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Newborns typically need a fresh diaper seven to eight times a day. They also often have a bowel movement immediately after eating, so a fresh diaper is necessary at least then. Older children need an average of five diapers a day.

Get everything ready before wrapping

Babies should never be left unattended on the changing table as it only takes a baby a few seconds to turn around and then they can quickly fall off the changing table. For this reason, you should have everything you need ready for changing at the changing table before you put the baby on the changing table.

For diaper changing you need: fresh diapers, lukewarm water in a bowl and washcloths or wet wipes, paper or towel to dry off, cream, oil, a rubbish bin for the used diaper, and, if necessary, clean clothes.

If you need anything else while you’re changing, hold the baby in your arms or lay him on a blanket on the floor or in his crib while you’re away. Although falls from the changing table can also be minor, they can also lead to the most serious or even fatal injuries to the baby.

Instructions on how to diaper

For a big deal, you can wipe the baby’s bottom with the clean part of the used diaper or with clean tissue paper. Disposable wipes soaked in oil or lotion are suitable for removing stubborn cream or stool residue.

Then the entire diaper area and the creases on the legs are carefully cleaned with warm water and washcloths or disposable washcloths. Boiled water is recommended for newborns, as it could get into the belly button that has not yet healed.

The skin should then be dried well with a soft towel, dabbing rather than rubbing. No moisture should remain in the skin folds as this can soften the skin and cause skin problems.

If your child is prone to soreness or redness, apply barrier cream to the diaper area after cleaning. It serves as moisture protection as it forms a buffer between the skin and the wet diaper. The cream should only be applied thinly, otherwise, the skin will be impaired in its ability to breathe.

Take your time when diapering, so that the baby can kick around without a diaper for a few minutes – preferably before applying the cream – and thus get air to the buttocks. The fresh air prevents soreness. In the case of already reddened skin, it helps in the healing process. But make sure that it is warm enough for your bare bottom and avoid drafts in the room.

Prevent skin problems on the baby’s bottom

Many babies get skin problems on their buttocks due to the warm, humid climate in full diapers. You can counteract this skin irritation from the outset by changing the diaper as soon as possible after every little or big deal with the baby so that the buttocks are always kept clean and dry. You should also make sure that the baby can always kick around without a diaper and clothes at a warm room temperature without drafts so that fresh air can get to the buttocks.

Frequent diaper changes protect sensitive baby skin

The basic rule is that babies and toddlers should be given fresh diapers individually as needed. However, you should change diapers as soon as possible, especially after every big transaction, as the feces attack the skin and painful inflammation (diaper dermatitis) can occur if you do not change diapers in good time.

If your skin is sore despite changing diapers enough times, you should initially avoid using wet wipes (some children are allergic to the ingredients) and only clean the diaper area with clear water and a washcloth. Then carefully pat dry or blow dry with a warm (not hot) hairdryer and apply lotion.

Change cloth diapers more often than disposable diapers

Change cloth diapers more often than disposable diapers. Many parents ponder which diaper changing system to use. Disposable diaper or cloth diaper? The cloth diaper has the advantage that it is more air permeable. It should be noted, however, that cloth nappies have to be changed more often, since the moisture is absorbed far less and moisture can easily build up as a result, which can have an unfavorable effect on the baby’s skin.

Wrap in a warm environment

When changing diapers, you should make sure that the room where you are diaper changing is sufficiently heated so that the baby does not freeze. Newborns in particular do not yet have a thick layer of fat that protects the body from the cold, so the room temperature should not be below 22 degrees.

Special radiant heaters are available from specialist retailers, which are attached above the changing table. They are switched on just before changing and then generate a pleasant warmth when you undress the baby for changing. However, it is important that you switch off the radiant heater after changing your diaper, otherwise, there is a risk of fire.

Alternatively, heatable changing mats are also available in specialist shops, which should keep the baby warm. In any case, you should also avoid drafts. Therefore, keep the windows closed when changing diapers.

Babies want to move. As soon as they are a few months old, they begin to feel, see and explore their immediate surroundings. Arms and legs are in constant motion and the hands grab everything that is within reach of the baby. Instead of constantly placing the babies in swings, seesaws, maxi-cots or even in the pram, a beautiful, colorful and soft play blanket is much more helpful and, above all, more practical.

The play mat gives the baby a much greater scope of possibilities, not only to move and to practice the coordination of its limbs, but also to explore the still small world around the baby with eyes, hands and body. Play blankets are now available in all sizes, colors, shapes and made of different materials. The selection is huge and ensures that parents can always find a suitable play mat for their child at any time.

Play blankets are healthy

Especially for babies in the developmental age of the first year, it is of great importance that they can lie flat as often as possible throughout the day and without pillows or elevations in the head area. This is the only way that an infant’s back muscles can develop sufficiently to later be able to sit, crawl and finally stand. Babies who repeatedly lie too long in a pram or in seesaws and the like show significantly weaker back muscles than babies who constantly lie flat and also move out of it.

In this development phase of a baby, free and unlimited movement is always possible on play mats. Because lying flat allows the child to practice their sense of touch, coordination, training of perception and mobility and to strengthen their skills in these areas and more. In addition, the perspective from lying down is farther for the baby and the perception is correspondingly greater.

Portable playground

A play mat is usually extremely light and can quickly disappear rolled up in a pocket. The most common sizes of play mats are 80 x 100 cm, 100 x 100 cm and also 90 x 90 cm. The sizes are mostly uniform, since they can also be laid out in playpens, for example. A play deck with a playpen is an ideal playground for babies who are already quite agile and starting to crawl. Because if you, as a mother, just want to empty the dishwasher, fill the washing machine, or have to go to the stove, the grille guarantees that the agile little tot can’t get out of the dust.

The play mat itself can be laid out almost anywhere, because there is always a little space for it. Whether with friends on the floor, with mother-in-law, grandma or in offices or the like. Basically, this play blanket offers the child a portable playground that can be rolled out at any time as desired. The selection of different play blankets for this and other purposes is gigantic and so is the use.

Use as protection against dirt and cold ground

Laying the child down on the floor and wanting to play with a toy is good, but not really effective and is certainly only pleasant and interesting for the child for a short time. Because especially in the autumn or winter months, a completely normal floor, which is even carpeted, can and can be really cool. The cold ground makes itself felt very quickly, especially in the child’s back muscles, and does not exactly have a positive effect on them. If you do a self-test and just lie on your back on the carpet for 15 minutes, you’re guaranteed to feel the coming cold.

If you have underfloor heating, you have a clear advantage here. The play blanket is basically also very good protection against dirt. Because this can be found on carpets, wooden floors, etc., no matter how clean the floor. If you enter the apartment with shoes, even more so. Dirt and bacteria are automatically carried inwards via the shoes and end up on carpets and floors. Babies are at the mercy of this pollution without a play mat.

Encourage play

Babies can be kept busy with all sorts of things on play mats for a very long time. So-called play arches, which are set up in a circle around the child’s eyes at a certain distance, ensure fun, excitement, and play. In addition, visual acuity and coordination of movements are trained and promoted. The various toys on the play arch are ideal for touching, grasping, and moving at this age.

The colors and shapes of the toys allow a baby’s sense of touch and perception to run at full speed and promote them in the long term. Play blankets are not just well-padded and soft blankets, but also serve as an ideal place for the child to strengthen their muscles, lie softly and at the same time train their motor skills. And when the child is tired from playing so much, it can take its nap in the wonderfully soft bed on the play mat.

 

Finally – the baby is here! But it looks so small and fragile. Therefore, use valuable tips for newborn babies. So you are more confident in dealing with the little ones and ensure appropriate protection.

First-time mom

For first-time mothers, life is suddenly turned upside down. Questions and questions race through your head. What basic equipment is sufficient for the baby, is the children’s room really right? How can I nip allergies and intolerances in the bud, what food is healthy, what can my baby eat and drink and how much should it sleep? Is the bed too soft or is the Maxi-Cosi too hard. The list of thoughts and worries of an expectant mother is immeasurable. The communication between child and parents will work well with the right sensitivity.

Safe handling of newborn babies

When the newborn baby arrives, things change for the parents. Not only does less sleep and more hustle and bustle come into the house, but also new habits. The new parents still have a lot to learn. The following knowledge and valuable tips can make it easier for you to handle your baby safely.

1) Allow support

In the early stages of life, parents are particularly challenged and are on call around the clock. You want to do everything well and correctly. That can be very tiring. A baby who has been crying for hours should and can, if the nerves are already so raw, be placed in another room, protected and safe, in order to get out of the situation for a certain time. This is how you find new strength.

You can also get help from grandparents or friends. Then they can take the child away from you for a while. In that time you can do important things or rest. Domestic help can also support you in everyday life by taking over certain household chores. You just have to dare to ask. How to organize such help is also repeatedly the subject of preparatory courses for expectant motherhood.

2) Read informative books

It is best if you get good reading material right away and read it carefully. Also, feel free to take good advice from your mother and grandmother. After all, they speak from experience. But don’t worry, you will act instinctively, from the gut. And that’s mostly true as a mom. The previous knowledge can help you to filter useful and useless for you and your child. In such readings, you will learn everything about the basic equipment for your baby, as well as which sleeping environment is right for babies, and much more.

3) Avoid soap in babies and newborns

For example, many of your own daily hygiene and care routines with a wide variety of products are superfluous for babies. Therefore, it is important to avoid using soap and other personal care products on babies and newborns. This applies in particular to the first 12 months. If stubborn dirt in the diaper area has to be removed, gentle cleaners without artificial ingredients should be used. In addition, read how to protect your baby in winter.

4) Bathe babies properly

Most babies love bathing, as the warm water reminds them of their time in Mommy’s tummy. A bath in warm water usually has a relaxing and calming effect. But when do I bathe the baby for the first time? Once the navel has healed, you can bathe your baby in a baby bathtub or bath bucket. The bathing temperature should be around 36 or 37 degrees.

You can also add mild bath oils or oil-lotion baths to the water. Or use pure almond oil from the pharmacy. These additives prevent the skin from drying out. However, you should only dose the bath additives sparingly so as not to unnecessarily stress the skin. Since babies don’t really get dirty yet, that’s enough for cleaning.

5) Only clean the baby’s nose in exceptional cases

Basically, the baby’s nose cleans itself. Therefore, cleaning the nostrils is usually not necessary. However, it can sometimes happen that secretions form a crust on the nostrils or that thick secretion does not simply come off but sits in the nostrils. In the case of secretions of this type, you should of course always consult a doctor in order to identify and treat a possible illness in the baby.

If you want to clean the nose in such a case, make sure that you do not block the airflow of newborn babies. So clean the nostrils gently and carefully with the tip of a twisted piece of clean tissue paper. And you can soften and remove the outer crusts of the secretion with a little lukewarm, boiled water and a washcloth. Then dry the skin well again. Also, note natural home remedies for colds.

6) No choking objects near the baby

Babies explore everything with their mouths. Their sense of taste and smell is still so sensitive that a baby can distinguish between its mother’s milk and the milk of another woman. As a result, babies between the ages of 4 and 9 months prefer to put everything in their mouths. This allows them to taste and touch with their tongues. For this reason, you should never leave pointed, sharp-edged, or swallowable objects within reach of your baby. A truism that is unfortunately always forgotten! Therefore, a good place for your baby is the play mat, where you can keep an eye on it. Also, note useful tips for changing and changing diapers.

7) Coconut oil for tick protection in babies

We recommend using coconut oil to protect babies and small children from ticks. Because coconut oil effectively protects against tick infestation in children and newborn babies. All you have to do is rub the skin with native organic coconut oil. The intense scent of coconut oil deters ticks. In addition, oily skin is very difficult for ticks to penetrate. Because ticks do not manage to nest in the oiled skin.

8) Regular doctor visits are a must

In particular, you should definitely comply with and have well-known examinations that are specially designed for babies and toddlers. This saves you from worrying that the child may be ill or has been struggling with a specific illness for a long time. Pediatricians pay a lot of attention to the well-being of the children and carry out this examination in a standardized way. In general, a health check is important as a precaution for old and young.

When the baby has constipation, parents can use natural home remedies to cure the problem. In addition, the causes of the blockage should be found and eliminated. Therefore, we have summarized the most important information and home remedies.

Recognizing constipation in babies and children

Many parents worry if their little one doesn’t have a big deal in their diaper at least once a day. However, one only speaks of real constipation if the child has not had a bowel movement for several days in a row. A hard stool or small balls of the stool are also signs of constipation. A bloated tummy or abdominal pain are also warning signs. Then you should definitely consult a doctor.

Causes of Baby Constipation

The causes of constipation in babies and small children can be very diverse. A malformation of the intestine can be the cause, but it can also be caused by a change in diet (processed milk instead of breast milk, introduction of supplementary food) or an intolerance. In addition, lack of exercise, not enough fluids, or changes in the daily routine are also a reason for a baby to be constipated.

Treat constipation in babies with home remedies

When the baby is constipated, one often wonders what to do? To help your baby get rid of constipation, there are some natural home remedies for constipation. These are harmless and support digestion in a natural way:

1) Make sure you drink enough fluids

The food in the intestine can be better removed from the body if enough water or herbal tea is drunk. You should therefore make sure that your baby is drinking enough liquid. But do not resort to sweetened drinks here, as this can negatively affect a healthy intestinal flora. You can also add lactose to the liquid, which has a laxative effect and is harmless to the child.

2) Eat high-fiber foods

Dietary fibers are an important component for well-functioning digestion. They increase the volume of a meal so that the stool volume also increases. As a result, intestinal activity is stimulated and bowel movements are facilitated. Therefore, when feeding your baby and child, make sure you have enough dietary fiber.

3) Soaked dried fruit and grape juice

Delicious dried fruit and grape juice are proven home remedies for constipation. Because they contain a lot of fiber. Anyone who has ever eaten one to three prunes or something else knows how quickly you have to go to the toilet. So that the baby or child can eat it well, you should soak it and chop it up.

4) Exercise helps against baby constipation

Exercise is healthy for young and old. In addition, sufficient exercise in everyday life ensures that digestion works. Since babies are usually not that active on the road, you can imitate a few cycling movements with their little legs. In this way, you promote the movement of the little ones.

5) Avoid constipating foods

Fighting constipation in the baby with home remedies is a good way to gently cure it. But even the omission of certain foods can help babies and toddlers to eliminate the unpleasant problem. Therefore, avoid constipating foods such as bananas or white bread. Instead, eat a high-fiber diet with peas, broccoli, or plums. To do this, look for suitable baby food recipes on the internet.

6) Tummy massages for baby constipation

A gentle abdominal massage also helps against baby constipation. To do this, simply massage the child’s stomach in a clockwise direction after meals. This stimulates intestinal activity. Another proven method is rectal fever measurement since the insertion of the thermometer stimulates the intestines. Consequently, there is often movement in the matter! Also note important tips for potty training.

The birth of a child is always a beautiful event. If a couple you are friends with is expecting a baby and you are looking for suitable birth gifts, then our birth gift ideas are just the right thing for you.

An overview of useful gift ideas for birth

There are many gift ideas for birth. But which gifts are even suitable for this purpose? And what should you better stay away from? We’ve collected a few original gift ideas for you to make parents and babies happy alike. Articles of clothing such as rompers, bodysuits, and T-shirts, but also sweets, flowers, and gifts of money are among the classic baby gifts. But original ideas will also make the recipient happy.

1) Money and vouchers are given away most often

In most cases, it is customary to simply give the new parents money for the birth of their child. A card with the note “For the baby’s initial equipment” is usually handed over. And not without reason, because giving away vouchers and money is practical for everyone, but not very original. If you add a little something, like a nice birth announcement, parents’ favorite chocolate, a practical pacifier, or something similar, it’s still a perfect gift.

2) Accessories for changing table and Co.

Many also want to give away something useful. Therefore, many gift ideas for birth revolve around useful accessories for the changing table or the like. As a rule, parents can always use diapers, wet wipes, or the like. For example, people like to make diaper cakes. But here, too, one rarely knows which products the parents prefer or which products the baby tolerates. Consequently, giving away a voucher can be an advantage here.

3) Onesie as a gift idea for a birth

A pretty romper for newborn babies with a funny saying or a matching verse is almost always well received. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a boy or a girl. It all depends on the right words. However, most parents are often well supplied with rompers, bodysuits, shirts, and shoes before the child is born. Since the baby is growing quickly and may not be able to wear all the clothes at all, you could buy a romper or overalls for the advanced age. You should definitely pay attention to high quality. Therefore, find out well where you can buy baby fashion and baby products.

4) wooden toys for babies

A great gift idea for birth is high-quality wooden toys. Because wooden toys are particularly convincing due to their feel and contribute to the positive development of the newborn baby. The selection ranges from a wooden ring to a spinning top, which fascinates every child. Thus, wooden grasping toys are the perfect gift for the newborn baby.

5) Cuddly teddy for girls and boys

You can always give a cuddly toy as a birthday gift. The teddy bear is still one of the favorite gifts for the birth of a child. It is usually the well-known Steiff teddy bears that are bought. Because these are not only very pretty and robust but also valuable.

6) Comforter as a great gift for birth

A cuddle cloth, also known as a cuddle cloth, is a constant companion for many small children. Because many children use it as a safety sheet when mum is away for a moment when sleeping or in stressful situations. At the same time, it serves as an object to cuddle or as a blanket and sleeping aid. So it’s a nice gift idea.

7) Earrings for girls

When it comes to birth gifts for girls, you can go a long way. Because for girls there is a gigantic range of different gift ideas. How about beautiful gold earrings, for example? They retain their value and this usually increases over time.

8) The little bracelet

A beautiful gold bracelet for girls with an engraved name. This is not only a very valuable gift but also a very ideal one. In addition, the child can later meltdown the bracelet again and change it as they wish. It is therefore also a timeless gift for the birth of a child. Please also note our tips on cleaning and caring for your jewelry.

9) Books as gift ideas for birth

The newborn baby may still be too small to read a book. But sooner or later it will be happy to hear the voice of the parents reading something. In addition, this can promote the development of the child. There is a huge selection of great books for children with important topics from pixie books to classic anthologies. It can also be a book with the most important information for the parents

10) Milestone cards for fond memories

Not only a baby diary for beautiful memories is a great gift. So-called milestone cards are also great for recording memories and milestones. Therefore, this can be a special gift idea that makes everyone happy.

Important tips for brushing milk teeth for babies after their first tooth and for small children. This is how you protect the baby teeth properly and get your child used to the daily task. Consequently, regular and proper dental care is important to prevent tooth decay.

At what age do the milk teeth appear?

Usually, the baby’s first teeth appear around the fifth or sixth month. But every rule has its exceptions: some of the babies are already teething at 3 months, others as late as 9 months. It can even happen that a baby is born with a small tooth. But then it sits loosely and quickly falls out again. So that the little biters are not attacked by caries, brushing milk teeth should also be taken seriously.

Typical symptoms of teething in babies

Growing milk teeth are announced when the baby begins to put toys and fingers in the mouth and suck on them or “nibble” with the jaw. At the same time, there is increased salivation. This can easily cause skin irritation between the baby’s lips and chin. Then you can regularly apply a thin layer of skin protection ointment to this area as a preventive measure. Also, dry your baby’s chin frequently with a soft cloth. In addition, your baby may have less of an appetite than usual and be increasingly restless.

Relieve baby’s pain

Teething is sometimes painful, which can lead to babies sleeping poorly and crying more often. The immune system is somewhat weakened during this time and you should make sure that you don’t get an infection. Likewise, pay attention to symptoms of illness such as fever or rash and do not simply dismiss these as symptoms of “teething”. In such cases, you should always have the baby examined by a doctor. The following tricks help to relieve pain when teething:

  • Biting on objects specially designed for this purpose, e.g. B. a rubber teether or a gel-filled cool teether.
  • Gentle massage of baby’s gums. Use your fingers for this. In addition, there are special creams in pharmacies that relieve the discomfort of teething.
  • A wet washcloth to chew also helps against teething pain.
  • Let your baby drink lots of water. That too can bring relief.

Properly brush your baby’s milk teeth

As soon as the first teeth have grown out several millimeters, you should start taking care of your baby’s teeth to avoid tooth decay. There are special thimble toothbrushes for caring for the first teeth, which you can use to massage the gums at the same time. But for the first tooth or two, gently stroking the enamel with a cotton swab or soft cloth is enough to clean the tooth. Also, note home remedies for removing plaque.

As soon as several teeth appear, you should switch to using a baby toothbrush. To do this, show your young child how to brush your own teeth. Then approach brushing your toddler’s milk teeth in a playful way. Then take it on your lap and gently brush your teeth up and down. If your child is a bit older, let them try to brush their milk teeth themselves as often as possible. So it quickly gets used to the routine. The KAI method for brushing teeth is recommended.

Replace baby toothbrush every 4 weeks

Once you use a baby toothbrush to brush your baby’s teeth, you should change it every four to five weeks, even if it’s still looking good. Since babies like to put everything they can get their hands on in their mouths and suck on them during the day, there are a lot of bacteria in the bristles of the toothbrush. And you cannot get rid of these with a normal cleaning by rinsing under running water. Changing your toothbrush regularly is therefore important to ensure adequate oral hygiene and clean teeth.

Provide baby teeth with fluoride

In the first year of your child’s life, it is important to provide the child’s teeth with sufficient fluoride. Fluorine strengthens the enamel and thus prevents tooth decay. Signs of caries would be small yellowish-brownish spots on the teeth. For prevention, many pediatricians prescribe fluoride tablets. To that end, it also makes sense not to let as much sugar get to the baby’s teeth. So also avoid constantly sucking on bottles with sweetened tea or milk. This is how you protect your child’s teeth and do the best for white teeth in the future.

Avoid tooth decay with the right baby bottles and contents

The bottle should not be used as a substitute for a pacifier. Instead, only tell your child if they are really hungry or thirsty. In addition, you should only fill the drinking bottle with tooth-friendly drinks, such as water or unsweetened tea. In contrast, juice spritzers are not recommended as long-term drinks because of their sugar content and fruit acids. Likewise, fruit juice nectar, lemonades, or iced tea are poorly suited as drinks for small children because they contain a lot of sugar. Once toddlers are able to do this, they should only drink from a learner cup. If the child also starts to suckle from the drinking cup, they should learn to drink from a real cup (made of plastic or unbreakable glass) as soon as possible.

Young parents are often unsure whether babies are allowed to drink cow’s milk. We will show you whether cow’s milk is suitable for infants.

Can infants drink cow’s milk?

The first year of life for an infant consists of three feeding phases:
At first, your baby only feeds on breast milk or industrially produced infant formula.
In the course of this, the mashed food or complementary food also follows.
Finally, the toddler gradually participates in the family dinner.

Caution: Infant formula should not be made from cow’s milk or other types of milk.

Note: Make sure you only give your baby pasteurized or highly heated cow’s milk. As in pregnancy, you should bear in mind that raw or processed milk can contain dangerous germs for the child’s immune system.

Can baby food contain cow’s milk?

Children need numerous important nutrients for healthy development – including sufficient calcium, protein and iodine suppliers. Numerous plant-based foods, but also milk and dairy products can provide these nutrients. With supplementary food, you can use small amounts of cow’s milk or yoghurt, up to 200 milliliters per day, to prepare a milk-cereal porridge. Of course, you can also prepare the porridge with breast milk or formula milk.

Note that cow’s milk does not replace breast milk or infant formula, even during complementary feeding. Babies and children can be allergic to cow’s milk, if in doubt consult your pediatrician or midwife.

Note: When buying cow’s milk, pay attention to the organic seal or the seal for mother-tied calf rearing. In this way you ensure that the calves are also supplied with the necessary nutrients through their own breast milk.