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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.

👉 4-6 months content list

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Attachment parenting

Parenting isn't one-size-fit-alls. You might feel a lot of pressure to pick one style of parenting, in reality, the act of parenting is a true journey, not a set of required practices. You're welcome to take your time to figure it out.😀Attachment parenting👪Definition of attachment parenting?Attachment parenting is not all about a frenetic attempt to deliver the fastest responses when your baby sends a signal. It's actually about finding a balance between parents' lives and childcare duties.⚖️The ancestral implication that mothers are designed to devote themselves to child-rearing to the point that they can't have a private life is out-dated.⚠️ Something is wrong if you and your baby cannot enjoy the parenting journey. What it truly means is attending to your child's cues and taking action accordingly that suits both you and your baby.🥰👪Common practices of attachment parentingIf you choose attachment parenting, you may find yourself frequently holding your baby, breastfeeding🤱 whenever your little one cries even in the middle of the night.🌙 You become sensitive and responsive to your child's emotions. You decide to co-sleep with your baby to monitor them better.Benefits of attachment parenting👪Secure bondsUnlike unresponsive and more controlling parents, sensitive mothers tend to pay attention more to the child's interests and needs.👂 The quality of communication between you and your child indicates more secure attachment relationships.👪Promote independenceInfants are less likely to develop fearful tendencies if they know that you are always there by their side.👩‍👦 They show a greater level of positive mood, more constructive coping and better regulation of emotion on their own. 👪Help children cope with stressSkin-to-skin contacts and co-sleeping can help your baby develop a healthy stress response system, improved sleep patterns and better cognitive control.🧠 Once the kid receives warm and sensitive parenting, they are protected from brain-shrinking stress and autoimmune disorders.👪Fewer behavior problemsSecurely - attached children are less likely to develop behavior problems since they develop better cognitive flexibility and perspective taking-skills.🤗 Moreover, if they are engaged in mutually responsive, positive reactions with you, it is more likely that they develop consciences and comply with adult instructions.😛

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Newborn weight gain - what's healthy and what's not

Every child grows at their own pace💗, but growth charts can give us a general idea. Remember, "average" doesn't define normal, as babies come in all shapes and sizes.What's the average weight for a newborn?According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a full-term baby boy usually weighs around 7 pounds and 6 ounces, which is about 3.3 kilograms. And for our lovely baby girls, the average weight is around 7 pounds and 2 ounces, or 3.2 kilograms. How cute is that🐥?Now, babies born between 37 and 40 weeks👶, their weights can vary a bit more. On average, they weigh anywhere from 5 pounds and 8 ounces to 8 pounds and 13 ounces, which is about 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Isn't it amazing how these little ones come in different sizes right from the start?Why does newborn weight gain matter?When it comes to your little one's weight and height, consistent growth is a positive sign of their well-being. But sometimes, babies may not be gaining weight as they should, and that's when the term "failure to gain weight" or "failure to thrive" comes into play🥲. There can be various reasons behind this, such as difficulties with feeding, problems with absorbing or using nutrients, or even certain medical conditions. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to identify the root cause and address it properly💕.How can I tell if my newborn is gaining enough weight?Believe it or not, counting those oh-so-important diapers can give you a good indication that your little one is doing just fine😀! During the first few days, it's completely normal for your newborn to have only a few wet diapers a day. After that, you can expect to see about 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. It's a great sign that your baby is getting enough fluids.Let's get down to business with poopy diapers. It's typical for babies to poop at least twice a day but when you're breastfeeding🤱, your baby might have even more poopy diapers, like five or more, while formula-fed babies may have a few less. 

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Nipple vasospasms and nipple blanching while breastfeeding

Watching your little one during nursing is a happy thing to do💕. But ouch! nipple pain that comes along shouldn't be something you've expected🫣! Nipple blanching?🤔What is it?Nipple blanching is when your nipple gets whitened and the tip turns into a funny shape after right nursing. A white stripe could appear across your nipple as well. As blood flow returns in a few minutes, souring pain could follow😵. 🤔Why does it happen?A poor latch is the main reason for nipple blanching. Also, if the milk flows too fast, your baby will try to control the flow by clamping down your nipple. You might want to doubt if your little one has a palate problem or a tongue tie, which can cause problems with nursing. Nipple vasospasms?🧐What is it?Nipple vasospasm happens to almost a quarter of all new moms, within the first 8 weeks of the baby's birth, but rarely can occur during the pregnancy period. It brings intense pain after nursing😵, and the pain worsens when you are cold. The color of the nipple can become white, red, purple, or even blue for a few moments.🧐Why does it happen?The cause for nipple vasospasms is not clear, but moms who have it tend to have cold fingers and feet 👣, or have rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or lupus as a family history. A very cold environment or damaged nipples could be other possible factors as well, but both are not the exact cause of nipple vasospasms.Treatment for nipple blanching and vasospasmsAs mentioned above, the main reason for nipple blanching is a poor latch, so working on smooth lactation can fix the problem. You may want to talk to a lactation consultant to help you out👩‍⚕️.Treatment for nipple vasospasms, on the other hand, can be more challenging because there is no clear reason why it happens. So trying out treatments depending on your symptoms would be helpful.✔️Nursing in a warm environmentIf your nipple hurts more when you are cold, try nursing in a warmer place🌺. Wear warm clothes every day to keep your body temperature, and cover your breasts right away after you finish nursing to keep your nipples warm. ✔️Giving a small massage can help you!If you have pain, try massaging your areola and your chest muscles with oil before feedings. (Olive oil can be a good choice!🫒) 60 seconds for each side would be enough to stimulate your breasts and calm the pain. If none of these treatments works, try pain relievers that are safe to use during breastfeeding, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen in order to lessen the pain!

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How to increase your milk supply

Becoming a parent brings us a completely different list of worries that we have never had before. For new moms, breastfeeding is one of them🤱.Breastfeeding brings a whole lot of wonders and questions. The biggest concerns moms have would probably be, 'Am I making enough breast milk?🤷‍♀️'What causes a low milk supplyResearchers are still studying the exact factor of low milk supply, which isn't clear yet🤔. What we have found until now is that milk production is influenced by the cycle of supply and demand, which means the more your baby eats, the more milk will be produced. Hence, nursing frequently with enough time is the main key🔑! Then your breast will see the need to produce more milk. Also, emptying your breasts after every feeding is important too because your breasts will stimulate actively. So after every nursing time, try to express your breasts either with your hands or a gear. How do I know if I'm producing enough milk?If your baby is a newborn🐤, check how many times you change the diaper daily. Changing at least 6 wet diapers and 3-4 diapers with large poops daily is a sign that your breastmilk is enough. Plus, it is a sign that your baby is well-hydrated if her pee is light yellow or colorless.If your baby is more than 3 months old, the most accurate way to check is to weigh your little one⚖️. Gaining an average of 4 to 7 ounces every week indicates that you and your baby are doing great! So if you want to be assured, getting a little weight scale for your baby would be a good option.How can I increase my milk supply?As mentioned above, the breast milk supply increases📈 if it gets empty. So let your baby drain the breasts as much as she can, and try to express them after every nursing so they can stimulate better. If you have already tried this but your milk supply is still low, try 'power pumping' to pump and rest on and off for about an hour. It may take up to a week to see the results.Besides pumping and feeding, mom can rest, eat well, and make her mind easy. I know it's hard😥. It's very exhausting, right? But the more you get frustrated, the harder it gets. So let's relax, and try to enjoy the breastfeeding journey together!

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Tips for nursing your baby

Break milk is amazing🤱! It's like the ultimate super food tailor-made for your baby. It's packed with all the essential nutrients your newborn needs to thrive and even armed with special antibodies that help boost their immune system💪. Breastfeeding is not as tricky as it may seem. Sure, it can feel a bit challenging at first but don't worry, you've got this!Breast Milk comes in three stages, each with its own superpowers! 🍼ColostrumThis is the first stage of breast milk, and it's like a golden elixir for your baby. Colostrum is thick, yellowish (sometimes clear), and packed with all the good stuff your little one needs to boost their immune system and aid digestion.🍼Transitional MilkAfter colostrum, we move on to transitional milk. It's like a tasty blend of milk and orange juice (but way better!). This stage provides more calories, fat, and lactose to support your baby's growing appetite.🍼Mature MilkThis is the superhero stage of breast milk. It arrives a little later, around 10 days to two weeks after giving birth. Mature milk is thin, white, and filled with all the essential nutrients, fats, and antibodies your baby needs to thrive.Let's talk about the breastfeeding position! Get ready to explore different breastfeeding positions beyond the basic cradle hold! 🤱Cradle holdBaby's head in your elbow, supporting their body. Hold your breast and point the nipple towards her nose.🤱Crossover holdIf you're nursing from the right breast, use your left hand to hold the head. Cup your breast with your free hand, just like the cradle hold. Happy nursing!🤱Football holdTuck your baby's legs under your arm on the same side as the breast you're nursing from. Use that arm, supported by a pillow, to lift your baby up comfortably. With your other hand, gently cup your breast! 🤱Side-lying positionLie on your side with a pillow under your head. Baby faces you, align their head with your nipple. Cup breast with free hand if needed.🤱Laid-back position ("biological nurturing")Lean back on a couch or bed with pillows supporting you. Place baby tummy to tummy on your chest, and let them seek out your nipple naturally. Ideal for newborns and babies with reflux or sensitivity.How often should I give breastmilk?Breastfeeding frequency can vary depending on your baby's age, feeding cues, and your milk supply. For newborns👶, it's common to breastfeed around 8 to 12 times a day, which means feeding every 2 to 3 hours. Newborns have small tummies and need frequent feedings to get enough nutrition and stimulate milk production. As your baby grows, they may have slightly longer stretches between feedings, but it's important to continue feeding on demand. Watch for hunger cues like rooting or sucking on your hands, and feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger🧸.

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Separation anxiety: when it starts and peaks

Do your little one screams and cries when you leave them to someone else🥲? Does she hate to go to daycare or be with another caregiver? It might be a sign that separation anxiety has started in your baby🪅! What is separation anxiety?Separation anxiety arises when the baby is around 8 to 9 months and tends to peak between 12 to 24 months old. It happens when your baby starts recognizing people around her and realizing their absence. They tend to protest when you leave because they are naturally inclined to be close to the person who keeps them safe (which is you🫢!). Every baby's separation anxiety is different. If your baby experiences a lot of it, saying goodbye might be tough, and you might even shed a tear too. Don't worry, it's totally normal, and this phase will pass (Trust me👍!). Signs of separation anxiety in babiesIt's totally normal for babies and toddlers to show separation anxiety by crying, screaming, or fussing when you leave them with someone else👶. Falling asleep without you can be tough for them, and they might wake up multiple times at night, calling for you. Sometimes, they'll even protest a little when you're not in their sight for a short time. But don't worry😉, it's all a part of their development and shows how much they love you!How to deal with separation anxietyThe key idea to deal with separation anxiety is to teach your baby that when you are away, you always come back✨. Practicing short separations several times would help a lot. Leave your little one to a trusted caregiver for a short time (about half an hour or so). Walk your dog🐕, go get some coffee at a cafe, or run to a store! Once your baby is comfortable, increase time little by little, and repeat it until she is good! When you practice, make sure you find the right timing when your baby is not sleepy or hungry (to avoid her whining!). Keep the leaving simple and light. And once you leave, never look back and just leave!Have some fun with "separation-reunion" games as part of your home routine, such as Peek-a-boo, so your little one gets comfortable when you are out of sight.

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Top questions about baby formula

You might think formula feeding is straightforward - choose a formula that fits your baby and fill it up in their favorite bottle🍼. But for new moms, there is a whole lot of confusion beyond the descriptions on the formula can! Here are some answers for moms👩 frequently asked about formula feeding.About choosing formulas:🍼What is the best baby formula for a newborn?I know there are various choices for baby formula, but I would say the best one is the one that you can easily find in the nearby store🏪. Generally, formulas out there are all FDA-approved if sold in the USA, so I would say the ones you have easy access are the best.The story will be different if your newborn has any kind of allergies, and your pediatrician will make a recommendation when you gave birth at a hospital, so you might want to follow their recommendation.🍼Can you switch formulas?Generally, there is no issue with switching your baby's formula. Changing the brand or type your baby usually had is perfectly fine. However, if you can, try to stick with the same formula if there was no problem while feeding it😉. If your baby had no problem with the formula you were using, but you want to change the brand, try finding the formula with the same base as the previous one. For example, if the one you used is cow's milk-based, changing to the one that's also cow's milk under a different label based will be safer.Formula mixing: 🍼How long can baby formula sit out after it's mixed?The best is to offer the formula in a timely manner, but I know it is not easy as it sounds! If the formula is at room temperature and hasn't been contacted with the baby's mouth, it has to be consumed within two hours of preparation. If you can't, store it in a refrigerator🧊 and use it within 24 hours! However, you should throw out the leftovers if there are any in the bottle for safety reasons because the combination of baby saliva and formula can grow bacteria!🍼Should baby formula always be warm?It is not mandatory to make the formula warm. So if you are too tired or in a hurry to warm the formula, you don't have to feel guilty about giving a room temperature bottle because they are perfectly fine😌. NEVER use a microwave to warm the formula because it creates hot spots and could burn a baby's mouth! Always check the temperature of the formula before serving it.Safety tips when using formulaAlways check your formula can for safety👷! See if they are expired, damaged, or leaked. Also check inside to see if there are any unusual, such as moles or uncertain lumps. If you spy on any one of them, don't use it🙅‍♀️!  If the formula is too watery, it can interfere with growth and nutrition. If the formula is too thick, on the other way, it might cause dehydration! So before you start mixing the brand-new formula, always check the instruction and follow the right measurement. 

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Mastitis while breastfeeding

Mastitis is a breast tissue infection that can make your boobs feel like they're starring in their own soap opera🫠. They become swollen and painful, and may even come with flu-like symptoms. Talk about a showstopper! But fear not, it's estimated that up to 10 percent of breastfeeding moms will face the mastitis monster at some point during their nursing journey. It's like a rite of passage, but one that we can conquer together🏃‍♀️.What is Mastitis?Mastitis, a breast tissue infection, can bring discomfort with symptoms like tender and swollen breasts along with flu-like feelings. It's worth noting that around 1 in 10 breastfeeding moms👩 might encounter mastitis during their breastfeeding experience.The period of highest risk for mastitis is typically within the initial six weeks after giving birth, yet it can emerge at any stage of breastfeeding😢. While mastitis usually targets one breast, it's also feasible to experience it simultaneously in both. Remember, being aware of this possibility can help you take proactive steps if you encounter any symptoms.How to treat them? Upon suspecting mastitis, promptly reach out to your healthcare provider to ensure swift treatment👨‍⚕️. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications like abscess formation. Diagnosis typically leads to oral antibiotics that provide quick relief. Nursing from the infected breast, finishing the antibiotic course, and applying techniques like breast pumping or chilled cabbage leaves can aid recovery😌. Wearing comfortable bras and seeking medical advice can help effectively manage mastitis and ensure a smoother breastfeeding experience.Is it possible to continue breastfeeding while dealing with mastitis?Guess what? You've got the power to do it, and it's actually a good idea too😉! Breastfeeding is like a superhero that swoops in, clears out infections, and helps you heal faster. Plus, those antibiotics won't harm your adorable little munchkin. Here's a fun tip for you📝! warm up your breast with a cozy compress before nursing. It's like giving your milk flow a gentle nudge, encouraging it to flow freely. And if nursing feels like a painful rollercoaster ride, try switching to the other breast and let the infected one work its magic on a handy towel or cloth!

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Skin rashes in babies and toddlers - Part 2

You thought the battle is over? Oh no, not yet! Here is the second part of the list of skin rashes you should be aware of!🔥✔️Food allergyFood allergy occurs when a baby is sensitive to certain food and an unusual reaction appears in his/her body🤒. Common allergens include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Feeding a small amount of common allergen food one by one before starting baby food, or asking a doctor for an allergy test might help to distinguish which food your baby is allergic to. Allergic reactions can differ by individual, including a red, itchy rash, vomiting and nausea, watery and red eyes with sneezing🤧. Some serious reactions could cause trouble breathing or swelling of the lips and tongue. So if you notice any abnormal symptoms after feeding, observe the symptom carefully and discuss it with your doctor.✔️Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseHand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM) is a common virus for kids under 5. The name originated from its main symptom which makes rashes and blisters on the baby's hands, mouth, and feet. Flu-like symptoms such as high fever and sore throat follow🌡️. The virus is very contagious and spreads very easily, so if your baby is infected with HFM, you should separate him/her from other young children🙅‍♀️. ✔️Fifth diseaseIf your baby has a low fever and cold-like symptoms for several days and a red rash starts to form on the cheeks😳, you need to doubt if it's Fifth disease. Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19. It is contagious, but only in the early phase which is before a rash starts to appear. This is common, especially in kids aged 5 to 15, but it also occurs in some toddlers and babies.✔️HivesBacterial infections, food reactions, plants or bug bites can make hives on the skin. It is a skin condition with red and raised bumps😵‍💫. They can be itchy, but mostly they don't bother your baby at all. It is hard to know what causes hives, but allergy is one of the major influences. If you could record the recent food or medication intakes💊, it helps to track down the possible cause of hives. It might look serious, but it's not contagious.✔️SunburnWhen your baby was exposed to sunlight for too long☀️, sunburn can develop on their skin! As you might already have experienced during previous vacations, sunburn can happen even on cloudy days. Especially since babies' skin is weak and sensitive, they are more vulnerable to the sun, and can feel more pain than we do😖! We all already know how to avoid sunburns. Put sunscreens when you bring your little one outside, and cover them with long sleeves to minimize sun exposure.

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The breastfeeding diet

'You are what you eat!' You've probably heard this phrase a lot. Then let's put this theory to breastfeeding - My breast milk should be what I eat😮! Is it really true? Here is a guide for how to get the right nutrition to produce a healthy meal for your little one! (But don't worry, it will be much easier than a pregnancy diet😉)What can I eat?Actually, the foods and drinks you intake don't directly affect the basic fat-protein-carb combo of breast milk. In fact, your body will take nutrients that are already stored to produce milk🍼. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't care about your diet! Your goal during nursing is to avoid depleting the body's store of nutrients.A nutritious diet for breast milk is not much different from the healthy diets we used to try before pregnancy. Protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and high-fat foods are recommended to consume on a daily basis, along with calcium, iron, vitamin C and Omega-3s💊. Also, your breast milk changes the taste and smell depending on what you eat, and your little one will get introduced to a variety of different flavors!What should I be aware of?You should still be aware of too much caffeine, high-mercury fish, and some herbal teas or supplements that are not proven safe😿. Alcohol is a slightly different story. I understand how you've been waiting to have a sip of cold wine and beer after birth, and yes, you can drink alcohol while breastfeeding (yay😺!), but, there are a few things you should keep in mind before starting to drink. If possible, try to drink after nursing, or wait at least 2 hours before nursing to avoid alcohol affecting your milk. Also, heavy drinking may affect your baby, so moderate drinking is advised.How much water should I take?Drinking more water is always good. Especially in the weeks after birth and during the nursing period, water helps your body to recover and stimulate better. Technically you need to drink about 128 ounces of fluids a day🌊, but you get most of it covered by your meals during the day. (so you don't need to drink 16 glasses of water every day! phew) To make sure you are getting enough water, drinking a cup of water at every nursing session is the easiest way to track. Not drinking enough water won't affect your milk supply. However, your urine will get darker and scanter, and can set you up for health issues such as constipation and fatigue! So let's keep in mind to drink a fresh cup of water more often😉!

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