The Advantages Of Using Baby Clips For Your Baby's Dummies

Baby clips for use with dummies are just one of the many baby accessories available to buy these days. A baby will often cry for its dummy, as soon as you place it into his or her mouth there will be instant silence, and calmness will be returned. Parents all around the world have been using dummies to help calm their babies. They are however called different names depending on the country. In America they are most commonly known as pacifiers or soothers. Whatever you call them they have an excellent calming effect, and can help sooth an upset or hungry baby that is waiting for his or her bottle.

So as you can see dummies are extremely useful, they are even more useful when they are attached to baby clips. A baby clip or dummy clip as they are also known prevents the dummy from falling onto the floor and getting lost or dirty. This means that parents won't have to keep picking them up off the floor and washing them when they fall. It will also cut back on the number of lost dummies.

The dummy clip is securely attached to the baby's clothing. This is great for you, especially during car journeys as you won't have to keep stopping the car because the baby's dummy has fallen out onto the floor or seat. These baby clips are available in a wide variety of designs and colours. The various styles and designs add to the attractiveness of it, you can choose colourful bead combinations, and even ones that spell out the child's name. This is ideal if your child goes to nursery, as it won't get mixed up with other children's dummies and clips. Dummy clips can be made in a range of different lengths depending on your preferences. They can be attached to the child, the crib, the rocker, pram or bouncer. If you wish to, then you could even switch the dummy for your child's favourite toy or drinking cup. This will ensure that they do not lose them when out in the pram.

These clever baby clips make fantastic gifts during baby showers and christenings. The gift will be even more impressive if you have it personalised with the child's name or even a cute slogan. They are extremely useful, practical and best of all they are affordable. With these clever devices you will no longer need to worry about your child losing his or her favourite dummy, this can make trips to the park more enjoyable. Plus these baby clips will ensure that the dummy is always in easy reach for your child.

 

Baby Carriers - Become an Expert at Buying the Right Premium Brand Baby Carrier

There are so many baby carrier brands out there making all kinds of claims. We often accept the features they have without asking the fundamental question; what is important to me? I advise my clients to take a step back, assess their situation and do some research. Choosing the right baby carrier is one of the most important purchasing decisions we can make for our children. This article will help you to confidently identify premium quality carriers and ask retailers the right questions.

Quality

The quality of a carrier can range from the care put into making the carrier to the means of producing it. Here are the main quality considerations:

You may be carrying your child for a significant part of their early childhood so ensure you are satisfied that the fabric is hardwearing.

The carrier may be in contact with you and your child's skin for long periods, so natural breathable materials are a high priority.!00% cotton, canvas and linen are often used in premium carriers where the material is in contact with the skin.

Look for Non-metallic vegetable dyes as these are kinder to the skin.

The OeKo-Tex standards include a test for material worn next to the skin. If the carrier achieved a good or very good in the children's skin category, the result will always be prominently displayed. If it is not, ask your retailer about it.

Is the baby carrier built to last? Premium baby carriers are not cheap and you may be using it for some time.

Are the buckles and clasps sturdy? The best carriers use military grade plastics in this safety critical part of their construction.

Are the seams double stitched with extra anchor stitching at the load bearing points?

Check for your local safety standard marks

If ethical buying is important to you, check out the manufacturer's website, most responsible makers will have environmental and human rights impact statements along with information on the means of production.

Design

The design of the carrier will tell you a lot about the care put into making it. Importantly, it may reveal if the brand has kept up with innovations, or is using an old design. Some baby carriers are more suited to certain body shapes and of course you may want it to fit a number of wearers and children. Here are some ideas on what to look for in the information, adverts and pictures and what to ask your retailer:

Make sure the carrier is suitable for the age of your child; the age range should be displayed prominently in the advert or literature.

Check that the child is seated in the correct position; research has shown that children seated in an 'M' position, with their bottom and legs supported knee-pit to knee-pit, are getting the optimum support for their developing pelvis, hip and back joints.

With most carriers there is a learning curve in terms of their usage. However, putting the carrier on should feel intuitive.

How many positions can you use with carrier? Having the versatility of three positions, such as: front (facing in), back, and hip carry can be a god-send as the child grows and your needs change.

Studies have found that new-born babies being carried in the facing out position can develop anxiety. I advise parents to avoid carriers that only offer the facing out position.

Be wary of buckles and straps that are hard to reach and buckles that are too stiff and fiddly.

Premium carriers have extra wide padded shoulder straps and a wide stiff padded waist belt for comfort and support,

Most premium brands will offer an organic option.

The very best carriers have plenty of adjustability to suit you, your baby, and your carrying partner's needs. Make sure that each supporting strap or belt can be fully adjusted

Premium brand carriers often differentiate themselves with additional features such as hoods, foot straps, storage bags and neck rests. Ask your retailer what else it comes with.

After-sales support

Baby carriers can be difficult to get used to at first. Many manufacturers and retailers of premium brands offer practical advice.

Does the carrier come with a fully illustrated booklet or DVD with carrying instructions?

Are there on-line videos showing how to use the carrier?

Is there a help line or email address you can use to gain additional information, advice and guidance?

Try Before You Buy

Even with a comprehensive checklist like the one above, there is no substitute for trying before you buy. The problem is retailers often only stock a narrow selection of carrier and, anyway, you can only try them on in the shop. There is little opportunity to find out in the real world whether you and your little one will take to it.

Some retailers offer baby carrier hire services for anything from 2 weeks to several months hire. Some will even use the cost of the hire to offset the price of a new carrier. This can be an effective way of ensuring you get the right carrier.

Join your local sling-meet group, although these groups are usually for people with stretchy and woven wraps, they often have sling libraries that include soft structured baby carriers.

Contact your local sling consultant. They host carrier parties for groups and undertake personal one to one consultations. Your sling consultant should have a wide range of carriers and should be able to demonstrate the carriers with you and your child and offer tailored advice.

By thinking about your needs, researching and asking the right questions you should avoid expensive mistakes and ensure you find the right premium baby carrier for you.

Wendy Sheard is a Trageschule trained sling consultant and owner of Precious-Bundle one of the UK's largest retailers of premium stretchy wraps and soft structured baby carriers. Wendy believes in the personal touch and offers pre-sales sling consultations, after sales advice and ongoing sling support for as long as you want it.

Wendy would be delighted to write original baby carrier related content for you. Please contact her via the details on the Precious-Bundle website for more information.

Top 3 Features to Watch for in a Stroller

Choosing the best stroller can mean the difference between a happy and comfortable baby and one that just doesn't want to sit, while making your day much more active than originally planned. While a great stroller does have the baby in mind, it's also important to choose something that's easy and comfortable to use on a daily basis.

In order to get the best stroller for you and your baby, consider the top 3 features that everyone should always look out for:

Weight

One of the top features that always rates highly is a lightweight stroller. Heavy frames may seem like a strong and sturdy design made for long-term use, but it can certainly get very tiring pushing it around, even on small inclines. This tires you out and certainly causes a lot of strain on the body when having to lug it out of a car or carry it around with the baby every now and then.

There are many wonderful lightweight stroller designs that are made tough and durable but also light for those long days out or simply as less of a burden for repeated carrying and unloading.

Maneuverability

Another very important feature is wheel control and stroller maneuverability. This is very important for non-jogger stroller since they will generally be used outdoors and in every day settings like shops. Having a stroller that's very stiff or has uneven wheel control certainly dampens any time spent with it since most of the time will be spent trying to move it to the desired location without getting in anyone's way.

Smooth controls, good swiveling wheels and easy movement is essential for a stroller since one of the main purposes is to help you get from one point to another with as little effort as possible.

Padding

A stroller's main purpose is to provide comfort and safety to the baby sitting inside it. It's a way for the baby to see the world from a comfortable seated position or enjoy a peaceful nap when reclined. A stroller should always have thick and soft padding throughout the seat to ensure absolute comfort at all times. No matter which position the baby may be in, they should never feel discomfort or pain.

Check the seat padding for any soft spots or uneven padding levels since they may cause discomfort over a longer period of time. Also make sure to check how the padding moves when the seat is reclined, since there are some cheaper models that will have the padding bunch up and move along with the seat.

By keeping an eye out for these important features, you can rest assured that you've chosen the best stroller for many years of enjoyment for you and your little one.

This author writes about various topics including reviewing the best baby strollers on the market. He reviews the top rated baby strollers to help you can find exactly what you are looking for.

Stretchy Wrap and Woven Sling Baby Carrier Tips

How do I get a stretchy Moby wrap to fit properly?

When tying your wrap ensure that you tie it tight and high against your body. The weight of your baby will create the space for it to fit in.

I have back pain, can I still carry my baby?

Always consult your doctor if you have physiological conditions. If your doctor advises that it is OK to wear your baby, you could ease back problems by stretching out the fabric as much as possible across your back. This will distribute the weight over your whole back and make it as comfortable as possible.

When wearing my woven wrap, I want to provide additional support for my baby's head and neck.

Pull the middle band of fabric up over the head of your baby, then roll it down to the baby's neck with either a flannel or a muslin tucked in. This will give some support for their neck.

Putting my sling on and taking it off all the time is becoming a drag.

Keep your wrap on for the day, like an extra piece of clothing. That way you can pop baby in and out as needed without having to put it on each time. When tying the knot in your wrap put the knot to one side so that you have access to your trousers, too!

What is the maximum time limit my baby can be in the carrier?

There is no time limit for how long your baby can be in the baby carrier. As long as you are both happy, keep them in it! If your baby starts to get restless in the carrier, walk around. They love being close to you for your warmth, smell, listening to your heartbeat and feeling your movement. So have a wander around and see how they like it then!

Are there any carrying positions I should avoid?

It is not recommended that you have your baby facing out front in any carrier. It does not create the best seating position for them. There is no support for their head it they fall asleep and they can get bombarded with what is coming at them from the world, with nowhere to shelter! An alternative to this is the hip carry. To do this you put the wrap on the same way as you have done for other holds. But you then move it across to the side, where you want your baby to be seated. Sit them in the fabric so that their bottom is supported, then stretch it out so that both pieces go from knee pit to knee pit. You can then bring the front panel up for extra support.

 

How to Choose the Best Baby Bedding for Your Nursery

Once you get that exciting news that you are expecting, one of the first things a new parent thinks about is, "how will we decorate baby's nursery?" The next several months will be filled with loads of things to do and prepare for and one of the them will be getting the nursery ready.

While many parents still opt for the baby's gender to remain under wraps until he or she is born, keeping it a surprise, it is becoming increasing popular to find out what they are having, making it easier to prepare the nursery theme, colors, and clothing.

With baby bedding, the sky is the limit. There is no shortage of color options and themes, from ultra luxurious and expensive, to more conservative and cost conscious. There also seems to be a trend of keeping the nursery neutral, even if the gender is known. Neutral colors, such as grays and camel/taupe, are very popular and can create a very tranquil and calming nursery. Baby bedding patterns are no longer just jungle animals and cartoon characters. They come in beautiful patterns that look almost like they belong in Mom and Dad's master suite. These soothing more "grown up" patterns are becoming more and more popular with parents.

Of course, pink for girls and blue for boys is still a popular choice. Celery green is a great choice for either a boy or girl and can look beautiful with many different accessories.

Baby bedding pricing can run a new parent anywhere from around $100 on the low-end to upwards of well over $1000 for a complete set with all the bells and whistles. A new parent must also think about outfitting a cradle too if one is going to be used in addition to the crib. Matching crib and cradle sets are available if this is the look a new parent is going for.

Crib bedding can be purchased as a set or each piece seperately. Parents can often outfit the rest of the nursery with matching curtains or valances, framed memoboards, diaper stackers, hampers, changing pad covers, wall art, barrette holders, throw pillows, and decorative letters for the nursery wall. Many crib bedding sets can even be monogrammed.

One can quickly see how these choices can become overwhelming. Wanting to make sure the right choice is made without meeting their new little person first can be a daunting task. Luckily, there are many brick and mortar stores, as well as online boutiques, that can make these choices a little bit easier. The internet can be a great place to research baby bedding before setting out to make that important purchase. Many of these online stores even offer special sales to help new parents snag the bedding of their dreams without breaking the bank.

 

My Top Tips For Dealing With Teething Babies

I hope my experiences with children will help all parents whether new or experienced, with the ups and downs of bringing up a child, and subsequent rewarding challenges which inevitably all parents will face.

My Background

Firstly I will tell you about my background. I am a mother of seven children aged from between 9 and 29 years old. I have also ran nurseries for 25 years, and been heavily involved with the day to running of the rooms, involving caring for babies from 5 weeks up until 5 years. I also have a grandchild, and can honestly say that I have never stopped learning, and no doubt will never stop learning about children and their care. This can be a very stressful time for both babies and parents.

An important thing to realise is that all babies are different and teething will occur at different times. For example some children are born with a tooth, and others do not get their first tooth until one and over. Most will have all their milk teeth (or primary) by the age of two and a half. There are 20 primary teeth of which ten are in the top row and ten at the bottom. The first permanent 'second teeth' come through at the back at approximately the age of six.

How did I notice when my babies were teething?

This wasn't as easy as it sounds. Often they dribbled, and were very miserable and I noticed that nappies were loose, although once my little one had tonsillitis, and I was blaming it on teething. always to be objective and rule out other things before I jumped to teething. A red cheek was a sign, and wanting to chew something always made me aware it could be teething. Waking in the night was often another sign, and being hard to settle another.

Teething tips

My biggest tip is to relax. This is not going to be easy, but take it as it comes. If children need more attention, forget housework, just to minimum. Try and get a break from your child when everything gets too much, and try to catch up on lost sleep as much as possible. Teething gel and teething toys do work but I found there were times I had to give paracetamol, or ibuprofen. I always checked with pharmacist first, before giving it to my baby.

The most important thing about teething is that it will not last, those teeth will come through. Just be patient and remember the calmer and more relaxed you are, the better it is for the baby.

For more of my parenting advice, you can view another article on Introducing Solid Foods To Babies

Perfect Baby Stroller

One of the most enjoyable things to do when preparing for your babies arrival is to choose your stroller.

Its probably one of the baby essentials that you will use the most, and the choice available out there is vast, from type of stroller to the fabric options, to the number of wheels not of course forgetting the price!

When it comes to choosing your stroller there are many different factors to consider, will it fit in your car? Is it easy to put up does it come with a car seat? Can the seat position be moved about or is it set forward facing or rear facing? Can you take it running? Will it fit round stores? How is it on rougher ground? Can you attach a buggy board for an older child to stand on? Is there somewhere for you to put your shopping bag? How easily can it go on the bus or the tube?

These are only some of the questions to think about when you go shopping form you stroller. The first thing to decide is the style of stroller, i.e. a travel system? A jogging stroller a more tradition carry cot stroller?

Then you need to think about fabric options which of course will be influenced by whether you are having a boy or a girl, if its for 1 baby or 2 and your own personal choice. Its also worth asking what extras your option comes with for example does it include a rain cover? Mosquito net? Parasol? Shopping basket?

Also always remember if you are opting for a travel system with the car seat make sure that the car seat adapter (if it needs them) are included in the price as some travel systems actually charge extra for the adapters! The other key point to check if you choose a travel system is to make sure that the car seat is suitable for your car, i.e. that it can be fitted properly as not all makes of car seats fit all makes of car, you should be able to either ask the store assistant this question or you should also be able to fins the answer online.

One of the biggest factors involved in choosing a stroller is the cost, thankfully there are price options that suit everyone with stroller prices ranges from about $100 up to $1000, the most important thing to do is set a budget and try your best to stick to it an you will no doubt be seduced by the sheer volume of choices available to you and lastly always thoroughly review you preferred option, sites like Amazon not only offer great prices but honest customer reviews.

I hope you found this article helpful, happy shopping!

Marion Leadbetter is a Mother of 2 and owner of a Web Development Company. As a mom of 2 young kids she has a keen interest in quality baby products she has tested many brands including the Zen Collection Cradle Swing and The Davinci Kalani Crib.

Spoil Your Newborn The Right Way

It doesn't matter if you're a new parent or if you have friends that are new parents, there are going to be times when you're going to want to purchase something for the newborn child. When it comes time to buying something, there are many things that need to be considered. You need to think about the likes and dislikes of the parents as well as what may be best as far as the baby is concerned. Here are some things for you to keep in mind which can help to steer you in the right direction and make a choice which will be beneficial to everyone involved.

One thing that you may want to consider is the fact that something organic may be the best choice. We live in a world that is constantly becoming more and more convinced of the fact that we can no longer pollute it to the point where we are destroying it. Unfortunately, we still live in a world that is being driven by commerce and in most cases they are not going to be interested in the end-user and their health but rather, are going to be interested in the bottom line. This is also true where baby products are concerned and you really need to be cautious that you're not harming the baby in an effort to get something that is nice.

There are many different types of organic baby products that are available on the market. The reason why it is so important for you to consider this has to do with some of the chemicals that go into making the products in the first place. For example, many of the items that are manufactured for use on baby skin may not be all that healthy for the child. This is especially seen in the toiletries that are used for children, such as many of the wipes and even the diapers that are being used. Introducing those chemicals to a young child's tender skin can be very harmful and more than one report of severe problems has occurred as a result of those products.

You should also understand about the importance of using organic baby clothes as well. Why is this so important? Actually, there are many different reasons why you would want to keep this in mind. For one, you need to consider the growing of the plants which is used for the clothes, such as cotton. If these are heavily sprayed with pesticides or are genetically modified, they may cause irritation to the skin and even introduce some chemical which could have long-term effects for the child. The same is also true in the manufacturing of that clothing, as you would want to make sure that they were ethically manufactured and that children were not being used for the making of those products. These are just a few of the examples of things that should be considered, but they can really go a long way in showing that you care about the child as well as the environment around you.

Lanna Karp is the author of this article about organic baby products. She is a mother and an avid blogger. She initially got interested in organic baby clothes when after her baby was born.

Having a Baby Soon? It's Time to Shop for Clothes!

When having a brand new baby in the home, one of the most exciting things to do is shop for the new baby clothing. For some moms, shopping around is the fun part of the experience. For others, finding the store for all their shopping needs is the very convenience they are looking for.

For those moms who are looking to shop around, there are some great benefits when doing so. One of the benefits of shopping around is the ability to price match and find the best deals and bargains. With birth and delivery costs and all the other costs associated with having a new baby, you may not be ready to hand over your wallet in order to stock your home with all the clothes needed for all seasons.

The most avid shoppers are looking online throughout the weeks and months that approach this new birth. Some of the commonly shopped areas for new moms are discount stores, second hand stores or even children's boutiques.

If this is your first child, it may be helpful to remember that the first clothes that your child receives do not have to be name brand. The reason why this may not be an important deciding factor is because, more than any other point in the child's life, your baby will be growing out of clothes at an alarming rate. What you see as cute, based strictly from the designer name brand, will be an article which may not fit within a month of wearing it. You will find that by purchasing the most expensive clothing for your baby may not be a wise investment of the money.

For those mothers who like to shop in convenience, it is helpful to find a location which can serve all of her baby shopping needs. Kid's boutique clothing stores seem to hit the nail on the head with this one. Within one store or online website (which is most convenience for any shopping pregnant mother), you can find a nearly endless supply of both name brand and discount clothing to choose from.

If you are looking to satisfy your child's year-wide wardrobe, a kid's boutique clothing store can offer you discounts on swimwear by size and can also provide other discounted seasonal clothing when needed. Because of the vast supply of clothing, many of these boutique stores can offer prices which other companies may struggle to compete with.

Another thing which a boutique store can offer is the more rare and unique brands and styles of clothing. If you are getting tired of the sameness of style that many of the larger name brand stores provide, boutiques may be able to satisfy that desire to find exactly what you are looking for with your child.

If you are expecting a new baby and are looking for clothing, whether you like shopping around or shopping for convenience, children's boutique stores is always an option. Take advantage of the convenience of shopping within the comforts of your own home and find the very best deals.

 

Language Begins at Infancy

Babies have a keen sense of hearing and observation. They are especially very responsive to their mother's voice. The first few interactions between a mother and her baby such as affectionate exchanges and lullabies, gives the baby his first lesson of how important language is in communication. These loving exchanges also provide the baby the emotional security to explore the world around him. Studies have shown that a child's language competency positively correlates to the quality and quantity of a mother's responsiveness to her baby. The more a mother talks, sings, plays and responds to her baby the easier it would be for the child to pick up language skills because it will come naturally to him.

To interact positively with your baby you may try to combine both sound and touch. For example, you can trace your hand over his nose and say in a pleasant and happy voice "you have a beautiful nose". Replicate this with other parts of his body. You may also try singing, reciting poems and rhymes or tell stories with facial expression. The pleasure of the interaction will get him excited to give you a respond. Your baby will want to participate and share his feelings. He might laugh or smile, "coo" and babble, move his arms up and down, lift his legs, or just look attentively.

At this early age, babies pickup the many subtle skills of language. For example a baby will "coo" or babble when his mother stops talking. This is a very important lesson in language where the baby learns to take turns when speaking.

Babies slowly discover through observing the interactions around them, what sounds are important in communication. As early as 6 months, they can reproduce sounds resembling words spoken in the language. At about this time also babies will start to eliminate sounds which are not heard or spoken to them. Thus to increase your baby's range of words and vocal sounds, the people around your baby especially the adults and his siblings should talk and play more with him. Some simple and useful exercises that everyone can practice with the baby are reading aloud books and magazines, pointing and naming the objects around him and even singing an original made up song about the things he observers.

A baby's progress in communication may be subtle and difficult to notice. You will start to become aware of the different cries a baby makes. A certain cry means that he is hungry, while another means that he needs a diaper change. His babbling will also increase in complexity as he becomes more familiar with the conversations and interactions with him and around him. His babbling will start to sound like spoken words. He will start to use body language and jesters to assist his limited language skills for example he might point at the cookie jar when he is hungry. At about 1, his words can be well understood but the meaning or his intentions are still up to interpretation. For example, when he points to a cat and says "cat", does he wants to play with the cat or is he just naming the animal?

It is fun to watch your baby's progress in picking up language skills. His influences come from the world around him. His antics of trying to communicate his feelings, thoughts and needs might sometimes be unconventional and amusing but it is all part of his learning process to learn the norms of the adult world. It will be beneficial to him and yourself if you take this short window of opportunity when your baby has the greatest potential to learn, to teach and impart knowledge through fun, interactive activities. His rapid progress in language skills later during childhood will depend much on his early exposure to language which you and the people around him provide.

 

Getting Ready for a New Baby

People who are having a baby often realize there is a tremendous amount of preparation to be done. Even those people who have already entered parenthood can get overwhelmed. Since it can be hectic to get ready for a baby, it is always wise to make a list of baby essentials.

Wardrobe

No matter if parents will use cloth or disposables, diapers are important. Parents must think about the changing seasons in their particular part of the world. For cold winter, a baby will need sweaters, warm blankets, socks, and hats. No matter if the baby will be a boy or a girl, things like body suits and chemises can be bought in a neutral color.

Food

Proper preparation of food is first priority. If parents choose to bottle feed, a sterilizer, warmer, and washer should be on the list. Bibs are also a necessity to keep baby clean. Plates, cups, and small utensils can be purchased early or when needed.

Bedding and Towels

Sheets, towels, and rags are important. It is advisable to change towels after each bath. It is good to think about how laundry will be done. Anything that touches baby skin must be kept clean and made of soft materials.

Skin product

The skin of a baby is delicate. Therefore, the products that are used should be made especially for babies. Bath gels or bubble bath, lotions, shampoo, and other powders are the basics. Vaseline and other things to prevent diaper rash should also be considered.

The Nursery

What is placed in a nursery depends on a parent's preference. Some people like having a diaper changing table, a diaper pail, and a clothing bin to place dirty clothes. Furniture for the room should include a crib, dresser, and a comfortable chair. Anything else just depends on individual needs.

First Aid

Many people pick a pediatrician after the baby is born. However, a first aid kit is something that many do not always think about. New parents should think about having items like a thermometer, a medicine dropper, an anti-itch cream, acetaminophen drops, and a nasal aspirator.

Traveling Items

Baby carriers are safe and convenient tools to travel with baby. A car seat should have several advantages, especially keeping baby safe. Parents should also always carry sunscreen. Babies can not complain about discomfort and early sun exposure at an early age may affect the skin at a later time.

Miscellaneous Items

To finish the list, new parents need a baby bag, cotton swabs, and baby wipes. Grooming tools like brushes, combs, and nail clippers are also a good idea.

These items are just the basic baby essentials for parents bringing home a new baby. Many other things will be needed, but they can be purchased as the need occurs.

Before you register or start purchasing baby related items make sure to create or download a baby essentials checklist so you have an organized system for getting your nursery and home in order. Also consider a nursery essentials checklist to get your nursery ready!

How To Make A Baby Smile

The smile on a baby's face is one of the most precious treasures in the life of a parent. They can go to any lengths to achieve it. It is one of the simplest and yet the most beautiful thing one can see. When a baby smiles, everyone around the baby seems to radiate a shimmering glow of uncensored joy. Anyone who can make a baby smile experiences an even greater feeling of euphoria. A baby's smile can change the total ambience of a room. It can uplift anyone's mood. The art of making a baby smile is very simple if you know what the baby likes or enjoys.

One of the most classic ways to make a baby smile is - "peek-a-boo! I see you". One can simply hide behind their hands and suddenly appear in front of the baby's face. You're sure to see giggles and dimples on your baby's face.

Another effective method is to blow raspberries on their cute, tiny hands, belly and feet. Babies crave touch. This method is a sure way to get them to smile and soon they will start making "razing" sounds of their own.

Babies just love it when their parents nibble at their feet, fingers or neck. This love for nibbling lasts even after infancy.

The sparkling bubbles that one blows attract babies like a bee on honey. If you blow a few bubbles near babies, they will sit in amazement at the beautiful floating objects.

Making silly and exaggerated faces at the babies never seem to go out of practice. It is a wonderful way to give attention to them and babies just love being the centre of your universe. Sometimes even a simple sneeze can bring laughter to your baby's already beautiful visage.

Babies get easily bored, seeing the same faces again and again. An older sibling, a parent who has been at work all day, other relatives is sure to keep your child engrossed for hours. Taking her to the playground, shopping-malls, amusement parks, or visiting new places and seeing new people not only shall increase the baby's curiosity but also keep her happy, contented and smiling.

Soft-toys that talk a funny lisp, are always among the best options to give a baby, that smile to die for.

Making noises of animals and imitating their moves can make a baby roll with laughter. Trumpeting like an elephant, grunting like a pig, and most importantly making monkey-noises and hopping around complete with scratching the under-arms, are a sure way to flash a giggle on her face.

A pet, be it family or a friend's can keep a baby engaged and smiling for ages.

Tickling, is the last resort undertaken to make a baby display that million dollar smile. A baby can understand the warmth, in the touch of the care-giver. Touching her playfully only re-assures her that she is safe and in the company of familiar people.

Dragonflies Just May Take Over Your Little One's Bedroom

From the minute our children are born, time seems like it starts to go faster even though we know it really doesn't. In a blink of an eye they go from crawling around and crying to graduating high school and taking off for college. That's why we need to cherish all the things our children do as they grow up because once they do certain things for the first time they won't be doing them for a first time again.

One of the things that your child will do for a first time and only time is move into a big kid's room. Yes, I know it is hard to believe but it will happen at some point. There is no exact time to move your child out of their nursery. Each child is different and some might be ready before others are. You can look for signs such as your child is getting close to climbing out of their crib. Most children are very excited to move into their big kid's room as I'm sure your child will be.

Picking out the bedding for your little one's bedroom is the fun part. There are so many themes these days that you will definitely not run out of options. A very unique bedding theme and one that your child will grow to love is dragonfly toddler bedding. Dragonfly bedding is not very common with just dragonflies themselves. However they do add a nice touch to some other toddler bedding themes. Some of the themes that dragonflies are included in are butterflies, flowers, and pond animals. Dragonfly nursery decorations can add color and a little variety to the theme of your choice.

A very popular dragonfly bedding set is Lady Bug by Kidsline. They have a four piece toddler set available that includes an appliqued blanket, fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase. These dragonflies are also accompanied by a bunch of flowers and lady bugs. Dragonfly Butterfly twin bedding by Pem America comes with a quilt and pillow sham. On these sets, the dragonflies and butterflies are spread throughout the quilt and each is very colorful.

Dragonflies are not only beautiful and intelligent insects, but they actually have a lot of meaning to them. The dragonfly stands as a symbol of transformation in many cultures around the world. That's why the dragonfly is the perfect theme for your big kid's room because transformation is taking place. This is a big step for your child so ease them into it. This may not only be a transformation for your child but it may also be a transformation for you. Your baby is growing up right before your eyes so enjoy every moment of it.

Felipe Sanchez is a Customer Service representative at KidsBeddingMall.com, an online retailer of kids bedding including queen bedding. Kids Bedding Mall also offers a wide selection of coordinating bedroom accessories including wall decor.

Shopping Tips for Crib Mattress

People while shopping for their babies often show interest in buying fashionable and colorful products like pillows, changing tables, swaddling blankets and many more. But most of the time they forget about one of the most important things that a baby requires which is crib mattress. Remember, your baby is going to sleep on this mattress for about two years. So be careful while buying a crib mattress so that your baby receives proper comfort.

Different types of crib mattresses are available in the market now-a-days. You can research about them to learn every detail of the mattress and buy the one that serves your purpose. They are made of different material. As you will buy the mattress to comfort your baby purchasing a mattress which gives utmost coziness to your baby is the best idea. There are certain factors that you should keep in mind while buying a mattress.

Quality: While buying a crib mattress quality should be given the highest priority. There is nothing which is more valuable to you than your baby. You should buy something that is healthy and safe. Choice of the correct material is important. Some materials may contain toxic elements and may cause harm to your baby. Besides, the material should be soft enough to protect your baby's sensitive skin.

Cost: Cost of the mattress is another thing that also should come into consideration. Go through the websites of different companies and see what features they offer at which price. Consider those features that are available at your budget. Take your time before making a final decision.

Warranty: If you have become parents for the first time, then you may not know which mattress is better. That's why you should make a deal with the dealer about the warranty of the product so that you can get a refund of your money if the mattress doesn't provide desired output or your baby doesn't feel comfortable in it. Before making any decision about the purchase of a crib mattress it is wise to read the product reviews posted by other parents. There are many websites where you will get information about the pros and cons of the mattress. If other parents are happy with a brand, then you can hope to get the desired service from that brand of mattress.

You can consult with your friends and relatives who have already become parents or read the reviews on different websites regarding the crib mattresses before coming into a decision.

Are you searching for the best crib mattress? Go to our expert site and check out these crib mattress reviews and choose a proper one for your baby.

Decorating Ideas For Baby's Room

Decorating a baby's nursery can be a lot of fun. You don't need to spend a lot of money to do this though. Instead of purchasing decorating supplies at the store, you can in fact make many of them yourself. This will not only be more affordable, but also help the nursery to look considerably more personalized. You will furthermore have a fun time making your own embellishing accents. Here are a couple of easy decorating tips that you can use to create the perfectly decorated nursery, even if you don't have a lot of imaginative or "crafty" skills.

Basic Decorations For Your Walls

Especially when you are planning on doing most of the work on your own, it can be cheap and simple to decorate the walls of the nursery. A Wallpaper border is usually very simple even for beginning decorators apply, and quite affordable. Or, save even more money by creating a stenciled border all round the top edge of the room, or at chair rail level. Using only a purchased stencil, a stencil brush and also some acrylic craft paint, you can add a custom made and artistic effect. Or, if you feel particularly resourceful, you could even cut out a stencil pattern for yourself, using clear acetate sheets. If you are feeling rather uninspired you might search a kid's coloring book for inspiration. You can also make use of a baby quilt to decorate a wall. Simply attach a quilt rack bar to the wall, then hang a pretty quilt. Showcasing art prints, paintings or even some of your own drawings in silver picture frames along the nursery walls is yet another way to add additional visual interest. In fact, if you have older children, have them make some of their own drawings for adding add to the nursery decoration. This is a great way to include your older children, and they will moreover be very happy to behold their artwork presented in picture frames.

Simple Window Decorations

Adorable window treatments are often a great way to make the baby's room look very attractive. Although you can undoubtedly purchase curtains, draperies or blinds, you can usually save a considerable amount of money by making your own curtains. Begin by purchasing fabric, or even a flat sheet. It's often a good idea to find a sheet which complements the rest of the bed linens in the baby's room, this will help it all to look nice and coordinated. Make two panels of curtains for every single window, each one the full width of the window, so the curtains will be good and full. When cutting each panel, add on about six inches to the curtain length and roughly two inches to the width, to allow for hemming and the top curtain rod pocket. Sew a small hem on the right and left sides of each piece of fabric. And then, sew a deep hem at the bottom of the curtain to get a nice hanging result. Fold the fabric over two times all along the top edge in order to create a pocket that is deep enough for holding the curtain rod. Form the curtain rod opening by sewing horizontally along the top and bottom folded edges. Then the last thing to do is feed the curtain rod through both of the top pockets, and hang the curtains.

Infant Photos

It's a given that a baby's room just wouldn't be a nursery without a few baby photos in frames. Select a few of your beloved baby photos to set in cute baby picture frames, then place them all through the room on tabletops, walls, and shelves. Or perhaps create a photo collage to frame then place on a wall.

So don't be overwhelmed when you get to thinking about decorating your baby's room, as there are many easy and imaginative ways to make the room look great.

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Display your favorite photos in one of our cute baby picture frames. Shop online and see our 4x6 picture frames now or give us a call at 800-780-0699.

5 Time Saving Tips to Selecting a Pediatrician

Heading to the hospital to have your baby is a time of excitement mixed with a dose of anxiety. You don't want to forget anything, but there are so many things to think about and remember. The reality is that you don't have to have everything at the hospital. There are a few things that you will need in addition to clothes for baby and mom and any items mom needs to make the birth extra special. Knowing who will provide medical care for your son or daughter after he or she is discharged home is one of the things that makes transitioning home easier. Your OB or the hospital may provide recommendations or offer Newborn Services on site if you have not identified a doctor at discharge.

Selecting the Pediatrician that is right for you is one thing that can be done before the baby is born. The selection of a Pediatrician is often not on the top of the pregnancy to do list, but doing the investigative work ahead of time, makes life easier when you are busy with your new baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy newborns discharged from the hospital have their first pediatric visit within 48 hours or sooner under certain circumstances. Your baby will have checkup appointments initially every 2 months for the first 6 months then every three months until the first birthday. It is important that you build a relationship with the doctor and that you and the doctor have similar philosophies. Doing some homework now will pay off in the long run.

5 Time Saving Tips to Selecting Your Baby's Doctor

1. Where is the Pediatric office located? Is the office close to home, transportation, and is parking available? Remember you will be traveling with your baby, your diaper bag, and siblings, if any, to the appointment. You may also be traveling in varied weather conditions so you want the office to be easily accessible to you. If both parents are unable to make the appointment, bring someone to help with you.

2. Is the Pediatrician in your medical insurance network? You may receive a bill for the services if they are not a participating provider. You can contact your medical insurance provider for their panel of Pediatricians.

3. Are the office hours flexible and will they work for you? Will the hours work for you when you return to work or will someone else be available to take your baby to his or her appointments?

4. How does the office handle after hour questions, illness, and emergencies? Does the Pediatric group have someone on call week nights and weekends for urgent phone consultations or will you have to go to the Emergency Room?

5. What is the pediatrician's experience with caring for ex-premature babies? If your baby has a prolonged NICU course due to extreme prematurity, have a conversation with your pediatrician to ensure that they can provide you with the services your baby needs and has a network of referral specialty doctors. Inquire about which hospitals they admit their patients.

Although it is impossible to predict your baby's every medical need, use the above tips to start the conversation as you find the right doctor for you, your baby, your family. There are really great Pediatricians who care about you and your family.

 

Features of the Best Pushchair Travel Systems

When you are expecting your baby, you want to be totally prepared for the new arrival. On the shopping list for your newborn will of course be a pushchair and car seat, or perhaps a traditional baby carriage. These items when bought separately can be extremely costly, and although you will want the very best for baby, this does not always fit within your budget. Thankfully the days of baby carriages with huge wheels are gone, and have been replaced with collapsible buggies and strollers that are both easy to maneuver and fold away into your car. This however still leaves the problem of waking baby to put him in his car seat; that was until the invention of the all in one travel system.

These systems combine all the features that you will need after the birth of your baby; that's right, a stroller and baby car seat in one. Not only will you save money when you purchase such a system, but you will also be the envy of all your friends with a stylish group 0+ car seat that clips neatly on to your stroller.

The rear facing maxi cosi will sit comfortably onto the buggy with safety clips, allowing you to watch your baby as you stroll; and when it is time to get back in the car, simply unclip and strap into to the car according to instruction. Then fold away your buggy and place in the trunk of your car until you reach your destination.

When you wish to purchase a great buggy such as the silver cross or the Graco mirage travel system, you need to look out for certain features. Firstly make sure that when in use as a car seat you can adjust the incline of the seat to fit snuggly against the seat of your car and to an angle that is comfortable for baby.

Next check out just how easy it is to fold your stroller away as well as to recline the stroller seat for when you child is older. All good buggies will have adjustable harnesses that will impede the child from breaking free, and the best buggies will also sport play trays and large shopping baskets to make your life even easier.

The most important things to look for in a push chair system are indeed the safety features such as the breaks and the adjustment for the harness. A good buggy should have a sturdy but easy to release break as well as wheels that can be turned through 360 degrees when necessary.

The travel system you choose for your baby has to be the one that you are essentially happy with; if you walk a lot, then a large shopping basket is a plus point. If you take the bus or have a small trunk on your car then a collapsible stroller that neatly folds really is important. Travel systems that allow for baby to travel in style both in and out of the car without having to be disturbed really are dominating the market these days. To discover just how much money you could save as well as where to purchase, you best place to search is of course online.

Judy Rann likes to share her knowledge on child safety with other parents online. Compare the price of leading brands from the top retailers of pushchair and car seat and pushcair travel systems here.

Infant Car Seat Covers - What To Look For

Nowadays, consciousness towards safety and concerns has set adequate standards for implementing safety measures. One such step towards this is by purchasing baby car seat covers. For babies below age of one need safety precautions while riding in car. Most city couples during their weekdays prefer traveling to their countryside home. Infant car seat covers are an ideal gear to carry for couples riding with newborn child.

There are several benefits of choosing baby car seat covers. They hold your baby to rear seat. In fact, babies are too small to fit in car safety belts. However, using covers they easily hinge to the seats.

Following are some effective tips that you may watch for while choosing infant car seat covers:
Pleasing To Eyes: While deciding a baby seat cover, you may check for whether it is attractive and pleasing to eyes. Most babies resist wearing straps owing to restriction they impart to their motion. However, colorful covers that look pleasing to their eyes might distract their discomfort. Avoid choosing covers by comparing with the interiors of your car. Parents may rather check on whether it is pleasing to the child at first place. In addition, most people popularly buy plain colors such as white or pink.
Comfortable design: Infant car seat covers that are easy to fit and strap are best buys. Baby seat covers that fit your child sell well over shabby and clumsy ones. Never experiment while buying baby car seat covers, as it may invite unnecessary troubles. Choose conventional designs that are easy to implement and easy to care. Most baby sear covers that sell in market are tested for safety standards. The prime objective of a baby sear cover is to impart adequate safety to child in case of road mishap. Apart from imparting cushion and safety, a cover must also ensure comfortable design.
Wash proof or replaceable: Look for washability of baby seat covers. Your baby may surprise you by passing urination. Despite of wearing diapers, babies may pass urine on covers. It is ideal to buy a wash proof cover, so you can reuse it without replacing. However, covers that allow replacements may eventually prove costlier to those allowing ease of washability and reusability.
Durability: Covers that stay unaffected during endurance show good durability. Most high quality covers show good durability. These materials last long. Moreover, they never show up problems such as rupture. Straps fitted to baby seats should lay intact in case of accidents. Failure of straps would lead to failure of covers. Hence, it is ideal to buy them from good stores. Most products involving covers undergo enough testing to check their durability. Hence, do not worry on differences in prices. Both cheap as well as high quality materials may come in different price ranges. In case, you are on a tight smaller budget, then you may decide to go for simple designs. However, never sacrifice on safety features such as durability of the cover.
Cushioning: Traveling and jerks are inseparable facets of same coin. Being older, we can endure big jerk, but babies can react to smallest of jerks. Disregard of you being alert while steering over a pothole, your baby may give up to the jerk. However, by having infant car seat covers, you provide adequate cushioning to your baby. Cushions absorb shocks. It contains the impact by holding it tight to the baby.

 

Graco Prams Are A Great Choice For Safety And Comfort

As all parents or childminders know, if you are out and about with your baby, the things that matter most are the safety and comfort of the child. If you are looking for a suitable pram or buggy, then you need to look no further than Graco prams. Not only do they completely cater for safety and comfort, but they are also very convenient to use.

Graco was founded in 1942, but for the first eleven years of its life the company actually manufactured machine and car parts. Then after one of the founding partners left, the remaining partner decided to branch into his own range of products. From there, Graco went on to become a global brand that have been in existence for almost sixty years.

The Graco Travel System was the very first product that incorporated a car seat into a buggy. This innovative feature allows parents to transfer or move the baby from car to buggy without any disturbance of the sleeping child. The safety regulations regarding car seats are quite strict, and all Graco products fully comply with (and usually exceed) these regulations.

Graco have a range of products for varying ages of toddlers, all with different designs and varieties. These models include the Graco Alano stroller, the MetroLite LE stroller, as well as the wide range of prams, buggies, strollers, and travel systems such as the Graco Symbio.

Looking at the structure of Graco prams, all the wheels are all fitted with rubber tyres. These are solid rubber tyres, so they will never need pumping, and help to ensure a smooth ride regardless of the terrain. The body of the prams is mostly aluminium. Because of this they are relatively light to carry or lift across various locations. This also makes them quite resistant to any scratches and damage

Probably the undermining feature of Graco prams is comfort, both for the parents and the toddlers. Adjustable seats are incorporated into most strollers, so the seats can be adjusted to look in different directions, either backwards or forwards. The height can also be adjusted to suit the parent's convenience. Canopies are included as standard for most models to protect the babies from the elements when necessary.

Storage features are also incorporated into all Graco prams. Generally speaking, the storage space in the baskets provided is considered to be very large, ample to hold all the basic necessities along with suitable emergency items.

Even if your family has twins or more than one baby, there is no need for a second stroller. Graco include a range of duo strollers such as the Graco Duo Glider, perfect for use when there is more than one child. These also incorporate reversible seats, as well as huge storage facilities.

For more great information visit Graco Prams. Here you can find full reviews and buyer guides such as Graco Symbio review, Graco Duo Stroller, helping you to make informed decisions to find the best deals from online suppliers.

How to Treat Teething Symptoms

If you ask most parents, teething is not exactly the best moment for both of them and their children. It is in fact very frustrating. Discover what happens when a child shows teething symptoms so that you can manage it easily.

The teething process usually begins when a child is three months old and it can continue until he is already three years old. The first teeth that will usually come out are the two bottom front teeth or otherwise called central incisors which will happen between the first four to seven months. After about four to 8 weeks, the four upper front teeth will follow then the lower lateral incisors. The molars will appear later on, and most children will have around 20 teeth by the time they reach their third birthday.

The teething process may sound simple but it is actually not. For other children, they may not experience too much discomfort but for others, they will experience pain and other forms of uneasiness. The most common teething symptoms are increased drooling and restlessness because of discomfort on the gums. The child will also refuse to eat because the gums are sore at the area where the teeth will develop. Fussiness is also common, as well as bringing the hands to the mouth. There can be mild rashes around the mouth because of the drooling which causes skin irritation. While these teething symptoms cause your child to be uncomfortable, you should go see a doctor if the baby becomes very irritable and if there are other symptoms developed such as fever, rashes all over the body or prolonged fussiness. These can be caused by other factors and not the teething itself.

What can you do then to decrease your child's discomfort when he shows teething symptoms? Since there is increased drooling, you have to wipe your child's face with a cloth often to keep it dry thereby preventing rashes from occurring. Pressure is known to decrease the discomfort so it is recommended that you gently rub the gums of the child with a clean finger. You can also give the child something to chew on but make sure that this is big enough so that he will not swallow it. You can place a wet washcloth in the freezer for about 30 minutes and then have your child chew on it. This will not just relieve the discomfort but it will also help in decreasing the inflammation. You have to keep in mind though that everything that the baby puts in his mouth is clean to avoid further problems.

When the methods above do not relieve the teething symptoms, you can ask your doctor about medications that you can give to the child. There are mild analgesics that can be given to teething babies, and these will definitely help in relieving the different signs and symptoms. You have to stick with the dosage that was prescribed by the doctor so as not to cause underdose or overdose of the medication.

When your baby is showing teething symptoms, it is definitely uncomfortable for him so you have to find ways on how you can help. Keep these home care treatment methods in mind and you will surely handle the situation easily.

For more information on Different Types of Diseases, Symptoms and Diagnoses, Please visit: Teething Symptoms and Urinary Tract Infection.

Baby Carriers - Should I Carry My Toddler?

The myth runs like this: 'Don't carry your toddler, it only spoils them.' In my role as a sling consultant, I have worked with parents who have challenged this myth and realised that carrying their toddler not only make sense to them on a practical level, it is also a wonderful gift they can give themselves and their child. For the myth to perpetuate we must accept it at face value, contrary to what we would have liked for ourselves when we were young and what we know of our children's personalities. With this article I want to create a pause in the process of accepting the myth and in that pause provide a challenge to the underlying assumptions. My position is this: Yes, you can carry your toddler without spoiling them.

From newborn to toddler

We carry our newborn for many reasons; to regulate heart beat and temperature, to ease colic, to encourage sleep, to calm, to attend to the needs of siblings, to bond. Add all these needs together and a very young baby may spend a significant amount of time being nurtured in a carrier. As they grow older and start walking, we have fewer reasons to carry them. They are obviously heavier and may outgrow their current baby carrier. Eventually, you may stop carrying them altogether, opting for a stroller instead. The assumption that they no longer need to be carried may lead to us missing their subtle emerging needs as toddlers.

Benefits

Toddlers love the change of perspective they get when carried high in a baby carrier. Experiencing the world from the same vantage point as mum builds confidence and understanding and opens up a rich interaction between you both. Toddlers are very curious about the world around them and constantly ask questions about what they see. If they are in a pushchair the opportunities to talk about what they can see are often missed. If they are being carried you can have a constant chat. This will help increase their language and understanding in a natural and enjoyable way.

When you reach the stage where your child wants to walk more it can be tricky managing this and they can easily get tired. But by having a carrier to hand your child can be easily picked up and taken down when necessary. There is no need to lug an empty pushchair around just in case it may be needed.

What to buy

I recommend soft structured carriers (SSC) to clients wishing to carry a toddler, although a supportive woven wrap is fine, too. For the purposes of this article I am sharing my insight on how to buy the right SSC. Toddlers get dirty and like to snack, so buy a baby carrier that can be wiped clean and machine washable. Choose a carrier that is appropriate for the size and age of your child. In addition, a baby carrier with an adjustable back panel for growth means your carrier can be used for longer and by people with a different body shape to your own. Many brands offer toddler versions of their baby carrier, this can be a useful starting point Remember, some brands offer fully adjustable carriers for baby through to pre-school carrying, so again, always check the age range.

You need to ensure that the carrier you use is supportive enough for both of you. For you this will mean a supportive waistband that can distribute the weight and wide padded shoulder straps. Because of the on and off nature of carrying a toddler choose a carrier that can be easily stowed or will fold into a pack that can be worn around your waist, ready for when needed.

Conclusion

There is an implied contradiction in the myth: it is OK to push them around in a stroller but carrying toddlers spoils them. Rather than accepting the myth and phasing out carrying their children when they outgrow the woven or stretchy wrap, I encourage parents to observe the ongoing and emerging needs of their children as they develop and to consider whether a different carrier type would help prolong carrying for them. If more people embraced toddler carrying it would become the norm and more children and parents would enjoy the practical and developmental benefits.

Wendy Sheard is a Trageschule trained sling consultant and owner of Precious-Bundle one of the UK's largest retailers of premium stretchy wraps and soft structured baby carriers. Wendy believes in the personal touch and offers pre-sales sling consultations, after sales advice and ongoing sling support for as long as you want it.

Medela Inc

Medela is a company with history. Started in Switzerland back in 1961, the Larsson family continues to support and grow the company today. They have been doing business in the United States for over 30 years. Specializing in breastfeeding, their primary goal is to help mothers to successfully breastfeed their babies as long as they wish. So committed are they to this goal that their founder, Olle Larsson, said: "We pledge our dedication to breastfeeding as the best nutrition for babies and families. We further pledge that our breastfeeding accessory products and literature shall never be used to influence mothers to switch from breastfeeding to infant formula feeding. Nor shall our breastfeeding accessory products and literature be used in any way to promote artificial baby milk."

Medela was the first manufacturer in the United States to develop the Corporate Lactation Program to support the needs of mothers who work outside the home. In addition to assuring the availability of a pleasant, private location; they also provide breastfeeding counseling for employees and their families. Many corporations are now more accommodating to nursing mothers thanks to this ground-breaking program.

Quality is a company mandate at Medela. Always striving to improve, they have a continuous process of research on technological advancements and safety. Their quality system holds the ISO 13485 Certification, which is a list of very precise requirements for quality systems and standards. They have also received numerous awards of excellence for their design and innovative technology. Medela assures their customers that any of their products that come into contact with breastmilk are made from glass and other BPA-free, DEHP-free materials.

Breastpumps are Medela's primary product focus. They offer many hospital-grade and personal-style pumps, both electric and manual. These include:
Pump In Style Advanced, one of the most popular portable, double-electric personal breast pumps available on the market todayMedela Freestyle, their hands-free double-electric pumpSwing, a daily use single-electric pumpSymphony and Symphony Plus, their hospital-grade double-electric pumpLactina Select, an additional hospital-grade pumpSingle Deluxe, an occasional-use single-electric pumpHarmony, their occasional-use single manual pump

In addition, Medela also provides an extensive line of accessories to further promote the convenience and comfort of their breast pump products, including specialty feeding devices, breastmilk storage systems, breast care, and intimate apparel.

Truly a pioneer in the breastfeeding industry, Medela has recently introduced a new product, their Supplemental Nursing System (SNS). This not only enables adoptive mothers to breastfeed (and possibly induce their own lactation) but provides the breastfeeding experience to mothers and babies with other special problems.

Dee Sivitri is a stay-at-home mom specializing in writing about various aspects of homemaking and parenting. Her latest website is about Medela Breast Pumps where she provides in-depth information on the use and care of various types of breast pump parts, including Medela tubing, Medela breastshields, and more.

How to Find the Perfect Baby Clothing

There is nothing more exciting than having a child in your life. There's just so much happiness and joy that goes around whenever a kid enters the room. But with all this excitement also comes the various responsibilities involved with taking care of a child. Beginning with the basics will get you started in taking care of the baby in no time. First start with the baby's health, then there's food that the baby should also regularly have like breast milk to keep the immune system in shape, and last but definitely not the least is the baby clothing.

Don't Get Trapped With Tradition

First of all, you should not fall into the trap of tradition of choosing pastel blue or pink in baby clothing when your baby finally comes. Don't you want your baby to wear something more modern and out of the box for a change? Although there is nothing wrong with following tradition, having a variety of colors in your baby's closet will also define character and attitude.

Prioritize Your Baby's Comfort

Next, you should also prioritize the comfort of your baby above all else. This will make it easier for you to pick out the clothes that would best suit your baby at this stage of life. There are clothes that are specifically made for this age of babies. Having them wear jeans and shirt will only make them uncomfortable and at the same time you'll have a hard time changing them frequently.

Choosing One-Piece Body Suit

Usually, babies wear a one-piece body suit that comes in different colors, designs, patterns and materials. You can even choose to buy eco-friendly materials to keep them warm which at the same time you're doing good for the environment.

Shopping Online For Variety of Options

There are many places that you can go to instead of walking around the mall which may be more difficult these days since your due date is almost coming. Stores on the web offer a wide variety of baby clothing and these are not just limited to your little one's clothing. You can also buy matching one-piece suits and shirts for you and your baby. The internet offers a wide variety of deals such as selling branded merchandise to second-hand attires that are equally functional but cost about half the price.

Nowadays, practicality is an important key when it comes to taking care of your newborn baby as well as the rest of your family especially when it comes to choosing baby clothing.

Get to know more tips and advice on buying newborn baby clothing cheaply as well as things to consider when shopping for newborn baby apparel.

3 Simple Tips for Caring For Your Newborn's Cord

A newborn baby's umbilical cord stump can look intimidating at first glance, but there's no need to get worried. Anybody can care for baby's cord stump with some simple instructions. Here are three tips for making sure your baby's cord is clean, comfortable, and healing well.

Keep Things Away

You want to keep things away from your baby's cord stump. It's not the end of the world if a diaper or outfit brushes your baby's cord. Don't get too worried about it. But as a general rule, you want to keep pressure off of the cord stump while it's healing. A diaper pushing against it could get irritating or cause a few drops of blood to come from the cord site. Though this isn't a bad thing, it's not as easy to clean up and may bother your baby when you go to remove dried blood.

Most newborn sized diapers have a convenient cutout to go around the site of the baby's cord stump. Be sure you line these up so they're directly under the cord stump and your baby is protected from having the diaper rub and chafe up against it. Many newborn sized cloth diapers have the same cutout.

If you're using larger, size 1 diapers or if you're using prefold or one-size cloth diapers you won't have this cutout. This is still okay. Just fold down the diaper so that it's out of the way of your baby's cord. You can situate the diaper a little higher on your baby's back to make it a little lower in the front, too. Newborns tend to leak out of the back of a diaper (if it's going to leak) anyways! If you have a little boy be sure you point his penis downwards as you're diapering so he doesn't spray upwards towards the belly button site.

Dress your baby in comfortable cotton clothing. Kimono shirts and gowns are ideal for the first few days as the cord site is healing.

Keep Your Baby's Cord Area Clean

You'll want to clean around your baby's cord area regularly. You can check it at each diaper change to see how it's doing. Look for signs of puss and bleeding.

A little discharge and a few drops of blood are completely normal and part of the healing process. If your baby's cord smells strongly you should call your baby's doctor or your midwife.

The cord will heal just fine most of the time. Use a little water on a cotton ball to gently swab around the edges of the cord and the newly forming belly button. I like to use purified water for this rather than tap water. Keep a little jug next to your baby's changing area.

You can also use alcohol (purchased at the drug store) to swab around your baby's cord. Some doctors recommend this and some parents feel it helps the cord dry out more quickly. Others say that water works just as well. I've used water with my five babies.

The Healing Process

Your baby's cord will heal fine with regular swabs to keep it clean. Gentle swabbing will help prevent any bleeding, but again, a few drops of blood is nothing to get too worried about.

Some moms prefer to use an herbal powder around the site of the cord. Goldenseal powder, either by itself or in a cord care formula, can help speed healing and the drying of your baby's umbilical cord site. Many midwives recommend this.

You can expect your baby's cord to fall off within one to two weeks after birth. It may fall off as you clean it, or it may fall off inside your baby's clothing at some point.

If your baby's cord does not seem to be healing well, go see your baby's doctor. Persistent droplets of blood can usually be remedied by having your doctor apply a touch of silver nitrate to the umbilical cord site. It's a quick and easy procedure. Most babies won't need this, but if you're worried know that it's a simple solution.

By the way, do you want to get more practical baby care information that will give you keys to a smarter, happier baby while building a strong bond with your little one?

If so, download my free guide: How to Have a Smarter, Happier Baby

 

Baby Strollers Make Life Easy

Safety, convenience and price are top concerns for new parents trying to find the best baby strollers. So many choices exist. This is among the many significant buying decisions newly anointed parents can make for their baby. Getting the right product the first time can dramatically improve the task of caring for the newest member of the family. Shop around and take the proper amount of time to review features and pricing with the goal of acquiring the best product available.

Think about things like a bassinet add-on to provide comfort and ease of use. These attachments can be used safely up to about four months old. They allow for easy transport around the house and quick release from the stroller when hanging out at a park, playground or any social environment. Portability makes life much less stressful and enjoyable for the entire family. Being able to move the baby around without causing significant disruption keeps parents and baby happy. The secure and comfortable environment offers a cocoon-like environment. Consider this useful accessory when considering purchasing options.

Beyond four months infants become much more active, which means the bassinet attachment should be removed from the stroller. Now the young one can use the seat in the stroller easily and safely. Make certain to utilize the provided restraining system for maximum security. The seat belts are supposed to be tightly engaged, yet not uncomfortable. Safety does not mean compromising comfort.

To optimize the experience of owning a stroller, check to ensure that adequate storage space is available. Infants require a lot of supplies and support. See if there is enough room for diapers, cleaning supplies, extra clothing, bottles and blankets. It's better to have a little too much space than not enough. This will do a lot to reduce stress and fuss for both parents and the baby.

Baby strollers are designed to make life easier for parents as well. Cup holders up by the handle bars and trays offer storage space for life's little necessities like coffee and cell phones. Remember that comfort and ease of use are the key factors in making the right purchasing decision. Parents and baby will find their lives made tremendously easier with the right stroller.

Save time and save hassle. Use a stroller to get around and enjoy life as a new family. Many options and sizes are available to satisfy the unique tastes and needs of everyone. Make the easy choice today.

 

The Benefits of Amber Teething Necklaces

Many parents these days prefer to cure their kids' health problems with natural remedies instead of prescription drugs. Teething pain is one such issue that can be cured effectively with natural cures. As teething is a phase that very young infants go through in their early childhood, it is wiser to use natural remedies rather than resorting to over the counter drugs.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces are one of the most ancient known remedies for teething problems in children. Baltic amber has been used for thousands of years as a natural cure for various health conditions. It has been widely known for its analgesic pain relief and healing properties. Amber is non-toxic and said to support the immune system.

Amber is said to date back to around 50 million years, when resin from prehistoric trees solidified and became the hard and pearly substance that we see today. It is believed that the trees themselves would have used the natural healing properties of amber to heal injuries and prevent infections. These same properties are available today through Amber Teething Necklaces for children.

Amber is also known to boost the immune system of the body which can in turn speed up healing. A number of scientific studies have also gone to show that amber indeed has a number of natural therapeutic properties.

Amber Teething Necklaces can be comfortably worn around children's necks. Especially for infants who have teething pain, these necklaces can provide relief from pain and also the associated irritability that comes with teething. It is believed that the skin's warmth releases tiny amounts of oil from the amber which enters the bloodstream through the skin, bringing about healing effects in the body. Scientific studies have also suggested that amber is alive electromagnetically, producing pure, natural and organic energy in significant amounts.

Each bead of amber is fastened individually to the necklace. Therefore even if the necklace breaks, the amber beads would not scatter on the floor. This is important as infants might be tempted to bite on and accidentally swallow individual beads if they can find them separately.

The relief provided by Amber Teething Necklaces lasts for a long period of time. Even if the necklace is removed when the child goes to sleep, the healing effect remains for a while, providing a good night's rest without pain and restlessness.

Amber Teething Necklaces are therefore the most cost-effective and probably one of the best natural remedies for teething pain in infants. Parents need to at least give them a try to find out how their infants respond to natural healing remedies for their teething troubles.

A Newborn Baby Carrier Should Provide Safety, Security, and Snuggles

You have a new bundle of joy in your life -- and now you're ready to get out and explore the world with your new baby. Or at least take a walk around the block. A newborn baby carrier is a great solution for new parents because you can go out for a walk, take a shopping trip, or even just get some housework done while your baby is with you. A good baby carrier provides your baby with safety, security, and lots of opportunity to snuggle with you.

When you're shopping for the perfect carrier be sure you consider safety carefully. There are many "baby packs" on the market and not all of them are a good idea. Avoid any baby carrier that leaves your newborn's legs dangling down. Many of the popular models found in stores have this design. The problem with dangling legs is the unnatural pressure it puts on your baby's developing legs and hips. This can spell big problems for your baby now and down the road as he or she begins walking.

Instead shop for a newborn baby carrier that holds your little one in a gently cradled position, or one that lets you cross your baby's legs under his or her bottom. When your child is a few months he or she won't care for the crossed leg position, but at first babies don't mind this. When this position is outgrow a carrier should support your baby's bottom and thighs - your little one will literally be sitting on her bottom in the carrier, not dangling by her crotch area. Baby slings, baby wraps, and some "pack" carriers like the Ergobaby carrier line properly support your baby. For a newborn baby carrier I recommend you choose a wrap. It will adapt with your baby's age and preferences.

Be sure you keep fabric out of your baby's face when riding in any carrier.

Your child also needs to feel secure while riding on you. Many people wear their babies facing out, thinking babies like to see the world. But this is often unsettling to infants, especially newborns. Face your little one in, so that you are chest to chest. This keeps baby happy and secure while riding with you. As your baby grows you can pick a carrier that allows your baby to ride on your back. This gives baby the chance to look around at everything that's going on while still being pulled in close to your body and feeling secure.

Your newborn wants to be snuggled close. This is another reason why a wrap carrier is ideal. Your baby sits right against your body, cuddled within a soft carrier. Babies really like being balled up in there! If your baby protests when you first put him in the carrier don't give up. Instead, take a walk! Many little ones grumble initially and then settle down as soon as they feel the rhythm of a brisk walk. It reminds them of being snuggled in the womb. Again, remember to keep your baby's face clear so he can breathe. While your child is on you it's second nature to check on him, but just as a reminder you should frequently peek in at your baby to be assured that he's not too hot or too cold, and hasn't slipped too far into the fabric.

With a little shopping you can find the perfect newborn baby carrier. Choose one that supports your baby's bone development, helps your baby feel secure, and keeps your newborn snuggled closely to your protective body. It will quickly become your baby's favorite place to be!

By the way, do you want to get more practical baby care information that will give you keys to a smarter, happier baby while building a strong bond with your little one?

 

2 Easy Techniques to Soothe Fussy Babies

Some lucky parents get dream babies who just move along through life cooing and smiling. But many of us get babies that are just grumpy! Don't feel discouraged if you have a fussy little one. Like so many things in life, this too shall pass. There are some things you can do to help your cranky little one right away, however.

Swaddling and "Shushing"

A classic method of helping fussy babies is the swaddle. You can swaddle your baby in any manner you prefer; there are different swaddling styles. The most important part of the swaddle is that the baby's arms are held tightly against his side. The legs are not as important and can even be left out of a swaddle as your baby grows, or during hot weather. Find a swaddling style that works for you and stick with it.

When you swaddle your little one you keep her in a familiar situation: the womb was a pretty tight squeeze by the end of your pregnancy! Babies are soothed by having their arms close to their sides.

Don't expect a swaddle alone to calm your child, however. Some babies are calmed as soon as you swaddle them, but many appear to get even more upset while you're wrapping! This is completely normal. Babies have a hard time calming down from getting themselves worked up crying.

Once you swaddle your little one, pick him up and use the "shushing" part of this technique. Your baby is used to hearing a lot of noise because the womb is very noisy. He heard your heart, your blood, your digestive system, etc. This "white noise" was a dull roar at about the level of a vacuum cleaner!

Making a loud "shushing" sound right next to your baby's ear can instantly calm her. It sounds really obnoxious to us, but babies like it. You must do it close to your crying baby because your baby needs to be able to hear it over her own cries. As your baby calms down you can lower the volume. Other white noises can also soothe your baby.

Get Outside

The second technique for soothing a fussy baby is to take a walk. Babies like to be outside. It's almost like they know that our natural environment is out of doors!

Put your baby into a baby carrier and start walking. Our newest baby would stop crying as soon as my husband crossed the threshold with her!

If it's cold out you can still bundle your baby up and go out for a walk. Wear and oversized coat so your baby can fit inside it (riding in his baby carrier). Zip or button so your baby's head is still peeking out. This makes a cozy place for your baby to enjoy the ride.

Your baby is used to the rhythm and movement of your body from months of being in the womb, so walking is very soothing. The fresh air and warm sunlight usually help your baby calm down too.

If your baby fusses even in the carrier, try taking her out and draping her over your forearm. Cup her head gently in your hand with her belly pressed against your arm. This position is really soothing to a lot of fussy babies. It usually does the trick when coupled with taking a stroll outside!

By the way, do you want to get more practical baby care information that will give you keys to a smarter, happier baby while building a strong bond with your little one?

If so, download my free guide: How to Have a Smarter, Happier Baby

 

Selecting a Daycare Center Without the Tears

A very large percentage of new mothers on maternity leave while caring for their newborns have seriously considered the thought of finding a way to be financially okay without returning to work once the leave has run out. I bet the percentage is as large as 75, 90 or even higher who crunch numbers, lay out budgets and crunch the numbers once again in the vain hope that they can stay with their baby without working away from home. Unfortunately, the vast majority of them must go back to work to support the family. This ultimate realization does not come without guilt and falling tears. They are forced to select a day care center for their new baby and are determined to choose the very best one they can find.

What do the best day care centers look like? How do you find such a place? First, a decision must be made as to what type of day care center is best for your situation. A well-reputed state-licensed daycare facility provides security, the latest curriculum and modern equipment. A home daycare setting involves a local mother whom you know and you also know loves kids and will probably care for your child as if it were her own. Nannies come to your home and care for your baby in his own surroundings, making it very comfortable for him. Then there is the loving friend or relative who would just love to care for baby Nicki and no, it's no trouble at all. Each category has things to like and things to dislike and these must be carefully weighed before a decision is made.

The great thing about the state-licensed day care facility is you know that the staff has passed strict background checks and have attended at least some classes in early childhood development and education. The center will provide a state-mandated ratio of teachers to children so each child will receive the care they need. The drawbacks to this group setting is that if one child has a cold, they all have a cold and if one of them cries they all start bawling in unison. As fine as the staff to child ratio may be, there will not be enough of them to hug all the kids or put them on their laps for comforting.

A home daycare provides one caregiver to cater to your child's needs and becomes something of a surrogate mother. A strong attachment often forms between a child and a home daycare provider. But what happens if that caregiver herself gets sick? Or one of her own children? Do you want her to take your child along on her daily errands? When her family decides to go on vacation, where will your child go? And what will his reaction to another new environment?

A nanny seems always to be a fine choice. The nanny comes to your baby's home to care for him where he is at his comfortable best. A strong attachment can also become part of this type of arrangement. Again, you face the problem of what to do when nanny gets ill, goes on vacation or takes a day off for personal reasons.

Taking grandma or loving friend up on their offers of kindness is always a carefree answer to your dilemma and fine for baby. The problem here is that you want your relatives and friends to have a life of their own and not be tied down to your house and child day after day while you are away at work. Your loved ones deserve to live their lives as they choose among and their own age group if that suits them.

The crux of the matter is there is no right or wrong to any of the scenarios. Parents must weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for their family, but there are some universal considerations applicable to all of the options. Cost must not be the determinate factor, but it must be considered. A stranger can never be trusted with your child without providing strong references, strong reassurances of their character and a long track record of excellence in their field. Lots of state welfare agencies make background checks of caregivers available to private parties. If a caregiver does not want you popping in at random to check on your child, don't entrust your child to them. If your child is older, find out what discipline measure are used and find out what activities are provided for school-aged kids who are dropped off after school.

Preparation must be laid out to make this difficult decision correctly. Last minute choices are not an option. Feelings of guilt and a few tears will fall, but a well-honed plan will alleviate parental stress and with it the stress on the entire family.

In the event that you were interested in this post you could go to the Thad Pryor Blog to find out more about Thad Pryor.

Wholesale Baby Boutique: Earning Profit From Wholesale Baby Boutique Supplies

Whether you have a posh shop or an online clothing store, wholesale baby boutique garments, accessories, and gift items are profitable products in high demand. Manufacturers produce endless varieties of merchandise, from designer denim to practical strollers and car seats. Constantly learning, moving, and most importantly growing, infants are always in need of something new. As a reseller, you are in a financially rewarding position that is just as enjoyable! Becoming a source of moms, dads, grandparents, and friend's favorite place to shop for little ones will be your ticket to success. Here are some quick tips to assist you in becoming the next big thing in toddler retail.

Dollars and Sense

In order to turn a decent profit, research wholesale vendors to make sure you are purchasing products for sensible prices. A retailer's prices influence the quantities of baby items that consumers will buy, which in turn affects total revenue and profit. The difference between cost of merchandise and retail price is called markup. Infant clothing, gifts, and accessories are typically marked 100% above the factory price, but may range up to 400% for specific products, such as trendy name brand apparel. Keep in mind that promotional sales and discounts lure customers to a website or through the door, so your pricing should allow you enough wiggle room to offer limited-time specials and entice buyers throughout the year. Your specific retail strategy for customers will depend on a variety of factors. You will want your prices to be reasonable for your target market and what they are willing to spend. Size up your competition locally if you own a brick and mortar store by taking a look at their current inventory. This will give an idea of what people in your area are expecting in return for their money. Online retailers are encouraged to investigate their competition by using a search engine to type keywords describing specific items or brand names.

The One-of-a-Kind Boutique

Shopping for competitive costs does not mean you have to sacrifice the individuality of the merchandise. Specialty shops are the hub of exquisite items that cannot be found everywhere, so your customers will expect to find impressive options. In an industry with fierce competition, try to find a niche that sets you apart from the rest. Your store's identity can be discovered by keeping up with the latest toddler fashion trends or even choosing a lesser known supplier to expose customers to something brand new. Find manufacturers who think outside the box with clever color, pattern, and fabric combinations. A mixture of both practical everyday and luxurious occasional items, all with a twist of spunk and originality will keep customers coming back for more.

Selecting Distributors

The company manufacturing your infant gear and accessories should be delightful to work with and offer convenient ways to order supplies. An extreme emphasis on customer service is vital, as well as prompt processing and shipping procedures to guarantee your business is prepared at all times. Choosing a distributor with these qualities will keep you off the phone, so you can do what you really love to do: shopping for, ordering, merchandising, and reselling darling little infant clothes for a tremendous profit!

Wholesale baby boutique owners are given a brief explanation of how to earn profit by selling wholesale baby boutique supplies.

Choosing the Best Baby Furniture

When shopping for baby furniture, it is important to plan your buying before you make decisions. Many parents often go into stores blindly and often spending way too much without getting good value for their furniture. When searching for baby furniture there is many different variables, but the most important should be safety. Make sure to research the recent recall lists and also try to avoid companies that have frequent recalls on their products as this is a huge waste of time and energy if you have to return products frequently.

The first thing that you should look for and definitely the one you should do the most research on is the baby crib. While you can find good cribs for as cheap prices and designer cribs for over a thousand dollars it is best to research what you are looking for before you purchase. Many cheaper brands will be high quality and safe, while many expensive brands may have recalls and problems. One of the best things to do is join an online forum with other parents or talk to people that you know that have children and ask them their opinions on certain baby cribs, these people will often give you honest opinions and not to try to sell you a certain brand like sales people may do at the retail store.

When searching for the crib it is important to know your budget and try to find something that fits into your price range. Be sure to be on the lookout for hidden costs or any accessories that are needed, but not added in the advertised price. This is a tactic many stores use to entice customers. One solid investment is to invest in a convertible crib that you can change into the child's bed once they get old enough. While these may be more expensive initially it saves you from having to buy another new bed when the child is too big for their crib.

One important thing to do is to check the size of your nursery before making a purchase on any type of baby furniture. Many parents will find a good deal by buying a combination set of designer baby furniture, only to find out that it is too big for the room they are using. One good rule of thumb is to measure your room and visualize how each baby item would fit in the room. This will eliminate many of the larger items if you are dealing with a small room and will give you the ability to choose larger items it you have the space.

Overall buying baby furniture is a great experience and one that should be enjoyed. The best thing to do is to measure your room, make a list of what you are interested in and plan a budget before shopping. This will not only save you money, but also save you time.