Sleep between 4 and 6months

Around this age sleep time regress to 14-15 hours per day. He / she sleep more at night. Baby start processing sleep more like adults.

Being different from one and another between 4-6 months some babies may sleep through the night but, other still need feeding.

Around 6 months if you believe that it is time for you and your baby to sleep through the night then don't wake up at the first sound may be he/ she fall asleep again by himself or herself.

Sleep in the first weeks of life

Being different each baby has his/ her own sleep cycle therefore, it is useless to compare your newborn to another one.

For news parents the first night following the return from the hospital is usually perturbed due, to change of environment baby sleep could be more agitated.

Babies have extended periods of light sleep during this period they are more easily to wake up and short periods of deep sleep. They go from one cycle of sleep to another one more quickly than adults.

From his/her birth up to 3 or 4 months your baby need your constant presence to feel safer and more secure.

Sudden infant death syndrome

It occurs between one month and one year of age but, most babies who dies suddenly are under six months of age and the cause is unknown.

The most common risk factors are :

• Sleeping on his/her tummies or sides.
• Baby is surrounded by smoker.
• Baby's face and head are covered while sleeping.

Tips

• Always place your baby on his/her back to sleep. This is one of the safest way of reducing SIDS. You need to explain to all people who care for your baby about this before leaving your baby with them. Put your baby on his/her back while turning over he/she will find his/her favourite position and also  healthy baby doesn't choke while sleeping on his/her back.
• Avoid as far as possible smoking because, before and after baby is born cigarette smoke harms your baby.
• Your baby's head must remains uncovered during sleep. Don't put duvet as this can covers him/her .
• Baby can easily choke with pillows, cushions, bumper pads therefore, you must avoid them.
• To avoid your baby's neck being caught by any kind of cords such as : curtains, or blinds then keep his crib away from them.

How to prevent your baby from getting a flat head

The case of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has decrease due to the continuous warning of pediatrician to parents. To reduce the risk they have been told to always place a baby on her back to sleep. This position brought a problem that is the flat head syndrome is what the doctors call positional plagiocephaly. it caused by the pressure from the mattress as baby is constantly sleeping in one spot.

To prevent flat head syndrome there is few things to do :

• You must change your baby sleeping position every day so that, the pressure will be placed on different area.
• Try to to put your baby on her /his side to sleep as well as on her back.
• Switch from side to side when bottle or breast feeding your baby.

Baby sleeping safely

Ensuring the safety and protection of your baby must be the most important things you have to do. Even more with regard to his sleep you must pay attention because, newborns spend most of their time asleep.

First and foremost, taking about baby sleep safety the first thing that comes in our mind is his crib. You must choose a firm mattress and don't put cushions, pillows, fluffy animals in his crib because, your baby may become entangled within them.

As soon as you buy baby's mattress you must remove plastic or polyethylene materials.

According to doctors the position that offers a maximum of safety is always letting your baby sleep on his/her back. Either during the day or at night this reduce considerably the sudden infant death syndrome and also ensure that he/she does breathe easily.

Make sure that  baby's room temperature is comfortable. If it is seems comfortable for you, then it will be also for your baby.

Avoid co-sleeping with your baby :

• If you are extremely tired.
• If you are not sober or abstemious.
• If you still smoking or smoke during pregnancy.
• If you are a heavy sleeper.

Trimming baby nails

Trimming children's nails regularly is very important to avoid baby injuring himself or any other person who is caring him.

You can trim his nails after bath when their softer or when your baby is sleeping. The fingertip must be trimmed by following the natural curve. Cut in a straight line your baby's toes nails using clippers or scissors designed for children.

If your baby is awake while trimming his nails you need to distract his attention. In my case i do sing, talk to my baby or give a small toy.

Changing diapers

For first-time moms changing your baby's diaper can be exciting but also fearful. It seems difficult because of lack of experience and the feeling of doubt are fairly reasonable. As time go by you feel at ease and enjoying the changing time which is also a way of bonding with your baby.


To avoid leaving your baby alone to go and pick up a supply you have forgotten, you need to arrange and put everything near your baby before starting changing the diaper.

Put your baby in changing pad placed on top of a table or can be a room totally equipped for this purpose. Clean baby's bottom with a damp wipe. You can use the front side of the old diaper to clean soiled area.

Use diaper rash cream to treat your baby's rash. Make sure to use appropriated newborn diaper or fold down the top part of the diaper to make room for the umbilical cord.

While changing your baby talk, sing to him/her. Once you have finish changing your baby clean up everything and make sure to clean your hands to decontaminate them prior to holding your baby.

Washing and drying cloth diapers.

 Washing them properly is very important because if not well done your baby may get irritated , check always the manufacturer's instructions when washing cloth diapers.

Washing
The oldest way of washing cloth diapers is boil washing and many people still doing it. In our days washing may be done with washing machine. When washing them choose hot water and use a fragrance-free detergent you can neutralize smells by using white vinegar. Use only clear water to do the rinse.

Drying
You may dry your diapers outside in the sunshine. This will help to bleach and deodorize them.
You can also use dryer at medium heat temperature.

Choice of diapers.

when choosing between cloth or disposable diapers the most important things to keep in mind are : It is a question of preferences, finances, environment and your child's health and comfort will be affected.

Cloth diapers.
On the one hand seeing that they are washable and reusable cloth is much less expensive than disposables. They cause less diaper rash. Cloth diapers are good for the environment.
On the other hand cloth diapers most of the time are fastened with pins, you may also find velcro and snap closures. Keep in mind that almost every day you will do loads of laundry. They are not convenient when not at home or travelling.

Disposable diapers.
After each use you throw them away whenever you change your baby and they are easier to use and convenient when not at home or travelling. They leek less and have a tape-stick. No question of doing laundry.
On the other hand disposable diapers are more expensive. They cause a rash. Although they supposed to be biodegradable, but it takes time therefore they are bad for the environment.

It is completely a personal choice for parent to decide which diaper to use for your child. You must make a good decision based either on the convenience, the environment or your baby's health.

Bathing baby

Bathing newborn is very important. It's a special moment of bonding between parents and baby and also allowing them to get to know him.

Before bathing your  baby make sure that everything needed is close at hand and ready.
Check water's temperature with your elbow or your arm it has to be comfortably warm.
Room temperature should be between 22ºC and 24ºC. Bathing baby can be done at any time when baby is awake.

Getting ready.

• Sponge baths for newborns
• Mild soap
• Soft cotton balls
• New clean diaper
• Baby towel
• Wash cloth
• Bay shampoo
• Clean cloth

Never ever leave your baby alone in the bathroom. Do not be disturb by anything when baby is still bathing.( Don't answer the phone or people at the door.)
Always carry your baby with you to get a forgotten item needed  for his bath.

A newborn may not need to take his bath everyday. Just clean his face, his eyes, behind the ears, his neck, genitals and bottom every day with a soft cloth.
When cleaning his eyes or ears use a different soft cotton balls for each eye and each ear to avoid spreading minor infection. You can also use a different corner of a wash cloth for each eye and ear.
Don't forget to clean also his nostril with another corner of wash cloth.

Take off your baby's clothing and diaper. Put a wash cloth in lukewarm water and squeeze it properly, clean gently all his body.
Once or twice a week you may wash your baby's head and scalp smoothly with a mild soap or a baby shampoo. Rinse his hair properly with a soft cloth and clear water.

To keep your baby warm cover him with a dry towel after he has been rinse gently and  smoothly.

Taking care of the umbilical cord of a newborn.

The umbilical cord is very important for baby. Is that tube that connects the fetus to the placenta. Through it oxygen and necessary nourishment is brought from the placenta to the fetus. Once baby is born the umbilical cord is cut off leaving only a small stump that generally fall off between 7-21 days and this occurs naturally.

How to take care of a  umbilical cord

• We must clean the umbilical cord every day and make sure that it well dried.
• Until the 21 day or the falling off of the stump bath your baby with wash cloth or sponge.
• Use a cotton balls or cotton swab soaked in warm water to clean the stump.
• Use another cotton balls or cotton swab to dry the stump.
• Use newborn diapers that are suitable and adapted to his umbilical cord or use any other diaper but, make sure that it fasten just below baby's tummy.
• The stamp will fall off naturally never pull it out even if it seems like it is about to fall off.

Once the umbilical cord has fallen off it is normal and not dangerous when you see bleeding or minor discharge.
Get medical attention when the stump is bleeding continually and foul odor is being released.
Properly caring for the umbilical cord is very important to avoid infection.

Talking with your baby

Crying

As soon as a baby is born he start to communicate and his only way of communication is by crying. 
As new parent it is a bit confusing and difficult because you don't understand why your baby is crying but, nevertheless don't be discouraged. Spending time with your baby is the best way to get to know and interpret his needs.

Reasons why baby is crying

Hungry

The most common reason of babies crying is hungry. Newborn ask breast or feeding bottle most often than could many parents imagine at first. Newborns can be fed at least eight to twelve times a day.

Temperature

The room temperature is very important for baby.  If it is too hot or too cold your baby may start crying. Specially if he has cold feet, he cannot sleep. The best thing to do is to put a cloth over his  feet.

Thirst

Breast fed baby doesn't need water because his thirst is naturally fulfil with mother's milk. At beginning of each feed mother's milk has sufficient quantity of water.
Bottle-fed baby may get thirst between baby's bottle that may explain his cry.

Need to be carry

Simply by taking and carrying baby in your arms is often sufficient to stop his cry. Cuddling your baby is not synonymous of spoiling him.

Not comfortable

Is his nappy wet or soiled?,  is there something that is hurting or irritating him?, is his position not comfortable?

Touch

At birth touch is the most mature sense. It is the first sense a baby  develops while in the uterus.
During pregnancy you got in touch with your baby in fondling your belly.
Cuddling, fondling and taking her into your arms give her a sense of contentment and well-being and also testify your love for her.
Daily massage is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. It develops a strong, positive parent-child relationship. Another way of bonding with your baby is during bathing time while enjoying skin contact.

Eye contact

Strong visual contact with your baby conveys love. It also a sign of security and engagement.
Although his sight is a bit blurred baby is able to look at you  in the eyes and recognize you.
Maintain eye contact when feeding your baby and you will be able to communicate your love to her.

Hearing

While baby was in your belly she had often heard your voice. A newborn can distinguish the sound of her mother voice from the one of another woman.
Your baby is at ease when she hear a familiar sound and it gives her a sense of security.
Baby may turn her head to the side where the sound is coming therefore, when you enter into her bedroom she will turn in your direction.
During bath time, feeding time or any other moments when baby is awake talk to her.

Taste and smell

The sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses. The newborn has already a sense of smell. Your baby distinguish the scent of your skin from the one of another woman and it contributes to develop her bonding with you.

During bath time, feeding time or any other moments when baby is awake talk to her. These are very special moments for both of you because you get to know and also to bond to each other. 

Having twins

Giving birth to twins is not easy in the first months, all will turn around bathing time, feeding time, sleeping time, clothes washing time. You need to create routines for everything.

Organisation is very important. Write down the time-table for each baby and other important things also. This will be useful when getting help from family and friends.

Fathers has to help. They must get involved in taking care of the twins, they are vital to the raising of twins.

Having twins is not the end of the world. You will be filled with wonder at the progress accomplished each day by everybody.

Baby clothes care

Some babies have sensitive skin and it is imperative to protect their skins from irritating substances by taking proper care of their clothes.

New clothes should always be washed before worn.You must always read and follow the manufacturer's instruction. Your little one's clothes has to be washed separately with a mild and fragrance-free detergent. Also pay attention to fabric softener some newborn may get irritated.

Baby's first shoes

Once baby is born we cannot stop his development but, instead comply with it. He is growing as in the twinkling of an eye before us.

When baby start crawling it is excellent for him to be barefoot inside and outside the house in summer.

It's a joyous time for parents when baby start walking and also time to go from those cute booties to baby shoes. Baby toddler shoes must provide protection for their feet and keep them warm. It should be light in weight and allowing the feet to remain healthy and strong. Therefore must be made from natural and soft materials and be airy for toddler's feet to breath.

Every three months between 12 and 36 months the adjustment of shoes must be verified to make sure they fit properly.

No need to be perfect

As all human being we do make mistakes and as parents we are not exempted from them. The most important thing is to admit and correct them.

Being parents is not synonymous of perfection. Life is a learning process so we do learn , improve and grow every day. We share our knowledge and experience with our children to prevent them from making the same mistakes as us and helping them to be responsible and facing their actions.

We are  preparing our children for their future with counsel, guidance and we are coaching them as they move ahead in life. They may not like or be in agreement with what we do we must stand firm because we are not their friend, but instead their guide. We are not perfect but, we are responsible for their upbringing. We want the best for our children and in this process we must admit that we can make mistakes.

As time go by we are ageing  and getting mature to the degree we are much wiser than when we were younger and growing up.

Reaction of the older

A baby is definitely a huge family blessing, but his or her arrival also means a lot of changes not only for parents, but also for the sibling in the home.

Anxiety and jealousy are normal reaction felt by a child at any age upon the arrival of a baby in the family. He doesn't understand the changes that are occurring, particularly if he is young. The most important thing is to prepare him before the birth.

As we know even well prepared, it is possible that he changes his behaviour for some times (stuttering, thumb-sucking,...). Do not reprimand him these reactions are normal.

The sibling needs time to get used to his new role. Let him help you care for the new one gives your child the feeling that he is important and that the new baby likes him too.

More love and attention is what the older sibling expect from you. He needs to know that he still has a special place in your heart. Schedule some precious times to reconnect with your child which will be «just us» moments.

Grandparents

To witness the birth of a family and rediscovering the unique pleasures of the life of a child that is becoming grandparents.

Time is the main required ingredient to develop a relation with her grandson or his granddaughter. As time go by a bond is created, an intimacy is tied and the pride to be grandparent crown it all. 

 Father-children relationship is not the same as grandparents-grandchildren. Parents are more strict and firm towards their children on the other hand grandparents are more large and spoiling but, not in the wrong way.

Having seen a lot of life under the sun they have more wisdom and experience which are a great asset for our children. Grandparents are very important role models in life. Time spent playing, teaching special skills, trips to special places all play a part in shaping the children.

Wonderful and great memories of grandparents are those of many of us grow up with. They are part of us and always will be. Enjoyable and unforgettable.

 

Importance of  father-child relationship

 

Although different from the mother-child relationship, the relationship a child share with his father is very important . A privileged bonds is tied between father and child when playing together.

The first year of a child's life is the most crucial time for father to be present and loving and hugging his child. By spending more time with their babies, they get to know exactly what each of their baby's signals mean.Therefore they can respond sensitively to all the needs of their babies because of this great intimacy.

Father and mother are offering different model from one and another. Fathers encourage the exploration of the surrounding, the capacity of doing new things and the search for autonomy.

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to develop a strong relationship with their mother and with his children. The difference between a strong family and a dysfunctional one is relationship. A loving and nurturing relationship with one's father cannot be compare with food on the table and a roof over head. 

DO NOT underestimate the power a father has in a child's life.

The quality of the relation father-child has an unquestionable incidence on the exchanges which the child will have with his peers and the adult world.

Father

Father like mother are not born. Men grow into fathers and fathering is a very important stage in their development.

During the nine months of preparation of  the arrival of baby and the eager to be able to hold him in our hands. Fathers have the facility to follow and be implied in the evolution of the pregnancy. From conception, to prenatal education classes, through ultrasound and finally to the childbirth.


As all other great event which generates a variety of  emotions child's birth is not exempted.On one hand there is : Joy, amazement and pride to be father. These are positive emotions. On the other hand others which are more difficult to live are in connection with instability, insecurity and the feeling to be clumsy.

Dads and their infants must take the time to know themselves. There is no recipe to become a perfect father. It is by getting involved in the daily care of your little one that confidence settles down. The love of a father will grow gradually, as he learns how to discover the little creature that is now part of his life.
During the period of adaptation the support and help of the family and friends must not be neglected.

With baby's arrival, difficult moments won't miss. Once again, do not worry. You will adapt yourself, because the role of parent is learned day by day.

Children





 

Children

Boy or girl in the age of childhood.

The permanent reality of a nation it is  his population and the permanent reality of a population is reflected in its children. They are pure, filled with promises and hope, mystery and wonder.

They hold the future of the humanity between their hands. To concentrate on the needs of our children has to be our priority in order to have a better future.

Since they are the greatest wealth of society, we must commit ourselves so that they develop their full potential without limit nor restriction.
Let's teach and guide them!

Let's comfort and empower them!
Let's promote learning and reflection without limit!

We encourage their actions because we are convinced that our work is the cornerstone of learning, citizenship, excellence, optimism, hope, commitment.

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Parents

 Any person with whom we have a family tie.
Parents, are apprentices who discover from day by day their parenting role, guides, sources of love, models, and especially those most important persons in the lives of their children.

Being a parent is one of the most challenging occupations that anyone can ever take on. Because it's no longer about us only but about our children being there for them , investing quality time and making sacrifices. Guiding them into this long path of live, helping them to be responsible and making good choices for their lives.

Parenting is something that usually comes naturally to people. We are learning and improving each and every day as we are progressing in our daily life. .

As parents, we must provide an environment suitable to children, give them welfare, safety, care, education and love for their own development. But parents are not the only actors : grandparents, extended family, teachers, friends and environment also contribute to this winning project.
 If water is essential to life, parents are just as important for their children

Family

The family is the group formed by the father, the mother (or by one of two) and the children. Group of persons with family ties by blood or by alliance.

It is «the first school of life and love, the place by excellence of humanization». She assumes tasks and responsibilities that no other institution accomplishes more successfully, to the greater benefit of the society.

To found a family requires : Love, Commitment, Oversight (forgetting) of one and Hope.

1. Love : Very intense feeling , true, unconditional and without back thought. Which urges us to unite, to support one another.
2. Commitment : Act whereby one undertakes to do something, by a promise. Keep word, to have quality time and be there for (Her husband, his wife, his children).
3. Oversight (forgetting) of one : Not to think more of its own interests. Those of the other come first. The well-being of the other one holds us heart.
4. Hope : Feeling which carries to consider what the other desires as realizable. Confidence, hope. We wish the blooming, the achievement, the development of the full potential of the other.

The family which is the basic cell of society, it has an impact on  the life of her entourage. It adapts to all the demand and the development of society. It has a remarkable strength to face up all society's challenges such as : conciliation of family with work, stress, performance, estrangement, violence and many others else. To be able to preserve its balance it succeed in developing news forms of adaptation. 

Without the family, society could not exist. That why we must do your best to support and help it.