Category: Infant Safety

Infant Care: Guide to Formula Feeding a Baby

7/4/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

One of the most important aspects of infant care is nourishment. If you've decided to bottle feed out of choice or necessity, this guide to formula feeding may come in handy. It's a collection of some my best articles on formula feeding a baby.

Choosing the Right Newborn Formula for Your Baby
After choosing formula feeding for your baby, you will then need to choose an appropriate formula. This article should help you choose the right newborn formula for your bottle feeding baby.

How Many Ounces of Formula Does a Newborn Drink?
When you’re new at parenting, you may not know exactly how much to feed your baby.

How many ounces of formula does a newborn drink?

Infant Formula Dos and Don'ts for New Parents
When it comes to formula feeding, there are some things that are a must. There also are things that will be a definite no-no. Here is my list of infant formula do's and don'ts for new parents.

Newborn Feeding Guide for New Moms
If you're a new mom, you likely have many questions about feeding your new baby. Being a mom to multiple kids, as well as a former nanny, I offer tips and advice related both to formula feeding and breastfeeding based on my experiences and research.

Soy Baby Formula Benefits
Choosing the right formula can be a challenge. There are many great options for parents to consider. This article discusses some of the benefits of formula feeding a baby with a soy-based formula.

How to Tell If Your Baby Has a Soy Allergy
Cow's milk may be the most popular formula allergy to be discussed, but it isn't the only one. Did you know that a baby can be allergic to soy milk based formula as well? This article explains common soy allergy warning signs when formula feeding a baby.

How to Reduce Infant Spit Up
Infants spit up. That's a fact that cannot be completely avoided. However, there are ways to reduce infant spit up, whether formula feeding a baby or breast feeding. This article gives tips and advice on reducing the occurrence of infant spit up.

How Can I Cure My Formula-Fed Baby's Vomiting?
Spitting up is normal in babies. But vomiting is a warning sign. How can you tell which one your baby is experiencing? How can you cure vomiting in a formula feeding baby? This article can help parents faced with this issue.

5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant
Feeding your baby can often be a challenge, no matter the method. Here are 5 secrets to successfully bottle-feeding your infant.

What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant
So you’ve read up on successfully bottle-feeding your baby. Now, here’s what NOT to do.

Crying Baby with Colic? Soothing Sounds Plus Bonus Tips to Comfort a Colicky Baby
Babies who are breastfeeding, as well as those who are formula feeding can develop colic. Colicky babies often are uncomfortable and cranky. Many times soothing sounds will help. Here are some of the best soothing sounds for babies with colic.

How to Help a Newborn Poop
Sometimes your newborn may have difficulties making a bowel movement. Learn how to help a newborn poop safely.

*This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.

How Many Ounces of Formula Does a Newborn Drink?

7/4/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

When your baby is first born, it’s important to make sure they feed often enough. Newborns grow quickly and regularly and need proper nourishment in order to thrive. So, if you’re not breastfeeding, how many ounces of formula does a newborn drink and how often should they feed?

How Many Ounces of Formula Does a Newborn Drink?

A newborn baby generally will drink from 1 - 3 ounces of formula at once, depending on their size. Smaller babies may drink less at once, due to their tiny stomachs, but will increase amounts as they grow to accommodate. Most should drink from 2-3 ounces at a time. However, ask your pediatrician for your baby’s specific needs, as they may vary.

How Often Should I Feed My Newborn Baby?

A newborn baby should feed every 2 - 3 hours, but might go up to 4 hours without feeding on occasion. If your newborn sleeps past 4 hours or doesn’t demand to be fed at that point, you will need to feed him or her anyway. Newborns should never go longer than 4 hours without eating. If your baby asks to be fed more often, that’s fine. Some babies feed on demand. A newborn won’t feed if they’re not hungry. Therefore, you can’t overfeed a newborn.

How Long Can Formula Sit Out?

Follow the instructions on your exact infant formula package, as they can vary. Most formula can remain unrefrigerated for up to two hours if the baby hasn’t drank from the bottle. If the baby has drank from the bottle, instead it will last only an hour, due to bacteria concerns.

Formula Feeding Safety Tips

Make sure to burp your baby after feeding each half to full ounce
Use bottles and nipples designed to help prevent gas bubbles
Never feed baby formula that has been left out for too long
Refrigerate unfed formula only (once fed, it is no longer good to refrigerate)
Never heat formula in the microwave
Never prop a newborn’s bottle for feeding
Use only the scoop that came with the formula to measure
The directions on your formula package should be trusted before the advice here
Disinfect all bottles properly

How to Get Free Baby Formula

If you’re a low-income family, many food banks will provide infant formula for free, as will other charitable organizations. You can also sign up for discounts and free samples on infant formula websites, such as Enfamil.com. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also provides free formula to those who qualify.

*This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.

Setting Up and Maintaining a Kiddie Pool

3/22/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image by abbybatchelder via Flickr.com

It's a warm, sunny day in midsummer and laughter from your backyard echoes throughout your neighborhood - or at least the block. Your two toddlers are thoroughly enjoying their kiddie pool. What you are enjoying is not only interacting with them, but also the fact that you have kept their pool safe and clean. With proper adult supervision and maintenance, kiddie swimming pools can be safe places for kids to play.

Setting it Up

Setting up a kiddie pool is as simple as filling it with water from the hose and leaving it in the sun, right? Wrong. This is where many parents and care providers make their mistake. Improperly maintained kiddie swimming pools can harbor dangerous bacteria that can actually do serious harm to children. The main thing to remember is to read the instructions that came with it. Not all kiddie pools will have the same setup directions, as they are all constructed differently.

Some kiddie pools will be inflatable, while others may be plastic or made of other solid materials. Each pool will have specialized instructions for setting it up. Adhering to those will help to ensure proper kiddie pool safety. Once that part is done correctly, simply fill the kiddie pool with water. According to the Water Quality and Health Council, tap water is already chlorinated, so extra chlorine need not be added to a small backyard kiddie pool. However, that does not mean that it doesn't need to be kept clean and sanitary.

Treatment & Maintenance

To help keep bacteria away and the pool water clean and clear, a kiddie pool should be maintained on a frequent basis. Because bacteria can easily collect in the water of a kiddie pool, it is best to change the water frequently. Younger children often have accidents, leading to contamination. To prevent this, tight plastic coverings can be worn over diapers or undergarments. However, regular maintenance still applies.

If fecal matter is present, just removing it from the kiddie pool is not enough to ensure proper hygiene. Urine can be stabilized with chlorine. However, feces contain properties that are not easily removed in this way. Instead, the pool should be emptied and cleaned. Fresh water should then be used.

General Safety Tips

Both the Water Quality and Health Council and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have listed some general safety tips for using and maintaining kiddie swimming pools.

When the kiddie pool is not being used, empty the water to prevent accidental drowning. According to the CDC, an average of 10 deaths related to accidental drowning occurred per day in 2005.
Change the water often. This can help prevent bacterial contamination from fecal matter and other foreign properties.
All pools should be surrounded by fencing that is at least 4 feet high, even kiddie swimming pools.
Swimming lessons can help young children. However, there is no substitute for good adult supervision. Even children who have had safety classes can drown in a kiddie pool. Drowning can occur in just 2 inches of water.
An adult who knows cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, should be present at all times when children are in a pool.
Avoid using inflatable water toys as sole flotation aids. While these can be fun to play with, they do not have life-protecting properties. Life vests are far more reliable than floating rings, swim wings and other inflatable water devices.

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How Long Should a Child Use a Car Seat?

1/6/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

"But mommy, I don't like my car seat." If your child says that often, you might be wondering if he or she is old enough to forgo the car seat. But before you give in to a child's whims, you need to check the safety guidelines and laws. How long should a child use a car seat? Being a mom and former nanny, I study car seat guidelines often and keep up with new information.

When Does a Child Start Using a Car Seat?

From the moment a child is born, any time the infant is in a vehicle, a car seat is required. In fact, newborn babies cannot go home from the hospital unless it is proven that they have properly installed car seats to ride home in. Some hospitals will even give new mothers a free car seat to ensure this happens. A car seat safety class may be required to obtain the car seat. As soon as your infant starts riding in any vehicle, that's when it's time for a car seat. Never allow an infant to ride in a vehicle without the proper car seat for his or her age and stage.

The Importance of Following Updated Car Seat Guidelines

Car seat guidelines are often modified to keep up with new discoveries and safety measures. These guidelines are developed based on many different factors, such as laws and health and safety studies. Not following these guidelines can put your child in danger . Data from the National Center for Health Statistics states that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids aged 3 to 14. Proper car seat usage can help prevent some of these deaths by up to 71% for infants and up to 54% for toddlers.

How Long Should A Child Use a Car Seat?

At what age or stage should a child stop using a car seat? This actually depends on the child. The 2010 AAP guidelines for car seat safety recommend that a child stay in a booster seat until they reach the height of 4' 9". This usually occurs somewhere between the ages of 8-12 years. The purpose of a booster seat is so that the adult restraint (seat belt) fits over the child properly. If the lap and shoulder belt do not properly fit your child, that means a booster seat should be used. The lap belt should be situated snugly across the thighs and the shoulder belt should be secured across the chest and shoulder. If the shoulder belt is at the neck or throat, your child still needs a booster seat.

*This is not meant to be a complete guide to car seat safety. Always stay updated on all of the proper car seat safety guidelines to keep your infants and children safe in a motor vehicle.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Does a Baby Need to Crawl?

11/2/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

What Happens when a Baby Never Crawls? Is This Dangerous?

More and more babies seem to be skipping the crawling milestone. Should this be cause for concern? While crawling is an important milestone, not every baby who doesn't crawl will be in danger further down the road, but it's possible that some very well could be.

Crawling is usually viewed as a major milestone. However some babies are failing to crawl at all. Instead of crawling, they may just scoot to their favorite object or even pull up on furniture and use it to inch their way toward what they want. What many parents want to know is if their child skips crawling, could it be cause for concern?

In retrospect, it seems to make sense that a child who doesn't crawl may lack intelligence or muscle development. However, there isn't any research that proves this theory and not enough evidence to show effects later in life.

Many babies who don't crawl will still walk by the age of one, or even sooner, which is still in line with babies who do crawl. This fact alone could act as a small point of proof that development isn't affected, although there could be other effects not so noticeable.

Many experts agree that failing to crawl, alone, is not enough evidence to show that a baby is behind in development, either physically or mentally.

A concerned parent should look for more than one missed milestone. Missing just one milestone is not enough to prove that a problem exists, especially if a child hits a milestone that uses the same muscle or brain coordination and that milestone is above the missed one, such as replacing crawling with walking.

However, missing more than one major milestone could be a valid reason for concern. This could signify either physical or mental problems and should be looked into as soon as possible, before any potential problem further escalates itself.

If you are concerned about your baby, the best thing you can do is consult your child's pediatrician for the most accurate advice and diagnosis. A pediatrician can appropriately assess your child for proper physical development.

This assessment is normally done at each routine physical, but if you are concerned at a time when a physical is not near, do not hesitate to contact your child's pediatrician. The sooner a potential problem is found, the sooner you, your child, and the pediatrician can work together at the appropriate solution.

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Why You Need a Double Stroller for One or Two Babies

9/18/2014

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

A double seated stroller is an essential baby item whether you have just one baby, twins, or a toddler and a baby. As a mother of 6 and a nanny and sitter, I have had plenty of experience with strollers of all different sizes and seating options. Some were great and some were absolutely more of a pain than they were a help. Here's ten reasons double strollers are the best bet.

Comfort-Level is Higher in a Double Stroller

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A baby or toddler should feel very comfortable in their stroller. They will usually be in there at least 30 minutes at a time. Even 5 minutes in an uncomfortable position is no good for a developing child's muscles. Baby should not have to get sore every time a stroller ride is necessary. Double strollers usually have larger seats with more than one seating position available, which makes it easier for small babies that need to lie all the way back or even toddlers who sometimes tend to slump over when they fall asleep. In addition to having the option to lie all the way down, the double strollers usually come with a head accessory for infants, much like the ones that come with car seats, for positioning baby's head comfortably. It is possible to buy these at most retailers, but it is best to use one that is customized to your specific product for the safest results.

A Larger Umbrella or Sun Shade is Better for Baby

The sunshade is an important feature on a stroller. It will help keep the sun from getting in baby's eyes or sunburning the skin. Most double strollers tend to have larger sunshades or umbrellas than traditional models. Oftentimes the back seat of a double stroller is especially generous with the sunshade.

Larger Wheels Make an Easy Stroll and a Longer-Lasting Product

Wheels on a stroller are one of the most important features. Without the proper wheels, you aren't going to get much mileage out of your stroller. If you will only use your stroller for 5 minute trips, this won't matter much to you, but if you'd like the stroller to be dependable and long-lasting, take a look at the wheels. Double strollers come with a generous size in wheels, which makes for easier pushing, easier navigating, and a longer-lasting product. Smaller wheels tend to break off or bend, which causes the stroller to not work. Without wheels, you aren't going to get very far.The Graco DuoGlider has the best quality wheels that I have seen. While there are some more expensive models with larger wheels, those wheels also tend to break. The Graco model above had the longest-lasting wheels of any of the strollers I have tested. It's still being used and the others are long gone.

Lots of Cargo Room is a Must

When you have a child, you need things to care for that child with you everywhere you go. Double strollers have a larger basket underneath than traditional models. If you still need extra room and you only have one child who needs to be in the stroller, you can also use the back seat of the stroller for even more room.

Double Strollers are Easier To Push

Pushing strollers can be a real pain if you get the wrong model. Most double strollers have a comfortable handlebar that is also substantially higher from the ground than traditional models, making it almost natural to place your hands on the handlebar. While double strollers are large, they are amazingly easy to push. If you come across a model that isn't, you have chosen the wrong double stroller because it can become heavy quite easily once children and cargo are in it.

Extra Spots are Handy

Sometimes when you go somewhere you might run into someone you know. If that person happens to have a tired baby or toddler, you have an extra spot for that person. Maybe you and a friend want to take a walk together but don't want to push two strollers because you'd like to walk side-by-side. A double stroller can come in handy for both of these situations. Another time an extra spot comes in handy is for those "on-a-whim" shopping sprees. Sometimes when you intend to just walk, you take advantage of baby falling asleep and stop in a local store. You may end up buying things that won't fit in the bottom basket. Just seat baby in the front seat and lay the back seat all the way down. It will hold a good amount of stuff. Just be cautious to watch the weight limitations for your particular stroller. An older child can also grow tired during long shopping trips or walks. Depending on the child's weight, you can also place the older child in the backseat if they grow tired. There are some models that have a step-type seat for older children, but the regular recliner seats are much more comfortable.

Eliminate The Need To Haul Playpen/Bassinet To Park Or Other Outing

Baby can get worn out in the most inconvenient places, but it's up to the parents to prepare for this. With a double stroller, you can just lie the back seat down and bring up the footrest or under-attachment for protecting baby from falling. All four sides will be secure and create a quick napping spot that is also safe and comfortable. It can also act as a bassinet for smaller babies. If you have a particularly fussy baby, this can come in handy. Just pull the stroller back and forth to create motion for a cranky baby. Most double strollers also have a 4-way harness system (much like that of a car seat, but a bit thinner) in the back seat to prevent a small baby from rolling. The footrests usually also will latch upright. Some models may allow two such resting areas.

No Need To Hunt Down a Sanitary Changing Station

Changing a baby when you're on the go can be a challenge. You need a place to do it, which can't always be found and then if you do find a spot, it is rarely clean or sanitary. That's when your back seat in the double stroller comes in handy. Lie it all the way back and strap baby in with the correct buckle (harness or regular), depending on baby's age. Now you have a clean and safe surface for changing baby. This can also be a good spot to change baby's clothing if it gets soiled.

If You Get Pregnant Again, It's One Less Item To Buy

Sometimes a new baby will come right after the first or at least two years apart. The first child is still in the stroller, but now a second child will be in the stroller as well. Well, have no fear. You've already purchased the double stroller, so you're one step ahead in that department.

Most Infant Car Seats Can Attach To Both Seats

Lugging around the car seat of a sleeping baby is not exactly fun, but you don't want to wake baby, either. Most double strollers allow for two infant seats to be attached to the stroller easily. You may only need to attach one, but if so, you'll still have room for another child or some cargo. Cross-branding is okay, too because many models, like the Graco DuoGlider (mentioned above), will give instructions for latching other brands into the stroller properly.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Baby Wigs for Bald Babies? Are Wigs Safe for Babies -- or Even Necessary?

8/27/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

According to reports from various sources, such as TheFrisky and DailyMail, parents have been using baby wigs to enhance the look of their infants. This trend may be most popular with parents of bald babies. Is a baby wig necessary for a bald infant? Is it safe?

Bald Babies
Probably since the beginning of time, some babies are naturally born bald. It's simply a fact of life. Does this mean there is something wrong with the way these babies look? Apparently, that depends on who you ask. Some parents support the use of wigs on babies, especially girls, for reasons like making them appear more girly or look like celebrities. Other parents, such as myself, oppose the use of wigs on infants for any reason. Which of us is right?

Why Some Parents Support Using a Baby Wig
According to another report on TheFrisky.com, one mother sent pictures of her infant in a lace front wig to another website. The report stated in the mother's view it's never too early for a child start looking as glamorous as stars like Beyonce. Looking at the picture, to me the baby looks no more than six months old. Another website, Baby Bangs, creates hairbands for baby girls that have hair attached to them. This site claims that the wigs allow baby girls who have little to no hair the chance to look girly.

Why Some Parents and Experts Are Against Wigs for Babies
According to DailyMail, Michelle Elliott of Kidscape said "This is ridiculous. Any parent who buys one of these wigs for their child needs their head examining." The report also says that she pointed out how dangerous wigs could be for babies. Apparently, this was her response to the wigs on BabyToupee.com that are modeled after hairstyles of current superstars such as Lil Kim, Bob Marley, and Donald Trump. As a mother, stepmother, and former nanny, I do not agree with wigs for infants either. This especially is true when it comes to wigs that require gluing. Another thought that comes to my mind is safety.

Are Baby Wigs Safe?
The FAQ on the Baby Bangs website states that the Baby Bangs hair+bands have been safety-tested and approved for infants ages 0-9 months. I could find no information on who conducted the safety testing. That's not to say that it isn't valid, but upon my visits to the site, I could find no information regarding the source of any safety testing. As for the other types of wigs, BabyToupee.com states on the front page that the wigs are safe for ages 0-9 months as well. I could find no other safety information regarding these or any other wigs for babies. As a mother, the fact that I am unable to locate any specific safety information does not make me very comfortable.

Should Parents Really Use Baby Wigs for Bald Babies?
Because baby wigs are more of a vanity accessory than an actual need, I would have to conclude that they are not necessary. My personal thoughts are that all babies are beautiful no matter how little or how much hair they have. There have been bald babies for ages and it's very likely that the majority went without a wig as a baby. My take is that kids can already pick up on so many vanity and self-esteem issues as is. Why add to that by covering up their natural beauty, especially at such an early age? That's not even taking into account any safety issues that may arise. Should parents use them? I can't be the judge of what others do. But I do hope that parents do their research and make a wise decision.

UPDATE: Since I first published this story several years ago, many more wig stores featuring products for babies have come about.

*I originally published this content via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Infant Care: Guide to Formula Feeding a Baby

How Many Ounces of Formula Does a Newborn Drink?

Setting Up and Maintaining a Kiddie Pool

How Long Should a Child Use a Car Seat?

Does a Baby Need to Crawl?

Why You Need a Double Stroller for One or Two Babies

Baby Wigs for Bald Babies? Are Wigs Safe for Babies -- or Even Necessary?

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