AskMommy.ca - Recent questions and answers

Answered: Do you believe certain sexual position determine what sex your baby is?

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:15:45 +0000

Unfortunately, sexual positions don't influence baby's gender. It's all in the sperm. If the sperm that fertilizes the egg contains a Y chromosome, it's going to be a boy regardless of other factors like positions or time of the month (another old wive's tale).

About half of men's sperm cells contain an X chromosome (girl), and half contain a Y chromosome (boy), so gender really is the luck of the draw, so to speak.

Answered: is it ok to take your baby out in the winter?

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:55:04 +0000

I had a November baby, so I was concerned about this as well. The public health nurse told me if it was above -10 C and wasn't windy it would be fine to take baby out as long as he was dressed warmly. I also have a cover on my stroller to protect him from the wind and direct sunlight.

Answered: Is it a good idea to use bumper pads in a baby's crib?

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:44:45 +0000

During the early months it is not a good idea to use bumper pads as they pose a suffocation hazard. Once baby is older and can roll, however, bumper pads are necessary to keep baby from putting his/her arms and legs through the slats on the crib or bumping his/her head against the sides.

I found a great product at Snuggle Bugz called the breathable baby bumper. It is made with "Air Channel Technology" and reduces the risk of suffocation, entanglement, and climbing. Here is the link: http://www.snugglebugz.ca/breathable-bumper-11434.html

Answered: how much weight gain is acceptable while pregnant

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:41:31 +0000

The average person is supposed to gain about 30 pounds. If underweight up to 40 pounds and underweight less than 20. Your doctor should tell you how much weight you should gain.

I was doing well for weight gain in my pregnancy until I developed toxemia in the latter half of my third trimester— all that water retension meant I ended up gaining 40 pounds! I was horrified. At least it disappeared within two weeks of having the baby.

Answered: how much and what types of exercise are beneficial when you are pregnant

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:34:04 +0000

I walked in fair weather and used my eliptical when it wasn't nice out. My doctor vetoed my doing aerobics — said high impact activity was not a good idea.

Stretching is a good idea to stay limber.

Answered: Would you ever name your children after a popular group of names?

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:28:19 +0000

I think parents need to avoid naming their children after famous people/couples. Why do anything that may possibly make the life of one's child more difficult? Kids can be cruel and will use just about anything to tease their peers.

Trendy is rarely a good choice — I say stick with the classics.

Answered: Who has baby name regrets?

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:21:50 +0000

I went to school with a guy whose last name was Hore. He always insisted he would name his future daughter Ima — so her name would be Ima Hore. I never did find out if he went through with it...

Also, there was a man in the town I grew up in named Harry Dick. Always wondered what his parents were thinking...

Answered: I want to know the sex of our next baby but my husband doesn't. What's the fair thing to do?

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:11:36 +0000

I see no reason why you can't both have what you want. You would have to make sure you didn't tell anyone the ultrasound results, though so no one could accidentally spill the beans.

You would also have to do all your shopping alone and keep the purchases in a place where he knows not to look.

As long as you can do all that, go ahead and find out.

Answered: why do they say not to put alcohol on a baby's umbilical cord to help dry it up?

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:11:26 +0000

According to what I've read, too much alcohol can actually make the umbilical cord stump stay on longer, which most parents definitely don't want.

Apparently studies indicate alcohol doesn't have the protective effect against infections as once thought as opposed to allowing the umbilical cord to dry on its own.

Answered: My babys always warm. This a normal thing?

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:04:19 +0000

My little guy is like a furnace. He is always warm, but his temperature is always in the normal range. He takes after his father who also is always warm. It is more than likely a matter of genetics.

Answered: Baby has hiccups ALOT. Normal? Weird? You tell me

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:15:54 +0000

Hiccups are common for young babies. My son used to get them at least once a day for the first three months. My doctor told me it was normal and nothing to worry about unless he/she spits up a lot or coughs and seems very cranky.

I found the best remedy for the hiccups was to have my son nurse — they always went away after a few minutes.

Now that he is older (almost 6 months), he only gets them once in a while.

Answered: Constipated newborn here. Need advice

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:07:25 +0000

My son often would go five days with a bowel movement. I too was concerned, but my doctor told me breast fed babies can go for a week without a dirty diaper. As long as your little one has at least 6 wet diapers a day and isn't crying more than usual or pulling her knees to her tummy, there isn't a problem.

Once she is older the dirty diaper count will increase.

Answered: At what age do you allow your child to play in your yard alone?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:03:28 +0000

Maybe I'm over-protective, but I think 4 is way too young to play outside without supervision. I'd be more comfortable with 8 and even then I'd be checking periodically.

I'd rather err on the careful side than have something disasterous happen and have to live with the consequences.

Answered: Strangers touching your baby. How do you deal?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:59:47 +0000

I also worry about germs when people feel the need to touch my son. I try to maneouver him so people can't get their hands on him but, when that doesn't work, I make sure I wash his face, hands etc. when we get home.

Answered: I am going to be going into labour soon. Any day now. Anything that I should know to do early?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:05:06 +0000

Keep yourself well hydrated. Once you are in the hospital they will only give you ice chips. I was parched and the ice chips didn't really cut it. Also, get as much sleep as possible, you may not get much once in hospital and you definitely won't get much with a newborn to care for.

It is also important to be willing to go with the flow. You may need to change your birth plan depending on what happens — and don't let anyone make you feel guilty if you opt for pain management. It is about doing what is right for you and your baby.

Answered: Are you giving birth at home?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:39:58 +0000

I would never consider a home birth because I live in the country (45 minutes from the hospital) and, if a complication arises, I want the necessary medical help close at hand. I would also want the option of an epidural if the pain is too intense.

Answered: Did you have a midwife or OB?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:34:06 +0000

I had an OB because it offered me some extra peace of mind. I ended up developing toxemia and had to be induced, so I definitely made the right decision.

Answered: If your partner has their heart set on a name for your baby, but you think it's horrible, would you let him have his way?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:27:49 +0000

When it comes to your child's name, I think it needs to be one both parents like. Keep going through names until you find one both of you can agree on.

If the name your partner likes is beacuse of a family tradition or he wants to name the child after a beloved relative, you can always compromise and make that the child's middle name.

Answered: What is one thing you couldn't live without as far as baby gear?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:14:02 +0000

Two words. Jolly Jumper. My little guy loves it and will jump for 45 minutes at a time. Gives me a chance to do some house work (although I always keep him in sight), while he gets exercise and builds up his leg muscles. I love to listen to him laugh and squeal in delight. So cute!

Answered: At what age did your children start cleaning up their toys without help and without being asked?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:14:55 +0000

I am still waiting for my 12 year old to reach that stage. I figured he would get there shortly after he gets married.

My 6 sometimes does it without provocation and has since he could walk, but it is not consistent.

Answered: How much should I pay for a live-out nanny?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:11:18 +0000

I don't know current nanny rates but about 6 years ago we were looking into getting a nanny. At that time, and I think it is still true, it became cost effective to get a nanny for three kids instead of putting them in a licensed daycare. So the cost was between the daycare fees for 2 and 3 kids.

As far as waiting lists go, here in Ottawa they seem to be just a formality. It is more about how much you bug the daycare and when spots become available. Avoid starting your child at the beginning of september, there is usually a big influx of kids at that time. Also, be willing to pay for a month early if a spot opens up. You can use that time for gradual transition.

Answered: What do you do at mealtimes when baby doesn't like going into his highchair?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:51:42 +0000

Some kids see it as being sentenced to "the chair" (pun intended). Turn the chair into a fun thing. Use the chair for entertainment like finger painting or playing blocks. You can change the scenery as well. Feed him in front of a patio door or, if it is warm, outside.

If he sees the chair as a prison he will not like it. The same applies to bedrooms, make it their retreat instead.

Answered: Did you pick out your baby names well in advance?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:49:27 +0000

My hubby and I had names picked out by the time I was three months pregnant. We had a boy. For our next child we will use the name we already have chosen if we have a girl, but we'll have to come up with another name for a boy.

Answered: Do you ever pop out without an emergency diaper on hand?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:44:26 +0000

The only time I don't take my trusty diaper bag with us is when we go for a walk. When going shopping or to church etc., I always have my diaper bag (containing at least four extra diapers).

Answered: Should the government increase parental leave?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:50:36 +0000

Canadians are certainly better off than the U.S., but I think we still have something to learn from our European cousins. In France, for instance, mat leave is two years and their work week is 35 hours. They are also given way more vacation time. I'd like to point out that there is also way fewer stress-related health problems there. I'd say they have the right idea — their people are happier in general because of the focus on family time.

Finding day care for your one-year-old is stressful, especially for moms who are still breastfeeding. I think we have a lot to learn from the French!!!

Answered: Is it fair that I want to bring my baby up as a vegetarian?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:40:13 +0000

Protien is an important part of a child's diet and meat is a great way to get that. I am a big believer in children eating from all the food groups. When he is older, he will decide for himself if he does not wish to eat meat.

Answered: When should I start my little girl on solids. She is 4 months now

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:29:07 +0000

My little guy started solids when he was five months old. He had doubled his birth weight, had good head control and no trouble swallowing. Breast milk was no longer enough for him at this point — he was always hungry. After consulting with my doctor she recommended starting him on beginner's cereal.

Every baby is different. Follow her cues, if breast milk no longer seems to be enough for her, talk to your doctor.

Answered: Are you exhausted- is baby keeping you up most night?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:15:34 +0000

My son was a big eater from the get-go and was awake on average every two hours to nurse. Some of the nursing sessions would be nearly an hour long! On average, I was getting about four hours of sleep a night

Now that he is almost six months old it has gotten better, but he still wakes up to eat about three times during the night. At least now he nurses only about 15 minutes and goes back to sleep so I am getting more sleep now.

I am looking forward to when he finally sleeps through the night!

Answered: Do you think your baby is colicky?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:10:15 +0000

No. My son, thankfully, is a very happy baby. I pity parents who have to go through that — it must be rough.

Answered: Did your baby use a pacifier?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:07:04 +0000

No. My son had zero interest in pacifiers. His "soothers" are his thumbs. Hopefully it won't be difficult to break him of that habit!

Answered: Did you "swaddle" your newborn?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:03:37 +0000

No, I have never swaddled our son. He seems to enjoy the freedom of movement. I've seen some swaddled babies become frustrated when they try to move and can't. I always put him in a sleep sack when it is nap/bed time. This keeps him warm but allows him to move his legs and arms.

Answered: Did your partner cut the umbilical cord?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:59:58 +0000

Yes, my husband cut the cord when our son was born. The doctor and nurses were right there, so there was no worry about anything being done improperly.

Answered: Did you read any parenting books before having children?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:01:56 +0000

I found the Internet to be a great resource. I especially liked http://www.babycenter.ca

It answered every question I had and those I hadn't even thought of. It also walks one through her pregnancy week by week, describing what stage the baby is at from conception right through to birth.

It also answers questions about babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. A great site!

Answered: Are you already shopping for the lil one?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:49:41 +0000

I started shopping for my son when I was about 5 months pregnant — buying the large items like stroller, car seat etc. I waited until after my baby showers to do the bulk of the shopping, however, because I didn't want to end up with duplicates or too many of the same type of items.

Answered: Would you want to know the sex of your baby ahead of time?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:43:06 +0000

I like to be prepared in advance, so I did want to know the sex of our child beforehand. This allowed me to buy all the clothing I needed when I saw baby boy clothes on sale. It also ensured I didn't get 40 yellow sleepers as shower gifts!!

Answered: Did you play classical music to your children while you were pregnant?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:33:32 +0000

I listend to an assortment — rock, jazz, contemporary but no classical. The baby got most excited however, when my husband would play guitar and I would sing. I think music in general aids in baby's development.

Answered: Breast Feeding & When DO You Stop?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:23:03 +0000

Both Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend mothers provide their babies with breast milk up to age two. So, if mothers can breastfeed that long, it is beneficial to the child.

Answered: Which foods (if any) can help improve a mother's lactation?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:04:04 +0000

It is important to be well hydrated. Drink plenty of water and milk. Pure fruit juice, in moderation, is also a good option. Avoid or limit caffienated beverages. Hydration is the most important element, that and frequent breast feeding, of course.

Answered: How often do you take the lil ones to the park?

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:38:11 +0000

We live right by a public school, so I love to take my kids to the park almost every day when recess isn't going on. There's a "baby park" and a "big-kid park" pretty close together, so everyone's happy :)

Answered: Do you participate in a "Moms Group"?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:57:24 +0000

I would say this counts. I can ask any question and get many answers any time of the day. Awesomely convenient!

Answered: Moms & Dads, have you been tanning?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:52:56 +0000

If I'm going somewhere tropical I try to get a bit of a base tan. I've heard some say recently that this doesn't help against a sunburn but for me (a ginger-blond with lots of white skin and freckles) it definitely helps. I still pile on the sunscreen and wear a hat too. I think if used in moderation tanning is not unhealthy...some sun is good for you.

Answered: Has your child ever got a "juice burn?"

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:49:38 +0000

Poor boy! I've never heard of this. Almost sounds like a reaction to something he ingested. I hope you figure out what.

Answered: Do your children make a disaster zone with their toys?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:47:25 +0000

I would say, don't even bother. It's probably the picking up part afterwards that's got you frustrated yes? Check out the question, "At what age did your children start cleaning up their toys without help and without being asked?" for some groovy ideas. The way I see it, if your kidlets know they'll have to put ALL their toys away after they're done, maybe they won't take out so many to begin with....here's hoping, good luck!

Do the children help you garden?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:01:02 +0000

Do the children help you garden?

Do you have a swing set/climbers in your yard?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:54:36 +0000

Do you have a swing set/climbers in your yard?

How often do your children swim at the community centre?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:47:36 +0000

Do you have a local community centre where your children go swimming?

Summer Birthdays! Do you celebrate outdoors?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:39:03 +0000

For all you lucky parents that had a summer baby, do you celebrate their birthdays outside?

What are some alternatives to Birthday gifts?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:34:18 +0000

We are hosting our son's 1st birthday party and sooo excited! The families that are invited are new friends and since we don't know them very well, I don't want them to have to buy gifts. Plus, some of the moms work full-time and all the kiddies are under 2 years old. Anyone have some neat ideas as alternatives to gifts (other than donations to charities - we've already thought of that one)?

How many kids makes a "big family"?

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:17:41 +0000

How many kids makes a "big family" (in your opinion)?

When should I put up baby gates?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:59:10 +0000

My twins are 7 months old and not quite mobile yet. They are able to roll over, one is able to sit up with minimal support, but they aren't crawling yet. I know once the gates go up, that they'll be there for a long time and I want to put it off for as long as we can and still be safe.