General Advice

Should I avoid caffeine while pregnant?

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Experts recommend that pregnant women limit the amount of caffeine they drink each day. Women consuming high levels of caffeine during their pregnancy can result in their baby having a low birth weight or even miscarriage. It is recommended that you do not have more than 200mg of caffeine a day.

The amount of caffeine found in some foods and drinks is as follows:

one mug of instant coffee: 100mg
one mug of filter coffee: 140mg
one mug of tea: 75mg
one can of cola: 40mg
one can of energy drink: up to 80mg
one 50g bar of plain chocolate: most products on the UK market contain less than 25mg
one 50g bar of milk chocolate: most products on the UK market contain less than 10mg

So, in one day, you will almost reach your 200mg limit of caffeine if you have:

two mugs of tea and one can of cola
one mug of instant coffee and one can of energy drink

General Advice

What to pack in your hospital bag?

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Just in case your baby decides to make an early arrival, midwifes recommend that you have your hospital bag packed and ready around week 33 of your pregnancy. They also advise to have a bag for yourself, and one for your baby, so that you can avoid rummaging around every time you need something.

What to pack for mum to be:
• Hospital notes and birth plan
• Disposable pants
• Maternity sanitary pads
• Two long T-shirts or old nightdresses to wear for labour
• Socks (cold feet are a common complaint)
• Slippers
• A lightweight dressing gown
• Lip balm to prevent dry lips in labour (another common complaint)
• Toiletries including a towel and hairbrush
• Healthy snacks and water/juice
• Nursing bra and breastpads
• Some loose change
• Going home outfit (but still maternity clothes at this stage!)
• A camera and spare batteries (and film if it’s not digital)
• An MP3 player
• A few books/magazines

For your newborn:
• A pack of newborn nappies
• A pack of cotton wool balls for nappy changes
• A towel
• Vests
• Sleep suits
• A cardigan
• Socks
• Hat
• Blanket (plus coat if it’s winter)
• A few muslin cloths
• A pack of disposable bibs or cloth bibs

Click on the link for our ready made maternity bags http://www.babiesbabies.co.uk/bordeaux-pre-packed-hospital-maternity-changing-bag

Uncategorized

Does Play help develop your baby’s senses?

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Studies show that babies learn better through play. Research shows play also helps babies learn to communicate faster. Talking to Your Baby will help them recognize your mouth movements and help their communication skills. Singing also helps to develop baby’s cognitive skills and could actually help them develop into a happier child. Parents are encouraged to use their imagination and be creative when playing with their babies. Use sounds, colour and various textures to stimulate your baby’s senses

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When your baby is lying in her cot, buggy or on a play mat, try to give her interesting things to look at and touch. Placing her in different spots around the house will give her different views too.
Aim to give your baby at least three short sessions of tummy-time every day. Over time, you can gradually increase the length of the sessions until your baby’s spending about an hour on her tummy over the course of the day. Once she’s more physically active, make sure there are safe places where she can practise rolling, crawling and climbing over obstacles such as cushions.
Keep chatting with your baby about what you’re doing, whether it’s climbing the stairs or preparing dinner. If you notice your baby is interested in something, talk to her about it. She’ll be much more likely to learn from you if she’s really excited.

General Advice, New Baby

Use baby massage to bond with your baby

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Experts believe that new parents should start massaging their baby from birth as it smoothes the transition from the womb into the world. It can help parents’ confidence and both parent and baby can relax and enjoy special bonding time together. Midwifes also suggest that it can improve baby’s skin, and reduce the discomforts of wind, colic and constipation. By using a pure baby massage oil, you are able to massage your baby and provide muscle stimulation, but over all spend quality time with your baby. pregnancy-baby-massage-how-toIt has also been suggested that massaging premature babies helps with; Improved weight gain, particularly if oils are used. Massage stimulates a key nerve, called the vagus nerve, which connects the brain with important parts of the body, including the stomach. Stimulating this nerve can improve digestion and bowel movement, helping your baby to gain weight.
A more stable heart rate. Massage improves the parts of the nervous system that regulate our organs. So massage can help to keep your premature baby’s heart rate steady.

 

General Advice, New Baby

How should I care for my Baby’s skin?

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Tests and research that has been recently carried out suggests that it is safer to bath your baby in plain water for the first month. When your baby is born, the top layer of their skin is extremely thin and absorbent. Therefore it is extremely sensitive to germs and chemicals. During the first month, your baby’s skin matures and they will develop their own natural protective barrier. Experts suggest using natural and organic products on your baby’s skin which are free from preservatives, perfume and colours. Continue reading →