7-9 months Content | Baby Billy

Emotion Coaching

Whenever your baby feels sad or angry, do you try to empathize with their emotion or just ignore and move on? Emotionally supportive relationships can be beneficial more than you think.😎Emotion coaching👪What is emotion coaching?Based on the principle that emotionally supportive relationships provide the best context for children to grow up, emotion coaching is the practice of helping your baby learn to self-regulate negative emotions when you tune in your child's feelings and show empathy.🤗 Because the kid is not capable of handling difficult emotions and having rich life experiences like adults, you are the ultimate guide who needs to accept and validate their feelings, helps them label emotions with words and instructs them to overcome hardships.🤱👪Why kids need you to emphasize?Young children lack our life experiences and are incompetent at reading others' feelings and intentions. Your kid needs you to guide them to learn and practice.👩‍🏫Some kids have a tougher time than others at mood management. The key is you can provide help and teach them to handle those emotional storms.😀Ways that emotion coaching works👪Notice signs before your child's emotions get intenseIs your kid looking a bit frustrated?😤 Although your initial reaction might be to ignore it and regard negative emotions as offensive, this is actually the golden opportunity for you to better understand your child and help them cope with it.💪Talk to your child how they look different now and ask the reason why they behave so.️ If you suspect a trigger, gently bring it up so that the child feels like they are being heard.😀👪Listen, validate and show empathyYou need to stay calm even though your child is furious in front of you.😌 What you really need to do is to relate to your kid's experiences by drawing parallels in your own life.Imagine when you are upset at your coworkers when something goes wrong at your work. That is also your child's feelings when they are rejected or humiliated at school.🏫 You can relate to the situation and understand why your kid feels that way.😇👪Find verbal labels for emotionsAs you listen and empathize with your kids, you can help them identify what exactly their feelings are.😍 Learning how to verbalize emotions teaches them to shift into a more detached and analytical point of view and view emotions as a normal reaction to a triggering situation. The method isn't merely telling your baby how they should feel. But rather to ask questions, align with our own experiences and help them understand their own emotions better.🤗👪Allow your child to take time to calm downPowerful emotions, such as anger, anxiety trigger a fight or flight response. They block the ability to reason and control impulses, making us vulnerable to overreacting.🛡️The same thing happens to your child. If your baby is highly distressed about an uncomfortable situation, let them take a pause and allow the stress response to wind down.😮‍💨 Don't be tempted to start problem-solving and expect them to reason with you when they are not ready.

How to hand express breast milk

If you want to express breast milk right now but don't have a gear, try the hand express technique. It is a simple way to remove milk from your breasts anywhere, gear-free😉! How do you hand express your breast milk?Your hands sometimes can be a lifesaver🛟 for your breasts! Wash your hands clean, and gently massage and squeeze your breasts to express milk out of your breasts. Put your thumb and index finger around your nipple, slide the fingers down, and rotate the nipple with gentle press. (You can get bruises if you press too hard, so make sure you do it gently!😵) Do both sides of your breasts alternately, each for about 5 minutes, massage them for a minute, and do squeezing again. Repeat the procedure as needed, but the total time should not exceed 20-30 minutes.Why should I try hand expressions?The biggest charm of hand expression is that it is convenient! You don't need any equipment, so you can do pumping anytime, anywhere😎. But convenience isn't the only advantage of hand expression! Doing hand expression allows you to get more colostrum than using a breast pump. Even if you are using a breast pump, using your hand for a few minutes at the end of the pumping session can usually squeeze more milk out🍼. Also, using a breast pump can possibly make your nipples itchy and soar, so if you are suffering from this, try hand expressions!Tips for easier hand expressingSmooth milk flow is the key to easier hand expression! In order to stimulate your breasts better, a warm temperature helps. Make your hands warm♨️, or a hot shower can help your breasts to relax. Massaging the breasts gently by moving them around will yield more milk to pump. Relaxation is important as well🕊️ , so find a quiet, clean spot to do the expressions. If you ask when is the best time for hand expressing, I would say do it in the morning, because your supply tends to be the most abundant!

Tips for safe bathing

Get ready for your baby's first bath🛀 – an exciting milestone that blends joy and a hint of nervousness. While baths might not initially be every newborn's favorite, they'll likely turn into a delightful part of bedtime as your baby grows💕.When can I give my newborn a bath?When it comes to your newborn's baths, there's a sweet balance to strike: waiting around 24 hours after birth (or 6 hours if cultural reasons prompt an earlier dip) is recommended. This delay helps regulate their temperature🌡️, sugars, and skin hydration, all while nurturing that special bond with you. Until their umbilical cord stump takes its leave (usually within three weeks), gentle sponge baths are the way to go, guarding against any unwanted visitors while it heals.For those adorable newborn boys with a circumcision, extra care is advised – no full-body baths until a little time has passed post-procedure. As for timing, the bathing our is yours to choose: mornings might set the stage for a lively day, while evenings offer a serene wind-down. Just ensure a happy baby and a relaxed you😺, avoiding baths right after feeding for contented digestion.How to give your newborn a sponge bathAs your newborn eases into the world of baths, sponge baths take the stage:🧽Prep and ComfortTo give your newborn a gentle sponge bath, start by filling a basin with warm water. Next, wrap your baby snugly in a soft towel and place them on a comfortable surface. Always keep one hand on your baby for added security and to ensure they feel safe throughout the process.🧽Gentle CleaningUsing a clean washcloth dipped in the warm water, begin by delicately cleaning your baby's face. Start at the bridge of their nose and gently wipe over their eyes. For their ears, use a corner of the washcloth, avoiding cotton swabs. As you proceed, use the washcloth to wipe down their body from the neck downward. Remember to uncover only the areas you're actively cleaning. It's best to skip soap during this stage, as it can be drying for your newborn's sensitive skin. If you choose to use soap, opt for a mild, moisturizing baby soap to keep their skin comfortable.🧽Quick Touch-Ups and Scalp CareFor those minor mishaps like milk dribbles, a damp washcloth works wonders. Simply spot-clean their face, neck, and hands throughout the day as needed. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly clean the folds of their skin, such as their thighs and armpits, after diaper changes. If your newborn has a cradle cap, you can address it with gentle care. While the cradle cap generally resolves on its own, you can try washing your baby's hair with baby shampoo and lightly brushing their scalp with a soft-bristled brush to help alleviate any bothersome scales.🧽How often to bathe a newbornBathing your newborn two or three times a week is just right, as they don't need frequent baths. Warm water can be soothing, but if your baby doesn't enjoy it, you can stick to sponge baths. Remember, baths don't have to be long – a few minutes is enough to keep your baby clean and cozy.

Why can't babies eat honey?

Have you ever wondered why honey🐝 is a no-go for infants? When it comes to honey, it's best to wait until your baby reaches her first birthday. This means skipping honey in various forms – whether in food, water, formula, or even processed products like honey graham crackers🍯. Also, be mindful to avoid honey-infused items such as cough syrups or pacifiers.Why can't infants have honey? Honey holds a hidden danger due to Clostridium botulinum spores, which can trigger a rare but serious illness called infant botulism. This condition can lead to muscle weakness and breathing difficulties😧. Even a small quantity of honey poses a risk to your baby's health, so it's wise to completely avoid it.The good news is that once your little one turns one, her growing digestive system becomes better equipped to ward off these harmful spores🎉. This milestone marks a safer time to introduce honey without worry.What's the Best Way to Introduce Honey to Toddlers?Once your little one reaches the age of 1, honey can find its way onto the menu, but there are some important things to keep in mind💁‍♀️. While occasional small amounts are fine, it's best to avoid making honey a regular part of your toddler's diet.In the grand scheme of things, it's a good idea to limit added sugars, honey included, for children under 2 years old. While honey may seem like a natural alternative to refined sugar, it still falls under the sugar category🍭. All sugars provide calories without significant nutritional value and can contribute to issues like cavities and excess weight.When it comes to everyday foods like yogurt, oatmeal, muffins, pancakes, or smoothies, try to skip the honey and opt for natural sweetness from fruits. Whether it's mashed banana, a dollop of unsweetened applesauce, or a sprinkle of crushed berries, these choices offer both nutrition and the opportunity to develop a taste for less sugary options.How can honey be helpful for toddlers?Although honey is often thought of as a natural sweetener, it's important to note that it's not a superfood🙅🏽. While it does contain small amounts of antioxidants and certain B vitamins, your child can obtain more of these nutrients from a well-rounded diet of whole foods.Interestingly, honey has shown potential benefits in soothing nighttime coughing and throat discomfort. Its ability to thin out troublesome throat mucus can provide relief😶. If your toddler is struggling with a cold that's affecting their sleep, offering a spoonful of honey might offer some comfort, especially since cough medicine is generally not recommended for toddlers.

How to help a shy toddler?

Your child might stand out as the timid one in a playgroup🧸, opting to stay close to you instead of joining in with other toddlers. While this might cause a slight sense of embarrassment, it's important to remember that bouts of shyness are common in toddlers and can have various underlying reasons🪀.Is shyness normal for a toddler? Absolutely! It's completely normal for toddlers to experience shyness🥺. This is a natural part of their development, as they are still learning how to navigate new environments and people. It's worth noting that some children may have a natural inclination towards shyness based on their temperament, but as they grow older, they are likely to become more comfortable and confident in unfamiliar situations😉.What causes shyness in toddlers?Shyness is a common trait among toddlers aged 1 to 3, and there are various reasons why they might exhibit behaviors like hiding their faces🫣 or clinging to their parents. These include both genetic factors and their limited experiences. Some toddlers may have a genetic predisposition to shyness, with family history playing a role. Additionally, many toddlers are naturally slow to warm up in social situations due to their limited skills and exposure to new environments.Toddlers are also drawn to what is familiar and comforting, which might explain their clingy or hesitant behavior. While the world around them is full of excitement🎪, it can also be overwhelming for a young child who is just starting to explore social interactions. Therefore, their shyness could be a way of seeking security and comfort in the midst of new and potentially stressful situations. As toddlers continue to develop and gain more experiences, they often become more at ease in various social settings.How to help a shy toddler🧸Avoid Labels and Encourage ConfidenceRefrain from labeling your child as "shy" and instead focus on bolstering their self-assurance. Avoid comparisons and create an environment where they feel at ease to interact at their own pace.🧸Model Friendliness and Initiate ConversationsLead by example by engaging in conversations and showcasing friendly interactions. Your openness can inspire your child to gradually overcome shyness and engage more comfortably with others.🧸Choose Thoughtful Playmates and Provide SupportArrange playdates with a small group of considerate and easygoing children to encourage social interactions. Prepare your child for upcoming events and gently guide them through interactions, praising their efforts along the way. Arrive early to events to help your child acclimate to new surroundings before a crowd arrives. When they're eager but uncertain, provide suggestions or join in play to help them feel more secure, gradually allowing them to take the lead as their confidence grows.

Why does toddler want to be held all the time?

Let's explore why your toddler👶 has an affinity for being held and carried often, and discover effective ways to manage their clinginess.What is toddler clinginess?Toddler clinginess👩‍👦 often involves persistent requests to be picked up ("Up!") and a firm attachment to a parent's side or leg. This behavior typically emerges around the age of 1 and continues throughout the toddler years.This phase of clinginess goes beyond the usual desire for a lift when your little one is tired🥱. It might even appear as though your recently mobile toddler has developed a newfound aversion to walking on her own!Signs of a clingy toddlerToddlers often display clinginess through a frequent need for holding or carrying, crying😭 when separated, throwing tantrums when moved away from your side, constantly checking for your presence, and resisting bedtime routines💤 due to their strong attachment and desire for reassurance and closeness, highlighting their need for a sense of security and comfort from your companionship.Tips for handling toddler clinginess🧸Engaging DistractionsTo help your clingy toddler transition to more independent walking, turn your walks into engaging and interactive experiences. Play games that involve spotting interesting objects or animals along the way. Point out fascinating sights, like a squirrel carrying a nut or colorful flowers. Singing songs together can also make the walking process more enjoyable and distract from the desire to be carried.🧸Empathetic ReassuranceUnderstand that your toddler's clinginess is rooted in their need for security and comfort. During this phase, it's important to offer reassurance and empathy. Let your little one know that you understand their feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. Verbalize your support by saying things like, "I know you like being close to mommy/daddy, and that's okay. I'm here with you, and we'll have fun together."🧸Little Helper RoleToddlers often love to feel involved and helpful. Capitalize on this by giving them a role during outings. Ask them to be your little assistant, holding a bag or carrying a small item like a shopping list. You can even let them wear a backpack, making them feel like a big kid with responsibilities. This sense of importance can gradually shift their focus away from clinginess.🧸Gradual IndependenceEase your toddler into more independent exploration by starting with gradual steps. After putting them down, stand nearby for a while to provide a sense of security. As they become more comfortable, slowly increase the distance between you and your toddler. This approach helps them understand that they can explore while knowing you're still there for them. Over time, they'll gain confidence and be more willing to venture further on their own.

Top questions about baby formula

You might think formula feeding is straightforward - choose a formula that fits your baby and fill it up in their favorite bottle🍼. But for new moms, there is a whole lot of confusion beyond the descriptions on the formula can! Here are some answers for moms👩 frequently asked about formula feeding.About choosing formulas:🍼What is the best baby formula for a newborn?I know there are various choices for baby formula, but I would say the best one is the one that you can easily find in the nearby store🏪. Generally, formulas out there are all FDA-approved if sold in the USA, so I would say the ones you have easy access are the best.The story will be different if your newborn has any kind of allergies, and your pediatrician will make a recommendation when you gave birth at a hospital, so you might want to follow their recommendation.🍼Can you switch formulas?Generally, there is no issue with switching your baby's formula. Changing the brand or type your baby usually had is perfectly fine. However, if you can, try to stick with the same formula if there was no problem while feeding it😉. If your baby had no problem with the formula you were using, but you want to change the brand, try finding the formula with the same base as the previous one. For example, if the one you used is cow's milk-based, changing to the one that's also cow's milk under a different label based will be safer.Formula mixing: 🍼How long can baby formula sit out after it's mixed?The best is to offer the formula in a timely manner, but I know it is not easy as it sounds! If the formula is at room temperature and hasn't been contacted with the baby's mouth, it has to be consumed within two hours of preparation. If you can't, store it in a refrigerator🧊 and use it within 24 hours! However, you should throw out the leftovers if there are any in the bottle for safety reasons because the combination of baby saliva and formula can grow bacteria!🍼Should baby formula always be warm?It is not mandatory to make the formula warm. So if you are too tired or in a hurry to warm the formula, you don't have to feel guilty about giving a room temperature bottle because they are perfectly fine😌. NEVER use a microwave to warm the formula because it creates hot spots and could burn a baby's mouth! Always check the temperature of the formula before serving it.Safety tips when using formulaAlways check your formula can for safety👷! See if they are expired, damaged, or leaked. Also check inside to see if there are any unusual, such as moles or uncertain lumps. If you spy on any one of them, don't use it🙅‍♀️!  If the formula is too watery, it can interfere with growth and nutrition. If the formula is too thick, on the other way, it might cause dehydration! So before you start mixing the brand-new formula, always check the instruction and follow the right measurement. 

How to do pace bottle-feeding with your baby

Have you heard about pace bottle-feeding? It is a method of bottle-feeding that slows down the flow of milk or formula when nursing, so your baby can have control over the feeding pace. It works for both pumped milk and formula👯, and it's easy to try out!How to pace bottle-feedLearning how to pace bottle-feed isn't complicated! Hold your baby at a 45-degree angle, head and neck aligned. Rest her head in the crook of your arm, as you breastfeed her🤱. Put the nipple of the bottle in the baby's mouth, holding the bottle parallel to the ground. When you and your little partner are ready, slightly tilt the bottle upwards so that the liquid can't flow out too much at once.Now you guys are all set🙆. Let your baby sip for a bit, for about 20-30 seconds, and give a short break. Repeat this until she's full and doesn't want it anymore, generally taking 15 to 30 minutes. Follow your little boss' lead! Take a few more sessions until you and your baby get used to the method!Benefits of paced bottle-feeding🍼 Control the flow of eatingWith paced bottle-feeding, your baby can control the eating pace by himself, which prevents overeating🍽️. Since this method is mimicking the way of breastfeeding, it helps your baby from getting confused between the nipples of breastfeeding and bottle feeding. 🍼 Fewer eating problems These aren't all the advantages of paced bottle-feeding! Because she sips until satisfied😆, she's less likely to be fussy. Your baby will have less stomach pain or gas as well. The risk of choking and ear infection can be reduced since your baby has to be in a semi-upright position in order to use this method. Ideal bottles for paced feedingThere are various types of bottles and nipples in the world but it's hard to find the right one for you and your little one🙌! When it comes to paced feeding, it gets harder. Here are some suggestions for the bottles so you can summarize your list!Try using slow-flow nipples, which are usually made for newborns. Nipples designed for breastfeeding are also a good choice because they can slow down the liquid flow👍. If you aren't sure if the liquid flows slowly enough, turn the bottle upside down and check how quickly the liquid drips out. The ideal speed is roughly a drop of liquid per second!

How to raise a happy baby

The biggest goal for all parents would be to raise their precious ones to be happy🎉! According to scientific research, the love and affection you show in the first year of your baby's life directly impact the baby's brain development. Then how do we make them happy? It isn't actually as complicated as it sounds: giving them love, attention, and primary care will do💪! Show your baby love and attentionHow do you show your love to your baby? Let your baby feel physical and emotional closeness to you is the key. You are doing great if you hug, smile, touch, and play with your adorable one often❤️! Experts say just answering your baby's cries as soon as possible will be able to prevent spoiling your baby. Pay attention to their needs, such as being hungry, angry, or uncomfortable from wet diapers, and hug them as much as possible. Just responding to your baby's needs will build a strong emotional bond, which will greatly help her development throughout her life🧸.Talk, Read, and Have fun with your baby!Interacting with your little one is always the best way to give a happy time to your baby! Have a little chat with them💬 as you diaper, feed, and bathe. If you don't know what to say or feel a bit awkward, just describe what you are doing would work: 'Mommy is preparing your meal! Looks delicious, doesn't it?'Reading out loud to your little one is also a good way to make a connection. Even though they don't fully understand the story, it builds a good groundwork for their language and social skills. And you know, it is just great to just sit with them and have a cuddling time💕!But the best way to make your baby happy is to have fun with them! Roll over, laugh, and tickle! Laugh out loud and have a happy moment for both of you (Yes, for yourself too!) They will remember the loving and warming energy and emotion throughout their lifetime!Take care of yourselfEven with all these efforts you make, the most important thing that you should not forget is that you also have to be happy as well🥰! We all understand being with a baby 24/7 is an exhausting thing to do. So do what you can do to take care of yourself as much as possible. Yes, I know being a parent is spending most of the time taking care of the baby, but don't forget that you have to be responsible for your happiness in order to do so. Prioritize taking some time for yourself. Eat nutritious food, get exercise (just taking a walk with your baby in a stroller would work too!), and ask for help from others to get some rest and sleep. If you feel like you are having postpartum depression or baby blues, find someone or a therapist👩‍⚕️ you can talk to. Don't forget, the happy baby comes from happy parents!

Newborn weight gain - what's healthy and what's not

Every child grows at their own pace💗, but growth charts can give us a general idea. Remember, "average" doesn't define normal, as babies come in all shapes and sizes.What's the average weight for a newborn?According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a full-term baby boy usually weighs around 7 pounds and 6 ounces, which is about 3.3 kilograms. And for our lovely baby girls, the average weight is around 7 pounds and 2 ounces, or 3.2 kilograms. How cute is that🐥?Now, babies born between 37 and 40 weeks👶, their weights can vary a bit more. On average, they weigh anywhere from 5 pounds and 8 ounces to 8 pounds and 13 ounces, which is about 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Isn't it amazing how these little ones come in different sizes right from the start?Why does newborn weight gain matter?When it comes to your little one's weight and height, consistent growth is a positive sign of their well-being. But sometimes, babies may not be gaining weight as they should, and that's when the term "failure to gain weight" or "failure to thrive" comes into play🥲. There can be various reasons behind this, such as difficulties with feeding, problems with absorbing or using nutrients, or even certain medical conditions. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to identify the root cause and address it properly💕.How can I tell if my newborn is gaining enough weight?Believe it or not, counting those oh-so-important diapers can give you a good indication that your little one is doing just fine😀! During the first few days, it's completely normal for your newborn to have only a few wet diapers a day. After that, you can expect to see about 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. It's a great sign that your baby is getting enough fluids.Let's get down to business with poopy diapers. It's typical for babies to poop at least twice a day but when you're breastfeeding🤱, your baby might have even more poopy diapers, like five or more, while formula-fed babies may have a few less.