As a parent, there are signs you should look for regarding dehydration in your baby. Dehydration can follow sicknesses such as gastrointestinal or viral infections and upper respiratory infections. Hillarry from Silver Bee Photography who is an Austin baby photographer has a few things to say on the subject:

Signs of Dehydration -
• If you think your baby looks overly tired and the baby’s eyes seem sunken.
• If your baby has had loose stools frequently for a few days.
• If your baby seems lethargic or if you have noticed less activity in baby.
• If your baby’s mouth is dry and if the lips are scaling, chapped or not red or pink.
• If the baby is taking in less fluids and not eating well.

Baby Infections – Always watch for signs of a viral or bacterial infection such as a fever, coughs, cold or foul-smelling stools that have an unusual coloring.

Urination – Oftentimes in infants, urination is the true test for dehydration. Is the baby still urinating often? If your baby is still urinating, you might have caught the dehydration before it has become severe.

How to Manage Fluids for Baby – Try to remember that dehydration occurs more when your baby is losing fluids, either by having frequent diarrhea or by vomiting, and not taking in enough fluids at the same time. If you can get your baby to drink a lot of fluid, even small amounts at one time, you might prevent the baby from becoming dehydrated. A big mistake that many parents make is trying to get the baby to drink liquids too quickly, which can cause more vomiting.

Episodes of Diarrhea – If you have a baby that is under the age of two or older than two years old, several episodes of diarrhea may be your clue to a possible case of dehydration. Everyone knows that what goes in is going to come out. The reverse is true as well. Usually around the age of two years old, “toddler’s diarrhea” occurs. This is when your baby is working on tuning their metabolism and the bouts of diarrhea are attributed to the high protein and sugar intake and low-fat intake.

To learn more about how to treat dehydration, you should always take your baby in to see a doctor, health care practitioner or pediatrician. Diarrhea can be very serious if you miss the signs and the baby goes too long being dehydrated.

About Hillarry the Baby Photographer

If you plan on having a little one and would like to capture the first few days of life, reach out to Hillarry, she is an artist and a joy to work with as a newborn photographer.

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Imagine being completely off your game for nine long, boring months. In decades past, the general consensus was that pregnant moms need not exercise, and that bed rest would benefit mom and baby alike in most cases. Today, we know that our ancestors were wrong. Exercise benefits you, and it benefits your unborn baby, too. It can help you look and feel your best, and it can help boost your mood. Before we begin, it’s important that we provide this important caveat: Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine, any time. It’s vital that you make sure that you are in good health before starting to exercise, particularly if it has been a long time since you last worked out. With this being said, let’s get started. 

What Exercise Can Do For You

Getting regular exercise during your pregnancy can help to improve your posture, and it can help to decrease some common sources of pregnancy discomfort, such as fatigue and backaches. There is also some evidence that even small amounts of exercise can help to prevent gestational diabetes.

In addition, exercise helps to reduce stress, and it helps your body gain strength and stamina to get you through the labor and delivery process.

Choosing Exercise Routines

If you have always been physically active, you can continue your activity – but do so in moderation. Don’t attempt to exercise at the same level you did before you found out you were pregnant, and if you tend to prefer high-impact aerobics or contact sports, skip those until after you’ve had your baby. If you compete at all, be sure your doctor knows what you are doing, and be sure to check in for regular monitoring to ensure that your activity will not cause any adverse effects.

If you’ve skipped exercise for a long time, you should start with something easy, and what could be easier than walking? Walking is generally considered to be a safe activity, and it’s one you can enjoy throughout your entire pregnancy.

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, or if you have a pregnancy-related condition such as low placenta, bleeding or spotting, a weak cervix, premature birth history, or other conditions that could cause miscarriage, exercise might not be advisable unless you are closely monitored by your physician.

For most women, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, unless you have pregnancy complications or other medical problems.

In addition to walking, there are a number of other exercises that are typically considered to be safe during pregnancy. Swimming, indoor stationary cycling, elliptical machines, and step machines can be highly beneficial, and they can be continued throughout the entire pregnancy.

If you enjoy playing sports like racquetball or tennis, you’ll find that changes in balance during your pregnancy might affect your ability to play effectively. If you like jogging, you can do so at a moderate level if you did so before you were pregnant – just remember to stay hydrated, and don’t overdo it.

Strength and toning exercises are also beneficial during pregnancy, but anything that could put you at risk for a fall or major accident, such as horseback riding, skiing, or cycling outdoors ought to be avoided.

Finally, some activities can cause harm. These include:

• Exercises that require you to hold your breath
• Contact sports including volleyball, softball, basketball, football, or soccer
• Activities that could cause abdominal trauma due to rapid changes in direction or jarring motions
• Deep knee bends, double leg raises, full sit-ups, and straight leg toe touches
• Any activity that calls for hopping, bouncing, full-speed running, or skipping
• Waist-twisting movements
• Exercise in hot or humid weather

Remember to warm up and cool down, and pay close attention to your body, noting any signs that indicate you might be overdoing it. If in doubt, call your health care provider right away.

Myla Martin writes about health and pregnancy topics for women and is and regular contributor for Trendy Tummy Maternity. 

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Becoming a teenager also means becoming a tad more pragmatic, mature, and responsible. The desire to maintain a more independent lifestyle becomes all the more firm. You no longer want to be dependent on your parents as far as your weekly allowance is concerned. As a teenager, looking forward to your first job can be pretty exciting and it shouldn’t be difficult to find one, as long you have the zest for it and are willing to work hard, learn as much as you can, and be responsible. Following are a few such interesting odd jobs that you could do in order to earn some money and save up for the summer.

Working at a retail outlet

If it’s your first job, there’s plenty you can learn by working at grocery stores, huge departmental store chains like Wal-Mart and IKEA, or shops that sell clothes, cards, games, gadgets etc. Whether your work involves stocking shelves, sitting on the cash counter, running a register, or displaying products to customers, working at a retail outlet will teach you a lot – right from enhancing your communication skills and problem solving to managing finances and much more.

Interesting garden activities to earn a quick buck

If gardening is one of your favorite hobbies, mowing a lawn, trimming a hedge or getting your hands dirty by weeding a garden would be a dream job. With busy lifestyles, people are hardly left with any time or energy to look after their gardens. So cleaning a neighbor’s garden, watering someone’s precious flower bed or beautiful plants, or removing weeds – a task that majority garden owners cringe at, can prove to be an interesting source to earn some greens.

Chilling with the pets

Are you an animal lover? Do you seem to have a way with animals? Have you always longed to have a pet but you either can’t afford one or you’re not allowed to have one? If yes, the best option for you would be to look out for jobs where you get to do some pet sitting, dog walking, or pet grooming. Often there are times when people need assistance with their pets – maybe they need to go out of town and need their pets to be looked after, or after a long tiring day at work, a tired couple may deem it ideal to have someone walk or run their dog for them, or someone to give their pet a nice little scrub over the weekend. So look around for people with such needs and have a nice time playing with pets, learning how to care for them and get acquainted with some interesting exotic pets – and the best part, get paid for it!

Babysitting

Another popular job amongst teenagers, babysitting is yet another way of earning some extra money. Nevertheless, to be a babysitter, you need to be extra careful, cautious and above all, you should like kids! It will give you an opportunity to show that you have long given up your nonchalant childish attitude and that you’ve become a responsible individual now. However, you might consider getting some first aid training before you venture out as a babysitter. So if you like kids and if you need to earn some money, you know what to do!

There are lots of other similar jobs that you choose from, depending upon you interest, inclination and the number of hours you can dedicate to the job.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Creative Commons image source

Jessica Matthew is a home-maker and a proud mother of two lovely kids. She knows the pain of finding a good babysitter in Brighton and that’s why she recommends Abracadabra childcare services to her fellow mothers.

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People who enjoy saving money typically live in a frugal manner. There are many ways in which you can cut expenses for your household, including clipping coupons and making some of your regularly used products at home. Consider the following tips, and you soon will be able to significantly reduce your family’s budget.

Rewards Programs for Stores

Join as many rewards programs as you possibly can. These even can be for stores which you do not shop at often. The most important thing is that you will receive coupons in your email or postal mail for products that you may end up buying. So that your regular email inbox does not become bombarded by such emails, create a gmail account just for this purpose.

Stick to a List

Whenever you go shopping, be sure that you write out a list of items that you need. That way, you will be focused on looking for these particular products, and can avoid impulse buying. While it is perfectly fine to pick up a surprise treat or some type of product, especially when there is a great deal going on, make it a point to not purchase items that are not on the list. You definitely will save money this way.

Repair Old/Damaged Clothing

If you have never upcycled or even heard of this term, now is a great time to learn. There likely are many articles of clothing that can be given a new purpose or fixed up by using a bit of ingenuity. This is quite easy if you know how to sew and/or knit, but you can save your clothes even if you do not have these skills. Save yourself the trouble and expense of having to buy new clothing.

Cook at Home

Avoid convenience and fast foods as much as possible. Cook as many meals as possible at home. If you cook large meals on the weekend, freeze them for quick, nutritious meals you can serve during the week. Eating good can be inexpensive and not take too much of your time.

Make Your Own Gifts

There are numerous gifts which you can make yourself. Food mixes, baked goods, soap, candles, and knit items can be made easily and inexpensively. Add in a hand-written note, package it nicely, and you have a gift that anyone is sure to treasure.

Saving money in one’s life is a goal that spans across all cultures. It does not matter your language or what your background is, when it comes to spending it is invaluable to be frugal. Follow the above tips, and research to learn about many others that will help you to cut back on your spending.

Tim is a freelance writer and also contributes at Technovate Translations. If not writing for the language and culture subject, you can find him on his keyboard talking about frugal living.

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Do you remember being eighteen or nineteen, when every new option that came your way felt like an opportunity for adventure? As teenagers or young adults, many people embrace change as a way of life. Think of semesters abroad or the ill-thought-out trips that you took with friends. As we grow older, many of us become more and more wary of change. We think our relationships should be more stable, and it feels like a huge setback if they end. We often stay at dead-end jobs or decide against pursuing a new line or work that might require additional training. Even our nights out or date evenings can become rather scripted, because we long so much for comfort and reliability. What do you do then when you are faced with imminent change in your personal life?

Think Ahead

Be forward thinking about the changes in your life. If you are forced to leave a job that you have become comfortable with, perhaps this is even better for your future. Sometimes major changes, like getting laid off or not winning a promotion, are just the fuel we need to kick start a new career or open a different chapter in our lives. Visualize ways that this change could impact your future in a positive manner and begin to make that a reality.

Be Flexible

Easier said than done at first, being flexible is a key to surviving the many changes we face in our lives. No matter how hard you try, change is inevitable. Growing older, changing financial needs, the evolution of our family lives–all of these transitions become a part of our experience, whether we like it or not. Adapting a flexible attitude will prepare you for change. It will keep you from sinking into doubt and depression when unexpected change happens.

Move Forward

Sometimes, we can get stuck in old patterns, even after a change has taken place. Perhaps you have never really tried to date again after a divorce or bad breakup, or maybe you are still holding out hope that your ex will see the light and come back. Moving on is an important part of embracing change in your life. If you have moved cities, but only socialize by talking on the phone to old friends, or if you are too scared to date again after losing at love, it is very important to embrace the change that you have experienced. This can lead to personal growth, new relationships, and a better ability to live with change.

Don’t Do It Alone

Change can be isolating. Sometimes you may feel like no one wants to hear you complain or that you can no longer relate to people you used to call your friends. Whatever the circumstances around changes in your life, make sure that you keep a strong support group. Change management training is a good option to help you learn to deal with change and to become a team player when you experience transitions. Whether it is grabbing coffee with a coworker or joining a book club, fill your life with interesting people. Shared experiences and changes will help create a lasting bond.

This is a guest post by Kate Simmons, aspiring freelance writer and life coach. Kate is convinced that change is one of the most important things in life, and tries to help others think the same way.

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Spring is coming and the garden will once again become a playground for children. There is plenty that can be done in the garden to ensure the kids remain both active and entertained away from the television and games consoles.  I will offer a few different sports and games which can be enjoyed in gardens of all size, but remember what really counts is enthusiasm and- at times – a bit of creativity.

Football

Football is one of those sports where the kids will happily enjoy running around for hours. Whether tackling each other or practicing penalties, the fun is endless. If you want to help get involved why not create different routines? Keep-ups are always great exercise as they improve control, concentration and feel for the ball. The kids will always want to better their previous score as well. Alternatively you could buy a small 5 aside net or some cones to help improve their shooting or dribbling.

Trampolining

I don’t think there are any kids who have a dislike for trampolines; the fun involved in bouncing around is endless. Admittedly a decent size trampoline will not be cheap, however once purchased and built it will provides years of use. There is also the health benefit that trampolining provides which may not always be thought of: whilst kids are spending hour after hour jumping around, the positive effects on the body are endless. You do not have to opt for professional size models either – Trampolines come in all different sizes so getting one you can accommodate should be no problem. And if you are worried about safety, netting can be put around the sides to avoid any accidents.

Garden Cricket

Something a little different and in my opinion best enjoyed with a few players, garden cricket will provide an afternoon of entertainment.  It doesn’t need to involve the proper equipment, be creative; it will make it more enjoyable. For example use an old plastic chair as the stumps and a tennis ball to prevent any breakages – all you then need is a small bat. Why not split the kids into two teams? A bit of healthy competition will add to the excitement, the tight confines of the garden should make the game unpredictable and fast paced meaning nobody should lose interest.

Swingball

Swingball is a fun exercise to be enjoyed by all ages; it is a great option for the garden as it does not require much space. Typically a game to be enjoyed by two it is relatively cheap and can be taken down and moved whenever necessary.

Featured images:

•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1403203

This is a guest post from Chris, who organises the childrens parties at Tenpin Bowling. If you are looking for entertainment this February half term, when the weather might not be good enough to play in the garden, families can take advantage of half term offers.

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Whether your know it or not, your teen probably has a Facebook or Twitter account. Some parents allow their child to have these accounts as long as they are monitored and as long as their child follows certain rules. Some parents think that not allowing their child to have an account will keep them off these sites, but many teens are going behind their parents backs and creating a Facebook or Twitter account in order to keep up with their friends.

While you’d like to think that your child’s use of these sites is harmless, social media puts your child at risk. This is why it’s very important that you determine if your child has an account and start to pay attention to who their friends are. Not only will this information let you know if your child is safe, but it can also give you insight into what your child is really interested in.

Predators

There are far too many online predators that locate young children on social networks, friend them, and con them into relationships that can harm your child. For example, many predators use social networks to build relationships with young teens and get them to meet them in person where your child is either harmed or kidnapped.

Pay attention to the people that your child is becoming friends with or the people your child is talking to while on these sites. You can then do you own research to determine if the person is real or if it’s someone trying to con your child. Knowing this information can help you to keep your child safe.

Bullies

Cyber bullying is an unfortunate epidemic in this world, and paying attention to your child’s friends will help you determine if your child is a victim of cyber bullying or if they’re participating in cyber bullying activities. Teens like Phoebe Prince and Megan Meier made headlines when they each committed suicide after being cyber bullied.

Bad Habits

Paying attention to your child’s online friends can also help you determine if your child is hanging out with the wrong crowd or involved in things they shouldn’t be. For example, you may realize that your child is hanging out with a group of people who are known to abuse drugs or alcohol or partake in other illegal activities. By knowing this information, you can pay closer attention to your child and whom they’re hanging out with in real life, and you can intervene if you suspect that they are involved in illegal or harmful activities.

Bad Interests

Along with paying attention to their friends, you should also pay attention to what they say, do or “like” while on these sites. For example, if you notice that your child is constantly joining groups about violence, you will want to use that as a sign that something is wrong. This way, you can get your child the right help for their issues before it’s too late.

Joshua Reynolds is a social media manager from Miami.  He avidly blogs about social media dangers and teen online safety tips.

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