The Place to Go for Baby Info

Baby Crib Information

2006-09-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Getting your baby's first crib (or even just a new and improved crib) can be a challenging task. Here is some general baby crib information that should be helpful while you search.

One of the most important things to look for when buying your baby's crib is safety. Comfort is important but not quite at important as your child being safe in her crib. She will probably spend more time in her crib than anywhere else. You want to make sure you get a sturdy crib, as well. Your child will be sleeping in it until she moves into a real bed, which most children do between the ages of 2 and 3. Amazon has many cribs to choose from. And if you can't find quite what you're looking for there, The Nursery Depot also has tons of cribs to choose from. Shop at Nursery Depot & save 30% on 20,000+ baby nursery & kids room items from 20+ leading brands. Free Shipping. Low Price Guarantee!

Your crib should have a railing that lowers so you can pick up and lay down your baby without too much difficulty. It should also have slats that are close enough together to prevent your baby's head from slipping through or getting stuck. Some of the more expensive models have railings that lower on both sides. Some cribs even have storage drawers build right in. How convenient!

It is very wise to go crib shopping several months before your due date. Most stores don't tend to keep many cribs in stock and will probably need to order one for you after you make your decision. If your baby happens to arrive before your crib does, she will be fine in a bassinet or Moses basket for the first several weeks or even months. (My daughter actually slept in her little bassinet until she was about two months old before she began sleeping in her own crib. I liked it because it was small enough that she could stay in my bedroom with me at night.) Dreamtime Baby has many bassinets and Moses baskets to choose from. And be sure to check out Dreamtime Baby Closeout Specials - Click Here for Great Deals on 1000's of Baby Items. Another great place to look through bassinets is thebabyoutlet. And if you act quickly, you can Buy 3 Baby Closeouts Get 1 FREE! at TheBabyOutlet.

While you're setting up your crib, make sure not to put it (or any other child furniture) near window blinds or drapery. Your baby could strangle on the cords, and and older baby could pull herself up and fall through the screen. You can use a clamp or clothes pin to keep cords out of your child's reach. You can also tie the cord to itself, or cut the loop in half to make two separate cords.

Most crib models range from $100 to $500. However, fancier cribs can run anywhere from $800 to $1,000 or more.

Car Seats

2006-09-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Buying a car seat for your child can be tricky as it seems like the "dos and donts" about car seats are constantly changing. So this article has some helpful advice for those of you who have perhaps gotten a little confused or frustrated over the whole car seat topic.

There are two basic styles of car seats for an infant who weighs less than 20 pounds and is under a year old: infant car seats and infant toddler car seats. Babies under 20 pounds are better off in the smaller infant car seat rather than the convertible car seat. They are shaped to securely hold newborns and offer good support in all the right places. Some infant car seats can handle infants weighing up to 22 pounds. They are also more convenient for you. The infant car seat (which is more lightweight than the convertible car seat) can also be used as an infant carrier, feeding chair, or even a rocker. This means you can take your child from one destination to another without necessarily having to wake them up. With an infant-toddler car seat, you have to unbuckle your baby and transfer him to a stroller or other carrier, which can be a really big pain (especially if you're in a hurry).

There are several things you should look for when buying a car seat for your baby:

1. Easy Installation.

You want to be sure you pick out a car seat that is easily installed. If you don't install the seat correctly, your baby may not be properly restrained. You should also look for a base that you can permanently install in your car. Then all you need to do is settle the seat securely into the base, buckle up your baby, and go.

2. Adequate Restraints.

Look for an infant car seat with a five-point safety harness. There should be one strap for each shoulder, one for each thigh, and one between your baby's legs. These are more adjustable (which means safer) for an infant than plastic shields or T-bar restraints.

3. Belt Adjustments.

Try to avoid car seats that require you to adjust the buckle from the back of the car seat. The better car seats allow you to make any adjustments from the front and have raised belt slots for buckling ease. Some even adjust automatically.

4. Tethers.

As of September 2002, all new child safety seats and vehicles must be compatible with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. This system was created to make installation of a car seat easier and safer by attaching it directly to the vehicle instead of using the seat belt to secure the car seat. Rear-facing infant car seats will be required to have lower anchors only. Convertible car seats (which can face the front or the rear) and front-facing toddler seats will be required to have both the upper and lower attachments.

5. Washability.

Be sure to pick out a car seat that comes with pad covers you can take off to wash. (Be sure they are machine washable, as well.)

6. Comfort.

And, of course, pick a seat that will be comfortable for your baby. He will have a better ride if you buy a well-padded seat with plenty of head support.

If you like the car seat shown just below, go ahead and click on it. That will take you directly to the page to order that seat or look at others. MiniTots has many, many car seats for you to choose from for infants and toddlers. And right now, get 5% off any purchase! Use coupon code 5CJ (not valid for Bratt Decor products). Dreamtime Baby also has many reliable car seats to choose from. And right now, you get a Free Gift With Orders Over $99. Click here because this is for a Limited Time! Amazon also has many car seats to choose from that are not only reliable but also affordable. Getting the best for your baby shouldn't always have to cost you an arm and a leg.

So if you're looking for a car seat for your little one, you've come to the right place. You're bound to find at least one (if not several) car seats that are exactly what you're looking for. Safe, affordable, reliable, and even cute!

Top rated for safety and ease of use by leading consumer magazines, it's no wonder that the SnugRide is America's favorite infant car seat. Equipped with a 5-point harness, an ergonomic carrying handle, a stay-in-car base, a canopy, and an infant head rest for added comfort and support, this SnugRide infant car seat will serve you and your baby well until he or she reaches 22 lbs and is ready to move up to a Graco convertible car seat. Plus, harness straps that adjust at the front of the SnugRide infant car seat make getting your baby in and out of the SnugRide infant car seat even easier.

Taking Care of a Baby with a Cold

2006-08-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Children get sick. This is just a fact of life. There isn't too much you can do to prevent it from happening. The only thing you can really do is make her "comfortable" until the virus works its way out of her system. Here are a few tips:

1. Try saline nose drops.

Saline nose drops help to thin and clear out the nasal mucus. It's a great way to relieve congestion. For best results, try using a bulb syringe. If she'll let you, tilt your child's head back slightly, then gently squeeze the bulb to deposit the saline drops into your child's nose. Then use the bulb to remove the excess mucus. (If your child is old enough, simply have her blow her nose.) Repeat this process several times a day.

2. Make sure she gets enough rest.

While it's probably easier said that done, the more rest your child gets, the sooner she'll feel better. Even if she doesn't take naps anymore-encourage a nap or two each day she's sick. When she isn't resting, sit her on the couch with a kids' video or children's book on a tape. Encourage her to do quiet activities instead of things that require her to exert a lot of energy. She needs that energy to get better.

3. Hook up the humidifier.

This works especially well at night and during naps. This is when a persistent cough or trouble breathing can prevent your child from getting the rest she really needs right now. The moist air from a humidifier thins mucus secretions, which helps to calm her cough and relieve congestion. The humidifier shown at the end of this article is a great buy! It works very well and doesn't cost as much as many other humidifiers you will find. I found this one at thebabyoutlet. They have a couple other high quality humidifiers in case this one isn't quite what you're looking for. And right now, Enter Coupon Code: YG05 and Take 5% Off Your Order at TheBabyOutlet.com!

4. Urge her to drink up.

Children lose body fluids fast when they're sick (especially if they're running a fever or have diarrhea). Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids (such as juice, an electrolyte solution, or milk) to replenish those fluids. There is no scientific proof that dairy products make congestion worse. If she doesn't want to drink a lot of fluid, try offering her an extra juicy fruit (such as watermelon or oranges). And warm chicken soup actually does help relieve cold symptoms by soothing a sore throat and thinning nasal secretions.

5. Try vitamin C.

There is evidence that shows vitamin C helps make cold symptoms less severe and might even shorten the amount of time a cold lasts. Be careful not to "mega-dose" your child, though. Kids shouldn't have any more than 500 mg of vitamin C a day.

6. Know when to call the doctor.

Be sure to call the doctor if your child complains of: ear or face pain, which can signal an ear infection or sinus infection; a very sore throat combined with a high fever (strep throat); wheezing or trouble breathing (bronchial infection or pneumonia); diarrhea and vomiting (which can lead to dangerous dehydration); a fever over 102 degrees; or a temperature over 100 degrees that lasts for more than three days.

7. Make time to snuggle.

When kids are feeling bad (like most of us), they need an little extra attention and love. If it makes you feel better, isn't it only logical that it would make your child feel better? So make some time to snuggle up together and watch a movie or something. Amazon has some really great entertaining and educational kids' videos that you and your child can enjoy together.

8. Keep it all in perspective.

When you're taking care of a sick, miserable child, always remember that most winter illnesses pass in a week or so. And ultimately, all of them will help strengthen your child's immune system. As she gets older, you'll notice your child has fewer and fewer sick days. In the meantime, encourage hand-washing and stock up on Kleenex!

Baby Monitors

2006-08-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

We just recently got a baby monitor for Angelina. I didn't want to put her in her own room until I had a monitor in there so I could hear her if she woke up. It makes me feel a lot better, because now I can hear every little sound she makes. I can take the monitor with me wherever I go and still feel secure that I will hear Angelina if she wakes up or starts fussing. I love it! I was so nervous, as a first time mother, about putting Angelina in her own bedroom without me right next to her (especially at night). But having that baby monitor next to me at all times has really eased my worries away. (And for those of you who are wondering, experts say it is all right to let your child sleep in their own room anytime after around four weeks-as long as you have a baby monitor or are close enough that you can hear them if they should need you. But this is up to you. What it really comes down to is when you and your baby are ready.)

Some advice for parents who are planning on getting a baby monitor is make sure you get a good one! The one shown below is fantastic. This one if almost identical to the one Casey and I got for Angelina, and it works great! It has a 2-way communication walkie-talkie feature which allows parents to talk and listen to baby plus talk to each other without disturbing the baby. It also has a 650 foot range for extensive mobility with an out-of-range warning feature. The Low Battery Indicator alerts you that the power is low. It even has rechargeable batteries which help save you money (batteries are included). The belt clip lets you move around hands free and still monitor your baby. And the wall mount allows you to set up a stationary location for the base while keeping it out of the way.

As always, I hope this helps some of you out! Let me know if you have any questions! And feel free to browse the other helpful websites I have on my page.

Highchairs

2006-08-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

Once your child begins eating foods other than milk, it's time to think about getting a highchair. Some parents are able to get by with a baby chair. A baby chair simply attaches to the family table. However, many parents say that, next to a crib, a freestanding highchair is the most indispensable baby product you will ever buy. With a freestanding highchair, you can sit directly in front of your baby while feeding and move the chair from dining room to kitchen with little fuss. Newer highchairs are also adaptable to a wide range of ages.

Whatever type you choose, bear in mind that the highchair will have to withstand at least two or three years of daily use, so it better be durable.

Angelina just recently began sitting in a highchair while she eats her "solids". She's gotten very good at eating applesauce, bananas, green beans, etc.

Fisher Price makes a wonderful Aquarium highchair, as you can see below. This is what we got for Angelina, and it has worked great! It makes feeding her much easier. I'm so proud of her!

Is My Baby Constipated?

2006-08-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

There is no "normal" number or schedule for baby's bowel movements. Each baby is different. As time goes on, you will get to know your own baby's routine.

If you're concerned that your baby may be constipated, there are a couple of clues to look for. One is if he has less frequent bowel movements than his norm (especially if he hasn't had one if three our more days and is obviously uncomfortable when he does have one). Also watch for hard, dry stools that are difficult for him to pass - no matter how frequently.

There are a few different ways to treat your baby's constipation.

1. Get him some exercise. If your baby's a crawler, encourage him to do a few laps. If he's not crawling yet, try pumping his legs. While he's lying on his back, gently move his legs in a forward, circular motion as if he were pedaling a bicycle.

2. Massage your baby's belly. Measure three finger widths below his navel and apply gentle but firm pressure with your fingertips. Press until you feel a firmness or mass. Maintain gentle but constant pressure for about three minutes.

3. If you feed your baby formula, ask his doctor about switching to a different brand. Some babies are less constipated on soy formula. And sometimes adding a teaspoon of Karo syrup to the formula also does the trick.

4. Switching from rice cereal to barley or oat cereal, or adding pureed fruits or vegetables to his regular cereal, once your baby is ready for them, can help.

5. Once your baby is eating a variety of solid foods, ask your doctor if you can boost your baby's fiber intake by adding a teaspoon of bran to his cereal. Cut down on constipating foods like rice, bananas, and cooked carrots, and try mixing his cereal with a little bit of apple or prune juice or a few tablespoons of pureed prunes, apricots, or pears to help loosen his bowel movements.

6. Increase the amount of fluid your baby drinks to help keep his stools soft. If your baby is over 2 months, give him 1 ounce of prune juice diluted with 1 ounce of water, twice a day to start with. As his constipation improves, you can cut back. Talk with your doctor first if your baby is 2 months old or younger.

7. Talk to your baby's doctor about treatment options. Never give your baby a laxative without your doctor's approval. Ask her about using an over-the-counter stool softener to make bowel movements more comfortable for your baby. She may also suggest you try a glycerin suppository if your baby is severely constipated. The suppository will stimulate the rectum and help him pass a stool. While using a suppository occasionally is fine, don't do it on a regular basis, since your baby could wind up relying on them to have a bowel movement.

8. If your baby is passing such hard, dry stools that he tears the delicate skin near the opening of his anus (you may see these tears, known as anal fissures, or a little blood), apply a little aloe vera lotion to the area to help it heal. And be sure to mention the tears to your doctor.

Angelina has never gotten very constipated. I have been very fortunate. But hopefully this information will help any of you who have little ones who happen to get constipated.

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Babies' Grandparents

2006-08-25T06:30:00.001-07:00

Many parents, myself included, seem to have some difficulty with the grandparents watching their baby-usually because grandparents tend to "spoil" their grandchildren much more than the parents would.

When you have someone in your family babysit, getting them to understand that you want certain things done in certain ways with your child can be a little frustrating. If they once changed your diapers, they will usually be quick to criticize you for telling them what to do.

If this is a problem, you definitely need to speak up. But instead of telling them what to do, remind them which (healthy) foods your child is eating now. Also, give them an update on all the amazing things their grandchild can do now: scrape his plate after dinner, pick up his toys, take off his own clothes at bathtime, fall asleep on his own if tucked in by 8:00 p.m.-things like that. Tell them about the things that are impressive signs of his physical advances and mental maturity.

This will usually help get them to follow at least some of your rules (often without even realizing they were doing it). Be realistic, as well. Most grandparents are looking to spoil, coddle, and love their grandchildren. And sometimes that's got to be okay. Your child's lifetime of sweet memories with grandma and grandpa is a little more important than eating dinner at exactly 5:30 p.m.-don't you think?

I have this problem quite often with my daughter's grandparents (my parents). They tend to-as most grandparents do-completely spoil her. And yes, it's all right most of the time, but there are times when it's difficult to get them to follow any of my rules. This strategy that I've discussed above is something I read in a Parenting magazine. It has helped. I'm not asking them to be "jailers". I'm just asking that they have some sort of rules for Angelina. But it's nothing worth losing sleep over. She is well taken care of when she is with Grandma and Grandpa, so there really isn't too much that I have to complain about. I was spoiled by my grandparents when I was little, and I turned out perfectly fine. (I think.)

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Babies and Colds

2006-08-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Babies tend to get more colds than adults for a few different reasons. One reason is that babies' immune systems are immature which makes them more vulnerable to illness. Also, your baby can develop immunity to only one of more than 200 different viruses that cause the common cold at a time. Just try to think of all the different colds you've had in your lifetime. As your baby grows, she's likely to be exploring a lot and touching everything in sight, so it's easy for her to pick up a cold virus on her hands. Then all she has to do is put her fingers in her mouth or nose or rub her eyes, and the virus will get a chance to set up shop! Your baby may get sick more often during the fall and winter months because cold air and indoor heating dry out her nasal membranes which makes it easier for a cold virus to get a foothold in there. She also spends more time stuck inside during cold weather, where viruses can spread more easily from one person to another. Most children get between six and ten colds per year. For families who have children in daycare or school, the number of colds can reach up to 12 per year! The average adult usually gets between two and four colds a year.

So if you think your little one is getting sick more often than she should be, you're probably worrying over nothing. Babies get sick more than adults. They will grow out of it like they do nearly everything else. Angelina has been sick four times since she was born. I'm learning to not let it bother me so much. She got really sick when she was only a month old. That's what scared me so much, because she ended up in the hospital. The doctor thought it was RSV at first, but we later found out it was bronchitis. She was in the hospital for four days. That was horrible. So every time she has even gotten a runny nose since then, I panic. I am learning to stop doing that.

There are different ways to know if you should call the doctor when your baby is sick.

If your child is younger than three months, you should call the doctor at the first sign of illness, especially if your baby has a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (taken rectally) or a cough. If your baby is between three and six months, the doctor may want you to call if her temperature reaches 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If she's over six months, the doctor may tell you to wait until her temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter what your baby's age, call he doctor if you notice any of the following:

1. Your baby takes a turn for the worse instead of starting to get better after five to seven days, or her cold symptoms last for more than 14 days.

2. Her cough worsens and she's wheezing or gasping. These symptoms could be a sign of pneumonia or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a fairly common but potentially serious respiratory illness for babies under one year of age.

3. She cries when sucking during a feeding or pulls and rubs her ear. This could be a sign of an ear infection, which can be very painful (especially for babies).

With winter coming, this information should come in handy for many parents out there.

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Baby-Sitters & Day Care

2006-08-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

This than be a touchy subject for several people. Everyone is ready at different times to leave their child in someone else's care. Angelina was four months old before I even left her with my parents (and that was only for an hour!). I have gone out a few times since, and she has stayed with her grandparents on those nights. It was very difficult at first, and I'm still getting used to it. I still feel guilty when I leave her with someone else (usually her grandparents) for the night.

Now learn from my mistakes. One thing to remember is that the sooner you start, the easier it will be down the road. I think I actually started leaving Angelina with other people a little later than I should have. She has been going to daycare during the daytime (while her father and I are at work) since she was four months old. Before that, her aunt watched her when I went back to work. So it's been interesting. Now I'm not saying you should be going out and partying it up all night three days after you bring your baby home from the hospital. But just remember that you will eventually need to trust someone else to watch her. You not only deserve but need time for yourself and time to just have some fun and/or relax. It's necessary for you to be at your best for your little one. If you never have any time for yourself (being at work does not count), you'll end up going crazy!

When you begin letting someone else watch your baby earlier, it also helps with separation anxiety down the road. If your baby recognizes from the very beginning that when you go out for the evening you always come back, this will relieve some of her distress (and your guilt). It will become sort of a routine. As long as she knows mommy (or daddy) is coming back, she won't fret quite so much when you leave.

Things Every Parent Should Let Their Baby-Sitter Know:

1. Contact information for you and your spouse.
Home phone, work phone, beeper, and cell phone numbers, as well as the number at the place you'll be (restaurant, friends' house, etc.). Tell your sitter if anyone will be stopping by or calling and not to open the door to anyone she's not expecting.

2. Emergency contact information.
This includes fire, police, doctor, and hospital numbers. Another good idea: Designate one or two nearby friends or relatives as local contacts. Leave their names, numbers, addresses. Your sitter can ask these people for help with miscellaneous mishaps such as a pet that gets loose or a power outage. Also, leave clear written directions to your house in case they're needed in an emergency.

3. A mapped escape route.
In case of fire or some other emergency that requires hasty evacuation, your sitter should be aware of alternate ways to exit from the house. Also, make sure the sitter knows where to find the fire extinguisher, the first-aid kit, the circuit breaker, water shutoff, and a flashlight.

4. Medical information about your baby.
If your child has any allergies or needs to take medication, tell your sitter about it in advance. Also inform her of any additional medical problems such as a bad case of diaper rash or a tendency to spit up food. Also, just in case you or your contact person can't be found in an emergency, leave a healthcare authorization form that allows your babysitter or childcare provider to get medical attention for your child.

5. Food and drink list.
Don't leave this to chance. A teen may not be aware of foods that pose choking hazards. Leave specific instructions outlining exactly what your baby can and cannot eat and drink.

6.Activity schedule.
It's important for your baby to have a routine, so let your provider know what time your child eats his meals, what time he goes to bed, whether he's allowed to watch videos, and if so, which ones. It's also wise to let your sitter know about any special words for favorite toys or security objects.

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When Will The Hair On My Baby's Head Start Growing?

2006-08-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Babies' hair growth patterns can widely vary. Some babies are born with a full head of hair, while others are born with only a little covering. On top of that, infants usually lose all the hair they were born with during the first six months of their lives. Sometimes the hair will grow right back in-but in a different color or texture. While with some other babies-it will take a while for it to grow back in. Either way, don't worry. Your child will have normal hair growth at some point.

Angelina was born with a pretty full head of hair. It was brown hair-like her father but not quite as dark. She is now 6 1/2 months old. Her hair has sporadically fallen out in certain spots and grown back in. It is turning into a more dark blonde or light brown color now. Also, when she was first born, you couldn't even tell she had eyebrows (because they were so light in color). Those have darkened a little now (along with her beautiful long eyelashes), and you can definitely see them. Her skin was also darker in color when she was born. She has lightened up a lot since then. She isn't pale as a ghost, but she isn't quite so dark. I'm very interested to see what happens over the next five to ten years. Her father was born with lighter skin and hair but turned pretty dark over the first ten years of his life. His skin and hair began changing when he was six months old. So no one really knows what color Angelina's hair will turn out to be. Her eyes, somewhat of a puzzle, are still blue in color. Her father and I BOTH have brown eyes. I have heard many jokes from several people about this-trust me. So don't even think about it! Just kidding. But it really is interesting. Casey and I both have people on both sides of our family that have blue eyes, but for Angelina to come out with blue eyes when both of her parents' eyes are brown is very unique.

So just remember, children continuously change as they grow up. They may have blonde hair one month and, before you know it, they have brown hair! Either way, just enjoy the process of watching your children grow up. There is nothing else out there quite like it!

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Why is Reading to your Baby Good for Him?

2006-08-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Reading is very good for your children, no matter what age they are. It is never too early to start.

Reading will help build your child's vocabulary, stimulate his imagination, and improve his communication skills. The more you speak to your child from the get-go, the better it is for his growth and development. Studies have actually shown that language skills (and even intelligence) are related to how many words an infant hears each day. In one study, babies whose parents spoke to them a lot-an average of 2,100 words an hour-scored higher on standard tests when they reached age 3 than children whose parents hadn't been quite as verbal. Naming the parts of your child's body is a good way to chat. Reading is just another fun way to add variety to your verbal interactions with your little one.

Our daughter is read to on a daily basis. I generally read to her out of children's books, while her father is obsessed with cars. He has a million different car books and magazines, so-of course-Angelina gets to hear about the different components of cars and how they run and all that stuff every day when her father reads to her. At such a young age that she doesn't even know what he's talking about, she enjoys it. She's just happy she gets to hear his voice. Who knows what she will think of that once she gets older. Either she'll actually like learning about cars and what not, or she'll be more like her mom who gets so tired of hearing about cars and engines day and night (especially when I have no idea what he is even talking about!).

And remember, it is never too early to begin reading to your children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading aloud daily to your baby starting at about six months of age. This is about the time when he'll really begin to enjoy looking at books with you. (Angelina loves it, though she almost rips out some pages here and there.) But Jim Trelease (a longtime read-aloud expert and author of the Read Aloud Handbook) says that you can start when your child is just a newborn. (Angelina has been read to nearly everyday since about one week of age.)

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Does Sugar Really Make Kids Hyper?

2006-08-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sure all of you have heard that sugar makes kids hyper. But does it really? I read an article in a Parenting magazine recently that discussed this topic.

More than 20 studies show that sugar has no effect on behavior. In reality, it's more like guilt by association. Kids tend to eat a lot of candy at parties where they would go wild, anyway. It may also be a matter of perception, says Mark Wolraich, M.D., a chief of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. In one study, moms who were told their children had eaten sugar rated them as very hyper compared to kids who ate an artificial sweetener, even though they actually all ate the sweetener.

So to get right down to it, limiting sugar is a great idea for your child's health-it probably isn't what causes them to be hyper at times.

Now I don't know if I necessarily believe this, even though it makes sense. A trick I have heard from several people is to buy sugar-free candy (found in the pharmacy part of most stores). The kids usually can't tell the difference, and whether it's a case of not wanting your kids to get so "hyper" or simply not wanting your little ones to consume so much sugar-it's a good idea.

Angelina is only about 6 1/2 months old, so candy hasn't even entered her life yet. Her father is a health food nut, and he keeps stressing that she will only be able to eat fruits and vegetables for snacks. While I think this is a wonderful idea, it's only going to last for so long before she realizes there is candy and other snacks out there besides fruit. But we'll make it last as long as we can. Either way, I do plan to keep her from the candy and chips for as long as I can. And once she is introduced to those foods, limit her consumption of them. Because her father is right, the eating habits children learn when they are little stick with them for the rest of their lives.

Be sure to check out WeShipBabyGifts.com located at the top part of this page. Here you'll find high quality, unique baby gifts that reflect your personal style. Act now and get $5 in instant savings!

Great Tips for Dads

2006-08-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

I know there are many men out there who feel "left out" when it comes to their children (especially newborns). No matter the situation, fathers generally feel almost intimidated by the mother. Women are naturally "closer" to their babies. They are usually the ones that spend the most time with them (whether the mother is a stay at home mom or just on maternity leave), and bonding with their babies seems to come easier to most mothers than fathers. So below is a list for fathers of ideas on bonding with their little ones.

1. Give your baby a midnight bottle.
Whether your baby is breastfed or bottle fed, this seems to be one thing that really works for both the father and the baby. It's a nice, quiet time for the two of you to just appreciate each other. Not to mention it gives Mom a break!

2. Have a staring contest.
Babies love to contemplate faces, especially those of people close to them. And during this time, Dad can inspect all the beautiful features of his baby's face, as well.

3. Play kangaroo.
Go ahead, Dads, and either just hold your baby close to you for a while or strap on a Snugli and go to town. Both of you will enjoy it.

4. Take a bath together.
Bath time can be fun time. Not to mention, babies enjoy skin to skin contact. So go ahead and strip down and take a bath with your little one.

5. Read to your baby.
It doesn't really matter what you read to your baby, as long as you do it! Babies don't know what you're reading or saying to them when they're so young. It's just the fact that they can sit there and listen to your voice. They usually love it. It calms them and helps acquaint them more with Dad's voice - a voice they will hear for the rest of their lives. Help make that voice a comforting one from Day One.

6. Set a table for two.
If your baby is old enough to be eating solid food, go ahead and set the table for the two of you to just sit, "eat", and enjoy each other's company.

7. Change a diaper.
Yep! Change your little one's diaper. Diaper changes are some of the best times to talk to and touch your baby. Once again, it all comes down to getting to know each other in all situations and bonding with one another.

8. Be there when your baby has a cold or fever.
No one likes it when their little baby is sick. But spending a night (or day) holding and comforting your baby when he is sick will help both of your realize how important you are to each other.

9. Bench press.
That's right. Babies make excellent weights! While having a baby may take away some of your "gym time", they can be a mini workout all in one. Most babies love to be lifted and what not, so go ahead. Get your workout in. Your biceps and baby will love it.

10. Be a texture board.
Let's face it. Most men have more hair than women. Babies usually have a good time feeling that hair on men's faces, chests, arms, etc. Or feeling that stubble on Dad's face. Word to the wise...be careful if Dad has chest hair.

11. Take pictures.
Once again, this helps both of you appreciate each other! Not to mention, it lets grandpa and grandma and the aunts and uncles all see what a great time Dad and Baby have together.

12. Roughhouse (within reason, of course).
Studies have shown that moms and dads hold their babies differently. While mothers generally tend to snuggle and cuddle baby more, dads are usually a little more physical. You should never shake a baby, but you can definitely stimulate their muscles! If your child is old enough to sit up, she might like be tossed in the air or be bounced on the knee...things that Mom isn't as likely to do. Just make sure the the squeals are squeals of delight and not terror.

With these ideas and advice, you and your little one should be closer than ever in no time at all!

And don't forget to stop by MiniTots (link located at the top of this page). They've got great baby products at low prices. Whether you're looking for a crib, bedding, toys, a stroller, a potty seat...or whatever it is you and your little one need - they've got it at prices we can all afford.

Ear Infections

2006-07-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

If your little one has an ear infection that just won't go away, it may be caused by a slime-like substance in the middle ear that experts call bacterial biofilm. This biofilm makes is harder for antibiotics to do their jobs, which leads to long-lasting ailments. A recent study found that bacteria actually seem to be hiding in this usually protective slimy film in kids with chronic middle ear infections.

This discovery isn't going to lead to any new treatments right way, but it may eventually help doctors better understand the illnesses all children seem to run into. Ear infections are the most common illnesses that bring children to doctors.

Ear infections are so common in kids (affecting nearly eight or nine out of every 10 children), because the developing middle ear sometimes cannot fully drain fluid. Children's immune systems are not fully developed and, because of that fact, can't tackle infections like most adults' immune systems can.

Over-prescribing of antibiotics has also made matters worse by helping ear infection germs develop immunity against existing drugs.

Some children get ear infections repeatedly while others continually suffer from fluid in their ears. Both cases are quite painful.

Biofilms are actually very common in nature. It's kind of like the slime you might find on rocks next to a pond. It's more or less a little city of bacteria where the germs communicate with each other and are well-protected against the outside world.

New research suggests that treating chronic ear infections with antibiotics may not be helpful. Biofilms are generally very resistant to antibiotics.

So now researchers need to find another approach for ear infections since antibiotics don't seem to work on this biofilm. This is why so many children do not respond to antibiotics when they have an ear infection.

And if you're trying to prevent ear infections in your child, one of the best ways is to keep them away from tobacco smoke, as tobacco smoke puts her at a greater risk for recurring ear infections. There really aren't too many other preventive measures besides having your child get an annual flu shot. Keep in mind, however, that the flu vaccine isn't recommended for all children.

So if you're baby has an ear infection that won't go away even with antibiotics, perhaps this is why as it is very common.

And one of the best ways to make your little one feel better when they're "under the weather" is by reading to them, of course! I See Me (found along the left side of this page) has great books that are each personalized for every single child. And all books ordered in July will be personally signed by the author! These personalized books teach your children letter recognition and how to spell his/her own name. And they make for a wonderful keepsake when they get older, as well. So go ahead and check them out!

Why Won't My Baby Stop Crying?

2006-07-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

While Angelina isn't necessarily a fussy baby, I thought it would help some parents out (especially first time parents) if they knew why their baby was crying. So I have listed below the top seven reasons why most babies cry. If your little one is wailing, work your way down the list and chances are you'll find the cure. This has almost always worked on Angelina, so hopefully it works for the rest of you.

1. I'm hungry.
Once you learn to recognize the signs that your baby wants to eat — she'll fuss, make noises, and root around for your breast if you pick her up (if you breastfeed) — you'll get pretty good at feeding her before she starts to really cry. But when she is crying, check first to see if she's hungry. Food might not stop her crying right away, but let her keep eating if she wants to. Sometimes a baby will continue to cry even after you start feeding her; keep going, she'll stop once her stomach is full.

2. Change my diaper.
Some babies will let you know right away when they need to be changed; others don't mind when their diapers are soiled — it's warm and comfortable to them. (Parents are often surprised when they pick up their infant and find they've been sitting around in a dirty diaper and never made a sound.) Either way, this one is easy to check and simple to remedy.

3. I'm too cold or hot.
Newborns like to be bundled up and kept warm. (As a rule, they need to be wearing one more layer than you need to be comfortable.) So when your baby feels cold, like when you strip her naked to change her, she'll let you know that she's not happy by crying. You'll learn how to quickly change a diaper and wrap your baby back up to calm her until the crying stops. Watch out that you don't overdress her, since she's less likely to complain about being too warm than about being too cold and won't cry about it as vigorously.

4. I want to be held.
Babies need a lot of cuddling. They like to see their parents' faces, hear their voices, listen to their hearts, and can even detect their unique smell (especially Mom's milk). After being fed, burped, and changed, many babies simply want to be held. You may wonder if you'll "spoil" your child by holding her so much, but during the first few months of life there's no such thing. Infants will vary a lot in how much they want to be held. Some demand a lot of attention, while others can spend long periods of time sitting calmly by themselves. If your baby likes the attention, pick her up or keep her next to you.

5. I can't take it anymore.
While newborns seem to thrive on a lot of attention, they can easily become overstimulated and have a "melt-down." You may find that your baby cries longer than usual after spending a holiday with many adoring family members or has periods at the end of each day when she seems to cry for no reason. Newborns have difficulty filtering out all the stimulation they receive — the lights, the noise, being passed from hand to hand — and can become overwhelmed by too much activity. Crying is their way of saying "I've had enough." This usually happens when your baby is tired. Take her somewhere calm and quiet and let her vent for a while, and then see if you can get her to sleep.

6. I don't feel good.
If you've just fed your baby and checked that she's comfortable (it can be something as subtle as a hair wrapped around her toe or a clothing tag that's poking her), but she's still crying, consider checking her temperature to make sure she isn't ill. The cry of a sick baby tends to be distinct from the hunger or frustration cry, and you'll soon learn when your baby "just doesn't sound right" and needs to be taken to the doctor.

7. None of the above.
Sometimes you might not be able to figure out what's wrong. Many newborns develop periods of fussiness when they're not easily soothed. These periods of fussiness can range from a few minutes of hard-to-console crying to full-blown colic. Colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours per day, at least three days per week. Even if your baby is not crying for three hours, these episodes may be difficult for you. When all else fails, try the tips below.

Here are some things you can try if you really just cannot figure out why you're baby is crying.

1. Wrap her up and hold her close.
Sometimes babies just want to be swaddled. So go ahead and wrap them up in their blankie and hold them close. They like to feel that warmth. But also remember that some babies actually don't enjoy this. They find it too constrictive. If that's the case, try something else.

2. Let her hear the rhythm.
Babies are used to the sound of your heartbeat. So try singing her a lullaby, playing some soft music, or even try putting her close to the noise of an electric fan. Anything with a constant rhythm will do.

3. Put her in motion.
Sometimes just the motion of carrying your baby around will calm her. Other times maybe you want to try rocking her and even setting her on stop of a running dryer. Another trick is cars, as I'm sure most of you have observed. Almost all babies are soothed by the feeling of riding in a car.

4. Rub her tummy.
At times, something as simple as rubbing your baby's back or tummy may soothe her. This works especially for babies who are having gas pains.

5. Let her suck on something.
Even when she's not hungry, sucking can steady an infant's heart rate, relax her stomach, and calm her flailing limbs. Let her have a pacifier or finger to suck on.

6. Make sure you're taking care of yourself.
No baby ever cried herself to death, but a crying baby can be very stressful for new parents. You're chronically sleep-deprived and may already be unsure about how to care for this baby. Mom's emotions are all over the place due to the hormonal changes she's going through. Dad may not be sure what role he should play in caring for the newborn or whether he'll ever get mom's attention again. Add a crying baby to this scenario and many parents can become overwhelmed with feelings of incompetence. If you know your baby's needs have been met and you've tried to calm her but she's still crying, it's time to take care of yourself so you don't get too frustrated:

- Put your baby down and let her cry for a while.
- Call a friend or relative and ask for advice.
- Give yourself a break and let someone else take over.
- Put on some quiet music to distract yourself.
- Take deep breaths.
- Remind yourself that nothing is wrong with your baby and crying won't hurt her — she may just be having a good cry about something and can't tell you what it is.
- Repeat to yourself, "She will outgrow this phase."Fortunately, babies (and their parents) are resilient and somehow manage to get through even the most difficult crying episodes. Take heart that by the time your baby is 8 to 12 weeks old, she'll be better able to soothe herself and much of the crying will stop.

Now that you've figured out how to calm your baby, perhaps it's time to start investing in a few thing for your baby (or someone else's). EToys, found on the left side of my page, has pretty much everything a parent needs: carriers, car seats, activity gyms, toys, bath toys, feeding equipment for both bottle and breastfed babies, and a lot more!! So check them out. And if you don't need or want anything at the present moment, as least you know where to go when you do. If you need it, they've got it (and even at affordable rates)!

Teething

2006-07-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm sure all of you have either gone through it or are probably dreading it...your baby going through the process of teething! Angelina has begun teething. She has been taking it extremely well. I expected much worse. She gets a little fussy here and there, but for the most part, she doesn't seem to mind. Such a good little baby!

As usual, I have researched information about teething and, of course, have gotten advice from other mothers about it (including my own mother). So I thought I would share the tips and ideas I have gained from other good sources with all of you.

Most infants experience few symptoms from teething besides increased drooling and crankiness. Rarely, however, other symptoms may occur. Here are some of them:
- Irritation of the area around baby's mouth as a result of excessive drooling -- a dab of petroleum jelly can protect her skin.
- Gum swelling or sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- A bluish red blister, called a hematoma, on the gum line, which may bleed a little when the tooth emerges. Call your doctor if the blister lasts for more than a week without the tooth poking through.
- Low-grade fever and diarrhea.

And here are five facts about teething that may come in handy for some of you:
- Most infants have their first tooth erupt between 6 and 8 months of age.
- Teeth usually come up in pairs.
- Bottom front teeth (central incisors) typically emerge first, followed by the top ones. Then the molars and the canine teeth (the pointy ones) appear. Last come the back molars.
- Although parents usually associate "teething" with the few days of discomfort and swelling before and after a tooth erupts, tooth development actually begins in the womb. Primary or "baby" teeth begin to form under the gums during the fifth month of pregnancy and slowly emerge as your infant grows older. But it's not until the teeth start breaking through the gums that things get uncomfortable for baby.
- Baby should have her full set of 20 primary teeth by age 3. Her permanent teeth won't begin to replace them until she's 4 to 6 years old.

And, finally, here are some ideas about helping ease the pain of teething for your little one:
- A teething ring: Soft plastic or liquid-filled rings are the best kinds; some can be frozen for extra numbing comfort. But avoid the type with baubles floating inside, since a determined infant might be able to gnaw through it and swallow the little objects. (Freezing Angelina's teething ring seems to work especially well for her.)
- A safe, firm, nontoxic object: Even something as simple as a wet washcloth that your baby can chew on will provide relief. (My mother and I have also been using this trick on her.)
- Teething gel: In some cases, your child may need an over-the-counter infant teething gel, which will temporarily numb her gums.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen: An age-appropriate dose of an infants' liquid pain reducer can provide temporary relief.
- They also have "teething tablets" and other products out there. Just be sure you read the ingredients and what not before you give them to your baby. I bought some "teething tablets" for Angelina. I tried them on her, and they didn't seem to really do anything that the frozen teething ring wasn't already doing. So I just haven't even been giving them to her. But perhaps those tablets may work better for other babies. As I've said before, babies (just like grown-ups) are all different and all have different wants and needs.

I hope this information has come in handy for some of you. For those of you who have already passed this stage...I'm sure you're smiling right now and being thankful you don't have to deal with this (at least not until you have another-if that's in your plan).

While you're here, go ahead and check out The Nursery Depot. The link, of course, is on the left side of my page. The Nursery Depot is the Internet's largest selection of bedding, furniture, and accessories for your nursery or kid's room. They promise: Great Selection, Guaranteed Low Prices, and a Safe Shopping Guarantee! So if you're looking for nursery furniture, kids' room furniture, or bedding of all sorts...definitely check out The Nursery Depot! They will have what you're looking for, and they'll have the huge selection and prices you've been searching for. They are definitely the place to go if you're creating, remodeling, or just looking to add or change a few things in a nursery or kids' room.

And, as always, have a wonderful day, afternoon, or night...wherever you are!

Bathing Babies

2006-07-23T22:04:00.000-07:00

Angelina is now approaching the move from the baby bath tub to the normal bath tub. She is simply getting to big for her little baby bath tub I have used on her since she was born. While I would love to continue bathing her in the smaller tub (simply because it's easier, and she is used to it), I think her time has finally come. She is six months old (on Tuesday) and ready to launch!

To help me out with this, I have looked up some good tips for moving your baby from the smaller bath tub (or kitchen sink, etc.) to the big tub that might makes things a little easier for all of us.

When your baby is small, you should probably bathe her in the kitchen sink or a special baby tub (as I have been doing). As she gets bigger, the time will come when she may need to be moved into the big, "grown-up" bath tub.

Some things you can do to make that move easier for both you and your baby are:
- If you use a baby tub, try putting it into the bathtub for a few days and bathing your baby inside it. This will get her used to the idea of being bathed inside the big tub instead of elsewhere. I, personally, have always had her little tub inside the big tub because of splashes and what not, but everyone is different. Different practices for different needs, right?
- Take a bath with your baby. Don't hold your baby in your arms when you get in or out, you could slip and fall. Instead, put your baby on the floor on a towel while you get into the bath tub first. Then slowly lift her up and bring her in with you.
- Bathe your baby slowly and gently until he gets used to it. We don't want to rush into things, now do we?
- Never leave your baby alone in a bathtub, even for a minute. If the phone rings wrap her in a towel and take her along, or just let it ring.

Washing a baby in a big tub can be hard on your back, so here are some tips on protecting your own body while bathing your little one:
- Bend from your knees, not from your hips. Use your stronger leg muscles to help when you lift the baby.
- Hold heavy objects, like babies, close to your body.
- Don't lift and twist at the same time. Lift first, then turn.
- When you can, rest lying down with your knees bent and your feet up. It may sound silly, but I've tried this. It really does help.

Now hopefully, using this advice and with some luck, the transition of moving your baby into the big tub won't be quite so difficult for you or her. Just remember, everything that is worth anything takes time and patience. So don't rush anything. Take the time to slow it down and enjoy every moment with your little one as much as you can. I realize there are times when this isn't always possible for many of you. I am a working mother, as well. So I know how frustrating it can be to not have enough time to just enjoy your baby. Thank goodness for weekends, right?

And, of course, if any of you have some time, please stop by my link for The Baby Outlet located on the left side of my page. It has things like strollers, car seats, food and diapers, playpens, toys, and so much more-a lot of it at great closeout prices! Yet another fantastic website to find anything and everything you need for your little one at affordable prices.

As always, thanks for stopping by, and have a great day (or night, depending on where you live)!

Solid Foods

2006-07-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Angelina has begun the process of learning to eat solid foods. I started feeding her baby rice cereal about a month ago, and from there we have progressed to bananas and squash. She is getting pretty good at eating it. At first, she would just shove the food back out of her mouth and look at me as if saying, "Why are you doing this to me?" After a little while though, she learned that maybe she kind of liked some of this stuff. She still hasn't mastered the technique of eating solid foods yet, but she's getting there just fine. One funny thing she does is when she's swallowed what she has in her mouth, instead of opening her mouth for more, she usually sticks her tongue out. It makes me laugh every time. But at least we have a signal worked out that lets me know she's ready for the next spoonful. So I think as long as she grows out of the sticking her tongue out when she's ready for more phase, I think we'll be all right. It wouldn't look very good if she's two years old and still sticks out her tongue before she eats more of her food. :-) Peaches is next on our agenda of foods. I think I'm going to begin letting her have juice very shortly, as she will be six months old on Tuesday, the 25th. As I've said before, they really do grow up way too fast!

One thing I have noticed is that Angelina likes to gnaw on her hand. Not just a finger or her thumb, she likes to stick as much of her hand in her mouth as she can. I realize she is beginning the process of teething, and so far, she hasn't been very grumpy over it. On a related matter, I found an article about children who suck their thumbs. I'm sure there are many of you out there who have children that do this, and you're probably wondering if it's all right for them to be doing that or if you should really "lay down the hammer" and make them stop.

Officially, according to the American Dental Association, thumb sucking likely won't cause dental problems if they quit before they get their permanent teeth. Children's permanent teeth generally start coming in around the age of six years old.

Thumb sucking is not an easy habit to break. So getting started earlier rather than later is probably a good idea. First, simply talk to your child. Explain that big kids don't suck their thumbs and that doing it will ruin their pretty teeth. You might want to try putting a bandage on their thumb to remind them. It's also safe, as silly as it sounds, to coat their thumb with lemon juice or one of those bitter solutions sold at pharmacies for this purpose. Some children suck their thumbs in their sleep. If this is the case, you can try putting a sock or mitten on their hand at night.

When you see your child with their thumb out of their mouth, make a big deal out of it. It's all right to offer them a small reward, too. Whatever you do, make it clear that you're not punishing them. If this process really upsets her, it's okay to stop for a while. The same thing applies if there's anything stressful happening in their life at the time (starting a new preschool, a new baby at home, etc.)

If you try this over a period of time and none of it seems to work, your dentist can fit her for a mouthpiece that makes thumb sucking physically impossible. But by all means, before you resort to this measure, just remember - you have plenty of time. This isn't something that's going to change overnight.

And if you have some time, go ahead and click on my WeShipBabyGifts link at the top of my page. Whether you're trying to find a gift for a brand new baby, a baby shower, for the mommy or daddy, or even for twins or triplets...I guarantee WeShipBabyGifts will have exactly what you're looking for. They will even personalize gifts just for that specific little one (or big one-mom or dad). They also have a very easy return policy if what you get maybe wasn't quite what you were looking for. So if nothing else, at least check it out. I'm sure there are many of you trying to figure out what to get a certain little baby (or babies), whether it's your own or someone else's.

Thanks for stopping in!

Why Use Dreft?

2006-07-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello again!!

I thought I would discuss the use of Dreft, and other laundry soaps, on your babies' clothes today. I have been using Dreft on Angelina since she was born, and I've been wondering how soon I can switch to regular laundry soap for her clothes. I'm sure there are many of you out there wondering why you shouldn't just use regular laundry detergent on your babies' clothes from Day One. Well, today I'm going to tell you more about Dreft and why it's probably a little better to use it over other laundry detergents (as least for a while after your little one is born).

For one, Dreft has been around for 70 years. This isn't a new product that just came out. The fact alone that it's lasted so long and has continued to remain fairly popular should tell you something all by itself.

One of the reasons Dreft has been around for so long is because it's specifically formulated to help clean tough baby and toddler stains, and it rinses away thoroughly, leaving clothes virtually residue free. And that ensures a gentle, soft feeling against your baby's skin.

Dreft can also be used on all of your family's laundry needs, not just your babies'. It can be especially helpful for a family member who may have very sensitive skin (or skin allergies).

Pediatricians also recommend Dreft for use with baby laundry more than any other laundry detergent out there.

Dreft does not harm or diminish the flame resistance of children's sleepwear. It is, however, discouraged to use any fabric softener on children's sleepwear or other garments labeled as flame resistance. This could reduce flame resistance.

Dreft should generally be used for the first 18 months to 2 years. This will vary, of course, based on your laundry habits and your child's skin type. So I still have a while to use it on Angelina.

I'm sure many of you have seen Ivory Snow advertised or have even seen it in the store. The difference between Dreft and Ivory Snow is simple. Ivory Snow has been formulated for use in the gentle cycle. It is designed primarily for delicate garments such as silks or washable wools. Dreft is the first detergent designed for baby's laundry and is the #1 choice of Pediatricians.

If you're someone who doesn't have a lot of money, like me, it might help to check prices at different stores for Dreft. You may also want to check http://www.brandsaver.com. They often have good deals or rebates available.

Like pretty much every other product out there, you can buy Dreft in stores near you, or you can go ahead and order it online. It's all up to you. I generally just grab some in the store, but there are times (especially when it comes to diapers) when buying things online or in bulk can save you some money.

If you would like to get some samples of Dreft, you can try http://www.brandsaver.com, as well.

Well, that about covers my Dreft posting. Like I said, I'm not telling all of you that you have to use Dreft on your baby's clothes. I'm just saying it doesn't hurt. I have also heard that using Dreft helps reduce the chance of your baby getting skin allergies. Dreft, as you saw above, rinses virtually residue free. This helps prevent the chance of your baby becoming allergic to certain things. When babies are introduced to too much at once when they're so little, they have the tendency to become allergic to some of those things. It's just a precaution, and it's generally worth it for most babies.

I know there's also an All Baby Detergent out there. I have used that before, as well. I use Dreft majority of the time, however. So if you can't afford the Dreft, as I know it is pretty spendy, it's nice to try to get even the cheaper version (like Ivory Snow or All for Babies).

Once you're finished reading my very informative article (wink, wink), go ahead and check out my MiniTots link at the top of my page. They have everything there from high chairs to diaper bags to crib bedding to feeding accessories to...well, you get the picture. Seriously everyone, go ahead and look around the website. I guarantee you'll find something you and your baby could use or maybe just plain and simple want. If it makes you're life easier or makes either of you happier, it's worth it!

Have a great day, everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

MUCH Too Hot for MY Liking!

2006-07-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody. I'm sorry I haven't posted for a couple of days. I do have a very good excuse, believe it or not. My weekend hasn't exactly been fun-filled. Well, it actually started off good. I received my new car seat from Mothercare on Friday. And yes, I have a link at the bottom of my page that will take you directly to Mothercare's website if you so desire. Her new car seat is so cute!! Her first car seat was actually a "hand-me-down" from my sister. It got the job done but wasn't very cute. So I decided to go ahead and get her a new one this time. It's wonderful. My brother's wife just had their new little baby, and they're already trying to steal my new car seat. I told them "no"! They can just wait their turn! :-) And Mothercare is a fantastic source for pretty much anything you need for your baby. Just so everyone is clear, I have bought things from each website I have on my page here. I wouldn't post them on my website if I didn't know about them. The quality on all their stuff is great. Not to mention, I don't have very much money. And I have found things from each website that even I could afford for my daughter. Now for those of you who have the money to spend, they have "more expensive" products, as well. I know for a fact I could easily spend $10,000 or more on Angelina. And you just wait. Someday I will have the money to do just that. For now, she gets what she needs and some of what she wants when I can afford it. But luckily, as a baby, they don't really "want" too much...besides lots of love and attention. And I can give that to her.

It got up to 109 degrees here on Saturday, and guess what?!! The air conditioning in my apartment decided to stop working. I (and especially Angelina) could not handle the heat very long. We were out of there once it got up to 82 degrees inside our apartment. I grabbed her and we headed out to my mother's. I called my landlords along the way and informed them of the issue. We were assuming that perhaps it was just too hot outside for the central air to keep up. That's why we didn't call sooner. Well, we were wrong. And the soonest the central air repairman could get to my apartment was Tuesday (today). So it has been a very interesting past few days. We have been bonding with my mom and dad. But the central air is working fine now, and I am back. So I can continue my blog. :-)

This "incident" made me think of a good topic for today: How and Why to Keep your Baby Cool. It is imperative to keep your babies cool. The younger they are, the more important it is. Babies' bodies are not fully capable of cooling themselves like ours are. They're still little and growing. So if you let a baby get too warm, the results could be very dangerous. To protect your babies from the heat (and sun):

1. Dress your baby in light weight, light colored clothing.
2. Apply sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30. The higher the SPF, the better.
3. If you are outside with your baby, try to keep them in the shade and out of the sunshine as much as possible.
4. Make sure your baby is consuming plenty of fluids - for a baby, mainly water and milk. Older infants (around six months and up) may consume juices, as well.
5. Keep children inside as much as possible (especially babies one year and under) between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on extremely hot, humid days.
6. Watch carefully for danger signs:
- lack of appetite
- vomiting
- heavy sweating
- muscle cramps
- cold, sweaty skin
7. If your child does show any of these signs, you should:
- have the child rest in a cool place
- keep the child quiet
- give the child lots of fluids
- if symptoms are severe or continue, seek medical attention
8. And remember, children of any age should never be left alone in a car - even if the windows are rolled down.

You should also watch for signs of actual Heat Exhaustion. Here's some common signs of Heat Exhaustion (in children and adults):

- heavy sweating
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- headaches
- difficulty Breathing
- hyperventilation
- anxiety
- mental Confusion
- fainting
- weak pulse
- pale, clammy skin

If you observe any of these signs, you should immediately:

- get victim out of the heat
- give victim sips of cool water
- loosen victim's clothing
- seek medical attention

If left untreated, a victim of heat exhaustion may suffer heat stroke, which can be fatal.

And last, but certainly not least, watch for signs of an actual heat stroke. They include:

- it comes on suddenly
- body temperature rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or more
- victim becomes confused or delirious
- victim stops perspiring and his skin becomes hot, dry and flushed.
- pulse rate increases
- vomiting
- victim becomes unconscious

If you notice your baby/child (or anyone else around you) experiencing any of these signs, you should:

- get victim out of the heat
- seek medical help immediately
- loosen victim's clothing
- apply ice packs to the back of the victim's neck, behind the knees, and under the arms (wherever blood vessels lie close to the skin)
- fan the victim until medical help arrives

I'm sure there are other people out there who have been surviving as well through these oh so hot days. So this information should be very helpful to a lot of you (depending on where you live). Now if you live in Antarctica, you probably won't care too much about this post. :-)

Just remember to have fun, but be safe out there! The heat can be very hazardous to all of us, but children/babies are at an even higher risk.

The End of a Long Day

2006-07-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a day. Nothing particularly exciting or new happened, but I'm just dead tired. One of the biggest things to prepare yourself for when you're expecting a child is...be ready to be extremely exhausted!! I have been extremely lucky with Angelina, as she was sleeping through nearly the entire night by the age of two months. I know there are many, many mothers out there who are not as fortunate. So I try not to complain. But after working all day and everything else that goes on in between and after work, it's good to be able to say tomorrow is Friday.

I thought while I'm on the topic about sleeping, which I am about to do here very shortly, I would give some tips about helping your baby fall asleep and stay asleep better at night. I realize there are countless tips and ideas out there, but I thought I would name a few that seem to work for me. Perhaps some other time I will share more ideas with you that I have heard about helping babies fall asleep, because believe me, I've heard and read about a lot of them. As for tonight, I'm simply too exhausted to get into all of that. Sorry everyone.

One important thing to do (at least for Angelina and me) is to keep a routine. A daily routine that is consistent but also flexible enough to meet your baby's changing needs helps your baby know that you will be there when they need you. This comforts them, because they know they can "count on you". That comforts all of us, doesn't it? Routine helps build the trust needed so your baby can feel secure and loved. Once again, something we all want.

Having a transition time also seems to help with Angelina. A consistent bedtime routine helps your baby through the gradual transition of being away from you at night. This transition period may consist of anything (but not limited to) bathtime, feeding, cuddling, singing a lullaby, and (of course) tucking your baby in. I do most of these things with Angelina almost every night. The only thing that changes in our routine is bathtime, as I don't give her a bath every, single day. I usually give her a bath once every two days. I have heard that giving babies baths too often can dry out their skin. I realize this is probably more crucial when they are newborn, but this is simply part of our routine. And our routine seems to work pretty well for us, so I'm not going to mess with that unless I have to. Your baby may develop an attachment to a blankie or another comforting object. This is perfectly normal and acceptable.

It is also important to practice routines that help your baby learn how to settle themself or return to sleep on their own. There have been several times Angelina has woken up or hasn't been completely asleep when I've put her to bed. As long as you know there is nothing wrong with your baby, it is perfectly all right to let them put themself to sleep (whether it's the "beginning" of bedtime or when they happen to wake up). You learn to decipher when they actually need something or when something is bothering them by the sounds they make and such. Trust me. You will learn all of this very quickly. Your baby is a part of you, and most of us know ourselves very well (as silly as that sounds). Like I said before, do not automatically reward your baby with a feeding or by rocking them back to sleep when they happen to wake up. Try (as hard as it may seem at first) to keep your interaction with them brief when nighttime waking occurs. This will be best for the both of you in the end. Like I said, you'll know if there is actually something seriously wrong with your little one. A little fussing and such is not going to hurt them when they wake up in the night. If you play your cards right, they will usually learn just fine on their own how to put themselves back to sleep.

There are obviously so many other tips and bits of advice I could give you-things I've learned on my own and read and heard from other sources (as I said before). But mommy is very tired and needs her sleep now that baby has gone to bed. My nighttime "chores" (dishes, cleaning up, laundry, etc.) are finished. I'm going to bed. I hope this information has been helpful to some of you out there. Babies are people, and they are all so different from one another. So something that works for one baby may not work for another. That is why the tips I have given tonight are "common" tips that generally help all babies fall asleep, no matter what their personality is. And while all babies are different, just like all of us "grown ups" are different...they all have one thing in common-they are all perfect, even when they're being "not so perfect".

She Finally Rolled Over!

2006-07-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Angelina has finally conquered rolling over from back to front on her own. She hasn't quite figured out how to roll from front to back, however. I'm sure she will learn this step in a fairly short period of time. She's also attempting to being crawling from the looks of it. I'm sure she will conquer that task before I know it, as well. She seems to learn very quickly. While they can begin rolling over on their own even by the time they are only 1-3 months old, I'm still very proud of my little girl. The first time she did it, she lifted her head up and looked around with this expression that said, "Did anybody see me do that? Aren't you proud of me?" It was so cute! She's going to be walking before I know it! She has changed so much in such a short period of time! It's hard to believe. It seems like she was just born a few days ago, and she's already 5 1/2 months old and doing so many things all by herself. They really do grow up way too fast! I never really believed that phrase when I heard other parents say that before I had Angelina, but oh yes, it's very true. It's actually extremely amazing to just watch little babies and how quickly they learn and take in information and actions. I love it, but at the same time it saddens me because I feel like she's already growing up way too fast.

I have done my research, as well, about what babies should be doing at certain stages. There are so many different sources out there. It's very hard to figure out where to go for the right information. I have compiled a list for everyone telling you all what babies should be doing at certain stages from 0-6 months. It comes from a reputable source, so hopefully this will help some of you (just in case you'd like to know what you're child should be doing and when). I would list what they should be doing from 6 months on, but this is already an awful lot of information. I will post that information as we go. I'm just another first time mother trying to share my experiences with all of you. As I'm sure all of you mothers have found out, you learn so much when you have a child. You just continue learning as they grow up and as/if you have more children. Being a parent is a long educational (but fun) process. A process I wouldn't give up for the world. Below you will find my list telling you what most babies are doing at certain ages.

One Month
- Most babies should be able to lift their head, respond to sound, and stare at faces.
- About 50 percent of babies will be able to follow objects, make ooohh and ahhh sounds, and can also see black-and-white patterns.
- A few babies can smile, laugh, and hold their head at a 45-degree angle.

Two Months
- Most babies can vocalize sounds - gurgling and cooing, follow objects, and hold their head up for short periods of time.
- About 50 percent of babies will be able to smile, laugh, hold their head at a 45-degree angle, and their movements may start becoming smoother at this point.
- A few babies can hold their head steady, bear the weight of their body on their legs, and may be able to lift their head and shoulders with their arms (a mini-pushup).

Three Months
- Most babies can laugh, hold their head steady, and recognize their parent's voice and scent.
- About 50 percent of babies will be able to squeal, gurgle, coo, recognize a parent's voice, and do mini-pushups.
- A few babies can turn toward loud sounds, bring hands together and may bat at toys, and might also be able to roll over by this time.

Four Months
- Most babies can hold their head up steadily, can bear the weight of their body on their legs, and coos when you talk to them.
- About 50 percent of babies can grasp a toy by now, reach out for objects, and can roll over.
- A few babies can imitate speech sounds - baba and dada, may cut their first tooth, and might be ready for solid foods.

Five Months
- Most babies can distinguish between different bold colors and are working on more subtle differences in pastels, can roll over on their own, and can amuse themself by playing with their hands and feet.
- About 50 percent of babies can turn toward new sounds and can also recognize their own name.
- A few babies may sit momentarily without support at this stage, mouth objects, and stranger anxiety may begin now, as well.

Six Months
- Most babies can turn toward sounds and voices, imitate sounds and blow bubbles, and roll in both directions by now.
- About 50 percent of babies can reach for objects and mouth them, sit without support, and are definitely ready for solid foods.
- A few babies may lunge forward or start crawling, may jabber or combine syllables, and may drag an object toward themself.

I hope all of this has been of some benefit to many of you. I plan to continue to update all of you what babies should be doing every month now as my daughter grows. I know, I know. It's all focused around my baby. But it helps me remember this information as well as benefit the rest of you. And for those of you who have looked at this list and think that some of your children are "behind" or "slow". DON'T! My daughter has done some of the things on this list early while some of them she still hasn't even gotten to yet. Angelina was laughing and turning toward sounds at such a very early stage (at about two months), but she just now figured out how to roll over. She wasn't too far behind, but believe me when I say these charts are nothing but a guideline. If you're child isn't doing something exactly when the chart says they should be, it doesn't mean you're baby isn't smart or anything of the sort.

That's all for today. I hope this has helped some of you or even just entertained or amused you. Have a good day (or night) everyone!

Tylenol Infants' Drops

2006-07-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

I would like to discuss Tylenol Infants' Drop today. My daughter was recently ill. She had a pretty stuffy nose and was also coughing a little too much for me to be comfortable. She was about 4 1/2 months old at the time. I took her to see her doctor, and he recommended giving her a nebulizer treatment every four hours and giving her about 0.12 mL of the Tylenol Infants' Drops (Cold and Cough). This all actually worked very well. She was coughing less and breather much easier within minutes after giving her the nebulizer treatment, and the Tylenol seemed to kick in within approximately 20 minutes.

I was actually wondering if any of you have experienced a problem I came across concerning the Tylenol Infants' Drops. When she was running low on her drops, I attempted to get more from our local Wal-Mart. It was around 9:20 p.m. on a Saturday night, and the pharmacy was closed. I couldn't get any. I couldn't get a tiny little bottle of her drops because of the new system they have to try to prevent people from using one of the ingredients in it to make drugs. In order to purchase the Tylenol, you need to get it directly from a pharmacist and let them see your photo I.D. I asked if someone else could help me with it. I was more than willing to let them see my photo I.D. I just needed some medicine for my sick, little 4 1/2 month old daughter. The answer was "no". A pharmacist had to get it for me, and the pharmacy, as I mentioned before, was closed until Tuesday. The pharmacy is always closed on Sundays, and Monday was a holiday. I couldn't believe it, to say the very least. I am all for stopping the manufacture of drugs and what not, but when my daughter is sick and needs medicine, a mother should be able to get her the medicine she needs. I promptly informed them of this, and it, as I'm sure you can assume, did absolutely no good. Not only did they not help me, they were actually very rude to me, as well.

After this "incident", I stopped off at the grocery store on my way back home. I wanted to see if, by chance, the pharmacy was open until 10:00 p.m. there so I could get her medicine. There was no way she could make it two days without that medicine. The pharmacy at the grocery was turned out to be closed. However, I was able to buy her drops without a problems. They were sitting out on the shelves, and I wasn't "carded" or anything of the sort when I checked out. This made me feel a lot better, but at the same time it really disappointed me what Wal-Mart had done. If every store in town had been following that "system", I would have had to take my daughter to the emergency room simply to get some over-the-counter Tylenol Infants' Drops!! How ridiculous is that?!

I am wondering if anyone else has gone through this or something like it. I would like to know. And I would also like to know if anyone believes I am over-reacting on this subject. I think it's ridiculous. The Tylenol Infants' Drops bottles are so tiny that you would have to buy at least a dozen to actually do anything with them when it comes to "manufacturing drugs". I guess sometimes I just wonder what this world is coming to and what I am bringing my daughter into. It saddens me at times. Why do certain people out there have to "ruin" the world for everyone else? That's life, isn't it?

Formulas, Formulas, and MORE Formulas

2006-06-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hello again, everyone! I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post again, but things have been very busy lately, as my brother's wedding was this last weekend (in which I was a Bride's Maid), and my sister's wedding is in about a month (in which I am the Maid of Honor). So, as I'm sure you can imagine, I've been running, running, running trying to get everything taken care of without just going completely crazy.

Well, I figured I would share with all of you the fun experience I have been going through with my daugther and choosing the right formula for her as she seems to have a sensative tummy. I realize breastfeeding is the best thing for a baby. HOWEVER, I tried breastfeeding my daugther for a little more than a month, and guess what? I don't think I was meant to breastfeed. Unfortunately, I'm one of the few women out there that simply, honest to goodness, do not produce enough milk. This is not unusal, as my grandmother (my mother's mother) was the same way. I caught it soon enough that it wasn't hurting my daughter before I switched her to formula. My mother, on the other hand, was a VERY tiny little girl for her age when her parents finally realized that her mother did not produce enough milk to breastfeed. So, as I said, I realize breastfeeding is best, but not when you just don't produce enough milk.

The original topic I wanted to discuss was formula. If any of you do (or have) formula feed your children, what brands have worked for you? I am curious to know. My daugther began on Enfamil (Lipil with Iron). This formula, I believe, would work well for most babies. It's the closest thing they have to a mother's breastmilk. It also promotes brain and eye development. However, I truly believed my daughther was either lactose intolerant (because her father is) or simply had a very sensitive tummy. So after about a month of her spitting up quite often and always seeming to have gas, no matter what I did, I switched her to Enfamil (Prosobee Lipil). The Prosobee Lipil is pretty much soy milk instead of dairy milk for babies. This seemed to help a little bit, but the poor little girl was still spitting up and having more gas than the average baby out there. And TRUST ME, I tried everything. I burped her. I made sure she stayed upright for at least an hour after eating. I didn't move her around too much after she ate. Nothing seemed to work. She was still spitting up and having an awful lot of gas. So FINALLY, I have switched her to Enfamil (A.R. Lipil). This is meant for babies who spit up frequently. It is a milk-based formula thickened with rice starch. The fact that it is milk-based proves my theory of Angelina being lactose intolerant to be incorrect, as the Enfamil A.R. Lipil is working very well. It is easier to digest for little babies' bodies and reduces spit up by over 40%. The A.R. Lipil actually seems to be working!! Finally!! She hardy spits up at all anymore, and the gas she was always having problems with is virtually gone. I love it. It makes me feel so wonderful to know she doesn't have that nasty gas bothering her anymore. Because gas can be really uncomfortable for little ones! I'm sure the other mothers out there already know that. Poor little things! They're so innocent and just don't have the ability to stop painful things like that themselves. That's what we (the mothers and fathers) are for!

So for those of you are are expecting mothers or trying to decide if your child should be breastfed or bottle fed, please choose to breastfeed, if possible. It really is best. However, if you just don't seem to produce enough milk to do that or are just one of those mothers who can't because of time or other problems (I know there are several reasons out there), just try to pick the best formula for your baby out there. I wrote this post to try to assist any of you who are trying to decide whether or not to breastfeed or trying to decide the best formula to use. Enfamil really is a good brand for bottle fed babies, as they have many different types of formula to meet all babies' different and special needs. If you need more information on all the formulas (and other products they offer), www.enfamil.com is a wonderful website. If you click on "Products" and then look to the left side of your screen. There are several options there to help you find what you're looking for. You can see ALL of the formulas they offer by clicking on "Family of Formulas" or you can let the website help you find the best formula for your baby by clicking on "Formula Finder". Or just search around yourself and see what you can find. It's an easy but also very useful and informative website.

That's all for now. I hope to post more frequently from now on. Things have slowed down a little, which is a very nice break for me (and Angelina).

The Beginning of this Journey

2006-06-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

My name is Laura, and I am a first-time mother (as I'm sure you've figured out by now). I have decided to create this Blog to share with everyone who would like to hear about the new things I run into everyday with my new little girl. Her name is Angelina, and she is my angel. I will talk about things I learn as I go along and other things I have already learned, and other interesting instances and stories along the way (as I have a rather hectic, but intriguing life). The point of this Blog is to possibly educate and help other first-time mothers out there going through the same things I am and also to perhaps amuse the more experienced mothers reading this and give them a chuckle. If anyone has comments and/or stories they would like to add, please feel free. My goal is to make this entertaining, enjoyable, and a little educational. I will attempt to post a new entry everyday as I run into and learn funny things every, single day, usually concerning my daugther but sometimes including other aspects of my life. I am young, but I have learned a lot already, and since I never had a younger sibling...I would like to help prevent other people out there from making some of the mistakes I have (and still do) and also to help anyone else in my fun but somtimes very stressful "position".

So, as I said before, feel free to comment and ask me questions. I look forward to telling everyone about my beautiful little girl and all the other wacky, sad, happy, depressing, amazing, etc. things that happen in our lives.