Returning to Work? Find the Right Child Care Provider for Your Baby.

January 23rd, 2012

Returning to work after having a baby can be hard. Your little one is everything to you and you want to be sure that the person caring for your baby is deserving and capable. Here are some simple tips that can help you find the right child care provider for your baby.

If you’re like most parents, you understand just how important it is to find the right child care provider for your baby. You may worry about all of the horror stories you’ve heard about child care providers that have been abusive or neglectful. And while these cases are rare, they do happen.

In your heart, you also know that no one could ever give your baby what you can, but you want to find someone that can offer as close to that as possible. If you are trying to find the right child care provider for your baby, use these helpful hints.

Begin Your Hunt Now

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to find the right child care provider for your baby is starting your search later as opposed to sooner. The sooner you start, the more selective you can be about your child care choices. By giving yourself an ample amount of time to find the right child care provider for your baby, you can also avoid making split minute decisions.

Use an On-line Child Care Review Site

On-line child care review sites contain reviews from other parents. They can be an invaluable tool when trying to find the right child care provider for your baby. These reviews should give you an idea as to whether or not other parents have been happy with the level of care their children received from potential child care facilities.

When looking at reviews, try to remember that a bad experience can happen to anyone, and sometimes disagreements about minor things can fuel bad reviews. However, if you’re noticing, that the facility has more bad reviews than good, consider it a red flag.

Visit the Facility Unannounced

One of the best ways to determine if a child care facility is honest and upfront about their care is to arrive unannounced. Avoid high-traffic times, like parent drop offs and pick-ups, but try to visit at times that might be busy for the children, such as lunch time, mid-morning, and after school. This should give you a pretty clear indication of how they handle children when parents aren’t around, which is something you need to know when you are trying to find the right child care facility for your baby.

Posted in Baby Nursery, Baby Safety, Caring for Baby, Child Care Providers, Day Care | No Comments »

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore in a Newborn

January 19th, 2012

When you have your first baby, you may feel like an incessant worrier. You call your doctor for everything and you are constantly assured that everything is fine. For new parents, however, there are some symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. Find out what they are and what you should do here.

There are some symptoms you should never ignore in a newborn; this applies whether you have just had your first child or your twentieth child. In most cases, these symptoms are an indication of a serious health condition. Most of them require immediate medical attention. All of them require you to at least call your child’s pediatrician. Before you shrug off your baby’s symptoms, read over this list of symptoms you should never ignore in a newborn.

Red, Brown, or Bright Green Vomit

Babies spit up—a lot! But vomit that is red, brown, or bright green is one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. Vomit with these colors can indicate intestinal bleeding or blockage and your baby should be evaluated by a health care professional immediately.

Not Enough Wet Diapers

At six days of age, your baby should have at least six wet diapers a day. A lack of wet diapers is an indication that your baby is dehydrated, making this another one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. This symptom may not warrant a visit to the emergency room, but you should at least contact your infant’s pediatrician. More severe signs of dehydration can include sunken eyes, lethargy, and dry mouth. You should seek immediate medical help at this point, but counting wet diapers can help you catch dehydration before it reaches this point.

Labored Breathing

Because babies make funny sounds and their breathing still isn’t regulated, it may be hard to tell if your baby is having trouble breathing. If you suspect that your infant is struggling with their breathing, watch their nose. A nose that flares could be a sign of respiratory distress. Infants that are using their abdominal muscles are in respiratory distress and they should be seen by a health care professional immediately because this is also one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn.

Posted in Baby Safety, Caring for Baby, Feeding, Health, Parenting, Post Birth | No Comments »

How to Determine if Your Baby is Hungry

January 17th, 2012

The first few weeks of parenthood are an adjustment, to say the least. Your entire life is altered by the tiny, wrinkly body you tote everywhere. There are so many things to learn. One of those big learning struggles is learning how to determine if your baby is hungry. These tips will help you know when to feed your baby.

Not sure how to determine whether your baby is hungry or not? Feeding a newborn can be tricky, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Extreme sleepiness and fussiness can further complicate the issue. Learn how to determine if your baby is hungry before the crying starts and save a little of your sanity.

A Sleeping Baby Does Not Mean a Satisfied Baby

Newborns will often sleep right through their hunger, only waking when they are really hungry. By this time, your infant is probably screaming and almost inconsolable. The crying can give your baby gas, which will only make the rest of your day a more difficult. Waiting until your baby is extremely hungry can also make for poor weight gain and even weight loss. So how do you determine if your baby is hungry when they are sleeping? Watch for these signs:

Lip smacking in their sleep

Suckling motion in their sleep

Restlessness without waking

Digit sucking in their sleep

These signs don’t always mean that your baby is hungry, but more often than not, in those first few weeks, this is how your baby will let you know they need to eat while they are still sleeping.

Other Signs That Your Baby is Hungry

There are other methods for determining if your baby is hungry. If you are holding your baby and they turn towards your nipple with their mouth open, they are hungry. Newborns are instinctively drawn to the breast, so this applies to newborns that are formula fed as well.

If your baby is inconsolable, they may be hungry, even if they just ate. During growth spurts, babies eat more. But remember, a fussy baby is a starving baby. It should not take your baby crying to determine if your baby is hungry.

Posted in Baby Nursery, Caring for Baby, Feeding | No Comments »

Important Baby Sling Safety Tips

January 11th, 2012

Baby slings are one of the oldest methods for transporting young infants. This method is both convenient and comforting for baby, but recent deaths have scared parents away from using them. Find out how you can enjoy the benefits without the risk with these important baby sling safety tips.

Baby sling safety tips are important for any parent that is considering baby wearing, a method of transporting your baby with the aid of an infant sling. These tips ensure that baby is both safe and comfortable at all times. These tips also allow you to enjoy the benefits of baby wearing, which have made it the oldest baby transportation method in existence.

Finding the Right Sling

Finding the right sling is the first and foremost task when it comes to baby sling safety tips. Slings should be free of recalls and they should show no signs of rips, holes, or visible wear. Carefully inspect the sling before use, especially if you are purchasing your sling secondhand. You should also choose a sling that is designed to fit your body. They come in various sizes and the wrong size can either restrict your baby’s breathing room or allow baby to slip out of the sling.

Following Instructions

All baby slings should come with baby sling safety tips and instructions. Follow these instructions from first word to last. These instructions are in place to ensure your baby’s safety. Instructions on how to care for your sling and how to place baby in the sling should be very clear and easy to understand. If you have any questions about the safety instructions of your sling, contact the manufacturer directly.

Other Important Baby Sling Safety Tips

Infants that cannot sit up unsupported should never be placed behind you. They should always be placed facing your chest. The position of your baby should be checked regularly. Check for any breathing obstructions and check to ensure that your baby’s chin is not touching their chest. Adjust their head as needed. If baby is not positioned correctly in the sling, then you should adjust their body. Most importantly, you should never wear your infant sling underneath clothing. This can cause breathing problems.

Infant sling wearing can be done safely, but just like all infant equipment, failure to adhere to the baby sling safety tips and instructions can lead to serious consequences, even death. It is for this reason that you should use all of these baby sling safety tips.

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Helpful Tips for Handling a Colicky Baby

January 5th, 2012

If your baby won’t stop crying and you feel like a frazzled, overstressed parent, there are a few things you should know. Check out these helpful tips for handling a colicky baby.

Helpful tips for handling a colicky baby can help you keep your sanity in check. They can also help you better understand why your baby is crying. Most importantly, they can help you handle your baby in a way that is loving, compassionate, and well educated. If your baby won’t stop crying, then take the time to read over these helpful hints for handling a colicky baby.

Why Your Baby is Crying

Before diving into helpful tips for handling a colicky baby, it is important to understand why your baby is crying in the first place. There are three basic types of colic: gastrointestinal colic, trauma colic, and overstimulation colic. While all colic results in a fussy baby, not all types of colic can be comforted. Knowing the difference between each type of colic can help you determine your next plan of action.

Gastrointestinal Colic

When your baby has gastrointestinal colic, you may notice symptoms of gas, such as grunting, passing gas, or a tight abdomen. This type of colic should be discussed with your child’s doctor because certain types of formula can increase gastrointestinal colic. In the meantime, try holding your baby in a way that places pressure on their tummy while supporting their head. Gentle tummy rubs in a clockwise direction can also help loosen gas bubbles. This helpful hint for handling a colicky baby may not resolve the colic completely, but in can give your baby a little relief.

Overstimulation Colic

Helpful hints for handling a colicky baby that is overstimulated include darkening the room, turning off all devices that create noise, and holding your baby closely. Making “shhhhh” sounds into your baby’s ear can also help. This is the sound that your baby heard while in the womb and it is very comforting.

Trauma Colic

Trauma can happen during birth for a variety of reasons. If you suspect post-birth trauma, you should talk to your baby’s doctor. To comfort your baby, try skin-to-skin contact in addition to the helpful hints for handling a colicky baby that are listed in the overstimulation section.

Posted in Caring for Baby, Colicky Baby, Post Birth | No Comments »

Dos and Don’ts for Your Baby’s Bed

January 1st, 2012

Whether your baby is sleeping in a crib, a bassinet, or a co-sleeper, there are things that your baby will need for their bed and other things that they will not. Use this list of dos and don’ts for baby’s sleeping area.

Dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed go further than just style and taste. They are also intended to help keep your baby safe. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, otherwise known as SIDS, continues to happen to an alarming number of infants each year. And while no one really knows what causes it, there are some things that experts know can contribute to the problem, which is why we are offering our list of dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed.

Don’t: Use Stuffed Animals, Pillows, or Crib Bumpers

This “don’t” for your baby’s bed is essential. No matter where your baby is sleeping, you should never place stuffed animals, pillows, crib bumpers, comforters, or any other soft, plush item in their crib. Infants do not have the head and neck strength to pull their faces out of these items, which can lead to suffocation. If you need to use a blanket, go for a thin blanket and tuck it under the mattress and place baby at the foot of the bed under it.

Do: Use Fitted Sheets

Fitted sheets for your baby’s crib will help keep your baby’s mattress clean and will give your baby a soft surface to sleep on. These sheets are also less likely to come off of the mattress and pose a risk to your baby, making it another important item on our list of dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed. You can find a wide range of fitted sheets in a variety of colors and themes. Just be sure that you check the sheet daily to ensure that it is safely secured.

Don’t: Buy a Crib without Checking it Out

Older cribs may not meet current safety recommendations. Some cribs, particularly those with drop rails, have been recalled. Before you purchase a crib, make sure that you check for recalls and distance between the slats (no bigger than 2 3/8 inches). Also, avoid cribs that have any missing slats, missing hardware, or damaged parts. This tip on our list of dos and don’ts for your baby’s bed is extremely important for safety.

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Posted in Baby Items, Baby Nursery, Baby Safety, Caring for Baby, Cribs, Post Birth | No Comments »

Caring for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord

December 19th, 2011

Umbilical cord care is an important part of caring for your newborn. Learn what to do, what not to do, and what to look out for in this umbilical cord care guide.

Caring for your baby’s umbilical cord properly can help prevent infection and promote healing. Unfortunately, there is some confusion among parents when it comes to cord care. This is due to some recent changes in the healthcare industry. With this umbilical cord care guide, however, you will learn how to properly care for your baby’s cord stump.

Cleaning the Stump

When caring for your baby’s umbilical cord, it is important to keep the stump and its surrounding area clean. To keep the cord area clean, change soiled diapers quickly. Wash the area with soap and water if it becomes dirty or sticky. After washing, fan the cord area to help it dry. Alternately, you can use an absorbent cloth, but watch out for cloth fibers that can get stuck in the stump. Previously, physicians recommended swabbing the area with alcohol. However, more recent research has indicated that the cord stump will heal faster if left alone.

Keeping the Stump Dry

Keeping the stump dry is also important when caring for your baby’s umbilical cord. Fold the front of baby’s diaper down to avoid trapped moisture around the area. Dress baby in a t-shirt and a diaper in the warmer months to promote airflow to the area. You can also expose the area to air by removing your baby’s shirt for 10 to 15 minutes a couple of times a day.

Avoid Pulling the Stump Off

When caring for your baby’s umbilical cord, it can be pretty tempting to pull that last little thread of your baby’s stump. However, healthcare professionals say you should never pull it off, no matter how little the thread may be. Pulling it off could rip baby’s delicate skin and cause an infection.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Skin that is red or swollen around the cord, a cord that continues to bleed, yellowish pus that oozes out, or a foul discharge from the cord area are all signs of infection. You should call your baby’s pediatrician if you notice any of these signs. Crusting and dried blood, however, are normal signs of healing that you should expect when caring for your baby’s umbilical cord.

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How to Choose Your Infant’s Formula

December 8th, 2011

Whether you have decided to formula feed exclusively or just part time, it is essential that you choose the right formula for your baby. Take a look at these tips that can help you narrow down your options.

If this is your first baby and you don’t know how to choose your infant’s formula, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Countless brands and types are now offered for formula-fed babies, and each formula makes claims that theirs is the best. To make matters even more confusing, not all babies are able to take just any formula. If you need help deciding which nutrition is best for your infant, here are some tips.

Don’t Forget That Breast is Best

There are many reasons that parents choose to formula feed their infant, and it is definitely a personal choice. And there is no doubt that you have heard of the countless benefits of breast milk for babies. Babies that are breast fed are less likely to get sick than formula-fed infants. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding between mother and baby. Additionally, digesting breast milk is easier for baby. All of these things are true, but you have to choose what is best for you. It’s never too late to change your mind and choose the healthiest option for your baby.

Gassy, Fussy, Colicky Babies

Gassy, fussy, or colicky babies often struggle to digest the compounds found within regular formula. To choose your infant’s formula, look for soy-based formulas or opt for specialized formulas that are designed for infants with sensitive digestive systems. These are generally more expensive than regular milk-based formulas, but you should notice that your infant is better able to digest their food and is notably less fussy.

Vegan Formula Options

More and more families are deciding to adopt a vegan lifestyle because of the noted health benefits and the potential dangers that accompany the hormone injection and diet of dairy cows. Breastfeeding is naturally vegan, but there is another vegan option for families that want to formula feed. To choose your infant’s formula as a vegan option, look for soy-based formula.

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Tips for Starting Your Baby on Solids

December 1st, 2011

Not all babies are the same, and no two babies will start solids at the same time. No two babies will eat the same, either. Still, there are some important tips that apply to all infants when starting on solids. Find out more here.

While starting solids can be a fun milestone to celebrate, it is important to know some important tips for starting your baby on solids to ensure that this milestone is also safe. Starting solids too soon can present a choking hazard for your baby. It has also been linked to a higher chance of obesity.

When to Start Solid

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies start solids around four months of age. When considering starting your baby on solids, however, you should realize that all babies are different, so you will need to use some personal judgment to determine if your baby is really ready for solids. Some babies will need to wait a little longer. Things to look out for are difficulty in swallowing or a baby that doesn’t open their mouth when prompted with the spoon.

Foods to Offer

Another really important factor to keep in mind when considering starting your baby on solids is the type of foods you offer. Single grain, plain infant cereal should be offered first. You can mix this with a bit of breast milk or formula, but avoid adding sweet stuff, like fruits, for now. Also, be sure you offer the cereal in a runnier consistency to help baby adjust to swallowing solids.

Once your baby seems to be doing well with infant cereals, you can move on to more exciting foods. Making your baby’s food is both easy and fun, and by doing this, you know exactly what you are feeding your baby. Experts suggest using organic fruits and vegetables when possible because of fertilizers and pesticides. If you can’t find the time to make your own baby food, choose organic jarred baby food when you are ready to change your feeding routine and start your baby on solids.

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Get the Scoop on the Latest Celebrity Baby News

November 28th, 2011

The latest celebrity baby news seems to change as quickly as news of Hollywood weddings and breakups. Things change so quickly in Tinseltown that it’s often hard to keep up! Over the past year, we’ve seen countless stars adopt, announce their due dates, or announce their plans to try and have their first child. Plenty of mommies-to-be have fun following celebrity baby news to check out the latest fashion and parenting trends. After all, Hollywood is known for setting some fun, chic trends, even when it comes to parenting!

Here is some of the latest celebrity baby news to feed your Hollywood gossip cravings!

Lily Allen—British songstress Lily Allen is about to pop. She just recently tweeted a Halloween pregnancy photo that had everyone talking! She recently told ES magazine, “Believe it or not, I’m 26. And I used to be a pop star. I know. Weird right?

Hilary Duff—Starlet Hilary Duff is about 24 weeks along right now, and she recently stepped out showing her baby bump when she went for a visit to her mother’s and to do a little shopping. Speaking of her growing belly, she recently tweeted that she’d soon be hitting up the store A Pea in the Pod for a maternity wardrobe update.

Jessica Simpson—Everyone’s been speculating for what seems years now as to whether or not Jessica Simpson is pregnant. Rumors have been swirling and the singer finally confirmed she’s expecting! On Halloween, she tweeted a photo of herself dressed up as a mummy to make the big announcement.

Hugh Grant—We all know that witty, British hunk Hugh Grant and the many fun, romantic comedies he usually stars in. Well, it turns out Mr. Grant will be welcoming a new baby girl off the screen. On November 2nd, his rep confirmed that Hugh will in fact be expecting a baby girl in September with actress Tinglan Hong.

Other big celebrity baby news this year includes the fabulous diva, Beyoncé, who announced her news some time ago but has been keeping her bump under wraps as of late.

Posted in Birth Announcements, Pre-Birth, Pregnancy | No Comments »

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