At some point your little toothless butter ball is going to sprout some teeth. Toddlers teeth appear in a fairly predictable pattern: two on the bottom in front, four on the top in front, two more on the bottom front, four molars two on top and two on the bottom, four canines two on top and two on bottom, and finally four more molars. From the time that your baby's first tooth sprouts it is time to start implementing oral care. For the first six months or so, after those first couple of teeth show up, a washcloth dipped in a weak mixture of water and baking soda should be enough to combat any type of decay. However, at some point you will need to introduce the toothbrush in order to continue to maintain good oral hygiene for your toddler. Here are a few more helpful ideas for getting the most out of your little beavers tooth brushing routine.
1. Get an electric toothbrush.
It may seem a bit extravagant, but for your toddler it will make brushing his teeth a lot more fun. A regular tooth brush is fine if you can't afford or find an electric one, but it has a lot of drawbacks. Firstly, your little grin master will only let a foreign object which is under your control in his mouth for a very limited time, so getting to all the teeth and brushing them thoroughly will be harder. Also, your toddler will quickly lose interest in the idea of using the regular toothbrush as a tooth-cleaning tool and will begin to think of it as a funny spoon that is for feeding him baby toothpaste, which kind of defeats the purpose. And finally, the struggles that you have over trying to get your little guy to use the regular toothbrush properly might instill a strong aversion to the idea of brushing teeth. An electric model is interesting, fun and easy to use. You can often brush your little chompers teeth in half the time with half the struggle.
2. Teach your toddler to chew gum.
I know that this might sound counter intuitive, and just so we are clear I'm not talking about huge wads of sugary goo. I'm just talking about huge wads of goo. The American Dental Association has come out in support of sugar free gum, especially gum that contains xylitol. They recommend giving your children gum to chew for about 20 minutes after meals in addition to regular brushing. To teach your toddler how to chew gum, give her a large amount to start with. One and a half sticks should be enough to discourage swallowing without raising the risk of choking. The entire wad should be about the size of your toddlers thumb. After your toddler has gotten the basic idea of chewing without swallowing, you can reduce the amount of gum you give.
3. Offer your toddler a sippy cup of water before bed.
Throughout the day food, milk and juice will leave residue in your toddlers mouth. Even if you brush once in the afternoon and once at bedtime the food and drink particles in your little nibbler's mouth can do some damage during the rest of the day. Having some water will help rinse away most of those harmful little tooth destroyers. I recommend giving your toddler a sippy cup of water in the morning and in the afternoon. Not only is drinking water a great habit for preventing tooth decay, but the health benefits of drinking water throughout the day will have lasting positive effects in all aspects of your toddlers development.
4. Sing a fun song or rhyme while you brush.
Getting your toddler to spend an appropriate length of time scrubbing his chompers can be very difficult. A great trick to help extend the time he spends brushing his teeth is to sing a little song or recite a rhyme while he brushes. Having a nice rhythm to brush to helps your toddler grasp the concept of repeated up and down/back and forth brushing. Also, knowing that the song comes to an end will help you little brush man anticipate how long he should brush. Time is still a slippery concept, and after 10 seconds your little fella might feel like he's been at it for hours, but a song or rhyme will keep him going for a few more minutes.
5. Give your toddler a turn.
To make sure your toddlers teeth get sufficiently clean, you should take the first turn with the toothbrush. A quick once-over from you will get the best results, but then turn over the tooth brush to your little chicklet so she can both imitate the example you just set and gain a feeling of personal pride in her ability to brush her teeth by herself. Doing the brushing at the beginning, rather than after your toddler has had a try at it, will help avoid your little bubbie from feeling like she has done something wrong and is being corrected while giving her a good example to follow for her own turn. As she gets better at brushing, you can eventually let her take over and do the whole routine herself.
One of the best ways to save money as your children get older is to eliminate expensive dental bills, and this starts with good oral hygiene habits. Teaching your little sugar-fiend how to care for his teeth early will instill a great sense of awareness that can have lasting positive effects. Remember to talk to your dentist for the latest information on childhood tooth care and to schedule regular checkups for your little snuggle bug. If you have found these tips helpful, please forward them to all the parents of toddlers that you know. Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy parenting!
Showing posts with label care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label care. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
5 tips for first time parents.
When all of the waiting is over and your little belly buddy is finally here, it can be overwhelming. Just trying to figure out what the new chores are and who should do them and when can be quite a task. A lot of strain can be put on parents during this difficult transition time. Here are a few tips to help you find your footing, so that you can have confidence as you move forward into this great new world called parenting!
1. Talk to a lactation consultant.
First thing's first. If you can overcome the difficulties of adjusting to breastfeeding and are confident of your abilities to nourish your new baby you will have a lot less stress. If despite your best efforts, you are unable to breastfeed, a lactation consultant can put you in contact with outside sources to supplement your baby's diet with donated breast milk. Knowing your baby is getting the best nutrition you can provide will free up your worry center to think about other things, like how you are ever going to be able to take a shower again!
1. Talk to a lactation consultant.
First thing's first. If you can overcome the difficulties of adjusting to breastfeeding and are confident of your abilities to nourish your new baby you will have a lot less stress. If despite your best efforts, you are unable to breastfeed, a lactation consultant can put you in contact with outside sources to supplement your baby's diet with donated breast milk. Knowing your baby is getting the best nutrition you can provide will free up your worry center to think about other things, like how you are ever going to be able to take a shower again!
2. Cut a deal with your partner.
Both you and your partner should sit down and write a list of the duties related to child care that you personally find the most difficult. Then, you can compare your lists. If there are things that your partner hates doing that you don't mind, you can take the bulk of those things, and if there are things you can't stand doing, your partner can take up the slack for you on those issues . By the same token, if there are things you both dislike, you can share those duties more equally. An example of this is, "No one likes changing dirty diapers, so we will both try to take an equal load of this duty. You don't like getting up in the night for feedings, but I don't mind, so I'll do that, and in exchange, I hate washing and folding the baby laundry but you don't mind it, so you will do the majority of the laundry while I do most of the night feedings." Try to steer away from ultimatums like "I will NEVER do the baby laundry", because there will always be times when you'll both need to pitch in on duties you despise. Also, do try to keep the bargaining even, if one person hates all the duties, and the other doesn't mind any of them too much, this could lead to major resentments. Although, if one parent is staying home while the other works it is fair to exchange going to work for three or four baby duties, just not all of them. Just like the person who goes to work needs a little break when they get home, the person taking care of the baby all day will need a break every day too.
Both you and your partner should sit down and write a list of the duties related to child care that you personally find the most difficult. Then, you can compare your lists. If there are things that your partner hates doing that you don't mind, you can take the bulk of those things, and if there are things you can't stand doing, your partner can take up the slack for you on those issues . By the same token, if there are things you both dislike, you can share those duties more equally. An example of this is, "No one likes changing dirty diapers, so we will both try to take an equal load of this duty. You don't like getting up in the night for feedings, but I don't mind, so I'll do that, and in exchange, I hate washing and folding the baby laundry but you don't mind it, so you will do the majority of the laundry while I do most of the night feedings." Try to steer away from ultimatums like "I will NEVER do the baby laundry", because there will always be times when you'll both need to pitch in on duties you despise. Also, do try to keep the bargaining even, if one person hates all the duties, and the other doesn't mind any of them too much, this could lead to major resentments. Although, if one parent is staying home while the other works it is fair to exchange going to work for three or four baby duties, just not all of them. Just like the person who goes to work needs a little break when they get home, the person taking care of the baby all day will need a break every day too.
3. Work out a routine.
You may be a very impulsive, "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of person, but when you are taking care of a baby, an ounce of planning can alleviate a pound of headache. During the first month or three, getting on a really reliable schedule is next to impossible, but having an order in which you do things will ensure that they all get done. For the first two months at least, your baby will tend to go to sleep after eating. These naps might not last very long, but they are fairly reliable. You can use these little naps to schedule the things you need to get done throughout the day like this: 1st nap=put the babies laundry in and/or eat, 2nd nap=wash the dishes and/or take a shower, 3rd nap=put the laundry in the dryer and/or take a nap yourself, 4th nap=tidy the house and/or fold the laundry and eat, 5th nap=Make food for yourself for the next day and/or do some exercise. You get the basic idea. It may sound crazy to schedule eating, but trust me, it isn't so simple once you have a baby.
You may be a very impulsive, "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of person, but when you are taking care of a baby, an ounce of planning can alleviate a pound of headache. During the first month or three, getting on a really reliable schedule is next to impossible, but having an order in which you do things will ensure that they all get done. For the first two months at least, your baby will tend to go to sleep after eating. These naps might not last very long, but they are fairly reliable. You can use these little naps to schedule the things you need to get done throughout the day like this: 1st nap=put the babies laundry in and/or eat, 2nd nap=wash the dishes and/or take a shower, 3rd nap=put the laundry in the dryer and/or take a nap yourself, 4th nap=tidy the house and/or fold the laundry and eat, 5th nap=Make food for yourself for the next day and/or do some exercise. You get the basic idea. It may sound crazy to schedule eating, but trust me, it isn't so simple once you have a baby.
4. Put the cute clothes on now.
I have heard, more times than I care to recall, parents expressing regret over having missed the chance for their baby to wear one cute outfit or another because they were saving it for a special occasion. Babies grow fast! If there is a specific special occasion, like a wedding or a family reunion, clothes can sometimes be saved for them. But on the whole, if you got cute duds, put em on!
I have heard, more times than I care to recall, parents expressing regret over having missed the chance for their baby to wear one cute outfit or another because they were saving it for a special occasion. Babies grow fast! If there is a specific special occasion, like a wedding or a family reunion, clothes can sometimes be saved for them. But on the whole, if you got cute duds, put em on!
5. Don't sweat the small stuff.
There will be a million things in your baby's first few months that will give you a heart attack. It's a miracle the parents survive at all with all the stress and worry. Little things like keeping track of every feeding and every bowel movement are helpful, but not usually necessary. The amount, consistency and smell of your baby's "spit up", is another constant source of concern for new parents. All babies spit up their food from time to time, sometimes it seems like they spit up their whole feeding, but if your baby is gaining weight and sleeping fine it is most likely normal. Also, spit up changes consistency, smell and sometimes color, so the vast majority of these concerns are unwarranted as well. Another natural source of stress is, of course, the crying. Firstly you should know, your baby cannot consciously control her crying. She is not crying because she is mad at you, or because she is trying to tell you something. Babies cry because they are uncomfortable, pure and simple. Some discomfort is worse than others, but they assign no blame, and hold no grudges. Figuring out exactly why your baby is uncomfortable, and trying to make her comfortable (as long as it is safe to do so), is parenting in a nutshell. Take a breath, put in some earplugs if it helps take the edge off but you can still hear, and try something different, or let someone else try when your patience runs thin. You will get better at figuring out the reasons behind the cry as time goes on, and your baby will get better at crying in certain ways for certain types of discomfort.
Trick: Pick two or three baby information sources you trust.
When you have a baby EVERYONE suddenly has an opinion on what you should do, how, and when. If you already have sources you trust that you can go to when you have questions it will help you to sort through all of the unsolicited advice you are likely to receive. I'm not saying that you shouldn't listen to all of the advice, but if you hear something you are curious about, you can run it by someone you trust before you let it stress you out. Also, if someone challenges the way you are doing something, you can be less bothered by it because you will have an authority to cite as the reason you choose the systems you are using.
Becoming a new parent is a truly transformative time in anyone's life. You may find yourself looking around feeling completely lost in an unfamiliar world filled with unfamiliar priorities. However, whenever that feeling of alienation pops up, just take one good long look into your baby's face and you will find that you do belong here after all. If you have found these tips to be helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents you know. Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy parenting!
Monday, August 3, 2009
5 tips for hotel arrangements when traveling with your baby.
Whether you are going on a vacation or visiting friends and family, traveling with a newborn or any baby can be a daunting prospect. Though there are a lot of ways a trip with a baby can go wrong, there are also ways that you can prepare for many of the potential pitfalls. Because I know the uncertainty that many new parents face when when planning their first hotel stay with their new baby, here are some of my most useful tips to help you be more prepared.
1. Bring age-appropriate baby proofing.
For an infant, there is really not much you will need to do to increase the safety of your hotel. However, if your baby can roll over, crawl or pull up to a standing position there are a few things you could do to make your room more safe. If your baby can roll over, you will need to always place pillows or rolled up blankets next to her if she is placed on the bed. If you lay her on a blanket on the floor, you should block access under beds, and cover or blockade floor vents.
For a crawler, outlet covers, curtain pulls and electrical cords should be secured, as well as taping a bit of padding (I use baby wash clothes and artists tape, because the tape comes off without harming paint or finishes) over any low furniture corners. For a near-toddler, secure drawers and cabinets, tape padding on higher corners and secure lamps so that they cannot be pulled down on your baby's head by her tugging on the cord.
2. Bring a hint of home.
If there is a certain scent that you use in your home, like an air freshener or scented cleaner, bring it with you and give your hotel room a good once-over with it. Also items like a used crib sheet can be helpful because scents that your baby finds familiar are often natural body scents that are absorbed into cloth. Your baby has a strong association with smell, and having something familiar, like a scent, can really soothe him. The familiar scent will also assist with sleep and eating. When your chubby little cuddle bug is constantly trying to orient himself in a new environment it can be hard to relax or concentrate on eating for very long. The weakest of your baby's senses is eyesight, so bringing familiar visual stimuli will probably not be as helpful, unless it is something very familiar to your baby, like a mobile or a baby gym.
3. Find out where the local hospital and other emergency services are located.
Your hotel can often supply you with a list of local medical services, but you may want to do a little bit of checking on your own, so that if there is a hospital that is better for babies, you know where it is located and what it is called. Chances are that you will not need such a service, but knowing where they are, and how to get to them will lighten your stress load quite a bit, and in a worse-case-scenario, your baby will be able to receive medical attention much faster.
4. Ask about baby rental equipment like cribs, strollers and highchairs.
Often hotels supply guests with a complimentary crib for babies, but at certain times of the year, there may be a shortage of supply. When asking about the availability of this type of equipment, you can also request reservations if necessary and find out the rates if the hotel charges for the use of baby equipment. In the event that your hotel does not supply the types of baby equipment that you need, you can arrange to bring your own, look into other baby equipment rental shops, or purchase second-hand equipment for the duration of your trip, then re-donate it upon your departure.
5. Some toys that are old, some that are new.
While you will absolutely want to bring a few of your baby's favorite music, books and toys, having a stash of new items to introduce along the way is a great idea. Sometimes your little darling will be cranky and impatient, and old toys will most likely not be a good enough distraction. This is the perfect time to bring out a brand-new item for your baby's enjoyment. It might feel like bribery, but your little honey-suckle is too young yet to grasp the concept of behavior modification for reward, that skill usually kicks in after the age of one at the earliest.
Travelling with your baby will get easier with practice, so don't let the details stress you out to the point that you decide not to go. Over and over again I hear from parents about how easy their babies were to travel with. It is just getting over the initial stress and adjustment to the new environment that can sometimes be a little bumpy. If you have found these tips to be helpful, please forward them to any new or expecting parents you know. Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy parenting!
1. Bring age-appropriate baby proofing.
For an infant, there is really not much you will need to do to increase the safety of your hotel. However, if your baby can roll over, crawl or pull up to a standing position there are a few things you could do to make your room more safe. If your baby can roll over, you will need to always place pillows or rolled up blankets next to her if she is placed on the bed. If you lay her on a blanket on the floor, you should block access under beds, and cover or blockade floor vents.
For a crawler, outlet covers, curtain pulls and electrical cords should be secured, as well as taping a bit of padding (I use baby wash clothes and artists tape, because the tape comes off without harming paint or finishes) over any low furniture corners. For a near-toddler, secure drawers and cabinets, tape padding on higher corners and secure lamps so that they cannot be pulled down on your baby's head by her tugging on the cord.
2. Bring a hint of home.
If there is a certain scent that you use in your home, like an air freshener or scented cleaner, bring it with you and give your hotel room a good once-over with it. Also items like a used crib sheet can be helpful because scents that your baby finds familiar are often natural body scents that are absorbed into cloth. Your baby has a strong association with smell, and having something familiar, like a scent, can really soothe him. The familiar scent will also assist with sleep and eating. When your chubby little cuddle bug is constantly trying to orient himself in a new environment it can be hard to relax or concentrate on eating for very long. The weakest of your baby's senses is eyesight, so bringing familiar visual stimuli will probably not be as helpful, unless it is something very familiar to your baby, like a mobile or a baby gym.
3. Find out where the local hospital and other emergency services are located.
Your hotel can often supply you with a list of local medical services, but you may want to do a little bit of checking on your own, so that if there is a hospital that is better for babies, you know where it is located and what it is called. Chances are that you will not need such a service, but knowing where they are, and how to get to them will lighten your stress load quite a bit, and in a worse-case-scenario, your baby will be able to receive medical attention much faster.
4. Ask about baby rental equipment like cribs, strollers and highchairs.
Often hotels supply guests with a complimentary crib for babies, but at certain times of the year, there may be a shortage of supply. When asking about the availability of this type of equipment, you can also request reservations if necessary and find out the rates if the hotel charges for the use of baby equipment. In the event that your hotel does not supply the types of baby equipment that you need, you can arrange to bring your own, look into other baby equipment rental shops, or purchase second-hand equipment for the duration of your trip, then re-donate it upon your departure.
5. Some toys that are old, some that are new.
While you will absolutely want to bring a few of your baby's favorite music, books and toys, having a stash of new items to introduce along the way is a great idea. Sometimes your little darling will be cranky and impatient, and old toys will most likely not be a good enough distraction. This is the perfect time to bring out a brand-new item for your baby's enjoyment. It might feel like bribery, but your little honey-suckle is too young yet to grasp the concept of behavior modification for reward, that skill usually kicks in after the age of one at the earliest.
Travelling with your baby will get easier with practice, so don't let the details stress you out to the point that you decide not to go. Over and over again I hear from parents about how easy their babies were to travel with. It is just getting over the initial stress and adjustment to the new environment that can sometimes be a little bumpy. If you have found these tips to be helpful, please forward them to any new or expecting parents you know. Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy parenting!
Friday, July 24, 2009
5 tips on child care options for your new baby.
One of the biggest decisions you will have to make once you have decided to have a baby, is "if you are going to return to work, who will care for her in your absence?". Many families have a clear idea for what they would like, but some are finding that it is not so simple to find the right child care situation for their own personal needs. Also, financially many families are being faced with the necessity for cutting back on expenses just now, and that can mean finding an affordable alternative for your baby. Here are the five most basic options for child care, and the benefits and risks of each.
1. SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) care giver.
Nannies eventually marry and have babies of their own, and many of them have twin experience. If you can find an ex-nanny who is looking for some extra income, she would make a perfect candidate for child care provider to your little one. A common place to look for this type of child care situation is on "craigslist.org" but there are often ways to network with other parents to find contact info for a SAHM with nanny experience. Always be sure to conduct thorough background checks and get a driving and fingerprint report before leaving your baby with anyone. One reason this is a great option for working families is that the SAHM is often much more affordable than a personal daytime nanny.
2. Day nanny.
Of course this is the most popular option for those who can afford it. A nanny who comes to your home, takes one-on-one care of your baby, and tidys up during nap times is most parents ideal scenario. If you go through a nanny agency you will save yourself the trouble of having to conduct background checks yourself, but I still recommend that you talk personally with a couple previous employers. A good personality fit is essential for creating a really stable mutually beneficial situation for you and your nanny, and it is often easier to get a clear picture of a nanny's personality by talking to people who have personally employed her.
On a side note, live-in nanny positions are perhaps the most difficult type of child care to manage. You are put in the position of balancing several different types of relationship with one person. The nanny is your employee, your roommate, your tenant, your baby's protector and potentially your friend. Imagine if your employer could see what shows you like to watch when you are winding down from a stressful week, or what comfort foods you liked to eat, or knew how often you did your laundry. It is stressful for an employee to feel constantly observed, and unless your off-the-clock routines are compatible, there is bound to be some trouble down the line. Most live in nannies are also young, and might want to indulge in an active night life. All of these issues should be sorted out and addressed before you ever enter into a long term agreement with someone for this type of position.
3. Share care.
This is where two families have the same nanny, who either watches all of their children at the same time, or watches each families children in turn. This is an arrangement that is mutually beneficial to parents and nannies, because the nanny generally makes more money, and the families get a marvelous discount. The split can be 50/50, or one family can pay a slightly larger portion of the overall price if they will be using the nanny more often or if the nanny will be preforming more duties for them, such as housework. A share-care nanny can expect to make a minimum of $20 per hour for two children and two families. Share care does have its drawbacks though, sometimes the families will disagree with the parenting philosophy of the other family, or jealousy over a feeling that the nanny is giving one child preferential treatment is fairly common. I recommend to parents that they interview potential share-care families as thoroughly as they would the potential nanny, even if the second family are friends of yours. The more issues you address before you enter into an arrangement like share-care, the fewer problems you are likely to encounter later on.
4. Aupair.
There are a lot of benefits to considering hiring an aupair (a nanny from a European country) through an aupair agency. First, they are formally educated in child care techniques, they are very affordable, and they nearly always know a second language which they can speak exclusively to your baby. Some of the potential problems have to do with the fact that they will be live-in, they are generally young and somewhat inexperienced, they most likely will have cultural difference with you in regards to child care (some countries still do not encourage the "back sleep" position for SIDS reduction for example) and they might suffer from homesickness, or become overly involved in social activities to the point of interfering with the quality of care. Like any issue regarding child care, be sure to bring up all of your concerns while interviewing, and place a high value on finding the right personality fit.
5. Daycare.
Many parents balk at the idea of daycare for their little whipper-snapper, yet it has many benefits. Licenced day cares are held to certain standards of cleanliness and safety that some nannies are not even aware of. A daycare will socialize your child sooner, and promote flexibility of nap routines in babies. Some day cares offer language immersion, and preschool activities for older children, while others offer online video feeds so you can check on your baby at any time during the day with just a click of the mouse. Daycare workers are required to be certified in infant and child CPR and First Aid, and are given thorough background checks. All of this and they are one of the most affordable options available for infant and toddler care. Some potential hazards include the risk of an illegal daycare posing as licensed when it is not (always ask for the license number and check that they are legitimate), too many children for too few adults (always ask the ratio and get written confirmation) and a lack of flexibility or incompatible hours (you might need to get to work an hour late or leave early in order to accommodate the daycare's schedule, and if you need to cancel a day for a family emergency, you will still pay for it under most daycare agreements).
Most parents would love to be able to stay at home with their baby until he could start kindergarten, but for most of us, that is just not an economical possibility. Finding the right child care fit for you and your family is an important and stressful decision. Take your time, and be sure to discuss all of your concerns, hopes and fears with whoever you decide to trust with your precious baby. Nearly any issue can be worked out, including money concerns, as long as everyone's needs are respected and considered while negotiating your agreement. If you find these tips helpful, please forward them to any new or expecting parents you might know. Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy parenting!
1. SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) care giver.
Nannies eventually marry and have babies of their own, and many of them have twin experience. If you can find an ex-nanny who is looking for some extra income, she would make a perfect candidate for child care provider to your little one. A common place to look for this type of child care situation is on "craigslist.org" but there are often ways to network with other parents to find contact info for a SAHM with nanny experience. Always be sure to conduct thorough background checks and get a driving and fingerprint report before leaving your baby with anyone. One reason this is a great option for working families is that the SAHM is often much more affordable than a personal daytime nanny.
2. Day nanny.
Of course this is the most popular option for those who can afford it. A nanny who comes to your home, takes one-on-one care of your baby, and tidys up during nap times is most parents ideal scenario. If you go through a nanny agency you will save yourself the trouble of having to conduct background checks yourself, but I still recommend that you talk personally with a couple previous employers. A good personality fit is essential for creating a really stable mutually beneficial situation for you and your nanny, and it is often easier to get a clear picture of a nanny's personality by talking to people who have personally employed her.
On a side note, live-in nanny positions are perhaps the most difficult type of child care to manage. You are put in the position of balancing several different types of relationship with one person. The nanny is your employee, your roommate, your tenant, your baby's protector and potentially your friend. Imagine if your employer could see what shows you like to watch when you are winding down from a stressful week, or what comfort foods you liked to eat, or knew how often you did your laundry. It is stressful for an employee to feel constantly observed, and unless your off-the-clock routines are compatible, there is bound to be some trouble down the line. Most live in nannies are also young, and might want to indulge in an active night life. All of these issues should be sorted out and addressed before you ever enter into a long term agreement with someone for this type of position.
3. Share care.
This is where two families have the same nanny, who either watches all of their children at the same time, or watches each families children in turn. This is an arrangement that is mutually beneficial to parents and nannies, because the nanny generally makes more money, and the families get a marvelous discount. The split can be 50/50, or one family can pay a slightly larger portion of the overall price if they will be using the nanny more often or if the nanny will be preforming more duties for them, such as housework. A share-care nanny can expect to make a minimum of $20 per hour for two children and two families. Share care does have its drawbacks though, sometimes the families will disagree with the parenting philosophy of the other family, or jealousy over a feeling that the nanny is giving one child preferential treatment is fairly common. I recommend to parents that they interview potential share-care families as thoroughly as they would the potential nanny, even if the second family are friends of yours. The more issues you address before you enter into an arrangement like share-care, the fewer problems you are likely to encounter later on.
4. Aupair.
There are a lot of benefits to considering hiring an aupair (a nanny from a European country) through an aupair agency. First, they are formally educated in child care techniques, they are very affordable, and they nearly always know a second language which they can speak exclusively to your baby. Some of the potential problems have to do with the fact that they will be live-in, they are generally young and somewhat inexperienced, they most likely will have cultural difference with you in regards to child care (some countries still do not encourage the "back sleep" position for SIDS reduction for example) and they might suffer from homesickness, or become overly involved in social activities to the point of interfering with the quality of care. Like any issue regarding child care, be sure to bring up all of your concerns while interviewing, and place a high value on finding the right personality fit.
5. Daycare.
Many parents balk at the idea of daycare for their little whipper-snapper, yet it has many benefits. Licenced day cares are held to certain standards of cleanliness and safety that some nannies are not even aware of. A daycare will socialize your child sooner, and promote flexibility of nap routines in babies. Some day cares offer language immersion, and preschool activities for older children, while others offer online video feeds so you can check on your baby at any time during the day with just a click of the mouse. Daycare workers are required to be certified in infant and child CPR and First Aid, and are given thorough background checks. All of this and they are one of the most affordable options available for infant and toddler care. Some potential hazards include the risk of an illegal daycare posing as licensed when it is not (always ask for the license number and check that they are legitimate), too many children for too few adults (always ask the ratio and get written confirmation) and a lack of flexibility or incompatible hours (you might need to get to work an hour late or leave early in order to accommodate the daycare's schedule, and if you need to cancel a day for a family emergency, you will still pay for it under most daycare agreements).
Most parents would love to be able to stay at home with their baby until he could start kindergarten, but for most of us, that is just not an economical possibility. Finding the right child care fit for you and your family is an important and stressful decision. Take your time, and be sure to discuss all of your concerns, hopes and fears with whoever you decide to trust with your precious baby. Nearly any issue can be worked out, including money concerns, as long as everyone's needs are respected and considered while negotiating your agreement. If you find these tips helpful, please forward them to any new or expecting parents you might know. Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy parenting!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
5 tips to help relieve your baby's constipation
Within days of becoming a new parent, one of your very favorite topics will be...poop. Suddenly one of the most fascinating topics in the world is your baby's bowel movements. So naturally, when your baby has constipation, finding a way to relieve it is a top priority. Unlike adults, babies cannot simply eat more fiber to help their bowel movements be more regular and comfortable, they rely on us to provide constipation relief. Of course, it is important to be sure that your baby is indeed having constipation before you try to treat it. Babies, especially breastfed babies, can sometimes go up to 3 or 4 days between bowel movements, simply because they are metabolizing nearly all of their feedings.
One dangerous symptom which is sometimes confused with infant constipation (or that goes unnoticed because of focusing to closely on a baby's constipation), is having a sharp drop in the number of wet diapers per day. This could be a symptom of a serious condition and you should consult your pediatrician if you notice your baby producing significantly fewer wet diapers. Some signs to look for to be sure that your baby is constipated are: absence of bowel movements for more than 3 or 4 days, reduced appetite, trouble sleeping, slightly bloated abdomen, grunting and straining interrupted by high-pitched cries, and very smelly gas. Here are a few home-remedies for helping your baby get things moving down below.
1. A small amount of diluted fruit juice.
This should be given in addition to your baby's regular feedings, it should not replace any of them. Try mixing 1/2 ounce of juice with 1/2 ounce water, and offering it to your baby 3 to 4 times a day between feedings. Do not sweeten the juice, the sugar will not help with your baby's constipation and could upset her digestion. A popular choice of juice is prune juice, however, I have found that many fruit juices are just as effective. I prefer to use apple juice or pear juice, though you could also try grape juice or blueberry juice, I would recommend staying away from stone-fruit juices such as apricot or peach, and also acidic fruits such as orange, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple and nearly all berries, because they can irritate your baby's sensitive stomach, and they are higher allergen risks.
2. Use the "bicycle legs" baby massage motion.
In a warm room, lay your naked little nummy-toed koala on a soft clean changing pad, with a cloth diaper under his rump, and another one draped between his legs and over his behind, but none secured over his whole bottom. Then take those chubby, yummy feet in your hands and slowly push your baby's right knee toward his right shoulder. When your baby's knee cannot comfortably go any further, raise his foot slightly and pull his leg toward you, slowly straightening it. As you straighten his right leg, begin pushing his left knee toward his left shoulder. If you are doing this correctly it should appear that your baby is very slowly peddling an invisible bicycle. His hind-end should be slightly raised off of the cloth diaper and gently leaning right-to-left then left-to-right as you continue the motions. The reason your baby has no diaper on is to encourage the natural expulsion of the waste that has been stopping him up, so that diaper draped between his legs is very important, you don't want him painting the walls (or you) a new shade of green.
3. Offer your baby small amounts of very weak peppermint tea.
Heat a pot of water till it is comfortably warm, not boiling. Then and pour a cup, and dunk a peppermint tea bag into the water about 5 times. Now pour one ounce of this water into a bottle and offer it to your baby in addition to regular feedings. The most important element of this solution is the water. Water is one of natures fastest and most effective ways to stimulate proper bowel function. The peppermint is soothing to your baby's stomach, and can help to ease digestion, which will help keep things in your baby's bowels moving along smoothly. If this doesn't produce any results you could try to substitute a bag of white tea for the peppermint. Caffeine won't help your little wiggle-worm sleep, but it does make a great diuretic. You should only use white tea as a last resort, since caffeine can be hard on a baby's sensitive system. Chamomile is another herbal tea that has a calming effect on tissue and the nervous system. If you don't have peppermint tea, it would be a good safe substitute. Use the same brewing instructions as given for the peppermint tea. Also, warm water by itself is quite often effective in relieving constipation.
4. Give your baby a warm bath.
Warm water isn't just effective on your baby's insides. When your baby is uncomfortable from the symptoms of constipation, a nice soak in a warm aromatic bath can be very soothing. Being uncomfortable because of the gas caused by a dense stool is part of what causes the muscle tightness that exacerbates infant constipation. If you can relax your baby's stomach muscles, while soothing the pain of excess gas it should help ease the passing of the bowel movement. I recommend adding a chamomile teabag to your baby's bathwater, the smell is soothing, and can assist in the achieving the desired level of relaxation.
5. Take your baby's rectal temperature.
If you are unsure of how to do this, ask your pediatrician for detailed instructions. As one of my son's nurses explained it to me, when your baby feels pressure down there, it reminds him where to push. So instead of straining and tensing all of his muscles without being sure which ones will help relieve the discomfort, your baby can focus on one area. I have heard parents describe using a q-tip with a small amount of Aquaphor on it to place pressure on the opening of their baby's rectum, but I have not had this recommended to me by a medical professional, nor have I tried it myself. Since I am comfortable and confident with taking my son's temperature rectally, I used this method with great success several times. As with any physical assistance in regards to constipation, it is important not to use this type of assistance too often as there is a danger of your baby becoming reliant on your assistance. This type of technique should only be used when all other suggestions have been tried first.
If these suggestions do not help get the ball rolling, your pediatrician can recommend more extreme measures. However, I do think that these tips will most likely get your little diaper-soiling-factory up and running again (one more of my favorite home remedies for infant constipation can be found here). Keep in mind that while your baby is experiencing constipation, the physical and emotional symptoms of distress may get you a little tense as well. Be sure to get plenty of fiber in your own diet, and you'll feel better and have more energy to deal well with your baby's discomfort. If you have found these tips to be helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents you might know. As always, questions and comments are welcome. Happy parenting!
One dangerous symptom which is sometimes confused with infant constipation (or that goes unnoticed because of focusing to closely on a baby's constipation), is having a sharp drop in the number of wet diapers per day. This could be a symptom of a serious condition and you should consult your pediatrician if you notice your baby producing significantly fewer wet diapers. Some signs to look for to be sure that your baby is constipated are: absence of bowel movements for more than 3 or 4 days, reduced appetite, trouble sleeping, slightly bloated abdomen, grunting and straining interrupted by high-pitched cries, and very smelly gas. Here are a few home-remedies for helping your baby get things moving down below.
1. A small amount of diluted fruit juice.
This should be given in addition to your baby's regular feedings, it should not replace any of them. Try mixing 1/2 ounce of juice with 1/2 ounce water, and offering it to your baby 3 to 4 times a day between feedings. Do not sweeten the juice, the sugar will not help with your baby's constipation and could upset her digestion. A popular choice of juice is prune juice, however, I have found that many fruit juices are just as effective. I prefer to use apple juice or pear juice, though you could also try grape juice or blueberry juice, I would recommend staying away from stone-fruit juices such as apricot or peach, and also acidic fruits such as orange, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple and nearly all berries, because they can irritate your baby's sensitive stomach, and they are higher allergen risks.
2. Use the "bicycle legs" baby massage motion.
In a warm room, lay your naked little nummy-toed koala on a soft clean changing pad, with a cloth diaper under his rump, and another one draped between his legs and over his behind, but none secured over his whole bottom. Then take those chubby, yummy feet in your hands and slowly push your baby's right knee toward his right shoulder. When your baby's knee cannot comfortably go any further, raise his foot slightly and pull his leg toward you, slowly straightening it. As you straighten his right leg, begin pushing his left knee toward his left shoulder. If you are doing this correctly it should appear that your baby is very slowly peddling an invisible bicycle. His hind-end should be slightly raised off of the cloth diaper and gently leaning right-to-left then left-to-right as you continue the motions. The reason your baby has no diaper on is to encourage the natural expulsion of the waste that has been stopping him up, so that diaper draped between his legs is very important, you don't want him painting the walls (or you) a new shade of green.
3. Offer your baby small amounts of very weak peppermint tea.
Heat a pot of water till it is comfortably warm, not boiling. Then and pour a cup, and dunk a peppermint tea bag into the water about 5 times. Now pour one ounce of this water into a bottle and offer it to your baby in addition to regular feedings. The most important element of this solution is the water. Water is one of natures fastest and most effective ways to stimulate proper bowel function. The peppermint is soothing to your baby's stomach, and can help to ease digestion, which will help keep things in your baby's bowels moving along smoothly. If this doesn't produce any results you could try to substitute a bag of white tea for the peppermint. Caffeine won't help your little wiggle-worm sleep, but it does make a great diuretic. You should only use white tea as a last resort, since caffeine can be hard on a baby's sensitive system. Chamomile is another herbal tea that has a calming effect on tissue and the nervous system. If you don't have peppermint tea, it would be a good safe substitute. Use the same brewing instructions as given for the peppermint tea. Also, warm water by itself is quite often effective in relieving constipation.
4. Give your baby a warm bath.
Warm water isn't just effective on your baby's insides. When your baby is uncomfortable from the symptoms of constipation, a nice soak in a warm aromatic bath can be very soothing. Being uncomfortable because of the gas caused by a dense stool is part of what causes the muscle tightness that exacerbates infant constipation. If you can relax your baby's stomach muscles, while soothing the pain of excess gas it should help ease the passing of the bowel movement. I recommend adding a chamomile teabag to your baby's bathwater, the smell is soothing, and can assist in the achieving the desired level of relaxation.
5. Take your baby's rectal temperature.
If you are unsure of how to do this, ask your pediatrician for detailed instructions. As one of my son's nurses explained it to me, when your baby feels pressure down there, it reminds him where to push. So instead of straining and tensing all of his muscles without being sure which ones will help relieve the discomfort, your baby can focus on one area. I have heard parents describe using a q-tip with a small amount of Aquaphor on it to place pressure on the opening of their baby's rectum, but I have not had this recommended to me by a medical professional, nor have I tried it myself. Since I am comfortable and confident with taking my son's temperature rectally, I used this method with great success several times. As with any physical assistance in regards to constipation, it is important not to use this type of assistance too often as there is a danger of your baby becoming reliant on your assistance. This type of technique should only be used when all other suggestions have been tried first.
If these suggestions do not help get the ball rolling, your pediatrician can recommend more extreme measures. However, I do think that these tips will most likely get your little diaper-soiling-factory up and running again (one more of my favorite home remedies for infant constipation can be found here). Keep in mind that while your baby is experiencing constipation, the physical and emotional symptoms of distress may get you a little tense as well. Be sure to get plenty of fiber in your own diet, and you'll feel better and have more energy to deal well with your baby's discomfort. If you have found these tips to be helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents you might know. As always, questions and comments are welcome. Happy parenting!
Friday, May 22, 2009
5 tips for effective use of disposable diapers.
Diapering is a messy business. No matter what you choose (disposable, flush-able or cloth), there is no getting around the fact that they all have their drawbacks. One of the most widely used forms of diapering is of course disposable, and while there are many reasons and arguments about why people should (convenience) or should not (environment) use them, a less often discussed topic is how they should be used to their best advantage if they are the diaper of choice for you. Obviously most folks can tell which end to put them on, and which side goes in the front, but there are a couple other considerations you might find helpful.
1. Fit
The weight restriction on diaper packages are a very broad generality, and should be used as a vague rule of thumb, not gospel. A disposable diaper should be able to cover from the middle of the back to just above the belly-button with ease, and the closure tabs should meet or even overlap in the middle. It may sound like I am describing a diaper that is too large, but actually many babies are wearing diapers that are too small. In infants the front of the diaper should be folded down toward the inside so the belly-button is not either irritated by the diaper rubbing it, or urine seeping up to it. I usually fasten the tabs overlapping in a "v" shape low on the front of an infants diaper, this increases the seal around the leg and cuts down on leaks.
2. Absorbency
Don't be fooled by all those "these diapers are for girls and those are for boys" marketing ploys. The placement of absorbent material in the diaper has little to no effect on efficiency. When a baby goes pee they are not going to aim for where the diaper is most absorbent, (especially not little boys!). If your baby's diaper is leaking, it could be because it is too small, improperly fastened or that your baby's "output" was too fast for the diapers "input". If you think you have the right size and fit then you need to try to improve the speed at which the diaper absorbs. I recommend putting an ultra thin super absorbency pantyliner inside your baby's diaper, especially at night. Make sure it is unscented, cotton and free of deodorants. If your baby regularly leaks on the tummy, place the pad horizontally across the front of the diaper on the inside, if the leaks are by the legs position it down the center of the diaper, and if the leaks are up the back, place it horizontally across the back of the diaper on the inside.
3. Smell
Don't be fooled and fall for a diapers claim that their product can neutralize the smell from a diaper. What makes a diaper stink is often not something that is completely absorbed by the diaper, if you get my drift. Poop is what makes diapers stink, and a good thing too! The reason it stinks so much is to prompt us to change it as quickly as possible. The faster you change your babies diaper the better! Though you shouldn't try to cover or neutralize diaper smell while it is on your baby, after you take the diaper off it is a good idea. Since there is no real ecologically friendly way to dispose of a disposable diaper, the least damaging while still controlling the smell is to individually seal disposable diapers in compostable plastic bags and store them in a stainless steel air-tight container until it is time to throw them out. You can also sprinkle baking soda inside the container to help control odor.
4. Rash
The single most important thing you can do to prevent diaper rash is to change your baby's diaper often. Part of the reason that cloth diaper proponents say that diaper rash happens more often in disposable diaper wearing babies is that disposable diapers are so effective at absorbing liquids, that you don't need to change the diaper after each one, and this infrequent changing pattern leads to the buildup of bacteria on our baby's bottom, and that bacteria cause diaper rash. However even the most vigilant parent will sometimes be unable to get to a dirty or wet diaper right away, and diaper rash will happen. The one best ingredient to look for in your diaper rash ointment is zinc oxide. Many creams and salves have it, but some do not, so read the labels before buying. Also, some brands like Boudreaux's Butt Paste, have citrus acid in them, and while this is has antibacterial properties, and therefor helps prevent diaper rash, it can actually sting pretty badly if applied to a bottom that already has a rash on it.
5. Growing
As your baby grows you will need to continually buy bigger and bigger diapers, until they start to pull up on furniture and "cruise". Once your baby is perpendicular to the floor for a good portion of the day each day, the way a diaper should fit changes. A walker's diaper should still start coverage at the small of the back, but in the front it should not reach the belly button. A good fit will have the fastenings nearly touching, and the front of the diaper reaching only up to the bottom of where the belly starts to stick out. Though night time diapers can still be larger to maximize coverage and protection, if your baby wears those diapers during the day, some serious sagging will most likely be on the agenda, and sagging equals leaking.
Keeping your babies bottom clean and comfortable is one of the constant battles that every mother faces. Hopefully, these little tips of mine will help you have a couple more tools in your arsenal of useful things to know about how to properly protect your baby's behind. If you have any questions or comments for me please don't hesitate to share them, I love feedback, and will try to respond to any questions you might have in a timely manner. If you find these tips useful, please pass them on to other new moms that you know. Also you can find a my Tripi's Tip of the Day here: http://www.everythingmom.com/blogs/naomitripi/16/ Happy parenting!
1. Fit
The weight restriction on diaper packages are a very broad generality, and should be used as a vague rule of thumb, not gospel. A disposable diaper should be able to cover from the middle of the back to just above the belly-button with ease, and the closure tabs should meet or even overlap in the middle. It may sound like I am describing a diaper that is too large, but actually many babies are wearing diapers that are too small. In infants the front of the diaper should be folded down toward the inside so the belly-button is not either irritated by the diaper rubbing it, or urine seeping up to it. I usually fasten the tabs overlapping in a "v" shape low on the front of an infants diaper, this increases the seal around the leg and cuts down on leaks.
2. Absorbency
Don't be fooled by all those "these diapers are for girls and those are for boys" marketing ploys. The placement of absorbent material in the diaper has little to no effect on efficiency. When a baby goes pee they are not going to aim for where the diaper is most absorbent, (especially not little boys!). If your baby's diaper is leaking, it could be because it is too small, improperly fastened or that your baby's "output" was too fast for the diapers "input". If you think you have the right size and fit then you need to try to improve the speed at which the diaper absorbs. I recommend putting an ultra thin super absorbency pantyliner inside your baby's diaper, especially at night. Make sure it is unscented, cotton and free of deodorants. If your baby regularly leaks on the tummy, place the pad horizontally across the front of the diaper on the inside, if the leaks are by the legs position it down the center of the diaper, and if the leaks are up the back, place it horizontally across the back of the diaper on the inside.
3. Smell
Don't be fooled and fall for a diapers claim that their product can neutralize the smell from a diaper. What makes a diaper stink is often not something that is completely absorbed by the diaper, if you get my drift. Poop is what makes diapers stink, and a good thing too! The reason it stinks so much is to prompt us to change it as quickly as possible. The faster you change your babies diaper the better! Though you shouldn't try to cover or neutralize diaper smell while it is on your baby, after you take the diaper off it is a good idea. Since there is no real ecologically friendly way to dispose of a disposable diaper, the least damaging while still controlling the smell is to individually seal disposable diapers in compostable plastic bags and store them in a stainless steel air-tight container until it is time to throw them out. You can also sprinkle baking soda inside the container to help control odor.
4. Rash
The single most important thing you can do to prevent diaper rash is to change your baby's diaper often. Part of the reason that cloth diaper proponents say that diaper rash happens more often in disposable diaper wearing babies is that disposable diapers are so effective at absorbing liquids, that you don't need to change the diaper after each one, and this infrequent changing pattern leads to the buildup of bacteria on our baby's bottom, and that bacteria cause diaper rash. However even the most vigilant parent will sometimes be unable to get to a dirty or wet diaper right away, and diaper rash will happen. The one best ingredient to look for in your diaper rash ointment is zinc oxide. Many creams and salves have it, but some do not, so read the labels before buying. Also, some brands like Boudreaux's Butt Paste, have citrus acid in them, and while this is has antibacterial properties, and therefor helps prevent diaper rash, it can actually sting pretty badly if applied to a bottom that already has a rash on it.
5. Growing
As your baby grows you will need to continually buy bigger and bigger diapers, until they start to pull up on furniture and "cruise". Once your baby is perpendicular to the floor for a good portion of the day each day, the way a diaper should fit changes. A walker's diaper should still start coverage at the small of the back, but in the front it should not reach the belly button. A good fit will have the fastenings nearly touching, and the front of the diaper reaching only up to the bottom of where the belly starts to stick out. Though night time diapers can still be larger to maximize coverage and protection, if your baby wears those diapers during the day, some serious sagging will most likely be on the agenda, and sagging equals leaking.
Keeping your babies bottom clean and comfortable is one of the constant battles that every mother faces. Hopefully, these little tips of mine will help you have a couple more tools in your arsenal of useful things to know about how to properly protect your baby's behind. If you have any questions or comments for me please don't hesitate to share them, I love feedback, and will try to respond to any questions you might have in a timely manner. If you find these tips useful, please pass them on to other new moms that you know. Also you can find a my Tripi's Tip of the Day here: http://www.everythingmom.com/blogs/naomitripi/16/ Happy parenting!
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