The Importance Of Rest For Your Baby

The Importance Of Rest For Your Baby
By Debbie I. Snare

It is a fact of life that all living creatures need to rest in
order to stay healthy and happy. Sleep is one of the necessary
tools of survival just like eating and drinking. In order for
the body and mind to perform at their best, a regular sleep
routine is needed.

When we sleep, it gives not only your body, but your mind a
rest as well. It is thought that sleep allows you to prepare for
the next day and gives your brain an opportunity to sort things
out. Though scientists aren’t precisely sure what type of
organizing our brain does when we sleep. It is believed that
during sleep your brain stores and sorts data, solves problems
and replaces any chemicals that the rest of the body may need.

Different Babies May Have Different Sleeping Habits

The amount of sleep that a baby needs will depend on the baby
herself. Age plays a large factor in how much sleep is needed,
but nature plays a large part too. A newborn will sleep anywhere
from 10 to 22 hours per day. This amount of sleep will decrease
as the child grows.

If you have a baby that sleeps well, consider yourself lucky.
For those less fortunate, there are things you can do as a
parent that can get your baby on the right track to get the
proper amount of sleep that she needs. Some babies are more
active than others and will require less sleep, others are more
laid back and are ready for a nap anytime, anywhere. Only you
can determine the sleep needs of your child by observing
behavior during the day. A child that needs more sleep will be
cranky, clumsy and whiny without the proper amount of rest,
while a child who needs less sleep will be ready to face the day
with a smile and energy from the moment they awaken.

Teaching Your Baby Good Sleeping Habits

Though we may think that sleeping is as natural as breathing,
it isn’t. If you have poor sleeping habits, your child may
inadvertently pick up your bad rest habits. Usually by the time
a baby reaches about 3 months of age they have developed a
sleeping pattern. Most babies at this age have stopped their
night feeding and this is an ideal time to begin training your
baby for sleep. You must keep in mind that all babies develop at
a different rate. If your child doesn’t seem ready for sleep
training at this particular time, put it on the back burner and
try it again in a couple of weeks.

When we say a baby sleeps through the night, we usually mean
they are sleeping at stretches of 5-6 hours at a time. Some
babies will sleep longer, some shorter. Once a child has reached
the age of 6 months and is still waking for a nighttime feeding,
it may be time to start night weaning.

Some babies sleep well through the night and then begin to wake
up again. Don’t be alarmed, your baby may be missing you or she
may be trying hard to master new skills that spill over into her
rest and awaken her.

The best way to start healthy sleep habits at this age is to
establish a regular bedtime as well as scheduled naps and stick
to that schedule. You will notice signs of your baby becoming
tired such as rubbing her eyes or pulling at her ears. You can
also plan for specific nap times such as a nap after lunch
feeding and one before the dinner feeding. Some people put their
babies down two hours or so after they have last woken up. As
long as you give your baby the opportunity to sleep, any
approach you use should be fine.

About the Author: Debbie I. Snare recommends getting more
parenting advice at http://www.mybabyadvice.com

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Baby Photos: From Forgotten To Fabulous

Baby Photos: From Forgotten To Fabulous
By Marie Christianson

The fate of many a baby photo is to be relegated to an empty
shoebox. For super-organized families, photos may find their way
into a photo album, to collect dust upon a shelf. Unfortunately,
it's all too easy to forget precious baby photos when they're
hidden out of sight.

With the coming-of-age of digital photography, many more
possibilities now exist for those precious baby photos. So
before you tuck them away where they'll sit, unorganized and
unseen, consider a few great ways to make your beloved photos a
part of your daily life.

Many photo shops offer services beyond just transforming your
annual family portrait into a personalized Christmas card. Now
options include calendars created from a selection of
photographs, or transforming your photos into mousepads and
mugs. For those families who have gone digital, or who have a
scanner available to scan photos onto your computer, many of
these items (and much more) can be ordered online at sites such
as Snapfish or Cafepress. It's simple, too. Upload a photo -- or
photos -- of your choice, and choose the items you wish to buy.
The choices range from wooden boxes to Christmas ornaments, from
sweatshirts to tote bags.

For the more adventurous among us, there are many creative,
do-it-yourself prospects for those charming baby pics as well.
Craft stores and even office supply stores have large selections
of special photo papers these days

You can buy canvas that can actually be run through a home
printer, for example. With simple, commercial photo editing
software on a home computer, special effects can transform your
photograph into a striking watercolor. With a few clicks, you
can print it out on canvas and hang it right in your home. And
what a great holiday gift for grandparents!

Another idea is using transfer paper, also usable on a home
printer. With only a hot iron and a towel, you can transfer your
pictures to tote bags or tee-shirts, or to any other item made
of a cotton-based fabric. It's a fun and easy way to bring your
favorite baby photos to life.

For those technophiles among us, why not upload a selection of
baby pictures to a photo-sharing website. A quick search on your
favorite search engine should turn up a whole bunch. It's a
great, inexpensive way to share photos with friends and family
all over the world?

Some photo editing software packages also have a slideshow
option that allows photos to be viewed as a slideshow on your
monitor. Slideshows can often be emailed as well, allowing
others the benefit of your photos. And by all means, set them up
as a screensaver. The screensaver can be updated and changed as
you take new photos.

These days, the options for enjoying photos of your child are
as boundless as your imagination. So keep those photos out of
that old shoebox. Instead, transform them into something
wonderful, something to be enjoyed on a regular basis.

About the Author: Marie Christianson is a senior business
analyst at http://FamilyDetails.com. Visit the
http://FamilyDetails.com Family Reunion Resource Center for
guides, activities, games, invitations and checklists for
planning a family reunion.

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Baby Safety Checklist - Protect Your Baby

Baby Safety Checklist - Protect Your Baby
By Alli Ross

When bringing home your new baby, there are so many things to
do in order to get ready. Making your home a safe haven for your
new little one is one of the most important things you will do
to get ready. Each room contains its own set of dangers. Below
is a baby safety checklist to ensure that every room in your
house is baby friendly.

General Safety Tips:

___ Place child-resistant covers on all electrical outlets.
___ Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.
___ Don't use baby walkers because they have been known to have
caused serious injuries to babies. Use stationary exercisers
instead.
___ Keep all dangerous chemicals out of the reach of
children.
___ Shorten curtain and blind cords.
___ Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home,
especially near sleeping areas. * Be sure to change the
batteries each year.
___ Keep all small objects away from young children. (This
includes tiny toys and balloons.)
___ Use corner bumpers on furniture and fireplace-hearth edges.

___ Know the names of all plants in case a child eats one of
them.
___ Be sure that furnaces, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves,
space heaters, and all gas appliances are vented properly.

___ Place screened barriers around fireplaces, radiators, and
portable space heaters.
___ Keep firearms and ammunition safely locked away.
___ Secure unsteady furnishings.
___ Check your house for lead and asbestos. If you detect
either of these substances, contact a professional. Any house
built before 1978 is at risk for lead paint.

Protect your kids rooms:

___ Ensure that your crib meets national safety standards.
___ Place guards on windows and stops on all doors.
___ Make sure your baby's crib is sturdy and has no loose or
missing hardware.
___ Make sure that the mattress fits snugly.
___ Be sure the crib sheet fits snugly.
___ Never put stuffed animals or heavy blankets in the crib
with your infant.
___ Never leave your baby unattended on the changing table.
___ Remove mobiles and other hanging toys from the crib as soon
as your child can reach up and touch them.
___ Place infants under one year of age on their backs to
sleep. Mattress should be firm and flat with no soft bedding
underneath. * Following this advice will reduce the risk of
suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
___ Place night-lights at least three feet away from the crib,
bedding, and draperies to prevent fires.
___ Check age labels for appropriate toys.

Keep the bathroom safe:

___ Put a lock on the medicine cabinet.
___ Lower the household water temperature. (It should be set at
120 degrees F or below to avoid burning your baby)
___ Always test the water first before bathing a child.
___ Never leave your child alone in the bathtub or near any
water.
___ Secure toilet lids. Many young children are fascinated by
putting objects inside.
___ Make sure that bathtubs and showers aren't slippery.
___ Install ground-fault circuit interrupters on outlets near
sings and bathtubs.

For the Kitchen:

___ Keep all knives, cleaning supplies, and plastic bags out of
children's reach.
___ If stove knobs are easily accessible to children, use
protective covers to prevent kids from turning them.
___ Never leave your baby alone in a highchair. Always use all
safety straps.
___ Replace any frayed cords and wires.
___ Keep chairs and step stools away from counters and the
stove.
___ Remove all household cleaners from the bottom cabinets or
put them in a cabinet that is out of your baby's reach.

In the Yard:

___ Store tools, garden, lawn-equipment, and supplies in a
locked closet or shed.
___ Don't use a power mower when young children are around.
___ Don't allow children to play on a treated lawn for at least
48 hours following an application of a fertilizer or pesticide.

___ Know the types of trees and plant life on the property in
case children ingest berries, leaves, or other plant life.
___ If you have a swimming pool, install a fence that separates
the house from the pool. ( Make sure that the gate is
childproof)

This list is a general guide. For more in-depth information go
to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov.

About the Author: GranMamma is the webmaster at the Baby
Names Box - http://www.babynamebox.com - Where you can explore
over 6,000 baby names and their meanings. Read articles on
parenting, family, recipes, home and gardening. Be sure to say
hi to GranMamma!

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Importance Of Music For Babies

Importance Of Music For Babies
By Jen Hart

Music is an essential element in babies learning and
development. Babies are musical beings and are fascinated by
music from birth. Research has shown that music played to a
child while still in the womb has a beneficial effect on the
child’s brain and helps to lay the foundation of later learning,
music ability and language development. Music helps to relax you
and your baby and can improve your baby’s memory development and
sensory coordination.

Babies enjoy experiencing music and movement together. Teach
songs with actions and encourage your baby to dance along to the
music. Movement helps babies learn balance, coordination, body
awareness and rhythm. Getting your baby to play an instrument
will help with her creative development and help develop her
fine motor skills. Music can also be a fun, special time to
share with your baby.

There are many benefits of surrounding your baby with music.
Music assists in the development of speech. Singing nursery
rhymes and simple songs teaches a baby how language is
constructed and assists with the acquisition of language.
Singing songs with babies will also teach them about tone, beat
and rhythm.

Having a few CDs with a variety of children’s songs will keep
parents and babies amused. Babies will quickly pick up nursery
rhymes and repetitive tunes and be singing along before you know
it.

Including music as a routine part of your day will have many
positive effects on your baby. Babies can be settled to sleep
with music. A song sung by a parent or played on a CD routinely
prior to sleep time can help to establish a good bedtime routine
for babies.

Music can be effective in keeping babies entertained in the car
on long trips. Ensure you have a variety of CDs. You can never
have enough of them as parents quickly get bored by the same
tunes playing over and over and over again.

If you play an instrument, learn a few nursery thymes to play
and sing along with your baby. You will take pleasure in
watching him dancing along to your tunes. The whole family can
join in and enjoy the experience. If you don’t play an
instrument think about learning to play the guitar, it is
relatively easy and the whole family will enjoy it for years to
come.

About the Author: Jen Hart is the author of the informative
website http://www.baby-patch.com/guitar.html providing baby and
toddler gift advice & parenting information. The site includes a
list of over 40 nursery rhymes and guitar chords for you to
learn and enjoy. Jen is the mother of a charming baby boy and
writes about him frequently on her blog
http://www.baby-patch.com/blog

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What You Should Know About Organic Baby Foods?

What You Should Know About Organic Baby Foods?
By Shabi

It’s not everyday that you will come across a revolution in the
making, but there you have it. From being nearly
organically-ignorant twenty years ago, to being
semi-organically-ignorant fifteen to ten years ago, the human
race is now making direct contact with its grassroots and going
back to being healthy and eating healthy. And not surprisingly
this has also spread to such an extent that we now have organic
baby food as well.

We have been privy to witness a revolution, a significant
change in our history that ultimately comes down to whether we
care about what we put in our bodies or not. Almost with the
turn of the new millennium, more and more people started joining
this revolution, and it wasn’t long before we could see organic
foods coming out of their specialty and health food stores and
moving to the normal everyday grocery and convenience stores.

And it definitely wasn’t long before new parents started making
the transition for their babies as well. After all, if they were
trying to eat organic, why not go the same route for their baby?
The problem that many parents encountered in the beginnings
years of the organic baby food revolution was the utter lack of
premade organic baby food.

This meant that they either had to either make their own
homemade organic baby food, or they had to give up on the idea,
and allow their young babies to happily eat away at second hand
toxins, pesticides, antibiotics, and genetically modified foods.
Naturally enough this didn’t sit well with too many parents, but
it is sad to say that this isn’t what turned the tide favorably
in the organic baby food revolution.

No, this took some time, and more research still before mass
production of organic baby food hit the markets in any
significant numbers. Worse still, the price of getting organic
baby food was just as bad as getting organic foods for yourself,
and for your normal everyday family this was simply not an
affordable alternative.

Although there is a growing trend towards buying organic baby
food the problem still exists in that it is still not as readily
available as it could be, and it still costs an arm and a leg to
keep your baby in organic baby food.

Luckily with the tides turning more and more towards organic
grassroots, there has also been a resurgence (a very small one
for the moment) of making your own organic baby food. It’s not
very difficult and in the long run, a few minutes spent in
preparing your baby’s food in a healthy manner with organic
foods can only be of benefit to your baby in the future.

About the Author: Author's sites:
http://www.herbalremedieslk.com , http://myshabi.blogspot.com ,
http://myaroma.blogspot.com

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Creating A Scrapbook Of Your Baby

Creating A Scrapbook Of Your Baby
By Audrey Okaneko

I think baby scrapbooks are probably the most fun to create. As
parents, we want to capture absolutely everything and so we snap
photos daily of our babies dressed in every outfit and
everywhere we go. This gives us hundreds of possibilities in
creating our scrapbook.

My suggestion for the first scrapbook is to keep track of your
baby’s age and sort the photos according to age.

Your title page could be “The First Twelve Months”. If you
create just 2 pages for each month, your scrapbook will have 24
pages of photos plus all the other pages you add.

At the beginning of the album you might want to record some
birth information, such as height and weight, name of hospital,
name of delivering doctor and date and time of birth. It’s also
neat to write how you came to choose the baby’s name. Was the
baby named after someone? If so, include a photo of that person.

During those twelve months if you take a photo of the child in
the same spot each month, you’ll really be able to see the
growth. For example, if the child has a large stuffed animal,
put the animal next to the child for each photo. You’ll be
amazed at how apparent the child’s growth is.

Something I think is fun is to capture news stories that
happened that first month. You can clip headline articles out of
the newspaper and copy them onto acid free paper. Capture both
local news and world news of what’s happening the day they are
brought into this world.

Create a basic family tree for your baby album. If you have
photos of you and your spouse, both sets of parents and both
sets of grandparents, that is an awesome beginning for your
child’s scrapbook.

My kids had to visit the doctor quite often in the beginning.
This tapered off as they got older. I always saved the sheets
the doctor gave us which recorded their height and weight.

Capture the “firsts”. Take photos of the first time eating
food, first time sitting up and first time taking a bath. Take
photos of holidays and celebrations through out the year.

You’ll find tons of scrapbook supplies available for a baby
album, including paper, stickers, diecuts, cutouts and
embellishments. You can have so much fun in creating your baby’s
first album.

About the Author: Audrey Okaneko has been scrapbooking for
several years. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or
visited at http://www.scrapping-made-simple.com

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A Parenting Tip - Enjoying Your Baby's First Holiday Season

A Parenting Tip - Enjoying Your Baby's First Holiday Season
By Colleen Langenfeld

Having a new baby in the home at the holidays is always
exciting. Here's a parenting tip that will help you and your
baby truly enjoy this special time of year.

* See everything through the eyes of a child.

Honestly, that's the secret to the holiday season. Don't be
fooled by the simplicity of this parenting tip. After 26 years
of parenting and 4 children, I can tell you, we adults have
forgotten how to do this!

Our kids can help us remember these things. For starters, one
thing they teach us is that the holidays are not about
hecticness, buying stuff, getting gifts, making cookies, sending
cards or doing a marathon of activities.

The holidays are about experiencing connection and nobody does
that better than a little child. Even babies understand this
concept beautifully.

No other time of the year is so perfectly filled with sensory
overload. Your child is programmed to tune into this. When you
plan your holiday activities, keep your little one in mind. Look
for things you can do together.

And keep it simple. Here are some ideas you might try with your
child.

-- Sledding down a (tiny) hill.

-- Looking at the beautiful holiday lights in your
neighborhood.

-- Listening to carolers sing.

-- Dancing to holiday music.

-- Going to a shopping mall and watching the other shoppers and
children.

-- Taking a first peek at Santa Claus.

-- Turning off the room lights, lying on your floor together
and simply enjoying your lovely Christmas tree.

-- Enjoying a (age-appropriate) first bite of a holiday treat.

-- Catching snowflakes on your tongue.

Also consider your holiday decorating. Keep the decor that's
down low within your little one's reach safe and fun.

For example...

- purchase (or make) simple fabric decorations (we have enjoyed
a stuffed fabric nativity for years in our home).

- dress up a group of teddy bears or cloth dolls in holiday
finery.

- put together a holiday zoo filled with stuffed critters that
can be hugged and played with again and again.

- fill a basket with cloth or plastic balls in holiday colors.

You get the point. Make sure your decorations are things that
you and your child can enjoy together, instead of a lot of
beautiful baubles your baby can't touch. Babies and toddlers
learn much about their world through their mouths and fingers.
There will always be many things your baby *cannot* touch. Make
sure you have available plenty of items your baby *can* touch.

A holiday parenting tip would not be complete without
considering what seasonal traditions you want to establish in
your own home. Do you have a faith tradition you want to pass on
to your child? Did your own childhood family have a tradition
you remember warmly? Think about what you would like your child
to carry with her into adulthood someday from her childhood
holidays and start making those memories this year.

See the holidays as your precious child sees them, with delight
and wonder. A sense of curiosity. And much enjoyment. You'll be
pleasantly surprised at how much you will enjoy the season when
you allow yourself to experience it through the eyes of your
child.

And, at least once, fall asleep together listening to "Silent
Night" or your favorite holiday music.

About the Author: Colleen Langenfeld has been parenting for
over 26 years and helps other moms enjoy mothering more at
http://www.paintedgold.com. Visit her website and pick up
another parenting tip at
http://www.paintedgold.com/Kids/parenting-tip.html .

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The Perfect Baby Room Decor

The Perfect Baby Room Decor

By Morgan Hamilton

Baby room decor is very important for your childrens further
development. Baby room decorations are a psychological factor,
which helps the little one to feel comfortable and at home. The
baby room décor should pacify the childs eyes, and should be
chosen accordingly to its age. It is that soothing environment
needed for the healthy development of your child. You should
carefully choose the wallpapers in the baby room, because they
surround your little one and bring different thoughts and
feelings. A baby is as sensible to its surroundings as any other
adult. They will be affected by the way their surrounding looks
like. A well-designed baby room décor can be really helpful in
raising your kid.

Color is an important factor. You should decorate the room with
the majority of one color. But which one should predominate?
Which is the most appropriate color for babies? Soft, gentle
colors can be the answer. Dont choose too loud and bright
colors, because they will not sooth the atmosphere. But the baby
toys should be bright: because babies really enjoy seeing and
playing with bright and shiny things. The walls and the
wallpapers should be relaxing though. Babies would feel stressed
if they were put in a bright baby room decoration, and would
have sleep problems, panic attacks, eating deficiency and so on.

You should also choose the baby room décor in accordance with
the whole atmosphere of your house. It is up to you to make the
baby room part of your home.

The theme of the baby room should be carefully considered. It
may by floral or animal theme, because babies really like
animals and flowers. Animals are preferable, though, because
they are more lively and vivid, and they can make your baby
react more actively at its environment. Choose the animal
decorations for the wallpapers, the blanket, the curtains.
Animals are fun for everyone, and moreover, they give the babies
something to look at while they are lying in their beds or
cribs.

You can also pick up the night sky theme, which is very
relaxing for a sound sleep. Deep blue is used to decorate the
walls and ceiling. The pictures of stars and planets can give
the baby a sense of wonder, and it will like it immensely.
Babies can be touched by the wondrous universe, they appreciate
the beauty, dont forget that! A night sky decoration will make
your baby a dreamer even from this early age on!

About the Author: Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and
great tips regarding all aspects concerning babies. Get the
information you are seeking now by visiting
http://www.thatsbeautifulbaby.com/baby-information/baby-information/the-perfect-baby-room-decor.html

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Baby Clothes For All Seasons

Baby Clothes For All Seasons
By Kirsten Hawkins

Few things seem more important at a baby shower than duckies,
monkeys and theme colors. Once you get the baby home though, the
most important thing about baby clothes is how well they protect
your baby.Depending on the time of year that your baby is born,
and the type of climate you live in, there are a variety of
concerns to take into consideration for your baby's very
sensitive nature.

For summer babies, or babies in warm climates, overheating is
not the only concern. A baby's skin is incredibly sensitive to
light, especially with the increasingly less protective o-zone
layer.

Sunscreen is not the only necessity for baby's sensitive skin.
Keeping a towel or blanket over the baby's carriage or bassinet
during summer play is a great way to keep the sun from harming
your baby. Umbrellas and pop up tents are also great for beach
days. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation but little to no
sun—that way your baby won’t get sunburned or have to squint at
the bright sun rays.

For daily summer wear, onesies that are made of a lightweight
cotton are a great alternative to pants and shirts. In addition
to being comfortable, they will easily fit in a small bag or
purse that you can bring along in extra in case of a spill or
accident. Another bonus of your baby being born in the summer is
that it will keep shoe costs down, since a baby in a stroller in
seventy five to eighty degree weather does not really need to
wear shoes! Keeping a blanket in the stroller is important,
especially if you're in air conditioned buildings a lot, since
babies are a lot more sensitive to the change in air
temperature.

For winter wear, bundling babies in layers is a good way to
combat the difference between heated buildings and the outside.
Avoiding long stretches of being outside in colder temperatures
is probably a good idea, but for short walks or trips between
cars and buildings, warm bundling is vital. If you live in a
climate that has a lot of snow, the danger of sun burn is even
more prevalent than in the summer, since it attacks from all
angles. Warm socks, mittens, and hats will do a good deal to
keep most of the baby's body heat in. Buntings that button down
the front are a great way to let the baby escape from the heat a
little bit when you are inside without too much effort for you
or discomfort for the baby.

Layers work in almost every weather. As any New Englander will
tell you, the ability to put on a layer or take it off is the
key to combating shifting climates. This is particularly
important for your baby, who is much more sensitive than you to
slight changes in temperature or outside conditions. So keeping
an extra sweater around, or putting an onesie underneath warmer
clothing is a great way to prepare for anything that Mother
Nature has in store. She likes to keep new mothers on their
toes!

About the Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting
expert specializing new mothers and single parent issues.
Visit http://www.babyhelp411.com/ for more information on how to
raising healthy, happy children.

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A Top Ten Baby Name Or Something More Original

A Top Ten Baby Name Or Something More Original
By Terry Ross

Deciding what to name your baby can start of as an exciting
aspect of pregnancy but after trawling through thousands of baby
names it can all start to become rather daunting. However, as
you near your baby’s birth you have to make that final decision
and make your choice. Going for one of the top ten baby names
can often seem a sensible way to go, after all lots of people
like them so why shouldn’t it be a good choice for your child.
But what you have to remember is because lots of people like the
top ten baby names there are an awful lot of children with the
same name.

There are no half measures in finding that ideal baby name that
will become an intrinsic part of your child’s very identity.
People will judge your child by their name if you get your
baby’s name wrong you could be saddling them with years of
bullying or could prevent them from reaching their full
potential. With such a responsibility resting on your shoulders
it is very easy to take the easy way out and choose a name from
the top ten baby names list.

You may have very strong views as to whether your baby should
be given a name from the top 10 baby names list or if you should
call your baby something more unusual but your must take care in
not forcing your opinions on your partner and pushing them down
a route that they don’t like.

Look for a name where you can reach some common ground even if
the both of you have to reach some kind of compromise but don’t
ever forget the fact that it’s your baby and your baby alone who
has to live with the name you choose for their whole life. You
have to make that decision as to whether your child will be
happy being one of a crowd with one of the ten most popular
names of the time or whether they would prefer to appear more
unique or unusual with a name that is a little different. The
top ten baby names are a safe bet, there is little to dislike
about them other than their popularity but they have a very
great downside in that so many people will bear the same name.

If you are finding it difficult to make the decision then don’t
try and make it alone, involve your family to see what kind of
names they would go for and test some favourite names out on
family and friends to gauge their reaction. If you don’t want to
select a top ten baby name and really want to go with a more
unusual baby name perhaps consider one that can be shortened to
something more common.

If unusual or unique is the way you decide to go try and avoid
‘fad’ names and always consider possible nicknames. Take into
consideration how a name might be perceived by others, check
initials and make sure your chosen baby name is a good fit with
your surname. Don’t go for a name just to keep the family happy,
names of parents, grandparents or great aunt ‘whoevers’ aren’t
necessarily in keeping with modern times.

At the end of the day whatever baby name you choose, unusual,
unique or top 10 it will bring special meaning to your very
special unborn child.

About the Author: Visit my website to learn more about
http://www.1st-4-baby.com/Baby_Names.html, pregnancy and
http://www.1st-4-baby.com/Baby_Care.html

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Baby Food Allergies - How To Identify And Avoid Them

Baby Food Allergies - How To Identify And Avoid Them
By Christine Albury

Many parents find the risk of baby food allergies one of the
most worrying aspects of introducing new foods to their baby.
But there are simple steps you can take to minimise potential
problems and make your child's introduction to solid food a safe
and happy one.

Allergic reactions take place when your baby's immune system
mistakenly treats a harmless substance as a harmful one. Baby
food allergy symptoms include diarrhea, eczema, nausea,
constipation and watery or red eyes. Very rarely, a serious
reaction known as allergic shock can occur. This can cause the
throat and tongue to swell dangerously, which could lead to
choking. In this situation, professional medical help must be
sought immediately.

Baby food allergies should not be confused with food
intolerance. A baby with food intolerance would have difficulty
in digesting a particular type of food, which can be caused by
many other things besides an allergen. In either case, diagnosis
should be made by a medical professional.

In order to prevent baby food allergies such as these, or to
identify foods to which your baby reacts, it is important to
follow these simple guidelines --

1. Try to delay feeding your baby solid food until he is at
least 6 months of age. His immune system will be better
developed by this stage.

2. Only introduce one new food at a time and wait for a few
days to see if a reaction occurs. It will then be easy to spot
the "problem" food and eliminate it from your baby's diet.

3. Avoid foods that are known to be more likely to cause
allergic reactions. Examples of such foods include eggs
(particularly the whites), shellfish, gluten and citrus fruits.

4. Decide whether or not your baby is at a particularly high
risk of developing allergies -- for example, do you suffer from
an allergy yourself? This can often lead to an increased risk of
allergies for your baby, although not necessarily to the same
allergen (i.e. the substance responsible for the reaction).

5. Discuss any concerns with a medical professional.

Whilst it is sensible to be cautious, it is still important to
remember that baby food allergies only affect around 8% of
children. So try to keep things in perspective, introduce new
foods individually and stay alert for possible reactions --
these measures will give you the confidence to safely introduce
the delights of solid food to your little one.

About the Author: Christine Albury is a mother of four and the
author of http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com , a guide to
solid feeding during baby's first year.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=68513&ca=Parenting

Baby Clothes You Can Use All Year

Baby Clothes You Can Use All Year
By Tim Henry

Few things seem more important at a baby shower than duckies,
monkeys and theme colors. Once you get the baby home though, the
most important thing about baby clothes is how well they protect
your baby. Depending on the time of year that your baby is born,
and the type of climate you live in, there are a variety of
concerns to take into consideration for your baby's very
sensitive nature.

For summer babies, or babies in warm climates, overheating is
not the only concern. A baby's skin is incredibly sensitive to
light, especially with the increasingly less protective o-zone
layer. Sunscreen is not the only necessity for baby's sensitive
skin. Keeping a towel or blanket over the baby's carriage or
bassinet during summer play is a great way to keep the sun from
harming your baby. Umbrellas and pop up tents are also great for
beach days. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation but little
to no sun—that way your baby won’t get sunburned or have to
squint at the bright sun rays.

For daily summer wear, onesies that are made of a lightweight
cotton are a great alternative to pants and shirts. In addition
to being comfortable, they will easily fit in a small bag or
purse that you can bring along in extra in case of a spill or
accident. Another bonus of your baby being born in the summer is
that it will keep shoe costs down, since a baby in a stroller in
seventy five to eighty degree weather does not really need to
wear shoes! Keeping a blanket in the stroller is important,
especially if you're in air conditioned buildings a lot, since
babies are a lot more sensitive to the change in air
temperature.

For winter wear, bundling babies in layers is a good way to
combat the difference between heated buildings and the outside.
Avoiding long stretches of being outside in colder temperatures
is probably a good idea, but for short walks or trips between
cars and buildings, warm bundling is vital. If you live in a
climate that has a lot of snow, the danger of sun burn is even
more prevalent than in the summer, since it attacks from all
angles. Warm socks, mittens, and hats will do a good deal to
keep most of the baby's body heat in. Buntings that button down
the front are a great way to let the baby escape from the heat a
little bit when you are inside without too much effort for you
or discomfort for the baby.

Layers work in almost every weather. As any New Englander will
tell you, the ability to put on a layer or take it off is the
key to combating shifting climates. This is particularly
important for your baby, who is much more sensitive than you to
slight changes in temperature or outside conditions. So keeping
an extra sweater around, or putting an onesie underneath warmer
clothing is a great way to prepare for anything that Mother
Nature has in store. She likes to keep new mothers on their
toes!

About the Author: This article courtesy of
http://www.baby-announcement-guide.net

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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Games To Play At A Baby Shower

Games To Play At A Baby Shower
By Jennifer Barnett

Baby showers can be fun times. It may be one of the last times
for the mother-to-be to enjoy a relaxing get together with
family and friends. Once the baby arrives, things will be
hectic. However, it may also be a somewhat awkward time if her
family and friends do not know each other well. One of the best
ways to break the ice between everyone is by playing a fun
shower game! Baby shower games are generally inexpensive and
just require a little planning. Here are a few examples of fun
games you can play at the next baby shower you host.

Baby Photos

This is a simple game, but it can get everyone in the "baby"
mood. Ask the baby shower attendees to bring a picture of
themselves as a baby or toddler. Take each picture and post it
on a large piece of poster board, assigning each photo a number.
When all the guests have arrived, give each one a nametag so
everyone knows everyone's name. Then give each guest a piece of
paper and let everyone guess who is who in the baby photos. The
person who is able to identify the most baby pictures wins!

Baby Songs

Divide the party into two groups. Assign someone in each group
to be the recorder and have them think of as many songs with
baby in the title. Set a time limit of 5 minutes. Whichever team
is able to list the most songs wins. To add more fun, make the
losing team sing a song chosen by the winning team from their
list.

Bottle Suckers

Some baby showers have men and women both attend, and this game
is great for those type of showers. Fill one 4-ounce baby bottle
with juice for each attendee. Have them all drink at once,
timing them to see who finishes the fastest. It is good fun to
see grownups sucking from a baby bottle. You can even trick the
father-to-be by giving him a nipple with a small hole, so it
takes him longer to drink the bottle.

Pillow Talk

This one is a little risqué, so if there are older relatives or
men in the room, you may want to avoid it. However, if it is
just the girls, it is super fun. Do not tell the mother-to-be
what is going on, just have someone write down what she says
when she opens each gift. Once all the gifts are open, have
someone read back what she said, explaining that her comments
are "what she said on the night the baby was conceived." It
makes for some hilarious innuendos!

Baby Food Tasters

This one gets everyone in the mood for the new little addition.
Purchase ten jars of baby food - all different varieties. Print
out a sheet that lists each flavor and post it somewhere in the
room. Cover the bottom of the jars with foil and print a number
on each one. All guests should have a plastic spoon, a paper
plate, and a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Pass around
each jar of baby food one at a time and have each guest place a
small spoonful of the baby food on their plate. Have them taste
it to try to guess what food it is. On their sheet of paper,
have guests write down the number from the jar and what flavor
that they think they are tasting. Sweet potatoes are usually
hard to identify, so you might want to get a jar to try to fool
everyone. Be sure to have your camera ready for the faces
everyone will make when tasting the baby food.

Mom's Waistline

This one is fun if the mother-to-be is not too sensitive about
the size of her ever-expanding waistline. Get a roll of ribbon
and ask each guest to pull out as much ribbon as she thinks it
will take to cover the mother-to-be's waistline. Cut off the
ribbon and try it around the mom's waistline. The guess who
comes closest to the actual waist circumference wins.

Test Drive

If it is a pretty day and you plan to have the baby shower
outside, this is an entertaining game to play. Set up an
obstacle course in the yard, put a doll in the stroller and have
each guest run the obstacle course. Time each guest, giving them
a 5-second penalty for collisions and a disqualification if the
doll falls out of the stroller. Whoever completes the course in
the fastest time wins.

Many entertaining games can be played at a baby shower. Just be
sure to bring the camera to record all the fun for the
mother-to-be to enjoy for years to come.

About the Author: Jennifer Barnett is a successful party
planner providing valuable tips and advice on planning a baby
shower that is inexpensive, fun for the guests with baby shower
games, and choosing the perfect baby shower gift.
http://www.about-baby-showers.com

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