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By Lisa Lee
How to take care of minor problems.
CARE OF UMBILICAL CORD:
The end of the cord will fall off in a couple of weeks after birth.
Until it falls off, keep it clean and dry.
Keep diaper below cord so that the cord stays dry.
Dab with alcohol on a cotton swab 1–2 times each day.
Call your baby’s health care giver if it looks red, irritated, bleeds or oozes, or
has a bad odor.
CARE OF CIRCUMCISION:
A circumcision should heal in 7–10 days.
If the tip of the penis is irritated by the diaper, put a little bit of petroleum jelly
on the irritated area each time you change the diaper.
PREVENT DIAPER RASH:
Change diapers often.
Wash baby’s bottom with soap and warm water at each change.
Use zinc oxide paste or diaper rash cream on irritated areas.
TREAT DIAPER RASH:
Leave baby’s diaper area uncovered for a few hours each day. (Place several
folded cloth diapers under baby.)
Use zinc oxide or diaper rash cream on irritated areas after washing.
TREAT DIARRHEA:
If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so.
Call baby’s health care giver if your baby won’t take liquids, can’t keep them
down, has a lot of diarrhea, or has diarrhea for longer than 12 hours. (Diarrhea can be a very serious problem for little babies, who can lose a lot of fluid quickly.)
There are special drinks —called oral electrolyte solutions— that infants with diarrhea should be given to keep them from becoming very sick.
TREAT COLIC:
Make sure that your baby is not crying for some other reason (wet diaper, hunger, tight clothing, loneliness).
Hold baby, stomach down, across your knees.
Rock your baby.
Push your baby in a carriage or stroller.
TREAT A COLD:
Try to make your baby more comfortable.
Call baby’s health care provider if your baby has a fever.
When to call the doctor …
YOU SHOULD CALL YOUR BABY’S HEALTH CARE GIVER IMMEDIATELY
IF YOUR BABY:
Has breathing problems (has to work hard to get air in and out).Cries (more or differently from the usual), or moans as if in pain, or is very fussy.Has a temperature higher than 100° F.Vomits (more than a spit up) or has diarrhea (very watery, loose, foulsmelling stools) more than 2–3 times in a day.Has even one large, very watery bowel movement and is less than 3 months old.Passes blood or blood clots with urine or bowel movement.Has a convulsion (shaking arms and legs).
ALSO CALL IF YOUR BABY:
Seems weak, has no energy to cry as loudly as usual.Refuses to feed or nurses poorly (or doesn’t want more than 1/2 of the usual bottle).Doesn’t wake up as alert as usual, or for older babies, is not playful, even for a short time.Just doesn’t “seem right” and you are worried. When you call the health care provider about your sick baby, write down the advice you get. Have available the telephone number of a pharmacy in case your care giver wants to phone in a prescription.
For more helpful information about breast feeding, baby teething process and more baby care tips please visit baby-care-guide.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Lee
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
A Conservative Vaccine Schedule for Concerned Parents
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By Christine Silva
After many months of soul-searching and multiple failed attempts to get information from my pediatrician, I decided to do some research on vaccines and the risks to my newborn. It was difficult to understand why my old vaccine record from 1974 had only seven vaccine stamps on it, but my pediatrician wanted to give my newborn over 40 vaccines over the course of the next four years.
The medical community recommends at least four polio vaccines, six hepatitis B vaccines, five DTaP vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), at least two MMR vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella), two influenza vaccines, three PCV vaccines, three HIB vaccines, and at least two varicella (chicken pox) vaccines, and two Hepatitis A vaccines. All together, these average over 40 vaccinations before the age of two.
Other medical communities have chosen to recognize possible dangers from vaccines. For example, in the late 1990s, over-vaccination was definitively linked to canerous tumors in domestic cats and dogs. At the time, I worked for a veterinary office, and the doctors were extremely concerned about the health of their animal patients. They decided, within a month, to modify their vaccination recommendations to a more conservative regimen, even though it would cause a decrease in income. The health and welfare of their clients was more important than the possible profit loss. It is unfortunate that human doctors cannot come to a similar consensus regarding infant vaccination. Until then, it is the responsibility of parents to educate themselves regarding vaccines and their risks, and make appropriate choices.
Why has the medical community deemed it necessary to vaccinate a newborn child over 40 times, when just thirty years ago, eight vaccines seemed an acceptable number? And, although the medical community refuses to link vaccines to autism, or Attention Deficit Disorder, it is extremely difficult to reconcile the fact that autism and vaccine reaction rates have skyrocketed in the last twenty years.
So, using my experience in education and research, I have compiled a more conservative vaccine schedule for my child based on risk factors. As a parent, I want to do whatever I can to protect my child from disease, as well as possible side-affects from any medication or medical treatment.
Many of the vaccines given to infants seem ridiculous and unnecessary, and the risks do not outweigh the benefits. For example, the tetanus vaccine is routinely given to newborns, even though the risk to newborns from this disease is infinitesimal. Tetanus is usually spread by the urine or feces of an animal on an outdoor object, such as a rusty nail. When an object enters the body, the bloodstream is infected by the toxin.
Now, I remember getting a tetanus vaccine as a young teenager after piercing my palm on a rusty hook. My father grumbled, looked at the wound, and took me to the hospital for a shot. My father received his first tetanus vaccine in his forties, after stepping on a rusty nail while clearing brush.
So, if this toxin enters the blood through a puncture wound, why does the medical community insist on vaccinating newborns against this disease, especially if they cannot walk, and probably have no contact with sharp objects, much less filthy outdoor objects that may be covered with animal urine and feces?
Fewer than 50 cases of tetanus are reported every year in the United States. That makes the possibility that your child will have tetanus in their lifetime about one in 220 million. Compare this with the possible risk of autism, which is about one in 220… period.
Now, another vaccine that seems risky is the varicella vaccine, which is the vaccine against chicken pox. This mild disease strikes thousands of children every year, and usually results in dozens of pimple-like itchy sores, mild fevers, and two whole weeks home with mommy. As children, my brother and I both had chicken pox, and I have a small scar on my cheek as a result. Subsequent lifetime immunity to chicken pox and shingles also came with my childhood bout with this disease.
The varicella (chicken pox) vaccine is one case where the dangers of the vaccine almost certainly outweigh the benefits. A child with chicken pox is a delightfully cranky inconvenience to working parents for two weeks. A child with a brain damage from a debilitating vaccine reaction is an inconvenience for a lifetime.
The influenza vaccine is only recommended for children that have very obvious risk factors, such as cardiac disease, sickle-cell, HIV, or diabetes. However, most doctors insist on vaccinating healthy children against influenza. Once again, a child with the “flu” is a great inconvenience to working parents—for two weeks. And, once again, a child with a brain damage from a debilitating vaccine reaction is an inconvenience for a lifetime.
The safety of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is hotly contested. At a recent news conference, reporters asked England’s Prime Minister, Tony Blair, if he vaccinated his young child with the MMR vaccine, and he refused to answer. Although I believe that vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella is necessary, I do not believe that these three vaccines should be given in combination. Especially since, in a combination vaccines, it is impossible to determine which of the three vaccines cause a serious vaccine reaction if one occurs.
Hepatitis B is another vaccine that is routinely given to newborns, even though newborns have almost no risk of contracting the disease. This disease affects about 320,000 Americans annually, and is mainly spread through unprotected sex and IV drug use. The vaccine is recommended for homosexual men, drug users, and anyone working in the medical field. Does your newborn fall under any of these risk categories? No? I didn’t think so.
Here are my recommendations—the recommendations of a concerned mother.
1. Try to request separate vaccines. Decline combo vaccines. Pay extra if you have to. It’s worth it.
2. Ask the vaccines to be “pulled up” in front of you. Make absolutely sure that the vaccine vial is a single-dose (the bottle should be really small, like the size of a brazil nut). If the bottle is big, a multiple-dose vial, refuse the vaccine immediately and do not return to that doctor! Multi-dose vials are cheaper, and they may contain a deadly preservative, thermerisol, a mercury-based preservative that is an actual human poison. Although vaccine manufacturers voluntarily stopped adding mercury to vaccines, these vaccines are not illegal, and no one knows how many thousands of bottles still exist on doctor’s shelves.
3. Eliminate all unnecessary vaccinations. Unless your child has actual risk factors, decline vaccines that are unnecessary. I have chosen not to vaccinate my newborn against chicken pox, influenza, Hepatitis B or tetanus. I received most of these vaccines in my teens, and I survived easily on chicken soup (and a mother’s love) through my childhood bout with the chicken pox.
4. Only allow one vaccine per office visit. Your pediatrician may protest, but I guarantee that most doctors will not vaccinate their own newborns with nine vaccines all at once. If you only allow one vaccine at a time, you can track any possible reactions.
5. Have an anti-inflammatory handy in case your child has a reaction. Ask your doctor for the safest (probably infant Tylenol), and have it ready just in case. If your child gets a reaction, such as a fever, give him the anti-inflammatory, and take him to urgent care. Don’t worry if they think you’re overreacting. Who cares what they think? Protect your child’s health at all costs.
6. If there is any way you can stay home with your newborn the first six months, and expose him to as few risk factors as possible (daycare, other sick children, etc), try to delay vaccination until your baby is at least six months. Enormous amounts of brain development take place at this time, and anything you can do to ensure your child’s protection against possible vaccine reaction, as well as disease, is a good thing. Beg, borrow, steal, use credit cards, whatever! Protect your child’s future!
7. And last, but not least, trust your own instincts. If you feel that your newborn is not reacting normally to vaccines, question your doctor, and if you get a condescending response, get another doctor.
As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. You are the final arbiter of your child’s health and wellness, and the more you can delay any type of intervention, the better. You have the choice to vaccinate your child conservatively, and there are risks to any vaccine, and also risks when you choose not to vaccinate.
However, if you are concerned, remember that many childhood diseases, such as chicken pox, influenza, and even the measles, are rarely fatal. However, severe autism can be a “death sentence” for a lifetime. Consider your options, do some research, and trust your heart as a loving parent.
Christine P Silva, BA, CRTP, lives in California with her husband, two children, and three spoiled cats. She earned her undergraduate degree from San Jose State University, and her advanced accounting certificate and California tax registration from Cosumnes River College. She is the founder of the Sacramento Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinic, a free service offering tax assistance to low income and Spanish-speaking taxpayers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Silva
By Christine Silva
After many months of soul-searching and multiple failed attempts to get information from my pediatrician, I decided to do some research on vaccines and the risks to my newborn. It was difficult to understand why my old vaccine record from 1974 had only seven vaccine stamps on it, but my pediatrician wanted to give my newborn over 40 vaccines over the course of the next four years.
The medical community recommends at least four polio vaccines, six hepatitis B vaccines, five DTaP vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), at least two MMR vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella), two influenza vaccines, three PCV vaccines, three HIB vaccines, and at least two varicella (chicken pox) vaccines, and two Hepatitis A vaccines. All together, these average over 40 vaccinations before the age of two.
Other medical communities have chosen to recognize possible dangers from vaccines. For example, in the late 1990s, over-vaccination was definitively linked to canerous tumors in domestic cats and dogs. At the time, I worked for a veterinary office, and the doctors were extremely concerned about the health of their animal patients. They decided, within a month, to modify their vaccination recommendations to a more conservative regimen, even though it would cause a decrease in income. The health and welfare of their clients was more important than the possible profit loss. It is unfortunate that human doctors cannot come to a similar consensus regarding infant vaccination. Until then, it is the responsibility of parents to educate themselves regarding vaccines and their risks, and make appropriate choices.
Why has the medical community deemed it necessary to vaccinate a newborn child over 40 times, when just thirty years ago, eight vaccines seemed an acceptable number? And, although the medical community refuses to link vaccines to autism, or Attention Deficit Disorder, it is extremely difficult to reconcile the fact that autism and vaccine reaction rates have skyrocketed in the last twenty years.
So, using my experience in education and research, I have compiled a more conservative vaccine schedule for my child based on risk factors. As a parent, I want to do whatever I can to protect my child from disease, as well as possible side-affects from any medication or medical treatment.
Many of the vaccines given to infants seem ridiculous and unnecessary, and the risks do not outweigh the benefits. For example, the tetanus vaccine is routinely given to newborns, even though the risk to newborns from this disease is infinitesimal. Tetanus is usually spread by the urine or feces of an animal on an outdoor object, such as a rusty nail. When an object enters the body, the bloodstream is infected by the toxin.
Now, I remember getting a tetanus vaccine as a young teenager after piercing my palm on a rusty hook. My father grumbled, looked at the wound, and took me to the hospital for a shot. My father received his first tetanus vaccine in his forties, after stepping on a rusty nail while clearing brush.
So, if this toxin enters the blood through a puncture wound, why does the medical community insist on vaccinating newborns against this disease, especially if they cannot walk, and probably have no contact with sharp objects, much less filthy outdoor objects that may be covered with animal urine and feces?
Fewer than 50 cases of tetanus are reported every year in the United States. That makes the possibility that your child will have tetanus in their lifetime about one in 220 million. Compare this with the possible risk of autism, which is about one in 220… period.
Now, another vaccine that seems risky is the varicella vaccine, which is the vaccine against chicken pox. This mild disease strikes thousands of children every year, and usually results in dozens of pimple-like itchy sores, mild fevers, and two whole weeks home with mommy. As children, my brother and I both had chicken pox, and I have a small scar on my cheek as a result. Subsequent lifetime immunity to chicken pox and shingles also came with my childhood bout with this disease.
The varicella (chicken pox) vaccine is one case where the dangers of the vaccine almost certainly outweigh the benefits. A child with chicken pox is a delightfully cranky inconvenience to working parents for two weeks. A child with a brain damage from a debilitating vaccine reaction is an inconvenience for a lifetime.
The influenza vaccine is only recommended for children that have very obvious risk factors, such as cardiac disease, sickle-cell, HIV, or diabetes. However, most doctors insist on vaccinating healthy children against influenza. Once again, a child with the “flu” is a great inconvenience to working parents—for two weeks. And, once again, a child with a brain damage from a debilitating vaccine reaction is an inconvenience for a lifetime.
The safety of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is hotly contested. At a recent news conference, reporters asked England’s Prime Minister, Tony Blair, if he vaccinated his young child with the MMR vaccine, and he refused to answer. Although I believe that vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella is necessary, I do not believe that these three vaccines should be given in combination. Especially since, in a combination vaccines, it is impossible to determine which of the three vaccines cause a serious vaccine reaction if one occurs.
Hepatitis B is another vaccine that is routinely given to newborns, even though newborns have almost no risk of contracting the disease. This disease affects about 320,000 Americans annually, and is mainly spread through unprotected sex and IV drug use. The vaccine is recommended for homosexual men, drug users, and anyone working in the medical field. Does your newborn fall under any of these risk categories? No? I didn’t think so.
Here are my recommendations—the recommendations of a concerned mother.
1. Try to request separate vaccines. Decline combo vaccines. Pay extra if you have to. It’s worth it.
2. Ask the vaccines to be “pulled up” in front of you. Make absolutely sure that the vaccine vial is a single-dose (the bottle should be really small, like the size of a brazil nut). If the bottle is big, a multiple-dose vial, refuse the vaccine immediately and do not return to that doctor! Multi-dose vials are cheaper, and they may contain a deadly preservative, thermerisol, a mercury-based preservative that is an actual human poison. Although vaccine manufacturers voluntarily stopped adding mercury to vaccines, these vaccines are not illegal, and no one knows how many thousands of bottles still exist on doctor’s shelves.
3. Eliminate all unnecessary vaccinations. Unless your child has actual risk factors, decline vaccines that are unnecessary. I have chosen not to vaccinate my newborn against chicken pox, influenza, Hepatitis B or tetanus. I received most of these vaccines in my teens, and I survived easily on chicken soup (and a mother’s love) through my childhood bout with the chicken pox.
4. Only allow one vaccine per office visit. Your pediatrician may protest, but I guarantee that most doctors will not vaccinate their own newborns with nine vaccines all at once. If you only allow one vaccine at a time, you can track any possible reactions.
5. Have an anti-inflammatory handy in case your child has a reaction. Ask your doctor for the safest (probably infant Tylenol), and have it ready just in case. If your child gets a reaction, such as a fever, give him the anti-inflammatory, and take him to urgent care. Don’t worry if they think you’re overreacting. Who cares what they think? Protect your child’s health at all costs.
6. If there is any way you can stay home with your newborn the first six months, and expose him to as few risk factors as possible (daycare, other sick children, etc), try to delay vaccination until your baby is at least six months. Enormous amounts of brain development take place at this time, and anything you can do to ensure your child’s protection against possible vaccine reaction, as well as disease, is a good thing. Beg, borrow, steal, use credit cards, whatever! Protect your child’s future!
7. And last, but not least, trust your own instincts. If you feel that your newborn is not reacting normally to vaccines, question your doctor, and if you get a condescending response, get another doctor.
As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. You are the final arbiter of your child’s health and wellness, and the more you can delay any type of intervention, the better. You have the choice to vaccinate your child conservatively, and there are risks to any vaccine, and also risks when you choose not to vaccinate.
However, if you are concerned, remember that many childhood diseases, such as chicken pox, influenza, and even the measles, are rarely fatal. However, severe autism can be a “death sentence” for a lifetime. Consider your options, do some research, and trust your heart as a loving parent.
Christine P Silva, BA, CRTP, lives in California with her husband, two children, and three spoiled cats. She earned her undergraduate degree from San Jose State University, and her advanced accounting certificate and California tax registration from Cosumnes River College. She is the founder of the Sacramento Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinic, a free service offering tax assistance to low income and Spanish-speaking taxpayers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Silva
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Educational Toys Are Important For Infants
By Low Jeremy
Every child has an instinct to learn, as evidenced by his or her ability to act like a sponge to every idea and visual stimulus that crosses his or her path. Because of this, people who say that play has no value whatsoever are eating their words right now. Toys and play, even experts say, play vital parts in children's learning and discovery.
Kids' development and learning abilities vary. Some might already be walking at just nine months, while some children learn late and start at only about two years old. There is nothing unusual about this. There are children that are adept at a particular thing, while other kids are more proficient at another.
What is common to all children, nevertheless, is the fact that they are all naturally born curious about the world around them. Babies, in particular, are ultimate learning sponges because they start out with a clean slate. We should, therefore, never be annoyed at kids who always ask the question "why", as this is an indication of their interest to learn new things and wonder about their environment.
And because infants are the best teaching subjects, great pains have been undergone to develop educational toys that would enhance their sponge-like abilities. Learning starts at home. It is the responsibility of parents and the people that surround infants to make sure these formative years are maximized by exposing their children to toys and things that would encourage and feed their hunger for knowledge.
Toys are what children almost always interact with, and exposing them to a number of well-chosen educational toys will boost their individual growth.
As parents and adults who choose these toys, however, we must realize that educational toys are made according to a child's age and learning pace. Thus, we must only purchase and gift toys that are appropriate for the kid we are giving it to, otherwise, our purpose of teaching and instilling knowledge will be defeated.
Infants, in particular, because their sensory abilities are not as developed as toddlers yet, need toys that stimulate their hearing, touch and sight. Strong contrasting colors and soft colorful objects and toys are best for babies to help them with their hand-eye coordination. Therefore, just when we think that these soft balls do nothing for infants, we need to think again. Any toy that stimulates infants' senses is considered educational.
Low Jeremy maintains http://educational-toys.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
Every child has an instinct to learn, as evidenced by his or her ability to act like a sponge to every idea and visual stimulus that crosses his or her path. Because of this, people who say that play has no value whatsoever are eating their words right now. Toys and play, even experts say, play vital parts in children's learning and discovery.
Kids' development and learning abilities vary. Some might already be walking at just nine months, while some children learn late and start at only about two years old. There is nothing unusual about this. There are children that are adept at a particular thing, while other kids are more proficient at another.
What is common to all children, nevertheless, is the fact that they are all naturally born curious about the world around them. Babies, in particular, are ultimate learning sponges because they start out with a clean slate. We should, therefore, never be annoyed at kids who always ask the question "why", as this is an indication of their interest to learn new things and wonder about their environment.
And because infants are the best teaching subjects, great pains have been undergone to develop educational toys that would enhance their sponge-like abilities. Learning starts at home. It is the responsibility of parents and the people that surround infants to make sure these formative years are maximized by exposing their children to toys and things that would encourage and feed their hunger for knowledge.
Toys are what children almost always interact with, and exposing them to a number of well-chosen educational toys will boost their individual growth.
As parents and adults who choose these toys, however, we must realize that educational toys are made according to a child's age and learning pace. Thus, we must only purchase and gift toys that are appropriate for the kid we are giving it to, otherwise, our purpose of teaching and instilling knowledge will be defeated.
Infants, in particular, because their sensory abilities are not as developed as toddlers yet, need toys that stimulate their hearing, touch and sight. Strong contrasting colors and soft colorful objects and toys are best for babies to help them with their hand-eye coordination. Therefore, just when we think that these soft balls do nothing for infants, we need to think again. Any toy that stimulates infants' senses is considered educational.
Low Jeremy maintains http://educational-toys.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
How to Get Baby to Sleep Through the Night
By Chris Towland
Few things, if any, match the overwhelming joy a baby can bring. But for many parents, the lack of a good nights sleep can sometimes tarnish that joy, just a little.
If you are in that situation where your baby is struggling to sleep and so you and the rest of your family are feeling more and more exhausted as every day goes by, here are a few ideas on how to get baby to sleep through the night.
Establishing a night time routine is one way to get baby to sleep through the night. Give him or her a bath, have one last feed and say goodnight with a warm kiss and a smile. Do not stimulate the baby, as this will make it a long drawn out process. Being consistent will also be important. The baby must know what is going to happen next and what bedtime means.
Another way to get baby to sleep through the night is to make sure that some one-on-one snuggle time is in your routine. You don’t want to just dump the baby into his or her crib without another word. Take advantage of your baby’s attachment to a blanket or cuddly animal. If they haven’t established this yet, help them to find something that will make them feel comfortable when you are not there. An object like this, often called a transitional object, can give your baby comfort and help him or her to get to sleep, both when first put to bed and also on waking during the night.
If the baby does cry for you in the night and you know she is not wet or hungry, avoid the temptation to pick her up and rock her back to sleep. She will quickly become accustomed to that and will want it every time she stirs in the night. That is not to say you cannot comfort her at all of course. Rub her back gently, speak softly but don’t pick her up. Babies learn very quickly what you will do to make them happy.
It is important that you stick to this for a several nights. Babies will often cry for a shorter period of time each night until eventually, the baby will learn how to sleep through the night. Be careful not to give in. Even if the baby has cried for an hour before you pick her up, you still must resist the temptation if at all possible. All this is going to do is teach her that you will pick her up if she cries long enough.
Let me just repeat here that this is NOT a suggestion that you just leave your baby to cry it out, instead the idea is that you are with him or her to provide comfort but just do not give in to picking your baby up to rock him or her back to sleep.
Did you know there's an easier way to get baby to sleep through the night? Take a look at The Baby Sleep Solution - The easy solution to your baby's sleeping problems at http://www.BabySleepSolution.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Towland
Few things, if any, match the overwhelming joy a baby can bring. But for many parents, the lack of a good nights sleep can sometimes tarnish that joy, just a little.
If you are in that situation where your baby is struggling to sleep and so you and the rest of your family are feeling more and more exhausted as every day goes by, here are a few ideas on how to get baby to sleep through the night.
Establishing a night time routine is one way to get baby to sleep through the night. Give him or her a bath, have one last feed and say goodnight with a warm kiss and a smile. Do not stimulate the baby, as this will make it a long drawn out process. Being consistent will also be important. The baby must know what is going to happen next and what bedtime means.
Another way to get baby to sleep through the night is to make sure that some one-on-one snuggle time is in your routine. You don’t want to just dump the baby into his or her crib without another word. Take advantage of your baby’s attachment to a blanket or cuddly animal. If they haven’t established this yet, help them to find something that will make them feel comfortable when you are not there. An object like this, often called a transitional object, can give your baby comfort and help him or her to get to sleep, both when first put to bed and also on waking during the night.
If the baby does cry for you in the night and you know she is not wet or hungry, avoid the temptation to pick her up and rock her back to sleep. She will quickly become accustomed to that and will want it every time she stirs in the night. That is not to say you cannot comfort her at all of course. Rub her back gently, speak softly but don’t pick her up. Babies learn very quickly what you will do to make them happy.
It is important that you stick to this for a several nights. Babies will often cry for a shorter period of time each night until eventually, the baby will learn how to sleep through the night. Be careful not to give in. Even if the baby has cried for an hour before you pick her up, you still must resist the temptation if at all possible. All this is going to do is teach her that you will pick her up if she cries long enough.
Let me just repeat here that this is NOT a suggestion that you just leave your baby to cry it out, instead the idea is that you are with him or her to provide comfort but just do not give in to picking your baby up to rock him or her back to sleep.
Did you know there's an easier way to get baby to sleep through the night? Take a look at The Baby Sleep Solution - The easy solution to your baby's sleeping problems at http://www.BabySleepSolution.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Towland
A Couple of Cool Baby Shower Cake Ideas
By Tim Bock
Baby showers are special events indeed, and the host or hostess of the baby shower is always on the lookout for a great way to make the event even more memorable. One great way to add a lasting memory to the baby shower experience is to consider have a cake created specifically for the occasion. This article lists a couple of cool baby shower cake ideas, but really the only limit is the imagination of the host.
One of the best baby shower cake ideas is to have a cake created in the shape of a diaper, a rattle, or other stereotypical symbol of infanthood. Many bakeries and specialty shops have molds on hand that can shape the cake in this way. However, if you do not have such a shop nearby, consider using the internet to find a bakery that is willing to make the cake and ship it (be sure to give this process extra time) or you could contact local craft stores to see if they have or would be able to create the right kind of mold. You can then either bake the cake yourself or, for the culinary less adventurous, hire a baker to use the mold and create the cake.
Another one of the great baby shower cake ideas is to have an image of the baby (via an ultrasound film) actually printed onto the surface of the cake. As long as both the mom to-be and the guests all have good senses of humor (i.e. some may feel strange ingesting a likeness of the unborn guest of honor), this is sure to leave a lasting impression.
For more information concerning baby showers, please visit The Baby Shower Zone, a website that specializes in baby showers and cool baby shower cake ideas
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Bock
Baby showers are special events indeed, and the host or hostess of the baby shower is always on the lookout for a great way to make the event even more memorable. One great way to add a lasting memory to the baby shower experience is to consider have a cake created specifically for the occasion. This article lists a couple of cool baby shower cake ideas, but really the only limit is the imagination of the host.
One of the best baby shower cake ideas is to have a cake created in the shape of a diaper, a rattle, or other stereotypical symbol of infanthood. Many bakeries and specialty shops have molds on hand that can shape the cake in this way. However, if you do not have such a shop nearby, consider using the internet to find a bakery that is willing to make the cake and ship it (be sure to give this process extra time) or you could contact local craft stores to see if they have or would be able to create the right kind of mold. You can then either bake the cake yourself or, for the culinary less adventurous, hire a baker to use the mold and create the cake.
Another one of the great baby shower cake ideas is to have an image of the baby (via an ultrasound film) actually printed onto the surface of the cake. As long as both the mom to-be and the guests all have good senses of humor (i.e. some may feel strange ingesting a likeness of the unborn guest of honor), this is sure to leave a lasting impression.
For more information concerning baby showers, please visit The Baby Shower Zone, a website that specializes in baby showers and cool baby shower cake ideas
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Bock
Friday, November 10, 2006
Mommy Burnout - 6 Ways to Lose It
Return to All Articles
By: Carrie Lauth
Feeling burnout as a Mom is very common. It does not mean that you are failing as a Mom. It’s mostly due to the isolation that a lot of Moms face in our culture, as well as the overscheduling and overwork that a lot of us deal with.
Here are 6 things you can do to prevent burnout and treat it if it comes up.
Find your tribe
Find a support group of like minded Moms. There are neighbors, people you worship with, family, Moms at storytime, the park, or anywhere else Moms hang out. It’s extremely important for Moms to have a social network. Talk about your feelings with someone who won’t judge you, and return the favor. Spend time with good friends, and don’t forget to nurture your relationship with your spouse.
Set boundaries
Setting good boundaries isn’t just about limits with your kids. Boundaries are something that protect you from being overburdened with other people’s responsibilities. Learn to say no to things that don’t honor your values, and don’t overextend yourself.
Lose the guilt
Don’t feel like you’re a bad Mom because you feel burnout from time to time. In fact, you are probably a very conscientious Mom who is neglecting her own needs! Be as forgiving and empathic with yourself as you are with your kids, and remember, when you take care of your own needs, you’re in better shape to care for your family. It’s kind of like when the flight attendant
tells you to put on your own oxygen mask first in case of emergency!
Take care of your body
Eating poorly leads to fatigue and stress. Nurture your body with healthy foods and avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which only deplete you.
Exercise is also very important because it helps you deal with stress and floods your body with endorphins, the “feel good hormones”. Don’t make excuses! Get moving for 20 minutes a day. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do.
Exercise is also good for the kids because it helps them discharge excess energy that they may have from being inside too much.
Spending some time every day in the sun is also a good idea. Sunlight improves mood and helps
you sleep better.
Take a break
Nurture yourself every single day in small ways. Take a hot bath by yourself. Go outside for a few minutes and breathe deeply. Say your prayers, journal, pursue a hobby that you love. Even if all you can do are 5 minute increments, take the time!
Focus on what’s truly important
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself that the most important things on your to do list are your children, not the dishes or the dusty blinds. Put everything aside for 15 minutes and just play with your kids. Have fun, laugh together, spend time in nature together, and enjoy life. The rest can wait. Kids have a way of growing up despite us. And keep hugging those babies!
Carrie Lauth is a Mom of 4 and the host of www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com. For more information on having more fun as a Mom, visit: www.MomsWisdom.com
By: Carrie Lauth
Feeling burnout as a Mom is very common. It does not mean that you are failing as a Mom. It’s mostly due to the isolation that a lot of Moms face in our culture, as well as the overscheduling and overwork that a lot of us deal with.
Here are 6 things you can do to prevent burnout and treat it if it comes up.
Find your tribe
Find a support group of like minded Moms. There are neighbors, people you worship with, family, Moms at storytime, the park, or anywhere else Moms hang out. It’s extremely important for Moms to have a social network. Talk about your feelings with someone who won’t judge you, and return the favor. Spend time with good friends, and don’t forget to nurture your relationship with your spouse.
Set boundaries
Setting good boundaries isn’t just about limits with your kids. Boundaries are something that protect you from being overburdened with other people’s responsibilities. Learn to say no to things that don’t honor your values, and don’t overextend yourself.
Lose the guilt
Don’t feel like you’re a bad Mom because you feel burnout from time to time. In fact, you are probably a very conscientious Mom who is neglecting her own needs! Be as forgiving and empathic with yourself as you are with your kids, and remember, when you take care of your own needs, you’re in better shape to care for your family. It’s kind of like when the flight attendant
tells you to put on your own oxygen mask first in case of emergency!
Take care of your body
Eating poorly leads to fatigue and stress. Nurture your body with healthy foods and avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which only deplete you.
Exercise is also very important because it helps you deal with stress and floods your body with endorphins, the “feel good hormones”. Don’t make excuses! Get moving for 20 minutes a day. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do.
Exercise is also good for the kids because it helps them discharge excess energy that they may have from being inside too much.
Spending some time every day in the sun is also a good idea. Sunlight improves mood and helps
you sleep better.
Take a break
Nurture yourself every single day in small ways. Take a hot bath by yourself. Go outside for a few minutes and breathe deeply. Say your prayers, journal, pursue a hobby that you love. Even if all you can do are 5 minute increments, take the time!
Focus on what’s truly important
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself that the most important things on your to do list are your children, not the dishes or the dusty blinds. Put everything aside for 15 minutes and just play with your kids. Have fun, laugh together, spend time in nature together, and enjoy life. The rest can wait. Kids have a way of growing up despite us. And keep hugging those babies!
Carrie Lauth is a Mom of 4 and the host of www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com. For more information on having more fun as a Mom, visit: www.MomsWisdom.com
Monday, November 6, 2006
Bottle Feeding Baby - Keeping It Clean
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By Robin OBrien
Breastfeeding mothers can have many problems but one thing they don't have to think about is keeping their milk clean and germ-free. Bottle feeding mothers don't have this luxury. Cleanliness is paramount when bottle feeding your baby.
If you've decided to bottle feed your child then you must first acquire the correct equipment. First on your list should be an adequate bottle sterilizer. There are several different types to choose from. The cheapest option available is to buy a bottle sterilizer that works by placing it in a microwave. Their big advantage is cheapness, but they do have a couple of drawbacks; first you must thoroughly clean your microwave after cooking spicy food. Secondly, portability can be problematic. A more expensive option is to purchase an electric bottle sterilizer. You simply wash your baby's bottle and then place them into a plastic tray, which is then placed into the sterilizer. This is the best way to sterilize your baby's milk bottles, however, be sure to place only the amount of water into the sterilizer as specified by the manufacturers - don't put more than is recommended. Finally, you can purchase an electric/microwave combination. Basically, this means you can place the interior tray into a microwave rather than using the electric unit. Whichever type you purchase, don't forget to wash it occasionally.
Ensure that you wash your baby's bottles correctly. Use a bottle washer especially made for cleaning babies bottles. Wash bottles in warm soapy water and use salt to clean the teats. Make sure use rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Never sterilize your baby's bottles with the teat or caps left on.
Germs require 3 things to thrive; water, sugar and warmth. Infant formula can provide ideal conditions for germs to breed. Always make infant formula just before you need to and discard any that is left over after feeding. Never give your baby milk that was made for a previous feed; would you like to drink milk that has been left standing for hours in a warm room? Also, when travelling, never make formula in advance. It is better to take hot water and mix the milk powder just before feeding. It might be worthwhile buying ready-to-use for long distance trips.
Never share your baby's bottle with another infant, even with other siblings. Sharing is the surest way to spread germs from one baby to another. Make sure your own hands are clean before you prepare your baby's formula.
Take care of your baby's teeth. Bottle feeding tooth decay is a real risk. Infant formula usually contains more sugar that breast milk. You should never put baby to bed with a bottle, which the baby can suck on for hours. The sugary liquid flows over the baby's upper front teeth and dissolves the enamel, causing decay that can lead to infection. The longer the practice continues the more damage to the baby's teeth and mouth. Treatment is very expensive.
Bottle feeding will provide your child with all the nutrients it needs. By following the guidelines above, you can also ensure that bottle feeding is as germ-free and safe as breastfeeding.
Robin O'Brien is founder of Baby Bottle Feeding. It offers advice on all aspects of bottle feeding, including what is the best infant formula and bottle feeding tooth decay.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien
By Robin OBrien
Breastfeeding mothers can have many problems but one thing they don't have to think about is keeping their milk clean and germ-free. Bottle feeding mothers don't have this luxury. Cleanliness is paramount when bottle feeding your baby.
If you've decided to bottle feed your child then you must first acquire the correct equipment. First on your list should be an adequate bottle sterilizer. There are several different types to choose from. The cheapest option available is to buy a bottle sterilizer that works by placing it in a microwave. Their big advantage is cheapness, but they do have a couple of drawbacks; first you must thoroughly clean your microwave after cooking spicy food. Secondly, portability can be problematic. A more expensive option is to purchase an electric bottle sterilizer. You simply wash your baby's bottle and then place them into a plastic tray, which is then placed into the sterilizer. This is the best way to sterilize your baby's milk bottles, however, be sure to place only the amount of water into the sterilizer as specified by the manufacturers - don't put more than is recommended. Finally, you can purchase an electric/microwave combination. Basically, this means you can place the interior tray into a microwave rather than using the electric unit. Whichever type you purchase, don't forget to wash it occasionally.
Ensure that you wash your baby's bottles correctly. Use a bottle washer especially made for cleaning babies bottles. Wash bottles in warm soapy water and use salt to clean the teats. Make sure use rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Never sterilize your baby's bottles with the teat or caps left on.
Germs require 3 things to thrive; water, sugar and warmth. Infant formula can provide ideal conditions for germs to breed. Always make infant formula just before you need to and discard any that is left over after feeding. Never give your baby milk that was made for a previous feed; would you like to drink milk that has been left standing for hours in a warm room? Also, when travelling, never make formula in advance. It is better to take hot water and mix the milk powder just before feeding. It might be worthwhile buying ready-to-use for long distance trips.
Never share your baby's bottle with another infant, even with other siblings. Sharing is the surest way to spread germs from one baby to another. Make sure your own hands are clean before you prepare your baby's formula.
Take care of your baby's teeth. Bottle feeding tooth decay is a real risk. Infant formula usually contains more sugar that breast milk. You should never put baby to bed with a bottle, which the baby can suck on for hours. The sugary liquid flows over the baby's upper front teeth and dissolves the enamel, causing decay that can lead to infection. The longer the practice continues the more damage to the baby's teeth and mouth. Treatment is very expensive.
Bottle feeding will provide your child with all the nutrients it needs. By following the guidelines above, you can also ensure that bottle feeding is as germ-free and safe as breastfeeding.
Robin O'Brien is founder of Baby Bottle Feeding. It offers advice on all aspects of bottle feeding, including what is the best infant formula and bottle feeding tooth decay.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien
Monday, October 30, 2006
Potty Training Resistance
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By Diane Ball
Potty training, unfortunately, comes at a time in life when a child is learning to be more independent. Known as the ‘terrible twos’, your toddler may resist potty training altogether, dirty his or her diaper for spite, act differently about the toilet for different caregivers, and generally cause potty training to be a hassle for parents. However, don’t despair, potty training can still be accomplished even if this is the case, if parents remain calm and understanding and make potty training a fun activity.
First, be sure your child is ready and establish a potty training routine with your child. These two steps are the basis for quick and stress-free potty training. However, many children will still resist, so you are not alone if you are often faced with a screaming child or one who is learning early to talk back (good luck with him or her as a teen…). Refusing to potty train can be simply frustrating, or it can have real health consequences if they chose to ‘hold it’ for long periods rather than use the potty. Remember to consult your paediatrician if resistance continues for a long period of time.
Rewarding your child is an appropriate step in the potty training process, and one that will possibly make your child less resistant. Have him or her help choose the prizes. For example, visit the local toy store and purchase some new items that your child may not have until he or she meets certain goals. You may also wish to talk to your child about what he or she cannot do without being potty trained (staying the night at grandma’s, going to school, visiting friends, etc). Motivation is the key to successful potty training.
Talk with your child if he or she is normally well behaved, but extremely resistant to potty training. Perhaps your child is scared of using a potty seat. Have him or her use, instead, a small potty chair and decorate this chair with stickers. Some children, for example, are scared of the flushing noise a larger toilet makes. Wait until your child leaves the room to flush, or have him or her flush the toilet themselves, both when they use it and at other time in the day, simple to get used to the idea. You may also wish to have your child watch while you, older siblings, and family members use the toilet to show your child that it is not scary.
Punishment is appropriate when your child knows that he or she is acting inappropriately. For example, if he or she won’t let your change his or her dirty diaper, even though they have been previously telling you when they have to go, you may wish to punish your child. Also consider punishment for inappropriate behavior such as hitting or throwing temper tantrums.
Punishment is not appropriate for accidents, on the other hand. Remember that your child may simply not know he or she had to use the toilet. Even with older children, accidents sometimes happen, especially with urination during play as they get distracted until it’s too late to make it to the toilet. Try to be understanding about this so that your child does not continue to resist using the toilet.
There are many tools on the market to help make potty training fun. If you make it a fun activity, your child will not be as resistant, and the process will be much faster. Use a variety of games, songs, and activities to teach your child about using the potty and remember that each child is different and will learn toilet use at a different pace.
Diane Ball has an interest in Potty Training. For further information on Potty Training please visit Potty Training or Potty Training Symptoms .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Ball
By Diane Ball
Potty training, unfortunately, comes at a time in life when a child is learning to be more independent. Known as the ‘terrible twos’, your toddler may resist potty training altogether, dirty his or her diaper for spite, act differently about the toilet for different caregivers, and generally cause potty training to be a hassle for parents. However, don’t despair, potty training can still be accomplished even if this is the case, if parents remain calm and understanding and make potty training a fun activity.
First, be sure your child is ready and establish a potty training routine with your child. These two steps are the basis for quick and stress-free potty training. However, many children will still resist, so you are not alone if you are often faced with a screaming child or one who is learning early to talk back (good luck with him or her as a teen…). Refusing to potty train can be simply frustrating, or it can have real health consequences if they chose to ‘hold it’ for long periods rather than use the potty. Remember to consult your paediatrician if resistance continues for a long period of time.
Rewarding your child is an appropriate step in the potty training process, and one that will possibly make your child less resistant. Have him or her help choose the prizes. For example, visit the local toy store and purchase some new items that your child may not have until he or she meets certain goals. You may also wish to talk to your child about what he or she cannot do without being potty trained (staying the night at grandma’s, going to school, visiting friends, etc). Motivation is the key to successful potty training.
Talk with your child if he or she is normally well behaved, but extremely resistant to potty training. Perhaps your child is scared of using a potty seat. Have him or her use, instead, a small potty chair and decorate this chair with stickers. Some children, for example, are scared of the flushing noise a larger toilet makes. Wait until your child leaves the room to flush, or have him or her flush the toilet themselves, both when they use it and at other time in the day, simple to get used to the idea. You may also wish to have your child watch while you, older siblings, and family members use the toilet to show your child that it is not scary.
Punishment is appropriate when your child knows that he or she is acting inappropriately. For example, if he or she won’t let your change his or her dirty diaper, even though they have been previously telling you when they have to go, you may wish to punish your child. Also consider punishment for inappropriate behavior such as hitting or throwing temper tantrums.
Punishment is not appropriate for accidents, on the other hand. Remember that your child may simply not know he or she had to use the toilet. Even with older children, accidents sometimes happen, especially with urination during play as they get distracted until it’s too late to make it to the toilet. Try to be understanding about this so that your child does not continue to resist using the toilet.
There are many tools on the market to help make potty training fun. If you make it a fun activity, your child will not be as resistant, and the process will be much faster. Use a variety of games, songs, and activities to teach your child about using the potty and remember that each child is different and will learn toilet use at a different pace.
Diane Ball has an interest in Potty Training. For further information on Potty Training please visit Potty Training or Potty Training Symptoms .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Ball
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Raising Kids - The Heartache of Infant Indigestion
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By Jill Seimer
Any adult can tell you just how uncomfortable or even painful indigestion can
be. Now put yourself in the shoes of an infant. Can you imagine the pain they
must experience when they have indigestion? They cannot tell you so they just
express it by crying to show you something is wrong. Any mother will tell you
that they would gladly take on their baby's sickness if it meant giving their child
relief from whatever is causing them pain.
What is Colic? This is a common term used around children's health and is also
referred to as infant indigestion. Colic is seen by some people as infants just
being "fussy" and "cranky" which is a tiny bit shortsighted. Colic has no single
definition as such - we simply know that the child is in pain and needs help.
This discomfort is normally linked to the childs digestive process, which is
still in its formative stages.
In general colic begins when a baby is six weeks
old and lasts until they are about 3 to 4 months old. It's rare for colic to
continue past this age. What Causes Colic? Some people believe that colic is an
allergic reaction in the child whereas more agree that it most likely has diet
as its root cause. An infant being overfed or underfed is more than enough to
start a painful attack. Foods with high fat, sugar and protein content also seem
more likely to cause colic. One interesting fact is that breastfed babies suffer
far less from colic. Stress is also a major cause of colic in infants so parents
and carers alike should make every possible effort to provide the infant with a
worry-free environment to grow up in.
The Symptoms of Colic The first, and most obvious, sign of colic is crying - and
lots of it. This crying is also different to normal infant "sobbing" which they
may do for attention. This type of infant crying is painful and inconsolable.
Infant crying caused by colic is the type that no mother can stop - no matter
what she tries.
It's bad enough that your baby is in pain but the crying fit they experience
actually causes them further problems. When a baby cries in this way sudden
spasmodic abdominal cramping will occur, and the child will automatically draw
up their knees and clench their fists. Their tiny body is now tense and the
intense crying now sucks more air into their stomach which then causes them more
pain from trapped gas.
Colic Like Clockwork? Oddly enough most infants will develop colic around the
same time each day. This is normally in the late afternoon or evening and can
last for several hours. The crying fits can be trying on the most patient of
parents but keeping track of when the colic occurs will allow you to track it
and mentally prepare for it in advance.
JIll Seimer reports on health issues at RefluxLife.com covering on healthy natural lifestyle. Recently she discussed Natural healing for Acid Reflux from her experience on acid reflux disorder symptoms.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Seimer
By Jill Seimer
Any adult can tell you just how uncomfortable or even painful indigestion can
be. Now put yourself in the shoes of an infant. Can you imagine the pain they
must experience when they have indigestion? They cannot tell you so they just
express it by crying to show you something is wrong. Any mother will tell you
that they would gladly take on their baby's sickness if it meant giving their child
relief from whatever is causing them pain.
What is Colic? This is a common term used around children's health and is also
referred to as infant indigestion. Colic is seen by some people as infants just
being "fussy" and "cranky" which is a tiny bit shortsighted. Colic has no single
definition as such - we simply know that the child is in pain and needs help.
This discomfort is normally linked to the childs digestive process, which is
still in its formative stages.
In general colic begins when a baby is six weeks
old and lasts until they are about 3 to 4 months old. It's rare for colic to
continue past this age. What Causes Colic? Some people believe that colic is an
allergic reaction in the child whereas more agree that it most likely has diet
as its root cause. An infant being overfed or underfed is more than enough to
start a painful attack. Foods with high fat, sugar and protein content also seem
more likely to cause colic. One interesting fact is that breastfed babies suffer
far less from colic. Stress is also a major cause of colic in infants so parents
and carers alike should make every possible effort to provide the infant with a
worry-free environment to grow up in.
The Symptoms of Colic The first, and most obvious, sign of colic is crying - and
lots of it. This crying is also different to normal infant "sobbing" which they
may do for attention. This type of infant crying is painful and inconsolable.
Infant crying caused by colic is the type that no mother can stop - no matter
what she tries.
It's bad enough that your baby is in pain but the crying fit they experience
actually causes them further problems. When a baby cries in this way sudden
spasmodic abdominal cramping will occur, and the child will automatically draw
up their knees and clench their fists. Their tiny body is now tense and the
intense crying now sucks more air into their stomach which then causes them more
pain from trapped gas.
Colic Like Clockwork? Oddly enough most infants will develop colic around the
same time each day. This is normally in the late afternoon or evening and can
last for several hours. The crying fits can be trying on the most patient of
parents but keeping track of when the colic occurs will allow you to track it
and mentally prepare for it in advance.
JIll Seimer reports on health issues at RefluxLife.com covering on healthy natural lifestyle. Recently she discussed Natural healing for Acid Reflux from her experience on acid reflux disorder symptoms.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Seimer
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Infant Car Seats - What to Look for
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By LynnMarie S.
Infant car seats should be purchased for any baby who weighs less than 20 pounds. It can be more cost efficient to purchase an infant-toddler car seat that can be converted when the baby weighs more than 20 pounds. But all experts will agree that babies are safer in infant car seat because they are designed for the smaller baby to give support in all the necessary places. Your baby should be comfortable. You should get a car seat that has lots of cushioning and plenty of head support. The Graco infant car seat is one of the most popular car seats for infants and range in price from $80 to $170.
These are some things to look for when you are shopping for a car seat for your infant.
It should be easy to install. It is very important that the car seat is installed properly and according to the manufacturer’s specifications. When buying a car seat, remember that simpler is better. If a car seat looks like it will be difficult to install, it probably is.
A smaller baby needs more adequate restraints to hold him in the seat. Look for infant seats that have a five point harness. These will have one strap for each of the baby’s shoulders, one strap for each of his thighs, and one between his legs. These straps are safer for an infant since they are more adjustable than plastic shields or T-bar restraints.
Avoid car seats that require you to fasten the seatbelt in the rear of the seat. The seatbelt adjustment should be easy to reach.
It must have the right anchors. Starting in September 2002, all new infant safety seats had to be compatible with the LATCH system (LATCH is short for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Rather than using a seatbelt to hold the infant seat in place, this system uses two anchors for the bottom of the seat and a one tether for the top of the seat. This makes installation of the seat easier and safer because the seat is attached directly to the car.
Babies are always a mess. Consider purchasing a seat with a removable infant car seat cover so that you can keep the car seat clean. It may be tough to find this feature because many car seats do not come with removable infant car seat covers. Be sure to check the car seat you are purchasing to see if the car seat cover can be removed.
The most important thing to consider what buying a car seat for your infant is safety. Remember, the car seat should be easy to install, have adequate restraints, and have the correct anchors for attaching it to the car.
About the Author
LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Graco Infant Car Seats including an extensive line of Infant Car Seats for infants and children.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LynnMarie_S.
By LynnMarie S.
Infant car seats should be purchased for any baby who weighs less than 20 pounds. It can be more cost efficient to purchase an infant-toddler car seat that can be converted when the baby weighs more than 20 pounds. But all experts will agree that babies are safer in infant car seat because they are designed for the smaller baby to give support in all the necessary places. Your baby should be comfortable. You should get a car seat that has lots of cushioning and plenty of head support. The Graco infant car seat is one of the most popular car seats for infants and range in price from $80 to $170.
These are some things to look for when you are shopping for a car seat for your infant.
It should be easy to install. It is very important that the car seat is installed properly and according to the manufacturer’s specifications. When buying a car seat, remember that simpler is better. If a car seat looks like it will be difficult to install, it probably is.
A smaller baby needs more adequate restraints to hold him in the seat. Look for infant seats that have a five point harness. These will have one strap for each of the baby’s shoulders, one strap for each of his thighs, and one between his legs. These straps are safer for an infant since they are more adjustable than plastic shields or T-bar restraints.
Avoid car seats that require you to fasten the seatbelt in the rear of the seat. The seatbelt adjustment should be easy to reach.
It must have the right anchors. Starting in September 2002, all new infant safety seats had to be compatible with the LATCH system (LATCH is short for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Rather than using a seatbelt to hold the infant seat in place, this system uses two anchors for the bottom of the seat and a one tether for the top of the seat. This makes installation of the seat easier and safer because the seat is attached directly to the car.
Babies are always a mess. Consider purchasing a seat with a removable infant car seat cover so that you can keep the car seat clean. It may be tough to find this feature because many car seats do not come with removable infant car seat covers. Be sure to check the car seat you are purchasing to see if the car seat cover can be removed.
The most important thing to consider what buying a car seat for your infant is safety. Remember, the car seat should be easy to install, have adequate restraints, and have the correct anchors for attaching it to the car.
About the Author
LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Graco Infant Car Seats including an extensive line of Infant Car Seats for infants and children.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=LynnMarie_S.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Weaning Your Baby From The Bottle - My Number One Tip
Return to All Articles
By Cassandra Germsheid
Weaning your baby from the bottle can be a very stressful time for both your and your child. If you're fortunate enough to be reading this before its time to wean your baby, you'll hopefully have an easier time of taking away the bottle and moving to solid foods exclusively.
I learned this tip from my own mother, and it worked so well that it took the stress and frustration right out of weaning. In fact, I hadn't even realized that my daughter wasn't drinking from a bottle until two days after she was fully weaned. She never fussed or asked for her bottle once during the transition from formula to solid food.
So, without further adieu, here's my number one tip. Starting today, don't let your baby hold the bottle. That's it - that's the magic formula. It worked wonders for me and if you start early enough, I know it can work wonders for you too, and here's why.
By letting your baby hold and play with their own bottle, they associate it with things other than feeding. This isn't a bad thing, but once you try and wean your baby from the bottle, they'll miss it as a toy or source of comfort.
During the period from 6-12 months of age, your baby will gradually be eating more solids and drinking less formula or breastmilk. If they only use the bottle as a source of food, they won't miss it once its time to wean because they'll be eating plenty of solid foods to satisfy them.
I held my daughter's bottle for her since day one. I had been dreading her first birthday because I assumed she would turn ornery every time she expected her bottle instead of solid food. To my surprise, she had transitioned from formula to solids so easy that I wasn't even aware the weaning process was over. By using this tip, I hope you will have the same experience as well.
Cassie Germsheid is the owner of BabyTipsOnline where you can find even more tips for weaning your child from the bottle. Don't forget to sign up for the free Baby Tips Newsletter and have tips, news, recipes and parenting advice delivered right to your inbox.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cassandra_Germsheid
By Cassandra Germsheid
Weaning your baby from the bottle can be a very stressful time for both your and your child. If you're fortunate enough to be reading this before its time to wean your baby, you'll hopefully have an easier time of taking away the bottle and moving to solid foods exclusively.
I learned this tip from my own mother, and it worked so well that it took the stress and frustration right out of weaning. In fact, I hadn't even realized that my daughter wasn't drinking from a bottle until two days after she was fully weaned. She never fussed or asked for her bottle once during the transition from formula to solid food.
So, without further adieu, here's my number one tip. Starting today, don't let your baby hold the bottle. That's it - that's the magic formula. It worked wonders for me and if you start early enough, I know it can work wonders for you too, and here's why.
By letting your baby hold and play with their own bottle, they associate it with things other than feeding. This isn't a bad thing, but once you try and wean your baby from the bottle, they'll miss it as a toy or source of comfort.
During the period from 6-12 months of age, your baby will gradually be eating more solids and drinking less formula or breastmilk. If they only use the bottle as a source of food, they won't miss it once its time to wean because they'll be eating plenty of solid foods to satisfy them.
I held my daughter's bottle for her since day one. I had been dreading her first birthday because I assumed she would turn ornery every time she expected her bottle instead of solid food. To my surprise, she had transitioned from formula to solids so easy that I wasn't even aware the weaning process was over. By using this tip, I hope you will have the same experience as well.
Cassie Germsheid is the owner of BabyTipsOnline where you can find even more tips for weaning your child from the bottle. Don't forget to sign up for the free Baby Tips Newsletter and have tips, news, recipes and parenting advice delivered right to your inbox.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cassandra_Germsheid
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Ways For Treating Babies That Have Colic Using Only Natural Ingredients
Ways For Treating Babies That Have Colic Using Only Natural Ingredients
By Kerris Samson
For any parent whose baby has suffered or is suffering from colic can you tell, it is one of the most painful experiences that they have ever had to deal with in their lives? Nothing can be worse than seeing your own baby in pain and not being able to relieve it for them or even take the pain away. So finding a relief for colic has become a top priority for these parents. Today you will find that there are many types of colic remedy available that may come to your baby’s rescue. However each baby is unique and you may find that yours responds to some or a combination of colic remedies that are available. But us poor parents the only way of finding the right one for ours is by the trial and error method, which will hopefully provide the right amount of relief for them. But one thing is for sure that the days of waiting for it to pass have long gone, especially for those looking for the answer. No longer does your baby have to suffer needlessly and neither do you, but if you find that using the tried and tested techniques of proper feeding and burping are not working, then try some of the more effective remedies which are now readily available instead.
Firstly there is music and sound. Not only traditional lullabies, but both classical music which has been composed specifically for infants and the heartbeat/womb sound CDs are now becoming extremely popular as external remedies for helping to relax the baby suffering from colic. There are a number of websites around which can offer these types of CDs for you. Also other parents have found that by placing their baby in its car seat on top of a running dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer or close to a vacuum cleaner which is turned on seems to work. The other tried and tested method used by many parents is a gentle shhhhhing sound in the baby’s ear as well as soft whispers and humming or singing can also calm them.
The next thing to look at is the baby’s diet. Many baby’s who are bottle fed show an improvement when the formula being used is changed for a different one, say one may with soya. Also mothers who are breastfeeding should pay close attention to what they actually eat to ensure that their baby does not have a negative reaction to certain foods in their diets. By trying to eliminate items which seem to be common culprits of causing colic one at a time for week and see if there is any improvement in the colic to your baby. Such products you should consider eliminating from your diet are dairy, caffeine, chocolate and gas producing foods (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, melons, tomatoes, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit etc), beans and peanuts).
You could then look at using gripe water, but check the ingredients contained in it before buying it. There are many that are on the market which claim to be natural but do include artificial ingredients and preservatives. Certainly many infants who have colic find that their digestive systems would rather not have these potential irritants placed in them. So it always better to read the label as not all gripe waters can help you, but there are many effective and safe ones that can, just carryout a search of the internet and you should find some that are suitable for your needs.
If you really want to do something different then give your baby and warm aromatherapy bath or massage. Just add a few drops of lavender oil to some warm bath water and then follow this up with a massage. It is best if you focus the massage on the stomach area to help relieve the trapped gas which is causing the pain. There are many books available that can help you learn these baby massage techniques as well as on the internet. You can also purchase specially oils made with lavender, chamomile and fennel which are specifically designed for using for massaging your baby and these can also be found on the internet. If you want you can also purchase a very popular baby massage tool called a Snukkles on the web as well.
Now we will look at swaddling. Many parents have found that there upset or distraught baby will become soothed when swaddled or held close to their mother or father’s chest as the sound of their heartbeats is reminiscent to the baby of the comfort and safety that they felt in their mother’s womb. Many mothers have found that their babies when attending nursery become soothed if upset by being swaddled. The methods of folding soft stretchy blankets are easy for you to learn and you will find both instructions and diagrams online as well as being able to get books and magazines on the subject. There is product already on the market called SwaddleMe which is ideal for this purpose and can be easily found on the internet.
The final method we are going to look at is motion. This involves the parent either walking, rocking or some other form of gentle movement which most infants/baby’s find very comforting. Some parents swear that a good old fashioned rocking chair is all you need to accomplish this. Whilst other parents have found that pushing the child around in their pram or out for a drive in the car also works. Another thing to try is putting your baby in a chest carrier or sling and just wandering around the house carrying out chores as it is all hands free. You could also walk with your baby facing down across your arm and with your hand under their abdomen and just apply gentle pressure, this is often known as the colic hold position and seems to be quite effective in some cases. However as many babies like to be outside and all enjoy being put in a swing, maybe using a combination of this with other things may be what bests suits your baby.
Kerris Samson a Work from Home Mum living in Spain who has set up a number of sites dedicated to all forms of natural treatments and remedies for the various ailments and illnesses that people are attacked by in today's modern society. If you would like to learn more then please visit http://www.remedy.wiki101.info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerris_Samson
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By Kerris Samson
For any parent whose baby has suffered or is suffering from colic can you tell, it is one of the most painful experiences that they have ever had to deal with in their lives? Nothing can be worse than seeing your own baby in pain and not being able to relieve it for them or even take the pain away. So finding a relief for colic has become a top priority for these parents. Today you will find that there are many types of colic remedy available that may come to your baby’s rescue. However each baby is unique and you may find that yours responds to some or a combination of colic remedies that are available. But us poor parents the only way of finding the right one for ours is by the trial and error method, which will hopefully provide the right amount of relief for them. But one thing is for sure that the days of waiting for it to pass have long gone, especially for those looking for the answer. No longer does your baby have to suffer needlessly and neither do you, but if you find that using the tried and tested techniques of proper feeding and burping are not working, then try some of the more effective remedies which are now readily available instead.
Firstly there is music and sound. Not only traditional lullabies, but both classical music which has been composed specifically for infants and the heartbeat/womb sound CDs are now becoming extremely popular as external remedies for helping to relax the baby suffering from colic. There are a number of websites around which can offer these types of CDs for you. Also other parents have found that by placing their baby in its car seat on top of a running dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer or close to a vacuum cleaner which is turned on seems to work. The other tried and tested method used by many parents is a gentle shhhhhing sound in the baby’s ear as well as soft whispers and humming or singing can also calm them.
The next thing to look at is the baby’s diet. Many baby’s who are bottle fed show an improvement when the formula being used is changed for a different one, say one may with soya. Also mothers who are breastfeeding should pay close attention to what they actually eat to ensure that their baby does not have a negative reaction to certain foods in their diets. By trying to eliminate items which seem to be common culprits of causing colic one at a time for week and see if there is any improvement in the colic to your baby. Such products you should consider eliminating from your diet are dairy, caffeine, chocolate and gas producing foods (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, melons, tomatoes, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit etc), beans and peanuts).
You could then look at using gripe water, but check the ingredients contained in it before buying it. There are many that are on the market which claim to be natural but do include artificial ingredients and preservatives. Certainly many infants who have colic find that their digestive systems would rather not have these potential irritants placed in them. So it always better to read the label as not all gripe waters can help you, but there are many effective and safe ones that can, just carryout a search of the internet and you should find some that are suitable for your needs.
If you really want to do something different then give your baby and warm aromatherapy bath or massage. Just add a few drops of lavender oil to some warm bath water and then follow this up with a massage. It is best if you focus the massage on the stomach area to help relieve the trapped gas which is causing the pain. There are many books available that can help you learn these baby massage techniques as well as on the internet. You can also purchase specially oils made with lavender, chamomile and fennel which are specifically designed for using for massaging your baby and these can also be found on the internet. If you want you can also purchase a very popular baby massage tool called a Snukkles on the web as well.
Now we will look at swaddling. Many parents have found that there upset or distraught baby will become soothed when swaddled or held close to their mother or father’s chest as the sound of their heartbeats is reminiscent to the baby of the comfort and safety that they felt in their mother’s womb. Many mothers have found that their babies when attending nursery become soothed if upset by being swaddled. The methods of folding soft stretchy blankets are easy for you to learn and you will find both instructions and diagrams online as well as being able to get books and magazines on the subject. There is product already on the market called SwaddleMe which is ideal for this purpose and can be easily found on the internet.
The final method we are going to look at is motion. This involves the parent either walking, rocking or some other form of gentle movement which most infants/baby’s find very comforting. Some parents swear that a good old fashioned rocking chair is all you need to accomplish this. Whilst other parents have found that pushing the child around in their pram or out for a drive in the car also works. Another thing to try is putting your baby in a chest carrier or sling and just wandering around the house carrying out chores as it is all hands free. You could also walk with your baby facing down across your arm and with your hand under their abdomen and just apply gentle pressure, this is often known as the colic hold position and seems to be quite effective in some cases. However as many babies like to be outside and all enjoy being put in a swing, maybe using a combination of this with other things may be what bests suits your baby.
Kerris Samson a Work from Home Mum living in Spain who has set up a number of sites dedicated to all forms of natural treatments and remedies for the various ailments and illnesses that people are attacked by in today's modern society. If you would like to learn more then please visit http://www.remedy.wiki101.info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerris_Samson
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Monday, October 2, 2006
Dora the Explorer Only from Nick Jr.
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By Low Jeremy
Nick Jr. is the official home of Dora the explorer. Whenever the episode of Dora the explorer is scheduled, you will find children from around the world glued to Nick Jr. and waiting for their favorite cartoon series.
Dora the explorer from Nick Jr. focus on pre-schoolers and toddlers that are old enough to enjoy a cartoon show. Nick Jr. went out on its way in creating Dora the explorer complete with colorful animations, interactive pauses and songs that children can easily memorize and love.
Nick Jr. made it as nature-based as possible by presenting natural settings with which Dora the explorer and Boots go to every time they are on their way to a new adventure. In all their trips, they are faced with small problems that need solutions. Dora makes it a point to have simple solutions available to help and solve the problems that they encounter in their way. This is one of the things that children love about Dora the explorer.
Dora the explorer is created by Nick Jr. as a young kid that is both tough, sweet and simple. The network wants to show kids that there is a solution in every problem. All that is needed is to look for ways and techniques that will be the answer to those things. This is one of the concepts that Nick Jr. wants Dora the explorer to have on the kids.
Dora the explorer is made with the Spanish language being used as one way of teaching children about the language. After English, Spanish is one of the widely used language around the world. Nick Jr. knows this. That is why they made a cartoon character that is bilingual. One that can converse and understand both English and Spanish.
This fact does not seem to make any impact on the how children perceive Dora the explorer. Even if those who have just seen Dora the explorer cannot understand any of the language being spoken, they get the essence behind the words by the actions that Dora makes.
Children watching Dora the explorer can relate and help Dora solve the problems that she encounters on the way to her journey. This one of the essence that makes Dora effective as effective to more and more children. They can easily get the zest of what Dora’s adventure is about and will go out of their way in helping her find the solutions that is needed for the problem.
Another factor that children likes about Nick Jr.’s Dora the explorer are the songs that is sung in every episode and in her every journey. It does not matter if the song is Spanish or English. What matters is that children can easily memorize the lyrics and melody and is singing along with Dora once the songs are played.
Adults would find that watching Dora the explorer tend to be repetitive and boring because of its simplicity. But the children definitely love every episode and every adventure that Dora the explorer goes through. This just shows that Nick Jr. never meant for Dora the explorer to be watched by those older children and even adults. The one customer they are catering to are the children from 3 to 5 years old.
As long as there are small children who enjoys Dora the explorer, Nick Jr. will continue producing more and more adventures for Dora to explore.
This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Dora The Explorer, please visit http://dora.articlekeep.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
By Low Jeremy
Nick Jr. is the official home of Dora the explorer. Whenever the episode of Dora the explorer is scheduled, you will find children from around the world glued to Nick Jr. and waiting for their favorite cartoon series.
Dora the explorer from Nick Jr. focus on pre-schoolers and toddlers that are old enough to enjoy a cartoon show. Nick Jr. went out on its way in creating Dora the explorer complete with colorful animations, interactive pauses and songs that children can easily memorize and love.
Nick Jr. made it as nature-based as possible by presenting natural settings with which Dora the explorer and Boots go to every time they are on their way to a new adventure. In all their trips, they are faced with small problems that need solutions. Dora makes it a point to have simple solutions available to help and solve the problems that they encounter in their way. This is one of the things that children love about Dora the explorer.
Dora the explorer is created by Nick Jr. as a young kid that is both tough, sweet and simple. The network wants to show kids that there is a solution in every problem. All that is needed is to look for ways and techniques that will be the answer to those things. This is one of the concepts that Nick Jr. wants Dora the explorer to have on the kids.
Dora the explorer is made with the Spanish language being used as one way of teaching children about the language. After English, Spanish is one of the widely used language around the world. Nick Jr. knows this. That is why they made a cartoon character that is bilingual. One that can converse and understand both English and Spanish.
This fact does not seem to make any impact on the how children perceive Dora the explorer. Even if those who have just seen Dora the explorer cannot understand any of the language being spoken, they get the essence behind the words by the actions that Dora makes.
Children watching Dora the explorer can relate and help Dora solve the problems that she encounters on the way to her journey. This one of the essence that makes Dora effective as effective to more and more children. They can easily get the zest of what Dora’s adventure is about and will go out of their way in helping her find the solutions that is needed for the problem.
Another factor that children likes about Nick Jr.’s Dora the explorer are the songs that is sung in every episode and in her every journey. It does not matter if the song is Spanish or English. What matters is that children can easily memorize the lyrics and melody and is singing along with Dora once the songs are played.
Adults would find that watching Dora the explorer tend to be repetitive and boring because of its simplicity. But the children definitely love every episode and every adventure that Dora the explorer goes through. This just shows that Nick Jr. never meant for Dora the explorer to be watched by those older children and even adults. The one customer they are catering to are the children from 3 to 5 years old.
As long as there are small children who enjoys Dora the explorer, Nick Jr. will continue producing more and more adventures for Dora to explore.
This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Dora The Explorer, please visit http://dora.articlekeep.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy
Friday, September 29, 2006
How To Enhance Infant Protection From Infection And Disease
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By Farrell Seah
In 1975, a pediatrician named Allan Walker reported a startling link between formula-fed infants and the occurrence of infectious diseases like neonatal meningitis and food allergies. In that report, he suggested that the this link was due to antigen absorption through the intestinal walls, and that breastfeeding infants for the first three months of life would prevent this absorption and decrease their susceptibility to disease.
He concluded that the passive immunity provided by colostrum and breast milk might play an important role in protecting infants from infection and disease by blocking the passage of pathogens and toxins through the intestinal walls and into the bloodstream. Dr. Walker's report initiated decades of further research, and we now know that he was right.
Colostrum and breast milk do much more than provide nutritional support. They also provide developmental support that is necessary for the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, and immunological support that is vital for the continued growth and strengthening of the immune system.
Colostrum is the first milk provided to breastfeeding newborns during the first few days of life. This special milk is yellow to orange in color, thick and rather sticky, and very easily digested. It is richer in proteins than mature breast milk—both nutritional proteins for utilization in the body, and non-nutritional proteins that remain in the gut to aid in its closure to pathogens and toxins.
Infants who receive colostrum early and often have mature digestive tracts that are more robust throughout their first six months of life, and strong immune systems that are better able to resist infection and disease. Colostrum is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, providing them with the nutrients required to ensure proper growth and the development of the brain and nervous system.
Colostrum changes gradually to mature milk during the first two weeks after birth. During this transition period, the breast milk will become thinner in its consistency and whiter in its appearance. The concentration of antibodies in the transition milk will begin to decrease, while its overall volume will begin to increase.
The antibodies and other immune factors in mature human breast milk do not disappear completely; in fact, immunological protection against viruses and bacteria continues to be passed along from the mother to the baby as long as the baby continues breastfeeding. Like colostrum, breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, and tailor-made to their changing needs over time.
It contains an optimal balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for energy, and it provides the digestive enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and hormones for a baby’s optimal health and continued growth.
Most commercially prepared formulas are based on non-fat bovine milk, whey protein, or soy protein. These formulas must be fortified with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in order for them to match the nutritional content of colostrum and breast milk.
But the active antibodies and other immune factors contained in human colostrum and breast milk cannot be added to these formulas, and they cannot provide the same developmental stimulus or immunological protection. As a result, babies receiving fluids other than mother's colostrum/breast milk for first three days of life have an increased incidence of diarrhea during their first six months, and formula-fed infants are more prone to a variety of common infections to which they are particularly vulnerable.
Click Here to Find Out More About Bovine Colostrum At :
http://www.BuyBovineColostrum.com
Feel free to use this article with the author name and website included.
http://www.BuyBovineColostrum.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Farrell_Seah
By Farrell Seah
In 1975, a pediatrician named Allan Walker reported a startling link between formula-fed infants and the occurrence of infectious diseases like neonatal meningitis and food allergies. In that report, he suggested that the this link was due to antigen absorption through the intestinal walls, and that breastfeeding infants for the first three months of life would prevent this absorption and decrease their susceptibility to disease.
He concluded that the passive immunity provided by colostrum and breast milk might play an important role in protecting infants from infection and disease by blocking the passage of pathogens and toxins through the intestinal walls and into the bloodstream. Dr. Walker's report initiated decades of further research, and we now know that he was right.
Colostrum and breast milk do much more than provide nutritional support. They also provide developmental support that is necessary for the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, and immunological support that is vital for the continued growth and strengthening of the immune system.
Colostrum is the first milk provided to breastfeeding newborns during the first few days of life. This special milk is yellow to orange in color, thick and rather sticky, and very easily digested. It is richer in proteins than mature breast milk—both nutritional proteins for utilization in the body, and non-nutritional proteins that remain in the gut to aid in its closure to pathogens and toxins.
Infants who receive colostrum early and often have mature digestive tracts that are more robust throughout their first six months of life, and strong immune systems that are better able to resist infection and disease. Colostrum is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, providing them with the nutrients required to ensure proper growth and the development of the brain and nervous system.
Colostrum changes gradually to mature milk during the first two weeks after birth. During this transition period, the breast milk will become thinner in its consistency and whiter in its appearance. The concentration of antibodies in the transition milk will begin to decrease, while its overall volume will begin to increase.
The antibodies and other immune factors in mature human breast milk do not disappear completely; in fact, immunological protection against viruses and bacteria continues to be passed along from the mother to the baby as long as the baby continues breastfeeding. Like colostrum, breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, and tailor-made to their changing needs over time.
It contains an optimal balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for energy, and it provides the digestive enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and hormones for a baby’s optimal health and continued growth.
Most commercially prepared formulas are based on non-fat bovine milk, whey protein, or soy protein. These formulas must be fortified with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in order for them to match the nutritional content of colostrum and breast milk.
But the active antibodies and other immune factors contained in human colostrum and breast milk cannot be added to these formulas, and they cannot provide the same developmental stimulus or immunological protection. As a result, babies receiving fluids other than mother's colostrum/breast milk for first three days of life have an increased incidence of diarrhea during their first six months, and formula-fed infants are more prone to a variety of common infections to which they are particularly vulnerable.
Click Here to Find Out More About Bovine Colostrum At :
http://www.BuyBovineColostrum.com
Feel free to use this article with the author name and website included.
http://www.BuyBovineColostrum.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Farrell_Seah
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
How to Treat Common Ailments in Newborns
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By Adwina D. Jackson
When your baby arrives, the days will be so much happier. However, you must also be prepared for bad situations.
Your newborn baby is very likely to face some of the common health problems in her early days. Moms usually get overly worried and panic finding their precious newborns sick.
Below are some of extremely frequent problems your newborn baby may face, with some easy, simple and effectual solutions to them.
1. Problem: Sticky Eyes
Most of the babies suffer from this problem, wherein a thick, sticky, yellowish mucous is secreted from baby’s eyes.
Solution:
Sticky eyes are generally the outcome of blockage of lacrimal ducts (the tear ducts) in the eyes. Babies have fine lacrimal ducts so they are blocked easily.
All you need to do is dab some cotton wool in slightly warm, sterilized water (water boiled for 20 minutes and then cooled) and massage the corners of your baby's eyes. Use different cotton wool for each eye to prevent cross infection. You may even consider applying cool tea. Place a tea bag in boiling water and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Let the water cool down and then wipe the corners of the eyes using cotton wool. You can also gently massage around the eyes with your finger to help free the tear ducts.
2. Problem: Spitting up and Vomiting
Solution:
First, it is important for the parents to understand the difference between the two. Spitting up generally occurs soon after feeding or sometimes up to an hour after they are fed, while real vomiting means throwing up of a large amount of the feeding and it is often forceful.
Spitting up is a normal phenomenon and goes on its own as your baby’s diet changes, i.e., with the introduction of solid foods in her 5th month.
Vomiting generally occurs due to inability to burp, when your baby is full, or when there is excess of mucous in stomach. Try burping your baby more often and feed her smaller amounts. Also, avoid playing with her vigorously. Another thing you can do in such a situation is to put the baby to sleep or give her few drops of gripe water. Even if she has vomited most of the feed, you do not need to feed her again immediately after she has vomited. Try to put your baby to sleep as sleep alone do wonders in making her well. You may wake her up a little sooner than usual for the next feed. However, if your baby is repeatedly vomiting, has green-tinged bile or blood in the vomit or is running a high temperature, take her to the pediatrician.
3. Problem: Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a common problem in newborns, caused because of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of gastroenteritis include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, and aches. It is a contagious disease caused by bacteria and spreads through oral-fecal route. It usually occurs in babies suffering from immuno-suppression. The symptoms generally appear within four to 48 hours of exposure to bacteria and usually last for a day or two but in severe cases can persist for up to seven days.
Solution:
The major critical consequence of this problem is dehydration due to excessive fluid loss by vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can be fetal. You, therefore, need to administer adequate amount of fluids to your baby. You can give your baby an electrolyte solution created for children (ask your pediatrician for a recommendation). Various unflavored/flavored oral dehydration solutions, commonly known under the brand names Pedialyte, Infalyte or Kaoelectolyte are available. However, consult with your pediatrician before you administer these fluids to your baby.
Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding, as that too would help preventing dehydration, and often alone are enough to keep your baby hydrated.
Warning! Never give your baby any anti-diarrhea medication because it can have potentially serious side effects and generally is no good treating gastroenteritis.
4. Problem: Baby Jaundice or Neonatal Jaundice
Baby Jaundice or Neonatal Jaundice refers to yellowing of baby’s skin and white of the eyes on second or third day of birth. It is a very common problem in newborns, affecting about 80-90 % of babies during their first week of life.
Solution:
Baby jaundice is caused because soon after birth, baby's liver is not efficient enough to dispose off a yellow pigment called bilirubin, formed by normal metabolic breakdown of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. As a result, bilirubin accumulates in the blood giving yellowish appearance to baby’s skin and eyes. Most of the babies do not require a treatment of jaundice, as it tends to clear up on its own when baby’s liver starts functioning efficiently.
You may fasten the recovery of your baby by the following:
• Give your baby a little exposure to sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon. Never expose your baby to the strong rays of the midday sun as it may cause sunburn.
• Feed your baby as often as possible as it would help excretion of excess bilirubin via urine.
You should always call your healthcare profession as sometimes bilirubin levels may be very high and your baby might have a specific treatment, Phototherapy. In this treatment, a baby is placed naked (with her eyes covered) in a special crib and is exposed to controlled amounts of ultra violet light. Ultra violet breaks down the pigment levels in the skin and helps recover jaundice. In another version of treatment, the baby is wrapped in a fiber-optic blanket called a bili-blanket or bili-pad. You may hire a bili-blanket with your doctor’s prescription and treat your baby at home.
5. Problem: Common Cold
Almost every baby suffers from runny nose very now and then. This is a mild viral infection that occurs very frequently in babies because their immune system is not very well developed yet.
Solution:
There is no medicine, which can kill the virus causing common cold and cure cold. However, you can comfort your baby and prevent infection go worse by ensuring that she gets plenty of rest and by giving a plenty of fluid (frequently feeding the baby).
You can ease her congestion by:
• Administer a few saline drops in baby’s nostrils to loosen up the mucous and after a few minutes suck the saline using a rubber bulb saline.
• Washing baby’s nose with warm water containing menthol or eucalyptus oil may also help unclog her nose. You can even make her inhale steam, either plane or containing eucalyptus oil vapors.
• You can make her sleep with head slightly elevated by placing a towel under crib’s mattress. This will help prevent postnasal drip.
• You can apply petroleum jelly outside her nostrils to lessen irritation.
• In case your baby is running temperature as well, you can give her infant's acetaminophen. Never give your baby aspirin because it makes babies susceptible to Reye's syndrome.
Warning! Never use nasal spays on babies unless prescribed by your healthcare professional.
6. Problem: Colic
Many babies have crying attacks in the evening, usually between 6 pm and 9 pm. They cry loudly, stretch their legs up and turn bright red. These attacks are termed as ‘colic’ and can last for hours.
Solution:
Colic or crying attacks are generally caused when the babies have excess of gas in their tummies. In this case, you can consider doing the following:
• Ensure that your baby is not swallowing air from a bottle.
• Burp your baby frequently even while breastfeeding.
• Try giving your baby gripe water, other herbal remedies including as weak teas brewed from fennel, chamomile, or carom (ajovan) seeds.
• Some babies also get gas due to inability to digest lactose, a constituent of milk (lactose intolerance). Changing baby’s milk can make the baby do better.
• If you breastfeed, try changing your diet since it has an influence on milk you produce. Try eliminating spicy foods, beans, potatoes, high-fiber grains and caffeine and see if your baby does better.
• If your baby is on formula, you can try Soy based formula as it is hypoallergenic.
You can make your baby calm by making her suck a pacifier, gently massaging, talking outside for a walk. You can also try feeding your baby since many babies cry and fuss from hunger.
7. Problem: Twitching, Acne and Dry Skin
Solution:
Most babies tend to jerk while asleep. This kind of twitching arises because their nervous system is still developing and does not require any treatment; it tends to disappear once baby’s nervous system is fully developed.
Many babies get acne, usually towards the end of the first month. This is particularly distressing to many new parents. The acne is most probably caused due to exposure of baby to her mom's hormones when inside mom’s womb. Treatment normally requires cleansing baby’s skin by clean, wet washcloth. If required gently wash your baby's face with mild baby soap once a day and avoid laundering the crib sheets in harsh detergents.
Some babies have a very dry skin that usually peels off especially on the hands and feet. You can massage/apply baby lotion. Put some baby lotion on cotton and gently apply on baby’s skin. However, since in some cases, it may be a severe condition called eczema, it is advisable to seek your doctor's advice.
Hope you get these tips helpful!
About the author: Adwina Jackson is a working mother of a gorgeous young boy. Join her guides about Newborn Guide at http://insparenting.com/guides/newborn-guide/ Visit her daily blog now where you can get helpful parenting stories and tips on http://insparenting.com/
By Adwina D. Jackson
When your baby arrives, the days will be so much happier. However, you must also be prepared for bad situations.
Your newborn baby is very likely to face some of the common health problems in her early days. Moms usually get overly worried and panic finding their precious newborns sick.
Below are some of extremely frequent problems your newborn baby may face, with some easy, simple and effectual solutions to them.
1. Problem: Sticky Eyes
Most of the babies suffer from this problem, wherein a thick, sticky, yellowish mucous is secreted from baby’s eyes.
Solution:
Sticky eyes are generally the outcome of blockage of lacrimal ducts (the tear ducts) in the eyes. Babies have fine lacrimal ducts so they are blocked easily.
All you need to do is dab some cotton wool in slightly warm, sterilized water (water boiled for 20 minutes and then cooled) and massage the corners of your baby's eyes. Use different cotton wool for each eye to prevent cross infection. You may even consider applying cool tea. Place a tea bag in boiling water and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Let the water cool down and then wipe the corners of the eyes using cotton wool. You can also gently massage around the eyes with your finger to help free the tear ducts.
2. Problem: Spitting up and Vomiting
Solution:
First, it is important for the parents to understand the difference between the two. Spitting up generally occurs soon after feeding or sometimes up to an hour after they are fed, while real vomiting means throwing up of a large amount of the feeding and it is often forceful.
Spitting up is a normal phenomenon and goes on its own as your baby’s diet changes, i.e., with the introduction of solid foods in her 5th month.
Vomiting generally occurs due to inability to burp, when your baby is full, or when there is excess of mucous in stomach. Try burping your baby more often and feed her smaller amounts. Also, avoid playing with her vigorously. Another thing you can do in such a situation is to put the baby to sleep or give her few drops of gripe water. Even if she has vomited most of the feed, you do not need to feed her again immediately after she has vomited. Try to put your baby to sleep as sleep alone do wonders in making her well. You may wake her up a little sooner than usual for the next feed. However, if your baby is repeatedly vomiting, has green-tinged bile or blood in the vomit or is running a high temperature, take her to the pediatrician.
3. Problem: Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a common problem in newborns, caused because of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of gastroenteritis include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, chills, and aches. It is a contagious disease caused by bacteria and spreads through oral-fecal route. It usually occurs in babies suffering from immuno-suppression. The symptoms generally appear within four to 48 hours of exposure to bacteria and usually last for a day or two but in severe cases can persist for up to seven days.
Solution:
The major critical consequence of this problem is dehydration due to excessive fluid loss by vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can be fetal. You, therefore, need to administer adequate amount of fluids to your baby. You can give your baby an electrolyte solution created for children (ask your pediatrician for a recommendation). Various unflavored/flavored oral dehydration solutions, commonly known under the brand names Pedialyte, Infalyte or Kaoelectolyte are available. However, consult with your pediatrician before you administer these fluids to your baby.
Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding, as that too would help preventing dehydration, and often alone are enough to keep your baby hydrated.
Warning! Never give your baby any anti-diarrhea medication because it can have potentially serious side effects and generally is no good treating gastroenteritis.
4. Problem: Baby Jaundice or Neonatal Jaundice
Baby Jaundice or Neonatal Jaundice refers to yellowing of baby’s skin and white of the eyes on second or third day of birth. It is a very common problem in newborns, affecting about 80-90 % of babies during their first week of life.
Solution:
Baby jaundice is caused because soon after birth, baby's liver is not efficient enough to dispose off a yellow pigment called bilirubin, formed by normal metabolic breakdown of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. As a result, bilirubin accumulates in the blood giving yellowish appearance to baby’s skin and eyes. Most of the babies do not require a treatment of jaundice, as it tends to clear up on its own when baby’s liver starts functioning efficiently.
You may fasten the recovery of your baby by the following:
• Give your baby a little exposure to sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon. Never expose your baby to the strong rays of the midday sun as it may cause sunburn.
• Feed your baby as often as possible as it would help excretion of excess bilirubin via urine.
You should always call your healthcare profession as sometimes bilirubin levels may be very high and your baby might have a specific treatment, Phototherapy. In this treatment, a baby is placed naked (with her eyes covered) in a special crib and is exposed to controlled amounts of ultra violet light. Ultra violet breaks down the pigment levels in the skin and helps recover jaundice. In another version of treatment, the baby is wrapped in a fiber-optic blanket called a bili-blanket or bili-pad. You may hire a bili-blanket with your doctor’s prescription and treat your baby at home.
5. Problem: Common Cold
Almost every baby suffers from runny nose very now and then. This is a mild viral infection that occurs very frequently in babies because their immune system is not very well developed yet.
Solution:
There is no medicine, which can kill the virus causing common cold and cure cold. However, you can comfort your baby and prevent infection go worse by ensuring that she gets plenty of rest and by giving a plenty of fluid (frequently feeding the baby).
You can ease her congestion by:
• Administer a few saline drops in baby’s nostrils to loosen up the mucous and after a few minutes suck the saline using a rubber bulb saline.
• Washing baby’s nose with warm water containing menthol or eucalyptus oil may also help unclog her nose. You can even make her inhale steam, either plane or containing eucalyptus oil vapors.
• You can make her sleep with head slightly elevated by placing a towel under crib’s mattress. This will help prevent postnasal drip.
• You can apply petroleum jelly outside her nostrils to lessen irritation.
• In case your baby is running temperature as well, you can give her infant's acetaminophen. Never give your baby aspirin because it makes babies susceptible to Reye's syndrome.
Warning! Never use nasal spays on babies unless prescribed by your healthcare professional.
6. Problem: Colic
Many babies have crying attacks in the evening, usually between 6 pm and 9 pm. They cry loudly, stretch their legs up and turn bright red. These attacks are termed as ‘colic’ and can last for hours.
Solution:
Colic or crying attacks are generally caused when the babies have excess of gas in their tummies. In this case, you can consider doing the following:
• Ensure that your baby is not swallowing air from a bottle.
• Burp your baby frequently even while breastfeeding.
• Try giving your baby gripe water, other herbal remedies including as weak teas brewed from fennel, chamomile, or carom (ajovan) seeds.
• Some babies also get gas due to inability to digest lactose, a constituent of milk (lactose intolerance). Changing baby’s milk can make the baby do better.
• If you breastfeed, try changing your diet since it has an influence on milk you produce. Try eliminating spicy foods, beans, potatoes, high-fiber grains and caffeine and see if your baby does better.
• If your baby is on formula, you can try Soy based formula as it is hypoallergenic.
You can make your baby calm by making her suck a pacifier, gently massaging, talking outside for a walk. You can also try feeding your baby since many babies cry and fuss from hunger.
7. Problem: Twitching, Acne and Dry Skin
Solution:
Most babies tend to jerk while asleep. This kind of twitching arises because their nervous system is still developing and does not require any treatment; it tends to disappear once baby’s nervous system is fully developed.
Many babies get acne, usually towards the end of the first month. This is particularly distressing to many new parents. The acne is most probably caused due to exposure of baby to her mom's hormones when inside mom’s womb. Treatment normally requires cleansing baby’s skin by clean, wet washcloth. If required gently wash your baby's face with mild baby soap once a day and avoid laundering the crib sheets in harsh detergents.
Some babies have a very dry skin that usually peels off especially on the hands and feet. You can massage/apply baby lotion. Put some baby lotion on cotton and gently apply on baby’s skin. However, since in some cases, it may be a severe condition called eczema, it is advisable to seek your doctor's advice.
Hope you get these tips helpful!
About the author: Adwina Jackson is a working mother of a gorgeous young boy. Join her guides about Newborn Guide at http://insparenting.com/guides/newborn-guide/ Visit her daily blog now where you can get helpful parenting stories and tips on http://insparenting.com/
Monday, September 25, 2006
The Five Stages Of Teething
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By Robin OBrien
Baby teething is a major baby development milestone. The timetable of teething is different for each baby, although the vast majority will begin the teething process around the same age and the appearance of teeth will usually follow a certain order.
The appearance of milk teeth is the precursor to weaning; a physical manifestation of a child's burgeoning independence. Most children sail through the whole process but for some it can be a distressing and painful time. Many parents can feel helpless and somewhat taken by surprise when their baby begins to cut its first teeth. Understanding the physical changes and anticipating when, and how, is the key to helping your baby.
Stage 1. Teething discomfort can start well before teeth even come through - your baby is born with a set of 20 teeth hidden beneath the gums. Just before they erupt you should be able to feel the indentations of the teeth by running your finger along your baby's gums.
Stage 2. Usually, when your baby is between seven to twelve months old, the first four front teeth erupt through the gums. These teeth are called the incisors. It is usually the upper two teeth that emerge first. Although they look cute, and make every parents heart flutter when seen for the first time, they can hurt as they come through.
Stage 3. The appearance of the first molars usually takes place when the child is between thirteen and nineteen months old. The first molars sit just behind the canine teeth.
Stage 4. Somewhere between sixteen to twenty-two months of age, the canine teeth emerge - however, the first molar teeth can appear before the canines.
Stage 5. The second molars are just about always the last to emerge. This occurs around twenty-five to thirty-three months of age. These are the largest of the teeth; some children find the emergence of these to be the most painful.
During each stage of teething your baby will want different aids in soothing its discomfort. Cooling hot gums during stage one is a great relief, whereas finding the best object to chomp down on is preferred for the remaining stages. To ease hot gums you can purchase teething gels or simply give your child a pacifier or ring that has been cooled in the fridge. If you want to give your child a nursing ring to ease discomfort, you may need to purchase different types for each stage of teething. You can easily find these in most baby retail stores. Read the back of the packaging to tell if the ring is suitable for your child's teething needs - during early teething you'll want a teething ring that your child can chew its front teeth on, but during the final stages of teething, you'll want to purchase one that is most suitable for the back teeth.
Finally, your child will be in possession of all its teeth and you can then rest easy. Or can you? Just when your child has got all its milk teeth (deciduous teeth) it will start loosing them again, to be replaced by adult teeth. The first teeth to fall out are usually the front four teeth; this starts around the child's sixth to eight birthday. The rest of the other teeth fall out in pretty much the same order as the appeared; front teeth first, second molars last.
Robin O'Brien is founder of a website dedicated to baby teething. There, you can learn everything from teething symptoms to natural teething remedies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien
By Robin OBrien
Baby teething is a major baby development milestone. The timetable of teething is different for each baby, although the vast majority will begin the teething process around the same age and the appearance of teeth will usually follow a certain order.
The appearance of milk teeth is the precursor to weaning; a physical manifestation of a child's burgeoning independence. Most children sail through the whole process but for some it can be a distressing and painful time. Many parents can feel helpless and somewhat taken by surprise when their baby begins to cut its first teeth. Understanding the physical changes and anticipating when, and how, is the key to helping your baby.
Stage 1. Teething discomfort can start well before teeth even come through - your baby is born with a set of 20 teeth hidden beneath the gums. Just before they erupt you should be able to feel the indentations of the teeth by running your finger along your baby's gums.
Stage 2. Usually, when your baby is between seven to twelve months old, the first four front teeth erupt through the gums. These teeth are called the incisors. It is usually the upper two teeth that emerge first. Although they look cute, and make every parents heart flutter when seen for the first time, they can hurt as they come through.
Stage 3. The appearance of the first molars usually takes place when the child is between thirteen and nineteen months old. The first molars sit just behind the canine teeth.
Stage 4. Somewhere between sixteen to twenty-two months of age, the canine teeth emerge - however, the first molar teeth can appear before the canines.
Stage 5. The second molars are just about always the last to emerge. This occurs around twenty-five to thirty-three months of age. These are the largest of the teeth; some children find the emergence of these to be the most painful.
During each stage of teething your baby will want different aids in soothing its discomfort. Cooling hot gums during stage one is a great relief, whereas finding the best object to chomp down on is preferred for the remaining stages. To ease hot gums you can purchase teething gels or simply give your child a pacifier or ring that has been cooled in the fridge. If you want to give your child a nursing ring to ease discomfort, you may need to purchase different types for each stage of teething. You can easily find these in most baby retail stores. Read the back of the packaging to tell if the ring is suitable for your child's teething needs - during early teething you'll want a teething ring that your child can chew its front teeth on, but during the final stages of teething, you'll want to purchase one that is most suitable for the back teeth.
Finally, your child will be in possession of all its teeth and you can then rest easy. Or can you? Just when your child has got all its milk teeth (deciduous teeth) it will start loosing them again, to be replaced by adult teeth. The first teeth to fall out are usually the front four teeth; this starts around the child's sixth to eight birthday. The rest of the other teeth fall out in pretty much the same order as the appeared; front teeth first, second molars last.
Robin O'Brien is founder of a website dedicated to baby teething. There, you can learn everything from teething symptoms to natural teething remedies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Basic Baby Swaddling Tips
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By Alice Williams
Things go in and out of fashion and swaddling is definitely one of them. For millennia babies were swaddled but a couple of hundred years ago the idea that it was "bad" to restrict a baby's movement began to rapidly take hold in the Western world.
It was still out of my fashion when my daughter was born, but when my grandson was born I bought her a book that explained the benefits of wrapping a baby tightly. Why? Because there’s nothing like a decent night's sleep for both parents and baby.
Swaddling works because babies are born too soon! You’d think that nine months would be long enough but all those complex neurological processes really need longer to mature (about three months or more). Babies need to be born at nine months otherwise their heads become too large to pass through their mother's pelvis.
As a result babies are born at a time when they aren’t quite ready for the outside world. Naturally placid babies cope by switching off and are able to sleep most of the time. But many babies find life outside the womb more difficult. It’s too bright and distracting and they can't control their flailing arms and legs which they find distressing.
What they want is to be warm and restricted. Think how squashed a baby is for their last few months in the womb. Such a restricted environment may seem like a nightmare to you and me but to a baby it's what being safe and secure is all about.
Swaddling reproduces this feeling of being tightly restricted. The result is a more relaxed and less stressed baby. And that means a baby that’s more likely to sleep. Remember young babies need lots of sleep and so do their parents!
Here are a few tips that will help you with swaddling.
Practise before your baby is born. There is an art to good swaddling so you’ll need several goes before you learn how to do it well. Learning on a crying, wriggling baby is difficult. Borrow or buy a baby-size doll. If you need to repeatedly re-swaddling to get it right, dolls don't complain.
Swaddling needs to be tight. The most common reason a swaddled baby fails to calm down is because they don’t feel restricted enough. It seems strangely cruel to adults, and this is why they often swaddle on the loose side, but tight is good.
Choose your swaddling blanket wisely. You don’t want the material too thick as it'll make the folding difficult. Don’t choose silky material either as it's too slippery to keep in place.
If you buy a pre-formed swaddling blanket check that it does actually swaddle. They are often designed to fit a variety of different size babies resulting in a loose fit. You need something that swaddles not snuggles a baby.
Keeping a swaddling blanket tightly in place can be difficult especially if you have a wriggly baby. Parents have used anything from safety pins to duct tape. Strategically placed pieces of velcro can be an easy solution. If your swaddling blanket keeps coming undone find something that you feel comfortable with but always make safety your top priority.
Alice Williams runs http://www.baby-burp.com which provides all sorts of information about babies including baby swaddling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Williams
Other Recent EzineArticles
By Alice Williams
Things go in and out of fashion and swaddling is definitely one of them. For millennia babies were swaddled but a couple of hundred years ago the idea that it was "bad" to restrict a baby's movement began to rapidly take hold in the Western world.
It was still out of my fashion when my daughter was born, but when my grandson was born I bought her a book that explained the benefits of wrapping a baby tightly. Why? Because there’s nothing like a decent night's sleep for both parents and baby.
Swaddling works because babies are born too soon! You’d think that nine months would be long enough but all those complex neurological processes really need longer to mature (about three months or more). Babies need to be born at nine months otherwise their heads become too large to pass through their mother's pelvis.
As a result babies are born at a time when they aren’t quite ready for the outside world. Naturally placid babies cope by switching off and are able to sleep most of the time. But many babies find life outside the womb more difficult. It’s too bright and distracting and they can't control their flailing arms and legs which they find distressing.
What they want is to be warm and restricted. Think how squashed a baby is for their last few months in the womb. Such a restricted environment may seem like a nightmare to you and me but to a baby it's what being safe and secure is all about.
Swaddling reproduces this feeling of being tightly restricted. The result is a more relaxed and less stressed baby. And that means a baby that’s more likely to sleep. Remember young babies need lots of sleep and so do their parents!
Here are a few tips that will help you with swaddling.
Practise before your baby is born. There is an art to good swaddling so you’ll need several goes before you learn how to do it well. Learning on a crying, wriggling baby is difficult. Borrow or buy a baby-size doll. If you need to repeatedly re-swaddling to get it right, dolls don't complain.
Swaddling needs to be tight. The most common reason a swaddled baby fails to calm down is because they don’t feel restricted enough. It seems strangely cruel to adults, and this is why they often swaddle on the loose side, but tight is good.
Choose your swaddling blanket wisely. You don’t want the material too thick as it'll make the folding difficult. Don’t choose silky material either as it's too slippery to keep in place.
If you buy a pre-formed swaddling blanket check that it does actually swaddle. They are often designed to fit a variety of different size babies resulting in a loose fit. You need something that swaddles not snuggles a baby.
Keeping a swaddling blanket tightly in place can be difficult especially if you have a wriggly baby. Parents have used anything from safety pins to duct tape. Strategically placed pieces of velcro can be an easy solution. If your swaddling blanket keeps coming undone find something that you feel comfortable with but always make safety your top priority.
Alice Williams runs http://www.baby-burp.com which provides all sorts of information about babies including baby swaddling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Williams
Other Recent EzineArticles
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
How To Choose A Good Potty Chair
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By Susanne Myers
Your child is starting to show some interest in potty training and is at the right age. So you race to the store to get your little one a potty. If you’re like me, you didn’t realize how many options there are these days when it comes to potty chairs. You will find little potties that sit on the floor, inserts for a regular toilet, character-based potty chairs and even models that come with sound and light effects. Which one will be right for your child?
Narrow down your search by deciding if you would like to go with a portable model that can sit on the floor, or a potty seat insert that will sit on top of your regular toilet. Using one of the inserts will make cleanup a snap since all you have to do is flush and occasionally wipe the seat. Some kids seem to be afraid to “go” in a regular toilet at first though. Since these toilet inserts are rather inexpensive, this may be a good start for you just to try it out. After your child gets used to potty training, she will start using the insert. Plus this model is very portable. You can take it with you when you go visit grandma.
If you suspect your child may be scared of the “big potty”, start with a simple and inexpensive plastic potty that you can sit in the bathroom. Look for a model with a stable base and a little spatter guard in the front.
If your child is a big fan of a particular character like Dora The Explorer ™ or Elmo ™, you may want to purchase a potty chair with a sticker of her favorite. Of course you could also adorn any basic potty with a few stickers. This will make it a lot easier to convince a stubborn toddler to give potty training a try. Just tell her Dora send the chair and said it was time to get out of diapers.
If you have a few days or even weeks to choose a potty chair, shop around. You can find some great sales on potty chairs both at your local department and discount stores and of course online. Shopping around can make a huge difference if you (or your child) have your heart set on a more expensive model.
Now put that potty chair to good use and start getting your child potty trained.
For a free ecourse on potty training and plenty of potty training advice visit http://www.mypottytraining.com I look forward to sharing my best potty training tips with you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susanne_Myers
By Susanne Myers
Your child is starting to show some interest in potty training and is at the right age. So you race to the store to get your little one a potty. If you’re like me, you didn’t realize how many options there are these days when it comes to potty chairs. You will find little potties that sit on the floor, inserts for a regular toilet, character-based potty chairs and even models that come with sound and light effects. Which one will be right for your child?
Narrow down your search by deciding if you would like to go with a portable model that can sit on the floor, or a potty seat insert that will sit on top of your regular toilet. Using one of the inserts will make cleanup a snap since all you have to do is flush and occasionally wipe the seat. Some kids seem to be afraid to “go” in a regular toilet at first though. Since these toilet inserts are rather inexpensive, this may be a good start for you just to try it out. After your child gets used to potty training, she will start using the insert. Plus this model is very portable. You can take it with you when you go visit grandma.
If you suspect your child may be scared of the “big potty”, start with a simple and inexpensive plastic potty that you can sit in the bathroom. Look for a model with a stable base and a little spatter guard in the front.
If your child is a big fan of a particular character like Dora The Explorer ™ or Elmo ™, you may want to purchase a potty chair with a sticker of her favorite. Of course you could also adorn any basic potty with a few stickers. This will make it a lot easier to convince a stubborn toddler to give potty training a try. Just tell her Dora send the chair and said it was time to get out of diapers.
If you have a few days or even weeks to choose a potty chair, shop around. You can find some great sales on potty chairs both at your local department and discount stores and of course online. Shopping around can make a huge difference if you (or your child) have your heart set on a more expensive model.
Now put that potty chair to good use and start getting your child potty trained.
For a free ecourse on potty training and plenty of potty training advice visit http://www.mypottytraining.com I look forward to sharing my best potty training tips with you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susanne_Myers
Monday, September 18, 2006
How to Stop Breastfeeding
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By Robin OBrien
So you've decided to stop breastfeeding? But how best to stop? Especially as many children refuse to stop and demand that you continue nursing. There are many techniques, one of which should best suit you and your child.
Ask for advice as to how to go about weaning and you'll receive a variety of answers. Some responses range from just plain silly to potentially dangerous. Some people will recommend that you just change to bottle feeding whilst others will even recommend taking some form of 'drying-up' meditation; please avoid medication and there are better ways than switching to bottle feeding.
One school of thought - one that was quite common in our grandparents' day and is still common in some cultures - is for mother to take a vacation away from her child. The idea being that mother is far enough away not to hear her baby's cries and that when the mother returns after a week, the baby will no longer want to be nursed. There are some serious drawbacks to this method. The first being, that many children will not have forgotten about breastfeeding and will demand it upon mother's return. Secondly, and most importantly, is the emotional impact on the child when separated from mother. Adults may refer to the time spent away as 'separation', but the child will see it as desertion. There is nothing an adult can do to explain a mother's absence from a child less than 3 years of age. Each child has a threshold when it can endure a mother's absence; after this time a child will begin to mourn for the loss of its mother. The emotionally and psychological damage on a child shouldn't be underestimated. The damage can be life long. Many institutions and organisations now realise the harm done when a mother and child are separated; one only has to look at how many hospitals provide bedding for a child should the mother spend time in hospital. Weaning by separation is a risky strategy: avoid it.
Another 'quick and easy' method is to sabotage the sweat tasting breast milk. Mothers can purchase a foul-tasting liquid which is painted on thumb or nipple. In other cultures, mothers use various herbs and spices to bring about weaning. Igorot mothers in the Philippines have used ginger or chilli-pepper sauce. In the Eighteenth century is was quite common for mothers in European countries to apply mixtures containing alum, mustard or wormwood. Applying this type of quick-and-easy method of weaning is risky. For one thing, applying such mixtures must be painful for mother as well as child. Breastfeeding is as much about giving your child comfort as it is about giving nutrition. Breastfeeding is teaching your child to trust you, its mother. By suddenly, offering a bitter, foul-tasting liquid instead of the usual sweet, delicious milk will seem like a betrayal to some children. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Greek physician Soranus expressed disapproval of the practice, citing the injurious effect of the sudden change, and that the bitter or evil-smelling substance could injure the child's stomach. Of interest is that the taste of breast milk changes when the mother becomes pregnant; many older children who were breastfeeding at the time have told how the once delicious milk changed to something less tasty. Although we don't know for sure, it may be Nature's way of weaning one child in preparation for the next. Anyhow, it doesn't always work as many children continue to happily suckle during pregnancy.
Ignoring a child's crying is hard for a mother. Nature has programmed children to cry when in discomfort or in need of something, and for parents to respond when their children cry. But ignoring a child's crying can be a good thing. This isn't to say we completely ignore our child's tears, rather, by occasionally not giving in, we are teaching our children a valuable lesson: we don't always get everything we want in life. We teach this lesson often to our children; by refusing to buy candy and the supermarket checkout, or by not letting them watch television past their bedtime. The secret is patience. You make the call; when to ignore a child's crying and when to respond. At first you can ignore the crying for a set time before soothing your child by nursing. Eventually you can allow your child to cry itself out, but to offer your breast the next time he cries. Given time, your child will come to terms with the diminishing amount of nursing she receives, and if you provide other stimuli and rewards the needs for mother's breast will fade out completely.
Robin O'Brien is found of Breastfeeding Information.com, which is dedicated to promoting breastfeeding. The site provides help and support for mothers with breastfeeding problems and gives tips on breastfeeding in public.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien
By Robin OBrien
So you've decided to stop breastfeeding? But how best to stop? Especially as many children refuse to stop and demand that you continue nursing. There are many techniques, one of which should best suit you and your child.
Ask for advice as to how to go about weaning and you'll receive a variety of answers. Some responses range from just plain silly to potentially dangerous. Some people will recommend that you just change to bottle feeding whilst others will even recommend taking some form of 'drying-up' meditation; please avoid medication and there are better ways than switching to bottle feeding.
One school of thought - one that was quite common in our grandparents' day and is still common in some cultures - is for mother to take a vacation away from her child. The idea being that mother is far enough away not to hear her baby's cries and that when the mother returns after a week, the baby will no longer want to be nursed. There are some serious drawbacks to this method. The first being, that many children will not have forgotten about breastfeeding and will demand it upon mother's return. Secondly, and most importantly, is the emotional impact on the child when separated from mother. Adults may refer to the time spent away as 'separation', but the child will see it as desertion. There is nothing an adult can do to explain a mother's absence from a child less than 3 years of age. Each child has a threshold when it can endure a mother's absence; after this time a child will begin to mourn for the loss of its mother. The emotionally and psychological damage on a child shouldn't be underestimated. The damage can be life long. Many institutions and organisations now realise the harm done when a mother and child are separated; one only has to look at how many hospitals provide bedding for a child should the mother spend time in hospital. Weaning by separation is a risky strategy: avoid it.
Another 'quick and easy' method is to sabotage the sweat tasting breast milk. Mothers can purchase a foul-tasting liquid which is painted on thumb or nipple. In other cultures, mothers use various herbs and spices to bring about weaning. Igorot mothers in the Philippines have used ginger or chilli-pepper sauce. In the Eighteenth century is was quite common for mothers in European countries to apply mixtures containing alum, mustard or wormwood. Applying this type of quick-and-easy method of weaning is risky. For one thing, applying such mixtures must be painful for mother as well as child. Breastfeeding is as much about giving your child comfort as it is about giving nutrition. Breastfeeding is teaching your child to trust you, its mother. By suddenly, offering a bitter, foul-tasting liquid instead of the usual sweet, delicious milk will seem like a betrayal to some children. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Greek physician Soranus expressed disapproval of the practice, citing the injurious effect of the sudden change, and that the bitter or evil-smelling substance could injure the child's stomach. Of interest is that the taste of breast milk changes when the mother becomes pregnant; many older children who were breastfeeding at the time have told how the once delicious milk changed to something less tasty. Although we don't know for sure, it may be Nature's way of weaning one child in preparation for the next. Anyhow, it doesn't always work as many children continue to happily suckle during pregnancy.
Ignoring a child's crying is hard for a mother. Nature has programmed children to cry when in discomfort or in need of something, and for parents to respond when their children cry. But ignoring a child's crying can be a good thing. This isn't to say we completely ignore our child's tears, rather, by occasionally not giving in, we are teaching our children a valuable lesson: we don't always get everything we want in life. We teach this lesson often to our children; by refusing to buy candy and the supermarket checkout, or by not letting them watch television past their bedtime. The secret is patience. You make the call; when to ignore a child's crying and when to respond. At first you can ignore the crying for a set time before soothing your child by nursing. Eventually you can allow your child to cry itself out, but to offer your breast the next time he cries. Given time, your child will come to terms with the diminishing amount of nursing she receives, and if you provide other stimuli and rewards the needs for mother's breast will fade out completely.
Robin O'Brien is found of Breastfeeding Information.com, which is dedicated to promoting breastfeeding. The site provides help and support for mothers with breastfeeding problems and gives tips on breastfeeding in public.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien
Friday, September 15, 2006
Tips on Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum
Return to All Articles
by Carrie Lauth
Now that you’ve made the choice to homeschool your child, you’re faced with thousands of curriculum choices. How do you know what is right for your family? Here are some tips to help narrow down your choices and guide you to the best curriculum for your child.
Consider your objectives
Think about why you chose homeschooling. What is the most important benefit in your estimation? Are you concerned about the quality of your child’s education? Do you want to mesh your child’s secular education with religious instruction? Is it important to you that your child be accepted into a good college, or are you more concerned with teaching your child entrepreneurialism or respect for the earth?
What is truly important to you and how do you want to impart that to your child?
Answering these questions can help lead you in the right direction in regards to what curriculum to choose.
Consider your situation
Do you have 3 or more children? Do you work part time or have little support? It’s going to be especially challenging for you to spend time educating. A curriculum that requires minimal teacher preparation and supervision might be best, for instance the “All in One” style of homeschool curriculum versus unit studies.
What about your financial situation? If you are short on funds, you may lean towards an eclectic style. You can find homeschool materials cheaply or even free via the Internet, and even yard sales, thrift stores and online auctions. Conversely, if money is no object, you can go all out and pick a curriculum that includes all the craft and science project materials as well as hard bound books your child will be reading during the year. Teacher support via Internet or phone may be available also.
Consider your philosophy
Do you believe in a classical education philosophy that dictates a lot of copywork and memorization, or are you a proponent of a more experiential, hands on or informal style of learning? If you choose a curriculum that doesn’t mesh with your beliefs about education, you’ll find yourself frustrated and likely your child will be unhappy too.
There is no one “best” choice. You should be congratulated for being willing to invest the time and energy to educate your child at home. Don’t stress out about curriculum choices. As a home schooling parent you are free to change things whenever you want to. Finding the right curriculum for you and your child isn’t that hard once you know what you truly want from your home schooling experience.
Carrie Lauth is a homeschooling Mom of 4 and the host of www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com For more homeschooling resources, visit: www.Natural-Moms.com/homeschooling_articles.html
Article Source: http://www.ladypens.com
by Carrie Lauth
Now that you’ve made the choice to homeschool your child, you’re faced with thousands of curriculum choices. How do you know what is right for your family? Here are some tips to help narrow down your choices and guide you to the best curriculum for your child.
Consider your objectives
Think about why you chose homeschooling. What is the most important benefit in your estimation? Are you concerned about the quality of your child’s education? Do you want to mesh your child’s secular education with religious instruction? Is it important to you that your child be accepted into a good college, or are you more concerned with teaching your child entrepreneurialism or respect for the earth?
What is truly important to you and how do you want to impart that to your child?
Answering these questions can help lead you in the right direction in regards to what curriculum to choose.
Consider your situation
Do you have 3 or more children? Do you work part time or have little support? It’s going to be especially challenging for you to spend time educating. A curriculum that requires minimal teacher preparation and supervision might be best, for instance the “All in One” style of homeschool curriculum versus unit studies.
What about your financial situation? If you are short on funds, you may lean towards an eclectic style. You can find homeschool materials cheaply or even free via the Internet, and even yard sales, thrift stores and online auctions. Conversely, if money is no object, you can go all out and pick a curriculum that includes all the craft and science project materials as well as hard bound books your child will be reading during the year. Teacher support via Internet or phone may be available also.
Consider your philosophy
Do you believe in a classical education philosophy that dictates a lot of copywork and memorization, or are you a proponent of a more experiential, hands on or informal style of learning? If you choose a curriculum that doesn’t mesh with your beliefs about education, you’ll find yourself frustrated and likely your child will be unhappy too.
There is no one “best” choice. You should be congratulated for being willing to invest the time and energy to educate your child at home. Don’t stress out about curriculum choices. As a home schooling parent you are free to change things whenever you want to. Finding the right curriculum for you and your child isn’t that hard once you know what you truly want from your home schooling experience.
Carrie Lauth is a homeschooling Mom of 4 and the host of www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com For more homeschooling resources, visit: www.Natural-Moms.com/homeschooling_articles.html
Article Source: http://www.ladypens.com
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Free Potty Training Tip: Advice To Help Your Child's Development
Return to All Articles
By Mike Jerry
A free potty training tip or two may be just what you need to
make this step in your child's development a little bit easier.
Potty training is a challenge because, if you think about it,
the idea of using a toilet for waste management is a rather
abstract concept. To adults, this may seem like a simple task
that requires no more thought than walking or breathing but to
a child, this can be a great challenge. They have to answer
questions for themselves such as "Am I doing this right?", "Why
can't I just go in my diaper like I always have", or "What is
the purpose of all of this?". Therefore, it is only natural for
a parent to seek advice on how to make this whole process go by
more smoothly.
Initiating the Training
First, to train a child to use a toilet, you have to be
patient. As such, you should not begin toilet training until
you know you're going to have a few days to dedicate much of
your time to this task. Think of it like housebreaking a pet.
When you housebreak, or housetrain, a pet, you use many
techniques to aid in their learning. Among these techniques is
positive encouragement. Just as with a pet, you will want to
give your child great amounts of positive encouragement to make
them feel good about the fact that they are learning to use a
toilet properly. Fortunately, it is much easier to potty train
a child than it is to housebreak a pet, because children are
capable of cognition, allowing you the following advantages.
Demonstrations
If you're looking for hints or tricks to making this process
easy, demonstrating is what you need to learn to do. Take a
doll or stuffed animal and use it to demonstrate how potty
training activities work. This will show the child how they
need to sit, which is important for them to be able to do it
right. Also, throughout your demonstrations, talk about how
great it is that the toy is doing it right (which will make
your child want to excel, as well). Finally, do not chastise
your child if they can't figure it out right away, because that
can lead to anal-retentiveness (neat freak) or
obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Potty Training Tips
Here are some other tips to consider during this process. Do
not make your child feel ashamed of the waste products he or
she is producing. This can lead to your child feeling
self-conscious about using the toilet. Also, make sure that the
training toilet that you use is not too large or too small for
your child because you want your child to be as comfortable as
possible throughout this process. Finally, keep in mind that it
can take a few weeks or longer for your child to finally be able
to use the bathroom on his or her own. Patience is a necessity
for any potty training parent.
There are no secrets to making this process easier. Of course,
there are things you can do to make it easier, but in
actuality, you are simply teaching your child a life skill that
they will have to learn, eventually. No matter what, do not give
up and remember to guide your child every step of the way. After
all, once training is complete, you will never have to worry
about it ever again.
About the Author: Potty training your child is a challenging
task that can be made easier if you use the tips and tricks
learned from parents who have gone before you! For articles and
resources that can really help visit us at:
http://www.greatpottytrainingtips.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Mike Jerry
A free potty training tip or two may be just what you need to
make this step in your child's development a little bit easier.
Potty training is a challenge because, if you think about it,
the idea of using a toilet for waste management is a rather
abstract concept. To adults, this may seem like a simple task
that requires no more thought than walking or breathing but to
a child, this can be a great challenge. They have to answer
questions for themselves such as "Am I doing this right?", "Why
can't I just go in my diaper like I always have", or "What is
the purpose of all of this?". Therefore, it is only natural for
a parent to seek advice on how to make this whole process go by
more smoothly.
Initiating the Training
First, to train a child to use a toilet, you have to be
patient. As such, you should not begin toilet training until
you know you're going to have a few days to dedicate much of
your time to this task. Think of it like housebreaking a pet.
When you housebreak, or housetrain, a pet, you use many
techniques to aid in their learning. Among these techniques is
positive encouragement. Just as with a pet, you will want to
give your child great amounts of positive encouragement to make
them feel good about the fact that they are learning to use a
toilet properly. Fortunately, it is much easier to potty train
a child than it is to housebreak a pet, because children are
capable of cognition, allowing you the following advantages.
Demonstrations
If you're looking for hints or tricks to making this process
easy, demonstrating is what you need to learn to do. Take a
doll or stuffed animal and use it to demonstrate how potty
training activities work. This will show the child how they
need to sit, which is important for them to be able to do it
right. Also, throughout your demonstrations, talk about how
great it is that the toy is doing it right (which will make
your child want to excel, as well). Finally, do not chastise
your child if they can't figure it out right away, because that
can lead to anal-retentiveness (neat freak) or
obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Potty Training Tips
Here are some other tips to consider during this process. Do
not make your child feel ashamed of the waste products he or
she is producing. This can lead to your child feeling
self-conscious about using the toilet. Also, make sure that the
training toilet that you use is not too large or too small for
your child because you want your child to be as comfortable as
possible throughout this process. Finally, keep in mind that it
can take a few weeks or longer for your child to finally be able
to use the bathroom on his or her own. Patience is a necessity
for any potty training parent.
There are no secrets to making this process easier. Of course,
there are things you can do to make it easier, but in
actuality, you are simply teaching your child a life skill that
they will have to learn, eventually. No matter what, do not give
up and remember to guide your child every step of the way. After
all, once training is complete, you will never have to worry
about it ever again.
About the Author: Potty training your child is a challenging
task that can be made easier if you use the tips and tricks
learned from parents who have gone before you! For articles and
resources that can really help visit us at:
http://www.greatpottytrainingtips.com/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, September 8, 2006
Grandparenting Grandchildren
Return to All Articles
By Lance Winslow
More and more grandparents are caring for grandkids these days and well one has to ask if that is really fair, because it seems that the grandparents although responsible also need their own peace and quite and deserve a somewhat less problematic family situation at home. Raising kids and teens in this current up and coming generation is not similar to back then and kids have so many different needs, desires and complications.
September 10, 2006 is National Grandparents day and well they deserve their own day indeed. It is estimated that over six million kids and teens live with their grandparents on a permanent basis and that is huge number considering there are nearly sixty million grandparents still living in the present period. In fact that number will only grow due to the fact people are living longer too. It use to be that grandparents were living with one of their offspring in old age, but now more grandchildren are starting to live with their grandparents instead?
It would seem that we need to give these grandparents an award for all they do. Because if you consider grandparents taking on the responsibility of kids on a fixed income then you have to consider the lessening of their quality of life as well. This sacrifice should be rewarded and people should not have kids unless they can afford them. We have to stop and take a look at how all this is progressing and how it changes the American way of life and what those demographic shifts mean for the future of our civilization. Consider all this in 2006.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
By Lance Winslow
More and more grandparents are caring for grandkids these days and well one has to ask if that is really fair, because it seems that the grandparents although responsible also need their own peace and quite and deserve a somewhat less problematic family situation at home. Raising kids and teens in this current up and coming generation is not similar to back then and kids have so many different needs, desires and complications.
September 10, 2006 is National Grandparents day and well they deserve their own day indeed. It is estimated that over six million kids and teens live with their grandparents on a permanent basis and that is huge number considering there are nearly sixty million grandparents still living in the present period. In fact that number will only grow due to the fact people are living longer too. It use to be that grandparents were living with one of their offspring in old age, but now more grandchildren are starting to live with their grandparents instead?
It would seem that we need to give these grandparents an award for all they do. Because if you consider grandparents taking on the responsibility of kids on a fixed income then you have to consider the lessening of their quality of life as well. This sacrifice should be rewarded and people should not have kids unless they can afford them. We have to stop and take a look at how all this is progressing and how it changes the American way of life and what those demographic shifts mean for the future of our civilization. Consider all this in 2006.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow
Thursday, September 7, 2006
Getting Your Preschooler Ready To Learn To Read And Write
Return to All Articles
By Stephanie Foster
I recently took a class with my daughter I found very educational, and I thought I would share some of what I learned with you. The class was aimed at 3-5 year olds and was on helping preschoolers get ready to learn to read and write.
Obviously, and as any parent these days knows, one important thing to do is read regularly to your kids. However, only about half of the activities each day had to do with reading to the kids. The rest focused on helping the kids build the skills they will need as they learn how to read and write.
Muscle development is very important, but you can’t just expect a preschooler to develop their hand and finger strength out of the blue. First they need to develop their larger muscles. The first class they had us doing wheelbarrows (holding the kids by their legs or ankles and having them walk on their hands) or throwing a balloon for the kids to hit with a stick they held with both hands, one hand on each end.
Tactile play was also very important. Play dough, sand, salt, even shaving cream were all used as example of things to use to encourage kids to do things with their hands. The different sensations really engaged the children’s curiosity.
Some of the activities encouraged the kids to create their own stories. They warned all the parents to not change their children’s words as they wrote them down. Sometimes they would have stamps or magazines to cut up to make pictures for the stories the kids would tell and have their parents write down, but there would also be crayons or markers so the kids could draw their own pictures.
Making a book for your child is pretty easy. Take a couple pieces of paper, fold them in half, then staple the folded ends together, keeping the staples near the edge. Most of the children loved creating their own books.
One very important thing I noticed during these classes is how differently each child learned. Some of it was very distinctly related to age; the younger children simply had no interest in some of the activities, but there were always plenty of options.
These classes really emphasized that you are teaching your child skills that will help them learn to read and write even when you are not actually teaching them anything at all about their letters. There are many skills that must be learned first.
Everything I learned in the class was something that could easily be done at home. One of my daughter’s favorites, for example, was the day they had us fill a balloon with flour, then tie it off and let the kids squeeze it. Of course, my daughter wondered why I couldn’t make the balloon big, and I don’t know if she really believed my explanation. But she did have a blast squeezing it, which builds those hand and finger muscles so necessary for learning to write.
Helping your preschooler get ready to read and write is really not terribly difficult. Just take a little time and encourage them to play with things that build the muscles they will need and, of course, read to them every day.
Stephanie Foster has enjoyed being a stay at home mom since before her children were born. You can learn more about being a stay at home parent at http://www.homewiththekids.com/family/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Foster
By Stephanie Foster
I recently took a class with my daughter I found very educational, and I thought I would share some of what I learned with you. The class was aimed at 3-5 year olds and was on helping preschoolers get ready to learn to read and write.
Obviously, and as any parent these days knows, one important thing to do is read regularly to your kids. However, only about half of the activities each day had to do with reading to the kids. The rest focused on helping the kids build the skills they will need as they learn how to read and write.
Muscle development is very important, but you can’t just expect a preschooler to develop their hand and finger strength out of the blue. First they need to develop their larger muscles. The first class they had us doing wheelbarrows (holding the kids by their legs or ankles and having them walk on their hands) or throwing a balloon for the kids to hit with a stick they held with both hands, one hand on each end.
Tactile play was also very important. Play dough, sand, salt, even shaving cream were all used as example of things to use to encourage kids to do things with their hands. The different sensations really engaged the children’s curiosity.
Some of the activities encouraged the kids to create their own stories. They warned all the parents to not change their children’s words as they wrote them down. Sometimes they would have stamps or magazines to cut up to make pictures for the stories the kids would tell and have their parents write down, but there would also be crayons or markers so the kids could draw their own pictures.
Making a book for your child is pretty easy. Take a couple pieces of paper, fold them in half, then staple the folded ends together, keeping the staples near the edge. Most of the children loved creating their own books.
One very important thing I noticed during these classes is how differently each child learned. Some of it was very distinctly related to age; the younger children simply had no interest in some of the activities, but there were always plenty of options.
These classes really emphasized that you are teaching your child skills that will help them learn to read and write even when you are not actually teaching them anything at all about their letters. There are many skills that must be learned first.
Everything I learned in the class was something that could easily be done at home. One of my daughter’s favorites, for example, was the day they had us fill a balloon with flour, then tie it off and let the kids squeeze it. Of course, my daughter wondered why I couldn’t make the balloon big, and I don’t know if she really believed my explanation. But she did have a blast squeezing it, which builds those hand and finger muscles so necessary for learning to write.
Helping your preschooler get ready to read and write is really not terribly difficult. Just take a little time and encourage them to play with things that build the muscles they will need and, of course, read to them every day.
Stephanie Foster has enjoyed being a stay at home mom since before her children were born. You can learn more about being a stay at home parent at http://www.homewiththekids.com/family/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Foster
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