After spending nine months carrying your precious baby to term, you have an incredibly strong attachment to your bundle of joy - but does your newborn feel the same way towards you? What are the signs your baby trusts you?

It takes babies a little while to adjust to their surroundings after they’re first born. They’ve left the warmth and safety of the home they’ve known for the last nine months for one that’s a lot bigger and has a lot more uncertainties.

As they get more comfortable in their new environment, they will develop trust in their new environment.

Signs your baby trusts you

1. He acts based on his expectations

One of the cutest examples of this is when they hold their arms up to be picked up. Even from a young age, they’ll do this when other people are holding them.

Babies also cry with the expectation that their mums will attend to their needs. As a mum, you know how quickly you learned to differentiate between a cry that signifies hunger or just sleepiness.

2. He looks to you for protection and reassurance

When a stranger approaches, your little one may bury his head in your chest if he is uncertain about that person. On top of that, his reactions will mirror yours. If he’s in his stroller and someone wants to pick him up, he’ll look to you to see your reaction. Not that this means he’ll play along nicely when it’s your boss trying to pick him up, but he’s more likely to do so if he sees that you’re smiling and comfortable.

3. She will stare at you

Even from a young age, little babies love to stare at their parents. Sometimes you might even feel like telling them it’s rude to stare so intently at someone (but not really)! This is partially because a newborn’s eyesight is still developing but the staring will continue as they get older and want to get to know you better.

4. He is happy to see you

As early as six weeks, you’ll start seeing vivid expressions on your little one’s face. He will flash a beaming, toothless grin and you that will only get wider when you smile back and encourage him on.

By two months, he’ll be trying to chat you up. While you may be a few months from a serious literary debate, making noises back at your baby will make him feel like he’s having a conversation with you.

5. She will kiss you

Mums, we know your heart just melts when he plants one of those smooches on you. Your little one has seen that kisses as a way that you display affection with him and with your partner, and she wants to return the gesture.

Expect those kisses to come in sloppy, wet and oh, so adorable as she gleefully shows her love for you!

Did you experience these same signs your baby trusts you?

Sources:

Parenting.com, Baby Center, The Bump, Cure Joy, Reader's Digest

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

You've been waiting for this moment a whole nine months... probably even longer.

That first moment when you make eye contact with baby, that precious, precious moment when you and your baby gaze into each others eyes for what seems like eternity...

In that moment, you see your little one's eyes widen slightly as he focuses on your face. He calms down, he might even smile. You cannot tear your eyes away from his darling little face as you soak in every perfect little detail.

That first gaze between mommy and baby is undoubtedly special, because in that moment, it's almost like something magical is happening - that you know each other and you have known each other forever.

Many more moments such as this will follow. You look deep into each others eyes and it's like you know what your baby needs, even though he cannot yet talk.

It's almost like you can read his mind.

Moms, you know what? You can read your baby' mind.

When you make eye contact with baby, amazingly, your brainwaves synchronize! 

This remarkable synchronization of brainwaves was recently discovered in a study conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge.

When you make eye contact with baby, have you felt that you're actually communicating with each other, even though baby can't talk?

Baby, we're on the same page...

Based on the results of the study published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), it's safe to say that when mommy makes eye contact with baby, their brainwaves fell into perfect alignment.

What's more, when this happens, baby made more effort to communicate with mom!

Here's what happened:

Scientists conducted two separate experiments where they studied the brainwaves of 36 babies (17 in the first trial and 19 in the second). The little ones wore skulls caps which measured brain electrical activity and signals - a process known as electroencephalography.

In the first round, little ones watched a recorded video of an adult singing a nursery rhyme. The adult maintained eye contact with the baby for some time, before breaking the gaze.

Towards the end of the video, the adult made eye contact again, but kept her head turned. The adult's brainwaves had already been recorded.

The second live trial was conducted to see if and how much the baby and adult's brainwaves synced with each other.

The findings

During the eye contact phase of the experiment, babies and adults' brain waves were more in sync with each other. When the adult turned her head away but still kept eye contact, babies tried to 'communicate' and match their brainwaves to the adult's!

The baby's attempts at communication were measured by the number of vocalisations they made during the trial.

Dr Victoria Leong, lead author on the study said:

“When the adult and infant are looking at each other, they are signalling their availability and intention to communicate with each other.

“We found that both adult and infant brains respond to a gaze signal by becoming more in sync with their partner.

“This mechanism could prepare parents and babies to communicate, by synchronizing when to speak and when to listen, which would also make learning more effective.”

A simple act like making eye contact with baby can boost his development in incredible ways!

What does this mean for you and your baby?

The findings of this study show that babies are remarkable observant and very clever at picking up even the tiniest non-verbal cues that are important to their development.

Moms, what this means is that you can use even the simplest things in day-t0-day life - such as gazing at your baby - to enhance and nurture his learning process.

The mom and baby bond has always been special and this latest discovery just goes to show exactly how incredible it really is.

So go on, gaze at your little one right now, knowing that your hearts and minds are connecting as one!

References: 

The Telegraph

ScienceDaily

Romper

Featured image credit: Screengrab - ScienceDaily/ The University of Cambridge

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

Marami sa mga magulang ang nag-iisip kung ano kaya ang mga magiging pagbabago sa kanilang anak sa kanilang pagtanda. Iniisip nila kung ano kaya ang mga talento na magkakaroon ang kanilang mga baby, ano kaya ang maging personalidad nila. Marami rin ang nag-iisip ng tungkol sa mga aspetong maaring sukatin tulad ng talino, timbang, at tangkad. Kaya naman, kung isa ka sa mga magulang na gusting malaman kung lalaking matangkad ang iyong anak, narito ang mga senyales na dapat bantayan:

1. Ipinanganak silang mahaba ang sukat

Ang haba ng sukat ng iyong anak sa kanilang kapanganakan ay magandang hudyat na sila ay magiging matangkad sa kanilang pagtanda. Karaniwan, ang sukat ng isang full-term baby ay nasa 20 pulgada (cm), sa pagitan ng 18 pulgada at 22 pulgada. Matapos ang unang buwan ni baby, karaniwan silang humaba pa ng 1.5 pulgada hanggang 2 pulgada o higit pa.

photo: dreamstime

2. Mas matangkad sila kumpara sa ibang mga bata

Kapag ang iyong anak ay nasa toddler stage na, maaaring pagtuunan ng pansin ang kanyang tangkad kumpara sa kanyang mga ka-edad. Kung sa tingin ninyo ay mas matangkad siya sa kanila, maaaring indikasyon ito na siya ay magiging mas matangkad sa kanila habang lumalaki. Kung hindi naman, huwag mag-alala. Ang pagtangkad ay nangyayari sa kanilang kabataan hanggang pagdadalaga/pagbibinata. Ang mga batang babae ay karaniwang tumitigal ang pagtangkad sa edad na 16, samantalang ang mga lalaki naman ay sa edad na 18.

3. Parehong magulang ni baby ay matangkad

Tulad ng ibang aspeto ng pagtangkad at iba pang development ng iyong anak, ang malaking bagay ang genetics para malaman kung ang anak mo ay magiging matangkad. Kung parehas kayong matanggad ng iyong partner, malaki ang posibilidad na mamana ito ng inyong anak.

Subalit, may mga pagkakataon na ang anak ng isang average-height o kaya naman ng matangkad na mga magulang ay tumigil sa pagtangkad sa hindi malamang dahilan. Ang tawag sa kondisyong ito ay Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS).

4. Sila ay malusog

Kung sapat ang nutrisyon na nakukuha ng iyong anak, malaki ang posibilidad na makatulong ito sa kanyang pagtangkad. Ang pagbibigay sa kanya ng tamang mga bitamina at nutrients lalo sa unang tatlong taon ay mahalaga.

Ilang halimbawa ng mga pagkain na makapagbibigay ng sapat na nutrisyon sa kanya ay ang mga pagkaing sagana sa calcium tulad ng gatas, yoghurt, spinach, pati na rin ang mga pagkaing sagana sa protina tulad ng itlog, oatmeal at lean meat.

5. Wala silang kondisyong na makakapigil sa kanilang pagtangkad

May mga kondiyong pangkalusugan na nakakaapekto sa pagbagal o tuluyang hindi pagtangkad ng mga bata tulad ng dwarfism, isang genetic disorder na dahilan ng hindi pagtangkad ng isang bata ng higit sa 4’10”. Isa pang dahilan ay ang kakulangan sa growth hormone o ang tinatawag na growth hormone deficiency na nangyayari kapag hindi sapat ang inilalabas na growth hormone ng pituitary gland. Karaniwan itong nada-diagnose sa mga bata sa edad na 2 o 3.

Ang article na ito ay unang isinulat ni Bianchi Mendoza.

READ: 6 Disorders that keep kids from growing taller

Maaaring napansin ng mga mga mommies at daddies na ang kanilang sanggol ay hindi nangangailangang magsalita upang maiparating ang kanyang mensahe sa iyo.

Kahit na ilang linggo pa lamang siya, ang mga magulang ay nauunawaan ang nais ng kanilang baby! Gayunpaman, habang lumalaki siya, kailangan niyang ipahayag ang kanyang sarili gamit ang kanyang kakayahang magsalita at maabot ang mga language milestones sa oras. At kamangha-manghang panoorin ang kanyang pagbabaling sa mga salita!

Ang mga milestones na ito ay madaling gamitin kapag nais mong suriin ang pagsulong ng iyong anak na babae. Narito ang isang checklist batay sa mga patnubay ng National Institutes of Health, USA, kaya suriin kung mayroong anumang red flags.

Milestones sa edad: 1 taon

1. Naiintindihan ang kanyang sariling pangalan
2. Nagbibigay pansin kapag kinakausap
3. Naiintindihan ang mga simpleng tagubilin, halimbawa, 'huwag kainin ‘yan!'
4. Tumutugon sa mga simpleng kahilingan, halimbawa, 'ibigay ito sa akin!'
5. Naiintindihan ang karaniwang mga salita kapag ginamit sa mga kilos (halimbawa: "Kamusta?"
6. Maaaring iugnay ang mga larawan na may mga salita at tunog, halimbawa: kahol ng aso
7. Tumatawa kapag tumatawa ka o kaya naman ay subukan na kumanta kasabay mo
8. Sinusundan niya ang pamilyar na mga salita
9. Sinusubukag magsalita upang makakuha ng intensyon at nagbibigay sa kanyang tawag mga salita sa mga bagay.
10. Nagsisimula siyang gumamit ng mga pangngalan
11. Nagsasalita ng higit sa 2 - 3 salita maliban sa "mama" at "dada"
12. Tinatawagan ka sa halip na umiyak para sa pansin
13. Siya ay nakikibahagi sa mga laro ng ibang mga bata, tulad ng pagpasa sa bola.

Red flags sa edad na 1 taon

1. Hindi ba siya tumugon sa iyo kapag tumawag ka sa kanyang pangalan?
2. Sinusubukan ba man lamang ba n’yang magsalita o hindi?

Milestones sa edad: 2 taon

1. Naiintindihan ang mga salitang 'hindi' at 'huwag'
2. Mapapangalanan ang 5 bahagi ng katawan
3. Maaari niyang makuha ang mga bagay mula sa isa pang silid kapag inutusan
4. Natango bilang "yes" at umiiling para sa "hindi"
5. Naiintindihan ang mas maraming mga salita
6. Naiintindihan niya ang mga simpleng tanong tulad ng "kung saan ang pinto?"
7. Tinatangkilik ang pakikinig sa mga kuwento
8. Maaari niyang ulitin ang mga tunog, halimbawa: sabihin ang "meow" at ituro ang pusa
9. Humihingi ng pagkain o mga laruan gamit ang kanilang mga baby talk
10. Gumagamit ng iisang salita nang mas madalas kaysa sa mga pangungusap
11. Gumagamit siya ng mga salita tulad ng “more" kung gusto niya ng isang bagay na paulit-ulit
12. Maaaring makapagsambit ng 10 hanggang 20 salita kabilang ang mga pangalan
13. Sinasagot niya ang tanong kung ano ang isang bagay
14. Maaaring tumpak na pangalanan ang ilang mga bagay araw-araw na bagay
15. Nagsisimula na gumamit ng mga salitang tulad ng "me” at "you"
16. Nagsisimula upang pagsamahin ang mga pangngalan at mga pandiwa
17. Maaari niyang pagsamahin ang dalawang salita tulad ng "Mommy, Hi!", 'No-no'

Red flags sa edad na 2 taon

1. Hindi pa ba nakapagsalita ang iyong anak?
2. Mas gusto ba ng iyong anak na mag-isa?
3. Gumagamit ba ang iyong anak ng higit pang mga kilos kaysa mga salita?
4. Hindi ka sigurado kung naiintindihan niya ang iyong sinasabi?

Ang aking anak ay nagpapakita ng ilan sa mga nabanggit

Ang checklist ay isang kolektibong obserbasyon kung saan 90% ng mga bata ang gumagawa ng mga bagay na ito ayon sa nabanggit na edad. Kaya, kung ang iyong anak ay hindi nakikitaan ng isa o higit pa sa mga milestones na ito sa oras, hindi ito nangangahulugan na may mali sa kanya. Maaari lamang itong sabihin na siya ay isang late bloomer.

Gayun pa man, kung nakitaan sila ng red flags, oras na upang kumunsulta sa iyong doktor.

Kung ang iyong anak ay nangangailangan ng therapy, s’ya ay maaaring i-refer ng doktor sa isang may kaugnayang pananalita at eksperto sa wika. Ang maagang pag-diagnose ay makakatulong sa iyong anak na napakalaki, kaya makipag-usap sa iyong doktor kahit na mayroon kang pinakamaliit na pagdududa.

Ang article na ito ay unang isinulat ni Anay Bhalerao.

READ: Mommies, think before you speak in front of your kids… here’s why

As your baby grows, it’s natural to dream about what they will be like as adult. Will they be funny, kind, or smart? A surprising new study claims that clues to a child’s intelligence are hiding inside… baby poop!

Yes, you read that right. Baby poop comes in different colours and consistencies. It can tell us what’s going on in our little one’s body. And it can also indicate what sort of conditions need to be addressed.

A recent study asserts that baby poop can offer even more insight.

Researchers from the University of Carolina’s (UNC) School of Medicine published their findings in Biological Psychiatry.

Image source: Pinterest

The scoop on the fascinating possibilities of baby poop

Here are some key takeaways from the study that moms and dads will find interesting!

1. Babies with a certain type of bacteria in their poop excel in cognitive tests

Researchers examined the poop samples of 100 babies, all one year old. They found that those with less diverse microbiomes and lots of bacteroides scored higher in cognitive tests by age two.

“This is the first time an association between microbial communities and cognitive development has been demonstrated in humans,” explains Rebecca Knickmeyer of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in a statement.

They assessed the babies using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. This is a series of developmental tests that involve examining fine and gross motor skills, perceptual abilities, and language development.

2. Probiotics could affect brain development before the age of one

“We’re not really at the point where we can say, ‘Let’s give everyone a certain probiotic,'” clarify the researchers in the statement.

But their findings shed light on the crucial role a baby’s gut bacteria plays in brain development before the age of one.

“These results suggest you may be able to guide the development of the microbiome to optimize cognitive development or reduce the risk for disorders like autism which can include problems with cognition and language,” say the researchers.

Image source: File photo

3. This raises the question: Can bacteria communicate with a baby’s developing brain?

“Are the bacteria actually ‘communicating’ with the developing brain?” wonders Knickmeyer. “That’s something that we are working on now, so we’re looking at some signaling pathways that might be involved.”

She also presents another theory: that the type of bacteria in baby poop is just a substitute or bridge between another factor in brain development. For instance, this could be a baby’s diet and nutrition.

4. This is just the first of many more discoveries

This study has no precedent. It is the first to explore the connection between brain development and gut bacteria found in poop.

All these claims may seem far-fetched. And a wider pool of candidates might have to be tested to cement these claims. But researchers are confident this is the first step to more promising discoveries.

For moms and dads, it’s always interesting to find new ways to get to know their little one better, even if it’s lurking in their diapers!

sources: Eureka Alert, IFLScience.com

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

Did you know that when you hold your small baby and he looks at you, he really can’t see you? That’s because while he has the physical ability to see, he cannot yet make sense of it. But as he grows older, he will be able to. That’s how the development of baby vision takes place.

A baby’s vision goes through various developmental phases during his first year. Although a baby’s hearing abilities fully develop by the end of the first month, the development of baby vision takes place over the next six to eight months.

It is only by the end of this time that he can properly see everything around him.

Development of baby vision: What your baby sees during his first year

At the time of his birth, your baby can physically see everything around him. He is capable of picking out people and objects. But his brain is not yet capable of processing that visual information.

So while he can see, everything is still fuzzy and unclear to him. You might not know this, but during his first month he can only see as far as your face when you hold him.

As he grows and his brain develops, his vision starts to become clearer. He also begins to identify people and objects.

How does a baby’s vision develop?

At the time of his birth your baby will only be able to see people and objects that are eight to 12 inches away from his eyes. But, she can detect light, movement as well as shapes, though it will all be blurry at this stage.

Your baby will also be fascinated by your face and different textures and patterns. So it’s a good time to keep him close and help him touch, feel and recognize your face. But this is just the beginning. As time passes by and he slowly grows, his vision will become stronger.

Now let’s walk through the various phases of development of baby vision. Beginning from his birth, we will track this development up until he turns one.

By the fourth month your baby will develop a better depth perception. | Image courtesy: Pixabay

1. The first month

The fact is that when a baby is born he doesn’t really know how to use his eyes. You might notice that his eyes wander and sometimes even cross each other. Everything is new for him and so is the coordination of his eyes.

If you swish any object, your hand or even your face past his eyes during his month, he may look at it transfixed. That’s because he is still trying to comprehend his ability to see.

By the end of this month or by the next month, he will be able to focus his eyes on one thing more often. In the meantime you might want to play a little game of eye-to-eye. Bring him close to your face and fix your eyes onto his. Tilt your head from side to side and notice his eyes following yours.

2. The second and third months

Your baby is able to see colour from birth, but he cannot distinguish between tones. So he will not be able to make out orange from red. This is why he gets transfixed on black and white and even contrasting patterns.

You will notice that in this month, he will point at objects with primary colours and complex design patterns.

Encourage your baby by showing books, toys and objects with primary colours and complex patterns. This way he will be able to work his object-tracking skill. He will continue with the same skill set well into the third month as well.

3. The fourth month

During this month, your baby will develop better depth perception. Until now, he was still trying to figure out the exact shape, size and reach of an object. His brain was not able to comprehend these parametres well enough to send the instructions to his hand to grasp them.

At four months, he is able to develop his motor skills. This also means his hand-to-eye coordination is better at this point. So you can help him practice develop this skill by helping him grasp things. You can buy toys that rattle or make a noise so he is able to locate them and hold onto them.

Because if you do not, he just might go for your glasses!

4. The fifth month

By this month your baby can successfully track moving objects. But these objects should be small and remain close to him. He may even be able to recognize toys and objects.

You can check if your baby is able to recognize moving objects by playing peekaboo with him. As you cover your face with your hands and he tries to uncover it, you can be certain that he is able to recognize moving objects. In this case, it’s your face and especially your eyes.

At this stage, your baby can also most certainly understand colours and recognize their tones. But he will still take a few more months to understand pastels.

5. The eighth month

As soon as your baby turns eight months, his vision is almost similar to that of an adult. This means he can see objects clearer and has stronger depth perception.

He will be able to see most things in three dimensions now, although he will still prefer to grasp things that are closer to him.

At eight months, his vision is strong enough to identify objects and people across the room. He will also start crawling by this month, so that will further enhance his hand-eye coordination.

6. Between the ninth and 12th month

At the ninth month your baby can judge height and distance pretty well. This is because now they are trying to pull themselves up and stand. At this stage, your baby’s eye colour will also fully develop. But you may notice slight changes later on as well.

By the 10th month, they will be able to crawl to something far away and grasp it between their forefinger and thumb. This is thanks to their enhanced depth perception.

With further motor skills development such as walking, your baby’s hand-eye coordination will improve too.

With these growth spurts in these fixed intervals, the development of baby vision will be on track. But it also means that your role as a parent will also include that of a guide and teacher.

As your baby grows, you will have to keep tabs on the development of his vision and his ability to identify objects and colours. | Image courtesy: Pixabay

What is the parent’s role in the development of baby vision?

You will have to keep track on the development of baby vision. This means you will have to take your baby for regular checkups. The specialist will check if he is developing normally and will also look for any congenital eye conditions.

Make sure you share any family history of eye problems when you get the checkup done.

From his birth till he turns one, you can practice hand-eye coordination with developmental toys or even with ordinary objects at home. When he is younger than six months, your face will fascinate him, so spend time with him and let him get used to it. This helps him recognize you even if he only sees a little part of you.

As he grows older you can help him recognize colours and shapes using various toys. Some that make noise can also help with this task.

Once your child is three or four years old, your doctor may check if the development of baby vision has matured. This means he will take a look at your baby’s acuity. This is usually done through graphs and colourful charts.

These eye examinations often reveal if your child needs spectacles or has any vision problems, such as colour blindness.

When should you worry about the development of baby vision?

During the regular tests that check development of baby vision, your doctor will ask you about changes you might have seen in your baby’s sight. You should be concerned in the following cases:

• Your baby is unable to track moving objects like your face or a toy even after turning three or four months.
• He is unable to move his eyes in either or both directions, or in all directions.
• Your baby’s eyes do not hold still and keep moving.
• Your newborn’s eyes are crossed, either one or both turn inwards. (This is normal during the first few days, but if it continues after the first week, consult a doctor).
• One pupil or both pupils appear white.
• Your baby seems uncomfortable in bright light, or his eyes are quite watery.

In case your baby was born prematurely and needed oxygen cylinders or medical assistance, he may be at a greater risk of developing eye infections.

These include blurred vision (astigmatism), nearsightedness (myopia), abnormal blood vessel growth, and eye misalignment (strabismus).

In general, you don’t have to worry about your baby’s vision development. Simply keep a track on the development of baby vision with the age-by-age information we’ve shared.

Most importantly, enjoy every minute of your time playing, holding and getting to know your baby.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

If you could, you’d give your baby anything in the world! But to discipline your baby, saying “No” before giving them positive reinforcement, is a great strategy. Moms and dads have you ever wondered, “Do I really need to discipline my baby before their first birthday?”

Did you know that your baby can already understand basic discipline even before they can walk or talk? To discipline your baby effectively, it helps to understand how their mind is developing in their first year.

Studies have found that even in the womb, children develop preferences for certain sounds. Once they are born, their first few days of life involves differentiating sounds. And also, quite charmingly, they can distinguish their mom’s voice as different from all other female voices.

When babies reach six months of age, they can already understand certain words like “yes” or “mommy.” And they can even meaningfully gesture toward certain objects.

How can I discipline my baby by saying “No”?

At seven months old, children become intuitive, not only understanding your words, but comprehending moods as well. By the time they are nine months old, they can already grasp what “No” means.

Isn’t that fascinating? Even before they hit the much anticipated milestones — uttering their first words, taking their first wobbly steps — they are already processing information in their adorable little heads.

Moms will agree that “saying ‘no’ to discipline my baby is a good technique” starting at 9 months old! | Image source: File photo

And it goes beyond just saying “No,” as your little one needs further reassurance. They’re still babies, after all! Though they might show signs of being smarter than average, they still need guidance and reinforcement.

But sometimes, it’s okay to say “No” to discipline your baby, especially when his safety is at risk.

Repeat after us, moms and dads. “To discipline my baby, I just have to Remember: DAPCC…”

By the age of nine months, your fast-developing baby might be starting to crawl and reach for things. Aside from baby-proofing your home, here are ways to make sure to keep their behaviour in check.

Distract and then redirect

Your curious baby will tend to fixate on certain objects, like the television remote control. Instead of hiding the remote, why not give them an equally interesting alternative? An old remote with no batteries will keep them occupied.

You might be wondering, how can I discipline my baby if I give in to their every whim? They are too young to grasp punishment, so simply saying “No” and diverting their attention is often best!

Anticipate and prevent negative behaviour

In the same way that your baby instinctively knows how you’re feeling, you can predict their daily moods, too. Do they seem fussy and frustrated? For whatever reason — exhaustion or a change in routine — babies can throw a fit at any minute.

Put your little one down for a nap. Offer them milk or food (once they’ve started on solids). Do whatever it takes to keep them calm enough not to act out.

How can I discipline my baby? By balancing praise with gentle negation! | Image source: File photo

Praise and talk positively

When they follow your direction when you say, “No, don’t touch that,” shower them with applause and compliments. They might not understand what you’re saying just yet, but they can grasp emotional cues. Babies know when you are happy with their behaviour!

Choose your battles

Don’t take disciplining your baby too seriously. Are they playing around with clean laundry? Or messing up your couch throw pillows? Lighten up and let them! Being able to express and pursue what interests them is great for their development.

Pick your battles, but of course you have to say “No,” when it comes to safety hazards in the home. This helps them remember what the safe zones are!

Consistency is key

Have they decided that hair-pulling is a way to say hello? More than saying “No, stop that,” try not to laugh or show that you find it amusing. (Even if it can be super cute!) Laughing or making light of it can make them feel that it’s okay to hurt others.

Beyond being an effective discipline tool, the word “No” will soon become a vital part of their development. By the time they hit the age of two, they can already say the word “No.”

Psychiatrist Paul C. Hollinger encourages parents not to take this the wrong way. It is a natural part of their development. In fact, it is a good sign that they are right on track when it comes to self-identity and self-expression.

But that’s a different battle altogether. For now, remember how to say “No” with love, moms and dads!

Sources: Live Science, Psychology Today, WebMD

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

Do you ever wonder why sometimes, your baby prefers to stare at some people and not others? What does it mean when a baby stares at you?

A 2004 study in the UK has observed that newborn babies prefer to look at attractive faces, which suggested that babies do not learn face recognition, but rather come with them from birth.

In the study, researchers Alan Slater and his colleagues at the University of Exeter showed paired images of faces to babies. These babies are as young as one-day old and researchers found that they spent more time fixated on the more “attractive” face.

A baby stares at attractive faces!

Developmental psychologists have observed for many years that babies prefer certain objects. These can be high contrast images and curvy, biological shapes. However, they did not know why babies prefer them, and where these preferences come from.

The research suggested that babies are not exactly blank slates and instead come into the world with a fairly well-developed perception systems. So why do babies look at pretty people?

development of baby vision

When a baby stares at pretty people

In the study, the researchers took pictures of a variety of female faces. They then asked adults subjects to rate them for attractiveness. These subjects scored each face on a scale from 1 to 5.

Next, the researchers looked for pairs of photographs that were similar to the chosen photographs in all respects like brightness and contrast, but are at the opposite end of the “attractiveness” scale.

Afterwards, they presented these paired photographs to newborn infants, ranging from one to seven days old. The study noted that all of the babies in the study were still in the hospital after birth.

One researcher held each infant upright about 30 centimeters away from the two photos, while another stood out of view and noted where the babies eyes were directed. 

According to Slater, almost all of the babies spent more time looking at the pictures that the adult subjects rated more attractive. He presented his results at the British Association for the Advancement of Science Festival of Science in Exeter.

A baby stares at the prototype of the human face

Slater suggested that the reason why babies prefer “attractive” people is because they pretty much exhibit the prototype of a perfect human face.

Of course, a baby’s notion of attractive maybe different from a more mature human’s notion of attractiveness. But from their perspective, these beautiful faces may represent the stereotypical human face which they have evolved to recognize, Slater said.

According to Slater: “Babies are born with a fairly detailed representation of the average human face that helps them recognize familiar faces and also helps them learn about the social world.”

When a baby stares: another study

In another study in 2013, researchers tested 32 four and five-year-olds by showing them 12 photos of women aged 18 to 29 years old. They found that these toddlers tended to trust answers from picture of attractive women.

As with the previous study, the photos had been selected from a pool of 56 original images. This was done by a panel of university students who rated their attractiveness. From this pool, only the most unattractive and unattractive were presented to the children.

Harvard University’s lead researcher Dr Igor Bascandziev said: ‘When learning about the world, children rely heavily on information provided to them by other people.

Previous studies have shown children can be influenced by a range of factors. This can be whether the adult was correct in the past or if they are familiar to them.

“Our study wanted to examine whether children would trust an attractive stranger over an unattractive stranger,” Bascandziev said.

As the baby stares: Is there danger in this?

In the study, researchers showed the children pictures of six objects and asked to name them. Whether they guessed it correctly or not, the researchers then suggested they seek the help of one of two people.

It’s at this point that the researchers showed the kids the two photos, one attractive and one attractive. The researchers then asked them who knew the answer.

The results of the study was published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology. It showed that more children initially selected the attractive face, especially women.

Both boys and girls are more likely to trust or believe an attractive-looking woman compared to an unattractive one.  

“It would be interesting to see future research explore whether children would continue favoring the more attractive face even when they have evidence that the more attractive face is unreliable and the less attractive informant is a reliable informant,” Bascandziev said.

What is beautiful?

It’s worth noting however that “attractiveness” here is subjective. There’s no clear and objective metric for attractiveness. This is especially true when one takes into account the face shape and skin type of people according to race. 

Another thing worth noting is that both studies use an adult perspective to determine which ones are attractive or not. Therefore this puts a bit of a bias on the results. What makes people “attractive”? Is pretty good and ugly bad?

But the next time your baby stares at you, take comfort. Aside from being your child’s parents, maybe your baby thinks you’re just so gosh darn beautiful!

You can also read: Grandparent child care can be harmful to kids when unchecked.

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

During the first few months of his life, a lot happens to your baby’s body. As new structures and connections to the brain form, what he eats plays a crucial role in his neurological development. That’s why you need know about the absolute best food and nutrients for baby’s brain during this phase.

Now, you might have already read plenty of articles about the best food for baby’s brain. But this information is constantly being updated as new research is conducted. And as you are concerned about your baby’s brain development, it’s good to stay on top of the latest research.

So here it is: the most up-to-date scientific news related to the best-ever nourishment for your little one’s brain.

The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), recently issued a set of recommendations focusing on this.

They released guidelines on food that ensures healthy neurological and brain development in the baby during his first 1,000 days (two years).

In their publication, the AAP explained why babies need specific food during their early years.

“Child and adult health risks, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, may be programmed by nutritional status during this period. Calories are essential for growth of both fetus and child but are not sufficient for normal brain development,” they said.

7 best food for baby’s brain: AAP

The apex agency noted that although all nutrients are needed for baby’s brain growth, there are some key nutrients that are crucial for neurodevelopment. These include the following.

• Protein (found in powdered milk, porridge, pureed vegetables and meat and cereal)
• Zinc (found in whole grain cereals, nuts, potatoes, red meat and mushrooms)
• Iron (found in milk, green vegetables, spinach, chard, beetroot, winter squash, sweet potatoes, beef, chicken, turkey, mushrooms and prune juice)
• Choline (found in egg yolk, yogurt, garbanzo and lima beans, lentils, almonds, cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage and broccoli)
• Folate (found in avocado, spinach, garbanzo beans, lentils, beetroot and asparagus)
• Iodine (found in sea vegetables like arame, hiziki, kombu, wakame, cranberries, yogurt, cheese and potatoes as well as salt)
• Vitamin A, D, B6, B12 (found in carrots, sweet potato, salmon, fortified yogurt, orange juice, fortified milk, banana, papaya, lentils, garbanzo or chickpeas, low-fat dairy, cheese and eggs); and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in egg yolk )

The agency notes, “Failure to provide key nutrients during this critical period of brain development may result in lifelong deficits in brain function despite subsequent nutrient repletion.”

Dr. Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg, associate professor, Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and member of the AAP Committee shared in the statement that new parents must note that breastmilk is the best food for baby’s brain during the first six months.

If you are really looking to developing good brain health, then you really have to look at a variety of food. | Image courtesy: Dreamstime

She says, breastmilk should be supplemented with food that is rich in iron and zinc. That’s because breastmilk doesn’t have as much of these two nutrients as is needed by a growing child. So she suggests the following:

• Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals
• Pureed lean meat (chicken, fish, turkey, beef)
• Some infant cereals

“Infants are very vulnerable in the first few months of life to [nutrient] deficiencies,” says Schwarzenberg. “Their brains are developing at a rapid pace between one and two years, so we want pediatricians to be recommending a healthy spectrum of foods and not simply telling parents to give their babies certain foods. We want to make a positive statement about providing lean meats and fruits and vegetables, and also push back on the idea of superfoods,” added Dr Schwarzenberg.

She also pointed out that no single food item can make up for all nutritional requirements in a growing baby.

What to remember when choosing the best food for baby’s brain

Dr Schwarzenberg emphasises two important points that new parents must bear in mind.

1. Provide nutritious food during the first two years

She shared, “If you miss the opportunity to meet developmental milestones during the first 1,000 days of life, then there’s not an opportunity to go back and revisit them.”

That’s because the neurological development in the baby takes place during this time. And, it includes brain circuit formation as well as processing speed of the brain.

2. Do not allow your picky eater to be the boss

“We all have a tendency to pick one or two things the child likes and not stray too much from them. But if you are really looking to developing good brain health, then you really have to look at a variety of foods,” says Dr Schwarzenberg.

It might be easier to feed babies what they naturally gravitate towards. But it doesn’t mean you should always let that happen. Pick the best food for baby’s brain, at least during the first 1,000 days. After that you can give your baby the freedom to chose what they like.

Source: AAPPublications

ALSO READ: An age-by-age food guide for your little one’s healthy brain development

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

You may have heard that reading to baby supports his growth and development. Not to forget, it also helps him develop language skills at a much faster rate. So it may not come as a surprise that a recent study proved that reading to baby since infancy can result in specialized brain responses. This means that if you read to your six-month-old, he will be able to better differentiate between faces and species.

The study — in a way — proves that it is not just what’s on the pages, but the book reading experience itself that helps with these responses.

But does this mean that while reading to baby you can use any book? And should books for infants be different from books for toddlers? A study by the University of Florida’s Brain Cognition and Development Lab (BCDL) worked to find answers for these queries.

They wanted to uncover if reading to baby aloud, also called shared book reading, can help with brain and behavior development as well.

Reading to baby aloud can benefit your bub

Interestingly, the lab found that shared book reading had many benefits for babies. These include the following.

1. Faster language and cognitive development

The BCDL study took notes from another research by the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project funded by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

That study uncovered that reading to baby aloud or book sharing can help in language and cognitive development. It also increases a child’a vocabulary as well his pre-reading skills. In addition, this activity is also beneficial in conceptual development.

2. Enhancement of parent-child relationship

The BCDL research quoted another study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in their study. This WHO study stated that reading to baby aloud helps to enhance the parent-child relationship.

It encourages interpersonal communication and gives parents a daily dose of cuddles with their children.

3. Enhances reading and writing abilities

The study also took notes from another research by the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. This particular research proves that the quality and quantity of shared book reading greatly benefits a child’s vocabulary.

It also enhances his reading and writing skills in the future. So basically, the more books you read to your baby in his early months, the better his languages skills will get in the future.

The books you should read to your six-month-old will be different from those you read to your two-year-old. | Image courtesy: Pixabay

While the studies proved that reading to baby aloud does in fact, benefit his cognitive and language skills, the question is: which books should you read?

Reading to baby: Here’s are the books you should pick up

During their investigations, the BCDL researchers found that the type of books you read to your baby are as important as how much you read to them.

• If you show books with faces, and objects to your infants, they will show specialized brain responses in the future. But if you show them books with no labels or generic books with just images and a word to describe them, it might not be that impactful.
• Babies who are read to from books with individual labels (where each image is described by words), were able to distinguish between individual characters. For instance, for a dog, the book described: “This is Harry. He can wiggle his tail and run fast.”
• The BCLD study also found that young infants were able to learn a lot more about their environment through those labelled books. It also helped in their overall development during their first year.

What parents must bear in mind

This study is a great reminder of the impact and use of reading to baby. The only thing that parents such as you and I need to remember is that not all books are created equal. Here are a few takeaways.

• The books you should read to your six-month-old will be different from those you read to your two-year-old.
• While reading to baby, you should opt for books that label characters and give them individual names as opposed to generic terms like “cat” or “dog.”
• Make sure to purchase books that your child likes to see and touch and hear from.
• If you bought a book that has no individual labels, then create some on your own. Give the characters interesting names.

Remember that while talking to babies is important for their development, shared book reading can open the doors for faster cognitive learning.

Sources: The Conversation, Scientific American, MIT Press Journal

ALSO READ: Teaching toddlers to read: A comprehensive guide for parents

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

“Awww, he looks just like his dad!” How many of you have heard this about your little one? Once a baby is born, family and friends will naturally remark whether a baby looks like dad or their mom.

As a baby grows and develops, their facial appearance, as well as their personality also starts to change.

While looking more like one parent is believed to be caused by genetic factors, its effects go beyond that. It can even influence parenting, and importantly, improve the baby’s health, says a new study.

Baby looks like dad? Then dad will be more motivated to care for them!

It all boils down to mom and dads level of parental investment, and what motivates positive parenting efforts.

According to the study’s researchers, fathers whose babies bear a striking resemblance to them influences how engaged they are as a parent.

“Those fathers that perceive the baby’s resemblance to them are more certain the baby is theirs, and thus spend more time with the baby,” explains professor Solomon Polachek to Medical Daily.

Fathers no doubt play an important role in childrearing. If they are involved in a child’s upbringing, Polachek believes this “manifests itself in the health of the child.”

A dad’s involvement in the caregiving and supervision of their kids can improve a child’s health

The study’s researchers observed 715 families registered by the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW). These families had kids who lived solely with their moms.

Though fathers lived apart from them, their resemblance served as “a paternity cue used by men especially for making time-investment decisions.”

“We find a child’s health indicators improve when the child looks like the father,” explains the study’s researchers. “The main explanation is that frequent father visits allow for greater parental time for caregiving and supervision, and for information gathering about child health and economic needs.”

Baby looks like dad? Lots of bonding time with dad is believed to boost a baby’s health! (image source: shutterstock)

It’s not that dads don’t love babies who don’t resemble them, but the study believes some dads need motivation. Whereas mums are naturally caring, regardless of who their baby looks like.

“Because women do not need facial resemblance cues to decide whether to provide care, we expect baby looks affect child developmental outcomes only through a father’s investments,” said the study.

Though having a dad around is of course not the sole determinant of a a good childhood, it surely helps.

What’s more, it would also be unfair to generalize about parental investment, as family dynamics differ across countries and cultures.

For those who are co-parenting, this study could be even more motivation to stay involved in a child’s life.

But regardless of whether you believe this study’s claims, there is not enough scientific research that can fully define the lasting impact of being a hands-on and loving parent.

Sources: Medical Daily, Journal of Health Economics

READ THIS ALSO: Baby stares at beautiful people: A study shows babies trust them more

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Babies who look like their dads are healthier, claims study appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

When your baby is born, one of the first things you might notice about his darling little face is the terribly anxious expression there (complete with a tiny frown!). Why do newborns look worried like this? Do they hate your face, dislike what you’re doing, or just have a general disapproval of the world and life in general?

Don’t worry, they don’t hate you. According to experts, newborn frowning is a sign that the baby wants to take a break from what they’re doing or that they’re sleepy and tired. If you miss this sign, the baby may become agitated or more difficult to settle down.

So then the next question naturally is, how do newborns smile and when do they do this? According to one study, smiling is innate, not learned, but be patient. They’ll smile eventually.

So what is a smile — and why do newborns take a few months to get the hang of it?

How babies develop expressions

Your baby’s first real smile says a lot about his development. It’s a sign his vision has improved and he is able to recognize your face. His brain and nervous system have matured enough to eliminate reflex smiles, and he’s now aware that smiling is a way for him to connect with others.

Your little one is also beginning to realize his feelings matter and have a direct effect on the people around him. He’ll smile to express pleasure, excitement, contentment, and happiness.

In the same way, he’ll frown to express displeasure, fear, unhappiness, and other negative emotions.

Why newborns look worried

Well, this is awkward.

Charles Darwin was among the first to try explaining why humans smile. He noted that many animals warn one another by baring their teeth, and suggested that early humans may have routinely greeted strangers with a canine snarl. Over time, Darwin speculated, this greeting lost its edge and became one way we recognize the presence of another person.

But it was one of Darwin’s contemporaries, Guillaume-Benjamin Duchenne, who contributed the first meaningful scientific take on smiles.

Duchenne mapped the differences between genuine smiles and that expression you make when you get a cake on your birthday. This gave rise to what contemporary scientists refer to as fake non-Duchenne smiles and genuine Duchenne smiles. A real smile exercises the muscles around your eyes, not just your mouth.

From Duchenne’s time until now, there hasn’t been much in the literature regarding smiles. Scientists have noted that non-human primates display something akin to a smile that’s associated with camaraderie.

Newborns look worried sometimes

Some research has examined how smiling differs across cultures. One study demonstrated that Americans and Australians can guess the nationality of a smiling Caucasian person, but cannot do so when the Caucasian person makes a neutral expression. Other studies have confirmed that diverse cultures have different rules governing when it’s appropriate to smile.

“Rarely do we think, ‘Isn’t it interesting that another culture has different smiling rules?’ We view them as being a different type of person,” psychologist Marianne LaFrance of Yale University told Wired.

“At home, judgments based on a person’s smiling habits might be warranted. But when you’re talking about cross-cultural boundaries, those judgments can be really off-base.”

“My mother’s choice of clothing makes me worried that I’ll be unfashionable later in life.”

The science behind why newborns look worried

In neuroscience, there isn’t much clarity on why we smile. “While neuroimaging data (pictures of the brain when it is active) tells us how emotional expressions are perceived, it doesn’t tell us why we smile (as opposed to frown, for example),” psychologist Nakia Gordon of Marquette University told her school’s magazine.

But neuroscience may provide hints as to why babies start smiling only after a couple months of straight-faced cooing. Brain imaging studies suggest that we cannot be truly happy unless we’re capable of self-referential thinking, Dustin Scheinost of Yale University’s Child Study Center tells Scientific American.

Studies have shown that building that sort of brainpower takes time. “To be happy, you have to know that you’re happy,” Scheinost says. “A lot of unhappiness initially isn’t really unhappiness but rather low-level feelings like ‘I’m hungry.’”

What babies think when newborns look worried

After a few months, studies suggest, babies’ brains have developed enough to know things like “I’m unhappy because I’m hungry.” At this point, you can expect your baby to start smiling when he or she is happy.

Another prerequisite for happiness is memory — if you cannot retrieve any happy memories, you’re unlikely to smile very often.

A 2014 study published in Science found that a stable network of neurons is required for memory to form. The study also found that infants’ growing brains shake up their neuronal networks so often that memories seldom form. Perhaps babies don’t smile until their brains calm down a bit.

“Mother, why don’t I have fur? I am worried.” Newborns may look worried, but don’t worry, mums!

Newborns look worried but not for long

Your baby’s reflex smile will disappear by time she’s two months old, and her first real one will make an appearance somewhere between one and a half to three months of life.

When it’s the real deal, you will see the emotion expressed in your baby’s eyes.

You can tell the difference between a reflex and real smile by the timing and duration. Generally, reflex smiles tend to be shorter and occur randomly, when the baby is sleeping or tired. Real smiles, on the other hand, occur in response to something, like seeing her mama’s face or hearing a sibling’s high-pitched voice, and they are consistent, Dr. Gettleman explains. 

When newborns look worried, make them smile

If your newborns look worried still, there are some things you can do that may encourage them.

1. Talk to them often and make sure you give them time to “respond.”
2. Make eye contact frequently.
3. Smile at them throughout the day.
4. Get silly, too. Make funny faces or noises, imitate animal sounds and behaviours, blow raspberries on your baby’s belly, or play a game of peek-a-boo.
5. Just don’t overdo it. “Babies are developing the ability to regulate their emotions and may look away if they are getting too much stimulation,” says child psychologist David Elkind, Ph.D., author of Parenting on the Go: Birth to Six, A to Z. Give your kiddo a little breather and try again later.

Source: Fatherly

YOU CAN ALSO READ: Baby stares at beautiful people: A study shows babies trust them more

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Why do newborns look so worried? appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

Being affectionate is a way moms and dads show their love. Showering their little ones with hugs and kisses comes naturally. And so is the drive to make sure they grow up healthy. Unfortunately, gestures of affection—like kissing baby on the mouth—could harm their future health.

Kissing baby on mouth could spread harmful bacteria, doctors say

According to a study conducted by BioMed Central Oral Health, a mom can transfer oral bacteria by kissing their babies on the lips. This exposes them to germs that could cause dental cavities and other oral health issues.

But it’s not just kissing baby on mouth that poses risks. Even sharing a spoon with your little one during mealtime could be putting them at risk for future cavities.

Don’t kiss baby on mouth! Even sharing a spoon with your baby could spread the bacteria that causes future tooth decay! (image source: shutterstock)

Mom Rachel learned this when her two-year-old was diagnosed with baby teeth cavities. According to their dentist, it could have been the result of kissing her baby on the mouth.

“The dentist handed me this piece of paper that talked about saliva transfer,” the 37-year-old mom told NBC news, recounting how shocked she was.

“It said not to share cups or utensils or food and said, ‘No kissing your kid on the lips.’ I was shocked; I’d been taking a bite of food and then giving her a bite since she started eating,” she continued. “I told the dentist I’d never heard of this and he said these were new findings.”

Like Rachel, a lot of moms and dads aren’t really aware of the risk.

However, paediatric dentist Dr. Jane Soxman clarifies that it’s not always kissing on the lips that’s to blame. It is merely one of a variety of factors.

Tooth decay is a bacterial infection that can spread when your child’s teeth are at their most vulnerable, or before their milk teeth erupt.

“It’s as if you had a bad cold and were kissing your child, you would spread the cold virus,” Dr. Soxman explains to NBC news.

A study in the Journal of the California Dental association further emphasizes the importance of treating dental caries or teeth decay as an “infectious disease.”

How to prevent future tooth decay

It’s never too early to take charge of your child’s dental health. Aside from avoiding kissing baby on mouth, make sure to keep their mouth clean! (image source: file photo)

The Pediatric Dental Center offers the following guidelines to avoid the spread of tooth decay-causing bacteria:

• Take care of your own oral health. Moms and moms-to-be should visit their dentist religiously, brush with flouride toothpaste, and floss regularly.
• While pregnant, have an oral checkup. With all the preparation involved in pregnancy, it’s easy to overlook your dental health. Don’t forget to schedule a visit to know if preventive treatment is needed.
• Of course, avoid “salivary contact,” which means NO kissing on the lips or sharing utensils during meals.
• Don’t let them use a bottle or sippy cup as a pacifier!
• If your little one drops their pacifier, make sure to replace or clean it instead of just manually cleaning it.
• Brush and floss your child’s milk teeth, as advised by your pediatric dentist.
• Keep sweetened beverages at a minimum.
• Even if your little one’s teeth have not come out yet, keep their mouth clean! From birth to 12 months, simply use a clean wash cloth or finger brush to lightly scrub their gums. Around the age of 12 to 36 months, you can brush your child’s teeth with flouride toothpaste twice a day.

For any dental health concerns, it’s always best to consult your child’s pediatrician.

sources: NBC News, BMC Oral Health

READ THIS ALSO: Is it okay to kiss your kids on the lips? Parents share their views

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Kissing babies on their lips could cause dental problems appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

No loving mom wants to ever see their child in pain. Even if it is part of their development — like teething —moms want their little ones to be as comfortable as possible. So we turn to things like teething gel to help our little ones. But is baby teething gel safe? Danielle Kapetanovic simply wanted to ease her baby girl’s teething pains, but then the unimaginable happened.

Is baby teething gel safe? Mom shares how her 15-month-old stopped breathing because of teething gel

Following the advice of a friend, the mom purchased baby teething gel formulated for nighttime use. She applied less than a pea-sized amount on her baby’s gums, as instructed.

“Chloe immediately turned red, started kicking, got one or two screams in, and 10 to 15 seconds after the [gel] touched her gums she became unresponsive,” writes Danielle in a Facebook post, which has been shared over 100,000 times.

Continuing, she described how her baby girl’s “eyes locked in a dead stare, she became limp and stopped breathing. She turned blue.”

Is baby teething gel safe? This mom warns not to use it for babies under the age of two! | Image source: Danielle Kapetanovic Facebook page

The horrified mom “grabbed her and put her against (her) body, hitting her back trying to wake her up, but no response.”

She immediately tried performing CPR on her unconscious baby as her husband called 911.

“I was screaming. It’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me,” she told People in an interview.

To her relief, her baby girl regained consciousness about half a minute later. Later checkups revealed that the incident didn’t harm the little girl in any way.

However, their frightening experience highlights the dangers of teething gels, specifically because of their benzocaine content.

Make baby teething gel safe for kids by reading the labels carefully!

The concerned mom took to Facebook to “warn other parents about the foreseeable misuse of this product due to what I see as defective advertising.”

Since the product is marketed for babies, it’s easy for other moms to “make the same mistake.”

“This product is incredibly misleading (look at the age of the child on the box) and should be properly labeled with a large warning or simply removed from the shelves and not advertised for babies. Please don’t put your kids at risk,” she urges in the post.

“I read the words on the label, I know what it says,” she explained. But she also stresses how what the “manufacturer says directly conflicts with what they do.

Is baby teething gel safe? “This product is incredibly misleading (look at the age of the child on the box) and should be properly labeled with a large warning,” says the mom. | Images from: Danielle Kapetanovic Facebook page

“The manufacturer has placed a picture of a baby on the front and placed the product in the baby aisle of stores or in baby sections of online retailers,” she explains.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning against over-the-counter pain medication to babies under the age of two without a doctor’s advice.

This is because of the risk of metheglobinemia, a rare blood disorder which basically blocks oxygen supply, causing symptoms like cyanosis (bluish skin), nausea, and loss of consciousness, among others.

Here are some home remedies for teething pain

Moms and dads should be extra careful when introducing any new substance to their little ones.

If you’re not comfortable with using teething gel, then there are home remedies you can try to ease your growing baby’s teething pains. But even these common home remedies should be given upon the advice of your pediatrician.

• Beef jerky. This tough and flavorful meat can help teething babies manage pain. Care must be taken, however, as they could be choking hazards.
• Chilled banana. Giving your little one small, chilled pieces of banana can help ease teething woes. Make sure to watch them closely, though!
• Amber teething beads. These therapeutic beads apply just the right amount of pressure on the gums. It also contains succinic acid, which is believed to control swelling and alleviate pain.
• Vanilla extract. Rub a minimal amount on your baby’s gums for natural pain relief.
• Cool washcloth. This tried-and-tested remedy eases pain. You can even knot the edges for added pressure.
• Ice slushy. You can serve this flavored or unflavored. Either way, it is one of the best ways to bring down inflammation and ease pain during teething.
• Chilled carrots. Having your baby munch on chilled carrots promises soothing pain relief. Make sure no pieces break off, though, as they might cause choking!
• Toothbrush. Simply chewing on a toothbrush or brushing their gums back and forth can help growing toddlers get through the teething stage painlessly.

What other ways do you manage teething pains, moms and dads? Let us know in the comments below! 

Sources: Good Housekeeping, People, Food and Drug Administration

READ THIS ALSO: 7 Undeniable signs of teething in your baby

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Mom warns against unexpected dangers of teething gel appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

Circumcision is a procedure viewed as a rite of passage to puberty in many cultures. However, more and more parents are opting to have it done while their son is still a baby, often to avoid future pain. But does it hurt to get circumcised even if it’s done during infancy?

Does it hurt to get circumcised for babies?

Circumcision is the surgical procedure of separating excess foreskin from the head of the penis (or glans) forcefully before cutting it off. Some do it for religious or cultural reasons, while others opt for the procedure for hygienic or medical purposes.

However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend universal newborn circumcision.”

Even if baby boys are given anesthesia prior to the procedure, does it hurt to get circumcised regardless?

One mum blogger took to Instagram to share the reality of infant circumcision. In the post, which earned mixed reactions, the blogger highlighted just how painful circumcision can be.

 

A post shared by Black Moms Blog (@blackmomsblog) on Mar 9, 2018 at 5:31am PST

A study published in the Paediatrics & Child Health Journal found that it does hurt babies, even with anesthesia. What’s more, another study published in Pediatrics found that only 45% of doctors use an anesthetic when circumcising infants.

Normally, a baby is strapped down with a Circumstraint, or an apparatus with velcro cuffs to secure a baby’s hands and legs. The doctor will then apply antiseptic to sterilize the area. Then, doctors can apply topical anesthesia, which is as much as you can give babies, as sedating them would be risky. However, some studies claim local anesthesia is also a safe option.

Because of this, they still can feel pain. To access the head of the penis and the inner foreskin, a doctor uses forceps to widen the tiny opening. Some parents and physicians view the act as “barbaric,” while others believe it is a necessary part of life.

Whatever you believe, one thing’s for sure: no parent wants to see their child in any pain.

Are there ways to minimize pain during infant circumcision?

Does circumcision hurt babies? Yes, but there are ways to manage pain.

Though preferences vary among doctors, what’s certain is that circumcision causes pain and stress to newborns.

Researchers at Group Health Inc. and University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development found that newborns “cry vigorously, tremble, and in some cases become mildly cyanotic [having blueness or lividness of the skin, caused by a deficiency of oxygen] because of prolonged crying” during circumcision.

Some studies even claim babies remember the pain that comes with circumcision. It also rewires how their brain responds to pain in the future.

Infant circumcision is a decision you must make with the help of your child’s pediatrician as early as possible. Note that in some cases it can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young boys. Circumcision can also prevent STDs or penile cancer in adult men.

If you do decide not to have your son circumcised, rest assured that this has no bearing on their future health or hygiene. Because cleaning an uncircumcised penis is pretty easy. To learn more, read this article.

To minimize pain during circumcision, make sure to consult your child’s doctor as to the safest level of anaesthesia for newborns.

Though pain is an unavoidable part of the procedure, it doesn’t have to be unbearable for your baby.

Sources: Psychology Today, WebMD, Circumcision.org, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic

READ THIS ALSO: Newborn baby boy circumcision: What it is, aftercare and more

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore.

The post Do babies feel pain when they are circumcised? appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

Out of all the accidental baby death reasons, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the most common. But often, preventing it is as simple as knowing the best sleep safety measures.

Though you are fully aware of every sleep safety precaution, moms and dads, are your baby’s other caregivers — helpers, babysitters, relatives — just as knowledgeable?

A new study has found that other caregivers are often not aware about sleep safety. Because of this, they tend to make the mistake of placing babies in unsafe sleeping positions and places. And this exposes these babies to the risk of SIDS.

Tips you should give your baby’s other caregivers to prevent common baby death reasons

Based on the study’s findings, 1,375 out of 10,000 infant deaths happened when a parent was not around. In a majority of these tragic accidents, babies were found in unsafe sleep positions, particularly on their tummies. In some cases, babies died on a couch or adult-sized bed, both of which are considered unsafe places.

Most caregivers are not aware of common baby death reasons and that putting a baby to sleep on their backs is still safest!

“If someone else — a baby sitter, relative or friend — is taking care of your baby, please make sure that they know to place your baby on [their] back in a crib and without any bedding,” urges study author Dr. Rachel Moon in a statement.

“You can’t make assumptions that the person with whom your baby is staying will know what is safest,” she further emphasises.

So make sure to reiterate that the safest sleeping position, according to the American Academy of Paediatrics, is to place babies on their backs. And that placing them on overly soft surfaces is dangerous.

Common sleep-related baby death reasons all caregivers must know about

Aside from sleep position-linked SIDS, there are other common baby death reasons worth educating your co-caregivers about.

It helps to always warn them each time you entrust your baby to their care, even if it’s just for a short while. Sleep-related deaths don’t just happen in the night time.

Sleep-related baby death reasons can happen in an instant, so it’s important to ALWAYS be careful!

1. Suffocation

Their crib or bassinet has to be clear of blankets, soft pillows, or stuffed toys. These are all hazards not everyone knows about.

Even crib bumpers can be dangerous, as a study has found that these protective accessories are doing more harm than good. In one instance, a four-month-old baby was even suffocated to death by her own swaddle.

2. Choking

Just recently, a three-year-old choked on her own onesie as she slept. Thankfully, she survived.

If this could happen to a toddler — who already has fairly well-developed motor functions — imagine the dangers it poses to babies. Make sure your co-caregivers know that food isn’t the only choking hazard they need to be wary of. Choking can happen at any time, not just mealtimes.

3. Strangulation

They might be thin and soft, but even baby sheets and blankets can be strangulation hazards if you’re not careful. Always make sure to put babies to sleep on firm, flat surfaces. Sheets should be taut, with no visible creases.

Watch out for crib accessories like mobiles and wall-mounted lamps. A 16-month-old was once strangled to death in his crib after he pulled on a lamp.

Remember moms and dads, always make sure your co-caregivers are just as vigilant as you are! Even the simplest of safety measures can save your precious baby’s life.

Sources: Science Daily, WebMD

READ THIS ALSO: Sleeping hours for kids: How much sleep does your child need?

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Educate helpers and relatives about sleep safety to prevent SIDS! appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

When it comes to nursing babies, we’re familiar with breastfeeding and bottle feeding. But have you ever heard of alternative cup feeding?

In a Facebook video, which is currently going viral, a mom feeds her baby milk through an adorably tiny cup. The clip has been viewed over 23 million times since it was shared to the Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page.

This method of feeding is a great option for moms whose newborns find it difficult to latch onto the breast or bottle.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that cup or syringe feeding are excellent alternatives for low birth weight babies—or those weighing less than 2.5kg—who are unable to breastfeed. Not only will this help them get sufficient nutrition, it can help protect them from “growth retardation, infectious disease, developmental delays and even death.”

Alternative cup feeding: Is it safe for newborns?

Though most of the comments were positive, some parents were concerned that feeding babies through a cup would cause them to swallow too much air.

Alternative cup feeding must be done right and of course, upon the advise of a doctor. Yes, it is safe, but it’s important to consult your baby’s pediatrician first.

Exclusive breastfeeding is still best for babies until the age of six months, says the WHO, though these options don’t negate the importance of breastfeeding. It’s a great option for moms who can’t nurse their little ones through the breast or bottle.

Alternative cup feeding is a safe alternative for newborns with difficulty latching. But you should still consult your doctor before choosing this method.

According to the NHS, a feeding cup is often recommended when babies need to feed more than three to five millilitres.

Nursing through a cup helps “protect breastfeeding,” because the practise encourages feeding similar to breastfeeding—using the tongue and lower jaw, in particular.

How is alternative cup feeding done?

• First, you should make sure your hands are clean. Wash and dry them thoroughly.
• Use only pre-sterilized, one-time use only cups for each feeding.
• Secure your baby in a comfortable blanket so that they don’t flail about and spill the milk while feeding.
• Place a bib around your baby’s neck.
• Make sure to feed in an upright position to keep them from choking!
• Rest the cup gently on your baby’s lower lip.
• Tip the cup slightly, making sure the milk reaches your baby’s lower lip.
• Allow them to lap the milk up with their tongue on their own and at their own pace.
• Follow their lead. They might stop for a bit to take a break and once they’re full, they can close their mouths or move away from the cup.

Another method usually done during the first few days of life is syringe feeding.

• Like cup feeding, make sure your hands and tools are clean.
• Hold your baby upright while squeezing no more than 0.2 millilitres of milk at a time.
• Do this in between their cheeks and gums or directly on their tongue.
• Make sure they swallow before you syringe more milk.

If you’re a mom-to-be, make sure to ask your gynecologist about these feeding options in order to best prepare to give your little one the best nourishment possible.

sources: World Health Organization (WHO), NHS UK

READ THIS ALSO: Everything you should know about breastfeeding a premature baby

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Is alternative cup feeding safe for newborns? appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

Kapag first-time mommy ka, marami kang takot at pangamba sa kakayahan mo bilang ina at sa pag-alam kung may nakakaligtaan ka bang gawin para sa kalusugan at development ni baby. Pero ang totoo, sa araw-araw na pag-aalaga sa iyong munting anghel, unti-unti mo na ring malalaman at mararamdaman kung ano ang kailangan niya, at kung paano niya ito sinasabi sa yo, sa iyak pa lang niya. Unti unti mo na ring mararamdaman ang tiwala sa sarili pagdating sa pagiging mabuti at mapag-arugang  ina.

Hanggang sa makaramdam ka ulit ng maliit na pagdududa—mababahala ka na naman. Ang karaniwang tanong: normal ba ang paglaki ng anak ko? May nakakaligtaan ba ko?  Bago mo pa mamalayan, lumaki na ng lumaki ang pagdududang ito.

Paano nga ba malalaman ni mommy kung normal ang pag-unlad at paglaki ni baby? Para maibsan ang takot at kaba, narito ang ilang indicators o batayan na maaaring obserbahan sa unang taon ng isang bata. Hindi lang ito puro pisikal tulad ng pagsukat ng timbang at haba o laki ng sanggol. May mga mahahalagang milestones din na dapat malaman, tulad ng nagsisimulang motor at language skills, lalo na sa unang taong.

Ayon kay Teena Panga, Early Childhood educator, mabuti na alam ng mga magulang ang mga early childhood milestones na tinatawag, kasama na ang mga “first” sa buhay ng bata tulad ng pagsasalita, paglakad, at pag-upo. Dapat lang tandaan na hindi ito para sa pagkukumpara ng isang bata, sa iba. Ang bawat bata ay “unique” at indibidwal. Ang mga milestones ay para lamang maging batayan, pero hindi ito “exact” at “absolute”. Kwento ni Teacher Teena, bilang ina sa 4 na anak, ginusto niyang malaman ang milestones ng baby niya para alam niya ang progreso ng mga developmental stages ng kaniyang mga anak. “Kailangang mapagtuunan ng atensiyon ang pisikal, tulad ng gross at fine motor skills, at receptive at expressive language, cognitive, self-help/personal autonomy at socio-emotional—lahat ito ay mahalaga,” diin niya.  

“Makakatulong na malaman ang milestones para magabayan at masuportahan ko ang bata na maabot ang mga kinakailangang mga kakayahan, upang siya ay maging isang independent at self-reliant na bata,” paliwanag ni Teacher Teena.

Mabilis ang development ng skills sa unang taon ng isang bata. Kapag alam ng mga magulang ang mga milestones ng baby sa panahong ito, makikita o mapapansin agad kung saan siya nahuhuli o nahihirapan. “Kung may pagkabahal, at nakikita ko na naiiba talaga ang kaniyang development kung ikukumpara ito sa ibang mga bata na kaedad niya, ito ay hudyat sa akin para magsaliksik at magtatanong sa mga guro, duktor o ibang mga magulang, para maghanap ng paliwanag o humingi ng tulong sa mga propesyonal,” dagdag ni Teacher Teena. Maagapan ang mabagal na pagdevelop ng pagkatuto at pag-unlad ng isang bata, kung sakali.

May mga bagay na dapat nang nagagawa sa nakatakdang edad, bagamat hindi ito nagiging eksakto para sa lahat. Pero dapat ding tandaan na bawat bata ay ay lumalaki at nagdedevelop ayon sa sarili niyang pace o oras. May limang kategorya ang development ng isang bata:

• Gross motor skills, tulad ng paggapang at paglalakad
• Fine motor skills, tulad nang paghawak ng sariling bote, mga maliliit na laruan, pagpisil o pagdutdot gamit ang daliri (sa pagkain, halimbawa)

Ang pisikal na aspeto ng paglaki ng bata, pangunahin na ang movement o paggalaw ay may sequence o pagkakasunud-sunod: Nadedevelop ang kakayahang gumalaw mula top o taas ng katawan papunta sa bottom o ibaba, at gitna palabas, papunta sa mga daliri sa kamay at paa. Ibig sabihin, nauunang naigagalaw ang ulo, mga mata, bibig, tapos ay leeg, katawan mga kamay, tapos ay mga binti, tuhod at paa, o paglakad ang huli. Kaya nga nauuna ang pagtaas ng ulo, pag-ikot at pagdapa, pag-upo, paggapang, saka pa lang ang paglakad. Nakokontrol ng sanggol ang large muscles bago ang small muscles. Sa gitna palabas, nauuna ang katawan, bago ang mga braso at binti, at huli ding nadedevelop ang galaw ng mga daliri.

• Language skills, kasama ang pagsasalita o pagbigkas ng mga tunog (karaniwang vowels), at pag-intindi (comprehension) na makikita sa interaksiyon niya sa mga adults at animo’y pakikipag-usap at pagsunod sa mga simpleng utos (Kunin mo ito, Laro tayo)
• Thinking o cognitive skills -Predictable din ang developmental sequence ng pag-iisip o thinking skills. Nauuna muna ang konkretong kaalaman o konsepto, mula sa paggamit ng kaniyang mga senses, bago tuluyang ma-develop ang abstract thinking.
• Social interaction – Pakikipaglaro sa iba, bata man o matanda

Bantayan ang mga sumusunod:

Childhood Milestones

2 buwan – Ngumingiti kapag naririnig ang boses ni mommy o daddy, at sinusundan ng tingin ang tinig na naririnig.

3 buwan – Itinataas ang ulo at dibdib kapag nakadapa, humahawak ng mga bagay, at ngumingiti sa ibang tao.

4 buwan – Gumagaya ng mga tunog o salita (bababa, mamama), tumatawa, kaya nang itayo ang sariling ulo nang walang tulong

6 buwan – Umiikot mula nakahiga padapa, bumabaligtad ng walang tulong, humahawak ng mga bagay mula sa isang kamay papunta sa isang kamay

7 buwan – Tumitingin kapag tinatawag ang pangalan, nakakahanap ng mga nakatagong bagay

9 buwan – Nakakaupo mag-isa, gumagapang, nagsasabi ng “mama” o “dada”

12 buwan – Naglalakad nang walang gabay, kayang magsabi ng isang salita o hgit pa, gumagaya sa mga nakikitang galaw o ekspresiyon ng mukha, o salita

PISIKAL

• Nagpapalit ka ng lampin o diaper ng 8 hanggang 10 beses sa isang araw, at bumibigat ang timbang ni baby.

Ang ibig sabihin nito ay sapat ang iniinom niyang gatas at nasa ang paglaki niya ay maayos at malusog, kahit may mga araw na mas kaunti ang iniinom niyang gatas. Madalas, ang inaalala ng isang nanay ay kung sapat ang gatas na naibibigay niya sa sanggol, kung nagpapasuso. Ang batayan? Dami ng basang lampin o diaper.

Paiba-iba ang dami ng gatas na iniinom ng isang bata sa bawat araw, pero hindi ito dapat ikabahala. Basta’t ang timbang niya ay bumibigat sa bawat buwan, ibig sabihin ay normal ang paglaki niya.

Siguraduhing regular ang pagpunta sa well-baby check-up buwan buwan para masundan ang paglaki ni baby.

• Nakakatulog na ng regular na oras, at hindi na masyadong umiiyak sa gabi, o kahit sa maghapon.

Habang lumalaon, umaayos na ang kaniyang sistema at routine—kaya’t makakatulog na si mommy at daddy ng mas mahimbing sa gabi. Mas marami na ang maikling pagtulog sa maghapon, at mas mahaba na ang oras ng tulog sa magdamag dahil nadedevelop na ang nervous system ni baby. Madalas na sa ika-4 na buwan ito makikita, pero meron ding nakakaya ito nang mas maaga dito.

• Nakakagalaw na siya ng walang gabay—nakakatayo, nakakaupo, nakakagapang, at iba pang paggalaw.

Lumalakas na kasi ang mga maliliit na muscles ni baby, kaya nadadala na niya ang sarili. Marami nang babies ngayon ang kayang itayo ang ulo ng walang tulong, kahit sandali lang. Ang payo ng pediatrician ko noon, idapa ang sanggol kahit sandali sa araw araw, dahil ito ang ehersisyo niya para sa leeg, ulo at baikat. Pagdating ng 3 hanggang 4 na buwan, kinaya na ng anak ko na itaas ang ulo kapag nakadapa sa kama, at kapag pinapadighay ko siya sa balikat ko.

Hayaan siyang maglaro-laro sa kama o kutson na nasa sahig para makapag-ehersisyo siya at tumibay ang muscles niya sa buong katawan, hindi puro upo sa carseat o higa sa crib. Ang tinatawag ng mga eksperto na Tummy Time (kung saan nakadapa siya, at nagpapaikot-ikot nang kaniya) ang isa sa mga pinakamahalagang ehersisyo para sa mga batang hanggang 1 taong gulang. Dito siya magsisimulang matutuong umupo, at pagkatapos ay hilahin ang katawan para tumayo, maglakad nang nakahawak sa upuan o riles ng crib, o kung anumang mahawakan niya—nang mag-isa at wala halos gabay ng magulang.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL AT LANGUAGE

• Kumakalma ang bata kapag hinahawakan mo, at naririnig ang boses ng kaniyang mga magulang.

Ang ibig sabihin nito ay may magandang relasyon ang bata sa kaniyang mga magulang. Kilala ng bata ang boses ni nanay at tatay, lalo na kung mula sa sinapupunan ay kinakausap na ito ng kaniyang mga magulang. Pagkapanganak, yakapin, kargahin, kantahan, kausapin ang sanggol, bawat pagkakataon na mayron para makilala niya ang kaniyang mga magulang at maramdaman ang pagmamahal. Ito ang makakapagpakalma sa kaniya sa mga pagkakataon na may nararamdaman siyang hindi mabuti. Ito rin ang nagpapatunay na may malalim nang relasyon ang nanay at tatay sa bata, at isang malinaw na hudyat maayos ang emotional development ni baby.

• Tumitingin siya sa nang direkta sa mata, ngumingiti, humahagikgik, at animo’y nakikipag-usap.

Ang ibig sabihin nito ay simple—siya ay masayahin at lumalaking may mahusay na social skills. Karaniwang nakikipag-eye contact ang isang bata pagdating ng unang buwang gulang. Dito na sunud-sunod lalabas ang pagtawa, pagngiti, paghagikgik, at iba pang social skills. Ang mga interaksiyon na ito ay nagpapakitang may koneksiyon na ang bata sa magulang at alam niya ang nangyayari sa paligid niya. Ilan din itong indicators ng maagang language development. Ang mga galaw, eye contact at facial expressions ang ebidensiya ng umuusbong na language development ng isang sanggol. Ang mga panimulang ingay na nakakaya na niyang gawin—bababa, dadada, ooooo—ay nagpapakita na sumusubok na siyang magsalita.

COGNITIVE

• Tumitingin sa ingay na naririnig—at nakikinig nang tahimik.

Umuunlad ang kaniyang pandinig o hearing, at ginagamit niya ang kaniyang pag-iisip para pag-aralan ang mga tunog na naririnig. Mula pagkapanganak ay marunong nang makinig ang mga sanggol, pero ilang linggo pa bago siya tuluyang makarinig nang malinaw. Unti unti rin niyang natututunan na ihiwalay ang mga ingay na may kahulugan at kabuluhan kaysa sa simpleng ingay lang. Musika ang magiging paborito ng isang bata, na galing sa mga laruan tulad ng mobile. Katutuwaan din niya ang mga musikang pinapatugtog ni mommy at daddy. Kapag napansing natutuwa siya at may positibong reaksiyon sa tugtog o tunog, dapat ding ikatuwa ito dahil ibig sabihin ay maayos ang hearing at cognitive development niya.

• Nakatitig sa mga kulay, galaw at patterns.

Umuunlad na rin kasi ang paningin o eyesight niya, na hudyat ng brain development ng sanggol. Ang eyesight ng isang sanggol ay nasa 20/100, at nakakakita lang sila nang mula 8 hanggang 12 inches ang layo. Pagdating ng ikalawang buwan, mas lumilinae na ang paningin, at mahuhuling tumititig sa mga makulay na laruan o bagay, at mga patterns na itim at puti. Hindi pa perpekto ang pagtingin sa mga kulay o pagtingin sa lalim, kaya nga makakabuting pakitaan ng mga bright at contrasting na mga kulay.

• Biglang tumatahimik ang bata at parang nakatitig sa isang bagay, o parang may iniisip, ilang beses sa isang araw.

Ang ibig sabihin nito ay pinag-aaralan niya ang kaniyang paligid, ang mundo, at masusi siyang nagmamasid. Maaaring puro iyak ang at pagpapakain ang maaalala ng mga magulang sa mga unang buwan ni baby. Pero sa oras na nadiskubre na niya ang paligid niya, dahil nakakakita na siya nang malinaw at nagagalaw ang mga mata, natututo na siyang magmasid—at ito ang paraan niya para matutunan ang lahat ng nasa paligid niya. Kaya siya natatahimik na lang bigla. Habang lumalaki, dumadami ang oras na gising siya, at dito siya nag-aaral ng kapaligiran niya gamit ang nadedevelop na kakayahan sa pagmamasid.

Ang bawat sanggol ay may sinusundang pansariling timeline ng paglaki at development. Predictable ito, pero ang mastery, depth at sequence ng mga ito ay depende sa maraming factors: puno ba ng stimulation at oportunidad sa pagkatuto ang kapaligiran? Nabibigyan ba ng sapat na nutrisyon ang bata? Sa huli, ang pagmamahal at pag-aaruga ang pinakamahalagang susi sa masaya at maayos na paglaki. May mga bagay na hindi natin makokontrol tulad ng genetics, medical history, at temperament, pero ang mahalaga ay pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga bagay na maiimpluwensiyahan natin.

Ang pag-intindi at pag-aaral ng mga developmental milestones ang makakatanggal ng takot at kaba sa ating dibdib. Kaya’t huminga ng malalim, relaks lang, mommy at daddy—at mag-enjoy sa bawat araw na kasama si baby.

SOURCES:

Baby Milestones: What to Expect and How To Stimulate Your Child’s Development from 0-3 Years ni Carol Cooper

Evidence-based milestone ages as a framework for developmental surveillance. Cara F Dosman, MD FRCPC FAAP, Debbi Andrews, MD FRCPC, at Keith J Goulden, MD DPH FRCPC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3549694/

READ: 7 Adorable milestones that help you bond with your baby before age 2!

The post ALAMIN: Mga Importanteng Milestones ni Baby sa Unang Taon appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

Smartphones are like cocaine for kids, says a new study. Five years ago, this claim might have seemed like an exaggeration, but sadly these days it doesn’t sound very outrageous.

We previously took a closer look at nomophobia, or no-mobile-phone phobia. Those with this condition desperately need to have their mobile phone within reach at all times. Even finding oneself in an area with poor signal or running out of battery can cause fear in those with nomophobia.

Though this is a fairly new phenomenon, more and more studies are backing its claims.

Smartphones Are Like Cocaine Because They Also Affect the Way the Brain Works, Says Study

Smartphones are like cocaine because they alter brain activity, causing a surge in happy hormones. This makes it addictive! | Image source: Shutterstock

Smartphones — more specifically, our reliance on them — can interfere with real life experiences. Yes, we need smartphones to do errands, to be informed or to be entertained, but moms and dads should know that being phone distracted as a mom or dad can affect a child’s mental and emotional development.

A study by the University of Maryland likens smartphone addiction to being hooked on cocaine. Cocaine is an illegal drug, which works as a stimulant. When a person uses this highly addictive substance, they experience a sudden jolt of energy and pleasure. The “high” they get from being constantly connected to the internet, specifically social media, rivals that of drug use.

Once the brain senses a dopamine or “happy hormone” spike, the person instantly feels a surge of happiness. Naturally, it’s tough to kick a bad habit that makes you feel extremely good.

College-aged kids are extremely dependent or “addicted” to media consumption, says the study. This is true across the world, asserts the research. Kids today are growing up dependent on devices, on having a stable internet connection, to get through every single day.

More worrying still is that those seeking help to treat internet addiction are getting younger and younger.

Smartphones are like cocaine, this is not hard to believe. This comparison is worrying enough, right? But this isn’t just the way smartphones affect brain function.

Smartphones Are Like Cocaine, But Their Effects Go Beyond Giving Users a High

1. Smartphone Addiction Messes with Your Sleep Cycle

Being hooked on your phone doesn’t just keep you up at night, its effects extend to when you actually try to sleep. The light smartphones emit affects your sleep cycle.

Rest is important, especially for growing kids. So minimizing screen time can help address sleep problems, too.

2. Smartphone Addiction Can Cause Anxiety

Kids and parents are constantly flooded with information and stimulation. And kids don’t just love surfing the net, they love playing games on phones as well!

If a smartphone-addicted child or adult disconnects from the internet for even less than a day, it can cause feelings of frustration and increase anxiety.

3. Smartphone Addiction Can Cause Poor Attention Span

How long do you stay on a website before switching to another tab or page? Because there is such a wealth of information online, we often feel too restless to stay on one activity for very long.

4. Smartphone Addiction Can Make You a ‘Lazy Thinker’

Even though the internet has practically every bit of information about everything, we tend to rely on it too much, even when it comes to forming our own opinions.

For impressionable kids,what others say or share online greatly influences their worldview. As parents, it’s up to you to control the media they consume. Raising an independent thinker is not impossible.

5. Smartphone Addiction Can Hinder Healthy Emotional Development

It’s not just the way kids think that is affected by smartphone addiction. It can also influence the way kids feel.

Science Daily says that digital addiction can cause emotional problems, particularly “depression, anxiety, insomnia, and impulsivity.”

How do you prevent smartphone addiction in your home, mums and dads? Let us know in the comments below!

Sources: BBC News, CBS News, CNN, Elements Behavioral Health

ALSO READ: Speech delay one of the ill effects of smartphones

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Smartphones can become like ‘cocaine for kids,’ says study appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.

Before your baby utters their much awaited first words, they delight you with a series of cooing and babbling. As a parent, you just live for those moments when your baby is becoming more and more responsive to your cues and questions. But how do babies communicate?

How do babies communicate? Study finds they prefer talking to other babies!

As your baby grows, they will pick up different sounds and words. It’s no secret that babies respond more to high-pitched sounds. While some encourage babbling to your baby, others emphasise the importance of not resorting to just “baby talk.” However, there are some experts who believe “baby talk” can help improve pronunciation and vocabulary.

But a new study is shedding light on another type of baby conversation. According to new research, babies perceive vowel sounds better when it comes from their fellow babies!

This study offers a new way of viewing baby language development.

How do babies communicate? A new study finds they respond more to voices that sound like other babies | image source: shutterstock

Researchers observed five-month-old babies and found that 40 percent of them tended to listen more intently when hearing other baby’s voices.

Linda Polka, a McGill University professor, said in a statement that their findings provide a better picture of “how infants develop their understanding of spoken language — what they bring innately and what is shaped by their experience as listeners and as ‘talkers-in-training.'”

Here are more interesting aspects of the study:

• Researchers used a synthesizer to create human-like sounds at any age.
• They made babies sit in front of a checkerboard screen that they can turn off by simply looking away.
• They found that babies were more attentive to the screen when they hear vowel sound coming from baby-like voices.
• Even the most high-pitched adult voice can mimic the acoustic vocal properties of babies.
• When babies hear their peers speak, it helps develop their receptive, expressive, and motivational aspects of their language development.
• What’s more, they did similar tests to 7-month-old babies and found that this remains true. Babies seemed more attuned to sounds coming from babies, too.

How do babies communicate? Language development tips for parents

How do babies communicate? They do so in both expressive and receptive ways, just like adults! | image source: shutterstock

Though babies linger on sounds from other babies, moms and dads still play a crucial role in their baby’s language development during the first year of life.

“Infants’ own vocalizations are quite potent; infant speech seems to capture and hold infant attention, sometimes prompting positive emotions,” explains Polka in a statement. “This may motivate infants to be vocally active and make it easier to evaluate their own vocalizations, perhaps energizing and supporting spoken language development.”

Babies usually utter their first few words at 11 to 14 months old. But their language development continues to flourish through their toddler years and beyond.

0 to 6 months

• Maintain eye contact. Hold your baby close as you speak to them; they love looking at your face!
• Speak in sing-song. As stated, baby’s are more attentive to high-pitched, musical voices.
• Be their echo. Repeating the sounds they make can improve their receptive language development.
• Chat constantly. Even if you’re just feeding or changing them, make it a time to converse and improve their communication skills.
• Sing to them. Even repetitive nursery rhymes can do wonders in helping kids develop rhythm, cadence, and memorization of language.

6 to 12 months

• Read to them. Sure you don’t have to teach them to read this young, but reading words alongside stimulating pictures can make them more eager to listen to your voice.
• Play games with them. Not only does this encourage them to communicate, it can also teach them to wait their turn and pay attention.
• Point out objects in your surroundings using their right name and description. Point at a tree and say “Look at the green leaves!” Sure, they might not grasp it fully just yet, but you’re setting a good language foundation as early as infancy.
• Chuck the pacifier until bed time. Some claim giving your baby a dummy or pacifier throughout the day can affect their language and speech development.

source: EurekAlert.org, Smithsonian Magazine, The Conversation, American Speech Language Hearing Association, NHS UK

Also READ: Baby talk: The importance of babbling for baby’s language development

Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore

The post Babies love to hear other babies speak, finds study appeared first on theAsianparent.com Philippines | Modern Filipino parenting from a cultural and global perspective.