Advice on Child and Baby Products

Baby Monitors – Keep A Closer Eye On Your Baby

Baby Monitors are baby-monitoring devices that can help mothers keep a close eye on the little one’s condition even when they are not near the baby physically. They are equipped with latest technologies to ensure that the baby is safe and can alert adults if they are not well or are choking, fitting, or even if the baby is disturbed by someone or something.

Mothers are naturally extremely worried about their babies’ well-being and want to spend as much time close to their babies as they can. However, because many mothers are themselves busy, there is a genuine concern about babies when they physically cannot be present near the babies. Baby Monitors are ideally suited to solve this modern parenting problem and there are wide range of different monitors.

These products typically come with one transmitter, which has to be placed near the baby, and a receiver that the mother can keep close by or carry. The transmitter can have audio, video as well as motion sensing facilities to give a clear idea of the baby’s condition.

Features like low battery or out of range indicators, temperature display, alarm, remote zooming in for closer view to make sure your baby is alright even when they are very still, multiple mounting options, auto night vision to see your baby at night, belt clip portability and voice selection facility for turning screen back on make these monitors indispensable for safe parenting.

Thanks to the lightweight, compact and easily portable Baby Monitors, mothers can always remain updated about their babies’ health. With signal range up to 400 feet and minimal outside interference, the baby can be monitored over long distances. Lights on the monitor can also detect sounds.  Different features appeal to different people so take a look at the best baby monitors to make an informed decision. 

In our household, we have always used Baby Monitors and they provide real peace of mind as well as saving your legs to keep walking up and down the stairs to check every time!

Baby Bibs- Your Infant has a Reason to Smile Now

Baby bibs help you to manage the mess made by babies while they feast on food. Mealtimes with babies can sometimes be a frustrating part of parenting and using bibs to minimise messy eating will lessen the burden and make mealtimes more fun with your children.

What are the Advantages of Baby Bibs

• Safety: When a baby burps or milk gets spilt while feeding it can cause harm to the sensitive skin of the baby. Baby foods can also cause rashes or allergies when they come in contact with the baby’s skin.  A bib protects your baby's kind.
• Cost Effective: Using bibs during feeding saves money in several respects; you will spend a lot less on children's clothing as well as creams to treat any irritations caused to skin as a result of contact with milk or baby food.
• Prevents Staining: The baby’s clothes can become stained if you do not use a bib. Baby bibs are easier to clean than soiled clothes and a bib is easier to change when you are out and about than a whole set of baby clothes.

Selecting the Right Type of Baby Bibs

Buying baby accessories and other essential supplies for the baby needs to be done with care. You should know what factors you should look for while buying bibs.

Material

Baby bibs are generally of two types.

• Synthetic or Slick Material: These are easy to clean and can be reused after wiping with a damp cloth. The only disadvantage with this material is that food can slide down and it may stain clothing.
• Absorbent: This helps to absorb the spills thoroughly. The food does not get to any clothing that the bib covers.

Size of the Bib

Bibs come in different sizes. Depending on the age of the baby, you can buy the appropriate size. Mostly, bibs are adjustable and can be used when the child grows older. Going for a large sized bib is safe, as it will cover more area and protect the baby’s skin as well as its clothing.

Design

Bibs are available in different designs and colours. The large ones can be pulled over the head just like a t-shirt, while the rest can be tied in the back. Some bibs have Velcro too. Select the type that is easiest for you and your baby, but by using a bib with a character or colour that your baby or toddler enjoys, or one that is personal to them, you are likely to get less fuss from them when putting it on. 

Cost

Baby bibs are not expensive and since you will need plenty of them, buying them in wholesale shops will bring down the cost considerably.

Additional Features

There are bibs that have additional features like a pocket that will catch the food, or a tag that will be entertaining for the baby.

Precautionary Measures while Using Baby Bibs

Here are some things you should check on before buying the bib.

• Ensure that the bibs are designed especially for newborns. Check the size and verify whether it will suit your child.
• The bibs should be easy to put on and easily taken off.
• The bibs should be safe, comfortable and absorbent. They should not fit tightly making it difficult for the baby to breathe.

Bibs form the perfect solution for preventing food spills while you feed the baby. They protect the pristine baby clothing and also safeguard the baby’s skin from allergies and rashes. Baby bibs are not only useful for older infants but they can also be used for new born babies to protect the clothes from drooling and spit ups.

Buying Bottle Warmers for Your Baby - What to look for

Bottle warmers are useful to heat the baby’s milk to the right temperature and they can also be used to warm jars of baby food and bottles of various sizes. The main purpose of using a bottle warmer is to give the baby a comfortably warm meal and there are several types you can choose from.

Types of Bottle Warmers

There are different types of bottle warmers for babies. Here are some of the most commonly used types.

Standard:

This heats only a single bottle of milk. The bottle is placed in a central vessel and water is filled around it. The water is heated when the warmer is switched on. An indicator light goes off after the optimum temperature is reached. It also has a thermostat that keeps the water temperature at constant level. For heating jars of food, the warmer should have an adapter that can be easily reached. Some types also have the provision to warm food with the help of a bowl.

Feeding Bottle:

Compared to standard types, these are very advanced. Milk is warmed the similar style but this type has an additional cooling section that can keep packed bottles chilled and prepared to be warmed when needed.

Portable:

These are simple bottle warmers that can be taken along while you are on the move. The milk may take longer time to warm.

Car Bottle Warmers:

These can be operated with the help of the power socket or cigarette lighter in the car. They contain a strap that fits to the bottle of milk or baby food jar. It takes about 15 minutes for the warming to be complete.

Flask Models:

This type has two parts, namely an inner flask and a lid, that are designed to hold the bottle. You have to load the flask with boiling water and when needed, you can simply take away the lid, attach the bottle to it and fill the area around with water present in the flask. The milk warms in a few minutes. Water should be piping hot to warm the bottle.

What you need to know when shopping for bottle warmers

You should know certain things before you go ahead and buy the type you want. Here are some significant factors you should look for:

• Timer: Timer helps you to keep track of the time the bottle remains in the warmer.
• Jars: If you also plan to use the bottle warmer for warming jars of food, you need to look for designs that come with an adapter. The adapter keeps the jar of food at a reachable height so that it can be placed and removed easily.
• Portability: Portable warmers can be used while you are in the car. The warmer should plug into accessory outlets in the car. But such portable warmers take a long time to warm.
• Cooler: Most warmers have a cooler section that keeps the formula chilled like in a refrigerator. This is very useful for night feeding.
• Temperature: Models that have an indicator light for notifying when the warming is complete is an added plus. Thermostat is also another important thing that should be looked for, as it keeps the water temperature constant.

Why do I need a bottle warmer

If you are using formula for your baby, it is not necessary to own a bottle warmer, as it is made fresh for each feed. If you use ready to use formula or expressed milk, which can be stored in the fridge for 5 days at 4 degrees, a warmer is definitely needed in order to ensure that the temperature of the milk or food is correct. A jug of warm water can also be used to warm a bottle instead and this can cut out the need to buy a bottle warmer, but many people find parenting much more enjoyable when you have all the tools that can make life easier.

Buying Cot Beds - A Comprehensive Guide

Cot beds are one of the first things in your list if you are planning a nursery. A nursery should always be planned with safety and comfort as the utmost priority.  Newborn babies do not need a cot bed immediately as a crib; a carry cot or a Moses basket will be sufficient for them, but a cot bed is opted for by most parents as it can be used for a long period of time, sometimes even till the junior years.

Basic Factors You should look for in Cot Beds

While looking for a cot bed, there are some basic yet facts that you should know.

• Safety features are the first things you have to consider, above looks.
• The convertibility is an important factor to consider for a longer lasting bed
• It should be durable enough to survive a lot of wear and tear
• The base should be adjustable
• The price should match your wallet - parenting isn't about how much you spend but how much thought goes into the buy.

Safety Features in Cot Beds

There are some immediate safety features which you should look for and they are:

1. The cot should be deep enough for keeping the baby safe
2. The distance between the bars should be appropriate, less than one inch to prevent the baby from slipping
3. It should not have steps or cut outs
4. The rails should have a soft plastic coating to prevent the cot from being damaged and also to prevent injury to the baby
5. If you are buying a second hand cot, ensure that the safety features are still all in place.

Types of Cot Beds

There are many sizes and shapes of cot beds that are available in the stores. Some of them are:

• Corner shaped beds that can fit snugly into a corner in the nursery.
• Oval shaped cots that are easily converted to a sofa, chair or even a junior bed.
• Bedside cots that can be fitted to your bed. This is very useful during night feeding.

Dimensions of a Cot Bed

The standard size that is available mostly has a length of 146 cm and depth of 77 cm. The height varies between 90 cm and 105 cm, and most of the cots have a height adjustable system. If you want the cots to last longer, going for the large sized ones will be the preeminent option.

Flexible Dimensions

Here are some of the options that are available with these beds.

• Some cot beds can be adjusted so that the ends become shorter, getting a child prepared for a proper junior bed.
• Base height can be altered according to the age of the baby.
• There are generally three base heights offered. The lowest is safe for the baby and can be used till eight months.
• The second height is safe to be used in bed mode.
• A four height model is also available, but the flexibility is not that much, as the mattress will anyway be lowered during the early stages of the baby’s growth.

Adjustable Sides

Cot beds usually are of two types based on the sides such as:

1. Fixed sides
2. Drop sides

The drop side enables you to lift the baby easily. There are cots that have this mechanism on both the sides. Though a fixed side is sometimes considered a safer option, drop sides in cot beds can also be safe provided the safety standards are met with.

Moses Baskets - All you need to know

Moses baskets are a comfortable and cosy choice for newborns, as they are light in weight and easy to carry the baby in. They are fitted with handles and some baskets are also provided with stands, so that you can keep them beside the bed at a comfortable height.  Not all parents choose to use a Moses basket and some like to go straight to a cot bed but if you like the idea of a Moses basket as your baby's first bed, here's some more information on Moses baskets: 

Types of Moses Baskets

Moses baskets are available in many varieties because of the material originally used to make them. They are:

1. Palm baskets
2. Wicker baskets
3. Maize baskets

Common Features in Moses Baskets

Moses baskets usually have:

• Bedding materials; they regularly come with sheets, blankets and coverlets, but if the temperature is warmer you need not use all of them.
• A hood that is covered by fabric
• A foam mattress
• A stand which can be folded when not in use. The stand can also be used to rock the baby and soothe it. 

Advantages of Moses Baskets

Because of its limited lifespan, many people hesitate to buy Moses baskets, but they have many advantages such as

• they are light weight and easy to carry
• There are handles provided to make it easy to move about with the baby
• The baby is nestled comfortably in a smaller space and feels cosseted.
• The fabric hood gives adequate shade and keeps the baby cool
• It is less expensive than a crib initially
• You can rest it on the floor or use the stand to raise it to the level you require, so it is flexible in height

Safety Precautions when using a Moses Basket

While using a Moses basket, you should strictly adhere to the following rules:

1. Always pick up the basket by supporting the base with one hand and holding the handle straps in the other.
2. Ensure that the straps are lengthy enough to be joined at the centre.
3. Make sure the surface you rest the basket on is flat, or use the stand provided.
4. Check for signs of damage, wear and tear frequently.
5. If the baby’s size and weight are more than what the basket can hold, you should stop using it immediately.
6. Take care to keep the bedding only up to the shoulder level of the baby.

Sleeping Guide

Sleeping Area: For the first six months, having the baby in your room while he or she sleeps is common for a lot of parents.  A Moses basket can be placed by your bed on a stand in the same way as a crib or cot.  This will make the night feeds easier.

Temperature: Make sure the baby is not too near a heater, radiator or direct sunlight. The room temperature should be ideally at 16 to 20⁰C. Do not use too many bedclothes. Make sure you use cotton sheets or a Tog rated sleeping bag that comes without hood. Duvets should not be used. Lightweight bags should be used to prevent the baby from being overheated.

Mattress: The mattress should be a fresh one. It should fit snugly without any gaps. It should be clean, dry and not ventilated, as it is difficult to clean it. Waterproof cover can be used.

Pushchairs - What to think about when buying one

Pushchairs are available now in different forms and sizes ranging from simple basic models to multifunctional travel units. Choosing the appropriate pushchair can therefore become a vexing task, if you do not know what to look for. Pushchairs are basically a means of transporting babies or toddlers in a way that is convenient for the parent as well as the child, but can be an essential parenting tool if you choose one that will make your life easier.

Clinching Factors in Buying Pushchairs

When you are looking for a pushchair, there are five significant factors that you should note before you proceed further.

1. Ease of maneuvering
2. How easy it is to fold and unfold
3. Safety features of the pushchair
4. Price
5. The weight

Pushchairs You are Comfortable with

Two things that your have to bear in mind while purchasing pushchairs are

• You should be comfortable using it
• The baby and its particular needs should be met

The wheels should swivel properly, be easy to move about and should be made of rubber which is more convenient than plastic wheels.  Brake pedals should be designed to be reliable. You should also consider the neighborhood you live in, the places you are likely to go and how the baby needs to be seated before choosing one.

Meeting your Baby’s Needs

Recliner:

Pushchairs can be used by newborn babies and toddlers too, but if you are considering the pram for a new born, it should have a completely reclined seat and preferably one that can be altered as the baby grows. After three months, the chair can be partly reclined and then held upright. At present, most of the pushchairs are available with multiple recliner options.

Seat Position:

The seat should be reversible so that you can opt for the baby facing you or forwards. Seats that can be turned around when needed also give you more flexibility and will be convenient, if you want to check on the baby.

Accessories:

Accessories can further add comfort for the baby and you should be definitely looking for them. Some of the additional features you find are:

• Convenient folding mechanism
• Handle heights that are adjustable
• Space for shopping baskets
• Seat pads that can be detached
• Foot rest
• Rain covers
• Sun parasols

Types of Pushchairs

There are different types of pushchairs available in the stores, from which you can choose the one suitable for your needs. Here are some of the common varieties of pushchair available:

• Fully Reclined: This is especially made for newborn babies. Verify whether the back reclines to over 150 degrees.
• Upright: This is for babies who are more than six months old.
• Sleeping Pushchair: This should be used only when the babies are over six months old.
• Reversible Seat: This gives you the choice of positioning the baby facing you or forwards
• Travel Units: This enables transferring the child from the chair to the car easily without disturbing him or her. Make sure the child is not in the car seat for a long span of time.

Finally the cost of the chair should also be noted. If you would like to pass the chair onto your next child, then you can invest in an expensive and sturdier pushchair that lasts longer. Look for a less expensive one if you are thinking of changing pushchairs once the baby grows to save money that could be spent on other parenting tools.