IT'S ALL ABOUT BABY!

MORE FREE STUFF!!

2009-08-06T12:21:00.001-07:00

Check this cool place out:

DIAPER BAGSPERSONALIZED GIFTSAND MORE!

2009-08-06T11:56:00.004-07:00

Here is a great place I found to get designer diapers bags,
personalized nursery art, and other unique baby gifts!

Check out their END OF SUMMER SALE with up to 50% off!

CONGRATULATIONS! IT’S A BABY! NOW WHAT???

2009-07-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

For many people, having a new baby is an exciting and happy time.
But along with that comes fear and uncertainty.
Even if it’s not your first time!

I just had my sixth baby a little over 5 months ago. While it was a
very exciting time for my family, I still wondered, "Do I have
everything that I need to take care of him?" Especially for the first
couple of weeks.

The question: "What do I need for my baby?" can be almost
overwhelming.
Diapers - how many?
Formula - how much?
Clothes - what do they wear?
Bed, swing, car seat???

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

RELAX! TAKE A DEEP BREATH, IT WILL BE OK!

That’s what this blog is all about!

Many people tend to over-do it when it comes to buying for baby!
The truth is, babies grow fast! You really don’t need as much as
you might think.

Many of the items you will need you may get as gifts from family
and friends or a baby shower (if you have one), but there will
probably still be things you will need.

I am going to go into a little detail on a few items because they
are the most important. Don’t worry, we will recap all of this on
the checklist included below.

DIAPERS
When my son was born, I decided to take note of how many diapers
he used. By the time he was about a month old (1month and 3 days),
he had used 172 diapers. Most of those were newborn size. ( I think
we switched to size 1 at about 3-4 weeks) About 2 ½ weeks later, he
was up to 244 diapers. 2 weeks later, 300 diapers and again 2 weeks
later, 356 diapers and switching to size 2.

As you can see, we went through 356 diapers (and 2 sizes) in the first
11 weeks of his life!The number of diapers your baby will use on a daily
basis will be more in the first few weeks and probably decrease a little
after that. I think the reason for this is that newborns don’t sleep
through the night so you tend to change them more often. As they get
a little older, they sleep longer at night so you change them a little less,
unless you are a parent who wakes their baby up just to change them.
I don’t recommend this! LOL :)

FORMULA
When I had my son, I breast fed and formula fed. The split was
about 50/50 until he was about 2 months old. Then we went to
100% formula. I didn’t keep track of the formula like I did the
diapers, but what I do know is now, at 5 months, he goes through
about 10 or so 12.9 ounce cans of the powdered formula per month.

If you are strictly formula feeding your baby, we can easily calculate
the approximate amount of formula your baby will eat as a newborn.

A 12.9 ounce can of powdered formula makes about 94 ounces.
When a baby is first born, he or she will eat anywhere from ½ ounce
to 2 ounces at each feeding (about every 2-3 hours).

We will calculate on the higher end.
2 ounces every 2 hours = 12 feedings per day.
12 feedings x 2 ounces = 24 ounces per day.
24 ounces per day x 4 days = 96 ounces

So we can estimate that one can of formula will last your baby
approximately 4 days. Of course every baby is different. Smaller
babies tend to eat less where larger babies tend to eat more.

One important thing I want to note:
If you are considering getting on the WIC (Women, Infants and
Children) program ( a program for lower income families), they
will cover the cost of most, if not all, of your baby's formula,
however, they do not start before your baby is born so it is a good
idea to still purchase a couple of cans before your baby arrives to
hold you over until you can report the birth to WIC.

Also, you should get on WIC early on in your pregnancy for 2
reasons:

1. They give pregnant women things such as juice, cereal, milk
and other things to help maintain their health.

2. You are already signed up so when your baby arrives, it will
be easier to report and get his/her appointment.

To find out where your local WIC office is, or to get additional
information visit:
(PRESS CTRL WHEN CLICKING THE LINK TO OPEN IN NEW TAB!)
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic

CAR SEATS
I won’t go to long on this topic but it is a very important one.
Many people do not know that you can NOT bring your baby
home without the proper car seat. The hospital will not let you.
Some hospitals have a loaner program, but you should check
with yours first if you need to.

Choosing a car seat can be tricky. They make some that are
car seat/carrier combos, some that are only for infants, some
that are only for bigger babies and so on.

What you want to look for is one that says specifically for infants
from birth to however many pounds and rear facing.

I prefer the car seat/carrier combo, although you will have to get
a second car seat when your baby gets a little larger. Usually around
5-7 months.

If you do choose to get one that is for infants and older babies, make
sure that it can be rear facing until they reach a certain age/weight.
The disadvantage to this kind is that it is not the kind you would
carry your baby around in.

Now, with all that being said,
lets get on to our checklist.

It is designed to help you know what you will need for the first
couple of weeks, although some of the items will be used much
longer of course.

The checklist is divided into 3 sections.
Section 1 - The basic everyday items you will need.
Section 2 - The bigger items you will need.
Section 3 - Other items to have on hand.

SECTION 1 - THE BASICS
Diapers - 80 - 90 newborn size
Formula - 3 - 4 cans (if using powdered)
Baby Wipes - 1 plastic tub and 1 refill bag
Alcohol and Qtips - for umbilical cord care
Bottles - 4 - 6 small size with newborn or small nipples
Pacifiers - At least 2 with newborn or small nipples (if you use them)
Burp Rags or cloth diapers - 10 - 12
Receiving Blankets - 8 - 10
Heavier Blankets - 2 - 3
Diaper Bag
Onesies - 10 - 12 (t-shirts that snap at crotch)
Socks - 6 - 8 pairs
Sleepers - 10 - 12 (PJ’s)
　

SECTION 2 - BIG ITEMS
Car Seat - Make sure it is for infants!
Swing - No baby should be without!
Bed
Stroller
Diaper Pail

SECTION 3 - OTHER ITEMS
Container to store pre-made formula or breast milk
Bath Towel/Wash Rag
Baby Bath Tub
Baby Wash
Baby Lotion
Baby Powder
Thermometer
Infants Tylenol - Ask Your Doctor
Infants Gas Drops - Ask Your Doctor

Hopefully this list will help you prepare for the arrival of your
new little one. Don’t forget that all babies are different so some
of this will vary from one baby to another.
　

A few things worth mentioning....

DON’T give your baby a tub bath until his or her umbilical cord
has fallen off. A baby wipe bath will do fine until then.

DON’T over buy on newborn diapers. Most babies will outgrow
them in 3 - 4 weeks, some even less.

AVOID buying too many outfits (regular clothes) or shoes. As cute
as they may be, babies grow out of them quickly and some of them
can be costly.

Some stores sell a combo set of the big items that can include: bed,
highchair, swing, stroller and car seat. Although you will not need
the highchair for several months, sometimes buying the set can save
you money.

Most of all, just love and enjoy your baby.
That is what he or she will need the most!!

FIND A NANNY!

2009-07-06T08:53:00.005-07:00

Find Care in Your Neighborhood—It's Safe and Simple!
Babysitters, nannies, pet sitters, tutors, housekeepers and more...

Welcome to Care.com!
Let us introduce ourselves. We're mothers, fathers, pet owners,
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community along with you. We understand the difficulties and
struggles you face when trying to find the right care and services for
your families, yourself, and your home.

Care.com provides a trusted place for families and care providers to
easily connect, share caregiving experiences, and get advice.
The company addresses the unique lifecycle of care needs that each
family may go through — including:

*child care
*special needs care
*tutoring
*senior care
*pet care
*housekeeping and more.

The service enables families to find and select the best care possible
based on detailed profiles, background checks, and references for
hundreds of thousands of pre-screened providers who are seeking
to share their services.

Check it out today!

YOUR PREGNANCY QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

2009-06-12T07:13:00.001-07:00

"Pregnancy From A to Z"

Dear Mom AND Dad To Be,

Firstly - CONGRATULATIONS!!

This is a very exciting and somewhat anxious time in your life.
Or perhaps you're not pregnant just yet but have plans ... no doubt you must have dozens of questions that you want answered.

We've got your answers about pregnancy right here!

"Everything and We Mean EVERYTHING! You Want and
Need to Know About Your Pregnancy is Answered Here!"

Written by a medical professional, “Pregnancy From A to Z”
is just what the doctor ordered to answer all those questions
you simply must know about. In fact, it probably has answers
to questions you haven't even thought of or asked yet!

“Pregnancy From A to Z” not only discusses the entire aspects
of pregnancy, it also sheds light on what you should do before
becoming pregnant to insure a healthy and happy child.

What's more is a full chapter discussion about increasing the odds
for having a boy or a girl! No guarantees of course, but there are
things you can do to sway the odds in your favor.

What we hope you will learn is how to be prepared for what is to
come as your pregnancy progresses.

This e-book is written in an easy to follow chronological fashion so
you can read about exactly which stage you are up to, OR you can
move ahead or backwards as you please!

It really is the ONLY handbook you will ever need through any of
your pregnancies and is such a great reference from before
conception right up until after the baby is born.

Who better to teach you than a medical professional who is also a
wife and mother?

Grab your copy now for yourself or as the ultimate gift to a friend
or loved one!

CLICK HERE now for your instant downloadable
e-book PLUS get a FREE BONUS!

THE BEST OF BABY FREEBIES!

2009-06-12T07:08:00.001-07:00

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GREAT ARTICLE ABOUT COLIC!

2009-06-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

BABY COLIC CURES

SIMPLE TIPS FOR CALMING RELIEF IN THIS NEW EBOOK
"Colic - 10 Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night -
A Simple Guide for You to Learn about Effective Colic Cures"

Anyone that has had a baby knows that the worst sound you can
hear is your baby crying - BUT HOW DO YOU HELP TO STOP IT?

Although everyone knows that all newborns cry and show some
level of fussiness, when a child, who is basically healthy, cries for more
than 3 hours straight, it is more than likely baby colic that is causing it.

It is estimated that up to 25% of all babies have colic! And it usually
starts between the 3rd and 6th week of age and last for anything up
to 4-5 months. That's alot of lost sleep, stress and heartache for any
baby and parent to endure for that long. If your baby is still crying to
the extreme after that timeframe, chances are that some sort of health
problem may be the problem instead.

To help you easily identify if your baby is showing signs of
baby colic and not a sickness, here are some great tips:

• Colicky babies generally have a healthy sucking reflex and a really
good sense of appetite and are otherwise healthy and growing well.
Sick babies may seem to be colicky but they won't eat very well and
they won't have the same strong sucking reflex.

• Colicky babies really enjoy being cuddled and handled.
Sick babies are usually uncomfortable when they are handled.

• Colicky babies may spit up a bit, but if your baby is actually vomiting
and/or losing weight something is very wrong and this is NOT a symptom
of colic.

• Colicky babies usually have normal stools. If your baby is hard to
soothe and has diarrhea or if you see blood in the stool, call your doctor.

Here's a sneak at some more insights taken direct from
the pages of the new ebook:

• You can use gripe water, vibration bassinets and bouncers to relieve
colicky babies.

• There definitely are Do’s and Do Nots for dealing with colic episodes.

• There are ways to feed your baby to hopefully avoid colic.

• There are ways to cope for parents and siblings.

• There are items you can use to help soothe colic episodes.

• And finally, you will want to have a plan to make sleep and night time
easier for your baby and you!

You want to also be sure your baby actually does have colic and not a
more serious problem.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• You are afraid that you are about to harm your baby and/or you can’t
get any one to help you.

• Your baby has been shaken, has a change in his or her level of
consciousness, or gasps, weezes or has signs of severe difficulty breathing.

• Your baby cries in an odd way for a very unusual length of time.

• Your baby HAS NOT been diagnosed with colic but cries excessively and
also has other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or blood or
mucus in the stool.

Call your health professional and schedule an appointment if:

• Your baby is not gaining weight properly.

• Your baby has no symptoms other than crying, but you want to check for
health problems just in case.

• You have tried to comfort the baby following the methods in our ebook
repeatedly and have not been able to console your baby.

• Your baby seems to be acting differently, even though you can't identify
exactly what concerns you.

These are just some of the insights from our new instant downloadable ebook
release "Colic - 10 Simple Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night."

You can download it right now for just $19.95-
(Press CTRL when clicking to open in a new tab)
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If you want a plan to make sleep and night time easier for your baby and you,
at only $19.95, this ebook is a valuable investment for your baby's peaceful
sleep and your peace of mind.

You'll want to tell all your friends about it too!

Find out more right here, right now!
Instant Download Digital Ebook on Baby Colic - Cures for Baby Colic
(Press CTRL when clicking to open in a new tab)
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MAKE SOME MEMORIES!

2009-06-12T06:58:00.001-07:00

Scrapbooking has become a very popular way for parents to
preserve memories of their babies from pregnancy to birth and
beyond!

It can be a lot of fun designing your own scrapbook and it is
even something your children can do with you as they get older!
There seems to be nothing kids like more than looking at pictures
of themselves, where they are the star, and it is alot of fun for
them to be able to help mom or dad make them their own "star"
book to view for years to come!

Below are a few great places to help get you started!

SHOP BY PRODUCT AT THE
SCRAPBOOK SUPERCENTER:

Making Memories Slice Die-Cut Machine Starter Kit

ZIG Writer Pen Set with Organizer-48 pc.

Glue Glider Max

K&Company Postbound 12"x12" Scrapbook Kit-Baby Boy

K&Company Postbound 12"x12" Scrapbook Kit-Baby Girl

Cuttlekids Machine

12 pc. Paper Shapers With Oak Stand - Set 2 New Designs

K&Company Army Postbound Scrapbook 12"x12"
K&Company Navy Postbound Scrapbook 12"x12" - Blue Cover
K&Company Air Force Postbound Scrapbook 12"x12"

K&Company La Boutique Wedding Postbound Scrapbook 12" x 12" - Bordeaux Gold
K&Company La Boutique Postbound Wedding Album 12"x12" - Bordeaux Silver

K&Company Boy Scouts Of America Window and Metal Emblem Scrapbook 12"x12" - Boy Scouts
K&Company Boy Scouts Of America Window and Metal Emblem Scrapbook 12"x12" - Cub Scouts

K&Company Girl Scouts Album with Window 12"x12" - Girl Scouts
K&Company Girl Scouts Album with Window 12"x12" - Brownie Girl Scouts

Disney Mickey and Friends Embossed Scrapbook 12X12

Disney Tinker Bell Embossed Scrapbook 12X12

Die Cuts With A View Printed Paper Stack 12" x 12" - Once Upon A Time

EK Success Cutter Bee Retractable Knife Value Pack

Cuttlebug 2" x 2" Die Set-Zoo Animals

TO VIEW ALL OF THE PRODUCTS AT THE
SCRAPBOOK SUPERCENTER CLICK BELOW!

ANOTHER GREAT ITEM FOR MOM OR DAD!

2009-06-12T06:53:00.003-07:00

HugaMonkey

Baby Slings
HugaMonkey baby slings are the epitome of easy to use
and affordable. Our baby slings have no folding, no buckles,
no rings. You just put it on and use it!

FREE SHIPPING! FREE RETURNS!

GIFT CARDS ALSO AVAILABLE!

Browse the selection of Baby Music and Baby Changing
Pad Covers!

HugaMonkey

FEEDING BABY 6-8 MONTHS

2009-06-12T06:48:00.010-07:00

Is your baby ready for some variety?

Your baby is a powerhouse of activity.
Everything is a curiosity and a new experience.
Food is quickly becoming baby's number one interest.

*They watch you eat.

*Their eyes follow your spoon or fork from plate to mouth and they
reach out for a cup or spoon.

*They use their fingers now to pick up objects.

These are all signs that your baby may be ready for thicker foods
like fruits and vegetables.

The following questions and answers may help you learn more about
when and how to introduce fruits and vegetables to your baby.

My baby enjoys cereal now. When should I introduce fruits
and vegetables?

Allow time for your baby to enjoy the taste and texture of cereal for a
few weeks before introducing any other foods.

Why start with vegetables instead of fruit?

People are born with a preference for sweet tastes. Offering vegetables
first encourages babies to try other flavors and not expect all foods to
taste sweet.

How can I get my baby to eat vegetables?

Lucky you. You are starting with a clean slate. Your actions now may
trigger a life-long love of vegetables. Here's how to teach your baby to
enjoy them: Offer your baby a taste of a strained or pureed vegetable.
If they seem to enjoy it over the course of three days, offer a different
one on the fourth day. If, on the other hand, your baby rejects the
vegetable, offer another favorite vegetable that day. On the next day,
offer another small taste of the same vegetable. Continue in the same
way for at least ten days. It takes some time for babies to learn to love
vegetables - but that love starts now.

Can my baby have the same vegetables our family eats?

Your baby needs pureed or strained vegetables for the first few months
but can gradually advance to lumpier textures. As your baby approaches
their first birthday, let them in on the fun. Mash a small portion of the
family's vegetables well with a fork and offer it to them on the high chair
tray.

What about fruit juice? Isn't that the same as fruit?

No. Fruit, complete with fiber and texture, is a far better choice than
fruit juice alone. Fruit juice can lead to an upset stomach, gas or diarrhea
so if you choose to offer it, do so only in small amounts occasionally.
Additionally, fruit juice is very strong and sweet - so if you give it - it
should be diluted with water to make it easier on your baby's sensitive
stomach. And to protect your baby's little teeth, consider only offering
juice in a cup, not a bottle.

How will I know when my baby is full?

By now you're familiar with your baby's cry when they are tired, hungry
or angry. You will soon know their signs of fullness. They may turn their
head away from food, sit back or push food away. They may refuse to
open their mouth. Perhaps they will simply slow down their eating.
Which ever way they communicate that their full, respect what they are
telling you and follow their cues. "Just one more bite" is not necessary.

What vegetables and fruit tend to be baby favorites?

Babies enjoy mild flavored vegetables like avocado, squash, sweet potatoes,
carrots, spinach, peas and plantains. They also like applesauce, pears,
bananas, prunes, mangos, papayas and guavas.

SAMPLE MEALS:

Morning

2 tablespoons prepared infant cereal

Afternoon

2 tablespoons strained vegetables or fruit

Evening

2 tablespoons strained vegetables or fruit
2 tablespoons prepared infant cereal

Six to eight month olds still rely mostly on breastmilk or formula to grow
and develop. At this age, breastfed babies usually nurse six or more times
a day. Formula fed babies drink about 27 to 32 ounces a day.

Article Source:
MA Department of Health
AZ Department of Health Services
Bureau of USDA Nutrition Programs
and
WIC

FEEDING BABY 8-12 MONTHS

2009-06-12T06:43:00.001-07:00

A TIME OF AMAZING CHANGES!

It's only been a few months since you brought your baby home from
the hospital. What an amazing adventure it's been!

Your baby has gone through some truly dramatic changes - changes
that have been fueled, no doubt, by good food and a healthy dose of
love. It is no wonder these two essential elements are the building
blocks for healthy habits that will be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Here are some common questions that parents ask about feeding
older babies.

Are there any new foods my baby should eat at 8-12 months?

The most important nutritional change is that now your baby is ready
for protein foods. Chicken, turkey, fish, beef, beans and yogurt are all
good protein choices. (Remember to introduce each new food
individually and to wait at least 3 days before introducing another new
food.)

Are there any new foods my baby should NOT eat yet?

Keep in mind that babies often swallow food without chewing or
"gumming". The following foods should be avoided as they can cause
your baby to choke and/or have an allergic reaction: honey, nuts,
popcorn, seeds, chips, dried fruit such as raisins, peanut butter, cheese
cubes, egg whites, grapes, hot dogs, uncooked peas and other raw
vegetables and hard candy.

What about side dishes like rice and noodles?

Babies enjoy eating plain noodles and white or brown rice with their
fingers. Other fun and healthy finger foods include: grated cheese,
toast, canned fruit, beans, tofu and crackers. Remember, foods that
may seem bland to you are tasty and exciting to your baby. Avoid
flavored, pre-packaged, and processed foods as they tend to have
added ingredients such as sugar, sodium and/or preservatives.

Do I need to buy baby meats?

Buying baby meats is fine, but it is also OK to serve the same meat
your family enjoys. However, be sure to grind or finely mice the meat
to prevent choking. After a couple of months, start presenting chopped
meats that your baby can feed themselves.

What about eggs?

Cooked egg yolks are an excellent choice for babies this age. But hold
the egg white until after the first birthday. Egg white is one of the
most common causes of food allergy in infants and young children.

Are 8-12 month olds past the allergy sensitive stage yet?

Not yet. Infants and young children can still have allergic reactions to
foods. Continue to introduce new single ingredient foods one at a time
and at least 3 days apart. Watch for signs of allergy and determine
which food has caused the allergy, if one should develop.

What is a healthy snack for my baby?

Dry cereal, yogurt, virtually any fruit or cooked vegetable or shredded
cheese. Think of snacks as smaller servings of the healthy foods you
normally serve at meals, rather than different foods.

Are there any foods that might help my teething baby?

Tender gums are often soothed by biting and chewing on these foods:
toast, dry cereal, crackers, a frozen bagel or a frozen whole peeled
banana. As always, never leave your baby alone when they are eating.
Some babies can chew quite strongly on these foods so watch closely
that no large piece of food breaks off that can choke your baby.

SAMLE MEALS:

Morning:

4-6 tablespoons prepared infant cereal
2-4 tablespoons fruit

Afternoon:

2-4 tablespoons cooked vegetables
2-4 tablespoons cooked mashed kidney beans

Snack:

Water in a cup
Piece of toast or bagel

Evening:

2-4 tablespoons vegetables
2-4 tablespoons strained meat
2-4 tablespoons fruit

At this age, breastfed babies usually nurse four or more time a day.
Formula fed babies drink about 24 to 28 ounces a day. Older babies
begin to eat more solid food, their need for breastmilk or formula
will decrease.

Article Resource:
MA Department of Health
AZ Department of Health Services
Bureau of USDA Nutrition Programs
and
WIC

CAFEMOM NO MEN ALLOWED!

2009-06-11T17:39:00.002-07:00

TO ALL MOMS!
(Sorry dads, this one is for moms only!)

I found this great place for all of you to go to share stories
and photos, vent, laugh or whatever!

CafeMom is an online community created especially for moms.
Thousands of moms have come together online to swap stories
and advice on a huge range of topics, share photos, and connect
with friends.

CafeMom users each get their own homepage which they can
customize to show off their personality. Plus, they can start public
or private groups with other moms about common interests.
Moms of all ages and beliefs are now meeting, conversing, and
having fun at CafeMom.

Give it a try, you will love it!

COUPONS AND FREEBIES!!

2009-06-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

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