Smiley Baby

Bringing relaxation to babies bath times

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 8:34 pm

Bath time can easily get chaotic if children get over-excited by the idea of playing with all their water toys – which in turn can make bedtime troublesome too.

There is no reason for bath time to be too over-stimulating, however, and if parents do things right it can even be used as an opportunity to calm youngsters ahead of putting them down for the night.

Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy having a bath with soft music and candles creating a soothing atmosphere; keep a CD of lullabies handy in the bathroom and have them on with the volume low to keep the noise level as low as possible and to try and encourage children to at least start feeling sleepy.

Scented bubble bath can also help to make kids ready for bed, though be careful if the little ones have eczema or any allergies. They don’t have to go without bubble bath, but make sure you shop around for organic or hypo-allergenic brands so they don’t spend the night uncomfortable and itchy.

Toys and books can encourage children to get into the bath in the first place; even the most determined water hater can have their mind changed by a fun bath time game. Have a good selection on hand so that there are always other options if children suddenly get bored of a toy that used to be their favourite.

Bath books are not just another fun water toy, but are also a great way to save yourself some precious minutes at bedtime; after all, if you can combine bath time and story time, then the little one will be tucked up in bed even sooner, and Mum and Dad can finally have the evening to themselves.

Some children love the bath so much it can be hard work getting them out; learn what incentives will get them out of the tub quicker, such as the promise of a bedtime story, a favourite teddy bear or even a last-minute snack. Invest in some cosy bath towels with hoods and snuggle up with your youngsters before putting them into bed – and soon everyone will learn to love bath time instead of dreading it.

BABY LOVE and LEARN parenting guide

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 2:28 pm

Playful Parenting Games and Activities for

BABY LOVE and LEARN parenting guide

Whilst playing with your baby is undoubtedly a lot of fun, there is an awful lot more to it than just that. It it a key factor in not only building a strong bond with your baby but also provides vital early stimulation that in turn promotes both development and learning. Te most recent studies show that playing with a child fosters the development of their young brains a lot better than ‘skill drills’.

‘Baby Love and Learn’  provides 100 activities, exercises and games for parents to do with their babies, and they all foster motor, language and cognitive skills as well as relation building and creativity.’Baby Love and Learn’ also shows parents how their daily care giving routines such as feeding, bathing, dressing, changing an bedtime are real opportunities for positive play, learning and emotional attachment.

The book is packed full of play ideas for all ages and stages and also for the different levels of development.

Written by two professionals who are also the authors to the famous Gymboree Baby Play book.

Roni Cohen Leiderman, Ph.D. is a developmental psychologist specialising in emotional development, positive discipline, and play. She has worked with young children for more than 25 years. Roni is the Dean of the Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies atNovaSoutheasternUniversityinFlorida.

Wendy Masi, Ph.D. is a developmental psychologist specialising in early childhood. She has designed and implemented programs for preschools, families with young children, and early childhood professionals for more than 20 years.

Toys help stimulate brain function

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 11:42 am

A baby is constantly developing by learning new skills from the moment they are born, and these help them understand the world around them. To help in the development of your baby, one of the best things that a parent can buy are toys, as they help stimulate brain function and increase dexterity and understanding.

Mobiles are particularly popular toys for children as babies spend most of their time on their backs staring up at the ceiling. This type of toy promotes and hand eye coordination which is stimulated by the movement of the toy.

Toys that can be grasped are another good idea as grasping is something your baby is born able to do. Think about the times you have put your finger in the middle of your baby’s palm and they have gripped it. It is important to provide a wide range of toys for your child so that they can experience different sensations on their hands as this helps them learn and develop.

Once your baby has grown older, the skills they have learned can be expanded upon and toys that change shape and offer feedback to the child can be introduced. An example of this sort of toy would be one that emits a sound when it is moved around. This encourages a baby to realise that their actions will have consequences on the toy.

When you leave your baby to play with their toys, you will notice various actions and a baby can often be left to play with simple toys for a very long time before it requires attention. One of the things you will notice the most is that the baby will start to make noises at the toy and this is something that is important in the development of speech.

Building blocks can be another great toy as they help improve the babies dexterity. Picture books can also be used as a toy, and not just an educational material, as they can be a great way for a parent to interact with their baby.

When a baby starts to gain mobility through being able to crawl, more toys are within their reach and those which the baby can move around become more appealing to them. Those which involve a chase element can really be great fun for a baby and it can help them learn to move around more easily.

With added mobility, toys such as a tunnel will start to appeal to a baby and you will find a baby will have hours of joy simply crawling through a tunnel or hiding within it.

So many milestones are achieved within the first year for a baby and it is important that toys are changed on a regular basis to match the level of development. It is important to find toys that stimulate both physical and mental development and different sorts of toys need to be purchased to meet both these needs. In the first year, toys are an essential developmental tool for any baby.

Babies get middle age spread

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 3:23 pm

Recent research has revealed that some babies have a fat build-up around their abdomen that is also seen in some adults who are in their 50s. The study was conducted at a hospital in West London and was intended to investigate links between obesity in the mother and her baby.

Professor Neena Modi led the study which found that being overweight during pregnancy might be dangerous to your baby as its fat levels might become dangerously high. Professor Modi is one of the leading experts in the UK about health risks to newborn babies and she found that one in every three babies in the study had more fat than expected.

Over 100 babies were involved in the study and around 30% of these have more fat in their abdomen than is normal. This is the first study that has examined the link between the mother’s weight and that of the babies, Professor Modi has stated, “To see such a clear effect transferred from the mother to the baby is very surprising. This study is going to open the door to many more that will examine the effect that a mother’s metabolism has on her baby.”

The normal amount of fat tissue for a baby to be born with is 700 g but the study found that for every unit above the normal BMI the mother was, an extra 7 g of fat was present in the baby’s liver – which is potentially dangerous.

Professor Modi has said that all women should be aware of the risks of becoming pregnant when you are obese and the potential consequences that can have on a child. Women who want to become pregnant should work out their BMI before considering whether they should have a baby, anyone with a BMI of over 30 is considered obese.

Pregnancy what to expect from month 7 to 10

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 9:07 am

The third trimester

Despite what you may believe pregnancy lasts for ten lunar months, not nine regular months, 40 weeks divided by 4 = 10

In the last segment of pregnancy the foetus matures fully and the body of the expectant mother prepares for the birth. For women, this section can be unpleasant again mainly because of the extra weight, especially in the summer. Through intensive medical care if a child was born prematurely at this point, survival is quite possible.

Seventh Month

Pregnancy Week 25-28: Opening of the eyelids

In pregnant women, there is an accumulation of water in the arms and legs due to the high replacement demand which increases the fresh amniotic fluid. The spreading uterus presses on the digestive system and lungs, which results in shortness of breath and the risk of haemorrhoids. The increased weight in the last trimester can cause back and foot pain and colostrum discharges from the breasts.

Toward the end of the month, the eyelids of the foetus are open again. He now measures about 35 inches and weighs about 1,000g. From about the 23rd week the premature birth of a child has a tiny chance outside the womb with high intensive efforts.

The survival chances in the 25th week are approximately 32 to 43%, in the 28th week it jumps to 79%. The earlier the child is born, the greater the risk of permanent health damage. Before the end of the 25th week the survival rate is 50%.

Eighth Month

Pregnancy Week 29-32: First practice contractions

The first painless contractions (also called lightening, Braxton Hicks contractions), or preparation labour contractions can occur. The belly hardens by rhythmic contractions of the uterus. You may now also have a weak bladder sphincter that can be alleviated by appropriate training of the sphincter.

The growing uterus also displaces the other abdominal organs. Disturbed by the pH of the vaginal mucosa, it may lead to bacterial infections or fungal infections.  Except for the lungs, all organs of the growing child are almost fully developed. At the end of the month, it measures about 40 inches and weighs 1700 to 2000g.

Ninth month
Pregnancy Week 33-36: Reduce child

The pregnant woman has increased in weight approximately 10-12kg. Toward the end of the 36th week, the baby’s head enters into the pelvis and the uterus descends down a bit. Breathing gets a bit easier due to the lower position away from the lungs. Often, sleep disorders now occur.

From the 35^th week lung maturation is complete. Most unborn children (92-93%) are now in the correct birth position with the head down. Up to 37 weeks the child can still turn a breech position to a cephalic presentation. Movements are restricted. Toward the end of the month it is about 45 inches tall and weighs 2800g.

Tenth Month

Pregnancy Week 37-40: birth is imminent

The average weight gain of the expectant mother during pregnancy is about 10-15kg. The weight has stagnated for many pregnant women shortly before birth and may even slightly decrease. Braxton Hicks contractions may occur more frequently.  In recent weeks, the child has been rapidly increasing in weight.

The placenta takes on antibodies from the bloodstream of the mother. The baby at birth is approximately 48cm to 54cm and weighs about 2800g to 4000g. The diameter of the head is between 95mm and 105mm.

Weaning Made Easy by Dr Rana Conway

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 7:37 am

Ignore pressure from your mother-in-law! Digest the facts in Weaning Made Easy and make your own decisions to suit you, your family and, most importantly, your baby.

Dr Rana Conway who has authored the book Weaning Made Easy, which is due to be published this November has commented, “Weaning is a part of a baby growing up that is something that parents should look forward to and be excited about, but for those who are going through it for the first time it can be quite a daunting task.”

Many parents might feel like the messages that they are getting from different people and bodies conflict and this can be very confusing. It can be a daunting process having to decide what to wean your baby onto as there is so much advice about which are the best products.

This is only one part and parents will wonder how the go through the actual weaning process itself. The book that has been created by Dr Conway gives advice that does not conflict and tells you how best to go about the weaning process and the advantages and disadvantages of certain foods. Weaning a baby can be a challenge but with a little help one that can be accomplished.

Why do we have to choose baby led weaning OR purées? Why can’t we do a bit of both? Or choose the option that most suits our lifestyles and our babies?

Owning a copy of Weaning Made Easy is like discovering a reliable, honest, qualified, well-versed and approachable new friend at a particularly tricky stage of early parenthood. The book also contains quotes from parents who have been through the weaning process (and come out the other side) so you can read their best and worst practice stories too.

Dr Rana Conway, a registered public health nutritionist and member of the Nutrition Society decided it was time to write a book that provides an honest and realistic approach to weaning, based on her professional and personal experiences (Rana has three children) over the past two decades. Weaning Made Easy enables Mums and Dads to make their own decisions and take their personal path to weaning after digesting the evidence, insights and advice from both sides of the fence.

Rather than siding with one particular approach, this book gives parents the tools to make their own, more informed, choices.

The book contains:

√ Lists of foods to try and avoid in the first 12 months including advice on buying organic and in season.

√ Five-day meal plans and recipes for each stage of weaning.

√ Recipes for purées, fingers foods and family meals.

√ Tips that are realistic and actionable every step of the way e.g. ‘If you’re concerned about offering any particular new foods, then do it in the afternoon rather than in the evening, especially if you have a family history of allergies. This way, it is easier to see how your baby reacts and to get medical help or advice if you need it.’

Divided into three parts, the first deals with the ‘when’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ basics of weaning. ‘Armed with the facts, you can work out which method suits your baby best. We’ll also discover how a mixed approach can work, and may be what’s right for your baby.’

Part two runs through the different stages of weaning from the early days (four to six months) through to the toddler years, when hopefully the little one will be eating the same meals as the rest of the family (cutting down on the washing up).

Part three tackles common problems including fussy eating, allergies, reflux, constipation and anaemia. There is also a chapter on tackling weaning for babies who were born prematurely, and another addressing vegetarianism.

This section answers the questions you’ll hear asked by Mums and Dads at playgroups and coffee mornings across the country:

‘Can I give my baby puddings?’

‘How much milk should they be having (breast/formula) when eating three meals a day?’

‘Do I need to worry about how many portions of fruit and vegetables my five month old is getting each day?’

‘When do I need to introduce snacks?’

‘How do I deal with a fussy eater?’

‘What can I do to get my toddler to eat the healthy food she used to enjoy as a baby?’

‘Can I make kids’ favourites (such as burgers and chicken nuggets) healthy?’

‘How much water should they be drinking?’

‘Should I be giving my baby vitamin supplements?’

What to expect first three months of pregnancy

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 9:33 am

In the first trimester, the embryo is developing very rapidly. For pregnant women the beginning of pregnancy is associated with huge hormonal changes, which affects about 70% of pregnant women and for some this can mean very strong, pronounced nausea.

Starting at the third week they may have increased sensitivity of the breast, usually accompanied by a feeling of tension because most spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) occur in this trimester.  Most women wait until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy to make an announcement.

First Month

Pregnancy Week 1-4: fertilization and implantation

During sexual intercourse there is an insemination of sperm into the vagina. There they meet the egg. After the invasion (impregnation) there is a second meiotic division with the loss of a polar body.

The two sets of chromosomes of the egg and sperm fuse together (conjugation) and now form a viable cell (zygote), which moves within three days under hormonal control to the uterus. During this time cell divisions take place. 24 hours after fertilization begins from the cells emerges the early form of the placenta – the so-called syncytiotrophoblast – the production of the hormone hCG.

This stimulates the corpus luteum in the ovary, the secretion of another hormone, progesterone, which in turn signals to the ovaries that it is necessary for further ovulations – menstruation does not occur.

Simultaneously, these hormones for the relaxation of the uterine lining have facilitated the implantation of the blastocyst. The implantation in the uterine wall around 5 days after fertilization is completed after 14 days. Until then, twins are possible. The blastocyst is divided now into their outer layer, the trophoblast, resulting in development of the placenta, and the cell mass, from which the embryo is created.  The two parts of the connective tissue becomes the umbilical cord.

Second Month

Pregnancy Week 5-8: Investment of larger institutions

This is very often associated with symptoms such as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting which are triggered by the pregnancy hormone hCG. Moreover, often there occurs, severe tiredness, food cravings and mood swings. The first amniotic fluid begins to form.

Finding things for the kids to do in the summer

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 9:26 am

As the long summer break approaches, the most important thing on a child’s mind is; what will I do this summer? Parents need to cater to that thought and also understand that each child is unique and different from the rest and needs to be treated as such. So it is important that you know the interests of each child, whether it is games, art or travelling.

This is important because when they are in school they all learn the same thing but what separate’s them is their interests apart from school and whether or not those interests were pushed along during their growing years. Because of this, the days of summer are the best time to practice and hone their skills whatever they may be.

Gardening is a fun activity for kids to do and it teaches them the importance of flora and gives them their first chance to see the beauty of nature and how to appreciate the environment.

Camping is a great activity for youngsters. You can teach them things about the wilderness and you can have them learn how to take photos of the beautiful scenery. Arts and Crafts are great way to fill a youngster’s free time. They can make one new craft a day and explore their creative side. There are loads of places to get craft books and guides to making crafts.

Sports are very important for kids because they learn to share, play as a team and learn how to compete against others their same age. Treasure Hunts are fun when you have the outdoor space. You can send them out looking for things with different clues hidden around the area.

Zoo visit are a great way to spend an afternoon or an entire day. The kids can learn new things about animals and it what their favorite animals were and the can also see how the mothers nurture their young.

Reading is great for kids because they go two to three months without being in a classroom setting and they can sometimes lose a bit of their skill and reading is another way to open a whole new world to them through their imagination.

Is your baby crying in its sleep

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 7:39 am

Does the baby crying in its sleep keep you up all night, do you get scared when you hear the baby crying at night and when you check on them they are actually sleeping. Are you baffled at how this can be, crying and sleeping at the same time.

It is actually very common for a baby, while in their sleep periods to cry, giggle, laugh, talk, babble, scream and mumble, but not all at once. The reasons as to why your baby may cry while sleeping.

To understand it is important to realize how a baby acts at a physiological level. From birth a baby is constantly growing and the younger the child is the faster the child grows. With the constant state of changes and growing that is going on inside a baby there is no wonder why a baby may be crying while sleeping.

It’s more than likely that growth is the issue if you have a baby that is crying night in and night out. Also, for example, the baby often will be teething and the pain is not enough to wake them but they still cry and the majority of the babies growth is during their rest periods so it is only understandable why the baby is still sleeping but crying its eyes out.

The baby may be having a nightmare and that alone is enough for the baby to be crying while sleeping without waking up. Some believe that babies dream their mother is not near them or in fact their mother has gone away. In other words it is common to have the baby cry while it sleeps and in the majority of cases there is nothing to be worried about. However it may be taking valuable shut eye away from mom and dad.

Baby’s have to crawl before they can walk

Filed under: baby development — Alan @ 12:21 pm

Strengthening muscles enough to walk, crawling helps your baby and is her first opportunity to move around easily on her own. In the traditional crawl method she will learn first to balance on her hands and knees and then figure how to edge forward and backward from that point by pushing with her knees.

The average age a baby learns to crawl is usually between six and 10 months. Some children will never crawl instead they shuffle their bottoms slithering on their bellies or moving trying to move to pull themselves up. What is important is your baby becomes mobile, what method is not important.

Typically crawling follows a baby’s ability to sit up without having to be supported which most accomplish by six to seven months old. At that point she can keep her head up and look around and her body muscles are strong enough to keep her from falling off to one side or backwards.

Over the next few months your baby will gradually learn to confidently move from sitting to being on all fours to soon grabbing and pulling herself up. Usually between nine and 10 months she will realize how to push off with her knees and will soon have the thrust forward to be mobile. Then she will soon be moving the arm and leg on opposite sides in unison – cross-crawling- and following that it is just a short while before she will be walking.

Following crawling the only thing left to learn before walking is standing. So therefore she will soon start to pull herself up to a standing position and use that object to support herself. Once the art of balancing on her legs becomes second nature, she will be ready to stand alone without support and then walk around while have one hand on something for moral support.

Before the crawling disappears and the standing alone leads to walking with support and then to all out walking on their own and to just be on the safe side it is good to have lots of pillows and other soft things strategically located in case she decides to take a nose dive into the floor.