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Author: Arnold Curiano

First Family Outing With Your Baby: A Parent’s Guide

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

Bringing your baby home is an exciting milestone, but eventually, you’ll start wondering: “When is it safe to take my newborn outside?” For many first-time parents, planning your baby’s first family outing can feel both exciting and nerve-racking.

When your baby is born, and your maternal instincts kick in, you realize just how much everything is a potential threat. The outside world is harsh, and your own home is satisfactory only under your supervision. Keeping your newborn safe and going to obsessive lengths, such as wiping every surface that your newborn might come into contact with, is not crazy behavior. Protecting your baby is important, but that doesn’t mean you can’t venture out into the wide world.

The good news is that most healthy, full-term newborns can safely go outdoors as long as you take the right precautions and avoid unnecessary exposure to illness. However, if your baby was born prematurely or if your newborn’s immune system is particularly weak, you’ll have to consult your pediatrician before heading out:

No Age Limit for the Outdoors

Parents worry about their children and will continue to for the rest of time. However, there is no medical rule that healthy newborns must remain inside the house for weeks.

According to Anne Hansen, MD, MPH, medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital Boston, “The idea that babies have to stay inside the house for several weeks after they’re born is FALSE. In fact, as long as your baby is healthy, getting some fresh air can be great for mom and baby if you take a few precautions.”

The only danger here is exposing your newborn to people who may be sick, but we’ll get to that later.

Choose the Best Time to Go Out

Timing can make a big difference when taking your newborn outside. If you decide to take baby out for a stroll in the park, be sure to time it just right. You’ll want to schedule your trips for either the first half of the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the sun at its worst, and for no longer than a couple of hours.

Avoid the midday heat, especially in the Philippines where temperatures can become extremely high.

Take your newborn’s state of mind into consideration as well. Ideally, you should take them out at times when they’re content or in a good mood – usually after naps, feeding, and diaper changes. This sets your trip up for smooth sailing.

Strangers’ Dangers

Let’s get back to exposing your newborn to people. You’re bound to come across individuals and groups, but try to avoid or limit your time in and around crowds. Not only will you be avoiding more unwanted germs, you’re also protecting them from potentially getting overwhelmed and highly irritable.

If your trip is to the mall, be sure to have an escape route or be close enough to the exit if your child doesn’t respond to crowds well.

While friends and relatives may be excited to meet your baby, it’s perfectly okay to politely ask them not to kiss or touch your newborn, especially during the first few months.

Dress Baby Up Sensibly

Dress your newborn in relation to the temperature outside and not to “what’s hot and what’s not.” Cover all bases: your baby’s head, feet, and hands. Also, bring an extra jacket in case you’re going to an air-conditioned place where the temperature can be colder.

To protect your baby from the sun, keep them in the shade and use a wide-brimmed hat whenever possible. Sunscreen is generally recommended only for babies aged 6 months and older.

And because you might have to do a diaper change on the go, pick bottoms that snap all the way up the legs and may be quickly removed.

Packing to Your Heart’s Content

To satisfy your obsessive safety measures, packing for outings is the time you can feel free to go crazy.

It might seem like a lot, but for a mere two-hour trip, you’ll want to pack up to four diapers. Couple those with wipes as well. A change of clothes is also a must—another is up to you.

If you don’t feel comfortable breastfeeding in public, bring along a thick blanket with which to cover yourself. You could also bring an extra shirt or light cardigan, in case your baby pukes or showers you with their loving drool.

Anything else like toys, snacks, and a book for yourself is up to you!

You may also want to bring hand sanitizer, burp cloths, and small plastic bags for used diapers or soiled clothes to make cleanup easier while you’re away from home.

Enjoy Your First Family Outing

Your baby’s first family outing doesn’t have to be perfect. There may be unexpected diaper changes, crying spells, or sudden changes in plans, and that’s completely normal.

The important thing is spending quality time together while helping your baby gradually experience the world around them. With every outing, you’ll become more confident as parents and create memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

Ready to learn more? Explore our other blogs for more helpful tips and guides as you prepare for the big day.

If you have any questions about our products or need assistance, our EQ Support team is always ready to help.

5 Foods to Stay Away from While Pregnant

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

A baby’s health is every expectant mother’s priority. This is why most mothers take good care of their bodies to ensure that their babies grow healthy. From hygiene to diet, every decision a mother makes affects not only her but her baby. Therefore, mothers should pay close attention to the food they are eating to ensure their babies are as healthy as possible.

Fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins are ideally the basic components of a person’s diet. However, there are some foods and beverages that mothers must not eat while pregnant. Take a look at some of them below:

1. Raw or undercooked food

Undercooked meat, unpasteurized eggs, and raw cookie dough should be avoided as these may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can harm you and your baby. Raw food, like sushi and sashimi, is not advisable as it contains high percentages of mercury. Make sure that any meat you eat is thoroughly cooked. Salads, although raw, can be eaten as long as the vegetables are thoroughly washed to get rid of toxins such as toxoplasma, which can cause hearing loss and blindness. It is also recommended to be particular with the dressing on your salad as some brands of Caesar’s salad dressing contain undercooked eggs. Always read the label before purchasing.

2. Hotdogs, sausages, and other processed food

Processed food such as hotdogs, luncheon meats, and sausages may cause listeriosis, a condition that results in miscarriage, stillbirth, and other serious problems for you and your baby. Even the fluid from hotdog packaging can trigger the disease, says UCLA Doctor Michael Lu. Therefore, pregnant women should thoroughly wash their hands, utensils, and other surfaces that were in contact with processed food to reduce contamination.

3. Fresh juice and unpasteurized dairy products

Fruits, if unwashed before juicing, may contain toxoplasma from the soil that their peels were exposed to. When cut and juiced, these toxins are usually transfered to the juice. FDA recommends avoiding unpasteurized freshly-squeezed juices unless you personally prepare them. To be on the safe side, it is better to purchase pasteurized fruit juice available in supermarkets. Unpasteurized milk and dairy products, such as brie or feta cheese, may contain salmonella, listeria, E. coli, and other bacteria that can cause complications for your growing baby. To be on the safe side, read product labels to ensure they were pasteurized.

4. Fish with High Levels of Mercury

As much as possible, avoid fish with high levels of mercury such as swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, tuna, and lapu-lapu. Similarly, fish caught in local rivers and streams can contain pollutants and unwanted chemicals that may harm your growing baby. Eating contaminated fish can impede your baby’s development, particularly of the Central Nervous System. If you’re craving for seafood, then indulge in fish that have low levels of mercury, such as anchovies (dilis), salmon, tilapia, and catfish, which you can eat up to 12 ounces weekly.

5. Caffeinated Drinks

Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid caffeine. However, if you can’t avoid it, then try to keep your consumption to a maximum of 100mg daily. A recent study showed that expectant mothers who drink more than 200mg of caffeine per day have a high risk of miscarriage, while those who consume more than 100mg experience fetal growth restrictions. To be on the safe side, experts recommend consuming less than 100mg a day if you are unable to completely stave off caffeine from your diet.

Your choices impact not only you but also your growing baby. This is why you must pay extra care and attention when it comes to diet and lifestyle.

Choose a Healthy Pregnancy Diet for You and Your Baby

Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy is one of the best ways to support your baby’s healthy growth and development. Along with choosing nutritious foods, knowing which foods to avoid during pregnancy can help reduce unnecessary health risks for both you and your baby.

If you’re unsure whether a particular food or drink is safe during pregnancy, consult your obstetrician or healthcare provider before including it in your diet.

Your pregnancy journey doesn’t end here. Continue exploring our blogs for more practical tips and helpful guides. If you have any product-related questions, our EQ Support team is just a message away.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/foodstoavoidwhenyourepregnant

http://www.webmd.com/baby/ss/slideshowwhatnottoeatwhenpregnant

http://www.babycenter.com/0_foodsandbeveragestoavoidduringpregnancy_10348544.bc?showAll=true

http://www.livestrong.com/article/513790-can-pregnant-women-eat-caeser-salads/

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/pasteurized_or_unpasteurized_juice_whats_the_difference

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/ucm082417.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/PeopleAtRisk/ucm083327.htm

http://www.raisehealthyeaters.com/foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/

What do Babies Dream About in the Womb?

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

Pregnancy and the science of human development have always fascinated people. The process of how a baby develops inside a mother’s womb and how they seemingly interact with the world around them are topics people wonder about. One of the most common questions expectant parents ask is: do babies dream in the womb? Many people also wonder if babies can hear the world around them, or if they sleep in the womb. If they do, do they dream, and what do they dream about?

It is presumed that babies are born without any knowledge of the outside world and that a baby’s learning process about the world only begins the moment they’re born. However, countless studies through the years have uncovered that a baby’s learning process begins before they are born.

Babies can hear the world around them

The baby is exposed to a myriad of noise despite being inside the uterus. It’s not exactly quiet in there. Aside from the noise of the world around the mother, the baby also hears sounds that their mother’s body makes, such as her heartbeat and voice.

Research has uncovered that of all these sounds, the baby is most attached to their mother’s voice. The heart rate of a fetus slows down every time they hear their mother’s voice, which is why babies recognize their mother’s voice as early as when they are born.

However, research suggests that babies don’t show a preference towards their father’s and siblings’ voices in the same way they do towards their mother’s. According to Developmental Psychologist Dr. Janet DiPietro, this might be because the mother’s voice is communicated in two ways: ambient sounds through the abdomen and internally through the vibration of her vocal cords. External voices are merely heard as ambient sounds.

Babies do sleep inside the womb

Babies spend most of their time asleep inside the womb, as early as seven months into the pregnancy. At 32 weeks old, fetuses spend 90-95% of their time inside the mother’s womb fast asleep.

The baby’s brain cycles between the quiet, resting state of non-REM sleep and frenzied rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is a period of sleep where most humans experience dreams. Scientists believe that there is a chance that babies also dream while in a state of REM sleep inside the womb.

A team of German scientists studied how sheep fetuses, which are in some ways similar to human fetuses, enter a dream-like state weeks before REM movements are detected. However, performing the same experiment on live human fetuses is impossible, so similar assumptions cannot be confirmed for humans. The only confirmed fact about developing babies is that they enter a state of REM sleep, similar to the dreaming state of adults.

What do babies dream about in the womb?

It is assumed that most people dream about the things they know. Applying this logic to babies, it can be assumed that fetuses only dream about the things that they already know, like the sounds they hear while still inside the womb.

The world of dreams is ambiguous. To this day, scientists are still studying this field of the human experience. Dreaming may be common for most, but it is something unknown for babies. It would be interesting to pursue further studies about this phenomenon among unborn children.

We hope this article has been helpful. For any product inquiries or if you need further assistance, our EQ support team is here to help. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Checking Developmental Milestones: What to Expect From Birth to 3 Years

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

Babies are unique and develop at their own pace, so avoid the unnecessary stress of comparing your baby’s developmental milestones with another’s. Yet while a baby might take more time to learn one skill and master another faster, there is a general timeline for baby development that can help parents understand what to expect.

If you think your child is meeting deadlines a little late, don’t worry too much just yet. “Often there’s not even a delay,” says Michelle Bailey, MD, medical director of Duke Health Center at . “Sometimes a parent just isn’t giving the child opportunities. For example, a baby may not sit alone because he’s always being held, rather than having time on the floor.”

Premature birth is also another common explanation for the delay, as Dr. Bailey says, “children who are premature may not have the same rate of muscle strength and development.” This may lead to a delay in motor skills, although this is usually resolved over time.

To determine if your baby is developing normally, here are some milestones and advice on how you can aid their development, as well as red flags to watch out for during your child’s first three years.

First Year Baby Developmental Milestones

1 to 3 months

Your child can/will:

  • Take notice of your voice, face, and touch
  • Hear fully and is likely to turn towards the sound of your voice
  • Focus their sight up to 12 inches
  • Lift their head briefly and turn it to the side while on their belly

During this time, have your child spend lots of time on their belly, encouraging them to reach for toys to strengthen their neck and back muscles. Make frequent eye contact when talking or reading to your little one.

See your doctor if you notice that your child:

  • Doesn’t suckle well
  • Can’t seem to focus on moving objects within sight
  • Doesn’t react or respond to bright lights or loud sounds
  • Seems especially stiff or limp

3 to 6 months

Your child can/will:

  • Smile! They also actively enjoy playtime.
  • Imitate your facial expressions as well as the sounds you make
  • Support the weight of their head while sitting upright
  • Lift their chest along with their head like a mini push-up
  • Open and close their hands, smack objects, and shake toys. They can also bring their hands towards their mouths at this point.
  • Push their legs down when held in standing position
  • Focus on faces and can recognize yours even from across the room

Guide your child’s thumb to their mouth to help your child learn to self-soothe. Continue doing the belly exercise to further develop their muscles and allow them to explore objects with their hands, as this should be a part of their daily routine. Also, engage your child in “conversation” by speaking with your baby, pointing out different objects, and naming them.

See your doctor if you notice that your child:

  • Can’t support their head well
  • Can’t grip objects
  • Can’t focus on moving objects
  • Doesn’t smile
  • Doesn’t react to loud sounds
  • Doesn’t acknowledge new faces
  • Gets excessively upset by unfamiliar people or surroundings

4 to 7 months

Your child can/will:

  • Smile, laugh, and babble-speak
  • Roll to and from their tummy and back
  • Sit without assistance, as well as support their own weight with their legs with minor assistance
  • Rake in objects, hold them, and move them from hand to hand
  • Learn their name, turning to you when you say it
  • Eat solid food

Encourage your child’s communication skills by responding to everything they babble at you. Try to integrate as much play into your relationship with your child. Place your child in different positions (such as standing, sitting, or lying on their belly) to familiarize them with these. Keep reading to your child and naming things in the immediate area.

See your doctor if you notice that your child:

  • Can’t hold their head steady
  • Can’t sit without assistance
  • Doesn’t respond to noises or smiles
  • Isn’t affectionate with those closest to them
  • Shows no interest in reaching for objects

8 to 12 months

 Your child can/will:

  • Crawl
  • Pull themselves up to a standing position using chairs and low tables and walk the length of that support
  • Speak their first word and eventually simple phrases too. For everything else your child wants to communicate, they will make simple gestures. Place things in containers and take them out
  • Grab food and place it into their mouths
  • Mimic more and more of your actions
  • Typically be shy around strangers
  • Experience separation anxiety

Keep speaking to your baby. Besides naming objects and conversing, start describing what you’re doing. To help with separation anxiety, give your child time to get used to new caregivers and be sure to always say goodbye before leaving.

See your doctor if you notice that your child:

  • Doesn’t crawl
  • Drags one side more than the other when crawling
  • Can’t stand without support
  • Shows no interest in finding objects you’ve hidden in front of them
  • Doesn’t say any words
  • Doesn’t use gestures (hands, head shaking)

Second Year Baby Developmental Milestones

 Your child can/will:

  • Walk without assistance, go up and down stairs, kick a ball, and maybe even run
  • Use words in short phrases and sentences
  • Follow simple directions
  • Identify shapes and can doodle with crayons, play with stacking blocks, and throw balls
  • Show interest in using the toilet
  • Be more comfortable playing with other children and start to become more independent, even defiant

To develop their verbal skills, talk to your child as often as possible and ask questions. You can have them verbalize what they want instead of pointing at things, give them options, and allow them to make decisions. You can also encourage them to talk by asking them to sort their toys into categories (such as stuffed animals, books, and crayons, among others) when putting them away.

See your doctor if you notice that your child:

  • Can’t walk by 18 months
  • Doesn’t understand the use of everyday items
  • Doesn’t speak at least six words by 18 months or two-word sentences by 24 months
  • Doesn’t imitate words and actions
  • Can’t follow simple instructions
  • Starts to regress

Third Year Baby Developmental Milestones

Your child can/will:

  • Live between the world of imagination and reality (for example, have imaginary friends, believe in monsters in the closet or under the bed)
  • Use hundreds of words and can follow multi-step instructions
  • Jump, pedal a bicycle, and open doors.
  • Solve simple puzzles
  • Make friends and display certain emotions towards them like empathy and affection.

To foster further development, set play dates for your child. Allow the playmates to resolve any conflict between them, but be ready to step in if things get too difficult. Pretend play is also a great way for them to sort through their emotions and works best if your child directs the play.

See your doctor if you notice that your child:

  • Struggles with separation anxiety
  • Doesn’t interact with people outside the family nor with other children
  • Avoids eye contact
  • Can’t throw a ball or jump
  • Can’t climb stairs with alternating feet
  • Isn’t able to complete a sentence

We hope this guide has answered your questions. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about our products or if you need assistance, feel free to contact our EQ support team.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/is-your-baby-on-track

http://www.babycenter.com/milestone-charts-birth-to-age-3

http://childmind.org/guide/developmental-milestones/

Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Mom and Baby

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

After months of preparation, changes, and anticipation, the big day is finally here: it’s Labor Day! The big day frequently comes as a surprise to most people, so everything you need for the hospital stay should be ready before your expected date. This way, all you have to do once “Labor Day” comes is grab your things and rush to the hospital.

Packing for the hospital stay is essential as labor sometimes takes 12 hours or longer. Also, it can take a few days before you and your baby are discharged, so it will be tricky for your husband to leave your side just to get some much-needed essentials.

If you are clueless about what to pack, here’s a handy guide to what must be in your birthing bag.

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom

Your hospital bag should contain everything you’ll need to stay comfortable throughout labor, delivery, and recovery.

  • Comfortable clothes – Since labor lasts for several hours, make sure you pack comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting soiled. Bring a comfortable t-shirt or nightshirt, and don’t forget to pack socks as the temperature in the hospital can get cold.
  • Hair tie – Having long hair can be messy during labor and may make you feel uncomfortable, or it may stick to your face, especially if you’re sweating! Pack a hairband, hair clip, or a hair tie to keep your locks in place.
  • Nursing and maternity bras – Bring at least two or three nursing bras with you to prepare for breastfeeding. Ensure that you’re wearing a comfortable maternity bra as your breasts can become swollen after the first breastfeeding.
  • Toiletries – Pack your own toiletries since your hospital stay may last for at least two to three days. Although most hospitals give out a toiletry pack upon admission, bring your own deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and other essentials, just in case. Having these familiar items will also help in making you feel comfortable.
  • A going home outfit – Finally, pack a comfortable outfit for the journey home. Use some of your maternity dresses, as your stomach does not immediately shrink back to its old size right after childbirth.

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

Just like you, your baby will also have their needs once they come out. Aside from your birthing bag, pack your baby’s things in a separate bag. Here is a list of the items you should pack:

  • Infant clothes – Your baby needs warm clothes for the hospital stay and the journey home. Be sure to pack some of the infant clothes you bought for them.
  • Diapers – Your baby can go through as many as 12 diapers in a day. You need to pack more in case your hospital stay goes on longer.
  • Soft blanket, socks, and a bonnet – Your baby may feel cold at times, so be sure to pack some soft blankets, socks, and a bonnet for them.
  • Bibs – These are handy for cleaning any milk your baby may cough up during feeding.
  • Baby bottles – There are instances when your baby has to feed from the bottle this early. Keep a bottle or two in your bag just in case you need it.
  • Soft towels – These will be handy when your baby gets dirty and needs to be cleaned. Pack some wet wipes as well.

Pack Your Hospital Bag Before Your Due Date

Labor day can go by in a blur. With all the hurrying and worrying, it’s best to have everything laid out and ready to avoid adding another worry to the list. Having your bags ready weeks before your expected date lessens your worries and helps direct your concentration entirely on delivering your baby safely.

Want to learn more? Explore our other blogs for more helpful tips and guides as you prepare for the big day. If you have any questions about our products or need assistance, our EQ Support team is always ready to help.

 

Sources:

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag

http://www.thebump.com/a/checklist-packing-a-hospital-bag

http://maternityinstitute.com/natural-childbirth-must-haves/

5 Safe Exercises During Pregnancy to Prepare for Childbirth

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

Some pregnant women are wary of overexerting themselves and would rather rest than exercise. While getting enough rest is important, safe exercise during pregnancy also plays a significant role in preparing your body for childbirth.

Proper exercise increases your strength, flexibility, and endurance. It does wonders for your mood, relieves body aches, and improves sleep. Also, maintaining a workout routine makes getting back to your pre-pregnancy body easier.

“You need to be physically active during pregnancy. It has terrific benefits that are associated with a better pregnancy outcome and even shorter labor. It’s a win-win for baby and for mom,” says high-risk pregnancy expert Laura Riley, MD, spokeswoman for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and author of Pregnancy: You and Your Baby. ACOG recommends pregnant moms spend at least 30 minutes doing moderate-intensity exercises at least 3 times a week.

Safe Pregnancy Exercises to Try

It’s time to get physical! Here are 5 heart-pumping exercises that are safe for both you and your unborn child.

1. Swimming

Swimming is one of the best and safest exercises for pregnant women. Aside from working out your arms and legs, swimming reduces swelling and pain in your back and joints. It also helps with posture as the buoyancy allows you to easily maintain an upright position.

2. Tailor Sitting

This is a great way to strengthen and stretch your back, thigh, and pelvic muscles. Sit on the floor with your back straight and keep the soles of your feet pressed together. From there, slowly push your knees toward the ground using your elbows to stretch your inner thighs. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds and make 10 repetitions.

This exercise keeps your pelvic joints flexible and improves blood circulation to your lower body, both of which ease delivery.

3. Kegel Exercises

This exercise also targets your pelvic floor muscles. As these muscles support pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, and bowels), toning them can reduce late pregnancy problems like hemorrhoids.

While urinating, try to stop midstream without using your abdominal, buttock, or thigh muscles. The vaginal muscle that you can feel contracting is your pelvic muscle. Contract this muscle and hold for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times, relaxing in between repetitions.

4. Squatting

Squatting opens the pelvic outlet, giving you – or rather, your little one – up to an extra 1/2-inch to descend during labor.

With your feet apart, keep your back straight against a wall, and slowly slide down to a full squat position with your thighs parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 10 seconds and slowly rise to your original position. Make 10 repetitions.

5. Pelvic Tilt

This exercise strengthens your abdominal muscles and improves your back flexibility, reducing back pain during pregnancy and labor.

For this exercise, you are to go down on all fours – hands and knees, while keeping your head aligned with your back. From this position, pull in your tummy and arch your back towards the ceiling, and hold for 10 seconds. Then, relax your tummy, move back into the original position, and repeat 10 times.

Preparing Your Body for Childbirth

These exercises can benefit you with minimal effort without needing any equipment. However, while exercising helps prepare you physically for the big day, you have to be prepared mentally by getting to know your hospital and having a plan. This helps keep your mind at ease as you approach your due date.

Always consult your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise routine during pregnancy, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any medical concerns.

We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions about our products or need additional assistance, our EQ support team is always ready to help.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/exercise-during-pregnancy-myth-vs-fact

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/preparing-for-labor/exercises-to-help-you-prepare-for-childbirth/

http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-best-kinds-of-exercise-for-pregnancy_7880.bc

How to Toddler-Proof Your Home: Room-by-Room Safety Tips

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

You’ll quickly realize how your entire home is dangerous to a toddler’s health once they’re up and about. Every corner will look more pronounced, every small item more mischievous, and every socket more dangerous. Your home, however cozy, is filled with potential threats to your little one, so you’ll want to make it as safe as possible. Here’s how you can do so.

Toddler-Proofing the Nursery

Let’s start at ground zero. This room is where your toddler will spend most of their time, so it’s important to keep it as safe as possible.

To make the room safer, remove blankets, pillows, and plush toys from your toddler’s crib, as these can pose suffocation risks. Apart from increasing the risk of suffocation, pillows and stuffed animals can also become stepping stools for adventurous toddlers trying to climb out of their cribs.

Mobiles are meant to entertain and relax babies, but once your child can pull themselves up to stand, there’s a good chance they’ll try to grab the hanging pieces. At this stage, it’s time to remove the mobile. You may also want to add soft floor padding to help cushion falls as your toddler begins walking.

Remember those dangerous electrical outlets? Cover them with plastic outlet covers, preferably sliding ones. Install outlet covers in every room your toddler can access.

Finally, go cordless. If your window blinds have cords, consider replacing them with cordless versions. Children can accidentally become entangled in blind cords, creating a serious strangulation hazard.

Toddler-Proofing the Living Room

Coffee tables, entertainment consoles, shelves, benches, or certain chairs: the living room is quite an edgy place for a baby with newfound mobility. Many of these corners and edges are right around eye level for a two-footer too, so be sure to cushion all edges with bumpers.

The living room typically holds a lot of décor as well, which means more breakables! Children can surprise you with how far they can reach, so keep all fragile mementos away from your little ones. For instance, picture frames are nice to look at but can easily shatter when dropped and can cut your child.

For taller, larger furniture like bookcases, be sure to secure them to the wall by way of bolts or adjustable locking furniture straps. You don’t want your child tipping over anything taller than them. This also goes for stairs; once your child is up and about, block the stairs with a baby gate.

Again, cover all outlets. While you’re at it, hide all electrical cords behind furniture.

Toddler-Proofing the Bathroom

Never leave your child unattended in the bathroom, even for a few seconds.

That being said, let’s start with the floors. Since they’re moist most of the time, invest in nonslip mats, and place some in the tub as well. In the immediate area outside the bathroom, consider placing rugs with non-skid backings, as your child might still be wet after a bath and looking to make a break for it.

Close toilet lids and keep them shut! Doing so keeps your child from unsanitary exposure, getting their fingers slammed on, and can even save them from drowning (it happens!).

Also, consider installing a medicine cabinet if your bathroom doesn’t have a place to store your medicines or razors. Even if these hazards are on a high shelf, at some point your child will try to reach for them.

Finally, make sure to pad your tub faucet and to use plastic soap dishes instead of glass or ceramic to be extra safe.

Toddler-Proofing the Kitchen

The kitchen contains some of the biggest safety hazards in any home. Keep dangerous items out of reach or secured inside childproof cabinets, including:

  • Cleaning products
  • Cutlery
  • Utensils
  • Plastic bags
  • Kitchen appliances
  • Dishes
  • Glasses and other breakables

In fact, invest in plastic or unbreakable dishes and glasses to use when your child’s around. Unplug small appliances when not in use and be sure not to leave their cords dangling like fish bait.

Let’s not forget the refrigerator. Ensure that you close the door carefully after opening it, especially if your child is already able to open it on his own. Besides getting their fingers caught in the door, children could hurt themselves trying to reach for bottles and such on higher shelves and compartments.

General Toddler-Proofing Tips

Now that the rest of your home is toddler-proof, here are other ways you can safeguard your kid:

  • Keep hot food and drinks away from edges of tables and counters.
  • Avoid using tablecloths or placemats as your child can easily tug and drag down everything on top of them.
  • Anchor floor lamps or remove them altogether.
  • Use doorstops and door holders to protect your child’s fingers.

Creating a Safer Home for Your Toddler

As your toddler becomes more curious and independent, new safety risks will naturally appear around your home. Regularly checking each room for potential hazards can help prevent accidents while giving your child a safe space to explore and learn.

Toddler-proofing your home doesn’t mean removing all the fun—it simply means creating an environment where your little one can discover the world more safely.

We hope this guide has given you the information you were looking for. If you have any further questions or need assistance with our products, feel free to get in touch with our EQ support.

References:

http://www.parenting.com/gallery/babyproofing-your-home?page=0

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/child-rearing-and-development/how-toddler-proof-your-home-room-room-guide

http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/safety/toddlerproofing/childproofing-home-room-by-room/

http://www.babycenter.com/childproofing-checklist-before-toddler-and-beyond

5 Ways to Give Your Baby a Good Night’s Sleep

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

A mother’s quality of sleep is only as good as her baby’s. Since your little one is still getting used to literally everything, whole nights of sleep are a rarity. You’ll want to take necessary actions to put your baby and yourself in the best position for a full night’s sleep to enjoy each other’s company during daytime.

Here are five practical ways to help your baby sleep through the night.

1. Pass on the Pacifier 

Pacifiers often fall out of infants’ mouths in the middle of the night. This slight change is enough to wake them up and cause them to cry. Around their 8th month, most babies will have developed the fine motor skills required to place the pacifier back into their mouths. Until then, however, you’ll be dealing with a cranky baby.

“Your choice is either to get rid of the pacifier altogether, or to let your baby cry it out in the middle of the night,” warns founder of NYC Sleep Doctor Janet K. Kennedy, PhD. Foregoing the pacifier may cause a rough couple of days, but eventually your baby will not need it to sleep through the night.

2. Say Yes to An Electric Fan

The slightest noise can interrupt a baby’s sleep. One way to minimize this is by using white noise, such as the steady hum of an electric fan.

When used safely as part of your baby’s bedtime routine, consistent background noise can help mask sudden sounds that may wake them. Over time, your baby may begin to associate the familiar sound with sleep.

3. Gradually Reduce Nighttime Feedings

Many mothers feed their infants at odd hours of the night to soothe them back to sleep. While this can work, it does take its toll on these already exhausted mothers. Take a load off, close shop, and get some rest! Consult your pediatrician when you can completely cut off your baby from night feeding. According to Kim West, clinical social worker and author of 52 Sleep Secrets for Babies, 90% of 6-month-olds can sleep through the night without feeding.

To do so, put your baby to bed while they’re still awake but clearly sleepy. Leave them be without feeding them and check in on them every few minutes until they’re asleep. If you don’t want to suddenly stop nighttime feeding, you can gradually decrease their nighttime food intake. Eventually your baby will realize that the milk bank closes at night and will sleep through it.

Always consult your pediatrician before weaning your baby from nighttime feedings

4. Set a Bedtime Routine

This is no hack or trick: a bedtime routine is important to set your baby up for a good night’s sleep. “Creating a bedtime routine for a child is a simple step that every family can do,” says Jodi Mindell, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Saint Joseph’s University and Associate Director of the Sleep Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “It can pay off not only to make bedtime easier, but also that a child is likely to sleep better throughout the entire night.”

To set a routine, consider the following:

  • Set active games for daytime and quieter games for nighttime. This way, your baby won’t be as hyper before bedtime and will be tired from the day’s earlier games.
  • Give your baby a bath right before bedtime to put them in a calmer state.
  • Your baby’s favorite activity should be saved for last and performed in the bedroom. It’s a simple association: your baby will associate their favorite activity with their bedroom, which makes them look forward to bedtime. (link to 7 Tips to Make Baby’s Bedtime Easier article)

As much as possible, keep the conditions of their sleep space consistent (lights, sounds, temperature, etc.). This will comfort them should they wake up abruptly.

5. Encourage Active Play During the Day

Babies spend all their energy trying to master newly acquired skills, like rolling or crawling. A baby can find themselves stuck in a new position and may be unable to get back to their original position, though they’ll try as much as they can. They can get so excited that they have a hard time getting back to sleep.

To help tone down your baby’s persistent late-night work ethic, devote time during the day for them to practice their new skill. Avoid the stroller if you can and allow your baby to move around. Let them exert energy and tire themselves out during the day for a deeper nighttime sleep.

We hope this guide has helped answer your questions. If you’d like to learn more or need EQ support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

How Can I Help My Baby Fall Asleep Faster?

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

Are you having trouble getting your little one to sleep? Babies are still getting used to everything, so their lives are a constant seesaw of comfort and discomfort, as well as of understanding and confusion. For instance, nighttime and daytime are concepts they are yet to understand, so putting them to bed can be difficult.

The good news is that a calming bedtime routine can help your baby fall asleep faster. Here are simple tips to make bedtime easier for both you and your little one.

7 Tips to Help Your Baby Fall Asleep Faster

1. Set a Consistent Bedtime Routine

While routines vary depending on parent and child, make sure to have one, as a consistent bedtime routine is important for your baby to learn the difference between day and night. Eventually, your little one will learn that nighttime means sleep time.

To have an efficient routine, have your baby play active games during the day as opposed to quieter, calming activities at night. Engage your baby in the same games or activities in the same order, leaving your baby’s favorite nighttime activity for last. This way, your baby will associate the fun with bedtime.

2. Give Your Baby a Warm Bath Before Bedtime

A nice, warm bath at the end of the day can soothe and relax your baby. Avoid using toys when giving them a nighttime bath, and keep your voice low and overall activity calm. The warm water coupled with your gentle strokes will put your baby in an ideal state for sleep.

3. Drowsiness is Your Friend

Know your child’s habits and determine when they get drowsy. When your baby starts to slow down, put them to bed before they’re out cold completely. Once you are able to identify that sweet spot of “drowsy, but awake,” bedtime becomes smoother.

In fact, according to Kim West, a professional sleep consultant and author of Good Night, Sleep Tight, “Babies who drift off on their own are more likely to fall asleep quickly and learn how to soothe themselves to sleep more easily.”

4. Keep the Room Cool and Comfortable

A cool room temperature sets babies up for a more comfortable sleep. The ideal temperature for babies to sleep in is around 18°C (65°F). If you don’t have an air conditioner, keep the windows open and/or use an electric fan.

Also, keep your baby’s room warmer during the day when they’re active. Include this in your routine to help them differentiate the different times of the day, and to regulate their developing circadian rhythm or body clock.

5. Turn Down the Lights

 Manipulation of light can also help regulate your baby’s body clock. Light is a natural, biological wake-up button, while darkness prompts your brain to release melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep.

Consider installing dimmers in your baby’s room. To help your baby fall asleep faster, dim the lights about two hours before bedtime or as the sun goes down. Make sure the room is brightly lit during the day to reinforce their circadian rhythm.

You can have sunlit rooms for naps. However, if your baby has trouble napping during the day, consider getting dark curtains. When it’s time to get up, let the light back in!

6. Be a Baby Masseuse

You can never be too young to benefit from a good massage. According to studies conducted at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, babies and toddlers who receive bedtime massages fall asleep faster than those who don’t receive them or were just read bedtime stories.

Be sure to use baby-friendly oil, gentle strokes, and mild pressure for optimum results.

7. Avoid Too Much Eye Contact

Finally, babies are very easily stimulated. Something as subtle as a gaze is enough to snap a baby out of their sleepy trance – especially from their mother. So, as cruel as it may sounds, try to avoid eye contact when putting your little one to sleep. By all means, allow them to hear your soothing voice and to feel your loving touch, but don’t overstimulate them with your encouraging eyes.

Helping Your Baby Fall Asleep Faster

Every baby develops sleep habits at their own pace, so don’t worry if it takes time to find a bedtime routine that works. Being consistent with your routine and creating a calm sleeping environment can make it easier for your baby to relax and fall asleep.

Most importantly, be patient. As your baby grows and becomes more familiar with the difference between day and night, bedtime will gradually become smoother for both of you.

That’s all for now, mommies. Sleep tight!

We hope this article has been helpful. For any product inquiries or if you need further assistance, our EQ support team is here to help. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Baby Colic: Tips to Help Soothe a Colicky Baby

Posted on by Arnold Curiano

The first few months of parenthood are the hardest. The feeling of helplessness every time your baby cries is a dilemma that every parent goes through. Hunger, pain, discomfort, restlessness – a hundred different possible reasons run through every parent’s mind every time their baby cries. However, if your baby cries for hours at a time with no obvious reason, they may be experiencing colic.

Colic is a condition that causes pain in your baby’s gastrointestinal tract. Colic usually affects babies who are at least 2-3 weeks old and lasts until the 3rd or 4th month. The symptoms include irritability, abdominal pain, gassiness, and endless bouts of uncontrollable crying.

How to Help Soothe a Baby with Colic

If you think your baby is suffering from colic, you can try some of the tips below to help soothe your baby:

Review Your Diet if You’re Breastfeeding

If you think that your baby’s colic may be caused by something in your breast milk, you can try changing your diet. It has been found that traces of spicy food or cow’s milk in the mother’s diet cause the baby’s tummy problems after they ingest her breast milk. Talk to your doctor about what you can eliminate from your diet.

One way of preventing this is to eliminate dairy products like cow’s milk, cheeses, and yogurt from your diet. In order to do this, stop eating them for a few weeks. This will give your body ample time to cleanse out any traces of dairy in the milk that your breasts produce.

Talk to your doctor before making major dietary changes.

Adjust Your Baby’s Feeding Habits

If your baby is formula-fed and still experiences colic, consult your pediatrician to determine whether a different infant formula may be more suitable. Some babies may have sensitivities or allergies that require a hypoallergenic formula.

Another possibility is swallowed air during feeding, which may contribute to gas and discomfort. Burping your baby during and after feeding can help. If you’re bottle-feeding, using a nipple with an appropriate flow may also reduce the amount of air your baby swallows.

Try a Gentle Infant Massage

An infant massage can help your baby relax and calm down.

If gas seems to be contributing to their discomfort, place your baby tummy-down across your legs and gently rub their back. Another option is to lay your baby on their back and slowly move their legs in a bicycle motion. This gentle movement may help release trapped gas.

Comfort Your Baby

The discomfort caused by colic is the main reason why your baby keeps on crying. Comfort him by holding him close to you so he can feel your heartbeat. Sit down, relax, and take steady breaths while holding him and wait until your heartbeat stabilizes. The steady sound of your heartbeat will help calm him down.

Another way to help comfort your baby is through motion. Gently rock your baby in your arms using a steady rhythm to soothe him. You can also take him for a stroll, a ride, or a walk to help him relax. Soothing sounds can also help ease your baby’s discomfort – try humming or singing a lullaby to help your baby relax and fall asleep.

Comfort is the number one cure for colic. Since colic causes discomfort to your baby, learning what makes your baby comfortable is the number one solution to ease his pain. Don’t be scared or distressed every time your baby cries. It is through these rough moments that you grow as a parent. And it is through these moments that you understand what it takes to become a good parent.

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

While colic usually goes away on its own as your baby grows, it’s important to contact your pediatrician if your baby’s crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, poor feeding, difficulty breathing, or if you are concerned about their overall health. These symptoms may indicate a condition other than colic.

We hope this guide has answered your questions. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about our products or if you need assistance, feel free to contact our EQ support team.

Sources:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_colic-what-is-it_77.bc

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/colictreatments

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x25005619/how-can-i-soothe-my-colicky-baby#ixzz41uNiTzcz

 

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