BabyHome

Home Made Baby Food

2009-08-08T00:53:00.001-07:00

By Lori Rice

Every parent wants to do what is right for their baby. As society continues to grapple with the medical issues associated with childhood obesity and related disease conditions, the awareness of proper nutrition for children is growing too. More parents are taking action, taking upon themselves the responsibility that their children are getting the right kind of nutritious foods.

It is never too soon to begin healthy nutrition practices. Preparing homemade baby food is one way to make sure your child gets an early start with proper nutrition. As a reader of this Wellness E-Zine, you are most likely concerned with the food you put in your body. For most of you, this extends beyond an interest in simple calorie counting and fat grams. Today, the health conscious person is taking a good look at how foods are grown, prepared and packaged.

These factors can greatly influence the nutritional value of the food, and the environment we live in. If you are concerned about the foods you eat, then you are also very concerned about the nutrition of your baby. Once an infant is ready to start on solid foods, many parents feel their only options are the different packaged baby foods. This certainly is not the case. With a little extra time and effort you can prepare your own homemade baby foods. It is a simple process with many benefits for you, and your child.

Why Prepare Homemade Baby Foods?
Over the years, processed, packaged baby food in your local supermarket has been a safe and effective nutrient source. However, this doesn’t mean that we should rest there. Unfortunately, most packaged foods have added sugars and starches, and jarred baby food is no exception. The good news..? Similar to the power we have when we choose to prepare family meals versus going out to eat, preparing homemade baby food allows you much more control over exactly what is going into the final product.

It is possible for the baby food you make at home to be more nutritious than the packaged variety. The longer a fruit or vegetable sits or travels, the more nutrients are lost. By using items you have grown yourself or purchased locally you can increase the nutritional impact of your child’s food. You will also be able to better determine the flavor, taste and texture…leaving, at the end of mealtime a happier, as well as healthier baby. Also, while the supermarket selection may leave you with limited options, making your own baby food can expose your child to new and unique flavors. There is also speculation that making your own foods from fruits, vegetables and meats, it may help your baby make an easier transition to healthy table foods when they are ready.

Welcoming a new member to the family can be a strain on your finances. There are things needed at the moment, as well as savings to think about for the future. Making small changes where you are able can help you afford the necessities. This is another reason why homemade baby food is a great option. It will save you money. You will be using a lot of the same foods you currently have on hand for family meals. By having appropriate storage supplies you will utilize reusable containers with no money lost to the packaging of supermarket products.

When Is the Best Time to Start Making Baby Food?
The main indicator that a baby is ready to start eating more solid foods is when the swallowing reflex develops. Before this time your baby will not be able to swallow any solid foods properly. In a document updated September 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that most children are ready between four and six months of age. However, the Department of Health of the United Kingdom recommends waiting until six months of age. If you have concerns, it is best to talk with your pediatrician about what is right for your baby and determine when he or she is ready.

You will likely want to begin your baby on cereals made of rice. At this age grains can sometimes cause allergic reactions and rice cereals are most often the safest choice. As your baby reaches six to eight months of age fruits and vegetables become an option. Protein sources and some dairy products like cheese can begin to be introduced as your baby enters the 8 to 12 month age range.

When starting out, you will be unaware of any allergies your baby might have. This is why it is important to introduce one food at a time. Avoid making mixed fruits or vegetables for the first few months. By giving your child one specific fruit or vegetable you will be able to easily identify the cause if a complication should arise.

Making Baby Foods
Making baby foods is a very simple process. You will want to make sure that you do not add any types of seasonings or sweeteners to the food. Your baby will like the natural flavor of the food itself. When your baby is ready for fruits and vegetables you can choose fresh or frozen. Canned items are also an option, but you will want to be sure that there are no unnecessary additives such as sodium or sugar. Cook the produce by steaming, baking or boiling. It is important to note that boiling for long lengths of time can reduce the nutritional content of the food.

Next, let the food cool and puree it with an immersion blender or food processor. Incorporating some of the cooking liquid will help create a loser consistency. When your baby is ready for protein sources make sure the meats are fully cooked. You can cube them and then puree them with water.

Some examples of fruits and vegetables you can start out with include sweet potatoes, winter squash, green beans, bananas, avocados, pears and apples. When your baby is ready for meat choose lean beef, legumes such as lentils, pork and egg yolks. The first dairy products your child can experiment with are cheeses and yogurt.

General Safety When Preparing and Storing Baby Foods
Babies are very vulnerable to germs. It is important to take every precaution to ensure that homemade baby food is safe. When cooking with or around raw foods, be very conscious of cross contamination. Do not let raw foods come into contact with what you are preparing for your baby. Always make sure any meats are cooked all the way through and do not use leftovers to prepare baby foods. Red meats and pork should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). When working with fresh fruits and vegetables scrub the outside skin well with a vegetable brush under running water.

Do not leave baby foods at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent the growth of bacteria. When stored in the refrigerator cooked fruits and vegetables should be consumed in less than three days, preferably two days. Raw fruits and cooked meats should be consumed the next day.

You can safely freeze baby foods for use within one to three months. The best method identified for freezing is in an ice cube tray. First make sure the tray is clean and sanitized. You might consider running it through the dishwasher, however, be sure the manufacturers instructions allow this before doing so. Fill each cube with some of the pureed food and cover in plastic wrap. Freeze, and when you need to free up your trays you can transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.

There are three possible methods for thawing the cubes. First you can thaw them in an enclosed container in the refrigerator. You might also choose the submersion method where you place the cubes in a bowl and then place the bottom of that bowl in a larger bowl filled with warm water. This process usually takes about 20 minutes. It is possible to thaw in the microwave, but many professionals do not recommend it. The microwave can produce hot pockets within the food that could burn your baby’s mouth. If you do use this method be sure to stir the food well and test its temperature.

It is important to note that some foods should be avoided when preparing meals for your baby. These foods should not be given to a child until they are older, in some cases one to two years of age. Be sure to discuss these foods with your pediatrician and determine the best time to introduce them to your baby. They have the potential to cause allergies, present a choking hazard or contain substances that are unsafe to you child’s system at their young age. Some foods include honey, peanut butter, nuts, citrus or acidic fruits, strawberries, corn, egg whites, whole milk, wheat, grapes, shellfish, chocolate, beets and spinach.

Homemade Baby Food Recipes , Basic Meat and Potatoes Dinner

2009-08-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

Basic Meat and Potatoes Dinner

For 10 months and older.

1/2 cup ground or cubed cooked meat
(chicken, turkey, beef, or pork)
1/4 cup cooked vegetable pieces (peas,
carrots, squash, green beans, corn)
1/4 cup cooked rice, potato or enriched pasta
1/4 cup milk or formula

Combine and blend or mash all ingredients until few lumps remain.

Combinations:
Beef, peas and potatoes
Chicken, carrots and rice
Beef, squash and macaroni
Liver, green beans and potatoes

Tips for Making Homemade Baby Food

2009-08-08T00:29:00.001-07:00

Work under the most sanitary conditions possible.
Wash your hands with hot water and soap, scrub, rinse and dry with clean towel before fixing your baby’s food, before feeding your baby, and after changing your baby’s diapers.
Scrub all working surfaces with soap and hot water.
Scrub all equipment with soap and hot water, and rinse well.
Prepare fresh fruits or vegetables by scrubbing, paring or peeling, and removing seeds.
Prepare meats by removing all bones, skin, connective tissue, gristle and fat.
Cook foods, when necessary, boiling them in a small, covered saucepan with a small amount of water until tender. The amount of water is important — the less water used, the more nutrients stay in the food.
Puree food using a blender, food processor, baby food grinder, spoon or fork. Grind up tough foods. Cut food into small pieces or thin slices. Take out seeds and pits from fruit.
Test for smoothness by rubbing a small amount of food between your fingers. Add a liquid such as formula, water or fruit juice to achieve a desired consistency.
If pureed food is not being used right away, refrigerate quickly.
To freeze: pour cooled, pureed food into a paper cupcake liner or a section of a clean ice cube tray, and cover with foil. When frozen solid, store cubes in a freezer container in the freezer in a freezer bag or box.
Reheat frozen cube in a heat-resistant container in a pan of hot water.
When cooking foods for the family, remember to separate the baby’s portion before adding seasoning or spices. Babies need very little, if any, added salt or sugar.

Q: Should I avoid certain foods if I make my own baby food?

A: High-nitrate vegetables, such as beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard greens, lettuce, spinach and turnips, should not be fed to babies in large quantities. The naturally occurring nitrates in these vegetables can change to nitrites, which bind iron in the blood and make it difficult to carry oxygen. This can make it hard to breathe and cause the skin to become blue. Limit the serving size of these vegetables to one to two tablespoons per feeding.

Thawing and Warming Baby’s Food

Here are some suggestions on thawing and warming food for your baby. Frozen food can be thawed in the refrigerator or the microwave oven on the defrost setting. But remember, food that has been thawed should never be refrozen.

Stove Method: To warm food, place it directly in a saucepan and slowly warm over low heat, stirring often. Stir and test temperature of food before feeding it to your baby.

Microwave Method: Microwave ovens heat foods unevenly and cause hot spots. There may be hot spots even if the food feels cool to you. It is important to stir food well to prevent burns to you or your baby. Here are some other tips:

Cover dish with a microwave-safe cover, not plastic wrap.
Stir food and turn the dish often during the heating process.
Allow food to sit for a few minutes; stir well and test temperature before feeding your baby.
It is not recommended to heat pureed meats in the microwave. Hot spots in the meat could seriously burn your baby.
For other foods, heat food in a microwave-safe dish or an opened baby-food jar.

Equipment Needed to Make Baby Food

Sieve/strainer: It should have a small mesh. You can press foods through it with the back of a spoon. It can be used for juices, soft fruits and vegetables, but not meats.

Spoon, forks and potato masher: Use these to mash soft foods, such as most canned fruits, egg yolks, bananas and potatoes, to the right consistency.

Food mills or grinders: You may already have a food mill in your canning supplies, but if you don’t, they are available in stores that sell kitchen supplies. The smaller size baby food mill is similar to the larger version. They can be purchased in the baby section of department stores. It can be used at home or when traveling. The larger mills and grinders are useful when preparing soft meats and both can be used for cooked fruits, vegetables and soft fresh fruits.

Blenders: Your blender can come in handy to prepare food for the baby. Food items cooked for the family can be blended smooth for baby or to freeze for later. Hand-held blenders are useful pieces of equipment that you may want to consider.

Plastic ice cube trays: Use trays for freezing extra food that you prepare. After the food is frozen, remove the cubes and store in a container designed for freezing.

Pureed Baby Food Recipes

Pureed Fruit Delight

1/2 cup freshly cooked or home-canned fruits, or cooked dried prunes (without sugar) (Use apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots or prunes)
2-4 teaspoons liquid (water, unsweetened fruit juice—not citrus—or formula)

Remove skin and seeds. Press through a sieve, or put ingredients in food mill or blender and puree until smooth. Serve or freeze. Freeze no longer than 1 month.

Applesauce Deluxe

1 medium apple
4 tablespoons pineapple juice

Peel, quarter and core apple. Cook with pineapple juice until soft. Blend until smooth in texture.

Bananas Plain and Simple

Ripe bananas may be pureed or mashed and fed to your baby directly.

Yummy Fresh Fruit

3/4 cup ripe fruit (uncooked peaches, nectarines, pears or apricots) without sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened fruit juice (not citrus)

Remove skin and seeds. Puree ingredients in baby food mill or blender until smooth. Serve or freeze. Freeze no longer than 1 month.

Vegetable Medley

1/2 cup cooked fresh, frozen or canned vegetables (potato, sweet potato, green beans, peas, carrots, yellow squash), without salt added
2-4 tablespoons cooking liquid, formula or water

Cook fresh vegetables or use frozen or canned vegetables without salt or seasoning. (Read labels for ingredients.) Press vegetable chunks through a sieve or baby food mill. Thin with cooking liquid or formula to eating consistency. Or put cooked vegetables and liquid in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve or freeze. Freeze no longer than 1 month.

Note: After the individual vegetables have been fed several times, some good combinations are: potatoes and carrots, potatoes and green beans, carrots and peas.

Simple Strained Meat or Poultry
(for babies over 8 months)

1/2 cup cooked meat (small pieces of lean chicken, beef, turkey or pork)
2-4 tablespoons meat broth or formula

Cook lean meat (fat, skin and connective tissue removed) over low heat in a small amount of water. Puree meat and liquid until smooth. Serve or freeze. Freeze no longer than one month.

Egg Yolk Puree
(for babies over 8 months)

Cook one egg in simmering water 15 to 20 minutes. Remove shell. Remove yolk and mash with 1 tablespoon of formula or water until smooth. Serve or freeze. Freeze no longer than 1 month.

Note: Use only the yolk. Avoid feeding egg whites until 1 year to avoid problems with allergies. Use the extra egg white in the family’s casseroles, salads or sandwiches.

Your Choice Combo Dish
(for babies over 8 months)

1 cup cooked, cubed or diced meat (cut off fat)
1/2 cup cooked rice, potato, noodles or macaroni
2/3 cup cooked, diced vegetables
3/4 to 1 cup liquid (formula, broth or water)

Combine and blend until smooth. Serve or freeze in serving-size containers. If frozen, use within 1 month.

Note: If you prepare combination dishes, use them only after you have fed the individual food several times.

Creamy Custard
(for babies over 1 year)

3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups milk, warmed

Mix egg yolks and sugar. Stir in milk and mix well. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the spoon. Refrigerate. Use within 2 to 3 days

Vitamins & Minerals in Baby's Foods - Learn about Vitamins & Minerals and their Importance in Healthy Development

2009-08-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

We have compiled a chart of Vitamins and Minerals found in baby's first foods. Also, you will find below a list of vitamins and minerals and what they are important for.

BABY'S FIRST VEGGIES:

CARROTS:(half cup steamed)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 19,152 IU
Vitamin C - 1.8 mg
Niacin - .4 mg
Folate - 11 mcg
Pantothenic Acid - .2 mg
Vitamin B6 - .2 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts

MINERALS
Potassium - 177 mg
Sodium - 51.5 mg
Calcium - 24 mg
Phosphorus - 23.4 mg
Magnesium - 10 mg
Iron - .48 mg
Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc.

PEAS: (one cup steamed)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 955.2iu
Vitamin C - 22.72 mg
Niacin - 3.23 mg
Folate - 100.8 mcg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .41 mg
Vitamin B6 - .35 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS:
Potassium - 433.6 mg
Phosphorus - 187.2 mg
Magnesium - 62.4 mg
Calcium - 43.2 mg
Sodium - 4.8 mg
Selenium - 3.0 mg
Iron - 2.5 mg
Zinc - 1.9 mg
Manganese - .8 mg
Also contains small amount of copper.

SWEET POTATO: (one medium sized - baked)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 24,877 mg
Vitamin C - 28.0 mg
Pantothenic Acid - .74 mg
Niacin - .69 mg
Folate - 26.2 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS:
Potassium - 273 mg
Phosphorus - 29.5 mg
Magnesium - 13.5 mg
Calcium - 6.2 mg
Sodium - 11.0 mg
Iron - .55 mg
Selenium - .5 mg
Manganese - .6 mg
Zinc - .3 mg
Also contains small amount of copper.

WINTER SQUASH (acorn/butternut) - 1 cup, baked)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 877 mg
Vitamin C - 22.1 mg
Niacin - 1.865 mg
Folate - 39 mcg
Pantothenic Acid - 1.03 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts

MINERALS:
Potassium - 896 mg
Phosphorus - 92 mg
Magnesium - 88 mg
Calcium - 90 mg
Selenium - 1.4 mg
Also contains trace amounts of iron, zinc, manganese and copper.

Vitamins

Vitamin A (Antioxidant)
Helps with vision and growth.

Found in: carrots, avocados, spinach, yellow/orange fruits and vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, kiwi, prunes, papaya, liver, eggs, milk and milk products, paprika

Vitamin B12
Involved in red blood cell production and nerve function.

Found in: salt-water fish, pork, organ meats, eggs, milk and milk products

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
Breaks down carbohydrates and regulates nerve impulses.

Found in: legumes, okra, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, whole grains, sunflower seeds, nuts, peanuts, organ meats, fish and poultry, egg yolks, blackstrap molasses

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Essential for growth; breaks down fat and carbohydrate.

Found in: carrots, tops of beets and turnips, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, legumes, brussels sprouts, kelp, prunes, apples, lemons, grapefruit, coconut, whole grains, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, nuts, organ meats, egg yolks, milk and milk products, blackstrap molasses

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Breaks down carbohydrate and fat in body.

Found in: rhubarb, whole barley, wheat germ, whole bran, peanuts, almonds, fish (including lobster) and poultry, milk and milk products

Vitamin B6
Essential for normal growth, needed for healthy red blood cells.

Found in: legumes, green leafy vegetables, cabbage, prunes, whole grains, whole-grain cereals, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, organ meats, egg yolks, corn oil, blackstrap molasses, honey

Vitamin C (Antioxidant)
Maintains skin tissue, aids iron absorption, important in healing wounds and allergic reactions. Helps with colds and removes free radicals from body.

Found in: green and red peppers, avocados, banana, cabbage, kiwi, turnip greens, kale, collards, parsley, sprouted alfalfa seeds, broccoli, tomatoes, mango lemons, orange peel, black currants, acerola cherries, cantaloupe, strawberries, citrus fruits, rose hips.

Vitamin D
Helps strengthen bones; essential for normal growth and development.

Found in: salmon, sardines, herring, tuna, organ meats, Vitamin D-fortified milk and milk products, egg yolks, wheat germ

Vitamin E (Antioxidant)
Eliminates free radicals in the body, removes toxic substances from blood, prevents bad cholesterol (LDL) from being used and maintains skin tissue.

Found in: peas, lettuce, sweet potatoes, leafy vegetables, brown rice, rye, whole-grain cereals, wheat germ, nuts, egg yolks, organ meats, molasses, corn oil, cold-pressed oils

Vitamin K
Helps to clot blood.

Found in: alfalfa, turnip greens, green vegetables, chlorophyll, cauliflower, oats, wheat, rye, soybeans, egg yolks, liver, yogurt, acidophilus, safflower oil, blackstrap molasses

Biotin
Helps restore tissue, breaks down carbohydrate and fat.

Found in: legumes, whole grains, lentils, liver, egg yolk, sardines, brewer's yeast

Pantothenic Acid
Helps to break down carbohydrate and fat.

Found in: broccoli, legumes, whole grains, wheat bran, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, peanuts, organ meats, salmon, molasses

Folic Acid
Ensures that cells develop normally; needed for healthy red blood cells

Found in: dark green, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, dates, whole grains, brewer's yeast, salmon, tuna, organ meats, milk

BABY'S FIRST FRUITS:

BANANAS: (one medium)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 95 IU
Vitamin C - 11 mg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 22.5 mcg
Vitamin B6 - .7mcg
Niacin - .6 mg
Pantothenic Acid - .31 mg
Vitamin E - .67 IU

MINERALS:
Potassium - 467 mg
Magnesium - 43 mg
Phosphorus - 27 mg
Calcium - 7 mg
Selenium - 1.3 mg
Iron - .4 mg
Also contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper

AVOCADO: (one medium)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 1230 IU
Vitamin C - 15.9 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .2 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .25 mg
Niacin - 3.9 mg
Folate - 124.6 mg
Pantothenic Acid - 1.95 mg
Vitamin B6 - .56 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS:
Potassium - 1204 mg
Phosphorus - 82.4 mg
Magnesium - 78.4 mg
Calcium - 22 mg
Sodium - 20 mg
Iron - 2 mg
Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc.

APPLES: (one medium)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 73 IU
Vitamin C - 9 mg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 4 mcg
Vitamin E - .66 IU

MINERALS:
Potassium - 158 mg
Calcium - 9.5 mg
Phosphorus - 9.5 mg
Magnesium - 7 mg
Selenium - .4 mg
Also contains small amounts of iron, manganese, copper and zinc.

PEACHES: (one medium w/skin)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 524 IU
Vitamin C - 19 mg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 5.5 mcg
Niacin - .97 mg

MINERALS:
Potassium - 193 mg
Phosphorus - 12 mg
Magnesium - 6.9 mg
Calcium - 5 mg
Selenium - .4 mg
Also contains trace amounts of iron, zinc, manganese and copper.

Minerals

Calcium
Important for growth of bones, teeth and clotting of blood.

Found in: green leafy vegetables, avocados, celery, seaweed, carrots, figs, dates, papaya, apricots, almonds, raisins, garlic, brown rice, beans, pecans, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, cashews, shellfish, milk and milk products, molasses

Phosphorus
Needed for strong bones and teeth.

Found in: squash, carrots, mushrooms, legumes, whole grain cereals, oats, nuts, fish, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products, beans

Iodine
Needed for proper development of thyroid hormone.

Found in: Irish moss, kelp, beets, celery, lettuce, mushrooms, grapes, oranges, seafood, iodized salt

Potassium
Helps with maintenance of muscles and nerves and distributes and balances water in the body.

Found in: spinach, okra, celery, mushrooms, pecans, avocado, brussels sprouts, potatoes, legumes, bananas, tomatoes, strawberries, lemons, figs, oranges, papaya, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, dried fruits, whole grains, sunflower seeds

Iron
Needed for healthy red blood cells and immune function.

Found in: green leafy vegetables, kelp, beets, asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, watercress, parsley, grapes, bananas, figs, raisins, dried fruits, cherry juice, soybeans, sunflower seeds, meats, organ meats, fish and poultry, blackstrap molasses

Selenium (Antioxidant)
Works with Vitamin E. Helps eliminate free radicals in the body.

Found in: whole grains, wheat germ, wheat bran, brewer's yeast, puffed wheat, Cheerios, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, swordfish, tuna, herring

Magnesium
Important for muscle contraction, especially the heart and nerves.

Found in: dark green vegetables, kelp, pineapple, whole grains, nuts, almonds, pecans, seafood, molasses, honey

Sodium
Maintains nerves and balances and distributes water in the body.

Found in: celery, turnips, cucumbers, beets, string beans, okra, pumpkins, lima beans, wheat germ, seafood, milk and milk products, table salt, baking powder, baking soda, processed foods

Zinc
Important for growth, functioning of immune system, sexual development and reproduction.

Found in: mushrooms, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, seafood, meats, organ meats, oysters, herring, eggs

Other

Choline
Maintains nerves, needed during growth and development.

Found in: legumes, whole grains, brewer's yeast, soybeans, meats, organ meats, egg yolks, fish

Glutathione
Helps eliminate free radicals and maintains the immune system.

Found in: avocado, asparagus, white potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, okra, watermelon, fresh grapefruits and oranges, strawberries, peaches, raw tomatoes, lean meats

Co-Enzyme Q-10
Protects Vitamin E; maintains a healthy heart and strong immune system.

Found in: soybeans, sardines, mackerel, peanuts, walnuts, sesame seeds, some organ meats

Bananas, A Perfect Baby Food

2009-08-08T00:12:00.000-07:00

A mashed ripe banana is an extremely simple and healthy baby food.

A banana is basic, but bursting with nutrients, making it an ideal fruit to choose as one of baby’s first “solid” foods. (Please note that the earliest you should introduce any solid food to a baby is at 6-8 months old.)

Bananas are called a perfect food for a perfectly logical reason:

Everything a person needs to survive is contained in this fruit. (Therefore, if stranded on a deserted island, you can consider yourself quite fortunate if it’s a banana island!)

Take a glance at the nutritional goodness packed into a banana:

Potassium, Fiber, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Iron, Vitamins A, B2, B6, C, E, Niacin, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid. Furthermore, bananas are very easy to digest, seldom cause allergic reactions, and aid the intestines in making a valuable mucous lining.

Bananas are also perfectly convenient.

Parents don’t have to take time to wash them, as they are protectively “packaged” in their peels. In fact, it makes no sense to waste money on processed, jarred baby food bananas when what you’re really paying for is added sugar, starch, salt and water. In this way, production companies stretch the product and disguise off-flavors. Truthfully, a jar of commercially prepared banana baby food may contain no more than 30% fruit! Why pay for such mediocrity when fresh quality food is easily available and affordable? According to a 1995 evaluation of commercial baby food, the Center for Science in the Public Interest stated: “To give your baby the most nutritious and economical food, prepare your own baby food whenever possible. Using a blender or food processor, it is easy to puree most foods.”

With bananas, you don't even need a blender!

A fork will do the trick. Simply peel and mash a ripe banana (but do feed it to the baby right away, as the banana will turn brown quickly). And if you are just beginning your baby on solids, it’s a good idea to mix the mashed banana with a little breast milk to liquefy it even more.

Simple banana "recipes" your baby will enjoy (and you'll enjoy how easy they are!):

Mashed Banana-Avocado

Peel and mash the pulp of a ripe banana with the pulp of an avocado. Blend in a blender if a smoother consistency is desired.

Banana Oatmeal (for babies at least 8 months old)

Combine 1/4 cup rolled oats with 1/2 cup breast milk; bring to a boil, then simmer 5 min., stirring often. Mash 1/3 cup diced banana with 1/4 cup breast milk; mix into oatmeal.

Other foods you can puree with bananas for nutritious baby food include:

Apples, blueberries, kiwi, peaches, pears, cooked pumpkin, and cooked sweet potato.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Vegetable Trio With Parmesan Breadcrumbs (ideal for babies enjoying texture)

2009-08-07T01:01:00.001-07:00

4 oz (1/2 cup) broccoli florets
4 oz (1/2 cup) cauliflower florets
3 oz (1/3 cup) carrots
3 oz (1/3 cup) fresh breadcrumbs
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp grated parmesan

Preheat the oven to 350 deg F, 180 deg C.
Steam the vegetables until tender.
In a frying pan/skillet, heat the oil and 1 tsp butter, then gently saute the breadcrumbs.
Stir in the parmesan.
Chop the veggies finely and place in an oven-proof dish. Top with the bread crumbs, drizzle with the remaining butter and mix well.
Bake for 10 minutes.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Broccoli With Gruyere Cheese

2009-08-07T00:54:00.000-07:00

NOTE: If you can't find Gruyere, use any Swiss cheese as a substitute

1 medium potato, peeled and diced
6oz (3/4 cup) broccoli florets
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) milk
2 tbsp grated Gruyere
1 tbsp fresh, chopped parsley
1 tbsp unsalted butter

Boil the potato until tender.
Steam the broccoli florets.
Finally, combine the potato and broccoli with the remaining ingredients, mash or puree as desired and top with the parsley.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Fennel With Roasted Red Peppers

2009-08-07T00:53:00.000-07:00

1 large red bell pepper
2 tomatoes (tomatoes may cause diaper rash in some babies, so you may wish to wait until later in baby's first year to try this recipe)
1/2 medium fennel
1 tbsp olive oil
pinch ground coriander

Preheat the oven to 350 deg F, 180 deg C.
Cut the pepper in half lengthways.
Remove seeds and place pepper in an oven-proof dish.
Chop the tomatoes and place into the pepper halves.
Quarter the fennel and place into boiling water for a few minutes, then put this on top of the tomatoes.
Pour over the olive oil and add the coriander.
Bake for 50 mins -1 hr. When done, it should be starting to brown.
Mash or puree as necessary.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Cauliflower Cheese

2009-08-07T00:52:00.001-07:00

6 oz (3/4 cup) cauliflower florets
6 fl oz (3/4 cup) milk
2 oz (1/2 cup) grated cheese
2 tsp arrowroot flour
1/2 oz butter

Steam the cauliflower until tender (about 10 mins).
To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan.
Stir in the arrowroot flour and cook briefly.
Add the milk slowly, stirring well.
Continue to cook, stirring, until sauce thickens.
Remove from the heat and stir in the grated cheese.
Finally, add the cooked cauliflower.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Wholesome Twice Baked Potatoes

2009-08-07T00:50:00.001-07:00

1 large baking potato (we prefer to use red skinned potatoes - they have a creamier texture)
1oz (1/8 cup) butter
2 fl oz (1/4 cup) milk
3 oz (1/3 cup) grated mild cheddar
1/2 tsp finely chopped fresh chives

Wash the potato, prick with a fork, then bake at 350 deg F, 180 deg C for about 1 1/2 hours, until the potato feels soft.
Remove from the oven and cut in half.
Scoop out the potato and place in a bowl, along with the milk, butter and most of the cheese.
Mash well.
Return the potato mixture to the skins, place on a cooking sheet and top with the remaining cheese.
Return to the oven and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is golden in colour.
Sprinkle with the chives.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Carrot And Lentil Soup

2009-08-07T00:48:00.000-07:00

8 oz (1 cup) dry, rinsed lentils
8 oz (1 cup) carrots, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
34 fl oz (4 1/4 cups) of water
1 tbsp olive oil

In a large saucepan, gently saute the onion in the oil, until soft.
Add the lentils, carrots and water.
Bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours, until the lentils are soft.
If necessary, you can puree the soup once it's cool, adding a little water to thin the mixture.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Cheese And Vegetable Supper

2009-08-07T00:45:00.000-07:00

5 tsp milk
4 oz (1/2 cup) cottage cheese
2 oz (1/4 cup) cooked peas
3oz (1/3 cup) cream cheese
1 oz (1/4 cup) finely grated mild cheddar
1 tbsp cooked carrots, chopped

Mix the cottage cheese, cream cheese, cheddar and milk together until well blended.
Stir in the hot, cooked vegetables.
Finish off with a little sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Pureed Pumpkin and Parsnip

2009-08-07T00:44:00.001-07:00

8 oz (1 cup) fresh pumpkin
1 medium parsnip
little pinch nutmeg
1 tsp fresh chives, chopped

Peel the pumpkin and the parsnip and cut into small cubes.
Place in a steamer, or simmer in a little water, until the vegetable dice are tender.
Drain, then mash with a fork (or puree in a blender if you want the meal to be completely smooth).
Add the nutmeg and chives, stir well and serve!

Vegetables / Vegetarian Baby Food Recipes - Potato and Turnip Puree With Pear

2009-08-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

1 pear
1 oz (1/8 cup) unsalted butter
1 large potato
1 small turnip
little maple syrup (optional)

Peel and core the pear, then cut it into quarters.
Peel and dice the potato and turnip.
Preheat the oven to 350 deg F.
Melt the butter (add the maple syrup, if you wish) and toss the pear in the butter until the pieces are coated.
Place the pear quarters on a baking sheet and roast them for around 45 mins, basting frequently with the juice. The pear should be very tender when it's done.
Puree the pear, along with any remaining cooking liquid, in a food processor.
Meanwhile, simmer the potato and turnip for around 20-30 mins, until tender, then drain.
Puree the turnip - but DON'T puree the potato (it may go "gluey"). Mash it with the butter instead, then combine the mashed potato with the pureed pear and turnip.

Delicious!

Early Childhood Dental Care

2009-08-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

Most babies get their first tooth around six months and their last primary molars before they turn three. Your child will keep these "baby" teeth until age 10 or 12 so it's important to care for them. Here's how to keep your child's smile bright and healthy:

1. Start cleaning before the first tooth emerges.

Even before the appearance of baby's first tooth, his mouth should be wiped with a warm cloth each evening to get rid of excess liquid or food. It also gets your baby used to proper tooth care.

2. Establish an early brushing routine.

Once teeth appear, brush morning and night with a warm cloth, finger brush or children's toothbrush. The abrasive action of a wet cloth or brush is sufficient to remove debris and dental plaque. Teach your child "two for two," which means brushing twice a day for two minutes each time.

3. Fluoride.

The mineral fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and increases resistance to the acid secreted by cavity-causing bacteria. Flouride is usually found in tap water so your child is probably getting all he needs. If you're giving him bottled water, look for a brand with 0.7 to 1.2 ppm (parts fluoride per million parts water).

Because fluoride should not be consumed in large doses (it can cause teeth and bones to hyper-mineralize, resulting in brittle bones, white spots on teeth, brown teeth and mottled teeth), you should use water or fluoride-free children's toothpaste until your child learns to rinse and spit. You can use a small smear (about half the size of a pea) of regular toothpaste if you are helping your child brush. Even if he swallows the toothpaste, the small amount won't contain enough fluoride to harm him. As a bonus, using a dash of regular toothpaste will promote spitting at an earlier age.

4. Monitor Bedtime Drinks.

Don't allow your baby or toddler to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup. Prolonged exposure to any sugary drink (including milk) can cause cavities. If your child wants to go to bed with a drink, fill a cup with water.

5. Do-it-Yourself Checkups.

Lift your child's lips and look at his teeth and gums on a regular basis. Take note if there are any color changes, lines or spots. If so, contact a dentist.

6. Floss.

Once teeth start to touch, it's time to add flossing to your child's routine. Aim for once a day.
Tip: It's best to use floss handles with toddlers.

7. The Family That Brushes Together . . .

Children love to mimic mom and dad so let them see you brushing your own teeth.

8. Bacteria Prevention.

Nobody is born with the bacteria that cause dental decay. Once we catch it, however, it can never be completely eradicated. Most children actually get these bacteria from their parents. To eliminate transfer, avoid licking pacifiers and don't share spoons, cups, food or toothbrushes.

9. The Dentist.

The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and the Canadian Dental Association both recommend that children visit the dentist by 12 months. Although this seems early, the goal is to provide preventive services and to promote awareness of oral health. Here's a checklist of what your dentist should discuss at that first visit:

The benefits of regular home and professional care, even at a young age.
The relationship of diet to dental disease
The effect of certain medications and conditions on oral health (For example, asthma medications have side effects that increase susceptibility to decay.)
Why sleeping with a bottle can increase cavities.
Oral hygiene practices.
The benefits of water fluoridation.
Developmental milestones, such as sequence of tooth eruption.
Monitoring jaw growth and development.
Effects of habits such as thumb sucking and pacifiers.
Injury prevention, trauma treatment (for example, what to do if a tooth is hit or knocked out).

10. First Dental Cleaning?

The first cleaning depends on how cooperative your child is. He will need to be able to sit still with his mouth open for a prolonged period of time. Most children are five before they will sit through a full cleaning.

Baby Comforters: Comfort (for baby) and Joy (for parents)

2009-08-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

Author: Tizzie Hall
People often ask me what the difference is between a baby "comforter" and an "aid" because I recommend using a sleep comforter and I spend lots of time telling parents that sleeping aids are a definite no-no. In reality, they are both aids in essence but the way I see it, there are two types of aids. You have sleeping aids which may become a problem - such as rocking, patting, feeding or giving your baby a dummy to suck on while going to sleep - and then you have good aids which do not require parental participation.

Aids that require your attention are a problem in my opinion. However, something which provides comfort and which the baby can easily find himself when he wakes in the middle of the night or between sleep cycles can be a parent's best friend.

Every baby finds an aid of some sort to comfort himself with just before he goes to sleep. Unless the parents have introduced the aid themselves, they are usually unaware of just what it is that is comforting their baby at sleep time (with the exception of thumb sucking).

An unintroduced baby comforter could be holding, rubbing or playing peek-a-boo with the sheets or blankets but sometimes it can be a little more complicated. I have seen babies play with the bars on their cots just before falling asleep. That is their comforter and this can cause a problem when you ask one of these babies to fall asleep in a travel cot or anywhere away from their beloved cot bars. If they don't have the bars to play with, they can't fall asleep. Another common comforter is playing with labels or tags on bedding or clothing.

In my "traveling with a baby" article, I mentioned Luke as a case study. As I seem to be coming across more and more babies like Luke, I thought I would use this article to share with you his story in more detail.

Luke's parents contacted me when he was 10 months old. Up until this stage, he had always been a good sleeper. His parents had started Luke on my routines when he was five weeks old. At 10 weeks, he had started to sleep all night and had done so nearly every night since. But now, suddenly, at 10 months he was finding it hard to go to sleep and once asleep he was waking up crying several times throughout the night. I consulted with Luke's parents several times over the phone but we couldn't work out what the problem was so I decided a house visit was the only option. After putting Luke to bed I decided to sneak into his room on all fours and observe him in an effort to work out what the problem was.

At first, things looked OK. They had put Luke to bed and he was lying down looking ready for sleep. I watched him and saw a funny movement in his wrist. He was pulling his fingers up as though he was trying to scratch his wrist before he became frustrated and started to cry. It was not the cry you hear when a baby is fighting sleep. He seemed genuinely upset and had tears so I picked him up and went to talk to his parents. After a few minutes, we realised he was looking for the sleeves of his pajamas but he couldn't find them anywhere as he was now in short-sleeves for summer. It was now obvious to us all what Luke's problem had been. We had spent hours on the phone trying to work out what was different about Luke's environment and I felt very silly that we had not considered the summer pajamas to be an issue. We put Luke back in long sleeves and he started sleeping through the night again.

This was a clear case of a baby who was comforting himself to sleep using an aid that the parents were totally unaware of. It is also a good example of why it is better for parents to choose their baby's comforter for them so you know what it is but it can be just about anything so long as it is safe with him in his cot.

Safe Baby Products Give Peace of Mind to New Moms and Dads

2009-08-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

Any woman who has been pregnant can confirm that pregnancy is filled with worries. Granted, some of these worries are unfounded, but moms-to-be and dads-to-be often fret about anything that seems or feels out of the ordinary. To ensure that the pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible, most women seek out the latest and best pregnancy information, adjust their lifestyles to optimize the health of their babies, and get regular prenatal care.

Among the most enjoyable activities during pregnancy are choosing baby products and registering for gifts for baby showers. If couples have already chosen baby names, it's especially exciting to receive personalized gifts for their newborns. In the midst of planning for a new baby, though, new parents often overlook one crucial element of baby products: their safety. Knowing which car seats, cribs, strollers, furniture, and clothing meet stringent safety standards can go far in providing new moms and dads with peace of mind.

Recalls of Baby Products

Whether buying baby products for your own infant or choosing a gift for a baby shower, your first stop should be the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (CPSC). The CPSC has the latest information on recent recalls of dangerous baby products - information that is crucial to have before you begin shopping. For example, the CPSC recently issued a recall on a stroller with double seats because children in the add-on seat could touch the rear tires, which poses an abrasion hazard. Similarly, a manufacturer voluntarily recalled children's parka jackets, which had a hood drawstring that posed a strangulation hazard. And a major mass merchandiser pulled over 200,000 toys from their shelves that had either lead paint, sharp points, or choking hazards.

Car Seats

When it comes to infant car seats, your best bet is to buy a brand new car seat. Used car seats may seem more economical, but they may not be safe. If a car seat is more than ten years old or has been involved in a crash, it may not be structurally sound. Similarly, car seats have an "expiration date," so double check that the car seat you buy is up-to-date. Resist the temptation to buy a seat that your infant will "grow into," as he or she can slip out of car seats that are too large. As a reminder, infants should ride in a rear-facing seat until they're at least one year old and at least 20 pounds.

Cribs

New cribs are always the best bet for meeting the latest safety standards. These standards include making sure that the distance between the slats is no more than 2-3/8 inches; that the mattress fits snugly into the crib; and that the top of the side rail, when at its lowest position, is at least 26 inches about the mattress.

Selecting baby products and receiving baby products as gifts is exciting, as it adds to the anticipation of the day when your new baby will arrive. And, by making sure that the baby products you choose are safe, you will have one less thing to worry about!

Safety First: Simple Steps to Safeguarding Your Baby or Toddler

2009-08-05T01:09:00.000-07:00

When you're the parent of a baby or toddler, safety is always at the forefront of your mind. Looking at the number of rooms, in a home, and figuring where to start is daunting. A few simple safety guidelines will put parents at ease. Basic safety guidelines can be used in any room of the house.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are, perhaps, one of the most dangerous locations for infants and toddlers. When bathrooms are not in use keep them closed off, by closing the door. Medicine cabinets are typically out of reach; however if this is not the case, purchase a cabinet with a lock. Bathrooms can be a dangerous spot for items like hairdryers and curling irons, which can burn a small child. Also dangerous are outlets where items like hairdryers stay plugged in the wall. Verify that such items are consistently unplugged and caps for electrical sockets are purchased and inserted into outlets. Make sure water is not left in tubs after use and drained immediately to prevent drowning accidents.

Baby Room

Always make sure the crib and its bedding, as well as baby clothes, are kept away from heaters. Make sure wall hangings like, individual letters of baby names or pictures, are not directly above the crib where injury can occur. Move cords that cause potential choking hazards and wrap them up so positioning is as high as possible off the floor. New cribs have a standard measurement between slats of 2 3/8 inches. When purchasing a used crib from someone, verify that slats in the crib meet this standard. In addition, the child should grow with the height of the mattress, inside of the crib. This simply means moving the crib mattress to a lower setting as the baby begins to sit and stand. Baby toys should not be inside the crib.

Living Room

When arranging furniture double check to make sure it is not positioned next to a window. It is easy for a curious child to climb on furniture and fall through the window or simply pound on the glass, possibly shattering it. In addition, look at furniture to determine if edges are soft. Coffee table corners are a hazard and should be covered with bumpers, available in any discount store. Common house plants are typically toxic and should be placed up high enough that children cannot reach. If older children play in the same room, make sure toys with small parts are not easily accessible, by keeping them in individual plastic containers or keeping only baby toys in the room. Keep gates in doorways to keep little ones confined to a smaller space.

Kitchen

Most any information from rooms around the house can be applied to the kitchen. Like the bathroom, kitchens are one of the most dangerous places for a baby or small child. Keep anything used that could be potentially toxic out of reach in a high cabinet. Alcoholic beverages are also considered toxic. Fasten cabinets and the refrigerator with a latch. Use back burners at all times, when cooking. If this is absolutely impossible, ask for a stove guard as a baby gift, instead of typical baby articles.

Infant Carriers and Spinal Stress

2009-08-05T00:55:00.001-07:00

by Rochelle L. Casses, D.C.

UPDATE: This article was written in the 1990s when the all of the popular upright baby-carrier designs had the harmful characteristics described below. Today, several new and improved upright carrier designs are available. The gold standard for carrying your baby should be your own arms. In other words, an upright carrier should hold your baby the way your arms would, e.g., facing you with legs in a frog-like, spread-squat position with the baby's weight supported across the buttocks and thighs. —Ed.

As we are finally realizing the benefits of "wearing" our infants while we perform our daily activities, we must be careful not to compromise the integrity of our child's spine through the use of improper carriers. Spondylolisthesis (specifically, Type II/isthmic) is a condition that can result from excessive stress in the low back, such as a baby's spine might experience in certain carriers on the market today. It is relatively uncommon, but when aggravated is extremely painful. This article explains which styles of baby carriers promote healthy spine development in an infant and describes the unnecessary stress and resulting spinal condition that can result from using certain carriers.

A healthy adult spine has four curves when viewed from the side, located in the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic), low back (lumbar) and base of the spine (sacrum). Upon entering the world, a newborn has only two curves in her spine: the mid-back and the base of the spine. These two curves are called the primary or kyphotic curves. They have an apex or "hump" at the back of the body. The curves in the neck and low back develop later and are termed secondary or lordotic curves. The curve in the cervical spine develops as the child begins to lift his head and the neck muscles are strengthened. The curve in the lumbar spine results as the child starts to crawl. The lordotic curves have an apex at the front of the body. These four curves — two primary and two secondary — are extremely important in the spine (both adult and child), for this is how the body handles the stress of gravity. If these curves do not exist, the body's center of balance is shifted, causing undue stress on the spinal column and spinal cord.

A baby's spine is placed in a compromising position in many of today's popular carriers. If the carrier positions the infant upright, with the legs hanging down and the bodyweight supported at the base of the baby's spine (i.e. at the crotch), it puts undue stress on the spine which can adversely affect the development of the spinal curves and, in some cases, cause spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis is defined as the forward slipping of a vertebra on the one below it. The degrees of severity are determined using the Meyerding grading scale, with grade 1 being the least amount of slippage and grade 5 being complete slippage off the vertebra below. This condition may have a related stress fracture at the pars interarticularis, a structure at the back of the vertebra that takes most of the stress inflicted on the spine when it is arched backwards. When present, a spondylolisthesis occurs at the fifth lumbar vertebra 90% of the time and at the fourth lumbar vertebra 9% of the time.

Spondylolisthesis is documented in approximately 5% of white males, but is prevalent in native Eskimos (as high as 60% of the population is affected). There has been much discussion on the high percentage of affected Eskimos as to whether it is a genetic predisposition or related to environmental factors (i.e., papoose carriers). Knowing how dynamic and vital the biomechanics of the spine are, I believe that environmental factors are the cause. If the trend continues in the U.S. to carry infants in carriers (or place them in walkers, jumpers, etc.) that place their spines in a weight bearing position before the spine is developmentally ready to do so, I believe we will see an increase in the incidence of spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis has been referred to as congenital anomalies of the spine, but there is no supporting embryological evidence for this assumption.¹ There are factors that predispose a person to this condition, such as weakness in the posterior structures of the vertebra, failure of muscles and ligaments to absorb forces, anomalies of the lubosacral spine, and activities that place high stress on the posterior structures of the spine. Little is known about spondylolisthesis. More research needs to be done specifically addressing the weight bearing position of some carriers. In the meantime, we can take preventative steps by choosing alternate carriers, both for ourselves and as gifts for others.

What I have found to be the ideal carrier is the sling. There are many variations of the sling, but one should look for the following in any type of carrier:

Before an infant can hold her head on her own, the carrier should support the neck. A sling cradles the infant just like your arms would, unlike vertical carriers which can actually allow a whiplash type injury.
The carrier should not place the infant's spine in a weight bearing position too early. (The young baby should be horizontal or inclined, with the spine supported along its length.)
When a baby wants to be more upright to see the world around him (usually around age 4 to 5 months), the carrier should allow him to sit cross-legged, so his weight is dissipated through his legs and hips, as opposed to the style that has the legs hanging down, where the young spine has to bear the entire weight.

When considering the purchase of a baby carrier, you can often just ask yourself if you would be comfortable in it. Would you feel like you were in a hammock (a sling), or in a parachute harness, with your legs hanging down? Laying in a hammock is better for all of us.

Other benefits of sling type carriers include easy accessibility to breastfeeding, ability to wear baby facing toward or away from wearer, ability to wear sling on back, front or side.

You may be wondering, "What about backpacks? Are they bad? At what age or stage of development is it okay to carry a child in a backpack? What should you look for when buying one?" Wait until your child can sit alone well before carrying him in a backpack. The seat of the backpack should support the child's entire bottom — not just between the legs, leaving the legs to dangle. One that has a foot rest is preferred.

The choice of infant carriers is a small thing when compared to all the other concerns that face parents, but it is a decision that can have lifelong effects. By choosing a sling type carrier for your baby, you may be preventing a lifetime of backaches and other spinal stresses.

Rochelle and Scott Casses own a chiropractic clinic in Carslisle, Pennsylvania, USA. Their 11-month-old son Palmer has accompanied them to work since he was born. Rochelle and Scott schedule their appointments so that while one of them is with a patient, the other handles reception duties and cares for Palmer. Rochelle says, "The patients really enjoy seeing Palmer, and he enjoys the interaction each day." A section of their office serves as a playroom for Palmer as he becomes more mobile. (1996)

How to Have a Boy Baby - Natural Gender Selection Methods

2009-08-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

Determining gender of baby pre-conception has been something people have been trying since the dawn of time. In the past, the techniques to accomplish choosing a boy or girl child involved a lot of guesswork, some old wives tales, and maybe a tiny bit of science. There were foods to conceive a boy, positions to conceive a girl, exercises to do and elixirs to drink. Right or wrong, these methods were hard to prove effective... or even ineffective. Under normal circumstances you have a 50/50 chance of producing the desired sex anyway, so unless you the same methodology is closely followed and that data is gathered over a longer period of time - there's just no way of knowing which gender selection pregnancy techniques worked best. Until now.

The tips and tricks below will teach you how to have a boy baby. They've been gathered and compiled together using carefully plotted research over a period of many years. With just a few modifications to your diet, exercise, and sexual routine, you can determine gender of baby each time, every time. Here are just some of the techniques you should be using in order to have that son you've always wanted:

* The Shettles Method - One that that's been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt: male sperm (y-sperm) travel faster than female sperm (x-sperm). It's also been noted that the x-chromosomed sperm die out faster than the female ones, which live longer and tend to have more endurance. Taking this into account, the shorter the distance that needs to be traveled to reach the egg - the MUCH greater your chances are of having a male child. As the distance gets further, your chances of conceiving a girl are greatly increased.

Where does this all apply in how to have a boy baby? The answer is simple: the closer you have intercourse to your exact ovulation date, the better your chances of having a male child. Try to plan as much sex as possible on or about the date of ovulation (usually 1 day before or after). The Shettles technique recommends having sex as early as 24 hours before ovulation up to and including no more than 12 hours past the predicted time you ovulated in order to greatly increase your chances of conceiving a boy.

* Foods to Conceive a Boy - Bananas! Salty foods, dairy products, and bananas are all said to help gender selection boy efforts. Eating more calories than normal can do it also, and it's been shown that women who are getting a full supply of all necessary nutrients tend to create more male babies. Be sure to be taking the best prenatal vitamins.

* Caffeine - Right before intercourse, the male partner should drink 1 to 2 cups of caffeinated coffee or a similar beverage. This gives a supercharged boost to the already fast x-sperm, increasing chances for a male-favored conception.

* Adjust Your pH Level - Making sure you have the proper pH levels in your reproductive tract is one of the most important ways to choose the sex of baby. An acidic pH will tend to destroy sperm, with the x-sperm dying off more quickly (remember - they're faster but not stronger than y-sperm!). This leaves the unwanted condition of higher levels of y-sperm in a man's semen. So when trying to conceive a baby boy, make certain you're promoting an alkaline environment by not eating a lot of spicy or acidic foods.

* Boxers or Briefs? - If you're looking to create a son instead of a daughter, your best bet is boxer shorts. The further from the body the testicles are allowed to hang, the more regulated the temperature of a man's semen. Keep them in close to the body, as in the case of briefs, and many sperm will die from the higher temperature levels. And since the male sperm die faster than female sperm, this hurts your chances of having a boy.

* Sexual Positioning - Once again, the speed of the individual x and y sperm plays a factor here. The closer the male can deposit semen to the woman's cervix, the better the chances of an x-sperm reaching the egg first. Therefore, choose positions to conceive a boy during intercourse that allow for the deepest possible penetration. It's been suggested that the 'doggie-style' position is one of the best ways to accomplish this.

* Orgasms During Sex - It's been proven that if the female partner accomplishes orgasm during sex, two things happen: one, the contractions help move the sperm upward and into the cervix. Two, the endorphins released into the body during orgasm create a more alkaline environment, which we already know is better for male sperm. When trying for a boy, keep this in mind!

Safety Tips For Kids This Summer

2009-08-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

From about June – September, kids everywhere enjoy a carefree summer away from classes, homework and teachers. It’s up to the adults to make sure they have a safe and secure experience. PeopleFinders.com is happy to help by presenting a few child safety tips.

Children’s Safety In Public
While your kids are on break they usually tag along when you run errands. Start these excursions by making sure their seat belts are on, locking the doors and rolling up the windows. Criminals look for easy targets, so an open window or unlocked door may seem like an invitation to a carjacker. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle for any reason. It only takes a second for someone to break the glass and get inside.

When you’re out in public always keep your kids in sight. Accompany younger children into public restroom and wait right outside for older kids. Leaving young people unsupervised even for a moment can have disastrous results if a predator notices. Give each child a piece of paper with your name and number on it in case you do get separated. A responsible adult can use it to contact you immediately.

Safety For Kids At Home
Your children can’t go everywhere you do, so it’s important to teach them about home safety. Give your kids a list of emergency numbers including the fastest way to contact you, 911 and numbers for trusted friends or family. Your kids may not answer the phone, but if they do make sure they never tell anyone they are home alone. More importantly, tell your children not to answer the door for any reason while they are unsupervised. Sit down with your kids to talk about these safety rules, and show them every way to get out of your house so they have several escape routes in case of an emergency.

Finding a Babysitter Doesn't Have to be a Chore - 4 Tips to Hire Your Perfect Babysitter

2009-08-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

Finding a babysitter does not have to be as complicated as you might think. Of course, you will have to do some work in order to find the most qualified, caring, nuturing and responcible person.

Take your time finding the right babysitter. This way, you can be sure that you have made the right choice. This article will give you some tips to help you find the best person for your childcare needs.

When you begin your quest for finding a babysitter, you need to first determine the amount of money you are willing to pay for childcare. As long as you have a checklist of basic criteria for the babysitter you are looking for, the rest should be fairly simple. Here are some tips for you to find the babysitter of your dreams.

1. Advertise! Without telling people you are looking for someone, how is anyone supposed to know? There are several ways you can put the word out that you are looking for a sitter. Local churches, newspaper, advertise in the supermarket, put an ad on local forums, in school newspapers and everywhere else you can think of. Most of these places will allow you to advertise your need for a sitter for little to no fee.

2. Talk to your family members, neighbors and co-workers. It is likely they know of a qualified sitter that could be just the person you want caring for your young ones while you are away.

3. It is also possible your friend's sitter knows someone that would be interested in sitting for you. Which is why, telling people you are looking for a sitter is so important.

4. Try online babysitter search. Getting a babysitter has never been easier. These online babysitter agencies have large database of babysitters for you to choose from. You can even read the reviews so that you will know what past employers think of them.

When you do find a few babysitters that interest you, you should begin with an interview. During this time you should inform the potential sitter of the type of services you require (light house cleaning, running errrands etc.), the amount per hour or a week you will pay the person and any other information that was important to you.

Being honest and upfront right from the start is a great way for you to start your relationship off on the right foot. Make sure you are willing to be reasonable when the sitter requests time off, for vacations and such as well.

If you require punctuality with your sitter, be courteous and be punctual when it is time for you to be home. This will make finding a babysitter and keeping a babysitter much easier for you.

Newborn Baby Care Essentials

2009-08-04T03:28:00.001-07:00

Babies are undeniably great gifts for parents. Taking care of newborn needs special attention because the newborns can't tell you what they want. You need to understand their signs and take good newborn baby care. The only possible sign that a newborn can give you is a long cry. You need to understand the language of your kid and attend to his requirements. First time parents find it especially difficult to handle their babies.

This is very common because these people don't have enough experience in handling babies. You need to start your search for useful resources about newborn baby care when you are pregnant. Even though you have not done it before, you need to understand essential baby care fundamentals.

The major concern for parents is the stump of the newborn. How to deal with the remaining portion of umbilical chord is often a major issue for several moms even if they have enough experience. All you have to do is keep the stump dry all the times. During bath, the stump may become wet and you have to clean the water using soft cotton balls. The stump will fall off in two or three weeks after which you should give some time and let it heal completely.

You need to know about right clothes for your baby for essential newborn baby care. You have to choose cool and soft clothes during summer. You must keep your baby warm during winter and hence, you need to find proper winter clothing. Once your baby is a few weeks old, you can take him out for early morning sun. This will prevent baby jaundice. Whenever you take the baby out, make sure that you completely know about newborn baby care so that you don't do any harm for your baby unknowingly.

For newborns, diapers are inevitable. You must always go for popular and recognized diaper brands that are safe for your baby. Even the most soft diaper may be allergic to your baby. You must check if your baby develops diaper rashes. In that case, you should take proper skin care.

Skin care is essential newborn baby care. The skin of your baby is very delicate and you should be careful about choosing the right products for your baby. In case you use lotions or ointments, make sure that it is tested and certified by leading doctors. During initial weeks, sometimes, your baby may have dead cells on the skin and hair. These can be removed using the sponge while bathing. However, if the outer layer sheds heavily, you need to consult a pediatrician immediately.

Naming the baby is a daunting task for many parents because a lot of issues must be considered while choosing names. You can choose one among popular baby names 2009 for your baby so that you can make him star of the year. Some people choose baby names based on sun signs and moon signs. It is important that you give a meaningful name for your baby, because the name of the baby is its unique identity.

Baby Shower - A Great Idea To Welcome A New Person To The World

2009-08-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

In the western tradition, baby shower is a very common party that is arranged to cheer up the to-be-parents and welcome baby to-be-born. The party is normally hosted by someone close to the parents. Generally, bridesmaid of the wedding will host the party on behalf of the parent. Expectant mother will be much worried about delivery and hence, baby shower in are great ideas to cheer up her.

Mostly, baby showers are ladies only parties. But in the present world, several men also participate in the parties. Sometimes, baby shower is conducted two times to celebrate with friends and co-workers separately.

To start the party, baby shower invitations are sent out to guests. These parties are not traditional parties and hence, the chances to be creative are very high. You can think of any theme that can impress the parents and guests. Ladies only parties can have special women specific themes. Similarly, wild men only parties can also be organized.

The host should ensure that the theme should not be boring for everyone attending the party. Themed baby shower invitations are more exciting and everyone can catch up with the fun immediately after seeing invitations. You can advise the guests to dress according to the theme to make the party more exciting.

As baby shower is all about gifting new born and mother with gifts, you can start creating registry of gifts even before you send out invitations. The registry can be circulated unofficially among the guests so that they can choose any gift they can afford. In most of the cases, the host will be organizing this registry. You have to ask the parent indirectly about what she likes after giving birth to a baby. You can also fill the registry with baby nursery essentials.

At this stage, you have to specify gender neutral gifts as you will not know the gender of the baby until it is born.

Games and entertainment are the main events during baby shower. While sending out baby shower invitations, you can indirectly tell your guests to be ready for games. You can organize games depending on the participants of the party. Baby shower bingo is a popular game that can bring joy to the parent as well as guests. You can give prizes for the guests depending on the complexity of the game. You can easily find inexpensive gifts and this can make the party more exciting.

You have to match the theme of baby shower when deciding the location of the party. You must specify the location clearly in the baby shower invitations. The location has to be decorated based on the theme. You can use baby goods to decorate the place and make it look more classy. Remember that every step you take to make the party more exciting should satisfy the expectant mother. Everyone in the party including expectant parents and guests should be happy to make the party a huge success.

Colic - Prevention Is Better Than Cure

2009-08-04T03:10:00.002-07:00

Firstly we need to establish what the term ‘colic' means. Colic is the term given to the build up of gases in babies causing pain and discomfort. It is not an illness or a serious medical condition; it is however, very draining for both mother and baby.

The main symptom of colic is usually constant crying for no apparent reason. For example your baby won't be hungry, need their nappy changed or have a temperature, they will not want to be laid down, sat up, played with or left alone. Nothing you do will ease their crying. Most babies have a colicky time of day, which is usually in the afternoon or early evening. The good news is that colic normally passes by the age of 3-4 months.

Below you will find some top tips which we as a family have utilised to great effect.

Don't shake your baby's bottles. When making your baby's bottles swill the bottle gently to mix the milk and powder instead of shaking it. Shaking the bottle just causes more bubbles, which may lead to colic later.

Get the best bottles you can afford. There are companies that make bottles that claim to ease or prevent colic in babies. If you can afford to, try many different bottles to see which ones work better for you and then use them religiously.

Get a good colic treatment. There are many colic treatments out there. All babies are different and what one parent recommends may not work for your baby. Just keep trying different remedies and see which one works best with your infant.

Feed your baby in an upright position. Most parents' position their baby lying on their backs with their heads propped up on their arm for their bottle-feeds. Try to keep your baby as upright as possible without making them uncomfortable. You are aiming for their back and head to be in a straight line with an imaginary ping-pong ball between their chin and chest. If you picture a long necked bottle and now imagine a kink in the neck of the bottle you can see how easy it is to trap wind inside.

Patting is better than rubbing. If you picture your long necked bottle full of a fizzy drink with bubbles attached to the insides then begin to rub the bottle on the outside, what happens to the bubbles on the inside? Nothing? Exactly. We have a tendency to rub our babies backs to bring up wind rather that patting them. Rubbing their backs is soothing for mother and baby but does little to bring up their wind. Patting will help to move the air bubbles and will eventually release their wind.

Hold on to your baby. Once the feeding and winding is over and done with and your baby looks content you may be tempted to lay them down. Don't! Try to keep your baby in an upright position for around 20 minutes after a feed, even if they are asleep. This will help them release wind naturally without any intervention.

Don't lay them flat. When you do lay your baby down to sleep try to ensure they don't lay flat. If they sleep in a cot, put something under the head end of the cot mattress to raise it slightly. Make sure you don't raise it too much as your baby may slide down the mattress and disappear under the covers. A baby bouncer with an adjustable seat angle is ideal for sleeping in during the day.

Give them water. Babies that are fed on formula milk often suffer with constipation. Prior to their colicky time try to give your baby 1 - 2 ounces of cooled boiled water. This should not be given in one go, spread it out throughout the day. The ideal time is when they are impatient for a feed but they have a little while to go, give them a little water, but don't fill them up. This will ease their constipation, meaning they won't get a stomachache and it also helps to ease their wind. Keep an eye on their nappies for the next couple of days, too much water will result in runny number two's.

If you try all the above it should have an impact on you and your baby, reducing the amount of time spent crying and trying to soothe him. If it doesn't work, help to soothe your baby during its colicky time by giving him a warm bath, put on a lullaby CD (it really works) and gently rock them side-to-side.

Children rain gear - keep your children safe from weather

2009-08-04T03:10:00.001-07:00

Weather conditions are the things that we have no control of. We cannot govern them, we cannot predict them exactly and they pose the biggest threat to our well-being. Nature is not something we can take control of, because one simple come-back from nature will result in the loss of thousands of lives. But let's change the subject, because this is something nobody wants to talk about.

Let's talk about rain. Ah, yes, that small way of nature that repays us greatly. Rain is something that can aid us in our lives, but it also serves as great inspiration for poets from all over the world. Rain is something that most people consider to be romantic, especially women, but when it comes to standing or walking in the rain, everyone runs to safety.

The reasons for this are various. For instance, there is nothing more romantic than kissing your girlfriend in the rain, but afterwards, you both will have a serious cold to deal with. When it comes to your children, a serious cold can be very threatening, and because of this you need to be aware and keep your children safe with some efficient children rain gear.

What is the purpose of children rain gear? The most obvious reason is to keep your child dry. But a simple umbrella cannot do the trick, because if there is wind combined with the rain, there is only so much coverage an umbrella can provide.

Children rain gear encompasses a lot of products. A simple umbrella is no longer very efficient, because the storms we are facing are far worse than before. You have to consider other options that will provide the safety your child needs.

An umbrella might not be so efficient, yet it does its own part. But as part of the children rain gear you are thinking of purchasing, be sure to consider a PluiePluie. This presents a much better solution than a simple umbrella to keep the head dry.

A PluiePluie consists of a waterproof overall that can cover most of your child's body in order to protect them from the rain. As long as the little ones are protected against the rain, they are safe from cold, pneumonias and other diseases that can result from this.

But why is a PluiePluie better than an umbrella? The most important reason is because it offers coverage for the whole body, instead of just the upper part. No matter which way the rain will come from, your child will be protected from it.

Another important aspect about rain is that we don't have to keep safe just from the rain that drops from the sky. We are also in danger of being covered in water by a car that runs through a puddle beside the road and splashes you from top to bottom.

This is another reason why a PluiePluie is much better than an umbrella. But keeping in mind these benefits, you should consider both of them as important parts of your children rain gear. If you are interested in such products, be sure to visit ibabystore.com .

How Often Should an Infant Wake at Night?

2009-08-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tired parents frequently look for answers on how much their infant should sleep and how often they should be expected to wake at night. As much as it would be nice to know your baby would only wake up every four hours or only once at night, there is no set number of times that baby will or will not wake up. There are reasons for baby to wake up, too, that might not exist every night. For example, baby may be hungry, have a dirty diaper, and be cold or hot, or simply scared. In general, newborns will wake as often as every two hours because they are hungry. However, as they grow their bellies do to and by the time they are three months old many babies can sleep for five to six hour stretches. That might not seem like a long time to exhausted parents, but it is actually considered sleeping through the night!

Most infants should wake 2-4 times from 8 pm until 8 am, depending on what’s going on with them that particular day. Parents can eliminate some of these waking by putting baby to bed a little later with a full belly and clean diaper. This will encourage baby to sleep longer. Also, make sure the baby’s bed is not too cold or too hot. Many parents find that by co-sleeping with their baby everyone gets more sleep. This promotes nighttime nursing and also helps baby feel more secure. Co-sleeping is not for everyone, though, and should only be considered by parents who don’t smoke, drink, or do drugs.

Some nights baby will wake up a lot and other nights she won’t. That’s just part of the pattern and something parents should anticipate. On the other hand, if your baby is waking up every 20 minutes or so you need to find another way to help make your baby comfortable. Try co-sleeping or having baby sleep next to you in a side car. Many times when baby wakes up repeatedly it’s because they don’t want to be alone.

As hard as it is to be patient you need to understand that this won’t last forever. By the time your baby is 4-6 months old the sleep issues should be fading away and everyone will be getting more sleep. Talk with your pediatrician and other parents to find out ways to help your little one sleep longer.

Stomach Aches

2009-08-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Stomachaches are difficult to cope with because it can herald an acute abdominal emergency such as appendicitis, or nothing at all. Decide whether or not to call the doctor on the basis of:

How sever the pain is
How long it lasts
How ill the child seems
Any other symptoms

In babies, a stomachache can cause the infant to scream and to draw his legs and thighs up to his tummy. Intense stomachache can be caused by gas that needs to be expelled. Hold, burp, and walk. If cuddling comforts him, and he seems otherwise well, you can afford to wait for other symptoms.

If burping and cuddling doesn't comfort him, although he seems otherwise well, he might have colic.

If your baby has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or seems ill, and cries for more than two hours without cease, call the doctor.

Young children often cannot help locate pain accurately or differentiate pain from nausea. If your child seems very ill, has other symptoms, or has such severe pain that he cries, lies curled up, and walks bent double, call the doctor at once.

If the pain is milder and or there are no other symptoms, wait a few hours and phone for advice if the pain is still bothering him.

Sometimes, children get periodic bouts of stomachache as a reaction to stress. Treat your child with sympathy -- the pain hurts as much as one caused by a germ) and try to relieve the stress-cause. Provide reassurance, affection, and distraction.

Colic

Colic most often develops during the first month of life. Normal crying is an indicator of hunger, a wet diaper, or the need to be held. Colic-y babies exhibit no identifiable reasons for crying but do so without ceasing for between 60 to 90 minutes every day during the first three weeks of life. Crying often increases to two to four hours of crying each day by six weeks and gradually decreases by 3 months of age.

No one knows the cause of colic, although some theories suggest immature digestive system, food allergies, abdominal gas or sensitivity to a busy, noisy home. Crying happens about the same time of day each day, often during the late afternoon or early evening.

If your baby is crying, try to find out why. Check to see if the baby is hungry; needs a diaper change, is too warm/too cold, tired, scared, hurt, lonely, bored, etc.

If you can't find a reason for the crying, you may want to try different things to soothe your baby. No method will work every time, but you can try:

Feeding your baby slowly in an upright position and burping the baby at least once during and after the feeding.
Not letting your baby get hungry, but not over feeding.
Cuddling, swaddling, or carrying your baby in your arms
Rocking your baby in your arms, cradle, or infant swing.
Push your baby in a stroller or carriage
Take your baby for a ride in the car using a car seat
Wrap your baby in a blanket
Lay your baby on a warm blanket
Give your baby a warm bath
When your baby is awake, lay your baby on its tummy and pat/rub the baby's back.
Massage your baby
Lay your baby down on his back for a nap
Darken your baby's room at naptime
Allow your baby time alone to settle and go to sleep
Keep the noise level and stimulation down if baby is upset
Take care of yourself and rest
Take naps when baby is napping
Try to relax so your baby doesn't feel your stress
Call a friend or relative for support
Give yourself a break by having someone else watch your baby
Talk with your healthcare provider
Give infant chiropractic care a try
Change baby's formula if you're not breast feeding

No one knows why babies get colic. It isn't your fault the baby has colic. It can be frustrating and upsetting. NEVER shake your baby.

Call your physician if:

Your baby's cry becomes a painful cry rather than a fussy cry
If your baby cries constantly for more than 2 hours
If your baby vomits more than three times in 24 hours
If your baby shows signs of dehydration.
If your baby has a fever
If your baby has diarrhea or loose stools:
- More than one per hour
- Blood in the stool
If you're afraid you might hurt your baby
If you can't find a way to soothe your baby
If you or someone else has shaken your baby

Becoming a Mother

2009-08-03T02:48:00.000-07:00

Other women, myself included, never dreamed that they would be mothers. They may have had no idea what the future held, or they may have planned for careers and education.

No matter what type of planning went into becoming a mother, there we all are, in one group. We have many similarities but even more differences.

Here several mothers give you their ideas on what it means to become a mother and live this adventure.

When does one become a mother? Is it the moment of conception? The first time you hear your baby's heart beat? When you hold your small miracle for the first time?

"I had my first maternal feeling driving home from the lab after having my pregnancy test. I was so excited and wanting to race home to share the news. I realized I was driving too fast and didn't have my seat belt on. It was a strange feeling, but great!" - Leah, mother of 2 year old Ainsley

"My first son died when he was four months old. Mother's day followed two months later and I remember feeling like a mother, but being fearful that no one else saw me that way. When all of the mothers were called up for a special blessing in church that day, everyone was urging me to step forward. It felt really good to be recognized as a mother." - Amanda, mother to Adam, 3 year old Angela, and baby-to-be

"I think I was in shock during the whole pregnancy. I was excited about the baby, but just found it so hard to believe. They handed me the baby and I still didn't feel connected right away. That night he was crying in the bassinet and I felt overwhelmed with emotions. After 9 months it finally sunk in, 'I was a mommy!'" - Sally, mother to two year old Trey and 6 month old Abbey

What does it mean to be a mother? Do these creatures come with any instructions?

"I had to do so much! I had never realized how hard it was to be everything for such a tiny creature. It was very demanding and at first I felt under prepared and useless. Then she started being able to respond and I felt that the hard work and long days were really worth it." - Tracey, mommy to 3 month old Sara

"Thank goodness my partner was from a large family. He knew all of the baby care tricks and really helped me figure out the best way for me to mother. Now I have a lot more confidence in myself." - Lorri, mother to 5 month old Freda

"Jason was born and they gave me a booklet. I tried to memorize it, I tried the techniques. Finally decided that I needed to listen to him, but the book makes a great coaster!" - Sylvia, mommy to 7 month old Timmy

How does giving birth affect you? Does adding a new little one create as much havoc as everyone says?

"I felt so totally amazed at myself after giving birth. It was so hard and yet very rewarding. I think it really helped me during those long nights of being a new parent. If I could do labor, I certainly could stand a bit of sleep deprivation!" - Lee, mother to 4 year old Sam and 2 month old Sarah

"Giving birth was hard work. I sort of knew that part, but once I got home with a new baby I realized how under prepared I was for postpartum. My advice, remember that the birth is the beginning not the end..." - Julie, mom to 6 year old Theodore, 4 year old Tricia, and newborn Travis

"Everyone said, expect to lose sleep, so I expected it. But the things that really changed are so slight and odd that no one could prepare you. I love it!" - Jackie, mom to 3 week old Annalyse

"I've learned I have a lot of strengths I didn't know I had! My husband thinks I'm the most powerful woman on earth!" - Debby, mother to 4 week old Susie, 3 year old Todd, and 5 year old Sam

Celebrate your motherhood today, and everyday!

Home Remedy of Diarrhea for Infants

2009-08-03T01:39:00.000-07:00

A mild degree of diarrhea can be safely treated at home. You should stop giving milk and solids to the baby for at least 24 hours and gradually re-introduce a normal diet over the following days.

On the first day, instead of milk you may give glucose solution by taking two level teaspoonfuls of glucose in one cup of boiled water. It is not only glucose which is necessary in cases of diarrhea. Some salts should be given along with water.

Nowadays, electrolyte preparations are available over the counter known as oral re-hydration are solutions (ORS), which can be prepared easily by adding them to boiled water.

If your breastfed baby has gastroenteritis, do not breast feed for the 24 hours of the illness but give the recommended amount of oral re-hydration solution. On each successive day, reduce the amount of solution and put your baby back to breast feeding. If you get discomfort due to overfull breasts, the milk can be expressed.

If the baby is already weaned, give no milk or dairy products for five days but give glucose or electrolyte solutions in recommended doses. Give no solids on the first day and then gradually start giving sieved fruits and vegetables from day two onwards.

Role of Oral Re-hydration Solution (ORS)

Diarrhea is a major cause of death in small children. Oral Re-hydration Therapy has evolved as the most crucial breakthrough in the management of this condition. No other single medical breakthrough of the 20th century has had the potential to prevent so many deaths, over such a short period of time and time and at so little cost.

The oral re-hydration therapy which has come into vogue in recent years (old grandma’s remedy) has reduced the death rate of diarrhea, specially in rural areas. The treatment is cheap and can be given at home for mild to moderate degrees of dehydration.

You can make your own re hydration solution at home by adding one teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt to one quarter of water. But if you make a mistake, you can overload the baby with salt which creates problems sometimes.

Commercially available oral rehydration solutions (Electral, Ricetral, etc) are ideal because they have various salts in the exact quantity required by the body. There is no danger of salt overload. Remember, you must dilute them in the specified quantity of water.

Diet and Food for Infants in Diarrhea

The usual diet of solids or top milk should, of course, be stopped whenever there is diarrhea. But breast milk should be continued as far as possible because of its anti-infective properties. In severe diarrhea, only ripe banana and apple or pomegranate juice may be given in small quantities at frequent intervals.

With improvement in the stools, start with starchy gruels made of arrowroot, sago or rice. These may be spiced with powdered ginger, cumin seeds etc.

Soup of lean meat, pulses water and butter milk (with butter removed) may also be given. When the stools become semisolid one can start with soft rice, curds and diluted milk and with further improvement, regular items gradually re-introduced. Drinking light tea or coffee or other astringents is no longer along advocated in acute diarrhea.

Milk intolerance can temporarily occur in many cases of acute diarrhea. If it is present, then milk and all preparations based on milk and (including buttermilk, whey and curds) should be omitted for 2-3 days.
When restarting milk in such cases it should be initially diluted and given in small amounts in order to present the intestine with small amounts of milk load.

Don’t restrict the food too long

Most people do not know how long to keep the child on a restricted diet. Children may have loose stools for quite some time. They may pass one or two watery stools in a day for a couple of weeks. If the child looks normal you can start a normal diet after 4-5 days. Do not restrict the diet for too long. Otherwise they will be under-nourished.

Role of Antibiotics in Diarrhea

There has been unnecessary use of antibiotics in recent years. The advancement in the knowledge and use of fluid and electrolyte therapy has improved the prognosis of diarrhea cases in general. The importance of breast feeding which was known for the prevention of diarrhea has now been affirmed on scientific grounds.

Most cases of diarrhea are due to viruses and antibiotics are not required. Antibiotics should only be given under the following conditions with advice of your doctor:

Age below 3 months
High fever with toxemia
Evidence of infection elsewhere e.g. pneumonia
Weakness and malnutrition
Prolonged diarrhea (more than 3 or 4 days)
Bacillary dysentery (with blood and/or mucus in stool)

Human Milk and Childhood Diarrhea

Human milk is a clean source of water in early infancy. Its protection is highest in the new born via colostrum. Human milk actively provides protection against and almost completely infectious diarrhea in early infancy.

Human milk kills parasitic intestinal protozoa. Experiments have shown that parasites like Giardia Lamblia and Entamoeba Histolytica are rapidly killed by human milk. Hence:

Breast feed from birth to ensure intake of colostrum.
Breast feed alone in early infancy.
Introduced other foods only when benefits outweigh risks.
Positively avoid bottle feeding as a hospital policy.
Support breast feeding and minimize bottle feeding as a part of national nutrition, health and development policies.
Introduction of foods other than human milk should be avoided until really indicated.
Bottle feeding with a cow’s milk-based formula may be dangerous, because of cleaning problems.

Breast feeding is not of course the complete answer to the prevention of Diarrheal diseases in infancy but its important is greatest in this regard in the new born and to the baby in the first 6-9 months of life.

Diarrhea Prevention

If anyone in the family is suffering from gastroenteritis, it is very important to avoid spreading of infection to other younger family members by taking the following precautions:

Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the lavatory.
Sterilize all feeding equipment and dummy nipples regularly.
Always wash your hands before preparing feeds and after changing nappies.
Keep a separate towel for your baby and wash it often.

Baby Constipation - It's heartbreaking when your baby is constipated.

2009-08-03T01:19:00.000-07:00

There are many causes of infant constipation. One of the most common causes of constipation in babies is the introduction of solid foods.

Breastfed babies are rarely constipated as breast milk is almost 100% completely digested and utilized by baby's growing body. Breast milk leaves little "leftovers" to cause constipation. Many breastfed babies do have infrequent bowel movements however this does not mean that they are constipated.

Formula fed babies tend to battle constipation more often than their breastfed counterparts. Unlike breast milk, formula is not as easily digested nor is it as completely absorbed and used by a baby's body.

When solid foods are introduced, breastfed babies may become truly constipated while formula fed babies may struggle more frequently with bouts of constipation.

The Most Common Causes of Infant Constipation are:

Introduction of solid food(s) - breastfed babies may be more prone to constipation when solid foods are introduced. This is because their tiny tummies are used to processing the easily and highly digestible mother's milk
Diets low in fiber
Diets of excessive dairy products (yogurt, cheeses, milk)
Foods such as Bananas, Applesauce, Cereals, Breads, Pasta and White Potatoes may contribute or cause constipation

A change in diet usually relieves a baby with constipation. The following tips may also help the constipated baby get things "moving".

Remedies and How to Treat Constipation in Babies

There are many things you can do to help relieve baby's constipation. You can change baby's feeding pattern and/or engage in some physical exercises.

Exercises to Help Relieve Infant Constipation include:

Tummy Massage - Gently massage and rub baby's tummy in a clockwise direction. Place your hands at baby's navel and massage in a circular motion, moving your hand(s) out and away from the center of baby's belly.

Warm Bath - Some medical professionals suggest giving your constipated baby a warm bath. The thought is that this may help relax baby and "get things moving" again. Give a tummy massage as you are drying baby.

Bicycle Legs - Place your baby on her back and lightly hold her legs in a half-bent position. Gently begin to move your baby's legs as if she is riding a bicycle. Alternate "Bicycle Legs" with Tummy Massage. *"Bicycle Legs" also may help to relieve a baby who is gassy.

Relieving Constipation in Babies Younger than 4 Months:

Try giving one to two ounces of diluted fruit juice such as grape, prune or apple-prune twice daily and practice some of the above exercises. (Always consult your pediatrician about the appropriateness of new foods/liquids to help alleviate constipation) Learn about Fruit Juice in your baby's diet.

Relieving Constipation in Babies 4 Months to 12 months + by Changing the Food Diet

Try strained foods that contain high fiber such as:

apricots

prunes

peaches

plums

pears

peas

spinach

In older infants who are just beginning solid foods, you may want to avoid baby foods such as rice cereal, applesauce and bananas as these may aggravate constipation.

Barley or oatmeal cereals, prunes, peaches, plums, apricots and most vegetables are preferred when baby has constipation.

Juices are helpful, especially apple or prune, but use in moderation, as they are not as nutritious for babies as formula or breast milk.

If your baby does not eat well

2009-08-03T00:03:00.000-07:00

As a rule, all parents want their babies to eat breakfast, dinner and supper with zest, and also ask for a second helping. In real life we often see contrary situation: mom, dad and grandparents are literally “attacking” a loved baby with a request to eat another spoon for mom, and another one for dad… And a creature is sitting with tight lips, sometimes shedding tears or, eats all offered “a spoon for mom, and for dad” like a lamb…, but, when meal is over, he eructs.

Let’s clear out – is it so useful and necessary to feed a baby by force?
If your baby (we speak about babies over 1 year) is growing and developing the way his coevals do, and feels excellently, but eats half a portion of a neighbor’s Billy, don’t worry and leave him alone: he has such metabolism, he is satisfied with nutritive materials in that quantity of food, that comes to his stomach.
If your offspring is head and shoulders below his coevals, it’s another cup of tea, but there’s no universal recipe here too.

First of all, look at mom and dad closely, and, if it turns out that their height is below average, then what can we expect from a son or daughter? (As they say, like father like son…).
Don’t force such baby eating like everybody does, moreover, you cannot feed him by force (imagine yourself on his place), this can lead to a bigger dysorexia up to indigestion. Such baby should have a food ration, appropriate for his physical development (i.e. his real height and weight), not for age norms. Usually during pubescence period such children start growing quickly and catch up with their coevals.

Unfortunately, underweight body appears mainly as a result of wrong nutrition (or diseases). And here we receive vicious circle: as a result of long unbalanced (mainly – in quantity and quality of protein) nutrition, activity of digestive juices lowers, digestion and absorption of nutritive materials worsens, what, in its turn, leads to dysorexia and further reduction of body weight.

Here parents should learn one pattern: normal wish to eat appears in one only when his stomach is completely released from another portion of food (as a rule, in children this happens 3-4 hours after feeding), but a baby with hyporexia, as you remember, has lowered secretion of digestive juices, and a usual portion of food just fails to be digested properly and “leave” stomach, if you still force a baby to eat some food in this case, then he can start vomiting, and it will be a defense reflex against overfeeding, and if such situations recur often, then risk of usual vomiting not only during feeding, but even on one looking at food (we meet this on practice much more often, than we would like to, and, what is even sadder, some parents try to cure vomiting with medicines, not realizing reasons of its appearance, what can lead to overload of baby’s organism with medicines, and further – to medicinal allergy or inflammation of gastric mucosa) is possible.

Well, how can you help a child to break the cycle and teach him receiving not only use, but also pleasure from food?

Here’re several practical advices for parents:

- you should stick to a feeding schedule strictly and give nothing to a baby in intervals between meals, including juices (especially sweet ones – banana, peach etc.) and even water. Then a child will gladly start a meal with a liquid dish.

- perhaps, adults’ calm behavior during feeding (may be this is the most difficult thing, but if a mom cannot show patience and endurance, then what can we expect from a child?) is one of main moments.

- if a baby refuses to eat by the moment of regular feeding, then you should miss it (remember about patience and endurance).

- during some time (1,5-2 months for children over 1 year!) you can use a so-called free feeding method, i.e. feed your baby only wish dishes he likes. In further change recipes little by little imperceptibly (not accentuating baby’s attention on it), adding necessary products.

- try to make dishes looking appetizing, buy beautiful and comfortable dish for a baby (allow him choosing what he wants), lay the table beautifully.

- try to prevent a baby from sitting down to table in excited state, play a calm game with him or read a book for 10-15 minutes before feeding.

- some children don’t want to eat well in the morning, if parents offer them breakfast right after awakening, when children are still half asleep. You need to consider this and feed your child only after he switches in a daily regimen actively – washes face, dresses himself, sometimes plays a little. You can offer 2 breakfasts for such child: I – tea, juice or compote right after awakening, and II – something more substantial… (but remember that in such case lunch time can be postponed for a while, may be, even after sleep).

- children often refuse from eating in hot summer days, - the matter is that while excessive fluid loss production of digestive juices is reduced ( this is especially important in a sick child’s nutrition, we’ll mention this below). That’s why in summer it’s recommended to change feeding schedule slightly, and during hot weather you should offer your child not a dinner, but a second breakfast (for example, yogurt, cotton cheese, light porridge, fruits, juice), and after sleep rather hungry child will easily cope with the dishes you cooked him for dinner.

- and, finally, several words about sick child’s nutrition. As a rule, in 80% of cases sick children have heat and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, what can lead to dehydration quickly (as we mentioned before, in such state activity of digestion processes is lowered abruptly), so, please, remember this simple and almost universal rule (excluding rare serious diseases of heart and kidneys), you need to water a sick child, not forcing him drinking 2-3 glasses of liquid at one go (what can provoke vomiting), but offering him some liquid little by little, 20-30 ml (1-2 table spoons) of mineral water (preferably non-aerated and slightly heated), tea, fruit drink or herbal decoction, every 10-15 minutes. As for food, here any easy-digestible food, not irritating mouth and stomach mucous membrane, is ok, little by little, but more often (milk, yogurt, semi-fluid porridges), on no account force your baby eating. You can not only cause negative emotions in him, but also worsen course of a disease, making sick organism spending precious strengths on digestion of food, not for struggle with infection. When a child’s condition improves and temperature normalizes, a baby will ask for food and, be sure, will repair an omission with interest.

In conclusion, we would like to say again that strong wish, common sense and good patience will help growing your baby strong and healthy.

We wish you good luck in the most difficult (but gratifying) labour.

Potty Train Your Newborn?!

2009-08-02T23:21:00.000-07:00

"Blossom" star Mayim Bialik thinks babies are born potty trained, and practiced "elimination communication" with her second son as soon as he was born! No more dirty diapers? So she says ...

In an interview with Peple former child star Mayim Bialik talks about potty training her second son starting at 2 days old using Elimination Communication, or EC. (She started using EC on her first son when he was six months old.) EC is a form of potty training that's practiced out of necessity in many underdeveloped parts of the world. It trains infants not to pee or poo in diapers by the parent picking up on the cues of when a baby eliminates. They then make a vocal sound like "shhh" and rush to the potty, holding the baby over it so they can go -- diaper-free. Mayim says she began training her newborn son at two days old, which to us seems extremely young. We asked our expert, pediatrician Dr.Cara Natterson her opinion.

Though Dr. Cara has taken care of patients whose parents are advocates of EC, she says there are also problems with it. For example, if kids are being pushed to go diaper-free, they may develop issues like constipation or urinary tract infections. She tells us the practice, though it had a rise in popularity several years ago, isn't that common in the U.S. and that it should be reserved for kids who really seem ready: "Most kids are fine and they do fine with it, but make note that some just aren't ready and they can develop issues. Run it by your pediatrician if you're not sure."

Of course, there are some benefits, too: Dr. Cara says that the average baby in the U.S. uses between 5-8,000 diapers until they are potty trained. There is a huge environmental and cost burden on buying diapers. However, newborns can have a bowel movement every two hours, so being able to do EC training is asking a lot of the parents. Dr. Cara says that for working parents, it's even more complicated: "No daycare is going to follow EC practices. Maybe a nanny would do it, but a daycare won't."

The bottom line? Dr. Cara is not against EC, but keep in mind it requires a lot of effort, there's no medical necessity for it, and you want to make sure your child does not develop issues because of it.

You and Your Newborn Baby: a guide to the first months after birth

2009-08-02T23:11:00.001-07:00

by Linda Todd

Regardless of whether labor is long or short, whether it is hard or easy whether a baby is born vaginally or by cesarean, most parents recall the first hours and days after birth as crystal-clear images surrounded by haze. It is in this haze that you first take in your baby and make a giant leap from pregnancy to parenting.

Despite all the anticipatory parenting done before conception and during pregnancy, despite weeks of feeling movement within and fantasizing about your baby, despite months of having strange dreams, worrisome thoughts, and musings about what kind of parent you will be, the first time you hold your baby in your arms and call yourself mother or father, mama or papa, mommy or daddy, an awareness floods over you that life will never be the same again. Another human being is now dependent upon you for survival. More than anything else, you want to be the best parent possible.

Your awareness of your baby's dependency and your desire to be a good parent will together be a great source of energy and a great source of stress. Both are part of being a parent.

Becoming a good parent means much more than knowing a lot about babies. Ask pediatric doctors or nurses what it was like for them to be new parents. They will tell you that all their knowledge about babies was not enough to keep them from being over whelmed by their own babies. All new parents feel the same way. All new parents work at knowing, understanding, and loving their babies. Your baby will work just as hard at learning to know, understand, and love you. This is the process of attachment-the work that parents and babies do together to form a deep and lasting love. It is what becoming a family is all about.

This book is written to give you some help as you make the transition from pregnancy to parenting. It offers ideas on things you can do to make this time of change easier. It is written as much to encourage as to teach you. Besides providing the information you need about taking care of yourself and your baby, it can help build your confidence in your own wisdom about your family's needs. You will find the postpartum period easier if you know what to expect during this time, if you actively participate in health-care decisions, and if you build a network of support that nurtures your growing family.

New families in the United States face some challenges that families in most other countries do not. In the United States, where nearly 99 percent of women give birth in hospitals, the average hospital stay after childbirth is two days for a woman who has given birth vaginally, three to four days for a woman who has given birth by cesarean. In many communities, new families are discharged from the hospital within twenty-four hours of birth. Such early discharge will probably become the norm by the year 2000.

In most other countries, both industrialized and developing, the postpartum period is seen as being at least as important as the prenatal period. Because of this, women giving birth in hospitals have longer stays. More importantly, services are brought to the homes of new families. No matter how long the stay in a hospital or birth center, the family's transition to home-and to sole responsibility for the newborn-is overwhelming. in many countries all new families are visited at home by midwives, nurses, or other trained personnel who teach parenting skills, assess the mother's and baby's health, and provide moral support (and sometimes, as in the Netherlands, government-paid helpers do the housekeeping!). In the United States, such services are now provided to only a small minority of women.

Other Changes You May Notice.

The day after birth, you may ache all over from the work you did in labor. Your arms and legs may be sore from pulling back on your legs while pushing out the baby.

Although achy legs are normal, tenderness, pain, or warmth in your calves and swollen or reddened veins are warning signs that you should report to your doctor or midwife immediately. These signs could indicate thrombophlehitis, an inflammation of a vein that can result in formation of a blood clot. Postpartum women are at slightly increased risk of this because the vein walls normally relax somewhat in pregnancy. To reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis, increase circulation in your legs by doing foot rotations (see page 2 1) and by getting up and walking soon after birth. Thrombophlebitis is treated with bed rest, elevation of the affected leg, hot packs, and the use of elastic stockings. Medications may also be needed to prevent infection and clot formation. The affected leg should not be massaged.

Joints that relaxed in pregnancy to allow for the baby's growth and birth will return to their pre-pregnancy condition within several weeks of birth. Many women, however, feel that the rib cage and pelvis remain slightly expanded for the rest of their lives.

Abdominal muscles are relaxed after birth, so the abdomen is soft and still rounded. All women have some degree of separation of the abdominal muscles, which lessens with exercise.

Any stretch marks you have will seem more obvious after birth than before. Although stretch marks never completely disappear, they fade to silvery white lines in the months after childbirth. Darkened areas of the skin, such as the areola and the linea nigra, a dark line from the belly button to pubic bone, may tighten but may not completely fade.

Many women note changes in their hair after birth-most commonly, profuse hair loss. This is because pregnancy hormones stimulate hair growth. With the drop in these hormones, the extra hair that grew in pregnancy will fall out. This begins around three months after birth and usually ends within a couple of months.

Perhaps the most common feeling of new mothers after childbirth is that of being bone-tired. This seems especially true of women who have just had their first babies. Often, fatigue is combined with such excitement in the first days that sleep is difficult. The usual aches and pains of the early postpartum period can make it even harder to sleep. But beyond the first few days after birth, most women find daily naps are essential to their well-being.

Caring for Yourself after a Cesarean.

Each woman recovers in her own unique way after cesarean birth, just as after vaginal birth. Pain medications can help during the first few days (the medications given are considered safe during breastfeeding). The nurses will assist you in getting up the first time, learning to cough or huff to keep your chest clear, dealing with the gas that can follow surgery, and learning to hold your baby in ways that are comfortable for you. If assistance is not available when you need it, press your call button and ask for help.

All new parents can benefit from assistance at home after childbirth, but for a woman who has had a cesarean birth such help is essential for at least the first week. Not only are you undergoing a transformation to a nonpregnant state and learning to care for your new baby, you are recovering from major surgery. Adequate help, allowing you to rest often during the day, can make a great difference in how quickly you feel strong and well. Taking care of yourself and your baby should be your only duties until you feel ready to take on more.

These activity restrictions are usually recommended:

Limit stair climbing as much as possible.

Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for the first two weeks.

Ask your mate or a friend to do laundry, vacuuming, and other tasks that require bending, lifting, or pushing for at least the first few weeks after birth. Then resume such work gradually.

Do not drive a car for the first two weeks.

Take showers instead of tub baths until the incision is completely healed and dry.

Ask your doctor or midwife for specific instructions on the care of your incision.

Accepting Your Initial Responses to Your Baby.

Like her labor, a woman's initial response to her baby is something she remembers for a lifetime. Women greet their babies in as many ways as there are mothers. Before they give birth, most women anticipate a rush of loving feelings, or even tears of joy. others anticipate instantly "feeling like a mother." Some women actually experience these things. Many do not.

Sometimes, a woman experiences a temporary holding back from the baby whose birth caused pain or emotional trauma. A new mother may have a feeling of distance-which in retrospect may seem like disinterest. Or she may feel a strong need to attend to herself, pain and exhaustion compete with interest in the baby. in retrospect, she may see herself as selfish. Coolness, distance, self-centeredness-none of these fit with any woman's conception of a "good mother." Because of this, many women say they feel guilty about their initial responses to their babies.

Many women speak of feeling outside of themselves after labor. It is as though one's personal boundaries are hazy. Is it any wonder that women feel they are not taking their babies in-"as they should?" They can hardly take themselves in! This is to be expected. Most women say it takes days to come back into themselves. This is the natural rhythm of things. Something amazing is going on. As boundaries are reclarified, they are also redefined. You are now a mother. Your baby is no longer one with you, as in pregnancy. But the new boundaries are extended, to connect you for a lifetime to this other person. This connection is the essential work of the first months of parenting. You may have all the loving feelings you anticipated, but if you do not, give them time to evolve, as you do the work of taking on your new role.

Signs of Illness in a Newborn.

Many parents doubt whether they will recognize if the baby is sick. When you have no experience with babies, being told that a sick baby behaves differently from a well baby is of little comfort. if everything about your baby seems unfamiliar, it is hard to have confidence that you can and will recognize changes that indicate your baby is ill. Besides, healthy babies can cry for a couple of hours each day. Crying does not tell you as much in the first weeks as it will when your baby is older. So how will you know if your baby is sick? Asking yourself these questions may help:

Is there a change in the baby's behavior? Is the baby crying more than usual? Has the tone of the cry changed? Is the crying at a different time of day than usual? Is the baby more irritable than usual? Is the baby sleeping more or less than usual? Does the baby seem lethargic or listless?

Has the baby's appetite or digestion changed? Is the baby eating less than usual? Has the baby vomited more than once? If the baby is vomiting, is the vomiting forceful? (This is called projectile vomiting.) Are there signs of constipation? That is, are the stools hard or more solid than usual? Are there signs of diarrhea? That is, are the stools watery, or more runny than usual? Are they more frequent than usual? Is the baby urinating less frequently than usual? Has the color of the urine changed?

Has there been a change in the baby's breathing? Does the baby seem to have trouble breathing? Does the baby sound congested? Does the baby have a runny or stuffy nose? Is the baby coughing?

How does the baby look? Is the baby's skin pale or flushed? Is there a rash anywhere on the baby's body? Do the baby's eyes look glassy or dull? Is there any discharge from the eyes?

Does the baby have a fever?

Any of these changes could indicate illness. if you notice any of them, or other worrisome changes in Your baby, call your baby's care- giver. When you call the office, be prepared to describe:

	The signs of illness about which you are concerned.
	How long the signs have been present.
	What you need: to have the caregiver return your call; to speak to the caregiver immediately, if you feel this is an emergency; or to arrange for the baby to be seen as soon as possible.

CRIB SAFETY TIPS if you have a used crib or are considering buying one

Make sure it has no corner posts. older infants can catch clothing on these.

Check that the crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Never put a baby in a crib that has missing slats.

Make sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits tightly within the crib rails, with no more than a 1-inch space (two fingers width) between the rails and the mattress.

Assure yourself that all guide rods and support brackets are firmly in place and secure, and that no screws are missing.

Check the locks and latches on the crib. They should be smooth, and tight enough to prevent accidental release.

Be certain the paint used on the crib is lead-free. If it isn't, the old paint should be removed. if you're pregnant or nursing, have someone else do the stripping, preferably away from your home, or at least outside the house and away from any play or garden area. New paint should be a high-quality, lead-free enamel recommended for children's furniture. Some babies do chew on their cribs, and ingesting lead can cause brain damage.

If your crib is new, remove and discard all plastic packaging materials, including the thin plastic mattress cover. As with a used crib, check the guide rods, support brackets, locks, and

latches, and make sure no screws are missing. With any crib, new or old

Place the crib out of reach of any cords, electrical sockets, or other hazards.

Keep crib rails up at all times when the baby is unattended.

As soon as your baby can pull himself or herself up, move the mattress to the lowest position. There should be at least 22 inches between the mattress and the top of the rail.

If you plan to use a bassinet or cradle instead of a crib, many of these same safety tips will still apply.

Some Basics about Feeding

Expectant parents know they will have a lot to learn after their babies arrive. They know it will take time to feel confident about diapering, bathing, and soothing a baby. Most have been told that feeding, too, will be a learning experience. It is not until after the birth, however, that the true meaning of this is dear. Parents often say they had not anticipated that the baby, too, would need to learn to feed. Also unanticipated is the profound concern parents have that their babies be adequately nourished.

Even as adults, many people are greeted by their mothers with the questions "Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?" These are questions you will find yourself asking your baby. It is natural for you to feel somewhat anxious when the baby's answers are not as clear as you might like. Following are some basics about feeding that can guide you as you gain experience.

Postpartum Fathers

Feelings after Birth. Fathers who are present at birth are, more often than mothers, captured by the baby immediately. Whereas women may need minutes, hours, or a few days to feel connected to the baby, fathers often feel the power of this connection at the moment of birth. Unless the mother or baby is in some danger just after birth, the father is likely to find these moments life-changing and exquisite. These feelings are often blended with a sudden awareness of exhaustion.

A father also experiences new feelings about his mate. He may speak of his amazement at her courage, strength, and endurance during labor. He now faces the task of integrating his memory of her in labor with his previous knowledge and feelings about her.

A father may have to work through feelings he experienced while supporting the mother in labor. One of the most common feelings fathers speak about after labor is that of helplessness. Unless he is told, a man may not know how much his presence and emotional support really meant to the laboring woman.

A man may also feel that the labor experience has altered his whole life view. He may have gained a sense of the miraculous and spiritual, of a deeper meaning to life.

Not all fathers, of course, are able to share the birth experience. A lot of fathers who missed their babies' births worry that not having been there will affect their relationships with their babies. Birth is a special moment in the parent-child relationship, but it is only one moment. The years of child rearing provide many other shared moments that are just as important in the development of a relationship between father and child.

Newborn Babies and Sleep By Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution

2009-08-02T22:20:00.001-07:00

Congratulations on the birth of your new baby. This is a glorious time in your life – and a sleepless time too. Newborns have very different sleep needs than older babies. This article will help you understand your baby’s developing sleep patterns, and will help you have reasonable expectations for sleep.

Read, Learn, and Beware of Bad Advice

Absolutely everyone has an opinion about how you should handle sleep issues with your new baby. The danger to a new parent is that these tidbits of misguided advice (no matter how well-intentioned) can truly have a negative effect on our parenting skills and, by extension, our babies’ development…if we are not aware of the facts. The more knowledge you have the less likely that other people will make you doubt your parenting decisions.

When you have your facts straight, and when you have a parenting plan, you will be able to respond with confidence to those who are well-meaning but offering contrary or incorrect advice. So, your first step is to get smart! Know what you are doing, and know why you are doing it. Read books and magazines, attend classes or support groups – it all helps.

The Biology of Newborn Sleep

During the early months of your baby’s life, he sleeps when he is tired, it’s that simple. You can do little to force a new baby to sleep when he doesn’t want to sleep, and conversely, you can do little to wake him up when he is sleeping soundly.

Newborn babies have very tiny tummies. They grow rapidly, their diet is liquid, and it digests quickly. Although it would be nice to lay your little bundle down at bedtime and not hear from him until morning, this is not a realistic goal for a tiny baby. Newborns need to be fed every two to four hours — and sometimes more.

Sleeping “through the night”

You may believe that babies should start “sleeping through the night” soon after birth. For a new baby, a five-hour stretch is a full night. Many (but not all) babies can sleep uninterrupted from midnight to 5 a.m. (Not that they always do.) This may be a far cry from what you may have thought “sleeping through the night” meant!

What’s more, some sleep-through-the-nighters will suddenly begin waking more frequently, and it’s often a full year or even two until your baby will settle into an all-night, every night sleep pattern.

Falling Asleep at the Breast or Bottle

It is natural for a newborn to fall asleep while sucking at the breast, a bottle, or a pacifier. When a baby always falls asleep this way, he learns to associate sucking with falling asleep; over time, he cannot fall asleep any other way. This is probably the most natural, pleasant sleep association a baby can have. However, a large percentage of parents who are struggling with older babies who cannot fall asleep or stay asleep are fighting this powerful association.

Therefore, if you want your baby to be able to fall asleep without your help, it is essential that you sometimes let your newborn baby suck until he is sleepy, but not totally asleep. When you can, remove the breast, bottle, or pacifier from his mouth, and let him finish falling asleep without it. If you do this often enough, he will learn how to fall asleep without sucking.

Waking for Night Feedings

Many pediatricians recommend that parents shouldn’t let a newborn sleep longer than four hours without feeding, and the majority of babies wake far more frequently than that. No matter what, your baby will wake up during the night. The key is to learn when you should pick her up for a feeding and when you can let her go back to sleep on her own.

Here’s a tip that is important for you to know. Babies make many sleeping sounds, from grunts to whimpers to outright cries, and these noises don’t always signal awakening. These are what I call sleeping noises, and your baby is asleep during these episodes.

Learn to differentiate between sleeping sounds and awake sounds. If she is awake and hungry, you’ll want to feed her as quickly as possible so she’ll go back to sleep easily. But if she’s asleep – let her sleep!

Help Your Baby Distinguish Day from Night

A newborn sleeps sixteen to eighteen hours per day, and this sleep is distributed evenly over six to seven sleep periods. You can help your baby distinguish between night sleep and day sleep, and thus help him sleep longer periods at night.

Have your baby take his daytime naps in a lit room where he can hear the noises of the day. Make nighttime sleep dark and quiet, except for white noise (a background hum). You can also help your baby differentiate day from night by using a nightly bath and a change into pajamas to signal the difference between the two.

Watch for Signs of Tiredness

Get familiar with your baby’s sleepy signals and put her down to sleep as soon as she seems tired. A baby who is encouraged to stay awake when her body is craving sleep is an unhappy baby. Over time, this pattern develops into sleep deprivation, which complicates developing sleep maturity. Learn to read your baby’s sleepy signs — such as quieting down, losing interest in people and toys, and fussing — and put her to bed when that window of opportunity presents itself.

Make Yourself Comfortable

It’s a fact that your baby will be waking you up, so you may as well make yourself as comfortable as possible. Relax about night wakings right now. Being frustrated about having to get up won’t change a thing. The situation will improve day by day; and before you know it, your newborn won’t be so little anymore — she’ll be walking and talking and getting into everything in sight…during the day, and sleeping peacefully all night long.

From Baby to Teen

2009-08-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

by: Lillie Davis
You've done your job as a parent, right? You fed your child when he or she was a baby, changed those diapers, spent numerous sleepless nights taking care of your baby. You wiped that runny nose, warmed the bottle, sanitized the house, and did all you could to care for and protect your baby.

Then the baby became a toddler. You kissed the boo boos. You wiped away the tears. You child proofed the entire house to protect him or her from harm. You did all that you could to keep your toddler safe.

Then came the grammar school age. Again, you watched out for your child. You always knew where your child was and who he or she was with. You monitored your child because you wanted to keep your child safe. You were being a very good parent.

Then came the teen years and your teen gets a driver's license. You teen stills needs you to watch out for him or her because your teen still doesn't have the maturity to make all the right decisions. As a responsible parent, you need to do all you can to protect your teen. It is not an invasion of privacy to monitor and know the whereabouts of your teen. It is being a good parent. That is why all parents need to consider installing a GPS Tracking unit in their teens automobile. GPS tracking helps parents with the peace of mind of knowing that their teens are safe.

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death of teens with over one-third a direct result of speed related issues. Teen drivers killed in a motor vehicle accident had a youth passenger 45% of the time with 53% of these teen deaths occurring on the weekend. Do everything that you can to ensure that your teen is not one of those terrible statistics. Install a GPS Tracking unit in your teen's vehicle now!

Baby Budgeting Tips

2009-08-01T02:12:00.000-07:00

by: Richard Greenwood

Bringing a baby into the world brings many responsibilities, one of which is the management of your finances. A baby and child will create many changes to your income and expenditures. By getting your finances in order early you can look forward to a bright future through parenthood where finances aren't a cause of stress or worry.

Consolidate & reduce existing debts - It's easy to accrue debts on credit cards, store cards and personal loans. Why not consolidate your existing debts into one place to reduce your monthly interest payments. You can consolidate debt from credit cards using a balance transfer offer such as 0% on balance transfers for 6 months. During these 6 months you should focus on reducing the debt as much as possible.

Make extra home loan repayments - If you have a home loan and are both currently employed you should use your dual incomes to make as many extra repayments on your home loan as you can manage before dropping to one income. Make sure your home loan has a free redraw facility so that you can pull any extra repayments back out at a later date should you need it. Even if you pull most of the money back out after you have the baby you will still of reduced your interest payments in the meantime and further reduced the principle balance.

Check your Health Insurance cover - Having a baby can rack up some big healthcare bills especially is there are any complications. If you don't have private health cover you should consider taking it out in advance of getting pregnant as many funds have a 12 month wait before they pay out for maternity expenses. If you already have health cover, check the policy and ensure maternity cover is included. If not, you may need to upgrade or shop around for another policy.

Protect your income - While an additional expense, it is seriously worth considering income and life insurance should the worse happen. The upbringing of a child create a large financial repsonsibility. You need to be confident that your home loan could be paid off and essential costs such as education and living costs covered in the event that an income is lost or something happens to one of you.

Save for your future - Think about saving for education and other future costs by starting a high interest savings account. Online only savings accounts often have higher interest rates and lower fees than tradtional banks. If you looking for bigger returns with a long term investment then you could look into managed funds or shares.

Think ahead - is your retirement plan working for you - Make sure you have your entire retirement plan in one place to avoid paying multiple account fees. Look for retirement plans with low fees and strong performance results. The thought of your children growing up may seem a long way ahead but you need to get your money working for you now to ensure a good financial position for yourself when they eventually flee the nest.

Try out living on just one income - It can be a shock moving from a dual income household to a single income household when you have a baby. To make things easier why not try and live off one income for a while before the baby is born. The other income can be put towards extra home loan repayments or reducing debt as suggested in the other tips.

Don't spend money when you don't have to - The great thing about having a baby is that friends and family are keen to help out. If you've have friends who have had babies before you why not see if they have toys, clothes or equipment that they don't need anymore. Ebay, online classifieds and your local newspaper are also excellent places to find baby goods second hand. To save money of expensive toys that your baby will soon grow bored of you can use local toy libraries for a small cost.

Babies can save you money as well! - While there may be no shortage of costs around bringing up a child, you'll probably notice you spend less money on entertainment such as going out to restaurants and bars, especially in the first years after having a child. They will provide you with plenty of 'entertainment' and keep you occupied day and night.

Safety During Baby’s Bath

2009-08-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

by: Nicole Munoz

You’ve done it. You’re kid’s finally not scared of the tub, gets the time of his life during bath, splashing water on himself and on you and sees bath time as a great opportunity to play, wonder and explore.

However, your job as parent regarding bath time does not end in making it a fun time for your kid. More importantly, it is also your responsibility to ensure his safety during baths.

Safety Tip 1: Be prepared. Everything should be ready. His towel, soap, shampoo, bath toys, tub, wash cloth, bath seat and all his bathing necessities should be prepared and should be within hand’s reach even before you settle your kid in his tub. If in case you forget something, don’t leave baby in the tub alone. Instead bundle him up in a towel and take him with you.

Safety Tip 2: Choose a safe place for bathing. The sink and the bathroom are ideal places for baby to take his tubby time. Be sure you place his tub on top of something sturdy so it won’t topple over. It’s also a good idea to place a rubber mat underneath the tub to prevent it from slipping. Aside from that, the place you choose to bathe baby must not have any dangerous items within baby’s reach such as razors, powder or breakable glass items.

Safety Tip 3: Test waters first before dipping your baby. Hot water may scald your baby while cold water may terrify him. Before letting your baby take the bath, test the water with your elbow to make sure it’s just the right temperature. To be doubly sure, test it with a bath thermometer to see if it’s 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Safety Tip 4: Never leave your baby unattended even for a second. It can only take as fast as a blink of an eye for baby to slip or fall off or for any unfortunate accident to happen. When the phone or doorbell rings, or the pot you’re cooking starts to smell like it’s burning, never dare to leave your child on the tub and risk his safety just to answer the phone or the door or to rescue your pot roast. Needless to say, your child’s life is more important.

Safety Tip 5: Be focused. Don’t let the television airing your favourite soap or a chattering neighbour distract you while you give your kid a bath. Always keep in mind that it’s in your hands to keep your baby safe at all times. Being distracted may cause you to accidentally put shampoo on his eyes or worse not be able to hold him properly. Babies are slippery when wet and it entails a lot of effort and focused attention to ensure that your baby does not slip out of your hands and is not harmed during a bath.

One of your main responsibilities as a parent is to provide a safe environment for your kid and to ensure that he is free from anything that may hurt and harm him. Keeping him safe at all times including during bath time is one of the things you should always keep in mind.

3 Steps to Nurture the Emotional Needs of Your Baby...and Yourself!

2009-08-01T01:07:00.000-07:00

3 Steps to Nurture the Emotional Needs of Your Baby...and Yourself!
by: Victoria Loveland-Coen

Whether you’ve given birth or have adopted a newborn, raising that baby is a terrific time to remember that we are all connected. It’s a great time to remember that we are so much more than a physical body…that we are indeed “spirits living in the material world” (as Sting’s song reminds us.) It’s a terrific time to remember that there is a higher power that binds us together…that guides and governs all of creation…that shines through our eyes…that responds to our thought and what we say about ourselves.

Indeed we are all connected on the invisible side of life. We must be. It doesn’t matter if it’s a tree or a flower…a bird, or a human being. It’s all one Life Energy expressing in different forms. This awareness becomes intensified when you have a baby. It becomes so clear that your newborn is more than a cute little physical body. In those moments when your baby is awake and alert, you notice a light shining from behind her eyes and you can feel the connection…soul to soul. And the first time he smiles, you know that that love could…just maybe…erase all the wrongs in the world.

You might also feel totally responsible for not only taking care of your baby’s physical needs, but also his or her emotional needs. You begin to think about the responsibility you have in shaping who he or she becomes. Yes, I know, a lot of it is nature and temperament. I’ve got twins so I know first hand how different they can be…even when you do the exact same things with both babies. Still, a large part of the equation is nurture. Their level of self-esteem, their social skills, their learning capacity and how they feel about themselves can all be affected by what you, as a parent (and “a god” in your child’s eyes) do…or don’t do.

That’s why bonding is so important to a baby’s development. When a baby feels the connection with you, your unconditional love and your willingness to be fully present with him or her, a baby develops into an emotionally healthy, happy child with high self-esteem and is able to form healthy relationships with others easily.

Also, what you believe to be true about your baby, and what you say to her has an enormous impact on who she will become. One of the baby bonding activities I have in my book, The Baby Bonding Book, is to repeat affirmations for your baby. Yes, I know he or she doesn’t understand the words…yet. But, because we’re all connected, they can feel your intent, and somewhere deep inside, they get the meaning. When you repeat phrases such as, “You are so beautiful and magnificent;” “You are perfect;” “You are bright and intelligent;” “You are so loving and generous;” “You are so creative and talented;” it’s like food for your baby’s soul. Repeating these phrases to your baby on a regular basis is like fertilizing the ground and watering the little shoots of life in your garden. Before long they’ll mature and blossom into something really magnificent.

Some of you might be saying to yourself right now, “Well I can certainly do that with my baby, but I sure wish it was done to me when I was a baby.” I know the feeling. Imagine what magnificent people we would be now if our parents had spent the time bonding with us completely and repeated affirmations to us like that while we were young. But we have to remember that we’re all human. None of us is a perfect parent. And we’re all doing the best we can with the understanding we have at the time. We need to forgive our parents and ourselves.

Also, we can give ourselves what our parents never did. We are beginning a new life with this new baby. We can begin a new life with ourselves as well by applying the following three ideas…

1. Love yourself unconditionally. Just as you love your baby pretty much unconditionally (in other words, he cries, throws up, gets cranky, refuses to go to sleep…but you still love him and think he’s wonderful) you can do this for yourself. Love yourself…unconditionally. Even when you blow your diet, think or say unkind things about others, file your taxes late, forget to call your mom, etc., etc., forgive yourself. You’re doing the best you can at any given moment. You have the chance to start again tomorrow. Think about how you love your baby and transfer that feeling to yourself. See yourself as a magnificent child of Infinite Love. Notice your wonderful qualities. Where are you proud of yourself? Where are you beautiful? Notice that and give yourself credit.

2. Treat yourself with kindness. Think about how you treat a new friend. Don’t you tend to give them the benefit of the doubt? Wouldn’t you be quick to recommend they treat themselves to something special whether it’s a good movie, a good book, a great restaurant, or a full-body massage? Treat yourself the same way. Act as if you were your own best friend.

3. Affirm a higher truth about yourself. Even if you are currently experiencing limitation in any area of your life, you have the capacity to rise above the experience and call forth a higher truth for your life. Even in the midst of a stressful time, a frustrating relationship, financial lack or a health issue, you can consciously connect with the abundance and harmony of the Universe and claim your good as a beloved child of the Divine. When it becomes yours in consciousness, it will become yours in experience shortly thereafter.

I go into much more detail and give you step-by-step processes for integrating these ideas (and more) into your life in my new program, the Manifesting Your Desires Platinum Program. You have the ability to totally transform how you think about yourself and what shows up in your life as a result. This special time of nurturing your baby is the perfect time nurture yourself as well. Embrace the opportunity.

Many blessings to you and your baby, and the amazing life that’s in store for both of you!

The Benefits of Baby Sign Language Extend Way beyond the First Few Years

2009-08-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

The Benefits of Baby Sign Language Extend Way beyond the First Few Years
by: Lisa Baade

Baby Sign Language is a communication method designed to be used with hearing babies and toddlers before they can speak. It is a simplified version of sign language designed to be easy enough for baby's to use from 6 months of age. The baby signs are often borrowed or modified from traditional sign language. These baby signs are based on gestures that symbolize the action or meaning of a word and are designed so that they can be understood even if you don’t know any sign language at all. Baby Sign Language can be taught from birth although most children have the necessary hand eye co-ordination to begin signing back to their parents and caregivers by the age of 6 months. As most babies don't begin talking until they are between 9 - 12 months of age, Baby Sign Language gives the child a significant head start on two way communication. This milestone may seem to be a small advantage to begin with however research has shown that this small advantage flows through to have larger developmental impact later on in life.

NIH Funded Baby Sign Language Experimental Studies

Baby Sign Language is not a new concept, although it still receives much media attention around the world. The first Baby Sign Language studies were conducted as early as 1989. One of the most highly regarded and a frequently referenced experimental study is a National Institute of Health (NIH) funded study conducted by Drs Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn. This study was designed to determine the benefits of Baby Sign Language. The aim was to determine if Baby Sign Language would delay speech development in children. The children recruited into the study were assigned into two groups; the first group consisted of children that used Baby Sign Language and the second group consisted of children that did not. The children were recruited for the study at eleven months of age. Their speech and language development was followed up until they reached three years of age.

The study regularly assessed the speech and language development of the children. Language assessments were designed to measure language comprehension and language production. These assessments were conducted at assigned intervals during the study and measured the children’s ability to put words into sentences. The child’s intellectual development was also measured at 24 months.

The average scores of children in the study that were in the group that used Baby Sign Language were found to be higher than the control group who did not. By the age of twenty-four months, the signing children had a developmental advantage of three months over the non-signing children. By the time these signing children reached the age of thirty-six months, this advantage had increased dramatically from a three month developmental advantage to an equivalent twelve month advantage in their overall language skills and comprehension.

Since this research was conducted in 1989 there have been many families that use Baby Sign Language in their home. To date there hasn't been a single study that has shown there to be any disadvantages from using Baby Sign Language. Many childcare centres are also using Baby Sign Language as part of a dedicated program.

Some parents may be concerned if they use Baby Sign Language with their children that it may delay their speech development. The results of the NIH funded study demonstrate quite clearly that this is not the case. Baby Sign Language facilitates communication between baby and parent earlier in life and is thought by some to be an essential step in the learning process. Baby Sign Language aids in the comprehension of words through actions that they understand. By providing a communication method to the baby earlier in life they understand the benefit of communication as they are rewarded with some control over their environment and their needs. This only leads on to a thirst for a more complicated language which is thought to be the reason that baby's who sign with their parents speak earlier than those who do not.

Why do babies cry?

2009-07-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

All babies cry sometimes. They have to. Even entirely healthy newborns will cry for somewhere between one and three hours each day. Unable to do anything for themselves, babies rely on someone else to provide them with the food, warmth, and comfort that they need. Crying is a baby's way of communicating one of those needs. As a new parent, it can sometimes be difficult to work out what your baby is telling you - is she hungry, cold, thirsty, bored, looking for a cuddle? In the early days, when you have not yet learned to work out what your baby needs, this crying can be upsetting. However, you will gradually begin to recognise your baby's different crying patterns and, as you get to know her better, will be able to anticipate her needs.

As babies grow, they gradually learn other ways of communicating with us, too. They get better at eye contact, making noises, and even smiling, all of which reduce the need for crying. The most common reasons babies cry are listed below. If you have a baby who is difficult to soothe, try working your way down the list. That way, you can reassure yourself that you have tried to meet her needs as well as you possibly can.

• I need food
Hunger is the most common reason a new baby will cry. The younger your baby is, the more likely it is that she is crying because she is hungry. The exception to this is in the first day or two after birth, when some babies feed very little. If you are breastfeeding, you may well be aware of this, as the very concentrated early milk, colostrum, is produced in small amounts and you notice when the milk "comes in" around the third day. A baby's small stomach cannot hold very much, so if your baby cries, try offering her some milk, as it may well be that she is hungry. She might not stop crying immediately, but let her keep feeding if she wants to, and she will gradually be soothed as her stomach fills up. If your baby has been fed and is still crying, however, perhaps she is expressing the next need.

• I need to be comfortable
Babies will very sensibly protest if their clothes are too tight or if a soiled nappy is bothering them. Some babies don't seem to mind if their nappies are full - it just feels warm and comfortable to them - while others will call out to be changed immediately, especially if some tender skin is being irritated. Checking your baby's nappy and changing it may meet her needs, so this is always worth trying. It also gives you an opportunity to check that a nappy tab isn't too tight or that there isn't something else about her clothing making her uncomfortable.

• I need to be warm - and not too hot or too cold
Some newborns hate having their nappy changed or being bathed - they are not used to the feel of the air on their skin and much prefer to be bundled up and warm. If your baby is like this, you will soon learn how to perform a nappy change quickly so that you can calm her down again. Take care not to overdress your baby, though, so that she gets too hot. A good rule to follow is that she needs to wear one more layer of clothing than you do to be comfortable.

In the cot or Moses basket, try using a sheet and cellular blankets as bedding, rather than a duvet, so you can add and remove layers as necessary. You can check whether your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling her stomach: if she's too hot, remove a blanket, if she's cold, add one. Don't be guided by her hands or feet, as it is normal for them to feel slightly cold. Keep your baby's room at a temperature of around 18 degrees C / 64 degrees F, and put her down to sleep on her back with her feet at the end of the cot so that she can't wriggle too far down under the blankets and get too hot that way.

• I need to be held
Some babies need a great deal of cuddling and reassurance. An older child may be soothed by seeing you in the room or hearing your voice, but new babies often need close physical contact for comfort. If you've fed your baby and changed her nappy, you may find that she now simply wants to be held. Some parents worry that they will "spoil" their baby if they hold her too much, but during the first few months of life that's impossible. While some babies don't seem to need that much physical contact, others want to be held almost all the time. If your baby needs a lot of holding, you might like to try a baby sling, which allows you to keep your baby close while leaving your hands free for other tasks; this may be a solution that keeps you both happy.

• I need a rest
It is easy to assume that babies will fall asleep whenever they need to, wherever they are, simply because so many of them do. However, if your baby has been receiving a lot of attention - perhaps you've had a busy day with hordes of visitors round - she may become overstimulated and then find it hard to "switch off" and settle. Newborns can find it difficult to cope with too much stimulation at once - the lights, the noise, being passed from one adoring relative to the next - and can become overwhelmed by it all. Many parents have found that their baby cries more than usual when relatives come to stay, or sometimes just towards the end of each day. If there seems to be no specific reason for your baby's crying, she may just be saying, "I've had enough". If you can take her somewhere calm and quiet, gradually withdrawing the stimulation, she may express her feelings by crying for a while and then eventually settling to sleep.

• I need something to make me feel better
If you've fed your baby and checked that she's comfortable, but she's still continuing to cry, you may wonder if she is ill or in pain. First-time parents often find it difficult to tell whether their baby is crying purely because she's an unhappy baby by nature (and some are, as it takes them a long time to adjust to being in the world) or whether there's something genuinely wrong. A baby who is ill often cries in a different tone to her usual cry - it may be more urgent or high-pitched. Equally, for a baby who normally cries frequently, an unusual quietness may be a sign that she's not well. The most important thing to remember is that nobody knows your baby as well as you do. If you feel that there may be something wrong, give your GP, midwife, or health visitor a call. Health professionals will always take your concerns seriously, and it may be reassuring for you to know that there isn't a physical cause for your baby's crying. Always call your doctor if your baby has difficulty breathing through the crying, or if the crying is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation. See our article on when to call the doctor for more guidance.

• I need something ... but I don't know what
Sometimes you might not be able to figure out what's wrong when your baby cries. Many newborns go through patches of fretfulness and are not easily comforted. The unhappiness can range from a few minutes of hard-to-console crying to several hours at a stretch, an almost constant state of crying that is sometimes called colic. Colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, for at least three days a week. Many parents find it very difficult to cope with a baby who has colic, and it can put a strain on the whole family. There is no magic cure for colic, but it rarely lasts for more than three months. If you can hold on to the fact that your baby will grow out of it, that may help. See our article on coping with colic for more strategies on how to deal with this distressing condition.