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Avoid These 10 New-parent Mistakes

Avoid These 10 New-parent Mistakes

Bringing home a newborn baby is a nerve-racking ordeal for first-time parents. They are worried about everything that is necessary to plan and follow. Even with all the help and guidance provided by friends and family members, new parents can forget about a few things that are necessary for taking good care of their child. Here are ten mistakes to avoid while taking care of the toddler at home.

Not buying a car seat
It is mandatory and required by law in many states to install a baby car seat. So have the seat installed weeks in advance and take the car for a few trial runs to see if everything works for the car seat as advertised. This is a critical piece of upgrade that ensures total safety. Car seats are not only comfortable but specially designed to ensure the baby stays secure and doesn’t sway too much when the car is moving.

Panicking unnecessarily
Newborns will cry, and they will fuss about every single thing at home. The infant is getting used to everything in and around the new home. So, it’s perfectly okay for the baby to make a fuss. And first-time parents don’t have to be anxious or nervous around their baby all the time. Worrying when there is no need will create an atmosphere of anxiety and urgency around the household that’ll only make things more stressful. In fact, doctors suggest the baby cries it out, even incessantly. Unless there is some physical indication of discomfort or obvious baby problems, it’s okay for the baby to cry it out naturally. Don’t fret over the small things.

Overstimulating their senses
A lot of times, first-time parents make the mistake of buying too many toys and installing accessories around the crib to keep the baby distracted. But this kind of overstimulation actually does more harm than good. Instead, let the baby observe the surroundings and respond to familiar voices and sounds that have a calming effect. Ensure the blankets, pillows, and cushions placed inside the crib provide just the right level of comfort without being too stimulating.

Breastfeeding mistakes
In the first few weeks, newborns must be constantly fed every two to three hours to help them gain a healthy birth. So, if this means interrupting their sleep during the day in between feeding, new parents should not hesitate to wake up the baby and breastfeed sufficiently. Mother’s milk contains the nutrition that newborns need, especially in the initial phase of breastfeeding. It’s okay to use a bottle pumped full of fresh breast milk if feeding directly is not comfortable at times. But the key is to feed the baby frequently and ensure the baby burps before and after drinking the milk.

Letting the baby sleep on the tummy
Newborns have no strength in their tiny arms and legs. In fact, most of their major bones are still underdeveloped, so babies can’t roll back into the right position like adults. So, it is important for new parents to keep a close watch and prevent the baby from falling asleep on its tummy. This is a very uncomfortable position and can impact breathing severely. Always ensure the baby is sleeping on its back and there are sufficient pillows on both sides to prevent this rollover.

Getting overexcited about buying things
Newborns don’t require a lot of things to begin with, except for comfortable clothing, good nutrition, and a few accessories to keep them cozy inside the crib. In the first few weeks, parents must only focus on buying the best quality diapers, cleaning accessories for bathing, and comfortable clothing that is suitable for the type of weather. Other baby products become necessary after the child starts to grow, and even then, there is no need to go overboard. Plan and purchase things baby products that are the need of the hour.

Failing to check for fever
For adults, a temperature of 100° F or above is still tolerable to some extent. But if the baby has a temperature close to this range, it is an emergency that should not be ignored. Newborns don’t have the immunity or the physical strength to bear such high temperatures. And they can’t even express any discomfort, so it’s better to have a doctor check the baby and prescribe a course of treatment.

Forgetting about oral hygiene
Newborns obviously should not be given any oral hygiene products designed for older kids and adults. That said, it is still imperative to maintain proper oral hygiene by wiping their mouth clean after every feeding session and preventing spit from pooling on the side of their mouth. Allow the baby to sip on some water right after feeding so that it cleans their mouth and prevents infections that can develop on the gums.

Allowing everyone to hold the baby
Newborns have a really delicate bodies as the bones are still developing, and they lack the strength to even fight off diseases and infections without proper immunity. This is why first-time parents must ensure the baby is not overexposed to social conventions that get crowded. Family members and friends will always be excited, will want to hold the baby, and even kiss or hug. But parents must stand firm and not allow too much physical contact as the baby is still young.

Leaving the baby unattended for long
Parents don’t have to constantly fret over the newborn, but that doesn’t mean the baby can be left in the crib without any supervision. Babies cry when they are distraught since they cannot comprehend what’s going on around them, being so young. So, a reassuring pat, a hug, and a comforting grip around their body from time to time will tell the baby somebody is there to look after them when in need. Remember, newborns need attention. And when the baby grows a little older, opting for a daycare program is a good idea, because it gives children a chance to interact with others of their age and parents a much-needed respite. But choosing a reliable daycare is essential.

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Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature.
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Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
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Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.
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Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems.
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A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.

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