You've got a growing feeling that something’s up? Missed periods, nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom? Before you get excited, go through the below checklist of early pregnancy symptoms and check whether you’re experiencing a number of them. If you are, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor or take a pregnancy test to confirm.

Fatigue:

Unexplainable extreme exhaustion and a complete lack of energy is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. If you suspect that you’re pregnant, avoid countering fatigue by drinking caffeine, and focus on getting lots of rest and relaxation until you’re sure of the reason behind your exhaustion.

Food Aversions & Smell Sensitivity:

Most women develop food aversions and smell sensitivity when pregnant, suddenly finding certain foods or smells they used to like nauseating. This is usually caused by rising hormone levels, and is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy.

Nausea & Vomiting:

Nausea, or “morning sickness”, is another typical giveaway of early pregnancy. During the first 12 weeks, the majority of women experience nausea and vomiting at various times during the day. Morning sickness tends to surface around the 6th week of pregnancy.

Breast Swelling & Tenderness:

Tender, swollen, tingly and even painful-to-the-touch breasts are another early pregnancy sign that many women experience. This can begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception and becomes more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses.

Frequent Urination:

As your uterus grows in early pregnancy it begins to push against the bladder, causing a frequent urge to visit the bathroom. This sign might appear by the second or third week of pregnancy.

Shortness of Breath:

Your body will need more oxygen to accommodate your growing fetus, and the further your pregnancy progresses, the more you will notice shortness of breath. If you experience shortness of breath along with pain, or if you feel that it gets worse when you are lying down, consult your doctor to make sure that there isn’t a more serious underlying reason.

Spotting:

Spotting, or “implantation bleeding”, occurs when the embryo implants itself within the uterus, and tends to be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. Sometimes accompanied by cramps, spotting may occur 6-12 days after conception.

Darkening Areolas:

In addition to tender breasts, you’re likely to develop darker and larger areolas in the weeks after conception as a result of the production of pregnancy hormones. You might also notice a change in your skin color as well.

Bloating:

Though it might be difficult to differentiate between a pre-period bloat and a pregnancy bloat, if your menstruation is late and you’re experiencing other early pregnancy symptoms, it might be safe to consider this yet another sign of early pregnancy.

Missed Period:

The most obvious symptom of pregnancy is a missed period, particularly if your menstruation is usually regular. Some women might even experience a considerably lighter period than usual while they’re pregnant, so don’t rule out pregnancy if you do get your period, albeit a notably lighter one.

While different aspects of daily baby care can be a source of joy, most first-time parents tend to view diaper changing with some degree of displeasure and unease. Yet diaper changing isn’t as complicated an affair as some tend to think; all it takes is a bit of practice and you'll find that keeping your baby clean and happy is a simple task. One thing that you should never avoid is promptly changing your baby's diaper as soon as it needs it, as procrastination could cause skin irritation and diaper rash for your little one.

What You Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies on hand and in easy reach:

1. A clean Fine Baby® diaper
2. Warm water and cotton balls for babies with sensitive skin or a clean washcloth or Fine Baby® wipes
3. Diaper rash ointment or petroleum jelly (for preventing rashes)
4. A changing pad or towel for placing under your baby
5. A change of clothes if the diaper has leaked

Getting Down to Business

Before you undress your baby, make sure that all your supplies are within easy reach. It is never OK to leave your baby unattended at any point, as you never know when your newborn will decide to roll over.

1. Before you begin changing your baby's diapers, wash and dry your hands well to make sure you aren't sporting any germs that could cause skin irritation or infections for your baby.
2. Spread a waterproof or precautionary changing cloth under your baby before you begin to avoid unwanted messes getting on the surface you're using at the time.
3. Unfasten the diaper and check its contents to decide your next step before removing it from underneath the baby. If it's a bowel movement, use the clean part of the soiled diaper to wipe away most of the mess before throwing it in the bin, which should also be in close reach so that you don't have to leave your baby's side or take your attention off it. Clean the baby's front thoroughly with warm water or a Fine Baby® wipe, then lift the legs and wipe its bottom. Pat dry well before applying any ointment or putting on the new Fine Baby® diaper.
4. Diapers should not be too tight around the waist and legs either; you can tell a diaper is too snug if it leaves marks on your baby's skin. If the umbilical stump is still attached, fold the diaper downward at the waist to avoid having it rub against the raw area, thus leaving it exposed to the air and preventing it from getting wet.
5. Dispose of the soiled diapers by folding them over tightly and throwing them in the garbage, which should be regularly emptied out to avoid the development of odors in your bathroom or changing area.
6. Change your baby's clothing if dirty, and wash your hands properly with soap and water.
7. Keep your baby distracted and entertained by giving it a small toy or making cooing noises and singing to it long enough for you to change the diaper. You can have family members or friends do this for you while you change.

Seeing your baby take its first step is one of the most thrilling experiences that a new parent can go through and eagerly awaits. But as is the case with all developmental milestones, each child will develop and mature at its own pace, so be patient as you wait for your little one to make that first move towards walking independently and don’t fall into the trap of comparing your baby’s development pace with that of other children. Until then, learn more about how children learn to walk and how to recognize when your soon-to-be toddler needs help.

When Walking Begins

As with all developmental milestones, it’s important to remember that children will develop at their own pace and hence there is no exact age when children must begin to walk. In general, babies take their first step between their 9th and 18th month; babies grow in strength and improve their coordination throughout their first year, learning to sit, crawl and roll over before they learn to pull themselves up and eventually cruise from one piece of furniture to the next by their 9th month. The more practice babies get in cruising and standing, the greater their confidence and sense of balance will become, preparing them both mentally and physically for that first independent step (which usually happens around between their 9th and 12th month).

How Babies Learn to Walk

Babies go through a learning process as they strengthen their muscles, develop their sense of balance and grow in confidence to take their first step. The stages that babies go through to learn to walk include the following phases:

• Walking Reflex: Newborn babies in their first few weeks will exhibit what is known as the walking or stepping reflex, which is when they push against a hard surface when held upright with their feet touching it. This reflex tends to disappear after a baby’s second month, and doesn’t last more than 3-4 weeks.
• Balancing Act: Infants in their 5th month will begin to learn to balance themselves when placed in a standing position on their parents’ thighs or on a hard surface while supported, and will most often begin to bounce. This is the babies’ way of developing their muscles and this phase usually lasts until the baby is 8 months old.
• Standing & Cruising: Most babies will begin to attempt pulling themselves into a standing position by their 8th month, and once this is no longer a challenge, your child will begin to practice cruising from one furniture piece to the next. Your little one might even develop enough muscle strength by then to stand unsupported for a few seconds, and might try to pick up a toy from a standing position by stooping. If this is the case, begin training your baby to take steps away from furniture while holding onto your hands.
• Squatting & Sitting: 9 and 10-month-old babies that have learned to stand will start to learn how to bend at the knees and ease into a sitting position from a standing one. Children in their 11th month will usually have learned to stand, bend over and squat well enough to not fall over too often. If your baby can do these things, chances are it will also be getting better at walking when holding onto your hand or finger.
• Walking Solo: If your baby hasn’t started taking those first independent steps by its 12th month, it might start doing so by its 14th month. Some babies can reach their 17th month before they learn how to walk on their own. Until then, be as supportive of your little one as you can, and be patient. If you’re concerned about your baby’s development pace, discuss the matter with your pediatrician.

When to Call the Doctor

While it’s true that different babies will reach their developmental milestones at different paces, it’s usually best to check with your pediatrician if your baby hasn’t begun to walk by its first birthday. You needn’t be concerned as long as your baby is continuously acquiring new skills and is crawling, rolling over, and scooting. If your child seems to be lagging behind in terms of learning new things, discuss the matter with your pediatrician.

There are several things you will want to consider before taking your toddler on their first trip by plane, such as what should go on your traveling checklist, what to pack, and how to avoid airport tantrums. Below you will find information on these three topics.

Traveling Checklist

Here’s a list of the things that you’re going to want to pack:

• Fine Baby® Diapers (pack extras in case your flight is delayed)
• A changing pad to place under your toddler when changing its Fine Baby® Diapers (you can opt for disposable ones if available)
• Fine Baby® Wet wipes
• Plastic bags to store soiled clothes, Fine Baby® diapers and shoes
• Disinfecting hand gel
• Fine® Tissues
• Blanket(s)
• Toys and books to keep your toddler entertained
• Sippy cup or water bottle to make sure your toddler remains hydrated
• Washable bibs
• Snacks to forestall hunger-related crankiness
• Collapsible stroller in case your toddler gets tired of walking or you get tired of carrying them while at the airport

Packing Tips

Any trip requires a bit of forethought when it comes to packing, particularly trips that involve young children. Here are a few tips on what to pack and how you should pack it to make your life a bit easier when it’s time to move:

• Begin packing a few days before you travel to make sure you have everything you need.
• Bring along a waterproof diaper bag with a shoulder strap.
• Keep your toddler’s clothes in one suitcase so you can find them easily.
• Pack an extra shirt for yourself in your carry-on in case of messes.
• Pack medicines and toiletries in re-sealable plastic bags to prevent leaks.

Preventing Airport Tantrums

No one wants to have to deal with a full-blown tantrum in public, let alone one at an airport. Here are a few tips on how to keep your toddler complacent when traveling by plane:

• Maintain your normal routine as much as possible. This includes providing snacks and allowing for naps around the same times your child is used to having them. If you can, try to travel during off-peak seasons when airports are less crowded and not as intimidating.
• Bring along lots of toys and entertainment. Pack several of your toddler’s favorite books, toys, and comfort items such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Make sure that the toys you bring don’t make much noise in order to avoid disturbing fellow travelers.
• Have your toddler wear a backpack if they’re old enough. Make sure that the backpack is small and light, and allow your toddler to pack their favorite items in it. Toddlers can find great pleasure in the simple act of unzipping, pulling out and returning different goodies from their very own bags.
• Explain to your toddler what is expected of it ahead of time. Let them understand that the trip will involve a good deal of sitting and quiet play time.
• Try to get window seats. Letting your toddler enjoy the view will keep them entertained for a while and can be educational.
• If possible, opt for a non-stop flight. By doing so you’ll be eliminating the hassle of having to take connecting flights and getting off at different airports.
• Remember that you’re in charge. As the adult, it is your responsibility to keep things from getting out of hand, and you can do this by gently, lovingly and firmly guiding your toddler’s actions and trying to make the whole experience an enjoyable one for both yourself and your tot. Don’t let the small things get to you.
• Label your toddler. Tag your toddler with an ID bracelet in case you lose sight of them at the airport. Write down your child’s name, your name, your destination, your home address, and your phone number on the bracelet.