How to Do Tummy Time
Routinely putting a baby to sleep on the stomach raises her risk of SIDS about 4X. But SIDS risk jumps even higher (8-37X) when young babies (under 4 months) are put to sleep on the back…but accidentally roll to the stomach. Of course, sooner or later, your baby will roll onto her stomach during sleep. So what should you do to protect her? 1. Establish Safe Sleeping Habits For at least the first 4 months, always put your baby to sleep...
Homeopathic Remedies for Colicky Babies
Homeopathy is a philosophy of healing that teaches “like cures like.” In other words, the illnesses can be cured by giving a tiny dose of something that–in a large dose–would actually cause the very same problem. For example, a homeopath might recommend miniscule amounts of poison ivy extract to stop an itchy rash. Some of the homeopathic treatments recommended for colic are chamomile, colocynth, magnesium phosphorica and pulsatilla. Some parents swear by them, but there is no convincing evidence of benefit....
Signs Your Baby Is Hungry
Infants have a sophisticated vocabulary for communicating their needs. When a mild hunger begins, you'll start to see early signs your baby is hungry, such as putting his hand to his mouth, and making mmmm sounds. These signals occur 2-3 times an hour. What happens if you miss an early sign? Don’t worry; your baby won’t give up. Next, he will send you more demanding middle-hunger cues. These include rooting (moving head from side with an open mouth, looking for a...
Chamomile Tea & Other Herbal Teas for Babies
Through the ages, teas to aid digestion have been recommended for unhappy babies. Traditionally, mothers brewed chamomile tea for babies—as well as peppermint, fennel, or dill teas—to help upset tiny tummies. The ancient roots of this practice are reflected in the names different cultures have chosen for these herbs. In Spanish, peppermint is called yerba buena, meaning the “good grass”; in Serbian it’s nana, meaning “grandmother.” Dill was used to settle stomachs in ancient Egypt and Greece, and in Viking...
Baby Food Allergies: The Top Medical Reason for Colic
Of all the problems triggering persistent crying, baby food allergies and sensitivity rank right at the top. Food allergy symptoms in babies account for about 90% of colic caused by a medical issue (For most babies, colic is non-medical and can be helped with the 5 S's.) Looking for Signs of Food Allergies in Babies Babies suffering from allergies usually fuss throughout the day (not just at night) and have loose stools, sometimes with streaks of bloody mucus. Unfortunately, no simple blood...
Letting Your Baby Nurse All Night: Is It Okay?
Parents have slept with their babies since the beginning of time. In fact, one of the most delicious feelings a woman can experience is having her sweet baby sleep at her breast. In fact, it is so comforting that tired moms often find themselves falling asleep while nursing, too! And, unfortunately, that’s where it becomes risky. A study of more than 2,000 breastfeeding moms revealed that 72% of those who nursed in bed fell sound asleep with their babies. And...
