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Causes of Pregnancy Weight and How to Manage it

pregnancy weight

The weight a woman gains during pregnancy is a critical factor for the health of the baby and the woman herself. The body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy determines the amount of weight you should gain. A normal weight is classified to be a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Someone who is overweight is classified to have about 29.9 BMI. Someone who is also obese is classified to have more than 30 BMI.

Before we discuss about the causes of pregnancy weight, let us know talk about the risks and complications of being overweight or obese.

There are high chances that women who are obese have a high risk of complications. These complications include high blood pressure disorders like sleep apnea, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. They also have high chances of giving birth to kids who become overweight and obese.

You baby may also be affected negatively if you gain too much weight during pregnancy. In other words, your baby may be born larger than average and result to complications at birth or preterm birth.

That being said, your doctor should be of assistance in helping you managing your weight throughout pregnancy.

How Often Does Pregnancy Weight Gain Occur?

In the United States, one in five women possess a BMI of 30 or more while being at the early stage of their pregnancy. During the pregnancy stage, around one to five women gain more than 40 pounds.

The Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy Weight Gain

You can experience day-to-day issues if you are experiencing excess weight. This includes snoring or sleep apnea, breathlessness, increased sweating, heartburn, fatigue, and back and joint pain. If you must know, obesity can result to high cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.

The causes of Pregnancy Weight

Not exercising your body and consuming too much food are the most common factors that contribute to increased weight. A pregnant woman can also be obese if she takes certain medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and hypothyroidism.

Where Does Pregnancy Weight Come from?

Adding weight during pregnancy is not bad. It\’s recommended you aim for a weight gain of around 25-35 pounds during your 40 weeks of pregnancy (if you started out pre-pregnancy at a \” normal \” BMI. Ask your prenatal practitioner for the recommended weight gain for your profile.) But not all that weight will be in the form of extra fat. ⁣
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Here\’s a breakdown of where those pounds come from.⁣

What you Need to do to treat excess pregnancy weight

The best way to reduce the risk is losing weight prior to your pregnancy. You can improve your overall health and live a healthier pregnancy if you lose just 10 to 20 pounds.

Even though there are risks, you can still experience a healthy pregnancy if you possess excess weight. You can monitor your pregnancy for complications by following the regular parental care. You will need to provide good nourishment to your body and your baby by eating healthy foods.

1. Consume a Healthy Diet

While at home, you can practice some healthy habits to lose weight before becoming pregnant or to even assist manage your weight while pregnant.

You can help keep your weight in a healthy range by changing what you eat and consuming these foods consistently. To determine an individualized healthy eating plan, simply visit and discuss with a registered dietitian. Generally, extra calories are not needed in the first trimester of pregnancy. During the second trimester, women require about 340 extra calories on daily basis. When she gets to the third trimester, she will need about 450 extra calories per day.

2. Get Regular exercise

You can control your weight by having regular and moderate exercise during pregnancy. Every week, you should try to have at least two and a half hours of moderate exercise. To break it down, thirty minutes every day and five days a week. Before you start to exercise especially when you are pregnant, simply discuss with your doctor on the possible workouts you can perform. The reason is to prevent stressing the lower body.

Know your Limit

Do not take cigarettes, alcohol, or any illicit drugs when you are pregnant.

Click this link below to know the home remedies for irregular menstruation or periods;

Home Remedies for Irregular Menstruation or Periods
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Home Remedies for Irregular Menstruation or Periods

Irregular menstruation

If your periods come every 24 to 38 days, it is certainly regarded or even considered regular. That being said, you may be experiencing irregular menstruation if the time between periods continue to change and your periods come earlier or later.

Treatment fully depends on discovering what the result of your irregular menstruation is, but there are home remedies you can attempt to get your cycle back on track. Continue to read further to know the basic home remedies for irregular menstruation or periods.

Maintain a healthy weight

Your periods could be affected by changes in your weight. Assuming you are obese or overweight, you could regulate your menstruation or periods by losing weight. Also, you may be experiencing irregular menstruation if you are underweight. This is the main reason you need to maintain a healthy weight. If you feel that your weight has an effect on your periods, simply talk to your doctor. Your doctor may help you come up with a weight loss or gain strategy.

Exercise regularly

There are many health benefits you can gain when exercising. Exercising can even help you maintain a healthy weight and effectively treat primary dysmenorrheal. Even though there have not been enough research on how exercise can affect menstruation, it can certainly help control weight which may, in turn help to regulate your menstrual periods.

Add some cinnamon

For some menstrual issues, cinnamon appears to benefit women. A study of 2004 discovered that cinnamon helps to regulate menstrual cycles and is even considered a treatment option for women with PCOS. This study has proven that cinnamon helps to reduce menstrual pain and bleeding. It also relieves vomiting and nausea related to primary dysmenorrheal.

Ginger

If you intend to treat irregular menstruation, also consider using ginger; though there has not been any scientific evidence to show it is the real deal. A recent study showed that taking ginger supplements on a daily basis may help limit the amount of blood lost during menstruation.

In other words, if you take 750 to 2,000 mg of ginger powder during the first three to four days of your menstruation, it may help to treat painful periods. Another study proved that the consumption of ginger for one week before your period may be effective.

Consume Apple Cider Vinegar

A study published in 2013 proved that consuming 0.53 oz of apple cider vinegar may re-establish ovulatory menstruation in women with PCOS. Also, consuming the apple cider vinegar may reduce blood sugar and insulin as well as your weight.

For some people, it may be difficult to consume, since it possesses a bitter taste. Assuming you intend to take it but go through a hard time, it is advisable to use a flavor to take it. You can consider using water to dilute it or even adding a tablespoon of honey to consume it.

Keep in mind that 15 grams of apple cider vinegar a day may be of assistance in regulating menstruation in women with PCOS.

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From a House Maid to a Graduate

Ntombizodwa Merriam

Women breaking boundaries. From a housemaid to a graduate. Ntombizodwa Merriam knew what she wanted and went for it. This is a motivation for anyone out there struggling or feeling left out. I want you to know that you can achieve absolutely anything you put your mind to.

Ntombizodwa Merriam Mahlangu, made headlines after obtaining her BA degree, following years of working as a domestic worker. She also has written and published her first book ‘Brightness of Diamonds Through Soil’

In an interview with The Phoenix Tabloid, Mahlangu said, “It is a biography about my life’s journey from being a domestic worker to a graduate and now author. I grew up on a farm, and also attended school on a farm. “Many of my classmates gave up on education and never pursued their dreams due to challenges we faced during that time, such as the language barrier, poor educational system, no electricity etc. There are still learners from farm schools that lack confidence and end up in construction, domestic work and other odd jobs,” said Mahlangu. Mahlangu said it took her almost two years to put the book together due to other employment opportunities while working on the book. “The book aims to benefit every child from a disadvantaged background and also the youth who have lost hope on their dreams.\”

Her message to other women who are experiencing uncertainty is: “Giving up is not an option! Sitting in the corner and crying about your situation will not make it better. Pray to God and give your burdens to the Almighty. Work hard and believe that he will provide whatever he has promised,” said Mahlangu.

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Ways to Help Your Baby Get a Good Sleep

baby sleep tips

Good sleep is essential for the development of a healthy baby, and babies who sleep well during infancy are less likely to be napping poorly as toddlers. A good bedtime routine can help your baby get the rest they need. 

Importance of Sleep to Babies

Babies need sleep. They need to get enough sleep to develop healthy habits and learn many of the skills they will need as kids, teenagers, and adults. And though you may not be too worried about your baby’s sleeping habits at the moment — like, say, how long it takes them to go down for a nap or bedtime — eventually there will come a time when you start wondering how to help them get more sleep. There are many options available to help your baby sleep better and make getting the sleep they deserve easier. But first, you have to determine what those options are.

1. Babies who have enough sleep during the day are better able to regulate their body temperature. Babies who do not get enough sleep tend to wake up more often, and overheat at night.

2. More sleep helps babies develop stronger immune systems by enhancing immune cell production and activity in response to infection-causing pathogens.

3. More sleep helps babies process nutrients effectively; inadequate sleep may prevent babies from getting all the nutrients they need to grow well.

4. More sleep is associated with better scores on developmental tests of mental and physical development, including tests of fine motor skills, cognitive development, language development, and behavioral regulation.

5. A single night of poor or insufficient sleep can affect a baby’s behavior and performance the next day, even if that baby has been sleeping well for months on end.

How to Help Your Baby Sleep

Here are some things you can do to get your baby sleeping through the night as soon as possible:

Set a consistent bedtime routine and stick with it

Start winding down in the hour before bedtime. Take a bath with your baby, play quiet games and sing lullabies. When you are ready for bed, so should be your baby. Keep these routines going into the toddler years, since consistency is important for sleep habits in both children and adults.

Related: Ways to put your baby to sleep quickly

Move your baby’s crib

As your baby starts to sleep longer at night, move their crib and bed toward the middle of the room, where they will be less likely to roll out of bed. Don\’t move them too far away from your room or they may wake up during the night and cry. If you are not sure where to move your crib, consult a pediatrician or doctor for advice. The best places to put a crib are in a sunny spot by a window but do not place it directly over an electrical outlet.

Check baby\’s room

Make sure that the temperature in your baby’s room is comfortable for them. Wear socks to make sure that the room is not too cold or hot. Take a thermometer with you if you are unsure of the temperature in your baby’s bedroom. Keep drafts from under doors and windows out by using heavy, insulated drapes.

Rock your baby to sleep

Soothe your baby to sleep with a rocking motion. Make sure that you are aware of exactly how long it takes you to place your baby down asleep and then do the same thing each night. It is also important to remember that you cannot rock your baby back to sleep if they are not already asleep.

Brush their teeth

Studies have shown that children who brush their teeth before sleeping have fewer issues with sleep terrors or insomnia. Remind your child to brush their teeth in the morning.

Switch off bedroom lights

Keep your bedroom lights dimmed or off as much as possible so that your baby can sleep better. If you are going on a trip with your baby, make sure that you have downsized the amount of stuff in the room before leaving. A change in room temperature is also good for baby’s’ sleep habits.

Take a walk

Spend some time walking around with your baby. Babies who have been rocked to sleep and then taken for a walk will often fall asleep while still sucking on the breast or bottle. If you are not going out, take your baby to the park, or even just around the block if you have a stroller. If you are leaving the house, make sure that there is nothing in the way that could be eaten by a toddler before leaving.

Give your baby a pacifier

Babies who are breastfed often do not sleep well at night, so once they learn to breastfeed, it is important to start offering them pacifiers to help with those nights they need a little extra help falling asleep. Babies who don’t use pacifiers tend not to nap well.

Give your baby a bath before bed

While you can bathe your baby when he/she wakes up in the morning, this becomes more difficult when you require that they sleep in the same room as you. As a result, it is better to get them into a tub after they have gone to sleep so that you can keep an eye on them and make sure that they do not drown while in their sleep. If you would rather not give your baby a bath, consider doing so before bedtime so that he/she has already gotten enough water during the day.

Never feed the baby before he/she sleeps

Babies need to eat when they are hungry. If you are already struggling with a newborn, it is likely that you will get up to feed them throughout the night or that you will simply bring them into your room so that you can make sure they do not starve. While this is understandable, it can have negative effects on their sleeping habits if consistently done over time. When you feed your baby right before bed or during the night, they are going to associate food with being awake and active.

Consider using a white noise maker

White noise is the sound that nearly all of us are familiar with, the one that is on in the background when you’re at home or in a room and it just sounds like chaos. White noise works very well as a sleep aid. You can buy a white noise machine for your house or car. When you are in a public place, you can use your phone or even the TV remote to turn the volume up and use it as a white noise machine.

Eliminate Distractions

If they are awake, do not allow them to play in the room that you are sleeping in. If you are going to be eating with the baby or put him/her down for a nap, move to a different room so that they cannot see you sleeping. This also applies to other children in the house. You must make it clear that he/she should not continue playing with other children or running around after he/she is put down for bed.

Babies require a lot of sleep. But nowadays, most babies don\’t get enough of it. Ever wonder why your baby doesn’t sleep? There are many reasons why your baby might not be able to sleep, but some are better than others. Whatever the reason is, there are always techniques that you can use to help your baby get a good sleep. Should you need more tips to help you in putting your baby to sleep, please leave us a message.

 
Andrea Gibbs
Andrea Gibbs is born and raised in New York. A work-at-home mom with a background in business development, strategy, and social media marketing. She is also a blog contributor at Baby Steps Preschool to motivate and educate other parents about how they can get their children ahead of the game in school.

 

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Woman Sets Record After Giving Birth To Nine (9) Babies In A Single Birth

On the 6th of May, 2021, a young lady from Mali sets a record after giving birth to nine babies alive in a single birth. When she was still pregnant, doctors had already informed her of the number of babies she was carrying, although gave the wrong number. According to the BBC, these doctors detected only seven babies on ultrasounds.

This lady, by her name, Halima Cisse gave birth to four boys and five girls in Morroco. She was taken to Morroco by the Mali government for specialist care. According to her husband, Adjudant Kader Arby,

‘I’m very happy and my wife and the babies are doing well.’

A team of 25 paramedics and 10 doctors assisted with the cesarean delivery. According to a medical doctor of the Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca, Youssef Alaoui,

‘The delivery was extremely rare and exceptional. The preterm babies weigh about 1-2 pounds each and will be kept in incubators for 2 or 3 months.’

This young lady pregnancy became so popular in Mali when doctors felt that she was carrying septuplets. The doctors were bothered about the babies survival and even her welfare,  so the health authorities intervened. Cisse was transferred to Morocco after a two-week stay in a Mali hospital.

Also, in the words of Alaoui;

\”Arby is still in Mali with the couple’s older daughter but says he has been in regular contact with his wife. He told BBC Afrique that he’s not worried about the babies’ health and that the family has received overwhelming support. Everybody called me! Everybody called!” he said. “The Malian authorities called expressing their joy. I thank them … even the president called me.\”

See photos below;

  • \"9
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How Often Should I Bathe My Newborn Baby?

baby, feet, baby feet

Bathing a baby is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences a parent may have. They may feel impossibly delicate, and you might be concerned about whether they\’re warm or relaxed enough, as well as whether you\’re doing a thorough job. 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., “How often should I bathe my baby?”

First baths

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. In any case, the nurses are likely to give the baby their first bath, but you can still watch and ask for advice for bathing at home. Bathe your infant one or two days a week before their umbilical stump falls off once you get home. Don\’t immerse their body in water before this occurs. Instead, start with their head and face and work your way down with a warm washcloth and a gentle sponge bath. You may need a bath to clean up diaper blowouts if the mess is coming from the other end. At this age, however, they do not need a regular bath unless there is a mess.

1-3 months

You should bathe your baby 1-2 days a week for the first few months of his or her life. It would help if you offered them more conventional baths until they no longer have their umbilical stump. Fill a baby bath tub halfway with warm water and let them sit and splash while you wash them with water and gentle baby soap. Cover them with damp washcloths to keep them warm during the bath. You can begin with their face and head and work your way down once more. It\’s also worth remembering that adults prefer water that is much colder than infants. Maintain a lukewarm temperature, and your baby will undoubtedly enjoy the bath time cuddles.

3-6 months

You may want to switch up your child\’s bath routine as they get older. At this age, babies only need to be bathed 1-3 times a week, but if they seem to like the water or like splashing while getting washed, you can bathe them more often. Many parents use diaper and outfit changes as an opportunity to give their baby a fast wipe down to ensure that all of their vital organs are clean. If you want to bathe your child more than twice a week, limit the use of soap to one or two baths to prevent drying out their skin. After bath time, apply a soft, fragrance- and dye-free lotion to your infant.

6-12 months

You will decide that you need to start bathing your baby more regularly once he or she becomes mobile and starts eating solids. Although they only need one or two soapy baths a week, you can give them a sponge bath or place them in the tub to soak and clean off as messes occur. Bath time can also be a fun way to calm down your baby before bedtime. It\’s perfectly acceptable to include a bath in your relaxing nighttime routine at this age if this works for you.

Why you shouldn’t bathe your baby every day?

Although it may seem strange to bathe your baby so infrequently, babies do not need as much bathing as adults. They don\’t sweat or get dirty as older people do, and their skin is even more resilient than adults. Bathing regularly will potentially cause more damage than good. Bathe your baby one or two days a week with a mild, scent- and dye-free soap to prevent drying out their skin and worsening conditions like eczema. When they\’re done bathing, pat them dry before applying a dye- and fragrance-free baby moisturizer and dressing them right away.

Conclusion

Bathe your baby just once or twice a week for the first few months. As babies get older, they can need more frequent baths as they become messier or enjoy themselves in the tub. You can enjoy your baby\’s bath time joy as they grow as long as you use gentle products and don\’t notice any problems with their skin. Peradventure, you see any changes on their skin, contact your pediatrician immediately!!

Bathing With Kids – What Parents Should Know

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How to Select the Best Hospital for Childbirth

people woman sitting technology

Although you may have complete faith in the doctor you\’ve seen during your pregnancy, relying solely on her and the hospital with which she is associated may leave you disappointed at the time of delivery. This is because your doctor could be swamped with patients and won\’t be able to see you through delivery, leaving you in the care of someone you\’ve never met before. Worse, the hospital may not be able to provide you with anything you need during this critical period and the atmosphere in which you find yourself is just as crucial as the doctor.

Even if your doctor is eligible to meet you after your birth, you must note that you will be in the care of hospital personnel during your labor and recovery, and you must feel safe and secure in realizing that they will do a good job.

Things to Consider While Selecting the Maternity Hospital for Delivery

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a hospital is the efficiency of the workforce, the hospital\’s atmosphere and services, and the competence of the doctors on staff as well as those associated with the hospital. Although it is never too early to start planning for your birth, most women will wait until the pregnancy has been confirmed before looking for a doctor and hospital. While it is acceptable to change doctors mid-pregnancy, it is preferable to find the doctor you want to deliver your child, as well as the appropriate hospital and staff, from the start of your pregnancy.

Here are some things that you should consider while selecting your hospital:

  •  Hospital Success Story

Get to know the hospital; here\’s how: Visit their website to learn more about the services they provide and which doctors are associated with or work in-house at the hospital. Conduct a general internet search to find medical blogs or journals that will include a hospital ranking. Check out what other patients and clients have to say about the hospital.

  • Feedback and Reviews

This would be very beneficial in assisting you in deciding on a hospital. Speak with any women you know who have had children, whether they are relatives, friends, or coworkers. Determine whether or not they were pleased with their stay and the services offered by the workers of the hospital. If you\’re already interested in a hospital and want to learn more, you can always look for feedback from other women who have given birth there online. Community forums are also a great way to learn about other mothers\’ views and what they have to tell if you live in the same city as them.

  •  Seek the advice of your own Obstetrician/Gynaecologist

If you have a doctor with whom you are pleased and do not wish to adjust, you can always seek advice. Make a list of the hospitals where your doctor is associated.

Tell him/her what you need, and she\’ll tell you which of the hospitals will better meet your needs. Inquire about which of the hospitals has the best labor and rehabilitation care, workers.

  •  Hospital Tour

It would be beneficial for you to visit the hospitals after you have narrowed down your list. Take note of how busy and large the maternity ward is when you visit. Examine the size of the rooms and whether or not they seem to be safe and sanitary. Learn about the amenities and facilities that will be provided. Inquire about the nurses\’ and doctors\’ availability. Try to visit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a guide.

  • Quality of Doctors and Medical Staff

The quality of a hospital\’s medical staff is what distinguishes it as one of the best. If you have any relatives or acquaintances who have given birth at the hospital, be sure to inquire about their nurses\’ experiences. Look online for any mentions or details about the doctor. Observe how the neonatal staff treats the babies and communicate with as many of them as possible to determine comfort levels.

  • Budget

Being able to afford all of your needs is one of the most critical aspects of a hospital stay. Examine your insurance policy to see if it includes maternity coverage. Some insurance companies have a cap on how much they can pay out, and others may be associated with just a few hospitals. Obtain a list of the hospitals with which your insurance provider is associated and choose one from the list. During the tour, hospitals have comprehensive price lists, but prices can vary based on factors such as whether you want a shared or private space.

  • Proximity to Home

It\’s essential to consider the distance you\’ll have to drive to get to the hospital. Choose a hospital that is close to home, mainly if the pregnancy is high-risk. Ensure you have a path or a short route with less traffic in mind; this will help you save time and reduce birth pains during crucial times.

  •  Accommodation

When choosing a hospital, the length of stay is often a significant consideration. Check to see if you want to share a room or if you want a private room. Find out whether your husband or caregiver will be able to stay with you while you\’re in the hospital. Make sure the rooms and bathrooms are clean and sanitary.

  • Birthing Technologies and Techniques Based on the Birth Plan

Finding out what they have to give in terms of technology and birthing procedures, as well as whether or not it would work for your birth schedule, is one of the most critical aspects of how to choose a hospital for the birth.

Take note of these;

    • High-Risk Pregnancy Facility: If you fall into this category, you will require a team of experts and the proper facilities, such as access to emergency blood if needed.
    • Natural Birth Option(NBO) Facilities: Look for a hospital with a less proactive unit culture, as vaginal deliveries might not be a priority. If you want epidurals, they should be able to supply them, and if you don\’t, they should honor your decision.
    • C-Section Delivery Facility: If your pregnancy necessitates a C-Section, the required medical supplies and personnel should be on hand to manage the situation delicately.
    • Anaesthesia and Epidural Facilities: It\’s essential to have a good epidural for vaginal deliveries and an anesthetist on hand in case of a C-Section.
    • Emergency Facilities/ICU: If something goes wrong, getting a team and the appropriate resources on hand to tackle an emergency is critical. The hospital should have an ICU where sensitive cases can adequately be cared for.

Conclusion

With so many things to consider and investigate, it\’s best to stay ahead of the game and not leave anything to chance. What matters most is your and your baby\’s wellbeing.

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How Babies Regulate Cold and Heat

swaddled, baby, warm

Things change after 2-3months of birth, babies become less delicate, but they are still physiologically immature. Their heat-control device isn\’t quite ready yet. You\’ll have to wait a few more months for their bodies to adjust to temperature changes naturally. Babies don\’t learn how to control their temperature until they\’re about 18 months to 2 years old, and they\’re still more susceptible to temperature changes than adults.

What should my baby\’s temperature be?

A rectal reading is the most precise way of taking the baby\’s temperature, which should be between 98 and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit; a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher is considered a fever. When your baby\’s temperature rises above average, it may be an indication of sickness. Consult your pediatrician, particularly if other symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, or cough continue.

Underarm thermometer readings are typically 1 to 2 degrees lower than rectal thermometer readings, and oral thermometer values are probably half a degree lower than rectal thermometer readings. If your baby is under the age of three months, a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher on a rectal thermometer necessitates immediate medical attention, and you should contact your pediatrician right away.

Consider the room temperature of your baby

Think neutral when it comes to your baby\’s nursery: you don\’t want it to be too hot or too cold. In general, if you think the room is too cold, your baby will feel the same way, and if you feel the room is too hot, your baby will feel the same way.

In the summer and winter, keeping the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees F is a reasonable range. When the room is too hot, your baby\’s risk of SIDS increases; when the room is too cold, your baby can quickly become uncomfortably cold and wake up early or suddenly.

It\’s best not to put any extra heaters or air conditioners in your child\’s bed. Fans, on the other hand, can be beneficial for air circulation and have also been shown to lower the risk of SIDS.

Since preterm babies have a more challenging time regulating their temperature, you might want to set the thermostat to about 72 degrees F for the first few weeks after you bring him home from the hospital.

Furthermore, if premature babies are too cold, they can lose too many calories trying to warm up, which isn\’t ideal because weight gain is vital to their general wellbeing.

Dressing your baby for the weather

Think layers when it comes to preparing your baby for various weather conditions. The easiest way to warm up or cool down a baby is to add or remove clothing. Hats are an excellent accessory because they trap heat in the winter and shield the baby from excessive sunshine in the summer. When it\’s cold outside, babies can need an extra layer or two; make sure to remove different layers quickly when you return inside so that baby doesn\’t overheat.

How to dress your baby for bedtime?

Dressing a baby in one more layer than older kids, a one-piece sleeper plus a sleeping bag, for example, should suffice. If cold outside, you might add another layer under his sleeper, such as a long-sleeved onesie. When boiling outside, opt for lighter-weight fabrics. It has been shown that swaddling your baby with a swaddle blanket or a sleep sack will help him sleep longer. Obey these protection guidelines:

  • Ensure the baby\’s sleep sack isn\’t too big with extra fabric that could tangle the baby.
  • Babies can no longer be swaddled until they can turn over because it increases the risk of suffocation. You can also use sleep sacks built for older babies to keep baby warm while allowing their arms to remain free.
  • Avoid swaddling your baby too tightly around the hips, as this can interfere with hip growth.
  • To minimize the chance of SIDS, babies should always be placed in their cribs on their backs.

Conclusion

Babies are not experts at regulating their body temperature yet, so they partially rely on their environment. Ensure your baby\’s room is kept neutral (not cold and not hot) to prevent any sudden rise or fall in temperature.

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Snoring and Grunting in Babies; What to Know

yawn, sleepy, baby

Many babies and young children usually have noisy nighttime breathing, but 7 to 12% of babies snore more than three nights a week. It could be because of nasal allergies (triggered by dust, dust mites) or excessive dryness in the room. Mild blockage caused by large tonsils and adenoids is the most common cause of snoring. Tonsils and adenoids are special lymph glands located at the back of the nose and throat; they serve as our protection patrol, churning out squads of antibodies and white blood cells to capture viruses and germs before they sneak into the body.

When the throat muscles relax during sleep, those soft tissues collapse slightly; that is not a problem; the whole breathing “tunnel” can narrow dramatically if your child has big tonsils and adenoids. With each deep breath, the child\’s throat closes up.

Ways to Ease Snoring and Grunting in Babies

There are a few ways to help your baby or toddler breath more quietly and sleep more restfully at night:

  • Put a thickly folded blanket under the mattress at the head of the bed to elevate your child’s head 3-4 inches.
  • Moisturize the air with a cool-mist humidifier.
  • Dispose of dairy products such as milk, cheese for 1-2 weeks.
  • Keep pets away from your child’s bedroom.
  • It would be wise to have your child checked by a doctor if your child\’s snoring problem persists.

Sleep Breathing Disorder That Causes Snoring in Children

Around 3% of children suffer from more severe snoring and a disease known as SBD (sleep-disordered breathing) Sleeping with mouth open, using a gravelly nasal accent, drooling on pillow, headaches, and being too tired are all symptoms of SBD. Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to have this problem, but it is not limited.

Children with SBD can be startled awake frequently during the night! Children with SBD can have dark circles under their eyes, yawn all day, become irritable, \”hyper,\” forgetful, and accident-prone. It also weakens the immune system, impairs learning, and increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

Your pediatrician may prescribe medication (such as oral or inhaled cortisone or a leukotriene inhibitor) or surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids. Consider getting a second opinion if your child is obese or older than 7. Consider getting a second opinion before scheduling surgery. These children will not improve as a result of the process. The majority of snoring in children goes away after a few changes to their sleeping condition or diet.

Grunts in Babies

Newborns do not speak, but they do have their language to communicate with their parents. They sometimes make odd noises that can trigger shock/surprise in their parents. If you have a baby, his occasional grunts will lead you to believe he is in pain and cause you to be concerned. If your baby grunts, you should seek medical attention right away. Newborns usually grunt when they are having breathing problems. When a baby has digestive issues, he can make odd noises that should not be confused with grunting. When your baby grunts, it\’s a sign of a respiratory problem, and you should take him to the doctor.

Is it Normal for a Newborn to Grunt?

Have you experienced your newborn grunting? Since their organs are still growing, a baby grunts. As he uses their diaphragm muscles to move his intestine, they pressure their voice box or larynx, which causes him to grunt. The grunting that occurs as a result of this phase is abnormal. A newborn does this to keep the alveoli from collapsing. If a baby is bloated, it may make noises, but this is not the same as grunting.

Causes of Grunting in Babies

Babies make different noises for different things. Babies grunt when they have a problem in their respiratory system; sometimes, it may be because of other issues.

Respiratory Problems: This is likely to occur in premature babies; it can also happen to babies who have had a normal birth. When a baby has respiratory issues, along with grunting, some other signs such as unusual breathing movements, skin turning blue, nasal flaring will be noticed; these are usually a response to hypothermia.

Delay in the Development of Organs: premature babies may have organs that are yet to mature or still to develop. Hence they may grunt.

Sepsis: This is a severe condition where a baby is affected by an infection that runs in the blood. This condition is accompanied by other signs like loud grunting, which happens due to breathing difficulty.

When to Consult a Doctor

If your baby grunts because of some severe health issues such as respiratory problems, you should consult a doctor. 

Conclusion

Snoring and grunting in babies or toddlers are reasoned as developmental signs and are not a cause for alarm, but if left unchecked, they can cause so much discomfort for the baby and, in the long run, you. Keep a close watch on your kids and report any abnormality to your childcare expert.

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Become the best dad for your kids

Today, more fathers like you are reaping the benefits of taking a more active role in their children\’s lives. We drafted out some important ways to assist or remind you to begin a new journey today—one that will affect your relationships and your kid\’s life.

  • Love and Respect the Mother of your Children

Respecting your children\’s mother is one of the best things you can do for them as a father. If you\’re married, this should go without saying, but just in case, I\’ll say it anyway: keep your marriage solid and balanced. Make time to focus on this relationship at least once a week to keep it healthy. Even if you\’re not married, it\’s crucial to love and respect your children\’s mother. A father and mother who love each other and show it to their children create a safe atmosphere. Kids are more likely to feel welcomed and appreciated if they see their parents loving each other.

  • Create Time for your children

I recognize that this is more complex than it seems. However, how a father spends his time reveals what is essential to him to his children. No matter what you say, if you always seem to be too busy for your children, they will feel unloved. Spending time with your children sometimes necessitates sacrificing other items, but it is critical to do so. Kids grow up in just a short period. Chances that are misspent are forever lost.

  • Listen First, Talk After

Far too often, a father\’s only contact with his children happens while they are in trouble. Consequently, when their mother says, \”Dad wants to see you,\” many children can panic. Take the time to listen to your children\’s concerns and suggestions. They would feel more appreciated and heard if you listen to them. Start listening and conversing with your children when they are young so that tough topics will be easier to deal with when they get older.

  • Scold them with love

All children require guidance and training, not as a means of punishment, but rather to create appropriate boundaries. Remind your kids of the consequences of their decisions and give them tangible incentives for good conduct—fathers who discipline their children calmly and reasonably demonstrate their love for them.

  • Be A Role Model

Whether they realize it or not, fathers serve as role models for their children. A girl who spends time with a caring father learns how to handle boys with respect and what qualities to look for in a husband. By displaying integrity, modesty, and accountability, fathers will teach their sons what is essential in life.

  • Teach Your Kids

We have a propensity to assume that teaching is something that only other people do in a school building. However, a father who teaches his children the difference between right and wrong and helps them to do their best will see his children making good decisions. Fathers who are actively involved in their children\’s lives use daily examples to teach them life lessons. Consider how much essential information you, and you alone, have about music and classic films at this stage!

  • Encourage Family Meals

Sharing a meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) with your family can be an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It offers kids the opportunity to talk about what they are doing what they\’d like to do, in addition to providing some structure on a busy day. It\’s also a good time for dads to pay attention. Above all, it is a time for families to spend quality time together every day.

  • Encourage Reading

In a world where children\’s lives are dominated by television and technology, fathers must attempt to read to their children. Doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing, are the best ways for children to understand. Encourage them to read independently as they get older. Imparting the love of reading in your children is one of the most important ways to ensure continued development.

  • Express Love

Children need the assurance that they are wanted, welcomed, and cherished by their parents and siblings. Make yourself at ease when it comes to hugging your kids, Dad. The best way to let your kids know that you love them is to express love daily.

Conclusion

Whether it\’s continued education, a new career, or a wedding, fathers remain an integral part of their children\’s lives as they grow, marry, and start their own families.

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