baby Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Baby sleep science: A complete guide for new parents

August 16, 2020 by Mandy

The science of baby sleep is a little bit complex to understand, but those who take the time to learn it can really apply it to help improve sleep quality for their little ones. It is an essential factor for a baby’s mind to mature and increase learning capacity and memory. It also helps the baby’s brain to preserve the present memories while making new memories at the same time.

It’s common for babies to have sleep problems, and babies often wake up at night, which eventually disturbs the parents’ sleep. We have listed some tips provided by a sleep consultant which should help new parents understand new ways to improve their baby’s sleeping habits:

Baby sleep patterns

When your baby is three months old, they will start sleeping for a more extended period at night, which should allow you to get more sleep. Baby sleep patterns start developing at the age of six weeks. Babies develop more regular sleep-wake cycles over time as they age, especially between the ages of 3 to 6 months old.

Teach your babies to sleep by themselves

You don’t have to get your baby addicted to their bedtime story to sleep effectively. If your cant learn to fall asleep by themselves, it will undoubtedly disturb your sleeping hours as well. Put your baby in their cot/bassinet when they start displaying their sleepy signs, but before they are fully asleep. This will drastically help them develop their own capacity to fall asleep while giving you a better chance of success with the process.

Sleeping hours

At 3 months of age babies can sleep from 13 to 15 hours a day. That said, every baby is not the same in terms of sleeping hours. Some babies need less sleep while others require more. Some might even say its genetic and to look to the parents sleep habits as a reason for the sleep behaviours in their babies – particularly how did the parents sleep when they were babies themselves.

Baby Naps

At 3 months of age your baby needs a nap 2 to 4 times a day. If you try to cut back on their naps, there is no guarantee that they won’t wake up in the middle of the night. The reason is that your baby can become overtired if they dont get their sufficient naps during the day which leads to a more frequent waking and sleep disturbance.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Once your baby starts developing physically, it may eventually change your baby’s sleep patterns as well. For example, if a baby learns to roll over/to stand up, it can temporarily disturb their sleep pattern. This is also referred to as a “leap” where your baby’s brain has had a significant advancement in development. In other words, new parents should not get worried about these changing habits. Just keep following the previous sleep routine of the baby, they will get back to routine soon enough.

Read your baby’s cues

Some parents are extra cautious while taking care of their babies. With that, they end up disrupting their baby’s sleep because they are so sensitive about their baby’s sleep. They should let their baby go back to sleep on their own (self settle) when they start waking up a bit. Don’t rush to pick them up and start soothing them, rather see if your baby can self soothe. Finally, try to make the baby’s surrounding environment calm. According to some research studies, babies react more to their mother’s voice than a regular alarm. So if they hear their mother talk, there are higher chances that they may wake up. So, just try to be a bit more careful while your baby is asleep!

Educate Yourself

Babies are a precious and delicate gift for any parent. Parents should be more understanding towards their babies rather than being sensitive towards them. Understanding that they have emotions and that is to be respected – even if they can’t express themselves or talk yet. Your baby will understand much more than you think. Baby sleep science is a subject which is being studied all over the world. It worth performing some more research to get to know more about your baby’s sleep. This knowledge will serve you well during this initial period and help explain some of the responses from your baby which can only be a good thing right?

How to Take Care Of A Newborn Baby

April 27, 2020 by Mandy

As a matter of fact, the first few months with the newborn baby can be overwhelming and chaotic for the first time parents. You will face all the contradicting advice from everyone about taking care of the babies. The final decision is up to you on deciding what advice to follow. Taking care of the newborn baby can be really baffling. It is challenging and exhausting at the same time.

Here are some of the newborn baby care tips that you can follow to take care of the infants –

Feeding

This is an essential newborn baby care tip that you need to follow. The most important thing to be kept in mind is to feed the baby on time. A newborn baby or an infant has to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. It means that you need to feed the baby for around 8 to 12 times a day. You must only feed breast milk to the baby for the first six months of life. This is because breast milk consists of vital nutrients and antibodies which are required for the babies growth and survival. Nurse the baby for at least 10 minutes. Hold the breast near the baby’s lips until he or she latches on its family and starts sucking.

Burping

After feeding, comes burping. Baby needs to be burped. Most of the time it happens that babies swallow the air while feeding which might cause gas and colic in the tummies. As per the burping experts, this excess air leads to digestion problems or spit-ups in the baby. So, all you need to do is generally hold the baby against the chest with one hand and chin resting on your shoulder. Stroke the back of the baby very gently until he or she burps. This is an essential step to the newborn baby care process.

Holding

There is a way of holding the babies as well. It is very important to maintain that you are supporting the head and neck of the baby while holding it. This is because the neck muscles are not very strong enough to hold up independently. The backbone is still growing and must be taken care of. So, always pay attention to the neck and head supporting the baby while taking care of it.

Cord Stump Care

It is a must for the new parents not to bathe the babies for 2-3 weeks. Instead of bathing, you can give a baby a sponge bath or something with a wet towel or lukewarm water. Keep the navel area of the baby clean and dry. Clean and sanitize your hands before handling the navel area. If you want to clean the baby, use a damp cloth or absorbent cloth. Look out for the signs of an infection near the cord stump area. If there is any swelling, redness, is smelly discharge or bleeding in the naval area, take the baby to the pediatrician.

Diapering

It is very important for the new parents to change the diaper as frequently as possible while taking care of the newborn baby right after the delivery. If the baby is getting sufficient breast milk for the formula suggested by the doctor, he or she will wet at least 6 to 8 hours a day with regular feeding of the breast milk. You can also change at 10 times a day depending on the wetness and bowel movements. If you want to change a dirty diaper, you must purchase a changing sheet, diaper wipes, baby powder, diaper rash cream, and some fresh style diapers. In order to prevent uterus infection or anything like that, you must clean the baby from front to back then back to front. Let the babies remain without diapers for a few hours every day.

Bathing

Bathing a newborn baby is a very cautious task. You should start by bathing your baby around 2 to 3 times a week soon after the main umbilical cord stump heals and fades off. Make sure that you have the bathing supplies before you take your baby for a bath. Make sure the bath time is just before bedtime because it helps the babies in sleeping more peacefully. You must buy some of the essential bath commodities like a bathtub, lukewarm water body wash, baby soaps, wash clothes and soft towels, baby lotion, baby creams, and so on. Ensure that you have the best clothes for newborn babies for dressing them in the best attire. It is a must for every parent to make their little angels look special at all the events.

Conclusion

In this way, you can learn very easily how to take care of a newborn baby. The new parents should take some help from friends and family members as well so that they can rest and take care of themselves too. The first time parents are quite confused about many aspects of newborn baby care and it is natural. All the steps will help you in taking care of the newborn baby in the best possible manner.

Happy Caring!

BREASTFEEDING TIPS FOR NEW MOMS

April 22, 2020 by Mandy

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Feeding your little one is one of the first nurturing responsibilities for a new mother. Many women choose to breastfeed over artificial formulas to nourish their little ones with essential nutrients required for growth. However, the natural method of breastfeeding comes with a wide array of stress and worries for young mothers.

The goal is to provide your child with the nourishment he/she needs for a healthy bone structure and vigorous growth. But, it is also about ensuring that you get comfortable with breastfeeding and devise your routine. Young mothers have millions of questions about the correct methods of breastfeeding and the best way to do it.

In this article, we will walk you through some valuable tips to help guide the way.

Here, take a look:

ANTICIPATING NEEDS

As a mother, it is vital to attune yourself to your baby’s feeding desires and need. Don’t wait for the little one to cry; instead, lookout for signs that indicate that your baby wants to feed. For instance, babies open and close their mouth; they repeatedly raise their head, and even stick out their tongues. Some babies even start sucking on objects near them when they are hungry.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time for breastfeeding. It will create a harmonious cycle where your little one will not have to struggle to capture your attention. It will create an intimate relationship between you and your child.

It is also essential to allow your baby to determine the frequency and duration of breastfeeding. Do not set a predetermined schedule and intervals between nursing. If you do that, you will deny your child the right to feed simply because of your scheduling. Many mothers have a habit of waking up sleeping babies just to feed them as per schedule. Allow them to enjoy their sleep and feed them when they’re awake.

GETTING COMFORTABLE

As a mother, your comfort is paramount in the act of breastfeeding. Be sure to invest in soft and comfortable nursing bras that offer adequate support. You also need to find a supportive sitting position, as you will be holding your baby for a considerable time duration. Uncomfortable sitting positions give birth to the horrid neck, shoulder, and backaches.

It is vital to make yourself comfortable because fidgeting, sudden movements, and squirming can disrupt breastfeeding patterns. It will increase your baby’s hunger and give birth to irritability. You can hold your baby in your arms and maintain a reclined position. Or you can comfortably lie on your side with your baby facing towards your body.

Be sure to breastfeed on a bed with lots of pillows to make you and your baby comfortable. You can also use a large couch that offers adequate support to your arms and back. These positions not set in stone. You can try any position that makes you feel more comfortable. Being attentive to your convenience will make the nursing sessions fulfilling for you and your child.

YOUR BABY CAN SENSE NERVOUSNESS

If your body is tense and nervous, your baby can sense, and it will prevent them from latching on accurately. Remember this: if you are not relaxed and comfortable, your baby will not be able to relax either. So, be sure to relax and eliminate tension from your mind before the breastfeeding session.

Naturally, if your environment is stress-inducing and chaotic, it will make you uncomfortable. Surround yourself with a peaceful and tranquil environment. Use the breastfeeding sessions to carve out some time for you and your baby to relax and unwind. You can perform some breathing exercises, visualize a delightful scenery, and look forward to bonding with your little one.

FINDING THE RIGHT POSITION

Many young mothers worry about helping their babies find the right position for breastfeeding. You see, your baby will find the correct position that is most comfortable for them. Every baby is unique and different, and there is no hard and fast rule for this. As a mother, you can ensure that your baby’s mouth leveled with your nipple.

You can make them comfortable so that they do not have to turn their head excessively. Keep the little one’s head titled slightly backward with their chin against your breast to keep the nose clear. Instead of forcing a position onto your baby, let them find their ideal place naturally.

FINAL WORDS

Being a mother brings scores of alarming changes in your body, and leaking is one of these changes. Rest assured that leaking is natural during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Instead of being alarmed, you will have to adjust to it.

It will disappear on its own and lessen down in intensity as you and your baby continue on the breastfeeding journey. You can invest in good quality nursing pads that boost absorbent qualities to make yourself comfortable.

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.