Tag: Parenting Tips

Defense First!: Understanding Your Baby’s Immune System
Immunity is the ability of a person’s body to fight infections and diseases. The body’s immune system controls it. Your immune system comprises cells, tissues, and organs that work together to fight off infections and diseases.

The baby’s immune system at birth and beyond.

Most people think of the immune system exclusively as the body’s defence against disease, but it plays several roles in helping your child grow up strong. For example, it helps keep their skin clear, helps them fight off infections, and helps teach their bodies to fight off future threats that might cause illness or disease later on. It does all this by producing proteins called antibodies that identify invaders such as viruses or bacteria. The antibodies then attack these invaders so they can’t cause harm to your child’s body.

Every baby is born after being exposed to microbes through the placenta during pregnancy. Therefore, they are born fortified with the necessary antibodies required to defend the baby against harmful microbes. However, these antibodies are only temporary since they aren’t produced at a high enough level to protect against all infections. Babies will gradually develop antibodies as they grow as they will inevitably be exposed to these microbes down the road. (Which happens until around they are 5 years old).

In the first year of their life, most babies’ immune systems grow and develop, but it’s still important to protect them from germs and disease.

Your baby’s immune system is still growing and developing, so it’s not fully prepared to fight off illness. This can make it hard for your baby to even recover from certain common illnesses.
- Your baby’s immune system is still a working progress, learning how to fight off germs and diseases.
- There are many different kinds of germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi), which need a lot of different sorts of protection from the immune system.
- Some germs are harmful to babies because they’re too strong for their young immune systems to fight off on their own (like chickenpox). Other germs don’t cause disease in adults but can be severe in newborns because their bodies haven’t had time to build defences against them (like herpes).
Your Baby’s Susceptibility to Diseases and Common Infant Sicknesses

Your baby’s immune system remains underdeveloped until the age of 3 months. Your baby will be susceptible to various diseases and common infant sicknesses in the first year of life. Examples of these illnesses include:
- Colds and flu are transmitted through contact with others who are infected or by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and other personal items. Contact your pediatrician immediately for treatment guidance, even if the symptoms seem mild.
- Ear infections (otitis media) result from bacteria entering the middle ear through a hole in one or both eardrums. Ear infections can cause pain, fever, fussiness, and a refusal to eat or drink liquids due to discomfort from sucking/swallowing them.
Your Baby’s Vulnerability to Viruses

As a new parent, you’ve probably heard the news: your baby is more vulnerable to viruses than adults. While this may make you worry, you can take steps to reduce your baby’s risk of infection. The most common viruses that affect babies include:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, fever, and sore throat. It causes bronchiolitis, a condition where the small airways in the lungs swell, block airflow and fill with mucus. It also causes pneumonia.
- Rhinovirus (commonly called “the common cold”) causes similar symptoms as RSV. Still, it is less severe than other viral infections because it doesn’t stay in the body for long periods as some other viruses do.
- Influenza A or B virus (flu). Flu usually comes with fever, coughs, or chills that can last up to seven days after initial exposure. However, some cases can cause febrile seizures—an unexpected seizure triggered by high fevers caused by certain illnesses, including flu or chickenpox— which may result in brain damage if not treated immediately following diagnosis.
- Babies are particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal viruses. If left untreated, they can cause severe dehydration, diarrhea, and complications such as liver damage, meningitis, encephalitis, and heart inflammation.
Boosting Your Baby’s Immunity
- Breast milk is the best food for your baby’s immune system. It contains antibodies, which help fight against illness.
- If you are breastfeeding, try to avoid introducing solid foods until your child is at least 6 months old. After that, they can be introduced one at a time and in small amounts to protect their digestive system.
- Your child should get all of their vaccinations on schedule and any recommended boosters if needed (check with your doctor).
- Ensure that there are no unnecessary chemicals in their environment or food (for example, pesticides on fruit/vegetables), and keep them away from other children who may have contagious illnesses like chickenpox or measles.
- When you introduce new foods into your baby’s diet (once they’re ready), make sure it’s organic because conventionally grown produce has been shown to have higher levels of pesticides than its organic counterparts.
Breast milk contains many immune-boosting factors.

Breast milk contains many immune-boosting factors that work together to protect your baby from illness. Breast milk contains antibodies, white blood cells, and other immune-boosting factors that help fight off viruses and bacteria. It’s also an ideal source of nutrition for your baby. Studies show that breastfed babies have lower rates of diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and other infections than formula-fed babies in the first year after birth.

In addition to protecting against infectious diseases such as ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory infections during infancy and childhood, breastfeeding also protects against leukemia later in life.

Vaccination is the safest way in which to protect your child from significant diseases.

Vaccination is the safest way to protect your child from serious diseases. Vaccination protects against many serious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. Read more about vaccination safety and stay updated on what your baby needs.

Vaccines do not cause autism. The original study that claimed there was a link between the MMR vaccine and autism has since been discredited as fraudulent by every other independent scientific group that has examined it — but the myth persists in some circles.

Proper diet and dietary practices boost immunity.

As your baby grows, you may start to notice that they’re getting sick more often. This is normal, but it can be frustrating as a parent. You want to do everything you can to keep your baby healthy!

Breastfeeding is the best way to ensure your baby has the nutrients he needs to fight off illness. As mentioned before, breast milk contains many immune-boosting factors, including stem cells and antibodies that help build a healthy immune system.

After the breastfeeding phase, the main factor that can help boost your baby’s immune system is a healthy diet. A balanced diet is one full of fruit and vegetables that will help give your baby all the nutrients they need to fight off infections and stay healthy. Incorporate the following food into your baby’s diet:
- Iron-rich foods like meat, fish, or eggs (or iron-fortified cereals)
- Zinc-rich foods like beef, eggs, and cheese (or cereals fortified with zinc)
- Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits (or juices containing vitamin C)
Another thing that can help boost immunity is probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria that live in the gut and help with digestion. When babies have antibiotics, they can kill some of these beneficial bacteria. Probiotics can help replace some of these good bacteria so that your baby’s immune system stays strong. However, there are certain things to keep in mind when using probiotics. They should only be given as directed by a doctor; they can cause allergic reactions, and they aren’t recommended for children under two years old or pregnant women without talking to their doctor first.

You don’t always need supplementation

Most babies do not need supplementation, even if you are not breastfeeding or if your baby is premature. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. After that, they can receive up to 1 litre/day (about 4 cups) of safe complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed.

If your baby has certain medical conditions and needs supplementation, talk with your doctor about how much extra nutrition she will need to help her grow and develop properly. If you have concerns about whether or not to supplement your baby’s diet with formula or other food products, talk with your healthcare provider before giving them any supplements at all—even vitamin drops!

Concluding note: Although immunity starts before birth, you can help protect your baby by breastfeeding, vaccinating, and maintaining a healthy diet.
- Breastfeed. A baby’s immune system is still developing when they’re born, and breastfeeding provides them with antibodies that help to protect them against infections. This immunity is passed on through breast milk, so the more you breastfeed, the better your baby’s protection will be.
- Vaccinate your child. Starting at 2 months of age, make sure you take your child for all recommended vaccinations to protect them from diseases. Make sure you have their immunization records handy if you need to call an ambulance or go to an emergency room.
- Feed a healthy diet for strong immunity.
June 25, 2022
Getting Your Baby to Sleep: Parenting Essentials
Babies and toddlers need a lot of sleep!

Babies need a lot of sleep. They normally require 12-16 hours per day to grow and develop properly. You must get your baby on a regular schedule as soon as possible so that you can keep track of their sleep schedule without any issues. If you’re having trouble getting your child to sleep at night or during naps, it might be because they are not getting enough rest during the day. Sleep deprivation can lead to many problems for infants and parents alike, such as accidents and injury (from falling off furniture), stress, depression, and anxiety for both parties involved, etc.

Don’t be fooled! Babies are not that great at sleeping.

Babies are not great at sleeping. If you have a baby and have trouble getting your little one to sleep, you’re definitely not alone. There are many tips and tricks that can help—like swaddling them, putting them on their backs, or rocking them to sleep—but sometimes these things don’t work for everyone.

If your child is old enough to roll over or sit up by themselves in the crib, it’s time for something more radical: letting them cry it out (also known as controlled crying). This method involves leaving your child to cry for a while every night until they fall asleep on their own without being rocked or fed back to sleep. For some people, this seems cruel; however, there are several benefits associated with controlled crying, including better self-soothing skills in children who do not develop an attachment disorder from being held all the time!

Important: It’s also been shown that babies who sleep on their backs have fewer problems than those who prefer sleeping on their tummy, which is not recommended as it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. (SIDS)

Sleep deprivation has been linked with both physical and psychological issues, so we must provide our babies with adequate rest.

First and foremost, your baby needs you to be a responsible caregiver.

Some people may say that the number one essential for getting your baby to sleep is having a responsible caregiver. That’s where it all starts. You should pay attention to your baby 24/7 and learn their patterns, their responses, and how they react to different activities. Once you’ve got the basics down, the rest of it comes afterward.

Create a safe sleeping space for your baby

When setting up a nursery, new parents often buy a cot and decorate the walls before thinking about their child’s experience in the room. But if you want your baby to sleep well and for long periods, it is essential to consider how they feel in their environment. Research shows that babies exposed to things like bright lights or noise before they go to sleep end up having more trouble falling asleep at night.

In order to create a safe sleeping space, you will need first need a bassinet or crib that is at least 16 inches off of the ground. Your baby can be put to sleep in a cot or maybe a crib. Either way, it’s important to ensure that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. You’re probably already aware of the dangers associated with unsafe sleeping environments for babies, but we will go over them again just in case you missed it!

The safest place for your child is their own bed, so try not to be too worried by this list if they are still napping and sleeping on a mattress next to yours rather than being moved into their own room at night time.

Ensure that the cot is safe.
- Never use a second-hand cot.
- Make sure the cot fits the mattress.
- If you’re buying a new mattress and cot, make sure it’s compatible with each other.
- Ensure that your baby can stand up in their cot and not touch anything above them (unless it’s a guard rail).
Set up your nursery with your baby’s safety and comfort in mind

Once you’ve chosen a cot and mattress, it’s vital to set up your nursery with your baby’s safety and comfort in mind.
- Follow the instructions on the cot and check it regularly. It should be fixed securely to the wall using brackets designed for this purpose. If you’re not sure how to do this or can’t find instructions, contact the manufacturer of your particular model—they may have additional tips for making sure that it’s safe to use.
- Check that there is no gap between any bars or slats of the cot—this could trap fingers or toes and cause injury if they move in their sleep (or yours). Make sure that there are no sharp edges around any part of the frame (e.g., corners), which could hurt them if they roll over onto them during their night’s rest!
- Ensure that there is plenty of ventilation around them in their bedroom—this helps keep them cool during hot weather, which will help them sleep better at night because they won’t be too hot to doze off properly! Plus, air movement keeps away insects like mosquitos which might want nothing more than biting into soft fleshy bodies.
Comfortable Sleepwear

To help your baby sleep well, you should dress them in soft, breathable, and comfortable sleepwear. Cotton is the best material because it breathes well and doesn’t get too hot for your baby. It’s also worth keeping the room cool since overheating can cause restlessness and make it harder for them to settle down at night. Dress your baby in one layer more than you would wear yourself – so if it’s summertime, make sure they have something lightweight on under their pajamas or sleepwear. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold, use a sleep sack to keep them warm but still allow airflow around their body.

Swaddling Blankets

Swaddling blankets are great for baby sleep. They provide reassurance and comfort to your little one, keeping them warm, snug, and calm. Swaddling blankets can also help prevent SIDs (sudden infant death syndrome) and the startle reflex that some babies exhibit. Additionally, swaddled babies tend to sleep longer than unswaddled ones—and there’s nothing more important than getting good sleep when you’re a new parent!

Sleep Sacks

Sleep sacks are a safer alternative to blankets, which can pose suffocation and strangulation risks. Not only do they help your baby sleep better, but they’re safer than pillows, too! Sleep sacks are made of breathable fabric that allows air to circulate. This means babies can breathe freely throughout the night and stay cool when it’s hot out.
- Purchase a size that fits your baby well. Infants should wear sleep sacks until they reach 4-5 months old; toddlers typically wear them up until age 2-3 years old (or longer if you keep them in their crib). It’s essential to get a size that fits snugly without being too tight, so your child doesn’t kick off the blanket during the night—and make sure it’s long enough, so it doesn’t ride up over their face!
Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are the best way to darken the room, which means better sleep for your baby. Parents will also benefit from them because it’ll help them get a good night’s sleep too. Not only does this block out light and sound, but it helps create an environment where you can relax and unwind before bedtime, making it easier to fall asleep faster.

White Noise Machine and/or Music Player

White noise machines, also known as sound conditioners, can help drown out distracting noises and create a soothing environment for your baby. This can include noises like rain or waves crashing on the beach. A music player could be something like an iPod or an Echo Dot that you leave in your child’s room. If you choose this option for white noise, make sure you don’t play too much music because it may keep them awake!

Some parents use both at once: they play classical music through speakers while simultaneously using a white-noise machine to create an even more calming environment for their little ones.

If none of these options works well enough, try simply leaving on the television or radio until your baby falls asleep—that way, they’ll hear familiar sounds while being lulled into dreamland by some soothing tunes!

Lavender Bath Products & Essential Oils

Lavender is a calming scent that can help your baby sleep. It’s also an essential oil that you can use in bath products, diffusers, or humidifiers. If your baby has sensitive skin, look for a lavender-based lotion or body wash instead of using lavender essential oil directly on their skin.

Rocking Chair or Glider

A rocking chair or glider is a gentle way to soothe your baby. The motion of rocking or gliding helps settle your baby and can also be used for feeding, cuddling, and later on for reading books.

Many parents continue to use the same rocking chair or glider they started with during the early days of their baby’s life because it’s still the best way to unwind after a long day at work.

A Comfy and Cozy Lovey

A lovey is a comfort object. It’s a small, soft item that children use to help them feel safe and secure when they’re away from their parents or other loved ones. It can be an object like a blanket or stuffed bear, but it doesn’t have to be—it can also be something inanimate like a teddy bear lamp shade or flat blankie.

Most experts recommend getting your child one as soon as possible to have something to hold onto while they sleep at night and during the day when they’re feeling lonely (or just bored!). If you don’t already have one on hand, try looking for these items at your local thrift store:
- A favourite stuffed animal
- A doll
- A photo of you holding your child up high in the air (so long as it’s not digitally altered!)
June 3, 2022
Life Within: Understanding Your Baby’s Movements
Fetal movement during pregnancy can be one of the most thrilling (and nerve-wracking) aspects of carrying a child. Most pregnant women will experience a fetal movement of some kind, whether it’s a light flutter or a strong kick. Before we move on to our article, let us tell you this. While the fetal movement is generally normal, it can sometimes be a sign of a problem. Talk to your doctor when you’re worried about your baby’s movements. They will be able to listen to your baby’s heart and assess how they are moving. If there is cause for concern, your doctor will likely order additional tests.

Every pregnant woman experiences fetal movement differently, and there is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions. Movement is simply one way your baby communicates with you. So how do you interpret the kicks, punches, and hiccups? When is the fetal movement most likely to occur?

Fetal movement is most frequent during the third trimester. At this time, you will probably feel your baby moving between 10 and 20 times per day. Fetal movement typically increases as you near your due date.

How often should you feel your baby move?

The average woman will feel her baby move about 8-10 times a day in the second trimester and about 15-20 times a day in the third trimester. Each time your baby moves, you will probably feel a little flutter in your stomach or side. You may also get the sensation of your baby kicking.

In addition to feeling the baby move, there are some other signs that your baby is healthy and growing:

Baby Alert: A Mom’s Perspective

Your abdomen will start getting bigger as the uterus expands to make room for the growing fetus. The uterus grows from the small size of a pear to the size of a grapefruit by the end of the first month.

Internal Sensations:

When the baby is around 5½ inches long and weighs about 6.5 ounces, they are getting ready to make their first movements, which may feel like flutters. Your uterus will have now grown big enough that you can feel the baby’s kicks—but they won’t be strong enough for you to notice them yet. You might have felt a little “flutter” when you were carrying the egg, but now the movements and kicks will start feeling more pronounced. The baby is, after all, continuing to grow at a rapid rate, doubling in size every week. Your uterus would have grown so large that it’s pressing against your diaphragm and restricting your breathing.

What You Look Like: You might have started showing already—you’ll know for sure when someone comments on it! If not, don’t worry—it will happen soon enough.

What You’re Feeling: Excited! Scared! Thrilled! Nauseous! Heartburn! Sleepy!

What You Look Like: Pregnant. That’s right; you look pregnant. Many people will comment on your “baby bump,” and some might even ask if you are expecting.

When can you feel your baby move?

You will notice find that your baby is more active under the following circumstances:
- Bed Time: When you’ve wrapped up your day and settled down for the night, you’ll likely notice that baby is more active. The movement of your own body can put her to sleep during the day, and you’re typically preoccupied with other things. You’ll be more likely to notice what the baby is up to if you’re relaxed and tuned in to your body.
- Post Munch: After you’ve had a bite to eat. Your baby may experience a burst of energy due to the spike in your blood sugar.
- Jitters and Shivers: When you’re feeling nervous and jittery. The production of adrenaline will have the same effect and provide a surge of energy for your child.
- Hiccupotamus: When your child develops a case of the hiccups. Have you ever noticed small flutters of subtle but rhythmic tics that linger anywhere from a minute to an hour? Your baby is most likely experiencing a harmless and very common episode of the hiccups. It’s very natural not to have them as well.
Kicks-Galore! What does it mean to carry around a super-active baby?

Your baby may be active and sharpening its tiny muscles before birth. If you are pregnant, try to take a deep breath and relax. It doesn’t mean that your child will grow up to be uncontrollably hyperactive or that their life is predetermined to be an Olympic level runner nor the next great wing three-quarter for the Wallabies. I mean, they could be, but that’s not the key takeaway.

Kicks should simply be seen as a healthy part of fetal development. They’re like an “exercise routine” and help strengthen all of those growing muscles and bones before the baby is born.

As your baby grows, their living area will become considerably smaller. That poor unborn baby, you might think, but hold on! You might not realize how strong babies are! They might be cramped and uncomfortable, but by the third trimester, they would still manage to kick up a storm! The average baby can kick with a generated force of around 11 pounds (around 49 Newtons) by the end of their 6th month. Kicks are an important part of fetal development, so be sure to share your kick counts with your doctor.

No matter what you’re experiencing, remember, this is just the third trimester. You’ve got it made! Just a few more weeks, and you’ll be holding your little one in your arms.

If your little one’s favourite pastime of going full Virgil Donati in your belly becomes too much for you to bear, try a different position. Sit or lie down on your side. Your baby will likely find this new position and continue with their playing. If a foot (or feet) starts to pester your ribs, take it as your cue to change positions and since you would most likely be suffering from uncomfortable feet in the last few weeks of pregnancy, try some pelvic tilts. A gentle nudge is sometimes all that’s needed to change positions.

Tracking Your Baby’s Kicks:

As a parent, it’s your duty to keep track of your baby’s movement. A baby will kick and punch less frequently in the morning and more often in the evening. So, set aside sometime twice a day to do kick counts. In the morning, count movements like kicks and punches. In the evening, count movements like kicks, flutters, or rolls. Keep an eye out for 10 movements of any kind within an hour. When you reach 10, stop counting and note the time. If it takes more than two hours to count to 10, that is a typical red flag for you to contact your doctor or midwife for evaluation.

Incoming! Going into Labour

Do you know those movements felt in your baby’s first 30 weeks? They’re about to change when you are about to go into labour. Typically, around two to three weeks before labour, your baby’s head drops down into the pelvis as they start to prepare themselves for their grand entrance. This preparation period will result in a change in their internal activity patterns.

When you’re about 32 weeks pregnant, your baby may start to move less. Don’t worry—this is normal for the last few weeks before delivery! Some activity patterns vary widely and can change from week to week. Some babies become less active in the last few weeks, but others manage to keep up an energetic pace until the big day.

Regardless of the position your baby takes in your womb; you should still feel your baby move every day. You will feel more movement before labour than you will right after birth, but even then, you should still feel a slight movement. If all movement ceases or there is a significant decrease of movement when you are close to delivery, consult your doctor immediately!

When can you expect decreased movement?

Sex: At the end of a long day, many pregnant women find themselves sleeping after sex. The rocking movements and uterine contractions that happen post-orgasm and the release of oxytocin and vasopressin often lead to a quick snooze for both mom and baby. However, some babies become more active after sex. Either way, these changes are expected – and should never be a sign that sex during pregnancy is unsafe unless explicitly advised!

Second Trimester: If you don’t feel movement during the second trimester, don’t panic. This is normal. It is common not to feel regular movement at this stage and with your baby still relatively tiny. It might be because they are in the fetal position or because you sleep right through the most active periods of the night.

Third Trimester: The third trimester is one of the most crucial stages for moms-to-be. Your baby has now established a fairly regular sleep and wake cycle. Count the number of fetal movements a few times a day and be sure to report any sudden decreases to your doctor. Any sudden decreases during this period should not be taken lightly.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you might feel worried. Don’t hesitate to give yourself a little reassurance: Have a quick snack and sit or lie down for about half an hour. If your baby responds to the food by moving 10 times or more, then it’s safe to assume that everything is fine. And if you don’t feel 10 movements, call your practitioner to make sure – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Feeling your baby move is one of the most exciting milestones of pregnancy.

And while lightening or Braxton-Hick’s contractions can be a little alarming at first, fetal movements are very real and a sign of the life growing inside of you. So, sit back, relax and enjoy! Just don’t forget to do those kick counts during the third trimester!
April 5, 2022
Handle With Care: Safety Tips To Handle Your Stroller
Imagine this; you are in the prime of your life; you are, as the saying goes, “young, wild and free.” You cruise through life without an ounce of care in the world, and bam! You have a baby on the way.

DEFCON-1!

Once your baby comes along for the ride, all notions of risk and tomfoolery get thrown out of the window. It’s time to get rid of your ‘no time for caution’ mentality and buckle up for a long ride of safety, caution, patience, and responsibility. Do not get anxious, though; it is not something you cannot handle with a little bit of information and a possible prep level.

Your little one will soon become ready to step into the outside world and take a stroll along with their mommy or daddy. Ideally, you should have a completely functional and fully equipped stroller prepared to go when it comes to that point.

(For the best prams and strollers in New Zealand, visit: https://www.baccaniprams.co.nz/)

Modern strollers often come equipped with the best safety features. They are manufactured according to international safety standards and are compelled to follow many guidelines before being made available for purchase. It’s all good, yes. But regardless of the guarantees provided by the manufacturer, you, as a parent, have a part to play in this ordeal as well.

Let’s look at a few tips on how you can handle your stroller in the safest way possible:
1. Check for Standard Requirements by the Manufacturer
When you purchase your stroller, you are given assurance of the standard safety requirements from the manufacturer. These standard requirements include the locking mechanism in the wheels and the seats, a proper harness, belt and safety mechanism, and the required warning labels.

Read our locked-and-loaded-the-ultimate-pram-stroller-safety-guide to learn more about standard stroller safety requirements.

With that out of the way, here are some tips on what you can do from your end to ensure your baby’s safety:
1. Keep Your Baby Close
It has been scientifically proven that your baby is more comfortable when you are within their range of vision. It provides them with a psychological boost and has a calming effect. This goes both ways as well. For you as a parent, it is always better to have your baby within your sight to remain as calm and as comfortable as possible. It reduces the level of anxiety on your part, and you can obviously concentrate better with the rest of your work, knowing that your baby is safe and sound.

When handling your stroller, you must place one hand on it at all times. However, it is understandable that this is not always possible. But, whenever it becomes difficult, we recommend that you exercise enough caution to place yourself at a range where you can grab the stroller or your baby in case the need arises. It can be an emergency or just the simple act of consoling your baby when they burst out in tears. Regardless of the situation, however, keep your baby close.
1. Exercise Caution With Toys
Giving your baby a small toy to keep them entertained is a great way to stimulate them and minimize the fuss. You may either use a small, vibrant toy or a noise-making toy to achieve this purpose.

However, you should exercise caution when handling toys because certain toys can cause a choking hazard depending on the baby’s age. Just keep on the safe side; avoid giving them any toys with removable parts or small enough to swallow.
1. Double Check the Harness
To ensure that your baby is safely tucked into the stroller, you should double-check that your baby’s safety harness is firmly fastened. Howsoever, if you are busy and are in a hurry, a pro tip we can give you is to listen to the click of the harness. If it clicks without an issue, you can rest assured that your baby is safely strapped in.
1. Park Your Stroller Safely
Be cautious where you park and leave your stroller. Do not park it in any place that may cause potential harm to your baby.

Always ensure that it is parked on a flat surface and that the stroller wheels are correctly locked. However, even though the stroller wheels might be locked, we cannot rule out the chances of the stroller tipping over or sliding if it is left on sloped terrain. Avoid leaving your stroller on such a landscape at all costs!

Apart from this, always keep your baby attended when you are not on the move.
1. Do Not Leave the Stroller Under the Sun
Don’t do it. Just don’t do it. As it is with rainy and windy conditions, prolonged periods under the sun can cause harm to your baby. We understand that you can’t keep moving all the time and that you need to catch a breather. However, find some shade to place your baby, even if the canopy is pulled out.

Especially during the warmer months, it is quite natural for you to head towards a park or a pool. When doing so, always use the canopy and keep your baby covered from the sun’s rays. And as we said earlier, avoid prolonged periods under the sun as it can heat the metal components of your stroller very quickly and hurt your baby’s sensitive skin.
1. Do Not Leave Your Baby Overnight
Do not let your little baby sleep in the stroller overnight. They might be comfortable in it, but it is unpredictable, and the chances of your baby suffocating in the stroller would increase if left unattended.

While strollers can be extremely comfortable for babies and can make for an excellent short-term bed for supervised naps, they are absolutely not meant for a whole night’s sleep. They are probably not as comfortable as an actual crib/cot or toddler bed, and there is also the risk of your baby falling out or the stroller tipping over from the baby shifting too much.

Always put the baby in a proper bed for a full night’s sleep.

There should be a warning sign on this fact on the label of your stroller.
1. Do Not Fold Your Stroller Near Your Baby
Your baby is curious, and it’s beautiful. However, their curiosity does come with some cons if left unattended. When your little one becomes curious and fiddle around the stroller, it may damage their fingers. Make sure that the stroller is folded securely and is kept far away from your baby. The more unreachable it is, the better.
1. Place Your Bags Accordingly
You have to make sure that you keep all the bags in the compartment designed explicitly for that purpose below the seat bottom. It is convenient to hang your purse or small bag around the handles of your stroller. However, do not do this as it increases tipping risk and creates an inconvenience in maneuverability. Keep them in the storage space provided below the stroller, and you can mitigate any risk associated with it.
1. Maintain Your Stroller Regularly
Wear and tear are as dangerous as they come. You always have to ensure that your stroller is in tip-top condition to guarantee your baby’s safety. Read our article on pram and stroller maintenance here.

Pro Tip: When the grip of your handle starts to wear off, the best thing that you can do at home is to use tennis racket grip tape to wrap around your handles when the material begins wearing off. The tape is made for people to have a good, comfortable grip, and it comes in a variety of colours.
1. Pay Attention To Recalls
Return the stroller warranty card so that you will be duly notified in case of a recall. If you’re considering buying a used stroller, check that the stroller hasn’t been recalled.

In conclusion, the safety of your baby lies in the hand of two parties: yourself and the manufacturer. Purchasing the best stroller possible is vital and playing your part in ensuring your baby’s safety follows in a parallel motion right next to it.

You can visit our website to purchase the highest quality strollers and prams in New Zealand. If you’re a reader from overseas, follow our blog and immerse yourself in previous articles we have published to learn all about making the proper purchase for your growing family.

With that note, let us bid your adieu. Do go through these instructions again, and do not shy away from doing a bit of additional research on your own. It’s the 21st century, and Google is your friend. To you and your bub, hope you are well. Good luck and stay safe!
December 3, 2021
From ‘Coos’ to ‘Mommy I’m Cold’: Tips to Improve Your Baby’s Speech
Ahhh, the magical period where your baby’s ‘coos’ and ‘goo-gahs’ turn into words that make sense. As your baby’s vocabulary takes form, you may have spent many a sleepless night trying to be the first person to hear their precious first words. Is it ‘mama’? or is it ‘dada’? Parenting is not a competition, but hey! What’s life without a few bragging rights?

Before your baby begins to talk, they start absorbing vocabulary words and conversation skills. This happens way before they start uttering their first words. They are highly observant, mind you. So it is pretty important to create a conducive environment for your toddler to grasp things fast and to equip them with the verbal skills they require in conversation as early as possible.

But how can we do that, you ask?

Well, first, let us give you some expert tips on the matter. Afterward, the ball will be in your ballpark, do with it as you will.

Step 1: Understanding Child Language Acquisition

Being a widely accepted theory in the field of linguistics, Child Language Acquisition examines the inherent ability that a child possesses in acquiring a specific language.

The theory has proven that all healthy children acquire language quickly and easily without a load of effort or the use of formal teaching methods. It happens automatically and does not depend on whether their parents make an active effort to teach them the language or not. They are born equipped with this evolutionary ability to acquire language.

The first 36 months of your child’s life is generally considered to be the crucial period of language acquisition. You may wonder how these 36 months could be broken down. Simple, a list! We love lists here at Baccani.

So here are the six stages into which your baby’s language learning adventures could be broken down:
- Pre-talking stage / Cooing (0-6 months)
- Babbling stage (6-8 months)
- Holophrastic stage (9-18 months)
- The two-word stage (18-24 months)
- Telegraphic stage (24-30 months)
- Later multiword stage (30+months)
That’s child language acquisition, in a nutshell.

Wait, so does this mean that a parent should sit around and do nothing while their child goes about their business mastering a language?

Absolutely not!

Step 2: Creating A Conducive Environment

Although the initial stages of your child’s language acquisition do not require formal teaching by their parents or caretakers, you do have an important role to play in this regard. You should know that a child who is never spoken to would never acquire language. You should engage and talk with your baby directly. In the initial stages, if the baby is not paid enough direct attention in this regard, they will fail to develop their conversational abilities.

For example:

It has been proven that children under the age of 2, who are regularly exposed to television and radio but are not directly involved in communicating with the adults in their vicinity, fail to learn how to speak. As they are genetically programmed to acquire language through direct language communication with adults.

Children are programmed to learn language through interaction. They interact not only with their parents but other adults and also with other children. All healthy children, growing up in a typical household and surrounded by frequent conversation, will acquire the language that is constantly being used around them.

Miraculously, children are also equipped to acquire two or more languages simultaneously as long as they have regular interactions with speakers of those languages. This is extremely difficult for an adult to do, but hey! That’s why we say that children are indeed a miracle.

Step 3: Teaching Your Baby How To Converse

Before they can start speaking fluently, your baby should learn how conversation works. Here are some tips that you can try with your little ones to improve their grasp of conversation.
- Pause – Be mindful of pausing when you speak to your baby. Leave little gaps in the middle of your sentences when you want them to respond or when they attempt to talk back to you.
- Copy – Once your little one starts making sounds, encourage them to keep doing that by repeating their sound and making similar sounds. This is a suitable method of providing positive reinforcement for your baby early on and helps them understand the basic concepts of conversation.
- Tonality – Remember that your tone is important. You should be mindful to adjust your vocal tone depending on the nature of the conversation. Speak with emphasis on important words, and adjust your volume depending on the topic.
(Speak louder on an exciting topic, use a soft tone when describing something scary and so on)

Step 4: Building Your Child’s Vocabulary

Until your baby reaches a certain age, their vocabulary will be limited to a small number of words. Their vocabulary will expand through the years, and you have to be patient with them. Well, to be honest, you don’t need to practice patience because your child learning how to talk would be one of the cutest and most exciting things in the world.

However, you have to remember that each child is different, and their vocabulary develops at a different pace. Just because the neighbourhood kid started talking earlier, do not worry. Allow your baby to take it at their own pace and comfort. Also, what you can do is support your baby to develop an expansive vocabulary that covers a wide range of expression and conversation.

Here are a few things that you as a parent can do:
- Read With Your Baby – One of the best methods to develop vocabulary is reading together with your child. Picture books are a great way to start. The concept of a picture book is based on labelling. Labelling each picture to its meaning will result in vocabulary growth. It is easier for a toddler to recognize familiar things like body parts, nature words, and animals. Reading together would also contribute to the development of your baby’s curiosity and inquisitiveness.
- Do Not Hesitate To Use Big Words – Respect your baby’s intelligence. Plain and simple. Some parents share the attitude that they should only use small words that their baby can understand. And our thoughts on that? No, just no. Don’t do it. Remember that every word is a new word to them. ‘Dumbing down’ your vocabulary would only hinder their growth. Instead, encourage your little one to ask for the meaning of words that they do not understand. When they are a bit older, you can do a fun exercise where you ask your child to use the new word they learned later in a sentence.
- Play Cognitive Games – Playing games like treasure hunts, Name the Thing, Simon Says aid in language development, social and emotional development, and cognitive development. They will specifically learn how to follow instructions and be familiar with preposition words.
- Play Pretend With Toys – Setting up imaginary tea parties with your toddler’s toys is a great way to get them started on having conversations. Encourage them to ask questions from their toys, and you can answer on behalf of them. Make up an effective back-and-forth exchange to get the maximum benefit from this activity.
- Sing Songs & Nursery Rhymes – It is scientifically proven that rhythm aids in memory. Allowing your toddler to learn words to a rhythm will help them remember new words and expand their vocabulary. Take the time to sing songs together with your child, and as a fun side-game, make up catchy songs about whatever you are doing at the moment.
- Build On Your Child’s Utterances – Whenever your baby utters a word, a small phrase, or maybe even an incoherent sentence, encourage them by adding on to what they already said. If your toddler says something like: ‘That’s a dog,’ add on something like, ‘Yes kiddo, that’s a fluffy, playful dog.’
- Explore, Explore, Explore – We can’t stress this enough. Your baby is the ultimate bundle of curiosity. Do whatever it takes to satisfy their natural curiosity and inquisitiveness. Take road trips, vacations, walks in the neighbourhood, or anything else that would get your toddler out in the world and expose them to language as much as possible. Always try to maintain a conversation with them while you are out. Ask them about what they can see and how they feel in a specific moment.
- Positive Reinforcement Is Key – Do not be overly critical of your baby and avoid correcting their mistakes as much as possible. It’s natural for them to make plenty of mistakes during the first couple of years, especially when it comes to grammar. The plurals, passive voice use, and the proper use of the past tense will come later; for now, just encourage them for trying and be patient.
A Closing Note: As soon as your toddler starts responding to you regularly, try to keep it up for around 10 minutes of back and forth between you. As we mentioned earlier, each baby reaches a conversational level at their own pace. However, suppose your baby hasn’t started babbling or speaking at least a few words by the time they are 18 months old. In that case, you should consult your paediatrician about it. It is natural for some kids to start talking pretty late, but speech therapy and doctor’s advice would help speed up the process.
December 2, 2021