Category: Baby

Posted on by

The Character Traits of a Scorpio Baby

born under scorpio sign

The Character Traits of a Scorpio Baby

Your Scorpio Baby..

October 23 – November 21

Young Scorpios have strong personalities. They know what they want and will go out and get it. Very loving and loyal to family and friends, Scorpios can, however, be wary of strangers. Your child may develop a trait of keeping his thoughts secret, but at the same time will be adept at finding out everyone else’s secrets.

Scorpios can often bear pain well so parents should learn to recognise small signs of discomfort from their babies. At play a Scorpio baby will learn from people seen as being stronger than themselves.

Your child will be active, quick to learn and intelligent.

Scorpio children often develop an almost insatiable curiosity about almost everything, but especially anything hidden, mysterious or forbidden. Parents will need to develop a tactful way of guiding their child away from unsuitable subjects.

Scorpios love to have a private place of their own, either a room or a secret hiding place. This gives them a sense of security.

Loyalty is important

Scorpio children will thrive if they believe that people around them will always be loyal.  The typical Scorpio child can be prone to accidents because of their need to do things or place more quickly than anyone else.

Typical health problems involve the nose and throat and many Scorpio children will get more coughs and colds. However, they will recover quickly.

Posted on by

Why Should I Make Sure My Baby is Screened for Critical Congenital Heart Disease at Birth?

baby girl and dog

New study confirms a dramatic decrease in infant deaths

Infant deaths from critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) decreased when babies were screened for Congenital Heart Disease at birth.

  • a decrease of more than 33 per cent in eight states that mandated screening for CCHD using a test called pulse oximetry.
  • And deaths from other or unspecified cardiac causes decreased by 21 per cent.

Pulse oximetry is a simple bedside test to determine the amount of oxygen in a baby’s blood and the baby’s pulse rate. Low levels of oxygen in the blood can be a sign of a CCHD.

About 1 in every 4 babies born with a congenital heart defect has CCHD and will need surgery or other procedures in the first year of life.

In the U.S., about 7,200 babies born each year have one of seven CCHDs
CCHD screening nationwide could save at least 120 babies each year, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

This study is the first look at the impact of state policies to either require or recommend screening of infants for CCHD at birth.

The study, Association of U.S. State Implementation of Newborn Screening Policies for Critical Congenital Heart Disease With Infant Cardiac Deaths, shows that states that required their hospitals to screen newborns with pulse oximetry saw the most significant decrease in infant deaths compared with states without screening policies.

47 states and D.C. now have mandatory screening policies in place and one additional state, California,  requires screening be offered. These results serve as a reminder to hospitals across the country to remain vigilant in their screening for CCHD.

“More families are able to celebrate special milestones in a child’s life thanks to the early identification and treatment of heart defects,” said CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “Screening newborns for critical congenital heart disease in every state, tribe, and territory will save lives and help babies thrive.”

Without screening by a pulse oximetry reading, some babies born with a congenital heart defect can appear healthy at first and be sent home with their families before their heart defect is detected.

CDC works to identify causes of congenital heart defects, find opportunities to prevent them, and improve the health of people living with these conditions.

For more information on congenital heart defects, visit https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/features/congenitalheartdefects/.

Posted on by

The Personality Traits of a Sagittarius Baby

Sagittarius baby

Your Sagittarius Baby..

November 22 – December 21

Young Sagittarians are happy and playful. They can be impulsive and will be the kind of child who says ‘hello’ to everyone, and will be despondent if others don’t respond.

Adventurous and Independent

Your child will be active and adventurous, rarely sitting still, but as a result, may pick up more bumps and bruises than other children.

A Sagittarian child enjoys company, but when left alone will be content hugging a teddy or blanket.

Honest and Like to learn

Sagittarians are totally honest and expect to be treated openly and honestly in return. You may find that your child asks endless questions.

Most Sagittarians enjoy learning but will take a dislike to any rules that they see as pointless.

They are sociable characters who should be allowed to take any opportunity to socialise. Parents should not pressure a Sagittarian child or be possessive over her.

Sensitive and Generous

A young Sagittarian child may hide her hurts and disappointments and should, therefore be encouraged to show feelings. Sagittarians are generous and parents will have to give guidance about money.

These children are restless and freedom-loving, but they may need to be taught that there are some social rules that must be obeyed for their own good.

The typical Sagittarian can be a bit clumsy and will pick up knocks and bruises from falling over and bumping into things. From a health viewpoint, the typical Sagittarius may suffer from asthma.

 

Japanese Names and Their Meanings
The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer
Posted on by

Organic Baby Food Now Available in Some States for WIC

toddler eating

More states add organic baby food to WIC program. Every year, almost two million babies are born into families that are eligible to participate in The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program provides grants to individual states to support low-income households (under $46k in annual income for a family of 4) who are nutritionally at-risk.2

These families receive funds for a defined set of foods to help subsidize the cost of feeding their children. However, currently, very few organic options are authorized for purchase with WIC funds.

In fact, today only 12 of the 50 states approve organic products for infants at all.

Happy Family Organics is proud to introduce Happy Baby® Clearly Crafted™ Jars, creating an option from their premium, organic line for WIC families. 45% of parents use glass jars to introduce their baby to solid foods.

48% of WIC-eligible moms feel that there are not enough organic brands available to them.3

This didn’t seem right to us,” said Anne Laraway CEO of Happy Family Organics. “Clearly Crafted jars are truly meant for all babies in the US and this is the first moment that we are able to say that. We’re really proud to provide a premium, organic option for more families – one they can feel confident feeding their children.”
Happy Family Organics is proud to be working with the various state WIC organizations toward state authorization of its Happy Baby Clearly Crafted Jars.

The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life is a vital window that defines a child’s wellness blueprint.

And, since Happy Family Organics’ portfolio is 100% organic, parents can be sure that they are free from pesticides that are harmful to human health.
The jars are already WIC-authorized in Florida, Minnesota, Texas, West Virginia and Vermont(approximately 20% of the organic WIC market) and are in the process of receiving certification in additional states.

Happy Mama Mentors

WIC program offers a free, live chat service on their website in 2017,  providing parents individualized support from Happy Mama Mentors.  They are a team of experts lactation specialists and registered dietitians certified in infant and maternal nutrition (and all moms!).

Through this service, Happy Family Organics has provided free advice to more than 15,000 parents and is continually finding ways to expand this service so that more parents have access to quality nutritional information.
“The feedback we receive from parents who chat with us is so inspiring. Providing this free service has been extremely rewarding for the team, knowing we are positively affecting the health of more children,” said Laraway.

Posted on by

The Personality Traits of a Capricorn Baby

born under Capricorn sign

The Personality Traits of a Capricorn Baby

Your Capricorn Baby..

December 23 – January 19

Capricorn babies thrive on routine and order, which gives them a sense of security they need. They are usually even-tempered and self-contained. Capricorns can be strong-willed and will get what they want by slowly wearing down parental resistance.

Young Capricorns tend to prefer older company and they enjoy pretending to be grown-up. Your child will probably prefer to have just one or two close friends rather than being a part of a large group. Capricorns usually love to read and to make things.

Encourage Outside Activities

Your child will need to be encouraged to spend time outside in the fresh air, since Capricorns are not usually very enthusiastic about sport or the outdoors. Sometimes they are very serious children who need to be encouraged to relax and play. Capricorns have a good sense of humour but cannot bear to be teased.

A Capricorn child will do well in a secure environment with a regular routine and reliable, appreciative parents. Young Capricorns can also lose self-confidence easily despite their maturity. They should be taught how to express their very sensitive inner emotions and how to relax because Capricorns are natural worriers.

Capricorn babies can be prone to illness, although this improves with age.

Posted on by

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

born under Aquarius sign

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..

January 20 – February 18

Your Aquarian baby will be outwardly calm, relaxed and delightful and grandparents, in particular, will dote on her. Aquarians are quick thinkers who want to analyze everything and everyone. An Aquarian child will often be totally unpredictable and come up with lots of ideas, and she will also be sensitive and intuitive.

Generous Rebel

You may find your child will rebel against commands and rules, but if you leave her to think things through she will normally come to a sensible conclusion on her own. Young Aquarians like to have many friends, although few will be very close, and will be generous towards them. Parents should watch out for the typical Aquarian absent-mindedness.

Energy and Sensitive

An Aquarian child will be constantly on the go and needs plenty of opportunities to make discoveries. Your child will thrive in a peaceful, calm, harmonious environment. These children are sensitive to any underlying tensions. Aquarian children can look more confident than they feel and so need genuine encouragement and praise from their parents.

Young Aquarians should be encouraged to think logically and practically. Their minds are always working quickly, sometimes too quickly so they often get in a muddle.

The typical Aquarian child is very healthy.

Posted on by

The Personality Traits of a Pisces Baby

born under pisces

The Personality Traits of a Pisces Baby

Your Pisces Baby

February 19 – March 20

Your baby will have the most winning ways of all babies and will dazzle you with the sweetest of smiles. She will dislike order and routine and will have an amazing imagination. Some

Pisces children live in a world of make-believe with imaginary people to talk to, and they believe in magic, fairies and myths – don’t ever tell them that Santa Claus does not exist, it will be traumatic!

Young Pisceans can have a very active sixth sense.

Your child may enjoy the company of adults more than that of other children. Pisces children rarely lose their temper, instead, they will happily continue on their own sweet way.

Pisces children tend to avoid the limelight and do not seek to lead.

Parents should not push their child into such positions. Their passive, non-aggressive natures mean that Pisces children can often be the victims of bullying. You will need to watch for this and to teach your child a strategy for dealing with such situations.

Young Pisceans seek attachments to people and animals rather than places and things.

They need to be taught to believe in themselves to prevent them from becoming too clinging. Pisceans absorb all sorts of information like sponges (you may have a future Mastermind!) and need to be taught to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

Two Pisces children in the same family will get on very well together, often building an imaginary world. A Piscean parent with a Pisces child will also have an excellent relationship.

The Personality Traits of A Baby Born During The Sign Of Cancer
Top Baby Names Present to 2009
Posted on by

A Baby Is Born With Certain Reflexes

baby hand reflex

A Baby Is Born With Certain Reflexes

A Baby’s Reflexes..

A baby is born with certain reflexes to protect them during the first few weeks. These reflexes will disappear after a few weeks and be replaced with voluntary movement during baby’s development.

Doctors will check these reflexes to ensure his central nervous system is working correctly.

Walking Reflex

If you hold baby in an upright position with his feet touching the floor, his legs will seem to be trying to walk. This reflex will last for about 3-4 weeks, and he won’t actually walk until he is around 12 months.

Crawling Reflex

Place baby on his stomach and he will take up a crawling position with his bottom in the air and his legs bent. This lasts for about two months when he will then be able to lie flat.

Search Reflex

Touch baby’s cheek with your finger or breast and he will turn towards the source and open his mouth in search of food. This reflex will last for about 12 weeks.

Grasp Reflex

Place your finger in the palm of baby’s hand and he will grasp it. This involuntary movement will persist for about 3 months.

Sucking Reflex

Put your (clean) finger in baby’s mouth and he will suck on it. This reflex ensures he will be able to feed.

Diving Reflex

If baby is placed in water – either during a water birth or in a swimming pool – his throat will close so that he does not swallow the water. This means that baby will not drown if born in water, and he will also be a natural swimmer. This reflex will last for about 2 months, or longer if you take him swimming.

Babinski’s Reflex

Stroke the sole of baby’s foot and his big toe will curl up and the other toes will spread out. This lasts for about two years.

****************************************************************
Author: Tony Luck who runs a site with advice for moms-to-be and new moms. Included are the fascinating to tell you when baby is expected.

Sugar Bee Baby -Parenting advice and family fun resource. Expert
parenting advice for babes to teens from doctors, teachers,
psychologists, nutritionists, Special Need Children and Child
Development Specialists and a Nanny. Family Fun includes crafts,
games, party ideas and family vacation travel. Families Online
Magazine also provides answers to those important questions, What’s
for dinner and Are We There yet?

 

Newborn Baby Reflexes

Assessing Newborn Primitive Reflexes” by Nina Gold for OPENPediatrics

Posted on by

Introducing Your New Baby to Your Pet

baby and dog

Having a child is a life-altering event for you and your family. If you own a pet and are concerned about how your pet will respond to the bringing home of a little bundle of joy, then you are not alone.

Hundreds of thousands of new families each year have to deal with how their pet might respond to the new baby. If you have a small child or are expecting in the near future you may have many questions such as,

What if my pet gets jealous?

What if he or she bites the baby?

How do I get my pet used to the new baby, and vice versa?

Not to fear, we have compiled some basic guidelines to follow when introducing your new baby to your family pet. First, you might want to think about your pet’s breed and temperament.

This applies to all pets, but in particular dogs. In all likelihood, you have seen many news stories about how certain dog breeds have attacked or even killed small children. Doing some basic research on your dog’s temperament will help you decide what to do upon the baby’s arrival.

If you find yourself deciding that you will not be able to keep your pet, keep in mind that many local rescue groups willingly take in animals and place them in homes where they will be better situated. It can be a tough decision, but the protection of your child is obviously paramount.

Familiarize with Baby Gear

Another main point that you should consider is familiarizing your pet with the baby gear that you plan on using. About a month or so before your baby is due, assemble all (or most of) the baby equipment.

Leave the bassinet out, put the swing in the living room, set up the bouncy chair on the floor. Just having these items out will enable your pet to get used to seeing them.

By the time the baby comes home, your pet will think nothing of that big playpen that is taking up half the room, or the baby’s new blankets and rattles.

You may even want to buy a little doll and swaddle it and hold it as if it were the baby. This will get your pet used to you holding the new baby a lot. Allow your pet sniff the doll and let him or her watch you put the doll into the playpen or swing.

Turn on the swing so your pet gets used to the noise, as there will be a lot of new noises in the house.

Getting Ready

When the time comes and your new baby is born you will probably be in the hospital for a few days. Try to get one of your family members to bring home one of the hats that your baby has recently worn. Let your pet sniff the hat so he or she can get familiarized with the new baby’s scent.

Coming Home

Your arrival home with the new baby will be a big event. Remember when you used to come home you’d greet your pet and give him lots of attention? Now you’ll have a tiny little baby who you’ll need to immediately feed, change and take care of.

Try to have your spouse, friend or family member give your pet lots of attention when you can’t so your pet still feels loved when you come home.

Let your pet smell the baby (of course with close supervision).
After a while, your pet will become very accustomed to the new baby in the house. Mostly, critically, always remember that no matter how much you trust your pet, especially dogs, never leave him or her alone in the same room with the baby.

You can never be 100% sure of the animal’s intentions. Regardless of how much you trust your pet, don’t be afraid to use baby gates or keep doors closed. When your baby begins to crawl and walk, watch out because your curious child might think it is fun to pull the dogs’ ears and tail and that’s when you could really be in danger.

In short, know your pet and always remain watchful. In the end, most children and pets will form a special bond as they grow to love one another over the years.

Posted on by

Why You Should Teach Your Baby How To Swim

baby swimming in pool

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby to swim. Not only is it fun for your baby to swim, bond with you, and play with other babies, it is a great way for you to interact with other parents as well.

It was only discovered in the 1960’s that babies were able to swim independently underwater. But since then, it has been learned that it promotes self-confidence and personal development – physical and emotional. It gives your baby a calming, zero-gravity environment to move freely where they otherwise could not on land. This is incredibly beneficial to babies with Downs syndrome and cerebral palsy.

What are the benefits of baby swimming?

  1.  Increased motor development, social skills and intelligence,
  2. Increased concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities,
  3. Improved nap time and night time sleep patterns.
  4. Babies who learn how to swim have been known to walk earlier as well, due to their increased muscle control.

Babies automatically hold there breath underwater

It’s only natural for a baby to feel comfortable and happy in the warm water. You don’t have to worry about your child breathing, because they automatically hold their breath while underwater. This is called the “mammalian dive reflex”. After all, they did spend their first 9 months in fluid.

If you have your own pool, it is up to you as a parent to decide when you want your baby to start swimming. There is no age limit. They can even start right after birth.

When to start swimming lessons for baby?

Some classes, however, ask that you wait until they are 3 months. Others recommend you start as early as possible. But keep in mind, the longer you wait, their confidence in the water decreases.

Closer to their first year, they can actually develop a fear of water if they are not familiar with it. You should never force your child to learn if they don’t want to. This will only result in a stressful situation for your child which could become a problem later on.

Don’t expect your baby to start swimming like a pro right away. 

It takes time and patience. But even though they can’t swim on the water’s surface until they are about three, they can swim for short distances under the water with the help and encouragement of their parent. Have an underwater camera available to capture that special moment.

Check with your local community swimming pool to see if they have classes available. You and your new baby will love it.

 

Child Development: 3 – 6-Month-Old Milestones

A Baby Is Born With Certain Reflexes