Newborn Care Coach
Pranjul Tandon joined the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) in 2014 to become a Certified Childbirth Educator and began the journey of her venture Womb and Beyond in 2015. She became a certified Infant Massage Instructor with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) in 2017. She has expanded her skills further by being certified as a Baby Sign Language instructor and Breastfeeding Counselor. In seven years of practice, Pranjul Tandon has worked with clients of over 20 nationalities and desires to work in close association with families and healthcare providers to encourage natural, comfortable and healthy pregnancy, birthing, and parenting experiences.
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You may be surprised to see your newborn’s body hair if you are a first-time mom. A newborn's skin is usually dry and flaky and not as plump and smooth as commercials portray. However, it does not remain like that for long. Your baby's body hair may be a cause of concern only in a few exceptional cases. Otherwise, they are naturally shed in a few months. Read on if you wish to know more about the fine hair on your infant's body. We also provide some tips to make the shedding process faster. [mj-toc] About Newborn Body Hair The hair that you see on your newborn baby’s skin is called lanugo, a word derived from the Latin word lana, meaning wool (1). The infant hair is fine, but clearly visible. It mostly grows on the back, shoulders, forehead, ears and face of the child. Fetal hair development starts at 18 to 20 weeks of gestation ( 2). Premature babies are...
For many newborn babies, breast milk is the sole source of nutrition. However, formula milk for your baby isn’t bad either. One common notion that has been around since time immemorial is that breast milk is the best and only source of nutrition for babies. But that is not the case. Formula milk also imparts a fair share of benefits to the baby. For example, it is convenient to prepare the formula for the baby, and it also gives the mother some much-needed time to relax. Another important benefit of formula feeding is that both parents can take turns feeding the baby. So how do you store the formula? Read on for some tips on storing the formula for longer periods. [mj-toc] 6 Useful Tips On How To Store Formula Milk Safely? Below are a few pointers you should keep in mind while preparing the formula milk: 1. Selecting The Right Equipment: While shopping for the baby bottles and storing...
One of the toddler behaviors that send a parent down a panic lane is when their child starts to bang their head and self-injures. But why do toddlers hit themselves? As scary as it may seem, this type of behavior is a part of their developmental phase; take it as a way your child expresses their emotions. Mostly, you may notice that your toddler attempts such acts when they are angry or in need of attention. According to Maria Pistorio, LPC, NCC, PCIT, a Philadelphia-based therapist specializing in EMDR, CBT therapy, and parent-child interaction therapy, “The behavior could mirror the way she/he is feeling inside. But toddlers are too limited in vocabulary to explain feeling overwhelmed, angry, or lonely.” This behavior is termed self-injurious behavior (SIB). A few studies have indicated that 15% of young children exhibit SIB during their early years (1). But sometimes, persistent and chronic SIB may lead to developmental delays. Read on to know more about...
Even before they start eating solid foods, you may notice your baby gagging. While gagging, food or an object is pushed back from the throat into the mouth. It is a highly sensitive reaction frequently elicited in young infants to prevent choking. However, it gets less sensitive with age (1). Although it is a protective response, it can cause feeding and drinking problems in babies and may lead to nutritional inadequacies if gagging occurs frequently. In addition, frequent gagging in babies older than 4–6 months can indicate underlying medical conditions or improper feeding techniques (1). Therefore, if your baby gags frequently, you should see a pediatrician. This article discusses the cause of gagging, preventative strategies for frequent gagging, and how to distinguish between choking and gagging in babies. [mj-toc] Is Gagging Good For Babies? Gagging plays an essential role in protecting your little one who is learning eating and drinking skills. Gagging protects from choking, which means most babies gag...
Infants are adorable, so it is very difficult to resist kissing a baby. Their cute little eyes, plump cheeks, and tiny hands and feet arouse feelings of affection and a desire to give them tiny pecks. Besides displaying love and joy, kissing and cuddling a newborn are crucial for the baby’s overall development. Many may be apprehensive about kissing a newborn. Hence, in this post, we share the safety concerns, possible risks, and precautions to take while kissing a baby. [mj-toc] Is It Okay To Kiss Newborn Babies? [caption id="attachment_888673" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Parents shower their affection and love when they kiss their babies. Acts of affection, such as kissing, hugging, and cuddling let your baby know that they are loved. Research shows that babies who are shown affection by their moms grow up to be less anxious and more resilient adults (1) (2). When kissed, your baby’s [simple_tooltip text="immune system" tooltip="A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs...
You may love spending your day with your little one, but when it comes to bathtime, they may turn the entire house upside down. They struggle, scream, or hit in an attempt to flee, and a hair wash may often become a battle with such toddlers making it almost impossible to accomplish the task. Here, we bring you some tips for washing toddlers’ hair that may help spare your energy and make it a more pleasant experience. Simple techniques such as protecting their eyes when using shampoo or getting creative to keep away stress may be helpful. With these easy tricks, you can make hair washing fun for your toddler or at least easier if you usually struggle to get it done. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/infant-baby-hair-growth-fast-tips_00688506/" title="11 Effective And Healthy Tips For Baby's Hair Growth"] Here Are Some Ways For Washing Toddlers Hair : 1. Time It Right: Wash your toddler’s hair at the beginning of the bath. If your little one...
During the first several months, your newborn's activities will be limited, with passing stool and urine being at the top of the list. They will regularly wet their bed, and so, you must make the necessary preparations to ensure that your baby remains comfortable and dry. Disposable diapers for babies are one alternative that many mothers choose these days. However, you might wonder, "Is it safe to use diapers on a newborn baby?" "How do I use diapers correctly?" "Can newborns wear diapers all day?" and so on. This post covers all of these questions about diapers, as well as measures to take and their comparisons with cloth nappies. [mj-toc] Is Diaper Safe For Baby And When To Use Diapers? Are diapers safe for babies? This is one question that every mother would want to know. Well, diapers are said to be safe for babies who are barely even a day old. In fact, some diapers are specially made for newborn...
Essential oils possess several therapeutic and medicinal properties. While you can use essential oils for babies for aromatherapy and general purposes, you must be aware of some basic guidelines to prevent adversities. Essential oils are fragrant, concentrated oils extracted from various plant parts, such as leaves, flowers, seeds, barks, or fruits. Always use them under the guidance of a certified herbalist or aromatherapy professional to know the right dosage and methods for using them. Keep reading as we offer you an overview of essential oils for babies, their safety, the right age to use them, and some precautions to avoid any adverse effects. [mj-toc] Are Essential Oils Safe For Babies? When used correctly, essential oils can be safe and offer several benefits to babies. However, it is better to use edible, plant-based oils, such as sweet almond oil, unscented coconut oil, and sesame oil, without any smell on a baby’s delicate skin. This is because babies often end up licking...
You may notice your baby cries frequently when they are hungry, in pain, or need care. You should know that this is how they communicate until they develop speaking abilities. However, the sounds of the cries are often identical, leaving new parents perplexed as to why the baby is wailing. Priscilla Dunstan collaborated with some research institutions to decipher different cries of a baby using a discrete wavelet transform method to assist new parents in understanding their baby\'s sounds. She created the Dunstan infant language (1), which led to the discovery of five baby sounds, each with a different meaning. Read this post to learn about the different types of cries, the reasons, and how to deal with their crying episodes. [mj-toc] Different Types Of Baby’s Cries It is important for parents to understand why a baby is crying to soothe them effectively. Although all babies\' cries seem similar, each cry is distinct and pointing at a specific need of...
Diaper dermatitis, also known as nappy rash, napkin dermatitis, or diaper rash, is a skin inflammation in the diaper area. Diaper rash in babies may happen for various causes, including skin irritation and bacterial or fungal infections. The condition is treatable at home if the diaper region is kept clean and dry. Some cases of persistent and severe diaper rash, on the other hand, may necessitate the use of prescription drugs. If the diaper rash does not improve with home remedies, you should see a doctor. Read on to know more about the causes, symptoms, management, and prevention of diaper rashes in babies. [mj-toc] Causes Of Diaper Rash In Babies [caption id="attachment_892918" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The following factors may cause diaper rash in babies (1). Prolonged exposure to feces and urine may irritate the baby\'s skin. Babies are vulnerable to diaper rash during diarrhea due to frequent bowel movements. Tight diapers or friction between the diaper and skin may...
Feeding tubes for infants serve to provide foods and medicines directly into an infant\'s stomach until they learn to swallow. It is a tiny plastic tube that goes through the nose or mouth into the stomach. There are a few conditions when feeding tubes are used for infants. If the baby has swallowing problems or risk of aspiration into the airway, this form of [simple_tooltip text="enteral nutrition" tooltip="Feeding technique that delivers calories and nourishment through a tube directly into the digestive tract." ] is preferred. It is used only for babies who show normal stomach and intestinal functions. Read on to know more about the types of feeding tubes, the indications for requirement, the contraindications, risks, and duration of use. [mj-toc] Why Does A Newborn Need A Feeding Tube? Newborns who cannot feed themselves from the breast or bottle require a feeding tube. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding requires strength and coordination. The infant should be able to suck and swallow from...
Understanding baby body cues and their meaning is essential since babies tend to speak through body language for some time. This is because verbal communication starts later in life; until then, you need to be aware of their actions and interpret them. Fortunately, this is not a language that needs certification, it is simple, and you need to spend a little of your time. How about we give you a headstart in baby body language? Read on to know your baby’s distress calls. Then, even if they may not express their thoughts verbally, you will understand and help them. [mj-toc] Why Is It Important To Respond To Baby Cues? Babies have a little understanding of their surroundings and are dependent on their caretakers. They don’t speak verbally until the age of 12 months (1). But this doesn’t mean they don’t have things to say. They convey vital information regarding their body activities and emotions through their body language. Initially, you may...
Most parents are enthusiastic about giving their baby's first haircut. But babies could be twitchy and restless during a haircut. Also, they may feel anxious during a haircut. Therefore, trimming your baby\'s hair needs training and a lot of patience. It is important as babies would not sit still while running a pair of sharp scissors or buzzing trimmers on their heads. Moreover, if the hairdresser is not well-experienced, it could increase the risk of injuries in babies. This post could help you with all the details regarding a baby\'s haircut. Also included are a few tips to make this experience a safe and delightful one. [mj-toc]When Can Your Baby Have Their First Hair Cut? [caption id="attachment_893223" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] It depends on how much hair your baby has on their scalp. Most babies lose their hair in the first few months after birth, and it is replaced by permanent hair (1). Since this process takes a while, it...
Many parents complain that their baby wakes up crying in the middle of the night. This could be due to several reasons, including feeling hot, wet, cold, hungry, frightened, or irritable. Since babies have small tummies and food is digested rapidly, they feel hungry quite often. In addition, babies can’t sleep eight to nine hours at a stretch in the initial days as they are used to being securely wrapped in the mother’s womb before birth. Hence, babies like to be held close to a parent as they need a sense of comfort in the initial days after birth, and sleeping independently for a long time is often a tough milestone to attain. Therefore, crying is the basic means of communication for babies. If you are concerned about excessive crying in your baby, contact their pediatrician to rule out the possibility of any pain or underlying health conditions. Read on to learn about the possible causes and some tips that...
While some babies like to bath, bath time is a cry fest for many. In such scenarios, mothers may wonder if showering with a baby is safe or not. Showering with their baby may be preferred by many mothers as it comforts the child and saves some of their precious time. Since babies want to be in the comfort of their mother’s arms all the time, bath time with moms around can be a pleasant experience. Read this post to learn about the safety tips and precautionary measures to keep in mind while taking a shower with your baby. [mj-toc]Is It Safe To Shower With A Baby? Showering with the baby is safe, provided you observe all the safety precautions. Babies are usually best bathed in a tub where the water is stagnant, and you have better control at manipulating the baby. When you and the baby are in the shower, you may find it difficult to hold the baby....
Every baby is adorable and unique, as is their hair, whether straight, wavy, or curly. Each baby’s hair growth pattern could be different. Some newborns are born with a full head of hair, while others are born with only a few wisps. It’s quite normal for babies to have less hair for the first six months, so it should not be a cause for concern. Genes mostly determine your baby’s hair and skin color and, to a certain extent, their hair growth pattern as well. However, consuming a nutritious diet and following a basic hair care routine can promote their hair growth. This post discusses some tips to keep your baby’s hair silky and healthy while also helping it to grow. However, keep in mind that the advice in this post may only aid in giving your baby’s hair the boost it needs to grow to its full potential since the length and thickness of hair depend on various factors....
Parents cannot wait to hear their babies say “mama” or “dada” as soon as they become toddlers. If you feel the same way, you could try some activities to encourage toddler-speak. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that babies begin to utter sounds before speaking their first words at around one year (1). Their language skills develop and become more refined as they move from infancy to toddlerhood (2). Read this post as we talk about the stages of language development in babies and some activities to help your toddler speak fluently. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/infant-and-newborn-problems_00337950/" title="15 Most Common Infant And Newborn Problems"] [mj-toc]Language Development Milestones [caption id="attachment_882695" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] The following are the age-defined stages of language development and achievement of speaking according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) (3). Stage 0 to 6 months: Babies of this age group understand that you are speaking and acknowledge your voice. They respond to their names, make...
Many of us resort to tickling babies to make them laugh. While most babies break into giggles while being tickled, it is impossible to tell if the baby likes it or not. Just like adults, not all babies like being tickled. Moreover, due to their limited language skills, it may be difficult for babies to communicate if they enjoy or dislike being tickled. So, should we ever tickle the babies? Read this post as we tell you if you can tickle your babies, when babies begin to understand tickling, and alternative ways to make a baby laugh. [mj-toc]When Can You Tickle A Baby? There is no fixed age to begin tickling your baby. As a general rule, it is best to try tickling your baby after they are six months old. It is the age when babies usually develop the ability to make sounds to express happiness or discomfort (1). A six-month-old is likely to voice their displeasure of being...
Toddler sleep training should ideally begin early in their lives. This is to ensure their optimum growth and development. The recommended sleep hours in children between one and two years is 11-14 hours a day (1). You may divide these hours between nighttime sleep and daytime naps. Most parents generally feel that their toddler\'s bedtime is the most demanding part of their day. Toddlers usually turn rebellious while sleeping, frequently wake up in the middle of the night, and may not easily go back to sleep. They may also encounter nighttime fears and nightmares, adding to the parent\'s anxiety. Therefore, many experts say that sleep training may also help toddlers\' parents. This post explains the appropriate ways to start sleep training and techniques to help your child sleep better. [mj-toc]What Is The Right Age For Sleep Training? There is no right age to start sleep training. Every child reaches developmental milestones at varying ages and has different needs. Moreover, a...
Knowing how to bathe a baby can help ease your fears during bath time. Thoughts like the baby slipping from your hand, water entering their nose, or excess pressure on the little body can make you hesitate to bathe your newborn. You may even panic imagining such occurrences, especially if you are a first-time mother. However, your baby does need a bath no matter how much handling the delicate little life worries you. We are here to answer your queries. Keep reading this post as we help you with a step-by-step guide on what to do before, during, and after bathing your baby and suggest precautionary measures you need to take in the bathroom. [mj-toc]Preparations That Go Into Bathing A Baby Bathing a baby is a ritual that needs meticulous preparation. You need to keep several things ready before you bathe your baby. You would have to check in on the bath products, the temperature of the water, the baby's...
If you have just welcomed your baby, you wish to provide your child with the best care and comfort. How to wash a baby\'s hair is one of the most common questions parents may have about the baby\'s care. You may think of the right washing techniques and appropriate haircare routine to keep the baby\'s hair and scalp healthy and clean. This post answers some common questions about washing a baby\'s hair. Additionally, you may note some important dos and don\'ts to help you give a comfortable hair wash to your little one. [mj-toc]When Can You Wash Your Baby’s Hair For The First Time? Before rushing to wash your newborn’s hair, you should first understand that babies are not dirty. They are covered in a protective layer called vernix, which moisturizes them and keeps them warm. One should not hurry to wash off the baby; hence, the first bath can be delayed for a couple of days. A good towel...
Maintaining the optimal room temperature for babies can help them sleep well and stay comfortable during playtime. To maintain the room temperature, you may use thermostats, heaters, or air conditioners or close and open windows. Most babies require the temperature to be regulated as per the season. It is also necessary to choose baby clothes to keep your little ones warm or cool for the season. Read on to learn how to maintain optimal room temperature for babies and signs that indicate discomfort in babies. [mj-toc]What Is The Ideal Room Temperature For Babies? According to sleep experts, the ideal room temperature for babies and toddlers is between 65 and 70°F (18 and 21°C), irrespective of the season(1). Babies cannot adapt to temperature changes, unlike adults. A baby can become overheated when the room becomes hot and easily feel cold when the room becomes cold (2) (3). Therefore, a comfortable room temperature range prevents rapid changes in the baby’s body temperature....
It is not uncommon for babies to be prone to accidents despite the best efforts of the parents to prevent them. One such situation can be when the baby falls off the bed. Older babies who roll may often be more susceptible to falls from the bed, increasing the risk of injuries, such as head trauma. The delicate skulls of the babies could be more likely to sustain injuries. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if your baby falls from the bed, even if they appear alright. You must call the local emergency number if the baby shows signs of severe injuries after a fall. Read this post to learn how to react when the baby falls off the bed, how to manage the situation for the next 24 hours, and when to seek emergency care. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/bruising-in-babies-normal-causes-treatment_00725562/" title="What Causes Bruising In Infants And How To Treat?"] [mj-toc]What To Do First? [caption id="attachment_889017" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Sudden falls...