Posts Tagged ‘Infant’

Breast milk protect Newborn baby health

Posted by babyhealthcare on October 15th, 2009
Highlights:
1. The levels of the components in breast milk change every 24 hours in response to the needs of the baby. A new study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience shows, for example, how this milk could help newborn babies to sleep.
2. Breast milk contains various ingredients, such as nucleotides, which perform a very important role in regulating babies’ sleep. The new study confirms that the composition of breast milk changes quite markedly throughout the day.
3. The scientists looked for three nucleotides in breast milk (adenosine, guanosine and uridine), which excite or relax the central nervous system, promoting restfulness and sleep, and observed how these varied throughout a 24-hour period.
4. The milk, collected from 30 women living in Extremadura, was expressed over a 24-hour period, with six to eight daily samples. The highest nucleotide concentrations were found in the night-time samples (8pm to 8am).
5. “This made us realise that milk induces sleep in babies”, Cristina L. Sánchez, lead author of the article and a researcher at the Chrononutrition Laboratory at the University of Extremadura, tells SINC.
6. “You wouldn’t give anyone a coffee at night, and the same is true of milk – it has day-specific ingredients that stimulate activity in the infant, and other night-time components that help the baby to rest”, explains Sánchez.
7. In order to ensure correct nutrition, the baby should be given milk at the same time of day that it was expressed from the mother’s breast. “It is a mistake for the mother to express the milk at a certain time and then store it and feed it to the baby at a different time”, points out the researcher. .
8. The benefits of breast milk
9. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says breast milk is the best food for the newborn, and should not be substituted, since it meets all the child’s physiological requirements during the first six months of life. It not only protects the baby against many illnesses such as colds, diarrhoea and sudden infant death syndrome, but can also help prevent future diseases such as asthma, allergies and obesity, and promotes intellectual development.
10. The benefits of breastfeeding also extend to the mother. Women who breastfeed lose the weight gained during pregnancy more quickly, and it also helps prevent against anaemia, high blood pressure and postnatal depression. Osteoporosis and breast cancer are also less common among women who breastfeed their children.
Read More »

Baby Nursery Decoration: 7 Facts You Need to Know

Posted by babyhealthcare on October 6th, 2009

Are you about to start your baby nursery decoration project? Don’t even consider your colors until you have read these important facts.

Newborn Eyesight

…is primitive to say the least. They can distinguish light and facial features, albeit in a very fuzzy way. Think about it: looking at anything is really hard work at this extremely tender age. Your aim should be to make it as easy as possible for little one to develop this fundamental ability. For this reason it’s essential to plan…

High Contrast Visuals

Include some patterns like black and white or black and yellow. Think of this as you would watching something easy and familiar on television. Did you know that the best present for a new arrival is a panda soft toy? (Odd that they are so hard to get hold of, but indicative of the general level of ignorance on this topic). Bold, contrasting images will help your new arrival see better.

Sophisticated Thinking

Babies are more sophisticated thinkers than we assume. As Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn explain in their very clear and straightforward book Baby Minds, some newborns can imitate adults sometimes at only a day old by sticking their tongue out in response to an adult doing it .

Memory

It might seem that children don’t remember much at such a young age (apart from recognizing family members’ faces). Not true. Acredolo and Goodwyn point to research that shows how a 3-month-old baby can register what the decor of her nursery looks like.

Long Lasting Effects

Research from the Albert Einstein College of medicine shows that youngsters who perform better at memory tests in infancy also perform well in memory tests later in life. Whether this is due to an innate ability at this age or the likelihood of being in a nurturing, stimulating environment is not clear, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume that there is a link.

So…

The last two facts lead to a rather exciting conclusion. If babies can remember what their wallpaper looks like, and if a good infant memory is a skill for life, then if we can stimulate this ability to retain information surely it can only enhance their memory. But how?

Mix It Up

The answer is to change elements of your baby nursery decoration scheme regularly. This gives your baby more to remember, more mental gymnastics to work out to.

Of course none of this means you should go for an entire redecoration every two months. the key word is elements here. Even changing the position of your cot mobile and introducing a new wall sticker or even colorful image from a magazine, tacked up with blu tak, will make a difference.<!–

Read More »

Evenflo Infant Car Seat Review

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 21st, 2009

The Evenflo brand has long been best known for its baby care products, but has increasingly become noted by parents for its line of affordable but high-quality baby car seats.

There are two lines of Evenflo infant car seats – the Discovery and the Embrace. Both lines feature rear-facing seats for babies weighing between five to twenty-two pounds.

The basic features of the Evenflo infant car seat include liners made of expanded polystyrene designed to absorb impacts while providing comfort for babies, a five-point harness with one step adjuster to ensure proper fit, Evenflo’s exclusive CarryRight Z-shaped handle which adjusts to four different positions for more comfortable carrying, a convenient Stay-in-Car base and removable pads for easy washing.

To alleviate parents’ concerns about safety, Evenflo certifies that its car seats meet or exceed federal safety standards and are side impact tested. Side impact testing is particularly important in ensuring the safety of baby car seats, since 25% of vehicular accidents involve side impact collisions.

At present there are no provisions in US and Canadian standards for side impact testing but Evenflo has taken the initiative in this area, implementing a rigorous test protocol developed by its engineers. Further underlining the company’s determination to ensure the safety of its products, Evenflo last February implemented a voluntary recall of certain models of its Discovery car seat after lab tests showed that they could detach from their bases in the event of a high-impact side collision.

Evenflo also provided current owners of the seat with a free supplemental dual-hook fastener to remedy the problem. Additional features available with the Embrace 5 line include a separate canopy, a three-position adjustable base with easy-to-use adjuster and a Central Track Ball Angle Indicator to ensure the seat is at the proper angle and a belt guide for use without the base. In addition, the deluxe model comes with a removable body pillow.

Read More »

Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat Review

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 21st, 2009

To get an idea of how seriously people take infant safety, just look at the uproar pop star Britney Spears caused just a few years ago when she was caught driving with her baby Sean unsecured on her lap. Her stunt underscores how important infant
car seats are when you are driving with your baby.

The right car seat could spell the difference between life and death for your child if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident. One of the best reviewed brands of infant car seat is the Graco Snugride infant car seat.

The latest model of Graco Snugride infant car seat comes with Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) padding, one of the most effective impact-absorbing materials. It has the following features: a padded five-point harness; retractable sun canopy; and padded headrest.

It also comes with a convenient carrying handle and car base. When you’re getting ready for a car ride with your baby, just insert the carrier into the base and secure the baby with the harness. After the ride, simply remove the seat from the base. This also makes it easier to transport a baby without waking him or her up.

To comply with safety standards, Graco’s infant car seats are rear-facing. Federal guidelines strongly recommend that babies ride in backward-facing seats if they are less than a year old or weigh less than twenty pounds.

To ensure proper installation, the car seat also comes with a level indicator. The Snugride supports babies of up to 22 pounds and 29 inches tall, and is compatible with Graco strollers, as well as those made by other companies.

Accessories available with the Snugride include the Swaddle Me, a swaddle which covers the baby’s whole body; the Snuglider, a mechanical rocker which uses the Snugride as the seat; the CozyUp, a fleece-lined cover and the Urban Bundle Me Infant, which has a quilted outer shell and a soft grey microfiber lining.

There is also a model of Graco Snugride infant car seat for one-year old kids. The Snugride 32 is a rear-facing car seat that accommodates children weighing up to 32 pounds and as tall as 32 inches and ensures the child remains backward-facing in your car for a year.

Read More »

Going Natural for Treating Acid Reflux in Infants

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 20th, 2009

Acid Reflux in Infants: Natural Methods for Cure

There are several natural remedies for treating acid reflux in infants. This is certainly good news for parents who are hesitant to use any kind of medications. As a matter of fact, infants are delicate and medications can be too harsh for them. Natural treatments meanwhile, are safe and
gentle to use.

As with any other health-related concerns, taking precautions is a must. Following instructions properly is also a crucial step for treating acid reflux or any other ailments.

For natural treatment of acid reflux in infants, you will need a pillow or towel. For professional help, going to a reliable chiropractor is a must.

Instructions for Treatment:

First and foremost, elevate the infant’s head. You can do this by placing a rolled-up towel or pillow on the baby’s crib mattress. This prevents the stomach acid from getting into the baby’s esophagus, which can be very uncomfortable for the baby. This also causes vomiting.

Infants who are suffering from acid reflux should be in an upright position every time they are being fed. While breastfeeding, anchor your arm around the baby’s head in a more elevated position as compared to regular breastfeeding when an infant is usually fully lying down.

Maintain the upright position for about 20 minutes after each feeding. Sometimes, even after the infant has already burped.

Another natural trick is to mix a small amount of infant cereal to the milk formula. While breastfeeding, you can do this for pumped or stored milk – mix the cereal to the baby’s bottle.

The cereal mix thickens the milk or infant formula and thus avoid spit ups, which is a symptom of acid reflux in infants.

Consult your pediatrician before implementing this remedy. Some cases indicate that early consumption of cereals causes allergies among infants.

An infant’s acid reflux can be caused by misaligned vertebrae located between the infant’s shoulder blades. This misalignment sends a signal to the stomach that triggers the production of more acid.

A chiropractor can help realign these vertebrae back to its proper position. A visit to the chiropractor can alleviate the discomfort of your baby.

Read More »

How to Buy a Good Baby Car Seat even if You are under Tight Budget

Posted by babyhealthcare on September 9th, 2009
How to Buy a Good Baby Car Seat even if You are under Tight Budget

Security for the infant is an unending source of concern for all fathers, especially newborns. If there is any likely ways to reduce the risk of wounded for the infant, it is a likely concern for every father. On this matter, fathers can breathe a relief now as every car seat is made with security as the main priority.

Baby car seats are not only designed for good appearance and comfort, they are all are made in certain ways to help scale back the odds of getting hurt to their necks and head in a car crash. There is a safety attribute in the form of neck supports attached in the baby car seat that helps to shield the skull during a major collusion.

A baby car seat is an indispensable thing if you like driving around with the baby. The restraint in the baby car seat is unbelievably functional in keeping your baby from dying or being hurt in the car accidents that is now frequently taking place. Furthermore, it is made compulsory for all driving parents that want to take their newborn with them to install such device.

It must be made said that all such seats has exceeded the minimum safety requirements set by the government. Each baby car seat is compulsory to exceed the severe legislative crash tests conducted by the government. That is good news for fathers on a tight budget given the reason that a more expensive baby car seat does not essentially make it safer and better. Higher price may only indicate either newer model or improved features. Many moderately priced baby car seats also offer some unique features. Some of them are very costly, but if you can have enough funds and if it can make the baby happier for a journey, then go for it.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Make a Bath Time Baby Gift Basket

Posted by babyhealthcare on August 31st, 2009

Have you been invited to enough baby showers to finally be tired of the same old gifts and gift choices? Or tired of racing all over town to get a last minute gift the mother will love and doesn’t already have? Try making a gift basket that focuses on one of the more important times a
mother shares with her baby.

Bath time is a big event for newborns and infants, one a brand new mother may not be expecting, and one that many of her friends tend to overlook when the baby shower rolls around. So the next time you are invited to a baby shower, show how insightful you are by giving the mother a bath time themed gift basket.

Suggested Items:

A baby bath.

Hooded baby towel.

Wash cloths/ Wash mittens

Bath toys

Soothing or Fun Music

Baby shampoos and wash

After bath blanket

Use the baby bath as the basket, and line the bottom with a soft baby blanket. Then set up the rest of the gifts by size. It works best with the biggest gift or box in the middle, the mid-sized gifts to the side of it, and the smaller gifts in the front.

You can theme the gifts and colors for a boy or girl like many other baby shower gifts, choose your own color theme, or just go with different colors. Each way makes the basket look very fun.

Most baby baths do not come with handles, so don’t buy one so big or fill it so full you’ll need two people to carry it.

One really great touch is to have the towel, wash cloths or blanket personalized with the baby’s name or something like “Mommy’s Little Princess.” If you decide to have the baby’s name added, be 100% positive the name wont change, as that happens a lot.

Two other little touches you can add are a waterproof disposable camera, and a scented candle. These are both for the parents, as many parents like to take pictures of their child’s first bath from memories. The candle is to promote a more pleasant and relaxing environment.

As for wrapping, I normally go without wrapping the whole basket up, but if you just have to wrap it, then you’ll need a roll of cellophane and help. Place tape under the basket so it wont show and don’t wrap it so tight that the cellophane might tear. After it is wrapped, handle the package with care.

Read More »

Top Gifts for Infants

Posted by babyhealthcare on August 31st, 2009

It can be difficult sometimes after a friend or loved one has a new baby. Naturally they need clothes and diapers, but that can seem like such a waste. After all, they outgrow the clothing in nearly no time at all, and diapers… well, they are
gone almost instantly. And even with toys, the children outgrow them so quickly. But that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Here are some top picks for toys for infants that will be able to grow with them, at least for a little while.

Sassy Me in the Mirror Crib Toy: The Me in the Mirror Crib Toy by Sassy is a toy that features a fairly large baby-safe mirror. Hanging from it are various loops and toys. The thing that makes this a great toy is that it can start by hanging in the crib with the baby. But as the baby grows a bit, it can detach and be used for tummy time. Also, there is plenty of black and white, which are the first and most attractive colors to an infant. But there are also other bright, vivid colors that a baby will enjoy once they get a little bit older. And possibly the coolest- there is an mp3 player jack built into it. Music is such a great thing for a child’s mind, but it also just makes for a cool feature that parents can enjoy.

Bouncy chairs: A good, solid bouncy seat is a must have. But be warned- you should not use the type of bouncy seat that suspends from the doorway. First, it’s inappropriate for babies that cannot hold their heads upright yet. Second, it isn’t good on a baby’s hips, even if it’s an older baby. Instead, get one of the bouncy seats that sits on the floor. These often come with music players and vibrating options. The vibration is nice if you have a baby that suffers from colic, as it helps ease their tummies. Bouncy seats are not particularly expensive, and a good one can be found for under $25.

Pots and pans. Okay, so this gift may drive the parents crazy, but older babies love it! With nothing more than a pot, they can create music and entertain themselves for hours. It helps them develop their hand-eye coordination, teaches them rhythm and music, and lets them be creative.

Read More »

Baby Buddies: Halloween Costume Ideas for Babies

Posted by babyhealthcare on August 31st, 2009

Halloween is a fun holiday for everyone. It has candy and parties, and it is the one day of the year when we get to be whoever we want to be without limitations in public. Of course, just like any holiday, adults tend to twist it into an excuse to get drunk, but there is still wholesome
fun to be had. Children always bring out the joy in everything. Sometimes the best costumes are the ones worn by infants who are still to young to choose them for themselves. Personally, I do not believe that babies should be dress in scary outfits to look like demons and zombies, but some people do find amusement in that kind of thing. I prefer the cute costumes.

An angel costume is a classic for small children. However, as adorable as it may be, angels are not a very unique choice. Not to mention the fact that in the eyes of parents everywhere, a child may as well be born with wings and a halo.

A Jack-o-Lantern has the same problem. You see them everywhere on Halloween every year. They line the streets and find homes on thousands of door steps this season. In the old days, a Jack-o-Lantern was thought to frighten away evil spirits and protect a household on the day that the dead walked free among the living.

You could always go with your child’s favorite cartoon character. I have seen some delightful costumes of characters from Finding Nemo, and other films recently. I particularly liked the one I saw of Squirt the young sea turtle. There was another of one of the offspring of Shrek’s Donkey and Dragon with little red wings.

Lady bugs and bumblebees are always an easy choice. Any little girl will capture everyone’s attention in a red dress with black polka dots, and boys look great in black and yellow stripes. Other animals work well too. Lions and dalmations are a popular choice, and I have seen some very eye catching little tree frog costumes. Of course, a baby chick is a very fitting option as well. Any child would look adorable as a tiny ball of yellow fuzz.

Read More »
Page 3 of 512345
Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

  • Featured Video