We just took a sign language class for our baby and it was very informative. We decided not to enroll in the entire class for a few reasons, but that’s not to say that sign language can’t be a great tool for your hearing baby. Teaching your baby the key fundamental signs for such things as “Want More” which is tapping your hands together, can help your baby sign to you that they want more milk. Reading your babies signs can be a difficult process so knowing when your baby wants more milk can be a very helpful and powerful piece of sign language for your baby to learn.
However, learning the entire alphabet or knowing how to say certain animals in sign language is something that we don’t feel is entirely necessary for a hearing baby. Stick to the basics at first and see how that goes and you will find sign language very enjoyable for you and your baby
Showing posts with label Babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Babies. Show all posts
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Importance of your Babies Schedule
Having a schedule for your baby is very important for not only your baby, but also for your sanity! A baby with a well-balanced schedule will sleep better and also be less fussy during the day. The best practice for a baby care schedule is feed the baby every 3-4 hours around the same time each day. A sample feeding schedule could be at 6am, 9am, 12am, 3pm, 6pm, 11pm. While you don’t have to stick to the same exact schedule time each day, it’s important to stay somewhat close to the schedule so your baby knows what time of day it is, and will an easier time going to bed at night.
Also, if you setup a schedule with your baby and then veer off course, it will be much easier to get back on the schedule if the schedule has been setup and in place for a while. However, if you have no schedule and you just happen to feed your baby whenever the baby is hungry and put the baby to bed whenever you think the baby is tired, you will get thrown off course easily and may be prone to tantrums and trouble with your baby sleeping.
Setting a good schedule from the start will be a great way to manage your life as well as your baby care needs.
Also, if you setup a schedule with your baby and then veer off course, it will be much easier to get back on the schedule if the schedule has been setup and in place for a while. However, if you have no schedule and you just happen to feed your baby whenever the baby is hungry and put the baby to bed whenever you think the baby is tired, you will get thrown off course easily and may be prone to tantrums and trouble with your baby sleeping.
Setting a good schedule from the start will be a great way to manage your life as well as your baby care needs.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Solids That Are Convenient to Feed Babies
Before you know it, your twins have reached four to six months of age and are ready for solids. Starting foods is one of my favorite moments in parenting. A baby’s transition from a purely milk-based diet to eating solid foods marks a key milestone in their lives. A baby’s face covered up with food for the first time brings tears of joy to my maternal, sentimental soul.
This momentous occasion reminds you that your twins are not tiny newborns anymore. They are growing up, and quickly! Eating opens up a whole new world of sensory exploration, social interaction, and motor development. These are precious times. Take lots of pictures! When to Begin You can start feeding your babies solids around four to six months of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until at least four months of age to decrease the risk of developing food allergies. If allergies run in your family, your pediatrician may recommend waiting longer before starting solids. Generally babies will tell you when they are ready for solid food through a number of physical and behavioral cues.
Typically, it is best to wait until your twins have good head control and can sit easily with support in a high chair or on an adult’s lap. You will notice that your babies have started to show an interest in eating. They may stare at you while you eat. You may even see them smack their lips as they watch you eat. If you feel that they are watching your every bite, it may be time to get your children in on the fun! Just be sure they are physically and developmentally ready.
How to Begin Many pediatricians recommend starting with rice cereal since it is generally well tolerated and one of the foods least likely to cause an allergic reaction. You can mix the rice cereal with breast milk or formula so the taste is familiar to your babies. For your babies’ first meal, you may want another adult to hold them (one at a time) in his or her lap while you feed.
Alternatively, you can seat your babies in side-by-side high chairs and feed them both at once. Definitely have a bib on the babies. Things will get messy! Using an infant spoon, offer a small amount of food at a time to your babies. It is completely normal and fine for your babies to push or spit out food at first. No worries. You can keep trying as long as your babies show interest and seem to be enjoying themselves.
Signs that your babies are done with eating include turning away or shutting their mouths. End the meal at this point, and look forward to trying again the next day.
This momentous occasion reminds you that your twins are not tiny newborns anymore. They are growing up, and quickly! Eating opens up a whole new world of sensory exploration, social interaction, and motor development. These are precious times. Take lots of pictures! When to Begin You can start feeding your babies solids around four to six months of age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until at least four months of age to decrease the risk of developing food allergies. If allergies run in your family, your pediatrician may recommend waiting longer before starting solids. Generally babies will tell you when they are ready for solid food through a number of physical and behavioral cues.
Typically, it is best to wait until your twins have good head control and can sit easily with support in a high chair or on an adult’s lap. You will notice that your babies have started to show an interest in eating. They may stare at you while you eat. You may even see them smack their lips as they watch you eat. If you feel that they are watching your every bite, it may be time to get your children in on the fun! Just be sure they are physically and developmentally ready.
How to Begin Many pediatricians recommend starting with rice cereal since it is generally well tolerated and one of the foods least likely to cause an allergic reaction. You can mix the rice cereal with breast milk or formula so the taste is familiar to your babies. For your babies’ first meal, you may want another adult to hold them (one at a time) in his or her lap while you feed.
Alternatively, you can seat your babies in side-by-side high chairs and feed them both at once. Definitely have a bib on the babies. Things will get messy! Using an infant spoon, offer a small amount of food at a time to your babies. It is completely normal and fine for your babies to push or spit out food at first. No worries. You can keep trying as long as your babies show interest and seem to be enjoying themselves.
Signs that your babies are done with eating include turning away or shutting their mouths. End the meal at this point, and look forward to trying again the next day.