I read so many books on baby sleep and daily routine that I really appreciated Chicago Public Library had the VHS version of Happiest baby on the block. It was two hours of crash course on the 5 essential methods to comfort the baby and help him/her to fall asleep. The 5 “S” explained in the video are: • Swaddling • Side/stomach … [Read more...]
Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg – Part III
SLEEPING CEREMONY Let’s talk about how my son fell asleep. We always regarded this as "a ceremony or ritual". All books talk about this as a ritual without exception. A ritual with same activities so that the baby knows what is coming. At the beginning, I calmed him down for a while, since my son was a "spirited" type. We could never once … [Read more...]
Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg – Part II
EATING Eating is an important part of the whole daily routine as sleep that includes (mother's) milk at first and then solid foods. I knew, just like a vicious cycle, if my son did not eat enough, that he was going to be hungry again in less than 3 hours, therefore wake up in the middle of his nap/sleep because he is hungry. I had shared with … [Read more...]
Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg – Part I
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR BABY BW starts by reminding parents that the baby, even not very interactive for first few months, is not a part of you, not a mini-you or a material object but is a completely different person of his/her own. One might ask, "yeah, of course! what kind of an ignorant statement is this?". However especially during those … [Read more...]
Baby’s Sleep Routine – III
CRYING BABIES As a new mom, initially, it's hard to accept that babies do cry. That is the only way for them to express their needs as a newborn. They cannot use mimics or words for milk or a diapers change. When they are comfortable, they look around quietly and peacefully and cry when they need something. (Grandmas, mothers, aunties or … [Read more...]
Baby’s Sleep Routine – II
SECRET WORD: DAILY ROUTINE Babies do need a certain routine. In their new home, they need safety, objects and sounds they are familiar with utmost. Changes excite them but if they would know what is going to happen, what is going to come by with their parents' signs, they would be less uncomfortable and can move from feeding to play and from … [Read more...]
Baby’s Sleep Routine – I
I have compiled the information I am about to share with you through my personal observations, experiences as well as the books and articles I have read on the subject. Though some of the information contains general facts, technical information, it might also reflect my own thoughts and beliefs. Every baby is different. Some babies might be … [Read more...]
Sleeping like a baby
I am going to write a series about sleeping habits for babies - and their parents - of course. Once you become parents, some of the main issues you mainly deal with are feeding the baby/appetite as well as sleeping habits. There is a saying "Sleeping like a baby". Many parents and I, we ask ourselves who came up with this unrealistic … [Read more...]
Fun Potty Training Video
I used this Japanese potty training video while I was trying to convince my son to use the bathroom for his #2. I love everything about Japan and Japanese culture. This video helped us a lot, and it's really fun. … [Read more...]
Disposable Mattress Pad as Baby Changing Pad
Wherever you change your baby's diaper, at a changing table, on the crib mattress, on the bed, on the carpet, it just gets messy and dirty. Especially, with boys, who tend to squirt as soon as you open their diapers. In these cases plastic changing pads or fabric protectors aren't very practical either. I started using the "disposable bed … [Read more...]
My experience with epidural
I am writing this post to share my experience with you. These are the things "I wish I had known before my delivery". But obviously, you don't know what you don't know. My labor started when my water broke. However, contractions never came. So hours later, they administered pitocin to start to contractions. After a while, pain started to … [Read more...]
Protect yourself and others from contagious viruses
Every year, the contagious viruses get more vicious and persistent. Once it's in through the door, it doesn't get out until it knocks down the last person in the household. Today's flu is not your mom's flu either. It's monster truck flu. There are few practical tips to protect yourself and others from spreading their viruses and germs: … [Read more...]
Product Review: Nursing Covers
I am a big advocate of breastfeeding your baby whenever (s)he wants and wherever you are. To me, being able to breastfeed outside of home was so much easier than finding water at room temperature and mixing it with formula, heating the cold-stored breast milk or looking for a secluded place to breastfeed. Nursing blankets (or nursing covers) … [Read more...]
Creating your birth plan
As an expecting mother, you should be aware (and accepting) that nothing might go as planned during pregnancy, delivery, as well as after baby’s birth. However, this does not mean that you should not be prepared in advance. A birth plan is something you prepare by talking to your doctor and spouse/partner. It is a list of your choices for the … [Read more...]
Product Review: Crib Tent
We bought this canopy when our baby started standing up and figured out that he could actually bounce on the crib mattress. Benefits: It prevents the baby from climbing out or jumping out of the crib. It prevents the baby from reaching out to the drawer on which we had to place the CD-player and the speakers and fall down. It helps keep … [Read more...]
Parents’ emergency phone list
Prepare multiple copies of this list, one big size for board, refrigerator or by the phone at home and multiple wallet-sizes for parents, grandparents, nannies, other caregivers. List should include: Home phone Mom's cell/work Dad's cell/work Other emergency contacts (family, friends) Pediatricians office Poison Control … [Read more...]
Safety: Car safety for babies and children
According to the laws in USA, you must take your new born baby home from the hospital in a car seat. When travelling in a car, make sure you baby sits in the back seat in a car seat and make sure to fasten the seat belt. Making excuses such as, car being too cluttered with baby seat, that the distance is too short, baby not liking the car seat … [Read more...]
Safety: First Aid and CPR for babies and children
Though we (should) take all precautions in advance, for the safety of our babies and children, we need to be prepared for unexpected emergency situations as well. We need learn first aid (CPR) methods and be able to administer these at the time of emergencies. We should also teach them to whomever is taking care of our babies or kids as well … [Read more...]
Baby and Child Safety Tips in the Home – Bathroom
Continuing with Baby and Child Safety Tips in the Home… While giving a bath to your baby: Never leave your baby unattended in the bathroom, in the tub or in a basin even if the water level is not even one inch. Use anti-slip bathtub mat or decals to prevent slipping. Always check the water temperature before putting your baby in the tub … [Read more...]
Baby and Child Safety Tips in the Home – Living Room / Play Room
Continuing with Baby and Child Safety Tips in the Home... While your baby is playing: Once the baby starts moving around like a wiggle worm and grab things, you need to redecorate your home. Schools, daycares, businesses with kids, parents and schools should definitely have these safety measures, when you inspect them for your child … [Read more...]