Keeping baby healthy

One of the most frequently used sayings while pregnant? “As long as baby is healthy”.

You know what I’m talking about – especially before finding out the sex of your baby, when everyone is asking. “Oh, we don’t have a preference! Just as long as baby is healthy, we’re happy!” 

We read the top recommended books on how to have a healthy pregnancy, and we research all sorts of feeding methods. We start looking into making our own baby food purees. With only the best, organic, fruits and vegetables used, of course. And then it’s baby time. And life gets a little crazy. Visitors are in and out of your house, there are playgroups, daycare, pets, and more. And inevitably, there are germs.

So what can we do to help keep baby healthy?

1. Breastfeed.

I know, I know. Breastfeeding isn’t for everyone, but it has been scientifically proven that breastmilk is incredibly beneficial for your baby. There’s a reason they call it liquid gold! A mother’s breastmilk is uniquely tailored to her baby’s needs. It contains all the proteins, fats, nutrients and more that your baby needs to be healthy. And is your baby’s first line of defense. Breastmilk contains antibodies, enzymes, white blood cells, and immune system boosters that protect against a wide variety of sickness, infections, and disease – even after weaning! 

Of course, breastfeeding is not always in the cards for every family. There may be circumstances beyond control that prevent nursing, such as a lack of milk, illness, issues with colic, etc. It’s important to remember that a healthy and supported mother is most important! 

2. Probiotics.

Yep. You heard me right. Probiotics have done wonders for me and my health, so it only makes sense that I use them with both of my kids. Along with breastfeeding, Evivo probiotics help keep baby J’s gut health in check. Breastmilk actually encourages friendly bacteria (like B. infantis, we like those), and contains probiotics. However, recent studies have shown that not all moms today are passing the awesome powerhouse B. infantis to their babies. And in fact most moms actually lack it themselves! B. infantis is what helps prevent eczema, allergies, obesity and diabetes, and what helps keep disease causing bacteria, like E. coli, from growing and attaching to the intestines and causing an infection. None of which we want for our kiddos!

By using the best probiotic for infants, I am helping to restore baby J’s gut back to it’s natural state. Every day, we mix a sachet of Evivo with a few mL of breastmilk and give it to J. This simple act helps to boost and release the nutrients in my breastmilk. And by doing this, it’s developing his immune system, creating a protective internal environment, and building the foundation for his future health. The first six months of your baby’s life are idea to establish this habit for their gut health. 

Want to learn more about the importance of gut microbiomes and probiotics for your baby? Visit Evivo’s website!

3. Hand washing.

This should be pretty obvious, but it needs to be said. Did you know that EIGHTY percent of all infections are transmitted by hands? Yikes. And that germs can stay alive on hands for up to 3 hours? Ruh-Roh. And just because I really need to drive home the importance of hand washing, here are a few more gross facts: From fingertip to elbow, we have between 2 – 10 MILLION bacteria. A person’s hand can carry ten thousand to ten million bacteria. Blech. 

Look, bacteria on our hands can get into our bodies so easily. Not just through the skin, but also from scratches or cuts, and contact with mouth, eyes, nose, and more. It lives on our smartphones and computers and refrigerators and coffee makers. And a baby’s immune system is still developing. Its a rough combination. Washing your hands is the easiest and one of the most effective ways to keep you and your baby healthy. Make sure you’re scrubbing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, and washing well!

4. CPR and First Aid Training.

I honestly believe choking is one of every parents greatest fears. Will we be able to handle the situation? Can we stay calm enough if baby starts choking? How will we know what to do? And what about all the other ways baby can get into trouble?

One of the best things I did while pregnant was take a First Aid / CPR class refresher. Learning how to deal with a burn or cut, how to recognize and what to do if baby is choking or unconscious is a skill I think every parent needs to have. A majority of parents will never need to use what they learn, but those that do, will be grateful. It’s also a good idea to make up a thorough first aid kit. Just make sure everything is infant and baby safe!

5. Sleep.

Sleep is crucial, especially for baby. Particularly in newborns, there is so much happening behind the scenes while they sleep. By getting good quality sleep (including REM and dreaming), you are helping to ensure  proper and healthy brain development for baby. It’s also been shown that getting good sleep decreases heath problems, like getting sick! And this means you too, parents. It’s important for you to remember to take care of and keep yourself healthy, so you can keep baby healthy. And the better baby sleeps, the better you sleep. And the healthier everyone will be.