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What if your baby falls?

Oops did your baby just fall off a chair? Let's go check them out if there is any serious injury!What should you do when your baby just falls off?👶The baby looks okay to youThe moment your baby falls off gives you an adrenaline rush.🏃‍♀️ You run as fast as you can to your baby to make sure that your child doesn't have any serious wounds.If the baby looks okay, probably the fall doesn't cause serious injury or break some bones.🦴 You still need to continue observing your baby for the next 24 hours to see if any symptoms develop. 👶The baby feels uncomfortableIf your baby is crying out loud, probably they must have gotten hurt or they are irritable because of the fall.😭 The best decision is to take them to the doctor to get checked out thoroughly. It's not necessary to keep the child awake although it's better to monitor their health when they are still active.🤾‍♀️ What is dangerous is that they probably fall on their head, feel dizzy and want to sleep but can't easily wake up. If they sleep, you should wake them after two hours to see if the child is still alert.💤Stay calm to identify serious signs👶Simple signsYou can't help feeling anxious when you see your child crying nonstop.😭 If the baby just has a light bump, their tears come from pain or fright and will not last longer than 10 minutes. 👶Serious signsConstant headache or dizziness can be the result of a serious hit.🤕 Your baby might be extremely irritable and cry incessantly. More severely, you may see them excessively sleepy and have a difficult time waking up. The baby might vomit after a strong hit on their head.🤮Treatment for your baby👶Treatment at homeIf you have successfully ruled out serious injury, you can treat your baby's mild bump at home. Wrap an ice pack🧊 in a thin towel or diaper and hold it onto the bump for fifteen or twenty minutes. You can nurse them or say something sweet to your little one to soothe them and distract them from the pain.😀If your baby is constantly in pain, you can give them the appropriate amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.💊 Avoid aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.👶Call the ER!If your child experiences loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, non stop bleeding, you have to call for an emergency.🚑 Any signs of a fractured bone, a concussion, inability to walk steadily or talk, prolonged screaming indicate your baby can be in danger. You have to talk to their doctor immediately and take the baby to the emergency room.👩‍⚕️

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Tips for Positive Parenting

The definition of positive parenting varies but the core idea can be summed up to warm, positive family interactions and guidelines!Tips for positive parenting👪Get inside your child's headAlthough on the outside your child's behaviors look unjustified and irrational, they are motivated by legitimate needs.🧸 If you can get inside their heads, you can address their needs. Always keep in mind that they are still developing and give them the benefit of the doubt.😎👪Empathetic, supportive and constructiveYou don't have to agree with your child's demands all the time. Instead, the goal is to be the kind of arbitrator and mentor you would want for yourself and your baby.😀Your kid would love a parent who is prepared to listen to their side of the story and reassure them that they are being heard.💖 They know that they will get a fair-minded and sympathetic hearing. You are the one who will reason with them, use encouragement and humor to steer them away from negative emotions while introducing solutions.🥰👪The art of distractionIf you notice that your baby has gotten hold of a forbidden object, you just camly remove it and show your child something else. Look at these colorful toys!🪅 Your child might be attracted to them immediately when you find them more interesting.  Distraction is useful for old kids too. When your child is overwhelmed by feelings of outrage and confinement, they don't know how to stop but they can divert their focus into something else.👀👪Humor and playfulnessJokes and silliness are considered excellent distractions.😚 Your kid might feel more excited and motivated if you make requests with humor and transform work into play.👪Make sure that most of your interactions are positiveKids are mirrors, reflecting images of what happens around them.🪞 Positive social interactions create more trusting family relationships and motivate kids to be cooperative.More tips for positive parenting👪Validate your kid's reasonsIt's important that you don't expect your kids to read your mind.😊 Two-way conversations are much more beneficial when you don't just recite the rules but rather to explain the rationale of the rules and undertake your baby's questions and concerns.👪Try to say yes as much as possible'No' can be viewed as a negative word that fuels resentment and resistance since your kid is not yet able to understand how to learn from negative feedback. Parental criticism can also trigger feelings of hopelessness.😞 Hence, you should either suggest alternatives and help the kid accept different options. 👪Catch children at being goodIt's crucial that you give praise at the right moment.😘 Children may respond to rewards and compliments more readily than punishments. After your kid finishes homework, let's offer simple praise 'well done!' for the kid's good behavior.👪Be a good mentorTalking with your child about their feelings and discussing helpful strategies for handling difficult emotions indicate your respect for your kid and your willingness to offer sympathetic hearing.👂 You also provide your little one with concrete support and assurance that no matter what, mommy is right here! 

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Parenting stress

That nervous feeling when you're about to meet your baby for the first time is engraved in your heart.💓 You just look at them in awe every time and gain strength to become the best parents for them. But you can't avoid stress along the way…Parenting stress👪What is parenting stress?Parenting stress is the distress when you feel you can't cope as a parent.😞 After pregnancy, expectations and demands placed on you are so high that you seem to run out of resources and strength to meet them. 👪What causes parenting stress?The causation varies depending on each family. Stress can originate from poor economic status, inadequate support system, and exposure to hostility.⚔️ Anything that makes you worry about your ability to protect your child and thrive can contribute to parenting stress.🙁Ways to cope with parenting stress👪Reach out for supportParenting is a lot easier if you have your supporters on your side.👪 Contact your friends, family members and especially your partner to share your feelings. You can always count on their support for emotional support, financial aid💰 and childcare help.If you don't live near friends or relatives, you can look for local parenting cooperatives, online communities and trained therapis‍ts.😀 Enrolling in parenting classes can be helpful too as you can seek new friends, reduce your feelings of guilt and stress while gaining more knowledge.👪Avoid unnecessary exposure to signals that drag you downAfter a very brief exposure to negative emotional content, it's natural that you pay attention more to upsetting images, replay bad memories and worry about the future. Such thoughts keep circulating in your head, causing more anxiety and gloom.😥Overdosing on bad news spikes up your stress levels, undermines yourself and hurts you gradually. Instead, try to put yourself together, think constructively, think brightly.🤔 Everything will be just fine and you can do it! 👪Focus on the goodYou can induce good moods by downloading happy memories into your head. Do you remember when your little one just took the first step or called your name for the first time? When you return home from work, remember how you feel when you see your child's smiles and hugs.🤗Reflect on good memories and read jokes, uplifting stories to make you feel better. Focusing on acts of kindness and positive messages will help you decrease stress responses.😀👪Re-appraise the situationWe often think that we are good at predicting things if we have a plan. Actually, we are pretty bad at anticipating future discomforts. Sometimes, stressful things just occur along the way.😞When bad things happen, you may find a coping strategy when you reconsider the situation from a new angle. Stop dwelling too much on your personal emotional reactions, try to view the problem with more objectivity.💪 

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Why does my baby stiffen their legs and arms?

When you pick up your baby from the crib🛏️, you might have noticed their hands and legs got stiffened! This is normal! It usually happens when your little one gets too excited or frustrated👶, and her muscle gets tightened up. However, rarely there are some other cases that can indicate a problem!What is hypertonia?It is considered hypertonia when a baby's muscles get stiff and hard to move because of damage to the brain or spinal cord that controls muscle movements🧍. Babies with hypertonia move in different ways because their range of motion is limited. Walking, balancing, grabbing, and letting go of objects could be difficult for them.There are two types of hypertonia, which are Spastic and Dystonic. Spastic hypertonia is when muscle spasms when a baby moves. On the other hand, when a baby is with Dystonic hypertonia, their muscle tone stays the same whether the baby is moving or still. In order to figure out which hypertonia the baby has, doctors will move a baby's muscles in different directions at various speeds🚶.Why does it happen? Any symptoms I should be aware of?To move muscles, we send signals from the nervous system travel to the nerves. However, if the brain🧠 or spinal cord is injured, those signals can't reach the nerves, which causes hypertonia! This could happen when a baby had a lack of oxygen during birth. If his/her brain is injured or has a tumor, could cause hypertonia as well.A baby with hypertonia generally shows trouble moving her joints in the arms, legs or neck. Their range of motion👋 gets limited, and they fall often because they lose their balance. If a baby has severe hypertonia, he can't move the affected body part much because his joint freeze in place, which is called a contracture. Other reasons why your baby may stiffen their bodyThere are a few other possible medical reasons🏥 for a baby to stiffen their body. Other medical conditions related to brain damage, such as infantile spasms, cerebral palsy, seizures, and epilepsy can cause this symptom as well. Occasional muscle stiffening isn't something to worry about. But if you feel suspicious too often, you should contact a doctor for a check-up and start a diagnosis and treatment👩‍⚕️.

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Breastfeeding Positions

Did you know breastfeeding can be much easier with proper positioning? Sore nipples, latching, and other breastfeeding problems can be solved if you do it in the right position💪!Some trials and errors will be needed, but as long as you find the position that works the best for you, you'll be a pro at breastfeeding your baby!😎How to hold the baby Let's learn from the basics - how to hold your baby🤱. Place your baby on one side, toward your breasts. Your baby's whole body should face your chest, and his/her ear, shoulder, and hip have to align in a straight line. The baby's body also has to be straight in line with the body, not turn to the side. Using a nursing pillow can help you because it can lower the weight and adjust the height👍.Find your best position for breastfeeding!Now, if you are ready, try these 5 positions and see which works best for you!👩‍🍼Cradle holdCradle position is when you put your baby in your arms like they are lying in a cradle. For this position, bend your one elbow and rest your baby's head in, and use the hand on the same side to support the baby's body. 👶Now, use your other hand to cup your breast. Place your thumb above your nipple and your index finger at the spot where your baby's chin is. If the position is all set, lightly compress your breast so that your nipple points toward your baby's nose. 👩‍🍼Crossover holdDecide which breast you'll be nursing from and hold the baby's head with your hand on the opposite side of the nursing breast. To make the holding easier, put your wrist between the baby's shoulder and your thumb behind one ear👂, the other fingers behind the other ear. With your free hand, cup your breast and gently put it towards your baby's mouth.👩‍🍼Football holdIf you have had a C-section, have large breasts, or your baby is small or premature, a football hold will be an option for you. Position your baby facing you, and tuck his/her legs under your arm on the same side of the breast you are nursing from. (Like you are holding a football!🏈) Support the baby's head with the same hand. Use the other hand to cup your breast.👩‍🍼Laid-back positionLaid-back position is helpful, particularly for moms with smaller breasts, and newborns with sensitive tummies👶. As the name of the position suggests, you should lean back on a couch and put your baby on your body, facing tummy to tummy. Put his/her head near your breast so the baby can reach your breast naturally. If the baby finds it hard, you can lead him/her by directing the nipple toward the mouth.👩‍🍼Side-lying positionFor night feeders😴, a side-lying position is a good choice because you and your baby both have to lie down on a bed. Put your baby on your side, tummy to tummy, and hold them with the hand on the side you're lying on. Use the other hand to cup your breast and feed the baby. This position could suffocate the baby, so you should never do this position on a recliner, couch, or water bed!Breastfeeding positions to avoidIf you nurse your baby in an improper position, your breasts might not be able to produce enough milk! The most common mistake new moms make is to hunch over their bodies to the baby. Keeping your back straight and bringing your baby up to your breast is the key to breast stimulation✨. For your and your baby's safety and comfort, always make sure the baby's body isn't too far from the breasts. (The baby can pull on your nipple while feeding! ouch!😵) Also, put the baby's body and head facing the same direction so he/she can swallow the breast milk without trouble.

👉 10-12 months content list

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What if your baby falls?

Oops did your baby just fall off a chair? Let's go check them out if there is any serious injury!What should you do when your baby just falls off?👶The baby looks okay to youThe moment your baby falls off gives you an adrenaline rush.🏃‍♀️ You run as fast as you can to your baby to make sure that your child doesn't have any serious wounds.If the baby looks okay, probably the fall doesn't cause serious injury or break some bones.🦴 You still need to continue observing your baby for the next 24 hours to see if any symptoms develop. 👶The baby feels uncomfortableIf your baby is crying out loud, probably they must have gotten hurt or they are irritable because of the fall.😭 The best decision is to take them to the doctor to get checked out thoroughly. It's not necessary to keep the child awake although it's better to monitor their health when they are still active.🤾‍♀️ What is dangerous is that they probably fall on their head, feel dizzy and want to sleep but can't easily wake up. If they sleep, you should wake them after two hours to see if the child is still alert.💤Stay calm to identify serious signs👶Simple signsYou can't help feeling anxious when you see your child crying nonstop.😭 If the baby just has a light bump, their tears come from pain or fright and will not last longer than 10 minutes. 👶Serious signsConstant headache or dizziness can be the result of a serious hit.🤕 Your baby might be extremely irritable and cry incessantly. More severely, you may see them excessively sleepy and have a difficult time waking up. The baby might vomit after a strong hit on their head.🤮Treatment for your baby👶Treatment at homeIf you have successfully ruled out serious injury, you can treat your baby's mild bump at home. Wrap an ice pack🧊 in a thin towel or diaper and hold it onto the bump for fifteen or twenty minutes. You can nurse them or say something sweet to your little one to soothe them and distract them from the pain.😀If your baby is constantly in pain, you can give them the appropriate amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.💊 Avoid aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.👶Call the ER!If your child experiences loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, non stop bleeding, you have to call for an emergency.🚑 Any signs of a fractured bone, a concussion, inability to walk steadily or talk, prolonged screaming indicate your baby can be in danger. You have to talk to their doctor immediately and take the baby to the emergency room.👩‍⚕️

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How to bottle-feed your baby

Introducing a bottle to your baby🍼, whether breastfeeding or formula-feeding, requires learning and practice!  Forget the misleading images of effortless bottle-feeding. We're here to support you💕!Steps to bottle-feed your baby✨Prepare the bottleFollow the formula instructions carefully and choose a warming method like warm water or a bottle warmer. Remember, avoid microwaving to prevent hot spots♨️. Freshly pumped breast milk doesn't need warming, but if it's from the fridge or freezer, gently heat it. ✨Test the bottleGive those bottles filled with formula a friendly shake to ensure everything is well mixed. For the precious bottles filled with breast milk, give them a gentle swirl🌀 to blend it all together. Now comes the moment of truth: testing the temperature. Trust your inner wrist as a reliable thermometer by placing a few drops of the liquid on it. If it feels comfortably warm, you're all set and ready to go!✨Get into a bottle-feeding position.Get cozy and enjoy special bonding moments while feeding your baby. Find a comfortable position with proper head support, and use a pillow for added comfort👩‍🍼. Remember to tilt the bottle for a slower flow, allowing your baby to control their intake and prevent discomfort. Take a break halfway through to switch sides and give your arm a rest.✨Do a nipple checkPay attention to your baby's cues and reactions while feeding👶. Look for gulping or sputtering sounds and milk dribbling from the corners of the mouth, which may indicate a fast flow. If your baby seems frustrated or struggles while sucking, the flow may be too slow. In these cases, loosen the cap slightly or switch to a nipple with a more suitable flow rate.Bottle-feeding problems and solutions!✔️Your baby gets fussy or turns away during feeding It could be gas in her tummy, so try burping her to bring those bubbles up🫧. You can also take a break in the middle of the feeding for a little burping session.✔️Your baby falls asleep while feedingSometimes babies get so cozy and content while sucking that they drift off to dreamland😴. If that happens, gently wake her up to finish the meal. You can try undressing her a bit, tickling her feet, or changing her diaper to keep her awake.✔️Your baby doesn't like the bottle or nippleIt's possible that the flow of the formula is too fast or too slow for her liking. Don't worry😉, you can experiment with different nipple options and angled neck bottles to find the perfect fit.✔️Your baby has a stuffy noseA congested nose👃 can make it difficult for your little one to suck properly. To help her out, use a cool-mist humidifier and saline drops to clear the mucus. Keep offering the bottle as usual, and she'll catch up on those missed meals once she feels better.✔️Your baby seems uncomfortable after feedingIf your baby shows signs of intolerance or allergy to cow's milk protein, such as crying, wheezing, or digestive issues, it might be worth discussing with her pediatrician👨‍⚕️. They can guide you on switching formulas to find one that suits her better.

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Tips to help your baby sleep

Sleeplessness is a common companion of newborn parenthood😪. But fear not! We hold the key to that first glorious night of uninterrupted sleep. How much sleep do newborns need?In the early weeks, your baby may sleep a lot😴, but usually not for more than two to four hours at a time, day or night. Newborns typically initially sleep around 14 to 18 hours a day and around 12 to 16 hours per one-month-old. However, because their stomachs are small, they wake up every two to three hours to eat🧑‍🍼. It's common for babies to have their days and nights reversed, sleeping longer during the day and being more alert at night. This phase will eventually pass! My baby sleeps too much. Is it okay? Ah, the delightful world of newborn sleep😣! Brace yourself for the eat-sleep-repeat cycle. In those early weeks, your little one will master snoozing, briefly waking up to refuel before dozing off again. But don't worry! As they hit one month, get ready for wide-eyed moments as they explore the fascinating world.Newborns handle about an hour to an hour and a half of wakefulness before demanding some quality nap time. Beauty sleep is crucial🛌, after all! And those extra-long snooze sessions? No worries! It's usually harmless. They might be catching up after a mini-cold, experiencing growth spurts, or recovering from superhero shots. But if marathon sleep comes with a fever or respiratory distress, reach out to your pediatrician! Tips to help your baby sleep 🌙Create a nighttime routineCreating a nighttime routine for your baby can be a wonderful way to help them relax and prepare for sleep. It establishes a sense of consistency and signals that it's time to wind down. Here are some tips to help you start a soothing nighttime routine:🌙Begin by setting a consistent bedtime for your baby. Choose a specific time to put them to bed each night. This regularity helps establish a sleep pattern and supports their internal clock.🌙Create a calm and peaceful environment in the bedroom.Dim the lights, close the curtains, and minimize noise to create a soothing atmosphere. These adjustments help your baby understand that it's time to sleep. Establish a sequence of relaxing activities that you can do before bedtime. This can include giving your baby a warm bath, reading a story, singing a lullaby, or gently rocking them. The goal is to choose activities that promote relaxation and comfort.

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Baby head circumference

Measuring your baby's head circumference👶 is an important step in their early healthcare. It's a simple way for healthcare providers to assess your baby's brain development and central nervous system growth🧠! Average newborn head circumference?When it comes to head circumference, every baby is unique, but there are some average measurements that can provide a helpful reference😌. For instance, the average newborn typically has a head circumference of about 13.47 inches (34.2 cm). As your baby grows, you'll notice changes in their head size. By the time they reach 1 month old, the average head circumference expands to around 14.53 inches (36.9 cm)📏.Normal baby head circumference? When it comes to measuring your little one's head circumference, doctors use special growth charts that show percentiles. Don't worry, there's no one-size-fits-all number🙂! The normal range is usually between the 5th and 95th percentiles. So, if your baby's head circumference falls in the 50th percentile, it means their head size is just right on par with other babies their age🧘. When should I be concerned about my baby's head circumference?🐻If your little one's head is smaller than average... It could mean their brain needs some extra attention. Infection or genetics might be the culprits. Don't worry, your baby's doctor will connect you with a brain expert—a pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon. They'll help navigate the world of "microcephaly" (a cute term for a small head). Trust the pros, and keep being amazing parents!🐻If your little one is sporting a head circumference that's larger than the crowd...It could be a sign of hydrocephalus - a fancy term for fluid buildup around the brain. Trust me, it's a rare condition that can make the pressure in their adorable noggin skyrocket. But wait, there's more! A big head size can also be linked to brain tumors or some genetic surprises. But hey, don't worry too much because your baby's doctor will be the ultimate matchmaker and connect you with an amazing pediatric brain guru - a neurologist or neurosurgeon!

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Caring for newborn skins

Bringing your new baby home🏠 is such a magical and exciting time! However, we completely understand that taking care of their delicate skin, hair, and nails can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're a new parent🫠. We are here to share some tips that will make this journey easier and less intimidating for you! How to care for your baby's skin! 💆🏻SkinYour baby's skin is sensitive, so opt for gentle and mild products specifically designed for newborns. Look for baby-friendly cleansers, shampoos, and moisturizers that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Keeping it simple will help prevent any potential irritation or discomfort.💅NailsTo prevent accidental scratches, keep your baby's nails short and smooth. Use baby-sized nail clippers or emery boards designed specifically for infants. Choose a time when your little one is calm and relaxed, and be sure to have good lighting to help you see what you're doing. Take it slow and be extra cautious to avoid any mishaps.🪮HairWhen it comes to their hair, gently wash it with a soft baby brush or a mild shampoo, being careful not to tug or pull. Baby hair is delicate and may not require frequent washing, so follow your baby's cues and adjust accordingly.How to protect your baby's skin from bug bites Dress your little one in clothing that not only shields them from the sun but also helps keep those bugs away🦟. For babies over 2 months old, it's safe to use insect repellents containing up to 30% DEET. Just spray it on your hands first, then gently apply it to their exposed skin and clothing, being careful to avoid the mouth and eyes. Once you're back inside, make sure to wash it off🛁. More tips to protect your baby's skin from the weather To protect your baby's skin from the weather, dress them in lightweight, breathable clothing with sun protection and use a wide-brimmed hat👒 and sunscreen for sunny days. In colder weather, layer their clothing, cover their head and extremities, and avoid exposure to extreme cold or drafts. Shield them from the wind with stroller covers or blankets🧶! 

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Emotion Coaching

Whenever your baby feels sad or angry, do you try to empathize with their emotion or just ignore and move on? Emotionally supportive relationships can be beneficial more than you think.😎Emotion coaching👪What is emotion coaching?Based on the principle that emotionally supportive relationships provide the best context for children to grow up, emotion coaching is the practice of helping your baby learn to self-regulate negative emotions when you tune in your child's feelings and show empathy.🤗 Because the kid is not capable of handling difficult emotions and having rich life experiences like adults, you are the ultimate guide who needs to accept and validate their feelings, helps them label emotions with words and instructs them to overcome hardships.🤱👪Why kids need you to emphasize?Young children lack our life experiences and are incompetent at reading others' feelings and intentions. Your kid needs you to guide them to learn and practice.👩‍🏫Some kids have a tougher time than others at mood management. The key is you can provide help and teach them to handle those emotional storms.😀Ways that emotion coaching works👪Notice signs before your child's emotions get intenseIs your kid looking a bit frustrated?😤 Although your initial reaction might be to ignore it and regard negative emotions as offensive, this is actually the golden opportunity for you to better understand your child and help them cope with it.💪Talk to your child how they look different now and ask the reason why they behave so.️ If you suspect a trigger, gently bring it up so that the child feels like they are being heard.😀👪Listen, validate and show empathyYou need to stay calm even though your child is furious in front of you.😌 What you really need to do is to relate to your kid's experiences by drawing parallels in your own life.Imagine when you are upset at your coworkers when something goes wrong at your work. That is also your child's feelings when they are rejected or humiliated at school.🏫 You can relate to the situation and understand why your kid feels that way.😇👪Find verbal labels for emotionsAs you listen and empathize with your kids, you can help them identify what exactly their feelings are.😍 Learning how to verbalize emotions teaches them to shift into a more detached and analytical point of view and view emotions as a normal reaction to a triggering situation. The method isn't merely telling your baby how they should feel. But rather to ask questions, align with our own experiences and help them understand their own emotions better.🤗👪Allow your child to take time to calm downPowerful emotions, such as anger, anxiety trigger a fight or flight response. They block the ability to reason and control impulses, making us vulnerable to overreacting.🛡️The same thing happens to your child. If your baby is highly distressed about an uncomfortable situation, let them take a pause and allow the stress response to wind down.😮‍💨 Don't be tempted to start problem-solving and expect them to reason with you when they are not ready.

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Why does my baby stiffen their legs and arms?

When you pick up your baby from the crib🛏️, you might have noticed their hands and legs got stiffened! This is normal! It usually happens when your little one gets too excited or frustrated👶, and her muscle gets tightened up. However, rarely there are some other cases that can indicate a problem!What is hypertonia?It is considered hypertonia when a baby's muscles get stiff and hard to move because of damage to the brain or spinal cord that controls muscle movements🧍. Babies with hypertonia move in different ways because their range of motion is limited. Walking, balancing, grabbing, and letting go of objects could be difficult for them.There are two types of hypertonia, which are Spastic and Dystonic. Spastic hypertonia is when muscle spasms when a baby moves. On the other hand, when a baby is with Dystonic hypertonia, their muscle tone stays the same whether the baby is moving or still. In order to figure out which hypertonia the baby has, doctors will move a baby's muscles in different directions at various speeds🚶.Why does it happen? Any symptoms I should be aware of?To move muscles, we send signals from the nervous system travel to the nerves. However, if the brain🧠 or spinal cord is injured, those signals can't reach the nerves, which causes hypertonia! This could happen when a baby had a lack of oxygen during birth. If his/her brain is injured or has a tumor, could cause hypertonia as well.A baby with hypertonia generally shows trouble moving her joints in the arms, legs or neck. Their range of motion👋 gets limited, and they fall often because they lose their balance. If a baby has severe hypertonia, he can't move the affected body part much because his joint freeze in place, which is called a contracture. Other reasons why your baby may stiffen their bodyThere are a few other possible medical reasons🏥 for a baby to stiffen their body. Other medical conditions related to brain damage, such as infantile spasms, cerebral palsy, seizures, and epilepsy can cause this symptom as well. Occasional muscle stiffening isn't something to worry about. But if you feel suspicious too often, you should contact a doctor for a check-up and start a diagnosis and treatment👩‍⚕️.

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Cluster feeding

Did your little one start to nurse longer or more often than usual? Maybe it's a sign of cluster feeding! I know this is a very draining and exhausting journey. But if you have a breastfeeding goal, let's hang in there a little bit more😬!What is cluster feeding?Cluster feeding, which is also called bunch feeding, is when your baby suddenly starts to eat more often than she usually did. Your baby will keep wanting milk at shorter intervals than she normally did. It usually happens around 3 to 6 weeks, because it is the period when babies' growth spurts🌱! When cluster feeding happens, new moms worry if they are not producing enough milk, but it is just the baby's instinct to make your body produce more😉. This helps your breasts supply more milk to satisfy the baby's demand. So if your baby starts cluster feeding, experts suggest nursing her as much as they want. Even though your breast is empty, cluster feeding will stimulate your breasts and try to produce more.How to deal with cluster feedingCluster feeding usually lasts no later than two days, but these long feeding sessions will make you exhausted both emotionally and physically😫! Your baby will cry for feeding every hour, so it will be almost impossible to get enough sleep or take some rest. It sounds nonsense, but trying to relax and go with the flow🏄 will help you a little. Don't start to think and discourage yourself that your milk supply isn't adequate. It is! I know it's hard to feed yourself, but try to be well-nourished, hydrated, and rested. Keep some nutritious snacks and water everywhere you go, and put on some relaxing music. Having a partner to be with you is always great if it is possible. How to stop cluster feedingSince cluster feeding happens because your baby needs more milk, producing more milk can help fulfill her appetite! Pumping between nursing helps your breasts to overdrive😎. Power pumping, which mimics cluster feeding by repeating the pump for 10 minutes and taking a rest for 10 minutes, is also a good way to boost the milk supply. If cluster feeding is draining you too much, try talking to a lactation consultant. She will be able to help you by offering some tips on nursing and how to stick to your breastfeeding goals💁🏻!

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How much should my baby eat?

How much should my baby eat? Is she eating too much or too little?🤔 Just knowing how much your baby should be eating will be a great companion for your parenting life👀! How much should my baby eat?🍼 BreastfeedingIf you are breastfeeding, your baby will decide how much she'll eat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfed babies should eat as often and as long as they want! So let your baby guide you🧑‍🏫. Don't rely on the clock; offer your breasts whenever your little one wants! Usually feeding for newborns occurs every 2 to 3 hours, which adds up to around 8 to 12 feedings a day.🍼 Formula-feedingHow much formula-fed baby eats differs for each one of them! It depends on his weight, age, and appetite, and it can vary from one day to the next🐻.Normally, babies eat 1 to 3 ounces of formula every three to four hours during the first few weeks after birth. It increases to at least 4 ounces every four hours by the first month. By 6 months, 24 to 32 ounces over 4 or 5 feedings a day would be enough!How do I know if I'm feeding too little?If you feed your baby too little, you'll notice right away because he'll immediately let you know by showing his emotions🥹. He'll cry, fuss, or suck his fingers to express his discomfort!Also, you'll notice your baby gains little or no weight. On average, a newborn gains 4 to 7 ounces per week. Try feeding them a little more, and talk to your pediatrician to check if your baby's growth is on track🏃.Another sign you should be aware of is how many diapers your baby makes. Infants usually have at least 6 wet diapers and 4-5 poop diapers a day. Count the number of diapers you get every day. If they make fewer diapers than this number, you might want to feed them a little more. How do I know if I'm feeding too much?Babies know when to stop😉. In general, they eat when they are hungry, and stop when they are full. But don't let your guard down yet, it is still possible for babies to eat too much. Bottle-fed babies tend to do so because drinking from a bottle is easier than drinking from the breast. Overeating can cause stomach pain, gas, or even vomiting after nursing. It can also raise the risk of obesity later in life. But you don't need to worry too much, mommy! Your baby knows how much she needs, and you'll figure out your baby's capability soon. So take it slow, and follow your baby's lead🐥!

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Nutrient needs of babies

Phew🙄, remember the times when you struggled with nursing? After all those days of bottles and breastfeeding, your little one is finally grown to start solid foods! Breastmilk and formula have fulfilled all the nutrients until now. Then what should I give my baby to fill those nutrient gaps? Here is a little guide to how to feed your baby with solid food for new mamas✨!How should the baby eat during the transition period?Starting from about 4 to 6 months old (6 month old is recommended, but depending on the pediatrician and your baby's health, some babies starts their solids at 4 month old), your baby will start to taste solid foods, along with breast milk or formula😋. They will continue eating 7-8 ounces of liquid every 4-5 hours a day, along with 1-9 tablespoons of solids.Between 7-12 months old, you will continue to feed the majority of their nutrients through breast milk and liquids, but you should gradually cut back on the amount. During this period, will be gradually introduced to meat, vegetables🥕, grains, and fruits. The most important nutrients in a baby's diet?Of course, every nutrients are important! But some play a bigger role in your baby's growth and development. Most of the nutrients on the list are pretty much the same as what we need as an adult: Protein, Calcium, Carbohydrates, Fats, and Vitamins. For the first year, the baby will still get most of the protein and calcium from breast milk. Once their age turns one year old, you should slowly change their source from liquid to solid foods by slowly introducing your little one to eggs, meat, tofu, yogurt, cheese, and so on! Iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, and fluids do big roles in your baby's development as well. Phew, that is a lot of nutrients, right? But remember, instead of worrying about fulfilling every nutrient or serving, try introducing a variety of good-for-baby foods with a fun and happy atmosphere, so that the baby doesn't feel repulsed by the new food.My baby is not eating enough! What should I do?If you feel like your baby is not eating enough, try recording her growth in a chart. As long as your baby continues to grow at a healthy rate, she's probably getting enough to eat!If your baby's growth chart doesn't seem right, check if you started feeding solids too early. Babies before 5 months old can't fully digest solid foods, which makes them refuse solid foods. Also, if your baby was lying down during the feeding, it could be the reason why she refused to eat. Babies should sit while eating solids for better digestion! If you are still unsure, talk to your baby's doctor next time and discuss your concerns. They will be able to check your baby's growth and refer you to a nutritionist or feeding center!

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