By the time your child reaches 18 months, he or she will have already learned to identify and process quite a few basic things. Children at this age can distinguish shapes, colors, common everyday objects, etc. Their language skills are developing rapidly as they are able to produce and repeat basic sounds and words, and they are now at the point where they can start putting these words together sequentially.

There are quite a few ways that you can build upon this existing knowledge to help your toddler develop further cognitive skills as age two approaches. This article will outline a number of ways that you can help your little one start to blossom linguistically.

Identifying names and other sounds

As children’s language development grows during this period, you’ll want to make a concerted effort to help them learn names and other sounds (“What does the duck say?”). You’ll be surprised at how many sounds toddlers are able to associate with different animals, for example. Their brains are a lot more nimble at that age than ours are!

This identification ability also applies to the names of people, as well as objects and any nouns that are part of their daily experience. Be sure to repeat the names of the people that your child knows regularly, as well as foods, toys, and other objects that are part of your daily activities.

Learning from stories

It may sound obvious, but reading to your child is an essential way to help develop his or her language skills. Stories that are read out loud, particularly when accompanied by pictorial representations of objects and sequences, will now resonate in the mind of your child to a much greater extent than they would have just a few months ago.

At this age, you should start to have an actual dialog with your child about the stories you are reading. After you’re done reading a page, reinforce the material by asking the child to repeat the information that has been provided. “Where is the doggy now?” “The doggy’s inside his house.”

Thinking in sequences and whole clauses

This is the time in which you can start having verbal exchanges with your child. Until this point, interactions mostly take place in the form of commands and physical responses or monosyllabic answers. However, by the time your child reaches 18 months, you’ll be able to ask questions and expect logical answers (“What is that?” “That’s a bunny!”). You should use complete sentences and encourage your child to do the same, as this is the age at which children start thinking in terms of complete verbal structures.

You should also take the time to engage in these dialogs as much as possible so as to reinforce your child’s language skills, and also to boost his or her self-esteem by providing positive feedback.

Children at this age are able to start thinking sequentially. Along with their rapidly developing language skills, this means they will start being able to do such things as count, recite the alphabet, and sing simple song sequences.

Be sure that you are consistent in the way that you present these sequences to your child so as to minimize any potential confusion (for example, if there are different language speakers in the house, it is best to stick to one language per person so that the child understands the sequences as discrete and distinct units).

Songs are a very important part of this. Children have an innate sense of rhythm and the rhythms provided in songs easily become imprinted in their memories (often for life!). Therefore, it is important to choose songs with happy tunes and vocabulary that will be useful for your child.

Allow your child to create things and act out scenarios

By the time children reach advanced toddler age, they will already be used to the processes of holding things, picking them up, and feeling their shapes. At this point, you can start to encourage your child to start putting things together in a logical way. Building forts, putting objects together in terms of name and type, and acting out scenarios with dolls, animals, and other objects are all part of the developmental scheme at this age. You can read here to learn about some of the advanced toys available that will help your child build and create.

Grow with your child

Whatever activities you pursue with your child, you’ll want to engage as closely as possible so as to see first-hand the progress that he or she is making. All of the suggestions outlined here are general ones, but of course each child is unique and has a unique path towards development.

Therefore, you should encourage all of the above-mentioned activities, but don’t force anything too harshly if your child doesn’t seem ready or interested. There may be reasons for confusion that could be compounded later if they’re not addressed. Similarly, if your child seems particularly gifted in his or her linguistic development, you might think about making some of your activities more advanced. And remember to make it fun, so that your child will be both well-developed and happy!

As a parent, you want to ensure your newborn stays both safe and comfortable even during normal activities such as sleeping. One issue to be concerned with is called flat head syndrome or positional plagiocephaly. It is a common issue and occurs in 47% of newborns and is more common in children that are born prematurely. It is a condition where the side or the back of the baby’s head is flat and slightly misshaped. While it is a condition that a child grows out of as they get older and grow it can lead to neck issues requiring physical therapy in some cases.

The Causes of Flat Head Syndrome

Flat head syndrome is caused by the baby’s sleep positions as infants and newborns spend a great deal of time sleeping. A lack of motion and staying in the same sleeping position for an extended period of time is what causes the flattening of the skull. This can occur in cribs, car seats, swings, strollers, and baby carriers. Flat head syndrome is not hard to identify as in addition to the previously noted flattening there is also a lack of hair where the flattening occurs, and in some cases, the ears can appear pushed forward on the head.  

Using a Pillow to Prevent Flat Head Syndrome

There are many ways to prevent flat head syndrome and one of the most effective is to use a supportive pillow. A Lil Cuddler baby pillow is designed to prevent flat head syndrome in infants offers several benefits.

• Added Support: a supportive pillow spreads out the weight and pressure that can become focused on the head if your infant’s pillow lacks proper support. This increases comfort and also prevents aches and body pains.
• Better Sleep: a supportive pillow also improves your infant’s sleep the added support, improved airflow, and increased comfort allows your child to rest easier. This improves the quality of life and can aid in development.
• Prevent Health Problems: in addition to helping prevent flat head syndrome, a supportive pillow has other health benefits. It can prevent growth and development issues related to the nervous system by supporting the neck and spine.

Final Thoughts

As a parent, it’s normal to be concerned about your child’s safety and wellbeing. One of the best things you can do to keep your child safe is to take preventive steps to prevent health issues and concerns. A supportive pillow designed to keep your child safe can be a simple solution that prevents health issues such as flat head syndrome.

The first and essential food for a newborn baby is mother’s breast milk. However, not all mothers can feed their babies lumps. There may be many reasons: ignorance of the peculiarities of breastfeeding, problems with lactation, going to work quickly, certain features of the mother or baby, and so on. Mixtures are prepared to help in such cases.

The time has passed when you had to stand in long lines to buy a bottle of cereal for your baby at the “dairy kitchen”. Now you can buy formula in any supermarket, specialty store or pharmacy.

Doctors usually say that breastfeeding is the best and safest way to feed. No artificial baby formula is better in composition than mother’s breast milk.

But we must give credit to baby food manufacturers: they are constantly improving the composition of artificial formulas, trying to bring it as close as possible to mother’s milk. And if there are reasons why a woman cannot feed her baby, it is worth considering switching to specialized baby food.

ADVANTAGES OF BABY FORMULA

The main advantage of infant formula is convenience. Artificial feeding allows parents to share feeding rights, especially beneficial when both are having a hard time sleeping during the first weeks and months of a baby’s life.

A young mother can also return to work after maternity leave if it is absolutely necessary. And, if a child is hungry in a public place, a bottle can be given without privacy concerns. Once mixed, the formula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, although it should never be left at room temperature for more than an hour.

Because some substances can pass through breast milk, nursing mothers must pay special attention to the types of foods and liquids they consume. However, a formula-feeding mother can eat and drink as much as she wants.

Nursing mothers should also be careful about the types of medications they take because these substances can get into breast milk. Mothers who breastfeed their babies with formula can take medications without worrying about their effects on the baby.

HOW TO CHOOSE RIGHT BABY MILK FORMULA

All powdered EU milk formula substitutes for breast milk, depending on the degree of adaptation and purpose according to age, are divided into basic formula (for children from 0 to 5-6 months, or 0-12 months), next formulas (for children from 5 to 6 to 12 months) and non-standard formulas (for premature babies and infants with low birth weight). This section makes it easy for moms to choose a formula based on their baby’s age.

The amount of food is determined equally in both artificial and natural feeding. In order to prevent quantitative or qualitative underfeeding or overfeeding of the child with subsequent development of a pathological condition (hypo trophy, anemia, dyspepsia, rickets, etc.) It is necessary to clearly dose a single amount of food, very easily with artificial feeding.

CERTIFICATED BABY FORMULAS

Today, store-bought infant formula is tightly controlled for safety and can be recommended for mixed and artificial feeding. The composition of infant formula is carefully regulated by the World Health Organization.

Baby formulas are made mainly on the basis of cow’s milk. There are also certain formulas with goat’s milk and using soy. To understand the degree to which the formula is close to breast milk, you should carefully read the composition of the product on the back of the packet.

When fed with adapted formulas, the child’s need for proteins, fats, carbohydrates and total calories is close to the natural diet. It is worth noting that adapted formulas contain vitamins, micronutrients, polyunsaturated fatty acids in a ratio similar to breast milk. That is why more and more mothers choose organic baby formulas for their babies. It is usually necessary to consult a pediatrician before choosing a formula.

American doctors say that the health and well-being of the younger generation is the basis for the development of a harmonious, well-rounded personality. To ensure that your baby has a carefree childhood, it is important to have a healthy diet and adequate levels of physical activity.

A great example of a high quality baby formula is the formula from HiPP and Holle. These brands have been making baby formula for decades, and they are known all over the world.

It is impossible to buy such a product on the shelves of American stores, but you can order it online at the website. Delivery of online products has become available all over the world. And people quickly get what they want.

And observing the statistics, we can confidently say that a large percentage of moms choose European baby formula and remain completely satisfied with its quality. They give positive feedback about them in social networks and advise other mothers to try them. After all, European mixes contain no traces of non-organic products or preservatives and are packed with a full range of vitamins and minerals close to breast milk.

YOUR BABY HEALTH IN YOUR HANDS

So, in order for your baby to grow up healthy, smart, intelligent, and energetic, feed him or her foods that are appropriate for his or her age and needs. An excellent alternative to cow’s milk is infant formula. It is fully balanced with the baby’s needs. And most importantly, it contains an optimized protein complex, thanks to which the baby gets exactly as much protein as required by the body without undue stress on the immature organs. Living BL bifidobacteria help to strengthen the baby’s immune system, and the complex of sensible lipids plays an important role in the formation of the baby’s immune system and contributes to the development of the brain and vision.

 

Babies aren’t great communicators. During the very early stages of their development, they’re either silent, or they’re screaming or crying. As every parent knows, screaming and crying can mean almost anything. They might be tired or bored. They might be trying to tell you that they need a change, or they’re hungry. A lot of the time, there doesn’t appear to be any reason at all. Trying to understand the reason your baby is crying is all part of the fun and games of being a new parent. It’s a wonder that any of us ever sign up for the job!

Because a baby can’t speak, gesticulate, or otherwise communicate specific facts, it isn’t always easy to spot the signs of a food allergy. That’s a common worry for new parents because severe food allergies can be dangerous, and you won’t know they exist until after your baby has eaten. None of us would ever poison our children deliberately, but even the thought that you might have done so accidentally is extremely upsetting. That’s why you need to know the tell-tale signs of an allergy.

An allergic reaction and rejection or regurgitation of food aren’t the same things. Just as we can’t always be sure why a baby is crying, we can’t always be sure why they’re throwing food back up either. A baby is like an online slots UK game. You can place the same bet on an online slots game ten or twenty times and have nothing happen, only for the jackpot to turn up on the eleventh or twenty-first spin. You can feed a baby the same food ten or twenty times and have nothing happen, and then get a violent rejection of the same meal on that eleventh or twenty-first feed. People tend to be happier with online slots jackpots than unexpected projectile vomit, so this isn’t a perfect comparison, but the comparison stands anyway!

Believe it or not, vomiting isn’t one of the potential signs of a food allergy. Read on, and we’ll tell you what you should be looking for instead.

Foods Babies Might Be Allergic To

It’s possible to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction almost completely if you avoid feeding your baby anything that presents a risk of one, but that would mean keeping them on an extremely restricted diet, which wouldn’t be ideal. There are some foods that present higher risks than others, though, and you should be conscious of when you introduce them to your baby for the first time so you can monitor them closely for any adverse reactions.

As a starting point, babies can be allergic to almost any kind of nut. Giving nuts to babies isn’t advisable anyway because they can get lodged in their throats, but even crushed or pasted nuts like peanut butter can be a problem. They can also be allergic to cow’s milk, which comes as a surprise to some people. This isn’t the same thing as being lactose intolerant (we’ll come to that later) – it’s a full-blown allergy. The other major candidates for potential allergies are eggs, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Keep a feeding diary when you’re giving your infant a food type for the first time, and only use small quantities of these foods in the early stages to minimize the severity of any potential allergic reaction.

Foods Babies Might Not Tolerate

It’s easy to confuse food intolerance with a food allergy, but they’re not the same thing. The effects of eating a food you’re intolerant to tend to be milder than those of consuming food you’re allergic to. They’re still unpleasant, but they’re not as dangerous! Intolerances are far more common than allergies but can be harder to spot.

There are three main types of food intolerance that your baby might experience. Those are lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and intolerance of additives in food. The latter group is the easiest to deal with because you can avoid additives altogether if you shop smart. Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are harder to work with because you’ll probably need to obtain specialist baby food to navigate around the problem.

A baby who is lactose intolerant will probably be bloated and gassy after drinking milk. They might also experience diarrhea. Bloating and upset stomachs are also common with gluten intolerance, but this can also manifest as headaches. Intolerance of food additives is different and might appear as rashes as well as stomach upsets. Because of the rash, it can be hard to distinguish from an allergy at first, which is why it’s important to seek medical advice if rashes appear after meals.

Symptoms Of Allergies

Here’s where things get difficult! Allergies can manifest themselves in a myriad of different ways, and some of the reactions are similar to illnesses like coughs or colds. That’s why we have to be vigilant about watching our children after meals and observing whether the symptoms are present at any time other than shortly after eating. In almost all cases, the symptoms of an allergy will present themselves within an hour of a meal being consumed. In some cases, it will only take a few minutes.

Aside from stomach upsets, an allergic reaction can appear as hives or rashes, a runny nose, coughing, itchiness, sneezing, wheezing, or swelling of the skin that’s been in contact with food, including mouths and lips. In the most serious of cases, an allergic reaction will lead to anaphylaxis, which is extremely dangerous. It’s also extremely obvious. Anaphylaxis appears as disorientation or confusion, chest pain, asthma-like shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and even loss of consciousness. Should any of these symptoms occur, an ambulance must be called immediately.

We know that telling parents not to worry is pointless, but please do try to avoid losing sleep over the prospect of your baby having an allergy. In the overwhelming majority of cases, allergies manifest as nothing more than a slight irritation. By introducing new foods slowly and carefully and logging responses, you should be able to identify them yourself and plan meals accordingly. If in doubt, though, a doctor or pediatrician should have no problem confirming your suspicions. In most cases, simple antihistamines are enough to deal with any allergic reaction that might appear – so ensure you always have some in your house and seek medical advice if you have any doubts!

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about infertility, despite it being fairly common across the world. Whether you’re looking to conceive yourself or are simply hoping to understand this condition better, infertility impacts many but today is also largely treatable. Fertility technology is more advanced than ever in 2020, as is scientists’ and doctors’ knowledge about what the causes and symptoms of infertility are, and what steps could be taken to help prevent it. With today’s ongoing scientific developments in this area, this fertility issue is more straightforward to address than ever. Below, you’ll find some little known facts and well-kept secrets about infertility than anyone hoping to conceive in this day and age should be aware of.

1. IVF Technology Continues To Advance

Many people dealing with fertility problems turn to IVF treatment as a way to increase their odds of a viable pregnancy. IVF, short for in vitro fertilization, is a process that involves fertilizing an egg and then directly implanting it in the uterus, hence the name of the treatment. The process can take multiple months to complete and depending on the patient, the first round may not be successful, but the technology has solid scientific backing that continues to attract those hoping to conceive. Additionally, there is evidence that not only effectiveness but also overall safety continues to improve with the passage of time.

2. Male Infertility Is Possible

An old wives’ tale holds that infertility is primarily an issue on the part of women. However, you might be surprised to learn that male infertility is entirely possible as well. The difference lies in the cause. Infertility in women may be due to factors like damage to the fallopian tubes, uterine or cervix, or to conditions like endometriosis. In men, infertility is typically linked to sperm issues such as inadequate production or incomplete delivery. Anyone’s fertility can be affected by factors such as undergoing treatment for cancer.

3. The Definition Is Narrower Than You May Think

One common misconception about infertility is that this diagnosis means you are fully incapable of having children and will never be able to get pregnant. However, the official definition is much narrower than you might have thought. According to the Centers for Disease Control, infertility is when you are unable to conceive after one year or more of unprotected intercourse. This is also dependent on age restrictions – for example, if a woman is older than 35, the time window is reduced to six months.

4. Lifestyle Choices May Help Improve Fertility

After a deep dive into the facts of infertility, you might be wondering whether there’s anything you can do now to prevent it later on, especially if you don’t plan on trying to conceive for a while. Thankfully, the answer is yes. While not a cure-all in every situation, there’s strong evidence that healthy lifestyle choices can make a difference in your fertility. If you smoke, quitting is the way to go. You may also want to reduce alcohol use and ask your doctor whether any medications you’re on impact fertility. Getting enough sleep and exercise, eating well and maintaining a stable, healthy weight all play a role as well.

Infertility is a frequent issue many people run into worldwide, but whether due to persistent myths or inadequate public knowledge campaigns, literacy on the topic isn’t always at levels helpful for those looking to conceive. If you are struggling with infertility, however, you can rest assured that this is not an uncommon concern and in many cases can be treated. Additionally, with a deeper understanding of the issue, you can take steps to prevent it. Given today’s consistent advances in technology, the odds of getting pregnant for those dealing with infertility are on the rise.

 

A baby shower is a great way to help a mother-to-be cope with the prospect of welcoming a new baby. With family and friends around, the new mum can share space in a setting where baby gifts, support, and first-time-parent tips are accessible. When your friend or someone you love shares the exciting news of having a baby, then finding a thoughtful gift that the parents-to-be will appreciate is the best thing one can do. If you are looking for a perfect gift for an upcoming baby shower, then you might find this article quite helpful. Here are some unique gift ideas for a baby shower basket.

1. Baby Carrier

A babywearing carrier goes a long way in helping the new parents learn how to navigate around with the little one. Baby carriers also come with plenty of benefits, including enhanced bonds between mother and child, promotes breastfeeding, and reduced crying for the baby. No doubt that the parent-to-be would find a baby carrier so helpful.

2. Baby Pyjamas

Comfort and good sleep are some of the things every new mother wants, and pyjamas will perfectly meet these needs. Pyjamas are available in a wide range of options, and you want to ensure that you get the very best. Again, pyjamas in the market come in multiple themes. You can use the baby shower’s theme to inform your purchasing decision. You will also be at an advantage if the unborn child’s gender has been revealed to you. This way, you can get gender-specific pyjamas, namely girls pyjamas and boys pyjamas. Girls pyjamas, for example, will make her look more adorable and cosy in bedtime. On the other hand, boys pyjamas will be absolutely valuable for the newborn across all seasons.

3. Crib

Cribs are quite essential for nursing mothers, and gifting your friend with one will mean a lot to them. Of course, there is a wide range of cribs in the market today. Finding out the type of crib that the new parent would like will help you get a gift that suits their needs.

4. Soft Toys

When you are quite unsure of what to get for the new mother, soft toys would be the most standard gift you could ever buy. The toys can be superhero characters, princess, ballerina dolls, or a cute animal.

5. Diapers

An endless supply of diapers is every mother’s greatest desire. New parents may find themselves changing diapers for almost 10 times in a given day, and a set of diapers would be invaluable. So, why not get a month’s supply of diapers as your baby shower gift?

6. Baby Blanket

A baby blanket can be used for day-to-day fun, wrapping, and swaddling. A soft, personalized blanket with the baby’s name on it can make a perfect baby shower gift.

7. Costumes

Baby costumes can be fun, especially for mothers that would love to have a newborn photoshoot. From animal and cartoon costumes to movies and superhero costumes, you can always find the perfect gift for the newborn.

Babies are so precious that they instantly bring joy and light up a room. But as adorable and cute as they may be, they are also fragile and quite vulnerable. That is why the appropriateness of toys and apparel for infants and young children is categorised according to age group.

Not everyone is familiar with the dos and don’ts of choosing baby presents. With so many options to choose from and the desire to impress both the little recipient and their parents, the pressure is on. Don’t sweat it, though. This blog aims to guide you in choosing the perfect gift for your family’s sweet new addition.

• Size

In this case, you should not be looking for a perfect fit. Buying clothes for babies means choosing apparel in larger sizes. Babies tend to grow fast, which is why if you give them onesies, shirts, or pants that are fit exactly for their current age, the chances are they can only wear it for a short period.

• Comfort

As with purchasing adult clothes, choosing comfort over style is also an unspoken rule in baby clothing. You might come across a bright yellow or pink blanket or find pillows in farm animals’ shape. Instantly, you pick up these items, thinking that it would be the perfect gift. Always check the material and structure of the blanket, pillow, or plushie. Fleece and gauze are two of the most appropriate types of fabric for baby blankets. Jersey and bamboo rayon fabric are comfortable and appropriate for baby skin, while firm pillows without cases are ideal for infants.

• Function

Strollers, carriers, and baby accessories come in different shapes and colours. Ultimately, strollers with a stable structure, snap-on bassinets, built-in coverage, and comfortable seats, and cushions. Experts recommend high-seating carriers and those that provide more space for the baby’s bum and legs to rest while you carry them. Narrow-seated carriers tend to affect spine development and bone structure in infants.

• Practicality

Sometimes, parents are not after fancy dresses and tuxedos for their babies. All they want are additional supplies of diapers, milk, and baby wipes. It might not be something that will last a long time, but it is useful and will help out the baby’s parents a great deal. Practical baby gifts are money-saving and thoughtful.

• Educational

When choosing baby toys, find one that will stimulate the infant’s senses. Musical toys, rattles, and soft toys with different textures allow babies to explore their surroundings and make better sense of the environment around them. You can also buy storybooks that parents can read to them at night.

• Sentimental

It might be old-fashioned, but you can buy a photo album or storage where parents can preserve pictures of their little one. As mentioned earlier, babies grow up so fast that it is only a matter of time before they spend more time running around than cuddling in their mother’s or father’s arms. By offering something that lets parents reminisce and take a piece of their baby’s most precious moments while growing up, you are sure to give them a gift that’s worth more than cash.

Baby presents should be prepared with the infant’s safety and development in mind. Skip the fancy glitters, the mini figurines, marbles, magnets, and balloons. Opt for something appropriate for their age. Better yet, consult their parents’ opinion and ask if the child has specific or special needs that need to be addressed when choosing clothes, blankets, and accessories for them.

Keeping your baby safe and comfy is paramount which shouldn’t be compromised when taking your little one out in the pushchair. This will make outings a lot more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Here are several tips and tricks to help add that bit of extra comfort to your pushchair. Furthermore, you must also find the pram comfortable to use otherwise it could affect the experience of going out with your baby.

Types of pushchair

Many parents out there have recommended 3 in 1 pushchairs as they provide comfort at each stage of your child’s early years. From providing comfort to your baby from a spacious bassinet to having soft, padded material that lines the pushchair for when they enter the toddler stage. This explains why they are in high demand amongst new parents due to the versatility they offer. Pushchairs which do not offer this not only add extra expense as you will have to purchase additional extras or even a new pushchair as your baby gets older but, it means that you cannot change the position of your baby to suit your outing as you don’t get a carrycot, bassinet and toddler seat all in one, making it less versatile. No matter what pushchair you have your eye on buying, by making sure that it is forward-facing as well as rear-facing which will benefit you and your baby. It helps provide emotional support as your baby can see you so feels a sense of security. Likewise, you are able to encourage parent-baby interaction as well as being able to keep a closer eye on them.

Blankets

As obvious as it sounds, providing your baby with the right blanket will keep them warm in colder months and provide comfort and security all year round. Try to use a cellular blanket when you have a newborn as they are made of cotton which is perfect for delicate skin and they have tiny holes in the material which provides extra safety for your baby, especially when they are asleep, which would give you peace of mind if you are shopping when you haven’t got your full attention on your baby. The key is to find what blanket your child loves and use it on outings to make it more pleasurable as you will have a happy baby. Some babies prefer a comforter to a blanket so working out what your baby’s preferences are will make the world of difference when taking them out.

Pushchair liners

Although pushchairs come with enough padding for your baby to make them comfortable, adding an additional seat liner will bring extra comfort as they will keep your baby extra warm in colder months and cooler in warmer months. Many babies prefer liners made from sheepskin as they regulate body temperature better and provide extra support to create a swaddling effect which can increase the quality of their sleep. For winter months, some parents like to use a footmuff as they are designed to keep your baby warm from head to toe. Unlike a blanket, footmuffs are zipped up so you haven’t got the worry of your baby’s blanket becoming untucked. They act as a pushchair liner as your baby is cocooned in what is essentially, a baby sleeping bag!

Toys

As babies get older, distractions are needed to prevent them from becoming bored. Toys that attach to the car seat handle or toys which they can hold in their pushchair are a great way to keep your little one amused when you are out and about, especially when you are out for a long period of time. Not only does this entertain your child, but it also helps them to learn and develop from fine motor skills to gross motor skills.

Height of the handles

If your handles are not altered to suit your height, it could cause you back pain from poor posture. This is something, especially tall people need to consider when buying a pushchair because some handles don’t extend as much as others. It is even more so important that that you choose a pushchair with adjustable handles if you aren’t the only person who will be using it; especially if there is a significant height difference. You want outings with your child to be a pleasant experience and not uncomfortable.

All pushchairs are made with comfort in mind so if you choose not to buy any additional extras, your baby will still be comfy. However, some accessories could provide extra comfort to your baby which could make them sleep better and help with developmental milestones.

 

When you have a newborn one of the things you need to learn is how to calm them down. Babies face a new environment so they tend to be always afraid and start crying. This is where your muslin swaddle blanket comes into the picture.

Why should you swaddle your newborn? What are the benefits of swaddling? Why should you use muslin blankets?

Being a new parent is a lifechanging phase. But the more that you learn about your baby, the easier it gets. Read below to see why muslin blankets are good for newborns.

Why Swaddling Makes Your Baby Get Better Sleep

Some parents don’t swaddle their newborns because they are afraid of endangering them. Contrary to that many babies respond to swaddling in a positive way. Not only would it make them happy, but it will make you happy as well. A baby that sleeps well also gives the parents time to rest.

1. Swaddling can improve a newborn’s neuromuscular development
2. Swaddling can reduce the occurrence of SIDS
3. Your baby sleeps longer when swaddled
4. When your newborn experiences distress, swaddling can help soothe them
5. Swaddling can lessen your baby’s crying episodes

Why Should You Use Muslin Blankets?

Once you’ve decided to swaddle your newborn, you should then get a muslin blanket. Why does it need to be of muslin fabric? Won’t any other blanket work? There are reasons why muslin textures are well recommended.

• It gives your baby warmth and breathability. The fabric is also stretchy which lets your baby move around the swaddle.
• It is almost weightless. This means you can cover up your baby without having to wake them up.
• There are double layered versions for colder months.
• It functions well as a sunshade. You can also use them in strollers, travel cots, car seats, nursing covers and more.
• It can also function as a burp cloth or puke rag. It is reliable and easy to carry around.
• It can be a changing blanket especially outside. When you need to change your baby’s diapers, you can use muslin blankets to cover any surface to lie your baby on.
• It can be a pool towel or a play mat when you take your baby out to the pool or during playtime.

Why Getting a Muslin Is Your Best Baby Gear

If you want something that you can use anytime and anywhere muslin fabrics are the best. Of course one of their primary uses is in swaddling. But you can use them in a variety of emergencies. This is something that not all other baby blankets can offer.

Being pregnant, having a baby, and then caring for that baby can all be very hard on your body. To be performing at your best, you have to know how to take care of yourself during each of these times in your life and in the life of your child.

To help you with this as you deal with being postpartum and nursing your newborn baby, here are three tips for caring for your body while you’re a breastfeeding mother.

Get Enough To Drink Each Day

When you were pregnant, you were likely told that it was important for you to keep yourself hydrated. Well, now that you’ve delivered your baby, hydration is still very important, especially when breastfeeding.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should be drinking enough water each day that you don’t ever actually feel thirsty and that your urine never appears dark yellow. If either one of these things is happening, you’re not getting the water that your body and your baby needs to breastfeed effectively.

So to keep yourself, your baby, and your breasts as healthy as possible—even though you might find yourself wanting to get some help from a plastic surgeon once you’re done nursing—make sure you’re getting your recommended daily amount of water. Because if you’re not properly hydrated, you’re going to have a hard time producing the milk that your little one so desperately needs.

Be Wary Of Dieting

When you were pregnant, you likely put on a few pounds over the nine-month process. And while some women seem to drop their baby weight very quickly, especially if they breastfeed, others don’t have that same experience. But as much as you might like to buckle down and lose that baby weight fast, while you’re nursing isn’t the best time to be putting yourself on a strict diet.

According to Alina Petre, a contributor to Healthline.com, nursing mothers need to be eating at least 1,500 calories per day to keep up their milk supply. While this is the bare minimum, you should shoot to be eating more like 1,800 calories or more. So rather than trying to diet by cutting calories, just make sure you’re eating healthy foods in proper proportions if you’re worried about keeping your weight down.

Practice Proper Hygiene

Having a newborn means you’re going to be up close and personal with their spit up, urine, feces, snot, and much more. And if you’re nursing, you’re also going to be dealing with breast milk as well. So while it might seem like fighting a losing battle, Melissa Kotlen, a contributor to Very Well Family, shares that you need to practice proper hygiene both for your own health and for the health of your baby. This means that you shower often, cleanse your breasts regularly, and keep your breasts clean and dry.

If you’re unsure about the best ways to care for your body when you’re breastfeeding, consider implementing the tips mentioned above.