Third Trimester of Pregnancy – Choosing Childcare Providers

Chances are you have been trying to put off looking for a childcare provider for your baby as long as possible. If you are like most moms, thinking about WHO will take care of your baby BEFORE you have even given birth, seems a bit counter-intuitive. Plus, all the waiting around, and your accumulation of maternity leave and vacation time from work, likely makes you feel like there is no rush to choose a daycare provider, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Right?  Wrong! Here’s why.

Firstly, you might be shocked to start your search for the perfect daycare, find one – and then find out that you have to be put on a waiting list for several months to a year. In the United States, many of the premiere daycare centers have waiting lists a mile long, especially for the newborn, infant and baby rooms. The reason is simple. There are only so many babies that these daycare centers are legally allowed to have per room. Secondly, there is a high demand for top-notch facilities. And in order to find the best facility for you and your baby, you will have to do a lot of research and door to door visiting of daycare centers so that you can get an ‘intuitive feel’ for the center before enrolling your child.

As you begin to search for a daycare center, you may want to make impromptu stops at daycare centers without appointments so that you can see how things are run when the center is not expecting a visitor. Certainly you will have to check in with the front office staff before touring the center, but not allowing the center time to ‘prepare’ in order to make a good example to gain a customer is a smart way to check the integrity of a daycare center.

When you tour, pay attention to the children and your intuition. Do the kids look happy?  Are there adults present at all times? Do you get a good feel from the staff that is in charge of the daycare center? Are all of the employees certified to care for children?  Are doors locked and secure? Pay close attention to how things are organized, and come prepared with as many question as possible. Also, avoid making a hasty decision – and try to visit a center that you are interested in at least 2 -3 times before committing so you can get a better feel of the day to day operations.

You should also check online for any complaints or problems with a daycare center. Sometimes, you will find problems or concerns from other parents in forums or local listings specific to your town. Also, check in with neighbors and other moms around your area to see which day care centers they would recommend, and which ones they would not. Other moms can be your greatest source of information, especially if they have personal experience with the daycare center.

Certainly, looking for a daycare center in your third trimester can be bittersweet. If you know you are going back to work, and know that you will have to rely on a daycare for your child, it will be much easier to research and visit the daycares, prior to having your baby than it will be afterwards.

Also, don’t totally count out in-home day care centers, which can also provide a loving, more personal environment for your child. If you go to an individual for your daycare needs, you should do not just a background check on the provider, but also ask to see all credentials they have which allow them to care for children in their home.

Remember, the most important decision you will make after you have your baby is who will care for your child in your absence. Use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to rely on your feelings and intuition to help you make a decision.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Is It Time for Baths In the Big Tub?

First it was sponge baths, and then you started bathing baby in a specially designed infant tub or maybe even in the sink. He’s getting a little bigger now and you’re wondering: when will it be time to move your baby to a bath in the big tub?

Once your baby can sit up on his own – typically around 6 months – he’s ready for the big bathtub. Here are some tips to make this bath-time transition a little smoother:

  • Make sure the bathroom is nice and warm.
  • Fill the tub with only a couple inches of water.
  • Have some fun toys for baby to play with. Bath time can be a splashing, fun time – and playing around with water may be a completely new experience for baby.
  • Have all of the bathing supplies – soap, washcloth, towel – handy. If you forget something, take baby out of the tub while you get it. Don’t turn your back on baby once he’s in the water.
  • Use a non-skid mat under baby to keep his slippery bottom from sliding around in the tub.
  • A baby’s bath water should be around 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). Test the water with your elbow or wrist before setting baby in or invest in a floating thermometer made just for this purpose. Be sure your hot water heater is set low enough to prevent scalding should the water be inadvertently turned on when baby is near the tap.

Never leave your baby unattended around water – even just for a second. Babies can drown even in just an inch of water. If the phone rings or your attention is needed elsewhere when baby is in the tub, wrap baby in a towel and take him with you, then return to the bath when you’re done.

Keep in mind moving from a comfy, tight tub to a big, open tub can be scary for some babies. Sometimes putting the infant tub inside the big tub the first few times can make this transition easier for baby.

If you don’t have a tub? No problem. Most babies (and toddlers) will happily play at your feet in the shower, and you can easily give them a quick washing before you both get out. Be sure to put a non-slip mat at the bottom of the shower though, so baby doesn’t slip around (and hurt himself). Some parents buy an old-fashioned steel washtub, a large plastic bin or a small inflatable bathtub if they live in a home with only a shower.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

3 Signs of Baby Dehydration, and What to do About It

Dehydration is never a good thing, and baby dehydration can be even scarier. That’s because your baby is relying on staying hydrated for appropriate weight gain and development, but also because babies are sometimes more susceptible to getting dehydrated as a result of diarrhea or vomiting.

Obviously, catching your baby’s dehydration as soon as possible is the first step to treating it. So how can you tell if your little one is lacking in fluids?

  1. Diapers: If it has been more than six hours since your baby’s last wet diaper, or if he or she isn’t producing between five and eight wet diapers in a 24-hour period, they are likely dehydrated. Another indicator might be the color and smell of the urine they are Darker, stronger-scented urine is a surefire sign of baby dehydration.
  2. Sunken Eyes and Fontanel: If your little one’s eyes appear sunken in, check to see if the fontanel is as well. This is the soft spot on your baby’s head that you have probably caressed a hundred times before. When both the eyes and fontanel are sunken in, it can be a sign of a lack of fluids.
  3. Dry Mouth: Just like you, your baby relies on hydration to keep their lips and mouth from becoming chapped and dry. So unusually chapped lips, or a mouth that seems to be absent of much saliva, can be an indication that your little one needs hydration.

If you suspect that your little one may be suffering from baby dehydration, one of the first things to do is call your pediatrician. They will likely ask you a few questions to determine just how dehydrated your baby is. Depending on the reason for dehydration, and how extensive the issue is, they may want to see your baby right away. Or, they may make some suggestions for trying to rehydrate your baby at home first.

Obviously, attempting to feed your baby breast milk or formula is probably the first thing to try, assuming he or she is not suffering from some type of stomach virus that led to the dehydration in the first place. Your doctor might also prescribe a special liquid to help replenish electrolytes.

If your baby is starting to appear lethargic or is exhibiting more serious signs of dehydration (excessive vomiting or fussiness, or crying without tears) skip the pediatrician and go straight to the emergency room. A severely dehydrated baby needs to be treated right away.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Splish, Splash, Baby in the Bath!

Now that you are a few months into parenting, you probably feel like a baby bath time professional. You’ve likely tried the smaller tubs in the sink, and have graduated to a larger baby tub placed in your actual bathtub by now. But every day your little one gets stronger and moves around more, and that squirming can create a few extra challenges for bath time!

It is also around this time that babies might start protesting a little more in the tub, especially when it comes to water around their heads and faces. But you still have to wash their scalps, so what can you do?

Some parents find that bathing with their little ones can alleviate a lot of these problems. Babies who are a few months old are simply more secure in Mom or Dad’s arms, and Mom and Dad usually feel a bit more comfortable with the hold they have on baby when they are in the tub too. Plus, little ones can still benefit from skin to skin contact at this age, and getting in the tub with your baby can be a great bonding experience.

But even if bathing with your little one isn’t your thing, there are still ways to make bath time more fun for you both.

For starters, make sure you have everything you will need (baby friendly soap, a towel, a washcloth, etc.) within arms reach before you start the bath, so that you won’t have to leave your baby’s side at all. This is important both for safety (never, ever leave the room when your baby is in the tub) and for your little one’s security.

Make sure the water is warm, but not hot, and have a few toys in the tub for your baby to start grasping at and playing with. It’s normal for some little ones to start exhibiting a fear of the water, so your role is simply to keep a smile on your face and to demonstrate to your baby how fun the water can be. Laugh when he or she splashes and talk to them throughout the bath.

Babies only need to be bathed two or three times a week, and using a baby friendly lotion or oil immediately after the bath can help to prevent and treat dry skin.

One thing to keep in mind during baby bath time: little “surprises,” otherwise known as baby poop and pee, are routinely deposited in the tub by little ones. Think of this as a parental rite of passage, and be sure to get your little one out, lotioned, and safely put in their crib or baby swing before you start in on the cleaning duty.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Wah! When Will the Baby Crying End?

Isn’t everything about a new baby wonderful? The snuggles, their perfect baby smell, and the baby crying.

Oh… wait… maybe the crying isn’t so wonderful.

But in case you hadn’t realized it yet, babies cry. Sometimes for reasons that are completely beyond your comprehension, and sometimes for extended periods of time without any indication of letting up.

Babies cry. And knowing it’s normal doesn’t make it any easier to endure.

It’s said that most babies start to cry more around two weeks of age, with those uncontrollable, un-soothe-able bouts of crying peaking at about six weeks. But for some babies, that can continue on through the third or fourth month, and it can last for hours at a time.

These more extreme baby crying fits are sometimes a sign of colic, which is just the name given to babies who cry even when they otherwise seem to be healthy, happy, and fed. If your little one cries more than 3 hours a day, mostly at night, and seemingly without reason, he or she may have colic. And unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about colic besides being there, attempting to comfort a baby who may not want to be comforted.

If you’re still hoping to somehow soothe those cries, try skin to skin contact while swaying back and forth. You may also find that dimming the lights or taking a warm bath could help. And some parents find that strapping their little ones into the car seat and going for a drive can provide relief.

The good news is, this is all within the range of normal, and it tends to subside by the third or fourth month. Which means getting through the tears is possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s not stressful. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed by the baby crying, put your baby down someplace safe and go to another room where you can have a chance to breathe. Call a friend or family member for help if you need it. Having someone come sit with your baby during the hardest hours for even just one night could be exactly what you need to refresh and recharge.

Most importantly, don’t ever hesitate to take your baby to the pediatrician if you fear that something just isn’t right. While colic can absolutely be normal, there can also sometimes be an underlying cause contributing to those tears. Food allergies, for instance, could result in one very unhappy baby. So trust your gut and ask questions if the tears feel outside the range of normal to you.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Can the Wrong Bottle Make Reflux Worse?

We all know that babies spit-up. This is a normal fact of life with a little one, and while it can be less than fun (after all, who wants to constantly smell like baby spit-up?) it’s not usually a big reason for concern. Babies spit-up. It happens.

Still, sometimes a baby will spit up more than what might be considered “normal.” Maybe they are spitting up regularly between meals, or perhaps they seem to be spitting up everything they just ate. Mommy usually knows best, and if you think your baby may be having more trouble with spitting up than most, it is fair for you to be concerned.

But is there anything you can do about it? And could your bottle choice be contributing to the problem? Will the wrong bottle make reflux worse?

The answer is, yes and no.

In most cases, babies who are fed at the breast are going to be sucking in less air than those who are bottle fed. So it is possible that a bottle fed baby, even those drinking pumped breast milk, may be experiencing more issues with trapped air in their bellies than a baby who is fed at the breast. And that trapped air can lead to more spit-up in some cases.

Which means that your baby may find some relief if you ditch the bottle altogether.

But does the type of bottle itself matter?

In most cases, no. Yes, there are some bottles that are designed to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows, and those certainly can’t hurt. Having the appropriate nipple size for your baby’s age is also important, because a nipple that allows your baby to drink too quickly may contribute to spitting up.

But the truth is, actual reflux is a medical condition, not something caused by anything you are or are not doing with the bottle. Proper feeding techniques can help to reduce general spit-up, but if you think your baby has full-blown reflux, a visit to the pediatrician is in order.

There are a lot of things that could be causing the reflux, and most of them can be treated fairly simply. For instance, your baby may have food allergies that indicate he or she would do better if you avoided those foods in your own diet while breastfeeding. But regardless of what the reason may be, reflux is a physiological problem—not one caused by how fast your baby is drinking or what type of bottle he or she is drinking from.

So if you have concerns, make a visit with your pediatrician before you go through the house replacing all the bottles.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

“Excuse You!” Are You Burping Your Baby Right?

There are some aspects of parenting a newborn that seem like they should just come naturally, right? After all, how hard can it be to cuddle a baby to sleep? Or to put those tiny little toes into the tiniest little socks? Or to get a baby who already needs to burp, to burp.

Well… that last one may take a little more effort than you realize.

You see, little ones need a bit of extra help with their burping. They don’t yet have the muscle development to handle that task well all on their own. Sure, a baby who doesn’t get help burping will likely still figure it out — but they are also likely going to be in a good deal of pain as they do. Which isn’t fun for anyone.

So burping your baby is important. And it can even be an adorable bonding time; one more excuse to talk to and hold your newborn.

Like us, babies can get air trapped in their stomachs. The difference is that because of how they eat, sucking on either a bottle or nipple, they are actually more likely to have regular occurrences of that trapped air. And unlike us, they don’t yet know how to deal with that on their own.

Which is where burping your baby comes in.

Babies who are bottle fed generally need to be burped more than babies who are breastfed, simply because the bottle allows for them to swallow more air. But every baby is different, so paying attention to individual cues is important. In the early weeks and months of infancy, your baby may benefit from a break during feedings for burping. This can help them to rid their tummies of that air as feeding is occurring, making them more comfortable and clearing up space for them to continue eating.

Whether you are burping your baby during or after feedings, though, there are a few options for how you hold your baby as you’re burping. You can hold him or her to your chest, so that their chin rests on your shoulder. Or you can hold them sitting on your lap, leaning forward with your hand against their chest and their chin resting in the space between your thumb and forefinger. Either way, having a cloth near their mouth (either on your shoulder or lap) can save you from getting spit-up on—which is advisable! You can also place your baby laying face down on your lap, if he or she seems more comfortable with that.

Once they are positioned, you just need to gently pat and rub their back until they have a few burps.

Again, all babies are different, so if your little one doesn’t seem to need to burp as often, pay attention to that. But if he or she is fussier than normal, give burping your baby a try. You never know what relief getting rid of a little bit of trapped air might bring!

 

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.

Jaundice in a Healthy Newborn: Should I Worry?

You have just delivered your beautiful baby, and he is perfect in every way. So it may come as a surprise if your healthcare provider tells you your baby has jaundice. But jaundice does not mean anything is seriously wrong. In fact, newborn jaundice is so common, it occurs in about 60 percent of babies.

What is Jaundice?

Being told your newborn has even a minor medical condition can stress out any new parent. But understanding why jaundice occurs and how it is treated can help ease worries.

Jaundice is caused by elevated levels of an enzyme called bilirubin. Your body produces bilirubin as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin is eliminated by the liver. But in some cases, your baby’s liver is still learning how to do the job. Bilirubin may be produced faster than your baby’s still maturing liver can eliminate it. The enzyme can build up, and a few days after birth, your baby may develop jaundice.

Is Jaundice Serious?

In the vast majority of instances, newborn jaundice is nothing to worry about and resolves within a couple of weeks. In rare cases, levels of bilirubin can become dangerously high and lead to a complication called kernicterus.

Kernicterus can cause hearing loss, delayed development and vision problems. The good news is babies with high levels of bilirubin are usually treated before the condition becomes severe.

It’s normal to wonder if something you did or did not do during pregnancy led to your baby developing jaundice. Rest assured, there is nothing you could have done to prevent the condition.

Spotting Jaundice

If you had a hospital birth, your baby’s bilirubin levels were probably checked shortly after you delivered. But it’s important to understand, bilirubin levels often peak around five days after birth, so you may be discharged before symptoms develop.

Many pediatricians recommend a well-baby visit a couple of days after you and your baby are discharged from the hospital. At your first well-baby visit, your baby’s bilirubin levels may also be checked.

Parents may also be the first ones to recognize jaundice in their newborn. You’re probably spending a lot of time gazing at your little one and may be the first to notice a change in her coloring. A baby with jaundice will develop a yellow discoloration of their skin. At first it may just involve the face, but the yellowing may spread to the chest, stomach and legs. In some cases, the whites of the eyes will also become yellow.

If you think your baby may have jaundice, call your pediatrician. You can’t gauge how high your baby’s bilirubin is just by looking at her, so she needs to be evaluated by her pediatrician.

Treating Jaundice

In many cases, babies do not need treatment for jaundice. They’re just monitored to make sure levels decrease on their own. If treatment is needed, phototherapy usually is effective. Phototherapy involves placing your baby under special lights called bili lights. The light transforms bilirubin into a form, which can be eliminated easily through urine. Phototherapy is considered safe and usually does the trick to reducing bilirubin levels.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Simple Tips for Umbilical Cord Care

It supplied oxygen, nutrients and was the lifeline between you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. But once your little bundle makes her debut, she no longer needs the umbilical cord. After you deliver, the cord is clamped and snipped close to your baby’s body. What’s left is a small umbilical cord stump, which is connected to your baby’s navel.

Keeping the Cord Clean

This strange little stump attached to your baby may look a little intimidating, but umbilical cord care is actually quite simple. First, don’t be freaked out if the stump changes colors. While it typically starts out a blueish white, as it dries, it often changes colors and becomes black. In most cases, the stump shrinks, dries out and eventually falls off around two to three weeks after birth.

In the meantime, you just need to keep the area clean and dry and allow nature to take its course. For example, it’s best to stick to sponge baths instead of tub baths until the cord stump drops off. A sponge bath helps the cord stay dry, which may accelerate how fast it falls off.

In most cases, there is no special cleaning required. Doctors used to recommend cleaning the area with alcohol after diaper changes. But the American Academy of Pediatrics changed that recommendation since research indicates the cord falls off and heals faster if left alone.

If the area around the stump becomes dirty due to a diaper blowout, just wipe the area clean with mild baby soap and water. (If you’re not sure what a diaper blowout is; just wait.)

You’ll also want to avoid covering the cord stump. When you diaper your baby, fold the front of the diaper down to allow air to circulate, which helps dry out the base of the stump. Folding the diaper also prevents the cord from becoming soaked with pee. You can also buy diapers, which already have a cut out for the cord stump.

It’s a good idea to skip the onesies, which may irritate the area. Instead, dress your little one in a diaper and a t-shirt, which helps expose the cord to air and promotes healing.

Lastly, allow the cord stump to fall off naturally. The little bugger may be barely hanging on, but resist the urge to pull it off. Once the stump falls off, you may notice a few drops of blood on your baby’s diaper. A little blood is no biggie and considered normal. If the bleeding is any more than a few small drops, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Watch for Signs of Infection

In most cases, caring for the umbilical cord is pretty easy. But in rare instances, an infection can develop. Spotting signs of an infection quickly are important to keep your newborn healthy and happy.

If pus or a foul-smelling discharge is coming from the cord, contact your baby’s doctor right away. Also, if you notice the base of the cord is swollen and red, it may also indicate an infection.

An infected cord may be painful. If your little one cries when you touch the skin around the cord, it may be hurting her. Contact your baby’s doctor immediately if you suspect the cord is infected.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.