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How to Handle Separation Anxiety in Toddlers

mom, love, kiss

It\’s normal for your child to cry when you leave, but it\’s still upsetting. Leaving your child is never easy, and it\’s even more difficult if they call and clings to you every time you go. Separation anxiety, on the other hand, is a standard part of growing up. It\’s a sign of a child\’s attachment to his parents. Finally, this strong sense of security will aid your child\’s development into an intelligent toddler.

When Does Separation Anxiety Start in Toddlers?

Separation anxiety can be traced back to cognitive development. During the first few months of life, your baby has no idea that they are self-sufficient. That\’s why young babies jump from one lap to the next with ease.

Your baby, however, starts to differentiate between people around the age of eight months, and he develops deep emotional attachments to his caregivers. They are also learning about object permanence which means that objects and people (including Mom and Dad) continue to exist even though she can\’t see them. When you combine all of these developmental advancements, you have the perfect formula for separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety in children usually begins between the ages of 8 and 14 months. It can show up when you\’re dropping your child off at daycare—or even when you\’re just going to the bathroom. Separation anxiety resurfaces about 15 months, just as it seems Baby is slowly adapting. This time, though, it\’s a little different: your child knows that you\’re going somewhere else when you go, but she has no idea whether you\’ll be gone for a minute or forever.

Factors That Affects Separation Anxiety

Your child\’s reaction rate is determined by their disposition. Other considerations come into play as well: Infants who have been introduced to caregivers other than their parents at an early age are more likely to cope with separation in later months. If you are leaving your baby tired, hungry, or sick, she would most likely give you a hard time.

Tips for Separation Anxiety in Toddlers

Although your baby\’s cries can persuade you to cancel your plans, doing so would exacerbate the situation the next time you need to leave. Here\’s what you can do to console your baby.

Practice separation: Play peekaboo to reinforce the idea that you\’ll still return to make break less of a shock. You may also send stuffed animals or dolls on mini-adventures before returning them to your child. Finally, consider leaving him with someone he knows and trusts for a few brief periods—a half hour to an hour. Try a babysitter until he sees that you still return (and that the other caregivers are all friendly and loving).

Develop a goodbye ritual: Routine is particularly relevant for younger babies. Build a farewell routine that will relax both of you while also preparing Baby for separation. Just before you step out the door, sing a little song, give your child a hug and kiss, or wave. Discover what works best for you and stick with it.

Resist sneaking out. Trying to leave while the child isn\’t looking or running out when the child is engaging in an activity without saying goodbye is a significant mistake. The child may become nervous or distressed because she did not have the opportunity to say goodbye or kiss goodbye. 

Don’t draw out leaving: Don\’t be shocked if your baby cries when you go; it\’s normal and safe. A solid emotional base is the ability to be conscious of and articulate one\’s feelings. That does not, however, imply that you should postpone your departure. Trying to console him would likely only add to his suffering. Instead, hug and kiss your child and tell him you love him before handing him over to the caregiver. He\’ll stop crying eventually, and you\’ll stop feeling bad.

Control your emotions. Keep back the tears, as tricky as it might be—at least before you get to the car. If your child sees you sad, he will become even more anxious.

Plan a fun reunion: The importance of happy reunion rituals in strengthening the parent-child bond and reducing separation anxiety cannot be overstated. If she approaches you when you arrive, give her a big hug and stay with her for a few minutes before returning inside. Get down and play with her for a few minutes if she waves a toy. These happy returns teach your child that no matter how sad it is for Mommy and Daddy to leave, it is still good when they return.

Always keep in Contact. It doesn\’t matter how often it tends to happen; your heart will break when your child cries when you leave. Checking in during the day isn\’t anything to be ashamed of. It will provide you with peace of mind and reduce your remorse about leaving.

Establish a tranquil bedtime. Dealing with nighttime separation anxiety in babies? Create a bedtime routine that involves stuff like a bath, reading, and a goodnight kiss. This will help Baby cope with the impending separation. You can also record yourself reading stories or singing lullabies and play it back for her when she\’s lonely or afraid.

Conclusion 

Children are developing, and they are growing attached to their parents or caregivers. Helping them understand how self-sufficient they are is a gradual process that you should rush. Separation anxiety can be corrected or avoided in children, follow our highlighted steps. We hope this could help; cheers!!

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Bathing With Kids – What Parents Should Know

bath with babies

If the kid you\’re caring for is 2 or 12, bath time comes with things to bear in mind. If you\’re babysitting or nannying at night, make sure you share information beforehand with the parents about the kid\’s tub time routine to know what to expect and what to try to avoid.

Bath with Newborns 

Newborns are not ready for a bath, even one in the sink, till their umbilical-cord stump has fallen off. Until then, you should sponge bathe them every day, paying particular attention to their underarms, hands, skin folds, and bottoms. Only use a damp cloth and plain water while they\’re newborns. It would help if you started the bath routine after they lose their cord stumps.

You only need to give your baby a whole-body bath a couple of times a week; some of the critical things to keep in mind are: 

  • The first and most important rule is this: never, ever leave your infant or toddler, even for a minute, unattended. In less than an inch deep, infants can drown. So, before you start, collect all the supplies you will need (soap, towels, clean diapers, clean clothes, etc.). Always hold your baby with at least one hand while he\’s in the water. Scoop your baby in a towel and take him with you if the doorbell or phone rings and you feel you have to answer it.
  • Ensure that the bathroom is warm and cozy (around 75 degrees F or 25 degrees C), as babies can get cold quickly.
  • When the water is still running, don\’t put your infant or toddler into a pool. (The temperature of the water might change, or the water could get too deep. For some infants, the sound of rushing water can also be too intense.)
  • Bathtubs can be incredibly slippery, so dress yours for more comfortable seating with a rubber bath pad. A cushioned spout cover or hand towel that is strategically covered will defend against painful bumps. Also, make sure the safety glass is made on any sliding glass shower doors.
  • Make the bathwater warm comfortably. To ensure it\’s not too hot, measure it with your wrist or the inside of your elbow. A much cooler tub is commonly favored by babies and toddlers than you probably do.
  • Fill the tub with just 2 to 4 inches of baby water and not more than waist-high for infants and kids while sitting.
  • Teach your child that they should not stand in the tub.
  • If you want to, wash your little one in water as long as you clean the diaper region and the skin folds nicely. Baby-soft skin can be dried out by soaps and shampoos and can cause rashes. Choose a gentle one tailored for newborns, and use it sparingly. Play at the beginning of the bath and save the soap and shampoo until the end to avoid making your child stay too long in soapy water.
Bath with Babies and Toddlers

Babies and Toddlers slowly switch from the sink or baby tub to the standard bathtub. Place the child gently in the water, dropping their feet first. To calm them, talk to them in long, low tones. Gently cleanse their face and hair once they are in, making sure to keep soap out of their eyes by carefully putting your hand over their forehead. 

Bath with Preschoolers 

Your child might wash their own body when they reach school age, but will certainly also need help with their hair. As they get more relaxed, let them take over more and more, but continue supervising them until they are mature enough to pick themselves up if they go under the water. Ensure that you review the procedure with parents if the older child is opposite to you in gender. The parent may have suggestions or privacy advice that will help them feel more secure for both you and the child.

At what age should you stop bathing with your Child? 

It is important to note that bathing with your children has to stop at some point as they are continually learning and are evolving by the day. It\’s a common belief that parents-kids bath times should stop when the child is around 2 years as at this stage of their life they become very intuitive. Although it can be quite hard as the parent-child bond is usually established at bath times like this, endeavor to cover up adequately, especially if the child is of the opposite sex. 

Conclusion

Bath time is a fantastic time to bond with children. Baths can be just as safe and pleasant as any other activity with a little planning.

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Developmental Toys for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

developmental toys for toddlers

It\’s enticing to buy your babies the flashiest, most expensive toys; they should be the best, after all, right? That may be true in some cases; in others, not only will your little one be amused by the simplest toys, but they will also intensify their reasoning and help them develop better. These are some of the best developmental toys for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Developmental Toys for Babies 

Some examples of the best developmental toys for babies are; 

Bright Starts Oball Shaker: It\’s a teether, it\’s a rattle, and most importantly, a developmental toy children go nuts for. At either end, there are two easy-to-grab teething balls with a rattle packed with colorful beads that keep them together. When you move it in front of them, babies would be excited. They will shake, rattle, and roll it on their own when they get older. When those teeth begin to come in, they can even chew on it to find some relief. 

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Activity Gym Play Mat: It features various activities at every stage, along with lights, music, and colorful animals. This mat is built to help babies improve motor skills, both subtle and broad, from lying on their tummy to learning to sit all by themselves. Batteries are needed, but they are included in the package from the manufacturer, so it\’s good to go straight out of the box.  

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Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether Grasping Toy: For its versatility and the fact that kids love it, this toy makes our list of baby toys. It is a toy that is both a teether and a rattle, helping them develop fine motor skills, perception of color, and more. For tossing in the diaper bag, it\’s a decent size and super lightweight, and it\’s made out of wood instead of plastic. It\’s easy for baby fingers to grab and shake, and as the beads shift back and forth on the dowels and rattle, it fascinates babies. One primary attribute of this toy is its ability to return to its original shape even after been squished. 

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Developmental Toys for Toddlers 

Toddlers are slightly different from babies in terms of choices and ability and process some kind of information. Getting them toys that aid their learning process is critical. Some of the developmental toys for toddlers that would suit both boys and girls are; 

Little Tikes Basketball Goals: For toddlers, this is a fantastic basketball target and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It\’s plastic, but it can be easily adjusted to six different heights and won\’t harm anyone crashing down accidentally. Though this may seem like a toy for boys, it would still sit well for girls. 

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Melissa and Doug (band in a box): Music is a beautiful tool for toddlers to promote language development. Music has also been shown to use several different parts of the brain and study essential language elements such as rhythm and rhyme. Finger playing, simple songs, and exposure to other musical instruments are all excellent ways to encourage the production of language. 

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Wooden Puzzle: Wooden puzzles are a perfect toy for children and help them improve cognitive abilities such as matching and spatial perception. The exact form of mystery will be based on your child\’s age and skill. The above puzzle is ideal for a 2-year-old, whereas a 3-year-old would be more suitable for starting jigsaw puzzles. 

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Developmental Toys for Preschoolers: 

These preschool toys can stimulate their imagination and creativity while improving fine motor skills, one of the most entertaining ages to purchase for. 

Cobblestone Farm: This large wooden playset, just like a real farm, comprises a barn, a hay wagon, and a tractor parking spot. The various pieces can be slotted together to create the farm of your dreams, built with small hands in mind. However, animals are purchased separately.

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Colourform Silly Face game: Centered around Charlie\’s Colorforms City, the hit Netflix series; this game is a race to see who can try to make the goofiest face. To land on a look and build up from there using the 68 bits, flick the spinner. Are you going to make a magician with cat ears or a scuba diver with a dumb hat? It\’s everyone\’s guess.  

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Kinetic Sand Sandifying Set: Do you know those oddly mesmerizing videos of cut or smooth textures being poured into soothing shapes? Your kid is the star now and can build their rewarding fun. Take your camera out and pick your equipment. To generate transfixing works of cinematography, you can dice, slice, squish, scoop, or grate your sand.

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Conclusion

Developmental toys are not meant for decoration, flashy, or attractive; the purpose is to enhance perception and cognitive ability development. So cut yourself some slack and don\’t drain your bank trying to get the most expensive toys for your kids. The simplest toys could make the most impact.

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50 Positive Phrases that Motivate Kids to Do the Right Thing 

We think about how they talk to adults and their peers when we think about how children interact. The focus of this post is on the way kids communicate amongst themselves, their internal dialogue.

Just as much as anything else, kids need to be prepared with constructive self-talk. Everyone, of course, has different barriers and different conditions, but there are still many problems that young people face. Some common challenges, for instance, that most children face are:

  • Seeking acceptance from their peers
  • Seeking acceptance from their parents
  • Low self-esteem
  • Judgment from others
  • Absence of patience towards their goals
  • Misappropriation of social media
  • Pressure from society to be successful. 

While children develop their identity, challenge the world around them, and define their abilities when deciding the life they will lead, how they speak to themselves plays a significant role. With kids integrating many of the values, principles, favorite phrases, and so on of their parents, let\’s ensure that they also get their good dose of motivational quotes. 

The following are a few great motivational quotes for kids that should be read when they feel too vulnerable or depressed about something.

Here are 50 Positive phrases that motivate kids:

1. You can guide yourself in any direction you choose. – Dr. Suess

2. Nothing is challenging if you break it down into small jobs. – Henry Ford

3. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. – Dr. Suess

4. It is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate. – George Burns

5. It’s good to have an end to journey toward, but it’s the journey that matters in the future. – Ursula K. LeGuin

6. Life itself is the most beautiful fairy tale. – Hans Christen Andersen

7. How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. – Anne Frank

8. Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning. – Diane Ackerman

9. Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm. – Earl Nightingale

10. Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do. – John Wooden

11. We all can dance when we find the music we love. – Giles Andreae

12. You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. – A.A. Milne/Christopher Robin

13. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. – Winston Churchill

14. Not only must we be good, but we must also be useful for something. – Henry David Thoreau

15. The more you give away, the happier you become. – Anonymous

16. Happiness Doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give. – Ben Carson

17. It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters. – Epictetus

18. When you know better, you do better. – Maya Angelou

19. To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe. – Anatole France

20. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt

21. You always pass failure on the way to success. – Mickey Rooney

22. Make each day your masterpiece. – John Wooden

23. Row, row, row your boat. Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream. – Alice Munro

24. Politeness is the flower of humanity. – Joseph Joubert

25. Every action in our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. – Edwin Hubbel Chapin

26. Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream, precedes the goal. – Pamela Vault Starr

27. To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle. – Walt Whitman

28. Time’s fun when you’re eating flies. – Kermit the Frog

29. No one is perfect – that’s why pencils have erasers. – Wolfgang Riebe

30. Never waste a minute thinking of anyone you don’t like. – Eisenhower 

31. Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher. – Oprah Winfrey

32. Why fit in when you were born to stand out? – Dr. Suess

33. Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, ‘Till you find your dream. – Sound of Music

34. We know what we are but do not see what we may be. – Shakespeare

35. Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do. – H. Jackson Brown

36. There is a voice inside of you. That whispers all day long; I feel this is right for me; I know that this is wrong. – Anonymous

37. The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

38. You always pass failure on the way to success. – Mickey Rooney

39. Pulling someone down will never help you reach the top. – Kushandwizdom

40. All your dreams can come true if you dare to pursue them. – Walt Disney 

41. Always chase your dreams instead of running from your fears. – Anonymous

42. Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning. – Diane Ackerman

43. We grow great by dreams. – Woodrow Wilson

44. Fall seven times, stand up eight. – Japanese Proverb

45. Manners easily and rapidly mature into morals. – Horace Mann

46. Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners. – Laurence Sterne

47. The test of good manners is to be able to put up pleasantly with bad ones. – Wendell Willkie

48. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life. – Sophia Loren

49. Give the world the best you have, and the best will come to you. – Madeline Bridge

50.  Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think. – Dale Carnegie

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How Long Does it Take a Newborn to See Clearly?

newborn baby sight

Experiencing the growth of the senses is one of the many joys of having a newborn child. A baby is born with eye structures needed for vision but must learn how to use them together for sight. While newborns do not see quite clearly, they can see quite a bit. 

A newborn baby can sense light and motion at birth; they can later grow into differentiating faces and large forms. A baby will make eye contact and concentrate on items about 12 inches off by the end of the first month.

How Newborns See Colours 

Babies can notice highly contrasting items, such as black and white patterns, checkerboards, and other opposing pairs of colors. Be sure to give your baby several different colorful and highly contrasting things to look at, as this will help develop your baby\’s sight quicker. 

Your baby was in a dark setting while in the womb, but they have been able to distinguish between light and dark since birth. For a moment, your baby will not see all colors, but their color vision will rapidly improve. It is not clear how many colors they will see, but they would most likely not be able to see florals or brighter colors until they are about 2 or 3 months old. As their sense of depth increases, they can concentrate on objects up to 3 feet away and observe movement around them. If you move or rattle a few inches from their face from side to side, they will follow it with their eyes, an ability known as tracking.

Newborns Nearsightedness/ Temporary myopia 

Newborn infants are extremely nearsighted, which means that objects that are far away are blurry. A newborn has, in fact, little ability to concentrate further than 6 or 10 inches away. This myopia may explain why babies seem to look at objects nearby. Research has shown that infants enjoy looking at faces, but they may not see a lot of facial detail. Your baby may seem to focus on your face attentively, but they are possibly studying your hairline or your face outline. Isn\’t that just beautiful? 

Even though your baby can identify objects that are near to them, it takes more time for depth perception to improve. The eyes become capable of working together to form a three-dimensional view of the world by around the third to fifth month.

Newborn vision Pointers 

An infant is unable to see fine details, but their eyesight will quickly improve as they grow. When their sense of sight grows and they continue to be conscious of their surroundings, you can find vision pointers. Your baby\’s sight will be their most potent sense when they are six months of age. Some kids develop eyesight in six short months, which is better than some adults.

Put your baby\’s face about 6 to 10 inches away from yours during the early months. Your baby will be able to see the outline of your face, and their favorite thing to notice might probably be your face. A baby will begin recognizing facial features, such as the nose and mouth, by two to three months of age. Most babies may distinguish between the mother\’s face and the face of a stranger within three to five months. For the first year of life, a baby\’s eyesight begins to grow and improve.

The Takeaway

By the time your baby is 12 months old, your baby will be able to see pretty clearly, but their vision won\’t be formed entirely until their between 3 and 5 years old. Seek help from your child\’s healthcare practitioner if your baby is not watching things move or if they appear to have difficulty moving one or both eyes in any direction by the time they are four months of age. Their regular well-child checkups include simple vision tests, but until they are 3 to 5 years old, they probably will not have a standardized vision screening. 

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How to Clean Your Baby’s Ear

baby ear

Keeping your baby’s ears clean is critical. While bathing your infant, you can clean the outer ear and the skin around it. A washcloth or cotton ball and some warm water are all you’ll need. 

Using cotton swabs or putting something inside the ear of your baby isn’t healthy. If the earwax inside the ear is not visible enough, you do not need to remove it. 

For your baby, ear wax is safe because it is protective, lubricating, and has antibacterial properties. Removing it can result in potentially harmful harm.

How to clean your baby’s ear 

Getting a clean baby ear doesn’t require much skill set, but it requires extreme caution and, in rare cases, a pediatrician’s help.

For a typical baby ear wax removal procedure, you’ll need a cotton ball that’s been soaked with warm water to clean your baby’s ears on a daily or frequent basis. With some warm (not hot) water, you can also use a gentle washcloth. Follow the following steps To clean your baby’s ear: 

  • Damp the washcloth or cotton bud in warm water(not hot water). 
  • Ring out the washcloth well if using one. 
  • Carefully wipe around the outer part of the baby’s ear and also wipe the behind the ear.

Do not stick the washcloth or cotton ball in your baby’s ear. This can lead to damage to the ear canals. 

Follow these steps if your baby has been prescribed eardrops or choose to use them to extract wax buildup. 

  • With the affected ear facing up, lie your baby on its side. 
  • To open the canal, pull the lower lobe down and back gently. 
  • Place a drop or five in the ear (or the amount your pediatrician recommended).

Always use drops as per the advice of your pediatrician. Follow their guidance on how many drops to give your baby and how frequently to give them.

Precautionary tips 

It is not safe to use cotton swabs on babies or young kids (we can not over emphasis the severity of this information). In fact, ear cleaning was the most plausible explanation for a child in the United States to be omitted from 1990-2010 in the emergency room for an ear injury. 

There were more than 260,000 children affected. These accidents most often include an object trapped in the ear, perforated eardrums, and injuries to soft ear tissues. 

The safest rule to bear in mind is to use a soft, wet washcloth to gently clean it away if you see any waxy residue or discharge on the outside of the ear. 

Leave the part of the ear that is outside your view (the amount which you can’t see). For your baby, damage to the eardrum, hearing bone, or inner ear may all cause long-term health problems, so be watchful full how you stick objects in their ear. 

Some Frequently Asked Questions 

What can cause ear wax buildup in babies? 

Earwax buildup is rare in babies. The ear canal typically generates the right amount of earwax that it needs. However, excessive earwax buildup may interfere with hearing in certain instances or cause pain or discomfort. As a sign of distress, your baby can tug at their ear.

Certain earwax accumulation triggers include: 

  • Using swabs made of cotton. These force the wax back in, and instead of extracting it, pack it down 
  • Fingers caught in your ear. It can build up if the ear wax is pushed back by the fingers of your baby. 
  • Wearing plugs for ears. Wax may be forced back into the ear by earplugs, causing the accumulation. 

Don’t try at-home methods to prevent earwax accumulation. See a pediatrician if you’re worried about earwax accumulation. If your infant’s earwax needs to be removed, they will decide. 

Is earwax hazardous? 

Earwax is not harmful. It has many significant roles, including: 

  • Protecting the ear and ear canal,
  • Keeping it dry and avoiding infection caused by germs 
  • Prevent penetration into the ear canal, which can cause pain or damage (if care is not taken)
  • They trap dirt, dust, and other particles.
When is the right time to seek help?

Let the pediatrician of your baby know if your child is tugging their ears. You can browse for pediatricians in your region if you don’t already have a pediatrician. If you think a blocked ear canal makes it hard for your child to hear you, or if you detect any yellow-green discharge from the ear of your child, let them know as well. If it causes irritation, pain, or impairs your baby’s hearing, your doctor may remove the wax. 

A pediatrician will typically extract the wax during a routine office visit without needing any further evaluation. In rare cases, the wax may need to be removed in the operating room under general anesthesia. 

They can prescribe antibiotic eardrops for your baby if your pediatrician notices signs of an ear infection. 

If you find bleeding from your baby’s ear after an item has been inserted in the ear canal, seek medical attention right away. If your child appears or behaves ill or their walking is unsteady, you can also seek medical assistance. 

The takeaway 

Keeping your baby’s ears clean is critical. In most instances, during your regularly scheduled bath time, you should clean the outer ear and the area around the ears. Everything you will need is a washcloth and warm water. 

Although there are many products on the market specifically designed for a thorough baby ear wax removal process, many of them are not safe. Cotton swabs are not healthy for your baby either. 

Let your pediatrician know if you find a significant amount of wax accumulation or are worried about your baby’s ears. If it has to be removed, they will assess it and advise you on the appropriate care. 

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What is Cradle cap? How to treat and prevent it.

In newborns and infants, the cradle cap is a common skin condition that creates rough patches on their scalp. Normally, babies are known for their soft, smooth skin, but for newborns, cradle caps are very common. 

When you see these rough patches on the head of your infant, you might be concerned that it is something serious. The Cradle Cap is both common and harmless. It\’s the baby type of dandruff. This skin condition got its name because it is on the head, where a baby will wear a hat, which is the most popular place for the scaly patches to show up. Usually, you can get rid of it in a few easy steps. And if you don\’t do something, with time, it can go away by itself. 

Causes of Cradle Cap 

Doctors have no idea precisely what triggers a cradle cap. But when oil glands in your baby\’s skin produce more oil than they need to, they think these rough patches may show up. Doctors believe the extra fat can cause the scalp to bind to dead skin cells. 

Symptoms or signs of Cradle cap 

At approximately 2-6 weeks of the baby\’s life, the cradle cap may appear. Some of its indicators are:

Greasy and patchy scalp: The skin on the scalp of your baby might look greasy. On their scalp, they may have white or yellow patches of scales. The scales may flake off over time. 

Changes in scalp color: Often, rather than scaly or flaky, the skin on your child\’s scalp may look a different color. Your baby doesn\’t feel itchy with Cradle Cap, even though it seems it may be.

Hair loss: It\’s uncommon, but a baby might lose hair where the baby\’s cap is cradled. After the cradle cap goes down, the hair should grow again. 

Cradle cap appearing on other body parts: Apart from the head, the cradle cap can also appear on other parts like the face, behind the ears, the diaper region, and the armpits. 

Cradle cap diagnosis 

If your baby has this pervasive disorder, your doctor will know right away. They will have to see the skin on the scalp or other body parts of your infant. Your baby won\’t need to see a doctor to do any tests to diagnose the cradle cap. 

Treatment for Cradle Cap 

You can monitor and maintain the cradle cap using the following over-the-counter remedies and home care tips. 

Gently wash or Rub: Keeping the scalp of your baby clean makes the issue go away, as some of the extra oils are washed away. Use baby shampoo and gently massage it into the areas affected. Your doctor may advise you to clean your baby\’s hair more frequently than you usually do. 

Instead of every few days, you would need to wash it every day. Ask your doctor for herbal products if a mild baby shampoo doesn\’t work. Unless your doctor advises you to, do not use a shampoo with ingredients intended for dandruff. For babies, not all products are safe.

Brush: You should gently brush their hair with a gentle baby brush after cleaning your baby\’s hair and scalp. With time, the scales should loosen and fall off. But, make sure to go easy. 

Add some oil: Ask your doctor if, after using shampoo and a soft hairbrush, you can rub some petroleum jelly (Vaseline), baby oil, olive oil, or ointment into the scales on your baby\’s scalp. This is what some parents do and have great results.

Use cream: For cradle cap, some doctors can prescribe hydrocortisone cream, but only if the scalp is inflamed. This isn\’t usually important. Unless your doctor recommends it, don\’t use the steroid cream. 

Prevention of cradle cap in babies 

When the cradle cap is under control, by washing your baby\’s hair well enough with baby shampoo and brushing your scalp with a gentle brush, you can keep it at bay. Ask your pediatrician how much your baby\’s hair should be washed after the cradle cap goes off. Your doctor might also recommend that after the cradle cap has stopped being a concern, you use hydrocortisone cream or another lotion or ointment.

Conclusion 

The cradle cap is not a dangerous disease that should bother you, but it should not be ignored either. At any point in time, you feel overwhelmed, always feel free to ask your pediatrician for advice or recommendations. Ensure you keep your baby clean and always mind what you apply on their skin. 

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Useful Pregnancy Tips For Normal Delivery

pregnancy tips for normal delivery

A natural way of getting the baby into this world is a normal delivery. Studies show that at least 85% of pregnant women may have a natural birth while the remaining 15 percent need procedures like a C-section. But statistically, one in three (more than 30 percent) pregnant women go through a C-section. To prevent pain and anxiety during labor, women can choose a C-section. But in the future, a C-section may pose problems and take extended recovery days, unlike a regular delivery.

Babiesmata addresses the advantages, tips to improve the likelihood of having a normal delivery, and how you can quickly go about it.

What is Normal Delivery?

If you have no medical problems, it is not hard to have a natural and regular childbirth. Also, the natural birth process allows the new mom to have a healthy baby and to recover quickly. Although there is no standard delivery formula or shortcut, specific steps can increase the odds of getting a safe and natural delivery.

Some Factors that predetermine a Normal delivery

Certain variables determine your ability to have a normal delivery. They cannot guarantee a result of 100 per cent, however. You will have a better chance of having a regular delivery if:

In your previous pregnancies, you had a normal vaginal delivery.

  • Your pregnancy is going smoothly without any drawbacks
  • Throughout your pregnancy, you are physically involved. The more physically active you are, the greater the probability of normal birth.
  • There are no underlying health conditions, such as asthma, which can intensify during pregnancy and labor.
  • You are of normal weight as being overweight predisposes you to have a large baby, which reduces the chances of a normal delivery.
  • Your physiological conditions are under control, including blood pressure, sugar in the blood, and hemoglobin.

During pregnancy, the above is the general health factors that affect your chances of getting a normal delivery. You may also follow a few guidelines that might further improve the chances of normal delivery. 

Tips for a normal delivery

Normal vaginal delivery, both for the mother and baby, is the perfect way to give birth. If you wish to have a normal delivery, here are some tips to follow;

Stay positive and abstain from negative birth stories:

You can come across childbirth stories that are both easy and complicated. It would make you more nervous to listen to negative stories and could lead to a traumatic event.

  • If a fellow mom happens to share her horrible childbirth experience, just walk away from her.
  • Say no to wild speculation.
  • Bear in mind that not everyone has the same labor experience. Just because your colleague has had an awful delivery doesn\’t mean that you\’re going to have one.
Stay away from stress:

During pregnancy, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Stress, anxiety and random thoughts are advisable to avoid since negative feelings can turn childbirth into a nightmare.

  • Try any sort of meditation that allows you to feel at ease.
  • Read books, listen to music, and engage in methods of visualization.
  • Stay in the company of healthy and polite individuals.
  • Keep away from individuals and conditions that make you feel awkward or negative.
Acquire knowledge about birthing:

Knowledge is power. Obtain as much information about labor and delivery as possible.

  • Bear in mind that your doctor will clear up all your questions about pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Read a lot of childbirth books (remember to keep a positive mindset)
  • Speak to your mother or other older family women who are willing to support you with their experiences.
  • Grab data on natural management methods such as techniques of calming, breathing, and coping.
  • Enroll in antenatal classes

Do not be overwhelmed, however. Often, too much data may be an issue as well. The medical professional will assist you in getting through the procedure when the time is right.

Build a healthy support system:

Have ample emotional support. Have your husband, mother, and close friends around to increase your confidence and alleviate your concerns about the expected delivery.

  • When it comes to childbirth, make sure you and your husband are on the same page.
  • Your family will stand by your side, so if you have any different opinions or feelings about pregnancy, share them, and agree with them.
  • Having a system of support will help take the burden away.
Choose your doctor wisely:

It is a sad fact that many doctors are searching for relief and are persuading mothers to have a C-section. So, it is crucial to choose a doctor who can adequately handle your pregnancy.

  • Ensure that the doctor and the clinic have a reasonable quality delivery rate.
  • Speak to your doctor about their every day delivery opinions.
  • Look for another doctor if you feel your doctor might not value your desire to have a normal delivery.

It\’s worthy to note that perineal massage regularly will help your body prepare for normal delivery: When you reach the seventh month, you can start using perineal massage.

  • It enables you to deal with labor and also handle tension.
  • Hook your thumb inside to massage the perineum and move the lower portion of the vagina gently outward and forward.
The Takeaway

Do not let negative experiences sway you from thinking you can’t have a normal vaginal delivery. Keep an open conversation with your husband, let your mind and surroundings speak positivity, and be active throughout the pregnancy till the birth procedure, and you will be fine. Congratulations in Advance!!!! Cheers.

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How to Make Your Baby’s First Christmas Special

  • Posted December 23, 2020
  • by Dania
Baby's christmas

From developmental milestones like smiling, babbling, or crawling, through first memories and holidays, the first 12 months of your baby\’s life are full of first of all of these. Although your little one isn\’t going to fully understand who Santa is or why there\’s so much excitement, that doesn\’t mean that you shouldn\’t be ecstatic; your baby\’s first Christmas is as important to them as it is to you. 

Here are a few fun ways to celebrate your baby first Christmas: 

Have a Plan for a Holiday Game 

These questions have been an issue of debate between most couples: \’Are we spending Christmas with your family or mine? What about New Year\’s and Thanksgiving? It is often difficult to decide how the holiday will go, but adding a baby to the mix takes things up another level. Decide several weeks in advance to prevent hurt feelings, then make your decision known to both sides of the family. 

Set up a Wish List 

After all, baby Christmas gifts should have your full endorsement; you\’re the one who\’ll look at them, wash them, and store them. Try setting up and submitting an online wish list to grandparents, friends, and others who wish to give the baby a Christmas gift. 

Immortalize a footprint or handprint 

Baby hands and feet are so cute and are the ideal holiday art decoration. Make a salt dough decoration out of their cute little hands or feet (you only need flour, salt, and water) or create a masterpiece of painting. Either way, you can hang this piece on the tree or above the mantle every year and be fascinated at how small your child once was.

Keep track of your baby\’s height 

Using a piece of string or ribbon, measure your child\’s height (we recommend colors that go well with the festive season, such as red, gold, or green). Compare the first Christmas measurement to the current height of your child and show them how much they have grown. Attach a tag commemorating the date and each year.

Start a whole new tradition with your baby 

Create an entirely new tradition for your Baby\’s first Christmas this year. Don\’t worry about doing something big; small, simple gestures can be just as significant. Your baby will not just participate yet, but you will begin with the leading by example concept. Here are some Christmas tradition suggestions we think you might like; wearing matching pajamas on Christmas eve, discard or give out old toys or getting a new baby Christmas gift that symbolizes your baby\’s age. 

Get something cozy and soft 

This is a perfect idea for a baby Christmas gift. The tag of the game at Christmas time is warm and snuggly. Whether you have the time to make a memorable holiday blanket that you can carry out every year or have a family member who is handy with knitting needles, you will find loads of knitted blankets and quilts in any local store or at local craft shows if you\’re not so crafty. 

Capture a \”one-time\” image

Opt for the kind of image you can only achieve with a baby. Maybe you put your newborn baby in a wrapped gift box with a big bow on their back or put them under the tree sleeping in a cozy basket or make them jump in their Jolly Jumper wearing a Santa hat happily. 

Hang baby customized stockings 

The littlest babes will always not be able to empty their stockings, but this is another way to set off a memorable 25th December experience. For stockings, many shops offer customization where they can embroider a name across the top, or you will find socks where the name of your child becomes the pattern written right on the fabric.

Do it Yourself holiday card 

Maybe you want Christmas cards that show off your lovely babe, and we think you\’re supposed to go for it! Stick them in front of a holiday setting (like a group of poinsettias) or lay them down on some holiday gift wrap if they are too little to play. Upload your photo to a website that produces holiday cards until you\’ve taken the perfect shot. Cool Yeah? Easy Peasy! 

Boost your baby\’s sense 

Through their senses, let your baby feel the holidays. Let them touch and smell a clip from the Christmas tree. Excite their eyes with tree lights or decorations that are sparkly. Get some bells jingle and let them listen to holiday songs. And if your baby is old enough, give them some amazing holiday foods to taste. They\’ll love the novelty of it all, and you\’ll love to see the first Christmas of your baby come to life! 

Conclusion 

Your baby\’s first Christmas experience solely depends on you. They need you to make the experience a memorable one; some of these points above are an excellent way to start. Ensure you make a great start plan, and always make room for more additions. Remember, your baby is new to this season; make it worth their while. Enjoy your baby\’s Christmas

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How to Bathe Your Newborn

  • Posted December 21, 2020
  • by Dania
newborn bath

Not only is bathing your newborn an integral part of general hygiene, but it is also essential in terms of calming the muscles and joints of the baby\’s body. It\’s something you should add to your baby\’s routine shortly after your baby is born. 

Although, baby health specialists suggest postponing the first bath for a baby till they are a few days old. That\’s because your baby is coated with a waxy protective skin covering (known as vernix) after birth that shields your baby from environmental germs……more like your \”baby\’s amour,\” cool, right??

If you gave birth to your baby in the hospital, after your baby is born, hospital nurses could clean up the amniotic fluid and blood. But if you choose, you\’ll have the choice of asking them to leave excess vernix. But once you take your baby home, after spending the appropriate time to heal at the hospital, you must sponge bath your baby. Contrary to popular opinion, bathing for a newborn baby is very simple; though it requires extreme caution, it\’s straightforward and direct. 

You should clean the area around their head, body, and diaper. This is the best baby bath practice just before the umbilical cord comes off. For a better knowledge on how to bath newborns and a  better understanding of bath time, let\’s proceed; 

Preparing for your first baby bath; 

For the first few weeks of life, your baby should be adequately bathed to ensure optimum hygiene and improve your baby\’s health. Bathing your baby properly also aids the umbilical cord\’s healing process and helps with the circumcision site (in the case of circumcised baby boys). 

In most cases, a sponge bath is recommended for better wash up for your baby, as it is more effective in cleaning your baby\’s body. A sponge bath is also recommended if you want to wash one part or all of your baby\’s body without having them soaked wet.  Ensure you have all the baby bath items you need within easy reach before giving your baby a sponge bath. To keep your baby cozy, you will also want to warm up the room. Some of the baby bath items you should stay close by are; 

  • Blanket or a Towel (for padding hard surfaces)
  • A bowl of warm, not hot, water
  • Washcloth
  • Mild baby bath soap
  • Mild baby bath sponge
  • Clean diaper
  • Baby towel

How to bath your newborn baby 

  • After getting the necessary baby bathing items ready, follow the below-highlighted steps on how to bath your newborn baby; 
  • Choose a warm room, around 23.8 ° C (75 ° F) for the bath, take away clothes and diapers from your baby, and wrap them in a towel. 
  • Place your child on a flat surface, like a floor, a changing table, a counter next to a sink, or a bed. Using a safety strap or hold them with one hand at all times to make sure they do not fall if your baby is off the ground. 
  • To reveal only the region of the body you\’re cleaning, unwrap the towel one section at a time. Begin with the face and the top of your baby\’s head: dip the clean cloth in the warm water first. 
  • To avoid getting soap in the eyes or mouth of your infant, use only warm water without soap for this phase. Wipe the outer ears, chin, neck folds, and eyes along the top of the head and around them. 
  • In the warm bath, apply a drop or two of soap. Dip the washcloth in and squeeze it out of the soapy water. 
  • Clean the rest of the body and diaper region with soapy water. You will want to thoroughly clean under the arms and around the genital area. Unless otherwise instructed by your baby\’s doctor, stop washing the penis to keep the wound dry if your baby has been circumcised. 
  • Dry your kid off, including drying between the folds of the skin. Put on a clean diaper for your baby. To keep your head warm when they are drying off, you can use a towel with a built-in cover. 
  • If you have a baby boy who has been circumcised, closely follow the doctor\’s instructions to keep the area clean or dry until the area has healed. It usually takes about a week for this to be healed. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I bath my baby in a bathtub? 

Once the umbilical cord comes off, and the circumcision spot heals completely, the bathtub bath is an effective means of keeping your baby hygienic and clean. The steps below can help serve as directions; 

  • With a small amount of water, fill the tub. Usually, 2 to 3 centimeters of water from the bottom of the tub is enough. Depending on the model you have, some tubs can be put in the sink or standard bathtub. 
  • Place your baby right in the water after undressing your baby so he/she doesn\’t get cold, using one hand to hold your baby\’s head and the other to bring their feet into the tub first. They should have their head and neck well above water at all times for protection. 
  • To keep them warm in the pool, you can splash or spill warm water over your baby gently. 
  • To cleanse their face and hair, use a washcloth and shampoo their scalp one to two days a week. 
  • Using warm water or a wet washcloth, wash the rest of the body from the top down. 
  • Lift your baby out gently and wipe it dry with a towel. Make sure to dry the creases in their skin as well. 

Remember never to leave your baby, even for one second, unattended in a tub. They can easily drown, regardless of the quantity of water.  

Do you need soap to bath your baby? 

When bathing your newborn, you can use gentle baby soap or baby wash. Don\’t use the regular soaps as they can be too harsh for your baby\’s delicate skin. The skin of your newborn doesn\’t need moisturizer either. 

How often should I bathe my newborn baby?

Whether you’re bathing your first baby or your last, you’re bound to have some newborn bathing concerns, the most pressing of which is how to keep your baby clean and how often you should bathe your baby. Although it has long been recommended that the baby be bathed as soon as possible after birth, newer research indicates that delaying the first bath may be beneficial.

What is the ideal water temperature for a baby bath? 

The temperature of the water for bathing your baby should be warm, never hot; about 98.6° F (between 37 ° C and 38 ° C) is the optimal temperature. To track the temperature, you can use a bath thermometer or check the water with your wrist or elbow to ensure it\’s warm and not hot.

Also, check the tub or baby bath on different sides to ensure no hot spots. Turn on the cold water first and then the hot water to fill it, whether you use a tub or basin. You should also change the water heater if you live in a house to ensure it does not go over 120 ° F (48.8 ° C), which can badly scald the skin of your infant. When you live in an apartment complex or condo, you probably can\’t change the water heater. 

Conclusion 

Never at any point in time leave your baby unattended during bath. If your baby cries out or seems uncomfortable, ensure the room is warm at the right temperature and also check if the water is not hot. Be careful with bubble baths as too much can dry up the baby\’s skin. Bath toys can also help make your baby bath time fun; remember to include them in your list of baby bath items. 

How Often Should I Bathe My Newborn Baby?
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