As baby becomes more attentive she will need to move around allot to develop her muscles. Once she is crawling she will be able to practice her own exercise. Until that time here are some great ideas for helping your baby develop her muscles and exhaust herself for better sleeping.
Please note I am not advocating particular items in this article. There are many different pieces provided by numerous companies. The cost varies. Do your homework and decide which items and which styles are most beneficial to you!!!
First: The Ottoroo SwimmyFloatie. This little water raft looks crazy. Yes, it is a blow up raft that goes around baby’s neck!!!! Our daughter-in-law uses it for our grandson and he loves it! Go to the otter website – Oteroo.com – and see for yourself. These are available for babies through 18 months. Our four month old grandson is comfortable in it and loves the independence of floating around the pool with out mommy holding on to him. Mommy never leaves his side, of course, but he fells like he is on his own. Its amazing!!! I would not have believed it if I had not seen it myself! Go to the website, Otteroo.com, and see what you think!!!
Second: Evenflo Johnny Jump Up Blue Owl Door Doorway Baby Jumper Jump Up Exerciser
Be aware of the clamp – it needs to clasp to a door jam. Some are made to hang off a ceiling beam. Be sure you are ordering one that meets your hanging specificaitons.
This exercise item has been available for decades. It hangs in a door jam and allows baby to control his own movement with his legs. He jumps up and down and swings side to side. For active babies this is wonderful. It gives parents a break while in the room with baby.
I wanted to see whether or not plums had the same medicinal qualities as prunes. After all, plums are simply undried prunes! Ha! It is kind of amazing what happens to a plum when it is dried into prune. It has many more healthy benefits!!! Now, the test is gong to be, can you convince your baby to eat prunes or drink prune juice? My encouragement, when giving babies juice, cut it by at least half with water. Baby does not need all the sugar from fruit. Hydration is most important, especially in these summer months. Add lots of cold water to what ever it is you are hoping baby will drink. This will make baby more comfortable and hopefully help with constipation as well. JUDY
Plums are extremely nutritious, with a variety of health benefits to offer. They contain many vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber and antioxidants that may help reduce your risk of several chronic diseases.
You can consume plums fresh or dried. Dried plums, or prunes, are known for improving several health conditions, including constipation and osteoporosis.
This article lists 7 evidence-based health benefits of plums and prunes.
1. They Contain Many Nutrients
Plums and prunes are impressively high in nutrients. They contain over 15 different vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber and antioxidants. Here is an overview of the nutrition profiles of plums and prunes.
Plums
Plums are relatively low in calories, but contain a fair amount of important vitamins and minerals. One plum contains the following nutrients (1): • Calories: 30 • Carbs: 8 grams • Fiber: 1 gram • Sugars: 7 grams • Vitamin A: 5% of the RDI • Vitamin C: 10% of the RDI • Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI • Potassium: 3% of the RDI • Copper: 2% of the RDI • Manganese: 2% of the RDI Additionally, one plum provides a small amount of B vitamins,
phosphorus and magnesium (1). Prunes
By weight, prunes are higher in calories than plums. A 1-ounce (28- gram) serving of prunes contains the following (2): • Calories: 67 • Carbs: 18 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams • Sugars: 11 grams • Vitamin A: 4% of the RDI • Vitamin K: 21% of the RDI • Vitamin B2: 3% of the RDI • Vitamin B3: 3% of the RDI • Vitamin B6: 3% of the RDI • Potassium: 6% of the RDI • Copper: 4% of the RDI • Manganese: 4% of the RDI • Magnesium: 3% of the RDI • Phosphorus: 2% of the RDI Overall, the vitamin and mineral content of one serving of plums and prunes differs slightly. Prunes contain more vitamin K than plums and are somewhat higher in B vitamins and minerals. In addition, prunes are higher in calories, fiber and carbs than fresh plums.
SUMMARY:
The vitamin and mineral content of plums and prunes differs slightly, but both are packed with nutrients. Additionally, prunes contain more calories, fiber and carbs than fresh plums.
2. Prunes and Prune Juice May Relieve Constipation
Prunes and prune juice are well known for their ability to relieve constipation.
This is partly due to the high amount of fiber in prunes. One prune provides 1 gram of fiber (2). The fiber in prunes is mostly insoluble, which means it does not blend with water.
It plays a role in preventing constipation by adding bulk to your stool and may speed up the rate that waste moves through your digestive tract Additionally, prunes and prune juice contain sorbitol, which is a sugar alcohol with natural laxative effects
Eating prunes has been shown to be more effective at treating constipation than many other types of laxatives, such as psyllium, which is a type of fiber often used for constipation relief.
In one study, people who consumed 2 ounces (50 grams) of prunes every day for three weeks reported better stool consistency and frequency compared to a group that consumed psyllium
It is important to keep in mind that eating too many prunes at once may lead to undesirable effects, such as diarrhea. To prevent this from occurring, it is best to stick with a serving of 1/4–1/2 cup (44–87 grams) per day.
If you are using prune juice, make sure it is 100% juice without added sugars. Additionally, limit your portion size to 4–8 ounces (118–237 ml) per day.
SUMMARY:
Prunes and prune juice may be effective for relieving constipation due to their content of fiber and sorbitol.
3. Plums and Prunes Are Rich in Antioxidants
Plums and prunes are rich in antioxidants, which are helpful for reducing inflammation and protecting your cells from damage by free radicals. They are particularly high in polyphenol antioxidants, which have positive effects on bone health and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes
In fact, some studies have shown that plums contain more than twice the amount of polyphenol antioxidants as other popular fruits, such as nectarines and peaches
Many lab and animal studies have found the polyphenols in plums and prunes to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the ability to prevent damage to cells that often leads to disease ( In one test-tube study, the polyphenols in prunes significantly reduced inflammatory markers associated with joint and lung diseases
Anthocyanins, a specific type of polyphenol, appear to be the most active antioxidants found in plums and prunes. They may have powerful health effects, including reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer
Yet while all of these findings are promising, more human studies are needed.
SUMMARY:
Plums and prunes are high in polyphenol antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of several chronic diseases.
4. They May Help Lower Your Blood Sugar
Plums have properties that may help with blood sugar control. Despite being fairly high in carbs, plums and prunes do not appear to cause a substantial rise in blood sugar levels after they’re eaten ( This is attributed to their potential to increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that plays a role in blood sugar regulation
Additionally, the fiber in plums may be partly responsible for their effects on blood sugar. Fiber slows the rate at which your body absorbs carbs after a meal, causing blood sugar to rise gradually, rather than spike
What’s more, consuming fruits like plums and prunes is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes
However, make sure to keep your portion sizes in check, since prunes are high in calories and easy to overeat. A reasonable portion size is 1/4–1/2 cup (44–87 grams).
SUMMARY:
Plums and prunes are a good source of fiber and have been shown to reduce adiponectin levels. Both characteristics may benefit blood sugar control.
5. Prunes May Promote Bone Health
Prunes may be beneficial for improving bone health. Some studies have linked prune consumption with a reduced risk of debilitating bone conditions such as osteoporosis and osteopenia, which are characterized by low bone density
Not only have prunes been shown to prevent bone loss, they may also have the potential to reverse bone loss that has already occurred
It’s still unclear why prunes appear to have these positive effects on bone health. However, their content of antioxidants and ability to reduce inflammation are thought to play a role
Additionally, research suggests that consuming prunes may increase levels of certain hormones that are involved in bone formation
Prunes also contain several vitamins and minerals that have bone- protective effects, including vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium
While all these findings are positive, most of the evidence regarding prunes and bone health is based on results from animal and test-tube studies. However, the minimal amount of human research conducted on
prune intake and bone health has produced promising results. Compared to other fruits, prunes appear to be the most effective at preventing and reversing bone loss
SUMMARY:
Prunes have several properties that may benefit bone health by preventing or reversing bone loss, which may reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis.
6. Plums and Prunes May Benefit Heart
Health Consuming plums and prunes on a regular basis may have a protective effect on heart health. They have been studied for their potential to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are major risk factors for heart disease. In one study, subjects who drank prune juice and ate three or six prunes each morning for eight weeks were compared to a group that drank only a glass of water on an empty stomach
Those who consumed the prunes and prune juice had significantly lower blood pressure levels, total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol than the group that drank water (
Another study found that men who had been diagnosed with high cholesterol had lower LDL cholesterol levels after consuming 12 prunes daily for eight weeks (
Several animal studies have produced similar results. Generally, mice fed dried plum powder and plum juice appear to have lower cholesterol levels and increased “good” HDL cholesterol. However, these results cannot be generalized to humans (
The positive effects plums and prunes appear to have on heart disease risk factors are likely due to their high content of fiber, potassium and antioxidants
While the results of these studies are promising, keep in mind that more human research is needed to support the heart-protective effects of plums and prunes. SUMMARY:
Plums and prunes may promote heart health due to their potential role in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
7. Easy to Add to Your Diet
Plums and prunes are convenient and easy to incorporate into your diet. You can eat them on their own, or enjoy them in smoothies and salads, such as in the following recipes:
• Spinach, Basil and Plum Salad • Cinnamon Plum Smoothie • Pasta Salad with Roasted Chicken and Plum • Plum Avocado Summer Salad • Prune, Orange, Fennel and Onion Salad Prunes can also be consumed as juice and are commonly stewed, which is the process of combining them with water and then simmering, as in this recipe. SUMMARY: Plums and prunes are simple to add to your diet. They can be prepared in several different ways and taste great in many types of recipes.
The Bottom Line
Plums are a very nutritious fruit. Both plums and prunes are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Additionally, they have several characteristics that may reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Furthermore, they taste delicious and require little preparation, so they are easy to incorporate into your diet.
Milk protein can cause constipation in babies. Milk proteins other than in the breast milk can cause this problem, and as a parent, you need to be careful once you start giving formula milk to your baby. Sometimes, babies may even develop an allergy to the protein present in breast milk, which may result in constipation.
2. Formula Food
Babies are often fed formula in their early years. Formula food consists of ingredients that are difficult to digest, which might result in constipation. Formula milk even contains complex proteins that may harden the poop and thus cause constipation.
3. Rice
Rice and porridge are the two solid food for babies that most mothers think of introducing as the first food to their babies. But some babies may find it hard to digest rice and may feel constipated.
4. Carrots
Carrots, when given raw or in the form of juice, are usually good for babies. But, if you feed steam-cooked carrots to your baby, then he might feel constipated. Steamed carrots tend to solidify the poop making it difficult for babies to excrete.
5. Raw Bananas
Babies are often fed raw bananas, as cooked vegetable, or as a porridge made out of sun-dried raw banana powder. Although giving a ripe banana is good, unripe banana is not. If you give an unripe banana to your baby, he might feel constipated and have gastric problem. Under-ripe or unripe bananas have starch in them, which can be hard for a baby to digest.
6. Apples
Apples are known to harden the stool so eating them while suffering from diarrhea can help. But steamed apples, a popular baby food, can cause constipation in babies. So don’t give steamed apples to your baby. Also avoid giving applesauce to your baby as it contains pectin protein, which hardens the stool.
7. Cheese
Cheese is an excellent source of many essential vitamins and minerals and is a super food for babies. It is usually given to babies as a snack. However, cheese is low in fiber and can cause constipation.
8. White Bread
White bread, made with all-purpose flour, is a processed form of grain and is low in fiber. Fibrous foods are known to improve digestion. However, white bread lacks fiber in substantial quantity and can cause constipation in babies.
9. Potatoes
Regular potatoes with skin have about 3 gm. of fiber and can prevent constipation. If you give your baby potatoes with other veggies, then it won’t be a problem. However, if you give him potato chips or potatoes with butter or sour cream, then he may suffer from constipation.
10. Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains good bacteria that facilitate digestion. But, it also has a binding effect on food substances and sometimes may cause constipation in children.
10 Foods That Help Relieve Constipation in Infants
Now that you know which foods cause constipation in babies, so avoid incorporating them into your baby’s diet. If your baby is already suffering from constipation, then include these high-fiber foods in your baby’s diet. These foods will not only relieve the condition but also prevent it from occurring in the future.
1. Prunes
Prunes are rich in fiber and a great source of multivitamins. Being a good source of fiber, they can ease and speed up the bowel movements. Prunes can be soaked overnight and given to a baby first thing in the morning. You can also give your baby prune juice. Prunes and prune juice are an excellent remedy for constipation.
2. Beans
Beans are packed with fiber and can be included in a baby’s diet if he is suffering from constipation. Eating beans will improve his bowel movements. As beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, it will help in digestion of food and help your little one excrete properly.
3. Green Peas
Fresh green peas available in winters are loaded with fibre – they are a perfect food to include in your baby’s diet if he is constipated. Peas can be given as a simple snack by just boiling and seasoning. Infants can be given boiled peas in the pureed form to aid bowel movements.
4. Apricots
Apricots are another seasonal fruit used for treating constipation. It can be given raw or in the form of juice. Dried apricots are also available in the market, which can be soaked overnight and given to babies.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal, a common and widely preferred food for babies, is an excellent food for children with recurrent episodes of constipation. Oatmeal can provide your baby with much-needed fibre and can prevent constipation.
6. Pears
Pears are rich in fiber and Vitamin C. Both fiber and Vitamin C aid in proper digestion and relieve constipation. Babies can also be given a few drops of fresh pear juice to cure constipation.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli, a super food for babies, is a rich source of protein and fiber. Broccoli is also a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate. Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli add weight to stools, making them easier to pass through the gut. You can give small steamed broccoli florets to your baby as finger food. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, which may protect the gut and aid digestion.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, unlike other tubers, are one of the best baby foods and they do not cause constipation. Sweet potatoes can help in relieving constipation and provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates to your growing baby.
9. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants and are an excellent food for babies and toddlers. They are also high in fiber, which is why they are a must-include in your baby’s diet. You can give berries to your baby in pureed form. By eating berries, your little tot won’t complain of constipation.
10. Whole Grain Bread
Whole grains foods have high fiber content in them, which is good for the heart as well as for the digestive system. You can give whole wheat bread to your baby – it is high in fiber and will prevent constipation in your little one.
In general, warmer climates tend to enjoy a slower pace of life. This is due to necessity. For those of us accustomed to doing what we want when we want to at breakneck speed, the heat throws a kink in our plans. Having baby on board forces us to reevaluate our days, goals, and activities. This is a good thing! The heat accentuates our need to slow down and smell the roses! Plan outings either early in the morning or after the sun has gone down. Avoid going out if you are able. Live a more relaxed lifestyle. Stock up on cool drinks, popsicles, and easy meals. Stay home and learn to enjoy relaxing. For many of us this is an entirely new concept! It can be a little scary.
This period of your life will pass more quickly than you can imagine. Make the decision to enjoy it! So you don’t get to the mall this instant….you will survive. Being at home and comfortable is so worth it!!! If home is unbearably hot find a cooler place. It may be the mall, Ha! Ha! My obstetrician suggested “long walks in air conditioned malls” for my later months of pregnancy. Breastfeeding moms tend to overheat too. Another suggestion: Wear your newborn in the carrier of your choice and go watch a movie in an air conditioned movie theater. Newborns sleep well. If you need to breastfeed it is dark and no one will know anyway!! Look for outdoor locations with lots of shade. Turn the hose on outside for your older children. Find another mom in your phase of life and share ideas. There are many great suggestions for escaping the heat! Please send me yours!!
Cut yourself come slack! Accept the help and suggestions of others. SLOW DOWN!!! The heat will pass and you will be the better for it! All you have learned in the process will be available the next time it is hot, and you will be able to provide suggestions to others too!
For Breastfeeding Mommies: When it is especially muggy be careful of plastic covered breast pads. Use only cotton fabric or cotton paper pads. These will breath allowing your nipples to remain dry and comfortable. Use lanolin or other lotions frugally, the goal is to stay as dry as possible. The heat will pass and you can reinstate your previous favorites.
For Baby: Avoid plastic and nylon clothing, blankets, and diapers. Baby can not tell you whether or not she is sweating. Pay special attention to baby’s skin. If she is at all wet with sweat remove her clothing and let her air dry. If there is a safe place on the floor let her lie on a soft towel or cotton blanket. This may sound crazy, but under the coffee table is safe from older siblings and falling objects. My eldest son was 15 months old when baby #2 arrived. He would never have injured his baby. My concern was he would pull #2 off the sofa or bed in an effort to help. Thus, I left #2 out of traffic lanes on the floor. There were lots of full body hugs but no bumps or bruises!
For all family members: Stay dry and wear cotton. Have cotton towels available to sit on, rather than leather or slick surfaces on which sweat will accumulate. As much as possible reduce your activity level. Read books, watch an educational video, nap!! For rashes and moisture related skin issues I recommend Caldesene Powder. Photo included. This medicated powder is like magic for everything from diaper rash to adult moisture related skin issues! If your little ones have a rash in their arm pits, some one has jock itch, or diaper rash, lightly dust with Caldesene. Use sparingly. Any recommendation comes with the disclaimer that every family, mama, & baby are different. This powder works wonders for us, I hope it will do the same for you!!
At the end of the summer heat is difficult. We are accustomed to sea breezes and very tolerable weather. When it gets hot and humid we are not only uncomfortable but suffer with heat rash, overheating, and all around misery! What can we do to make ourselves and our babies more comfortable? In order of importance…..
Hydrate!!!!
For breastfeeding mommies: Drink more cold water than you ever thought possible!!! The goal is to keep you comfortable and healthy. Your body needs liquid to function (run your lungs, liver, etc.); your body needs liquid for the process of making breastmilk; your body needs liquid for the actual milk. It would be pretty much impossible to drink more than you can use. It is especially important to be aware of this when it is hotter than usual. Gatorade has lots of sugar but can do in a pinch, other flavored waters may make drinking more easier for you. I went through August during my second pregnancy. I literally spent the month outdoors in the kiddy pool with the running hose in one hand and a Popsicle in the other!!! Do whatever it takes to be comfortable. One of my favorite obstetricians, Dr. Tin, encouraged me to “take long walks in air conditioned malls”.
For infants under the age of two: Babies are at your mercy for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Most of them can not tell you they are too hot or thirsty. Be very aware of their clothing, blankets, and sleep area in the heat. Soft thin cotton T-shirts and a diaper may be all they need. If it is really hot forget the shirt, allow them to lay on a soft blanket with just a diaper. If they are are mobile look for cooling opportunities: a hose on the grass, a squirt gun, an air conditioned anything. We all tend to over dress babies, be aware of this! For breastfeeding babies offer the breast more often than usual. A day or two will not start a bad habit, but it will help you be sure baby has all the liquid he needs, For older infants add an extra bottle of watered down juice or a Popsicle outdoors. You can make your own or purchase a myriad of healthy pops.
For the rest of your family: Make their favorite liquids available in mass. You know what they like: fruit cups, water bottles, Popsicles, juices, watermelon and so on. Avoid sodas, caffeine, and large amounts of tea as they act as diuretics, causing our bodies to slough off the liquid we so desperately need at this time. Pay special attention to what each of them ingests. If they are very active they will not think about it, but will need it even more!
Enjoy the wonderful days at the end of the summer! More soon on other hints to avoid summer rashes! Keep cool!!! Judy
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