Kids Health

Having a happy baby is something that every parent desires. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your baby smile and laugh. Achieving this, however, can sometimes be challenging, especially for first-time parents still learning the ropes.  Signs of a Happy Baby  » Smiling and cooing  » Engaging with others  » Having good sleeping and eating patterns  » Displaying clear and relaxed body language While having a happy baby is often seen as a positive thing, it's important to note that babies experience many emotions, including fussiness, crying, and discomfort. As a caregiver, it's essential to provide comfort and support to them during these times. Understanding and responding to their needs, even when they’re not in a happy mood, is integral to providing excellent care and promoting healthy development. Research suggests happier babies may become more content adults. Studies have found that positive emotions in infancy and early childhood are associated with positive outcomes later in life, including better mental health, higher life satisfaction, and stronger social relationships. For example, happy babies who experience warm and responsive caregiving are more likely to develop secure attachment relationships with their caregivers which can provide a foundation for healthy emotional development and social interactions when they get older. In addition, positive experiences in infancy may lead to more positive attitudes and coping strategies in adulthood, helping individuals to manage stress and adversity better. While many factors contribute to an individual's happiness, promoting positive emotional experiences in infancy may be essential in fostering long-term well-being. OXYTOCIN  Also known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is released by the pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in social bonding and attachment. It releases in response to positive social interactions, such as cuddling, hugging, breastfeeding, skinto-skin, and other forms of physical contact. Studies have shown that oxytocin release causes happiness and positive emotional experiences in both adults and infants. This can help foster a sense of trust and security for the baby and contribute to the attachment relationship with their caregivers. In addition to promoting positive emotional experiences, oxytocin release in infancy may also have long-term benefits for mental health and social relationships. 8 Tips for a Happy Baby  These are general tips. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for raising a happy baby; each is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.   1. Respond to Your Baby's Needs Promptly  One of the most important things you can do to have a happy baby is promptly respond to their needs. It can mean feeding them when hungry, changing their diaper when wet, and soothing them when upset. When you react promptly to your baby's needs, you build essential trust and security. 2. Provide a Safe and Comfortable Environment  Babies are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. So, providing a safe and stimulating environment to sleep, play, and explore can help promote their happiness and well-being. It also means ensuring their sleep area is free from hazards, such as loose bedding or stuffed animals, and checking that their clothing is comfortable and appropriate for the temperature. In addition, providing toys and books which stimulate their senses can be beneficial.  3. Provide Plenty of Physical Contact  Physical contact has many benefits, such as regulating the baby's temperature, breathing, and heart rate; reducing stress; and stimulating their natural feeding reflexes. Whether holding your baby, giving them a massage, placing baby on your bare skin, or simply cuddling, physical contact releases oxytocin, which helps create a solid emotional connection between parent and baby. 4. Establish a Routine  Babies thrive on routine, so creating a consistent schedule can help promote a happy baby. It means having a plan for eating, napping, as well as playtime. When your little one knows what to expect, they are more likely to feel secure, content, and calm. 5. Practice Positive Parenting  Positive parenting involves using positive reinforcement and praise to encourage good behavior in your baby. For example, it can mean praising them when they do something well, such as rolling over or sitting up. It also means avoiding negative language or punishments, which can harm a baby's development. 6. Connect Through Communication  While your baby may not be able to talk, they can still communicate with you through facial expressions, sounds, and body language. Paying attention to your baby's cues and responding with warmth and affection can help promote their happiness and well-being. 7. Try Babywearing  Carrying a baby in a sling, carrier, or wrap close to a parent's body has been sh ...

The great outdoors is rich with opportunities for math learning that can interest and engage children in real-life problem-solving. Math is a universal language, and the foundations of mathematics give us the tools to ask more complicated questions about the world around us. In grades one and two, children learn the mathematical concepts of addition and subtraction; number sense; and measurements and data collection, such as measuring items with a ruler, comparing which is smaller/larger, and using geometry to identify and understand two-dimensional versus three-dimensional shapes.  As our foundational understanding of math grows while we expand on the basic concepts of BEDMAS and polynomials, the complexity of our cognition and thought generation also evolves. We move from asking simplistic questions about shapes and numbers to philosophical ones about the mind and humankind. However, this process of mind expansion begins young, starting with the ABCs and 1, 2, 3s. Nurturing educational basics creates the fertile ground for complex thought to grow. Nature provides vast and various workspaces to practice these rudimentary math skills, utilizing space and elements just waiting to be discovered and explored. Here are some tips and exercises you can use to help children activate their mathematical minds. Colour & Shape Lessons on colors and shapes are among the first learned in Kindergarten, which can be extrapolated to the outdoor classroom. The basic shapes are the two-dimensional (2D) circle, triangle, and square; and their geometric three-dimensional (3D) counterparts, the sphere, prism, and cube. Have kids explore their “shape space” and see which they can find. Can they find all six of these 2D and 3D shapes? Did they find a group of items that make a shape when put together? Picking a favourite shape or item, such as a rock or leaf, get them to find as many of that item as they can and arrange them according to size or colour gradient. This teaches the skill of comparison and organization and is the basis for making a mathematical series (analgebraic concept). Can they find an object that is a grouping or combination of shapes? If so, have them break that object down into its separate shapes and have them draw the object by using the grouping of shapes as their foundation—this is a drawing technique used to ensure proper scale and arrangement.  Patterns The ability to see groupings of repetitive shapes is the basis of pattern recognition—another fundamental math skill. Patterns are present everywhere in nature, from the changing of seasons to the concentric growth rings visible on a freshly cut tree stump. They are concrete things we can see, like the spiral arrangement of petals on a flower, or complex ideas, like the life cycle of a leaf. Have your child choose a living object, like a flower or mushroom, and have them describe what pattern they see. Is there a repetitive group of objects that can be identified? What is the individual shape, and how many times is it repeated? This exercise covers the basics of multiplication. For an exercise of pattern recognition in concepts or cycles, have them choose a tree or plant and describe their life story, starting from a seedling. This exercise also exemplifies empathy and the ability to emotionally connect to the spirit of nature.  Symmetry Symmetry, like patterns, is another mathematical concept that is well-represented in nature. If an object remains unchanged when it’s rotated, flipped, or divided into equal parts, it’s symmetrical. Gather a plethora of nature objects, like leaves, pinecones, flowers, or sticks, and have your child determine which are symmetrical and which are asymmetrical. An object can have reflectional symmetry around a line or axis. An example of this is a butterfly painting you may have created as a child, where you paint one side of the paper, fold it, then open to reveal symmetrical butterfly wings. Rotational symmetry around a central point can be observed in the radial arrangement of flower petals, among other objects from nature. What are some other examples of symmetry found in nature?  Have your kiddo find four different flowers and determine if they exhibit symmetry, and which type of symmetry it is. Can they recreate the flower using paper shapes or origami? The symmetry of leaves can easily be seen by using the leaf as a stamp; paint the leaf using acrylic or watercolor paint, then stamp it onto paper to create a leaf print. No paint? The leaf can make its own pigment thanks to its abundance of chlorophyll. Put the leaf between two pieces of paper, and use a rock to hammer the leaf to crush the plant cells and release its natural pigment—this will leave an imprint on the paper. A similar craft can be made using clay/dough instead of paper, pressing the leaf into the material to leave a detailed imprint. Using a magnifying glass, children can then explore the lines of ...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be common for many children. They occur when bacteria travel into the urethra (i.e., the tube that connects to the bladder) and multiply. Children, and in particular girls, have shorter urethras which make it easier for bacteria to travel through and attach to the bladder. Normally, urine is sterile, meaning it does not contain any bacteria. However, bacteria from the anus can find their way into the urethra and cause a UTI—the bacteria E. coli is most often the cause of urinary tract infections. Symptoms  Depending on your child’s age, it may be difficult to tell when a UTI has developed. Usually, the bacteria will cause swelling and irritation in the bladder and urethra. This leads to the following symptoms: » Belly pain  » Pain and/or burning with urination  » Having to pee frequently (sometimes it’s just a few drops) » Fever » Foul-smelling urine  » Cloudiness or blood in the urine » Back pain (this can be an indication of a more severe  infection) In babies, symptoms of a UTI are similar to those of other infections, including fussiness, crying, and fever. Babies may also experience blood in the urine. Prevention If your child suffers from chronic UTIs, prevention is key to breaking the cycle; good hygiene especially for females is vital.  Top 4 UTI Prevention Tips Do not use any soap in and around the urethra and vulva for females; water alone is best for cleaning. Do not use any harsh or fragranced soaps for males.  After using the washroom, females should wipe from front to back (not back to front). This will prevent the spread of E. coli to the urethra. Wear breathable underwear, preferably cotton.  Do not hold your pee - holding it can allow bacteria to more easily grow within the bladder. Diet also plays a role in the prevention of UTIs. Studies show that no particular diet causes UTIs on its own, but certain foods can affect the health and environment of the bladder, making it more susceptible to UTIs. Food and beverages linked to an increase in UTIs: » Sugary beverages » Meat (particularly poultry and pork) can increase the acidity  of the bladder, which provides a better environment for bacteria to grow Bladder irritants to avoid during an infection: » Coffee and tea » Artificially-sweetened beverages  » Carbonated beverages Bladder irritants are not linked directly to an increase in UTIs, but they can increase discomfort and even cause symptoms similar to a UTI. Cutting out certain foods can be difficult, especially with your little ones. The great news is that you can also add food and drinks to their diet to help in prevention.  Foods That Help Water - This should be the main source of hydration for our little ones. Breastfeeding - Studies show that breastfed infants have a 50 percent lower risk of developing UTIs compared to non-breastfed infants. Unsweetened 100% cranberry juice - Cranberries contain certain molecules that block bacteria from being able to attach to the bladder and urethra, which reduces the risk of developing a UTI by 20 percent.5 Try sweetening it yourself with a little bit of honey or maple syrup, and dilute it with water to make it more palatable.  Freshly-squeezed berry juice - Just like cranberries, other berries (like blueberries) contain the same molecules that prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder. Fibre - People who consume high-fibre diets, which improve constipation, are less likely to develop a UTI. This is partially because constipation increases the risk of UTIs. Examples of fibrous foods include apples, berries, avocados, broccoli, peas, sweet potatoes, lentils, chia seeds, flax seeds, chickpeas, and brown rice.  Diagnosis If you suspect your child has a UTI, please consult a medical professional immediately. Getting treatment as soon as possible will help minimize the severity of the infection. Your doctor may diagnose a UTI by assessing symptoms and testing a urine sample for bacteria.  Treatment If it turns out your child has a UTI, the best course of action is to consult your family doctor, pediatrician, or a walk-in clinic to assess the need for antibiotics. The prompt introduction of antibiotics will allow for clearance of the bacteria from the bladder before the infection spreads further down the urinary tract. In addition, drinking lots of water can help flush the bacteria out of the bladder.If you are concerned about the side effects of antibiotics, these can be addressed with a visit to your medical or naturopathic doctor. The most common side effects are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions.You may consider adding a probiotic to help mitigate these side effects. Supplementation Probiotics - Lactobacilli-type probiotics are dominant in the bladder. Studies show that taking probiotics can reduce recur ...

If this title caught your attention, let me  start  by saying: “you got this.” Tricky bedtime phases are common, and you’re not alone. They can feel looming as that time approaches and leave you fried at the end of your day. But they can get better; you and your little one can end your day peacefully. Work with your child(ren) as a team. Let them know you want bedtime to be one of the nicest parts of the day and allow them to understand the changes you would like to make so they can look forward to it. Push the “reset button” together and become their coach, rather than their opponent. No matter what age we are, most of us live in a state of go-go-go. We are mentally and physically in motion, and this can create a state of stress throughout the day—even if it is just busyness. Then, we lie down in our beds, close our eyes, and expect our bodies to sleep. Without a proper transition from this busy, alert state, it can be difficult for the body to initiate sleep. The same is true for kids. When this happens, their little bodies may be experiencing overtiredness, a wired feeling, or ruminating thoughts. This can present behaviourally as hyperactivity, tears, anger, chattiness, and resistance. In this article, I’ll give my recommendations to create a peaceful pre-sleep routine that will help tell the body and mind that sleep is coming. “Too Early Or Too Late Can Make It Difficult to Fall Asleep. One Way to Tell Is By Watching For Signs Of Sleepiness During the Routine, Such As Yawning And Becoming relaxed.” So, why have a routine? Kids thrive on routines because it helps them to know what is coming next; most of the time, they’re not in control of things like that or aware of time. Cognitively, a routine will cue them that they are approaching the “time for sleep.” Aspects of the routine can also cue the nervous system that it’s time to switch from our sympathetic fight or flight state to our parasympathetic rest and digest state. A Smoother Bedtime Timing - Assess if your child’s sleep routine duration and bedtime are age-appropriate and right for them. A routine that starts too early or late can make falling asleep difficult. One way to tell is by watching for signs of sleepiness during the routine, such as yawning and becoming relaxed. We all have a natural window of time when our body is ready to initiate sleep. If we stay up past this window, we are likely to experience a period of hyperactivity—the same goes for our little ones. Getting the timing right can significantly impact your child’s ability to fall asleep peacefully. Cue the Senses - When designing the pre-sleep routine, try to incorporate aspects that involve many senses, such as: » Touch - Soft cozy clothing and bedding, cuddles, and back rubs » Smell - Lotions or diffusers with essential oils that calm us, like lavender or chamomile » Sight - Low, soft lighting, such as lamps rather than over- head lighting » Sound - Soft music or singing the same sleepy song, read- ing in a quiet voice, or using white noise » Connection - The ultimate sense. It’s imperative for a child to feel a sense of connection before sleep. This allows them to feel safe, lay their worries down, and fall asleep in their most restful state. All children deserve love, especially as the last thing they hear and feel before sleep. Take this time to fill their buckets right to the top by letting them know you see them, love them, and are grateful for them. Power-Down - Although a little screen time in the evening can seem like it’s slowing our kids down or helping them re- lax, the light from screens (e.g., TVs, tablets, computers, or smartphones) can contribute to difficulty with falling or stay- ing asleep. The light from these devices is an issue for sleep in two ways. Light input suppresses our brain’s release of melatonin, a hormone involved in maintaining our sleep-wake cycle. Blue light suppresses melatonin for longer than other types of light and shifts our brain activity towards a very alert and busy state. This effect lasts long after the device has been turned off and disrupts the quality of sleep that follows. Try to limit screen time overall and schedule it for earlier in the day. Stay Cool - A cooler room triggers the brain to release melatonin and initiate sleep easier. We don’t want our little ones chilly, especially if they don’t tend to stay under their blankets; the ideal temperature for a room is around 20–21°C. Assess pajamas and bedding as well to make sure your little ones are comfortable at a cool but cozy temperature, and ready to drift off calmly. Food as Medicine - Refined sugar must be taken into account with your kid’s nutritional considerations during the day, but especially in the evening. Most children in Canada are consuming as much as five times the ideal limit for refined sugar (which needs to be less than 25 g per day). When the intake of refined added sugar is high, ...

Researchers suggest there is a strong link between an individual being overweight as a child and struggling with obesity in later years. Some researchers also suggest that there are chances, if a child becomes overweight in young age, it may be difficult to reverse the trend in the later age. 

It’s hard enough to think of tasty lunches for yourself everyday, let alone make inspiring lunchboxes for your kids too.   And if they’re gluten-intolerant, or just plain picky, it’s even tougher to find filling, exciting lunch ideas. So our expert nutritionist, and founder of Lunchbox Doctor, has devised three perfect packed lunches to satisfy every appetite. Lunchbox Recipes Carrot Hummus 3 carrots, washed and chopped into batons 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 1 tin of white beans such as haricot or butter, drained and rinsed A garlic clove, crushed 1½ tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp smoked paprika   Directions: Preheat oven to 180ºC/fan 160ºC/Gas 4. Drizzle the carrots with oil and roast until soft. Blitz the carrots with the other ingredients in a food processor until smooth.   Seeded Flapjack 75g mixed seeds, such as pumpkin and sunflower 125g butter 75g unrefined sugar 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses 175g oats 50g dried fruit – cut up larger fruits such as prunes or apricots Directions: Preheat oven to 180ºC/fan 160ºC/Gas 4. Whiz the seeds to a powder in food processor or coffee grinder. Do this in batches if using a coffee grinder. Melt the butter, sugar and molasses together in a saucepan. Add the oats, dried fruit and ground seeds, and mix well together. Spread the mixture out on a baking tin, lined with greaseproof paper, and bake for 20-25 mins or until golden brown. Cut whilst hot, and then allow to cool in baking tray before removing.   Beetroot Chocolate Brownie Cake 125g cooked beetroot, finely grated 125g butter 250g dark chocolate, broken into squares 3 eggs, beaten 2 tbsp barley malt syrup or honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 100g wholegrain spelt flour 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda Directions: Preheat the oven to 200ºC/fan 180ºC/Gas 6. Combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda and beetroot in a bowl. Melt the butter and chocolate in a different bowl over a pan of boiling water, being careful not to let the bowl touch the boiling water. Add the melted butter and chocolate mix to the flour and beetroot mix. Fold in the eggs, then add the syrup and vanilla extract. Pour into a 20cm x 20cm baking tin, greased and/or lined as necessary. Bake for 20-25 mins until it forms a crust on top but is still a little moist (not uncooked) on the inside. Grabbed From: http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/perfect-packed-lunches/?sc=22096&rilt=lunch&utm_source=Responsys&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=080517_Back_To_School