TOP TIPS FOR BEATING SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Are you or your loved ones sneezing, wheezing and reaching for tissues? Welcome to spring – and seasonal allergies.

Every year, pollen and mold trigger uncomfortable allergic reactions from February to early summer across the United States. In severe cases, it can take allergy shots and prescription medications to alleviate the symptoms. For those seeking relief without visiting a doctor, try these tips:

Neti Pot

This teapot-like device can relieve congestion and sinus pressure by flushing mucus out of nasal passages. When used correctly, neti pots are generally considered safe, even for children. To prevent infection, prepare a saline nasal rinse at home. Use distilled or boiled and cooled tap water and clean the device thoroughly between uses. For a hassle-free option, try a ready-to-use nasal spray, available for purchase in drug stores.

Spring Cleaning

Good housecleaning habits can help keep allergies at bay:

Keep windows and doors closed when possible and leave shoes outside.

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean floors and carpeted surfaces.

Regularly launder outdoor play clothes, bed sheets and pillowcases. Machine dry instead of using the clothes line. Pollen and mold can cling to fabric when it dries slowly.

If your pets spend time outdoors, consider bathing them more frequently during allergy season.

OTC Medications and Herbal Supplements

Antihistamines, nasal steroids, decongestants and cromolyn sodium are all common over-the-counter medications used to treat the symptoms of allergies. Available in spray or capsule form, they work by blocking the release of histamines that trigger allergy symptoms or lowering mucus and sinus pressure.

In clinical trials, some herbal supplements and nutrients, such as butterbur, have shown potential for curbing allergy symptoms. But they may not be as effective or safe as medication, especially for long-term use during allergy season.

Avoid Triggers

If you know what causes your allergies, take steps to avoid the triggers:

Check local weather reports for pollen and mold counts and stay indoors when they’re highest, generally at midday and in the afternoon. Plan kids’ outdoor playtime for the morning.

When you garden or mow the lawn, wear a face mask and goggles to block pollen and mold from entering your nose, mouth and eyes. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask.

Minimize other allergy triggers such as foods, insect bites and chlorine, which can exacerbate symptoms.

Author,

Megan Boyle

STRAWBERRIES TOP THE LIST OF WORST FRUITS AND VEGGIES FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES

One of your kid’s favorite fruits is hiding a dirty secret.

Of all the fresh fruits and vegetables available for sale in the United States, sweet, sun-kissed strawberries are the most likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues, according to EWG’s 2016 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

This year, for the first time strawberries top EWG’s Dirty Dozen list of produce with the highest amount of pesticide, even after you’ve washed them. Other dirty produce includes peaches, nectarines and apples – previously No. 1 for five years running. Click here to see the full list.

EWG analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose tests found nearly 150 different pesticides on thousands of produce samples from 2014, the most recent year available. Nearly three in four fruit and vegetable samples contained residue from at least one pesticide.

But the results aren’t all bad. EWG’s Clean Fifteen list names the produce with the lowest amount of pesticide residues. Avocados lead the pack, with less than one percent showing any traces. Sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, frozen sweet peas and onions rank among the clean fruits and veggies as well. Click here to see the full list.

EWG’s 2016 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce aims to help parents make healthy shopping choices. Here are our top tips for putting this information into action:

Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, regardless of where they fall on these lists. The nutritional payoff is worth it.
To limit pesticide exposure, buy organic produce whenever you can. But if your options or budget are limited, focus on choosing organic versions of the Dirty Dozen to get the biggest benefit for your family.
Always wash fruits and veggies before eating, whether they’re “clean” or “dirty,” organic or conventional. Rubbing produce under running water removes not only pesticide residue, but also dirt and germs from handling.

US researchers confirm Zika causes birth defects

The mosquito-borne Zika virus causes birth defects, including a syndrome in which babies are born with unusually small heads, US health authorities attributing scientists confirmed on Wednesday after months of debate and uncertainty.


"Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have concluded, after careful review of existing evidence, that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects," said a statement from the federal agency.


The decision was based in part on a series of studies in Brazil, where thousands of babies were born last year with birth defects, coinciding with a spike in Zika virus infections among the general public.


"This study marks a turning point in the Zika outbreak," said CDC chief Tom Frieden.


"It is now clear that the virus causes microcephaly."


There was no "smoking gun," or single piece of evidence that offered conclusive proof, said the full report, published in New England Journal of Medicine.


Rather, the decision was made based on "increasing evidence from a number of recently published studies and a careful evaluation using established scientific criteria," said the CDC.


Further studies are being launched to "determine whether children who have microcephaly born to mothers infected by the Zika virus is the tip of the iceberg of what we could see in damaging effects on the brain and other developmental problems," Frieden added.


Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda, but the virus was poorly understood and symptoms have typically been mild, including rash, joint pain and fever. Most of those infected report no symptoms at all.

Zika was first identified in Brazil in early 2015, and a surge in infants born with microcephaly began nine months later, in September.


Brazil has confirmed 907 cases of microcephaly and 198 babies with the birth defect who have died since the Zika virus outbreak started, officials there said last month.


The Brazilian health ministry said it is still investigating 4,293 suspicious cases.


"The severe microcephaly and other brain anomalies that have been observed in many infants are consistent with an infection occurring in the first or early second trimester of pregnancy," said the report in the New England Journal of Medicine.


Until now, no mosquito-borne virus has been known to cause birth defects, and the last infectious pathogen known to cause an epidemic of birth defects was the rubella virus more than 50 years ago.


Experts reviewing the evidence of microcephaly in Brazil found a similar increase in the birth defects in French Polynesia, which was hit by an outbreak of Zika in 2013 and 2014, though the number of microcephaly cases was small, totaling just eight.


Microcephaly is a rare defect that occurs in six out of every 10,000 births in the United States.


The lack of clarity on whether or not Zika could be established firmly as a cause of birth defects may have contributed to poor public understanding of the virus and its risks, the report said.


A recent poll of Americans found that one in four were unaware of any association between Zika and birth defects, and one in five believed, wrongly, that there was a vaccine to prevent it.


Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant are advised to avoid the more than 30 places in Latin America and the Caribbean where Zika is circulating, and to wear mosquito repellant if they live in those areas.


While is now known to Zika cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects, the actual risk of such birth defects remains unknown.


Indeed, some women who were infected with Zika while pregnant gave birth to apparently healthy children.

The CDC said it would not change it recommendations for women who are or want to get pregnant. They should continue to avoid traveling to Zika infected areas. Their partners should either use condoms or abstain from sexual contact while the woman is pregnant.


"Establishing this causal relationship between Zika and fetal brain defects is an important step in driving additional prevention efforts, focusing research activities, and reinforcing the need for direct communication about the risks of Zika," said the CDC.


"While one important question about causality has been answered, many questions remain."

EWG RANKS CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR BABIES

Every parent knows that caring for a new baby requires lots and lots of cleaning. But can washing up the milk and spit-up introduce your baby to potentially harmful chemicals?

For its spring 2016 update, EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning analyzed more than 400 new cleaning products and formulations, including ones marketed for new parents and their babies’ needs.

The guide looks closely at product ingredients, labels and online transparency, then ranks products with a letter grade from A (best) to F (worst). Of course, some of the products are better than others. Click here to view the list of cleaning products for babies.

Products that score poorly contain such hazardous ingredients as the allergenic preservative methylisothiazolinone (MIT) or sodium borate (borax), which can disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.

Poorly rated products use sparse or vague terminology – such as “biodegradable surfactants,” “fragrance” and “fabric brighteners” (also known as optical brighteners) – but do not disclose specific ingredients on the label. Visit the guide’s Label Decoder to learn more about what these terms mean.

Almost half of the products EWG analyzed failed to display a complete list of specific ingredients anywhere. Manufacturers can get away with this legally, since virtually no federal or state laws require manufacturers to disclose their cleaning products ingredients.

Products with better scores contain ingredients with fewer health hazards and make more ingredient disclosure on the package and on the company website.

The cleaning products for babies are among 406 new products from 85 brands just added to EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. The new products were available in stores from October 2015 to February 2016 or were submitted directly to EWG by manufacturers. EWG evaluated and rated the products according to the Guide to Healthy Cleaning methodology.

For more information on the cleaning products for babies – as well as those for your whole household – visit EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.

FIND SAFER BABY FORMULA

Debating between breast feeding and formula feeding? Healthy Child recommends breastfeeding if possible for at least the first 12 months of life. We’re in good company here – the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization agree.

However, there are important and valid reasons a family might need to use formula.

It’s important to consult with your pediatrician to pick the best and safest option for your baby, especially in light of increasing recalls on infant formulas. The number one thing to keep in mind is to choose organic to avoid pesticide residues, synthetic hormones, and genetically modified ingredients, among other concerns.

Here are other considerations when shopping for baby formula and baby bottles:

When deciding between powdered and liquid, read up on the issues with either to make an informed choice. Powdered isn’t a sterile product and has been subject to recalls in the past due to contamination, so might not be the right choice for very young infants. (For best powdered formula preparation practices, turn to this World Health Organization guide.) If you opt for liquid formula, make sure it comes in a BPA-free container.

Use distilled or filtered water for preparing formula. There are many reasons to do this, including that fluoride found in municipal drinking water can harm rather than help baby’s teeth. The American Dental Association suggests mixing formula with water that either is fluoride-free or has low concentrations of fluoride.

Choose glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free bottles with silicone nipples.

Do not heat water or formula in plastic. If you’re using a plastic bottle, heat in glass first then transfer to the bottle.

If you’re using plastic, wash bottles with a mild plant-based detergent by hand to prevent degradation. Replace bottles and nipples when they become worn.

You may see DHA and ARA mentioned on product packaging. These fatty acids, vital for brain and eye development, are most efficacious as naturally occurring components of breast milk; artificial versions have not been shown to have the same developmental results. There has been some concern regarding the method used to extract them for use in formula, but they’re difficult to avoid as nearly all formulas are fortified with them. Still, these nutrients are vital for healthy development and manufacturers continue to look for natural, effective sources, so do a little research to see what the latest recommendations are from sources like the FDA and American Academy of Pediatricians.

Formula contains added sugar to help babies digest proteins. The FDA doesn’t set an amount of sugar per serving or specify which sugars can be used. Discuss with your pediatrician to determine how much is too much and which kind (i.e. sucrose or lactose) is preferable for your baby.

IS MY FAMILY’S TAP WATER POLLUTED?

 The drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan, has people across the country wondering: how can I tell if our tap water is polluted with lead?

As has been widely reported, lead pipes or the solder that connects them may leach lead into tap water. Municipal water utilities may be responsible for these pipes, or they may be inside your home.

How much lead is in your family’s tap water can vary considerably, from tiny amounts to concentrations well above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action limit – 15 parts per billion in water. That’s the level at which public utilities must inform the public about lead contamination and take steps to stop it from migrating from pipes into water.

But even water contaminated at lower concentrations than 15 parts per billion can be harmful, especially to kids and pregnant women. The U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control says that “No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.”

Here are the questions you need to ask:

Is the plumbing in my neighborhood or home exposing my family to lead?

Ask your water provider if your tap water enters your home through a lead service line. Although most utilities stopped installing lead lines decades ago, the nation’s aging infrastructure still counts between 3.3 and 6.4 million lead service lines, particularly in older neighborhoods in the Northeast and Midwest.

A 1986 amendment to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act banned the use of lead in plumbing materials, but nearly all houses and apartments built before then still use copper pipes connected by lead solder. As these older pipes and fixtures corrode or the soldering breaks down, lead particles can get into your tap water.

Check your utility’s water report or independently test your water if you live in a structure built before 1986. Newer houses pose less risk but could still harbor lead in the plumbing: the 1986 amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act allowed “lead-free” pipes to contain up to 8 percent lead, or solder and flux up to 0.2 percent. Congress did not tighten these restrictions until 2011.

Does my water utility test its output and take measures to reduce lead contamination?

Since lead gets into water after it leaves the treatment plant, the EPA requires water utilities to test lead content in customer residences and take action if the lead level reaches 15 parts per billion in more than 10 percent of tested homes.

But the EPA regulations contain some important loopholes: they exempt water systems serving fewer than 25 people and well water from the residential lead testing requirement. This exemption affects some 40 million to 45 million Americans.

How do I get the test results for my water?

Public drinking water utilities that regularly test water for contaminants are required to disclose their results. If you live within a utility’s boundaries and do not receive this information by mail, call its local office to request a copy of the report or look for it on the utility’s website. You can call EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 to learn how to get your results.

Consider testing your own tap water if: any homes in your community test positive for lead, if your family lives in a remote or small community that does not test tap water, or if you drink well water.

Test your water through a state-certified commercial laboratory. Labs generally recommend that you collect a sample of cold water that has sat overnight and another sample of cold water after you have run the tap for one minute. The EPA sets its action level at 15 micrograms per liter (ug/L) or parts per billion (ppb), a measurement equivalent to 0.0015 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).

Author,

Megan Boyle

INFANTS’ EXPOSURE TO TOXIC FIRE RETARDANT LINKED TO BABY ITEMS

Evidence of a chemical linked to cancer and hormone disruption was found in the urine of all babies tested for a new study from Duke University. The sources, researchers say, could be nursery gliders, car seats, bassinets and other baby products that might be treated with toxic fire retardant chemicals. The remains of a second chemical also linked to endocrine disruption were found in 93 percent of the infants tested.

The chemicals are TDCIPP (tris(1,3-dichloro-isopropyl)phosphate) and TPHP (triphenyl phosphate). Four years ago, Duke researchers found TDCIPP in 36 percent of the baby products they tested that were purchased between 2000 and 2010. In the new study, the same research group tested the urine collected from 43 babies for evidence of TDCIPP and TPHP, and the results were alarming.

Each of the babies tested had detectable levels of a chemical produced when the body processes TDCIPP, known as a metabolite. A metabolite of TPHP was detected in all but three infants.

Adding to the concern, more infants in this study had extreme levels of the TDCIPP metabolite in their urine, compared to toddlers tested in a separate study conducted last year by Duke and EWG. What’s more, the levels of both chemicals were on average higher than amounts previously found in adults.

The State of California lists TDCIPP as a known carcinogen and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers it a probable human carcinogen. It may also disrupt endocrine signaling – the chemical messages hormones send throughout the body – which is vital during the early stages of a baby’s development. TPHP is also linked to hormone disruption that may cause developmental or reproductive harm.

In the new study, the level of the TDCIPP metabolite in the babies’ urine was closely related to the number of infant products their parents owned. Babies whose parents reported owning more than 16 such products had on average almost seven times more of the metabolite in their urine than babies in families who owned fewer than 13 products. Children who attended daycare centers also had higher levels of the metabolite, suggesting that products there added to their exposure.

This study is not intended to be a warning to parents to avoid buying the things needed to keep their babies safe and comfortable. However, it does mean parents should consider doing their homework before shopping. Not all baby items have added fire retardants, and parents can choose items free of these chemicals.

Read this Guide to Fire Retardants in Children’s Products to learn what you need to know to minimize your family’s exposure to these toxic chemicals.

But smarter shopping may not be enough. The United States’ weak and outdated regulations fail to adequately protect babies or others who are most vulnerable from the effects of toxic chemicals. The system needs reform, so that parents can be confident that the products they buy for their newborns are safe. To learn more, visit EWG’s website on the Toxic Substances Control Act.

The ABC’s of Circumcision

If a little boy is in your future, chances are you will hear the question, “Will you have him circumcised?” In addition to understanding both the pros and cons of this procedure, you will want to consider your family’s personal preferences, as well as any cultural or religious views regarding this.

Confused already? Here is some information to help you sort through all of the above.

As a result of a circumcision, the foreskin (the skin that covers the penis – also called the prepuce) is removed. This is most often done within the first or second day of a baby’s birth. An anesthetic can be used to numb the area, and generally the procedure is completed within 5 to 10 minutes. Health risks are relatively low, especially when performed on a newborn. Risk factors increase to babies older than two months of age, as well as to grown men. The most common complications include bleeding and/or infection in this area.

Why Circumcise?

There has been much debate as to the value of having a circumcision performed. The pros of having this procedure include a:

• lower risk of urinary tract infections, especially in infants;
• lower risk of penile cancers in adult men (however, it should also be noted that this type of cancer is typically rare)
• reduced risk of penile infection and/or swelling; and,
• reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

With all of the above information on the benefits, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has still maintained a position that there are not enough benefits to warrant this procedure as mandatory, because it is not “medically necessary.”

Even with the AAP’s official statement, circumcision remains a common procedure that many parents elect to have done.

If you do decide to circumcise your baby, what should you expect?

• Your baby may experience mild irritation to this area. Most often a petroleum product, such as Vaseline, will minimize this irritation.
• You will need to carefully monitor this area by; cleaning it with water each day and following each diaper change.
• You may see some swelling in this area that will subside after approximately one week.

Of course, if you have any concerns regarding this procedure, use your resources such as your pediatrician or family doctor.

 Author,

 Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Cherishing Your Child

"Everybody's got a hungry heart."
-Bruce Springsteen

"…the precondition for giving is receiving… It is natural to say 'That is a well-cherished child' or 'There is a child who wants cherishing.' We think of cherishment as the emotional equivalent of nourishment. Soul Food."
-Elisabeth Young-Bruehl and Faith Bethelard

Humans are born ready to love, and to be loved. All parents recognize the adoration reserved especially for parents, the small arms reaching up, the joy of infant and parent in their cocoon of mutual delight. Babies expect to be cherished.

This cherishing, this affirmation of the infant from head to toe, teaches the baby who he is. In interaction with the parents, the baby learns "Yes, these are my toes, how good they feel when Dad kisses them!" and "Mom makes that happy noise when I smile at her!" The baby also learns "Mom and Dad love to bathe me, to nurse me, to care for me: I am worth taking care of. I am lovable."

Cherishing our babies is natural, if we listen to our instincts. It is our secret weapon, the nourishment that helps them grow inside, the source of self esteem, the foundation on which their ability to love and be loved rests.

This expectation of being loved is what allows our children to learn so quickly, to risk bumps and scrapes and hurt feelings: the security of knowing that someone who adores them is watching out for them, supporting their growth. Cherishment is the security of unconditional love.

For the parent, cherishing is reveling in being this baby’s parent, being grateful even in the middle of diapers and sleeplessness and colic that this baby was sent to these arms.

But if we have not been cherished ourselves, cherishing can be challenging. When we have been frustrated in our attempts to love and be loved, we may find it difficult to revel in our new baby. We may find ourselves annoyed rather than delighted by her need for our attention, angry rather than sympathetic when he howls. We may avert our eyes from her adoring gaze. We may become uncomfortable when engaged in reciprocal play with our baby and interrupt it without really noticing what we are doing, or even our discomfort.

Often, parents who have not been cherished themselves are envious of the attention the baby receives from others. These parents may insist that the baby adapt to their needs, by, for instance, refusing to adequately babyproof and then becoming angry when the baby persistently attempts to explore the VCR or the stack of magazines.

And for the baby, what happens when this need to cherish and be cherished is frustrated? Frustration, of course, is anger. Lack of being cherished creates an angry child.

Some parents are conditionally accepting. They might adore the baby, for instance, but find it difficult to deal with her when she's angry. What happens? The baby simply rejects the parts of herself that haven't been accepted. The ability to love herself is compromised, shadowed with self hatred; she is not, after all, good enough to evoke what she needs and wants most: cherishing. As she rejects parts of herself, her emotional growth is compromised. (See the Attachment Research for more about the Resistant-ambivalent response.)

The need for cherishing, like all survival needs, doesn’t vanish when thwarted. It goes deep underground. We defend ourselves against this dangerous need that would make us vulnerable; we ward it off with anger, which eventually turns into bitterness.

In extreme cases, the hope of being loved becomes too painful, and the child defends against it by consciously expecting rejection. We all know these children, who become experts at soliciting dislike. In very extreme cases, these can become the kids who are capable, one day, of taking a gun to school and opening fire. The famous researcher Rene Spitz said it most succinctly:

"Infants without love…will end as adults full of hate."

Luckily, virtually all of us get enough cherishment that we don't end up as killers. Few of us, though, get enough of this "soul food" that we don't end up with a heart that is, at times, more hungry than we would like. That hunger, those unmet needs, are what drive all "bad behavior" on the part of our children. Kids whose needs for cherishment are met become cooperative kids. Sure, they'll have times when they're overwhelmed by emotion, or have a hard time regulating their behavior. But these kids WANT to cooperate to please their parent.

Want to raise a happy, cooperative, responsible child? Cherish your baby.

What's Wrong with Pacifiers?

I received a question from a reader recently:

"Should a natural mama ever consider using a pacifier?"

I know there are experts who disagree with me, but the short answer is Yes. Every baby is different and some simply have very strong comfort sucking needs. Most of the time, those needs are met by breastfeeding, but there are plenty of breast-fed babies who still need to suck their thumbs. And while a thumb is definitely a more “natural” choice than a pacifier, there is one clear way in which a pacifier trumps a thumb. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Pacifier manufacturers were given a blank check recently when the American Academy of Pediatrics released a recommendation that babies be given pacifiers at naptime and bedtime through the first year of life because studies show that pacifiers decrease the risk of SIDS.

The recommendation specifies that pacifiers should not be introduced until after one month of age in breastfeeding infants, when, presumably, nursing is well established and the pacifier won’t cause nipple confusion. The artificial nipples of both bottles and pacifiers are easier for a baby to latch onto than breast nipples, which may undermine an infant’s ability to correctly latch onto the breast. In addition to giving mom sore nipples, babies can get so frustrated and upset they refuse to nurse.

Are pacifiers necessary to protect against SIDS?

However, many breastfeeding experts are challenging the AAP recommendation. Their argument? SIDS is thought to result from an infant falling into too deep a sleep before his body has gained the ability to regulate its own arousal. Sucking on a pacifier while sleeping keeps the baby from sleeping as deeply, thus guarding against SIDS. However, Mother Nature has already designed the perfect way to help babies regulate their arousal systems during the early months of life: waking frequently at night to nurse, and sleeping near Mama. In fact, co-sleeping and breastfeeding have both been shown to have a protective effect against SIDS, because the baby’s physiology is kept at a higher level of arousal. His sleep cycles even parallel his mother’s. SIDS was probably unknown before separate bedrooms and cribs were invented, and as both co-sleeping and breastfeeding have increased since 1992, SIDS has decreased.

Given that pacifiers do not offer any particular benefit against SIDS for babies who are already breastfeeding, most breastfeeding experts continue to advise against pacifiers, even after nursing is well established. Why? Frequent nursing is the best way to create a good milk supply, which remains a necessity long after the first month. Babies drink 1/3 of their daily food intake during their night feedings, so using a pacifier to calm a crying baby at night can lead to poor weight gain as well as plugged ducts, mastitis, and a decrease in milk supply. In other words, pacifiers can easily sabotage nursing.

Bonding experts also worry that a baby’s cry is meant to initiate connection, and pacifiers could take the place of love. From a bonding perspective, nursing is not just about feeding a baby, it's about emotional nurturance, or just plain comfort. When a baby cries, she needs to be held and comforted.

In answer to the worry that the baby is just "using the breast as a pacifier," most natural mamas would retort “Isn’t that how nature designed humans? Which would you rather your baby see as her source of comfort: You, or a piece of plastic?”
So if a pacifier is a risk factor for breastfeeding and can even undermine mother-child bonding, why do I say that a natural mama might consider a pacifier?
Simply because I think being dogmatic and judgmental is a disservice to mothers. We know that every baby is different. Some babies need much more comfort sucking than others. Even some breastfed-on-demand babies suck their thumbs or fingers. In fact, some infants suck their thumb or fingers in utero and come out ready to find their thumbs again.

You might argue that a thumb is more natural than a pacifier, and I would have to agree. I would also point out that in the middle of the night, a baby can always find his thumb, when he almost certainly will not be able to locate his pacifier by himself. Toddlers who suck their thumbs are famously the best sleepers. However, neither thumb nor pacifier should be used past the age of five, when the arrival of the permanent teeth nears. And that’s where the pacifier trumps the thumb.

The pacifier habit is far easier to break than the thumb habit, simply because it doesn’t stay on your child’s hand, beckoning. Pacifiers get thrown away, the child mourns, has a tough week, and goes on with her life. But the siren song of the thumb is always there, leading to feelings of shame and anxiety as the poor child tries hard to please her parents, peers and the dentist by giving up her comfort habit.

Of course, there are many kids who give up their thumbs easily. I personally remember doing so, and I would absolutely choose a thumb over a pacifier for my own children. (I breastfed each child well into toddlerhood, and early on with each I rooted for them to find their thumbs, but they never did.)

What is the pacifier made of?

If you’re considering offering your baby a pacifier, there’s one other critical element we haven’t discussed. What is the pacifier made of? Many pacifiers have BPAs in them, although I predict their rapid extinction given all the recent publicity. But other pacifiers aren’t necessarily safe, either. Latex pacifiers leak low levels of nitrosamines, a known carcinogen. Some pacifiers are still made with diisononyl phthalate (DINP) or phthalate esters, which can be released during sterilization. Silicone pacifiers were considered safe for a long time, but are now highly suspect. The only safe pacifier on the market seems to be Natursutten’s rubber pacifier, which has no synthetics or additives, but the instructions say they have to be replaced every five to seven weeks to stay safe, which is costly and inconvenient. And while the Natursutten is currently claimed to be safe, there’s always the problem that what's considered safe today might not be considered safe tomorrow. After all, most of us hadn't heard of BPAs a few years ago.

Author,

Dr. Laura Markham.

Parenting Your Newborn

Congratulations! You have a new baby! Now what?

Welcome to Planet Parenthood, where the sleep is scarce but the love will blow you away. In this section, you'll find your baby's developmental tasks, your priorities, and a simple Parents' Gameplan, all set up to make your life easier when you've only had an hour of sleep and you've got two minutes to read.


Your Newborn's Primary Developmental Tasks:

Learning to eat

Learning to sleep at night

Learning to handle lots of stimulation

Development of trust

Rapid physical and brain development

6. Settling into his body



Your Challenges:

Learning everything about your baby when he was delivered without an owner's manual -- and as soon as you figure it out, he changes!

Renegotiating your entire life.

Getting some sleep.

Your Top Priorities

Learning to feed your baby

Learning how to comfort her

Getting some sleep

Learning how to relax and enjoy the moment (Don't sweat the small stuff -- and it's almost all small stuff.)

Gaining the confidence that you really are the perfect parent for this baby!

Your Strategy:

1. Wear your baby.
She'll cry less. You'll be more in touch with her cues. Babies are designed to be held.

2. Breastfeed.

He’ll be healthier, have a higher IQ, and cry less. You’ll be happier in the middle of all that unfolded laundry. (The hormones that get released when you nurse are similar to those released after orgasm.) Nurse on demand, not on schedule. Get whatever advice you need to get nursing established. As soon as your baby can handle it, nurse at night lying down, so you can doze while she nurses; you won't be so exhausted the next day from night feedings.

3. Sleep whenever and wherever you can.

For me, the family bed was the only way to get any sleep at all. It makes some people anxious. There are now great options, like a baby bunk, that connect right up against your bed so you can't roll on the baby accidentally. Or a baby hammock positioned near your bed, which lets your baby sleep in womblike comfort right next to your bed. My advice is to read as much as you can, and then lose the guilt. Do what works for you and your baby.

4. Plan for the baby to be with Mom or Dad as much as possible for at least the first year.

An infant needs to be with an adult who is crazy about her. That’s too much to expect from a paid caretaker. Not to mention that if the paid caretaker IS crazy about the baby and leaves your employ – and the chances of turnover are very high – your baby will experience it as a tremendous loss. HE doesn’t know this isn’t a second mother. In fact, if he spends most of his waking hours with her, he doesn't know it isn't his primary mother.

5. De-prioritize everything else,

except eating, sleeping and loving, for yourself and the rest of your family. This isn't just for moms. It's amazing how many dads assume their lives can go on as usual when there's a new baby at home.

6. If you stay home with a baby, don’t let yourself get isolated.

At the very least, get out of the house every single day and go for a walk. (No one cares if your hair doesn't look its best, I guarantee.) Or get together with other moms or dads and talk babies. Or politics (For instance, why the U.S. is one of only five countries of 168 studied that doesn't mandate some form of paid maternal leave, putting us on par with Papua New Guinea, Lesotho, and Swaziland!)

10 Must-Know Baby and Toddler Nap Facts.

We’ve written quite a bit about baby and toddler naps here on the blog, so if you’ve been following our site for awhile, you’ve had the chance to read a lot of baby and toddler nap tips and tidbits. But, some of you are new moms  and we strive to educate all of our parents on the importance of good sleep and how to achieve it!

Today, we’re presenting you with 10 must-know facts about your baby’s or toddler’s naps. Think of it as your nap “cheat sheet”. ??

10 Things You Need To Know About Baby and Toddler Naps

The first nap of the day is the most important. This isn’t to say that other naps aren’t also important. But the first nap of the day tends to be the most restorative, setting the tone for the day, and it’s generally the one that produces the best sleep for babies and young toddlers.

Most babies don’t transition to one nap at 12 months; most transition to one nap between 15-18 months. There seems to be a prevailing opinion out there that at the one year mark, babies should suddenly transition from two naps to one. And some will, with no problem. But we’re here to tell you that making the 2-to-1 nap transition at 12 months isn’t the norm for most babies. In fact, most babies aren’t ready to move to one nap a day until 15-18 months.

Most 6 month old babies aren’t ready for just 2 naps per day; most still need 3 (or even 4). Just as there’s a misconception that all 12 month old babies are ready to transition to one nap per day, there’s also a misconception that 6 month old babies are ready to transition to just 2 naps each day. We think this misconception is at least party due to a recommendation that Weissbluth makes in his book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. In the book, Weissbluth states that only 16% of babies need a third nap after 5 months. Keep in mind this statistic came from a study of a limited number of children.
We are not discounting Weissbluth’s studies, but we do take it with a grain of salt, since all babies vary in their ability (particularly mood-wise) to stay awake for long periods of time. In our extensive work with families, we’ve found that far more than 16% of babies appear to need 3 naps at 6, 7, even 8 months of age. Therefore, we usually tell parents not to rush into a 2 nap schedule with their 6 month old babies. Doing that increases the chances that their 6 month olds will become overtired, which will in turn affect their night sleep. We’ve found it’s better to stick to a 3 nap schedule (or even a 4 nap schedule) and then gradually transition to a 2 nap schedule around 8 months.

Your child’s nap needs will change greatly between birth and 18 months. Greatly. This just makes sense if you think about it — newborns nap pretty much constantly during the day, while an 18 month old needs just 1 nap. That’s a lot of change during a relatively short period of time!
So, how many naps does your baby or toddler need in the first 18 months of life? You can read this article for detailed information, but here’s the short version:

*1-3 MONTHS — 4-5 naps per day, depending on how long his naps are and how long he can stay up between naps.

*3-4 MONTHS — 4 naps.

*5-8 MONTHS — probably 3 naps (though some will need 4 until after 7 months). A few babies will only have 2 naps at a very young age, but those naps are usually long.

*9-15 MONTHS — 2 naps. Some babies will transition to 1 nap at 12 months, but that’s not common.

*15-18 MONTHS — 1-2 naps. The transition from 2 naps to 1 usually happens in this window of time.

*18 MONTHS-4 YEARS — 1 nap. The age to transition away from all napping varies a lot, from 2 to 5+ years old, but the average age is between 3 and 4 years old.

If your baby or toddler sleeps well at night, that doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll nap well during the day. Remember, nap sleep is different than night sleep. Naps happen during daylight hours, when the sun’s up and when it tends to be noisy and busy. External factors like that can make it hard for a baby or toddler to nap well. And many families struggle with keeping a consistent daily nap routine in place — because life tends to get in the way! That, too, can make it hard for a baby or toddler to nap consistently. Contrast that with nights — it’s dark, it’s (usually) quiet, and everyone is (usually) at home. That at least partly explains why many babies and toddlers who sleep just fine at night struggle with their naps.

On-the-go, “moving” naps aren’t as restorative as naps that happen at home, in bed. This might come as a bit of a surprise, but it’s true — naps that happen “on the go” (in a moving car, for example, or in a moving stroller or shopping cart) aren’t as restorative as naps that happen on a non-moving surface (like a bed). They aren’t as long, for one thing, and during a “moving” nap, your baby’s or toddler’s sleep won’t be as deep. The occasional on-the-go nap isn’t a big deal, of course; sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do. But if the majority of your baby’s or toddler’s naps are happening in the car, or in a stroller, you may need to rethink your daytime routines and schedule.

It’s possible for your baby or toddler to nap too much. Yes, we realize that this particular “problem” doesn’t plague most of you. ?? But it’s true; some babies and toddlers nap too much, and it negatively affects their nighttime sleep. How much nap time sleep is too much? You can check out this article for details, but here’s a fast breakdown:

*INFANT STAGE (birth – 4 months) — newborns will sleep 14-18 total hours during the day. To maximize nighttime sleep, limit naps to two hours, and try to keep your baby awake for 30 minutes between naps. (Need help with newborn sleep? Take a look at our newborn e-Book.)

*BABY STAGE (4-12 months) — babies need 13-15 total hours of sleep during the day. 2-4 of these hours should be naps (depending on how much sleep your baby is getting at night.)

*TODDLER STAGE (12 months – 3 or 4 years) — 1-3 hours of total naptime is considered normal and healthy.

Educate yourself on when common nap transitions occur, and how to manage them. Nap transitions are likely to occur at the following times:

*3-4 MONTHS — baby transitions from 5 naps to 4.

*5-6 MONTHS — baby transitions from 4 naps to 3.

*8-9 MONTHS — baby transitions from 3 naps to 2.

*15-18 MONTHS — toddler transitions from 2 naps to 1.

As for how to handle these nap transitions? We have loads of resources on that very topic in our Members Area – keep reading for details!

If a nap just isn’t happening, know when to give up and try again later. We end up dispensing this advice quite often to our consultation clients who we are working on nap training: don’t waste too much time trying to make a nap happen. No sense in spending 3 hours trying to force an afternoon nap to happen — at that point, you’re probably closer to bedtime than you are to naptime!

When your toddler is finally done taking naps, consider replacing nap time with “rest time”. It’s always a little sad when your toddler finally ages out of his naps. Gone are those one or two hours of peace, when mom or dad could get some work done, catch up on chores, or take a nap themselves! However, the end of nap time doesn’t have to mean the end of your afternoon peace and quiet. Simply replace nap time with rest time.

BONUS NAP TIP: We like you so much, we’re squeezing in a bonus tip for you! This one deals with short naps, an all-too-common problems for the parents in our Baby Sleep Site® community. The fact is, short naps are normal for newborns and young babies, but by about 6 months of age, most babies are able to take longer naps. Want all the details on why short naps happen, and how to fix the problem? Check out this article on short baby naps.

Moving from Crib to Bed

When your child moves from crib to bed it’s a milestone in his life as well as yours. There is no precise time for making this move, though typically it’s between the first and third birthday. The key to success is to be patient and allow your child time to adjust to the change.

Why move a child from crib to bed?

If a child sleeps well in his crib, don’t rush the change. Switching to a bed gives a child freedom and brings new issues for parents, such as the yo-yo syndrome or early morning wanderings. The most common reasons to switch:

• Your child learns how to climb. –  Move your child out of the crib when the rail is up to the level of his nipples, since climbing out is more possible.
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• Your child outgrows the crib. –  Don’t assume it’s time! You may think that he’s uncomfortable, but he may be content in his little nest.
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• Your child asks for a bed. – If she’s old enough, then go ahead and take the leap.
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• Your child is learning how to use the toilet.— Even if your child uses the toilet during the day, it’s often a long while before bedtime dryness happens.
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• A new sibling is on the way. – If your little one loves his crib, then ousting him to make room for the newcomer may add stress. If you feel that the time is right then make the change two months or more before your newborn arrives.
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What kind of bed should my child move to?

There are a number of options for a child’s first bed:

• Toddler bed – These are small, low and child-sized. They have guard rails on all sides, and come in playful designs.
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• Regular bed – A common choice is a mattress, box springs and bed frame (with all sides protected from fall-outs). Consider a double or bigger size to accommodate the night-reading ritual.
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• Mattress on the floor – A popular choice is a mattress or futon on the floor. This provides your little one with a big-kid bed, but one that prevents any painful falls.
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• Bunk bed – ?Hold off on a bunk bed until your child is 6 years old, when it is considered safe.
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How do we make the change?

Which approach is best for you will depend on your reasons for making the change, your child’s personality, and the size of his room. Here are a few options:

• Big-kid bed hoopla:  Some children enjoy having an official Big Kid Day party. Set up the bed, decorate the room and add a few sleep-related gifts like books and stuffed animals.
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• One-step-at-a-time:  Take the mattress out of the crib and place it on the floor in the place as the crib was. This gives your child the same sleeping surface and view of the room as he’s accustomed to. Place guard rails around the sides to create a crib-like enclosure. Keep the same bedding and crib toys. This is a mid-step between the crib and a real bed.
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• The gradual introduction:  Set up the new bed in the same room with the crib. Allow your child to play on the bed and nap there. Do your bedtime reading in the new bed. This will help your child get used to the bed gradually.
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Patience and encouragement

No matter which path you choose – be patient. Big steps toward growth often happen in spurts, and your child may be excited to welcome the change one day, but wary of it the next. Maintain your nightly bedtime routine and help your child develop a positive association with his new bed, since he’ll be sleeping there for many years to come.

By Elizabeth Pantley

7 BREASTFEEDING TIPS FOR MOMS-TO-BE

It’s tempting to get so wrapped up in planning and thinking about our labor and birth (and the nursery color scheme!) that we can easily forget that we actually have to care for our sweet littles once they’re out.

One of the biggest areas of concern for first-time-moms is breastfeeding. And it should be – it’s a huge deal both in terms of nourishment and comfort of the baby, as well as commitment and work for the new mother.

Unfortunately breastfeeding—as natural as it is—can also be difficult for some.

Every woman experiences it differently – some with very little problem, others with challenges they never even dreamed of.

Although there’s no way of knowing for certain how exactly your body and baby will respond, there are a few measures you can take to prepare yourself.

HERE ARE SEVEN SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP YOU GET READY FOR TAKING ON THE BREASTFEEDING LEARNING CURVE.

1) GET EDUCATED.

Attend a breastfeeding class, find some breastfeeding resources online, read an informative book, and/or ask to speak with a lactation consultant if possible. You can’t put a pricetag on good information and it will help empower you for the journey and task ahead! Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, the mechanics of it, the stages of how your breasts and milk change and develop, as well as the common difficulties that women encounter (latch issues, engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis, etc). The more you know, the more likely you are to perservere in the event that things get off to a rocky start. (One of the best comprehensive online resources I’ve found is www.kellymom.com)

2) GET TALKING.

As much as you’re able, try to share your desires to breastfeed as well as how it all works with your partner. Talk about your reasons/motivations, your goals and level of commitment, as well as how it all works. Also talk about some of the potential issues that commonly arise and the fact that the first several weeks can be tricky. (Assure him that it normally gets easier and more “normal” by about week six, if not sooner.) It will help him to feel a little more included as he looks on from the outside to this special part of parenthood reserved exclusively for mothers. If he feels informed and included he’s much more likely to support you (and understand why you are trying to stick with it in the event a problem arises). Ideally, get him to attend a breastfeeding information workshop with you.

3) GET FRIENDS.

Try to find two or three mom-friends who have sucessfully breastfed their babies that you can call on when you need to. Most likely you will have questions as you go and you’ll need real-time support in some form or another – whether it’s another woman to problem-solve with or just for a word of encouragement in a moment of difficulty. Experienced friends can be a lifesaver.

4) GET SOOTHIES.

Buy some soothies or other similar gel pads that can be refrigerated between uses. These simple pads help sooth sore nipples between feeds and are especially helpful during the first few weeks while your breasts are adjusting to all of the changes. (And your sweet little cherub/barracuda!) An experienced friend sent me some when I had my first baby and they were the best gift I didn’t know I needed!(Tip: if you can’t find gel pads in a store near you, or just don’t want to spend the money, you can also use frozen cabbage leaves to accomplish the same cooling sensation.)

5) GET SUPPLIES.

Have a box of breast pads on hand to absorb excess milk so you don’t get stuck with embarassing leaky boobs in public (or have to do any more laundry than you absolutely have to). You should also pick up a small tube of Lansinoh nipple cream (or another recommended brand) in case you get sore, cracked nipples. Be warned though – don’t go stockpiling these things because you may not end up needing them. (Leaking isn’t a given – I never did end up using more than a few breast pads. Of course that did mean a couple of my friends were very grateful for my unused donations!)

6) GET SUPPORT.

Literally. As in… nursing tanks or bras! I’m personally a big fan of nursing tank tops. They are so comfortable and easy to get started in since you don’t have to mess with both a bra and a shirt at once. (Invaluable for those first few weeks and the steep learning curve.) Use them on their own or use them under another shirt so that your belly isn’t exposed when you lift up your normal shirt (awkward!). I used nursing tanks around the clock when I started breastfeeding since they also provide a comfortable way to remain supported at night. Two years later  you can still catch me sporting these tanks. LOVE them!!

7) GET COVERED.

Many people aren’t comfortable with public breastfeeding. If this is you, buy or make a nursing cover. It will help you feel more private and confident to breastfeed in front of others if you have a simple cover-up that allows for privacy without getting in the way of you and baby. A nursing cover allows you to see your baby (and see as you adjust yourself), and the strap that goes around your neck leaves you hands free to hold and adjust as needed. I used my nursing cover all. the. time. during my first few months breastfeeding and have since bought them as baby shower gifts for nearly all of my pregnant friends. (Warning: there comes a time when most babies disdain these covers which limit their curious, growing minds and ability to look around while they feed! By then you should be much more comfortable with your own abilities and body anyway, so most likely it won’t be a drama.)

Meconium – What Is It? Everything You Need To Know

A few days after birth, babies pass their first bowel movement which is called meconium. This sticky, tar-like substance is green-black in colour, and is simply waste produced in your baby’s intestine during pregnancy. Sometimes babies pass meconium before or during labour. If the mother’s waters break and meconium is noticed, it can cause care providers to become concerned about the baby’s wellbeing. 

Meconium may pass shortly after birth, even if baby has yet to feed. For many babies though, it will pass after they begin breastfeeding. The nutrient dense colostrum has a laxative effect and helps baby to pass the first few sticky bowel movements. 

What Is Meconium?

 Babies regularly swallow amniotic fluid from around 14 weeks of pregnancy. The amniotic fluid is important for fetal development, containing mucus, baby’s hair (lanugo), intestinal cells, bile and water. The fluid passes through to the baby’s small intestine, which removes and absorbs the water. Any debris left behind is passed to the large bowel.

 This begins to build up, forming a sludgy tar-like substance called meconium. By the time the baby is full term, the meconium has filled most of the intestine. In the first days after birth, your breasts produce colostrum. This substance has many positive benefits and has a natural laxative effect, helping to move the meconium from your baby’s bowel. Usually this happens within the first 12 hours following birth of a full term baby.

 If meconium hasn’t been passed within 48 hours of birth, caregivers may suspect intestinal obstruction. Meconium Before Birth If a baby passes meconium before birth, the amniotic fluid is stained and appears greenish in colour. The baby will also become covered in meconium, especially if there is a lot of vernix (waxy coating on skin). The baby may also swallow (not to be confused with aspirate) the meconium, which will not do any harm. Babies who pass meconium before birth can do so because their digestive system has matured. They’re more likely to pass meconium before birth the longer they go past their due dates. 

It can also be caused by a sudden and short compression of the cord or head. The momentary lack of oxygen can cause the sphincter muscles to relax, allowing the meconium to be pushed out. Often the heads of babies are quite compressed in the final moments of birth and some are found to have a trail of meconium when their bodies are born. Meconium stained waters occurs in about 20% of full term births. 

Is Meconium Dangerous?

 If a woman’s waters break and meconium staining is noticed, it can cause a great deal of concern. If the colour of the water is greenish, usually this is an indication the meconium has only recently been passed. A brownish, yellow colour would indicate the meconium was passed some time earlier and is old. The main concern with meconium stained fluid is the possibility of the baby having meconium on the lungs. This is known as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). 

What Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome? 

During pregnancy, babies’ lungs are filled with amniotic fluid and if there is meconium it can get into the airways. During labour, if a baby is severely distressed and lacks oxygen for long enough, it’s possible for the baby to gasp and inhale any meconium present. When inhaled, it can partially or completely block the baby’s airways, making breathing very difficult and reducing the amount of oxygen the baby receives. MAS can also cause a chemical irritation of the airways increasing breathing difficulty. Infection of the lungs is possible, as is inactivation of surfactant by the meconium. Surfactant is a substance that helps the lungs expand properly. Of 20% of babies with meconium stained waters, around 2-5% will go on to develop MAS. Signs of MAS include: Rapid breathing (tachypnea) Laboured breathing or grunting Suspended breathing (apnea) Low APGAR scores (colour, muscle tone, reflexes) Cyanosis (blue colour on skin) Over distended chest.

 What Is The Treatment For Meconium Aspiration? 

Current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics state babies who have inhaled meconium should no longer be suctioned intrapartum (during birth). Previous practice would be to suction the baby once the head was born. This is longer standard practice. If a baby has inhaled meconium and is active, appears well and has a good heart rate (above 100 beats per minute), care providers should monitor for signs of MAS that may appear in the first 24 hours. Babies who have inhaled meconium and are not active, have low heart rates (under 100 beats per minute), limp with poor muscle tone, are likely to need immediate suctioning. Care providers will aim to clear the baby’s airway as much as possible to limit how much meconium is inhaled. A tube is inserted into the baby’s windpipe through the mouth or nose. Babies with MAS are likely to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit or special care nursery. They will be monitored for signs of infection, have frequent blood tests and may need oxygen treatment. Some babies with severe MAS may develop pneumonia. Most babies with severe MAS will experience wheezing and lung infections in the first 12 months of life but this should improve as their lungs develop new air sacs.

 How Can I Avoid MAS? 

The most obvious way to avoid a stressed baby is to have a calm and supportive birth environment and birth support. If a woman is disturbed and stressed during labour, this can have cause contractions to slow or stall. This can lead to the cascade of interventions to hurry it along, which further contributes to fetal distress. Read our 8 tips to help slow or stalled labours. Interventions such as artificial rupture of membranes (breaking the waters), constant fetal monitoring, and induction or augmentation with artificial oxytocin can all cause your baby to become distressed. If your waters break and meconium is present, this will usually lead to monitoring, which reduces your ability to move. If the meconium is thin and your care provider has determined your baby’s heart rate is fine, choose an upright birth position which allows the contractions to push fluid from the baby’s lungs and down out of the mouth and nose. Allowing the cord to continue pulsating to provide oxygen to your baby while transitioning to breathing air into the lungs. …

 It’s important to remember that meconium staining can occur in the absence of fetal distress and not all babies who become stressed pass meconium. It’s very rarely a problem and care providers can help prevent this event from happening by avoiding the use of interventions which increase the likelihood of fetal distress. Most babies who pass meconium before the birth are post dates (beyond their estimated due date) and it’s simply a sign of a functioning digestive system. It’s no longer recommended to suction babies at birth but to monitor as necessary. Parents should be aware of the signs of MAS and seek professional attention if they become concerned about their baby’s breathing.