I remember those last few weeks of first-time pregnancy like yesterday -- mostly, I was just freaked out. What the heck am I going to DO with a new baby?! I was the first of my friends to start a family and the internet hadn't quite yet exploded with never-ending pregnancy and parenting insight and…
Hair Care for Infants
Even if your baby has little more than peach fuzz covering his head, his hair requires a bit of personal care. Treat your little prince’s or little diva’s hair to the attention it requires. This will keep your infant looking her cutest, feeling her best and ready for all those close-up pictures that will be taken.
Baby Colic Treatment
A colicky baby can strain even the healthiest relationship. Though it’s normal for infants to cry at least part of the day, a baby with colic will cry inconsolably for hours. The reasons for colic are largely unknown, but there are several potential treatments for colic. Experiment with colic treatments until you find the right one for your baby.
Toddler Hair Growth
Some babies are born with luscious locks, while others are born without much hair, if any. Many mothers of bald babies long for the day when they can pick up a brush rather than plunk a hat on their baby’s head. They may have to wait quite a while — some babies remain relatively thin on top until well into their toddler months.
When Should You Give a Pacifier to a Baby?
Giving your baby a pacifier is a personal decision. Most experts agree that pacifiers can be helpful during the first six months of life as it satisfies your baby’s natural instinct to suck. However, there are no definite guidelines about when to give a pacifier or take one away. Sometimes, it is best to just use your mothering instinct to decide if a pacifier is right for your baby, regardless of his age.
How Many Ounces of Formula Should Infants Drink?
There are so many things to be concerned with when you bring your baby home from the hospital. One of a parent’s biggest worries tends to be wondering how much baby needs to eat. Understanding what to expect and how a baby’s needs change can help moms and dads to enjoy feeding time, rather than fear it.
Breast Pain After Weaning
If you have been breastfeeding your baby, you are probably in a routine, but you have to stop eventually. If your child is showing signs and you know you are ready to stop breastfeeding, you might find yourself in the same pain you had at the beginning of breastfeeding. Eliminate some of the pain to make this weaning process as easy on you as possible.
Signs of Allergies to Infant Formula
If you introduce infant formula to your baby, you’ll probably want to be on the alert for signs of an allergy, especially if allergies run in your–or the baby’s father’s–family. Most infant formula includes cow’s milk or soy products in the ingredients. In cases of infant formula allergies, cow’s milk protein is the most common allergen. Still, allergies to formula are not all that common; according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, less than 3% of babies in the United States have an allergy to milk protein. Since half of the babies who are sensitive to cow’s milk protein also turn out to react badly to soy, soy-based formula is not necessarily the solution if your baby does turn out to have a dairy allergy. Check with your baby’s physician before switching to a hypoallegenic formula. It may reassure you to know that there’s good chance your baby will outgrow an allergy to infant formula within a few years.
How Much Weight Should a Baby Gain?
The tiny newborn you hold in your arms will grow an impressive amount her first year of life. According to Nemours Foundation, most babies triple their birth weight and grow in length by around 50 percent. Healthy babies enter the world in a variety of weights and sizes. Medical experts offer guidelines on how much weight your baby should gain.
What Causes Baby Hiccups?
Babies, like adults, get the hiccups. In fact, babies hiccup before they are even born. The causes of hiccups in infants and babies vary. While it may be frustrating to watch your baby go through a bout of hiccups — especially when she is trying to sleep — most of the causes are not serious. Some, however, can be uncomfortable or even life-threatening for your baby.