Understanding Your Newborn’s Language

Father talking to his newborn baby.

Communicating with Your Newborn

Babies cry, everyone knows that. What you might not realize until you become a parent, though, is that different cries mean different things. Because it’s an ability they’re born with, babies use crying to communicate their needs, and part of your job is to try to figure out exactly what those needs may be. Don’t worry! In any new relationship, it takes a while to get to know the person and understand his or her style of communication. It’s no different with your new little one, and you will get the hang of it before you know it.

What Does Baby Need?

Babies cry because they are hungry, need a diaper change, are uncomfortable, or are in pain. They also cry when they’re overwhelmed by all the stimuli in this brand-new world, so be a little bit patient when you are trying to figure out the issue. Paying attention to other signals, like facial expressions and body movements, can help you get to know your baby better and understand what he or she is trying to say. Some people also find it helpful to begin teaching baby sign language around six months old, just to provide another communication tool.

Connecting with Your Baby

As you try to determine what your little one is communicating, use it as an opportunity to bond. Don’t just communicate when little one is fussy, either. Watch how your baby responds to your voice, your touch, and your body language. Talk to your baby as much as you can, while you are playing, during diaper changes and feedings, and when you are just relaxing and getting to know each other. Talking to babies is important, because it makes them feel safe and helps them develop language skills. Always respond to your baby’s cries, to offer reassurance as well as comfort. Knowing that you will meet their needs helps babies grow into secure people.

When Will Your Baby Talk?

Of course, communication becomes easier when children learn to talk. This will happen in stages, as baby begins to babble and coo, then make sounds that sound like words, before they actually begin to engage in coherent speech. They understand earlier than they can talk, though, and most babies know what the word “no” means by about six months of age. You can reasonably expect your child to say his or her first work around the first birthday.

Should I Be Worried?

Like every other element of a baby’s development, speech evolves differently for different babies. If your little one isn’t hitting every milestone “by the book,” don’t be alarmed. However, talk to your doctor if your baby won’t stop crying, or the crying seems strange, or it is accompanied by other signs that something could be wrong. If your baby doesn’t react to loud sounds by five months of age or isn’t making different sounds by that time, talk to your pediatrician. It may not be anything to worry about, but it’s always good to make sure everything is proceeding normally as you learn to communicate with your baby.

Happy Families Start at Center for Vasectomy Reversal

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and learning to communicate with your children is a big part of building a happy family! At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people grow their happy families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

New Parent Hacks and Tricks

New parents using helpful parenting tips.

Embracing New Parenting

Do you have a new baby? Congratulations! New babies are amazing, and even though people told you before you became a parent, you probably were unprepared for how much you’d love this little person. Unfortunately, even though people probably also told you how overwhelming parenthood can be, you might have been fully prepared for that, either. Being a new parent is a wonderful gift, but it’s also hard, and if you are feeling frustrated, you’re not alone. Don’t worry! We have some hacks and tricks from experienced parents to help you navigate this brand new experience with your brand new little person.

Care and Keeping of Baby

• Bathing your baby in the kitchen sink means you don’t have to bend or kneel to reach the bathtub.
• Cradle cap can be managed by moisturizing it with a little bit of coconut oil and then using a baby comb to gently remove it.
• If you don’t have baby nail scissors, nose-hair scissors with rounded tips are the perfect substitute. Whatever you do, don’t bite your baby’s nails! Another nail tip: cut your baby’s fingernails when your little one is sleeping or feeding, to make it easier.
• When you need to give your baby medicine, stick the medicine dropper in a bottle nipple and administer the dose while your baby is happily sucking the nipple.
• Layer few covers on your changing pad, so that you can easily change to a clean one. Alternately, skip the covers and buy a simple changing pad you can wipe clean.
• Fold your newborn’s diaper waistband down to keep it away from the umbilical cord area while it’s healing.
• Swipe a wet wipe under your baby boy’s belly button immediately before a diaper change. That way, he’ll get a cold sensation that causes him to pee the diaper before taking off the diaper allows cool air to prompt the same reaction and cause him to pee on you!
• Olive or coconut oil on a newborn’s bottom will help make cleaning sticky meconium easier.
• Before you take off your baby’s diaper, put a fresh diaper underneath it, just in case.
• Rather than a diaper pail, you can use a regular trash can, keeping plastic bags in an empty wipes container so that you can throw away poopy diapers conveniently.
• When the inevitable blowout happens, pull the onesie down instead of over baby’s head. That’s why onesies have those little folds on the side of the neck hole- to widen the neck area and make them easier to pull down.
• Make foaming baby wash with equal parts baby wash and water in an empty bottle of foaming hand soap.
• Start tummy time with your baby on your chest or belly, so they get the benefits while also feeling close to you.

Sleepy Time

• Instead of onesies or PJs, use newborn nightgowns in the early days.
• When choosing sleepers, pick the ones that zip instead of snapping. All those little snaps never seem to line up correctly when you’re trying to change your wiggly baby in a hurry.
• Make swaddling easy with a swaddle that has Velcro.
• Get your baby into a good day and night routine. Interact with your little one during the day, making it easier for everyone to sleep at night.
• Use a white noise machine so that your baby won’t wake up with every noise. You’ll be glad you did when your child is a sound sleeper.
• Dream feed your baby, waking your infant for a feeding right before you go to bed for the night.

Hushing the Fuss

• Hold on to the exercise ball you got for labor so you can bounce your baby during fussy times.
• If your baby fusses at bath time, try swaddle bathing, wrapping the baby in a tight blanket and carefully unwrapping one limb at a time to wash, rinse, and rewrap.
• Learn the 5 S’s. Swaddling, shushing, swinging, sucking, and side laying are the perfect techniques for calming a fussy baby.
• Gripe water is a lifesaver and the fastest way to ease a baby’s gas to quiet a fussy tummy.

Out and About

• Keep your hands free by using a backpack instead of a diaper bag. This is especially helpful if you’re wearing your baby.
• Pad your car seat handle with a cut-up piece of pool noodle to make the heavy car seat easier to carry in the crook of your arm.
• Bring a change of clothes for yourself as well as your baby, in case of a spit up, diaper, or breastmilk incident.
• Use a baby hammock to hold your baby in a grocery cart so that you can shop and your baby can be comfortable.

Making Your Life Easier

• Stash wipes all over your house and in your car, because baby messes can happen anywhere.
• Create a portable diaper changing station to keep near you so you don’t have to keep running back to the changing table. This is particularly useful if you live in a multi-level home.
• Breastfeed while lying down so that you can get some rest while the baby eats.
• Grab a water before you breastfeed, to keep from getting dehydrated.
• Sleep when the baby sleeps is not a cliché. Even if you feel like you need to get things done, it’s better to get some rest whenever you can when you have a new baby.
• Learn to wear your baby. This can promote bonding while also leaving your hands free so you can get things done while your baby is awake.
• Keep a pack and play nearby. Set up your pack n play in a room you use frequently, so that you can set your baby down safely when you need to get something done.
• Take help that is offered to you. This is perhaps the best tip we can offer to new parents! When people offer help, let them do something for you, whether it’s bringing you dinner, watching the baby long enough for you to take a shower, running an errand for you, or helping you with housework. Other parents understand how hard it can be when you have a new baby, and their offers to help are sincere, so don’t wear yourself out trying to do it all on your own.

Center for Vasectomy Loves Helping Parents

We hope these tips helped you get a handle on how to manage your newly growing family. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people grow their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Common Challenges New Parents Face

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Though it comes with new joys and love, it is also no secret that it comes with its own set of challenges as well. From finding time to rest to managing finances, here are some of the common obstacles that many new parents face when becoming a family.

Sleep Deprivation

One of the most common issues for new parents is sleep deprivation. While there are no hard and fast rules for how much sleep babies need, newborns typically require 16-18 hours per day, and infants between 12-15 hours per day. During this period, parents often find themselves taking on the role of night nurse and sacrificing precious sleep to meet their baby’s needs.

It can be difficult to find ways to adjust your schedule to get more restful sleep during this time. However, it is important that both parents take turns watching over the baby at night so they can get enough restful sleep during the day or night. Additionally, napping when you can and making sure your partner is also getting enough rest can help make up for some lost sleep.

Managing Finances

Another common challenge faced by new parents is managing their finances. Having a baby means added expenses such as diapers, formula, clothes, furniture and more! This can put a strain on any budget. It’s important for new parents to create a budget so they know exactly where their money is going each month to avoid being overwhelmed with bills or debt later down the line. Additionally, considering using resources such as government programs or local support groups may help alleviate some financial stress when raising a child.

Saying Goodbye To “Me Time”

Having a child means having less time for yourself than ever before; suddenly all your free time will be devoted entirely towards caring for your new little one! As hard as it may be at first, try to keep in mind that saying goodbye doesn’t mean forever—it just means learning how to manage your time better so you still have moments throughout the day where you can focus on yourself while still taking care of your baby’s needs too. Take advantage of short breaks in between feedings or nap times by reading a book or taking a walk around the block; whatever works best for you and allows you moments of relaxation throughout the day!

Contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal Today!

Becoming a parent brings about an incredible amount of joy but also introduces many unique challenges along with it. From navigating financial obligations to learning how to balance parenting with self-care, these are just some of the struggles that many new families face when welcoming their little one into their lives. Being aware of these challenges ahead of time can help prepare couples who are expecting so they know what lies ahead and how best to approach them!

The Center For Vasectomy Reversal offers important information about family planning options that couples should consider prior to welcoming their brand-new bundle(s)of joy into their lives! Contact us today!

Healthy Baby Food to Make at Home

There are many healthy baby food recipes that you can make at home, and they don’t have to be boring or bland. You can make nutrient-rich, flavorful, and fun foods for your little one to enjoy. Read on to learn more about the benefits of homemade baby food and to get some tips on how to get started.

The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food

The benefits of making your own baby food at home have prompted many parents to do so. Homemade baby food is:

• More Nutritious: When you make your own baby food, you have complete control over what goes into it. This means that you can choose to use fresh, organic ingredients that are high in nutrients. Commercial baby foods often contain preservatives and other additives that can be harmful to your child’s health.

• More Affordable: Making your own baby food is typically more affordable than purchasing commercial varieties. This is especially true if you purchase ingredients in bulk or grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Tailored Flavor and Texture: You can tailor the flavor and texture of homemade baby food to better suit your child’s preferences. For example, if your baby is still getting used to solid foods, you can make a puree that is easy to eat and digest. As your child gets older, you can start to add in more textured foods such as chunks of fruit or vegetables.

• Quality bonding time: One of the best parts about making your own baby food is the quality bonding time it provides. During mealtimes, you can sit down with your little one and chat while they enjoy their food. This is a great way to create lasting memories together.

Ensure that your baby is getting the nutrients they need by making your own baby food. That way, you can control what goes into it and how it is prepared. Plus, homemade baby food often tastes better than store-bought varieties.

Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re interested in trying your hand at making homemade baby food, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, invest in a good quality blender or food processor. You’ll also need some basic kitchen supplies like measuring cups and spoons, as well as storage containers for freezing any leftover baby food. Finally, it’s helpful to have a recipe book on hand for ideas and inspiration. With these tools in hand, you’re ready to start whipping up healthy, delicious meals for your little one!

Healthy Baby Food Recipes

When it comes to healthy baby food recipes, there are endless possibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Pureed fruits and vegetables: These are great for starting solids or for older babies who are ready for more textured foods. Try pureeing carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, apples, bananas, and other fruits and veggies. You can also mix and match different flavors to create new taste combinations.

• Fruit and veggie pouches: These are convenient and easy to take on the go. Simply fill reusable pouches with your baby’s favorite pureed fruits or vegetables.

• Homemade baby cereals: Start with a simple rice cereal and then add in pureed fruits or vegetables for additional nutrition and flavor. Oats and barley are other great options for homemade baby cereals.

• Finger foods: As your baby starts to develop their pincer grasp, they will be ready for finger foods. Offer them soft fruits and vegetables that they can easily pick up and eat, such as ripe bananas, cooked sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli florets.

• Healthy snacks: There are plenty of healthy snack options for babies and toddlers. Try making your own fruit bars or energy bites using pureed fruits, oats, nuts, and seeds. You can also offer air-popped popcorn, whole grain crackers, and yogurt dips.

Making your own baby food is a great way to ensure that your little one is getting the nutrients they need. And it’s also a fun way to get creative in the kitchen! Try out some of these healthy baby food recipes and see what your little one enjoys the most.

Visit our blog to stay up-to-date with information and tips for healthy parenting and more! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is helping families across the country reach their fertility goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How Common is it for Babies to Have Jaundice

If the doctor tells you that your baby has jaundice, that news may alarm you. However, it’s fairly common and usually harmless. Here are some facts you may need to know about newborn jaundice.

• The symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It can also cause dark, yellow urine, instead of colorless, or pale-colored stools, rather than yellow or orange. The characteristic yellowing can be difficult to see on darker skin tones and may be easier to see on the palms or soles of the feet.
• Your doctor will examine your baby for jaundice before you leave the hospital. As part of the newborn physical examination, the doctor will check for jaundice within 72 hours of birth. That’s because the symptoms usually develop about two days after the baby is born. If you believe your baby has jaundice after you’ve gone home, you can check by gently pressing on your baby’s forehead or nose, in good lighting. If the skin looks yellow where you’ve pressed it, it could be jaundice. In that case, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• What causes jaundice? Jaundice occurs because bilirubin, a yellow substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, builds up in the blood. It’s common in newborns because they have a high number of red blood cells, and those cells are broken down and replaced frequently. Further, the liver is responsible for removing bilirubin in the blood, and a baby’s liver is not fully developed so it doesn’t do it as effectively. Sometimes, jaundice is caused by infection, internal bleeding, liver or bile duct malfunction, abnormal red blood cells, or enzyme deficiency. Jaundice affects about six out of every 10 babies.
• There are risk factors that can increase your baby’s likelihood of developing jaundice. Being born before 37 weeks increases a baby’s risk of jaundice, and eight in 10 babies born prematurely will develop this condition. Breastfeeding raises the risk of jaundice, though it is believed that the substantial benefits of breastfeeding outweigh this risk. Bruising during birth can increase the risk of jaundice, as can a difference between the mother’s blood type and the baby’s. Babies of East Asian ancestry are at increased risk of jaundice.
• How is jaundice treated? Typically, jaundice resolves on its own, without treatment, by the time the baby is about two weeks old. For one in 20 babies, though, the blood bilirubin level gets high enough to warrant treatment. There are two treatments typically used to bring bilirubin levels down quickly:
  • Phototherapy uses light shining on the skin.
  • Exchange transfusion is a procedure in which the baby’s blood is removed and replaced with blood from a matching donor.
• Left untreated, jaundice can lead to serious complications. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy occurs when bilirubin, which is toxic to brain cells, passes into the brain. This can cause listlessness, difficulty waking, high-pitched crying, poor sucking or feeding, backward arching, and fever. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy can lead to a syndrome called kernicterus, which is permanent damage to the brain. Fortunately, kernicterus is rare.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Put a Crying Baby to Sleep

It’s perfectly normal for babies to cry. After all, it’s the way they communicate! Babies cry because they’re hungry, thirsty, uncomfortable, overtired, excited, frightened, bored, or in need of comfort. For parents, a crying baby can feel stressful. However, with a little bit of patience you can learn to calm your crying baby and get him or her off to sleep.

• First, try to determine why the baby is crying. Make sure your baby is not hungry and doesn’t have a dirty diaper. If you think boredom may be the issue, try singing, humming, or going for a walk.
• Sometimes, the problem is colic. Colic typically starts around two weeks, hits its height at six weeks, and goes away by 16 weeks. It’s probably colic if there is unexplained crying for more than three hours a day, three or more days a week, for three weeks or longer.
• Know the Five S’s of Soothing. The world outside the womb can be overwhelming, but these five tactics can help soothe your baby.
  • Swaddling: Swaddling keeps babies’ limbs from twitching and gives them the snug sensation they had in the womb.
  • Side lying: Before babies are born, they spend much of their time lying on their sides. Try carrying your baby in a side lying position and using the football hold when nursing.
  • Shushing: “Shhh” sounds like the whooshing heard in the womb. You can make this noise yourself or try a white noise machine or app.
  • Swinging: Rocking, jiggling, swinging, and swaying can help a baby calm down.
  • Sucking: For a baby, sucking on a finger or pacifier can be very relaxing.
• Consider dietary modification. A change in formula may help. If you’re breastfeeding, consider eliminating some things from your diet, like dairy or spicy foods. It may be helpful to keep a journal, noting what your diet and your baby’s habits, in order to sleuth out any problems you may be able to easily fix.
• Implement a good sleep routine. Establish calming bedtime habits now, perhaps with a warm bath and soothing music before bed. During nighttime feedings, keep the room quiet and dark and don’t interact with your baby beyond feeding and changing. This will help your little one to learn that night is different from day.
• Give yourself a break. A baby who won’t stop crying can be overwhelming, so if you’re upset, put the baby in the crib and walk out for a few minutes to calm down. A walk outside with your baby can also sometimes help both of you to feel better. Don’t feel bad if you need to ask for help.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How To Pick The Right Crib

If you’re preparing a room for a new baby, one of your biggest decisions is going to be what crib to purchase. There’s a wide variety of styles and features. Here’s a guide to picking the right crib for your baby and your home, focusing on the different kinds of crib available.

Standard Size Crib – These full-size cribs provide a lot of room for your baby to grow into. They’re good when you have a fairly large area designated for your baby. It should have multiple mattress settings so that you can lower the mattress height as your baby grows and pulls up to a standing position.

Convertible Cribs – These cribs have gained a lot in popularity in recent years because they grow with your child. They can be converted into day beds, toddler beds, and even full-size beds.

Multi-Functional/Multi-Purpose Cribs – These cribs usually come with an attachable dresser that has a changing table top that can be used as a nightstand later. They may have drawers, open shelves or a combination of the two. Many of these are also convertible cribs.

Round Cribs – Oval or round cribs have a soft, old-fashioned, fairy tale look in contrast to rectangular cribs. Due to their unusual shape, bedding that fits properly can be harder to find.

Bassinets, Cradles and Bedside Sleepers – These are all smaller, more portable and lighter-weight options that work well for your baby’s first four to five months. They can generally be used until the baby starts to roll over and push up on her hands and knees. Cradles provide gentle rocking movements, and bedside sleepers can be kept right next to your bed allowing mom to nurse without getting out of bed. They’re less expensive than full-size or convertible cribs.

Playards – Playards are light and portable play and sleep options that usually have an aluminium frame and mesh sides. Many come with a mattress pad or padded floor. They’re easy to set up and pack up for travel but aren’t considered to be sturdy enough to be the primary sleeping surface for your baby.

Safety Considerations – Any crib manufactured after 2011 should be up to current safety regulations in terms of size and spacing of slats, fire prevention, etc, but you should check for crib recalls at the Keeping Babies Safe website before making your purchase.

Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in helping men become parents. For more information about the vasectomy reversal procedure, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-210-6649 or schedule a free consultation online.

Baby Safety Month

Did you know that September is Baby Safety Month? Started in 1983 by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), it’s an annual opportunity for parents and retailers to refresh their knowledge of baby-proof standards. Originally, it was just one day, but in 1986 it expanded to a week, and in 1991 it became an entire month to gather and pass along worthwhile information. Do you know all you need to know to keep your baby safe? Here are some quick reminders.

• Be car seat smart. Install the car seat properly and know the laws for transporting babies and children. Your child should start out rear-facing, move to forward-facing according to manufacturer’s recommendations and local law, go from a car seat to a booster, and ride in the back seat until age 13.
• Know the crib rules. Put your baby on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and remove blankets and toys from the crib. When the nights turn cold, use a sleep sack. Keep the crib away from windows, keeping strings and cords out of reach. If you’re using a second-hand crib, make sure it’s safe, has all the parts, and has not been recalled.
• Stay age-appropriate. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the right age and developmental stage of toys, swings, bouncers, and carriers. Get rid of items once your child has surpassed the appropriate age.
• Make bath time fun and safe. Keep your water heater at or below 120° F so that the water can never reach a point of burning the baby. Never leave a child unattended in the bath, always test the water temperature, and empty the tub after each use.
• Keep your alarms in good working order. There should be a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home, as well as in all sleeping areas.
• Be cautious when feeding your baby. Make sure the food is soft and easy to swallow and keep medicine out of reach.
• Toss broken toys. Even the most appropriate toy can become dangerous if it breaks. Pay attention so that if any of your child’s toys are damaged or coming apart because the pieces need to be larger than your child’s mouth.
• Protect against hazards obvious and not so obvious. Get down on your baby’s level and look for potential dangers. Use baby gates everywhere to keep your baby away from dangerous things. Babyproof things like outlets, cabinets, drawers, and dangling cords, but look at less obvious hazards as well, like tablecloths and curtains.

Ready to share these tips? Use #BabySafetyMonth on social media. If you’re ready to start a family, call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Wean Your Baby off Breastfeeding

As your child grows older, the time will come to wean them off breastfeeding. Remember, weaning doesn’t need to be all or nothing. Even cutting back on the number of times you breastfeed each day is a step in the right direction. In fact, it’s usually best to wean your baby gradually, both for your own comfort and to help your baby adjust to the change. Use these tips to help ease the transition from breast to bottle.

When to Wean Your Baby off Breastfeeding

There is no set age when a child should stop breastfeeding. As long as both of you are still benefitting from it, you can breastfeed as long as you like. Many mothers choose to wean naturally, allowing the child to outgrow the need at their own pace. For many babies, this happens between nine and 12 months old, though some children continue to show interest well into their toddler years. Still, when and how you choose to wean is totally up to you.

Age-by-Age Guide to Weaning

Following age-appropriate guidelines can make the weaning process easier. Here are some tips to help guide you:

• How to wean at 0 to 3 months: Babies often wean more quickly at this age because they’re less aware of what’s going on around them. An easy method is to offer a bottle of breast milk at the start of each feeding and eventually replace nursing sessions with bottles.
• How to wean at 4 to 6 months: Start substituting bottles at your baby’s least favorite feeding session. If your attempts don’t work, see if a support person can get your baby to take a bottle. Sometimes it helps if you’re not in the room during feeding time.
• How to wean at 6 to 12 months: Solids are an option at this age, so begin offering baby food instead of nursing sessions. Experiment until you find something your baby really likes.
• How to wean a toddler: If your older child hasn’t lost interest in breastfeeding yet, it may be helpful to explain that big kids don’t nurse, and it’s time to be done. Other tips include changing up your routine, offering snacks and drinks, and distracting your child with activities and games.

Tips to Make Weaning Easier

• Offer bottles of pumped breast milk rather than formula, if possible.
• Pump milk as needed to prevent your breasts from becoming painfully engorged.
• Shorten and gradually reduce daily nursing sessions.
• Only nurse your child when they ask, a technique called “don’t offer, don’t refuse.”
• Get rid of the “nursing chair.”

If you and your partner are ready to have a baby, but you’ve had a vasectomy in the past, start your journey to parenthood by scheduling a vasectomy reversal consultation with Dr. Joshua Green. Our staff provides concierge-level care and friendly interactions to help our clients feel well cared for. To learn more, please contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL at 941-894-6428.

How to Soothe a Teething Child

Babies usually start teething between four and seven months old. If your baby has begun cutting those first few teeth, the experience may be unpleasant for both of you. Try these tips to soothe your baby’s aching gums safely and effectively.

• Offer a cold teething ring: Keep teething toys in the fridge or freezer so they’re ready to go when your child needs them. For safety reasons, choose solid plastic over gel-filled teethers, and inspect them after each use to ensure no parts are breaking off.
• Apply chilled items: Most babies love the feel of something cold on their sore gums, so keep a selection in your fridge or freezer at all times. Get creative with what you offer, from frozen washcloths to binkies to bottle nipples.
• Rub your baby’s gums: If your usual solutions aren’t available, try simply rubbing your child’s gums with your fingers (be sure to wash your hands first). If you’re at a restaurant, soak a few metal spoons in ice water and rotate them out to help your fussy baby.
• Offer frozen fruit: This option provides your child with a tasty, healthy treat. Try freezing bananas, mangos, or watermelon. Then, to prevent a choking hazard, place the frozen fruit in a mesh feeder before handing it over to your child.
• Get creative with mesh feeders: Fresh fruit isn’t the only thing you can place in a mesh feeder. Other ideas include peach or pear fruit cups, fruit pouches, ice cream, and yogurt. Freeze these items in ice cube trays so they’re a manageable size to place in a mesh feeder.
• Let your baby chew on everyday objects: Not every child likes having cold things in their mouth. If your baby refuses your frozen offerings, try giving them a toothbrush, wooden spoon, or clean cloth diaper or burp rag to suck on. Just be sure to monitor your child to prevent the risk of choking.
• Cuddle with your baby: Sometimes, extra cuddle time with Mom or Dad is the biggest comfort for a teething baby. Sit in a comfortable chair, hold your baby close, and sing songs or read stories together to distract them from the pain.
• Ask your pediatrician about medication: If you find your other soothing methods ineffective, medicine may be an option. Ask your child’s doctor for recommendations and to confirm the dosage. Also, be aware that some teething tablets contain belladonna, and numbing gels may contain benzocaine. The FDA has linked these substances with dangerous side effects in babies, so you should avoid them.

Are you and your partner talking about having a baby? Even if you’ve had a vasectomy, parenthood may still be in the cards. Start your journey by scheduling a vasectomy reversal consultation with Dr. Joshua Green. Over the years, Dr. Green has helped hundreds of men become fathers who would have otherwise been unable to. For more information, please contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL at 941-894-6428.