“Three Reasons Why Child Care is an Imperative” plus 4 more

Three Reasons Why Child Care is an Imperative
How to Create Unique Personalized Baby Gifts
A Buying Guide For Baby Furniture Changing Tables
20 Tips For Successful Breastfeeding
Weaning From Breastfeeding - Introducing Finger Foods

Three Reasons Why Child Care is an Imperative

Posted: 30 Jul 2009 08:29 PM PDT

As society changes, smaller families often find a place to live in away from their families. In these cases, they ask older siblings or family elders to look after their younger lot. Because of this scenario, there has been a greater demand for more and more childcare facilities which benefit not only the working parents but also those recovering from their illness or maybe those who need to attend to some medical family emergencies.

The first reason will have to be teaching the children independence from parental support. Baby boomers have shown the great importance of thinking independently. They think that children should just go there and do it. Even at a very early age, kids should be independent of the support from parents. At these times, there are fewer moms who just stay in their homes. Also, there are more single parents today. These are the reasons why today, there is a greater demand for children to be put in day cares unlike during the time of the 80's. As there are a lot of sex offenders going around looking for innocent children they can victimize, it is not anymore advisable for children to stay home alone. Thus, day cares offer services that ensure the safety of the children while they learn new activities and skills aside from making sure that they eat their meals timely and get their rest.

The second reason is that day cares are very suitable for parents who cannot find or afford a caregiver or a babysitter. In day cares, children are provided with a safe and friendly environment where they will learn how to socialize with other children. Day cares offer many services and options with varying costs to parents which make them the more convenient and affordable option, besides providing the children with an environment where children can be safe, comfortable, and friendly. You can choose to put your child in a day care full- time, part- time or even only during weekends. All sorts of day cares are just around. Preschoolers can be put in a day care only after school which can last for only three to five hours. On the other hand, for toddlers and babies, day care might be required part- time especially for parents who can juggle their shifts and workloads so they can be around to witness their children's milestones in life.

The third reason why day cares are important is that their facilities are very conducive for the development of the children. Rather than let the children watch the television, eat junk foods or maybe let them stay alone at home without any adults to supervise them, it is better to just put the children in the day care which provides holistic development facilities. Furthermore, they have a trained staff working full- time who can attend to the needs of the children, from taking care of their health to play time to attending to them for medical emergencies. For easier transition from the home environment to the community environment, you can opt to volunteer in the day care for some hours or you can give them surprise visits there so you can spend time with your children there. This will let you observe how the child care center functions while letting you have a bonding with your kid.

How to Create Unique Personalized Baby Gifts

Posted: 30 Jul 2009 02:29 PM PDT

The true test of a gift giver is to find that perfect and unique personalized baby gift that will match both the needs and tastes of the recipient(s). This is the dilemma that many who have been asked to a baby shower or to be a party organizer or planner. The ability to source that one unique gift is put to the test when agreeing to participate in a memorable event such as this. Thus, while surfing the net or browsing the baby aisles of a department store there are some things to keep in mind.

First, the time or nearness to the birth or if the baby has already arrived you need to assess the needs of the parents and the budget that you plan to work within for the purchase.

Second, there is the time to either monogram or create yourself a homemade gift of sorts, such as a baby blanket, silver photo frame, or other gift item that needs to be ready for someone to add that personal touch.

Third, the time allotted for shipping and receiving the gift if you are purchasing online or from a vendor that is out of town.

While these are just a few considerations that need to be addressed in the planning phase prior to the event, there are a number of other ways to source unique personalized baby gifts. You just need to factor in the time and sentiment that is required to choose just the right one for a truly memorable and lasting gift experience.

A Buying Guide For Baby Furniture Changing Tables

Posted: 30 Jul 2009 02:24 PM PDT

Besides a crib probably the most used piece of furniture in a nursery is the changing table. In the first year and a half new parents will change thousands of diapers. A baby changing table comes in handy in a number of ways. It relieves the stress on your back by not having to bend over a crib. It can save the wear and tear on other household furnishings and it is a good place to store all the baby's diaper changing supplies. Here is a guide for those thinking of buying baby furniture changing tables.

There are many styles and varieties of changing tables and there is one to fit every budget. There are the portable or folding types which are light and can be moved around quite easily. There are the standalone pieces which come with matching crib and dressers. Then there are the combo dresser/changer or crib/changer for nurseries that have limited space.

Changing tables are mostly made of solid woods such as oak. Care should be taken if purchasing ones made of hard plastic or particle board. These types are not as sturdy as solid furniture. The good thing about furniture pieces is that after they have out grown their function as changing tables they can be used as dressers or other unique furniture pieces for the rest of the home.

There are certain accessories that all baby furniture changing tables should come with regardless of their design. For the baby's safety all tables should be equipped with guardrails. A new born will most likely lay still as he or she is being changed bit as the babies mature they can become somewhat restless. Safety straps are an other item that should accompany a table. As for the baby's comfort a thick changing pad that can be easily wiped should be considered.

The many designs incorporated into changing tables can add beauty, not just to the nursery but to the home as well. Their functions can serve many uses, but a baby changing table's primary purpose, that of keeping your baby safe while being changed, should be the guide for its purchase.

20 Tips For Successful Breastfeeding

Posted: 30 Jul 2009 02:24 PM PDT

1. Breastfeeding hurts. The degree varies, but even good latches can be, at best, uncomfortable. Aside from Lansinoh, build up a stash of wound gel pads (the hospital lactation consultant should be able to give you some). They are lifesavers in the early weeks. You may also want to use Neosporin on any open wounds (in fact it's more effective than Lansinoh if you do have wounds), but remember to wash it off before you breastfeed.

2. Don't rush the latch. Take the time to get the latch right no matter how heart wrenching your newborn's cries are.

3. Babies can mess up a good latch no matter what you do. It takes two to breastfeed and not everything is in your control. Sometimes, you'll just deal with a bad latch because you'll know if you pop her off that she's just going to konk out and then she won't eat at all. Despite what the LC's preach, you can't always fix a bad latch. Breastfeeding isn't perfect all the time.

4. Newborns are really sleepy. It's a fine art to wake them up enough to eat. Try blowing in their face, nudging them under the chin, stroking their heads, tickling their feet, and putting cold hands on their feet.

5. The football hold is the best one to start out with. Be familiar with it and don't worry about the other positions until later.

6. Boppies are, depending on your height, hard on your back and neck. Test your boppy. If it doesn't sit just below your breast, it is too short. You will either end up breastfeeding like the hunchback of Notre Dame or need a bazillion pillows to get the baby up to your breast. Try a My Brestfriend pillow instead. While it's a bit of a pain because you have to fasten it around your waist, it does allow you to control the height and customize it for your frame.

7. Due to number 6 above, you can expect more than your nipples to be sore. Remember to relax your shoulders and neck and don't contort your hands into weird positions. Have your spouse give you backrubs on a regular basis for the first few weeks.

8. If your hospital/area has a breastfeeding support group run by a Lacatation Consultant, go. Usually they have scales so you can weigh your baby and be sure your supply is on track. Ask the LC while you're in the hospital about hospital run lactation support groups, they'll fill you in on when and where. La Leche League is another place to find support.

9. Newborns eat frequently. Expect to do almost nothing but breastfeed the first six weeks. It's important that you make the breast available on demand during the initial newborn period as this is what establishes your milk supply. Stock up on movies and books (if you can manage to read and breastfeed) because you are going to be sitting a lot. Try to remember that this is temporary. It will pass and you'll gain more freedom as time goes on.

In addition, just when you think you can't take it anymore, keep in mind the more your baby eats, the faster they gain weight and once they hit ten pounds, most babies tend to sleep longer at night. So, you're not just feeding your baby, you're working toward a good night's sleep.

10. Keep in mind growth spurts when planning trips and other events. Growth spurts can be so demanding that you spend more time with your shirt off than on. In fact, you'll wonder why you even bothered to get dressed. So, avoid big plans for the third and sixth week of your baby's life because, you're already booked.

11. Take a breastfeeding class before the baby comes and have good reference books on hand. Breastfeeding is an art as well as a learned skill and you will have lots and lots of questions. Education and support is the key to a successful breastfeeding experience.

12. Always change your baby's diaper before a feeding as newborns tend to fall asleep on the boob and you don't want to wake them up with a diaper change. Especially at 2 am.

13. Know the signs of low milk supply. It's rare, but, of all breastfeeding challenges, this is one to keep an eye on because your milk can dry up fast and you don't want the baby to become dehydrated. If you are at risk for low supply (i. e. you have PCOS) at least buy some Fenugreek and have it on hand. Time is of the essence when it comes to low milk supply. Not every store carries Fenugreek and you won't have time to go looking for it.

14. Drink lots of water. Water makes breast milk. Proper hydration ensures a bountiful milk supply. Aim to drink half a liter of water every time you sit down to nurse.

15. Rest as much as you can. The bulk of breast milk is produced primarily at night while you are asleep, so don't stay up late cleaning the house (or engaging in other such tomfoolery) while your baby is sleeping. Naps are also important. Rest, rest, rest, and drink, drink, drink your water

16. If you or your baby were given antibiotics while in the hospital, ask the hospital LCs about your risk of thrush (a type of yeast infection). Ask them to evaluate your breasts and baby for signs of thrush. Thrush is painful and can be difficult to eradicate, so catching it early is important. Both mom and baby must be treated even if one or the other shows no symptoms. OBs are not terribly familiar with thrush and you may have to be a bit firm when communicating your needs.

17. Before you sit down to nurse, make sure you have everything you need. A burp cloth. A drink. The remote. Nothing is more frustrating than to realize you've forgotten the remote after you've started nursing.

18. Set up a nursing station. A small bookshelf to keep basic necessities within arm's reach is a lifesaver. Put a laptop on the bookshelf for one-hand internet surfing while nursing. Be sure to stock tissues and other necessary items like Lansinoh and nursing pads. More importantly, a nursing chair that not only rocks and reclines, but also swivels will come in handy because, no matter which side you're nursing on, you can always spin around to grab a tissue (or continue surfing the net) with your free hand.

19. Pumping is a whole different learning curve. Not quite as difficult as breastfeeding, but it has its own set of rules and equipment and know how. If you're going to be pumping at work, take some time to read up on the subject.

20. You can do this. Don't give up. Take it one day at a time. Difficult is normal, so don't assume, if you're having a hard time, that you can't breastfeed.

Weaning From Breastfeeding - Introducing Finger Foods

Posted: 30 Jul 2009 02:12 PM PDT

Weaning a child from breastfeeding is a little difficult, especially if he doesn't want anything to do with a bottle of milk (even though it's breast milk) when he knows where his daily sustenance comes from. But as soon as you get him to taste that it's the same milk, he eventually gets used to it, therefore making the transition of weaning off of breastfeeding a little easier.

Personally, I don't recommend early weaning, especially if the child isn't ready yet (as per evidenced by the scenario mentioned above). To me, breast milk is still sacred and is still best for baby even up to age 2 - no other substance can replace that. But at around 9 months, your baby will begin to develop fine motor skills - enabling him to hold small things with his thumb and forefinger. This is also an indicator that he is now ready for solid food, specifically finger foods, and that he is also ready to self-feed.

Finger foods give your baby control over what to eat, how many he should eat, and how to eat them. They need to go through this so that they can be able to tell whether they are still hungry or full. You can't do that for him forever, so it's high time he learns it.

So as soon as you determine if he already has teeth, then it may be time to do some food experimenting, with your little one as the tester. Before you let him test it though, you should be the master tester to be sure that what your child is about to eat is safe. Here are some question-guidelines you should keep in mind with regards to finger food:

- Is it cooked enough? Well-cooked veggies are not only bacteria-free, it also makes it easier for baby to chew a little then swallow. Keep in mind that babies are lazy chewers. Though they are curious of the world surrounding them, they still have no idea that they need to chew for them to eat real food. So start out with something mushy, but not too much so that they can still feel the texture of their food.
- Does it have that melt-in-your-mouth feel? Some cereal and crackers are light and flaky; therefore they are safe for baby to eat as it just almost melts in his mouth. But he tastes it so he knows that it's food too.
- Is it naturally soft? Cottage cheese, shredded cheese and small pieces of tofu are good examples of this. (It is strongly advised though, to lay off the tofu until baby reaches 12 months as this contains soy, which could be a possible allergen.)
- Is it small enough for baby to chew and swallow without choking? Baby's food should be cut into small pieces. As mentioned earlier, baby doesn't automatically chews food as they are still too young to realize why they were given teeth in the first place.

Small pieces of ripe banana, well cooked pasta, and small pieces of chicken are good and safe examples. Avoid raw vegetables, hard fruits, whole raisins/grapes/tomatoes (specifically cherry tomatoes), whole hotdogs, white bread, pieces of hard cheese. Sweets are a no-no as we want to introduce baby to a nutrient-rich diet instead of high-calorie and high-fat snacks such as cakes, cookies and the like.