50 DIY 3-Ingredient Baby Food Recipes That Are Super-Fast & Nutritious

Surprisingly, baby food isn’t hard to make. But it
can
 be hard to think of new and interesting combinations to keep a little one from getting bored (and, let’s face it, to keep
mom and dad
 from getting bored). Once parents figure out their baby likes a certain dish, it’s all too easy to fall into a rut — especially if they’ve had a bowl or two of freshly puréed produce dumped on the floor. But there are literally an infinite number of super nutritious, surprisingly delicious combinations of homemade baby food involving just three simple ingredients that anyone can try, and all of them are seriously simple to prepare.

Parents don’t need to be an experienced chef by any means to make any of the following combos; all they need to know how to do is chop, steam, and purée … and, okay, occasionally peel. Some of the ingredients used in these recipes don’t even need to be cooked before they’re blended!

More from CafeMom:
10 Superfoods Parents Should Be Feeding Their Babies

In fact, the term “recipe” might even be too formal for these mixes. The moms who created them simply mixed three nutritious foods their baby loves with flavors that work well together. There are no hard-and-fast rules about proportions; parents can feel free to adjust to suit their baby’s individual tastes. Just be sure to check with the doctor before introducing any new food, as some items are better for beginning eaters than others, and some babies might have allergic tendencies or special dietary needs.

Above all, be creative and remember to have fun

1. Strawberry, Apple & Parsnip

Source: sagespoonfuls/Instagram

A gorgeous shade of pink, this sweet purée is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, and it couldn’t be easier to make. Just
steam the apples and parsnips, and blend everything together
.

2. Pumpkin, Peach & Apple

Source: maisymoogoo/Instagram

Not just for pies and spiced lattés,
pumpkin is high in the antioxidant beta carotene
. If parents don’t want to bother steaming it before puréeing it with peaches and cooked apple, they can always used packaged pumpkin as a shortcut.

3. Apple, Pear & Plum

Source: maisymoogoo/Instagram

 A
good source of vitamins C and A
, plums don’t necessarily have to be steamed before they’re puréed (as long as they’re ripe enough), but it’s a good idea to peel them first!

4. Squash, Apple & Carrot

Source: webconsultas_healthcare/Instagram

Another
great source of vitamin A
 (as well as potassium and fiber), butternut squash has a mild, sweet flavor that babies tend to dig, and it mixes well with just about anything. Try roasting the squash and carrots before puréeing them. It gives them more flavor than steaming would

5. Beet, Mango & Cauliflower

Source: mommy.mojo/Instagram

A bonafide superfood,
beets are loaded with potentially cancer-fighting antioxidants
, plus potassium and folate —
and
 they make the (also super nutritious) mango and cauliflower such a pretty color! (PSA: Don’t freak out if the little one’s pee turns temporarily pink. It’s a beet thing!)

6. Strawberry, Peach & Blueberry

Source: soylinduh/Instagram

Like beets,
berries are considered a serious superfood
 because they pack so many vitamins and antioxidants into such tiny, delicious packages (plus fiber!). And they couldn’t be easier to prepare: Just wash, trim, and toss in a blender. Peaches can be used raw if they’re ripe, but peel off the fuzz first.

7. Sweet Potato, Parsnip & Apple

Source: vegan_minimalist_bhakti/Instagram

One of the
highest sources of vitamin A
, sweet potatoes are also rich in B vitamins and carotenoids — and babies almost always gobble them right up (especially mixed with apple and parsnip!).

8. Salmon, Sweet Potato & Apricot

Source: food.for.babies/Instagram

For those who don’t think of salmon as a baby food, think again: This fish is an excellent way to add omega-3 fatty acids to a little one’s diet. These healthy fats are
super important for brain development
. Plus, because it’s got a milder flavor than some other seafood, salmon blends appetizingly with favorites like sweet potato and apricot.

9. Broccoli, Apple & Pear

Source: cheriekustermann/Instagram

There’s a reason parents have been telling kids to finish their broccoli since the dawn of time: The veggie contains literally every vitamin we can think of, plus
fiber, folate, zinc, selenium, and even calcium
. Plus, when steamed and puréed with apples and pears, it barely even tastes like broccoli anymore!

1o. Pea, Sweet Potato & Star Pasta

Source: babyfinedining/Instagram

Peas are an ideal finger food for veterans to solids, but they’re also perfect for the earlier, mushy meals stage, too.
High in iron and phytonutrients
, frozen or canned peas are perfectly acceptable substitutions for fresh ones, and they make a fabulous chunky (but not too chunky) entrée when mixed with sweet potato and tiny pasta.

11. Peach, Broccoli & Chicken

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Source: babyfinedining/Instagram

Here’s the thing about baby food purées: Sometimes a mix of foods that sounds totally bizarre can end up tasting great to little ones, and this is a perfect example.
Peaches add vitamin C
 and a sweet tanginess, while
chicken
 is high in easily digestible protein.

12. Cranberry, Pear & Cinnamon

Source: tinytastebudz/Instagram

Not just for Thanksgiving,
cranberries bring manganese and vitamin K
 to a baby’s table (and they’re great for maintaining urinary tract health, too). Unlike other berries, however, they definitely need to be
cooked before eating
, and they’re a bit too tart to serve without a sweeter fruit like pear — and a dash of cinnamon!

13. Chicken, Spinach & Oatmeal

Source: dumpydiapersblog/Instagram

Popeye was on to something for sure, because
spinach is all kinds of good for a kid
 (it’s got antioxidants, iron, fiber, vitamins … the works). Steam and blend it with with chicken and oatmeal for about as complete a meal as we can get: meat, veg, and grains!

14. Melon, Nectarine & Raspberry

Source: recetat_e_teutes/Instagram

For those who’ve never given much thought to cantaloupe (apart from the fact that it shows up in every fruit salad ever), maybe they should: Just one cup of the melon contains
100 percent of the daily recommended values of vitamins A and C
 for adults. Ripe cantaloupe mashes easily, too, and the nectarine and raspberries make this taste like summer in purée form.

15. Carrot, Squash & Yogurt

Source: tee125tan/Instagram

What, carrot-flavored yogurt doesn’t sound good? Luckily, babies are free of preconceived notions that yogurt is supposed to taste like berries — so they’ll love the combo of
protein- and calcium-filled whole milk yogurt
 and vibrantly colored vitamin-heavy carrots and squash.

16. Banana, Nectarine & Cherry

Source: recetat_e_teutes/Instagram

Okay, here’s the truth about giving a baby cherries: They’re mildly annoying to prepare (all those pits, ugh), but if parents can get past that part, there are lots of benefits:
High in antioxidants
 (which give them their dark, red color), cherries also have potassium, fiber, and even iron. (When we mix them with nectarines and bananas, we don’t have to remove
quite
 as many pits as we would if it was all cherry.)

17. Avocado, Blueberry & Banana

Source: cherubbabyaustralia/Instagram

Parents are gonna be spreading this crazy delicious mix of avocado, blueberry, and banana on their own toast after they try it. Avocado is super high in those all-important
brain-building omega-3 fatty acids
.

18. Strawberry, Avocado & Banana

Source: jenilujones/Instagram

Speaking of avocado, this incredibly nutritious fruit (yup,
it’s a fruit, not a vegetable
) makes for a fabulously creamy delight when mixed with strawberry and banana.

19. Chickpeas, Blueberries & Lemon

Source: jenliujones/Instagram

Some doctors advise waiting until babies are 6 to 8 months old before introducing chickpeas. But when baby’s ready, they’re a good choice because the legumes are loaded with
zinc, manganese, folate, and fiber
. A squirt of lemon brightens up this purée (and adds vitamin C!)

20. Potato, Carrot & Apple

Source: littleolivewonders/Instagram

Think of this as a more nutritious, baby-friendlier version of mashed potatoes (without all the butter, cream, and salt that make mashed potatoes potentially problematic). Steam ’em all up together and blend!

21. Avocado, Banana & Kiwi

Source: littleolivewonders/Instagram

Oranges get all the glory, but
kiwis actually contain five times the vitamin C
, and they’re one of the few foods rich in vitamin B6 (which boosts the immune system). If baby can tolerate chunkier purées, Mom can even just mash these with a fork (but stick with a blender if chewing is still a challenge).

22. Baby Tomato, Red Lentil & Carrot

Source: littleolivewonders/Instagram

While some lentils require soaking overnight,
red lentils are a great choice for babies
because they cook quickly (and digest easily). Plus they’re filled with protein, folate, iron, zinc, and manganese. And while pediatricians sometimes advise against giving tomatoes to babies under 10 months, they’re a highly nutritious addition at the right time thanks to their levels of
lycopene and vitamin C
.

23. Broccoli, Squash & Lentil

Source: mybabykangaroo/Instagram

Almost like a soup in purée form, the ingredients in this mix have just about every nutritional base covered — from fiber to protein to vitamins to iron.

24. Kefir, Blueberry & Raspberry

Source: kefiremothernature/Instagram

An excellent source of probiotics (which have been shown to help treat
eczema and digestive problems
, among other ailments), kefir is similar to yogurt, so naturally it works well with blueberries and raspberries!

25. Purple Sweet Potato, Banana & Apple

Source: foodmeetsfit/Instagram

Purple food is hard to come by (well, naturally), but
purple sweet potatoes
 have more in their favor than just their unique color. They’ve also got all the nutrition of a regular sweet potato, and they contain anthocyanins, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

26. Sweet Potato, Carrot & Banana

Source: jaclynreale/Instagram

Three baby-food faves make a surprisingly harmonious trio. Sweet potato, carrot, and banana create a mix as vibrant in color (and taste) as they come.

27. Apple, Carrot & Quinoa

Source: babyfood.recipe/Instagram

Sure, quinoa is trendy — but it’s trendy for a reason. This ancient “grain” (which is actually a seed) is higher in protein and fiber than most grains, and it’s also
high in iron and folate
. Blend it with apple and carrot for a powerful breakfast bowl.

28. Apple, Sweet Potato & Pea

Source: 1st_tyme_mom/Instagram

While some parents prefer to keep their baby’s veggies and fruits separate because they’re afraid their little ones won’t develop a taste for anything but sweet stuff, others find that mixing produce is an effective way to slowly introduce veggies to reluctant eaters. For those interested in trying it, this combo is sure to be a hit!

29. Blueberry, Banana & Pear

Source: megamomm/Instagram

Can’t find any blueberries in season? Frozen ones can always be used in a pinch for purées (just thaw them first, or else it’ll become a smoothie consistency). Pears generally need a quick steam, unless parents get their hands on one that’s super ripe and juicy (yum!)

30. Zucchini, Pear & Broccoli

Source: 1st_tyme_mom/Instagram

It might not have kale’s reputation when it comes to nutritional value, but don’t underestimate the humble zucchini: This form of squash is no slouch when it comes to vitamins A and C, as well as folate and potassium. For babies 7 months and up, feel free to leave the skins on when steaming and serving.

31. Zucchini, Apple & Peas

Source: myhungrytoddler/Instagram

Zucchini and apple can sometimes have watery textures when puréed, but here, peas add texture. (Parents who want to go really crazy and add a fourth ingredient can try a tiny bit of mint, as pictured here.)

32. Peas, Banana & Asparagus

Source: babyfoodart/Instagram

Parents might want to wait until baby hits the 10-month mark before introducing asparagus, as it has a tendency to make tummies a little gassy. But after that, it’s a good source of
iron, calcium, and vitamin A
.

33. Butternut Squash, Carrot & Cinnamon

Source: flourandpaper/Instagram

Cinnamon does more than just make purees delicious — it’s also been shown to have
antifungal and antibacterial properties
, and to help regulate blood sugar. Add a sprinkle to this fall veggie purée!

34. Green Beans, Apple & Banana

Source: piinkyysmoove/Instagram

Some say it’s best to start with
frozen green beans
 for baby food because fresh ones have a grainer texture after being puréed; either way, these veggies have lots of vitamin A and fiber. And the banana and apple will help the beans go down!

35. Fig, Banana & Dragon Fruit

Source: rachelherkman/Instagram

Who says baby food has to be boring? Dragon fruit (and even figs) might not always be available (or affordable), but there are lots of reasons to serve them if possible: Besides being high in vitamin C (like most fruits), dragon fruit also has
calcium and lycopene
; figs are high in
potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper
.

36. Apple, Spinach & Blueberry

Source: earmstrong86/Instagram

An apple a day (turned into sauce) might just convince a kid to eat whatever’s mixed in with it — and that includes spinach. The addition of blueberries makes the greens even more appealing!

37. Quinoa, Carrot & Rosemary

Source: nataliemarierowe/Instagram

An ideal way to expand baby’s taste buds, adding
rosemary
 to this mixture will contribute more than just flavor: The herb is known to have antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiseptic properties (so basically, anti–everything bad).

38. Blueberry, Pear & Quinoa

Source: treasuresnz/Instagram

Parents are definitely going to be tempted to steal a few bites of this purée, which is heartier than it might seem thanks to the quinoa.

39. Plaintains, Sweet Potato & Mango

Source: happytummiescookbook/Instagram

Similar to bananas but not as sweet,
plantains need to be cooked
 before eating (in this case, steamed) and have a similar nutritional profile to a potato, except with more vitamins and minerals.

40. Papaya, Mango & Banana

Source: happytummiescookbook/Instagram

This tropical treat is great for baby’s digestive tract, as vitamin C–rich
papaya
 contains the enzyme
papain
, which aids in digestion. If it’s ripe enough, all parents need to do is mash it up with a fork (same goes for the mango and banana, but be careful about getting the stringy bits out of the mango!).

41. Kiwi, Apple & Peach

Source: happytummiescookbook/Instagram

Peaches are more than just amazingly yummy, they’re also
high in beta carotene and potassium
. Baby will love this mix of tart and sweet!

42. Blueberry, Oat & Flaxseed

Source: kannywalsh/Instagram

Whether parents grind their own flaxseeds or sprinkle pre-ground flax meal into baby’s cereal, the nutritional pros are major:
essential fatty acids, fiber, magnesium, B vitamins
, and much more. (Plus it tends to just disappear into the texture of the oatmeal!)

43. Mango, Banana & Nectarine

Source: angelicthreadsbaby_/Instagram

Fun fact: Peaches and
nectarines
 are apparently the same fruit, except for the fuzz thing (at least nutritionally speaking). If they’re out of season, steam up the frozen kind (baby will never know the difference).

44. Acorn Squash, Apple & Spinach

Source: betterbabymeals/Instagram

Very close nutritionally to butternut squash,
acorn squash
 is slightly more watery in texture and a little less sweet, but it’s got the same pleasant, mild quality babies seem to like.

45. Mango, Avocado & Banana

Source: angelicthreadsbaby_/Instagram

Basically a cross between an island-inspired smoothie and a bowl of pudding, this baby food blend is loaded with both vitamins and healthy fats … and parents are going to want it all for themselves.

46. Blackberry, Kale & Blueberry

Source: angelicthreadsbaby_/Instagram

Kale is the most super of all the superfoods
, with more calcium per weight than cow’s milk and high amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, folate, and more. Wait until baby is around 7 or 8 months to try it for the first time, and choose organic kale if possible, carefully washing before steaming.

47. Mango, Quinoa & Prune

Source: angelicthreadsbaby_/Instagram

There will likely come a time in baby’s life when prunes are a thing that need to happen (especially because constipation is a common occurrence after the introduction of solid food). Luckily, prune purée is easy to make and mixes well with other stuff, like mango and quinoa — and it’s also high in iron, potassium, and vitamin K.

48. Sweet Potato, Apple & Cranberry

Source: melissasabra/Instagram

It’s like all the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner in one purée (without all the bad stuff, like saturated fat and refined sugar). Even better, baby will love it all year round.

49. Butternut Squash, Banana & Apricot

Source: zoe_ellen_tio/Instagram

Sort of like tiny peaches with a little tanginess, apricots are way more nutrient-dense for their size than one might think: Just three of them contain about
30 percent of the USRDA for vitamin A
, and they’re high in vitamin C and lycopene, too.

50. Mango, Coconut Milk & Chia Seed

Source: sophieslaterwellness/Instagram

Interesting thing about
coconut
: The FDA classifies it as a tree nut, but it’s actually a fruit in the cherry family — meaning if a child is allergic to nuts, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be allergic to coconut. (Of course, there’s always a chance of allergy to anything, so always talk to the doctor about any concerns.) Assuming baby’s in the clear, coconut milk is high in niacin, iron, and copper (though it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for breast milk or formula).
Chia seeds
, meanwhile, are high in protein, fiber, and omega-3s (and unlike flaxseeds, they can be consumed whole and are easily digested).

This article was first published on
CafeMom
.

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5 Sure Ways To Get Your Teen To Talk To You

My son and I have always had a uniquely close relationship, and we spoke about anything and everything under the sun. Nothing was off-limits.

But when he reached 14, I noticed a drastic change in this closeness that we once shared. I wasn’t clear about what was happening. He began to spend more and more time in his room, talking with his friends, being by himself, going out with his friends and so on. I had read enough to understand that boys that age needed their privacy and space, and that’s exactly what I gave him.

Little did I know that this also meant him pulling away from me. I mean, I knew that there would be some distancing, but I also thought that the closeness and openness that we once had were enough of a foundation that it would even carry throughout his teenage years. Well, I was wrong, sort of.

I found myself longing for him just to spend a bit of time talking to me.

It’s a weird feeling no longer being the centre of his life anymore. But it’s something he needed to grow into, and I needed to get used to. It did hurt initially when I realised that he no longer wanted to share everything with me, but I guess that’s also what needing privacy means—privacy from certain parts of his life.

I was once the centre of his life, and so was he mine, and he still is. I was desperate for him to open up, talk and spend time together, a deep need to connect, but at the same time, he was desperate to go the other way.

Even if he needed his space, privacy and had a life of his own where I was no longer a part of, I didn’t lose faith.

He’ll be 17 soon, and though I’m still trying to manage through this whole teenage thing, I think I’ve figured a few ways that have kept the communication going between my son and me.

Talking to Teens: How This Mom Gets Her Son to Open Up to Her

1 – Talking To Teens By Listen More, Talk Less

Because conversations are few and far between, it was only natural that on those rare occasions that he’d join me, even for a brief moment whether in the kitchen, on the sofa or whilst I was working, I would drop everything and pay full attention to him.

I’m never quick to offer advice because I found out earlier on that it’s not normally what he wants. Normally he just wants to share his opinion on something, and if he wants to know my opinion on the same, I will offer it.

Most times, though, he just wants to share stuff about his friends, what happened in school and his thoughts about all the things that are wrong in the world.

He just wants someone to listen.

What I have learned through just listening and not being in a constant need to give advice is that I’ve been able to know him better as a person and where his journey might be taking him.

It is truly remarkable how much you can learn from a person just by listening.

2 – Talking To Teens By Making The Most of Car Rides

I LIVE for car rides with my son.

For some reason, we always have interesting conversations, even if it’s a 10-minute drive. Although, I must admit that sometimes, I think of all the questions to ask or topics to discuss for when we’re in the car because I feel it’s the best time where he actually opens up when asked.

Sometimes, he himself comes up with the most random and deepest questions about life that leaves me struggling for an answer! I don’t pretend to know it all, and he knows that.

But it really gives me an insight into what goes on in that beautiful mind of his. It’s weirdly comforting to some extent.

The best part of our car rides? On some occasions, when we reach home and the car’s in park, he still wants to sit in the car and talk. I love that.

3 – Don’t Criticize or Judge When Talking to Teens

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I had made a terrible mistake once or twice for passing judgements and/or criticizing his opinions or choices that he would make. But, of course, that would just end up in disagreements or him clamming up and retreating to his room. So I vowed to never again.

I realised quickly that it’s okay that his thoughts and opinions differ from mine. I would encourage it, and I would respect his opinions. After all, we’re all entitled to our own opinions. That includes teenagers.

During this time, he’s also started making his own decisions, and I’ve given him some freedom to do so fully believing that it’ll promote the independence that he needs. Sometimes, he makes the wrong ones, but I’m always supportive, and I stay away from criticizing especially if it goes against what I would have decided in the first place.

As a parent, standing by and letting him find his own solutions to problems has given me more anxiety than needed. And as much as I’ve wanted to go in, help him solve all his troubles and give him a shortcut to everything, I had to learn to let go and let him do it on his own. I do attempt to guide him, without him realising I’m guiding him, and I definitely stay away from being controlling.

After all, making mistakes is an important part of the whole learning process, right?

He will have to learn to take criticism eventually, but maybe not right now when he’s dealing with a whole host of things.

4 – Schedule in One On One Time When Talking to Teens

Making it a point to schedule one-on-one time works wonders. But I must say that ample warning needs to be given to him just in case he has something else to do or his schedule just doesn’t allow for it.

I always make sure it involves something he likes. So I always schedule a lunch or dinner at his favourite places – maybe twice or three times a month. It might not seem much, but it works without him feeling too burdened by it.

Being in a different environment, outside of the home, and enjoying a good meal together always opens up communication channels between us.

5 – Have Patience When Talking to Teens

The loneliness can be unbearable, especially when your child drastically switches from this talkative, outgoing, noisy, you are their universe person to being a completely silent, secretive person, burying themselves in their rooms most of the time.

As much as we want to get them out of there and get them out of the funk that we think they’re in, don’t. You see, as much as we’re struggling to find our way around these teen years, they are too, with much more intensity than what we are going through.

The only thing to do is to back off, stop hovering and give them some space. Space to navigate what they are going through, space for them to discover who they are and try different versions of themselves, space to let them feel the emotions they are feeling, space to figure things out on their own.

Be patient, and it will be rewarding.

I did my fair share of hovering when my son started hiding out in his room. I was met with annoyance in his face every time I asked him to come out to watch a movie or do something with me. It hurt. After a couple of those, I stopped. I needed to understand where he was coming from and what it meant to him to have some space and time to be on his own. It wasn’t easy and still isn’t.

I gave it some time, and by ‘some’, I mean a LOT. Eventually, I came to terms with having to trust the process. He sits with me every now and then, and we talk. One thing for sure, I savour every moment.

What I know for sure is that my son will never be the same 4-year old or 8-year old or 12-year old. He is him at 17 years old, and I am so very proud of him. He still has a long way to go in discovering himself (at 48, I’m still discovering myself!), and I’ll be standing by him every step of the way.

Navigating teenagers requires a skill set of its own – intelligence-gathering through undercover ops in stealth mode.

And just like them, we will figure it out.

This article is written by Azlin Amin.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more:

 10 Sure-Fire Ways to Handle Sibling Rivalry

Read more
:
 Malaysian teens give parents advice

Read more:
 Every parent’s worst nightmare

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This little girl died in kindergarten and her heartbroken father seeks justice

We cannot imagine what these parents went through…sending their little princess to school one morning, not realising that that was the last time they would see her alive…

Little girl died in kindergarten

This incident happened in China, and is too tragic for words.

According to the Mirror, 6-year-old Guo Jintong, a student at Huadian Experimental Kindergarten, was punished, because her teacher thought that she talked too much during her school’s morning stretches and aerobics. Her teacher Ju Chunwei, allegedly used glue and tape to seal the girl’s mouth shut.

PHOTO: WEIBO

While her mouth was gagged, it is said that little Jintong continued to jump with the rest of her class. However, teachers soon noticed that she was twitching and took her to the nurse. The nurse, realising that something was terribly wrong, called the ambulance.

The girl was taken to hospital, but doctors failed to resuscitate her. She had been suffocated to death. A young life was lost forever.

The teacher has since been suspended, and officials are investigating the incident.

Heartbroken father seeks justice for daughter

And now, her daddy seeks justice for the cruelty meted out to his daughter. He has shared his plight on Weibo, and accused the teacher of murdering his little one.

PHOTO: WEIBO, ASIAWIRE

This distraught father has stated that local authorities have been trying to cover up the news, and that no one had offered him a convincing explanation for the tragedy. He has also claimed that by the time the ambulance had arrived, his daughter had already been dead for 30 minutes.

It is heartbreaking to see videos of the dad and mum, holding vigil, and sitting outside the kindergarten’s gate waiting for an answer from the school.

Our prayers lie with the sweet princess…we hope that justice gets served soon.
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(Source:
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,
Weibo
)

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Symptoms Of Successful Implantation: How To Know If You're Pregnant

When you’re trying to get pregnant, you are hyper-aware of all possible signs that indicate the good news. However, success can come quite sneakily, as the symptoms of successful implantation – hints of an early pregnancy – could be easily overlooked.

Here, we discuss the symptoms of successful implantation which you should be aware of. But first…

What is implantation?

The first step of pregnancy happens when a sperm fertilizes an egg in the fallopian tubes. After that, the cells divide, increasing in number.

Then the fertilised egg goes to the uterus, where it grows until it’s mature enough and becomes a blastocyst.

The blastocyst then burrows and embeds itself into the uterine tissue: and this is known as
implantation.

In fact, implantation happens quite close to when you would normally get your period. So it’s easy to confuse the symptoms of successful implantation with regular pre-menstrual signs.

Worry not, mums-to-be: we’re here to clarify things, from symptoms of successful implantation, and how to differentiate these from regular period signs.

This is a blastocyst. The process of a blastocyst burying into your uterine lining, where it will grow into your baby, is known as implantation.

Symptoms of successful implantation

Generally, the symptoms of successful implantation are as follows:

Cramps:
While the blastocyst implants itself, you might sense some cramps or discomfort (again, you might also not suffer during implantation as every woman is different). These cramps happen as the blastocyst digs into the uterine wall. Unlike pre-period cramps, these are milder and will last only a day or two at the most. These cramps will occur along with, or just before implantation bleeding.

Spotting:
Implantation bleeding, otherwise known as spotting, is another early sign of pregnancy. You’ll experience this around 10 to 14 days following conception – which is around when you get your period.

How can I differentiate between implantation bleeding, or spotting and my periods?

Implantation bleeding is different to menstrual bleeding in a few ways because it clearly:

has a different colour.
  Menstrual blood is usually a dark red. Implantation bleeding, on the other hand, is usually pale pink to rust-brown.

doesn’t clot.
  Unlike menstrual bleeding, implantation bleeding definitely doesn’t come with any clots.

is much shorter than usual menstruation.
 Normal menstruation lasts between three to seven days.Implantation bleeding takes much less time, and can last from a few hours to three whole days.

isn’t as heavy as menstruation.
  Menstruation tends to make sanitary pads and tampons full, but implantation bleeding isn’t as intense. The word bleeding itself is a misnomer because implantation “bleeding” is usually a slight pinkish or brownish discharge that you might see when you wipe. At worst, it might barely stain a pantyliner.

Implantation symptoms are also very early signs of pregnancy

Other symptoms of successful implantation

Implantation is, in other words, a confirmation of your pregnancy. The cramps and spotting are symptoms of successful implantation, but also early signs of pregnancy.

Here are some other early signs of pregnancy that you might experience:

Delayed period.
If your period consistently happens every month and suddenly realise that it’s happening behind schedule, it could mean that you’re pregnant.

Sensitive breasts.
 You might notices that your breasts appear swollen or feel sore. This is an early sign of pregnancy and occurs because of changes in hormone secretion.

Becoming moody.
Should you feel emotional compared to your normal self, it could be a sign of early pregnancy. These fluctuations in emotion are caused by hormonal adjustments.

Avoiding certain foods.
Pregnancy comes with increased sensitivity to certain tastes or smells, and is particularly strong when it comes to food.

Feeling bloated.
Although becoming bloated usually happens before your menstrual period, it could also be a pregnancy signs caused by hormonal alterations.

Blocked Noses.
As your hormones change, it could lead to swollen mucous membranes within  the nose. Nose bleeds can also occur, too.

Becoming constipated.
Changes to your hormone may also delay your digestive system’s usual pace, leading to indigestion.

Do visit your medical professional if you have any concerns about your period or to receive further guidance on what else to do if you are indeed pregnant.

References:
AmericanPregnancy.org
,
Healthline

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Lahir Mati: Bagaimana Satu Persekitaran Yang Baik Serta Sistem Sokongan Yang Kuat Dapat Membantu Pasangan

Dia menyangka yang dia telah pun membuat semuanya dengan betul. Dia telah mengikut nasihat doktor, makan makanan yang sihat, tidak pernah ketinggalan pemeriksaan kandungan setiap bulan dan sentiasa merujuk kepada sumber-sumber kehamilan dan keibubapaan di internet. Namun, apakan daya, dia tetap mengalami kelahiran mati.

Tahun demi tahun, ramai pasangan yang hamil melalui pengalaman pahit kelahiran mati ini, walaubagaimanapun, kerap kalinya pakar perubatan tidak dapat menjelaskan punca sebenar yang menyebabkan kehilangan si kecil yang dikandung.

Malah topik kelahiran mati ini masih lagi menjadi topik yang sering dielakkan dan tidak cukup kesedaran mengenainya. Keadaan ini membuatkan pasangan yang kehilangan bayi ini ‘lost’ dan tidak mendapat sokongan yang diperlukan.

Pasti ada puncanya

Dalam temubual theAsianparent bersama kaunselor dan pakar psikiatri Silvia Wetherell, dia menekankan bagaimana wanita sering berdepan dengan sikap menyalahkan diri sendiri akibat kelahiran mati. “Menyalahkan diri sendiri itu boleh bertukar menjadi malu, dan bila mana ada malu maka dia akan berdiam diri.”

Pakar kesihatan
maternal
 menjelaskan bagaimana menyalahkan itu satu benda yang tidak bernas. Minda akan melakukan penyalahan ini untuk berada dalam kawalan emosi. Walaupun ia akan membawa kepada rasa malu dan menyalahkan diri sendiri.

“Pasti ada puncanya,” adalah bagaimana ibu bapa yang sedang bersedih akan berasa ia lebih rasional. “Dan sekiranya doktor tidak memberitahu saya apa yang sebenarnya terjadi, mereka hanya akan berkata benda seperti terjadi, kami tak tahu.”

Memberi Pilhan kepada Wanita

Menurut Silvia, wanita yang mengalami kelahiran mati akan melalui proses bersalin secara normal yang amat menyakitkan kerana akan di ‘induce’. Ia adalah satu pengalaman yang tiada siapa pun sedia.

“Jadi bukan saja mereka ini bersedih yang mereka akan melahirkan bayi yang sudah tidak bernyawa. Mereka sebenarnya dalam kesakitan yang teramat sekali. Mereka tidak mempunyai sokongan yang sama seperti orang yang melahirkan anak yang hidup.”

Ada klien yang mengalami pengalaman di mana bayi yang dilahirkan tidak bernyawa itu terus diletakkan atas dulang dan dilayan seperti ‘barang’ dan bukan bayi.

“Situasi ini tidak sepatutnya berlaku. Kita boleh berkomunikasi, dan jururawat sepatutnya melayan bayi yang tidak bernyawa ini sama seperti bayi sihat, dipegang dengan lembut, dibalut dengan selimut, sehinggalah tiba waktunya ia dibawa pergi.

Kepentingan Sistem Sokongan Dalam Membuat Orang ‘Bercakap’

Sikap dan mentaliti masyarakat untuk bercakap mengenai topik sensitif ini adalah berlainan di setiap negara, bergantung kepada sesuatu budaya itu. Ada antaranya yang lebih bersifat terbuka, namun kebanyakan di negara Asia Tenggara masih menganggap topik ini adalah tabu.

Masih ada persepsi yang menyatakan bercakap mengenai kelahiran mati ini akan menyebabkan stres kepada ibu bapa dan ada budaya yang percaya ia membawa nasib malang kepada keluarga.

Ramai pasangan merasakan tragedi ini sukar betul untuk dilupakan dan adalah dilagakkan untuk berjumpa dengan pakar psikiatri. Ya, itu adalah normal. Memang hospital menyediakan sesi kaunseling untuk ibu bapa yang mengalami kelahiran mati ini. Biar orang luar membantu anda sekiranya sukar untuk anda bantu diri sendiri. Percayalah mereka di luar sana ingin bantu anda sebanyak yang anda inginkan bantuan mereka.

Menangis Adalah Proses Penting Ketika Bersedih

Tiada kata yang boleh diluahkan lagi, hanya air mata menjadi penawarnya. Lepaskan apa yang terpendam dengan menangis sepuasnya. Anda boleh melayani perasaan pada satu-satu masa.

Memang ia normal. Sedang makan tiba-tiba mengalir saja air mata tanpa diduga, sedang mandi pun menangis teresak-esak dan waktu ingin tidur mengalir air mata di sisi sederas-derasnya. TAK MENGAPA, menangislah.

Malah setiap kali anda rasakan anda sudah menangis terlalu banyak secara automatik anda beringat sendiri. Cepat-cepat berzikir dan berdoa moga dikuatkan hati untuk menempuh dugaan ini. Percayalah selepas menangis memang anda akan berasa lega.

Bapa Pun Bersedih Juga

Dari segi ‘bonding’ antara bapa dan bayi semasa dalam kandungan mungkin tidak begitu kuat berbanding ibu. Namun mereka juga akan merasa kehilangan yang teruk apabila mengalami lahir mati ini.

“Apabila kehilangan berlaku ada dua benda yang terjadi kepada si ayah,” kata Silvia. “Mereka rasakan kehilangan bayi tersayang, kemudian apabila melihat pasangannya yang lebih terasa impaknya dengan kesakitannya lagi, mereka akan berasa tidak berdaya.”
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Jadi si ayah akan terus mengubah emosi mereka dan perlu menjadi kuat untuk pasangan mereka. Sedangkan mereka berdua selayaknya bersedih, bukan siapa yang lagi patut bersedih.

Percakapan Yang Membantu Pasangan kehilangan – Jangan Takut Untuk Bercakap Tentang Bayi

Setiap orang adalah unik, ini termasuklah cara pasangan menghadapi kesedihan yang dialami.

Dari segi bagaimana keluarga dan rakan-rakan boleh membantu, Silvia menyatakan bahawa “jangan pernah takut untuk menyebut mengenai bayi, jangan takut untuk bercakap mengenai apa yang berlaku. Wanita akan rasa sangat menghargai orang yang bersikap sensitif mengenai ini.

Jangan katakan “Oh, saya ingat awak dah melupakannya, ingat awak dah okay,” tetapi katakan sebegini “Apa yang awak rasakan sekarang? Masih memikirkan tentang apa yang berlaku? Awak boleh ceritakan kepada saya.”

Jangan Terus Mengelakkan Perbualan

Dalam pengalamannya dengan pasangan yang kehilangan bayi, kebanyakan mereka tidak mahu bercakap mengenai titik hitam itu.

Dalam kita respek privasi pasangan itu, namun pada masa yang sama jangan terus elakkan perbualan mengenai kehilangan itu.

Pendekatan itu amat penting, sentiasa rangsang pasangan yang sedih bersedih dengan sesuatu yang mereka suka, dari situ mereka akan cuba bersikap terbuka.

Peringatan: Anda tidak dibenarkan menyiar artikel ini di mana-mana laman web atau status Facebook yang lain, tanpa pemberian kredit dan pautan yang tepat lagi berfungsi pada artikel asal di laman
The Asianparent Malaysia

Sumber: Artikel ini telah mendapat kebenaran daripada theAsianparent Singapura untuk diterjemahkan.

Baca juga:

Kelahiran Mati: Bagaimana Untuk Menghadapinya & Perlukah Diceritakan Kepada Rakan-Rakan

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“Your wife needs you”: An open letter to all dads

Dear Dads,

If your wife is a stay-at-home mum, it’s likely that she’s tired – all the time. It’s likely that looking after your beautiful cherubs day in, day out, is the most difficult and challenging role she’s ever taken on.

She really doesn’t get to take a break, even in the nights, where she’s on-call to nurse and soothe your little baby. She’s taken on the multiple roles of full-time carer, nurse, cook, taxi-driver, protector, kisser of boo-boos and destroyer of fears.

Yet, despite these many roles, she may be struggling with finding her core identity, wanting to return to paid work, but immediately cancelling that thought due to the guilt of not being with the kids.

She probably even envies you at times – you get to dress up, meet other people and have adult conversations, while she doesn’t get to take a shower until 2pm and her linguistic skills these days are limited to toddler talk and babbling.

Her brain sometimes feels numb. Staying at home is certainly no vacation

If your wife is a working mum, trust me, she’s no less exhausted. Her day certainly doesn’t end when she gets home after work. In fact, that’s when a whole new job begins and she makes up for the time she was away from the kids.

And while she holds a top position at work, you can be sure that she too sometimes struggles with her identity.

She needs to find that perfect balance of career and raising your kids – and this is not at all easy. It involves emotions – guilt and sadness included – and those “what ifs” may haunt her for the rest of her life, even though she may never tell you this.

Whether she is a stay-at-home or working mum, your wife needs you. So Much.

She needs affirmation through those times of self-doubt.

When you find her crying because she’s just yelled at your toddler for purposely up-ending his food, and now he’s crying too, and she feels like the worst mum in the world – please re-assure her that this is not the case, that sometimes children can be a parent’s kryptonite.

When she’s crying and feeling like a rotten mother because that unexpected meeting at work made her late to your child’s first dance recital, tell her that what matters is that she got there anyway, battling bosses and traffic.

She’s not a rotten mother; she is in fact, the best mum ever.

No one in this world can be a better mother to your children. You know this, and sometimes, she needs to be reminded that she knows this too.

She needs understanding

When you come home and talk to her about your day and you notice her attention is not quite with you… you’re probably right, it isn’t. Her mind’s eye is watching your flu-struck little girl who is finally sleeping. Please understand that she’s not ignoring you in moments like this.

When you reach out for her in the night and she softly murmurs “I’m tired”, please understand that she actually is tired.

This is not just regular tired either – it’s an exhaustion that’s bone-crushing and demands that she sleeps as soon as she gets the chance. She still loves you unconditionally and desires you, but right now, at this moment, her body is demanding sleep.

Your wife is beautiful even though there are any days she hardly feels like this…

She needs you to listen to her

You may be the only adult company she gets for the day.

She’s been bursting to tell you about what your little ones did all day – everything really, from the moment they made her melt with love with their sweet kisses and hugs, to the moment she wanted to die with embarrassment when your son threw a mega tantrum at the supermarket.

If she needs to vent her frustrations, if she needs to express the myriad emotions she feels through her long day – please understand, and please listen.
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And in those times when she is in a dark place, not able to even get out of bed to go to your crying child, hear her unspoken plea for help. Talk to her, listen to her and get her the help she needs.

She needs you to love her.

She needs to know you love her more than anything right now. Your wife is beautiful in your eyes – she always has been and always will be.

But she doesn’t feel beautiful on many days. She doesn’t see the soft curves that you love. She sees fat and flab. She can’t bear to look at her belly which is criss-crossed with stretch marks and she gets ever so frustrated about her inability to lose those three kilos that you don’t even notice.

She is anxious that her assumed unattractiveness is making your eyes wander. She is insecure about your new (child-less) colleague with the firm, taut tummy; that you will find her so much more attractive than she is.

Please don’t brush off her anxieties, because to her they are real, even though to you, they are ridiculous.

Please reassure her in these moments of self-doubt that she is, and has always been, the only one for you. That you love her even more now, if that is even possible, as the mother of your children.

Tell her she is beautiful, because she is.

Who else glows like that when they see you cuddling or playing with the kids? When you spot her in that unguarded moment gazing at your sleeping child with a beautiful smile lighting up her face and a love-light shining in her eyes?

Have you even seen anyone so beautiful? I thought not.

Your wife needs you more than ever before… please don’t forget this.

Share your thoughts on this open letter by leaving a comment below.

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 theAsianparent Community
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The Ultimate Chinese New Year Style Guide For Insta-Mums

With Chinese New Year around the corner, this means plenty of mummies out there are preparing for the upcoming reunion dinners with friends and family alike. If you fit the description we just made, you would know how important it is to be ready not only in terms of looks for the family pictures but also in terms of what you need to prepare for your baby too!

Our recent
Twistshake Livestream
 with mummy influencers Elecher Lee and Baby Akiyo revealed some key products they recommend that match their babies not only in terms of style but also in terms of how functional it is too.

For the Mama who loves pink on her daughter

Baby Akiyo loves dressing her 6-month-old daughter up in pink and has come up with a pink outfit for her daughter this Chinese New Year. If you’re the same, here’s her recommended Twistshake products:

Baby Akiyo with a pink Twistshake Anti-Colic Bottle (left), Twistshake Long Sleeve Bib together with the Click-Mat Mini+Plate (right)

Twistshake Anti-Colic 180ml Bottle
 – Pink

To ensure your baby has a pleasant eating experience, it’s good to have the Twistshake Anti-Colic Bottle as it prevents colic thanks to its unique TwistFlow anti-colic system, which features an air valve and mixer net. All this prevents unnecessary air from reaching your baby’s sensitive stomach, all in a well-designed bottle!

Twistshake Long Sleeve Bib
 – Watermelon

Not only will it look stylish during the reunion dinner, but you also don’t have to worry about changing your baby’s clothes should they get a little too excited and spill food all over themselves. Your baby’s outfits stay safe and dry throughout the dinner!

Click-Mat Mini + Plate
 &
Cutlery se
t – Pink

Speaking of spilling, you can prevent any further mess with the Click-Mat Mini + Plate that stays stuck on the table as it comes with a special suction cup. Pair it with the cutlery, and your baby’s set to eat at the dining table with the rest of the family in style!

For the Mama who loves to mix and match

Elecher Lee with her son using the blue Twistshake Anti-Colic bottle along with the Click-Mat Mini + Plate

Elecher Lee loves dressing her 2-year-old son in a variety of colours, so for Chinese New Year she plans to dress him in white so he matches every colour he’s paired with! If you feel the same way, here’s her recommended Twistshake products:

Twistshake Anti-Colic 330ml Bottle
 –  Blue

If your child is a little older, they can use the 330ml Anti-Colic Bottle. They can get the same smooth drinking that prevents air from reaching their stomach while also being in the amount they need at that age!

Twistshake Hot or Cold Bottle
 – White

It’s good to have the Hot or Cold Bottle ready when traveling to or attending the many reunions ahead in case you need to make milk on the go! The Twistshake Hot or Cold Bottle keeps your baby’s drink warm or cold for up to 10 hours, and its slim design makes it easy to carry around.

Squeeze Bags

If you’re planning to travel a lot, preparing some snacks for your baby is key to placating them. Be prepared with these colourful range of Squeeze Bags that you can fill with your baby’s favourite and nutritious smoothies or purees! These squeeze bags are refillable and dishwasher safe, and you can bring them around easily wherever you go.

Take Reunion Dinners to the next level with these products

Get ready to take on Reunion Dinners with these range of Twistshake products: Straw Cup, Pacifiers, Diaper Bag, Insulated Food Container

Looking for other items that are both practical and stylish for you and your baby? Here are some other recommendations to look out for:

Straw Cup 360ml Bottle

The Twistshake no-spill Straw Cup comes with a smart silicone seal between the straw and lid that prevents spills and unnecessary messes at home or even when you are out and about. Perfect for keeping your reunion dinners free from extra spills and messes!

Insulated Food Container

This innovative stainless-steel food container comes with a folding spoon and a handle included, the container keeps contents hot or cold for up to 10 hours! So if your baby is unable to eat the same food as the rest of your family, you can prepare much earlier and your baby can eat anytime with no fuss!

Diaper Bag

This practical and stylish changing bag comes equipped with both open and zipped compartments for easy access and convenient storage of nappies, baby bottles and snacks. Changing mat included!

Twistshake Pacifiers 0-6m

With all that travelling and going around during Chinese New year, your baby might be feeling more fussy than usual. You can calm your baby with Twistshake’s safe and stylish pacifier!

 Its rounded shield is specially adapted for infants’ mouths and the orthodontic shape of the silicone pacifier ensures the healthy development of your baby’s teeth. Plus, it looks great for Chinese New Year photo shoots too!

Watch our latest Twistshake Livestream

For more tips and tricks on our range of Twistshake items for Chinese New year, be sure to watch our
 live stream with Elecher Lee and Baby Akiyo
!

For those celebrating, we wish you a safe, Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year for you and your family!

Twistshake is currently available at selected retailers in Malaysia such as Butik Tateh, Happikiddo , Mothercare, and
more
. You can also check out e-commerce sites such as
Shopee
 and
Lazada
 and follow Twistshake on
Facebook
 &
Instagram
.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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Read more:

Everyday Activities That Fuel Your Child’s Brain Development, Here’s How!

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5 ways you damage your relationship with your child without even knowing it

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How to Talk to Toddlers

Parents are the very first teachers any child will ever have, especially when it comes to learning about new languages or social skills. One of the most endearing moments of your baby’s life will be when he or she says their very first word; usually between the ages of 12 and 18 months old.

By the time he or she is 2 years old, most toddlers would have already developed a vocabulary range of one hundred words, thereby making it easier to prepare them for a successful classroom experience during preschool at age 3.

Why do Parents Need to Talk to Their Toddlers?

Credit: Shutterstock

According to Kathryn Thorson Gruhn, certified American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) practitioner and author of
My Baby Compass
, as many as one in five children (20%) under the ages of 5 are experiencing a delay in language development.

An even more worrying statistic is that only 50% of these cases are detected before the child begins their schooling years. As such, it is important to diagnose and correct speech impairment issues earlier on in your child’s life so he or she can adapt better in preschool life.

Read more: 5 Early Signs Of Autism In Toddlers

The problem is that while children tend to be much more open-minded and absorb more information faster than grownups, communicating with toddlers and younger children pose a different set of challenges as well.

Unlike how you would educate teenagers or adults, helping a toddler develop a good set of language skills requires a combination of facial expressions and body language for proper communication.

Exercises You Can Practise at Home

Make it a habit to have your toddler point out things he or she is interested in and give the object a name. Your toddler will then copy the words and sounds you make, provided that you do so diligently and consistently. If you’re not in the mood for talking, have your toddler become the speaker instead.

To do so, all you need to do is ask open questions, such as how their day was, what they like, what they learned and who they met. It is important that you pay rapt attention during your child’s speech, just as how you would like them to pay attention to you when you’re talking as well.

Credit: Shutterstock

Never laugh or make fun of a child when he or she makes a mistake, but encourage them to continue speaking, even if they come across a word they are unfamiliar with or if their grammar is incorrect.  Toddlers who are just beginning to form sentences may take awhile to fully express things they would like to tell you.

Be patient and encourage them to take their time to sort out the things they want to say. Never rush your child or speak for them, else they may become shy and unwilling to speak up. A good time to have an open dialogue with your toddler could be when he or she is having her bath, or just before bedtime as there are less distractions then.  Maintain eye level by bending down to their level so they will feel the connection.

Reading books or listening to audio books are also great ways of helping your child expand their vocabulary, and it also allows you to participate in your child’s latest imaginary adventures and discovery.

If your toddler has taken up drawing as a hobby, encourage them to tell you about their latest creation as well. Your toddlers should also be encouraged to express their latest hurts and worries on bad days, such as when they fall down or get into a fight.

A healthy approach to having your child acknowledge the tragedy would be to listen with a sympathetic ear. Besides allowing your child to better express themselves in a healthy manner (as opposed to crying or displaying a fit of temper), the act of having your child share their secrets with you is also a rewarding, bonding experience for the both of you. Always be ready to be your child’s confidant, even if he or she is still a toddler.

Talking to Talkative Toddlers

Some toddlers are natural social butterflies, and are always ready to share their latest adventures and discoveries with the adults. If your toddler demands your attention during an inconvenient moment, it’s never a good idea to turn your child down.

Credit: Shutterstock

Instead, simply delay the conversation to a later time. Tell your toddler something along the lines of, “Honey, that’s great. I’ll be with you in a minute.” Toddlers are short on patience, so it is best to quickly get back to them before they forget what they were trying to say!

By the time your toddler reaches the age of three, he or she will begin the onslaught of endless questions about the sky, stars and everything else you’ve never given deep thought to in a while.

The tricky part is that while it is tempting to ignore your child’s queries, you need to answer as patiently as you can to encourage your child to nurture a sense of healthy curiosity. The silver lining to this problem though is that your children will eventually figure out that you don’t have all the answers to life’s questions.

The one and only time when you should ignore a talkative toddler is when he or she is throwing a tantrum or is whining incessantly. The habit of rushing in to placate a noisy toddler will only further encourage them to whine even more! Instead, only reply with positive attention when your toddler decides to speak in a civilized, polite manner.

Talking to Quiet Toddlers

Having a toddler who’s noisy with his or her friends but quiet at home is quite common as well. This behaviour could be because the parent is perceived to be a serious adult, far removed from childish understanding.
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Credit: Shutterstock

Alternatively, your child could simply prefer to confide in other children instead of adults, which is quite similar to how most teenagers would prefer to communicate with their peers instead of grownups.

To get your toddler to open up, you need to gently prompt him or her for answers. Try to use as many open-ended questions as possible to get your toddler to elaborate further about their day or a particular situation.

For instance, instead of asking “did you have your breakfast today?” say “what did you have for breakfast today?”. Children are naturally tuned to the mood of their parents, so do try to be as attentive as possible to encourage further interaction.

Some toddlers fall into a habit of using gestures instead of words, either because they can’t find the right words to express their emotions or because they are currently in a state of distress. If your child seems to be experiencing the latter, have them settle down and prompt them with open questions until they relieve all their worries and burdens unto you.

On the whole, teaching your toddler the art of conversation will most certainly by a decade long process (if not longer!). However, with proper communication comes good discipline, closer relations and a happier childhood – which makes the effort alone worth it.

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5 best sex positions for after a C-section and 5 to avoid

The thought of
sex after birth
 for most women is daunting, and perhaps the last thing on their minds. Regardless of method of delivery, there are many issues to tackle: body image, physical exhaustion, leaking breasts and sheer lack of libido. However, c-section mums have something else to worry about: pain during sex after c-section.

After all, they’ve gone through major surgery, right? But at some point of course, sex will resume and when it does, you should know what the best pain-free sex positions are for c-section mums, as well as those you should avoid. And we’ve got you covered!

How long should you wait before sex after a c-section?

While it’s best to always check with your doctor about the best time to resume sex after a c-section, six weeks is the generally accepted time frame.

A
2013 study
 of over 1,500 women found that 53 percent of them had attempted to resume sex with their partners after six weeks. Having said this, every woman is different and their post- c-section recovery time will also differ.

However, when you
are
ready, the following positions are best to ease back into your sex life without pain.

How to minimise pain during sex after c-section? With the correct positions!

The best positions for no pain during sex after c-section

*A note to husbands: Be gentle with your wife! Remember, as excited as you probably are by your stunning, sexy partner, her core and tummy area are still very tender. You should avoid putting your weight on her or flipping her over on her tummy at any point.

1. X marks the spot

In this position, the woman lies on her back and and crosses her legs up in the air. The man then has to get up before penetrating her where the “
X marks the spot
”. Sex-perts suggest that the lying partner should be on an elevated base that is higher than a regular bed.

 Crossing the legs like this leaves little space to penetrate making the area tighter and more pleasurable. Plus, your husband’s body weight is nowhere near your tender stomach and core area.

2. Sit up and look at me

Any kind of husband-on-top position should be avoided at least until your scar heals well. But if you miss that eye-to-eye contact these positions give, then having sex while sitting is a good alternative. He will still be close to your torso, but not pressing down hard, making it a great position for no pain during sex after c-section.

3. Spooning

This is probably the best and most gentle position to ease back into sex after your c-section. Here, you nestle into your husband and he enters you from behind. There’s absolutely no pressure on your core or tummy. It’s beautifully intimate and your husband’s hand are also free to roam where they will.

4. Reverse cowgirl

Mums, you are totally in control in this position where you ride your man, but just backwards. You set the rules for speed and depth of penetration, making this position perfect for easing back to sex after your c-section.

5. Standing doggy

The traditional doggy style can be a bit tough on a c-section mum’s tender scar and core area. But in this one, you stand near your bed or a piece of furniture and hold on to it, while your partner enters from behind. You can tell him to slow down if he gets too carried away, risking pushing your stomach area onto the item you’re holding on to.

Avoid sex positions where there’s any pressure at all on your stomach area

5 Sex positions to avoid after a c-section

Some positions might cause pain during sex after a c-section, so avoid these until your scar is completely healed.

1. Missionary

The traditional man-on-top position should be avoided as there’s way too much pressure on your stomach, c-section scar and core area.

2. Cowgirl

Unlike the reverse cowgirl where mums have more control, the tradition cowgirl position has your pelvis grinding down stronger and harder, putting pressure on your stomach area. Best avoided until you are well healed.

3. Standing up sex

Again, there’s too much pressure on your torso and tummy area in this position. Turn around instead and try the standing doggy position described above!

4. Doggy style

The traditional doggy position puts way too much pressure on your core and pelvic area. Give it a miss for some time.

5. Tight squeeze (on your tummy)

Try this one only when your scar is fully healed! While it gives your hubby a “tight squeeze”, due to you lying down on your tummy with your legs tightly held together, there’s far too much pressure on your stomach area.

Also read:
C-section recovery and care

References:
Ob-gyn Women’s Centre
,
Women’s Health

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Can You Tell the Difference Between a Tantrum and a Meltdown? | Ask an Expert

Sometimes people use the terms ‘meltdown’ and ‘tantrum’ interchangeably. But they’re two different things. It’s important to know the differences, so that you can use the right tactics with your child.

For this article, we’ve enlisted the help of experienced special educational needs teacher, Sangeetha Selvanathan, who has plenty of real-world knowledge in the topic and expert tips to offer.

What’s a Tantrum?

A tantrum is an outburst when a child is trying to get something they want, but not necessarily need. “Children who have tantrums have control over their behaviour as these outbursts are intentional. They are aware of their actions,” explains Sangeetha.

Tantrums are a result of a learned behaviour. “When a child displays undesirable behaviour (such as kicking or crying) and is rewarded with something the child wants, the child will typically repeat the behaviour,” she adds.

What’s a Meltdown?

A meltdown is a loss of behavioural control when a child is feeling overwhelmed.

“If a child is experiencing sensory overload, it can be very hard for the child to process what’s happening around her or inside her. The child is likely unaware of the outburst, resulting in a genuine difficulty for the child to control her behaviour,” Sangeetha says.

Physiological factors that cause meltdowns can be divided into two categories:

i)

External factors,
such as

when a child is in a crowded or noisy place for too long, or when the child is exhausted after a field trip

ii) Internal factors
, which includes things like headaches, hunger, or lack of sleep

Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties, may experience more meltdowns than tantrums.

“Children with IDDs often have sensory processing difficulties. A child who is hypersensitive when processing the sense of sound may feel overwhelmed in movie theatres, or at a crowded mall. What may seem like the optimal volume to us, may sound amplified to them,” she illustrates.

The Difference Between the Two

Meltdowns and tantrums may look really similar from the outside, but are very different
internal experiences
for the child. The two require separate approaches.

“The main difference I tell parents is the antecedent (what happened prior)

to the behaviour. Try and think about when and how it all started. Was it because the child wanted a certain reward? Did it happen out of the blue? The latter would probably be a meltdown,” Sangeetha says.

Here are red flags to look out for:

If It’s a Tantrum

Child almost instantly stops the outburst when he receives what he wants

Child is able to point to what he wants, as he is aware of his actions and surroundings

Child may engage in behaviours that will harm others (e.g., throwing toys at parent)

Escalates if child sees his ‘favourite family member’, because he knows it’s likely the person will ‘give in’

If It’s a Meltdown

Child will not respond positively to things/actions they usually like

Minimal eye contact with parent or teacher

Child may engage in self-harming behaviour

Tends to be more intense and longer lasting

Strategies for Handling Tantrums

Next time you see a tantrum, try these tips:

Stay calm

Ignore the behaviour, don’t give in

Talk in a calm voice and walk away, but always keep an eye on him

Give the child clear boundaries that teaches about actions and consequences

Use simple, short sentences to make your point clear

Be consistent in how you respond

For tantrums, Sangeetha uses a simple but effective strategy called the
‘First, Then’ rule.

“For example, I say ‘first, sit quietly with friends, then we can go to the park.’ The ‘First’ is a behaviour you want your child to implement, ‘Then’ is a reward that your child has preference in. It teaches them cause and effect.

“For younger children, I tend to use pictures and visuals to reiterate this rule. If a child is taken to a place where you anticipate that he will likely have a tantrum, then talking to your child about ‘First, Then’ in the car, or at home before leaving is great!” Sangeetha points out.

Image: ‘First, Then’ rule visuals Sangeetha uses with her students
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Important point:

If the behaviour management style varies with different people and settings, then the child will get confused. Make sure you educate those who spend a lot of time with your child on how to best approach the tantrum.

Strategies for Handling Meltdowns

If your child is having a meltdown, try these steps:

Stay calm

Try to move the child to a quiet, safer place

Try to think of factors that caused the meltdown

Talk to your child in a calm voice, assuring you are there to help

Use simple words in short sentences

Put on earphones for your child if it’s too noisy

Give your child a tight hug and rock him if it is attributed to a processing disorder

If all else fails, sit with your child and let it pass

With an understanding of your child’s triggers, paired with intervention, the frequency of meltdowns should reduce over time.

Getting Professional Help

If your child experiences meltdowns often, it is advisable to get her assessed from an
occupational therapist
 with sensory integration experience.

Keep in mind that children with limited speech and language may experience outbursts more frequently, as they find it difficult to communicate their needs or wants. Find a speech and language pathologist, if this is the case.

“If you have financial constraints, seek a General Practitioner. If your child really needs professional help, he will be referred to a professional from a government hospital. The waiting list is longer, but it is definitely worth the wait. With all challenges, early detection is key,” Sangeetha suggests.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123
.

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Save the children! Donate your preloved car seats & nominate your friend for a FREE seat

Parents, by now you should know that child car seats are a must-have by law since January this year. Sadly, car seats are not cheap as the most basic child safety seats can go over RM200 – a price point that hurts the wallets of parents with more than one child.

Although the government has taken this into account, even exempting larger families, the safety of our children should not be compromised because of this. This is why we are hosting a car seat donation drive in collaboration with
Kedai BLESS
.

If you have a car seat to give away, you can donate it to Kedai BLESS and recipients of these free car seats will be nominated by a friend.

Help protect our kids

Car collisions cause passengers to jerk around and children that are not properly secured can be catapulted against the surfaces of the car, or even flung out the window.

Recently, a two year-old toddler landed on PLUS highway after he was flung out the window in a car collision as he sat on his mother’s lap. Luckily, he survived. However, this is a common way that children are being “secured”.

Last year, Malaysia was listed with the third highest fatality rate from road traffic accidents within Asia, while 1,559 child deaths of those under 10-years-old were recorded due to road accidents between 2007 and 2017.

Never take road safety for granted, always secure your children.

Shockingly, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety disclosed that only 30% of the population use child car seats. So, how are the rest of 70% being secured? These are the two common and potentially fatal ways:

Sitting on laps:
Even for a quick trip, simply holding a child in your arm is never safe. This could cause them to be exposed to the harsh force of airbags during a collision, which in turn, can cause fractures. Furthermore, human reaction to a collision would cause your grip to loosen and leave them hitting the hard car surfaces.

Using a seatbelt:
 While seatbelts are appropriate for adults, children below 135cm are not subject to the same safety aspect as their bodies are smaller. Hence, seatbelts are not properly positioned or fastened in place.

Your kids are vulnerable

The bodies of children are not capable like us – a baby’s skeleton mostly consist of soft cartilage that has yet to develop into bones, while their organs have not formed proper protection. Additionally, their smaller sizes allow them to be easily flung around and the slightest of bumps could cause severe injury.

It is reported that proper child safety with car seats reduces the risk of death by 71% in infants, and 54% for those between one and four-years-old. Booster seats could also reduce the risk of injury for children between 8 and 12-years-old by 19%, compared to securing them with a seatbelt.

There are
various types of car seats
 made for infants, toddlers and young children. They are designed to help reduce the impact on children in collision, while securing their strongest body parts and reducing the force.

Donate your car seats or nominate your friend for a FREE car seat!

Every donated car seat will be given to a family in need and this is where we need you – you can  donate your car seats at any Kedai BLESS locations.

Who receives the car seats?
  A deserving friend. Here is what you need to do:

Download theAsianParent app on Playstore or on the App Store.

Upload a post on the app about why your friend deserves to receive a car seat. Include a picture of their family.

Make sure you use the hashtag #tApMYcares, so we can find your posts!

 Kedai BLESS locations

So, let’s work together and protect Malaysia’s kids!

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Parents, Do You Know Why You Should Keep Your Child At Home If They Have Diarrhoea?

Babies go through a lot of diapers on a daily basis – usually 5-10 by the end of the first week. And many of these diapers are poop-filled
1
.

Though this might sound really gross, new parents (or parents-to-be), if you don’t already know this, you need to keep a log of your child’s soiled diapers everyday, preferably for the first year of their life, because it is actually a strong indicator of their health
2
.

And when maternity leave is up or when you have no choice but to include more caretakers into the mix of helping to care for your baby, it is also important to stress to them how vital it is that they update the log as seriously as possible.

Whether these caretakers are your parents (or in-laws) who are helping out or the day care you choose to send your baby to, you will be entrusting them with the reports on your child’s poop diapers throughout the day so you can keep track of your baby’s output and health.

So what happens when you notice that your baby is experiencing diarrhoea? When their stools are more frequent, watery and they seem to fuss to no end?

Firstly, we need to stress how dangerous diarrhoea is for babies. Parents should never take diarrhoea lightly when it comes to babies.

Diarrhoea can be fatal to a child, especially if they become dehydrated and are not given immediate treatment
3
.

But if they’re on a liquid diet for the first 6 months, why would they even get diarrhoea?
Good question. New parents (and parents-to-be), pay attention.
One of the possible reasons why your babies might get diarrhoea is from being infected by a virus, like rotavirus
4
.

The rotavirus infection is a common gastrointestinal disease that can occur in infants and young children. This virus causes diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain
4
.

So if your child has recently contracted the disease, here’s what you need to know and do before sending them back to day care or to their grandparents/caretakers.

But wait… How did they even get rotavirus?!

Rotavirus can be present in baby poop – and can spread easily when the virus lands on surfaces or is passed from hands to mouth(4). Image for representation purpose only

If your baby hardly goes out except to see their grandparents or to day care, you might be wondering – where did they even get this virus?

Well, rotavirus is usually found in poop, and when a caretaker cleans up a baby’s poop and doesn’t clean their hands properly, the virus could potentially be spread onto surfaces, onto the baby’s hands (which might then be put into their mouths inadvertently) or when prepping their milk, could contaminate their milk
4
.

Scary, isn’t it?

And parents wouldn’t even know that their child has rotavirus until symptoms start showing up 2 days later
4
.

It usually starts with fever and vomiting, as well as stomach pain (though we really wouldn’t be able to tell!). Then diarrhoea starts and this can go on for 3-7 days! And this could lead to dehydration
4
.

In Malaysia (2005), 50% of hospitalisation cases among children involving diarrhoea is caused by rotavirus
5
. So this is something parents really need to be wary of.

Why should we keep our children home when they have rotavirus?

Babies should stay at home and not go to daycare or their caretakers if they are infected with rotavirus. Image for representation purpose only

Since the incubation period for rotavirus is up to 48 hours, children can easily spread the virus to others during this time
4
. Just like how when we know we are carrying the COVID-19 virus and we stay home so we don’t spread it to others, parents ought to keep their kids home when they have rotavirus.

Since the symptoms of rotavirus will start showing up after 2 days and can last up to ten days, you should consider your child contagious for about twelve days
4
 and keep them home for that long.

Though each day care would have its own guidelines for when to send a child to the centre after falling sick, generally, children should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school after being infected with any diseases
6
.

One of the many ways to help keep your child safe is to stay at home as long as they are experiencing symptoms of illness or discomfort. When returning to the care centre, make sure they know why your child was absent and provide special instructions for rehydration if necessary.

We wouldn’t want our children catching serious, contagious diseases from other kids at day care centres, so we should be as civic-minded to keep our kids at home when they are sick too!

If your child is infected with rotavirus, what else can you do?

Keep your baby hydrated as much as possible if they have diarrhoea. Image for representation purpose only

Unfortunately, currently, there are no medications that can treat this disease. If your child has been infected with rotavirus and you take them to see a doctor or hospitalise them, the goal of the treatment is to only help reduce symptoms and prevent dehydration
7
.

What you could do is to:

Give your child plenty of formula or breast milk or water and oral rehydration fluids if they are older
7
.

Do not give your child soda, juice or dairy products
7
.

Give your child solid food if they can already eat – but bland food is recommended
7
.

If your child requires hospitalisation, treatments may include
7
:

Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration.

A lab analysis of your child’s stools.

Good news: Rotavirus infection is preventable

Ask your paediatrician about preventive measures to help protect your child against rotavirus. Image for representation purpose only

If you want to give yourself peace of mind, speak to your paediatrician about preventive measures including vaccination
8
.

Parents are responsible for the health and well-being of their children including maintaining good hygiene, ensuring sufficient nutrition and vaccinating them against dangerous diseases. Do consult with your family doctor or paediatrician to ask them about the vaccine before your child even turns 6 weeks old to stay ahead of the protection plan
8
!

And don’t forget to always maintain good hygiene and make sure children wash their hands often after touching surfaces or playing outside!

MY-ROT-00271 Sep/2022

REFERENCES:

MyHealth.Alberta.ca. Bowel Movements in Babies. Available From:
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abo3062&lang=en-ca#abo3063
.  Last Accessed 14 September 2022.

Johns

Hopkins Children’s Center. Stool color overview. Available From:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/what-we-treat/specialties/gastroenterology-hepatology-nutrition/stool-color-overview.html
.
Last Accessed 22 August 2022.

World Health Organization.

Diarrhoeal disease. Available From:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
. Last Accessed 21 August 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Rotavirus. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351300
. Last Accessed 22 August 2022.

Hsu VP, Abdul Rahman H, Wong SL, Ibrahim LHJ, Yusoff AFHJ, Chan LG, et al. Estimates of the burden of rotavirus disease in Malaysia. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2005;192(s1).

Cleveland Clinic. Rotavirus. Available From:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8275-rotavirus
. Last Accessed 14 September 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Rotavirus. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotavirus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351306
. Last Accessed 22 August 2022.

PORTAL MyHEALTH. Rotavirus vaccine. Available From:
https://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/rotavirus-vaccine
. Last Accessed 21 August 2022.

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Why Vitamin D Is Important to Babies?

Taking the right amount of Vitamin D is extremely important for everyone and more so for babies.

It’s a great way to tap into the power of nature and explore natural surroundings. While baby skin is extremely sensitive and can burn easily, yet there is no better way to consume Vitamin D than direct sun exposure (newborns should take indirect sunlight to even bring down jaundice).

Credit: Unsplash

Paediatricians prescribe taking in at least 400 IU of Vit D daily through supplements like Sunsips/Vitanova/Uprise etc., which is
a must given our lifestyle of minimal sun exposure, but nothing beats the power of the sun. Countries with ample sunshine and a nature-driven lifestyle don’t experience vitamin D related deficiencies.

Why is Vitamin D required for babies?

Credit: Unsplash

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, can be produced in the body with mild sun exposure or consumed in food or supplements. It has multiple roles in the body, like maintain the health of bones and teeth, and supporting the
health of the immune system
, brain and nervous system.

Vit D is required to absorb Calcium & phosphorus in the body, which are needed to build and maintain bones. The l
ack of it leads to lactose intolerance even to mother’s milk, meanwhile, the i
nsufficient amount of Vitamin D can lead to rickets (brittle bones).

How much Vitamin D is required?

Direct exposure to the sun is required for 10 minutes each day for fair skin and slightly longer for wheatish skin.  The skin
 should be directly exposed to the sun. It cannot permeate clothes and glass windows.

How to keep the baby safe in the sun?

Credit: babyhintsandtips.com

Babies should not get direct sunlight in their eyes since their eyes are very sensitive. You can try to turn the baby away from the sun so that their lower half gets maximum sun exposure. E
nsure baby is well hydrated to be able to sit in the sun for these 10mins.
Best time for sun-bathing is between 9:30-11:30 am.

This article was contributed by our partner
Little Mister Trouble
 and has been published with permission.

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Healthy Food Tips To Live By, It's Super Easy You Won't Even Believe It!

My motto is:
Life is hard, food should be easy!
So, there you go healthy food.

But there’s so much confusing information out there coupled with a dizzying number of food choices at grocery stores and restaurants that knowing what, when and how much to eat has become a puzzle for many. Ready for some life-changing tips? Read on.

Healthy food to improve your overall health

It’s a no-brainer that eating healthy food can improve our overall health and keep both chronic and common diseases at bay. But healthy eating comes with a host of other benefits such as:

Enhanced mood — Eating lots of refined carbs can make you grumpy and no-fun-at-all!

Radiant and healthy-looking hair, skin and nails. And let’s not forget a lovelier smile.

Improved energy levels to help you go through your day in tip-top shape.

Fewer migraines

Better sleep

Protection against PMS — Yes ladies,
healthy eating
 can be one way to smother your inner ‘serial-killer/weepy’ self during ‘that time of the month’.

Healthy Eating Tips

1. Listen to your inner-self

I’m sure you’re wondering what this has to do with food but hear me out.

Many of us eat in a rush, in front of the TV or while reading the paper. In other words, the brain is focusing on something other than the food one is eating. Not only does that deprive you of feeling content with your meal but it also puts the satiety bell on snooze… That’s usually followed by mindless eating later on.

Take the time to eat — away from distractions — and enjoy every bite.

2. Forget black and white diet rules

First, because there is no such thing as a diet rule. Wait! I’m not saying ‘Ready? Get set! Run to the kitchen and grab the ice-cream tub!’ Although, you could do so if you wanted to.

The trick here is that if you don’t place diet restrictions on yourself, you’ll be less likely to experience nagging food cravings.

So what do you do instead? Splurge with a purpose — you love doughnuts but ‘can’t-live-without’ dark chocolate? Then have the chocolate instead of the doughnuts.

And tune in while indulging — eat slowly, enjoy your treat and stop when you’re satisfied. Don’t stuff yourself: trust me, that chocolate bar is
not
the last one on Earth.

3. Create balance

You had a really greasy beef burger for lunch?

Opt for healthier meals for the next few days — lots of veggies (steamed, baked, grilled, sautéed but not fried), some lean protein (skinless chicken or turkey, grilled fish, meats trimmed of any visible fat) and
some
 whole grains (brown or wild rice, wholemeal bread or pasta, oats, quinoa and so on).

4. Drink up!

Credit: Freepik

We often confuse thirst signals with hunger so next time you feel hungry, down a tall glass of cool
water

and go do something else before opening the fridge. Chances are you’ll completely forget about that ‘hunger’ pang.

I won’t tell you how many glasses you have to drink — that depends on your body type. Just make sure your urine is clear or pale yellow and odourless.

5. Enjoy breakfast
daily

Whatever your reason may be for skipping breakfast, it’s just not worth it. That’s because skipping the most important meal of the day is the best way to:

Put on weight. Or should I say extra body flab?

Lack of concentration at work or school.

Feel lethargic at 10 a.m. and become the ‘run-away from’ type of person at 4 p.m.

Gorge on unhealthy choices the rest of the day.

Increase your risks of chronic diseases.

6. Exercise as often as you can
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I’m not saying you should hit the gym daily but when you have time, take the stairs instead of lifts; park your car a little further away — do anything you can to be active daily.

Exercise will significantly boost all the health benefits that come with healthy eating.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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Newborn Baby Vomiting: Is It Normal or Should I Start to Worry?

Part of being a parent is to constantly worry about your baby’s health and safety, so with every little sniffle, you might be on alert and wonder if she’s possibly
caught a bug
. But what if my newborn baby vomiting and spitting up constantly?

Is it a cause for concern and should you rush her to the emergency room to get checked out?

Newborn baby vomiting vs spitting up

If you’ve been out drinking or clubbing all night before with your friends back in the day, you’ll probably know vomit when you see it!

So what exactly is the difference between a newborn baby vomiting and just spitting up?

Spitting up is just the easy flow of stomach contents out of the mouth, usually followed after a burp, and is common for infants below the age of one year.

Whereas vomiting is a more forceful throwing up of stomach contents.

This is when the abdominal muscles and diaphragm contract vigorously while the stomach is relaxed, which is a reflex action.

What is the cause of newborn baby vomiting?

During your bub’s first few months, she might spit up or vomit after each feeding because the
 valve where her oesophagus connects to her stomach is not mature enough yet to fully function properly.

That particular valve will start to mature when your little one is about four or five months and should be fine by the time she turns one year old.

Other possible causes of newborn baby vomiting also include:

Car sickness

Indigestion

Excessive crying

Coughing

Having a cold

Ear infection

Food allergy

Urine infection

If your bub is spitting up or vomiting more than five times a day, or is always coughing after each feed, the doctor might advise you to add a special
milk-thickening agent
 to her
 milk.

The doctor might also prescribe an
infant antacid
, that can be mixed right into your baby’s milk, which should
help to neutralise the acid in your bub’s tummy.

Helpful tips for newborn baby vomiting

If you want to decrease the frequency of your newborn baby vomiting or spitting up, here are a few simple steps you can take:

Step 1 –
 After feeding your baby, keep her upright for about 30 minutes so that gravity can help to keep things down.

Step 2 –
 There shouldn’t be any pressure on your baby’s stomach after a feeding, so avoid strapping her into a car seat or laying on her tummy for about 30 minutes.

Step 3 –
 The
National University Hospital of Singapore
 (NUH) recommends that you gently burp your baby after every feed and sometimes even during feeds so that the air will be released.

Step 4 –
 Hold off on any active play right after feedings and don’t get your baby too excited or worked up.

When to worry?

Although it’s normal for newborn babies to vomit,
according to NUH
, if your little one shows any of the following signs, you should immediately bring her to see a doctor:

Sunken eyes

Less than five wet diapers in a day

Dry skin, mouth, and tongue

Sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on her head)

Not willing to drink

Vomitting non-stop for more than four to six hours

 Diarrhea more than six times in one day

Fast breathing

Cool or greyish skin

The vomit is green

Blood in the vomit or diarrhea

Fever of over 39°C for more than 12 hours

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Dr Chua Mei Chien
, a Senior Consultant at KKH’s Department of Neonatology says that parents should not worry too much if their baby spits up a little or has effortless regurgitation.

“If the baby is otherwise well, with good weight gain and normal feeding and sleep patterns, there is no cause for concern,” she says.

However, she advises parents that if your newborn baby’s vomiting and spitting-up is also accompanied by refusing to feed, irritability and inconsolable crying during or immediately after feeds, frequent arching of the back and poor weight gain, these are signs that she may have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Babies with GERD may experience the following symptoms:

Discomfort and pain

Breathing problems of any kind (gagging, choking, coughing, or wheezing)

Pneumonia due to inhalation of the stomach contents into the lungs

Poor growth, because they are deprived from getting enough nutrients

If you notice that your baby has any of these symptoms, you should bring her to see a paediatrician who will determine whether she really does suffer from GERD.

By your little one’s first birthday, she should have stopped having spit-ups and not vomit after meals anymore, so don’t worry every time she does the Merlion.

However, you should always just trust your parental instinct and bring her in to get checked out if you have any worries or concerns.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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