The New Dads Club

Top 7 Reasons To Use Baby Cloth Diapers

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Blogger) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:13:00 +0000

Parents have become able to discover the benefits of using cloth diapers on their babies. Cloth diapering is quite common a practice and hence very popular. Baby cloth diapers seem to have certain advantages over disposable ones. Here are the reasons that will let you know why you should use them on your little one in place of the disposable diapers.

1. Convenience

No doubt the prospect of cloth diapering a baby is quite challenging for the new parents albeit it is an eco-friendly choice. Fortunately, there is a range of baby cloth diapers for newborns found in the market these days, and that has made the task of cloth diapering more convenient.

2. Containment

The main reasons for choosing baby cloth diapers are convenience, containment and cost. New parents can pick out the one that best suits their babies or children. Parents experience that baby cloth diapers over pre-folds, for instance, are good for containment and reduce the risk of leakages and blowouts.

We recommended: FuzziBunz One Size Cloth Diapers Multi Pack with Betterra Wet Bag Bundle - 6 Pack Gender Neutral Earth Tones

FuzziBunz One Size Cloth Diapers

3. Economic

Those diapers which have been made of cloth are washable and reusable. However, it is true that they cost more than disposable diapers, but they last for long period of time, thereby saving your money. As they can be reused even though they are soiled, you can lower the expenses considerably. With washing the cloth, removing the stain, and hanging it to dry, you can reuse the baby cloth diapers. So, for their reusability and washable property, they are economic for sure.

4. Environment-friendly

Such cloth diapers help lower environment hazards and contamination as they are reusable. On the other hand, reusability is not applicable for disposable diapers which you need to throw away once they are soiled. Disposable diapers have become an environmental issue as these kinds of diapers keep occupying a lot of landfill space. If these disposable diapers are improperly disposed, they can cause nearby soil and water contaminated for their fecal and urinal contents. Use of all in one diapers of cloth poses no risk to such contamination.

5. Use of Natural Fibers

Most of the baby cloth diapers are seen to have been woven with natural fibers like cotton and fleece. Such diapers of having natural contents can absorb wetness excellently. Most of the important point as to using of these cloth diapers is such diapers unlike disposable diapers do not have chemicals into them. As a result, babies remain safe from toxic effects. Remember that disposable diapers use crystals which are sources of toxicity, a harmful cause of allergy and rashes for baby's skin and health.

6. Breathable

Wearing disposable diapers can be quite irritable for the babies. On the contrary, baby cloth diapers are good for babies. They help pass in and out air through pores in the cloth diapers' body. Air circulation is very necessary and helps the body area not to grow any rashes, which are very common occurrence.

7. Styles and designs

If new parents want their babies and children wear stylish and good designed diapers they must go for cloth diapers. They are found in varied styles and designs. Buying a lot of such diapers at premium discounts may be a brilliant idea for sure.

When so many advantages are available in cloth diapers, you can quite surely take them to be all in one diapers. For cost-effective purposes, conveniences, comforts and risk-free nature, parents must think of such cloth diapers keeping aside the idea of buying disposable diapers.

Article source: Article Base

6 Practical Baby Shower Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Blogger) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:13:00 +0000

Here are 6 baby shower tips to help the hostess. Hosting baby showers is an extremely satisfying experience. The word 'baby' alone puts one in a joyous mood. Add to it a party, your best friends and gifts and you really cannot go wrong. However, babyshowers can be expensive affairs for the hostess. Once you add the cost of invitations, decorations, games, food, gifts and favors the total can become rather daunting.

However, that does not mean you have to completely opt out of hosting them. Some of the best things in life are free! So here are some great baby shower tips on planning on a budget.

Baby Shower Tip #1: E-invitations

If most of the guests have emails and are connected to the Internet send e-invitations.You can log on to one of the many cheap invitations sites and send as many invites as you want. It saves time and doesn't cost you a penny. The invitations for babyshowers are ultra cute to boot.

Baby Shower Tip #2: Double Duty Decorations

For decorations try and think up ways in which you can make them do double duty. For instance: for a centerpiece for the food table create a lovely Red Watermelon Pram Salad or Cake-A-Blocks. The idea is to make the centerpiece by serving the food itself attractively. So in effect, you just do up the food and save yourself the trouble of creating just an 'attractive' centerpiece.

Baby Shower Tip #3: Get the Guests to Pitch In

Get the guests to pitch in with the without them realizing it. You can have a 'best baby chef' contest. Ask each guest to prepare a 'baby food' and bring along the recipe. The guest who brings the tastiest 'baby food' wins a prize. Serve the 'baby foods' as refreshments and save yourself the food bill. Some guests may even want to prepare jars of baby food that can be stored for 4-6 months without spoiling and make a gift of it to the mother-to-be.

Baby Shower Tip #4: Low Budget Games

For entertainment, research all the free baby shower games online and play the ones that don't require too many accessories. Playing games that need a bottle or bib for each guest to compete, or that require you to buy a lot of baby accessories can increase the cost of your party. One way to reduce the cost is to buy a complete hamper of baby products and use it for the memory game. Then you can make a gift of the hamper to the mother-to-be.

Thought you might be interested in this: Boy or Girl?: Baby Shower DVD Game

Baby Shower Tip #5: DIY Favors

Party favors can also cost a pretty penny. While DIY favors are obviously the cheapest option you have, it is not always the easiest. If you prefer to buy favors then look for undecorated items that you can pretty up yourself. So buy a batch of baby cookies and then tie up 5 cookies each in pink or blue tulle with a golden ribbon. The batch of cookies will be much cheaper than buying 5 cookie favors.

Baby Shower Tip #6: Decorations cum Favors

Again, you can also make the favors do double duty as decorations. Get small cookie bouquets and use them as centerpieces and as favors to hand out when the guests are leaving. Get a polaroid camera and click pictures of all the guests with the mother-to-be. Hand out as party favors at the end of the party.

Party Idea: Baby Shower Party Favors -- It's A Boy Favor Cake

With a little ingenuity and creative thinking with the help of these tips, baby showers need not cost a fortune and can still be great fun!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samet Yahya Bilir is is a freelance writer who writes about home and family topics such as diaper cake recipes and balloon decorations for weddings.

Article source: Articles Base

Clever Father's Guide to Being a Great Labor Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Blogger) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 06:20:00 +0000

As a new dad, you will be playing an important role as your spouse's labor coach. Your spouse will be look to you for encouragement and support. Follow these tips on being a great labor coach for the mom to be:

Try Not to Panic: Nine Months, starring Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore

1. Be prepared and study

It is hard to provide support while you are searching for websites about pregnancy and labor on your cell phone. Finish your reading beforehand, familiarize yourself on what happens during labor, and the procedures your spouse may experience. That way you can ask the right questions if something does not seem right.

2. Be there for her

Labor can last for hours (or days!) before giving birth. Help her relax, get her water, walk the halls during contractions, give her a hand to squeeze. Now is the time to do what ever you can to support her physically and emotionally.

3. Pack for yourself

Hospitals are not hotels, the only amenity you should expect is an uncomfortable, worn out chair. Bring a comfy pair of clean clothes and toiletries. Pack a bathing suit as well, you might find yourself joining your spouse in the tub or shower.

4. Ask Questions

Don't be shy with doctors and nurses. Sometimes medical professionals are not as talkative as one would wish. Your spouse may not be up to asking questions herself it is up to you to speak up. There is no such thing as a stupid question!

5. Help distract her

Use the knowledge you have learned to help her through the pain of contractions. You are the coach after all, so be in charge. Cheer her on, and encourage her during contractions. Suggest position changes, rub her feet, wipe the sweat from her forehead; do anything you can to help.

6. Be prepared to make decisions

Your spouse will be tired, weak, and in pain so you may have to make decisions on her behalf. Hopefully you and your spouse have a birth plan in place as it will help with the decision making. You will want to know what her wishes, and expectations for drugs, intervention, etc before entering the hospital.

7. Don't take it personally

Your spouse may become outwardly irritable at times. You may find that she will enjoy a back rub one minute, and be totally repulsed by human contact by the next. She may be in her own little word dealing with the pain so tred lightly, you do not want to add any fuel to the fire!

Advice for Dads. Check out cleverfather.com for parenting tips for new dads [http://cleverfather.com/category/advice-for-dads/] and expectant fathers.

Article Source: EzineArticles

Share Your Story About Being a First Time Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Guest Blogger) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 04:53:00 +0000

Becoming a new father is a joyous moment. But some men freaking out that being a dad for a first time can be very stressful rather than joyful.

Stay calm, everyone has a first time. We'd love to hear about your first-time stories - the birth story, the diaper duty, and everything in new daddy phase. Become a part of The New Dads Club, and share your story! We found this old video on YouTube and decided to share here. Just wondering who may have had a similar experience?

Poem for First Time Dads

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:25:00 +0000

This is super sweet!

Baby Angel and daddy. From Corvenna's FB.

Found this poem on welcomebaby, and we'd like to dedicate this to new dads out there. Enjoy~

"Remember You're Her Daddy"

Remember you're her daddy

when she's crying late at night,

when she needs a little loving

to know that it's alright.

Remember you're her daddy

when dolly's lost an arm,

when you take the time to fix it

because you can't resist her charm.

Remember you're her daddy

when she's had a real rough day,

when school's been pretty tough on her

and nothings went her way.

Remember you're her daddy

when she goes on her first date,

when you tell her to be in by ten

and she's not home 'till late.

Remember you're her daddy

when she makes you very proud,

when in a very awkward way

she stands out in a crowd.

Remember you're her daddy

the first man she's ever kissed,

and when you go away

you'll be very, very, missed.

Remember you're her daddy

remember I'm your wife,

we know that you'll love us

for the rest of your life.

Baby Names: 10 Classic Celebrity Baby Names for Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:05:00 +0000

When it comes time to name their baby, parents use Hollywood as inspiration for creative baby names. We've picked our favorite celebrity baby names.

1. Ivy

On January 7, Beyoncé Knowles and hip hop beau, Jay-Z (nee Shawn Carter) welcomed a baby girl into the world with unusual name: Blue Ivy Carter.

Why did Beyonce and Jay-Z decided to name their daughter Blue Ivy? The name Blue may be inspired from Rebecca Solnit's A Field Guide to Getting Lost. Beyonce posted a passage from the 2005 novel on her website which focuses on the significance of the colour blue, beginning:

‘The world is blue at its edges and in its depths.’ And at the final sentences it reads: ‘The light that gets lost, gives us the beauty of the world, so much of which is in the color blue.’

What about the name Ivy? It is believed that the name Ivy refers to number four in Roman numeral, IV, according to DailyMail. Number four is apparently bears a lot of significance to the couple. They were married on April 4, 2008, Beyonce's birthday is Sept. 4, Jay-Z birthday's is Dec.4, and Beyonce's latest album is entitled "4".

2. Flynn

Orlando Bloom and her Australian supermodel wife, Miranda Kerr welcomed their first baby boy January last year.

Flynn Christopher Blanchard Copeland Bloom's middle name is inspired by Kerr's late boyfriend Christopher Middlebrook, who died in a tragic car accident when he was a teenager. Apparently, when he died Kerr made a baby naming vow to honor him, according to Australian Daily Telegraph. When she proposed the name, Kerr said that Orlando was the one who said he’d be happy to do that.

3. Rosalind

Hollywood beauty Uma Thurman gave birth to a daughter in July 15, this year.

Thurman and her financier boyfriend, Arpad Busson agreed to pick long name for the baby girl — deep breath — Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson. The parents might have pick the name for special reason but they plan to keep it secret. Thank God, she goes by Luna.

4. Edward

Posed for Life&Style Magazine

Apprentice winner Bill Rancic and his wife, E! News anchor and Fashion Police co-host Giuliana Rancic become proud parents of baby boy, Edward Duke Rancic who was born on August 29 via a gestational surrogate.

The name Edward is commonly associated with the Twilight series these days, but Giulina Rancic explains on E! News that the name is actually picked to honor Bill's late dad, who was called Edward, and Giuliana's dad, who is Eduardo. And Duke means leader.

5. Penelope

Welcome, Penelope Scotland Disick!

She is the newest addition to the family of reality TV star, Kourtney Kardashian and boyfriend Scott Disick. The baby girl, born on July 8, 2012 joins big brother 2 year old Mason. So what inspire their baby's name? They choose the name Penelope because they both thought it was cute. Momager Kris Jenner told E! News that the middle-name, Scotland was suggested by her while Kourtney was pregnant, and both Kourtney and Scott liked it.

6. Luca Cruz

Hilary Duff and husband Mike Comrie welcomed the brand-new baby boy, Luca Cruz on March 20 this year. They choose the name, not for any real reason, but because they simply liked the way it sounded together.

7. Theodora

On September 18, Robbie Williams and her Turkish-American wife actress, Ayda Fiels welcomed daughter Theodora Rose they are calling Teddy. Speculation circulated on the internet that the Take That star choose the name after US President Roosevelt.

But the singer has been quick to deny the rumors.

"She's called Theodora just because me and the wife loved the traditional name. We also wanted to choose a name that could be shortened so we could use the abbreviated name as her middle one - hence Theodora 'Teddy'. The Rose part is nothing to do with us viewing her as some future English rose. We just thought she looked like a lovely flower when we first saw her, so Rose it was."

8. Maxwell

Jessica Simpson and her fiancee Eric Johnson are parents for the first time. Maxwell Drew Johnson was born on May 1 and weighed a healthy 9 pounds, 13 ounces.

We think Maxwell is a great name for a boy. Why she picked a boy's name for her first daughter? According to a close source, Jessica wanted a name with meaning, hence they choose Maxwell who is Eric’s middle name, and also his grandmother’s maiden name.

9. Harper

Britain's most famous couple, David and Victoria Beckham welcome their fourth child, a baby girl named Harper Seven Beckham on June 10, last year.

Harper is an old English name that Victoria has always loved, according to People. As for Seven, we personally think it's kind of weird to name your baby after a number. The baby's middle name is believed to be derived from David's jersey number for Manchester United and the English national team. Seven is also considered a very lucky spiritual number. In addition, Harper was born in the 7th hour of the day on the 7th day of the week and the 7th month of the year!

10. Olivia

Sexy agent on Charlie's Angel, Drew Barrymore and husband Will Kopelman welcomed their first baby on September 26. The healthy baby girl named Olivia Barrymore Kopelman.

New Dads has learned that the name 'Olivia' is inspired from one of Drew's voiced character. And the baby's middle name 'Barrymore' and 'Kopelman' inherited from both her parents' middle name.

What will you name your first baby? We named our daughter Avegail Princessa Gabriel. We liked the name Abigail, a wise woman in Bible. But we want it sound a little bit different but not crazy, so we came out with Avegail. We think our baby girl is a little princess and that is the idea behind her middle name. We love to hear other people's baby's name. Share your favorite baby names in the comments.

New Dads' Guide: How to Fold a Cloth Diaper

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:34:00 +0000

Are you nervous about being a new dad? As a first time dad you might be feeling anxious with the various new tasks of fatherhood such as changing diapers. But before you need to change a diaper, you must learn how to fold one correctly.

To help you get started, here are step by step basic fold techniques using flats cloth diapers.

Full credit to We're the Hero of Our Own Story for the original pictures. If you still find it difficult to understand this step-by-step guide, take time to watch this 7 minutes video below for live demo.

I'd like to know if you face any problems, so leave your comments below!

Pregnancy Surprises: 5 Surprising Pregnancy Symptoms — for First Time Dads!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Did positive pregnancy news take you by surprise? Well, that is only the beginning. Get ready for another surprises when you become a father for the first time.

1. She hates your smell

Don't get offended if your pregnant wife start to complain about your smell. She'll feel physically ill whenever she near you and can't stand your odor. Don't even be surprise if you have to sleep in separated rooms! It's not that she hates you but that's what happen during pregnancy. Women's sense of smell during pregnancy increased and they become more sensitive and reactive to the scents around them. As a supportive husband, be patient with your pregnant wife. Try to go easy on the fragrance, and offer her with those scents that makes her feel much better like mint, lemon, and ginger.

2. She smells bad

During pregnancy, you might notice that she has this strong vaginal odor. Pregnancy will increase her estrogen level. Hence, the production of mucus will increase and thus more vaginal discharge. According to BabyMed, the body has another increase in vaginal discharge when the pregnancy reaches the final weeks to help the baby ease out during labor. Vaginal odor that once smelled normal may smell differently due to hormonal changes. Telling your pregnant wife that she smells bad will hurt her feeling. But there's no way she can find out about it until you discuss with it her. She will understand if you explain kindly and gently. If shower regularly "down there" or change panties regularly ain't subside the odor, it's time to see the doctor because strong odor maybe sign of vaginal infection.

3. She crave unusual foods

There's no specific explanation about those unusual cravings during pregnancy, but again hormonal changes is to be blame. During my second pregnancy, I made my husband ran out of home in the middle of the night to get the foods I craving for.

Kuih Terang Bulan, Image from JunnyLyana

I don't remember anymore what the foods I was craving back then, but I remember I used to eat a lot of "kuih terang bulan" which bought from a road side night stall. I ate them, like almost everyday. But today I can't understand myself back then, how could I be a such tolerant, bought such foods from such places. I usually don't eat or bought foods from road side stalls for hygienic reasons. Lucky me, I never really had weird food cravings. But I heard from my mother, there're cases of weird food craving during pregnancy which include an urge to eat chicken poop (yuck, that's gross!). Another weird craving is for dust or uncooked rice.

4. Physical changes during pregnancy

Physical changes is common during pregnancy. Old fashioned weight gain and growing belly is normal. But that changes are discouraging for some women. And due to hormonal changes (again), pregnant women will develop dark line or blotchy areas of darkened skin on neck folds, underarm, and inner thigh. This changes made her felt unattractive and her self-esteem lowered. For some women, pregnancy delivers gorgeous hair and rosy cheeks. As a husband, it is important that you communicate to your pregnant wife, telling her how beautiful she is. She'll find comfort in you as you shows to her that you still find her attractive. Letting her know how great she looks really help to build her self esteem and self confidence. Maybe you can show your love to her by bringing her favorite book.

5. Unexpected Mood Swings

Pregnancy causes hormonal swings in women's body. At one moment she's happy, at other time she's prone to crying, and can be very aggressive at times. She herself don't understand her own feelings, but that is completely normal part of pregnancy. More4Kids suggested father-to-be to stay calm and show her love and respect. Communicate with her to learn why she feels the way she does, and repeat it back when she tells you, so that she knows you're really listening and that you understand what she's going through.

If you've already experience other "pregnancy surprise", we'd love to know: how you deal with the situation? Share your story in the comments.

Pregnancy: 7 Precautions Every First Time Dad Should Know During Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:56:00 +0000

When your wife says, "her period is late" and she's having pregnancy symptom, that could mean she is pregnant. If you want to be sure, follow it up at home using home pregnancy test that you can get at the drugstore. If your pregnancy test is positive, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome to the world of parenthood.

Positive sign: Pregnancy test. Image from BabyMed

Now that you're wife is pregnant, you as a would-be first time dad is responsible to take care and support your wife during pregnancy. It is wise to have knowledge about special precautions for pregnant woman, to make sure mommy and unborn baby will be as healthy as possible.

So proud dad-to-be, here are things you need to know during pregnancy.

1. Pregnant mom should not take any medicines, herbal or other supplements unless advised by a doctor

Nausea is common during early pregnancy. Though it's a common symptom, nausea which sometimes followed by vomiting is such uncomfortable condition. That's why mommy tend to look for medicine to relieve the pain and control nausea and vomiting. Unless a medication has been specifically prescribed, do not take any medicine because some drugs can harm your baby during different stages of a pregnancy. I've found out that the minty, fresh scent of eucalyptus oil is helpful in relive nausea.

2. Pregnant mom should take prenatal vitamin

It's a great thing if both you discover about the pregnancy early. By knowing so, you could take important steps early to do a consistent medical care and ensure your unborn baby is healthy. Make sure your pregnant wife takes her prenatal vitamin. Most women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. If she don't eating well due to nausea, vomiting, and lose of appetite, her diet might not meet requirements for iron, folate, calcium and other nutrients. That's why prenatal vitamins are recommended to make sure pregnant mommy get all the nutrients she and the baby need.

3. Pregnant mom should limit caffeine intake

Moderate amount of caffeine is safe during pregnancy, but you might want to advise your pregnant wife to avoid the drinks altogether. Caffeine intake during pregnancy can affect the developing baby. Caffeine can pass back and forth across the placenta and may decrease blood flow to the placenta, which may harm the baby. A study conducted at the University of Leicester find out that consuming caffeine during pregnancy risk the unborn baby with leukemia in childhood. It would be difficult to stop drinking caffeine altogether. You can help your wife do "cold turkey". Put away coffee pot from the house and stay away from her favorite coffee shop. Have her drinks a lots of water and other beverages, like fruit juice, instead.

4. Pregnant mom should not carry heavy objects

Nothing more than 25 pounds. Pregnant woman should be extra careful when carry heavy objects. Carrying heavy objects makes her more likely to fall because her additional weight makes her hard to find balance. Lifting heavy things has also been known to cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. Make her happy and comfortable by helping her with a housework.

5. Pregnant mom should avoid artificial food additives

Monosodium glumate (MSG) or ajinomoto used in Chinese restaurants, or artificial food colorings which often used in Indian sweets and curries must be avoided. Processed food items, such as hot dogs, and foods containing sodium nitrate, such as cured meats like ham or bacon are a no-no during pregnancy. These substances may be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). These mutagenic substances can expose the unborn baby to hazards.

6. Pregnant mom should avoid hot baths

Sitting in a hot tub seems to be a great relieve especially relieve a muscle tension related to pregnancy. But hot baths and saunas are not recommended during pregnancy as this can potentially cause overheating and affect the development of the baby. Pregnant mom should take a warm bath instead, remind her to check the temperature before she get in.

7. No alcohol safe level and cigarette exposure to pregnant mom

Pregnant pause: A pregnant, cigarette smoking woman worrying about the effect of construction noise
on her unborn baby. Image from Snopes

Smoking during pregnancy can causes a lack of oxygen that can slow growth and weight gain in the womb. As a result, baby will born with low birthweight. Low birthweight is when a baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces. A low birthweight babies are more likely to have trouble to keeping warm and have breathing problems. Other health problems are infections, feeding problems and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Get your pregnant wife to quit smoking while she's pregnant. If you're the one smoking, avoid being around her when you smoking as second hand smoke can also affect a pregnant woman and expose the unborn baby with SID risk, according to a research.

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can also harm the unborn baby. Premature delivery or even a miscarriage is a distinct possibility.

Back to you, do you think I have missed some important points here?

In the comments below, please add what other precaution you have taken to make sure your wife and your unborn baby stay in a pink of health.