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.💪 

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! 

What should your breast milk look like?

What color pops into your mind when you think of breast milk🍼? For me, it's pure white! So I was very surprised when I found out the color of breast milk can change color with different hues😮! What breast milk color is normal?The color of breast milk varies for every woman👩. Typical breast milk is white with a yellowish tint, but the color changes depending on the breastfeeding period and the mom's condition. Colostrum, which comes in right after a baby's birth, tends to be yellowish-white. Then the transitional milk, which comes in between colostrum and mature milk🍼, tends to have an orange tint. Mature milk tends to be white like skimmed milk, but again, every woman's milk is different, so there are individual differences.Why does my breast milk change its color?Breast milk can change color depending on what food or medication a mom takes. The color usually changes from yellow to orange-ish colors, but it can also turn into completely different tints of colors, such as black or green😮! Green breast milk happens when mom eats a lot of green foods or supplements like chlorella. Some medications like minocycline can turn breast milk into black. Even though your milk color changes, it is completely normal as long as your doctor has cleared that your medications are safe👌.When to call the doctorIf you see blood in your breast milk, you must observe👀! It often happens when there's bleeding on the nipples, or when blood flow to the breasts increases. Both cases are normal in the early days, so you don't need to worry about it as well😌. But in rare cases, the blood could be a sign of breast cancer, mastitis, or papillomas. So if you notice blood you don't know where it's coming from, there is no reason to hesitate to call the doctor and discuss it.

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.👩‍⚕️

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.

Pneumococcal vaccination (PCV13) 1st dose

Why should I take the vaccine?💡Pneumococcal vaccination is essential for babies as it protects them from serious infections caused by Pneumococcal bacteria, such as pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and otitis media. When babies get vaccinated, their immune system becomes a superhero, fighting off these harmful bacteria and lowering the chances of getting seriously sick. So, getting that PCV13 shot is a great way to keep your little one safe and healthy. How to get the vaccine?💉Four doses of a pneumococcal shot in total are recommended for the best results. One dose will be given at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months old (depending on your baby's condition). There are a few types of pneumococcal vaccines, and your doctor will choose which vaccine to give to your baby depending on the baby's medical condition. The number of doses will also be decided.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: What is pneumococcal disease?Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria called pneumococcus. It causes infections of the ears, lungs, blood, and even the brain, which can cause serious symptoms. The virus is at risk the most for children under 2 years old, so it is important to get the vaccine when your little one is young. The disease often causes fever and chills, cough, rapid breathing, and chest pain. The virus infects ears as well, which brings a red, swollen ear drum. So if you see these symptoms in your baby, you should immediately talk to your doctor and get treatment.How does it spread?Like other transmittable disease, the virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease could be mild, that people won't notice if they are infected. However, they still can spread the virus. The disease is more likely to develop when the baby's immune system is weak. So take care of  your baby's health condition especially when the season changes, and make sure to wash you and your baby's hands often to kill the germs. 

When babies grow and lose their hair

Can we take a moment to appreciate the wonders of baby hairstyles👶? It's truly incredible how each baby's hair journey is like a unique and charming work of art🎨! But no matter what hairstyle your baby is currently rocking, don't get too attached!When do babies grow hair?Newborns do have a magical way of transforming and evolving faster than you can say "peekaboo." It's a hair today, gone tomorrow situation that keeps you on your toes!👶Even if your little one enters this world as bald as can be, rest assured that the seeds of her future locks have already been planted. Can you believe it🦱? Hair follicles start developing as early as week 14 or 15 of pregnancy, setting the stage for those beautiful strands to sprout in due time.Why do babies lose their hair?Don't worry if your baby experiences hair loss—it's completely normal and happens as part of their growth process😉. It's believed to be a response to changing hormones after birth. But here's the exciting part: new hair will grow back! However, be prepared for some surprises, as the color and texture may change. So embrace the journey of your baby's evolving hair and enjoy every adorable stage. It's all part of the magical experience🪄!How to care for your newborn's hair!Caring for your baby's hair is a breeze with a touch of finesse. Remember, it's unnecessary to wash their hair daily; a gentle shampoo🧴 a few times a week during bath time is sufficient. Be kind to their delicate scalp, avoiding vigorous massages that could lead to hair loss. Use a soft-bristle brush or wide-toothed comb to detangle without causing discomfort. Embrace their natural hair, avoiding tight headbands or ponytails. If a trim is needed, choose a calm moment😌 and provide distractions for a pleasant experience! 

Finding a Male Nanny

In the search for the caregivers, families are breaking away from outdated ideas and embracing male nannies with open arms🤗! It's all about their skills, personality and a touch of fun challenging those gender stereotypes. The world of childcare just got an upgrade🌟!Who is a Male Nanny👨🏻‍🦱?Let me introduce you to "manny"! Yes, that's what we affectionately call a nanny. But don't be fooled by the name. Like their counterparts, mannies are all about taking on important responsibilities and duties. Whether they live with their family or commute daily, these guys are here to revolutionize childcare💡 by tailoring their services to meet the needs of both parents and children!The Advantages of Hiring a Male Nanny💡No limits!Say hello to mannies🖐🏻. They're not limited to families anymore! Single moms households with two moms, or anyone seeking a perspective can benefit greatly. Mannies bring a role model influence along with their talent, for tackling, lifting and creating epic play experiences. Need a fort built🛖? No worries, mannies have got you covered.But wait, there's more!💡Good for Activities and Mental HealthThey are sports professionals who inspire children and boost🚀 their self-confidence through sports activities. And here's an interesting fact – children tend to behave when a male caregiver's present. The combination of discipline and positive energy reduces the likelihood of behavior.When it comes to problem-solving, male caregivers are your go-to team👍🏻. They approach challenges with logic and practicality, helping children develop thinking skills. If you have boys in the family, even better! Male caregivers thrive on the energy and excitement that come with engaging in sports🎾 and other activities that boys enjoy.💡Our SuperheroesFor households with needs or disabilities, male caregivers are superheroes🦸🏻. They excel at tasks like lifting and providing mobility assistance, handling difficult situations with grace. Additionally, when going on outings or excursions, parents can feel at ease knowing that having a caregiver along often leads to safer experiences. So, if you're searching for an amazing caregiver, consider giving a male caregiver a well-deserved pat on the back!How to Hire a Male Caregiver💡Two OptionsEmploying a male caregiver is similar to hiring a nanny – it's simple and flexible😊. You have two options: take the do-it-yourself approach or collaborate with an agency.If you prefer doing it yourself, check out our article on interviewing nannies for tips. But if you are considering using an agency, our comprehensive guide on selecting one can assist you in finding the manny for the job.💡Quantitative ElementsBefore hiring any candidate, it is important to conduct background checks✔️ to ensure they have experience working with children and to obtain positive references. Regardless of whether you choose to hire through an agency, there are terms and conditions that need to be followed👣 when employing a manny. To ensure compliance with requirements, please refer to our article on your obligations as an employer of a nanny.💡Qualitative ElementsOnce you have found your manny, our valuable tips on retaining your nanny will aid in maintaining a relationship. Remember that beyond all the checks and qualifications, it is vital💫 to find someone who not only prioritizes safety but also fits perfectly within your family dynamics and proves to be an exceptional caregiver for your children. Building a partnership🤝 that extends beyond paperwork is what truly matters!

Rotavirus vaccination 1st dose

Why should I take the vaccine?💡Rotavirus is a very common and contagious disease for infants and children under 5 years old. The virus very commonly spreads in families and children, especially among children in daycare centers! It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Getting vaccinated before contracting rotavirus is not 100% guaranteed to prevent the infection, but it is essential because even if you do get infected, the symptoms are likely to be milder.How to get the vaccine?💉There are two options of brands you can choose for rotavirus vaccines: RotaTeq® (RV5) and Rotarix® (RV1). And both of them are given by mouth (drops), not by a shot.RotaTeq® is given in three doses, and Rotarix® is given in two doses. Your doctor will remind you and make a schedule for the vaccine.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: What is Rotavirus?Rotavirus is a virus that can affect little ones, especially babies and young children. It can cause tummy troubles like severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, which can give both the baby and mom a hard time. The virus spreads easily through germs, so it's essential to be careful, especially in places where kids like to play together. Washing hands often, and avoiding touching surfaces that many people touch such as slides and swings or toys in public is recommended.What is the difference between Rotarix® and RotaTeq®?RotaTeq® and Rotarix® are just brand names of the vaccine. RotaTeq® takes longer to produce antibodies than Rotarix®, but the range of prevention is wider. Rotarix® on the other hand is made of human strains so it reproduces well in the intestines and builds antibodies faster than RotaTeq®. So if your baby is going to be exposed to the public area early, for example, daycare centers, Rotarix® would be a better choice. You can choose which one to get depending on your baby's situation!

Hib vaccination 1st dose

Why should I take the vaccine?💡Hib vaccination protects your baby from Hib disease and meningitis, which is a bacterial disease that poses the risk of severe brain infections that could be life-threatening, especially among young children. It appears to any age, so getting a vaccine shot in early age is important!How to get the vaccine?💉Your baby will need to get 4 doses of Hib shots. One shot will be given at each dose, and they will be given when your baby is 2, 4, 6, and 12 months old. Your baby's pediatrician will guide you to make an appointment for each shot at the right time. Hib vaccine is generally safe and effective. However, like many other vaccines, it may have mild side effects and they usually go away without treatment.TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:What is Hib disease?Hib disease, which is also called Haemophilus influenza type b, is a serious illness caused by bacteria. It spreads through saliva and nasal secretions, and it is most common in children under 5 years old! Hib disease is a very serious illness and causes death to about 1 in 20 children even with treatment.Any symptoms of Hib disease?There are several types of Hib disease, and the symptoms depend on the specific part of the body it affects. The most common type is meningitis, which can lead to various symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea (with or without vomiting), increased sensitivity of the eyes to light, confusion, and in babies, it may result in poor eating, drinking, low alertness, or irritability.Hib disease can cause other health issues, including pneumonia (lung infection), swelling of the throat making it difficult to breathe, and infections in the blood, joints, bones, and the covering of the heart.