baby Archives - Serendipity Mommy

What Baby Essentials Can Help Keep Your Baby Safe At Night

October 21, 2019 by Mandy

Babies need a great deal of sleep to facilitate the rapid development of the infant years. Making sure that your baby sleeps soundly and safely each time is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Conditions like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS and other hazards present a rare but serious potential risk to your child. Taking the necessary steps to keep your baby safe at night can help you to avoid these disturbing scenarios.

The best practices for ensuring the safety of your sleeping baby are well-established. The biggest thing to remember is to avoid situations where your baby’s breathing could be obstructed by having their nose or mouth covered or having your baby overly constricted where their neck might be pressed against a hard surface. Having some baby essentials on hand will also aid in providing for your baby’s well-being.

To provide you with some specific pieces of advice, let’s look at what baby essentials and practices can help keep your baby safe at night.

Proper Positioning

Make sure to put your baby to sleep on their back. Young infants will likely remain in this position throughout the night, though as your baby grows and becomes increasingly mobile, they will likely roll around. Do not let this concern you, however, as once your child can roll around they will be able to free themselves from any positions that interfere with their breathing.

Putting your baby to sleep on a firm surface is best for ensuring a safe sleep. Bulky blankets and pillows in a baby’s crib, as well as stuffed animals, all present a hazard and should be avoided.

Using a fitted sheet for your baby’s bed is also important for ensuring that it does not become displaced during the night. Bunched up bedding presents a potential breathing hazard for very young babies.

Set The Stage

Keep a warm and comfortable temperature in your baby’s room to ensure that they are not disturbed by an overly hot or cold environment. An inappropriate temperature in the room will increase the chances that your baby will wake up during their sleep leading to a disturbance of your sleep as well. Beyond that, it is important to remember that babies cannot regulate their internal temperature as effectively as adults. As the person responsible for your baby, make sure that they sleep in an environment that will not disturb their natural equilibrium temperature.

It is commonly advised that you share a room with your very young baby but be sure not to share a bed. Having them in the room with you will allow you to respond to their needs throughout the night. Providing them with their own crib will ensure that they are not disturbed or crushed throughout the night as well.

Use Your Common Sense

While medical professionals are uncertain about the true cause of SIDS, it is best for your baby’s health to avoid smoking in or near their sleeping environment. Some evidence suggests that residual smoke from cigarettes may be linked to SIDS. Beyond that, however, it is not good for your newborn baby’s lungs to be exposed to second-hand smoke. If you are a new parent, then consider giving up the habit to ensure that you will be around for many years to come to care for your child.

Safe Sleep For A Happy And Healthy Baby

Taking these measures to ensure that your baby is safe at every sleep time will allow them to develop in a healthy way. It will also allow you to rest assured that your baby is secure while you take some time to sleep as well.

Why Some Mums Are Using Infant Goat Milk Formula Over Alternatives

September 16, 2019 by Mandy

Do you remember the last time you explored the formula aisle of your local supermarket? The variety of options from different brands is astounding. With such a dizzying array of choices, decision paralysis can strike. You naturally want to provide your child with the best possible nutrition available but what can you do to make an effective decision?

Logically, the best way to clear your mind and decide with confidence is to seek more information. To this end, here we will explore one of the increasingly popular formula variants, namely, infant goat milk formula. For those who are unfamiliar with the impressive benefits of this product, you may be surprised to learn more about it.

With that, let’s dive right in and look at why some mothers are using infant goat milk formula over other alternatives.

Different Nutritional Profile

Goat’s milk formula has some minerals and vitamins in greater quantities than are found in conventional cow’s milk-derived formulas. For example, selenium, vitamin A, and niacin are more plentiful in goat’s milk than in cow’s milk. These elements are essential for the proper development of your child’s brain as well as their immune system. Goat’s milk formulas also contain 30% more magnesium and 35% more vitamin C than cow’s milk formulas.

While the nutritional profile of goat’s milk is not as balanced as conventional cow’s milk formulas, the baby formula versions are typically fortified with extra quantities of iron and vitamins to make up for this deficiency. If you do choose to use goat’s milk, be sure to read the label of the product you are planning to use to ensure that the amounts of vitamin B12 and folic acid are sufficient to meet the dietary needs of your child.

One big advantage of goat’s milk formulas is that they often contain natural sources of pre and probiotics. Some of these even resemble the substances found in breastmilk which makes them a great choice for those who are trying to wean their children away from the latter. These substances are important for the development of healthy gut flora in your child. Healthy gut flora is necessary for boosting your child’s resilience, building their immune system to fight pathogens, and warding off serious illnesses later on in their life.

Good For Lactose Intolerance

Many babies have digestive systems that cannot tolerate the lactose found in conventional cow’s milk-derived formulas. In these cases, goat’s milk can surprisingly step in as a nutritious substitute.

This is likely due to the fact that goat’s milk formula contains a different protein composition than cow’s milk. What upsets your infant’s formula is the specific proportional mix of casein against whey found in cow’s milk. Goat’s milk has a slightly different balance of these substances and has been shown to be easier to digest for lactose-intolerant infants.

Get An Informed Opinion

Goat’s milk formula can be an integral part of a balanced and healthy diet for your infant. Continuing to learn more about the basics of your child’s nutritional needs and the best way to meet these through alternatives like goat’s milk formula is the hallmark of a great parent.

If you have read through the above and are intrigued at the advantages that goat’s milk formula can bring to your child, consult with your family physician to determine if this is a good idea. While most children will be able to enjoy the benefits without incident, it is always a good idea to seek an informed medical opinion before making significant changes to your diet.

Obstacles Signify Whether Something Is Worth Fighting For: 5 Toughest Challenges You May Face When Expecting a Baby

December 14, 2018 by Mandy

Regardless of the struggles that she goes through, every woman will tell you that having her child was the best experience of her life. The same woman will also tell you that there were some challenges to face when expecting a baby, especially when it was time for delivery. Here are 5 of the toughest challenges you face when expecting a baby.

Water Breaking

There are plenty of misconceptions about water breaking that you will need to understand better. Here are the most common misconceptions:

Unlike every movie with a pregnancy, your water might not break all at once and splatter all over the floor. It is apt to be more like a slow, uncontrollable urination.
Your water might not break. Your doctor might have to break the amniotic sac at the time of delivery.
Just because your water breaks does not mean that you have to immediately rush to the hospital for instant delivery; another Hollywood misconception.

Contractions

Many women describe delivery like pushing a watermelon through something the size of a lemon. For some delivery is extremely challenging, but most agree that contractions are the very worst of the pain. It might be an exaggeration to say that contractions are like menstrual cramps times one hundred, but it gives you a pretty good picture of what to expect.

Contractions are an important part of your body’s final preparations for delivery. The timing of contractions will help you know whether or not you are in false labor or what stage of true labor you are in. To understand more explore these tips on how to time contractions.

Nausea During Labor

It is quite common for women to experience nausea and even vomit during labor. The myriad of hormonal changes that your body is going through during the labor and delivery process is the cause of this and it is something for which you should be prepared. Being able to recover from it and focus on breathing and other instructions is important, so try not to allow this to distract you.

Episiotomy

The cutting of the perineum or episiotomy is a common practice that many doctors use to help provide more space for delivery. Some women do not feel it due to adrenaline or a powerful epidural, but they will probably be very aware of the stitching and itching that will follow, mostly because that part occurs after delivery when you want everyone to leave you alone and let you be with your new baby.

Delivering the Placenta

Another challenge you face after delivery is delivering the placenta. This is not nearly as challenging as delivering your baby, but it is another task that needs to be performed after you think it’s all over. Some women have absolutely no problem pushing it right out, but it can be a challenge for others.

Conclusion

There are plenty of challenges to go through during pregnancy and some of the toughest come around delivery time. As difficult as these challenges are, going through them is what allows you to bring a new life into the world. Do not be worried about these challenges, but be prepared to face them with the expectation of holding your new baby in your arms.

What to Look for When Buying your First Baby Jumper

May 10, 2018 by Mandy

If you’re looking for a baby jumper, you’ll want to choose one that fits your needs and that happens to be tailored to ease up your life a bit with the baby.

With that being said, there’s a ton of options to choose from when it comes to shopping for the perfect baby jumper. There are three main types of baby jumpers on the market: stationary, activity and doorway jumpers. These three jumpers are design to keep the baby active and free up your arms to do other necessary things that need to be done while the baby is in view.

Stationary jumpers are stationed in one spot. Your baby will spend most of the time bouncing in this type of baby jumper. Activity jumpers are somewhat similar to a stationary jumper but it has an array of toys for the baby to play with as well, so the baby could choose to either jump or simply play. Lastly, doorway jumpers are designed to hang in the doorway with a clamp at one end of the bungee allowing for a secure grip to the doorway. They are perfect for families who don’t have a lot of available floor space. They are also portable and handy for families who love being away from home (we have even seen these adhered to trees during picnics).

Below are the different features to look for when considering buying a baby jumper for your precious little one.

Comfortable Seats

Without a doubt, all baby jumpers come with a seat for baby to sit in. Look for a baby jumper that has seats with adjustable height mechanisms, removable seats (so you can wash them) and seats that are lined with padding for extra comfort.

Safety

Despite the model of jumper you choose to buy, it is best to make sure that the jumper has multiple straps to suspend the seat. Having 2 or more straps will make sure that the baby is secure in the baby jumper as they bounce up and down. Avoiding jumpers with a single strap will reduce the risk of injury to the baby from their instability. Single strap jumpers will likely swing the baby from left to right and make it uncomfortable for the baby especially on their little legs and feet.

The right weight requirements

Depending on the model of baby jumper, the weight allowance may vary on different models. However, when you’re picking a baby jumper for your baby it should be suitable to sustain the weight of your baby. It is best to make sure to weigh your baby and check the weight requirements for the baby jumper as this will help you pick a jumper that will be more durable.

Entertainment

Having toys that will engage the baby while they bounce up and down are great to keep their interest. Toys with different animated sounds and flashing lights are the perfect solutions for a baby jumper and will ensure that the baby is well entertained as they spend time in the jumper. You can read more about the entertainment benefits of baby jumpers by clicking here.

Adjustability and storage

Buying a jumper with adjustable heights will allow you to adjust it to the right height as your baby grows. So ensure that the jumper has at least 3 or more height adjustment settings. Another important feature to look out for is to find out how easy the jumper is to store away, or how portable they are to take with you on your holidays.

Researching the different models that are on the market will help you to purchase a jumper that is well-suitable for your baby, your home and your own needs. Hopefully the guidelines above will help you to choose a safe jumper that your baby will thoroughly enjoy. Click here to find some more awesome baby-related articles.

Author Bio:

Alice is from Chicago, Illinois in the U.S. She is a proud mommy of three beautiful children, including a little 6-month-old munchkin! She knows how hard it can be to find the right gear and toys for a baby (and how expensive it can be!). So she want to help you by giving you the newest and latest info on her favorite toy: the baby jumper! Read more about her passion for this baby toy on her website ‘The Best Baby Jumper’.

How to Choose the Best Baby Play Gym for Your Child

April 24, 2018 by Mandy

Do you want to provide your baby with the ideal environment to develop and thrive? If so, here’s how to choose the best baby play gym available.

Motor and cognitive skill development begin the moment your baby leaves the womb. As they enter the world, their senses are constantly being stimulated.

Babies soon learn how to move their head around, lock eyes with mom and dad, laugh, smile, and play. They start to develop teeth, crawl, and grab things too.

During these stages of growth, it’s crucial to have a baby play gym for your child. The right play gym can further promote sensory development, as a supplement to their daily interactions with the world around them. But, not all baby play gyms are made alike.

Here’s how to find the right one for your child.

Are the Toys Easy to Detach and Clean?

You child’s baby play gym is something they’re going to be using every day. They will crawl all over it, put toys in their mouth, and maybe have an uh-oh or two while playing, as well.

As such, you need to make sure the toys and mat are easy to clean! Think about the material everything in the gym set is made with. What can you wash with ease, and what will you have to soak and scrub to make sure it’s clean?

Also, always opt for a baby play mat rather than a chair or a cushion. Not only is the mat easier to clean, but it can be more supportive for your baby. When he or she is on the ground, rather than on a cushion or in a chair, they’re better able to feel shifts in their body and learn how to move the head, arms, and legs around.

Can You Take the Baby Play Gym Anywhere You Go?

Another thing to consider is where you plan to put the baby’s play area. Even if you and your little one tend to spend most of your days in the living room or their baby room, it’s still best to have a baby play gym you can easily move around.

This gives you plenty of options for where to play in the home. More so, a play gym that is easy to pack and carry can go with you to grandma’s house, to drop off at daycare, and on any short weekend trips, you’re planning to take.

The baby play gym then offers comfort and consistency, wherever your little one goes.

What Skills Are Being Stimulated?

As you’re deciding between the play gym with more toys or the one that’s easier to carry, consider this: which one best promotes healthy physical and mental growth?

That is always the best option to go with. At the end of the day, this is the main purpose of all baby play gyms! You want to choose something that will help your baby with everything from head motions to crawling, from color differentiation to recognizing sounds and movements.

The more a play gym does this – safely and effectively – the better.

Growing up and Learning New Things

The play gym you choose for your child helps them take an important step in their development.

But, this is just the beginning! There is so much more for them to learn as they go through school, make friends, play sports and venture into the arts, and grow up.

One thing will always be constant, though – your role in their life. Throughout all the lessons a child learns, they will always be looking to you for guidance. That’s a big comfort, but also a big responsibility.

For simple, easy-to-remember ways to be a good role model, click here.