Tips on Choosing the Best Baby Bottle for Your Infant

Not terribly long ago, baby bottles required a level of scientific sophistication unheard of today. Bottles were glass, nipples were rubber, and everything had to be sterilized in boiling water at all times of day or night.


All things feeding-related were heavy, often hot and even breakable—less than ideal! Luckily, modern plastic and disposable bottles mean that every infant can travel with his or her own food ready to go, and parents don't have to work nearly as hard at feeding their babies either formula or breast milk. High tech bottles in a variety of colors and styles are available for nearly every occasion.

1. Silicone nipples. These updates to the rubber nipple last longer and are less likely to crack or break off, making them safer.

2. Gas prevention through venting and anti-vacuum systems. To prevent air in the tummy and reduce the chances of colicky crying, many bottles are now equipped with liquid flow systems that keep air out of babies' tummies. Don't go with old-fashioned bottles if your child is prone to tummy troubles; get the modern versions to keep your child comfortable.

3. Disposable liners. Best for traveling or any time you don't want to mess around with sterilization (although you still need sterile nipples for each feeding). You can put a liner in the bottle, use it, throw it out and replace it. Clean and simple.

4. Wider mouths. Look for wider mouths on your baby bottles to make cleaning them much easier. You'll still want a bottle brush to scrape away the solids that tend to collect on the sides and neck of the bottle. Some bottles are now designed to match up with breast pumps, so you can put breast milk directly into the bottle without having to shift between glass storage jars and funnels.

5. Handsfree—liquid flow tube, bottle can be attached to stroller. The makers of handsfree bottles design them to minimize unwanted air. Your child can drink from a self-feeding bottle while talking on his cordless phone!

Baby Gender Predictions

Since the beginning of time, predicting the sex of an unborn baby has been a pastime of healers, grandmothers and astrologers. Now we can add doctors to the list, as determining the gender of a fetus has never been done more accurately.


Around 70% of parents who have the opportunity to learn whether their baby is a boy or a girl before the birth will opt to do so: the rest want to keep it a surprise. The most important reason for knowing the sex of the fetus is in the case of sex-linked genetic diseases. If a particular disease runs in the family and only occurs in one sex, parents may well be concerned about their baby's chances of having the disease. The other reason is curiosity: some people want to know in advance so they can have the name, nursery and wardrobe all lined up.

Ultrasound is most commonly used for determining the sex of a baby, since it's non-invasive and relatively simple. The genders tend to be fully differentiated at around 12 weeks after conception, so as long as the technician or doctor can get a clear view, the chances of getting it right are high. After the 12th week of pregnancy, accuracy approaches 99%.

Sometimes the doctor will test for illness, disease or fetal abnormality by using amniocentesis; a procedure in which a sample of amniotic fluid is extracted and tested. If you're having amnio done for another reason, you can also have the sex of the baby determined, but because amniocentesis carries risks of miscarriage or infection, you'd only use it for sex determination if something else is being tested for. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is another test used to look for genetic disorders: in this case, a small sample of the sac where the baby develops is taken from the mother. This sample can also be used in a secondary fashion to determine the baby's gender.
The pros and cons of learning your baby's gender are simple, but the psychological effects can be great. If you are sure you're carrying a much-wanted son but find instead that your baby will be a daughter, it may cause you some dismay. Inheritances may be affected in families that only pass assets on to one gender. Because ultrasound determinations aren't 100% accurate, there is a 1-5% chance that you will be told your baby is a boy when it's a girl, or vice versa. If you don't mind surprises, that's fine, but if you've been making decisions about nursery school waiting lists, nannies vs mannies or pink vs blue, you may find yourself in a middle of a gender confused nursery. Get the best information you can by making sure the person who interprets the ultra sound photo feels very confident in the prediction. If the picture is unclear, you may want to wait and have the ultrasound done at a later time.

Cradle Cap Skin Rash Causes, Treatments, Home Remedies for Babies

Cradle cap is the common name for condition newborns or young babies develop, which causes redness and scaly patches on the scalp. The baby gets a sort of infant dandruff, which is caused by overactive oil glands on the scalp and face, and the condition sometimes also affects necks, ears and even armpits. It's upsetting when your beautiful baby suddenly comes down with cradle cap, but don't worry: it isn't serious, it isn't catching, there are treatment options that may affect a cure, and even if you have to put up with it for awhile, it will go away in time.


Cradle cap's specific cause is unknown, but it seems to be related to hormonal changes the baby experiences after birth. The oil glands overproduce for several weeks to several months, resulting in the condition. Although some children have cradle cap even until their first year, it's unusual for a toddler or preschooler to have it. If your pre-schooler has something that looks like cradle cap, get to the pediatrician to rule out other potential ailments or allergies.

If the scaliness and redness spread to the face, neck or armpits, or even the diaper area, doctors call cradle cap "seborrheic dermatitis". Even though it looks uncomfortable, as far as we can tell, it usually doesn't cause the baby any discomfort, although it upsets parents and makes them wonder what they're doing wrong.
But you aren't doing anything wrong! Cradle cap is a natural condition, and once your baby's sebaceous (oil-producing) glands settle into a routine, you'll easily get rid of it. The only prevention may be in frequent shampooing, but even that won't stop oil glands from making excess oil. If you look for home remedies on how to prevent or even curing cradle cap, you may find people discussing everything from adult dandruff shampoo to petroleum jelly—substances not recognized as curing cradle cap! But there are a few things you can do to control the condition until it goes away.

Was your baby's hair more frequently, and use a soft brush to brush the scales away. Some people swear by using baby oil or mineral oil (most baby oil is just mineral oil with a baby scent added), but others say it can worsen the condition by increasing the oil even more on the scalp. If you've been shampooing your baby's hair without noticing any decrease in the flaking, try using oil. If you don't like the idea of mineral oil, use a natural product such as olive oil. Rub it on your baby's head, use a soft brush to brush the flakes out with it, and then finish up with a gentle shampoo. In this way, you're using the oil to loosen the oily flakes and then washing it away so it doesn't add to the build-up.

If you try the baby oil home remedy and the cradle cap still doesn't decrease, you can get a special medicated baby shampoo from your pediatrician. These shampoos contain salicylic acid (the main ingredient in aspirin) and another well-known dandruff cure, sulfur. But they can irritate the baby's skin and dry the scalp, so use them carefully after consulting with your doctor. For strong cases of cradle cap or unusual amounts of spreading, the doctor may prescribe a cream made of hydrocortisone to treat the redness and rash.

If your baby's skin gets red and itchy, it may be that a yeast infection has found a foothold on the irritated skin. This most often happens in places with creases—behind ears, around the face, under arms or in the folds of the neck. If you notice the rash has spread and your baby is acting uncomfortable, the pediatrician may prescribe an anti-fungal cream product to kill the yeast infection.

Hearing Impaired Children and Detection

Most hospitals now test for hearing impairment as soon as your baby is born, and follow up testing can be repeated at intervals throughout your child's life. If deafness runs in your family, you will want to be especially vigilant, because early detection means being able to take a proactive stance.


The sooner a hearing impairment is noticed, the sooner you can address it with training, surgery, hearing aids or other forms of assistance.

Your newborn will probably be tested by a professional before leaving the hospital, but if no one mentions the testing to you, ask to have it done. You can also check your child's hearing at home: deafness shows up in behavior. Here are some signs that your child is hearing normally: anytime you're worried about your child's hearing, have it tested.
Some situations that might be associated with a child being hard of hearing include having low birth weight, illness at birth, early use of antibiotics, damage to the skull or ear drum, or illness of the mother. A hearing screening can usually assure parents that their child's ears are functioning normally.

1. Your baby reacts to loud or sudden noises. He or she is startled when there is a loud sound.

2. Your baby at three months or more turns her head when you speak to her, looking for you. She can sometimes be calmed by your singing or talking with her.

3. Your baby babbles and coos, trying to talk. You can play games with her, imitating each other's sounds.

4. Your toddler talks, makes up words and tries to imitate the words you say. He listens to TV at normal volume, notices when the radio is on and looks for strange sounds. (If your toddler seems to have a speech delay or stops making progress at a certain point, see your doctor.)

What if my baby is hearing impaired?
You still have many options. Cochlear implants have restored normal hearing to some hearing impaired people. Modern hearing aids are effective and compact, so some people with hearing impairment can get back enough hearing to function normally. Even if your child is profoundly deaf, there are school that teach sign language, lip reading and even normal speech. There are hearing impaired people who have learned to lip read and speak so normally that others cannot tell they can't hear. There are support groups for parents and play groups for children. There will be challenges, but your child can still lead a normal, healthy and happy life.

Watch Them Grow

Charting your baby's development can be a fun way to watch her grow, especially if you use a scrapbook system to keep track of all the changes. From first smile to first prom, parents who scrapbook their children's lives are doing more than keeping watch; they're providing their children with a record of their early years.


Our bodies work all the time, but we rarely grow in a steady fashion. Instead, you'll see that your child has an occasional growth spurt in between times of relatively slow changes. Your pediatrician compares your child's growth to charts with percentiles; you can find charts like this online if you want to mark your child's progress in relation to the norm. But if you're just planning to chart your baby's growth as a fun hobby, you don't need to worry about percentiles.
1. When babies are born, they are measured in length and weight in pounds or kilograms. You can measure your baby's head to toe length with a tape measure each month, or even draw an outline of your child on poster board. On the outline, note any developmental changes such as new teeth, behaviors such as babbling, or sleeping through the night. Charting these milestones will help you create a fully dimensional picture of your child's infancy.

2. Use a digital camera to take pictures of your baby at regular intervals, noting changes in facial expressions and hair growth. Paste the photos to poster board, label with month and year and add notes about play dates, activities, your baby's reaction to snow or yogurt or dogs.

3. The stages of you child's life pass by quickly! Keep pairs of worn-out baby shoes and make a shadow box to store and display them.

4. Use baby footprint or handprint kits to make molds of your child's hands and feet, then use the molds to create garden stepping stones or wall art.

5. Chart your baby's artistic life by keeping the scribblings, drawings and collages made by your child. If you're lucky enough to wind up with magic marker on your refrigerator or wall, take a photo before cleaning the marks away. Keep the photos and other artworks in a special scrapbook.

Baby Development Care to Teach Independence

Separation anxiety is a normal part of child development. About the time your child can start spending part of his days with other children and caregivers, he will realize that he only really feels safe with you.


Since this is also about the time (two years after giving birth) that Mommy would really like to get a sitter, go to dinner with another grown-up and watch a movie that doesn't involve the Care Bears, separation anxiety can cause problems at home. Every year, millions of parents walk down the driveway with lowered heads as a small child wails at the window, shaking off the loving hands of a well-paid babysitter and crying like he's never going to stop. It's tough on the kid (although most children stop crying within five minutes of the parents leave-taking) and it's hell on parents, who have plenty to feel guilty about already.
The causes of separation anxiety haven't been definitely established, but there are ways to handle the situation that can minimize stress and pain for everyone. Some children are quite happy crawling across the floor as long as they can turn and see Mommy on the other side of the room; others cling, cry and won't leave their parent's side. Children who start their infancy with multiple caregivers and lots of family around, who are used to being passed from adoring cousin to aunt, tend to be more comfortable adapting to new situations where they can derive comfort from someone other than a parent. Children who are especially sheltered, only children with parents who aren't highly sociable may have more trouble getting used to other caregivers.

Paradoxically, children who also don't mind being alone also have fewer problems with separation anxiety. When parents let their babies hang out in the crib or cradle on their own, babies learn the important art of self-soothing. Instead of crying and expecting someone to come running to entertain them, self-soothers (as long as they're not hungry, wet or teething) can be alone without being frightened or angry. You can hear babies who self-soothe talking, singing, cooing and generally amusing themselves when they're left alone in their rooms or cribs. These children establish an early measure of independence in playing along that keeps them from being utterly reliant on the presence of their parents.

Some children experience separation anxiety because their parents want their children to cry and miss them; parents' own insecurity can create separation anxiety! To minimize separation anxiety in your child, read these five steps and follow them to freedom!

1. Socialize your baby early with plenty of play dates, Gymboree or Mommy and Me. If you hate baby-related activities, take her out to lunch with other people once in awhile.
2. Encourage your baby to allow herself to be held and interacted with by family, friends and neighbors.
3. Make a baby-safe room and let your child practice crawling or toddling away from you and then back again. Send the message that you'll always be around, even if you aren't immediately to hand.
4. Don't let your own anxiety affect your baby's growing need for independence.
5. Both parents should put the baby down for naps, feed her and change her. The more family resources she has, the more secure she will feel,

Crying Baby - Why Do Babies Cry?

The primary reason and theory for baby crying is to communicate needs and discomforts that require outside intervention. This stress mechanism of crying can allow children and babies to heal from the effects of a frustrating day, fearful moment for a difficult situation.


Many a frustrated parent would give almost anything at times to stop a baby from crying or even soothe and calm a baby's crying so they can get them to sleep.

Remember that one of the top reasons a baby cries is because of a problem with a diaper. And the second thing to remember is one of the top ways to get a baby to stop crying is with the right baby toy.
Soothe a Crying Baby by Satisfying These Basic Infant Needs

1. Is your baby hungry or thirsty?
Try a feeding your baby a bottle of warm milk or formula.

2. Is your baby too warm or too cold?
Make sure your baby's attire is appropriate for the weather.

3. Does your baby need a diaper change?
Check your baby's diaper for any sign of uncomfortable wetness.

4. Is your baby over tired or missed a regular nap?
Try rocking your baby to sleep.

5. Does your baby feel scared or vulnerable?
Try making intentional eye contact with your baby.

6. Does your baby have symptoms of colic or need to be burped?
Try placing your baby over your shoulder and gently rubbing or patting your baby's back.

7. Is your baby teething?
Try a teething ring or chewable food.

8. Is your baby bored?
Try a game of peak-a-boo or read a story with enthusiasm.

9. Is your baby irritable?
Try singing your baby a song or going for a walk.

Colicky Baby or Just Fussy

Colic can be identified from the nature of the crying: colicky babies cry more and more loudly than fussy ones. An infant with colic has intestinal discomfort; you can hear it in that shattering wail. Colic crying puts all adults within hearing on red alert: there’s no way in the world to ignore it. Colicky babies curl into a tight ball or arch their backs, throwing back their heads. Their tummies may seem tight or distended, and their temperament may be generally cranky (how do you feel when you have indigestion?).

Is it colic?

If your baby starts exhibiting signs of colic, first consult your pediatrician. Other medical problems may cause pain and crying that can mimic colic; have a professional check out the baby to rule out other problems.

Your doctor may diagnose colic based on the “rule of three”. If a baby cries for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks, he or she is considered colicky. Doctors and parents seem to agree that colic has something to do with the digestive process, causing excessive crying.
Natural Remedies for Colicky Babies

Herbal gripe water has been a preferred colic treatment in Europe for more than a hundred years. Some babies respond to switching formulas from cow to soy based milk, or to special formulas made with smaller molecules that digest easier. Lactose intolerance causes colic, or nursing babies may be responding to something that the mother ate. Underdeveloped digestive systems or food allergies may also cause colic.

The good news about colic is that most babies outgrow it by four months of age. The bad news is that colic symptoms often start when a baby is two weeks old, turning that newborn “precious little bundle” into a screaming bag of misery, and parents into desperate prisoners. Cures are rare and highly individual; treatments seem to rely on the individuality of each child.
A Remedy List for Colicky / Fussy Babies

* Change of diet (different formula, new feeding schedule, different food amounts)
* Safe, soothing baby ‘tea’, made of chamomile and lemon balm.
* Change of bottle: try a different bottle design, with the teat tilted to prevent excess air intake during feeding.
* Gentle tummy and back massage can ease gas pains and help burp the baby between feedings.
* Change of diet for nursing moms: avoid members of the cabbage and onion families.
* Unhurried feeding. Nursing should be calming, not rushed. Organize your schedule for plenty of time feeding and burping the baby.
* Lowered Stimuli. Loud noises, bright lights and constant change increase the stress on infants (and parents!) Dim the lights and quiet the household during bed, bath and feedings. A cranky child has more problems going to sleep, so try an evening ritual of a warm bath, massage and quiet rocking in a dark room.
* Consistent burping. Don’t skip this important part of feeding! Help the air move out of your baby’s stomach by patting her back with a cupped hand, working from the lower back up.
* Homeopathic remedies. Some parents have complete success with homeopathics; others can’t tell the difference. It’s certainly worth a try.

Calming Crying Infants

1. You don’t have to hold your screaming baby all the time. Studies show that babies cry more when parents are anxious, and babies who spend time alone in their cribs learn to self soothe more easily than ones who are always being picked up. If you’re getting more and more stressed, put the baby in his or her crib and find yourself a quieter room. Relax by playing soothing music or reading books or magazines you find calming.
2. Parents under the stress of a screaming child are more likely to hurt the child by shaking or hitting to make the crying stop. If you’re feeling desperate, put the baby to bed and call someone—a mom, the dad, a friend or neighbor—for help. Having an emergency sitter, even for a half hour, will help you get yourself under control.
3. Realize that colic isn’t your fault. It’s normal to feel guilty when your baby is inconsolable, but recognize that colic is a “normal” growing stage for many babies.
4. Hire a sitter recommended for calm, unruffled dealings with screaming children. Get someone you can trust, pay him or her highly, and get yourself to dinner and a movie or a walk outdoors.

Swaddling a Fussy Baby: How to Calm Crying

Calming a fussy baby is one of parenting’s most important tasks: let’s face it; if Baby isn’t happy, no one’s happy! Information about soothing colicky or cranky infants sometimes omits a simple and effective solution: swaddling!

How to Calm a Baby With Colic
Whether your baby has been diagnosed with colic or not, swaddling an infant who cries more than usual can often be calming for parents and baby. Some babies spend more time crying than others; theories about the reasons why include developmental issues, startling responses to their own movements, or simply the insecure feeling of being outside the womb—Baby’s first swaddle. Researchers have found that swaddled babies tend to be less likely than others to cry.

Pros and Cons of Swaddling
If you’re nervous about swaddling your baby, bear in mind that the pros and cons you may see listed elsewhere may not give you the full story. Swaddling, properly done, does not affect the development of the baby, or harm babies’ legs. Correct swaddling techniques leave the legs free to move, so babies can kick and flex their feet. Swaddling doesn’t have to cause overheating either; in warm weather, swaddled babies should be dressed only in a diaper, and the swaddling cloth can be made of ultra-thin cotton or gauze. Because experts recommend only swaddling during the first month, your baby won’t be stunted by the process: as in so many things, knowing when to stop is nearly as important as starting!

The main goal is to make your baby feel safe and secure, so you’ll only use swaddling when your infant is fussing or crying and can’t sleep—and of course, when you’ve checked out the other possibilities. Could she be hungry or thirsty? Is the diaper properly fitted, with pins or sticky tags where they should be? If you’ve ruled out other options and the baby still fusses, try swaddling.

Special Blankets and Wraps
Swaddlers, (specialized baby garments)are designed so babies’ arms can be held snugly to the body. You can make a swaddler from a baby blanket or any piece of cloth large enough to wrap the baby side to side and fold up from the feet to the chest. Square pieces of cloth are easier to deal with than rectangles, but in a pinch, you can use a tablecloth, a raincoat—anything that you can wrap.

How To Swaddle
The how-to of swaddling is simple—if you’ve ever made a burrito! If you haven’t worked at Taco Express, here’s how to swaddle.

1. Position the cloth square in a diamond shape, point up.
2. Fold the top point down, and center the baby on the cloth.
3. Baby’s arms can be bent (which lets Baby suck on her hands-another self-soothing strategy), or straight (but not utterly straight—keep them natural!)
4. Fold the left side of the cloth over Baby’s left arm and across the body, making the fold snug but not too tight.
5. Fold the right side of the cloth over Baby’s right arm.
6. Finish the swaddle by folding the bottom of the cloth up over Baby’s feet and legs.

Baby and Infant Garments for Swaddling
A swaddle or sleep sac makes an ideal baby gift; new parents may not realize they need a swaddle until they’re faced with a squalling baby at 2 AM. Sleep sacks can come with swaddle options—little airplane-like wings that fold across the baby’s chest, with legs encased in a tiny little sleeping bag. Although you can make a swaddle out of nearly anything, when you see the super-soft muslin and charming patterns on swaddles made by companies like Solona and Swaddle Designs, you’ll probably want the real deal. Translucent fabrics, satiny edgings and designs like strawberry shortcake and duckies (who can resist duckies?) make this writer wish they made swaddles in grown-up sizes.

Tie Your Baby's Bibs in a Snap

You might not think it before the baby comes, but you're going to need a lot of bibs. Baby bibs only work when they're on the baby, not when they're all in the wash or hanging out on the line. Babies, although we love them, are a little messy around the mouth.


Between burps, feedings, occasional spit up and grubby little hands that want to grab that banana and mash it through tiny fingers, finally wiping it in Daddy's hair, you may think your infant is going to go through much of the first two years wrapped in a vinyl tablecloth. Tradition however, refuses to let loving parents swaddle their darlings in yards of plastic, although that is the most practical thing to do. Instead, history has given us bibs. Terry cloth is traditional, being based on towels and therefore absorbent. Plastic bibs with action figures, little bears and butterflies are also popular.

Buy baby bibs by the dozen at the supermarket or drugstore, and save the special, handmade bibs for company occasions or public appearances. If you can, look for bibs that are brightly colored instead of the usual white ones; there's nothing that ruins a white bib like a spoonful of strained carrots! You're going to be doing a lot of laundry, so make it easy on yourself with plastic or vinyl bibs that can be wiped off, and darker colors that won't show the stains as easily.

Want to dress your baby for company, but still need to give her a meal? Redesign your child's look with a fresh, clean bib. Simply wipe the food off her face and hands with the clean spot on the feeding bib, then tie on a new one of Battenberg lace. Your baby will look brand new and ready for a party!

If your baby is still getting the hang of the bottle, every feeding will require a bib. If you or your partner have weak stomachs, use more bibs; it's not nearly as nasty to feed a baby when you start with a clean bib as it is when you try to be practical and use the one that's already been there half the morning. Keep the bib on until after you've done the burping, but also protect your shoulder with a nice, fluffy towel. Spitting up most often occurs during burping, and it's usually the burper who bears the brunt of it.

When your child starts teething, the need for bibs will increase. Babies drool when they teeth, and the drool can literally soak their clothing. Get the biggest, most absorbent bibs you can find and keep a ready supple not only in the baby's room but in the kitchen as well. You will find that if your baby looks (and smells) appealing, all sorts of people will want to hold him and play with him. This makes your life easier, as you'll often have volunteers to hold your infant while you put groceries away or start a load of laundry. Facilitate the impression that your little darling stays spic-and-span throughout the day by replacing bibs whenever a potential baby-holder appears. You can whip off a saliva-drenched bib, saving the clothing underneath and replace it with a new one as quickly as you can say, "Here's Grandpa!".

Multi-purpose Mittens

Sometimes our children unintentionally cause us pain. Hair pulling is a favorite infant trick; smiling sweetly into your face, winding a strand of hair around a tiny, sweet fist, then yanking down hard until Mommy or Daddy yells.


Nursing babies may grab with strong little fingers or bite down on unsuspecting (or even highly suspicious) mothers. Baby scratches are also painful, raising tiny little welts if you can't get those teeny fingers unclenched soon enough. Babies fingernails are very thin, which makes them sharper than those of adults, and infants wind up scratching themselves or their caregivers if the nails aren't taken care of. Read on for tips on hand care for your baby.

1. Use baby nail scissors or clippers to keep you infant's nails short.

2. You may also want to try a small emery board to file or buff away sharp edges.

3. Remember that washing your baby's hands is one way to limit germ transmission. Also wash toys, blankets and everything else that finds its way into your baby's mouth!

4. If your baby scratches herself with tiny, sharp baby nails, try putting baby mittens on her when she sleeps or during nursing. Baby mittens are also good for cool weather or cool houses when you want to make sure your child stays warm. Look for mittens I cotton or fleece: wool may be too scratchy and irritate sensitive skin.

5. If you don't have mittens but are getting tired of tiny fingers gouging at your face, put socks on your baby's hands when you're playing, cuddling or feeding her. Sew rattles or tiny jingle bells into the ends to keep her amused. You can also try a variation on swaddling: wrap your child in a blanket when feeding and don't let those little hands escape. Some infants will put up with this: it makes them feel contained. Others will simply howl for freedom.

Baby Sleep Tips

Baby Sleep tips to help getting baby to sleep

Baby sleep problems have become a nightmare for many parents. Here are some of the most helpful baby sleep tips that will help parents to give an uninterrupted sleep to their babies.

• First of all help them learn day and night differentiation. Make them realize that night is for sleeping. Set a bedtime routine for babies. Wake them early in the morning so they feel sleepy at night.
• Increase daytime feeding for babies so that they don’t feel hungry during night sleep.
• Carry baby in your arms and allow them to relax. This kind of relaxation during the early evening hours will encourage an easy changeover to sleep at night.
• Don’t stop babies to have short time day naps. Of course make a balance but don’t believe the misconception that day sleep reduces night sleep.
• If in case baby awakes at night, don’t switch on harsh and bright lights. Open dim lights so that the baby still realizes that it is night, the time to sleep.
• Keep the baby bedroom dark, quiet and cool. Keep the room temperature moderate and don’t wrap the baby tightly in clothes.
• Don’t allow anyone to smoke near and around the baby or even the baby’s room. This makes the baby uncomfortable.
• Always make the baby sleep on his or her back and make sure that the crib is safe and perfect for the baby. It should not be too hard or too soft. It should be just enough comfortable for the baby to have a sound sleep.
• Keep one place for baby’s sleep so that the baby gets directly connected to that place. The baby gradually realizes that this place is for sleeping.
• Rocking and walking with your baby in your arms only settles down a crying baby. Remember this does not make the baby sleep and even if the baby sleeps, he or she will wake up when you put the baby to crib.
• Play soft lullabies to soothe and calm your baby’s sleep.

Most useful tips:

Set a routine. Repeat it every night around the same time. This may involve giving your baby a bath, changing him, having a story together and then settling him to sleep.

Same Place. Always try to put your baby down to sleep in the same place. This way your baby will associate that place with sleep time.

Work out a simple bedtime routine lullaby or message such as ‘'night night sleep tight'’. Repeat this every night and your baby will also learn this is another cue to sleep.

Make sure the sleeping area is dimly lit as bright lights and activity usually keeps babies awake.

If your baby wakes up, check if he / she needs a change of nappy or is your baby feeling too cold or hot.

If your baby wakes after she has settled, stay in the bedroom to soothe her back to sleep.

Play soft lullaby music to help soothe him off to sleep.

Rocking and walking with baby in your arms often settles a crying baby but remember.

Gently patting your baby may calm her to sleep.

Cleanliness Is The Key For A Healthy Baby

Once the new life comes into your hands, you should be very careful by providing a clean and germ free environment for your baby. It is not easy as a parent to keep your babies and toddlers 100% germ free and healthy. But there are certain general rules to be followed.

Safeguard your Baby against External Germs – Babies have very frail immune systems; get subjected to infections and other disease very easily. In today’s world, nature is full of pollution, viruses and bacteria, it is very vital to safeguard your baby from these external factors until they develop a level of immunity.

Of course exposure to germs boosts your baby immune system; the body itself develops a defense system of antibodies to fight germs. But Babies have to suffer through all the fighting against germs. Hence till your baby develops into a child take care of her cleanliness, as there are wide spread of certain diseases like Swine flu this cannot be treated very easily.

Day to Day cleanliness is a must – Using Soap solutions and Sanitizers to clean your hands – Simple and sensible precautions like washing your hands before giving your baby her feed, after you come out the toilet. Any antibacterial soap solution is a must. You can also use hand sanitizer frequently when you are outside your home.

Regular vaccinations- One of the most vital items in your checklist is getting all vaccinations done with in the given period. Get a polio vaccination with injection done. Cleanliness at Home – We clean our homes regularly, but when there is a baby you need to care special care.

Clean your floors twice daily using a disinfectant solution. Bathrooms, kitchen and your baby’s room should be thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant solution. Cleaning your baby’s stuff is the most first thing to be done. Keep the bed or cradle of your baby clean and change the bed lining everyday and wash them with an antiseptic and disinfectant solution.

Clean and sterilize your baby feeding bottles carefully. Baby’s tethers, toys, and other stuff should be cleaned and sterilized. I know all this is a tedious task, but better to take care before infecting than to medicate after subjected to infections. Some of the children are prone to dust allergy which not taken care can lead to serious troubles like asthma, atopic conditions and other allergies.

Keep Away items – Small tiny items, choking hazard particles, poisons, like medicines and cleaning agents should be kept away from babies. Remove Food particles on the ground. If you have pets at home then keep them away from your baby as they may cause allergies and infections.

Cleanliness when away from home – Contact with others: Babies under three months it’s best to keep them away from crowds. Going out for a brisk walk won’t harm the baby. But when going to parties or other crowded places people come to touch your baby. Keep few baby wipes along with you to clean their hands once in a while.

If you want to live in the advanced polluted world, and enjoy it, and ignore high cleanliness regimes then you have to put up with germs and the occasional illness! Of course the baby would fight against illness and gain the Immunity levels!

Foods to increase husband sperm quality

Food can affect the quality of male sperm. If you fill the emptiness of the house with the presence of a child, try to keep the intake of a husband for the quality of their sperm to stay awake and avoid foods that can cause damage. This report Ana Mantica in Eating Well magazine about food that are essential for male sperm quality:

Fruits and Vegetables
In a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility in 2009, said the number of healthy sperm is associated with the consumption of certain nutrients. Some of these nutrients can be found in fruits and vegetables. The researchers speculate that antioxidants may improve sperm quality.

Fish
According to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, omega-3 found in fish oil can help couples improve sperm quality. Research by the University of Illinois found that mice that converts alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to DHA omega-3 seem to be more fertile. However, this research is still early to make recommendations about what your partner can take omega-3.

Avoid:
Cola
If you want children, do not give drinks to your spouse. A 2010 study in Denmark found an association between cola consumption and low sperm quality. The scientists also conducted a study of 2,554 people. According to research reports in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that people who consume more than 10 cans of soda a week tend to have fewer sperm. [

Soybean
Soy consumption in the long run, can reduce sperm count, according to a study published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. Research carried out in male rats showed that soy is consumed every day can reduce 25 percent of normal sperm. The scientists also noted the changes in genes involved in motility of sperm in mice who consumed soy. The researchers speculate that soy isoflavones can decrease sperm quality.

7 Tips Baby Skin Care

The baby’s skin is very soft, but vulnerable to changes in temperature, drought and infection. Because sweat glands are not fully developed, the baby’s skin is very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Although sebaceous glands are formed in the skin, but do not produce oil. As a result, babies are prone to dry skin.The baby’s skin is also susceptible to infection because the protection system against microorganisms have not been fully established. Therefore, the proper care of sensitive baby skin is very important in the early months of life.

Here are seven tips that are recommended in the care of the child’s skin

1. Bath every day, but clean skin every day.
In the first four months, not bathe your baby every day. Baby care experts recommend for baby’s bath once a week, especially in the first two months of life. Special baby soap is more friendly with the baby’s skin, but its use should not be too often. To keep baby’s skin does not dry out because of soap in the bath water you can pour a few drops of olive oil or baby oil.

You should clean your baby’s skin every day with a cloth, especially in the diaper area and skin folds. For the diaper area, you can simply wipe with a damp cloth without soap. Because it will often clear the area susceptible to skin irritation. The supply of olive oil or baby oil to prevent irritation. Oil is the formation of an invisible layer on the skin, retaining moisture while protecting the skin from irritation. For treatment of the folds of skin on the feet, hands and neck, take a cotton ball soaked in water and few drops of oil to absorb and remove dirt. regional folds are highly vulnerable dirty neck, because the milk residue.

Water used for bathing or settlement must be the heat is 37 º C on Prepare a hot towel wrap and base before and after the baby is clean.

2. Protect your baby from skin problems
Infants may have some problems or skin diseases follows:

Birthmarks. In the face and the baby’s neck may be red moon. It is a collection of blood vessels-no-rash because they are not highlighted or itchy. The reason is that hormonal changes after childbirth. These birthmarks that usually fade within a couple of weeks. There needs to be treated.

Dermatitis. Sometimes, the baby develops a yeast infection in skin folds. Type of candida fungus often causes diaper rash, called dermatitis because he likes the warm and humid areas. baby’s neck folds can also be a good environment for candida. You can prevent and overcome a rash, keeping the skin dry, for example, always make sure the diaper is dry and baby powder to taste the skin. If the rash does not improve or tending to spread a few days, consult your baby’s doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a simple cream to kill the fungus.

The sudamen. When it’s hot, baby’s skin may be irritated by the heat. The rash appears as small red bumps in places that are wet with perspiration, for example, in the diaper area, underarms, back and neck. Place the baby in the room cool and comfortable is the best way of preventing and treating diaper rash. loose clothing and keep the affected area remain dry can also help.

Another problem. In skin conditions like eczema, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, allergies, etc, you should always consult a doctor for treatment.

3. Protect the baby from the sun
Infants in the first year of life should not be exposed to UV radiation. meetings of clothing, hats and sunglasses are the best means of protection against UVA and UVB rays. It can also provide the sunscreen (sunscreen) is open to taste on the skin.

4. Use a cotton cloth
Try to always wear cotton clothing and diapers for infants. Irritating to skin and cotton, have pores, and absorb moisture. Avoid synthetic materials.

5. Protect the baby from the cold
The baby’s skin is not enough to keep warm. Selimutilah baby clothes and warm blankets when you take away that makes it exposed to wind.

6. Use oil / ointment to heat
In bad weather, especially during the cold and the wind was blowing, it is advisable to apply eucalyptus oil heaters balm for babies. This fragrance of scented oil and protect the skin from the elements and dehydration. However, be careful when applying oil or ointment if your baby has a rash, so as not to aggravate the condition.

7. Massage
General health and skin care, baby you can do a massage. To this end, you can use olive oil or another essential oil that does not harm the baby and may trigger asthma.

50 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Trying for a baby? Being healthy before, during and after pregnancy involves so many different aspects of your life. So, I've compiled a quick list to help you stay on the healthy side.

1. See your practitioner before becoming pregnant.
2. Start changing your food habits to include a healthy variety of foods.
3. Exercise! Starting now will help you stay in shape during pregnancy, can lower your risk of miscarriage, and has been proven to help reduce labor complications and length.
4. Educate yourself!
5. Eat a new vegetable you've never tried.
6. Check out a book on pregnancy.
7. Figure out what to do about chemical birth control, like the birth control pill.
8. Stop smoking. There are many programs to help you.
9. Take a prenatal vitamin. They can be prescribed by your practitioner or you can buy them over the counter. Ensure it contains 0.4 mg of folic acid.
10. Ask your partner to join you on your new healthy habit changes.
11. Track your cycles. Learning what you can about your cycles will help determine when you ovulate and when you conceived. These make for more accurate due dates.
12. If you need a new practitioner, interview before you become pregnant.
13. Ask your friends about pregnancy and parenthood.
14. Avoid chemicals that could possibly harm your baby. You can find these at work, in your home, and just about anywhere, be environmentally sensitive.
15. See your dentist before you get pregnant and brush your teeth daily.
16. Tell any medical professional that you may be pregnant if you are trying to get pregnant. This can prevent exposure to harmful tests and chemicals if you are pregnant and don't know it yet.
17. Stop changing cat litter.
18. Remember, it can take up to a year to become pregnant. If you have been actively trying for a year or more than six months if you are over 35, see your practitioner.
19. Act pregnant. This includes not drinking alcohol, even while trying to conceive. There is no known safe level during pregnancy and alcohol can cause birth defects.
20. Announce your pregnancy when you are ready.
21. Talk to your parents, what do you want to take from their experiences? How do you want to be different?
22. Rest when you can. Nap!
23. Start a journal or a pregnancy blog.
24. Use non-medicinal remedies for problems like nausea, heartburn, and constipation.
25. Drink six - eight eight ounce glasses of water a day.
26. Read yet another book!
27. Join a prenatal yoga or exercise class.
28. Keep your prenatal appointments with your midwife or doctor. This will help ensure that if you have any problems that they are caught early and kept to a minimum.
29. Take an early pregnancy class.
30. Remember to add 300 - 500 calories a day while pregnant.
31. Tour your selection of birth facilities before making a choice if you are not having a home birth.
32. Review the signs of premature labor and warnings signs for when to call your practitioner.
33. Talk to local doulas and start interviewing. Doulas can help you have a shorter, safer and more satisfying birth.
34. Keep a food diary to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily requirements.
35. If you are decorating your house or a nursery remember to avoid fumes often associated with paint and wall paper. Perhaps have friends do the heavy work while you help make snacks for them. Keep the windows open!
36. Baby sit a friend's baby and learn a bit about caring for a newborn.
37. Take a childbirth class. Sign up early to ensure you get the class and dates that you want.
38. Swimming is great in late pregnancy. It can help relieve a lot of aches and pains and makes you feel weightless.
39. Take a breastfeeding class to help prepare you for the realities of breastfeeding.
40. Stretch before bed to help prevent leg cramps.
41. Continue to exercise, even if you have to slow down. This will help you recover more quickly.
42. Write a birth plan. Something to help you clarify what you want or need for your birth experience. Share this with your practitioners and those you have invited to your birth.
43. Have film and cameras ready!
44. Practice relaxation whenever you can. Try for at least once a day.
45. Do pelvic tilts to help with late pregnancy back pain. It will help relieve your pain and even encourage the baby to assume a good birth position.
46. Pack your bags if you are going to a birth center or hospital. Don't forget your insurance cards, pre-registration forms, camera, birth plan, etc.
47. Review the signs of labor and warning signs.
48. Take a picture of yourself before the baby comes!
49. Read birth stories.
50. Kiss the baby!

Tips : PERUBAHAN KULIT SELAMA KEHAMILAN

Selama masa kehamilan, terjadi berbagai perubahan pada bagian tubuh calon ibu, salah satunya adalah perubahan pada kulit. Memang tidak semua calon ibu mengalaminya, namun perubahan yang terjadi pada kulit itu kerap kali membuat calon ibu merasa tidak nyaman dan kurang percaya diri.
Perubahan kulit timbul pada trimester ke-2 dan ke-3 kehamilan. Beberapa masalah perubahan kulit yang kerap dialami

Tips: Mencegah Gusi Berdarah Selama Kehamilan

Perubahan hormonal dan peningkatan aliran darah ke seluruh tubuh termasuk ke daerah gusi selama masa kehamilan akan menyebabkan jaringan disekitarnya menjadi lebih lembut dan lunak sehingga dapat menimbulkan masalah gusi berdarah ketika kita menyikat gigi atau pada saat makan.

Sekitar 50% wanita hamil mengalami gusi berdarah. Gusi berdarah (gingivitis) terjadi karena peningkatan kadar hormone

Tips: TRIMESTER KEHAMILAN

Sebagai seorang hamba, Anda harus selalu bersyukur kepada Alloh Azza wa Jalla yang telah memberikan anugerah terindah dalam kehidupan. Proses kehamilan, segala tantangan yang dialami, berbagai perubahan yang terjadi, keluhan, dan kebahagian yang menyertainya hingga saat-saat melahirkan nantinya memerlukan makanan sehat dan bergizi..
Selama kehamilan, Anda menjadi satu-satunya sumber nutrisi bagi

TIPS: MERAWAT PAYUDARA SAAT MENYUSUI

Agar Puting Anda Tidak Lecet
Jangan melepaskan puting secara paksa
Pastikan bagian payudara yang amsuk tidak hanya puting, tetapi juga daerah aerola (daerah berwarna kecoklatan sekitar putting)
Jangan biarkan puting terkena sabun mandi
Oleskan sedikit ASI sesudah dan sebelum menyusui, karena ASI mengandung zat pelembab yang melembutkan putting dan aerola serta mengandung disinfektan.

Apabila