How can you prepare your home for twins?
Having twins is twice as much happiness but also double the effort and expense. With this in mind, you may want to use your time during pregnancy to prepare yourself intensively for the special mission of welcoming two newborns to your home at once. What should you consider? What should you check? What should be on the shopping list? Today’s post is dedicated to these things.
Do not wait until the last moment
Every parent of twins will admit that taking care of two babies is more than working full-time – it is a 24 hour a day job. When one baby is asleep, the other is awake. When one is hungry, the other one is too. Feeding, putting them to sleep, bathing, going for walks, washing twice as many clothes – when tasks keep multiplying, proper planning as well as organization of time and space become a must.
To prepare, start as soon as possible, preferably from the beginning of pregnancy. Especially because of financial issues. Maybe the shopping to arrange your home and its layout should be done in stages or you may choose to save up so you can take care of all the shopping at the end of your pregnancy.
Examine your home and its nearest surroundings
Having learnt that they are going to have twins, many people ask themselves the question: “Will there be enough room at home with two babies?” Approach the issue as a challenge rather than a problem, and consider the economic and ergonomic organization of the existing space.
It is good if there is at least another room with a door, other than the nursery, or space for a crib in your bedroom. During the day, the babies like to wake each other up, so you may want to put them to sleep in separate rooms. If there is no such room, consider creating one, if possible of course.
The immediate surroundings are also of importance. Check the width of the corridors in the staircase, stairs or elevator door (an elevator will definitely come in handy). Analyze what it is like to move around the neighborhood – examine the entrances to the local shops and the widths of local pavements. Remember that you must squeeze into all those places with a double pram, which is much wider than a standard one. Such a preliminary reconnaissance can help in making the optimum choice, so you can get around with two tiny passengers as comfortably as possible. Think also where you are going to “park” your pram. In the staircase? In the car? Or in the bicycle storage room in your building? – if so, make sure you have the keys. Check when low-floor buses stop at the nearest bus stop – this may be useful to know even if you usually travel by car.
Feeding
At the initial stage of looking after the babies, you will spend almost the whole day feeding them, with breaks of course. This is why it is so important for you to have a snug and comfortable place for it – something like a control center combined with a relaxation corner. Pick a bed rather than a wide couch or an armchair – it will be more comfortable for you to feed both babies at the same time. Invest in a special nursing pillow, which substantially improves the comfort of both the mother and the children. Prepare a place within your reach where you can keep something to eat or drink, a remote control, an e-book reader, books, magazines and other items to enjoy the breastfeeding time. You may also want to buy a bedside lamp with a pleasant mild glow, comfortable large pillows for your back and soft blankets for you and your babies.
What may be useful?
Changing nappies
While the nappies for one baby can be changed in various places, if you have twins you need a comfortable and well organized area. This makes the changing and care activities easier, as does keeping everything neat and tidy, significant if you have two babies to look after.
What may be useful?
Bathing
In the initial period, until the babies learn to sit unsupported, you can only bathe them one at a time. Once they learn to sit by themselves, you may try to bathe them together. Use mats where you can fix special arm and back supports. The babies should sit facing each other, so the whole evening ritual becomes tremendous fun. We have already mentioned the importance of good space organization if you have twins. This applies especially to bathing, as the whole process should be quick and smooth to prevent the babies from getting cold. Make sure you have everything you need properly arranged in the bathroom, and where possible install an extra changing pad there.
What may be useful?
Putting them to sleep
It is one of the most complicated issues in looking after twins. But do not worry, everything can be resolved in time. In the first 4-5 months of the babies’ lives, they can sleep in one crib. Lay them down across the bed. The closeness of the brother or sister has a calming effect on babies. However, you must remember that after a few months, when they start to roll onto their tummies or to the sides, they will need separate beds. Besides, sleeping together is a good idea for the night, and even this is not always the case. Consider additional sleeping places and “cots” to separate the babies and prevent a situation where one wakes up the other.
If the babies are going to sleep with you at times, you may want to install special protective barriers along the sides.
What may be useful?
Revised by: Justyna Maslanka
September 8, 2023
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- author: Justyna Maslanka
A sleeping sack for a baby equals safe sleep for a child. Why is it worth choosing this option for your little one? Check the advantages of a crib sleeping sack - one of the necessary essentials for your baby .
Why is it worth choosing a sleeping sack?
Appropriate crib equipment is one of the biggest challenges for new and experienced moms alike. Healthy, comfortable and safe sleep of a child is a priority for proper development. And this is where sleeping sacks for newborns come in - in various patterns and colors, and also practical, comfortable and warm. What other advantages do baby sleeping bags have?
The reasons why it is worth investing in a sleeping sack for a crib are:
SAFETY
- Reduces the risk of SIDS. The baby will not cover his own face while sleeping and will not turn over on his stomach and thus will not limit his access to oxygen.
- Prevents you from being uncovered at night. The child will not unzip the sleeping sack on its own, thanks to which it will not get cold while sleeping.
- Keeps your baby at a constant temperature. The baby sleeping sack is made of natural materials, thanks to which it maintains a constant temperature, does not overheat and at the same time does not cool down the body.
- Reduces the number of night awakenings.
- Creates sleeping habits and helps you fall asleep on your own.
CONVENIENCE
The child wakes up at night for various reasons, and one of them is hypothermia (discovering itself at night), lack of comfort and convenience during sleep. Sleeping sack effectively eliminates these disadvantages because:
- Thanks to high-quality cotton and anti-allergic filling, the child's skin breathes and is not exposed to irritation.
- It has a well-thought-out shape, i.e. the bottom of the sleeping sack is slightly expanded, thanks to which the child has more space for the feet. He also has free hands, so nothing binds him or pinches him.
- At the end of the zipper, a fabric cover is sewn in to protect the baby's neck and face.
- The baby sleeping sack is light and soft, which provides incredible convenience and comfort.
- There are no uncomfortable snaps or Velcro that could pinch the baby.
- It is a great alternative to a quilt and a blanket, so all you have to do is dress your baby in pajamas and put it in a sleeping sack. You don't need to use any other accessories.
PRACTICALITY
Sleeping sacks for newborns are undoubtedly very functional and greatly facilitate the care of the baby. The advantages in this regard are:
- It will work just as well at home as in travel. You can take it with you everywhere.
- The child can stay in it while being in a crib, on a sofa or in a stroller. Always comfortable, safe and stylish.
- Many baby sleeping sacks can be washed in the washing machine without any worries, which is practical and allows you to maintain hygiene.
- It is fastened with a full-length zipper, so it is convenient, quick and easy to put the baby in and out.
- The zipper is unfastened from the top and bottom, which allows, for example, changing the diaper without removing the baby from the sleeping sack.
- It's easy to take the baby in your arms when it's in the sleeping sack, so you can put baby to sleep quickly, and then to bed without waking fear of baby waking up.
MANY DIFFERENT DESIGNS
When completing a nursery for a newborn, parents are primarily interested in the safety and practicality of things, but let's not hide that the baby sleeping sack's appearance is also important. Today:
- You can easily adjust them to the gender of the child, because you can choose from typical girl's, boy's and universal patterns.
- You can easily match the sleeping sack to the entire nursery set up and theme with the color or pattern. If, for example, a baby's room is decorated in a bohemian style, a sleeping sack in beige colors will be perfect there.
- You can easily adjust the sleeping sack to the size of the child, because you can choose between sleeping sacks for children from 0 to 6 months and from 6 to 18 months. There are even sleeping sacks that are more custom fit for 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months, and 9 to 12 months.
- You can adjust the sleeping sack to the season, because you can buy a summer, all-season, and additionally insulated version.
PROFITABLE INVESTMENT
A crib sleeping sack is definitely the right choice because:
- It is made of high-quality materials, so you can be sure that it will last for a long time, even after repeated washing.
- It is sewn by hand, with attention to every, even the smallest detail, which ensures durability and reliability.
- You can safely use the sleeping sack with another child, because the material effectively retains its properties, does not pill and does not lose its colors.
- It is also an investment in the healthy development of your child, because you care about good sleeping habits. A baby sleeping sack can be part of the evening ritual that makes it easier to fall asleep.
A GREAT GIFT IDEA
Are you going to a baby shower? Someone close to you has just given birth and you are going to visit them? Are you looking for a practical gift for new parents? Buy a baby sleeping sack. Certainly, parents will make use of it and will be grateful to you for such a functional and high-quality gift. In addition, you can be sure that you are buying a 100% safe gift, because the material is Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified in class I.
Click and order a sleeping bag for a child
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Caring for a baby's bottom is a routine activity that a parent performs every day. One of the most important parts of baby care is changing the diaper. Frequent changing of the newborn and airing the baby's bottom will help in the prevention of diaper rash and diaper dermatitis.
Changing the baby should always be done after a bowel movement, at least every 3 hours, and preferably before each feeding of the baby, so that the baby is calm and the wet diaper does not interfere with eating. In addition, the newborn often defecates during feeding.
Diapering a newborn in the first month of its life is a frequent care procedure performed by the parent, on average 8 to 12 times a day. Infant - a child after 28 days of age, soils the diaper less often, about 6-8 per day. When changing your baby, you should remember certain rules:
Changing the diaper should be adapted to the baby's sleeping and waking rhythm.
Use warm water and a cotton swab or hand-warmed hypoallergenic wet wipes to clean your baby's bottom.
The baby's bottom should be washed from front to back to prevent fecal bacteria from entering the urethra or private area in girls.
Dry your baby's buttocks thoroughly before applying the cream to the baby's bottom and putting the new diaper on.
You cannot pull the baby's feet or legs - you should always gently lift the baby's pelvis, putting your hand under the buttocks or putting your hand between the baby's legs, grabbing the thigh near the buttocks.
The place for changing the baby should be arranged ergonomically, so that the mother or father does not have to bend down excessively, and all the changing accessories are within reach.
You can use reusable diapers (cloth or flannel diapers) or disposable diapers to change your baby. It all depends on the convenience and wealth of the parent's wallet. It is worth mentioning that modern disposable diapers already have the necessary approvals, are highly absorbent and at the same time airy. However, they can sometimes lead to sensitization of the baby's bottom region.
In addition to diapers for the baby, for the care of the baby's bottom, you need:
Cosmetics for children must be certified by the National Institute of Hygiene and the Institute of Mother and Child. Important information for a parent, which should also be on the packaging of a cosmetic for a child, is its composition, purpose and expiration date.
Every parent should know that improper care of the baby's buttocks area can contribute to diaper rash. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow the hygiene rules for the baby's sensitive area and the use of appropriate cosmetics for the baby's bottom. It should be remembered that sometimes plain water with soap for babies and airing the bottom prevent chafing.
Article verified by an expert:
Monika Łapczyńska, MSC
Midwife, physiotherapist, childbirth school instructor, 1st degree masseuse, physical recreation instructor, graduate of the Medical University of Warsaw.
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If there are no health contraindications, nothing prevents you from making love while pregnant. Let’s dispel the most common myths about intercourse during pregnancy and describe the positions that are safe for pregnant women. I will also explain the most common doubts about intercourse in each trimester of pregnancy.
Making Love During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Some prospective parents give up making love during pregnancy for fear of hurting their baby. And that's a mistake! Penetration during intercourse will not hurt your baby. The fetus is well protected inside the amniotic sac - no microbes or sperm will penetrate it. The uterus is also tightly closed by a layer of mucus at the mouth of the cervix.
Intercourse during pregnancy - until when?
In a healthy pregnancy, you can have intercourse until birth. Intercourse in late pregnancy does not threaten miscarriage if the pregnancy is normal. The baby is safe even though uterine contractions occur during orgasm. In the last weeks of pregnancy, orgasm can trigger the so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions that may last up to 30 minutes after intercourse.
Caution is advised when a woman is pregnant with multiple births. You have to give up intercourse from about the 20th week of pregnancy. If there are complications - it should be done well in advance. It is crucial to talk to your doctor and give his opinion about it
Making love in the 9th month of pregnancy is one of the methods of naturally inducing labor. It releases oxytocin (a hormone that induces and maintains labor) - so doctors sometimes recommend that parents have intercourse if delivery is delayed. It is true that there is no compelling evidence for this, but it is always worth trying if your due date has passed. Semen contains prostaglandins, substances that cause the cervix to open up. Of course, it will only work when there is time to give birth. The cervix becomes sensitive to the hormones in the semen only after 38-39. week of pregnancy.
Contraindications to intercourse during pregnancy – when not to have it
The main contraindication to having sex is a high-risk pregnancy. The doctor may also abstain in other situations.
Intercourse during pregnancy - contraindications:
multiple pregnancy
cervical failure
early delivery ahead of schedule.
vaginal bleeding
drainage of amniotic fluid
leading or low descending placenta
sexually transmitted disease in either partner (in this case, consumation in a condom is recommended).
Positions
First trimester - Passion in the first trimester of pregnancy is possible in any position. At this stage, the woman's belly does not yet make intercourse difficult. At the beginning of pregnancy, however, the pregnant woman may not want to have intercourse. This is the time when her body undergoes a huge revolution - as a result, she is often irritable, tired and may suffer from nausea.
Second trimester - Second trimester pregnancy can be a lot of satisfaction. It may be more difficult to find a comfortable position for intercourse at this stage.
The third trimester of pregnancy is the time when weight and a large belly make it difficult to find a comfortable position. Those that require a woman to lie on her stomach are omitted, and those that require more activity than a woman may be too tiring for her. In addition, there are concerns as to whether intercourse will harm the baby.
Calm down: intercourse in the third trimester of pregnancy is completely safe! If you need physical intimacy, you can have make love with your partner as often as you both like. However, pregnancy must be normal. Partners must be careful and avoid certain positions and practices. It is recommended, inter alia, resignation from the classic position in which the partner could compress the woman's abdomen and breasts.
Problems with Intercouse during pregnancy
During pregnancy, especially in the first months, some women may complain of low libido. It is difficult to exude eroticism when you fall asleep standing up or feel constantly nauseous. It also happens that even after these unpleasant ailments pass after the first trimester, the desire begins to weaken due to pain in the spine and an uncomfortable large abdomen. Future mothers may also be afraid that the changes taking place in their bodies have made them unattractive - and thus they lose the desire for intercourse.
Remember, intimacy between partners can be achieved not only through intimate contact. If you or your partner do not feel ready for intercourse and penetration, you can show affection in another way: caress each other with your lips, kiss each other for a long time, massage each other (make sure that massage oil can be used by pregnant women!) Or after by simply hugging while watching your favorite movie.
According to psychologists, a pregnant woman's sensual life may be influenced by how she reacted to the news about pregnancy. If the pregnancy surprised her, the woman feels that it means the end of her freedom and career, and she may subconsciously transfer her bitterness and reluctance onto her partner. Some women also have lower libido when they finally manage to get into the long-awaited pregnancy.
If you're worried that you've stopped attracting your partner, think about it, are you sure that's what he thinks? Sometimes the future dad feels uncomfortable with his pregnant partner, especially if he has not had contact with young children so far or you are the first pregnant woman in the family. A man may be less spontaneous because he subconsciously fears that he will do something to his partner or child. It's worth talking about how you feel. It usually helps.
The pregnant woman's bust is enlarged and very sensitive. Therefore, the partner must remember this and refrain from daring caresses of the breasts. The woman, from the outset, should clearly let her partner know what touch she enjoys, and when the caress becomes too intense.
During oral intimacy, which is not forbidden during pregnancy, the partner should be careful not to blow air into the pregnant woman's privates. Pressurized air into the vagina can cause air embolism (a very rare complication) that can be dangerous for both women and babies.
Please read the package leaflet carefully before using a condom. Condoms that have the appropriate approvals and have been tested, are completely safe for the baby and mother (even those with spermicide). Spermicides have no effect on the implanted embryo in the uterus.
If you have not experienced an allergic reaction to a particular type of condom before pregnancy, you can still use it during pregnancy.
Written by Katherine Imiolek
]]>Having a second child is a big decision that parents don't always make consciously - many prefer to just rely on ... chance. However, if you are thinking about your own and your family's well-being and wondering when is the best time for a second pregnancy, below we try to advise you with the help of psychologists.
Second child: better one year apart or a few years apart?
Statistical studies show that the more difficult it is for parents to decide on a second child, the greater the age difference between the children. Families with 2-4 years of difference are more common. So it seems that, at least from the point of view of most parents, it is better to have a second child shortly after the first. Although the 6-8-year-old distance model is also quite popular; the older child becomes independent, and the mother can easily take care of the other baby.
When is the best time to have a second child?
The second child should appear when the family is ready for it. The financial situation, work and career, play a huge role. It is much more difficult to decide on a second or third child for a woman who has a stable professional position, an open path to promotions and good earnings. People employed in less exposed positions, especially in regions affected by unemployment, also think with anxiety about the second child.
"Parents, when deciding to have a second child, take into account not only the financial situation of the family, but also want to avoid or take advantage of something" - explains the psychologist Krystyna Zielinska. “If the age difference between children is small, then you can use the same clothes or equipment twice. If, on the other hand, the second child is born after six or seven years, you can count on greater peace of mind: one baby is already large and quite independent, he is also often willing to help in caring for the baby "- adds the psychologist.
Parents also reflect on the competition of their children, fearing, sometimes rightly, that a small difference will result in constant quarrels and disputes: about the toy, for the favors of mom and dad, even for clothes. On the other hand, they explain to themselves that children of similar age are able to organize their own time perfectly and have good contact with each other.
When to have a second child - what is best for children?
Psychologists say there is no perfect age difference. Each one has its pros and cons and it all really depends on the atmosphere in the family.
Little age difference
Practical reasons certainly speak for a small age difference between siblings, i.e. about 2-3 years. “The kids play together, they have common friends and topics for conversation. It is also a convenient age difference for many women who want to raise children quickly and take up professional work,” says psychologist Margaret Gaseck.
A problem with a small age difference may be the attitude of the older brother or sister to the baby who appears at home - it is still difficult for a two-year-old to explain that mother has to take care of another child, since she has only been taking care of him so far. However, it should be remembered that at this age a toddler quickly forgets that he was once an only child.
A big age difference
The age difference of six years or more guarantees greater comfort for parents - it is easier to explain to the older one the need for increased care of the baby, and also count on his help. From the children's point of view, however, this difference has its advantages and disadvantages.
"An older child may feel rejected and pushed to the background, which is very dangerous, especially when he is, for example, in adolescence and needs the support and help of his parents" - says Gaseck
However, you should be aware that with a large age difference, e.g. 15 years or more, there is a risk that children will not have any contact with each other. Although, as psychologists say, such contact may unexpectedly appear in adulthood. Specialists emphasize that the most important thing is not the age difference between siblings, but the emotional bond in the family - mutual love, kindness and a sense of responsibility.
From a psychological point of view, the third and subsequent children are more acceptable to other siblings. Children already know that they are not the only children, they have learned the charms and dark sides of having siblings. It is easier for them to accept a new family member. What about the parents? For a few months the world always revolves around the smallest treasure, no matter if it will be the first or fourth child in a row. And it is only up to the parents how the family will function as a whole.The second child after vaginal delivery and cesarean
When deciding on a second child, it is also worth considering the way the first was born. According to specialists, if the delivery was performed by caesarean section, a woman may become pregnant at least one year after the surgery. Some have even stricter recommendations: a second child can be conceived 18 months or even two years after cesarean. It takes so long for the caesarean section scar to heal completely and to prevent it from coming apart or rupturing.
A woman's body must also have time to fully regenerate after natural childbirth. It is safe to decide on the second child when the first one is one year old. However, it is worth remembering that the second pregnancy, the second childbirth, and then caring for two young children is a huge burden for the mother. The woman then needs enormous, wise support, forbearance and the opportunity to rest.
Written by Justyna Etenkowska
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A sleep bag for a stroller is a gadget that some consider superfluous, others cannot imagine walking their babies without it. However, it is undisputed that it is a convenient, practical and universal solution. What should you consider when choosing the best sleeping bag?
If you go for walks with your child and you both like them very much, a sleeping bag for a stroller is an ideal proposition. During longer walks, especially in the Fall and Winter, a blanket and warmer clothes are simply not enough. Especially in the case of children who fall asleep during walks (many do) and sleep in a stroller. On cold days or when the temperature drops below freezing, it is worth considering providing your child with adequate protection against the cold. A stroller sleep bag is therefore a good solution for active parents and their children. After the first walks you will appreciate its purchase, and your child will not only be comfortable, but also warm, regardless of the aura outside the window.
A good sleep bag for a stroller is adapted to the needs of a child.
Let’s keep in mind, that there is no perfect stroller bag for every baby and mom. The choice of a specific sleep bag depends on the individual needs of the toddler, such as:
In addition to these basic issues, it is worth taking a look at a few features of a sleep bag for a stroller, which may turn out to be very important when using it:
A sleep bag for a stroller made of wool, fleece or plush can fulfill the tasks entrusted to them. The warmest and most universal, but also the most expensive, are woolen sleep bags.
When choosing a sleep bag for a child, think about how long and in what weather conditions you will use it. Also pay attention to the details in their finish, which play a big role when using a sleeping bag for a stroller.
KATARZYNA OLSZYŃSKA | 09-01-2021
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Change of body shape after childbirth
For most of us, seeing ourselves in the mirror right after giving birth is hard to accept easily. Hence, most of us want the body to take on more attractive shapes as soon as possible. However, shedding the extra pounds after giving birth - especially during the breastfeeding period when you are hungry like a wolf all the time - is definitely not an easy task and you should not rush your pursuit.
Only after the first few weeks after childbirth have passed (the body needs time to heal from injuries sustained during childbirth), it is possible to safely start the journey towards the lost form. Here are tips on how to lose weight while breastfeeding without compromising your food stores.
Diet While Breastfeeding
Most experts advise against any restrictive diets while breastfeeding. This is because your body needs additional fuel to produce nutrient-rich milk - about 500 extra calories a day.
"We strongly advise mothers not to be on a particularly restrictive diet - nothing less than 1,500 calories a day, which would prevent them from producing a solid supply of milk," advises Shannon Davids of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Overall, a diet of 1,800 to 2,200 calories a day is optimal for overall nutrition, recovery, and effective breastfeeding.
While some breastfeeding women lose weight quickly without much effort (because the act of feeding itself burns a lot of calories), others need to be much more careful about what and how much they eat. Let us explore, which foods are preferred and best avoided to support your weight loss goals while breastfeeding?
What to eat while breastfeeding?
According to Mary Jane Detroyer, a New York based dietitian and personal trainer, if you want to lose weight as quickly as possible while breastfeeding… don't count the calories. Pay rather close attention to the quality of the food you eat. Instead of eating less, which is likely to affect your milk supply, make your meals healthy and nutritious. Then they can even be slightly larger than usual. "Add extra grams of protein, a cup of starch and a quarter cup of vegetables to your dish - that's all you need," she says. "Problems arise when you replace nutrient-rich foods with quick, easy-to-cook meals that don't have that value."
Grabbing a bag of chips or cookies while you're exhausted between feedings can be convenient, but a better option would be cheese or a handful of almonds or peanut butter crackers, for example. Try to stock up on the following food groups to get your body back on track and keep your milk as nutritious as possible:
Fruits, vegetables and grains rich in minerals and vitamins, such as whole grain wheat, rye, quinoa and millet.
Starches that provide energy to help the body make milk, such as beans, potatoes, pasta, and rice.
Lean protein from meat, fish and nuts helps build and repair body tissues.
Fat - Your diet does not affect the amount of fat in your milk, but it does affect the type of fat. Olive oil, cheese, eggs, avocados, nuts, and seeds help to ensure a balance of monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your baby's brain to develop properly.
Water - Breast milk is about 90 percent water, but you don't need to drink water continuously to stay hydrated. On the other hand, drinking too much will not make you excess milk. Drink when you are thirsty and watch the color of your urine. When it's dark, it's better to drink more.
Here are some foods experts recommend to cut back to help you lose weight while you are breastfeeding:
-Empty calorie snacks such as french fries, candies, and sodas.
-Sweet foods that contribute to inflammation.
-Alcohol, which may further impair your baby's development.
Physical exercise after childbirth
Consciously choosing what you eat is crucial to speeding up your metabolism and losing weight while you are breastfeeding, without sacrificing the quality or quantity of your milk, but postnatal exercise should also be part of your plan. A reasonable amount of exercise gives energy and aids weight reduction, but also helps restore the proper stretching of the abdominal muscles.
"It's not just about the extra pounds, the tissue in your body changes as well," says Susan Clinton, a physical therapist and co-founder of Embody Physiotherapy and Wellness in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. "A lot of people view a sagging belly as just fat to lose, but more to the point, it is the muscles that have to learn to come back into the shortened position in order to be part of the abdominal wall again."
The natural effort associated with the postpartum period in the form of lifting a newborn baby, walking up stairs, pushing a stroller - is enough to get the body moving in the first two or three weeks after giving birth. It is very important to adjust the range of activity to the recovery stage after childbirth.
Other ways to rebuild your muscles after childbirth and lose weight while breastfeeding:
-Do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic area.
-Suck in your stomach, which can also help strengthen your stomach muscles.
-Gently stretch the parts of the body that are particularly stressed by breastfeeding: shoulders, back and chest.
-Go for a walk, even a short one, each day.
-Carry your baby close to your body to protect your abdominal wall.
Once your doctor gives you the green light to exercise more often (usually 6-8 weeks postpartum), continue to exercise extreme caution and increase the effort in stages. "If you're very tired, the worst you can do is high-intensity exercise," says Clinton.
To get back in shape efficiently while breastfeeding, try introducing up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, such as 20 to 30 minutes of walking a day. You can also do yoga or tai chi, especially if you did it before pregnancy. "Exercise does not affect the composition of breast milk, but you should replace the fluids lost during exercise to maintain your milk supply," advises Davids. You can also express your milk before training to help keep it from feeling uncomfortable.
Watch your body for signs that you may be returning to training too soon. If you regularly leak urine while exercising, sneeze excessively during workouts, or experience recurrent joint pain, better slow down and give your body more time to recover.
And one more piece of advice at the end. Stay away from social media, articles, and TV shows that show how quickly other moms have lost weight after giving birth. Each organism is different and focus on your own journey. Comparing yourself to others can upset you and discourage you, and that's the easy way to get into nervous hassle. Instead of being obsessed with the numbers your weight shows you, try to get to the point where you feel healthy, happy and strong.
Written by : Justyna Maslanka – Isler
]]>Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Nutrition experts have been talking about this for many years. But why is it so important for the health and well-being of our children, and why can its absence cause stress and negative emotions? What should a toddler's perfect breakfast look like and how to encourage them to eat it? These questions will be answered by Catherine Stuhr, clinical dietitian and psych - dietician - expert of the campaign "Eat fruit and vegetables - in them hides the greatest power!"
Lack of breakfast and stress
After waking up, our body releases cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. It is only inhibited by the first meal. So if you don't provide your baby with the necessary nutrients at the beginning of the day, his or her well-being will suffer.
The earlier the toddler eats, the sooner we will "fire in his metabolic furnace". We don't expect a computer to run without a power supply, any more than we should expect our children to be able to make the most of their brains without a nutritious breakfast. That is why the first meal should be wholesome.
Half the plate - with vegetables and fruit
What is a wholesome meal? A perfect breakfast should consist primarily of vegetables and fruit, preferably in season and locally available. Another important element of this meal are whole grain cereal products that provide complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, granola or a whole meal bread sandwich with added protein and fats.
When composing breakfast, do not forget about the principle of half a plate - according to the latest recommendations, this is what vegetables and fruit should be in every meal. So let's add a bowl of radishes or tomatoes to a traditional sandwich, and scrambled eggs should be enriched with kale and red onions for example.
Ways to have breakfast
According to the expert, there are proven ways to introduce breakfast into the children's schedule. One of them is planning in advance with the children what they will want to eat for tomorrow's breakfast. This allows the parent to prepare the ingredients in advance, but most of all avoids morning discussions.
On school days, I often make cocktails for my children - I mix them with millet or oatmeal cooked the day before with a plant drink, e.g. peanut, and seasonal fruit. For this you can add peanut butter and a tablespoon of wheat germ. Such a cocktail, drunk in just a few minutes, ensures that the child feels full for a long time. In addition, this type of breakfast is quick to prepare and very tasty, it also prevents hunger and eating unhealthy and high-calorie products later in the day – says our expert.
Breakfast celebration
Another way to build a breakfast habit is to celebrate your meal. It is worth starting the changes with shared weekends, when there is usually more time. The involvement of the whole family in preparing breakfast, arranging tableware, colorful napkins and creating a pleasant atmosphere is not only a good time together, but also building positive habits that will bear fruit in the future - says the dietitian.
Getting used to regular meals makes it easier to maintain a healthy body weight, reduces stress and helps the young organism to develop efficiently. Systematic eating in the case of children is also associated with another value, very important from an educational point of view, i.e. regularity. It gives the child a sense of security and peace.
Revised by : Justyna Maslanka-Isler
]]>Parents wonder when is the right time to read to their child for the first time. It turns out that the right time to start your adventure with books may still be the prenatal period. After birth, children often react positively to the words of a poem, nursery rhymes or melodies heard in the fetal life. He is calmed down by a familiar voice, perhaps the familiar words that accompanied him in the womb. These voices from the outside allow you to get to know the voice of mom and dad, and this is of great importance for the baby, because it is with these known sounds that the baby will calm down the fastest.
By 10 months, your baby understands the meaning of frequently used words. He looks for the items you are talking about and finds them. If you are a talkative parent (this is a positive trait, thanks to which your child is constantly in the verbal bath), your child probably already understands simple commands such as "give", "leave" or "take". At this point, he should be babbling, naming items or activities in his own way. He is quite good at repeating the gestures and expressions of people from his close circle. He also tries to repeat overheard words. By listening to your baby's voice, you can tell if he is happy, angry or sad. He talks to you!
The parent-child relationship build up remains the same… for a child, having a mom and dad nearby is a priority. He likes to cuddle with them. Such closeness can be achieved by reading and viewing paper pictures together.
BOOK RITUAL
How can you read to a little child who doesn't seem to be interested at all? Reading is a force that stimulates the child's imagination and intellect. Choosing the right book is of particular importance for the emotional and social development of a child. A book requires concentration, and daily reading helps to shape attention. This skill pays off in the future.
It is difficult for a baby to concentrate. Therefore, it is worth making reading a ritual that will eventually win the attention of the little listener. When a child is expecting something and knows what is going to happen next, it is much easier for him to accept it. After a while he gets used to it and asks for it himself. He demands it. You should also remember that the child does not mind reciting the same poem for the hundredth time, or showing a picture of the same kitten while reading the same rhyme under it for weeks. On the contrary. It is adults who try to change the repertoire. They try to propose something new, but the child still sticks to what he already knows. He's glad to know what's going to happen. He remembers that mom was pointing her finger at the nose and ear of the kitten, so now he would also be happy to touch it and remind her mother what to start with, because this word, this action always appeared and should remain so.
Of course, you can try to introduce some new reading, but you should not break down, if we have a lover of one book, this is also a success.
WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO READ
In fact, there may be several of them. Morning reading, which is an attempt to hold back for a moment supporters of early incentives. After lunch, before a nap, after a bath, before going to bed. Maybe even make sitting on the potty more pleasant.
Often, each of the proposed rituals may be accompanied by a different reading. The bathroom is associated with this one, the bed with that, and reading while sitting on the carpet with another one. The youngest readers can pass a book to their crib, which they will discover by themselves (with hands, teeth, etc ...), and we can read something else during this time. Even though we have doubts at times, the child really listens to us.
FAIRY TALES FOR A GOOD START- OUR SUGGESTIONS
1. Franklin series, by Paulette Bourgeois & Brenda Clark
2. Playtime for Baby Strawberry (touch-and-feel fun board book) by Si Artists
3. I Love You to the Moon and Back (board book), by Amelia Hepworth
4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar (board book), by Eric Carle
5. If Animals Kissed Good Night (board book), by Ann Whitford Paul
6. The Wonderful Things You Will Be (picture book), by Emily Winifield Martin
7. Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey (hardcover picture book), by Emily Winifield Martin
8. Pop-up Peekaboo! I Love You (pop up board book), by DK
9. Llama Llama I Love You (board book), by Anna Dewdney
10. Me and My Mom AND Me and My Dad, by Alison Ritchie
We would also like to recommend a Storyberries free online library of books for babies and toddlers.
https://www.storyberries.com/link-to-us/
Written by: Monika Skikiewicz – Pedaguoge
Justyna Maslanka - Isler - Pedaguoge
]]>Newborn & Infant
What should a newborn sleep in? A question that almost every future or new mom asks herself. What an infant should sleep in depends on two factors: the choice of a place to sleep and the child's age.
Co-sleeping - a baby in the parents' bed
Sleeping parents and a small child together, although it has many advantages, e.g. better sleep quality, longer sleep for the baby, facilitating breastfeeding or building an emotional bond, is associated with certain risks. Sleeping in the same bed with an infant carries the risk of being crushed and suffocated. It is recommended that the baby sleeps in a baby nest when co-sleeping with its parents. The baby cocoon (babynest) separates the space around the baby and protects it from being crushed. The edges of the cocoon ensure that the baby is safe and the parents can sleep well.
Babynests are also commonly used as a reducer for a crib. They narrow the space and create a cozy place to rest. This way, babies accept their new crib faster and learn to sleep independently.
Swaddle for a newborn - babyhorn
Apart from the place where and how the baby will sleep, its age is also influencing. For children under 9 months of age, sleeping in sleeping bags is recommended. They are recommended as the safest sleep cover. A child can cover his nose and mouth with a duvet or a pillow - it is impossible in sleeping bags. For a newborn, it is difficult to choose the right size of a sleeping bag, because the birth weight of newborns varies greatly and changes dramatically, as an alternative in the first weeks of a child's life, babyhorns are used. They provide the baby with warmth, cover, are safe and recommended by midwives. In some maternity hospitals, they are even required and included in the list of things needed for the hospital during childbirth.
Sleeping bag - safe sleep for a baby
When the baby grows out of the cone, it's best (and safest) to offer him a sleeping bag. Depending on the season and the prevailing temperature, its thickness and size should be selected. It is also worth paying attention to the materials from which it is sewn (antiallergic fillings and breathable, natural fabrics).
Cot bedding - older baby
From the 9th month, the baby can safely use the duvet and pillow. Here you should pay attention that the size of the bedding should match the size of the bed. Too large a quilt in a small crib may pose a risk of covering the baby's head while sleeping.
Peaceful sleep in comfortable conditions
The recommended optimal temperature for sleep is 66-72 degrees F. Unfortunately, it's actually hard to maintain this level, especially in summer. Therefore, you should focus on other factors that will help to ensure thermal comfort: ventilate the bedroom well before going to bed, wash bed linen regularly, remove unnecessary pillows, toys, blankets from the bed. First of all, we should adjust the child's clothes to the temperature in the room. Do not overheat your baby, as this can be more dangerous than cold, especially in newborns. Cap at room temperature is not needed. Thermal discomfort, and more precisely overheating, has a big impact on the baby's restless sleep.
Written by: Tiny Star
]]>A Child’s first steps are an extremely important moment for both the child and his/her parents. It's time to choose his/her first shoes that must be unique of course.
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A Child’s first steps are an extremely important moment for both the child and his/her parents. It's time to choose his/her first shoes that must be unique of course.
For the sake of toddlers’ feet and parents' peace of mind, we have expanded our offer with the LEARN TO WALK COLLECTION of exceptionally soft and flexible shoes designed for the comfort and safety of the youngest.
The first shoes for a child - health and comfort is a must.
Our early walkers shoes provide not only comfort at the highest level, encouraging independent walking, but above all safety, thanks to the use of the highest quality materials and solutions that specialists consider the best for the development of a child's young feet.
They are entirely made of natural cowhide leather, thanks to which they are soft, work together with the foot at every step, and perfectly adapt to the foot's structure, ensuring not only proper stabilization, but also hygiene.
-These shoes are sewn, not glued, which ensures greater durability without the use of artificial means.
- Profiled leather insoles ensure adequate air circulation as well as proper development, adjusting to the natural curves of the feet, thus preventing flat feet.
- No insole (the part of the shoe located directly under the insole), thanks to which the shoes are extremely flexible, adapt to the style of walking and the shape of the foot, without causing any pressure. They are also more durable.
- Flexible and soft sole ensures bending along the metatarsal joint line, i.e. in a natural place, which allows the child to freely develop his own way of walking, feeling the right pressure and correct positioning of the feet.
- The stiffened heel counter guarantees correct positioning and holding of the foot.
- On the inside, the shoes are wide and tall, also ideal for feet with a high arch, which allows you to move your toes freely and adapt to their natural position. In addition, the toes of the shoe are reinforced, which increases their impact resistance and protects the foot.
Fashionable and safe first shoes for children
Our LEARN TO WALK COLLECTION of shoes are an ideal proposition for all the toddlers and also for those parents who are looking for the first shoes for a child in accordance with the doctors' recommendations. They were created with an emphasis on the highest quality of raw materials, comfort, and above all, nature, so that the position of the toddler's foot and his gait develop without any obstacles, in accordance with the natural shape of his muscles, tendons and the arrangement of the skeleton. Our LEARN TO WALK COLLECTION of shoes brings the child’s foot to the feeling of walking barefoot, which - according to specialists - is the best way for the human body to work and develop in the best possible way.
In addition, the modern and fashionable design as well as the richness of colors that give our shoes an outgoing and timeless character, will encourage every toddler to take long walks.
Written by:
RenBut & The CoverBaby Team
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Newborns are used to their mother's tight and quiet belly and they do not always like the outside world. Babies specifically do not like noise or a bright light. These factors can tire and irritate the baby, making him/her tearful and nervous.
Since all newborns do not see well yet, they perceive the world with hearing, touch and skin. They feel that a lot has changed suddenly: everything is new, different, bigger and brighter than in their mother's belly. It will take some time for him/her to get used to the new conditions.
Until this happens, situations that may stress your newborn should be avoided. There are things that babies particularly dislike. That is why it is worth knowing what tires and irritates the baby and what to do to save him/her from unpleasant experiences.
Sounds that were previously muffled by the amniotic fluid are now perfectly audible. These very loud noises irritate and disturb the baby. Surprised by the noise, the baby suddenly stretches his legs and hands, and then begins to cry loudly (this is the so-called Moro reflex).
Therefore, at least for the first month, it is better not to turn on the TV loudly, turn down the cell phone and the door bell. This does not mean that you should live in silence - the usual house noises do not disturb the baby, and the hum of a dryer or a silent vacuum cleaner even calms some newborns.
It is difficult for everyone to function in chaos, and in newborn babies the lack of an orderly rhythm of the day and surprises such as bathing in the morning, not in the evening, additionally disturb the sense of security. The lack of rituals is one of the things that babies and toddlers especially dislike. When a baby is active, he/she likes to know what's going on with him/her. An orderly rhythm of the day is important to him/her, so play, walk or bath should take place more or less in the same order and at similar times of the day. It must be remembered that rituals for babies are very important.
During the 9 months of his fetal life, the baby was in the twilight. After birth, bright sun or a strong light bulb tire and irritate the baby.
It is better that the light is dimmed - instead of the upper lamp, let the bedside lamp shine with an incandescent lamp with a power of no more than 40 watts. Twilight will allow the baby to adapt to new conditions faster with no painful experiences.
One of the things babies dislike is the large space around them. The baby felt tight in the tummy, especially at the end of pregnancy.
After birth, babies suddenly have a lot of space around them and thus they don’t feel very confident. Newborn lying in a cot can be wrapped in a special cover or a sleep bag.
To make the crib seem more tummy-friendly and friendly to the baby, it is worth placing a baby nest in it, which will limit the space around the body, thanks to which the baby will feel more secure.
The first month of a child's life is sometimes called the tenth month of pregnancy, because in order for a newborn to adapt to new conditions, it must be provided with conditions similar to those prevailing in the womb.
You can read about how to look at the world through the eyes of a baby, understand what is bothering him and meet his needs in the book "The Happiest Baby Around" by pediatrician Harvey Karp, which includes his own experiences and observations from scientific research.
Written by: Kate Hubicz
]]>The first walk of a newborn baby is a great event in the life of young parents. It is true that the first contact of the child with the world outside the four walls takes place when returning from the hospital - then usually it is a short moment in the air, which the infant spends in a carrier on the way to the car, and then home. This has nothing to do with the actual walk.
]]>It all depends on three factors: the health of the baby, the health of the young mother and the current season of the year.
The first walk of a newborn baby is a great event in the life of young parents. It is true that the first contact of the child with the world outside the four walls takes place when returning from the hospital - then usually it is a short moment in the air, which the infant spends in a carrier on the way to the car, and then home. This has nothing to do with the actual walk.
When it's cold and gloomy outside, you have to wait until the newborn grows a little before going for the first walk - usually doctors recommend at least two or even better three weeks after returning home from the hospital.
One week before the planned first winter walk, but when your baby is already 10 days old, the child should be dressed and covered in an open stroller then placed near the opened window or balcony door to get used to the cool air and temperature difference between the apartment or house and the outside.
Of course this type of outdoor exposure is as close to walking as dry cleaning to bathing. However, it is based on the fact that the warmly dressed and covered child experiences the temperature change in a safe way. On the first day, it may be exposed to this for about five minutes, on the second day for ten, and on the third for fifteen. After a week, if the temperature outside has not dropped below 25 degrees F and there is no strong wind, which additionally cools the air, you can go outside with the newborn.
The first walk may take no more than fifteen minutes. Each subsequent walk may be several minutes longer. You have to give up the walk (and postpone the first trip) when the temperature outside drops below 22 degrees F.
It is different on warm, clear days. In spring and summer, a newborn's first walk may take place within a week of returning from hospital, especially if it is pleasantly warm outside.
However, when spring or summer is cool, it is worth waiting for a while until the weather improves. Light rain is not an obstacle to walk - it is important to avoid windy days. The first walk in warm weather may take longer than in autumn and winter, up to half an hour. You have to gradually lengthen it, but you don't have to look at your watch.
If the weather is good, even a newborn can spend several hours outside - this time can be divided into several outings. It is better to avoid going outside in hot weather, when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees F.
Written by: Kate Hubicz
]]>When to put a hat on a child?
And is covering their ears a myth?
[A PEDIATRICIAN EXPLAINS]
Many people believe that a baby hat is essential, regardless of the temperature outside. We ask the pediatrician how it really is: when can a baby be taken for a walk bareheaded without fear of catching a cold, and when it is necessary to put a hat on the baby.
You should always put a hat on your child, because most of the heat escapes through the head. The ears must be covered because the wind will blow them. Who among us has not heard similar opinions? Some, however, believe that putting on a hat and overheating a child is not healthy. There are arguments on the Internet that babies are dressed differently in the world. We ask an experienced pediatrician, Dr. Marek Pleskot, MD, when a baby hat is really needed.
When to put a hat on a child?
You need to be reasonable when putting on a hat for your child. The head is a relatively large body surface in a child. The baby does not have a thick head of hair, so if the temperature drops below 60ºF, it is better to wear a hat that is not too thick. A two- or three-year-old does not need to wear it if the temperature is not lower than 50 ° C. And if your child is over 3 years old, he or she can walk bareheaded if the (perceived) temperature is above 37ºF.
Should you put a hat on your child to keep it from overwhelming?
Overexposure is a colloquial term for cooling down under the influence of bad weather conditions. We know that the perceived temperature on windy days is lower than the temperature shown by the thermometer.
How to dress a child for a walk?
The parent's clothes should be the reference. If your baby is only sitting in a stroller, he or she needs one extra layer of clothing and a blanket. This is especially true for infants, because it is easier for them to disturb thermoregulation. For children who run a lot, jump a lot, we should make sure that they wear one layer less than we do - provided that they are in motion all the time. Similarly with hats: parents also don't wear a hat when it's warm.
Do the rules of dressing and putting on a hat apply to every child?
A lot depends on how the child was brought up earlier, and more precisely - how we got used to the lower temperatures. If he was constantly wearing a woolen hat with a pompom, we cannot change his style of dress overnight, but let us slowly tame him with the new conditions. But I definitely believe that hats should not be overdone, and there is - unfortunately - the opposite tendency among parents.
A child dressed too thick or too light: what's worse?
The worst thing is when the child is cold. But as long as you get home warm and change into dry clothes quickly, this is a better solution than if you are sweaty, cold and your teeth chattering.
Written By:
Malgorzata Wodz
In Consultation with: Dr. Marek Pleskot, pediatrician
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