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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50 Biblical Baby Names for Girls

Biblical names

Naming a child is an exciting and often stressful time for soon-to-be-parents. A name is a source of pride for both the child and her parents, so it should feel really special–because it is. While some people choose names that come from areas like history, travels, hometowns, books, most people chose a name because their Christian faith inspires them.

Here are a few beautiful names from the Bible that we think Mama and Baby Girl will love forever and ever.

1. Eve

2. Grace

3. Esther

4. Elizabeth

5. Mary

6. Martha

7. Abigail

8. Sarah

9. Bethany

10. Chloe

11. Deborah

12. Diana

13. Rachel

14. Myra

15. Joanna

16. Naomi

17. Julia

18. Eunice

19. Rebecca

20. Hannah

21. Anna

22. Priscilla

23. Adah

24. Lydia

25. Delight

26. Gabriella

27. Hope

28. Mercy

29. Myra

30. Oprah

31. Phoebe

32. Ruby

33. Rose

34. Faith

35. Bridget

36. Daniela

37. Helena

38. Leah

39. Olivia

40. Bethel

41. Sophia

42. Monica

43. Susanna

44. Candace

45. Claudia

46. Sharon

47. Micah

48. Edna

49. Beth

50. Celia

Expectant parents are fond of looking just about anywhere for baby name inspiration, but whether the parents are religious or not, a great place to seek inspiration for your girl\’s name is the Bible.

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Different stages of motherhood and what to expect

The transformation to motherhood and its expectations are another learning process entirely. Life itself is full of learning, and learning is a continuous process. As you are aware, a lot of responsibilities characterize motherhood. Several stages transform into motherhood.

Motherhood is another stage of metamorphosis in a female. It involves giving birth to and raising a child. It is a unique time of your life that differentiates you from being a girl and a mother. To most women, motherhood means different things. In all the several meanings, it boils down to love, care, comfort, interests, and many more showered upon their kids.

What are the benefits of motherhood?

A lot of benefits come with motherhood, although it has its fair share of struggles. The positive side outweighs the negative side. Some of the benefits of motherhood include (but not limited to):

  1. It reduces cancer risks. The fact that your womb has produced a child plus the fact that you breastfeed reduces your chance of developing cancer. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of getting breast cancer by altering the cells in the breast. Thus, making it more resistant to disease. Also, a mother has a lower chance of developing ovarian cancer. Having kids reduces your likelihood of womb cancer by more than a third. The number of kids you have further reduces your chance of developing ovarian cancer.
  2. Better memory. While many changes are associated with pregnancy, the benefits of giving birth cannot be overemphasized. Studies revealed that giving birth increases the grey matter in the brain.
  3. Longer life expectancy. Women who became mothers at an early age (25 years) have a higher chance of living up to ninety years on planet earth.
  4. Increased productivity at work. The fact that mothers can multitask makes them more productive at work than their child-free colleagues. Despite being the most stressed, they still end up doing well at work. Working mothers are more productive in the office. This productivity tends to increase as your kids grow older.
  5. It reduces the risk of diabetes in breastfeeding mothers. Research shows that mother that breastfeed for six months or less can reduce their chance of developing type 2 diabetes. It is assumed that the hormone involved in lactation has a direct influence on the cells that affect the insulin level.

What are the stages of motherhood? 

  • The waiting stage. It is time you can\’t wait to get pregnant—the stage when several pregnancy thoughts filled your mind. Here, you imagined what kind of mom you will be for your kids. How well you will take care of your kids by giving them your best. During this time, you are preparing and reading all sorts of parenting books that will effectively foster your motherhood.
  • The positive stage.  A pregnancy confirmation stage. You might still feel you are dreaming at this stage. When you observe that the baby kicks, then you know that reality finally hits you.
  • The miracle. It is the end of the nine-month waiting period—the stage where you finally meet the baby of your dreams and prayers. Here, you now believe that nine months is worth the waiting. It worth all you have gone through during the waiting period—the stage where you conclude that you will always be there for this beautiful baby.
  • The new mom. This stage can be exhausting. You have a lot to attend to, and most times you are stressed out. You feel that the baby needs you often even when you try to close your eyes. You still have time to love your little angle despite just adjusting to delivery aches and having a lot at hand. The baby makes you complete even with the feeding, smiles, cuddles, and the sound they make.
  • The fun, mom. It is the excitement stage. The moment your baby learns to roll over, crawl, walk, run, and even talk, you become happier. I am sure you are pretty excited the first time you heard your child call you, mom? The reality that you are now a mother hits you officially. Your baby sees you as a superhero that can do anything.
  • The progress stage. The stage at which mothers wish that time can slow down. The stage at which their baby is no longer a baby but a grown-up. Here, he or she enters kindergarten or elementary school, and they are gone all day. Here, you miss your kid. But education is essential for progress, so they tend to adapt.
  • The friendly mom stage. It is the teen age at which your child needs you most. They see you as their friend here. They trust you and talk to you about several things. You also help them out with their homework, buy them beautiful clothing, and pray that they find a good friend. You understand here that they need more of you by giving them a listening ear and making them smile at all times.
  • The fast forward stage. At this point, you wish time can speed up. Your child is at the teenage of their lives. You know what is best for them, but they still struggle with you. They start having friends, both boys, and girlfriends. They start making up, dating and driving, but you guide them to making the right decisions.
  • The hopeful mom stage. It is a promising stage where your kid is well grown. Your child is now at college and now living alone. All you could wish for them is the best in making the right decisions. At this stage, your child is eager to leave the house and rent an apartment. Once they are gone, they start missing everything about you, including the meals you make for them. They can\’t wait to see you. They often call to seek advice on issues at hand because they realized that they need their mom.
  • The stage of being the mother of the bride or groom. It is the moment of happy tears where the child finally leaves home and start a family of their own. It is the stage at which your child finds a life partner, but your role as a mother cannot be replaced. When you see your child in a beautiful gown or handsome tux, you are filled with joy.
  • The promotion to grandma. At this stage, you have achieved a lot, and your little kid of that time is now a mother. You realized how time flies and how fulfilled you are in becoming a grandmother.
  • The feeling of completion and eternal role. You sit down and meditate on all you\’ve been able to achieve during your motherhood. At this stage, you show gratitude for the opportunity you had being a mother. Here, you know you have done best and leaving a legacy behind. Even after death, the role of a mother continues. A mother forever plays a notable role in our lives.
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Home Remedy for Frequent Enuresis, Bedwetting in Children

Enuresis popularly known as bedwetting refers to the unintentional passage of urine during sleep, whether in the clothing during the day or in bed at night. Another name for enuresis is urinary incontinence. This is normal for children below the age of 5 years as their body is learning to bladder control; most children achieve some degree of bladder control by age 4, they usually achieve daytime control first while nighttime control follows. The age at which a child achieves bladder control varies, but some parents expect dryness at a very early age.

Enuresis or bedwetting in children is no one\’s fault. Avoid blames and avoid scolding the child because that might add to the stress and make the situation worse.

Types of Enuresis Or Bedwetting

Primary:

Primary bedwetting refers to bedwetting that has been ongoing since early childhood without a break. A child with primary bedwetting has never been dry at night for any significant length of time; this usually indicates immaturity of the nervous system. A bedwetting child does not recognize the sensation of the full bladder during sleep and so will not wake up from sleep to urinate in the toilet.

Factors that cause primary bedwetting or enuresis include:

1. The child cannot yet hold urine for the entire night because his bladder control is delayed, making it difficult for them to hold the urine all night, resulting in bedwetting.

2. The child does not wake when his bladder is full. Some children sleep very deeply sometimes that they miss the brain\’s signal that the bladder is full and end up wetting the bed.

3. The child produces a large amount of urine during the evening and night hours. Antidiuretic hormones (ADH) prevent the body from creating excess urine at night. If a child\’s body is not producing enough of this hormone, then it produces more urine at night.

4. The child has poor daytime toilet habits. Many children habitually ignore the urge to urinate and put off urinating as long as they possibly can.

5. Lower urinary tract dysfunction could be another reason for bedwetting. In this condition, there would be a dis-coordination between the bladder and the bladder outlet, and this causes the bladder not to empty effectively resulting in bladder muscle stiffness.

5. According to research, in families where both parents had nocturnal Enuresis (involuntary urination), there is a 77% chance that the children might develop it too. And if one of the parents had the problem, then there is a 45% chance. The chances of bedwetting would be only 15% if neither of the parents had the habit of bedwetting.

6. Psychological factors also play a role in the development of bedwetting, although studies found that this relationship could be coincidental. Children with a bedwetting habit are said to have a 2.88 times higher risk of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which could be due to delayed central nervous system development. But, this does not mean all bedwetting children would have psychological issues, and it is best to consult your doctor to clarify the same.

Secondary:

Secondary bedwetting refers to bedwetting that starts again after the child has been dry at night for a significant period (at least six months).

Factors that cause secondary bedwetting or Enuresis:
  1. Some children could develop secondary bedwetting due to urinary tract problems such as tumors. However, there would be other symptoms for such issues, and a doctor\’s diagnosis is required.
  2. Holding urine for too long during daytime can lead to bladder control problems, which could lead to bedwetting in children. This could be the reason for the sudden onset of bedwetting.
  3. Secondary bedwetting might also happen due to an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, and constipation. These conditions can increase the number of times the child urinates during the day and night.
  4. Anxiety and stress can sometimes trigger secondary bedwetting in adolescents. If not dealt with early on, it could become a problematic habit. As bedwetting, in turn, causes stress, blaming or reprimanding the child may only worsen the situation.
  5. If your children have caffeinated drinks before going to bed, chances are they\’ll end up with a full bladder before the night is over.
  6. Irregular bowel movements can put pressure on the rectum, thereby might interfere with the nerve signals between the bladder and the brain.
  7. Sometimes, children start bedwetting suddenly if they were victims of sexual abuse, look for other signs such as repeated urinary tract infections, vaginal pain, and unusual discharge.
  8. Abnormalities in the nervous system may cause neurological problems that may have Enuresis as a side effect.

Home Remedies for Bedwetting Or Enuresis In Children

If your child isn\’t especially bothered or embarrassed by an occasional wet night, lifestyle changes — such as avoiding caffeine entirely and limiting fluid intake in the evening — may work well. However, if lifestyle changes aren\’t successful or if your grade-schooler is terrified about wetting the bed, he or she may be helped by additional treatments.

If found, underlying causes of bedwetting, such as constipation or sleep apnea, should be addressed before other treatments.

Options for treating bedwetting may include moisture alarms and medication.
  • Limit fluids in the evening. It\’s important to get enough fluids, so there\’s no need to limit how much your child drinks in a day. However, encourage drinking liquids in the morning and early afternoon, which may reduce thirst in the evening. But don\’t limit evening fluids if your child participates in sports practice or games in the evenings.
  • Avoid beverages and foods with caffeine. Drinks with caffeine are discouraged for children at any time of day. Because caffeine may stimulate the bladder, it\’s especially discouraged in the evening.
  • Encourage double voiding before bed. Double voiding is urinating at the beginning of the bedtime routine and then again just before falling asleep. Remind your child that it\’s OK to use the toilet during the night if needed. Use small night lights, so your child can easily find the way between the bedroom and bathroom.
  • Encourage regular toilet use throughout the day. During the day and evening, suggest that your child urinate every two hours or so, or at least often enough to avoid a feeling of urgency.
  • Prevent rashes. To prevent a rash caused by wet underwear, help your child rinse his or her bottom and genital area every morning. It also may help to cover the affected area with a protective moisture barrier ointment or cream at bedtime. Ask your pediatrician for product recommendations. 
  • Massage: Massaging the lower abdomen with olive oil might prevent involuntary flexing of the pelvic muscles that result in bedwetting. Warm the olive oil a little, massage the lower abdomen with the warm oil, and massage every day for the best results.
  •  Bladder exercises: A few exercises might help in strengthening the muscles of the urinary tract and stretch them to prevent bladder contraction. Holding the pee for 10-20 minutes longer (while having the urge to pee) might help expand the bladder and improve control, but make sure the child does not do it to postpone peeing. Another Kegel exercise is to hold and squeeze a small ball (the size of a fist) between the thighs (just above the knees) might strengthen the pelvic muscles. Exercising the pelvic muscles at least twice a day to make it stronger and improve bladder control.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and also keeps away diabetes. If the bedwetting is caused due to a bacterial infection or diabetes, a dose of cinnamon every day might help. Give the child a piece of cinnamon to chew every day. Also, use cinnamon powder as topping on milk, desserts, or bread.
  • Cranberry juice: Cranberry might be useful to treat urinary tract infections, but further studies are needed to prove this. However, you might try giving cranberry juice to your child if the bedwetting is due to urinary tract infections.
  •  Walnuts and raisins: Walnuts and raisins might help in reducing the symptoms of bedwetting. Give the child a light snack of three almonds and two raisins before he goes to bed. Repeat this every day for a few months until there is significant progress, and the dry spells are longer.
  •  Honey: Giving one small teaspoon of honey for a younger child and one tablespoon for a teen could help reduce the bedwetting.

Parental Attitude

The parents\’ attitude toward the bedwetting is all-important in motivating the child.

  • Focus on the problem: bedwetting. Avoid blaming or punishing the child. The child cannot control the bedwetting, blaming, and punishing just makes the problem more daunting for all.
  • Be patient and supportive. Reassure and encourage the child often. Do not make an issue out the bedwetting each time it happens.
  • Enforce a \”no teasing\” rule in the family. No one is allowed to tease the child about the bedwetting, including those outside the immediate family. Do not discuss the bedwetting in front of other family members.
  • Help the child understand that the responsibility for being dry is his or hers and not that of the parents. Reassure the child that you want to help the child overcome the problem. If applicable, remind him that a close relative successfully dealt with this same issue.
  • The child should be included in the clean-up process.
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Best Jobs for Single Moms with No Qualifications

Jobs for single moms in 2020

There are several streams of income for every mom, either you are with a degree, or you are without one. For this article, we want to focus on jobs for single moms. Being a single mom can take a toll on you and your finances. It is no joke to raise a child by yourself, especially if you do not have a degree to fetch you a well-paying job or a job to take care of you and your child or children. Here are some jobs a single mom can do and mostly control her time. If she takes them seriously and masters the art, she could earn well from them. 

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a supply chain method where the retailer doesn\’t need to stock the products. You advertise the product, get buyers, and transfer the request to a wholesaler or another retailer you are collaborating with. Then you get a delivery company or a third party to deliver the goods. You can do this with businesses around you or business in the big market who don\’t have an online presence. You can achieve this better using your social media pages or e-commerce sites. This business is not without its hitches, but with proper calculation, agreement on payment or percentage cut, you could cash out. You can think of working with small businesses that produce skincare and beauty products; they won\’t mind extra help promoting their brand. Dropshipping is one of the best jobs for single mothers where you can earn a fortune sitting on your cushion.

Mini importation

Mini importation business is also known as a small scale importation business where a person with limited funds can import goods from China etc. For this model of business, you should import products in demand or products you can market well and quickly turnover your capital and profit. I would suggest that you go for the training of some sorts on mini importation before you venture into it. Inform your friends and family about the new products you are bringing. This is a way of building your customer list before your products arrive. Make sure to read books and articles on marketing.

Freelance writing

If you have a flair for writing or you can write decently, then you can start writing online for blogs and websites. Various sites recruit freelancers, and some independent people hire freelance writers. Many people have built a good life and career copywriting, ghostwriting, resume writing, and research writing.

READ ALSO: 6 Significant Pre-Baby Financial Planning Advice for New Parents

Editor and Proofreader

This will make the list of best jobs for single moms. People are writing books every day, research work, and are looking for editors and proofreaders. If you have eyes for errors, then you will be able to build a career as a single mom correcting mistakes and making beautiful works stand out.

Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant, you play the role of an administrative assistant but from your phone and computer. You can manage social media pages of businesses, create content, and possibly close sales or transactions. And because you are working by your time, you can take on as many clients that you can handle and still take care of your child or children.

Content creator

The world is now digital, and business and public personalities are continually looking for great content to give out to its audience, whether on their blog or social media pages. If you a creative, you can develop content on a freelance basis. Most times, a degree is not required. The ability to design graphics will help you a great deal in this role. You can enlist a graphic designer who can work with your time frame to help you with the jobs you get as a content creator.

Translators

I have always said the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language is a gift because not everyone can. So if you can write and speak other languages fluently, then you can pick up a freelancing job or part-time job as a translator. Companies, authors, and media houses are frequently in need of translators and voice-over in movies.

Customer service representative

Has someone ever told you that you have a beautiful voice over the phone? If the answer is yes and you are a single mom with excellent communication skills with a high level of patience and tolerance, then you should consider a job either as full time, part-time, or freelancer. Customer service representative pays well, and many people, especially those who enjoy being on the phone have built a career around it.

These careers for single moms are easy to learn, friendly, offers good pay, with flexible schedules and benefits. If you take them seriously and masters the art, you could earn well from them. 

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Guide to Choosing a Perfect Baby Carrier

ergonomic baby carrier

One of the baby gears mothers love to have is a baby carrier. Not for fashion but for the numerous benefits it offers. Have you ever considered carrying chores around the house with full hands? You soon realize it is mission impossible. It is difficult to hold your baby in your arms and go about all you wish to do around your house, and that is where the baby carrier steps in to help.

Getting the best baby carrier or baby wrap can be challenging because there are many on the market, and they come in different shapes, sizes, colors, fabrics, and styles. Also, the choice will depend on what you plan to use it for, how often, and how long you\’ll be using it. There are plenty of reasons to consider when getting a baby carrier, and it\’s clear that what\’s essential about choice means different things to different people.

It\’s important to keep your baby\’s developing body in mind, and experts recommend carriers shouldn\’t be used until your baby is 3.6kg or heavier. Many health organizations recommended some crucial features when getting a baby carrier, such as comfort, encourages correct posture, hip-healthy, fabric, and weight limit.

Benefits of a baby carrier 

  • With a baby carrier and your baby strapped to you, your hands are freed to do your work.
  • Baby carrier encourages bonding between mother and child by boosting the release of the hormone oxytocin when you come in contact with your child.
  • Baby carriers make it easier to move through a crowd of people with your baby than in a stroller.

Read Also: 6 Significant Pre-Baby Financial Planning Advice for New Parents

Things to consider when choosing a baby carrier

Most carriers are technically safe, so what determines your choices are your budget, lifestyle, size of the baby, etc. Here are a few things to consider;

  • The type of baby carrier: Do you want a wrap or sling that enables you to carry your baby either at the front or back? The wraps and slings are soft fabric carrier which is designed to carry the baby in front and are best suited for newborns. Older babies will find them restrictive and uncomfortable.
  • Positioning: The correct positioning for a baby carrier is vital. The carrier should provide appropriate support for the baby\’s neck and back and must allow babies to assume a \’frog leg\’ sitting position. Also, it is comfortable if the carrier allows the baby to rest in a natural position.
\"baby
  • Comfort: Look for a carrier that supports your baby\’s legs in a comfortable position, the m-position. And if you are the type that would strap your baby for a long time, then you want to consider a padded shoulder strap carrier. Also, check that the carrier supports your lower back conveniently.
  • How easy it is to use: While some carriers are comfortable and easy to pick or wear, others have some complications. If you don\’t intend to pick up the manual every time you want to use the carrier, then purchase the one with a straight forward design and meet other checks.
  • Care of the carrier: Look at the machine wash instructions before purchase. Not all carriers are machine washable. All the soiling that comes with babies and work that daily greets, you don\’t want to add a carrier that is not machine washable to your ton of work.
  • Fitting: Some baby carriers are adjustable to fit whoever is using it, but some are a single fit. If you plan on being the only user and you like it, a perfect fit will be ok. If you plan on sharing it, then it\’s best to get one that is adjustable to fit the one using it at each point in time.
  • The material makeup of the carrier: It is best to get carriers with breathable fabrics and mesh for warm weather and thick or heavily knitted carrier for cold weather

Conclusion

Make sure to get a good and dependable baby carrier, as you don\’t want to risk losing your balance or having baby slip out. Many moms buy at least two carriers to serve them when the need arises; One to serve when the baby is younger and another for when the baby is older and can hold up the head and play. 

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Severe sleep problems in infancy may cause childhood anxiety: Researchers

A nеw research ѕuggеѕtѕ thаt infants wіth vеrу dіѕturbеd ѕlеер patterns соuld be аt grеаtеr rіѕk for anxiety issues in lаtеr сhіldhооd.

Australian researchers tracked 1,507 fіrѕt-tіmе mоthеrѕ аnd thеіr bаbіеѕ and found that оnе іn fіvе hаd what they described аѕ \”реrѕіѕtеnt ѕеvеrе sleep рrоblеmѕ\” durіng thеіr babies\’ fіrѕt year.

\”A lot of the infants wеrе wаkіng uр ԛuіtе a lоt аt thrее months, and that\’s nоrmаl. Wе fоund thаt аrоund 19% rеаllу had реrѕіѕtеnt аnd ѕеvеrе ѕlеер рrоblеmѕ thаt wеrе trоublеѕоmе rіght across that fіrѕt уеаr,\” ѕаіd Dr. Fаllоn Cook of thе Murdосh Chіldrеn\’ѕ Rеѕеаrсh Inѕtіtutе іn Mеlbоurnе, Auѕtrаlіа, who led the research.

\”These аrе bаbіеѕ who, even by 12 mоnthѕ of аgе, аrе ѕtіll waking thrее оr more tіmеѕ at nіght,\” ѕаіd Cооk. \”And thеу mіght bе tаkіng up to hоur tо gо to sleep, аnd thеу are very difficult to ѕеttlе when thеу аwаkе durіng thе night.\”

Parents ѕhоuld аlwауѕ wаtсh оut \”fоr developing ѕіgnѕ of еmоtіоnаl аnd mеntаl hеаlth рrоblеmѕ іf thеіr іnfаnt has mоdеrаtе to severe ѕlеер іѕѕuеѕ,\” ѕаіd Jodi Mіndеll, аѕѕосіаtе director оf thе Slеер Cеntеr at thе Children\’s Hоѕріtаl оf Phіlаdеlрhіа and thе сhаіr оf thе Pediatric Slеер Cоunсіl, whо was nоt іnvоlvеd in thе rеѕеаrсh.

\”Thе primary finding оf thіѕ ѕtudу is that іnfаntѕ with ѕlеер рrоblеmѕ are uр to twice аѕ lіkеlу to have mеntаl hеаlth іѕѕuеѕ, рrіmаrіlу anxiety-based concerns аt аgеѕ fоur аnd 10 уеаrѕ. Putting it іn соntеxt fоr parents, thе lіkеlіhооd іnсrеаѕеѕ frоm аррrоxіmаtеlу 5-15% fоr аll сhіldrеn tо аbоut 10-25%,\”

Shе ѕаіd hоwеvеr thаt the mechanism bеtwееn ѕlеер and mental hеаlth wаѕn\’t well understood, аnd thеrе wеrе lіkеlу many vаrіаblеѕ involved.

\”Wе need tо lооk mоrе аt whаt\’ѕ happening іn thе hоmе. How аrе these bаbіеѕ bеіng ѕеttlеd to sleep? Thеrе\’ѕ роѕѕіblу gеnеtіс fасtоrѕ аt play tоо,\” ѕаіd Cооk

Shе urgеd аnу parents wоrrіеd аbоut thеіr сhіld\’ѕ ѕlеер раttеrn tо ѕреаk to thеіr fаmіlу doctor.

Source: CNN

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