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7 Baby-Friendly Tips for First Time Parents

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Babies can be difficult. What with the crying and the lack of consistent sleep and the total dependency on others, they can wreak a bit of havoc on the lives of their parents. As such, if you and your significant other are on the cusp of becoming first time parents, you could use a few tips.

Interested? Then read on because we’re going to provide you with 7 baby-friendly tips for first time parents. Let’s go!

1. Establish a Schedule

There is no set way to parent. Some thrive in a state of barely-contained chaos while others thrive in a rigid schedule. But in the early days, you do need to establish some sort of order.

Babies are highly sensitive to changes. If they’re not getting consistency in their daily routines, they’re bound to develop anxieties and behavioral problems. This results in more crying, which results in added stress for the family at large.

Not only should you keep feeding times at around the same time every day, but you should also do the same for nap times and bedtime. Set bedtimes are particularly important because if a baby gets overtired, he or she won’t be able to fall asleep, and will be up all night crying.

This is not a loop that you want to foster. Maintain a sense of consistency and your baby will respond favorably. Lose that consistency and you’ll be in for a hellacious experience.

2. Consider Supplementing With Formula

If you get on online parenting forums, you’re bound to come across endless arguments over breastfeeding. Some think it’s an absolute necessity, some think it’s totally unnecessary, and most are somewhere in the middle.

The truth is that breastfeeding is considered to be the most beneficial way to feed a baby. However, that doesn’t mean that you should sacrifice yourself and your mental health in order to facilitate it. Baby formula will suffice, either as a supplement to breastmilk or as a standalone entity.

You’ll find fairly quickly that breastfeeding is an all-encompassing effort. It not only requires you to feed and pump throughout the day, but it also forces you to wake up in the middle of the night. As such, those who are gung-ho about breastfeeding often experience sharp declines in their mental states.

It’s not easy to take care of a baby if your mental health has hit rock bottom. Baby formula will help to ensure that it doesn’t.

3. Nap Whenever Possible

Infants rarely sleep for more than 3 hours at a time. Most wake up within 1 1/2 to 2 hours. What that means, of course, is that you’re not going to be sleeping any longer than this either.

For this reason, whenever possible, you need to take naps. No, taking short naps isn’t going to offer the highest quality of sleep, but, to be honest, you’re not going to be getting any high-quality sleep. The early days of raising a baby are all about survival, for you, for your spouse, and, of course, for the baby.

4. Take Advantage of White Noise

Getting a baby to sleep isn’t always the easiest of tasks. But there are some things you can do to make it easier. One of these things is to take advantage of white noise.

White noise mimics what the baby was hearing inside of the mother’s womb. As such, it provides a great deal of comfort to the baby. Playing it in the baby’s room at bedtime creates a calming environment whilst also blocking out any other noises that might jar the baby awake.

There are all sorts of white noise machines available out there. If you don’t feel like buying one, you could also just download a white noise app on your phone.

5. Burp!

Because they’re still developing physically, babies have a difficult time keeping milk down. It’s not at all uncommon for babies to spit up. In fact, it should be expected.

But to keep the spitting up to a minimum, there’s something you have to do. You have to burp your baby. Burping your baby prevents gas from building up in his or her stomach, reducing the risk of milk coming back up.

To burp your baby, you simply pat him or her on the back firmly. Doing this repetitively will eventually result in a belch, upon which your mission will be completed.

6. Swaddle!

When it comes to comforting babies, there’s no way to overstate the importance of swaddling. What’s swaddling, you ask? It’s the act of wrapping a baby up tightly in a light blanket so as to help that baby feel warm and cozy; it’s highly effective in getting a baby to fall asleep.

You should be swaddling your baby not only before bedtime but before naps as well. Curious as to how to swaddle a baby? Click on the aforementioned link!

7. Say No to Buttoned Clothing

Baby clothing comes with two general types of closures: 1. buttons, and 2. zippers. Though you’re certainly permitted to choose whichever you want, we highly recommend going with zippered clothing, in particular.

Why? Because buttoning clothes up in the dark is a bit of a challenging task, especially when you’re tired and agitated to boot.

Zippers, on the other hand, are easy to open and close. Just find the notch and pull and — voila! — you’ll be good to go. Clothes off, clothes on, and back to bed!

Make Good Use of These Tips for First Time Parents

Parenting isn’t easy, especially in the early days. There’s no need to make it any harder than it has to be. Make good use of these tips for first time parents and you’re sure to stay afloat.

Seeking out other such tips? Our website is the place to be. Check out our other articles right now!

A New Mom’s Guide to the Three Stages of Pregnancy

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Couple examining pregnancy test in bed

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! This will be one of the most exciting times of your life. Right now, you are probably nervous and curious about what to expect.

Nearly 123 million women get pregnant each year, so you are certainly not alone even if it may feel like it right now.

Let’s help ease some of your anxiety by going over what to expect during the three stages of pregnancy. Keep reading to learn about the different trimester stages, symptoms, baby development, and procedures during your 9-month journey to motherhood.

The Different Trimesters

You may wonder how long does each trimester lasts. The typical full-term pregnancy is about 40 weeks and is group into three stages known as trimesters. You, along with your baby, will go through major changes during each of these 12- to 13- week phases:

  • 1st Trimester: Conception to 12 weeks
  • 2nd Trimester: Week 13 to week 27
  • 3rd Trimester: Week 28 to birth

All pregnancies are different, so you may have symptoms that others do not. You may experience some symptoms when your hormones change and the baby grows.

First Trimester

The egg is fertilized and then implants to the uterus. The baby is just an embryo with just two layers of cells. From these two layers, the baby develops all body parts and organs.

Your Changes

The first change you may notice during this trimester is missing your period, which is usually one of the first indicators you are pregnant. Your hormones are surging and changes affect just about every organ of your body.

Symptoms you may experience include:

  • Tender breasts
  • Nausea or vomiting (known as morning sickness)
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Food aversions and cravings
  • Mood swings

At the end of this trimester, your uterus will start growing outside of your pelvic cavity. This is what causes your body to look pregnant. You may also notice less pressure on the bladder until the baby gets even larger.

You should take good care of yourself. This means you may need to go to bed earlier to get more rest. You may also need to eat smaller meals throughout the day to help combat nausea.

Baby’s Development

The brain and spinal cord start developing at about 4 weeks. Around week 8, your baby’s heart forms and beats with a regular rhythm.

Around week 6, your baby will sprout arms, legs, hands, and feet. Wondering when you will know the sex of the baby? The external sex organs form and reveal at around week 12.

The baby grows rather quickly during this trimester and averages about 3 inches long at the end of week 12 (or about the size of a plum).

Tests

Your doctor will probably confirm your pregnancy with another urine test. You will also get your initial blood workup to check for any abnormalities. You may even get your first ultrasound.

Second Trimester

If you experience morning sickness during the first trimester, you may be relieved to know it will most likely get better in the second trimester. This is because your body has adjusted to all those hormone changes. You may also sleep better and have more energy.

Another exciting time in the second trimester is feeling your baby’s first moves.

Your Changes

You may feel some swelling in your feet and ankles along with leg cramps. As your belly grows, you may feel some pressure and achiness in your abdomen.  Unfortunately, you may also get some congestion like a cold.

Some women get hemorrhoids during this trimester. If you do, talk to your doctor about relief. Try to drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Varicose veins are also another symptom that may appear at this stage.

Try to stay active during this stage to reduce swelling. You can walk or even swim for exercise. Try to eat healthy foods and elevate your feet when resting.

Baby’s Development

Your baby will have major growth spurts. Around week 16, your baby will double his or her weight and add inches. The baby will also start to move her arms and legs, so you’ll feel some jabs and kicks.

Other major developments in this trimester include:

  • Nails grow on fingers and toes
  • The baby begins to suck and swallow (may even taste some of the food you eat)
  • The brain has the biggest and most important growth
  • Eyelids can open
  • Eyelashes and eyebrows are visible

At the end of this trimester, the baby weighs about 2-3 pounds. He is also about 13-16 inches long (or the size of rutabaga).

Tests

During the second trimester, you will get the full anatomy ultrasound screening to check your baby’s development. They will also do a quad screen to check risk factors and do the glucose test to look for gestational diabetes, which is rather common.

Third Trimester

You are now in the final countdown. Your abdomen will also stretch as you finish this stage, so it may feel tight. Your uterus grows to accommodate that baby and can put pressure on your bladder once again.

You may also notice that your fatigue has returned. You may find it harder to get comfortable at night.

Your Changes

You may experience some of these symptoms in the final trimester:

  • Stretch marks
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Leaky breasts
  • Vivid dreams
  • Practice contractions or Braxton Hicks

It’s important to start practicing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. You may also want to sleep on your left side for the best circulation. Also, try adding pillows between your legs to get more comfortable.

Baby’s Development

Your baby is on the fast track in the last weeks of pregnancy. The brain continues developing along with the lungs and kidneys.

The baby can now see and hear. In the last part of the trimester, babies can also cry and suck their thumbs.

Your baby will prepare for delivery by turning head-down and begin dropping. The average birth weight is 6-9 pounds and about 9-21 inches long (the size of a watermelon or jackfruit).

Tests

Your doctor will do any stress tests and monitor the baby’s heartbeat. At each appointment, your doctor will screen your blood pressure to watch for any spikes. They will also do a Strep B test to see if any antibiotics are needed after birth.

Enjoy Your Three Stages of Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a journey you probably won’t forget. Through each of these three stages of pregnancy, keep a journal of your thoughts that you can share with your child later in life.

Want to learn more about parenting? Keep checking out our site for advice and get ideas on what to do when the baby is here.

Solvaderm Reviews 2020: Powerful Skin Enrichment

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Overview of Solvaderm

Solvaderm is a luxurious skincare line, which includes 15 quality products. The line focuses largely on anti-aging benefits, with creams and serums that can make the skin firmer and more elastic, smoothing out lines and wrinkles.

They also contain antioxidants, which repair damage to the skin barrier and prevent future harm. A review article in the Journal of Dermatological Science examined the role of antioxidants and the skin and their powerful anti-aging effects.

Also, some Solvaderm products treat issues like redness, dryness, and age spots on the face. Some items can get rid of oily skin and unclog the pores. This diverse collection of products provide hydration to the skin, moisturizing and helping to give the skin volume. This also helps to eliminate wrinkles.

The reviews for the Solvaderm line were off the charts. People were very happy with the results they got from these products, and the reduction of aging signs like wrinkles. One Stemuderm review was from a woman who claimed this was the best skin product she had ever used.

The Solvaderm line is designed by a team of experts in skin care and dermatology, and the products are subjected to clinical research to prove their efficacy and safety. The quality of the products is the company’s number one priority.

In addition to using these products, we strongly recommend that you try mindfulness for healthy skin. The general benefits of mindfulness therapy are well known, and the principles can also improve the skin.

If you’re ready to see a fantastic skin care line, have a look on the Solvaderm website to check out these products.

Solvaderm Product Summary

Stemuderm

This is a potent anti-wrinkle cream, which is high in antioxidants and peptides. It repairs damage to the skin and produces collagen, making the skin firmer and more elastic and smoothing out wrinkles. Stemuderm is also deeply hydrating to the skin, eliminating dryness and giving the skin volume so the wrinkles disappear. It contains peptides that relax the muscles in your face, reducing the appearance of lines.

Ingredients: Peptides, Jojoba Seed Oil, Apricot Seed Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture

Price: $79.99

Revivatone

This is an intensive neck and chest repair complex. It contains antioxidants, which repair damage to the skin and prevent future harm. It’s also very high in peptides, which initiate the production of collagen. This makes the skin firmer and more elastic, smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. Revivatone is also a deeply hydrating formula, which prevents dryness.

Ingredients: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Peptides

Price: $49

ACE Ferulic

This is a serum which improves the overall structure of the skin. It defends it against environmental stressors and the sun’s rays. ACE Ferulic is high in antioxidants, which can fix skin damage and prevent future harm. This product boosts collagen, which firms the skin and eliminates the appearance of wrinkles and lines. This restorative skin serum is highly recommended.

Ingredients: Ferulic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid

Price: $109

Juvabrite

The main aim of this product is to eliminate age spots and other areas of discoloration on the skin. It uses safe, organic ingredients to lighten the skin. Not only does it remove pigmentation, but it also prevents it from returning in the future. It evens out your skin tone and brightens your overall appearance.

Ingredients: Seaweed Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Grape Extract, Mallow Extract, Peppermint Extract, Morus Bombycis Root Extract

Price: $69.99

Eyevage

This is an enriching eye cream, which is designed to remove the signs of aging from around the eyes. It firms the skin and makes it more elastic, getting rid of wrinkles and lines. Also, it prevents the development of further lines and crow’s feet. It gets rid of puffiness and dark circles. Eyevage evens out skin tone and brightens the skin overall.

Ingredients: Vitamin K, Arnica Montana Extract, OxidoReductases, Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Jojoba Seed Oil, Apricot Seed Oil, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Eriobotrya Japonica Extract

Price: $74.99

Suvoderm

This is a night cream, which you apply before you go to bed, and the ingredients work at night to improve your skin. It’s designed to get rid of the signs of aging. The ingredients produce collagen, which makes the skin firmer and more elastic. Collagen can eliminate wrinkles and lines. Suvoderm evens skin tone and gets rid of areas of pigmentation on the skin. It also brightens the overall appearance of the skin.

Ingredients: Niacinamide, Copper Ferment, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Avocado Oil, Soybean Oil, Carnitine, Retinol, Sage Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Coenzyme Q 10

Price: $89

Cellmaxa

This is a powerful formula designed to remove cellulite from the body. It eliminates the fat deposits under the skin that cause the cellulite. It also firms and tightens the skin, smoothing out bumps and dimples on the skin. Cellmaxa is a very hydrating formula, which moisturizes the skin and leaves it smooth.

Ingredients: Adiposlim, Adipoless, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane

Price: $44.95

Is Solvaderm a Brand with Integrity?

This is a brand with a lot of integrity. The manufacturer is dedicated to developing quality products with a team of experts in skincare. The products go through rigid safety checks to the highest standards.

Advantages of Solvaderm 

  • The line includes a diverse collection of skin products.
  • This skincare line has anti-aging benefits like removing wrinkles.
  • Solvaderm products are high in antioxidants, which repair skin damage.
  • They are very hydrating, getting rid of dry skin and moisturizing.
  • The products are not greasy or oily.

Solvaderm: Cost and Purchasing Information 

You can only purchase these products on the official Solvaderm website. These are the 15 enriching formulas that will treat your skin like gold. These are high-quality products that use proven ingredients. For the most part, they are fairly affordable. The manufacturer pays for the shipping costs for orders above $60.

Excelagene: $89.99

Stemuderm: $79.99

Dermaxsol: $24.99

Juvabrite: $69.99

Revivatone: $49

Eyevage: $74.99

Rejuvoderm: $64.99

Cellmaxa: $44.95

Dermpura: $24.99

Stemnucell: $74.99

Zeroblem: $34

Suvoderm: $89

Ace-Ferulic: $109

Glowpeel: $89

Maxatone: $24.99

The Final Word

Solvaderm is a skincare line that has the motto “Redefining Skin Science.” The collection contains 15 luscious products, many of which have anti-aging benefits like smoothing out wrinkles and lines. These products can also get rid of oily skin, reduce redness, hydrate the skin, repair skin damage, and protect the skin from harm.

The reviews for these products tended to be very positive. Users really appreciated the skin-enriching and anti-aging properties of these formulas. One Stemuderm review was from a man who noted that the product made him look 10 years younger. There were very few complaints about Solvaderm products on the whole.

Besides doing your skin routine with Solvaderm products, we suggest that you try mindfulness for healthy skin. Some research has demonstrated the effectiveness of mindfulness, although it may not directly treat the skin. A study published in Mindfulness noted the effectiveness of the therapy in the mental health of patients with psoriasis.

When Is it Time For a Toddler Dentist Visit? 5 Signs to Keep an Eye On

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Experts recommend bringing your child to the dentist by about age two, or shortly after.

Getting x-rays and learning about oral health at a young age has shown to decrease cavities later on in life.

If you want to ensure that your child’s teeth are growing correctly and healthy, you will want to see a professional. But when?

Continue reading to discover when you need to take your child in for a dentist visit!

1. Loose Teeth

When your child begins losing teeth, you should make consider making an appointment with the dentist.

Typically, this is a normal thing for growing children as they get their adult teeth. If your child has a loose tooth and is experiencing pain, however, you will need to seek help from a professional.

It is normal for there to be a discomfort when a child loses a tooth. Just watch for signs of pain to ensure that an infection is not occurring.

2. Constant Aches

Has your toddler been a bit moodier and complaining about pain?

Aches and pains that don’t seem to go away may be a sign the dentist visit is required. Cold and hot foods can help you determine if there is tooth sensitivity, but it causes a sharp tingling sensation.

If your child has thoroughly brushed their teeth and is feeling the pain for more than a day, you should make an appointment.

3. Color Changes

It can be difficult to distinguish what cavities look like in toddlers, but color changes are a red flag to watch out for.

If your child’s teeth are turning to a gray or black color, you will want to see a professional. These colors often signify that the tooth is dying. Sometimes genetics can play a role in dental health. Make sure you talk to your child’s dentist about any recurring or serious conditions you may have experienced.

4. Bleeding Gums

Gum sensitivity often leads to bleeding gums which can be uncomfortable, especially for toddlers.

Try your best to monitor your child’s gums so that they don’t become inflamed. One of the best ways that your child can avoid bleeding gums and sensitivity is by regularly flossing and brushing.

Bleeding gums is one of the most well-known issues that people experience when they don’t floss. If your child complains of pain, make sure that their gums aren’t bright red.

5. Foul Breath

We all have morning breaths when we roll out of bed but if you notice that your toddler has unusually bad breath, they need a checkup.

Often times when people have oral health issues, they have bad breath. Trapped bacteria is the main culprit for this problem. When brushing teeth and flossing don’t leave a minty freshness, you should get them checked out.

Tooth decay and improper cleaning can quickly be fixed before they get worse!

When Is It Time for a Dentist Visit?

Figuring out the ideal first dentist visit age can be difficult. Fortunately, this guide can help you identify the most common problems.

Tooth decay, swollen gums, and bad breath are common reasons to bring your toddler in for a dentist visit.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles with parenting tips to keep your children healthy and happy!

Choosing a Debt Relief Option

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Being up to your neck in debt can be overwhelming. You might not know where to turn, or who to ask for advice. Worse, there are plenty of people out there just waiting to take advantage of someone desperate to get out of debt. However, there are things you can do to resolve the situation safely.

Here’s what you need to know when choosing a debt relief option.

Try Some At-Home Remedies

When you’re deep in debt and need to do something about it, there are a few approaches you can try on your own. One of the pros to this approach is you’re not going to have to pay anyone for services. The downside, however, is you’re going to be working through something you likely have never dealt with before. Meanwhile, a debt professional has likely seen your exact situation countless times.

Still, these DIY options are worth considering:

  • Credit Counseling:Talking to a free advisor about what you should do in your financial situation is the smartest way to start. Credit counseling organizations are typically non-profits aimed at helping consumers deal with financial obligations. They’ll help you create a budget, get your credit report, and they can also help you create a debt management plan.
  • Contacting Lenders: If a debt management plan doesn’t sound just right to you, it’s also possible to contact your lenders yourself to negotiate better terms. Often, they’ll be willing to work with you if you’re reasonable.
  • Balance Transfer: Another at-home approach is to do a credit card balance transfer. This is where you move the balances from your existing credit card accounts onto a new one with a low introductory rate. It’s important  to do what you can to pay down that balance with no interest, as you can actually make your debt worse otherwise. There are also fees for doing a balance transfer.

Consolidation Loan

Debt management plans and balance transfers are consolidation loans in their own way. The idea behind a consolidation loan is you’re taking multiple existing accounts and rolling them into a single new one with a lower interest rate. This is typically effective for credit card debt consolidation because these are unsecured loans. Lenders will be willing to negotiate to get paid something since there’s no collateral on the loan.

Debt Settlement

Debt settlement is another form of debt relief that can help you if you’re stuck with your finances. Debt settlement is where an agreed upon payment is offered to lenders in exchange for settling a debt. It’s important to know that even though debt settlement can be effective, it’s not guaranteed.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is usually considered the last option you should contemplate. Still, there were just over 740,000 non-business bankruptcy filings last year. While bankruptcy is more common than many realize, it’s not something you want to experience. Bankruptcy often leads to you having to liquidate many of your assets. It will also wreck your credit—making it difficult to borrow money for years to come.

On the other hand, there are times when bankruptcy is simply inevitable.

It’s tough to be in a spot where debt is running your life. The thought of it just finds its way into otherwise enjoyable situations. Taking care of debt through some form of debt relief can free your mind of this burden.

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