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There are so many great things about living in a small home — the ease of maintenance, the cozy feel, the cheap utilities. However, small spaces have one big downside:

It’s hard to find places to store all your stuff! If you’re sick of living in a home that feels cramped and cluttered, you need to try these small-space organizing tips.

Give Everything a Place

If you don’t have a designated home for your stuff, it inevitably ends up scattered around the house.

Organize each room in your home so everything has a place that makes sense.

If you use something frequently, store it in a convenient spot — you’re more likely to put things away if it’s easy.

Items that you use only a couple times a year can go in harder-to-reach places, such as in the attic or under the bed.

Need more guidance to get your home organized? Family Handyman has eight organizing rules every home should follow.

Use Vertical Space

You already don’t have a lot of square footage in your home. And if you store stuff on the floor, you’ll shrink your home’s livable space even further.

Instead of using horizontal space to store your stuff, look vertical.

Narrow shelving units make great use of corners and other awkward spaces, floating shelves add storage without impacting your floor space, and hooks keep frequently used items in arm’s reach.

Add Built-In Storage

If you need to add a lot of storage, built-ins are your best bet.

Built-ins like shelves and cabinets dramatically increase your home’s storage capacity without affecting its square footage.

Built-ins are also ideal for utilizing dead spaces or adding storage in rooms where freestanding shelves look out of place, like the kitchen and bathroom.

A cabinet maker is your best bet for custom built-ins that match your home’s design.

You can find a cabinet maker in your area by scanning online reviews and using apps that connect you with local companies.

Buy Furniture That Does Double-Duty

If your bed and coffee table are just a bed and coffee table, you’re not making the most of your space.

Rather than buying furniture that does one job, choose pieces that pull double-duty.

Furniture with built-in storage is one space-saving option, but you can also buy couches that double as guest beds, turn a shelving unit into a stylish room divider, or use an end table to hide your cat’s litter box, which is always a good idea when you have guests over.

Maximize Closet Space

You’re not limited to the one rod and shelf that came standard in your closets.

Increase your closet space by hanging a second rod, adding a second layer of shelving, or using the back of the door to hang small items.

(Speaking of hanging stuff on doors, check out One Good Thing by Jillee’s ideas for back-of-door storage).

Keep Storage Areas Tidy with Containers

When you’re trying to store a lot in a small space, it doesn’t take long for your closets and cabinets to turn into a jumbled mess.

Keep things organized and easy to find with storage containers. You can buy storage containers to fit every space and purpose, from your pantry and kitchen to your sock drawer.

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When you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you have to be smart and crafty about how you use it. Otherwise, your cozy home ends up looking cramped — and no one wants that!

Now that you’re armed with these space-savvy tips, you’re ready to start organizing your small home so it feels bigger than ever.
December 05, 2018 No comments

 



I haven't been able to spend time writing on this blog as much as I wanted to for the past weeks (or months!), all for one reason: we don't have a yaya or househelp anymore.

Why Yayas or House Helpers Are Common in the Philippines

In the Philippines, it's common practice to hire a stay-in yaya (or nanny) who also doubles as a househelper, as there are rarely daycare centers for very young children here.

Most daycare centers only cater pre-school-aged children, so while your baby is still too young for school, they are usually left in the care of a family member.

But in the case of small families like us whose grandparents and relatives live in the province, we're left to our own devices here in the city.

In Cebu, there's a new 24-7 daycare center that accepts babies as young as 6 months old: Amuma Childcare Services.

It's actually the first that I've heard of in the Philippines, and their services (childcare, feeding, educational playtime, nap times, etc.) are quite really attractive.

However, we find their rates honestly expensive in relation to our monthly budget, so it's out of the question for us. It is, of course, a good option for other working parents.

The Decision Not to Have a Yaya—for Now

As a work-at-home mom, I was reliant on our previous yaya to tend to the household chores and entertaining our baby while I worked. But then again, after more than a year of staying with us, she had other plans.

It has been more than a month since she left. And while it was very difficult for us at the beginning, my husband and I have somehow adjusted to our new lifestyle sans Yaya.

Here are some of the pros and cons of not having a yaya or househelp:


Pros of Not Having a Yaya or Househelp

1. Having your own privacy back

Imagine having a stranger live in your house 24-6 (because they have a day-off, of course!).

Now imagine employing that stranger; ergo, it also means you need to act like a formal "boss" 24-6 in order to set boundaries (and also beget respect, because, honestly, you can't imagine just how rude yayas can be when they see you have your guard down).

It was so exhausting having to maintain a facade in front of our yaya back then, being careful with my actions so as not to give her a negative impression on us as employers.

Most importantly, we had to be very careful with our valuables (i.e., money, cellphone, wallets, etc.) and not leave them just about anywhere in the house, so as not to tempt our employed housemate. 

Now that we don't have a yaya, we have the freedom to do anything we want—use the comfort room with the door open, leave our loose change wherever, and goof around whenever.

It's really a good feeling to have your guard down in your own house!

2. Bigger savings 

In the Philippines, the standard monthly wage for yayas and househelpers averages between 4,00 to 5,00php.

For stay-in yayas, you also need to shoulder their basic toiletries, full meals, snacks, and to some employers, their cellphone load.

Not to mention the electricity and water expenses, and mind you, yayas are not the best people to enlist in conserving electricity and water!

Since the time we were without a yaya, our grocery and overall household expenses dramatically decreased, allowing us to save money!

3. Less stress

The thing about yayas is that they're not very consistent and committed to their job.

Gave them clear and simple instructions? They forget them about a minute after.

Asked them to come home at a certain time after their day off? They arrive the day after, forcing you to leave from work or double the household chores.

Told them specifically to be careful with some of your stuff? They break or damage it. 

What's more is that no amount of asking them nicely or giving them a decent lecture about taking responsibility would leave a lasting impression on them to teach a lesson.

They commit the same mistakes again and again and again, which honestly stresses me out more than having to calm down a toddler with a tantrum.

Without a yaya to monitor, manage, and give constant instructions to, I find myself happier and less stressed.

Of course, baby is also happier to see a happy mommy too!

4. More control over household chores

As mentioned, yayas are not the most reliable persons.

That's why when I leave instructions, it's almost always never followed, and you have to acquiesce to just letting them do their thing just so long as the job gets done.

Being a neat-freak parent, there are things I'd like to be done a certain way because (1) it's more efficient, (2) it leaves lesser mess, and (3) it's more practical (i.e., lesser time and electricity/water consumed). 

Now that we don't have a yaya, my husband and I have more control over our household chores, and that also includes controlling the amount of cooking oil, dishwashing liquid, condiments, laundry powder, etc., to use when cooking or cleaning the house—all of which equates to bigger savings and a more efficient household.

5. Cleaner house and healthier baby

Both my husband and I are very particular with cleanliness and keeping things in order—the same with our one-year-old too, who of course follows by example.

Honestly, yayas are not the neatest people in the world.

They don't clean as they go, and they're not very mindful about hygiene (e.g., washing their hands after using the comfort room, keeping their hair to themselves and away from the food, cleaning their feet when entering a no-slippers room, etc.). 

Without the innate neatness and bodily hygiene, it can sometimes leave our household in a constant state of mess to which I have to repeatedly remind our yaya to please clean up, and worse, sometimes having the risk of our baby catching a cold or cough (or head lice!!!) from our yaya.

Now, we find our home a lot cleaner than we had a yaya. And because we have more control over how we do certain house chores, like sweeping and mopping the floor and cleaning the comfort room, the quality of cleanliness is ten times better than a hired help!

Cons of Not Having a Yaya or Househelp

1. Less "me" time for mommy and playtime with baby

With a full-time homebased job, a baby to take care of, and a household to maintain, you can just imagine how much time I have left for myself—none! 

I usually wake up early in the morning to have a good headstart with my job while my husband cooks all the food for the day.

And when the baby is awake, we do everything together (eat and take a bath) to save time, which also means no "me" time for me. 

2. Double the work

Being a mother who stays at home and with an 8-hour job means double the work!

Imagine having everything in one place: your home, your job, your responsibilities, all without breathing space. 

I am very lucky, however, to have a husband who knows how to cook, clean, do the laundry, and take care of our baby, so we both have an equal share of the household work.

And we make it a point to have a few minutes to ourselves at night to recharge.

3. Overfatigue

With so much to do at home, an active toddler, and a full-time job? Exhaustion to a whole new level.

I'll leave it to that.

4. No support at home

One of the good things of having a yaya, for me as a mom who stays at home, is that I have someone to talk to while my husband is at work.

And of course, when our baby has accidents or is sick, I have someone to assist me.

Without a yaya, I only have K to talk to (who doesn't say much, actually, and when she does, I can't understand her), and I have to wait for 9 to 10 hours for my husband to arrive home and tell him all about our little (mis)adventures at home.

It's lonely being at home 24-7 with just our baby to keep me company most of the time, and even with the presence of online friends, it's just not the same with face-to-face interaction (of which I have no time to do so).

So Will We Ever Have a Yaya Again?

For now, we're perfectly fine without a yaya. 

Do you have a "no yaya, no problem" story to share? I'd love to hear it! Share it in the comments below.
November 14, 2018 No comments

 



No matter the disability, people who have them have the fundamental right to create and maintain their own loving family.

Yet parents with disabilities often face persistent, systemic, and pervasive discrimination. If you are one of these parents, it may help to know you are not alone.

There are 4.1 million parents with disabilities in the United States. That means roughly 6.2 percent of all American parents have a developmental, psychiatric, sensory, or physical disability. 

Parenting with a disability is just like everything else in life — it just takes some basic preparations that address your specific needs to make it easier.

The following home modifications make it easier for families to keep up with their busy lives while making their environment a safer place.

Grants and Programs for Disabled Parents in the US

While many of these updates are simple, they are not free. This can make things difficult for parents who are already living on a strained budget.

Fortunately, there are various grants and programs available for Americans with disabilities who need to make home modifications, such as the following: 
  • The US VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant and Special Housing Adaptation Grant 
  • The Think Alive Achievement Grant 
  • Rebuilding Together Americorps 
  • The USDA Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program 
  • American Red Cross 
  • The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) 
  • The Self-Sufficiency Grant from ModestNeeds.Org 
  • The Individual Adaptive Equipment Grant from the Travis Roy Foundation 
  • The Gary Sinise Foundation Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (RISE) 
  • The Assisted Living Conversion for Eligible Multifamily Housing Projects (ACLP) 
  • The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 
  • Lions Clubs International 
  • American Parkinson Disease Association 
  • The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) 
  • The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification 
  • The Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA) Catalyst Project 

Grab Bars 

Installing grab bars in the bathroom can make mobility much easier for parents with physical disabilities.

Grab bars come in different sizes, materials, colors, and finishes to suit your personal preferences.

The important thing is installation. Screw them directly into wall studs to make sure they are sturdy and can support your weight.

You can also mount them on acrylic or fiberglass tub surrounds by screwing clearance holes using a standard drill bit.

For ceramic tile and tubs, use a masonry drill bit to screw clearance holes.

There should be two grab bars by the toilet: one aligned parallel to the floor and about five or six inches above the toilet seat, and one perpendicular to the end of the horizontal bar.

Stall showers should have a vertical bar just inside where the door closes, as well as a horizontal bar placed slightly above waist-high along the sidewall.

For shower and bathtub combos, the placement is similar, but the vertical bar needs to be installed opposite the faucet wall. 

Tripping Hazards 

You can’t always pay attention to where you’re going when you’re juggling a baby.

Removing tripping hazards in the house can prevent serious injury around the home.

If your home has worn carpet that’s peeling or fraying, it’s time to remove it and either replace it with new carpet or consider a hard flooring option.

Make sure rugs do not pose a tripping hazard by securing them with tape or removing them altogether.

Reduce clutter on the floors by adding more storage options around the house, with things like secret shelves and rolling bins, that you can easily push out of the way. 

Labeling 

You’d be surprised at how things you used to find simple suddenly become complicated when you are a parent.

Beat parental brain fog and fatigue by labeling common items you need with textured tape or braille if you’re visually impaired.

This can make things such as meal preparations easier and faster, as you don’t have to go crazy looking for the right item. 

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Parenting is a wonderful journey full of surprises—but those surprises don’t have to be accidents due to a disability.

You can make your home safer with simple modifications that ease mobility and make daily duties more convenient.

From adding grab bars to the bathroom to labeling food in the kitchen, it’s the little things that can give you an edge as a parent living with a disability.

October 11, 2018 No comments

 

Article written by Danny Knight


Few situations are more stressful and frustrating than having a car full of screaming children on a long road trip.

To most, just the thought of having to travel any amount of distance with a troublesome child can cause them to cringe.

Not only is this frustrating, but it’s also dangerous due to the distraction the child may cause while you’re driving. 

While many of us will avoid having to drive longer distances with a small child, sometimes it is simply unavoidable.

Fortunately, there are ways of making the trip easier, more relaxing, and less frustrating. Try some of these simple tips to get started.

1. Keep them busy

Whether you allow your children to utilize electronic gadgets or not, giving your children something to do will distract them and keep them busy.

If you allow electronics, turning on a kids’ movie with a phone or tablet is sure to keep them occupied.

You could even purchase a DVD player that straps to the back of the seat to provide your child with continuous entertainment without having to worry about batteries running low. 

If electronics aren’t allowed, you could get some coloring books and crayons so they can draw during the ride. Make sure you don’t leave the crayons in the car, though!

If you have an extremely small child, try having a toy basket within reach so that you can hand them a toy when they inevitably throw theirs in the floor.

Keeping a steady stream of new toys available will keep your child from becoming bored. Just make sure to wipe down and clean toys so your children can avoid germs while traveling. 

2. Break up the trip

Sitting in a car seat for too long will make a kid antsy and stir-crazy.

If you break up the trip by stopping at rest stops or parks along the way, you can let them run off some steam and reduce boredom.

According to USA Today, many rest stops and travel plazas are getting upgrades, so add these as possible stopping spots while you’re traveling.

A good pace is for every two or three hours of travel, 15-20 minutes of play should be allowed.

For smaller children, you might want to break up the trip even more and provide them just as much playtime as car time.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you can make these stops without being late to your destination. 

3. Take snacks

Healthy, car-friendly foods are almost always a must.

Dry cereals are yummy and easy to clean up. Dehydrated fruits like kiwi, pineapple, or banana will prevent stains.

Giving them a little snack along the way will drive away hunger and the crankiness that comes with it. 

You could even plan to have a whole meal in the car.

If your children take a nap right after lunchtime, you might want to plan on eating lunch in the car to cut down on stopping time and take advantage of the time they’ll be asleep.

Try easy foods like PB and J, crackers or veggies with hummus, wraps, sandwiches, and protein boxes. 

4. Play music they like

Playing music your kids like will calm them down and keep them relaxed.

Be sure to pack a CD or create a playlist catered to your child’s tastes before you leave, and turn it on whenever you or your child are nearing a breaking point.

Remember that music has many benefits in early childhood.

According to Bright Horizons, music can accelerate brain growth. This is a distracting measure you can feel good about! 

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Traveling with children can be extremely stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Try a few of these tips to avoid emotional breakdowns and screaming matches while you’re traveling.

For extra tips, ask your children what they would like to do while traveling. 


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About the Author: Danny Knight

Danny is a dad living in Philadelphia. He enjoys DIY projects almost as much as raising his two children. He is the co-creator of FixItDads.com, which offers tips for home improvement projects.

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September 10, 2018 No comments

 



Kids seem to engage in a wide variety of activities as part of their regular play. However, did you know that hobbies can help kids improve their fine motor skills and cognitive abilities?

Not only that, but hobbies are great for developing creativity and socialization skills.

There are endless hobbies your child can discover, so you’re bound to find one that they can be passionate about. 

Get Them Excited About Music 

Learning music can actually help your child perform better in school.

By exercising their ability to recognize sounds, music increases children's language development skills. Music also helps with pattern recognition which can be beneficial in mathematics.

Plus, the challenges involved in learning an instrument are a wonderful way to teach patience and self-discipline to any kid.

Help your kid get started by bringing them to a music store and letting them try out different instruments.

If your school has an extracurricular band program or after-school music lessons, make sure you take advantage of these. 

Ask for Help in the Kitchen 

Many people grow up without learning how to cook. Don't let your child be one of them!

Getting kids involved in the kitchen is one of the best ways to teach them about nutrition and give them a deeper appreciation for the food they eat.

Plus, following recipes can help boost their math skills as they connect concepts learned in school to practical applications.

Encourage your children to help you with dinner prep, or get them involved in shopping. Perhaps they’ll even end up making meals for you one day! 

Encourage Their Desire for Collecting 

Kids love to collect things such as coins, rocks, buttons, and stamps.

Although these collections may seem a bit silly, they can actually help your child learn about the world around them.

For example, finding unique rocks while camping or hiking can teach kids about the various types of minerals and natural formations.

If your child is interested, purchase a mineral book and a magnifying glass so they can examine their specimens closely.

Help them label their rocks and store them neatly so they remember where they picked them up. 

Have Fun Gazing at the Stars 

Backyard astronomy is a great way to get your kids outdoors and thinking about their place in the world.

While examining the stars, kids like to contemplate the nature of the universe, how the world started, and what possibilities exist in space.

These questions can get them excited about a career in science!

Backyard astronomy is also a great way to spend time with your child while you learn something for yourself. 

Sky and Telescope recommends starting out with a simple pair of binoculars before buying a more expensive and sophisticated telescope for your child.

Then, grab some astronomy books from your library or print out maps of your local sky from the internet so you can identify star clusters and constellations. 

Become Experimental Scientists Together 

Setting up little science experiments is tons of fun for children and parents alike. You'd be surprised by the number of fun experiments you can conduct in your own home with household materials.

For example, this rainbow magic milk experiment is a simple way to help kids learn about the interaction between soap and fat molecules.

Before you conduct an experiment, let your child consider what might happen based on their knowledge of how various substances react.

These fun activities can spark a long-lasting interest in chemistry, biology, and physics. 

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Importantly, make sure you create an environment for your kids that allows them to pursue their interests. 

Remember that they may require lessons, certain supplies, or educational materials to get started. 

You can even set up a special hobby area where your kid can paint, read, write, or practice music without distraction. 

Finally, take the time to participate in their hobby, whether that means helping them out or encouraging them to stick with it.


August 06, 2018 No comments

 



This is the second part of the Newborn Care Tips series.

In the first part, we talked about newborn baby care tips on sleeping, feeding/breastfeeding, and diaper changing.

If you want to know more about the aforementioned topics, head on to Newborn Baby Care Tips for New Moms and Dads (Part 1).

Here, we'll talk about bathing a newborn baby, caring for the cord stump, and soothing a fussy and crying baby.


Bathing 

How to bathe a newborn baby:

  • Frequency of baths: In colder countries, it's normal to bathe/sponge bath a newborn for just 3 times a week on the first few weeks. In hot and humid countries like the Philippines, it's recommended to bathe your newborn baby every day. Of course, care should be given to prepare lukewarm bath water and to use hypoallergenic baby soap to avoid irritation.
  • Preparation: Always prepare all the things needed before bathing your baby: towel, changing pad, clothes, diaper changing paraphernalia, baby bathtub and bath seat (if applicable), baby soap/shampoo, etc.
  • Method of bathing: Use a shallow basin (or a baby bathtub), always test the water's temperature beforehand, and hold the baby with one hand or use a baby bath seat for better support. Be always sure to support your baby's head, neck, and back to avoid injuries. Your other hand should pour small amounts of water on the baby's head and body. It's advised not to use sponges when lathering soap and shampoo to your baby's sensitive skin; washcloths are preferred, or just use your bare hands.
  • Soap/shampoo: Use mild, unscented, hypoallergenic soap/shampoo that's specially formulated for babies. Dilute liquid soap and shampoo with water before application.

Umbilical cord stump care

How to clean and care for the umbilical cord stump:
  • Frequency of cleaning: Daily cord stump care should be done, once a day. Use a cotton ball dipped in clean water or 70% isopropyl alcohol, and then squeeze out the liquid onto the stump. Also clean the base of the stump in a gentle circular motion. Keep the area of the stump clean and dry to avoid infection, and fold the diaper away from the area of the stump. 
  • When the umbilical cord stump naturally falls off: The umbilical cord stump typically falls off after 1 to 3 weeks after birth. Never attempt to pull off the cord stump; it will naturally fall off on its own. Once the stump falls off, daily cord dressing should be done until it heals. Use cotton buds/swabs dipped in clean water or alcohol and gently clean starting from the inside going out.
  • Are abdominal binders needed: Do not apply abdominal binders. It can act as a medium for bacterial infection.

Crying and soothing a fussy baby

How to soothe a crying and fussy baby:
  • Why a baby cries: Babies cry for a number of reasons, so be sure to check if her diapers are soiled, the time when she was fed last, if the temperature in your room is too hot or too cold, or if she's coming down with something. Often, babies cry simply because they just want to be held. Trust your intuition.
  • Skin-to-skin, swaddling, and cuddling: Babies are used to the warmth and soft comforts of the womb. As much as you can, hold your baby, cuddle, and have skin-to-skin contact—these methods mimic closely to the natural environment of the womb, as with swaddling. Singing and rocking your baby are also recommended ways to soothe a crying baby. Find what works best for your little one.

About colic:

If your baby incessantly cries for 3 hours or more a day, 3 or more days a week, for 3 straight weeks, she may have colic. 

Colic is described as excessive crying for no apparent reason, though the reasons stem mainly from digestive problems. 

Often, infrequent burping after feeding could cause colic, so be sure to burp your baby right after every feeding.   

In the Philippines, manzanilla oil (chamomile oil) is often used to soothe colic; this is usually rubbed on the baby's tummy and fontanels, though be sure to check if your baby might be allergic to the oil. 

If you suspect that your baby has colic and none of the soothing practices could pacify your baby, see your pediatrician.
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    It should be taken note, though, that the tips I rounded up here are from my own personal experience and from various advice I received from my pediatrician, parents, and other mom friends.

    Again, every baby is different, and it's important to take cues from your baby whether they positively respond to the type of care you're giving them or not.
    July 25, 2018 No comments

    Newborn Baby Care Tips in 2024

    Being a first-time parent is both an exciting and daunting experience.

    Believe me, my anxiety before I gave birth was nothing compared to the anxiety I felt the moment I first held our baby—it was crippling to the point of me thinking everything I was doing was wrong.
    Newborn Baby Care Tips for New Moms and Dads

    However, the beauty of parenthood is that, despite the lack of a step-by-step user manual on how to care for a little human, somehow, our intuition takes over the initial anxiety and points us to the best direction.

    Every new parent should know that there is no perfect way to care for a baby— every baby is different, thus, their needs and the way they respond to your care is different too.

    To help you ease out the newborn-stage anxiety, here are some newborn baby care tips for new moms and dads. 

    Sleeping for both baby and parents

    How to put a newborn baby to sleep and tips on how to deal with sleep deprivation:
    • Sleep pattern: The first month is always difficult. Your newborn is still adjusting to her life outside of the comforts of the womb, thus, their sleeping pattern is wildly erratic. On the second, third, and succeeding months, your baby's sleeping pattern will get better, and you too shall soon sleep soundly at night.
    • Length of time of sleep: Newborn babies tend to sleep for only around 2 to 4 hours at a time. They're awake for around the same amount of time as well.
    • Sleep deprivation of parents: While it sounds cliche, sleep when the baby sleeps helped us a lot. Of course, be practical and choose a good time to follow this newborn "hack." Lazy afternoons when there isn't a lot of housework to do worked great for us. It's also important to get help around the house so that you don't need to catch up on a lot of housework.
    • Nighttime sleep: Take turns with your spouse in waking up at night, and most importantly, be faithful with your agreed terms to avoid arguments. 

    Feeding/breastfeeding

    How much milk newborn babies need and how frequent newborns breastfeed:
    • How much milk babies need: The capacity of a newborn's stomach gradually grows in the first month. On the first day, it's approximately the size of a cherry (approximately 5 to 7 ml of milk). On the first week, newborns have a capacity of 1.5 to 2 oz of milk for each feeding, and on the second week and onwards, around 2.5 to 5 oz for each feeding.
    • Frequency of feeding: Newborns typically feed every 2 to 4 hours, so expect a lot of feeding or breastfeeding. Babies typically feed 6 to 8 times a day.
    • When is it time to feed: Watch out for early hunger cues: smacking of the lips, opening of the mouth, and rooting. Don't wait for your baby to be fussy or crying before feeding; those are already late hunger cues. 
    • Feeding and sleeping: If your baby sleeps beyond 4 hours, there's no need to wake her up just to feed. Let her sleep as much as you can and then feed her when she's awake.
    • Length of feeding: Let your baby determine the length of feeding; there's no need to time it. It's also normal for baby to fall asleep while feeding. Always burp the baby after feeding.
    • Is baby getting enough milk: Signs that indicate that your baby is getting enough milk include your breasts feeling softer and less full after feeding and having around 5 to 6, or more, wet diapers a day.
    • Should water be given to newborns: Never give additional water to a baby who is less than six months old. If preparing formula milk, always follow the 1:1 ratio (1 oz of water to 1 cup of formula milk); do not attempt to dilute the mixture with more water.

    Diaper change, peeing, and pooping

    How many times do newborn babies need diaper changes, tips on how to determine what normal pee and poop are for newborns:
    • Normal number of wet diapers: Newborn babies who are a week old usually have 2 to 3 wet diapers in 48 hours. If she's more than a week old, newborns have 5 to 6, or more, wet diapers in 24 hours.
    • Normal color of urine: Your newborn's urine should be light-colored; dark-colored urine usually indicate dehydration.
    • Normal number of dirty diapers: Newborn babies who are a week old usually poop once a day. If she's more than a week old, newborns typically poop 3 to 4 times a day.
    • Normal color of poop: Your newborn's poop should be yellow and mustardy for breastfed babies, and pasty and peanut butter-like for formula-fed babies. Here's a helpful visual guide of baby poop by Baby Center.
    • Breastfed baby not pooping: For breastfed newborn babies, it's sometimes normal to go 4 to 5 days without pooping. Exclusively breastfed babies (EBF) are almost never constipated, and breastmilk is perfectly blended by nature so that there is little to nothing left for a baby to poop out.
    • Diaper change and cleaning for baby girls: For baby girls, always wipe from front to back to avoid urinary tract infections. Take extra care around the folds of the labia (the area near the vagina).
    • Diaper change and cleaning for baby boys: For baby boys, cover the penis with a wet wipe before proceeding to clean to avoid accidents (i.e., pee fountain!). Clean from the top of the penis and downwards. Be also sure to clean the area around the scrotum.


    This ends Part 1 of this article. Head on to Newborn Baby Care Tips for New Moms and Dads (Part 2) to learn more about the following:

    • Bathing
    • Umbilical cord stump care
    • Crying and soothing a fussy baby
    July 11, 2018 No comments
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    My name is Kristenne, misis to Jerome and mommy to Kitty. I'm a work-at-home mom, writer, and editor. Learn more about what my blog is in the About page. If you'd like to work with me, or you have other questions and concerns, please feel free to contact me.



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