Whether you visit the pediatrician’s office for a routine appointment or because of a specific health concern, you’ll want to get the most out of your visit. You may not see your child’s pediatrician very often, so make sure you use your appointment wisely. Here are five top tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the pediatrician’s office:

1. Be prepared

You simply won’t get as much out of the appointment if you’re not prepared. You probably have all kinds of questions you want to ask, but you’re likely to forget during the appointment unless you take written notes. It may sound a bit over the top, but your pediatrician will be relieved to see you taking the appointment seriously. List all of your concerns and start with the most pressing question. Remember, doctor’s appointments are only short so you may not get through everything on your list. If you don’t take a list of questions, you’re likely to forget on the day and end up feeling frustrated later.

2. Give background

A big part of your pediatrician’s job is listening. She needs to listen to and address your concerns as well as listening to the information you give her about your child. She needs to know as much as possible. She needs to know about family health problems as well as your child’s diet and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid of overloading the pediatrician with information, she’s used to filtering through for the bits she really needs to know. Make sure you answer her questions with as detailed answers as possible and make sure you are giving her the full picture.

3. Ask questions

Your pediatrician spent years studying at medical school, you probably didn’t, so nobody’s expecting you to know all the same things. If the pediatrician uses medical jargon you don’t understand or refers to health problems you’ve never heard of, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Your pediatrician wants you to understand exactly what she’s telling you, so double check that you’ve understood it all before leaving. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information if you think the pediatrician is skipping things, your pediatrician may even print off some written info for you to take home.

4. Focus

A trip to the pediatrician’s office isn’t likely to be a particularly calming experience. If your child is poorly, you’re both likely to be short on sleep and grumpy, so it’s not going to be a walk in the park. Your pediatrician needs your full attention, however, and she can’t do her job properly without it. She needs to make sure you’re giving her all the background information and that you’re taking in what she’s telling you. If you have other children, it might be worth leaving them with a sitter or at least taking something in to distract them so you can concentrate during the appointment.

5. Be forceful

Sometimes, moms just know something is wrong with their child, even when the doctor’s diagnosis doesn’t back it up. Remember, you know your child better than anybody and if you think something is up, it might well be. If you have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, don’t be afraid to push this with your doctor. Sometimes, a mother’s worry can be just the nudge a pediatrician needs to order that extra test or investigate further.

Do you have any top tips to share for getting the most out of your pediatrician’s appointment?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

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.

Teething is an anticipated milestone. Although it can vary, teething typically starts about six months. But every baby’s teething timeline is different. Anywhere between three and 12 months is considered normal. It’s also important to understand, teething symptoms can start several weeks before the appearance of a tooth.

The sight of your baby’s first tooth popping through is adorable. What’s not so exciting is the teething symptoms she may experience. Although some babies sail through teething without much fuss, others may have a few bumps along the way.

Recognizing teething symptoms can help you ease your baby’s discomfort. For example, babies who are teething often gnaw on whatever they can find. The pressure from your baby’s tooth cutting through the gum is painful. He baby may bite on anything he can find to apply counterpressure to the gum, which can decrease discomfort.

Offering your baby a teething toy may help since it can provide counterpressure that may decrease pain. Cool teething toys often work best. Consider placing a teething toy in the refrigerator for a bit before you give it to your baby.

Another common sign of teething is drooling. All babies drool a bit. But if the floodgates have opened, and your little one is always soggy, teething may be the cause. It may be helpful to put a bib on your baby to keep clothes dry and wipe his chin often to prevent chapping.

You also might find your smiling bundle has become a lot fussier at times. His little mouth is hurting, and that’s no fun. So it’s no wonder he is not feeling his happy self. Teething may also spell trouble for getting a good night’s sleep for both of you. Don’t be surprised if your baby is crying and waking up more at night due to the discomfort.

Cranky babies with sore gums may also not eat as well. If your baby is eating solids, the pressure from the spoon may irritate his gums. Babies who are nursing or bottle feeding may pull away since the sucking can put pressure on the gums, which are already inflamed. Cold foods, such as chilled applesauce and yogurt may sooth your baby’s irritated gums and be a good choice.

Some babies also develop a fever when teething. Studies indicate that fevers from teething tend to be lower than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius. If your baby has a fever higher than that, it is more commonly due to illness.

If nothing seems to help your baby’s teething discomfort, baby acetaminophen may do the trick to reduce pain. But always check with your pediatrician first before giving your baby any medication.

Lastly, your baby also needs some extra snuggles and a little patience. On the tough days remember, teething won’t last forever. Pretty soon that gummy little grin will be a pearly white smile.

Written by MaryAnn 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.

We all want to raise smart babies. We want our little ones to grow and thrive and to have all the best opportunities available to them—we want them to reach their full potential. And the good news is, there is plenty you can do in those early months of parenthood that can help your little ones to get there!

No, that doesn’t mean popping in a Baby Einstein video and walking away—though, those videos are enthralling to most kids! Mostly, it means engaging and encouraging.

Your baby’s first year of life will be one of the biggest for brain development. During this time, their understanding of the world around them is growing at an unprecedented rate, and their little brains are making connections all the time. Here’s how you can help:

1. Chat Away: Really and truly, talking to your baby is one of the best ways to assist with brain development. Narrate what’s happening as you go about your day, sticking to simple phrases like, “And now we’re going to make dinner. Mommy is going to pour the water in the pot. Daddy is going to turn on the stove. Careful, we don’t touch, it’s hot!” Even if you don’t feel like your baby understands what you are saying, the more you talk, the more he or she will pick up. Don’t just stick to talking though; sing to your baby as well! Even if it’s just made up songs you compose your narrations with. Those variations in tone will help your little one to pick up on new words and make new connections along the way!
2. Play: Kids and babies often learn through playing, and getting down on the floor to play with your baby can be a great way to help with brain development. Peek-a-boo, for instance, is excellent for both brain development and your child’s understanding of object permanence. Rolling a ball back and forth, or stacking blocks, or simply using a doll to play pretend can all boost that development as well.
3. Engage: Make eye contact with your baby. Point to new and exciting things. Provide new textures to touch and feel. Have “conversations” by talking and then pausing to listen as your baby babbles back. Hold your baby and dance to music. Teach him or her sign language. Smile. Laugh. Be silly. The more your engage with your baby, the more he or she will learn how to respond and engage back—and those connections can be crucial for brain development.

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 informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Your first year as a parent, there is a lot to learn. Each day may bring something new. There are so many new experiences to share and lots of firsts to enjoy. Although you’ll have a lot of precious memories, there are some baby firsts you’ll never forget.

The first time your baby smiles: You may have waited for it for a few weeks and when it happens, it will melt your heart. Your baby’s first real smile is precious. When your baby was a newborn, he may have made facial expressions that kind of looked like a smile. But you were unsure if it was gas or something else. But somewhere around a month, your little one will flash you his first real social smile. His first smile not only makes you both light up, but it’s also a sign his social skills are developing.

The first laugh: If you thought the first smile was cute, wait until the first time your baby chuckles. Once you hear that sweet sound, you’ll do everything in your power to get a cute belly laugh out of your baby. Although it can vary, most babies laugh for the first time between three and four months.

The first time she sleeps through the night: After months of getting up with your baby, the first time she sleeps through the night is something to be excited about. Sleeping through the night might just be for six hours straight. But you’ll take it! When can you expect this delightful milestone? Every baby is different, so there is not an exact timetable. But most babies sleep through the night by about six months.

First words: Up until now, your baby may be “talking’ by babbling, blowing raspberries and making other sounds. But somewhere  between eight and 12 months, you may hear your baby’s first real word. Her first word may even be “mama” or “dada.” Whatever her first word is, it’s a milestone to remember. When it happens, remember to put it in her baby book.

The first step: One of the most memorable firsts, it your baby’s first step. Your little cruiser may have gone from rolling over, to crawling to standing up in his first year. But his first step may even be a little more anticipated. His cute little toddling step will not only make your proud, but it might also make you tear up a little. Your baby’s first step is a move towards independence.

There is an old saying “Babies don’t keep and time is a thief.” It simply means your baby grows up fast, and life moves quickly. So enjoy these wonderful firsts and savor every memory.

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.

When your baby started eating solid foods, you probably made sure to avoid giving her anything that she might choke on. But food safety also involves preventing foodborne illnesses that can make your baby sick.

Babies are especially vulnerable to foodborne illnesses and may get ill quicker than an adult. That’s because their immune system is still immature and not as developed to fight off contaminants. Also, it takes smaller amounts of bacteria to make your baby sick. When they do develop foodborne illnesses, babies often experience a higher rate of hospitalization than older kids and adults who get ill.

But by taking extra care when handling formula and food, you can help prevent your baby from getting sick. One of the most important steps you can take to prevent your baby from developing a foodborne illness is washing your hands before feeding your baby or handling her food. Although it seems like common sense, it’s easy to get busy and forget to take this simple step.

When it comes to food safety, there are several other things to keep in mind. For example, if you’re feeding your baby formula, don’t leave it out at room temp for more than two hours.

As far as solids go, check commercially packaged baby food before giving it to your baby to make sure it has not been contaminated. If you’re using baby food in a jar, make sure the safety lid on the jar “pops” when you open it.

Also, avoid feeding your baby directly from the jar of baby food and putting back leftovers. The food can become contaminated by the saliva from your baby’s mouth. Instead, place a portion of food in a dish and feed your baby from that. Don’t leave baby food out for longer than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature.

Opened baby food should only be stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days. If you’re not sure something is still fresh, err on the side of caution and throw it out.

You should also avoid giving your baby unpasteurized juices, which can carry bacteria. Honey is also a no-no for the first year since it can contain spores of a bacterium that causes botulism.

When you’re preparing food for your baby, always wash fruits and veggies before serving. Also, consider using a wooden cutting board. Studies have shown that it’s easier to remove bacteria from a wooden board than plastic.

Lastly, make sure all meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature by checking it with a meat thermometer. Red meat should be cooked to a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and poultry cooked to at least 180 degrees.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @writerlady4

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.

The average cost to raise a child is thought to be around $250,000, but you’ll be relieved to hear you don’t need to spend all of that on the nursery. In fact, you can create a stylish nursery without blowing your budget. That’ll leave you plenty of money for the shiny red bicycles, family holidays and college tuition of the future. You may have had the nursery finished since before you even gave birth, but if you decided to wait until your baby was ready for his own room, these handy hints might come in useful. Here are five tips to help you create the nursery of your dreams without breaking the bank:

1. Go timeless

The key to good decorating is longevity. If you choose a style that is timeless, you’ll get to enjoy it for longer and won’t be in any hurry to redecorate. In a nursery, this means choosing a design that will grow with your child. You might be surprised at just how quickly your child can outgrow cartoon animal decorations. One way round this is to use temporary decorations such as wall stickers which can be easily updated as and when you want a new look. Use wall stickers, decorative knobs and wall prints to add the details to your baby’s bedroom. These can be easily updated when necessary and you won’t have to strip wallpaper or repaint for a fresh look.

2. Value practicality

There is an overwhelming urge to create the most beautiful nursery the world has ever seen, but you need to make sure it’s practical as well. While your Pinterest board may be filled with breath-taking nurseries, the rooms themselves may not really be the easiest to live in. During the design process, it’s important to imagine how the room will be used. If you’re planning to have your diaper station in there, you’ll need wipes, diapers and a diaper bin all within easy reach. If you’re planning to breastfeed in there, you’ll need a comfy chair and some form of entertainment at hand to keep you awake during those 3am feeds.

3. Wait and see

With six months of parenting under your belt, you’re probably well acquainted with the fact that you don’t need to own every baby product on the market. In fact, you probably already have a cupboard full of seemingly pointless baby products you never quite got round to using. To avoid spending more money on pointless junk, take a wait and see approach to the nursery. Don’t buy the things you think you should buy, instead buy the things you actually need. Wait and see whether you really do need something before forking out your hard earned money on it.

4. Shop second hand

Buying second hand items for the nursery can save you a small fortune. Many baby products are only used for a short time and so can be picked up second hand in really good condition. You can buy pretty much anything second hand, though there are certain baby products (such as car seats and cot mattresses) that need to be brand new for safety reasons. Look on local selling sites, in thrift stores and at car boot sales to see how much you could save. To save even more, try borrowing items from friends and family members. This way, you won’t have to spend any money and will be able to return the items when you’re done, saving you plenty of space in the loft!

5. It’s all about organization

As you may be aware, kid’s bedrooms can get messy real quickly. While you may look at your adorable six month old baby and think that’s unlikely, it won’t be long until the baby grows into a toddler. And toddlers, you may have heard, are pretty good at wreaking havoc. They’re good at emptying drawers, tipping up toy baskets and throwing soft toys around the room. The key to preventing a disaster zone is organization. Make sure everything has a place and that everything is easy to tidy away. Toy baskets and storage buckets are good ideas for the nursery and will allow your child to find what she wants to play with.

Is your nursery primed and ready to go or are you still putting together the finishing touches?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

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.

As your baby gets older, you are probably seeing more of yourself in him or her. Maybe it’s their eyes, or their hair color. Or maybe it’s something deeper; the way they react to new situations, or the level of energy they have.

How much of that is genetic, and how much of it is simply related to how you are raising your baby? What is the role of genes and environment?

Parents of adoption find themselves asking these questions all the time. But even if your baby is biologically yours, there are pieces of him or her that are clearly a result of your genetic contribution, and others that may have more to do with environment.

So what has the strongest pull?

The truth is, even science doesn’t know that answer. At least, not completely. But what we do know seems to indicate that genetics can provide a roadmap for your child’s potential, while their environment may contribute to how far they travel on that map.

Obviously, genetics contribute to the physical stuff; hair and eye color, skin tone, height. All of this is pretty heavily influenced by genes.

But those same genes can also play a role in personality characteristics, as well as things like academic, musical, or athletic abilities.

That’s where a genetic predisposition may come into play—a guideline for what your child’s potential may be.

Their environment can then have an influence over whether or not they meet their full potential. So a child with a genetic potential for high cognitive achievement, for instance, might reach the height of that potential if they are in an environment where cognitive growth is encouraged, and where they feel safe and taken care of to the extent that they are able to focus completely on those endeavors.

On the other hand, if they are exposed to environmental toxins that could inhibit learning, or if they are victims of neglect or abuse, they may never have the ability to reach that full potential.

Environment can also certainly shape likes and interests, which may play a role in which endeavors your child pursues. Some of that you have control over, and some may be influenced by outside factors.

The point is, nothing is predetermined for your child at birth. And even with genetic potential, there can be a wide range of possibilities that environment can influence.

Both play a role in who your child will become. Which is just one of the many reasons why creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child to grow in is important.

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 informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.