Life Balance Hub: about family, life and health

There are two primary categories of nappies available: cloth and disposable. While traditional cloth nappies were once simple squares held together with pins or clips, modern options are more sophisticated, designed to be washable and reusable with various styles and materials to choose from. Factors to consider when selecting nappies include leakage prevention, comfort and fit for your baby, absorption capacity, and the closure mechanism, all of which can influence your choice based on your preferences and your baby’s needs.

Checking your baby’s diaper contents may not be the most enjoyable task, but it provides valuable insights into your baby’s health. The appearance and odor of your baby’s stool vary depending on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Breastfed babies typically have loose, yellowish stools that don’t have a strong odor. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to have firmer, darker brown stools that can be more odorous.

Hiccups, also known as hiccoughs, are a common occurrence in both babies and adults. They are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, a thin muscle located between the chest and abdomen, which leads to a sudden closure of the vocal cords.

When you touch the top of your baby’s head, you’ll notice a ‘soft spot’ between the bones — this is known as a fontanelle. Fontanelles are crucial for the normal growth and development of your baby’s brain and skull. These openings allow flexibility during birth and accommodate rapid brain growth in infancy. Healthcare providers routinely assess fontanelles during check-ups to monitor your baby’s development and ensure everything is progressing as expected.

Umbilical cord care is essential for preventing infection of the small portion of the umbilical cord that remains attached to your baby for a short period after birth, known as the umbilical stump. In the uterus, the umbilical cord provides oxygen and nutrients necessary for your baby’s growth. After birth, the cord is clamped and cut, leaving the umbilical stump, which eventually falls off and heals to form the umbilicus (belly button).

Bathing your baby can be a joyful and bonding experience, but for new parents, it can also be a bit daunting. Ensuring your baby is clean and comfortable requires gentle care and attention to detail. In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step walkthrough on how to bathe your baby safely and confidently, making bath time a relaxed and enjoyable routine for both you and your little one.