7 Parenting Questions Answered ...

These days, formula is much better for your baby than it used to be. However, it's incredibly expensive, and it's still not nearly as good for baby's health and development as breast milk! Also, breast milk is absolutely free! If possible, I recommend breastfeeding. It's simple, easy, convenient, and again, free. You don't have to worry about mixing bottles and all that. I know that for some women, however, it's impossible to breastfeed. Don't beat yourself up if you're one of the women that can't produce enough breast milk. It isn't your fault. For some, it just doesn't work. But yes, if you can, I would definitely go breastfeeding!

Babies cry as their way of communication. Sometimes, they are just simply wanting attention, but most of the time, they need something. It's your job, as a parent, to learn their different cries. It really isn't as hard as it seems. You will quickly be able to determine their hungry cry, their "change my diaper" cry, their sleepy cry, etc. If you baby is crying and isn't hungry, or dirty, you need to look into other causes like discomfort. Maybe some clothes are bothering them, maybe their diaper is pinching them. After you have looking into every obvious cause, you might consider what you've eaten that may have given them a tummy-ache, if you breastfeed, that is. Colic is something that can be the cause, and if that's the case, you're in for a tough ride. Find something that works for your baby to calm them. Some like the sound and feel of being held on top of the dryer as it's running. Some like bouncing, and others like swinging. If the crying persists, you may want to visit your pediatrician.

In my experience, not only is it safe, but it's effective. Doctors do recommend that you wait until you can correctly identify your baby's cry. Once you know that this cry is to simply get attention, it's time to start showing your little one that they can actually survive without Mommy's constant attention. Start with only letting them cry for about five minutes before picking them up. After some time, you can increase the time to ten minutes, and so on, until you get to the point where you don't have to go in there at all. It's hard at first, I'll warn you, knowing your baby is in there crying for you, and you're purposely ignoring him, but in time, you will be rewarded with a baby that only cries when they're in need at night, and let's you get a good night sleep! Trust me, it's worth it!

Baby poop changes in a vast array of colors during the first year or so. It's amazing actually. The usual for strictly breastfed babies is a yellowish mustard color. Other than that, as solids are introduced, it begins to change into the normal colors of green, orange and yellow, depending on what they eat. Sometimes, you may even change a multicolored diaper! The only time you need to worry is when it's white, red or black. Black is common when they are first born, but after that, it could mean that there is problems in the digestive tract. If it's white, you may want to see you doctor and ask about problems with the liver. And of course, red is no good because that means it's blood. If these colors show up in the diaper change, you really need to consult your pediatrician for more information.

Solid foods are usually introduced at around 6 months of age. For some babies, your doctor may recommend a little cereal before 6 months if they're showing early signs of being ready. You must be really careful when introducing solids too early, as it can easily lead to constipation. Even at six months, you really need to watch your baby's diapers closely for any signs of constipation. Give them a little water with their food for added security. Giving them water also helps to ensure that they will like water as they get older, which is very important!

Some might say, "no" but I say if it's getting to the point where you can't even wash a dish without your child wanting to be held, she's been held too much. Make sure you give them plenty of tummy time of the floor and playtime. You should be able to put your child down with some toys while you clean house without having to hold them five minutes after putting them on the floor. Now, I'm definitely for lots of holding and cuddling baby, don't get me wrong. Holding them is good for them. Just make sure you don't get them so used to being held that they can't enjoy some time on the floor with toys as well.

My rule of thumb is to ignore the tantrums. It's best to not show any awareness of the tantrum to show your child that throwing a fit will not get them what they want. If you show attention to the fit-thrower, you're simply fueling their desire to throw fits in the future. Discipline really does no good for fixing a tantrum, it only makes the tantrum worse. Just ignore then and let them cry and kick to their hearts content, and don't give in to them. They'll learn that this will get them no where and will eventually stop. (Note: I do believe in a good, old-fashioned spanking, believe me. I just find that it's not effective in this case. Spanking never harmed me, and it won't harm my children, either.)

Parenting is very hard, I'll not lie, but it's so rewarding as well! I love being a mother and love my children so very much! What is your thoughts on this article? Please share!

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