Baby Nursing Pillow

Stages of Your Child’s Development

Di — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:49:31 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

A parent who has a basic understanding of the stages of child development is better able to guide, direct and encourage their child’s positive growth and development. Knowledge of these stages of child development allows a parent to become aware of potential behavioral delays and resolve issues in their child’s development as early as possible.

A parent who is aware of the stages of child development also sets realistic expectations for their child, and does not put undue pressure on their child to perform well beyond their years. As your child grows and matures he passes through a sequence of fairly predictable developmental stages. As your child hits his milestones (saying his first word, taking her first step) his progress can be charted on a developmental scale to determine his progress. It is much like the growth chart a doctor uses to determine at what percentile of height and weight your child is.

Although every child grows and develops at their own rate, and the age at which a child hits his developmental milestones varies (babies cutting their first tooth at four months or at one year all fall into the ‘normal development’ category). Understanding the stages of child development gives a parent a guideline that allows them to monitor their child’s progress and pinpoint any potential problems.

The stages of child growth and development include physical changes, social-emotional changes, and intellectual changes. The physical stages of child development involve how your baby moves and reacts to stimuli, which eventually evolves to a point where they make voluntary movements. As babies become stronger they eventually roll over. Typically a baby will creep before they crawl, and crawl before they walk.

But not all children follow the typical stages of child development. Some babies ’scoot’ without creeping, and skip crawling all together and go right into walking. Again, this all falls into the ‘normal development’ range. But a baby at 11 months old who is not sitting up has not reached his developmental milestone and a parent who is aware of the stages of child development ( typically a baby sits up by 6 months) may seek medical advice.

Parents who are knowledgeable in stages of child development can create a more favourable environment for their child to grow and learn at a healthy rate. In order for an infant to gain enough muscle control to crawl, they need time to play on the floor. This is how she develops strong muscles and coordination. A baby who spends most of her time in a car seat or a bouncy chair won’t have the opportunity to meet her developmental milestone of crawling.

Daniel D. Dwase is publisher and co-author of http://www.child-development-guide.com - a website for the development of children from birth to teens offering helpful tips and advice for parents, early year’s professionals, and students.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_D._Dwase

Baby Nursing Pillow

Di — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:58:36 +0000

A Baby Nursing Pillow is a banana or U shaped pillow that mothers use as a support for Baby while she is breastfeeding. Some women buy these pillows while they are pregnant and use them to sit on and help make themselves comfortable after the birth as well.

Baby Nursing Pillows help in many ways. They help lift the baby into a higher position for breastfeeding so that the mother doesn’t have to bend over and hurt her back and neck. They also help with good posture, which is important for women who have just given birth.

Of course the Breastfeeding Pillow also helps those women who have had a ceaserian section. The last thing they want is to have baby leaning against the wound while breastfeeding. The pillow lifts the baby and takes the strain off the mother’s tummy.

Mothers who have sore nipples, which can be the result of incorrect positioning of the baby for feeding are often given a Baby Nursing pillow. This helps with the proper positioning of the babies mouth and the nipple and results in relaxing feeding for both mother and baby. The Nursing Pillow can also help prevent gas or wind in the baby.

You will find there are hundreds of different Baby Nursing Pillows on the market, in the shops today. Always try to choose a lightweight pillow so it is easy to carry around. You will also want to look at the shape and firmness of the pillow. After testing a few you will know which one is the right one for you.

Reading reviews of these Baby Nursing Pillows makes me realise that the features they have are also very important to consider. Remember that you will only have one hand available to connect the Nursing pillow to you as you will be holding baby at the same time. Some of them have heavy Velcro snaps that are difficult to connect behind your back with one hand. Also if baby falls asleep you want to be able to take off the pillow without waking him from sleep.

The best thing to look for is a feeding pillow that is ergonomic, supports baby and lifts baby to the correct height so that feeding is comfortable and enjoyable for both of you.

Why Should I Breastfeed?

Di — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:38:00 +0000

Really the choice to breastfeed or not is up to you. Some mothers find it impossible to feed their babies and others choose not to and that is fine. It depends on what you feel most comfortable doing.

Mothers who have been sick with HIV, hepatitis and cancer and have compromised immune systems should Not breastfeed. So there are many reasons why not all mothers should breastfeed their babies.

However if you can and want to breastfeed your baby, then there are many many good reasons why it is best for baby.

1: You save money on the cost of formula and health care, which could add up to $1500-$2000 in the first year.

2. About 80% of cells in breast milk kill bacteria, fungi and viruses.

3. Breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients not found in formula.

4. No babies are allergic to their mother’s milk.

5. No bottles to sterilize and no formula to buy measure and mix.

6. When you nurse your uterus contracts and that helps you return to your non-pregnant size sooner.

7.You burn from 200 to 500 calories a day extra.

8. You and your baby create a special bond.

9. Your breast is always available, no matter where you are or what time of day or night it is

10.Breastfed babies have less gas, colic, spitting up and their diapers are less stinky, most of the time.

11. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of SIDS. ( For every 87 formula fed babies who die of SIDS, only 3 breastfed babies die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).)

12. Breastfed babies have stronger and straighter teeth on average.

In the end, it is entirely the choice of the mother or parents and you need to do what makes you feel the most relaxed and able to enjoy your baby.