Must Have Baby Gear

Babies may be tiny but they require a lot of things; from feeding supplies, clothes and diapers to the big ticket gear items which are needed for everyday living and convenience. Nowadays there are so many different things you can get going shopping can be maddening as you try to figure out what you really need versus what you might want. From one parent to another, these are the gear items that you actually "need."

Crib
Your baby will of course need a place to sleep that is safe and secure. The crib will be one of your biggest investments. There are several types of cribs to choose from; standard, convertible and more. Convertible cribs are becoming popular because they can then become a full size or twin size bed, increasing their time of use.

Stroller
A good quality stroller will be your best friend when you attempt to take baby out to run errands, take walks or go away on day trips. Look for a stroller that is rugged and will easily push on all sorts of terrain (if you plan on taking it a wide variety of places), is lightweight enough to comfortably take in and out of a vehicle, and easily folds up or collapses.

Monitor
A baby monitor will help give you peace of mind that your child is safe and alert you when they wake up, fuss or make other noises. Monitors can be used for several years during toddler years to hear if your adventurer is climbing out of his crib or even just to listen in on playtime when you're in another room. There are two kinds of monitors; audio and video. Audio monitors tune into audio frequencies only. Video monitors provide a video image as well as audio. Video monitors can also be found in black and white only or color.

Carseat
It is illegal to drive a child around without one so this is certainly considered a "must have." Carseats come in all sizes from those just for newborns to convertible units which carry between 30-100 pounds. If purchasing a used carseat be sure to check the expiration date. Carseats have expirations which should be followed because the safety measures change and the materials can begin to break down, making them less durable if you were ever to be involved in an accident.

Breastpump
If you plan on breastfeeding a pump will come in handy. Even if you want to exclusively breastfeed the pump can help activate your ducts to increase your milk flow and production as well as give you the option of pumping ahead to have breast milk on hand should you be away from the baby for more than a few hours. Pumps vary from single manual units to expensive double electric hands-free contraptions so consider how much you plan on using it before making the investment.

Convertible Chair
A highchair is not always necessary. A convertible booster seat or Bumpo and booster seat will work just fine. Convertible boosters can be used for infants to toddlers and have special headrests and padding which help keep the baby secure that you can later take out as baby grows.

Most Needed Baby Products

Baby products are an essential component of the growth and development stages of all babies. In order to choose the best baby products for your child, the best option is to browse online stores and check for ratings of various companies. This is a very sensitive choice since babies can have severe reactions to some products. Make sure you know what is best for your child before going on to purchase these products. Additionally, the baby products you buy should be free of any harmful chemicals. For this purpose, it is better to contact a reputable company by going through online directories. Even if it costs you a little more, nothing is more valuable than your child's healthy future.

There are some basic baby products that are essential for every child. For instance, bottles are very important to feed your child well. A new-born infant may not require a feeding bottle, but you may want to keep one as a precaution in case any medical problem arises. Babies have the highest chance of catching germs from bottles; hence it is vital that you choose safe feeding bottles. Choose a reputable company to buy feeding bottles and the accessories that come with them.

Diapers are very important for infants. They ensure that the baby is dry at all times. Babies do not have control over their bladders, nor the ability to express a lot, so diapers with various sizes and styles are there to fulfill this need for children. Other more advanced baby products include stuff like monitors. These are typically fixed to cradles or cribs and keep you updates with the bodily functions of your baby if you are away or asleep for a while.

Baby skin is more vulnerable to developing rashes and allergies, so it is absolutely essential that you choose the appropriate baby products for skin care. Reputable brands are the best for this purpose. There are some specific baby products brands that manufacture soaps, shampoos, oils and creams customized to the needs of babies. Cradles are also a must-have for babies. You child can rest and sleep in these peacefully. Make sure you buy one that is safe and does not have the danger of your child falling out while moving. Choose the cradle height in accordance with what suits the size of your baby.

Other baby products include toys, clothes and detergents, and strollers. Toys keep your baby happy and entertained all day long. These toys should be non-toxic as babies have the tendency to put them in their mouths. The clothes you choose for your baby must be soft and comfortable. Detergents should also be bought accordingly, such as those especially designed to wash baby clothes and ensure that the baby does not catch any rashes or allergies from the material of the cloth. Strollers are convenient for parents as they can take their child anywhere without having to carry him/her. There are various styles available in the market and they greatly ease the task of going for a walk or shopping.

6 Foods You Can Use to Make Tasty Baby Food

If you're having a baby, definitely expect your expenses to increase. Between purchasing diapers, baby food, clothing, and perhaps arranging for paid child care if you need to work, you'll probably wonder if there is a way to raise a little one more economically. There are parents who put in a little extra effort to save money - using cloth diapers instead of disposables, breast feeding instead of buying formula, and even making their own baby food. Yes, it is completely doable.

Look around your favorite department store or kitchen boutique, and you will find that special gadget that process fruits and vegetables into food suitable for young eaters come at an affordable cost. By buying a special processor and reusable jars, you not only save in the long run when your child starts taking solids, but you work a bit to reduce your carbon footprint. You will buy less jars and containers to throw away, and because the foods you make can be frozen or stored for weeks (depending on the system you buy) you can keep a good supply handy.

As for what types of foods are best for baby's first solid diet, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables that work best with a growing digestive system. If you are considering making your own baby food, here are some good foods to use.

Pears: Pears are not only sweet and flavorful, but are an excellent food to give a baby who is feeling a bit blocked up or experiencing tummy trouble. High in Vitamin C, pears are a great first food to introduce to your little one.

Green Beans: It's good to start your children on green vegetables early, so that they may continue good eating habits as they grow. Green beans are practically a staple in terms of baby food and first "hand foods." They are soft and simple to puree, plus they are rich in Vitamin K.

Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and tasty when mashed, sweet potatoes don't need all the butter and fixings regular potatoes may require. Sweet potatoes contain potassium, calcium, and folate and are a delicious addition to baby's lunch.

Carrots: Similar to sweet potatoes in that they share the same color and richness in beta carotene, carrots give off a sweetness when cooked and are a popular beginning food for babies.

Peas: Yes, many adults may have a difficult time enjoying peas, but you cannot deny they are a very healthy food and easy to make for young eaters.

Chicken: Meats are typically a late stage food for babies. As your child gets closer to the first year you may wish to incorporate a bit of pureed chicken into his/her diet. Combing a small amount of chicken with a green vegetable may make the food more palatable, too.

You can save a bit of money making your own baby food, and even have fun doing it. The love that goes into creating a meal for your child makes for a wonderful bonding experience as well.

Talking to Toddlers - Are You at Your Wits End and Would You Like Help?

When talking to toddlers would you dearly like to know how to easily and quickly stop bad behavior in children getting all the parenting help you need?

One way to become a better parent is by learning how to, using self-help techniques - after all, we as parents haven't exactly been given a step by step crash course on how to be a good parent, neither do I suspect did our parents before us and they before them.

With technology as it is today, the parent of today has a lot more parenting materials and resources easily available to them, self-help techniques, e-books etc., but which do you choose for you and your child.

Wouldn't you dearly love to have a better understanding on how your child actually thinks and then act according to this using tried and tested parenting materials.

Behaviour is driven by emotions, not logic. This is fundamental to everything. Behavior, for any person of any age, be it a parent or toddler, is determined by the way they are feeling, i.e., their emotional state. Parents will act based on their emotions and then they will justify such actions with logic. Toddlers and children on the other hand don't - they don't have the ability to be logical and their actions will be based purely from emotions.

Therefore, emotions of being happy, feeling fun and laughter will bring about good feelings and your child will act accordingly. Conversely, feelings of sadness, frustration, anger etc., will bring about the corresponding actions and negativity.

Parents on the other hand see it differently, they will see it totally inappropriate to raise their voice and bring attention upon themselves and why it's a definite NO, NO to have a tantrum, especially one in public. Does your child think this, NO WAY, toddlers simply don't care, children will think and act in a very different way.

It is for this reason that whenever a child is frustrated and angry they will want to show their emotions, regardless of where they are, and they quite literally do - THEY HAVE TANTRUMS.

Hence the communication problems and why as parents we often times lose the communication war with our children, can you see why?

For example we all know the story of the little boy who cried 'wolf' - a little boy bored looking after sheep who cried wolf to make the villagers come running and they did again and again and again until one day they stopped coming. When a parent keeps shouting "NO" over and over and over again, sooner or later the child stops listening.

That is why it is exceedingly important to know why and even more importantly, how to communicate when talking to toddlers and the best way is through parenting materials which give parenting help.

You need to learn to listen to your child and try and understand them so they in turn will understand you, breaking down any communication problems you may have in the process.

Talking to toddlers is not just focusing on one single problem. You need to focus on child/ parent communication, which is something that a lot of parents overlook or quite simply just don't understand or know how to - how do you communicate with a toddler who just does not understand the word "NO".

As a parent, we need to have a number of ways to get what you want without screaming "NO" at your child - and it simply works better.

Wouldn't you dearly love to have a happy and loving child, with lasting results that both you and your children will have for years to come.

The Best Baby Strollers Are Worth The Investment

At some point in our lives, we will want to have babies of our own and raise our own family. We will want to have kids that we can be proud of who can give justice to the names that we have. But to be successful in doing this, we need to take care of our kids properly and one good way of doing that is to get them quality baby strollers. A baby is very fragile and we do not want anything bad to happen to our babies; thus, it makes sense that we get them things that are durable so that we will be sure that they are going to be fine.

Quality baby strollers can be a very good investment. However, quality will always come with a price whatever the product is, and the same is true with strollers. A good stroller that will last you until the time comes when your baby will not need it anymore will cost you some money. Furthermore, a quality stroller that will still be there when all your babies have grown up would definitely cost a little bit more.

But the good thing is that with this more expensive price comes many more benefits aside from durability.

A stroller will be normally used by babies until they are old enough to love walking more than taking a ride, and that can take a while. Some babies love to use strollers until they do not fit in it anymore. With constant use, a quality stroller can last even if you have more than one baby who is going to use it. Having a stroller that you will want to use is also very important because some strollers are too heavy to transport from place to place and some strollers are too bulky. It would be perfectly fine if the dad is the one who is going to push the stroller all the time but it would be a problem if the mother is the one doing so.

A lightweight stroller will also be perfect for every occasion and not just the ordinary trip to the shopping mall. It will be very easy to use in any kind of surface, too, like sand and other surfaces that are not smooth. And a quality stroller will be safe from the rain with the rain covers that you get with it and cargo nets.

Shooting Better Baby Photos

If you're a new parent, odds are good that you have filled up dozens of picture frames with your new wee one's image already. But you're always on the lookout for even better baby photos which will document the journey of the baby during his precious developmental stages. Nevertheless, it can be frustrating and a tad challenging to capture your baby's milestones and moments on film. As beautiful as baby can be, he often turns into a wriggling, wiggling mess if the camera appears. The following hints can help you snap the best baby photos you can, which you will cherish all through your lifetime.

• It is all about the lighting. Correct lighting is important to any photograph, and even more important when you find yourself wanting to capture your baby's best features. The best lighting available is natural sunlight, with this being especially true when it is overcast outside. When the lighting is too bright the child's photos will end up with dark shadows. Inversely, if the lighting is dim it brings about decrease in detail and inaccurate coloring. As a bonus when photographing baby, natural lighting doesn't require a flash. The flash on the camera has been seen to startle or upset some babies.

• It takes two! It will always be smart to enlist the aid of another parent, an older sibling, or grandma for an extra set of hands while you're photographing the baby. The helper can help position baby as you snap away.

• Bring in the clowns! Sing, make weird or silly noises, and play peek-a-boo with your baby. Quite simply, become a clown for a while and do what must be implemented to get baby giggling and smiling. In younger babies, this might not be possible, however in baby six months and older, it really is totally doable.

• Get close up and personal. Get as near to the baby as possible while focusing on their face. Eliminating the background allows the picture to be about what's the most crucial - the child itself.

• Get yourself right down to the baby's level. Taking shots of baby while towering over him will not allow baby's true personality or attractiveness to shine through appropriately. You may also take some amazing shots once you get down on the baby's level and permit him or her to have eye contact to you and also the camera.

• Use digital for all it's worth. In recent past, a new parent would snap some rolls of film with pictures of the baby and hope against hope that once developed there would be some good shots. Now that digital camera models are available, there is no need for any unusable shots. Point and shoot up until you find the ones that you like best. Take numerous pictures and eliminate all but a dozen. That's the good thing about digital!

Displaying the Best Baby Photos

Once you have taken the best baby photos that you can, you need to display them for the world to see. Plenty of new parents love digital picture frames since many shots can be shown in them without getting printed. Other parents like to print the best shots and put them in baby-themed picture frames and frames that match the room decor where they'll be displayed. Either way that you select, when you display your baby's picture you show your pride as a new parent.

Taking then displaying the best baby photos can be quite a challenging task, however you will be rewarded for your efforts and time with many beautiful pictures that permit you to remember and document your baby's precious moments.

Reviews: Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat Logan

Upon searching the Internet for a reliable and high-performance baby car seat, I discovered a flood of choices. I never had a great time of finding the right car seat at first. Because most of the manufacturers of baby car seats I found online are all promising the same thing. However when I checked out reviews about them, I was disappointed to know that most customers are regretting on their purchase. I never wanted to be one of them so I continued with my search. After some time, I come up with the Graco SnugRide 35 Logan. "I bumped at a gold mine," as I told myself. My long search for a car seat is over-finally. I am happy to discover this featured product from Amazon and was happy to know that there is an exceptional car seat that I could come up with. Compare to its competitors, the Graco SnugRide 35 Logan has all the important features I was looking for in a car seat. I would like to share with you what I found out about this product in Amazon.

Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat Logan Review

This product works well for a baby up to 35 lbs in weight and 32 inches in height. Because of this, I believe that this product will work well for my baby until he reaches his toddler age. What a very practical buy from Amazon. Since it can grow together with my kid, there is nothing for me to worry of when it comes to replacing a car seat every now and then. The Graco SnugRide 35 Logan will keep up with the growing demands of my kid and will adjust itself for my baby. I can be assured that my baby can use this carseat for years, without me needing to purchase a new one every now and then.

Also, the Graco SnugRide 35 Logan is designed with energy absorbing foam that will prove helpful during a crash. I can imagine the injury my baby would have incurred during an accident if there is nothing that will absorb the impact for him. The energy absorbing foam keeps the impact away from my baby's body, keeping me worry-free and stress-free. Since the safety of my kid is on top of my concern, I never have to worry about him incurring injuries with an unreliable car seat. I travel with ease together with my baby for I am assured that something's hugging him for me.

Plus, the Graco SnugRide 35 has a latch system innovation that works well even for small cars. I can easily install in onto my car's latch system and is highly compatible on my small vehicle. Using single-hand to adjust it, making it easier for me to install the baby car seat onto the latch system of my car without the hassles. It also has an indicator to let me know whether I was doing the right thing in installing it, preventing any guesswork.

Most importantly, I trust Graco, since they have been in the business of providing juvenile products for almost a century. Because of their good brand reputation, I never hesitated to purchase it for my baby. They are known for commitment and vision of providing only the best for babies through the years. When it comes to consistency, there is no other brand that becomes a staple in every household for baby gears. All of their products are made safe for babies, having infants' security and protection on top of their head when designing a car seat and other baby equipment.

How to Save Money When Buying a Baby Stroller

Looking for a quality baby stroller can be very frustrating especially when you have a limited budget for one. If you are a new parent, you probably know how expensive baby strollers are. In truth, it is not just strollers - practically, everything that you will have to buy for your new baby can be very expensive. It is, therefore, important to know how you can save money when buying a baby stroller.

With countless options, how do you make the right choice? These strollers come in different features, brands and price tags. How do you find the best product for you? How do you save money when you buy your own stroller? Here are a few tips that you might want to consider:

First off, you might want to consider buying a stroller frame or a universal car seat carrier. This is a better option than a travel system when it comes to saving money. Aside from being affordable, it is also convenient. You can easily transport and store it. It is also incredibly easy to use. You will only have to attach your car seat into the frame and voila - a stroller! It's as easy as that.

This is the best option really if you have already bought a car seat. This is, however, a good choice for parent who need a stroller but can't afford to buy a pricey one. Unfortunately, this kind of system does not work long. Eventually, you may have to buy a stroller especially when your baby is bigger. This product can only hold so much weight and you will eventually need a bigger and stronger one for your child.

Secondly, you need to do a lot of research. If you really want to save money, you need to devote some time to looking for great buys and huge discounts. There are a lot of stores that offer large discounts and huge savings. You just need to look for them. You cannot just go online and buy the first stroller you see from the first store you find in Google. No, a wise online shopper will check out baby strollers reviews first before he or she actually place his or her order.

If you are going to spend money on a stroller, a quality product is always a safe bet. You may have to spend a significant amount initially, but you save more money in the long run. A quality stroller is something you can use for a long time. You would not have to buy another one in the future just as long as you buy something that your child can use until he or she is a toddler or even older!

Look for a stroller that offers the most basic features. You do not have to buy an expensive one. Just make sure that your choice has all the features that you might need now or in the future. This is the reason why you need to check out baby stroller reviews, so you will know if a product is sturdy or not. These are a couple of simple tips that you need to remember if you want to save money from buying a baby stroller.

How to Choose First Birthday Presents

A child's first birthday is undoubtedly cause for celebration, even though we all know that first birthday parties are as much a celebration for the parents as they are for the birthday babe! Still, getting a fantastic first birthday present for a niece, nephew, a friend's baby or even your own, should be a pleasure in itself, and not something to get in a muddle over.

First birthday presents can be a little tricky to buy sometimes, as you find yourself pondering over the cuddly toys or the foil balloons in the local supermarket, wondering if grandma has already bought them. It's also hard to choose something that the parents will appreciate, as every parent has their own idea about what they want their kids to play with, especially when they're babies.

Luckily there are great alternatives to the usual high street toys and gifts, and all you have to do is get online and click a few buttons to use the power of the Internet. The very best online children's gift stores have a great range of options that include innovative and educational toys that every parent will love. Timeless classic toys made to high standards are a thoughtful gift for any child, and parents will appreciate gifts that have genuine quality.

One of the best new online concepts for children's gifts and toys is gift bundles, which are the perfect choice for the indecisive shopper, especially when you don't have time to get down to the shops. There are some extremely well-crafted options available, with some delightful first birthday gift ideas brought together in beautifully presented gift hampers and boxes.

Children's gift hampers take the difficulty out of choosing the right balance of gifts, wrapping them up nicely and handing them over, because everything can be handled by the supplier. The benefit of buying online is that you can have a beautiful hand-wrapped first birthday gift sent directly to the parents, ideal for friends and family members that have moved away.

Another benefit of buying pre-packaged children's gift hampers for a baby's first birthday is that they are often themed, a nice touch that makes the whole package come together as something special. A lovely collection of Peter Rabbit soft toys or Paddington Bear themed gifts is a nice thing to keep as the child grows up, and presents further ideas to add the collection on subsequent birthdays.

Tips on How to Select a Stroller

Strollers are a big investment for many people since they are one of the main items that will be used in the first three years of a child's life. Strollers vary from one brand to another and depending on the features that you would like to have, the price range can start from reasonably priced to plain outrageous.

In order to get the best for your price range and needs, consider some of the most important factors that many don't think about until after the fact:

Type

There are many different types of strollers that are designed for different needs. Knowing which one will suit your particular needs will immediately make your search easier within one stroller style.

If you are looking for a standard every day stroller that can accommodate a baby car seat, look for a travel system style. If you are a parent who would like to exercise with the children, choose a jogger, or jogging stroller for the best choice.

There are also specific strollers made for one child (single), two children (double), three children (triple) and each style has different features that will accommodate only infants or baby/toddler combinations.

Frame

The frame is one component that has the least importance when parents look for a new stroller. It's important to remember that a lightweight and strong structure will easily affect its performance, safety and convenience. A heavy or flimsy design will certainly create problems if you require it for more than a year.

Some strollers are not 100% assembled, which is why finding a frame that's easy to put together and take apart is important. Some strollers need to have some parts taken off for the most compact storage and transportation abilities. If parts of the frame are difficult to take apart, it will cause a lot of headaches every time you travel.

Size

The size of the stroller is another factor that will affect how convenient it will be in different settings. Large strollers may seem to have more stability, which is good for fun in the outdoors, however taking it around town, in shops or other places that may have narrow passages will make any task more daunting.

The overall size of the stroller should also be considered for easy transportation. If the stroller is small and more compact when folded, the easier it is to transport in different cars, which is great for anyone who doesn't have an SUV or minivan.

Wheels

The wheels are one of the most important parts of a stroller. They have to be strong durable to withstand almost any surface type. Some strollers, especially joggers have three wheels while other standard types have four, but the overall quality of the wheels is most important, regardless of the stroller type.

If the wheels are removable for better storage, it's important to get a design that's quick and easy to remove. For multi-purpose strollers that can convert from jogging style to everyday use, look for swivel wheels that can also lock safely in place for good maneuverability and stability respectively.

Brakes are another part of the wheel system that are very important for safety. Look for strong, easy to use brakes that will remain locked in place and have a convenient design.

Storage

Storage is a very big part of a stroller that parents can't get enough of. With all of the items that the average parent carries with them, finding a stroller that can easily hold all of those items is very important. Look for large storage baskets that can fit at least a standard diaper bag and make sure there is easy to access to everything when the children are strapped in. Nothing is more frustrating than having to shuffle children out of the way just to get a bottle.

Convenient Design

Since parents are constantly multitasking with children, bags and other things, it's also important to think about the convenience of the overall stroller design. Find something that's easy to open and close with one hand and can stay compact when not in use.

Look for easy to use buckles and straps, adjustable sun shades, swivel trays and more in order to help make your life easier when packing everything up with the children.

Extras

Modern strollers will have the standard features as they always have but there are also many new additions that give parents more when investing in important equipment.

Cup Holders

Cup holders may not seem very important but they certainly come in handy. Many parents can't get enough of cup holders for the children and for themselves. It just makes travel with drinks that much more enjoyable. They are also a fantastic place for small storage without the fear of items falling off when you least expect it.

Speakers

There are several different strollers that now equip speakers that mp3 players can plug straight into. They are a great feature for joggers and the babies for outings in the park.

No matter the type and style of stroller you need, always remember the key areas of strollers that many people don't consider. They will help you make the best decision for your investment.

Jogging Baby Strollers Are a Smart Buy

If you just recently added a new member to your family you are probably looking at buying a stroller. With so many types, models, and functions of baby strollers these days this can often be a confusing and challenging task. However there is one outstanding stroller to choose to make sure that after your purchase you can feel as though you purchased the right stroller. For the proud parents of a new baby jogging baby strollers are a smart buy for many important reasons.

Just like any other type of baby stroller a jogging stroller can perform all of the tasks you expect from it. There is storage for diapers and food and they are small and maneuverable enough for a stroll around the mall. Though there is some added weight they can still be folded up and transported very easily just like all strollers. More importantly than all of this, jogging strollers are made for a high activity and rugged environment, this means that they are made to withstand harsh use and still keep your baby safe. With higher wheels and more stability, a jogging stroller is the safest choice when buying an everyday stroller for your new born.

This brings me to my second point. Joggers are very well built and will stand the test of time. For many new parents money is a very important issue and it may seem like a luxury to have a jogging stroller. However Since they are so well built jogging strollers can last your new born through infancy and into the toddler years. On top of this if you are planning on having more kids down the road a jogging stroller will be able to be used over many years and with multiple children.

Finally the last aspect I would like to look at about jogging baby strollers is the most obvious one. Let me ask you this, what is the one thing every mother wants to get rid of after having a baby? Weight! Well a jogger aids you in this process of shedding the extra pounds after you had your child. The stroller is after all made to fit the needs of an active life style, and having this at your disposal can be a great asset in losing weight. With normal strollers many times finding a way to exercise also means leaving your baby with some one else. With a jogging stroller you can take your baby along with you! This is not only convenient but can be a good bonding time with your child!

Picking the Right Footwear for a Baby or Toddler

There are various factors that need to be taken into account when choosing footwear for a baby or a toddler and these should not be overlooked when a cute pair of shoes is spotted. For example, babies' feet grow incredibly quickly in their first year, with some growing to half their full adult size. Therefore any footwear needs to have room for this rapid growth and must not restrict the feet from growing in any shape or form.

Flexibility is a very important factor that is closely related to the last point. With babies and toddlers moving their feet on a regular basis, there must be a degree of flexibility with the footwear which is why they tend to resemble socks in most cases. This makes it much easier to put on the shoes, which can be difficult with children and less flexible footwear. This also avoids any pain or discomfort a child may feel from the process of putting them on or taking them off.

The interior of a baby's footwear should be very soft to protect their feet as they tend to be particularly delicate and have tender skin. This will also make them very comfortable, which is an important factor for all shoes and not just those for a young child. Padded cushioning should remove any discomfort and the young child should feel happy whilst wearing the footwear.

In terms of the exterior the soles should have sufficient grip. This is particularly important for when a toddler is taking his or her first steps to improve their confidence and to avoid any potential slips or falls. This is even more important for homes which have hardwood flooring instead of carpets due to the lack of grip provided by wooden flooring and the lack of cushioning to protect against a fall.

Another factor to consider is the pattern or image on the shoes. Interesting colours and designs should help to stimulate a child's interest and awareness. In addition they should be more willing to wear them if they are colourful or have one of their favourite cartoon characters on the front.

One more factor to consider which concerns the parents more than the child is the method of washing that is needed. Care should be taken to observe the best way to wash them in order to prevent shrinkage or colour loss. This will be down to the materials used and some shoes may need to be hand washed in cold water.

Should You Avoid BPA In Sippy Cups

Sippy cups are used for toddlers when you want them to transition from using a nursing bottle, to use a normal cup for drinking their beverages. Many people think that these learner cups are not absolutely necessary, but they are in fact a great way to help your child improve their coordination and motoric behavior and control. Simply by giving them something that they can use themselves can make a big difference in the learning curve when it comes to independent eating and drinking.

Bisphenol-A is a chemical that is used by the plastic industry all around the world, to create plastic that is soft. Other chemicals are used for the process as well, but there are a number of scientific studies showing that by ingesting even small amounts of BPA for extended periods of time, the risk of getting serious long-term illnesses such as cancer increases. Most parents want to give their child a toxin free world, but can only influence the products that they use - not what others use. Toxins are all around us and it is impossible to avoid all of them. By limiting the amount that we are exposed to at home, we can make our body deal with the rest of the world better. Since the immune system and detoxification systems of a baby are not as developed as an adults, it is even more important to avoid harmful chemicals. The immune system will learn how to deal with bacteria and viruses, but the detoxification systems will only be under more stress, and toxins will accumulate in the body of the child.

Sippy cups are used at a young age, and they are usually made of materials that are soft. The spout is usually made of a soft rubbery material and it is normal for the child even to be chewing on it. This can cause pieces of plastic to come off and enter the body of the child. Other parts such as the handles of the learner cup are also frequently chewed on by children, and that is why it is important that the sippy cup is 100% made of BPA free materials.

Children learn how to use a cup at very different ages, but it is needless to say that at any stage it is important to avoid this type of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Damage that is done at an early stage can cause significant problems later on.

5 Insider Tips to Buying the Perfect Baby Stroller

Preparing for a new baby is a big deal. Along with diapers and bottles, you will most definitely need a definitive way of transporting your child easily and safely while you are out of the house. It is not practical to assume that you will always be either carrying your child in your arms or using their car seat to move them from place to place. Frankly, your arms will get tired from doing both for extended periods of time. So, what is the solution? What you need is a baby stroller and you need one fast!

You've made the decision that you are going to buy a top of the line baby stroller. But, what you don't know is that there are several things that you need to know before making a purchase. With just a few, quick and easy insider tips, you will be sure that the baby stroller you are about to buy is the best for both you and your child overall.

1. Durability- When buying a baby stroller, make sure that the one you are buying is safe and sturdy. The best way to test this is buy first looking at the stroller manufacturer's guide. What is the stroller's frame made out of? Always look for one that has a durable, all aluminum based frame. Next, look at the wheels. Again, what material are they made out of and how large are they? Basically, the tougher and sturdier the wheels seem the better. A baby stroller is an investment and you want one that can sustain any type of terrain or surface that you might travel on. Whether you are shopping at the mall or going off road at the local park, that stroller needs to hold up!

2. Safety Features-This is probably one of the most important things to consider when buying a new baby stroller for your child. Look for one that has features such as a strong, anti-lock break feature, durable child built-in safety harnesses, a no-pinch risk to either child or adult fingers whenever the stroller is broken down and stored, that the stroller itself doesn't tip or wobble, and that there are no small pieces or choking hazards.

3. Accessories and Bonus Features-Every stroller will come with at least one accessory in order to temp you to buy. Accessories should be viewed as a "bonus" to your overall purchase, not the reason why you choose a specific model over another. If a stroller is not safe then it does not matter that it comes with a child's cup holder. You may not realize that most baby stroller accessories are universal, meaning that you can purchase them separately and they will most likely fit your baby stroller perfectly. However, if a particular stroller meets all of your other requirements and comes with a cool bonus feature, then go for it!

4. Comfort and Dependability-Let's face it, baby strollers can be expensive. They can cost anywhere for 75-1000 dollars depending on the brand. If you are going to invest a lot of money into your purchase, then you most definitely need to get the most bang for your buck. When shopping for your stroller, look for things revolving around you and your child's overall comfort level. Is the seat cushion soft and made from a durable fabric? Is the fabric machine washable? Does the seat have multiple reclining positions so that your baby can be either sitting straight up or laying down during nap time? Also look for things like adjustable height and handle length for you or a taller spouse, whether it is easily foldable for quick storage and whether or not it comes with a warranty.

5. Style- If you choose an ugly baby stroller than you will be less likely to want to use it and show it off to your friends and neighbors. So when buying a baby stroller, go for a cute one!

Helping Your Child Deal With Colds

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory system, meaning it affects only the throat, nose, and ears. It is usually caused by a virus, most commonly the rhinovirus or coronavirus, but over 200 viruses can cause colds. Since there are so many, it's virtually impossible to create a vaccine or shot that will prevent your or your child from catching a cold.

How Your Child Can Catch A Cold

When a person has cold mucus buildup forms in the nose. When that person coughs or sneezes, that sends minute amounts of virus-filled mucus into the air. If your child is anywhere near this person, he or she could breathe this virus-filled mucus droplets in and get a cold.

Another way your child can get a cold is if he or she touches rubs his eyes or nose after touching an object that a sick person has touched and transferred cold viruses on to. Your child can catch a cold in crowded places such as a mall, his or her school or daycare. Door handles, food and drinks, and school desks can all be breeding grounds for viruses.

When your child catches a cold, the virus attaches to the inside of his or her nose. The virus then takes control of the cells that line your child's nose and starts to create more viruses.

Sneezing is a common symptom of colds. A person or child with colds sneezes because the nerves sense the irritation in the nose and signals the lungs to send a blast of air through the nose and mouth. A sneeze can travel as fast as 100 miles per hour or even faster.

Colds Signs and Symptoms

Illnesses offer clues that let you and your child's doctor know your child is sick. These clues are called symptoms. When your child catches a cold, it will take a couple of days for the symptoms to start. Check if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion or stuffy nose which makes breathing difficult
• Watery eyes
• Itchy or sore throat
• Body chills
• Low fever (37.2 to 37.8 ° C or 100 to 101 ° F)
• Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite

If your child has one or more of these symptoms, he or she most likely has a cold.

How To Help Your Child Feel Better

Colds usually go away on their own. Still it is good to know that our bodies have a built-in cold cure, the immune system. Our immune system helps our bodies fight illnesses. It sends white blood cells to fight whatever is causing the illness, which in this case is the cold virus, and causes cold symptoms.

Though there are no vaccines or medications available that can actually cure a cold, what you can do is to alleviate the symptoms of your child's cold to help him or her feel better. Here are some of the things you can do:

• Give your child hot food and drinks. Hot food and drinks ease coughs and soothe sore throats while helping clear mucus. One of the more popular foods for colds is chicken soup.
• Steam. Giving your child a steam bath helps clear a clogged nose. You can also run a humidifier to ease an irritated throat.
• Make your child blow his or her nose to get rid of mucus.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

Baby Potty Training Tips

Parents often begin thinking about how they are going to potty train their baby when the baby is still young. There are many tips on potty training that can be found with little searching. But what are some of the best tips and techniques? With so many references out there, which one should they follow. Here are a few good tips for potty training.

First, the parent needs to know when to start the training. The child needs to be able to walk and be able to pull their pants up and down to go to the bathroom. The child needs to have fairly regular movements and must be able to stay dry for two to four hours at a time. The child needs to be able to tell when they need to go to the bathroom and be able to let the parent know.

One of the best tips is to take the child shopping for a special potty chair. Many children will have more of a desire if they have their own chair that they picked. They feel like the chair is theirs.

Praise the child. This makes the child feel special and they will want to do it again. Some parents will include a small prize with the praise. Others say that this starts bad habits and they will come to expect it every time. So it is best to save the prize for special times. Prizes seem to work well when the child makes a bowel movement. Some children take a long time to start making bowel movements on the potty. They will pick up the urinating part but not the bowel movements. So prizes tend to work better if the child is like this.

Stickers are another great way to make the child feel special. A chart of some sort can be started and as soon as the child filled the chart they can be taken out to pick out a new toy or piece of candy or treat.

Get rid of the diapers. Many children will not adjust to using the potty if they are still wearing diapers. If they wet in their underwear it will be a much more uncomfortable feeling and they will not want to wet anymore.

Potty training can be a difficult and trying time. Each child is different so what worked with one child may not work for another. These tips will help most children learn to use the potty.

Reviews: Cosco High Back Booster Car Seat

As a parent, what I need is a product that will keep up with my baby's growing needs and something that will make his life more convenient. Part of it, I noticed that he badly needs a booster car seat when we travel. When my husband and I had to go to the countryside, it broke our hearts to leave our baby behind because we couldn't take him along with us. We took some time to research and find the best baby car seat for my kid. We were overwhelmed with the plenty of choices we found online. It was never easy to look for a baby car seat even though there is variety of choices to pick up from. Great thing we found the Cosco High Back Booster. It ended our long and tiring, and sometimes confusing search. We discovered that this product has all the necessary features we have been looking for. I would tell you that it was never easy to find a baby car seat but it was satisfying to find the Cosco High Back Booster.

Finding my kid's perfect travel buddy wasn't easy at all since there are plenty of choices to choose from. This product is one of the most practical buys since it has all the convenient features that parents are after for in finding the right booster seat for their babies. From one of the world's most renowned baby brands, Cosco, the Cosco High Back Booster is the best choice for parents like me. Since the brand is committed to value and safety, this high back booster car seat provides both convenience and safety for babies.

This is very suitable for my baby. For kids weighing 22-40 lbs., this product is suitable and meets requirement of age to upgrade from a simple infant seat. The forward-facing system uses the five point harness system that perfectly adjusts to the needs of my baby. It has a 2-piece chest clip that keeps my kid secure in place. It saves me from worries that my baby will slip onto his new Cosco High Back Booster. Since this product is easy to lock in place, my baby stays secured in one location without any unnecessary movement.

In addition, the Cosco High Back Booster has a LATCH system that can easily be set up with any existing latch system of a car. It makes this product a versatile one since it can easily be set up with any latch system.

Plus, the Cosco High Back Booster comes with 2 harness guides that allow easy adjustment. This product works well for my baby since it can keep up with him. If the top harness setup is below the shoulders of your kid and he weighs over 40 lbs, I can remove the harness and transform the Cosco High Back Booster to a belt-positioning booster car seat. There are also 2 belt positioning guides that can ensure a perfect fit. Remember that the maximum weight for the booster seat on a belt-position is 80 lbs.

Moreover, I also like the fact that this product is spacious for my baby. The Cosco High Back Booster has a padded spot around the head area, providing my baby with a space to sleep in the back seat. Because of this, I can notice that my baby has become happier with his new booster car seat from Cosco. He can sleep without any effort which makes me happier, too.

Apart from that, this product also has removable cup holder clips onto its sides that are reachable and convenient to use especially during a long trip. There is also a removable padding that allows me to clean up my child's Cosco High Back Booster in no time. Cleaning up is a breeze so there's no time to waste with this product.

Is Using a Baby Sling Safe For Your Baby?

There are many things to consider when you are a new mom. What to name baby, what will the theme of the nursery be, will (s)he have daddy's eyes or yours? Then there is the never-ending baby supplies available that may leave you wondering what is right for you and baby? Somewhere between wipe warmers and bath toys, you will probably stumble upon baby carriers and more specifically baby slings. If you look them up you will most likely see all of the ample benefits baby wearing brings. But you are also sure to find negative feedback as well. So what's the deal? Are baby slings safe?

Well yes and no. The answer really depends on what slings you are referring to. The types that are not safe are generally the pocket slings or any sling that is deep enough to envelop baby in material. To prevent this make sure any sling that you put baby in allows for baby's face to be completely visible and above all fabric.

In addition you should make sure babies chin is never resting on their chest. This could result in poor oxygen flow. Furthermore baby's face should not be tightly leaned into your chest, blocking their nose and mouth as a result. Even so the sling must be tight enough around you that there is no loose fabric which would not only put strain on your back but also allow baby to slump into an unsafe position. Any time baby is in the sling they should be close enough for you to kiss them.

Always be sure to check the baby sling in general. Over time they will likely experience wear and tear like any other article of clothing you possess. Unfortunately the comfy, strong material that is perfect for baby slings is not everlasting. Be sure all of the seams are strong. Never put more weight in the sling then what is appropriate. 35 pounds is usually the max weight in any baby sling.

It's important to be aware of your baby whenever they are in a sling. In fact you should always be aware of baby no matter where they are, right? Before you ever even put baby in a sling be sure to read all the provided instructions that come along with it. As a result baby slings are safe enough to carry your baby, provided you take in all the necessary precautions.

Tips on When to Start Potty Training

Generally speaking, a child learns to get comfortable with a potty around their 2nd year but like every other aspect of a child's development, each one is different. So the question when to start potty training depends on the child's readiness.

Until around 20 months, a child's bladder empties often, which makes them hard to hold their personal necessities long enough to go to a toilet. Also, it is around this time that a child learns to dress and undress himself.

Other parents prefer to potty train their kids during summer when they are more comfortable to go around the house clad with fewer clothes. If by summer your child isn't ready yet, don't try to force him. When to start potty training will now depend on your observations on your child's readiness.

It is found that boys take a longer time to learn since they also have to learn to urinate while standing up. Other family members should show him the correct way to go.

Here are some signs when to start potty training.

• A child could be ready to be toilet trained if he is able to stay dry for around 2 hours every day.
  
  
• If your child becomes interested when you or any of the family members go to the toilet, it could be a good sign when to start potty training.
  
  
• When you notice that your child has regular bowel movements, for example, after breakfast.
  
  
• If your child can show you that he is currently having a bowel movement by using gestures or sound, it is a good time.
  
  
• When your child is able to let you know that he wants his nappy changed when it is soiled, he is also showing signs when to start potty training.
  
  
• When your child is able to pull his/her pants up and down, introducing her to the toilet now could be the best time.

These signs are usually seen when the child is around 18 to 24 months. But it isn't common to see 2 to 3-year old kids still in their diapers.

There might be signs when to start potty training, there are also some signs for waiting to do the training some other time.

Here are some of them:

• If there is a new baby coming to the family.
  
  
• When trying to move your child from the cot to a bed, it's maybe time to put off wondering when to start potty training.
  
  
• If you are transferring to a new place, postpone toilet training first.
  
  
• If the family is experiencing some relationship problems, it's best to set aside time in the future.

Remember that your child is different from other children, so comparing him to others is not at all helpful. If your neighbor's child with the same age as yours can already use the toilet while yours can't, don't try to rush and pressure your child to learn to go to the toilet in no time. Teaching him in a rush can be more harmful than advantageous. Your child can develop toilet anxiety, which can be difficult to correct.

Earth Friendly Biodegradable Nappies

Did you know that your baby will use approximately 6,000 nappies before toilet training, and that disposable nappies take 200-500 years to decompose? There are a lot of mums who are concerned about the environment and are curious about nappy options. Biodegradable nappies will go a long way in eliminating many of the environmental issues related to disposable nappies.

Biodegradable nappies are just as effective as a conventional one. However, it uses materials that are designed to break down quickly after they are disposed of. It is commonly made from post-consumer material and without chemicals. Unfortunately, there aren't many biodegradable nappies on the market. Plus, most biodegradable nappies are only partially biodegradable.

Why Are They Called Biodegradable Nappies
Throwing biodegradable nappies away sends them to the landfill, same with regular disposable nappies, and they take longer to decompose in the landfill than they would normally. Luckily, there are various brands of biodegradable nappies that are just as convenient to use as the normal disposable ones, and much friendlier to the environment. Many companies have developed flushable eco-friendly nappies, or recommend composting or vermicomposting their products to break them down quickly. But the resulting compost is not recommended to be used on plants grown for food, but is suitable for house plants and flowers.

Advantage And Disadvantages Of Using Biodegradable Nappies
This type of nappy will protect the environment, but some people say that if these nappies end up in landfills, they might mix up with other waste and might not decompose quickly. The cost of this product is also discussed. You will have to shell out more money. In case you want to cut down on cost and also want to be eco-friendly, you can alternate between organic nappies and folded cloth nappies.

These nappies do not contribute to the dioxin pollution because they are not treated with chlorine. Since they do not use latex, it helps to save the environment from pollution. They also won't cause rashes on the baby's skin because no chemicals are used during the manufacturing process.

How To Choose Your Baby's Nappy?
When choosing nappies for your baby, do not only check the labels as many nappy manufacturer claims they are earth-friendly when they are not. You can also check the material component to check if you are choosing the right nappy.

Always consider the comfort of your baby when choosing the right product. Using the right product is very essential in taking care of your baby, so pay attention to it and buy the best for your baby. Make sure that you use a very good quality biodegradable nappy that has a good absorbing quality and does not give your baby a nappy rash.

Where To Buy?
Many brands of this item is sold online exclusively at the company's website. Certain stores like Target and Toys R Us do sell these kinds of nappies, but only at selected locations. Amazon sells brands of nappies for about one dollar cheaper than the company websites. By buying this product, you are contributing your effort to help eliminate the environmental pollution.

Cotton Nappies - Best For Your Baby's Comfort

Comfortable Cotton Nappies For Your Baby
Cotton cloth nappies are good for the environment because they are reusable. They are also less expensive which a good deal is for parents. It is estimated that parents that use these nappies for their babies will allow them to save more than one thousand dollars.

This type of product is durable, lasting through from infancy to potty training. They are also more comfortable. You would never want to keep your bottoms enclosed in paper and plastic, and neither would your baby. Feel the difference for yourself - rub this type of nappy and a disposable against your cheek. Which softness would you prefer for your infant?

How To Clean Cotton Nappies
Prewashing - Wash the items at least three times in hot water with your mild soap or detergent. Completely dry them between each full cycle in the washing machine; it can also be placed in the dryer. After the third wash-and-dry cycle, the nappies are ready to use.

This process of washing should be followed because nappies made of cotton are usually unbleached. The bleaching process removes natural oils and waxes from cotton fibres. Without having gone through this process, these nappies will still be coated with these waxes and oils, which can inhibit absorption.

How To Take Care Of The Nappies
Nappy creams or lotions can negatively affect your cotton nappies, as they are difficult to rinse away. If your baby requires one of these, insert a liner between baby's skin and the nappy.

Cotton nappies also require mild detergents that are free from fabric softeners, enzymes, perfumes, dyes, natural oils and stain guards. These additives leave a residue on fabrics, which could make it less absorbent, odours, and leaking. The company that made your organic nappies should be able to provide you with a list of recommended fabric detergents.

What Are The Advantages
Cotton nappies are less irritating to the babies. Plastic nappies can often become uncomfortable for your baby. The plastic on most nappies doesn't breathe well. And the chemicals present in a nappy can cause irritation in your baby's skin.

Nappies made of cotton are good for the environment. Even if the plastic in the nappies is able to break down, the chemicals used in the nappies can throw the ecological balance of local ecosystems out of balance and may be toxic to the soil and its organisms when present in high doses.

There are lots of ways that you could cut costs usually when you use cotton nappies. All you need to do is research and obtain the right information regarding other advantages that you could receive prior to running out and make your decision. If you have decided on getting cloth nappies made of cotton for your baby, you should consider what style would be best for your baby, and also for you. There are a variety of styles, such as all-in-one cloth nappies, one size cloth nappies, and fitted cotton cloth nappies for babies.

Cloth Nappies - Why Use Them?

A Proper Way To Wash A Cloth Nappy

These type of nappies are earth friendly and very easy to take care of. If you are washing them in a proper way, your cloth nappies can last for many years and save you money. These are made from layers of fabric such as bamboo, cotton, hemp or microfiber and can be washed or reused a number of times.

Traditionally, all of these are composed of a folded square fastened with safety pins. However, modern cloth nappies come in different colours and shapes, and there is what we called preformed cloth nappies. There are also available all in one nappies with waterproof fabric materials in the market.

Do not use fabric softener or bleach on your nappies. Fabric softeners make the nappy less absorbent and bleach prematurely affects the fabric in a negative way.

The Regular Process Of Washing Cloth Nappies

1. Get the poop away from the nappy by flushing or rinsing it down to the toilet.
   
2. Fill a basin half full of cold water and you can also add a half cup of vinegar. If you are using a washing machine, you can put all of them directly into the machine. Have an extra cycle or two to get them clean.
   
3. Soak the nappies in the cold water with vinegar. Wait until you are satisfied that the time is enough for the dirt to loosen.
   
4. Remove nappies from the solution and you can start washing them. You can also put them in a washing machine and run a spin cycle to remove excess water.
   
5. Add a cold water plus a half cup of baking soda to neutralize the ammonia and it also helps in bleaching the nappies.
   
6. You can leave the nappies with that solution overnight.
   
7. After that, remove the water and let the nappies run another spin cycle.
   
8. Wash the nappies using warm water and use a gentle detergent on a regular cycle. If you are washing the nappies by hand, you need to do it on a separate basin and wash away the dirt.
   
9. You can rinse the nappies in cold water. Do not use bleach and fabric softeners. Fabric softeners decrease the absorbency of the nappy and bleach weakens the fabric of the nappy.
   
10. Check the nappies for stains. If there are no stains, you can hang them in lines under the sun. The sun is the best antimicrobial agent that is perfect for your cloth nappies.

If you want to make sure that your nappies are cleanse thoroughly, wash them a few at a time. It is also advisable to separate your nappy covers from the nappies. The number of nappies you'll need to start out will depend on how often you want to laundry. If you have time to wash them every day, you can wash up to 2 dozens of nappies a day. It is always safe to check the product's label and follow the manufacturer's washing instructions. Nappy services are also a great idea for many parents; see what's available in your area.

The Truth Behind Disposable Nappies

Things You Should Know About Disposable Nappies
Disposable nappies were introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1961. First used as an occasional convenient substitute for cloth nappies, their popularity has since exploded. A disposable nappy consist of an absorbent pad squeezed in between two sheets of non-woven material. The pad is specially designed to absorb and retain body fluids, and the non-woven material gives the nappy a comfortable shape and helps prevent leakage.

This type of nappy is used widely used across the country and according to statistics from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and disposable nappy manufacturer Kimberly-Clark, almost 800 million plastic nappies are used in Australia every year totalling 111,220 tonnes of solid waste. Those 800 million nappies add up to tons of plastic a year and tons of wood pulp. Each nappy has an outer layer of waterproof polypropylene and an inner layer of fluff made from wood pulp plus super-slurper sodium polyacrylate that can hold a hundred times its weight in water.

Some plastic nappies are advertised as biodegradable and claim to pose less of a solid-waste problem than regular nappies. Their waterproof cover contains a cornstarch derivative that decomposes into water and carbon dioxide when exposed to water and air. Unfortunately, modern landfills are airtight and little, if any, degradation occurs. Biodegradable nappies, therefore, are not significantly different from other disposables.

How To Minimize The Impact Of Plastic Nappies?

• Only use these nappies if situation calls for it such as on travel or away from home, you are so busy that you don't have enough time to change cloth nappies every now and then, or any situations where you can use disposables instead of cloth nappies.
  
  
• Use cloth baby wipes and throw them with your nappies in the wash.
  
  
• Purchase nappies which are made from fabric such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton. Apart from being environment-friendly, these have good benefits for your baby.

Reasons To Use This Type Of Nappy
One of the first decisions you'll make as a new parent, is what type of nappies you are going to use with your baby. Your little one will be in nappies around the clock for up to two years. This type of nappy has been around since the sixties. The popularity has grown over the years, and they have seen many changes. The common reasons to use them are as follows:

• It is a throw-away, easy to use, a good time-saver; it can be thrown away once used, unlike cloth nappies which will need to be laundered.
  
  
• Easy to use. It is an all-in-one product, with less bother than cloth.
  
  
• You can use disposables when baby is suffering from nappy rash. This nappy is intended to wick away as much liquid as possible from the surface of your baby's skin, while containing solid waste as best as possible through a snug fit, cuffs and a cinched waistband fitted with adjustable tabs.
  
  
• Disposable nappies tend to leak less than cloth. They are very absorbent, tight and snug fit.

Why Do Babies Cry? 8 Common Reasons Why Babies Cry!

I guess one of the most challenging parts of parenting is soothing a crying baby. In fact, many parents find themselves at a loss as to why their baby is crying all the time. Is the baby really a fretful baby or is he telling you something?

Babies usually cry for a reason. Although there are babies that are more fretful and more sensitive than others, the most common reasons for crying are the following:

1. Hunger

Feeding the baby should be done every after 4 hours or so. Their little tummy can only hold a bit of milk at a time. This is why they get hungry easily.

2. Discomfort

Your little one can be uncomfortable due to a dirty, leaky or a smelly diaper. Choose the best diaper that can seal moisture in and prevent rashes. Discomfort can also be caused by an uncomfortable mattress. Choose a mattress that can provide utmost comfort and support to your baby's body.

3. Lack of social interaction/boredom/feeling vulnerable

Babies like to be held, touched crooned at and talked to. If they are just left in the crib for a prolonged period of time, they can grow restless and fretful. Take your baby for a stroll in the park.

Co-sleeping is also good for babies. Just place the crib inside your room to keep your baby close. It also helps to put a mobile on top of the crib. Look for a musical mobile to keep your baby entertained.

4. Tummy ache

Build up of gas and colic problem can also cause discomfort to a baby. To prevent this from happening, keep your baby nice and warm especially during the winter season. Also avoid putting your baby to bed immediately after feeding. Gently pat the baby's back to allow him to burp out excess gas.

5. Room temperature is not good

If it is too cold or too warm in the room, your baby will have trouble going to sleep. Make sure there is proper ventilation in the room. You might also want to install a dehumidifier close to the crib.

Try buying a baby monitor with features that show temperature. This will allow you to determine the right temperature in your baby's room.

6. Growing teeth

One of the uncomfortable parts of your baby's life is when a tooth is growing. It is painful and itchy. You can try purchasing a teether so your baby can chew on the toy when the discomfort becomes too unbearable.

Ice cubes also help. Get an ice cube and wrap a handkerchief around it. Use it to numb out the gum of your baby.

7. Cannot breathe properly due to flu

Is your baby suffering from flu? Babies also suffer from clogged nose when afflicted with flu. Consult your baby's pediatrician about the best medicines and products that can help abate flu symptoms. It also helps to massage a mentholated treatment on your baby's chest and back to ease up their breathing.

8. Insect bites or skin discomfort

Itchy skin, rashes or insect bites can make a baby fretful. Prevent back sweat to fend off allergies and rashes. Make sure you change the leaky diaper of your little one to avoid diaper rash. At night, try using a crib mesh tent to keep insects away.

If your baby is comfortable, he won't give you a lot of problems. A happy and comfortable baby is an easy baby to take care of.

How To Decorate A Baby Nursery

If you are looking for creative ways to decorate a baby nursery the sky is the limit in terms of what sort of decorative accents you can use. No longer do nurseries strictly have to be in shades of pink or blue. Gone are the days when all baby rooms had to be basic and gender specific. Nowadays you can create magical nurseries in shades like apple green or sandy beige. You can create all sorts of stunning looks for your baby to grow up in simply by featuring different unexpected items with your child's nursery decor.

One option that is very popular is to create a room using jungle animals. You can paint the walls a lighter sand color which provides a great backdrop for oversized animal stencils on the walls you can feature a giraffe stencil in the corner or on the closet doors. You can place a tiger stencil underneath a low window. You can even stencil a herd of elephants prancing across a wall. You can place stuffed animals strategically around the room including on window sills and on the changing table too.

Another decorating option that you can consider is to opt for educational items like building blocks and numbers. This look again looks great when featured against a more neutral tone. Brightly colored alphabet blocks can be painted on the walls. You can have oversize numbers climbing a set of steps along the wall leading to the window sill. You can even place wooden alphabet blocks on the window sill and use them to spell out different words. With this look it is all about creating a cohesive look that will grow with your child as they get older. Once they are old enough to start learning words and numbers then their bedroom will be the perfect learning environment to pick up all sorts of educational ideas.

No matter how you choose to decorate a baby nursery it is important to create an environment that can transition with your child without having to completely redecorate the entire space. Unless you enjoy the idea of repainting every couple of years you are much better off picking a more neutral tone and then using removable items to create the rest of the look. Stencils can be removed from walls. Stuffed animals can be donated to charity or given to younger siblings. Keep changing the accent pieces but keep the basic color the same and you have baby nursery that will easily transition into a toddler room without a great deal of redecorating.

What To Do When Your Toddler Says "No!"

Most parents feel exasperated when their toddler begins to use the word "no" frequently. Let me reassure you: a 2 year old's use of "no!" is developmentally appropriate and also a necessary part of growing up. This stage signals the child's budding awareness of himself as a separate person, as one who has choices. Saying "no" to a parent's request or gesture means that he is growing intellectually, and beginning to differentiate himself. This is a process that will continue throughout childhood, possibly easing up somewhat in the elementary school years, only to suddenly gain incredible momentum sometime between the ages of 10-15.

First, let me explain why this is one of the most important parenting issues you will face. I am a firm believer that the quality of the relationship you develop with your toddler will continue all throughout the next 15 or so years. If you have a flexible, yet firm approach to his growth and learning, you will be more likely to have a successful and happy parenting experience during the tumultuous adolescent years. However, if you have a contentious, argumentative relationship with your 3 year old, you will likely have a difficult relationship with your 15 year old. Think of it this way: a toddler is just beginning to explore his world, and to realize that he is a separate being from his parent. If you treat this process in a controlling, defensive, or hostile way, your child will learn that in order to separate himself from you, it must be done through arguing and anger (although a milder, meeker child might learn to simply give in and give up, which is undesirable as well).

After the relative calm of middle childhood, adolescents start to explore the world in an even broader way, and begin to question their parents. If your child has learned that you are open to his exploration of the world - within limits that ensure health and safety precautions - then your child will continue to respect you during this process. If, however, you are heavy-handed in your approach toward this process, your child will learn to distrust your judgment and will be less honest about what he is doing.

Now back to how to handle those cries of "No!" by your toddler. What I'm saying is: get used to it. Remember, your child is not rejecting you. He is simply trying to assert himself as an individual. Learn positive approaches to managing you child's negative replies. You will circumvent a great deal of power struggles if you use this in your favor. Rather than reacting to the word "no", try to find other ways to handle the struggle. Instead of asking a question that will be automatically answered with "No!", use the technique of giving appropriate choices. Instead of saying "Do you want to wear the blue striped shirt?" (No!), say, "Would you rather wear the green shirt or the one with trucks on it?" This gives your child a sense that he has some power to manage his own world, which is less likely to result in a power struggle.

Many toddlers have trouble with transitions. They don't want to stop doing what they are having fun doing to go do what you need to do. (You wouldn't want to be coerced away from what you are doing without warning, either.) Use the Five Minute Rule: "In five minutes, we have to leave the park, and go to the store." When the time is up, simply tell him that the five minutes are up, and now it is time to go. If he does not begin to come willingly, gently take his hand and remind him once more that the time is up. If he starts to struggle, do not argue with him. There is no need to say anything further. This is the time for action, not words. You will need to pick him up and carry him to the car. Some headstrong toddlers will continue to fight you on this in future situations, but you will be amazed that after you use this consistently, your child will become more cooperative.

Learn which battles to fight. Your toddler walking across the street by himself is NOT negotiable. But if he wants to wear one black sock and one white sock, so what? Does it really matter? Let that one go.

Rather than attempting to impose your will on your toddler, seek to increase cooperation. You will find that the relationship is far more satisfying, and less exhausting. And in no time, your little argumentative lawyer will begin saying "no" a lot less often, simply because there is no longer a need to say it in response to everything. The power struggle has in large part been defused. And you are on the way to an excellent relationship with your child over the long haul.

How to Encourage Your Baby to Learn

It always looks cute when your adorable little baby is mimicking sounds, recognizing things and is able to reflect his understanding of common things.

Many people are unsure of how to get their babies to learn and the age at which they should encourage learning. There is no set age actually and it all depends on the child. However, the parents should keep track of her development to know when is the right time to motivate her to learn.

At the age of 6 months:

Babies love music and so you should show them the educational videos like nursery rhymes, animal sounds songs, phonics song, counting songs, etc. at the age of 6 months, she will not understand anything but the music. She will be fascinated with it and will begin to like these videos. When she grows older this likeness will increase and she will start catching things from those videos.

At the age of one year:

Usually at the age of one, the baby understands most of the simple commands like "stand up", "come here", "eat this", etc. when she gets enough sense to understand simple sentences, it is the right time to encourage her to learn more things.

Give her picture books and tell her stories out of them.

You can also give her coloring books and colors. At the age of two, she should be able to color the pictures and recognize the different colors. Use washable colors and crayons.

Give her small white board and a board marker which is washable. Allow her to use the marker anywhere she wants but do tell her gently that she should use it on the white board.

Give her stickers of phonics, numbers and other things that she likes and let her stick them up where ever she wants. Use 3D stickers which are easily removed.

At the age of two:

You can take your child to play group so she can socialize with other kids and learn more.

Give her educational toys like laptops, building blocks, play dough, etc.

Give her simple picture dictionaries so that she can recognize things.

Appreciate the baby a lot:

Tell everyone to applause when the baby reaches a milestone like being able to name the colors and recognize different shapes. This way, she gets motivated to learn more.

Don't force the baby:

Every baby has different development speeds. Some do not start talking until they are much older while others are talking from an early age. Don't let these differences get in the way of your baby's learning. Be patient and always encourage your child and appreciate her.

Why do this yourself when your baby will already be learning these things when she goes to school?

When you make the baby learn from an early age instead of waiting for her to go to school, you are actually encouraging her brain to function more actively and you give her learning abilities a boost. Your child will catch things easily when she gets older and she will grow up to be smart and intelligent.

Changing Tables Make It Easy

A baby's caregiver/parent will benefit by using a changing table, it will be more comfortable on their back and knees, as well as making it easier to change the baby. Most tables stand at 36 to 44 inches high, with a lot of tables allowing storage space for wipes, rash ointment, extra diapers and a toy or two to keep the baby busy while being changed. For those who are taller or shorter than average heights, you may want to tryout a changing table in the store before purchasing just any table. If it seems uncomfortable, then you may want to select a different table.

The Consumer Union believes that a changing table should have barriers on all four sides to make it the safest area when changing a baby. If you would like a different way to go, you might want a removable changing pad that is able to attach to the top of a dresser. If you wish to go this direction, make sure that the changing pad has two opposing contoured sides with a restraint strap. A baby in most cases grows out of a changing table by the age of two and at this time the table usually becomes a dresser at this stage of the game.

All changing tables must have barriers on all sides to comply with safety standards, unless it comes with contour pads. So if this is the case, barriers should be on the two opposing long sides of the table. It is recommended that you purchase a changing table with barriers on all four sides, because there are many injuries to babies each year. So if your baby is an active child, he or she could fall off the table and suffer a fatal accident as this type of fall can be compared to an adult falling several stories from a building. One should never leave a baby alone at any time. You should always have safety straps in place. Make a practice to have at least one hand on your baby at all times as this will prevent any possible or potential accidents. This is why you will want to have everything that you need to change your baby within in arms reach. By chance that you do not have everything close at hand, be sure to take your baby with you as you will not want to walk away even for a second!

Most changing tables are made out of wood, but some are made from wicker, vinyl, plastic or even metal. Changing tables usually have a shelf, baskets or drawers for the purpose of storage. This will allow one to have the essentials nearby, making life easier when you change your baby. Most tables come with a pad included, if not you may easily find an available one in many different colors and patterns. When putting a changing table in place make sure not to place it near any small objects that your baby can get a hold of. When purchasing a changing table, it may be a benefit to have drawers instead of open spaces because when your baby starts to crawl, they may try to grab at anything on an open shelf. If you decide to buy a table with wheels to move from room to room, be sure that the wheels have good backing brakes. Also, look for the JPMA Certification, indicating the changing table meets the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association standards for safety and quality.

Why Does Buying a Stroller Online Make More Sense?

If you're looking for the cheapest deal on baby strollers, you need to consider getting them online. There are many reasons for an online pram stroller store to display much lower price than your regular retail outlet. A retail outlet should be in a prime location to attract customers. Imagine the kind of rent money these stores have to pay and their operational costs are equally large. They have to spend a huge amount of money on energy bills, maintenance and staff salary.

Your Local Retail Outlet Absorbs Their Operational Costs From You

This is not rocket science but some people fail to realize that their local retail outlet is taking huge profits from them when they buy a pram stroller or stroller joggers. There is no other way for them to cover the rent, salaries of different staff, warehouse expenses and transportation costs. When it comes to an online store, they don't have to pay most of the above listed expenses so they can always give you the best bargain.

The products will be stored in the warehouse for a limited time but most online stores have facilities to ship baby strollers directly from the company to the recipient's address. Since you're cutting down on different costs you can buy baby strollers for a much lower price through online shopping.

Convenience At Its Best

The busy schedule for most of us is really hectic and finding time to purchase pram strollers is really difficult. Moreover, you have to reach your retail outlet through heavy traffic. But if you order your product online, it will be delivered at your doorstep. Online shopping is all about convenience and you can avoid nasty salesmen trying to convince you why a substandard product is actually the best choice.

When you buy baby strollers online, you can do research for the best strollers and verify the claims made by your online store is accurate. Since no one is pushing you to buy a specific product, you have maximum freedom on choosing something that you like the most. Once you start enjoying stress-free shopping, there is no going back to those cramped retail stores. Your baby stroller will be shipped to your address through a highly regarded courier service and the package will be insurance protected.

Some of us don't live with our partner for various reasons but with online shopping, you can directly send the baby stroller to your spouse. Once you make the payment and give a shipping address, the product will be delivered to that address. Moreover, you can avoid getting in crowded places. If you're shopping for baby strollers in a festive season, you will find it extremely difficult as overcrowded retail outlets are no longer suitable for shopping.

If you don't have your own car, you need to hire a taxi to bring your baby stroller but you can save all this money on online shopping. Compulsive shopping is another major concern about a regular shopping mall.

Most of us end up buying products that are absolutely useless simply because that's all they had and once you reach home, you'll probably be disappointed with the decision. Many online stores now offer free shipping and no-hassle returns or guarantees. There are many advantages for online shopping compared to regular shopping and this is why more and more people are attracted to the concept of online shopping each day.

The Benefits Of Bicycle Trailers For Children And Parents

Getting yourself a bicycle trailer is a great idea if you have a baby because a bicycle trailer can serve many functions. If you're a parent, you should seriously consider getting bike trailers to make your life much easier. A bike trailer not only helps you to travel around the town with your baby but there are many other advantages that make it an essential buy for parents.

If you are looking forward to spend more time with your baby, there are not many things like a bicycle trailer that can help you with this. It doesn't matter whether you're going on a picnic or shopping around, you can effortlessly take your baby alone with you. This is a great flexibility and in the past, such innovative ideas were rare. Since a bicycle trailer is attached to your bike, you don't have to take the pain of carrying your baby.

Now you can reach places easier than ever, thanks to the increased speed of your bike. Once the bike trailer is attached with your bicycle, there is nothing much for you to worry about. However, it's important to buy your bicycle trailer from a highly regarded manufacturer as the quality of your trailer is significantly important. If you're not using a very good trailer for your traveling purposes, there are many issues that you may encounter.

The best strollers have an adequate seating position for your baby, preferably a laid back posture so that your baby won't put too much strain on his/her spinal cord. The trailer should have locks to keep your baby secured tightly but comfortably to the seat. If you ever have to brake quickly, nothing should happen to your toddler. Moreover, the comfort offered by different bike strollers varies.

There are some manufacturers whose products can't be used when your baby is growing up, believe me, babies grow up really fast. An ideal bicycle trailer must be capable of accommodating your baby for a long time, despite his/her increased size. It's also important to keep in mind that your baby should get maximum comfort in the trailer.

If you buy your trailer from a reputable manufacturer, you can expect it to have the best in class wheels. These wheels offer great impact protection and much better traction on the road, it is essential for the safety of your baby. The seating position is another important factor and the best posture can be found on products coming from good manufacturers.

You can use bicycle strollers for occasional grocery shopping and other functions. There are some baby strollers that come with a dual seating setup. This is a great idea for those who want some extra space to carry their stuff while traveling with their baby. These are just a few benefits of owning a bicycle trailer but you can find many more advantages for them. A bicycle trailer is the essential accessory that can dramatically change your parenting lifestyle and bring joy and happiness to your life!

What Are the Different Brands That Manufacture Crib Bedding for Baby Boys?

Many parents can get quite ecstatic about the idea of decorating their newborn's crib. Thus, they need plenty of ideas on how to spruce up the nursery without overdoing the design. Aside from the essential items in the nursery (crib, closet and a few chairs), the bedding completes the fabulous look of the crib. Hence, it is important to choose the best print and style of bedding that is ideal for the baby's room.

If you have a baby boy, you should make sure that you purchase a bedding set that complements a baby boy's room. The design, colour and style should be perfect for child's peaceful retreat. Moreover, you should also consider the fabric used in the bedding; it must be soft and gentle on your baby's skin. Here are some of the top brands of baby boy bedding that you might want to consider purchasing.

Lambs and Ivy

This company has its long history of manufacturing bedding for babies. You will definitely delight on the attractive designs, colour and style of beddings. For a baby boy's room, you can find a number of fabulous bedding by this brand. The bedding set includes a fitted sheet, bumper, dust ruffle and a quilt. You can also purchase additional items not included in the set such as a storage box, hamper, rug and upholstered chair. You need not worry about the fabric used in the bedding, as Lambs and Ivy assure its consumers that their products use only 100 percent organic cotton.

Cocalo Couture

If you want modern designs for your baby boy's bedding, you might want to check out the products by Cocalo. Most of their print feature art deco motifs, with some retro feel in them. Bedding set usually makes up of a quilt, bumper, fitted sheet and dust ruffle. You can also purchase additional items from this brand such as a lamp, musical mobile, valance, a hamper and so much more. You will love the high quality material in these items by Cocalo Couture.

Glenna Jean Spa

For a contemporary look on your baby's crib, try the bedding by Glenna Jean Spa. The interesting print in the bedding features modern designs and geometric shapes that would look great on your baby boy's room. You will certainly delight on the bedding set by this brand, which includes a fitted sheet, quilt, bumper and a dust ruffle. If you wish, you can purchase several other items such as a diaper stacker, throw pillow, musical mobile and a hamper.

Kid's Line and Carters

Anyone would love the outstanding design of bedding by Kid's Line and Carters. For a baby boy's room, you should check out their Blue Elephant Bedding Set for Baby Boys. The set includes a bumper, sheet, quilt and dust ruffle. You will particularly love the blue motif of the Elephant Crib set, which is simply marvelous for your little boy's room.

If you are interested in the bedding featured in these reviews, check out the official website of these sites. You will get to discover more information about these brands, which you might want to purchase for little one's crib.

What Should You Consider When Looking for a Good Baby Car Seat?

If you are travelling with your newborn or your baby, you should ensure the safety of your little one even when inside the car. Because of your child's fragile body, it is rather impossible to make him put on a seatbelt without slipping out of it. Moreover, strapping him with a seatbelt can be very uncomfortable because of the extreme tightness of this protective belt. Hence, you should come up with a different means of ensuring safety for your little one while on the road.

Baby seat covers are the best alternative to seatbelts. In fact, these are ideal for a newborn's or a baby's use. It serves as another seat on top of the car seat. The good thing about a baby seat cover is that it can accommodate your baby well. Most car seats for babies are perfect for those aged 0 to 12 months. All you need to do is place your child inside the car seat and secure the straps or zipper. These seats come with a peek-a-boo window that allows your baby to have plenty of access to breathe well. Hence, your baby stays secure without suffering from suffocation or any kind of discomfort.

Aside from the protection from car accidents, a baby seat cover is also ideal to keep your little one warm when the weather or the temperature is chilly. A typical snug ride baby seat for babies comes with a cozy blanket, which uses organic cotton and has fleece lining. Your little one would surely feel snug and warm with this kind of fabric in a baby car seat.

If you are looking for a good snug ride seat for your baby, make sure that it has all these qualities. Check the durability of the material and the type of fabric used. More than the physical appearance of the seat cover, you have to be sure that it will bring comfort to your little one. You should check out these highly recommended brands of baby seat cover, which come with excellent features.

Chicco Infant Seat Cover

Chicco is a brand famous for baby products, which continuously impress consumers worldwide. You should check out the company's line of infant seat covers that are ideal for your baby's use. The latch installs easily to the car seat in only a matter of seconds. Afterwards, you can already seat your baby in it, and secure all the straps. The comfortable material used in the product makes it a truly ideal seat cover for your baby's protection. It also comes with a removable head support and a level footrest with spring. You can avail of this excellent product for only $152.99.

Graco Snug Ride Baby Car Seat

Another good brand of baby items, Graco comes with a number of models of car seats for babies. This product is ideal for babies that have a weight of 4 to 30 pounds. You can install the seat easily to the seat latch, without the use of tools. This seat cover is truly reliable because it has passed the U.S safety standards, thus giving you so much confidence in this great product. The removable headrest and snug straps add to the best features of this baby seat cover. For a remarkably low price of $89.99, you can already purchase this truly functional item when inside the car with your little one.

There you have it, a few of the two best baby car seat covers that you might want to check out when looking for great car seats for your little one. Look them up online for more information on the products' additional features.