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Baby Basics TX, Austin, TX (2025)

07/14/2021

If you have a little one you have probably heard RSV is on the rise right now. Yuck! Here are some things to know about RSV.
What is it?
- RSV or respiratory syncytial virus is a cold virus that causes respiratory illness in children less than 2 years of age.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever
- Cough
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Poor feeding
- Fussiness
Symptoms usually last 5-7 days with symptoms being the worst days 3-5.
If you think your baby has RSV you should call your pediatrician. They can do a nasal swab to diagnose RSV.
How do you treat RSV?
- Because it’s a virus, there is no cure and medications like antibiotics and steroids will not help.
- Most RSV cases can be treated at home with supportive care such as nasal saline and suction, humidifier, fluids and frequent feedings and Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- About 3% of cases are severe and the child will have to be hospitalized for IV fluids and/or oxygen therapy.
Call your pediatrician right away if:
- Your child has less than 1 wet diaper in 8 hours
- Gray or blue color of lips, tongue or skin
- Significantly decreased activity and alertness
- Respiratory distress: wheezing, belly breathing or tugging between/under their ribs, flaring of the nostrils, fast breathing
How can you protect your child from RSV?
- Avoid crowds or anyone who has a cold
- Wash hands (RSV can live on unwashed hands for 30 minutes)
- Disinfect (RSV can live on surfaces for up to 6 hours)

05/19/2021

I know it’s been awhile... but let’s talk about sound machines!
Research shows that when white noise is used, babies are 25-80% more likely to fall asleep compared to when white noise is not used.
80% of the babies studied were able to fall asleep after 5 minutes of starting the white noise.
Why does this help babies sleep? When baby is still in the womb, they are hearing sounds of moms blood pumping through vessels, her heart and her digestive system. They say that the noise level in the womb can range from 50 to 90 decibels!
The AAP recommends keeping the sound machine well away from baby’s crib and keeping it at the lowest effective volume to block out noise.
If you want to know exactly how loud your sound machine is you can download a decibel meter app for free!
50-60 decibels is generally a safe level for baby!
What’s your favorite sound machine?!
Photo from potterybarnkids.com

01/22/2021

Diaper Rash Tips!
When I worked in the NICU I saw some really bad diaper rashes- poor babies!
I learned a few tips and tricks that I want to share!
It’s important to create a barrier between the diaper and the skin in order to help the rash heal.
First you want to add a thick layer of a diaper rash cream. Use something with zinc oxide in it to help the rash heal. I like Desitin Maximum Strength.
Then add a thick layer of aquaphor on top of the cream. This helps create that barrier!
When you change the next diaper, there should still be a good amount of diaper cream on the skin.
Here’s the part that most people don’t do...
If the diaper is just wet, DON’T wipe off the cream/ointment.
If the diaper is dirty, dab the p**p off leaving what cream/ointment you can.
ADD more cream and aquaphor on top.
Before bath time, clean the diaper area well using non fragrance/alcohol free wipes (water wipes) or a warm wash cloth (no soap). After bath, dry the area very well by patting, not rubbing. If you’re able to- let the area air dry for as long as possible!

11/13/2020

•Cluster Feeding•

Have a baby that gets fussy/always wants to eat at a certain time of day?

This is most likely cluster feeding and is completely normal!

What is cluster feeding?
- Cluster feeding is when a baby constantly wants to eat, in clusters, for a period of time
- It usually lasts a few hours at a time and happens in the evening/night
- It is seen primarily in the first few weeks of life in breastfeeding babies

Researchers don’t fully understand why babies cluster feed, but we know that it’s normal!

Cluster feeding does not mean that you don’t have enough milk. Cluster feeding actually helps establish and maintain your milk supply!

If your baby is having enough wet diapers and not losing too much weight- they are getting enough milk!

📸: healthline.com

10/06/2020

Safe sleep!
It’s a hot topic, let’s talk about it.
Do’s:
- Always place baby down to sleep on their back
- Swaddle newborns (usually up to 2 months of age or when baby starts rolling)
- After baby is done with the swaddle, use a sleep sack
- Use a firm flat mattress
- Share a room with your baby
Don’ts:
- Crib bumpers, loose blankets, stuffed animals or pillows
- Sleep positioners or wedges
- Hats during sleep
- Cords near the crib
Happy Safe Sleeping!
📸: thenewbornbaby.net

09/30/2020

Threw my best friend a Covid style baby shower this weekend and isn’t she glowing?!
Let’s talk about things you can do to prepare for baby during your last trimester!
Finish the nursery
Pack the hospital bags (I have a post and a highlight on this)
Wash and put away all baby clothes, blankets, sheets, towels
Install the car seat into your car
Clean your house
Prep some frozen meals
Clean and put away bottles
Pick a pediatrician
Anything else you seasoned mamas can think of?!

09/21/2020

4-6 month milestones!
Motor:
- Uses hands to support self while sitting
- Rolls from tummy to back and back to tummy
- Reaches for toys or feet
- Transfers toy from one hand to the other
- While standing with support will accept all weight with legs
Sensory:
- Brings hands and objects to mouth
- Able to calm easily
- Enjoys a variety of movements
Communication:
- Listens when spoken to
- Begins to babble using consonant sounds
- Smiles and laughs
Feeding:
- Shows interest in food
- Opens mouth as spoon approaches

📸: Today’s Parent

09/14/2020

Baby’s eyes got the goop?

Here are a few things to try to help resolve goopy/crusty eyes!

1️⃣Clean from the inside corner out, using a warm wash cloth
2️⃣Make sure you use a new part of the wash cloth every time you wipe
3️⃣If you’re breastfeeding and/or pumping, putting a drop of breast milk in the corner of the eye and massaging it in can help
4️⃣Lacrimal massage- put your (clean) finger in the corner of the eye (where the tear duct is) and gently massage for 1-2 minutes

If none of this seems to help and your baby has thick, copious green drainage please call your pediatrician!

📸: Raisingchildren.net.au

09/09/2020

0-3 month milestones!

Motor:
- Pushes up with arms while on tummy
- Lifts and holds head up while on tummy
- Brings hands to mouth
- Able to open fists

Sensory:
- Reaches for toy held above chest when lying on back
- Tracks moving toy from side to side
- Enjoys a variety of movements

Communication:
- Makes eye contact
- Shows interest in faces
- Turns head towards sound

If you have any concerns about your child’s development you should always talk with your pediatrician!

📸: momlovesbest.com

09/08/2020

Did your baby lose their hair?!
This guy got some cradle cap and since then has started to lose his hair!
Rest assured- that hair WILL grow back!
What can I do for cradle cap?
1️⃣ Use an emollient (baby oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, mineral oil) on the scalp. You can even leave it on over night
2️⃣ Frequent shampooing with mild baby shampoo
3️⃣ Use a soft brush after oil or shampoo has been applied to help loosen the scales
4️⃣ Rinse well
If the cradle cap still persists or gets worse make sure you talk to your pediatrician!

09/05/2020

Did you know that the AAP recommends all children 6 months and older get a flu vaccine?!
Flu vaccines are available now and it is recommended to get one before the end of October.
If it is your child’s first time getting the flu vaccine they will need 2 doses, 4 weeks or more apart.
Pregnant mamas- you can get the flu vaccine at anytime during your pregnancy!

08/27/2020

How to swaddle!
This is one of my specialties after being a NICU nurse for 4 years!
Swaddling can help to soothe your baby!
When they were in the womb they were nice and snug (and also warm) which is why they usually love to be swaddled!
Swaddling with their arms up near their face is developmentally appropriate (again this is how they were most of the time in the womb).
What about the Velcro/zip up swaddles?
I am a fan of them! My motto is- use what works for you and your baby!
When should I transition my baby out of the swaddle?
Typically you want to transition them out of the swaddle once they can roll over or around 2 months!
When transitioning, try swaddling with just their arms out first and then you can move to something like a sleep sack!
What’s your favorite kind of swaddle?!
Playmat:

08/25/2020

Why is it important for baby to be awake during feedings?
1️⃣ Helps baby to get a full feeding
2️⃣ Helps prevent “snacking”
3️⃣ For breastfeeding moms, it stimulates the breasts to promote a good supply
4️⃣ Helps baby learn to fall asleep independently
How should I wake my baby up for feeds?
1️⃣ Undress them all the way to the diaper
2️⃣ Change their diaper and use a cold wipe (even if they aren’t dirty)
3️⃣ Put baby skin to skin
4️⃣ Feed in a well lit environment
What if my baby falls asleep but needs to keep eating?
1️⃣ Change their diaper again
2️⃣ Sit them up to burp them
3️⃣ Rub their feet, their cheeks, their head
4️⃣ Use a wet wipe or wash cloth across their face
Do/did you have a sleepy eater?! What worked for you?

08/12/2020

How do I prepare my child for a new baby?
Before baby comes home:
- Talk about what it will be like once baby is home! Show them all of the baby things in the house and explain how they will be used.
- Read big brother/sister books!
- Practice with a baby doll!
Once baby is home:
- Involve big brother/sister as much as possible! Have them get a new diaper when changing the baby!
Give them praise for being a good big brother/sister!
Make sure each parent tries to spend daily one on one time with the older child (without the baby in the same room)!
Do you have any advice for parents who are getting ready to welcome baby #2 (or 3,4,5,6)?!

08/11/2020

How to give a sponge bath! This is a good way to give a newborn a bath until the umbilical cord falls off. We want to keep that umbilical cord nice and dry!
Newborns really only needs a bath every 3ish days. We don’t want to dry that skin out!
Once your baby gets older it’s really up to you how often you bathe them! If you’re a routine type of person then maybe every night will work for you! There’s no wrong answer- do what works for you, your family and your baby!
Remember to use sensitive baby products. I’m a fan of lotion after baths, but that’s completely up to you!

08/07/2020

How long does it take for a baby’s eyes to set their color?
6-9 months!
Just because your baby is born with blue eyes doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way! A lot of baby’s eye color will change!
Did your baby’s eyes change color?!

08/05/2020

Happy World Breastfeeding week!
Here are some breastfeeding basics:
Change your baby’s diaper and undress them before you start- this will help wake them up and keep them awake during feedings!
Put your baby belly to belly with you- they should not have to turn their head toward your breast.
Hold your breast with your hand in a “c” shape (thumb on top, 4 fingers underneath) to help baby latch and stay on.
Make sure your baby is opening their mouth nice and wide when they latch- they should not look like a fish while they are sucking, they should look like they’re trying to eat a big burger!
When your baby opens their mouth wide, push their head toward your breast and do not lean forward. Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby!
Disclaimer: I am not a lactation consultant. My experience comes from 4 years as a NICU nurse and 1 year as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner helping moms breastfeed! I also have worked with some amazing lactation consultants along the way! I encourage every new mom to take a breastfeeding class!
📸: Parents.com

08/03/2020

How to put a diaper on a newborn whose umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off yet!
1️⃣ Make sure you have the diaper pulled up enough in the back (otherwise you will have a mess)
2️⃣ Pull up on the front of the diaper so the diaper is snug (again this helps prevent those blowouts)
3️⃣ Fold the top down so that it’s right under the belly button
4️⃣ Secure tabs on each side (normal for the tabs to cross over each other)
5️⃣ Make sure the diaper is snug, but not too tight! You should be able to put your finger under the top of the diaper easily!
6️⃣ Make sure the ruffles on the legs are pulled out! (Another way to prevent a blow out)
These tips apply to babies of all ages minus the folding down part! That’s just for when the umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off yet!

Baby Basics TX