This can be a difficult task if your baby is used to falling asleep in your bed with you, but it is better done sooner rather than later. As you all know I stress routine! That can be very helpful with bedtime as well. It really doesn't matter what kind of routine that you have, as long as you have one. This way they know that bedtime is coming. An example might be to have a bath, put on PJ's and then read a story.

Another important thing is to put your baby in their own bed awake. If you are rocking them to sleep (I used to do this), they will run in your room in the middle of the night because they think that you left them. Trust me this will happen, and every night. Your baby may cry for a while if they are not used to this pattern, but it will get better with time. Just stay strong and don't give in! You can do it!!

Labels: baby sleep

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: DesignWare® Confetti Bursts

Units: About 60,000

Distributor: American Greetings Corp., of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: The surface paint on the individual bags of confetti contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled products contain confetti in plastic bags. When the bags are inflated, consumers squeeze the bag and confetti bursts out. Each package contains six confetti bursts.

Sold at: Discount, toy, drug, grocery, party, and specialty/gift stores nationwide from December 2003 through September 2007 for about $3.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled confetti bursts away from children and contact American Greetings for instructions on returning the confetti bursts to American Greetings to receive a coupon redeemable wherever American Greetings’ products are sold.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact American Greetings Corp. at (800) 777-4891 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ag.com

Labels: baby safety

I was doing some reading on pull-ups and you are supposed to start using them before your baby actually uses the potty, just to get them used to the idea of pulling them up and down. After a little while of using the pull ups and if your baby is trying to use the potty, but is having some accidents I would try the Feel and Learns. These are pull ups that turn cold when they get wet. This way your baby will know/remember that they need to potty!!

Labels: baby diapers

Infants really don't need a lot of toys, but ones that are good for them are ones that are black and white. They can see that better than they can colors. Infants don't care all that much about toys yet, but they will in a very short time. Other than black and white I would also suggest music toys. Infants can hear very well, so soft soothing sounds are great!

As the infant gets a little older I would suggest toys that encourage tummy time. Just make sure that the baby is being watched very closely while using them.

Labels: baby questions, baby toys

I love the Holidays! It is a time to be with family and be grateful for what you have! I have been asked a couple of questions on how to spend time together that isn't involving the TV. So I'm going to share with you some craft ideas that I plan on doing with Alex this year!

For Thanksgiving we did hand turkeys. Tracing his foot and using that for the body, then tracing his hands and using those as the feathers. It took about 6 of Alex's hands to go all the way around the body, but they turn out so cute! The body was brown paper, and the hands were red, orange and yellow.

Now with Christmas coming we are starting with the hand wreath. This one is the easiest as it is just a circle of green hands. Then add a bow to the bottom! You could use glitter to decorate too (Alex is too little for that).

There is also the hand and food reindeer. I like things that involve hands and feet!! Trace the bottom of your child's foot using brown paper. Then trace the hands using either tan orange paper. Put the hands "antlers" on the top of the foot! Add eyes, a red nose and a mouth and you have a reindeer!!

These are just some of the many activities that are out there! Get started and have a GREAT time!!

Labels: baby questions

There are so many toddler soaps out there, from Johnson's and Johnson's, Huggies Clean Team and Pampers Kandoo. I like That they all have separate body wash and shampoo and even hand soap! I think that the bottles are decorated to where young children are excited to (try) to do things themselves.

I studied all of the bottles and decided on the Kandoo because it was the tear free and smelled good. I didn't see a tear free on the Huggies, and I was scared to try Johnson's because they had so many items on the list of Cancer causing chemicals. Check here to see more.

Labels: baby health

Being pregnant is such a special time, so that is how your pregnancy should be treated...special. A lot of people think that they are being selfish when doing things for themselves, but when you are pregnant it is not just you, you are doing things for your baby too! So eat better and get lots of rest, and most important, enjoy having that new baby grow inside of you. It is the most wonderful feeling that only you can experience.

Go to the Dr, which you will be doing pretty regularly. Keep the daddy involved too, it is a special time for him as well. Encourage him to go the the Dr with you and have him read to the baby while in the belly. It will be good for the baby to know the voices of the people around him/her.

Labels: baby questions, pregnancy

With us being in the cold season your baby will probably get or has already had a cough or a runny nose. What every you do please don't give your baby any type of cough medicine. I have gotten some really good reports on how well the vapor rub works when it is applied to the baby's feet, so give that a try. I know a lot of people don't want to take their child to a Dr. when they have a cold since there is really nothing that a Dr. can do, so please don't try that cough medicine.

Labels: baby health

Today is a day to really be thankful and grateful for all that we have. Weather it be family, friends, health, freedom, the list goes on and on. Be thankful for every day. Every day is a blessing, so live to your fullest and have no regrets. Take today and spend time with the people that you love and tell them how thankful you are to have them in your life. Nobody will get sick of hearing that they are loved :). Have a wonderful day!! This is a short post because I am going to spend time with my family and friends!! Happy Thanksgiving!!

*I'm thankful to all of you who take the time to read my blog*

Below is a post that has great information on how to shop for toys. There are also some great gift ideas on my shopping blog, so if you are unsure on what to get check that out. I think that there will be some pretty good sales online for Cyber Monday, some stores will be doing be sales Black Friday through Cyber Monday so check it out!!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As gift-givers shop for that perfect toy this holiday season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is emphasizing the importance of shopping safely. Knowing your ABC’s of toy safety will make for happy holidays: (A) awareness, and knowing the (B) benefits, for (C) consumers – (Awareness Benefits Consumers).

Awareness is not only knowing there is a CPSC and what the agency does to protect consumers but also being aware of what poses the greatest risks. The leading causes of toy-related fatalities include choking and aspiration of toy parts.

The increased scrutiny of toys and the CPSC has led to B, or benefits, to consumers. CPSC has increased the agency’s inspections of toys and is taking the action needed to remove violative products from the marketplace. More companies are testing their products and reporting possible safety problems.

The Chinese government has signed new agreements to conduct pre-export inspections to prevent lead painted toys and other unsafe toys from being exported to the U.S.

“CPSC recalled 61 toys involving more than 25 million product units in 2007, underscoring CPSC’s daily commitment to keeping consumers safe 365 days a year,” said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord. “Toys today are undergoing more inspection and more intense scrutiny than ever before.”

Finally C, consumers should stay informed and be aware of recalls by signing up to receive direct e-mail notification of recalls at www.cpsc.gov. CPSC has launched a “Drive to 1 Million” to sign up at least 1 million consumers to receive this direct notification.

Consumers can also be more aware by shopping with CPSC's Top Safe Shopping Tips for this year:

• Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
• Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
• Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
• Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
• Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

To choose appropriate toys for children:

• Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
• For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.

Once the gifts are open:

• Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
• Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings or neighbors.
• Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

Labels: baby safety

I had this same problem last year when Alex was just starting to walk so he was into everything! Sometimes you feel like there is just no stopping them! There are two ideas for where to put the tree.
1) In a playpen and then put the presents in the playpen around it.

2) Putting tree somewhere that can be blocked off with a gate.

If you keep it out in the open just be prepared to do a lot of chasing and possible some re-wrapping of presents.

Labels: baby questions

While you are having story time with your toddler try to use your finger to guide along the page. This will show your toddler how it is you are reading those words on the page. Your toddler will see that reading has an order and that words also have an order! This will help them learn how to read and will also help them put together what you are saying to what is written on the page. The more that your toddler sees a word the more likely they are to remember and understand it!

Labels: baby learning

With the Holiday's sneaking up on us you probably have parties and various things that you would like to attend. Go ahead and pick out a babysitter that will be free for you to do this. Sometimes it is easier on the children, especially baby's if they are going to the same person rather than bouncing around from place to place. If you don't have someone to do this, and you really want to get out then I recommend using Sittercity.com. They find people that are close to you and do the background checks for you. It's a good program if you don't have a sitter already!

Labels: babysitters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jetmax International Ltd., of Irving, Texas is voluntarily recalling about 36,000 boy’s and girl’s storage racks with canvas totes.

The storage rack can tip over, posing an entrapment and suffocation hazard to young children.

CPSC has received one report of a death involving an 8-month-old boy who was asphyxiated after he pulled on the storage rack and it fell over on him. The top rail landed on the infant’s neck. No other incidents have been reported.

The storage rack is wooden with three levels and nine removable canvas totes. There are wooden handles on each side of the rack. The boy’s storage rack has natural color wood with red, yellow, green, and navy canvas totes. The girl’s storage rack has white colored wood with pink, yellow, lime, and purple canvas totes.

Wal-Mart sold the storage rack under the brand “Home Trend Kids 9 Canvas Bin Boy’s and Girl’s Organizers.”

The storage racks were manufactured in China.

They were sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from August 2004 through July 2005 and Ollie’s stores nationwide from July 2006 through June 2007 for about $40. Consumers should immediately stop children from using the recalled storage racks and contact Jetmax International to receive a free repair kit that adds stability to the base.

For additional information, contact Jetmax at (800) 689-2168 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, visit the firm’s Web site at www.jlwoodenmfg.com, or email info@jlwoodenmfg.com

Labels: baby safety

This is different depending on the age of the baby, and who the baby is. Once Alex got out of the newborn stage he took two little hour naps a day. One in the morning around 11 and then another around 2 or 3. Now he takes just one nap a day after lunch. He will nap anywhere from 1-2 hours. It is important to have your baby nap though, because he/she will be so much happier throughout the day if he/she is rested. For some baby's all it takes is a 30-45 minute power nap! Every child is different!

Labels: baby questions, baby sleep

I had a question about baby blues. This is not something that I know a lot about because I did not suffer from it. I do know that it is normal to have mood swings and things like that up to about 10 days after your baby is born and if it goes on longer than that you might have postpartum depression. It is treatable and it is normally treated with therapy and possible antidepressants. Here are some symptoms that I have located about postpartum depression.

Labels: pregnancy

I was sent a pack of Pampers Cruisers as well as the Pampers Swiper Wipes to review by Pampers. I am very pleased to say that I will continue to use the Pampers Cruisers because I feel that they are not only the most absorbent they move with Alex so well, and he is a VERY active baby!

As for the Swiper wipes, I had actually not used them before the review. I used to the get off brand kind of wipes, but I was very impressed with the Swipers. They clean more with just one wipe! So rather than using 6 of an off brand, which really is how many I used, I can use just 3 of the Swipers. The only thing that I did not like was that the wipes are scented. I will look for ones that are not scented, but even if they don't have them I believe I will be switching my wipe selection from now on. You just get so much more for your money.

Labels: baby diapers

I have heard of a lot of people saying that they don't need to tell their children that they love them because they already know. In some cases that could be true, but who doesn't like to hear that they are loved? Especially a young child or baby. Don't put a limit on how much you tell your child that you love them because there isn't one. My husband and I tell Alex ALL the time! Sometimes it is in the middle of a movie and we just look at him and tell him. We also do that with each other. I think it is an important phrase to say and isn't said often enough. I think it is also important that your children know that you are proud of them! It will help your baby to have a healthy self concept.

Labels: baby health

I put up a lot of recalls, but I am doing this for the safety of our children. I will continue to do this with the Holidays getting closer and closer. I will also put up information, I just want you to be able to count on me to keep your children as safe as possible!

Labels: baby safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Curious George Plush Dolls

Units: About 175,000

Manufacturer: Marvel Toys, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: Surface paint on the toy’s plastic face and construction hat contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Curious George 12-inch plush dolls with a plastic face. The dolls are dressed to represent five various themes: birthday, fireman, sweet dreams, tool time and tool time with a soft face. The plush dolls were sold with a Curious George storybook or activity book. The following product and SKU numbers are printed on the packaging.

Sold at: Toy and discount department stores nationwide from December 2005 through August 2007 for about $15.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Marvel Toys to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Marvel Toys at (800) 352-2064 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regcen.com/curiousgeorge

Labels: baby safety

The things that baby's and young children eat will normally stick with them. If they start out eating junk food and lots of fried food the chances are that they will continue down that road. It would be especially hard to break with the fast food industry growing the way it is currently. Give them a step in the right direction by avoiding the foods that they don't need. A lot of kids would rather have a strawberry then strawberry candy.

Labels: baby food

I have had a lot of questions coming in about what to get your children for Christmas with all of the recalls. It is frustrating that every couple of days we are going through the toys making sure that there is nothing that can harm our baby's. As far as toys for now I would stick to things that are made in America, where there are a lot of laws about what goes into a toy before it gets put on a shelve. There are also things like instruments, and art supplies! Those make great gifts!! I don't know a single child that would love to bang on a drum :).

I will try and get some ideas about gifts. In my shopping blog I have some different gift ideas from books to laptops! There is also a lot of different online stores to choose from that seem pretty good, so if you in a hurry and need to get a gift now check out the baby shopping blog.

Labels: baby toys

Your baby and toddler are watching you ALL the time. The little things that they will pick up from you are endless. This could be something as simple as covering your mouth when you cough or as big as expressing anger in the form of yelling. Just always be aware of when your baby is in the room. If you try to be on your best behavior around your baby it really could pay off in the things that your baby is learning.

For example if I were to yell at Alex to let him know that he has done something wrong or to let him know that I am angry, then to him that is saying "so when I am mad at someone I yell at them." Rather than yelling at Alex when he is out of line, which does happen, I just make sure that there is eye contact so he can see that I am not playing a game. Then I use a stern voice, but not yelling, then we do time out for about 20 seconds or so. Honestly I think that it is paying off so I just wanted to pass this on.

Labels: baby learning

Your child is the most important thing to you, I'm sure. So make sure that they are going to the correct child care. No matter how much you like the person or place that you are taking your baby or child to you will still wonder if they are eating when you would have been feeding them that sort of thing. It is natural. There are somethings that you can do to ease your mind.

Ask whom ever you are having watch your baby to write down the times that your baby eats and how much she/he is eating. Also have them write down when your baby gets their diaper changed and whether it was a BM or just pee. It is good to have these kids of things to have too just in case you have to take your baby to the Dr. It is good to stay informed as much as possible and if it you have to go back and look at it may really ease your mind!

Labels: babysitters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Aqua Dots

Units: About 4.2 million

Distributor: Spin Master, of Toronto, Canada

Hazard: The coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested. Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received two reports over the past several days of children swallowing Aqua Dots. A 20-month-old child swallowed several dozen beads. He became dizzy and vomited several times before slipping into a comatose state for a period of time, was hospitalized, and has since fully recovered. A second child also vomited and slipped into a comatose state and was hospitalized for five days.

Description: The recalled toy is a craft kit which allows children to create various multi-dimensional designs using small colored beads. The beads fuse together when sprayed with water. The recall applies to all models of Aqua Dots. The product is available in various different kits with accessories such as a drying fan, applicator pen, design templates for the beads, and spray bottle. The product is labeled for ages 4+.

Sold at: Mass merchandisers nationwide from April 2007 through November 2007 for between $17 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Spin Master to return for free replacement beads or a toy of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Spin Master at (800) 622-8339 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.aquadotsrecall.com

Labels: baby safety

I am still going to be switching to WordPress at some point, but it looks as though it will be close to the Holidays, so bare with me if you notice that my blogs are not posting timely. Thank you!

On to today's question, there are so many reasons that is important to talk to your baby, and yes even your new born. Baby's learn how to speak by listening to people to talk. If it is just you and your baby at home and no one is talking, it could take them longer to learn the language. If you are feeling weird about talking to someone that doesn't talk back (yet), then read to your baby. This way they are still hearing the language and hearing new words, and spending quality time with you! It is a win win!

Another wonderful reason to talk to your child as babies is because when they get older they will know that they can talk to you. If you don't talk to your child they may remember that. They may feel the only reason you talk to them is to lecher (I'm talking about in the long run).

Just give it a try, your baby will be responding before you know it, and by talking to them you are helping their growth so much.

Labels: baby learning, baby questions

I am going to be switching from blogger to WordPress, so you may not see a new post for a little bit. I will try to make this process as timely as possible and I hope that you will continue to read my blog! Thank you for your patience!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Laugh & Learn™ Learning Kitchen™ Toys

Units: About 155,000

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Pieces of the faucet or the clock hands can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 48 reports of small parts separating from the toys, including two reports of children gagging on pieces, one report of a child who started choking on a piece and one report of a child who choked on a piece.

Description: The recall involves a play kitchen learning toy with a pretend refrigerator, range and sink. The product’s item number L5067 is stamped in several locations on the toy and printed on the product’s packaging above the UPC.

Sold at: Various retail and toy specialty stores nationwide from May 2007 through October 2007 for about $70.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price toll-free at (888) 812-7187 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Labels: baby safety

I get asked how I punish Alex and I get strange looks. I do not spank him, for now we use time outs and they work very well. The key to my time outs are that as soon as he does something out of line we go straight to time out. I put him there for about 30 seconds (not for long because he is not quite 2) and then I talk to him about what happened. I firmly believe in talking to your child at every age. I may not understand Alex all the way yet, but he understands his daddy and I.

When I was studying in my child psychology book I learned that when you spank a child it only corrects the right now aspect. It could really hurt them long term, especially if it is done often. It teaches children that violence is a way to solve problems. I know I will probably have a lot of people disagree with me on this topic, but this is what I read in my school book, and I have seen it to be true with other children. Just try the time outs and talking, see if it helps.

Labels: baby health

When both the mommy and daddy are doing the parenting together, whether is be one is staying at home or both mommy and daddy work out of the home. To have the most effective parenting you need to have good communication, not only to the child, but to each other. Get together with your significant other/spouse and talk about what is going on. Keep the other informed. If you stay at home with the child, talk to your spouse about things that happened that day. If the child was good or bad talk to your spouse about what should be done for the behavior.

These days things are so hectic! It can be hard to get your family together, so try to just make dinner happen every night. If your baby learns this at a young age they shouldn't have a problem when they are older knowing that dinner time is family time. Once your child gets a little older maybe 4 or 5 you can have a family game night. Play board games, and just spend time together as a family!!

I had a lot of questions on this so rather than just using one I decided to answer them all. I know that it is hard to get your baby to sleep in their own beds, especially if they are used to sleeping with their mommy and daddy. You should not feel bad for having your baby sleep separate. It is what you and your baby need.

Yes, it does get easier. You just have to keep at it. Do the same routine every night, and don't give in, not even once. That one time will make them think that if they cry long enough that you will give in. I'm not saying let your baby cry for 20 minutes until they fall asleep. I never let Alex cry for longer than 5 minutes. I go in and tell him that I love him and that he is safe and calm him down. You don't want your baby to be scared to go to sleep, which is why I go in and talk to Alex.

Labels: baby sleep

This really depends on your baby. If your baby does not cry when they are wet (they make diapers pretty good these days) then I would go ahead and change them about every 3 hours during the day. In my case I changed Alex after he ate. Now that he is getting bigger and is eating meals instead of a bottle ever three hours I change him after snacks, meals, and naps.

Labels: baby diapers, baby questions

I can't stress enough how important it is to trust your gut when it comes to your children. The person that you choose to be your babysitter, whether it be a daycare or a personal babysitter, is someone that you have to trust very much. It may take time to find this person, but make sure that you aren't just using someone because it is convenient. If you don't feel good about where your child will be spending a lot of time, then don't do it. Keep looking! That is one great reason to start while you are pregnant if you know that you will have to go back to work.

Labels: babysitters