Aspects of Your Baby’s Health You Need to Watch Out For

As a parent, it’s your job to ensure your baby is healthy and happy. From their diet to their teeth to their growth, there are so many aspects of your baby’s health that you need to watch out for. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most important things you should know about taking care of your baby’s well-being. 

Their Diet 

As with any human being, having a balanced diet is essential for babies. Breast milk or infant formula should be the primary source of nutrition until six months when you can start introducing solids into their diets. It is recommended to introduce one type of food at a time to monitor potential allergies and reactions. 

While they may start to eat some table food around seven or eight months old, steer clear of items like honey, whole nuts, choking hazards (like popcorn or grapes), and processed foods with added sugar as these can be dangerous for young children. 

Their Teeth 

Taking care of your baby's teeth starts even before they come through! Before they turn two years old, you should begin brushing their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water only. Once they turn two years old, you can introduce toothpaste; just make sure it’s fluoride-free. 

You should only use a small amount of toothpaste to clean their teeth. Regular visits with the dentist from an early age are also essential for teaching them proper dental hygiene habits and ensuring that their teeth stay healthy as they grow older.

Their Growth 

It is important to monitor your baby’s growth throughout the first year to ensure that they are developing properly. At each well-baby check-up from birth until two years old, your doctor will measure certain indicators such as height and weight to track progress against expected milestones for development. If there are any discrepancies or delays in growth or development, this information will help inform further steps that need to be taken such as additional medical tests or treatments if necessary.

There are so many elements that go into making sure your baby stays healthy and happy – from proper nutrition and dental hygiene habits to monitoring growth patterns – but don’t forget that it takes a village! Make sure you talk with other parents who have gone through similar experiences as well as consult professionals in the fields of nutrition, dentistry, and healthcare if needed to ensure that your little one gets everything he/she needs during this critical period in their life.

Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read: How to Create Lasting Memories With Your Kids in the Outdoors

What Dietary Components Impact My Child’s Oral Health?

Encouraging your child to eat a diet rich in nutritious foods does more than just affect their overall physical health. Your child's eating habits may be greatly affecting their oral health as well. Here are three primary dietary components that impact the oral health of children.

Fruits and Vegetables

The antioxidant benefits of a diet high in fruits and vegetables also positively affect a person's oral health. While a moderate amount of any fruit is healthy, it should be noted that fruits that are highly acidic can actually damage the tooth enamel. This is why you should never suck on lemons or other fruits that contain high amounts of acids. Meanwhile, fruits such as strawberries act as natural teeth whiteners, making them a good choice. Vegetables that contain a high amount of fiber and water are also especially healthy for teeth.

Sugar

It is no secret that an excess amount of sugar can have detrimental effects on a child's overall oral health. Increased blood sugar levels can lead to an increase of inflammation, which can make it difficult for the body to combat oral diseases such as gingivitis. It is also important to remember that cutting all sugar out of a child's diet is unhealthy. There are a number of fruits that contain naturally occurring fructose. While it is a good idea to watch out for the consumption of too much refined sugar, it is not recommended for fruits to be avoided just because it contains sugar.

Grains

The benefits of whole grains stretch well beyond the protection that they provide against obesity, heart disease, stroke and cancer. A diet that is rich in whole grains has also been shown to reduce the risk of gum disease. The many vitamins and minerals that are present in whole grains serve to keep both the teeth and gums healthy and functioning at optimal levels. Magnesium is a powerful force in encouraging strong enamel while vitamin E works to reduce inflammation and guard against gum disease. It is easy to incorporate whole grains into your diet simply by swapping out some of your favorite foods with their whole-grain counterpart. For example, try substituting brown rice for white rice or whole-grain pasta for white pasta.

Encouraging your child to practice healthy eating habits will pay off big dividends when it comes to oral health. You will never regret making the effort to take special care of your child's teeth and gums.

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Los Angeles Geocaching: The Perfect Hobby For Kids

Real Life Treasure Hunting for Family Fun in Los Angeles

When I first heard about the sport of Geocaching , I could not quite get my head around it. What? Go around looking for treasures that people have left you the exact coordinates for? How is that fun? What’s the point? If you already know where the treasure is, then where is the mystery?

Here is the thing: Geocaching relies on the fact that exact coordinates are not as exact as it may seem. The coordinates get you most of the way to finding a hidden treasure, but it’s that last bit that makes it fun. I spent 20 plus years in the elementary and high school classroom. Here are the elements of Geocaching that make it a terrific hobby for kids.

Kids Being Tech Savvy

In order to Geocache, you need a phone with an app installed. There are several on the market, but they are all very similar. They range from free to about $5. Kids will need to learn something about latitude and longitude and how to navigate the app. They will also learn a bit about calibrating the app to their phone. There will be times when they may need to use a traditional compass as well. Like most things, apps do not work perfectly all the time. You need to be thoughtful and realize that apps are a tool that needs to be controlled by a human.

Kids Respecting Where We Live

There is an unwritten rule in Geocaching. Leave the area you are searching in better than you found it. The rally cry for this attitude is “Cache in, trash out”. The idea is that caching led you into a place, and you can take some trash with you as you leave. Whether you are caching in a park, wilderness, the beach, mountains or the inner city, take trash out. It costs nothing to bring a plastic bag, fill it, and then place in your trash when you get home. And it makes the world better.

Kids Cultivating Patience

Once the coordinates have led you to with 30 feet or so of your cache, the problem solving begins. Most caches are hidden really well. They will not be obvious, usually. You have to be patient and problem solve. Look down, under, over, up, around, to the side, from above, from below…you get the idea. It may take awhile. And, you have to be prepared that the cache is no longer there. Sometimes, people who are not Geocachers, “mugglers”, find caches by chance and take them. If you notice this, be sure to leave an online note, so that the next person does not waste their time.

Kids Seeing Things Differently

Geocaching takes you to places you would not go otherwise. You will see places of your town or city, empty spaces, and natural vistas that you did not even know were nearby. It also helps you to be more flexible in how you problem solve and interact with the world. Places that seemed useless or “ugly”, are now part of a global game that many appreciate. Places that seemed “not my problem”, are now places that have touched your life in a small way. Over time, these experiences change your attitude, and how you see things.

Kids Exercising By Proxy

Not every kid loves sports or going to the gym. Geocaching forces you to walk or hike a lot more than you would. And the best part…you are so fixated on finding the treasure, you do not even notice that hill, or those rocks you are climbing, or how hot it is. You are on a mission.! In this way, caching is a way to get some exercise without “officially" getting some exercise. If you have kids who are reluctant to move around, geocaching may be a way to get them out without them even knowing it. Pretty slick, eh moms?

Kids Enjoying Family

It is really easy to get caught up in the routine of school and activities. Caching can take as long as you like. When you select a cache to go visit, you can decide how hard, far and difficult the hunt is. If you all work together, you can pick easier caches for younger kids and multi-level caches for older kids. Kids can be independent while still being with their parents and siblings. Caching gives everyone something to do, at the level they are comfortable with.

Kids Logging Successes

One of the great things about the Geocaching website, is that you can log all your finds. Each time you get back from an adventure, you can log each one. You can tell if you found it, discovered it, did not find it, left a treasure, took a treasure, upload pictures and more. After awhile, your geocaching log becomes a prize possession. There are people out there who have found thousands of caches. How many will you find?

Katie is a former special education teacher in Los Angeles. She is now a maternity, baby, and child photographer.

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How to Create Lasting Memories With Your Kids in the Outdoors

Your child’s growing-up years will be a kaleidoscope filled with more precious moments than they can possibly remember every detail of. However, some memories are so impactful in a child’s life that they will be treasured forever. For whatever reason, times spent together in the outdoors are more indelible than most. Here are some ways to create cherished memories that will last you and your child a lifetime.

Go to the Beach

The magic of the beach is that it is for everyone. Even people who wouldn’t consider themselves the outdoorsy type love the beach. There is something about the deep blue of the skies, the timelessness of the sand, and the constant gentle motion of the ocean that create the perfect ambiance for mindfulness. 

It is in these mindful moments together that perfect moments turn into lasting memories. The most important thing is to engage with your kids. Don’t hand them a bucket, tell them to go play, and then turn to your novel. Build sand castles, splash in the waves, and look for shells together.

Take Them Camping

Camping never fails to deliver lasting memories. Either everything goes wrong and you can laugh about how miserable it was, or it is perfect and brings back nostalgic feelings every time you think about it. 

Camping also provides an excellent opportunity to teach your kids vital skills such as fire making, first aid, and orienteering. It’s also a great time to teach important life skills, such as courtesy and respect. You can teach your kids to be responsible campers by cleaning trash and extinguishing your fires. 

Play With Them in the Backyard

You might think that lasting memories are only made during major events such as family vacations or trips. However, a kid doesn’t need a special destination to form happy memories with you. In fact, some of the best memories can happen in your own backyard. All it takes is a willingness to let go of your everyday stressors and truly connect with your kids. Think about your own magical moments with your parents. Chances are they happened when you were doing something simple together, like playing tag, throwing a ball, or jumping on the trampoline. 

There are ample studies which show that spending more time outdoors is good for both your physical and emotional health. It is also the perfect setting for making lasting memories with your kids. Your kids will be all grown up before you know it, so take every opportunity to spend focused time with them in the great outdoors!

Check out this article on ingredients to avoid in your child’s food!

How to Ensure Healthy Childhood Development

Parenting is something that thousands of experts have spoken about for centuries. Everyone does it differently–and it also doesn’t help that every child is different.

As intimidating as it may be, there are certain things you can do in order to ensure that your child is getting the minimum for their healthy development. 

Take Your Child to the Doctor

Physical health is the most basic and primary priority. There may be some things you can take care of as a parent–a simple abrasion on your child’s arm, a sunburn, a cold–but you should know when it’s best to take them to the doctor. Pediatricians will have the expertise and experience to be able to help your child whenever something more extreme happens. 

Regular appointments will mean that some problems can be caught early on before they become serious. This is why it’s so important to have check-ups even when nothing is obviously wrong. 

Pay Attention to Behavior

It’s important to be familiar with the stages of childhood development so that you can be prepared. It also means that you will know what to interpret as normal or as abnormal. This should be done on both a physical and an emotional level. For example, thumb sucking at a young age is perfectly normal, but it can lead to dental issues long-term. 

Prepare beforehand how to talk to your child about puberty and the changes that occur in the body (not to mention emotionally). Know how to respond to behavior that you feel is inappropriate. Healthy discipline that teaches your child about responsibility without abuse is critical.

Basic Needs

A child needs to be comfortable to develop in a healthy way. That means that food, water, shelter, clothes, exercise, education, and a clean environment are priorities that shouldn't be compromised in any way. One of the most important needs that a child has is their emotional need for love and support. Communicate with your child. Generational trauma occurs when one parent’s unhealthy style of parenting is unconsciously repeated by their child, and so on–so put in the emotional work to deconstruct your own past difficulties and trauma. The last thing you want to do is unconsciously raise your child in a way that will cause them pain. 

A child is not only a responsibility. It is another human being who will grow based on your actions as a parent. It is your responsibility, in turn, to educate yourself before and during your child’s life in order to give them the life that they deserve. 

Have Your Family Portrait Taken By Professionals. Check This Out

How to Make Sure Your Baby’s Teeth Come in Properly

The part of infancy where a baby begins teething can be hard for everyone. Babies will start to feel and express a lot more discomfort. Breastfeeding mamas might find the process painful. But you’re going to want to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible so your child can have the little pearly whites they deserve. 

Start Brushing Their Teeth

Good brushing habits are the foundation for anyone’s good dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing are the keys to avoiding as many dental problems as possible as a teenager and an adult. That’s why it’s so important to develop the habit as early on as possible.

Not only will this help your toddler adjust to the brushing process itself, but it will also help keep their baby teeth healthy. Baby teeth are a kind of trial run to help you understand just how well your child can maintain their teeth on their own. I know from being a teacher that kids can get in to dental health problems early in life. You definitely don’t want this if you can avoid it.

Get Them to Break Harmful Habits

Lots of babies develop small habits and tics to help them deal with the stresses of life. Often, those habits will be something of an oral fixation. It’s very common for babies to try and put anything and everything they can reach into their mouths. Grinding or gritting the teeth and jaw as well as sucking their thumb are also common possibilities. 

Kids a year or older should stop sucking their thumbs to prevent teeth development issues. If you are worried about helping them overcome these habits, try talking to their pediatrician about what can be done. You can also learn more about potential baby teeth concerns here

Regular Pediatric Appointments

It’s so important to have the input of a professional during your child’s developmental stages. Regular medical checkups are a must, even if nothing is obviously wrong. That’s the only way you’ll be able to catch problems early–before they grow into something more serious and expensive. Pediatric dentists should also be consulted if necessary. Remember: small problems aren’t the end of the world, but if you let them fester, they can become truly bothersome. Serious problems might even alter how your child lives their day-to-day life.

Teeth aren’t an easy thing to take care of. Building up habits takes years, and most kids don’t want to go through that kind of effort. Little children can be notoriously resistant to parental attempts to help them brush their teeth. The important thing is that you keep trying, and that you keep making sure that they get the help they need.

Have your kids photo taken by a professional: Check it out here!

What to Put Away in Your Home to Keep Your Child Out of Danger

As a parent, it is your responsibility to keep your child safe from harm. This means taking precautions to ensure that they are not in danger when they are at home. There are many things you can do to make your home safe for your child, and one of the most important is to put away dangerous items. 

Be sure to look out for these three things you should put away to keep your child out of danger!

Small Objects

One hidden danger in many homes is the presence of small objects. Young children are curious and adventurous, and they may put anything they can find into their mouths. As a result, small objects such as beads, coins, and buttons can pose a serious choking hazard. In addition, small objects can also be swallowed and cause internal blockages. 

To protect your child from these dangers, it is important to keep small objects out of reach. One way to do this is to empty your pockets before entering the house and to store small items in containers with tight-fitting lids. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your child safe from the dangers of small objects.

Cords

Cords are one of the many dangers that can be found in the home. They are often left out in the open, and children can easily grab onto them and pull them down. This can cause serious injury or even death. The best way to keep your child safe is to put away cords. 

You should shorten or secure blind cords so your child doesn’t grab onto them. you should also unplug appliances when they’re not in use, and put away any cords that are not in use. By taking these simple precautions, you can help keep your child safe from harm.

Cemical

Children are naturally curious creatures, and they often put things in their mouths without knowing any better. As a result, it's important to keep dangerous chemicals out of reach, to protect them from harm. One way to do this is to store all chemicals in a locked cupboard or cabinet. This will help to prevent your child from being able to access them, even if they're curious. Another way to keep your child safe is to use child-resistant packaging. This type of packaging is designed to be difficult for children to open, so it can help to deter them from getting into dangerous chemicals. Finally, always be sure to read labels carefully and follow the instructions when using any type of chemical product. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your child safe from harm.

Kids will be kids, and that means they are going to explore their world without consideration for their safety. While your home is usually a safe place to be, there are some things to store away to keep your kids safe. If you put these three items away you can keep your children safe at home.

Have Your Kid’s Portrait Taken By a Professional. Check This Out.

How to Feel More Confident About Your Children’s Diet

It can be difficult to know what to feed your child. The internet is full of misinformation that thrives off of reactionary articles that get attention for being extreme – not for being accurate. 

Not to mention the difficulties that come with navigating the modern food industry.

Follow Their Pediatrician’s Advice

Doctors are going to understand the modern landscape of children’s health better than you will. They also will know how to tell the difference between misinformation and scientifically viable data. They will be able to tell you what is best for your child. 

They will also be able to diagnose any potential problems that your child has, as well as prescribe or suggest proper treatments. Ultimately, it is always in your best interest to trust your doctor. Make sure that your child follows the instructions that their doctor gives them.

Look at the Ingredients

Companies are legally required to be honest about what their products contain. You should always check the ingredients to make sure that it doesn’t contain inordinate amounts of unhealthy fats, sugars, or sweeteners. Be on the lookout for corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup especially. 

Learn how much a gram is – since many companies actually put the amount of sugar in grams so that consumers won’t know how much sugar is in their product. Also make sure to check the serving size, since oftentimes the company will be telling you nutrition facts about a fraction of the entire package. Even granola bars often contain a lot of added sugars.

A Healthy Balance

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is make sure that your child gets a healthy balance of proper nutrients from a variety of sources. Carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and fresh ingredients need to all be present. That’s not always easy with a picky eater – but don’t be afraid to try new things! Fresh produce is absolutely essential for a growing child. And beyond their diet… you need to make sure that they are getting enough outside activity and exercise. Only then will your child have the proper healthy balance that they need.

Avoid forcing kids to finish everything on their plate. Let your child to tell you when they are full and finished eating. They will naturally regulate the amount they eat.

Be sure to have new foods at the ready. It may take up to 10 or15 times of offering a food before your child will want to eat it.  Introduce new foods one at a time and be sure to offer it with foods that your child already enjoys.

Research and education are very important when it comes to preparing and helping your children to eat healthy. Make sure you know what ingredients you’re looking at. Don’t hesitate to search for an ingredient that you aren’t familiar with. Provide the balance that they need, and you’ll both be happy with how they grow.

How to Keep Your Home Healthy and Clean

It is important to make sure that your home is a clean and healthy environment. This will help you to be healthier and more comfortable as you’re spending time at home. This is especially important if you have babies or young children, since even minor problems can cause them to become sick. Here are a few tips that will help you to keep your home healthy and clean.

Maintain a Cleaning Schedule

First of all, it is important to maintain a cleaning schedule. Set a schedule for all of the weekly cleaning that you need to get done. For example, you’ll want to clean your bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, and living spaces. You’ll want to vacuum, disinfect, clean, and more. You can split up tasks to make sure that something gets done every day rather than trying to get it all done on the weekend. Try to share the load with some of your family members if that will help you to get all of the necessary cleaning done each week.

Don’t Wear Shoes in the House

Another tip that can help you to keep your home healthy and clean is to avoid wearing shoes inside your house. Removing your shoes at the door can help prevent damage to your carpet. Having a clean carpet can be especially helpful when you have small children crawling around a lot. It can also help you to avoid tracking allergens and bacteria that might be present in different outdoor areas.

Do Yearly Cleaning Maintenance

There are certain cleaning tasks that are more in-depth that you’ll want to take care of yearly. These maintenance tasks will help you to keep your house clean even though they will take a little bit more work. For example, you should have your air conditioning ducts and vents cleaned regularly to get rid of any dust or debris that might be stuck inside. If these ducts aren’t cleaned, your AC units could be blowing a lot of dirty air into your house. You can also always hire a professional for extra help and experience.

So, if you’re trying to make sure that your home is a healthy and safe environment, remember this article. Make sure that you maintain a cleaning schedule, don’t wear shoes in the house, and do yearly cleaning maintenance. This will help your home to be a healthy environment for all of your family members living at home.

Check out this article on how to get your child to adopt healthy habits!

Ingredients to Watch for in What Your Children Consume

Kids love junk food – that’s just a fact. And they’re not the only ones! As a parent, you need to watch and make sure that your kids are getting the nutrients they need. But you should also make sure that they avoid other substances that can be harmful in high amounts.

Food Dyes

Food dyes are found in many, many foods – even those you may not have expected. This is especially true in America, where even groceries tend to be highly processed. The foods marketed for kids tend to have brighter and more whimsical colors. The problem with certain food dyes is that some evidence suggests they can be bad if ingested consistently and in high amounts. They are, after all, constructed from petroleum – and some even contain benzene, which is a carcinogen. Official scientific results may be inconclusive but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Added Sugar

This one is another ingredient that turns up far more than you would expect in your groceries. Again, this is especially true for kids’ food, since kids are naturally going to gravitate toward eating more sugar. You’ll come to see this everywhere: cereal, puddings, desserts, deli meats, white bread, fruit juices, and more. Fruit juice usually has added sugar and can be acidic on teeth – so that’s one option you want to look out for. It can be sometimes more expensive to get the healthier option. It can also be harder to convince your kid to eat it. Remember, sugar in its entirety is not bad. But added sugar and other artificial sweeteners should generally be avoided.

Sodium

There’s nothing kids love more than a tasty, salty snack! Chips, pretzels, cheesy crackers, goldfish, Chex mix – the list goes on and on – are beloved by kids everywhere, and for good reason. The problem comes when nothing is eaten in moderation. Many products of this kind contain abnormally high amounts of sodium. When eaten frequently over the course of years, sodium can contribute to heart disease and other health problems. Try and find tasty alternatives like nuts or low-sodium versions of the treats they know and love.

It always pays to read the label. Learn how to recognize both beneficial and problematic notes on a food’s packaging. Additives legally have to be cited. As you make sure your child gets the best diet they deserve, you will ensure a happy future.

Check out this article on common things kids get teased about and how to help them!

How I Became A Child Portrait Photographer

How Did You Become A Fine Art Photographer?

There is one question virtually all my clients ask me. And for the last 5 years, I have avoided the real answer because I felt it would ruin the whole portrait experience.

But after 9 months of COVID-19, the time seems better to talk about it. So I am going to. This story is sad; that is my warning to you in advance. But it is the reason I am here making the fine art photos I do. And it is the reason I focus so much on Mother-Child legacy images.

I taught special education for Los Angeles Unified for many years. MOST of that time, my students were what they used to call “learning disabled”. This meant that health wise, they were basically fine. But when it came to learning, life was a lot harder for them than their peers. There were years when I was a travelling teacher; when I did not have my own classroom, but instead moved from class to class to offer support. Some years, I had my own classroom and my students were with me virtually all day. Most would have special services like speech therapy or counseling for 20 minutes here and there. But for the most part, we were all together.

Reggie: Teacher’s Pet

I think any classroom teacher will admit to you that teachers have favorites. It is hard to avoid.; 6 hours a day together for 180 days, you get to know one another well. And while we are trained to NOT show favoritism, in our hearts, we have students we connect deeply with.

Reggie was that student for me. He was a fourth grader, aged 10. He had a a smile that would have taken him far in life. He was one of those kids, I don’t know, he just “had it”; personality, ability, charm, smarts, humor, good looks, insight. And although learning to read was not his strong suit, he had so many other assets, I think he would have been a very successful man.

One exchange I remember vividly happened in the classroom. He came up to my desk, out of the blue and asked, “Teacher, how old are you”?

In those days, I tended to just answer my students’ questions. Not because it was right or wrong but because it was easier than resisting. I was annoyed, and it showed as I looked back at him,

“40”, I replied.

Then Reggie flashed that huge contagious smile and quipped, “You mean like a 40 Year Old Virgin”?” (For those of you who don’t know, that was relatively recent film at the time).

All at once a roar of laughter exploded and hush came over the class of other students ooohing and awing wondering if Reggie was “in trouble”. All I could do is laugh. Because, it was funny, hilarious even. I don’t know if he actually knew my age in advance. He could easily have because he paid attention and listened to things around him. Reggie had set the whole thing up perfectly, like a professional set up guy on stage.

When a teacher admits to a kid that what he did was funny even at her own expense, a bond is formed. There is an understanding, a respect between teacher and student that is rare. Even with 10 year olds. Reggie could be very difficult to manage in class. I won’t deny that. But in spite of that, there was an understanding between us. He was my favorite; teacher’s pet.

Grief And Artistic Motivation

As is obvious to you now, I liked Reggie. No question he was that ONE special kid that year.

A couple of weeks after the “virgin” incident, Reggie collapsed on the playground and died. Just like that. Gone. I was one of those special ed teachers who spent most breaks on the playground with my students just to put out fires, and prevent situations from happening. But on that disastrous day, I was in the teacher’s lounge.

I ran out to the yard against orders from my principal and stood as close to Reggie as I could without interfering with the paramedics. It broke my heart that he was so ill, maybe dying, among strangers and that no one he knew was nearby. I called to him to let him know I was near as the medics worked on him. Of course, I’ll never know it it made a difference for him. But it did so for me.

Healing From Loss

When a child dies, it is tough to recover. After Reggie, things changed for me. I never got over it and I was never the same. I ended up leaving the profession a couple of years later. It was then that photography became a priority for me. Kids are my focus because they are amazing creatures. And I have to admit that I see a little bit of Reggie in almost all my clients. It’s also very clear to me that tomorrow is not promised. Any of us could go at anytime. So portraits matter. I care a lot that moms have portraits with their kids (Dads too, of course), but especially moms.

I can’t urge you enough, get those images you want now. You are not too fat or too old. Your hair is just fine. Your clothes are fine. Make time. Put the cost on a credit card if you have to. No excuse is important enough, because….you never know. You may not all be together next time.

Tips for Finding the Right Pediatrician for Your Baby

Choosing a pediatrician for your newborn is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your child. Not only will this doctor provide crucial medical care for your baby, but they’ll also be instrumental in guiding you along as a parent. They’ll be there to answer your questions and assuage your fears, so it’s important to find someone who is trustworthy and makes you feel comfortable. If it feels overwhelming to try to find a doctor with everything else that you’re trying to figure out as you journey into parenthood, here are a few places to start.

Research Online Reviews

The internet has made it easier than ever to find reviews on doctors in your area, and it’s a great place to begin your search. The majority of patients search online reviews first when choosing a pediatrician. As you wade through the comments, look for answers about how easy it is to set appointments, average wait times, and how knowledgeable the reviewer feels their doctor is. These are great ways to narrow down your selections.

Ask Friends or Your Hospital for Recommendations

If you have friends or family members with small children that live locally, they will be a fantastic resource for you as well. You’ll be able to ask them several questions about the office itself and they’ll be more likely to share personal stories about their visits than an online reviewer would. Additionally, your local hospital can provide you with a list of doctors with which they are affiliated, and they may have some advice if you’re looking for someone who specializes in a particular field as well.

Conduct Personal Interviews

The best way to ensure you’ve made the right choice when looking for a pediatrician is to sit down and talk to them yourself! Many doctors will allow a consultation to speak with parents one-on-one before they make their decision. This is the best way to see if your personalities will work well together, and to gauge how open and responsive the doctor is to any questions you may have at this time. Even those who come highly recommended by others might not be the right fit for your family, so be sure to take the time to speak with them in person whenever possible.

Even though this is a challenging time in your life, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you choose a pediatrician who you can trust. Take the time to find the right one and you can be assured that your baby will be in good hands for years to come.

If you’re a new parent and want to capture memories with your child, sign up for a newborn photography session!

How to Help Your Child Feel Confident Wearing Their New Glasses

A child finding out that they need to start wearing glasses can be very upsetting for them. While many adults end up needing glasses, there isn’t always a large percentage of people who need to wear them from a young age. Your child may be very worried about this news. As a parent, you can take some of the steps that are necessary to help your child feel more confident with their new specs.

Let Them Choose

When your child first receives their prescription from a licensed eye doctor, there may be some requirements when it comes to selecting a pair of frames or lenses. In general, though, most kids will be able to pick out a pair of frames that they like based on how they look. There are many different colors, materials and styles available. You should let your child pick what they want as long as they are practical. If you want to compromise, you can find a location that has a deal on two pairs of glasses. You can pick one formal pair for your child, and your child can pick a fun pair that they like wearing.

They Are Not Alone

At a younger age, children who wear glasses don’t always need to wear them all the time. Because of this, it can be hard for your child to discern between who needs glasses and who doesn’t. Help your child understand that there are plenty of kids their age who need glasses just like they do. Children who wear glasses are far from alone—as much as 25 percent of school-aged children have problems with their vision. Some children’s classmates need them all the time, some wear them on occasion for distance, and other kids use them for reading. There’s no shame in needing glasses to see properly. To bring this point home, here are two recommended books to read with your child.

Share Your Experience With Them

If you wear glasses yourself, you can share this experience with your child. Talk to them about when you first found out that you needed glasses. You can listen to their concerns and help to put their mind at ease. Talk to them about when they’re older that contacts may be a solution. Above all, help your child to understand that glasses can be a positive thing and can help them to express their sense of style.

Needing to wear glasses isn’t the end of the world, even though your child might feel like it is. Make sure that you respect their opinion on the matter but help them to understand that this is the best choice for their vision. They might not want to wear their glasses, so this is something you should be prepared to address in the coming months.

Here’s another article you might like: How to Help Your Child Adjust Socially

Why You Should Emphasize Your Child's Dental Health

The state of your child's teeth and gums can play a role in their overall health when they become adults. This is why parents should teach children good dental habits while they are still young. Poor dental health and oral hygiene are considered risk factors later in life for several serious health ailments.

Teach Your Child Good Dental Habits Early

There are compelling reasons why you should teach and model good dental habits to your child early on in life. There are several secondary health risk factors associated with gum disease. Poor dental health may trigger other serious health diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and even dementia. Additionally, poor dental health has been linked to problems during pregnancy and potential cancer development, according to medical experts knowledgeable about the latest research studies. By teaching your child good dental habits, you’re not only preventing health problems but setting them up with knowledge they can use the rest of their lives and even someday pass on to their own children.

Reduce Dental Costs

Not only is teaching your children healthy dental habits good for their health, but it will also save you money on costly dental work later on. Children who have significant dental problems in their early years are more prone to dental issues for the rest of their lives. Also, children often develop serious anxiety about going to the dentist that can further impede efforts to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

The high cost of dental work can include dental fillings, pricy caps and even costly cosmetic dental procedures if the dental issues are severe enough. Even with good dental insurance coverage, patients still are responsible for paying out-of-pocket deductibles, co-pays and other fees. Many people do not have dental insurance available to them.

Beautiful Smiles Instill Inner Confidence

When a child has a noticeable problem, like a smile that is less than perfect, they often try to hide the embarrassing issue by not smiling, covering their mouths with their hands and even withdrawing from social activities that they previously enjoyed. However, a beautiful and healthy smile helps to instill that inner confidence and high self-esteem that's so important for success in life. Dental issues that aren't corrected can also create difficulty with proper speech development.

Your teeth are a very vital part of your overall health. Taking the time to teach your children the proper way to care for their teeth can have long-lasting benefits. Those benefits include better overall self-confidence, better physical health and more money saved.

How to Tell If Your Child Needs Glassesv

Young children are usually unable to tell whether they need glasses — the way they see the world is just the way they see. They don’t know that it could be better. For this reason, it is important for parents to know how to tell if their child is having problems with their eyesight. Here are three ways that you can tell if your child needs glasses.

Know the Signs

Understanding the signs of vision impairment will help you to determine if you should have your child's eyesight evaluated by an eye care professional. Some possible signs of problems include squinting, sitting too close to the television, tilting of the head, and excessive rubbing of the eyes. If your child frequently complains of headaches, it may also mean that they are overexerting the eyes in an effort to see with clarity. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have your child's vision checked out by an eye doctor.

Trust Your Doctors

Particularly if you have a history of eye problems in your family, you should plan on making regular checks with the eye doctor. Although some schools will provide complimentary vision screening, these are not always comprehensive tests and should not take the place of a professional eye exam. A thorough eye exam will test for visual acuity as well as a host of other potential problems such as depth perception and the overall health of the eye. Committing to regular checks will also give you a useful baseline and allow you to see any patterns in eye health and is extremely important for a child who is predisposed to bad eyesight because of family history.

Talk to the Teacher

Many vision problems are initially detected by a child's teacher. A teacher sees the child daily in a variety of situations in which poor eyesight may be exposed. If you suspect that your child may be having difficulty seeing, it is a good idea to express your concerns to their teacher to get their opinion. Sometimes what may appear to be poor academic performance or lack of effort may actually be a child simply having difficulty seeing the board or textbooks. Teachers are trained to recognize vision problems in students and should always be one of the first people that you consult with. 

Poor eyesight is a health issue like any other in that it needs treatment and shouldn’t be ignored. Look for the telltale signs of a problem with your child's eyesight, and if you see them, take your child to an eye doctor for verification. Giving your child the gift of full eyesight will ensure that they have the tools that they need to live to their fullest potential.

It used to be that kids were teased a lot if they wore glasses. But in recent years, as a teacher, I noticed this was happening less. In my Child Couture sessions, I make sure to ask how a child feels about their glasses. Usually, I will take images with and without them so they can pick an image they feel suits them best.

I create showpiece images for modern moms to remember everything they love about their kids, forever. Book a session today!

Developmental Issues to Watch for in Your Child's First Months of Life

Every parent wants the best for their baby. As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, you will be eagerly awaiting the milestones. Baby's first smile, baby's first laugh and baby's first time cooing are unlike anything else for parents. But there are certain developmental issues to keep an eye out for during your little one's first months of life to ensure everything is on track.

Muscle Stiffness or Softness

Babies' bodies tend to be soft and fragile at the beginning of their lives, and that isn't worrisome to start. As the baby grows older though, it is important that she is able to lift her head and later her shoulders. If you notice that your baby is having a difficult time lifting her head during tummy time or that her muscles seem rigid during the small moments of playtime you incorporate in the beginning, you'll want to let your pediatrician know as it could be a symptom of cerebral palsy.

Lack of Hearing

Normally, hearing problems are diagnosed in the hospital. However, sometimes hearing issues show up later in a baby's life. According to Black Hills ENT, hearing loss is the No. 1 birth defect in America and many studies have shown that early diagnosis of hearing loss is crucial to the development of speech, language, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities. It is important to talk to your baby regularly and be sure she is responding appropriately. If you notice something seems off, do not delay in contacting your baby's doctor.

Eye Problems

Some eye problems are detectable at birth, such as eye shape deformities. Other eye problems develop later, though. These eye problems can range from visual impairment to total blindness. According to All About Vision, your baby should be able to track movements by two to three months old. If they aren’t tracking movements, you should get that checked out. Catching visual impairments early leads to earlier intervention, which can help prevent an array of problems from arising later in the future, such as chronic headaches.

You are already vigilant about your baby's health. Being aware of these developmental issues will add another layer of protection to your bundle of joy. Many developmental disorders and complications can be treated or even cured if caught at an early age, so be sure to keep your doctor informed about any potential problems you are noticing.

More Developmental Delay Facts

Believe it or not, most developmental delays do not have a known cause. Most people are aware of the dangers of smoking or drinking alcohol while pregnant. But infections during pregnancy tend to increase the risk of developmental issues in babies. While you are expecting, pay close attention to changes that seem “not quite right” and, of course, check in with your doctor immediately.

Little ones are a precious gift. Let us help you preserve those memories!

Meet Los Angeles Lactation Specialist Julie Matheney.

In my work, I meet many new moms who are breastfeeding their child. Many are aware or have had some education about lactation and what to expect. But in my experience, there are many moms who do not begin their first Motherhood experience with these tools. Knowing where to go for instruction on breastfeeding is important. For this blog, I interviewed one lactation specialist in the Los Angeles area who is available to provide support and training for new moms. You can find her on Instagram

Q: Let’s start with your name. What is your name? Tell us

3 or 4 things about you.

A: My name is Julie Matheney. I started my career as a speech pathologist feeding preemie babies in the hospital NICU but fell in love with working with breastfeeding mamas and now do that in private practice. I’m a mom to two little girls. My husband and I love to travel and now enjoy taking our girls on adventures with us. 

Q: For those who may not know, what exactly is a

lactation consultation? Can you take us through a

typical consult?

A: There are several types of lactation consultant certifications, kind of like there are different kinds of nursing degrees, types of doctors, or fields in engineering. The gold standard for lactation consultants is an IBCLC. it means they have taken significant college level courses, spent hundreds of hours being mentored in breastfeeding and have sat for a four hour board exam. An IBCLC lactation consultant works with any and all issues related to breastfeeding, including helping people who have never been pregnant to induce milk supply for adoption, relieving breast infections, increasing milk supply, teaching you how to position your baby and helping your baby to latch properly at the breast. Lactation consultants can teach you about breastfeeding while you’re still pregnant and help work with you for the entire length of time your baby feeds from the breast. In a typical consultation, we review your relevant medical and labor/delivery history, see a feeding, and develop a plan for improving breastfeeding. We typically will weigh the baby before and after a feeding to get an approximation for how much baby is taking each time they breastfeed. An average consultation is an hour and a half.

Q: I know from being a newborn photographer, that

breastfeeding can be really difficult. In your view,

what are the most common issues that moms face

that you can help with?

A: Breastfeeding is natural but it takes practice. You’ve never done it before and neither has your baby. The most common issue is position and latch. So many people have never held a baby, let  alone a newborn, and it can be intimidating to try to position them at the breast. So many moms worry they’ll hurt the baby when moving them. Babies are actually really sturdy! If you get a baby in the right position, the latch is quite easy. The second most common issue I see in my practice is tongue tie: when there is a small piece of connective tissue under the tongue preventing it from moving fully. Tongue tie can cause damage to moms nipples and limits the baby’s ability to remove milk from the breast. When less milk is emptied, less milk is made, so many moms think they have no milk supply and blame themselves instead of the baby’s inability to effectively feed. 

Q: Breastfeeding is a huge issue.

Not only is there the issue about moms learning how to breastfeed and

or the baby to learn too, but there are also political

issues it seems. Are you involved in any political or

social activities to promote women in this work? Can

you tell us about it?

A: I’m not in any organized groups currently but try to spread the positives of breastfeeding through prenatal breastfeeding classes, awareness through social media, and working alongside individual mothers in their homes. 

Q: In my work, I have seen moms seemingly torn about

breastfeeding...one the one hand, they know they

should, but on the other  they are embarrassed or

feel awkward. Are these feelings common? Can

women find support for these feelings?

A: In my experience, 100% of mothers feel inadequate in some part of their motherhood journey. We take our responsibility seriously and with breastfeeding so often feel like a failure when it doesn’t go 100% perfect 100% of the time. Even when breastfeeding is going really well most mothers will find something they are unsure about. It is very very common to feel inadequate. You are not alone. The best place to find reassurance in your abilities is in a local breastfeeding support group where you can find other moms going through the same thing. 

Q: What is the number one question you get from new

moms?

A: I get asked all the time if moms need to wait for the breast to fill before feeding their baby. This is not needed. In fact, the beast works opposite of that: the more it is emptied, the faster it actually fills. The breast works on demand. The more it’s emptied the more it will make. There is no need to wait to feed your baby. If you are concerned about your milk supply, it is best to schedule an appointment with an IBCLC to help you get back on track. 

There is a lot to know about breastfeeding. This short interview is just the tip of the iceberg. Start today by visiting LALACTATION and schedule your consultation.

Have you participated in the Mother Child Portrait Experience? It’s not too late. Get THE image of you and your children.

How to Get Rid of Pests Without Harming Children or Pets

Unwanted pests in your home can create a very stressful situation. Whether you are dealing with rodents or bugs, these uninvited guests can be very unhealthy and dangerous. Not to mention pests in large quantities is just a gross situation. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can get rid of pests in and around your home. If you have children or pets present on the property, you may want to think about finding a way to control an infestation naturally. This will reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Remove Their Habitats

In order for a large quantity of pests to be in or around your home, they must have a habitat somewhere in the vicinity. Depending on the pest that you are dealing with, the habitat could be in a variety of locations. For example, fleas love to hide in small spaces. You might find them deep within the fibers of your carpet or in the small gaps between your baseboards and flooring. And if you have furry pets, obviously that’s their favorite place to be. Ants can create nests just about anywhere, but the most common places are within walls or under flooring. Once you get rid of their home, you reduce their ability to reproduce. This will make it easier to slow down the infestation.

Use Natural Insecticides

Chemical pest products can be effective when it comes to remove pests, but these chemicals can be extremely dangerous to have around humans. Research some natural products that use things like essential oils to repel and kill pests. Some plant-based oil pest control products target neurotransmitters unique to insects, which in turn makes them safe for use around children and pets.

Keep Your Home Clean

A clean home isn’t really what pests are looking for. They’re looking for a food source, and they’re looking for a protected shelter. If you keep your home clean, remove garbage daily and wipe down surfaces when they’re messy, this will deter pests from wanting to make a home inside of your home. Don’t leave food out, keep clutter off of the floor, and make sure your pets are clean when they come into the home. Pets are one of the most common ways an infestation starts.

Some pests like moist and dark areas. If you have a very small leak in your wall or around pipes, this can attract a whole host of pests. If you know that there is a repair issue present in your home, make sure to have it addressed right away.

While it can seem overwhelming to be dealing with a pest infestation, there are ways that you can get rid of your unwanted visitors. Stick to a more natural approach if you want to make sure that your children and pets are safe during the extermination phase.

You love your kids. Preserve your memories of them at this precious time of life with a photo session from us!

Children's Songs Your Kids Will Love

Today, kids are all about media. Between videos and pics on cell phones, it is almost impossible to grab their attention in any different way. Today, I want to let you know about an album of children’s songs that can keep up with the contant competition for attention.

Tumble Bee by Laura Veirs: The Bottom Line For Children’s Songs

This is a great album that has 13 tracks and offers a substantial variety of meters, tones and sounds. Two of the tracks “Down in the Medder” and “Prairie Dream” are instrumentals. This is an attractive feature, especially if you are looking to introduce toddlers to music without any words.

Songs That Are Playful

Tumble Bee has at least three children’s songs that are “catchy”. The tune is fairly easy to pick up, “The Fox”, “Why Oh Why”, and “Little Lap Dog Lullaby” are the ones I might use in a classroom setting, or at a party to break the ice.

The Fox is a super fun song and is sure to cheer up a pouting person. It would also be a great way to start a play date if you felt your kids were shy. The song is easy to learn, is similar to Old McDonald in some ways, and catchy. Your kids will be humming to themselves in no time. This tune would also make a great song to play as you head out on a road trip.

“Why Oh Why” is set to a beat of three; a fast three, and it is fun to sing. Why can a bird eat an elephant? Why can a mouse it a streetcar? Why does a horn make music? These are a few things your kids will find out in this delightful song.

“Little Lap Dog Lullaby” is a bit of a misnomer, if you ask me. It is fun and addictive. Not something that would make most kids sleepy. Though does resemble famous lullaby lines like “Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird“, the pace and lyrical elements make this tune too fun to fall asleep to.

Songs That Are Fast

“Jack Can I Ride” showcases a Scott Joplin like piano accompaniment. The words are fast paced and may take a few times around to learn so your toddler can sing along. About midway through the song sports a square dance feel with fiddles and all. Be careful or you will find yourself saying “Do Si Do”.

“Soldier’s Joy” does feel like your little ones could square dance to it. While slower than the traditional square dance version, it takes pretty intense verbal skill to say the words as fast as Laura Veirs does. There is also a male voice on this song so your kids can hear both singing together.

Jamaica Farewell is included in the songs that are fast paced. In reality, it is slower than the others in this section. But I included it here because the lyrics are sung fairly quickly and may take little ones a while to learn. The calypso sway and imagery of the words makes this children’s song the right thing to do for almost any occasion.

Katie is a baby and child photographer in Los Angeles. Contact her today to book your child’s portrait session.

3 Tips for Feeling Great During Your Pregnancy

Being pregnant is an extremely exciting and meaningful time in life. To achieve that proverbial pregnancy glow, it is important to take steps to care for your own body and its changing needs. Here are three proven tips to help you feel great during your entire pregnancy:

Exercise How You Can

Medical News Today explains that engaging in appropriate exercise can help you to feel better during all stages of the pregnancy. During the first and second trimester, you should be able to continue the majority of the exercise that you were performing before getting pregnant. Some women find that they need to slow down more as the pregnancy enters the third trimester. Walking, yoga, and swimming are ideal ways to get in physical activity as you nurture your growing baby. A regular exercise routine during pregnancy will also enable your body to bounce better more quickly after the baby is born. As always, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.

Pamper Yourself

Pregnancy is a significant physical change, putting the body through a myriad of challenges. As you go through this process, it is important to always listen to your body if you are feeling aches and pains. Do not be hesitant to seek outside help in alleviating some of the most common pregnancy ailments. Congruent Life Chiropractic says that chiropractic has been known to keep expecting moms feeling great physically during your pregnancy by utilizing a three prong approach (bone, ligament, muscle) to allow for optimal alignment and stability to the pelvis and uterus.

Nourish Your Body

There is no season in life where good nutrition is more important than when you are pregnant. According to What to Expect, while most expecting women focus on how the proper nourishment will positively affect the baby, solid nutrition choices are also important to keep the mother healthy and ready to face the rigors of pregnancy. Be sure to be intentional about consuming extra protein and calcium. The body will take calcium from your existing stores to nourish the growing baby, making it especially important to make sure that you replenish adequately. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids will also keep both you and the baby functioning at optimal levels.

The most important rule to remember is to put your needs first. Taking the time to rest and nourish your body will give your baby the best start in life while also taking care of your own personal needs.

Want to capture the memories of your pregnancy? Contact Panos Production Photography to schedule a photography session that you will treasure for years to come.