3 Things You Can Do To Help Baby Fall Asleep

Sleeping baby (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have a baby who keeps waking up a night, you probably think whoever came up with the phrase "sleeping like a baby" must be crazy.

Well, the fact is some babies are better sleepers than others. However, you should be aware that it is normal for newborn babies to be waking up every two to three hours at night as they usually are hungry or wake due to a wet diaper. This phase should last only up to three months, but it can be longer for other babies.

Having a baby sleep throughout the night is one problem. Having them fall asleep in the first place is another problem. Some babies can just fall asleep on their own easily.  Others need a bit of coaxing.  

If you find that your baby is waking during the night or having a hard time falling asleep, here are a few tips that may help smooth the transition from wakefulness to sleep time.

Shorten Naps During the Day

If you find that your four month or older baby is having a difficult time falling asleep or is waking every two to three hours during the night, but sleeps for four to five hours during a day nap, it's time to shorten the napping period. Switch the sleep and wake clock on your baby.

Put your baby down for his or her nap at the same time each day, if possible. Slowly and gently wake your baby after two or three hours of sleep. This may cause crying in the beginning, but keep your baby occupied so he or she does not fall back asleep. This process will help your baby get down to sleep in the evening.

Soothing Bath Before Bedtime

Begin to settle down in the evening with a soothing warm bath for your baby. Sometimes a lavender baby bath will do the trick to calm the baby. Don’t get into playing during bath time. Talk softly and gently wash your baby enticing his or her senses with the lavender. Some parents like to use Babo Botanicals Lavender Meadowsweet 3 in 1 Bubble Bath Shampoo Wash because it has a plant based formula. In other words, it doesn't have all that harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens and artificial fragrances. The smell is not too strong. Instead it is very soothing and calming.


After the bath, rub your baby down with some baby lavender lotion, gently massaging his or her feet, legs, arms, and hands, all the time keeping the noise level low. I like to put baby powder on my babies. You should consider using Johnson's Baby Powder, Pure Cornstarch, Lavender and Chamomile. It feels great on the body and it uses cornstarch instead of talc, which is safer. Gently clean your baby’s gums or teeth, still keeping your voice soft. Over time, this will begin to signal to your baby that this is quiet time and time to sleep.

Reading a Bedtime Story

In your baby’s room, have a dim light on while you complete the dressing after bath time. Swaddle your baby and sit in a rocking chair or other comfortable chair and begin to read a short bedtime story.

As you are reading, hold your baby snug to your body, gently rocking him or her, and reading in a soft, gentle tone. After the story, place your baby in his or her crib, set the mobile music, a few rubs on the back, say goodnight, and walk out of the room.

Have you heard about Cloud b Sleep Sheep On The Go Travel Sound Machine with Four Soothing Sounds? It is a soft toy in the shape of a sheep that plays soothing sounds like a gentle stream, spring showers, ocean waves and harmonious whale sounds. It has won some awards from the National Parenting Council's Seal of Approval and the iParenting Media Award. Many parents love it because it is soft, cuddly and helps lull their kids to sleep.

ROUTINE IS IMPORTANT

It is important to understand that this is a process. These tips are to set a routine that occurs each night at the same time so your child will automatically start to wind down and want to sleep at a certain time. Your baby may fuss for about a week, but this should soon dissipate. Don’t respond to the little fussy cries and before you know it your baby will be sleeping through the night. Video baby monitors is a great tool to have at this time. That way, you can check on your baby through the video monitor to see if they are just fussing or really need your attention. You don't have to go in and out of the room. That might disturb your baby even more.

Oh yes, one more thing to note is that waking during the night more frequently than normal can be a sign that your baby is uncomfortable. If your baby is teething, have colic, wind or skin rashes, you can expect restless nights. Other than that, just keep up your bedtime routine.

Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light Turtle

Place this nightlight on the floor in the center of the room, and it will project a starry night sky onto the ceiling and walls. Lying there watching the night lights will slowly lull your children to sleep. Awesome!

Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor with 3.5 Inch Color LCD Screen

If you are looking for a reliable video baby monitor, you must consider Motorola's MBP36 digital video baby monitor. Among all the video baby monitors out there, it is one of the best rated baby monitors. It is also currently one of the best selling models. Many parents love it because all its features work exactly as expected.

Let's take a quick look at its features and functions.

• 3.5" color LCD screen, up to 25 fps
• 2.4GHz FHSS technology (wireless connection) with two-Way communication
• Color LCD screen with infrared night vision
• Remote pan, tilt, and zoom
• Additional camera capability to take digital pictures when needed.
• Five lullabies built in
• Data encryption for security
• 5 LED alerts for sound-activated lights
• Room temperature monitor
• Up to 200M range with "out-of-range" warning
• Expandable up to 2 parent units and 4 cameras
• Can be wall mounted

WHY SO MANY PEOPLE ARE GIVING THIS MONITOR THE THUMBS UP?

It can be extremely frustrating when you bring home a baby monitor that fails to function as it should. Most common complaints about video baby monitors are:
- Grainy images
- Annoying static, crackling and popping sounds.
- Bad sound quality
- Bad reception because of inteference from other wireless products
- No security. Other people are able to listen in to your conversations or pick up images of your baby.
- Limited range of reception. They could not get a reception in certain places in the house.

Well, lots of people are pleased with this Motorola digitial video baby monitor because it eliminates all the problems above.

CLEAR PICTURE AND AUDIO

The picture is very clear, even the night vision. The 3.5" color LCD screen is bigger than most baby monitor screens. You don' have to squint to see what's going on.

Wireless broadband, cordless phones and other wireless technology will not likely interfere with your reception. Vice versa, this monitor will not interfere with your home network too. You won't get irritating static noises. Not only do you get a clear picture, you have good audio too. These are some feedback from parents:

"Monitors that I have previously owned have interfered with my wireless network and watching Netflix through Apple TV and browsing the Internet was filled with annoying buffering delays and would sometimes override the wireless signal completely. Motorola has completely eliminated this problem with its new wireless technology. This monitor has never interfered with my home network and everything works beautifully together."
Amazon customer

"Also, I live in a two story home with wireless everything (my house is Grand Central with all the wireless technology.) and this monitor does great with cell phone, wireless router, and computer reception. There is no interference at all."
Amazon customer

"One common baby monitor complaint is that people have to crank the volume to hear their babies crying, but that's definitely not a problem here. We've got the monitor a good 8 feet away from the baby and if we want, we can hear every gurgle and grunt she makes. Additionally, the audio going the other way (i.e. speaking to your baby) is remarkably clear. "
http://reviews.thesource.ca
The Source Reviews & Ratings

"I am a light sleeper and wake at his every roll and whimper at night. I used to get NO sleep. With this monitor I can put the volume up loud to hear every little move or put the volume down low to only wake when he cries loudly."
Amazon customer

SECURITY

Analog monitors may be less expensive but they do not give you the security that the digital monitors offer. Analog monitors use radio waves. That's why other people in the vicinity can pick up on your transmission. Digital monitors convert sounds into data. This Motorola baby monitor comes with data encryption. You don't have to worry about your neighbors eavesdropping or picking up images of your baby. Likewise, you won't be seeing other people's baby on your monitor.

GOOD RECEPTION RANGE

If you have a large home, reception range is important. With this baby monitor, you can be up to 200 meters away. You can go out into the yard and still get reception. If you are out of range, the monitor will alert you. Complimenting its exceptional range, one mother on Amazon shared how with other baby monitors, some places in her home were "completely off-limit" but that wasn't the case with this motorola digital video baby monitor.

EASY TO USE

It is no hassle to install. Many parents prefer to wall mount the camera because they get a better view. You can hold it in place with just one screw. You don't have to be tech savvy to set it up. You'll figure out all the buttons in no time.

PORTABLE

It is easy to carry around the parent unit. It is compact and lightweight. There's also a kick stand that puts it at a 45 degree angle when you put it down. The only thing missing is a belt clip. The monitor runs on a rechargeable battery when you are mobile. The battery has about a 3.5 hour life. When not moving around, you can keep it plugged in.

2 WAY COMMUNICATION

This baby monitor allows you to talk back to your child. So if you see them climbing out of the crib, you can sternly tell them to get back in. Your voice comes through clearly. It won't sound garbled if you don't put your mouth too closely to the handset. It's also not too loud. Your child will not be scared by it.

PAN, TILT AND ZOOM FOR BETTER VIEWING

You can remotely pan, tilt and zoom the video camera. Gives you the ability to view a wide area of the room. Really helpful if you have toddlers that could be anywhere in the room. Many parents make special mention of how quietly the camera moves. So important because we don't want to disturb sleeping babies right?

The zoom is up to 2x. The enlarged image is not perfect but it is not too bad. Here is one mother's comment, "Currently if I mount the camera 4 feet away and set it on 2x zoom, I can see her chest moving up and down."

 

OTHER BENEFITS

• The monitor also gives you a temperature reading. That way you know if the room is comfortable for your children. 
• You can play 5 lullabies to lull your babies to sleep. However, not everyone uses this feature but it is an extra that's nice to have. 
• Need a baby monitor for two rooms? This model allows you to expand up to 4 cameras. You can choose to scan through all the cameras or manually switch to the camera of your choice. To manually choose a camera, you just need to hit the ok button until you get to the camera you want. With the scan mode, you'll see 12 seconds of each camera. Unfortunately, you won't be able to see all the cameras at once on the screen. You can get the extra camera here: Motorola Additional Camera for Motorola MBP36 Baby Monitor, Brown with White
  Hopefully it is in stock.
• Sound-activated light. The monitor has 5 LED indicators that light up when baby makes a sound. The louder the sound, the more indicators light up. This is especially helpful in certain circumstances like when the radio or television is turned on or you're doing vacuuming
• .An alarm which you can set at 2, 4 or 6 hours. You can use this feature to remind you of feeding times.
• At 25 fps, you are seeing the images in real time. There is no delay. If something happens to baby that need your attention, you can see it and get to your baby fast.

CONS

• Some websites (including Amazon) say this model can expand up to 2 parent units. However, this is not the case. If you check with Motorola tech support, they will tell you that this information is wrong. The cameras only work with one parent unit.
• You cannot mute the audio.
• To control the volume, you have to go to the menu first. There is no external knob. Some parents think its a pain. Others think its actually beneficial because then you can't accidentally lower the volume.
• No back light for the buttons. May cause you to stumble around a bit at night.

SHOULD YOU BUY THIS DIGITAL VIDEO BABY MONITOR?

Gauging from the many positive feedbacks it has been getting, this is a very good buy. You can CHECK HERE to see how many reviews it has gotten at Amazon plus the current rating. It is also among the best selling baby monitor at Amazon. Obviously, there are a lot of happy users out there.

The price may be a little steep but you're getting lots of functions and the product works. Yes, it works! I believe that is the key why so many parents are recommending it. Many parents share how they've been disappointed by other brands of baby monitor before they finally found this Motorola MBP36 model. They are happy with it because it performs up to expectations. One mother puts it this way "Awesome monitor and well worth the money as now I finally get some sleep and peace of mind at night!!!"

It may not be 100% perfect but the negatives are negligible. You won't find many other digital video baby monitors that perform better than this.

Click here to find out the SPECIAL OFFER available with this product.

*This review contains affiliate links

Lorex LW241 LIVE Sense Wireless Video Home Monitor

When you have a new baby, you've got to keep an eye on them 24-7. That becomes even more important when they start to become mobile. My kids like to explore and somehow, they gravitate to things they shouldn't touch or places they shouldn't go. Well, that is pretty normal for toddlers. They are just curious about everything.

Unfortunately, I can't be stuck to my kids the whole time. There are meals to prepare and laundry to do. I'm sure you know what I mean right? If you have a big house, or even a double story house, you  may need the help of baby monitors.

There are many types of baby monitors but the Lorex LW241 LIVE sense Wireless Video Home Monitor gives you the ability to keep an eye on your children over the Internet using Skype.

Of course that is not the only benefit of this baby monitor model, here is a quick look at all its features.

FEATURES

• Wireless 3.5-inch LCD Monitor-Receiver
• Up to 450ft/150m reception line of sight (this means with no obstructions). Actual range will vary depending on obstructions.
• Connect over the Internet via Skype. Able to view with iPhone and iPad.
• Touch-button and Sound-Activated video recording
• Talk with baby intercom. 2 way audio.
• Built-in timer so you can keep track of feeding times.
• Built-in lullabies on the camera
• Temperature monitoring. A built-in alarm warns you if the temperature changes outside of your selected range.
• Automatic IR night-vision up to 15ft.
• Secure, private Digital Wireless video & audio. Digital signal with FHSS technology.
• Audio indicator lights
• Expandable up to 4 cameras

WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT IT?

CLEAR IMAGES

The video camera has a high resolution image sensor that gives you clear video images. The night images are also very clear. With the night vision, you don't have to turn on the light to check on your baby. You can monitor your baby knowing exactly what is going on. It will give you a peace of mind that is invaluable. Imagine having a good night's rest, going to the bathroom or enjoying a nice bath without worrying if your baby needs you at that moment.

NO INTERFERENCE AND SECURE

This baby monitor uses FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) digital technology. There are 3 benefits to this technology: privacy, decreased narrowband interference, and better signal capacity.  You will face no interference from other 2.4GHz systems. The screen doesn’t get fuzzy when you turn on your microwave. You don't have to worry about your Wi-fi and cordless phones. You will have absolute privacy, unlike analog monitors. Outsiders cannot eavesdrop or pick up your transmission. What you see and hear are for your eyes and ears only.

MONITORING THROUGH INTERNET

If you're not at home, you can still access your video camera through Skype. You could use it as a nanny cam. Keep tabs on how your babysitter is taking care of your children. Grandparents and aunts can also take a peek online on how the children are growing. Daddy at work might need a break from the stress. Seeing little junior sleeping soundly in his crib could be just the thing to put a smile on his face.

RECORD THOSE PRECIOUS MOMENTS

With one press of a button, you can record what your baby is doing. You can transfer the recording of your children's cute antics onto your computer and then later share that online with friends and family. You also have the option of sound-activated recording. When the noise exceeds a certain level, the monitor alerts you and starts recording. So if your child starts to cry, you can check your recording to see what was the cause of it. The recordings are stored in a memory card which is included in the box when you buy it. They are organized according to the date of the recordings.

2 WAY INTERCOM

Not only can you hear your children, you can talk to them too. You can sooth your baby back to sleep or tell your toddler that you'll be there shortly. You can also intercom your kids to tell them to come down for dinner. No need to shout down the house.

MULTIPLE VIEWING MODES

If you have more than one camera installed, you have the option of viewing a single channel, scan the different channels or have a split-screen and view all the cameras at the same time.

AUDIO INDICATOR LIGHTS

Sometimes the volume of the tv, radio, vacuum cleaner or hair dryer could make it difficult to hear the baby monitor. If that is the case, the audio indicator lights will show you the level of noise in the baby's room.

VERY EASY SET UP

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to set up the monitor system. This is a very simple plug-and-play.

MONITORING YOUR BABY'S COMFORT

You can remotely play the lullabies built into the camera. You just need to press a button on your handheld. This is one way you can soothe your baby to sleep. There's also the temperature sensor to let you know if it is getting too hot or cold for your baby. 

PORTABLE

The 3.5-inch LCD screen monitor is almost the size of a smartphone. It is easy to carry it around. You could put it in your pocket or plop it on the table.

TIPS

• This can be more than just a baby monitor. It can also be an in-home surveillance system.
• The resolution on the handheld monitor is 320x240. If you are viewing on a computer, that resolution would give you the clearest image. If you blow it up more than that, the image will become blurry.
• Need extra cameras? This is where you can get them: Lorex LW2401AC1 Add-on Wireless Color Camera for Lorex LW241 & LW2401
  
• If you want a camera that can pan and tilt, you can get it here:
  Lorex Wireless Add-On Accessory Camera LW2451AC1

COMPLAINS

• It doesn't have a zoom feature. Some parents prefer this, some don't. If you want to find a product that zooms, make sure the picture doesn't become grainy after zooming.
• You need to connect the monitor to your computer by USB if you want to view through Skype. May be a little bit of a hassle. Would be nice if it was wireless.

REVIEWS

Read on to get an idea what some parents think about this product:

Have had one for a few months and love it. It would be nice if video quality were better and camera had wider angle, but it serves it’s purpose well. With the multi-camera monitoring, we’ve been tempted to get another camera to record evidence of the cleaning crew indulging in our refrigerated goods. :)
Mashable.com comment

"The video is decent quality and the frame rate is fast so it doesn't appear choppy like cheaper monitors. Battery life is good. The monitor and charging cradle are good quality and buttons and menus are intuitive and easy to navigate. Set up and installation were very quick and easy. The camera can also work wirelessly with 4 AA batteries but I have yet to find a need for that feature. Range is excellent. I walked around my entire block with the monitor and only lost signal when there were physical obstructions in the way(like other houses). The monitor has a signal strength indicator just like a cell phone as well as an out range warning unlike other models. The features it lacks compared to others are pan, tilt, and zoom, as well as the ability to view the feed from your TV....The features I liked were the temperature display and temp alarm, built-in lullabies, auto and manual recording to an included SD card, and auto muting so that you don't have to listen to white-noise. The deciding factor for me was the ability to remote view the video feed using Skype."
Bestbuy customer

"I love the movement sensor, you don't have to be watching the monitor constantly to know that one of them is in action it just beeps and I know to look, Also the picture is very sharp and clear even at night. I can finally sleep again without worrying. And the modern design is a plus. I am really loving this monitor !!"
Bestbuy customer

"Some of the features I love are the adjustable sensitivity, built in night light, built in pre recorded lullabies, two way communication, automatic record upon movement, the temp gauge, etc. The battery works very well - I leave the base upstairs and charge it at night. During the day I just carry the handheld unit downstairs while the kids nap. Signal strength is awesome too! My last 2 monitors got terrible reception, but this one doesn't interfere with all my husbands "gadgets". Save yourself some headache and get this one!"
Bestbuy customer

"I have been playing around with it and so far, I'm super impressed with what this can do. If you have any place in your home you want to monitor, this is the item. This is not just a "baby monitor", it's an in-home surveillance system and can even give you peace of mind when you aren't home. I would think this would be a great item to keep an eye on a puppy as well. Highly recommend. It is expensive but the quality and features make it worth the price. "
Amazon customer

"We've been using this Lorex video monitor for a couple of months now and we love it. It leaves nothing to the imagination. You know exactly how your child is sleeping. The video is very crisp in daytime and the night view is impressively detailed considering its subtle non-intrusive red lights. We use a cool mist humidifier as noise maker in our daughters room and it does not cause noticeable interference. The set up was pretty simple and everything connected without any hassles."
Amazon customer

Click Here To Read What Amazon Customers Are Saying

VERDICT

This monitor is perfect if you want to monitor more than 1 room in your house. Taking into consideration that this baby monitor is produced by a company that is an expert on do-it-yourself video surveillance, you can only expect high quality. The Lorex Technology has been in this business for 15 years. Although a bit pricey, it can function more than just a baby monitor. You can install up to 4 cameras. You can watch more than just your baby room. With clear images, secure digital technology and online monitoring, it is a good investment towards an in-home surveillance system.

Check out the Special Offers and Product Promotions that comes with this baby monitor.

*This review contains affiliate links.

Baby wearing vs Stroller

I'm come right out and say I'm on the side of baby wearing. I'm not saying that strollers are no good but I just prefer using baby slings and carriers. They just work better for me.

• They are cheaper
• Easier to carry around
• My babies feel more comfortable and usually sleep when I carry them
• Very helpful when baby gets cranky or colicky

Take a look at this video on wearing your baby vs. using a stroller

ABC-7.com WZVN News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral

Are you a baby wearing mom or a stroller mom?

You can read my reviews on the following top baby carriers:

• Ergo Baby Carrier
• Beco Carriers
• Baby Hawk Carrier

Saving money top of mind for cloth-diapering families

(ARA) - Having a husband in the military, a 2-year-old daughter and a newborn son hasn't been easy on the bank account for Linda Souza of Richlands, N.C.

"We've been a one-income family since I got pregnant with our daughter. We've had to cut back to necessities in order to save as much money as we possibly can, especially after we bought a house in 2009," says Souza. "Everything was feeling a bit tighter."

Families across the U.S. are feeling the financial crunch just like Souza. The financial pain can be especially hard when baby makes three. In fact, the average start-up cost for a new baby is more than $7,200 according to expert estimates.

In an effort to help her family survive the financial squeeze, Souza took matters into her own hands.

"I began to actively look for ways to save money. One option I found was cloth diapering. Cloth diapering seemed like a foreign language to me when I first started looking into it. Now I encourage every new mom who wants to cut costs to cloth diaper," she says.

Today, Souza estimates she saves at least $166 per month by cloth diapering her son, Evan.

"Being able to save money makes me feel like I'm contributing to our family in more ways than just staying home with my kids," she says. "It makes me feel a sense of pride that something so simple could not only be healthier but also beneficial to our family too."

Saving money is the top reason moms like Souza consider cloth diapers, says Kelly Wels, the author of the award-winning book, "Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Cloth Diapering."

Wels says the average family can save about $2,000 over the life of their baby's diapering years if they cloth diaper their baby instead of using disposables. She says the savings are even greater when you use the same cloth diapers for future babies too.

"While it's known that cloth diapering can help a family save money, what isn't known is just how easy cloth diapering can be," says Wels. "You simply wash your diapers at home and you're ready to go - and you never have to buy more diapers again. Of course one of the real draws to modern cloth diapers is that they are so cute and come in every color in the rainbow. Moms who use cloth quickly discover that diapering is fun."

Wels adds that with today's selection of modern cloth diapers, such as bumGenius, FuzziBunz, Rumparooz and gDiapers, families can find a brand that fits their lifestyles, needs and budgets.

Stay-at-home-mom, Grace Matthews, of Clarksville, Tenn. agrees that cloth diapering is a major money-saver.

"We went from two incomes to one when my daughter was 5 months old. I was a registered nurse but I couldn't get the hours that worked with day care while my husband was deployed," she says. Matthews ultimately had to give up her job to stay home full-time with her daughter.

Matthews' sister had tried FuzziBunz cloth diapers; while the cloth diapering system didn't work for her, ultimately she said her sister's willingness to try cloth diapers led her to try it too.

"My initial upfront cost was $400. We figure we're saving about $60 to $70 per month by using reusable diapers, $25 per month by using reusable wipes, and about $15 to $30 per month by not using diaper rash cream, which we don't need any more since we switched to cloth. I used to go through a tube of diaper cream every week when we used disposables," says Matthews.

Overall, Matthews says she cloth diapers her baby because "it feels right" for her family.

"I feel like I am doing something positive toward the bottom line each month. Because I am not contributing at all to the family finances, this [cloth diapering] can make me feel like I am doing something," she says. "Not having to buy diapers and wipes makes me feel like all our money isn't literally being thrown away each week."

Wels says that Matthews' family is like so many other families today.

"Every family is looking for ways to cut back, especially in recessionary times. Even moms whose full-time job is caring for the kids and home can feel like they are making a significant financial contribution by helping their families cut back on wasteful spending," says Wels.

Matthews agrees and says that cloth diapers offer her family a long-term financial benefit. "We will use the same cloth diapers with subsequent children and save even more. You can't beat that."

Would you chew food for your baby?

I saw this video of Alicia Silverstone chewing food for her baby and then transferring that food mouth-to-mouth, and my first reaction was "EWWW". I know everyone has their own way of parenting and I'm not condemning Alicia Silverstone. I'm just saying that this is something I wouldn't do (doesn't mean I'm right or wrong). To me, I don't think it's hygienic. You wouldn't eat food that I spit out for you, would you? Actually, I'd never even thought of mashing up my baby's food this way. My way would be cutting up the food with scissors or cooking the food till it is really soft and then smashing it with a fork/spoon or use a blender.

Some of you will probably have the same reaction as me (grossed out) and some of you will think nothing of it. However, I think the majority of moms will probably opt for mashing baby food a different way though.

So, what do you think? Is this something you would or wouldn't do?

You May Be Hurting Your Child With The Cry-It-Out Method

One of the challenges of parenting is teaching our kids to sleep on their own. One method introduced by Dr. Richard Ferber is called the Ferber method but is also commonly known as the cry-it-out method. The idea is for children to learn how to soothe their self to sleep.

Here's a little bit more about this Ferber method:

• You can start when your baby is around 4-6 months. They need to be ready physically and emotionally.
• Establish a bedtime routine to prepare baby to sleep.
• Put baby in bed when he/she is still awake, then leave the room.
• If the baby cries, do not go back to comfort immediately but after a predetermined time. The time in which you go in to comfort the baby gradually is extended. So for example, on the first night you go in after 3 minutes of crying. The second time after 5 minutes, and thereafter every 10 minutes until baby is asleep. The second night, the time intervals are extended longer. For example, 5 minutes-10 minutes - 12 minutes.
• When you go in to comfort the baby, you do not pick the baby up or feed. Patting and reassuring is okay.

This idea of "progressive waiting" is sometimes misunderstood. Some parents interpret it as leaving the baby to cry it out until he/she falls asleep, even if the crying goes on for hours. Ferber actually doesn't advocate such practice. On the contrary, "progressive waiting" actually requires the parents to comfort their baby frequently and not just abandon the baby.

Ferber's method is liked by some and scowled by others. Some say that it is not healthy to let a child cry for very long hours. Well, they may be right about that.

You might be interested to read an article at Psychology Today entitled "Dangers of “Crying It Out”. Here's another article at Ask Dr.Sears called "Science Says: Excessive Crying Could Be Harmful".

I'll just highlight some points about how crying-it-out could harm the baby:

• Neurons in the baby's brain die. 
• We increase our baby's probability of having ADHD, experiencing poor school performance and antisocial behavior. 
• The early stress could lead to health problems later like irritable bowel syndrome.
• It undermines the baby's ability to self regulate. Let me give you a quote here:
  

  "When a baby gets scared and a parent holds and comforts him, the baby builds expectations for soothing, which get integrated into the ability to self comfort. Babies don't self-comfort in isolation. If they are left to cry alone, they learn to shut down in face of extensive distress--stop growing, stop feeling, stop trusting" (Henry & Wang, 1998).

• Baby learns the world is not trustworthy and develops low confidence.

So, if you're wondering whether prolonged crying is good for your baby, here is something from the article you might want to ponder about:

"We know now that leaving babies to cry is a good way to make a less intelligent, less healthy but more anxious, uncooperative and alienated person who can pass the same or worse traits on to the next generation."

My parenting style leans more towards natural parenting. I had some people tell me that I shouldn't carry my babies too much or I might spoil them. I didn't do too well in listening to their advice. I used a sling and carried them often. I truly believe in the idea that our babies will be better off if we meet their needs instead of trying to teach them independence that early in life. Here is another quote from the Psychology Today article:

"We can confirm now that forcing "independence" on a baby leads to greater dependence. Instead, giving babies what they need leads to greater independence later."

So, what is your take on this? Have you tried the cry-it-out method in putting your baby to sleep? Do you agree that letting your baby cry it out is harmful or do you think that we can "spoil" the baby if always give in to their crying? 

One family's story that could save your baby's life

(ARA) - Like most parents, Kari and Lyle Judson had never heard of respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. But in December 2008, when RSV took the life of one of their twin sons, those three letters forever changed their lives.


Kari gave birth to preemie twin boys, Alexander and Dominic, both weighing well under 5 pounds. When the boys' lung function proved "normal" for preterm infants, they were declared healthy and were discharged without any warning about the dangers of RSV during the winter months.


RSV is a common, seasonal virus which can lead to symptoms similar to the cold or flu. While the virus affects nearly 100 percent of babies before the age of 2, those most at risk for developing severe RSV disease are premature babies - those born before 36 weeks gestation. Premature babies have underdeveloped lungs and fewer of the vital antibodies needed to stave off infections, so they are not as well-equipped to fight RSV as full-term babies. Other risk factors for RSV include: low-birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), certain lung and heart diseases, and situational risk factors such as attending daycare, having pre-school or school-aged siblings, or exposure to tobacco smoke.


With their parents unaware of the dangers that even a play date could present, Alexander and Dominic enjoyed their first months of life. On Dec. 28, 2008, however, both boys began displaying signs of listlessness and developed fevers - hallmarks of RSV disease. They were taken to the local hospital, where Alexander's condition quickly worsened and he was not responsive to breathing treatments. Due to the severity of his condition, Alexander was airlifted to a specialty hospital, but while in transport, he lost brain function due to lack of oxygen and was put on life support.


Even as they were dealing with the tragic loss of Alexander, the Judson family still had to face Dominic's severe RSV infection, which required breathing treatments and an 11-day hospital stay.


While deaths are not common, RSV disease causes up to 10 times as many infant deaths each year as the flu, resulting in up to 400 infant deaths annually in the U.S. Additionally, RSV disease is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S., and is responsible for one of every 13 pediatrician visits and one of every 38 trips to the emergency room. In fact, Kari found herself back at the pediatric pulmonologist's office when her third son, Ryan, developed a mild RSV infection, requiring breathing treatments.


Because there is no treatment for RSV disease, Kari and many in the medical community say the importance of prevention can't be emphasized enough.


"I want all parents to know about the dangers of RSV and what they can do to protect their little ones from this virus," says Kari. "We're so thankful Dominic and Ryan both recently received clean bills of health, but we will continue to be alert for symptoms of RSV disease and take steps to prevent the spread of germs, especially during the RSV season."


Parents should do the following to help protect their babies from RSV:


* Understand the risk factors and ask a pediatrician if your child may be at increased risk

* Help prevent the spread of the virus with frequent washing of hands, toys and bedding, and avoiding large crowds and those who are sick
* Carefully monitor your baby's behavior for warning signs like a severe cough or wheezing; difficulty breathing or rapid, gasping breaths; blue color of the lips, mouth, and/or fingernails; difficulty feeding; fatigue and fever


"I've seen how seriously RSV can affect babies and their families," says pediatric critical care physician Dr. Paul Checchia, director of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at the Texas Children's Hospital and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "While frequent hand washing is the best defense for most families, babies at the highest risk may need extra precaution and should talk to their baby's doctor."


Visit www.RSVprotection.com for more information.

Have A Problem With Public Breastfeeding?

How do you feel about public breastfeeding?

As a mother who breastfeeds, I understand the apprehension to breastfeed in public. Especially if you are a first time mom. You are scared about attracting attention to yourself, you are afraid people might stare in disgust and you know that there is a risk someone might just tell you off.

Well, let me tell you something. I'm on baby no.4 now and I don't really worry about that anymore. I've realized how discreet we can be when breastfeeding in public. Most of the time, nobody notices.

If you are still apprehensive about breastfeeding in public, watch this video and take courage. This mom echoes the voice of many breastfeeding mothers. For those of you who think you have a valid reason for shaming a mother who breastfeeds her baby in public, listen up. Hope you can be more open minded.

*Note: This video does contain some cusswords. She is ranting afterall.




So, what do you think? Are you for or against breastfeeding in public?

Sale On Baby Stuff

If you need to buy some baby stuff, this is a good time to buy. LittleWhiz just announced they are having a sale this month (1/10/11 - 30/10/11). I've bought stuff from them before and am very happy with their service. Plus, you can really save money during their sales.

So, if you've been looking to buy stuff like a baby car seat, stroller, breastpump, baby monitor, diaper bag, disposable breast pads, nursing bra, or baby toys, you must head over to their website to see their great deals. They carry lots of good brands like Combi, Britax, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, Fisher-Price, Graco, Lamaze, Leap Frog, Medela, Bumble Bee, Tommee Tippee and many more.

Click on this affiliate banner of mine to see the many offers they have.

Homemade baby food serves up healthy eating habits and savings

(ARA) - When it comes to caring for your bundle of joy, you only want what's best. And these days, with early nutrition top-of-mind for many, it's no wonder that a growing number of parents are turning to homemade baby food to help instill healthy eating habits from the start.


Prepping and pureeing easy, everyday ingredients in the home also gives you the satisfaction of knowing exactly what is going into your baby's belly, from avocado and green beans to diced apples, sweet potatoes and peaches. Using fresh-from-the-market finds also lets you avoid preservatives and additives. And by introducing a variety of healthy foods at an early age, parents can help children develop a taste for similar flavors for the rest of their lives.


Another benefit to pureeing baby's meals at home is the savings. Ranging from 50 cents to $1.50 per jar, the cost of buying premade baby food can quickly add up. By preparing homemade meals for your little one, you're not only ensuring better control of his overall diet, you're also helping keep an eye on your household budget.


Follow these easy tips and tasty recipes to discover ways in which you can hop on this back-to-basics movement and be well on your way to puree perfection.


Preparing the baby food

• Avoid costly specialty baby food mixers or gadgets and opt for an equally effective, easy-to-use food processor, like those from Black & Decker, that puree for baby but also stand up to other culinary tasks.
• Steam, bake or broil the ingredients. Healthy tip: steaming maintains the most nutrients.
• The liquid the vegetables and fruits were cooked in can be added to the puree to adjust consistency. Breast milk or formula can also be used to thin the puree.

Storing the baby food

• Transfer the baby food puree into ice trays or a baby food container. If freezing in glass, use "safe to freeze" jars or containers.
• Fill each cube with the puree.
• Cover the tray with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the freezer.
• Each cube is equal to about 1 ounce of food.
• Once the cubes of puree have set and are frozen, you can transfer them to freezer bags.
• Label the bag with the date of preparation as well as the type of food. The baby food cubes should be used within one month of freezing.
• When it's time to feed the baby, remove the number of food cubes needed, thaw and reheat.

By following these simple, at-home recipes from Black & Decker, you'll help develop healthy eating habits for your tot, all while keeping your overall baby budget in check.


For infants 4 to 6 months


Green Dream

1/2 ripe avocado, peeled

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup fresh or frozen thawed peas

1/3 cup sliced fresh green beans


Place all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Place in food processor and process for 10 seconds or until smooth for 4- to 6-month-olds or leave slightly chunkier for 6- to 12-month-olds.

Makes about 1 cup.


Cinnamon Apples and Yams

3/4 cup peeled, cored and diced apples

3/4 cup peeled, diced yams or sweet potatoes

3/4 cup water

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon


Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until apples and yams are soft. Let cool slightly, then place in food processor and process for five seconds for 4- to 6-month-olds or leave slightly chunkier for 9- to 12-month-olds.


Makes about 1 cup.


For babies 6 to 9 months and 9 to 12 months


Peachy Rice Pudding

3/4 cup soy milk

1/2 cup diced fresh or frozen peaches

2 tablespoons diced ripe banana

1/4 cup cooked brown rice

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon


Bring all ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then place in food processor. Pulse on and off 10 times for 6- to 9-month-olds or leave slightly chunkier for 9- to 12-month-olds.


Makes about 1 1/2 cups.


Lemon Chicken

1 teaspoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup diced uncooked chicken

1/4 cup whole wheat couscous

3/4 cup water

1 tablespoon snipped green onion tops

1 tablespoon minced red bell pepper

1/8 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest


Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add chicken; cook and stir for five minutes. Add couscous and cook for five minutes more then stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and remove from heat; let stand for five minutes. Let cool slightly then place in food processor. Process for 10 seconds. Scrape down sides and process five seconds more for 6- to 9-month-olds or leave slightly chunkier for 9- to 12-month-olds.


Makes about 1 1/2 cups.


For more information on food processors, visit www.blackanddeckerappliances.com.

Be Careful When Using Baby Slings

If you haven't heard yet, warnings have been issued on the use of baby slings. The warnings were sparked by the death of a 2 day old baby in South Australia. The mother was carrying the baby in a sling underneath her shirt and jumper. Although the autopsy report doesn't conclusively say the sling was the cause of the baby's death, but it was considered a risk factor.

So now, professors and specialists are sounding the warning for mothers to be careful when using baby slings.The US Consumer Product Safety Commission would like parents to be aware that soft fabric slings have the potential to suffocate a baby, especially those that are 4 months old and below.

Pouch slings, especially, can pose a health hazard if baby is held in a position that blocks the airways. So, the call is for parents to constantly check on the baby when using the sling. Make sure their nose and mouth are not covered.
 
If you are looking for the best baby carrier, check these out. They come highly recommended:

• ErgoBaby Baby Carrier
• Beco Carrier
• Baby Hawk Oh Snap

Happy 2nd Birthday BabyK

Today my little girl turns 2 years old.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUTIE PIE!

I love my kids when they are at this age. They talk cute and do lots of cute stuff. They want to be independent and so are very willing helpers. Just the other day, I called from the back of my house (where I put the washing machine) for someone to bring me the dirty laundry. Who should answer my call? Yes, my little 2 year old runs to the laundry basket and delivers it to me. Never mind it is too heavy for her. She pushed it all the way to the back for me. And the other 3 older kids???? Playing deaf I guess.

She can say quite a few words like "atah" (water), stuck, rice, mess, "chit" (sounds the same of sit and sleep), walk-walk, shtoo (school), "tar" (car), no, yes, "muk" (milk), tatoo (thank you), "pis" (please) etc.... She will say "hug me" when she wants to be carried. Actually, I'm not sure if it is "hug me" or "help me".

She can finally now call me by the correct term "Mommy". Before this I was called "papa". Actually, everyone was called "papa". Now strangers outside the house like the mailman, neighbors and the guy who collects rubbish is called "nana".

We've gone swimming a few times. Initially she was scared and clung to me for dear life. Then she started to enjoy the water and she could float around without me holding her. These days when we go swimming, her favorite thing to do is to jump into the pool. She will do it over and over again. Just take a look at my little miss dare devil. I caught her on video.

My babies are all growing up. Sob! Sob!
So, what are we doing for her birthday? Nothing grand. She's only 2 years old and don't have any friends yet. She probably won't remember it either. Hahahah. After 3 kids, we (DH and I) have kinda wised up a bit. Celebration will be just us, the family. Chicken wings are marinating in the fridge, getting ready for a delicious dinner. I think ice-cream will be on the menu too. We'll also take her to the cake shop to pick out her cake. DH was thinking of a treat at Secret Recipe.

She was practicing her blowing for the birthday candles last night. We sang the birthday song and she would blow before the song finished. We had to tell her to wait. So cute. Let's see if she gets it right tonight.

Well, have a fantastic birthday little girl. Mommy, daddy, koko1, koko2, jie-jie, amah and kong-kong love you very, very much. MUAH!

Baby Hawk Carrier: Oh Snap Review

When it comes to comfortable soft structured carriers, the Baby Hawk Oh Snap is a popular choice. Initially, the Baby Hawk was a Mei Tai type of sling. But now, they have it with snaps and buckles too (which is the Oh Snap).

Wondering if the Baby Hawk Oh Snap is right for you? Here's a quick review to help you decide.

Price Range
$140

Baby's age/weight
15 to 45 pounds.
Ideal for older babies and toddlers.

Back Support
You won't feel your back hurting because the weight distribution is fantastic. Many mothers say they can barely feel their baby's weight. You can wear baby for a long time and feel no pain.

Crotch Dangler?
No. Babywearing experts will give it a thumbs up as baby sits in a correct position. You can tell because your baby's knees are higher than the butt. They are not dangling.

Carry Positions
Front carry, back carry

Ease of Use
You can quickly put baby in and out. It is easy to use.

Nursing
Yes. Convenient for nursing.

Head Support
It has a headrest that can be folded down.

Hands Free
Yes. Baby is well supported and is not flopping around.

Accessories
None.

Plus Points

• Top and bottom straps are very well padded. You will feel comfortable wearing it.
• Beautiful designs. You can expect many compliments to come your way.
• The length of the carrier is higher than most other carriers. Therefore it gives excellent back support, especially for older and taller babies.You don't have to worry about them leaning out of the carrier.
• Adjustable to fit you and your spouse. 
• If you are petite, you can adjust both the waist belt and top strap to help fit you better.

Bad Points

• Pricey
• No pockets
• When you carry baby in front, you have to take off the chest strap. If you don't keep it properly, you might lose it. 
• Not suitable for newborns and small babies. Best used for babies about 6 months and up.
• Does not have a hood to hold babies head when sleeping, but some mothers say you don't need a hood. The carrier's high back and head rest is good enough.

Videos
Putting baby in the front carry position (video is a bit blurr though):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqRYKwVqpjk

If you appreciate my review and would like to get a Baby Hawk Oh Snap, please do so through my affiliate link. Thanks.
I LOVE THE BABY HAWK.

Beco Carrier Review

The Beco carrier is a very stylish baby carrier. You will love the beautiful prints. It is one of the best soft structured carriers and many mothers give it a thumbs up.

Click this affiliate link to view the different kinds of Beco Carriers.
I WANT TO SEE SOME BECO CARRIERS.

Here is a quick review on the Beco carrier.

Price Range
$119- $139

Baby's age/weight
From newborns till toddlers.
Suitable for 7-45 lbs.

Back Support
It is ergonomical design provides excellent lumbar support. The shoulder straps and adjustable belt are wide and padded. You won't strain your back or shoulders with this carrier.

Crotch Dangler?
No. Baby sits rather than dangle. Good support for spine and hips.
With the Beco Gemini, you can fold the bottom part of the body to make it narrower. This is ideal for very young babies who can't straddle yet. This way baby can sit in a correct position which is the knees above the butt. When baby gets older, you can unfold the body to make it wider. 

Carry Positions
Depends which type of Beco you choose:
Beco Butterfly II: Front front facing in and back carry.
Beco Gemini: Frong facing in, facing out, hip carry and back carry.

Ease of Use
Very easy to use whether carrying baby in the front or back.
Adjustable to fit someone who is 5'1" or 5'10".

Nursing
Can be done but not easy for some. It depends on the build of your body. Some mothers find it easier than others. One tip is to loosen the straps to get baby down lower to a level where you can feed. The extra piece of fabric (inside panel) between you and baby may get in your way.
It is easy to feed with the Beco Gemini because it doesn't have that extra panel.

Head Support
Good head and neck support for baby. The Beco Gemini has a foldable headrest. The Beco Butterfly 2 has a hoody that you can snap on to the carrier to protect babe's head while sleeping.

Hands Free
Yes, baby is well secured.

Accessories
Drooling pads to attach to the straps so baby can drool away.

Plus Points

• The inside panel is a unique feature of the Beco. You can secure baby in the carrier before putting it on yourself. It also allows you to pass the baby to your spouse or another person without having to take baby out. You can also feel safe when you unbuckle the straps knowing baby will not fall out.
• During warm weather, the fabric between baby and you helps to separate your sweaty body from baby and vice versa.
• The Beco butterfly comes with a removable infant insert. The Gemini doesn't but you can fold the bottom to make it narrower to support your small baby better. So you don't have to buy extra accessories for a newborn.
• The leg openings are padded so baby's legs won't get chaffed.
• You can cross the straps if you want.
• Can be folded down to a small size for easy storage and portability.
• Very stylish.
• Slim fitting. Not bulky.

Bad Points
No pocket.

Videos
How to put a newborn into the Beco:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVEyiSCcCiQ

How To Nurse with the Beco: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LjVxRxiYVc

BECO BUTTERFLY II VS BECO GEMINI
There are 2 types of Beco: Beco Butterfly II and Beco Gemini
There are a few differences between the two.

Choose Beco Butterfly II if:

• you want to transfer the baby carrier to another person without having to unbuckle the baby. You can't do that with the Gemini. 
• you like the idea of strapping baby into the carrier before putting it on. This may feel more secure to you.
• you prefer the detachable sleeping hood.

Choose the Beco Gemini if:

• you want the extra option of carrying baby front facing out and on the hips.
• you would rather a simple buckle carrier (don't really fancy the safety harness feature of Beco Butterfly II), then Gemini is your choice. 
• you like to cross the straps. 
• you prefer a headrest that can snap up or down as oppose to a sleeping hood.

If you appreciate my review and would like to get your hands on a Beco Carrier, please use my affiliate link below.
I LOVE THE BECO.

What's A Good Gift For Newborn?

A friend of mine just gave birth to her 2nd baby. I'll be visiting her soon and would like to bring a gift. What's a good gift to buy for a newborn?

AIN'T I A MOTHER OF 4?
I know, it does sound like a funny question coming from a mother of four. You'd think I would know what would be the ideal gift. With my kids, I received stuff like:

• Diapers
• Jewelry (from relatives)
• Baby clothes
• Flower bouquet
• Baby powder, soap and shampoo
• Soft toys
• Ang Pow (cash)

I appreciated all those gifts but I wouldn't call them ideal gifts. Maybe the most ideal of the lot is the "ang pow" coz' then parents can use the cash to buy whatever baby needs.

Diapers, powder, soap and shampoo are definitely useful but they seem more like essential items rather than a "gift". Plus, these are stuff that the parents would have in abundance already. Clothes are nice but what size would you buy? If you buy for newborns, they will outgrow it in a few months. If you buy a bigger size, then it gets kept in the drawer or somewhere and it might get forgotten. 1 year later the parents might find it and say "Hey, we forgot to bring this out for baby to wear. Oh no, it's too small already." 

Asking myself what sort of gift I would have liked to receive, I would say "I'm not really sure." Before baby was born, I would have already purchased all the necessary stuff. 

Some ideal gifts may be a bit to pricey for example a good baby sling.

What do you guys think about some cute baby booties? Or maybe something for the mother instead of baby?

So, what do you think are some good gifts to give a mother with a newborn?

Baby Is 21 Months

 Okay, I've not been very diligent with babyK's updates. I've been missing some months here and there. Can't believe in a few months time we'll be celebrating her 2nd birthday.
Well, here are some of her latest tricks and adventures:

•  See the picture above... Do you see something funny?
  Yup, she's got on 2 different types of socks. Every night, she will head over to our socks bin, grab a pair of socks (doesn't matter if they don't match) and then sit down and practice wearing them herself. She will take them off, put them on, take them off, put them on.... For some reason, it is easier for her to put the sock on her right foot but not the left foot. So sometimes, she'll put on 2 socks on the right foot. 
• She's showing signs of independence. She wants to put on her pants herself. She gets it right 50% of the time. The other 50% you'll see 2 legs in 1 leg hole.

• Loves to get piggyback rides. She's got 2 very willing "horsies" - K1 and D1. 
• Very quick to respond when you ask her to come bathe. She will immediately walk to the bathroom and take off her pants. She will sometimes grab D2's hand and ask him to go bathe too. AND she will diligently make sure the dirty clothes on the floor is deposited into the laundry basket. 
• Has learned how to scold (just like mommy). She will wag her finger at you and go "ji ji ji ji ji". 
• If she falls down, she will beat the floor. If she bumps into the chair, she will beat the chair. It's never her fault you know.
• I have to feed her in the living room. If she sits on the table with us, she will be busy trying to scoop this and that from the vegetable and meat dishes, even after we've already put everything on her plate. If I feed her in the living room, she will sit nicely and let me feed her. 
• When she wants to breastfeed, she will ask for "this". I think it is going to be very difficult to wean this little baby. When we tell her that she'll have to say goodbye to "nen-nen" in 3 months time, she starts crying. 
• She's becoming a little bit more friendly. She will wave her hand and say "awo" to people she meets.
• Lurvvvvves ice cream.
• Some words she can say: "babbit" (rabbit), "wek" (wet), "ter" (water), "sit", "walk-walk".
• Still prefers to pee like a boy.
• Almost toilet trained. She still have accidents but it is getting less and less.
• Can drink from a cup without spilling.
• Loves to drink soup.
• Likes to bully D2. Poor guy has had so many scratches to his face.
• Will feel jealous when the other siblings sit on my lap. She will come push them down so she can sit on my lap.
• She knows D2 likes people to rub his stomach when he wants to sleep. So she will go rub his stomach for him.
• If any of her siblings is crying, she will try to comfort them.

She's a cheeky little thing but she brings joy to the home. We love ya babyK.

Breastfeeding Help For New Moms

"I'm expecting my first child and I plan to breastfeed. But what should I expect?"

Does this sound like you? There is no doubt that there are many benefits to breastfeeding. However, being a first time mother, you are naturally worried if you are able to do it. I'm not going to lie and guarantee you that there everything will be smooth going. Some people have no problems while others find it very challenging.

As for me, I successfully breastfed all 4 of my kids for 1-2 years. While expecting my first child, I read up all I could about how to do it and also potential challenges. I was very determined to do it and turned a deaf ear on people who told me otherwise. My biggest motivator was money. Yup, I am not ashamed to tell you that my husband and I were struggling financially then. I did not want to burden him with having to buy milk powder. Breastmilk was free and it was good. So I told myself that I would make it work, no matter what. I'm not telling you this to boast. I just want you to believe in yourself and know that you will make the best decision for you and your child.

The act of breastfeeding for the first time is something you can never really prepare for. Learning how to hold the baby and get them to suckle can only be learned through first hand experience. However, gaining breastfeeding knowledge before hand is important because it will raise your chances of being successful.

So, for all new moms out there, here are a few things to keep in mind:

BREASTFEEDING TIPS

1. Know where you can turn for help.
Not all doctors and nurses are breastfeeding experts. You will get expert advice from a lactation consultant. Find out if there is a La Leche League near you. Attend their meetings where you will get the support and help that you need. It also helps to seek out other breastfeeding mothers. There are many online groups that you can join. If you are having problems, you will definitely find mothers who have "been there, done that" who can offer valuable advice.

2. Many mothers, including myself, found it very handy to have a bottle of water next to you as you breastfeed. You will feel very thirsty.

3. You don't have to measure how much milk your baby is taking in.
Just feed on demand. Your baby knows how much it wants to drink. Some people have the idea of pumping out the milk to see how much baby is drinking. Unfortunately, that is not accurate. Baby is more efficient at sucking your milk than you are at squeezing it out. If you want to know whether baby is drinking enough, count how many wet and dirty diapers you have to change.

4. Be led by your baby, not the clock.
You may feel like you are feeding very often. This is natural as their stomachs are so tiny. It fills up quickly. They also get hungry quickly too. Generally you feed your baby every 2-3 hours. However, don't set your alarm clock. Don't force your baby to live by a rigid schedule. With my first baby, I was constantly looking at the clock. It was very tiring indeed. It seemed like just when I put her down, it was time to feed her again. I was more relaxed with my other babies. I let the baby tell me when to feed and didn't bother about the clock anymore.

5. Don't fall for the "you don't have enough milk" scam.
Yes, I call it a scam. One way to ensure you have enough milk for your baby is to let them suckle more. Your baby and your body have a perfect understanding. If your baby keeps on sucking, your body will keep on manufacturing milk. When my mom sees me breastfeeding my almost 2 year old, she will say "sure you still have milk?" I get that comment too from some of my friends who learn that I am still breastfeeding my toddler. Well, the answer is "Definately. For sure I still have milk". I will only stop producing milk when my baby stops sucking. Also, your body will eventually adjust to your baby's demand for milk. You know why I say you don't have to look at the clock to feed your baby? Because your body will automatically tell you when it is feeding time. If your baby is feeding every 2 hours, you will feel your milk "let down" after 2 hours. It is like your boobs are saying "Hey, it's time, where's the baby?"

6. Don't get anxious and worried when you don't see milk the first few days.
Your milk will "come in" when it's ready. Meanwhile, your baby is getting colustrum and all its wonderful benefits like carbohydrates, proteins and antibodies. This is also the time for you to make sure your baby keeps on suckling (even if you think there's nothing coming out). Like I mentioned before, your body will adjust. Your suckling baby will trigger all the milk production you dream of. In the end, you might be screaming "Oh, my breast is too full".

7. Before your milk comes in, don't give in to the believe that you need to "top-up" with formula.
Some well meaning people might tell you that you are starving your baby. The will try to convince you that you must feed your baby formula milk because clearly, you don't have any milk yet. Please know that baby will NOT starve in the beginning. Their bodies are designed to survive those few days on colustrum before you milk comes in. Remember how to tell if baby is getting enough? Yup, count those wet diapers.

8. The most essential part of breastfeeding is getting baby to latch on properly.
Improper latch on will lead to sore nipples and baby not getting enough milk. You have to suffer the pain and baby gets frustrated. Definitely a problem you want to avoid. Here's a good video to teach you how to do it. Get ready for images of bare breasts :)




There are many more things you should know about breastfeeding. Read as much as you can so you know what is truth and what is not. I wish you all the best in your breastfeeding journey. Remember, trust yourself and enjoy the bonding.

If you are an experienced breastfeeding mother, leave a comment on what helped you.
If you are a new mom and have a concern about breastfeeding, leave a comment too.

Breastfeeding Accessories You'll Need:

• Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover, Mint Chocolate
• L'ovedbaby 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl Clay Gray
• Kushies Washable Nursing Pads, WhiteKushies Washable Nursing Pads, White
• My Brest Friend Breastfeeding Pillow, NaturalMy Brest Friend Breastfeeding Pillow, Natural
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter - 2 oz.

Baby is 18 Months Old

Unbelievable! She's already 1 1/2 years old. This little girl is an active one. She may be small but she keeps all us big ones mighty busy. As we are cleaning up one mess, she is already working on creating another one.

This is where we hope she would play.

But this is where she spends most of her time:
ransacking the table for pens, pencils, color pencils and magic pens.

I have to be more vigilant now coz' she's started to draw in books. I have to make sure the library books are not left out for her to find. I also have to keep reminding the older kids to keep their school books out of her reach.

Regarding her speech, I'm still called "papa". That is still how she calls everybody. She is trying to communicate more. I think I'm getting pretty good at playing charades with her. Whenever I guess the right answer, she will say "yes". That's pretty much the clearest word she can say. I'm glad she's learned how to say "yes" instead of "no". There has been attempts to say "helicopter". Every so often we have one fly over the house. It's funny actually; Here is a baby who can't call me "mama" but is attempting to say "helicopter".

Oh, there is a new word: "Awak, awak." That is what she says when she wants you to read her a book. How she got to "awak awak" from "read book", I haven't the faintest idea. Talking about books, she really likes reading. She will toddle over to the bookshelf and bring books over for me to read. She will also sit and thumb through it herself. However, she doesn't really care about the story. She just likes to turn the pages to look at the pictures. So I deliberately point to the words and ask her to wait when she wants to turn the page.

We've started our toilet training. That was quite by accident actually. You see, we were at church and she was running around with the other kids. I was getting my weekly dose of socializing and I didn't know she had a poopy diaper. By the time I changed her, her skin was already red with rash. So the next few days I let her run diaper free around the house. She eventually got the idea and would pull down her pants to tell us she wanted to go pee or poo. I didn't know she was ready for potty training but obviously, she is. We still have accidents though. That's normal. What makes me tired is when she takes off her pants every 10 minutes to go to the bathroom. Whether she has pee or not, we have to take her. Take goodness for older siblings to help out poor mommy:) The thing is, babyK is choosy when it comes to wearing back her pants. Normally she will not allow the person who takes her to the bathroom to put her pants back on for her. So if I take her, she'll look for her daddy to put on her pants and vice versa. Real cheeky.
Oh, almost forgot to mention that she likes to pee like a boy. She has seen how her brother stands at the toilet bowl; she thinks that's how she should do it too.

She doesn't eat much but loves to drink soup. So that's motivation for me to boil soup every week.

Her molars have emerged. Unfortunately she don't like me brushing her teeth.

When I'm in the kitchen preparing meals, she will position her stool next to me and stand to watch what I'm doing. Watching only is fine with me, unfortunately Miss Octopus Hands will want to touch this and that. Eventually, my patience wears out and I chase her out of the kitchen.

Well little girl, your energy is wearing me out. Hopefully the supplements daddy bought will help me keep up with you.

Organic Baby Products You Should Consider

What's the big deal about organic baby products?

• Organic products are restricted in their use of chemicals and should contain fewer additives or chemical treatments than standard products.
• Some will also be fair trade so you can be sure the manufacturer is not profiting from exploitative work policies.
• Buying organic gives you as a parent more security in knowing that nothing toxic or harmful should be coming in contact with your beautiful baby.

Here are some ways you can be organic with your baby.

Organic Baby Bath Products
Baby bath wash and lotion is a small but important purchase that you will be making. If you buy organic bath products you should find that all of the ingredients are natural. Soap ingredients should be plant-based rather than made from animal fats, herbal oils will be used, and any coloring and fragrance should be natural. Organic products will usually be easier on your baby's skin, so that sensitivities and rashes are less likely to develop. Also you should not need to worry about the long term effects if your baby drinks some of the bath water.

Organic Diaper Cream
Organic diaper ointment or cream is a wonderful product and comes highly recommended. An organically formulated diaper cream should be 100% natural and perfect for your baby's sensitive bottom. Again herbal essential oils, beeswax and natural plant-derived butters are used. These are less likely to cause irritation than chemical-based products, and they are usually easier to wipe away.

Organic Baby Food
Organic baby food has become popular in the last couple of decades along with all other organic food. The rules for organic food products are very stringent and if the label says 'organic' you can be sure that the ingredients were all grown in an environment free of pesticides. In addition, purified water will be used and the mashed and strained fruits and vegetables that you buy for your baby will have undergone less processing if they are organic.

You can also buy organic infant formula which gives your baby a great start in life. This is made from the same ingredients as non-organic formula except that it will be free of pesticide residues and genetically modified ingredients. It may be easier for babies to digest and the lack of chemical residues means that it is less likely to spark an allergic reaction.

Organic Baby Clothes
Organic baby clothing is usually made from organically grown cotton. The same rules apply as for organic food. The cotton will not have been sprayed with pesticides and is less likely to irritate your baby's skin. The fabric is often softer too. However, the lack of treatments means that the cotton is more likely to shrink, so you may want to buy a size bigger than you need right now.

Organic Baby Toys
The way babies put their toys in their mouths all the time, you will see why many parents want to buy organic baby toys. You almost have to consider them as food! Organic toys will be made from natural materials, without the chemicals that are found in plastics. Examples of organic toys are rag dolls and other soft toys made of cotton, wooden trucks and other wooden toys, and board books made of organic cardboard. Organic toys are very attractive with an old fashioned style and although they can be more expensive, they will be high quality and often last longer than cheap toys.

All of these products are things that you and your baby will use every day for the first important formative years. You can be reassured that you are providing your baby with the best chance of staying healthy and growing strong with organic baby products.