Importance of Tummy Time

Since my son was a preemie (born at 29 weeks 4 days) we were referred to the pediatric physical therapist for a “just in case” appointment.  Fortunately the therapist confirmed what I already knew:  baby is perfect.  Actually, her words were “the only thing wrong with him is that he might be too cute.”  I’ll take that. 

Anyway, I asked her about tummy time, since I heard it’s important to do since babies sleep on their backs now (or at least they should).  Prior to the huge “back to sleep” campaign that began in 1992 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a lot of people (my mom included) put their babies on their tummies to sleep.  So, they got tons of tummy time.  Sleeping on the back and having no tummy time can have the ability of delaying certain developmental milestones, like rolling over and crawling.  It can also lead to a flat head.

According to UCSF’s Childcare Health Program , tummy time is important for the following reasons:

• stretch and strengthen the head, neck, shoulder and back muscles they will need to learn important motor skills (for instance, how to push up, roll over, sit up, crawl, and pull to a stand).
• develop their sensory-perceptual, social emotional, problem solving, balance, visual, and hearing abilities.
• develop normally-shaped heads (infants who spend most of their time on their backs when asleep and in infant seats when awake are at risk for developing flat spots on the backs of their heads).

The physical therapist gave us a few ideas.  She said we could purchase a big exercise ball and place the baby on it, rolling it a bit back and forth.  She said this made a lot of babies happier than the traditional place baby on a firm surface, since they could see a lot more and stay entertained.  My son was on the ball and watching his big brother play.  The physical therapist said the more they are entertained, the longer they’ll be able to keep their head up. Another option is to place the baby on the edge of the bed (with your supervision of course!  I shouldn’t have to say this, but for all of these tips you must supervise your baby!!!!). 

Anyway, we’ll be continuing tummy time with more vigor.  Butterball doesn’t like it too much, but he’s getting better each time. 

Tummy Time Resources:

Babies Today

UCSF Childcare Health

Back to sleep, Tummy to Play

Teething Relief for Your Baby

When your baby starts teething, desperation sets in until you find a quick fix that relieves your baby’s pain and frustration.  And if you ask seasoned mommies what they did to find that relief, you may just get a mixed assortment of answers.  Everyone, in seems, has something they claim to swear by. 

I’ve compiled a list of teething relief solutions that may alleviate your anxiety during this dreaded period of your baby’s life.

Orajel

Many moms swear by baby Orajel.  Just make sure you don’t use it before nursing, as it numbs your baby’s mouth and can make it difficult.  Pick it up at any drug store or grocery store. 

Teething Tablet

 Some moms swear by the teething tablets.  One of their great features is that they are natural.

Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets (Pack of 4)

 Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets (Pack of 4)

Homeopathic. 100% Natural. Symptomatic relief for teething in children. No side effects. Soft tablets dissolve instantly.

 

Frozen teething ring or wash cloth

Pop a teething ring or wash cloth in the freezer and give it to your baby to chew on for relief. 

 

Amber necklace  

This one I just learned about and have heard great things. 

Baltic Amber Baby Teething Necklace – Multicolored Chips

Baltic Amber Baby Teething Necklace – Multicolored Chips

Product Description

This Baltic Amber baby teething necklace features small amber chips in opaque milk and honey alternated with clear honey, clear cognac and clear cherry colored amber chips. Baltic amber teething necklace is made for wearing (not chewing) when a baby is teething. The warmth from the skin releases the active ingredient in the Baltic amber, succinic acid. Recent scientific research has proved that succinic acid has a very positive influence on the human body. It improves immunity and the balance of acids when absorbed into the bloodstream, it stimulates the thyroid glands to help reduce drooling and soothes red inflamed cheeks. Amber’s anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties are recognised by allopathic medicine as a natural analgesic, which will help to relieve teething pain and calm a baby without resorting to drugs. The skin’s warmth releases healing oils from the amber, a resin, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. Appx 11-12.5 inches long

 

Teething Feeder

Sassy Teething Feeder and 16 Replacement Bags

 

 Sassy Teething Feeder and 16 Replacement Bags

• Perfect for home or travel
• Great way to give baby whole, fresh, age appropriate foods, while reducing the risk of choking
• The unique ‘chill’ feature in the Teething Feeder handle and the convenient storage cap help keep foods fresh while traveling with baby
• 16 replacement bags included

 

Chewy Toy

And there are toys designed specifically to be gnawed on by little teethers.  This one is particularly popular and cute:

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Brown/ White

 Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Brown/ White

• Phthalates and BPA free
• Facilitate baby development
• Numerous parts to chew and play safely
• Made of 100% natural rubber and food paint

Amazon Steal of the Day

The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper, Colors May Vary

$65.83  $35.50

The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper, Colors May Vary

The First Years deceptively simple Close & Secure Sleeper allows you to feed, soothe, monitor, and bond with baby in the comfort of your own bed. Meant to be used from birth until baby rolls over or pushes up on their own, the sleeper is anchored to your bed by a large flap that tucks under your mattress. The patented Airflow design of the hollow frame and breathable mesh fabric keep air circulating and baby cool.

A durable, cloth-covered U-shaped “wall” surrounds baby’s head and torso to limit their movement and help prevent parents from rolling onto them. The soft head barrier reduces the risk of entrapment, while the foot wedge–which can be used as a sleep positioner in future months–ensures baby stays snugly inside the sleep area. The supportive bottom is a cozy resting spot with the included soft cover, vinyl covered mattress, and removable, machine washable mattress sheet.

Reassurance and safety weren’t the only things The First Years folks thought of when creating this sleeper. Other benefits include its portability, a nightlight, and transitional use. For travel convenience, the Close & Secure folds up easily, is lightweight, and sports a carrying handle. Once baby has outgrown it, this feature means that it can also be compactly stored until needed again. A built-in nightlight allows you to quietly check on your bundle of joy during the night and provides enough illumination for feedings without waking your partner. When you are ready to transition baby to the crib, this sleeper can go with them–simply place it in the crib until baby is used to their new setting.

Two AA batteries are required for the nightlight.

******

Let me tell ya…before I had my baby, I SWORE I wouldn’t become “one of those parents” who sleep with their baby.  And when we finally got to bring him home from the hospital, what did I do?  Slept with him on my chest.  I couldn’t help it, I just wanted him close to me, and he wanted to be close to me. 

I don’t have him sleep with us too often these days, mostly out of concern for safety.  I do let him snuggle in our bed when he wakes up in the early mornings around 4 or 5ish. 

The co-sleeper gives you piece of mind when you co-sleep with your baby in those early days of parenthood when you bring your newly born baby home.  And this is a fabulous deal.  Plus…the product is highly rated by people who have used the The First Years Close and Secure Co-sleeper.

5 Reasons to Feed Your Kids Organic Foods

1.  No pesticides.  According to the EPA and other experts, pesticides pose a risk to infants and children.  The EPA cites the following reasons that puts children and babies “at risk”:

• internal organs still developing and maturing,
• in relation to their body weight, infants and children eat and drink more than adults, possibly increasing their exposure to pesticides in food and water.
• certain behaviors–such as playing on floors or lawns or putting objects in their mouths–increase a child’s exposure to pesticides used in homes and yards.

Pesticides are considered dangerous because of their impact on a child’s excretory system.  Since excretory systems are not fully developed in children, they may lack the ability to eliminate pesticides in the body like an adult might.  This means more pesticides stay in a child’s body and get absorbed. 

Also, they Pesticides are considered potentially harmful because they block the of vital nutrients obtained from foods.  These nutrients are considered necessary for normal development and good health.

2.  Reduce impact of environmental toxins on brain growth.  According to Dr. Greene in “Raising Baby Green,” if he had to choose a time in a human life to eat organic, it would be “from conception to age three” (137).  This is the time when our bodies and our brains grow faster,” and “pound for pound babies eat more than adults” and are “more vulnerable to environmental toxins.” 

3.  Possible link to ADHD.  The Journal of Pediatrics has released current research that asserts a link between levels of a common pesticide byproduct and ADHD in children.  According to the research, children with above-average levels of the byproduct are about twice as at risk of getting an ADHD diagnosis.   Read the CNN article “Study: ADHD linked to pesticide exposure” for more information. 

4.  Organic retains more nutrients.  Although there is some disagreement, many sources point to the fact that organically grown fruits and vegetables retain more nutrients and vitamins than other produce.  In a study conducted by the Soil Association, they found organic food to be more rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and chromium than non-organically grown foods. 

5.  Help the environment…invest in your baby’s future.  Organic farming is kinder and gentler on the environment.  For example, the number one type of farming in the United States is corn.  Consequently, pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used in abundance in corn fields, more so than any other type of crop.  This has had a negative impact on the land.  Pesticide run-off from the Midwest has been found in the Mississippi River, which has dumped out in the Gulf of Mexico and contributed to a marine dead-zone with oxygen depleted water.  Organic farming avoids these environmental disasters and can help take the precautions to make the earth a cleaner, healthier place for your children and future generations. 

Resources:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3076638/

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food/pest.htm

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/17/pesticides.adhd/index.html

“Raising Baby Green” by Dr. Alan Greene, 2007. Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10587.php

Rear-Facing Carseats for Older Children

There are new recommendations starting to surface as it relates to carseat safety and children.  Traditionally babies stay in their carseats until they are a year old.  These days, many people and organizations are recommending extending that to two years of age.  The British Medical Journal even recommends extending rear-facing carseats until a child is 4 years old. 

Here are some reasons why rear-facing carseats for old children are considered safer:

• rear-facing carseats decrease the risk of injury in a car crash
• according to Dr. Joseph O’Neil, a pediatrician at Riley Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, says that children are over 5 times safter in a rear-facing carseat.
• rear-facing carseats provide more support to the head and spine of a child.  Risk of spine-related injuries increases with front-facing carseats

A common objection I see a lot of people making about this issue is that their children grow too tall.  The answer is that kids can fold, cross, or drape their legs to the sides.  The risk of injury from sitting forward in a carseat surpasses any risk of injury due to legs being folded. 

I will be following this recommendation.  I think it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Other resources about rear-facing carseats

http://seattlemamadoc.seattlechildrens.org/2-is-the-new-1-rear-facing-car-seats-until-at-least-age-2/

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/story?id=7818004&page=1

Rear-facing carseats:

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat

 

 

5-35 pounds rear facing, 22-40 pounds front facing, 40-100 pounds belt positioning booster

Convertible car seat

Removable cup holder

5-point harness with up front adjustment

Removable washable car seat pad

 

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

 

 

 

• 3-in-1 multi-mode Car Seat for longer use 20 pounds to 100 pounds
• Extended 5-point harness for children 20-65 pounds
• Converts to High-back belt positioning booster for child 30 pounds to 100 pounds
• Converts to backless booster for child 40 pounds to 100 pounds
• Steel reinforced frame for durability

Where’s My Sleepy Head?

I kept wondering to myself why I wasn’t getting work done during the day.  Was I just dropping the ball?  Not moving fast enough?  Too much Facebook?  Despite my habit of making detailed to-do lists and having the very best intentions of being turbo-productive, I always seem to end the day with a whole lot of things left to do and no energy. 

And then we had our 4-month pediatrician appointment.  Our doctor (who I love) is kind and thorough.  He checked the baby’s ears, reflexes, nose, heart, lungs, stomach…you name it.  He asked about his poop and pee frequency, his eating habits, his development milestones.  And then he asked about his sleep.

“Does he sleep in long blocks of time or is he a cat-napper?” the doctor asked.

Bingo!  Finally I realized why I wasn’t very productive during the day.

“He’s a cat-napper,” I responded. 

And it all made sense.  No wonder…I start working, and then the baby wakes up.  He snoozes for a bit, and while I am in the middle of a project he’s awake again.  All day:  awake for hours, sleeps for ten minutes, awake for a few hours, sleeps for twenty minutes…

When he finally falls asleep, I’m drained.  Did I mention he eats like a maniac when he is awake? 

His daytime sleep is apparently normal.  I don’t want to complain too much since he sleeps in blocks at night, but still.  We always want it all. 

Here’s an infant sleep resource. 

According to the site, a baby the age of my son should be sleeping 4-5 hours during the day, which I guess he does, except it is more in the morning and toward late evening.  I can forget about getting work done mid-day.  

Soothing a Fussy Baby

 

Some days are absolutely taxing for us as mothers.  When your little one can’t decide what will make them happy, or you can’t figure it out, it makes for one big fussy day. 

That was us yesterday. 

I’m usually pretty good at figuring out what my little guy wants.  If you’re unsure of how to deal with a fussy baby, first you want to do some basic troubleshooting.  Usually it’s a matter of figuring out what is wrong with your baby.  This is the hard part…because you know…newborns can’t talk.

Here are the basic problems that cause fussy babies:

• Is he/she hungry?
• Does he/she need a diaper change?
• Is he/she too warm or too cold?
• Did he/she spit up on their clothes and need to be changed?
• Is the fussiness related to gas or constipation problems?
• Does he/she just want to be cuddled?
• Is he/she tired and need to fall asleep but can’t?

Those are usually the basic problems.  So I go through it all, but it soon becomes evident that my baby’s plan is to be held and cuddled all day.  As much as I love his cuddles, there are things like laundry, dinner, and work to be accomplished in a day. 

He fought me like  a little wild animal. I determined that he was in need of pooping and this was agitating him.  So, I went through the obvious steps:  bicycling his legs and infant massage.  We weren’t successful.  Gas didn’t seem to be the problem either.  The only thing he wanted was the boobah…and that’s what he got off and on for most of the day.  I was exhausted.

In the end he won, as you can see in the picture above.  Lots of cuddles, lots of boob.  Mommy did a lot of one-handed typing and didn’t manage to become Housewife of the Year.  The sweet boy stayed awake for most of the day. 

Oh little guy…you’re less than 10 lbs and already working Mommy.