Baby Blog | My Baby Advice

The Life Saving 3D Ultrasound

2007-12-19T06:34:00.000-05:00

In the news last night and this morning there was a talk about this life saving ultrasounds that was done. It was 3D and was able to get 10 to 12 pictures of the unborn baby fast and was able to detected the diagnosis of the heart. This ultrasound saved this baby's life as the Dr.'s knew how to prepare for this baby. They knew that he would need surgery and medications as soon as he was born.

The Dr that created this software is Dr. Alfred Abuhamad and the the technique or the ultrasound was done by an Eastern Virginia Medical School doctor, and is now licensed by GE. This together will be saving many lives. The best time to get a 3D done is when you are 18 to 23 weeks, this is when the heart is about the size of a dime so they can get a better look at it. Also 3D's are very nice to be able to really see your baby, so that is a great bonus!

Heart defects are the most common of all birth defects and also the number one reason for death from birth defects in the baby's first year. Also a lot of baby's who end up with heart defects are born to woman who had no other risk factors. This is why I am saying it is life saving.

Infantino® Recalls Infant Teethers Due to Choking Hazard

2007-12-18T12:41:00.000-05:00

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: Infantino® Lion Teethers

Units: About 28,000

Manufacturer: Infantino® LLC, of San Diego, Calif.

Hazard: The plastic nose can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Infantino® has received eight reports of the nose detaching, including one report of a child gagging on the bitten off nose.

Description: This recall involves Infantino® lion teethers. The yellow and orange plastic teethers have date codes 6116, 6129, 6158, 6137, 0606, 0806, 0906, and 1006. The date codes are located on the back of the lion’s head, above the Infantino® logo. Lion teethers with other date codes are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Babies “R” Us, Pottery Barn Kids and other specialty stores nationwide from June 2006 through December 2007 for about $5.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled toys away from young children immediately and contact Infantino® for a replacement teether or a product of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Infantino® toll-free at (888) 808-3111 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.infantino.com

How Many Hours A Day A Newborn Will Sleep

2007-12-18T06:41:00.000-05:00

Newborns sleep most of the day, sometimes up to 18 hours. The thing is that they don't stay asleep for very long whether it is night or day. They wake up sometimes to be changed, to eat, or just to play. Soon you will know your baby's noises so you will be able to be prepared for what ever your baby needs. If it is night time nad your baby is up to eat just keep the lights dim while you are feeding and then try to get your baby to go back to sleep, this way your baby will see that it is night time.

Question: Is It Ok To Put Cereal In My Baby's Bottle?

2007-12-17T07:24:00.000-05:00

I am not a Dr but I would not recommend it. I was told by Alex's Dr to wait until he was 4 months old before giving him any kind of cereal and I was told to put the cereal in a bowl and use a spoon to feed it to him. This, to me, is the only way a baby should eat cereal. There are myths that is helps with getting baby's to sleep through the night but that is not a fact. My answer would be just be patient and feed it to your baby from a bowl when your Dr suggests it is the best time.

Using A Changing Table Properly

2007-12-16T07:51:00.000-05:00

When changing your baby's diaper on a changing table be very careful. Many babies each year end up in the ER from falling off of changing tables. If the table is flat (which is how many public ones are) make sure that you are using a non-slip pad. If your at home changing table is flat then consider getting a pad that has sides.

Get out everything that you will need before you begin, such as taking the wipes out and opening a new diaper and getting the cream out (if you use it) this way you will have everything in your reach. This is also a good way to be able to have a hand on your baby at all times.

Signs Of Pregnancy

2007-12-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

Some say that they know as soon as they are pregnant and others are just waiting for a test to show them. Here are some early signs to give you a better idea.

~Around the first or second week you may notice your nipples getting darker and your breasts may become tender or a little swollen.

~Anywhere from the first to sixth week you may notice that you are feeling tired or get worn out easily.

~Your sense of smell will increase along with getting cravings and feeling nauseated.

~The frequent urinations starts around week six. Get used to this though because it will continue!

Children’s Toys Recalled by Dollar Tree Stores Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

2007-12-15T14:48:00.000-05:00

Name of Product: Baby Toys Baby Bead & Wire Toys and Speed Racer Pull Back & Go Action! Cars

Units: About 300,000

Importer: Greenbrier International Inc., of Chesapeake, Va.

Hazard: The recalled toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The Baby Bead & Wire Toys are colored wires and colored beads that can slide on a natural wood platform. These bead toys have item number 903419 and date code 71 printed on the back of the packaging. The Speed Racer Pull Back & Go Action! Cars are yellow with black stripes and white with red stripes. Item number 873820 and date code 77 is printed on the back of the packaging.

Sold at: Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks, Only One $1 and Deal$ stores nationwide from March 2007 through October 2007 (Baby Bead & Wire Toys) and from September 2007 through November 2007 (Speed Racer Cars) for $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these toys away from children and return to the store where purchased for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dollar Tree Stores at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dollartree.com

Note: CPSC was alerted to this hazard by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection.

Extra Love For A Sick Baby

2007-12-14T08:10:00.000-05:00

Having a sick baby can be really hard, because you feel like nothing can please them. However one of the greatest things you can do is just to six, relax and cuddle with your little one. Give all the love that you can! If your baby is anything like Alex when they are sick they probably want to sleep most of the time, so just rock your baby and hold them extra tight. Make sure they know that you are there for them.

Fishing Games Sold at Grocery Stores Recalled by Far East Brokers Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

2007-12-13T08:23:00.001-05:00

Name of Product: Fishing Games

Units: About 14,000

Importer/Distributor: Far East Brokers and Consultants Inc., of Jacksonville, Fla.

Hazard: The recalled game has parts that contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled Fishing Game contains a fishing pole, one large battery operated fish, and three small wind-up fish. The UPC #011546208270 and product #25741 are printed on the product’s packaging.

Sold at: Grand Union Family Markets, Southern Family Markets, P&C Stores, Publix Super Markets, and Food Lion stores nationwide from October 2007 through November 2007 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the product away from children and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Far East Brokers and Consultants toll-free at (877) 695-8354 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.fareastbrokers.com/

Stokke Announces Recall of Certain Xplory® Strollers Due to Front Wheel Detachment

2007-12-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

Name of Product: Xplory® Baby Strollers

Units: About 2,000

Distributor: Stokke LLC, of Kennesaw, Ga.

Hazard: A bolt that attaches each front wheel to the stroller can loosen, causing one of the front wheels to fall off, posing a fall hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 14 reports of one of the front wheels falling off, including one incident where a child received a scratch when she toppled out of the stroller. In addition, there were 244 reports outside of the United States of one of the front wheels falling off.

Description: Only Xplory® baby strollers with serial numbers between 1 and 28,097 and with grey handles are included in the recall. The serial number is located under the foot plate. Strollers with white handles are not included in this recall.

Manufactured in: The recalled front wheels were manufactured in China and the strollers were made in Norway.

Sold through: Stokke distributors, Web site and juvenile product retailers nationwide from September 2003 through December 2006 for about $770.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled strollers immediately and contact Stokke to arrange for a free replacement of the front wheels. Stokke will contact all known purchasers by e-mail or regular mail. Stokke notified its retailers and posted a recall notice on its Web site in May 2007.

Note: Some consumers have already received a repair to their stroller or are in the process of receiving replacement wheels. These consumers do not need to contact Stokke again.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Stokke toll-free at (877) 978-6553 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.stokkeusa.com

Plate

Label with serial number under foot plate

The serial number on the label which is placed under the foot plate

Methods Of Sleeping For Babies

2007-12-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

There are a couple methods of trying to get your baby to go to sleep. Two pf the more common ones are self-soothing and parent soothing. There are pros and cons to both of these methods and I will list some of them an then it is up to you to choose what is right for your family.

Self-Soothing
Pros
~your baby will learn to fall asleep on their own
~ Won't put comforting and sleeping together
~If baby wakes up in the middle of the night, may be better able to fall back asleep alone

Cons
~There may be nights of having to hear your baby cry out for you
~There is a possibility of having your baby lose trust in your when they cry and you don't come
~There is also a possibility of risking not being as sensitive when your baby cries

Parent-Soothing
Pros
~Your baby will feel good about going to sleep
~Your baby will gain trust in you
~Baby will feel safe and secure

Cons
~If baby wakes in the middle of the night, they will probably need you to get them back to sleep
~Learns to need someone else to get to sleep

How To Trim Your Baby's Fingernails

2007-12-11T07:51:00.000-05:00

Before you begin trimming make sure to gather everything that you will need, such as the nail trimmers and a bright light. After bath time is the best time to trim because the nails are the softest then and the baby is usually the most calm after a bath.

Hold your baby with his/her head rested against your arm pit. If you are right handed put the baby on your left arm and visa versa. Use one hand to hold your baby's hand and fingers and the other hand and the other hand to use the trimmers. Fingernails should be trimmed following the curve shape of the finger, and try not to get all the way to the skin, or to bite or tare the nail, as all of this could hurt your baby.

With toenails message the baby's feet so he/she wont feel as ticklish and instead of doing the curve shape go straight across to reduce ingrown toenails.

Family Time At The Dinner Table

2007-12-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

Having family time together is important, and if you start when your baby is young it will be easier to keep it up. Try to eat dinner at the table together every night. This will give you all a chance to talk, laugh, and just be a family without interruptions. If your job keeps you aways during this time, shoot for breakfast. As long as you are together and everyone is able to talk to one another that is what matters. I know this doesn't sound like much, but it is. Just give it a try and see if you see an improvement.

Things To Have When You Find Out You're Pregnant

2007-12-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

Before you make that first Doctors appointment you may want to call and see what all you need to have. In my area you need to have proof of pregnancy which is a piece of paper stating that you're pregnant. You can get this at a Doctors office or planned parenthood or even a local health department. Another thing to check is your insurance. Get out your card and call to make sure that maternity is covered. If you are not insured check on getting Medicade or FAMIS. As soon as you find out that you are pregnant try to lead a healthier life style, as you are not just doing this for you anymore. Eat well, try to drink less caffeine, and if you are a smoke do your best to quit. I know that is easier said than done but it is worth a try. One last thing, get ready for the most amazing time of your life, pregnancy is a beautiful thing so enjoy it!

Question: How To Control Your Frustration

2007-12-08T07:34:00.000-05:00

When you get frustrated with your baby, which believe it or not will probably happen at some point, don't feel like you are a bad parent. Sometimes all you need is a little break. Going on a date with your husband/wife or girlfriend/boyfriend is a good way, this way you are not gone very long but it is long enough to just get away. If your baby is still an infant with colic or is just crying and you have done everything and you can't figure out why they are still crying, then get a baby monitor and walk outside. Just get some air and recollect yourself that you are less likely to get angry at something that nobody can control.

RC2 Recalls The First Years™ Children’s Feeding Seats Due to Fall Hazard

2007-12-07T14:42:00.003-05:00

Name of Product: The First Years Newborn-to-Toddler Reclining Feeding Seats

Units: About 100,000

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.

Hazard: The restraining straps can pull out of the waist strap slots, posing a fall hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: RC2 has received 38 reports of straps pulling out or nearly pulling out of waist strap slots. There have been 12 reports of children falling out of the chairs.

Description: The First Years Newborn-to-Toddler Reclining Feeding Seat can be adjusted between reclining and upright positions. The seat includes a tray, reversible cushion and a three-point safety belt. One side of the seat cushion has a sewn-in label at the top which says "the first years by Learning Curve." This recall includes all feeding seats except those with an "R" stamped inside a raised circle located on the far left and right of the back of the seatback or those with waist strap slots that are nine inches apart.

Manufactured in: United States

Sold at: Various retailers nationwide from November 2006 through October 2007 for about $30.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the feeding seat immediately and contact RC2 to obtain free replacement straps.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.recalls.rc2.com

RC2 Recalls Potty Training Seats Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

2007-12-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

Name of Product: The First Years 3-in-1 Flush and Sounds Potty Seats

Units: About 160,000

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.

Hazard: Decorative plaque inserted into the back of the potty seat could have orange paint that contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves the First Years 3-in-1 Flush and Sounds potty training seats. Each seat has either a yellow chair with a green removable seat and a purple lift out-pot or a blue chair with a white removable seat and green lift out-pot. The words "100 Acre Wood" are molded on the chair back. The plaque inserted into the back of the seat contains molded Winnie the Pooh and Tigger characters.

Manufactured in: China

Sold at: Mass and specialty retailers nationwide from April 2006 through August 2007 for between $20 and $25.

Remedy: Consumers should keep these recalled items away from young children and should contact RC2 to receive a permanent clear protective cover that covers the plaque. The unit can still be used as a potty seat.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.recalls.rc2.com

You Don't Have To Be Perfect

2007-12-07T08:40:00.001-05:00

I learned something very interesting that I wanted to share with the rest of you all that view this blog. When you are coloring with your baby it is important not to color perfect all the time, just as it is important to not use coloring books all the time. The reasoning is that if your baby doesn't do it as well as you do, or can't stay in the lines, it isn't fun anymore and they will get very frustrated. The key to learning is having fun especially at such a young age. I'm not saying to never color a pretty picture, but just let loose every now and again, and scribble with your baby! It really is fun!

Child’s Death Leads to Recall of Entertainment Centers by Ameriwood; Units Can Collapse

2007-12-06T07:51:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ameriwood Industries Inc., of Tiffin, Ohio is voluntarily recalling about 138,000 entertainment centers.

The entertainment centers can collapse if the back panel is not secure, posing a risk of death or serious injury to consumers.

The firm has received a report of a fatality when the entertainment center collapsed on a 19 month old child. The firm has received three other reports of minor injuries involving the entertainment center.

The recalled entertainment centers are black with two lower miter-framed doors, two glass doors at the top, and CD storage racks. They measure about 54 inches wide, 71 inches high, and 20 inches deep. They were sold under the Ridgewood/Charleswood brand name. Model number 93956 is printed on the instruction manual.

They were sold at mass merchandisers nationwide, including K-Mart stores, from June 2000 through May 2005 for about $200. The entertainment centers were manufactured in the United States.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled entertainment centers and contact Ameriwood to receive a free support panel repair kit.

For additional information, contact Ameriwood toll-free at (877) 732-8252 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ameriwood.com

Pointing Out The Positive

2007-12-05T07:20:00.000-05:00

When you tell your baby to do something such as covering their mouth while they are coughing, it is important to notice when they do it on their own. This way it wont just feel to them that you notice when they do something wrong. For example, if you have to tell your baby to cover their mouth while they are coughing, but then the next time that your baby coughs they do it on their own. Tell you baby "good job" or something of that sort. This way they will know that it is being recognized instead of just being nagged.

Nobody likes to only hear when they have done something wrong, it is nice to hear what we have done right. Baby's are the same way, as they are people too. Baby's do need to be corrected at times, but it is so important to notice when they have done things right!! It is nice when people notice the positive, even too a baby!!

Question: If I'm Not Comfortable With Who My Baby Is With What Do I Do?

2007-12-04T08:07:00.001-05:00

Trust your gut!! This is so important. You are the parent, and if something is going on that is making you fell uncomfortable then take you and your baby out of the situation. Your baby can pick up on how you are feeling, so when you are uncomfortable chances are so is your baby. It doesn't matter who or what the situation, if it doesn't feel right then you don't have to be there or do it. Your baby comes first and they can't tell you what is going on, so you have totrust your instincts!

Things To Remember When Picking A Babysitter

2007-12-03T07:43:00.000-05:00

A good way to find a sitter is to ask around to other family's. Getting referrals can make you feel better about a babysitter. Once you find one that is worth checking out, ask for references and then check them. Then when you have picked out the sitter that you plan to use let your child/children get used to this person before just leaving them there. I would recommend going to your sitters house or having your sitter go to your house a couple of times before the day arrives.

Be sure that you leave all contact information and a list of emergency numbers ex: Dr. If you take your baby to the sitters house then leave a list of names of the people that are allowed to pick your baby up, just to be on the safe side.

Highly Recommend Wooden Blocks

2007-12-02T08:42:00.000-05:00

Wooden blocks are such great toys, because they encourage imagination. There is no right or wrong way to build, and the blocks always fit!! They are on my recommended toy list!!

Keeping Your Home Safe From Lead Paint

2007-12-01T07:44:00.000-05:00

I read an article the other day about a four year old boy that swallowed a charm that had too much lead in the paint and ended up killing him. I am deeply sorry for the lose that all his loved ones had to suffer, but we all need to realize that 80% of toys are made in China. I am doing my best about posting all the toys that I see in the recall page, but there are so many other categories. To keep your home safe as well I recommend checking the recall.gov site. I will still be posting all of the toys that I see just to be on the safe side.

With the Holidays around the corner I expect to see even more recalls coming up, so just pay extra attention to the things that you are buying whether it be online or in the store.

Getting Your Baby To Sleep In Their Own Bed

2007-11-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

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!!