There is something instinctive about seeing a newborn baby, with his soft skin, and wanting to pick him up and cuddle him. Follow your instinct because cuddling with your baby has a range of benefits. A newborn adjusting to life outside the room enjoys cuddling as a comfort measure. An infant bonds with his parents through cuddling.

It may come as no surprise to parents, but cuddling your baby provides them with social benefits for years afterwards, according to scientists.

They found a clear link between love and attention in the early years and healthy emotional responses in later life.
Even if they are then smothered with love as toddlers, it can be very difficult to repair the damage.Children who have been deprived of physical contact as babies have lower levels of social-bonding hormones, the researchers found.

The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, looked at hormones called oxytocin and arginine vasopressin.

Both play a role in response to stress and social bonding, with levels typically rising after the subject has been comforted with human contact.

Cuddle me, I love you……

There are many ways to cuddle your baby.  First and foremost holding and loving your baby is most important. Swaddling, bathing, massaging, rocking while singing lullabies, and anything that is interactive with your baby that consists of soothing human touch and connection.

Breastfeeding is like a hike through the woods: Natural, but not always simple. In fact, it can be challenging, breathtaking, and full of the unexpected.

The hormones can be intense

Oxytocin:

This powerful hormone is responsible for breast milk “letting down,” or moving to the front of the breasts. And it also happens to be the same chemical released in the brain when a person falls in love, says Laura Viehmann, assistant professor of pediatrics at Brown University and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatricians. No wonder you couldn’t care less about all that spit-up and poop! You’re too busy swooning.

Breastfeeding helps (some) women lose their pregnancy weight

The nursing weight-loss plan doesn’t work for everyone. Some moms find their metabolism slowing to a frustrating crawl. “I nursed my son for 27 months
In fact, in a poll of BabyCenter moms, 40 percent say breastfeeding didn’t help them drop pounds while 60 percent say it did. Interesting….. and it didn’t help me lose weight. Then I lost 15 pounds within about two weeks after weaning,” one mom reports.

Your breast milk is perfectly tailored to your baby

Imagine if every single time you were hungry, you were served a delectable, satisfying meal that contained the perfect balance of electrolytes, fats, and nutrients for your body at that particular time. Amazingly, your breast milk gives your baby exactly what she needs immunologically as well.  The components of the milk shift so that it always complements whatever antibodies the baby is low on at that particular time. This is why breastfeeding can actually keep your baby from getting sick. Welcome to your baby’s world!

Nursing Pillows help make this experience a more relaxed and comfortable one!

Source: Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers, Fresh Baby        

Introducing solid foods is a very important step in your baby’s development and well-being. In fact, studies show that babies who are fed nutritious, healthy diets grow into stronger kids and better-adjusted eaters than those who are fed poor diets.

Many parents don’t realize that making baby food at home is a simple and economical plan to provide your baby with the best in quality, nutrition and taste. It makes it easy for you to ensure your child gets the best start possible. Making baby food using fresh, all-natural ingredients has many benefits, including:

Increased nutritional value

Vitamins and other nutrients are critically important to your baby. For the next three years, your baby will experience rapid growth and development. It is essential that he be fed a healthy and nutritious diet to maximize his growth and development process.

Processed baby foods have added water, sugars and starchy fillers. While these products are not nutritionally bad for your baby, their use in baby food dilutes the nutrient content of the actual foods. To make matters worse, processed baby foods are cooked at high temperatures to kill bacteria, so they can be stored in jars at room temperature. Bacteria are not the only things that are eliminated in this process. Vitamins and nutrients are also destroyed. Many baby food manufacturers compensate for the loss of vitamins by artificially adding some of them back in after the food is processed.

When you make baby food at home, you can cook it quickly. This process not only preserves the wonderful color and taste of the food, but most importantly it maximizes the foods’ nutrient content for your precious baby

Elimination of additives

Processed baby foods contain trace amounts of chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved these chemicals, you may choose not to feed your baby products containing them. Buying certified organic produce (fresh or frozen) and preparing food at home eliminates agricultural chemicals from your baby’s diet.

In addition, many varieties of processed baby foods add ingredients that are not essential or beneficial to your baby’s diet. These can include ingredients such sugar, butter and salt. Most healthcare professionals will recommend you avoid the introduction of these foods until your child is much older. Homemade baby food is pure, wholesome food with nothing added that you did not add yourself.

Improved freshness

Have you compared fresh green peas to a jar of pea baby food? Even though they are the same food, they don’t look, smell or taste similar. While your baby does not have the refined palate of an adult, he does respond to taste, color and smell. With the enormous availability of fresh produce in your grocery store and the simplicity of making baby food, there is really is no reason he needs to be deprived of colorful, tasty, great-smelling baby food. And serving fresh food from the very beginning will help your baby be more open to tasting new flavors and types of food.

Additional variety

Processed baby food is developed for the mass market and, as a result, is limited in variety. Variety is key to a balanced diet and healthy living. Today’s grocery stores offer a tremendous variety of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. There is no reason why your baby should be limited by what food manufacturers consider the most popular foods. What’s more, preparing baby food at home enables you to add herbs, combine flavors, and easily introduce new textures, making your baby’s mealtime a pleasurable, gourmet experience.

Luna Lullaby is having a fun “Homemade Baby food” recipe contest on our Facebook page! We would love for all of our viewers/followers to participate! First, Second, and Third prizes will win Luna products.  Check it out and share your favorite recipe!

This has been an ongoing controversy for as long as I can remember. I think that the extent of the argument plays a role in what it means to “breastfeed in public.” I have seen moms in various places such as restaurants or malls simply whip it out for all to see with no thought whatsoever. Then I have seen other moms struggle to use a blanket to at least cover up and show some decency, keeping in mind this doesn’t always work. Then there are the moms who try so very hard to put their babies underneath their shirts to hide everything possible – and trust me, this just doesn’t work either.

I must say that for the moms who are not willing to hide their food source body parts, this is most definitely inappropriate not only to yourself, your baby, and possible siblings, but also to people who are around, especially those who also have children present. There are a lot of moms that would beg to differ on this opinion since they believe “all natural” is the way to go, and it’s how children learn the meaning of life. Okay, I believe that this is a little to far, but if you are one of those moms, then I can’t stop you and you are entitled to your opinion on the matter.

I don’t have a problem with breastfeeding in public as long as some sort of secure nursing cover is present. This is what I used while nursing my babies and the nice thing about those nursing covers is that they are so discreet and it almost looks like you don’t have a baby under there, but are just covering yourself up with a blanket because you are cold. I had someone comment on that.

What do you think?  Is it appropriate to breastfeed in public whether you are just whipping it out for all to see or using a blanket or nursing cover? Please share your thoughts and opinions, we would love to hear from you.

Image c/o Testing It Up

When your little one has mastered baby food, you can start with small pieces of finger foods. Basically, any foods that are cut up small enough to be picked up and eaten by baby are classified as finger foods. This is an important step toward independent eating and also allows baby new tastes and textures. Around 7 to 9 months is when most babies are ready to make this step, and they generally show their desire to eat on their own by grabbing the spoon you’re feeding them from.

So what are some of the best finger foods you can give your little one?

- Bananas are soft and easy to eat, plus packed with plenty of vitamins.

- Avocados are filled with good fat and super soft for little fingers.

- Sweet potatoes can be cut up in small chunks or sliced into fries. They’re sweet and power packed with nutrients.

- Cooked peas are easy to eat and even more fun to play with!

- Shredded, cooked chicken is a lean protein.

- Cheerios contain whole grains and serve as the perfect snack for little fingers. Instead of adding sugar, try the flavored varieties as a treat.

- Cooked lentils are soft and easy to pick up. They contain lots of protein and get baby used to eating beans.

- Garbanzo beans are also easy for baby to grasp and have a sweet taste that kids love! Serve them cold or hot.

- Whole wheat macaroni is filled with whole grains and tastes delicious with a bit of sauce or butter.

- Cubes of tofu are fun and easy to eat, plus absorb flavor. They can also be added to dishes such as macaroni and cheese.

- Pieces of low-mercury fish such as salmon or tilapia are tender and tasty. Cook these filets of fish in a small amount of butter or oil and season lightly for a delicious alternative to meat.

- Small chunks of cheese are tasty for baby and offer good fat and plenty of calcium.

Image c/o: thebabycorner.com

Preemies are so extra sweet and extra special, but there may be many concerns that arise for you as the parent.  One of those many concerns may be how much your preemie should be fed.  Some new moms still choose to breastfeed their babies even though they feel it may not be enough or may be too much.  Some mothers choose to simply bottle feed their preemies, but how much should a little one like a preemie consume in one feeding?  Here are some tips that I have found to be helpful and hopefully you also will find them helpful as you transition at home with your preemie.

Tips on how to bottle feed your preemie

You have probably figured out by now that bottle feeding is a major challenge for preemies because of the strength and energy that it takes.  Follow these tips suggested by Stacy Connerty over at eHow.com:

- Only begin feeding when you see signs that your little one is actually hungry.  When you see signs such as sucking their fingers, crying, etc., be sure to have the bottle handy to begin feeding your preemie.

- Give your preemie a brief taste of the formula or breast milk by putting a drop on your finger and placing it in her little mouth. Hopefully this will jumpstart her urge to feed.

- Try as much as possible to keep any air out of the bottle. We know this can be the cause of major gas in preemies and newborns.  Consider purchasing bottles that prevent gas.

- Burp your preemie as often as possible and allow her to rest in between feedings.

- Watch for signs that your little one is finished feeding.  Usually a good sign is a baby falling a sleep while feeding.

Every baby is different and only you as the parent know your baby better than anyone else.  Take the time to observe your baby’s every physical sign.  This will be helpful in determining what your preemie needs.

Source: eHow

Image: Preemie Prints

Remember the big, bulky high chairs that would take up too much space in the corner of a kitchen? Not anymore, as today’s high chairs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their space-saving properties allow them to take up little space, and some of the newest versions will even blend in well with stainless steel appliances!

Here’s what to look for in your new high chair that will maximize space and function, while giving your little one a cozy place to eat.

Removable Trays – The high chair should have a large removable tray that can be tossed in the dishwasher. This makes it easy to keep clean, and the size offers plenty of room for food and a few toys.

Reclining Positions – High chairs don’t have to be for eating anymore. Look for those that have added features, such as relaxing tunes and different chair settings that allow baby to relax. Some high chairs can even convert to a swing so baby can have his cake and eat it, too – in the terms of a snack and quick snooze that is!

Conversion Chairs – Spending the dough on a chair that your child will only use for a short time can be hard. So why not invest in something that will last a little longer? Conversion high chairs can convert from a standard high chair, to an infant booster, toddler booster and then a young child’s chair.

Swinging Trays – If you’re tired of the gliding trays that seem to get stuck all the time, opt for the contemporary swinging style. These trays lift up and swing open, so it doesn’t matter where you place them. In an effort to streamline the design, these chairs often come with an easy carry handle for portable use.

Easy Cleaning Properties – No one likes a dirty high chair – not even your messy baby. So look for streamlined designs that won’t allow food to get stuck in every groove. Also look for waterproof and tear-resistant materials if the high chair isn’t made from plastic.

Five-Point Harness – Five-point harnesses are commonplace in infant products, but not so much in toddler ones. Yet at the rate that kids grow into toddler products and the squirmy nature of their bodies, a five-point harness is never a bad idea. Look for high chairs that offer these harnesses in the toddler position as well.

Comfort – And finally, you want your little one to enjoy sitting and eating, so choose a seat that’s comfy for him or her. With reclining positions and a cushiony seat, you can find the optimal position for your little one at his or her stage of eating.

Image: highchairsforbabiesguide.com

If you are a new mom deciding to bottle feed your preemie or newborn, you may be wondering what type of bottle would be good for your sweet new addition. Let’s take a look at the few brands of bottles out there that are ideal for preemies and newborns:

Types of bottles

• Playtex Drop-In bottles – You can push out all the air and the bags are collapsible. They are BPA free.
• Gerber NuK Orthodontic with air vents – these bottles are designed for healthy gums. The air vent reduces gassiness.
• Dr. Brown bottles help with acid reflux.
• Avent bottles cut down on painful gas and the nipples range from slow, medium, to fast flow.
• Green to Grow bottles are BPA free.
• Dr. Weil bottles are made out of glass and are perfect for stages 1-4.

If you are unsure what BPA is, it is an industrial chemical used to make plastic resins. The BPA-free bottles mentioned above go the extra mile for the health of your baby.

What type of bottle did you use for your preemie or newborn? Was it a type of bottle not mentioned on the list above? We would love to hear from you.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Whether you are weaning your baby off of breast milk or just simply searching for the right baby formula to supplement with breast milk, which brand is the best and most gentle on your baby’s digestive system?

Because there are so many types of baby formulas out there, I have narrowed down the list to the top 5 baby formula brands that are on the market today.

Top 5 Formula Brands

Enfamil Premium Lipil- This is by far the best brand on the market, though it’s the priciest. It’s the only formula that actually promotes growth and development. It also supports eye and brain development and supports the immune system. It’s the closest formula to resemble mother’s breast milk because it contains DHA and ARA.

Similac Advance Early Shield- This particular formula has prebiotics to aid in proper digestion. It also helps build immunity.

Nestle Good Start- This formula contains comfort proteins also known as whey proteins. It is very gentle on a baby’s digestive system.

Parent’s Choice Milk Infant Formula- This is a Walmart brand and is the closet to the Enfamil brand.

Bright Beginnings Milk Based Infant Formula- This formula contains vegetarian blends and nutrition levels which are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

It’s best to consult your baby’s pediatrician before deciding on the best formula for your baby’s health and well being. Remember, breast milk is the best milk that your baby could ever consume so consider this before shopping for baby formula. If you are unable to nurse at this time for whatever reason, hopefully this list of baby formulas will give you a head start in searching for the proper nutrition for your sweet baby.

Do you give your baby formula or do you nurse? Maybe both? Please feel free to share your experiences with us.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Sources: Enfamil, Similac, Brightbeginnings, Parent Choice Formula

Image: Clare Bloomfield / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Before your baby girl or your baby boy displays their ever so cute “toothless grin” or even before their first tooth even surfaces it’s good to start thinking about good oral hygiene. I know, seems early but if the truth be told bacteria and germs may still build up in their mouths especially with emerging teeth. I started oral hygiene care with my babies as early as 6 weeks old. I started doing this early because my pediatrician recommended it at their six week checkup. You may be asking yourself ” How can this be done and safely?” Here are a few tips according to Baby Center and ideas that may ease your fears regarding early hygiene habits.

Cleaning Baby’s gums

• Wipe baby’s gums with gauze
• Soft wet cloth

Simply just wrap the gauze or wet cloth around one of your fingers and gently rub the gums.

Cleaning their first teeth

• Search for a baby tooth brush with a small bristle head and a large grip. Toothpaste is unnecessary at this age due to accidental ingestion. One swipe of the toothbrush is good enough and can be done twice a day to kill or prevent any bacteria build-up.
• You can buy baby oral cleansing gel at most drug stores if you are uncertain that plain water is not working. Baby oral gels are safe and easy to use and safe for baby to swallow.

What about fluoride? This is an excellent question as we know that fluoride treatments are essential for oral health. Fluoridated water is suggested at this point. Refrain from fluoride toothpastes until they are older.

When do little ones need to start seeing a dentist? Many family dentists suggest by their first birthday. Other suggest by the age of 4. It is best to consult your baby’s pediatrician about when exactly would be a good time for your little one start visiting the dentist.

How early did you introduce oral hygiene to your little one? What methods did you use? Feel free to share your experiences.

Image: Free Digital Photos

Source: Baby Center