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…
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.
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.
Cures for Toddler Diarrhea
The appearance of toddler stools change in consistency due to diet and overall health. Loose stools don’t always constitute toddler diarrhea, which is also known as chronic nonspecific diarrhea. Childhood diarrhea is watery and usually causes your toddler to have bowel movements more frequently than normal. Diarrhea is often treated at home, but some cases of toddler diarrhea warrant a trip to the doctor.
Signs That Baby Is Cutting Teeth
Some babies teethe, and you’d never know it until you see te evidence of a brand-new tooth poking through. Not all babies — and parents — have it so easy. Many babies experience varying degrees of discomfort when they cut teeth, ddepending on your baby’s tolerance for pain and the density of his gums. Your baby may be fussy and irritable during this time. Be understanding. While you can’t stop the teething process, you can make your baby more comfortable.
How Much Milk Should a Healthy Baby Have?
For the first year of life, breast milk or formula provides the bulk of your baby’s nutrition, even after he begins eating solid foods. As a mother, you may worry whether your baby is drinking enough — or too much. Your baby’s appetite may vary from day to day and may be completely different from another baby’s appetite — all of this is normal.
Parenting Humor: Are You Ready to Have a Baby?
How prepared are you to become a parent? Even if you think you’ve got it all figured out, be warned – those little bundles of joy are also messy, frustrating and stressful. Here’s a lighthearted little quiz to determine if you’re ready to have a baby: The Mess Test Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Now rub your hands inthe wet flower bed and rub on the walls. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.