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Baby Wants to Be Held All the Time - Reasons and Solutions
As a parent, you obviously feel happy and delighted to hold your baby in your arms. But the moment you put him down, he starts crying and then you have to take him in your arms again and he stops crying as you hold him close in your arms. Your shoulders and arms hurt from of course, but what can you do?
A baby crying when not held is certainly not an unfamiliar phenomenon for most parents. Neither is it an unusual occurrence. There can be many reasons for it. Some babies tend to be fussy when they are sleepy, hungry, or breastfeeding. But high-need babies with an inclination to be continuously held can create many problems for parents.
Is it Normal That Your Baby Cries When Not Held?
If your baby cries the moment you put him down, then you are not the only one experiencing this. You must have tried rocking your baby endlessly, carrying him in a stroller all day long but with no respite. For most newborn babies, the wish to be held in arms is quite normal. Babies usually require a considerable amount of physical connection particularly during the initial days after birth. They seek the soothing contact with their mother’s body as they experienced while in the womb. Some experts refer to this singularity as the fourth-trimester effect. It is important for parents to continue to hold their baby for the maximum time anyway even if it seems tiresome and challenging.
Why Do Babies Want to Be Held Always?
Some of the reasons as to why babies always want to be held are as follows:
1. The Transition from Womb to World
For some babies, the transition from the womb to the outside world can be quite overwhelming. They may not be ready to face the unfamiliar, bright world yet. They may still prefer the secure, dark and cosy womb of their mother where they spent their greatest time curled up sleeping. Post-delivery the change of environment can be unsettling. Hence, a baby may find it upsetting to adjust to new sounds, new faces, or the new position of sleeping on his back.
2. Separation Anxiety
During the first few months, a baby may start to realise that he is a separate being from his mother. This awareness may trigger separation anxiety in him which is worsened by the fact that he may be unable to recall the past. Therefore, it is possible that a baby may feel anxious when he is put down.
3. The Feeling of Warmth
A newborn baby’s desire to keep warm can be another reason for always wanting to be held in his mother's arms. Moreover, they still possess the Moro reflex which makes their legs and arms flap when not held. It is natural for them to prefer the warmth and safety of their caregiver’s arms then being set down. It is no wonder that babies have a tough time sleeping straight on their back without the warmth of their mother’s arms around them.
What Can You Do to Settle Your Baby?
A few things that you may do to help settle your baby can be:
1. Wrap Your Baby
It is essential that newborn babies feel adequately warm and cosy after birth. Therefore, wrapping a baby in optimal layers of loose clothing can prove useful in providing him with the required warmth and giving him the feeling of being nestled in a secure cocoon.
2. Comfort Him
Try and make your baby’s surrounding environment comfortable to ease his adjustment to the outside world. In case he starts crying when you put him down stroke him gently and speak quietly to calm him down. You can also try hanging interesting objects from his crib to engage his attention while he is awake.
3. Play Soothing Music
Music can have a calming effect on babies. Put on some peaceful music or sing soft lullabies which may help relax your baby.
4. Break Off the Habit
You can try setting your baby down either on a bouncy chair or an activity mat to break down his habit of showing displeasure when not held. You can begin initially with a couple of minutes. Stay close and do pick him up when he displays crying signs. You can do this exercise a few times every day particularly when your baby is happy and well rested. Gradually you may increase the duration of time for which you put him down.
5. Involve Family Members
Try and involve other members of the family also to practise setting the baby down and not holding him more than necessary. Your baby may eventually get used to being set down by everyone around him.
6. Be Persistent and Patient
It is imperative that you maintain your calm and remain patient while trying to teach your baby to stay relaxed when not held. You may find it frustrating but continue to persist. Habits take time to break. Your baby will learn to get comfortable by himself with time.
7. Be Flexible
It is desirable to keep your expectations as realistic as possible. Some days you may make good progress while other days can seem bad. Go with your baby’s pace and refrain from hurrying him unnecessarily. You need to understand that it is simply a phase and babies commonly grow out of it in due course of time.
8. Use Soft Snuggly Cushions
You can browse online for snuggly cushions for babies especially designed to mimic the warmth and comfort that they were used to while in the womb. The cushion is fashioned to act as a sling around a baby’s body which keeps him safely positioned on his back.
What If Your Infant Still Wants to Be Held?
There are a couple of transitional measures that you can consider if your baby still wants to be held despite your best efforts to put him down. You can try cuddling with your baby on the bed until he falls asleep. This way your baby may not get the chance to protest on being put down. Also, you can opt for a compromise sort of contact instead of a full bodily one which may facilitate easier adaption of your baby from your arms to being set down.
Will You Spoil Your Baby By Holding Him Too Much?
Some babies sleep when held. But still, there is no such thing as spoiling your baby by holding him too much. Instead, you need to establish and address the underlying issue. Is your baby undergoing separation nervousness or is he just seeking some comfort? You may want to remember that your baby is very young, and this is simply a transitional phase which won't last forever. In case your baby doesn’t seem to calm down when not held, the best thing would be to pick him up to make him feel emotionally secure and content.
It may feel a little tiring right now to hold your baby all the time but remember he will soon outgrow your arms. So, you may enjoy cuddling and holding him while it lasts. You can always ask your partner or other family members to help so that you have time to rest.
Also Read: How To Make Baby Walk - Milestones, Tips and Activities Read more
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Diet Plan for 11 Month 3 Week Old Baby
Introduction
Did your little one enjoy his last week’s menu? Yes? That’s great! We have a meal plan for this week too! By 11 months of age, your baby will most likely be ready to eat the same food that you and other members of your family eat. Yes, cooking just got more comfortable for you! But to help your baby chew, swallow, and digest the food easily, mash it or cut it into small pieces! And do keep an eye on him while he eats to make sure that he doesn’t choke on anything. To know what you can cook for your baby next week, click here!
11 Month 3 Week Old Baby Food Menu & Schedule
Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 1
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Rajgira (amaranth)- wheat sheera with mashed raisins for sweetness
Mid-morning
Mango or mashed banana
Lunch
Veg pulao with pakoda kadhi
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Egg or paneer (cottage cheese) paratha
Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 2
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Besan (gram flour)- jowar(sorghum)- coriander chilla made with curd
Mid-morning
Grated apple
Lunch
Roti dipped in carrot- moong dal (green gram split) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Vegetable- masoor dal(red lentil) pulao
Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 3
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Oats-apple porridge
Mid-morning
Chopped de-skinned peach or stewed apple
Lunch
Spinach- pumpkin puree + jowar (sorghum) puffs
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Pumpkin paratha with curd
Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 4
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Banana pancakes or soft egg white pancakes
Mid-morning
Cubed chikoo (sapota) or mashed banana
Lunch
Dal paratha with palak (spinach) paneer
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Besan (gram flour)- palak (spinach) dhokla
Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 5
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Ragi (finger millet) dosa with non-spicy sambar
Mid-morning
Stewed pear- chopped or stewed apple
Lunch
Roti dipped in tomato- masoor dal (red lentil) soup
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Tomato and kaddu(pumpkin) soup + roti or paratha
Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 6
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Seviyan (vermicelli) upma
Mid-morning
Sliced banana
Lunch
Wheat- banana sheera
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Roti with dal-palak
Diet for a 11 Month-Old – Week 3, Day 7
Early morning
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Breakfast
Broken wheat porridge
Mid-morning
Boiled potato chaat with butter
Lunch
Stewed apple + murmura (puffed rice) powder
Evening
Mother’s milk /formula feed
Dinner
Bajra (pearl millet) roti with turai (snake gourd)- moong dal (green gram) sabzi
Conclusion
You have this week’s meal plan for your baby – we hope this will bring somewhat relief in your life. Having a plan at hand always makes life easier! Use this as a guide and feel free to replace certain foods if your baby is allergic to them or doesn’t like them. And note: do not add add too much sugar or salt in your baby’s food until he turns 1. Also, avoid adding honey in his food. Make safe choices and keep your baby safe and healthy! And if you want the meal plan for the coming week, click here! Read more
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Should You Give Gripe Water to Babies?
Newborns and babies can often cry for no evident reason. The culprit in these cases is usually colic. There is no clear definition as to what colic is, but it is a term used when babies cry excessively for an extended period of time. It is typically observed in babies between the age of three weeks to three months. Abdominal uneasiness caused by gas is widely believed to cause colic, and many parents opt for gripe water to remedy this situation.
What is Gripe Water?
Gripe water is a liquid solution intended to soothe the discomfort caused by flatulence, colic, indigestion, hiccups, and teething pain. There are different varieties of this liquid available, and they contain a mixture of different herbs.
Gripe Water - Ingredients
Fennel, ginger, chamomile, liquorice, cinnamon, and lemon balm are some of the ingredients that are found in gripe water. Originally water, alcohol, dill seed oil, sugar, and sodium bicarbonate were the ingredients used to make gripe water. Glycerine is also an ingredient used in some brands. The use of alcohol in gripe water has been discontinued in following objections from parents and doctors. Some brands are also known to use artificial sweeteners which can be harmful to a baby’s health. Mint oil is another ingredient that can be found in some Indian brands of gripe water. It is available in different flavours such as orange or strawberry.
Is Gripe Water Safe for Babies?
There is no concrete evidence that can prove that gripe water is unsafe for babies. Opinions differ on whether gripe water is effective as some have found it helpful for their babies while others have not. As far as safety goes, the brands of gripe water that contain alcohol, artificial sweeteners, or sodium bicarbonate are not recommended for babies.
Here is a breakdown of some of the traditional ingredients of gripe water and how they affect the baby:
Alcohol: Alcohol is not suitable for babies and can lead to the baby developing an addiction.
Sodium Bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda, this can lead to a milk-alkali syndrome which causes a surge in the levels of calcium in the blood. Since babies under six months are solely fed breast milk or formula, they are at greater risk of developing this condition which can also cause kidney problems.
Sugar: Excess sugar can lead to tooth decay and develop a dependence on sugar at an early age.
Dill Seed Oil: This is an essential oil that is known for offering relief from indigestion. However, some babies might be allergic to it. Therefore, caution must be exercised while using this ingredient.
Despite the increased awareness about natural ingredients and baby food composition, some brands of gripe water may contain parabens, vegetable carbon, or dairy products that ideally should be avoided. Some doctors believe that gripe water can be given to babies, while others think that it should be avoided. There are different brands of gripe water available in the market and babies should be given the one that is suitable to their condition. A doctor must be consulted before giving gripe water to a baby.
What is the Use of Gripe Water?
It is believed that gripe water is useful in treating colic in infants and also helps in easing certain digestion problems and hiccups. Teething babies tend to be irritable and cry a lot. This can cause them to swallow a good amount of air which can lead to flatulence. Babies suffering from flatulence or gastrointestinal problems like acidity might benefit from consuming it. Another way gripe water is useful is in the treatment of hiccups. Hiccups which result when the diaphragm is irritated can prove bothersome to babies and are caused by flatulence, acid reflux, or indigestion. Gripe water is thought to soothe the diaphragm and thus provide relief from hiccups.
When Can Babies Have Gripe Water?
The manufacturers of gripe water claim that it can be given to babies as young as two weeks. However, it is not advisable to offer it to babies under the age of one month since their digestive tract is still developing and is sensitive. Many people also believe that babies should not be given anything other than breast milk or formula until they are six months old. So, the best option is to consult with your paediatrician before giving gripe water to your baby.
How to Give Gripe Water to a Baby
About ten minutes after a feed is the best time to give the baby some gripe water. It can be administered to the baby using a dropper or a spoon. Owing to its pleasant taste, most babies will ingest it without any fuss. It is usually given once a day, but, your doctor will be able to advise you regarding the dosage.
Side Effects of Gripe Water
There are no clinically-proven side effects of gripe water. However, your baby may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients in a particular brand. Checking the list of ingredients can help you avoid those brands. Hives, watery eyes, swollen lips or tongue, vomiting, itchiness, and any change in your baby's breathing pattern after consuming gripe water may be signs of an allergic reaction. Seek medical help immediately if your baby shows any of these signs.
Can Gripe Water Be Mixed With Formula Milk?
Mixing gripe water with formula involves replacing some of the water used to prepare the formula milk, with gripe water instead. This can change the taste of the formula. You can mix it with water or breast milk, but there is a chance that your baby may start demanding this mixture all the time. For best results, administer it to the baby in its original form.
Alternatives to Gripe Water
Besides gripe water, there are quite a few ways that you can opt for to soothe your baby and help him feel better.
1. Massage
Try a gentle tummy massage to help rid of the abdominal tension and gas. Applying light pressure on the baby's tummy by rubbing his belly might also help in soothing him.
2. Change the Formula Milk
Switching the brand of formula milk might prove helpful for some babies. If your baby is prone to gastric issues, the formula milk you are giving him might not be suitable. Discuss with your baby's paediatrician and change the formula milk.
3. Baby Burping
When your baby is cranky, put him over your shoulder and gently rub his back to help him burp. You can also make him sit on our lap and gently pat his back to make him burp. At times, this might be all that is needed to help your baby feel better.
4. Try Swaddling
Swaddling your baby can be comforting and help him relax. It helps in calming the baby if he is over-stimulated or irritable.
If possible, ensure that your baby is exclusively breastfed until he is six months of age as breast milk is the best option to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy.
Tips for Choosing & Giving Gripe Water
If you must give your baby gripe water, use these tips to ensure you find the right type of gripe water for your little one.
Don’t choose a solution which contains sodium bicarbonate, as it can cause imbalances in the pH levels of your baby’s stomach.
Go through the ingredients list carefully to ensure there is nothing your baby is allergic to.
Keep an eye out for any side effects or allergic reactions.
Consult with your doctor about the dosage and the brand to be used.
Try to find a brand that uses as many natural ingredients as possible.
Don’t buy gripe water that contains alcohol.
Steer clear of solutions which have sucrose, vegetable carbon, or charcoal.
Read the instructions carefully and administer the right dosage as recommended by the paediatrician.
Cranky babies and colic have been around for as long as there have been babies in this world! But gripe water might not be the solution every time. You need to try and understand why your baby is irritated or in pain. The next step is soothing and comforting the little one without the use of any external agents. This might be difficult if you are a first-time parent as nothing you do may seem to work. However, once you get the hang of it, things will settle down, and you will know exactly how to calm your baby down.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
Also Read: Cow’s milk for babies – An Overview Read more
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Amma, Who is India? When Your Kid is a Question Bank!!
Amma, Who is India? My 3-year-old son asked me as soon as he returned from school. But, there is no one called India in our school, then why do we say 'I Love India'?
I love Amma, I love Appa but who is this India? Now, how do I explain to a 3-year-old about countries and continents? Rather will he understand the concept? So, I try to make it simple.
Me - India is our country, baby.
He - What is a country?
Me - A country is where we live.
He - But we live in our Bangalore house (for him Bangalore is not a place, it's a house, as in; we live in our Bangalore house, our neighbours live in their Bangalore houses, his grandparents live in their Alleppy house)
Me - Yes, we live in Bangalore and Bangalore is in India.
He - Like baby is in you ( I am pregnant with our second kid).
Me - Speechless. God help me !!!
(Something else catches his attention and he runs towards that.)
Me - Thank God! Henceforth I should always turn on Google search.
He - Immediately runs to me and asks who Google is.
Me - Baby, Google is .......
I try to answer one question and pop comes another one.
My chatterbox is so full of questions and I enjoy answering them all. I am pretty sure all parents have gone through this.
Kids are so curious that they want to know everything, their questions might be silly but it makes us think a lot and sometimes, we find it really difficult to answer.
This silliness is what makes them adorable, this silliness is what makes them fun to be with, and in that silliness lies happiness , in those silly questions lies intelligence.
Where is the other half of the moon?
Why should we sleep?
Why is the sheep black?
Why doesn't the Sun God show up at night?
Why is it dark at night?
Go on, my 'Question Bank' goes on!!!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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PlayDoh Allows Limitless Creativity for My Child
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbWFkBbjve8
When it comes to indoor play time, I really like toys that couple learning with playing & allow for limitless creativity. Play-Doh definitely fits that category. It is fun to play with & helps develop fine motor skills & hand eye coordination. It also stimulates a child’s imagination. ? A lot of schools incorporate play-doh in their activities too. In fact, the first time Karma played with it, was when she joined an early learning centre at the age of 16 months. Since then we have started keeping sets at home. Karma really enjoys the make and measure set from play doh’s shape and learn range. It has tons of different activities that she can do aside from moulding and cutting shapes. She loves dropping the clay insects she makes into the measurement tubes with the tweezer. Also really liked the design pen. Just flattens out some play-doh and then draws on it. It’s great to see her use her understanding of how it works along with her imagination to make it her own!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the Blogger. The Blogger is a Mom of a 3 Yr old & is an active user of FirstCry Parenting. Read more
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The Complete Baby Bouncer Buying Guide
Overview
Nothing beats holding your baby in your arms. But as a new mother, you need some 'me'-time to get back to your prime physical and emotional state. A baby bouncer is the perfect answer to the times when you want to have your hands for yourself � to put up your feet and catch up on your reading, or to whip up a nutritious meal for yourself and your family, or to attack those pending emails and tasks from work. Baby bouncers are comfy and entertaining accessories for your baby and you. They ease the stress of early motherhood by being the 'mother's arms' for her child when she needs her arms for herself.
What is a Baby Bouncer?
A Baby bouncer, in simple words, is a soft, comfortable bassinet fixed over a metal frame, which bounces with the movement of your baby.
Baby Bouncer - A safe, comfort zone for your bundle of joy
Baby bouncers are useful baby products for babies in their early stages of development, providing them with a safe and secure environment in both your presence and absence. It is a place where babies find comfort in the padded seat with a sturdy frame, allowing them to recline at ease in a comfortable position. The design of a baby bouncer comfortably provides full support to the baby's entire body. When the baby kicks, the seat responds with a springy up-and-down motion. This not only satisfies the baby's desire for movement, but also helps the baby develop the muscles necessary for crawling.
Some baby bouncers come with added features that help in soothing and entertaining your baby. The battery-operated music boxes play happy or peaceful tunes to calm your baby into a restful state. The vibration feature helps relax your baby when in a fussy mood. You can even hang soft toys within your baby's arm's reach. Some bouncers have dancing lights that flash according to your baby's movements in the bouncer.
When to Start and Stop Using a Baby Bouncer?
Baby bouncers indeed make your life a lot easier by holding and entertaining the apple of your eye while you complete your daily chores. However, over-use of any gadget can spell harm to the baby, and you certainly do not want that to happen. There are various factors you need to consider to determine whether it is ok to use a bouncer for your baby or not.
Weight
Every baby bouncer comes with a manufacturer's guidelines specifying the exact weight capacity of the bouncer. Most manufacturers specify an upper weight limit of 9 to 11 kg. (A heavier child may tip off the seat.) Some seats do accommodate toddlers and bigger kids, with weight limits ranging from 5 to 8 kg. One must refer to these specifications at the time of purchase.
Age
The ideal age of using a baby bouncer, specified on the bouncer seat guide, ranges from 0 � 7 months. However, the use of the baby bouncer is subject to change depending on factors other than age, i.e. baby's weight and development.
Growth and Development
Every baby reaches developmental milestones at different ages - some might learn to sit up unassisted by the age of 5 months while others might accomplish the same at 7 months of age. Look out for signs of development in your baby. If you baby is attempting to climb out of the seat, or has learned to sit up unassisted, it is time to stop using the bouncer seat, irrespective of your child's chronological age.
With Preemies
Premature babies require greater neck, back and tummy support than normal babies. Also, being smaller in size than normal newborns, preemies will not be the right fit for a bouncer. Therefore, it is best to avoid using bouncers for premature babies. If you feel that your baby is healthy enough to enjoy a bouncer, please consult your paediatrician before starting to use the bouncer for your baby.
Don't Make it a Habit
It becomes very tempting for mothers to keep their babies in the bouncer for longer periods of time as they get to use both hands and get a lot of work done then. However, letting your baby spend too much time in the bouncer might not be a great idea. Babies remain in a reclined position in a bouncer at all times, and this prevents them from indulging in other playful activities necessary for their growth and development.
Reclining Seat
You should place your newborn in the bouncer only when it is in a full reclining position. This is the safest position for your baby. A semi-reclined position might press on the chest and block your baby's airflow.
Features and Characteristics of a Baby Bouncer
Features of a Baby Bouncer
Baby Bouncer
Having a detailed knowledge of the major features of a baby bouncer will help you make an informed buying decision. With that aim in mind, we have listed below some of the important features provided by the various baby bouncer manufacturers.
Frame
A basic bouncer seat consists of a lightweight frame made of metal wire, tubular metal or heavy-gauge plastic. Covered with a soft, removable, washable pad that conforms to a baby's shape, bouncer seats are springy and bounce or rock when your baby moves. The frame also adds to the sturdiness of the bouncer.
Safety Harness
The second most important feature in a baby bouncer is the safety harness. Bouncers come with three-point or five-point harnesses. Most baby bouncers have a soft three-point safety belt that goes around babies' waist and in-between their legs. This keeps them from falling or slipping out of the seat.
Reclining Seat
Bouncers offer you three different reclining positions to choose from. You can quickly transit your baby's playtime to sleeping time by changing the bouncer's reclining position - all you have to do is adjust the bouncer's upright position to a reclined one. However, be sure to transfer your baby to a crib or bassinet after the baby falls asleep.
Head and Neck Support
Head and neck support is of utmost importance for newborns. Until the age or 3-4 months, babies cannot hold their heads up. Their skull bones are soft and fragile. A head rest attached to the bouncer seat supports baby's delicate head and neck. It also helps to avoid any head injuries by cushioning the hard frame of the bouncer.
Padded Seat
Seat padding can vary from basic to extra thick to comfortably thin. A nicely padded baby bouncer will be very comfortable for your little one.
Removable and Washable Seat Cover
Many types of baby bouncers come with removable seat covers suitable for machine washing. This is an important feature, as the bouncer is guaranteed to get dirty. Easy to wash feature maintains the cleanliness of your baby bouncer.
Toy Bar
Simply lying down in a bouncer will bore any baby. Most bouncers come with an attachable toy bar. When attached within reach of your baby's arms, it will entertain your baby and provide sensory stimulation. Toy bars allow you to add toys like soft plush animals, teethers and squeaking toys, and only begin to amuse babies once they have crossed the age of 4 months.
Canopy
Sometimes, when you take your baby outdoors to the park, etc., the rays of the sun could prove to be hazardous to the baby's skin and delicate eyes. Canopies provide the necessary shade to babies while they are still comfortably seated in their bouncers.
Music and Vibration Unit
Most bouncers come with an inbuilt music, vibration unit, which when turned on adds gentle vibrations to the bouncer seat, helping to pacify and relax the baby. The bouncer plays happy or peaceful sounds to lull your child into a restful state.
Characteristics of a Baby Bouncer
Bounciness
Bouncers, well, have to bounce, don't they? The bouncing movement can be provided in two different ways – naturally or through a battery operated mechanism. Natural bouncing helps strengthen the motor skills of babies. Their movement bounces the chair, causing them to have lots of fun. However, if your baby is extremely active and loves extra fun, you can choose the battery-operated alternative that will increase the fun quotient. For younger babies, gently help them bounce using your hand and feet.
Fabric
The fabric used on the bouncer seat comes in direct contact with your baby’s delicate skin, and needs to be soft, non-slippery, smooth and comfortable. It also needs to be free from health-hazardous substances and allergens. The most preferred material would be soft cotton. Such a fabric is gentle on the skin and safe to chew or suck on, making it a perfect material for little babies to relax and play in.
Body Support
The bouncers are designed to provide comfort to your baby, by ensuring proper head and back support. Headrests prevent your baby's head from flopping around when trying to wriggle.The fitted, padded fabric of the seat moulds itself to your baby's weight and size, ensuring that your baby is comfortable and protected.
Grippers
Grippers provide a firm grip on the surface and keep the bouncer stable when vibrating mode is on.
Portability
Bouncers are compact and easy to carry along with your luggage. Their size and simple design make them ideal for storage and transport. If you are going to be waiting at the airport or relaxing on a vacation, your baby can enjoy too, on the bouncer.
Multi-Utility
An advantage of bouncers is that they can be used as bouncers as well as chairs. Once your baby has outgrown the bouncer's age or weight limits and can sit upright unattended, you can turn the fabric around and use the bouncer as a chair.
Comfort
A soft, comfortable fabric used in a bouncer provides maximum comfort to babies. They experience the freedom to bounce, swing and enjoy the world outside your arms while still being ensconced in the soft luxury of the fabric. Leading baby bouncer manufacturers ensure that the fabric is eco-friendly and made of non-hazardous material, so it is even ok if your baby ends up inadvertently teething it.
MP3 Player/iPhone/iPod Hook Up
MP3 player/iPhone/iPod hook up are of great help to listen to soothing music, sounds of your baby's choice while you take a relaxing shower.
Compact Fold
It should be easy to pack up and store when not required.
Motion, Speed, Sound and Light Control Unit
The bouncer which allows swing motion offers a control panel which allows motion, speed, sound and light settings in accordance to your baby's preference.
Trendy
Baby bouncer seats come in a variety of sizes, colours, themes, etc. Some even offer changeable seat covers and matching toy bars. These little angels are probably going to be tomorrow's fashionistas, so why fence away from trends and colours? Let them be today's trendsetter too.
As the competition in the market is increasing, manufacturers are coming up with new never-thought-before features for their bouncers, trying to make their product stand out from the rest.
Pros and Cons of a Baby Bouncer
Baby bouncers are fast becoming one of the staples in the baby development arsenal of new parents. Here are the pros & cons of a baby bouncer to help you choose the right one for your bundle of joy.
Pros
Cons
Vibration unit: Many bouncers come with an inbuilt vibration mechanism with adjustable speed. The calming vibrations can effectively soothe crying and fussy babies and lull them to sleep.
Weight restrictions: Baby bouncers can be used only for a very specific weight range (up to 12kgs).They cannot be used for premature babies, who are below the weight limit. It can prove hazardous to them.
Music box: Baby bouncers come with additional features like a built-in music box or soft plush animals hanging from a play bar that babies can easily grab and play with. These keep the babies engaged in other developmental activities, when in bouncers.
Age restrictions: Bouncers can be used only till the baby is about 6 to 7 months old.
Portable: Unlike cribs and elaborate swings, most baby bouncers are portable. They allow new parents to get out of their homes and spend time outdoors without worrying about engaging their babies.
Preference over cribs or beds to sleep in: Babies tend to stay in their bouncers for as long as possible and even like to sleep in them. This can be a hindrance for crib training. You can resolve this by restricting your baby's bouncer time and encouraging intermittent usage of the crib.
Fabric: All recognized brands of baby bouncers undergo a quality check by JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) and adhere to the usage of skin friendly fabrics and materials. This ensures that a baby doesn't get a rash or skin problem by staying in the bouncer for a long time.
Wide base placement hazard: A baby bouncer is considered to have a good design and balance if it has a wide enough base to absorb jerky motion. However, this wide base can become a placement hazard, so be careful about placing the baby bouncer around the house.
Ergonomic design: Baby bouncers are designed to better suit the delicate, growing spines of babies. So your baby can lie in the bouncer comfortably, without experiencing any discomfort or ill effects at a later stage.
Reference:- 1-http://jpma.org/
What to Look for in a Baby Bouncer?
There are many variants of baby bouncers available in the market for varied price ranges. Even the most basic ones are approved by JPMA or similar governing authorities before being sold for retail. The more advanced ones are designed with paediatric help and undergo numerous quality checks to ensure the development of best possible products. You must, therefore, clearly know what to look for in a baby bouncer and how to look for it.
So here is mentioning those critical features you should keep an eye out for:
Safety Features
Baby bouncers come with safety belts (and water hooks if you intend to use them in a paddling pool) to ensure that the baby isn't hurt due to any erratic movement. Parents must check the tensile strength and ruggedness of the safety features at the time of buying a baby bouncer.
Weight Capacity
Since the calming mechanism of a baby bouncer involves bouncing and vibrating, most baby bouncers come with a weight restriction. If the baby is below the specified weight limit, the vibrations can be uncomfortable or topple the baby. If the baby is above the specified weight limit, then the baby bouncer may not work properly. Thus, parents must check the weight restriction for a baby bouncer, determine the usage term of the bouncer and then decide how much to invest in it accordingly.
Body and Base Design
The body of a bouncer must be pliant and designed in such a way that the delicate frame and developing spinal cord of the baby is sufficiently supported. A wide base is also essential to ensure that the contraption remains balanced while the baby is in it. Thus, parents must check for these features while selecting a baby bouncer.
Quality Textile and Materials
As a baby spends a good amount of time in the baby bouncer, it is quite important to have a bouncer with good quality textile and materials, which are baby skin-friendly. Many baby bouncers even ensure that the surface material is chewable and doesn't cause any rash or skin problem for babies. A bouncer can get messy in no time, and the fabric must therefore be easy to clean. Check to see if the seat cover can be removed easily for cleaning, and whether or not it is machine washable.
Portability
Little babies get used to a particular routine, schedule and space much more quickly than you think they do. If they do fall in love with the comfort of their new bouncer, they will probably want to be in it all the time. Thus, it should be lightweight and easy to move around with. Check to see if the bouncer can be folded or easily taken apart for storage or travel. If you are planning a family, you might want to dismantle and store it away until your next sweetheart arrives into this world.
Interactive Features
Baby bouncers come with additional interactive features such as felt toys and music boxes, which can keep a baby engaged on a bouncer for long intervals of time. Parents must consider these carefully before selecting a baby bouncer.
Price
Lastly, a baby can only use the bouncer in the initial developmental months. Parents must keep this in mind, consider the competitive prices offered in the market and select a baby bouncer that doesn't burn a hole in their pocket yet serves their purpose sufficiently.
Types of Baby Bouncers
Bouncers can fulfil your newborn baby’s need for constant movement. Their gentle motion calms babies and lulls them to sleep, making your life easier.
While there are a number of brands available in the market, they can all be categorized into three broad categories:
1. Simple Baby Bouncers
Simple baby bouncers have a simple design that helps babies have fun while also letting them get some physical action by moving their arms and legs.
2. Battery-operated or Vibrating Baby Bouncers
In contrast to simple baby bouncers that have only a limited range of movement, battery-operated bouncers offer a lot more options. These are quite similar to the simple, non-powered bouncers, with the difference that they produce a vibrating motion with a battery-operated motor. These are an excellent choice if your baby enjoys constant motion.
3. Combination Baby Bouncers
Combination bouncers, as the name suggests, are bouncers combined with another baby device.
There are two types of combination bouncers:
Bouncer Rockers
Bouncer rockers are a combination of bouncers and rockers. These bouncers can be easily converted into rockers, by providing a variation in the type of movement offered to the baby. Basically, the movement pattern of a bouncer is low in intensity - perfect for infants. But as infants grow, they require a more intense movement and therein comes the need for a rocker. Bouncer rockers can thus be used right from the early days of your baby’s life until toddler-hood.
Bouncer Swings
Bouncer swings are a combination of bouncers and swings. Such bouncers have a detachable bouncer seat. So when children learn to sit by themselves, the bouncer seat can be placed into a swing frame, thereby converting it into a swing.
Dos and Don'ts
Baby bouncers are a must buy for all parents. However, it is important for you to consider its usability, comfort and convenience, and the cost associated with it, before making an informed buying decision.
While Buying a Bouncer
Dos
Think well about how you would be using the bouncer before deciding on which type of bouncer to buy. If you want to be completely hands-free while still keeping your baby engaged, then go for a battery-operated model.
Study brand reviews and look at the major features of all the models. Most big brands offer plenty of attractive features like, a toy tray along with toys in multiple colours, selection of fabric for bouncer seat, durability, etc.
Make sure that the bouncer you are planning to buy has passed the safety standards of organizations like JPMA.
Look out for sharp edges, frayed ends or loose fittings.
Buy combination bouncers according to your baby's preference. If your baby does not like to swing, go for a bouncer rocker instead.
If buying offline, take your baby along and try a bouncer model by placing the baby in it. If buying online, be sure to buy from trusted websites that are capable of providing you with all the necessary information and are also capable of recommending a good model suited to your needs.
Don'ts
Don't buy a bouncer model if your baby is already over or nearing the upper weight limit specified for the model. Before buying one, check that the age and weight limits specified are appropriate for your needs for your child.
Don't buy bouncers without asking for a demonstration. Check out the music volume levels and ensure that it isn't too loud or brash, as it could end up irritating babies instead of soothing them. Similarly, check for other functions like speed, different motions, etc.
While Using a Bouncer
Dos
Use baby bouncers only up to six or seven months or until your baby begins to sit independently.
Make sure that the fittings have been made properly and that there are no sharp edges left unnoticed while assembling the baby bouncer.
Make sure the fabric is dry and clean.
Wrap your baby properly and make sure that your baby is not placed inside the bouncer without a diaper.
Make sure to always keep the bouncer within your reach.
When placing the baby bouncer on the floor, make sure that it is kept away from hazardous things like cables, cords, heaters, sharp things, etc. Place your baby in the bouncer only after you are sure that you have completely understood and followed the manufacturer's instructions.
Don'ts
Don't use bouncers for babies weighing above 11 kg or above the specified weight limit of a bouncer.
Don't place the baby bouncer with your baby inside, on an elevated surface like tabletop or soft surfaces like bed, sofa or couch. The bouncing movement could slide the bouncer to the edge and lead to a fall.
While shifting bouncer chairs along with baby from one place to another, don't carry it by frame or the toy bar. These features are almost brittle and aren't supposed to be used as handles.
Avoid leaving your baby in the bouncer for long periods of time and give the baby some floor time, in your supervision. Experts recommend mandatory time for natural movements such as crawling, tummy time, etc. for the growth of your baby's limbs and other organs.
FAQs
1. My Child Sleeps Better in The Bouncer Than on The Bed. Is it Safe to Let Her Sleep in The Bouncer?
Most baby bouncers are designed to provide babies with a soothing and comforting ambiance. The bouncing motions and vibrations, along with soft music, are most conducive to a happy baby sleep. However, bouncers are not designed for a long period usage. Hence, it is not recommended to let your baby sleep in the bouncer. What you can do, is transfer the baby to a bed or crib once she sleeps.
2. I am Worried If There Will Be Any Issues Related to Spinal Alignment if My Baby Sits in a Baby Bouncer.
There has been no strong proof of spinal alignment associated with baby bouncer usage. However, letting your baby remain in bouncers for long periods can hamper the spine development13. Hence, use the bouncer only for short periods of time, under your supervision, and your baby should be just fine.
3. Can I Use Bouncers for Both My Kids?
Most bouncers can only be used for kids who cannot yet sit independently, so you might want to check the bouncer's weight limit before letting both your kids use them. In any case, a bouncer can, and should, hold only one kid at a time. However, using a bouncer for one child in combination with a baby carrier or stroller for another can help you easily manage both your kids simultaneously, without getting too harrowed.
4. Is It Ok If I Use The Bouncer for My Two Months Old Baby?
Bouncer can be used for baby right from birth. However, if your child is a preemie, you might want to consult your paediatrician before determining whether the bouncer is suitable for your baby.
5. My Baby is So Attached to her Bouncer That She is Reluctant to Play on The Floor. What Do I Do?
Bouncer or not, floor time is highly important for babies. Most bouncers are compact, foldable and lightweight. So try distracting the baby with a toy or book while putting away the bouncer for some time to give the baby adequate floor time. You can always set up the bouncer back quickly when you need to attend to something else and require the baby to be safe while you are distracted.
6. My Daughter is Colicky. Can a Bouncer Help Her Feel More Comfortable?
The vibrations/ movements of a bouncer are a godsend for colicky babies. Placing them on a bouncer works more effectively than comforting them by holding them in the arms or putting them down on their tummy.
7. Is It Safe to Feed My Four-month-old on a Bouncer?
Bouncer seats are not designed for feeding. Babies can choke or get injured by the feeding utensil. This is unavoidable on any moving baby seat, including swings. You are supposed to hold baby when feeding using a bottle, and for solids, you are supposed to use high chairs or convertible baby boosters/feeding chairs to prevent injury to your baby.
Reference:-
12-//www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile107.stm
13-http://blog.intellidance.ca/blog/2-15-2011/c-s-how-nurture-your-babys-spine-development
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A. No I’m afraid you’ll have to quit breastfeeding your child because it is not advisable to feed your child when you’re pregnant with the second child is not healthy for you neither for your coming child so you’ll have to skip and quit onto your breastfeeding
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