In the early days with a new baby, a new mother will regularly feel a bit daunted by the idea of breast feeding, and could struggle with the decision over when to use the bottle and when to use the breast.
As the saying goes, “breast is best”. This is true in that there are more natural nutrients in breast milk than will ever be found in bottled formula, and it enables the baby to grow up in better health than would otherwise be viable. There are, it goes without saying, some problems to this. But there are problems to everything, and it is how you address them that is really important.
A baby will need feeding at regular intervals, and for a mother who is breast feeding this may present a few interesting challenges. For one, there is always the issue of whether the baby will need to be fed while you are out for one reason or another. Breast feeding in public is still frowned upon by many, and in some places you will be requested to leave if you do it. This limits where you may go and what you possibly could do, and while you may express breast milk to be served from a bottle, this affects the temperature.
Also, some mothers feel that breast feeding causes excessive pain in the nipples. Expressing milk is a partial answer to this, but achieving the proper temperature is only part of the problem there. Some people feel that feeding directly from the breast is the only way to establish the closeness that a mother and baby should have – anything less and you will have to deal with people asking you why you are not doing it, and regardless of your reasons they will keep doing so.
Wednesday 14 July 2010
Tuesday 13 July 2010
How Do You Know When To Wean Your Baby?
When ought you wean your baby? This is a problem that gets asked of paediatricians all of the time and there are a bunch of different views on this.
Even they might not be able to tell you when the process ought to be started. What moms need is a guideline that simply lets them know when they should just cease. And unfortunately these guidelines do not exist. The weaning process just happens when baby is ready and no one possibly could tell you when it is right to cease breastfeeding except baby.
In the United States, it is estimated that only about 20 percent of babies are still nursing at six months of age. This number is very low. If you compare this to some of the other nations you might find some striking differences. Most European and Asian countries and some African cultures continue to breastfeed until the baby is around 2yrs to 4 yrs old. Most mothers find the U.S. trend of stopping breastfeeding so early as worrying in these other countries who breastfeed for longer.
Why should you keep going or why should you discontinue? There is no evidence to suggest that by breastfeeding your child for longer will harm them in any way. But if you breastfeed for longer it has been shown to give more benefits. You will find that the child is getting the nutrition they want. There is a benefit to breastfeeding your child even once a day. In America it is seen culturally as 'not the done thing' to breastfeed a child over 6 months old but this doesn't have to be like this.
As a parent, keep in mind why you chose to breastfeed in the first place. The nutrition is ideal for the child. There is also an awfully strong bond that forms with you and your baby. But most importantly you have a child that associates breastfeeding with comfort and security.
So baby weaning as a process is something that you cannot put a time on. Consider what is right for your child individually rather than looking for a goal outside of this. Ultimately,you should encourage your child to make the decision by watching to see what he or she needs rather than going with what your friend has told you is appropriate for them.
Even they might not be able to tell you when the process ought to be started. What moms need is a guideline that simply lets them know when they should just cease. And unfortunately these guidelines do not exist. The weaning process just happens when baby is ready and no one possibly could tell you when it is right to cease breastfeeding except baby.
In the United States, it is estimated that only about 20 percent of babies are still nursing at six months of age. This number is very low. If you compare this to some of the other nations you might find some striking differences. Most European and Asian countries and some African cultures continue to breastfeed until the baby is around 2yrs to 4 yrs old. Most mothers find the U.S. trend of stopping breastfeeding so early as worrying in these other countries who breastfeed for longer.
Why should you keep going or why should you discontinue? There is no evidence to suggest that by breastfeeding your child for longer will harm them in any way. But if you breastfeed for longer it has been shown to give more benefits. You will find that the child is getting the nutrition they want. There is a benefit to breastfeeding your child even once a day. In America it is seen culturally as 'not the done thing' to breastfeed a child over 6 months old but this doesn't have to be like this.
As a parent, keep in mind why you chose to breastfeed in the first place. The nutrition is ideal for the child. There is also an awfully strong bond that forms with you and your baby. But most importantly you have a child that associates breastfeeding with comfort and security.
So baby weaning as a process is something that you cannot put a time on. Consider what is right for your child individually rather than looking for a goal outside of this. Ultimately,you should encourage your child to make the decision by watching to see what he or she needs rather than going with what your friend has told you is appropriate for them.
Saturday 10 July 2010
Why Caring For Your Body During Pregnancy Is So Important To You And Your Baby.
Being pregnant means following a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. It’s crucial to understand what steps you possibly could take to keep you and your baby in good health.
Prenatal care is one of the vital factors that ensure a smooth pregnancy. The first checkup should occur during the first 6 to 8 weeks of your pregnancy, when your menstrual period is approximately 2 to 4 weeks late. For women who are relatively healthy and have no complicating risk factors, you will probably see your health care provider every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, and then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy. After that you will have an appointment every week until you give birth through inducing labor or otherwise.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is one of the desirable ways to enjoy a happy pregnancy. Because you’re eating for two, it’s doubly important to consume healthy foods and stay away from items that could harm your baby as it develops. When you’re pregnant, dieting and cutting calories is not a beneficial thing - you will want to take in about 300 more calories a day to ensure you and your baby are properly nourished, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Caloric intake, however, possibly could vary from woman to woman. For thin women, and women carrying twins, you could be required to consume more than 300 extra calories. Or, if you are currently verweight you might want less. No matter what, you’ll need to contact your healthcare provider to determine what’s desirable for you.
Of course, pure calorie consumption is not the only goal - you want to make sure that what you eat is nutritionally sound. Nutritious foods contain the essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a baby’s growth and development.
while a healthy diet is fundamental to caring for your body during pregnancy, it’s actually quite simple to integrate healthy living into your daily life. Maintain a well-balanced diet by following basic dietary guidelines. Lean meats, fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads and low-fat dairy products are all essential to maintaining beneficial health.
Real, healthy food will provide your body with much-necessary nutrients. At the same period, during pregnancy certain essential nutrients are required in higher-than-common amounts. For example, calcium, iron, and folic acid are especially essential in the diet of a pregnant woman. while your doctor could prescribe vitamin supplements, your diet still needs to contain nutritious food to provide your body with most of its nourishment.
On a common basis, women need 1,000 mg of calcium per day, but during pregnancy, calcium consumption should rise in order to keep up with calcium loss in your bones. You may get calcium from a wide range of food products, including low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; orange juice, soy milk, and cereals that are fortified with calcium; dark green veggies such as spinach, kale, and broccoli; as well as tofu, dried beans, and almonds.
A pregnant woman requires 27 to 30 mg of iron per day because iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin, which is what helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron leads to a dearth of red blood cells, meaning the body’s tissues and organs don’t receive enough oxygen. With a baby on board, women want to pay extra attention to their iron intake.
Iron is found in both plant and animal matter, but the body absorbs it more easily from meat sources. The following are some foods that contain a good amount of iron: red meat, dark poultry, salmon, eggs, tofu, enriched grains, dried beans and peas, dried fruit, leafy green vegetables, blackstrap molasses, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
Many people have already heard about how important folate (folic acid) is for a pregnant woman. For pregnant woman, or those planning on becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you take 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. Many women choose to supplement their diet with vitamins in addition to any folic acid intake they receive from food.
It has been found that consuming folic acid 1 month before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 70%, which is why it’s considered so critical. The neural tube is formed during the first 28 days of pregnancy, which is ordinarily before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant, and it ultimately develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Lack of sufficient nutrition, particularly a lack of folic acid, could result in a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.
To remain healthy while pregnant, it’s also key to drink plenty of fluids. During pregnancy your blood volume increases, so drinking plenty of water is the suitable way to avoid dehydration and constipation.
Exercise is a great way to feel great throughout an entire pregnancy. There’s no reason to discontinue physical activity once you become pregnant; in fact, dietary guidelines suggest that you take 30 minutes or more each day to exercise at a moderate pace.
During pregnancy, regular exercise prevents excessive weight gain, reduces problems such as back pain, swelling, and constipation, improves sleep, increases energy, promotes a positive attitude, prepares your body for labor and lessens recovery stage after labor.
Proper sleep is another factor in maintaining health and comfort during pregnancy. Pregnancy possibly could take its toll, and after a long day you will feel more tired than usual. As the baby grows bigger, it will be more difficult to sleep, but try to sleep as appropriate you may - it will do wonders for how you feel!
Once you are ready to give birth and are considering inducing labor it is wise to consider all the advantages and disadvantages. (http://www.healthline.com/yourdoctor/pregnancy/inducing-labor/obip02-03tct-p1.html ) Indeed, several authorities advocate you give informed consent before labor is induced. Of course, the baby is an important concern when considering induction of labor, especially the baby's ability to breathe once delivered.
Following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and drinking plenty of fluids are all important to your overall well-being during pregnancy. If you strive to eat nutritious food and maintain a positive attitude during the course of your pregnancy, the beneficial moments will definitely outshine the difficult ones.
Prenatal care is one of the vital factors that ensure a smooth pregnancy. The first checkup should occur during the first 6 to 8 weeks of your pregnancy, when your menstrual period is approximately 2 to 4 weeks late. For women who are relatively healthy and have no complicating risk factors, you will probably see your health care provider every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, and then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy. After that you will have an appointment every week until you give birth through inducing labor or otherwise.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is one of the desirable ways to enjoy a happy pregnancy. Because you’re eating for two, it’s doubly important to consume healthy foods and stay away from items that could harm your baby as it develops. When you’re pregnant, dieting and cutting calories is not a beneficial thing - you will want to take in about 300 more calories a day to ensure you and your baby are properly nourished, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Caloric intake, however, possibly could vary from woman to woman. For thin women, and women carrying twins, you could be required to consume more than 300 extra calories. Or, if you are currently verweight you might want less. No matter what, you’ll need to contact your healthcare provider to determine what’s desirable for you.
Of course, pure calorie consumption is not the only goal - you want to make sure that what you eat is nutritionally sound. Nutritious foods contain the essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a baby’s growth and development.
while a healthy diet is fundamental to caring for your body during pregnancy, it’s actually quite simple to integrate healthy living into your daily life. Maintain a well-balanced diet by following basic dietary guidelines. Lean meats, fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads and low-fat dairy products are all essential to maintaining beneficial health.
Real, healthy food will provide your body with much-necessary nutrients. At the same period, during pregnancy certain essential nutrients are required in higher-than-common amounts. For example, calcium, iron, and folic acid are especially essential in the diet of a pregnant woman. while your doctor could prescribe vitamin supplements, your diet still needs to contain nutritious food to provide your body with most of its nourishment.
On a common basis, women need 1,000 mg of calcium per day, but during pregnancy, calcium consumption should rise in order to keep up with calcium loss in your bones. You may get calcium from a wide range of food products, including low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; orange juice, soy milk, and cereals that are fortified with calcium; dark green veggies such as spinach, kale, and broccoli; as well as tofu, dried beans, and almonds.
A pregnant woman requires 27 to 30 mg of iron per day because iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin, which is what helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron leads to a dearth of red blood cells, meaning the body’s tissues and organs don’t receive enough oxygen. With a baby on board, women want to pay extra attention to their iron intake.
Iron is found in both plant and animal matter, but the body absorbs it more easily from meat sources. The following are some foods that contain a good amount of iron: red meat, dark poultry, salmon, eggs, tofu, enriched grains, dried beans and peas, dried fruit, leafy green vegetables, blackstrap molasses, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
Many people have already heard about how important folate (folic acid) is for a pregnant woman. For pregnant woman, or those planning on becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you take 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. Many women choose to supplement their diet with vitamins in addition to any folic acid intake they receive from food.
It has been found that consuming folic acid 1 month before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 70%, which is why it’s considered so critical. The neural tube is formed during the first 28 days of pregnancy, which is ordinarily before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant, and it ultimately develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Lack of sufficient nutrition, particularly a lack of folic acid, could result in a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.
To remain healthy while pregnant, it’s also key to drink plenty of fluids. During pregnancy your blood volume increases, so drinking plenty of water is the suitable way to avoid dehydration and constipation.
Exercise is a great way to feel great throughout an entire pregnancy. There’s no reason to discontinue physical activity once you become pregnant; in fact, dietary guidelines suggest that you take 30 minutes or more each day to exercise at a moderate pace.
During pregnancy, regular exercise prevents excessive weight gain, reduces problems such as back pain, swelling, and constipation, improves sleep, increases energy, promotes a positive attitude, prepares your body for labor and lessens recovery stage after labor.
Proper sleep is another factor in maintaining health and comfort during pregnancy. Pregnancy possibly could take its toll, and after a long day you will feel more tired than usual. As the baby grows bigger, it will be more difficult to sleep, but try to sleep as appropriate you may - it will do wonders for how you feel!
Once you are ready to give birth and are considering inducing labor it is wise to consider all the advantages and disadvantages. (http://www.healthline.com/yourdoctor/pregnancy/inducing-labor/obip02-03tct-p1.html ) Indeed, several authorities advocate you give informed consent before labor is induced. Of course, the baby is an important concern when considering induction of labor, especially the baby's ability to breathe once delivered.
Following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and drinking plenty of fluids are all important to your overall well-being during pregnancy. If you strive to eat nutritious food and maintain a positive attitude during the course of your pregnancy, the beneficial moments will definitely outshine the difficult ones.
Wednesday 30 June 2010
The Early Signs Of Pregnancy-Am I Really Pregnant?
Most women don't even suspect that they are pregnant until they miss a period but there are signs that show even before that which may indicate that you are pregnant.
They are:
- A sickness or a feeling of nausea
- Having a weird metallic taste in your mouth
- Tingling or enlargement of the breasts and also tenderness too
- The sign of the small bumps called "Montgomery's tubercules" becoming more noticeable on your nipples
- Stomach pans
- Feeling tired
- Constipation
- The need to go to the toilet and urinate more often than usual
- Going off certain foods for example coffee or fatty foods
- An increase in vaginal discharge
- The mistaking of the light bleeding or "spotting" as it is known as their period
These signs are very useful if you know what you are looking for in determining whether or not you may be pregnant prior to missing your period.
When is the best time to do a test?
There are a variety of tests available on the market these days,some more sensitive than others and these can be used before your period if you suspect you are pregnant in the case of the more sensitive tests or on the first day of your missed period in the case of the other tests.
The usual method for testing is to pee on the end of a stick (affectionately called a "pee stick")and this stick measures the hormone called 'human chorionic gonadotrophin' or 'hCG' in the urine sample. The results are then shown in the window on the stick and if used correctly are pretty accurate but as with all things there are mistakes and if you still do not have your period then do the test again or visit your Doctor and check with them.
The advantage of these home pregnancy tests is that they are pretty much available everywhere these days, in pharmacies and supermarkets as well as online too.
How do I work out when my baby is due?
Well the length of your pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period and this is even though you actually conceive around two weeks after this date depending on your monthly cycle and your baby is more likely to be born around 2 weeks on either side of this due date.
Alot of women go to their GP or Doctor and arrange antenatal care however it is possible to go directly to the midwife or community midwife if that is your wish. Your local Doctors surgery or Primary Care Trust can help you with this.
Do I have to get my Doctor to confirm my pregnancy?
If you have used a home pregnancy kit and are sure that you are pregnant then your Doctor will probably not test you further, if you are a bit unsure of the dates though you may be offered a 'dating scan' which is a simple procedure using ultrasound technology to find out what the size of the uterus and the embryo is and this information is then used to determine how many weeks pregnant you really are, this is done automatically by the ultrasound machine and is very accurate.
Tuesday 29 June 2010
How Much Caffeine Should You Drink During Pregnancy?
Caffeine is one of the first things that many women give up once they realise that they are pregnant. The real fear of doing some damage to their unborn baby is enough to get some women to stop immediately from taking caffeine. These women will swear off anything that has caffeine in it from coffee, and soda to even chocolate. Some women cannot cut out caffeine completely and simply cut down on it instead. You may find some women cutting right down on their coffee consumption from 5 or more cups per day right down to one or two cups per day.
If you ask your grandparents and parents they will most likely tell you that they didn't quit taking caffeine when they were pregnant and look how their children turned out. The main differences between when our parents and grandparents were about and today is that there has been a bunch of research done which does indicate that such complications like preterm labor and low birth weight are attributed to high caffeine intake.
So we have to ask the problem how much caffeine should we be taking? Some Doctors tell patients that a small amount of caffiene is ok and that it will not harm their baby at all. Even though caffeine does cross the placenta, anything less than 300 milligrams a day (an 8 ounce cup of strong coffee) will not do any harm. Anything over 300 milligrams puts your baby at risk and studies have likewise shown that women who drink more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day during their first trimester have a somewhat higher risk of a miscarriage.
Recent studies have shown that women that have a high intake of caffeine (over 500Mg per day) once they give birth to the babies the babies are shown to have increased heart rates and likewise increased breathing rates as well. These babies also spent more period awake in their first few days of life rather than peacefully sleeping after their long journey.
Tests have as well given us a load of reasons why cutting down on caffeine intake during pregnancy is a beneficial idea. The main reason for cutting down is that you get nothing nutritionally from it at all. We invariably need to be focussed on nutritional needs but even moreso during pregnancy. The fact that caffeine is a stimulant is a concern and possibly could cause headaches as well as insomnia and increase the heart rate as well, which does put stress on the unborn baby insite the womb. Another affect of caffeine is that it possibly could cause heartburn as well. If you have been pregnant before you know that heartburn might be a burden to begin with, and caffeine just makes it worse. Finally caffeine is classed as a diuretic, which is another name for making you go to the toilet and lose fluids which you don't need as you might become dehydrated.
Although it is not necessary to give up taking caffeine altogether during pregnancy it is certainly advisable to be taught to drink less of it or none at all if you feel like you might. If it is difficult for you to only have one cup of coffee per day then it could be advisable to altogether give up drinking coffee at all during pregnancy. Try caffeine free drinks which will be much better for you in the long run. Even decaf coffee still has traces of caffeine though so be aware of this and drink it in moderation just to be on the safe side during pregnancy.
If you ask your grandparents and parents they will most likely tell you that they didn't quit taking caffeine when they were pregnant and look how their children turned out. The main differences between when our parents and grandparents were about and today is that there has been a bunch of research done which does indicate that such complications like preterm labor and low birth weight are attributed to high caffeine intake.
So we have to ask the problem how much caffeine should we be taking? Some Doctors tell patients that a small amount of caffiene is ok and that it will not harm their baby at all. Even though caffeine does cross the placenta, anything less than 300 milligrams a day (an 8 ounce cup of strong coffee) will not do any harm. Anything over 300 milligrams puts your baby at risk and studies have likewise shown that women who drink more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day during their first trimester have a somewhat higher risk of a miscarriage.
Recent studies have shown that women that have a high intake of caffeine (over 500Mg per day) once they give birth to the babies the babies are shown to have increased heart rates and likewise increased breathing rates as well. These babies also spent more period awake in their first few days of life rather than peacefully sleeping after their long journey.
Tests have as well given us a load of reasons why cutting down on caffeine intake during pregnancy is a beneficial idea. The main reason for cutting down is that you get nothing nutritionally from it at all. We invariably need to be focussed on nutritional needs but even moreso during pregnancy. The fact that caffeine is a stimulant is a concern and possibly could cause headaches as well as insomnia and increase the heart rate as well, which does put stress on the unborn baby insite the womb. Another affect of caffeine is that it possibly could cause heartburn as well. If you have been pregnant before you know that heartburn might be a burden to begin with, and caffeine just makes it worse. Finally caffeine is classed as a diuretic, which is another name for making you go to the toilet and lose fluids which you don't need as you might become dehydrated.
Although it is not necessary to give up taking caffeine altogether during pregnancy it is certainly advisable to be taught to drink less of it or none at all if you feel like you might. If it is difficult for you to only have one cup of coffee per day then it could be advisable to altogether give up drinking coffee at all during pregnancy. Try caffeine free drinks which will be much better for you in the long run. Even decaf coffee still has traces of caffeine though so be aware of this and drink it in moderation just to be on the safe side during pregnancy.
Monday 28 June 2010
Is It A Boy Or A Girl?
Pink, Blue Or Undecided?
The pink or blue question is a moot one these days, isn't it? After all, it's so easy to tell the gender of a baby before the happy day, so there's no need to guess. Well, that's not strictly true. Even with the advances in technology, ultrasound pictures aren't always one hundred percent certain, and many parents prefer to be surprised. If you're shopping for a new baby without knowing the gender, you still might have to decide whether to buy pink or blue.
You could always flip a coin - heads it's roses and lace, tails you pick up the little sailor suit. There are more efficient and practical ways to make sure that you pick up clothing and accessories that will be appreciated and useful.
Gender-Neutral Colors
The easiest way, of course, is to stick with gender neutral colors in your choices. As a culture, we're fond of dressing babies in pastels, but you don't have to limit yourself to pale yellow and baby green to be safe. There are lots of other gender-neutral colors to choose from.
Looking for a crib set that isn't gender-specific? White and ivory are good choices, and you can actually get away with eyelet and lace as long as it's not too delicate. A plump white comforter and matching crib bumpers work just as well for a boy as for a girl.
Primary and bright, clear secondary colors are another great way to avoid the gender tangle when selecting clothing and accessories for baby. Bright red, blue, green and yellow sleepers will look adorable no matter what gender the baby turns out to be. Pick onesies in turquoise, orange, dark green or red, either all a solid color, or with contrasting ribbing along the edges.
Go for the unusual. Imagine how high the adorable meter will raise if you outfit baby's room in tuxedoed penguins sporting bright red, blue and yellow ribbons, or pick up a t-shirt emblazoned with red, yellow and blue balloons. You can even pat yourself on the back for choosing bright colors for the baby's room and accessories. As much as we love pastel baby togs, babies respond far better to bright, clear colors.
Gender Neutral Patterns
If you're not sure on the boy/girl issue, keep in mind that you can err more easily on the boy side than the girl. A baby girl in a t-shirt printed with sports motifs is cute. You just wouldn't put a little boy in a sleeper printed with tiny sprigs of daisies. Teddy bears and duckies are one gender-neutral choice, but you can find adorable, unique prints that will stand out. Some of the more clever that we've seen around lately - Noah's Ark, lions and tigers, traffic signs, seasonal themes (candy canes, pumpkins, candy corn?).
Other gender neutral patterns that work for boys or girls clothing include candy color stripes, odd-size polka dots and abstract patterns. Pick a motif, pick a color and have a blast dressing your baby in clothes and accessories that don't scream boy or girl.
The pink or blue question is a moot one these days, isn't it? After all, it's so easy to tell the gender of a baby before the happy day, so there's no need to guess. Well, that's not strictly true. Even with the advances in technology, ultrasound pictures aren't always one hundred percent certain, and many parents prefer to be surprised. If you're shopping for a new baby without knowing the gender, you still might have to decide whether to buy pink or blue.
You could always flip a coin - heads it's roses and lace, tails you pick up the little sailor suit. There are more efficient and practical ways to make sure that you pick up clothing and accessories that will be appreciated and useful.
Gender-Neutral Colors
The easiest way, of course, is to stick with gender neutral colors in your choices. As a culture, we're fond of dressing babies in pastels, but you don't have to limit yourself to pale yellow and baby green to be safe. There are lots of other gender-neutral colors to choose from.
Looking for a crib set that isn't gender-specific? White and ivory are good choices, and you can actually get away with eyelet and lace as long as it's not too delicate. A plump white comforter and matching crib bumpers work just as well for a boy as for a girl.
Primary and bright, clear secondary colors are another great way to avoid the gender tangle when selecting clothing and accessories for baby. Bright red, blue, green and yellow sleepers will look adorable no matter what gender the baby turns out to be. Pick onesies in turquoise, orange, dark green or red, either all a solid color, or with contrasting ribbing along the edges.
Go for the unusual. Imagine how high the adorable meter will raise if you outfit baby's room in tuxedoed penguins sporting bright red, blue and yellow ribbons, or pick up a t-shirt emblazoned with red, yellow and blue balloons. You can even pat yourself on the back for choosing bright colors for the baby's room and accessories. As much as we love pastel baby togs, babies respond far better to bright, clear colors.
Gender Neutral Patterns
If you're not sure on the boy/girl issue, keep in mind that you can err more easily on the boy side than the girl. A baby girl in a t-shirt printed with sports motifs is cute. You just wouldn't put a little boy in a sleeper printed with tiny sprigs of daisies. Teddy bears and duckies are one gender-neutral choice, but you can find adorable, unique prints that will stand out. Some of the more clever that we've seen around lately - Noah's Ark, lions and tigers, traffic signs, seasonal themes (candy canes, pumpkins, candy corn?).
Other gender neutral patterns that work for boys or girls clothing include candy color stripes, odd-size polka dots and abstract patterns. Pick a motif, pick a color and have a blast dressing your baby in clothes and accessories that don't scream boy or girl.
Diaper or Disposable- What A Choice!
The Great Diaper Debate
Way back when in the days of Home Ec, one favorite class was 'how to
diaper baby'. Turning a flat piece of absorbent cotton into a
comfortable, well-fitting nappy was a trick that seemed to require the dexterity
and legerdemain of a trained magician. Worse, diapering the baby
clumsily came with the very real fear of jabbing a squirming infant with a
diaper pin. Generations of mommies suffered pinpricked fingers rather than
risk a scratch to baby's delicate skin.
All that changed with the advent of disposable diapers. Even the
unfitted, flat, uncomfortable first generation disposables were worlds above
typical cloth diapers for convenience and ease of use. Just unfold the
back, pull the plastic up between the baby's legs and smooth it against
his belly, and tape the back to the front. Voila! Instant diaper. Even
better - no need for washing. No dirty diapers soaking in a pail of
borax. No smell, no fuss, no laundry service - just un-tape, wrap the
diaper up and toss it in the trash.
For parents of my generation, Pampers was the dividing line between 'back
then' and now. I can't count the number of mothers, grandmothers, aunts
and older female relatives who started off a tale with 'Of course, we
never had Pampers, WE had to..."
The advantages were obvious: disposables were cleaner, more sanitary,
more convenient. They did away with hours and hours of laundering and
drying, making time for lots of other things. If you were the least bit
conscious of disposal, you could completely eliminate the dirty-diaper
smell - just wrap it up tight in a plastic bag in put it in the OUTSIDE
trash. And no more wrestling with a squirming baby while you tried to
pin his nappy closed, nor having the whole thing slip off his adorable
little butt because you missed a layer of cloth when pinning.
The disadvantages were not so readily apparent, but they were
nonetheless real. The major point against disposable diapers is a potent one:
disposable diapers may be great for mother, but they put an enormous
strain on Mother Earth. Some facts:
* Over 19 billion disposable diapers annually end up in landfills -
where they do not degrade.
* Disposable diaper makers use more than a million tons of wood pulp
every year.
* The manufacturing process creates waste that contains dioxins, heavy
metals and industrial solvents.
In a world with limited resources, disposable diapers consume resources
and create pollutants and hazardous chemicals. Is the convenience worth
the damage to the Earth?
On the face of it, the debate does seem to be one more instance of man
- in this case mommies - putting their own convenience above what's
best for the world.
But there's yet another side to the debate - disposable diaper
manufacturers have countered with arguments that cloth diapers aren't all that
kind to Mother Earth either. They cite the use of harsh chemicals in
cleaning - bleach, borax and other detergents, the consumption of water,
and the energy (and fuels) needed to heat water to temperatures that
can disinfect diapers as being just as harmful to the Earth as
disposables.
In the end, the choice to use disposables or cloth diapers is a
judgment call. Which is better for baby? Which is better for mom? Which is
least harmful to our planet? The only real answer is to read what you can,
and make your own decision as to what works best for you - physically
and philosophically.
Way back when in the days of Home Ec, one favorite class was 'how to
diaper baby'. Turning a flat piece of absorbent cotton into a
comfortable, well-fitting nappy was a trick that seemed to require the dexterity
and legerdemain of a trained magician. Worse, diapering the baby
clumsily came with the very real fear of jabbing a squirming infant with a
diaper pin. Generations of mommies suffered pinpricked fingers rather than
risk a scratch to baby's delicate skin.
All that changed with the advent of disposable diapers. Even the
unfitted, flat, uncomfortable first generation disposables were worlds above
typical cloth diapers for convenience and ease of use. Just unfold the
back, pull the plastic up between the baby's legs and smooth it against
his belly, and tape the back to the front. Voila! Instant diaper. Even
better - no need for washing. No dirty diapers soaking in a pail of
borax. No smell, no fuss, no laundry service - just un-tape, wrap the
diaper up and toss it in the trash.
For parents of my generation, Pampers was the dividing line between 'back
then' and now. I can't count the number of mothers, grandmothers, aunts
and older female relatives who started off a tale with 'Of course, we
never had Pampers, WE had to..."
The advantages were obvious: disposables were cleaner, more sanitary,
more convenient. They did away with hours and hours of laundering and
drying, making time for lots of other things. If you were the least bit
conscious of disposal, you could completely eliminate the dirty-diaper
smell - just wrap it up tight in a plastic bag in put it in the OUTSIDE
trash. And no more wrestling with a squirming baby while you tried to
pin his nappy closed, nor having the whole thing slip off his adorable
little butt because you missed a layer of cloth when pinning.
The disadvantages were not so readily apparent, but they were
nonetheless real. The major point against disposable diapers is a potent one:
disposable diapers may be great for mother, but they put an enormous
strain on Mother Earth. Some facts:
* Over 19 billion disposable diapers annually end up in landfills -
where they do not degrade.
* Disposable diaper makers use more than a million tons of wood pulp
every year.
* The manufacturing process creates waste that contains dioxins, heavy
metals and industrial solvents.
In a world with limited resources, disposable diapers consume resources
and create pollutants and hazardous chemicals. Is the convenience worth
the damage to the Earth?
On the face of it, the debate does seem to be one more instance of man
- in this case mommies - putting their own convenience above what's
best for the world.
But there's yet another side to the debate - disposable diaper
manufacturers have countered with arguments that cloth diapers aren't all that
kind to Mother Earth either. They cite the use of harsh chemicals in
cleaning - bleach, borax and other detergents, the consumption of water,
and the energy (and fuels) needed to heat water to temperatures that
can disinfect diapers as being just as harmful to the Earth as
disposables.
In the end, the choice to use disposables or cloth diapers is a
judgment call. Which is better for baby? Which is better for mom? Which is
least harmful to our planet? The only real answer is to read what you can,
and make your own decision as to what works best for you - physically
and philosophically.
My Baby Won't Wear Clothes!
What To Do When Your Baby Won’t Wear Clothes!
A lot of time and energy goes into clothing your baby during the first year. From the color debate, to the rapid speed at which most infants outgrow their clothing, new parents have their plates full with keeping their babies clean, comfortable and clothed. So what do you do when all of a sudden, the baby doesn't want to wear any clothes at all? How do you deal with the exhibitionist stage of your toddler?
At about fourteen months, your baby will most likely want to romp around in the buff. This is completely normal, and in fact could help a little bit with potty training. Obviously, however, it can be a bit troublesome when trying to introduce social norms, and of course when having company without children over for coffee or lunch. So how does a new parent deal with a naked toddler?
The best thing to do is not discourage this behavior entirely. Set limits about where and when your toddler can be naked and enforce them. It is tedious, but repeatedly re-dressing your toddler may be the best way to get the message across. Keep an especially close eye on your toddler in public. Not just because of the obvious, but because you don't want to lose expensive items like shoes or jackets.
Setting a "naked time" where your child is free to roam around the house for an hour or so a day is a good way to set limits on acceptable behavior. Make sure this time is a time when you can be around to monitor them very closely and make sure that they don't hurt their more exposed areas. Also, it's probably best if naked time is a time when your home doesn't see a lot of traffic. Your toddler may be comfortable with their naked time, but friends and neighbors may not be.
Use your child's newfound freedom to encourage them to choose their own clothing. Let your toddler dress him or herself a couple of times a week as a special treat. Soon they might like to get dressed as much as they enjoy disrobing. Make getting dressed fun, and stress the importance of where and when it is okay to take off your clothes. This way your child begins to understand the important role that clothing plays in the day-to-day life of grown ups.
The most important thing to remember is not to let your discipline about clothing become about your child's body. It is easy to make your child feel ashamed of their naked body, even if it is not intended. This kind of discomfort can go a long way in determining how your child feels about their body in the long term, right up into adulthood. Making play dates for right before or after naked time can be a good way to demonstrate for your child the difference between private time and public time, and let them begin making their own boundaries in their mind. This time in their life is a lot about exploration. So even though you've been there, it's important to let them figure out some stuff on their own.
A lot of time and energy goes into clothing your baby during the first year. From the color debate, to the rapid speed at which most infants outgrow their clothing, new parents have their plates full with keeping their babies clean, comfortable and clothed. So what do you do when all of a sudden, the baby doesn't want to wear any clothes at all? How do you deal with the exhibitionist stage of your toddler?
At about fourteen months, your baby will most likely want to romp around in the buff. This is completely normal, and in fact could help a little bit with potty training. Obviously, however, it can be a bit troublesome when trying to introduce social norms, and of course when having company without children over for coffee or lunch. So how does a new parent deal with a naked toddler?
The best thing to do is not discourage this behavior entirely. Set limits about where and when your toddler can be naked and enforce them. It is tedious, but repeatedly re-dressing your toddler may be the best way to get the message across. Keep an especially close eye on your toddler in public. Not just because of the obvious, but because you don't want to lose expensive items like shoes or jackets.
Setting a "naked time" where your child is free to roam around the house for an hour or so a day is a good way to set limits on acceptable behavior. Make sure this time is a time when you can be around to monitor them very closely and make sure that they don't hurt their more exposed areas. Also, it's probably best if naked time is a time when your home doesn't see a lot of traffic. Your toddler may be comfortable with their naked time, but friends and neighbors may not be.
Use your child's newfound freedom to encourage them to choose their own clothing. Let your toddler dress him or herself a couple of times a week as a special treat. Soon they might like to get dressed as much as they enjoy disrobing. Make getting dressed fun, and stress the importance of where and when it is okay to take off your clothes. This way your child begins to understand the important role that clothing plays in the day-to-day life of grown ups.
The most important thing to remember is not to let your discipline about clothing become about your child's body. It is easy to make your child feel ashamed of their naked body, even if it is not intended. This kind of discomfort can go a long way in determining how your child feels about their body in the long term, right up into adulthood. Making play dates for right before or after naked time can be a good way to demonstrate for your child the difference between private time and public time, and let them begin making their own boundaries in their mind. This time in their life is a lot about exploration. So even though you've been there, it's important to let them figure out some stuff on their own.
Caring For Your Baby
Caring for Baby’s Clothes
New parents are full of concerns about what regular household activities may pose a threat or present problems for their newest family member. At some point the question about the best ways to wash baby clothing will arise. Parents typically ask whether there is a certain type off detergent that they should use, whether it is safe to wash baby clothes with the rest of the family’s clothing and what special steps should be taken with cloth diapers if they are being used.
Detergent
This is a valid concern. It is not atypical for certain detergents to irritate the skin of adults and older children, so it is certainly feasible that a baby’s tender and sensitive skin can be easily irritated by harsh detergents. There are several detergents on the market that are supposedly intended for baby’s clothing, but there is not much difference between them and other mild detergents. The best choice for parents to make in this area is to purchase mild detergent that is free from added colors and fragrances and wash the clothing in that. If the baby does develop a rash or seems to be experiencing skin discomfort of any kind, the first thing to do is consult the family pediatrician. The doctor may simply recommend that a different detergent be used, but will also be able to determine if there is a more serious problem.
Washing Baby Clothes with Family Clothes
Some parents feel that the baby’s clothing needs to be washed separately from that of the rest of the family. The rationale for this is that the other family members’ clothing could somehow taint or contaminate the baby’s. There is no reason to worry about this and it is perfectly safe to wash baby’s clothes and bedding along with everyone else’s. The exception to this rule is cloth diapers. If parents are using cloth diapers and washing them at home rather than using a diaper service, they must be washed apart from everything else.
Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are fading into memory, replaced by the more convenient disposable brands that are on the market. For families that choose to use these, however, there are some special considerations. The most sanitary way to utilize reusable cloth diapers is to contract a diaper service. This will take away the hassle of washing the diapers at home and ensure that the replacement diapers are sterile. For families that choose to wash at home, the previous paragraph details that they should be kept separate from all other laundry. Storing the diapers until wash time must be done as sanitarily as possible. This means rinsing the cloth diaper in the toilet to remove solid wastes, then storing it in a pail until it is time to be washed. The pail should be covered to prevent odor and lined with a disposable or washable liner. The pail, lid, and liner should be cleaned whenever the diapers are and the soiled diapers should be washed at least twice weekly.
New parents are full of concerns about what regular household activities may pose a threat or present problems for their newest family member. At some point the question about the best ways to wash baby clothing will arise. Parents typically ask whether there is a certain type off detergent that they should use, whether it is safe to wash baby clothes with the rest of the family’s clothing and what special steps should be taken with cloth diapers if they are being used.
Detergent
This is a valid concern. It is not atypical for certain detergents to irritate the skin of adults and older children, so it is certainly feasible that a baby’s tender and sensitive skin can be easily irritated by harsh detergents. There are several detergents on the market that are supposedly intended for baby’s clothing, but there is not much difference between them and other mild detergents. The best choice for parents to make in this area is to purchase mild detergent that is free from added colors and fragrances and wash the clothing in that. If the baby does develop a rash or seems to be experiencing skin discomfort of any kind, the first thing to do is consult the family pediatrician. The doctor may simply recommend that a different detergent be used, but will also be able to determine if there is a more serious problem.
Washing Baby Clothes with Family Clothes
Some parents feel that the baby’s clothing needs to be washed separately from that of the rest of the family. The rationale for this is that the other family members’ clothing could somehow taint or contaminate the baby’s. There is no reason to worry about this and it is perfectly safe to wash baby’s clothes and bedding along with everyone else’s. The exception to this rule is cloth diapers. If parents are using cloth diapers and washing them at home rather than using a diaper service, they must be washed apart from everything else.
Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are fading into memory, replaced by the more convenient disposable brands that are on the market. For families that choose to use these, however, there are some special considerations. The most sanitary way to utilize reusable cloth diapers is to contract a diaper service. This will take away the hassle of washing the diapers at home and ensure that the replacement diapers are sterile. For families that choose to wash at home, the previous paragraph details that they should be kept separate from all other laundry. Storing the diapers until wash time must be done as sanitarily as possible. This means rinsing the cloth diaper in the toilet to remove solid wastes, then storing it in a pail until it is time to be washed. The pail should be covered to prevent odor and lined with a disposable or washable liner. The pail, lid, and liner should be cleaned whenever the diapers are and the soiled diapers should be washed at least twice weekly.
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