Baby

Every baby has a different need for sleep . Some babies sleep long time of a period and others in short burst. Some sleep through the night, whereas some don't sleep for a long period of time. 

Your baby will have their own sleep pattern and it will be unlikely to be the same as other babies you know. But don't panic or do not think that there is something wrong with your baby, just help your baby to sleep longer is she needs it. 

If you're breastfeeding, in the early weeks your baby is likely to be tired of breastfeeding and will doze off for short periods during a feed. You can carry on feeding until your baby is finished but make sure that your baby does not sleep on your breast. Just before she is falling a sleep, separate your breast and either she will carry on breastfeeding or she will cry. This is a good time that you can snooze off as well. If you are not tired or do not want to sleep, don't worry about keeping the house silent while she sleeps. It is better that your baby gets used to the noise during the day. 

How do I get my baby to sleep longer at night?

Congratulations you are pregnant! 

The first trimester of pregnancy is the earliest stage of the pregnancy. Its start date is the first day of your period and lasts until the 13th week. All of the hormonal and emotional changes happen in your body rather than physical yet. 

Knowing what to expect in the coming weeks and months will help you to get through this period very easily. 

What changes in your body? 

Pregnancy is different for every woman.  Some women will glow with good health and some might be so miserable. 

Bleeding - If you are bleeding at the early stage of your pregnancy you should go to your doctor immediately. Sometimes this may be normal (25% of pregnant women bleed during their first trimester) but it is always safe to check it out with your doctor. 

Light spotting is very common in the early stage of your pregnancy as the fertilised embryo has implanted in your uterus. But if you have pains, cramps and bleeding, call  the doctor. This could be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is where the embryo plants outside of the uterus. 

Breast tenderness - Sore breasts are the earliest sign of pregnancy. They are getting milk ducts ready for feeding your baby. You will soon go up for a bra size or more. You should wear a supportive bra during this period, which may be more comfortable. 

You won’t probably go back to your regular bra size until after your baby is finished nursing.

Morning Sickness - 85% of the women have nausea. It results from hormone changes in your body and can last for the entire first trimester. Nausea is generally worse in the morning. To calm your nausea, eat small, high-protein snacks (crackers, meat, or cheese) and sip water, clear fruit juice (apple juice), or ginger ale. Avoid any foods that make you sick to your stomach. Nausea may not go away for weeks, this can affect the amount of the nutrition that your baby gets. Call your doctor if you can't stop throwing up or can't keep down any food.

Fatigue - Your body is working hard to support your growing baby and you will feel more tired than before. Make sure that you take naps during the day if you can. Make sure that you are also getting good iron. Your doctor will probably ask you to take some supplements which will ease the symptoms and help your baby grow. 

Food choices - You may start eating very different food that you have not tried before. Your tastes can change while you are pregnant. More than 60% of pregnant women have food cravings. But make sure that you eat good healthy food such as fruit, vegetables, and low calorie food most of the time. 

Constipation - During pregnancy, high levels of the hormone progesterone slow down the muscle contractions that normally move food through your system. As a result, you feel bloated and uncomfortable. Eat more fiber and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. Physical exercise can also help with your constipation. 

Heartburn - Your body produces more progesterone hormones during pregnancy. It relaxes smooth muscles such as the oesophagus, which is the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. This muscle keeps your food and acids in your stomach. When they loosen up, you can get heartburn (acid reflux). To avoid this; 

• Eat small portions 
• Don’t lie down after you eat 
• Try raising your pillow 
• Don’t eat acidic foods 

Peeing a lot - Because your uterus is growing regardless of your baby’s size, it is putting pressure on your bladder. As a result, you may feel that you need to pee all the time. Carry on drinking quite a lot of liquid as your body needs them but cut down on your caffeine especially late at night. 

Discharge. It's normal to see a thin, milky white discharge (called leukorrhea) early in your pregnancy. You can wear a panty liner if it makes you feel more comfortable, but don't use a tampon because it could put germs into your vagina. If the discharge smells really bad, if it’s green or yellow, or if there's a lot of clear discharge, call the doctor.

Mood swings. Increased fatigue and changing hormones can put you on an emotional roller coaster that takes you from joyous to miserable, or from hopeful to terrified in a matter of seconds. It's OK to cry, but if you feel overwhelmed, try to find an understanding ear. You can talk to your partner, a friend, a family member, or even a professional.

Weight gain - You need to be careful not overeating when you are pregnant. During the first trimester you can gain 3-6 pounds. You do not need to eat lots more during your first trimester. You only need to eat 150 calories more a day which could be an apple or a banana. 

First Trimester - Baby’s growth

During the first 13 weeks, your baby changes from an egg to a fully formed fetus. All the major organs and systems are taking shape. That means that your baby could be harmed if you use drugs, have an illness or get exposed to radiation. 

What happens to your baby during the first trimester; 

• The fertilised egg becomes a cluster of rapidly dividing cells that implants into your uterus. The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac start to grow. 
• Your baby’s nervous system changes from an open neutral tube to a brain and spinal cord.  
• Nerves and muscles start working together. Your baby can move on its own and you can soon feel it. 
• Your baby’s heart takes shape and begins to beat. You can hear it on ultrasound as soon as 6 weeks onwards. It beats 120-160 times within a minute. 
• Your baby develops a digestive system, including intestines and kidneys.
• A soft skeleton starts to grow. 
• Your baby starts to look like a baby, arms, legs, fingers and toes are formed. Face is shaping eyes, nose, ears and mouth. 
• Genitals start to grow, but it’s too early to tell by ultrasound whether you’re having a girl or a boy.

Emergency Symptoms During the First Trimester

Any of these below symptoms can be a major problem with your pregnancy. Do not wait until you see your doctor. Call your doctor right away. 

• Abdominal Pain 
• Abnormal bleeding 
• Severe dizziness
• Rapid weight gain or lose 

Swaddling is liked by parents during centuries. It makes a baby feel like he is back inside the womb again and it helps many babies sleep better. 

I was one of these mums that was not agreed to swaddling when I had my first baby son. He was a colic baby and he was not sleeping much at night. I was feeling so tired during the day being up all night with him. My mum was keep telling me that I should swaddle him but I did not listen to her. In the end, we had to have a sleep training from a professional when he was 7 months old. 

Four years later, when I had my second child, I swaddled her from the day 1. As soon as I fed her, I used to swaddle her and she slept so well all night, every night.

I think it is important to try to swaddle your baby at least a few times. If they do not like it, then you stop swaddling, but if they really like it, it is important for mums to have a good night sleep while their baby is asleep soundly. 

You should be aware of a few things when swaddling; 

1 - Material: You should make sure that the swaddle is made from breathable and lightweight material such as cotton or bamboo. 

2 - Size: You need to make sure that the swaddle is big enough to swaddle your baby. 

3 - Not too tight: You need to make sure that you swaddle your baby from the top but they still have room to move for their legs. 

4 - Allergic babies: Some babies can be allergic to dust when they are born. You may not realise this and your baby can wake up during the night because they cannot breath properly due to the dust. The best way of knowing this, if you have a dust allergy, there is 85% chance that your baby will also have a dust allergy. Because most allergies are genetics. 

5 - When you swaddle your baby, make sure that you always put her on her back, not on her side or bellies. 

6 - Make sure that when you swaddle your baby, fabric does not come too loose, covering your baby's face. 

7 - Always check your baby regularly while she is asleep. 

That's why we suggest that you use choose bamboo muslin swaddles over a conventional cotton swaddles to make your baby feeling comfortable. 

As we have been dealing with allergies for my kids for years, I have listed some of the benefits of using bamboo muslin swaddles. 

We love Bebekish Bamboo Muslin Swaddles because they are; 

- free from any chemicals 

- lightweight, breathable and safe 

- anti allergic and anti bacterial 

- natural and sustainable 

- the softest fabric like a silk. 

- does not irritate your baby's sensitive skin. 

We are proudly announced that we have recently win 2022 Gold Award from Bizzie Baby. 

Ps: Please note that this information has not been given by a doctor or a medical expert. This is just an experienced mum's opinion. Please always check this information with your doctor. 

Babies generally have more reddish skin than older children and adult's skin. This is why it is difficult for parents to realise that their children have sensitive skin. 

Has your baby's skin sensitive?

On the other hand some babies develop skin rashes after contacting with various substances. If your baby has any of the followings: 

- a skin reaction after a lotion 

- a skin reaction after a bath 

- a skin rashes after wearing clothes, possibly reaction to detergent or dyes

If you have one or more than one of the above situation, you should consult to your doctor. 

What to do if your baby has a sensitive skin 

It is important to find out what substances your baby is sensitive to. It could be certain type of materials due to the high chemical process or dyes or fragrances. If you are not sure what substances are affecting your baby's skin, follow the points below: 

- avoid clothes that may have chemicals

- avoid detergents, fragrances or dyes

- use mild natural bath soaps for bathing 

- use organic or natural bamboo clothing 

If your baby is in discomfort, consult your doctor immediately. 

How baby's skin changes over time 

When your baby is born, their skin colour becomes reddish purple colour. As they start breathing on their own, their skin colour becomes more red colour then will fade within the first day after the birth. 

They may have blue hands and feet which is normal, however, if your baby has blue colour on the face, consult your doctor immediately. 

In the first few days, your baby may have acne. This is normal and will fade away after few days. 

Babies often have tiny blocked pores known as millia. They go away as your baby grows. 

Your baby's skin is also sensitive to heat rashes. As your baby ages, you will be able to see when your baby's skin is becoming sensitive or not. 

If your baby develop eczema, you may first see a sign on their face and cheeks. As your baby gets older, eczema is likely to form around the elbow or hand. 

When to see a doctor? 

You should talk to your doctor if you baby is in discomfort. You should also talk to your doctor if the following conditions occur: 

- rash appears to be infected

- your baby has a temperature in addition to rashes 

- treatment does not help to get rashes better

- a rash or dry skin does not appear and if it gets worse in the next few days 

You should also talk to your doctor before using any medications. 

Most babies will develop rashes, skin irritations and eczema. It is important to recognise these conditions before it gets worse. 

For this reason as a parent, we should always be aware of this conditions. Using chemical free organic cotton clothing or natural bamboo accessories can help your baby's skin. 

Conventional cotton 

When your baby is born it is normal that he/she wants to be held in your arms. This is not a habit but it is a need. Think about this from your baby's point of view. After being inside of you for nine months in a  cosy and warm environment and being squashed in your tummy, it is normal that your baby will want to be held to feel secure. It is really important that your baby feels that he/she is in a secure place. All babies are different but many babies are agitated when they are put down in their crib while they are awake and make fuss about it. 

That does not mean that your baby will want to be held every time he/she goes to sleep. It means that they can gradually get used to sleep on their own. You can help your baby learn how to soothe himself. Your baby may wake up hungry from his sleep or something catches his attention. 

When your baby is newborn, it is important to swaddle your baby so that he/she does not wake him/herself from the sleep. You should always check on your baby regularly when swaddling. Always use safety and breathable items to use it. 

Bebekish offers perfect swaddling muslin cloth for your baby. 100% bamboo muslin swaddles are breathable, lightweight, safe, anti allergic and anti bacterial for your little one. 

When your baby gets older, you can make your baby's crib more interesting for him by changing his mobile time to time or give him a safe comforter so that your baby can spend some time with it to soothe himself. 

Keep in mind that these times are transitional measures. Gradually within the six months your baby will learn how to sleep on his own and will require your less help over time. 

What is Bonding?

 Bonding and attachment happen when you consistently respond to newborns with love, warmth and care. Newborns use body language to show when they want to connect with you. Good ways to bond with new borns include smiling, eye contact, singing, reading and cuddling.

Why is bonding with a baby important?            

When you response to your baby’s needs, your baby will feel secure and safe. They develop healthier relationship with other people around them. You do not have to feel the bond when you see your baby. It can take some time. 

As long as you take care of your baby’s needs such as cuddling, smiling, showing your affection and feeding, she will not suffer if you do not feel the bond at first sight. 

Some dads feel bonded straight away when they hold their baby, for some dads it may take some time. This is perfectly normal. Everyone is different. You may help your partner recover from the birth so take it easy and give some time yourself to bond with your baby. 

In the past researches were suggesting to spend a lot of time with your newborn during the first few days to establish a bond right away. However, bonding takes time.

Parents who are separated from their baby soon after delivery for medical reasons or who adopt their kids later in childhood also develop close, loving relationships.

The most important part of it, you should not feel guilty if you did not bond with your baby immediately. Give some time to yourself and your newborn baby.

What are the best ways to bond?

• Have skin-skin cuddling time. 
• Talk and sing to him regularly, with your eyes looking into his eyes and your face up close.
• Play with him every day. Newborns enjoy playtime as much as older babies. 
• Carry your baby in a sling or front carrier on walks. 
• Hold him close and read to your baby.
• Communicate with your baby by mirroring his movements or echo his coos and other vocalisations. These are the first step of communicate with your little one. 
• It sounds strange but talk to your baby throughout the day. It may be difficult at the beginning because it sounds like you are talking to yourself. But it will start to feel more natural if you keep it up.

Please note that these are the general advice for parents from parents. For professional advice please consult your doctor.

If you notice that your baby has a white coating on his tongue, it may be just the milk residue. You can wipe it off easily. Make sure that you use a clean damp face cloth or gentle finger toothbrush after feeding. 

Milk residue is very common for newborns. Because babies are not able to produce enough saliva to clean their tongue so milk residue stays there. it should go away for a few days. 

However, if you see any signs of the followings, call your baby's provider or a doctor: 

- White or yellow patches on baby's inside of the cheeks, lips, gums or throat 

- If your baby is crying after breastfeeding or sucking on a pacifier or bottle

If your bab's provider diagnoses thrush, she may prescribe an oral anti fungal medication (often nystatin). It may take two weeks to clear up the infection. 

Can I prevent my baby getting thrush? 

Not always. Some babies are more prone to yeast infections. There are a few things that you can consider of doing to lower the chance of getting thrush: 

- Don't give any antibodies unless it is absolutely necessary.

- Clean the bottle, pacifier and your nipple every time you feed your baby. 

- Let your nipples air dry between feedings. 

- Wash your hands before feeding your baby, especially after feeding and diaper changes. 

Baby Lead Weaning basically means self feeding, skipping spoon, use fingers and it is absolutely loved by babies. This is the most enjoyable moment for them.

What is the benefits of baby-led weaning?

- Supports the development of babies eye-hand coordination, chewing skills and healthy eating habits. It also offers babies an opportunity to explore the taste, texture and aroma of a variety of foods.

- Babies who self-fed eat less food than they need since they are feeding independently

- Baby-led weaning have a lasting effect on a child's food preferences. They eat healthier and you will not need to buy jar food for your baby.

Most of the time mums are concerned about mess but BLW is an important milestone for your baby to go through.

Here is some tips for baby weaning success:

- Texture is the key. The food that you give your baby should be soft and easy to smash with gentle finger pressure. You should steam fruit and vegetables when beginning baby-led weaning

- Always let your baby eat his/her food

Make sure that you are with your baby at all times but do not sit next to her/him and watch him constantly. Instead you can finish your cooking in the kitchen and keep an eye on your baby at the same time.

- If you are having dinner together do not make fuss about when they are making mess.

- Always give her/him soft food or half cooked food. Like banana, avocado, steamed vegs, poached salmon, pasta, omlets cut into pieces, strips of chicken

- Let your baby use safe utensils.

- Make sure your baby gets enough nutrients. Many babies struggle eat all of the food at first. You may give your baby finger foods with purees until she gets the hang of self feeding.

- Once your baby has tried and tolerated several single-ingredient foods, you can begin offering mixed dishes.

What if my baby chokes? 

Gagging is very common in early days of eating. It is a normal and reflexive safety mechanism that might cause watery eyes and coughing or sputtering. But parents can understand that gagging is a safety reflex and it is normal. Babies will learn with your reaction. If you get scared then baby will get scared. So make sure that you are calm when baby is eating his food.

Choking on the other hand happens when the food gets stuck in the throat or windpipe, blocking airflow. If a baby is choking, she will not make sound. To avoid this situation, move away grapes, nuts, raisins or raw vegetables until baby is comfortable with chewing easily.

Safety rules

- Always stay with your baby while he is eating

- Make sure your baby is sitting up when eating

- Serve foods that aren't hard

- Take an infant first aid class so you'll be prepared

- Do not rush to help your baby when she gags. Babies can feel parent's panic and can develop negative associations with eating. Instead stay calm and give her time to work it out.