Q: How can I help my older child adjust to our new baby?

A: Welcoming a new baby is a big change for the entire family – especially siblings. Your older child may resent the new baby for taking away your attention. If you’re worried about whether your older child will adapt to a new baby in the house, here are some tips to make the transition easier. …

3 signs a crib isn’t safe

Since 2011, the federal government has required crib manufacturers to follow strict guidelines, making newer cribs safer for your infant. However, there may be occasions when a new crib is not available, such as when you are away from home, or you may prefer to use a secondhand crib. Be sure to check a used …

4 tips for helping your baby sleep better

It’s important to realize that every baby is different – and that includes sleep habits.  From how fast they fall asleep to how long they sleep, babies often have minds of their own. But there are some easy things you can do to help promote better – and safer – sleep for your infant. No. …

How to safely swaddle

Swaddling is a way of snuggly wrapping an infant in a blanket. Although special swaddling blankets are available, a basic receiving blanket will also work. Newborns love to be swaddled because the warmth resembles their mother’s womb. When done correctly, swaddling can be a great way to calm infants and promote sleep. Babies can be …

Q: Will getting a new tooth hurt my baby?

Getting new teeth can be uncomfortable for your baby. You may notice more crying around three months as your child starts to teeth, but babies can begin teething anywhere from three to 12 months. Some symptoms to watch for include drooling, redness around the mouth because of drooling, extra coughing or gagging, biting and unusual …

Q: When will my baby start sleeping through the night?

Newborns sleep approximately two to four hours at a time and will start to sleep for longer periods around four to six months old. However, they probably won’t start sleeping through the night until after the six-month mark. All babies are different, so your baby’s sleeping habits may develop at a faster or slower pace. …

Q: How can I protect my baby during flu season?

Babies are especially vulnerable during flu season, which typically starts in October and lasts through May. In fact, around 20,000 children under five years old are hospitalized with the flu each year.* Follow these tips to reduce your baby’s risk of getting the flu. Keep your baby away from crowded areas and public places as …

What exactly is a safe sleep surface?

We’ve all seen the store displays or the photos in magazines showcasing beautiful cribs overflowing with bedding, bumper pads, pillows, stuffed toys and more. It may make a pretty picture, but it can be a deadly combination in real life. Not only are those things unnecessary for your infant, they can actually be suffocation hazards …

Boxinettes for Babies: Saving infant lives with safe sleep solutions

Bootheel Babies & Families has teamed up with local hospitals, including Saint Francis Medical Center, Missouri Delta Medical Center and Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center to provide Bootheel families with safe sleep boxinettes. The program’s goal is to reduce infant mortality related to unsafe sleep habits – such as sharing beds or using unsafe bedding. …

Does being a preemie put my baby at higher risk of SIDS?

Yes. Recent studies have shown that babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks gestation) are at a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome longer than full-term babies. SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of an apparently healthy baby. Practicing safe sleep habits has been proven to dramatically reduce an infant’s risk of SIDS. This includes …