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Newborns – How to Conquer Diaper Rash

Author — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:35:26 +0000

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.

Newborns – Choosing the Perfect Nanny

Author — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:16:02 +0000

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!

Newborns – Baby Gear You Can’t Live Without

Author — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:07:15 +0000

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!

Baby Gifts – Personalized Baby Gifts

Author — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:01:07 +0000

There are a dozen beautiful and effective ways to personalize any baby gift and the results change a gift into something truly special.

A gift can be personalized by location: sticker on the bottom, embossed on the side, stitched across the top. It can display the baby’s name, the parents’ or grandparents’ names, or that of the giver.

The baby gift can even be decorated with a personally meaningful phrase, logo or photo. The text can be selected by the giver or conceived by the gift’s designer. A logo can be designed by a professional or by the one who picks out the gift. A photo can be selected from a wide range of stock images or supplied and incorporated into the baby gift.

Personalization transforms an impersonal gift into a keepsake that will be treasured forever. It offers a reminder of joyous occasions and provides incentive to hand the gift down from one generation to the next. Monogramming can add a name to cloth items. Printing can personalize any item that will absorb ink.

A Slumber Bear, for example, makes for a great gift. Children love the soft, teddy bear design and parents feel safe knowing the gift is sturdy and made from good materials. Later in life both parent and former young one can look back on the baby shower or first birthday or other occasion when the gift was received. Personalizing the gift makes that memory all the sweeter.

A Dilly the Duck cashmere booster pillow provides the perfect opportunity to stitch on the baby’s name. In later years that gift will evolve from a cherished nursery item to a memento of those tender years. Years after it has been given both parties can remember back to the many happy moments spent reading a story while the young one’s head rested on it.

Those tales themselves can be personalized in the form of a Fairy Tale book that carries all manner of individual markings. For stories written by the parents, they can be signed with the author’s name. For the child’s favorite tale, he or she can sign the book. The gift giver can sign the book and print the name of the recipient. All these methods and more turn a simple storybook into a treasured memento from childhood.

Birth plates provide an excellent chance to paint the baby’s name across the rim or on the bottom. It can be given in infancy and retained as a keepsake long after. The best option is to print the baby’s name, birth date and weight along the rim to commemorate the birth of that special person who entered life on that day.

Personalize the baby gift and you’ll turn a pleasant object into something unique that will be collected and given again generation after generation.

Baby Gifts – First Birthday Baby Gifts

Author — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 05:58:59 +0000

Quick quiz: what is more memorable than the baby’s first birthday? That’s too easy! The answer is: nothing. The first year is so full of new experiences for parent and child that little later can compare.

Lightning fast growth, learning new things every day, developing those early habits that persist for a lifetime, offering every cute expression imaginable… The list is endless. Challenges and joys abound every hour of the newborns life and the first birthday is the perfect occasion on which to celebrate them all.

The occasion that marks the end of that first year is something that will be remembered for a lifetime. How can you find a gift that will do full justice to that?

There’s the common t-shirt, of course. But turn an expected first birthday gift into a special joy for giver, baby and parent by selecting the most fun design. Baby boy or girl will look great in this t-shirt covered with colorful balloons and cake. The smiling child on the front offers a preview of the expressions on the faces of all concerned once the box is opened.

What more fun, practical first birthday gift could you imagine than a motorcycle or sports car bank? Made of stylish, durable pewter it’s both a lovely decorative item and a practical toy. With handlebars or a steering wheel that turns and rubber wheels that spin, it will be seen on the nursery floor in no time. But it looks equally good sitting on the shelf where it can hold a dozen small coins or folded bills.

The little ones will need a step stool to reach those toys on the shelf. They could also use a rest after playing with them. The combination steppy stool/chair is the perfect solution. Made of sturdy wood and personalized with the child’s name, it’s practical and stylish. It’s 12″ high by 12 1/2″ wide and 6 1/2″ deep with a seat that measures 5 1/2″. That’s the perfect size for the nursery and the hinges make it easy to tuck away.

Make the baby feel part of the fun when you’re off to the gym or store with their very own personalized sport or duffel bag. They come in a half-dozen different themes, including sports, flowers, butterflies and princess. Colorful and made of sturdy canvas with a polyester lining, they’re practical and lovely. At 15″ long and 7″ in diameter, they make for a great extra bag in which to carry all the baby’s things.

Back home, don’t forget about those plush toys that make for ideal gifts. Skipper the Cowboy Dog or his pal Bojo are just waiting to come out of the toy box. They’ll sit quietly on the little wooden chair while your baby instructs them in the rules of the game in language you can only guess at.

Maybe the young one will have a head for business, who knows? You can start them off with a 5-piece soft briefcase set that holds lots of toys. With a squeaky calculator and a squeezable cell phone, they’ll feel right at home in the office.

Commemorate the occasion with a pewter photo album sporting a fun teddy bear logo. It’s the perfect means of storing all those pictures you took at the first birthday party. See that one there where the baby’s eyes light up after opening your gift…?

Baby Gifts – Baby Shower Cakes

Author — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:57:06 +0000

Maybe you were thinking that baby shower cakes were just a tasty dessert served at the party… Well, that’s certainly one kind. But there’s a different kind of baby shower ‘cake’, one that is filled with all sorts of useful gifts for the about-to-be mom.

One of the most popular choices in this area is a gift that really does resemble a multi-tiered wedding cake. But rather than being made of sugar and flour and eggs, it’s constructed from the one thing a new mom can never have too much of: diapers.

These clever and decorative baby shower cakes make for the perfect gift for the occasion. Everyone thinks of giving diapers to the expectant mother, and she will certainly use them. But giving them in this form turns a needed but mundane gift into an opportunity for laughter for the guests and the guest of honor.

Piled high and covered with decorative items that really do make it look like the genuine article, these diaper cakes are fun and practical. The recipient can peel them off one at a time as needed. Like eating a wedding cake that will last for days or weeks, the gift provides its own storage bin.

The same design idea has been used successfully for lots of other baby shower gifts, though. The faux wedding cake can be filled with all sorts of toys for the baby, gifts for the about-to-be mother and father, and lots more.

It isn’t only diapers, after all, that the happy couple will need soon. Baby powder, lotion, baby oil, ointment and many similar hygiene products are common items in the nursery. At 32 inches high, you’ll find these cakes hold plenty of these necessities. Booties, terry cloth towels, a baby cap and several other clothing items are part of the package, too.

Even the smaller 2-tier baby shower cakes can offer dozens of highly valued gifts. As a centerpiece for the baby shower table, it makes a great decoration. Peel off the outer layers and enjoy the rattle, teething ring, pacifier and more that will definitely get used. Open it up and find socks, a manicure set, brush and comb, and other equally useful presents.

Some baby shower cakes may contain only decorative items, but those too will be highly appreciated by the guest of honor at the baby shower. Ceramic baby blocks, silk roses and more set on a scalloped silver platter make this a gift that won’t be shoved in the closet after the party. You’ll find the blocks decorating the shelf in the baby’s room and the silk roses on the mantle, while the silver platter livens up the table on special occasions.

Take a look at the bear baby cake and you may not be able to resist. Chock full of gifts – like undershirts, hats, hooded towel and more – they’re topped by a stuffed teddy bear that is sure to become the baby’s favorite for a long time.

Check out the full line of baby shower cakes and amaze yourself with all the creative options. And, oh, don’t forget to order the real thing for the party while you’re at it…

Baby Gear – Toys and Toy Chests

Author — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:55:02 +0000

How many more toys does the little one need? Before you answer, consider that toys do much more than entertain. They educate, stimulate the development of perception and cognition, and may help build muscle strength and control. And, of course, amusement shouldn’t be scoffed at, either. A happy baby is a healthy baby.

The range of educational toys that also entertain little ones is endless. Baby Einstein books are everywhere. Others encourage exploring shapes and sounds. That musical toy that you hear as just a noisemaker is actually helping the baby associate a chosen movement with the creation of a particular sound.

Fitting shaped blocks through the right size hole may seem like just a game. But at the same time the baby is amusing him or herself it’s learning that some things fit and others don’t. That ability connects later to learning the alphabet and words where some things ‘fit’ and others don’t.

Don’t overlook the need for a sheer physical outlet, as well. As any parent can testify, babies have lots of energy that just can’t be suppressed. They touch, they explore, they push and prod. That’s helping them develop muscle control, fine-tuning hand and eye coordination, and more. It’s also a sheer joy for the little ones to see what happens when they bat that mobile to make it squawk and spin.

Even dolls are more than just ‘playthings’. If they talk, the baby is learning about human sounds and what they mean. If they’re dressing the doll, the baby learns in a different way how some things fit and others don’t. They also learn that some things can break or tear. Valuable lessons while they enjoy the process.

Don’t forget that all those toys have to have a place to live.

Toy chests come in a range of styles that can blend right in with any nursery decor or childhood interest. The little farmhouse toy chest can be populated with farm animals that remind them of the petting zoo. A stylish mahogany or beechwood chest is perfect for that rich-looking design you spent months imagining during pregnancy.

Develop your child’s interest in baseball at an early age, while you integrate the toy chest into the rest of the furniture and decorations. Or, select the princess carriage toy chest and turn a mundane storage box into a wonderland full of treasures. Choose the circus design and watch your child’s delight in animals grow starting right from those early months.

Education, development and sheer fun are all part of contemporary toy and toy chest collections. Made of durable materials that are safe and stylish, the baby won’t be the only one who is happy with the choices.

Newborns – Traveling with Your Newborn

Author — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:51:05 +0000

Parents often arrive home from the hospital a day or two after a birth exhausted. But that quickly passes. The urge to take your newborn to visit grandparents and others will soon become very strong. Then there are the inevitable pediatrician visits for exams, vaccinations and other medical events. While minimizing travel during the first three months is desirable, whenever you choose to travel with your newborn there are a few things to keep in mind.

Traveling with your baby can seem like planning a 13th century caravan across the desert. There are a thousand things, it seems, to consider. But with modern transportation, communication and baby-friendly facilities in so many places, it’s really not that bad.

Naturally, you won’t forget to bring the basic supplies. You’ll want a supply of diapers, diaper rash cream and a bag for soiled diapers. You should bring some teething gel and infant paracetamol for pain relief on the road. Newborns should not be given aspirin. Petroleum jelly is a must. Sunscreen is helpful for those circumstances where you can’t keep the sun entirely off. Babies have very sensitive skin.

You’ll want a good bonnet and the ability to layer clothing for changes in temperature. That change can be from an air-conditioned car to the hot sun at grandmother’s house. Or, it can equally be from the heated car to a house that is a little chilly for the newborn. Be prepared for either eventuality.

Avoid traveling by air for the first year whenever possible. This isn’t just a courtesy to the other passengers. Pressurized cabins, recycled air, pressure changes from takeoff and landing, and other issues represent a stress to your baby’s system. Breastfeeding mothers will find it hard to find privacy at feeding time and both parent and onlooker can be made uncomfortable.

For auto travel, you’ll need a good child safety seat, one that is specifically designed for infants. It should be rear facing and be installed in the back seat. An air bag that deploys in the front seat can cause serious harm, both from direct impact and the hard jerk to a baby’s neck. Always take the time to secure the car seat properly.

However you travel, food and drink are essential bring-alongs. Babies get hungry on an internal schedule that is not synchronized with parental convenience. Telling them to ‘wait until we get there’ is not an option, as it is with older children. The ability to breastfeed conveniently and safely is best. For those on formula, having some means of warming formula is good. Special warmers are available that plug into the cigarette lighter socket.

The ability to perform a diaper change on the road is another must. The alternative isn’t merely discomfort, but a bad smell for you and increased likelihood of diaper rash for the infant. A portable changing station or pad will make that chore much easier.

Newborns are much more susceptible to germs than older children, since their immune systems are still developing. Keeping exposure at a minimum is important. Avoid having every family member and friend breath on or touch the newborn. Insist that only those with clean hands and no colds get close.

Sure, there are lots of challenges to face when traveling with a newborn. But, like that 13th century caravan, it can be an adventure!

Baby Gear – Shell Baby Carriers

Author — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:53:17 +0000

Shop for baby carriers today and you’ll find a large range of slings, backpack-style and similar fabric-based devices that are great for taking the baby anywhere. They have all kinds of benefits. But they’re all designed to ease carrying the child on the body. Still, the more traditional shell design retains its value as it improves technologically.

A shell carrier resembles a car seat in having a sturdy molded plastic form. Many car seats are actually convertible to a shell-style baby carrier. It’s padded to keep the baby immobile and safe from injury. That safety factor is typically enhanced by having an integrated restraint system.

Safety is always the first consideration in any carrier, of course. That’s ensured by the shape and manufacturing process that creates a shell that can withstand considerable shocks. That is, after all, one of the reasons the design is almost universally used in car seats.

The padding is thick and comfortable, spread over all the sections the baby’s body might come into contact with. It’s tear-resistant and secured with extremely strong snaps, rivets or other attachments to make sure it stays in place and lasts a long time.

At the same time, padding is available in a hundred different styles. They run the gamut from ballerina themes, rocket ships and sea shells, to just an abstract color scheme. In short, there is padding that reflects every individual taste or interest.

The restraint systems are modeled after those used in car seats, where they perform a similar service. Usually Y-shaped, fabric belts strap across the chest from each shoulder and are joined by a third belt that threads through the legs. The meeting place is a set of plastic buckles that are nearly indestructible and won’t come loose accidentally.

Even with the rise of fabric backpack or tummy pack carriers, shell carriers still have plenty to recommend them.

There are times when parents need a break from carrying the baby close to them. The sling style offers many values, but at times it isn’t practical. Parents get back injuries that require a different method of transporting the baby to the doctor or store. Sometimes, older friends or grandparents are asked to take the baby and they may not be strong enough to carry the baby in the sling style carriers.

But even beyond any health issues, there are times when it’s an advantage to be able to put the baby down on a table or grass. That’s simply not possible with sling or backpack-style carriers. It’s also a simple task to attach a canopy to a shell carrier to keep sun off the baby. Sling carriers sometimes have a fabric piece to cover the baby’s head, but those make contact and can lead to overheating in some situations.

Both styles have strong benefits and parents on the go will want to have at least one of each type.

Newborns – The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Author — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:47:21 +0000

While the fetus is developing, it gets all its needed nutrients from the mother through the umbilical cord. This includes compounds that help the baby’s immune system to protect it from harm. But even after birth the baby’s immune system is still not fully mature. Fortunately, nature has cleverly developed a solution. The added help it needs it gets in part from colostrum and milk via breastfeeding.

During the first few days of the baby’s life, the mother’s breast forms and delivers colostrum. This is a thin, whitish or yellowish fluid that comes through the nipple, just as milk does. It is rich with fats, carbohydrates, white blood cells and other compounds that both nourish and provide immune system protection.

Colostrum contains proteins, most especially immunoglobulins, a type of antibody. These antibodies are one of the body’s foremost weapons against invading bacteria, fungi, viruses and other disease causing organisms. Among other benefits, the antibodies from colostrum coat the GI (gastrointestinal) tract and help prevent bacteria in the gut from entering the bloodstream. The colostrum also contains numerous macrophages, small cells that envelop and carry away disease causing germs.

At the same time, the breastfed baby receives the best nutrition possible. Nature has evolved breast milk to contain everything the newborn needs.

Fats, for example, which adults strive so hard to minimize, are essential for the proper development of the nervous system. They help regulate the hormone system, too.

Carbohydrates are the body’s energy source. They’re another category of food calories that dieting adults will often try to keep down. But babies should never be put on a diet. Breast milk is rich in carbohydrates of just the right type and amount to help them develop in an optimal way.

Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding is highly beneficial for babies. Most strongly suggest that breastfed babies have a better head start in life than those who are only bottle fed. The rate of infectious disease is lower among newborns who are breastfed. The odds of infant diabetes are lower according to some studies. Breastfed babies see fewer hospital and doctor visits.

But breastfeeding is also good for the mother.

When a mother doesn’t breastfeed, she may experience an uncomfortable sensation in the breast. Artificial pumping to extract the milk is usually required. Breastfeeding eliminates the need to do so. Some may wish to use a pump anyway, in order to have a store of mother’s milk available.

The bonding that takes place between mother and newborn during breastfeeding may be hard to measure medically. But the benefits are observable and real. This quiet time between mother and child are good for both.

Some reliable studies suggest that breastfeeding also helps lower the odds of ovarian and breast cancers. Breastfeeding also delays the return of ovulation and menstruation. That gives the recovering mother a break from having to deal with periods during a very busy time of life. At the same time, it reduces the odds of another pregnancy right away.

Give your newborn the best possible start in life by breastfeeding. Give yourself the benefits as well. Nature has evolved this excellent method for optimizing the health of mother and child. Take advantage of all it has to offer.