Baby Health, Baby Care, Baby Information, Baby Development

Important Health And Eye Baby Care Tips

2009-03-16T01:36:00.000-07:00

Baby care tips are so important for the health and eyes of each little bundle of joy. The care given in the first few years of life can make a difference for the rest of their lives. The medical professionals discover great information in order to provide health and eye baby care tips on a regular basis so parents have great help in their parenting duties. Parents are especially anxious with their first baby so health and eye baby care tips can relieve some worry. Sometimes parents see very normal symptoms, but they get worried because they are not exactly comfortable with a change that occurs in the appearance or behavior of their baby.

Eyes seem to be delicate organs, and new parents often worry with each change they see in the baby’s eyes. Sometimes the eyes of the baby drain some type of substance that does not look so good and parents panic. Medical professionals will try to help them relax by providing them with information on the natural mechanisms for protection of the eyes. A discharge could look awful to a new parent, but this could just be a natural process. Parents might be advised to gently bathe the eyelids but not to worry because some of these discharges are perfectly normal.

Health and Eye Baby Care Tips Are Good Preventive Measures

All parents should check carefully with their pediatrician on a regular basis to make sure that they are getting health and eye baby care tips for optimum results. Newborn babies are immediately checked out by a pediatrician to make sure that there are no significant health care concerns due to the birthing process. The pediatrician will recommend breast feeding for the optimum health of each baby in most cases. Some mothers do not feel comfortable with breast feeding, and the pediatrician will then recommend a proper formula for the health of the baby.

The pediatrician will also recommend a schedule for vaccinations to make sure that each baby has immunization against awful diseases. These shots have made a great difference for the health of children over the years. Parents will want to follow these instructions as these are important health and eye baby care tips. The doctors will also provide parents with information on the care of their child. These health and eye baby care tips will be based on the training and experience of this highly trained medical professional. Parents should carefully follow the directions of those who have this invaluable knowledge.

About the Author
Ann Marier has written many articles on health problems and useful house and garden Topics. More articles on Baby Care

Published At: www.Isnare.com

Baby Boomer Health

2008-04-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

Baby boomer health is a big issue for today’s seniors. Fortunately the focus isn’t so much on which of the many ailments people will be stricken with and how soon. With all of the advances that have been made in the field of medical science, people are living longer and they’re spending their later years healthier, too. That’s why much of the talk about Baby boomer health revolves around keeping mentally and physically fit.

Perhaps that’s because the one thing that has set the Baby boomer generation apart since its beginning has been the focus on the self. As this generation grows older past behaviors that may have been considered selfish or self-indulgent are being replaced with behavior that’s focused on self-preservation. And that’s a truly beneficial change, especially when you consider the impact that this generation has had on trends.

Which senior health issues matter most?

With a lifetime of focusing on the self, today’s Baby boomers place much emphasis on maintaining a youthful appearance. Fortunately they are smart enough to understand that looking and feeling good are totally within their control. That may even explain why so many older people have finally started replacing their bad habits with good ones such as regular exercise and a healthy diet. Eating right and exercising can help the body perform optimally and perhaps even more importantly, it may help reduce or eliminate the need for costly prescription medication.

Another Baby boomer health issue that has grown enormously popular is anti-aging. Baby boomers realize that they cannot stop the clock from ticking but they’re also not willing to sit back and do nothing about it either. That quest for eternal youth is what’s fueling the market for new products that promise to stop or reverse the effects of aging. Baby boomers are buying up nutritional supplements, creams, lotions, ointments, elixirs, spa treatments and more almost as fast as these products come to market. It’s a billion-dollar industry that shows no signs of slowing.

Baby boomers know too that many of their worn out body parts can be replaced, but unfortunately the costs of replacement surgery is high. Interestingly, figuring out how they’re going to afford to pay for all of the surgeries, the prescription medications and the anti-aging products that they’ve been led to believe they need is another of the big Baby boomer health issues seniors are facing. It’s easy to lose track of the fact that the quest for eternal youth and longevity is coming at a very high cost for many.

What’s the answer?

While science and technology can do a lot to enhance Baby boomer health, there’s a lot you can do without having to resort to such extreme and expensive measures. For example, you can reap tremendous rewards just by making the right choices when it comes to diet and exercise. But even protecting yourself against the sun’s damaging rays, quitting smoking and reducing stress can takes years off your appearance. So don’t wait any longer. Start taking better care of yourself today!

About the Author
Submitted By: BoomJ
Baby Boomers

Published At: www.Isnare.com

Baby Shower Gift Wrap - Packing Is Equally Important

2007-10-09T01:04:00.000-07:00

An interesting baby shower gift wrap arouses the curiosity of the receiver. Therefore, try to make your gift-wrapping as innovative as possible. Pregnancy celebration is an occasion of happiness and the baby shower gifts should reflect the happy environment making it essential for the baby shower gift-wrap to be stunning. The following tips will give you great ideas regarding creating innovative gift-wrapping.

Color Scheme For The Gift Wrap

The color of the baby shower gift-wrap is an important feature because this will give the attractive look to the wrap. However, you need to choose the color according to the sex of the baby. If you know the same, you should wrap the gift in baby girl pink for a female baby and baby boy blue for a male baby.

However, if you do not know the sex of the baby, you should use white or neutral colors like yellow and green for wrapping the baby shower gifts and two ribbons instead of one for tying the same. You should use one pink ribbon and one blue ribbon and tie them together to form a bow on the front of the package displaying both the colors. The back of the package should be taped.

If you have a particular theme for the pregnancy celebration and if you have selected baby shower gifts matching the theme, you should select a baby shower gift-wrap that would also be in conformity with the theme.

Topping

A baby shower gift-wrap can be adorned even further by adding a beautiful topping to the wrap. There are many options available for use as a topping. You can choose any cute little item such as a rattle, baby mittens, teething ring, small picture frame, hair bow, small stuffed toy or a Christmas ornament. The topping that you select can be tied to the ribbon on the gift-wrap. Besides enhancing the look of the wrap, the topping can also be used by the baby.

Teddy Bear Gift Wrap

Most children love teddy bears and you can use a teddy bear gift-wrap for wrapping the baby shower gift. The wrapping paper should have prints of a teddy bear on it. A soft cocoa colored wrapping paper can also be used. As an alternative, you can also take a small teddy bear and tie it on top of the package with a white or brown bow. Teddy bear rattles or teddy bear teething rings can also be used for this purpose.

You can also use a duck theme for wrapping the baby shower gift. Yellow paper or any paper with ducks printed on it can be used and a large orange ribbon should be tied on the package.

Create Your Own Designs

You can let your imagination run wild and dig up all your creative talents in order to come up with new innovative ideas regarding wrapping the baby shower gifts. When you create some new design that looks attractive, it will not only be appreciated by all the guests at the baby shower, but it will also provide immense satisfaction at the thought that your baby shower gift-wrap is the best.

An attractive and innovative baby shower gift wrap adds to the beauty and charm of the baby shower gift. It reflects your care and affection for the would-be mom. Pregnancy celebrations adds the joy and excitement for the unborn baby and makes the would-be mom feel special. Visit The Baby Shower for great innovative ideas for baby shower parties, pregnancy and maternity clothes, breastfeeding and other related issues.

Source: http://www.amazines.com/

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New Baby Care 101

2007-07-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

New parents face many problems and issues that they are expected to understand and deal with immediately. Unfortunately, newborns do not come with an instruction book so here are a few topics that you may need to know about.

Bathing your baby: Until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off one to two weeks after their birth, only give her sponge baths. A cotton ball or cotton swab dampened with alcohol can help to dry the umbilical stump or follow your pediatrician’s directions. After the stump falls off, you can give him a bath in a sink or shallow tub.

Caesarian delivery: A caesarian is usually performed to make delivery safer for you or your baby. C-sections can be done for many different reasons including stalled labor, complicated labor, problems with the baby that may make delivery difficult, or other problems. It does not matter if you deliver vaginally or by a caesarian section, you are still a mother with a beautiful new blessing.

Circumcision: Many doctors agree that there may be some benefit to circumcision, but it may not be absolutely necessary. It may help to lower the risk of urinary tract infections and eliminates just about any chance of penile cancer. Circumcision does not cause long-term emotional problems for your child.

Crib death (SIDS): Many studies have been done regarding SIDS. Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitely defined, there are some correlations that have been made between SIDS and the following things:

Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS than females

Prematurity makes it more likely

Minority children are affected by it more often than non-minorities

More children of young, single mothers die from it

Children who live in a home with one or more smokers are more likely to be affected

Some people say that sleeping with your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS, but the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree with this statement and go on to say that there is a greater risk of SIDS in babies who co-sleep.

Back sleeping is what most pediatricians recommend for babies to decrease the SIDS risk. The reason for this is widely debated between health experts. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

About The Author
Melida Cohen is wife, and mother of 3 beautiful children ages, 1, 7, and 8. She is author of "Baby's First Year: Everything You Should Know but Probably Don't," and is currently a stay at home mom. Her goal is to empower new moms and mothers to be.

Baby Nursery Decorating Ideas

2007-07-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

Decorating your baby’s nursery is certainly exciting and a lot of fun. As well as creating a soothing environment, your baby’s nursery should be practical and safe. Here are nine things to consider...

1. Make sure there are no electrical switches, blind cords or other hazards where baby can reach them.

2. Try to plan a nursery your child won’t outgrow. Choose a theme that’s classic and both you and baby can live with for some time. It can be expensive and time consuming if the nursery dates too quickly.

3. You don’t have to stick to traditional baby colors such as pink for girls and blue for boys. With the huge range of paint colors available now you can experiment a little.

4. For an extra special touch try painting a mural on one of the walls. If art isn’t really your forte you can usually find a good local artists willing to take the job on for a reasonable price. You can also stencil a border around the room or stencil in your favorite poem or verse.

5. When choosing the furniture, make sure it’s functional. You’ll need a crib, changing table, and storage for clothes. You may also want a moses basket or basinet. It’s always smart to think ahead and invest in convertible furniture like a crib which turns into a toddler bed or a change table/dresser which can later be used as a dresser only. This will cost a little bit more but will actually save you from having to invest in furniture again in a few years.

6. If space allows, one of the must have items for new parents is a comfortable chair. A good chair will be an investment but it will last for years. It’s important to have a quiet place where you can easily feed and spend some quality time bonding with baby… it will also save you from future back problems!

7. Invest in comfortable bedding. Bedding should be made of quality materials and follow all the baby safety guidelines. A good bedding set will cost a little bit more, but for the decorative pieces like the bumper you’ll only need one good set. Then simply stock up on good quality fitted sheets which are less expensive and you can change on a regular basis.

8. If you’re going for wooden or bare floors place an area rug in the center. When babies starts to crawl and explore a soft surface will be a lot safer and nicer for them.

9. Try to avoid bright colors in the nursery as they can over stimulate and cause anxiety in babies and young children. Instead go for a range of neutral and soothing colors.

source: http://www.momscape.com

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Baby Clothes - Hints and Tips

2007-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Baby clothes are really expensive, and because your child grows so fast in the first couple of years, these clothes are going to have a very short life. To maximise the wear we need to look at how we take care of them, how we can get wear from them, for longer and how we might save money, if we buy the right things initially.

Buying

* The first thing to remember when buying children's clothing is, they must be comfortable to wear, easy to put on and above all else, washable.

* Buy clothes with elasticated waistbands and trousers or skirts with shoulder straps. This makes letting down or adjusting easier.

* Buy socks without shaped heels they can then grow with your child. Try to stick to one or two colors and brands – this way you will always have a replacement if you lose one.

* Put extra buttons on dungaree, skirt or dress straps – This way you can lengthen them as your child grows.

* Always try to buy natural fibres, rather than man made .The man made fibres don't breathe as well as natural fibres and this can cause your child to get too hot, especially in summer.

Maximizing Wear

* Sleep suit getting too short? – For comfort cut off the feet and you will get another month s wear, at least.

* Add another tier to a tiered skirt, by using identical or contrasting material.

* Trousers or jeans that have become too short, or worn at the knees – can be cut down and made into shorts for the summer.

* Make summer pyjamas by cutting off the arms and legs of a pair of winter pyjamas.

* Don't throw away an expensive jacket if your child has out grown it – remove the sleeves and turn it into a smart waistcoat for your child.

* When you've let down a pair of jeans or dungarees, you can normally see a white line where the fabric has been creased. Make it less noticeable by blending it into the fabric by running a dark blue crayon along the line. A fountain pen or indelible marker also works.

Care Washing Tips

* One tip that seems obvious but is often ignored – the manufacturers washing instructions that you will find in the garment labels. Manufacturers of fabric spend vast amounts of money to find out what are the best washing conditions for their goods. So always try and wash as instructed, it does help clothes last longer.

* Use a fabric protector to spray collars, cuffs and knees of garments, any spills will form into beads and can be easily wiped clean.

* Get grimy soiled socks clean by soaking them in a water and washing soda solution before washing.

* White cotton socks can be revitalised by boiling them in water with a slice of lemon.

* Instead of bleach add vinegar to the water as an alternative.

* Sneakers can be kept looking new by spraying them with starch before wearing them for the first time – this will stop dirt from getting embedded.

* A soap filled scouring pad is great for sneakers or any fabric shoes.

* Rub white shoes with a raw potato cut in half, or alcohol, before cleaning. Keep them white by spraying with hairspray – This prevents the polish from coming off and keeps them looking new.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John tries to combine his role as a SAHD with work as a freelance writer. Home is a small village in West Yorkshire England, where he lives happily with his wife and two young daughters. (Georgia who is nearly 3yrs and Olivia aged 16 months.)

Starting solid food: Everything you need to know

2007-06-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

10 Things You Need to Know

1. Make sure your baby is ready. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby is at least four to six months of age before introducing solid foods. Around this time your baby will begin to show signs of readiness for solids. She begins to sit up well, unsupported; she can pick up small items; and she is very interested in what is on your dinner plate. Every baby is different: It is more important to watch your baby for signs of readiness than to decide an arbitrary time for introducing solids.

2. Go slowly. You and your baby have lots of time to explore this whole new world of culinary delight. Offer your baby very small amounts of food to start out (a half teaspoon or so). Gradually increase the amount you are offering until you are giving your baby one-quarter cup or so of food at a time.

3. Breast milk or formula comes first during baby's first year. To keep an adequate milk supply, if you are breastfeeding, and to provide your baby with his most important food during his first year of life, nurse or feed your baby formula before offering solid foods.

4. There is not one best, set-in-stone, method of food progression. Your baby's likes and dislikes and your family history of allergies/asthma will play a big role in which foods you offer your baby -- and when.

5. Expect things to be a bit messy. Much of the food you feed your baby will end up on her clothes and on the floor. This is par for the course, so dress appropriately.

6. Introduce only one new food each week. The best time for offering new foods is in the morning. This makes it easier to observe your baby for signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, runny nose, congestion, ear infection, fussiness or an upset tummy. Watch for severe reactions. If these occur they should be reported to your baby's health care provider.

7. Expect a change in your baby's stools. As you add solid foods to your baby's diet you will see a change in the color, consistency and frequency of your baby's bowel movements. It is normal to see the stools change color, depending on the food your baby eats. It is also likely that you will see undigested bits of food in your baby's stool.

8. Remember that babies have tiny tummies and do best with small amounts offered through the day, rather than three bigger meals.

9. Follow baby's cues. If your baby doesn't like a food, or just isn't hungry, don't force the issue. (It won't hurt your baby to go back totally to breast or bottle and take a solid food break for a few days.) It's important to keep mealtime enjoyable.

10. Make meals a social event. Allow your baby to sit with the family at mealtime so she can begin to enjoy the social side of sharing a meal with the family. Babies usually love this interaction.

Source: http://parenting.ivillage.com

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Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Baby Shower Decorations

2007-06-11T03:19:00.000-07:00

When it comes to planning a successful baby shower, the importance of baby shower decorations simply cannot be overstated. After all, it is the baby shower decorations that will set the right theme for the entire baby shower.

From the invitations you choose to the party favors, everything will come together in that brightly decorated room, and the right baby shower decorations can make all the difference in the world.

==Places To Buy Decorations==

When shopping for the perfect baby shower decorations, it is important to shop around as much as possible. There are a great many places to buy such decorations, from the local discount retailer or department store to specialty stores that sell party supplies and similar items.

In addition, there are a great many baby shower decorations available on the internet, so it is always a good idea to check prices online as well.

==Deciding On An Overall Baby Shower Theme==

It is also a good idea to decide on an overall theme for the baby shower before you go shopping for the perfect decorations for the big party.

Many baby shower hosts like to use a popular theme like teddy bears or flowers, while others may want to go further a field by choosing a less commonly seen theme like race cars or baseball.

==Start Shopping Early To Make Sure You Have Enough Decorations To Highlight The Theme==

No matter what type of theme you decide on, however, it is important to start shopping early.

It is not unusual for the most popular styles of baby shower decorations to be hard to come by, and you will want to make sure you have enough of those decorations to highlight the room chosen for the baby shower.

==The Presentation Of The Decorations Is Important To The Shower==

It is important of course to decorate the walls of the room, and especially the food and gift table.

The presentation of the food and gifts at the baby shower can be as important as the food and gifts themselves, so be sure to present everything in a beautiful, elegant and charming fashion.

By Shaunta Pleasant
Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on baby shower topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.baby-shower-gala.com/baby_shower_decoration.html

Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Well-baby exam: 7 important questions you should ask

2007-05-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

So, it is time to head to the doctor for the well-baby exam. You are trying to remember all those questions you've filed away in your mind to ask the doctor when she checks out your child. Hopefully, your concerns will be addressed without you having to ask, but undoubtedly there may be some that questions you will still need to ask. The well-baby exam is your chance to get an overall view of the health and welfare of your child. Here is a list of some questions you should have answered by the end of the visit:

1. Is my child's growth appropriate and expected?
It doesn't necessarily matter where your child falls on the growth curve as much as how the trend has been over time. The child who has always been at the 5th percentile for height is less concerning (if there is even any concern) than the child who used to be at the 75th percentile and is now at the 10th. The child who has held steady at the 95th percentile for weight is not as worrisome (if there is any worry at all) as the one who has gone from the 25th to the 90th percentile. Keeping track of this trend on the growth curves is an absolute essential for any professional who cares for children. Ask to see your child's growth curve to get a general idea of the trend.

2. Is my child due for any immunizations?
Colds, low grade fevers, and minor illnesses are no cause to delay immunizations. Remember to ask about the flu vaccine in the months of October through January. Does the doctor recommend the chicken pox vaccine?

3. Is my child's diet appropriate?
Most parents are concerned that their child's diet is lacking in something. The well-child visit is the perfect time to either confirm these concerns and get some guidance on how to correct them or be reassured that the diet is indeed appropriate. Suggestions about the diet come from a lot of sources: magazines, the grandparents, friends, and books. The well-baby check is the time to confirm whether this advice is good guidance or antiquated rubbish.

4. Is this thing on my child's body normal?
The thing may be anything, but many parents have certain minor concerns that they aren't really worried about but wonder if it is normal. A toenail that is shaped funny, a birthmark that seems different, or perhaps how ears are shaped are all examples of things that parents usually suspect are normal but need some reassurance. The well-baby exam is the perfect time to inquire about these concerns.

5. Is my child's blood pressure normal?
Starting at three years of age, it is recommended that each child have the blood pressure checked as part of the well-child exam. High blood pressure typically causes problems without causing a whole lot of symptoms, and it may be the first sign of something that needs further investigation.

6. Is that test really necessary?
There are very few "routine" tests that are recommended in children. A hemoglobin, usually done once at 9 or 12 months and an analysis of the urine, done once anytime between the ages of four to six years, are the only recommended routine tests. A pelvic exam and pap smear are recommended for sexually active adolescent females. A lead test at one year of age, a tuberculosis skin test and a cholesterol test are done only for those with risk factors. Aside from these, no other additional tests have been deemed necessary for routine care.

7. Does my child's development seem appropriate? Development is generally broken down into four categories:

* Gross motor skills
* Fine motor skills
* Social skills
* Speech and Language Development

Your doctor should ask about and observe your child enough to give you feedback in all of these categories.

by Robert Steele, MD

Spending Time With Your Baby

2007-04-17T02:14:00.000-07:00

When you first bring home your Bouncing New Baby, you will surely feel you want to watch over her and be with her much of the time, especially if you are a first time parent. Newborn babies are fascinating even if they are not yours; when they are your own, that special feeling takes off into the stratosphere. You may feel tempted to hold them, watch them and chat to them the whole time; even when they are asleep you will enjoy standing silently over them and observe them in their slumbers.

Those first few days are a magical time, but then a transformation may take place. For the first few nights, the night feed may be a novelty, and you may even feel "great, she's awake, I can see her again". But then sleep interruption may start to irritate you rather than be a signal for pleasure; tiredness begins to take a hold as your sleep is disturbed so often. Night feeds, cholic, bringing up her milk; all can contribute to an interrupted night. Insufficient sleep mixed with aggravation can start to eat away at that feeling of wonder you had when your baby first came home.

Your baby has not changed; but you have. She is the same gorgeous baby you brought home from hospital. Her simple life is evolving only very slowly to her; it is yours that is changing most rapidly. Those rapid changes, maybe mixed with a new level of tiredness you have not felt before, represent the first exertion of pressure on that very special relationship - you and your baby.

Then there is day time. The old day to day pressures are still there; the need to rush around to the shops, worrying about money, wondering how to deal with work, job and baby; the car not starting, the leak in the pipe under the sink, the washing machine seizing up under the constant use. The days spent wishing you could get a good night's sleep, wishing you were back at work earning more money, and being with your work colleagues. The time you spend thinking: "where's my life gone? I have no control anymore. That baby is my jailer in the day time and tormentor at night."

Stop! That is a train of thought you must either not board, or at least get off at the first station. It is a train fuelled by self pity, and heading down the track to unhappiness for you, your partner, and your baby. You are the only one who controls your life; you choose between the track to contentment and joy, or to discontent and misery.

Remember, that baby loves you more than anyone else ever has, unless you have had a baby before. Her devotion, her admiration, and her dependence are total. It is for you to decide whether that is something to cause resentment in you, or the overwhelming joy that it should. That little miracle of a baby is the biggest responsibility you have ever had, but she can also be the source of the greatest pleasure and joy.

Compare your baby's devotion with your work colleagues you miss; in 10 years time you will probably have lost contact with most or all of them. Your workplace is like a busy junction where people cross over. Your work? If you are employed, your bosses will ditch you as soon as they need to if they see a "better" alternative. Your car, your washing machine, your leaking pipe; do you really think they are important compared to that unique and potentially wonderful relationship that is in your arms, the relationship with your baby?

You make the choices; you take the actions. You have experienced in the first few days with baby at home that there can be sheer joy and excitement; wonderment and appreciation. The baby loves you to bits; you can love her to bits too, and put the exterior trivia in their rightful place. Or, the baby loves you to bits and you can wallow in resentment because she's interrupting your life, demanding attention when you have a leaking pipe or a car that won't start.

In black and white, on paper, it's a simple choice; but how can you make that choice and achieve the right balance in your life? Think about it quietly for a while; somewhere on your own. Think of the pleasure the baby gives you in those precious moments when you do not feel stressed. Then, make a conscious decision to perpetuate those moments; to make each moment you have with your baby, infant and child a moment when you and she are there simply for each other.

As your baby grows, there will be countless moments of development that can bring you a lot of pleasure and pride; learning to walk, getting out of her crib, her kisses and cuddles, her first word and every new word thereafter; her expressions, mimicry, her laughter and her first attempt to dance to the music on the radio; her attempts to control and manipulate you, and learning to use her charm to get her own way.

Such developments you can allow to merge into the noisy background of life's trivia, and miss the joy they can bring you. In so doing you are increasing the chances of an unhappy baby, and an unhappy you. Or, you can make each moment you spend with your baby one for you to enjoy to the full, shutting out life's trivia for those times you are sharing with your offspring. In so doing you would increase the chances of a happy baby and a happy you.

You make the choices; you take the actions. For your own sake and the baby's, spend as much time with your baby as you can, and set out to enjoy it to the full. Shut out the trivia that are trying to spoil your unique relationship, and your life will be considerably better for it.

It is not always possible, but try to organise the trivia around your time with baby। The more you give her precedence, and willingly, the more happy you will both be. Enjoy every single moment of watching her development. It is something that cannot be repeated.

source: http://www.bouncing-new-baby.com

Make Your Own Baby Food

2007-04-17T02:02:00.000-07:00

Making your own homemade baby food will ensure that what your child is eating is fresh, nutritious and free of additives. By making your own baby food, you'll be saving money. Also, you will have total control over what is put into your baby's food. You can therefore take the extra steps to ensure that only high quality foods are selected and used. You will be able to feed your baby according to his or her needs because you will know what foods are best suited for your baby from experience.

Making your own baby food also ensures that your baby is exposed to a greater variety of tastes and textures. This will help your baby when making the transition to table foods and also help him or her develop healthy eating habits.

The ABCs of making baby food
Because babies are susceptible to digestive upsets, always work with clean hands and use clean cooking utensils, preparation surfaces, pots and pans, etc., when making home made baby food. Prepare foods immediately upon removing them from the refrigerator and freeze immediately after cooking any foods you want to store.

Steaming vegetables is the best method of preparation. This softens them, makes them easier to chew and preserves more of the vitamins and minerals than boiling. A steamer basket is cheap and by cooking fruits and vegetables in it, you'll be sure of keeping the nutrients in the food instead of in the cooking water.

To puree your foods, you can use a fork, a food mill or blender. A blender quickly purees almost anything into the finest consistency. When your baby first starts on solids, you'll be pureeing things to a very fine consistency; as baby gets a little older, you will make foods a little coarser.

You may wish to buy a food mill, which comes in large and small sizes. It is very handy and inexpensive. The food mill strains most cooked foods to a very smooth consistency, although meats can be a problem because they have a coarser texture. Remember all the tools you need to make baby food are probably already in your kitchen.

Prepare ahead of time
You can prepare large amounts of foods at once and freeze them. Take your prepared foods and plop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Freeze the plops right away and then take them off the sheet when they are frozen and put them into plastic bags. You can also freeze the food in plastic "pop out" ice cube trays.

Small Tupperware jars with lids serve the same purpose and stack easily. Label and date the packages and rotate them, putting the most recently frozen foods behind the previously frozen ones. Frozen baby foods can be stored for up to two months.

When you take frozen foods out for baby, warm the food in a cup placed in a sauce pan of boiling water with a lid on. If you use a microwave to thaw or warm baby food, be sure to stir the food well to avoid hot pockets.

What should you make?
Cereals are typically the first foods given to a baby because they contain lots of iron. You can prepare your own by running oatmeal through your blender. Fruits are generally given next. Except for raw, mashed banana, you will need to cook all other fruits till they are soft.

Try making your own apple sauce and pear sauce; don't add any sugar, since these fruits are sweet enough on their own. You can also peel peaches, plums and apricots and boil or steam them.

Buy and use organic fruits and vegetables. Use fresh and organic vegetables whenever possible in order to provide the best nutrition and flavor for your baby. Your baby deserves pesticide-free foods. Frozen vegetables are better to use than canned.

Yogurt, mashed cottage cheese, mashed pumpkin, baked potato, avocado and tofu (oriental soy bean curd) are all popular with babies. One good idea is to blend together cottage cheese, banana and fresh orange juice — delicious!

Meats should be added slowly. They can be boiled or broiled, then put in the blender with a little milk and perhaps banana or cream of rice to get the right consistency. Chicken is generally the first meat baby is introduced to and usually goes down fairly well.

There is no rush to start your baby on solid foods। Milk is his most important food. Your doctor's recommendations and your own intuition will help you to know when to begin introducing solids to your baby's diet. Introducing solids prepares the baby for the transition to adult food and offers further vitamins and minerals as the baby grows. Always remember to be patient with your baby and allow at least a few days between newly added foods to make sure the baby doesn't suffer any reactions.

By Bridget Mwape

Does Your Baby Need Vitamin Supplements?

2007-04-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Your pediatrician just prescribed vitamin drops for your new baby, but your girlfriend's infant wasn't given any. Or perhaps it's vice versa. Either way, you're confused. Does your baby need vitamins or doesn't he?

For the most part, healthy, full-term newborns receive all the nutrients they need whether they're being nourished on breast milk or prepared formula. But there are a few special considerations and exceptions:

VITAMIN D
Some pediatricians are concerned that not all breastfed babies are receiving adequate amounts of vitamin D. This nutrient is particularly important in the first year of life to make sure bones are properly calcified during this period of rapid growth. Besides being contained in breastmilk, the vitamin is synthesized from sunlight. But many infants today are protected from the elements; parents may keep them covered up in the summertime, and indoors -- or at least bundled up -- in wintertime.

"Pollution may also curtail a lot of the UV light needed to make vitamin D," says Fima Lifschitz, M.D., chief of nutrition sciences at Miami Children's Hospital and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. "Even where sun is plentiful, babies may not be exposed to sunlight as much as they should be." Dark-skinned infants are especially at risk, since they do not absorb sunlight through the skin as readily as fair-skinned children.

For all these reasons, many pediatricians recommend that nursing babies receive vitamin drops containing vitamin D. (These drops usually also contain vitamins A and C, two other vitamins that may occasionally be lacking in breastfed infants.) Since prepared infant formulas are fortified with these vitamins, additional drops aren't necessary.
IRON
Babies are born with enough stores of iron to last four to six months... which is the time they begin eating solid foods. While some pediatricians will recommend iron supplements or formula with iron early, many doctors wait until a child is close to six months of age. Because many children don't eat ideal diets, at that point physicians may recommend iron-enriched cereal, iron-enriched formula, or vitamin drops with iron. "Iron deficiency can have long-term consequences for children," says Dr. Lifschitz. "It can interfere with normal neuropsychological development."
FLUORIDE
This mineral is essential to the formation of strong, healthy teeth since it helps form tooth enamel which prevents decay. Fluoride is found naturally in foods like vegetables and grains, and is added to drinking water in some water supplies. But if your town doesn't have fluoridated drinking water, your baby should be given a liquid fluoride supplement to take each day. Since toothpaste also contains fluoride, be sure to use only a small pea-size amount when brushing your baby's teeth since too much of the mineral can actually damage the teeth.

Experts stress that the above recommendations are for healthy, full-term babies। Low-birthweight babies or those born prematurely, as well as babies with certain medical conditions and illnesses, will have special nutritional requirements. As always, never give any supplements to your child without first discussing them with your pediatrician.

By Beth Weinhouse

Baby Meals Made Easy: Recipes and Feeding Tips

2007-04-17T01:56:00.000-07:00

Once your baby is ready for solids, at around four to six months, mealtime becomes an adventure. Baby learns new flavors, textures, and eating skills, while you figure out -- through trial and error -- how to satisfy her appetite. Preparing and serving homemade baby foods is a great way to help your infant develop a preference for wholesome foods, says food and child nutrition expert Annabel Karmel, author of the cookbook First Meals (DK Publishing, 1999).

"Foods like ripe, mashed bananas, avocados, and papayas make fantastic and instant baby food," says Karmel, a trained Cordon Bleu cook whose feeding experiences with her three children ignited her interest (and career) in cooking and nutrition for babies and children. "Preparing homemade baby food isn't time consuming or complicated," she assures.

Below, Karmel shares three of her favorite baby food recipes, specifying the ideal age at which to introduce them. All of the foods can be frozen for later use. Simply freeze unused portions in ice cube trays and then transfer frozen cubes to freezer bags. Frozen portions will keep for three months; simply reheat individual cubes as needed. Before getting started, you'll need the following cooking gear:

Steamer
Electric blender (for simple purees, a hand-held blender will suffice)
Metal mesh strainer (to eliminate indigestible bits of food)
Ice cube trays
Freezer bags and a marker (to record the date when food is made)

RECIPES:

Four to Six Months
Karmel recommends introducing root vegetables before fruits, which babies tend to prefer more.

First Vegetable Puree
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients: 1/2 lb carrots (or any other root vegetable: butternut squash, sweet potato, or parsnip)

Directions:
Chop the carrots into small pieces. Place in a steamer over boiling water and cook for 15 minutes (until tender).

Blend the carrots using a little of the steamed water from the pot to make a puree. Serve lukewarm.
Makes 8 portions.

NOTE: Use the same process to make apple (10 minutes to steam) or pear (5 minutes to steam) puree.

Six to Eight Months
Introduce lumpier textures so baby learns to chew.

Tomato and Cauliflower Gratin
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 lb tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions:
Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer and cook for about 12 minutes.
Simultaneously, melt the butter in a pan under medium heat, add the tomatoes and sauté until mushy. Remove from heat and add the cheese, stirring
Mix the cauliflower with the tomato and cheese, then blend to desired consistency.
Makes 4 portions.

Nine to Twelve Months
Combine baby's favorite foods with new foods to introduce different tastes and textures.

Baby's Bolognese
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 tbsp finely chopped celery
2 tbsp grated carrots
1/4 lb ground lean beef
1/2 tsp tomato paste
2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1/3 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 oz spaghetti
Directions:
Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and celery, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the ground beef and stir until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes, and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook until soft (about 10 minutes). Drain and chop into small pieces. Transfer the bolognese sauce to a blender and puree well until it's uniform in texture before combining it with the pasta.
Makes 6 portions.

Note: Only the sauce is suitable for freezing।

By M.E. Vier for Your Baby Today

Your Biggest Baby Worries

2007-03-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

When my first daughter, Sadie, was a few days old, we hadn't mastered breastfeeding, and I was sure I was starving her. But after a few panicked calls to the doctor and a few weigh-ins, it became clear that she wasn't starving at all — she was thriving.

Most new moms have some frantic — but largely unfounded — fears about their baby's health. "You realize that you hold the life of this tiny being in your hands, and you have no idea how to care for it, despite having read six child-rearing books," says pediatrician Ari Brown, M.D., author of Baby 411. "And you're so tired and full of hormones that anything can cause uncontrollable weeping." No wonder we occasionally blow things out of proportion!

You can relax. Here, moms' top baby worries, and why you can put them to rest right now:

"Will my baby stop breathing?"

For weeks, Marilyn Fajardo slept with her hand on her baby's stomach to make sure he was breathing. When her hand cramped up, the Miami mom stuck her finger under his nose to feel the air come out.

Don't sweat it: "Babies breathe unevenly because their respiratory systems can't regulate themselves yet," says Charles Shubin, M.D., director of the Children's Health Center at Mercy FamilyCare in Baltimore. "It's absolutely normal." By age 2 or so, kids breathe more regularly. Chances are slim that your child would stop breathing without an obvious reason, like bedding over his face, especially if you follow sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention guidelines, such as back sleeping for the first year. But if your baby's face or lips turn blue, call 911, and if you know how, administer infant CPR. (Find CPR classes near you.)

"Am I letting my baby cry too much?"

Chrissy Dye of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, was driven to try the cry-it-out method to end her 14-month-old son's nighttime insomnia. But on the first night, Will, now 5, bawled for an hour and a half straight. "I was worried that so much crying could hurt him," she says.

Don't sweat it: The amount of crying babies can tolerate varies by age. Newborns cry to communicate their needs, so it's best to respond to their signals promptly. Despite all your swaddling, singing, and swaying, however, they may still sob for about three hours over the course of a day, and that's okay. The time for concern is when a single crying jag lasts more than an hour. In that case, call the doctor because there could be a physical cause, such as an intestinal obstruction or a scratched cornea.

By 6 months, most babies can soothe themselves, so it's fine to let them wail for a few minutes while you finish your shower or cooking dinner. The same holds true for babies over 5 months who are being sleep trained and may cry for up to two hours in one go. It's harmless, says Dr. Brown, and won't cause your baby any psychological damage (however awful it sounds).

"My baby spits everything up — he must have stomach problems!"

Burp cloths were a must-have for Amy Schrader of New York City after her son Max, now 3 1/2, was born. She was so worried about his spitup habit that she convinced her pediatrician to put him on Zantac, a medication for acid reflux, even though the doctor reassured her that her baby was fine.

Don't sweat it: Babies have an immature esophagus, meaning that what goes down is very likely to come back up, especially liquids. Breast milk and formula aren't acidic, so it's typically not uncomfortable. But if your baby often cries, arches her back, or just looks distressed, it may mean irritating stomach juices are coming up, and a prescription for an antacid medication such as Zantac can help. Spitup may also be just a "wet burp" — when milk comes up with a belch. Or it could be vomit, caused by kids taking in more than they can hold, in which case you should con-sult your doctor. Whatever the reason, it's probably not dangerous.

Aviva Patz was worry-free by the time she had Dahlia, her second child. She writes for Redbook, Shape, and Cooking Light।

"Am I stimulating my baby enough?"

These days, with classes in movement, creative play, art, and music open even to 8-month-olds, it's easy to wonder if you're doing enough to advance your child. Colorado Springs mother Debby Clarke, who opted out of extracurriculars with daughter India, now 6, used to think, "Oh God, will she be stupid because I don't even do sign language with her?"

Don't sweat it: There's no need to break the bank on infant programs when your baby's favorite source of entertainment is you. "Even a trip to the supermarket is a learning adventure," says Dr. Brown. In fact, your baby needs unstructured play more than a schedule jam-packed with classes and activities. "From four months, babies can manipulate objects to see their cause and effect — how does it make that noise? What happens if I pull this?" Dr. Brown says. These seemingly simple moves are enough to stimulate intellectual curiosity and teach them to entertain themselves.

"What if my baby chokes?"

"I became known as the choke-hazard queen when my daughter Sophie, now 2, was born," says Marguerite Bellwoar of Glastonbury, Connecticut. Even though Bellwoar had been through that stage with her older son, Jake, now 6, Sophie's love of putting things in her mouth was alarming. "I had Jake trained to spot something dangerous from twenty feet away."

Don't sweat it: Normal, healthy babies have a strong gag reflex that protects their airway when they choke, so the offending particle is coughed up or swallowed and not inhaled into the lungs.

Of course, things can get lodged in a baby's throat occasionally. Be sure to keep anything smaller than the diameter of a toilet paper roll out of your baby's reach. In the very unlikely event that your child chokes — and you'll know it's happening when his face turns red or purple and/or he's not making any sounds — here's what to do:

• Use "back blows." Put your baby facedown on your forearm and give him four swift blows between his shoulder blades with the palm of your hand.

• If you can see the object, you can go in after it. If you can't, don't do a "blind sweep" with your fingers to fish it out — you can end up shoving the object farther back into the throat.

"I'm starving my baby!"

"Nothing my friends, family, or pediatrician said could make me believe Olivia was getting enough to eat," says Jennifer Stevenson of Chicago, who had trouble breastfeeding her infant daughter.

Don't sweat it: "Most babies get enough milk from their mother's breasts," says pediatrician Philip Manley, M.D., of the Children's Hospital at Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center in South Carolina. Clues that a baby is getting her fill: She latches on well, feeds for 10 to 15 minutes on each breast about eight times a day, swallows audibly, and sleeps well afterward. She'll probably also wet at least six diapers daily by one week of age. While babies do often lose weight in the first week, they'll typically gain it back by the end of the second. And if yours is losing too much weight, or not gaining it fast enough, the pediatrician should catch it at your regular checkups.

Same goes once she starts on solids। Babies can be ravenous some days and peckish on others. They can also be picky about trying new foods. The process is gradual, but chances are your baby's getting enough to eat over the long haul. If she's not, your doctor will let you know. That said, babies do occasionally get dehydrated, especially if your milk is delayed in coming in. Call the doctor if you see the signs, which include excessive sleepiness; poor sucking reflex; fewer than six wet diapers a day; dry, cracked lips; and a sunken soft spot. But don't panic. "If you recognize the symptoms quickly, dehydration is easily treated," says Dr. Manley.

"My baby's poop is too hard/too watery/a weird color!"

Sarah Wolman of Montclair, New Jersey, was distressed to find "electric-green poop" in 3-month-old Sam's diaper — since she breastfed him, she thought it must be something she was eating, but she couldn't tell what.

Don't sweat it: There's a wide range of what's normal when it comes to poop, and it varies partly by age. Newborn poo (called meconium) is greenish black, then changes to yellow within a month and stays that way for a few months. If you're breastfeeding, your baby's poop can be green.

Newborn breastfeeders may have a stool after every time they eat, while bottle-feeders may go only once a day. For babies older than a month, it's normal to go anywhere from four times a day to once a week. What's important is that the stool is neither rock-hard, which would indicate constipation, nor very watery, which could be diarrhea. (Diarrhea is frequent watery stool — up to ten liquid diapers in one morning.)

Give rock-hard poopers extra fluids. If you suspect diarrhea, call the pediatrician; your baby may need an electrolyte solution to replace lost fluids, especially if he's vomiting. Always call the doctor if you see blood in your baby's diaper. (It's probably just a minor tear of the anal tissue, but it's best to check it out.)

"We can't leave the house — she'll get sick!"

Pam Hansell of Levittown, Pennsylvania, was so nervous about taking her newborn daughter out in public that for the first six weeks, their only outings were to the pediatrician's office. "I was afraid she'd catch a cold," says Hansell.

Don't sweat it: It's perfectly safe to take a healthy newborn out of the house as soon as you're ready. "Babies are born with protective antibodies that boost their immunity for the first few months of life," says Dr. Manley. Still, it's wise to avoid super-crowded areas — like the mall on a Saturday afternoon — and people who are sick. Also, wash hands frequently, since they're germ hot spots for babies (and adults).

"My baby has a developmental delay — he's not crawling/walking/talking yet!"

When all his friends were toddling, Chrissy Dye's son, Will, was content to crawl — even at 17 months.

Don't sweat it: "There are average ages for developmental milestones, but every kid is different," says Dr. Shubin. And in the long run, the timing is inconsequential. "How soon they walk or talk isn't a good marker for how well they'll do later in life." Some babies don't walk right away because crawling gets them around fine. Other kids skip crawling altogether and become champion walkers. There are landmarks to help you determine whether your child's verbal and motor skills are on track, and if you're still uncertain, talk to your doctor. But your own instinct is often your best guide. While Dye was concerned about Will, her gut told her he was just taking his time. Sure enough, at 18 months, Will finally started walking!

By Aviva Patz

Pamper Yourself: 10 Things to Do before Baby Arrives

2007-03-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

When you're pregnant, it's only natural that your waking moments (and maybe your dreams, too!) are consumed by thoughts of your baby. In fact, one might wager that from the moment you knew, or even suspected, that you were pregnant, you have thought of little else besides your baby!

Sometimes, when you get so caught up in nurturing this new life, you may forget to take care of yourself. With all the feelings of excitement, anxiety, and nervousness about prenatal tests and the birth itself, it is no wonder that you may have become your own lowest priority.

The following tips come recommended by mothers who wish they had remembered to always put themselves, if not first, then a close second।

Relax

Soak in a warm, soothing bath. A bath can help wash away the stress of the day. Try a bubble bath or choose essential oils such as sandalwood, lavender, and ylang ylang, which are safe to use during pregnancy and will help ease stress. Consult your healthcare practitioner for additional information concerning which aromatherapy oils are approved for use during your pregnancy.
Try meditation. Practice meditation, or just take a short break for yourself. Turn on your favorite music, put up your feet, and then sit back and enjoy.
Indulge in your favorite hobby or pastime. Spend time doing things you enjoy, whether it's reading a book, writing letters, journaling in a pregnancy diary, or simply doing nothing—a foreign concept in these busy days!

Get out of the House

Go to the movies. You may not be going to the theater for quite awhile once baby arrives, so treat yourself to a date night with your husband or a fun girls' night out and see a film.
Plan a picnic. A wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful day and spend time with your friends and family, a picnic is an especially good idea if you have other children, as it will keep them entertained and allow them to expend their natural energy! You'll all benefit from the fresh air and enjoy the break in your usual routine.
Catch up with friends. Pregnancy is a great time for getting together, since some moms simply don't feel like entertaining for some time after baby is born. When your every moment of sleep is precious, having a house full of people may be beyond you. Likewise, you may not even feel up to being entertained yourself.
Have a good laugh. Laughing is good for you as it stimulates the release of endorphins (happy hormones) into your bloodstream and helps you feel relaxed।

Have Fun with Retail Therapy

Shop! Many pregnant women put off buying maternity clothes until they are literally forced to shop for something to cover their growing bellies. But buying maternity wear need not be a depressing outing where you are presented only with elasticized waists and unappealing underwear, as many designers are now bringing out chic, fun lines of maternity clothes.

Buy your nursing bra. Now is also the perfect time to get fitted for a nursing bra, which will not only support you and keep you comfortable during pregnancy but will also serve you well once your baby arrives. This is one chore you don't want to put off—after all, who wants to be trying on bras with a crying baby for company and leaking breasts?

Accessorize. Another hot tip is to buy the minimum of maternity clothes (which will be redundant once you have your baby) and concentrate on accessories that you can use indefinitely।

Visit Your Hairdresser

Your changing hormones, both during and after pregnancy, will affect your hair। If you are one of the fortunate ones, your hair will look and feel great during your pregnancy, but don't be alarmed if your once crowning glory becomes thin and brittle. To keep your hair looking beautiful, visit your hairdresser and have a deep conditioning treatment or just try out a new low-maintenance style that requires the minimum of fuss once your time becomes a premium.

Have a Manicure/Pedicure

Pamper your hands. Most women find their nails grow faster and are stronger during pregnancy. Your hands are constantly on show, and it is a mental boost for you if they look great.

Focus on your feet. There will also come a time when you will barely be able to see your feet, let alone give them the attention they deserve! A pedicure will keep your tootsies in top shape and might be just what your feet need after supporting you and your growing baby all day.

Try reflexology. Reflexology is also very popular during pregnancy as it promotes a relaxed sense of well-being while it addresses specific pregnancy-related complaints such as morning sickness and insomnia।

Enjoy a Massage

Prenatal massage will reduce tiredness and relieve pregnancy aches, particularly backache and shoulder tension. A licensed therapist specializing in maternal massage can help relieve these conditions, allowing you to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

Have a Hot Date or Romantic Vacation

At a time when your other half may be feeling a little left out (after all, this pregnancy is inside you!) it is imperative to recapture the romance and let him know you couldn't do this without him. Any special moments you create now will make things easier in the months to come when your life is thrown upside down and you're focused on caring for your newborn.

Take Care of Business

Sort out boring paperwork such as tax forms or even renewing your passport or driver's license. While these jobs don't sound fun (unless you're seriously nesting, perhaps!), keep in mind that even relatively easy tasks can be challenging when you have a new/crying baby in tow, especially if you need to visit any bureaucratic agencies where there is no such thing as a short trip.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

Sleep late on the weekends and take naps during the day if you can, because once your baby arrives you may wonder when you will ever get a good night's sleep again!

By Genevieve Richards

Common Mistakes New Parents Make

2007-03-21T04:20:00.000-07:00

Becoming a parent is likely to be the most exciting, and possibly the most nerve-wracking, event you will ever experience. It's no wonder that your every waking moment (let's face it, at this stage, that is most of the time!) is filled with thoughts about your baby. In the face of the enormous responsibility to do right by your child, doubts about your newfound parenting skills may be uppermost in your mind.

The following tips from parents and experts will show you that most new parents experience the same feelings and doubts you do, and that all new parents make mistakes। Here is a chance to learn from others' mistakes and navigate those first few months more easily.

Take care of yourself

While a new baby demands a great deal of your time, you need to take time out for you every now and again. Ask your partner, your mother, or a good friend to look after the baby for a few hours while you do something for yourself: take a relaxing bubble bath, visit the hairdresser, meet up with a friend, or just catch up on a bit of sleep—you need your sleep more than the housework needs to be done.

Don't neglect your partner

After a day of what will seem like continuous feeding and diaper changing, the last thing you may feel like doing is spending your evening recounting your day to your partner—but this together time is important। Marcelle Falconer, mother to 22-month-old Maxine, says, "After Maxine was born I would spend all day with her, and then when Sean came home in the evenings I would have to relive the day for him. This was exhausting for me, and I also felt like I was boring him with the tedium of my day. It is only now that I can recognize how much we needed that time together each day and how it helped us bond as a family."

Eating isn't the answer to everything

Allison Mills, mother to six-week-old Charlie, says of her husband Cam: "Every time Charlie cries, Cam thinks he's hungry, even if he has just been feeding for the last hour." Be assured that your baby cannot possibly be hungry every time he or she cries. Babies cry—a lot—and for a multitude of reasons. As your baby gets older, you will recognize his or her different cries and learn to act accordingly. Remember that without the ability to talk, crying is a major form of communication for your little one.

Seek advice (but don't believe everything you hear)

Many parents find that beginning with their child's conception, seeking opinions and information from trusted sources helps them glean invaluable advice about pregnancy and the new baby. "On the day of Jack's birth I think I finally realized that I was totally unprepared. A lot can be said for reading a couple of those 'baby' books. I learned how to treat diaper rash and what to do when the baby is in pain from teething," says Mick Bell, father to 15-month-old Jack.

That said, pregnant women may be stunned by the amount of unsolicited advice and information they receive—and this advice doesn't usually stop once the baby is born। Some of it will be a wonderful help, and some will be blatantly ridiculous; trust your instinct and don't be afraid to take questions to your family's healthcare providers.

Ask for and accept help during the early days

Caring for a new baby is exhausting work and takes its toll on both Mom and Dad। Don't be afraid to ask a close friend or member of your family to help you out when you need it, whether it is to do your grocery shopping for you or just to sit with the baby for a couple of hours so you can catch up on some much-needed rest. If you don't accept help when it is offered or ask for it when it is needed, you may be setting an unwelcome precedent for yourself: people may believe you don't need any help when you need it most.

Focus on the essentials when setting up the nursery

Marketing companies would have you believe that if you don't buy every conceivable piece of nursery furniture, clothing item, lotion, potion, and toy that you are not a good parent. This is rubbish! Ask friends with children which items they found most useful and then weigh their advice against your own lifestyle. With regards to outfitting the nursery, the only essentials are a place for your baby to sleep, diapers, selected items of clothing, and feeding equipment. Don't stress out if your nursery doesn't have the latest of everything—your little one won't even notice.

Tell the truth at prenatal and postnatal classes

If you are having a rough time of it, tell people (likewise if you are taking to motherhood like a duck to water and loving every minute of it). Allison Mills found that many people pretend that all is well and that their children are sleeping, eating, and doing everything according to plan, which puts extra stress on those parents whose babies are screaming, non-napping messes most of the day. For a lot of new parents, other folks in their prenatal and postnatal classes are the only support network around. They need to be told the truth—warts and all.

Remember that a baby is not the answer to all your problems

Sarah Liebenberg says that she and her husband George really believed that having a baby would be the "cherry on the cake" to their marriage, and that "being very happy after difficult times we felt that a baby would complete us somehow; having been together for 10 years and having successful careers, we felt it was time we started a family. We are now facing the most difficult times to date in our marriage." This is not a totally uncommon phenomenon, even for those who thought they were prepared for an addition to the family.

"At first, it may be more difficult than you had hoped to embrace your new roles as parents," says Dr. Miriam Stoppard, author of Conception, Pregnancy and Birth. "You may resent the loss of your own income and the satisfaction of doing a demanding job well, and you may envy your partner his relatively free and independent lifestyle. Your partner, on the other hand, may find it difficult to cope with the stress of being the only wage earner and may feel shut out from your intimate relationship with your baby."

Dr. Stoppard advises that couples keep talking to each other, explaining their feelings and trying not to let misunderstandings alienate them from each other.

There is no doubt that becoming a parent for the first time is a life-altering experience। There will be times when you will make the odd mistake, but don't fret over it too much. You are not alone, and most of the time the mistake is easy to correct with little or no fuss from your child.

By Genevieve Richards

Choosing The Best Baby Shower Favors

2007-03-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

By Shaunta Pleasant

Planning a baby shower is an exciting and fun time for the expectant mother, her family, her friends and her coworkers as well. Baby showers are fun for everyone and they are a great party as well, complete with games, gifts and of course some great party favors.

Choosing the right party favors for a baby shower can be challenging for the person whose job it is to plan the whole thing and make it memorable। There are so many choices when it comes to choosing party favors for the baby shower that it can often be somewhat overwhelming.

Shop Around And Match The Baby Shower Favors To The Personality Of The Mother To Be

The key to choosing the very best party favors, as with many other things, is to shop around, and to pay close attention to the personalities and individual tastes of the new mom and the baby shower guests.

Places To Find Ideas For Baby Shower Favors

When looking around for ideas, there are a number of places to look. The many magazines and books dedicated to baby related subjects and new mothers often have some great articles about baby showers, complete with some innovative and interesting ideas for the party favors to be used.

If you have attended a baby shower recently, you may be a step ahead of the game when looking for the perfect baby shower favors.

You may want to choose a party favor similar to the one you yourself received if you liked it. Or you may want to choose a variation on the theme of those party favors.

Ask Your Family Members, Friends And Coworkers For Baby Shower Favor ideas

Even if you have not attended a recent baby shower, chances are that one of your family members or close friends has. Be sure to ask your family members, friends and coworkers what kinds of party favors they chose for their own baby showers, or what types of party favors they liked the best.

Tried And True Baby Shower Favors

There are a number of tried and true party favors that always seem to be a hit with any baby shower, no matter who the expectant mother is. Some of the most poplar baby shower gifts, of course, include food, and a baby bootie or rattle filled with chocolate is likely to be a big hit with any set of baby shower guests.

No matter what type of party favors you choose for your baby shower, your guests and the mom to be will all enjoy the thoughtfulness and the time you spent putting the party together.

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on baby shower topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.baby-shower-gala.com/baby_shower_favor.html

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