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Must-Have for New Moms: Heading Home with Your Newborn
September 5, 2010 | Filed Under Parenting | 3 Comments
Pediatricians, moms and authors, Laura A. Jana, MD, FAAP and Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP offer a wealth of “parent-tested, pediatrician-approved” advice in Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality, Second Edition (American Academy of Pediatrics, September 2010). Available on the American Academy of Pediatrics official Web site for parents, HealthyChildren.org. Also available in bookstores nationwide.
The following are excerpts to help you navigate those first crucial weeks of parenthood and caring for a newborn:
Following the Rules: Parenting by the Book
Nowadays it seems you can find well-defined rules about everything from feeding and sleeping schedules to dressing, diapering, and discipline. As convenient as it may seem to have someone write out for you an exact recipe for parenting success, we believe that there is not just one right way to do things. As with diapers and baby clothes, we are convinced that parenting techniques are not simply one size fits all. Our goal is to help famil- iarize you with the basics of baby care, and even more importantly to build your confidence as a parent right from the beginning during what many consider to be an overwhelming time–the newborn period. With a little knowledge and a positive attitude, you will find that you are very capable of anticipating and reasoning your way through even the most challenging aspects of what lies ahead. It’s a great feeling to find yourself comfortable enough in your parenting abilities that you don’t have to live life with a quick reference guide–ours or anyone else’s–tucked in your back pocket.
Breastfeeding Advice
What’s “Natural” Doesn’t Always Come Naturally
Yes, the act of breastfeeding is “natural,” but the truth of the matter is that it doesn’t always come naturally. All too often, new parents expect to be handed a newborn who gracefully latches on, nurses no more than 15 minutes on each breast every 3 hours, and delights in a plentiful supply of breast milk within a few short days. While we can only wish this scenario on all of you, clinging to this idealistic picture of breastfeeding bliss is all but guaranteed to set most of you up for perceived failure. If, however, you prepare yourself for the distinct possibility that your newborn may lack interest or sucking stamina, that each feeding may be different, and your nipples may be a little worse for wear early on, well then you only stand to be pleasantly surprised. The most likely scenario: Breastfeeding may be natural, but expect it to be a learning process for you and your baby. Some babies are quick learners, while others take their own sweet time.
Progressive Production
The changeover from colostrum to transitional and then mature milk is an important one. It gives you and your baby’s doctor reassurance that all is going well. Because the actual transition is not always so clear-cut, as some women notice very little change in their breasts as their milk supply increases, it is useful to be aware of several other clues that can help you figure out that everything is moving ahead as planned. They include:
* Your breast milk is white instead of yellow in color and appears thinner or clearer.
* Your baby makes more obvious gulping and swallowing noises when nursing.
* Your baby begins to pee and poop much more frequently
* Your baby no longer is losing weight or just holding steady, but instead has begun to gain weight relatively noticeably both on and off the scale.
Formula and Bottle Feeding Advice
We admit it. In many ways, feeding your baby formula may seem much easier than breastfeeding, especially in the beginning weeks. After all, you don’t have to worry about having enough of a supply, it’s rather painless (if you don’t count the sleep deprivation that comes with round-the-clock feeding), and it’s easy to monitor your baby’s intake. Granted, formula can be costly, you have to wash your supplies, and on occasion a baby will be finicky about which nipple and formula she is willing to accept, but at some point during their child’s first year, most of today’s parents end up using formula. With that in mind, we intend to give you a practical approach to formula, buying and cleaning bottles and nipples, and troubleshooting for newborns who don’t seem to play by the rules.
The Model Bottle: We’ve found that in reality, most babies go along with their parent’s taste in bottles and there really isn’t such a thing as a single “model bottle” – one that outshines the rest. Nevertheless, we have found the following considerations to serve bottle-buying parents well:
* In general, a transparent (ie, not colored) 4-ounce bottle is the most practical choice for newborns.
* Larger (6 or 8 ounce) bottles are fine if you don’t mind using them half-full until your baby is bigger.
* Angled bottles and those with disposable nurser bags, built-in vents, or flow and control systems are said to help decrease the amount of air your baby swallows (although regular bottles held at the proper angle will also).
* Disposable bags have the added benefit of, well, being disposable; you only have to wash the nipples after each feeding.
A Bit About BPA
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used in many hard plastic products, including some baby bottles, and the plastic lining used in cans of ready- to-feed formula. What’s the concern? Studies have shown that this potentially toxic chemical can leach out into food and pose a potential health risk–especially to infants and young children. The likelihood of BPA contamination is thought to be greatest when BPA-containing plastics are scratched or heated, contain warm liquids or food, or are washed with harsh detergents. While the use of BPA is not yet banned in the United States, several cities and states are considering or have already prohibited its use.
The advice we have for parents? Minimize your baby’s exposure to BPA by purchasing baby bottles that are labelled “BPA-free” and consider avoid- ing plastics with a #3 or #7 recycling symbol on the bottom (since these recycling categories may sometimes include BPA-containing plastics). And lastly, check for labels that state “dishwasher safe” or “microwave safe” before placing plastic containers in the dishwasher or microwave.
*Book excerpts from Heading Home with Your Newborn (Second Edition/Copyright 2010/American Academy of Pediatrics).
The Heading Home with Your Newborn excerpts are sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network.
Back-to-School Lunch Packing Tips
August 18, 2010 | Filed Under Parenting | 4 Comments
The back-to-school season is upon us and many of us will begin making lunches for our children to take to school. I wanted to pass along a few easy tips, courtesy of NSF International, to ensure that when you’re packing lunches for your children that everything is done safely.
As you know, bagged lunches especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food inside safe. Perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Consider packing foods that are nonperishable and won’t require refrigeration.
- If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese & crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
- Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
- Preparing lunches the night before and storing it in the refrigerator until you pack your child’s lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
- Don’t reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.
- Before eating lunch or snacks at school, be sure your child knows to wash his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.
I know I’m guilty of packing too much in my daughters lunch. I want to make sure she has enough and in doing so, food goes to waste. Do you have any other tips you’d like to share?
What can often be a parents’ worst nightmare?? A long wait in a waiting room or lobby with an active toddler or two. Does the thought of sitting in a small, stifling lobby or waiting with youngsters in tow make you cringe? If you’re like me, one giant question races through the mind: How am I going to occupy my children so they aren’t consumed with boredom which results in their running around or squabbling with each other? In my previous article I reviewed a few gross motor exercises you can do to make waiting time go by. In this article, I’ll share with you some fine motor exercises that work for me.
1. Fingers. Finger songs are great waiting games. “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, “10 Little Indians”, “Where is Thumbkin?” are all fun songs for kids. If it’s a quiet room you’re waiting in, whisper singing brings a new twist to the songs. Don’t worry – Paula and Simon won’t be judging you. You’re a parent; you can get away with it. Don’t forget about “Twinkle Little Star”, which is a natural progression to practicing one’s “ABC’s”……weird how they’re the same tune, huh? If you’re really on a roll and there are others waiting with you, earn a gold star by getting everyone to do a rousing chorus of “The Wheels On the Bus”. Party on!!
2. Toes. Yep, wiggling fingers counts as fine motor, but so does the wiggling of toes. Harkening back to the ballet lessons of my childhood, I remember learning “flex” and “point”. Of course, all ballerinas are supposed to point their toes. But it takes muscle control to make little feet point down and flex up to the sky. Have your child sit down and extend their legs in front of them. Using imagery such as lighting a candle (flex their feet), blowing out the candle (point their toes), can sometimes teach the concept to very young children.
3. Carry a scarf with you. Not only can you accessorize at a moment’s notice (fabulous, dahling!), but you’ll be amazed how you can occupy yourself and your child. Smooth it out and teach shapes…. it’s a square…. take one corner and fold it into a triangle…. can you make a rectangle? You can be silly, too. Be a ghost by putting it over your child’s head. Turn him/her into Little Red Riding Hood. Tell the story if they’ve never heard it. (Don’t forget to use funny voices to really hold their attention.) Use your imagination, and your child’s imagination. And encourage them to manipulate the scarf to really get those fine muscle groups working.
So the next time you and your child are waiting, don’t let boredom get the best of you. Don’t worry about your child getting out of control. Use the time to develop your child’s fine motor skills, and watch how the time quickly goes by. I am often asked a question that sounds like this, “Other than fine motor and gross motor exercises, is there anything else I can do to pass the time with my child while waiting anywhere?” Do you know the answer? Hint – I Spy, children’s digital picture books. See you in “Give Your Toddler A Job” – Part 3!
Wendy Toone is a child expert having owned and operated a leading franchise children’s fitness center and now producing MobiStories, Digital Books for KidsTM, as well as being a mom to her two children. To experience the world of digital children’s picture books, visit www.mobistories.com.
To download a free copy of Mommy’s High Heel Shoes for your PC or Mac, visit MobiStories.com and enter the promo code: MHHS0710. The offer expires 8/22.Mommy’s High Heel Shoes is also available for download as an app via the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad in the iTunes store where you can check out more great story apps from MobiStories: To order a hard cover copy of Kristie Finnan’s book, Mommy’s High Heeled shoes, visit her at KristieFinnan.com.
*This advertorial post is sponsored by the Role Mommy Writers Network.
11 Wallet-Friendly Ideas to Bust Summertime Boredom
July 5, 2010 | Filed Under Parenting | 2 Comments
My daughter is absolutely loving summer and spending extra time at home with her brothers. We’ve gone on several trips and do our best to keep them all entertained, but to be honest I feel like we are running out of ideas. Here are 11 ideas parents can use to keep young minds active during the summer months from Primrose Schools and DrZandme.com.
1. Boredom Buster Jar: At the beginning of the summer, sit down with your family and brainstorm a list of activities that can be done alone or that you can enjoy doing together. Encourage your children to share their own ideas and help you decorate and label a simple jar as the family “Boredom Buster Jar.” They’ll feel more involved in the project and more likely to think this is a “neat” idea, if they participate in the creation and idea generation. Next, write everyone’s ideas down on slips of paper and as a group decide which ones should go in the jar. Anyone in the family can pull any idea out of the jar to fight the summertime boredom blues.
2. Stories Alive: It sounds too simple, but reading is one of the most important waysto keep young minds engaged during the summer.Make reading even more fun by finding ways to bring the stories to life. For example, in the book Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran, children create a make-believe town in the desert out of rocks, boxes, and their imaginations. Read the book with your children and then challenge them to create their own town with materials they find in the backyard.
3. Art Start Box: You’ll need to gather basic art supplies-child safe scissors, glue, markers, tape and construction paper. Put them in a special box along with empty oatmeal boxes and paper towel rolls, colorful magazines and bits of aluminum foil. Occasionally add a special surprise like chalk, stickers, or stamp pads so there’s always something new for the children to find. Even if you normally have these supplies around the house, it’s fun for children to know that the Art Start Box is just for them. They’ll probably have some good ideas of other household items that can be recycled to fuel their creative energies.
4. Family Performances: Break out old clothes or costumes and encourage children to make up characters and create a play to act out. They are the directors, actors, and producers. They can also make musical instruments out of pots/pans, wooden spoons, empty canisters and have a parade; or everyone can play along to your family’s favorite songs. Record or video the performances, and enjoy the replay. You’ll also be capturing a bit of family history everyone will enjoy for years to come.
5. Family Dance Party: Crank up the music and encourage your entire family to boogie down. Dancing gives children a great outlet for self-expression through their own motion and helps build self-esteem. It also enhances motor and coordination development by incorporating skills like jumping, landing and leaping. Dancing is a great activity that can involve the whole family and doesn’t take very much preparation.
6. Fort Building: Children love to build all kinds of structures–from small towns to large towers. Constructing forts or tents is an activity that can keep children focused and problem solving for hours. All the items you need can be found around the house- some chairs, cushions, blankets, and of course adult supervision.
7. Cookbook Fun: Have you ever shared your favorite cookbook with your children? Take it out and ask your children to choose a recipe to try. Measuring can be a fun and easy way to keep math skills fresh.
8. Summer Scrapbook: All you need for this project is a spiral notebook. Encourage everyone in the family to draw pictures of favorite activities and collect mementos from special events throughout the summer. Children love to go back through scrapbooks and albums and tell about what happened at each occasion. They will also be building their storytelling skills at the same time.
9. Listening Game: Lie down in the backyard, in the den or at the park and listen. What do you hear? Do you hear what I hear? Can you imitate the sound? This is similar to watching the clouds and naming the shapes, and it encourages everyone to slow down and focus on listening.
10. Camping Out: Pretend to campout in the backyard. Plan a meal, pack a backpack and set up a campsite. You might even decide to spend the night!
11. Scavenger Hunt: Make a list or picture cards of common household items and have your children find the items on the list. Invite friends or neighbors to join in the fun to make it a competition.
I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.
Summer Pool and Play Set Safety Tips From UL
July 2, 2010 | Filed Under Parenting | 2 Comments
With summer in full swing I wanted to pass along some summer safety tips for pool and play set safety.
Play Set Safety
BEFORE INSTALLING A BACKYARD PLAY SET…
- Make sure your backyard is large enough for playground equipment. The site must also provide good visibility and security. Before setting up equipment, look out for obstacles, such as the garage, tree branches, utility poles and wires.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions when setting up play set equipment. Be sure your child’s weight and age fall within the manufacturer’s recommended limits for the equipment.
- Install protective surfacing, such as rubber tiles or mulch under the play set, at least six feed in all directions, to prevent serious injuries should a child fall.
BEFORE HEADING OUT TO PLAY…
- Carefully inspect backyard playground equipment. Make sure equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed and bolts are not protruding.
- Check for spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs. These spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.
- Always supervise children on play set equipment to make sure they are playing safely.
- Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, pet leashes or cords of any kind to play set equipment. If used improperly, they can be potential strangulation hazards.
- Watch for potential trip hazards, such as rocks, tree stumps and concrete footings. Make sure you’re children are aware of them as well.
- Do a sandbox check. Before letting your child dig in, rake through the sand to check for debris or sharp objects. Also, inspect for any animal contamination or insect problems.
Pool Safety Tips
POOL SAFETY AT HOME
- If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach.
- Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence that surrounds the pool.
- Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets can be strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can potentially cause a person to drown.
- Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.
BE SAFETY SMART WHILE SWIMMING
- Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you’re at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool every 10 seconds, and reach the water within 20 seconds.
- Always have rescue devices, such as UL-LISTED life preservers, nearby.
- Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.
- Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
- Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted.
- Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.
I know as parents we want to make sure our children are always safe but sometimes we fall short. My children and I sat down and watched this cute little Timon and Pumbaa video that helps them learn a variety of safety lessons to help them avoid injuries and live problem-free. I think it helps when children listen to lessons from characters they already love and adore.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
5 Tips for Summer Reading
June 20, 2010 | Filed Under Parenting | 5 Comments
School is out for many children and I’m sure reading isn’t on their list of priorities. However, it’s very important to keep their minds working during these summer months to make sure when school starts back in the fall they are on track and ready to learn. Here are five tips for motivating kids to read this summer from Rebecca Burton.
Combine activities with books. Going to a baseball game? Head to the library and check out a biography about your child’s favorite player. Is summer camp on the agenda? See if the camp has a blog you can follow.
Lead by example. Show kids that you love to read by picking up the newspaper each morning or sharing about something you’ve read, and they’ll understand that reading is important to everyone.
Relax the rules. Summer is a time when children can read what, when, and how they please. Don’t set any requirements, and don’t force kids to read something they’re not interested in.
Visit the library. It’s got thousands of books and audiobooks to borrow, computers to use, and magazines to leaf through. Make the library your “go-to” destination for the summer.
Think outside the book. Recognize that reading can happen in many formats, from eBooks to magazines to online read-along stories. Check out www.rif.org/kids for great read-alongs and other fun games and activities designed to keep kids reading.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to this: read. Read together, read separately, read anywhere, read everywhere. It’s the surest way to make certain that your kids will start the school year off right.
Rebecca Burton is a writer/editor at Reading Is Fundamental and has been working in the children’s literacy field for the past twelve years. She loves to read, travel, and hang out on the back porch with her husband and their two-year-old daughter.
Image: Felixco, Inc. / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Teaching Children Responsiblity With My Job Chart
April 23, 2010 | Filed Under Parenting | 6 Comments
My oldest is almost 7 and the hubby and I have been talking about giving her chores or responsibilities for things around the house. With her being my first, I haven’t had the experience or the know how to know how to go about this. I received an email from the folks over at Mom Select with information about My Job Chart so I checked it out hoping it would help me with my daughter.
My Job Chart is a free online chore chart that teaches children to work in a fun, productive way by using the easy, online system. The chore chart is completely customizable for your needs and the online interface is very easy to navigate. Adding family members, adding and assigning jobs and managing rewards is really quite simple. If you have children that are new to chores or even those not so new, I think My Job Chart is an effective way to teach responsibility to children and keep the parents on top of the reward system.
Don’t take my word for it…try it out for yourself.
Information provided by Mom Select and I am entered to win a gift card for letting you know about My Job Chart. Opinions expressed above are my true opinions.
Wellspring Camps, the leading weight loss organization for young adults and families across the U.S., knows how common it is for kids to run back to their televisions and junk food during their spring and summer vacation time from school. But these unhealthy and inactive habits can cause health problems among kids, so how can you help prevent them from becoming couch potatoes during their breaks?
Wellspring has developed some helpful, fun tips to help keep your kids staying active, and eating right while they are home for break!
- Plan a fun activity: With the beautiful warm weather, the spring and summer seasons are the perfect time to engage in outdoor activities. Whether it’s participating in a game of soccer, or going for an exciting hike in your local park, these activities will keep your kids from lounging around the house.
- Keep junk food out of the house: It is always important to limit your children’s junk food intake, but while they are home from school, their access to it becomes greater. Try to resist purchasing any unhealthy snacks that may sit in your cabinets during their time off. By not purchasing these items, your kids will have limited access to junk food!
- Prepare a healthy snack or meal: Everyone knows it’s hard to feed children a healthy meal they will actually enjoy, but Wellspring has developed a plethora of delicious, healthy meals that every kid will enjoy! Teriyaki chicken kabobs, chicken nuggets, and even French toast, can all be enjoyed with their improved recipes!
A healthy kid is a happy kid, and by following these simple tips, you can help keep your kids active and healthy during their spring and summer breaks!
I did not receive any compensation for this post.
6 Tips for Effective Allowance
April 7, 2010 | Filed Under Parenting | 4 Comments
As a mommy of three young children I’ve began thinking of how to set up an allowance for my children in return for them helping out around the house. Because my children are all 6 and under I haven’t implemented a plan yet, but I plan on using these tips from Anton Simunovic, Founder and CEO of www.threejars.com.
1. EMPOWER OUR CHILDREN. Responsible experience is the best teacher, so let our kids practice with real money. Truth is, when the kids spend their money and not ours, they get thoughtful – and fast. And if “mistakes” are to be made, isn’t it better they are made when dollar amounts and consequences are low? So let them practice money, just as they practice sports or instruments.
2. KEEP IT BALANCED. Allot a portion of every dollar your child earns to three jars: one for saving, the other two for spending and sharing. 50% to the save jar, 40% to the spend jar and 10% to the share jar is a good rule of thumb. This establishes healthy money patterns before they leave the family nest.
3. BE CONSISTENT. Pay the right amount on time! Allowance may seem trite to an adult, but to a young child, it’s their source of independent income. Give allowance the proper respect and attention it deserves. It’s a parent’s best tool to teach kids about money.
4. HOW MUCH. Consider the age of your child, your expectations of what the allowance will be used for, and what your family budget can afford. Before high school, kids are often paid their age or half their age in dollars per week.
5. EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY. This generation responds well to the modern uses of technology and it has revolutionized the way they learn. The internet allows kids to connect the dots between earning money, understanding the tradeoffs between spending and saving, and developing a balanced relationship with money by sharing some of it. Tracking decisions gives kids a picture of how money works.
6. ALLOWANCE AND CHORES. Kids who live in the house, have to help manage the home. That’s what it means to be part of a family – case closed. To ensure follow-through on chores consider revoking TV, internet or cell phone privileges. This way kids are still given the chance to work on their all important money management skills.
Do you have any tricks or tips you would like to share? If so, please leave them in the comments below.
Anton Simunovic is Founder and CEO of www.threejars.com which teaches kids how to be responsible with money and the importance of giving back. He is an expert source when it comes to finance and kids. ThreeJars originated from conversations with his wife, where they decided they wanted to raise their six children with minds for managing money and hearts for helping others. Simunovic has been a financial investor, operator and entrepreneur since earning his Harvard MBA in 1992, and has sat on the boards of more than 20 for-profit and not-for-profit organizations around the world.
Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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