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!

Now that your sweet baby/preemie is strong enough to leave the NICU at the hospital, you may have endless questions like, “How do I properly care for my preemie?” It’s a scary thing to think about but it is also quite normal. If you are in need of some tips and support you have come to the right place. After I give you some tips that are straight from experienced parents and professionals I will lead you to a community for parents with preemies so that you may connect and share your stories, cares, concerns, etc.

Caring for your Preemie

• Be sure you have chosen the right pediatrician for your family and make medical appointments.
• Receive specialized training in CPR.
• If your preemie is a boy, you will most likely need to make a decision about circumcision. This may be done before your preemie leaves the hospital just like a full term baby boy.
• Make sure you have the appropriate car seat placed in the back seat of your vehicle facing the rear. Three-point or five-point harness systems are the best.
• Success in feeding and sleeping is so very important for a preemie.
• If your home is very warm, make sure your preemie only wears a diaper.
• Moms, make sure you take care of yourself too. Enough rest, eating properly, and exercise is very important.

For more benefical tips on how to care for your preemie, check out “taking home your preemie” on kidshealth.org.

If you would like to join a community of moms who are currently caring for a preemie, join “moms of preemies” on circleofmoms.com.

Source: Kids Health

Image: Wikimedia Commons

When used correctly, car seats can save lives. Choosing a car seat is only half the battle; knowing how to fasten your child into his or her seat is also vital. Make sure everyone in the family is aware of the new updates, including grandparents and caregivers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics have updated their recommendations:

1. Choose a seat that is appropriate for your child’s size.

Children must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old and have exceeded the height and weight requirements of the seat. Keep in mind that when you move up car seats, for example a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat, you lose a bit of protection, so it’s best to keep your child in the safest seat for as long as possible.

2. The car seat must be installed properly.

Infants should ride in the rear seat, at a 45 degree angle that avoids slumping and breathing problems. Never place a car seat in the front seat. Follow the manual’s instructions for installation and if unsure, have the seat checked at your local fire station. Improperly installed car seats are common and lowers the effectiveness of the seat.

3. Your infant must be buckled in properly.

Another area where parents unknowingly go wrong is buckling their children into their seats. Make sure the straps are placed in the slots below the shoulders and the harness is snug. The retainer clip should be secured next to the child’s armpit, never down by the belly.

Visit the AAP for more information.

Image: lafayettecountyhealth.org

I am sure this can be a very sensitive topic when it comes to the health of your preemie but the fact of the matter is you have to do what you feel is right for your little one. I think as long as you instruct your family members and friends to thoroughly wash their hands before they hold your preemie, there shouldn’t be a problem. If anyone in your family or any of your friends have even the slightest cold, kindly ask them if they can hold off until they are free and clear since preemies can catch any cold or virus very quickly, and it is much harder for them to fight germs off. This could cause health problems and further complications.

If you do decide to let friends and family members hold your early addition after washing their hands, don’t let them hold him or her for too long. The bond with the mother is very important at this stage in preemie development. Being around too many adults for a long period of time can hinder that bond since preemie’s are very different than that of your full term newborn. I am sure your friends and family will understand, especially because of the state of your baby.

Most definitely do not let any stranger even come remotely close since so many adults carry so many germs. Even a slight little touch can cause your preemie to get sick very quickly. It is best if you don’t go out too much with your preemie to avoid this problem. Plus, keeping track of his body temperature is very important, so leaving the home too much is probably not a good idea.

I personally did not experience a preemie birth but I am close to someone who did and got to see exactly what she went through to keep her little one safe from all sorts of germs. It’s definitely a very delicate situation not only for the preemie but also for the mother and father of the preemie. If you are currently a parent to a preemie, don’t let friends and family tell you what to do or what is best for your little one. Only you and your baby’s pediatrician can tell you that.

Are you are parent to a preemie? What were your rules regarding letting family and friends hold him or her? Please share your experiences with us.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

As soon as we find out there is a bun in the oven we can’t help but plan their room, right? There are so many themes out there for baby boys and baby girls, which do you choose? Has it become overrated? I think that maybe it has, but what other options do you have? Well, just the other day a friend of mine, who is expecting twins after 9 years of trying, is doing something very unique for her sweet babies’ room. It is no particular theme but it is absolutely darling, I must say. When you walk in the room you may expect to see Winnie the Pooh or baby Hello Kitty. Not this room! The walls are delicately decorated with deep color polka dots – and not little ones, but large ones, all over the walls. Is the room polka dot themed though? Not at all. The curtains match a different color of a polka dot on the wall and that’s about it. Very simple yet super adorable. It’s most definitely not something I would think of for a baby’s room but I think this trendy idea may just catch on.

What do you think? Do you think themed baby rooms are overrated, or are you traditional and like the themed baby rooms? I know that I am traditional when it comes to that sort of stuff. I wouldn’t know how to think up something as creative as my friend’s baby room. It truly is different and nothing like I have ever seen for a nursery. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas on the subject!

Image: Wikimedia Commons

When your expecting baby #2 – or 3 or 4 – it’s time to look further than your single stroller that you’ve relied so heavily on. Don’t worry though! Just because you may be moving on to a larger stroller doesn’t mean you’ll be finding yourself wedged in between public doors with a double stroller. There are many wonderful, hip strollers on the market that will keep your tots comfy, grow with your family and look complementing as you grace the streets.

Here are some of the best features to look for when choosing a double stroller:

Reclining Positions –  Baby may be ready for a nap, but your toddler is wide awake. Look for strollers that have two seats that can be reclined at different times. This keeps everyone comfortable without having to recline both seats.

Standing Options – If your toddler or preschooler loves to run around, but finds him or herself tired after awhile, opt for a stroller that allows him or her to stand in the back. More stroller companies are offering their own version of the original Sit and Stand, and it’s a great option for the older kids to be free, while hopping on the back of the stroller to sit or stand when they’re tired.

Infant Seat Capability – During the first year of baby’s life, he or she will be spending a lot of time in the infant carrier when out and about. Be sure that the double stroller you choose can accommodate a baby seat to make things hassle-free. Many infant carriers are compatible with front-to-back strollers, although they may not “lock” in as they’re supposed to, so use added caution and discretion.

Adapters - Since families are always growing and changing, some models of strollers are coming out with adapters. This allows parents to work with the base of the stroller and add various adapters over the years. Some of the adapters, for example, allow you to add a car seat or second seat. Cool!

Seat to Storage - When your child is capable of walking on his or her own and only your tot needs the stroller, what do you do with a double stroller? Continue using it of course! With sleek, contemporary designs, many of the newer strollers offer the second seat as a convenience, but it can either be removed or used as a handy storage compartment.

Image: babytravelsystem.biz

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

Ahhh yes, garage sales. If you are like me, you probably enjoy garage sales, specifically ones that have mainly children’s items. Just recently I visited a garage sale that had what seemed like endless amounts of baby clothing ranging from preemie to older babies. If you think about it, babies do grow quickly, so it’s in our best interest to buy items that are as inexpensive as possible – if not free. (Gotta love those hand me downs, right?)  This recent garage sale was fabulous as the prices ranged from 25 cents to $1.00.  Can’t beat that!

If you are lucky, you can even find garage sale baby clothes that still have the price tags on them. Obviously this means that the original owner of the clothing never got around to those clothes and put them out for resale. After my babies were born, I was fortunate to buy a whole box of clothing at a garage sale that still had the price tags on them, and they were marked 25 cents to $1.00 an item. This also works out perfectly as you don’t have to worry about old stains on the clothes which, unfortunately, you have to watch out for since many people do put out their stain covered clothes. It’s definitely worth what I like to call “garage sale hopping” to get deals like this. Why pay an arm and a leg for baby clothes when they are going to outgrow them in just a few short weeks?

What do you think? Would you consider purchasing your baby clothes from a garage sale? Maybe you already do. Share your successful experiences with us, we would love to hear from you!

Image: m_bartosch