Saturday 7 May 2011

Planning baby's first birthday

Tip of the Month Your baby's first birthday is around the corner - a good excuse to throw a party! Even if he won't realise or understand what the day is about, it's a great way to mark the end of this very special year. Get friends and family together, crack open a few bottles of wine and record the day on film. Your child will love to look back on his first birthday party when he's older. So make it a day to remember!










http://www.pampers.co.uk/en_GB/Baby?utm_source=nwl_post&utm_medium=email_html&utm_content=stage_baby&utm_campaign=nwl

Keeping sleep problems






I Don't Want To Go To Bed! With the onset of language and the excitement of walking only a few months away, your baby may have his own ideas about bedtime. Life is full of new experiences and he is now much more aware of his active role in the family. So it's no surprise that he's not keen to let each day end. Sleeping is not high on his list of priorities right now. So how can you convince your little Jack-in-the-Box to lie down and go to sleep? Click here for top tips.


BEDTIME STRUGGLES For babies and toddlers, going to bed signals separation from you, from the excitement of the day, and from favourite toys and activities. It's no wonder, then, that most children will go through phases when they resist bedtime. Your little one enjoys nothing more than being part of everything that's going on, standing up at every opportunity to practice for walking, and babbling enthusiastically to share his opinions. You may now find that at bedtime he turns into a little jack-in-the-box, popping up onto his feet for another game or chat the second you turn your back. Don't get into a struggle, or stretch the bedtime routine to accommodate these antics. Sticking to a firm, settled routine is the best way to overcome your baby's resistance to go to bed. Leave him to put himself back down to sleep if he is refusing to be settled after the second try. Don't be tempted to stay in the room or lie down with him until he goes to sleep. Pandering to baby's demands for extra play time will only lead to future sleep problems, as he will learn that making a fuss will get him more attention and postpone the night-time separation. So if bedtime has become a bit of a battle, stick to your guns, keep calm and good humoured, and just say goodnight like you mean it!





http://www.pampers.co.uk/
 

How it develops Baby

One to six months

Children under six months completely identify with their primary caregivers. They don't really think about themselves, only what they immediately need: food, love, and attention. In the first three months, your baby can't even think about tackling the process of forming her own identity. She's too busy trying to gain control over her basic movements and reflexes. You may start to notice the first signs of budding independence at about four months. That's when your baby will discover that she can cry to get your attention. That's one of the first steps in learning that she has an independent will and that how she behaves can have an impact on others, namely you.

Seven to 12 months
At around seven months your baby will realise she is independent of you; this is a huge cognitive leap worthy of celebration. Unfortunately, this new understanding of separateness makes your baby anxious. She's become so attached to you that when you leave her alone, even for a minute, she will burst into tears. She doesn't have the information yet that you will always come back. And sneaking out when her back is turned - when you leave her at nursery, for example - won't help. In fact, it may just make her more afraid that you aren't coming back. Hard as it can be, say goodbye and go while she's watching.

A now famous British study shows exactly how clueless babies are about their own existence. Researchers placed several infants under the age of one in front of a mirror to see whether they understood that the reflection was an image of themselves. They didn't. The children patted their mirror image, behaving as if they were seeing another baby. And when researchers dabbed red rouge on each baby's nose and plopped them back in front of the mirror, they always tried to touch their reflection's nose, not their own.

12 to 24 Months
Your baby's making more progress now differentiating herself from you and from the world around her. In the same British study mentioned above, researchers put rouge on the noses of children about 21 months old. When they looked in the mirror they touched their own nose, showing that they understood that the image in the mirror was a reflection of them.

Two-year-olds may still get upset when you leave them at nursery or with a babysitter, but they recover much more quickly now because they're more secure. Experience, and their budding memory skills, have taught them that you will come back after being gone for a while. Your toddler's trust in you is growing now, because you have continually shown her that you love and care for her. It's that feeling of trust that gives her the confidence to venture out on her own. What signs of independence will you notice now? Your child may insist on wearing her purple pajamas for the fifth night in a row, eating only certain foods, and climbing into her car seat by herself.

25 to 36 months
Between the ages of two and three, a toddler will continue to struggle for independence. She will wander farther away from you as she goes exploring, and she'll continue to test her limits (colouring on the walls, for example, even if you tell her not to). In fact, "I can do it myself" is probably one of the most common refrains parents hear from older toddlers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

My Baby Bike

Leo cycling baby smart bike lady bug color

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Baby Strollers

 Baby Strollers

On-the-Go Baby Strollers
By: David Cummings


Baby strollers are meant for people on the go, though not all baby strollers are made for all terrain. Some of the most simple baby strollers are wholly inadequate for someone who leads an active lifestyle. They sometimes get tripped up on the most innocuous of objects and can slow down or even derail any plans at fitness you may have. By the same token, off-road or active lifestyle baby strollers which are meant to be pushed along at relatively quicker speeds may have problems maneuvering in the tight confines of the aisles of department stores or supermarkets. The decision between the two is important, but with a little help the situation can be resolved.

First, you need to ask yourself if you are going to be taking your baby or toddler for runs with you in the park. If so, your baby stroller should accept your running, or at least jogging, gate. For men and women who are rather tall, this can be no easy task to accomplish. Even some of the best strollers may cause problems to those with wide running strides, making the stroller into an object that is always on the cusp of tripping you up.
Still, jogging strollers are ideal for the fit-conscious family who wants to take the baby along, especially over rough terrain. Some companies, such as Baby Jogger, specialize in fitness-oriented baby strollers and make design tweaks that are important to the runner with a baby. First off, the frame is much more heavy and durable. This is important when jogging or hiking over uneven terrain. The stresses of being pushed so hard and covering such varied ground put the harder frame to the test while lighter frames could encur damage and possibly injuring you, your baby, or both in the process. Also, off road tires are added. These types of tires feature larger sizes to facilitate going over bumps and prevent catching upon smaller objects that the walking strollers might cause. Finally, the higher ground clearance ensures that your baby stroller won’t cause problems when coming across the unexpected such as roots or dips in the road. All these factors should be considered by the family who wants a very active lifestyle which includes a baby-stroller riding child.

For the family who just needs to get around town, an off road model may be more of a headache than it is worth. Instead, parents should opt for city and town friendly models. These models are more comfortable to use for both your baby and you. First of all, there is usually an under-stroller carrying basket that allows the parent to store extra items like a small diaper bag, toys, and even a purse or other bag while pushing the stroller. Also, the smaller frame is generally lighter than an off road model, making it more maneuverable. Finally, the smaller wheels make pushing the baby stroller even more easy, though crayons on a floor, or a rock in the road, may tend to stop the stroller quickly in its tracks.
It is important to understand how you plan on using your baby stroller before purchasing. Once you know how you will be using it, finding the model that is right for you and your family will be a breeze.

Baby Carriers


Baby Carriers


Which baby carrier is best for your baby depends on different factors. Ponder the factors that apply before you get a baby carrier so you won’t get one that isn’t suitable for your baby. There are many kinds of baby carriers available made by different manufacturers. First, think of your infant’s age and weight and think of his growth. Initially, he will gain weight fast. The manufacturer may specify the weight and age for the carriers. Many carriers can adjust to baby’s size, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s information closely.

The next factor to think about is your baby’s comfort. You want him or her to be comfortable. Some baby carriers are made of uncomfortable materials. Strange to think this is so, but it does indeed happen.. Run your hand over the carrier on the inside to see if it feels comfortable to you. The best materials breathe and help keep baby (and you) cool in the warm weather and warm in the cold weather. Baby could get fussy if he or she becomes to warm while in the baby carrier, and that would definitely detract from his enjoyment of being close to you and feeling you breathe and seeing the sights. Think of the weather when you are shopping and browsing baby carriers.

You can look at a front pack carrier. It works for a mom or dad who is tall or short and of varying weights. Be sure to look at the weight limit for the carrier to see if it is good for your baby. Some front carriers have weight limits of twenty or twenty-five pounds. The back carriers are about forty pounds. The back baby carriers make it somewhat harder to place the bay in and get him out without assistance.

You may want a sling baby carrier. There padded and unpadded sling baby carriers. These carriers allow carrying the baby in different positions. The Asian kind of baby carrier is good for using with newborns and small babies.
The wraparound baby carriers are very comfortable because of their use of two shoulders to distribute the weight of the baby. They are actually easy and comfortable to wear a baby whether infant or toddler. They are versatile too because the different carrying positions which can be used. The ring sling baby carrier is also comfortable and it makes nursing discreetly very easy. It is good for use with newborns and toddlers since it is adjustable. Additionally, because of the adjustability, parents can be different sizes and still share its use. The pouch type baby carrier distributes weight on one shoulder, and it is very easy to learn to use. It is useful for quick errands and other short trips. It can be used with different carrying positions as well.

There is a market full of baby carriers out in the marketplace so the parent needs to be aware and find out what is best for the baby and for the person carrying the baby. Comfort for both is important and keeping the baby secure is a priority.

Baby Carriers


Baby Clothing


In today’s world there are nearly as many styles in baby clothing as there are babies crawling about. Parents who want modern clothing can find it at the nearest Wal-Mart, those who desire alternative forms of clothing for their babies can usually find it online, some people make their baby clothing by hand, cutting cloth and sewing together designs from patterns purchased at the nearest Hancock Fabrics location. The choices are nearly limitless and include styles and designs too numerous to mention completely.
Like in other areas of the fashion world, baby clothes designs never really die, they go in and out of style according to the whims of the populace which, in the case of baby clothes, means the whims of the parents. Right now one of those whims is leaning toward retro clothing styles.

The term retro can mean a number of things, but often refers to pop culture of the recent past. While its true that styles influenced by the pop culture of the 1970s and 1980s are becoming popular, there is another retro movement taking place and it leans toward classic or old world baby clothing. Designs that were popular fifty, sixty, seventy, and up to a hundred years ago are gaining popularity with parents all over the country.
For baby boys, billowing “rompers” are selling from a number of specialty shops and websites from around the world to a largely American clientele, as are two piece short & shirt sets and old-style coveralls. Classic designs for girls include mostly flowing dresses and female counterparts to the boys’ rompers.
Most of these designs can not be found in the average American store and many come from Europe and must be purchased online or by mail order. The British web site “Baby Classics” offers these styles and more to their customers, so many of whom are in the US that the company saw fit to quote their prices in dollars as well as British pounds. The outfits are expensive by most baby clothing standards, costing about the same as some of the more extravagant designer outfits for babies, but have found an audience because of the “cute” appearance of the clothing as it is worn by the infants or toddlers.

These extremely retro baby fashions may not be for everyone because off their unique looks and hefty prices, but many parents are jumping onto this classic bandwagon and dressing their babies in the fashions of long ago. Due to the cost and the delicate fabrics you probably won’t see a lot of these designs showing up at the local park for play dates, but don’t be surprised if you’re sitting in church or at some special occasion and see a baby dressed like she’s living in the 1920s.









Thursday 24 February 2011

Furniture Baby Nursery

How to Choose Safe Furniture for Your Baby Nursery

 

When expectant parents start planning their home to welcome their new baby, finding the perfect baby furniture tops the list, when preparing the nursery. In most cases, parents start by selecting the baby crib, for this is where their child will begin to learn about their world.

How Baby Nursery Furniture Has Changed


In the past, a cradle was the first piece of baby furniture, usually handmade by the father or grandfather of the child. As the baby grew, other beds were made according to the size of the child. Today, a handmade piece of baby furniture is usually a unique baby gift.You will find baby cribs made from a variety of materials, in different shapes and styles. When you begin looking at baby cribs, make sure that the slats are set close together to prevent your child's arms or legs being caught in them. Look for a crib that has a heavy gauge steel frame with bolted rails to securely hold the baby crib mattress and box support. Baby cribs that offer four way, double safety locks are the best, because they prevent the side of the crib from dropping unexpectedly, which can cause injury to your child. You will see many cribs, changing and activity tables constructed with decorative posts, cutout designs or projections that may look pretty, but are not safe for your child.


Decorating the Baby Nursery


Once the baby crib is selected, the other essential piece of baby nursery furniture is the changing table. And remember, it is just as important for you to be comfortable in the baby nursery. You will be spending many hours there with your baby, so a comfortable chair and a good reading lamp are required. Whether you prefer an overstuffed Foster chair or a comfortable wooden rocking chair, choose this piece of baby furniture just as carefully.


The colors, patterns and shapes in the baby nursery touch every aspect of your baby's development, from baby bedding to baby furniture. You have your choice of feminine, masculine or neutral color palettes to create a beautiful baby nursery. As you make your selections of baby nursery furniture, it is important that all the materials used in the baby furniture be certified non-toxic and manufactured according to established safety standards.

Building Peace of Mind into Baby Nursery Design


One of the most useful and unique baby gifts available today is the baby nursery monitor. Even when you have the safest baby crib, you cannot be with your baby every single minute. The baby monitor lets you hear when your baby needs your immediate attention.






 http://www.articlecircle.com

Baby Monitor

Baby Monitor - A "Must-Have" Device For All New Moms

The other night, I went with my partner to our friends' house with whom we used to play bridge with on a regular basis. That was, of course, before the baby. It had been four months since our last bridge game and we were keen to get back into the swing of things. The baby in bed, mum was enjoying her 'night out' when, out of nowhere, the squeal of a crying child filled the room. It jolted me near out of my skin!
As my wife's friend ran upstairs to see what the matter was, I experienced the discomforting thought that that cries had certainly come very distinctly from another room of the house not at all remotely connected to where I knew the child was sleeping. Catching a glimpse of my face, the husband began laughing and began to describe what it was that caused me such confusion; the benefits of what is commonly known as a baby monitor.
I also have a baby and a baby monitor. Our baby monitor, though, isn't made of machine parts; she's our maid!! This works quite well as far as I can tell. But hospitals also use baby monitors; to keep an eye on newborns and their levels of health. Why would a new Mum and Dad with a four-month old healthy child have need of a monitor??
Before I could worry any further, my friend outlined in detail the use of the two-way radio that is used a lot nowadays to help parents observe infants.
The difficulty of checking on a baby while doing routine duties throughout the house is eliminated with a baby monitor. He described the relief this gives a mother trying to juggle both a busy day and a potentially unhappy baby - knowing that there is always an ear listening to the slightest discontentment provides peace.

How baby monitors work

Most baby monitors are made up of two parts. One is the transmitter, kept near wherever the child is sleeping and the other is the receiver – taken wherever you go. Such a concise idea, you wish you came up with it yourself! And newer and better versions are being produced all the time.
Now you can get baby monitors that have more than one receiver and tune into the house sound system! Other, more expensive versions include a camera that watches the baby as well as listens. Even if the baby sits up, awake you can be there in a second. I decided that, even though I had failed my firstborn when it came to electronic monitoring, my other children would not suffer the same fate; we would buy a baby monitor.

Every parent who has got a new baby at home needs to have a baby monitor as well. This amazing device keeps a guard on your baby when you are
busy doing your daily chores.

 Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor with Room Temperature ThermometerLorex LW2003 LIVE snap Video Baby Monitor (White)Philips Avent Basic Baby Monitor with DECT TechnologySony 900 MHz BabyCall Nursery Monitor with ReceiversPhilips AVENT Digital Video Baby Monitor, WhiteLorex LIVE snap Video Baby Monitor Add-on CameraMotorola Digital Audio Baby MonitorSecure Coverage Digital Monitor - 2 Parent UnitsSafety 1st Glow And Grow Baby Monitor, WhiteMotorola Digital Video Baby MonitorFisher-Price Private Connection Monitor with Dual Receivers - WhiteMotorola Digital Audio Baby Monitor with Room temperature Thermometer Graco UltraClear Analog Baby MonitorFisher-Price Time for Sleep Monitor with dual receiversSony NTM-910 900 MHz BabyCall Nursery Monitor