Toddlers can be very squirmy. As every parent know, they hate to sit in one place for too long a period of time, they get bored easily, and they want to be the boss! It is no surprise that so many small children dislike staying in their car seats.
It is extremely important that your child be securely fastened in the proper size car seat or booster seat each time he takes a ride in the car. How can you make his ride (and yours) more pleasant? By making a few changes you can help to keep those restless little ones safely belted in their seats and make everyone's trip more enjoyable.
Children love to make-believe! Act out a practice run at home, using their favorite toy or stuffed animal. You can belt them into their own car seat and take them off for a pretend drive to the grocery store. Talking about safety rules as you play, even with the youngest children, will reinforce the importance of buckling-up.
Provide each child with his own backpack to carry some special items to be used only in the car. Some items you might want to include are a tape player and tapes, a picture book and a special toy that is quiet and not annoying to the driver or other passengers.
Carry (non-messy) drinks and snacks, such as juice boxes, rice cakes, bagels, cereal, granola bars and pretzels.
Keep a supply of "emergency" items in the car. Stock with wet wipes, diapers, flashlight, band-aids, bottled water, lightweight blanket, etc.
Place a vinyl tablecloth or a large towel over the back seat to protect your car from spills and crumbs. Then you will be able to relax and not worry about the mess the kids are making.
For long trips, travel late at night or very early in the morning to take advantage of the time your child is normally sleeping. Stop every two hours or so and let your kids get out of the car and run around. Play areas are great for blowing off some steam! Stop at family-friendly restaurants.
Give your children positive praise to help reinforce their good behavior in the car.
"Don't gamble with your child's life, regardless of whether the vehicle has an air bag or not. Make it a hard and fast family rule that the vehicle doesn't move unless all occupants are belted."
The Bread and Cereal Group: teething biscuits, dry, unsweetened cereal without nuts, honey or dried fruit, bagel (stale ones make good teething rings), toast, graham crackers, whole grain crackers, pasta, mini sandwiches filled with cottage cheese and grated apple
Fruits and Vegetables: banana slices, ripe papaya sticks, avocado slices, soft cooked apple wedges, soft cooked sweet potato sticks, orange sections with membrane removed
Protein Food: chopped cooked egg yolk, shredded cheese pressed into a ball for easy pick up, cubes of soft cheese, tofu sticks, pieces of tender cooked flaked fish, scrambled egg
Dairy foods: grated cheese, cubes of soft cheese, lumps of cottage cheese
Nutrient requirements, seven to twelve months
Protein -- 14 grams
Iron -- 10 milligrams
Calcium -- 600 milligrams
Vitamin A -- 375 RE
Vitamin C -- 35 milligrams
Baby's Daily Feeding Guide
Birth to between four and six months
Breastmilk or formula (breastmilk on demand; 16-32 oz. formula until four months, 24 - 36 oz. formula four to six months)
Four to six months (if solids are started)
Breastmilk or formula (breastmilk on demand; 24 - 36 oz. formula)
Iron-fortified rice cereal two times a day
Vitamin C- and A-rich strained fruits or veggies
Six to nine months
Breastmilk or formula (breastmilk on demand; 24 - 32 oz. formula)
Iron-fortified baby cereal, 1/2 cup a day
Soft mashed, ripe or soft-cooked fruits or veggies
Strained meats and combination dinners, tofu (if not sensitive to soy) Ten to twelve months
Breastmilk or formula (breastmilk on demand; 16 - 24 oz. formula)
In addition to cereal, add toast, bagels, crackers, dry cereal, whole grain bread, pasta, rice, cooked grains, muffins (if not sensitive to wheat)
Fresh, peeled ripe, soft-cooked fruits and veggies
Add egg yolk, yogurt and soft-cooked beans
On the matter of how much: Each baby is different so leave the decision of how much to eat upto them. Because only they know when they are hungry and when they are full, and because they can't communicate that too clearly, provide a good variety of wholesome food on a regular basis and then let them decide how much they will eat. Over the course of the day they will eat what they need, although their intake from one meal to the next may vary dramatically. At the minimum a one year old should be getting the following to meet those nutrient needs listed earlier: two cups of breastmilk, formula or milk (full fat), four servings of one to two tablespoons each of fruits and vegetables (one with vitamin C and one with A), two servings of meat or equivalent of one to two tablespoons each, four servings of breads or cereals, each about 1/4 an adult serving, and one must be an iron fortified cereal.
On the matter of fat: Although lowfat diets are recommended for adults, the American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Heart Association Nutrition Committee and The National Cholesterol Education Program agree that fat and cholesterol should not be restricted in the diets of children from birth to two. Dietary fat supplies concentrated energy, provides the essential fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic (necessary for proper neurologic development) and is a carrier of fat soluble vitamins. Infants have a difficult time eating enough lowfat foods to meet their caloric needs because their stomachs are so small.
Babies are growing machines. In one year they will triple their birth weight and increase their length by 50 percent. To do that they need to eat, and they need to eat a lot, and they need to eat often.
Besides growing physically, they are also developing socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Food plays a role in all these areas.
Your little baby starts out as a floppy, tiny being with no head control, and gets his nourishment from reflexive sucking and who,by age one, will have turned into a solid little person, crawling with speed and determination, eating selectively, probably from your plate, and deliberately using a precise pincer grasp to feed themselves food they bite, chew and swallow.
Starting out with breastmilk or formula in the early months, offered to baby when he requests, and served in a supportive, loving environment lays the foundation. Following this up with a progressive addition of solid foods that add increasing texture and consistency will give your baby the important nutrients he need to grow plus the developmental stimulation necessary for oral and motor development.
Nutrient Needs of Infants
Newborn to four months: At this age, the best and only food for your little one should be mother's milk, formula, or a combination of the two. Each baby should be allowed to determine for himself just how much and how often he needs to eat. Some babies will eat every two hours, day and night, others will go for longer stretches. At this age, it is best to feed your baby on demand. He is much too young to know how to manipulate. All he knows is that he's hungry. When you feed him, he feels secure and learns to trust you.
Average, normal daily intake of formula for babies this young can be anywhere from 16 to 32 ounces. You needn't worry much about what specific nutrients your baby needs when they are breastfed or fed formula.
Four months to six months: A solid start: Sometime during these two months most babies are introduced to solid foods. Although breastmilk and formula continue to supply all their nutritional needs, adding some semi-solid foods is developmentally appropriate by around six months of age. Baby can control his head better and sit up alone, he can now mimic what he sees and may even have the beginning of a palmer grasp, bringing objects to his or her mouth. In fact, by six months, it seems like everything goes into your baby's mouth! To your delight and amusement, your baby also has an improved ability to communicate. Being able to communicate is important for starting solids. Now he can show his hunger by opening his mouth and leaning toward the spoon, and he can show his disinterest by leaning back and pushing away. Without these skills you could unintentionally force feed your baby.
The food you offer your baby must be both nutritionally and developmentally appropriate. It should offer the nutrients he needs with the consistency and texture that will help his eating skills. For this reason, an iron-fortified rice cereal (least likely to cause an allergic reaction), whose consistency you can change, is a good choice for a first food. By around four to six months, birth stores of iron are becoming depleted, and an outside source becomes necessary. Establishing baby on an iron-fortified cereal will help secure their iron status throughout infancy and toddlerhood, when it is most critical. Rice cereal mixed with breastmilk or formula also provides a good balance of calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat.
As you progress in the addition of solids in your baby's diet, keep in consideration three things: 1)Nutrient needs; 2)Developmental readiness; and 3)The potential for allergies/sensitivities.
Soon after adding an iron-rich rice cereal, the next most important nutrients to add are vitamins C and A. Offer a vitamin C-enriched fruit puree like applesauce, and a dark green or deep orange vegetable, such as pureed carrots or squash.
Adding foods, one at a time, with three days or more in between will help you detect any specific food allergies or sensitivities.
Begin at this stage to shaping these foods into a meal pattern. Have cereal and fruit at breakfast with the rest of the family. Pull the high chair up to the dinner table for baby to eat his cereal and vegetables while you enjoy your dinner and his company.
Nutrient requirements, birth to six months
Protein -- 13 grams
Iron -- 6 milligrams
Calcium -- 400 milligrams
Vitamin A -- 375 RE
Vitamin C -- 30 milligrams
Six to nine months -- chunkier chews: If starting solids now, begin slowly, offering pureed foods first (see above). If he has been eating solids, he is ready for, and needs, thicker, chunkier foods. Soft mashed, but not strained, food should be offered to him. When you offer finger foods, the shape of the food is important. Teething biscuits, toast, bagels and crackers are easiest for him to hold. (Do not offer if your baby is sensitive to wheat). By the end of this stage his grasp will be more digital and he'll be able to better manipulate little things like Cheerios and green peas.
Once your baby seems to be getting more and more of his nutrition from solids and less from breastmilk or formula, it becomes important to replace the nutrients they are no longer receiving from those liquids. Food to introduce now should offer some protein and calcium.
Nine to twelve months: Table transition: Baby now has a very precise pincer grasp. He can imitate those around him, he enjoys chewing. He is ready to help feed himself. He eats more protein-rich foods, such as tender, moist cooked lean meats, and chopped egg yolk. By the end of the first year, he should be able to eat most adult foods, assuming they are served at a texture and consistency he can swallow. Just watch for foods that she is allergic to, that may be a choking hazard, like peanuts, popcorn, whole grapes, hot dogs and raw carrots, and foods that are too thick or sticky to swallow, like peanut butter or overly thick cooked cereal. Avoid greasy foods. A good guideline to follow is "plain and simple." A food closest to its natural state is best.
Some babies insist on feeding themselves, in which case you'll need to be clever in picking appropriate finger foods that offers the right variety of nutrients. Remember to choose from all the food groups.
More than half of all babies between the ages of 5 and 15 months use walkers. Estimated sales have been as high as three million per year. Babies almost universally love them, and parents love to use them because they may keep an otherwise fussy baby entertained -- often for hours. However, they are one of the most dangerous inventions made for children, causing a lot of harm and heartache each year.
There are several types of baby walkers, but most people are familiar with the typical plastic base, wheeled frame, and fabric seat that have leg holes to allow the child to scoot along the floor. Aside from the entertainment this toy gives a child, parents give other reasons for using the walker such as promoting walking and providing exercise. However, up to one-third of parents have said they use the walker because they feel it will keep their infant safe. Unfortunately, none of these are true. The few studies that have been done looking at the how walkers affect development have shown that they do not affect the time at which a child learns to walk. And in fact, most studies have shown that if there is any effect on walking, it is a delay of a few weeks. Babies who use a walker tend to have an abnormal gait at first, but this tends to resolve quickly with time.
Safety, however, is an entirely different issue, and is one in which there is a lot known. In 1997, baby walkers sent more than 14,000 babies to the hospital emergency room. Walkers were even involved in 34 deaths from 1973 to 1998.
The initial standards for safety of walkers set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission dealt with injuries to the hands from pinching, but did nothing to address the issue of falls. And the majority of the severe injuries occur when the walker goes down the stairs.
About one-fourth of all reported injuries with walkers involved injuries to the head, including fractures. Walkers allow for an infant who isn't normally very mobile to become quite efficient at getting around. So, other injuries including pinched fingers, burns and accidental poisonings have all been reported due to the child being able to get into dangerous areas with lightening speed.
The track record with walkers was so dismal that the American Academy of Pediatrics
It's important you understand that these new walker designs will not prevent all injuries from walkers. Because they still have wheels, young children can still move faster and reach higher than they could on their own. A baby in a walker can move three feet in one second, so they are not even safe with close adult supervision.
Parents who are considering toys for infants will find their money best spent on playthings other than walkers. There are stationary walkers that have no wheels, but have seats that rotate and bounce while keeping baby in one spot. recommended banning the manufacture and sale of mobile infant walkers. This never occurred, and a response was made in the form of a new standard, adopted as of July 1, 1997. To meet the new standard, the new generation walker must have one of two features. Walkers are now made wider so they cannot fit through most doorways and can stop at the edge of a step.
5 Things You Need to Know to Protect Your Baby
1. Close the door or gate at the top of the stairs.
2. Keep your child within view.
3. Keep your child away from hot surfaces and containers.
4. Beware of dangling appliance cords.
5. Keep your child away from toilets, swimming pools and other sources of water.
These rubber and silicone subs come in a variety of contours all claiming to imitate the natural action and shape of mother's breast. None do! Orthodontic- type nipples insert farther back into baby's mouth, allowing a more natural milking action of the tongue, but inconveniently require a "which way to turn the nipple" decision. Be sure baby sucks on the widened base of this nipple, not just the tip. The expandable nubbin-type nipples are designed to elongate during sucking but only if baby opens his mouth wide enough and sucks hard enough to draw the nipple farther in. Most, however, only suck on the protruded part. This nipple should be avoided for the breastfeeding baby, who may learn lazy latch-on habits from it. The easiest is the standard bulb-type with a wide base that best allows baby to form a tighter seal.
For the full-time bottlefeeding baby, simply experiment with various types of nipples to see which one works best for your baby. If baby is both breastfeeding and bottlefeeding, use a nipple with a wide base.
To lessen the rubbery taste of an artificial nipple and to sterilize them, boil for five minutes before first use. To avoid baby's choking on a nipple, carefully follow the manufacturer's caution advice on the package. If the nipple becomes cracked or torn, discard it. Some nipples come with a variety of hole sizes to fit the type of liquid and the age of the baby. The nipple hole should be large enough for the formula to drip at one drop per second when you hold a full, unshaken bottle upside down. Larger nipples and nipple holes are available for older babies.
A dishwasher with a water temperature of at least 180?F (82?C) will adequately sterilize bottles and accessories. If not using a dishwasher, try the following sterilization process. (Sterilize six bottles, or a daily supply, at one time.)
1. After a feeding, thoroughly rinse the bottle and nipple under warm water and leave them on a clean towel by the sink, ready for your next sterilizing session
2. Wash all the equipment in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly in hot water, and remove the milk scum with a bottle brush.
3. Pad the bottom of a large pan with a towel or dishcloth. Immerse open bottles, nipples, and other equipment in the pan (place bottles on their side to be sure that they are filled with the sterilizing water) and boil for ten minutes with the pan covered. Allow to cool to room temperature while still covered. Remove the bottles and nipples with tongs or a spoon and place the bottles upside down on a clean towel with the nipples and caps alongside. Let the equipment dry.
To make feeding time pleasant for you and baby, here's how to get the most milk in and the most air up, and to do it safely.
Giving the bottle:
1. Most babies enjoy their formula slightly warmed; run warm tap water over the bottle for several minutes. Shake a few drops on your inner wrist to check the temperature.
2. To minimize air swallowing, tilt the bottle, allowing the milk to fill the nipple and the air to rise to the bottom of the bottle
3. Keep baby's head straight in relation to the rest of the body. Drinking while the head is turned sideways or tilted back makes it more difficult for baby to swallow.
4. To lessen arm fatigue and present different views to baby, switch arms at each feeding.
5. Watch for signs that the nipple hole is too large or too small. If baby gets a sudden mouthful of milk and sputters and almost chokes during a feeding, milk flow may be too fast. Turn the full bottle upside down without shaking. If milk flows instead of drips, the nipple hole is too large; discard the nipple. If baby seems to be working hard, tires easily during sucking, and his cheeks cave in because of a strong suction vacuum, the nipple hole may be too small (formula should drip at least one drop per second).
6. Know when to quit. Babies know when they've had enough. Avoid the temptation to always finish the bottle. If baby falls into a deep sleep near the end of the feeding, but has not finished the bottle, stop. Often babies fall into a light sleep toward the end of the bottle, but continue a flutter- type of sucking. They have had enough to eat, but enjoy a little "dessert" of comfort sucking. Remove the bottle and allow baby to suck a few minutes on your fingertip.
2. Use refrigerated, opened, ready-to-feed and prepared formula within 48 hours.
3. Don't leave bottles of formula out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
4. Throw away the formula left in the bottle after a feeding, since germs from baby's saliva will multiply in the warm formula.
5. Refrigerate any formula saved from one day to the next.
6. Be very careful if you are using a microwave oven to warm formula. It's better not to microwave. Because of uneven heating, hot spots develop. If you do use the microwave, shake the bottle well before testing the temperature on your wrist.
7. Avoid bottle propping, and don't let a baby fall asleep holding his own bottle. He could choke or aspirate the formula into his lungs. Falling asleep with a bottle allows the sugary formula to pool in the mouth, in contact with teeth, causing dental caries. When bottle-feeding in the lying-down position, formula may travel from the back of the baby's throat up through the eustachian tube into the middle ear, causing ear infections. Remember, bottle-feeding, like breastfeeding, is a social interaction, in addition to a method of delivering nutrition. There should always be a person at both ends of the bottle, and babies should go to sleep attached to a person, not a bottle.
Whether you're a breastfeeding mom returning to work, or a stay-at-home mom who wants to leave baby with a sitter from time to time, a breast pump may be something you need. Before you buy or rent, find out what types of breast pumps are available and which breast pump is best for you.
Do You Really Need A Breast Pump?
Not all breastfeeding moms need a breast pump! My sister-in-law has nursed four kids into toddlerhood without a breast pump. I nursed one child for just over a year and used four different breast pumps - one rental and three purchased. If you won't need to pump breast milk regularly and you have a good milk supply, you may want to learn how to hand-express milk.
How and Where Will You Use It?
If you are returning to work and pumping breast milk every day, or pumping exclusively, you need a more powerful breast pump than someone who only pumps breast milk on one side while nursing on the other. Will you have time to pump one breast at a time, or do you need a double breast pump? Also consider whether you will have access to electricity when you are pumping. If not, you may need a manual or battery breast pump. If you travel a lot, your breast pump should be light and portable.
Manual Pumps
A manual breast pump is a cheap, portable option for those who pump up to one time per day. Manual breast pumps can be tiring to use, though, and may not be be effective enough for those who pump several times per day. Manual breast pumps are reliable, though, since they have no mechanical parts to break down. Avoid bicycle horn style manual pumps. Though cheap, they can damage breast tissue and harbor bacteria in the rubber suction bulb, which is difficult to clean.
Battery-Powered Pumps
While battery-powered breast pumps may still be available, they are not as popular as manual and electric breast pumps, and are not often recommended by lactation consultants or doctors. Battery pumps cycle much slower than a baby's sucking pattern and are much less powerful than a baby's suck, and therefore may cause a drop in milk supply if used daily for expressing milk. Battery breast pumps are easily portable, but they require frequent battery replacements and may break down a lot.
Electric Pumps
Electric breast pumps are the choice for mothers returning to work full-time or pumping exclusively. These breast pumps usually express breast milk from both breasts at once and most closely imitate a baby's sucking pattern, which helps maintain milk supply. Popular accessories include car AC adapters, built-in milk coolers, travel cases and hands-free kits. The downside to electric pumps is price. Expect to spend $200-$300 to buy a good electric breast pump.
Rent or Buy?
Breast pump rental is a nice option for working mothers who only intend to breastfeed short-term. Powerful, hospital-grade rental breast pumps are also good for new mothers who are pumping to establish a milk supply, such as moms of NICU babies. Breast pump rentals may run $30-$60 per month, but they offer a chance to see that breastfeeding will work before committing to a large purchase, and may help those who cannot shell out $200 or more at one time to buy a breast pump.
What does a baby really need in the first weeks at home? The answer is - not much. This baby needs checklist will help you choose the basic baby items, often called a layette, that a baby needs to have in the first precious weeks of life.
Baby Needs: Clothing and Layette
5-10 onesies or rompers, depending on how often you want to do laundry
2 packs of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for at least two days. Newborns can soil up to 10 diapers per day.
1 pack of disposable wipes or 10 cloth wipes
Waterproof pad for diaper changes
3-5 baby washcloths
1-2 hooded towels, if desired. Adult towels will work, too.
1 bottle of gentle baby wash
Baby nail clippers
Digital thermometer
Baby Needs: Bedding and Feeding
3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle, cosleeping bassinet or traditional bassinet
5-7 lightweight blankets
1-2 heavier blankets, depending on climate
10 burp cloths
5-8 bottles, if you're bottle feeding
Breastfeeding pillow, if desired
That's it! While there are many baby products on the market that make a parent's life easier, most are wants, not needs. While it may be tempting to buy every gadget on the shelf, remember, your baby will be just as happy with the basic items that he or she really needs.
Many expectant parents want to buy everything they could possibly need for baby before said baby even arrives. I think I even had some size 5T clothes for my daughter when she was still in newborn sizes! While it's natural to want to be completely prepared for anything baby could ever need, there are a few baby products that you won't need until your baby is a few months older. If you're on a tight budget for baby gear, waiting to buy these products will allow you to save your money for a little longer before purchasing.
Baby Clothes in Larger Sizes
If you're shopping sales and seasonal clearances, it's OK to stock up on a few baby clothes items in larger sizes, but be careful of buying too many. Babies grow at unpredictable speeds, sometimes with huge growth spurts that mean one clothing size won't last too long. It's also difficult to guess what size clothes your baby will be wearing in a particular season. Buying too many baby clothes in larger sizes might mean your baby has a full wardrobe of 6-month size winter clothing, but fits into that size in July. It's also a good idea to figure out just how many outfits one baby needs before shopping too much. With my daughter, I bought too much initially and she had several outfits that she rarely wore.
Supplies for Feeding Solid Foods
Your baby won't be ready to eat solid foods until he or she is about 6 months old, so you don't need to worry about having tiny spoons and bowls on hand until then. Sippy cups also aren't necessary until baby is closer to a year old. While you probably don't need too many bibs for your baby until he or she is eating solid foods, buying a few cloth bibs isn't a bad idea right from the start to keep baby's clothes dry when the drooling phase begins.
Childproofing Supplies
While you don't want to wait too long to start childproofing your home, it doesn't need to be done before baby is born. Your baby won't be moving around without your help for a few months, so if you need to delay buying outlet covers, stairway gates and cabinet locks, that's OK. You'll need to start childproofing when your baby is three to four months old.
High Chair
Baby doesn't need a high chair until it's time to eat solid foods, which is usually at about 6 months old. While some families use a high chair to allow baby to sit near the dinner table as they eat, it's not a necessary purchase for a newborn. If you intend to use a high chair with a newborn or young infant, be sure it reclines fully. Infants can't sit up to use a regular high chair safely.
Jogging Stroller or Umbrella Stroller
Pediatricians generally recommend that you wait until baby is about 6 months old to use a jogging stroller. This is because joggers don't usually recline all the way for a newborn, and because the potentially jarring motion of jogging may not be good for young babies. Traditional umbrella strollers that don't recline are also unnecessary for newborns. Some of the newer lightweight or umbrella-type strollers do have a full recline, so if you choose to buy one right away, check to make sure your baby can lay flat in it or that it has an infant car seat attachment, if you intend to use it for an infant.
Upright Activity Center
While infant play gyms that allow baby to lay flat and look at toys are fine for newborns, you can hold off on buying the saucer-type activity centers or stationary entertainers until your baby is about 6 months old. Babies need to develop head control and a reasonable amount of torso control before they can safely (and comfortably) use of these play centers.
A Bigger Car Seat
Since car seats can be expensive, parents-to-be often register for all of the car seats they think they may need for their baby. I suggest buying only the car seat you will use for your newborn, and waiting to buy the rest until your baby is actually ready to use them. An infant carrier car seat should be useful for about a year, or until your baby outgrows it by weight or height. Car seats expire based on date of manufacture, not years of use, so you don't want to waste a seat's usable life by storing it in the garage for a year or more. Car seats are also being updated constantly, so there may be a better choice for your baby and your vehicle in a year or so.
Parents often ask which of the many car seats is the best car seat on the market. The truth is, the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle, your budget, your baby and that you will use properly each time your baby rides in the car. Use the following criteria to determine which car seat is the best choice for your baby.
The Safest Car Seat?
All car seats sold in the U.S. must pass the same federal crash tests. Some car seats may have extra features that make them easier to install correctly, such as built-in locking clips or non-twisting straps. Because proper installation is key in car seat safety, these installation helpers may add safety for some people. However, even the cheapest car seat in the store, with no extra features, has passed the basic crash tests and is safe for your baby when installed properly.
Car Seats Must Fit the Baby
Use your baby's height, weight and age to choose the type of car seat to use. Rear-facing-only infant car seats are used through about 20 lbs. Convertible car seats are used rear-facing until baby is at least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 lbs., and forward-facing through the weight limit listed on the car seat. Height-wise, baby's head should be one inch or more below the top of the car seat when rear-facing. For front-facing seats, the tops of baby's ears should be below the seat top.
Can You Install and Use the Car Seat Easily?
The most expensive, feature-rich car seat is not safe for your baby if you don't take the time to read the directions and install it properly every time it is used. Check the car seat manual to be sure you can install and use the car seat as it is intended. Can you adjust the harness to secure baby in the car seat? Choose a car seat that you will use according to the instructions.
Does the Car Seat Fit Your Vehicle?
With so many vehicle seat styles, from benches to buckets, not all car seats will fit in every vehicle. It is essential to find a car seat that can be installed tightly, with the proper angle and less than an inch of side-to-side wiggle. Most reputable baby products stores will let you take a car seat floor model to your vehicle, possibly with a store employee, to check the fit before purchase. If not, check the return policy to be sure you can return the seat if it doesn't fit the vehicle.
Car Seat Recalls
Most recalled car seats are pulled from store shelves when the recall notice is issued. It's still a good idea to check with the manufacturer to be sure your new car seat is not affected by any recalls. If you have borrowed or purchased a used car seat, checking for recalls is even more important. If you also send in the registration card for a new car seat, you will be quickly notified if your baby's car seat is ever affected by a recall.
Are Used Car Seats Safe?
Steer clear of used car seats if you cannot get an accurate history of the car seat's use. You must know a car seat's crash history to determine safety. Buy used car seats only from people you know well enough to trust their account of the car seat's crash history. Car crashes can cause hidden damage to car seats, and the car seat could fail in a second crash, putting your child at risk of injury. Check to be sure no alterations have been made to used car seats.
Car Seat Accessories
When buying a car seat, bypass all of the car seat accessories and installation aids. If an item didn't come with the car seat, it's not safe to use it with the car seat. After-market car seat products aren't crash-tested with each car seat and could cause injury during a crash. This includes head positioners (unless it came with the car seat) and seat belt ratchets, which aren't needed if you install the car seat properly. Use of after-market products often voids the car seat warranty.
Keep Baby Safe As Long As Possible
The best way to keep baby safe in the car is to use a car seat with the most crash protection for as long as it fits your baby. You don't have to turn baby forward-facing right at one year and 20 pounds. Many seats today offer higher rear-facing weight limits, and this is a good option to choose if possible. Also look for higher forward-facing weight limits on 5-point harness seats, and keep your toddler in a booster seat as long as possible after he or she outgrows a regular car seat.
3 Easy Steps to Kick-Start Potty Training For Your Baby
By: Gilian Low
This article sets out to provide you with 3 easy steps to begin potty train your baby. I came out with these steps based on my own personal experience in training my baby when it comes to helping my baby 'use the potty'.
It all started with my baby's peculiar way of passing motion. Since she was born, she had the habit of only passing motion once a day or once every two days. And you can imagine the amount of 'poo' in her diaper when she does her business.
As it was a really messy affair (not to mention the frequent staining of mattress), I was desperate for a quick solution. I shared with a friend who recommended her mother's way of potty training, that is to hold the baby over the potty and tell her to 'poo' into the potty on a regular basis. It is best to be done every day at a fixed time so as to regulate the bowel movement and for the baby to get used to the timing.
And this was exactly what my mother, my husband, and I did with our baby from as early as when she was just 2 weeks old. And our consistent effort paid off, from just 1-month plus old, my baby is able to urinate and 'poo' into the potty every time we hold her over the potty.
With this success, I like to provide you with 3 easy steps whereby you can also achieve the same result.
Step 1:
Of course, start off by purchasing a potty! J
Step 2:
Gauge roughly when your baby passes motion. Some babies do it after feeding; some do it in the morning etc.
Decide on a fixed time e.g. in the morning after bath, in the afternoon after feed, or in the evening before sleep based on when he/she does her business and when it is convenient for you.
Then consistently hold your baby over the potty at the appointed time. Remember to hold him/her back against your front body for support. Different people do it differently e.g. my mother does it sitting down on a stool while my husband does it standing over a table with the potty on the table.
However you choose to do it, just bear in mind your baby's safety and your own comfort.
Step 3:
Do not give up if you do not succeed at first try. The key is to keep doing it until your baby gets it. Some babies may learn it faster, some slower. It does not matter. As long as you are consistently doing it, you baby will get it eventually.
Just to share another success story. That day, my husband was holding our baby over the potty. At first, my husband didn't say anything or make any sound. Our baby looked at him and then he said 'Poo Poo, Baby'. Our baby then looked away and bent over slightly and started pushing, and out came the 'poo'. She just turned 4-month old that day.
Remember you can do this as early as when you baby is just 1-month old. However remember to hold him/her tightly and safely that he/she does not fall over.
Gillian Low, first-time parent who is interested in early childhood stimulation and education. So far, she has succeeded in training her 3-month old baby girl to sleep on her own. Not only is her baby girl able to sleep through the night at week-11, she is also 'potty trained' as early as 2-month old. Check out Gillian's blog, http://firstparents.blogspot.com/ for more details.
Get comfortable and relax to stimulate your milk ejection reflex (letdown).
Step2
Bring your baby close to your body, and support him or her by placing a hand behind his or her neck and shoulders - avoid gripping your baby's head, especially if it is bruised from a difficult delivery.
Step3
Support your breast with one hand, without squeezing too hard, then stroke your baby's cheek or tickle his chin and lips gently (with your nipple or a finger) to make your baby turn his or her head toward you and "root" for your nipple.
Step4
Direct your nipple so that it looks like it is pointing up your baby's nose - this will help position the nipple toward your baby's soft palate when he or she latches on.
Step5
Make sure your baby's lips are averted (turned out) rather than tucked in against your nipple. Gently avert the lip with a fingertip if necessary.
Step6
Unlatch your baby, if your baby has latched on incorrectly, by gently inserting the tip of a finger at the corner of his or her mouth. Reposition your baby and try again.
Step7
Once your baby has latched on, check to make sure that his or her nose is clear and not blocked by your breast.
Step8
Try the cradle hold, which entails sitting in a chair with several pillows or a nursing pillow on your lap and laying your baby across your lap. Turn your baby so that you are tummy to tummy and latch your baby on, supporting your baby behind the shoulders and neck if necessary.
Step9
Opt for the football hold and sit in a chair, with a nursing pillow or regular pillow on your lap. Hold your baby so that his or her feet extend to the side of you, rather than across your body - the position will seem like tucking your baby under your arm.
Step10
Support your baby by placing a hand behind his or her shoulders and neck, and latch your baby on by pulling him toward your breast with your supporting arm.
Step11
Try to sneak in a little bit of rest and breast-feed lying down on one side, with your bottom arm raised over your head and curled around your baby.
Step12
Lay the baby down, facing you, with his or her face at the level of your breast and draw your baby in close to you so that you are tummy-to-tummy. Latch him on, and support your baby with one hand or arm if necessary.
Tips & Warnings
The cradle hold is the standard nursing hold and is the most comfortable for many mothers. Make sure your baby is close to your body, rather than down low.
The football hold is excellent for very small babies and for mothers who have had cesarean sections because it keeps the baby's weight off the incision.
The lying down method enables both mother and baby to rest during nursing.
If you are large-breasted, you may be able to switch sides without rolling over, just by inclining your body forward.
It can sometimes be difficult to see your baby's latch properly when using the football hold, so be careful to get your baby latched on well.
Never fall asleep with your baby on a couch. Gaps between cushions and the couch back can pose a suffocation risk.
If you want to share sleep with your baby, be sure to get rid of heavy pillows and comforters and to eliminate gaps between bed and wall. Get a guard rail, if necessary, and never sleep with your baby if you or your partner smokes.
Simply put: Children climb. If they can find something to use for a boost up, they will, and they will do their best (and usually succeed) in getting onto/over whatever obstacale is in their way.
For newborns, having the crib mattress on its highest setting, and the railing as low as you feel is safe, helps lessen the strain on parents backs and makes those middle of the night feedings and diaper changes just a little bit easier. Once the baby starts sitting up however, it is time to do a bit of preventative modifications. When the child can start sitting up by himself, it is only a matter of time before he figures out how to pull himself up. Remove mobiles, toys and bumpers from the crib, set the mattress as low as possible and keep the railing on the highest setting.
Those measures will only work for so long though. As soon as the little prince or princess can figure out how to get their foot up on the rail, the climbing has begun. Don't buy the toddler tents. That is along the same lines as placing the baby in a cage and can diminish not only their inquisitive nature, but can also hinder their eagerness to try to figure new things out. (Such as how to get out of the crib, which involves climbing, which develops the child's leg and arm muscles.)If you're worried about them falling, but not ready to move them into a toddler bed, place a plush rug, or even a gym mat right beside the crib to cushion any falls. Make sure there are no loose threads or ties on the child's pajamas to prevent choking hazards when Houdini's going over the rails.
If your child is constantly climbing out of his/her crib, it is time to start looking into toddler beds. Transition the child by first placing just the mattress on the floor so they can get used to sleeping in something that doesn't have rails along all 4 sides. Look for a toddler bed that has good side rails and is sturdy enough to withstand the tortures that a young child will do to it. Take your child with you, let them help pick out the special "Big Kid" bed. Maybe buy them a new bed set to go along with it.
A baby gate placed in the door way to the child's room can help keep Junior where he's supposed to be until he gets the hang of being a big kid. But if he's mastered the crib climb, the gate climb is next, so be prepared.
Whether you plan to breast-feed and pump or offer formula, introducing a bottle to a baby is a great way to include others in child care. Fathers, grandparents and siblings will enjoy feeding the baby and mom will enjoy the much needed break!
Things You’ll Need:
Baby Bottle Nipples
Baby Bottles
Baby Formulas
Step1
Warm bottle of breast milk or formula appropriately.
Step2
Check speed of fluid coming out of nipple by turning bottle upside down. If more than a few drops come out slowly, change the nipple.
Step3
Offer the first bottle a little earlier than normal feeding time, so hunger does not cause frustration as baby tries to master sucking a bottle nipple.
Step4
Touch baby's cheek with the nipple of the bottle, stimulating the rooting reflex and helping baby to bring her mouth to the nipple.
Step5
Tilt bottle with bottom up so that the nipple is completely filled with milk or formula and air swallowing is minimized.
Step6
Rest baby's head against your arm, so that neck is supported and head is held straight to facilitate swallowing.
Step7
Watch for fussiness or obvious discomfort while drinking - baby may need burping.
Step8
Respect baby's appetite and her cues that she has had enough. She will drink as much as her body requires.
Step9
Include other important caregivers, such as father, grandmother and childcare provider, in the bottle feeding experience.
Step10
Cuddle baby while feeding, just as when breast-feeding.
Tips & Warnings
Be aware of your positioning and your comfort. Switch arms if needed.
If offering a bottle to a newborn and also breast-feeding, be aware of "nipple confusion." Consult with your child's health care provider or a lactation specialist if you have any concerns about baby's confusion between the bottle nipple and the real thing.
Avoid propping the bottle or giving baby a bottle while lying in a crib. This poses a choking hazard and may also trigger ear infections.
Another Tips :
If you want your breast-fed baby to take a bottle, make sure:
1. To introduce it at 3-4 weeks, no later.
2. To keep offering the bottle at least once every other day. A baby who takes the bottle at 4 weeks may not at 10 weeks if she has not had it regularly in between.
3. If your older (>4 weeks) baby refuses the bottle, offer it as something for the baby to explore. Distractions are helpful: try it in the car, outside, or even in front of the tv. NEVER force it on the baby.
The Different Types of Baby Strollers and Their Advantages
By Paul Wise
Baby strollers have several other names such as prams, buggies, pushchairs, and baby carriages. In the past, the designs and models of strollers are limited. But recently, there are more elaborate designs available in the market, depending on the manufacturer of a certain stroller. When you are out shopping for a stroller, there are different factors that you have to consider. If you have twins, you can opt for a twin stroller. A sit and stand stroller is appropriate for your toddler and your baby, so you can watch over them with ease. On the other hand, there are some stroller seats that can be fitted in with a baby car seat. If you cannot find a nanny, while you are out exercising, you can look into different models and designs of jogging strollers.
The Rising Popularity of Strollers:
During the present times, with the innovation of most makers, baby strollers are getting more creative and more useful. What is more, there are already a lot of parents that have discovered the convenience and comfort that strollers are offering. There are several reasons for the increasing popularity of strollers. Recent models are more compact and lighter. Despite these, they are still durable and stable. Depending on the brand of the stroller, your baby will be able to use it for many months, even years. Lastly, there are some baby strollers that have multiple seating designs. You can buy twin strollers, triplet strollers, and even quad strollers.
The Best Stroller for a Newborn Infant:
The market does not only cater to older babies and toddlers. There are also available strollers for newborn infants. For your newborn, you can choose from a conventional design or a stroller with multiple purposes. These baby strollers are designed in such a way that they can be adjusted easily, so you can also use them as a baby sling and a baby mat. Prams for newborns are very comfortable. What is more, they look really nice. Since you are presented with several selections of strollers, you have to make sure that your choice is suitable for your child.
The Different Types of Baby Strollers:
There are different models and designs of baby strollers. The most common include the following:
1. Jogging Strollers - the tires of this design are filled with air, to allow easy maneuvering on all kinds of terrains. They provide your infant with a smoother ride. The best thing about a jogging stroller is that it can tackle through rough terrain. Manufacturers have come up with this design to help you keep yourself fit, while you are out with your baby. While there is a jogging stroller that only allows a seating capacity for one infant, you can also find a double jogging stroller. This design is best for twins or siblings that have 1 or 2-year age gap.
2. Buggies or Umbrella Strollers - these designs are probably the lightest. They are also very compact, making them among the leading strollers in the market. They are easy to transport to trains and buses. They also fit well into the backseat of your car. They are usually available with rain hoods and trays.
3. All-Terrain Strollers - these often have 3 wheels and are considered the most fashionable in the market. The high price of these strollers is seen on their great comfort and sleek design.
This article has been written by Paul Wise and is intended to educate consumers on the current variety of strollers available on the market today. If you are in the market for a stroller this should assist you in understanding the various types. You can also checkout StrollingAround.com they are a great resource for unique baby gifts, baby gifts baskets and other baby related products.
Whether they take breast milk or formula, some babies prefer having their bottles warmed up. It takes off the chill and generally helps infants accept the bottle.
Things You’ll Need:
Baby Bottle Nipples
Baby Bottle/food Warmers
Baby Bottles
Step1
Dispose of any clear plastic bottles and replace them with opaque ones, since some studies have indicated that chemicals may leach from plastic bottles made out of polycarbonate.
Step2
Defrost breast milk if necessary, either by thawing it in the refrigerator overnight or putting it in a bowl of warm water for half an hour.
Step3
Warm a bottle of either formula or defrosted breast milk by submerging it in a bowl or pan of warm (not boiling) water, by running the bottle under warm tap water, or by using a commercial bottle warmer, available at baby stores.
Step4
Test the temperature of the milk or formula in the bottle by shaking a few drops onto your inner wrist. It should feel tepid, not hot.
Step5
Continue warming the milk or formula until it's the desired temperature.
Step6
Some babies also like to have the nipple of the bottle warmed; run it under warm tap water or submerge it in a pan of warm water for just a few seconds. Test it on your inner arm to make sure it's just warm, not hot.
Tips & Warnings
To make life more convenient when you are out and about, you may want to start introducing a bottle closer to room temperature - so your baby does not grow accustomed to always having a nice, toasty bottle.
Avoid microwaving formula or breast milk; it distributes heat unevenly in the bottle.
For your baby's safety, never reuse formula or breast milk once you've heated it. Bacteria may have formed in the liquid.
Check the expiration date before using any formula. Throw away outdated formula, and don't reuse leftover formula, which can harbor harmful bacteria.
