Parenting Sassy Sense

Posted by admin on November 8th, 2010

Right or wrong, this is SassyLu’s view on various issues regarding parenting and families. You can like it or leave it, love it or hate it; either way feel free to have your say, your way; log in and leave your own opinion.

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Contents Of Uncommon Sense

Newborn Baby Safety Sense

Baby The Great Cover Up

Contaminating Our Kids

Damned Dummies

Put A Lid On It

Slap, Smack, Spank; It’s Stupid

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Newborn Baby Safety Sense

Last modified on 2011-08-30 03:03:42 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

We have babies and we love them before they are born; so why do parents make careless mistakes that result in injury and death?

If you are a parent of a baby or a carer of a baby please use your common sense to avoid unnecessary risk to innocent babies, toddlers and children. Here are some thoughts that you may wish to consider regarding the safety of your baby.

Keep babies safe and alive; give them a high five:

1). If your baby is not in a cot/bassinette, other sleeping area or within your reach; leave him/her on the floor. Your baby is not safe lying on your bed, the couch or some chair, no matter what age it is. The only way to ensure your baby can't fall to the floor is for you to place him or her there gently. Newborns can wriggle their way to a boob, so the time to be diligent starts from birth.

2). Do not leave your baby unsupervised in a car at any time. This will ensure that your baby isn't the victim of death by heat exhaustion, kidnapped by a passerby, or stolen by accident in a car jacking. Also regarding cars, use a properly fitted age and weight appropriate baby restraint at all times and more importantly use them according to the instructions provided. Report anyone who endangers the lives or babies and children in cars; it is your duty as caring adult to protect all children.

3). Step up and be responsible for your baby from the moment it is born. Teach your baby to self settle; note that you weren't hugging them until they fell asleep in the womb, or feeding them until they fell asleep. The gift of independence that you give your baby and the freedom you have to rest and be a better parent is worth the effort. Be accountable for your baby's behaviour, if you can't take charge of a small bundle that can't walk or speak, think of the issues you will have later.

4). Baby strollers, prams and push chairs all have wheels, these are built to roll; if you have a hand strap use it. They all have brakes as well, so ensure you put that brake on every time you stop or plan to let go of your chosen travel system. Do not blame the manufacturer or style of stroller if it rolls away; there is only one person who is in charge of your chosen form of perambulation; you, so get it right. Other people have made tragic mistakes, learn from these poor people and ensure that these types of accidents stop occurring.

5). Never ever leave your baby or toddler unattended near any body of water. Baths, pools, sinks, basins, buckets, dams, ponds, beaches, rivers, you name it, if there is water in it, you must have your child in sight. There are no second chances, drowning is permanent, get it right first time every time. Be aware of your surroundings when you go somewhere new and never ever leave babies in the bath. Unsupervised children drown and it happens fast; let's eradicate drownings, they are avoidable and so very, very sad.

These are 5 simple things that can make a difference; take them seriously and accept a cyber high 5. Ignore them and you really deserve the prize of a 5 knuckle sandwich. If common sense really were common; then these 5 things would be uncommon issues... Unfortunately that is not the case; we need to remember that it is the children who are the true victims when adults make 'mistakes.'

Nothing beats appropriate supervision and making an effort to minimise the risk that your child is in. We may not be perfect, however we are in a perfect position to make the best decisions for our babies in all situations; they can't make them for themselves.

Baby The Great Cover Up

Last modified on 2010-11-26 12:27:36 GMT. 4 comments. Top.

I’ll admit it; I’m a really proud parent and I love showing off my baby whenever I get the opportunity. On the day MicroMe was born, I was meant to go to a barbeque to catch up with old friends. Later that day everyone came to see him, we had 21 visitors to welcome him into the world. He attended his first children’s birthday party when he was 13 days old. It was held in a park and nearly every adult there had cuddles with him before he was whisked away for his first photo shoot with us. I loved showing him off… Actually, 4 years later; I still do.

When MissyMe was born, I left the hospital when she was 36 hours old and I was encouraging visitors to come over immediately. I had just created the cutest thing ever, just as all Mum’s do, so of course I wanted to share that cuteness around. She was mistaken for a doll the first couple of times we had her at the supermarket as she was so tiny and small, (yes, someone actually thought MaxiMe, a 6’ 4” grown man was carrying a doll?!).

Although we live in a warm country with plenty of sunlight hours, I prefer to use the hood on her capsule or ergo carrier along with a sunhat and sunscreen to protect her. My son has always known, you put on sunscreen and a hat and appropriate clothing when you go outside. When we are out for a stroll, I want people to see them as I enjoy the impromptu chats and comments, that being with a young child and baby invite. It is social for me and I truly love sharing the joy and warmth that shared admiration for a baby brings.

I also love talking to my baby and son; pointing out interesting things, so that they get to enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells where ever we may be. Going out is an occasion, it should be a fun, exciting learning experience every time. When MissyMe was 6 weeks old, we took her and MicroMe to Kanangra Walls and Kalang Falls and walked about 7km with them. The following week we took them both to Jenolan Caves, my son is very strong, fit and healthy due to regular exercise. They are both regulars at the local rivers, parks, bmx track & swimming pool, we meet many new people and all make new friends.

It is even more fun to share the world with my baby in her carrier and I did the same with her brother. They are close to you and easy to talk to, plus it’s ideal for pointing out objects and naming them, as well as sneaking a drink of ‘boob juice’on the run. I often get people approaching me to ask about the baby or the carrier and whether I would recommend it, it is a great way to meet new people in town and out in the beautiful Australian Bush.

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So even though it seems to be the current ‘in thing’ to have a cover over your baby to protect it all the time; why not share your pride and joy with the rest of the world and let your baby get some fresh air? I am sure that it has contributed to my son and daughter’s outgoing, confident personalities and I have met many lovely people of all ages and social back grounds by showing my babies off and showing them the world they live in.

For Australian readers: A link to the Bureau of Meteorology UV Index. An excellent resource, in conjunction with the Australian Cancer Council; it provides a general reading for your area each day as well as a guideline for recommended sun protection. This is a little brief on how to read the alert.

This is a link to information regarding Vitamin D deficiency and advice about how much sun is enough sun etc on the Australian Cancer Council site. The Risks and Benefits of Sun Exposure Position Statement, (approved by the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Osteoporosis Australia, the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Cancer Council Australia).

Even if you are from another country, these are great guidelines for anyone who isn’t confident about being outside without having their baby cloistered. You should be able to find similar resources for your own part of our little globe by doing a search on the UV index or weather forecast for your local region.

The index guide for being sun smart is an excellent resource for anyone who isn’t confident working out when the best times of day are for being out and about yet want their babies and kids to experience the great outdoors. Here is a Positon Statement on Sun protection and infants (0-12 months) from Cancer Council Australia – Endorsed by the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

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Damned Dummies

Last modified on 2010-11-17 12:50:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Dummies, pacifiers, soothers, whatever you want to call them; I don’t like them for my babies and I don’t use them when I look after anyone else’s babies. I made my decision when I was first pregnant in 2005. My choice not to use them was based on personal opinion and common sense; nothing I have heard or read since then has changed my mind.

My belief is that when babies are unsettled or crying they are communicating a need that isn’t being met, I like to diagnose and treat the cause.

I was concerned about the safety aspects of using a dummy, especially if a crawling baby or toddler were to fall on their face while using one.

They could easily be unhygienic as they get dropped a lot and I didn’t like the idea of having to sterilise them all the time for the baby or worry if they get lost.

It occurred to me that it could be difficult for a baby to learn to speak if they were getting around with one of these in their mouths for much of the day; it was a risk I wasn’t willing to take.

Excess dribbling and ear and throat infections seemed to me to be more likely if a baby was sucking on a dummy, especially when distressed, (which seems to be when they are used most).

Time and money; I envisioned a lot of frustrating times looking for dummies, plus it was an added expense. Although dummies don’t cost a lot, I can think of better uses for my finances.

I didn’t want my baby to become reliant upon a dummy to be pacified or soothed; I had also read multiple posts online about problems ridding babies, toddlers and even children of dummies.

Babies, toddlers and children are beautiful, so why hide part of that beauty behind an ugly big round piece of plastic or silicon?

The word dummy is implies that one can’t talk, or is a test version of something, or someone who is less intelligent. As for pacifier or soother; well isn’t that the role of a parent or carer?

I’ve read a lot of posts on the internet about why dummies are great, however, there are even more articles about how to get rid of them. I encourage new parents to persevere without them unless you receive professional advice to the contrary, as you will save yourself a lot of hassles in the long term.

If you choose to use dummies, research possible health issues, speech development delays, dangers and safety standards before purchasing any brand. Speak to parents who have used them and learn about the pros and cons from their experience. There are those who believe that they help prevent SIDS, however to date, SIDS and Kids does not make recommendations for dummy use.

Based on the original post on llmunchkin’s Squidoo Lens; Dummies Are For Dummies

Links to further reading on this topic:

About.com – Before You Buy A Baby Pacifier

Better Health Channel – Toddlers And Dummies

Raising Children Network – Dummies Pros And Cons

Baby Center – Cot Death – What’s The Advice On Using A Dummy?

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Put A Lid On It

Last modified on 2010-11-14 01:28:17 GMT. 8 comments. Top.

Too often I see parents rugged up on cold days wearing scarves, hats and boots; yet their baby’s heads are uncovered and their little toes are bare! At the sunny end of the spectrum are the uncovered bundles of joy, whose parents wear sunglasses and a hat themselves.

I‘d like to run up to these parents and carers with a razor and shave their heads and take their hats and sunnies, so they can experience the extremes of temperatures and get a taste of their own medicine. They remember to dress themselves according to weather conditions, why are they so ignorant when considering the needs of their baby?

I think babies should be wearing a hat more often than not; especially when they leave home:

• If it’s sunny or glary; kind of obvious I thought; though observation seems to disprove this theory.

• When it’s a cloudy day; usually this would mean there is likely to be a chill in the air, so at least take a hat with you.

• On a cold windy day; I am not seeing hats, perhaps there are ton of babies getting their hats blown off in gale force winds.

• Inside shopping centres; the air conditioners are cold, babies don’t walk to keep warm, and contend with wind chill on the move

• Bedtime; unless you have a hot room or excess bedding, which could be a SIDS issue in itself, most babies will lose heat while sleeping.*

Lolahat Parenting Sassy Sense

MissyMe snoozing in her capsule at the bmx track

Babies have a small body mass, (I state the obvious, however some people obviously need it stated), they don’t maintain an even body temperature very well. It is up to their parent’s and carer’s to ensure they are dressed appropriately indoors and outdoors. Baby’s extremities lose heat quickly, so remember to carry something to cover their feet and hands as well.

* Thanks to some lovely informative feedback from schmoo, I have been reminded that babies sleeping with hats on can be a contentious issue as they can over heat and it can be a SIDS risk. May I clarify that we usually sleep in a cool room with fresh air, so I do like to have a hat that covers my baby’s ears otherwise they get cold.

We also have a sound and movement monitor that we check regularly and they now come with temperature monitors as well. Babies can’t regulate their temperature and are apparently at risk of overheating is what the main reason seems to be. It is for that very reason that we generally do use a hat, because as a parent, I can and do moderate my baby’s temperature… So can you, remember common sense and good parenting go hand in hand.

schmoo has provided these links for further reading for anyone who is concerned about whether or not they should have a hat on their baby when sleeping. I will also link to a couple of advice posts about the topic that are already on Minti in the ‘related content’ links below.

Guideline NSW Health: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and safe sleeping for infants (2005)

Sids And Kids – Kids Safe Sleeping

SaveOurSleep – Tizzie Hall (The International Baby Whisperer)

Nationwide Children’s Hospital – SIDS Reduction

SIDS Canada – Over Heating

Don’t put your baby down to sleep or leave your baby unattended with any hats, bibs or other clothing items that have ties or cords on them. To do so puts your baby at risk of strangulation and/or suffocation.

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Slap, Smack, Spank; It’s Stupid

Last modified on 2010-11-14 01:23:04 GMT. 10 comments. Top.

As a parent and role model, I prefer to demonstrate the type of behaviour that I would like my children to exhibit. Therefore, I do not slap, smack or spank them when they ‘misbehave.’ I have two very strong and intelligent children, I do not want them to learn to resolve their issues by bashing the bejeezus (sp) out of someone. Reasoning, tolerance or turning the other cheek are more civilised and socially acceptable choices, that I condone, (not to mention that they are legal options).

I often see parents when I am in the mall or supermarket, slapping their kids because they whine, or smacking them on the butt for disobeying them, or spanking them because they are obviously tired and bored and are acting out… Way to solve a problem parents… NOT! I guess if it is ok for you to slap, smack or spank these small defenseless individuals because they annoy you; you aren’t going to object if someone bigger than you follows up with a quick uppercut, shoulder charge or elbow in return?

So maybe you think that is a stupid question; so here are some more serious ones that I would be interested in receiving intelligent answers to. These are questions I originally posted on an article in 2007 and I have yet to be satisfied with a sensible response to any of them in any forum that I have posted them in.

1. At what age do people decide it is ok to do this to their infant/child?

2. At what age would they cease doing this to their child/teenager?

3. How would they feel if somebody else disciplined their child in this manner?

4. Do they consider that if they did the same to their spouse that it would be domestic violence?

5. What if they did it to someone outside the family; then it would be assault?

6. Have they tried alternative forms of discipline, such as time out, removing privileges, or rewards for good behaviour?

7. Don’t they worry that their children will fear and resent them; not love and respect them?

8. When does a spanking change from strict discipline to child abuse?

9. How successful is this form of punishment; does the child learn a lesson from what they did wrong, or do they only remember the punishment?

10. What gives adults the right to inflict pain on their offspring, when it would be illegal to do it to anyone else?

11. Why would anyone want to inflict pain on their own children, when there are so many alternatives available?

12. What kind of example is being provided to children, by using corporal punishment; what have they learned?

These are the simple questions; I have more complex ones, however these are things I just can’t comprehend as being sensible on my own. I challenge someone to provide me with intelligent answers, that explain why physical punishment is better than reasoning and teaching your child better, safer, more acceptable ways to behave. I strongly suggest that if you have a child with a behavioural issue, look closely in the mirror and ensure that you are doing all you can to encourage positive parenting practises instead of the violent option.

While violence provides a short term fix; it does not teach skills that are acceptable in any social arena or outside the ring, fight cage and off the mat.

These are conclusions that I have come to on my own as a parent. In fact, this article is based on a comment that I left on someone else’s article back in 2007, however I did not receive any response, let alone a sensible one. However, when posting today, I decided to add some further links for anyone who is interested in reading more about this subject.

Contaminating Our Kids

Last modified on 2010-11-17 12:56:11 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Shoddy Shampoos and Crappy Conditioners

I don’t use any of the current popular brand name so-called shampoos, washes, moisturisers, bath time or nappy change products for my baby or little boy. As well as containing dubious and dangerous ingredients, I believe they are unethically manufactured, packaged and advertised, as well as being an absolute rip off.

· I choose not to buy in to the hype of popular manufacturers who pump out standard products and slap the label baby or children on them, when there is nothing particularly special or safe about their products.

· I prefer to buy brands of products that are safe for my baby, my child and me as an adult to use; why would I want a lower standard of product for any of us?

· It is far more cost effective and sensible to spend a little time and effort to get a product that suits us all instead of buying a pile of separate products.

· I try to choose items that are manufactured locally and those that use ethical testing and biodegradable packaging (and posting materials when buying online).

cf2dac0b29f5060 Parenting Sassy Sense

Clean And Green – Baby MicroMe Bathing In The Sink

Consumers Continue To Buy; Why?

My guess is because they just don’t know any better, as the horrible alternative would be to believe that to some parents putting petroleum based, chemical filled products on their baby’s and children’s skin is not an issue. As for what you put in your mouth; grab your current toothpaste and look up the ingredients online.

· Marketing experts continue to trade on their popular brand names because parents in the past were less informed and these have become ‘trusted brand names’.

· Many parents buy the cheapest products available because they need to consider their budget, (these products often cost more in the long run as you use more).

· Children influence parent’s decisions; they want products with their favourite characters on them. (I admit to that, when we are travelling and in a hurry).

· The risks of living a less healthy lifestyle, eating a bad diet and using dangerous products for themselves and their family aren’t important to some people.

You Can Create A Change

You are a consumer; the end user in the business chain; you are the most important link. You choose what products to purchase and what brands to support. Your choices are what drives market change; more importantly, you are protecting your children’s health by saying no to carcinogenic and petroleum based products.

· Try some alternative safe brands made from natural products, if your usual store doesn’t stock any; try your local health shop, or one of the many alternatives online.

· Products like tea tree, aloe vera, paw paw etc are all readily available at popular stores and have a variety of uses your whole family can benefit from.

· Be wary of buying products just because they claim to be natural or organic. If products aren’t ‘certified organic‘ then they aren’t the real deal. Many companies misrepresent their goods and produce in this manner to gain market share.

· Take advantage of some of the companies that offer a free Naturopath or skin specialist consultation online, by email or telephone to discuss your needs and that of your family, if you don’t already have someone that you can consult locally.

Natural Not Neccessarily Safe Either

Natural, does not mean non-allergenic, do a patch test on yourself, your babies and children and wait 24hours before using each new product. My personal favourite products are: The Wild range as shown here on the Hillside Herbal site. The Purist Company who offer the A’kin and Al’chemy brands. Thursday Plantation and Nature’s Organics; both readily available, the latter uses biodegradable packaging.

In 2002/03 I was privileged to be working for a company called Healthstream (now Golden Glow), in customer service as a shift supervisor. We had well informed staff, including qualified Naturopaths and a research Chemist and information from experts at Herron Pharmaceuticals; our then parent company. This is why I became interested in this topic and decided to inform other consumers. You may choose not to believe me; I suggest you go and do the research for yourself; make your own informed decision on this topic.

It is never too soon to start creating a world that you would want to live in!

Sassy Parents

Parenting Sassy Sense

Contents Of Uncommon Sense

Newborn Baby Safety Sense

Baby The Great Cover Up

Damned Dummies

Put A Lid On It

Slap, Smack, Spank; It’s Stupid

Contaminating Our Kids

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