Sleep like an angel

Parents have all tried gazing at their babies when they are sleeping. It's one of those amazing moments to see babies sleep sound and free. However, the nightmare strikes when their tiny angels start demanding attention by means of crying. What should parents do? Will they give in to their babies or resist the idea of nursing them back to sleep? Here are some helpful tips for your babies' good night sleep:

1. Have a routine schedule of your baby's sleep. A recent study suggests that babies sleep for 8-10 hours. Just like adults, they are easily comforted with predictability that is why babies need to stick on a regular sleeping time.

2. Follow a bedtime ritual  with your baby. If it means playing or singing him a song, then do so.

3. Wait for your baby to fall asleep as you follow his regular time of rest.

4. When your baby started crying a bit, try to comfort him in a calm and tender voice. Don't talk much because it would trigger him to cry all the more. Picking him up is not necessary at all.

5. If it happened that your baby began to cry as you slip through the room, wait for at least 5 minutes before comforting him quickly. Teach him how to comfort himself with less of your presence.

6. Know that your baby is mastering new skills day by day. Rolling on his bed or crawling can stress him a bit, thus interfering with his sleep. Putting him in a strange situation can also add up to his sleeping problem. 

7. Most importantly, if your baby keeps crying even after rocking or feeding him, you may call a doctor to make sure that  he's not in a painful condition such as ear infection or digestion problem.

Now, you've found a magic formula to give your baby an angelic sleep. Happy sleeping time! ♥

Source: Touchpoints Project (see page 81).

Newborn's Pool of Talents

A healthy interaction with babies is important to understand their behavioral needs and demands. They are armed with cues on how to express their gratification or disgust over something. Since each baby is unique, parents should observe signals to avoid any untoward stress and confusion. Here are important facts to know about babies' inborn skills:

1. Sense of sight

Your baby can see clearly at the distance of 7-8 inches away from your face. Human face captivates his eyes so in case you make some facial movements and expressions, he will be pleased. Try to move your mouth and grimace. He can imitate it at an early age. When it comes to distinguishing colors, he can respond more on bright shades and black and white patterns than pale and pastel hues.

What to do:

Hang a mobile with pictures of faces and see how your baby responds.

Draw pictures with black and white patterns on your changing table.

Put an unbreakable mirror near your baby's view.

2. Sense of hearing

Babies are fascinated to high pitched sounds. They are all ears to any sounds such as a ticking clock, hair dryer, electric fan and soft lullabies. A female's voice can catch his attention most so it is necessary for a mother to talk to your baby in a calm and soothing manner. Incorporate this when doing routines with your baby.

What to do:

Buy a musical mobile because it is pleasing to his ears.

Hang wind chimes with colorful designs.

Read a story in a gentle manner.

Attach bells on his crib or his own booties.

3. Sense of Taste and Smell

Newborns like sweet foods such as breast milk. They cannot appreciate all the other tastes because of their inborn sweet tooth. They have the tendency to pull away on bitter and sour tastes. According to Beauchamp and Pearson, babies cry less when given a sweet solution after a painful procedure.  

At 5 days old, they can recognize the sweet smell of their mother's breasts. They can even distinguish a breast milk or a baby formula. Isn't it great?

What to do:

Have an exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Studies show the numerous benefits of breastfeeding to mothers and babies.

4. Sense of Touch

Your baby is very sensitive to touch. He longs to have a safe environment the way he had it in his mother's womb. Snugging and a gentle touch will comfort your baby while patting in a rapid motion will upset him.  .

What to do:

Gently hold, caress, and stroke the baby while feeding and changing.

Fill his environment with soft touches such as silky blankets and smooth pillow.

Miracle Babies

Watch these videos about miraculous babies that survived amidst impossibilities. May your spirit be moved by these heartwarming stories. 

1. Miracle baby born with foot in the brain

2. Miracle baby in Haiti

3. Miracle babies rally each other through cancer treatment

"You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." Psalm 139:4


"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139: 13-14

Toddlers: the terrible twos or do they really are?

NO!!!!! I don't like!!!!!

I love you Mama and Dada!!!!!!

Toilet training
Offer choices
Don't leave alone
Doubt vs. Autonomy
Love security object
Explorative
Rituals and Routines
Saying "NO"

During this stage, alot of developmental milestones can be observed in a growing toddler. He can sit and walk with or without support. At 15 months, he can already drink from a cup, stack two blocks, say up to six words, listen to a short story and use a spoon or fork. At 18 months, he can walk backwards, throw a ball, say up to ten words, point to body parts, and scribble with a crayon.

Physically, a toddler's weight is tripled at 1 year of age and height is increased by 50%. This time, his chest is bigger than his head when measured.  

To facilitate learning in your toddler, it is important to provide learning opportunities such as:

1. Let the child try new things.

2. Let him/her help in the housework.

3. Hand the child with big puzzle pieces.

4. Expose your toddler to dancing and singing.

5. Visit a playground and let him/her explore with your assistance.

6. Give him a mirror to appreciate his face.

Now, let's go to the basics of caring for your toddlers:

1. Toddlers can be very picky when eating foods. Always give him options to assert independence and make sure his nutritional status is not altered. Finger foods like cut sized chicken, fruits, vegetables, macaroni, and cereals are good food choices. 

2. Ignore tantrums and set limits. You may use "time out" in one room corner to discipline your toddler. Never shout because it just worsen the tantrums. 

3. Acknowledge his fears and tell he doesn't have to see his fears. Ask your toddler what would make him less afraid.

4. Observe for readiness in your child when doing potty training. Do not be disappointed if he does nothing and say "We'll try next time." Give incentives for him to remain longer on the potty chair.

5. Always allot playtime no matter how busy you are. It can be lying down on a couch, pointing body parts, bouncing balls etc.

Toddlers can be irritating at times but they are truly the joy in a family. Let me quote this bible verse; Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 

Caring for Newborns

Newborns are very fragile yet in their smiles are promises of hope, peace and love. During their first few weeks, they learn many important skills that all parents should note.

Most babies look on their mother's face and follow it with their eyes. They respond best to their parent's voices by turning their heads and usually, sudden sounds or movements make them startle. 

Here are some important notes to familiarize yourself about your baby's behavior:

1. The most important communication of a baby is crying. Sometimes they create cooing sounds that signals pleasure; arching their backs, grimacing and clenching their fists for displeasure. A high pitched cry often means pain or hunger. Observing your baby is still the key to master their art of communication.

2. When your baby is trying to convey something; pick her up, change her or feed her. You may try to talk to her, sing to her, and cuddle her gently. 

3. Most babies show social smile at 2 months. This is a common response to a friendly face or gesture. Smiling is a developmental ability that parents and doctors are truly proud of.

4. Your baby's temperament is affected by genes. However, it is partly affected by the environment that is why parent's immediate response to their baby is very crucial.

Knowing these behaviors, the physical growth of a baby is important to observe too.Take note that a newborn's height is increased by 50% in 12 months while its weight is doubled at 6 months.

Another development milestone of a baby is his teeth eruption. The first tooth that erupts is the lower central incisor usually at 4 months. Common signs are drooling, red and inflamed gums, awakening at night, fussiness, and chewing on rubber toys and their fingers. 

To soothe their pain, here are some helpful ideas for parents or caregivers:

1. Give him something to chew on.

2. Try teething rings or rubber toys and check which works best for your baby.

3. You may apply a cold and frozen washcloth to numb the pain.

4. If these didn't work, as your doctor for any OTC pain relievers.

Now let's go to the basics of caring for your babies. 

1. In bathing your baby, wash face and ears first using a washcloth. Use a mild soap and shampoo only. Make sure to play and have fun so she will look forward to her next bath.

2. In making your baby fall asleep, it is necessary that you wait few minutes before comforting your baby. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule each day and follow a bedtime ritual. 

3. Introduce soft foods at 4-6 months of age. This can be in the form of iron-fortified infant cereals, strained fruits and vegetables, and even strained meats like chicken, beef and pork. 

4. To encourage movement, put interesting toys on the floor for her to grab. Sit her on a chair or you may want to let her stand on your lap. Let her practice push up by lying on her stomach. Most importantly, give her alot of time to develop this skill. 

To be continued. Happy reading!!!!

Before an angel arrives

Pregnant women used to caught my attention because of the wondrous stage they are going through. They must have imagined how their tiny angel would look like and how would it feel to hold them in their arms. Before their baby is born, this is the perfect time to prepare themselves and their home for the drastic changes ahead. If you are a mom/dad, a soon to be mom/dad, or a man/woman who dreams to have a baby, this article is perfect and timely for you!

Several ways can be undertaken to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This includes regular prenatal check up with an obstetrician/gynecologist, cessation of cigarette, alcohol or other medications, proper intake of multivitamin tablets, balanced nutrition rich in whole grains, vegetables and low fat foods, and protection from potential infections. It is also important that the recommended weight of 25-35 lbs. for the entire pregnancy is adhered by a normal weight woman. Otherwise, being under/overweight would adjust to consume less/more calories to meet the healthy weight.

Now, months had pass and one of the crucial dilemma of soon to be parents is what should their baby wear or I would say what are the "must have" clothes that their baby would need just in time.

To be specific, the basic clothing needed are the following according to "The Children's Hospital Guide to Your Child's Health and Development" book:

• 4 - 8 undershirts
• 4 pairs of socks or booties
• 4 sleepers, either blanket sleepers, or gowns
• 4 snap-front playsuits with feet
• 2 sweaters or jackets
• 4 snap-crotch rompers
• Bibs
• A warm outer garment, bunting, or snowsuit
• 1 - 2 hats

It is also essential that the following gears are present:

• Receiving blankets
• Crib/bassinet blanket
• Changing table
• Petroleum jelly
• Diaper rash ointment
• Thermometer
• Infant stroller
• Infant car seat
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Antibiotic ointment for cuts
• Rehydration, electrolyte fluids for infants
• Calibrated dropper for measuring medicine doses
• Liquid children's acetaminophen
• Infant bath
• Mild soap
• Baby shampoo
• Baby nail scissors or clippers

Here are further tips to ensure your baby's safety:

•  For infant car seat, choose a seat manufactured after 1981. It must be rear-facing, reclining seats with a five point harness. Make sure the straps are snug against the body.

        

• For baby's crib, slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and not be missing or cracked. The crib mattress should be firm and fit securely into the crib. Pillows, quilts, comforter or any toys are not advised to be on the crib because of possible SIDS.

• A changing table for diapering and clothing would be beneficial. It should be padded to make the baby comfortable and the diaper pail is placed right next to the table.

I'm pretty sure that the moments after birth would be very exciting. My next posts would still be about babies, their behavior, talents and alot more. Happy reading!

A Beautiful Mind

This is a story of a genius mathematician who worked at Princeton University in the later part of his life. Having diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, it does not stop him from winning the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Here is one of the most sought after and must see movie in the field of health and psychiatry. A beautiful mind starring film artists Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer and Paul Bettany portrayed their roles with excellent twists and captivity to viewers. Although criticized as inaccurate to the real experiences of John Nash, it has won several awards and has continue to provide exemplary education and entertainment to public audiences.

Our minds are precious gift from God. It will dictate the way we live, the way we think, and the way we see ourselves. It is where dreams begin to sprout and with proper diligence, realities are not far behind....  

DARE TO THINK BEAUTIFUL!