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Caring for Your Baby’s Skin

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Your baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive. Knowing how to care for it is important, especially as changes start to occur. Find out how you can safely and gently care for your baby’s skin.

Caring for your baby’s skin can seem complicated when you walk through the baby aisles. There are so many different soaps, lotions, and creams that are designed to appeal to parents. But what if you learned that caring for you baby’s skin wasn’t as difficult as you think? Keep reading and find out what you really need to know in order to properly care for your infant’s skin.

What You Don’t Know

What you don’t know about your baby’s skin can create serious health problems and cause skin irritation. Infant skin is very sensitive to perfumes, dyes, and chemicals. Nearly everything you find on the shelf at the store contains one or all of these items. To make matters worse, your baby’s skin absorbs about 60% of what you put on it. This means that chemicals are absorbed into your baby’s body and typically very quickly. While the health problems may not be evident right away, these chemicals can create problems over time.

Caring for Your Baby’s Skin is Easy

Caring for your baby’s skin is easy! For soap, all you need is a gentle, unscented soap. Look for natural soaps. There are many natural soaps available, especially on-line. Also look for soaps that are chemical free, dye free, and fragrance free.

Moisturizing baby’s skin is also simple and easy and it doesn’t require any of the items you find on the shelf. Olive oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for dry baby skin, but you can also find chemical free, dye free, and fragrance-free lotions.

Handling Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is extremely common in infants. Essentially, it is nothing more than dandruff (dry skin). To manage it easily and without chemicals, use a soft bristle toothbrush or baby brush and olive oil on your baby’s scalp daily until the cradle cap is gone. To prevent cradle cap, which is a part of caring for your baby’s skin, use the toothbrush or baby brush on your baby’s scalp every time you bathe them.

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Caring for and Choosing Your Baby’s Pacifier

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

While not all infants take well to pacifiers, others cannot live a day without them. But before you purchase a pacifier, there are some basics you should know about caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier. Find out more here.

Caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier may seem like a simple and straightforward task, and it is—if you know a few basic rules. Lack of knowledge, however, can result in a number of complications, from bacterial infections to choking hazards and even pacifier rejection. To prevent these common pacifier issues, among many others, follow these simple tips and guidelines that can help you in caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier.

Caring for and Choosing Your Baby’s Pacifier: Selecting the Right Pacifier

First and foremost, you need to know how to choose the right pacifier for your baby. Every baby is different and preferences will vary. Breastfeeding babies may prefer different types of pacifiers than bottle fed babies, but a breastfeeding pacifier may not always be preferred by a breastfed baby, or vice versa. For this reason, you should purchase a wide range of pacifiers before your baby is born. Buy one of each type: orthodontic, standard round, latex, and silicone.

All pacifiers you choose should be for babies 0-6 months. Pacifiers should also have ventilation holes to allow saliva to disperse away from baby’s face. Mouth shields should also be at least 1 ¼ inches to prevent your baby from being able to put the entire pacifier in his or her mouth. Failure to follow this guideline can result in choking.

Caring for and Choosing Your Baby’s Pacifier: Cleaning

Before your baby uses their pacifier for the first time, it should be washed in very hot, soapy water. After that, normal washing should suffice. You may also want to soak the pacifier in equal parts vinegar and water daily to prevent fungus buildup. If your baby drops his or her pacifier on the floor, you can simply rinse it in hot water.

Caring for and Choosing Your Pacifier: Replacement

Your baby’s pacifier should be replaced as soon as it starts to show any signs of wear and tear. This can include spots on the nipple that look weak, separation of the nipple from the mouth shield, and holes or bite marks in the nipple. Replacement is an important part of caring for and choosing your baby’s pacifier for both safety and sanitary reasons.

Posted in Baby Items, Baby Nursery, Baby Showers, Post Birth | No Comments »

Money-Saving Tips for New Parents

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Are you overwhelmed by the costs of a new baby? Try some of these basic money-saving tips for new parents.

Unless you have some money-saving tips for new parents, keeping costs of a new baby manageable can be close to impossible. Expenses can add up quickly and new parents are often led to believe that they need everything they see. However, this is not the case. Learn how to prioritize your new baby spending with these money-saving tips for new parents.

Check Out Cloth Diapers

Diapers are the single most expensive item that you will buy—especially if you go for disposables. Cloth diapers have changed drastically over the last several years. You can now find cloth diapers that slip on and off just like disposables. The only difference between the new cloth diapers and the disposables is that you have to wash them. Dumping what’s in the diaper is pretty simple and many parents that use cloth opt for a small trash can with a lid filled with water and baking soda to prevent drying and to keep the smell down. When it’s time to wash, you just dump the container into the washer.

Limit What You Buy

New parents are often led to believe that they need an excess of everything. You’re told you need pacifiers, slews of receiving blankets, and dozens upon dozens of outfits. If you use these money-saving tips for new parents, however, you’ll see that you can limit what you buy. Not all babies like pacifiers. Some babies love being swaddled, and others don’t. And all those outfits? Your baby is going to grow out of them within weeks. You can always buy more of something if you need it later, but you can’t or won’t be able to return extra items.

Buy a High-Quality Convertible Crib

A high-quality convertible crib is one of the best places to spend money. You can use the crib all the way from infancy to (in some cases) the teen years and beyond. Again, just be sure to buy a model with quality so that the crib is able to withstand the test of time. Also, to ensure safety, be sure to purchase the crib brand new so that you avoid any chances that it was recalled over the last several years. While it may cost you more in the beginning, this money-saving tip for new parents will save you money over the next several years.

Posted in Baby Items, Baby Showers, Cribs, Furniture & Toys, Post Birth | No Comments »

Popular Themes for Your Baby’s Nursery

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Decorating your baby’s nursery can be really exciting. If you are struggling with choosing a theme, however, it can become rather stressful. If you are struggling, stop stressing and check out some of the most popular themes for your baby’s nursery.

Popular themes for your baby’s nursery can give you some really great ideas if you are having a hard time making a decision. You can follow the themes exactly or you can use them as a springboard for your own ideas. There are even some that you can mix and match to give your baby the perfect nursery theme. The choice is ultimately yours. Just remember to have fun!

Vintage

Vintage themes have only made the list of popular themes for your baby’s nursery over the last few years. Despite this fact, they have quickly made their presence known. Vintage chic, vintage owls, classic vintage and more are all classified as vintage themes, making this one of the most versatile popular themes for your baby’s nursery.

Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh is one of the oldest popular themes for your baby’s nursery. This fuzzy little bear was created in the 1920’s and has graced nurseries with his presence for decades. To add to the fun, you can choose the Disney version or the classic version. If you choose this is your favorite of the popular themes for your baby’s nursery, you definitely won’t have to worry about limited choices.

Animals

Animals have inched their way into the list of popular themes for your baby’s nursery as well. There are safari animals, jungle animals, owls, monkeys and more. You can mix and match or you can stick with just one. To complete the look, you can even add a tree wall decal for your baby’s animals.

Teddy Bears

Who doesn’t love a cuddly, snuggly teddy bear? Teddy bears have been popular for quite some time. There are patchwork teddy bears, teddy bear friends, pink teddy bears and blue teddy bears. You can add in butterflies and birds or do the teddy bears alone, making this member of the popular themes for your baby’s nursery perfect for any baby.

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Baby Names Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Are you or your partner a J.R.R. Tolkien fan? If you have a passion for the famous, epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, consider any of these baby names inspired directly by the classic series.

If you are a fantasy fan and you’re looking for baby names inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, you are in luck. There are so many unique name options to choose from, and all of them were specially chosen by Tolkien himself for his epic tales about life, love, friendship, and loss. Tolkien had a keen interest in language and the study of words, and he chose names with specific meanings and relevant back stories to use them for his famous works.

Whether The Fellowship of the Ring is your favorite installment or you have a passion for The Two Towers, here are some baby names inspired by characters found throughout J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy:

Aragorn—Aragorn is one of the main pivotal characters in the series, a human ranger who helps guide the Fellowship of the Ring. This is a strong name for a boy and also makes an excellent middle name.

Gandalf—This name is associated with the epitome of things whimsical and wizardly, thanks to Gandalf the Grey in The Lord of the Rings. In the trilogy, Gandalf is the Master Wizard and returns later in the storyline as Gandalf the White to help Middle Earth. This is an honorable, majestic name that carries plenty of literary significance.

Luthien—Luthien means “enchantress” and is the great grandmother of Elrond in the trilogy. Her character’s last name, Tinuviel, means “daughter of the starry night,” an equally enchanting baby name idea!

Arwen—Another major character in the trilogy, Arwen is the elf-maiden of Rivendell. Her character is engaged to Aragorn. Arwen is a pretty name for a girl that means “noble maiden.”

Theoden—Theoden is a king’s name in the trilogy—King Theoden, who is the King of Rohan. This stately name is a great first name for a new little boy, and it is one of our favorite baby names inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.

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Buying Eco-Friendly Baby Items

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

With recent environmental trends and in light of our planet’s state, it has become evident that some things must change when we think about items to purchase for our babies. Learn how you can be more eco-friendly with the items that you purchase for your baby.

Buying eco-friendly baby items may have more benefits that many parents realize. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it is also easier on your wallet, especially over time. So, if you want to learn how to raise a “green” baby, these tips can help.

Buying Used Items

The first step to buying eco-friendly baby items is to not buy things new that you can otherwise find secondhand. You can often find items on-line, like larger items such as cribs, rocking chairs, and changing tables. These items are no longer being used by others and could be used by you. And, if you take good care of them, you can repurpose them or give them to someone else.

Buying Gender Neutral

Another tip for buying eco-friendly baby items is to avoid the idea that you have to stick to gender-specific colors or items. While you may want to dress your daughter in pink or your son in blue once in a while, keep in mind that there will be many days at home and many outfits that others will never see. These outfits can easily be repurposed for a second child down the road or passed on to someone else.

Other items like car seats, strollers, and baby swings can also be found in gender neutral style. With the initial expense of these items, you will find that buying eco-friendly baby items is very cost-effective, especially if you intend to have more children.

Buying Items That Can be Reused

This is one of the best ways to buy eco-friendly baby items. Things like wipes, diapers, and burp rags can be bought in cotton and then reused, instead of just thrown away. Many of these items will cost you more in the beginning but will save you a bundle in the long run. Buying eco-friendly baby items like these, even if they are unusable after your first child, are also biodegradable, which means they won’t sit in a landfill for the next few decades.

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Things to Include on Your Baby Registry

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Not sure what to put on your baby registry? Here are a few items that you should consider to ensure that you have what you need for your baby.

If you are like many parents, you may be unsure of which things to include on your baby registry. There are so many things that you need but you may not consider. And, likewise, there may be things that you think you need and are unlikely to use. The following items can help you decide which items you should include on your baby registry.

Diapers

Whether you are using disposable diapers or cloth, diapers are definitely a priority when deciding which things to include on your baby registry. Not only is this a fairly inexpensive item that guests from almost any income stream can afford, but they are also something that you will use a lot of. If you are using cloth diapers, consider registering all-in-one diapers, which will make your diapering easier.

Baby Bedding

You are going to need a lot of blankets, especially in the first few months. Receiving blankets are a must, no matter what time of year it is. Heavier blankets will be needed if you are delivering in or around colder months. You will also need the crib set for your baby’s crib and possibly blankets for the playpen. Consider putting at least some of the baby bedding on the list when deciding which things to put on your baby registry.

Baby Carrier

Baby carriers are a lifesaver for many parents. And, no, we aren’t talking about a car seat. Instead, we are talking about the baby slings, snugglies, or similar items. These allow you to have your hands free but still have your baby close to you. This can help to comfort a fussy baby or just allow you to keep your baby near when you are busy, making this an essential item to include when considering which things to put on your baby registry.

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Items You Should Purchase When You Plan to Breastfeed Your Baby

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful bonding experience. It also comes with a lot of health benefits for both you and your baby. Find out now what you will need to have on hand before your baby arrives.

While the list of items you should purchase when you plan to breastfeed your baby is not as extensive as the items needed for bottle-fed babies, there are some items that you should consider. These items can make the nursing experience more enjoyable for you, which in turn will make the experience more enjoyable for your baby as well.

A Nursing Bra with Good Support

A nursing bra with good support is one of the most important items you should purchase when you plan to breastfeed your baby. A nursing bra will make nursing much easier, especially in public. Support is also important because your breasts will get larger and become heavier when your milk comes in.

Breast Pads

For first-time nursing mothers especially, leaks will happen. It is just a part of breastfeeding. And while this may go away or diminish after time, having breast pads on your list of items you should purchase when you plan to breastfeed your baby can save you from embarrassing leaks in public. If you want something for pain management, you can also find special breast pads that will help reduce the pain of sore nipples and engorged breasts.

Nipple Cream

Nipple cream is one of the life-saving items you should purchase when you plan to breastfeed your baby. Most mothers will experience sore, dry, or cracked nipples in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. This can be somewhat minimized by ensuring that the baby is latched on correctly. However, sore nipples are another one of the frustrations that can accompany breastfeeding in the beginning.

Remember, choosing the right items to purchase when you plan to breastfeed your baby can help you minimize pain that often accompanies early nursing so that you can stick with it and start enjoying the joy of nursing your baby.

Posted in Baby Items, Feeding, Post Birth | No Comments »

Top Newborn Toy Ideas for Your New Little Girl or Boy

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Looking for essential toy ideas for your newborn? Any of these common toy ideas are must-haves for your new little prince or princess.

Whether you are a first-time mom or not, as a mother, you know that there are plenty of top newborn toy ideas to choose from for your new baby. Child development is at its peak in your baby’s first few months and years of life, so the toys you choose to keep around make a big difference in how they learn, experience their environment, and ultimately, how they grow.

Aside from education and development, top newborn toy ideas for your baby make a difference in their overall comfort, and they offer a level of nurturing that they need at a very young age. For example, plush toys are extremely comforting and provide a sense of calm for your little one while they are in their playpen or just taking a nap in their crib.

Here are some other top newborn toy ideas that every newborn—boy or girl—can benefit from in the first few months of their life.

Rattles and Teethers—Both rattles and teethers are essential for your baby’s development, as well as for their entertainment. They make noise, stimulate the senses, and help with your newborn’s teething.

Soft Books—It’s never too early to start exposing your newborn to words and letters. Soft books are not only great because they introduce your child to language, but they also help spark and encourage interest in reading from the time they enter the world, before they can even walk. It helps lay an important foundation for an interest in literacy.

Gyms and Play Mats—No, we’re not talking treadmills and dumbbells, of course. But we are talking baby play mats with “gym” features like hanging toys, musical toys, and baby jumpers. Gyms and play mats are a must for your baby because they help them stay active, encourage motor function growth, and they are downright fun for a newborn to explore.

Any of these top newborn toy ideas will entertain, educate, and inspire your baby’s growth and the first impressions they receive of the world.

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Choosing Your Baby’s First Car Seat

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Car seats are essential for a baby’s safety, and understanding which kind to choose can be pretty overwhelming. Learn how to choose your baby’s first car seat properly.

Choosing your baby’s first car seat may sound like an easy task. However, the moment you walk into a store or browse on-line, you will find that the process is not as simple as it sounds. There are many different styles, colors, brands, and extra options when it comes to infant car seats. This can make choosing one seem completely overwhelming. These tips will help you understand the different types of car seats so that you can determine which one works best for you.

Booster Seats

Booster seats are intended for large children that have outgrown their car seats. When choosing your baby’s first car seat, avoid this kind, as it is not suitable for infants or toddlers.

Convertible Car Seats

Convertible car seats can be used for toddlers, infants, and babies. They are designed to grow with your baby from the moment they leave the hospital until they have reached the maximum weight. The maximum weight can vary depending on the specific car seat, so be sure to check the maximum weight if you choose this for your baby’s first car seat.

During infancy, a convertible car seat can be rear facing. However, you are likely to find that a small infant will experience difficulty holding their head up because of the angle of the seat. It is important to know that these seats cannot be used for premature infants for any reason.

One large inconvenience of convertible car seats is that they cannot be removed easily. This means that you will have to remove your child from the seat at every location if you choose this for your baby’s first car seat. This can be extremely frustrating when your infant is sleeping.

Infant Carriers

Infant carriers are often the choice for new parents. These are easy to set at the right angle and can easily be removed with the use of a base. This allows your infant to sleep while you are out and about. However, by making this your baby’s first car seat, you will find that you cannot use it as long.