BabyChatter Baby Naming and General Baby Tips

2007-03-07T12:55:00.001-05:00

Well, Potty Training... This is definitely something I haven't thought about in a while. It has been several years now since my son passed through this daunting stage. Just when you think your little one has mastered the whole potty thing, the accidents come. How you handle the accidents can sometimes determine how long you may end up in this stage.

Don't forget how smart your little one is! Someone once overheard two toddlers talking. One child asked "Why do you still wear pull ups?" The reply was simply "If I stop wearing pull ups, I'll have to stop playing to go to the bathroom". So with that being said, don't under estimate your child.

TIPS for accidents ( I hope this will helpful! ) Positive reinforcements - as hard as it will be, STAY POSITIVE!

"Next time let's get it in the potty"
"I see you went! We really need that in the potty." Make it a team effort.
"We are near SUCCESS! Let's clean up and try again."

Don't make the accident more important then actual use of the potty. If you response negatively, you will be reinforcing the accident opposed to your child making it to the potty and having success. Children need and want our attention and they will take the good or the bad.

Make sure your child cleans himself up. You want your child to feel in control even during accidents. The key to his success and having control.

I know it is easier said than done but by reinforcing success will happen, Success can be achieved!

2007-03-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

2007-01-17T09:37:00.000-05:00

IF MOM IS HAPPY, EVERYONE IS HAPPY! Large families are great. There's lots of laughter, love, and just stuff, never a dull moment. A lot of work goes into running a family no matter what size. I have found that harmony in the home can only be kept if everyone works together. From my 5 year old to my husband, everyone has responsibility!

You must designate exactly what the responsibility will be. You must draw a map! Your plan must be in writing. I’ve found I would get less resistance when it is written down. I did laminate the list so my children could check things off as they did them. The younger ones especially love this.

Implementing your plan may take a little more ingenuity. Don't give in! IT MUST BE DONE! I use this as a motivator. "IT MUST BE DONE!" The kids usually laugh when I start parading this throughout the house. However, at times I will use NO work NO TV.

I am not sure why so many of today's Moms feel everything is just their responsibility. Doing chores has been around forever. Working together will only make the dynamics of the family even stronger. And for new moms, it is never too early to start.

2007-01-10T09:48:00.000-05:00

PARENTING - ENTITLEMENT! I am a mother of 4. My children are ages 13, 11, 7 and 5. I have woken each day since my first was born with the intention of making their world the best it can possibly be. Making sure every detail of their lives was as perfect as I could make it. My existence had been this and only this. I just knew at that time that this was my calling; the maker of all things happy and good.

Like they say with age comes wisdom. I do jokingly say to my friends "Yep, I screwed up that one!” mostly in reference to my oldest. Don't get me wrong, my oldest is very bright, smart, beautiful young lady. However, she feels to many times that she is entitled to everything opposed to possibly earning it or not getting it at all.

I look at my other 3 children for which whom entitlement isn't a word I would use for them and I can identify what I didn't know when my oldest was little. Coping with frustration, not getting your way, doing things without reward are some of the most valuable lessons. Teaching our children this from the start will help make the years to come easier.

If in life we could get the DO OVER, this would be mine. Things were be different. I would set better boundaries, make sure the boundaries were realistic and definitely not think my child was entitled to the perfect life - There isn't such a thing! So, I would say happy parenting but it's not always happy.

2007-01-03T09:29:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are all so excited to start the New Year off with a BANG! New Year's resolutions, goals, the pursuit of health and happiness, all of these thoughts come flooding in January 1st each year. Simplifying life is always top on my list especially in respect to my children. Always start with a list, be specific and realistic!

For example, bedtime for your baby/toddler. If your baby's bedtime is too late or sporadic, setting a goal for this and accomplishing it first will alleviate stress and make more time for the other things on your list. The internet is full of helpful ideas and information. Having your baby on a routine may require some trial and error but it can be accomplished. This will make you and your baby much happier.

Another great one is diet for you and your baby. Eating healthier will give you more energy and drive. Trying out more of a variety of foods on your baby will improve your baby's health and eating habits as he/she gets older. I ventured out with my 3rd child's diet and she definitely eats much healthier now then my other children.

Organization has also been a big one on my list. Every New Year in my house, we (meaning the whole family) will go room to room reorganizing. This is always great fun when everyone is participating. All kids especially toddler love to empty things and sorting and labeling are enjoyed as well. When done, you will spend less time maintaining your house and more time living.

Whatever goals you set face them one at a time. Each time you’re successful will only make the next time easier. AGAIN, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2006-12-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

TIPS on COLIC! Here are just a few home remedies to help you and your new baby survive colic.

Baby's Diet - if your baby is bottle feed you may want to try a soy based formula or if breast feeding watching your food intake and possibly eliminating dairy, caffeine, chocolate and foods such as broccoli, onions, peppers, cabbage, melons, tomatoes, beans, peanuts and citrus fruits which produce gas

Sounds - playing a soft lullaby or humming in your babies ear may help

Bathing - giving your baby a warm bath, using massage theraphy to help releive stomach pain and using a few drops of lavender for relaxation

Motion and swaddling - wrap your baby snug in a warm blanket and you can rock your baby or maybe use a swing or baby sit

All of these things can be helpful. Just remember that this like other things will also pass. Preparing yourself each day mentally can help. Trying meditation and deep breathing before the colic time of the day starts can help keep you strong.

2006-11-29T11:54:00.000-05:00

The cold and flu season has begun! ARE YOU READY? It can be absolutely miserable when your children get a cold or even worse the flu. The only thing that can top it is when Mommy gets sick as well.

Be prepared and take action! Cold viruses and flues are impossible to see therefore impossible to prevent; however, you can take some precautions. Washing you and your baby's hands frequently, using hand sanitizers, using sanitizing wipes on shopping cart handles and door knobs, all of these things can help prevent the spread of viruses at home and out.

Even after all of these precautions, you and your baby will at sometime or another have a cold or the flu. Sickness will come and go. Things will be easier if you are prepared with medications, tissues, etc. Check with your pediatrician to see what kinds of things they recommend you have on hand if your baby gets a cold or the flu. Oh, and don't forget about things for mommy if she gets sick as well.

2006-10-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

MY BABY IS TEETHING! HELP! Now that your baby is 5 months old or so, teething may just possibly take over your life. Don't worry this will also pass. However in the meantime, here are some signs and tips to help you get through this stage:

The 1st signs of teething are usually bulging gums, drooling, fussing, biting, and night waking. Your baby may possibly have other symptoms as well; Diarrhea, low grade fever, rash.

Here are a few things you can use: teething rings (frozen), Popsicles, Cold spoons,
Frozen washcloth. Anything cold on your babies gum will give you both a little break.

You can also use medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. Teething gels can also make baby feel better. However, be careful to only use a small amount directly on the gums. Too much can make your babies tongue and lips numb. This is not going to help!

All this just when you thought it was safe to get in the water or should I say bed. Just take a deep breath. You and your baby will make it through. When nothing else seems to be working, stepping outside for 5 minutes or even just 2 may be the best tip of any.

2006-10-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

KEEPING BABY SAFE :) From infancy to toddler age and beyond, there are many things at home that can be dangerous to baby. Most accidents and injuries will occur at home. This is where your baby spends most of her/his time. Your baby is growing and changing every minute. Each milestone present new challenges for parents; baby lifting her/his head, rolling over, crawling and before you know it off running.

For infancy, here are a few tips!

-Never leave your infant alone on a bed or couch even if baby has not rolled over yet. To your surprise, your baby will find ways to move around.
-The Baby Bouncy Seat - The bouncy seat should ALWAYS be place on the floor. Your baby even infant CAN bounce the seat right off a countertop, bed or couch, a potential visit to the ER.
-Your baby's crib should never be set to the highest setting. Again, you will not know when or how your baby will start maneuvering him or herself.
-Keep small objects out of baby's reach even things such as cotton balls, Q-Tips, etc; a potential chocking hazard. Rule of thumb, use a toilet paper roll; if the object can fix through the roll it is hazardous.

Now here are a few tips for babies! The best way to keep your baby safe is to get on his/her level and look around.

-Outlet covers; to cover unused outlets and outlets being used
-Door knob covers; especially basement doors, bathroom doors, and exterior doors
-Cabinet locks – make sure to lock all bathroom and kitchen cabinets
-Remove any furniture or items that can turn over on baby
-Vacuum daily to keep floors clear of dangers
-Remove pet food and water; even in the smallest amount of water is hazardous

These are just a few tips to help you keep your baby safe. However, Even as we take every precaution to keep our babies safe, accidents will and still do happen. Enrolling in an infant first aid and CPR class will help you know how to handle a medical emergency.

2006-10-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

What are our children learning or "losing"? We have definitely created a fast pace world for our children to live in. It is like a freight train barreling down the tracks. If you haven't entered this phase of parenting yet, please take note.

We start our day by rushing our children out the door and off to school. We then turn around to send them off to dance, soccer, football, etc… either before or after fitting in their required homework. Eating microwavable foods or fast food as the main stay of nutrition and the main question is why?

As parents, we have an uncontrollable desire for our children to be as successful as the next child. If Suzy is taking dance, soccer, horseback and piano lessons then my child has to as well. If I don't, I have failed as a parent. This is a very sad reality. The lesson we teach is that life successes are solely defined by how many and how much. We are fostering a life of unhealthy competitiveness, relentless drive, and a level of stress that will in the end be harmful. We all want our children to be happy successful children and then adults. Ask yourself, Is this the way to get there.

Teach your children to stop and look around them. Teach how to work hard and how to relax. To Appreciate the small things as well as the big ones. Teach them to take time to be just who they are - not the soccer star or football star.

"Let Them Be Little" is the title of my favorite song. Have we lost that ability?

2006-10-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

WELCOME HOME - Baby's Home Now... You have just brought your new bundle of joy home from the hospital. It can definitely be a little intimidating. You are probably staring at your new tiny addition and saying "What should I do?" But you will be FINE.

So now, your new baby has been feed, burped and her/his diaper has been changed. Your baby is going off to sleep... shh NO! Please, Please, Please... DON'T turn off the TV and the Radio. Don't pull all the shades in the house. Don't tippy- toe around.

TALKing , LAUGHing , LIVing - The sounds of the world.

These sounds are all going to be comforting for your baby. Your baby heard all of these sounds before she/he was born. It will be baby’s way of knowing you’re there.

REMEMBER Babies WILL sleep and then not but stopping everything around your baby doesn't mean your baby will sleep longer. It may just mean the opposite!

2006-09-25T13:18:00.000-05:00

IT'S COLD OUTSIDE! How should I dress my baby? When it comes to dressing baby for the cold or hot weather, just remember your baby is just like YOU. Even though newborns may not be able to regulate their own body temperature yet, their bodies react to hot and cold the same way we do. So whether you are staying in or going out, use your own body's temperature gauge to keep your baby comfortable and happy.

2006-09-06T07:25:00.000-05:00

Baby Sleep
If you are having trouble getting your baby to sleep, try giving them their bath right before their last feeding for the evening. The bath will calm and relax them and the full belly should send them right off to lala-land.

2006-08-25T15:33:00.000-05:00

Baby Car Seats - A Few Tips
When purchasing a baby's car seat, make sure the seat appears to be comfortable for your baby and is easy to use. You may be using the car seat in more than 1 car and switching it back and forth, so ease of use is important so that you are ensured the car seat is properly fitted and is correctly installed. Keep in mind that you may be changing car seats once your infant reaches a certain weight. Most importantly make sure your baby's car seat meets all federal safety regulations for infant car seats.

2006-08-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

Baby Pictures
Pictures are a huge part of growing up, from birth through the teenage years and beyond. When I was a child, my mother got at least 1 picture taken each year, whether it be a school picture or an outside photographer. She also got at least one picture in an 8 x 10 size and kept the current year picture up on the wall. Each year when she would get the new picture, she would put the old one behind it, therefore having a bunch of pictures in the same frame. From time to time she would go back and lay them all out in order to look at them and see how we had grown. Ive done the same thing with my kids and my kids now enjoy gettting them out and looking at them all too. Its really a lot of fun. Dont forget to mark the years on the backs of the pictures because, trust me, after a few years and a couple kids, you will forget!

2006-07-25T11:18:00.000-05:00

Diaper Baby Necessities
Ensuring you have the proper items in your diaper bag at all times will also ensure your stress level remains in check when you are travelling with your baby. When returning from your trip, whether it be to the grocery store or a vacation, get into the habit of replenishing your diaper bag so that you wont have to worry that you dont have what you need. Some of the items that are crucial are:

6-8 diapers (or more depending on how long you will be gone)
Baby wipes in a travel container
Changing mat, plastic ones are the best so they wipe off easily
Small plastic bags to dispose of the diapers and wipes
Burping cloth
Diaper rash ointment
An extra pacifier or teething ring
Baby bib
Baby pain reliever
Any additional items you use on a regular basis

2006-07-25T11:14:00.000-05:00

Water Fun with Baby
If you are a waterbug like many people are or are just enjoying the summer water fun with your baby, make sure you purchase diapers or a swimsuit that are specifically designed for baby's use in the water. Using a regular cloth diaper can get really heavy fast when it gets soaked with water, and its also unsanitary too! Also, make sure you change your baby's diaper right before getting in the water too.

2006-07-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Healthy Babies
Keeping your baby healthy can be a daunting task even for an experienced parent. Setting aside the thoughts to place your baby in a "bubble" to protect them from everything, there are a few simple things you can do to try to keep your baby as healthy as possible and try to prevent any future illnesses. Keep in mind this is not intended as medical advice, just some simple, common sense thoughts. You MUST consult your physician for any concerns.

Pay attention to is holding your baby, or caring your baby for that matter. If that person is sick, their germs could transfer to your baby. Also, staying away from large crowds especially during cold and flu season would probably be a good idea as well.

Wash your hands before picking up your baby. I know this sounds like it would be hard to remember, but once you get into the habit, its easy. It will also help you with your health as well. People dont think about how dirty money and doorknobs can be.

Be sure your baby has all regularly scheduled check ups and immunizations. You should contact your pediatrist if you are unsure of anything or have any questions.

Please feel free to add your thoughts on this topic...

2006-06-11T07:49:00.003-05:00

Maternity Clothes for Less
If you are pregnant and the thought of having to buy maternity clothes that you will only wear for a short period of time makes your wallet cringe, here's a few tips to help get you through.

** Try to borrow whatever you can from friends and family. Chances are they will be happy to give you their old clothes as they may not be using them again either.

** If you know how to sew, you can save money on your maternity clothes and also, get exactly what you want. I couldnt find a "holiday" outfit for a Christmas party I was attending and ending up making a shimmery green top and wore black slacks with it. I liked it so much, I made a red one for Valentine's Day. The other advantage to making the clothing yourself is that you can get the size that FITS you. At the time I was pregnant, I was a plus size woman and quickly found that plus size maternity clothes were pretty hard to find. A 1X or 3X wasnt *exactly* as I had assumed it would be. The maternity patterns that I found were for actual sizes and I could increase or decrease as I saw fit. As a result, I had clothes that fit, that I was very comfortable in.

** This brings us to the point that if you are pregnant, and especially working outside the home, black slacks are your best friend! They will go with everything.

** When you find out your a pregnant, since you have 9 months worth of clothing to think about, you might be able to shop the sales that may still have last season's clothes on sale at greatly reduced prices. Say for example you find out you are pregnant in February, you would be due about October. You may be able to find some bargains on Fall clothing still in February.

** Some plus size clothing will work as maternity clothing as well. Keep in mind though that it is not designed for pregnancy, but many things will work pretty nicely during pregnancy too. When I was pregnant, my sleeping attire was mostly just plus size clothing.

Please share any maternity clothing tips you have...

2006-05-09T06:22:00.000-05:00

Baby Mits
Even the best baby nail trimming can still have your baby scratching his or herself accidentally. Try putting baby mitts on your baby to keep them from hurting themselves.

2006-05-09T06:18:00.000-05:00

More Nail Trimming
When trying to keep your newborn baby's nails trimmed, I know this is going to sound weird, but the easiest way might be to bite them off yourself. A friend of mine did this with her daughter and said it worked out better than nail clippers becuase she had more control. This is odd to me, but apparently effective for some new mothers.

2006-04-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

Pets and New Babies
If you are concerned about how Fido or Fluffy will react to the new member of your family, consider putting up a wooden screen door on the baby's bedroom door. Pets can get jealous and you dont want any "accidents" to harm your baby. I know this sounds strange but you can decorate the door nicely to go with your home decor and it makes a great conversation piece! They are pretty inexpensive too. With cats in our household, I used a screen door for both of my children until I was no longer concerned. This will allow you to be able to hear everything going on in the bedroom without feeling like you are shutting your baby (or your animals) out.

2006-04-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

Breast Milk Donation
We have all heard that breast milk is best for your newborn baby. In some instances, the new mother may not be able to provide breast milk to her newborn as she intended. The new mother may be too ill or weak or her milk has just not "come in" yet due to a premature birth and/or a variety of other factors. Did you know that you can donate breast milk for these situations? Just check with your local hospital or doctor and they can give you all the information you will need about it.

2006-03-03T12:23:00.000-05:00

Messy Eaters!
If you have a child that is a very messy eater, try getting one of those hard plastic bibs with the catch at the bottom. It will be easy to clean up, just wash with mild soap and water in the sink and you're ready for the next food battle.

2006-01-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

Baby's Umbilical Cord
Consider saving your baby's umbilical cord. I know this may sound odd, but saving or banking it may save lives in the future. Check it out here: Cord Blood Registry