Kool Parenting

Baby Led Weaning Is a modern approach to the tradition of feeding purées or specially made food for babies. It was first introduced in 2005 by Gill Rapley.

What is Baby led weaning (BLW)?

It is a process of introducing solids to babies as a complementary meal with breastfeeding or formula feeding at appropriate age. Which is 6 months, recommended by World Health Organization.

(For more details read When To Introduce Solids)

Process starts with finger foods or hand mashed food, Allowing baby to SELF FEED right from start. No spoon feeding.

Why you should consider BLW?

1. Baby can explore new textures, color, taste and colors.

2. Good for babies motor development like eye-hand-mouth coordinations

3. Baby can eat from family pot, no special food

4. Teaches baby how much to eat and when to stop according to their needs, which encourage Responsive Feeding.

5. BLW suggests to have meals together as a family, which helps baby to understand the routine and customs which family follows.

Things to watch for!

1. While offering finger food make sure its right shape and size, or it could be a CHOCKING HAZARD.

2. Food offered should be cooked and soft, easy to chew even with gums.

3. Always watch baby while he/she is self feeding and try to encourage them to eat.

4. Make sure your are offering right amount of nutrients.

Baby can reject the food at first, but it’s ok! Keep offering new textures later again. Give plenty of time for them to explore, do not hurry. They will eventually learn how to use spoon by watching you, that’s why it is advisable to eat together.

Risk Factors

• Baby not eating enough, as at first it’s a learning process for them, it’s hard for them to get food into their mouth

• Not getting enough of iron intake

• High sodium food, as baby is gonna eat what family eats

• Choking, if not offered appropriate size and shape of the food or raw foods like whole grape or an apple

You have to be little confident if you are considering to go with BLW, make sure YOU are also ready for the process with your baby.

If you are not comfortable enough, go slow!

You can actually practice both ways, the traditional way of offering purées and BLW, like I did. Just make sure the consistency of puréed or hand mashed food is thick enough, not runny. And follow Responsive feeding.

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Child Care

How To Take Temperature| Which Thermometer Is Best To Use

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020 koolparenting

All parents know the struggle of taking your little ones temperature. The moment thermometer is showing the figures you don’t wanna see, you start questioning the thermometer itself or the method you are using to check it & the fluctuating figures adds up to the confusion.

And Then it begins…baby is not still may be that’s why it’s not showing accurate temperature, may be we should check orally or under axilla. Or may be the batteries in the thermometer are discharge!! On & on it goes!

First let’s check out how many types of thermometers are available in the market, you can decide which one is best suitable to you!

Types of thermometer

1. Digital Thermometer

Digital thermometer are easy to use. Mostly Used for oral, rectal and under axillary. These are the most fastest and accurate type in the market.

2. Forehead

These type of thermometer are place on temporal artery, it reads heat by infrared. Not as accurate as digital.

3. Ear

Very useful for babies who don’t like to stay still at all. All though the accuracy is not as good as digit one.

4. Mercury or glass thermometer

These types of thermometer were used year’s before, when our mom or dad use to place it under our axilla or under our tongue, wait for exactly one minute and see the mercury level.

(Mom use to see 101°f & dad 99.9°f,lol)

Using glass thermometer are very risky as it could break easily and it rises risk of mercury poisoning, so many experts advise to discard it, if you still have one!

5. Plastic strip or fever strip

These kind don’t give you exact temperature, just tell you if someone has fever. Good for little babies, you just have to place them on their forehead.

6. Pacifier thermometer

Again these are designed for babies, it takes about a minute or two, could give inaccurate readings if babies are not keeping it still in mouth.

7. No contact thermometer

In this current situation of pandemic these types are available easily. They are more useful in hospital and public places rather than household.

How to take temperature?

Oral

Keep the thermometer under your child’s tongue, and ask not to bite and hold it tightly by lips. If child is not able to do it, you can do it for them by holding it using your fingers. Wait for 30sec or to thermometer beep and check readings.

Make sure child has not anything hot or cold at least 15-20 min before taking temperature.

Ear

Gently pull ear back to straighten up the canal, the tip should point towards the other side of ear, hear a beep then see the readings.

Under Axilla

Place the tip of thermometer under child’s arm and secure it by putting arm against chest m, wait for 30sec to a minute and check reading. Some pediatrician recommend to add a degree to your reading in this method.

Example, if your reading is 98.9F, count it as 99.9F

Add up a degree. As sweat can give you inaccurate readings.

Forehead

Aim the sensors across the forehead, this helps to take a accurate readings.

Rectal

Place baby on stomach, put some petroleum jelly on the tip of thermometer and insert 1/2 in(below 3 months)which is about the silver tip. Wait about 30 sec and check the readings.

Disclaimer: This website provides medical information for use as information or for educational purposes. We do not warrant that information we provide will meet your medical requirements. It is up to you to contact a health professional if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.

Source: 1.Different Types Of Thermometer by Graham Connolly in pharmacy information, simplifying product supply 2. Temperature: Digital and Glass Thermometers (Nationwide Children’s Hospital) HH-II-189 4/11 Revised 2/17 Copyright 1975 Nationwide Children’s Hospital 3.How to Take Your Child’s Temperature American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2020)

DIY Photoshoot

DIY Cake Smash Idea For First Birthday

November 24, 2020 koolparenting

This month our baby girl turned one! We were so excited to celebrate her birthday, And best thing to start with, was a Cake Smash. We did everything by ourself. I thought of sharing this with all of you, our take on DIY cake smash!

Backdrop

I wanted a backdrop, which is elegant and not overdone! So we came up with floral theme. I ordered some artificial Tea Roses/Peony & Hanging vine plants. Which we tugged on the canopy head (From Amazon) with the help of thread and needle.

The “ONE” wooden letters (From Walmart). I painted it with glue and sprinkled it with glitters. The main challenge with this was glitter getting all over the place. We wanted it to be safe for the birthday girl, as kids this age puts everything in mouth.

So I mixed some glue with water and painted a light hand of the mixer over the glitter, this way glitter was not shedding, you can also use mod podge.

Maroon color backdrop is actually a velvet throw, attached to the wall with the help of push pins. We choose maroon so that light color we choose for other accessories will pop out.

Cake

I was so excited to bake a cake myself for my little piece of magic! I made it a day before we planned her cake smash. Picked dusty rose color for icing which matches her out fit and canopy. Tried my best to give it a pink rose look, although finishing is not up to the mark, but the fact that I made it for her by myself, whole another level of satisfaction!!!

Cake stand used for the cake is home made! I took a cocktail glass and a ceramic plate and glue it together. Then spray painted it with Candy pink color.

I ordered cake topper which goes with the floral theme, simple and elegant!

Out fit

What’s better than a cute Tutu Skirt for cake smash. Again outfit was ordered keeping in mind with theme, flowers! Make sure outfit is comfortable enough, so they can be all giggly and happy for the photo shoot.

This was our take on cake smash for our baby girl. Please tell us how did you like our setup in the comment box and also we would love to hear some of your ideas too!

Disclaimer: Links attached in this blog are affiliated by Paylowerbuymore.com

Uncategorized

7 Best Unique Gift Ideas For New Parents Under ₹1000 On Amazon India

November 16, 2020 koolparenting

Prime Deals Kick and Play Gym and Fitness Rack Musical Keyboard/Piano Mat for Babies (₹994)

We all know tummy time is so important to newborns this play mat makes it fun. For babies and parents as well.

https://rb.gy/2vwin2

Trance Home Linen 100% Cotton Baby Dohar/Blanket (₹599)

To make little munchkin feel cozy and give baby that extra warmth, this gift is a great idea!

https://rb.gy/3v9ri2

SNOWIE SOFT® Baby Changing Mat, with Head Cushion & Organizer Pockets,Foldable Waterproof Clean for Home and Travel Outside (₹829)

Changing diapers could be a task for new parents, well this gift can simplify changing little ones diapers effortlessly weather travelling or at home.

https://rb.gy/hl4zbc

FunPa Baby Crib Mobile Creative Moon Star Tree Hanging Nursery Decor (₹765)

Something to decorate the baby nursery! A thoughtful Gift.

https://rb.gy/7y04kr

Move On Nursing Waterproof Multi Functional Diaper Backpack(₹849)

A gift that’s convenient and practical, perfect for travel. An ideal gift for parents.

https://rb.gy/es5416

Pearhead + Mejmej Wild and Free Collection First Year Belly Sticker (₹780)

This gift will help parents to mark every month.With a photo shoot as a timeless keepsake for the loved ones. These stickers can be re-applied in a scrapbook or an album!

https://rb.gy/wzvfez

Disney Winnie The Pooh,Baby Record Book (₹681)

A gift to preserve precious memories that lasts a lifetime! This gift will sure leave an impression, perfect perfect!!

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Disclaimer: Links attached on this blogs are not Affiliated

Child Care

Night waking! How Fathers Can Help

November 9, 2020 koolparenting

Babies grow rapidly in their first 1000 days (read Early Brain Development for more info) and their stomach size is very small, due to which they need to feed frequently. And this results into interrupted sleep for parents.

It’s hard, it’s hard for both mom and dad but you know what, mom is already going through a lot. She is literally healing from inside, mentally and physically! This makes harder for mom to cop up with things!

This is the time dad, This the time when, “we need you!”

How dad can help with night waking?

• keep the room cozy and adequately dark.

• Make sure she is comfortable and hand her things she needs like, her phone, charger or a book and her glasses.

• Make sure she has a bottle of water handy, breastfeeding makes mother thirsty.

If Baby Is Bottle Feed

• If baby is on bottle feed, fathers can make sure that bottles are sterilized before hand.

• You can keep the powder measured out in clean containers.

• Boil water & keep it in thermos (vaccum flask) so it’s easier to use at night quickly. Pleas make sure water is not too hot or cold.

Some babies go back to sleep while feeding, but sometimes they get stimulated and wake themselves up. How fathers can help here,

• pickup baby and try to soothe her by gently rocking her to sleep.

• If baby is taking time to get sleepy, take turns with your partner.

Once baby is asleep put her down in her bed, make sure you put baby to sleep on her back.

Time you spend with your baby, helps you to bond with each other! And by sharing parenthood you get a greater sense of teamwork!!

Happy Parenting!!

Source: Caring for your baby at night (UNICEF)

Child Care

Baby Crying Every Evening Same Time! Witching Hour

November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 koolparenting

Every parent loves to watch their little one to be happy and playful, but suddenly around early evening your happy little baby turns very restless and won’t stop crying!! And you just can’t figure out why!?

You tried everything thing which works for him otherwise, walking, singing, feeding! But nothing seems to work, sounds familiar??

As a new parent in this situation, the first advice you would get is “Maybe Baby is colic!”

But if baby is colic why would he cry at the same time everyday and not any other time!Well this is what we call WITCHING HOUR.

What is witching hour?

The simplest way to explain it would be, baby crying inconsolably around same time everyday! Mostly it could happen during early evenings!

Remember someone telling you, “Pata nahi kyon Sham hote hi rone lagta hai” that could be witching hour for the baby.

What causes this?

Their could be many reasons behind it, but some of the common reasons are,

1. Overstimulation

In evening we turn on the lights, start preparing for dinner, some one at home will listen to news, returning from work picking up the baby talking and playing with them. This all could be very overwhelming for a baby!

2. Tired baby

Over stimulation could lead to release a stress hormone called cortisol, which makes harder for babies to calm down & they get tired, which makes it harder for them to go to sleep.

3. Hunger

If mother is exclusively breast feeding throughout the day, in evening there is a possibility that milk supply lowers down, as a new borns are tend to feed frequently.

4. Colic

It’s hard to differentiate weather baby is colic or just sensitive and having a witching hour. To help with this we can go with the “Rule Of Three”

This witching hour could be very tiring and frustrating for parents, they feel so helpless! What can we do in this situation?

Acceptance: Accept the fact that this hour is gonna be hard for you and your baby and prepare for it before hand.

Self care: you know around what time baby gets fussy! Make sure you ate well before that and you are comfortable enough to calm your baby!

Bathing or walking: Give baby a gentle massage and give him a bath, this could help him calm. Go out for a walk!

Help: please don’t hesitate to ask for help! Take turns, this will help you calm down a little bit.

Witching hour could be very frustrating for new parents! Remember to stay calm!

When little people are overwhelmed with big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm! Not to join their chaos!!! _ L.R. Knost

Child Care

Early Brain Development

October 22, 2020 koolparenting

First 1000 days which starts right from conception plays a very significant role in your babies life! This is when their brain goes through rapid growth & development. This is the time when they start knowing the world!!!

It’s our duty as a parent to make their surroundings filled with positive energy and loving interaction!!

Cause this is when they are going to develop their social skills, emotions,language, learn to interact with new people & new environment!

According to the campaign #EarlyMomentsMatter by UNICEF, early brain development depends on these 3 elements

• Nutrition

• Protection

• Stimulation

Nutrition

In early childhood your kid needs proper nutrition.Make sure you are giving them enough amount of protein, fatty acids and micronutrients such as zinc, calcium, iron, iodine and more which plays very important roles in Brain Development.

Before 6 month when baby is on breast feed make sure mother is eating healthy and rich food.

If a child is not getting enough nutrients, this may result into Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Undernourished child may not have enough energy to explore and play. This May result into getting irritated and getting infected or ill more often. They could be very picky eaters and if lack of nutrition is going on for longer period, they may lose and show no interest in food.

Protection

Kids need protection in many ways like from increasing Air pollution. At this stage their lungs are not developed fully, make sure you are taking them some where, where they can breathe fresh air time to time!

Protecting them from Negative experiences which can scar them for life. Making sure you have good & nurturing environment at home.

Abuse & Neglecting a child can lead to some serious conditions & can affect their developing brain for life!

Stimulation

Playing with your child and baby talk may sound silly but it plays an important role in brain development. Specially pretend plays, they actually help your child to have a positive view for the world which is waiting out there!

Talk to your child as much as possible, this will help them develop their language and they will start recognizing things, colors and shapes around them.

Keep in mind that an individual learns better by experiencing things rather than by just telling or giving instructions! Show them get involved. When they are trying to tell you something by their actions respond to them!

Meal time is very important for a child and Responsive Feeding can help you with all three elements above. For more details check my blog Responsive Feeding And It’s Benefits.

Source

Early childhood development (UNICEF)
Giving Children the Best Start in Life: Integrating Nutrition and Early Childhood Development Programming within the First 1,000 Days (USAID, FANTA , Fhi360)

Child Nutrition, parenting

When To Introduce Solids? And Signs That Baby Is Ready!

October 15, 2020 koolparenting

Parents get so excited when it’s time to introduce solids to their little bub! Now a days some Pediatricians recommend starting solids as soon as 4 to 5 months and some ask to wait until 6 months. And as a parent we get so confused, what to do!!!

Well, before the age of 6 months mother’s milk or baby formula is all they need to full fill their nutritional requirements. (you may consider giving Vit D supplements after consulting your doctor). Waiting until six months is actually a good idea cause it gives your baby time to develop fully to digest solid foods.

Other than Age there are some other factors parents should look for, to decide weather your baby is ready for solids or not!

Signs That Baby Is Ready For Solids

• Baby stay in sitting position with or without support.

• Can hold their neck steady on their own

• Good eye, hand and mouth coordination

• Swallowing food without pushing it out, overcoming tongue thrust

According to American Academy of Pediatrics when babies double their birth weight and their weight is 5.9kg (13 pounds)or above they are usually ready for their solids. And this usually happens around 4 months. But every baby is different!! Seeking your Pediatricians advice is the best thing to do.

Talk to your doctor and ask questions it helps a lot!

Disclaimer

This website provides medical information for use as information or for educational purposes. We do not warrant that information we provide will meet your medical requirements. It is up to you to contact a health professional if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.

Source

UNICEF
NHS (Start4life)
Adapted from Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics

Breastfedding

Hakka Breast Pump & Why It’s A Good Choice!

October 11, 2020 koolparenting

Well Hakka breast pump is a new Buzz in the town And many moms are actually loving it!!

The best thing about this pump is, it’s convenient and hassle free! No electricity no cords. Lets see how this breast pump is different than others in the market!

How it works?

All breastfeeding moms experience this, when we are feeding our baby let’s say on right breast, the other one starts leaking!!! Well, this leaking is called Let Down Reflex. This reflex is actually a good sign, this shows that you are making a good amount of milk and also baby is latching and sucking well.

So, you have to place this pump on your nipple and apply suction and gently massage the top of your breast, once the milk starts to flow simply leave the pump & let it do its thing.

Yes! It’s that easy.

Many of us prefer to use breast pads to stay dry if there is a leakage from other breast while feeding your little one! But all that milk goes to waste!!!

Why waste our Liquid gold.! When we can easily collect it!!

This pump is also available in india! Plz check the video on YouTube about how to use Hakka Breast Pump!

parenting

5 Best Free Baby Registries For Expecting Mother’s

October 7, 2020 koolparenting

Amazon

With amazon baby registry you get a free welcome box worth up to $35. You can Add any item from any site to your Amazon Registry using Universal Registry and you get a 10% completion discount on items left on your registry. Prime members receive 15% off. And also You have a full 365 days to return most items purchased from your registry. And the best thing is you get 20% off on diapers in baby’s first year when you reach $500 spent!

Target

You get to pick up free welcome kit from any target service desk worth $80 and above coupons and samples. There is 15% off on everything left on your registry, 8 weeks before baby’s expected.! They also offer universal registry, easy returns and group gifting. And the best thing price match.

Buy buy baby

If you need help building or managing your registry, you can book an appointment and you get a registry guide with tips, advice and checklist! They also have easy to use app. You also get a free goody bag after registration and 15% completion discount. The best thing they offer is referral rewards. For each one who registers you will get $25 off!!! They also offer price match and easy returns.

Walmart

You get a free welcome box mailed to you valued around $40. Manage registry with their app. They also offer price match which you can use one product per day. You can return items for free within 90 days and get a gift card equal to the item value.

Baby list

Baby list sends you a free hello baby box after the registration and minimum $10 purchase from their store. We have to pay the Shipping and handling charges. Good thing is you can add any item from any store and get 15% completion discount to the baby store. The different option they provide is,Your loved ones can add some meaningful gifts to your registry like house cleaning, dog walking and home cooked meals. These gift ideas means so much when you have a little human to take care of, trust me!