Babies On The Net

Diaper Bag Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:18:00 +0000

You quickly learn that to take a trip anywhere with your baby, even a quick dash to the store, requires carrying a ton of STUFF along! Interestingly, though diapers are only a small percentage of the "necessities" you have to lug around, the luggage you cram it all into is inevitably referred to as a diaper bag. You never know what you will need when you are out and about! Babies are unpredictable by their very nature. It is one of the things that makes them so exciting and adorable. But, don't let them lull you into a sense of cooing comfort. Just when you think you have them figured out, they will throw you a Major League curve ball.

I found this out quickly, when I decided to just "run to the store" one day without a diaper bag. Little did I know that my daughter had scheduled a character building session for her mommy and high on the lesson plan was an exercise we will call "Ready Or Not, Here It Comes". It goes something like this, 1) your baby is quietly playing with a toy, 2) your baby makes a cute noise to get your attention, 3) your baby throws up what appears to be a weeks worth of cottage cheese, or baby food that resembles it closely, all over her outfit. The normal reaction is stunned silence, followed by a sudden sinking realization that you are left without a way to clean her up. You convince yourself that that is exactly why a super prepared mother like yourself left that clean sweatshirt in the car to begin with. To make it short and to the point, I was mortified!

Thinking I had learned my lesson, and fully expecting my daughter to spring a final exam on me at anytime, I started going out of the house "gunning for bear". I made checklists of every possible item I might need. I went over scenario after scenario to assure myself I would never be caught off guard again. The result? I over packed and wound up with an aching back within a few minutes out the door. The bag was so overstuffed with needless items that I couldn't even find the things I needed! I couldn't get it right!

Since I had my son, I found myself in a conundrum again with the diaper bag. How much did I need to pack anyway so that I would be prepared but not overburdened? I didn't want to be dragging unnecessary items along.

Here is a simple checklist of items that I found were must haves when I went anywhere for more than a few hours:

4 diapers

Baby wipes in a travel container

Diaper ointment-Try to choose an oinment that can do double duty as a moisturizer or lip balm, such as Aquaphor. If you're anything like me, your diaper bag may be doing double duty as a handbag too.

Changing pad (this is a must-never rest your baby on a surface that is unsanitary). You don't have to make it fancy either. You can choose to carry disposable pads that take up a bit less room.

2 extra changes of clothes-keep it simple, onesies and stretchies will do

1 burp cloth-this is good to have on hand since it can do double duty as a towel to use should you have a big mess and not have paper towels available

2 bibs -Depending on what stage your baby is in, you may be able to get away with disposable bibs. But you will want the fabric kind if your child is teething or drooling frequently.
Formula and bottles (depending on how long you will be out)

A small blanket

A small toy-something to use to distract a fussy infant could be the thing that makes your outting more bareable should you be delayed for any reason

A plastic bag for dirty clothes

Antibacterial hand cleanser or wipes (a must for places you can't wash your hands or to cut down on germs)

If your child loves the pacifier, by all means make this a must have. Don't leave home without it!!

Now as your baby grows and changes, you will learn what more or less you will need. But this simple checklist has helped me tremendously. Remember too, that nothing says you can't keep a spare bag in the car for additional items you may need. In fact, this is handy way to cut down on carrying too much. Having 2 bags, one you carry with you and one you stash in the car, is the best way to keep things simple and to ensure you have EVERYTHING you could ever need when traveling with children.

One more thing, if there is anything I have learned while having children is that it is nearly impossible as a Mom to keep YOUR clothes clean. So it's a good idea to have a change of clothes for you depending on where you are traveling to. To show up to your destination looking a mess because your baby spit up on you or had a different kind of accident, is no fun!

Safe Shopping Safety Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

If you want to be a safe gift giver, here are the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Top Safe Shopping Tips. Be Aware of:

Magnets - For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

Small Parts - For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

Ride-on Toys - Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.

Projectile Toys - Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and slingshots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.

Chargers and Adapters - Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

The CPSC also recommends using the following tips to help choose appropriate toys for children:

Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide. Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child.

Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.

For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.

Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.

Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings or neighbors.

Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

For 2008, the Commission has reports of 19 toy-related deaths and about 172,700 hospital emergency room treated toy-related injuries to children under 15. Almost half of these injuries, approximately 82,300 were to children younger than 5 years of age. Most of the deaths were associated with drowning, motor vehicle involvement, or airway obstruction from a small toy or small part of a toy. To avoid safety hazards and injuries, follow the tips above and you can't go wrong. Keep children safe and happy!

The "Middle" Wife

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Every once in a while a funny email comes into my inbox. When I read this one, I just had to post it! I know it will make you laugh and brighten your day. Enjoy!

The Middle Wife-by an Anonymous 2nd Grade Teacher

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second grade classroom a few years back.

When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday. ''First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord..'She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' (Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.) 'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this.' (Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall.)

'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!)

'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe. They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, (placenta) so there must be a lot of toys inside there. When he got out, the middle wife spanked him for crawling up in there.

'Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'MiddleWife' comes along.

Out of the mouths of babes......

Morning Sickness Is Not Just for Mornings

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:33:00 +0000

I just recently found out I am expecting my second child. It was a planned pregnancy and we are totally excited. My first pregnancy seemed to be by the book, minus morning sickness. While my husband will tell you that I dealt with a few bouts here and there while I was pregnant with Olivia, I protest and tell people it was the pre-natal vitamin since I only remember getting sick when I took it. It was so bad that I started taking it at night and the "morning sickness" went away.

I am dealing with a totally new experience this time around. I had inklings I was pregnant weeks before I could test just based on the nausea I was experiencing. It would come over me like a wave and it wouldn't let up for hours. I even experienced it in the middle of the night. Being wakened out of a sound sleep to experience just plain misery! So it didn't come as a surprise that my pregnancy test was positive when I got around to taking it.

Now to this day I have not gotten "sick" I have only had to deal with full blown nausea, but for me that's enough! My heart goes out to anyone who has had to deal with morning sickness that has them running to the bathroom or not being able to keep anything down or getting sick at other inconvenient times. I cannot imagine what that must be like.

In dealing with this new experience, it sent me searching on the net to find out what was happening in my body and why I was feeling the way I was. Morning sickness is attributed to the change in hormones a body goes through when it is pregnant. Most often it only occurs during the first tri-mester but some woman have it throughout their pregnancy. Statistics show that more than half of pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness!

Once the news gets out about a pregnancy, it appears to give the green light for everyone to give you advice...about anything and everything! I have had no shortage of advice about what to do to treat my morning sickness. Here are few suggestions that I have found in my research on the net that have worked for me and other moms:

Never have an empty stomach. This only makes the feelings of morning sickness worse.

Try to eat 5-6 small meals a day instead of 3 big meals. This helps to keep the stomach full.

Stay away from fattening or spicy foods that can cause your stomach to feel unsettled. Fill up on vegetables and fruits.

Keep small snacks available on hand such as crackers, ginger snaps, Pepperidge Farm Gold fish. Have a stash even on your night stand for those times you may be feeling sick at night.

Non-caffeinated teas such as peppermint and ginger tea may help keep morning sickness at bay. Ginger ale has also been known to help.

Try taking naps and getting enough sleep. This will help your body to deal with morning sickness and will help you to take your mind off the discomfort.

Stay away from smells or odors that make you feel nauseous.

Drink plenty of fluids between meals to help you feel full.

For severe cases where morning sickness has caused serious problems with holding food down, weight loss, dehydration or other health issues, you will need to see your pediatrician immediately. There are things they can do to help!

There are hundreds of remedies out there that people will swear by. There is nothing wrong with researching and trying to find other helpful ways to combat morning sickness. Find what works for you. And remember...morning sickness is only temporary! Before you know it, it will be done and over with and you will have a beautiful baby to focus on. You won't even remember how morning sickness made you feel!

Here are some other helpful sites that I found:

American Pregnancy Association

Family Doctor

Mother Nature Never Had Morning Sickness-Pregnancy.Org

Must Haves for the Day you Bring Baby Home

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:30:00 +0000

When you are expecting a baby, you are often caught up in making sure you have everything you could possibly need for your newborn. A lot of new parents get caught up in the hype of registries and well meaning advice. Sometimes we also get caught up in advertising. I found out quickly that not everything that you list on your registry or that someone says you must have, do you actually need. In fact, if you are working on a budget or you are short on space and need to choose wisely, making the right decisions on what to have on hand is important. So here is my list of "must haves" from the first day you leave the hospital. As a first time Mom, I formed this list from experience:

Car Seat-The hospital simply will not let you leave with your newborn unless you have one. So this is the first must have on my list.

Diapers/Wipes/Diaper Ointment-Babies eat and then poop, these items are at the top of the must have list to have on hand. There is simply no getting around this.

Formula/Bottles-Even if you are nursing your baby, it is necessary to have these on hand. Afterall, you are still learning how your baby will react to nursing, so having a back up plan is a necessity. The hospital will most likely send you home with some to have on hand in case of emergency or just to get you started. Make good friends with the nurses in the maternity ward and you will find yourself leaving with more then the rest of the new moms!!

Onesies and Sleepers-Ultimately, these are the only clothes you need for your newborn for the first few days, or even weeks. Although newborn clothes are absoulutely adorable and I am sure you received TONS of outfits at your shower, your baby will be most comfortable in onesies and sleepers.

Crib/Portable Crib/Bassinet/Cradle-Whichever you choose, you will need somewhere for your newborn to sleep.

Blankets-Swaddling an infant is important within the first few days after they are born. It keeps them secure and reminds them of the womb. You can never have enough blankets.

Burp clothes-Do not be without these vital items when you bring your newborn home. They are great for more than just protecting your clothes from spit up or other bodily fluids that you will experience. They are great for wiping things up, can be used as lap pads for changing your baby anywhere such as the bed or couch. They can also be used by being rolled up and placed on the sides of the baby while they sleep to stabilize them. (I actually learned about this in the hospital). They are also a big help when bathing your baby. They can be placed in the sink as a cushion or used as a quick towel for clean up afterwards. There are hundreds of uses for burp clothes and I am sure you will find a few more of your own..trust me.

Baby Toiletries/Washclothes/Towels-Things get messy...fast. Having babywash and shampoo on hand along with ointments, powder, lotion, cotton swabs and alcohol pads (for the belly button) is necessary. Baby washclothes and towels are important too.

Ultimate Care Kit-It should include a brush, nasal aspirator,nail clippers, baby scissors (for those of us who are too scared to use the clippers at first), thermometer, cradle cap comb, and tweezers.

Some people would say a stroller is a necessity from the day you come home with your new addition. In my opinion, this can wait. While you will need it if you want to travel or take walks, it is not a must have for the first 2 weeks after giving birth.

So there you have it. If you think our list should have been longer, feel free to let us know what you think. Check out these other helpful sights too.

http://blog.crankingwidgets.com/2007/04/02/baby-stuff-you-dont-need/

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/416455

Teething Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:00:00 +0000

A teething baby has a lot to teach a new parent. If you read our previous blog on teething, there was just too much information to include everything. Besides, teething can take place literally over 2-3 years, so how could you possibly cover everything in just one blog? Now, I don't know everything there is to know about teething yet, since Olivia is still cutting her teeth. What I have learned so far though, I can pass along to you.

There are several things to remember when you are dealing with a teething child. Patience is one of them. God knows, this has been difficult for me, since I have never been a patient person. I had to come to realize though, that infants are "growing" new parts they have no experience with. Most of their world is experienced through their mouth. Even before they are born, they play with their mouths bringing their hands to the mouth to practice sucking. After they are born, they continue that experience by putting their hands in their mouth, experiencing touch and sensations through their cheeks and tongue. Even toys can influence them in many ways through textures, sensation and temperature. No wonder a baby goes through such a traumatic experience when they are teething. Suddenly the one tool they use to experience life through is sent into a state of turmoil. Teething is painful! That's where patience comes in.

Even before baby teeth appear, it's important to keep an infant's mouth clean. Take a damp, clean wash cloth and gently rub the inside of the baby's gums to remove food debris. This sometimes alleviates teething pain, but also ensures the gums are clean. Once the teeth appear, it's even more important to ensure you are cleaning your baby's mouth regularly. It's recommended to do it after each feeding, but twice daily is also sufficient according to most experts. Teeth carry bacteria, even "baby" teeth. As soon as the teeth appear, they are susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Hence the reason that dental hygiene is important, even for infants. Depending on how old your baby is when they start to cut teeth, you may determine that using a soft bristled brush is good for their teeth. Olivia was older when she finally starting getting teeth, so using a soft bristled brush was perfect for her. Plus it made it easy for us to introduce the concept of her brushing her own teeth.

When your baby is ready to start brushing their own teeth, you want to choose a brush that is easy for them to grasp. Each day give them 2-3 to choose from. This will enable you to determine which one works best for them. Toothpaste is not necessary during the younger ages, but as they get older baby tooth cleaner can be used. These are usually fluoride free and are safe to be swallowed. Of course, never use large amounts. Monitor the amount that is put on their toothbrush. Usually a pee size amount will do.

Some children won't allow their parents to brush their teeth right away. Do not let that deter you. It took several attempts before Olivia was comfortable with me "brushing" her teeth. The actual brushing of a baby's teeth only needs to last about 5 seconds to remove the debris and bacteria when teeth first appear. Reward your child when they allow you to brush their teeth. This will also set a positive tone for when they start brushing their own teeth.

After your child's first tooth appears, its time to start thinking about a pediatric dentist. You should visit the dentist at least 6 months after the appearance of the first tooth. Some experts suggest that even if your child does not have teeth by the age of 1, you should bring them to the dentist for a check up to ensure there are no problems.

Flossing needs to start when your child has gotten all their baby teeth-usually between 3-4 years old. There are plenty items out there to make flossing baby teeth easier on us parents. Your dentist can recommend them and even give you samples of flossers to try.

Remember that diet will play a vital role in how your baby's teeth develop. Calcium along with fruits and vegetables are important for strong teeth. Since your baby will be using a fluoride free teeth cleaner, it would be wise to look into fluoride supplements to ensure your baby gets the proper amount of fluoride, especially if they will not be drinking tap water. Speak to your pediatrician about supplements or bottled water that has been fortified with fluoride.

Teething is a milestone in every child's life. What you do now will set the tone for your child's dental hygiene for years to come. Check out these links for more information and some fun facts:

Mouth Play

Opening the Sensory Doorway

The History of Toothbrushes

Why God Made Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:12:00 +0000

It's always nice to hear things "out of the mouths of babes". The following article is sure to make you smile. It made use smile. It's been circulating on the internet for some time now and has been emailed thousands of times. Take a look...

WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between mom s & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Teething Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:03:00 +0000

There is something wonderful about teething. It's one of the first tangible signs that your baby is becoming independent. I was actually amazed to find out that teeth start developing while the baby is still in the womb. In fact, a baby is born with their full set of primary teeth, they are just buried below the gums. Who knew?

In most instances children start teething anywhere between 3 to 12 months and finish up at around 3 years of age. Olivia held out till she was almost 1 to cut her first tooth. While most babies cut their first tooth between 4-7 months, Olivia decided to take her time. One thing is for sure, teething was painful for her. Since the teeth are buried beneath the gums, it takes a lot for them to twist and work their way through. The older your child is when they begin teething, the more aware of the pain they are in my experience. Many experts disagree with the pain factor. Some believe there is no pain involved in teething. I disagree..then again, I am not an expert. Only a parent who has experienced a teething baby can say there is pain involved and I am one of those parents.

The first sign that your baby is "cutting" teeth is swollen gums. This can start weeks before they actually cut the tooth. Another symptom of teething is excessive drooling. I can honestly say Olivia didn't drool excessively while teething, which made me believe she would never get teeth! But we did notice gum swelling and sensitivity, irritability and ear rubbing. Here are some other symptoms of teething:

Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
Biting or gum rubbing
Sucking
Waking up at night
A rash on the face

Now experts do not always agree on some of the symptoms sited above, but every child is different. Olivia had a decreased appetite and the day before and during cutting a tooth, she always had diarrhea. Some experts believe the diarrhea can be caused by the excessive saliva in the mouth. Since Olivia didn't drool much, we assume she swallowed much of her excess saliva to cause her diarrhea. But since experts cannot agree, I guess we will never know.

Another symptom that experts don't agree on is whether teething causes fevers. Ask any mother whose child has experienced teething (and show me one who hasn't) and I am sure there will be differences in opinions on this subject as well. The thing to remember is, don't chalk all symptoms up to teething. If you are unsure, always speak to your pediatrician. While I was doing research, I found that experts seem to disagree a lot on the topic of teething. So asking your pediatrician's advice is the best course of wisdom.

The first teeth to appear are usually the central incisors on the bottom. They are the teeth in the middle of the bottom gum. Next, the four incisors on the upper gum appear. The next 2 lateral incisors on the lower gum appear along with the four molars shortly afterward. The cuspid teeth, better known as the canine teeth are the next to come through both on the lower and upper gums almost simultaneously. It's usually not until a child turns 2 1/2-3 that they cut the second set of their 4 remaining molars. These are the last teeth to appear in a toddler.

The easiest remedies to assist you with teething are the good old teething ring, preferably one that is hard and attractive to your little one. Teething rings you can freeze or stick in the refrigerator are great too. (A word of caution when using liquid filled teething rings, these most often should not be frozen since they can burst and leak, so be sure to read the instructions before freezing.) Teething rings happened to be a lifesaver on many occasions with Olivia. Since she was older when she first started cutting her teeth, ice pops helped greatly. It was funny to hear the pediatrician suggest them. They may be messy, but they did the trick. Another great idea, one that a co-worker suggested to my husband, is to fold a baby face cloth, wet it, place it in a Ziploc bag and freeze. He would pull it out of the bag and give it to Olivia for hours of soothing. Even when it was warmed up, Olivia loved the texture of the face cloth on her gums. It is the most inexpensive teether! The fact is, anything cold, hard or textured is going to soothe sore gums and usually numbs them enough for your baby to be somewhat comfortable.

Check back with us, Olivia isn't done teaching us the teething basics. But to keep you informed for now, take a look at the links below. You will find them very informative and interesting...we did!

http://www.babycenter.com/0_developmental-milestones-teething_6574.bc

http://my-teething-baby.com/teething-ring.php

The Common Ear Infection- Otitis Media!

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:31:00 +0000

What am I talking about? I am talking about Otitis Media-the common ear infection . Our experiences in child rearing have brought us to another milestone..the first ear infection. Olivia started out the week with a cold. Runny nose, irritability and a slight cough but no fever or any other tangible signs that Olivia had anything but the common cold. As the week went on and we were having more and more sleepless nights, we decided that something just did not seem right.

Now I had noticed some symptoms in Olivia that she did not start the week out with. She was tugging at her ears and her ear was a bit "crusty". Being the Mom of a toddler, I was used to her sticking stuff in her ears all the time: markers, pens, crayons, sticky, dirty fingers. So having to clean the substances out of her ears was all too common in our house. This in itself, did not give me the inclination she had an ear infection. I did not think much of the "crusty discharge" in her ear. There were other things that Olivia was doing that told us she was not herself, so off to the doctor we went.

The doctor took one look in her right ear and exclaimed that she did in fact have an ear infection. My first reaction was shock, since I was of the mind that a baby with an ear infection usually runs a fever. Olivia had not run a fever the whole week. The doctor explained to me that in actuality, only 50% of children run a fever. The fever is caused by the pus buildup in the ear and the body's effort to rid the infection. Thankfully, we had gotten to the doctor in time and Olivia's ears had not gotten to that phase yet.

Children under the age of 7 are more susceptible to ear infections since they are still in the development stages both physically and in their immunity. But how does an ear infection develop? A small tube connects your ear to your throat. A cold can cause this tube to swell. When the tube swells enough to become blocked, it can trap fluid inside your ear. This makes it a perfect place for germs to grow and cause an infection. Ear infections happen mostly to young children because their tubes are smaller and get blocked more easily. The Eustachian (pronounced "you-stay-shun") tube is shorter in children and at more of a horizontal angle than adults which enables bacteria and viruses to settle in the ear. Children have not had a chance to develop a resistance to the viruses and bacteria that cause ear infections.

Recognizing an ear infection can be daunting, especially if your child cannot tell you what is wrong. So keep an eye out for the following signs. Your baby may exhibit some of these symptoms. Believe it or not, though, in about a third of children with ear infections, symptoms are not apparent.

Tugging or poking the ear

Sleepless, restless, irritable nights

More crying or fussy than usual

Ear drainage

Balance difficulties/Dizziness

Hearing problems

Fever

Loss of Appetite

Nausea

Vomiting

An ear infection is usually brought on by several factors. In the case of Olivia, her's was most likely due to her cold and congestion. Here are some common causes of ear infections:

Age-According to the American Academy of Pediactrics, ear infections "occur in babies between the ages of 3 months and 3 years old. Also, the younger a child is at the time of the first ear infection, the greater the chance he will have repeated infections." In fact, age is such a factor when it comes to ear infections that more than 3 out of 4 children will experience an ear infections before they turn 3 years of age.

Colds/Flu and Allergies-Bacterial or viral infections, stuffy noses and congestion can all cause ear infections.

Tobacco Smoke-Being around smoke or the smell of tobacco can cause problems with a baby's immune system. Even just the smell of tobacco on a parent's clothes or hair can be hard for your little one to process. Need I say more?

Bottle-feeding-It's not necessary the bottle feeding, but the angle the baby is held when bottle-feeding. The baby's head should be held above the stomach level to avoid the Eustachian tubes from being blocked. Laying a baby down with a bottle could be risky if you are trying to avoid ear infections.

Once your child has experienced an ear infection, it is more likely they will have one again. There are ways to prevent them from becoming a chronic nuisance. First, stay away from people with colds. Hand-washing is the best way to fight germs that cause ear infections. Stay away from tobacco smoke. Make sure your child does not go to sleep while sucking on a bottle. Be sure to immunize your children at the appropriate ages. This will cut down on their low tolerance to certain viruses.

Once your doctor has determined your child has an ear infection, they may prescribe antibiotics or even decide to see if your child's immune system can fight the infection itself, depending on severity. Either way, ear infections will go away when treated properly. If there is severe build-up of fluid, it may take weeks for it to drain completely. Just keep your little one comfortable and their immune system will take care of the rest.

Here are some helpful links we found interesting:

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/ear-infections-topic-overview

http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=familydoctor&lic=44&cat_id=114&article_set=22319&ps=304

Potty Training

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:07:00 +0000

When we took Olivia for her 19 month check up, I mentioned to the doctor that we felt Olivia was getting ready for potty training. She had started telling us at certain times that she had a wet or poopy diaper and had shown interest in the toilet. Well, the response I got from the pediatrician was not what I expected. He said "its too early". I was a bit upset at the reaction but Randy and I were determined to see it through. We went out immediately and purchased Livi a potty seat. But we were also in the middle of moving into our first home, so we quickly realized that potty training had to take a back seat for a few weeks. It turns out, it was a wise decision. Trying to potty train your child during stressful times, such as a move, is not wise. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, stress such as a move may make "learning this new skill more difficult". After all, potty training is a huge change from what your baby is used to so trying to start while you are in the middle of other major changes, could prove too stressful for your little one and you!

Well, here we are about 2 months later and Olivia is being potty trained. She settled quickly into our new home and became interested in using her new potty seat. We realized the potty seat was one of the best investments. We chose the Munchkin Deluxe Potty seat, which has features that we love. Olivia uses it with ease by placing it on top of the toilet seat. (Of course, you daddies have to remember to put the seat down for the potty seat to actually work.) She also makes use of the handles on the side, which make it easy for her to reposition herself, which she does alot. After all, it takes alot for this little high-nee to fit comfortably anywhere much less a potty.

Olivia tells us most times when her diaper is messy. Though a lot of times it is after the fact, we try to impress upon her that going potty is something that is a positive thing. So now she wants to sit on the potty all by herself. We use positive reinforcement by giving her books to read, letting her use her step stool to step up to the potty herself, and occasionally letting her rip up toilet paper (which she loves to do). I can't say that she has actually gone more than once or twice on the potty, but she understands it and that is half the battle. It is hard not to be discouraged after minutes of sitting on the potty and nothing happens. But the more time Livi sits on the potty, means more chances she will get the point. So I am quickly learning that I need to have patience.

So other than a baby telling you that he or she is ready to potty train, what other signs should you look for? Naturally, a baby's body starts to mature as they hit milestones in growth. I noticed Olivia was not peeing in her diaper as much after we started to potty train. At first this was very alarming. I was used to 5-6 wet diapers a day! Now I see her going hours without needing a diaper change. After doing some research, I found that this is her body's natural way of letting us know she is ready for the potty. She is now able to "hold" her pee, so to speak. Her bladder is able to hold larger volumes of urine and she is now aware of some of the sensations in urinating and bowel movements. So all those thoughts about dehydration or bladder infections were quickly dispelled by simple research and paying attention to what Livi was trying to tell us, without words.

A helpful tool to aid Olivia get ready for potty training was a change in diapers, literally. We went from regular diapers to Easy Ups, the next step up to training pants. They help her understand pulling her diaper up and down, the way you would underwear. Of course, it was funny when she started to pull them up and down when NOT having to go potty.

Another tool we found helpful was the free potty training guide I ordered on Pampers.com. It came with a lot of helpful hints to make potty training fun and easy for everyone. You have to register but its free and well worth it, since this sight also offers other great information.

Believe it or not, another helpful item to have "on hand" was kid friendly soap. We want clean hands at all times, so now is the time to reinforce that good habit and Olivia loves her new soap. It comes in a brightly colored bottle and its foamy. I like that its not your regular hand soap. I was concerned with the thickness of regular hand soap. After all, you try training a child to wash their hands and see how good they rinse!

Potty training is a work in progress. It can take up to 3 months to potty train a baby, so patience is in order..for everyone. Don't expect too much from your little one, progress will most likely be slow. Despite everything involved in potty training our children, this milestone is worth working through! Just think of the money you can save on diapers! But seriously, its a wonderful milestone and great learning experience. We wish you the best!

Check out the links below for more tips and helpful info:

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/parenting_tips/potty_training/index.html

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/toilet/179.html

Simple Commitments For A Safe And Happy Year

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:37:00 +0000

While scouring this past Sunday's paper for coupons, I stumbled across an article that I found interesting. I thought I would share the information with you. After all, as parents, we all want to start the new year right and that includes helping our little ones to set some new goals. Asking your children to embrace the following list of simple commitment statements could make a world of difference.

The following information comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Preschoolers
I will clean up my toys.
I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
I won’t tease dogs – even friendly ones.
I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

Kids, 5- to 12-years-old
I will drink milk and water, and limit soda and fruit drinks.
I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors.
I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.
I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week!
I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.
I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat
until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
I’ll be nice to other kids.
I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends – like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet.
Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent’s permission.

Simple goals... But important ones.

January 10, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:00:00 +0000

Today's Quote: "Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." ~ Robert Fulghum

Did You Know: Experts warn that one in five toddlers can open medicine and chemical bottles with child resistant tops.

Unique Babywear For New Tax Deductions

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:42:00 +0000

Congratulations! You have a new little tax deduction! Or maybe one is on the way. Either way, welcome to the club. There are so many good things associated with the arrival of a baby. Diapers, mini-vans, insomnia... Just kidding. Among the many truly wonderful things that a new baby brings, one of the most tangible is the new "deduction" entry on your Form 1040. Look here for an explanation of what a Form 1040 is... And if that isn't enough to scare you, click here for the 153 pages of IRS instructions on how to fill one out. The government has allowed several substantial tax breaks intended to ease the financial load of rearing a new citizen. You will find some really good guidance here:

Birth Of A Child And Adoption Tax Guidance - Kiplinger Magazine

Tax Tips For New Parents From H&R Block

But the excitement doesn't end there. If your little one arrived between December 17, 2007 and January 9th, 2008, they even qualify for entry into the Cutest Last-Minute Tax Deduction contest. And hey... If your little one is really as "absolutely adorable" as they are telling you, why shouldn't you cash in? Here are some other contests for your cutie:

Great American Photo Contest

Canon New Baby Photo Contest

Cute Kid Of The Year Award

Have baby... Win contest... Life is good.

But, before you get overly excited, remember that most experts estimate that the total cost of raising your little angel will top $259,000 by the time they finish college. ** sound of crickets** Fortunately, life is paid for in installments.

But, why worry about that right now. It is time to celebrate! Let your baby boast their rise in status with one of these unique onesie designs. These onesies are meant to make a statement.

Sorry, you still can't deduct the cost of purchasing clothes for your little one yet. But that is no reason to cut corners. Everything you purchase at DLG Babywear is unique and designed to let your little deduction stand out in a crowd and shine. Isn't that what life is all about?

Infants With Colic

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0000

First, lets set one thing straight. ALL BABIES CRY. Some cry alot. Crying is healthy and is one of the main ways that our newborns communicate. But some babies cry more than others do. And some, although they're healthy, well-fed and well cared for, seem to cry inconsolably for hours at a time. If your baby cries about the same time each day and nothing you do seems to comfort him or her, your baby may have colic. First things first. . . DON'T PANIC! Colic is not dangerous and it is not permanent. "Not permanent" means temporary, as in, it WILL go away. You will regain your sanity and you ARE NOT a bad parent. Despite our best efforts, about two in ten infants will suffer from a bout with colic so you are certainly not alone. But, if you have come to this blog for information and guidance, chances are you are feeling pretty desperate at this point. Read on.

What is colic? Basically Colic is a pattern of excessive crying with no readily apparent cause. (No kidding!) Of course, that sounds more like a description of the symptoms and less like a definition of the problem. Traditionally, colic has been ascribed to abdominal pain resulting from trapped gas in the digestive tract. This theory is not yet discredited, and some recent scientific evidence seems to support it, yet it is no longer universally accepted as the general cause.

Some folks attribute colic to dietary factors. But, even breastfed babies can suffer from colic. Which implies that the culprit is not purely dietary. One of the most accepted theories is that colic results from a combination of a baby's sensitive temperament, their environment, and a still immature nervous system. These factors combined create a propensity for them to cry easily no matter what the disturbance. The bottom line is: no expert has an answer for what colic really is.

Another point to take some comfort from is that, though your baby may look very uncomfortable, colic is usually not thought to be very painful. Babies with colic are healthy babies. It is not a medical problem per se and it is not indicative of problems in the way that the baby is being handled or treated. In other words, it is not your fault. However, it is in our nature as parents to take steps to eliminate anything that brings our little one to tears. So, if your baby is crying incessantly, you should make sure to consider other possible reasons (e.g. hunger, tiredness, being startled, temperature, diaper rash, etc.) before concluding that they are indeed colicky.

Since the cause of colic is so poorly understood, there is no singular method of treating or relieving it. Some parents have found the following to be helpful in soothing a colicky baby:

Try "babywearing"
Wrap the baby snugly in a blanket (this is called swaddling)
Keep the baby moving in a baby swing
Put them near continuous noise or vibrations from household appliances like the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or washer-dryer
Take him or her for a car ride or a walk outside
Give them tummy or back rubs
Take a shower with them - the warm water may be comforting

The following links point to some excellent reading on the topic of colic.

http://www.lpch.org/HealthLibrary/ParentCareTopics/NewbornQuestions/CryingBabyLessThan3MonthsOldIncludesColic.html

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/common/colic.html

http://familydoctor.org/036.xml

Research as you might, there is no reasoning with a colicky baby. One last piece of advice. . . Try to stay calm and get some rest. Colic is harder on the parent many times than it is on the baby. The continuous crying of your baby will likely lead you to feel stressed and frustrated. Your nervousness can actually exasperate the problem. Your baby is very sensitive to your mood and may pick up your nervousness leading the baby to even more crying.

Take time for yourself and seek out some support. If you start feeling overwhelmed, ask a partner or friend to take over for a while, even if only for an hour or two.

If you have experience to share on the topic of colic, please take a moment to share it with us in a comment.

January 2nd, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:31:00 +0000

Today's Quote: I remember leaving the hospital - thinking, 'Wait, are they going to let me just walk off with him? I don't know beans about babies! I don't have a license to do this.' We're just amateurs. ~ Anne Tyler (Author)

Did you know?: A baby is born with 300 separate bones, but some fuse together. Adults, by comparison, have 206 bones in their bodies.

Baby Heart Monitors

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:00:00 +0000

At first we were so excited about the prospect of being able to hear the heartbeat of our unborn child. Like many new "parents to be" our enthusiasm exceeded our patience to research and we spied a convenient "solution" at a maternity clothing store. We ended up investing over $50 for our prenatal heart monitor thinking we would be able to enjoy listening to the sound of our child's heartbeat. The first time we used it we could not hear a thing. Well, actually you could hear alot! But, none of the crackling, swooshing sounds were remotely what we expected. We blamed it on ourselves thinking that we may be using it wrong. We reread the directions to find out what the problem could be. "Why can't we hear the heartbeat" we thought. The manual stated that the baby would have to be further along, about 5-6 months before we would be able to hear her actual heartbeat. We thought that a bit odd since we had already heard her little heartbeat so clearly at the doctors office.

Each night we waited with anticipation to hear her heartbeat and no matter how far along my wife got, there was nothing "babylike" to be heard. During one of our visits to the doctor, I mentioned this to him and he stated that only "Doppler" based listening devices would be able to accurately pick up the baby's heart sounds.

That was an eye opener. These Doppler devices are not cheap and you will not find them at malls or maternity clothing stores. If you are interested in buying or renting one, you might try here:

Stork Radio
Baby Beat

I thought to myself "Then how could a company get away with selling a monitor that supposedly picks up the baby's heartbeat?"

Well, our doctor ended up being correct. We never did actually manage to hear Olivia's heartbeat. Right up until the night before she was born, there was nothing but a very random "swooshing" noise coming from the monitor. I will say this though, the item we bought came with a connection that was actually a speaker. Erin would attach the speaker and lay it on her belly each night as she read to the baby. It was apparent that these little speakers actually worked because the first time I ever read to Olivia, she responded immediately because of the change in voice. You see, Erin had been reading to her for months each night. I decided that I wanted to get in on the action. When I started reading, Erin immediately exclaimed that the baby was moving in a way she never had before! We came to the realization that this things value was not in hearing the baby's heartbeat. We were communicating with our child in a more effective way. She could actually hear us! What an amazing experience.

So if you are wondering how effective the typical "store bought" heart monitors can be, we can tell you from experience that personally we feel that they don't really work very well at all. But if you are yearning for your baby to hear your voice more clearly, then our suggestion is to get one of those devices that actually allows you to beam beautiful vocal waves more efficiently into the womb so you can tell your child how much you love them and can't wait to meet them! And of course, savor the opportunity you get to hear your babies heartbeat at the doctor's office.

Here are a few more opinions you might want to consider:

Prenatal Monitor Reviews

November 8, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:16:00 +0000

Today's Quote: Having a family is like having a bowling alley installed in your brain. ~ Martin Mull

Did you know?: Overweight children are up to 5 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke before the age of 65. So if your're overfeeding your 'little' one, you could be killing them with kindness.

November 9, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 11:00:00 +0000

Today's Quote: First you have to teach a child to talk, then you have to teach it to be quiet. ~ Prochnow

Did you know?: The more stimulating experiences you can give your baby, the more circuitry is built for enhanced learning in the future. So get stimulating!

November 7, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:56:00 +0000

Todays Quote: A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it. ~ Jerry Seinfeld

Did you know:? At birth, your baby hears very well. Your baby will blink, jerk, or draw in their breath when they hear a loud noise. At four months they will look for a sounds that they recognize.

November 6, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0000

Today's Quote: Before I got married, I had six theories about bringing up children. Now I have six children and no theories. ~ John Wilmot

Did you know?: Most newborn babies cry without tears for a few weeks because the glands, which make tears, are immature and not working yet.

November 5, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0000

Today's Quote: I don't know why they say "you have a baby." The baby has you. ~ Gallagher

Did you know?: Your baby’s head has two fontanels (soft spots) where the bones have not yet come together. The largest one, on top, may take about 18 months to close. The small one, at the back of your baby’s head, closes in a month or two. A tough membrane covers both fontanels. You will not hurt your baby when you touch his (her) head or wash his (her) hair.

November 4, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0000

Today's Quote: Laughter is like changing a baby's diaper. It doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while. ~ Unknown

Did you know?: By the time they are fully toilet-trained, babies can go through as many as 8,000 diaper changes.

November 3, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0000

Today's Quote: If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~ Milton Berle

Did you know?: A woman’s odds of having quadruplets are about one in 600,000.

RECALL ALERT

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product(s). You should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Product Description: “Shake ‘n Jingle Keys,” “Shake & Jingle Keys,” “My Jingle Keys” all by The First Years and the John Deere “Real Keys” are toy keys, with three colored keys attached to a blue, red or green remote control with electronic features. Various colored buttons on the remote activate sounds. Only toy keys with the letter “F” in the date code stamp listed between date codes 2015F01 through 2636F04 on the packaging and product are involved in the recall. The date code can be found on the back of the remote control. Toy keys with “TE” in the date code or yellow sides on the remote are not included in this recall.

See full information related to this recall at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07023.html

Product Description: The units involved are flashing pacifiers and flashing pacifiers with whistles. The pacifiers are clear or colored purple, blue, pink or green. The pacifiers have five flashing LED lights that are red and blue, red and light green and orange. Some pacifiers are sold with a rainbow cord that is attached to handles, and some cords have breakaway connectors. One pacifier has multi-colored beads on the cords in the shapes of barrels, trains, boats and various animals. Pacifiers were sold in clamshell packages. The packaging has a warning that states they are for “12+ Years” or “6+ Years.” Some of the products have a warning on the packaging that they are not a real pacifier, but a practical joke.

See full information related to this recall at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07024.html

Cribs That Can Kill

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0000

There is something special about receiving and using a family heirloom in raising your own little one. Erin and I both treasure the very idea of using special items or articles of clothing that have been handed down to us from passed generations. But not all "hand me downs" are created equal. Old cribs can kill.
Your baby's crib should be a place of safety and comfort; a haven in which they can rest and sleep in peace. You would certainly never intentionally place your precious baby in a dangerous environment. Yet, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified old and used cribs as their "Most Wanted" when it comes to hazardous infant and toddler products. Why?

The CPSC reports that more than one child dies every week in a dangerous crib. In addition, thousands of babies require treatment in hospital emergency rooms each year because of injuries sustained from an old or improperly manufactured crib. The fact is, more infants die every year from cribs than from any other nursery product.

For new parents, those are some pretty startling, even terrifying, statistics. So what can you as a parent look for to insure that any used, or even newly manufactured, crib is as safe as it should be? The CPSC has determined that the following factors are vital to insure that your child's crib is up to appropriate safety standards:

For wooden cribs there should be:

1) A firm, tight-fitting mattress so baby can't get trapped between the mattress and the crib. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers in the space between the mattress and the crib. In addition, any plastic covering on the mattress must be removed before it is used.

2) No missing, loose, broken or improperly installed screws, brackets, or other hardware on the crib or mattress support. Remember to check the crib's hardware periodically. A physically active child can cause the hardware to loosen, making the crib more prone to collapse.

3) No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between the crib slats so a baby's body can't fit through the slats; no missing or cracked slats.

4) No corner posts over 1/16th of an inch high so a baby's clothing can't catch. Babies have strangled when their clothing snagged on these posts.

5) No cutouts in the headboard or foot board so a baby's head, arms, or hands can't get trapped.

For mesh-sided cribs and playpens, look for:

1) Mesh less than ¼ inch in size, smaller than the tiny buttons on your baby's clothing.

2) Mesh with no tears, holes or loose threads that could entangle your baby.

3) Mesh securely attached to the top rail and floor plate.

4) Top rail cover with no tears or holes.

5) If staples are used, they are not missing, loose or exposed.

Erin and I want to make Olivia's environment as safe as possible. All parents do. There are so many ssurprises and unforeseen risks that arise that we as parents are always "on guard" and a little stressed. The baby's crib should not be one of those worries. Attention to the guidance provided should help eliminate some of that stress.

There are other situations and items in the nursery that need to be scrutinized if we are to keep baby safe. Stay tuned, as will discuss some of these in a future article.

The following is a list of links pointing to some of the most recent baby crib recalls. Take a moment to insure that you are not currently using a dangerous crib with your precious little one. Of course, we will be forwarding any future recalls that we become aware of as our blog progresses.

CPSC, Simplicity Inc. Announce Recall of Graco Branded Aspen Cribs for Suffocation Risk (Dec. 21, 2005)
CPSC, Delta Enterprise Corp. Announce Recall of Certain Cribs Sold at Toys R Us Stores (Nov. 22, 2005)
CPSC, Child Craft Industries, Inc. Announce Recall of Cribs (Oct. 18, 2005)CPSC, Pottery Barn Kids Announce Recall of Spindle Cribs (Sept. 8, 2005) CPSC, Simplicity Inc. Announces Recall of Cribs (May 3, 2005)
CPSC, Delta Enterprise Corp. Announce Recall to Repair Portable Cribs (March 9, 2005)
CPSC, Orbelle Trade Inc. Announce Recall of Cribs (Jan. 6, 2005)
CPSC, Stanley Furniture Company Inc. Announce Recall of Cribs (March 24, 2004)
CPSC, Child Craft Indutriess Announce Recall of Cribs (Feb. 24, 2004)
CPSC, Babi Italia/LaJobi Industries Announce Recall to Replace "Tiffany" and "Josephine" Crib Drop-Side Rails (June 4, 2003)
CPSC, Baby's Dream Furniture Inc. Announce Recall to Repair Cribs (May 15, 2003)
CPSC, Hufco-Delaware Company and Evenflo Company Inc. Announce Recall to Repair Gerry® and Evenflo® Portable Wood Cribs (Jan. 23, 2003)
CPSC, Vermont Precision Woodworks Announce Recall of Cribs (April 25, 2002)
CPSC, Fisher-Price Announce Recall of Portable Bassinets (July 31, 2001)
"Le Cradle" Bassinets Recalled by Kids Line (August 23, 2000)
Swings & Domes Recalled by Fisher-Price (April 7, 2000)
Cribs Recall/Repair by Simmons (February 21, 2001)
Pisces Baby Cribs Recall by Generation 2 Worldwide (May 10, 1999)

November 2, Daily Poop

noreply@blogger.com (Daddy's Little Girl Babywear) — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0000

Today's Quote: People often ask me, "What's the difference between couplehood and babyhood?" In a word? Moisture. Everything in my life is now more moist. Between your spittle, your diapers, your spit-up and drool, you got your baby food, your wipes, your formula, your leaky bottles, sweaty baby backs, and numerous other untraceable sources--all creating an ever-present moistness in my life, which heretofore was mainly dry. ~ Paul Reiser, Babyhood

Did you know?: On average, American women now have 2.1 babies during their lifetimes.