Five Baby Firsts You’ll Never Forget

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.

Keeping Your Baby Safe in and Near Water

Your baby may not even be walking yet, so you might think it’s too early to think about water safety, but it’s not. Before you know it, your little bundle will be crawling or toddling around and can get into trouble in the blink of an eye.

Bath Time Safety

Accidental drownings can happen quickly. But there are several things you can do to keep your baby safe from water hazards. For example, although bath time can be fun for your baby, it’s essential to keep safety in mind. The majority of babies under age one who drown, do so in the bathtub.

When it comes to babies and the bathtub, rule number one is never leave your baby unattended even for a second. You might think your baby is only in a few inches of water and safe in a baby tub. But leaving to answer the door or grab the phone is enough time for your baby to slip under the water.

If you’re not using a baby tub, place a rubber suction bath mat on the bottom of the tub to prevent your baby from slipping. Also, don’t go overboard filling the tub. Three or four inches of water is enough.

For babies who can’t yet sit up, make sure everything you need, such as soap and a washcloth is within an arm’s reach, so you can have one hand on your baby all the time.

Swimming Pool Safety

Playing in a swimming pool is a great sensory activity for your baby. It’s also a fun way to cool off. But it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

Be careful if you use a large kiddie pool that is too big to drain after each use. Large kiddie pools are not fenced in and can still pose a danger to your baby. You may be better off using a small baby pool that’s easy to empty when you’re done.

Whether you have a built-in or an above ground backyard pool, be sure to have all the safety measures in place. For instance, anything larger than a kiddie pool should be surrounded by a fence with a self-locking gate. If you have an above ground pool, take the ladder out of the pool after each use. Don’t leave toys in the pool that might entice your baby to grab. When she reaches for the toy, she can fall in. You may also want to consider a pool alarm for an added safety measure.

Additional water safety tips you may want to consider include:

  • Installing a toilet lock in the bathroom
  • Avoid leaving buckets of water outside
  • Consider baby swim lessons
  • Keep in mind, when it comes to water safety nothing replaces a watchful eye.

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.