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While a few years ago families always met at lunchtime to eat together, things are different today: instead of at lunchtime, they only eat together in the evening – and then more often warm. This is shown by a new study on eating habits in Germany.

The main meal is dinner

Eating habits in Germany are changing. Due to the greater flexibility required in the working world and attending all-day schools, many families only eat their main meal in the evening.

Eating together and socializing at the table is particularly important – as is the quality of the food. This is the result of the 2016 Nestlé study “So is(st) Germany”.

Quality is becoming more and more important

The study results show that the demand for food quality is constantly increasing. Around 53 percent of those surveyed stated that they pay attention to the quality of the products when shopping. High-quality food may then also cost more, as explained by 46 percent of the study participants.

Most Germans rely on the quality promises of the big and well-known brands. Consumers associate quality with good taste (70 percent), high food safety (63 percent), and a product without flavor enhancers and artificial flavors (55 percent).

Food in the digital world

Facebook, Instagram, and Co. are popular ways for foodies to express their personal lifestyles. Whether Paleo, Vegan, or Clean Eating: every form of nutrition is currently being used to make a statement.

According to the Nestlé study, around 46 percent of those surveyed share or comment on food photos on the Internet. The generation of 14 to 29-year-olds is the most active here – especially the women.

Eating out is becoming increasingly popular

According to the Nestlé study, eating out is becoming increasingly important. Above all, Germans leave the house for breakfast: between 2010 and 2014, the proportion of those who eat breakfast out of the house increased by 142.9 million people. Above all, it is women who like to dine out in the morning.

Man acts according to habits. Sometimes it can make sense to question your own habits and change them if necessary. As? You can find out here.

Habits: why, why, why?

We no longer think about habits. The focus is: do. Whether we stop at a red light or brush our teeth every morning; a reflection usually no longer takes place. Instead, the pattern has become so entrenched that you do things automatically. This method frees up the brain’s capacity to focus on new things. Habits can also be important for your health and safety.

Especially when you no longer question your habits when it comes to everyday things, it can also happen that you continue to practice small things that are no longer suitable for your current life situation – on the contrary: They can rob you of energy or prevent you from doing so to achieve a (new) goal. A habit can also harm your environment. Then it can help to deal with your habits and change them if necessary.

Precisely because habits are automatic, it can be difficult to become aware of them and to question them. But that is exactly the first step in being able to unmask negative habits and to replace them with positive patterns. Once you have recognized this, it will take some time to train yourself into a new habit. Eventually, you’ll find that it’s much easier to fall back into your old pattern than it is to focus on the new one. This becomes clear, for example, when you think about what you have planned for the New Year. Was your resolution to exercise more or eat healthier? This is the first step – but consistency is what counts until the new habit has been established.

Changing unhealthy habits: the step-by-step guide

Integrating a new habit into your everyday life requires a few steps.

1. Become aware of what habits you actually have. Write down everything, including or especially what you take for granted: brushing your teeth in the morning, the daily drive to the office or the regular TV routine.

2. Divide habits into three categories: positive, negative, and neutral.

3. Think about the triggers you associate with the negative habits. It can be the time of day, the location, or a specific emotion. Do you watch your favorite series every night at a certain time? Societal and social contexts can also give you unconscious routines.

4. Now consider alternatives. Which habit(s) would you like to change? And by which new routine(s) should it be replaced? For example, should the afternoon candy bar be replaced with something healthier?

4. Consciously give yourself new incentives to change your habit(s). If your bike is right next to the house and you park the car a little further away, it may be easier for you to switch to a bike.

5. Reward yourself. Set a goal for how many times you should practice your new habit(s) before you get a reward.

6. Be consistent! Only after 66 days should a new pattern have established itself.

In general, you can also tell another person about your project. So the “pressure” is higher to change your habit in the long term. It can also help to replace one habit at a time rather than trying to change many things at once.

Tip: Even if you fall into your old pattern from time to time, you should not give up. Unconscious patterns are difficult to turn off and replace. Gradually, your new habit will enter the subconscious and you will soon stop worrying about it.

Important: Pay attention to which habits you want to change. It is primarily about negative habits that harm you or your environment. You should not change routines that are relevant to your safety or health. Here the automatism can be vital.

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.

There are certain requirements that a good changing table should meet. Therefore, we have collected the most important criteria for buying a changing table. As a result, sufficient safety is guaranteed and it works better to wrap your baby.

Perfect changing table for the initial equipment

A good and safe changing table is part of the baby’s initial equipment. A changing table or changing table is a fixed place where you can change, clean, and change your baby. Ideally, this is a dresser with all the essentials closes at hand. The selection in retail and online is very diverse. That’s why we’ve collected the most important tips for buying a changing table for you.

Changing table or changing table?

The first question many parents ask is “changing table or changing table?”. Both offer advantages and disadvantages. The changing table usually offers more storage space for baby things and has a larger lying surface. Meanwhile, the changing table is often more space-saving and suitable for smaller apartments. In addition, this is often cheaper than the chest of drawers. In many cases, however, the chest of drawers can continue to be used after the changing time, as the changing mat can often be removed. So this decision has to be made on an individual basis.

Ensure the safety of the changing table

The most important thing when buying is the safety of the baby. Therefore, you should buy the changing table to match your height. The table or chest of drawers should also be stable. Corners and edges should be rounded and the protective sides high so that your baby does not injure himself or fall off. It also makes sense to place the changing table in a corner of the room so that the two sides are already fall-proof. Of course, you have to be careful when changing the baby and always have one hand on the baby. So your newborn baby is safe.

The 5 most important requirements

So that you do everything right when buying changing tables, here are the most important requirements at a glance. In addition, you should redesign your apartment, because you should definitely make your apartment childproof.

  1. Stability is an important requirement. Babies do not lie still and become heavier over time. Therefore, the changing table should be stable and not wobble or even collapse.
  2. A large area of ​​the changing table makes sense so that in addition to the baby, other changing utensils are also within reach. Alternatively, a shelf can be attached to the wall.
  3. High edge limitations are important and ensure that the baby cannot fall sideways. Babies are able to turn around or change their own position very quickly.
  4. Choose the right height for your height. Since you spend a lot of time there, it should also be comfortable for you to stand there. Consequently, you should not have to bend.
  5. A soft and washable changing pad is advantageous. You can also ensure a comfortable lying position by placing a soft towel on the changing mat.

Buy accessories for the changing table

You also need the right accessories for your dresser. Only then is it complete and usable. Therefore, we have created a small list of helpful things that should not be missing:

  • diapers
  • wet wipes and towels
  • Various baby creams and oils
  • Cotton pads for navel care
  • a small trash can
  • possibly a toy or a music box
  • clothing, etc