Pregnancy life

Pregnancy life

Parenting life

Parenting life

Baby Image

In Baby Billy app You can see more contents!

7-9 months Content | Baby Billy

📖 Most viewed content

Content Image

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.👩‍⚕️

Content Image

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! 

Content Image

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👩‍⚕️.

Content Image

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.💪 

Content Image

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.

👉 7-9 months content list

Content Image

How to safely play with your baby

Are you and your partner fans of those joyful moments when you playfully toss your little bundle of joy in the air or even dare to flip her upside down💕? As much as we all love these adorable stunts, it's important to prioritize safety first and foremost👷! Birth to 6 monthsEarly interactions with your baby build a strong bond as they gaze, turn their head, and find comfort in your voice😌. Remember to give them space when they show signs of needing a break, and reconnect when they appear calm and engaged. As their vision develops🫣, they enjoy objects with vibrant colors and strong contrasts. Use colorful toys to enhance their exploration and stimulate their cognitive and sensory growth. Tummy-time is also vital for their development, strengthening muscles and boosting physical abilities and thinking skills. Enjoy this fun and beneficial activity!7 to 12 monthsAs your little one grows, they make big gains in learning. Language emerges, with babbling turning into words like "mama," "dada," and "baba" that they associate with mom, dad, and their bottle🍼. Their exploration expands as they transition from lying to sitting, eventually pulling themselves up and walking while holding onto furniture. Fine motor skills improve, enabling them to pick up small items, play with blocks, and search for hidden objects. They are becoming more curious and engaged in their surroundings. Encourage their development by providing safe exploration opportunities with toys like egg cartons, blocks, balls, and stacking toys. Make bath time enjoyable with squeeze toys, cups, and containers for splashing fun🧸. Remember to closely supervise your baby, especially near water. Foster their language skills by naming familiar and new objects, encouraging imitation, and engaging in conversations. Reading colorful books with large illustrations will captivate their attention and stimulate their imagination. Point to pictures, ask questions, and encourage your child to participate by pointing and answering. 1 to 3 yearsAs your baby grows, their learning and curiosity thrive🥸! Let's nurture their curiosity by giving them blocks, empty containers, and puzzles to play with. Pretend play is such a valuable way for toddlers to learn and grow, so make sure to provide them with plenty of simple and safe toys that allow them to imitate what you do.Reading time📖 with your toddlers is so important. Point out the pictures they're interested in, describe what you all see, and ask them questions to keep them engaged. Let's also sing catchy songs, recite fun rhymes, and create different rhythms using everyday items like tupperware, pots, and pans. It's a great way to have a blast together! It's also a great time to venture outdoors with your little ones and explore the world around you. Help them understand movement by encouraging activities like jumping, walking, and even trying to balance on one leg. Let the adventures begin!

Content Image

How to cut your baby's nails?

Trimming your baby's tiny nails can feel quite daunting, but don't worry, we're here to help you through it! 😎Best way to cut a baby's nails! When it comes to trimming your baby's nails💅, use special baby scissors with rounded tips or baby nail clippers designed for safety. Gently hold your baby's finger, press the fingertip pad down and away from the nail, and snip along the natural curve of the fingernail. For tiny toes, cut the nails straight across. To make it easier, trim the nails when your baby is sleeping or have a helper distract her while you clip.Keep a clipper✂️ in your diaper bag for on-the-go opportunities like in the stroller, during car rides, naptime, or at the grandparents' house. Alternatively, one person can hold the baby's hands while the other trims the nails, singing a song to keep her calm. Remember, toenails grow slower and require less attention.Is it okay to bite or peel a baby's nails instead of using scissors?Peeling or biting off the tips of your baby's nails is not recommended🙅‍♀️, to say the least. Peeling can easily remove too much of the nail, and nibbling may transfer your germs to her delicate skin. If you feel a bit squeamish about using baby nail scissors or clippers, there's another gentle option you can try. Consider using a baby-sized emery board to file your baby's nails. It's a safer and less intimidating approach that can help you maintain your baby's nail care with ease🤲.Wait! What should I do if I cut my baby's finger while trimming her nails? First things first, please don't beat yourself up about it🙁. Every well-intentioned parent or manicurist has faced a similar situation at some point. Take a deep breath and remember that your baby will be absolutely fine.If you happen to notice a bit of bleeding, avoid applying a bandage to the area🩹, as it could potentially become a choking hazard if it becomes detached. Instead, gently apply some pressure with a clean, lint-free cloth or a soft gauze pad. This should help the bleeding stop in no time!

Content Image

Never leave children in cars!

Let's say you were driving alone with your child to get some quick groceries.🚗 When you arrive at the parking lot, you find out your child is asleep in the back seat of your car. Now, the temptation might arise in your mind: 'Can I leave my child in the car and get things done real quick? It's only going to take a few minutes!'🤔Yes, I know it is tempting, but you gotta keep in mind that the definite answer is: You are never allowed to leave your child alone in a car, in any situation!Why is that?The internal temperature of a parked car may vary by up to 40°C from the outside temperature, especially in summer🔥. Under these circumstances, children can get dehydrated and suffer life-threatening heatstroke. This can even lead them to death!😨  Accidental leaving in carsRaising a child sometimes leads you to  get into unintended situations. If you are tired, stressed, or distracted, you might face the situation of accidentally leaving your child in the car. 😪 (If this has happened to you already, this actually happens quite a lot. So don't blame yourself, you are not alone!) To prevent this from happening, making a habit of always checking the backseat before getting out of the car would be helpful. Also there are many products that can help you, such as car seat sensors or back seat video monitors, so it would be good to get help from these devices as well.👍Accidental locking in carsSometimes children accidentally lock themselves in the car.😮 Newer cars often have auto-lock features, so it will be helpful if you can make a habit of winding windows down before putting children in the car. Keep your car keys with you all the time, and do not let your child play with car keys.🔑 Children might get curious about all the interesting buttons inside the car. Tell them pushing buttons in the car could be dangerous, and teach them not to do so!

Content Image

Dengue fever in babies

Dengue fever?!What is Dengue?Dengue fever is an illness spread through an infected mosquito🦟. Risk rises especially if you live in or travel to tropical climate regions. This virus has an incubating period which is about 4 days to 2 weeks after being bitten by a mosquito. The virus usually lasts for no later than 7 days if the infection isn't serious. 🦠How can I protect my baby from it?Since the main infection route is bites from mosquitos, it is very important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. If you travel to or live in the area where the Dengue virus occurs, make to dress your baby in clothes that cover the whole body👖, such as long sleeves, long pants, and sock that covers the whole feet. The use of bug repellent and mosquito netting over the beds at night is also an effective way to avoid contact with mosquitos. Giving a bath to your baby every day will help as well since mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of sweat. How do I know if my baby has Dengue?High fever is the most common symptom of Dengue. Your baby's temperature can rise as high as 105°F (40°C)!😰Apparently fever from Dengue virus could be very painful so it is even called 'break-bone fever'. It doesn't actually break any bones, but it is as much painful as it feels like it is! Baby will get irritated and cry hard because they'll feel very uncomfortable😿. Nausea and vomiting are also very common signs of Dengue. If it gets worse, skin rash and unusual bleeding could happen. Symptoms of Dengue are very similar to other viruses so it is hard to diagnose without a doctor. The doctor will track your baby's travel histories, and send a blood sample for testing to examine.Oh no, my little one got Dengue!What should I do?Unfortunately, there aren't specific medications for treating Dengue fever💊. The fever and pain will go away within a week. For fever control (acetaminophen), give cool water and sponge bathsDehydration occurs when a person gets a high fever, so give your baby enough water and watch for signs of dehydration. 🚰How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?If the baby is dehydrated🥀, you'll notice him/her urinating less frequently than usual. There will be fewer or no tears when crying, and you'll see their lips and mouth getting dry. The baby's hands and feet will get cooler and discolored if it gets serious. If you see any of these signs, see your baby's pedestrian immediately!

Content Image

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.

Content Image

How to Encourage Pretend Play in Babies and Toddlers

Imaginative play isn't just for older kids; even the tiniest tots can join the fun. It's all about age-appropriate adventures, starting with those early interactions where your little one begins their journey of make-believe, long before they become a firefighter or tea party host! 🎲💛What is pretend play?Welcome to the world of imaginative play! 🌟 It's where children can experiment with different roles, from sailing on a cardboard ship to cooking imaginary feasts or even dressing up as grown-ups "going to work."Toys like play food and dress-up clothes add fun, but they're not essential. Using everyday objects that don't have a defined purpose encourages creative thinking. A pile of leaves can become a cauldron of soup, a laundry basket transforms into an airplane, and a stack of pillows becomes a mighty mountain. 🚀Even before your little one dreams of being a teacher or a soccer star, engaging in conversations with your baby lets them explore various roles and sets the stage for imaginative play. 🗨️ It's a world of endless possibilities from the very beginning!What are the benefits of imaginative play?In this magical land of make-believe, your child can master self-control as they cooperate and decide who plays the daring superhero or the wise wizard, all while learning to manage the occasional frustration. It's a bit like an emotional growth adventure! 🎆Creating a brand new world in their imaginations brings players closer, whether they're fellow pint-sized adventurers or parents joining in the fun. It's a bonding bonanza! 🎊 These make-believe escapades foster give-and-take interactions that knit hearts closer together.Moreover, pretend play acts as a safe haven for your child to tackle tough topics, allowing them to bravely face scenarios like doctor visits or the first day at daycare or preschool. It's like a therapy session led by their imagination! And let's not forget the linguistic growth spurt—dreaming up adventures and negotiating the rules involves using fancy words and complex ideas, helping your child's vocabulary and communication skills blossom. ✨How to encourage imaginative play for babiesPicture a world where even the tiniest tots embark on their social play adventure! They're not quite ready to become dinosaurs🦖 or doctors👨‍⚕️, but they're diving headfirst into the enchanting realm of role-playing. It's a delightful journey of exploration and practice, and it's oh-so-captivating!As they giggle and grow, here's the plan for their blossoming social interactions. Engage in lively conversations, encourage curiosity with age-appropriate objects, and sing along to action songs. As they approach their first birthday, show them the ropes of social interactions, explore the art of sharing, and play with a toy phone to have delightful pretend conversations. 📞👶 It's not just fun; it's a school of life! 🎉Encouraging for toddlersAt age 2, your child's imaginative play skills are budding, and they're ready to embark on creative adventures. You can guide them by providing dress-up clothes and props, encouraging role-playing scenarios, or setting up a stuffed animal tea party. 👗Use everyday objects in unexpected ways to ignite their creativity, and don't forget the animal dance party, where they can dance like different animals. As you play together, remember it's not just fun; it's a world of learning and growth! 🤗As your child turns three, get ready for a boost in imaginative play. Their little brain is ready to spin make-believe tales and explore new roles with less help from you. Your main role? Jump into the fun and join them in their enchanting world of imagination. 🎈Embrace their creative ideas, participate in role-reversal games, whip up culinary delights in a pretend restaurant, assist as they play doctor to their stuffed animals, and set up a home postal service for some imaginative mail deliveries. It's not just play; it's a world of learning and laughter, right at home! 🎢🎪

Content Image

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👩‍⚕️.

Content Image

How to soothe a crying baby

Hey, mommy and daddy! I am sorry if I made you exhausted crying last night🥺. I know feeding, diapering, and soothing me can feel like a never-ending cycle, consuming most of your day and night. Why is my baby crying?Until I start talking, crying is the only way I can express my feelings! Most of the time, these are the three main reasons making me want to cry: hunger, dirty diapers and stomach discomfort. If I start crying, it's often a sign that I'm ready for the next meal. Sometimes, my belly traps air while gulping down milk or formula, which is very uncomfortable! Wet or dirty diapers are something I hate as well! Check my diaper often so we could be all happy🧡!I cry when I feel sick🤒. If you see me crying harder than usual, try checking my condition. If you are concerned, reach out to the doctor and monitor any signs of fever. And of course, these aren't the only reasons making me wanna cry. When I feel tired, overwhelmed, or bored, I will start crying to let you know my feelings. How to soothe a fussy babyOnce you've ruled out the common reasons for my tears, it's time to try some of the techniques to soothe me and bring some relief to both of us! Wrap me up in a cozy swaddle. This snug wrapping in a soft blanket creates a comforting, womb-like environment that helps me feel secure and calm🥰. I also find comfort in sucking, so offer me my thumb, finger, or a pacifier to help soothe me. Use a front carrier or sling. Carry me close to you while walking around. The gentle motion and feeling of closeness can be very soothing for me as well!Babies have different preferences on soothing. For example, some babies find rhythmic whooshing sounds calming, and some find bathwater calming! So observe me carefully, and find something that fits me will help you calm me easily!Sometimes, hearing from an expert can provide the peace of mind you need, knowing that you're doing everything you can and just need a little more patience. Good luck mom! 😎What to do if you feel frustrated by your baby's cryingI try not to, but there are times I cry too much so you can't handle it😿, and I know you feel frustrated and exhausted. Apparently, most mommies feel the same, so you are not the only one. If this happens, pass me to grandma, grandpa, friend or a babysitter and take some time for yourself.Sometimes, soothing is needed for you as well, mom💌. If you feel you're at a breaking point, put me in my crib and try to rest quietly in another room until you feel okay. Take a breath, call a friend for emotional support, or listen to calming music to soothe yourself. But no matter how discouraged you are, please never, ever shake me! It can result in abusive head trauma, even if it was very brief. It can also cause severe brain damage, or even death if it's serious!

Content Image

Welcoming babies with Down syndrome

Embracing a new addition to your family with Down syndrome (DS) might come with various questions❓ and concerns😐.What is Down syndrome?Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal anomaly that occurs in approximately 1 out of every 700 births. While the risk is higher for women over 35, most babies with DS are actually born to mothers under 35, simply due to the higher number of pregnancies in that age group👶.DS results from a unique cellular development error, leading to 47 chromosomes instead of 46. This additional genetic material can subtly affect the body and brain's development🧠. Around 6,000 babies with DS are born annually in the United States, contributing to an estimated national population of 400,000 individuals with DS.As your baby with DS grows, you'll discover more similarities than differences with typically developing infants. Over time, you'll witness a rich diversity in personality, learning style, intelligence, appearance, humor, compassion, congeniality, and attitude.What are the characteristics of Down syndrome?Down syndrome (DS) may raise questions🤔. DS, occurring in about 1 in 700 births, stems from a chromosomal anomaly. Although more common in older mothers, most cases arise from younger ones due to birth rates. Children with DS share similarities with typically developing infants, showing diverse personalities and potential.DS results from an error in cell development, causing 47 chromosomes. Despite about 6,000 DS births yearly in the US, the estimated DS population is 400,000. Children with DS exhibit various traits and qualities, resembling family members more than each other.They experience a full range of emotions and creativity, needing diverse degrees of support. Education and community inclusion are crucial📜. While test scores often fall within mild to moderate ranges, these tests don't capture their full abilities. Looking past limitations and providing love and respect is key.What will life be like for a child growing up with Down syndrome?Your child's future holds more opportunities than ever before, even compared to just five years ago. Today, young individuals with DS are showcasing remarkable achievements in various fields🌐. To ensure their success, they rely on the understanding and support of their communities, allowing them to smoothly integrate into mainstream programs and keep pushing open doors.Across the nation, countless young people with DS are quietly making a positive impact on their communities through their mere presence. With dreams and unwavering determination, they are proving their potential every day. These young minds thrive in regular classrooms alongside their peers, who will eventually become their coworkers and neighbors. As they transition into adulthood, they secure diverse and meaningful jobs, manage their own households, and leave lasting impressions on their communities.

Content Image

How to burp your baby

Today, we'll go over some helpful methods for burping newborns after feeding, and show you how to do it effectively. So don't worry, we've got you covered🏃!Let's talk about burpingBurping is an important process that happens when gas flows from the stomach back up to the mouth, and it often occurs after your little one eats and takes in some air🫧. But here's the thing! While we can burp on our own, our babies can't quite do it yet because of the shape of their stomachs, which is like a J-shaped loop. That's why we need to help them burp after feeding.🙆Why do I need to burp my baby? Even if your baby is healthy, babies who are just a few months old tend to vomit easily because of their short esophagus and weak sphincter muscle😔. When babies spend most of their time lying down and consuming either formula or breast milk, it makes it even easier for them to vomit. That's why burping is crucial for your little one's health and comfort.If your baby still spits up after burping, it could be due to too much breast milk or formula😣. It's also possible that your baby has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause frequent spitting up. In such cases, it's important to consult with a pediatrician to determine the best course of action for your baby's needs.How to burp your babyFirst, you'll want to position your baby in a way that's comfortable for them and conducive to burping. You can try holding them on your shoulder, sitting them up, or placing them face-down on your lap, depending on what works best. Make sure to have a burp cloth or handy bib to protect your clothing from any spit-up or mess🧻.Next, gently rub or pat your baby's back on the left side where their stomach is located. This motion can help stimulate a burp, and hopefully, relieve any discomfort your little one may be feeling.Remember, every baby is different, so be patient and try different methods until you find what works best for your little one🧘. And if you're ever unsure or have concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance! 

Village Baby Co., Ltd

4F, 83 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Inquiries about alliances and partnerships babybilly.global@villagebaby.kr

|

|

Language

Copyright Baby Billy. All rights reserved.