ask the expert

the baby years

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Q: My breast-fed baby is often gassy and fussy. Is this caused by something in my diet? Are there foods I should avoid while breastfeeding?

Q: We hate to see our baby crying from discomfort and pain due to new teeth growing in. What are some safe ways to help ease a baby’s teething discomfort?

Q: Before we start stocking up on baby bottom balm and lavender baby wash, we want to get an expert opinion. What type of skin care products does a baby truly need and what can we do without? Are there specific cleansers that are better than others? Do babies need a moisturizer?

Q: What are the best play ideas to encourage our baby’s development?

Q: What is “colic crying” and how do we best calm a fussy baby?

Q: We need to buy a lot of baby gear and equipment (car seats, strollers, crib, etc.) for our new baby. But does it all need to be brand new? What has to be purchased new and what is safe to purchase used?

Q: Our baby is babbling non-stop. It’s like she has her own language and creating her own social interactions. What are the best ways for parents to interact during these adorable babble fests, and should we encourage this babbling or what?

Q: My baby was born with a small birthmark on his head. Should I be concerned? Do they usually fade and if not, can they be treated or removed?

Q: What are the benefits of massage for infants and babies? How does it work?

Q: My 5-month-old wakes up several times during the night and as a result, I am one sleep-deprived mama! How can I help her stay asleep through the night? Is there a way to ‘train’ her to sleep better and longer?

Q: I know that ‘tummy time’ is important for my baby (builds muscles, etc.), but try telling my baby that! He’s just not into it. In fact, he fusses and cries. How can I help make tummy time more fun for baby – and for me? Any tips?

Q: I know that reading is one of life’s most important skills. How early in a child’s life should a parent start focusing on reading readiness? What steps can we take with our 6-month-old to prepare her to read?

Q: We’re new parents and looking forward to camping this summer with our little guy. I’m sure the idea of camping with a baby sounds crazy to some, but we love the outdoors and want to give it a shot. Any tips to help us make it a success?

Q: My husband thinks swimming classes for our 6-month-old baby is a silly idea and we are just as well off going to a community pool as a family. Are there actual benefits for starting a child swimming at this age? And are there any risks?

Q: I know that co-sleeping with an infant is a hotly contested issue. But for those parents who choose to co-sleep with their baby, what steps should they take in order to set up the safest possible sleep environment?

Q: Life with a newborn has me flustered and bewildered. It seems like the crying, rocking, feeding, walking-the-floor insanity is going to last forever. I’m also dealing with extreme fatigue and roller-coaster emotions. What are some ways that I can stay balanced when my new baby totally rocks my world?

Q: When I recently Googled “best toys for babies,” I came up with more than 32 million results. Sure, there are endless opportunities for parents to spend their money on toys, so please help us cut to the chase: What kinds of toys are good for babies?

Q: Finding the right childcare setting for my 6-month-old baby seems overwhelming. What are some tips for finding the right place for him?

Q: Is it ok to give my baby a pacifier when he gets fussy? If so, is there a better type over another? If not, what are the risks in doing so?

Q: My baby is due soon and I want to make sure I purchase the best type of car seat for an infant and that I get it installed correctly – any tips?

Q: Can you prevent type 1 diabetes? My first child was diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus when he was 5 years old. I just had a baby and I’m wondering if there is anything I can do to reduce her odds of getting diabetes too?

Q: I know that newborns’ immune systems aren’t built up yet, so they’re more susceptible to illness. Being that I am a bit of a germaphobe, I am nervous about what my newborn should be exposed to. Should I be asking visitors to slather on hand sanitizer before touching her? How do I protect her without going overboard?

Q: Can we travel with our newborn baby? Is it safe to let her fly on a plane?

Q: I want to make sure I have breastfeeding success with my newborn. Is there any problem with supplementing breast milk with a bottle of formula now and then? Will this affect my baby or affect my milk supply?

Q: What are some tips for getting my baby on a regular sleep schedule?

My breast-fed baby is often gassy and fussy. Is this caused by something in my diet? Are there foods I should avoid while breastfeeding?

The thought that something in the maternal diet is contributing to a baby being gassy and fussy is common, though the foods in a mom’s diet are not likely the culprit. True allergies to proteins in maternal breast milk do occur but are rare and often come with additional symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, rash or skin irritation and/or bloody stools. Women all over the world have varying diets and breastfeed their babies. I encourage mothers to eat the foods that are normally in their diet. There are many other factors to first consider as the cause for increased gas in a baby other than a breastfeeding mom’s diet. A visit with a lactation specialist can identify or rule out other possible contributors to a baby’s gassiness including ineffective latch and force of milk flow, for instance. Additionally, babies swallow air during the acts of feeding and crying and these normal behaviors can also be contributing factors to increased gas, discomfort and subsequent further crying which can then exacerbate the problem. A feeding observation to assess baby’s latch, behavior and positioning during feeding could be valuable in identifying factors that may contribute to baby’s increased gas. It can also be helpful to learn positioning, infant massage techniques and comfort measures to help baby relieve gas and improve their overall comfort. Remember, humans are mammals and are biologically designed to breastfeed. If you are concerned about your baby’s increased gas or fussiness, please discuss it with baby’s provider in collaboration with a lactation consultant.

Heather Anderson has been serving Alaskans as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant for 10 years.

We hate to see our baby crying from discomfort and pain due to new teeth growing in. What are some safe ways to help ease a baby’s teething discomfort?

Teething can be an understandably stressful time for parents. This is especially true since teething takes place during our kids’ most vulnerable age. Babies start teething at approximately 6 to 8 months, although some are earlier or later. Crying around this age along with attempts to chew on hard objects and excess drooling are usually good indicators of teething. Most of the discomfort babies experience comes from the teeth putting pressure on the gums as they are getting ready to “break” through. Gently massaging the gums helps relieve this pressure and aids the eruption of the tooth.

Parents can expect this process to last until their child is about 2 1/2 years old. The lower incisors (the two bottom front teeth) usually come in first making for adorable pictures! Next, parents can usually expect the upper incisors.

Other recommendations include offering a bottle with cool water, or cool soft foods such as yogurt or applesauce (if your baby is eating solids). Topical pain relievers and medications that are rubbed on the gums are not necessary, or even useful, because they wash out of the baby’s mouth within minutes. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discourages the use of over-the-counter topical medications for teething pain, because some of them can be harmful.

Most important, take your baby to a pediatric dentist by age 1 to ensure that you are armed with the right information to help comfort your little one – and to set them up with a healthy smile for a lifetime. Visit mychildrensteeth.org to find a nearby pediatric dentist and to learn more about the importance of early oral care for kids. Teething affects babies differently. Remember to enjoy this time with your baby. Teething is not forever!

Dr. Jessica Blanco is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist at Juneau Pediatric Dentistry, which serves the children and families of Southeast Alaska. She is also Alaska’s Public Policy Advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Visit juneaupediatricdentistry.com.

Before we start stocking up on baby bottom balm and lavender baby wash, we want to get an expert opinion. What type of skin care products does a baby truly need and what can we do without? Are there specific cleansers that are better than others? Do babies need a moisturizer?

A newborn baby has a two-week period of peeling skin, or molting, really, after its nine-month bath in amniotic fluid. Lotion will not make a difference during that stage and is best to avoid. If there are cracks in the creases of the ankle of wrists then some Vaseline or nipple cream or Aquaphor is sometimes soothing for them.

After that, you really just need to see what the baby gives you. They are not terribly dirty, except for the up-the-back stools, so baths can be limited to times of necessity. A lot of people like to incorporate a bath into the bedtime routine but in the first weeks of a baby’s life, pure survival is more important than the soothing bedtime bath. As for cleansers during this time, or anytime really, something mild is the best advice. Soaps like Irish Spring tend to be fairly harsh and can cause irritated skin; Cetaphil and Dove seem to do well for most babies. My general rule is if it says “baby” on the bottle then you are likely paying too much. There is also no real need for scents at this age. Lots of people flock to lavender for the promises of sleep but that is no guarantee and we have seen lavender cause some hormone disruption when used excessively.

After the initial newborn period of a month or so then you can definitely make a bedtime bath a part of your routine, as long as it is actually calming for the baby. Most infants do not need any real skin care; their skin is really as soft as a baby’s bottom. However, living in Alaska poses its own challenges with a dry environment and, hence, dry skin. You are also susceptible to dry skin with a family history of allergies, eczema and general atopic dermatitis. For people who tend to have dry skin it is important to get wet every day (counterintuitive to what most people think). It is what you do after a bath that makes the most difference. If you get your baby wet, even with just warm water, and save soap for those crazy poop times, then immediately apply a lotion after they get out of the tub and are still a bit wet; this will wash off any offending agents to the skin barrier and then replace the barrier with the lotion.

What lotion to use? The key is to find the lotion you like and use it diligently and always after they get wet. Vaseline is a tried and true emollient that works like a charm (not the scented kind or with “baby” on the label). Aquaphor, Cetaphil, Eucerin and Cera Ve are also ones you are likely to hear about in your quest for the best lotion. In general, creams will work better than lotions as they have better staying power but the key is consistent use. When the skin looks good, it is because of what you are doing, so keep doing it! Remember the key about diligence of use and getting wet often enough first.

There is always a question about a non-petroleum option. I like coconut oil but it can be absorbed rather quickly. A lot of people have good results mixing it with shea butter for longer and more effective results.

If you are bathing appropriately, using mild skin care products, and are using lotion/cream diligently and your baby’s skin remains dry and/or red and irritated looking, then you should see your pediatrician for further skin care guidelines and possible treatments.

Erin McArthur MD is a specialist in Pediatrics at LaTouche Pediatrics LLC. Visit latouchepediatrics.com.

What are the best play ideas to encourage our baby’s development?

Kids play like it’s their job. Play-based experiences, exploration and experimentation help brain and physical development as your child practices and masters new skills. Want to be wowed? Your child’s brain doubles in size by age 1, and by age 3 has reached 80 percent of its adult size. Even though babies play on a small scale, the positive and nurturing interactions made through play are key to this brain development. Below are some suggestions for playing with your little one.

Grasping

• Offer your child different objects from around the house to grasp that are lightweight. Try putting different objects together in a bowl, so he can use the sides to help with grasping.

• Shake a rattle, then let your baby shake it. This teaches purposeful movement and hand-eye coordination.

• Using thumb and forefinger to turn pages as you read together is a great way to practice small hand movements.

Tummy time

• Try variations to see what your baby likes best: on your stomach, on a pillow or a mat, across your legs. This develops neck and shoulder muscles while working on movement.

Sensory

• Offer your child different textures to touch. Use words to describe what he is feeling to make a connection between the experience of the texture with words.

• Fill up a bottle with water, food coloring and small objects. Roll the bottle on the ground and let your crawler chase it. If your baby isn’t crawling yet, use this as a soothing toy by letting her watch the bottle’s contents change as you turn it around or shake it.

Peekaboo

• This classic game teaches babies to track movements with their eyes and that objects (like mom and dad) are permanent. As your child ages, you can move from covering your eyes to hiding behind furniture.

As your child gets closer to the one-year mark, more traditional toys enter the picture. Young children love toys they can push while learning to walk, building blocks that they can stack and knock over, cups where you can hide objects, and realistic toys based on food or tools for dramatic play. Following your child’s interest is key! Play should never feel like work.

Stephanie Schott is the Early Literacy Program Manager at Best Beginnings, a public-private partnership that mobilizes people and resources to ensure all Alaska children begin school ready to succeed. Visit bestbeginningsalaska.org.

What is “colic crying” and how do we best calm a fussy baby?

Your baby is born with a unique cry to which you become highly attuned. This attachment is essential for meeting their needs, but learning to handle crying can be very stressful. My hope is to reassure you that crying is a healthy and normal infant behavior.

“Developmental crying” is the term for normal fussiness during the first 6 months of life about which the acronym “PURPLE” was created:

”P” (peak): Babies cry more each week until the second month, then less in months 3-6.
“U” (unexpected): Crying can come and go without explanation.
“R” (resists soothing): Babies may not stop crying no matter what is tried.
“P” ( pain-like face): Babies may appear in pain, even if they are not.
“L” (long lasting): Babies normally cry up to three hours a day, but can cry more.
“E” (evening): Babies often cry more in the late afternoon and evening.

“Colic crying” is an intense form of infant fussiness defined as crying at least three hours per day on at least three days per week. While typically easing by the time a child is 3 months old, colic can last the first year.

You should ensure there is no physical source for your baby’s discomfort – feeding an appropriate amount and changing diapers routinely, observing for vomiting or changes in your baby’s poops, looking for skin rashes or hair tourniquets, and examining for abnormal movements or signs of abuse. You should tell you pediatric provider about your concerns so they can thoroughly examine and provide their reassurance.

Many pediatric providers encourage soothing using the “5 S’s” described by Harvey Karp, MD:

  • Swaddling in a wrap that constrains the arms and legs
  • Side or stomach holding (but not for sleeping)
  • Shushing sounds of the voice, fan or sound machine
  • Swinging gently while carrying
  • Sucking on a pacifier, finger or hand

Your baby may calm slowly, so give each “S” several minutes to have an effect. Partners should be encouraged to work through these techniques so they feel confident consoling when they are needed most. It is not possible to spoil an infant under 1 year of age. Babies who are carried more are observed to cry less. It is also important to note that babies respond to your emotions, so the above techniques are most effective when you are calm.

It is incredibly important for parents of infants to take care of themselves and utilize the support offered by family, friends and medical / mental health resources. Although you can care best for your baby, getting some time away can be crucial, especially if crying goes on for months. Music, meditation, exercise or other relaxing activities outside the home will reduce your stress and enable you to be a healthier, more capable parent.

Please note there are no over-the-counter remedies or physical manipulation techniques that have been clinically proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of colic.

RESOURCES:
For more info on the “Period of PURPLE Crying”: purplecrying.info
For more info on “Colic crying”: healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/pages/colic.aspx
For more info on soothing a fussy baby in general:
healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/pages/calming-a-fussy-baby.aspx
This column was inspired by an article by Barbara J. Howard, MD, in the October 2018 issue of Pediatric News.

Adrian Furman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician at LaTouche Pediatrics. He is a graduate of Wasilla High School who recently returned to Alaska to provide pediatric care. Adrian is soon to have a second baby girl in the “Period of PURPLE Crying.” Visit latouchepediatrics.com.

We need to buy a lot of baby gear and equipment (car seats, strollers, crib, etc.) for our new baby. But does it all need to be brand new? What has to be purchased new and what is safe to purchase used?

In reality, a newborn’s equipment needs are fairly minimal. A car seat for safe travel and a crib for safe sleep are must-haves. Strollers, bassinets, swings, high chairs, baby wearing wraps, changing tables and other items are optional.

When choosing a car seat, be sure it is designed to be used rear-facing, and can be installed in the back seat of your vehicle. Second-hand car seats may be okay to use. There are a few important considerations:

Is the source of the car seat known to you? People you know and trust can provide an accurate history of the seat, including if they were the original owner and if the seat has been involved in a crash.

Has the seat been involved in a crash? If so, it is best to avoid using it.

• Is the seat expired? Car seats are usable for six years from manufacture date or until the specific “do not use after” or “expires on” date printed on the seat labels.

Does the seat have all of its original parts intact and undamaged? The instruction booklet will include a listing of parts and instructions for correct assembly. Many manufacturers have printable versions of instruction booklets on their websites.

Is the seat recalled? Car seats can be recalled for many reasons, some of which may affect the crashworthiness of the seat.

Cribs, either new or used, should comply with current safety specifications:

• Bars should be spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

• The mattress should be firm and not sag under your baby’s weight. It should fit snugly with no space between it and the crib walls.

• The top of the crib rail should be at least 26 inches from the top of the mattress. Lower the mattress as your child gets taller.

• The headboards and footboards should be solid with no decorative cutouts. Remove corner posts that could cause injury or snag clothing.

• Do not use cribs with drop rails.

• The crib should not have lead-based paint on its finish.

It’s easy to check for recalls on any product you may be considering for your baby. A list of product recalls is located at safekids.org/product-recalls.

Sara Penisten Turcic, RN, BSNS, is the Safe Kids Alaska State Coalition Coordinator and a Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor. She has raised three children in Alaska and is thrilled to be in her 27th year of employment at Providence Alaska Medical Center. Visit carseatsak.org.

Our baby is babbling non-stop. It’s like she has her own language and creating her own social interactions. What are the best ways for parents to interact during these adorable babble fests, and should we encourage this babbling or what?

Parents can’t hear this enough. We really are our child’s first and most important teacher. One of the first ways we teach our children is to talk with them from their very earliest days. Talking with babies has been shown to have an amazing impact on the growth of their brains and development of language, key to their future success in school and in life. And, unlike products that are advertised to parents as critical to making their babies smart, talking is free!

At the beginning, we are responsible for both sides of the conversation, which can seem a bit awkward, but soon that little baby starts to babble or “talk” – and we’re off!

Here are some tips for talking with your babbling baby:

• Catch her attention and show her you are paying attention to what she is saying.
• Respond to him as though you really are having a conversation. You might feel a little silly, but you are absolutely doing the right thing.
• When your baby looks away from you, she may be tired, so wait a while until she seems ready to re-engage with you.

An easy way to remember what to do is called “words and turns.” “Words” refers to the quantity of words a child is exposed to, and “turns” means the interactions between adult and baby that can also be described as “serve-and-return” activities – baby begins to babble, adult talks back, baby vocalizes again.

Talking with your baby has recently been shown to have even more lasting effects than people thought. LENA researchers recently released a paper, “Language Experience in the Second Year of Life and Language Outcomes in Late Childhood” that confirms what many of us know innately. (See: lena.org/longitudinal-study.) And that is that back-and-forth talking with babies and toddlers helps build their vocabulary, comprehension, and other language skills, and those skills stick. The paper describes the longest longitudinal study on the relationship between back-and-forth talk and later positive outcomes. Researchers found that “a child’s early language experiences may predict developmental outcomes years later.” In addition, taking conversational turns with a child 18-24 months old was highly correlated with verbal abilities and IQ later on, when they were 9-14 years old.

So, keep talking with your babbling baby – you’re helping prepare her for success in school, and in life!

Abbe Hensley is the Executive Director of Best Beginnings, a public-private partnership that mobilizes people and resources to ensure all Alaska children begin school ready to succeed. Visit bestbeginningsalaska.org.

My baby was born with a small birthmark on his head. Should I be concerned? Do they usually fade and if not, can they be treated or removed?

Newborn birthmarks are extremely common. The majority of these lesions are completely harmless and do not require any specific treatment or removal. Pediatricians are very comfortable identifying and following them. Most of these birthmarks are self-limited and will resolve over time. Common examples:

Capillary hemangiomas (aka Strawberry hemangiomas) are harmless tumors comprised of tiny blood vessels under the skin surface. These are usually normal or slightly red at birth, raised and soft and compressible to touch. They grow rapidly during baby’s first year of life, plateau in size and then gradually involute over several years.

Macular stains (aka Stork bite, Angel kisses) are blanching pink patches. They are most common on the eyelids, forehead or back of neck, but can also occur on baby’s face or trunk. They generally fade over time and resolve by two years of age.

Vascular malformations are flat red spots that are always present at birth. They grow in proportion to the child and may become more apparent over time. They generally persist throughout life.

Occasionally, infant birthmarks do need to be treated. Reasons for this may include: interference with vision or breathing (such as an eyelid or nostril), rapid growth with ulceration, pain or bleeding, or lesions that are part of a complex syndrome or systemic illness. Your pediatrician can help identify these exceptions and may refer your child to other subspecialists for further evaluation and management.

Dr. Jeanette Legenza is a pediatrician at The Children’s Clinic. She has practiced at TCC for the past 13 years. She is a mother of two fun and athletic teen boys, two cats and a leopard gecko. Visit tccpeds.com.

What are the benefits of massage for infants and babies? How does it work?

Did you know that an infant who doesn’t receive enough nurturing physical contact from the same one or two caregivers can actually die? That might sound extreme, but mortality rates skyrocket when this quality touch is not given to children from birth to 5 years old, even when receiving proper nutrition. But why is human touch so important?

“Kangaroo care” is a well-known term for skin-on-skin time for premature babies and babies with failure to thrive in regard to normal growth and maturation of lungs and other organs. However, the benefits apply to all babies and children regardless of medical condition. Positive, nurturing human touch is healing. It creates connection and bonding by stimulating the release of the “feel-good” hormones serotonin and oxytocin in the brain which play a role in mood and behavior. Psychology Today says, “If kids don’t get healthy touch, they are more vulnerable to predators who will ultimately harm them. Indeed, some cross-cultural research suggests that cultures which lavish more affection on infants and children are less violent and less prone to crime.” Turns out hugging your child really does cause them to become more affectionate, intelligent, mentally stable, healthy and happy adults!

A link between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and serotonin has been established due to the fact that the hormone regulates heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and sleep cycles. Subluxations of the upper cervical spine may also impede function of the respiratory centers of the brain stem and contribute to SIDS. For this and many other reasons, babies should be examined by a pediatric chiropractor at birth, and parents taught to utilize massage therapy at home.

When utilized in conjunction with chiropractic care, massage can very much be a positive influence on decreasing pain and improving joint ranges of motion in children suffering from in utero constraint or birth trauma. Joint compressions are utilized to stimulate mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors – very helpful for children with physical and emotional special needs such as in ADD, ADHD, autism and children born under the influence of drugs. Using specific massage techniques also helps improve digestive movement, blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This may help with challenges such as earaches, teething pain, constipation and reflux.

Benefits aren’t just for the kids, however; a reduced risk of post-partum and other depressions, anxieties and mental stress await parents who give positive touch to their children. Hands-on work also improves sleep quality, and that benefits the whole family!

Dr. Jessica Dachowski is an International Chiropractors Association Pediatric Council Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics and Pregnancy, is a Webster Technique Certified Doctor through the International Chiropractors Pediatrics Association and is a Certified Chiropractic BioPhysics Doctor. She and her husband Dr. Ryan Dachowski own Whole Family Chiropractic. Visit wholefamilychiropractic.com.

My 5-month-old wakes up several times during the night and as a result, I am one sleep-deprived mama! How can I help her stay asleep through the night? Is there a way to ‘train’ her to sleep better and longer?

To start, examine what your bedtime and naptime routines look like. You should have a different routine for naptime and bedtime, so your baby knows when she is expected to wake up and when she is expected to sleep through the night. However, each routine should be done exactly the same way from day to day.

I’d highly recommend having solid white noise (like how a fan would sound) in the room where your baby is sleeping. This noise mimics what your baby heard in utero, and it also gives you a sound barrier, allowing you to do normal household things after she goes to sleep without waking her up! Before you put your baby to bed, make sure she is full and don’t allow her to fall asleep while eating. If she starts to doze off, especially during night feedings, rub her hands and feet to keep her awake while eating. If she falls asleep before she’s finished eating, she’s going to wake up repeatedly because she’s still hungry.

Now that your baby is 5 months old, some of her wake ups may be comfort-related, rather than food-related. If she’s expecting food every time she wakes up, you can alter this expectation by changing her diaper each time she wakes up, before offering her food. This will help her to associate waking up with getting her diaper changed, instead of eating. Most babies will choose to stay comfy and to wake up only when they’re truly hungry, cutting down on night-time wake ups significantly.

Lindsey Kruse is the owner of Denali Night Nannies, a company that offers overnight childcare, date night childcare, day nannying, and sleep coaching to parents of infants and toddlers. Visit denalinightnannies.com.

I know that ‘tummy time’ is important for my baby (builds muscles, etc.), but try telling my baby that! He’s just not into it. In fact, he fusses and cries. How can I help make tummy time more fun for baby – and for me? Any tips?

Tummy time is better together! Socially engage your baby to prepare for a tummy time workout. Get them cooing and having fun. Roll them into tummy time (instead of laying them straight on their tummy) and get on your tummy too! Tummy time is a great position for parents and baby. Play and talk with your baby while they are lying on their tummies. A baby will have a strong response to its parent’s voice of encouragement. Downward strokes on their back (from head to bottom) can be helpful for calming and tolerating tummy time.

When babies get fussy, gently roll them out of tummy time and pick them up for cuddling. Talk to them. With little ones, I go for quality over quantity. They may only tolerate one minute the first time, but as they start to predict that you will be there for them and ready to interact, they will improve in tolerance.

Try to do three rolls into tummy time for one “session” and return to the activity later in the day. You can also do tummy time against your chest; if you are reclined or on the floor, then baby can be soothed by seeing, hearing and smelling you. Start early! The younger you start a tummy time routine, the less your baby will be upset by this challenging workout. Being on their tummy is a great position for them to develop motor skills, strength and even oral motor for those having a hard time with breast-feeding or taking bottles.

Tiffany Johnston, MS OTR/L, is owner of and pediatric occupational therapist at Playful Learning Pediatric Therapy, LLC. Visit playfullearningtherapy.com.

I know that reading is one of life’s most important skills. How early in a child’s life should a parent start focusing on reading readiness? What steps can we take with our 6-month-old to prepare her to read?

One of the best ways to help your children become ready to read is to read together with them, starting as early as possible. Even as newborns, children listen to the rhythms of your speech and language and start to make connections, even though they don’t understand the meanings of words yet. Just a few minutes of daily reading can make a huge impact on your child’s development. When you read with your children, you are building a relationship with them, showing them how words on the page can tell a story, and you’re increasing their vocabulary and knowledge of the world around them. All of these are important for when they enter kindergarten and begin to learn to read.

Singing songs and nursery rhymes together also helps to grow reading readiness skills by improving a child’s phonological awareness (when children recognize the separate sounds that make up words). Songs can be slower and more melodic than everyday speech, which can make it easier for them to hear the differences. Rhyming helps children hear the different beginning and ending sounds of words.

Other ways to expand your child’s reading readiness skills include talking with them (even if they can only babble back), encouraging them to discover and ask questions about the world around them, and writing (for younger children, this can mean drawing, scribbling or painting).

It’s important that parents and caregivers know that helping a child become ready to read doesn’t require an advanced degree, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. All it takes is quality time spent together. When parents and caregivers take the time to read, sing, play, talk and write with their kids every day, their children will build the necessary reading readiness skills that will help them to succeed when they enter formal schooling.

Samantha Blanquart is the Early Literacy Outreach Librarian at the Anchorage Public Library. She is also the coordinator of the Ready to Read Resource Center, which loans free reading kits to families with children under 5 throughout the state. Visit anchoragelibrary.org or readytoreadak.org.

We’re new parents and looking forward to camping this summer with our little guy. I’m sure the idea of camping with a baby sounds crazy to some, but we love the outdoors and want to give it a shot. Any tips to help us make it a success?

Camping with a baby? You would be crazy NOT to. Babies make fabulous camping partners. It sounds like you already have some camping experience under your belt, which is the first step. If you have never camped a day in your life, heading out into the Alaska backcountry with your newborn in tow is not a good plan. Here are some tips for a summer full of family adventures.

Gear up! Happy campers are warm and dry. Invest in some non-cotton layers for your wee one in addition to a rain suit, which not only keeps your baby dry, but also is a great layer for keeping bugs off that precious baby skin. A high-quality backpacking tent is a must for camping in Alaska. And if you really want to camp like a pro with your babe, bring a tarp along too – great for shade, wind and rain, and for use when setting up a kitchen area at camp.

Careful trip planning will ensure happiness at camp. If you are planning a backpacking trip, plan for shorter distances each day than your pre-baby hikes. If your baby hates being in the car, pick a closer trailhead or campground. Worried about hanging out in the rain? Consider renting one of the dozens of public use cabins available throughout Alaska.

Get a fabulously comfortable baby carrier. You will need it! Try a bunch on before buying and make sure it will work for both you and your partner.

Where does the baby sleep in a tent? You actually have a few options here. A winter snowsuit can act nicely as a sleeping bag. Bag expanders, which turn a regular adult bag into a bag for two, can work well also. (Note: Babies should always sleep on their backs. In a tent and in a sleeping bag, you need to be extra vigilant about ensuring your baby doesn’t have anything, like a fluffy sleeping bag, blocking his face.) Another option is to put your baby in a fleece snowsuit and use a portable pop-up tent in your tent. This is a great option for babies who need it really dark at night – a challenge on summer nights in Alaska.

Staying clean is a matter of bringing along some baby wipes for sponge baths or a collapsible sink for a tub bath. (Check out the lightweight, portable and collapsible outdoor wash basin from KevenAnna on Amazon.) Packing some extra hand sanitizer is helpful too.

Camping and hiking with babies is a great way to start a wonderful family tradition. Get out often!

Jennifer Aist has been taking her four children into the backcountry since they were each newborns. She is the author of Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping & Boating with Babies & Young Children and currently works as a Lactation Consultant and the Director of Maternity Outpatient Clinics & Services at Providence Alaska Medical Center, Children’s Hospital in Anchorage.

My husband thinks swimming classes for our 6-month-old baby is a silly idea and we are just as well off going to a community pool as a family. Are there actual benefits for starting a child swimming at this age? And are there any risks?

One major benefit of swim lessons is that your child gets comfortable putting her face in the water. This makes transitioning to bath time, showers and other water activities a lot easier. In addition, it’s actually a great workout with kicking and splashing in the water, which allows for strength and muscle building used when crawling and walking. A downside to community pools is that they do not have the proper supervision or educational staff to provide water safety habits helpful for the child to become accustom with at an early age. When taking parent/child classes, the parent is learning the basic swimming skills as well.

The only risk of swim classes, just as taking your child to any pool, is swallowing too much water. This risk is taken even when teaching a child to put her face in the water.

Jessica Randolph holds a Master’s of Education in Special Education and has been involved in youth programs as a certified cheerleading coach, gymnastics coach, swim instructor and lifeguard. She is currently the Camp Administrator with The Alaska Club for their in-service, winter, spring and summer camps.

I know that co-sleeping with an infant is a hotly contested issue. But for those parents who choose to co-sleep with their baby, what steps should they take in order to set up the safest possible sleep environment?

Making the best choice in sleeping arrangements for your baby and your family can be stressful. Balancing feeding, sleeping, bonding and safety are important to every family. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to room share, placing your baby to sleep in his or her own crib, bassinet, play yard or other safe sleep space in the same room as you, even right next to your bed. Bed sharing is discouraged because of an increased risk of a baby suffocating under blankets and pillows or someone unintentionally rolling on top of the baby.

If your family decides to bed share, medical providers have some tips. The most important is that all caregivers in the bed with the baby must not be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, including prescription medicines that may make you sleepy, such as those for pain or anxiety. It is not recommended for infants exposed to tobacco smoke in utero or after birth to share a sleep space since they are more likely to die unexpectedly during sleep.

Babies should always be placed on their backs when they sleep. They should never sleep on a couch, recliner, water bed or similar soft surfaces. If sharing a bed with others, there should not be any pillows or blankets, as these can potentially cover the baby’s nose or mouth. Babies should not be placed between two adults or be positioned so they could become wedged between a mattress and a wall or bed frame.

Commercial products such as pulse oximeters or positioners have not been shown to prevent infant death and they may even increase the risk.

We encourage families to follow the ABCDs of safe sleep for infants:

A: Alone – not sharing a bed or sleep space with anyone else

B: Back – back to sleep for every sleep

C: Crib – the crib or bassinet should be free of pillows, stuffed animals, bedding and bumpers

D: Danger – caregiver intoxication greatly increases the risk of tragedy

Everyone wants the best for their babies, and part of that is being aware of the safest options for your family’s sleeping arrangements, so that you can enjoy this very special time.

Sabra Anckner, RN, BSN, is a Perinatal Nurse Consultant with the State of Alaska Department of Public Health, Section of Women’s, Children’s and Family Health. She is the nurse manager for the department’s infant safe sleep work, the newborn bloodspot screening follow-up program, critical congenital heart disease screening, and the Hepatitis B vaccine first dose program.

Life with a newborn has me flustered and bewildered. It seems like the crying, rocking, feeding, walking-the-floor insanity is going to last forever. I’m also dealing with extreme fatigue and roller-coaster emotions. What are some ways that I can stay balanced when my new baby totally rocks my world?

Oh, I know those feelings so well, as a momma and as a midwife: the exhaustion, the frustration and SO MUCH love! The most important thing for us to remember in those challenging first few weeks is that babies have a biological need to be close to us. From a biological, historical and evolutionary perspective, we are not solitary beings! Our new babies want and need to be close to us; they need to be nourished, soothed and even the most simple functions of living such as breathing and body temperature, are regulated based on being close to mom or dad. Because of this, I recommend that every new parent invests in a good, comfortable baby carrier like a wrap, a ring sling, or a soft-structured carrier. Wearing your baby allows baby to be comforted by your breathing, your warmth and your movement. It’s a win-win...for both baby and your sanity!

Keep the concept of “the 4th trimester” in mind for mom and baby – meaning that this is a transitional period for both. Babies are still going through a tremendous amount of growth and brain development and are very needy. Moms should focus on bonding with baby, healing and nourishing their body. I know it’s so hard when the house seems to be caving in, the dishes aren’t doing themselves, and everyday life is around you...but really, some of those things can wait! For the postpartum fatigue and ups and downs of emotions, be sure to nourish yourself with real, whole foods, a diet rich in iron and good fats, continuing with Vitamin D3 supplementation, and getting outside – even for just a few minutes a day.

Wearing your baby, lowering your expectations of yourself with all of other life’s demands, and nourishing your body, will help so much!

Tara Elrod is an Alaska licensed and practicing Certified Direct-Entry Midwife. She is the Director of the free-standing birth center The Center for Birth (Palmer and Anchorage). For more information, visit akbirth.com.

When I recently Googled “best toys for babies,” I came up with more than 32 million results. Sure, there are endless opportunities for parents to spend their money on toys, so please help us cut to the chase: What kinds of toys are good for babies?

When I recently Googled “best toys for babies,” I came up with more than 32 million results. Sure, there are endless opportunities for parents to spend their money on toys, so please help us cut to the chase: What kinds of toys are good for babies?

Keeping in mind these three criteria will help guide you to a good toy:

• Interactive
• Open-ended
• Creative

Interactive
Interactive toys require participation rather than “turn it on and watch it.” Active participation is a powerful part of play and learning. Making things happen is more interesting and beneficial to a child than simply turning it on and watching it work. Observe what makes them tick, and go in the direction of their interests.

Open-ended
Open-ended play means there are endless ways to play (no instructions included). Wooden blocks are great examples of an open-ended toy. They are super durable and will provide an entire childhood of play. Wooden block play evolves with your child. As an infant, they will touch and grip larger, textured blocks. As toddlers, they will begin to combine, stack and line up. Tip: Always look for “unit” blocks. The term “unit” is an indication each block is a standard dimension, and can be used interchangeably with any other brand of “unit” blocks. This is critical for expandability. Unit blocks allow you to easily expand your set so your child can get more creative with their construction.

Creative
This criterion may have a bit less weight for infants, but it is important to development. Try to find toys that let your child imagine a world they create on their own. Keeping it simple inspires creativity and encourages ownership of the toy. Creativity can come with any toy, not just crafts or projects.

A tip from a wise toy rep 20 years ago: When any child presents you with a creation or Lego guy that she/he is “bringing to life,” don’t ask “what is that?” but rather say “tell me about your work” or “tell me about your friend.”

Ed Dodd (shown here) and Kari Dodd have owned and operated Classic Toys since 1998. Classic Toys opened its doors in 1985. toydango.com

Finding the right childcare setting for my 6-month-old baby seems overwhelming. What are some tips for finding the right place for him?

Choosing an early care and learning program for your young child is such an important and emotional process. Such a significant decision takes time, and you may find waiting lists that are months-long, especially for infants. So, I encourage you to start your search as early as possible. Since you know your child best, begin by thinking about your child’s individual needs and temperament. Would he do well in a family child care setting where the teacher cares for a small group of children in her home? Or would a larger, center-based program with multiple teachers and classrooms better suit him? Don’t be shy to ask other parents you know about their experiences. Next, look for tools and resources that can help you make the best decision – things such as indicators of quality care, who to contact if you need help paying for care, or interview questions you can use when visiting potential programs and centers. Once you have narrowed down a list of potential programs, be sure to call and visit each one to make sure you are selecting the best program for your family. Ask questions about how they can accommodate you for visits during the day or if you are nursing. Consider things such as their daily routines and how your child’s needs will be met. Can you bring your child’s favorite toy? Use all of the information you gather to make a decision you are comfortable with and ensure your child has licensed care that is safe, healthy and playful.

Stephanie Berglund is the CEO of thread, Alaska’s Child Care Resource and Referral Network. For information and free child care referrals, visit threadalaska.org.

Is it ok to give my baby a pacifier when he gets fussy? If so, is there a better type over another? If not, what are the risks in doing so?

To a mother, especially a new one, a pacifier can be the difference between complete joy and a trip down insanity lane. Pacifiers are, without a doubt, a life saver. However, the debate of whether or not they are good for your baby (i.e., nursing confusion, jaw growth, teeth growth/formation/alignment, etc.) is always going to be there. Bottom line, pacifiers are absolutely ok for your fussy baby – to a point.

There are many “wives tales” out there surrounding the negative side of pacifiers. I will touch on two of the most popular and hope to put some of your concerns at ease.

Nipple confusion. Myth. If you are nursing, it has been suggested that pacifiers should be used minimally until the age of 4-6 weeks old. The jury is still out on that, but what is known is that use of a proper, orthodontically designed pacifier can actually support and promote healthy, proper breastfeeding.

Crooked teeth/jaw misalignment. Myth. Again, using one that is orthodontically designed, a pacifier can actually help with tooth alignment and jaw growth. It is suggested, however, that by the age of 18-24 months, when most, or all, baby teeth are in the mouth, that the pacifier be limited as much as possible, if not stopped all together. Consider this: Thumb and finger suckers do more damage to the developing teeth and jaws (crooked/misalignment) than pacifiers ever could. Pacifiers can be thrown in the trash if weaning needs to be instant. Thumbs and fingers are there for life – especially at 2 am when you’re not there to stop it.

So, are pacifiers ok? Absolutely. But, use your best judgment and research any concerns you may still have. Is there a better type over another? Absolutely. Always look for an orthodontically designed one. Are there risks in using a pacifier? Some. When using a pacifier, as with everything else in life, there are “cons.” None of which are strong enough that it should deter you from using one.

Again, these are only two of the many different topics surrounding pacifiers. If you still have questions about the pros and cons of using a pacifier, consult with your child’s dentist or pediatrician. I’m sure they would be more than happy to help.

Dr. Christopher Coplin is a General Dentist licensed to practice in the states of Alaska, Idaho and Montana. His office, Alaska Dentistry for Kids, is in Anchorage and focuses solely on the oral health and well being of infants, toddlers, adolescents and those with special needs. For information, visit alaskadentistryforkids.com.

My baby is due soon and I want to make sure I purchase the best type of car seat for an infant and that I get it installed correctly – any tips?

Actually, there is no specific car seat that is “best.” The “best” car seat is one that fits your child’s height and weight, you can install correctly in your vehicle, and is easy for you to use correctly every time. All child restraints sold in America must pass the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. A higher-priced seat does not necessarily equate to more safety. Two styles of child restraints can be used for infants:

Rear-facing Infant Seats

Infant seats can ONLY be used rear-facing. Generally, infant seats fit babies weighing 5-22 pounds. There are seats on the market that accommodate lower minimum weights (4 pounds) and maximum weights of up to 35 pounds. Infant seats have a handle to use as a carrier. New infant seats typically have a 5-point harness system (two shoulder straps, two hip straps, one crotch strap), which is the best choice for a newborn.

Advantages: Carrying handle, may attach to a stroller, and may lift off a base that remains in the car.

Disadvantages: You must purchase a convertible car seat when the baby reaches the upper weight limit of the car seat or when the baby’s head is within one inch of the top of the seat.

Convertible Car Seats

Convertible seats fit children between 5-40 pounds (or more) and up to 40 inches. They can be used rear-facing in a reclined angle for children up to about age 2 and then convert to an upright forward-facing seat. Many convertible car seats allow for rear-facing use to 40 pounds. Convertible seats typically have a 5-point harness system.

Advantages: Requires purchasing only one seat for a child from birth to approximately 40 pounds/40 inches (or more).

Disadvantages: It is not easy to install a rear-facing convertible seat in many vehicles. Convertible seats are not used as infant carriers, do not have sun shades, or attach to strollers.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to set up no-cost private Child Passenger Safety checkup appointments with a local fitting station agency. A full list of statewide fitting stations is available on the Alaska Child Passenger Safety Coalition website, carseatsak.org, under the “Checkup Locations” tab. See you soon!

Sara Penisten, RN, is the Safe Kids Alaska state coalition coordinator. She is employed by Providence Alaska Medical Center, has been involved in child passenger safety since 1998, and is a certified child passenger safety technician instructor.

Can you prevent type 1 diabetes? My first child was diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus when he was 5 years old. I just had a baby and I’m wondering if there is anything I can do to reduce her odds of getting diabetes too?

Congratulations on your new baby! Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. As you know, diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to use sugar (or glucose) for energy. This is because there is not enough insulin, the hormone that allows the cells to take the sugar from the blood. As a result, the amount of sugar in the blood rises to very high levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys the cells that make insulin. This is different from type 2 diabetes where the body does not respond to the insulin that is being made. Although there are ways to prevent type 2 diabetes, through healthy diet and exercise to improve how the body responds to insulin, preventing type 1 diabetes is much more complex. Many researchers are trying to find ways to prevent this lifelong disease. Some research suggests that breastfeeding may help to lower the risk of a child developing diabetes, which is good since we know that breastmilk is best for babies. There are many clinical trials that are studying why people develop type 1 diabetes and how we might be able to prevent it. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) are helpful resources if you or your family members are interested in participating in some of this research. In Alaska, the Blood Bank of Alaska is participating in TrialNet, a nationwide network of centers studying type 1 diabetes and ways to delay or prevent it. Hopefully, the research that scientists are doing in Alaska and all over the world will help us to one day prevent and cure type 1 diabetes.

Rachel Lescher, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. She sees children from across Alaska with diabetes and hormone problems. For more information, visit anmc.org.

I know that newborns’ immune systems aren’t built up yet, so they’re more susceptible to illness. Being that I am a bit of a germaphobe, I am nervous about what my newborn should be exposed to. Should I be asking visitors to slather on hand sanitizer before touching her? How do I protect her without going overboard?

All parents worry about exposing their newborns to lots of germs. Research has shown that exposing your baby to some germs is not only fine, it may actually be protective and help in building a strong immune system. But where do you draw the line on protecting the baby?

Certainly, if your baby was born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy), you need to be extra cautious. These babies, along with other babies at risk for respiratory illnesses, should avoid exposure to large groups of people. There is a good chance that someone in the crowd is sick, especially during the cold and flu season.

If your baby was born healthy and full term, you won’t need to be as cautious, but there are still some general guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Wash your hands and your baby’s hands often. Good hand washing is the best way to prevent disease transmission. If you are away from a sink, bring along some instant hand sanitizer instead.

2. When friends and family come to visit, welcome them and say, “The baby is so excited to see you! Let me show you where the sink is so you can wash your hands.”

3. Remind visitors to stay away if they are sick. There will be plenty of time for hugs and cuddles once they are well.

4. Wear your baby. Baby wearing is wonderful in many ways including keeping strangers’ hands away from your newborn. Strangers are way more likely to touch your baby in a stroller than in a front pack.

As your newborn gets older and his or her immune system gets stronger, you’ll relax more taking your baby out in public. But for now, a little common sense and good old fashioned hand washing will give you plenty of peace of mind.

Jennifer Aist is a board-certified lactation consultant and parent educator at The Children’s Hospital at Providence. She has been working with new families in Alaska for the past 21 years. For information, visit alaska.providence.org.

Can we travel with our newborn baby? Is it safe to let her fly on a plane?

When I moved to Alaska, I discovered that babies here often are traveling at a very young age, and often by plane. Most babies tolerate traveling very well; much better than toddlers who don’t want to be sitting in one place for more than a few minutes! That said, there are a few cautions for parents who have trips planned in the newborn period.

Traveling by car

Most parents already know the basics: use an approved car seat, less than five years old, in the backseat, facing backwards. With a newborn, I’d probably have an adult in the backseat also just to keep an eye on your infant. If it’s below freezing, you may want to pre-warm the car. And of course, make sure no one smokes in the car!

If you are traveling more than an hour or so, you’ll need to stop frequently, every 2-3 hours, for feedings and to change diapers. Allow lots of extra time and take twice as many diapers as you think you’ll need. Diapers and wipes are hard to find and expensive on remote Alaska highways.

Traveling by plane

It is safe for a newborn to fly by plane, as many in Bush communities know by experience. (Although if your baby was premature, or has lung or heart disease, I’d recommend asking your doctor if there are any special precautions.) Because babies have very flexible ear canals, they don’t develop the ear pressure discomfort that some of us older folks do. As of this writing, babies under 2 years of age can still sit on a parent’s lap for air travel. This usually works just fine since a mother can easily breastfeed if her son or daughter gets hungry, and can even maneuver a diaper change in the seat if necessary. If your baby is bottle-fed, the flight attendants can help with formula preparation. Allow extra time to get to the airport and for transfers to other planes. And try not to plan a “busy” trip; both baby and parents need lots of rest during the newborn period.

Mary Ann Jacob, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician in solo private practice. For more information, visit anchoragepeds.com.

Photo credit: Alaska Regional Hospital

I want to make sure I have breastfeeding success with my newborn. Is there any problem with supplementing breast milk with a bottle of formula now and then? Will this affect my baby or affect my milk supply?

Yes, you can feed your baby an occasional bottle of breastmilk or formula when breastfeeding! It will work best if you keep a few tips in mind:

1. Get breastfeeding off to a good start after the birth of your baby. This may take four to six weeks for your baby to learn how to latch effectively and for your body to develop good milk production. Pacifiers or bottles in the first month may interfere with these. The first month is a busy time of adjustments for the family and preparing bottles and expressing milk may be work that you don’t need to do. Make it as easy as possible on yourself by just breastfeeding.

2. When you give bottles, your breasts will still be making milk. You may need to express out some milk to avoid over fullness. Practicing hand expression or using a pump before you really need to express milk so you will be as relaxed as possible. It may take several “practices” before you are good at getting milk expressed. Don’t expect to fill bottles since your baby may not be taking that much each feeding.

3. If you feed from the bottle too much, your milk production may go down. Your milk continues to be made by how much is removed and if your breasts get too full, your milk cells get the message that you are making too much milk and begin to shut down production.

4. Bottles flow differently. If you give bottles too often or too soon, your baby may forget that they need to suck to get your milk flowing since the bottle pours into their mouth as soon as they put their gums on the nipple.

You may find it easier to breastfeed your baby in a quiet spot. When he is not with you, you will be comforted knowing he is still getting your milk that you previously expressed. Contact an international board-certified lactation consultant for specialized care and answers to your breastfeeding questions or a La Leche League Leader for help and ongoing support with normal breastfeeding issues.

Terriann Shell, IBCLC, ICCE, FILCA has been supporting and encouraging new mothers for 14 years at Alaska Regional Hospital and has been an international board-certified lactation consultant for 26 years. For more information, visit alaskaregional.com.

Photo credit: Candid Chaos Photography

Sleep, Baby, Sleep!

What are some tips for getting my baby on a regular sleep schedule?

Strategies for getting your baby on a regular sleep schedule will vary and adjust as she grows. First, consider your baby’s current development, both physical and emotional. Having an understanding of what is age appropriate developmentally will help you create realistic sleep expectations and goals. Babies’ sleep needs change over time, so being familiar with how much sleep your baby needs for nights and naps is important.

Create a predictable, daily routine. The idea behind a routine is for it to be regular, not rigid.

How well your baby sleeps at night is heavily influenced by her daytime flow. Allow and encourage regular naps. Not only are naps critical for learning and development, but they also help in keeping your baby refreshed to be able to sleep more productively at night. It seems counter-intuitive, but babies need to sleep during the day to be able to sleep at night. Yes, you may have to sacrifice some play dates or outings while you’re working on a sleep schedule for your baby; but once healthy sleep habits are established, veering off course every now and then won’t result in sleep disaster.

Other factors to consider are nutrition (when and what your baby is eating), having a calm and soothing bedtime routine, and her independent sleep abilities. Each child and family dynamic is unique so choose an approach that fits your lifestyle and parenting philosophy. Otherwise, staying consistent will prove even more difficult.

Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is sleep friendly. Exposing your baby to light during the day can help with organizing her biological rhythms and signaling to her awake time. However, the sleep environment should be darkened, even during naps. Check the room temperature to make sure it’s comfortable, and dress your baby accordingly. Consider adding white noise to help block out outside sounds like a barking dog or noisy cars. Finally, check the humidity.

The key to sleep success is finding what works best for you and your family, and then being consistent. What works for you now may evolve over time, and that’s to be expected. It’s a growing process for you and your baby.

Before making any sleep modifications, be sure to check in with your pediatrician to rule out any possible medical issues or illness.

Dominique Brooks is a certified maternity and child sleep consultant and founder of Dream On Maternity and Child Sleep Consulting in Anchorage. More information about Dominique can be found at dreamonsleepconsulting.com.

Photo credit: Kara Milligan Photography