Get that Perfect Bedtime Routine for Your Baby

A baby’s bedtime is most crucial, as it decides the end to his day. That is why, it has to be seen that it becomes as comforting as possible for your baby. To make this happen, get the right mix of fun and relaxing activities so that the baby dozes off to sleep effortlessly.

Why Should You Set a Bedtime Routine for Your Baby?

It is advantageous for both the parents and the baby if you set a routine at bedtime for him or her. Not only does it help to establish a unique bond between the child and parent but it also gets the baby’s mind and body used to a set pattern, so that sleep comes to him automatically. This will be particularly helpful if you are not around to put him off to sleep or you are in new surroundings, wherein the changed environment will not affect his sleep pattern.

How Do You Set a Bedtime Routine?

There are a few ways and means by which you can put your baby to sleep at night, with no great efforts on each one’s part. I have found them particularly useful and hope that you too would feel the same. Some of 
them are enumerated as follows:

·         Selection Of Activities

Before setting a routine, you need to decide what will be the activities going into it. It is advisable to choose those, which soothe the mind rather than excite it. From my experience, over excitement can drive your baby’s sleep away.

·         Provide Outlet for Stored Energy

An outlet has to be provided to your baby to expel all his excess energy. I have observed that it is best if you bounce your child on a bouncer or on your knees or let him have a ride on his toy horse. Once you realize he is cooling off, change to a more relaxing activity.

·         Give a Good, Warm Bath

Your baby gets a good ache reliever through a nice, warm bath and if you add some drops of aromatic oils which you feel suitable for your child, it could enhance the calming effect on your baby. However if you realize that your baby is not geared for a bath at night, then you can drop this from your bedtime routine.

·         Have a Quiet Sitting Game

You and your baby can have some fun, playing any of his favorite sitting games. They could range from anything like building blocks or any other floor game.

·         Reading Aloud

This is one of the must haves in any baby’s bedtime ritual. The baby learns new words and if you get phonetics to be included in your stories, he learns new sounds. Moreover it also takes him to a different world altogether. I still have a couple of my childhood stories with me, as permanent memories.

·         Singing Lullaby

You can use this technique to speed up the sleeping process of your baby. If you make this a regular feature, then the end of the song signals the baby to close his eyes and go off to sleep.

·         Saying Good Night

Before your baby closes his eyes, you can make a practice to bid good night to all his favorite toys and you can add additional items of your choice like the other members of your family as well as all his stuffed toys. This will help the baby to familiarize with the different items in the house and know their names.
Get your baby used to this bedtime routine and you will have no cause for regret.

Affordable Shopping Tips for Baby Clothes

Do not be surprised if the barely worn clothes do not fit your baby only after a month of purchasing them.
The problem is not with the clothes. Your baby is growing fast out of these clothes and if you want to save money, then you should be planning your shopping to correlate with the growth of your new born.
Here are a few tips for you to remember when you go shopping for your baby.

#1 One Size Bigger
Do not go hunting for a perfect fit for your baby. Remember, your baby is growing fast and you will be literally throwing away money by choosing fitting clothes as your baby will have outgrown them before you get around to using the clothes for a second time. In my opinion, always get one size bigger and the clothes will fit for longer time.

#2 Forecast the Weather
If you are shopping for clothes to fit your baby in a month or two, in addition to buying the right size, say 14 or 16 months, you should also think about the weather. Ask yourself, “What will be the weather condition when my little one is 14 or 16 months old?” Once you know the answer, I am sure you will not only end up with the right sized clothes but also clothes that are suitable for the season.

#3 Get Outfits that are Easy to Put On
Some outfits are too complicated and I think you’ll find yourself struggling to fit your baby in them. Choose one-piece outfits that have front opening with easy to close zippers or snap buttons. These will save you a lot of time, especially when you’re in a hurry.

#4 Stock up for Emergencies
Make sure that you have enough outfits to change quickly in case of emergencies like spilt food or accidents while eating.

#5 Look out for Clearance Sale
Most stores offer clearance sale and you can use this to save a ton on clothes. Look out for seasonal sales and discounts to save a lot more. You can even get additional markdown for some clearance stuff at the cash counter.

# 6 Do not Hesitate to Use Hand Me Downs
If your friends and relatives are willing to offer baby clothes from their family, particularly if they have un-worn clothes, do not hesitate to accept the offer. I've found that you can save a lot this way.

#7 Sell Used Clothes
Put the used clothes of your baby for sale on any one of the online stores, like eBay and convert your old baby clothes into hard cash that you can use for something else. Of course, you cannot expect to get the same amount that you paid for initially, but you will at least get a part of it.

If you want to save money and use the clothes you purchased for a longer time, then make use of the above ideas when you are out shopping clothes for your baby. These tips make you feel satisfied about the money you have spent, and your baby appears bright and beautiful in the new clothes.

All About Breast Feeding - The First Six Weeks

Breast milk is not only the best start you can give to your baby, breast milk is also complete food source, containing every nutrient your baby needs, including hormones and disease fighting compounds that are not found in powered milk.  The nutritional composition in breast milk will adjust to your baby's needs as they grow up and develop. Breast milk helps with brain building, and also has infection fighting benefits , which no powered milk can match.  Breast feeding will also help to build a special bond between you and your baby. When breast feeding, your baby thrives on contact, cuddling, and holding,  and of course so do you.

Since breast feeding can take up to hour, sometimes more, you should pick a cosy spot. The surroundings are also very important especially in the first few days of breast feeding when you're still trying to learn.  If you are easily distracted by noise, go someplace quiet.

You should always keep your baby in a position that will not lead to aching arms and back. It is best to support the back of your baby's head with your

hand, although which position you pick depends on what's more comfortable for you.  When supporting your baby, a nursing pillow can be helpful, and there are some very . You should never feed until both you and your baby are relaxed.  Pay attention to how your breast feels when your baby fastens on, as its mouth should cover most of the area below the nipple, and the nipple should be completely in your baby's mouth.

While some new mums adjust to breast feeding easily, other mums find it hard to learn at first. Everyone is different when starting, it depends upon the mother and the situation.  Breast feeding will take a lot practice, you should give yourself as much time as you need so it becomes second nature.  Always take it one day and one feed at a time.  If you are having a bad day, say to yourself that it will get better, and you are not alone. Keep in mind that any problems are normally short-term, and you will be nursing like a natural by your six week postnatal check-up.

The first six weeks will be a learning curve, you can't expect to know everything when you first start, which is where training, practice and patience will really help you . The more you breast feed, the more you will learn. You will also build a bond with your baby - which is something the two of you will always have for the rest of your lives.

Baby Bibs - Parenting advice on the advantages of choosing the right bib

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 minimize 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.

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.

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!

Breastfeeding - A Few Basics That Every New Mum Should Know

Bringing a child into this world is definitely the most important thing in the life of a woman. However, the act of birth represents the beginning of a long process which highlights some important stages, from breastfeeding to sending your child to school. And because breastfeeding represents a very important stage of this process, this article is going to discuss a few essential things that you should know.

Breastfeeding: Making the Choice Bottles or Breast

Every single mum-to-be has to make a very important choice, which relates to the way she is going to feed her baby. And even though most specialists advise that new mothers to breastfeed their babies, only a few are willing to do try it. The truth is that human milk presents the most complex nutrition for an infant, being superior to any other alternatives. And for this reason, breastfeeding is the most recommended nutrition option for newborn babies especially for the first year of life. However, most mums reject this idea especially because there are so many other alternatives. However, even though the specialists are proposing different infant formulas, every single mum must know that all of them present various nutritional deficiencies, which can have some incredible effects on their babies. 

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

The specialists admit the fact that the exact composition of the human milk is still unknown. For this reason, it cannot be duplicated no matter how much the scientists are trying. And this is the reason why breastfeeding comes along with some unique benefits, which cannot be delivered by any other substitutes. Thus, every new mum must know that by simply breastfeeding her baby, she is able to give him or her a terrific start in life. If you are a new mum, you should know that breastfeeding provides:

• The Perfect Nutrition: The breast milk is the only one that meets the nutritional needs of every baby. Additionally, breast milk cannot be contaminated with other substances. However, you must take care with regard to the foods that you consume or medication that you take as some of them can contaminate the milk and harm your baby.

• A Healthy Child: It is a well-known fact that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of disease and infection in both mother and baby. The reason for this is the fact that the production and consumption of human milk actually aids in the development of the immune system. As a result, the number of breastfed infants who develop cancers, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions and asthma is much lower than the number of those babies who are fed with different formulas. As well, breastfed babies are less likely to develop the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS.

What Else You Should Know about Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not as difficult as you might think. However, in order to get everything right from the very first moments, there are a few steps that you should follow, such as:

§  Breastfeeding Preparation: Everyone knows that breastfeeding is a natural process. However, there are a few things that you must consider and even do in advance. Learning how to breastfeed your baby can take a lot of practice and for this reason, you should attend special classes that are ready to help you to develop the right skills.

§  Read Books: You can always find the information needed in a good book and there are plenty of good books in this area.

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§  Give It Some Time: Breastfeeding your baby is similar to everything new in life that we try, sometimes you can pick it up straight away and sometimes it takes a lot of practice and patience. The first weeks are always the most difficult ones. Most women succeed to breastfeed their babies perfectly after only a few weeks.

Breastfeeding comes along with another great advantage: it is very convenient. And this is because there are no baby bottles to handle or formulas to buy, meaning in the long term it will save a lot of money. There are a few accessories that you might want to have, such as breast pumps, and special nursing pillows. But, prior to taking any decisions, make sure that you consider all the available options and get only those that can really help you to enjoy a perfect nursing experience.