Having a Smart Baby

I am sure you have heard of it before, but are still wondering what is Twitter really?  Twitter is a micro blogging site where you can follow other moms, dads and baby bloggers to get the information you want without sorting through hundreds of websites.  Twitter is a great tool to use when you want to get information fast.  You can follow certain people and see what they are talking about in a 140 character micro blog.

You can find us @BabyPlus on Twitter and we cover everything from breast feeding, having a smart baby, infant development and more.  So why should you tweet?  There are many reasons, but one that stands out the most is the speed at which you connect with others.  

We love Twitter because you can ask questions and get answers nearly instantaneously.  For instance, we posted this on Twitter "Do you have questions about BabyPlus?  We want to know, just @ reply us."  From that we had someone ask about how to adjust the belly strap and we were able to answer them in seconds.  Twitter can actually be faster than email.  

If you've never tried Twitter, give it a chance and start following us.  Let us know what your @name is so we can follow you.  
 

Thump thump.  Thump thump.  Thump thump.

Curious Friend:   What is that noise coming from your belly? 

Mom2Be:  That's my new BabyPlus. 

Curious Friend:  Baby what? 

Mom2Be:  BabyPlus.  It's basically learning in the womb.  It takes a simple set of sounds that resembles my heartbeat and uses it to strengthen my baby's cognitive development. 

Curious Friend:  Really?  It sounds silly to me.  How can a heartbeat make your baby learn?

Mom2Be:  It's quite simple.  Studies have shown that a developing baby's brain is stimulated by the mother's heartbeat.  By using that sound, it makes sense that it will make his or her learning ability stronger. 

Curious Friend:  Okay.  You've got my attention.  But I don't feel that a baby should be forced into learning before he or she is even born.  There's enough pressure to have a smart and perfect baby.

Mom2Be:  Oh, BabyPlus doesn't necessarily make your baby smarter or even force them to learn.  It just strengthens what your baby will be born with.  It also helps your baby more readily nurse, self soothe and reach developmental milestones earlier. 

Curious Friend:  That is very interesting!  I want to use it during my pregnancy.  When can I start?

Mom2Be:  You would want to start using it at about 18 weeks, when your baby's hearing is developed.

Curious Friend:  All of what you have said makes a lot of sense.  If I want to learn more, where can I get more information?

Mom2Be:  Their website www.babyplus.com has a lot of great information as well as answers to many frequently asked questions.  It also has wonderful testimonials from so many families who have actually used BabyPlus!

Curious Friend:  I can't wait to get started!  Who knew that such a simple idea could have such a huge impact on my baby.  What a great discovery! 
 

What do we know about fetal development? 

The environment is critical.  Everything that happens in the womb is momentous -  to both early development and later in life development.  The critical periods in child development are the stages of pregnancy.  Babies can now be measured BEFORE the 0-3 milestone.  The articles on prenatal development indicate that babies can now be impacted Prenatal-3.

Now that we know so much about fetal development, we need to do everything possible during this crucial time.  This goes beyond having a smart baby.  This is about giving your baby as much as possible during this critical time.

The more you know the more you do!

Click on the logo below to go our website to learn more about the fascinating topics of learning in the womb, the mother's heartbeat sounds, our prenatal care curriculum, and the benefits of infant stimulation.  Give your baby the very best start possible!

As 2008 comes closer to an end, we can look back at all the different events in blogging that took place at The BabyPlus Company.  We learned that blogging can help educate our audience about so many things like the benefits of using a prenatal curriculum during the early stages of fetal development, for example.  We blogged about so many topics such as baby stimulation, breast feeding, expectant mothers during pregnancy, and having a smart baby.  We touched on topics like prenatal care, stages through pregnancy, and what first-time parents have to anticipate.

I know we have enjoyed blogging and learning about what readers want to hear about and ways to deliver that.  Next year, we will continue to blog about expectant mothers and pregnancy, prenatal learning in the womb, and critical times in prenatal development and how BabyPlus affects the unborn child.

We look forward to bringing in the new year and bringing you more of these and additional topics in the world of prenatal learning!

Parents have many worries, especially first-timers.  You want your baby to be happy and healthy.  A lot of parents want their babies to be smart.  They will do everything they can to have it happen, whether it's listening to music, reading or using BabyPlus.  But you may ask, "Didn't you say in an earlier blog that BabyPlus will not make your baby smarter?" 

This is true.  While using BabyPlus will not make your baby smarter, it will give him or her the foundation for strengthened learning the rest of their lives.  Without getting too technical, this simple prenatal curriculum (based on the mother's heartbeat) encourages cognitive learning during the important stages of fetal development while in the womb.   This will enhance what smarts your baby will already be born with, not give him or her a higher IQ. 

I guess the reason I stress this point is that one of the arguments I hear is, "Why push your baby?"  I want to shout from the rooftops that BabyPlus strengthens and enhances, not creates something that isn't already there!  Prenatal curriculum improves cognitive development and improves the foundation for learning for a lifetime.  This is not "pushing" your baby but giving him or her the tools for a future of benefits for the rest of their lives.

BabyPlus is in the news - again!

This time, Houston B.A.B.Y., has recognized the BabyPlus Prenatal Education system in their "Baby Finds - the latest and greatest baby gadgets and gizmos."  In her article, author Kelsey Hunter identifies "Smart Buys for New Parents - the latest and greatest products for mom, dad, and baby."  BabyPlus is listed on page 29 of the magazine.

 

We are not surprised.  The idea of prenatal education is not new.  Right now it seems to be becoming a bit more widespread.  The use of the maternal heartbeat to teach learning in the womb seems intuitive to us, so we are always thrilled when others recognize the value of our educational product.

Click on the picture to read the latest article about BabyPlus in the News!







We know pregnant parents are researching about the stages of fetal development and the benefits of infant stimulation.  We know that expectant parents want to do the very best for their child while in the womb.  Click on the BabyPlus logo to read testimonials from other parents who have used BabyPlus.

Just a quick update from your "Feet on the Street".  I was visiting my "high risk pregnancy" friend yesterday and saw something I've NEVER seen before.  She said her baby was very active all the time, but yesterday I saw for myself just what she meant.  We were sitting on her couch talking, and suddenly her dress started moving and flapping around.  At first, I thought it was just her moving, but I saw that her abdomen would push out in several different directions at the same time and it became very obvious that it was actually the baby.  We started laughing about it, and the baby really started moving. If I didn't know that she was in her third trimester, I would have thought she had a puppy under her dress. She said he moved like that a lot, and that she would used BabyPlus when she needed a rest.  She stated that BabyPlus has actually started putting the baby to sleep, so when he becomes so active as to cause her pain, she would bring out BabyPlus.

My friend and I have talked about the benefits of prenatal stimulation, so I'm very happy that she can use the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System to stimulate her prenatal child's development.  Lucky for her, she can also use it to enhance his sleeping schedule as well.

I know my friend will have a smart baby, but I wonder if she's ready for a future Olympic gymnast?

I'll keep you posted!!!

Your "Feet on the Street".   

OK you Dads-To-Be,  Listen up!  You guys are going to take really good care of the Mom-To-Be in your life. Remember men, she's the pregnant one, not you. She needs the TLC and you are just the one to give it to her.

Last time we talked about all the things that you have to investigate and learn about when you are having a baby. Fetal development, baby stimulation and how to have a smart baby are just a few. Not to mention all the infant sleeping schedules, breast feeding schedules and even something called prenatal learning!

Well let me tell you all that is fine and good, but if your Mom-To-Be is not happy, that's not good for anyone. So let's try to help her feel comfortable. It will result in a happier and healthier baby and mom.

Previously I explained how to give your lady a back massage, well how does a foot massage sound to you? I'll  tell you what, it will sound like heaven to her! No doubt about it. I'm going to give you a few pointer about foot massage.


Fill a large tub with warm water, and then add Epsom salts and eucalyptus oil. Place the tub on a towel in front of a comfortable chair or sofa. Have your Mom-To-Be sit down and place her feet in the tub and soak for 5-10 minutes. Then dry her feet with a soft fluffy towel.

Do basic stretches with the foot; pushing the top of the foot away from you and pulling the top toward you.

Warm up the foot by rubbing it all over and appling lotion or oil in a sweeping motion. Include the top, heel and arch. Gliding strokes work best. It is important to rub the entire foot first to warm it up. If you start to apply deep pressure to the foot before warming it up, there is a greater risk of causing injury.





Cup the foot with your hands and squeeze with the appropriate amount of pressure. You may move up and down as you are holding the foot.





Wrap your hand around the top of the foot, and then apply pressure with your fist to the underside of the foot. You can apply pressure by pushing in and out or in a circular motion.





Using your thumb and a moderate amount of pressure, start at the top of the foot on each side. Now glide toward the bottom along the sides of the foot. There are tendons that run along each side of the foot, these can be good to stretch.





Wrapping your hands around the foot from the front, squeeze firmly and pull upward alternating hands as you pull upward.






Rotate each toe starting the largest working to the smallest.




Finish giving a foot massage with a few sweeping strokes then gently rest your hands on her feet.

Trust me, she will love it!

Hey Dad-to-be! Pregnancy isn't just for women. If your woman is pregnant there is a lot you can do. I know you have been reading a bunch of articles on Prenatal development, baby stimulation and fetal development. You have seen everything there is about Critical period in prenatal development, having a smart baby and fetal brain development.

But what do you know about taking care of your new mom-to-be? Let me tell you that a happy mom-to-be = a healthy mom-to-be = a healthy baby. And you can do something about it. In the next several blogs I will tell you how you can pamper the mom-to-be in your life.

The Pampering Dad-To-Be Massage

The healthiest and safest time to begin having pregnancy massages is in your second trimester. Lying on your back is  not a good idea after the 20th week of pregnancy, so the position that works best is to have your mom-to-be straddle a chair, with the back facing her front. This works especially well if you place the chair in front of a table, and then stack one or two pillows over the back, allowing them to spill out on to the tabletop. This will enable her to lean forward during the massage and rest her head.

Now, lubricate your hands with either high-quality commercial massage oil, or one you make yourself. This can be done by combining a few drops of a relaxing essential oil, such as lavender or chamomile, with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba. Be sure to warm the oil by pouring a small amount into your hands and rubbing them together. This is an important step, since cold oil causes muscles to tense, causing her to feel stressed.

Now, place your hands on her lower back just below the waistline, and slowly begin sliding up her back on either side of her spine. Never massage directly on the backbone, or over the spinal column. As you reach her shoulders your hands should slowly move across the upper back, then down the opposite side of the spine, to the starting point. This up-and down motion should continue for at least several minutes, until the muscles of her back start to warm and relaxed.

Your can then begin applying gentle pressure to any area of her back where she is feeling pain -- using the heel of your hand or the pads of your fingers, bearing down slightly and continuing to move in a circular motion. The operative word here, however, is "gentle." The point of massage is to relax and soothe muscles, so a rubdown should never hurt. If it does, you are is pressing too hard -- so ask her if she experiencing discomfort.

Your massage finishes with a repeat of the up-and-down motion that started the back rub, done for a several more minutes. You should then wrap her body in a soft blanket or beach towel, to keep muscles warm. Have her remain in her massage position for five to 10 minutes.

The massage can be as short as 10 minutes, or as long as 60 minutes; it's not a good idea to go beyond that time limit, no matter how great it feels. During her second trimester, you can give her a massage once a week; during the third trimester, you can increase massages to twice weekly or more if needed. Again, never give her a massage during the first trimester, even by a professional therapist

I sometimes hear an expectant mother say "I don't know when I would find the time to use BabyPlus". In my travels, I've heard some interesting suggestions from mothers who have overcome this.   One second time mother said she would use BabyPlus to lull herself and her two year old to sleep at naptime.  She would simply lie down, position BabyPlus, and cuddle up with her two year old. She would let the soft, rhythmic sounds lull her and her son to sleep.  Now, not only is everyone getting the rest they need, the prenatal baby is receiving the beneficial stimulation that BabyPlus provides. Having a smart baby is as easy as taking a nap! 

See you next time,
from your "Feet on the Street"

Another awesome review from two first time parents:
Being in the field of developmental psychology, when I learned of the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System, I knew the potential benefits that my unborn child in the various stages of fetal development could experience.  I have since been astounded by the degree to which, I believe, it has impacted my now four-year-old son, Nathaniel.  When he was born and placed immediately on my belly, he instantly raised his head up and stared directly into my eyes and then into his father's.  He did this about three times and, knowing how difficult that would be for a newborn, we were amazed.

He was incredibly aware of his surroundings and developed both perceptual and physical skills very early.  He wallked the first week of his eighth month.  At 10 months, he had a list of words too long to remember and was creating two to three word sentences by one year.  By 18 months, he was easily constructing 45 piece puzzles on his own.  To this day people consistently comment on his advanced level of language and social skills.  The environment of the womb seems a natural place to begin bringing awareness to all of the subtle stimuli that impact physical and emotional conditions as well as the developing infrastructure of the brain.  We are very thankful for the BabyPlus system for helping our little one get the best possible advantage!

Angie and Shawn Phillips

 Early brain development during pregnancy is a topic that is getting quite a bit of attention. This does not exactly guarantee a highly academic baby, but it does suggest that a baby can be more calm, can nurse more readily and later in life be more school ready. These babies have an improved sleeping schedule. There infant growth assessments are better. Watch the video about a family who used the BabyPlus Prenatal Education System and hear what they have to say.

A critical time in child development is the early brain development during pregnancy. Expectant mothers are increasingly more interested in fetal development and spend much time researching and learning about the latest in prenatal care. Learning in the womb has become an issue that is getting a lot of attention. Having a smart baby is a goal for most parents. Watch the video about prenatal learning and see what other parents are saying.

Expectant mothers and pregnancy are our specialty here at BabyPlus!  Having a smart baby is great, but having a great infant sleeping schedule is (at times!) just as important

Here at the BabyPlus Company we know the prenatal development facts.  We know the importance of infant development.  We know the womb is NOT a "soundproof booth."  We know that the mother's heartbeat sounds are the only sounds a developing baby truly recognizes.

The ideas of prenatal care and a prenatal care curriculum seem to be ever growing.  The articles on prenatal development are many.  What is not disputed is the idea of baby development and baby stimulation after birth.  The amazing information for first-time parents is that learning actually begins IN THE WOMB.  We already know! 

What are the most critical times in child development? Answer…… all times. I must preface with an however, the earlier the start, the better. In your first pregnancy first-time parents are never really sure what to do, and not have had the exposure as to whether or not there will be a proper infant sleeping schedule that develops down the road, or if they are going to be exhausted as first time parents.
 There are so many prenatal development facts to consider, which can be overwhelming. Are there really benefits of infant stimulation, is breast feeding beneficial to having a smart baby and infant development. As days go by and the week by week pregnancy progresses, it all begins to make sense, and then the special day comes when the little miracle is brought into this world.
Following the birth, after that day by day pregnancy is finally done, you can then begin to access what the critical times in child development are and if  you did in fact do some of the correct things during the critical period in Prenatal development. So, baby stimulation and baby development after birth may all tie directly in, but most likely begins during those critical periods in prenatal development.

Expectant mothers and overwhelmed dads, the BabyPlus prenatal care curriculum will help tremendously.