Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 by Publish in Paradise

Natural Baby Magazine

4 Steps to a Healthier You this New Year

The Wellness Issue

Recipe: Pregnancy Tea

The BEST Solution for Every Day Wellness

Probiotics & Baby Health Ways to Turn Your Weight Loss Resolution into a Reality

4 Things No One Tells You about Preparing for Baby

Free Digital Editions! January 2018

NaturalBabyMag.com

Last Chance To Enter Our Contest! Enter Our Bath Story Contest! Send us your best baby bath time fun story and You Could Win! To Enter: Share your Best Bath Time story with us in 250 to 600 words. View rules/restrictions online at www.naturalbabymag.com/bathstory.html Deadline to Enter: January 25, 2018 (EXTENDED!)

The winning entry will be published in Natural Baby Magazine and the winner will receive this bar of Rubber Ducky Soap! Open to U.S. Residents Only

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Contribute to Natural Baby Magazine:

If you would like to contribute to Natural Baby Magazine, email the publisher, Angela, at publisher@publishinparadise.com with your story ideas. Product Reviews:

If you have products/programs that encourage parents to go “all Follow us on Facebook and natural” with their babies, you may Instagram email the publisher, Angela, at @NaturalBabyMag publisher@publishinparadise.com To be the first to be notified for consideration of a review. Please include a detailed description of about new issues, contests, your product as well as photos.

blog articles and more.

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InThisIssue January is BirthDefectsAwarenessMonth

BeautifulBabies & BabyBumps 4 Photos from Our Readers… Natural Baby Magazine is a publication of Publish In Paradise PublishinParadise.com. © 2018 Publish In Paradise. All rights Reserved. The mission of Natural Baby Magazine is to provide helpful information to expectant and new parents from birth through the first year using all natural products, solutions, ideas and more. No information in our magazines, on our website or blogs is meant to replace advice from your family doctor, obstetrician, pediatrician, midwife or other medical provider. Although we align ourselves with holistic approaches, we are only providing information. This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek medical attention whenever necessary.

Publisher Angela J. Willard naturalbaby@publishinparadise.com Advertising Email: ads@publishinparadise.com

NaturalHealth 6 4 Steps to a Healthier You this New Year 8 5 Ways to Feel Good While Getting Fit 10 Ways to Turn Your Weight Loss Resolution into a Reality 11 A Cup of Tea Can Be the Best Solution for Everyday Wellness

NaturalBirth 13 4 Things No One Tells You about Preparing for Baby 14 Recipe: Pregnancy Tea

NaturalHome 16 Wellness Begins at Home: 5 Tips for a Healthier, Happier Home

NaturalFeeding Our Cover Model: Adeline Taylor

18 Probiotics & Baby Health

Adeline's photo was submitted by her Mommy, Cassie McKenzie, who had this to say about her photo:

NaturalLearning

“We were outta town for a wedding. This was her first time in a hotel and she was having a blast just laying on the bed being silly. She’s 5 months old in this picture.”

22 Reader Survey: What Are Your Thoughts? On Donating Cord Blood

20 When to Introduce Tech to Children

REMINDERS: ● Our Bath Story Contest Ends January 25

To have your baby on our cover– submit your photos to us online at

NaturalBabyMag.com

● Our New Reader Survey Is Online! ● You Can Subscribe to Natural Baby Magazine Free (Digital Editions)

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Breanna Francis, representing long, natural curly hair .

Parent: Brendy Francis

Olyver Molina at 3 months, wearing 12 month clothes and weighing 17 pounds, thanks to his healthy appetite and a mama blessed with thick breast milk.

Parent: Kaycee Molina

Mason Ring, learning to drink out of a sippy cup.

Parents: Ivy Rasmussen and Bradley Ring Lynn

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Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 | ÂŠ 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

Submit Your Baby & Bump Pics for Publication in Our Upcoming Issues! Submit online at NaturalBabyMag.com! Note: Not all photos submitted can be published but we will do our best to publish as many baby & baby bump pics as we can!

Tanisha Demmert showing of her baby bump at 18 weeks. This is Tanisha’s first baby and she is anxiously awaiting her bundle of joy by June 5.

Yuvaan Munjal seen here at six months.

Parent: Shanky Munjal

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ant to make resolutions you’ll keep this new year? Think simple, sustainable changes. Follow these four steps for a healthier you, inside and out.

introduce workouts to your schedule in small doses. Dread cardio or weight machines? Find something that you’ll look forward to, like a cycling class, yoga or outdoor pursuits. Choosing activities that you enjoy will increase your chances of sticking to your resolution.

Stick to Your Workout After the holidays, the gym is filled with people who have resolved to incorporate exercise routines into their lives. Come February, the novelty of the new year wears off, life gets in the way and, according to “U.S. News & World Report,” 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of the month. Instead of jumping from no routine to a seven-days-a-week commitment,

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Eat Smarter According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most Americans are falling short of their fruit and vegetable intake goals, and most eat only half the recommended amount of fiber. To increase your consumption of essential nutrients, create a grocery list

packed with fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains. Plan meals for the week to ensure you stick to a whole-food menu. Keep ingredients on hand for meals you can make in a pinch, so you’re not tempted by fast food on a busy day. Try frozen salmon fillets, which you can cook without thawing, or eggs, low-fat cheese and veggies for a quick-baking frittata. Freeze individual servings of chopped fruits and vegetables in resealable bags to create quick and delicious smoothies each morning in a high-powered blender, such as the Vitamix E310 Explorian Series machine. For a satisfying, energyboosting snack, use your blender to premake Dried Fruit Chia Bars or White Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls.

busy schedule, then cross items off the list when completed.

Practice Positivity A sunny outlook can affect your wellbeing. Keep a gratitude journal by writing down something good that happens each day. On bad days, you’ll be forced to focus on the positive aspects of your life. One of the best ways to improve your happiness is by giving others a boost. Volunteer with a charitable organization or donate to a favorite cause. Practice doing something kind daily.

This new year, take small steps to help you feel happier and healthier.

Stress Less Stress can have adverse effects on minds and bodies, as insomnia, weight gain, anxiety and depression are all potential related risks. While it isn’t always avoidable, simple changes will help you manage tension. Sometimes, stress can be solved with some “me time.” Treat yourself to a massage or manicure, soak in a hot bath, or unwind with a nature walk. Connecting with others can help, too. Plan a brunch with your best friend or a date night with your significant other. Feeling overwhelmed with work and family life? Build out a to-do list or calendar to feel more in control of your

Source: StatePoint

Daily Affirmations: 1. I Am Fabulous 2. I Am Loved 3. I Am Kind 4. I Am A Great Parent 5. I Am Successful 6. I Am Honest 7. I Am Trustworthy 8. I Am Patient

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etting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all. Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If you find yourself struggling to stick to your goals, you're in good company. A whopping 67 percent of people surveyed by Statistic Brain in 2017 said they have gym memberships they never use. Even after a great start, you may find yourself struggling to find motivation to stay on track. Try one of these tips to make it easier to make your fitness regimen stick and

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most importantly - feel good while getting fit!

Get a workout buddy: If getting out of bed or off the couch is your biggest challenge, it's time to use the phone-afriend solution for some motivation. Find someone you like who's at a similar fitness level and make plans to meet up for a workout. Psychologically, you'll be much more likely to show up for the class, the weight session or the morning run when you know someone's waiting for you. Plus, working out will be a breeze with your buddy!

Streamline your routine: Don't let your fear of sweat keep you from getting fit. With a few tricks, you can get back to

Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 | ÂŠ 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

glam in minutes, even when you lack time to shower. First, make smart use of the tools they have on hand at the gym. Grab some extra towels and pound out that treadmill run with the high-powered fan on full blast. In the locker room, hand dryers (and a dab of dry shampoo) are great for getting your tresses looking great again. Cleansing cloths at the ready can also be a lifesaver. Summer's Eve Cleansing Cloths let you freshen up on the go and are balanced to a woman's natural pH, so you'll always leave the gym feeling fresh and ready to take on the world.

Inspire your ears: Let's face facts: Workouts get tedious. If the thought of sprinting and lifting your way through the next circuit bores you to tears, try uploading your playlist with fast-paced music that gets your heart racing. Don't worry what others think - this is for your ears only! If it makes you feel good, you'll be more likely to experience a positive workout.

Be ready for action: As soon as you're home from your session, re-pack your gym bag as soon as possible so you'll never waste a moment hunting around the house for your workout gear, such as sneakers, earbuds and products that help you ease back into your day. Stash essentials like Summer's Eve Cleansing Wash in your bag as well for days that you can fit in a quick shower after your workout. It not only gently cleanses and freshens your skin after a grueling workout, it removes odor-causing bacteria, so you'll feel fantastic, inside and out.

Update your attire: Ever notice how easy it is to get out of bed when you know you have a new outfit to wear to work? Feeling good about how you look can put a spring in your step and motivate you to get up and out the door. When you notice that your fitness routine is lagging, maybe it's time to spruce up your workout attire. Bonus: If you've lost a few pounds, you'll get an extra lift from that ego boost!

Source: BPT

This New Year, I Resolve To: 1. Spend More Time Reading 2. Eat More Fruit 3. Eat My Broccoli! 4. Have Monthly Date Nights 5. Take 30 Minutes For Self Every. Single. Day.! 6. Jog/Walk/Treadmill Daily 7. Eat for My Health 8. Make Homemade Baby Food 9. Use Cloth Diapers 10. Make Cloth Baby Wipes 11. Watch Someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Child Free 12. Tell 10 People About Natural Baby Magazine!

Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 | ÂŠ 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

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If you have a lot of weight to lose in the New Year, it may feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially if you have struggled with weight loss before. Here are a few ways to turn your resolution into a reality.

Get Moving These are more ways than ever to get moving these days -- from video games that encourage movement to online portals that allow users to try out different local exercise classes commitment-free. The most important thing is to find activities you enjoy doing, so it never feels like a chore. Whether it’s taking a dance class or going for a bike ride, you can stay motivated if it’s fun and takes your mind off the fact that you are actually exercising.

Ways to Turn Your Weight Loss Resolution into a Reality do. It helps you feel full and lose weight by taking up space in the stomach, and slowing the digestion of food, helping dieters lose up to three times the weight of diet and exercise alone. “I was a heart attack waiting to happen and I knew I needed to do something long-term to change my life,” says David Cox, an Orbera patient who lost 50 lbs with the device. “When I did the research, I could see people like me staying healthy for a long period of time, and I thought, ‘that’s going to work for me’.” This weight loss aid was designed for those who tried other weight loss programs, but were unable to lose weight and keep it off. To learn more, visit Orbera.com.

Get Help Rethink Portion Control Portion control is fundamental to weight loss; however, the typical diet can often leave you feeling hungry or dissatisfied. To adapt to healthier potion sizes, consider a weight loss balloon such as Orbera, which is placed inside the stomach during a short, non-surgical procedure and remains there for six months, doing what most diets cannot

Most major endeavors gain momentum with help. Weight loss is no exception. Be sure to seek out resources and tools to aid your efforts, as well as support from friends, family and professionals. Many weight loss programs help their users by offering interactive support, free recipes and other resources. (Continued on page 12)

A Cup of Tea Can Be the Best Solution for Everyday Wellness Before medicine and pharmaceuticals filled our remedy box, food and food ingredients were considered healing agents. Hippocrates was wise in his understanding of the special powers of food, beyond satisfying our appetites: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." There are many cultures that rely on herbal remedies and natural foods for everything from soothing an upset stomach to lifting our spirits when we're down, to calming jittery nerves and even fending off colds and flu. Many of the best cosmetics tout ingredients to smooth skin, prevent aging, block the sun, reduce inflammation and minimize puffiness. There are four common herbs that have been used by many cultures and that are found in many of our kitchens.

1. Turmeric is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic practices. In Hindu, the bright yellow color of turmeric is associated with the sun. In India, turmeric is used in wedding and religious ceremonies and is thought to

bring good fortune. Not only is it said to brighten our spirits, but it has also been found to have some antiinflammatory properties, which are healing for the body 2. Ginger, a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-find root, is considered a very healthful spice in the same family as turmeric. It is rich in many healthy components and has a strong aroma caused by the compound gingerol. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional and alternative medicine. It is most commonly used to soothe a stomach ache and combat nausea, and is frequently used by women to prevent morning sickness during pregnancy. Like turmeric it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful in reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis and menstruation. 3. Another popular spice is cinnamon, which is known for its healthy antioxidant properties and delicious sweet taste. It may help to reduce inflammation and be heart healthy. It may also be helpful in regulating blood sugar levels within the body,

Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 | ÂŠ 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

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and even have some protective effect against developing colds. 4. Chamomile is a flower that has historically been associated with relaxation and calming. Many different cultures have used it alongside lavender as a soothing beverage to enjoy before bedtime. Many of these ingredients can be found in our pantries, and including them in our diets is as simple as incorporating them into recipes or brewing up a delicious cup of tea. Herbal teas are a delicious and probably the easiest way to introduce these ingredients into our daily lives. Sipping tea throughout the day provides a natural break. Many tea drinkers proudly sport their mugs to stay hydrated, refreshed and alert. Tea itself (from the plant Camellia sinensis) contains many healthy compounds such as polyphenols, which are great antioxidant compounds. Studies with this phenomenal beverage are linked to many areas of health and wellness. It's no wonder that tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. People drink tea proudly knowing they are not only enjoying something delicious, but also giving their well-being a boost. Bigelow Tea has long understood the art of blending top-quality ingredients in their teas and has recently introduced a new line called Bigelow Benefits, which takes the concept of herbal tea one step further by carefully crafting a tea bag with an enticing mix of beneficial herbs, flowers and fruits that supports your daily health. The flavorful combinations include Cinnamon & Blackberry, Peach & Ginger, Chamomile & Lavender and Turmeric Chili Matcha to name a few.

Designed to add everyday value to a regular healthy lifestyle, each contains ingredients that are commonly thought to help safely support and enhance life's everyday moments and bring the wellness benefits of ancient civilizations to your teacup. For more information about Bigelow Benefits, visit bigelowtea.com/benefits. So next time you are looking to have a more healthful lifestyle, or just a good night's sleep, look no further than your tea cup.

Source: BPT

See Our Recipe for Pregnancy Tea on Page 14 (Continued from page 10)

For example, Orbera offers as 12month program that includes an online coaching system where patients are able to connect with dietitians via video conferencing, as well as tracking tools that make it easy to share progress with coaches and doctors. Losing weight sustainably and for good can be simple with smart strategies and the right support. So, this year, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just resolve to lose weight; actually do it.

Source: StatePoint

NB12 Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 | ÂŠ 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

t's only a matter of time now. Your little bundle of joy is on its way, and for the first time you are about to be a parent. Think you're ready? Many people do and then the reality of parenthood strikes them. Remember your friends who said being a parent is nothing like they expected? They were right.

■ Take advantage of your freedom. If this is your first baby, you need to maximize every second of freedom you have left. Go to the movies, order an appetizer and a dessert at dinner, travel, decide to leave the house and then do so 25 seconds later. Watch television shows with cuss words.

Parenting is a wild ride, but it's also one of the - if not the - most rewarding things you'll ever do in your life. Just don't expect it to be smooth sailing right from the get-go. It's going to be challenging, but there are things you can do to prepare before your life changes forever.

■ Sleep now. Dais recently teamed up with Store Brand infant formula to help get the word out about ways parents can prepare before their baby arrives. Earlier this year, they released a "Baby's First Year" survey that found 25 percent of new moms confessed their biggest fear before their baby's arrival was the fear of never sleeping again. You will sleep again, but it might not be for a few months, so it's important to get it in while you still can!

To give you the leg up you so desperately need, Dawn Dais, author of the parenting book "The Sh!t No One Tells You," offers this advice:

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■ Do your research. Make sure to discuss important topics before the baby arrives, such as feeding. The Store Brand formula survey found infant formula is the last topic researched by new moms while pregnant, but the No. 1 topic researched after their baby arrives. Feeding is the most important thing you do with your baby, so why is it so far down on the list? A lot of new parents don't think about this because they just assume they will breastfeed. They are told that it is the most natural thing on the planet and so it's not even a consideration or option not to breastfeed. But what people don't tell you is that breastfeeding can be hard and there may be challenges. The survey also found that more than 50 percent of moms experience issues when it comes to breastfeeding baby, with low breast milk supply being the top concern. So knowing your feeding options before baby arrives is vital.

■ Babies are expensive, so know where you can save big. It's important to note that all infant formulas are required to meet the same FDA standards. That means you can choose store-brand infant formulas that meet the same federal nutrient requirements for baby as nationally advertised brands, and in fact, cost up to 50 percent less! Make the most of your new role as a parent Having a child is the most monumental change you can make to your life, but the joys that come with parenting make the process entirely worth it. So, plan ahead now by applying the tips above and you'll eliminate some of those potential headaches. To learn more about feeding options and the "Baby's First Year" survey, visit storebrandformula.com. Source: BPT

Pregnancy Tea Recipe This is a tonic tea that needs to be used on a regular basis–a tonic is to the body's cells like exercise is to the body's muscles. Drink your tea, Mama! Recipe: ■ 15 Parts Red Raspberry Leaf ■ 5 Parts Alfalfa ■ 3 Parts Comfrey ■ 1 Part Cinnamon Mix herbs together to make your tea blend, as if you are tossing a salad (not in a blender). Put 1/4 cup of the tea blend in a quart jar (glass is best), fill jar with boiling water and let the tea steep for one hour. You can also make a gallon at a time by using a full cup of the tea blend in a gallon jar. Sweeten with honey, as desired. May drink hot or iced. It is best to drink one quart per day. This tea eases morning sickness, tones the uterus and muscles used during labor/delivery, helps prevent miscarriage and hemorrhaging, reduces pain during and after labor/delivery, and aids in a safe and speedy birth. Source: Blessing Way Midwifery Care

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Wellness Begins at Home: 5 Tips for a Healthier, Happier Home From diets to exercise routines to standing at our desks while we work, we do a lot to stay healthy. Most of the time this involves focusing on what we eat and how we move. No doubt this is an essential component to good health, but increasingly, people are realizing their home environment can have a big impact on their mood, their health and how they feel. The following are five changes in your home environment that can have the biggest impact on your overall well-being.

1. Declutter. Over the years, the stuff we own starts to pile up. Most of it we don't need, but it's hard to get rid of a lot of things. Maybe it was a gift, or has sentimental value. Whatever the case, it can be difficult, but going through your house and getting rid of the clothes, kitchen appliances and general clutter can be a transformative experience that reduces stress and creates a calmer home atmosphere. 2. Holistic health in your bathroom. Your day begins in the bathroom, so why not start it off right? You shower and brush your teeth, but are you aware of the health and cleansing benefits of using a bidet seat?

Gynecologists, obstetricians and urologists all recommend cleansing with water, and a high-tech bidet seat like TOTO's WASHLET S300e offers a luxury personal cleansing system to make you cleaner and more refreshed than you've ever felt after a bathroom break - and it's more eco-friendly than using toilet paper. You'll be surprised by how this simple addition to your bathroom can benefit men and women at all stages of life. Looking for a seamless installation? Consider TOTO's Carlyle II 1G Connect+ S300e One-Piece Toilet, which delivers all the personal cleansing and comfort benefits of the WASHLET and conceals the water supply and electrical connection. This elegant combination will complement any bathroom decor. To discover more life-changing alterations to make to your bathroom, visit totousa.com and discover what their people-first innovations can do for you and your home 3. The bedroom is for sleeping. Your mood, energy level, ambition and so much more depends on getting a full night's sleep. To help ensure you get enough sleep, transform your

NB16 Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 | ÂŠ 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

bedroom into a sanctuary. If you have a TV in it, take it out and leave your phone in the kitchen when you go to bed. Your bedroom should be a spot for sleeping and relaxing activities such as reading or meditating. 4. Color matters. The color of a room has a huge impact on your mood; in fact, the color of a room can make or break a space. As a rule of thumb, many interior designers break colors into warm and cool. Warm colors such as yellow, orange and red create an energized space and may be great options for a family room or home office. Cool tones such as blue or green create a calming atmosphere, perfect for spaces where you go to relax and unwind. 5. Plants. It sounds simple, but it's easy to overlook this one. Indoor plants provide the double service of boosting your mood and cleaning the air. For instance, common house plants such as a spider plant, peace lilies and a number of ferns naturally remove toxins such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and more from the air. This is a vital service, especially in winter.

Source: BPT

Read our blog for more articles… ● Natural Bathroom Cleaners ● Resolve to Get More Shuteye? Here Are 4 Sleep Hacks to Help ● 5 Tips to Have Fun and Enhance Learning ● Product Review: QuickZip Crib Zip-On Sheet Set ● 5 Clever Hacks to Simplify Your Family's Morning ● How Well Do You Know Your Birth Control? ● Mandy Moore's Advice to Pursuing Life Goals ● 5 Simple Ways Parents Can Make the World Gentle for Baby ● Building a Successful Budget ● 4 tips for choosing the right car seat ● Before You Give Birth, Ask These 4 Questions About Your Hospital ● 7 Often Missed Babyproofing Tips ● Tips for Baby’s 1st Foods ● And more….

naturalbabymag.com/ natural-baby-blog

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Probiotics

& Baby Health

new clinical trial shows that parents can safely improve gut health in that crucial first year of life while a baby’s metabolism and immune system are developing.

A team of scientists at the University of California Davis have spent years researching a beneficial gut bacteria called B. infantis that has gone missing in nine out of 10 U.S. babies. Scientists attribute this trend to modern medical practices such as antibiotic usage and C-Sections. Unfortunately, when this good bacteria is missing, baby’s gut microbiome often becomes disrupted, increasing the risk of developing shortand long-term health issues like colic, eczema, allergies, diabetes and obesity. The groundbreaking news, notes the new clinical trial, is that a probiotic called

Evivo results in rapid and substantial restoration of gut health in babies. “When the right bacteria for babies is combined with breast milk, it can restore the microbiome to its naturally protective state, boosting levels of good bacteria and reducing levels of potentially harmful bacteria, which have been linked to increased risk for long-term conditions such as eczema, allergies, diabetes and obesity,” says Dr. Tanya Altmann, a pediatrician and best-selling nutrition author. “Doing this early in a baby’s life has the potential to reduce the risk of these common health issues later in life.”

Researchers say that their most notable finding is that 100 percent of the babies given Evivo in the study had B. infantis

fully restored. What’s more, infants given Evivo had 80 percent less potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, clostridia, Staph, and Strep linked to disease, as well as significantly lower levels of endotoxins, which are known markers of inflammation and linked to increased risk of chronic disease later in life. “Together with breast milk, Evivo can help set the foundation for a healthy life, protecting your baby’s gut and ultimately building the immune system needed to ward off future health issues,” says Dr. Altmann.

To learn more about babies’ gut health, Evivo and the study results, visit evivo.com.

While a disrupted gut microbiome isn’t always symptomatic in the first few months of life, thanks to new research, you as a parent have the power to safely restore your baby’s gut to its naturally protective state.

Source: StatePoint

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When to Introduce Tech to Children

f you're a parent with a smartphone or tablet, it didn't take long before your little one first reached for your shiny device. If only their fingers weren't covered in slobber at the time, you may have been more willing to hand it over. The good news is that saliva is easy to wipe off! S'mores? Not so much. To your surprise - and theirs learning how to swipe and tap objects to make them move on the screen came quickly and naturally. Oftentimes the challenge soon becomes how to keep their hands off the device. It's perfectly acceptable, even beneficial, for young children to have these interactions with technology ... but only with appropriate parental guidance. HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG? Young children can strengthen their interactions with other family members, as well as improve their familiarity with

sounds, words, language and the world around them, through the responsible use of technology. Most experts agree, however, that children under the age of 2 probably shouldn't trade their rattles in for tablets. There are enough real-world interactions to keep them busy, and whether they play with blocks or pull the cat's tail, these tangible experiences are important to their development. There will be plenty of time to show them Angry Birds when they're a bit older, so allow them to develop their senses by exploring, touching things and even getting into a little mischief.

Once beyond the 24-month mark, you can begin introducing technology to your little tyke. Chances are he or she may already enjoy the privilege at preschool; many toddler day-care centers and preschools now incorporate technology,

NB20 Natural Baby Magazine January 2018 | ÂŠ 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

from computers to tablets, into their curriculum.

responsible way that can educate and aid development.

KIDS' ACCESS TO DIGITAL MEDIA

While education is key, it doesn't always have to be about learning your ABCs and 123s. Plenty of games and apps combine learning and entertainment experiences that are fun for kids. Checking the ESRB age and content rating information in console and online stores (like the Nintendo eShop, the PlayStation Store, the Xbox Store and Windows Store) is a great way to find appropriate games for kids of all ages. ESRB ratings are also assigned to mobile games and apps in the Google Play Store, complete with content descriptors and interactive elements when applicable.

Whether at school or at home, most youngsters interact with screens before they turn 5. According to a survey conducted by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, more than eight in 10 children from age 2 to 10 use digital media every week. In fact, two-thirds have tablets or e-readers. While the interactions are practically inevitable, significant parental and caregiver involvement can help steer them in the right direction, ensuring kids are exposed to content providing the best opportunities for learning.

While education is key, it doesn't always have to be about learning your ABCs and 123s. Between laptop computers, desktop PCs, tablets, televisions and smartphones, there's probably a screen in nearly every room of your home. Although these screens can and often do serve as virtual babysitters, games, apps and other content should be carefully selected, and screen time should be limited to an hour or less a day for toddlers.

As your little ones mature from toddlers to tweens, their use of technology as well as the technology itself will certainly evolve. The breadth of content they enjoy will greatly expand, highlighting the importance of parental involvement in managing and monitoring their time with tech. Regardless of where our smartphones and tablets take us, parental involvement and engagement is key to ensuring kids enjoy a healthy, responsible relationship with technology. Source: BPT

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT By using technology with your children, you'll introduce them to the most beneficial content, while also bonding with them over an exciting, shared experience. Something as simple and fun as taking turns in a game or reading together on a tablet can also help ensure technology is being consumed in a Izabella playing “Balloon Pop” on the iPad.

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Reader Survey

In honor of National Birth Defects Awareness Month and National Blood Donor Month, both this month of January, we have created a survey to collect your thoughts on donating cord blood. The term "cord blood" is used for the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and the placenta after the birth of your baby. This special blood contains stem cells that can help others overcome certain diseases and other health issues. Three Months Before Your Baby is Due [28 to 34 weeks of pregnancy]: ● Talk with your doctor or midwife about your decision to donate umbilical cord blood. ● Find out if your hospital collects cord blood for public donation ● Find & save the phone number of the public cord blood bank in your area.

You can also learn more by visiting bethematch.org/support-thecause/donate-cord-blood/ Always do your due diligence in investigating, researching and thinking seriously on such important subject matters so you can make a decision you are comfortable with.

Would you donate your umbilical cord blood? Take our survey and let us know! www.naturalbabymag.com/survey.html

Photo used under Creative Commons from andrechinn

Learn more by researching online (suggested search terms: “donate cord blood”), at your local library or by asking your health care providers.

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