Baby Walkers are Bad and Banded?

baby walker

Baby walkers are some of the most common baby playing tools that you will find in many homes. Usually, they are used to train the baby’s walking. Also, mothers use baby walkers to keep the kids busy as they engage in other household chores. However, baby walkers are undoubtedly one of the most dangerous tools that babies can play with while at home. In many cases, babies end up in emergency rooms after hurting themselves while playing with the baby walker.

The number of deaths arising from baby walkers is alarmingly high to the extent that activists have launched campaigns urging the government to ban them. Many who buy baby walkers feel that it is an essential tool in aiding the baby’s walking development. However, in most cases, this tool does the opposite. It delays natural growth.

How a baby walks

Contrary to the common belief that baby walkers help assist a baby to learn walking, the process is natural and doesn’t require any aiding. For a baby to begin walking, it should follow the following procedures:

  • Roll on the floor. This is in a bid to seek stability. The rolling is occasioned by attempts to sit down.
  • Sitting and falling backward
  • Crawling on the knees
  • Trying to stand and falling back
  • Walking while leaning on stationary objects

The above process is typical to all babies and must happen that way to enable them to walk. Confining the baby to a walker hinders walking development as their ability to train by themselves while on the floor is hampered by the tool.

baby walk

Why baby walkers limit walking development

  1. Your baby needs to spend considerable time on the floor while practicing how to walk to grasp the skill. This process has to be repeated severally, and ultimately the baby can stand on its own and eventually walk. With a baby walker, this natural process is hindered.
  2. When you put a baby on the walker, it tends to move by their toes. This causes the tightening of their leg muscles, and when they later try to walk on their feet, it becomes difficult. This will only be realized when you get the baby from the walker. You will note a tendency of walking on the toes, and since they don’t have good balance, they topple on the front.
  3. Babies try to balance when you see them struggling to sit down on their own and falling back. This process is essential in training them to keep balance and eventually learn to walk. Most walkers are designed to train the baby to stay standing. This is wrong as babies need to spend the most time on the floor as they practice sitting on their own and eventually start walking.
  4. The baby’s body before walking is not developed enough to support the trunk weight. During crawling, this is when this ability is honed. In the process, the pelvic and shoulder bones are strengthened thus enabling support of the body why walking. A baby walker prevents this development.

In addition to slowing down the baby’s development, the use of a baby walker is also dangerous to the wellbeing of your baby. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware that they predispose their babies to many dangers when they put them on the walker. Some of these include:

  • Falling down the staircase. Imagine your baby rolling down the stairs after reaching the stairs with no one to prevent it. Such a crash can be fatal and even lead to death. Although many people use baby gates or also choose to live in single-story houses to prevent such accidents, they are almost inevitable. Your baby might even develop a skull injury from the fall and in the process suffer mental damage.
  • Proximity injuries are common in babies who are on baby walkers than their counterparts who move through crawling. The tool elevates the kid to a higher height, and this enables touching of objects that he/she couldn’t reach while on the knees. Baby walkers have caused many cases of babies suffering burns from hot objects. Cases of poisoning are also rampant in homes where babies are on walkers. They are highly likely to ingest chemicals such as household cleaners that are placed on higher grounds as their movement is almost unlimited.
  • A baby walker also makes your babe unsafe even from their older siblings. As they play, there is a chance of them being toppled over since the tool minimizes stability.
  • The risk of your baby coming into contact with electric sockets is also present. The baby might end up poking objects into the socket, and this exposes it to the risk of an electric shock.
  • The dangers that you expose your baby to are almost inexhaustible. There is a chance of the baby coming into contact with hot drinks and burning themselves. Remember that while in the walker, the baby moves faster than you can control.

baby crawling

Although the dangers of a baby walker are numerous, there are some ways, according to some experienced parents, that you can limit your baby’s probability of landing in trouble. Some of them include:

  1. Ensure that you stay proximal to your baby when on the baby walker. This will enable you to monitor the movements.
  2. Ensure that the baby walker is used on a flat surface where there is no chance that it will topple over after hitting a stationary object.
  3. Limit the time that the baby spends on the walker to 15 minutes. This will prevent the overreliance on the tool that is harmful in hindering development. Surprisingly, it is not only the physical growth that is impended but also mental development.
  4. Also, it is recommended that a baby should be put on the walker after they can sit. Once the baby can walk the walker should be discarded as it is highly likely to cause accidents.

In conclusion, your baby requires your help to aid walking and other developments. However, buying a baby walker may end up causing more harm than good. The chances of an injury arising are very high.  The tool has been a significant cause of injuries in babies and thus needs to be used carefully. Your presence is a must whenever your baby is on the walker. Also applying the above mentioned precautionary measures is vital in improving safety.

Are Sippy Cups Safe for Babies?

Sippy Cups Safe

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies can begin drinking from a sippy cup once they attain the age of 6 months. By the time the baby is 12 months old, you can wean him or her off the bottle. The reason for doing this is because, at 12 months, the baby has learned to walk and can now carry the sippy cup. Also, weaning the baby from the bottle promotes proper oral development.

Sippy cups are available in different shapes and sizes. They are made from BPA free plastic, glass or stainless steel. As a new mom, you have the choice of different models. Designed to ease how your baby takes liquids, sippy cups promote child development as the child will use his or her mouth and tongue. Sippy cups can also improve hand to mouth coordination which helps to keep the drink from spilling.

Qualities of a good sippy cup

Shopping for a new sippy cup can be a daunting task. The good news is you can make your shopping experience to be easy by checking for the following qualities.

Spout vs Spoutless vs Straw

The parts above are the most confusing for parents. Yes, the jargon seems to be different but their functionality is similar. Take the spout for example. A good sippy cup has a soft spout. As you already know, kids love to chew on stuff and that is why its made from silicone. The spout is bite-proof and prevents the chances of nibbling little holes.

A spoutless model has no straw or spout. It comes with a sealed lip. This allows liquid to be sucked and never leaks. It is easy to use and enables the baby to transition from the bottle to the cup much easier.

The last option is the straw model. It has a narrow opening and enables the baby to suck drinks from the cup. This model is best introduced when the baby has learned to hold and drink from a spouted model.

Handles

Sippy cups come with two handles on the side for easier handling. Training your baby to use a sippy cup improves hand to mouth coordination. Also, you train your baby how to drink without spilling and builds independence.

Safe materials

There are three materials used in the making of a sippy cup. You have stainless steel, glass, and BPA free plastic. BPA free plastic is the most common and one of the safest. Unlike ordinary plastic which leaks chemicals into the liquids, BPA free plastic does not. This ensures that your baby is protected from harmful chemicals.

Introducing a sippy cup

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a sippy cup be introduced when the baby is 6 months to 9 months old. When parents introduce a baby on using a sippy cup, they demonstrate to the baby that liquids can come from other sources apart from bottles and mommy’s breast. An early start on using a sippy cup makes it easy to transition to the cup itself. So, how can you help your toddler adopt the sippy cup faster?

#1. Find the right cup

Earlier, we listed the qualities of a good sippy cup. Some of the qualities we listed include handles, type of material used to make the sippy cup and the spout. Also, we listed other options – spoutless and straw. As a parent, having the right sippy cup makes the transition easy. For instance, if you buy a sturdy and spill proof sippy cup with handles on the side, it will be easy for your toddler to hold and handle it.

#2. Fill the cup with a familiar liquid

At 6 months old, babies are still learning about their surrounding, the food, and liquids. To make it easy for your baby to adopt a sippy cup, fill it with a familiar liquid. For instance, fill the sippy cup with formula or breast milk. If you fail to do this, your baby may opt to stick with the bottle. As time progresses, you can try freshly squeeze juice with no pulp or water. The reason we are advocating for freshly squeezed juice is that it has no chemicals or additives. As such, it is healthy for a growing baby.

#3. Switch between cups

When shopping for a sippy cup, you can find three models – spout, spoutless and straw. All these can play an important role in weaning your baby from the bottle in preparation for the cup. We recommend that you start with the spout model as it mimics the bottle. Your baby will be comfortable using this before introducing the straw and spoutless model. The spoutless model is very useful as it resembles a normal cup. The only difference is that it has a lid. This helps to prevent spills

Sipping with no fears – The safety of sippy cups answered

Sippy cups were originally designed to help toddlers transition from the bottle to a lid free cup. Problem is, experts have raised an alarm and associated sippy cups with oral risks, dexterity, and lack of motor control. For some time, parents stopped using sippy cups as a transition tool for fear that it would promote poor development. Thanks to technology, sippy cups are now safe and parents should no longer fear using them as a transition tool. Here is how sippy cup makers have made these tools to be safe.

Use of kid-friendly materials

Sippy cups today are made from numerous materials. For instance, the spout is made from silicone. This is a plastic substitute said to be non-toxic and non-leaching. As such, it does not leak chemicals into the liquids. Also, its bite proof and babies cannot nibble holes. For the body, manufacturers have opted to use BPA free plastic, glass or stainless steel. Makers of BPA free products have continuously marketed the material as safe. According to some experts, this is not true. They claim that estrogen mimickers can be found in BPA free plastics. Stainless steel and glass are very safe for the baby. They are non-toxic and non-leaching. The problem with glass is that it can break if dropped on concrete or tiled floor. So, if you intend to use a sippy cup as a transition tool we recommend one made from glass.

Comes with handles

At 6 months old, your toddler is strong enough to sit or even hold stuff with his or her hands. By the time your toddler is 1 year old, he or she is able to walk and so, he or she can move around without any assistance. As a transition tool, all you have to do is fill the sippy cup with your toddler’s favorite drink and hand it to him or her. Using his or her hands, the toddler can comfortably hold the sippy cup and drink from it. This improves the toddler’s hand to mouth coordination. Also, it improves her motor skills.

Spill-proof

As said earlier, you will come across different models as you shop for a sippy cup. Available models include spout, spoutless and straw. The spout model is the most common and is used to wean the baby from the bottle. To ensure its safe for the baby, the spout is made from silicone. This is the same material as that of a bottle nipple. It is flexible and nibble proof. For the spoutless model, it is available as a rimless cup. The lid allows the toddler to drink and not to spill. This helps your baby develop muscle control and skills to eventually drink from a cup.

Are there dangers associated with a sippy cup?

Like any other tool, there are dangers you need to be aware of. They include:

Mold and bacteria

If a sippy cup is not cleaned well, you risk mold growth and the presence of bacteria. Think about it. Food remnants getting trapped in the straw or spout, moisture from your toddler’s mouth and others. All these can promote mold growth and bacteria. This is not what you want. Presence of mold and bacteria can cause illness. To prevent this, use warm water and soap when cleaning the sippy cup.

Health risks

When a toddler begins to use a sippy cup, a lot of parents forget its intended purpose. Before you know it, it becomes the main means of dispensing liquids. Why? Its spill proof and easy to clean. Problem is, juice and milk contain sugar. If the toddler continues using the sippy cup for a long time, it can cause decay. Also, it can build unhealthy eating habits. How? The toddler will believe that food is for comfort and not to satisfy hunger.

Injury to the mouth

When your toddler is 1 year old, he or she can walk around without any assistance. As you already know, this is the age when kids play a lot. You find them running from one room to another. Now that he or she has learned to use the sippy and can use it on the go, he or she can proceed to play with the sippy cup to the mouth. If the toddler falls facing forward, it can lead to a mouth injury. To prevent this, make sure your toddler is using the sippy cup while seated.

Final Thoughts

A sippy cup as a transition tool is not a bad thing. Yes, they can form developmental and habit-forming issues but if used with care, they can be very useful. To eliminate any issues with sippy cups, shop for a glass model, clean the sippy cup thoroughly, and limit sippy cup use.

How Big Is a Twin Bed?

mattress-size-and-dimensions-of-each-size-like-queen-king-twin-twin-xl-ca-king-how-big-it-is-1024x683

Your bed should be a comforting and a welcome retreat when you go to sleep, and this means it needs to be the perfect size for you. Bed size is hence one of the major factors to consider when choosing a bed. You have probably heard about the term twin bed, but do you know how big it is? According to study statistics by the National Sleep Foundation, about twenty-five percent of couples do not sleep on the same bed. A twin bed is perfect for people who share a room but not a bed. Here is an exclusive look at how big is a twin bed.

Twin Bed Size

twin bed size

Twin bed is also commonly referred to as single bed.it is the smallest of the adult size beds.  The beds are narrow hence the perfect choice for the small bedrooms such as multi-use guest and children rooms, children who have outgrown the toddler bed or single adults. The dimensions for a twin bed is 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. It leaves adequate space for the child to play with his or her toys and pets. Twin beds are best for teenagers and children but can also provide sufficient space for an average sized adult to sleep with comfy.

Laying two twin size beds side by side makes approximately the same size as a king size bed. Some couples use this tactic to experience king size comfort. A twin bed will fit well to any room measuring not lesser than eight feet by ten feet. For a room to fit two twin beds, it’s size should be more than 10 inches by 10 inches.

Twin Extra Long Beds

Twin extra long beds are longer than the standard twin bed. These make them ideal for taller teenagers who require the adult bed length but no extra width. The dimensions of Twin XL beds are 39 inches by 80 inches giving them the same length as a queen or king size bed. They are five inches longer than the standard twin beds, and this makes them be used commonly in college dorms. Twin extra-long beds are perfect for tall adults who have less space for a wide bed. You can also spare some room to sleep with your pet if it likes resting on the bed. For your room to have sufficient space for other furniture and your twin XL bed, the bedroom should be more than 8 feet by 10 feet in size.

Note: Want to know the differences between twin and twin xl bed?  What are the pros and cons of each of them? any good recommendations? check the latest guide from Terry Cralle.

Can Two Twin Extra Long Mattresses Be Used on A King Size Frame?

Yes, the dimensions of two twin XL mattresses equals the dimensions of a king size mattress. For two partners who have different firmness or feel mattress preferences, joining two twin extra-long mattresses may be a perfect option. More so, sleepers who like adjustable frames can use two twin XL mattresses to lie back or sit up without disturbing their partners. The combination can be perfect for about three children’s who have outgrown the twin size bed but still share the same bedroom.

Also Read: How to Get Newborn to Sleep in Crib

Twin Size Mattresses and Sheets

Twin size sheets and mattresses are the smallest and cheapest. They come in all patterns and styles. Twin size mattresses have dimensions of 38 inches by 75 inches and are specially made for people who want to save space or individual sleepers who are not active at night. There are also smaller twin mattresses known as short twin size mattresses. They have dimensions of 34-inch width by 75-inch length. This will leave 1-inch width and 5-inch length more space in your room. These mattresses are ideal for campers and motorhomes.

When buying fitted sheets for your twin size or twin extra long bed, you need to be careful with the dimensions. A standard twin sheet should be 66 inches wide and 96 inches long. For a twin XL sheet, its dimensions should be 81 inches wide by 96 inches long to fit the extra coordinating long bed. This is vital as tucking in a too long sheet or stretching a sheet that is too short may leave you to sheet less during the night. In case you choose to use two twin extra-long mattresses on a king frame bed, you can select a set of twin XL beddings or one king size sheet set.

Conclusion

A twin-size bed is the smallest standard bed from the toddler bed. Though twin-size bed will not give you the extra space for movements, it is undoubtedly efficient when it comes to sleeping or resting your back. Some manufacturers often change the dimensions of what is commonly referred to as standard twin or twin extra-long bed. Always ensure that you know the exact dimensions of the bed you have bought before going to shop for beddings. Some of the standard-fitted bedding sheets may fail to fit correctly.

How to Get Newborn to Sleep in Crib

newborn in crib

Having an infant can be thrilling to the parents as they create merriment to them and even other family members. It is fascinating how babies find comfort while in the hands of their mummies. Holding a baby in your arms instigate coziness which triggers sleep in them most of the hours during the day. Babies sleep for more than 14 hours every day and it might seem like they just fancy sleeping so much.

However, while babies sleep quickly in the comfort of their parents’ arms, it becomes a challenge putting them to sleep in a crib. Getting an infant to sleep on its own has benefits as it may become hard upon attaining six months and above. Even though most parents like to sleep together with their baby and cuddle through the night, it is essential to let the baby learn to sleep on their own.

In this article, we shall provide guidelines on how to get a newborn to sleep in a crib.

Let the baby show sleepiness signs

baby show sleepiness signs

Putting the baby in a crib while he is not ready to sleep can be challenging as he is still active. The baby will either play around or cry due to distress as he feels abandoned. This is mostly the case when it is one of the first few times the baby is sleeping in a cot.

You should hence wait for the baby to feel tired and sleepy before taking him to sleep. A sleepy baby will show signs such as yawning, rolling over severally as well as rubbing their eyes. Whenever you notice these signs, know that the baby is ready to sleep, and if then you put him in the crib, he will instantly sleep.

Wrap the baby with garments

We would say that a newborn is used to warmth since he was in the womb and therefore, for him to sleep comfortably, he needs to experience a similar environment. In that case, you should consider wrapping him while taking him to sleep to enhance coziness. Remember that the baby is alone in the crib which he is not used to, and therefore, the wrapping provides the cuddling feeling.

Besides, swaddling provides warmth which is essential for efficient baby’s sleep. Comfort is an essential aspect of sleep, and when sufficient, the baby will sleep without any difficulties.

Warm the crib

We undeniably have the knowledge of the essence of warmth in association to infant’s sleep. For that reason, besides wrapping the baby, we need to find other ways of ensuring a warm sleeping environment for the baby. So, how do you ensure a warm crib before putting the baby there to sleep?

We recommend using techniques such as putting a bottle with warm water in the crib some minute before taking the baby there for sleep. After a short while, when you are sure that the cot is warm enough, you should remove the bottle thence put the baby to sleep.

Schedule the baby’s sleeping time

Getting your baby accustomed to a specific time for sleep can be a great achievement. The period you choose should also be convenient for you as it would be better if you are awake at those times when the baby is awake too; otherwise, he will end up spoiling your moment after waking up.

Getting your baby habitually sleeping at a specified time can also enhance convenience say for instance you are involved in other activities and would like to undertake them.

Familiarize the baby to darkness

Sleeping in darkness can be frightening to most babies causing them not to sleep. It is definite that the most convenient time for you and the baby will be during the night. Therefore, you need to get the baby acquainted to darkness to avoid immense crying in the middle of the night due to shock.

Placing the crib in rooms with some amount could be helpful before introducing the baby to pitch dark rooms. At night, maintain quietness to avoid waking the baby.

Place the crib close to you

Place the crib close to you

Indeed, the baby is used to your presence, and that is what mostly puts him to sleep. Therefore, you should ensure that your baby’s crib is right close to you so that when you put the baby in it, they will still feel your presence. Preferably, you should place the crib in your bedroom and that way, the baby will recognize your presence which will put him to sleep.

On the other hand, when the crib is close to you, it is possible to attend to the baby within the shortest time possible. Such include when he cries in the middle of the night where you have to check on him.

Comfort the baby

While taking the baby to sleep after he has fallen asleep in your arms is not recommended, you need to comfort him before putting him in the crib. You can cuddle the baby to stimulate sleep and then take him to bed before he sleeps on you. If he cannot still seem to find sleep, you may consider other comforting situations such as music.

Conclusion

Even though letting the baby sleep on their own may seem to mean to them, it is for their benefits. Eventually, the baby will develop good sleeping habits which essential for his emotional and physical welfare. You should hence consider having your baby sleep in a crib by considering the provided tips to facilitate the baby’s comfort in their sleep.