Babies & Toddler

Get Your Holidaying Baby to Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:28:00 +0000

By Miriam Van Gisbergen

So you have decided you and the family need a holiday. But can you really have a relaxing holiday with baby on board?

Yes, you can with a few precautions and a little extra planning. Babies are creatures of habit so expecting them to cope with new routines, time zones, new faces, places etc is asking a little bit much. Try to keep to baby's routine as much as possible. Bring his favourite food with you at least for the first couple of days. For example unless you are blissfully breastfeeding, whilst you may be able to get your baby's favourite brand of baby formula, the local water may make it taste different. It might be an idea to bring a few bottles of made up formula with you. Use the familiar taste to mix with the unfamiliar until gradually baby acclimatises to the new taste.

If you are bringing a travel cot with you, you might want to try baby sleeping in the cot for a couple of nights prior to leaving home. If you are going to use the hotels facilities, then bring a couple of baby's familiar blankets or favourite cuddly toy with you.

Better yet, bring your baby's sleepwrap swaddling system with you. It is much easier to transport than a travel cot! Whilst baby's surroundings are changing, he will benefit from going to sleep in the system he has become attached to. Don't underestimate the benefits of familiar things to a baby who is entering new horizons on a daily basis. As adults, we often look forward to unfamiliar events to break the monotony of life. Babies on the other hand crave sameness!

If you are going to travel through a different time zone, try and prepare baby by letting him get used to the new times before you leave. If this doesn't work, make sure you bring blackout blinds with you to ensure his bedroom remains dark even if it is wonderful sunshine outside.

Whatever you do, try not to totally change your baby's habits. Many a cot sleeping baby has travelled on holiday with his mum and dad and realised that sleeping in mum's bed is so much nicer than his cot unless he or she is in his or her sleepwrap as it builds an association with sleep along with pre sleep association including same piece of music and routine. Try getting him back into his cot on your return from holiday. There is nothing like sleep deprivation to ignite the need for a new holiday so quickly!

To be able to help give peace of mind, help prevent injuries, assist lovely shaped heads and give a gift of a 'lifetime' is a wonderful privilege to give to so many," says Miriam. Over two hundred thousand of her Safe T Sleep Sleepwraps have been sold over sixteen years, without one reprted injury or fatality during this time. For your peace of mind, and your baby's safety, her Safe T Sleep system has been trialled and is proven. http://www.safetsleep.com

Easy Game to Play at Your Baby Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:27:00 +0000

By Jennifer Kelly

The Rice Game is a very simple game to play at a baby shower. It's quit simple to play, and very easy set up. It is recommended you prepare for this game before your guests arrive, this way you can have ease of starting the game.

What you need to play The Rice Game: one bowl, one package of small safety pins, one bag of rice, and one blind fold.

Each player will take turns while blindfolded trying to pick through the rice to find the safety pins. While this sounds easy, it's actually quit the opposite. Your baby shower guests will be amazed at how difficult this actually is. The rice and safety pins feel almost identical.

This game should be timed for each person. Give each person about 30 seconds to 1 minute to find as many safety pins as they can.

The person who finds the most safety pins is the winner and should be given a prize.

You can chose anything you like for a prize. The most common prize is a candle, but be creative! Your baby shower should have your own hostess personality showing through, while keeping the mother-to-be's interests at hand.

Baby shower games are a fun way to get your guests enjoying the shower. A baby shower should be a joyous celebration, and there is no better way to achieve that than with playing games. The Rice Game is an incredibly easy game to play, but you should have more than one game at a baby shower.

For more babyshowergames please visit here.

I am a stay at home mom of 4 kids under 6 just trying to stay sane! Go here to get more free babyshowergames.

Feel free to re-publish this article free of charge! My only request is the resource box remain unchanged.

Girls and Boys Baby Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:05:00 +0000

By Diana Felfle

Whether you are expecting a baby, or buying a gift for a baby shower, shopping for the right item is not always easy. You want to make sure the product you are purchasing is safe, durable and most importantly in these difficult economic times we are living in, affordable to the pocket.

Looking for Baby Onesies for Girls/Boys is always fun as there is such a vast selection of styles from many different brands. They come in every possible color in short and long sleeves. Many include cute sayings across the front, and even the back. Onesies are made for every season and holiday.

A onesie is an article of infant clothing that covers the upper body, while snapping between the legs to make diaper changing easier. They can be worn very comfortably as-is on those warm summer days, or they can be used as a t-shirt underneath a shirt and pants outfit. So many options allow a parent to dress their child in any style for any occasion.

Selecting the correct size onesie cannot be easier. Baby clothing is separated into age groups. For example, some may be labeled 3-6 months, others 9-12 months. This is a standard practice in the industry, so as long as you know the general age of the baby you are buying for, you should not have a hard time choosing the correct size.

There are many clothing brands making onesies. I have found that Little Me, Zutano, and Baby Essentials carry a large selection of onesies that can mixed and matched with all kinds of outfits at very reasonable prices starting at $10.00 and up.

One very important thing to keep in mind when purchasing baby clothing is the fabric used to make the clothes. Be sure the baby clothing is warm and comfortable, flame retardant and will not react with your child's skin.

Diana Felfle is a representative at Baby Supermall, an online retailer of baby products, including: infant clothes Baby Supermall's baby clothing lines include: infant onesies and sleeveless onesies.

Baby Announcement Wording Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:03:00 +0000

By Sarah Porter

After having a baby, you suddenly have plenty of new responsibilities to worry about. Having to worry about your baby announcement wording shouldn't be one of them. However, there are plenty of issues you're probably thinking about and you do want to get everything just right on these baby birth announcements. Here are some tips to help you.

Important Tips for Birth Announcements Wordings

Generally, you'll want to include some basic information in the birth announcement wording. For example, you would normally list the weight and height of the baby at birth on the card. Today, some parents are a bit hesitant to do this if they have a very small or very large baby. However, since mostly friends and relatives will be receiving the announcements, this doesn't seem to be something with which most parents should be concerned.

The time and location of the delivery is usually also part of the birth announcement wording. Don't worry if you didn't have the baby in a hospital but instead chose an alternative spot, such as your home. There's no reason not to put that information on the card, too. Remember most of the people who receive your announcement will already know this information anyway.

Additionally, most parents tend to include the name of the new baby. Now there may be a reason why you don't want to add this information. For example, if you are saving the name revelation for the christening ceremony you might want to add this to the baby announcement wording. For example, you might write: "The new name of our bundle of joy will be announced at the christening ceremony later this month." Of course, that means you'll probably want to invite all of your friends and family who receive these cards to the actual christening event as well.

Birth Announcement Wordings and Other Concerns

Generally, the most confusing part of the wording is how to address the issue of the parents' names. Although this isn't always complicated, some couples just don't work within the standard etiquette rules. That can make the wording a bit challenging sometimes. Here are some basic rules that will help you decide how to include your names on the announcement.

If you're a traditional married couple, you can choose one of two methods: Mr. and Mrs. John Doe or John and Jane Doe. Many women prefer the latter.

If you're a single parent, you should only add your name unless the other parent is actively involved or if you are widowed. In the latter case, add the deceased parent's name in this way: "and the late John Doe."

If you're recently divorced, you should both send out your own individual card with separate baby announcement wording. It's fine to include the other parent as well but keep the names separate in the baby announcement wording.

About the Authors: Sarah Porter and Patti Paz have written several articles about Personalized Birth Announcements Wordings, Verses and Sayings, Customized Baby Verses and Sayings, Unique Birth Announcements Wordings, Sayings and Verses, FREE Birth Announcements, Affordable Baby Announcements, Printable Adoption Announcements, Unique Pregnancy Announcements, Photo Birth Announcements, Birth Announcements Thank You Cards and lots more for CardsShoppe, Cards-411, Birth-Cards and Express-Invitations

Baby Birth Announcements For Announcing New Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:10:00 +0000

By Sarah Porter

Sending out birth announcements cards is one of the first steps you should take after bringing home that new baby. Of course, you might have some other things on your mind such as recuperating from the event and getting used to those two in the morning feedings. Below are some basic guidelines that will help you get the baby birth announcements in the mail.

Baby announcements: Saving Time

The first way to save time on the birth announcement is by choosing a design in advance. You don't necessarily need to complete the purchase early, especially if you're planning on having the messages printed on the cards for you. But if you've already done all of the online shopping and decided on a design that you love then that's one less thing you'll have to do after the baby arrives.

Another way to save time is to plan the recipient list in advance. For one, this will make it easier for you to place the final order. You'll already know exactly how many baby birth announcements to order. Plus, you won't have to spend weeks deciding how gets one before you even put them in the mail. You also won't end up buying too many or too few.

Picking the recipient list shouldn't be too challenging, unless you are on a tight budget. Make sure all of your family members get one. You'll probably want to include any close friends you have, as well anybody who might be interested in hearing the news. You might also send a baby announcement to your co-workers or to the members of your church.

If you want another idea that will help you save time, consider picking up the stamps ahead of time, too. If you've made out the list, you already know how many stamps you're going to need. Drop by the post office at your convenience and make the purchase. That way when you're working on the cards you can drop them in the mailbox immediately.

Planned Visitation with Baby Invitations

To make your life a little bit easier, consider adding a note to your baby birth announcements that schedules times for guests to pay a visit. You don't have to specify times for individuals but you might want to arrange a few certain times for small groups of relatives to come by. Otherwise, you could end up with plenty of people dropping in unannounced that is rough on new parents and on the baby. If you're choosing this option, be sure to add it to your cards before you mail them.

You don't have to schedule set times either. Another option is to simply include a friendly message in your baby birth announcements that asks guests to let you know before they pay a visit. There's nothing wrong with adding a message to that effect. Of course, many of your friends and family members may ignore and still show up unannounced.

About the Authors: Sarah Porter and Patti Paz have written several articles about Personalized Birth Announcements, Printed Baby Birth Announcements, FREE Birth Announcements, Affordable Baby Announcements, Printable Adoption Announcements, Unique Pregnancy Announcements, Photo Birth Announcements, Birth Announcements Thank You Cards and lots more for CardsShoppe, Cards-411, Birth-Cards and Express-Invitations

If You Are Using Plastic Baby Bottles Or Plastic Bottles Or Cups in General, Beware

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:09:00 +0000

By Hope Pope

Are you using plastic containers or bottles every day to feed your baby... to microwave foods... to put your kids lunch in a plastic bag... or to save foods? My guess is you are.

Unfortunately, more and more information is coming out about the dangers of plastics in food preparation or "food saving". The danger is in the plastic.... especially hard plastics such as baby bottles... sports bottles... and microwave dishes.

The problem is "BPA" (bisphenol A)... one of the most produced chemicals in the world. BPA is found in plastic... and what happens is when you put food or drink in the plastic bottle or container, the BPA is leaks out into the food or drink. Plus, if you are microwaving the bottle or container, you are most likely increasing the amount of BPA that goes into your food or drink.

BPA has been shown to cause reproductive problems such as miscarriage and other reproductive problems. If you are pregnant, you should be especially cautious about BPA exposure.

BPA is even found in plastic teethers and toys! So make sure you give babies fabric-like toys.

Even the FDA has concerns about BPA. They released a statement on October 28, 2008 that included the following statement... "The FDA agrees that, due to the uncertainties raised in some studies relating to the potential effects of low dose exposure to bisphenol A, additional research would be valuable. The FDA is already moving forward with planned research to address the potential low dose effects of bisphenol A, and we will carefully evaluate the findings of these studies."

So is there anything you can do about it? Well, there is no way you can completely be free of BPA but you can lessen your exposure to it.

If you look on the bottom of the baby bottle (or any other plastic container that you use) ... and see a recycling number "7" (near the triangle), get rid of the bottle as it might contain BPA in it. If you don't see a number on it, call the manufacturer and ask them what number it is.

Here is a list of what are considered to be the safest baby or sports bottles to use as they have not been shown to leak toxins...

Rubbermaid ChuggablesBottles, Rubbermaid Sippin' Sport Bottles, Evenflo Colored Baby Bottles, Evenflo Baby Bottles (opaque, pastel), Gerber Baby Bottles (colors), Medela Baby Bottles.

When saving food (for leftovers) or just for putting your child's sandwich in a bag so they can eat it at school, use the following... as they are recycled and have not been shown to leak toxins into your food... Glad Food Storage Bags, Glad Freezer Bags, Glad Sandwich Bags, Hefty Baggies, Hefty OneZip Slider Bags, Saran Cling Plus, Ziploc Bags, Ziploc Double Guard Freezer Bags and BestYet Clear Plastic Wrap.

Instead of using plastic in general, try these tips: Don't eat canned food if you can help it; use wax paper or a paper towel to cover food in the microwave; use glass cups instead of plastic; and use glass or ceramic containers to save food instead of Tupperware

As a side note, canned foods are the most common source of BPA. That includes canned soups, pastas and sodas (although sodas don't contain as much as soups and pastas).

http://www.provennaturalcures.com is a web site that includes all natural cures that have been proven to work for problems such as cholesterol, yeast infections, coughs, ADHD, weight loss, warts, asthma, insomnia, smoking, snoring, stomach pain and more.

Bad Breath in Toddlers - The Facts and Possibilities

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:25:00 +0000

By Tim M Staines

It is just so overwhelming to see our children grow. You just can't imagine how big your little baby has grown and now he is always up and running. And for being a mother that you are, you always want the best for your little one. You want him to have strong bones, bright eyes and even beautiful white teeth. Along with the latter, you surely want your baby to have baby fresh breath always.

Now, you will surely be in haste if you found out that your baby have bad breath. Yes, it is surprising because most people have the notion that babies will not have stinky and unpleasant breath. But, this is just normal. Yes, bad breath in toddlers is normal. It is unlikely that they will eat smelly foods like garlic and onions but it is still possible for them to have bad breaths.

Here are some things that may cause bad breath in toddlers;

• Sleeping - since saliva production is minimal when a person sleeps, babies are prone to have bad breath because they tend to sleep longer than adults.

• Breathing through the mouth - because most toddlers and babies breath through the mouth, they tend to have bad breath. Why? Well, because breathing through the mouth will make it dry and cause odor-causing bacteria to grow.

• Baby Things - sucking the thumbs or blanket, which are common to toddlers and babies, can also cause the mouth to dry.

Since your toddlers are not yet aware of proper hygiene, you should be the one taking care of your toddler's mouth. So what are the things that you can do to prevent bad breath in toddlers? Here are some of them:

• Just like in adults, the best thing to do to avoid bad breath is by having proper oral hygiene such as the following;

- Rinsing the mouth after eating; you can use mouthwash

- Drinking plenty of water

- Cleaning the tongue properly

- Proper brushing and flossing

• Getting proper oral hygiene products that are appropriate for your kid is also a great way to keep your baby's breath fresh

• Regularly bring your toddler to the pediatrician. Doing this will make sure that your baby is always well and do not suffer from any kind of infection which usually causes bad breath.

Teaching your toddler to brush properly is the first technique that you can impart to your toddler. This way, you can be rest assured that your child will have good oral habit even this early; and thus, ensuring fresh breath and clean mouth always. Aside from that, you can also keep your child from foods with strong odors as well as foods that contains high amount of sugar.

If you still need more information about bad breath in toddlers, you can conduct your own research. The internet is the best avenue for you to do that. There are lots of websites online that provide guides, information and tips concerning bad breath in children. You can search through these websites to find the right bits and pieces of information that you need. But you know what; the best place where you can get info is the dental clinic.

Ask your dentists about the best practices and techniques on how you can keep your toddlers safe from the hassles of bad breath and unhealthy mouth.

For more information please visit Health eBooks

Newborn Baby Care - How to Take Care of Newborn Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:25:00 +0000

By Varadharajan R

Giving birth to a child is sometimes really amazing and it is safe when the baby is in its mother's womb. From the instant the baby emerges from the cocoon, you need to pay special attention and there is plenty of it in newborn baby care about "how to take care of newborn baby". Know well what will be the newborn baby needs, except for the love that you offer. You need a good knowledge in taking care of the baby connected with food, sleep and skin. It's sometimes excruciating that you can't handle it to your wishes since the skin, eyes, bottom and other features are so delicate. There are some common problems with skin conditions like baby gerbils, baby acne, cradle caps and heat rash with sunburn common with newborns of any country.

Baby skin care: Skin care is the foremost factor in spite of its adaptability to the new environment. Skin is so red that it offers irritation and infection to every touch. So, it's best to wash cloths with special detergents. Baby skin loses moisture quickly and it needs time to absorb and retain moisture to its need. So, keeping your child with cold or warm perfume baths daily is not suggestive but may be on alternative days suiting other conditions. New born baby care is so gentle that it needs special treatment. It's best for protecting the baby from bacterial infection by using homemade baby wipes and diaper to cleaning your little ones.

Umbilical cord: Until and after the falling down, the area around the umbilical cord should be kept clean with hygienic soft cotton with alcohol application.

Head care: Head is so delicate with soft hair to keep clean using only baby skin care natural shampoo perhaps the same product. The pulpy scalp is a protected area against rough handling when padding anything around it.

Heat rash and sunburn: Skin learns to accommodate with new surrounding and so nothing is there to worry. Whatsoever, keeping off the baby from direct sunlight for a long time should be avoided as a measure of infant care against heat effects. Protecting the baby appropriately perhaps with cheap baby clothing suiting to the weather is wise of the mother.

Baby acne and cradle caps: Baby acne may have its effect for the first two or three months but no need to treat unless infected. It is protected with homely and regular baby baths with natural care therapy. Cradle caps should be handled with soft brush to clean using some herbal moisturizer. It's best to use natural baby products avoiding synthetic products like talcum powder complimented by organic skin care treatments to avoid dry skin.

Newborn baby care is not so easy to all. It is a skill with the parents especially the mother to know how to take care of newborn baby.

It's best suggested to collect more ideas and purchase related baby products by visiting care taking of newborns AND care taking of babies.

Prepare to Bring Home the Newborn Child

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:25:00 +0000

By Janet Verra

At last, the wait is over and you are now officially a mother. You can now laugh at those morning sickness, pain and anxiety you have experienced for the past few months. You have been very brave that you overcome those times, and finally it's over. While you have now your baby in your arms, you might never thought you could love a little one so much. You are in such awe and amazement of how adorable and precious your little bundle of joy is. It seems that you don't want to ever let go of your baby, but your little one needs to be checked by nurses and you too need to get rest. All has been well and settled in the hospital and you feel very confident to have you and your baby released home.

Having you and your little one settled at home, you are rest assured that there will be no more nurses and check ups all day long and you are now free to spend all your time with your baby. But surprisingly, your rest will soon disturbed because the child won't stop crying, you are trying to feed her, or change her diaper, and entertain her but nothing is working. And worse, she won't stop spitting up and pooping.

With this situation, perhaps you will begin to realize that coming home is not a right choice that you are tempted to pack up your stuff and take your baby back to the hospital for a few more days of rest. We often thought that giving a little doll to a crying baby would pay off. What we seem to think may not always be true.

Don't make mistake of taking those cases as a threat especially for pregnant moms. Rather, take it as encouragement that tells you to prepare for your upcoming baby, and staying for a couple of days in the hospital allows you to rest better. Take it one step at a time, don't let yourself gets too excited of playing a new role as mom. Taking on too much in the beginning can make yourself sick and then won't have enough time to spend taking care of your precious child. Avoid letting yourself act as if you are a ''super mommy'', you will only stress yourself out. So take the few tips below after you and your baby have been released from the hospital.

* Get rest. Do not let others disturbed you while you are sleeping. It is more better not to take visitors in the house during your first week after you have been released from the hospital.

* Swallow your pride. You obviously need someone who can help you with cleaning as well as buying all your necessities. Although you might be prepared for major essentials but sometimes forgetting little things is inevitable.

* Do not force yourself to work on some things too much during the first few weeks.

* If you have a partner, of course he should help you as far as he could. For instance, you can both reshuffle baby caring schedules. This will allow each of you to get some rest while the other one is awake.

* Long before your due date, prepare everything. If there is a baby shower party then have your baby gifts prepared already. Also, you don't want to forget important baby supplies like baby clothing, feeding supplies, blankets, baby furniture and other caring items for your little one.

Janet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. If you're looking for unique baby gifts, visit the website Prettybabygifts.com and browse their collection. Shop for a baby crib bedding set online!

Bed Wetting Alarm - How to Stop Bed Wetting

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:24:00 +0000

By Deidra Bales

Regardless of the age or reason for the bed wetting, it's a time consuming, embarrassing situation for every one. There are products available to help combat and prevent bed wetting. One of those products is a bed wetting alarm.

Bed wetting is not the problem as much as it is the symptom. Bed wetting in small children is either a mishap during the potty training process. This should never be treated as a negative or punished. Children are highly sensitive to guilt and feeling of being ashamed or embarrassed.

Instead help them be successful by limiting fluids before bed, encouraging use of the potty before bed and rewarding dry mornings. Slightly older or elementary school age children tend to bed wet because of extreme stress or anxiety. Older children bed wetting could be attributed to a physical condition.

Bed wetting alarms are a way to help train the child's brain when to wake up and use the bathroom during the night. The alarm consists of two parts. One sits on the night table or sticks to the child's shoulder and the sensor goes in the underwear. When the child starts to wet the sensor detects it and sends a signal to the alarm that sounds and wakes the child up. This works to condition the brain to respond to the physical signals the child is not used to yet. Eventually, the child's brain wakes up before the alarm sounds and goes to the bathroom, preventing the bed wetting from occurring.

While, these bed wetting alarms may sound a bit extreme, they are proven to work. The time frame depends on each child's individual response. There are also wireless models which allow the child to sleep more comfortably.

Though, bed wetting can be an embarrassing occurrence for the child, bed wetting alarms offer a solution to help the child subconsciously learn when to detect their bodies physical signals and use the bathroom appropriately restoring their confidence and ending the bed wetting permanently. This opens their lives to more activities, the confidence to sleep away from home and the ability to learn about their body more.

One of the most effective treatments for bed wetting is to use a bedwetting alarm. Learn more about bedwetting alarms and pads at: http://BedWettingAlarmsForLess.com

Use a Shopping Cart Cover For Your Baby's Protection

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:48:00 +0000

By Thaddeus Johnson

Do you use a shopping cart cover for your baby's protection? If not, you might consider using a cart cover on your next shopping trip. Shopping carts are handled everyday by shoppers and store owners alike and the probability of contracting germs is pretty high.

You can be certain that many of the carts, if not all, are not cleaned, disinfected, and maintenanced properly. To ensure your baby's health and well-being, take the steps necessary for prevention of illness.

Advantages of baby cart covers

There are some great advantages of using baby cart covers that you will find to be helpful. The covers are easy to install with a self-contained safety strap and buckle for secure seating. They are made with durable fabrics for repeated washings and are padded for comfort. The padding also prevents contact with any hard surfaces of the cart. But most important, they help decrease the amount of infectious germs that the baby may be exposed to.

For added protection, take extra steps and carry with you disinfectant wipes to wipe off areas that will make contact with the cover. You may find that some stores will have wipes available upon entering the building.

Cart covers online

You can find baby cart covers online such as handmade4baby.com. Their covers are hand-crafted and can be customized with a personal design of your choice. Use them in standard or in double warehouse carts. Are you having a family outing at the restaurant? These covers can be used for restaurant high chairs also. Maybe you would prefer an original 3 in 1 custom order that contains the cart cover, tote bag, and functions as a pillow. The covers are padded, completely washable, and can be crafted in organic fabric.

When purchasing a cart cover, make sure that it meets your needs and that of your baby. With this in mind, it will help facilitate a worry-free shopping experience.

About the author:

Thaddeus W Johnson is a writer who enjoys providing online shoppers with valuable information for purchasing and the benefits of shopping online.

Discover great savings on products such as baby products, best family games and much more.

C 2007 Thaddeus W Johnson

Potty Training Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:48:00 +0000

By Paul J Easton

Potty training is new territory for your toddler. Up until now, she's been happy-go-lucky, learning about her new world at her own pace and making all kinds of exciting discoveries.

She's learned how to form sounds into words that communicate what she wants, she's learned how to put her legs under her and walk and all this was done at her own pace. She probably thinks she invented walking and talking.

Now all of a sudden, someone has decided she will no longer relieve herself in her diaper and plops her down on a potty and tells her to â€œgoâ€. This is fertile ground for potty training problems.

Prevention is the Best Cure

Look at potty training from her perspective. What kind of introduction has she had to the toilet and the bathroom in general. Has this room been off-limits before now? Let her follow you into the bathroom before you start potty training her. Answer her questions.

Let her flush the toilet and sit on it with the lid closed first. Believe it or not, many children are afraid of the toilet. They see things go down and not come back and wonder if that can happen to them.

When she's comfortable being around the toilet, let her sit on the seat. If she feels afraid, buy her a potty seat that snaps on securely or a potty chair. Humans are born with the fear of falling and sitting on a toilet seat with nothing under her can make your child feel like she's going to fall.

Make sure she feels safe at all times. One fright can be enough to make her resistant to potty training.

Problem vs. Stage

Regression, is when a child begins to learn potty training, then suddenly seems to lose ground. Children who were perfectly happy to go along with the potty training routine all of a sudden begin having accidents frequently. Regression isn't always a problem.

There may be an external factor such as a change in her environment that's causing the regression or it may just be that she wants to slow down a little. Most experts agree that periods of regression are normal during potty training and, unless there is a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection, they do not need intervention. Simply continue to gently encourage her with her potty training and she'll get back on track.

Most potty training problems can be identified by looking at them through your child's eyes. Inconsistencies, fears, punishment for accidents and regression can all trigger potty training problems.

Potty Training Tips Online.com provides articles and information on Potty Training Advice for new parents. Great free help, links and more.

Potty Training Help

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:48:00 +0000

By Paul J Easton

There are often bumps along the potty training road. Knowing where to find help can make it easier for parents to get the potty training program back on track.

Your Pediatrician

He or she deals with potty training questions all day long and can well be the best person to turn to for help. The pediatrician not only can tell you about potty training in general, she can assess your child and give you her opinion of your child's readiness to get started.

All the good advice in the world will be of no help if your child is not developmentally ready to be potty trained. She can also give your child a physical and identify any medical issues that may complicate it such as a urinary tract infection.

Books

Look for advice in parenting books, and while you're at the bookstore, get a kid's book about potty training for your child. He'll enjoy having his own book and you can use it to talk to him.

Day Care Providers

If your child goes to daycare, talk to your provider. She's probably been through the potty training process with several children and can give you good advice about what's worked well in the past. It's also important that she be part of your team and uses the same process you use at home to potty train your child.

Older Children

If you have older children at home or if your child is around older children elsewhere, you already know how much little kids want to be like big kids. If your child realizes that big kids use the potty and little kids wear diapers, he will soon make the decision for himself to cooperate.

Reinforcements/Rewards

Often implementing a reward system can get a stalled potty training routine moving again. A simple sticker chart and some stickers may be all your child needs to find the motivation to use the potty.

Getting to choose his sticker and put it on his chart can give your child a sense of involvement in the process.

Potty training help is never far away.

http://www.pottytrainingtipsonline.com/ provides articles and information on How to Start Potty Training for new parents. Great free help, links and more.

New Study - Fans Reduce Sudden Infant Death Risk by 72%

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:48:00 +0000

By Kirsten Whittaker

SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is one of the most horrible and heartbreaking losses a family can endure. Striking an otherwise healthy baby of between 1 month and one year old, SIDS is the diagnosis given when a child of this age dies suddenly and an exact cause can't be found even after a full medical and legal investigation. And while amazing strides have been made in cutting the risk of SIDS, about 2,500 infants continue to die suddenly in the United States each year.

For these parents it is the worst kind of pain... a living nightmare you don't wish on your worst enemy. It hurts every minute of every day of the rest of your life.

These parents can take some small comfort knowing that investigations into exactly what causes SIDS are moving forward. There is a lot of good work being done. Many experts are coming to believe the condition involves an underlying abnormality (like a brain defect that affects breathing) combined with sleeping in an unsafe position or being exposed to an environmental challenge during a key period of growth.

Other things we do know:

- SIDS is most common in babies 2 to 4 months old.

- 90% of SIDS cases happen in babies less than 6 months old.

- 20% of SIDS deaths happen in childcare settings.

- SIDS is more common in cold weather.

- SIDS happens more often during sleep, between the hours of 10:00 pm and 10:00 am

Researchers in California at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research found that babies who slept in a room with a fan running had a 72% lower risk of SIDS compared to those who slept without a fan. Opening a window, another way to circulate the air in the sleeping space, brought the risk of SIDS down 36%. The study appears in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine and is the first to look for an association between better air circulation and reduced risk of SIDS.

Financed by the National Institutes of Health, this research involved data on 185 babies who died of SIDS from 1997 to 2000 in ten Northern California counties as well as Los Angeles County. The SIDS babies were compared to 312 infants who were a match in age, socio economic status and ethnic backgrounds in those same counties.

Dr. De-Kun Li, study senior author said, "The baby's sleeping environment really matters. This seems to suggest that by improving room ventilation we can further reduce risk."

The researchers noted that using a fan reduced the risk of SIDS most for babies in poor sleeping environments. Of course using a fan doesn't mean you should stop doing all the other very easy, sensible things the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to prevent SIDS.

- Babies should always sleep on their backs.

- Firm mattresses should be the only sleeping surface - no waterbeds or air mattresses either.

- No thick quilts or comforters - being overheated during sleep puts your baby at risk.

- Pillows and stuffed toys should not be in the bed with babies.

- A dedicated sleeping space that's free of drafts and is of a comfortable, steady temperature.

- Don't smoke (or let anyone else smoke) around your baby.

More work is needed, but because the idea of circulating the air in a baby's room is in line with some Sudden Infant Death Syndrome theories, it's certainly worth a try. Fans are affordable, and offer another benefit, the sound offers a soothing setting for a baby to sleep, blocking out much of the other routine noise of the house. Good for you, perhaps life saving for your baby.

Over 14,000 people have joined Kirsten's popular (and sometimes controversial) Daily Health Bulletin, so why not join them and stay up to date with the latest on avoiding sudden infant death risks and other health news daily.

You'll also get 5 comprehensive health reports for free when you join - giving you all the information you need to treat common ailments, lose weight, look younger and feel healthier.

Brrr, Baby, Brrr - Getting Baby Ready For Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:47:00 +0000

By Kim Shulman

The crunch of autumn leaves under our feet will soon give-way to the crunch of ice and snow as the cold winter months are fast approaching. As you pull out your winter jackets and pour dry gas into your tank, you must also think about getting baby ready for winter. Here are some tips:

Around the House:

· Remember that heat rises and that your baby spends most of his/her time on the floor. Make sure that baby is always warmly dressed and has their feet covered while in the house.

· Cover heaters so that baby cannot come into contact with their surfaces. Make sure that infants and young children are always supervised when in the room with a natural heat source such as a fireplace or wood or coal burning stove.

· Make sure you have a towel ready to keep your baby warm and dry after the bath. Change them into their pajamas as soon as they are dry and diapered.

· Avoid using heavy loose blankets in your baby's crib as this is hazardous. Instead, invest in a few sleep sacks - wearable blankets -that will keep your baby warm and safe all night long.

· Run a cold water humidifier in your baby's room while they sleep to maintain moisture in the air.

Going Out:

· Avoid a bulky winter jacket that is hard to fit into the straps of your car seat, infant carrier or stroller. Instead invest in a lined car seat/stroller cover that allows you to control the temperature and keep baby snug without the need for a jacket or extra blankets.

· Always keep baby's head covered in a hat. Heat escapes through the head - preserve it with a hat. Keep a few on hand because they tend to disappear like a lost sock.

· A remote car starter is a very good idea. Moving baby from a warm house to a warm car is a lot more comfortable than waiting for the car to warm up as you drive.

· Remember to remove some layers when going from outside to inside for any length of time. Take off baby's hat when in the mall or grocery store and pull back the heavy car seat/stroller cover so that your baby doesn't overheat.

Kim Shulman has an MSW from Boston University and over 15 years of experience working with chidren and families. Kim is married with one child, a mompreneur, and child care center director. Her first product, No Slip CharlieTM, is an innovation in baby bath safety. Wet Babies are Slippery... Get a Grip! http://www.noslipcharlie.com

She also blogs about her parenting and life/work balance experiences at http://mymomsense.blogspot.com

History of Baby Strollers

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:47:00 +0000

By Jon Saunders

The very first buggy was designed by William Kent in 1733. His design caught on in high society, and the buggy started appearing in the societies highest social circles. These buggy's were quite decorative, and really considered works of art.

As time went on, the buggy was redesigned to have handles. This was where the buggy took its first step towards convenience for the parent rather than amusement for the child.

On June 18, 1889, William H. Richardson walked into a patent office with an idea that changed the design of a stroller forever. He made several changes to the axles. One of these changes was allowing each wheel to turn separately, allowing for a much smaller turn radius. Before his changes, the front wheels and back wheels turned together, requiring a large radius for turning around. One of his other ideas was for a special joint that allowed the bassinet to face outward or toward the person pushing; essentially creating the first reversible stroller. Many of his ideas are still in use in strollers today.

Shortly after World War I, there was a baby boom. Manufacturers took advantage of this boom, and the stroller market exploded as a result. It was during this time that safety recall really became an issue, and safety features were added. The footbrake became standard for all strollers, the basket in which the child was held became deeper (thus more difficult to escape from) and the stroller itself was made shorter, so that children who did escape their strollers would have a shorter trip to the hard ground below.

In 1965, Owen Mclaren developed the first lightweight aluminum buggy that could fold into a more compact shape after listening to his daughters concerns about her large, awkward buggy. Because this stroller would be transporting his grandchild, he made sure it could safely handle the load placed on it. His design modernized the baby buggy into what we commonly see as the stroller today.

The most recent renovation of the stroller took place in 1980 by Phil Baechler. He was a running enthusiast. He felt the plastic wheels on his child's stroller would never withstand the running trips he planned. He decided to replace the plastic wheels with bicycle wheels. After a couple renovations of his design, the three wheeled jogging stroller was born.

From Kent in the 1700's to Baechler in 1980, strollers have really come a long way.

Making a Complete Baby Shower Party For Everyone to Enjoy

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:47:00 +0000

By Janet Verra

Having a baby shower party can make a wonderful experience for everyone involved. This party has several details to make it complete and successful. When all these details are accomplished, you will be definitely proud to be the hostess of a fantastic welcome party for the newborn child.

One of the first things you should take into consideration is the timing. It will be an organized celebration if you start the planning ahead of time. If it is not a surprise, you can check with the mom-to-be and make schedule the date well in advance of the party. You may also ask the guest of honor's opinion or ideas about the planning a baby shower party.

Once you have set the date, you can then start thinking about the party theme. This is another detail of the event where the mom-to-be can share her ideas. There are several baby themes to choose from. Maybe she wanted the nursery to be decorated with a teddy bear theme, or perhaps a baby-gender theme.

After the theme has been decided, next is you can start planning for the invitations. You can come up with shower invitations using either of these two ways: purchase invitations at your nearest party shops, or make your own homemade invitations. If you really want to stick with the theme, you need to have invitations that reflects the atmosphere of the said event. Apart from the party invitations, you could buy the decorations, plates, napkins and party favors at the same time. This will serve two purpose; you will enjoy a complete coordinated theme and you will have quite a few of the preparations taken care of well before the day of the shower.

Next to follow are the foods that will be served at the shower party. Will you keep it relatively simple or are you planning for a full course meal? The choice can be very personal, it still up to you and you may want to take into consideration what you think the guest of honor would enjoy most. You may serve cookies or muffins and a fruit cup, or you might rather serve five course meal. Or maybe you will settle on something in-between the two.

Make sure you will have a good venue for all the guests you have invited. Consider having enough chairs or you may prepare some extras, which is a good idea as well. The choice of a good venue is up to you, you can either rent a party room or banquet room at a restaurant. And if cooking is not your field, you could always hire a caterer or have the guests bring part of the food.

Lastly, think of something fun and interesting for everyone to enjoy. Plan for the baby shower games which everybody can participate, as well as prepare prizes for the winners. Also, consider shower gifts not only for the newborn child but for the new parents also. Consider also baby shower favors for the guests such as cute baby items like bibs, baby toys, pacifiers and the likes. You can make them personalized or include a tag on each favor.

Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. If you're looking for a baby announcements, visit the website Prettybabygifts and browse their collection. Shop for toys for baby for your baby online!

Baby Colic Relief - Tips For New Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:46:00 +0000

By Gillian Reynolds

Baby colic relief is something many new moms and dads are looking for. When your newborn is in the throes of a colic episode it's heart wrenching. Watching your tiny son or daughter struggle with the pain and pressure that colic brings is not an easy thing. Unfortunately we can't just wish away the problem to bring relief to our baby. There are things you can do though that will help ease the pain and help baby fall asleep.

Breastfeeding moms may be able to bring some baby colic relief to their newborn. Your baby is what you eat when you are nursing him or her so you really need to be mindful of what your diet contains. Anything that may cause excess gas in baby's tummy is a no-no. That includes foods like beans, cabbage, and even onions. Some moms also cut down on their consumption of dairy foods during this time. If you're concerned about not getting enough calcium, talk to your doctor about adding a supplement to your diet while you're nursing.

Parents who are bottle feeding their infants often struggle with the issue of colic too. You can usually find some baby colic relief if you are careful about how you hold the bottle during feeding. You want to avoid the baby taking in any air from the bottle as this can lead to painful gas, which is at the root of colic. Also be really sure that you burp baby enough. Some babies need several burps before their tummies settle down. Try to avoid laying baby down right after feeding as this can contribute to the problem of gassy buildup in his or her stomach. Just hold baby close and rub his or her back to ensure all gas is gone before you put them to sleep.

There are things you can do to help your baby when he or she is suffering with colic. For more suggestions, including a method that is 100% guaranteed to cure colic, visit this informative site

Don't let your baby struggle with colic even one more day. If your heart is breaking watching your newborn crying and not being able to fall asleep, find out what you can do to help them today. There are proven ways to cure your baby's colic forever that are guaranteed to work.

Sleep in Toddlers - What You Need to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:46:00 +0000

By Barbara Hillary, PhD

If you have a toddler, then chances are you have had difficulty convincing him or her to go to bed. The most important thing to remember is that in order to go to bed easily, children need a pre-established and predictable routine. If your child is wound up because of vigorous play, most likely you'll never convince her to go to bed. Also, ordering her to do so will be futile, so if you do not have a nighttime routine, consider these easy tips to make your toddler's bedtime much easier.

Every night, you should have a wind-down routine. A good wind-down routine consists of a nighttime bath, brushing teeth, and a bedtime story. These activities serve to calm your child down, and provide time for you to enjoy each other. Some parents incorporate into the bedtime routine a foot massage right after the bath. That tends to soothe the child, relax her and make the transition to bedtime easier.

Fear of the dark and nightmares are common for toddlers, so place a night light in your toddler's room. Also, avoid watching television before bedtime--it is associated with sleep disturbances. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 2 years of age watch no television at all, and those over the age of 2 watch no more than 1-2 hours of television daily. For older children, the recommended 1-2 hours of "television time" includes video games and computer time.

If your child takes any medications, they might interfere with sleep. If you have concerns about your toddler's persistent sleep problems, talk to you health care provider.

Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She works as a pediatric clinician and writes for Plugged in Parents. Plugged In Parents provides up-to-date info on pediatric health, safety and nutrition along with movie reviews, recipes, tech-savvy tips, and a parent's only forum. You can also contact Dr. Hillary for personal questions related to health and nutrition.

Please visit http://www.pluggedinparents.com

Graco Infant Car Seats - Provide the Most Safety For Your Kids During Car Rides

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:45:00 +0000

By Anthony Shelton

Graco Infant Car Seats - Increased Safety for Kids during Car Rides

Choosing a Graco Infant Car seat is a synonym with choosing safety before everything for your child. Shopping for car seats for our infants can be a hard task, especially considering the multitude of products and providers available in specialized stores. Parents are looking for safe, comfortable and affordable car seats, but few products can fulfill all those three needs.

Infant seats are designed for newborns up to 20 pounds and are smaller than the regular car seats. The designers of at Graco have thought of everything, including the fact that parents don't want to bother the sleeping infant every time they make a stop and take the car seat out. This is why the they include models that can simply be snapped in and out of the car. Of course, parents need to purchase a base for each car, but you can see it as an investment in functionality and ease of use.

Other car seats from Graco have a double functionality, allowing parents to use it both a carrier and as a car seat, which practically means that we can enjoy two products in one. They bring a long series of benefits for both parents and children.

Let's see few of them:

1. Trendy design, suitable for parents of any age;

2. Resistant fabrics with modern and colored prints;

3. 5-point harness system, delivering a snug fit for infants in five places;

4. Affordable prices;

5. Solid carrying handle.

Graco also produces models that are provided with stay-in-car bases, adjusting harness straps and even cold boots to keep your infant's legs warm in the cold winter days (the Snug Ride Days of Hunny for example, comes with such boots). Infant head support is another important feature for a car seat, as we all know how fragile infants are, but it seems that Graco has thought of that as well.

Graco has successfully met all the needs and demands of active parents that are looking for safe, functional and tailored products for their infants. Depending on your style, needs and preferences, it?s easy to choose any of the Graco infant car seats today. After solving the safety and the functionality needs, all that is left to do is decide whether you want the Bentley Bears or Jungle Paws on the infants' car seat fabric.

For the Safety and well being of your child, Please take a look at the benefits of owning one of many to choose from - Graco Infant Car Seats. They also make great gifts for Moms at Baby Showers.

Using a Baby Gate in the Home

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:20:00 +0000

By Timothy Lontana

The stairs can be a dangerous place for people of all ages. Every year people of all ages seriously injure themselves after a fall on the stairs. Seniors represent the largest at risk group, but children come in a close second. For children, a fall down the stairs can be devastating and once they are crawling there is no end of the places that they can get into, so it is necessary to block off the stairs and possible other areas of the home, such as the kitchen. It is possible to install a door, but most people use baby gates.

A baby gate is used to prevent young children from accessing different areas of a home or building. There are two main types of baby gates: pressure gates and hardware mounted gates. The pressure gates does not require any installation and relies on a tensioner, such as a spring, to wedge the gate between two hard surfaces.

A hardware mounted gate is screwed directly to the wall, but is usually designed so that the actual gate part can be taken done quickly without any tools. For protecting areas of differing elevations, like the stairs, only hardware mounted gates should be used.

Pressure gates, even those of the highest quality, will eventually work their way free. Often larger children are able to knock or pull these gates down. This makes them adequate for blocking access to rooms that are on the same floor, but for the stairs they should not be used.

Instead, a hardware gate should be used to protect the stairs. Most hardware gates are designed to swing open and for the stairs it is important that the gate only swings away from the steps.

Most baby gates are made out of wood, but plastic and metal ones are also available. For wooden gates, it is important that there are no rough areas that could cause a skin abrasion or splinters. It is also important that there are no sharp edges or corners on the gate, which is true of all types of gates, including the metal and plastic ones.

Many might remember the accordion gate from their childhood, which could be opened and closed like an accordion and had diamond shaped holes in the middle. The top edge was zig-zagged with open Vs along the top. These presented a very real choking and entrapment hazard, so are no longer made, but from time to time you still see them in second hand situations.

Instead, you should ensure that there is not more than 2.5 inches between the slats of the gate, so the child can not stick their head through. There should also not be any areas that could catch or snag the child's clothes.

While the tension gate should never be used on the stairs, they are still popular for blocking off a doorway. The hardware gate is much more reliable, but it is important to always periodically inspect the mounting brackets and hardware, to ensure they have not become loose.

Timothy Lontana is familiar with many children's products, like the baby gate. Learn more about these and other products for young children at Lullaby Supply.

Preventing Falls by Using a Baby Gate

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:19:00 +0000

By Timothy Lontana

When a child is young and first beginning to crawl or walk, there are many areas around the home that can be very dangerous. The stairs usually top the list, but the kitchen or bathroom can also present dangers to a child. For this reason, it is necessary to section off areas of your home to prevent access. Most people use one or more baby gates to keep the baby safe and contained to a certain play area.

Often it is possible to simply shut the door, but this is not always possible, as in the case of a kitchen, which often does not have a door or perhaps if you need to allow access to the laundry room for a cat. These areas are prime choices for a baby gate, because it is possible to block the child, but still allow access to the parent or animals. There are a few different types of gates available, but the hardware mounted gate is often the better choice. These gates are physically secured to the wall using a set of screws and mounting plates. However, they are usually designed so that the gate part can be taken down temporarily if needed. Some even swing open like doors.

The hardware mounted gate is much more dependable and reliable than the pressure gate, which relies on a spring like mechanism to press the gate into the walls. Pressure gates can be knocked down, more so with larger children, so the semi-permanent hardware mounted gate is recommended.

Most gates are made out of wood, but some use metal or even plastic. When choosing a gate, it is important that it is made our a smooth surface with rounded edges. There should be no sharp corners or rough surfaces that could result in splinters.

The bars or slats on the gate should be small enough that it is not possible for a child to stick their head through. This means they should be less than 2.5 inches apart. The top should be a solid piece and not have any protrusions that could cause the child's clothes to become ensnared.

Many gates are made so that their height is adjustable. The gate should be at minimum three-quarters of the child's height. Usually gates are available that are from twenty-two inches and up.

The way the gate is latched is important, because it is necessary for the parent to be able to operate it easily, but it must be difficult for the child. Many use a two part system, which has two parts that are operated in unison to open the gate. Others use a pressure system and some even use a foot pedal.

Gates are used in millions of homes and preform a valuable service, but it is important to never solely rely on any gate. For protecting the stairs, tension gates should be avoided, since it is possible for them to be knocked down fairly easily. When installing a hardware mounted gate on the stairs, it should only be able to swing away from the stairs.

Timothy Lontana a writer, has had first hand experience using many of the available gates used today. When choosing a baby gate, it is important to decide where you are going to use it. If you intend to use it by the stairs, make certain you go for a hardware mounted gate. Learn more about gates and other baby products at Lullaby Supply.

Baby Jewelry - Safety Checklist For the Concerned Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:01:00 +0000

By Vibha Raj

Every mother wants her baby to look the cutest possible. Moms tend to dress up their little girls (and boys) with pretty jewelry and accessories to make them look sweet. While these jewelry items and accessories can be really cute, there are some serious dangers to be aware of when purchasing baby jewelry. As a concerned parent it is important to make sure that your baby is safe at all times. Read these cautions below on how to be sure your baby's jewelry is safe.

One of the most popular yet vulnerable accessories for babies is earrings. Some parents get their baby's ears pierced while they are still infants. Ear piercing is a major concern that parents face. Although ear piercing is a relatively safer procedure there still can be chances of infection to the tiny ears. But with a little caution and care you can avoid the danger of any infection or harm to the baby. It is recommended that you wait for a few months after the baby is born, such that the baby's immune system becomes stronger and there are less chances of infection. When you get your baby's ears pierced, make sure to check the pierced site daily for signs of infection. Use a mild cleanser preferably antibiotic to keep the site clean. You need to be very cautious about the type of earring backings. The earrings should be locked securely or else the earrings can come off and very easily get lost. Prefer studs for babies. Do not buy hoops. Baby can find pull the hoop off the ear which can be very dangerous.

Some other popular jewelry articles can be baby bracelets and baby pendants. Make sure any jewelry that the child wears has no sharp edges, is well rounded smooth corners and can be fastened securely. Choose simple designs that do not irritate the child while sleeping or disturb her while playing. Babies, especially toddlers and infants have a habit of putting things in the mouth. This can cause serious chocking hazard. Be sure all pendants, bracelets and earrings are securely clasped. Charms in the bracelets should be securely attached to the bracelet. Preferably remove bracelets and necklaces / pendants at bedtime. Just helps the baby (and of course you) sleep better.

Another danger associated with baby jewelry is lead poisoning. Babies love to put things in their mouths, and lead jewelry can be very dangerous. Make sure you're your baby jewelry does not have lead in it and the material used for baby jewelry is safe.

Just a little caution and you are ready to dress up your little angel to look like a pretty fairy. Go you proud mommy!

I am a jewelry enthusiast, working with a well known online e-trailing jewelry company. Writing has always been the area of my interest and writing for jewelry doubles my zeal towards this creative field.

Five Reasons Nannies Love Nanny Cams

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:01:00 +0000

By Tom Rasmussen

You may be surprised to find that nannies, baby sitters, house and pet sitters often love nanny cams. We're talking, of course, about those nanny cams that are disclosed to the sitter.

First, nannies love working with clients who are honest about their concerns and their situation. When they bring up the idea of nanny cams, which is always difficult, these clients show that they're able to talk about a problem and communicate effectively. These are people nannies like to work with, whether or not they have nanny cams.

Second, nannies understand that nanny cams let parents see some of the activities they're missing with their children while they're away at work. Nannies like to work with parents who love their children.

Third, nannies know that if there are nanny cams, and something should happen, if the child falls, a vase is broken, or any of the huge number of things that could happen, then there is a record of what really happened, and the situation can be approached logically with the facts in hand.

Fourth, nannies understand that nanny cams make their jobs easier. The children know about the nanny cam, as well, and they know that their parents can, and do, check the nanny cam when they get home. Even well-behaved children are better in front of nanny cams.

And finally, nannies love nanny cams because they know that the cameras keep the majority of truly bad nannies from getting jobs. Those nannies won't agree to a nanny cam. This leaves more jobs for the great nannies, of course, but it also protects children from bad nannies.

Of course not all great nannies love nanny cams; some may just have an issue with the idea of being recorded at work, and others just don't like the trend. But on the whole, the nannies who offer the best care, as well as the best baby sitters, house sitters and pet sitters, are very open and willing to use nanny cams.

Tom Rasmussen is a former private investigator, now specializing in home nanny cams, and consulting on crime prevention for small retail businesses.

The Breast Start

noreply@blogger.com (Capuchino) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:01:00 +0000

By Terri O'Neale

I saw this fabulous advert the other day. "Only the breast will do." Unfortunately it was not the tag line of a new campaign to promote breastfeeding. It was an advert for a chicken sandwich at Burger King. Why is it though that such a perfect marketing slogan is not applied to feeding our babies the perfect food?

Recently I assisted a friend of my 20 year old daughter to give birth. Part of all my ante-natal visits is to discuss breastfeeding. I was disappointed that no matter the evidence I presented about the health and emotional benefits to both mother and baby, this young woman simply would not consider even trying to breastfeed her new baby. In her own words...Having a baby suck on my boobs is disgusting. Not even the allure of her figure returning more quickly to its pre-pregnancy shape could sway her.

In stark contrast were other mothers, who although uncomfortable with the mechanics, were deeply committed to giving their babies the breast start. What was the difference? The obvious ones were age and class. Statistics bear out the simple fact that socio-economics, education and maturity are key factors effecting the decision to breastfeed and its eventual success.

So how do we communicate these same benefits to younger mothers? I believe that the Burger King advert gives us an example. Our youth and young adults have grown up in a media playground...influenced even as toddlers to demand the latest toy, clothes or electronic gadget. Only an equally savvy media blitz can effectively communicate the breastfeeding message.

But because breastfeeding is a non-commercial enterprise, who will spend the money necessary? There are of course charities created for the purpose of promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Yet they lack the funds necessary to undertake a campaign of this size. NHS? We have only to look to other health campaigns it has run to realise that it lacks the glitz and glam to influence these young consumers.

Of course, formula makers face no such dilemma. You can not make it through a single day without being exposed to their seemingly benevolent message...breast is best, but our product is just as good. Their marketing budgets are huge...and their efforts highly successful...despite the prohibition on marketing infant formula for babies under 6 months.

As a result, breastfeeding promotions are carried out by trained volunteers with a modest investment in resources such as leaflets which show older and more affluent mothers nursing their babies wearing specially designed tops, using specially designed pillows and discussing the best pumps. Breastfeeding can seem even more complicated and expensive a feeding choice than formula.

Yet, I and thousands of other breastfeeding counsellors, midwives, doulas and childbirth educators continue our battle to promote the simple truth...Only the breast will do. Because we passionately believe that the clear scientific evidence of the health and emotional benefits of breastfeeding must be communicated to all mothers so that they too can make the breast decision for their babies. And sometimes, we do manage to convince them...unfortunately not this time.

Terri is the mother of six; 3 caesareans, 2 VBACs and an adoption. She has over fifteen years breastfeeding experience as well as peer supporter training with two organisations. Terri has completed the Childbirth Educator, Birth & Post-partum Doula certificates with Childbirth International. In addition, she also holds a BS in health education from Texas A&M University.

To sign-up for her monthly e-newsletter featuring her latest articles on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting; visit her website: Special start Birth.