The most popular names in Mexico

You surely remember. Those of us who were born in the twentieth century commonly have a cousin called María, Guadalupe, Carmen or Juanita. Every family had a cousin named José, Jorge, Víctor or Miguel. If we go further back, grannies were usually named Raquel, Francisca, Sara… Apparently, Mexicans have change their likes for names. Panchitas and Margaritas are gone. These are the favorite names in our country in the 21st century: The most popular names in Mexico.

The Inegi updates its list of common names in Mexico

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) released the updated information of the registration of continental and island geographical names for statistical and geographical purposes.

The most highlighted data about the Mexican society, which is included in that registry, was how Mexicans named their babies in 2020.

The information was published through the site Cuéntame Mexico which also contains birth figures in our country and general information on its population and entities.

According to the survey during 2020, 1,629,211 births were registered in Mexico, of which 49% are women and 51% are men.

In recent years the birth rate has decreased: 2.5 million births were registered in 2011; in 2020 the figure is 1.6 million, which means a reduction of more than 900 thousand birth records.

September is the month with the highest number of births:

What are the most popular names in Mexico?

In the previous study, of 2019, Julio Alfonso Santaella Castell, president of the Inegi Governing Board, shared at the time that names such as Abdy, Scarlett and Zyanya were on the rise because at that time more than 30 thousand records were found. In the same year, the official added, more than 190 thousand of boy names were found in birth records, including several Zidane.

At that time the most registered names for girls were Sofia, Valentina, Refina, María José, Ximena, Camila, María Fernanda, Valeria and Victoria. As for children the trend was Santiago, Mateo, Sebastián, Leonardo, Matías, Emiliano, Diego, Daniel, Miguel Ángel and Alexander.

How are we now? Let’s see what the latest report shows:

The most common names for girls

  1. 1Sofía (con 30,154 registros)
  2. María José (23,848)
  3. Valentina (23,545)
  4. Ximena (23,227)
  5. Regina (22,604)
  6. Camila (20,412)
  7. María Fernanda (18,800)
  8. Valeria (17,842)
  9. Renata (17,063)
  10. Victoria (16,544)
  11. Natalia (14,946)
  12. Daniela (14,188)
  13. Isabella: (13,659)

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The most common names for boys

  1. Santiago (46,943)
  2. Mateo (35,482)
  3. Sebastián (25,554)
  4. Leonardo (23,687)
  5. Matías (21,953)
  6. Emiliano (20,863)
  7. Diego (20,005)
  8. Miguel Ángel (18,558)
  9. Daniel (17,928)
  10. Alexander (16,491)
  11. Alejandro (16,093)
  12. Jesús (14,896)
  13. Gael (14,392)

As we see there are slight variations but the top names remain at the top of both lists. If you want to consult the complete list we leave you the page of the  Inegi.

Which do you like? How would you name your baby?

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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What is the normal temperature in babies?

“The normal temperature of babies is the same as in adults”, says Dr. Mónica Soto, a general practitioner, graduated from the UNAM School of Medicine.

“It is considered to be within the range between 35.5 to 37.2°C. When babies are born they have a lot of adipose tissue that keeps them warm, that’s why they are almost always around 36 or 37.2°C”, adds the expert.

When are we talking about a fever or a low-grade fever?

“Low-grade fever is considered when the body temperature rises above 37.5°C and we are talking about fever from 38°C and up. When the body temperature arises, we immediately have to control it by physical means to avoid seizures, especially in children under five years old”, explains Soto.

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What is fever?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually due to illness. Having a fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is happening in the body.

“For an adult, a fever can be annoying, but it’s usually not a cause for concern unless it reaches 39.4°C or higher. In infants and toddlers, a slightly elevated temperature can indicate a serious infection”, Mayo Clinic says in the article Fever, Causes, and Symptoms.

You can read: Regurgitation in babies

Depending on the cause of the fever, there are other symptoms such as:

  • Sweating
  • Chills and tremors
  • Headache
  • Muscle pains
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Dehydration
  • Overall weakness

“An unexplained fever is a greater concern in infants and children under five years of age than it is in adults”, explains Mayo Clinic.

You have to be very careful. Call your baby’s doctor right away if your child’s temperature is over 38°C, is irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable, or if he has symptoms of a cold, cough, or diarrhea.

Translated by: Liga M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Neutral names for your baby

The choice of a name for our baby is one of the first decisions we must make as parents. In order to avoid gender stereotypes, more and more parents are looking for neutral names for their baby.

Even celebrities have chosen to call their babies with names that can be used indistinctly for either girls or boys. If you haven’t decided yet on any, we leave you this list of names that range from the most common like Guadalupe, to those that have an English or French origin.

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Neutral names: Letters A-J

Alex: Short form for Alexander or Alexandra. Its origin is Greek and means “Defender, The defender”.

Aike: It means “Sword”, and it comes from the Frisian, that is, from the villages that settled in northern Germany.

Akira: It is Japanese, its meaning is “Clear”, “Brilliant”.

Aran: It means “Valley”, its origin is Basque.

Ariel: Hebrew origin, its meaning is “Lion of God”.

Asunción: It means “to assume, to attract”, it is of Latin origin.

Azul: Like the color, it refers to stability or tranquility.

Cruz: It comes from Latin Crux and is closely related to the Bible.

Dani: It is associated with experience and wisdom.

Denis: It means “The one who doesn’t lose faith in God”, its origin is French.

Francis: Arising from Francisco or Francisca, it means “Free person”.

Fénix: In Greek mythology is the bird that is reborn from its ashes.

Guadalupe: It has several origins. One of them is related to the Virgin of Guadalupe and the root of the Nahuatl word “Coatlallope”, which means “The one that crushes the snake”. Although etymologically, it comes from the Arab wad-al-luben which means “River of black stones” or “River of love”.

Harper: It is of Anglo-Saxon origin and means “The one who plays the harp”.

Joss: It comes from the German name Josse, it means “Champion”.

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Neutral names: Letters K-Z

Kin: Japanese name to represent ‘golden color’.

Lamar: Arising from old French “La mare“, which means “The sea”.

Luan: Biblical name, it means “Uprising”.

Marlon: It means “Tiny hawk”, it is French.

Mel: It comes from Latin, it means “Honey in the field”.

Milán: Its origin is Hindu, it means “Union”.

Morgan: It means “Brilliant ocean”, it’s of Welsh origin.

Naim: Its meaning is “A very beautiful person”, it is of Arabic origin.

Nilam: Means “Blue gem”.

Neftalí: Biblical character known as “The Fighter”.

Paris: In Greek mythology it means “The protector of man”.

René: It means “The reborn”, it is French.

Robin: It is of English origin, it means “Illustrious”.

Sidney: It means “Wide prairie”, it is of Anglo-Saxon origin.

Sasha: Of Greek and Russian origin, it means “Defender of humanity” and “Warrior”.

Yael: It means “Force of God”, it is of Greek origin.

Zoel: Means “Son of Babel”, comes from Hebrew.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Baby names inspired by nature

In various cultures, natural elements have a powerful meaning and are a source of inspiration for choosing baby names. From those related to fire, earth, or water, whether of Nahuatl or Arabic origin, these names represent the mythology of their region of origin, making them a great option for your baby.

If you have not yet decided how you will name your baby, we leave you the following list:

List of baby names inspired by nature

Letter A

Ainara: Of Basque origin, it means swallow.

Akina: In Japanese, it means spring flower.

Alba, or Aurora: From the Latin Albus, Alba refers to dawn or the first light of the day before the sunrise. In the case of Aurora, it can be known as dawn or morning twilight.

Arán: In Basque, it means valley.

Arantxa: It means highlands of thorns in Basque.

Ayame: In Japanese, it means Iris.

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Letter B

Baikal: It means rich lake. It is a water name that refers to the lake located in southern Siberia; it has other meanings such as the blue eye of Siberia or the pearl of Asia.

Balam: In Mayan, it means jaguar.

Begoña: High hill, in Basque.

Bosco: Of Italian origin, it means forest.  

Byron: Of Celtic origin, it means man from the fields; it also means the man with bear characteristics or behavior.

Letter C

Cala: Of Arabic origin, it means castle, fortress.

Can-Ek: In Mayan, it means black snake.

Celestine: Derived from the Latin caelestis, it means sky. The name Celestino means inhabitant of heaven. It is derived from Celeste.

Celia: It comes from the Latin cælium, which means sky.

Chacte: Redwood, in Mayan.

Cihuacoatl, Siwakoatl: Lady goddess of the Earth, in Nahuatl.

Chloe: Of Greek origin, it means sprout of green grass.

Connor: Irish name meaning one who loves animals. The name Connor also means lover of hunting dogs or wolves.

Coral: Derived from Latin, it means sea stone.

Cuauhtli, Kuauhtli: Eagle, a sun symbol, related to war. (Larousse, 1999) Don’t Miss: Baby Names That Mean Moon

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Letter D

Daphne: In Greek, bay.

Dagoberto: Germanic name meaning shining like the sun.

Danae: It means earth fertilized by rain.

Demetrio: It means sacred to the earth. Its etymology comes from the ancient Greek «Δημήτριος» (Dêmếtrios), a name associated with the goddess of agriculture, Demeter.

Dimas: It means sunset in Hebrew.

Dimitri: It is a Russian variant of the name of Greek origin Demetrio, meaning belonging to the earth.

Douglas: It means dark sea. Its etymology comes from the Gaelic dubh (dark) and glais (water, river).

Letter E

Edurne: Snow in Basque.

Ehékatl, Ejecatl: In Nahuatl, god of the wind that sweeps the fields before the rains.

Elenio: It means the one who shines like the sun, of Greek origin.

Eleodoro: Of Greek origin, it means the one who comes from the sun.

Elía, Eli: In Nahuatl, it means the plant is sprouting.

Elián: Of Greek origin, it refers to Helios, the god of the sun.

Estela: Of Italian origin, its meaning is the morning star.

Letter F

Fabian: It means bean harvester in Latin.

Fabiola: Variant of Fabián, it means bean grower.

Falco: It means the falcon. It also means he who sees sharply or he who sees from afar.

Felipe: It comes from the Greek “Philippos,” which means horse lover.

Letter G

Gaia: Its meaning is earth. In Greek mythology, she was the mother goddess who presided over the Earth. She was the companion of Uranus and the mother of the Titans and the Cyclopes.

Garo: In Basque, it means fern.

Gemma: It comes from Latin, meaning precious stone.

Greta: It means pearl in Latin.

Guido: It means knower of paths. The name Guido, from the German “widu,” means forest but is interpreted as born in the forest or one who knows the way.

Letter H

Hana: Flower, to bloom, in Japanese.

Haru: Of Japanese origin, it means born in spring.

Hazel: It means walnut tree. English adaptation of the term “hæsel” of Celtic origin meaning hazelnut or walnut.

Helio: Of Greek origin, it means sun.

Helios: This name in Greek mythology belonged to the god of the sun; its etymology comes from the Greek “’ηλιος,” which means sun.

Hoshi: Star, in Japanese.

Letter I

Ignatius: It means fire in Latin.

Ilan: Of Hebrew origin, it translates as a vigorous tree.

Iliana and Isaura: Both mean soft air.

Inti: Name the Incas gave to the sun.

Íñigo: The one who comes from the mountainous slope, in Basque.

Izamal: Of Mayan origin, it means dew from heaven. There is a town in Yucatan with this name.

Letter K

Kai: It is of Hawaiian origin; it means sea. It also implies victory in Chinese and is worthy of being loved in the African Swahili language.

Kanté: It comes from the Mayan word “K’ANTEMO,” meaning the tree that listens.

Kin: Means sun in Mayan.

Letter L

Laura: Derived from the Latin “Laurus,” meaning triumph or triumphant, victory.

Lavinia: From the Greek “laphas,” stone. Virgil created the fictitious name to justify the origin of the city of Laninium. Lavinia is the daughter of the Latin king and wife of Aeneas in the poem “The Aeneid” by Virgil.

Leo: Lion in Greek.

Lilian or Liliana: From the Latin “Lilium,” meaning she who is pure.

Llaru: Spring in Japanese

Letter N

Nahuel: Of Mapuche origin, it means tiger.

Nikté or Nicté: Means “flower”. She thus called herself a Mayan princess.

Letter O

Ollin Tonatiuh: In Nahuatl, it means the sun of movement, of the fifth creation from Teotihuacan.

Orson: It comes from the term “Ursus,” which means bear. It means little bear.

Ovidio: It means the one who tends the sheep. This name comes from the Latin term “Ovidius,” whose meaning is sheep.

Letter P

Pedro: Of Aramaic origin, means stone.

Letter Q

Quetzalcóatl: In Nahuatl, the creator god of the man of the fifth sun.

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Letter R

Ramses: It means Son of the Sun. This name comes from the term “ramss” formed by the terms “ra,” which means sun and “mesu,” which means be born and, that according to the Egyptian mythology, god Ra, the god of the sun, acquires another meaning as the son of Ra.

Letter S

Sasil, Saasil, or Zazil: It means dawn, clarity, light in Mayan. Silas: It means little wolf.

Silvano: Derived from the Latin Silvanus, it means of the woods.

Sinti, Sintli: In Nahuatl, it means corn; it is related to the deity protecting the corn.

Suvan: Of Hindu origin, it means the sun.

Letter T

Tlali, Tlalli: In Nahuatl, it means earth, the motherland, the world.

Tonatiúh: Our father sun, the sun, the day, in Nahuatl.

Letter X

Xochipili, Xochipilli, Makuilxochitl: Of Nahuatl origin, it means the god of flowers.

Xochiquetzali: In Nahuatl mythology, it refers to the woman who populated Mexico after the flood; it means goddess of water, beautiful flower.

Xuchal, Suchatl: Rose petal, in Nahuatl.

Letter Y

Yaax: It means nature in Mayan.

Yatziri: It means flower of the dew or maiden of the moon, of Mayan origin.

Letter Z

Zahara or Zahra: Flower, of Arabic origin.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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My baby only wants to be with me

And suddenly, that baby who all family used to carry, no longer wants to separate from its mother, even for a single moment. Leaving the baby at home has become a real problem because, every time you leave the house, he cries inconsolably. It’s now, more than ever, that your child needs your empathy because he is experiencing the anguish of separation that comes from the emotional attachment to mom or dad.

Usually, between the eighth or ninth months of age, the baby generates an attaching bond to its closest caretakers. The little ones begin with the anguish of separation or fear to strange people, known as the famous “mamitis” or “papitis” in Spanish, which means extremely emotional attachment to one or both of its parents.

The extremely emotional attachment could be to parents, grandpas, aunts… it depends on whom the baby has created the affective bond because a baby doesn’t have developed the maturity of object permanence. That means that the child does not know “if the person who takes care of it, will return”.

Babies suffer deep anguish when mom or dad have to go away. “It is a natural stage in children’s development, and it’s cyclical: it comes and goes. The child will get rid of it when it is able to internalize that its caretakers are going to leave, but also, they’re going to come back”, explains psychologist Coral Casarín Morfín, development advisor from Proyecto Dei Association.

How to support your children

During this stage, babies need a lot of patience from you. You shouldn’t tell them “If you misbehave, I’ll leave you with this lady”, making reference to someone the child doesn’t know. Also, you shouldn’t let unknown people (for them), take care of them. For example, the aunt or the cousin that they have never seen.

In stressful situations, a child will need that the adult gives it certainty and security to accompany and contain it emotionally. Usually this attachment will be developed to mom and dad.

“If your baby is in an extremely emotional attachment stage, the expert recommends to breathe deeply. Breathing will allow us to distance ourselves and be in our balance and, as adults, be able to help our child when it has a moment of anxiety”.

When a child is protected by a supportive adult relationship, it learns to face daily challenges, and its defense system against stress goes back to its set point. Scientists call this as positive stress, according to the Harvard University Child Development Center.

Parents also need to take care of themselves: “a mom or dad that do so, will take care of its child too. A mom or dad that keeps calm would be able to calm its child”.

Carol Casarín Morfín, development advisor from Proyecto Dei association.

Don’t hide away!

Hiding any time you want to leave home, so your child can’t see you, is not a good idea. Many parents do this so the baby won’t cry or suffer, but if you use that strategy all the time and you “hide” without letting it know, the child will be anguished, explains Coral Casarín.

The parenting expert recommends to tell the kid that you’re going out, but you are going to return; it is basic to do so because this will help the baby understand what’s going on. “Letting the baby know is a preventive medicine”. You could say, “I am going to the doctor; I’ll be back later. When I´m back, I´ll hug and kiss you”.

A baby would not understand about temporality, that is, the time and space location. So, you can make it a graphic calendar with pictures or drawings so it could know what is going to happen during the day and, it could go better through the separation anguish stage.

During the attachment period the baby will cry, and it is not a tantrum, but anguish. Little by little the child will learn to trust, and that will only happen watching you return. Slowly the child will become self-sufficient and independent.

What else could you do during this development stage of your baby? Other resources to go through the attachment stage are to find moments of concentrated attention and specific time playing with your child.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Raising without myths, a guide to a more informed parenting without so many worries

Why is it said that a baby’s head may sink?

One of the most common myths that exist in Mexico is that the fontanelle, or soft spot, (that soft hole in the head of babies) can “sink” if you do not hold a child correctly, or remove the bottle very quickly while he is feeding.

But it is also believed that it happens because the child hit his head or was given the “evil eye”.

If you observe any change in the baby’s fontanelle, for example, that it is sunken, avoid taking it to the lady who “cures”; the only thing she will do is rub the “soft spot” and turn the little one upside down.

Then, she will hit him on his feet and that “can cause bleeding inside the baby’s head and impair the function of her brain”, says Dr. Mariana Ramos Antuna, a pediatrician at Jurica Medical Center.

The specialist comments that, if parents observe any alteration in the fontanelle, for example, that it is sunken or bulging, they should take their little one to their pediatrician for an evaluation, since it may be dehydration or cranial pressure.

Learn more about fontanelles

Fontanelles are the “soft parts” that are located on the top of the head. These soft spots are gaps between the bones of the skull that, because they have not closed completely, facilitate the baby’s passage through the birth canal.

“The head circumference of a newborn is approximately 34 centimeters, and after a year, it will measure about 46 centimeters”, says Ramos Antuna.

The pediatric consultation of a baby is of the utmost importance. Part of that checkup is measuring the head circumference.

If it stops growing, it means that the fontanelles are closing and are not allowing the baby’s head to grow. This is an important warning, explains the pediatrician: “An evaluation with a pediatric neurologist should be requested, and in some cases, with a pediatric neurosurgeon”.

The smallest fontanelle at the back of the head usually closes within the two and three months of age. The largest fontanelle, on the forehead, often closes at around the 18 months of age.

Mayo Clinic

Pediatrician Ramos Antuna points out that it is normal and healthy for a baby to have fontanelles.

The best known is the anterior fontanelle, colloquially called “soft spot“, which is covered by a fibrous layer that has a slight depression –through which heart beats are felt– and pediatricians tend to touch gently in monthly check-ups.

When the baby is born, these soft parts have not ossified because the brain continues to grow, otherwise, it could not expand, “If the fontanelle were closed at birth, the brain would have nowhere to grow.

The child would be left with a small head and, therefore, there would not have a good neurological development“, she explains.

Dehydration sign

Once the fontanelle is closed, you will no longer feel that little hole, but, while the “soft spot” has not closed completely, it is an indicator for doctors that the baby is healthy and in an adequate state of hydration.

People often say that the baby has a suddenly “sunken soft spot”; this may be because the cranial pressure decreased, which is a sign of dehydration, says the pediatrician.

“If the baby has vomit or diarrhea and the parents notice the fontanelle is a little sunken, they should see their pediatrician or go to the emergency room”, she explains.

And if it rises or bulges, it means that there is an increase in pressure inside the skull. This must be discussed with the doctor, because it may be infections in the central nervous system.

”It could be an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which is the fluid that covers the brain, or the presence of a tumor. Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and can also alter the shape of the fontanelle”.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents learn to recognize dehydration and see a doctor if there are any concerns, with or without a sunken soft spot.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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Caring and cleaning your baby’s umbilical cord and navel

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is responsible for transporting all the nutrients necessary for the growth and healthy development of the baby. At birth, this lifeline is cut so that your daughter or son becomes an individual being. Incredible, isn’t it?

A small piece of the cord, known as the umbilical stump, dries up and turns almost black in the first four hours after the baby is born, and then it detaches from the navel in seven or 10 days. “If it does not fall within this period, the causes must be addressed”, points out the neonatologist pediatrician Sergio David García Rosado, from the ABC Observatory Medical Center.

How to clean the umbilical cord

There is basic care that parents must carry out, at home, to avoid infections. It should be done before and after the umbilical cord falls off. The specialist recommends to daily:

  • Clean the area with soap and water.
  • Dry thoroughly the umbilical cord section.
  • Air it to let it dry completely.

Pay attention to certain red flags and contact your pediatrician immediately:

  • It is likely that, when the umbilical cord falls, there are small drops of blood that when pressed will be absorbed back, but this should not be continuous or abundant.
  • Outflow of a continuous or fetid discharge.
  • Redness, harshness, or increased temperature in the area.

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Do I have to put a raisin in the navel?

In past times, when the umbilical cord fell off, some mothers and fathers used to place a raisin, a coin or some pellets in the navel. The purpose was that it did not pop out.

However, it is not necessary to place anything in the area and it is normal for all babies to have a protruding belly button. This is because at this age, there is a separation of the abdominal muscles and it causes the navel to pop out.

Don’t experiment with your baby! Once the umbilical cord has fallen, do not put objects in the navel area. Keep in mind that all children have this hernia, some will protrude more than others, but it is not something to worry about.

Something else you should avoid doing is looking for information in little reliable or completely unreliable sources, since you could put your child’s health at risk. Some moms and dads look for answers to their doubts online and come across unsupported, unscientific news, “There is a lot of misinformation on the web. If we used to ‘battle’ against grandparents, now we do it with the Internet”, emphasizes the expert.

99% of physiological umbilical hernias close within the first year of life. It is uncommon that they persist after that time. “You don’t have to do anything else. As a baby grows, his muscles also grow and gather in the midline. It is not necessary to put on bandages”, clarifies the specialist. If it does not close, the pediatrician must check the reason.

5 interesting facts

  1. The umbilical cord contains stem cells.
  2. It is between 40 and 60 centimeters long.
  3. Omphalitis is the name given to a navel infection in a newborn.
  4. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord after birth so that a newborn receives important nutrients.
  5. Umbilical cord blood banks store the blood contained in it because it can be used later even by first- or second-degree relatives. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Umbilical cord blood is useful because it is a source of stem cells that are transformed into blood globules. It can be used for transplantation in people who need regeneration, that is, to ‘re-produce’ blood cells. However, umbilical cord blood is not a cure for everything”.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Become an expert in holding your baby!

Luis has never had a baby in his arms. A newborn baby seems so fragile that he is nervous and afraid. However, in a couple of months he will become a dad and it will be necessary for him to learn how to hold his baby.

If, like Luis, you are a new mother or father who is experiencing nervousness because you do not know anything about parenting, we have news that will reassure you: it is very difficult for people to drop a baby from their arms. This is assured by Azucena García Pacheco, an expert in baby care at the Prenatal Care Center: I am a Child Carer.

Stop imagining crazy things that won’t happen and start practicing holding your baby. Using a doll or a rolled-up blanket is a good idea to get started, practice makes perfect!

Step by step

To receive and hold a newborn baby, it is very important to do so safely and firmly. You should always hold the head and neck together, as well as the upper back with your hand. At this age they still cannot do it on their own. Head control will be achieved after three months of age.

There are different ways to carry a baby, but the most common is to carry it against the chest. The childcare worker García Pacheco explains it like this:

  • Identify which is your dominant arm, left or right because you are going to support most of the baby’s weight on it.
  • Place his neck on your arm.
  • Support the body with the other hand and arm.
  • Hold the head and neck with one hand and the body with the other hand.
  • Let the baby rest its head on your arm to give it stability.
  • Avoid sudden movements.

A baby needs to be held

There is a myth that if you carry a baby, it will get used to it. However, a newborn needs your arms for relief. Don’t be afraid to hold it! “If a child cries and calms down when you hug him, it is because he needs comfort and feel protected”, emphasizes García Pacheco.

The child development specialist points out that there is a lot of misinformation about it, and not holding a baby when it cries is “emotional negligence“. As adults, we are not only in charge of meeting the baby’s physical and feeding needs, but also the affective and emotional ones. “If you hold a baby and it calms down and stops crying, you shouldn’t hesitate to do it, do it for love and respect”, she says.

“Holding a newborn in the fetal or ‘belly hold’ position with its back rounded and knees dangling will give it peace of mind. This posture reminds it of the womb and will cry less”.

Azucena García Pacheco, expert in baby care.

The baby carrier can be your new best friend

For centuries, mainly women have lifted and carried their young close to them in shawls to keep their hands free. The use of a shawl or baby carrier satisfies the child’s need to feel safe and calm, while leaving the wearer’s hands free.

According to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, in all cultures, both babies and young children have been baby-carried, so that adults can perform daily tasks or move more quickly, while still caring for them.

Baby-carrying allows a kid to adopt ergonomic postures that are in accordance with its anatomy, that do not hurt it and that favor its physical and emotional development. You just have to be aware that the shawl or the baby carrier does not rub against its skin, concludes the expert.

If a child cries and calms down when you hug him, it is because he needs you and needs to feel protected by someone who loves him.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

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When does a baby start to feed himself?

Your child grows day by day, you watch how he discovers his world, and you are excited to see how your little one learns new skills, but you also feel nostalgic thinking about how quickly he develops. An essential step in his growth is feeding, so you wonder when a baby starts to feed himself.

This may be a habitual action to you, but it is one of the first steps to being independent. At this stage, you will have many questions, but remember that each child has their rhythm and a series of skills that your child will develop before eating alone.

Eating alone is an important step in your baby's development. Photo: Shutterstock
Eating alone is an important step in your baby’s development. Photo: Shutterstock

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How to know that your baby is ready for complementary feeding?

Around six months, complementary feeding begins; in addition to breastfeeding, your little one’s diet should include solid foods, as he requires other nutrients.

Dr. Ángel Robledo, a specialist in child nutrition, comments that at six months, babies acquire skills that allow them to start complementary feeding, such as:

  • Keeping his head up
  • Sitting with support
  • Showing interest in food
  • Losing the extrusion reflex (movements of the child to expel the food)

At what age can your baby eat alone?

When you start complementary feeding, you must support your little one in eating. Around nine months, a baby begins to feed himself, although he will do it with his hands. The Nemours Kids Health Foundation explains that at this age, he can take food with his little hands, as he has developed fine motor skills, which is the ability to make small fine movements. By holding food in their hands, children get to know its texture.

“A 9-month-old can grasp food (and other small objects) between his index finger and thumb in a pincer. At first, they use this finger grip a bit clumsily, but with practice, they soon learn to use it deftly and effectively”.

Although your little one will still need your help, let him eat alone as much as possible. By encouraging him to eat with his fingers, you are helping him develop healthy habits for feeding independently.

“Eating with just the hands, and later with cutlery, gives your child a certain degree of control over what he eats and how much he eats. Sometimes he will eat the food; sometimes, he won’t; this is all part of learning to self-regulate. Even a young child can tell when he is hungry and full”.

Around nine months, a baby begins to feed himself. Photo: Pxhere
Around nine months, a baby begins to feed himself. Photo: Pxhere

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How to help your baby feed himself?

Pediatrician Gracia María Martínez comments on the importance of developing healthy eating habits from an early age, so she recommends the following:

  • Sit him in his chair to eat: The child will know when it’s time to eat.
  • Give him a plate, spoon, and glass of water suitable for his size: They should be made of resistant materials in case they fall.
  • Eating together as a family: He will learn to hold the cutlery and glass, imitating the others.
  • Let him touch the food: Your little one is getting to know the textures of the food and fine-tuning his movements. Be patient because he will get dirty and throw the food. Little by little, he will have the ability to hold cutlery.

At what age do babies eat with a spoon?

The Nutrition Coordination of UNAM details that learning to use cutlery is a process maintained during the baby’s first years and is related to each child’s motor skills. Hence, the time it takes to master its use depends on each child. You can stimulate him and put these utensils near him so that he becomes familiar with them.

From the age of six months, when complementary feeding begins, you can give your baby his spoon. He will likely play games, but it will help you get to know her. Show him how to use it; little by little, he will learn to use it.

Around 10 or 12 months, even after this age, children begin to put the spoon into the plate and then into their mouths. Their movements are not yet very fine at this stage, and they will make a mess, but with time they will get there. Help your little one by guiding his hand in the right way.

Remember that each little one has her rhythm and develops differently; he can acquire new skills before or after other kids. Tell us on Facebook when your baby started feeding himself.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: here

At what age do baby teeth come in?

Each step in your child’s development makes you excited and a bit nostalgic because he grows faster than you expect. There are moments in that process that become precious memories. One of them is his first tooth when you start noticing a “white dot” on his gums, and you know that he will leave behind his beautiful “toothless” smile. We tell you at what age the baby’s teeth come in.

The teeth breaking through in babies varies significantly from child to child; it can start as early as three months, or even your little one can reach his first birthday without any teeth, explains the American Academy of Pediatrics.

At about three months, your child begins to explore the world with his mouth, so he sucks his little hands and has more saliva. Is this a sign that his teeth will soon come in?

The teeth breaking through can vary in each child; on average, the first ones come out between 6 and 12 months. Photo: Pxhere
The teeth breaking through can vary in each child; on average, the first ones come out between 6 and 12 months. Photo: Pxhere

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When do the first teeth come in?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, what will be the first teeth of the little ones begin to form, which are under the gums.

Around six to 12 months, the baby’s first teeth come in. Almost always, the lower central incisors break through first, the ones in front of the lower part of the jaw.

Naysha Reyes, a dental surgeon, asks parents not to be scared if their little ones’ teeth do not break through at this age because it is only an estimate. Some children grow them later, which should not be a cause for concern.

Nemours Kids Health explains the order in which teeth come in, based on age and tooth type.

  • Upper central incisors: Between nine to 12 months.
  • Lateral incisors (upper and lower): Between nine and 16 months.
  • Canines: From 16 to 23 months.
  • First molar (upper and lower): From 13 to 19 months.
  • Second molar (upper and lower): From 23 to 33 months.

When your little one turns three years old, he will already have 20 baby teeth.

Teething timeline according to their type. Photo: American Dental Association
Teething timeline according to their type. Photo: American Dental Association

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How do I know that the baby’s teeth will come in?

The discomfort when the teeth come in also varies a lot. It can be painless for some children, while others may be very sensitive and have swollen gums. Here are some signs that your little one will be teething soon:

  • He is drooling more
  • He wants to chew things
  • He has swollen gums; this can cause pain
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
If your baby is irritable and has swollen gums, teeth will soon come in. Photo: Pixabay
If your baby is irritable and has swollen gums, teeth will soon come in. Photo: Pixabay

Relief for discomfort when teething

The American Academy of Family Physicians advises parents to ease their baby’s discomfort:

  • Rub your baby’s gums with a cool washcloth. Massaging swollen gums can help relieve pain.
  • You can give her a cool teething ring to chew on.
  • Ask your doctor if you can give your little one any pain reliever (always ask first).
  • Avoid gels with benzocaine; the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that it can harm children’s health.
  • Do not use homeopathic remedies, as they have not been proven effective or safe for children.
  • Use comfortable bibs of a suitable size for your baby, this way, you will avoid that due to an increase in saliva, it wets his clothes, they feel uncomfortable, or he can get sick from the humidity.

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How to clean a baby’s teeth?

Cleaning is very important since the first pieces appear in your little ones. Naysha Reyes, a dental surgeon, reminds parents that they should clean their little one’s teeth daily. In addition, you should take your child to the dentist from the moment the first tooth appears.

Here are some recommendations from the American Dental Association to take care of your baby’s dental health:

  • Clean his teeth and gums with a damp washcloth or gauze twice a day or after each meal.
  • Between the first and second year, it is advisable to use a soft brush. Add a small amount of toothpaste without fluoride since it is safe if he swallows it accidentally.
  • Regularly visit the dentist.
Brush your little one’s teeth at least twice a day or after every meal. Photo: Pixabay
Brush your little one’s teeth at least twice a day or after every meal. Photo: Pixabay

Taking care of your kid’s teeth is very important. Did you already know at what age baby teeth come in?

Translayed by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version:: Here

Stop there! Foods that babies should not eat

Your little one grows every day, and with it, his needs increase. Little by little, he will need to have more food besides breastfeeding. A balanced diet is very important to start establishing healthy habits in children. We tell you the foods that babies should not eat.

Breastfeeding during the first six months of life is essential for development. Still, after that age, it is necessary to start complementary feeding, the gradual consumption of solid foods, since energy and nutrient needs increase as one grows.

You must be careful with certain foods because their ingredients can affect your little one’s health or are more difficult to digest, causing discomfort in your baby.

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When starting complementary feeding, you should include all food groups. Photo: Pxhere
When starting complementary feeding, you should include all food groups. Photo: Pxhere

Healthy habits from a young age

Your child’s first two years are very important; a balanced diet will reduce the risk of suffering from malnutrition and developing chronic diseases such as obesity, explains the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Few children receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary feeding. In many countries, less than a quarter of children aged 6 to 23 months meet age-appropriate criteria for dietary diversity and meal frequency”.

A balanced diet in the first 24 months is crucial to maintain the necessary iron reserves for the neurological development and proper growth of the child; it is very difficult to reverse the deficiencies of energy, proteins, vitamins, and inorganic nutrients that occur during this stage, warns the Medical Gazette of Mexico.

The first two years of your child's life are very important for establishing healthy eating habits. Photo: Pixabay
The first two years of your child’s life are very important for establishing healthy eating habits. Photo: Pixabay

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Forbidden foods for babies

The eating habits that you teach your children from an early age will influence their growth. For this reason, pediatric neonatologist Laxmi Chowath advises parents not to add salt or sugar when preparing baby food and warns that babies should not consume canned products due to their high salt and sugar content.

The Nemours Kids Health organization recommends not giving your baby these foods:

  • Added sugars and sweeteners without calories: Their consumption can cause problems such as obesity, diabetes, or tooth decay.
  • High sodium content: Two-year-old children should not have more than 2 grams of salt daily.
  • Honey: It can cause botulism, so it should wait until after a year.
  • Unpasteurized juice, milk, yogurt, or cheese: Young kids may have trouble digesting these.
  • Cow’s milk or soy drinks: Do not give these products until 12 months; they contain proteins and fats that make digestion difficult.
  • Grapes, popcorn, and nuts: Due to their size, they can cause choking.
  • Fish: The contaminants in the sea, such as mercury, can harm your baby’s health. It is recommended to wait after two years to start its consumption.
Sugar and salt can affect your baby's health; avoid their intake. Photo: Pixabay
Sugar and salt can affect your baby’s health; avoid their intake. Photo: Pixabay

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Tell us on Facebook if you know of foods babies should not eat.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: here

Girl names inspired by spring

The favorite season of many is about to arrive; the weather and landscape are more beautiful at this time. If your little girl is yet to be born, these spring-inspired girl names are a great choice; they all have beautiful meanings.

For many cultures, spring represents a renewal. In this season, the plants turn green and bloom, making the landscape more beautiful. There are many myths about this season, one of them is that of Persephone.

In the spring, the landscape is much more beautiful. Photo: Pixabay
In the spring, the landscape is much more beautiful. Photo: Pixabay

Myths about spring

In Greek mythology, Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, the goddess of fertility. She was a charming young woman kidnapped by Hades, who ruled the underworld, and she was forced to become his wife. Zeus tried to help the young woman and negotiated with his brother, Hades, so that he would free his daughter because when she is with her mother, the trees bear fruit, and everything turns green.

The pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico developed great knowledge about the observation of the stars. “For the Mayans, spring represented the beginning of the planting season”, says Ernesto Vargas Pacheco from the UNAM Anthropological Research Institute.

The meaning of these names selected for you evokes that renewal that the myths of ancient civilizations speak of.

In many cultures, spring is associated with renewal. Photo: Pixabay
In many cultures, spring is associated with renewal. Photo: Pixabay

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Letters A-L

  • Abril: Derived from the Latin aprilis, it refers to flowers, nature, and good weather.
  • Amber: It is the name of a precious stone generated from the resin of a tree. It is associated with beauty and light. It comes from Arabic.
  • Aurora: It comes from Latin; it means
  • Aviv: Of Hebrew origin, it means
  • Aviva: It is Hebrew; it means fresh and moist.
  • Aya: Arabic name that means to weave silk; it means colorful in Japanese.
  • Belinda: Although its origin is uncertain, it is believed that it comes from the Italian beautiful and cute; its meaning is of great beauty, such as spring, which is a very beautiful season.
  • Carmen: It means garden of god; it is of Latin origin.
  • Chloe: Derived from the Greek Khloé, which means green herb.
  • Claire: It’s French and means bright and clear.
  • Dalia: Of Greek origin, it means beautiful woman; it is also the name of a flower considered among the most beautiful ones.
  • Flor: It is a derivative of the Latin Floris.
  • Flora: Its origin comes from Latin; it means
  • Kelby: Of Nordic origin, it is derived from the words Kelda (spring or fountain) and byr (town), which means the town of the spring.
  • Lily: It’s English; it means lily. This flower is associated with purity and love. The Greeks gave lilies to women to wish them a hopeful life.
These names have beautiful meanings. Photo: Pixabay
These names have beautiful meanings. Photo: Pixabay

Letters M-Z

  • Magnolia: It comes from Latin and means flowering tree.
  • Maia: We also owe this name to the Greeks; it means With Zeus, she had the messenger god Hermes as a son.
  • Margarita: It comes from Latin; it is the name of a flower.
  • Melissa: Its meaning is the bee that brings honey. According to Greek mythology, this was the name given to the nymph who discovered how to collect honey.
  • Nari: It’s Korean; it means lily flower.
  • Olivia: Derived from the Latin olivus. It means olive branch.
  • Rosana: Of Persian origin, it means she who is like the rose.
  • Rosaura: It comprises the Latin words rosae (pink) and aurum (gold). Its meaning is the golden rose.
  • Thalía: It is of Greek origin; its meaning is the one that flourishes.
  • Verdi: In Italian means
  • Vesna: she is the Slavic goddess of spring; the meaning is the messenger.
  • Violet: It means the modest; it comes from Latin. Also, it is a beautiful flower.
  • Zahira: Of Arabic origin, it means the one who has flourished.

These girl names will help you in your search. Which one did you like? Tell us on Facebook.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish versión: Here

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