5 Potentially Dangerous Household Objects

Your home is a huge play center filled with things to climb, explore and play with. Or, at least, it seems that way to your baby. Now that your baby is growing older, you need to make sure your home is child-proofed to provide a safe environment for your baby to play in. Here are five potentially dangerous household objects you probably shouldn’t let your baby play with:

  1. Remote Controls

You could spend a small fortune on the brightest and best baby toys on the market, but your baby’s favorite toy would still be the remote control. Why? Nobody knows, but your baby will want to play with it until it has been chewed beyond repair. Your baby may disagree, but remote controls do not make great toys for babies. Many contain batteries which can be dangerous to small children and some contain lithium button batteries which can be fatal if swallowed by unsuspecting children.

  1. Handbags

Your baby probably loves nothing more than delving deep into your handbag. Whilst this might be fine for you, it’s a habit you should try and put an end to. Strangers might not take so kindly to your baby crawling off with their wallets and keys. You never know what will be in a person’s bag. Your baby could easily stumble across painkillers, a sewing kit or cigarettes.

  1. Furniture

Once your baby becomes mobile, he’ll be exploring each and every corner of your house. One of the biggest dangers for your child could be your furniture. After all, to your baby, this is nothing more than an indoor playground.  As soon as he masters climbing, your baby will be able to reach high up places and potentially knock things over. It’s important to make sure all of your big furniture items are bracketed to the wall to prevent them from falling. You should also fix your television and other big objects to the wall with safety devices. Think of all the things your baby could pull over and work out how to prevent potential accidents.

  1. Stairs

Once your baby becomes mobile, he will start working on the stairs. He’ll crawl up them, toddle down them and generally try to master the skills necessary for using the stairs. This is fine as long as you’re there to keep him safe. In fact, it’s a good thing for him to learn how to safely use the stairs. However, the stairs can pose a risk if your child is left unattended. To avoid unnecessary tumbles, make sure you have stair gates fitted at both the bottom and top of the staircase.

  1. Your keys

Babies love to play with keys. They’re noisy, heavy and fun to shake. However, they could also be hiding an array of germs and dirt that really shouldn’t end up in your baby’s mouth. Keys can also have sharpish edges that could be dangerous if used as a toy. If your baby tries to play with your keys, offer a distraction in the form of another toy or game.

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.

Postpartum Backache: How to Hold Your Baby

Now that your baby is getting older (and heavier), you may be wondering how to carry your baby without breaking your back. That once tiny lightweight newborn is now a strong and hefty almost one year old and your back is probably paying the price. Don’t worry, this isn’t the end of your baby-carrying days, you just need to be mindful of how you carry your baby now that he’s growing bigger. Here are something tips to help you hold your baby without getting backache:

  1. Alternate hips

Many moms have a favorite side for carrying their baby on. Whilst this allows you to become an expert in all kinds of one-handed tasks with your remaining hand, it can put undue stress on one side of your body. Alternating sides could help to relieve some of the strain simply by splitting the weight throughout the day. Plus, you’ll end up with two muscled arms instead of that one telltale mom arm.

  1. Use a carrier

If the weight of your growing baby is causing your problems, a carrier may help. There are many different styles available, so you should be able to find one you love. A carrier will help to spread the weight whilst also leaving you with your arms free. From wraps and slings to soft structured carriers, there are plenty of different types of carriers to choose from. Ask babywearing friends for recommendations or visit your local sling library to try out a few carriers.

  1. Lift carefully

Though most of us have been taught how to lift properly in the workplace, not many parents apply this logic to their family life. When you reach down to lift your baby from the floor or car seat, you should keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

  1. Build your core strength

Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your core and abdominal muscles and it will take time (and work) to repair them. Regular exercise can help to improve your core strength and reduce backache. Yoga and pilates are both good exercises for building core strength, speak to your instructor for advice regarding building your core strength.

  1. Rest and recover

If you’re back is aching, make sure you allow your body time to rest. Easier said than done with a baby, of course, but it’s important you don’t overdo it. Give your body time to heal, rest when you feel you need to and be sure to take plenty of baths to ease your aching muscles.

Are you suffering from postpartum backache?

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.

Mothers are Priceless

You know you work hard all day – childcare, housekeeping, and maybe even paid employment on top of it all. It’s not easy, and it’s often thankless. While motherhood does come with its own rewards, what if you were rewarded in terms of a paycheck?

Here’s the median annual salary (in 2014 US dollars) for a number of jobs moms routinely perform (taken from a recent survey by salary.com):

  • CEO     $167,900
  • Psychologist     $81,000
  • Facilities Manager     $65,800
  • IT / Computer Tech     $34,200
  • Cook     $29,200
  • Van Driver     $28,400
  • Day Care Teacher     $26,700
  • Housekeeper     $21,200
  • Janitor     $21,100
  • Laundry Operator     $21,000

If you calculate the number of hours at each of these jobs during a regular work week (including overtime pay), stay-at-home moms would earn an average of US$118,000 annually, and working moms would earn an average of US$70,000 annually in addition to their pay from their out-of-home employment. Add to that other family jobs you might do – nurse, accountant, administrative assistant, logistics supervisor – and you would probably make even more!

Studies about how moms work have found that stay-at-home moms work about 90 hours each week, mainly doing the tasks for the jobs listed above. For moms who are employed outside the home, 50 hours per week is still devoted to their “mom jobs” in addition to their paid employment.

In the US, 70% of women with children work outside the home, and many of these women are the main breadwinners for their families. While partners are doing more, a disproportionate share of the housekeeping and childcare still falls on moms.

While the pay scale may be different around the world, the fact that moms put in many hours of skilled labor without a paycheck is true nearly everywhere. Take a moment to appreciate yourself and all the work you do. Remind other moms that they are doing a great job, and call your own mom to thank her for the time she put in at all the odd jobs without pay.

Then, remind yourself of the rewards you do get – watching your children learn and grow is sometimes payment enough.

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.

The 5 Key Ingredients of a Perfect Play Date

Play dates are an important part of motherhood. Play dates allow you to form closer bonds with other mamas, whilst also allowing your baby to become friends with the other babies. Play dates are less chaotic than your average baby group, making them the ideal way to socialize when you’re struggling due to lack of sleep. Some play dates are better than others. Here are the five key ingredients of the perfect play date:

  1. Understanding

Motherhood is tough, and the people who understand that are the ones worth spending time with. Whether you’ve been up all night thanks to teething, are onto your third outfit today thanks to some projectile vomiting or are feeling fed up of cluster feeds, you want play date buddies who care. Not ones who’ll offer unsolicited advice or judge your parenting choices. No, you need to surround yourself with women who understand. Compassionate women who support your choices and are always there when you need them.

  1. Relaxation

Baby groups are not relaxing. You’ll spend the whole time worrying that one of the feral toddlers is about to stamp on your baby. Soft play centres are not relaxing. It’s only a matter of time until a manic three year old pushes past your crawler at the top of the slide. Play dates, however, can be relaxing. Held at home with just a couple of like-minded friends, the play date can be pretty zen. You don’t need to watch your babies quite so carefully or worry about older children causing havoc. Instead, you can sit back on a comfy sofa, enjoy a warm drink and chat until you’ve got nothing left to say. By the time you leave, you should feel like you’ve spent a weekend at a spa.

  1. A safe space

The play date should be a safe space. Nothing said of a personal nature should ever leave those four walls. The play date is your safe space for you to admit that you almost listed your baby on eBay at 3am or that you sometimes put her diaper on backwards. It’s ok for you to say these things because your play date buddies are saying them too. This is a judgement-free zone.

  1. Laughter

The most important rule when it comes to play date club is if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry. Parenting is hard. It’s exhausting, relentless and consists of about 80% vomit. It’s not pretty. The trials and tribulations of motherhood can be approached in one two ways. You can either cry constantly because you’re exhausted, fed up of changing diapers and haven’t showered in weeks. Or you can laugh because you accidentally flashed the postman, got peed on in public and are so tired you forgot your husband’s name. Laughing will make it easier, so laugh.

  1. Healthy Snack

A snack, because they make everything better. Always take snacks with you to a play date. It’s the play date equivalent of a bottle of red. You’re sure to be invited again next turn if you’re the one who turns up with a selection of healthy snacks.

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.

Murphy’s Law for Moms

You’ve heard of Murphy’s Law, right? It’s the one that says that anything that can go wrong, will.

Sure you’ve heard of it. And you’ve even probably referenced it a time or two in your past. But never has it ever been more relevant than now that you’re a mom.

Don’t believe us? Just think about it.

Those family pictures you wanted so desperately? The ones you coordinated outfits for and planned for months in advance? Of course your baby then spit up all over your black dress and had a meltdown to end all meltdowns as the photographer turned their camera your way.

That time you thought your were finally ready to return to work? Of course your baby then developed his or her first fever and needed you to stay home for another two weeks because daycare wouldn’t accept them yet.

That time you were so excited to introduce solid foods? Of course your baby wound up having some rare allergic reaction to avocados and it scared you off solid food introductions for the next two months.

That time you couldn’t wait to get out to a play date you had arranged weeks in advance, because you really needed the chat time with another mom? Of course your baby managed to bonk his or her little head on the coffee table just as you were about to leave the house, and the bump was bad enough that you found yourself headed to the pediatrician’s office instead.

That time you thought you were running just a quick errand and could get away without bringing your giant diaper bag? Of course your baby then had a massive blowout and you had to turn back around for diapers.

Anytime you are ever wearing black (or white), or are in a rush to get out the door, or are looking forward to plans; your child is going to do something to ruin it. It’s not personal, it’s just what they do.

It’s the Murphy’s Law for moms. And it is something you should keep in mind as the years go by. For instance, even if you are thoroughly convinced that your toddler is finally potty trained—you should probably still carry around a change of clothes for them until at least kindergarten. And if you have a job interview coming up, count on your kiddos getting sick the day you’re supposed to go.

Of course, you can also count on them providing some of the brightest and happiest moments of your life as well. The pride, the accomplishments, the love and the cuddles.

It’s all a give and take. So learn to anticipate and laugh at Murphy’s Law for moms. Because it won’t be like this forever, and someday… you may just miss those years when your kids were ruining everything!

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.

How to Stop the Grandparents Spoiling Your Kids

After years of being deprived sugar and have very strict rules, you might be surprised at how different your parents are now that they’re grandparents. Where you had to be in bed by 7:30pm no matter what, your kids seem to stay up late every time they visit their grandparents. You thought cherry tomatoes were treats until you were five years old, but your parents are doling out candy now that they’re grandparents. While you want to encourage a happy and close bond between your kids and parents, you also probably want to know your ground rules are being respected.

Why do grandparents spoil their grandchildren?

This one is quite simple, they’re not the parents. They don’t have to worry about teeth brushing regimes, screen time or an overload of toys because they’re not the parents. They’ve been there, done that. They were strict with you, but now it’s their turn to enjoy all of the fun bits of young children without having to worry about the consequences. They don’t spend as much time with your kids as you do, so they want to make sure your kids have the best time possible when they’re together. Of course, this doesn’t have to mean e-numbers, over tiredness and lots of new toys, and it’s ok for you to point that out.

Does it really matter if the grandparents are spoiling your kids?

Er, yeah. If the grandparents are filling your children’s tummies with sugars, additives and e-numbers, you’re likely to be the one paying the price at the end of the visit. If your children are returning home from sleepovers at Granny’s house overtired, exhausted and emotional, you’re not likely to have a good day. If it matters to you, then it matters. You’re the parent and you set the rules, and some of those rules should apply to the grandparents too.

How to stop the grandparents spoiling your kids

It’s important to communicate your feelings with the grandparents. After all, they’re a big part of your children’s lives and it’s important they support your parenting ethos. You’ll need to tread carefully, it’s important to get the grandparents on side. If you’re worried about sweet treats, explain the problems with tooth decay and obesity. If you’re worried about sleep, explain how difficult it is for you to get your child back into a routine after a late night or skipped nap. Be kind, understanding and polite. Remember, the grandparents were parents once so they’ll understand.

You might want to let some things slide. All grandparents want to spoil their grandkids, and though it’s not ideal, it’s just a way for them to bond. You can suggest better ways of them spoiling your kids. For example, instead of giving your children cookies, ice-cream and candy, suggest some sugar-free recipes they could bake together. They’ll still get to have fun and you won’t have to worry about tooth decay. If they love spending money on the grandkids, suggest things your children really need or perhaps experiences they could do together.

Are your children spoilt by their grandparents?

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.

7 Fun and Easy Finger Foods For Your Baby

Now that your baby is starting to experiment with food, you might be keen to give him a little more independence. Don’t worry, it’s not time to hand over the car keys just yet, but perhaps he’s ready to take control of what he eats. Finger foods allow your baby to feed himself and decide what and how much he eats from his tray.

What are the benefits to finger foods?

Your baby knows when he’s full, and giving him control of the food he eats reduces the risk of overeating. Babies are tiny scientists and are constantly learning about and exploring their environments. Using finger foods allow your baby to discover not just the taste, but the texture and color of different foods. Try not to worry about how much your baby eats at mealtimes. At this stage, lunch is about much more than just eating. After all, what kind of scientist would your baby be if he didn’t smush carrot into his eyebrows, throw some on the floor and hide some in his diaper? Exactly, he’d be a laughing stock.

Fun & Easy Finger Foods

If you’re used to pureeing, the switch to finger foods might have left you lacking in inspiration. Fear not, there are plenty of nutritious and delicious finger foods out there for your baby. Here are just ideas for you to try:

  1. Fruit

Fruit is easy, delicious and packed full of vitamins. There are lots of different fruits so there’s no need for your baby to tire of eating fruit. Melon, banana, and mango can easily be cut into small slices that will fit perfectly in your baby’s palm. Fruits such as blueberries, cranberries and pomegranate seeds are great for helping your baby to develop his pincer grip. Some fruits pose a danger of choking, especially grapes, apple and pineapple, so always chop up food correctly before giving it to your child. Grapes must be cut in half lengthways to avoid choking.

  1. Vegetables

You can’t go wrong with vegetables. In fact, if you give your baby the freedom to explore and play with vegetables now, you may find you have less ‘eat your vegetables’ battles in the future. Vegetables can be cut into chip shapes and steamed. Steamed vegetables contain more vitamins than boiled or fried vegetables. For a change, you could also try roasting them. Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squashes, broccoli and courgette are all good vegetables for finger foods. Be careful with raw vegetables, like carrots, as it can pose a danger of choking. Always chop up food correctly before giving it to your child.

  1. Dips

Using dips can also add some extra nutrition into your baby’s diet whilst allowing him to improve his hand-eye coordination. Hummus, salsa, baba ganouj, and lentil dips are just some of the dips you can offer your baby. Be wary of shop bought dips which may contain high levels of salt and added sugar. It’s always best to whip up a healthy dip at home if you can. Steamed vegetables, rice cakes and cooled slices of pitta bread are good for dipping.

  1. Smaller foods

As your baby’s hand-eye coordination improves and he masters his pincer grip, it’s worth experimenting with smaller foods. Black beans, chick peas, peas, sweetcorn and blueberries are small enough for your baby to pick up once he’s got the hang of using his thumb and index finger to grab small objects. It might take a while for your baby to get hold of them, but remember it’s good practice and will aid the development of his fine motor skills.

  1. Pasta

Pasta always makes for a great photo opportunity, though you should expect your baby to be covered from head to toe in pasta sauce before the end of the meal. Run a bath in advance so you can clean your baby straight after the meal. Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, giving your baby ample opportunity to develop his skills. Fill the pasta sauce with vegetables and your baby will be getting plenty of vitamins and minerals too.

  1. Curry

Some parents choose to avoid strong flavors thinking they will be too much for babies, but in fact, babies have quite adventurous palettes. He might not be ready for a vindaloo just yet, but you could try him with a gentler curry. Lentil dahls, mixed vegetables curries and kormas are all great options. Make sure there are plenty of vegetables in the sauce so your baby is enjoying a varied diet, and opt for whole wheat rice.

  1. Sugar free fruit flapjacks

You don’t need to add sugar to make flapjacks taste good. Coconut oil is high in fat which is great for brain development, and will add a sweet flavour to the flapjacks. Add in some mushed up banana, raisins, dried cranberries and oats and you have yourself a simple, healthy flapjack.

To avoid choking, always chop up food correctly before giving it to your child. It’s advised to cut food lengthways in small strips. Cut soft food into thin slices or small pieces—no larger than one-half inch (1⁄2”). Cut soft, round foods, like hot dogs or string cheese, into short strips rather than round pieces.

What are your baby’s favorite finger foods?

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.