20 reasons why your child needs you to be an active father

Dads play very crucial role in the health and mental development of their children. However, many fathers simply ignore the responsibilities associated with this role showing vague reasons. Children need fathers who love, care and put enough attention for them on a consistent manner. Here are listed below the twenty reasons why your child needs you to be an active father:

1. Child must realize that you love him\her more than just saying “I love you, my little angle !”. Loving fathers should demonstrate love by spending quality time with the children and caring them enough.
2. Kids regardless of gender children need positive role models (male or female) in life to get inspire for professional growth. Active fathers can promote positive behaviors by setting a proper example for their children.
3. Active fathers listen, pays enough attention and support emotionally their children when they experience joy, sadness, anger, fear, and frustration.
4. Financial as well as material (along with emotional support) resources are also very important for every child, and efficient fathers are most likely avail all the necessary resources (e.g., food, clothing, shelter, quality medical care) required by their children.
5. Being fully involved and through strong emotional bondage active fathers enrich self-esteem of their kids.
6. Active involvement of fathers helps to enhance the child’s intellectual development.
7. Father can educate as well as prevent children against early sexual activity.
8. True involvement of father lowers child’s chances of school failure, or early dropout, active father’s involvement rather supports their children’s academic success.
9. From infancy, children need proper guidance and discipline provided by parents. Active fathers play an important role in teaching their children proper behavior by setting and enforcing healthy limits.
10. Research found more suicide case among children with uninvolved fathers.
11. Children with active fathers are less likely to commit any juvenile delinquency than children with inactive fathers.
12. Through love, affection as well as alerting (warning i.e.) against wrong deeds, fathers can lower children tend towards criminal activities in future (in their adult age).
13. Active father’s involvement develops sense of security (emotional and physical) through a trustful relationship, and thus the child doesn’t feel abandoned.
14. By playing regularly (mean whenever find time) fathers develop healthy relationship with the children thus they enhance cognitive ability along with the physical development.
15. Active fathers try to answer all the questions (considered to be life’s important questions as well) of their children, by this way children learn with skills and grow naturally.
16. Both parents active involvement promotes healthy gender identity in the child. Fathers can help to promote positive behaviors by setting proper example among children (specially boys).
17. Direct involvement of both parents facilitates child’s moral development and sound character thereafter.
18. Men and women usually differ in their parenting styles. So father’s involvement also provides the child with an alternative perspective on life.
19. Principals (ethics, manner, approaches etc.) are very important in life, specially for the boys. So fathers can guide and assist kids to establish essential principals which are very important and essential throughout the life.
20. Essential life skills that children need to survive are learned at home. Every father has a duty to teach their children valuable skills that will definitely help them to grow up to be healthy and productive adults.

Five Most Unsafe Sleeping Positions Of Your Baby

After marriage, newly acquired parenthood is probably the most exciting phase in both lives. Every moments shared with baby is memorable to recall in future as a sweet nostalgia. Parents celebrate and at the same time become anxious about the baby for safety, nutrition, good health etc. Most of the parents ignore, or may be unaware of the fact about how important is sleeping position of the baby which may cause even sudden death (refers as “cot death”). Every parent must be concerned about the position in which their baby sleeps, since sleep position raises argument of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Let’s have some useful highlights over unsafe sleeping positions of the baby:

1. Baby must not sleep on face, as it is extremely harmful for breathing and suffocation as well. Thus oxygen supply to the baby will not be sufficient causing blockage. This is probably the major factor of SID (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
2. According to Research, babies who sleep on their stomachs (in the prone position) is extremely susceptible towards sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Baby sleeping on its stomach may be lying with its face so close to the sheets that he/she may face problem with breathing simply not getting enough oxygen. Argument of vomiting also exists for this position of sleeping.
3. Babies often try to sleep on their sides on their tummies. Such position seems to be comfortable to the baby, but not recommendable. As because baby’s parts are very soft, such position for longer time may deform structure of any body parts (for example head or neck) of the baby.
4. Baby shouldn’t be allowed to sleep with any accessories like quilts, comforters, sheepskins or stuffed toys as they can harm any time if the baby turns accidentally towards such things during sleep. It may cause even to death.
5. While sleeping baby should be close to air conditioner or room heater, because of getting attacked directly towards health hazards. Baby should be allowed to sleep in relaxed manner, in light cotton bed (not in water bed, sofa or sofa mattress i.e.).

However, the risk of cot death is significantly reduced if the baby sleeps on their back – according to a comprehensive research done by many reputed organizations like American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) etc. Apart from the sleep position, parents also must be aware of some other important factors like lightly clothed for sleep, soft bed (very convenient for the baby), comfortable room temperature suited for the baby (preventing baby from overheating), smoking in front of baby during sleeping, use of a Firm Crib Mattress to name a few.

Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia in Babies

Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder caused by an increase (greater than 1% — normal level) in level of methemoglobin or metHb in the blood which affects babies. Methemoglobinemia occurs by oxidization of hemoglobin in blood. This compound absorbs oxygen which results in improper (rather poor) distribution of oxygen to the various body tissues. The increase of methemoglobin in the red blood cells may cause tissue hypoxia.

Typically, the affected infant will show the following symptoms and signs of Methemoglobinemia:

1. Skin will be bluish or purplish tinge to it due to the changes in the composition of the blood. Color changing process will be deepen with time, and mucus may also turn blue in most cases.
2. Physical as well as mental development will be delayed in a great extent. In many cases of Methemoglobinemia the child ends up being mentally retarded. Infant becomes also fearful towards socializing with other children and often may suffer from seizures and panic attacks.
3. The baby will be less active (lack of energy) and remain listless and cranky most of the times. He/she will prefer sleeping rather than playing. Methemoglobinemia also affects the mood adversely. Your child will be restless and irritated for most part of the day.
4. He/she will cry and remain listless throughout. The crying will be incessant because the baby will feel irritated and his inability to express the condition (loss of consciousness i.e.) will make him cranky.

As per research, two type of methemoglobinemia among the babies:

Inherited Forms – refers to the congenital form of methemoglobinemia which has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. This form is caused by the problem of a certain enzyme, called cytochrome b5 reductase. In this form, both parents carry the gene for the disorder but typically neither has the disorder themselves. In case of carrier of one person among the parents baby can be infected with this disease which is caused by defects in the hemoglobin molecule.

Acquired Forms – more common than the inherited forms and occurs after exposure to certain chemicals and drugs. It is more likely to occur in premature babies, younger than four months of age.  Exposure to exogenous oxidizing drugs and their metabolites (such as benzocaine, dapsone and nitrates) may accelerate the rate of formation of methemoglobin.
Methemoglobinemia in new born babies is very fatal and life threatening as well. Many babies afflicted with the disorder do not live beyond a certain time (not more than ten years of age). There have only been a few cases where the children have survived infancy.

How Important It Is to Keep Your Baby Safe During a Trip

Like at home, it’s equally important to undertake serious safety measures during travel with the baby to avoid hidden hazards that could dampen your travel plans. In case of traveling with a baby, a little prior preparation may ensure a trouble free journey. For a new born, it’s not supposed to be a harrowing experience; but for the others, there needs to be so much to be kept in mind. Following general guidelines could make travel with your baby easier and safer:

1. Ensure that your baby is healthy before the trip – probably basic concern while travelling. Make a list of all the items needed by the baby during the journey.
2. Separate bag can be taken where essential items like food, water, plenty of diapers, a few basic medicines etc. will be carried.
3. While traveling always keep your baby close to you — baby should not be kept outside your vision, stranger cannot be trusted.
4. For long trip, specific items like soft blanket, clothing, baby cap and bottles or pacifiers are suggested to be taken in a small carry bag.
5. Age appropriate toys, teething ring and books can engage kids rather than turning their concentration into any annoying work which may cause embarrassment in the tour.
6. Traveling by car is relatively easy with young babies. Most babies fall asleep within a few minutes of the ride. Therefore, suitable baby car seat (or curb i.e.) can be taken for convenience. Car seat can be checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. Make frequent stops so that the baby can have some fresh air outside the car.
7. There are always queries about air traveling with a new born, as because they are easily susceptible to germs and varied allergies. That’s why baby should be at least 2 to 3 months old for air travel. Flight travel with the baby is also not safe because of getting easily affected by an ear infection. Enough precautions are needed on complications if the baby is asthmatic or feverish or cold. Take your baby strollers in the flight for using during landing on busy airports.
8. It is always better to carry your baby’s food and water from your home itself. There is an unnecessary risk to trust food or water available outside as the baby may react adversely (may cause tummy troubles) to new type of food or water.

Sufficient rest for the baby is necessary for an easy trip. Give a hot bath after the travel to keep him fresh. If you keep things ready and provide enough safety measures, then you will definitely enjoy a safe and pleasant trip. Always consult your healthcare professional if you have concerns about your baby.

When to Call the Doctor – Baby Symptoms to Worry About

If you are new parents, particularly first timers, not only will every little thing that your baby does delight you, every unfamiliar thing that happens to baby or which baby does, is likely to scare you; convince you that baby is sick and needs a doctor. A baby hiccupping for a long time for instance can be bewildering and scary for a new parent, even though this is quite harmless for the baby.

There are several seemingly scary things that will happen which are nothing to worry about; however these are the baby symptoms, which according to Mayo Clinic, should be watched out for and for which you should call a doctor –

• If baby seems to eat less or refuses to eat or shows any changes in appetite.
• While fevers can be very scary, mild fevers are rarely anything to worry about. A fever higher than 102 degrees means he should get fever reducing medicine recommended by the pediatrician. If the fever doesn’t go down, lasts for more than a day, or if the fever is accompanied by general signs of being ill – weakness, fussiness, poor appetite, call a doctor.
• Diarrhea (watery or loose stools) should be reported promptly; babies can dehydrate quite easily. If the fontanel (the soft spot on top of the head) seems sunken, eyes appear more prominent, crying without tears or the absence of usual drool, or not wetting a diaper for several hours may be signs of dehydration.
• Some babies spit up regularly, seemingly after every feeding and this may be quite normal for them. But vomiting large portions of a feed consistently over several meals should be reported.
• If blood or other fluid oozes from the site of the navel (or umbilical stump) or the penis, call the doctor up.
• Constipation (which is hard, difficult to pass stool and not infrequent stools, which are quite common in breast fed babies) should also be reported.
• Any cold should be reported if it lasts longer than a week or if it is accompanied by coughing or if it interferes with breathing.
• Though watery eyes per se are not a problem (they could just be a blocked tear duct that will clear with time) any other discharge from the eyes or redness should be reported.
• Ear infections are common with babies. If a child keeps pulling on his ear or indicates some discomfort, speak to the doctor about it, and if there is any discharge from the ear or seems not to respond to sounds, schedule a visit.
• Though rashes are common during infancy if a rash appears to cover a large area, or if it seems to be infected, consult the doctor. A sudden rush, especially one with a fever should always be reported.

A baby should be rushed to emergency care if there is a trauma sustained where there is bleeding that will not stop, if baby has inadvertently ingested any poison, had a seizure, has had a head injury, cannot breathe normally, seems suddenly weak and unable to move normally, has sustained any significant burns or cuts, is showing any stiffness of the neck, if there is blood in the stool or urine, or if the skin or lips take on a bluish, grayish or purplish tinge.

Author Bio:

This is a guest post by NewbornBabyZone.com. The blog offers complete information on topics like baby development, baby shower ideas, baby products, feeding and nutrition. Visit the blog for anything and everything you want to know about keeping your little ones healthy and happy.

Rotavirus Vaccine Latest Scoop

Vaccination, the prime responsibility of the parents

Getting your baby vaccinated regularly against all of the fatal diseases is the prime responsibility that rests with the parents. The parents should do their best to treat their babies in a way that they make their baby health secure to their satisfaction.

The vaccination is administered against most of the impending diseases that a newborn baby can fall a pray to. One of the most essential vaccines that the parents must take into account especially when the tendency to be affected by diarrhea is being observed in the newborns is the Rotavirus vaccine.

It is the time for the Rotavirus vaccine administration

The Rotavirus vaccine is administered to a baby well at the age of nearly 2 months or a bit after. When following the vaccination schedule, the parents are expected to get incorporated the Rotavirus vaccine as well so that their baby could live a healthier and safer life.

In this age, a baby is more prone to the risk of receiving the Rotavirus that causes the baby to fall a pray to very severe type of Diarrhea and in the most severe cases, the Rotavirus might result into baby death owed to the dehydration.

In most of the cases, this fatal virus enters the baby body via contaminated environment. Ingesting contaminated food and water could invite the Rotavirus.

Stand against the Rotavirus

The Rotavirus Vaccine that can be administered orally is cheaper compared to the one currently used. Since it is administered orally it is now easier to store and transport. This vaccine’s purpose is to protect children from the diarrhea causing virus, the rotavirus.

Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea that affects young children. If not treated immediately, the rotavirus can cause death through dehydration. The vaccine was develop because the usual way of keeping the area clean does not help in lower the number of cases of the Rotavirus cases.

Ever since children were given this vaccine, there was a decrease in the number of cases across the United States.

The Rotavirus vaccination is carried out orally to the younger babies as it sounds quite easier for this age. There are three doses to be administered for the complete package of safety from the virus.

One thing that must be kept in mind by the parents that they should get their baby vaccinated timely because, the Rotavirus vaccine can not be administered after the age of 12 weeks. The second dose gets due in the fourth month and the final third due dose should be administered in the 6^th month but not later than the age of 32 weeks.

Baby Jealousy – How to Avoid It

When a new baby comes to the family, it is sometimes very easy to forget about the older children because they don’t need as much attention as the newborn baby. When parents are tired or lacks sleep from taking care of the baby during the night, it becomes more common for them to get irritated over little thing like a small mistake made by the older child.

In these instances, the older child might feel left out, alone or unimportant. This is how baby jealousy comes to life. However, there are steps that the parents can take in order to prevent this from happening.

How to Avoid Baby Jealousy

Let the older sibling be involved. During the pregnancy, share the wonder of the growing child inside the mother to the older child. Make time to explain to the child what will happen when the baby is born so that he will not be as shocked at the changes the birth of a new baby will bring.

After the birth, it is still important to involve the older sibling in taking care of the baby so that he will not feel left out and not needed. Give him a task to help with the baby no matter how small, whether is as simple as holding the baby or changing the baby’s diaper, to show him that he still matters.

It is also important to let the older child/children to interact with their new sibling and as parents it is your duty to help them at this time.

Make time to have a one on one with the older sibling. In order for the older sibling to not feel that he is forgotten once the new baby arrives, parents have to also make time that they could spend with the older child alone, without the baby there to divide your attention.

This will show the older child that even though there is a new baby in the house, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still have your special one on one time with each other.

Final words

Don’t measure time by using the baby. Telling the older child that you will only be able do “this” after the baby does “that” will make the older child feel that you are somehow putting more importance in the baby’s needs over his own. For this, you can try giving the older child a specific time or a different time of reference.

How to Set Up a Perfect Baby Nursery!

Congratulations! You will definitely be a parent after a few weeks or months! Having a newborn baby is an exciting experience like no other. You will have to get prepared to receive your baby to his or her new environment in the most perfect way.One of the concerns that will linger in your mind is setting up a great nursery for your newborn.

First of all, you will ensure that your newborn’s nursery is in a new environment. This necessitates that you look at the furniture that’s used to make it. You have to ensure that there are no dangerous substances in it such as lead paints.

You have to get rid of anything that can be ingested by your baby involuntarily since it may cause not only a great scare but also serious medical concerns. Objects which may choke the baby should be removed and put away!

The covering of your newborn nursery should be a major consideration to be taken into account. Considering a baby security system that will make it possible to watch your baby while he or she is not under your care is important since this will help to assure his or her environment safe and secure at all times. This is good if you are not interested in employing a baby sitter to take care of the baby.

However,if there is a baby sitter with you, it’s good if you can let him or her know of the existence of baby monitoring system and other baby care products as a matter of courtesy.

Another question that you have to grapple with is the size of room. It should not be overcrowded. There should be adequate space for everything to fit into it without having to put some things on top of other ones. The available space should accommodate all your furniture pretty well.

The closeness of the nursery to master bedroom is something that should be considered. Ensure your nursery is as close as possible to it as this will offer you the chance to attend to your baby at night hours with ease.

Choosing the right types of baby care furniture is important. Your baby grows to identify with the things that are around him or her. The type of furniture you choose should match the gender of your newborn baby. Baby boys should use boy’s furniture and girls should use the ones meant for them.

Considering the cost of setting up your baby nursery is also important. Your baby nursery should not cost you a fortune to set up since you will still spend many other thousands of dollars on your baby. It will help a lot if you plan well in advance on how you will acquire your baby care stuff. If you are a first time parent, it’s important that you get the help of an experienced person while shopping.

Baby Care Products That Are ‘Must Haves’

Choosing safe baby care products will not only guarantee the safety of your child but also make it possible for your kid to enjoy the highest level of comfort possible.

There are a number of baby products which you must have. Each of them can be used at different instances from another one hence it’s imperative that you make the right choice. Among the baby care products that every parent should have are:

Clothing: Cotton fabrics are always considered as the best for babies of all sexes and ages. This fabric is great and very friendly to your newborns skin. This has made it so popular hence it makes one of those baby care apparels that each parent must consider having.

Beddings: Your baby will need bedding’s that are comfy and comfortable. Those baby care items which have some chemicals in them should be avoided at all cost. This is due to the sensitive nature of your baby’s skin. It’s imperative that you go for those bedding options that will provide your baby with the safest environment at all times.

Other accessories: There is a variety of other baby accessories that are must for every parent. When buying porters, carrier and packaging for your inborn baby, it’s imperative that you be cautious and more careful as this will help make your child very comfortable.

There are other baby care accessories such as the blankets that makes it possible for your baby to have uninterrupted sleep. Ensure that you purchase comfy baby products since this have been made to guarantee long time of comfortable seep always.

Furthermore, there are a variety of other baby care items that every parent who have a newborn baby or is expecting one must have.

Cribs are becoming compulsory in today’s world hence you have to plan for it. There are also the baby cartoons which can be purchased separately or with the cartoons. Hanging bells can also make a great accessory for your baby hence its imperative that you have them purchased on time.

You have to protect your baby with the right type of nets. Mosquitoes are every where and can cause havoc to your child if no care is put in place. A net makes it possible for your baby to have uninterrupted sleep hence increasing the overall sleep quality.

When buying this baby care products for your newborn, there are many online shops that can cater for the needs of those parents who would like to shop in style. You can also walk to your nearby shop and purchase these accessories straight away.However; you have to compare prices since you can save a lot on baby care products.

Newborn sleeping positions

When baby is new born, we must remember that she is totally helpless and completely one hundred percent reliant on her parents or family. She cannot move for herself, and even her sweat glands are not properly developed yet, so she finds it difficult to control her temperature when she is hot or cold. She cannot shiver or move, and the only way she can let us know if she needs anything is through crying.

We quickly learn with our mother’s instinct if her cry is for hunger, or because she needs comforting, or if there is something really wrong, when her cry will turn to a higher pitched wail.

So we must put baby to sleep in the correct position that is comfortable for her, as she cannot move to make herself comfortable. Ask your baby care center for advice, or your paediatrician, or consult baby care manuals, and you will find that the norm is to follow the rule “back to sleep.”

This rule means to lay baby on her back, never lay her face down to sleep, and never use a pillow or cushion in the first weeks of the new born’s life. Until baby is bigger and can support her head for herself, it is vital that we do not use a pillow or lay baby face down, as if she vomits, then she will suffocate, unable to lift her head or clear her mouth.

Try not to be over obsessive with watching baby, and making sure that she is still breathing, although this is only natural, especially for the first time mother. The new born has very rapid breathing, her heart rate when she was in the womb double that of an adult. After birth, the rate gradually drops, and is consistent with that of an adult as she grows up. So do not be alarmed if you see baby’s chest rising and falling rapidly, but moving very little. This is how our new born breathes.

If we ask our paediatrician or baby care visitor, they may also say that it is safe to let baby sleep on her side. This can be comforting for a collicy baby as it stops any pressure on her belly, and she will curl up into the fetal position to sleep, comforted and feeling as though she is still in the womb.

Some specialist products are actually available on the market that are placed in the cot, that fit around body of the baby, ensuring that he is unable to to turn over. These would be used more after the first two months, not in the the new born, as when first born, baby is unable to turn.

The viability and usefulness of these products is not actually that certain, as once a baby can turn over, say at three months of age, then she is also capable of lifting her head, therefore the risk of suffocating already having been diminished.

The choice is entirely yours, but if you want to follow a rule for newborns, then it is “back to sleep.” Make sure that baby’s cot is in a draft free place, and that the sheets or covers only reach up to her neck area, so it is impossible that she can wriggle under the sheets and overheat or suffocate.

As our new baby is so helpless, it is only natural that we preoccupy ourselves with every aspect of their care, it is for this that we had our child, to look after and nurture them until they grow.