Choosing a Crib for your Baby

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With so many styles and options available on baby cribs today, purchasing the perfect baby crib can be a daunting task. Determine your price range and decide which baby crib features are most important to you. Then let the hunt begin for the best crib begin! Here are some important baby crib features to get you started on your quest.

Baby Crib Safety Standards

Any new baby crib you purchase is supposed to meet minimum government requirements. If you assemble it to the manufacturer’s instructions and use the crib properly, even the least expensive crib should be safe for baby. Occasionally, an unsafe crib slips through, though, so keep an eye on current baby products recalls, just in case. A safe crib should have a firm, tight-fitting mattress, no missing/broken hardware or slats and no cutouts in the head- or foot-boards. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart (the width of a soda can). Corner posts should not be higher than 1/16″. 

Should the Baby Crib Have Drop Sides or Stationary Sides?

Baby cribs come with stationary sides or single-drop or double-drop sides that slide down. Another option is a drop-gate crib with a fold-down side. While drop sides are convenient and popular, new warnings from CPSC indicate that they could present serious safety issues. New crib safety standards are expected soon, and manufacturers may not be allowed to make new drop-side cribs. Until the safety issues are hammered out, stick with a stationary side crib. 

How Do the Baby Crib Sides Drop?

If you choose a crib with a drop side, how it moves makes a difference in convenience.

Knee Push – Leaning your knee against the crib side lowers the side. Quiet and simple, this may be the most common type today.

Foot Bar – You balance on one foot and push a lever to drop the crib sides. This type is less common today.

Double Trigger – You use both hands to squeeze triggers that release the crib side. This style provides some security, but two-handed operation isn’t easy while holding baby.

Drop-Gate – Convenient and easy to use. Be sure the fold is high enough to keep baby from climbing out of the crib.

Baby Crib Caster Wheels

Wheels are a very useful feature. Check the casters to make sure they aren’t flimsy, because you’ll be moving the crib to vacuum under it, change sheets or fetch toys. If you aren’t sure if you’ll need them, leave them off the crib but keep them nearby. You’ll probably want them on the crib by the time the baby is 3 or 4 months old. If you fall in love with a crib that doesn’t have wheels already installed, you can buy furniture caster wheels at the hardware store and install them yourself. 

Baby Crib Mattress Height and Support

Adjustable mattress height is available on all but the most inexpensive cribs. It allows the mattress to be higher in the crib so you can gently lay down a sleeping newborn, then lowered for babies who can pull up. At least two mattress heights is nice, three is even better. Check out the way the mattress is held up. Some cheaper cribs use vinyl straps that could wear out and break. Baby cribs with metal bars are a better choice. The best choice is a metal spring system to support the mattress. 

Convertible Baby Cribs?

Convertible baby cribs are attractive to many buyers, but the added expense may not be worth it to some parents. Some baby cribs are convertible to toddler beds, others to full-size adult beds. Most cribs require an extra kit to be fully convertible; ask about the cost before you make your final decision on a convertible baby crib. Also ask yourself whether you’ll actually convert the crib or whether you’ll reuse the crib for siblings and buy a separate toddler bed. Most toddlers can move right to a twin bed, so you could also skip that step to save money. 

Where to Buy a Baby Crib

Baby mega-stores have the largest selection of baby cribs in both price and style. They have a few models in stock, but order others, which can take up to 12 weeks. Order early in case of delays. Many new parents are surprised at how long it takes for their baby’s crib to arrive. Local baby shops usually carry premium crib brands at mid to premium prices. They often don’t keep cribs in stock, so every crib is a special order. Websites have a wide range of crib brands and models, but shipping might be pricey. If there’s a problem, returning the crib also could be difficult. Be clear on return policies before you buy. 

Other Baby Crib Buying Choices

Large retailers like Sears have a few crib choices in the middle to low price range. You may have to order your crib. Large discount stores have low prices and baby cribs in stock. Their crib selection is limited, usually to low-end models. Be wary of used cribs. New information on drop-side cribs indicates that re-assembly is often done incorrectly, which can endanger baby. Missing hardware or worn-out pieces are also potential problems. Several crib companies have gone out of business in the past few years, too, meaning you could be stuck with a used, recalled crib and no one that will take it back.

  • References:

http://babyproducts.about.com/od/sleepbedding/bb/BBCrib.htm

When can your baby drink water?

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The only thing a newborn should receive for at least the first six months is breastmilk. When your child is old enough for solids, small sips of water are okay. As a newborn, however, water should never be offered because many times it would take the place of a feeding. Also, too much water can prove toxifying. Wait until your baby has solids, and even then don’t offer too much until at least 8 to 10 months.

Breastfeeding babies do not need extra water, though formula-fed babies often do. Your breast milk contains enough water for your baby, even in hot, dry climates. Formula contains higher concentrations of salts and minerals than breast milk does, so that extra water is often necessary for the kidneys to excrete the extra salt. Also, because of less efficient metabolism, formula-fed infants lose more water..

The reason your doctor will tell you not to feed your baby plain water is that it’s easy to fill up an infant’s stomach; a few little ounces will do the job. Babies should be filling up on nourishment—getting the nutrients they need from each feeding.

Once your baby has been teething, he or she will need fluoride to support the new teeth, so giving drinking water is a good way to meet that need. But until then, let your baby get water in his or her usual feedings of mother’s milk or formula.

If your baby is running a temperature, your pediatrician may advise you to give him or her more liquids. Usually, your doctor will suggest a liquid like Pedialyte, which contains nutrients to restore the balance of your child’s electrolytes. Again, don’t give your infant water instead of other liquids unless the doctor advises it.

Should you decide to offer your baby water:

Please limit the intake to 2-4 ounces a day or as your pediatrician recommends. You do not want the water to displace the intake of breast milk and/or formula. Take the opportunity to offer water from a sippy cup also. This will accomplish 2 things:
1) A breast fed baby will not be subject to possible nipple confusion
2) Water in a sippy cup is the perfect liquid to use when introducing the sippy cup. Add some ice cubes to give the cup a more interesting flair.

Please use extreme caution when offering infants water. Infants who drink too much water may come down with Water Intoxication
For children under 1 year old – and especially during the first nine months of life – drinking too much water can be dangerous.
In fact, according to pediatricians like James P. Keating, MD, medical director of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Diagnostic Center, “too much water dilutes a baby’s normal sodium levels and can lead to seizures, coma, brain damage and death.
Breast milk or formula provides all the fluid healthy babies need. If a mother feels her baby needs to take additional water, it should be limited to two to three ounces at a time and should be offered only after the baby has satisfied his hunger with breast feeding or formula”

For those parents who are having their infants under the age of 12 months old take swimming lessons, please be cautious of the amount of water that baby may inadvertently swallow. Water intoxication may also occur due to a baby swallowing too much water when swimming.

Baby Shampoos – skin care for newborns

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Do you know about baby shampoo?

This is five kinds of skin care products are used most frequently for newborns.

Shampooing schedules should be determined by the amount of hair your baby has and how oily it is.  Most babies with thin hair don’t need to be shampooed all that often during their first year.  (Only do so as needed.)  When you do shampoo, a mild shampoo is best.  You can recognize them by what they don’t contain:  synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, or highly allergenic and irritating preservatives including quaternium 15, imidazolidinyl urea, and parabens.

Also, avoid products containing diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA), both of these interact with nitrites — which may be inadvertently added as preservatives and not shown on ingredient lists — forming carcinogenic nitrosamines that rapidly penetrate the skin.  You will often see these ingredients abbreviated and listed as compounds with other ingredients such as TEA-sodium lauryl sulfate or cocamide-DEA.

The gentlest preservatives include citrus seed extract, phenoxyethanol, and vitamins A, C, and E (also known respectively as retinyl palmitate, ascorbic acid, and alpha tocopherol).  Most baby products you find in health food stores rely on these preservatives.

How do you choose the Best Baby shampoo?

When choosing the best baby shampoo for your little one, think in terms of natural. One might be inclined to assume that as long as the label says “baby shampoo” with a claim of being gentle, that it is the best one to choose. There are other factors to consider when selecting a babyshampoo, however. Most importantly, choosing one that is free of harmful chemicals, dyes, and perfumes is probably the best way to go.

Baby bath products and shampoos come in various brands, from the generic store brand to the big company name brands. When it comes to what’s best for your baby, you might not want to place your trust blindly. A little knowledge and forethought can go a long way when choosing a baby shampoo.

Shampoos that smell like flowers might seem pleasant to an adult, but your baby may be sensitive to them. The same goes for dyes and additives. The gentlest form of shampoo is a safe bet when making your selection, especially if it is for an infant or young child. Hypoallergenicshampoos are generally a good idea when using a product for an infant or toddler.

To play it safe and be sure your baby will not have an adverse reaction or sensitivity issues, choose an organic product. Choosing an all-natural organic shampoo and other baby products will generally assure that your baby will not be exposed to harsh additives or chemicals. You should be able to find an organic style of baby shampoo at a specialty shop. If you have difficulty locating these products, do an Internet search. Purchasing your baby shampoo online should be relatively easy.

Another option might be to make your own baby shampoo at home. You’ll know you are using something all natural for your baby because you’ve prepared it yourself. If you decide to make your own baby shampoo, try using melons, berries, or apples, add a little apple cider vinegarand mix it with a cup of plain yogurt. Your baby will smell naturally sweet and fresh and you won’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. Remember to prepare only as much as you will use right away.

Baby lotions and Oils – skin care for newborns

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Your skin’s baby also need take care by lotion and oil. Do you know about baby’s lotion and oil?

This is five kinds of skin are products are used most frequently for newborns.

Massaging lotions and oils into your baby’s skin can relieve irritation.  But anything you use should be free of petrochemicals (especially mineral oil), which are themselves irritants.  Also, look for healing herbs in your baby’s lotion or oil.

Chamomile and aloe have a long history as soothing and moisturizing ingredients and have a good record of safe use in cosmetics.  Other healing herbs to look for in lotions and oils (and other baby products) include calendula, marigold, and arnica.  The same guidelines for finding gentle shampoos apply to lotions:  avoid artificial colors, DEA, and TEA, and seek out products that use gentle preservatives.

Many baby lotions contain lanolin, a fatty substance obtained from sheep wool and used as a base for cosmetics.  Experts advise against the use of lanolin unless the company guarantees it is pesticide-free.  In surveys done by the Environmental Protection Agency, much of the commercial lanolin used in baby products was found to contain relatively high concentrations of pesticides such as DDT, lindane, and diazinon.  According to the National Research Council, these chemicals are readily absorbed through the baby’s skin.  Each of them can damage the nervous system, and some of them are cancer-causing.

“The skin-care products you grew up with can cause more problems than they cure.  Fortunately, there are natural alternatives.”

One-year-old Kathy Wikholm has never suffered from diaper rash — in fact, she’s never had skin irritation of any kind.  Her father, Gary, an M.D. specializing in family practice, believes that Kathy’s healthy skin is a result of his avoiding the many skin lotions, cleaning wipes, and shampoos that are marketed to parents.  As more and more parents are discovering, these convenience products often contain substances that upset the natural balance of a baby’s skin, which can lead to recurring problems.

A recent report in Clinical Pediatrics reveals that more than 75 percent of newborns suffer rashes within the first few months of birth, and researchers suspect that contributing factors include the very products that promise to soften, clean, and moisturize children’s skin.  As they note in their research, “Newborn skin is relatively more permeable to topically applied agents than adult skin.  Therefore, the risk of systemic toxicity …  is much greater in newborns.”

Personal care products (for adults as well as babies) are among the least-regulated consumer products on the market, and are not subject to safety testing!  According to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, many products contain allergens and widely-recognized irritants.

“The safety and efficacy of over-the-counter skincare products are not supported by well-controlled scientific studies,” say researchers in the Department of Pediatrics at Loyola University in Chicago.  But concerned parents like the Wikholms can avoid the risk posed by such products by using simple home remedies or choosing skin-care products that are free of harmful substances.

“Babies are born with this beautiful creamy white coating called thevernix caseosa, a collection of dead cells and mucus that has protected the child for the entire pregnancy,” says Dr. Jay Gordon, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  “The vernix is the most exclusive body lotion a human ever sees and should be massaged into your baby’s skin immediately following birth,” Gordon says.

Instead, many newborns are taken from their parents and immediately bathed in antibacterial soap, which disturbs the skin’s acid mantle (the skin’s natural acidity) and its delicate balance of beneficial bacteria.

“Never let the hospital personnel do this to a healthy, full-term baby,” Gordon says.  “It’s your choice.”  If there is any blood left on your baby from delivery, you can request that the hospital instead sponge with a little warm water, leaving the vernix intact, and being careful not to let your newborn catch cold.  With the tips of your fingers and while the baby is still lying in her crib, gently massage the vernix in.

“The average one-month-old baby is bathed four times and shampooed three times every week, according to researchers from Loyola University in Clinical Pediatrics.  “Yet newborn skin is slow to mature, and the outer layer is highly permeable and sensitive to chemicals,” says Uwe Stave, M.D., formerly of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Miami.

If you have to bathe your baby during the first year, it should only be occasionally with a little warm water.  More likely, you’ll only have to wipe your baby’s genitals and buttocks with a soft cotton cloth.

How do you choose the baby lotions and oils?

The lotions should not be made of harsh chemicals, animal’s bye products, chemical dyes and the crude oil by-products.

You have to choose the natural baby lotions for your baby, as their skin is very delicate and sensitive.

The safe and gentle ingredients that incorporate the botanicals and herbs are to be used to protect the natural equilibrium of your baby’s skin.

The correct balance of moisturizer is maintained by these natural lotions. You have to consider these while choosing the lotions:

  • The lotions should be tested by pediatricians
  • The lotions should not contain the mineral oil
  • The ph and the hypoallergenic should be correct to suit your baby’s skin
  • They should not contain the SD40 alcohols
  • They should not have the fragrance

The purpose for using the baby lotion is to moisturize and to act as a conditioner to your baby’s skin. The irritation, redness and dryness can be reduced by moisturizing the natural lotion on your baby’s skin.

You have to use the lotions that are made of essential natural ingredients that include:

Aloe

This is very popular and you can find it in many products. It gives the moisture to the tissues in the skin by penetrating deep into the skin. It acts as a cooling agent for the burns.

Aloe acts as a natural barrier in preventing the loss of moisture from evaporation. It can soothe and helps in quick healing of the wound. It has the anti-inflammatory properties.

Orange Blossom oil and orange oil

These are the natural alternatives to the ingredients that contain anti-bacterial chemicals. These oils have the calming, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These are gentle and can soothe the delicate and sensitive skin of your baby. You can choose these oils instead of the mineral oil as ingredients in the natural skin care lotions.

Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A)

This vitamin in its normal form is great anti-oxidant for the skin of your baby. This should not be used with the man made chemical products. It should be a natural botanical source.

The vitamin A acts as a skin normalizer that keeps the skin of your baby soft. It can fight with the free radicals by penetrating into the epidermis and dermis.

Skin elasticity is provided by vitamin A. If you get rough skin due to too much exposure to the UV-rays, then it will be prevented by vitamin A.

You have to choose the baby skin care lotions that contain the natural vitamin A ingredients in it.

Take care in choosing the best and natural baby lotions that contain the natural skin care ingredients in them

When, What, How does your baby eat fruit food?

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When do you know your baby can eat fruit’s food?

Your baby can each fruit’s food the same time your baby eat baby food. You just puree the fresh fruit for them. Anywhere from 6-8 months but it depends on when you start veggies. about a month after they have started veggies and have started to really like the veggies is when you should start fruits. You don’t want to start fruits too early and before they have started liking veggies b/c they will just want to sweet fruits and no veggies. They still need them mashed of course, until they are at least 8 -9 months before giving anything in small pieces. You can put fresh fruit in a mesh feeder and start to give your baby a taste for fruit that way as early as 3 months. Generally its around 4 months or so.

 

Tips:

  • Try mixing and matching the fruits later on once you have established that your baby is not allergic.
  • Give only fresh fruit juices to your baby and not juice concentrates or powder mixes. But do not give excess amounts. Breast milk or formula should still be her main drink.
  • If your baby does not take to a particular fruit or vegetable right away, give it time and try offering again.
  • Avoid giving your baby citrus fruits until age one. These are considered allergenic.

Some of fruits are good for your baby from 6 to 8 months old:

  • Avocado can be introduced at 6 months (sometimes 4). It is a great first food for your baby because of its texture and creaminess. Moreover it is very nutritious fruit. You can try to mash avocado- it will become smooth and creamy. Avocado is a perfect food that will be accepted easy when baby begins solids.
  • Apples can be introduced at (4)6-8 months and they are a great choice for your baby’s first solid food. They can be easily prepared and baby is able to digest them good. What is important, they are full of nutrients. Apples are so healthy because they contain two types of fiber: insoluble and soluble fiber. Eating apples reduces the risk of certain types of stroke and helps to maintain a healthy weight thanks to low-fat and fiber-rich diet. You can mix apples with many foods, for example with cereals, purees or teething biscuits.
  • Apricots are yummy and they can be introduced at 6-8 month. Apricots are very healthy fruits. They are high in beta carotene- vitamin A, it also has vitamin C. Apricots are great defense against heart disease and cancer. The best apricots are those of yellow- orange color and which are soft in touch. Apricots should be eaten as fast as possible. You can bake apricots by halving and pitting and putting in the shallow dish with water. If you prepare apricots this way, they will have more natural sweetness. Another method to prepare apricots is steaming or boiling. You can puree apricots later. If you want, you can store meal you make. Put puree in the ice cube tray and freeze.
  • Bananas are another healthy fruits and they can be introduced at 6-8 month. Bananas contain potassium and fiber. They are also high in vitamin C, B2, B6.Bananas are known to protect from stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. Bananas are delicious and easy to digest. Bananas are very easy to prepare too. All you have to do is peel and puree it.
  • Peaches and Nectarines are yummy, sweet and juicy and they can be introduced at 6 months. They are high in Vitamin A and C. They also contain a lot of fiber. Peaches are good if you want to serve them with other foods for example with avocado, chicken or banana. To prepare peaches, you can steam them, bake or poach. You can then puree peaches and serve them alone or mix them with yogurt or cereals. Peaches are great baby finger foods.
  • Pears can be introduced at 6-8 months and they are sweet and delicious fruits. Pears are gentle on the tummy. They contain Vitamin A, potassium and fiber. Pears reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Pears which are very soft do not need to be cooked. You can just peel it and puree it. Steaming fruits is recommended for babies under 8 months old.
  • Plums can be introduced at the age of 6- 8 months. Plums of course are nutritious. They contain Vitamin A and C. Moreover they are high in fiber. Thanks to eating plums, you reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Also they stimulate healthy cholesterol level. Choose the best plums for your baby. Look for ones without bruising or soft spots and cuts. If you prefer dried plums, choose plums which were dried without any preservatives or chemicals.
  • Pumpkin is a great baby food. It can be introduced at 6 months age. Though some people consider pumpkin to be a vegetable, it is a fruit. Pumpkin contain a lot of nutritional compounds for example Vitamin A and beta carotene. If you want to give your baby the best pumpkin, look for smaller ones. These small pumpkins are called “pie pumpkins” or “sugar pumpkins”. Small pumpkins are more tasty and tender. They are also less stringy than larger pumpkin. You can give your baby plain pumpkin in pureed version or you can mix it with cereals, chicken or yogurt.

What baby food? What should you know about food for baby from 8 to 12 months

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Suggested foods for baby from 6  to 8 months olds:

Cereals and grains: Flax-Graham crackers-Kamut-Quinoa-Millet Multi-grain crackers-Cheerio’s-Wheat&Wheat germ-Toast

Fruits: Blueberries-Cantaloupe & Melons-Cherries-Cranberries Dates-Figs-Grapes-Kiwi-Papaya

Vegetables: Asparagus-Broccoli-Cauliflower-Eggplant-White Potatoes-Onions-Peppers-Leeks-Mushrooms-Parsnips

Protein: Egg Yolks-Beans/Legumes-Beef-Pork-Ham (natural Ham only)

DAIRY: Cream Cheese-Cottage Cheese-Colby Jack-Cheddars (no soft cheeses such as Brie)

AGE/STAGE – 8 months – 10 months old

The AAP recommends that an infant not be started on solid foods until after 6 months of age. Many pediatricians still start babies on solids around 4 months of age.  This chart accommodates all ages and stages up to 12 months.

CEREALS

Try mixing together the grains that your baby has had without any reaction(s). Begin offering breads and muffins when baby has mastered mashing more textured foods. Pasta makes for great finger foods.

FRUITS

Begin making your own fruit combinations once baby has had several fruits without any reaction(s). Venture into Papaya and Melon Swirl. After 8 months old – you may wish to try offering raw ripe fruits. Soft cooked fruits make for great beginner Baby Finger Foods.

VEGGIES

Soft cooked veggies make for great beginner Baby Finger Foods. Try mixing up a veggie medley now.  Add some grated cheese for extra temptation & Yum. Saute or roast some onions or peppers to add to baby’s foodor serve as finger foods. Make a Leek and Chicken Potato Mash.

PROTEIN

Once your baby has reached 8 months old, try an Egg Yolk Omelet – the perfect chance to slip in some veggies.

DAIRY

Avocado mashed with a bit of cream cheese – YUM. Get adventurous with Cheeses and Yogurts now. Soft Cheeses such as Brie pose health risks so hold off on those.

Suggested foods for baby from 10  to 12 months olds:

Cereals and grains: Pastas-Wheat cereals- Bagels

Fruits: Berries-Cherries-Citrus-Dates-Grapes

Vegetables: Artichokes-Beets-Corn-Cucumbers-Spinach-Tomatoes

Protein: Whole Eggs (12months)-Fish(White Fish such as Cod,Haddock)

DAIRY: Whole Milk as a drink (12 months)-Stronger Cheddars-Gouda-Muenster-Provolone-Swiss (soft cheeses after 12 months)

AGE/STAGE

Ten to Twelve (10-12) Months old

CEREALS

All grains and pastas! Create your own baby pasta salad with favorite veggies and cheeses.

FRUITS

Begin making your own fruit combinations once baby has had several fruits without any reaction(s). Go slowly if introducing citrus fruits now and watch for possible reactions to the acidity.

VEGGIES

Soft cooked veggies make for great beginner Baby Finger Foods. Try mixing up a soft cooked and diced veggie medley now. Slowly introduce tomato and other acidic foods; watch for reactions to the acidity.

PROTEIN

Between 10-12 months old you should be able to introduce white-fleshed fish and other types of fish if you have not done so already.  Bake fish plain or breaded and offer with steamed veggies for a healthy meal. Salmon makes a great meal for your baby!

DAIRY

By 12 months old, baby may be weaning from breast milk or formula to whole milk.  Help ease the change by offering  ½ breast milk  and ½ milk or ½ milk and ½ formula mixed during the first few days of the transition.

Breast-fed babies may also be weaning now. Remember, there is no reason to wean your breastfed baby until baby is ready.

images (1)By about 8 months old, most babies are pros at handling the iron-fortified infant cereals and pureed vegetables and fruits that have been introduced as part of their diet along with breast milk or formula.

Over the next few months, they start to explore table foods.

Changing Eating Habits

As you expand your baby’s palate, continue to give new foods a trial run (a few days to a week) to look for any allergic reactions. Do not feed your little one eggs, citrus fruits, fish and seafood, nuts (including peanuts and peanut butter), or honey.

During this transition, you may want to introduce meats and offer your child new, coarser textures that require a little more chewing.

You can buy baby foods that offer new tastes and textures or you can fork-mash, cut up, or grind whatever foods the rest of the family eats. You should cook it a little longer, until it’s very soft, and cut it into small pieces that your baby can handle to decrease the risk of choking.

By the time babies are around 9 months old, they usually have the dexterity and coordination to take food between forefinger and thumb so that they can try feeding themselves with their fingers. (You may want to provide a safe baby spoon as well.)

If you haven’t already, have your baby join the rest of the family at meals. At this age, they enjoy being at the table.

By the first birthday, babies usually are ready to go from formula to cow’s milk. If you’re breastfeeding, you can continue or you may decide to stop now.

You’ve probably already introduced your baby to a sippy cup, so let him or her keep working on it. (Juice should always be given in a cup, not a bottle.) After 12 months, you can serve whole milk in a cup, which will help with the transition from the bottle.

Feeding Safety

Never leave your baby unattended while eating in case he or she chokes. Avoid foods that could present a choking hazard such as whole grapes, raw vegetables, hard fruits, raisins, white bread, pieces of hard cheese, hot dogs, popcorn, and hard candies.

If you’re unsure about whether a finger food is safe, ask yourself:

  • Does it melt in the mouth? Some dry cereals will melt in the mouth, and so will light and flaky crackers.
  • Is it cooked enough so that it mashes easily? Well-cooked vegetables and fruits will mash easily. So will canned fruits and vegetables. (Make sure to choose canned foods that don’t have added sugar or salt.)
  • Is it naturally soft? Cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and small pieces of tofu are soft.
  • Can it be gummed? Pieces of ripe banana and well-cooked pasta can be gummed.
Making Meals Work

Keep your baby’s temperament in mind when introducing new foods. If your baby balks at new textures, serve them in small portions and mix them with food you know your child likes. A child who likes a lot of stimulation may enjoy it when you “play airplane” with the spoon to get the food into his or her mouth. A more sensitive tot, however, may need the focus kept on eating with minimum distractions.

How Much Should Your Baby Eat?

Infant formula and breast milk continue to provide important nutrients for growing infants, but babies will start to drink less as they approach the first birthday. They’re getting more nutrients now from the variety of foods they’ve learned to eat and enjoy.

You may be concerned that you’re feeding your child too much or not enough. Pay attention to your child’s cues of hunger and fullness. A child who is full may suck with less enthusiasm, stop, or turn away from the breast or the bottle. With solid foods, your baby may turn away, refuse to open his or her mouth, or spit the food out.

Let your baby finger feed or hold a spoon while you do the actual feeding. This is good preparation for the toddler years when kids take charge of self-feeding. And if you haven’t already, consider establishing more regular mealtimes.

How much will your 8 month – 10 month old baby eat?

Your 8 to 10 month old baby may seem to be starving herself at some point. Because you are likely offering her more finger food selections or thicker/chunkier foods, the amount of food eaten appears smaller.

At this stage, your baby may be eating 3 “meals” a day and possibly enjoying a snack or 2 in between meals. There are some babies in this age range who will still be eating only 1 “meal” of solids so don’t feel pressured to have your baby eat 3 solid food meals per day. The important thing is to watch your baby’s hunger cues and let your baby be the guide. Offer him a balanced array of foods – fruits, veggies, a protein & a grain if possible and ensure his nursing or formula feedings are adequate

How much will your 10 month – 12 month old baby eat?

Your 10 month old baby will have a varied appetite. Some days you’ll think there is not enough food in the world to fill her belly while other days you’ll wonder if she will ever eat another bite. As with the 8-10 month old baby, because you are likely offering her more finger food selections or thicker/chunkier foods, the amount of food eaten appears smaller.

Take bath for baby by a sponge

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  • The First, you make room temperature warm about 75° F.
  • The second, keep the baby covered with a towel or blanket.
  • Organize everything you will need for bathing, drying, and dressing baby before you begin.
  • Prepare two bowls of warm water, one for the soapy cloth and one for rinsing.
  • Next, Start with the baby’s face: use one moistened cotton ball to wipe each eye from the inner corner to the outer corner.
  • Wash the rest of the baby’s face with a soft, moist washcloth, Also clean the outside folds of the ears.
  • Wash the baby’s head with a shampoo on a washcloth, create a lather and rinse.
  • Add a small amount of baby soap to the water or wash cloth and gently bathe the rest of the baby from the neck down. Uncover only one area at a time. Rinse with a clean washcloth or a small cup of water. Be sure to avoid getting the umbilical cord wet.
  • Finally, pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind  the ears, around the neck and the genital area. After washing these areas, make sure they are dry. Then you can diaper and dress your baby.

Choose the perfect baby toys

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It is hard to choose the perfect baby toys.  What’s toys can help baby educate? So to choose the good toys, we can based on the following criteria:

  • The toys help your baby learn how to control his movements and body parts
  • The toys help your baby figure out how things work
  • The toys show your baby how he can control things in his world
  • The toys teach your baby new ideas
  • The toys build your baby’s muscle control, coordination, and strength
  • The toys teach your baby how to use his imagination
  • The toys show your baby how to solve simple problems
  • The toys help your baby learn how to play by himself.
  • The toys set the foundation for learning how to share and cooperate with others.

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Phone

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From the Manufacturer

Animated images come to life on the Learning Phone screen, teaching baby the alphabet, counting and more with lights, songs, buttons to press, fun sounds and greetings. Cool design is sturdy, easy to hold and stands on its own. Make learning more fun with

Product Description

The Laugh and Learn Home Phone combines three modes with fun role play. In the first mode, baby learns ABC’s, and in the second mode 1-2-3′s by hearing them and seeing them appear on the LED display. The third mode is music play – the keypad activates nine fun musical ditties, phrases and silly sound affects. In all three modes baby will also get lots of fun everyday experiential phrases and over over 25 fun animations. Includes 3 “AAA” batteries.

Why do we choose the toy?

Providing a child with a toy phone gives them a chance to model the discussions they hear around them, which helps develop their speech and social skills. Older babies and toddlers will enjoy “calling” people to practice their expanding vocabulary. While they imagine calling grandma, they’re also reinforcing the phone-appropriate words they have learned from listening to you.

Items are needed for bathing a baby

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Prepare items before bathing your baby. What items are needed for bathing a baby?

  • A soft, clean washcloth.
  • Towels or blankets.
  • Clean clothes.
  • Baby shampoo and baby soap (non-irritation).
  • An infant tub.
  • Cotton balls.
  • A clean diaper

 

You should only give your baby sponge baths until your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off and the stump is healed, and after a boy’s circumcision has healed.