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Tips to Help Make Kid Foods More Nutritious

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Juice

Save juice boxes and pouches for road trips, and limit fruit juice at home to 4 to 6 ounces day -- it's full of sugar and calories, and kids can get vitamin C from healthier whole fruit (and vegetables too).
Make a small serving go farther by diluting juice with water. Or pop a couple of frozen juice cubes -- each cube holds an ounce -- into flavored seltzer for a fizzy, low-sugar treat.
When you do give juice, opt for OJ: It boasts folate and potassium, and the kids' versions are fortified with calcium and vitamins A and E.

Pizza

When ordering, ask for a pizza "easy on the cheese" or with "half the usual amount of cheese." Also, pick thin crust over thick to slash about 80 calories per slice.
Vitamin-rich veggies are the most nutritious topping, but if your family wants meat, your best options are chicken or ham (pepperoni, though still high in fat, is slightly leaner than sausage).
Pass up high-damage extras like cheese-stuffed crusts or breadsticks, and serve a bagged salad on the side instead.
Our favorite healthy idea: Make your own pizza with a packaged whole wheat crust (4 grams of fiber per serving) topped with spaghetti sauce and part-skim mozzarella, or give your kids whole wheat pitas and let them choose their own veggie topping.

French Fries

At the drive-thru, order the smallest size -- and share them.
You'll do better with frozen fries from the store: They have about half the fat of restaurant taters, though ones labeled "battered" and "extra crispy" tend to be higher in fat. Scan labels for trans fats, since many brands have up to 3.5 grams per serving (McCain is one brand that's trans fat free).
To really trim the fat, cut potatoes into wedges or sticks, toss with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil, and bake on a sheet at 400 degrees F. for about 20 minutes. Sweet potatoes are a fun twist, and you'll more than meet your child's daily vitamin A needs.

Ice Cream

Stick to basics when you take the kids out for ice cream: The more bells and whistles inside and on top of their ice cream -- chocolate coating, candy-bar pieces, caramel swirls -- the higher the calories and fat.
Go for light ice cream, which has about half the fat of regular. Better yet, get a scoop of frozen yogurt -- it delivers even fewer calories, has little if any fat, and is actually a good source of calcium. (A half-cup scoop equals a serving.)
For desserts at home, buy light ice cream sandwiches, fudge pops, or ice pops, all of which are low in calories and fat.

Macaroni and Cheese

Making the boxed kind? Use skim milk and reduce the margarine from 4 tablespoons to 1 to save about 100 calories and 10 grams of fat per cup.
Mix up your own with a sauce of skim milk, margarine, and flour -- then melt in shredded or sliced cheese (let your kids pick their favorites). Boil up whole wheat noodles for 6 grams of filling fiber per cup. For a real nutrition boost, stir in some broccoli florets and diced carrots.

Cookies

Watching portion size is the key with cookies. Most contain roughly the same amount of sugar, but serving sizes vary widely: 10 animal crackers, eight vanilla wafers, four gingersnaps, three chocolate sandwich cookies, or two sheets of graham crackers all equal about 150 calories.
Does your child want a bigger portion? Choose Teddy Grahams: They're lower in sugar and fortified with calcium, with only about five calories per bear.
For no-brainer portion control, give your kids one of the new 100-calorie snack packs. And look for whole-grain versions of Fig Newtons and Chips Ahoy! -- each serving has 2 grams of fiber.

Chicken Nuggets

Nuggets pack a lot of fat, whether they're from the drive-thru or the freezer section. (About five nuggets can have almost half of your child's daily fat allowance!) You can save a couple of grams by choosing ones made with only breast meat -- and chicken patties have a bit less too.
Faux chicken nuggets (made with vegetable protein) taste like the real deal but save loads of fat per serving.
Make your own nearly-fat-free chicken fingers by dipping skinless tenderloins in egg whites, rolling them in bread crumbs and "frying" them on the stove in a nonstick skillet (add a bit of canola oil or cooking spray). Give your kids barbecue sauce or low-fat ranch dressing for dipping.

Source - November 2007 issue of Parents magazine.

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Tips to Help Cope with Morning Sickness

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Pregnancy is an amazing ride, but the morning sickness that often comes with it? Not so fab.

According to Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, ob-gyn and author of Working Woman's Pregnancy Book, approximately 70 percent of women experience nausea early in pregnancy and about 50 percent experience vomiting. "It's very, very common, but it's also incredibly varied," Greenfield says. "Lots of people are sick all day, some are sick mostly in the evening, and others are sick if they haven't gotten enough sleep." Morning sickness can start as early as six weeks into pregnancy and tends to peak around the eighth and ninth weeks, according to Greenfield.

So how to deal? Check out the following tips. (And take heart: Many women find morning sickness symptoms taper off or disappear altogether after 12 to 14 weeks.)

Sniff a Fresh Scent

Whether it's the less-than-pleasant whiff of the garbage truck rumbling by, or the smell of your coworker's perfume in a crowded elevator, certain scents will turn your tummy. "Morning sickness is often smell-associated," says Miriam Erick, a senior dietician and nutritionist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and author of Managing Morning Sickness: A Survival Guide for Pregnant Women. "Estrogen is the hormone that's responsible for the sense of smell, and if you're a high estrogen hormone person -- like when you're pregnant -- you have the radar nose of pregnancy. Ugly smells, smells you can't get away from, and potent smells will make you nauseous."

When you can't open a window or walk away, try sniffing fresh scents. Carry a bottle of lemon extract or a sprig of fresh rosemary in your bag, and stealthily sneak a sniff when needed. "I call it the scent between you and the rest of the world," says Erick.

Speak Up

You may be all about self-sufficiency and powering through your pregnancy, but being vocal about your feelings to those around you can help alleviate morning sickness misery. Your hubs probably doesn't know that his scented soap makes you queasy, or that giving you a kiss -- post pizza dinner, without brushing his teeth first -- gets your gag reflex going. So tell him and let him know what little changes he can make to help you feel better. (And when your mood improves, he'll feel better too.)

Track Your Nausea

Your queasiness may seem to come and go as it pleases, but by tuning into your body and your surroundings, you might find that your morning sickness isn't so random. If you find yourself getting nauseated at the same time every evening, says Erick, it may be from the smells of your neighbors' cooking. Queasy at 3 p.m. every day? A coworker's afternoon microwave popcorn habit could be the culprit. Once you've identified your sickness triggers, you can take the appropriate steps to avoid them wherever possible.

Stay Hydrated

It sounds like a no-brainer, but getting your eight glasses of water a day can feel like a monumental effort when your stomach won't keep anything down. Despite that, it's essential to get your liquids in because the more dehydrated you become, the more nauseated you'll become, according to Greenfield. To stay hydrated, try different ways of tricking your body into accepting fluids: Erick has found that for some women, salty snacks like potato chips and cheese curls "settle their stomachs and trigger their thirst." Others swear by crunching on ice chips or sipping ice cold or piping hot beverages. "Temperature makes a difference," Erick says. "If a beverage is a tepid middle temperature, it sometimes makes people gag."

Find Foods That Work for You

Even if eating is the last thing you want to do, you need to get food into your stomach -- it's just a matter of figuring out what. "Every mom -- and every queasy tummy -- is different. What spells relief to one may spell P-U-K-E to another," says Heidi Murkoff, co-author of Expect the Unexpected When You're Expecting!. Though there's no hard-and-fast rule about which foods work best for all morning sick mamas-to-be, many women find that it's easier to keep down certain types of food. Bland, carb-rich snacks like crackers, dry cereal, and pretzels have seen many preggo gals through morning sickness, as have ice cold treats like watermelon and Popsicles. Fatty and spicy foods may upset iffy stomachs, but if you find that they work for you, by all means, go ahead and eat 'em.

Eat a Little -- and Then a Little More

When it comes to eating, many women find that grazing all day settles their stomach. "I call it the Six Meal Solution," says Murkoff. "When your tummy is empty, the stomach acids have nothing to feast on but your stomach lining, compounding nausea. On the other hand, eating too much can overtax the digestive system, also leading to quease. Keeping your tummy a little bit full all day and all night is the best defense against morning sickness."

Murkoff suggests keeping a snack stash (crackers, pretzels, dried fruit, and nuts -- or whatever you can keep down) nearby at all times. Nibbling a little bit before you get out of bed in the morning can stave off nausea, and a light bedtime snack will stabilize your blood sugar throughout the night. Eating small snacks throughout the day can also enable you to keep some food in your stomach at all times.

Get Creative with Ginger

Ginger has long been touted as a stomach soother, and studies have shown that it may help quell the queasies. Try adding a thin slice of ginger to hot water or tea, or sipping flat ginger ale. Doesn't sound appetizing? Snack on a handful of crystallized ginger candy, nosh on gingersnaps or gingerbread, or find your own tasty way to soup up the root. Erick suggests microwaving ginger jam and pouring it over vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Adjust Your Computer

You may think that surfing the web (and checking out the latest Brad and Angelina pics) will distract you from morning sickness, but the computer's bright screen and undetectable strobe effect may make you more nauseated. To combat that, Erick suggests adjusting your screen to reduce eye strain. Make the font size bold and larger, and change the background to a soft pink or tan. Erick also recommends taking short breaks from the computer by getting up to do something else -- or by simply closing your eyes.

Distract Yourself

Nausea's not easy to ignore, but finding something -- anything -- to take your mind off it may help you forget it for a while. Read a book, do a Sudoku puzzle, or go for a short walk. Some moms even claim that exercise relieves their nausea, but make sure to talk to your doctor before going that route. And of course, listen to your body -- if you start feeling tired or queasier, it's time to stop.

Carry a Survival Kit

No matter how many times it happens, puking in public is not something you ever get used to. But to make the sticky situation bearable, don't leave home without stocking your bag with a few morning sickness must-haves. Greenfield suggests packing a clean blouse and a toothbrush, toothpaste, or bottle of mouthwash to help you freshen up post-puke. Breath mints are a smart move, too. It's also a good idea to carry a plastic (barf) bag for those dreaded can't-hold-it-until-I-reach-a-bathroom moments, plus a snack stash of crackers or pretzels that you can munch when your stomach starts to feel empty or upset.

Consider Taking Meds

If you're having a hard time keeping anything down, then it's time to see a doctor who can determine whether you need to take something. According to Dr. Robert Atlas, ob-gyn and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center, a combination of Vitamin B-6 and the sleep aid Unisom has been proven to alleviate morning sickness symptoms for some. If that doesn't work, a combination of stronger prescription medications, such as an acid reflux blocker, like Protonix, and a bowel stimulant, like Reglan, may also bring relief. (Of course, before taking any medication, you'll want to check with your doctor.)

Once you get the okay, don't worry about the meds harming your baby -- the relief they may give you will be good for you and baby. "It's important not to let morning sickness go too far in the interest of avoiding medication at all costs," says Greenfield, "because the dehydration, calorie deprivation, and starvation state is really unhealthy for the baby."

Be Open to the Unusual

Sometimes the weirdest remedies work, so don't be afraid to pay attention to your body and follow the morning sickness relief tactics that really make you feel better -- no matter how strange they may seem. Betsy Stephens, a mom from West Orange, New Jersey, calls bubble gum flavored Barbie toothpaste her morning sickness "saving grace." "The taste of actual toothpaste put me over the edge first thing in the morning," Stephens says, "but Barbie made it possible for me to brush my teeth without yakking." Monica Florville, a mom from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, says that Coca-Cola classic -- cold or warm -- was the only thing that got her through her nausea.

Take a Holistic Approach

Remember those seasick wristbands you wore on that Caribbean cruise? Dig them out and strap 'em on. Acupressure wristbands work by applying light pressure to a spot located inside the wrist believed to be related to nausea and vomiting -- whether motion, sea, or morning sickness induced. Who knows? It might just make you feel a bit better.

Though Atlas cautions that such holistic remedies have been tested with mixed results, some women do find relief in them -- whether it's truly from the acupressure, from the placebo effect of hoping to feel better and actually feeling better, or simply from distracting them from their nausea. Jennifer Rickert, a mom from Columbus, Nebraska, says acupressure bands helped relieve some of her all-day nausea, though "they made my wrist ache...so maybe it was just taking my mind off the nausea." And on the upside, according to Atlas, acupressure and acupuncture don't pose any risk to your baby, so press and poke away.

Lie Down

Sometimes the best solution is the simplest. Try lying down, closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths, and just getting some rest. Many doctors and moms have said that sleep is a great way to escape morning sickness -- and your body needs it! If you already have a young kid or two, bring a babysitter in (even for just a few hours a day) so you can catch up on some much needed R&R. Having trouble catching those zzzs? Try wearing a sleep mask or putting on a pair of dark sunglasses to block out bright light.

Artical Source: Parents Magazine

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What Should Your Child Do if She Gets Lost?

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

What Should Your Child Do If She Gets Lost?

Teach Your Child: Stay Put!

Though most safety information is geared toward children ages 5 and older, experts agree you should talk to your preschooler about safety now. "It's never too soon as long as you're approaching the topic in a developmentally appropriate way," says Walter Gilliam, PhD, director of the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy, at Yale University.

While it's true that most preschoolers don't play outside or walk around alone, they still need clear information about what to do if they become separated from you in public. Here's a five-point safety plan taken from various experts and recommended for young children.

While most parents teach their kids to never go with a stranger, their understanding of this concept is often murky. Gilliam explains, "Preschoolers think of a stranger as someone who's 'scary' or 'bad,' so a friendly or nice person may not be seen as a threat by a young child."

Samantha Wilson, a former police officer who founded kidproofusa.com, says that teaching our kids "don't talk to strangers" is actually the biggest mistake parents make. "Instead, we have to teach kids never to go anywhere with anyone without asking their parents' permission first." This is the lesson we should reinforce as soon as we begin speaking to children about safety. It's clear and easy to understand, even for preschoolers.

Teach Your Child to Call Your Name -- Your Real Name

If your lost child is shouting, "Mommy!" it can be difficult to distinguish her voice among other children calling for their moms. According to Joselle Shea, manager of children and youth initiatives at the National Crime Prevention Council, preschoolers should learn the first and last names of their parents or any other of their caregivers. "You have to repeat this information to children over and over again to help them remember it. Then if they ever become lost, they can tell someone who their parents are."

Gilliam suggests getting your child interested in learning your name by presenting it as something very special. "Ask your children if they know your real name, the name other grown-ups use for you. The more important and empowering the information seem to preschoolers, the quicker they'll be willing to learn it."

Some parents worry that encouraging children to yell for help will make them easy targets for predators. Not so, Wilson says. "Predators are looking for the kid who is not drawing attention. The kid yelling for her mom is too much trouble.

Teach Your Child to Ask Another Mom for Help

If your child becomes separated from you, stays put, and calls your name but you don't return, then the next step is to ask for help. This is another reason we can't tell our children never to talk to strangers. Children this age should ask another mother with children for help, Wilson suggests. (Older children can learn to ask police officers or store clerks, but preschoolers can't yet distinguish uniforms from other types of dark clothing.)

"Statistically, a mother with children is the safest bet for your kid," Wilson says. "Women will generally commit more time to helping your child because men are afraid that if they help they'll be targeted as a predator." The first rule still applies, though. Teach your children to stay where they are, yell your name, and ask women nearby for help.

Talk About Safety in Your Daily Life

One of the biggest roadblocks to your child's safety is your uncertainty about how to approach the subject. Wilson says it best: "We have to keep our fears in perspective and talk to our kids calmly about how to keep safe."

Sherryll Kraizer, PhD, author of The Safe Child Book, likens the task to teaching kids how to cross the street. "We don't say to a kid, 'See that truck? It's trying to run you down!' Instead, we give kids positive, empowering rules for safe behavior, rather than pointing out all the things that could hurt them. You should do the same with personal safety."

"Try to talk to your children in small, frequent bits, especially during teachable moments," says Dr. Strauss. "For example, when you're at the mall and it's very crowded, ask your 3-year-old what she would do if the two of you got separated. Then you can suggest the simple steps for safety." And in every conversation about safety, reassure your child, Wilson stresses. "The most important thing you should tell your child is, "If we get separated, I will find you, so stay calm and follow the safety rules."

Role-Play with Your Child

Talking about safety is key, but as anyone who's tried to explain something to a preschooler knows, you often end up in a circle of whys. But why should I call your name? So I can find you. But why should you find me? Because you're lost. But why am I lost? Aaargh!

A better approach is to practice through role-playing. However, kids this age are easily traumatized, Gilliam warns, so acting out being lost has to be positive and empowering rather than scary. "Focus on positive things kids can do to find a parent rather than how they can stop a bad adult from taking them away," Gilliam says.

At home or even in safe public spaces, let your children pretend to get separated from you; then work through the steps of staying put and yelling your name. Joselle Shea suggests getting a friend involved so your kids can practice asking another mother for help.

More Safety Ideas

* A mother of a 2-year-old in Brooklyn, New York, wrote her cell phone number inside her daughter's shoe. Then she taught her daughter that if they got separated, it was okay to show a grown-up the number.
* There are many forms of kid identification that you can buy. Visit mypreciouskid.com for bracelets, tags, and more (or call them at 800-381-4577).
* Read safety books to your child that is reassuring, such as Berenstain Bears Learn about Strangers

* Check out the "parents" section of the National Crime Prevention Council web site, ncpc.org. Under "topics" is a section on "strangers" that helps clarify how you can teach children, as they grow, about identifying safe strangers and recognizing dangerous situations.

Originally published in the August 2008 issue of American Baby magazine.

Breastfeeding ROCKS!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:19:56 -0800

I came across this photo online and thought it was so cute I had to share it.

Source: http://www.rvhosting.com/weirdpics/breastfeeding.jpg

Choose Your Next Babys Gender - The Timing Of Sex To Conceive A Baby Boy or Girl

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Baby Gender Prediction

Do you want a baby girl to complete your family? Or want a baby boy to carry on the family name? No matter why or which gender you would prefer, you can raise the odds of having a baby of the gender of your choice to over 94%!

By implementing three steps you could enjoy the thrill of having the baby you've dreamed of. The late Dr Landrum B Shettles, an expert on human conception, developed these steps to take advantage of differences he found in the human reproductive processes. What are these differences, and how do they affect baby gender selection?

How PH Affects Baby Gender At Conception

Lets start with the fact that the man's sperm comes in two verities (y) "boy" sperm and (x) "girl sperm, and his sperm determines the sex of the baby at conception. The woman's egg is (xx) or all girl. The two sperm are very different physically, with the girl sperm being larger, slower, and hardier/longer lived, than the smaller, faster, and weaker/dies quicker, boy sperm.

The mother-to-be can create a more acidic bodily ph if she wants a girl baby (the boy sperm won't survive in an acidic environment), and a more alkaline reproductive ph if she is wanting a baby boy. This can usually be accomplished by eating the proper foods and supplements for several weeks before trying to conceive.

The Timing Of Sex To Conceive A Baby Boy or Girl

If you want a baby girl have sex as often as you like but abstain from sex three days before ovulation until three days after ovulation. This along with a more acidic reproductive environment will increase the chance of conceiving a girl. because of the time involved and the hostile environment the boy sperm will die off before getting a chance to fertilize the egg, resulting in a baby girl.

If wanting a baby boy, abstain from sex until within 24 hrs before ovulation and than abstain again 12 hrs after ovulation. A more alkaline reproductive environment along with the timing will help ensure the boy sperm out-swim the slower girl sperm and fertilize the egg, resulting in a boy baby.

Sexual Position Is Important

If wanting a baby boy have sex in positions that allow deep penetration, as this will deposit the sperm closer to the waiting egg and give the boy sperm a short fast trip (that they should win!)

If you desire a baby girl practice very shallow penetration to give the boy sperm a long difficult journey that they (hopefully) won't survive, allowing the girl sperm to do the deed.

Conclusion

Baby gender prediction isn't an exact science, but with due diligents on your part you could very well experience the joy of having the baby that completes your family.

Article Source

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Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

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Naming a baby can be challenging. Use the baby name tool from babiesonline.com above to search the baby name meanings for the names you are considering. Finding out what the meaning of a name might just might help choosing your baby's name a little easier.

Also, check out the Due Date Calculator to find out when your baby is due. Find out your day of conception and how old your baby is broken down into months, weeks, days and more.

Important Single Parenting Tips

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:28:32 -0800

Article Mega Site | Important Single Parenting Tips

Important Single Parenting Tips

By: Low Jeremy

Have you ever seen yourself in a situation wherein you would have to raise your child on your own? Have you fully understood the impact of this circumstance in your entire life? Single parenting is not easy at all. If couples encounter difficult situations in rearing their children, how much more having to raise a kid all by yourself?

You can never say that taking care of a child is a piece of cake. You have to teach a child how to aim in the toilet, hold the spoon to feed himself or herself, gargle when brushing, and many others. As he or she starts with school, you should attend the programs and activities that your child will be joining in. Recitals, dictation tests, quiz bees, dances, and the likes would always require your presence. And this only goes to show that your time is necessary and single parenting can make it a bit hard on your part.

What if you are a middle class parent and you don t have much means to provide your child with everything that he or she needs? How will you go about all the expenses then? Again, this is another challenge to single parenting. It is your conscience that you will be going against as you may always think that you are a failure in this aspect.

Hence, a sense of guilt oftentimes cuts deep into the heart of any parent. When it comes to single parenting, one doesn t fully know whether he or she is already giving more. At the end of it all, you as the parent are always asking the same question over and over again as to whether you are doing well enough in promoting the happiness of your child and ensuring that he or she gets the best of everything you are capable of giving.

One good reason as to why single parenting is deemed to be a tough task is because you have to act as both the mom and the dad. You will be the provider and at the same time the caretaker. While it seems to be obviously a very difficult task, it is not impossible for you to attain it. There are a couple of tips that you may keep in mind to be certain that parenting for you becomes an enjoyable experience.

A great tip to apply in single parenting is no other than that of showing your child how much you love him or her. This will assure the child that he or she belongs.

Then, don t fall short of expressing your affection through words. You are your child s security blanket so make it a point to assure him or her very often.

Read to your child before he or she sleeps. Your child may be too young to understand it yet but this experience will let him or her understand the concept of quality time.

Another great single parenting tip is for you to go out with your child. Show him or her around and do things together.

Single parenting can be made easy if only you know how to balance your time and have your child as your top priority.

Author Resource:-> What is a canopy bed frame? Low Jeremy discusses in his latest article published at http://www.canopybedframe.net on how you go about choosing kids canopy beds for your children. He has been freelancing as a writer for several years now where he contributes articles for websites.

Article From Article Mega Site

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The BabyEarth Story - A Company is Born

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:49:33 -0800

Source BabyEarth.com

While most couples are overwhelmed juggling two careers, an 18-month-old daughter and another one on the way, the husband and wife team of James and Heather Bendle decided it was the perfect time to start a new business. In 2003, the couple welcomed two new arrivals into their lives – a bouncing baby girl and a company, Baby-Wise.

It was a risky venture for the entrepreneurial duo, but based on their experiences as both parents and consumers, the Bendle’s were confident Baby-Wise filled a much-needed void in the industry by offering a mix of both tried-and-true classics and innovative breakthroughs. One could say Baby-Wise was initially born out of frustration, as Heather and James were both fed up with the headaches and hassles of shopping for their little ones.

“When the Floppy Seat first came out, I couldn’t find one anywhere,” Heather recalled. “I practically tackled a mom in the grocery store to find out where she got hers. Then I had to jump through hoops to find it online and get it shipped. At that time it was a frustrating process, simply because the product was so new. It just wasn’t readily available.”

Unfortunately for Heather, this became the status quo when it came to buying unique baby products. “I spent lots of time, energy and money purchasing the latest and greatest items for my children,” she says. “It was aggravating because I couldn’t find everything I needed in one place. Classic baby items, like car seat and cribs, were at one store and the cool new products, like Floppy Seats, were somewhere else.”

Getting Wise

The Austin-based baby products retailer, incorporated in 2003, launched its virtual store shortly thereafter. “For a long time, Baby-Wise was just me, James, a computer and garage full of stuff,” smiles Heather. At the time, James was also working full-time at a financial services company, spending his evenings growing the new family business. “I guess it was a blessing that our baby was colicky, because I would be up with her every night. Why not get some work done too,” he laughs.

For the first year, Baby-Wise’s inventory, featuring Heather’s favorite baby items, was stored in the Bendle’s two-car garage. A year later, they moved into a large warehouse that should have lasted them two or three years. They outgrew that location in less than a year and moved into a larger warehouse. Again, this one should have lasted another two to three years. A mere ten months later, a wall had to be knocked down to make more room.

“Our customers wanted to come in and test products,” says Heather. “They wanted to see, feel and touch these items, especially car seats and strollers, since they would soon become staples in their baby’s lives.” Due to customer demand, Baby-Wise gave birth to its first showroom in 2006.

“Parents would come in to test-drive a stroller and instantly fall in love with it,” explains Heather. “We broke their hearts when we told them we weren’t equipped to sell the stroller to them that day.” Since the Bendle’s were serious about their unwavering dedication to customer service, the showroom was transformed into a retail store. “We’ve always done whatever it takes to make our customers happy,” adds Heather.

In fact, customer service is almost more important than the products. “We truly care about every customer because they’re people, not numbers,” explains Heather. “They’re moms, dads, grandparents and friends who deserve to be treated with respect.”

Welcome BabyEarth

Half a million products later, today Baby-Wise has matured into a thriving company. And just like baby, the company is celebrating new milestones. In 2008, the company rebranded itself as BabyEarth to reflect a growing interest in green living. “The new name, BabyEarth, reflects our commitment to making baby’s world as healthy, happy and safe as possible,” explains James. “Just like baby, a thriving company eventually outgrows everything too. The Baby-Wise years were rewarding, but it’s time to celebrate new milestones. ”

While only a portion of their products are eco-friendly, BabyEarth.com boasts one of the largest selections of Eco-Friendly-- baby products in the market today. “When I first became a mom, I was interested in raising my children in a wholesome all natural household, but I had no idea how to do it,” she admits. “Now I’m more educated about going green and I want to share what I’ve learned with other parents. We’re not trying to push parents in one direction or the other. We advocate options. Giving parents the option to choose the product that best suits their family is extremely important to us,” Heather adds.

To further illustrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility, BabyEarth.com has implemented a variety of eco-friendly business initiatives. “Every parent knows you have to practice what you preach to set a good example,” says Heather. “If we advocate eco-friendly alternatives across all lines of business, we’re truly living up to our name. It’s the responsible thing to do.”

Shop babyearth.com to find everything for baby’s world, all under one roof.

BabyEarth Site Map

Prepare for Baby! A Must Have Checklist for Your Pregnancy

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A Must Have Checklist for Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting, yet nerve wrecking time of life for all women. New moms-to-be might find their selves wanting to rip their hair out because they are unsure what they are supposed to do. When you are in a store browsing through the baby isle, it may come off as very overwhelming. There is isle after isle of different products and brand names to choose from. But which ones do you really need? Which products are the best for your baby?

Pre-Labor Mommy Bag:

All pregnant mommies should be prepared in advance for their trip to the hospital. Unfortunately, some women do not make it full term in their pregnancies so you should always prepare a couple of months in advance.

- A couple of very comfortable, loose fitting outfits.

- A few washcloths. (These will be used to cool you off or wipe sweat from your face when in labor.)

- A paper fan (or another item that can work as a fan). You will be grateful to have this when you get hot flashes while in labor.

- Extra pillow(s) (Some women find it more comfortable to be propped up higher while delivering their baby. It will also help with extra comfort while in labor.

- Lip Balm (Your lips will get very dry during your breathing sessions while in labor.)

- Comfy socks. (You might want to invest in socks that have the rubber gripping on the bottom so if you are able to get up and walk around during contractions you do not risk slipping.)

- Hair tie/clip (It is much more comfortable while in labor to have your hair pulled out of your face. It will also reduce sweating.)

- A pre-made phone list of people to call once you go into labor. (Trust me, this will help! You and your significant other/family member won't be as focused once labor begins and the list will really help. Some people choose to assign a designated person for this in advance. For example; you call your mother and shethen calls those on a pre-made list to inform everyone. This way you are not on the phone for a long time.)

- A zip-lock with change. (Whoever is with you in the hospital will most likely get hungry or thirsty during contractions. In some cases the hospital will allow you a small snack or drink while in labor as well.)

- Camera or camcorder. (You won't want to miss the first moments of your new baby's life!)

- Nursing Bra (You will only need this if you plan to breastfeed. I would recommend bringing a bra larger than you normally wear as you will expand after giving birth.)

Toiletries:

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Shampoo

Conditioner

A comfortable outfit for going home. (Remember you will not be as big as you were when you entered the hospital.)

Makeup (optional)

- If you have a baby book or T-Shirt to have your baby's foot stamped.

- Blanket for the baby

- Baby outfit (for your baby to wear when leaving the hospital)

- Burp cloth

- Bottle if you plan to formula feed. (Some hospitals might provide this, if unsure bring your own.)

- A couple of diapers (This is mainly if you aren't close to the hospital, you may need to change the diaper on the way home.)

Bringing Baby Home List:

All mommies should have this stuff bought prior to bringing baby home as you will need these items for your baby's arrival.

- Car seat (You will NOT be able to bring your baby home from the hospital without this item. Be sure to have it near your Mommy hospital bag.)

- Stroller (I would highly recommend a stroller that comes with the car seat. It saves money in the end.)

- Crib (One of the best investments you can make is to buy an "all-in-one" set-up. It comes with a playpen, bassinet, and changing table all together. Wal-mart and Babies R' Us are a couple of stores that I am sure carry this item. The Graco Pack n' Play is a great choice. It is one of the cheaper priced all-in-ones at aroundonly $90 and the quality is excellent. This can be found at Wal-Mart.

- Sleep Sack (This item is optional, but highly recommended. It is a blanket sack your baby will sleep in. Babies can kick blankets over their heads while sleeping which causes a suffocation hazard. Help prevent SIDS by using items such as these.)

- Baby Bathtub (Another optional item as some parents choose to hold their baby in the tub or use the sink. )

- Diapers (Can't have enough of these! You baby will go through around 6 a day. Huggies or Pampers are a great brand.)

- Baby Wipes (A must-have for diaper changing.)

- Bottles (You will want to have more than one since your baby will go through multiple feedings each day/night.)

- Formula (If planning to feed with this method. You will have to experiment with brands as some babies will take differently to different mixtures.

- Diaper bag (You will be thankful to have this item when you leave the house. You never know when thatunexpected changing will be needed.)

- Baby Clothes (I would advise all new moms to discount shop for these. As much fun as it is to play dress-up with your newborn, they will out grow these outfits very quickly.)

Toiletries:

Baby Shampoo

Baby Lotion

Baby Powder

Baby Bath Wash

Baby Nail Clippers (This is important to maintain or they will scratch their faces.)

Baby Hairbrush

Washcloths

Pregnancy is meant to be a wonderful stage in life. The less you have to worry about, the more time you can spend enjoying the excitement of your upcoming arrival!

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