The use of pesticides on crops and growth hormones and antibiotics in livestock has been proven to compromise babies' health which is the reason why organic baby food sales have skyrocketed. Babies' bodies do not have developed immune systems and their brain development is very susceptible to outside influences such as diet. When toxic materials such as pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables or the presence of growth hormones in milk are introduced, all developing systems of babies are compromised.
The late 1990's brought a growth to the organic industry as well as new federal regulations about the use of pesticides and even the banning of others. This is cold comfort to parents who have already raised their babies on regular jarred or prepared baby foods. Many companies have complied with federal standards but admit there are still low levels of metals and pesticides in their baby foods. There is no foolproof way to eradicate the presence of these toxins unless you go totally organic with organic baby food.
Babies totally raised on organic baby food will realize a healthier immune system and their brain development including hormones and the central nervous system will greatly benefit as well. The exposure to toxins in food can cause allergies, mental impairment, behavior issues and more. In fact, expectant moms are strongly encouraged to adopt an organic eating plan as these toxins consumed in their own diets could cross the umbilical cord to the fetus.
While organic baby food can be found in many retail grocery store chains, you will always find a better selection in your local health food or whole foods markets. Be sure to comparison shop in several of your local markets as prices can vary widely with organic products. Sign up for email grocery store alerts so you know when your favorite products are on sale. Organic baby food will be a little more expensive but the health of your baby is well worth the price.
Of course, you have other options in regards to organic baby food – you can make your own! A number of organic baby food recipes can be found with simple searches on the internet or even in cookbooks. Adapt any baby food recipe by using all organic products instead of traditional ones that might contain the toxins like antibiotics, pesticides or even food additives. For the most part, organic baby food is made by grinding up organic fruits, vegetables and other foods in a blender until it is a consistency babies can tolerate and digest – a puree for babies just starting solid foods and slightly lumpy or chunky for toddlers who have developing teeth.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
What Are the Signs That My Baby is Teething?
One of the biggest things to deal with during your child's first three years are the signs and symptoms of teething. Getting in those pearly whites can be no big deal for some children, but for others – look out!
Some experts don't think that those signs and symptoms of teething are actually caused by teething, and that they just happen to occur at the same time as the teeth erupt. But most parents agree that those incoming teeth do cause their child some aches and pains, and when they see signs and symptoms of teething, they want to help their child through it as best as possible.
Regardless of whether the signs and symptoms of baby teething are truly from teething or just happen to occur at the same time, these signs and symptoms (whether of teething or not) should be paid attention to. If the symptoms are a concern to you, or the fever is higher than 101 degrees, it is wise to take your babe to his doctor. The child could have an ear infection – which is common among those children who are not breastfed.
There are several “typical” things that teething children experience. Your child will likely have one or more of the following signs and symptoms while teething, for toddlers and babies.
Irritability is a common sign of teething. Because those poor sore gums hurt a lot, the baby or toddler can get very grumpy. Children tend to get fussy for other reasons, of course, but this sign along with others is something to expect when your child is teething.
The gums swell and become very sensitive when teething. Some babies and children like to chew on things to alleviate the pain – even an adult's finger will do nicely! If the child likes to chew, it can help to offer them a chew toy or something cold – like a frozen wet washcloth or frozen peas – to chew on.
The swelling of the gums is usually accompanied by excessive drooling. Parents will often need to wipe the baby's face several times a day in an effort to avoid the facial rash that comes when the face is so wet.
Biting is common for children who have sore gums. It can feel good to them to use those new teeth, and gnawing is one way to use them. Once again, giving the child appropriate things to bite is the best way to deal with biting behavior. One place where the baby or child cannot be allowed to bite is their mother's nipple. Children who are still breastfeeding can be taught “no bite” - there is no need to wean the child at a time when they need as much comforting and love as possible. The first time the child bites, the mother should slip her finger in the corner of the baby's mouth the break the suction, then take the baby off her nipple with a firm “no bite.” Then offer the baby something else that he can chew on, like a toy. The baby will understand soon – in fact, this is one of the earliest lessons in discipline.
Some experts don't think that those signs and symptoms of teething are actually caused by teething, and that they just happen to occur at the same time as the teeth erupt. But most parents agree that those incoming teeth do cause their child some aches and pains, and when they see signs and symptoms of teething, they want to help their child through it as best as possible.
Regardless of whether the signs and symptoms of baby teething are truly from teething or just happen to occur at the same time, these signs and symptoms (whether of teething or not) should be paid attention to. If the symptoms are a concern to you, or the fever is higher than 101 degrees, it is wise to take your babe to his doctor. The child could have an ear infection – which is common among those children who are not breastfed.
There are several “typical” things that teething children experience. Your child will likely have one or more of the following signs and symptoms while teething, for toddlers and babies.
Irritability is a common sign of teething. Because those poor sore gums hurt a lot, the baby or toddler can get very grumpy. Children tend to get fussy for other reasons, of course, but this sign along with others is something to expect when your child is teething.
The gums swell and become very sensitive when teething. Some babies and children like to chew on things to alleviate the pain – even an adult's finger will do nicely! If the child likes to chew, it can help to offer them a chew toy or something cold – like a frozen wet washcloth or frozen peas – to chew on.
The swelling of the gums is usually accompanied by excessive drooling. Parents will often need to wipe the baby's face several times a day in an effort to avoid the facial rash that comes when the face is so wet.
Biting is common for children who have sore gums. It can feel good to them to use those new teeth, and gnawing is one way to use them. Once again, giving the child appropriate things to bite is the best way to deal with biting behavior. One place where the baby or child cannot be allowed to bite is their mother's nipple. Children who are still breastfeeding can be taught “no bite” - there is no need to wean the child at a time when they need as much comforting and love as possible. The first time the child bites, the mother should slip her finger in the corner of the baby's mouth the break the suction, then take the baby off her nipple with a firm “no bite.” Then offer the baby something else that he can chew on, like a toy. The baby will understand soon – in fact, this is one of the earliest lessons in discipline.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
New Baby Basics
A new baby is one of the most precious additions to the family. There are so many things that new parents need to remember regarding caring for a newborn. Safety is probably the foremost of these things as well as giving the new baby as much love as they possibly can. Many of the things that a parent needs for the baby are usually given as a new baby gift during baby showers, christenings and welcome home parties.
There are a great many things that should be remembered when caring for a newborn. Among these things is to practice patience with the baby. Babies have no other way to communicate except to cry, which is why for every little thing it wants, the baby usually cries. A new baby usually drinks milk every two to three hours every day. Since there is no set time and this time is an estimate, you can expect your baby to be variable when it comes to eating time.
Feeding the new baby with breast milk or formula is one of the many things that new parents should think about. Breast milk is basically made up of all the nutrients and protection that baby needs for the first few months of life. Breast milk gives colustrum, which boosts the baby's immune system and helps to protect from sickness. On the other hand, if the mother does not have the capacity to produce enough breast milk, the parents might need to supplement with formula or use formula fully to feed the new baby.
Holding the new baby is one thing that needs to be learned. Since the baby is not able to support his or her body as of yet, it is advisable to support the neck and back with an arm when carrying the new baby. Avoid letting the baby's head hang limply and make sure that as the baby is being carried the arms or legs are not pinched or trapped.
The clothes that a new baby is to wear should not be too warm or too cool. Avoid using buttons that might come off as well as safety pins that might poke baby. Cotton is the best clothing to use for a new baby since this is one of the least allergenic materials. Snaps are preferable to buttons and ties. Mittens are not preferable since these can hide the state of the new baby's fingers and hand. There have been some cases of a piece of string tangling in the baby's hand and cutting off circulation.
There are a great many things that should be remembered when caring for a newborn. Among these things is to practice patience with the baby. Babies have no other way to communicate except to cry, which is why for every little thing it wants, the baby usually cries. A new baby usually drinks milk every two to three hours every day. Since there is no set time and this time is an estimate, you can expect your baby to be variable when it comes to eating time.
Feeding the new baby with breast milk or formula is one of the many things that new parents should think about. Breast milk is basically made up of all the nutrients and protection that baby needs for the first few months of life. Breast milk gives colustrum, which boosts the baby's immune system and helps to protect from sickness. On the other hand, if the mother does not have the capacity to produce enough breast milk, the parents might need to supplement with formula or use formula fully to feed the new baby.
Holding the new baby is one thing that needs to be learned. Since the baby is not able to support his or her body as of yet, it is advisable to support the neck and back with an arm when carrying the new baby. Avoid letting the baby's head hang limply and make sure that as the baby is being carried the arms or legs are not pinched or trapped.
The clothes that a new baby is to wear should not be too warm or too cool. Avoid using buttons that might come off as well as safety pins that might poke baby. Cotton is the best clothing to use for a new baby since this is one of the least allergenic materials. Snaps are preferable to buttons and ties. Mittens are not preferable since these can hide the state of the new baby's fingers and hand. There have been some cases of a piece of string tangling in the baby's hand and cutting off circulation.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
What Baby Clothes Are Best for Gifts?
Is a friend or loved one expecting? Baby clothes are always a helpful gift for anyone who is expecting a baby. There are so many types of clothes to choose from but the key to finding a gift that the receiver will really appreciate it is to individualize it and think of practicality and usability.
Whether you are buying baby boy clothes or girl clothes, think about what the mother will appreciate most. The baby won’t know the difference between wearing designer clothes or a potato sack so put yourself in the mother’s shoes and think about what kind of baby clothes you would find useful in her position.
Babies grow very fast so you want to make sure you keep that in mind when you buy baby clothes. If everyone gives a mother newborn size clothing, her baby will grow out of them even before she gets to use them all. Instead, buy stuff that is appropriate for an older baby so the mother has stuff to change her baby into for months to come.
You might think shoes are a cute accessory but before buying a newborn baby shoes, consider the fact that they will have no use for them whatsoever. Babies won’t need shoes until they start using their walker around 6 months of age. Instead, think of purchasing warm slippers, socks, or leg warmers.
Also remember that babies like comfortable clothes too and aren’t dress up dolls. Consider baby clothes like onesies, footsie pajamas, and undershirts. These are items that get a lot of use and won’t just be hanging in the baby’s closet.
There is nothing sweeter than receiving a gift that has been embroidered with your baby’s name or that has a logo with a special meaning. For example, if your baby is having twins, look for a cute twin gift such as matching onesies with a catchy twin-theme. Or get the baby an outfit with his or her name embroidered in it. Make sure you ask the parent how the baby’s name is spelled however so you don’t misspell it when getting a gift personalized!
Make no mistake about it. Baby clothes may be a very common gift but they are very practical as well. Don’t get carried away though when you are shopping around for clothes for a new baby. Instead, put yourself in the mother’s shoes and think of what you would find most useful. Especially in these rough financial times, any new mother will appreciate a useful baby gifts instead of fancy dress up clothes that her baby will only wear once.
Whether you are buying baby boy clothes or girl clothes, think about what the mother will appreciate most. The baby won’t know the difference between wearing designer clothes or a potato sack so put yourself in the mother’s shoes and think about what kind of baby clothes you would find useful in her position.
Babies grow very fast so you want to make sure you keep that in mind when you buy baby clothes. If everyone gives a mother newborn size clothing, her baby will grow out of them even before she gets to use them all. Instead, buy stuff that is appropriate for an older baby so the mother has stuff to change her baby into for months to come.
You might think shoes are a cute accessory but before buying a newborn baby shoes, consider the fact that they will have no use for them whatsoever. Babies won’t need shoes until they start using their walker around 6 months of age. Instead, think of purchasing warm slippers, socks, or leg warmers.
Also remember that babies like comfortable clothes too and aren’t dress up dolls. Consider baby clothes like onesies, footsie pajamas, and undershirts. These are items that get a lot of use and won’t just be hanging in the baby’s closet.
There is nothing sweeter than receiving a gift that has been embroidered with your baby’s name or that has a logo with a special meaning. For example, if your baby is having twins, look for a cute twin gift such as matching onesies with a catchy twin-theme. Or get the baby an outfit with his or her name embroidered in it. Make sure you ask the parent how the baby’s name is spelled however so you don’t misspell it when getting a gift personalized!
Make no mistake about it. Baby clothes may be a very common gift but they are very practical as well. Don’t get carried away though when you are shopping around for clothes for a new baby. Instead, put yourself in the mother’s shoes and think of what you would find most useful. Especially in these rough financial times, any new mother will appreciate a useful baby gifts instead of fancy dress up clothes that her baby will only wear once.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Your New Baby Girl
When people ask any pregnant lady if she wants a baby girl or baby boy, the first thing that comes to her mind is that she wants a healthy baby. But, all of us have preferences, whether we admit it or not. Mother of four girls may say that her desire is to have a baby boy. But does this desire of having a baby girl affect her relationship with her boys? The answer will be no for most of the mothers, as she will simply grieve over the dream of gender of the child she had hoped for, and move on.
But sometimes, parents actually feel more than just a passing depression over the sex of the baby. The desire to have a baby of particular sex is so strong that it affects them emotionally and physically for a long time. In such cases, it is advisable to go for counseling to explore the feelings. The feeling will come out in open and become easier to understand.
Many parents want to find out the sex of the baby while it is in the womb, and is mainly based on the claims of parental bonding. Parents want to be better prepared in terms of decorating the room, selecting a name and so on. Knowing the sex of the baby ahead of time also allows them to pass the grieving process during pregnancy instead of immediately during the postpartum period.
The sex of the baby can be determined by doing an ultrasound. There are many other ways to predict if woman is carrying a baby girl or boy. These guesses are based on way of carrying, shape of the bump, timing of the intercourse that resulted in conception, sexual position that resulted in conception, type of cravings, nausea, baby’s fetal heartbeat, change in mother’s looks and underwear preferences of the father-to-be.
Sharing the news of arrival of a baby girl is an exciting and important for parents. And the birth announcement can be made with the help of personalized cards. Selecting name for you baby girl can be quite a daunting task as well. Some people are just fine with a common name, but most of the parents want to have a unique name for their daughters.
To choose just a perfect baby girl name, there are numerous websites that have a comprehensive list of all the names arranged alphabetically, along with their meanings. Many people choose the name of the baby girl as per the numerology.
But sometimes, parents actually feel more than just a passing depression over the sex of the baby. The desire to have a baby of particular sex is so strong that it affects them emotionally and physically for a long time. In such cases, it is advisable to go for counseling to explore the feelings. The feeling will come out in open and become easier to understand.
Many parents want to find out the sex of the baby while it is in the womb, and is mainly based on the claims of parental bonding. Parents want to be better prepared in terms of decorating the room, selecting a name and so on. Knowing the sex of the baby ahead of time also allows them to pass the grieving process during pregnancy instead of immediately during the postpartum period.
The sex of the baby can be determined by doing an ultrasound. There are many other ways to predict if woman is carrying a baby girl or boy. These guesses are based on way of carrying, shape of the bump, timing of the intercourse that resulted in conception, sexual position that resulted in conception, type of cravings, nausea, baby’s fetal heartbeat, change in mother’s looks and underwear preferences of the father-to-be.
Sharing the news of arrival of a baby girl is an exciting and important for parents. And the birth announcement can be made with the help of personalized cards. Selecting name for you baby girl can be quite a daunting task as well. Some people are just fine with a common name, but most of the parents want to have a unique name for their daughters.
To choose just a perfect baby girl name, there are numerous websites that have a comprehensive list of all the names arranged alphabetically, along with their meanings. Many people choose the name of the baby girl as per the numerology.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Basics of a Baby Boy
Congratulations! You are having a little bundle of joy! Being a new parent can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. If you are expecting a baby boy, hopefully the following tips and tricks will help you to care for your newborn baby boy.
Naming Your Son
If you have not yet decided on a name for your baby boy, it is, of course, not too late. There are several things you should think of when naming your little guy. First, remember that it is easier to be a little out there with a girl’s name than with a boy’s name. A baby boy name needs to be strong and masculine. You should make sure that the name will flow well with your last name and that there is no taunt that stands out in your mind for that name (like “fatsy patsy”). Once you find a masculine name that you like, you should be all set!
Diapering Your Son
Diapering a baby boy can be a lot more difficult than diapering a baby girl. When diapering your son, know that you will probably, in the beginning, wind up with pee all over the back of your son, the stomach of your son, and the legs of your baby boy. The key to getting the diaper on correctly and properly is to have the penis pointing down. If it is pointing up, then the pee will go straight up and out of the diaper, rendering the diaper pointless.
Caring For Your Son’s Circumcision
If you chose to have your baby boy circumcised, there are several things that you should know for taking care of it. First, make sure that you do not take the bandage off. The doctor will remove it or it will fall off on its own. Second, make sure that you keep plenty of Vaseline on the wound, especially after the bandage falls off. This is important so that the wound does not stick to the diaper. If it does stick to the diaper, you can run warm water over it until the diaper comes off easily. Make sure that you follow any of your doctor’s instructions for caring for the circumcision as well.
Having a baby boy is very special responsibility. Baby boys are exciting and fun and your life will never be the same! You are very blessed to have such a bundle of joy! Remember, if you have any questions at all contact your son’s pediatrician.
Naming Your Son
If you have not yet decided on a name for your baby boy, it is, of course, not too late. There are several things you should think of when naming your little guy. First, remember that it is easier to be a little out there with a girl’s name than with a boy’s name. A baby boy name needs to be strong and masculine. You should make sure that the name will flow well with your last name and that there is no taunt that stands out in your mind for that name (like “fatsy patsy”). Once you find a masculine name that you like, you should be all set!
Diapering Your Son
Diapering a baby boy can be a lot more difficult than diapering a baby girl. When diapering your son, know that you will probably, in the beginning, wind up with pee all over the back of your son, the stomach of your son, and the legs of your baby boy. The key to getting the diaper on correctly and properly is to have the penis pointing down. If it is pointing up, then the pee will go straight up and out of the diaper, rendering the diaper pointless.
Caring For Your Son’s Circumcision
If you chose to have your baby boy circumcised, there are several things that you should know for taking care of it. First, make sure that you do not take the bandage off. The doctor will remove it or it will fall off on its own. Second, make sure that you keep plenty of Vaseline on the wound, especially after the bandage falls off. This is important so that the wound does not stick to the diaper. If it does stick to the diaper, you can run warm water over it until the diaper comes off easily. Make sure that you follow any of your doctor’s instructions for caring for the circumcision as well.
Having a baby boy is very special responsibility. Baby boys are exciting and fun and your life will never be the same! You are very blessed to have such a bundle of joy! Remember, if you have any questions at all contact your son’s pediatrician.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Caring For Your Baby's Sensitive Skin
Baby skin care is a necessary thing since our skin is the foremost line of defense for our bodies. Babies often have their own kind of skin pretty much like adults but there are times when the babies have not managed to build protection or immunity from an alien element and may be sensitive to this when it comes in contact with his or her skin. Baby skin care is also important since damage to the skin at such a young age may affect the individual in the future. All aspects of baby health care are important to have a happy healthy baby.
Babies with sensitive skin should have the right kind of baby skin care. The sensitivity of the skin can cause problems for the baby even in his or her initial years. The right kind of baby skin care for sensitive skin is to avoid too much exposure to harsh elements or chemicals. Usually, it is the harshness of chemicals and additives in bath soaps, laundry soaps, shampoos and lotions that can trigger a reaction in baby's skin.
Baby skin care for sensitive skin requires reading the list of ingredients in the label of the item before purchasing to see if there are ingredients that the baby is sensitive to. Parents can also ask their pediatrician regarding what chemicals or ingredients their child may be sensitive to. Baby skin care requires that the baby take a bath at least once a day to promote cleanliness.
If the baby is still quite small, it may be best to place her or him on a secure bath seat and then proceed to bathe the baby. Most baby skin care soaps can be used for both soap and shampoo. It is always best to start with a baby soap that is for sensitive skin in order to circumvent any reactions that baby's skin might have with the stronger kid's soaps and shampoos. Avoid unnecessary cleaning of baby with soaps since even sensitive skin soaps can dry out the skin with much too frequent use.
Other baby skin care tips for sensitive skin are to protect baby's skin from the harsh sun and to cover up. Babies with sensitive skin may react to the sun in some ways. The sun is an aging factor as well as does some serious damage to the skin. Constant exposure will eventually show as the baby grows older.
Babies with sensitive skin should have the right kind of baby skin care. The sensitivity of the skin can cause problems for the baby even in his or her initial years. The right kind of baby skin care for sensitive skin is to avoid too much exposure to harsh elements or chemicals. Usually, it is the harshness of chemicals and additives in bath soaps, laundry soaps, shampoos and lotions that can trigger a reaction in baby's skin.
Baby skin care for sensitive skin requires reading the list of ingredients in the label of the item before purchasing to see if there are ingredients that the baby is sensitive to. Parents can also ask their pediatrician regarding what chemicals or ingredients their child may be sensitive to. Baby skin care requires that the baby take a bath at least once a day to promote cleanliness.
If the baby is still quite small, it may be best to place her or him on a secure bath seat and then proceed to bathe the baby. Most baby skin care soaps can be used for both soap and shampoo. It is always best to start with a baby soap that is for sensitive skin in order to circumvent any reactions that baby's skin might have with the stronger kid's soaps and shampoos. Avoid unnecessary cleaning of baby with soaps since even sensitive skin soaps can dry out the skin with much too frequent use.
Other baby skin care tips for sensitive skin are to protect baby's skin from the harsh sun and to cover up. Babies with sensitive skin may react to the sun in some ways. The sun is an aging factor as well as does some serious damage to the skin. Constant exposure will eventually show as the baby grows older.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
How to Care For Your Premature Baby
Preemies are infants born too early from their due date. The due date is usually flexible for most pregnancies. In fact, doctors give a few days more or less for the due date. So the due date is just an estimate for many deliveries unless it is a cesarean section which needs to be scheduled. Premature babies are usually delivered a couple of months before their estimated due date. In this day and age, there is little risk of the baby dying due to premature birth unless there are underlying conditions surrounding the birth.
Baby care for premature infants is basically similar to those infants or babies born around their due date. There will be some adjustments regarding the capacity of the premature infant when it comes to eating as well as baby care regarding special needs.
Depending on how premature a baby is, the need for baby care may vary. Some premature babies that are normal can actually go home after spending just several days under observation in the hospital. New mothers are usually taught the right baby care for premature babies of its age. Baby skin care for a premature baby may be different since there are some preemies that have not developed so well yet with regards to skin. This does not happen often, though, and babies born seven to eight months can be under similar baby care instructions as those babies born full term.
Baby care usually concentrates on feeding the baby and meeting his or her most basic needs. There are some premature baby formulas if the mother is not yet capable of breast milk. Some premature babies may not have fully developed digestive systems which means they can not enjoy even breast milk as of yet. Even the size of the nipples for the baby bottles for preemies is different. Special instructions regarding baby care when it comes to feeding may be more on this aspect.
Bathing the premature baby may be difficult or dangerous for the first several weeks of his or her delivery. Baby care regarding bathing premature babies state that a sponge bath may just be what the baby's body can accept. A very soft and light sponge or washcloth is needed for giving baby a sponge bath. Baby care with regards to soap requires the gentlest soap possible or even just plain water.
Baby care for premature babies may be difficult to assimilate initially but as the child grows and adapts, the problem is gone.
Baby care for premature infants is basically similar to those infants or babies born around their due date. There will be some adjustments regarding the capacity of the premature infant when it comes to eating as well as baby care regarding special needs.
Depending on how premature a baby is, the need for baby care may vary. Some premature babies that are normal can actually go home after spending just several days under observation in the hospital. New mothers are usually taught the right baby care for premature babies of its age. Baby skin care for a premature baby may be different since there are some preemies that have not developed so well yet with regards to skin. This does not happen often, though, and babies born seven to eight months can be under similar baby care instructions as those babies born full term.
Baby care usually concentrates on feeding the baby and meeting his or her most basic needs. There are some premature baby formulas if the mother is not yet capable of breast milk. Some premature babies may not have fully developed digestive systems which means they can not enjoy even breast milk as of yet. Even the size of the nipples for the baby bottles for preemies is different. Special instructions regarding baby care when it comes to feeding may be more on this aspect.
Bathing the premature baby may be difficult or dangerous for the first several weeks of his or her delivery. Baby care regarding bathing premature babies state that a sponge bath may just be what the baby's body can accept. A very soft and light sponge or washcloth is needed for giving baby a sponge bath. Baby care with regards to soap requires the gentlest soap possible or even just plain water.
Baby care for premature babies may be difficult to assimilate initially but as the child grows and adapts, the problem is gone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
