We’ve all probably heard of the maternal bond, but did you know there are benefits far beyond just soaking up those first, sweet months? Babies who bond with their parents are more likely to grow into confident, resilient adults. For parents, bonding with your baby may alleviate stress and help you navigate the early, exhausting times …
Toxic stress, mental health and Infant Mortality Awareness Month
Since September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month, we are focusing on mental health and how it can affect the healthy development of a child – even before birth. Stress and mental health go hand in hand. When you’re stressed, your body produces stress hormones, and as you overcome the stress, the hormones go away. This …
What causes shaken baby syndrome?
Infants cannot inform caregivers when something is wrong, and sometimes they cry and cry no matter how soothing a caregiver is. This is called the Period of PURPLE Crying. During this stage in a baby’s life, caregivers can become exhausted and hopeless. Tired and beyond stressed, they shake their baby in a fit of rage. …
The Period of PURPLE Crying and newborns
Becoming a baby’s caregiver is a joyful experience often accompanied by stress and worry. The first few months can be especially tense. There’s no shortage of stories from parents describing the moments their child became inconsolable, crying throughout the night seemingly without end. Moments like these can make caregivers feel helpless and like they’re bad …
When your baby has a fever…
Your baby has a fever. It’s unnerving, and maybe even scary. You’re worried, and not sure how to comfort him. Here are some tips on caring for your baby when he has a fever. What is a fever? A fever, or body temperature is just a sign that your baby is fighting off an infection …
Crawling: How to keep your baby safe
It’s very exciting when your baby starts to crawl. They’ve achieved a milestone. They are exploring new things, and taking in the world around them. Exploring comes with risks though, and it’s important to take precautions to keep a crawling baby safe. Once your baby starts to crawl, she will need constant supervision. If something …
What Causes SIDS?
“SIDS” (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) strikes fear into every parent’s heart, and that’s understandable. A normal, healthy baby can go to sleep and never wake up – for seemingly no reason. The medical community isn’t sure exactly what causes SIDS. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. Here are three major risk factors for SIDS, along …
Q: Do mesh crib bumpers increase my baby’s risk of SIDS?
It’s fairly common knowledge that traditional bumper pads increase infants’ risk of suffocation and SIDS. Recently, though, some businesses have been offering mesh or “breathable” crib bumpers as safe alternatives. But are they really safer? The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “No.” Mesh bumper pads allow more air, but they aren’t suffocation-proof. Just like regular …
6 must-do’s to prepare for your baby
At some point during your pregnancy, you may feel like it’s never going to end. But every day, you move closer to the big event. Before you get there, though, you have to prepare. Here are some things to do during your final trimester to make sure you’re good to go before labor starts. Don’t …
What should I eat while I’m pregnant?
Eating while pregnant isn’t too different from regular nutrition – it involves consuming a variety of healthy foods. Experts recommend getting 300 more calories a day than you did pre-pregnancy. Eat more of these: Don’t waste your extra calories on junk foods that do nothing to help your baby develop. Try these foods instead. Fruits …