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Newborns get fussy sometimes and it’s normal for them to cry. During the first 3 months of his/her life, a baby usually cries for 2–3 hours a day for the first 6 weeks, which is more than at any other of the life time.   When your baby is crying, the first thing for you to do is to check whether your baby is hungry, tired or uncomfortable. Make sure all of the baby’s comfort needs are met. You can respond to your baby’s crying by: Feeding your baby Changing baby’s diaper   Taking care of babies’ needs is often enough to soothe them. But sometimes, the crying goes on longer. Here are some other tips for you to comfort your baby. Remember, you might need to try different ways at different times, and then you can find what suits you and your baby best.     Distract Your Baby Sometimes your baby wants to suck but it’s not feeding time yet (overfeeding your baby may also make them uncomfortable), you can offer him/her the pacifier or help him/her find the finger. Many babies are calmed by sucking. Give your baby a toy or distract him/her with a rattle.     Moving Your Baby Sometimes, movement can help soothe the baby. Carry your baby in a baby carrier and gently rock, closeness to a parent can do some help too. Go for a walk or take your baby for a ride in the stroller is the other way. As long as your baby is not too tired, being on the move can be calming for him/her.     Relaxing Your Baby Baby massage might help your baby relax too. Gently rub or stroke the baby's back, chest or tummy. It can also strengthen the bond between you and your baby. If you want to know how to do infant massage, our blog post may help. Speak softly to your baby, sing to your baby or turn on a calming sound. A white noise, the humming sound of a fan, or the recording of a heartbeat can also soothe some babies. Stroke your baby’s head slowly from the front of the forehead to the back of the neck. Cover as much of the head with your hand as you can.     Soothing Your Baby for Sleep Swaddle your baby in a large, soft blanket (the method is mentioned in the blog) can help your baby feel secure. But remember, not to wrap your baby if he/she shows signs of rolling onto the tummy (around 4-6 months). Try responsive settling techniques like rocking, gently stroking your baby’s belly or patting baby in the cot. Gently turn your baby onto his/her back if your baby falls asleep. Put your baby in a quiet room, dimming the lights at the same time may help to reduce stimulation and to sooth your baby for sleep.     Managing Your Own Feelings If you are very frustrated with the crying and you feel angry at yourself or your baby, it is time for you to take a break and look after yourself. Remember, a calm baby can begin with calm parents. Try putting in some imaginary earplugs. Let the sound of the crying pass through you, and remind yourself that everything is OK. Even just 5 minutes reading a book, walking around the block or doing some meditation can give you a break if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or angry. Sometimes it might help to have another person take over for a while. If you can, ask your partner or a friend or relative to help out. Be sure that the baby stays fed and safe. Leave him/her in the crib while you step away to another room until you can calm down or help arrives.

What are fontanelles? Fontanelles are the membrane-covered gaps on babies' heads where bones have yet to fuse together. When your baby's skeleton starts developing, multiple bony plates make up her skull. Over time, these bones will join together into a hard shell completely surrounding her brain. Until then, you'll likely notice the soft spot on the top of the head called the anterior fontanelle. It’s not the only one. Babies have another soft spot, called the posterior fontanelle, toward the back of their heads. This gap is smaller and it closes up much earlier.  The soft spots on your baby’s head may look and feel fragile, but the good news is that they’re well-protected thanks to the sturdy membrane covering them. That means it’s okay to touch them gently. In fact, you won’t be able to avoid coming into contact with your baby’s fontanelles as you go about your routine, whether it's when you delicately shampoo her hair or steady her wobbly head with your hand. Why do babies have soft spots? Though it may seem as if your baby’s soft spots were put there to make you anxious, they actually play an important role. The fontanelles give a baby’s head the flexibility it needs to squeeze through the narrow birth canal — which is why a newborn can look pointy-headed for a little while after a vaginal birth. After birth, they stay open long enough to accommodate your baby’s rapidly growing brain. In fact, one way your baby’s pediatrician will check your baby’s growth and development is by gently feeling her soft spots.、 When do fontanelles close? Your baby’s soft spots won’t stick around forever. Eventually, the bones in her skull will build up enough minerals to completely fuse together, and those gaps will close.  The smaller back fontanelle typically closes by the time a baby is around 3 months old, but is sometimes closed at birth. The top one, however, may stay open well into your baby’s second year to give that amazing brain the space it needs to grow, though by the time your little one turns 18 months old, it should close up. Pulsing or bulging soft spot If you notice your baby’s fontanelle seems to puff out when she cries, concentrates on a poop, or vomits, don’t panic. These can cause extra pressure to enter the body, making the fontanelle bulge out a bit. If the fontanelle goes back to normal when your baby has calmed down and is in an upright position, then all is well. Your baby’s fontanelle can also appear to pulse whether she’s stressed or totally relaxed. Luckily it’s not a cause for concern. The temporary lack of hard covering means you’re simply seeing your baby’s blood pulse along with her heartbeat. When to worry about baby’s soft spot Normally, a baby’s soft spot is firm and curves in just slightly. But call your doctor right away if you notice these rare but possible signs of trouble: A dramatically sunken fontanelle. This can signal dehydration, especially if your baby isn’t eating or drinking well and is having fewer wet diapers than usual. A bulging fontanelle with flu-like symptoms. This can sometimes indicate increased pressure in the brain due to head trauma, an infection, or fluid build-up — especially if your baby has a fever and is unusually sleepy. If you notice a bulging fontanelle along with a fever or excessive drowsiness, seek medical attention right away. A fontanelle that doesn’t seem to be closing. Talk with your doctor if your baby’s soft spots haven’t started getting smaller by her first birthday. This could point to a thyroid hormone deficiency that needs medical treatment. Your baby’s soft spots might seem delicate and sometimes even look a little strange. But some occasional bulging or pulsing is par for the course. And they’ll eventually go away as she gets a little older — which will happen sooner than you think!

For parents, protecting their babies from outer infections is the thing they are concerned about most, cause babies are vulnerable. To help your baby avoid infections, it’s crucial to boost their immune system.   Here are some simple ways to improve your baby’s immune system and avoid illness. Let’s see what you can do to keep your baby healthy.   Healthy Diet Proper food can help ensure that your child gets enough vitamins like vitamins A and E, which are needed to maintain a good immune system for your baby. If your baby is under three months and breastfeeding, then just carry on because breastfeeding can provide all the nutrients your baby needs. If your baby starts eating solid food, you should boost his/her vitamins through food. Dr. Lioudis recommends encouraging your child to “eat the rainbow” when it comes to fruits and vegetables. (eating the rainbow involves eating fruits and vegetables of different colors every day. ) Make your baby a diet with different fruits, vegetables, grains and lean protein to guarantee the balance of nutrients. Proper Daily Exercise Exercise keeps us healthy and less likely to get sick, and that works for children. Manage your child to be active for about an hour a day. It doesn’t mean that you should do real exercise like playing balls, it could be indoor playing or going out for a walk. Of course, it’s better if you take your baby exercising outside and let them get the fresh air and sunshine. Enough Sleep Sleep is imperative for the body to rest and recover, it’s even more important in babies because their body grows during bedtime. Lack of sleep would leave the baby more prone to external bacterial infection. Research from The University College London found that a child who has a regular bedtime routine can sleep more soundly. So, you can encourage healthy sleep for your baby by keeping a regular bedtime routine. Wash Hands Often Don’t forget this simple precaution! Everyone in the family could take this simple precaution to help the baby stay healthy. Hand gels are a great option most of the time, but it would be better to wash your baby’s hands with warm water and soap, because they can kill most bacteria. The most important thing: Don’t forget to wipe your baby’s hands after washing.   Your baby’s immune system starts developing before he/she is born. As the immune system develops, your baby will create his/her own antibodies. It might be hard to believe, but a mild illness won’t hurt your baby’s health, it can trigger the creation of antibodies and prevent infections in the future.

For babies at the age of 4 to 6 months, learning and play are crucial for them. It doesn't require expensive educational toys or a lot of effort to capture your baby's attention. You can promote baby development by following activities:Talk to your baby. Ask your baby questions and respond to their babbling. Describe what you see and hear around the house, outdoors, and when you go out. Use simple words like "baby," "cat," "go," "hot," and "cold," and remember that your voice and facial expressions can convey thoughts and emotions. Play music. Music can help calm, entertain and educate your baby. Sing or play a lullaby, a cheerful nursery rhyme, or your own favorite song. Change posture. Let your baby lie on his or her tummy for a few minutes under supervision. Many babies enjoy practicing their newly acquired rolling skills, and they may roll over quickly. Get a colorful toy or make sounds to encourage your baby to lift their head or practice rolling over. When your baby is lying down, hold your baby's hand and say, "Are you ready to stand up? Let's try it!" Count to three and gently pull your baby to a standing position. When your baby is ready, try sitting. Support your baby or use pillows for support. Provide simple toys. Babies this age often enjoy colorful toys, especially those that make noises. Try musical toys, mirrors, and rattles with handles. To help your baby focus, take out only one or two toys at a time. Place toys out of reach to encourage your baby to stretch and crawl. Shake the rattle behind the baby's head and ask the baby to turn around and grab it. Your baby may also like to watch his or her own movements in the mirror. Tell your baby a story. Telling stories to your baby can promote the development of language and thinking. Most babies will become immersed in the words you read and may even imitate the sounds you make. Start with books with bright colors and large pictures. Describe what happens on each page. Point to common objects and name them. You can make storytelling a part of your baby's bedtime routine. Play their favorite games. Cover your face with your hands, then move your hands away and say, "Peek-a-boo, I see you!" Play a clapping game. Ask, "Where are your toes?" Then touch your child's toes and say, "Your toes are here!" Hide one of your baby's toys in the corner of the blanket and encourage your baby to find it. Take some time to hold your baby. Balance time with new activities with plenty of quiet time. Gentle caresses and gentle kisses can help your baby feel safe, secure and loved. You hold or rock your baby while you talk quietly or sing a soothing song. Understand your baby's personality. Start paying attention to your baby's reactions to new toys, people, or situations. Understanding your baby's behavioral style (personality) can help you reduce stress.

Do you know your babies start their first social smile when they are 2 months old? Here are some milestones of your baby for reference that can help you better understand your baby's psychological growth, but not all babies will develop strictly according to these timetables. Every baby is unique and will develop at a slightly different rate. Seek professional help when necessary.   1 month Sensitivity to human faces and voices, especially mother’s voice. Advice for interact with your baby: Involve more conversation and eye contact with your baby.   2 months Social smiling occurs and begins responding to smiles and facial expressions. Advice for interact with your baby: Respond to your baby's smile and show your delight.   3 months Become curious about their surroundings and begin to explore and observe. Advice for interact with your baby: Provide a safe environment for their exploration.   4 months Begins to show liking for people and objects. Advice for interact with your baby: Understand your baby's preferences and provide favorite toys.   5 months Express joy and excitement through screams and laughter. Advice for interact with your baby: Respond positively and enhance communication.   6 months Recognizes familiar faces and sounds and displays fear of strangers. Advice for interact with your baby: Fixed caregiver and increase interaction time with your baby.

Umbilical cord: Generally it will fall off within 3 weeks. Keep it dry before it falls off. Disinfect it with iodophor once a day in the morning and evening. Bathing: The time can be between two feedings. The water temperature is 37-40°C and the room temperature is about 26°C. It is appropriate to bathe for 5-10 minutes. Bathing is done twice a week in winter, every other day in spring and autumn, and every day in summer. Changing diapers: Change them every 2-3 hours. There is no support for the spine of a newborn. When lifting the baby's legs to change diapers, the back should not be more than a fist away from the bed. It is recommended to change sideways. Wash the butt: Rinse with running water. After washing, use a soft cotton towel to dry the buttocks. Make sure the buttocks are dry before wearing diapers.   Touch: After each bath, you can use massage oil to touch your baby to promote the baby's tactile development and enhance the parent-child relationship.  Dressing: Babies have a strong metabolism and are more afraid of heat than adults, so don’t wear too much.

  For some new parents, one of the most frustrating things parents have is seeing the messes caused by their baby's diaper leakage. Once the leakage happens, not only is the cleaning work troublesome, but if it is not discovered in time, the baby will easily catch a cold due to soaking in the wet diaper for a long time.   What Causes Diaper Leaks? Many causes can result in diaper leaking. Here are some factors that can contribute to an influx in diaper leaks: The diaper is soaking through. The diaper is highly saturated before the next change. Your baby is fitting with the wrong diaper size. The diaper tabs are not fastened correctly. Holding your baby in a way that’s twisting or compressing the diaper. Baby’s clothing is too tight.   How to prevent your baby’s diaper from leaking: Now with a few causes found, you can better understand why your baby’s diaper is still leaking, and use some tips to deal with the leaking diaper issue. 1.The most common cause of leakage is using the wrong size diaper.  To make sure you’ve got the right diaper size for your baby, ask yourself the following questions: 1) Where are the leaks coming from? 2) Does the leak happen overnight or during the day? Leaks from the leg generally indicate the diaper is too big, it's better to size down your baby's diaper. Leaks from the back/waistband indicate the diaper is too small, or that the diaper tabs are too tight. Trying to size up or attach the tabs closer to your baby’s hips, rather than in toward their belly button. Sizing up can often help with overnight leaks. Leaks during the day may suggest the diaper isn’t correctly fit. Regularly check if the current size is still appropriate as your baby grows.  2.If there is leakage even though you haveput the correct diaper size on your baby, do a check for the following: Are the leg gathers folded inwards? Are the diaper tapes around the tummy fastened properly? Are there any gaps between the diaper and baby's thighs?  Ensure the diaper fits well also matters the prevention of diaper leakage issue. Position and fasten the diaper correctly:How you position the diaper on your baby’s body and how you fasten it can make a BIG difference. Taking a few extra seconds to make sure it’s straight and snug can prevent you from spending extra time later cleaning up a big poopy mess. For boys: If you have a little boy, it is essential that you angle their little penis straight down before fastening the diaper. 3.The diaper is highly saturated before the next change. Change your baby more often. Babies (especially newborns) are constantly taking in liquid throughout the day and voiding excess liquid into their diapers. Even if you have ultra-absorbent diapers, they will hit their limit. If the diaper is full when they need to go pee or poo, the diaper is unable to absorb any of the liquid and it’s more likely to run up their back or out the leg holes. Changing them every few hours can help. 4. Adjust clothing size. Clothing sizes can impact baby blowouts as well. It may seem strange, but if the pants or onesie that your child is using is compressing their diaper, it makes it more difficult for the diaper to do its job as an absorbing agent.

    Isn’t it amazing seeing your little one sleep quietly in the cradle?Do you know 75% of babies experience disjointed sleep in their first few months? But there are ways to help your little one get to sleep quickly. Different babies may have different sleep routines.    Here are some tips to help your child sleep better.    1. Create a safe sleep environment.       Placing your baby on their back on a firm surface, such as in a crib.       Having your baby sleep in the same room with you but on a separate surface for the first 6–12 months of life.    2. Making sure there are no blankets, pillows, toys, or other items in your  baby’s sleeping area.Offering a pacifier, without any strings, stuffies, or attachments to them, at naptime and bedtime.Bedsharing isn’t recommended, but it is ultimately up to the family to decide what’s best for them.If you’re thinking of bedsharing, make sure to follow these guidelines:     Safe sleep environments are firm, flat surfaces. No sofas, armchairs, or pillows.     Safe sleep is substance-free. This includes alcohol, drugs, and medicines that increase drowsiness.     Safe sleep is supine. Baby is always on their back.     Safe sleep is smokeless. This includes being away from people, clothing, and objects exposed to smoke.     Safe sleep is spacious.Beds should be away from walls or other furniture to ensure baby doesn’t get wedged between the objects.                                     3. If you are wondering how much time should yourbaby sleep, remember, all babies are different. Your baby’s sleep will develop in its own way.          The first 6 to 8 weeks are the hardest.          By 3 months, the pattern of sleep and wake times emerge, your baby may have 5-6 naps per day.          From 3–6 months, longer stretches of sleep begin to happen at night. It’s recomended to create a sleeping schedule for your baby.          By 9 months, babies should adapt to the schedule well and sleep at regular times.                                                                                                     4. Keeping your baby up later doesn’t help them sleep longer, it’s better sticking with a regular bedtime.      5. Create a simple nighttime routine to help your baby form regular sleep habits. Practices such as bath time or reading can help cue baby that it is time to sleep.

  Life has changed now that your baby is here, and you might have lots of questions about what to do. These tips can help first-time parents feel confident about caring for a newborn in no time.     How Do I Handle My Baby?   Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don't have a strong immune system yet, so they're at risk for infections. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby has clean hands.     Support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby. And support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.     Always fasten your baby securely when using a carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.     Avoid rough play with newborns, such as jiggling them on the knee or throwing them in the air.     When Should I Bathe My Baby?   For the first few weeks, babies get sponge baths. Then, after the umbilical cord stump falls off and the circumcision heals (if your baby was circumcised), babies can have baths in a sink or small plastic infant tub.     When your baby is ready for tub baths, the first ones should be gentle and brief. If your baby gets upset, go back to sponge baths for a week or two, then try the tub bath again. A bath two or three times a week in the first year is fine. More frequent bathing may be drying to the baby's skin.     How Often Should I Feed My Baby?   It's recommended that babies be fed on demand — that is, whenever they seem hungry. Your baby may show you they're hungry by crying, putting fingers in their mouth, or making sucking noises. A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2–3 hours.     Another good way to tell if a breastfed baby is getting milk is to notice if your breasts feel full before feeding your baby and less full after feeding. If you're formula-feeding, you can easily see if your baby is getting enough to eat. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your baby's growth or feeding schedule.     Babies often swallow air during feedings, which can make them fussy. To help prevent this, burp your baby often.     What Should I Know About My Baby’s Sleep?   You may be surprised to learn that newborns sleep about 16 hours or more. They typically sleep for periods of 2–4 hours. Many babies sleep through the night (between 6–8 hours) at 3 months of age, but if yours doesn't, it's not a cause for concern. Like adults, babies develop their own sleep patterns and cycles.     Always place babies on their back to sleep to lower their risk of SIDS. Do not use blankets, quilts, sheepskins, bumpers, stuffed animals, or pillows in the crib or bassinet because they can suffocate a baby. Remember changing the position of your baby's head from night to night (first right, then left, and so on). This helps prevent a flat spot from developing on one side of the head.       Before long, you'll have a routine and be parenting like a pro. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor. They can recommend resources that can help.

  The first few times you give your baby a bath can be a bit tricky. Here's a complete how-to guide on your baby's first bath and how to bathe your newborn, read over this list of tips that’ll make the whole process a little easier and safer:     Establish a routine. Your baby’s bathtime routine will help set her body clock, especially if you do it in the evening. Reinforce the sleepy-time message by dimming the lights and keeping the noise and activity down after the bath is over. Of course, it’s fine if another time of day works better for you and your baby.     Check her mood. You should, however, postpone the bath if your baby is hungry, grumpy or has an upset tummy.     Gather your supplies. Have everything on hand since you can never leave your baby in the bath. The essentials include baby soap and shampoo, cotton washcloths, cotton balls, a plush towel or two, and a plastic basin. You may also want a new diaper, a set of clean clothes and diaper ointment or cream for after the bath.     Keep it toasty. Babies lose body heat very quickly — especially when they're naked — so make sure the bathing room is warm enough, a bathroom can be quickly warmed up with shower steam if necessary. You can put a warm washcloth on your baby's exposed parts like her tummy to keep her from getting cold. The water temperature should be warm but not hot, so test it with your elbow or the inside of your wrist to avoid burning your child.     Get a grip. Gently slide your baby into the tub, feet first, holding her securely with one of your arms under her head and the other supporting her bottom. Once she's in, avoid letting her sit for too long in water — it can irritate baby's skin, plus she might get chilly.     Soap up sparingly. You do use soap for a newborn sponge bath, but pick a mild one and focus on her hands and diaper area when you're bathing. You can just use water on the rest of her body most days, unless she's really dirty.     Focus on the face first. Dip a corner of a washcloth or cotton ball in the warm water, and gently wipe one eye from the inner corner outward and then use a different corner or a clean cotton ball for the other eye. Wet the washcloth entirely and wash her face, especially around the mouth and under the chin, and inside and behind her ears. Never use a cotton swab to clean inside your baby's ears.     Wash your baby's body. Dip the washcloth in warm water and wash your little one's neck and torso. Maneuver carefully around the umbilical cord if there's still a stump; it's okay to gently wipe away any crustiness around it. Next, clean under her arms and between her fingers. Be sure to get into those little creases and skin folds.     Use a tear-free baby shampoo. If, of course, she has any hair. If she doesn't, wipe her head with a washcloth. Using water and a tiny bit of shampoo, lather your baby's scalp. Massage it with the pads of your fingers, including the area over the fontanelles on the top of the head.  If your baby develops cradle cap, talk to your pediatrician.     Don't force it. If your baby absolutely hates being bathed in the tub, go back to sponge baths for a few days, then try again. She'll get the hang of it eventually.     Stay safe. Never leave a baby alone in or near the tub, and always keep at least one hand on her body at all times. If you’ve forgotten something, you’ll need to take your baby with you to get it or ask your partner, sitter or family member to deliver whatever.

It's one of the great parenting moments you've been waiting for — and once you hear your baby's laugh for the first time, you won't be able to get enough of the sound, whether it's a chortle, chuckle or full-belly laugh. Your baby has been experimenting with sounds from her first month, cooing, gurgling and making throaty sighs. Laughter is the next step in learning to communicate. When do babies start laughing? Many babies laugh out loud for the first time when they're 3 or 4 months old, although others might take a little longer to share their first chuckle. Your baby's first laugh might be inspired by something as simple as seeing a favorite toy, pet, or person. While these early laughs and giggles are delightful to hear, they're also rewarding for your baby — she loves hearing her own voice and seeing how you react to the sounds she makes. Once she's discovered how to laugh, your baby may laugh "just because" — laughing feels good, after all, and it's such a fun new sound to make. Plus, with each coo and goo she's learning and practicing how to move her mouth and tongue to produce different sound effects. How to make your baby laugh While baby may not have your sense of humor just yet, she does pick up on your comical cues. When your sweetie sees you smiling and laughing, she’s more likely to reciprocate, like: Making funny faces Dancing around with goofy moves Making silly sounds Singing songs Blowing raspberries on baby’s belly Gently bouncing baby on your knee Continue to encourage giggles and coos by talking with your baby often. It may feel silly to chatter away to someone whose conversational skills are limited to a few vowel sounds and gurgles, but this is how your baby begins to learn language and laughter. And by pausing in your patter, you not only give her a chance to chime in and test her own voice, you're also demonstrating how conversation works. Why do babies laugh in their sleep? It’s common for babies to laugh or smile while they sleep. And while no one knows for sure what your little one is dreaming about, she’s probably not remembering one of your silly faces — as nice as that would be. More likely, your baby is entering what’s called an active sleep cycle. During this stage of sleep, babies can make involuntary movements, including smiles, chuckles, and giggles. What not to worry about Don't be surprised if your little one remains straight-faced at first — newborns can be a tough crowd, especially close to feedings or bedtime. Some of your early efforts to make your baby laugh may produce more tears than chuckles if the timing's not right or she feels overwhelmed. Remember: That first laugh is just one part of your baby's ongoing exploration of sound and vocalization. If your 3-month-old makes a lot of joyful noise — squealing, chirping, cooing, gurgling — without necessarily laughing, there's no need for concern. But if your baby is showing no signs of laughing by 6 months, bring it up with your pediatrician. Laughing is an early step to socialization and communication. And with a little time, your baby will be waving and pointing, babbling and playing peekaboo before you know it.

Understanding baby body cues and their meaning is essential since babies tend to speak through gestures and body language for some time. This is because verbal communication starts later in life; until then, you need to be aware of their actions and interpret them. Fortunately, this is not a language that needs certification, it is simple, and you need to spend a little of your time. Why Is It Important To Respond To Baby Cues? Babies have a little understanding of their surroundings and are dependent on their caretakers. They don’t speak verbally until the age of 12 months. But this doesn’t mean they don’t have things to say. They convey vital information regarding their body activities and emotions through their body language. Your response to their cues ensures them that their emotions are acknowledged. Response to your baby’s cues imbibes a sense of trust, thereby creating a strong foundation for your relationship with them. Teaches them to perform the right action when they face the same problem again. Also help moms and dads discover several nuances of communication and improve their overall. Various Body Language Cues In Babies 1. Arching back Babies arching their back could indicate satiety, heartburn, colici, or gastrointestinal reflux. A baby’s stomach sphinctersi are still developing, making acid refluxi common among them. Babies tend to arch their backs in an attempt to stretch their stomachs and to avoid further discomfort. If you observe this posture during feeding, pause, and comfort them for a while. You can attempt to distract them and rub their backs for a while. If the discomfort persists, consult a pediatrician. 2. Ear-grabbing It is usually a reaction to teething or their discovery of the ear. However, ear-grabbing with fever or cold could be due to an ear infection.Check for other signs, such as a stuffy nose or troubled sleeping, and consult a pediatrician. If teethingi is the cause, provide them with teething toys for comfort. 3. Head-banging A few babies rock their heads in a rhythmic back-and-forth movement, also termed as head-banging. It is a self-soothing technique that is mostly observed before their nap or bedtime. Although this habit wears-out on its own by the age of three years, your baby may hurt their head if they hit a hard surface . Observe the time they bang their head. If it happens close to their nap time, it could just be a self-comforting technique. You can prevent any injuries by padding the cradle walls. If it happens during other times, or your baby continues head-banging after the age of three years, consult a pediatrician. 4. Constant kicking Happy and content babies kick a lot. These kicks help develop leg muscles and are a prerequisite to rolling. But if your baby is grumpy while kicking their feet, it could be an indication of discomfort. Your baby could be trying to imply a dirty diaper or a bloated stomach. If your baby is kicking in the air due to a bloated stomach, help them burp out. You can also check the mother’s diet for foods that may trigger gassiness in a breastfeeding infant.

Whether you're expecting and designing your baby's nursery or your precious bundle has already made their grand entrance, ensuring a peaceful and safe sleep for your newborn likely dominates your thoughts. Naturally, every parent wishes for their baby to sleep soundly. However, the paramount concern is ensuring the sleep is safe. Adopting wise and secure sleep habits can drastically reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-associated hazards. Thus, familiarizing oneself with safe sleep protocols is indispensable for every new parent. Fear not, these guidelines are straightforward. Where Should a Newborn Sleep? It's recommended to share a room but not the bed with your newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against cosleeping (letting your baby sleep in your bed). Place your baby in their own bassinet or crib. This is because pillows and blankets in your bed could become potential threats. Additionally, there's the risk of the baby falling off the bed or someone unintentionally rolling over onto them. Selecting the Right Crib or Bassinet A bassinet should boast a broad, sturdy base to ensure it doesn't tip or collapse. Crib slats and corner posts shouldn't be spaced more than 2 3/8 inches apart, roughly the diameter of a soda can. Wider gaps can be hazardous, potentially trapping a baby's head. If considering a pre-owned crib, ensure there's no chipped paint, splintered wood, or visible cracks. Positioning Your Newborn for Sleep Consistently place your baby on their back on a solid, even surface for both naps and bedtime up to their first year. Sleeping on the tummy can elevate the risk of suffocation, overheating, and SIDS. If it seems like your newborn has rolled onto her side, that’s probably her reflexes at work. She’ll likely lose the ability to do that by the time she’s a month old. Once your baby can independently roll over while sleeping, both from back to tummy and vice versa, you can let them continue sleeping in that position. Safety Measures Inside the Crib or Bassinet Ensure the baby sleeps alone on their back, devoid of bumpers, stuffed toys, blankets, or pillows. Keep the crib's surroundings clear of any items the baby could potentially grab. Ensure no cords (like those from lamps or baby monitors), curtains, or similar items are within the baby's reach to prevent suffocation or strangulation risks. The Pacifier Advantage Introducing a pacifier can mitigate the risk of SIDS. Although the exact reason remains a mystery, experts speculate that babies with pacifiers might not sleep as deeply, allowing them to awaken more easily. Another theory suggests that the pacifier might create an open airspace around the baby's mouth and nose. However, if your baby isn't keen on it, there's no need to force its use.

Most babies are ready to start solids between the ages of 4 and 6 months, though experts recommend waiting until closer to 6 months in many cases. Your little one's development will play a part in determining when it’s time for her to graduate to a more varied diet. Though you might be eager to hop on the feeding bandwagon sooner rather than later, there are plenty of reasons why starting a baby on solids too soon isn't smart. First, a very young baby's digestive system is not developmentally ready for solids. Young babies tend to involuntarily reject any foreign substances placed in their mouths, and they lack some critical enzymes that help break down food. Plus, solids aren't necessary early on — babies can meet all their nutritional needs for the first six months of life with breast milk, formula or a combination of the two. Bringing on the solids prematurely can also undermine future eating habits — your baby may initially reject those spoonfuls simply because she isn't ready, and then turn her nose up again later because of previous parental pushing. And introducing solids too soon can lead to obesity later in childhood, especially in formula-fed babies. On the other hand, waiting too long to offer solid food — until 9 months or later — can also lead to potential pitfalls. An older baby may resist trying the challenging, new tricks of chewing and swallowing solids, preferring to cling to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding (which are easier, more familiar ways to eat). And, like habits, tastes can be harder to change at this point. Unlike a more adaptable younger baby, an older baby may not be as open to solids when milky liquids have been monopolizing the menu. Some parents choose to adopt an approach called baby-led weaning, which bypasses pureed solids in favor of foods served in thick, long pieces that younger babies can hold in their fists and gnaw on (whether or not they have any teeth yet). If you're trying baby-led weaning, you'll want to wait until around the 6-month mark to start solids, when baby is able to grasp a food and bring it to her mouth, as well as hold and gum the kinds of foods you’ll be offering. Just remember that it will be a few months until she's able to make the leap to finger foods requiring the pincer grasp, which usually develops around month 8.

How you position your baby during bottle-feeding significantly impacts their comfort and well-being. Many depicted methods in media may not be ideal for your infant. For instance, avoid laying the baby flat across your lap. It's challenging even for adults to drink while lying flat, let alone babies. Such a position can lead to reflux or ear infections. Here are better bottle-feeding stances: Cradle Hold: This traditional method involves having the baby's head resting in the bend of your arm. You should hold the infant's head and upper body at a slight angle, preferably close to your chest. Upright Position: Hold the baby almost seated, with their head resting on your chest or in your arm's crook. This position particularly benefits infants prone to reflux. Ensure the milk fully fills the nipple to prevent air intake, which can cause gassiness or reflux. Pillow Support: Utilize a nursing pillow to elevate the baby’s chest and head. This not only maintains an optimal angle but also provides some relief to your arms as the baby nestles in your lap. Alternate Sides: Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, switching sides can prevent a side preference. Switching sides can also naturally pace a feeding session and can give baby a chance to decide whether or not he’s full before the bottle is finished. As your baby matures, they might attempt to hold the bottle. It's an individual preference, but not a developmental milestone. Baby might try at 6 months. If so, let her, but stay close, supporting and monitoring her. And if baby doesn’t show any interest in holding her bottle? As long as she’s reached other developmental milestones, like reaching or grasping for toys, it’s totally normal if your older infant wants his bottle served to him.

Why are mosquito bites dangerous?     Flying bloodsuckers spare neither big nor small. However, the younger the children, the more they get. Their skin is still too delicate, so a mosquito attack, even in the most harmless case, will cause itching and pain.      When the baby is only a few months old, he is not even able to understand exactly where he hurts and itches. The parent's task is to recognize the cause of crying and treat the wound. Older children immediately begin to comb the bite, and this is even worse: it is very easy to infect an infection in a scratched wound, and even on the street. In addition, a scar may remain at the site of the sore. Not fatal, but not good either.     Protect your baby from mosquito bites:      1.Dress them in long, light coloured, loose fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs.      2.Use mosquito-proof mesh on doors and windows so mosquitoes can’t come inside.      3.Use mosquito-proof netting over prams and strollers when outside.       4.Use mosquito repellents: mosquito repellents are one form of protection for babies and toddlers against mosquito bites, but it is important to follow these recommendations.       (1)Under 2 months of age - repellents are not recommended.      (2)From 2 months of age onwards - repellents containing 10% DEET can be used.      (3)From 12 months of age - repellents containing Picaridin can be used.      (4)From 3 years of age - repellents containing PMD (p-Menthane-3, 8-diol, the active ingredient in oil of lemon eucalyptus) can be used. Caution:When protecting babies with mosquito repellent, it’s important to:     1.Not allow children to apply repellents themselves.     2.Avoid applying repellents to hands or near their eyes or mouth.     3.Wash their skin and clothes when you go back inside.     4.Always read and follow the instructions on the label, especially for babies and pregnant or breastfeeding women.