Did you know that children ages 1-5 are 10 times more likely to be killed in a pool than in a car? There are many people that have pools in their backyard, even little baby pools. If all you have is a baby pool I would recommend just taking the water out after you use it, and flipping it over. It you have a pool that is permanent consider putting up a fence around the pool, using a gate to get in and out.

Labels: baby safety

Appetite goes down between the ages 2-6 and that can pretty scary when you notice your child not eating, but know that it is normal. As long as when you take your child to his/her Dr visits and they stay around the same percentile then your child should be fine. If you're child is not hungry then don't force them to eat.

Things will change when your child gets a couple years older and they will be eating everything is sight, so don't worry too much now.

Labels: baby food

If you fear that a child or baby that you know is being maltreated, whether by neglect or abuse, please report it. When maltreatment occurs it is usually done by a parent (sometimes even both) and is almost always not just a one time thing.

You could be saving, not only that child, but their siblings lives as well. An estimated one million kids a year suffer from maltreatment.

Some warning signs (but not proof)

• delayed speech, laughing or playing by age 1
• with older children a sign is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• unable to focus, always looking nervously around.

So please protect the children that someone else neglects. I know this was kind of a depressing entry, but something needs to be done!

Labels: baby safety

When you have a new born (especially boys) you will need to learn how to change their diaper fairly quickly. What I always did was go ahead and lay out all the things that I would need.

If Alex just went pee pee then I would get out just one wipe and go ahead and get out one diaper and open up so that all I would have to do is wipe him off and slip on the diaper. It increased my chances of not getting soaked during a diaper change!!

The only thing I did different when Alex had a bowel movement was I just got out more wipes!

Labels: baby diapers

A toy that I recommend is an Art Easel. You can get your child a smock and some paint (or just crayons) and let them go crazy!! Art Easels are also good because it teaches your child that they can only color in a certain spot!

Labels: Recommended Baby Toy

I would say yes on this one. Even when they are toddlers they really still need at least one nap during the day. This helps them have more energy and to be less grouchy. If you have a little one that has not taken a nap all day by the time you get to 6 or 7 at night there really isn't anything that you can do to please that child. Even putting them bed is going to be a challenge as they are much more likely to fight sleep.

Alex takes one nap during the day and it is right after lunch and he sleeps for about and hour and a half to two hours. I have also met kids his age that take two 30 minute naps and are much happier that a child that hasn't had a nap at all.

Labels: baby questions, baby sleep

If you have been reading this for any period of time you know that I talk about getting down to your child's level when you are playing. I did some studying on this topic and it really does help your baby, and it helps them with more than just playing!! It also helps them develop emotional skills when you give them good eye contact.

They also tend to get more out of play time when they share it with you. Mommy and daddy know how to "bring the toys to life."

Labels: baby toys

When your newborn cries it may not always mean they are hungry. If you always resort to the bottle when they cry it could result in teaching them a very destructive lesson, which is that food is comfort. I am not by any means saying not to feed them when they are hungry, but really listen to their cry. Could it be that they are scared, bored, too hot or cold, or even in pain? If so then your baby will learn that there are many reasons for there happiness and they will become very well rounded!!

This tip could also help to get your little one sleeping through the night!!

Labels: baby food

If this is your first baby and you don't know many other people with babies it can be a little awkward just joining in a play group. What we did first were baby music classes, which in turn caused us to meet a lot of new baby's. Then we were told about a weekly play date at a local park. Once it gets too cold to have out doors we will more somewhere else. My point is that even though it can be very uncomfortable to me the "new mom" it is very good for you and your little one to try new things, especially if you can to it together! The thing is that normally the other moms are very nice, and maybe it's because at sometime or another they have all been the new mom too!

If you are a working mom and your are doing these things while you are taking time off it is a great way to meet stay at home moms that could make for good babysitters!

Labels: babysitters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing today a voluntary recall with Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., of about 1 million cribs. The drop-side can detach from the crib, which can create a dangerous gap and lead to the entrapment and suffocation of infants. CPSC is aware of two deaths in Simplicity manufactured cribs with older style hardware, including a 9-month-old child and a 6-month-old child, where the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is also aware of seven infant entrapments and 55 incidents in these cribs.

CPSC is also investigating the death of a 1-year-old child in a Simplicity crib with newer style hardware, in which the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers to check all Simplicity cribs to make sure the drop-side is installed right side up.
The drop-side failures result from both the hardware and crib design, which allow consumers to unintentionally install the drop-side upside down. This, in turn, can weaken the hardware and cause the drop-side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side detaches, it creates a gap in which infants can become entrapped.

CPSC is also aware of two incidents that occurred when the drop-side was correctly installed with older style hardware, though the upside down installation greatly increases the risk of failure.

The recalled Simplicity crib models include:
Aspen 3 in 1,
Aspen 4 in 1,
Nursery-in-a-Box,
Crib N Changer Combo,
Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1.

The recall also involves the following Simplicity cribs that used the Graco logo:
Aspen 3 in 1,
Ultra 3 in 1,
Ultra 4 in1,
Ultra 5 in 1,
Whitney and the Trio.

The recalled cribs have one of the following model numbers, which can be found on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label attached to the headboard:
4600,
4605,
4705,
5000,
8000,
8324,
8800,
8740,
8910,
8994,
8050,
8750,
8760,
and 8996.

The cribs, which were made in China, were sold in department stores, children’s stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 1998 through May 2007 for between $100 and $300.

As an immediate precaution, consumers should check to see if the drop-side is installed right side up. To do this, check to see that the slightly rounded rail with the decorative groove is installed at the top and the plain rail is on the bottom. Next, consumers should make sure the drop-side is securely attached to the tracks in all four corners.

If the drop-side is installed upside down or not securely attached, consumers should stop using the crib immediately. Incorrect installation can cause permanent damage to the hardware and re-installing the drop-side using the same hardware is unsafe.

Consumers who have a crib with older style hardware can receive a free repair by immediately contacting Simplicity toll-free at (888) 593-9274 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, or by visiting the firm’s Web site at http://www.simplicityforchildren.com/
Consumers who have a crib with newer style hardware and have installed the drop-side upside down or have broken hardware, should also contact Simplicity immediately.

Consumer Action Guide
Style of Crib Hardware
Consumer Response
Older Hardware
Recalled: Consumers should contact Simplicity immediately for a free repair.
Newer Hardware
Warning: Consumers should check crib’s drop-side to ensure it is assembled right side up and inspect for broken hardware.


close up of correctly installed drop-side




close up of incorrectly installed drop-side

Labels: baby safety

If you are working parents and staying at home with your baby really is not an option, then comes the decision to hire a private babysitter or take your baby to a day care. If you go with a babysitter then find one that will stay around for a while, because it is better for your baby to have one steady one rather than several different ones.

What happens when you get several is that it gets harder to keep track of what your baby, like taking a nap, or eating snack. If you are having trouble finding someone that you trust try out sittercity, they find people in your area it's a pretty cool set up.

Labels: babysitters

I was reading for my class last night and I really wanted to share something that I learned with all of you. I am always saying that you should read to your baby, that it is an important part of development, well while I was studying I read that, the parts of the brain that develop language develop the fastest between 6 to 24 months. This means that they need to hear a lot of speech during that time. The more that you talk and read to your baby, they more that they will understand. I have heard people say that they don't talk to their babies because they don't understand or because they don't talk back. They may not talk back in our language yet, but they will. Help them with development! Talk and read to your baby's please :)

Also if you have hopes of a bi-lingual baby, this time frame is probably the best time to teach them. Talk to them in both of the languages that you hope for them to learn,

Labels: baby learning

I do my best to keep Alex eating healthy, and some people have asked why I deprive him of the "junk". My answer has always been, he just doesn't need it. I will give him cake on birthdays and that kind of thing, but as far as an everyday snack we stick to a banana or bell pepper, something along those lines. My point is that the reason that I try to stay away from "junk" foods is simple because I want Alex to develop a taste for things that are good for him. It seems to work, because his light up every time I ask him if he wants an apple!!! I don't think that people realize how much naturally sweet is in fruits. The point that I am trying to make is that don't get discouraged by people telling you that you are mean for making your child eat healthy. Your baby will thank you one day!!

Labels: baby food

I really like learning toys, the leap frog and all that, but the truth is any toy can be a learning toy. If it is something new, it will have your baby wondering, whether its about the size, color or shape. Take advantaged of these new curiosities. Talk to your baby and help them understand that the ball is yellow and round.

That are taking in so much at this young age, and can do as much learning as you give them, so why not help them out a little. It's not like you have to sit them down and force them to do anything. It is just a little something added to their day. Talk to them, and explain things to them, just those little things will help tremendously.

I do have to say that I favor the "Laugh and Learn" toys a lot. I have several of their things and Alex loves them. They taught him what a tractor is and I had no idea until the other day when he said "hi tractor"!!!

Labels: baby learning, baby toys

There is a trick to getting your baby to sleep well by themselves. They have to fall asleep by themselves. It sounds easy, but its not at all, this means not rocking them in your arms and letting them fall asleep. They will get scared when they wake up and you are not there.

Wait until your baby is very sleepy, and read them a story, then lay them down and walk away. The younger this pattern is started the better. The longer you wait the harder is gets for everyone! Be prepared to wake up some in the middle of the nights for the first little while, and you will be tempted to just bring them in bed with you, but you have to be firm!!

It will get easier, and everyone will get a good night sleep!

Labels: baby sleep

This may sound a little silly, but I have talk to Alex when I change his diaper. I tell him that when he is a big boy he will be using the potty, and then we walk to the bathroom and show him the potty. We are going to start potty training in a few months so I am trying to prepare him for when the time comes. I am trying to get it to where when he goes "pee pee" he will come tell me. This way he will know when he has to go and it will be a key that we can go to the potty!! I will be using the Feel and Learns to help Alex, and I will let you know how that goes!

Labels: baby diapers

Keep in mind that baby's cannot yet talk, so the only form of communication that they have is through crying. Which means that this is how they will tell you if they are hungry, in need of a diaper, hurt, mad, or even just uncomfortable.

After you hear the cries for a while you will notice that each cry sounds different from one another. Once you learn which cry goes to what feeling you are in good shape. Don't just ignore it thinking that there is no reason for them to be upset. It could be something as little as your baby being too cold or hot. Maybe they just want a hug!!

If you find that you are having trouble making your baby happy try rocking back and forth, or singing a nice song, even try burping to see if that could be the trouble. If all else false, try a nice warm bath (Alex's favorite!!!)

Labels: baby health

First you need to warm up the bottle, ALWAYS test the milk/formula on your wrist so that you know if it is too hot or not. Then when you are feeding you baby make sure that you tilt the bottle at an angle so that the nipple doesn't get any air in it. Also tilt your baby, it will make it easier for him/her to eat they aren't laying flat on their back. Then finally after about an ounce take a burp break, this way she/he can get out any swallowed air.

Labels: baby food

Labor can take very long time. I think for a first time the average is about 12 hours. So you want to stay at home were it is more comfortable for as long as possible. If your contractions are coming 5 minutes apart, or it the pain is getting to much to handle. Also if your water breaks or if you have any bleeding, then go to the hospital.

Do what makes you feel the most comfortable, if you aren't sure then call your Dr and explain your symptoms and ask them if they think you should come in.

Labels: baby questions, pregnancy

In the last few weeks of pregnancy it may seem like getting a good night sleep is impossible. There are some things that you can to help your chances of actually sleeping through the night. Try taking a warm bath to get you nice and relaxed (this is also a method you will probably use on your baby). After you get out of the tub have a snack that has a far amount of calcium in it, or even just a glass of milk (again something you will probably do for your baby). When you wake up often in the middle of the night it is because you are hungry, which causes your unborn baby to be uncomfortable, which then causes mommy to be uncomfortable.

Labels: pregnancy

When your baby gets scared, make sure that you comfort him/her to reassure them that they are safe. If it was a loud jet flying over head, point at it and tell them what it is. Then say something like "shew, that jet is load! There are pleople flying around the world on there" with a smile. This way then they see or hear it again, they will know what it is, and since you are not scared it will help them to calm down.

Another common fear is the vacuum. If the first time you use this and your baby gets freaked out, turn it off and let them look at it, touch it, and just figure out that it is safe. Alex was a little scared of this at first, the vacuum is twice the size of him! So what I did was have him help me push the vacuum, and then when we were done, he inspected it to make sure that he was OK with it. Now it doesn't phase him one bit, he still wants to be a little helper! Let them learn from their fears!

Labels: baby learning

Teething is a painful process for anyone! When your baby is teething it could cause them to wake up in the middle of the night, and you will notice them trying to bite down on anything that they can get a hold of. A lot of the time they will have swelling gums and A LOT of drooling.

When you see these signs there are things that you can do to help. keep all those teething rings that you have in the refrigerator or the freezer and let him chew on those. Get some teething cream and rub it on their gums. Them once the come through, don't forget to brush them twice a day. Something that helped me remember, I brushed Alex's gums after breakfast, and then again before bed so that we already had a routine. This way when it was time to brush with a real tooth brush we were both already prepared.

Labels: baby health

Well I think this question would change depending on who you asked. Some people like having all off there kids close together, but since you asked me, I would say that I like only having Alex right now. When he gets older, maybe in kindergarten, we will think about having another. I feel pretty strongly about this, of course if something were to happen and I got pregnant earlier than that it would be OK. I like the idea of having Alex old enough to where he had all of mommy's attention when he was a baby, and now when he is at school I could give the new baby that kind of attention too. I would like to have Alex out of diapers too, I think it would help a lot.

Also I think that when they are older the enjoy being the older brother/sister to where they can help out their parents, and teach the new baby how to do things. I have an older brother that is 6 and a half years older than me and I wouldn't change a thing about the relationship that we have. Maybe that is also why I'm partial.

You shouldn't change when you think it is best for you to have your second child based on anyone else opinion. When you feel you are ready and your other child is ready, go for it and best of luck to you!

Labels: baby questions

Well I am sure that you have heard "you will know when you are having contractions." When I was pregnant people told me that and wouldn't tell me how I would know. My labor was induced so I did not have to wait til they were a certain time apart before I went to the hospital. To me at first the felt just like my belly was tensing up. To be honest I wouldn't have known they were contractions if the monitor had not been on. The nurse then came in and told be that they were going to break my water so that they would come closer together and stronger.

After a while of just feeling like I was cramping I would get a pain so strong that I couldn't talk. It felt like I was just my cramping into a ball, but since I had back labor I was trying to keep my body straight. It truly is an indescribably feeling. The key is once you start getting really sharp "cramps" that stop you in your tracks that are coming 10 to 5 minutes apart, go to the hospital.

Labels: baby questions, pregnancy

It is really amazing what being a patient parent can do. When you have patients you are more likely to talk to your child about what they have done wrong rather than use physical punishment. When you do this it decreases the changes of your child being a delinquent.

I am a firm believer in talking to your child/baby/toddler. I think that you all benefit from the outcome. They will feel more comfortable talking to you when things go wrong, rather than hiding this from you because they are scared of how you are going to react. This is just one of the many benefits that talking to you child has.

I am taking a early childhood development class so I will be sharing many interesting facts along with my experiences as a mommy.

Labels: baby health

This may sound silly but Alex has a lot of instruments. He loves to play the drum! He even has a little harp and he plays with it all the time! He has the baby grand piano as well, so he will probably be getting a guitar soon! My point is that baby's (or at least mine) love to play music. It could be a special activity, you could play music and dance together! Its probably not something anyone would see one a recommended toy list, but I love it. Not only does it help your child's imagination, but it gives you a time to be silly will your baby! Nothing beats that!!

Labels: baby toys, Recommended Baby Toy

It seems that a popular worry of working mommy's and daddy's is what to do about the precious baby that needs care while they are working. Although not all day cares are bad, it seems to be the last place on any ones mind. One option is to see if there is someone in your neighborhood that is a stay at home mom, maybe they wouldn't mind taking on one more. There is also sittercity (which also works in those small town areas), and a good things about this is that you choose the babysitter and they come to your house. You don't have to take your baby somewhere and worry if people are too busy to be totally focused on your baby. They will be getting one on one attention!!

If you do decide to pick a day care, someone on the baby forum had a really good idea, and that was to keep an eye on the turn over rate. If people don't want to work there then they probably have good reason. Treat it like you would someone that would be coming to your house to babysit. Interview the people, you shouldn't feel embarrassed about this at all! When it comes to your baby you can't be too careful!

Labels: babysitters

The best way to keep your baby eating right, and to keep it that way is if you eat good too. Baby's really like to mimic their parents, so if you are eating healthy they will want to eat whatever you are eating. If you start them out eating well it will be easier for them in the long run. They will develop a taste for food that are good for them.

If you are trying to make your baby eat good and you aren't eating that well, this could have the opposite affect. Your baby will probably wonder, as they get older, why they have to eat it but you don't. Which could mean that they stop as they age.

Labels: baby food

My opinion in the question would be, never unattended, and not while you are sleeping too. The thought of this would make me nervous, just because it would be so easy for a baby to suffocate. If your baby is still where he/she can't roll over alone, and you are talking about sleeping with you through the night, be really careful. When you move so does the bed. If you move to much it could cause waves in the bed, which could then roll the baby. Again I am not a Dr. and you should double check with yours, but if it were me, I don't think that I would take a chance.

If you want to keep your infant close, bring a bassinet in your room and put it near your bed. Maybe this will prepare you more for when your baby needs a crib, and will be in his/her own room.

Labels: baby questions, baby sleep

If you have a toddler I really recommend the Bounce and Spin Zebra. Alex has actually had his for a while, he got it for his first Christmas, but did not start to play with it until he was about 16 months old. Now he will tell me he is going bye and he gets on the zebra and pretend to ride away.

Labels: Recommended Baby Toy

Alex has still been lucky enough to not have any diaper rashes. I am still putting the cream on him every night before bed and changing his diaper pretty frequently. By this I don't mean ever 20 minutes, but when you can feel that one is needed. Also I like to use the cream rather than the powder. The powder doesn't seem to work as well and it caused Alex to sneeze like crazy them time that I tried it.

It is possible for a baby to get eczema on his/her tushy. If it looks like a diaper rash and it doesn't go away after a little while of treating it, take your baby to their Dr. and get a prescription for it.

Labels: baby diapers