Caring For Yourself When You Have a New Baby

I was notoriously unprepared for our daughter’s arrival. Now, I am normally extremely organized. I have a calendar that looks like a small army of ants ran across it and spread little annotated footprints everywhere. However, before my daughter was born, we did the usual: bought a new house, moved into my parents’ place, renovated our new home extensively, and got a chronic illness. Ok, perhaps the chronic illness part is unusual, but the rest seems to be part of the chaos of nesting. So do what I wish I’d done, not what I did. Let me be the bad … Continue reading

The Real Mom’s Guide to Feeding Your Baby Solids: The Quirks

Forget all of the information about feeding your baby. Here is what you need to know, although no one ever seems to get around to telling you. I’m sure that when it comes to first feeding your baby solid foods, you have already read most of the literature out there that tells you when to start, what to feed, etc. Well, I am here with the voice of experience, and three kids, to tell you what those other sources won’t tell you–all of the important stuff that makes feeding solids just a little easier. Know Your Baby’s Quirks Once you … Continue reading

Baby Skin Problems 2

Your little one is just perfect. But she still may be vulnerable to baby skin problems. Most of these problems are innocuous and will go away with just a little home treatment. Some common baby skin problems could need a pediatricians attention. Here is what you need to know about the skin problems that may affect your baby. This is part two of a two-part series. Eczema Eczema is a skin rash that should be examined by a pediatrician, especially if this is the first outbreak. It is a very itchy,scaly rash that may develop tiny red bumps that ooze. … Continue reading

Baby Skin Problems

This morning, as I was caressing the cheek of my youngest child, I was in awe at how soft it was. The expression soft as a baby’s bottom is said for a reason. Baby skin is amazingly smooth and glowing. But that doesn’t mean that baby skin isn’t prone to problems. Here is a quick guide to common baby skin problems. Diaper Rash Diaper rash is caused when irritants and wetness come in contact with your baby’s skin. It can usually be cured by using a diaper cream at every changing, especially at night, and, or by letting the baby’s … Continue reading

Baby Blog Month in Review: October 2008

If you had an October baby, congratulations! I hope that you will spend some time with us here at Families.com, as we bring you the latest news and tips for you and your family. Here is the Baby Blog month in review for October. October 1st Insect Repellent and Young Children Protecting my children is the number one priority, but one thing that I tend to avoid is insect repellent. I figure that putting additional chemicals on my kids is not the best idea, that is until now. These days, a mosquito bite is not just an annoyance, but it … Continue reading

Baby Blog Week in Review: October 13th Through October 19th

Where do you stand with vitamin supplementation and visits to the pediatrician? These can be controversial topics. Check out last week’s posts. October 13th New Children’s Vitamin D Recommendation May Require Supplements The American Academy of Pediatrics has a new recommendation for the amount of vitamin D for newborns, babies, kids and teens. Read on to learn more. October 14th Baby Blog Week in Review: October 6th Through October 12th Has your little one discovered the joys of fall? My youngest two are especially proud of their little pumpkins that they picked out themselves this past weekend. Be sure to … Continue reading

You Tube: How to Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling a baby is often used to comfort a newborn baby who is used to being in close surroundings and doesn’t quite know what to do with all of those arms and legs that seem to flail around. When done correctly, swaddling can instantly calm a fussy baby (assuming of course that all of the other needs are met, such as feeding, changing and burping). But swaddling is often hard to get. Sure, the nurse at the hospital or birthing center may show you exactly what to do to wrap your infant up as a little burrito, but let’s face … Continue reading

Elements of a Modern Nursery

Frills, ruffles and a matching Winnie the Pooh layette is out for baby’s nursery. Instead, the hippest parents are taking their cues from celebrities, whose nurseries are modern and chic. while you may not be looking to spend $1500 for a crib, there are plenty of practical options will make your baby a sophisticated star. Here is what is hot right now for the modern nursery. Crib bedding Forget the cutsey and go for a bold statement with modern graphics that are easy for baby to focus on. Dots are really hot right now for the crib bedding, as are … Continue reading

What Causes Food Allergies?

Food allergies can be life threatening. For a child who is allergic to peanuts, eggs, soy, shellfish or milk, the vigilance required by the parent can be overwhelming. Is there any way that you can help prevent food allergies in your child? Pediatricians and scientists have been trying to figure out why there has been such a great rise in the number of young children who have food allergies, especially severe food allergies. There are a couple of theories that so far haven’t been proven. One theory says that it is simply a matter of more proper diagnosis being made. … Continue reading

All About Stork Bites and Blue Veins on the Nose

Whether you call them stork bites or angel kisses, the reddish-pink or blue marks that show up on your baby can be a little disconcerting. What are these marks really, and how should you treat them? Stork bites Most newborns have a stork bite somewhere. They often show up on the eyelids, the back of the neck or the middle of the forehead. The little nips or patches of red are not rashes, but can be considered birthmarks. What is really going on with stork bites is pretty normal. The thin skin of an infant allows an area that contains … Continue reading