> Week 5 It’s often assumed if a baby is crying that they are in pain from gas or constipation. We have outlined a very easy cheat sheet for you to reference. This information can help you determine if either of these issues are the cause of your infant’s fussiness and will give you helpful suggestions that can help remedy the situation. Constipation is defined by infrequent and irregular bowel movements. It also can be accompanied by hard and difficult to pass stools. Hard, dry and pellet-like stools can also be a true sign of constipation. Cracks or tears to the skin around the anus can result if your baby has difficulty passing them. Constipation can cause cramping, intestinal discomfort and pain for babies. Many parents will think that their baby is constipated because he is crying during the time when he is trying to have a bowel movement. It’s important to note that straining during a bowel movement can be quite normal for a newborn. Their little systems...

<Week 5 That piercing scream and red little baby face can make any parent wince in empathy. If you are surprised by the amount of gas your baby has on a daily basis, then tune in for some great tips on how to handle it. Learn what the causes are, and take action by implementing some tummy-easing strategies that can help bring comfort to your baby. What causes gas? There are several reasons your baby may be suffering from gas. One has to do with your infant’s delicate and immature digestive system. Gas pains can result from air bubbles getting built up in her tummy and intestines as the food is being broken down. Food sensitivities in babies can vary from child to child; there are some foods that will produce more gas for babies than others (more on this later). A big culprit of gas bubbles is from your baby swallowing too much air. This can be caused by several factors: bottles, pacifiers, crying (which can actually cause a lot of gas) and ineffective feedings (where...

> Week 5 Sensitivities in a baby from mom’s diet may cause symptoms such as colicky behavior, frequent screaming, fussiness at the breast, restlessness, agitation, sleep problems and digestive issues. Eliminating the offending items can bring relief to your baby. If you suspect a milk or food allergy or sensitivity is the reason for your baby’s irritability, the following information may be helpful for you. If your baby is experiencing sensitivity or an allergy to a particular food, the following symptoms may be present: • Hives • Eczema • Red ring around his bottom • Red earlobe or cheek • Insomnia • Gas • Stuffy or runny nose • Excessive Crying and/or Irritable Behavior • Mucous or blood in stool The onset of symptoms after eating a problem food can vary from baby to baby. It may present itself immediately (usually 4 hours for a breastfed baby) or have a delayed reaction of up to 24-48 hours. The most common types of foods that cause...

Brain Building Activities: 3-6 Months Who is That Baby? Sit in front of a mirror with your baby in your lap. Say, “Who is that baby?” Wave your baby’s hand and say, “Hi, baby”. Say, “Where’s the baby’s foot?” Wave your baby’s foot and say, “Hi, foot”. Continue asking questions and moving different parts of your baby’s body. Shake heads, wave bye-bye, clap hands, etc. What Brain Research Says: Short utterances speed up the development of the language process. Where's My Baby? This is a game that strengthens the back and neck. Lie on your back and put your baby on your tummy. With your hands firmly around his chest, raise him in the air and up to your face. Say the following and do the actions: Where’s my baby? There he is. (lift him up to your face) Where’s my baby? (bring him back down to your tummy) There he is. (bring him back up to your face) Where’s my baby? (bring him back down to your tummy) Up high, high, high. (bring your...

Brain Building Activities: Birth to 3 Months Bicycle Put your baby on her back and move her legs like she is riding a bicycle. Note: Never force your baby’s legs. If she resists, try something else. Sing bicycle songs like “A Bicycle is Built for Two” as you move her legs, or make up a simple song. Here’s an idea that can be sung to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”: Ride, ride, ride your bike Up and down the street. Happily, happily, happily, happily This is such a treat. What Brain Research Says: An infant’s brain thrives on feedback from its environment and “wires” itself into a thinking and emotional organ based on early experiences.   Switching Pitches According to brain research, when a baby hears a high-pitched voice, her rate increases, indicating that she feels secure and cheerful. When you speak in a lower pitched voice, your baby feels soothed and content. Try singing a song in a high voice and then repeat the same song in a low...