Question: Do you know what the most commonly used substance during pregnancy is? Answer: Nicotine. If you are pregnant and still smoking, here are a few reasons why you should try to quit: Smoking during pregnancy can cause tissue damage in the unborn baby, particularly in the lungs and brain. Some studies suggest a link …
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. …
3 reasons why you should consider breastfeeding
In a list of hundreds of baby-related decisions you must make, one of the biggest is to use breast milk, formula or a combination of the two. You’ll likely receive an overwhelming amount of info about breastfeeding, so we’ll try to boil it down to the basics. Here are three reasons why breastfeeding could …
4 tips for tummy time
Just like adults, infants need exercise to grow stronger. The best way for your baby to develop the muscle strength and motor skills needed for sitting and crawling is by spending time on his or her stomach every day. To make the most of your infant’s tummy time, keep these tips in mind. Start with …
Choking Hazards for Children
Babies begin exploring the world first with their eyes, then with their hands. Often, their little hands go straight to their mouths. It’s a wonder to watch. But, as soon as your baby can pick up things with their fingers, they are at risk of putting things in their mouths that can cause them to …
3 easy ways to soothe your baby
Babies cry – all of them, and some more than others. It’s their way of communicating with us, whether they’re hungry, or tired, over-stimulated, in pain or simply unhappy. When it comes to calming your baby, start by checking off the typical culprits: Hunger, dirty diaper, fever, too hot or too cold. If your …
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: 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 …