Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Tips On Baby Shower Etiquette

Proper baby shower etiquette can lend fun and joy to baby shower party. You can have lots of fun at the party by implying a little knowledge and some baby shower planning . Everyone is sure to enjoy the event and carry lovely memories after a wonderful celebration.The traditional rule with a baby shower is that anyone can throw it except for the couple that are having the baby. The proper baby shower etiquette says that someone who is not related to the couple should throw the baby shower.

The reason for this is that it won't look as though the family are asking for gifts. But this isn't necessarily true and we don't always follow tradition anymore. It should be that anyone who is close to you and willing to plan your baby shower should do so.It is good to do baby shower planning prior to the birth of the child. Hosting a baby shower after the arrival of the baby would not be so much of fun without the pot belly mother. The best time for hosting a baby shower would be somewhere between seventh and the ninth month when the mother has a big round belly.

Take care not to plan the party just before the due date, in case the baby arrives sooner than expected. On the other hand a baby shower party in the first few months would not be as exciting without the bulging belly. Before any invitations are sent out, the mom-to-be needs to decide on a day that would suit her and also go through the guest list to make sure that no one has been left out. If it is for a second or third baby, the guests would normally just be close friends and family.

Normally, for any baby shower, it is just women who are invited. Though men were not normally invited, but it was quite common for the man to show at the end of the party to help his wife with the presents. Now days, it seems that it is fine for men to a part of the baby shower.Baby showers are quite commonly held at country clubs, parks, restaurants, bars or any other place where people are able to get together. It is, however, a bit more personal and more comfortable if it is held in someone's house.It is only fair that the person who is organizing or hosting the baby shower should pay for it. It should be considered as a gift to the mom-to-be. The rest of the gifts should be practical.

As a baby shower could work out quite pricey, multiple people could throw the baby shower, which then helps with splitting the costs.Choice of food can vary depending upon the tastes. While hosting a baby shower, you can take your pick from finger foods, appetizers or having full course at a big restaurant.

Light snacks at such parties have disappeared since long. Nowadays, people often opt for buffet with cold beverages, coffee, wine and other drinks during baby shower planning. A cake is still a standard party etiquette at a baby shower. I think you've learned a lot from the baby shower etiquette above. In the end, remember that baby showers are meant to have fun, so enjoy!

About the Author
Looking for more ideas for baby showers? Qing Gu shares with you loads of helpful articles here for baby shower beginners...plus many advanced topics:http://www.coolest-baby-shower-idea.com/babyshower.htmlAlso sign up with the Planning A Baby Shower FREE eCourse, you'll be enjoying all the fun and innovative ways to make sure your baby shower party a great succes.

Healthy Pregnancy - Stages of Development

Your pregnancy is generally about 40 weeks in length, calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) and is referred to in terms of three periods (trimesters) of foetal development. There are three basic pregnancy stages that potential moms to be should be aware of. In order, they're the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Each one is very different, and the mother's body will change a lot from the beginning to the end of each one. For example, in the first trimester in particular the mother experiences a lot of changes. From tiredness to breast changes to nausea and vomiting, they may not be as pleasant as one would hope. It turns out, that pregnant glow that some women have might be related to hot flashes! Also, by the end of the first trimester the baby will have grown from a cluster of cells to having a heartbeat, reflexes and the ability to move its tiny little limbs!

The second trimester is one of the easier pregnancy stages. The mother will have to start buying maternity clothes as the baby will start to show. The mother might also start having troubles sleeping. On the baby end of things, it will go from being the size of a cherry to around ten inches in length. The child will also start growing hair all over its body and its senses will begin developing, as well as begin kicking quite frequently.The third trimester is the craziest of all the pregnancy stages.

The mother will have to urinate quite frequently as the baby puts extra pressure on her bladder. It might be a good idea for the mother to look into breastfeeding and child birthing classes to prepare for the inevitable. The third trimester ends when the baby is born, usually about 40 weeks from the date of conception. Couples who are expecting a baby might also get good use out of a pregnancy calendar that can illustrate what your body is going through over the course of the three pregnancy stages.

Safe medicines As soon as you know you are pregnant, check with your GP or midwife about any medicines you might already be taking. And always ask a pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter medicines, including things you usually take for colds, headaches, hay fever and so on, and any complementary therapies – some aren’t suitable when you’re pregnant, particularly herbal remedies.

Nutrition and Exercise* 2500 calories* You may need to resume small frequent feedings to prevent heartburn
* Continue prenatal vitamins as prescribed
* Continue to avoid the use of alcohol
* Adequate hydration and avoiding overheating are important to protect the baby and you
* Further modify your exercise regimen as needed to protect muscles and joints

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Maternity Clothes - Dressing For Your Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and will soon become a mommy, you may be wondering on the types of clothes you can wear and the maternity clothes currently available for you in the market. Even if you are pregnant, there are many choices when it comes to maternity clothing to keep you both stylish and comfortable even with a growing belly.

What to wear?Some of your clothes may start to feel tight as early as 10 or 12 weeks, but you probably won't need to buy anything special until the fourth or fifth month. Men's sweaters and shirts (borrow your partner 's) are often cut big and baggy and can work for casual wear night until the end. Choose breathable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics such as stretchy cotton knits in coordinating colors and patterns.Intimate apparel for pregnant women is available from cotton nursing bras, bikini panties and maternity thongs.

Cotton nursing bras can stretch and have multiple hook options. Maternity thongs that are soft and stretchable comfortably sit below your growing belly. Bikini panties are made of cotton material and available in very fresh colors as well as designs from florals, stripes and other prints. Bikini panties are very comfortable underwear for expecting mothers to be.How to buy maternity clothes?So now you know that you can wear all types of clothes during your mom-to-be phase.

But hold on. You need to consider some aspects before you start shopping for maternity clothesYou should buy maternity clothes which give you extra room. The primary comforts should focus on belly and bust. You should even consider plus size maternity clothes if you are expecting twins. You should buy your basic items made up of stretchable fabrics.Shoes* Your feet can grow a size during pregnancy (sometimes permanently) so don’t buy lots of new shoes early on that you’re never going to wear again.

Stick to round-toe Mary Janes, roomy flat boots and old fashioned plimsolls with the laces taken out – this is uber-fashionable at the moment and will accommodate your swollen feet while rendering you effortlessly cool. Before your start shopping for the maternity clothes that you think you are likely comfortable to wear, there are several important considerations. It is of utmost importance to consider buying extra room when it comes to maternity clothes purchase. The breast and the belly area should be comfortable.

Choose those made of stretch material.Do not buy too many bras and instead buy one or two at a time as during the entire pregnancy course your bust size will still increase. Nursing bras should be bought during the final pregnancy months.If you are not into shopping at your local retail shops or malls, you can always go online for some of their maternity clothes selection. You get to shop without leaving the home.

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Saturday, October 13, 2007

Pregnant Women, Infants Must Avoid Nitrate-Polluted Tap Water

You don’t have nitrates in your water? Think again—You might well have them. During certain times of the year, like in the warmer months, have increased levels of nitrates in the water. Nitrates are highest in ground water which provides drinking water for more than half of the Nation’s population. Groundwater is also the sole source of drinking water for many rural communities and some large cities and accounts for 96% of self-supplied systems (which includes well-water.) Many cities are on well water that is pumped into big cisterns. Different cisterns are used at different times of the year to supply the cities with water.
Health affects of Nitrates: Nitrates affect the red blood cells by disrupting oxygen availability which leads to blue baby syndrome, reduced vitality, increased stillbirths, spontaneous abortion, low birth weights and slow weight gain in livestock. The scientific name for this is methemoglobinemia. Boiling water will not reduce nitrate levels.
What is nitrate and where does it come from? Nitrate is the oxidized form of nitrogen. Nitrogen is found naturally everywhere. We get nitrates through applying manure or fecal material (from poorly or untreated sewer treatment), NPK or ammonium nitrate fertilizers to fields. Nonagricultural sources of nitrate come from lawn fertilizers, leaching septic systems, and domestic animals in residential areas. Also producing large amounts of nitrates are paper mills and munitions plants.
Nitrates can persist in ground water for decades and accumulate to high levels as more nitrogen is applied each year. Applications of nitrates to enhance our food supply started as early as the 1950’s, so our soils have been building up excess nitrates for quite some time. When plants have absorbed all they need for their growth, the excess contained in the solid runs off into surface waters, streams and rivers eventually entering our water system.
The USGS (United States Geological Survey) released a report in 1996 revealing that nitrate concentrations in the nation’s groundwater supply are increasing steadily. In this report it stated that 9% of our wells tested had nitrate concentrations exceeding the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate which is 10 mg. /liter.
But I use a water filter, you say. What kind of a water filter? Most countertop water filters do not remove nitrates. Nitrates are one substance that needs to be filtered out with a good whole-house water system or reverse osmosis system (which does not include table-top water filters that only remove chlorine and odors.)
We now have the ability to test for nitrates, iron, chlorine, hardness, pH and dissolved solids using at-home test kits. In our area EcoWater Systems offers a free evaluation. You may have a water filter company in your area that does the same. So, be safe. . .have your water checked today.
References: http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/wcp/

Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1995. She has a content-rich website at http://www.NaturalHealthTechniques.com and free internationally distributed monthly newsletter. For more information on all aspects of water, check out Dr. Moffat’s article under the Basics of Health on her website at: http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/BasicsofHealth/basicsofhealth1.htm


A Parents Guide To Understanding Your Infants Development


Have a new baby? Well don't stress! Here I provide some information that you can use as a guide. By understanding the physiological growth and development of your child (from birth to 1 year) you'll be able to identify any developmental or health needs and set aside any concerns.
During the first 12 months, infants will go through significant physiological change in the areas of weight, length, head growth, vision and motor development.
Weight: At birth, most babies weigh between 2.7-3.8kg. Average size will depend on race. Be aware that after birth, most babies will lose between 5-10% of their birth weight but don't be too concerned, this is natural. They'll gain this loss in about a week! They'll double there birth weight within 6 months gaining between 0.14-0.2kg per week and triple their birth weight by 12 months.
Length: Infants at birth are between 47-53cm long with females generally smaller than male babies. The two length measurements commonly taken are from crown to rump and head to heel. Crown to rump (sitting) measurement interestingly is approximately the same as the circumference of the head. By 6 months the infant should gain another 14cm and a further 7cm by 12 months. Nutrition will play a big role on how much the infant will grow.
Head: At birth, the average circumference of an infants' head is 35cm. Up until 2 years of age, the childs' head should be measured on each visit to the early childhood center to monitor the growth rate of the skull and brain.
Hearing: Newborns should react with a startle to loud noises (Moro reflex). Within a few days, they should be able to distinguish between different sounds. By 5 months they will pause to listen. At 9 months locate the source of the sound and at 12 months respond to basic commands.
Vision: Newborn can follow large objects but it's not until they're around 4 months that they can recognise familiar objects. They can begin to recognise facial features after 9 months often smiling in response and by 12 months starts to build depth perception.
Smell, Taste and Touch: Is it suprising that newborn babies can smell the mother's milk and prefer sweet tastes? Newborn will turn towards the mother when they smell the milk! Touch is very important to the infant's development. It builds the bond and provides reassurance and security.
Motor Development: In layman's terms it means the ability to move and control the body and it's obvious newborn are uncoordinated! At 1 month they'll start lifting their head temporarily, at 2 months raise their head from a prone position (lying on tummy), at 6 months sit unaided and at 12 months the can turn the page of a book (oftened followed by tearing the page out of the book).
As a parent it is difficult not to worry about the physiological growth and development of your baby. By having an idea of the stages they go through, hopefully you will be less worried.
I'm an ex-Registered Nurse and like so many others have moved out of the profession to join other industries. Writing health related articles is one way to keep in touch with the evolution in health care and at the same time help others! This is the calling that brings most people into the nursing profession in the first place.
Please visit Nurseketeers.com for more information and resources.

Sports Apparel for Infants


Ben has lived in Orlando, Florida for more than 30 years. This was after the family moved from New York to a place that had a warmer climate.
People in this state took pride in the sports clubs that were some of the best in the league. This included the Orlando Magic’s in the NBA and the Miami Dolphins in the NFL.
Ben wanted the son to play basketball just like this person did back in college. The former player thought that it is never too early to start even if the baby was less than 2 years old.
Since this baby could talk and walk already, it was time to introduce the infant to the sport. At first, the two would watch the game on television then later on even go together to watch the game itself.
Having the baby wear infant clothes to the first game wasn’t cool for this father. This individual wanted the baby to stand out so the only thing to do will be to buy sports apparel for the little boy.
The TD Waterhouse Stadium, which was the home court of this team, had a souvenir shop in one of the lower levels. Since there were also other stores nearby that had this, Ben decided to go there instead.
The store was huge since it had memorabilia and outfits of other NBA teams on the walls and shelves. It took some time to find the black outfit with the words Orlando Magic’s written in blue but it was there.
The sports apparel for infants was different from those of kids or adults. This is because it is one-piece set that had an easy snap closure at the bottom and top left shoulder making this easy to put on or take off.
After mentioning the age of the baby to the sales clerk and trying on the one for 18 and 24 months, Ben was able to buy one that right one that made the infant look cute in front of the mirror.
During the game, the camera was focused on Ben and the baby. People took pictures of the two and this was even shown on television.
The Orlando Magic’s won the game that day against Dallas Mavericks. Maybe it was the outfit the infant wore that brought the team luck or everyone did all the tricks that were rehearsed in practice. The important thing is, this brought the team another step closer to making it to the Eastern finals.


Low Jeremy maintains http://sports-apparel.articlesforreprint.com/. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

The Major Changes in Your Body During Pregnancy


Pregnancy occurs when male’s sperm fuses with an egg produced by female form a single microscopic cell called ‘zygote’. The zygote divides and re-divides for nine months to form around 2 trillion of different types, all packaged as a new individual. Your Baby.
During these nine months, your body undergoes various changes to provide necessary nutrition for the growth and development of your baby. Let us have a look at the major changes occurring in your body during pregnancy.
1. Changes during the First Trimester (The First 3 Months of Pregnancy)
During this period your baby’s brain, heart and lungs start forming and grows to the size of 4 inches. Your body begins to prepare itself for baby’s arrival and undergoes the following changes.
Menstrual flow: It is not as if you will not get your first period at all, you will get a spotting or very little menstrual flow. This bleeding is caused by implantation of developing egg into your uterus and is the first marker of pregnancy.
Changes in breasts: Your breasts become sensitive, tender, and heavier and begin to enlarge. Nipples become darker.
Morning sickness: You feel nauseated and vomit from 12th to 14th week.
Fatigue: You are tired most of the time.
Increase in urination: Urge to pee increases.
Uterus: The lining of your uterus starts thickening and the blood vessels start enlarging to provide nourishment to your developing baby.
Cervix: Cervix (opening of the uterus) softens; this is an important marker of pregnancy.
Weight gain: You might put on around 2 pounds during first trimester.
2. Changes during the Second Trimester (The Second 3 Months of Pregnancy)
During second trimester, your baby grows to a length of about a foot and its movements called ‘quickening’, starts. Your uterus becomes big enough and starts displacing the other abdominal organs. Most women find second trimester easiest, there being no morning sickness of the first trimester and no augmented demands of the third trimester.
You can undergo the some or all of following changes during second trimester:
Breasts: There is an increasing in the size of milk producing glands in your breasts, which enlarge your breasts.
Uterus: Enlarges to accommodate the baby.
Skin: As the blood circulation to your skin increases, you may find your skin glowing.
Palms and soles: They become reddish and itchy owing to increased estrogen levels.
Nails: They become more brittle.
Eyes: Because of fluid retention, the outer layers of your eyes may become thick, becoming noticeable by 10th week of your pregnancy. In many women, vision becomes blurry, but becomes all right after delivery.
Mouth: Your gums may become soft and can bleed when you brush.
3. Changes during the Third Trimester (The Last 3 Months of Pregnancy)
This is the period when your baby grows and develops rapidly gaining around half a pound per week and attaining its maximum length of 20 inches. The growth of baby may cause shortness of breath and there might be an increase in urination as the uterus expands.
The third trimester may bring some/all of below mentioned changes:
Abdomen: The increase in size of your uterus presses the other abdominal organs: stomach, diaphragm, kidneys and bladder, thus affecting their functions. Close to the delivery, your abdomen sags lower and your baby settles down into pelvis, preparing for birth. Abdomen may be itchy.
Acne: Women with acne may find an improvement during pregnancy.
Pigmentation of skin: In some women, dark colored areas appear forehead, nose, cheeks or chin. They fade away after the delivery.
Chloasma/Melasma: is a brown or yellowing patch over nose and cheeks and around the eyes.
Stretch marks: Pink to reddish brown, may appear on breast, abdomen, thighs, buttocks or some other body part, but go away gradually after delivery.
Pregnancy Cholestasis: This refers to reduction in bile flow and indicates decreased liver functioning. You may get nausea, vomiting, fatigue, lose your appetite and your skin might turn yellow. Consult your doctor if this happens.
Varicose veins: Dilation of veins of legs, vulva or in anal area.
Vascular spiders: are tiny reddish spots with blood vessels projecting outward resembling legs of spider. They go away after childbirth.
Increase Perspiration: Occurs because of hormonal action on sweat glands.
Hair: Hair on head grows luxuriantly during pregnancy. However, after delivery, accelerated hair fall occurs.
Puffiness of the face: Occurs because of fluid retention, especially if you are hypertensive.
Grasp David's other tips such as living a simple life also how to eat right and how to eat right.




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Breast Stretch Marks - Opt For A Suitable Remedy

Human skin definitely calls for our care, considering the many functions it performs. It protects us from various kinds of internal infection, warns us of any kind of physical damage by means of sensory pain signals and helps in cooling the entire body via sweat glands. If you are affected by breast stretch marks after pregnancy, it is good to know more about them and take necessary precautions for stretch marks removal and protect this vital organ without further neglect.
Breast stretch marks may be formed on the belly, buttocks, thighs, upper arms or breasts or any area where fat tends to accumulate. The main cause of breast stretch marks is that during pregnancy the hormones begin to induce the breasts for lactating to feed the unborn baby. If the person’s weight gain is sudden and enormous the skin and underlying tissue stretch beyond their capacity, the collagen deep in the tissues break apart. The dermis layer actually tears and once the healing takes place scars begin to appear which are what we call stretch marks.
There is a possibility that you may get pregnancy stretch marks if your mother or sister had it. Other than genetic reasons, ethnicity or skin tone, the fairer you are you tend to get more, the skin type, dry skin is less elastic, nutritional history and the amount of weight gained during pregnancy. To minimize breast stretch marks use a firm perfectly fitting bra.
Various Pregnancy Stretch Mark Treatments
Complete removal of stretch marks is still a remote possibility but you can definitely cause them to fade away by adopting the various stretch mark treatments available.
There is no proven treatment for stretch marks but some of the ways by which it could be minimized may be summarized as follows:
Moisturizers and creams: Cocoa butter has been used over the years and proved to be quite successful. You may also apply Vitamin E, lavender oil, olive oil or any other moisturizer. Creams containing alpha hydroxyl acid may help reduce stretch marks.
Laser surgery: Laser surgery also cannot completely remove stretch marks on breast or any other are but can minimize the ugly appearance
Cosmetic surgery: This is a very expensive method and is adopted only if the scars are really bad and gives an embarrassing look.
The best way of minimizing breast stretch marks is eat a healthy nutritious diet and drink plenty of water.
While using lotions or creams for application on the breast check with your health practitioner as it may either, affect the milk supply or may affect the secreted milk.
It is wise to be careful during your pregnancy, not to put on too much extra weight, to drink plenty of water and keep the skin well hydrated, eat good healthy food and not very oily fatty or spicy foods. Remember if stretch marks once appear they are permanent to stay, the various methods may just minimize the effect or reduce the intensity but a treatment for complete stretch mark removal has not yet been discovered.
Breast stretch marks are one of the pregnancy stretch marks that cause concern among pregnant women. However, the good news is that removal of stretch marks is not a difficult task with many stretch mark removal methods available. Pregnancy Stretch Marks offers more information on laser treatment of pregnancy stretch marks, lotions for stretch marks and other information related to pregnancy and motherhood.


Natural Nipple Cream

Breast Tenderness During Pregnancy - Why Does It Happen?


Many women experience breast tenderness during the pregnancy. Some women even feel pain and further discomfort. Why do pregnant women have tender breasts? Is it dangerous? How can you reduce the tenderness and discomfort in your breasts?
The first thing you should know about breast tenderness is that it's a normal part of pregnancy and is not dangerous. In fact, it's one of the most common signs of early pregnancy. You usually begin to feel breast tenderness during the second month of your pregnancy.
Breast tenderness occurs due to the many changes which your breasts undergo during your pregnancy. Your breasts begin to grow and change in preparation to feeding your baby. Your breasts are growing and the breast skin is stretching (which may cause stretch marks and sagginess). During your first pregnancy your breasts may grow up to two cup sizes. You may feel itching all over your breasts and a great sensitivity in your nipples. Some women even develop breast soreness which may be experienced during exercise or sleeping on their stomach. What you are sure to feel is that your breasts are much heavier.
There are a number of things you can do in order to decrease the discomfort in your breasts:
1. Buy fitting supportive bras - You should invest in a good supportive bra. I suggest getting a bra your breasts can grow into as they will increase in size during your pregnancy.
2. Do some light chest exercise - Strengthening your chest muscles will make it easier for you to bear the heavier weight of your breasts. This may also prevent the development of stretch marks and sagging breasts.
3. Maintain a healthy diet - If you gain too much weight during your pregnancy, your breasts will grow even further. If you keep your weight gain to a healthy minimum, you will have an easier time with your breasts.
Follow these 3 tips and you will decrease the discomfort your breasts may cause you.
To make sure you maintaining a healthy weight gain and a beautiful skin during your pregnancy visit this website How To Look And Feel Great During Pregnancy. To read how you too can ensure your baby's health and look great at the same time visit Lucy Doyle's webpage on http://www.squidoo.com/pregnancy-without-pounds-product-review.



Natural Nipple Cream

Pregnancy Due Date Calculator - A Helpful Resource for Pregnant Women?

If you're a mother to be, are planning on having a baby or know someone who is going to have a baby, a pregnancy due date calculator is definitely something you should look into. There are all kinds of different things that one can tell you, and they're just as fun as they are informative. You can find a lot of them online for free, or you can go to your local bookstore and pick one up. The kind of information you can get from a pregnancy due date calculator varies by which one you use, but when you plug in the first day of your last period many will tell you some basic stuff.
For example, more than one pregnancy due date calculator will tell you your conception date. It's something simple, but you'll need that later as you start taking gender quizzes and partaking in other mom to be entertainment. Also, you'll learn the time when your baby is at the greatest risk for birth defects. This is usually in the range of 5-10 weeks. Other useful tidbits will include when your baby's fetal organs have begun to form, when your baby's major organs have formed and the date at which the risk for miscarriage decreases.
A good pregnancy due date calculator will also tell you at point at which a prematurely born baby is most likely to survive. Finally, it will tell you when your actual due date is...ideally at around 40 weeks. You can also start to toy with things like the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, which people in the old days used to tell if the baby was going to be a boy or a girl. There are also different old wives tales that you can have fun with. Is your belly sticking straight out, or is it big and broad? That could be the difference between whether you should paint your nursery pink or blue, according to some.
Visit the Pregnancy Forum at http://www.ThePregnancyForum.com/ today. Get great tips on pregnancy nutrition and more. Free membership!


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How You Know If Your Pregnant


These symptoms will help you know if you are pregnant. Keep in mind that you may be feeling these symptoms and may not be pregnant or you may not have any of these symptoms and you may be pregnant. If you suspect that you are pregnant, you should treat your body as if you are until you take a pregnancy test.
Amenorrhea- Amenorrhea is when you stop having your period. This happens right after conception and it will continue until you give birth. If you decide to breastfeed, you may not have your period for a few months after the birth of your baby.
Morning Sickness- This includes nausea at any time of day. Morning sickness can start as early as one week after conception and can last for as long as the first trimester. Only a couple women experience morning sickness in the third trimester. To feel better you can eat crackers or small meals.
Frequent Urination- Do you feel like you constantly need to use the restroom? Frequent urination is something that most women will experience in the early stages of pregnancy. When your uterus grows, it will begin to put pressure on your bladder, giving you the urge to urinate more frequently. Frequent urination can start the first week after conception and can last until you give birth.
Food Cravings- While you are pregnant you are going to require more nutrients to make up for the increased number of calories being used to create the baby. Consequently, you may crave certain foods.
Breast Changes- Your chest may become swollen and tender. You may also notice that your areola (area around the nipple) is darkening and you have blue and pink lines under the skin. These changes are caused by the hCG hormone that begins production once you conceive. These symptoms can begin as early as a few days after conception and can last the duration of your pregnancy.
Exhaustion- Your body is using your energy to create your growing baby which is why you may feel fatigued. You will also notice that you have a higher temperature due to the increased amounts of progesterone being released within your body. This also adds to your fatigued.
Bleeding- When the fertilized egg implants in your uterus, you may experience some light bleeding.
Other Symptoms:
-Sensitivity to Smells
-Food Aversions
-Backache
-Constipation
NOTE: Use of this article requires links to be intact.
Having eight children of his own, Chris Dunn enjoys writing articles about pregnancy for his childbirth website




Natural pregnancy breastfeeding products and gifts

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Wholesale Diapers

Diapers are an extremely significant accessory during the early years of a baby's life, and in some cases, may even prove to be indispensable to an aging adult who suffers from incontinence. Thus, in this age of rising costs and tight budgets, it is quite natural for parents and guardians to opt for diapers that are available at wholesale rates.
There are wholesale rates for every commodity needed by man, and diapers are no exception to that norm. Wholesale rates are obviously much cheaper than retail rates since they are directly available to the consumer at factory cost.
Once a commodity is bought by a retailer, he most definitely raises the price to meet his expenses and add to his profit. But wholesale materials, as we understand it, are devoid of such added charges and are lighter on one's pocket.
Wholesale diapers are available at a lesser cost compared to diapers sold from a retail outlet. Many parents who look for economically profitable options for their children would naturally want to purchase these items. It is important to remember that contrary to popular belief, buying wholesale diapers does not mean that the consumer is compromising on quality and risking the baby's health or comfort. In fact, most wholesale diaper manufacturers guarantee top quality.
There are a host of websites that sell diapers at wholesale rates. There are popular sites like www.storkschoice.com, www.diapersandmore.com, www.ebay.com and www.shopping.com. However, prices should always be compared and the potential customer should always settle for the best possible deal.
Some websites guarantee very low prices, international deliveries and top product qualities. In most of these cases, the buyer has to buy a large quantity of diapers (some websites wouldn't sell less than fifty cases at a time) in order to enjoy the wholesale rates. The internet is a massive storehouse of information on wholesale rates for diapers, and consumers should do their own market research before making their ultimate choice. After all, money shouldn't be a hindrance in maintaining the health and comfort of a baby or an aging adult in need of help.
Diapers provides detailed information about diapers, cloth diapers, diaper bags, and more. Diapers is affiliated with Breast Pumps For Sale.


Pregnancy Gift

Dental Care for Babies and Young Children

Do you want your children to maintain those healthy gleaming pearly whites as they grow older? Well, who would not want that?
Well, are you ready to learn the ultimate secret in having a perfect set of teeth? Well, brace yourselves for this - it’s plain good old dental hygiene!
Have you ever thought for a moment that there will be some rocket-science revelations in here? Sorry if this disappointed you, but the secret really lies in establishing a good dental routine at an early age (as soon as the first milk tooth appears!).
A baby with good dental hygiene may be able to avoid various dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and abscesses. Mind you, these dental problems are not only painful – they may even require a treatment or two, which can be quite costly as well! Plus, good dental hygiene may have a lasting effect on his or her facial appearance and speech development as well.
Encouraging the Development of Healthy Milk Teeth
Your baby’s teeth start to develop even before he or she is born. When your baby is about 6 to 9 months old, the first tooth (also called milk tooth or deciduous tooth) will normally start to appear.
Take care of your baby’s milk teeth as if they were gold. They will serve as the foundation of how the mature teeth will eventually form.
How Can You Prevent Dental Problems in Babies? Aside from proper brushing and regular dental visits, there are still several things that you can do to make sure that your baby’s or any younger child's teeth remain healthy. Here are some suggestions that you may find useful:
• Load up on calcium. Make sure that your baby drinks enough milk and starts eating calcium-rich foods when he or she is old enough to do so. This will help ensure proper teeth development and may help maintain good dental health as well.
•Say no to sugar! Steer away from sugar-rich foods and drinks. You may also want to try sugar-free medications whenever possible.
• Minimize contact with sugar - Sugar is not in any way good for your baby’s dental health. However, if it cannot be avoided, try to feed your baby with sugary foods only during mealtimes. It will minimize the amount of time that the sweet foods spend in your child's mouth and may help lessen the risk of developing dental problems later on.
• Do not add sugar in a baby's bottle. Sugary drinks in baby’s bottle are an absolute no-no since it can play a significant part in promoting dental decay. When feeding your baby with juice, dilute it first and have him or her take it from a cup.
• Opt for healthy alternatives - Offer your baby some cheese or fruits as snacks between meals. These contain essential nutrients vital for good dental health.
• Children sucking their thumb or fingers should be discouraged from doing so. This is an unhealthy dental habit that can affect the development of your baby’s teeth.
• Try to avoid using dummies (also known as pacifiers). These can also affect your baby’s teeth. And please, if you are going to use them anyway, don’t dip them in honey or fruit juices! That will do twice the damage!
Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Dental



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The Diabetic Pregnancy Diet - Ensuring Your Baby's Health


Babies are top priority for mothers. This is why pregnant mothers undergo regular check-ups to make sure that all is well for the baby. Due to the common occurrence of gestational diabetes, diabetic pregnancy diet is making its way into the medical to-do list of mothers and gynecologists.
If you notice that you are hungrier, thirstier, and more exhausted than you normally are, and you impulsively go to your bathroom every 15 minutes, then it is about time to take the Glucose Challenge Test, for you may be suffering from gestational diabetes.
Besides monitoring your glucose or blood sugar level, you must also learn how to properly eat three small-sized or medium-sized meals daily, so that your blood sugar levels will stabilize. This is also helpful in providing adequate source of nutrition to your baby. Next to having these sizes of diet daily is focusing on the nutritional value of the foods you are taking.
No Junk Food
You must get rid of foods that are not providing necessary vitamins and minerals to you and your baby. This means that you are to avoid junk foods and those with lots of chemicals and preservatives.
Other than eliminating junk foods from your diet, you must also learn how to reduce intake of simple carbohydrates and sugars. Sweets and sugar are your major enemies. They are the roots of your weakness - this is the reason why many doctors prohibit excessive eating of chocolates and other sweet foods.
You must avoid foods with artificial sweeteners for it will not only increase your blood sugar levels, but it will also have some effects on the brain of your baby.
High Fiber Diet
Eating fibrous foods like vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and beans will counter the effect of sugar in your bloodstream, in such a way that your sugar levels will remain healthy. Thus, your blood sugar level will not rise rapidly.
Dietitians and nutritionists will also tell you that you must also avoid eating salty and fatty foods. Salt must be reduced promptly, while fats must be reduced gradually. You are not allowed to eat high fat foods because they are not rich in nutrients and fibers needed in your pregnancy.
You must also learn how to eat a variety of foods. Your daily diet must incorporate different types of foods. As doctors say, you must also have a balanced diet. Try getting nutrition from different food groups. You must balance carbohydrate foods with protein-rich viands and some greens.
Exercise Is Also Important
The perfect diet for pregnant mothers is never complete without the proper exercise. You are not just watching your sugar intake, but also strengthening your stamina and resistance. Exercise is the only means of achieving a healthy and diabetes-free body. However, during pregnancy it is a must to ask reference and permission from your doctor before engaging in any type of exercise.
Note that not all the available exercise and fitness instructions are perfect and good for you. Consider that you are pregnant, so naturally you cannot do ordinary curl-ups, push-ups and weights. Gentle exercises lasting for about 30 minutes when executed daily will help decrease your blood sugar level.
Other than "pregnant" exercises you can also resort to low-impact activities. These are not only helpful in normalizing your blood sugar levels and making your body healthy, but these are also the safest activities for you and your baby. Included in such low-impact activities are yoga and swimming.
However, if you are not the sporty type you can just walk around your house or the neighborhood. This is helpful in normalizing your blood sugar levels.
Checking up with your dietitian will help you in accurately preparing your diabetic pregnancy diet. She will provide the proper examination and evaluation that will effectively lower your blood sugar level.
Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as diabetic pregnancy diet, diabetic diet menus and diabetes diet info that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

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Friday, September 28, 2007

Feel Good In Trendy Maternity Clothes

Wearing trendy maternity clothes can be a great way to lift the spirits and get over the pregnancy blues. Wearing soft, comfortable and well fitting clothes can go a long way in making the pregnancy period more relaxed and enjoyable.
There were times when women hid their growing bodies in loose and baggy clothes that did nothing much to build their morale. Women these days have come of age at last and celebrate their unique ability to create a life with a man they love. So flaunt and enjoy the bodily changes that are part of being pregnant. There is such a wide range of choices available from chic maternity clothes to funky maternity clothes that help to feel and look good during pregnancy.
Purchasing Trendy Maternity Clothes
Working and being pregnant at the same time can mean you need to shop for maternity clothes that are appropriate for office wear and comfy at the same time. Shopping for trendy maternity clothes with a couple of friends can be fun and an event to remember especially if you are a first time mother-to-be.
While selecting your clothes it will be more prudent to shop for a few trendy maternity clothes each month as your body is going to keep growing so look for clothes that can stretch and that you are sure to be comfortable in. You get great deals on clothes if you shop during sales or in discount stores. Why pay more when you can get some super trendy maternity clothes for about half the regular price?
You may shop for funny maternity clothes to make those days easier to get by as they say laughter is the best medicine. So take it easy and enjoy wearing clothes that reflect your sense of humor. You may purchase clothes for your partner with funny inscriptions making it double the fun.
For those of you on a budget there is a great selection of affordable maternity clothes online that can guarantee your partner giving you a wolf whistle in appreciation. From strapless sun dresses, sexy skirts and shorts, tops and shirts, to fabulous evening and winter wear, go buy and enjoy.
When feel the blues just log online and enjoy a shopping spree buying trendy maternity clothes that will accentuate your beauty and get you out of your mood swings. You will definitely feel better wearing clothes that make you look chic and attractive.
Trendy maternity clothes can also be great gifts to give to family or friends who are expecting mothers. They are available in all sizes from plus to petite and are designed to make pregnancy more tolerable for those who suffer from the pregnancy complications such as morning sickness etc.




Trendy maternity clothes add to the joy of pregnancy period. Maternity clothes are available in various options such as chic maternity clothes, funky maternity clothes, funny maternity clothes, affordable maternity clothes and much more. Maternity clothes has more free information on pregnancy clothes, and almost everything you would like to know about pregnancy and childbirth.

Personalized Baby Gifts - Make Them Extra Special

No matter wherever you go, you can never get away from the pleasantly innocent gestures and giggling of babies, even the very thought of which make you seek out more of their angelic delights. In a world full of crazily spun chaotic activities, this is the only respite that can be relied on to bring a smile on your face instantaneously. In such a situation, the best way to do justice to the little angels is to buy them personalized baby gifts and show how much they mean to you.
Waylaying the erstwhile common trend of picking up just about what the toy or gift markets had to offer, personalized baby gifts have made a big impact on people who want to make it extra special for the babies. Even the prospect of giving one fills you with happiness as you will have the opportunity to tinker with your creativity in a memorable way. Moreover, these gifts themselves come across as potential souvenirs for the babies at later stages of their lives.
Your hunt for personalized baby gifts will bring you in front of a number of options such as personalized name prints, framed name prints, illustrated name canvas, Personalized cards and even portrait canvas. While you can get the baby's name imprinted with some image inputs in case of name prints, you can go further and jazz it up with really cute illustrations with names for the babies through illustrated name canvas.
Besides these options, the list of personalized baby gifts expand even further with such wonderful concepts as Christmas day gifts, Easter gifts and even Halloween gifts under something called naming day gifts. So, don't look back and let your emotions and creativity pour out smoothly through your gifts. Make use of the contemporary market, which has a host of different products to satiate all kinds of requirements.





About The Author: Author is a well known business writer and currently writing on WOW baby gifts products like baby gifts.

Baby Shower Party Favors

Planning a baby shower can be fun. Especially when it comes to deciding what will make the best party favors to give to guests to remember the momentous occasion just before the new baby arrives.
The great thing about baby shower favors is there are so many to choose from. You can go to any party store or go online, and you'll find hundreds of choices. May baby shower favors can be ordered in bulk and you and your friends can personalize them for an added touch. Soaps, picture frames and candles are popular baby shower favor gifts. You can purchase soap in bulk shaped like babies, storks or rattles. For an added touch you can take three or four cakes of soap and place them in little pink and blue bowls wrapped in pink or blue plastic wrap and tiny strings of ribbon. Picture frames and candles come in all kinds of wonderful baby colors and shapes You can mix and match them, place them in a decorative bowl, and have guests select one as they enter the party room. Little baby figurines are also a popular choice. You can order baby figurines in the shape of a teddy bear, angel, bunny rabbit, etc, or you can mix and match them and allow your guests to select their favorite.
If you'd rather make homemade baby shower favors, chocolates and cookies are always a welcomed gift. You can bake cookies in baby shapes and design chocolates in the shape of a rattle, baby bottle, etc.
Online sources of baby shower party favors include www.babycenter.com, www.baby-shower.com, www.simplybabystuff.com etc. You can select the gifts you want online, decide on the number of gifts and place the order-all when your baby is asleep and you are free to sit on your computer. Without disrupting any of your activities, the party favors will be delivered at your doorstep.
Party Favors provides detailed information on Party Favors, Wedding Party Favors, Birthday Party Favors, Baby Shower Party Favors and more. Party Favors is affiliated with Wholesale Candy Distributors.


Wednesday, September 26, 2007

What You Can Do to Lessen the Effects of Infant Acid Reflux

Infant acid reflux is usually more devastating to the parents than it is to the child suffering with the condition. Sure, they will spit up a lot and cry, but they won’t remember any of that. You on the other hand will never forget the frustration and despair you experienced when your baby was suffering with infant acid reflux.
There are some things you can do to help lessen the effects and manage the symptoms of infant acid reflux. The best thing you can do is have patience and know that the condition will not last forever and it will not harm your child in any lasting way.
Your baby should begin to outgrow infant acid reflux at about six months of age. It is thought that because the baby is spending more time sitting upright rather than lying down, and this is said that in itself, will help prevent spit ups. After you have fed your baby, you can try keeping her in an upright position and quiet. Once the baby has finished her bottle and burped, sit her in your lap with her head nestled on your chest. Stay this way for at least thirty minutes after she has finished eating.
Another step you can take to reduce the symptoms of infant acid reflux is to offer smaller meals more frequently. When your baby suffers with infant acid reflux, you should feed the child twice as often and feed only half as much. Your baby will be able to digest smaller amounts of formula quicker, thus eliminating extra acid production.
A great way to avoid the more severe symptoms of infant acid reflux is to breast feed your baby and be careful of the food you are eating as it can pass into the milk that feeds your baby. Continue breast feeding as long as it is feasible to you, as feeding a baby with infant acid reflux formula can only worsen the symptoms. Breast milk contains digestion aiding enzymes that can minimize the effects of infant acid reflux.
For more information about Infant Acid Reflux, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-acid-reflux.com/Infant-Acid-Reflux.html






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Treating Infant Constipation Gently and Safely

In this article we will look at infant constipation treatment and how best to deal with constipation when an infant is suffering from it.
The best way in which any parent could treat an infant who is suffering from constipation is by changing the child’s diet. The constipation will not improve without a change of diet and they will also probably be using stool softeners as well.
The goal of any infant constipation treatment is so that the child has 1 or 2 soft stools each day. So why not give them 2 to 4 ounces of water or diluted fruit juice once or twice a day. Or you may want to swap the formula they are drinking at the moment for a soy formula instead.
If however your infant is older than 4 months and suffering from constipation then you may want to try feeding them lots of fiber which are contained in cereals, strained prunes, apricots or spinach.
A great way of helping an infant suffering from constipation is by massaging their stomach. Begin at the belly button and then massage outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Put some baby oil or cream on your fingers as this will help with the massage. However if your child becomes upset or uncomfortable with the massage then stop it.
Or you try moving your infant’s legs in a cycling motion whilst they are laid on their backs. Just hold their legs and then gently move them in a quick cycling motion. This will cause the stomach muscles to move and this in turn will put gentle pressure on the infant’s intestines and make them move.
Another great way of helping an infant suffering from constipation is to give them a warm bath which will help them to relax and thus their stools will be passed more easily. After the bath and when your infant is more relaxed you could try massaging their stomach again. Also after a bath apply some cream or Vaseline to the area around the infant’s anus. It is important that you do not put a thermometer or anything inside your infant’s anus to stimulate bowel movement as this will only cause damage to your child.
There are a number of different ways as shown above which can be used for infant constipation treatment and as long as you watch what they eat and ensure that they have plenty of fluids they should not suffer with this problem too much.
Lee Dobbins writes for Colon Articles where you can learn more about keeping your colon healthy and ways to deal with constipation.

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Infant Ear Infection And The Effects On Your Child

Infant ear infection is one of the most common reasons children are taken to see the doctor and is especially common in infants up to two years of age. The problem with babies and infants is establishing ear infection as the cause of discomfort because unlike older children who will tell you their ear is aching, toddlers cannot and parents need to be aware of other tell tale signs.
Infant Ear Infections - Pain Is The Biggest Clue
Ear aches can come on very quickly and the accompanying symptoms will be pain and usually fever. Pain is obviously the biggest giveaway in toddler ear infections because make no mistake, they hurt!
This is one of the reasons if a child continually pulls on it's ear but appears to be in no discomfort at all that ear infection is usually ruled out. There could be a host of other reasons why the child is tugging it's ear such as teething, curiosity by the child, itching and yes, even habitual. A little like sucking the thumb. But what does an adult with their first child and no relative experience in this area do? The most obvious course of action is to head to the doctor.
Ear Infection Fact
There are several risk factors for infant ear infection. Some of the more common include colds, flus and allergies which may be picked up by a child during daycare and pre school facilities which can then lead to ear infection developing, recurrent infection and changes in climate.
Detecting Toddler And Baby Ear Infections
Children's eustachian tubes, the connection between the middle ear and the nose, are a lot shorter than those of adults. In fact, in babies, the Eustachian tube is at least one third the length of an adults so fluid drainage can become a problem.
Following a bout of cold and flu or allergy attack, babies can become more susceptible to developing an ear infection. The Eustachian tube can become blocked which leads to fluid gathering in the middle ear and not being released. Bacteria then breeds and if unchecked, swelling and pain, followed by fever, is usually the result.
If your baby suddenly displays a change in attitude such as becoming irritable and unco-operative, crys and screams often in short bursts then something is usually wrong and ear infection is usually one of the suspects.While there may be other reasons the child may be aggravated a visit to your doctor should be your first priority as they can quickly determine if there is infection present in the ear.
Although infant ear infections are common, they can be serious and without any diagnosis or treatment, ruptures to the eardrum are possible while in more serious cases, possible loss of hearing could be the result.
Treatment Of Infant Ear Infection
Over half of infant ear infection episodes may improve without treatment. There is a theory that waiting three to four days once a diagnosis has been made could be the best course of action initially but if the symptoms haven't improved, then treatment intervention is usually pursued.
Debate continues on whether antibiotic treatment is the best course of action although with very young children, doctors will usually play it safe and prescribe them. Associated pain relieving medication may also be suggested to accompany the antibiotic treatment.
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Have you considered what effect infant ear infection has on your child. We tell you more in this informative article plus, read the latest infection related news and reviews at:http://www.yourinfectionsite.com

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Childrens Bedding - A Guide To Choosing Infant Bedding

An approaching birth is an exciting time, and whether you’re the expecting parents or friends or family of those expecting, the selection of infant bedding for the newborn’s crib is often not given much thought during the process of shopping for the baby or the baby shower. While it is certainly a minor detail when compared to researching the enormous market of car seats, highchairs, and other safety products, it still should be given more than passing consideration since baby will be spending much of his or her time sleeping there.
Crib mattress size
Safety standards implemented in the 1970s mandate that cribs mattress sizes be standardized, measuring 27.25” x 51.625” and being no more than six inches high. All new infant bedding is designed to conform to these standards.
So really, the only instance when the size or fit of infant bedding may become an issue is if the expecting parents plan to use an antique or heirloom crib. If this is the case, you should ensure that the crib still meets these safety guidelines, especially with regard to the crib’s slats or spindles, and you’ll probably want to consider using a flat sheet rather than the fitted crib sheets which will either be too large or too small on non-standard crib mattresses.
Children’s Bedding Material or Fabric
While crib bedding sizes are standard (28” x 52”), the material or fabric of the bedding still can vary between manufacturers or even individual bedding designs by the same manufacturer. You’ll find that most infant bedding on the market will have either a 100% cotton construction or else a blend of cotton and polyester.
If allergies or chemical sensitivity is a concern, it would certainly be best to go with a natural fabric. (Cotton is always a safe and readily available option, though wool may also be an option). Its best to check with the manufacturer regarding the composition of their infant bedding fabrics, particularly with designer brands or specialty designs, where more elaborate synthetics may appear.
Children’s Bedding Patterns
When shopping for children’s bedding, most people’s primary concern of course is the pattern or design of the beddings. The proprietary designs that proliferate the children’s bedding market are not quite as widespread within the infant bedding niche of the market. Typically, you will find more generic or non-branded designs with infant bedding.
What many people don’t consider is that infant bedding can be used as a readily available multi-sensory learning tool. An emerging body of research on infant learning processes points towards the benefits of multi-sensory approaches to infant learning and early childhood education. This approach to teaching increases memory retention by creating more sensory associations with the subject matter.
As an example, let’s look at the “Engine #9” infant bedding design by Kimberly Grant. This quilt-style comforter has many fun colors for baby to look at, yet it’s put together in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the eye. Similarly, it is made of multiple kinds of fabrics--blue corduroy, yellow seersucker, tan check, red woven plaid, and ivory chenille--so baby can discover all these different textures and feelings and colors right in his own crib. And the simple, whimsical objects depicted on it--the fire truck, Dalmatian, and fire hydrant--provide additional opportunities to teach baby new words while he can see and touch them on his own comforter.
So for expecting parents who are hip to the emerging research and implementations of multi-sensory teaching, infant bedding with quilted designs can provide a readily available and often overlooked tool to implement in a larger multi-sensory approach. And for parents who haven’t heard much about multi-sensory learning, perhaps getting quilted infant bedding may motivate you to learn more about it!


About the AuthorLaurensLinens.com offers 300 of the most popular children’s bedding styles available today. Whether you’re decorating your kid’s rooms or just want to treat yourself to some luxurious new bedding, you are sure to find something to suit your taste with our wide selection of comforters, sheets, blankets, pillows and other decor items. Shop today to take advantage of our most extensive bedding selection for adults, kids and teens of the season!


Causes of Baby Diaper Rash and When to Seek Medical Advice

Diaper rash usually looks like a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby’s bottom. Most babies develop a diaper rash sometime or another. Times diaper rash may appear most often are:
• After solid foods are added to your baby’s diet• When your baby is taking antibiotics• When diapers are changed infrequently
Diaper rashes are more common in babies during their first 15 months or anytime your baby wears diapers. Other factors that contribute to diaper rash may include:
• Diarrhea• Use of plastic pants to cover a diaper
The good news about most diaper rashes is most cases disappear after a few days with home treatment.
Signs and symptoms of diaper rash include:
• Red, puffy and sometimes slightly warmer skin in the diaper region, buttocks, thighs and genitals• Baby may seem more uncomfortable than usual especially during diaper changes• Pain from a diaper rash often makes a baby fuss or cry when the diaper area is washed or touched
Causes for diaper rash
If a baby is forced to wear diapers soiled with urine or feces for long periods of time, he or she can experience irritation. A baby’s skin is usually quite sensitive, but even an adult who would wear an undergarment soiled with urine or feces for long periods of time would eventually experience irritation.
Sometimes when babies start to eat solid foods, the content of their stool changes and can increase the likelihood of diaper rash. Changes in baby’s diet can lead to increased frequency of stools, which can cause diaper rash. Breast-fed babies may develop diaper rash in response to something you have eaten.
New products such as a new brand of disposable wipes, diaper or detergent can irritate baby’s bottom. Even the type of detergent or fabric softener you use could be the cause.
Other substances that can add to the problem of diaper rash include ingredients found in:
• Baby lotions• Baby powders• Baby oils
The diaper rash can begin as a simple skin infection then spread to the surrounding regions within the creases of the skin turning into a bacterial or yeast infection.
Be careful about the fit of diapers and clothing. Tight fitting diapers and clothing which rubs against the skin can lead to diaper rash.
If your baby’s diaper rash does not improve within several days of home treatment and more frequent diaper changes, ask your health care provider for advice. If the diaper rash leads to a secondary infection it may require prescription medications. If diaper rash occurs with any of the following, have your child examined by a health care provider:
• Fever• Blisters or boils• A rash that extends beyond the diaper area• Pus or weeping discharge• Rashes that don’t respond to home treatment
Source: Mayo Clinic
Written by: Connie Limon Visit us at http://smalldogs2.com/BabyHealth for an extensive list of FREE reprint articles about Babies and Baby Health.
This article is FREE to republish with the resource box.
Written by: Connie Limon Visit us at http://smalldogs2.com/BabyHealth for an extensive list of FREE reprint articles about Babies and Baby Health.




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Caring For Your Baby's Umbilical Cord

From the sixth week of pregnancy until birth there is an umbilical cord that connects the developing fetus to the mother through the placenta. It exists as a lifeline that supplies the developing fetus with oxygen, nutrition and a route for waste elimination while the fetus is within the womb.
At birth, the baby is able to breathe, eat, and void by itself. The umbilical cord is no longer necessary and is clamped and cut shortly after delivery.
The remaining cord after baby’s birth requires proper care to heal and drop off naturally. This occurs usually within 2 weeks after birth.
There are two conditions that will require prompt medical care. These are:
• Umbilical granuloma: This is a persistent, yellow-green drainage from the belly button, no redness, warmth, swelling or tenderness of the surrounding skin is present. Fever will not usually be present. A small nodule of firm, pinkish-red tissue represents an umbilical granuloma. This condition can be treated successfully in the doctor’s office.• Patent urachus: Top of baby’s diaper continuously wet, or fluid leaking from the belly button could represent a “rare” condition where the normal connection between the fetal bladder and the umbilical cord has remained open after the birth of the baby. Call your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Conditions that require immediate emergency room evaluation include:• Any redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness in the skin around the belly button, or “lots” of discharge from it, especially if the discharge smells bad. This could be omphalitis, which is a potentially life-threatening infection of the umbilical stump and the surrounding area. This condition requires prompt evaluation and treatment in the hospital.
Umbilical cord treatment after birth:
• During the first hour after delivery and usually following the baby’s first bath, the umbilical stump is treated with an antibiotic applied directly onto it, to decrease the chance for infection.• Twenty-four hours after delivery, the clamp can be removed from the stump. It is best to be sure this clamp is removed at the hospital before you take your baby home. If it is not removed at the hospital there is a chance the clamp can get stuck during home diaper changes and can pull on and injure the stump.
Umbilical cord treatment and self-care at home includes:• Little is required to care for the stump once you are home with the baby. Wipe the stump and the surrounding skin area with rubbing alcohol two to three times a day until the stump falls off. If you notice a small amount of yellowish ooze or even a drop of blood at this time, this is normal and no cause for concern.• Keep the area dry. This is very important and the reasons why you are not suppose to bathe the baby until later.• You can help with cord care by keeping the diaper rolled out and down (so the inside of the diaper is showing) to allow the stump to be exposed to the air keeping it dry. The rolled diaper will not trap the cord inside the diaper. If you roll the diaper in and down, it will place the plastic outer side of the diaper against the stomach and make the baby uncomfortable.• The cord usually falls off within the first 2 weeks. At this time, you might notice a small, pinkish area in the bottom of the belly button that will not look like the rest of the skin. This is normal and expected. Normal skin will grow over it. Once this occurs, it is safe to give your baby a bath.
There is no means of preventing granuloma, urachus and opmhalitis. Antibiotics can be given to prevent recurring bladder infections. The steps performed from moment the cord is cut with a sterile blade, to the antibiotic applied to prevent infection, to the need to keep the cord dry, are all precautions aimed at preventing the serious condition of omphalitis. If your baby develops any of the three conditions mentioned, once treated, all conditions have excellent outcomes.
*Important Disclaimer: This article is for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any kind of a health problem. Please consult a qualified Health Care Professional for all your health care needs including the use of information provided in this article.
Source: eMedicineHealth, which is a first aid and consumer health information site written by physicians for patients and consumers.
© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved
Written by: Connie Limon, 9-2007, Baby Health Information Researcher/Free Lance Writer. For more helpful information about “Baby Health,” visit http://smalldogs2.com/BabyHealth Baby Health is an information portal for consumers. For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special sections on U.S. History, First Ladies’, the Kennedy Administration, visit http://www.camelotarticles.com This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.


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Pregnant Mothers Taking Antidepressants May Risk Baby's Health

In recent years, women have been advised to avoid medications during pregnancy and while breastfeeding their infants; yet, at the same time, some conditions pregnant women suffer such as hypertension (high blood pressure), asthma, epilepsy and depression require long-term and continued medication management.
It appears as though pregnant women suffering from depression may be in a no-win situation because failure to manage depression with continued SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medication may affect the health of both mother and child. SSRI's are designed to elevate the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin. A low level of serotonin is one of several neurochemical symptoms of depression. Low levels of serotonin can be caused by an anxiety disorder because serotonin is needed to metabolize stress hormones.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) has been found in infants of mothers taking Zoloft (generic sertraline) during pregnancy. Infants born with PPHN have difficulty making the transition from breathing inside the womb to normal breathing after deliver and often require a ventilator due to respiratory failure. Research has found that SSRI's accumulate in the adult's lungs and serotonin can cause the proliferation of certain muscle cells. This may possibly explain the drug's effect on the fetus. Approximately 10-20% of babies born with this condition do not survive.
SSRI's have also been known to cause withdrawal symptoms in those who abruptly stop taking the drugs. Stopping these drugs is something that must be carefully monitored by a physician, and generally, tapering off of the drugs is recommended. Abruptly stopping the drugs may cause the infant to experience withdrawals symptoms such as tremors, high-pitched crying, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems. A shocking 13% of 60 newborns exposed to SSRI's showed severe symptoms of withdrawal upon birth.
In February 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study indicating that mothers taking SSRI antidepressants after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times more likely to give birth to an infant with a serious hearth defect than mothers not taking SSRI antidepressants.
Depression is a serious illness that often carries with it an increased risk of suicide in the sufferer and should be treated by your doctor. For decades, SSRIs have helped thousands of men and women fight depression. However, the statistics clearly show that there are serious risks involved with taking SSRI medication during pregnancy.
If you or a loved one has suffered adverse side effects in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri or Illinois due to SSRI medication, please contact the experienced Drug Recall Lawyers at Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law.



The Ultimate Baby Health - Making Your Own Baby Food

The ingredients that go into baby foods are the basis of early, healthy development. Babies will grow up fast, and will require different kinds of foods with different textures etc. Little ones need to have calcium, protein, vitamins, fat, carbohydrates and plenty of iron in their diets for physical and mental growth.
Here is a basic timeline for developing a baby’s eating habits: The first six months or so you will want to breast feed if at all possible. If breastfeeding is not possible, consult your doctor about which formula might be best for your baby. After the first months try the baby out on soft, almost watery purees, such as runny yogurt. After seven months your baby can handle lumpy foods, with the mushy consistency of foods like rice pudding, mashed bananas etc. etc. Once the baby has become nine months old, you can feed him or her soft foods that are diced or shredded into very small pieces, such as Vienna sausages and cheese. Try to use the same types of foods that you are eating for that meal, if possible. You will continue this manner of feeding until the child is one year old. By their first birthday, babies should be adapted to family foods cut into very small pieces, as well as whole milk.
It doesn’t take much time to make baked potatoes and mash them to a pulp for the baby. And other kinds of fruits and veggies such as avocados, bananas and pears require hardly any prep work at all. Blenders and food processors, even manual potato mashers produce suitably runny purees with minimal effort, so you don’t have to worry about time. A great plus, considering the overall eating habits of Americans today, is that by making these mini-meals you're more likely to have fresh produce in the house.
A baby needs a lot of vitamins and iron. Vitamins promote growth and healing. Iron is important for babies between 6 months and 2 years because it aids mental and physical development. Vitamin C helps babies absorb iron, so try to mix iron-fortified cereals with foods high in vitamin C.
Some good foods for your baby include foods like apricots, avocados, broccoli, butternut squash, cantaloupe, cauliflower, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, rice cereal, and sweet potatoes.
Certain foods to avoid include: Gluten, which is a type of protein found in barley, rye, wheat and some oats—avoid feeding these to your baby until he or she is six months old at least, high-fiber foods should also be avoided, honey (honey should not be given to your baby until he or she is at least a year old) According to the American Academy of Pediatrics. There is a connection between honey and infant botulism, which is a potentially fatal illness.
Also, you will want to avoid nuts (not only can there be an allergic reaction to nuts, but they can also be a choking hazard. It is recommended that you do not feed your child nuts until he or she is at least five years of age.) Salt is another bad thing for babies under the age of one to consume. (Salts can strain their immature kidneys, as well as can cause dehydration.) Sugars are a no-no too. Try to save sugary snacks or deserts for rare occasions, and unpasteurized cheeses (which can promote listeria infection).
Talk to your doctor for more advice on making baby foods.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on parenting please visit Baby Care.

Everything You Need To Know About Baby Swings

Baby swings have been life-savers for many parents who could not get their children to fall asleep except for the soothing back-and-forth movement provided by the swing. There are lots of variations on the baby swing concept, from simple swings that the parent pushes back and forth, to swings that can be cranked, and even electric swings.
Basics of Baby Swings
No matter how you swing it, the basic idea is the same for all baby swings. A small chair is held up by rods that connect it to the top of the baby swing. The entire apparatus is usually not more than a few feet tall, and is typically meant to be kept indoors. Unlike the outdoor swings you remember from childhood, these swings have a deliberately slow movement, and cannot move very far out.
Safety Concerns for Baby Swings
Baby swings are safe for babies nine months old or younger who weigh less than 25 pounds. Even newborns can benefit from a baby swing.
Unfortunately, in the US there are few safety standards for baby swings. Every year, about 1,000 babies in the US are taken to the emergency room for injuries received while using the baby’s swing. While this number is not huge, it is cause to be careful. In particular, you should never buy baby swings that have a carrier bed attachment that allows the baby to lie down in the swing. The child can slide to the edge of the carrier and suffocate.
With regular baby swings, the biggest danger is to the baby’s head. The baby’s head can get caught between the edge of the backrest and the bars used to hold the swing up. Another danger is that the child can fall out, especially if the back of the seat collapses. Of course, this is only a danger as long as no one is there to watch the child and put his or her head back where it should be.
That’s why it is especially important for parents to stay with any children who are in a baby swing, and not to leave them alone for a second. Baby swings are not mechanical babysitters. Children are not necessarily safer in them than they would be if left alone on the floor.
Even more so than with other devices for babies, you need to be extra careful to make sure baby swings are assembled correctly and are sturdy. Each time your baby is using the swing, you should take the opportunity to check that all the screws and other fasteners are tight, that the unit is well-balanced, and that the unit is generally in good shape.

When using baby swings, parents should be extra careful to make sure the baby’s head stays upright. With newborns, you may want to roll up a towel to use as a headrest.
Make sure that children in baby swings are securely buckled in with both a seat belt and a crotch strap. Some of the older swings don’t have the crotch strap; don’t use these swings or your baby might slide out or even be strangled.
Still, despite the safety concerns, you just might find yourself one restless night thanking whoever invented baby swings and the sleep they provide.
For lots of helpful information on baby books and other baby related topics, visit Nr1 Baby Products at http://www.nr1-baby-products.com


There is a cure for Crib death (sids). Must Read!

Something that a lot parents hate and cannot understand these days are diseases and disorders that the medical community claim that they cannot do anything about at this point in time. Parents become outraged when it happens to their child and the medical community says that there was nothing that they could have done to help or to prevent it from happening and this is the case with the occurrence we have come to call SIDS -- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

The term itself is a misnomer: it is not a syndrome. It is the act of dying suddenly and inexplicably. In European countries, it is also called cot death, since it is most commonly associated with babies that die in their cribs. The health care system of the United States has said that there is no true explanation of why crib death occurs, but a man in New Zealand may have come up with an answer over a decade ago.

A man in New Zealand has begun a crusade against crib death and has pointed to a very likely explanation for it.Most flame retardant mattresses contain one of three chemicals: antimony, arsenic, or phosphorus. These chemicals are poisonous to us as human beings and you have to wonder why they are being put in our mattresses in the first place, much less in the mattress of an infant.We all know that babies will get their mattresses and bedding wet from spilling milk, juice, urinating through their diapers, and etcetera, but what happens when these spills do not get cleaned up properly?

Mold can grow in mattresses just as easily as carpet or on wet clothing, but the difference is that when mold begins to grow in a mattress made with these poisonous chemicals, they (like anything else on the planet that digests things) secrete gases. Since mold is consuming poisonous chemicals, is it not safe to say that these gases are also poisonous? An infant sleeping on its stomach and breathing in these gases would probably die, right?

It is a fact that less babies have died since the advice was given to sleep a child on his or her back instead of on their stomach.His advice says to not re-use an old baby mattress, but to buy a new one when you have another child because the instances of crib death have shown to increase with the more children you have. It is more common in children that are the 2nd, 3rd, and so on in their family.Special mattress wraps can also be purchased out of New Zealand for less than $50. The question of $50. Bucks or possible crib death. The choice is yours.

Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of quality Mold Remediation and water damage restoration companies across the united states.


Dazzling Baby Shower Centerpiece Idea

One of the most important decorations you will have at your party is the baby shower centerpiece. This is what everyone will look for as soon as they walk in through the door.
There are a lot of fantastic ideas for centerpieces, but you should consider a few things before choosing exactly what kind of baby shower centerpiece idea is best.
What is the theme of the party? You will want to have your centerpiece directly relate to your theme. This will tie everything together, and make your baby shower space look really great.
For example, will you be having a sports related baby shower for a little future quarterback? Then your centerpiece needs to also be sports related. You wouldn't want to have a jungle baby shower theme with animals and the whole nine yards, and then choose a golf centerpiece. Stay with the same theme so your decorations won't clash.
Do you want your cake to be your shower centerpiece? Some women choose to just use the baby shower cake for the centerpiece.
If you will be doing this, there are a few things you can do to boost your baby shower centerpiece idea up just a bit. Place certain things around the cake, to dress it up.
For example, if the cake is a flat sheet cake, place it on a cake holder or pedestal to prop it up at a small angle. This will allow your guest to see your cake better. Then, dress up the area around it by placing a large vase of flowers on either side of the cake.
Try to choose beautiful flowers that match the colors on the cake. If the cake is a round tiered cake, just leave the cake the way it is, but you can still dress up the surrounding area.
If you would rather have a different baby shower centerpiece idea separate from your cake, there are a lot of things you can go with. A very cute idea is to choose a very large vase of flowers that match your theme, and place flower picks in the vase that coincide with your theme.
For example, if your theme is ‘Winnie the Pooh,' you can choose the flowers to match the colors of your decorations. Then look for ‘Winnie the Pooh' flower picks. If you can't find any, try to find some small ‘Winnie the Pooh' stuffed animals.
Take some barbecue skewers and tape them on the back of the stuffed animals. If you don't mind being merciless, just pop the skewers right through the cloth on the animals and place those in your flower vase.
Another really beautiful baby shower centerpiece idea is to go with the large vase of flowers. After you have arranged these, place smaller clear glass containers around the vase of flowers, and place floating candles in them.
Light the candles, making sure there is nothing close enough to them that would catch fire. The floating candles will create a pretty glow, and draw the guest's eyes toward the centerpiece. Use extreme caution if there will be children at the baby shower.
It isn't difficult to find a really great baby shower centerpiece idea, if you use your creativity and imagination. These tips and ideas should help you come up with something that will be a big hit at the baby shower and a favorite among the guests.
Visit Baby Shower Game Idea to discover more fantastic and creative baby shower ideas for games, favors, cakes, invitations, gifts and more.


Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent

Baby slings are one of those things that have been in existence for thousands of years but have only just recently made a comeback in modern society. It's hard to imagine how previous generations of mothers manage without something like baby sling carriers to help them carry their babies.

There are several advantages to using a sling to carry your baby in. First of all, baby is comforted by the presence of your body. This has both a calming influence and creates more of a bond between parent and child.Fathers can particularly take advantage of sling carriers. With these items hey get to participate more in the life of their new baby. When carrying a baby in a sling, you become closely attuned to her breathing rhythms and movements. This allows you to anticipate your child's needs more fully.

There is evidence that the babies cognitive abilities develop more rapidly when he is transported in a swing. One of the reasons for this could be the reduced stress because of the soothing effect of being close to the parent. Seen in this light a sling or carrier is a 2-way street where both parent and child will benefit.

Yet another big advantage of sling carriers is that they free your hands and allow you to do other household tasks while carrying your baby. You can look after older children and do household chores while the new baby is safely tucked into the sling.You can adjust the position of the sling to make both you and baby more comfortable.

Baby can be placed on the hip, the belly, or even on the back, but this requires some skill to get used to doing safely.Mothers can nurse their babies while they are in the sling, providing both privacy and mobility -- the sling can be adjusted so that baby can nurse on her own, leading Mom’s hands free to do other things.

Slings are most often used with newborns, but they can also be used for toddlers up to 35 pounds. Carrying around a big baby like this can be tiresome, though, and most parents opt for a stroller at that stage.Some parents may find that sling carriers are not as comfortable as other types of baby carriers. Parents with back problems in particular may find a sling to increase their back pain.

Linda is an inspired author of the Baby Strollers Guide and the Baby Products Guide she is a mother of two

Potty Training Your Baby From Age 3 Weeks

A new mom will quickly learn when baby is telling her that he is tired or hungry. Baby will also tell you when he is about to soil his diaper - or 'eliminate' in the jargon. The signs are usually a grunting and moving into a certain position.

My son used to get this far away look on his face and he would be very noisy so that everyone around him knew what was on the way!Many moms in America are now practicing 'elimination communication' whereby they watch baby for signs that he is ready to 'eliminate' and then dangle him over the toilet or a potty.

The technique does require virtually constant observation of the baby but apparently baby soon learns the procedure and knows that if he grunts hard enough it saves him having to sit around with a diaper full of you-know-what!The savings achieved through having to buy far fewer diapers are considerable, and of course you would be doing your bit to help the environment.

Potty training at the 'traditional' age of around 2-3 can be a real battle and a scary time for a kid. Starting much earlier would spare you both but the technique does require constant attention and, for this reason, some experts 'pooh-pooh' the idea (sorry!) of starting potty training so early.

Heather Welford of the National Childbirth Trust believes most parents will be too busy to watch baby all day and says 'I think it will always be something practiced by a minority of parents doing it for ideological reasons such as being closer to the baby or to help save the environment'. Two good reasons I would have thought.

Katy Luck runs a website with advice and articles about having babies. Visit her site at http://www.baby-talk.co.uk/