Mom & Baby

(ARA) – The pregnancy test is positive. Along with the excitement and anticipation of the baby’s arrival, women need to be aware of body transformations during and after the pregnancy. A growing belly, nausea, food cravings and heightened sensitivity to smells are obvious symptoms of pregnancy. But many women don’t realize their vision can change as well.

Expectant mothers may feel as though they are not seeing as well or their contact lenses may not be as comfortable. Doctors of optometry caution women that hormonal changes, which occur during pregnancy, can cause conditions such as dry eyes and puffy eyelids. Because of this, some pregnant women may need to change the type or brand of contact lenses they typically wear or reduce the length of time the contacts are worn. Another option that optometrists recommend to expectant mothers is wearing eye glasses during pregnancy.

“Pregnant women should be aware that vision problems can be a sign of a more serious condition,” says Dr. Glen Steele, optometrist and chair of the InfantSEE committee. “That’s why it’s critical that expectant mothers visit their optometrists during their pregnancy.”

If expectant women experience any of the following eye problems during pregnancy, the American Optometric Association recommends they make an appointment with an optometrist:

* Blurred vision
* Distorted vision
* Contact lens discomfort
* Tunnel vision
* Extremely dry eyes

Although vision changes may be evident during pregnancy, it is important to note that most are temporary and that vision usually returns to normal within a few months after delivery.

Once the baby has arrived, it is just as important to monitor the infant’s vision development.

“Infant eye and vision assessments offer early detection of vision and eye health problems that can interfere with normal development,” says Steele.

Parents can have their baby’s eyes assessed through InfantSEE, a program of Optometry’s Charity – The AOA Foundation, which offers infants between the ages of six and 12 months a one-time, no-cost eye and vision assessment, regardless of a parent’s ability to pay.

For more information on vision and pregnancy or to find a local optometrist, visit www.AOA.org. To locate a participating InfantSEE doctor, visit www.InfantSEE.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: expectant mothers, eye problems during pregnancy, InfantSEE, vision

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(ARA) – When Jennifer Stephens of Corpus Christi, Texas, was pregnant with her son last year, she dreamed of taking time off to enjoy being a mom. But her husband Michael lost his job a few years back and had been unable to find a new position before their baby’s birth. Stephens’ plan to stay at home with her new son took a detour. Instead of taking some extended time off, Stephens says she returned to work six weeks after giving birth.

“I’m the sole bread winner for my family and without my job we would be living out of our car,” says Stephens, who is a biologist for the state. “I was not ready to return to work. The stress of everything affected me more than I like to admit. Physically I was okay, but emotionally I was a wreck. Everything from my milk supply to my mental psyche was impacted.”

Heather Connor of Lexington, S.C., can relate. Connor’s husband has struggled to find a job since graduating with his master’s degree in August 2008. Connor returned to her post as an assistant department manager of a large book reseller six weeks after giving birth.

“I want to be home because I feel that I am missing out on the mothering of my precious little girl,” says Connor. “But our income depends on my job right now.”

Kelly Wels, the founder of KellysCloset.com, an online cloth diapering boutique, says that returning to work quickly can take its toll on new moms. “Going back to work after having a baby is a physically and emotionally draining process for many women. When women return to work so soon after the birth of a baby, their milk supply may be affected and sometimes they have to partly sacrifice attachment parenting initiatives like cloth diapering and ‘baby wearing’ — the practice of carrying baby in a sling for a good portion of the day and evening.”

Making it work

Candice Broom of Birmingham, Ala. also found herself at the center of today’s unemployment storm. She says that when she was pregnant with her second baby, she and her husband both lost their teaching positions less than one month before their new baby’s arrival.

“We were scrambling to find work — any work — so that we could have an income,” she says. “I wanted to find something that I could do with my baby close by so I ended up getting a job at a daycare center. I worked a few days a week in the last trimester of my pregnancy and then brought the baby with me starting when he was two weeks old.”

Because Broom was able to bring her baby to work, she says she was able to continue breastfeeding, cloth diapering and baby wearing, which she says enabled her to remain close to her baby despite the stress of going back to work.

Know your rights

While the job market is tight, many moms have to return to work quickly after having a baby because they fear losing their health benefits.

Andrea Lee of Lincoln, Neb. says she went back to work just two weeks after having her baby. Her husband’s job didn’t offer insurance and she says her employer, a small nonprofit organization, wouldn’t give her more than two weeks off. She adds that small companies with less than 50 employees aren’t protected by the Family Medical Leave Act. If Lee didn’t return to work after her two weeks vacation, she would have lost her job and her family’s health insurance plan.

“The job market around my hometown is abysmal. My husband and I both have bachelor’s degrees with high GPAs and good references and we can’t find any better jobs,” she says.

Wels says that unfortunately Lee’s struggle is like so many other new moms’ struggles these days with a difficult economy and tight job market. “It’s important for women to know their legal rights, although, in Andrea’s case, the time off a new mom needs is different than that what she is legally allowed. In an ideal world, women would be able to take as much time off as they need to fully recover physically and to have time to bond with their babies emotionally without fear of losing their jobs or health benefits,” says Wels.

The upside to tough times

Broom says that while she and her family were under tremendous pressures, everything worked out in the end. After 14 months, Broom’s husband found a new teaching position with “great benefits.” Plus, she learned to be more frugal by using reusable cloth diapers and wipes, which she estimates has saved her family hundreds of dollars annually.

Plus, Broom says she started combing the newspaper for sales and coupons, has learned to cook simple meals with few ingredients, became a frequent yard sale shopper, and has even won some online blog contests.

Connor says that knowing her husband is home with their baby isn’t so bad because he’s a “wonderful dad.” Plus, her husband has learned to cloth diaper their baby, which she says has saved her family a bundle during these tight financial times.

“Every little bit counts,” she says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: new moms, new moms returning to work, working moms

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(ARA) – Mary Katherine Albritton had a normal childhood despite being diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 6 years old. Her parents worked to teach her about her condition, and she grew up to be a happy adult. But in 2005 she got a surprise — she was pregnant. As an adult with epilepsy, she wondered about the risks to her and her fetus.

“I had six seizures through my pregnancy, but my daughter Taylor was born a healthy, beautiful baby,” says Albritton, who worked closely with her neurologist throughout the course of her pregnancy.

Albritton is just one of a surprisingly large number of women with epilepsy who have had successful childbirths. It is estimated that about half a million women with epilepsy in the United States are of childbearing age and that three to five out of every 1,000 births are to women with epilepsy. The majority of people with epilepsy have well-controlled seizures, are otherwise healthy, and expect to participate fully in life experiences, including pregnancy.

New guidelines developed by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society show it’s relatively safe for women with epilepsy to become pregnant, but caution must be taken, including avoiding valproate, an epilepsy drug that can cause birth defects.

“Good evidence shows that valproate is linked to an increased risk for fetal malformations and decreased thinking skills in children, whether used by itself or with other medications,” says lead guideline author Dr. Cynthia Harden, director of the Epilepsy Division at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and member of the American Academy of Neurology.

The guidelines also suggest that, if possible, women with epilepsy should not take more than one epilepsy drug at a time during pregnancy since taking more than one seizure drug has also been found to increase the risk of birth defects compared to taking only one medication.

“Overall, what we found should be very reassuring to every woman with epilepsy planning to become pregnant,” says Harden. “These guidelines show that women with epilepsy are not at a substantially increased risk of having a Caesarean section, late pregnancy bleeding, or premature contractions or premature labor and delivery. Also, if a woman is seizure free nine months before she becomes pregnant, it’s likely that she will not have any seizures during the pregnancy.”

However, Harden says pregnant women with epilepsy should consider having their blood tested regularly. “Levels of seizure medications in the blood tend to drop during pregnancy, so checking these levels and adjusting the medication doses should help to keep the levels in the effective range and the pregnant woman seizure free.”

When Albritton had her second child, Thomas, she had three seizures during her pregnancy. “June 15, 2007 was my last seizure when I was pregnant with Thomas. He was born a healthy baby boy on November 5. When people say their kids are miracles, mine really are. I haven’t had a seizure since.”

Her advice for other women with epilepsy who want children: “Understand that epileptic women are capable of having healthy babies. I suggest staying in close contact with your obstetrician and neurologist.”

For more information about the guidelines visit www.aan.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: epilepsy, seizures during pregnancy, would-be moms with epilepsy

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(ARA) – Between naps, feedings and diaper changes — new moms rarely have a moment free. Pulling it all together doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Making some simple changes in your daily routine can mean extra time for enjoying your new baby.

“I always tell my friends that the key to spending more time with their new baby is to simplify their day,” says Victoria Pericon, editor of SavvyMommy.com and mother of three. “Try to combine errands into fewer trips and reduce the number of activities you’re involved in. That way, you can spend more time with your loved ones and make more time for yourself.”

Pericon shares some of her favorite time-saving tips that are sure to help new moms protect the precious time they have with their new baby:

* Get organized: Caring for a new baby and keeping up with household and family activities is a challenge. The easiest way to stay on track with managing household chores and outside activities is to make a schedule. Buy a large wall calendar to organize your family’s play dates, practices, weekly errands and social events so everyone has a clear picture of what the week holds. Color code activities by family member.

* Go digital: Cutting and pasting your baby photos into an album is a thing of the past. Not only is this time-consuming but it’s also costly. Why not create your baby book online instead of doing it all yourself? Photo sharing sites such as Shutterfly.com let you customize your baby book according to your own preferences. Also, you can share pictures of your new little one with friends and family in no time flat.

* Simplify feeding: Breast milk is the ideal nutrition as it provides all the nutrients a young infant needs, and it also helps build the baby’s immunity. For moms who choose to feed with formula, it’s important to choose one that provides both nutrition and convenience. Similac Advance EarlyShield has important immunity building-blocks similar to those found in breast milk. Great for saving mom time, Similac Advance EarlyShield comes in Similac SimplePac powder packages — with design features that offer a simplified approach to feeding time — and 8-fluid-ounce Similac Ready Right Now reclosable plastic bottles which require no mixing or measuring.

* Streamline sleepy time: Sleep is an all-too-precious commodity for new parents. Set a bedtime routine that lulls baby to sleep faster, so you can share a few precious minutes unwinding with your partner or a cup of tea. While good, old-fashioned rocking, reading books and singing lullabies makes bedtime rituals a bonding time, sleep-inducing crib toys, like the Fisher-Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-a-Boo Soother, can trigger baby’s time-for-sleep reflex by lulling baby with gentle moving water and soft music.

* Get healthy: Finding time to get back into shape can be tricky for any new mom.
One quick way is to check out your local gym — many offer child care services for their members. Get out of the house for an hour or two and start getting back into shape while knowing that your child is in good hands and close by. You’ll get much needed “me” time and feel better.

Try these small, yet effective time-savers and have more time to spend with your new baby or with yourself. For more information, visit www.earlyshield.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: new babies, new baby, new mom tips, new moms

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(ARA) – Whether you’re relaxing beachside on vacation, picnicking in the park or strolling through the neighborhood, warm weather offers many opportunities for outdoor fun. However, these activities can lead to dehydration, sunburn and fatigue if you’re not careful. Barbara Dehn, women’s health nurse practitioner and award-winning author, offers tips to keep mom and baby safe all summer long.

“Mom and baby both need extra protection in the months following birth, especially during the summer season,” says Dehn. “By following a few simple guidelines, the entire family can enjoy summer outings and activities together.”

Dehn suggests protecting yourself and your little one with these tips:

Practice sun protection — If sun exposure is unavoidable, don’t forget to shield yourself and your little one with a hat and sunblock to guard against powerful UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to use a baby-safe sunblock with a high SPF that has no artificial colors or unnecessary chemical additives.

Stay nourished — It is important to maintain your overall health, especially in the heat. Sufficient hydration is essential because a lack of fluids can cause heat exhaustion and improper digestion. Moms should also increase their intake of foods that are high in protein as well as those that contain natural liquids to improve energy and emotional state, and prevent dehydration. Best bets include dark green vegetables, juicy fruits, eggs and almonds.

For babies who are using infant formula, you can choose one that is designed to support your baby’s natural defenses and digestive health. For example, Similac Advance EarlyShield is specially designed to support your baby’s developing immune system. It’s the only formula that has the EarlyShield blend of prebiotics, nucleotides and antioxidants — nutrients found naturally in breast milk.

Refocus and recenter — Summertime is meant to be carefree. Allow yourself some alone time to unwind. Have your partner or a friend watch the baby so you can focus on yourself. Keeping a journal is a simple way to organize your thoughts and help examine your emotions. Help baby relax, too. Set aside time to give your newborn a massage. Massaging enhances the emotional bond with your baby, improves sleep patterns, aids with digestion, boosts immunity, helps fight disease and calms your baby.

Rest up — Hot temperatures during the summer months can cause fatigue. Nap time is not just for your little one. Force yourself to drop chores and nap while the baby does. Use a lavender-scented eye mask to get maximum rest and awaken refreshed. For baby, start a consistent bedtime routine as early as possible. Sing lullabies, read books, give a warm bath or rock in a rocking chair to help trigger bedtime.

Following these simple tips will help ensure a safe and happy summer for both you and your baby. For more information, visit www.earlyshield.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: babies and summer, baby and mom, baby tips, summer, summer baby tips, summertime, sun protection for babies

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Grab bars keep your family safe on slick surfaces.

Create a safe haven well before the baby arrives

(ARA) – As people begin thinking about starting a family, most parents-to-be ponder how their lives will change when their new bundle of joy arrives. However there are many changes that should come much earlier. During pregnancy, there are many hidden dangers in your home. Luckily, you only have to alter your habits slightly to ensure a safe haven for you and your new arrival.

Nursery No-no
For most expectant mothers, decorating the nursery is an exciting project to complete in anticipation of the new addition. However, when choosing the perfect shade to splash the walls, recruit dad, grandparents or friends to help with this part. Nearly all paints — even environmentally friendly versions — emit fumes and it is unknown what their effects are on the baby. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that pregnant women avoid newly painted rooms (and their harmful odors) for at least two days after the job is done.

Bath Safety
As the “baby bump” continues to grow, the excess weight around the mid-section will shift a mother-to-be’s center of gravity, making her very unstable and increasing the risk of slips and falls. And, according to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause (66 percent) of all nonfatal home injuries — with the bathroom being a main culprit due to water and slick surfaces. Luckily, there are many updates to the bath that can provide added comfort and security.

For help getting in and out of the tub or shower, the Home Safety Council recommends installing grab bars. SecureMount Grab Bars from Home Care by Moen are an ideal choice since they feature a unique anchor installation system that allows homeowners to install grab bars quickly and easily anywhere on the wall — without the need for a stud — for the ultimate in safety and peace of mind. Plus, they are available in a variety of styles and finishes to beautifully coordinate with the rest of the bathroom. In addition to grab bars, a shower chair may be an additional consideration. Products such as Home Care’s new Premium Shower Chair offer comfort, convenience and safety while performing showering tasks, such as washing hair or shaving legs.

Feline Frets
While Fluffy may be a best buddy, her litter box is a “must avoid” for pregnant woman due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a microscopic parasite that often resides in cat feces. Don’t fret, however, this doesn’t mean you need to get rid of your cuddly kitten. Be sure to keep litter in rooms where moms won’t be exposed and let someone else in the household take over the chore of cleaning the litter boxes.

Call a Maid . . . or Not
Unfortunately, most cleaning products are safe during pregnancy, so expectant status isn’t necessarily a green light to hire a maid. However, there are many things to consider that will keep mom and baby-to-be safe from harm. First, always ensure there is good ventilation and avoid using any products that say “toxic” since they have solvents that could harm the baby. Sites such as www.greenhome.com list the latest lines of environmentally friendly cleaning products. Or, for added peace of mind, just use a combination of baking soda and vinegar as a cleaning solution for just about anything in your home.

Begin to Baby-proof
Once the baby arrives, he will be mobile before you know it. So, take time now to baby-proof your home. Take an inventory of sharp corners, cabinets with dangerous objects and electrical outlets; then purchase and install the necessary safety items, such as corner pads, outlet inserts and cabinet locks to keep baby safe. Next, look for any breakable items that are low enough to be reached or heavy objects up high that could topple over. Inviting friends’ babies and toddlers over is a great way to “test” the baby-proofing efforts.

Pregnancy should be a joyous time in the lives of parents-to-be, so ensure nine months of health and happiness with these few tips. For more information on bath safety products, visit www.homecare.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: baby bath safety, baby baths, baby proof, cats and pregnancy, new moms, pregnancy safety, toddler safety

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(ARA) – As a proud new parent, you want to make sure that you capture every precious moment of your new baby’s life. It’s tempting to hit the nearest photography studio for a quick professional session, but in these tough times, that can be costly and time-consuming. For families on a budget, learning how to take great photography at home can be easy and fun.

“Taking beautiful pictures of your new baby is a great way to preserve life-long memories. By following a few simple steps, anyone can learn to take baby photos that they can be proud of,” says Jodie Otte, the photographer behind the Similac Advance EarlyShield advertising campaign.

Here, Otte reveals her tips on how to take and archive the best shots of your newborn and protect your memories.

* Get natural: When taking a picture of your newborn, you want the “soft glow” to emanate. The best way to achieve that is through natural lighting. Place your baby in a spot that is exposed to a lot of bright, indirect light void of shadows. Do not use a flash and raise your ISO speed to about 400.

* Practice patience: Infants are fueled by curiosity. Everything captures their attention. Try to get them to focus on one object throughout the shoot. Also, it’s a great idea to take a few test shots to ensure you have the perfect light and that your baby is comfortable. Once you have the best shot possible, snap away.

* Go black and white: Although color prints are vibrant and fun, make sure to print an array of photos in black and white. Not only are these photos classic and timeless, but they’re also the best option when trying to attain that professional look.

* Sharing is caring: Once you have the perfect shot of your new tot, make sure to share with friends and family. Cutting and pasting baby photos into an album is a thing of the past. To save time and cash, upload photos to free Web sites such as Shutterfly.com and create a personalized baby photo book. Need to add more photos? No problem — simply insert another page in your virtual baby book.

* Store safely: After countless captured memories, be sure to have hard copies as well and archive photos with care. Choose albums that are acid- and lignin-free in order to prevent photos from yellowing or becoming damaged. Look for plain pages without adhesives and always make sure to use page protectors and pocket corners. Store photo albums in a cool, dry, dark place that does not have dramatic temperature fluctuations.

Learning how to take professional baby photos has never been easier with these simple steps. Make sure you don’t miss another opportunity to capture a memory with your baby. For more baby tips and information, visit www.earlyshield.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: baby photography, baby photography tips, baby photos, newborn baby photography, newborn pictures

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Most babies will get some degree of diaper rash during the first year or two. Newborns are particularly prone to acquiring this red, inflamed area on the buttocks, thighs or genitals. Also, the skin itself may be warmer than normal. Fortunately, treating it at home is often simplicity itself.

Anything which irritates the skin can cause diaper rash. A baby’s skin is very sensitive. Still, there are a few common causes.

Long exposure to urine and feces is one example. Pure urine is not infectious. But it mixes readily with organisms, providing them with a growing medium. Bacteria are often found in feces, as a normal part of the body’s disposal of potentially harmful ‘invaders’.

One organism in particular accounts for a large number of diaper rash cases: yeast. This common fungus grows well in moist, warm environments, such as soiled diapers. Even when waste isn’t present, excessive humidity in the air encourages moisture under the diaper. That condition is especially likely in skin folds that trap moisture.

Other causes are possible, as well.

A change in diet can increase stool production, which increases the time the baby’s skin is exposed to it. Ironically, even a new cleansing product can cause diaper rash. Though rarely the cause, thanks to considerable testing, some babies are sensitive to certain products. A new detergent or fabric softener, or even a new disposable wipe, can irritate the skin.

And, not least, some babies are simply more sensitive than others to potential irritants. Tight diapers that are perfect for one will chafe another.

Home treatment is all that’s required in the overwhelming majority of cases of diaper rash.

In most cases, simply cleaning your baby gently but thoroughly will provide the right environment for time to do the rest. Changing diapers promptly and often will help prevent any instance or reoccurrence. Rinsing with warm water during a change to remove all trace of urine and feces is a good idea.

There’s rarely a need for swabbing with alcohol and it can often be counterproductive. It tends to dry the skin excessively. Patting with a soft towel followed by air drying is best. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before fitting the baby with a new diaper.

For babies that tend to develop diaper rash, avoid diapers or outer pants that have elastic bands that tighten against the legs. This blocks air flow that helps to keep the area dry. They may also chafe.

For more serious cases, an antifungal cream may be called for. There are over the counter ointments and prescription strength creams. Which is needed depends of course on individual factors that should be discussed with your physician.

With proper care almost all cases of diaper rash can be conquered within a few days. For those that persist or grow, see your doctor. Any time the rash is accompanied by pus or boils you should seek professional treatment for your baby at once.

Tags: Newborns Diaper Rash

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In generations past, nannies were extremely common. Then, for a while, they fell out of fashion. Though they never disappeared. Now, they’re back in style – probably to stay. Not just for the rich, they provide expertise, an often badly needed extra pair of hands, and – not least – a sometimes more objective perspective on your baby.

Next to choosing a pediatrician, selecting the perfect nanny could be the most daunting task facing a parent. But it doesn’t have to be an occasion for tearing one’s hair out.

There’s that all important and difficult to state ’something’, of course, that makes nanny and parent click. That is, the perfect nanny is one whose character and values reflect what the parents themselves aim for. You’ll want someone who is willing to follow your rules without resistance. Offering suggestions and advice is valuable. Ignoring the way you choose to run your home is not. Finding that combination leads effortlessly to trust, confidence in the nanny and a smooth working relationship.

Not far behind is whether that same simpatico exists between nanny and child. Any serious candidate should be introduced to the newborn. Babies operate by sense of smell, touch and limited vision. But they do make implicit value judgments, just as adults do. The infants reaction can range everywhere from instant crying to instant mother-love. Naturally, you’ll want to get a nanny who evokes something closer to the latter.

There are practical considerations, as well.

Some adults are naturally more disease resistant than others. Circumstances may lead them to less frequent exposure, too. A part-time nanny may have more than one family to care for. That introduces the possibility of exposing your somewhat fragile child to germs from others. This should be covered delicately, but decidedly. The perfect nanny will understand your concern and address it forthrightly and honestly.

Any reputable agency, and their employees or sub-contractors, will provide thorough reference checking. That includes personal references from past clients, criminal background checks, DMV history and evidence of a good health certificate.

Even a person just finding their first nanny job can still be the perfect choice, though. Everyone must start somewhere and a first-timer may well be the eager-to-please, determined-to-do-well nanny you are looking for.

It isn’t necessarily the case that he or she will lack experience with children, either. Many mothers, grandmothers, nurses and others regard the prospect of being a nanny as very fulfilling. The best way to find out, of course, is simply to ask.

Once you’ve narrowed down the list to one or two, discuss details.

Propose a contract. An agency will usually have one they use. Include a 90-day trial period in which either can back out without penalty. Look into what options for a replacement nanny (at least temporarily) may be provided if it doesn’t work out. Ask about sick leave and discuss paid vacations and medical insurance.

Remember, as emotional as the choice may be in some respects, you are hiring a professional to do an important job. Some aspects need to be approached like a business.

Good luck!

Tags: Perfect Nanny

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Well, ok, it’s confession time. You (and your baby) can live without many of the items below. But even apart from the natural desire of parents to make their baby’s life as easy as possible, many of these help ensure their health and safety.

You’ll need an infant car seat, even if you don’t intend the baby to go out often. Many hospitals will require you to have one before they’ll release mother and child. If you don’t have one, some will supply you with a temporary. They have their insurance regulations to follow, you know!

You’ll want to carry your baby around, but your arms will get tired. A good strap-on baby carryall will do wonders for you and your child. Like a good backpack (whether worn on the back or front), it will free your arms and save your back. They’re also great for encouraging the bonding between parent and child that comes from physical closeness.

An adjunct to that is a good stroller. Even with a good carryall, babies can get heavy after a while. A sturdy stroller with a braking mechanism for hills and near the curb is always useful. Having one with an adjustable hood allows for the right amount of shading and sunlight filtering, too.

Both at home and away, a good diaper changing station is never wasted. A portable one will help you during those spontaneous moments that always seem to come at the most inconvenient time.

There are times when you want to rest your baby to relieve your arms and still want the baby to get a great view. A bassinet or cradle with adjustable arms is the perfect solution. Naturally, you’ll want one that is ultra-sturdy. Make sure there are no sharp corners and look for ones that provide a means of securing blankets, buttoning in cushions and other handy add-ons.

As your baby develops, providing him or her with a means to exercise those burgeoning muscles promotes health and psychological well-being. A rocking chair with straps is useful. A bouncy seat with musical danglers is another good option. Make sure that any noisemakers are removable. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy!

Speaking of music, a good CD or iPod-type player with speakers can be a great addition to the ‘baby toolkit’. White noise helps some young ones deal with colic. Classical music helps young minds develop. Gentle sea sounds and lilting tunes provide a peaceful atmosphere that will help both child and parent.

Of course, there are a whole range of toys that serve a number of good purposes. Babies are exploratory by nature. Providing safe things that will go into the mouth, but only so far, is one category. Building blocks of various sizes help the developing mind learn about shape, volume and other basics. Sound-making toys help them correlate self-initiated movement with the resulting noise. Learning cause and effect early is a big boon.

Don’t forget to stock the medicine cabinet with that whole range of needed items for emergencies!

Tags: Newborns

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