The sheer volume of developmentally significant moments in the first three months is a bit overwhelming. It can be hard to know which milestones are more important to watch for than others. The tricky thing when looking at milestones at any point in your baby's development is becoming too focused on when your baby should be able to start doing something. Milestones are developmental moments that we watch for to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. For example, infants can start laughing as early as 3-4 months old. But if your baby doesn't start laughing until she is 5-6 months old there is still nothing out of the ordinary. This milestone is only important when the normal span of time for it to occur has passed. So if your baby still hasn't laughed by 9-12 months, there might be something wrong. There are very few things that must happen in the first three months in order to be sure that your baby is developing on schedule. Five of them are listed here.
1. Turns head toward sounds.
The acknowledgement of hearing sound and expressing curiosity about where the sound came from are very important. Your baby can start to show this interest right away, or it may take a few weeks. However, if your little Sherlock is showing no interest in sudden sounds that are coming from outside their range of vision by the age of three months, there might be something seriously wrong. If your baby does not meet this milestone, it could be caused by a number things, including deafness, and neurological issues, so bring it to your pediatrician's attention right away.
2. Eyes follow your face.
This is called "tracking", and it is a social instinct that teaches your baby how to communicate. Although babies don't speak, or even learn to use sign language for several more months, they are learning to interpret your expressions, your tone of voice, and your physical cues from the first couple of weeks. If your baby isn't showing any more interest in your face than in a random toy or mobile by three months this could be indicative of a serious issue. Though the particular cause is best left for your pediatrician to sort out, it is something very important to watch for.
3. Resists when arms or legs are pulled or pushed.
The instinct to pull or push with arms and legs is essentially your baby's built-in personal trainer. Your baby has to grow new muscles and continually strengthen existing muscles constantly from the moment they are born. Her body is growing so fast, and getting heavier , so nature made sure she would be born with a need to push and pull, kick, and grab, twist and wiggle, constantly. If this instinct hasn't kicked in, or seems to be barely there, it could cause many physical development delays and result in years of physical therapy. As well as being a sign that there might be something seriously wrong. But it is easy to test, just give a little tug on your baby's hand while she is awake and alert. If she pulls away, she is fine.
4. Tries to suck on things that brush the cheeks.
This instinct normally kicks in within minutes of birth. However, it can sometimes take a bit longer. The urge to turn his head and start suckling is of course one of your little kissy-face's most basic survival instincts. It is there to help him figure out how to eat. Though you can still feed a baby who does not have this instinct, it is important to bring it to your pediatrician's attention, as it could be a sign of something more serious.
5.Grasps an object with purpose.
Now this skill does take just a bit longer to kick in. At first your baby will just swat at things or nudge them with her hand, but after a month or two, she should be able to grab something within her reach that she is looking at. Though she won't learn to let go for another month or two, learning to grab, on purpose, is something that demonstrates the normal development of curiosity, independence, and physical coordination. If this skill is late in showing up, even if the cause is not a very serious one, it could point to a particular type of challenge that your diaper-dweller will have to face. Such as the need for help with fine-motor skill development, or being encouraged to explore and ask questions, or needing extra encouragement to try new things. Of course your pediatrician will help in determining how serious the cause of missing this milestone is. And guide you in the proper direction to give your baby the help she may need.
Always remember, milestones aren't there to promote competition, it doesn't matter in the least if your baby started doing something two weeks or a month before another baby. And it doesn't matter if it takes your baby a month or two longer to master a skill like rolling over or sitting up than other babies you see of the same age. The most important thing about milestones is to be sure that your baby will have the earliest possible care for any issues that could have an effect on his development. If you have found these tips to be helpful, please forward them to any new or expecting parents you might know. And as always, your questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Happy parenting!
Showing posts with label first. Show all posts
Showing posts with label first. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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!
Monday, June 22, 2009
5 tips for introducing solids to your baby.
Just when you have gotten good at figuring out how much and how often your baby needs to nurse or have a bottle, it is time to introduce solids. This doesn't mean the end of nursing and bottle feeding, your baby will continue to receive the bulk of their nourishment from the breast and/or bottle for quite a while yet. Whether you decide to introduce early (4 to 5 months) or wait as long as possible (1 year) the time will come (usually at about 6 or 8 months), when you will just have a feeling that it is the right time for you and your baby to take this big step. However, as soon as you make the decision, you may find yourself faced with a long list of questions, like: what food to give first and why, how long to wait in between introducing each food, what you should be watching out for, what to do if a food is rejected and what you can do to help avoid picky eating behaviors. Well, I may not have all of the answers you are looking for, but I do have a few tried and true tips that can make the whole process a lot easier.
1. Start bland, don't stay bland.
Nearly every pediatrician will recommend that you begin by introducing things like powdered rice or oat cereal prepared with breast milk or formula, because these grains are easy on the stomach, and the fluids will help maintain the flavor profiles that your baby is used to. You should consult your pediatrician at every step of introducing solids, since they will most likely be up to date on any new information about foods to avoid or to be extra cautious about giving based on any risks of E-Coli or other risk factors you might be unaware of. Which food to introduce after your baby is consistently taking the cereal is the cause for quite a bit of debate, I personally think that spices should come next. The benefits of introducing spices early on is that you will be able to pinpoint spice sensitivities more easily during the first few weeks of introducing solid food, and as you introduce more foods you will have the freedom to add a touch of seasoning to help keep your babies palette open and flexible, which can head off picky eating later on. Spices such as cumin, fennel, nutmeg and ginger are great because they soothe digestion as well as add a beautiful flavor to many fruits and veggies. Also, garlic, mint, and turmeric can help boost immunity and thyme and fennel can help sooth gas and relieve constipation. Another great benefit of including spices in your baby's food is that they almost all contain B vitamin complexes (that are associated with maintaining a positive mood) and calcium, fiber and iron (which we are always trying to get more of into our kids diets). Some major spices to steer clear of are cinnamon and celery which are both higher than average allergy risks (fresh celery is not as high a risk as the powdered spice version is), salt, and any hot spices, such as black pepper, cayenne and jalapenos.
2. Keep a log.
Tracking your baby's new foods is ultra-important, since introducing new foods properly is easier than you'd think to get confused about. Each new spice or food should be introduced, then given to your little taste-tester a few more times over the next three days. After the initial introduction, the new food can be mixed with the foods which your baby has already been introduced to during the three day waiting period (of course spices would be mixed with food on their very first introduction as well). Keeping track of what was given and when is crucial to this process, because if at any point your baby has a reaction, it will be simple for you to pin point the culprit and steer clear of it. Also, if your baby has a dangerous allergic reaction requiring hospitalization, the information about exactly what he has been eating will prove invaluable.
3. Watch for food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities are basically allergies that are mild and will most likely be outgrown. However sometimes these sensitivities can develop into serious, even life-threatening, allergies, so watching out for them and keeping track of them is a very good idea. Most food sensitivities will show up as hive-like bumps on your baby's face. Sometimes, however, the reaction might be stronger. It is not uncommon for babies with strong food sensitivities or allergies to projectile vomit, have acidic diarrhea and intense abdominal cramping and gas. Egg, Milk, Peanut, Tree nut, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy are the 8 most common food allergies, which is good to keep in mind not only while introducing foods, but while breastfeeding. None of these foods should be given to a baby who is under the age of one, unless you are directed to by your pediatrician. Now, There are soy, and milk based formulas, which are formulated to be gentle, but if you do try one of these be on the lookout for increased gas, cramping, diarrhea and spit-up. Any of these symptoms, if severe, could be an indication that your little snapdragon is allergic to the formula you are using.
4. Use your own favorite foods as blueprint.
If you love mashed potatoes, apples, asparagus or yams, introduce these foods first. If you were eating the foods that you are introducing to your baby while you were breastfeeding, it makes it considerably more likely that your sweet pea will be keen on trying them. It is important to keep the associations that your baby forms with the experience of trying new foods positive, and anything you can do to minimize the number of things that your baby needs to adjust to at each turn, the better. For example, if you love peas, and were eating peas fairly regularly while pregnant, they would be a food that your baby will very likely enjoy, and after experiencing that enjoyment she will be more receptive to new foods in the future.
5. Experiment with texture.
Some foods when pureed will be fairly thick, like mashed potatoes, and some will be quite watery, like pears. That is why when you are first offering your baby cereal, you should experiment with the texture to find the consistency your baby seems to like best. Many babies find a slightly thicker consistency (like the consistency of toothpaste) easier to manage, while some prefer a more soupy style that they can practically drink. The reason you'll want to know your baby's preferred consistency is so you can thicken up those pears with some rice cereal, or you can add some breast milk or formula to the mashed potatoes if he rejects them the first time. Sometimes a new flavor can be quite overwhelming on its own, if you can adjust the texture so that it is more familiar you increase your chances that your sweet little goober-cluster will chow down with enthusiasm.
Though this milestone will mark an end of a special time for you and your baby, it is also the first step into the wide and amazing world of delicious dining discoveries. Try to remember that your baby isn't "spitting it out", the first few times his food comes right back out, but the sucking motion automatically pushes his tongue forward, and until your yummy little peach-bottom figures out the oral gymnastics required for moving solids through his mouth, quite a bit of each new spoon full is bound to get shoved right back out. It won't take long before your baby learns to clamp his jaw shut at the approach of any undesirable food items, but even then, if there is no evidence of food sensitivity, reintroduce any rejected foods after a few weeks (One very gross but effective technique for introducing solids is described here). This is a fun and exciting time for your baby, try to have fun and allow yourself to go on the journey of discovery with him. If you have found these tips helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents you know, and remember, questions and comments are always welcome. Happy parenting!
1. Start bland, don't stay bland.
Nearly every pediatrician will recommend that you begin by introducing things like powdered rice or oat cereal prepared with breast milk or formula, because these grains are easy on the stomach, and the fluids will help maintain the flavor profiles that your baby is used to. You should consult your pediatrician at every step of introducing solids, since they will most likely be up to date on any new information about foods to avoid or to be extra cautious about giving based on any risks of E-Coli or other risk factors you might be unaware of. Which food to introduce after your baby is consistently taking the cereal is the cause for quite a bit of debate, I personally think that spices should come next. The benefits of introducing spices early on is that you will be able to pinpoint spice sensitivities more easily during the first few weeks of introducing solid food, and as you introduce more foods you will have the freedom to add a touch of seasoning to help keep your babies palette open and flexible, which can head off picky eating later on. Spices such as cumin, fennel, nutmeg and ginger are great because they soothe digestion as well as add a beautiful flavor to many fruits and veggies. Also, garlic, mint, and turmeric can help boost immunity and thyme and fennel can help sooth gas and relieve constipation. Another great benefit of including spices in your baby's food is that they almost all contain B vitamin complexes (that are associated with maintaining a positive mood) and calcium, fiber and iron (which we are always trying to get more of into our kids diets). Some major spices to steer clear of are cinnamon and celery which are both higher than average allergy risks (fresh celery is not as high a risk as the powdered spice version is), salt, and any hot spices, such as black pepper, cayenne and jalapenos.
2. Keep a log.
Tracking your baby's new foods is ultra-important, since introducing new foods properly is easier than you'd think to get confused about. Each new spice or food should be introduced, then given to your little taste-tester a few more times over the next three days. After the initial introduction, the new food can be mixed with the foods which your baby has already been introduced to during the three day waiting period (of course spices would be mixed with food on their very first introduction as well). Keeping track of what was given and when is crucial to this process, because if at any point your baby has a reaction, it will be simple for you to pin point the culprit and steer clear of it. Also, if your baby has a dangerous allergic reaction requiring hospitalization, the information about exactly what he has been eating will prove invaluable.
3. Watch for food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities are basically allergies that are mild and will most likely be outgrown. However sometimes these sensitivities can develop into serious, even life-threatening, allergies, so watching out for them and keeping track of them is a very good idea. Most food sensitivities will show up as hive-like bumps on your baby's face. Sometimes, however, the reaction might be stronger. It is not uncommon for babies with strong food sensitivities or allergies to projectile vomit, have acidic diarrhea and intense abdominal cramping and gas. Egg, Milk, Peanut, Tree nut, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy are the 8 most common food allergies, which is good to keep in mind not only while introducing foods, but while breastfeeding. None of these foods should be given to a baby who is under the age of one, unless you are directed to by your pediatrician. Now, There are soy, and milk based formulas, which are formulated to be gentle, but if you do try one of these be on the lookout for increased gas, cramping, diarrhea and spit-up. Any of these symptoms, if severe, could be an indication that your little snapdragon is allergic to the formula you are using.
4. Use your own favorite foods as blueprint.
If you love mashed potatoes, apples, asparagus or yams, introduce these foods first. If you were eating the foods that you are introducing to your baby while you were breastfeeding, it makes it considerably more likely that your sweet pea will be keen on trying them. It is important to keep the associations that your baby forms with the experience of trying new foods positive, and anything you can do to minimize the number of things that your baby needs to adjust to at each turn, the better. For example, if you love peas, and were eating peas fairly regularly while pregnant, they would be a food that your baby will very likely enjoy, and after experiencing that enjoyment she will be more receptive to new foods in the future.
5. Experiment with texture.
Some foods when pureed will be fairly thick, like mashed potatoes, and some will be quite watery, like pears. That is why when you are first offering your baby cereal, you should experiment with the texture to find the consistency your baby seems to like best. Many babies find a slightly thicker consistency (like the consistency of toothpaste) easier to manage, while some prefer a more soupy style that they can practically drink. The reason you'll want to know your baby's preferred consistency is so you can thicken up those pears with some rice cereal, or you can add some breast milk or formula to the mashed potatoes if he rejects them the first time. Sometimes a new flavor can be quite overwhelming on its own, if you can adjust the texture so that it is more familiar you increase your chances that your sweet little goober-cluster will chow down with enthusiasm.
Though this milestone will mark an end of a special time for you and your baby, it is also the first step into the wide and amazing world of delicious dining discoveries. Try to remember that your baby isn't "spitting it out", the first few times his food comes right back out, but the sucking motion automatically pushes his tongue forward, and until your yummy little peach-bottom figures out the oral gymnastics required for moving solids through his mouth, quite a bit of each new spoon full is bound to get shoved right back out. It won't take long before your baby learns to clamp his jaw shut at the approach of any undesirable food items, but even then, if there is no evidence of food sensitivity, reintroduce any rejected foods after a few weeks (One very gross but effective technique for introducing solids is described here). This is a fun and exciting time for your baby, try to have fun and allow yourself to go on the journey of discovery with him. If you have found these tips helpful, please pass them on to any new or expecting parents you know, and remember, questions and comments are always welcome. Happy parenting!
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