Dear Baby,

You’re not so little anymore. You grow bigger and more independent every day and it is an honor to be here and see you grow. It feels like you’ve always been here with me, but it hasn’t even been a year since you were born. That day changed everything. My heart swelled, my perspective changed and I realized I had created the world’s most perfect human. The love I feel for you is unlike anything else, it is stronger and more primal than any other emotion. I would do anything to protect you from harm.

Already, I can see you growing and changing. You are determined to get your independence. Almost every week you do something new and amaze both of us with your developing skills. You want to explore on your own, safe in the knowledge that I’m following right behind you. I know that one day you won’t turn round to check I’m there anymore, you’ll be too busy running forwards to waste time looking back for little old me. You’ll be heading out to meet friends, dating and searching for your dream job. And I’ll be right here, watching from the wings and waiting for those phone calls home.

That all seems like a million years away, but I know it’ll be here in the blink of an eye. I can’t believe how quickly these past few months have gone. It seems like only yesterday we met for the first time and yet here you are, approaching that all important first birthday milestone. You have so much ahead of you. Soon you’ll learn to walk and then run and I’ll be watching with baited breath, hoping you won’t fall. But if you do, I’ll scoop you up in my arms and kiss your grazed knees better. I will always be here for you. When those grazed knees turn into a broken heart, a bruised sense of pride or work stress, I’ll still be here to scoop you up and help you with your problems.

Know that I am always yours, no matter what. Whenever you need me, I will be here. You can talk to me about anything and everything and I will do my best to continue to be the best mama I can be and support you in growing into the best version of yourself.

I love you always and unconditionally,

Mama

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.

You know your baby is learning every day. And you want to do all you can to engage him and help build his little brain. While flashcards and structured lessons aren’t necessary, some simple lifestyle adjustments can encourage creativity, problem solving and, eventually, more complex thinking.

Babies in the first year experience sensory-motor thinking – learning about their world through touch, sound, taste, sight and smell. When your baby starts to play more with objects, he begins to learn the significance of cause and effect (if I drop this, mom will pick it up) and problem solving (how do I get this into this?).

Along with more complex thinking, you can foster creative thinking in your children. Creativity is a critical component of success, health and happiness. Creative people are flexible, adaptable and good at problem solving. Creativity isn’t necessarily inborn – it can be taught. It doesn’t mean buying all the right toys or watching just the right videos – it means giving your children opportunities to explore and challenge themselves, even at this young age.

1. Limit screen time: If your child is younger than age 2, you should discourage screen time altogether, and it should be limited for older children. Too much screen time may lead to attention problems, among other adverse outcomes.

2. Unschedule: Allow your child to have regular downtime or unstructured play time to explore his own interests (yes, even as a baby) and skills.

3. Get outdoors: Spend time in nature. Being outside encourages physical activity and active play. Hiking, biking, or just playing tag in the yard or park should be regular parts of your child’s life as he grows. Even now, the fresh air and sunshine will keep your baby happy and healthy as you take a walk with the stroller or with baby in a carrier.

4. Provide toys, like building blocks and dress-up clothes, that facilitate imaginative thinking. Themed toys limit your child’s creativity – there is a proscribed way to play with them and often children won’t think outside the box. Even plastic containers and lids, wooden spoons, and your car keys are fun “toys” for babies.

5. Hands off: Don’t direct all of your baby’s activities. Allow him the space to explore and try new things. Sometimes he might fail, and that’s OK. It teaches him resilience and problem solving.

6. Encourage reading: Read to your baby every day. This facilitates language learning, as well as imagination. Have books that your baby can manipulate on his own (even though he may just chew on them at first).

7. Play with your baby, toddler, preschooler, child: Take time out from your schedule and routine to play with your child, whether it’s building a block tower, throwing a ball, or chasing around the yard, your involvement is an important component to your child’s feelings of security and attachment, a good base for creativity and intelligence.

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.

Your days are full of diaper changes, feedings and hours spent comforting a little one. Baby care certainly takes up much of your time. But it’s easy to work some exercise into your routine if you include your baby. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes at a time, you’ll feel energized and ready to keep up with baby tasks all day long.

Any floor exercise you can do while baby lays on a blanket next to you can easily be integrated into tummy time or even earlier with baby on his back just watching what you’re doing. If you’re going to have your baby in arms while performing some moves, just make sure he’s able to hold his head up on his own (which happens around 3 to 4 months old) and that you’ve got a firm grip on baby’s wiggly body.

Ab Curl:
Lie on the floor, knees bent, feet flat, and baby on your abs (with your pelvis supporting baby’s weight). Hold baby in place gently. Using your abdominal muscles, slowly raise your head and shoulders from the floor, moving toward baby with a smile or a kiss, and then slowly lower yourself again.

Reverse Curl:
Lie on the floor and lift your feet, bringing your knees toward your head. Hold baby in place on your shins. Using your abdominal muscles, slowly lower baby toward you while lifting your head and shoulders, come in for a kiss or a snuggle, and then slowly return to your starting position.

Baby Bench Press:
Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat, and hold baby securely under his arms against your chest. Slowly raise baby in the air, then slowly lower him to your body again. You can also do this while sitting cross-legged on the floor.

Airplane:
Lie on your belly with your baby in front of you. With your arms outstretched on either side of your body and your legs straight, slowly lift arms, legs and chest off the floor. Hold briefly, and then return to your starting position.

Push Ups:
With your arms and legs straight, and hands and feet supporting you, slowly lower yourself toward your baby, and then slowly raise yourself again. Alternatively, you can practice planks with baby lying on his back watching you. Support your weight on your feet and your forearms with your elbows bent, and hold. Sing or talk to baby, then rest.

Baby Lunges:
You can do lunges with your baby in a front carrier for some weight training, or you can do them toward your baby if he’s sitting in an infant seat, high chair or stroller. With one foot at the back and the other foot forward, bend both legs until your one thigh is parallel to the floor, keeping your knee in line with your ankle (don’t over-lunge). Then slowly return to start. Do several repetitions with each leg being the one bending (by switching lunging direction or which leg is forward).

Baby Carrier Squats:
With baby in a front carrier (facing you or facing out), place your feet shoulder width apart (maybe a tiny bit wider). Point your toes out a little then slowly begin to lower your body as if your are going to sit. Keep your pelvis tucked and remember that your center of gravity is pulled forward a little since you’re holding baby. Slowly return to standing, rest, repeat.

Walking:
You can walk with a stroller or with your baby in carrier. But go briskly enough that you get your heart rate up. If you enjoy running, consider investing in a jogging stroller so you can take baby along on your daily route. Your baby may even sleep better from the fresh air and movement.

Almost any exercise can be adapted to include baby in the fun. Don’t forget the importance of warm up stretches before any exercise. If you’ve recently given birth, be sure you get your doctor’s OK to start an exercise program. If you’ve never had a regular workout routine before, start slowly. Stay hydrated, and don’t overexert yourself.

Exercise doesn’t need to be just another chore on your to-do list. Have fun with your baby – talk, sing, smile, interact. You’re baby will love being with you, even if you’re multitasking!

What are your favorite postpartum exercises?

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.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues that line the spinal cord and brain. A virus or bacteria are the most common cause of meningitis. Occasionally a fungus can also cause meningitis. Meningitis is a serious infection that can even be life-threatening.

Although anyone can get meningitis, babies between six and 18 months are one of the age groups most at risk of developing the infection. The thought of your baby contracting meningitis is frightening. But spotting symptoms early helps your baby get treatment quickly.

Symptoms of Meningitis

Keep in mind, symptoms of meningitis often start out like other common childhood illnesses. But with meningitis, babies get very ill quickly.

One common sign of meningitis is a high fever. The fever may come on suddenly. In some cases, babies have cold feet and hands even though the rest of their body is hot.

Babies may also seem excessively sleepy. When awake, a baby with meningitis may seem to have a starring expression. Vomiting and diarrhea may also develop.

If your baby has meningitis, he may have a stiff neck, which can be hard to detect in an infant. One sign of stiffness is he may cry when he is picked up and hold his body stiff.

Another sign of meningitis, which can be hard to recognize in a baby is a headache. Since your baby can not tell you if her head hurts, it’s important to spot other signs of a headache, such as a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on your baby’s head). Inconsolable crying can also be a sign your baby’s head is hurting.

Extremeness fussiness, especially if it is uncharacteristic of your baby, can also indicate meningitis. Most babies also have no interest in nursing or eating solid foods.

Meningitis also can cause a skin rash. The rash may look like little pin pricks or tiny purple bruises on the body. But you do NOT need to wait for a rash before seeking help.

Other symptoms may include; tense or bulging soft spot, extreme shivering, refusing to feed, high pitched or moaning cry, blotchy skin, getting paler or turning blue, stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless, cold hands and feet.

Important: Not every baby gets all these symptoms, and they can appear in any order.

Head to the emergency room if you think your baby has meningitis, and say that you are worried it can be meningitis or septicaemia. Always trust your instincts! The disease can progress quickly, and early treatment is essential. Although your baby’s symptoms could be something other than meningitis, it’s also better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby’s health.

Your baby’s doctor will perform blood tests, a physical exam and possibly a lumbar puncture to rule out or confirm meningitis. A lumbar puncture is done to obtain a sample of spinal fluid.

Treatment for meningitis depends on whether it is viral or bacterial meningitis. Although meningitis can be serious, if symptoms are recognized early and treated quickly, most babies make a full recovery.

Many countries have a vaccine, which is available that protects babies against certain bacteria that can cause meningitis. Depending on where you live, your baby may have an increased risk of contracting meningitis. For example, certain regions of the world have a high tick population that may carry bacteria, which can cause meningitis. Your best bet is to speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of having your baby immunized against meningitis.

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.

When you’re busy caring for young children, the days can be long and repetitive. You probably spend a large chunk of your day changing diapers and feeding babies. By now, you’re probably settled into a nice routine. You may have baby groups or classes to attend each week and perhaps regular meetups with other moms. Every so often, however, it’s a good idea to escape from your regular routine and enjoy a special day out with your baby. Why? Because it’ll be fun. Your baby will experience something new and you’ll get a break from the norm. Here are a few ideas for places to visit on days out with your baby:

1. The art gallery or museum

Your baby might not be old enough to read the information signs or understand artistic concepts just yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s too young for a bit of culture. Art galleries and museums are filled with interesting attention-grabbing displays that will fascinate your baby. Bright colors, eye-catching patterns, and unusual displays will keep your baby entertained at the art gallery. And the interactive displays, buttons to press and exhibitions to explore will provide just as much entertainment at the museum. Museums and art galleries often have special activities running throughout the week for babies, so keep an eye out for listings at museums and galleries near you.

2. The beach

The beach is pretty much the perfect location for a baby day out. It has lots to offer your baby’s senses, making it the ideal sensory day out. The feel of the sand on your baby’s skin, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the taste of the ice cream you share together at the beach. Make sure you take a bucket and spade and something to sit on. If it’s a sunny day, make sure you pack enough sun protection and make sure your baby is wearing a hat at all times. You’ll also need to pack a couple of spare outfits for your baby – you might be surprised at just how messy it is possible to get at the seaside!

3. Steam train

Babies and young children love public transport almost as much as most adults hate it. Whilst you may dread your morning commute, your baby gives a wide smile each and every time he spots a bus. With this in mind, a trip on a steam train is sure to impress. You may be able to find a miniature steam railway to a country park or attraction near your house. Failing that, a journey on a full-size steam train will do.

4. Picnic

When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than enjoying nature with your baby. A picnic is a perfect way to spend some quality time together enjoying the beautiful countryside around you. Pack a selection of your baby’s favorite foods (and a few of your own!), a picnic blanket and a ball and head out into the sunshine. You could just walk to the park near your house or, if you fancy an adventure, you could head further afield. Have fun exploring nature with your baby. Smell the flowers, touch the leaves and enjoy the feeling of grass under your bare feet. Try and engage with as many of your baby’s senses as possible.

5. Garden center

A garden center probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you think of days out with your baby, but it’s an excellent choice for you and your baby. Garden centers are filled with brightly colored flowers, strong smelling herbs, and different textured leaves. There are trees, bushes, water features and enough gnomes to keep your baby transfixed for hours. And, unlike the wide expanse of nature, there are baby changing facilities and places you can buy a cup of coffee. Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?

Where do you like to go on your special days out with your baby?

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.

Eventually, your little one will be ready to transition from the breast or a bottle to a sippy cup. But even before you say bye-bye to the bottle or breastfeeding, it may be a good idea to get your baby used to a sippy cup. It might be easier to get an infant accustomed to drinking from a cup than a stubborn toddler.

But how do you know when the time is right? You need to wait until your baby can sit up and hold an object with both hands. Although it may vary, most babies are ready to use a sippy cup around seven to nine months.

Keep in mind, some babies may not be interested in using a sippy cup until they are a little older. But many pediatricians recommend introducing a sippy cup by 12 months to decrease a baby’s chances of developing tooth decay.

Drinking from a sippy cup helps your baby improve her motor skills and also gives her a sense of independence. Plus, a sippy cup helps your baby master the skills needed to use a big-kid cup in the future.

To get your baby started, select a cup that is sturdy and has handles, so it will be easy for her to grasp. A sprout that is soft and pliable may make sipping easier for your baby, especially at his first. If you choose a plastic sippy cup, make sure the package is labeled BPA-free.

Some babies may be more likely to try drinking from the cup if it has a liquid they are familiar with, such as breastmilk. If that does not work, consider trying something new, such as diluted fruit juice, which might get your baby interested in the cup.

Show your baby how to use a sippy cup by doing it yourself. For example, consider placing a sippy cup in front of your baby. Put your own cup down and pick it up and drink from it. Your little one may mimic you and pick up the sippy cup without prompting.

Don’t worry if your baby does not learn how to use a sippy cup right away. All babies learn at their own pace. At first, your baby may just play with the cup and not drink much. If your baby is not quite getting the hang of it, you may have to guide the cup to his mouth to teach him how to use it.

Don’t worry about spills or your baby making a mess. Instead, enjoy the fact your baby’s skills continue to develop and she is becoming a little more independent.

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.

Raising kind, obedient children is a goal many parents have. You want your little person to grow into a good big person, and you know that likely starts young. In fact, if you haven’t already, now is the time to start instilling boundaries with your baby. Because as he or she is gaining a better understanding of where they fit in the world, they are also learning about cause and effect—which means consequences and reactions to their actions.

Now, with babies, sometimes it is more about redirecting them than about reacting. And with so many parenting philosophies and techniques out there, you will have to find solutions that feel right to you and fit your personal philosophies when it comes to defining those boundaries. But no matter what your views on those parenting choices are, there is one very important thing to remember about teaching your baby right from wrong:

They are still just babies.

Yes, your baby is mobile now, maybe uttering a few words, and certainly more responsive to you and the important people in your life. He or she is absolutely gaining a better understanding of the things you say, and “no” is one of those words they get the concept of—they understand when you tell them not to do something.

But… they are still babies.

Which means that their ability to remember those lessons from one day to the next (or even one hour to the next) doesn’t always exist. And even if they do remember, they are in a testing boundaries phase—they want to know what they can and can’t get away with. Plus, there are a slew of other things driving their behavior on any given day. Teeth coming in, a lack of words to communicate that they’re not feeling well, and practically zero control over their own environments.

Being a baby is tough. So while you are working towards helping them to understand their boundaries, you should still strive to remember that they are just babies.

You will get hit from time to time. You will get bitten. Your hair will get pulled. And nothing you leave within reach of your baby is safe. There will be times when you are frustrated, and even more times when your little one will embarrass you with a tantrum in public.

These things happen. They’re what babies do.

So the best thing you can do is remain calm and consistent. Eventually the messages you are trying to instill will stick; it just takes time.

If you ever feel as though you are on the cusp of losing your calm, ask for help. Have a friend watch your baby for a few hours, or ask your spouse to take over. Get some fresh air, a cooler head, and a clear perspective.

This raising a baby stuff is hard, but you’re doing a great job! The baby stage will pass, and all the work you’ve put in today to instill boundaries will pay off down the line. Promise!

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.