Baby Blog

Choosing and Using Baby Formula

2008-03-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

Choosing and Using Baby Formula

Breastfeeding is the preferred method of providing newborns with all the nutrients and immune system aids they require. But for many people - whether mother, infant or both - that simply isn't an option. But not to worry. Baby formulas have developed to a high art, thanks to excellent science.

New parents sometimes read about potential difficulties associated with feeding infants cow's milk, and so shy away from formula based on it. But all commercial formulas are safe and nutritious.

Cow's milk isn't a preferred food for babies under 12 months. That much is true. But that's chiefly because it doesn't have the same percentage and type of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other compounds that is contained in natural human breast milk. And, indeed, a small percentage of newborns are lactose intolerant.

But baby formula based on cow's milk isn't just your regular dairy product in a different bottle with a higher price sticker. The formula is carefully prepared. The cow's milk fats and proteins are altered to emulate human breast milk to a very high degree.

But, for those few who truly have difficulty digesting cow's milk-based infant formula, there are good alternatives.

Soy-based formula is a healthy choice. They're useful primarily for those babies who lack the enzyme to correctly break down lactose, the natural sugar in cow's milk. Here again, it's important to get soy formula, not soy milk. The latter is not appropriate for newborns.
A specialized formula called protein hydrolysate is another alternative for those who have some types of milk allergy. The proteins in the formula are already broken down to products that would result from natural digestion. For those rare but unfortunate few babies who are born with a family history of milk allergies, it can be a lifesaver.

Beyond the general category of ingredients, there are many types of infant formula. They differ primarily in cost and convenience.

Powdered formula is the least expensive. It's designed to be mixed with water. It's possible and usually safe to mix with tap water. But many parents will want to use bottled water to ensure purity, which largely eliminates the price advantage.

Concentrated liquid formula is also intended to be mixed with water. It has the advantage of being a little easier to prepare, but (like powdered formula) requires careful measurement. The right ratio of formula to water is important for optimal nutrition and ease of digestion.

Ready-to-use formula, by contrast, is already pre-mixed to the exact concentration and form for instant use. Like the others it can be fed warm or cool, whichever the baby prefers. Not surprisingly, it is also the most expensive.

Some formula labeled 'enhanced' contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid), which are omega-3 fatty acids found in natural human breast milk. They're safe, but research is mixed on how much extra benefit they add.

All formulas are safe and nutritious, but all carry the same requirements. They should be prepared with clean, preferably sterile, utensils. Hands that contact anything that would make its way into the baby's mouth should also be thoroughly cleaned before feeding.

Prepare formula to the exact concentration recommended and feed only what the baby wants. Don't force the infant to take more than it is willing to consume after waiting a few minutes to relax caregiver and child. If it hasn't drunk the 'right' amount or at the time desired, simply wait and try again later. Babies regulate according to an internal clock, not the one on the wall.

Caring For Your Newborn

2008-03-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing is more precious to parents than a newborn baby, and rightly so. But caring for them can seem quite daunting. Fortunately, there are a variety of helpful ideas to get parents over those first big humps.

Choosing a pediatrician is just one difficulty that pops up right away. Newborns need vaccinations almost from birth. They are more susceptible to disease because their immune systems are still developing. And, they often go through colic and other infant conditions that have mysterious origins.

Since the skin is the body's first line of defense caring for it should be a special focus. Caring for the umbilical cord until it dries and falls off is one example. Avoiding or treating diaper rash is another. Daily bathing and avoiding sunburn is needed, though, even for those in perfect health.
One way to approach all those issues is to find out what newborns need right away. There are a few dozen simple and easy to obtain items that every parent will want to stock up on. Diapers are obvious. Medical supplies is another. Clothing, too. There's a certain amount of baby gear you just won't want live without.

Babies need to eat, too, of course! The simplest and healthiest option is breastfeeding for at least the first six months. Colostrum and mother's breast milk supply exactly what the newborn needs for nutrition and immune system development. But that's just not an option for every baby or every parent. A good infant formula can be a real lifesaver, here.

Premature babies represent a special challenge. They are even more likely to develop the usual range of baby problems, and may bring a few others along too. They're more prone to development problems and acquire allergies more readily. Keeping them (and all infants) safe from pets is a concern, as well.

But there's more to newborn care than meeting the purely physiological needs.

Dealing with sleeping problems, which can result from either physical or psychological causes, or a mixture, is part of nearly every parent's routine. Providing that essential sense of caring and closeness is critical to good development. Attachment Parenting is one popular approach to the subject that goes well beyond sleeping issues. Infant massage may be part of that, while it provides benefits for the parent, too. Bonds form in specific ways very early in life.

Parents may also want to look into a once-popular and now-resurgent practice: hiring a nanny. Anyone with a newborn will surely appreciate the need to have an extra pair of hands around, especially those with experience and expertise in child care.

With help or without, proud parents will want or need to take their newborn out into the world. Trips to grandparents, the pediatrician and elsewhere are a normal part of the newborn's and parents' lives. Learning how to do so safely and conveniently will be on everyone's list. That starts first and foremost, often right as you leave the hospital, with getting the right car child safety seat.

Even experienced parents can easily find themselves overwhelmed with the apparently endless challenges of caring for a newborn. All can take comfort, however, in knowing that those challenges are mastered daily by first-timers and those with multiple children alike. After all, you're reading this and you did pretty well!

Baby Gear You Can't Live Without

2008-03-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

Well, ok, it's confession time. You (and your baby) can live without many of the items below. But even apart from the natural desire of parents to make their baby's life as easy as possible, many of these help ensure their health and safety.

You'll need an infant car seat, even if you don't intend the baby to go out often. Many hospitals will require you to have one before they'll release mother and child. If you don't have one, some will supply you with a temporary. They have their insurance regulations to follow, you know!
You'll want to carry your baby around, but your arms will get tired. A good strap-on baby carryall will do wonders for you and your child. Like a good backpack (whether worn on the back or front), it will free your arms and save your back. They're also great for encouraging the bonding between parent and child that comes from physical closeness.

An adjunct to that is a good stroller. Even with a good carryall, babies can get heavy after a while. A sturdy stroller with a braking mechanism for hills and near the curb is always useful. Having one with an adjustable hood allows for the right amount of shading and sunlight filtering, too.

Both at home and away, a good diaper changing station is never wasted. A portable one will help you during those spontaneous moments that always seem to come at the most inconvenient time.

There are times when you want to rest your baby to relieve your arms and still want the baby to get a great view. A bassinet or cradle with adjustable arms is the perfect solution. Naturally, you'll want one that is ultra-sturdy. Make sure there are no sharp corners and look for ones that provide a means of securing blankets, buttoning in cushions and other handy add-ons.

As your baby develops, providing him or her with a means to exercise those burgeoning muscles promotes health and psychological well-being. A rocking chair with straps is useful. A bouncy seat with musical danglers is another good option. Make sure that any noisemakers are removable. You don't want to drive yourself crazy!

Speaking of music, a good CD or iPod-type player with speakers can be a great addition to the 'baby toolkit'. White noise helps some young ones deal with colic. Classical music helps young minds develop. Gentle sea sounds and lilting tunes provide a peaceful atmosphere that will help both child and parent.

Of course, there are a whole range of toys that serve a number of good purposes. Babies are exploratory by nature. Providing safe things that will go into the mouth, but only so far, is one category. Building blocks of various sizes help the developing mind learn about shape, volume and other basics. Sound-making toys help them correlate self-initiated movement with the resulting noise. Learning cause and effect early is a big boon.

Don't forget to stock the medicine cabinet with that whole range of needed items for emergencies!

Baby Development Milestones

2008-03-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Newborns - Baby Development Milestones
Development milestones begin even before birth. They're often easy to see using ultrasound and other techniques. But after birth, some may be harder to spot. They're just as important, though, since they mark the first year of your baby's rapid growth during this important period. These encompass a whole range of changes involving motor skills, the visual system and cognitive development.

The First Month
During the first month a baby that is developing well can be expected to exhibit strong reflex movements. They'll often bring the hands to the mouth, exploring all manner of tactile sensations. They'll frequently exercise the head from side to side, displaying the beginnings of mastery of muscle control and visual acuity.

At this stage, they can focus about 8-12 inches away, roughly the distance from mother's nipple to her nose. The eyes will wander, but they're not random. They're taking in the scene. The baby should blink at the sight of a bright light. High contrast patterns are attractive, but none more than that of the human face.

They can turn the head, reacting with attention to sounds (especially loud ones) and even familiar voices.

The First Trimester

Pregnancy has a first trimester, but so does the period after birth. During these three months the newborn is growing and developing profoundly. Changes seem to come almost daily.
Motor skills are sharpening and strengthening now. The baby can raise his or her head and even the chest slightly when lying on the stomach. Opening and closing the fists is common as they gain control over finger and arm muscles. The first signs of pushing down with the feet to support the legs can be seen.

At this time of life the visual system is sharpening considerably. By the end of three months they can watch a face with concentration and follow moving objects deliberately. The beginnings of recognizing people and objects become clarified. Hand-eye coordination is evident.
Social skills start about now. Smiling, enjoyment in the company of others and similar behaviors begin. Imitation of the behavior of others shows its first stirrings.

Through the Second Trimester

By the end of 6-7 months, those early gropings are ramping up. The baby can sit without support of the hands. He or she may be able to support her entire weight on the legs, perhaps with a little help from a nearby table or chair. During this period they have achieved enough muscle control to reach for and grasp small objects.

Full color vision is now possible. Being able to make out objects at a distance matures to the point of recognizing people and things across the room. He or she can track them as they move.
Cognitive skills start emerging clearly now. He or she may unmistakably respond to a personal name. Imitation turns to response as he or she repeats back sounds that will later become words. Those sounds start to get strung together into what will, before you know it, be short sentences.

The First Year

By the end of the first year those stumbles and babbles have become walking and talking. The baby can now make short trips across the room, from chair to table. He or she can say a few simple words, including that all important 'Momma' and 'Dada'.

Cognitive skills start to mature into value selection as the child displays a preference for certain people and/or toys, excluding others not desired. The first challenges to parental choice start to emerge. The baby learns the word 'no' and may use it at times you'd prefer otherwise.
Summary

Each child is an individual. While he or she shares many similarities with babies of the same age, each one develops at a unique rate and in an individual way. Milestones are rough guidelines. Einstein spoke late. Beware of assumptions about what is 'normal'.

Choosing Baby Bedding

2008-02-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

Couples who have a new baby will not sleep a lot during the first few years. Every baby wakes up and night, usually screaming and crying. There is not much you can do about this other than making sure you that your baby can sleep as comfortably as possible. Getting good baby bedding is a good beginning.

Usually a crib or cradle does not come with bedding, this has to be bought separately. Generally you will have to get at least four top and bottom sheets as well as a few blankets and a mattress. Make sure to buy enough linens. Remember, babies are not the tidiest little creatures…

So what makes good baby bedding? First you should look for bedding that is comfortable. Next it should be able to withstand frequent washing. Try to look for bedding that is thick yet feels soft to the touch.

You should also make sure that the bedding you are buying actually fits your baby´s crib. This is very important if you want your baby to sleep comfortably.

You may also want to take certain measures to prevent allergies. While scientists do not really know how people get allergies they speculate that they may be caused by things like overexposure to allergens. This includes things like dust mites and pollen which are commonly found in baby bedding. Babies have very sensitive immune systems which are still developing and often can not deal with these allergens. This is why many babies suffer from sneezing and other symptoms of allergies, which often persist until later in life.

One way to prevent this is by making sure your baby´s bedding is as clean as possible. If you really want to be confident that your baby is safe from allergens you should buy hypoallergenic covers or bedding.

Next you should make sure that the baby bedding is actually safe. It is usually better to cover your baby in a few thin blankets instead of thick ones. Thick blankets can raise the baby´s body temperature too much which in some cases may lead to crib death. This is why you should only use the thicker blankets when it is very cold. Be careful not to put too much stuff like pillows or stuffed dolls in your baby´s crib. These too can cause the temperature in the crib to rise to much.