Starting Baby on Solid Food

By Sharon Rose

      Starting your baby on solid food is a big step.  It is the milestone that will lay the foundation for healthy eating habits. Always consult with your pediatrician before you start your baby on solid food. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting babies on solid food at 6 months of age.  Parents Want to Know 101 feels the best way to determine if your baby is ready for solid food is to go by the milestones your baby has accomplished and not by the calendar age of the baby.

Signs of Readiness for Solid Food:

1. Baby can hold head up.  Baby needs to swallow solid food well.
2. Baby sits well in a high chair. 
3. Baby makes chewing motions.
4. Baby has significant weight gain; at least, double birth weight.
5. Baby shows an interest in food; such as, grabbing at your food.
6. Baby is teething.
7. Baby can close mouth around a spoon.
8. The tongue reflex that would push food out of mouth is no longer
    present

      Another way to determine if you should start solid food, and what solid foods should be started, has to do with how allergy prone the baby may be.  Look at factors, such as: history of allergy in the family, and has the child already had an allergy indicator like eczema.  If there is a strong history of allergy in the family you may want to wait longer to introduce solid food, and be cautious and informed on what foods to introduce, and what foods to avoid until the baby is older.

     Most babies start a cereal first; usually iron fortified rice cereal.  When served it should be well diluted with the milk the baby is on; one teaspoon of cereal to 4 to 5 teaspoons of baby’s milk. However, it is okay to start a fruit first, such as banana, a fruit babies tend to be least allergic to. Introduce foods one at a time, at least, 4 days between each one to make sure your baby is not allergic. 

      There is no 'one' way, right way, or best time to start your baby on solid food.  It has more to do with your baby’s development, which is likely different from another baby’s.  To find out more on how to introduce solid foods and dairy to your baby’s diet go to the American Academy of Pediatrics website, www.healthychildren.org.

      Remember, always consult with your pediatrician, first, before starting your baby on solid food, and go from there.  

Copyright, Starting Baby on Solid Food, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, February 4, 2020.  All rights reserved.

Parents Want You to Know 101: Family Fall Outdoor Activities - Bucket List

By Sharon Rose 


During the fall season, our family has made picking out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch a tradition.

      The fall season is here!  Time to make out a fall family outdoor activities bucket list. The autumnal equinox brought the fall season to the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at 4:21 A.M., EST.  The crisp fall weather and beauty of the colorful foliage is the perfect reward to lure families out to play. You may not be able to do all of the activities on our list, but choose your favorites or, better still, something you’ve been yearning to do.  Here is our Family Fall Outdoor Activities Bucket List to get you going!  Make great memories this fall!

1.      Raking Leaves - Raking leaves is a great way to introduce children to fall fun.  They can enjoy this activity without leaving home. The whole family can get involved with cleaning up the yard with the bonus of playing and jumping in the pile of leaves they rake up.  Collect leaves to take indoors for fall arts and crafts activities.

2.   Backyard Camping – Camping, sleeping under the stars, is a childhood memory no one should be denied.  Camping in your backyard is convenient, because you don’t have to pack up anything and leave home.  Make a soft pile of leaves for comfort in your sleeping bag.  Grill a delicious meal, and roast marshmallows to make s’mores.  Be sure to check your local laws for building bonfires or recreational fires.  Some types of fires need a permit.  Safety first!

3.     Pumpkin Patch – Visiting a pumpkin patch is a fall tradition with many families.  Some families like to visit the same one each year, and others like to change it up.  Either way, it is fun for the whole family!  The children enjoy picking out their own pumpkin to take home for carving into a jack-o-lantern or to decorate the home. 

Many families make an annual fall visit to a pumpkin patch.  The children love picking out their very own!

4.     Apple Picking – What fun to pick apples and eat what you pick!  Locate an apple orchard near you and make it a family outing to introduce the children to farm to table healthy eating.  Tip: You may need a ladder.  Parents can continue this learning experience at local farmer markets, likely, closer to home, picking apples from baskets and talking to the farmers on how they grow and care for their apple orchard.

Mother and daughter are enjoying apple picking.  Could a fresh apple pie be in their future?

5.     Corn Maze – Showing their generosity, some farmers transform their cornfields into corn mazes.  Some are even made to be spooky around Halloween time.  Both adults and children have lots of fun getting lost and trying to find their way out of the complicated mazes, designed intricately, to add to the fascination.  You can hear squeals, shouts, and laughter in the cornfield, all evidence of the fun that goes on. 

6.     Hay Ride – Another tradition that started long ago, when farm life was a bigger part of the landscape in America, hay rides are still a favorite fall activity.  A tractor or horse pulling a wagon of bales of hay and riders who sing songs and chatter, makes for a celebratory atmosphere.  Many hay rides are taken in the moonlight for romantics and during Halloween to scare up enjoyment, as well. 

A hay ride is a memorable way to enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage.

7.     Hiking – Hiking is a great exercise that can be done year-round, but is so much more enjoyable when the weather is crisp and cool, and fall is showing off its colorful foliage.  It’s an activity that allows families to enjoy exploring local, state, and national parks.  Take a back pack with water, and snacks or picnic lunch; depending on your hiking plan.  A sturdy shoe should be worn for your safety.

8.     Nature Walk – A nature walk is much like hiking, but with a twist. Nature walking involves walking, exploring, and searching for living things of interest, such as: birds, bugs, butterflies, and types of trees and leaves. 

9.     Scavenger Hunt – Scavenger hunts can be created by making a list of things to collect while on a nature walk.  Often set up as a competition, a scavenger hunt is a fun way to learn about nature.  This is an activity that can be incorporated into a fall birthday party for a child in the family.

10.  River Boating and Tubing – The beautiful foliage and serene atmosphere of the river and river bank, in fall, makes this activity so relaxing.  As well, the areas of the river that are turbulent can make this activity daring and adventurous, and thrilling.  Some of the various river activities are: canoeing, kayaking, tubing, whitewater rafting, pontoon boat fishing, stand-up paddle board, rafting, and riverboat ride.  The family will want to go back again and again!

     Copyright, Parents Want You to Know 101: Family Fall Outdoor Activities -Bucket List, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, October 4, 2019.  All rights reserved.  

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How to Help Your Tween Make Friends and Keep Them

By Sharon Rose

      Tweens need their parents guidance as they transition into a different world of socialization. At this time in their lives, friendships are very important, as we see them pull away from their parents and look more towards their peers.  Many tweens are in middle school, and may be changing schools and meeting new schoolmates at this time.  Having to make new friends can make the middle school friendships, which can tend to be difficult, even more challenging.  It’s an important part of their lives because the friends they make will often become life-long friends and supporters.  It's important, as parents, that we help them recognize and value healthy friendships.  If your tween is having any social problems you may need to, diplomatically, help them make friends and understand how to keep them.  Share with your tween, personal stories of how you have kept a long time friend.  

      Parents can also follow these guidelines:  1. Talk about peer pressure and strategies to deal with it; 2. Do not emphasize popularity; Encourage your tween to choose supportive friends, not cool friends; 3. Encourage the value of cultural diversity, inclusivity, and the acceptance of others differences;  4. Encourage supportive and positive friendships; 5. Involve their friends in your family activities, such as family movie night; 6. Compliment their friends on their positive attributes, such as, “I noticed your friend, Jeremy, cheering loudly for you to make that touchdown.”  7. Involve your tween in extra-curricular activities that they will enjoy; 8. Teach them to show positive body language with friends, such as greeting friends with a smile; 9. Encourage one-on-one time with friends and discourage excessive texting and emailing; explain that close bonds tend to come with person-to-person interaction; 10. As the parent, it is most important, to be a good listener.

      Parents should know who their tweens friends are, and who their tween is spending time with at school, on social media, and in other activities.  Help them make the choice to move on if a friendship is not a healthy one.  Also important, meet their friends’ parents. You may make new friends too!  Your tween may be spending time in the homes and under the supervision of the friend’s parents.  You may even partner on planning activities that your tweens will do together.  Remember, a parent’s role is key as your tween grows into a teenager.  If you are interested in more information and help on this topic, see our resource website below.  

Resource with more guidelines: 

https://www.verywellfamily.com/tweens-and-friendships-3288538

Copyright, How to Help Your Tween Make Friends and Keep Them, Sharon Rose, Parents Want Know 101, July 17, 2019.  All rights reserved. 

The Father’s Role in the Contemporary Family: The Changing Role of Caregiver for Children

By Sharon Rose 

      Many fathers are concerned that they won't know how to care for their newborn baby, or be gentle enough. Some men may think they should wait until the baby gets older and bigger before they start to handle them. However, fathers should start handling the baby as soon as the baby enters the world. Research shows that men have a hormonal response to becoming a father and nature takes over to guide them. That does not mean that fathers have no need to learn parental skills that will greatly enhance parenting. There is much to learn. What it does mean is, with time and practice, a father will become more confident in taking care of the baby. It will become natural for the father. The more time a father spends holding his baby the more skillful and comfortable at caring for the baby he will become. Every day a father spends involved, showing affection, and bonding with his baby, the stronger the paternal instincts will become. 

Tips on Bonding with Baby for Dads:

1. Give Baby a bottle.  If Mom is breastfeeding, Dad can give the water bottle.  As Baby takes the bottle he also learns to recognize your face.

2. Diaper duty can be shared with Mom, and will be a big help. Some Dads may need instructions and practice on how to change a diaper, but it will soon come easy. We all had to learn!

3. Wear your baby. Use a sling or pouch that fits in the front of you and carry Baby around as you do chores at home, etc.  Baby will be comforted by the feeling of being close to you. 

4. Massage Baby with lotion after a bath or soothe Baby when fussy.

5. Give Baby a bath. You’ll both enjoy this!

6. Sing a lullaby. Baby won't be critical of the tune you carry and will be soothed by a gentle, lulling voice.

7. Read a good book to Baby. At any age, Baby will like hearing the sound of your voice, even before they can understand the content of the story.

8. Take a walk with Baby in the stroller, when weather permits. Talk to your baby as you walk along and enjoy the exercise for yourself. 

9.  Make Daddy play-time a part of Baby’s daily schedule.  Keep it at about the same time each day, such as, when you first arrive home from work.  Make funny faces and watch Baby giggle, play peek-a-boo, act-out traditional children’s rhymes, such as Pat-A-Cake and Itsy-Bitsy Spider.  Baby will love this!

10.  Be a part of Baby’s health care needs.  Go to well-baby appointments.  Take a sick day (full or half) and stay home to take care of Baby when he is sick.     

     The changing roles of the caregiver for the children under age 15 in the family have caused many fathers to find their nurturing side and mothers to take on more of a disciplinarian, authoritative role. Parents supporting one another is needed and necessary. However, we must remember how important keeping the balance of the mother-father role is within the family. 

Research Source: http://money.cnn.com/2012/04/30/pf/stay-at-home-dad/index.htm

www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com/bondingtimeforbabyanddad

Educational Resources for Dads: www.fatherhood.gov

www.fatherhood.org; www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com.

www.facebook.com/parentswanttoknow101

Copyright, The Father’s Role in the Contemporary Family: The Changing Role of Caregiver for Children, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, June 11, 2013; updated, July 29, 2014; updated, April 1, 2019.  All rights reserved.

Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home

By Sharon Rose

      I've been there before and remember all too well what it's like. Preparing to bring your newborn baby home from the hospital starts before you deliver your little bundle of joy.  Here are 10 Tips for Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home:

1. Prepare a nursery for the baby or a sleeping area that is well ventilated, climate appropriate, and safe.

2. It is required by law to transport your baby by car in a car seat. Purchase the car seat in advance of delivery and read installation instructions so you or your partner is prepared to install it when you are ready to bring baby home.

3. Go out before your baby is born and purchase personal hygiene and any personal toiletry items you will need for yourself when you return home from delivery.  If you will breastfeed don't forget breastfeeding bra, pads to protect clothing (insert in bra) and ointment to keep breast nipples supple and avoid dry and cracking skin.

4. If you had a baby shower you may have plenty of cute little clothes and toys for baby, but do make sure you also have baby bottles with nipples, baby bottle and rubber nipple brushes to clean them, and a baby monitor. Take time before you deliver to get needed items in place to avoid you or your partner having to run out to the store in the first week of bringing baby home.  Get organized. Plus, it will give you, both, more time to rest and enjoy the baby.

5. Pack a bag for the hospital weeks before your contractions start or your water breaks. You will probably still be wearing maternity clothes after the birth so, pack a maternity outfit to wear home, or something loose fitting.  Pack something comfortable for the baby to wear home, and we will mention this again.  Here is a list of other things to take to the hospital with you in your bag: a picture ID (driver’s license), health insurance card, any needed hospital paperwork, your birth plan (outline of your preferences during labor and delivery), eyeglasses, bathrobe, gowns, slippers, socks, your favorite moisturizing lotion and body wash.  Include things that will make you feel relaxed and comfortable, even healthy snacks. 

6. Plan to dress baby in something comfortable to wear home from the hospital. Resist the temptation to dress baby up in a frilly dress or any other cumbersome clothes.  A comfortable onesie, hand mitts, and hat is what baby will need.  A pretty blanket can be the item to add to that to make baby look extra special on the trip home.  

7. Send all large items home, like flowers or gifts, the day before you are to depart for home, after your new baby has been born. The day baby goes home will be much more relaxed.

8. Before you leave the hospital ask for a phone number for the maternity ward. Connect with a nurse or get the name of one, and her work shift, that you can call back and ask questions of once you have returned home.  Also, connect with a lactation consultant/nurse, during your hospital stay, if you plan to breastfeed. This is a service most hospitals provide. Ask for a contact number for the lactation consultant, in case you have future questions or need assistance after you leave the hospital.  

9. Schedule baby's first appointment before you leave the hospital. You are usually asked to bring a newborn baby back for a well baby check-up 2 to 4 days after you give birth if you leave the hospital within 48 hours.

10. Have guidelines for visitors once baby gets home. Feel good about protecting baby. You may want to wait a week before allowing visitors other than helpers, such as grandparents.  Cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends will understand.  They may have found themselves in your situation before, in bringing a new baby home. Restrict anyone who appears to be sick, even if they say it's allergies, from visiting baby, until they are well again.  Coughing and sneezing in baby’s environment could cause baby to catch something that is contagious. Your baby is not well equipped to fight off contagious diseases. Make ‘no touching baby,’ a rule for anyone that does visit.  Encourage them to enjoy looking at baby and watching the first cute facial expressions.  Direct anyone touching the baby, baby's clothing, or bedding, while caring for the baby, to wash his or her hands. Make hand washing a frequent practice. 

      Giving baby a "calm" welcome home is so important. It sets the tone for a great beginning for a great life. 

      Whether your baby comes home from the hospital right away, arrives later, or joins the family through adoption, homecoming is a major event.

Copyright, Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, March 21, 2019.  All rights reserved.

Importance of Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby

By Sharon Rose

   

      Mothers, I breastfed each of my 3 children, and to my surprise, I needed guidance in how to breastfeed successfully.  I learned that it is so beneficial to your baby and yourself, to be patient, understand the changes to your body, and find support, as your milk comes in.  Milk production starts while you are pregnant. Your body will start to produce a nutrient-rich, syrupy, pre-milk, Colostrum, while you are pregnant.  You will notice your breast starting to increase in size at the halfway point of your pregnancy, about 16 to 22 weeks.  This is due to the increased hormonal levels stimulating the production of Colostrum.  Your baby will need this yellow to whitish color  miracle milk, Colostrum, in its first few days of life.  Colostrum includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and proteins (antibodies) that will fight disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses.  

      During pregnancy, you may or may not have some leaking of colostrum from your breast.  If you should, you can use nursing pads to tuck in your bra to protect your clothing, so keep some handy.  If you don’t have any leaking, don’t take this as an indication that you won’t be successful with breastfeeding.  

      Once your baby is born, if you are a first-time  mother, your breast milk will take 3 to 4 days, and possibly up to 7 days to come in.  As a first-time mother, my milk came in after 4 days.  If you have had a child before, it may take less time.  Be patient, because the time frame varies from one mother to another.  You will notice that your breasts will become more firm once your milk comes in.  I learned that breastfeeding is natural, but not easy, as I had expected it to be.  Your obstetrician may offer the support services of a Lactation Consultant during your prenatal visits.  If not, ask for information on working with a Lactation Consultant before your baby is born.  Most hospitals, after you give birth, provide this support service.  A Lactation Consultant is helpful in dispelling any myths, preparing you for what to expect, and how to have a happy, healthy breastfeeding experience, for you and your baby.  

      While breastfeeding, I also learned that continuing to take prenatal vitamins is best.  With a newborn, I was so busy caring for the baby, that I did miss a few meals.  It’s important to get the vitamins and minerals that you and the baby need, to build a healthy foundation for the baby, which is your breastfeeding goal.  Keep up your balanced diet and drink plenty of water and milk.  Breastfeeding gives baby a strong and healthy start, to welcome him to the world. 

Copyright, Importance of Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, March 5, 2019.  All rights reserved.