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Monday, August 18, 2008

Remedies for babies acid reflux

What is acid reflux

Acid reflux is regurgitation of gastric acid causing a burning sensation in the esophagus. Acid reflux in babies is very common and it can be very distressing for both babies and mothers. Most babies will outgrow it, however, it is very distressing while it last.

Remedies for acid reflux in babies

Mothers who have babies suffering from acid reflux naturally will seek remedies and most will be most comfortable with Natural Reflux Cures. More than 40 years ago, I remember that gripe water was very popular with nursing mothers.

Gripe water is so well known that it has even earned itself an entry in Wikipedia, and this is what Wikipedia has to say about gripe water:

"Gripe water is a home remedy for babies with colic, gas, teething pain, reflux or other stomach ailments. Its ingredients vary, and may include alcohol, bicarbonate, ginger, dill, fennel and chamomile. It is typically given to the infant with a dropper in liquid form; a single dose may be 2.5 to 10 ml, depending on the age of the baby, repeated several times daily. Adults may also take gripe water for soothing intestinal pains, gas or other stomach ailments."

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Baby Carriers and Strollers Reviews

One of the necessities of having a baby are baby carriers and baby strollers. Compared with the time I started a family, the choices are huge and the range wide. We didn't have to worry about having baby properly strapped into a baby car seat then. All that is needed was for the mother to carry the baby in her arms and for the father to concentrate on driving safely.

Now the concentration have to be on different things, that is, to chose a baby carrier and baby stroller that you (not the baby, for he or she would not know the difference) will be happy with and for some, very important, fits your budget. There is such a huge range of choices that it will be a difficult task.

Here is WIZE Baby Carrier reviews to the rescue. This site can help you navigate the maze of baby carriers available on the market. They rank products using what they call WIZERANK. WIZE uses proprietary technology an algorithm with input from consumer opinions, reviews and ratings to calculate a number from 1 to 100 to rank a product. The higher the WIZERANK, the higher the perceived customers' satisfaction with the product, and WIZE claims this rank cannot be manipulated.

Here is what they say the WIZERANK indicates:

90 - 100Buy with confidence
70 - 89Might meet your needs
60 - 69Proceed with caution
0 - 59Not recommended


Let us have a look at the first baby carrier on the list - Sutemi Gear Sutemi Pack Baby Sling/Wrap which have a WIZERANK of 88 which will put it at the "Might meet your needs" category, not that promising. But for the budget conscious and value for money type, it might just meet their requirement. This is perhaps due to the relatively small number of products ranked - 51 products.

The other WIZE Stroller Reviews looks more promising, for it ranked 231 products (at time of publishing). The first stroller on the list is Dreamer Manhattan Lite Stroller which has a WIZERANK of 90 which puts it in the "Buy with confidence" category.

With these reviews, your task of choosing baby carrier and baby stroller for your tiny bundle of joy should be made much lighter. Consider yourself lucky, for I never had that luxury.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Baby Shower Cake Ideas : For A Great Centrepiece and Dessert

Baby Shower Cake Ideas : For A Great Centrepiece and Dessert
by: Karen O'Donnell

A baby shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the newest member in the family. Although baby showers were originally intended only for first-borns modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the family.

Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the things that they need for the baby. Note, however, that there are some cultures and religious beliefs that do not consider it proper and that it is considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born.

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names such as the following:

• "Daddy's shower" - a men-only party for dads-to-be

• "Grandma's shower" - a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

• "Diaper showers" or "baby sprinkles" - a small-scale party that is usually held for succeeding children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

It is common for a baby shower to have a theme to which the entire party centers on. Baby shower essentials typically include games, presents, and food… and a cake!

A party is not complete without a cake and this also applies to baby showers.

Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers and they can be made using various basic techniques, such as the following:

1. All-in-together - this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before gradually adding the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming method - this is done by 'creaming' butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing method - this is done by 'rubbing' the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Sponge-making - this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles.

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

• Angelfood cake
• Butter cake
• Butterfly cake
• Carrot cake
• Cheesecake
• Chocolate cake
• Chiffon cake
• Cupcake
• Devil's food cake
• Fruit cake
• Gingerbread
• Ice cream cake
• Mooncake
• Pineapple upside down cake
• Pound cake
• Spice cake
• Sponge cake

Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children's toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your own. Remember that the 'goal' is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.

About The Author
If you would like more information about baby showers including a FREE 5 part ecourse please visit Baby Shower Quick and Easy. Great resource for everything to do with planning and giving baby showers! Karen O’Donnell writes and provides information on this subject.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

With a baby comes heavy responsibility. You will need insurance to cover for contingencies

Have or having a baby? A baby needs someone to care for him/her, to provide food and clothing, to provide for shelter and health care. That means you have a heavy responsibility to provide for contingencies like the unthinkable - death or disability, or fire burning down your home.

Making a decision to get life, auto or home owner insurance is the easy step. The difficult step is choosing a suitable Insurance company that provides you the best cover and the best rates. This is where Insurance Portal Online comes in. With Insurance Portal Online, you can shop online for the lowest quotes on all types of insurance throughout the United State by just filling in online forms like
form for life insurance
form for auto insurance
form for home insurance
and get quotes from over 140 companies. Such convenience will give you more time to spend with and care for your baby.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Crying Baby - Reasons

Crying Baby - Reasons
by: Theresa McNally

Introduction:

Crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies.When a baby comes out of the woomb the first thing to do is crying.By the first cry he will take some air in to the lungs for the first time in their life.After delivery if the baby doesnot cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently strocking the feet.From this it is clear that the healthy baby should cry and it is a normal physiological event ,still some times it can upset the mother or family members.

We all know that a baby can't tell his needs or troubles in words. The only way for him to communicate with others is by crying.Babies show some other signs like feet kicking,hand waving and head turning ect.But the best way to take the attention of others is by crying.

Excessive crying may not have a firm definition because the crying habit changes from baby to baby and some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth.If crying is distressing for the mother and home nurse it can be called excessive.Many a times baby become quiet by giving breast milk or by carrying with a gentle rocking.Sudden onset of excessive crying means baby is distressed and needs attention.The causes of crying extends from simple reasons to life threatening conditions.Hence crying of a baby should not be ignored.

Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the cry .Common causes are discussed here for awareness.

Common reasons for crying:

1, Hunger:--

A hungry baby will cry till he gets the milk. Here the old saying comes true'crying baby gets the milk'.

2, Wetting:--

Urination and defecation causes some discomfort and results in crying till his parts are cleaned and made dry .

3, Company:--

Majority of the kids need somebody near. If they feel lonely they cry.When their favourite doll slips away from the grip they cry for help.

4, Tired:--

When the baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep just cry simply.They feel tired in uncomfortable sourroundings and due to unhealthy climate.

5, Heat & cold:--

If they feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. Child is comfortable in a room with good ventilation.

6, Tight cloathing:--

Tight cloaths especially during warm climate is intolerable for kids.Tight elastic of the the dress can also produce soreness in the hip region.

7, Dark room:--

When the baby wakes up from sleep he needs some dim light.If there is darkness he will disturb the sleep of parents by crying.Ofcourse he will be irritated by strong light resulting in cry.

8, Mosquito:--

Yes,these creatures disturb the sleep by their blood sucking and make the baby to cry.

9, Nasal blocking:--

Child may not be able to sleep when there is a cold and go on crying till the passage is open.

10, Phlegm in throat:--

This also causes difficult breathing resulting in cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

11, General aching:--

Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous cry.

12, Habitual cry:---Some babies cry without any real cause ending the parents in agony.Many a times doctor is called for help.

13, Nappy rash:-- If a tight and wet nappy is kept for a long time results in this conditon. Rash can also be due to some allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy. When the rash appears it causes soreness and baby become sleepless and cry. All other skin lesions like eczema,ecthyma ,candidiasis ect also causes same problems.

14, Earache:--

Ear infection is common in wet climate.The infection may spread from the throat.Ear infection can result in rupture of ear drum causing discharge of pus.Eareache usually becomes worse at night when lying down.Child will become restless with cry and may not allow you to touch the ear.Some children with earache rub the affected ear frequently.

15, Colic:--

When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This roblem is still a topic for debate because exact cause for colic is not known and diagnosis is also difficult to confirm.Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of abdomen.Child often feels better when lying on abdomen.Some children may not allow you to touch the abdomen.If the child cries continuously doctors help is needed.

16, Infections:--

All infections causes some kind of pain or irritation resulting in cry.Infection may be anywhere in the body.Usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

17, Reactions to certain food:--

It is said that one man's food is another man's poison. Some food articles can produce some allergic reactions.Allergy is manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness,gastric symptons and continuous cry.

18, Hard stools:--

Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge for stool.Some children hesitate to pass stool because of pain .

19, Gastro esophagial reflex:--

Here baby cries with spilling of food after feeding.If this continues it may be due to gastroesophageal reflex.This is due to failure of the lower part of esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach.It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be confirmed by giving antireflex medicines.

20, Dentition:--

During dentition child becomes restless with crying. Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhoea.

Some rare reasons -----------------

1, Bowel obstruction:--

Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting. Abdomen is distended with rumbling sound. Baby is constipated with absence of flatus.

2, Septicemia:--

Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms in to the blood is called septicemia. Fever is associated with this condition.

3, Torsion of testes in male kids:--

When a male baby cries continuously his scrotum should be examined. Torsion of the testes produce severe pain which will be worse by touching the affected testes. When the testes is pressed upwards pain is releived. If this is not treated properly it can damage the affected testes due to lack of blood supply.

4, Meningitis:--

Initially there may not be fever,hence crying baby with alternate vacant stare and irritability should not be ignored. Fontanel is bulging. Neck rigidity and seizures may appear later.

5, Retention of urine:--

Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them restless.

7, Major injuries:--

Major injury to any parts of the body causes pain. Occasionally children will fall while arrying and results in head injury. Head injury is associated with reflex vomiting and convulsions.

About The Author
Theresa McNally is the author of the all new "So You're Having A Baby" eManual that focuses on helping new mothers and fathers with their new little bundle of joy. You can read more about the book at: Expecting Mothers and you can view Therea's article site at: Child Care Tips and More

Top Ten Tips To Get Your Baby Sleeping Better

Top Ten Tips To Get Your Baby Sleeping Better
by: Tammy Hussin

Having a new baby is an incredibly exciting time, but it can also be filled with a great deal of anxiety. One major source of that anxiety is if you have a baby who isn’t sleeping well. Sleep deprivation will quickly wear you down, and your baby will be exhausted and irritable as well. When this pattern goes on for months, a once happy little family can rapidly turn into a tired and cranky crowd.

Much of this angst can be eliminated by helping your baby learn to sleep independently. A baby who sleeps who sleeps independently is usually a baby who sleeps through the night and takes nice, long naps on a consistent basis. Enabling your baby to learn how to sleep better should be a simple and gentle process, and most often your baby even have to shed a tear. This article will provide you with some important tips from the baby sleep book, Sleep Baby Sleep, and will help get you started on your way to having a better sleeping baby and a well-rested house.

#1 Establish a Consistent Nighttime Routine

One important aspect to getting your baby to sleep through the night is to have a consistent bedtime ritual. A solid evening routine will help your child understand that it is time for sleep when the routine is complete. A typical schedule might include a bath, some quiet time, a final feeding, and then a good-night kiss. Though your particular routine may vary, it is important make sure you have some kind of consistency at bedtime.

#2 Help your Baby Learn how to Fall Asleep Independently

Each time your baby is ready to sleep, no matter what time of day or night it is, you have a brand new opportunity to help your baby learn how to fall asleep without your help. If you try your hardest to seize each of these opportunities, your baby will be sleeping through the night sooner than you can believe. Keep in mind though that this is a process, and not an overnight miracle. Be consistent in your efforts and you will quickly teach your baby how to fall asleep without your help.

#3 Put your Baby to Sleep Awake

If you get only one idea from this article, it’s that you need to try to put your baby to sleep while he is still awake. In other words, try to avoid having your baby fall asleep before you put him down. Be sure that your routine includes putting your baby in the crib or bassinet before she is asleep. If you put your baby to bed awake, she will more readily learn how to fall asleep without your help and your baby will sleep much better.

#4 Establish a Daytime Nap Routine

Sometimes figuring out a good daytime routine can be even more challenging than the one at bedtime. Out of sheer exhaustion and the desire to get a few minutes to yourself, you might be inclined to do absolutely anything to get your baby down for a nap. The problem with this is that your baby will begin to need that particular method in order to nap (for example, driving around, rocking, nursing, etc). You won’t be happy if your baby can only take a nap in the car, or nap only if you lie down beside her, or only if you rock her to sleep. Instead, try to get your baby napping by falling asleep alone, and you’re likely to wind up with a great little sleeper on your hands.

#5 The Family Bed – should you or shouldn’t you?

A family bed is not a bad thing, and many families the world over would have it no other way. If it’s something you want and have planned for, then by all means do it! On the other hand, if you have wound up with a family bed only because your baby cannot fall asleep any other way, then it might time to rethink your situation. A family bed could last for years, and if unwanted, often results in frustration and resentment and chronic sleep deprivation.

#6 Waking up Throughout the Night

Most, if not all, babies wake up several times throughout the night. Even a baby who is already sleeping through the night wakes up numerous times during the night. The key is that if your baby knows know how to fall back to sleep on his own, he won’t need you to put him back to sleep. So, don’t rush in as soon as your baby wakes up in the middle of the night. Instead, give it some time and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your baby falls back to sleep on his own.

#7 Getting Baby on a Schedule

Most people thrive on some sort of a schedule, and babies are no different. Your child is likely to function much better if he becomes familiar with the same events that happen throughout the day. If you get your baby on a schedule with a regular agenda, she will quickly figure out when it is time for sleep and will fall asleep much easier. Keep in mind though that everyone needs a little flexibility built into their life, so make sure that you are not too inflexible with your baby’s daily routine.

#8 Avoid using Aids to Help your Baby Sleep

Many exhausted parents resort to external aids to get their babies sleeping (for example, constantly using a pacifier, driving your baby around, and rocking or nursing your baby to sleep). Though your baby might initially fall asleep sleep quicker with these external aids, you are ultimately making your job much more difficult. The problem is that it helps you avoid teaching your baby how to fall asleep alone. Instead, take the time to get your baby falling asleep without any help, and he will fall asleep faster and sleep better.

#9 Be Consistent

The more regular you are in how you put your baby to sleep, the quicker and easier it will be for your child to learn how to sleep independently. No matter how tired you are, or how much you might be dreading the night ahead, a consistent effort will pay off quickly. Be patient with yourself, as it is not always easy to keep with your plan when you are intensely sleep deprived. Just be as consistent as possible, and you will see results.

#10 Take Time for Yourself

It’s so easy to forget about yourself when you have a new baby. But playing the parent role 24/7, and having no time of your own could cause you to grow resentful and feel deprived. Instead, make a conscious effort to ensure that you get some time for yourself. You’ll feel rejuvenated, happier, and you’ll have more energy to devote to your family. You can and will be an amazing parent even though you get a little bit of downtime, and there’s no better time to do it than when your baby is sleeping soundly. Enabling your baby to sleep independently is truly a priceless gift that you’ll give to everyone under your roof. Your baby will be much happier if he is better rested, and so will you!

About The Author
This article was furnished by Tammy Hussin, J.D., author of Sleep Baby Sleep, a great little book to get your baby sleeping fast, gently and easily. Ms. Hussin is a former corporate attorney and a mother of three boys (all of whom were sleeping through the night by eight weeks old). For more information on the Sleep Baby Sleep technique and/or for purchase information, please visit: www.SleepBabySleep.com. Questions can also be directed to sleepbabysleep@earthlink.net

Thursday, March 8, 2007

On the search for a stylish, safe baby bedding blanket

On the search for a stylish, safe baby bedding blanket
by: Joseph Keller

You would think buying baby bedding or a baby blanket would be easy! Actually it can get quite confusing, so much variety – safety concerns, colors, materials, designers and sizes. That’s where a resource like Baby Bedding Blanket can help. http://www.babybeddingblanket.ixvv.com

Are you looking for an online source for the most popular styles, baby nursery bedding, and toddler bedding sets? When it comes to safety, it is important that the baby is not at risk of suffocating from too much, or the wrong type of bedding. The causes of Sudden Cot Death Syndrome aren’t generally known but it has been suggested baby bedding can be a contributing factor. If you want to be completely safe, it is recommended that baby pillows and duvets do not form part of your http://www.babybeddingblanket.ixvv.com when your baby (under 1 year) is sleeping. This type of bedding could cause suffocation. There are a lot of different opinions on this subject, with many mothers choosing to move away from baby blankets and instead choosing wearable blankets or sleep suits. The train of though here is that it is much less likely that the baby will suffocate in something that they are physically wearing.

There are also many design considerations. There are a large variety of designers such as Patch Magic, Gus & max, Beach Babyz, Pitter Patter, Banana Fish and Glenna Jean. You also have to decide between traditional and contemporary crib sets for your baby and bedding designed specifically with the toddler in mind. Designers add new styles every week.

That is why small, specialized businesses like these provides a lot of resources, articles, information and service providers to help you find the best baby bedding. Do you need baby bedding or a baby blanket in time for your new child’s arrival? Remember baby bedding in all sizes, materials, colors, themes and sets are ready for you to choose from! Just remember safety as well. There are many ideas to make you’re your baby is as comfortable as he/she can be. A good starting point is Baby Bedding Blanket.

About The Author
Joseph Keller who is a father of three children who has had a long and fulfilling writing career. He enjoys writing on issues which directly relate to the safety of his children. His latest project focuses on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and information can be found at Babt Bedding Blanket.