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Infant Deaths, their Causes and Some Statistics

Infant D eaths and Their Causes Infant mortality refers to the death of babies under the age of one year. It is a critical global health indicator and reflects the overall health and well-being of a population. The leading causes of infant mortality worldwide are as follows: Neonatal Complications: Neonatal mortality, which occurs within the first 28 days of life, is a significant contributor to infant mortality. Premature birth, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, and infections are common causes. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a leading infectious cause of infant mortality, particularly in developing countries with limited access to healthcare and vaccines. Diarrheal Diseases: Inadequate sanitation, contaminated water sources, and poor hygiene contribute to diarrheal diseases, which can be fatal for infants. Congenital Anomalies: Birth defects or congenital anomalies can be a significant cause of infant mortality, impacting the development and functionality of vital organs. Sudden Infant Deat...

How to Use a Baby Monitor Safely

A Baby Monitor’s Role in Modern Parenting Hello, in today's article we will chat with you about our experience with baby monitors. From the moment we become parents, ensuring our little ones' safety becomes the cornerstone of our lives. That’s where a baby monitor steps in as a trusted companion, offering a much-needed sense of security. These devices, often seen as lifesavers, allow parents to keep an eye—or an ear—on their babies even while managing household chores or catching a rare moment of rest. When I first bought a baby monitor, I didn’t anticipate the learning curve it would bring. My cousin swore by her advanced model with video capabilities, while I chose a basic audio-only version. Both had their pros and cons, and our experiences taught us some important lessons about using baby monitors effectively. The Real Benefits of Using a Baby Monitor Baby monitors offer more than just convenience; they provide a bridge between a parent’s need for freedom and a baby’s const...

Baby-Led Weaning Through History

 Is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) a Modern or Traditional Approach? At first glance, Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) might seem like a modern trend, yet its roots are far more ancient than most people realize. While the term itself was coined by Gill Rapley in the early 2000s, the concept is anything but new. Historically, before the advent of commercial baby foods and purees, infants transitioned to solid foods by joining family meals, exploring and tasting foods at their own pace. They would grab whatever was within reach – a piece of bread, a chunk of vegetable, or even bits of meat. There were no specially prepared purees or spoon-feeding marathons. Babies were simply encouraged to eat what the family ate, learning through observation and imitation. Interestingly, this approach aligns closely with the natural developmental milestones of babies. Around six months, babies gain the ability to sit up unassisted, develop the pincer grasp, and show curiosity about food. Isn’t it fascinating how biol...

Father's Support in the Breastfeeding Process

Providing support during the breastfeeding process not only helps mothers feel more comfortable, but it also significantly contributes to the success of breastfeeding. Unfortunately, many mothers express that they do not receive enough support from their partners. Having fathers more actively involved in this process can help mothers cope with the challenges they face. A study conducted in Italy showed that when fathers received breastfeeding training, breastfeeding rates increased during the first six months. In a similar study conducted in our country, it was determined that fathers' reluctance to support breastfeeding led to a decrease in the mother's milk supply and, in some cases, to the cessation of breastfeeding. This results in unwanted outcomes for both the mother and the baby. In one of my previous posts, I discussed how fathers can support the breastfeeding process. You can read that article here. A father's support is crucial for boosting the mother's morale...

Can Eggs Be Used For BLW?

 Eggs and BLW Hello, dear parents! Today, let’s talk about eggs and their role in baby-led weaning (BLW). Are they a good choice? How should they be introduced? What should you watch out for? And, of course, I’ll share two delicious egg-based recipes for your little one at the end. So, grab a cup of coffee (if your baby lets you), and let’s dive in! BLW and Sleep: Is There a Connection? Before we get into the egg talk, let’s address something every parent obsesses over: sleep. Is there any food that magically helps babies sleep better? Unfortunately, no. But nutrition plays a role. Eggs are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin and melatonin—two hormones that regulate sleep. Some parents swear that offering eggs for dinner helps their babies sleep longer. While there's no solid scientific proof, it's worth experimenting (as long as there are no allergies). And let’s be honest, if sleep was purely about food, we’d all be feeding our babies gallons of cha...

Preparing BLW With Fruits

Fruit Recipes Your Baby Will Love Starting solids with Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is often a thrilling, sometimes chaotic journey. You’re introducing your little one to the wonderful world of flavors and textures, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. What should you give them first? How do you make sure it’s safe? And most importantly, how do you make it enjoyable for both of you? Luckily, fruits are a great place to start, offering natural sweetness, vibrant colors, and loads of nutrition. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them perfect for the BLW experience! In this post, we’re diving into the juicy world of BLW-friendly fruit options and sharing five easy, baby-approved fruit recipes that will have your little one reaching for more. Let’s get started! Why Fruit is a BLW Game-Changer Have you ever noticed how babies can get fixated on the simplicity of holding a piece of fruit? It’s fascinating, really. Fruits are not only packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they’re a...

What would babies say if they could talk?

 Hello, I am a Baby. You, the ones who admire the big people, think that life is easy, with no responsibilities, and full of freedom. You think that you live carefree, with your bread in your hands and water flowing freely. But sorry, my life is nothing like that. For example, I cannot speak like you. I cannot express my feelings or my needs clearly. Sometimes I am hungry, sometimes I have soiled myself, sometimes I am sad, sometimes I am angry. But I can’t tell you about any of these; I just cry. There’s always a reason for my crying, but sometimes you accuse me of being "spoiled." But none of this is spoiled behavior. Sometimes I sweat a lot, sometimes I am cold, sometimes I am silent, sometimes I get hungry, or I may have a pain somewhere. I may feel upset, stressed, or angry, and I can’t explain this to you. I might soil myself too, and I would like you to understand how difficult that can be. Luckily, since my cortex isn’t fully developed yet, I forget. But forgetting do...