Posts Tagged: baby

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
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

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
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

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
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.

pregnancy — Comments Off
24
Jun 11

What To Take To The Hospital

When you are a first time mother, you don’t know what to expect period. People tell you all about their personal experiences and this just tends to be more nerve wracking for you the expectant mother. You hear that you need to pack a bag and get it ready for the hospital, because you will be in such a rush to get there. But what do you take with you to the hospital? Well here are some helpful tips so you have everything ready to go when your water breaks.

First of all, you shouldn’t wait until your water breaks to pack your bags. Have your bag packed and waiting by the door you leave out of, at least a week before your due date.

Make sure that when its time to go to the hospital, you or your husband has a watch with a second hand. This way you can time your contractions, this will be very helpful for when you get to the hospital.

Make sure you have a cell phone, and on your way to the hospital make the necessary calls to family and relatives that you want to be at the hospital. Grandparents, sisters, and brothers, mothers in laws etc. Let your husband concentrate on driving and if your not in to much pain then you should try to make the calls.

For your laboring room when you are in labor, you should bring warm socks, hospital rooms are usually cold, a couple of washcloths for sweating and if you would like your own birthing gown, which can be a nightgown or whatever you want it to be. The hospital usually supplies these things for you so if you are a light packer you can leave these things at home.

For your hospital room you are going to need a robe, and some nightgowns, again the hospital will provide these if you don’t want to take these. Slippers and some sweatpants and a sweatshirt, your makeup and everything you are going to need to get ready, hairdryer curling iron etc. You most likely won’t look so hot after you have your baby, and since you will have visitors it’s a good idea to bring thes thing. Also if you have a preference on sanitary napkins bring these or else the hospital will have these as well.

For going home you are going to need, an outfit, a nursing bra, if planning to breast feed, or just a bra. Underwear, shoes you get the point. A jacket if it’s cold outside. Last but not least a couple bags to bring home flowers and presents

For the babies ride home you are going to need a car seat, an outfit including an undershirt and socks or booties, a couple of heavy baby blankets, one to swaddle baby in and if it’s cold outside another one to cover babies head.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
23
Jun 11

Baby Halloween Costumes on a Budget

Halloween is just around the corner. Have you thought about what costume to get for your baby? Here are some cute and inexpensive ideas for baby costumes. We know not everyone has the time (and the many assistants) that Martha Stewart has, so these costumes are designed to be E-A-S-Y.

  • Strawberry: Dress your little one all in red. Red socks, shirt and pants. Place a green cap on her head and you’re set to go. If you’re feeling especially artistic, you can make a leaf or two out of green felt and attach it to the hat by sewing it or by using a safety pin or two. (We know you’re busy, so you might not have time to sew!)
  • Leopard: It’s fairly easy to find pants in leopard print for children. If you’re on a budget, you can even visit a thrift store and find pants like these. Put your child in a leopard top, too, if you can find one. Put him in a black top if you can’t. You can buy some inexpensive cat ears anywhere costumes are sold and voila! You’ll have a little leopard on your hands.
  • Pumpkin: Little ones look adorable dressed as pumpkins. Wouldn’t you love to see the round, smooth face of your baby peering out from a pumpkin costume? You can make one by dressing your baby in orange. Cut out triangles for a nose and eyes and then cut out a crescent shape for the mouth. Either sew the nose, eyes and mouth onto the orange shirt or use safety pins (you can put the safety pins in from the back so they won’t be very visible). A green cap for the stem is a wonderful addition to this costume.
  • The Cutest Witch Ever: Although you can buy these costumes all over, this one is so easy to put together. Get a small pointy black hat. Dress your little girl in a black dress with striped or wild-colored tights (for fun!). That is all there is to it.
  • A Cowboy or Cowgirl: Lasso up your young one for Halloween! Dress them in a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, jeans, and boots. If you can get ahold of a vest and a sheriff’s badge so much the better to convey the idea of the American West.

Choosing a costume can be so much fun. If you want to explore more budget-friendly ideas, visit a thrift store or a child consignment shop and see what they have in stock. As with baby clothes, the costumes are barely worn, yet you end up getting them more than 50% off the ‘new’ price.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
20
Jun 11

Affordable Baby Room Ideas

Sometimes when it comes to decorating a toddler’s room you are afraid to do anything major, interior decorating can definitely become expensive, but it doesn’t have to be major to be fun or a success. One option is to paint the room, changing the color can be fun for your child, although it can be quite the hassle. Another great way, is to simply purchase new bedding for your toddler. Alway make sure to involve the child in the decision. Allow them to join you in the shopping process. Perhaps your little one has a favorite TV show or new Pixar film. That’s almost an ingeniously easy fix. All it takes is a little searching, if the stores nearby don’t have what you’re looking for, than get online. You can find anything you are looking for. And that is a promise.?/p>

But maybe you are like my mother. She didn’t like having anything printed or branded on our beds it may growing and changing tastes difficult and expensive. Instead she would sit me down at each new bed room- we moved a lot- and she would help me look through catalogues and my favorite belongings and choose a theme. A color theme or perhaps a animal theme. We would look all over for the perfect bedding that would go along with my room. I once chose cherries. I don’t know where I got the idea but it was exciting to me. We went out and shopped all around until we found a simple bedspread that was tied with little ribbon cherries. I was so excited to take it home and decorate my room. I wanted my room painted yellow and then I accented it with reds. It did help that my mother was an interior designer by trade, I suppose.?/p>

But as I got older and had to decorate my own rooms I began to come to the assumption that the simpler the choices the better. Your little one does have opinions don’t be afraid to explore them. If they like the green grass outside, perhaps bringing it inside wouldn’t be a bad idea. Or if they really like stars, then easy, go to the store and buy a bag of those glow in the dark stars. Stick them all over the ceiling. They won’t tire of staring up at the constellations you made together. There is no room that can top one designed by parent and child. Even if they are little, and almost especially while they are toddlers. Allow them to begin to express themselves. They have very quick working little brains and they want to solve puzzles and help out especially if it is for their own room.?/p>

A simple way to make it all come together. If you do decide that painting the room is the way to go. Choose one or two of the colors in the rainbow. What ever you choose, get a couple. Then offer the child more options. If they choose green, get them a sampling of the range of green, from sea foam green, to forest green. Helping your child discover that there are even more colors out there, begins to open up a whole new world for them. This is the perfect time to create a new world for them, make it fun and stimulating and do it together.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
19
Jun 11

Real Nappies – What Are They and Are They For You and Your Baby?

Real nappies are best described as washable or reusable nappies. These nappies are usually made of cloth with some type of waterproof outer. Real nappies originate from the terry nappy which was the main nappy used by parents up to the mid seventies or early eighties.

When I discovered real nappies 4 years ago when my son was born many people did not know what they were and some thought real nappies were still just terry nappies. A lot of people jugged these nappies thinking they had to be folded, sagged, needed plastic pants and needed soaking. Some thought I was mad and just making more work. This could not be further from the truth.

Modern washable nappies are fantastic. There are many brands on the market, which are very contemporary, easy to use and perform well. From personal experience I feel that shaped nappies perform consistently to a high standard. These can come in two parts as a nappy and wrap or as an all in one nappy. To begin with there is no need to fold these nappies they are shaped ready to put on. Forget those sharp safety pins modern real nappies are fastened by poppers, applix (strong Velcro) or my favourite the ‘nappy nippa’ ( ‘T’ shaped plastic which grips the nappy and fits to baby exactly).

There is no need to soak nappies nowadays as washing machines are so efficient. I wash all my nappies at 40 degrees unless badly soiled. Dry paling is best just throw your nappies into a well-sealed bucket until ready to wash. As for washing you only talking about 2-3 extra loads a week with a set of 20 nappies. One disposable user who tested real nappies said ‘it is not harder just different’.

There are so many positives to using resuable nappies. To begin with they are cheaper you can save over ?000 (this takes into account washing costs) compared to disposables when using a lot of real nappies, savings are even greater if the nappies are used on a second or third child as I have discovered. They are easy to use just put on a wash when you run low. No rushing out to the shops due to running out of nappies and no lugging large boxes of nappies out of the supermarket. Real nappies are very soft and gentle next to babies skin.

They are so cute coming all sorts of materials, designs and colours. I was once involved in a real nappy fashion show for babies the designs were great. These nappies look so good on the bottom of a crawling baby you just cannot help but get the camera out. So real nappies are good for mum and baby what more. One of the most important advantages is that real nappies slim down the rubbish in the bin. Disposable nappies take a lot longer than a lifetime to decompose in landfill sites. Just think of how many nappies one baby could use before they are potty trained and then how many babies there are in the UK. Scary thought – is this world we want out little ones to grow up in?

Negative attitudes to modern reusable nappies are often down to lack of knowledge or use of one of the poorer quality nappies on the market (unfortunately there are a few). I cannot blame parents before and after a baby is born is a very busy time. Time is spent getting the nursery ready and buying all the equipment needed. Many would not even stop to consider the use of real nappies. Disposables are found in most supermarkets and at the forefront of nappy advertising. It is then hardly surprising that a lot of mums who go on to use washable nappies do so after their own research or recommendation.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
13
Jun 11

Educate Yourself About SIDS Before You Have To

Sudden Infant Death: No vaccine is risk free. These immunizations have been said to be the safest tools in modern medicine. That is probably true for the most part. The immunizations have eliminated a lot of disease, but it is now coming to light that the immunizations are also killing more than 27,000 babies per year before the age of one year old.

The side effects of vaccines can be a rash, a sore arm or mild fever. There are more serious side effects. A child can have severe allergic reactions. It can even go as far as brain damage that is irreversible. They can have apnea or hypopnea, which is related to their breathing. If they get apnea, they will stop breathing and could die. Hypopnea is what they will get before the apnea, which is their breathing pattern becomes irregular. The irregular breathing usually happens the day after the immunization.

There are charts you can look up online to show you what their breathing is like after receiving the vaccine. For years, people used to let their children become exposed to such things as mumps, chicken pox and measles because it is a childhood disease and could actually kill an adult. When they came out with the vaccines, they did not complete their research on what age to actually begin the immunization process.

When a child is born, parents are led to believe that if the mother breast feeds the child, that the child will have the mother’s immune system. That is true to a point. The child will get some antibodies from the mom, but the rest, they get on their own by being out in the world. Their siblings might have a cold and that child builds their own immunity to it. By the time a child is two years old, they have a strong immune system that can handle the immunizations. Diphtheria is the biggest culprate for killing children, considering that it is respertory.

That is why hypopnea and apnea come into play. The vaccine can cause minor and temporary redness and swelling, but it can also cause heart and neurological complications, and death. About 5 to 10 percent. Parents need to understand that the effect of a vaccination can happen because they are live virus’ that they are injecting your child with. The child’s body is not strong enough to handle what they are giving them. They have to build their immunity to their surroundings.

Another thing that parents should know, is that because of the effect, death, caused by the vaccine given too early in life, the government has set up what is called an “Immunization Compensation Fund”. If there was no effect from receiving vaccinations, then there should not be a fund that will pay you $600,000 in the event that your baby dies from a vaccine.

I feel that is showing guilt on the part of the government. It is an admittance. All you have to do is educate yourself about SIDS before you have to. Other countries have done research where they would wait until the child is two years old before starting the vaccines. Their research was thirteen years long, and in that thirteen years, their SIDS rate diminished to nothing. It is now a choice in America for the parent to decide how old the child should be to receive vaccinations. The cause of waiting until the child is two years old, will have the effect of lowering the amount of children that die each year due to the vaccines.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
12
Jun 11

Nojo’s Pink Petals Baby Crib Bedding For Your Child’s Room

Nojo provides the best possible quality in baby accessories and its Pink Petals Bedding range is one of its premium baby products. Baby bedding is one area which should never be neglected as the baby spends most of its time in the crib only. The child should not only be safe in the bedding but also enjoy those moments in the crib. Nojo understands this and through its Pink Petals bedding set ensures that your little one is surrounded by colors and prints which catch his or her eyes and fascinate the baby.

What does the Nojo’s set contain?

Pink Petals crib bedding set comprises of 4 pieces, which include a comforter, a 4sided bumper, a dust ruffle and a fitted sheet. As the sheet is also available separately, one can pick an extra piece – just in case.

What are the fabrics?

One needs fabrics which on one hand are soft and cosy for the baby抯 comfort and on the other are tough and resilient for hard wearing, spills and accidents. The Pink Petals set provides both cotton ginghams and tough plaids with embroidery to combine comfort, durability and style.

Other details

The set can be easily checked out online and ordered for delivery. The set inspires various nursery themes around it. Baby safe paints or pink petals wall borders etc. which match with the set can also be used to augment the beauty of the room.

Baby bedding is an important area needing special care in its purchase- the quality must be ensured. Apart from that, a unique baby bedding set such as the Pink Petals baby crib bedding by Nojo assures pleasant nights and promises good memories for both you and your child to keep.

pregnancy — Comments Off
7
Jun 11

You Are Pregnant? Then Take Care of Yourself

When you are pregnant you should be in contact with your doctor who will guide you through all the checkups you should need.

The doctor should be familiar with your medical history in order to care for you properly. Before you do anything unusual check with your doctor first to make sure it is safe.

Important you know that the changes are different from woman to woman and each pregnancy is different from the previous one. Your body is constantly changing physically along with emotional and mental changes you will experience,

One of the first things you might experience in the beginning of pregnancy is morning sickness which makes you feel like throwing up and not wanting to eat, this could happen at nighttime also. This usually lasts a few weeks to a month but then you should feel like eating again and your menu is endless.

You may also feel very tired and sleepy, that is natural. Then usually around the 4th or 5th month your stomach will start growing and you will feel the additional weight you will carry around. Sometimes you will feel moody and sensitive, you will want attention, a cozy home with lots of love and support from your partner.

Food
During your pregnancy you can eat almost anything that is healthy and nourishing. Sometimes you will find yourself craving something strange or unusual for you, that is common.

You may find that food you used to like doesn’t appeal to you now and foods you didn’t like will appeal to you. This is a hormonal thing and is natural. Just remember everything you put in your mouth will affect the baby.

If it is a food product that causes gas both of you will suffer from it so choose wisely what you eat. You want your baby to come into this world healthy and strong.

Vitamins

Vitamins are very good for you during your pregnancy. They are good as a back up to your diet and they are good for the baby.

If you are not sure you eat enough good food the vitamins will do the job. You need to get advice from your doctor as to which vitamins you should take. There are a lot of vitamins and companies that make them but it is best to talk to your doctor.

The doctor may prescribe different vitamins to different women so it is best to talk to him/her.

While pregnant the body is transforming to a different level. It has 9 months to prepare for the due day.

Everything is very gradual and has a reason. As we have said before it is different from woman to woman. Some women grow a lot while other women hardly increase in size, but the stomach seems to always look like a balloon or a basketball.

There are physical changes because you are now living for two. You need to take care of yourself and pay attention to any pains you may feel, blood spots, marks on your skin, etc.

Usually around the 5th month you will feel the baby move. It will feel like a flutter and as it grows it will start to kick and move around.

During the pregnancy you can become very moody and sensitive .you may cry very easily or become angry very fast or on the other hand you will have moments of joy and happiness. Always remember to keep your heart open and try to get everything through love.

To listen to the real you deep inside this is the time you develop a new sense called “mother’s intuition”, it is something you just know and there is no explanation as to where it comes from or how. Well pregnancy is the beginning for you to listen to your intuition, what is good for you, what kind of food makes you feel good, and what is good for the baby and you together, whether it is a boy or girl.

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