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Monday, 19 May 2008 03:00 |
So you"re having a baby. You think you"ve thought of everything, but at the same time you"re terrified that you"ve missed something. Here"s one thing you may or may not have thought of: laundry. Yes, you know that you will have more, but have you considered the basic differences between your baby"s laundering needs and yours? If you regularly use perfumed detergents, bleach, or fabric softener, your laundering habits may need some reform.
Gone are the days of washing clothes just because they smell. Your baby is going to burp up stuff you"ve never thought of, and your laundry piles are going to skyrocket. This is only one new concern, however, since your baby"s skin is much more sensitive to chemicals than you and your spousesÂ’ grown up skin. Laundering the baby"s clothing in detergents that are free of perfumes and dyes is one quick way to help ensure that your baby does not get unnecessary discomfort from irritating chemicals. There are detergents formulated specifically for babies, but for the most part as long as you stay away from perfume and dye heavy products, your baby should be just fine. There are of course rare cases in which the baby has specific allergies, in which case it is probably best to find one brand that works for your baby"s skin and stick with it. Unfortunately for your baby, this may mean a short trial and error process. As with food allergies, just keep a keen eye out and make sure you seek immediate medical treatment when you are concerned about anything.
Another thing that is important when laundering baby clothing is to make sure that you launder any cloth diapers separately. If you are using cloth diapers, you may think of the obvious reason: these items of clothing are obviously much more soiled than the average baby clothing item. It is best to launder these items twice: once in bleach with a double rinse, and then a second time with just vinegar during the last rinse cycle. This is important because not only is the baby using these items a lot more frequently (so they get a lot more wear), but also they are the closest to the baby"s very sensitive skin. So making sure that cloth diapers are as allergen free as possible is a key factor in keeping your baby comfortable and happy.
The last item on our laundry agenda will keep your laundry service or electric company well fed, and you plenty busy. As your baby quickly outgrows each new item of clothing, and a new one needs to be purchased to replace it, the new items should all be washed before being put on the baby. That includes outerwear and bath accessories, but is especially important for things that you buy a lot of, like undershirts, socks, and onesies. The first couple of months are particularly crucial in determining what kind of laundering ritual is best for your new addition. This is also a time in which you will be getting used to a lot of specifics about your new baby. Make sure no matter how you launder your baby"s clothes, you keep a good eye out for possible allergic reactions and rashes. A comfortable baby is a much happier baby.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing new mothers and single parent issues. Visit www.babyhelp411.com/ for more information on how to raising healthy, happy children.
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Sunday, 18 May 2008 07:01 |
In todayÂ’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 wonÂ’t see a lot of these designs showing up at the local park for play dates, but donÂ’t be surprised if youÂ’re sitting in church or at some special occasion and see a baby dressed like sheÂ’s living in the 1920s.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing new mothers and single parent issues. Visit www.babyhelp411.com/ for more information on how to raising healthy, happy children.
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Thursday, 08 May 2008 05:01 |
What is it do I really need to buy for my new baby? While writing my latest book found at www.CareForMyBaby.com I found that this is a question a lot of new moms must ask themselves. Having a new baby is a huge expense, and it is hard to stay on budget when you see all of the cute outfits in the stores. While all of the tiny things are really tempting to buy, please keep in mind that babies grow really fast. One of the biggest mistakes that new parents make is over shopping for clothes. Remember, you will probably keep baby in a lot during those first few months so cute outfits with matching hats and shoes may not get any use. Plus if you are going to have a baby shower you will receive a lot of cute outfits fit for your little bundle of joy. Below is a list of things that I put together as a guide for you to use while doing your shopping. Remember to do your shopping after your baby shower this way you will only buy what you need.
Health and Safety
digital thermometer
nasal aspirator
infant acetaminophen drops
baby monitor
night lightBaby Care Products
baby shampoo/baby wash
diaper cream
baby nail clippers or safety scissors
baby oil/lotion
baby brush and comb
a couple of pacifiers (even if you don"t plan to use!)
Layette and Diapering
newborn diapers/cloth diapers/wraps or set up diaper service
baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths
diaper pail
burp cloths or extra cloth diapers
gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6)
receiving blankets (4-6)
swaddling blankets (2-3)
crib blanket or quilt
newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair)
newborn cap (1-2)
hooded bath towels and wash cloth
4-6 T-shirts or all-in-ones
1-2 sweaters or bunting (depending upon season)
Baby Equipment
baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier)
infant seat (have to bring it to the hospital!)
stroller or carriage
bouncer seat or swing
diaper bag
Furniture and Accessories
co-sleeper/bassinet/cradle or crib
mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding
changing table or other safe changing area
mobile for the crib and/or changing area
changing pad and 2 coversNursing Necessities
nursing pillow
washable or disposable nursing pads
rental, electric or manual breast pump and storage bottles or bags if you plan to pump milk
feeding bottles (2-4 4 oz to start), nipples, and bottle brush if you plan to use bottles
Below you will find a short list of things new moms will need to have on hand.
New Mother Care
sitzbath herbs
big box of extra-long maxi pads for locchia
nursing nightgown or comfy cotton pajamas
small tube of modified lanolin or other product to soothe sore nipples
nursing bras (1-2 comfy nursing bras plus a sleep bra to take to the hospital -- you can get more when your milk comes in, in case your size changes)
Other Good Ideas
pick out birth announcements (address envelopes before baby comes, if possible)
make a Belly Cast to remember this amazing time!
Also a good thing to know is that some of these accessories and gadgets are fun to have. Some of them even help make your life easier. However these are not must haves, all your baby really needs is your love and affection and your baby will grow and flourish. Remember you must have a car seat for baby, because the hospital will not let you leave without it! Plus you want to protect your little miracle in any way possible. Relax and enjoy this time with your precious baby because this time will never return.
If possible line up friends and family who will bring meals or come help you out at home after the baby is born (and a good friend to coordinate) and/or hire a doula to help. This way you can spend even more time just worrying about the baby, while someone else worries about YOU!
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Melida Cohen is the author of "Baby"s First Year: Everything You Should Know but probably don"t" Visit www.CareForMyBaby.com to get a free copy of her baby care newsletter or visit her blog at www.CareForMyBabyBlog.blogspot.com to chat with other new moms.
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