Getting A Baby to Suckle

Getting A Baby to Suckle
A newborn that seems to be fussing and unable to enjoy eating may have troubles or issues around food later in life. The baby could become a picky eater or simply have bad associations with eating and end up being underweight.

It is essential that your baby “latch” on to the breast and learn how to suckle as part of a routine that teaches him or her to have a positive attitude towards food.

The basis of breastfeeding is getting the baby to latch on well. A baby who latches on well gets milk well. A baby who latches on poorly has more difficulty getting milk and therefore will be hungrier and gain less weight.

A baby that feels secure and comfortable in your arms has a better chance of getting optimum nutrition from breast feeding.

Try rocking the baby in your arms or sitting in a rocking chair. Support your back and arms with a pillow or necessary so that both of you feel stable and are not shifting around.

There are quite a few other ways you can convince your baby to suckle even if he or she is reluctant:
• Give your baby lots of attention and skin-to-skin contact
• Nurse without a bra
• Nurse the baby when he or she is sleepy. You will be more successful if you feed while he or she is drifting off or just starting to wake up
• Minimize distractions by nursing in a dark quiet room

Studies have also shown that having the two of you in the same room at night can also create a bond that makes feeding at the breast more relaxing and positive for the child.

If you are having trouble getting your baby to latch on you can also get a consultation with a lactation expert. Do not be afraid to get this advice. Most maternity and neo-natal care departments have a lactation expert on staff to specifically help women who have issues with breastfeeding.

And remember — If you are feeding your baby with a bottle be sure that all water you prepare formulas with is absolutely sterile. Giving your baby bad water can be fatal.

Do not try to force your baby to eat according to your schedule. It is simply not going to happen! For a healthy baby be sure to feed him or her when hungry. Feed your baby on demand!

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Is Giving Your Toddler Juice a Good Idea

We all know that juice usually contains healthy things like Vitamin C and Vitamin A. However did you also know that whether it is natural or not, canned or fresh squeezed, frozen or eaten in a Popsicle that it contains a lot of sugar.

Sugar just isn’t good for babies, toddlers and kids in general. Toddlers tend to be quite hyperactive is, especially if they are about to reach that age known as “The Terrible Twos.” The sugar pumps the kid up and they can become far too energetic and excitable. This is then followed by a crash. You end up with a very cranky toddler who is going to pester you for more juice so they can feel that “sugar high” again.

To establish healthy eating patterns and avoid addicting your child to sugar you need to limit their intake of juice. Never give a toddler more than four ounces a day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that parents need to know the difference between 100% fruit juice and beverages and cocktails that contain only a bit of juice a lot of sugar. These drinks can be just as bad as giving your baby a glass of cola.

You should also avoid giving babies and toddlers fruit juice before bedtime as it can rot their teeth. Drinking too much juice can also lead to poor nutrition, gas, tummy pain, bloating and diarrhea.

Once a baby becomes a toddler he or she may suddenly display symptoms of thirst. Most babies don’t feel thirsty until afar the age of one. Make sure your child is hydrated by giving him or her water throughout the day. According to the Institute of Medicine a kid between the ages of one and three needs about 1.3 liters of water a day. You can sweeten the water with a touch of juice to flavor it and also avoid the child from taking so much sugar that they experience a terrible “sugar crash.”

A fresh lemon or orange squeezed into a glass of water with a pinch of sugar or salt is good for quenching thirst. Coconut water is also a healthy option.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also does not advise parents to give kids juice before the age of six months old. A baby this young does not need a lot of water or fluids that are not breast milk. This is because breast milk contains everything that your baby needs to receive full nutrition.

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