When and How Your Baby’s Sex Is Determined in the Womb

Updates and new medical review. But what, exactly, decides a babys sex, and how does it all develop? Heres your primer to whats known as fetal sexual differentiation during pregnancy. When is babys sex determined? Embryos with XY chromosomes develop male sex organs, while those with XX chromosomes develop female sex organs. That means the sperm determines a babys sex! There are 70 different genes located on the sex chromosomes that define a babys sex....

February 17, 2017 · 3 min · 437 words · Erin Lee

What's the Right Temperature for Baby?

When its snowing or below freezing, how warm does it need to be in babys nursery? How cool should it be when it’s the middle of summer and sweltering? And how can you tell if your little one is too cold or too hot? What should my baby’s temperature be? What’s the right room temperature for baby? How should I dress my baby for the weather? When it comes todressing your baby for the weather, think layers....

February 16, 2017 · 2 min · 402 words · Jack Smith

22-Month-Old Child

Who knew such a little person could have such abig temper? At this age, toddlers crave consistency, with everything having to be just so. What may be boring to you is reassuring to her. Does your little one shun any food that touches another one? And this, too, will pass. But with number two, its a different story. Chalk it up to your childs age, not her future potential as a reader....

January 31, 2017 · 4 min · 648 words · Shelley Lynch

Extended Breastfeeding and Your Toddler

In this country, however, extended nursing isnt quite as common. In fact, experts believe that the composition of breast milk changes to adapt to a toddlers nutritional needs. And even if he does get sick, nursing will help to comfort him. In fact, breast milk may be the only thing he can keep down on an upset tummy. Theyre also less likely to be overweight or obese, and to develop bang out-2 diabetes....

January 31, 2017 · 2 min · 348 words · Maria Velasquez

What to Do About Toddler Hair Twirling

Fact-checked and medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Toddlers love their weird habits. But some habits, like hair twirling, might give you pause. What is hair twirling? Before bedtime or during times of stress, some toddlers develop a ritual of twirling their hair. Hair twirling falls into the category of self-soothing activities, likehead banging, hair pulling,thumb suckingand rocking. Why do toddlers twirl their hair? It’s their way of taking things down a notch....

January 31, 2017 · 2 min · 218 words · Paul Tran

Folic Acid During Pregnancy

Updates throughout to text, information, guidelines, formatting and sources, and new medical review. It can help prevent major birth defects ofbaby’s brainandspine, commonly referred to as neural tube defects. What is folic acid and what does it do? Folic acid/folate is found in vitamins and fortified foods like bread, pasta and cereals. Its also in dark leafy greens, beans, peas and nuts. Thisnutrienthelps the body break down, use and create new proteins, the building blocks of our cells....

January 23, 2017 · 2 min · 303 words · Daniel Crane

5 Ways to Prepare for Your Baby as a Pregnant Single Mom

Pregnancy is a momentous time, full of anticipation and a fair share of worry. But youre never totally alone: You have family, friends, an online community. In fact, there are very likely many more people ready and willing to help than you realize. Still, the challenges probably feel steep. Heres how to deal with some of the big ones. Think: your mom or dad, siblings, a good friend or cousin....

January 17, 2017 · 2 min · 365 words · Mary Reilly

What to Do if You Get Salmonella Poisoning During Pregnancy

Updates to quotes, key takeaways, sources, copy, and formatting. Now that you’re eating for two, you’re likely aware of thefoods to avoid during pregnancy. “Getting exhausted by all the salmonella outbreaks. asks What to Expect Community member LittleOne2025. “Just found out my state is affected by a recall of cucumbers.” Even still, it’s good to be prepared just in case. What are the symptoms of salmonella? Salmonella during pregnancy is, for the most part, no different than getting salmonella any other time....

January 12, 2017 · 2 min · 340 words · Sarah Jenkins

When Your Baby Will Start Babbling

As he gets a little older, hell graduate to the next stage of baby-speak the oh-so-adorable baby babbling. What does baby babble mean? Over time, baby babble evolves into word-sounds and eventually, basic words. When do babies start babbling? (And, when you think about it, that might very well be what he meant anyway.) Yes, that’s Henry’s ball. Henry’s green ball. And does the ball roll?" As for when your baby will start talking?...

January 12, 2017 · 1 min · 131 words · Crystal Robbins

What to Do if Your Toddler Refuses to Poop on the Potty

Major update for tone, accuracy and latest guidelines, along with a med review. Your toddler has no problem peeing in the potty. But when it comes to number two, thats a whole different story. Your child might just sit and sit with no result. Have a little patience (okay, a lot). Eventually, your child will master this potty training skill too. Why do some toddlers refuse to poop when potty training?...

January 6, 2017 · 3 min · 508 words · Edward Nolan

Biblical and Religious Baby Names

Searching for a powerful-but-unique baby name? Below, 15 of our favorite religious-themed baby names that are equal parts classic and captivating. You could nickname her Addie. Atara.Meaning crown in Hebrew, this little girls name is mentioned in the Books of Chronicles. Olive.Love the uber-popular name Olivia, but looking for an original twist? it’s possible for you to call him Ash for short, if you want to. Its associated with the story of Ruth and Boaz, read during the Jewish holiday Shavuot....

January 5, 2017 · 1 min · 98 words · Carlos Clarke

Why Is My Toddler Waking Up at Night?

and cries until you lull her back to sleep. Why is my toddler suddenly waking up in the middle of the night? Has your little dreamers sleep turned a little, well, nightmarish? (Can you blame her?) Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are options for pain and fever relief too if your doctor gives the green light. Adjusting can take some time for your little one. Opt for quiet play, soothing stories and sweet snuggles over rough-housing, loud noises or scary TV shows....

January 5, 2017 · 1 min · 176 words · Amy Nelson

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus) in Babies and Toddlers

Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Take a deep breath. Even though it spreads like wildfire especially in day care prefs the infection is usually mild. What is hand, foot and mouth disease (coxsackievirus)? It can also cling to surfaces, where it can live for several days. Get your disinfectant ready! What causes hand, foot and mouth disease? It’s commonly sparked by several different viruses and strains of the coxsackievirus. This also includes contact with open sores of an infected person....

December 13, 2016 · 3 min · 464 words · Karen Rose