“Baby Gate”

By: Jackie G. Maxwell.
Once your baby is out of their crib and playpen, you’re going to need some way of ensuring their safety.  That’s why learning how to choose a baby gate can be one of the most important things you’ll do while baby-proofing the house.

The first place you’ll want to install a baby gate, is at the top, and bottom of any stairway the baby may have access to.  Gates installed at the top of stairways should always be done with hardware mountings, and not expandable pressure bars.  This is for those rare instances when the bar can be jiggled loose and give way, allowing the baby to fall down the stairs.  The pressure gates can be used at the bottom of stairs, however. Read more…

“Baby Formula”

by: Jackie G. Maxwell.
Breast milk is the most natural food for your baby, but if you can’t breastfeed, or have chosen not to, then learning how to choose a baby formula is relatively simple.

You might try asking the pediatrician you have chosen to care for your baby, before the actual birth. See if they have a preference of brands or composition, since baby formula should be rich in protein, fats, sugars and sodium.

Most baby formula manufacturers try as hard as possible to mimic the mineral and other composition of natural breast milk. While that’s not completely possible, forumulas have come a long way in the last few years, in meeting the nutritional needs of newborn and growing babies. Read more…

“First-Time Mom”

By: Jackie G. Maxwell.
Having a baby can be one the most life-changing experiences there are. And not all those changes will be easy to cope with. Here are some tips for a first-time Mom, to help you get through the rougher times.

The vast majority of women today, are working when they become pregnant. That means making a decision whether to stay home with the baby, or return to work. This is something you can consider during your pregnancy, weighing the pros and cons of your income, versus the benefits to this child, and any others to come in the future. If you decide to return to work, finding childcare ahead of time, will relieve you of the worries when your maternity leave is at an end. Read more…

“Baby Fever”

by: Jackie G. Maxwell

Sooner or later, your new baby will develop a fever. It would be a rare child who does not come down with some kind of illness that elevates their temperature. Babies can get fevers for a variety of reasons, and understanding the whys, can help you determine if you should call your doctor. 

On a warm day, and over-dressed baby, particularly an active or squirmy one, can become flushed and hot. When their temperature is taken it is up. The first thing to do is remove some of the clothing, and place the child in a cool spot to rest or play quietly. Take their temperature again in 20-30 minutes, if there are no signs that their distress is increasing. Chances are, it will be headed back towards normal. Sometimes just a very active play session in hot weather, can make a toddler’s temperature go up, and the cure is the same: remove some clothes, and cool down by taking a break. Read more…

“Babies”

by: Mary Thomas
From the age of about three months, babies become more aware of their surroundings and start to be much more communicative. By now you are likely to be able to recognise your baby’s distinctive cries, for instance when (s)he is hungry, tired, or needs changing. However, now your baby will cry from boredom, anxiety, frustration and teething. Whilst identifying the cause of your baby’s crying will again require a process of trial and error, the following may be of help;

Boredom

Make sure that your baby has a selection of interesting toys within reach. Spend time with your baby just talking or playing or reading from a storybook. Singing and music can also be fun.

Anxiety

Your baby may cry if (s)he fears separation from you or in the presence of strangers or if (s)he is in a strange place. Always be supportive and never make fun of your child’s fears. Reassure your baby with soothing words in a gentle tone of voice and cuddle him or her. When you are separated from your baby reassure him or her that you will come back soon. Whenever possible, try to make frequent appearances to reassure your baby that you are nearby. Read more…