Bonding Time With My First Baby
Most parents hit it off with their little ones right away. The tremendous need to bond with a newborn is normally triggered by an intense emotion that makes a parent-particularly the mother-want to love and protect her young offspring. For some people, however, this may require a longer period especially after a complicated pregnancy or a strenuous labor. Nonetheless, ‘my first baby” guidebooks usually reiterate the value of bonding time in spite of the preceding circumstances.
The Importance Of Bonding Time
Research suggests that babies who cultivate satisfying relations with their parents are likely to develop into well-adjusted and confident adults. Plus, they have also shown to do better in school.
In truth, the necessity of spending some quality time with your baby has an absolutely natural origin. It is actually an instinctive process-one that had been interwoven in the fabric of human nature.
Bonding Tips For Parents
If you wish to improve your relationship with your little one, you surely need to make an effort towards the fulfillment of your goal. First-time parents-such as yourself-would certainly consider the following bonding tips to be of use.
1) Use touch
One of the baby’s earliest means of communication is through touch. So make the most of this by holding your little one closely. You may cradle him (or her) in your arms or make use of a sling as an alternative in case you need to carry out a few chores.
2) Breastfeed
Breastfeeding a baby will guarantee that he (or she) gets frequent close contact with his (or her) mom. This certainly helps foster an early connection between mother and child. Sadly, the task isn’t always that easy. In order to resolve breastfeeding difficulties and other related issues, you may seek the advice of a health counselor or simply talk to an experienced parent who can help you with your predicament.
3) Sing or hum a tune
It doesn’t really matter if you”re an excellent singer or not so long as you can carry a tune. Your little angel will love listening to your voice just the same. Even the metrical nature of popular nursery rhymes is extremely comforting and is thought to facilitate language development.
4) Give your baby a massage
A massage offers a more planned and controlled manner of touching your little one. And aside from the excellent bonding time it affords, it greatly encourages your baby’s mental and physical growth.
5) Talk to your baby
Although your little one may not comprehend what you”re saying, he (or she) will love hearing you talk about anything under the sun. In addition, your baby will acquire confidence from the fact that you”re always there for him (or her) even though you still have tons of household chores to do.
6) Make the most of daily activities
Even the time spent for diaper-changing can be converted into a wonderful bonding period. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to just talk to, kiss or cuddle your baby. Constantly tell your little angel how much you love and adore him (or her). This will also help you forget about what a messy task it is to frequently change diapers. In other words, it’s like hitting two birds with only one stone.
So don’t let a fast-paced life stop you from bonding with your baby. Learn to relax and take pleasure in every minute you spend with him (or her). Books with ‘my first baby” themes will almost certainly tell you the same thing about the value of spending some quality time with your little one.
Are Digital Baby Monitors Safe For Children?
Today, almost everything has gone digital. Cellular phones, computers and even simple household appliances, such as telephones and microwaves, have all switched to digital technology. However, the growing concern of many is whether these hi-tech gadgets can be considered safe for our health, especially in gadgets such as baby monitors that are usually placed in such a close distance to children.
A lot of parents nowadays fear that if they use a digital monitor to help them keep watch of their child, they might be exposing their offspring to too much of electromagnetic radiation and this may cause significant damage to the child’s nervous system. Children, after all, are much more prone to damage as their systems are still developing at such a young age. So we ask the question that many of these parents want to know, is it really safe to use digital baby monitors for children?
What is Electro-SMOG and How Does It Threaten Our Health?
Electro-SMOG is the electromagnetic energy that is emitted by common gadgets in our home such as our televisions, cordless phones, microwaves and digital baby monitors. Studies have been made over the years claiming that too much exposure to electro-SMOG can result to health problems affecting the nervous system of the body. A person may have such initial symptoms of headaches, disruptive sleep patterns, chronic fatigue and abnormal behavioral patterns in children.
How Are Baby Monitors Different from Other Gadgets with Electro-smog?
Because of the huge possibility of the electromagnetic energy used in the digital technology of modern baby monitors, a lot of parents are fearful for the safety of their child. But on the other hand, manufacturing companies of these digital monitors claim that the amount of radiation that their baby monitors emit are at levels that do not pose serious danger to children.
Phillips is one of these manufacturing companies that claim that the level of electro-smog released by their gadgets are 10,000 times lower from the safety norms that are accepted internationally. The company also adds a recommendation that for parents to have total peace of mind, they can position the monitoring device at least a meter away from the child.
Going digital in such technologies has many benefits, but there really are minimal risks involved. The digital models of baby monitors have proven over the years to be better in reception as compared to that of the older analog version. These models have also proven to be much better at providing privacy for the family. However, for many parents who are concerned with the safety of their child, switching to modern technology can certainly be frightening.
But as long as one knows how to set certain prevention methods such as placing the monitor at a safe distance from the baby (at least one meter) and not adding a lot of other appliances inside the baby’s room such as televisions or computers, then much harm on the child’s health can greatly be prevented. Always keep in mind that the monitor’s distance from the child is very important.
The greater the distance of the monitor from the child, then there is also a greater reduction to the amount of exposure to radiation. Most manufacturing companies nowadays have also been improving their products to make them less health threatening.
In conclusion, parents can always have the option for opting to the hi-tech digital baby monitors especially because its many benefits, but if fear for the safety of the child is still present, always remember that there are precautions that one can follow to minimize risks.
Baby Monitors: Mom’s Best Friend
Pregnant mothers take care of themselves during gestation knowing that everything that they come upon would affect the tiny baby growing inside them. She would take every precaution to avoid anything that is detrimental to the baby. Part of it would be choosing the appropriate nutrition and activity to ensure the baby’s safety. The mother already loves the unborn child.
After nine long months of waiting, finally a baby is born into this world. Seeing how cumbersome the baby is, the parent’s protective nature is invoked. Any parent would vow to do everything for the baby and would not let anything harm the newborn. She would want to keep an eye on her child 24/7. However, there are a variety of roles that a parent has to perform. She has to divide her time in taking care of the baby and fulfilling her responsibilities to other family members, and most especially to themselves.
A mother has one, two, many things to do around the house while making certain that their well-being plus their husbands satisfaction is maintained. Keeping watch of the baby round the clock is simply an impossible feat. Nowadays, the wonder of technology has contributed much to the comfort of mankind. And mothers are truly blessed to have baby monitors in their aid that would ease their burden.
What are Baby Monitors
Baby monitors are technological device that serve as a pseudo mother who is in vigil at bedside. It is a radio transmitter that release FM (Frequency Modulated) signal most commonly between the ranges of 48,830 to 48,890 MHz. These devices have two components, the transmitter and the receiver. Transmitters are being placed 8-10 feet within the baby or closer if possible.
Sounds coming from the baby are being picked up and a signal is then transmitted to the receiver. On the other hand, receivers are being carried around the house or place somewhere that is accessible to the mother or whoever it is designated to keep watch of the baby. Usually, the transmitter is plugged into a socket from its stationary position while the receiver is battery operated since it could be brought anywhere.
What Baby Monitors Do
Baby monitors generally help mothers oversee the baby without being stuck inside the baby’s room all day. Through this, mothers are able to do what must be done around the house thereby accomplishing a lot. From the time baby monitors have been first released, countless of innovations have been made.
A variety of products not only permits auditory signals to be heard but even allow the mother from the receiver’s end to visualize their baby and play music to soothe the baby even from a distance. To this date, they are no longer just an electric device to keep an eye when the baby cries but offers a number of advantages in ascertaining the baby’s well-being.
Some top of the trade devices have sensors placed under the baby’s mattress that detects even the most subtle of movements including the baby’s breathing. When no movement is detected for a span of 20 seconds or if breathing is below the medically accepted rate, an alarm is triggered thereby notifying mommy.
This proves to be truly useful in perceiving life threatening conditions. Whatever type moms choose to have, it will contribute enormously in making mom’s life easier. Baby monitors are definitely mom’s best friend.
What Foods To Avoid While Breast Feeding
Many women find that they can eat whatever they may like during breast feeding. Even though it’s true that some strongly favored foods can change the taste of your milk, many babies seem to enjoy the varieties of breast milk flavors. Occasionally, your baby may get cranky at the breast after you eat certain foods. If you notice this happening, simply avoid that particular food.
The most common offenders during breast feeding include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic, chili, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits with laxative type effects, such as prunes and cherries.
You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, although too much caffeine can interfere with your baby’s sleep and even make him or her cranky. Keep in mind, caffeine is found in many soda’s, tea, and even over the counter type medicine as well.
It’s okay to have an alcoholic beverage every now and the, although having more than one drink can increase your blood alcohol level, putting the alcohol into your breast milk.
If you are planning to have more than one drink at a time, it’s best to wait two hours or more per drink before you resume any type of nursing or breast feeding. There is no need to pump and dump unless your breasts are full and its time to feed your baby. While breast feeding, any type of heavy drinking should be avoided.
Before you actually omit any foods from your diet, you should talk to your doctor. If you avoid certain foods and it causes a nutritional imbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist for advice on taking other foods or getting nutritional supplements.
Keep Toddlers and Children Safe Around Your Dogs
There are many reports in the media of children and toddlers being injured by dogs. Although they don’t mean to, and are devastated when anything bad happens to their pet, children can also hurt their dogs.
Here are some suggestions that will help keep your dog safe around the youngest members of your family.
1. Make sure children’s toys are all packed away. We all know that children can be a bit messy. They often leave their toys lying around the home. The problem with that is that dogs also like to chew things. Although it’s very annoying to have a favorite book or doll destroyed, some children’s toys can potentially be a choking hazard for dogs. There have also been many cases of dogs needing toys surgically removed from their intestines. This is very expensive surgery, and a major operation for your dog. Children’s toys can not only hurt your dog, but can also hurt your wallet! Remind your children regularly to tidy up after they’ve been playing.
2. Make sure that you supervise your child regularly around your dog. Children can love a dog too much. They can pull tails and ears, and poke fingers in eyes. They may even cuddle them a bit too tightly. Although this can hurt your dog, it’s a greater risk to your child. Your dog may snap or bite to defend himself.
Children love to pick up and carry their dogs, and this too can be a recipe for disaster. Dogs can feel very insecure when they’re in the air and may squirm and wriggle. If your child drops their dog, it can result in a broken leg, and again a costly vet bill. This is more of a problem with young children, but all children need to be encouraged to let their dog keep all four feet on the ground.
3. Teach your child that some foods are very bad for dogs. Children love feeding the family dog, and will often sneak some leftovers from their dinner under the table for their pet. Although it’s not likely that a child will share chocolate with their dog, foods such as cooked bones and extremely fatty foods are not safe for their pet. If you teach children how and when to feed their dog, and allow them to help prepare their dog’s meal, there is less chance that they will feed them inappropriate food.
Safety is important with respect to your family dog- both the safety of your children and the safety of your dog. If you use common sense, and follow these suggestions, your dog is much less likely to come to any harm.
Dog Fence DIY brings you this guest post by our staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of pet containment systems to choose from. Be sure to check out the Innotek 5100 system for the best available price. For more dog fence information see here.
Features to Look for In Child Safety Gates
Although it is a long journey from infanthood to toddler but busy as you will be in looking after and enjoying your bundle of joy, time will pass without your realizing it. The infant who was sleeping for most of the day will start crawling and then stand up on feet. That is the time for which you must prepare for and it should be before your baby starts exploring the new world and crawling to out of bound areas. Child safety gates are an important part of childproofing your home.
Childproofing is providing a safe environment to your child for protecting against dangers that your child is not aware of. Baby safety gates are meant to prevent your little one from moving to places that are not safe like the stairs, kitchen, bathroom, or any other area you think is potentially harmful to your child.
Types of Child Safety Gates
Child safety gates are of two types and classified according to how they are mounted. The first type is the traditional heavier version that can be mounted on walls and furniture. The other is pressure gates.
Child Safety Gates: Pressure Gates
As the name suggests, these depend upon pressure to stay in place. These are easy to install and do not require any hardware. These are also generally less expensive. However, pressure child safety gates may sometimes be knocked out of place with a light punch.
Child Safety Gates: Hardware Mounted
These are sturdier and require you to mount them on a wall or furniture. You can install them in less than an hour by sinking in few screws for mounting. Considering that it is a matter of your baby’s safety it is worth the trouble.
Features to look for in Child Safety Gates
* You should take care and avoid buying safety gates that do not display ASTM/ JPMA certification. Check for the certification for the particular product that you are buying. Child safety certifications are not given to brand names but to individual products.
* Make sure that you are buying the right size. The gate may be adequately high for use now but remember that your child will be growing taller. Choose a taller model so that it provides long term safety.
* Spacing of the bars in gates are of equal importance. As a general rule the space between bars should not be more than 2.5 inches or 6 cm. This is to ensure that the child’s head does not get stuck between bars.
* Hardware mounted safety gates are designed for ease of opening but the same cannot be said about pressure child safety gates. You will have to go through the gated area often so do not depend upon having to jump over the gate.
* Accordion-style screen gates are a virtual hazard so avoid buying them even if you get them cheap or second hand.
Depending upon the brand and features child safety gates can cost you anything in the range of $75 and $100, with pressure based models cheaper by about $20/40.
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I have a new born (4 months) at home and a kid starting her kindergarten this year. Obviously we are concerned about the H1N1 news out there and how bad it is going to get come fall (In USA).
Given this situation what is the best advice i can get to protect my child specially the new born as he is too young and his sister could potentially carry, god knows what, from her school.
Appreciate your inputs and help.
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im 13 and i need to know what is the age that a minor child can choose to live with the non custodial parent in New Mexico?
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There is a new law now where Child Enforcement Agencies are charging a $25 a year fee, not to the ones that owe child support, but to the custodial parent who is OWED child support…that when the non cust. parent sends in a payment, a fee is taken out and guess where it goes? TO HELP REDUCE THE DEFICIT!!!
What do you think of this?
this is now happening in ND
you can see this at www.childsupportnd.com
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