Baby Furniture - What Do You Really Need?
By Heather Owens
Walking into a baby furniture store can be completely mind
blowing - there's so much stuff! Most of us don't have an
unlimited amount of money to spend, and if you've never had a
baby before, it can be really hard to work out what's really
necessary, useful, or basically a waste of time. If you're
planning to set up a gift register at the store, you want to
make sure the things you put on it are useful and practical.
It's can all be incredibly confusing.
Let's take a look at some of the main items you're going to
find in the baby store, so that you can have some idea of what
baby furniture you really want or need before you even get to
the store. That way you can focus on picking exactly which one
you want, rather than messing about deciding whether you
actually want or need it.
Baby Bassinet or Cradle
A bassinet or cradle is used from birth until around 4 months.
Basically, if the baby can roll from side to side, it's time for
baby to move up into a crib. Make sure the mattress fits snugly
against the sides. You may even find that a padded bumper,
sheets and quilt are included.
The bassinet probably falls somewhere in the middle between
necessary and unnecessary. If you're on a budget, you can
certainly go without one. Having said that, I loved my bassinet
and wouldn't have been without it. It's so convenient to be able
to move baby around. I generally let baby sleep in his own room
during the day, and used a baby monitor, then at night wheeled
baby's bassinet into my room. Mine could be rocked gently to
help baby fall asleep, and because it was up on a stand, it was
easy to life baby in and out - I was recovering from a
caesarean.
So my advice would be - if you can fit a bassinet into your
budget, do it. Perhaps it's an item that a few friends or family
could buy for your baby shower.
Baby Crib or Cot
Some sort of secure bed for baby is definitely required.
Spending a fortune buying one isn't required! You can buy cribs
in a massive range of styles - with a huge range of price tags
to match. Probably the main thing to look for is to make sure
the crib adheres to the required safety standards. Check that
the mattress fits snugly against the sides of the crib. Some
other helpful features are: an adjustable base height, a couple
of release mechanisms (not just one, in case baby learns how to
do it!), lockable wheels, and no stickers that can be peeled off
easily.
Crib Mattress
Many cribs include their own mattress, and that's probably the
best option because it should fit the crib snugly. There are two
types of mattress - inner spring/coil or foam. Generally, the
innerspring style of mattress will last much longer, but is
usually a little more expensive. It's worth buying some sort of
waterproof mattress pad, to protect the mattress, but make sure
it doesn't have any plastic on the side the baby will be
sleeping on.
Bedding Accessories
This is an area where you can start to spend some serious
dollars! It's very easy to get carried away with all the cute
and gorgeous designs for baby bedding. Thankfully most cribs and
bassinets use standard sizes, which makes things a little
easier. One good strategy is to buy the necessary basics
yourself, then put all the less necessary accessories on your
baby shower gift register. Apart from the basic sheets, I've
always liked to have a bumper for the top end of baby's bed -
and make sure it ties on in multiple places, so more than one
tie has to break before it can fall down. You should never use a
pillow for baby, and even quilts or comforters aren't
recommended - stick to ordinary blankets. You can also often get
added extras, such as diaper stackers. Personally I've never
found them of much use, but again, some of the extra might make
good baby shower gifts.
Changing Table
If you're really strapped for cash, then you can probably make
do with using your bed as a changing table, but if you can, this
is something I highly recommend. Your back will certainly prefer
it! My changing table was actually more like a set of dresser
drawers, and nowadays, with the changing table part removed,
it's still being used as drawers for my daughter's clothes. So
it pays to think ahead and buy a changing table that's
practical. Also look for safety features, such as guardrails and
perhaps even safety straps. And of course it needs to be well
padded! It's handy to have some sort of shelf where you can put
items you're using, but personally I just put them down one end
of the changing table and changed baby at the other end. Once
baby got bigger, I used the top drawer.
Rocking Chair
This is definitely on the "maybe" list. A lot of women swear by
them, but personally I never had one and it never bothered me in
the slightest. So this is going to come down to personal
preference and your budget. Having said that, you will need a
comfortable chair to sit in, particularly if you're nursing your
baby.
Portable Crib
This is one piece of baby furniture that got used a lot in my
household! My son used to come to work with me when he was
little, and I used a portable crib for his naps. It was great
when I went to visit family and friends, because baby was
familiar with it and happy to have a nap when the time came. I
also didn't have to worry about baby rolling off someone's bed.
It meant that we could go on holidays and know that baby had
somewhere safe and familiar to sleep. I used mine so much that I
ended up having to buy a second one when my daughter came along!
It's important, though, to spend some time making sure the
portable crib you choose is well constructed and safe. Make sure
it can't collapse easily, particularly if baby tries to climb
out. Check there are no small spaces where fingers could get
trapped, and a collapsible padded base is very helpful.
High Chair
A high chair rates very close to the essential end of the
scale. The good news is that you don't need one straight away,
so you can put off buying it until quite a few months after baby
is born. Look for an adjustable tray, restraints of some kind
and perhaps even lockable rolling casters. Some models also have
a reclining seat, so you can use it even when baby is still
bottle feeding.
Car Seat
This is definitely essential - apart from ensuring your baby's
safety, you're breaking the law in most places if you don't have
one. Newborns must travel in the back seat of the car, facing
the rear. Once baby is older, usually closer to 1 year old, you
can place baby in a forward facing car seat. When your child is
older again, anywhere from 2 years upwards depending on their
size, you can change over to a booster seat.
The major decision you'll have here is whether to buy separate,
specially designed car seats for baby and then your toddler, or
whether to buy a convertible model. Personally I always had 2
separate car seats, mostly because all the consumer safety
research I'd seen suggested that a specifically designed car
seat was more effective in an accident. Thankfully I never
tested that theory out! Construction and safety levels are
constantly improving, however, so if buying a convertible model
is where your budget is, that's okay too.
Strollers
This is another baby item where there seems to be too many
choices. First you have to decide which style of stroller you
want, before even looking at individual brands. At some point
you are going to want to transport your baby, so you will need
to buy something. You need to start by having a long, hard think
about what you expect your movements to be with your baby. Do
you plan to take baby jogging with you? Go over rougher terrain
regularly? Or will you probably only put baby in a stroller at
the shops? Do you want a pram that can later be converted into a
stroller?
Once you have an idea what type of things you'll need to use
your stroller for, a salesperson at the baby store should be
able to guide you in the right direction. You then need to think
about what added features you might like - accessory bars, toy
and activity bars, headrests, adjustable height, rain shields
etc.
Choosing the right stroller is probably going to take you a
while!
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor probably isn't necessary, but I always found it
was great for peace of mind. It meant I could be off in another
part of the house doing something, but still be monitoring my
baby's nap. Prices vary a lot, but it's probably better to
choose your monitor based on the features you're going to need,
rather than price. If you're going to move around a lot, make
sure your monitor is portable. Do you want batteries or mains
power? Do you want video monitoring as well?
Bouncer Seat
Again, this isn't necessary, but it's very useful! Babies love
to watch everything that's going on around them, and it's much
easier for them if they're raised slightly from the horizontal.
You can buy all sorts of fancy bouncer seats, with everything
from toy bars to battery operated bouncing. I only ever had a
very basic fabric bouncer, and most of the time the toy bar
wasn't even attached. Both my kids loved them, and the good
thing was that I always knew where they were! Very handy,
particularly when I was cooking dinner. The main thing to
remember is that you should NEVER place a bouncer seat on a
raised surface, they should always be placed on the floor or
ground.
About the Author: Discover more about getting ready for baby's
arrival at http://www.infoaboutbaby.com . The author's book
about babies is available at http://www.baby.learnheaps.com .
You can sign up for a FREE Baby Tips newsletter at
http://www.infoaboutbaby.com/newsletter.html .
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=55717&ca=Family+Concerns
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Tips For Buying Baby Gear
Tips For Buying Baby Gear
By Eric Koshinsky
Buying baby gear can be a frustrating experience for new
parents who want to have the best for the baby, yet they still
have to watch their budget. They need to buy baby furniture,
such as a crib or bassinet, a change table and a playpen.
Parents also like to purchase a baby swing and a stroller for
taking the baby for a walk. A cheaper alternative to a stroller
is a baby sling where you can carry the baby comfortably and
still keep him/her nestled close to you.
Other supplies that you need include baby clothes. When you are
buying for the new baby, just remember that although an outfit
may look cute, you have to think about how comfortable the baby
feels in it. Babies grow a lot in the first few months, so it is
really a waste of money to buy a lot of outfits in newborn
sizes. You are better off buying in the 3 - 6 month range at
first. You will find that the baby will quickly outgrow even
these. You also have to look at the material to make sure it
won't shrink after the first wash. Also buying clothes that suit
either a boy or a girl is a good choice, because the chances are
great, the baby will grow out of it long before it is worn out.
Then you can pack it away for the next baby.
You have to decide whether you will start with a rocking
bassinet or a full size crib. There are many bassinets combined
with a playpen so this will save you money. Some bassinets
convert into a change table and most of them are portable,
making them great for travel. A crib is necessary for when the
baby gets older, but for a newborn a bassinet is a good choice
to make.
You also have to look at bottles pacifiers, toys and later on a
high chair. All of these come in many makes and models, but
before you buy make sure that they are rated according to safety
standards.
Even with all this, you won't be allowed to take the baby home
from the hospital without a car seat installed in the back seat.
For this you need to look at ones that convert from rear to
forward facing and that you can use a booster seat when the
child gets older.
About the Author: Eric & Lisa Koshinsky make it easy for you to
get clear, unbiased information so you can make informed
purchases of baby gear. Visit http://www.greatbabygear.com today
for info on everything from bassinets to baby strollers
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=29290&ca=Parenting
By Eric Koshinsky
Buying baby gear can be a frustrating experience for new
parents who want to have the best for the baby, yet they still
have to watch their budget. They need to buy baby furniture,
such as a crib or bassinet, a change table and a playpen.
Parents also like to purchase a baby swing and a stroller for
taking the baby for a walk. A cheaper alternative to a stroller
is a baby sling where you can carry the baby comfortably and
still keep him/her nestled close to you.
Other supplies that you need include baby clothes. When you are
buying for the new baby, just remember that although an outfit
may look cute, you have to think about how comfortable the baby
feels in it. Babies grow a lot in the first few months, so it is
really a waste of money to buy a lot of outfits in newborn
sizes. You are better off buying in the 3 - 6 month range at
first. You will find that the baby will quickly outgrow even
these. You also have to look at the material to make sure it
won't shrink after the first wash. Also buying clothes that suit
either a boy or a girl is a good choice, because the chances are
great, the baby will grow out of it long before it is worn out.
Then you can pack it away for the next baby.
You have to decide whether you will start with a rocking
bassinet or a full size crib. There are many bassinets combined
with a playpen so this will save you money. Some bassinets
convert into a change table and most of them are portable,
making them great for travel. A crib is necessary for when the
baby gets older, but for a newborn a bassinet is a good choice
to make.
You also have to look at bottles pacifiers, toys and later on a
high chair. All of these come in many makes and models, but
before you buy make sure that they are rated according to safety
standards.
Even with all this, you won't be allowed to take the baby home
from the hospital without a car seat installed in the back seat.
For this you need to look at ones that convert from rear to
forward facing and that you can use a booster seat when the
child gets older.
About the Author: Eric & Lisa Koshinsky make it easy for you to
get clear, unbiased information so you can make informed
purchases of baby gear. Visit http://www.greatbabygear.com today
for info on everything from bassinets to baby strollers
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=29290&ca=Parenting
Finally! You Too Can Monitor Your Baby Heart Beat Right From
Finally! You Too Can Monitor Your Baby Heart Beat Right From
Your Home.
By John Wellington
Nothing is more exciting than the joy of expecting a baby! In
fact many expectant mothers and fathers can’t simply wait to
hear the sound of their child’s heartbeat. Today parents who
can’t wait and parents who want to share the wonderful
experience of listening to the beating sound can buy a baby
heart monitor known as a fetal Doppler.
In short, a fetal Doppler uses sound waves to detect the sound
of the infant’s cardio activity. The sound waves bounce off of
the little baby’s heart and are sent back to the listener. Also
known as high frequency waves, the baby heart monitor sends
these sounds, into a hearing device attached to the machine.
Since the high frequency waves don’t travel very well it is
necessary to use a gel or oil to help things along. After which
the sound conductor is applied directly to the mother’s tummy
and the baby heart monitor is placed over the area and moved
until sound is detected.
The little heartbeat is amplified through an earphone and
speaker built right into the baby heart monitor. On wearing the
earphones one can hear the infant’s beats and enjoy every
precious moment, at least until someone else wants a turn.
The baby heart monitor is very safe to use, it has been tested
and released by the United States governmental agencies that are
responsible for such regulations. There has been no negative
affects found in over thirty years of its use. The baby heart
monitor is the same technology used in hospitals day after day
on thousands and thousands of patients. While some may argue
that there are wonderful benefits for using the device others
think that too many sound waves may not be good for the
developing fetus. The Food and Drug Administration recommends
that you talk to your doctor and get permission before using a
home baby heart monitor. This is always good practice.
While the baby heart monitor can be quite a costly investment
for such a short-term item a lot of parents choose to rent one.
This option of renting a baby heart monitor is much cheap and
the parents can always change their minds and purchase the unit
if they later want one. The renting option is an appealing
feature offered by the manufacturers and the option to purchase
the item gives parents even more incentive to try the product.
After all, majority of families have a baby in their future
plans, no matter if it is immediate or extended. A baby heart
monitor is always a wonderful item to have!
About the Author: John Wellington provides readers with
up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for
http://www.tiptophealthguide.com,
http://www.health-wholeness-guide.com as well as other related
information.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=112353&ca=Computers+and+Technology
Your Home.
By John Wellington
Nothing is more exciting than the joy of expecting a baby! In
fact many expectant mothers and fathers can’t simply wait to
hear the sound of their child’s heartbeat. Today parents who
can’t wait and parents who want to share the wonderful
experience of listening to the beating sound can buy a baby
heart monitor known as a fetal Doppler.
In short, a fetal Doppler uses sound waves to detect the sound
of the infant’s cardio activity. The sound waves bounce off of
the little baby’s heart and are sent back to the listener. Also
known as high frequency waves, the baby heart monitor sends
these sounds, into a hearing device attached to the machine.
Since the high frequency waves don’t travel very well it is
necessary to use a gel or oil to help things along. After which
the sound conductor is applied directly to the mother’s tummy
and the baby heart monitor is placed over the area and moved
until sound is detected.
The little heartbeat is amplified through an earphone and
speaker built right into the baby heart monitor. On wearing the
earphones one can hear the infant’s beats and enjoy every
precious moment, at least until someone else wants a turn.
The baby heart monitor is very safe to use, it has been tested
and released by the United States governmental agencies that are
responsible for such regulations. There has been no negative
affects found in over thirty years of its use. The baby heart
monitor is the same technology used in hospitals day after day
on thousands and thousands of patients. While some may argue
that there are wonderful benefits for using the device others
think that too many sound waves may not be good for the
developing fetus. The Food and Drug Administration recommends
that you talk to your doctor and get permission before using a
home baby heart monitor. This is always good practice.
While the baby heart monitor can be quite a costly investment
for such a short-term item a lot of parents choose to rent one.
This option of renting a baby heart monitor is much cheap and
the parents can always change their minds and purchase the unit
if they later want one. The renting option is an appealing
feature offered by the manufacturers and the option to purchase
the item gives parents even more incentive to try the product.
After all, majority of families have a baby in their future
plans, no matter if it is immediate or extended. A baby heart
monitor is always a wonderful item to have!
About the Author: John Wellington provides readers with
up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for
http://www.tiptophealthguide.com,
http://www.health-wholeness-guide.com as well as other related
information.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=112353&ca=Computers+and+Technology
Special Care Of The Premature Baby
Special Care Of The Premature Baby
By Connie Limon
Babies born prematurely may require special care during their
first 2 years of life. This is especially true if the baby
weighed 3 pounds or less at birth.
Premature Baby’s Growth and Development
Take your baby to your doctor’s office soon after the baby
leaves the hospital. The doctor will check the baby’s weight
gain and inquire of how the baby is doing at home.
Discuss with your doctor about feeding the premature baby. He
may recommend vitamins, iron and special formula if the baby is
bottle-fed. Doctors give vitamins to premature babies to help
them grow and stay healthy. The doctor may also prescribe extra
iron for a premature baby for at least four months. At four
months of age a premature baby will have about the same amount
of iron as a full-term baby, however, your doctor may still have
a premature baby take iron drops for a year or more.
Premature babies are usually smaller than full-term babies for
the first 2 years of life. They usually catch up after a while.
Keep a record of your premature baby’s development. Your
doctor will need to know how active the baby is, when your baby
sits up for the first time and crawls for the first time for
example.
Premature Baby’s Immunization Schedule
Immunization or “shots” are given to premature babies at the
same ages they are given to full-term babies. Some doctors may
recommend a flu shot for a premature baby when he or she is 6
months of age. There is a chance that premature babies will
become sicker with the flu more often than full-term babies. He
may also recommend the entire family taking flu shots to help
protect the premature baby in the home.
Premature Baby’s Feeding Schedule
Right after birth, premature babies need 8 to 10 feedings per
day. Do not wait longer than 4 hours between. Premature babies
are very susceptible to dehydration. Waiting longer than 4
hours between feedings may cause a premature baby to become
dehydrated. A good rule of thumb is if your premature baby is
wetting 6 to 8 diapers per day then he or she is getting enough
breast milk or formula. Spitting up is often a common problem
of premature babies after feedings. Be sure to talk to your
doctor if your premature baby spits up a lot. He or she may not
gain enough weight if this occurs.
Solid Food for Premature Babies
Four to six months after the baby’s original due date (not the
birth date) is usually the time doctors advise putting a
premature baby on solid food. Putting premature babies on solid
foods before this time could create a choking hazard. Premature
babies need more time to develop their swallowing abilities. If
the premature baby has medical problems, the doctor may
prescribe a special diet.
Premature Babies Sleep Time
Premature babies usually sleep more hours each day than a
full-term baby; however, they sleep for shorter periods of time
and wake up more often. Put your premature baby to bed on its
back, never on its stomach. Use firm mattresses and pillows.
Sleeping on the stomach or on soft mattresses and pillows has
been known to increase baby’s risk of sudden infant death
syndrome (this is for full-term babies as well as the premature
baby).
Common vision and hearing problems in premature babies include:
• Crossed eyes (or strabismus) are a problem that often goes
away on its own as your baby grows up. You may be advised to
see an eye doctor if your premature baby has crossed eyes.
• Retinopathy of prematurity usually occurs in babies born very
early, at 32 weeks of pregnancy or earlier
• Hearing problems are more common in premature babies than in
full-term babies. If you notice your premature baby does not
hear well, discuss this with your doctor for further evaluations
of premature baby’s hearing. Check your premature baby’s
hearing by making noises behind or to the side of the baby. If
your premature baby does not turn his or her head, or jump at a
loud noise, tell your doctor.
Traveling with your premature baby in cars poses extra
problems. Review the following information to help you
transport your premature baby in a car safely:
• Select a car safety seat that fits your premature baby
• Do not use a car safety seat with a shield or tray
• Place rolled receiving blankets on both sides of your
premature baby to center him or her in the car safety seat.
• Place a rolled diaper or washcloth between your premature
baby’s diaper area and the crotch strap to keep your baby from
slipping down.
• Do not place the rolled diaper or receiving blankets behind
or under the baby.
• Your premature baby may need to use a car bed that meets
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to allow babies to travel
while lying down if he or she has any of the following while in
a car safety seat:
1. A decrease in oxygen levels
2. Slow heart rate
3. Apnea (breathing stops for a moment or two)
Other reasons babies may need a car bed rather than a car seat
includes:
• Problems with breathing when sitting upright or semi-reclined
• Decreased muscle control
• Bones that break easy
• Recent spine surgery
• Baby is wearing a cast
At this time car beds are designed for babies and not larger
children. They vary in design. All car beds must be installed
lengthwise with the baby’s head toward the center of the car.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health
care professional.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved
About the Author: Written by: Connie Limon Visit us at
http://smalldogs2.com/BabyHealth for an extensive list of
articles and resources all about baby health and taking care of
babies. Visit us at Camelot Articles
http://www.camelotarticles.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=166305&ca=Parenting
By Connie Limon
Babies born prematurely may require special care during their
first 2 years of life. This is especially true if the baby
weighed 3 pounds or less at birth.
Premature Baby’s Growth and Development
Take your baby to your doctor’s office soon after the baby
leaves the hospital. The doctor will check the baby’s weight
gain and inquire of how the baby is doing at home.
Discuss with your doctor about feeding the premature baby. He
may recommend vitamins, iron and special formula if the baby is
bottle-fed. Doctors give vitamins to premature babies to help
them grow and stay healthy. The doctor may also prescribe extra
iron for a premature baby for at least four months. At four
months of age a premature baby will have about the same amount
of iron as a full-term baby, however, your doctor may still have
a premature baby take iron drops for a year or more.
Premature babies are usually smaller than full-term babies for
the first 2 years of life. They usually catch up after a while.
Keep a record of your premature baby’s development. Your
doctor will need to know how active the baby is, when your baby
sits up for the first time and crawls for the first time for
example.
Premature Baby’s Immunization Schedule
Immunization or “shots” are given to premature babies at the
same ages they are given to full-term babies. Some doctors may
recommend a flu shot for a premature baby when he or she is 6
months of age. There is a chance that premature babies will
become sicker with the flu more often than full-term babies. He
may also recommend the entire family taking flu shots to help
protect the premature baby in the home.
Premature Baby’s Feeding Schedule
Right after birth, premature babies need 8 to 10 feedings per
day. Do not wait longer than 4 hours between. Premature babies
are very susceptible to dehydration. Waiting longer than 4
hours between feedings may cause a premature baby to become
dehydrated. A good rule of thumb is if your premature baby is
wetting 6 to 8 diapers per day then he or she is getting enough
breast milk or formula. Spitting up is often a common problem
of premature babies after feedings. Be sure to talk to your
doctor if your premature baby spits up a lot. He or she may not
gain enough weight if this occurs.
Solid Food for Premature Babies
Four to six months after the baby’s original due date (not the
birth date) is usually the time doctors advise putting a
premature baby on solid food. Putting premature babies on solid
foods before this time could create a choking hazard. Premature
babies need more time to develop their swallowing abilities. If
the premature baby has medical problems, the doctor may
prescribe a special diet.
Premature Babies Sleep Time
Premature babies usually sleep more hours each day than a
full-term baby; however, they sleep for shorter periods of time
and wake up more often. Put your premature baby to bed on its
back, never on its stomach. Use firm mattresses and pillows.
Sleeping on the stomach or on soft mattresses and pillows has
been known to increase baby’s risk of sudden infant death
syndrome (this is for full-term babies as well as the premature
baby).
Common vision and hearing problems in premature babies include:
• Crossed eyes (or strabismus) are a problem that often goes
away on its own as your baby grows up. You may be advised to
see an eye doctor if your premature baby has crossed eyes.
• Retinopathy of prematurity usually occurs in babies born very
early, at 32 weeks of pregnancy or earlier
• Hearing problems are more common in premature babies than in
full-term babies. If you notice your premature baby does not
hear well, discuss this with your doctor for further evaluations
of premature baby’s hearing. Check your premature baby’s
hearing by making noises behind or to the side of the baby. If
your premature baby does not turn his or her head, or jump at a
loud noise, tell your doctor.
Traveling with your premature baby in cars poses extra
problems. Review the following information to help you
transport your premature baby in a car safely:
• Select a car safety seat that fits your premature baby
• Do not use a car safety seat with a shield or tray
• Place rolled receiving blankets on both sides of your
premature baby to center him or her in the car safety seat.
• Place a rolled diaper or washcloth between your premature
baby’s diaper area and the crotch strap to keep your baby from
slipping down.
• Do not place the rolled diaper or receiving blankets behind
or under the baby.
• Your premature baby may need to use a car bed that meets
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to allow babies to travel
while lying down if he or she has any of the following while in
a car safety seat:
1. A decrease in oxygen levels
2. Slow heart rate
3. Apnea (breathing stops for a moment or two)
Other reasons babies may need a car bed rather than a car seat
includes:
• Problems with breathing when sitting upright or semi-reclined
• Decreased muscle control
• Bones that break easy
• Recent spine surgery
• Baby is wearing a cast
At this time car beds are designed for babies and not larger
children. They vary in design. All car beds must be installed
lengthwise with the baby’s head toward the center of the car.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health
care professional.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved
About the Author: Written by: Connie Limon Visit us at
http://smalldogs2.com/BabyHealth for an extensive list of
articles and resources all about baby health and taking care of
babies. Visit us at Camelot Articles
http://www.camelotarticles.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=166305&ca=Parenting
How To Choose A Good Baby Play Mat
How To Choose A Good Baby Play Mat
By Mads Petterson
There are hundreds of different baby play mats available, so
you shouldn't be ashamed of your confusion when you try to find
a good one. Here are some good tips for choosing the right baby
play mat for your child.
You have to make sure that the play mat is safe, so your baby
doesn't hurt herself when she lie on it. The blanket have to be
thick enough, the arches must be well secured and you must make
sure nothing can get loose and be swallowed.
You should also consider if your baby would enjoy lying on the
play mat. Most babies are happy if the play mat is colorful and
has some bars or arches that she can look at while she is lying
on her back. Baby play mats without bars and arches should be
avoided, since there will be nothing to look at for your baby
unless she lies on her stomach.
It's good if the play mat has some hanging toys that your baby
can touch. It's helps development her hand-eye coordination and
also make it more fun to lie there. It's especially good if the
toys can be detached and given to your baby to play with.
When you look at the blanket and the hanging toys, you should
check if there are any built-in sounds or music. Babies love it
when their toys make some kind of sounds and it also stimulates
their development. You can for example find baby play mats that
play several minutes of Mozart when your baby touches somewhere
on her play mat.
Finally, you may want to check if the play mat fits inside your
baby's playpen. You should also look at a bumper, so you baby
doesn't hurt herself if you put her play mat inside a playpen.
About the Author: Mads Petersson has a
http://www.goodbabytoys.com where he give advice, answer
questions and review exciting baby play mats and other baby
things. His website is written from one parent to another, so
it's a the place to go for some good advice about baby things.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=86966&ca=Parenting
By Mads Petterson
There are hundreds of different baby play mats available, so
you shouldn't be ashamed of your confusion when you try to find
a good one. Here are some good tips for choosing the right baby
play mat for your child.
You have to make sure that the play mat is safe, so your baby
doesn't hurt herself when she lie on it. The blanket have to be
thick enough, the arches must be well secured and you must make
sure nothing can get loose and be swallowed.
You should also consider if your baby would enjoy lying on the
play mat. Most babies are happy if the play mat is colorful and
has some bars or arches that she can look at while she is lying
on her back. Baby play mats without bars and arches should be
avoided, since there will be nothing to look at for your baby
unless she lies on her stomach.
It's good if the play mat has some hanging toys that your baby
can touch. It's helps development her hand-eye coordination and
also make it more fun to lie there. It's especially good if the
toys can be detached and given to your baby to play with.
When you look at the blanket and the hanging toys, you should
check if there are any built-in sounds or music. Babies love it
when their toys make some kind of sounds and it also stimulates
their development. You can for example find baby play mats that
play several minutes of Mozart when your baby touches somewhere
on her play mat.
Finally, you may want to check if the play mat fits inside your
baby's playpen. You should also look at a bumper, so you baby
doesn't hurt herself if you put her play mat inside a playpen.
About the Author: Mads Petersson has a
http://www.goodbabytoys.com where he give advice, answer
questions and review exciting baby play mats and other baby
things. His website is written from one parent to another, so
it's a the place to go for some good advice about baby things.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=86966&ca=Parenting
Organic And Eco Babies
Organic And Eco Babies
By Davinos Greeno
When babies are born they are unable to make decisions for
themselves and the young lives in our care deserve the best that
we can provide and it is our responsibility to ensure that we
give them a natural and healthy environment to grow in. The
author looks at things that can make all the difference to an
eco baby and eco family.
Organic and Fairtrade Baby Food
Organic baby food has been around for decades and fairtrade
baby food has only recently been launched. Why feed your baby
with chemicals, additives and possibly genetically modified
ingredients when you can feed them fresh, organic and healthier
food? By buying fairtrade it also enables you to put something
back into local communities where the ingredients originated
from, so that they can look after their families better due to
being paid a fair price for their food and hence they are able
to reinvest the funds into their community and families.
Organic and Eco Friendly Baby Care
Babies have extremely sensitive skin that requires a mild and
gentle touch - which is why it makes sense to treat them with
products made from the purest ingredients. The skin is the
largest part of the babies body and is often prone to sores and
nappy rash in the early days. Minimise the amount of chemicals
coming into contact with the babies skin by buying organic or
natural baby care products.
Organic and Fairtrade Baby Clothing
A babys skin is thinner than that of an adult, so make sure the
clothes against their bodies are free from harmful pesticides
and chemicals by buying clothing which are made from organic or
hemp fibres which are made with the minimum or no chemicals in
the production and processing. By buying Fairtrade or ethical
baby clothes from companies such as HUG ensures that other
babies in developing countries may benefit as well from the
clothes that you buy. Cheap, brand new clothes from supermarkets
etc. are often made in China in low cost production facilities
where workers are paid the minimum wage and where the term
sweatshops originated from. Buying second hand or using donated
clothes is the ultimate form of recycling and is cheaper too at
this expensive time of life.
Environmentally Friendly Cloth Nappies
Cloth nappies can be washed and reused hundreds of times.
Millions of disposable nappies are used throughout your country
and you can imagine what size of landfill is needed to bury them
all! Cloth nappies can reduce nappy rash and have no suspect
chemicals. By washing them with your normal clothes, you again
minimise your babies impact on the environment.
Breast feeding
Breast milk is very economical, constantly available at the
right temperature and if your diet is organic then so is your
milk which is therefore better for your baby. If you have to buy
formula be wary of buying Nestle as an International Nestle
Boycott is in effect in 20 countries. The boycott will continue
until Nestle ends its irresponsible marketing of breast milk
substitutes world-wide and abides by the International Code of
Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent Resolutions
in policy and practice.
About the Author: Davinos Greeno works with the Organic
directory http://www.guidemegreen.com and the Ethical Directory
http://www.getethical.com He also promotes eco friendly Jobs and
Employers at http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=117126&ca=Parenting
By Davinos Greeno
When babies are born they are unable to make decisions for
themselves and the young lives in our care deserve the best that
we can provide and it is our responsibility to ensure that we
give them a natural and healthy environment to grow in. The
author looks at things that can make all the difference to an
eco baby and eco family.
Organic and Fairtrade Baby Food
Organic baby food has been around for decades and fairtrade
baby food has only recently been launched. Why feed your baby
with chemicals, additives and possibly genetically modified
ingredients when you can feed them fresh, organic and healthier
food? By buying fairtrade it also enables you to put something
back into local communities where the ingredients originated
from, so that they can look after their families better due to
being paid a fair price for their food and hence they are able
to reinvest the funds into their community and families.
Organic and Eco Friendly Baby Care
Babies have extremely sensitive skin that requires a mild and
gentle touch - which is why it makes sense to treat them with
products made from the purest ingredients. The skin is the
largest part of the babies body and is often prone to sores and
nappy rash in the early days. Minimise the amount of chemicals
coming into contact with the babies skin by buying organic or
natural baby care products.
Organic and Fairtrade Baby Clothing
A babys skin is thinner than that of an adult, so make sure the
clothes against their bodies are free from harmful pesticides
and chemicals by buying clothing which are made from organic or
hemp fibres which are made with the minimum or no chemicals in
the production and processing. By buying Fairtrade or ethical
baby clothes from companies such as HUG ensures that other
babies in developing countries may benefit as well from the
clothes that you buy. Cheap, brand new clothes from supermarkets
etc. are often made in China in low cost production facilities
where workers are paid the minimum wage and where the term
sweatshops originated from. Buying second hand or using donated
clothes is the ultimate form of recycling and is cheaper too at
this expensive time of life.
Environmentally Friendly Cloth Nappies
Cloth nappies can be washed and reused hundreds of times.
Millions of disposable nappies are used throughout your country
and you can imagine what size of landfill is needed to bury them
all! Cloth nappies can reduce nappy rash and have no suspect
chemicals. By washing them with your normal clothes, you again
minimise your babies impact on the environment.
Breast feeding
Breast milk is very economical, constantly available at the
right temperature and if your diet is organic then so is your
milk which is therefore better for your baby. If you have to buy
formula be wary of buying Nestle as an International Nestle
Boycott is in effect in 20 countries. The boycott will continue
until Nestle ends its irresponsible marketing of breast milk
substitutes world-wide and abides by the International Code of
Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent Resolutions
in policy and practice.
About the Author: Davinos Greeno works with the Organic
directory http://www.guidemegreen.com and the Ethical Directory
http://www.getethical.com He also promotes eco friendly Jobs and
Employers at http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=117126&ca=Parenting
Selecting Safe And Stylish Newborn And Infant Baby Clothing
Selecting Safe And Stylish Newborn And Infant Baby Clothing
By Claire Calkin
With such a vast selection of baby clothes available today,
parents need to select infant clothes that are comfortable,
durable and safe for their children to wear. Walk into any
newborn clothes store and you will be offered numerous options.
But how do you know these infant clothing will suit your baby
with regards to skin allergies, comfort, diaper changes, safety,
practicality and looking good. Follow our tips to find right
newborn clothing for your child so you can be sure that you get
the quality you pay for. With that in mind, you are likely to
find luxury baby clothes of higher quality from designer baby
clothes rather than a discount newborn clothing store. This
isn’t to say that you can’t find quality newborn clothing at a
discount store. Many points should be considered when a parent
is shopping for infant clothing.
Ensure that all the infant clothes are comfortable for you baby
by selecting newborn clothing that features wide leg, arm and
head openings. Baby clothes should not be too tight or small for
a child. Buy a size up to ensure a good fit. All sleepwear is to
be flame retardant and should be safe with no strings or buttons
that may be hazardous. All newborn clothes should be easy to
change in and out of. Crotch snaps make diaper changing fast and
easy. Select baby clothes with a button up front to ease stress
on the baby from having clothes pulled over their head. Onesies
are very practical clothing for babies to wear. These are a
one-piece suit from feet to neck and usually feature snap
crotches. Avoid clothes with decorations or small buttons, as
this can be a choking hazard. Overalls are not a good idea
unless they feature snap crotches.
When selecting luxury baby clothes, check what fabric the
clothes are made of to ensure the baby clothing is comfortable,
flame retardant (when required), warm and won’t react with your
child’s sensitive skin. Several baby clothes retailers are
bringing out newborn clothes that are made from organic fabrics
that are free from bleaches, pesticides, heavy dyes and feature
flame-retardant qualities. This fabric is light and allows skin
ventilation to keep the skin at an even body temperature while
absorbing body moisture. Merino wool is another natural fabric
that can feature no added synthetics or unnatural colours. It is
an ideal fabric for newborns and is unlike regular wool. This
wool is made with a natural method that doesn’t prepare the wool
through a chemical process like drenching or scouring. Unlike
newborn clothes made from synthetic fibres that may cause
overheating, merino wool is an insulating fibre that will keep
the body at a constant temperature. Baby clothing with a high
absorbency level will keep your baby feeling fresh and dry.
A few terms that may feature on baby clothing include Lycra,
polyester, cotton flannel, velour, faux fur, swan’s down,
Jacquard knit, cotton knit, brushed cotton and interlock knit.
Lycra is a synthetic fibre that is made from polymer that
contains polyurethane that means it is a very stretchy fabric.
Polyester is made with synthetic resins and is known for it’s
strong, light and weather resistant qualities. Brush cotton is a
fabric that has been brushed to remove lint and other excess
fibres to leave the cotton soft and smooth. Jacquard knit is a
pattern knit placed into the fabric while going through the
manufacturing process. Velour is a felt fabric very much like
velvet. Cotton flannel is a name for cotton that is twilled,
heavy and features a long plush nap. Also known as Canton
flannel or Swan’s down. Faux fur is a fabric that is made to
look and feel like animal fur. Interlock knit is a fabric with
lots of stretch due to heavily intertwined cotton that will
return to the original shape after washing.
About the Author: Claire Calkin operates several websites
covering clothing related topics. http://www.honeyandheather.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=19709&ca=Parenting
By Claire Calkin
With such a vast selection of baby clothes available today,
parents need to select infant clothes that are comfortable,
durable and safe for their children to wear. Walk into any
newborn clothes store and you will be offered numerous options.
But how do you know these infant clothing will suit your baby
with regards to skin allergies, comfort, diaper changes, safety,
practicality and looking good. Follow our tips to find right
newborn clothing for your child so you can be sure that you get
the quality you pay for. With that in mind, you are likely to
find luxury baby clothes of higher quality from designer baby
clothes rather than a discount newborn clothing store. This
isn’t to say that you can’t find quality newborn clothing at a
discount store. Many points should be considered when a parent
is shopping for infant clothing.
Ensure that all the infant clothes are comfortable for you baby
by selecting newborn clothing that features wide leg, arm and
head openings. Baby clothes should not be too tight or small for
a child. Buy a size up to ensure a good fit. All sleepwear is to
be flame retardant and should be safe with no strings or buttons
that may be hazardous. All newborn clothes should be easy to
change in and out of. Crotch snaps make diaper changing fast and
easy. Select baby clothes with a button up front to ease stress
on the baby from having clothes pulled over their head. Onesies
are very practical clothing for babies to wear. These are a
one-piece suit from feet to neck and usually feature snap
crotches. Avoid clothes with decorations or small buttons, as
this can be a choking hazard. Overalls are not a good idea
unless they feature snap crotches.
When selecting luxury baby clothes, check what fabric the
clothes are made of to ensure the baby clothing is comfortable,
flame retardant (when required), warm and won’t react with your
child’s sensitive skin. Several baby clothes retailers are
bringing out newborn clothes that are made from organic fabrics
that are free from bleaches, pesticides, heavy dyes and feature
flame-retardant qualities. This fabric is light and allows skin
ventilation to keep the skin at an even body temperature while
absorbing body moisture. Merino wool is another natural fabric
that can feature no added synthetics or unnatural colours. It is
an ideal fabric for newborns and is unlike regular wool. This
wool is made with a natural method that doesn’t prepare the wool
through a chemical process like drenching or scouring. Unlike
newborn clothes made from synthetic fibres that may cause
overheating, merino wool is an insulating fibre that will keep
the body at a constant temperature. Baby clothing with a high
absorbency level will keep your baby feeling fresh and dry.
A few terms that may feature on baby clothing include Lycra,
polyester, cotton flannel, velour, faux fur, swan’s down,
Jacquard knit, cotton knit, brushed cotton and interlock knit.
Lycra is a synthetic fibre that is made from polymer that
contains polyurethane that means it is a very stretchy fabric.
Polyester is made with synthetic resins and is known for it’s
strong, light and weather resistant qualities. Brush cotton is a
fabric that has been brushed to remove lint and other excess
fibres to leave the cotton soft and smooth. Jacquard knit is a
pattern knit placed into the fabric while going through the
manufacturing process. Velour is a felt fabric very much like
velvet. Cotton flannel is a name for cotton that is twilled,
heavy and features a long plush nap. Also known as Canton
flannel or Swan’s down. Faux fur is a fabric that is made to
look and feel like animal fur. Interlock knit is a fabric with
lots of stretch due to heavily intertwined cotton that will
return to the original shape after washing.
About the Author: Claire Calkin operates several websites
covering clothing related topics. http://www.honeyandheather.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=19709&ca=Parenting
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