Here’s How Much Formula You Should Feed Your Baby

Updated with new chart reflecting latest brand colors and updated maximum amount of formula to offer baby. With bottle-feeding, however, there’s some math to do. Which is why rough guidelines for formula amounts are so handy. Remember: Let your little one call the shots and call it quits when it comes to feedings. If she becomes fidgety or easily distracted during a feeding, she’s probably had enough. If she drains the bottle and starts smacking her lips for more, she might still be hungry....

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 182 words · Sean Moyer

How a Lactation Consultant Can Help You Breastfeed

Updates to sourcing and copy. Breastfeeding is healthy for moms and babies but a lot more challenging than many women expect. That’s one of the reasons why many women give up on breastfeeding in the first month. Lactation consultants health care professionals who specialize in breastfeeding and hold a special certification can help. What is a lactation consultant? Lactation consultants or lactation specialists are nursing professionals who help new moms in their efforts to breastfeed....

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 207 words · Jenny Casey

How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?

Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. You’ve decided to take the plunge into the trying-to-conceive pool. What if something goes wrong? How long will this take? After several days, the fertilized egg implants on the uterus wall, resulting in pregnancy. This whole process from sex toimplantation takes between two and three weeks. Here’s a look at what you’ve got the option to expect. How long does it take to get pregnant? (“Regularly” is considered two to three times a week....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 250 words · Wendy Moore

How Much Calcium Do You Need During Pregnancy?

Calcium is essential whether or not you’re pregnant, but for moms-to-be, it’s particularly vital. Not only does this all-star mineral build your baby’s bones, it also helps maintain your skeletal health. And how can pregnant women who don’t eat dairy ensure they’re getting enough of the mineral? Why is calcium important during pregnancy? Plus, it’s still as important as ever for your teeth and bones. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet, your body will take what your baby needs....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 241 words · Jennifer Atkins

How Much Iron Do You Need During Pregnancy?

Pumping iron isnt just for the gym. it’s possible for you to and should pump it up in your pregnancy diet, too. Iron is essential during pregnancy to support your baby’s developing blood supply, as well as your own. With that in mind, is it necessary to take iron supplements when you’re pregnant? Why is iron important during pregnancy? Iron is also important in fetal brain development. How much iron do pregnant women need?...

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 134 words · Debra Bennett

How to Breastfeed Twins

Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. Of course, the manybenefits of breastfeedingmake it well worth the effort. Once you’ve fallen into the rhythm of nursing your babies (and you will! ), you’ll find it’s not only possible but convenient (fewer bottles to wash!) Here’s how to set yourself up for success when you’re breastfeeding twins. That breaks down to about once every two to three hours, day and night. In the beginning, try nursing your twins on the same schedule....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 281 words · Larry Peterson

How to Create a Birth Plan That Feels Empowering — And Realistic

Updates to sources, and updated with new Ask Heidi video. What to Expect momAmber E. is in hersecond trimesterand starting to think about her plan for labor and delivery. How do I make a birth plan my own and do I need one? I don’t feel strongly about how Ideliver." Ambers uncertainty about how to dictate a plan for her birth is pretty common. Many soon-to-be moms are told to write a birth plan, but dont know what it should include....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 334 words · Darlene Roberts

How to Cut Your Baby's Nails

Medically reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy. So brace yourself and start clipping. What is the best way to cut a baby’s nails? ), during naptime, or at the grandparents' house. Too squeamish to use baby nail scissors or clippers? Try genty filing with a baby-sized emery board instead. What should I do if I cut my baby’s finger while trimming her nails?

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 63 words · Rebecca Hayes

How to Dress a Toddler for the Weather

No matter the weather, toddlers have energy to burn. This guide can ensure that your toddler is dressed properly no matter what the weather conditions are. What’s the right temperature for your toddler? If your child is perspiring heavily, thats an indication that its time to start removing layers. Once your toddler comes in from the cold, remove layers accordingly. Heatstroke, which is less common and more serious, usually happens immediately after overheating....

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 174 words · Rebecca Dorsey MD

How to Encourage Creative Play in Babies and Toddlers

Here are some tips on helping your baby or toddler get into his personal groove. What is creative play? (Just offer some gentle guidance as needed to keep your walls from turning into a mural.) What are the benefits of creative play? Making art or music is just plain fun. But creative play is about more than just getting a little messy or noisy. When babies and toddlers engage in creative activities, theyre sharing their feelings and ideas....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 260 words · Jesse Garcia

How to Get a Proper Breastfeeding Latch

Latching on is the way your baby takes your nipple and areola into her mouth to nurse. It is absolutely the most important aspect of breastfeeding. What is a proper breastfeeding latch? It’s a myth that babies are born knowing how to latch on and breastfeed correctly. The proper latch often takes time, trial and error, and yes,sore nipples. Ever wonder why areolas darken during pregnancy? If not, your milk won’tlet down(flow out) and new milk won’t be produced....

March 3, 2015 · 2 min · 357 words · Laura Morrison

How to Help Make Shots Hurt Less for Your Baby

Copy changes throughout, updates to sources, and a new medical review for accuracy. “The risk from a vaccine reaction is almost nothing compared to the risk from the disease. To help ease yourchild’s fearand make shots hurt less, try these strategies. Another must-bring on shot day: a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket. At the doctor’s office, don’t be shy about voicing any questions you might have. “Cried for a couple minutes after the second injection, otherwise was totally normal....

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 150 words · Jay Myers

How to Push During Labor

You’re almost there! Withcervical dilationcomplete, it’s time to help your baby through the birth canal by pushing. How long does it take to push baby out? What will you feel when it’s time to push during labor? During this stage,your contractionsshould be more regular than the contractions intransitional (advanced) labor. Its time to get this baby out. You might want to rest for one contraction if you’re getting tired. Once your baby’s head is out:...

March 3, 2015 · 1 min · 111 words · Michelle Gonzalez