Januari 04, 2010
Oktober 21, 2009
Travel with Baby
Car Journeys With Baby
- A good car seat is, of course, essential. Make sure the seat is the correct model for your baby's age-group and weight and ensure that all straps are securely fastened.
- Always place baby's seat in the rear of the car and NEVER in the front seat where the passenger air-bag is located.
- Always operate the child locking system for the car doors - a curious baby on a long journey will find the door handle very tempting!
- Attach removeable window shades to your car's window - your baby will become very hot and uncomfortable if not protected from the sun on a long journey.
- Dress baby in light layers of clothing - temperatures may fluctuate, so it's important to be able to easily adjust his clothing and keep him cool and comfortable.
- DO NOT GIVE YOUR BABY FINGER FOODS IN THE CAR UNLESS AN ADULT IS SITTING BESIDE HIM - this is to avoid the risk of choking.
- Always carry a baby first aid kit in your car.
- Decide to travel day/night - For long car journeys with baby, travelling at night is often the best option, as he is more likely to sleep until you've arrived!
- Feeding your baby - make sure you prepare disposable bibs, baby's bowl and feeding utensils,
- Alway entertained your baby - brings toys, baby music CDs and anything that work.
- Brings enough nappy, plastic bag & wet tissue. Also consider to stop every 2-3 hours if driving in a day. This gives you a chance to re-vitalise and gives baby some time out of the car seat
Air Travel with Baby
Before you fly, contact your airline (tel/visit website) to know the facilities they offer for parent traveling with baby. Such as:
- if you can pre-book a sky cot/bassinet and the maximum age/weight that it will accommodate.
- If possible, choose where on the aircraft you would like to sit.
- Take note the rules about baby food & milk
- Consider booking an extra seat for air travel with baby - if not, you will be expected to sit with an infant under 2 years of age on your lap. Depending on the length of your flight, this can be very hard work, particularly with an older baby.
Always allow yourself plenty of time at the airport when travelling with your baby - remember that everything will take longer and you may have last minute nappy/diaper or clothing changes to contend with!
Some airports offer fast-track customs or immigration points for families with very young children - definitely worth looking out for!
A baby sling/carrier can be really useful, as it leaves your hands free for carrying other things!
If you have not booked an extra seat for baby, ask if the flight is full. If not - and if you are lucky - the airline assistant may keep the seat beside you empty, or offer a seat next to a vacant seat.
The changes in pressure on take-off and landing can cause ear pain, so breastfeed your baby or offer a bottle at these times to encourage sucking. This has never been a problem for any of our children - in fact, my ears seem to hurt more than theirs! Beware of existing ear infections, however - flying can increase the pain quite significantly and air travel with baby should really be avoided in this situation.
Change your baby's nappy immediately before the flight - if you are lucky, he may not need changing again until you arrive. Instead of hauling all your hand luggage to the bathroom with you every time baby's nappy needs changing, pack yourself separate little "changing bags" - just put one nappy and a few wipes into individual nappy sacks so you have all you need for each change.
Make sure you bring spare clothing for yourself too - its maybe useful if anything happen.
Make sure you offer your baby plenty of drinks throughout the flight as air travel can be quite dehydrating.
Sources : http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/
Ogos 24, 2009
Your baby’s temperature and fever
A true fever is particularly worrying in the first few months of a baby’s life. That’s because the infant's immune system is immature and not as effective in fighting off infections as it will be after three or four months of living outside the womb.
So it’s important to learn how to correctly take your baby’s temperature and understand what signifies a true fever.
What is considered a fever for my baby?
Doctors usually say a baby has a fever if the temperature rises to 38C (100.4F), or above. Learn what your baby’s normal temperature is by taking it a few times when he or she is well.
What causes a fever in babies?
There can be many causes for a baby’s fever. Dehydration is one. Or the infant might be over-bundled with clothes in a relatively warm environment - the rule of thumb is to dress your baby in just one more layer of clothing than you are comfortable in.
Most commonly, fever is caused by an infection. The body’s immune system senses the “foreign invader” - such as bacteria or a virus - and sends a chemical message to the brain’s temperature centre instructing it to crank up the heat inside the body. This has many advantages:
Some bacteria and viruses don’t like the higher temperature and are then more easily destroyed by the immune system.
The higher body temperature helps the body to ward off the infection.
In this way, fever is actually our friend: it lets us know that an infection may be brewing and it helps to fight off the infection.
When to worry about your baby’s fever?
Any fever in the first months could indicate a significant infection requiring immediate attention. All children under two months old with a true fever need a medical evaluation. Call your doctor to check up on fevers for at least the first four to six months of your baby’s life.
But fever is only part of the story. An even more important question is: does your newborn look unwell? If your baby appears to be sick in any way - irritability, listlessness, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc - contact your doctor, even if the temperature is not high enough to be called a fever.
Source : www.webmd.com/parenting/
12 Foods for New Moms (Breastfeeding)
As a new mom, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to eat a healthy diet.
Even though you may be in a hurry to lose those pregnancy pounds, regularly eating foods that boost energy for new moms will give you the stamina you need to be the best mom you can be. That's because eating nutrient rich foods at regular intervals throughout the day can maximize your energy levels.
And for nursing moms, it's important to know that the quality of your breast milk stays pretty much the same no matter what you choose to eat. That's because if you aren't getting the needed nutrients from your diet, your body will provide them from your own stores. But for your own well-being, it's best to make sure you're obtaining the nutrients your baby needs by incorporating a variety of healthy breastfeeding foods in your nursing mom food plan.
If you make sure the following 12 foods for new moms are a regular part of your diet, your body -- and your baby -- will thank you.
No. 1 : Salmon
There's no such thing as a perfect food. But salmon is pretty close when it comes to a nutritional powerhouse for new moms. One of the best breastfeeding foods out there, salmon, like other fatty fish, is loaded with a type of fat called DHA. DHA is crucial to the development of your baby's nervous system. All breast milk contains DHA, but levels of this essential nutrient are higher in the milk of women who get more DHA from their diets.
The DHA in salmon may also help your mood. Studies suggest it may play a role in preventing postpartum depression.
One caution: FDA guidelines say breastfeeding women should limit consumption of fish lower in mercury to 12 ounces per week because of potential exposure to mercury. Salmon is considered to have a low mercury content when compared to other types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.
No. 2 : Low-Fat Dairy Products
Whether you prefer yogurt, milk, or cheese, dairy products are an important part of most nursing- mom food plans. In addition to providing protein, B vitamins, and vitamin D, dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium. If you're breastfeeding, your milk is loaded with calcium to help your baby's bones develop, so it's important for you to eat enough calcium to meet your own needs. One way to do that is to include at least three servings of dairy each day as part of your nursing-mom food plan.
No. 3 : Lean Beef
When you're looking for foods to boost your energy as a new mom, seek out iron-rich foods like lean beef. A deficiency of iron can drain your energy levels, making it hard for you to keep up with the demands of a newborn baby.
Also, when you're nursing, you need to eat extra protein and vitamin B-12. Lean beef is an excellent source for both of these nutrients.
No. 4 : Legumes
Beans, especially dark-colored ones like black beans and kidney beans, are a great breastfeeding food, especially for vegetarians. Not only are they rich in iron, they're a budget-friendly source of high quality, non-animal protein.
No. 5 : Blueberries
Breastfeeding moms should be sure to get two or more servings of fruit or juice each day. Antioxidant-rich blueberries are an excellent choice to help you meet your needs. These satisfying and yummy berries are filled with good-for-you vitamins and minerals and will give you a healthy dose of carbohydrate to keep your energy levels high.
No. 6 : Brown Rice
If you're attempting to lose the baby weight, you might be tempted to drastically cut back on your carbs. But losing weight too quickly may cause you to produce less milk for the baby and leave you feeling lethargic and sluggish. It's better to incorporate healthy, whole-grain carbs like brown rice in your diet to keep your energy levels up. And foods like brown rice provide your body with the calories it needs to produce the best quality milk for your baby.
No. 7 : Oranges
Portable and nutritious, oranges are a great food to boost energy for new moms. Since nursing moms need even more vitamin C than pregnant women, oranges and other citrus fruits are an excellent breastfeeding food, too. Can't find time to sit down to a snack? Sip on some orange juice as you go about your day -- you'll get the vitamin C benefit and can even opt for calcium-fortified varieties to get even more benefit from your beverage.
No. 8 : Eggs
Egg yolk is one of the few natural sources of vitamin D -- an essential nutrient to keep your bones strong and help your baby's bones grow. Beyond that, eggs are a versatile way to meet your daily protein needs. Try scrambling up a couple for breakfast, tossing a hard-boiled egg or two on your lunchtime salad, or having an omelet and salad for dinner. As part of your nursing-mom food plan, you might even opt for DHA-fortified eggs to increase the level of this essential fatty acid in your milk
No. 9 : Whole-Wheat Bread
Folic acid is crucial to your baby's development in the early stages of pregnancy. But its importance doesn't end there. Folic acid is an important nutrient in your breast milk that your baby needs for good health. And it's crucial you eat enough for your own well-being, too. Enriched whole-grain breads and pastas are fortified with this vital nutrient. They also give you a healthy dose of fiber and iron.
No. 10 : Leafy Greens
The list of benefits you get from eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli goes on and on. They're filled with vitamin A, which your baby needs to get from your breast milk. They're a non-dairy source of dietary calcium. They've got vitamin C and iron. On top of that, green veggies are filled with heart-healthy antioxidants, they're low calorie, and they're tasty to boot.
No. 11 : Whole-Grain Cereal
After yet another sleepless night, one of the best foods to boost energy for new moms in the morning is a healthy breakfast of whole-grain cereal. Many cold cereals are available that are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients to help you meet your daily needs. Or, whip up a healthy hot breakfast by stirring blueberries and skim milk into a delicious serving of oatmeal.
No. 12 : Water
Dehydration is one of the biggest energy drains there is. And new moms who are breastfeeding are especially at risk. To keep your energy levels and milk production up, make sure you drink at least eight cups of liquid every day. You can vary your options and meet some of your fluid requirements by drinking juice and milk, but be careful when it comes to caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. Keep your intake low or switch to decaffeinated varieties. That's because caffeine enters your breast milk and can become concentrated in your baby's body.
Source : www.webmd.com/parenting
Even though you may be in a hurry to lose those pregnancy pounds, regularly eating foods that boost energy for new moms will give you the stamina you need to be the best mom you can be. That's because eating nutrient rich foods at regular intervals throughout the day can maximize your energy levels.
And for nursing moms, it's important to know that the quality of your breast milk stays pretty much the same no matter what you choose to eat. That's because if you aren't getting the needed nutrients from your diet, your body will provide them from your own stores. But for your own well-being, it's best to make sure you're obtaining the nutrients your baby needs by incorporating a variety of healthy breastfeeding foods in your nursing mom food plan.
If you make sure the following 12 foods for new moms are a regular part of your diet, your body -- and your baby -- will thank you.
No. 1 : Salmon
There's no such thing as a perfect food. But salmon is pretty close when it comes to a nutritional powerhouse for new moms. One of the best breastfeeding foods out there, salmon, like other fatty fish, is loaded with a type of fat called DHA. DHA is crucial to the development of your baby's nervous system. All breast milk contains DHA, but levels of this essential nutrient are higher in the milk of women who get more DHA from their diets.
The DHA in salmon may also help your mood. Studies suggest it may play a role in preventing postpartum depression.
One caution: FDA guidelines say breastfeeding women should limit consumption of fish lower in mercury to 12 ounces per week because of potential exposure to mercury. Salmon is considered to have a low mercury content when compared to other types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.
No. 2 : Low-Fat Dairy Products
Whether you prefer yogurt, milk, or cheese, dairy products are an important part of most nursing- mom food plans. In addition to providing protein, B vitamins, and vitamin D, dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium. If you're breastfeeding, your milk is loaded with calcium to help your baby's bones develop, so it's important for you to eat enough calcium to meet your own needs. One way to do that is to include at least three servings of dairy each day as part of your nursing-mom food plan.
No. 3 : Lean Beef
When you're looking for foods to boost your energy as a new mom, seek out iron-rich foods like lean beef. A deficiency of iron can drain your energy levels, making it hard for you to keep up with the demands of a newborn baby.
Also, when you're nursing, you need to eat extra protein and vitamin B-12. Lean beef is an excellent source for both of these nutrients.
No. 4 : Legumes
Beans, especially dark-colored ones like black beans and kidney beans, are a great breastfeeding food, especially for vegetarians. Not only are they rich in iron, they're a budget-friendly source of high quality, non-animal protein.
No. 5 : Blueberries
Breastfeeding moms should be sure to get two or more servings of fruit or juice each day. Antioxidant-rich blueberries are an excellent choice to help you meet your needs. These satisfying and yummy berries are filled with good-for-you vitamins and minerals and will give you a healthy dose of carbohydrate to keep your energy levels high.
No. 6 : Brown Rice
If you're attempting to lose the baby weight, you might be tempted to drastically cut back on your carbs. But losing weight too quickly may cause you to produce less milk for the baby and leave you feeling lethargic and sluggish. It's better to incorporate healthy, whole-grain carbs like brown rice in your diet to keep your energy levels up. And foods like brown rice provide your body with the calories it needs to produce the best quality milk for your baby.
No. 7 : Oranges
Portable and nutritious, oranges are a great food to boost energy for new moms. Since nursing moms need even more vitamin C than pregnant women, oranges and other citrus fruits are an excellent breastfeeding food, too. Can't find time to sit down to a snack? Sip on some orange juice as you go about your day -- you'll get the vitamin C benefit and can even opt for calcium-fortified varieties to get even more benefit from your beverage.
No. 8 : Eggs
Egg yolk is one of the few natural sources of vitamin D -- an essential nutrient to keep your bones strong and help your baby's bones grow. Beyond that, eggs are a versatile way to meet your daily protein needs. Try scrambling up a couple for breakfast, tossing a hard-boiled egg or two on your lunchtime salad, or having an omelet and salad for dinner. As part of your nursing-mom food plan, you might even opt for DHA-fortified eggs to increase the level of this essential fatty acid in your milk
No. 9 : Whole-Wheat Bread
Folic acid is crucial to your baby's development in the early stages of pregnancy. But its importance doesn't end there. Folic acid is an important nutrient in your breast milk that your baby needs for good health. And it's crucial you eat enough for your own well-being, too. Enriched whole-grain breads and pastas are fortified with this vital nutrient. They also give you a healthy dose of fiber and iron.
No. 10 : Leafy Greens
The list of benefits you get from eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli goes on and on. They're filled with vitamin A, which your baby needs to get from your breast milk. They're a non-dairy source of dietary calcium. They've got vitamin C and iron. On top of that, green veggies are filled with heart-healthy antioxidants, they're low calorie, and they're tasty to boot.
No. 11 : Whole-Grain Cereal
After yet another sleepless night, one of the best foods to boost energy for new moms in the morning is a healthy breakfast of whole-grain cereal. Many cold cereals are available that are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients to help you meet your daily needs. Or, whip up a healthy hot breakfast by stirring blueberries and skim milk into a delicious serving of oatmeal.
No. 12 : Water
Dehydration is one of the biggest energy drains there is. And new moms who are breastfeeding are especially at risk. To keep your energy levels and milk production up, make sure you drink at least eight cups of liquid every day. You can vary your options and meet some of your fluid requirements by drinking juice and milk, but be careful when it comes to caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. Keep your intake low or switch to decaffeinated varieties. That's because caffeine enters your breast milk and can become concentrated in your baby's body.
Source : www.webmd.com/parenting
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