Being a baby in Ukraine

To be a baby in Ukraine means you live the privileged life.  Oh sure, in this country water gets turned off, power outages happen and many people still use public transportation.  But, um..... those are adult problems.  

{Below}  Micah James Sloan, 13 months, wearing his Ukrainian clothes and shoes

Since most Ukrainians only have one baby (or two, at most), babies get oodles of attention here.  When one of these little fellas live in a home, they are the focus of all who live under that roof.  So, eat your hearts out, American babies.  You may have Babies 'R Us, but look at what we have...

(A fun little fact list about culture of babies in Ukraine):

1.  When a parent gets on public transportation with a baby, seats all around are instantly vacated.  These little tykes (with their fortunate parents) get first dibs on seats.

2.  Waiting in lines in Ukraine is a normal part of everyday life (post office, stores, government offices, etc.), but if a baby is in the room, the "Red Sea" is parted for the parents to go first.

3. Ukraine still lacks many of the "essentials" (brown sugar, chocolate chips, good peanut butter, Wal-Mart, Target, etc...) but Pampers and Huggies have been around here for a long time.  And, in many places you can buy just one if you need to.  (People can also buy just one cigarette too.... not that we do, of course, but that topic is for another day...)

4.  Though the largest percentage of parents in Ukraine cannot afford vehicles, "baby transportation" is a whole other story.  These little guys have what we like to call the "Mercedes" or "BMWs" of strollers.  No hand-me-downs here!  And many times, these strollers come complete with the whole kitten caboodle... with diaper bags, bottle holders, umbrellas, etc... to match.

5.  Pediatricians here not only recommend, but strongly encourage parents to take their babies out for a "walk" twice a day.... one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening, from the time they are born.  And parents adhere to this rule very seriously.  It is not uncommon to see mosquito nets or plastic coverings over strollers so that they can squeeze as many of these one-hour walks in as possible, despite the weather challenges.

6.  From the time a little one can sit, they are not allowed to sit on concrete anywhere at anytime.  Concrete is naturally cool, and it is considered unhealthy to sit on it.  And if it is hot during the summer?  Doesn't matter.  No concrete!

7.  Children are not allowed to drink cold drinks under any condition (even on hot days).  Everything has to be warmed.  We even had a babysitter once who warmed our children's milk before allowing them to eat their breakfast cereal!

8.  Babies do everything early here... from crawling, to sitting, to walking, to potty training.  Parents and grandparents faithfully bend over and help them "walk" when they are just a few months old, and it is rather common for a nine-month-old to walk unassisted.  Parents also give their babies daily exercises and massages, which they are taught to do by their pediatricians.

9.  Have a two-year old in diapers?  That is nearly unheard of in this culture!  Parents and grandparents are faithfully teaching their little ones from the time they are just months old to potty train.

10.  In this country, hats are for all seasons.  Whether they are protecting from the cold or sun, babies wear hats.  Feel a little breeze?  Then be assured that baby will have a hat on, even if it is a warm, summer breeze.

11.  Boys and girls alike wear winter tights and lots and lots of other layers during the winter and even late into spring when the rest of us are shedding our layers.  Layers = Love here!

12.  Have a baby in tote?  Then be prepared for a constant bombardment of opinions from strangers.  It is not considered rude or impolite for strangers here to give their opinion, especially concerning a baby.  Hat not on?  Be sure you will be told to get it on baby quickly before a cold sets in!

13.  If someone is sick or is even slightly sick with a cold, be assured they will not come near your baby.

So, have we adapted to these cultures?  I can pretty much say that we have, though it was certainly not easy at first.  After all, we came to Ukraine with a 3-month-old.  We were new parents and already timid about being in a new environment.  The constant unasked-for opinions were the most difficult hurdle for us to overcome, but we have since learned to smile, do what we are being asked (just put the hat on.... you can always take it off later!), and not argue.  It doesn't matter that WE are the parents and that person is a stranger.  It is easier to just try to live in peace and be neighborly with everyone around than to argue.

Do we follow all of these rules personally?  No, we don't.  But, I do have to say that we have changed somewhat in our thinking about babies.  We take the best of both cultures, add in our own common sense and parent the way we feel is best!

So, don't feel sorry for my little ones growing up on the mission field.  They are quite the pampered bunch, if I say so myself!