Being a mother is certainly that best and heavenly feeling which can change your life, your daily routine and your hobbies as well. Many would be mothers who are in the last stage of their pregnancy finds this time to be the scariest and are full of worries but actually this is the time when you should enjoy every minute especially the two of you as you two may never be lucky to find alone time to be spent at least for a few years. Your baby will come between you and you two will have to be busy taking care of him. So, whether it is a month or a few weeks left, it is time that you recall your favorite time passes and go for the ones that is possible for you to undergo in that stage.

The list of to do’s can include anything like going out with your hubby for a full day fun, strolling on the beach and enjoying the evening breeze, licking ice creams at your favorite ice cream parlor, watching movies and having candle light dinner. Amongst other good options would be to go for gardening and buying the lovely and your favorite flowers to embellish your front side little garden, cooking the best food for your man which you always had plans but could not do due to your work, taking a leave of ample days from your office for relaxing and preparing yourself for the baby to come and so much more.

An effort to mix up and get around with people who have newly been parents will also be fruitful for you as they will shower you with tips and advices to take care of before and after the baby arrives.

Though, before having babies, the ratio of absenteeism from work due to illness in both men and women remains almost same. However, the birth of the first child causes the increase in the number of days of absence from work for mothers. The study says the gap becomes almost twice in case of mothers than that of fathers.

Statistics also prove that there are significant differences in absence caused by illness in case of men and women. As per the study, Sweden had 14.5 million days of illness absence in women, whereas, the same in men is 9.2 million. And this phenomenon is almost same in other countries as well. 

Moreover, the increase in the difference, as per the study, has gone up in the last 30 years, which also clearly shows that the number of hours of employment has increased in women, especially for women having small children.

The study also states that despite the nature of business or the fact that men or women dominate the business, the number of sickness absence in more in women. And the most important role in this phenomenon is played by the norms.

Are you one of those parents who hover over their kids in anxious anticipation for the fulfillment of an unmet need? You might do it out of concern and your intentions are absolutely honorable, but such behavior might earn you the name of a ‘helicopter parent’.

Helicopter parent is a term used for those who are obsessed with their kids and tend to involve so much into their lives that it almost becomes unreasonable. They cross all the limits of parental considering and end up overdoing their parenting bit. This behavior starts when your child is in kindergarten and if you expect to do the same even when he is in college, its asking for trouble.

One needs to understand that college is a time of transition for a child. This is the phase when a child steps into adulthood and if you keep pestering him like a kid even then it is more like hindering his learning. By over involving yourself with the child you are actually creating problems for your child.

There are many parents who realize this, there are some who are in complete denial and there are some who are absolutely clueless. It is important to realize that you are overdoing something and creating that fine balance between love for the child and freedom for growth become very crucial.

One of the most common ways identifying a helicopter parent is during admissions. Such parents are totally obsessed and involved with the process, deciding on which college to go and what career to choose. It is understandable that they do it for the welfare of the child but maintaining balance is very important for the child’s growth. 

So, are you also a helicopter parent? Ask yourself!

Baby slings have become very popular among parents in recent years. Many famous celebrities like Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman have also supported slings which have added to its wide usage. There is a general feeling that the use of slings promotes and strengthens the bond between a child and its mother. Besides, it also comes as a practical solution for those parents who want their hands free and also wish to keep their babies near them.

However, the U.S. Health authorities have began warning parents about the hazard of baby slings as they can be very dangerous to your child and can lead to suffocation. There have been 14 such deaths already reported in the U.S. The weak neck muscles of babies in the early stages of their lives make it very difficult for them to free themselves even when they realize that their noses and mouths are covered by some material.

Slings also restrict the airways in babies. The curled position of the babies in a sling forces their chin towards the chest and consequently limits the oxygen supply. The U.S. Government has issued a warning to the parents to abstain from the use of slings in babies who are below 16 weeks old. In U.K. though there has not been any ban issued about slings, but parents have been advised to abide by the guidelines that are present in the Pregnancy Book. Slings are believed to increase the sense of security in the babies; however it is the duty of the parents to use it to the best of their advantage.

Apart from the immense pleasure and joy, new born babies also bring a lot of responsibilities for their parents when they come to this world. Parents have to take special care of their babies in the initial stage as the entire body of the baby is very delicate at that time. The most delicate part being the eyes requires special attention. Parents must ensure that those glittering eyes of their little ones are kept healthy at all times and must learn the necessary skills to do so.

The eyes of the babies should be treated regularly with cotton ball dipped clean water. Each eye of your should be treated with different piece of cotton balls and must be wiped inside to outside in order to prevent the occurrence of any infection which has the tendency to spread very quickly from one to the other eye.

Although, blocked tear ducts are quite common in most babies, parents must not sit back and should consult their paediatrician if they are not certain about any condition. The most important thing is to maintain the hygiene and clean the eyes of your baby constantly with clean soft cloth.

Human eyes are designed to take care of themselves and hence they should not be interfered with. Use of foreign substances such as kohl can damage your baby’s eyes and should be avoided at all situations. The exposure to any sudden bright light and the sparkling sun should also be avoided.

You must also not hold back and visit a doctor as soon as you find any discharge coming out of their eyes. Parents should pay extra importance and utmost caution when it comes to dealing with their babies’ eyes, because eyes as they say are the mirror to the soul.

The reason for the dental cavities in your baby is not the baby bottle but the content of the bottle itself. Children who use bottles with milk and sugar containing liquids develop tiny holes in their teeth. This condition is commonly referred to as the baby bottle tooth decay. The constant attacks of the acids that are produced by the bacteria attack the teeth and eventually cause your children’s tooth to decay.

Any negligence on your part may result in your baby suffering from tooth inflammation and infection, which causes severe pain and may also result in the loss of teeth at times. So, parents must abstain from feeding their little ones with frequent beverages, which are high in sugar content and make sure that their child does not eat sugary snacks too often, if they want to prevent their child from such condition.

Besides, children should also be taught to clean their teeth after each meal and must not be given bottle or sippy cups when they hit the bed. Parents should give their child a safe pacifier which is preferably recommended by the dentist.

Your child should be made to drink tap water so that the fluoride present in the water protects your children’s teeth from decay. They should be made to rinse their teeth after each meal with tap water as well. Baby bottle tooth decay can be avoided. Plus, parents must take the initiatives to prevent it by taking their child to the dentist on a regular basis.

Parents always face a lot of difficulty when it comes to deciding the right vaccine for their children. It is very hard to determine the benefits and the risks that are associated with childhood vaccines. It is common knowledge that vaccines prevent the occurrence of a large number of diseases in children, so let us have a look at some of the common myths about these vaccines and the facts behind them.

The most common myth is that vaccines are not important. The fact is that childhood vaccines are a major reason why myriad of common diseases like polio, measles and diphtheria have become uncommon. The vaccines are a sturdy barrier against the deadly diseases.

Another popular myth about children vaccines is that they have dangerous side effects. However, the fact is that the side effects a vaccine may cause are very minor and at most times are negligible. In cases where a child experiences a severe reaction, further dose of the vaccine can be stopped there and then.

One more myth about childhood vaccine is that they cause autism. In reality though no connection is found between vaccines and autism. Majority of the signs of autism are merely coincidence. There are some vaccines that have to be made available to a child at a very young age as any delay may make it too late for its proper effect. Skipping certain vaccines on the grounds of safety is also a very popular myth. But in reality doing so may expose your child to serious diseases and hence should be avoided.

Babies often get nappy rash around their genital areas, buttocks and the folds of the thighs. Parents know that their baby get a nappy rash when these areas appear red and burnt. It also looks very dry or moist and can have pimples. Parents should not ignore these rashes as it can take the shape of various infections.

The major reason why babies develop rashes is the fact that they urinate frequently when they are young. They also have loose bowel movements which many nappies find hard to absorb. Dirty nappies also cause rashes. Some babies also get rashes due to diarrhea if they are on antibiotics. The best thing parents can do to prevent nappy rash in their babies is keeping their babies clean. They should change the nappies on a regular basis.

If the rashes persist, parents can also give a thought on changing the brand of the nappies as the baby may be allergic to the one being used presently. Nappies which have strong smell and are alcohol based should be avoided. You should take your baby to the doctor if the rashes do not reduce in 4-5 days. Doctors usually advise use of anti-yeast cream which works fine on most babies.

The best way to tackle nappy rashes is to keep the bottom of your baby as dry as possible. Nappies should be changed frequently and the area around genitals should be cleaned properly. Parents must make sure that they pat the bottom of their babies and not wipe it briskly when they are drying it as it may irritate the soft skin of the babies. Using an ointment cream and disposable diapers also help a great deal in reducing nappy rashes in babies.

Different babies have different teething problems. Some suffer from diahorrea and some vomit while teething. However, one thing common in all babies who teeth is the feeling of discomfort. This is one condition in which babies like chewing something. So, you can get them some teething toys that are easily available in the market.

From teething ring to teething biscuit and teething gels, you can try them all for your babies relief from teething pain. Remember this is a growing stage of your baby and to feel the joy of your baby’s first milking tooth will need your attention for the baby.

The main thing to worry about babies is that they can’t talk and you will yourself have to recognize the signs of their teething. Once you get to know that your baby is teething, you can try out the above-mentioned cures to soothe your baby.

In today’s world, many people make a deliberate choice of being a single parent. If you too are ready to face the challenge, then we are ready to help you overcome the stress of being a single parent with the following tips.

It’s true that being a single parent means a life initially full of challenges and troubles but there are ways to overcome all those troubles. A perfect way to start the process of being a single parent is to build a support system of friends, family and people who are willing to help you.

The second step that you must do to overcome any stress of being a single parent is a right budgeting. It is important that you plan well in advance how you will spend to take care of your baby within your limited budget.

Remember, as a single parent you will have to take the responsibility of two parents in carrying out the chores related to baby care. Therefore, it will be a bit hectic and will test your patience at times. So, you need to maintain your calm and relax in between to prevent getting exhausted.

Single parents should try to spend quality time with their babies as much as possible. They should not let their child feel lonely in the absence of the second parent.