Georgio Victoria's Parenting Articles

Solid Foods 101: Is Your Baby Ready For Solid Foods?

2007-02-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

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By Tiana Ponti

Is your baby constantly hungry and feeding more often and you think you should start them on solid foods? Doctors today are saying �Don�t be in such a rush�. Although you may think your baby is ready because of countless feeding and sleepless nights, he/she may not be neurologically or physically ready.

Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies are to be 4 to 6 months old before solid foods are introduced, and to remember, not every baby is the same and are ready to eat at the same times. If you introduce food too early they could have a allergic reaction, so �listen� to your baby and not the calendar or other friends. Also another important reminder is that until your baby reaches 12 months of age their main source of nutrients should becoming from milk, whether it be breast milk or formula, and never introduce peanut/peanut butter until at least the age of 3. Here are some guidelines you may wish to follow:

� Has baby doubled their birth weight?

� Has a growth spurt, or consumes more than 32 oz a day?

� Can baby sit up with little support and turn her head when she's full?

� Can your baby swallow with out spitting food out of their mouth?

� Have they developed the pincer grasp? (pointer and thumb finger)

� Does baby constantly put things in their mouth?

� Is baby interested in trying new tastes or textures?

� Imitates or watches you closely while you are eating?

Before starting any thing new with your child you should always talk to your pediatrician about your options first. These are only guidelines and should not be taken as medical advice

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Tips on Choosing the Right Breast Pump

2007-02-16T09:35:00.000-05:00

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By Connie Limon

If you are a breast-feeding mother, first of all, congratulations on your decision to breast feed your baby. Breast feeding has many emotional and nutritional benefits to help your baby get the best possible start in its new life with you. Breast feeding is also a 24 hour commitment. It is very likely a breast pump will become just as important as car seats and baby wipes. There are many choices of breast pumps.

You will most likely welcome the aid of a breast pump. As with so many of the wonderful products now available for us to use it may be difficult choosing the type of breast pump that is right for you. In this article I hope to give you some tips on doing just that � choosing the best type of breast pump for you.

Some breast pumps are hand-operated. Other breast pumps run on electricity. Designs vary. There are models that attach to only one breast. Other designs let you express milk from both breasts at once.

Start by asking yourself some of the following questions to help you decide which types of breast pump are best for you.

� How often do you plan to use the breast pump? If you will be away from your baby only occasionally, a simple hand pump may be all you need. Hand pumps are generally small and inexpensive. To operate a hand pump you simply squeeze the handle to express the milk. You can choose to pump one breast while your baby nurses on the other breast. An electric pump may be your best investment if you are planning to return to work fulltime or you are planning to be away from your baby for more than a few hours a day. One of the advantages of an electric pump over the hand pump is that they stimulate the breast more effectively. The more adequate stimulation helps to empty your breasts and protect your milk supply.

� How long will it take to pump each breast? Electric breast pumps are faster than manual pumps. A double breast pump helps to stimulate milk production while cutting pumping time in half. If you will have to pump breast milk at work or in other time-crunched situations, you may want to invest in a breast pump model that allows you to pump both breasts at once.

� Is the pump easy to assemble? If the breast pump is difficult to assemble, or take apart or clean you may experience more frustration, which can reduce your enthusiasm for pumping. It is important to be able to remove parts of the breast pump that come in contact with your skin or milk for cleaning after use.

� Is the suction adjustable? Choosing a pump that allows you to control the degree of suction will make a big difference in how comfortable the breast pump is in use.

� Is the pump heavy? The weight of your breast pump may be important if you have to tote it to and from work each day. There are light-weight breast pumps you can choose. Some breast pumps come with a convenient carrying case with an insulated section for storing expressed milk.

� How noisy is the pump? If it is important to keep the noise level down while you are using the breast pump, some electric modes are quieter than others. Check out the noise level before you purchase.

� Are the breast shields the correct size? Each breast pump comes with a shield to place over your breast. Check with the individual manufacturers to see if other sizes besides the standard size are available. And if you want to pump both breasts with the breast pump at once, make sure the breast pump is equipped with two breast shields.

� Do the electric breast pumps you are considering have a backup power option? Since an electric pump needs to be plugged in, if there is not an outlet accessible, you will need a rechargeable battery pack. Check to see if the models offer adapters that run on a car�s cigarette lighter.

� Where are some of the places you can purchase a breast pump? You can buy breast pumps from medical supply stores and most drug and baby stores. Some hospitals rent hospital-grade breast pumps. You will have to purchase the equipment that attaches your breast to the pump.

� What is the cost of a breast pump? At the time of this article writing, manual modes cost less than $60. Electric pumps that include a carrying case and insulated section for storing milk may cost more than $200. There is a small risk of contamination, therefore, borrowing a breast pump or buying a used breast pump is not recommended. Some health insurance plans cover the cost of buying or renting a breast pump.

If you are just not sure what the best choice in a breast pump is, a lactation consultant can help you make the best choice. A lactation consultant can also offer support as you start to use your new breast pump or if you run into trouble. Your doctor or hospital should be able to provide you with a referral to a lactation consultant. You can also find help from counselors at La Leche League and similar organizations.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. This article was written 2-2007.

Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health articles at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are available for FREE reprint to your newsletter, website or blog. Please sign up for our weekly nutrition and health tips.
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Christening Gifts and Godparents� Duties � Spare a Thought for The Queen

2007-02-15T10:11:00.000-05:00

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By Richard Hoare

How many godchildren do you have? Two � maybe three? Some of us may even be able to boast as many as half a dozen or so. Well spare a thought for The Queen. At the last count, Queen Elizabeth II had amassed a grand total of 30 godchildren.

For us mere mortals, choosing an appropriate Christening gift, remembering a birthday or finding another Christmas present, on top of providing the occasional piece of pithy moral and spiritual advice, can be taxing at the best of times. So how does The Queen manage with thirty little souls to guide?

Well, firstly we can assume that she doesn�t spend too much time pottering around the shops trying to find that special Christening gift. Similarly, an equerry will probably remind her when the next birthday is due and a Lady-in-Waiting or a Woman of the Bedchamber will be on hand to recommend the most popular Christmas presents for the little darlings. I think we are safe in assuming that the godchildren don�t come high on that list of forgotten jobs that keeps the rest of us awake at 3am in the morning.

The Queen has also spread her responsibilities over a few decades. To tell the truth, most of the little darlings aren�t really that �little� at all. The oldest godson is now well into his sixties, whilst the youngest goddaughter is already in her twenties. So, with a bit of judicious planning, The Queen has managed to dilute her godparent�s duties over time.

Part of a godparent�s purpose is binding ever-tighter links between friends and family. Never has this been more true than in the case of the old family firm that is �Royalty.� Look down the list of The Queen�s godchildren and it is easy to see ties and connections being strengthened and alliances forged. One of The Queen�s first godsons was Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia, her last goddaughter was Princess Theodora of Greece. There are Barons, Dukes and Viscounts scattered about all over the place. And when you do find someone on the list who sounds just like the rest of us � take George Herbert for example � he turns out to be an earl � the 8th Earl of Carnarvon to be exact. Yes, becoming a godparent really is a case of �keeping it in the family.�

However, as The Queen so correctly observed: �Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of family disagreements.� So, if we look a bit further down the list of godsons, we find Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales. The Queen was present at his Christening on 14 July 1964 in the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey. It's worth considering, that the next time they faced each other in Westminster Abbey was at Diana�s funeral when Earl Spencer read his moving and rather controversial eulogy in front of a global TV audience of around 2.5 billion viewers.

As a final note, you should be aware that The Queen is not alone in taking on numerous godchildren. Prince Charles already has thirty-three godchildren, while Prince William started assuming godparental responsibility way back in 1999. His first chosen godson followed family tradition; he was Prince Konstantine Alexios of Greece.

Richard Hoare is a director of ASSERgerrard Limited, owners of http://www.christeningsilver.com where you will find the perfect sterling silver Christening Gift or Baptism Gift including silver Christening cups, egg cups, cutlery sets, napkin rings, rattles, jewellery and bibles. Although Richard lives and works in the UK, he does not think he is related to royalty and has yet to meet The Queen.
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Caring For Your Baby's Teeth

2007-02-15T10:06:00.000-05:00

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By Christine Albury

Keeping your baby's teeth clean may not always be easy -- when he clamps his jaws shut, it can be difficult to persuade him to open them -- but it is very important.

Ideally, you should start cleaning your baby's mouth from birth, using a piece of damp gauze or a soft, damp washcloth to wipe any milk residue from his gums and teeth. It's a good idea to start this early, as it gives your baby time to get used to the whole routine and may make him less likely to object to having his teeth brushed later on!

Once his baby teeth start appearing, it's crucial to clean them carefully at least twice a day. The bacteria that live naturally in your baby's mouth turn the sugars (including natural sugars) from foods into acid. This acid may then attack the enamel of your baby's teeth.

The importance of your baby's first teeth

Although your baby will eventually lose his first teeth, don't be fooled into thinking that caring for them is any less important than caring for his permanent teeth later on.

Baby teeth "reserve" a place for the permanent teeth to grow into. If a baby tooth is lost, the permanent teeth may shift, potentially leading to orthodontic problems later on.

Babies need their milk teeth in order to learn to speak clearly and correctly.

Baby teeth are needed for biting and chewing.

The excessive loss of baby teeth due to decay can affect your child's confidence at pre-school level -- after all, we all want to look our best!

Choosing a toothbrush

Once your baby has his first tooth, it's time to buy an appropriate toothbrush. A long handled brush with a small head is best at first, as this design makes it easy to reach all parts of your baby's mouth quite easily. The brush should have soft, rounded filaments and should be replaced every 10-12 weeks, or as soon as the filaments start to splay.

Alternatively, you could use the type of infant toothbrush that fits over your finger and some babies do prefer this -- but beware if your baby is a biter, as they don't offer much protection to your vulnerable finger!

When your baby is older and wants to hold the brush himself, then buy him a chunkier-handled design, which will be easier for him to hold -- although you will still need to do the bulk of the brushing yourself!

Toothpaste and fluoride

You don't have to use toothpaste to clean your baby's teeth -- the action of brushing is the most important factor in keeping them clean. If you do use toothpaste, then choose one specifically designed for infants -- these usually contain very little fluoride. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry actually recommends that babies under the age of 2 should receive NO fluoride at all.

Although fluoride can help strengthen the enamel of the teeth, too much of it can lead to fluorosis - a condition which can cause white spots to appear on the permanent teeth. Young babies tend to swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out -- if you use an adult toothpaste, then they will be swallowing too much fluoride.

Speak to your child's dentist for more information about the fluoride requirements for your child.

For further information, see How Much Fluoride Is Enough?

Tips for brushing baby's teeth

If your baby is reluctant to open his mouth, try putting a brush in your own mouth -- babies love to copy whatever Mum's doing!

Try singing a musical scale with your mouth wide open (no-one's looking!) He may try to copy the singing -- or he may laugh -- but either way, he'll open his mouth!

Sit your baby in whatever position works best for you -- standing or sitting behind your baby as he looks up is a great position, because it enables you to reach all parts of his mouth very easily.

Be gentle -- firm brushing isn't necessary at this stage and can put your baby off the whole experience.

Visiting the dentist

So when should your baby pay his first visit to the dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and many other dental authorities worldwide, you should take him for a dental check-up at some point during his first year.

This gives your baby's dentist the opportunity to identify potential problems at an early stage and also to establish a good prevention program. It also gets your baby accustomed to the routine of dental visits and can help ensure he is calm on future visits.

Tips to keep your baby's teeth healthy

Avoid giving your baby juice. Nearly 90% of infants in the US are drinking juice before their first birthday. Yet whole fruit is nutritionally superior to fruit juice and contains dietary fiber, which juice lacks. Giving water to your baby is the healthiest option when he needs additional fluids.

If you do give your baby fruit juice, then make sure he drinks it from a sippy cup, not a bottle. Drinking juice from a bottle causes it to "pool" around your baby's teeth and puts him at a very high risk of dental decay.

Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk. The lactose in milk can react with the bacteria in your baby's mouth, forming the acids that attack tooth enamel.

Do not dip your baby's dummy/pacifier into any sweet substance.

Do not add sugar to your baby's food. (NEVER use honey as a sweetener for babies less than 1 year of age -- honey may contain botulism spores, which can be fatal to a young baby).

Ensure that baby's teeth get an extra good clean at bedtime! During the night, his natural production of saliva decreases, so its rinsing action diminishes too. This means that any harmful bacteria in the mouth are able to settle on the teeth more easily.

If your baby is receiving oral medication, give it to him before you brush his teeth, not afterwards. Almost all oral medications for infants contain sucrose.

Christine Albury is a mother of four and the author of Homemade Baby Food Recipes - your complete guide to solid feeding during baby's first year. Christine writes for many other parenting sites and a regional UK magazine. Homemade Baby Food Recipes, which was recently featured by the BBC, includes a very active blog - keeping parents up to date with all important baby food news - plus a free monthly newsletter.
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Vitamins For Your Baby

2007-02-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

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By Brooke Schuman

It seems that everyone has a different opinion when it comes to giving vitamins to your baby. This decision has to come down to you the parent. Some Dr's will say that your baby doesn't need vitamins, and others will say go ahead and give them a multi- vitamin, it depends on your doctor but for your babies safety you should definitely follow your Dr's advice.

When your baby is first born, your baby is healthy and doesn't need vitamins. Your baby is getting vitamins through breast milk or formula. It isn't until your baby quits breastfeeding or drinking formula that you may want to consider giving a vitamin supplement to your baby.

Once baby starts on solids it is more difficult to know that baby is eating a healthy diet. Baby may one day eat really good and the next take a couple bites of something and spit out all her vegetables. If my baby is anything like any of yours, he will eat the favorite food of the week and most of the time it is not the most nutritious thing for him to eat. But if you mothers are like me you are just thankful that he is eating something, anything! So if your baby is a fussy eater and you are not sure weather or not he is eating a healthy balanced diet, then I suggest a liquid multi-vitamin specifically designed for infants. You can find these sort of vitamins at your local health food store.

Stay away from gummy vitamins until at least the age of 3 or 4 . There are some things that your baby isn't allowed to have yet. Liquid infant multi-vitamins give dosage usually by weight which is good because then you know how much vitamins are safe for your baby. You never should give your baby adult vitamins as these contain a higher dosage of vitamins that is way to much for your babies body to handle. To much of anything can harm your body, with the exception of love.

Babies as well as adults do need some vitamins to stay healthy. Vitamin D for example. We get Vitamin D through the sun, so make sure your baby gets out at least 30 min a week. Of course in the winter time when there is frigid temperatures no one wants to go outside. That is why a vitamin supplement is so good. When looking for a vitamin supplement for your baby look at how much Vitamin D is in it. If the amount of Vitamin D exceeds 400 IU per day don't buy it. To much Vitamin D can be toxic to your baby.

Babies and Toddlers also need Iron and Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a great preventative vitamin, it boosts the immune system and is good to give when baby has a cold. They have vitamin C liquid drops for infants as well. Vitamin C can help the absorption of Iron so it has that benefit as well. Your multi-vitamin will have Vitamin C in it already so until baby is sick there is no need for extra Vitamin C.

Iron is essential for babies up to 18 months. An Iron deficiency can cause developmental as well as behavioral problems in infants. Although in some babies to much iron can be constipating, it is essential for there growth. There is iron enriched cereals and formulas for younger babies and iron will most likely be in your multi-vitmamin. You should always read the labels to make sure.

With our food and soil not being enriched with the vitamins and minerals it once had, I am all for giving my child vitamins. I feel good knowing that my son is getting all the things he needs to grow and thrive. Always cheek with your child's doctor before starting a vitamin regimen. I have noticed since I have started giving my son a multi- vitamin he hasn't been sick.

http://baby.ideas-from.us
http://all-about-babies.blogspot.com
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The Art of Saying "Yes" and the Art of Saying "No"

2007-02-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

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By Mark Huttenlocker

Conflict between you and your out-of-control teen can occur when he/she wants something from you (e.g., to acquire material items, receive privileges, gain attention, avoid following a rule, avoid doing a chore, avoid receiving a discipline, avoid meeting a parental expectation, etc.).

The Art of Saying �Yes�: When you kid wants something from you, and your answer is "yes," be
sure to use it as an opportunity for your kid to EARN the privilege. Here are some examples:

Child: �I�m going to Marquis� to play some basketball.� Parent: �All right. As soon as you get your homework done.�

Child: "I'm hungry.� Parent: �O.K. Let�s cook something together, and then we both wash the dishes.�

Child: �Can Shaun spend the night Saturday?" Parent: �Yea. But your room must be picked-up.�

Child: �I want to borrow the car Sunday." Parent: �O.K. But first you must wash it and vacuum the inside.�

Child: �I need some money.� Parent: �How much ...and what are willing to do to earn it?�

The Art of Saying �No�: When your out-of-control kid wants something from you, and your answer is "no," here's the best strategy to use:

1st - Say �no� once -- and only once.

2nd - Your children will say �why not� and will want to argue.

3rd - State your reason for saying �no� only once, and let them know what they can do to earn what they are asking for.

For example: �I�m saying �no� because _____. If you will _____, then you will be allowed to _____.�

4th - Your children will continue to try to whittle your �no� into a �maybe� and then into �yes.�

5th � Say �I am not going to argue� (put on your best poker face here - remember not to show any sign that you are angry).

6th - If your children threaten to ignore your �no,� then a clear warning should be given immediately:

�If you choose to ______ without my permission, then you choose the consequence which is _____."

7th - If the warning is ignored, then quickly follow through with the consequence:

"Because you chose to _____ without my permission, you chose the consequence, which is ______.�

8th - If your children refuse to accept the consequence, take everything away (or at least their favorite stuff and/or activities) and ground them for 3 days. If they have a rage-attack when they find out they are grounded for 3 days, the 3-day-discipline does not start until they calm down. If they violate the 3-day-discipline at any point, merely re-start the 3 days.

9th - Tell them exactly what they must do to get off discipline, but stick to the designated time limit:

�If you will _____, you will be off discipline in 3 days.�

Here's an example of how the art of saying 'no' plays out --

Child: Mom, I�m going to Kara�s house.

Parent: No, not tonight (say 'no' only once).

Child: Why not?

Parent: Because it�s 9:30 p.m., and your curfew is 10:00 p.m. The last time I let you go to Kara�s this late, you didn�t return home until nearly 11:00 p.m. You can go to Kara�s tomorrow if you have your chores done and you go earlier in the evening (here you are stating your reason for saying �no� only once, and telling your child what she can do to earn the privilege).

Child: I did not get home at 11:00 p.m. I got home just a few minutes after 10:00 p.m. (distorting the fact).

Parent: I�m not going to argue (with a poker face).

Child: I�m just gonna run over there and pick up my school book. I�ll be right back (sweetening the deal).

Parent: I�m not going to argue.

Child: Well, you let Sara go to her friend�s house after 9:30 p.m. the other night (applying a guilt trip).

Parent: I�m not going to argue.

Child: (mocking the parent) I�m not going to argue �I�m not going to argue �is that all you can say? You suck! (applying an insult).

Parent: (showing no emotion) I�m not going to argue.

Child: This is bulls__. You can�t tell me what to do! I�m going! (ignoring your request).

Parent: If you choose to go to Kara�s, then you choose the consequence, which will be grounding for 3 days and no phone privileges (parent�s warning).

Child: We�ll see about that (child leaves and returns at 11:15 p.m.).

Parent: (when the child returns) Because you chose to ignore my request, you also chose the consequence, which is grounding for 3 days and no phone (enforcing discipline).

Parent: You will be ungrounded in 3 days and get the phone back if you come straight home from school every day this week (telling child exactly what he/she must do to get off discipline).

Points to keep in mind:

Make your time-line anywhere from 1 evening to 7 days (3 days works best!). When disciplining strong-willed or out-of control teenagers, grounding and taking away all privileges (e.g., TV, phone, video games) work best. The 3-day-discipline works because it fits the way children think, not the way parents think (3 days is an eternity to a kid). If your child is grounded and breaks another
house rule, simply restart the 3 days.

For example: A kid completed 1 day of a 3-day discipline for getting suspended from school. On the second day, he sneaks out of the house to be with his buddy. The parent simply started the same 3-day
discipline over again. This keeps restrictions from piling up. He is more likely to hang-in when he can see light at the end of the tunnel.

You can't control your out-of-control kid, but you can control the things he enjoys (e.g., television, video games, freedom for activities, junk food, toiletries, favorite cloths, bedroom doors, cell phones, etc.).

While the out-of-control kid may not be willing to work for the things you want, he will usually work for the things he wants. By controlling the things he wants, you can influence him to change unwanted behaviors.

Where do I put the stuff that I take away from my kid?

Some parents designate a closet with a pad lock to store confiscated stuff. Some parents put the kid's things in the trunk of their car or at a neighbor's house. Others have been known to throw the less expenses items in the trash (toiletries, some cloths, junk food, etc.).

How am I supposed to get the kid's computer in the trunk of my car?

Be creative. There is always a simple way to confiscate. Just take the computer keyboard rather than the whole computer. Just take the cable cord to the television. Play Station controllers, DVDs, CDs, and cell phones are easy to hide. If the item is too big to carry out of the kid's room, just disable it (e.g., take
possession of a vital cord that connects the CD player to the speakers in the kid's entertainment center).

What it some of my stuff comes up missing?

If your kid returns the favor by taking or hiding some of your things, calmly tell him that the 3-day-discipline won't start until your things are returned. If he continues to keep your things, you may need to call the police and be willing to press charges in order to convince him that taking your stuff is
actually theft and has additional consequences.

Mark Huttenlocker, M.A., is a family therapist who works with teens and pre-teens experiencing emotional/behavioral problems associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. He works with these children and their parents � in their homes. You may visit his website here: http://www.MyOutOfControlTeen.com/sl
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Newborn Baby's First Nights at Home: Tips to Help Your Baby Learn to Sleep throughout the Night

2007-02-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

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By Connie Limon

You have a new baby, oh what wonder and joy this little guy or gal is, however, you have not had a good night�s sleep since being home with this wonderful little creature. Don�t give up. You can help your new baby sleep all night, every night. And remember, you are certainly not alone. Sleepless nights are something common for most new parents.

Newborn babies often sleep 16 or more hours per day. Their sleep time, however, is often done in stretches of just one to two hours at a time. As your baby�s nervous system matures a more consistent sleep schedule emerges and he or she can go longer between feedings.

By the time your new baby reaches three months of age he or she will probably be sleeping for as long as five hours during the night. At six months of age, nighttime stretches of nine to 12 hours are most likely.

Look over the following tips to help your baby become a good sleeper:

� Encourage activity during the day: During the waking hours with your baby keep him or her busy by talking, singing and playing. Provide your baby with lots of light. This type of stimulation during the day can help promote better sleep at night.

� Monitor your baby�s naps: Allow your baby regular naps during the day and not large chunks of time that may cause your baby to stay wide awake at night.

� Follow a consistent bedtime routine: If you bath, cuddle, sing or read to your baby just before bedtime he or she will soon associate these activities with sleep.

� Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake: This technique helps your baby associate bed with the process of falling asleep. Place your baby to sleep on his or her back. Clear the crib or bassinet of blankets and other soft items.

� Give your baby time to settle down: If your baby fusses when you first put him to bed, allow him or her to find a comfortable position for falling asleep. If the crying does not stop within a reasonable amount of time, try speaking calmly to your baby and stroke his or her back to provide reassurance of your presence.

� Consider using a pacifier: If your baby has trouble settling down, try using a pacifier at nap time and bedtime to help reduce his anxiety. One problem of using a pacifier might be if he or she loses during the middle of the night and cries for its replacement. Guess who has to get up in the middle of the night to find the pacifier for baby?

� Expect frequent stirring at night: Don�t be alarmed if you hear your baby squirming and wriggle as they sleep. This is quite normal. Some babies can be noisy. All these things may simply be a sign of settling down. Unless you suspect your baby is hungry or uncomfortable (needing a diaper change or whatever), it is OK to wait a few minutes to see if he or she finally settles down. If not, then better check on baby.

� Keep nighttime care low-key: When you feed your baby or care for he or she during the night, use dim lights, a soft voice and very calm movements. This will teach your baby that it is time to sleep and nothing else.

Some babies sleep throughout the night the first night home. I know my baby slept through the night straight from the beginning of our nights at home. She was such a good baby I would always say.

However, not all babies are alike; respect your baby�s preferences. Take time to understand your baby�s schedule and ways of communicating. They will eventually settle down and sleep the whole night through. If your baby is still fussy at nighttime by age 6 months, ask your baby�s doctor for instruction and suggestions.

The goal here is for everyone to get a good night�s sleep. It is not a measure of your parental skill or a sign of a good or bad baby. I just always thought my baby was the absolute best at everything, and sleeping throughout the night was just one more reason I thought she was �perfect.� She has paid me back though as an adult, and what I got to say about her now is not the same�..At times I ask myself is this the same person I use to know as a baby, toddler and child?

Source: Mayo Clinic, personal knowledge

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 2-2007.

Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health articles at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are available for FREE reprint to your newsletter, website or blog. Please sign up for our weekly nutrition and health tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

How To Continue Breastfeeding After Returning Back To Work

2007-02-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

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By Julie Zarchi

Let�s face it - returning back to work after maternity leave is never fun! This can be especially true if you want to continue breastfeeding and are considering pumping while on the job! Most moms worry about keeping up their milk supply and wonder how to pump quickly and discreetly while still getting their job done.

Luckily, there are some great products to help you, which when paired with these valuable tips compiled by actual pumping moms, will help make your pumping plan a reality�

A double electric pump is a must. The double pump helps cut pumping time in half and also stimulates milk production.Invest in a good hands free pumping bra (Easy Expression makes two great ones).If you have your own office - schedule your time and save data entry, typing, reading and returning emails. These tasks can all be completed while pumping if you�re using a hands free bra.Leave your pump engine at the office if you do not use it at home. Saves you from taking it back and forth (it�s heavy).Make use of the small cold bag that comes with many pumps � purchase some additional freezer packs and use this to store the pumped milk discreetly under your desk!Who wants to display their pump parts while running down the corridor to the bathroom to rinse them out! Use a small cloth bag to store them (and also keep them dry). The Diapees and Wipees Diaper Wallets are perfect and just the right size.Try herbal tea products that help increase milk supply (Earth Mama Angel Baby More Milk Tea).Plan your schedule � try to schedule time to pump at the same time day although you may be busy. This helps regulate your milk production and will help you to get into a routine.Try using Mothers Milk Breast Milk Storage Bags. You can pump directly into the bags eliminating the use of bottles while pumping.Keep a large bottle of water on your desk � this will act as a reminder to keep drinking! A higher fluid intake is needed while breast feeding.Try using the Medela microwave sterilizer bags. These bags will let you quickly sterilize your pump attachments using the office microwave.Pack your pump bag the night before. All you�ll need to do in the morning is add some freezer packs and you�re ready to go.Most employers are happy to accommodate breastfeeding moms. Ask your Human Resources Department if they have a designated pumping area or any other resources available for you. Although pumping at work can be challenging at first, it is possible to succeed � and you may even be surprised as to just how easy it can be!

Julie Zarchi is a wahm and owner of http://www.supermomz.com a boutique which features Products for Today's Busy SuperMom. Julie has personal experience pumping on the job and utilized her extensive network of working mothers to compile the tips above.

For more information about Julie Zarchi and SuperMomz visit http://www.supermomz.com

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The Power of Play - What Children Learn by Unstructured Play

2007-01-19T15:24:00.000-05:00

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By Lisa Berman

As I watched my son in swimming lessons today, he was fascinated as he pushed the water up over the lip of the pool and it trickled down the spaces between the tiles - a drain of some sort. It caused me to reflect on the importance of play on learning. Children of all ages learn by play. Younger children start the learning process playing on the living room floor, the sandbox or even during bath time. Learning capacity grows for older children as their world expands to include making a treehouse or some crazy go-cart using assorted toys in the yard. Take a moment and think back to some of your favorite childhood memories. I imagine those memories consisted of moments that you were engrossed in activity, while marveling at the wonders of the world. Was it exploring the nearby brook? Watching sticks and leaves float in the current? Or was it the accomplishment of building an amazing structure from blocks or Lego's? Whatever it was, the opportunity for this free play provided long lasting memories and educational opportunities.

There is growing evidence that these experiences are vital to children's growth. A toy having the Parent's Choice Award designation does not ensure that it provides appropriate developmental opportunities. Children learn problem solving skills, social skills, self-regulation skills and self-confidence is gained as children are engaged in unstructured play. Children who learn to play creatively will grow into adults who can think for themselves and be creative in the workplace.

What this means for parents is that we need to allow our children to get dirty and make messes. Their science experiments or cooking experiments provide learning opportunities in physics and math. When they are engaged with others, social skills and negotiation skills are gained.

When we buy children gifts, we need to think about what toys will provide the most opportunity for open, unstructured play. These items include blocks, Legos, dolls, dress-up, and art supplies. Consider opportunities such as time in the woods, a field, or on a mound of dirt as wonderful experiences to engage child curiosity.

As we move into the new year I encourage all of us to find ways to increase our children's opportunities for open, unstructured play and minimize the structured activities, tv time and computer time

Lisa Berman is founder of Lighthouse Family Coaching, LLC. She has a master�s degree in counseling and psychotherapy and has worked with children and families for over 12 years. To learn more about her services or to sign up for her free monthly newsletter visit her site at http://www.Lighthousefamilycoaching.com

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2007-01-05T11:01:00.000-05:00

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Baby Health Tips Every Mother Should Know

2006-12-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

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By Lisa Lee

How to take care of minor problems.

CARE OF UMBILICAL CORD:

The end of the cord will fall off in a couple of weeks after birth.

Until it falls off, keep it clean and dry.

Keep diaper below cord so that the cord stays dry.

Dab with alcohol on a cotton swab 1�2 times each day.

Call your baby�s health care giver if it looks red, irritated, bleeds or oozes, or
has a bad odor.

CARE OF CIRCUMCISION:

A circumcision should heal in 7�10 days.

If the tip of the penis is irritated by the diaper, put a little bit of petroleum jelly
on the irritated area each time you change the diaper.

PREVENT DIAPER RASH:

Change diapers often.

Wash baby�s bottom with soap and warm water at each change.

Use zinc oxide paste or diaper rash cream on irritated areas.

TREAT DIAPER RASH:

Leave baby�s diaper area uncovered for a few hours each day. (Place several
folded cloth diapers under baby.)

Use zinc oxide or diaper rash cream on irritated areas after washing.

TREAT DIARRHEA:

If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so.

Call baby�s health care giver if your baby won�t take liquids, can�t keep them
down, has a lot of diarrhea, or has diarrhea for longer than 12 hours. (Diarrhea can be a very serious problem for little babies, who can lose a lot of fluid quickly.)

There are special drinks �called oral electrolyte solutions� that infants with diarrhea should be given to keep them from becoming very sick.

TREAT COLIC:

Make sure that your baby is not crying for some other reason (wet diaper, hunger, tight clothing, loneliness).

Hold baby, stomach down, across your knees.

Rock your baby.

Push your baby in a carriage or stroller.

TREAT A COLD:

Try to make your baby more comfortable.

Call baby�s health care provider if your baby has a fever.

When to call the doctor �

YOU SHOULD CALL YOUR BABY�S HEALTH CARE GIVER IMMEDIATELY
IF YOUR BABY:

Has breathing problems (has to work hard to get air in and out).Cries (more or differently from the usual), or moans as if in pain, or is very fussy.Has a temperature higher than 100� F.Vomits (more than a spit up) or has diarrhea (very watery, loose, foulsmelling stools) more than 2�3 times in a day.Has even one large, very watery bowel movement and is less than 3 months old.Passes blood or blood clots with urine or bowel movement.Has a convulsion (shaking arms and legs).
ALSO CALL IF YOUR BABY:

Seems weak, has no energy to cry as loudly as usual.Refuses to feed or nurses poorly (or doesn�t want more than 1/2 of the usual bottle).Doesn�t wake up as alert as usual, or for older babies, is not playful, even for a short time.Just doesn�t �seem right� and you are worried. When you call the health care provider about your sick baby, write down the advice you get. Have available the telephone number of a pharmacy in case your care giver wants to phone in a prescription.

For more helpful information about breast feeding, baby teething process and more baby care tips please visit baby-care-guide.info
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A Conservative Vaccine Schedule for Concerned Parents

2006-12-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

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By Christine Silva

After many months of soul-searching and multiple failed attempts to get information from my pediatrician, I decided to do some research on vaccines and the risks to my newborn. It was difficult to understand why my old vaccine record from 1974 had only seven vaccine stamps on it, but my pediatrician wanted to give my newborn over 40 vaccines over the course of the next four years.

The medical community recommends at least four polio vaccines, six hepatitis B vaccines, five DTaP vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), at least two MMR vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella), two influenza vaccines, three PCV vaccines, three HIB vaccines, and at least two varicella (chicken pox) vaccines, and two Hepatitis A vaccines. All together, these average over 40 vaccinations before the age of two.

Other medical communities have chosen to recognize possible dangers from vaccines. For example, in the late 1990s, over-vaccination was definitively linked to canerous tumors in domestic cats and dogs. At the time, I worked for a veterinary office, and the doctors were extremely concerned about the health of their animal patients. They decided, within a month, to modify their vaccination recommendations to a more conservative regimen, even though it would cause a decrease in income. The health and welfare of their clients was more important than the possible profit loss. It is unfortunate that human doctors cannot come to a similar consensus regarding infant vaccination. Until then, it is the responsibility of parents to educate themselves regarding vaccines and their risks, and make appropriate choices.

Why has the medical community deemed it necessary to vaccinate a newborn child over 40 times, when just thirty years ago, eight vaccines seemed an acceptable number? And, although the medical community refuses to link vaccines to autism, or Attention Deficit Disorder, it is extremely difficult to reconcile the fact that autism and vaccine reaction rates have skyrocketed in the last twenty years.

So, using my experience in education and research, I have compiled a more conservative vaccine schedule for my child based on risk factors. As a parent, I want to do whatever I can to protect my child from disease, as well as possible side-affects from any medication or medical treatment.

Many of the vaccines given to infants seem ridiculous and unnecessary, and the risks do not outweigh the benefits. For example, the tetanus vaccine is routinely given to newborns, even though the risk to newborns from this disease is infinitesimal. Tetanus is usually spread by the urine or feces of an animal on an outdoor object, such as a rusty nail. When an object enters the body, the bloodstream is infected by the toxin.

Now, I remember getting a tetanus vaccine as a young teenager after piercing my palm on a rusty hook. My father grumbled, looked at the wound, and took me to the hospital for a shot. My father received his first tetanus vaccine in his forties, after stepping on a rusty nail while clearing brush.

So, if this toxin enters the blood through a puncture wound, why does the medical community insist on vaccinating newborns against this disease, especially if they cannot walk, and probably have no contact with sharp objects, much less filthy outdoor objects that may be covered with animal urine and feces?

Fewer than 50 cases of tetanus are reported every year in the United States. That makes the possibility that your child will have tetanus in their lifetime about one in 220 million. Compare this with the possible risk of autism, which is about one in 220� period.

Now, another vaccine that seems risky is the varicella vaccine, which is the vaccine against chicken pox. This mild disease strikes thousands of children every year, and usually results in dozens of pimple-like itchy sores, mild fevers, and two whole weeks home with mommy. As children, my brother and I both had chicken pox, and I have a small scar on my cheek as a result. Subsequent lifetime immunity to chicken pox and shingles also came with my childhood bout with this disease.

The varicella (chicken pox) vaccine is one case where the dangers of the vaccine almost certainly outweigh the benefits. A child with chicken pox is a delightfully cranky inconvenience to working parents for two weeks. A child with a brain damage from a debilitating vaccine reaction is an inconvenience for a lifetime.

The influenza vaccine is only recommended for children that have very obvious risk factors, such as cardiac disease, sickle-cell, HIV, or diabetes. However, most doctors insist on vaccinating healthy children against influenza. Once again, a child with the �flu� is a great inconvenience to working parents�for two weeks. And, once again, a child with a brain damage from a debilitating vaccine reaction is an inconvenience for a lifetime.

The safety of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is hotly contested. At a recent news conference, reporters asked England�s Prime Minister, Tony Blair, if he vaccinated his young child with the MMR vaccine, and he refused to answer. Although I believe that vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella is necessary, I do not believe that these three vaccines should be given in combination. Especially since, in a combination vaccines, it is impossible to determine which of the three vaccines cause a serious vaccine reaction if one occurs.

Hepatitis B is another vaccine that is routinely given to newborns, even though newborns have almost no risk of contracting the disease. This disease affects about 320,000 Americans annually, and is mainly spread through unprotected sex and IV drug use. The vaccine is recommended for homosexual men, drug users, and anyone working in the medical field. Does your newborn fall under any of these risk categories? No? I didn�t think so.

Here are my recommendations�the recommendations of a concerned mother.

1. Try to request separate vaccines. Decline combo vaccines. Pay extra if you have to. It�s worth it.

2. Ask the vaccines to be �pulled up� in front of you. Make absolutely sure that the vaccine vial is a single-dose (the bottle should be really small, like the size of a brazil nut). If the bottle is big, a multiple-dose vial, refuse the vaccine immediately and do not return to that doctor! Multi-dose vials are cheaper, and they may contain a deadly preservative, thermerisol, a mercury-based preservative that is an actual human poison. Although vaccine manufacturers voluntarily stopped adding mercury to vaccines, these vaccines are not illegal, and no one knows how many thousands of bottles still exist on doctor�s shelves.

3. Eliminate all unnecessary vaccinations. Unless your child has actual risk factors, decline vaccines that are unnecessary. I have chosen not to vaccinate my newborn against chicken pox, influenza, Hepatitis B or tetanus. I received most of these vaccines in my teens, and I survived easily on chicken soup (and a mother�s love) through my childhood bout with the chicken pox.

4. Only allow one vaccine per office visit. Your pediatrician may protest, but I guarantee that most doctors will not vaccinate their own newborns with nine vaccines all at once. If you only allow one vaccine at a time, you can track any possible reactions.

5. Have an anti-inflammatory handy in case your child has a reaction. Ask your doctor for the safest (probably infant Tylenol), and have it ready just in case. If your child gets a reaction, such as a fever, give him the anti-inflammatory, and take him to urgent care. Don�t worry if they think you�re overreacting. Who cares what they think? Protect your child�s health at all costs.

6. If there is any way you can stay home with your newborn the first six months, and expose him to as few risk factors as possible (daycare, other sick children, etc), try to delay vaccination until your baby is at least six months. Enormous amounts of brain development take place at this time, and anything you can do to ensure your child�s protection against possible vaccine reaction, as well as disease, is a good thing. Beg, borrow, steal, use credit cards, whatever! Protect your child�s future!

7. And last, but not least, trust your own instincts. If you feel that your newborn is not reacting normally to vaccines, question your doctor, and if you get a condescending response, get another doctor.

As parents, we all want what�s best for our children. You are the final arbiter of your child�s health and wellness, and the more you can delay any type of intervention, the better. You have the choice to vaccinate your child conservatively, and there are risks to any vaccine, and also risks when you choose not to vaccinate.

However, if you are concerned, remember that many childhood diseases, such as chicken pox, influenza, and even the measles, are rarely fatal. However, severe autism can be a �death sentence� for a lifetime. Consider your options, do some research, and trust your heart as a loving parent.

Christine P Silva, BA, CRTP, lives in California with her husband, two children, and three spoiled cats. She earned her undergraduate degree from San Jose State University, and her advanced accounting certificate and California tax registration from Cosumnes River College. She is the founder of the Sacramento Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinic, a free service offering tax assistance to low income and Spanish-speaking taxpayers.

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Infant Car Seats - What to Look for

2006-10-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

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By LynnMarie S.

Infant car seats should be purchased for any baby who weighs less than 20 pounds. It can be more cost efficient to purchase an infant-toddler car seat that can be converted when the baby weighs more than 20 pounds. But all experts will agree that babies are safer in infant car seat because they are designed for the smaller baby to give support in all the necessary places. Your baby should be comfortable. You should get a car seat that has lots of cushioning and plenty of head support. The Graco infant car seat is one of the most popular car seats for infants and range in price from $80 to $170.

These are some things to look for when you are shopping for a car seat for your infant.

It should be easy to install. It is very important that the car seat is installed properly and according to the manufacturer�s specifications. When buying a car seat, remember that simpler is better. If a car seat looks like it will be difficult to install, it probably is.

A smaller baby needs more adequate restraints to hold him in the seat. Look for infant seats that have a five point harness. These will have one strap for each of the baby�s shoulders, one strap for each of his thighs, and one between his legs. These straps are safer for an infant since they are more adjustable than plastic shields or T-bar restraints.

Avoid car seats that require you to fasten the seatbelt in the rear of the seat. The seatbelt adjustment should be easy to reach.

It must have the right anchors. Starting in September 2002, all new infant safety seats had to be compatible with the LATCH system (LATCH is short for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Rather than using a seatbelt to hold the infant seat in place, this system uses two anchors for the bottom of the seat and a one tether for the top of the seat. This makes installation of the seat easier and safer because the seat is attached directly to the car.

Babies are always a mess. Consider purchasing a seat with a removable infant car seat cover so that you can keep the car seat clean. It may be tough to find this feature because many car seats do not come with removable infant car seat covers. Be sure to check the car seat you are purchasing to see if the car seat cover can be removed.

The most important thing to consider what buying a car seat for your infant is safety. Remember, the car seat should be easy to install, have adequate restraints, and have the correct anchors for attaching it to the car.

About the Author

LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Graco Infant Car Seats including an extensive line of Infant Car Seats for infants and children.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LynnMarie_S.

Educational Toys Are Important For Infants

2006-12-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

By Low Jeremy

Every child has an instinct to learn, as evidenced by his or her ability to act like a sponge to every idea and visual stimulus that crosses his or her path. Because of this, people who say that play has no value whatsoever are eating their words right now. Toys and play, even experts say, play vital parts in children's learning and discovery.

Kids' development and learning abilities vary. Some might already be walking at just nine months, while some children learn late and start at only about two years old. There is nothing unusual about this. There are children that are adept at a particular thing, while other kids are more proficient at another.

What is common to all children, nevertheless, is the fact that they are all naturally born curious about the world around them. Babies, in particular, are ultimate learning sponges because they start out with a clean slate. We should, therefore, never be annoyed at kids who always ask the question "why", as this is an indication of their interest to learn new things and wonder about their environment.

And because infants are the best teaching subjects, great pains have been undergone to develop educational toys that would enhance their sponge-like abilities. Learning starts at home. It is the responsibility of parents and the people that surround infants to make sure these formative years are maximized by exposing their children to toys and things that would encourage and feed their hunger for knowledge.

Toys are what children almost always interact with, and exposing them to a number of well-chosen educational toys will boost their individual growth.

As parents and adults who choose these toys, however, we must realize that educational toys are made according to a child's age and learning pace. Thus, we must only purchase and gift toys that are appropriate for the kid we are giving it to, otherwise, our purpose of teaching and instilling knowledge will be defeated.

Infants, in particular, because their sensory abilities are not as developed as toddlers yet, need toys that stimulate their hearing, touch and sight. Strong contrasting colors and soft colorful objects and toys are best for babies to help them with their hand-eye coordination. Therefore, just when we think that these soft balls do nothing for infants, we need to think again. Any toy that stimulates infants' senses is considered educational.

Low Jeremy maintains http://educational-toys.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
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How to Get Baby to Sleep Through the Night

2006-12-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

By Chris Towland

Few things, if any, match the overwhelming joy a baby can bring. But for many parents, the lack of a good nights sleep can sometimes tarnish that joy, just a little.

If you are in that situation where your baby is struggling to sleep and so you and the rest of your family are feeling more and more exhausted as every day goes by, here are a few ideas on how to get baby to sleep through the night.

Establishing a night time routine is one way to get baby to sleep through the night. Give him or her a bath, have one last feed and say goodnight with a warm kiss and a smile. Do not stimulate the baby, as this will make it a long drawn out process. Being consistent will also be important. The baby must know what is going to happen next and what bedtime means.

Another way to get baby to sleep through the night is to make sure that some one-on-one snuggle time is in your routine. You don�t want to just dump the baby into his or her crib without another word. Take advantage of your baby�s attachment to a blanket or cuddly animal. If they haven�t established this yet, help them to find something that will make them feel comfortable when you are not there. An object like this, often called a transitional object, can give your baby comfort and help him or her to get to sleep, both when first put to bed and also on waking during the night.

If the baby does cry for you in the night and you know she is not wet or hungry, avoid the temptation to pick her up and rock her back to sleep. She will quickly become accustomed to that and will want it every time she stirs in the night. That is not to say you cannot comfort her at all of course. Rub her back gently, speak softly but don�t pick her up. Babies learn very quickly what you will do to make them happy.

It is important that you stick to this for a several nights. Babies will often cry for a shorter period of time each night until eventually, the baby will learn how to sleep through the night. Be careful not to give in. Even if the baby has cried for an hour before you pick her up, you still must resist the temptation if at all possible. All this is going to do is teach her that you will pick her up if she cries long enough.

Let me just repeat here that this is NOT a suggestion that you just leave your baby to cry it out, instead the idea is that you are with him or her to provide comfort but just do not give in to picking your baby up to rock him or her back to sleep.

Did you know there's an easier way to get baby to sleep through the night? Take a look at The Baby Sleep Solution - The easy solution to your baby's sleeping problems at http://www.BabySleepSolution.com
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A Couple of Cool Baby Shower Cake Ideas

2006-12-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

By Tim Bock

Baby showers are special events indeed, and the host or hostess of the baby shower is always on the lookout for a great way to make the event even more memorable. One great way to add a lasting memory to the baby shower experience is to consider have a cake created specifically for the occasion. This article lists a couple of cool baby shower cake ideas, but really the only limit is the imagination of the host.

One of the best baby shower cake ideas is to have a cake created in the shape of a diaper, a rattle, or other stereotypical symbol of infanthood. Many bakeries and specialty shops have molds on hand that can shape the cake in this way. However, if you do not have such a shop nearby, consider using the internet to find a bakery that is willing to make the cake and ship it (be sure to give this process extra time) or you could contact local craft stores to see if they have or would be able to create the right kind of mold. You can then either bake the cake yourself or, for the culinary less adventurous, hire a baker to use the mold and create the cake.

Another one of the great baby shower cake ideas is to have an image of the baby (via an ultrasound film) actually printed onto the surface of the cake. As long as both the mom to-be and the guests all have good senses of humor (i.e. some may feel strange ingesting a likeness of the unborn guest of honor), this is sure to leave a lasting impression.

For more information concerning baby showers, please visit The Baby Shower Zone, a website that specializes in baby showers and cool baby shower cake ideas
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Mommy Burnout - 6 Ways to Lose It

2006-11-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

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By: Carrie Lauth

Feeling burnout as a Mom is very common. It does not mean that you are failing as a Mom. It�s mostly due to the isolation that a lot of Moms face in our culture, as well as the overscheduling and overwork that a lot of us deal with.

Here are 6 things you can do to prevent burnout and treat it if it comes up.

Find your tribe

Find a support group of like minded Moms. There are neighbors, people you worship with, family, Moms at storytime, the park, or anywhere else Moms hang out. It�s extremely important for Moms to have a social network. Talk about your feelings with someone who won�t judge you, and return the favor. Spend time with good friends, and don�t forget to nurture your relationship with your spouse.

Set boundaries

Setting good boundaries isn�t just about limits with your kids. Boundaries are something that protect you from being overburdened with other people�s responsibilities. Learn to say no to things that don�t honor your values, and don�t overextend yourself.

Lose the guilt

Don�t feel like you�re a bad Mom because you feel burnout from time to time. In fact, you are probably a very conscientious Mom who is neglecting her own needs! Be as forgiving and empathic with yourself as you are with your kids, and remember, when you take care of your own needs, you�re in better shape to care for your family. It�s kind of like when the flight attendant
tells you to put on your own oxygen mask first in case of emergency!

Take care of your body

Eating poorly leads to fatigue and stress. Nurture your body with healthy foods and avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which only deplete you.

Exercise is also very important because it helps you deal with stress and floods your body with endorphins, the �feel good hormones�. Don�t make excuses! Get moving for 20 minutes a day. It doesn�t have to be expensive or complicated. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do.

Exercise is also good for the kids because it helps them discharge excess energy that they may have from being inside too much.

Spending some time every day in the sun is also a good idea. Sunlight improves mood and helps
you sleep better.

Take a break

Nurture yourself every single day in small ways. Take a hot bath by yourself. Go outside for a few minutes and breathe deeply. Say your prayers, journal, pursue a hobby that you love. Even if all you can do are 5 minute increments, take the time!

Focus on what�s truly important

If you�re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself that the most important things on your to do list are your children, not the dishes or the dusty blinds. Put everything aside for 15 minutes and just play with your kids. Have fun, laugh together, spend time in nature together, and enjoy life. The rest can wait. Kids have a way of growing up despite us. And keep hugging those babies!

Carrie Lauth is a Mom of 4 and the host of www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com. For more information on having more fun as a Mom, visit: www.MomsWisdom.com

Bottle Feeding Baby - Keeping It Clean

2006-11-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

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By Robin OBrien

Breastfeeding mothers can have many problems but one thing they don't have to think about is keeping their milk clean and germ-free. Bottle feeding mothers don't have this luxury. Cleanliness is paramount when bottle feeding your baby.

If you've decided to bottle feed your child then you must first acquire the correct equipment. First on your list should be an adequate bottle sterilizer. There are several different types to choose from. The cheapest option available is to buy a bottle sterilizer that works by placing it in a microwave. Their big advantage is cheapness, but they do have a couple of drawbacks; first you must thoroughly clean your microwave after cooking spicy food. Secondly, portability can be problematic. A more expensive option is to purchase an electric bottle sterilizer. You simply wash your baby's bottle and then place them into a plastic tray, which is then placed into the sterilizer. This is the best way to sterilize your baby's milk bottles, however, be sure to place only the amount of water into the sterilizer as specified by the manufacturers - don't put more than is recommended. Finally, you can purchase an electric/microwave combination. Basically, this means you can place the interior tray into a microwave rather than using the electric unit. Whichever type you purchase, don't forget to wash it occasionally.

Ensure that you wash your baby's bottles correctly. Use a bottle washer especially made for cleaning babies bottles. Wash bottles in warm soapy water and use salt to clean the teats. Make sure use rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Never sterilize your baby's bottles with the teat or caps left on.

Germs require 3 things to thrive; water, sugar and warmth. Infant formula can provide ideal conditions for germs to breed. Always make infant formula just before you need to and discard any that is left over after feeding. Never give your baby milk that was made for a previous feed; would you like to drink milk that has been left standing for hours in a warm room? Also, when travelling, never make formula in advance. It is better to take hot water and mix the milk powder just before feeding. It might be worthwhile buying ready-to-use for long distance trips.

Never share your baby's bottle with another infant, even with other siblings. Sharing is the surest way to spread germs from one baby to another. Make sure your own hands are clean before you prepare your baby's formula.

Take care of your baby's teeth. Bottle feeding tooth decay is a real risk. Infant formula usually contains more sugar that breast milk. You should never put baby to bed with a bottle, which the baby can suck on for hours. The sugary liquid flows over the baby's upper front teeth and dissolves the enamel, causing decay that can lead to infection. The longer the practice continues the more damage to the baby's teeth and mouth. Treatment is very expensive.

Bottle feeding will provide your child with all the nutrients it needs. By following the guidelines above, you can also ensure that bottle feeding is as germ-free and safe as breastfeeding.

Robin O'Brien is founder of Baby Bottle Feeding. It offers advice on all aspects of bottle feeding, including what is the best infant formula and bottle feeding tooth decay.
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Potty Training Resistance

2006-10-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

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By Diane Ball

Potty training, unfortunately, comes at a time in life when a child is learning to be more independent. Known as the �terrible twos�, your toddler may resist potty training altogether, dirty his or her diaper for spite, act differently about the toilet for different caregivers, and generally cause potty training to be a hassle for parents. However, don�t despair, potty training can still be accomplished even if this is the case, if parents remain calm and understanding and make potty training a fun activity.

First, be sure your child is ready and establish a potty training routine with your child. These two steps are the basis for quick and stress-free potty training. However, many children will still resist, so you are not alone if you are often faced with a screaming child or one who is learning early to talk back (good luck with him or her as a teen�). Refusing to potty train can be simply frustrating, or it can have real health consequences if they chose to �hold it� for long periods rather than use the potty. Remember to consult your paediatrician if resistance continues for a long period of time.

Rewarding your child is an appropriate step in the potty training process, and one that will possibly make your child less resistant. Have him or her help choose the prizes. For example, visit the local toy store and purchase some new items that your child may not have until he or she meets certain goals. You may also wish to talk to your child about what he or she cannot do without being potty trained (staying the night at grandma�s, going to school, visiting friends, etc). Motivation is the key to successful potty training.

Talk with your child if he or she is normally well behaved, but extremely resistant to potty training. Perhaps your child is scared of using a potty seat. Have him or her use, instead, a small potty chair and decorate this chair with stickers. Some children, for example, are scared of the flushing noise a larger toilet makes. Wait until your child leaves the room to flush, or have him or her flush the toilet themselves, both when they use it and at other time in the day, simple to get used to the idea. You may also wish to have your child watch while you, older siblings, and family members use the toilet to show your child that it is not scary.

Punishment is appropriate when your child knows that he or she is acting inappropriately. For example, if he or she won�t let your change his or her dirty diaper, even though they have been previously telling you when they have to go, you may wish to punish your child. Also consider punishment for inappropriate behavior such as hitting or throwing temper tantrums.

Punishment is not appropriate for accidents, on the other hand. Remember that your child may simply not know he or she had to use the toilet. Even with older children, accidents sometimes happen, especially with urination during play as they get distracted until it�s too late to make it to the toilet. Try to be understanding about this so that your child does not continue to resist using the toilet.

There are many tools on the market to help make potty training fun. If you make it a fun activity, your child will not be as resistant, and the process will be much faster. Use a variety of games, songs, and activities to teach your child about using the potty and remember that each child is different and will learn toilet use at a different pace.

Diane Ball has an interest in Potty Training. For further information on Potty Training please visit Potty Training or Potty Training Symptoms .
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Raising Kids - The Heartache of Infant Indigestion

2006-10-24T09:52:00.000-04:00

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By Jill Seimer

Any adult can tell you just how uncomfortable or even painful indigestion can
be. Now put yourself in the shoes of an infant. Can you imagine the pain they
must experience when they have indigestion? They cannot tell you so they just
express it by crying to show you something is wrong. Any mother will tell you
that they would gladly take on their baby's sickness if it meant giving their child
relief from whatever is causing them pain.

What is Colic? This is a common term used around children's health and is also
referred to as infant indigestion. Colic is seen by some people as infants just
being "fussy" and "cranky" which is a tiny bit shortsighted. Colic has no single
definition as such - we simply know that the child is in pain and needs help.
This discomfort is normally linked to the childs digestive process, which is
still in its formative stages.

In general colic begins when a baby is six weeks
old and lasts until they are about 3 to 4 months old. It's rare for colic to
continue past this age. What Causes Colic? Some people believe that colic is an
allergic reaction in the child whereas more agree that it most likely has diet
as its root cause. An infant being overfed or underfed is more than enough to
start a painful attack. Foods with high fat, sugar and protein content also seem
more likely to cause colic. One interesting fact is that breastfed babies suffer
far less from colic. Stress is also a major cause of colic in infants so parents
and carers alike should make every possible effort to provide the infant with a
worry-free environment to grow up in.

The Symptoms of Colic The first, and most obvious, sign of colic is crying - and
lots of it. This crying is also different to normal infant "sobbing" which they
may do for attention. This type of infant crying is painful and inconsolable.
Infant crying caused by colic is the type that no mother can stop - no matter
what she tries.

It's bad enough that your baby is in pain but the crying fit they experience
actually causes them further problems. When a baby cries in this way sudden
spasmodic abdominal cramping will occur, and the child will automatically draw
up their knees and clench their fists. Their tiny body is now tense and the
intense crying now sucks more air into their stomach which then causes them more
pain from trapped gas.

Colic Like Clockwork? Oddly enough most infants will develop colic around the
same time each day. This is normally in the late afternoon or evening and can
last for several hours. The crying fits can be trying on the most patient of
parents but keeping track of when the colic occurs will allow you to track it
and mentally prepare for it in advance.

JIll Seimer reports on health issues at RefluxLife.com covering on healthy natural lifestyle. Recently she discussed Natural healing for Acid Reflux from her experience on acid reflux disorder symptoms.
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Weaning Your Baby From The Bottle - My Number One Tip

2006-10-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

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By Cassandra Germsheid

Weaning your baby from the bottle can be a very stressful time for both your and your child. If you're fortunate enough to be reading this before its time to wean your baby, you'll hopefully have an easier time of taking away the bottle and moving to solid foods exclusively.

I learned this tip from my own mother, and it worked so well that it took the stress and frustration right out of weaning. In fact, I hadn't even realized that my daughter wasn't drinking from a bottle until two days after she was fully weaned. She never fussed or asked for her bottle once during the transition from formula to solid food.

So, without further adieu, here's my number one tip. Starting today, don't let your baby hold the bottle. That's it - that's the magic formula. It worked wonders for me and if you start early enough, I know it can work wonders for you too, and here's why.

By letting your baby hold and play with their own bottle, they associate it with things other than feeding. This isn't a bad thing, but once you try and wean your baby from the bottle, they'll miss it as a toy or source of comfort.

During the period from 6-12 months of age, your baby will gradually be eating more solids and drinking less formula or breastmilk. If they only use the bottle as a source of food, they won't miss it once its time to wean because they'll be eating plenty of solid foods to satisfy them.

I held my daughter's bottle for her since day one. I had been dreading her first birthday because I assumed she would turn ornery every time she expected her bottle instead of solid food. To my surprise, she had transitioned from formula to solids so easy that I wasn't even aware the weaning process was over. By using this tip, I hope you will have the same experience as well.

Cassie Germsheid is the owner of BabyTipsOnline where you can find even more tips for weaning your child from the bottle. Don't forget to sign up for the free Baby Tips Newsletter and have tips, news, recipes and parenting advice delivered right to your inbox.
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Ways For Treating Babies That Have Colic Using Only Natural Ingredients

2006-10-10T17:10:00.000-04:00

Ways For Treating Babies That Have Colic Using Only Natural Ingredients
By Kerris Samson

For any parent whose baby has suffered or is suffering from colic can you tell, it is one of the most painful experiences that they have ever had to deal with in their lives? Nothing can be worse than seeing your own baby in pain and not being able to relieve it for them or even take the pain away. So finding a relief for colic has become a top priority for these parents. Today you will find that there are many types of colic remedy available that may come to your baby�s rescue. However each baby is unique and you may find that yours responds to some or a combination of colic remedies that are available. But us poor parents the only way of finding the right one for ours is by the trial and error method, which will hopefully provide the right amount of relief for them. But one thing is for sure that the days of waiting for it to pass have long gone, especially for those looking for the answer. No longer does your baby have to suffer needlessly and neither do you, but if you find that using the tried and tested techniques of proper feeding and burping are not working, then try some of the more effective remedies which are now readily available instead.

Firstly there is music and sound. Not only traditional lullabies, but both classical music which has been composed specifically for infants and the heartbeat/womb sound CDs are now becoming extremely popular as external remedies for helping to relax the baby suffering from colic. There are a number of websites around which can offer these types of CDs for you. Also other parents have found that by placing their baby in its car seat on top of a running dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer or close to a vacuum cleaner which is turned on seems to work. The other tried and tested method used by many parents is a gentle shhhhhing sound in the baby�s ear as well as soft whispers and humming or singing can also calm them.

The next thing to look at is the baby�s diet. Many baby�s who are bottle fed show an improvement when the formula being used is changed for a different one, say one may with soya. Also mothers who are breastfeeding should pay close attention to what they actually eat to ensure that their baby does not have a negative reaction to certain foods in their diets. By trying to eliminate items which seem to be common culprits of causing colic one at a time for week and see if there is any improvement in the colic to your baby. Such products you should consider eliminating from your diet are dairy, caffeine, chocolate and gas producing foods (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, melons, tomatoes, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit etc), beans and peanuts).

You could then look at using gripe water, but check the ingredients contained in it before buying it. There are many that are on the market which claim to be natural but do include artificial ingredients and preservatives. Certainly many infants who have colic find that their digestive systems would rather not have these potential irritants placed in them. So it always better to read the label as not all gripe waters can help you, but there are many effective and safe ones that can, just carryout a search of the internet and you should find some that are suitable for your needs.

If you really want to do something different then give your baby and warm aromatherapy bath or massage. Just add a few drops of lavender oil to some warm bath water and then follow this up with a massage. It is best if you focus the massage on the stomach area to help relieve the trapped gas which is causing the pain. There are many books available that can help you learn these baby massage techniques as well as on the internet. You can also purchase specially oils made with lavender, chamomile and fennel which are specifically designed for using for massaging your baby and these can also be found on the internet. If you want you can also purchase a very popular baby massage tool called a Snukkles on the web as well.

Now we will look at swaddling. Many parents have found that there upset or distraught baby will become soothed when swaddled or held close to their mother or father�s chest as the sound of their heartbeats is reminiscent to the baby of the comfort and safety that they felt in their mother�s womb. Many mothers have found that their babies when attending nursery become soothed if upset by being swaddled. The methods of folding soft stretchy blankets are easy for you to learn and you will find both instructions and diagrams online as well as being able to get books and magazines on the subject. There is product already on the market called SwaddleMe which is ideal for this purpose and can be easily found on the internet.

The final method we are going to look at is motion. This involves the parent either walking, rocking or some other form of gentle movement which most infants/baby�s find very comforting. Some parents swear that a good old fashioned rocking chair is all you need to accomplish this. Whilst other parents have found that pushing the child around in their pram or out for a drive in the car also works. Another thing to try is putting your baby in a chest carrier or sling and just wandering around the house carrying out chores as it is all hands free. You could also walk with your baby facing down across your arm and with your hand under their abdomen and just apply gentle pressure, this is often known as the colic hold position and seems to be quite effective in some cases. However as many babies like to be outside and all enjoy being put in a swing, maybe using a combination of this with other things may be what bests suits your baby.

Kerris Samson a Work from Home Mum living in Spain who has set up a number of sites dedicated to all forms of natural treatments and remedies for the various ailments and illnesses that people are attacked by in today's modern society. If you would like to learn more then please visit http://www.remedy.wiki101.info.
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Special Natural Skin Care for Babies

2006-07-06T11:35:00.000-04:00

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By: Sherry Frewerd

We spend hours and countless amounts of money on our own personal skin care, trying different lotions and potions to find the perfect product for our needs. Our babies deserve the same special attention when selecting skin care products as well.

Babies and little children seldom actually need lotions and creams unless they have dry skin. Commercial products on the market contain synthetics and chemicals that can be harsh on tender skin, so many parents are opting for natural skin care and bath products for their babies.

For babies and toddlers especially, the skin care product most frequently used are baby wipes, and the perfumes and dyes found in commercial brands can play havoc with their sensitive bottoms. Parents use baby wipes not only at diaper changes, but for all sorts of reasons, cleaning little faces and hands being two very common tasks. Although possible to find brands with little synthetics, another alternative is to make home-made baby wipes to make certain the ingredients are all natural.

Another skin care problem parents with babies face is diaper rash. Even with the best of changing routines, diaper rash can occur, and frequently applying chemical rash creams can often aggravate the problem even more, causing prolonged discomfort for baby. Help prevent diaper rash with frenquent diaper changes and cleaning baby with natural soap and water.

Natural Baby Wipes

1/4 cup aloe vera juice
4 drops lavender essential oil
1/2 roll paper towels cut lengthwise
1/4 cup water
2 drops tea tree oil

Simply mix the ingredients and store in a plastic container.

There are many natural baby and child skin care products available online. Marlo Quinn is a new natural skin care company with impeccable skin care products for families. It�s also possible to prepare natural baby skin care wipes at home using the recipe above. Products made from natural ingredients are the best choice for babies and children.

Article by:
Sherry Frewerd is a Founding Team Leader for Marlo Quinn natural soy candles and skin care products for Women, Men and Children www.marloquinn.net /index.asp?consultant=15 Visit �Natural Bath Body and Home� naturalbathbodyandhome.com for more information about pampering yourself everyday!

Dora the Explorer Only from Nick Jr.

2006-10-02T10:02:00.000-04:00

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By Low Jeremy

Nick Jr. is the official home of Dora the explorer. Whenever the episode of Dora the explorer is scheduled, you will find children from around the world glued to Nick Jr. and waiting for their favorite cartoon series.

Dora the explorer from Nick Jr. focus on pre-schoolers and toddlers that are old enough to enjoy a cartoon show. Nick Jr. went out on its way in creating Dora the explorer complete with colorful animations, interactive pauses and songs that children can easily memorize and love.

Nick Jr. made it as nature-based as possible by presenting natural settings with which Dora the explorer and Boots go to every time they are on their way to a new adventure. In all their trips, they are faced with small problems that need solutions. Dora makes it a point to have simple solutions available to help and solve the problems that they encounter in their way. This is one of the things that children love about Dora the explorer.

Dora the explorer is created by Nick Jr. as a young kid that is both tough, sweet and simple. The network wants to show kids that there is a solution in every problem. All that is needed is to look for ways and techniques that will be the answer to those things. This is one of the concepts that Nick Jr. wants Dora the explorer to have on the kids.

Dora the explorer is made with the Spanish language being used as one way of teaching children about the language. After English, Spanish is one of the widely used language around the world. Nick Jr. knows this. That is why they made a cartoon character that is bilingual. One that can converse and understand both English and Spanish.

This fact does not seem to make any impact on the how children perceive Dora the explorer. Even if those who have just seen Dora the explorer cannot understand any of the language being spoken, they get the essence behind the words by the actions that Dora makes.

Children watching Dora the explorer can relate and help Dora solve the problems that she encounters on the way to her journey. This one of the essence that makes Dora effective as effective to more and more children. They can easily get the zest of what Dora�s adventure is about and will go out of their way in helping her find the solutions that is needed for the problem.

Another factor that children likes about Nick Jr.�s Dora the explorer are the songs that is sung in every episode and in her every journey. It does not matter if the song is Spanish or English. What matters is that children can easily memorize the lyrics and melody and is singing along with Dora once the songs are played.

Adults would find that watching Dora the explorer tend to be repetitive and boring because of its simplicity. But the children definitely love every episode and every adventure that Dora the explorer goes through. This just shows that Nick Jr. never meant for Dora the explorer to be watched by those older children and even adults. The one customer they are catering to are the children from 3 to 5 years old.

As long as there are small children who enjoys Dora the explorer, Nick Jr. will continue producing more and more adventures for Dora to explore.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Dora The Explorer, please visit http://dora.articlekeep.com
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How To Enhance Infant Protection From Infection And Disease

2006-09-29T11:10:00.000-04:00

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By Farrell Seah

In 1975, a pediatrician named Allan Walker reported a startling link between formula-fed infants and the occurrence of infectious diseases like neonatal meningitis and food allergies. In that report, he suggested that the this link was due to antigen absorption through the intestinal walls, and that breastfeeding infants for the first three months of life would prevent this absorption and decrease their susceptibility to disease.

He concluded that the passive immunity provided by colostrum and breast milk might play an important role in protecting infants from infection and disease by blocking the passage of pathogens and toxins through the intestinal walls and into the bloodstream. Dr. Walker's report initiated decades of further research, and we now know that he was right.

Colostrum and breast milk do much more than provide nutritional support. They also provide developmental support that is necessary for the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, and immunological support that is vital for the continued growth and strengthening of the immune system.

Colostrum is the first milk provided to breastfeeding newborns during the first few days of life. This special milk is yellow to orange in color, thick and rather sticky, and very easily digested. It is richer in proteins than mature breast milk�both nutritional proteins for utilization in the body, and non-nutritional proteins that remain in the gut to aid in its closure to pathogens and toxins.

Infants who receive colostrum early and often have mature digestive tracts that are more robust throughout their first six months of life, and strong immune systems that are better able to resist infection and disease. Colostrum is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, providing them with the nutrients required to ensure proper growth and the development of the brain and nervous system.

Colostrum changes gradually to mature milk during the first two weeks after birth. During this transition period, the breast milk will become thinner in its consistency and whiter in its appearance. The concentration of antibodies in the transition milk will begin to decrease, while its overall volume will begin to increase.

The antibodies and other immune factors in mature human breast milk do not disappear completely; in fact, immunological protection against viruses and bacteria continues to be passed along from the mother to the baby as long as the baby continues breastfeeding. Like colostrum, breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, and tailor-made to their changing needs over time.

It contains an optimal balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for energy, and it provides the digestive enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and hormones for a baby�s optimal health and continued growth.

Most commercially prepared formulas are based on non-fat bovine milk, whey protein, or soy protein. These formulas must be fortified with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in order for them to match the nutritional content of colostrum and breast milk.

But the active antibodies and other immune factors contained in human colostrum and breast milk cannot be added to these formulas, and they cannot provide the same developmental stimulus or immunological protection. As a result, babies receiving fluids other than mother's colostrum/breast milk for first three days of life have an increased incidence of diarrhea during their first six months, and formula-fed infants are more prone to a variety of common infections to which they are particularly vulnerable.

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