tradition, it is first and foremost, s spiritual birth of a new man, his connection with God and the church.

Let’s talk about it. First of all, christening needs a godfather and a godmother. They may not be the bride and groom, children, followers of other faiths, mentally ill or frail people. This is where parents make the main gift for a baby, choosing worthy godparents, because these people continue taking care of the kids.

Sacrament of christening is quite fascinating. Prayers, walking, anointing – a beautiful ritual, but it requires patience, especially from new «spiritual parents».

Let’s talk about christening gifts. In preparation for the sacrament godparents should make a series of actions. First of all, buy a christening set. The kit includes a towel, a shirt, a cap for girls. In general, everything is done beautifully today: they add socks, gloves, suits, embroidered with a blue thread for boys and pink for girls, flowers, crosses. Of course, everything looks very nice, but do not forget about the ritual: at some point you will be asked to put off socks and gloves, and hat for the anointing, if you are ready to mess, then, of course, good luck to you:)

Want to make a gift to parents? You can create all necessary with your hands or by order: embroider names, praying to an angel – anything. A godmother is involved in all these things. A godfather should also think about another gift: a silver spoon. This spoon is the first baby’s cutlery, used when solid foods are introduced.

Now you know how and what is happening. And, certainly you have already felt the solemnity of this moment. However, christening gifts are in «binding» section, now let’s talk about informal gifts.

Before you choose a gift, let’s think about the child’s age. Parents want to protect him from bad energy, evil eye and other things. The Church does not put some framework, but most children are christened on the 9 th or 40 th day of birth. Although, of course, this is not a firm rule: parents can hold this ceremony, when the baby gets older and grow up.

Let’s start with the most important people after the child, with godparents. If a child is very small, it is likely that parents now have many costs: vests, cribs, strollers, baths, doctors, masseurs and so on. Therefore, you can ease your task and ask parents what they need. Just ask. After all, you must interact very closely: you now have a common baby!

All of the above mentioned concerns relatives, friends and neighbors. Want to make the right christening gift? Ask! Because a baby does not need two baths and three carriages.

There is no limit to toys, it’s truth. They are always useful to a baby, even if he does not appreciate now. There is no need to buy a car of teddy bears, colorful ducks and other things. Let this be one, but high-quality, pleasant toy. And remember about baby health! There are many fakes on the market, low-quality toys, which are dotted with bright colors, sound harsh sounds, be careful – toys should not harm health!

If a child is old enough, pay attention to his tastes and preferences when choosing a christening gift, and proceed from them: a child can already tell you what he wants.

The day of christening is a significant and memorable occasion for a family, baby, all relatives. Prepare a small celebration. Do not forget about a child: everything must be modest and peaceful. This is not a day of physical birth, it is a spiritual birthday, that, according to religious strictures, is much more important and meaningful.

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How to Help a Child with Speech Difficulties

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 3rd, 2009

Many children have speech difficulties. These difficulties could be in conjunction with other problems, such as autism or hearing loss, or could appear in otherwise healthy and confident children. There is a spectrum of speech difficulties that
appear, usually between the ages of 2 and 5, including: stammering/stuttering, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, and These problems are more common than most people realize. An estimated 5% of preschool children in the UK have a stammer. That’s 188,000 children just with a stutter; there are thousands more with other speech difficulties.

If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and/or language development, don’t ignore them. The earlier that problems are identified, the easier that it is to fix them.

What can you do to help a child with speech difficulties?

1. Seek professional help.

It is important to seek professional help if you are concerned about your child’s speech. Speech and language therapy is very successful, and can really help children. It is always best to check whether they would benefit from speech therapy.

2. Be supportive.

Many children with speech difficulties become self conscious and anxious about speaking. The more upset and nervous they are about their speech, the more difficult it will be for them to speak clearly. Always encourage them and tell them that they are doing a good job. If they start therapy, be supportive of and interested in the process. Make sure that your child feels accepted and loved no matter how many mistakes they make in their speech.

3. Be patient.

It is important for children to keep talking, even if it takes a stuttering child ten minutes to finish a sentence. Just listen patiently. Resist the urge to finish their sentence for them. Continue asking them questions, and express interest in their answers. Also, try to slow down the way that you speak. If you speak more slowly, it not only makes it easier for them to hear the way that you speak, it also makes them feel better about speaking slowly themselves.

4. Be an example.

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Oh Baby! Halle Berry Pregnant with Second Child

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 3rd, 2009

Life & Style magazine is reporting that Halle Berry and her partner, model Gabriel Aubry, are officially expecting their second baby. The actress is said to be three months pregnant, with her baby due next spring.

Reportedly, the couple is said to be “overjoyed” about the news, after struggling with unspecified fertility issues. The magazine states that Berry and Aubry were forced to resort to numerous attempts via in vitro fertilization to conceive their
first baby in 2007. Berry, who turned 43 this past month, endured over 30 negative pregnancy tests before she became pregnant with daughter, Nahla Ariela Aubry, born in March, 2008. To conceive their second child, the couple allegedly turned to artificial insemination.

Life and Style claims to have broken this exclusive story, less than a week after pictures depicting Berry out and about town in a loose shirt, with what appears to be a baby bump, were circulated on the internet. Berry’s rep did not comment about this matter on the record.

Berry and Aubry met at a modeling job for Versace and began dating in late 2005, initially attracting public interest due to Aubry being nine years younger than Berry. The couple has also garnered notoriety for their adamant decision to remain unmarried, even after the birth of their daughter, a choice made public by the twice-married-and-divorced Berry’s frequent statements that she will never again enter the marital state.

Berry, an Oscar-winning actress with a long list of acclaimed performances, has been absent from public view for much of the time since baby Nahla’s birth. Prior to her first pregnancy, she was a much sought after talent in Hollywood. Berry has portrayed a wide range of characters: from quintessential, vampy sidekick, Jinx, in the James Bond flick, Die Another Day, to supernatural crimefighter in the X-Men series, to a more serious role in the television adaptation in Oprah Winfrey’s production of Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. She won an Academy Award for her 2001 role in Monster’s Ball, and became the first woman of African-American descent to accept the honor.

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Influencing Your Child’s Education

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 3rd, 2009

A baby learns facial expressions and will use what they learned to communicate. A baby learns to smile and when to smile. If you smile inappropriately, chances are good your child will too until he or she learns from others.

You can influence everything your child learns regardless of whether or not it was learned from you. Your child may learn there is a God through school. If you are an atheist and want your child to be an atheist, then you will have to teach them the difference. You, the parent, are the
biggest influence in your child’s life.

Children love their parents unconditionally. Children will believe and follow the parents no matter what the parents tell their child at a young age. Nurture that relationship. Be as honest with your child as you can and let him or her know that sometimes there are different views.

If you keep an honest and open relationship with your child before he or she starts school, it will be easier for you to have an influence over your child as he or she gets older.

If you listen to what your children say or you hear what they are watching on television, you will know what your children are learning. Your child will tell you what happened at school and if you are listening closely you will know what they learned or if they are having a problem.

Watch and listen to see what your children learn. You can influence your child’s learning by talking with him or her about what was taught. For example, my daughter is learning about the food pyramid. She “learned” she is not supposed to eat fats or oils. She was being taught that fats and oils are bad if you eat too much. I had to explain to her she needs all the food in the food group, but in moderation. Luckily, she is starting to eat again.

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10 Tips for Baby’s First Halloween

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 3rd, 2009

A baby’s first Halloween is one that child and parent can enjoy. How to do so involves a number of things. Here are 10 tips for baby’s first Halloween.

Leave Candy on Porch

The first tip for a baby’s first Halloween is to leave candy for trick-or-treaters on the porch. You don’t want the doorbell to ring on and off throughout the early evening. It will disturb your baby. It will make them agitated and frighten. Just leave a bowl of candy on the porch or in
the hall, with a note to not ring the doorbell. If you want to hand out candy, put a sign that says, “Gently knock on the door.’

Give Them One Halloween Toy

The second tip for a baby’s first Halloween is to give them one Halloween toy. There are a lot of novelty items that parents can buy during Halloween, and you don’t want to give them more than one. Buying more than one will only give stimulate them too much. Buy something that will hold their interest, at least, for a month.

Give Juice instead of Candy

The third tip for a baby’s first Halloween is to give them a cup of 100% fruit juice instead of candy. Most children like candy but you don’t want to give them a piece of candy when they are that young. Children over the age of five years old can get a piece of candy, but before than for a sweet treat give them a cup of juice. You can put Halloween stickers on the cup to make it look festive.

Buy Halloween Book, Age Appropriate

The fourth tip for a baby’s first Halloween is to buy a Halloween book for them. You can find Halloween themes books that are age appropriate for a baby. Spend the early afternoon reading the book to your baby for a fun filled 30 minutes.

Applesauce with Red Fruit Juice

The fifth tip for a baby’s first Halloween is to make another sweet treat for your baby. One is applesauce mixed with a teaspoon of 100% red fruit juice. Serve the applesauce in a orange or black bowl with a festive Halloween spoon.

No Masks

The sixth tip for a baby’s first Halloween is to make sure to buy no masks. Baby’s will be frighten of masks and its best to leave them out of your home.

Use everyday clothing make costume

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Quadruple Screening Test During Pregnancy

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 3rd, 2009

A quadruple screening test is also called a quad screening or a multiple marker test. The doctor may send you for a triple screening test instead of the quadruple screening. A quadruple screening is a little more sensitive and can detect better odds than a triple screening.

The quadruple screening test usually takes place between 15 and 20 weeks during your pregnancy. This is an OPTIONAL test. Some insurances will not cover the cost of the quadruple screening or triple screening test and you should check with your insurance before taking the test. The
quadruple screening and triple screening test consists of drawing blood, but you do not have to do anything special for the test. You can eat and drink as you normally would. The results usually take about a week.

The quadruple screening evaluates your risk of carrying a baby who has certain developmental or chromosomal conditions. These conditions include Spina Bifida, Anencephaly which will cause the baby to be stillborn or will shortly die, Edwards Syndrome that is also fatal and the baby often dies by one year old, and Down Syndrome.

The quadruple screening tests not whether the baby has the condition, but whether YOU have an increased risk of carrying a baby who has certain developmental or chromosomal conditions. This is important to remember if the doctor tells you the test came back positive. The doctor was testing you and not the baby. Other tests will test the baby.

It is important to note this test is only 80% accurate. It correctly identifies 80% of women carrying Down Syndrome. Five percent of women have false positives with this test. That means five percent of the women that took this test and got a positive result, will needlessly worry through their pregnancy.

If you get a positive result on the test the next step would be to go to a genetic counselor. Your doctor may try to talk you into an amniocentesis first, but go to the genetic counselor first. The genetic counselor can determine your odds of having a baby with a problem and will explain to you the disease that your baby is most likely to have.

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