Eve Cheong asked:
Your primary aim at bedtime is to bring your toddler down
Your primary aim at bedtime is to bring your toddler down
Sleeping Arrangements for Newborns
Sarah Veda asked:
It’s not unusual for newborns to have unusual sleeping habits, particularly for them to want to sleep during the day, and stay awake at night. Remember, in the womb its dark all the time, so night and day mean nothing to them. If your baby’s sleeping habits need some adjustment, here are some ways to get him on track.
Don’t keep quiet during the day when he’s sleeping
When he sleeps during the day (and all babies will) leave the door to his room open, and go about your normal daily routine. Keep the television or stereo on. This will accomplish two things. First, he will learn to sleep even through noise, which is important, since this child will be taking naps in your home for four or five years. Secondly, he will get the idea that the daytime is not the right time for long periods of sleep.
If he sleeps more than three hours at a stretch, wake him
Babies should nap during the day, of course, but more than three hours is not a nap. To get him awake, try holding him upright and tickling his feet. If that doesn’t work, take off his shirt. The chill will wake him. Don’t leave him uncovered for long, though. Once he is awake, sing or talk to him to keep him that way for a while. This is a great time to put him on a mat for some tummy time if it’s not feeding time.
Now, of course the second half of this problem is the staying awake at night. This is going to take some time, and babies usually make some significant adjustments within about three weeks, though you will be getting up for feedings at least once at night for a bit longer. Some things you can do to make him more likely to sleep longer and better during the night are:
It’s not unusual for newborns to have unusual sleeping habits, particularly for them to want to sleep during the day, and stay awake at night. Remember, in the womb its dark all the time, so night and day mean nothing to them. If your baby’s sleeping habits need some adjustment, here are some ways to get him on track.
Don’t keep quiet during the day when he’s sleeping
When he sleeps during the day (and all babies will) leave the door to his room open, and go about your normal daily routine. Keep the television or stereo on. This will accomplish two things. First, he will learn to sleep even through noise, which is important, since this child will be taking naps in your home for four or five years. Secondly, he will get the idea that the daytime is not the right time for long periods of sleep.
If he sleeps more than three hours at a stretch, wake him
Babies should nap during the day, of course, but more than three hours is not a nap. To get him awake, try holding him upright and tickling his feet. If that doesn’t work, take off his shirt. The chill will wake him. Don’t leave him uncovered for long, though. Once he is awake, sing or talk to him to keep him that way for a while. This is a great time to put him on a mat for some tummy time if it’s not feeding time.
Now, of course the second half of this problem is the staying awake at night. This is going to take some time, and babies usually make some significant adjustments within about three weeks, though you will be getting up for feedings at least once at night for a bit longer. Some things you can do to make him more likely to sleep longer and better during the night are:
Over the Counter Cold Medications and Breastfeeding
Mishaun Taylor asked:
It can be extremely frustrating when you’re breastfeeding and you have a cold! Not only do you feel extremely lousy but you can’t just take any old over the counter medications to relieve your discomfort. This is because not every cold medication is safe to take while breastfeeding. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose over the counter cold medications that are safe while breastfeeding.
First of all, you should ask yourself if a non medical approach is possible. While nursing, it is typically suggested that you try the non medical approach first as these tend to be safer for baby. Some proven natural methods that may help are:
o Take a Nap.
o Take Vitamin C or Drink Plenty of Orange Juice.
o Take a Warm Bath with Vicks Vapor Rub In It.
o Use a Humidifier.
o Rest and Relax.
Second, you should do a bit of research about the medication you wish to take. This can be done by asking your physician, a pharmacy technician, or some other medical professional. Another option is to conduct some internet research. Keep in mind however that many over the counter cold medications are excreted through breast milk so that when you take a dose, so does your baby. In addition, some cold medications have also been shown to limit or impede a mother’s ability to make milk. A good rule of thumb is that if a medication was safe during pregnancy then it is likely to be safe while nursing. However, always ask a professional to be extra careful.
Third, know the facts and be wise in your decision. Although natural remedies tend to be best, here are some common cold medications that are often recommended while you’re breastfeeding. Tylenol Cold and Sudafed are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, along with Beconase or Flonase nasal spray. For allergies, non sedating Sudafed and Benadryl are also considered safe for use during breast feeding, although some studies show that Benadryl can actually decrease your milk supply. Allegra is fine as well, however you should avoid long term use. One thing you should also avoid is the extended capsules or formulas. These are the ones that are meant to last all day long. They are more likely to get into the breast milk and be passed to baby, as well as stay in his or her system for a longer period of time.
Instead of risking this, simply take the regular acting medications and avoid the 9 or 12 hour kind. If you find that your cold or condition is not getting better and you are continuing to take the medication in order to find relief, you should visit your physician. Continuing to take the medication will only increase the risks to your baby, and medicines should not be taken for more than a few days with no improvement in condition.
In conclusion, breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and you shouldn’t let something like a cold slow you down when it comes to giving your baby the best possible start. By utilizing the tips and ideas mentioned above, you can make the best choice for you and your nursing baby.
nap
It can be extremely frustrating when you’re breastfeeding and you have a cold! Not only do you feel extremely lousy but you can’t just take any old over the counter medications to relieve your discomfort. This is because not every cold medication is safe to take while breastfeeding. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose over the counter cold medications that are safe while breastfeeding.
First of all, you should ask yourself if a non medical approach is possible. While nursing, it is typically suggested that you try the non medical approach first as these tend to be safer for baby. Some proven natural methods that may help are:
o Take a Nap.
o Take Vitamin C or Drink Plenty of Orange Juice.
o Take a Warm Bath with Vicks Vapor Rub In It.
o Use a Humidifier.
o Rest and Relax.
Second, you should do a bit of research about the medication you wish to take. This can be done by asking your physician, a pharmacy technician, or some other medical professional. Another option is to conduct some internet research. Keep in mind however that many over the counter cold medications are excreted through breast milk so that when you take a dose, so does your baby. In addition, some cold medications have also been shown to limit or impede a mother’s ability to make milk. A good rule of thumb is that if a medication was safe during pregnancy then it is likely to be safe while nursing. However, always ask a professional to be extra careful.
Third, know the facts and be wise in your decision. Although natural remedies tend to be best, here are some common cold medications that are often recommended while you’re breastfeeding. Tylenol Cold and Sudafed are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, along with Beconase or Flonase nasal spray. For allergies, non sedating Sudafed and Benadryl are also considered safe for use during breast feeding, although some studies show that Benadryl can actually decrease your milk supply. Allegra is fine as well, however you should avoid long term use. One thing you should also avoid is the extended capsules or formulas. These are the ones that are meant to last all day long. They are more likely to get into the breast milk and be passed to baby, as well as stay in his or her system for a longer period of time.
Instead of risking this, simply take the regular acting medications and avoid the 9 or 12 hour kind. If you find that your cold or condition is not getting better and you are continuing to take the medication in order to find relief, you should visit your physician. Continuing to take the medication will only increase the risks to your baby, and medicines should not be taken for more than a few days with no improvement in condition.
In conclusion, breastfeeding is a wonderful thing and you shouldn’t let something like a cold slow you down when it comes to giving your baby the best possible start. By utilizing the tips and ideas mentioned above, you can make the best choice for you and your nursing baby.
nap
Baby’s First Cold
Jennifer Houck asked:
As a new mom, we can panic when our little ones get their first colds. Thoughts go through our heads such as: what will take some of the pain away or how can I make him/her comfortable? We want to do the best for our child and help them get through this as quick as possible. Here are five tips to make the first cold easier on you and the baby.
1) Go and buy a cool mist humidifier and let it run during their nap times and during the night. This will help loosen up the cough secretions and let them breathe better.
2) Keep their head elevated. Try to put something under the baby’s mattress to build up their head elevation. Babies always breathe better if elevated and not laying flat on their back during sickness.
3) Go into the bathroom and turn on the shower with real hot water so it will steam up the bathroom. Sit the baby on your lap and let them breathe in the steam. This will help in case they get into a coughing spell.
4) Make sure you have infant tylenol in stock in case of fevers and discomfort.
5) Give extra loving, snuggles and kisses to let them know you are right there every step of the way.
Of course these are just tips to make it easier to get through the cold. Always listen to your doctor on what is best for your child. Babies always have our best interests at heart. Using these tips will make them more comfortable to get through this dreaded first cold and even other colds to come.
One last thing to always remember is make sure they have plenty of fluids. This will ensure they are wetting enough diapers and will not get dehydrated.
gerry geneva
As a new mom, we can panic when our little ones get their first colds. Thoughts go through our heads such as: what will take some of the pain away or how can I make him/her comfortable? We want to do the best for our child and help them get through this as quick as possible. Here are five tips to make the first cold easier on you and the baby.
1) Go and buy a cool mist humidifier and let it run during their nap times and during the night. This will help loosen up the cough secretions and let them breathe better.
2) Keep their head elevated. Try to put something under the baby’s mattress to build up their head elevation. Babies always breathe better if elevated and not laying flat on their back during sickness.
3) Go into the bathroom and turn on the shower with real hot water so it will steam up the bathroom. Sit the baby on your lap and let them breathe in the steam. This will help in case they get into a coughing spell.
4) Make sure you have infant tylenol in stock in case of fevers and discomfort.
5) Give extra loving, snuggles and kisses to let them know you are right there every step of the way.
Of course these are just tips to make it easier to get through the cold. Always listen to your doctor on what is best for your child. Babies always have our best interests at heart. Using these tips will make them more comfortable to get through this dreaded first cold and even other colds to come.
One last thing to always remember is make sure they have plenty of fluids. This will ensure they are wetting enough diapers and will not get dehydrated.
gerry geneva
Fall Activities For the Preschool Classroom & Preschool Children
Marisa Robinson asked:
School aged kids are back to school and fall is here for most of us. What can we do as Parents, Early Childhood Educators and Home Care Providers?
Get the children in to a “school” like routine. This will help our children learn routine, and help to better equip them when they start grade school.
If you work at a day care chances are the center has a routine to work for them including scheduling for breaks, lunch breaks, etc. If you are at home or looking for a change to the daily schedule, here is a sample idea.
Sample Schedule:
Morning
6:30-8:30 Parent drop off, free play, clean up (7:15-*bathroom routine)
8:30-9:00 Snack, clean-up, books and puzzles
9:00-10:00 Outside free play, and games
10:00-10:15 *Bathroom Routine
10:15-11:15 Circle time, Art, Sensory, Dramatic Play, Science, Blocks, etc, Clean up
11:15-11:30 Wash-up/*bathroom and sit for lunch
11:30-12:15 Lunch time, wash-up
Afternoon
12:15-2:15 Nap time and/or quiet time activities
2:15-3:30 Wake-up, *bathroom routine, clean up quiet activities, snack
3:30-4:30 Outside free play
4:30-5:30 free play, parent pick up
* These bathroom routines are set up throughout the day for all children to go to the bathroom to avoid so many children having to go at different times all throughout the day, of course though, if any child had to go to the bathroom in between those times they would be given the time to go.
This schedule can be changed to what seems easiest for you and your group that is in your setting, but the main point here is that when these routines and schedules are followed closely everyday, children become familiar with routines and structure and will thus have an easier time when entering grade school.
Even if you are a parent at home with only your own children, scheduling your day is a great thing to do with your children as it will benefit them in the same way.
Fun Food Tasting Ideas:
With fall approaching, some wonderful foods to talk about and taste are:
Apples (cut up and served with different dips with snack)
Apple Cider (Let the children experience it warm and cold)
Maple Syrup (take a class trip to see how it’s made, can have waffles and syrup for a snack, or try maple syrup cookies for a treat)
Pumpkin/seeds (as a circle activity, cut top off and seed pumpkin, wash and roast seeds to show children the process, allow children to handle pulp as a unique sensory experience)
Sweet Potatoes (can try at lunch)
Cranberries (can try in cookies or plain)
Squash (can try at lunch)
Chili (great warm lunch idea with homemade biscuits)
Biscuits (can be made as a cooking activity and served with lunch)
Creamy Soups (great lunch idea with side of garlic bread or sandwiches)
*For some great fall recipes using these foods be sure to visit our websites under the Healthy Snacks section.
adrenal fatigue
School aged kids are back to school and fall is here for most of us. What can we do as Parents, Early Childhood Educators and Home Care Providers?
Get the children in to a “school” like routine. This will help our children learn routine, and help to better equip them when they start grade school.
If you work at a day care chances are the center has a routine to work for them including scheduling for breaks, lunch breaks, etc. If you are at home or looking for a change to the daily schedule, here is a sample idea.
Sample Schedule:
Morning
6:30-8:30 Parent drop off, free play, clean up (7:15-*bathroom routine)
8:30-9:00 Snack, clean-up, books and puzzles
9:00-10:00 Outside free play, and games
10:00-10:15 *Bathroom Routine
10:15-11:15 Circle time, Art, Sensory, Dramatic Play, Science, Blocks, etc, Clean up
11:15-11:30 Wash-up/*bathroom and sit for lunch
11:30-12:15 Lunch time, wash-up
Afternoon
12:15-2:15 Nap time and/or quiet time activities
2:15-3:30 Wake-up, *bathroom routine, clean up quiet activities, snack
3:30-4:30 Outside free play
4:30-5:30 free play, parent pick up
* These bathroom routines are set up throughout the day for all children to go to the bathroom to avoid so many children having to go at different times all throughout the day, of course though, if any child had to go to the bathroom in between those times they would be given the time to go.
This schedule can be changed to what seems easiest for you and your group that is in your setting, but the main point here is that when these routines and schedules are followed closely everyday, children become familiar with routines and structure and will thus have an easier time when entering grade school.
Even if you are a parent at home with only your own children, scheduling your day is a great thing to do with your children as it will benefit them in the same way.
Fun Food Tasting Ideas:
With fall approaching, some wonderful foods to talk about and taste are:
Apples (cut up and served with different dips with snack)
Apple Cider (Let the children experience it warm and cold)
Maple Syrup (take a class trip to see how it’s made, can have waffles and syrup for a snack, or try maple syrup cookies for a treat)
Pumpkin/seeds (as a circle activity, cut top off and seed pumpkin, wash and roast seeds to show children the process, allow children to handle pulp as a unique sensory experience)
Sweet Potatoes (can try at lunch)
Cranberries (can try in cookies or plain)
Squash (can try at lunch)
Chili (great warm lunch idea with homemade biscuits)
Biscuits (can be made as a cooking activity and served with lunch)
Creamy Soups (great lunch idea with side of garlic bread or sandwiches)
*For some great fall recipes using these foods be sure to visit our websites under the Healthy Snacks section.
adrenal fatigue
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