ABOUT BABY

DESIGN OF TATTOO: body tattoo painting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:34:00 +0000

DESIGN OF TATTOO: body tattoo painting: "tattoo on body, full color, unik tattoo design"

about baby : Summertime Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:11:00 +0000

"Fun in the Sun" is the theme for summertime. Everyone heads outdoors for picnics, barbecues,
wilderness treks and theme park visits. What does this mean for you and your little one? Here are some tips to help you have a fun and SAFE summer:
Water- Everyone loves to get wet in the summer. Infants can enjoy this as well, with a little extra caution.Most importantly, your infant should ALWAYS be within an arm's length of the responsible adult. Try to keep their little ears out of the water to avoid swimmer's ear and general discomfort. There are inflatable rings with an infant harness that babies will love, but you must be sure not to rely on this as a life saving device and continue to remain within arm's length. Remember that the AAP does NOT recommend swimming lessons for infants.
Be careful when visiting public pools as there is always the threat of contacting E-coli by swallowing pool water contaminated with diarrhea or stool remnants. To help prevent this make certain the pool's chlorine level is checked hourly, use swim diapers, don't change diapers near the pool, and be certain to wash your hands after changing diapers. Be aware of other water hazards near your baby. Infants can drown in a very short time in a very small amount of water such as in pools, jacuzzis, toilets, and even a regular 5 gallon bucket. Being top-heavy and having immature balance, a baby can fall headfirst into a bucket and be unable to get out. Even a dog's water dish can be hazardous to a crawling baby. Sun It is possible for infants who experience sunburn to have permanent damage. Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight by use of shade, light clothing, brimmed hats, etc. Sunscreen may be used on small areas of the body such as the face and the back of the hands if adequate clothing and shade are not available. For older babies, sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. The SPF of your sunscreen should be 15 or higher. Even waterproof sunscreens will likely need to be reapplied every hour or so. Bugs Another annoying factor of life outdoors is insects, especially those that bite! Help your little one stay bug free by avoiding areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and blooming flowers. Avoid dressing your baby in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints and don't use scented soaps or other perfumed products on your child. Otherwise the bugs might mistake him for a flower! In the case a sting or bite does occur, be sure to watch your baby for any abnormal or allergic reaction and call your pediatrician immediately if one occurs. For stings with a visible stinger remaining, remove it by gently scraping it off with a credit card or your fingernail. You may have to use tweezers or your fingers to pinch it out. Soak a cloth in cold water and press it over the area of the sting to reduce pain and swelling. To relieve the itchiness that accompanies bites by mosquitoes, flies, fleas, etc., apply calamine lotion freely onto any part of your child's body except the areas around his eyes and genitals.

Tips FOR Nursing Bras

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:05:00 +0000

By Jane Bear

A baby's cries for milk can come at any time and breastfeeding clothes can make the whole experience easier. One of the most necessary pieces of breastfeeding clothes that a nursing mother requires is a good quality nursing bra.

Making certain a nursing bra fits correctly is important. You should not buy your bra too early in your pregnancy as your breasts will be nearing their full size prior to breastfeeding your baby, buy during the last months instead. The best people to consult about the perfect bra for nursing are the experts.

A nursing bra that does not fit correctly will fail to support your breasts and can block your milk duct causing milk production to decrease, and in extreme cases blocked ducts caused by a badly fitted one can lead to mastitis.

One of the more popular types of nursing bras are those that have under wires. Under wires provide extra support, especially to those who have bigger bust lines. However, these bras, particularly if they are too small or tight, can dig into your breast tissue and clog a milk duct, which can lead to mastitis. If you do opt for an under wire bra, make certain that the bra fits properly and that the wire is not pressing on any part of your breast.

For mothers who want a quick and comfortable nursing experience, an option is to choose nursing bras that have flaps. Bras with flaps allow for just the breast-area material to be removed instead of the entire bra during feeding time. This is very useful, because it makes for discreet, convenient breastfeeding for mothers who nurse in public. Choose the one that is easiest for you to fasten and unfasten with one hand.

But there are also bras that have no flaps and under wire, which some mothers prefer strictly based on comfort. However, these kinds of nursing bras are not especially comfortable for women who have larger breasts, as they find it does not give them as much support as those nursing bras with an under wire.

You should invest in a number of nursing bras because you'll need a clean one each day. Look for bras that are made of cotton or materials such as micro fiber that allow you to breathe and move in comfort. Also, go for wide, comfortable shoulder straps to support the extra weight.

Don't be fooled into thinking that nursing bras have to be unflattering. There are various styles and colors to choose from, and they are every bit as sexy as the bras you wore before you were pregnant. There is no such thing as the best nursing bra. Buy the one that gives you the best support, is easy for you to use and gives you the greatest confidence. The Internet is a great place to find the maternity clothing that is right for you.

About the Author:

About the author: Jane Bear is the best writer since Shakespeare. See more of her stuff at Free Maternity Clothing Guide Get your free report on Maternity Clothes and Apparel

Mom's Fail-Safe Checklist for Traveling with Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:54:00 +0000

by Karyn Zielinski, Fun Places to Go With Kids.com
You've finally planned that big day out with the kids. You've got the destination. You've got the
kids. You've got the car keys. You're about to head out the door􀂫but wait! Are you really
prepared? Diapers, wipes, sun screen, blankies􀂫you hope you remembered everything! Why leave yourself open to chance? You need an easy way to make sure you really are prepared. You need Mom's Fail-Safe Checklist!
This checklist includes the basic travel items you'll need to ensure you are prepared for most trips with your kids, as well as some ideas for maximizing safety and enhancing your day. Just print out this list and hang it on your refrigerator so that you can refer to it whenever you are planning a special day out with your kids. Remember the Essentials
l Maps and directions
l Money/tickets
l Walkie-talkies
l Bus/train schedules
l Diaper bag
l Diapers or Pull-Ups
l Baby wipes
l Hand sanitizer
l Medications such as Baby or Children's Tylenol or Motrin
l Thermometer
l Change of clothes
l Pacifiers, blankies, dolls, or favorite stuffed animal
l Baby food, bowl, and 2 spoons
l Lunch, including sandwiches and fruit
l Kids' snacks in bagged individual portions
l Water bottles filled with water, juice, or milk
l Thermal carrier with ice pack to hold food and drinks
l Paper towels/napkins/tissues
l Sunglasses
l Hats
l Sunscreen
l Lip balm
l Insect repellent
Put Safety First
l Car seat, booster seat, baby carrier, stroller
l Cell phone and list of emergency numbers
l First Aid Kit that includes bandages, antiseptics, cotton balls, antibiotic ointment, and
doctors' phone numbers
l Bee sting kit if allergic
l Allergy/asthma medicines and inhalers
l Blanket, flashlight, and roadside emergency kit
l Spare tire and jack Maximize Comfort For All Seasons
l Swimsuits, towels, goggles, flotation devices (Summer)

So Many Carseats, Only One Kid

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:50:00 +0000

Perhaps the most important baby/toddler/child product you will ever purchase is a car seat. A good car seat will protect your most valued treasure 􀂲 your child. This purchase should not be taken lightly. You want a car seat that is safe, user-friendly and comfortable. Now is not the time to skimp on quality to save a few bucks. Thanks to online shopping, you can find great car seats at even better prices. But before you start clicking, you need to know what you are looking for. Here are some key tips you should keep in mind when purchasing a car seat:
Infant Car Seats These seats are meant for infants only, up to 20 to 22 pounds. Nowadays, most of these seats come off of the base that stays in your car, and acts as infant carriers. Most have sophisticated handles, and many will even attach to shopping carts rather easily. These seats are only to be used with the baby facing the rear of the car. Many believe that using infant car seats (as opposed to using a convertible car seat that can be used with infants) is safest, and I agree. Infant car seats are designed for itty-bitty bodies. They are smaller in size so your baby isn't flopping around the seat. The reclining position they are in is safest for babies while driving too. And, who wants to wake a sleeping baby to get him out of a car seat and into the grocery cart? With infant car seats, you just snap the seat off the base and off you go! Prices generally run about $40 on up, and you can only use them for a year at most (when your baby becomes too heavy for the seat and too tall), but this is chump change when you consider it is the safest bet for your baby. Convertible Car Seats These seats are the traditional ones you see in all the stores. They are called convertible because they can be rear facing for babies less then one year old and 20 pounds (baby must be both), and then switched to forward facing for toddlers. Generally, these seats can be used until your child is about 40 pounds and at least 3 years old, preferably 4 years old (child must be both). Convertible car seats start at about $45 and can go up to $150, depending on model and features. Here's where manufacturers have had fun with options. Many offer reclining, extra padding for little tikes, removable and washable fabrics and several harness options. If you can, get a seat that has a recline option, extra padding and removable/washable fabric. As far as harness types go, there are two main types nowadays: the 5-point harness and the shield harness. the shield harness is very common 􀂲 a big padded bar swings over the child's head and locks at the waist. Usually, the safety belt that accompanies the shield harness is a 3-point harness 􀂲 it goes over the child's head and buckles between his legs, with the plastic connector at the child's armpits, connecting the two together (just like infant car seats). The 5-point harness does not have a shield. Instead, one strap goes over each shoulder, the plastic connector connects the two at the armpit level, and each strap is buckled into the strap between the legs. Experts believe (and again, I agree) that the 5-point harness is the safest for children, and if you think about it, this makes sense. The 5-point harness is designed to evenly distribute the impact of an accident. The same accident with a shield harness will distribute the impact mainly to the abdominal area. Play it safe, get a seat with a 5-point harness.

Car Safety for Children

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:43:00 +0000

by Christa Koch, PreSchoolEducation.com
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children in the United States! This horrible
statistic is made worse when we discover that 75% of child fatalities and 50% of child injuries
could be eliminated with the consistent and correct use of child safety seats and safety belts!
Educate yourself about your responsibility as a caregiver/parent to provide the children in your
care with the protection that law and common sense dictate. When you drive with children in the
car, children must be in safety seats and belts and in them correctly!
Placing children in safety seats is not the end of the problem. Statistics indicate that up to 50% of
children who are placed in seats may be placed incorrectly. This can lead to injury or death!
It is important to educate yourself in order to protect your child. Safety seats are safety
equipment! Buy the correct child seat according to the child's weight, height, and developmental
ability. Check safety seat and vehicle safety belt system compatibility.
If buying second hand, ensure that the seat has not been in an accident, that it meets federal
standards, has all necessary belts, buckles, and clips and that manufacturer directions are
available. If it is missing any of the mentioned, pass it by.Not all child seats can be installed in all vehicles and all seating positions. With numerous models of child seats, almost 300 models of passenger vehicles, and the wide range of belt systems available today, correctly installing a child seat can be challenging. The best way to be sure your child seat is compatible with the vehicle you are considering is to test it before you purchase or lease the vehicle. Be sure to read the child seat􀂶s instruction manual and review all information in the vehicle owner􀂶s manual concerning correct installation. Once the seat is installed, check it by firmly pulling the base of the child seat from side to side and forward. The child seat should not move more than one inch in any direction. Whether you have a front passenger side air bag in your vehicle or not, remember that children are always safer in the back seat. When children out-grow forward-facing safety seats, they need to be restrained in beltpositioning booster seats 􀂱 until they are big enough to fit properly in an adult seat belt. Children who cannot sit with their backs straight against the vehicle seat back cushion, with knees bent over a vehicle􀂶s seat edge without slouching, are not big enough for adult seat belts. Many Parents skip this very important step.
Children generally outgrow convertible child safety seats when they are about 40 lbs. From 40 to about 80 lbs. and about 4􀂶􀀜􀂴 tall, children should always be seated in a belt-positioning booster; lifting them so adult lap/shoulder seat belts are 􀂳positioned􀂴 correctly and safely. Plus, booster seats offer children better visibility and comfort. Conditioning your children at a young age to wear a seatbelt is the only way to go. Not only is your child safer, but the driver will have their attention more on the road and driving then on what their child is doing or getting into.
Many car companies are adding child safety seats to their car models. These permanent seats are designed to restrain children at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds in a forward-facing position. Because they are built into the vehicle, these seats are an effective restraint system for children. Built-in child seats have an advantage over add-on child seats because they do not have
compatibility problems with the vehicle􀂶s seat design or seat belt systems.

Keeping Baby Safe - Two Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:49:00 +0000

When we were babies, our mothers were probably warned not to take us out for at least the first
two weeks of our lives. In today's hectic world, that would be a recipe for going absolutely stircrazy. The truth is, you and baby can and should get outside as soon as you feel able (although you might want to limit baby's exposure to others during the first month). We know a mom who took hers to Wal-Mart the day they got back to the hospital (granted, this was mom's third child and the older two needed to buy presents for a birthday party). That might be a little on the radical side for most of us, but it's good to know that newborn is now a strapping six-year-old and doing fine... and that mom's lifestyle did not radically change because of the family's little newcomer. Here we offer some tips for staying safe - even when you are out of the house...

Two Minutes

by Jeri Sires, Towel Buddies.com
Two minutes isn't very long. You can't do much in two minutes. Not much can happen in two
minutes. Not much can be accomplished in two minutes. Or can it?
Yesterday I accomplished a lot in just two minutes. I took the trash outside in just two minutes. I
responded to an email message in just two minutes. I started a load of laundry in just two
minutes. I made an important phone call in just two minutes. You see, you can do a lot in just two minutes. Yesterday, in two minutes, both of my sons swallowed half of a bottle of pretty pills they found. Yesterday, in two minutes, my niece fell into a swimming pool. In two minutes.
My husband said, "Weren't you watching the children?" " Yes," I cried, "I only turned my back for two minutes!" Two minutes. My boys are fine. My niece is lying in a hospital bed in a coma.
Two minutes turned into 4 hours of vomiting and a life hanging in the balance.

A Solid Start to Your Infant's Nutrition

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:05:00 +0000

As parents we never stop worrying about the little one. One of the first big topics of concern is
when to start giving solid foods to your newborn. While it is important to remember that each baby is unique in his or her needs, here are a few guidelines to help you as you start this journey.
Remember that breast milk or formula should be your baby's main source of nutrition for his first year of life. In fact, breast milk or formula should be enough to meet all of his needs until he
reaches at least 4-6 months of age. Most doctors recommend beginning to introduce solid foods
around 4-6 months of age while continuing to breast or bottle feed. Many parents do choose to
prolong the event further. Discuss this with your doctor to decide what is best for your child. Your child may be ready to start eating solid foods if several of the following are true:
l Baby can hold head steady when sitting l Baby is between four and six months of age
l Baby sometimes opens mouth when food approaches l Baby is interested in food when others eat . l Baby has the ability to swallow baby food placed on tongue. The most often recommended "first food" is rice cereal because it is easily digested and not likely to produce an allergic reaction. Other good first foods, are mashed avocados and bananas. The first feedings should be done after your baby has had some breast milk or formula but hasn't gotten totally full. Be sure you are not in a hurry for this event. Using a small spoon (rubber coated or plastic) place a small amount of food on the back of his tongue. He may make faces or push the food back out but don't give up. He needs to get used to the texture of foods and learn what to do with his tongue. Beginning portions should be 1 to 2 tablespoons. Feedings will gradually increase to two to four tablespoons of cereal. After several weeks most babies eat cereal twice a day, totaling about 1/3 to 1/2 cup a day. Always make sure the baby is sitting up to eat and drink.
Between 7 and 9 months of age your baby may be ready to begin finger foods. The baby should be able to sit up straight in a high chair, be able to grasp food with his hands or finger tips, and move the food from his hand to his mouth. Finger foods such as chopped pieces of ripe banana or dry unsweetened cereal, crackers, or teething biscuits are good choices. Avoid giving your baby foods that could be swallowed and cause choking, including raw carrots, large pieces of raw apple, whole hot dogs or hot dog coins, whole grapes, large cookies, peanuts and hard candy. Always stay with your baby while he or she is eating. It is important to be aware of your baby's reaction to any new foods introduced. It's not unusual for the baby's stool to change color upon eating new foods. However, a skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, wheezing or stuffy nose may be signs of a food allergy or intolerance. If this occurs, stop feeding the new food and tell your doctor about the reaction at the next visit. Be sure to keep a food diary of what foods you introduce and any reactions. It is best to wait 3-5 days before introducing additional new foods. If you have a family history of food allergies, you may want to wait even later to introduce those foods.
A printable food chart listing appropriate ages to introduce various foods is found here.
Make feeding time fun time. You can sing or play silly games with your baby while feeding him.
Most of all, enjoy being a mom!
by Tamitha Lynch

Choosing Quality Childcare

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:53:00 +0000

Every year, more parents are joining the workforce. In the near future it is likely that two out of
every three children under the age of six will live with two working parents or a single working
parent. All of these parents have one thing in common: how to care for their children while they go off to work. This article contains information, ideas and suggestions to help you make the best
possible choice of child care in community setting.

Types of Care

There are five basic types of child care:
l Full Day Child Care Centers - Groups of children usually by age, in non-residential
settings. l Family Child Care Homes - Care offered in the home of the provider, licensing or regulation vary from state to state. Mixed age groups.
l Part Day Preschool - 3-5 year olds, normally a part day, part week, school year program.
l School Time Out Programs - School Aged Care, normally before and after school hours
and school holidays. l In-Home Care - Care provided in a child's home by a relative or other person hired by the parent.

Considerations

Important considerations when choosing care:
1. Age and personality of your child: You are the best judge of the right atmosphere for your
child. Some children are shy or fearful and need quiet, small group settings while others do just
fine in a large group with lots of noise and activity.
2. Your family's needs: Do you need care for more than one child? Do you want them in care
together? If an older school aged child is also in need of care you will want to look in the area of
the school. You may want to look close to home or close to work, depending on your transportation situation.
3. Hours: Most child care centers accommodate only standard workdays and hours. Family child
care homes may be more flexible and offer evening and weekend schedules although this varies
from area to area.
Getting Started Visits
by Charlotte Dedman, HerChildCare.com

KISS - KEEP IT SIMPLY SWEET

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Throwing a successful baby shower for the mom-to-be can be easily done by following the K.I.S.S. ( for our purposes here Keep It Simply Sweet ).Making a major production of the baby shower can be stressful for the hostess, family and friends, not to mention the mom-to-be. while a 'surprise' shower may be nice, it may be much more practical to ask the mom-to-be about her preferences. She may be tiring easy and a morning time shower would work best. Then again, can she not sleep at night and so gets up late in the mornings? See how these questions can make a difference?Consulting with the mom-to-be can also answer questions about nursery colors, diaper preferences, even who should be on the guest list. So please do ask these things before making 'your plans'. Utmost in mind should be the guest of honor's comfort and happiness with the details.Then go ahead and K.I.S.S. it....KEEP IT SIMPLY SWEET!Light, simple finger foods, punch and cake of course...maybe 'baby size' cookies, 'baby veggies and dip'? Of course even chocolate kisses may be appropriate and can sometimes be found in pastel wrappers.Traditional ice breaker games like 'name the baby', unscrambling letters to come up with baby names in a list.Again, don't overwhelm the mom-to-be.Provide comfortable seating arranged so everyone can see the gifts as they are open. Designate a guest to act as secretary and make a list of who gave which gifts so mom can send thank you notes out after baby arrives.TAKE PICTURES! A 'Baby Brag Book' and an IOU for copies of the pictures would be a welcome gift.Another cute gift that can double as a centerpiece to go home with the guest of honor is a basket or baby tub filled with small baby items such as bottles, socks, rattles, a yellow rubber ducky, baby wipes and any other such small but useful items! Plan no more than two hours from start to finish, people have a busy schedule and mom needs her rest. Party favors and a slice of cake sent with each guest can make the day a pleasant memory for everyone.

source : baby shower tips

trying to conceive a baby boy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:09:00 +0000

Dreaming of a blue nursery followed by many years of cars, trucks and all things creepy crawly? There is no shortage of information on choosing your baby's gender before conception, from simple dietary changes to time consuming charts and graphs. The one thing to remember as you delve further and further into the chromosome battle is that many theories can contradict one another, nothing is foolproof and all methods have yet to be proven. Every bit of advice must be taken with a grain of salt (especially when reading this article- see dietary recommendation below) and a physician's opinion should always be sought before attempting anything that could affect your body and/or health.

What dietary recommendations are there prior to trying to conceive a baby boy?

The majority theorize that in order to have a boy you should plan on following this manly menu: salty foods, red meats, pickles, olives, fish, eggs peas, sweet corn, soda bread, figs, apricots, raisons, dried prunes, beans, avocado, zucchini and mushrooms. Try to keep your diet anti-acidic and drink 2-3 cups of green tea starting the day your period is over. Get hubby involved by having him drink a strong cup of coffee about a1/2 hour before bed to make the "little guys" more active. (Nothing is mentioned if the "little girls" daintily refuse such an obnoxious push.)

What does a woman's body condition have to do with determining a baby's gender?

from source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/35740/how_to_have_a_baby_boy.html

first-time parents

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:29:00 +0000

Like many other first-time parents, I read every parenting book, often asked my mom and friends for advice and called the pediatrician frequently "just to make sure" everything was normal. By the time my second child was born, I packed away the parenting books, no longer had the time to consult friends and family on every facet of parenting and called the pediatrician only in the event of an emergency. Recently, my one-year old's strep throat infection made me realize that I needed to dust off those parenting books and reacquaint myself with the basics. So here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics in case you're like me and need a refresher course on "When to Call the Doctor."
When to Call the Doctor If your child has any of the following symptoms, call to find out if he or she needs to be seen right away:
l Vomiting and diarrhea that last more than a few hours in a child of any age. l Rash, especially if there is also a fever. Any cough or cold that does not get better in several days, or a cold that gets worse or has a fever. l Cut that might need stitches. l Limping or is not able to move an arm or leg. l Ear pain or drainage from an ear. l Sore throat or problems swallowing. l Sharp or persistent pains in the abdomen or stomach. l Any fever in a baby younger that 3 to 4 months of age. l Fever and vomiting at the same time. l Not eating for more than a day. Call your pediatrician immediately if your infant or child has bleeding that can't be stopped; poisoning; seizures; trouble breathing; high fever; head injury with loss of consciousness, vomiting
or poor skin color; blood in urine; bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that won't go away; or sudden lack
of energy or is not able to move. Always feel free to call your pediatrician. Call right away if you are worried about your child. Sometimes a parent feels there is a problem before symptoms actually show up. When you're not sure whether to call, trust your instincts.
When you do call, make the most of the phone. Report your child's temperature, remind the doctor about past medical problems, mention medications and keep immunization records at hand. If possible, have your child near the phone when you call your pediatrician. An older child may be able to tell you where or it hurts or you can easily answer questions about a rash or cut.
To call or not to call? If you're not sure your child needs to see a pediatrician, always call his or her office. The office staff can often tell you over the phone if your child needs to be seen or can give medical advice over the phone if an office visit is not needed.

Baby First Cold

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:01:00 +0000

Everyone dreads the cold season. It can be especially hard when you have a baby with a cold.
Babies are too young for most medicine and so I will introduce you to some tips that may help a
little. These tips are not to make up for a trip to the doctor when needed:
Use a soft cloth for a runny nose instead of tissues. It is gentler on baby's nose and saves
money. Be sure to offer a drink often to help replace lost fluids.
Use a humidifier to moisten the air. Don't keep the bedroom too warm. For fast relief from
stuffiness, run a hot shower or bath with the door closed until the whole room is steamy. Turn the
water off and sit with the baby on your lap, or walk around the bathroom for a few minutes while
the baby breathes in the steam.
Babies can't have medicated rubs (like Vicks) applied to their sensitive skin until they are much
older. I have a trick I like to do with Vicks as it is effective in loosening stuffiness and helping
coughs. I take a bit of Vicks and rub it onto a cloth or washcloth. I place the cloth inside the baby's
shirt with the Vicks side facing outward toward the shirt. Make sure that the baby doesn't get too
hot with this added to their clothing. Especially if they have a fever.
Cool a Fever Naturally. With a low fever, I have the baby wearing his t-shirt and diaper and a
blanket that can be removed quickly when his fever rises. I like to use a wet washcloth on his
forehead to help with bringing his fever down.
A high fever that does not come down could be the sign of a secondary infection and may require
medication. Babies who have experienced febrile convulsions should be monitored closely; in this
case your pediatrician may instruct you to administer fever reducing medication. Never give
medication to a young infant without explicit instructions from your pediatrician.
Congestion can be a problem when the baby is sleeping. Elevate the mattress by placing a
folded blanket underneath. I find myself holding the baby alot and usually cuddling up so it is easy
to check on him all through the night.
Everything else comes second to this little baby who needs you so much right now. Before you
know it, all will be well again and you and baby will be able to get back to your normal routine.
Wendy Shepherd is married to Michael and stay-at-home mother of three vibrant, young children
who she homeschools. She is the founder and owner of TipzTime.com & ComputerMommy.com
with ComputerChildren.com & ChartJungle.com (due to open this year).

For Crying Out Loud

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:51:00 +0000

For Crying Out Loud!
by Kristine Roberson
So you bring your new baby home from the hospital, and you are full of excitement. You're in awe over just how cute and adorable this little person is, and your heart fills with more love than you ever thought it was capable of holding.
A few harried weeks go by and you are starting to notice that your perfect little baby is crying 􀂲 a lot. As a matter of fact, he won't stop crying. You try everything you can think of, and he just won't stop crying. Suddenly, the cuteness starts to wear off. Suddenly, the reality of your new life sets in. And your baby has colic. And nothing you do is working.
Sound familiar? It sure does to me! Although my son did not have colic (he didn't cry for months
straight), he did have "colicy" moments (he would often pull an all-day crying fest). At any rate,
helping a baby with colic is trying, tortuous, exhasberating and tiring 􀂲 and very drawn out.
Classic colic can set in at two to three months of age and last up until about six months of age.
I've heard some horror stories and have a couple of my own. I've also heard a plethora of
suggestions on how to help a baby with colic. Here are the best tips I've been given or read:
Tip #1: If you think gas is a problem, try Mylecon infant drops (no, not for your husband, silly,
your baby!). I used them on my son a few times and he would stop crying and be a happy baby
again after about 10 minutes.
Tip #2: Breastfeeding? Watch your diet! Stick to a basic diet with little to no spices and try
eliminating dairy for a week or so. Your baby may be having an allergic reaction to it.
Tip #3: Breastfeeding enough? Maybe your baby really does want to nurse every other hour 􀂲
mine did! Most babies are comforted by nursing enough to fall right to sleep (and they usually
don't cry in their sleep!).
Tip #4: OK, you may not believe me on this one, but I've had two professionals coroborate the
theory. Was your baby delivered via forceps or vacuum extraction? I've had doulas and
chiropractors tell me that this type of delivery can take the baby out of alignment and a round of
baby chiropractic treatments can be extremely helpful. I've heard stories of colicy babies getting a couple of chiropractic treatments and they turn into totally different 􀂲 and calm 􀂲 babies! Check around and find a reputable chiropractor who specializes in infants and give it a try. You never know. My mother tells me I was delivered via forceps and had colic for three months straight!
Tip #5: Try infant massage. Lay baby on his back and massage his tummy in an upside down U,
starting at one side of his pelvis area, working up to his diaphgram and then down to the other
side. This technique is actually referenced in William and Martha Sears' "Baby Book: Everything
You Need To Know About Your Baby - From Birth To Age Two"
Tip #6: Try a little chamomile tea. I've heard from British moms that a little chamomile tea does
wonders, and I believe it. Chamomile is known for its tummy-soothing properties.
Tip #7: Turn on the vacuum cleaner! I'm serious! The white noise might calm him right down and put him to sleep! We tried this on my son and it worked everytime. Not most times 􀂲 100 percent of the time. We actually burned up the vacuum engine and had to buy a new one!
Tip #8: Formula-fed baby? The formula you are giving him may be contributing to the problem. If you are feeding him a milk-based formula, try a soy-based formula. If that doesn't work, there are formulas specifically targeted to allergic babies. Consult your pediatrician, then give them a shot.
Tip #9: Warm his tummy. Try a warmed towel on his crib mattress and laying him on that (put
baby on his side).
Tip #10: Movement, movement, movement. Rock him, walk him. Put him in his infant carrier, turn on the clothes dryer and place him on top of it. Go for a long drive.
Tip #11: OK, this one was suggested to me and never worked with my son, but you may find it
helpful. Try the "colic hold." Hold your baby on your forearm so that his tummy is resting on your arm, his head is at your elbow and his diaper is in your hand.
Of all the tips above, #7 is my favorite. The vacuum cleaner has truly become my best friend! Just make sure to get your husband to clean the carpets while it's on!
Good luck, and keep your spirits up! Colic is no fun, but it will end. I promise!
Kristine Roberson is mom to 2-year-old Kaleb (who has given his personal stamp of approval on
homemade baby food) and owner of MyMamaSaid.com, a web site with tips, advice and support for all moms. She and her husband run Roberson Publishing, a desktop publishing and web design business. Visit MyMamaSaid.com for more baby food recipes.

Breastfeeding, Pumping and the Working Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:13:00 +0000

Breastfeeding, Pumping and the Working Mom
by Kenyatta Thomas, Cubby Mom at StorkNet
This topic is near and dear to my heart. As a mom who works outside the home, one of the things I worried about while out on maternity leave, was continuing the breastfeeding relationship I
established while on maternity leave the past five months. It was something that I KNEW I would do - even before going out on maternity leave - so I had
everything in place, a room to pump, supervisors understanding I would need several breaks
during the day to pump - and that I had no time set as to when I would stop. I'm always amazed that I managed to do it for 18 months! It was not a set goal that had been
planned - but more a mind set that I would provide breastmilk for Christian any way I could - for as long as I could - and that I would take it one day at a time. After doing lots of research, I purchased the Medela Pump In Style about 3 weeks before I returned to work, and it was probably the best purchase I could have ever made. The price was steep, $250.00, but it was WELL worth it when I took into consideration the milk I sent to daycare each day, and the short amount of time it took to pump. About two and a half weeks before I returned to work - and after I purchased the pump, I called my manager to confirm the arrangements I'd made with him before I'd gone on maternity leave. I wanted to follow Christian's nursing schedule as closely as I could, and by the time I was ready to return to work, at four and a half months old, Christian was nursing every 3-3.5 hours. The following was a typical day of nursing and pumping during the week for me: Before I left for work, I nursed: l 5:30 AM Started work:
l 6:00 AM First pumping session: l 9:00 AM (15-20 min ~ 9-12 oz of EBM pumped)**
l Second pumping session: 12 NOON (15-20 min ~ 8-10 oz of EBM pumped)**
l Off work: 2-2:30 PM l 3:00 PM nurse Christian after picking him up from daycare
Now while my schedule WAS smooth - my relationship with one of my supervisors and her
attitudes towards my pumping was not. Luckily I had the support of one of the company VP's, and after a tense couple of months, I was allowed to continue pumping. With this in mind, not to discourage you - but to better prepare you - I do think there are some things you can do to prepare yourself JUST in case you run into problems. l Your first step is to obtain information on the laws of the state you live in by calling up your local Department of Labor Office.
l Are you hourly or exempt employee? -- It makes a difference. Exempt employees can alter
their work schedule without it affecting wage and hourly laws. Hourly (or non-exempt)
employees must stick to wage and hour laws. This includes provisions for breaks. Most states
do not have provisions for breaks for exempt employees. l Analyze other employee breaks. See if they are sticking to company policy. After you've gathered all of this information, take this to your personnel office. Tell them that you are willing to negotiate on work time for them to allow you to pump -- still maintaining an eight-

hour workday.
l There should be no reason for the company not to work around a pump schedule providing
you are exempt. It does become more difficult if you are hourly and that's why it's important
to document what OTHER hourly employees do on their breaks (such as smoke breaks).
l It is always best to speak with your direct supervisor first, and if they are not willing to
negotiate, tell them that "unfortunately you are unsatisfied with their response and would
like to speak with someone from your personnel department - or another manager."
l It is important that you follow the chain of command and most times bosses *will* negotiate
- so that their boss does not have to be involved. Remember to NOT lose your temper and be
respectful in your meetings discussing this. Working and nursing is something that can be done successfully with the right planning - and the right attitude. With a little planning in advance, a good breastpump, and a comfortable work environment, you can continue the breastfeeding relationship you started with your infant. Going back to work doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop nursing.
Kenyatta Thomas is a technical editor to a government contractor, and says that after the birth of son Christian, she went to work with her briefcase in one hand, and her breast pump in the other -- really began to realize what being a Professional Mom is all about. Kenyatta is the Working Parents 'Cubby Mom' at StorkNet.com, "the friendliest parenting and pregnancy community online!"

3 post in One ( needed tips over )

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 03:57:00 +0000

All the Baby Gear You Need! - Breastfeeding Tips - A Second Look at Cloth Diapers

All the Baby Gear You Need!

I can't believe how much stuff my kids have, and they aren't even two years old! I knew they would take over my life, but I didn't realize they would take over my purse, my bathroom, my dresser, my craft box, everything! People love it when pacifiers and those little suction things for baby snot fall out of my purse - they think it's cute. I think "oh how I can't wait until they can fall asleep on their own and blow their nose." Actually I don't mind the little items that collect everywhere. What bothers me is that I buy a big ticket item like a double stroller, and they won't let me take it home and try it for a day. Seriously, I can't tell you how many strollers
we've bought, three to be exact, until we found the one that could be opened by one person without a single swear word. They make it look so easy in the store. Then comes the problem of getting it home. We have sworn we will never own a minivan. But how do you fit the stroller you already own, two kids in car seats, two adults and a new stroller, in a Plymouth Neon? You can't. So I've switched to ordering out of catalogs or online. If you are expecting a baby let me give you a few tips on the products you won't be able to live without. First off is a carseat. I suggest buying one that has a separate base - you leave the base in the car and then the carrier
holds the baby - that can be attached to a stroller - so you don't have to wake the baby when moving them to the stroller - and that rocks. Most of the car seats that are available for a newborn are pretty much the same. I do not recommend buying one from a second hand store, you don't know if they have ever been in an accident. Next you will definitely want a stroller. I do suggest actually going to a store to try them out - but then order them online so you don't have to pay taxes or deal with the headache of getting them home. Things to look for, ease of
use is number one. Can you lift it, open and close it without your blood pressure soaring past 300? Also look for seat covers that are removable, we had a Peg Perego that couldn't be washed and it looked absolutely horrible and couldn't be given away or resold. Make sure all of the wheels turn, this is very important for maneuvering, some only have the front or back wheels adjusted to swivel. Make sure you think about what you will be using the stroller for and features that you want such as baskets, sun shades, lightweight for travel on planes.
Now let's talk about swings and bouncers. My daughter loved her bouncer. It had a little vibrator in it also that would put her to sleep instantaneously. It was great for when we starting giving her baby food also. My son on the other hand, was a swinger. For the first two months of his life he spent almost every moment in the swing. He wouldn't even sleep in his bassinet. Things to look for in a swing, don't go for the crank kind. You will drive yourself and your child nuts. Yes they are cheap, there's a reason for that. We have a battery powered swing with 3 speed levels. Check out the speed in the store, the highest setting on our swing would send my son into orbit
around Earth. If you don't want the expense of batteries, buy rechargables, trust me you'll use them in the years to come for all the toys you'll be buying at holidays. Speaking of toys. I honestly don't know how to choose toys in a toy store. I become a babbling idiot as soon as I
walk into one. I have no idea where I'm supposed to start or how to look for toys that are appropriate for my child. And I would never take them with me, that's just a nightmare waiting to happen. I like the toy sites on the Internet that separate toys into age categories and developmental stages. I simply put my child's age in and up come the toys that are right for them. It can't get any easier. I especially like the developmental toys that are designed to
teach them some important, life altering lesson that will make them Nobel Prize winners! A mother's dream. My favorite ??toy' my children have is their play yards. These things are great for moms who work at home or moms who just want time to themselves but can't convince their children that it's nap time. They have great activities appropriate for active babies to keep themselves occupied and happy. With an assortment of mirrors, different textures and attached toys that are completely safe, you can be assured your baby is being entertained. Lastly I would like to mention the hi-chair. My grandmother found a great chair for my daughter before she was born. It can be used as a high chair, then a booster seat, than a chair and table. It has grown with her! She absolutely loves the thing too, she knows right where to go at meal time. Things I look for in a hi-chair are stability, it must have a lap belt that goes between the legs and a tray in front of the baby. Also make sure it is easy to clean, you don't want food getting stuck in a lot of crevices. Just remember, someday they will be all grown and you can have your house back to yourself, and then you'll long for these days!

A Second Look at Cloth Diapers

When I was pregnant with my first child, I remember a friend telling me to buy those flat cloth
diapers for burp rags. She commented, "I don't know how people use those for diapers, they are so thin!" It turns out that people don't use those! At least not anymore. Actually there is quite a broad selection with today's cloth diaper. Diapers come as prefolds, fitted or all-in-one (AIO). You can get them in plain white or with patterns and prints. You can also fasten them with pins, Velcro or snaps. In fact, there is such a selection in cloth diapers that it can be quite overwhelming. Diaper Dictionary The main types of diapers are pre-fold, fitted and all-in-ones. Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped and are divided into 3 sections than span the length of the diaper. The middle is the thickest section with 6 to 8 layers of fabric. The outer sections usually are four layers. Then there are fitted diapers which resemble disposable diapers. They have a contoured shape and have gathered elastic edges around the legs. Instead of tape, they are fastened with Velcro or snaps. You can also have them made without fasteners so you can pin or fold into a waterproof cover. I have already mentioned the waterproof cover a few times. Cloth diapering requires two pieces, the diaper and a waterproof cover. The main the reason for separating the diapers from the covers is that diapers require more rigorous cleaning and can wear out the waterproof quality of an attached cover. I find that having these two pieces separate just makes buying diapers more fun. You can mix and match covers, find covers with cute prints, or buy different kind for day or evening wear. Separate covers can be reused several times between washings and can be hand or machine-washed when necessary. Still if you want, you can invest in AIOs (All In Ones). These are basically fitted diapers with the waterproof cover already sewn on. Since these are more expensive and require more care most parents prefer to reserve these for outings. No more pins While there are many cloth diaperers that prefer to pin, pins are no longer a necessity with cloth. You have already read about fitted diapers and AIOs that can be closed with attached fasteners like Velcro or snaps. However if you want to stick with the economical prefold, you have pin-less alternatives. You can enclose your prefold in a waterproof cover. Alternately you can use snappi clips, which are Y shaped plastic fasteners that have claws at each end to grab and hold the diapers in place. Personally I love the way my baby looks in a pinned prefold. Pinning is easy once you get the hang of it. One trick I use is to stick my pins in a bar of soap between uses. The soap provides a coating that makes the pin slide right through the diaper the next time??this makes a big difference when trying to diaper a wriggly child. Caring for diapers If dirty diapers scare you, don't worry. Today's washing machines do all of the work. For dirty diapers, simply shake out loose pieces into the toilet bowl and dunk if necessary and put the diaper in the pail. If this still bothers you use paper-thin flushable liners between your baby's bottom and the diaper. You never have to touch the yucky stuff!
My method for washing diapers consists of 4 steps:
l Overnight Soak. I place all diapers in the washer with cold water and ½ cup of baking soda.
Baking soda is key here. It is very effective in whitening and removing the urine smell from
the diapers. I let the diapers soak in a baking soda solution for at least 8 hours, usually
overnight. l Hot Wash. I drain the water from the soak and re-fill the washing machine with hot water, liquid fragrance-free laundry detergent and more baking soda. l Rinse. For the rinse I use cold water, add ½ cup of vinegar, this softens the diapers and balances the pH balance of the diapers. l 2nd Rinse. For this final rinse I use cold water only.
Worried about the smell?
Many parents think a cloth diaper pail is smellier than a disposable diaper one. I found the contrary to be true. Since I flush poops down the toilet there is less to stink up the baby's room. With disposable diapers, you usually have dirty diapers sitting for days. Even through a diaper genie, I have been able to detect the scent of a dirty diaper. Therefore unless you take the diaper genie out to the garage to remove the diapers when it is full, your baby's room will stink of week old dirty diapers for a few hours. On the few occasions when my diaper pail starts to emit a bad odor, I simply sprinkle baking soda (again!) This does the trick.
The truth about Diaper Rash It is a myth that cloth diapered babies get diaper rash more frequently than disposable diapered ones. Procter & Gamble's own studies have shown that the occurrence of diaper rash increases from 7.1 percent to 61 percent with the increased use of disposable diapers. ("A Review of Procter & Gamble's Environmental Balances for Disposable and Re-usable Nappies" The Landbank Consultancy Limited, 1991.)
If your baby gets diaper rash with cloth diapers chances are you have done something wrong.
When washing diapers make sure to use fragrance free detergent in the wash and vinegar in rinse. Also avoid borax, bleach, soap detergents and fabric softener. Bleach and borax break down diaper fibers. Soap and fabric softener reduce the absorbency of diapers. So there you have it cloth diapering in a nutshell. Now you that have the basic information try it out for yourself! It's fun, fashionable and easier than you thought. Jennifer Liptrot is wife to Michael and mama to two young bright, energetic children, both of whom wear their cloth diapers proudly. She is the founder and owner of DiaperPin.com, a comprehensive cloth diapering resource.

Breastfeeding Tips

Elaine: To get off to a great start with breastfeeding, learn as much as you can about breastfeeding ahead of time . . . read read read . . . ask questions . . . seek support from friends,
family, local breastfeeding support groups, and breastfeeding support forums on websites such as StorkNet. Buy a tube of Lansinoh to help PREVENT sore nipples and take it to the hospital with you. Don't wait until you are in pain to send someone out to buy it. It is a specific form of ultra purified lanolin which is soothing to the nipples and helps prevent sore nipples and promote healing if damage has already occurred. Make sure baby opens his mouth WIDE to latch on. Don't allow him to suck on just the 'tip' of the nipple. Proper latch on will eliminate much of the pain and soreness often associated with breastfeeding, and it will allow the baby to get milk more easily. Something that helped me with good positioning was putting a pillow in my lap to help support baby. The baby only weighs 7-8 lbs but still, having her AT BREAST LEVEL did keep me from trying to lean in to her. The specially designed nursing pillows are great, but regular old bed pillows work just fine too! You can find great nursing pillows at the BabyCenter Store. Learn to nurse lying down if possible!!!! This will make night time feedings so much less tiring. Or if you absolutely can't nurse lying down buy a 'stuffed hubby' . . . it's one of those big firm pillows that's shaped like the back of a chair with arms. I think they are mainly marketed for reading or watching TV in bed. It is so much easier to prop up against it than to try to arrange three or four pillows comfortably against the headboard in the middle of the night. And you can lean back and maybe even doze as baby nurses. I think there is some kind of animalistic 'mother instinct' that keeps us holding them as we sleep. Cath: The single most important thing I learned was to put the baby to the breast . . . not the breast to the baby. Sounds simple but in reality it's so easy to hold the baby on your lap, lean forward and try to put the nipple into the baby's mouth. This is not only a recipe for backache, but for bad latch and total misery. I had to learn after many weeks, to hold the baby's head close to the breast, and when he opened his mouth to latch on, virtually push his head towards the breast and we were both happy. Libramom: Invest in a Boppy or Nursing Pillow. Mine has become my best friend AND my son's favorite pillow. It fits to the body, and it's especially soothing for us Mom's who had c-sections. If you plan on pumping at work, try and make your arrangements in advance so far as place to pump, etc. Purchase the best quality pump you can afford. A little extra investment up front is well worth it in the long run. When I first started breastfeeding, my son would never empty both breasts, and I would always forget which side I left off at. I finally put a tiny safety pin on one of the straps of my bra, and whatever side I would leave off at, would be the side the pin went on. Another thing to remember is, with some women, your milk doesn't start to "flow" as soon as the baby is born. There's fluid, and it's colostrum, and it's VERY IMPORTANT that your baby gets this as well. It took my milk about two days to come. The thing that I also had to "LEARN" was that there would be times when my baby would be hungrier than other times . . . that there would be growth spurts . . . and that I had enough milk to sustain him. IRDovev: One thing that really helped me get started was a video put out by Medela called Breastfeeding Your Baby - Positioning. Really seeing how to position the baby and what to look for to make sure that the baby was latched on correctly really helped. I would like to add that a good Baby Tips for New Parents: Breastfeeding Tips from the Moms at StorkNet. lactation consultant really came in handy also. Don't hesitate to stop back at the hospital several times if you are having problems. Imichel: If you are not too large breasted, buy "sleep" bras that don't have hooks on them. I could never get the hooks rehooked. You just pull the sleep bras down and when you're done, snap them back up. Much easier. Jill1babe: I have very large breasts (DDD) and the best positioning for us was the football or clutch hold. If your milk comes in suddenly (like mine did) you can become engorged. Something that helped me was hot showers and letting the water flow over my breasts! I also used a manual pump while in the shower. This relieved me enough so my daughter could latch on. Once she could latch on, I let her nurse like crazy!
Leigh: The best tip I got was to NOT try and hold my breast away from baby's nose. The lactation consultant showed me that baby would adjust. They won't just suffocate and by pushing down to keep my breast out of the way, I was changing the shape of the nipple inside baby's mouth leading to sore nipples. kathywitak: Go to a La Leche League meeting!!!!! The moms who attend LLL meetings are breastfeeding pros and they are willing to help! It's always comforting to know you have an experienced ear to bounce *any* question off. LaLeche League Web Site has a great article on how to find a LLL leader near you. Bookmark breastfeeding bulletin boards (especially this one!). You can get lots of good information just reading others' questions. And if *you* think of a question while you're awake in the middle of the night, chances are by morning you will have several responses. Get a sling and practice with it at home. They make nursing in public much easier and more discreet. Not to mention they are great for still being able to get things done when baby is going through a growth spurt and wants to stay attached to your breast all day. I recommend the Nojo Baby Sling. Boppy pillows are great for nursing while on the computer. Cararocky: Wearing nursing clothes is optional, however, with my first baby it was easier going out wearing a nursing top and bra. But anything in your closet can do. If its a button down shirt, unbutton from the bottom so the top part covers you. A blanket always works also. Most people will think your baby is sleeping, unless you run into a nursing mother who like me, will always give you a little smile. nabs: If you have large breasts, roll up a cloth diaper and place it underneath your breast for extra support. It frees up one hand and keeps your baby from having to support extra weight. These breastfeeding "Quick Tips" were collected from the message boards at StorkNet.com, "the friendliest parenting and pregnancy community online!"

Tips for New Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:39:00 +0000

by Sheila Somerlock Ruth, MyCinnamonToast.com
It happened to me about 6 or 7 months into my pregnancy - that sudden realization that in just a
few short months, my husband and I would be completely and totally responsible for the care of a new baby. Until that time, I had been focused on the details of the pregnancy: the changes in my body, the development of the fetus inside me, and our plans for the delivery. I hadn't really
thought about what would happen when we came home from the hospital with our new baby. Panic set in. Would we know what to do? What if we made mistakes?
In a frenzy, I dragged my husband to a parenting class. I didn't learn very much from the class.
About all I remember of it was pretending to bathe a doll. But it did give me some confidence that, just maybe, I could do this parenting thing after all. In truth, nothing can really prepare you for parenting. It's strictly on-the-job training. No matter what you learn or know about parenting, your children will surprise you and force you to learn new things and come up with creative solutions. So, while it is important to learn as much as we can about taking care of these small beings that have been entrusted to us, it's also important to realize that it's not like studying for a test. We don't have to know everything! But in case you're feeling edgy, as I was, here's some tips to help you get started on your parenting journey:
1. Trust your instincts! No matter what the books say, no matter what the doctors say, in the
end it comes down to you. You have to do what you think is right, even if it goes against what
everyone else is saying. Remember that 40 years ago, breastfeeding was frowned on, and those
mothers who did nurse their children had to go against powerful social pressure to do what they
thought was right. Now of course, we know that nursing your child is one of the best things that
you can do to give them a good start. Will you make mistakes? Probably. But most of the mistakes parents make do not cause lasting damage.
2. Read as much as you can. While it is important to trust your instincts, it is also important to have a lot of information to draw on in making your decisions. You shouldn't necessarily take
anything you read as absolute truth; many parenting books will offer conflicting advice on any
given subject. If you rely on only one book, even a good one, then you are not getting the whole
story. But if you read a lot of books and articles, you can use the knowledge you've gained to make up your own mind. There are things I wish that I had known about when my child was a baby that I didn't learn until much later.
3. Be thorough about childproofing. If there is one area in which mistakes can have a lasting
impact, it is safety. Don't delay; you'll be surprised at how quickly most babies become mobile.
4. Buy a good pediatric health reference. My husband and I have consulted ours more than
once in the middle of the night. It can sometimes help you figure out how to deal with health
issues without having to call the doctor. Just don't get carried away; it's easy to find all sorts of
exotic illnesses that fit your child's symptoms.
5. When in doubt, call the pediatrician, even if it is the middle of the night. If you're not sure if
your child's symptoms are serious, it's always better to call the pediatrician. As you become more experienced, you'll have a better feel for when you need to call the doctor, but in the beginning it's hard to know. If your pediatrician makes you feel stupid for calling, get a new pediatrician. A good pediatrician understands that new parents don't have the experience to know when there is really a problem.
6. Buy a good diaper bag. You'll be carrying it around a lot, so it is important to find one which is
easy to carry and easy to organize. You may even want to consider a backpack which will leave
your hands free (trust me - you'll need them!)
7. You may want to think about using cloth diapers, at least part of the time. Cloth diapers
are better for your baby's skin and may help them to become aware of their bodily functions earlier (an important step in potty readiness). Today's cloth diapers are nothing like those shapeless rags that mothers used to have to make do with. Of course if your baby will be in day care, you will probably have to use disposables there, but you can still use cloth diapers when your baby is home. I used cloth diapers when my son was a baby, except when traveling.
8. Talk, sing, and read to your baby. Although they won't understand what you are saying for a
while, the more they hear language, the better their minds will learn to process it. And the sound
of your voice is comforting to them.
Finally, remember that you are not alone. You are surrounded by people willing to help. Don't be
afraid to ask family and friends for help. And the Internet is not only a wonderful place to find
information, it is a wonderful source of community and support. There are many wonderful
communities of moms and dads on the Internet who help each other out with advice and support. Remember the old saying, that it "takes a village to raise a child." We are lucky to live in a time when the world is our village.

Seeing is Believing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:07:00 +0000

Rays of colored light fell on the face of my toddler as he put his hand in the colorful light from the stained glass windows. In our pew, he sat up straight at the swell of sound as voices all around were lifted in song together. He grinned at the many people sitting around us and chortled to the delighted older woman behind us. Yes, Sunday service with our toddler! We often say babies are like little sponges, because they absorb so much, from the very first moments after birth onward. When our faith is part of our family lives, our children absorb it along with everything else they're learning. Sabbath candles, chanted blessings, special bread. Grace before meals, holding hands. Daily prayers, prayer beads, special clothes, and holy days and seasons. The details of how we express our faith in our daily lives are noticed by our children of every age, and they do not need words to absorb the richness in these details. Neither talking nor reading is necessary for our littlest children to be the sponges for information that they naturally are. We can confidently let our family life of faith prepare our children for later explanations and teaching. Talk with parents of two- or three-year-olds and you'll discover almost everyone has a story about the time their child referred to an experience that had happened before the child could use words. It's an amazing moment, realizing how much of the last year or more of your lives together was poured into your child and, rather than disappearing, was being absorbed! Only after he or she begins to talk can your child turn on the spigot and give you a hint of those experiences and that understanding. This means you can trust your faith to make rich impressions on your baby and child in the first months and years. Actually, the importance of living your faith in your family life
will continue throughout the many years until your child is able to put into words any sort of theological understanding. Take advantage of the attention your baby or toddler gives you. Go about your life of faith and expect your child to notice everything about that aspect of your life together. When your baby becomes a preschooler, the time will be right to teach brief prayers or songs, and talk about what you're doing. By then they'll be ready for those words. For now, rely on the wordless riches of your family's life of faith.

Baby Name Origins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:24:00 +0000

Baby Name Origins:
Are you planning a wedding any time soon? If so, head on over to SurviveTheWedding.com to find out everything you need to know about planning the perfect wedding...

Albanian Aramaic Armenian s Asian Australian Basque Belgian Bulgarian Burmese Cambodian Celtic Chinese Croatian Czech Danish Dutch Egyptian Eskimo Ethiopian Finnish French German Greek Hawaiian Hungarian baby names Icelandic baby names Irish baby names Italian baby names Japanese baby names Korean Latin Lithuanian Maori Nigerian Nordic Norse Norwegian Persian Polish Polynesian Portuguese Russian Sanskrit Scandinavian Scottish Slavic Somoan Spanish Swahili Swedish Teutonic Thai Turkish baby names Ukrainian baby names Vietnamese baby names Welsh baby names Yiddish baby names

Baby Toxic Bottle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:22:00 +0000

Baby’s Toxic Bottle

Executive Summary

Bisphenol A, a hormone-disrupting

chemical that is the building block of polycarbonate plastic, has been found to leach out of six major brands of popular baby bottles sold in the United States and Canada. Baby’s Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular Brands of Baby Bottles, commissioned by a coalition of U.S. and Canadian environmental health organizations, tested plastic baby bottles in the U.S. and Canada, including products made by Avent, Disney/ The First Years, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex, for leaching of bisphenol A. The U.S. bottles were purchased in nine states at major retailers: Babies”R”Us, CVS, Target, Toys”R”Us, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart. Tests found these popular bottle brands leach levels of bisphenol A (5-8 parts per billion) when heated. Laboratory experiments with animals show that exposure to this level of bisphenol A causes a range of adverse effects. Bisphenol A, first synthesized in 1895, was discovered in 1936 to be a synthetic estrogen. The chemical is now utilized in hard, polycarbonate plastics, as well as the epoxy resins used in the linings of some food and beverage containers, dental sealants and numerous other consumer products. Bisphenol A is a developmental, neural, and reproductive toxicant that mimics estrogen and can interfere with healthy growth and body function. Animal studies demonstrate that the chemical causes damage to reproductive, neurological and immune systems during critical stages of development, such as infancy and in the womb. The levels sufficient to cause harm in animals are beneath the average levels reported in people living throughout the developed world2. Many scientists now suggest similar damage may be occurring in the human population. The objectives of this report are to a) determine whether bisphenol A leaches at measurable levels from baby bottles widely available in the United States and Canada; b) add to the growing body of knowledge highlighting the extent to which humans are exposed to bisphenol A; c) identify a responsible and precautionary legislative

approach to managing bisphenol A and other harmful chemicals, and d) help parents decrease their children’s exposure to bisphenol A. The test results of our study indicate that the

United States’ current lack of regulation of bisphenol A exposes infants and children to potentially

dangerous levels of this unnecessary toxic chemical. Our study confirms the findings of the 2007 Environment California study that tested Avent, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex baby bottles. All five brands of the popular polycarbonate bottles tested in Environment California’s

study leached bisphenol A the range of 5–10 ppb.3 This report is the first dual-nation study to measure BPA leaching from baby bottles purchased from U.S. and Canadian retailers.

Key Findings

• Popular brands Avent, Disney/The First Years, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex market baby bottles that leach bisphenol A when heated;

• The laboratory tests detected between 5-8 ng/ml (parts per billion) bisphenol A leached from all bottles when heated; • Based on over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles on bisphenol A, we onclude that the amount leaching from heated bottles is within the range shown to cause harm in animal studies and is therefore a health concern for infants; • This report is the first dual-nation U.S./ Canadian study to measure the extent of bisphenol A leaching from plastic baby bottles

• Dr. Brown’s brand bottles had the overall

highest levels of bisphenol A leaching, while Avent brand bottles had the overall lowest

levels of leaching in U.S. bottles; Canadian results differ.

• The levels of bisphenol A leaching increased dramatically when the bottles were heated, with highest concentrations reported from Dr. Brown’s brand bottles. These findings are significant as baby bottles are often heated, and/or very warm liquids are poured into

bottles;

• Heating bottles to 80°C provides evidence of leaching when bottles are heated; heating to 80°C has been found to simulate 60–100 bottle washings and normal wear and use conditions;

• Major retailers including Babies”R”Us, CVS, Target, Toys”R”Us, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart sell baby bottles that leach bisphenol A when heated.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study and the research that precedes it, Baby’s Toxic Bottle calls on major retailers and manufacturers of baby bottles to switch to safer products and phase out bisphenol A. Research shows5 that most people are exposed to bisphenol A at levels higher than those that cause health effects in animal studies. We support state policy efforts to safeguard our health by working to pass laws that phase out bisphenol A in baby bottles and other consumer products. And, we urge the federal government to reform chemical regulations to be more protective of human health, particularly the health of pregnant women and the in-utero child, as well as infants and children. In detail: • Manufacturers and retailers should immediately phase out use of BPA-containing baby bottles in favor of available, safer products. • States should act quickly to adopt policies to protect consumers and restrict BPA use in all food and beverage containers, including

those intended for use by infants and children.

• The Food and Drug Administration and manufacturers of BPA-lined infact formula cans should respond urgently and with full disclosure to the landmark investigation by Reps. Dingell/Stupak into BPA leaching from infant formula cans.

• Champions at all levels of government should work to reform America's outdated chemical policies that are failing to protect Americans from chemicals already on the market. Policies must be adopted that prevent he leaching of some of these chemicals from our consumer goods into our food and water.

• The federal law regulating industrial chemicals is 30 years old. It is outdated and does not protect Americans. We need to reform this law to protect consumers. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) must be amended to:

– Require comprehensive, publicly available health data on industrial chemicals

– Require product manufacturers to test and disclose the chemical contents of their products

– Prohibit the use of dangerous chemicals in products, especially those targeted at infants and children

– Arm consumers with useful information to make safer product choices

– Provide information and technical resources to businesses so they can make products safe for consumers, and invest in green economic development to spur innovation of safer products.

Background on Bisphenol A (BPA)

In 1936, scientists discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) could be used as a synthetic hormone that mimicked estrogen, which they thought might be useful to help control difficult pregnancies. Bisphenol A took a back seat to a similar chemical called diethyl sylbestral (DES), which was determined to be more effective in this application. It was not until after it had been given to millions of women that DES was identified as a cancer-causing agent and the cause of serious reproductive defects, including rare vaginal cancer, in the daughters of mothers who had taken DES during pregnancy. In the 1950s chemists found that BPA could be polymerized to produce commercially viable plastics. Bisphenol A is now used to make polycarbonate plastics—the clear or tinted, unbendable plastic used to make some of the most popular baby bottle brands and reusable water

bottles, including most Nalgene bottles. Polycarbonate plastic bottles often have the number 7 in the recycling triangle on the bottom of the bottle, falling into the “other” category of plastics, and/or the letters “PC” near the recycling triangle. Other products that often contain BPA include CDs, DVDs, eyeglasses, dental sealants, and epoxy resins used in the lining of food and beverage containers. Currently, 95 percent of baby bottles on the market are made with BPA. Worldwide production of bisphenol A exceeds six billion pounds per year and demand for the chemical has risen significantly in recent years. Exposure to bisphenol A is widespread. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 95 percent of Americans tested have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies, and a 2008 study shows that BPA levels are lowest in adults, mid-range in adolescents and

highest in children.10 The chemical bond between bisphenol A molecules is unstable, and with

time and use, the chemical leaches from bottles into materials it comes into contact with (for

example, milk). Heating bottles or pouring hot liquids into bottles, the presence of acidic or

basic foods and beverages, and repeated washing have all been shown to increase the

rate of BPA leaching from bottles. A January 2008 University of Cincinnati study found BPA

Heating bottles or pouring hot liquids into bottles, the presence of acidic or basic foods and beverages, and repeated washing have all been shown to increase the rate of BPA leaching from bottles.

leaching from Nalgene bottles. An August 2007 Environmental Working Group study found BPA leaches from the inner lining of popular infant formula cans. In March 2007, independent laboratory tests found BPA in over half of 97 cans of name-brand fruit, vegetables, soda, and other commonly eaten canned goods. A recent consensus statement by of over 30 expert scientists states that adverse health effects occur at levels in animals within the exposure range typical for people in developed countries,14 levels well below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ”acceptable” human exposure level of 50 μg/kg/day. The EPA standard was set in 1993 on studies completed in the 1980s. A recent review of scientific literature demonstrates a wide range of health effects resulting from bisphenol A at significantly lower levels than considered “acceptable”, as low as 2 parts per billion in some studies

Health Effects of Bisphenol A

Mounting evidence indicates that low dose exposure to bisphenol A can lead to adverse health effects. As a hormone disruptor, bisphenol A causes a response in cells similar to the effect

of estradiol (estrogen hormone). Bisphenol A binds with estrogen-related receptors but does not replace the activity of estrogen. As a result, bisphenol A may be adding a “false” estrogen effect in the body, off-setting the hormonal balance required for healthy human development. Experiments with animals link exposure at very low doses to a range of serious health problems including:

• prostate and breast cancer

• early onset of puberty

• obesity

• hyperactivity

• lowered sperm count

• miscarriage

• diabetes

• altered immune system

Scientists and international organizations have identified bisphenol A as a potential reproductive and developmental toxin, as well as a hormone disrupting chemical leading to a variety of adverse health effects. In addition, two recent panels in the U.S. have pointed to potential health effects of exposure to bisphenol A.

Reproductive and Developmental Effects

A recent review of scientific literature affirms that bisphenol A can alter brain chemistry and the reproductive and immune systems in a variety of animals.20 Some research also indicates that the sexual behavior and sexual development of mice can be impaired and variably altered from bisphenol A-induced hormone disruption. Another study found that female mice exposed to short-term, low doses of bisphenol A experienced sudden and significant increases in genetic abnormalities in their eggs. In preliminary research based on these genetic abnormalities, researchers have also found that women with a history of recurrent miscarriage had higher blood serum levels of bisphenol A than women with successful pregnancies. Bisphenol A has been reported to suppress the activation of thyroid hormone-regulated genes in rats. These results show that low doses of bisphenol A can disrupt hormone action within cells by competitively displacing naturally occurring hormones. These hormones regulate the rate of metabolism and the growth of many systems in the body. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in brain development during

fetal life. Studies have shown that bisphenol A can, at low doses, significantly stimulate the release

of the hormone prolactin and activate breast cancer cells.

The Work Group for Safe Markets Low Doses Can Be Dangerous

Recent studies have challenged the current acceptable daily intake level of bisphenol A, as new scientific evidence shows that even low doses of this chemical can disrupt development. The current acceptable level of bisphenol A is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 50 μg/kg bodyweight/day, which is a measure in parts per billion (ppb). While Baby’s Toxic Bottle measured bisphenol A leaching in levels below the 50 μg/kg/day acceptable daily intake from polycarbonate baby bottles, a number of other scientific studies have shown that bisphenol A levels as low as parts per trillion have been found to alter cell function. Parts per trillion expresses a concentration 1,000 times smaller than parts per billion, indicating that extremely low-doses of bisphenol A can be potent. Moreover, exposure to BPA from baby bottles may not be an individual’s only source of exposure to BPA, making it difficult to calculate any one person’s actual daily dose. Finally, we lack studies to determine the synergistic effect of BPA exposure with other chemicals that an infant, child or adult might be exposed to. This further complicates the accuracy of the EPA’s current acceptable daily exposure limit for BPA.

Exposure

Testing of Americans done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 95 per cent of adults studied had bisphenol A in their urine. This demonstrates the extent of human exposure since bisphenol A spends approximately 10 hours in the body28 and indicates that we are continuously exposed to bisphenol A . Animal studies suggest that bisphenol A is quickly absorbed and eliminated, but some residual BPA remains in the intestines, liver and
kidneys for a period of several days. A recent U. S. biomonitoring project titled Is It In Us? Chemical Contamination of Our Bodies tested 35 men, women and young people for the presence of a variety of chemicals in their bodies. All of the participants who submitted urine samples had bisphenol A in their urine, and more than half had it in their blood. The levels of bisphenol A found in the blood and urine of those studied was within the range shown to cause effects in laboratory animal studies, including impacts on cell function. A November 2007 U.S. National Institute of nvironmental Health Sciences expert panel of 38 leading scientists32 found that most people are exposed to bisphenol A at levels higher than those that cause health effects in animal studies. The Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group found high levels of bisphenol A in canned food, including infant formula, ravioli and chicken soup.33 A 2008 University of Cincinnati study found BPA leaches from the popular polycarbonate Nalgene reusable water bottles.

Children

Children are especially vulnerable to bisphenol A because endocrine disruptors affect how their bodies grow and develop. Young children still have immature organ systems, high metabolic rates, relatively low bodyweight, and are going through rapid physical development; therefore, even low levels of repeated exposure may lead to adverse health effects. An expert panel of the U.S. National Toxicology Program concluded recently that bisphenol A exposure to fetuses and to children could impact their behavioral and neural systems. Exposure in the womb is particularly worrisome as fetuses have immature detoxification systems, not equivalent to adults’, and they are at a delicate

stage of development. Bisphenol A is very much present in children’s lives. A recent investigation of bisphenol A exposure in preschool children in North Carolina and Ohio (2000–2001) over a 48-hour period found that more than 68 percent of children’s liquid food and more than 83 percent of their solid food samples contained bisphenol A.

Real World Laboratory

Linking the animal and laboratory evidence for bisphenol A with human health effects is diffiBaby’s toxic bott le: bisphenol A leaching from popular baby bott les cult for many reasons, including a lack of oncrete data on human exposure, other factors contributing to diseases, and the delay between exposure and some health effects. What cannot be disputed is that a number of tests have detected bisphenol A in human tissue and this indicates widespread exposure Coupled with the knowledge of increasing rates of infertility, prostate and breast cancer and other conditions such as diabetes and obesity in the human population, the possible effects of hormone disruptors like bisphenol A cannot be ignored.

N o n - D e t e c t

Ten new polycarbonate baby bottles were purchased from a variety of retailers in California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon, Minnesota, Connecticut, Maine and Washington in December 2007. We selected popular, easily available brands from well-known retail outlets, ranging from 4 oz. to 9 oz. in size. (See Appendix 1: Retail Locations.) The laboratory of Dr. Frederick S. vom Saal, a leading researcher on bisphenol A at the University of Missouri-Columbia, conducted the analysis. The lab subjected these bottles to a test designed at the University of Missouri to simulate repeated washing. Each bottle was filled with water, sealed and left undisturbed for 24 hours. Two tests were conducted; all bottles were first tested at room temperature and then at 80ºC/176ºF.

Step in the Right Direction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:04:00 +0000

At the University of California, with the assistance of a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, we have begun a family-friendly initiative for faculty that aims to alter the workplace to accommodate families and promote cultural change (see box below). The university hopes the initiative will help it become more competitive in recruiting and retaining talented faculty, particularly women who may be the stars of their graduate programs but who are reluctant to continue in academia. Many of the program's features are attractive to fathers as well as mothers and will benefit faculty members who are caring for other family members, such as aging relatives. The new initiative adds to a series of family-friendly programs already in place in the UC system. Introduced in 1988, they were progressive for their time but have had low use rates, mostly because of a discouraging campus culture. Existing policies include an active service-modified duties program that enables tenured and tenure-track faculty members with a newborn or newly adopted child to request a grant of temporary relief from duties (normally partial or full relief from teaching for one semester); a tenure-clock stoppage, which allows a tenure-track faculty member to ask that the tenure clock be stopped for a year; paid leave, which grants a leave with base pay of up to six weeks before, during, or after pregnancy; and unpaid leave of up to one year, which may be granted by the chancellor for care of one's own child or the child of one's spouse or domestic partner. Our survey found that faculty underuse these programs for several reasons. Some programs are unknown to the faculty. Some go unused because of confusion over eligibility. And some opportunities to take advantage of the programs are waived because of the workplace climate in which they are offered: many faculty members fear that using these policies will be met with retribution. One survey respondent noted, "My chair argued that relief from teaching duties was exceptional." Another noted, "Over the course of my career, I have observed the university increasingly taking on the model of corporate culture. I am not surprised that so few of my junior colleagues have decided to have children. Graduate students pick up the signal very early: devote time to family or community at your own risk." The new UC initiative focuses not just on building extra features onto an existing framework, but also on ensuring that the entire package becomes institutionalized into the campus culture. Some of the new proposals, such as introducing part-time tenure-track positions, are controversial. It will take much groundwork to convince all constituencies that the changes are worth the time and money. But they are necessary to ensure gender equity-in both career and family goals-for the next generation of academics. We want to be able respond to the question, frequently asked by our women graduate students, "When is a good time to have a baby?" with a resounding, "Any time."

Baby Gap Test

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:57:00 +0000

The “Baby Gap Test”

current structure of American research universities forces men and women on the fast track, but particularly women, to choose between work and family. Many faculty members reported having sacrificed time with family to demonstrate they were committed to their work. One faculty member advised, "Avoid having kids before getting tenure. I wish it wasn't so, but I had to learn it the hard way myself." Another faculty member observed, "You should know that female graduate students are telling us over and over again across the nation that they are not going to become faculty members because they do not see how they can combine work and family in a way that is reasonable." Achieving gender equity in terms of careers and families in the academy requires a restructuring of the workplace. We now know that structural changes must be put in place to tackle some of the greatest obstacles to success for women. We also know what many of these changes must be and that they must happen during the "probationary period"— the time of maximum demand in the fast-track academic career, the years leading to tenure. They include stopping the tenure clock for childbirth, generous childbirth leaves, modified duties, and on-site child care. Many other initiatives could also help attract women job candidates and assist them in achieving professional success and family goals. All of them, however, depend on a collective will to change the campus culture. Passive and active resistance on the part of men (and even many women) poses a serious roadblock to cultural change.

Gender Equity and the Baby Gap

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:41:00 +0000

Of course, many factors influence why women do or do not have children. Yet the UC survey suggests that the time women spend on child care compared with men is important. Women between thirty and fifty with children clock over a hundred hours each week on caregiving, housework, and professional responsibilities, compared with a little more than eighty-five for men with children (see figure 7). This model is not very attractive for women who hope to succeed in academia. Looking at faculty members' family lives in this way suggests that gender equity in terms of family goals is even more unbalanced than it is in terms of career aspirations, raising the fundamental issue of what gender equity means. Women have changed their family formation patterns to pursue the elusive goal of equality in the workplace. Women aiming for high positions in the professional, corporate, and academic worlds neither marry nor have children in their early twenties as their mothers did. The culture has shifted to a delay mode, where a good boost up the career ladder is considered the prudent preface to starting a family. In focusing on professional outcomes as the measure of gender equality, we have failed to notice the widening gap between men and women in forming the families they want, as measured by marriage and children. A true measure of gender equity in the academy would look at both career and family outcomes. We call this two-pronged measure the "baby gap test," because it takes into account both the gap in professional outcomes for women with children compared with men and the gap in family formation for academically successful women. We need to ask not only how many women are professors and deans relative to their male counterparts; we also need to ask how many women with children are in high places compared with men with children. Viewing the situation in this way reveals that women have much further to go than would otherwise be evident

mom and baby

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:31:00 +0000

short answer: men do, but women don't. "Married with children" is the success formula
for men, but the opposite is true for women, for whom there is a serious "baby gap."1
For this study and our previous one, we used the incredibly rich Survey of Doctorate
Recipients (SDR).2 It is perhaps the best life-course employment database in the United
States. A biennial weighted, longitudinal study, it follows more than 160,000 PhD
recipients across all disciplines until they reach age seventy-six. The scope of the SDR is
similar to famous longitudinal clinical trials such as the Nurses' Health Study and the
Framingham Heart Study. Tracking a huge population for years allows researchers to
isolate specific factors and, with a great deal of certainty, to determine their importance.
Using the SDR data set, we analyzed the life courses of PhD recipients, including their
decisions about marriage and fertility, to determine whether an academic career affects
family formation. We found that careers matter: the life trajectories of tenured women
differ from those of tenured men (see figure 2).%
Only one in three women who takes a fast-track university job before having a child ever
becomes a mother. Women who achieve tenure are more than twice as likely as their
male counterparts to be single twelve years after earning the PhD (see figure 3). And, as
figure 4 indicates, women who are married when they begin their faculty careers are
much more likely than men in the same position to divorce or separate from their
spouses. Women, it seems, cannot have it all—tenure and a family—while men can.

The Right Baby Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:27:00 +0000

When you are expecting a new baby boy you want to be sure you have everything you need. Usually you will wait until after the baby shower and all of the gifts have come in before you know what you really need to buy. Most often it is impractical boy clothing you receive the most of.

Baby showers are a lot of fun because your friends and family shower you with gifts for your new baby. The gifts for boys usually include cool baby clothes. Sometimes the cool clothes are a lot of fun but they aren't too practical for a newborn baby. Unless the outfits are for your newborn to grow into when he is around six months old the cool and stylish boy clothing might not ever be worn by your baby.

In addition to the boy clothes you will receive at your baby shower you should also expect a lot of blankets. If you have the opportunity to create a list of items you want then you should. Your list shout include bottles, a baby bath tub, baby shampoo, body wash, lotion, powder, oil, a hair brush, and more. Many gifts for boys can include socks, t-shirts, pajamas, and outfits that are practical.

When you receive gifts for boys many of the items may not be practical. This is because most people who don't already have kids don't know what you will need. If this is your first baby you also might not know what is practical. Your baby is going to sleep the majority of the time for the first month or too. Cool baby clothes are fun but not top priority.

You want to be sure to stock up on newborn diapers, wipes, pajamas, t-shirts, bottles, pacifiers, and blankets. You can never have enough blankets and burp rags. If the delivery of your baby is rough, you won't be up and around doing laundry right away so you want to have plenty to use before you have to be up and about.

Boy clothing is a lot of fun to receive at your baby shower but sometimes it is not the most practical items for your baby. If you have the opportunity to make a list of the things you want to receive at your shower, you should. This will ensure the gifts are practical. You might even think about creating a registry for your guests.