Babies-Toddler


8
Jul 11

Maclaren Baby Review – Maclaren Volo

The Maclaren Volo Baby Stroller is another much preferred stroller of parents. It is so simple and uncomplicated to use you can take it anywhere and anytime. It is ultra lightweight, easy to fold, easy to push and compact in design.

The Pros

The Volo is a nippy buggy stroller that handles well on pavements, kerbs, and surprisingly, even on bumpy ground. It’s easy peasy to change direction with it, too.

You can fold it with one hand, no hassle at all. Its small size when folded, allows you to fit it almost anywhere.

This baby pushchair is so light, you can haul and carry it up and down the stairs. It’s equipped with a carrying strap so you can bring it without any sweat. And because of it’s compact size, you can go through doors and commute trouble-free.

There are two words to describe this stroller: “easy” and “simple”.

Everything about it is easy it’s easy to fold, unfold, manoeuvre, carry, push, clean, and store away.

Other Pros worthy to note:

  • Perfect for city residents and to bring on holidays
  • Very convenient to take when commuting
  • Comes with ample sized storage basket.

Maclaren Volo Buggy Stroller: The Cons

The Volo’s unique feature are the brakes. These are controlled by a lever clicked side to side and not up and down. This will help prevent it from getting caught in the stairs.

The Maclaran Volo’s seat has only one position as the back is not adjustable. In terms of your child’s comfort level, this is one consideration you have to think of. Some parents find this model “too basic”. If you’re the person who likes luxurious and fancy features, then the Volo Stroller may not be for you.

Conclusion

The Maclaren Volo Buggy Stroller is a fun little performer that’s so easy to steer. It has remained a favourite pushchair because of it’s a lightweight, compact, basic stroller that’s perfect for a quick nip outside, great for city use, provides ample storage space, and convenient to take with you on a holiday.


6
Jul 11

Babies and Toddlers – How to Succeed – Part 2

Development

An infant between 12 months and 36 months old exhibits a number of changes that form part of its process of development. The following series of observations focuses on that particular time span, and highlights those changes that may be classified as a “milestone.” It will consider what may be defined as an average child covering specific time periods within this development phase.

Age – 12 to 15 Months

Physical

Able to stand erect without any help and without having to hold onto anything.

Is just about able to drink from a cup, but without the sense of fully controlling the action, such as accompanied by a certain amount of spillage.

Has the ability to turn the pages of a book, a few at a time, when given a suitable prompt.

Is able to participate in basic games, such as rolling a ball or possibly even throwing it in a random fashion.

In relation to the context of learning and recreation, the act of play is usually associated with a variety of props, such as animals and toys.

Mental

Is able to use words involving four to six letters, such as ball and spoons.

Ability to follow a simple instruction accompanied by an appropriate hand gesture, such as fetching an object, having first pointed to it, and asking the child to collect it.

The ability to realise that an object still exists even when it is out of view to the child, such as placing a toy in a box and closing the lid.

Jean Piaget, a well known child psychologist, conducted object permanence experiments with infants. His results reflected the fact that such awareness was particularly evident at the age of eight to nine months. Such experiments may lead one to understand why infants younger than about nine months do not exhibit a tendency to cry when their mothers are no longer there, viz. “out of sight, out of mind.” This concept can lead to “A not B” errors, where an infant looks for an object in a place where it should not be.

Emotional

Using words or gestures that the child will understand to signify particular objects, such as pointing at a toy and raising the arms to indicate picking up the toy, or alternatively, saying the word cup using an exaggerated movement of the mouth with the intention of receiving the cup from the child.

To use actions that will entertain the child, such as covering your eyes with your hands, and then removing the hands again, whilst playing the game peek-a-boo.

This game further demonstrates the inability of some infants to understand object permanence, which is regarded as an important stage in the development of a child’s intelligence.

Babies and Toddlers – How To Succeed


6
Jul 11

Advantages of a Schwinn Double Jogging Stroller

Having kids early in marriage and with lesser age difference has its own advantages and disadvantages. This is entirely for you to decide if you can handle a toddler and an infant at the same time. The biggest advantage is that you quickly complete your family and both kids have almost similar age related requirements. Same is the case with having twins. Although you may not be at liberty to choose if you want to have two babies together but they are great at giving company to each other and seeking less of your time. But this again differs from case to case.

The fact remains that many families have a toddler and an infant at the same time. This could have been an issue if it was not for Schwinn double jogging stroller. Most parents prefer to take all the kids out to the park when they go out for a jog. It is not always possible to leave one unattended while you run or jog. So the most convenient thing to have is a Schwinn double jogging stroller.

You can easily fit in both of the kids easily and comfortably in a Schwinn double jogging stroller. This way you can have them with you at all times. Previously when the double jogger strollers were not introduced, people had to cramp up their kids in one seat which was not very comfortable and eventually moms would give up their fitness for the sake of their children’s comfort.

Now a single parent or a couple can conveniently handle both the young ones single handedly in a much more secure and comfortable way. If you and your spouse are planning to have more than one kid but still have only one, even then it is sensible to go for a Schwinn double jogging stroller. This can be great for carrying your stuff when you go shopping and when the second child comes, you are already prepared.

You should realize that strollers are not cheap. So if you are planning to have more than one baby then opting for a Schwinn double jogging stroller would be a sensible decision as handling two strollers will always require two people, but having a Schwinn double jogging stroller would mean one person can handle both the kids while the other parent is at liberty to shop or exercise freely.


5
Jul 11

Buying Baby Clothes – 5 Great Tips on Buying Baby Clothes Online

Buying tiny and adorable clothes for your baby is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Take a look at the 5 tips below before buying the clothes for your newborn baby.?/p>

1) Buy Newborn Clothes Slightly Larger In Sizes

Babies grow very fast in the first few weeks of 爈ife. Almost all babies can only fit into newborn size clothing for only a short period of time while some don’t even fit into newborn sizes at all. If you are buying clothes for your baby, it’s a wise choice to get a larger size if possible. You can also keep the size tag of the clothes to track the size of the clothes and increase from there. ?/p>

2) How To Wear Baby Clothes Does Matters

If you are not using diapers for your baby maybe you want to buy clothes that has a full snap opening at the bottom or a zipper at the front. If the clothes is going to be pulled over the baby’s head, be very sure to get baby clothes that have a soft neck opening so you don’t have to force it over the baby’s head. ?/p>

3) Easy Cleaning of Baby Clothes is Important

Baby clothes that can’t be hand-washed or dried clean by machine require way too much effort for most new parents. Be sure to check out the labels on the clothes when you consider for your newborn. There are a lots hand-wash and dry-clean baby clothes on the market today than you would have guessed! ?/p>

4) Baby’s Comfort is Key

Snaps, zippers and elastics can be of discomfort for your baby if they are in the wrong spot or are tight against baby’s skin. It also poses a danger of getting scratched by the zippers too. It’s alright to have zippers only if it has a layer of fabric between your baby’s skin and the zipper. Make sure elastic is covered and check snaps for rough edges that might be scratching against the skin. ?/p>

5) Layering Baby Clothes Works

Babies usually need one more additional layer of clothing to protect them from cold, unless it’s hot. Therefore do remember to choose clothes that allow you flexibility to easily add or remove the layers to keep baby warm and comfortable. If you live in a place that is cold, consider buying baby clothes with this flexibility.


4
Jul 11

Why Children Have Potty Accidents and How to Handle Them

Even after your child has been successfully potty trained, it is normal for them to experience potty accidents.  Many different factors can play a role in a potty-trained child wetting the bed or not making it to the bathroom in time.  Sometimes it is a pure accident because they were so into what they were doing they just didn’t realize they had to go.

Different aspects of life can play a role in a child’s bathroom habits.  If something has happened at home, at school, nightmares or even underlying health issues can cause a child to start having potty accidents.  If your child starts to have accidents, step back and look at what is going on in his life.  Try to determine what could be causing this, even if it is something as simple as his grandparents came to visit.

If you notice that it is an event that triggered the accidents, chances are the potty accidents will stop after a period of time.  Nevertheless, there are some important tips for parents if your child is experiencing potty accidents.

Remember, your child is likely to be embarrassed by these sudden accidents.  Whatever you do, do not make it worse.  Encourage them to use the bathroom more frequently.  Reassure them that it is okay and that accidents happen.  Sometimes it is helpful to tell them a story about when you had an accident as a child (if you cannot remember one, make it up).

Punishing or disciplining a child for a potty accident adds to the stress they could be feeling and will usually make the accidents worse.  Talk to your child about their day and their feelings.  Try to get them to open up, they might even tell you what the problem is.  Even if they don’t, what they tell you will give you an idea as to whether it is something external or not.

Depending on your child’s age and the frequency of the accidents, you may want to consider taking her to a doctor.  There are medical reasons behind accidents, such as bladder infections and diabetes.  This is not intended to scare you but instead let you know that there really could be a problem out of your child’s hands.  If nothing externally appears to be affecting her, seriously consider taking her in.  Even if there is nothing medically wrong, doctors offer good advice.

Remember, if your child starts having potty accidents, do not get frustrated with them.  It is just as embarrassing to them as it is irritating to you.  Find ways to encourage your child to use the potty and look for possible causes of these accidents.  Help your child get through this rough spot without making them feel worse about themselves.


1
Jul 11

Active Babies and Exhausted Mothers

New born babies often sleep for hours. But, they do not sleep on schedule and mothers often do not get enough rest and are completely exhausted in caring for them.

Here are some tips for mothers of active babies to get adequate rest:

昅others do not have to be on “alert mode” all the time. When baby is asleep at different times of the day, take a short nap yourself when you are tired. Give yourself 30 to 40 minutes to nap. Set the alarm clock each time to wake you up before you fall into a deep sleep. Your energy level will definitely increase after a short nap.

昑rain baby to feed at regular intervals for example every 3 to 4 hours after the previous feed. Wake him up to feed even if he is deeply asleep. This establishes a regular daytime feeding schedule for baby and gives you enough time to rest even if you catch up on some other work first. If you pick him up and feed him every time he awakes momentarily or for a short period, you will cause him to want to feed at short intervals and to take in small quantities each time.

旾 used to give my baby his last feed at eleven pm each night without fail from the age of 3 months. From then on he slept through the night and had his next feed only at about 7am the next morning. I was able to have almost the same nightly sleeping hours as my baby after that.

昅others should exercise regularly. Start with gentle post natal exercises and move on to short walks, then longer ones and even swimming. These activities are good as mothers can take baby along with them.

旳sk your spouse to take charge of feeding baby at least one evening a week. Mother can then have an evening “off” and get a good night of sleep. Use ear plugs or sleep in another room if you are tempted to take over if baby cries. Be assured that your spouse is more than able to shoulder the responsibility and he will even enjoy bonding more closely with baby.

旳void stimulants and other food and medications that affect your ability to sleep from late afternoons if necessary. Examples are coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolates, and caffeinated beverages.

Be alert to anything that causes sleepless nights and unnecessary fatigue. Work towards getting sufficient rest and you will be able to care for baby the next day and the next and the next.

Enjoy parenting and motherhood.
Pat


1
Jul 11

Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby?

Can you really choose the sex of your baby? Well after two beautiful, healthy girls my husband and I are like alot of families we also want a boy to even out our family. There was some guilt at first about wanting to overcome nature抯 50/50 chance. Since then I have become highly interested in uncovering old wives tales regarding gender selection, books that guarantee 99% success rates and modern methods like PGD. What is truth and fiction regarding these methods? Hopefully this article can point you in the right direction.

To understand the truth of gender selection methods on the market today we should first cover the basics of semen. Generally, semen contains sperm cells with 50% being female (X-Chromosomes) and 50% being male (Y-Chromosomes). This is important to choosing the sex of your baby when you understand the characteristics of each chromosome bearing sperm. The X-Chromosome is slower, bigger, stronger, and more resilient while the Y-Chromosome is faster, smaller, less resilient and sensitive to heat.

An important gender selection factor that most people are simply not aware is the fact that the environment of the woman抯 reproductive tract could be either too acidic or too alkaline and kill the 揧?sperm or 揦?sperm. Since the male sperm are weaker a highly acidic tract is a harsh environment for them to survive in, when they are eliminated the only ones left are 揦?sperm, producing a girl. On the other hand alkalinity favors the conception of a baby boy as it will act as a booster to the 揧?sperm since they are faster and will easily beat the slower 揦?sperm to the egg.

Scientific researches have demonstrated that the woman抯 reproductive tract acidity level will have a direct impact on the gender of the baby she conceives. So in conclusion no matter which gender selection method you choose you could still fail at choosing the sex of your baby if you are either too acidic or too alkaline. There are two factors that have a direct impact on the mother抯 pH level, a woman抯 orgasm and her diet.

When a woman has an orgasm her body releases a substance that makes her pH a little more alkaline but it has not been determined in this theory how concentrated the substance is and whether it will efficiently alter the reproductive tract environment. Diet alterations to influence the pH level must take place starting about 6-8 weeks before conception and during conception up until the woman gets pregnant. Most scientist agree that mineral supplements are the way to go about altering the reproductive tract but first you must test your urine or saliva to know where you pH stands in order to know where to begin shifting it.

At this point I would like to warn you about a commonly used method to balance the pH of a woman抯 tract that can be hurtful to you and your baby. Unfortunately a lot of women use water & vinegar or baking soda vaginal douches but they may irritate your vagina and change the normal balance of good bacteria. It can spread an infection from your vagina or cervix up into the uterus thus increasing you risk of getting PID or pelvic inflammatory disease. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has issued a warning alerting women of the potential hazards of douching.

So we have now learned the importance of the reproductive tract抯 environment and diet to choosing the sex of your baby but there is one further step to increasing accuracy in gender selection. The idea is to time sexual intercourse in advance of ovulation with certain timing being more likely to yield girls or boys. The logic is to have intercourse 3 to 4 days before ovulation so that virtually all the male 揧?sperm will have died off in order to conceive a girl. On the other hand you would have intercourse at or very close to ovulation to hopefully yield a son.

Many theories and opinions abound in trying to choose the sex of your baby but if you have found this page hopefully the information has been informative. On my final note I have chosen not to list or argue the moral issues of gender selection that is for you to decide for yourself. I only wish to list the factual information I have studied. To receive a free newsletter further discussing gender selection Click Here!


30
Jun 11

Tips on Giving Away Old Baby Clothes

Ever-engaged mothers eternally look for options to simplify their daily activities. It is not easy getting rid of outgrown clothes along with all of the other things your family, house, and job demands of you. An easy way of ridding yourself of baby clothes that your kids have outgrown organized is to use three boxes.

To begin with, it is of prime importance that the boxes are labeled, so that it is clear what should go in which box. It will help a lot to write something on the boxes that make them identifiable. Be sure to write the words “little Johnny’s outgrown baby clothes” on them. One box should be labeled as “give away”. Make sure you have the word “sell” written on a separate box. Now, on the final box, write the words “To be tossed”. Use that throwaway box for your clothing items which cannot be fixed or have stains on them, but donate other clothing.

Those old baby clothes should be organized now! Go through the collection of clothes quickly. First instincts are mostly right anytime. Place each item in a logical box or bin. Check to see if the clothes are new and have not been worn. Consigning them to the “sell” list would be a fine option. If they are no longer going to be worn, but are still in decent shape, then these are the clothes for the “donation” box. Is that a big yogurt stain on that bib? Just put it directly into the ‘”to be tossed” box. Throw out the last box, putting it next to the trash and recycling bins. Instead of discarding away all those clothes to the garbage dump, it is quite likely that somebody might find them worth using and might pick up the box they are put in. They may even have a use for them for pets’ bedding etc.

After the separating is finished, you should take the boxes or bins into the garage or car. If a certain person can utilize the “free” box, just bring it directly to them. If that isn’t the case, then it’s time for you and the box to take a trip down to your neighborhood thrift store. You should immediately begin trying to get rid of your “sell items” on web sites or trading spots in your area. There are consignment stores in some towns where you can sell your old baby clothes. Those stores have two options of either store credit or cash against clothes brought in by the moms. For trash day put the “throw away” box out at your curb. If you want to get rid of some items, place them into a box labeled “free” and it will soon be taken.


26
Jun 11

Buying Organic Cotton Baby Clothing

People are nowadays becoming increasingly aware that we need to protect our environment. That is why we are seeing a lot of sustainable development plans that have been produced by many companies. Many companies are now manufacturing organic baby clothing for infants and parents are quickly adopting these materials.

Organic cotton baby clothing has recently made its apparition in the world of baby clothes and there are many parents that are switching to this material. They are finding it helps look after the future of their world for all the family.

One of the disadvantages of organic cotton baby clothing is that it is relatively expensive compared to ordinary clothing. Despite this difference in price parents are ready to buy organic baby clothing for their kids because it is safer for their health.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is cotton that has been made without the use of chemicals. In this way the environment is not affected. Natural methods for fertilising the cotton plants are used and pesticides usage is avoided or kept to a minimum to ensure that there is the minimal possible impact on the environment. This kind of production method ensures that the cotton that is obtained is natural.

Organic cotton baby clothing

Organic cotton clothing are made from these organic cotton in strict conditions that ensure that the environment is not adversely affected. There are even companies that use dyes that are not that harsh to ensure that their clothes are as natural as possible. Parents should be aware that organic baby clothing are clothes that has gone through the most rigorous quality control to ensure that they are as natural as possible.

Cautions when buying organic clothing

There are some companies that sell clothes that are made from standard cotton and label these clothes as organic cotton. When buying organic cotton baby clothing parents are advised to check the label to know the composition of the clothes. Parents should insist to get only clothes that are made of 100 per cent organic cotton to ensure that they are getting the best product.

Parents will also be better off in trusting a well known brand when buying organic baby clothing in order to avoid some unpleasant surprise.

When choosing organic cotton baby clothing for their infants they are not only providing an additional protection to the health of their kids but also ensuring that they are leaving the Earth in a good state for them.


25
Jun 11

Baby Potty Training Guide – Step Three

STEP THREE TRYING

So now the main event, trying. This stage can take days, weeks or even months to master. Your little one knows all about the potty chair. Where it is and what it is used for. Now is the time to get them to try it. Just to sit on it. If they disagree with that, then do not say another word about it. Back up, into the previous stage if need be. Just remember they are the deciding factor, they make the final decision. Just continue to talk about it and let her get comfortable about using it.

Try to get them to use the potty once a day. Maybe first thing in the morning or just before bath time. Just before bath time, is a wonderful time to get them to try. Wait until they have been dry for about an hour and then have them get undressed for the bath, then have them sit and wait on the potty. Turn on the tub water, this can get the senses started. Do not make it a HUGE celebration every time they go potty. It may set them back. Do praise the accomplishment, but try to refrain from calling them a big kid, they may not be ready for that. Have them try once a day or as often as they like.

After a few days of trying once a day, try to go more often. Remember your child does not have to go potty every time they sit and try. You are just setting the stage for when they become more successful. You are just getting them in the habit of visiting the potty. To form any habit you need repetition. With enough repetition you then form a habit. The more you do it after the habit is formed, the more reinforcement you give to that habit and the stronger it becomes. Remember that accidents will happen, DO NOT get angry, just clean up and move forward. Remind him that it is OK.

As time goes by and she is emptying on a regular basis, step back and let her remind herself, let her feel in control of when she goes. If she is always emptying her bladder she will never know the real feeling or urgency to go on her own. Remember that distracting play time they can get busy and lose all site of their bodies potty ques, so taking potty brakes are a good idea.

Remember never force your child, it will backfire!