Babies-Toddler

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6
Sep 10

Choosing the Best Bed and Bedding For a New Baby Nursery

There can be no more wonderful experience than the arrival of a new baby into the home. The months of planning, the choice of colours for the baby’s room, the endless hours spent trying to decide on a name, or trying to agree if an existing family name might be the ideal solution, these are finally over and the hard work of bringing up a child really begins.

One very important aspect of the new baby’s room is the type of bed and bedding that should be used. Although comfort and colour are very significant, the vital rule to be adhered to is safety. This cannot be emphasised enough. It must be thought about long and hard.

There have been many investigations into SIDS – or sudden infant death syndrome. These concluded that problems occurred due to very soft baby bedding being used, in which babies mattress being too soft allowed a babies nose and mouth to become covered and unfortunately the air they were exhaling would become the air they would inhale.

This is a precarious situation because instead of breathing oxygen the baby would be inhaling the carbon dioxide they had just released. This could result in drowsiness, coma and occasionally death. Therefore parents are advised to purchase only bedding that is totally suitable for they bed they choose.

As a rule there are three main selections of bed available for a new baby.

These are:

1) a bassinet – this is generally an oblong shaped basket that serves as a bed for a baby. Occasionally round bassinets are found. The bedding must allow the baby enough space for him or her to be able to roll from side to side.

2) a crib – these are normally square in shape, allowing the mattress to be fitted to the size of the crib. The bedding usually consists of a coverlet and small pillows. Only two or three pillows should be included because any more and the baby could stand on them and fall over. A crib is flanked by high side bars for additional safety. Cribs are popular because they can be used from infancy up to two years of age.

3) a cradle – cradles tend to come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have rockers on the stand. Cradles are often chosen because they allow an infant to be rocked, thus soothing their mood and relaxing them for sleep. The bedding should follow the contours of the cradle, but not too much should be placed inside as it is used mainly to rock the baby to sleep.

Out of the three beds shown above the one most often chosen is the crib, due to the length of time it can be used for and thus providing better value for money.

We have established that to avoid unwanted incidents bedding must fit the bed correctly, but what is the most appropriate bedding material?

Cotton is the most popular choice due to its absorbency and coolness on a baby’s skin. Using a variety of designs can help develop a baby’s colour and pattern recognition ability, which is an additional benefit in keeping a baby healthy, happy and stimulated, whilst providing a comfortable and warm environment in which to sleep.

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5
Sep 10

Top 26 Tips to Help When Your Tot is Teething

There are no hard and fast rules about what remedies will work for your child, particularly when you are looking for drug-free alternatives to relieve the miseries of teething. The following 26 tips from Little Sunflowers have been compiled from our own experiences and those of our customers, together with guidance from all around the internet. Some may work for you and some may not – but they’re all worth a go! Keep trying different things until you find something which works for your child.

1. Cuddles are the most important thing you can give your teething child to comfort and reassure them – tender loving care goes a long way when your little one’s teeth are hurting.

2. Cold foods, such as yogurt or fruit puree can help to numb the pain.

3. A cold drink can soothe the whole mouth so pop a bottle of boiled water, breast or formula milk into the fridge and offer it to your baby when it’s cold (though not too cold as you don’t want a tummy chill).

4. A weak chamomile infusion, or weak chamomile tea, is useful as a gentle sedative. Offer it to your baby from a bottle.

5. Plenty of water or heavily diluted juice should be given to your baby to replenish fluids when they are dribbling a lot.

6. A wet flannel which has been rung out and chilled can bring relief to a baby who is keen to chew on something – the rough texture really seems to help.

7. 2 drops of chamomile in 15ml of aloe vera gel can be used to massage the child’s jaw and neck area.

8. Lightly massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger the part that is sore will often feel hot to the touch and you will probably be able to feel the tooth coming through under the surface.

9. Dilute 1 drop of clove oil in 2 tablespoons of safflower oil and gently massage the affected area 2-3 times a day.

10. Rub your baby’s gums with a small gauze pad – not only will this bring relief, but it will get your child used to the sensation of what it’s like to have his or her

teeth cleaned.

11. Try a baby teething gel massaged across the gums for babies older than four months (recent articles expressing concern about using gels for this purpose referred to adult gels rather than those designed for babies.) Ensure you check the dosage and expiry date.

12. Crush a little ice and put it in a thin cotton cloth, then rub gently on the gums. Ensure ice doesn’t come into direct contact with the gum, and ensure you keep the wrapped ice moving (children who hold frozen items against their gums for too long can actually get frostbite).

13. Chill some pieces of fruit or vegetables, wrap them in muslin and give them to your baby to chew under supervision.

14. Sterilised teething rings can provide temporary relief for the baby and actually help the teeth to cut through. Try one that’s been chilled in the fridge for greater relief (or even gel-filled rings which can work well when they’ve been cooled in the fridge).

15. Chill a metal spoon in the fridge and allow your child to chew on it under supervision.

16. Allow your child to bite on the knuckle of your forefinger held sideways – it’ll bring them comfort an hurt a lot less than you think!

17. Homeopathic Teething Granules contain soothing chamomilla, a traditional homeopathic remedy for teething pain in an easy-to-use form. They are available in your High Street Chemist – always read the label.

18. Consult a Homeopath, who will who will be able to recommend a number of remedies to relieve the symptoms associated with teething.

19. An amber teething necklace can be worn against the skin to calm and relax a teething child – these necklaces have been worn for generations across Europe in countries like Germany and Switzerland, though it is quite a new concept in the UK.

20. Make teething biscuits by mixing 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of baby cereal and 1 cup of juice. Roll out, cut into shapes, then bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes. Allow your baby to chew on them (when you are there, in case a small piece breaks off). These biscuits freeze well.

21. Chill carrot sticks, cucumber sticks or bread slices in the fridge and allow your baby to chew on them (only when you are there, in case a small piece breaks off). Avoid anything too hard as they could bruise the gums and make things more painful.

22. Distract your baby with something to play with or a change of scenery to divert their attention from the pain. There are a number of teething toys on the market with a dual purpose: your baby can chew on them and they are a distraction from their teeth. Examples include organic teething toys and rattles incorporating a ring and/or knots which can be rubbed against the gums. Sophie the Giraffe has been around for generations – she is made from natural Alpine rubber and non toxic paints and is designed for baby to chew as well as play with.

23. Keep a soft bib around your baby’s neck and change it often to soak up dribble, thereby keeping the skin dry and so avoiding a rash.

24. Apply a simple barrier cream to sore chins to keep the skin smooth and ease any chapped skin.

25. Consult a cranial osteopath. Cranial osteopathy is a subtle type of osteopathic treatment using gentle techniques to release strain and tension in the body. It is particularly effective for young babies suffering with teething and colic.

26. Medicine (analgesic) designed especially for babies, such as Calpol or Nurofen, can be given to babies who are three months old or more to help relieve the pain and bring down a raised temperature. Always read the label, and check with your doctor and/or health visitor if a raised temperature persists. Follow your doctor’s instructions and never give aspirin to a baby.

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2
Sep 10

Where to Advertise to Find a Babysitter

Do you need to find a babysitter who can baby-sit for you on a regular basis? Most parents, even those who consider themselves stay at home parents; will find themselves in need of a babysitter who can care for their children on a regular basis. Sometimes the parent takes on an out of the home job. For others it is because a babysitter is needed to spend time and take care of one child so that the parent can take the other child to regular lessons or activities. Whatever the reason it is usually a lot easier to find babysitters to baby-sit for you on a regular basis than it is to line up several sitters to baby-sit for you once in a while.

Your first option, if you want to find a babysitter to baby-sit for you on a regular basis is to advertise at your local high schools and universities. Students usually have more flexible schedules and will often work for lower wages than full time babysitters and nannies. What’s more, a student is usually better able to take on a short term regular gig than a long term regular gig. It is important, however, that you take steps to protect you and your family when you advertise openly to find babysitter. Create a temporary e-mail address and use that as your point of contact. This will help you do an initial screening of applicants without having to give out your personal information.

Another option if you want to find a babysitter who can take on a regular babysitting job is to place advertisements online. Online bulletin boards like Craigslist and Kajiji are full of ads that are posted by parents who are in need of a babysitter. It is very important that you take steps to protect your family as well as yourself when you post ads online. As with the ads you posted at the various schools, it is important that you protect your personal information for as long as possible before meeting potential applicants in person or introducing them to your children.

One of your best options if you need to find a babysitter on a regular basis is to work with a nanny placement or a babysitting placement agency. These agencies typically work with adults who care for children on a full time basis, but it is possible to find a part time babysitter or nanny through them as well. The biggest bonus to working with an agency is that the agency will usually have thoroughly screened its babysitters and nannies before they allow them to be placed with a family. Of course, this does not mean that you shouldn’t check out the agency before you commit to working with it.

Finding a babysitter for a regular babysitting gig doesn’t have to take a lot of work, it simply takes some time, patience and creativity. Take your time to interview and perform background checks on each potential babysitter and you will find that you can find a babysitter without too much trouble.

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2
Sep 10

What is Sensory Stimulation?

In its simplest terms, sensory stimulation refers to the impact the environment has on our minds and bodies as we receive information through our five senses.This form of stimulation is vital for brain development (zero-to-five). Years of research has proven that children who receive adequate stimulation achieve higher IQ scores than those who lack or receive improper stimulation.

So, what is proper stimulation?

At birth, an infant’s brain is immature and requires stimulation to fully develop. However, this stimulation requires dosification. Too much stimulation will cause an overload of information, which in turn will hinder the ability of the brain to learn and make new connections.燜or example, you may have noticed how easily babies can become irritated if over-exposed to music, lights or even touch. This emotional reaction signals that they feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and cannot cope with this stimulation.

How much is too much?

Age, development, and individuality, all play a role in identifying the optimal stimulation threshold in a particular child. As a general guideline, stimulation activities should be limited to three sessions per day and not to exceed fifteen minutes per session.燳our child will tell you when ‘too much’ is ‘too much’. Does he become irritable after ten minutes? Does he push away the toys? Learn to read his cues and remember that sensory-stimulation should always be enjoyable for both parents and infants.

Also, consider alternating toys and activities so that your infant is exposed to new and less likely to become bored or irritated.

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2
Sep 10

Growth And Development Of Your Baby

One of the greatest rewards of being a parent is watching your children grow. The excitement of witnessing your child’s 1st steps or hearing their 1st words is hard to exaggerate. As the years roll by, scrapbooks become as important to parents as the writings of their favorite authors.

Home movies are more entertaining than this year’s Academy Awards winners. Parents with no interest in history suddenly become meticulous historians of their child’s life, and as other historians do parents remember battles-of the bottle, of the pacts, momentous pacts and treaties also have their day.

Parents also grow. They learn to deal with the trauma of the beheaded toy bears, boogey men in the dark, departing friends and illnesses in brothers, sisters and pets.

In just a few years, parents watch their children grow from complete dependence to total independence. Watching children grow is fun, but sometimes it can be worrisome. Parents are easily and naturally concerned that their children aren’t developing properly.

Sometimes parents worry unnecessarily. As a society, we often seem preoccupied with predicting the future success of our offspring. A child throwing a ball at an early age should prompt excitement but not necessarily anticipation of a career in sports.

Children who read at an early age may be destined for mechanical or artistic interests rather than a scholarly life. So we start to wonder, is my child normal? Why is Johnny so short? Why does George still wet the bed? Why didn’t my 2nd child start walking as early as my 1st?

Our society seems preoccupied with predicting the future of success of children, naturally causing parents to worry, and the spirit of competitiveness lives in all of us. We worry unnecessarily about things such as whether Suzie will walk before the little girl across the street does.

Although children are constantly developing in all areas, certain areas can develop more rapidly because of the individual needs of the child.

For example, consider a child growing up in a large family. Whereas most of us have dinner with many people only on holidays, this child may experience these fun chaotic events every night. To survive, that child may well develop quick hands at an early age. But later in childhood, a child with a smaller family will catch up

The opposite seems to occur in the development of walking ability. With many heavier bodies running about, a small child in a large family is likely to be knocked frequently. It’s common to see late walking in these children.

But they often develop the skill or rapid creeping or scooting. Children are constantly developing and adapting to their environments. They are adapting in the way that is best for them and not according to schedules printed in textbooks.

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2
Sep 10

Potty Training Little Boys – Do’s and Don’ts

Potty training little boys can be a tough job. It requires patience, consistency and a lot of effort. This article explains things to do and not to do when potty training little boys. There are many tips to help make training easier.

Potty training little boys do’s:

  • Do allow your child to use the potty as often as they like. You should never discourage them from trying.
  • Make sure to wait until your boy is ready. Look for signs he is ready to go. Some signs include staying dry for at least two hours, understanding when he is wet or poopy, and asking to go.
  • Be prepared for accidents. When potty training little boys, you need to always have extra clothes in case of an accident. Let them know that accidents are ok and will happen.
  • Make sure your son feels comfortable on the potty. His feet should be planted solidly on the ground or stool. When potty training little boys it is important to make sure they are aiming in the right direction. If your child sits to go to the bathroom make sure his penis is pushed down to avoid him over shooting the toilet and hitting his clothes or floor.
  • Let your child help pick out their potty things. They may choose a potty book or item to take with him. If your child is old enough let them pick out their own potty chair or seat and when they are ready let them pick out their underwear. Giving them a choice will make them feel part of the process and get them interested in going potty.
  • You will need to watch for signs that your child needs to go to the bathroom. If they are grabbing themselves, squirming around, or seem fidgety; ask them if they need to go potty. This will help them understand the signs their body gives them that signal they need to go.
  • Do praise them and set up a reward system, positive reinforcement is always good. I have seen people use sticker charts, hand stamps, and little candies as rewards.
  • Consistency is important when potty training little boys. You have to make sure to do it everyday.

Potty training little boys don’ts:

  • Don’t force your child to use the toilet. Making your little boy do something he is not ready for can cause more damage then good. Potty training should be a positive experience.
  • Make sure not to over react when your son has an accident. Cleaning up a poopy child can be frustrating but don’t let your son see that you are upset. He needs your trust and understanding, this is a challenge for him too.
  • When potty training little boys make sure they are dressed appropriately. They should not have shirts that button between their legs or that can hang into the toilet. Avoid overalls and other clothing that is difficult for your son to get on and off.
  • If you have set up an award system make sure it is reasonable. If you give your child a new toy every time it will get expensive, or if you give them sweets it could get unhealthy. A small item or candy (ie smartie, M&M) will be just fine.
  • Don’t give up. Potty training little boys takes time and patience. As long as your son is wanting to try, keep letting him do so.
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31
Aug 10

Deciding On A Pediatric Formula For Your Child

When deciding on a Pediatric Formula for your child you should consult a physician on the use of any formula. In general, all pediatric formula is designed for children ages 1-10. These formula were made for those children that are unable to eat solid foods or when growth is a concern.

If your child does not have an impaired digestion or absorption of nutrients, consider Resource Just for Kids or Resource Just for Kids with Fiber for oral or tube feedings. Resource Just For Kids is a delicious, complete nutritional formula. For additional calories consider Resource Just for Kids 1.5 cal. Resource Just For Kids 1.5 Cal is also a tasty, complete nutritional formula that provides 1.5 calories/mL and is rich in calcium to help grow strong bones. Resource Just for Kids come in a kid friendly 搄uice type?box to increase compliance with children. Great for lunch boxes.

If your child uses tube feeding, has an impaired digestion and does not require 100% free amino acids, consider Pediatric Peptinex DT. Pediatric Peptinex DT is a nutritionally complete, semi-elemental tube feeding formula. It is available with and without fiber. Pediatric Peptinex DT contains over 70% di- and tri-peptides and free amino acids which optimize the dual transport system in the gut and promote rapid absorption of nutrients

If your tube fed child does not have an impaired absorption , but is intolerant to semi-synthetic formula such as Pediasure or Nutren Jr, then consider Compleat Pediatric. Compleat Pediatric is a ready-to-use, blenderized tube feeding formulated from traditional foods including meat, fruit and vegetables.

If you do not require 100% free amino acids oral feeding for your impaired digestion, then consider Peptinex Creamy Drink. Peptinex Creamy vanilla peptide drink is a delicious tasting, high nitrogen, low fat, 100% peptide and free amino acid formula. Peptinex drink is a designed for patients with gastrointestinal impairment. Also comes in a brik pak box

If your child and needs 100% free amino acids, then review with your doctor, Vivonex Pediatric. Vivonex Pediatric formula is a nutritionally complete elemental (100% free amino acids) diet designed specifically for children ages 1-10. Can be used as a tube feeding or consumed orally. Intended Use: TPN transitional feeding, short bowel syndrome, malabsorption syndrome, select trauma/surgery, Crohn’s disease, GI enterocutaneous fistula, intractable diarrhea, GI disorder related to AIDS.

These nutritional products incorporate the lastest technology to product these high quality items. For more information, please visit CWI Medical at www.cwimedical.com.

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27
Aug 10

Drawbacks Of Double Baby Jogging Stroller

One drawback that many women face when they have children is weight gain. It抯 an inevitable part of becoming pregnant and for a lot of women, the extra pounds stick around long after the baby is born. Getting back to working-out can be a challenge, especially if you don抰 have someone who can watch your children for you. With a double baby jogging stroller you can simply take the kids with you. They get to enjoy the view while you get to enjoy a nice, brisk jog.

The age of your children will be one of the factors you抣l want to carefully consider before choosing a model. Some double jogger strollers are fashioned so the children sit next to one another, while others accommodate two children, one behind the other.

If your kids are the same age, the side-by-side design might be most appropriate. This allows the children the chance to interact and it also distributes the weight very evenly. Many people who have twins decide to purchase this type of double baby jogging stroller. They are designed to accommodate children from birth through five years of age, so you can expect to get lots of use out of them.

A traditional tandem stroller is often a better choice if your children are a couple of years apart in age. The older child can sit in the front of the double baby jogging stroller while the back is best suited for a baby. In some double jogger strollers, the back seat can even be reclined so that a small baby can be placed flat for comfort.

Many moms and dads who use these as part of their work-out routine look for a model that can hold a few essentials including water bottles, snacks for the kids and a cell phone. A double baby jogging stroller with a pouch in the back is a great choice. Some even come equipped with a special holder designed for either a water bottle or a baby抯 bottle.

Long jogs will obviously require some extras including items for changing a baby or toddler. If this is a consideration for you, a double baby jogging stroller with a basket underneath that can accommodate these things will work well. As the children grow you can use this space for snacks, sunscreen and picture books.

There抯 no reason for a parent to not get out and walk or run, even if they have small children to tend to. The fresh air will be good for everyone and you抣l love getting in shape while sharing time with your kids.

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27
Aug 10

Playtime Pleasure with Children’s Toys

A kid’s play room is a refuge for enjoyment and should be an opportunity for development. A great selection of educational toys will guarantee your youngsters play time is always pleasureable and, constantly, educational. Old fashioned toys are generally children’s toys that can be played with in a variety of diverse ways, allowing the child to lead the play time and inspiring imagination.

Dolls, Accessories, and Pushchairs

Girls and boys alike can enjoy the friendship of dolls. Create an area in your play room for dolls and include a choice of furniture and other accessories to stimulate your kid’s imagination. Dolls beds and crib are superb additions to any play room and wardrobes are a wonderful way to organize of dolls clothes, shoes, and other accessories. Allow plenty of space for your youngster to push their doll in a stroller or pram.

Role Play Toys in the Play Room

Role play toys are great additions to any creative play area. Old fashioned toys that encourage kids to copy and reproduce real life situations, as well as imaginary scenarios, are essential part of healthy growth and development. Such toys can also be very attractive additions to your play room, but they may require a considerable amount of room.

1) Mini appliances, like kitchen or washing appliances, are traditional favorites for preschoolers. Children can copy dad and mum, manage their own restaurant, and produce many other scenarios around these toys.

2) Pretend Tools and work benches not only enhance creativity and allow youngsters to copy the adults in their lives, these traditional toys also build logic and aid in muscle development.

3) Play Houses can provide years of because there are so many different things to do. These can be used as puppet theatres, general stores, a house, or whatever your child may imagine.

Jigsaws and Other Manipulatives

Many traditional toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional-toys-21] can be active, as well as rather loud, so it is a good idea to compliment your play room with a selection of quieter toys that encourage in cognative development. Wooden jigsaws are quieter, robust, and lots of fun. These old fashioned toys stimulate problem solving, hand and eye coordination, and a variety of other cognitive skills. Store these toys in a corner of the play space as far away as possible from busy areas that may be noisy. A table or desk is a superb addition and shelves for storage are recommended as well. Other toys you can placeinclude in the quiet area of the play area are play dough, reading materials, and writing material.

There are many different types of old fashioned toys that are perfect for educational play time. A reserved corner of the bedroom or a play room can be a fantastic opportunity for learning with the right selection of toys. For the best play time, your youngster with a range of old fashioned toys, as well as educational toys, and lots of space and surfaces for play.

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26
Aug 10

Helpful Home Cures For Colic – Soothe Your Baby Naturally

Becoming the parent of a newborn baby is both an exciting and stressful event. It’s such a joy to welcome a new child into your life, but unfortunately babies don’t come equipped with instruction manuals. We all seem to muddle through the ups and downs of taking care of an infant, but one definite down is if your son or daughter has colic. Colic is a harmless condition that affects a good number of babies, and if yours is one, you already know that it can affect you too. Although there are medicinal routes to take when your baby has this problem, there are also several home cures for colic that offer great results.

One of the best and easiest home cures for colic is warmth. Many parents have found that placing a hot water bottle next to their infant’s tummy will bring the baby a good deal of relief. You need to be mindful of the temperature of the bottle though and it’s always advisable to put a thin blanket between the bottle and the baby. Hold it there for a few minutes or rest the bottle against your chest while you hold your infant next to you. An alternative to the bottle is to give your little one a nice, warm bath. Gently cradle the baby in the bath and rub his or her tummy with the warm water. Again, since baby’s skin is so sensitive, double check the temperature of the water.

Another of the home cures for colic that works amazingly well is to create some white noise in the room. This is fairly simple and can be accomplished by turning on a vacuum cleaner, the dishwasher or even putting on the radio and tuning it between stations. That type of noise simulates what your infant would have been hearing when he or she was still in the womb. Many parents find it useful to also rock the baby while the noise is on. The rhythm is comforting to infants.

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