7/18/2005

The Newest Baby Stroller Trend?


So what's all the fuzz about different strollers, for some years ago, a baby stroller was something you used to push your baby around in, but now it seem to be a fashion accessory.

Well, the latest baby stroller trend seems to be the Bugaboo stroller, is it any good or just a celebrity hyped device used by Hollywood celebs?

It's meant to appeal to the active, modern parent who wants to get around, whether it's the subway, pram, woods, sandy beach or whatever terrain you want to walk in.

The prize tag is at least something that can be a bit eye watering at first, but the question is, is it worth it?

Well, the parents who use it claims it's the best invention since the car, because it's light weight, but still stable. The seat and carrycot is reversible, so when the baby grows and wants to look around and not facing you, it's easy to turn around in one grip. And, it really does have some very inventive features, and it's obvious that the designers of the Bugaboo are active parents themselves, and developed a stroller they would want themselves. One thing that has never been seen on another stroller before its the ability to move the seat up and down vertically, so that the baby can sit at a table-high position and join you at the table if you want to have a comfortable position when feeding your baby outside sitting on a bench or similar.

The swivel like wheels make the Bugaboo stroller very easy to maneuver, so you don't have to push the handle down to get the front wheels up when turning, this is very handy, and after using a stroller like that it feels really uncomfortable to drive the "normal" stroller with fixed wheels.

The Carrycot is approved for use for overnight sleeping, good if you are on a trip or the baby is going to stay the night at grandma's. The Pushchair seat can also be used as a seat on the floor or the ground, like a baby bouncer seat. The handle bar is height adjustable, it will be comfortable for both mom and dad to walk around with. The underseat bag is bigger then it was before, so you have room for shopping bags or baby items. It will fit in the smallest car, because it doesn't take much space when folded together. The seat frame is longer than on a normal stroller, so will fit a longer baby and taller child, a really nice feature.

So is this really the Rolls Royce of stroller some claim it to be? Yes, probably. It's a bit costy indeed, but should be looked upon as an investment, because with it's high quality construction you can use it for as long as you need to have your child in a stroller.

Want to know more about the stroller? For more info click and Go Here

Beatrice Stephenson is a freelance writer on family health and recreation.

For more info on the Bugaboo Baby stroller please visit www.babysafety.efven.com/stroller.html

7/17/2005

WhereTo Seek Help For Infertility?


There are many places a couple can look for infertility help. If you are not able to conceive a child, you are probably infertile and need to seek help. Begin with the infertility help process, first is going to see your gynecologist or doctor. Some times they can help but, they will maybe refer you to an infertility specialist. They will advice you on the infertility help that is based on what they have find out.

About the help

When you are going for the first visit to the specialist or doctor for help, you will need to get ready to give the doctor a medical and gynecological history. The male will probably be sent to see an urologist about his problems and the female will send to see a gynecologist. There will be an inspection of both of them. Infertility help will come after you have completed the testing and a cause is identified. The health care provider can then begin the infertility help treatments.

Man and woman have different problems that will need to be treated differently. There will be many kinds of infertility help treatment for you and your spouse. Remember, sometime you might not be luck and the causing you to be infertile can't be identified. This will definitely slow down the help you may obtain. You must continue to try to get information on infertility and the problems you are encountered. Don't forget, to look and obtain some support for your emotional help. It will be frustrating and sometimes very complicated for a person to handle such things. Having infertility help in the way of emotional support will make a change in your life.

Infertility Financial aid

Infertility financial aid is an option that man and woman that are facing infertility need to look into. If you have plan to go to a distance with the treatments that are available, you know that it end out can be very costly. You may or may not be able to pay for the treatment. This is where the infertility financial aid programs come into help you. They offer you ways to be able to pay for the various treatments that you may choose to treat your infertility. It is better for you need to understand each type of infertility financial aid and it cover areas. You don't want to sign out the papers and end out not be able to receive the services you have chosen.

The Options of Infertility Financial Aid

Some couples who find out about being infertile, can not afford to finance all their money themselves that it will take to try to get pregnant. You may have the option to use a credit card or take out a loan plan to fund your infertility treatments. You may know that your specific infertility clinic has a financial aid advisor that can help you get the support you required. Be careful and make sure that you have done a study and carefully read into other options before you sign out any plan. Look for those who have a better deal plan that allows you more freedom to choose. The facility you are using may have other providers that they work with on a regular basis.

There are a few dissimilar infertility financial aid options that are worth talking about. The first one is the (IFV) Invetro-fertilization Refund Program. This specific infertility financial aid plan allows you to have a certain number of IVF cycles done and will reimburse you for those cycles if you not become pregnant and have a child within a definite time frame. You may get back most of the money you have spent out if you do not become pregnant. You may be under certain restrictions with this type of infertility financial aid plan. One of the condition, you must have to fall under certain age limits, you may have a certain reduced fee to pay for a convinced amount of cycles, you may need to take up minimum number of cycles before getting refund, 70 to 100 percent refund amount permitted, restriction on type of services that covered, and any aid that may already put in place for the couples. All these factors are significant when you choose the correct aid for your treatment.

You may want to look into other companies infertility financial aid options. You can always try to get an unsecured loan for yourself to pay for the infertility treatments and any drugs you may need. Usually, the infertility drug cost can run to about 35 percent of the total amount you are paying. Some companies offer special loans special designed to finance IVF.

Seeking Help

Infertility help from your health care provider and support groups are necessary for you to be able to get through this trying ordeal. It is even more important for you and your spouse to understand and communicate whatever thing you are feeling to each other. Not only will you be able to start to understand each other feeling and thoughts but, you will be deepening your bond with each other and that is the most excellent type of infertility help you can get.

Whatever form of infertility financial aid that you choose is right for you will hopefully produce the desired results you are waiting. In the other site, if there is no baby at the end of the treatments, a refund guarantee may be in place.

7/16/2005

Creative Baby Showers! They can be memorable and you can make the difference.


If you're looking for a creative and different way to honor new moms- and dads-to-be and help them get ready for their baby, consider throwing a baby safety shower instead of the usual "blankets and snugglies" shower.
Traditional baby showers are great fun and they offer new parents an opportunity to prepare their "nests" for the arrival of a new baby. Usually a baby shower is intended to give new parents a leg up in acquiring essential items like baby clothing, bath supplies, bottles or nursing equipment, toys and games, and special blankets or other treasures like silver cups. I've always viewed baby showers as one of the best ways that a community can come together around the birth of a new child. It reminds me of one of the best aspects of the "old days" when a town, village, or neighborhood considered the birth and caring for a new child its responsibility, too.
A baby safety shower is in keeping with these old communitarian traditions. It's more than just fun and games, it's really a learning experience for the whole community where all the activities revolve around baby and home safety. Parents and caregivers certainly have a great time, but they also leave with a higher awareness of ways to keep their new babies safe at home.
The shower's theme may focus on a variety of safety issues (see the Baby Safety Checklist below), including child-proofing one's home, nutrition or health. Also, you can arrange a baby safety shower for as many people as you can fit in your party space. At bigger safety showers, all of the moms and dads in attendance--not just the couple being honored--can visit a variety of exhibits where safety-savvy parents illustrate home safety information with games, puzzles, songs, prizes, and other activities. At smaller showers, it might work better to have one person lead the group in discussions and safety games.
Usually baby showers involve a collection of family and friends of the new parents, but safety showers are also a good way to create and promote partnerships within the broader community. By offering, for example, to distribute baby products donated by local stores, or by providing information from local community health service providers, you can enhance your ties with the local business community and build your relationships with local health and social service organizations. All this creates goodwill in your community and it provides your invited parents with welcome information, products, and services.
Use your creativity to create a baby safety shower for your personal situation. The key to throwing a safety shower that will be rewarding for all involved is providing important safety information in a festive and inviting setting. So--have fun, and learn about the all-important matter of better safety practices for your household.

7/15/2005

Drawbacks Of Double Baby Jogging Stroller


One drawback that many women face when they have children is weight gain. It's an inevitable part of becoming pregnant and

for a lot of women, the extra pounds stick around long after the baby is born. Getting back to working-out can be a challenge, especially if you don't have someone who can watch your children for you. With a double baby jogging stroller you can simply take the kids with you. They get to enjoy the view while you get to enjoy a nice, brisk jog.

The age of your children will be one of the factors you'll want to carefully consider before choosing a model. Some double jogger strollers are fashioned so the children sit next to one another, while others accommodate two children, one behind the

other.

If your kids are the same age, the side-by-side design might be most appropriate. This allows the children the chance to interact and it also distributes the weight very evenly. Many people who have twins decide to purchase this type of double baby jogging stroller. They are designed to accommodate children from birth through five years of age, so you can expect to get lots of use out of them.

A traditional tandem stroller is often a better choice if your children are a couple of years apart in age. The older child can sit in the front of the double baby jogging stroller while the back is best suited for a baby. In some double jogger strollers, the back seat can even be reclined so that a small baby can be placed flat for comfort.

Many moms and dads who use these as part of their work-out routine look for a model that can hold a few essentials including

water bottles, snacks for the kids and a cell phone. A double baby jogging stroller with a pouch in the back is a great choice. Some even come equipped with a special holder designed for either a water bottle or a baby's bottle.

Long jogs will obviously require some extras including items for changing a baby or toddler. If this is a consideration for you, a double baby jogging stroller with a basket underneath that can

accommodate these things will work well. As the children grow you can use this space for snacks, sunscreen and picture books.

There's no reason for a parent to not get out and walk or run, even if they have small children to tend to. The fresh air will be good for everyone and you'll love getting in shape while sharing time with your kids.

7/14/2005

XELR8 As Fast As You Can � Something To Consider For The Baby Boomer Generation


If you are a Baby Boomer you are in your mid forties or beyond.

How many jobs have you had? Are you satisfied with your current profession? Do you have children in college? Are you prepared for retirement? Is the job you are doing helping you realize your dreams? Do you dream of having more time? Do you dream of being excited about what you are doing? Do you dream of having a higher quality of life, more vacations, more quality time with family and friends, more financial security or whatever your definition of a higher quality of life is?

Do you feel stuck and frustrated that roughly half of your life on this Earth has past and you aren't quite where you thought you would be or want to be?

These are all normal questions for the Baby Boomer generation. For some there is total contentment. But for those who are still looking, seeking, hoping for more there is a means to that end. That end can be something different for everyone. But there is a way to realize it whatever it is.
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So where can you keep your current job (until you choose to move on), cultivate a new opportunity, create unlimited income potential, achieve a healthier personal and family lifestyle, pay those college tuitions, establish financial security for retirement, and have the means to pursue any dream you may have?

Let's consider for a moment a network marketing approach, to some known as multi-level-marketing or MLM. It can be done over the phone, Internet, from home, or just about anywhere in the world. Some may be thinking, "Amway", "the pyramid thing". The answer is No. Network Marketing has changed. Look for the company with the right endorsements, the right tools, the right approach, winning products, and impeccable timing. The company that has all these things will lift a person out of the daily rat race cycle and into a new, happier, healthier life with more free time and unlimited earning potential.

This is not to say that being successful in Network Marketing does not require effort and at time long hours. But, the flexibility in those hours, satisfaction in owning one's own business, no boss, no employees, with very high if not unlimited earning potential can be extremely satisfying. Matter of fact for some Baby Boomers, It may be the first professional satisfaction ever experienced. Being happy with one's profession can enhance a person's quality of life alone.
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Once established, the effort to maintain an income level with the right network marketing company will diminish drastically, providing for more time with the family and once again an overall healthier more satisfying, less stressful life style.

This is not to suggest that your dream is or should be to become a Network Marketer, but to suggest that network marketing is a very viable way to establish the means to realize your dreams.

Baby Boomer or not, if you have not considered network marketing as an alternative to the daily routine and the rut the American employee seems to be in. Perhaps you should. The possibilities are endless and the dream is yours to realize.

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7/13/2005

What Baby Furniture Do I need For My Newborn Or Baby-To-Be?


Don't really know what a proper baby furniture set should contain? As a first time parent, it can be quite confusing when it comes to all the different things you think you might need for your newborn. Advertisers states that you would need a really exclusive full furnitured room, complete with all the "indispensable" items that they will tell you is a must.
You could buy a complete furniture set from the start, and that way get all the basic stuff in one go, but I personally think, from my own experience, that to buy baby furniture one by one is better. I will explain to you why in this article.

You will undoubtly need some basics. A crib and a wardrobe is a good place to start. Let's elaborate from that.
Remember that the baby will play on the floor for the first year or so. Maybe what you would want in first hand is an nice soft rug, and some colourful big storage boxes to keep the toys in, so they are easy to reach for the baby. The rest you can buy along the way, when you really know what you're in need of. Later on he will start to enjoy books, maybe then you will get a good steady bookshelf (in the right size of course) for the nursery. Get my point? Get the stuff when you know the needs for your baby. For a small baby that only still crawls, it's much nicer to have floor space to move around on, than a lot of unused furniture around. And, lets face it, how much time is the baby going to spend in the nursery room? You baby is going to be with you for some years at least, before he starts to enjoy (and don't need you to take care of and keep an eye on him of course!) playing by himself in his room.

A good place to start is a roomy wardrobe. If you invest in a good wardrobe you can keep it for years. Remember that it has to be steady and safe. You want to be absolutely sure that it can't overturn when your baby starts to lean on to it trying to walk, or climbing in to it. If you are unsure that it will be steady enough, secure it to the wall.

Besides that, the crib, of course, is another furniture you will need. Maybe you use a cradle for the first six months or so, but after that a crib is really a good place for the baby to sleep. See to it that the cradle is a place that he or she will enjoy staying in, and a place for it to relax. Place some nice pictures on the wall above the crib, maybe get a crib mobile or some nice things to hang from the sides of the crib. As the baby gets bigger, you can have a softer start in the morning if you place some interesting things beside the crib, that the baby can reach and play with for a while (place a chair beside the crib). In that way you can rest a bit longer in the morning, and the baby gets a nice start to the day by playing and discovering the items. Remember to swap the things regularly, a baby wants to discover new things always and gets tired of playing with the same things too long. You can do the same with all the toys. If they start to just laying around, and the baby is not playing with some of them, take those away for awhile. Take them out again after a couple of weeks, and those toys will be as good as new and exciting to play with again!

But, lets return to the other "must have" nursery furniture. What more should you get? Well, a nursery table is a piece you will need there if you are not doing the diaper changing somewhere else in the house, personally I have it in the bathroom, because I want access to running water. The rest is really up to you. Maybe you want a little table and some chairs or whatever, that will make the room look comfy, but don't rush in to things buying too much when the baby is small.

Beatrice Stephenson is a freelance writer on family health and recreation.

For more info on baby furniture and safety, please visit www.babysafety.efven.com

7/12/2005

Baby Bottle Weaning


Pediatricians and child experts say that babies have to be weaned from their bottles starting at 12 months. At this stage, children can already sit down by themselves, sit up, walk and hold a cup. Introducing him to a training cup in place of his bottle by this time will more likely result in him permanently leaving the bottle, than starting the weaning process at around age 2.

Since toddlers 2 and 3 are more active, they will have the tendency to carry their bottles around while doing activities drinking from it from time to time. Others still look for their bottles before going to bed at age 4. Once you've let your child reach this age still on the bottle, there will be a big struggle to be able to get her off it.

Hence, it's best if you start him early on cups. In addition, doctors suggest that there are other consequences of staying with the feeding bottle long after the appropriate time.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM FEEDING BOTTLE USE

1. The acidity of the bottle when the milk has been drunk will cause cavities in his teeth. Since toddlers have the tendency to nibble on their bottle teats even after they've finished the milk, the acidity found here will ruin their teeth.
2. The prolonged use of the bottle can ruin the shape of his mouth and distort the alignment of his teeth.
3. He will have the tendency to rely on his bottle whenever he gets hungry thus he could be missing out on a lot of other important vitamins and nutrients found in healthy foods.
4. His social interaction skills could be slightly hampered because he has turned to the bottle for security and unless he loses it, he could be teased about it.

However, don't despair if you haven't started him on the weaning process or have been unsuccessful in the past. Experts suggest s few things to help motivate your child to lose the bottle.

1. Slowly decrease the amount of milk you put in his bottle. As he starts to get hungrier, feed him more solid foods.
2. When he asks for his bottle, hand him his training cup instead. Keep repeating this until he gets used to you just giving him his cup.
3. He will likely throw a tantrum when you do this so think of ways to calm him down. Hug him and soothe him with your voice.
4. Use the reward system to coax him into giving up his bottle. Each time he asks for his bottle and accepts his training cup instead, congratulate him on being a responsible grown little boy.
5. Since he associates his bottle with some sense of security, give him another security thing like a blanket, a new stuffed toy or a candy pillow. While you are trying to wean him and using this kind of exchange deal, keep her old blankets, pillows or stuffed toys first so she'll only focus on one security thing.

Remember that bottle weaning is essential not only in helping your child develop his independence, social skills and his sense of authority; but is also important for him health-wise.

7/11/2005

What To Do When You're Not Getting Pregnant


Let's face it, getting pregnant is not always as easy as it sounds. As many stories as you have heard about unplanned pregnancies, getting pregnant should be easy right? You learned sex ed around the 5th grade, but what they didn't tell you is approximately 1 in 10 couples will experience infertility for one reason or another and that most couples do not get pregnant the first month of trying. If you are finding it more difficult than you thought to get pregnant, we have some suggestions for you.

1. Try a recipe for sex

There are quite a few of them out there. A recipe for sex is basically a list of days to have sex on to try to get pregnant. My personal favorite is having sex on days 9, 11, 12, 14, & 16 of your cycle. Of course if you don't have a 28 day cycle this one probably won't work for you. Another plan is having sex every other day starting about day 10 of your cycle.

2. Try fertility charting

Fertility charting involves taking your temperature at the same time every morning before getting out of bed. You also observe for signs of ovulation and chart your cervical mucous pattern. Charting can help determine if you are ovulating and help you to pinpoint when ovulation is occurring.

3. Use ovulation prediction kits (OPKs)

You can buy ovulation prediction kits at your local pharmacy or you can find them even cheaper if you purchase them online. A day or two before you ovulate, your body produces a surge of luteinizing hormone, LH. OPKs work by detecting this LH surge. Follow the directions that come with your kit to determine how to read the test strips, what time of day to test, and also what day of your cycle you should begin testing. OPKs cannot confirm ovulation, but they can help you predict ovulation before it occurs. Used in combination with fertility charting, they are very effective in determining ovulation.

4. Get to an ideal weight

Many women do not want to hear this one, but being overweight or underweight can affect your fertility. Women who are significantly underweight or exercise excessively often lose their period all together. It makes perfect sense then that if you are significantly overweight your fertility would be affected as well. Losing weight if you are overweight is one of the best things you can do to improve your fertility. Sticking to a sensible diet and increasing your weight if you are underweight will also help. Weight issues can also affect your partner's sperm, so if your partner is over or underweight encourage him to reach his ideal weight.

5. Check out your medicine cabinet

Certain medications can affect fertility. Talk with your doctor about the medications that you and you partner take. Even over the counter medications can cause problems. For example, medications such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and cimetidine can reduce a man's fertility.

6. Try Instead Softcups�

Although no formal research has been done on it, many women have claimed success from using them. Instead Softcups� are inserted and placed close to the cervix after intercourse to help hold semen close to the cervix.

7. Try a supplement

There are many over the counter supplements now that may aid in fertility including Vitex, FertiliAid, and FertiliTea. Vitamin B6 may also be helpful with improving your chances of getting pregnant. Men should take a daily multivitamin and women should start taking prenatal vitamins when they begin trying to conceive.

8. Check your position

The best sexual position for trying to conceive is with the woman on the bottom. It may also be helpful for her to lay on her back after intercourse with her knees to her chest for fifteen minutes.

9. Talk to your doctor

Although many doctors will not investigate infertility until you've been trying for a full year, many will and even those that are more conservative with treatment may be able to offer you valuable insight and suggestions. Your doctor can give you and your partner a full workup to check for potential causes of infertility. There are many treatments available including Clomid, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), and more. Your doctor can also look at related health issues that may be affecting your fertility such as thyroid disorders and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Even infections and viral illnesses can cause problems getting pregnant. Your doctor can work with you to come up with a plan for you to get pregnant.

7/10/2005

Baby Memory Book: Remember The 'Celestial' Days


I think there are certain "watershed" moments in the life of each family. Ours happened in June of 1995 when we finally got our last child potty trained. I sat down and punched a few numbers: we had gone through over twenty five thousand diapers!

While potty training our kids, my wife would sit next to the child for hours and read them story books until she got them to tinkle. To celebrate, she would clap, cheer, and give them chocolate--the exact same things that Oprah needs to sustain her fragile ego and mercurial waistline.

The whole process took place on a cute little plastic potty-chair that had endured the onslaught of our six well-fed little porkers. So, I called the family to gather in the back yard. We formed a sacred circle around the potty chair. In solemn assembly, I uttered a few reverent words about how that little chair had served us so well. I then passed out the golf clubs and we proceeded to beat the potty chair into about six thousand pieces.

Babies are so stinking cute--especially when they are breast fed. Usually breast fed babies are fat, healthy, happy and they just smell good. I'm always surprised when I hear a new mother announce that she isn't going to breast feed. I think, "Jeez lady, you've been packing those things around for twenty seven years. They have a purpose besides ornamentation you know!" Although, as ornaments, I do feel they are unsurpassed.

Most people go to church, I suppose, to hear the Word: "Blah, blah, blah...and here are five thousand more reasons why you're going to Hell! Blah, blah, blah!" When I go to church, I like to hold someone's baby. I've always felt that if you want to see the glory of the sun, you don't look at the sun. You look at what the sun illuminates: a beautiful red sky at sunset, or a verdant mountain. Likewise, if you want to see God, look at that which he illuminates. When I look at a baby, I feel like I'm looking at something celestial. Babies laugh when I wiggle my ears, and they don't see my weaknesses. They're not compiling a list of five hundred reasons to send me to Hell on judgment day.

The saddest thing about raising babies is that often times, the parents are so tired that they forget how awesome their babies are. Last week I was sitting in church and there was a handsome young couple sitting four seats apart with three kids trapped between them. The babies were as cute as Reese Witherspoon triplets, but the poor parents were exhausted. The mother was staring off into space obviously too tired to even dream of Cancun; and the poor dad looked like he was trying to emerge from a six year coma.

Isn't it amazing how kids mold their parents? When I was a kid there was this stuff called Dippity-Doo. It was basically petroleum jelly mixed with super glue. My mom would line me and my three brothers up in a row and slather Dippity-Doo all over our heads. After she combed our hair, it would set up as solid as Hoover Dam. Do you remember Barbie Doll and her gay brother Ken? Well, mom would march us to church looking like the four pre-pubescent, developmental stages of Ken.
When we got to church, she would line us up on the pew and tell us that she would kill us if we talked during church--which we always did. So every week after church, it was the same thing: mom would give me a knife and tell me to go cut a big switch off of the willow tree so she could tan our heathen little backsides. We brothers would run up stairs and put on two pairs of pants, but that strategy only led to mom thumping us over the head with her wooden house slippers that weighed about as much as the Spanish Armada. If it wasn't for the Dippity-Doo hard hat, I'm sure we'd all have brain damage.

The irony of this 1,000,000% true story is that my kids think I'm making it up! When I take the kids to see grandma, they gather round her feet and hang on every syllable that emanates from her angelic lips like a bunch of pilgrims at the Sermon on the Mount! I try to tell them that their sweet little grandma is not the woman who raised me: "The woman who raised me, whipped me and called me a damn little shit!"

"Ah Dad," they reply, "You're just making that up. Grandma is a lot nicer than you are." Like I said, I love babies, but I haven't said a word about teenagers. I sure am glad we kept a baby memory book for each of our kids, so we can remember their 'celestial' days.

7/09/2005

Organic and Fairtrade Baby Food


The new Plum Baby product is made from organic mango, banana and quinoa grain from South America. Many mums want to feed their babies organic and healthier food as a pure organic diet can be more beneficial during the first few months of life than at any other time. Babies have immature systems and need the very purest and safest foods.

Organic produce is one of the fastest growing food retail sectors in the country. Health scares such as BSE and foot-and-mouth, plus fears of GM crops/food and synthetic dyes and ingredients such as Sudan1 have led to considerable growth in the organic and the healthy food market as worried consumers seek out more healthy and natural products for both adults and children. This has lead to Organic baby foods becoming increasingly popular. Once only available in health shops or via online, organic baby foods are becoming much more widely available and you can now find them in local conveneice shops. Sales of organic food now account for half of the entire baby food market. Organic baby foods are not necessarily an improvement on organic home cooking, but are more convenient. It is worth noting that descriptions on products -- such as natural, traditional, or environmentally friendly -- do not mean they are organic.

How do I know its Organic or Fairtrade?
The term organic is defined by law - all organic food production and processing is governed by a strict set of rules. Look for symbols such as the Soil Association symbol for your guarantee of the highest organic standards. The Soil Association organic symbol is the UK's largest and most recognizable trademark for organic produce. Wherever you see it you can be sure that the food you have purchased has been produced and processed to strict and rigorous animal welfare and environmental standards. Other symbols to look out for include the Organic Food Federation and Certified Organic Ingredients.

The Fairtrade Foundation exists to ensure that producers are guaranteed a minimum price for their goods irrespective of world prices. This means that Fairtrade goods are often more expensive in the UK than those without the Fairtrade logo. Although people are now arguing that supermarkets are fuelling their excessive profits by adding large mark-ups to these products This premium that the producer charges covers the basic food, housing, health and education needs of the local communities in countries such as India and Brazil. The Foundation awards a consumer label, the Fairtrade Mark, to products which meet internationally recognized standards of Fairtrade. It is the only such certification in the UK. The fairtrade label is often a black box with a half yellow, half blue circle with the text Guarantees a Better Deal for Third World Producers.

Look at the Fairtrade Mark
Most people dont have enough time to read the labels of all the different food products that they buy to check for organic or fairtrade ingredients. So look for the various symbols.

The use of such symbols is entirely optional and a product can still be organic or fairly traded even though it doesnt carry the symbol of a certifying body. That means if you want to be 100% satisfied that what you are eating or using is organic or fairtrade, always read the label or speak to the vendor.

7/08/2005

10 Things You Should Know About Raising a Baby


So�you are now the proud parents of your beautiful baby but how much do you know about looking after him or her? Having a baby can be the most joyous event in your life but it can also be the most intimidating. There is no instruction book and it is therefore important that you know about some of the things that lie ahead. With a basic understanding, the job ahead will be much easier.

 Caesarean delivery: A caesarean is normally carried out on women when there is a possible danger in normal delivery. C-sections can be performed for many different reasons including delayed labour, difficult labour, problems with the baby that may make delivery hard, or other problems. Just remember, you are still a mother with a beautiful new blessing whether the baby is born vaginally or by a caesarean section.

 Bathing your baby: While your baby still has her umbilical cord, she should only be sponge bathed. The umbilical cord generally falls off after a week or two. After this happens, bath your baby in a shallow baby bath as shown by your nurse.

 Circumcision: Circumcision, though once widely accepted as almost routine, has become controversial in the past couple of decades. Many doctors concur that there are benefits to being circumcised as it may help to lower the risk of urinary tract infections and eliminates almost any chance of penile cancer. Circumcision does not cause long-term emotional problems for your child.

 Crib death (SIDS): Many studies have been done regarding SIDS. Although the cause of SIDS has not been definitely defined, there are some correlations that have been made between SIDS and the following things:

o Male babies are more likely to die from SIDS than females
o Prematurity makes it more likely
o Minority children are affected by it more often than non-minorities
o Children who live in a home with one or more smokers are more likely to be affected

Some people say that sleeping with your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS, but the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree with this statement and go on to say that there is a greater risk of SIDS in babies who co-sleep.


 Diapers: Most babies need a diaper change at each feeding time. This means that your baby will need about 6-8 diapers a day or more.

 Diaper rash: Sensitive skin is a common problem for some babies and they may get a diaper rash due to a food allergy, yeast infection, sitting too long in a wet or messy diaper, or teething. If you notice your baby beginning to get a diaper rash, talk to your pediatrician about which diaper rash medicine will work for your baby.

 Growth spurts: If you begin to notice that your child is not as satisfied with the amount that you have been feeding her previously, then she may be beginning a growth spurt period. Growth spurts can start as early as 10 days after your baby's birth. They are usually preceded by a sleepy, lethargic day and a big jump in appetite. Growth spurts may happen again at 3, 6, and 12 weeks and again at 4 and 6 months. If you are breastfeeding, you may want to add a feeding or two to satisfy your baby's appetite and to help increase milk production.

 Immunizations: With all of the conflicting reports on immunizations, you may be unsure about whether or not you want your child to receive immunizations. I think that there are simply too many fatal diseases that can be prevented by immunizing your baby to take the chance. If you are unsure, then you need to talk with your paediatrician, but understand that the reason that the infant mortality rate is so low in this country is because immunizations are routinely done.

 Pacifiers & thumb sucking: If you breastfeed, do not allow your child to use you as their pacifier. If your baby seems to have a need to suck beyond eating, then you need to give them a pacifier. There is no "nipple confusion" between a breast nipple and a pacifier as they are very different in feel and taste. Babies will know the difference between the two. Some children do not want a pacifier but will suck on their thumb. If you don't have a problem with it, then let them.


 Spitting up: It is very common for babies to spit up, but some babies do it more than others. If your baby is growing normally, then there is no need to worry about it. Projectile throwing up is not the same as spitting up. Projectile throwing up is a violent reaction to reject the contents of the stomach and not just "burping" up a little milk. If your baby does this frequently, consult your paediatrician.




Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is the owner of http://www.mummansun.com, a discount retail outlet, and a co-director of http://www.betterhealthshoppe.com which is an information portal with many interesting medical articles. She is also an associate of http://www.timzbiz.com which features many articles on internet marketing and resources.

7/07/2005

Weaning A Breastfed Baby


When to wean is a question facing all breastfeeding mums. How does a new mum know when to introduce solid food into her baby's diet and what sort of food can a baby eat?

At present the World Health Organisation recommends that all babies be breastfed exclusively for six months. A long time, you may think, especially in the middle of a colic episode or growth spurt! However, there are real concerns for the welfare of babies that have led to this advice.

In the past many babies were fed solid foods at very young ages. It is now believed that their bodies were unable to cope with the demands this placed on them; a dramatic increase in the incidence of allergies and food intolerances meant guidelines were reviewed and altered.

The main danger that comes with introducing solid food too early is that babies may receive too much salt in their diets, leading to potential kidney problems in later life.

So, if you follow the advice of the World Health Organisation, you will see that it makes sense to put off giving food other than breastmilk for the first six months.

So how do you encourage a six month old baby to eat solids? The main thing to remember is that you should introduce solids gradually.

When your baby is ready for solid food he will begin to demand feeds more often, and may never seem satisfied for very long. He will start to take an interest in your meals and may even try to help himself! He will begin lip-smacking and chewing as he mimics you. A real sign that solids are imminent is the development of teeth.

Speak to a health-visitor if you think your baby is very hungry. If your baby is under six months you may find that he is just going through a prolonged growth spurt. If this is the case, his hunger will normally settle down after a few days when your milk supply has increased.

When your baby reaches the six month target, and you are sure that he is ready for solid food, try a teaspoonful of watery baby rice or baby porridge. Try to keep foods very bland and runny at the beginning.

Once he is used to solid foods, and is no younger than six months, you can quickly move onto adult cereals like Weetabix and Readybrek.

It is wise to only introduce one food at a time so that you can identify any intolerances or allergies. Sometimes these can take several days to take effect, so stick to one food for a few days before moving onto another.

Some babies are happy to have one solid feed a day at the beginning of weaning, whereas others require more frequent feeds. It is a good idea to offer the breast before and after each feed to maintain a good milk supply.

Cows milk and dairy products, eggs, fish particularly shellfish), nuts (especially peanuts), some fruits and foods containing gluten can all cause allergic reactions. So be careful with your choices...

From six months babies can digest protein so red meat, fish ,eggs, cheese, chicken and pulses can all be introduced.
Do not give peanuts to babies under one year old: if there is a history of allergies in your family avoid giving them for at least three years. As well a being an allergy hazard they can also be a choking hazard.

Honey should also be avoided for the first year as babies can contract botulism from it.

Eggs must be thoroughly cooked but can be introduced from six months.

Buy gluten-free baby food at the beginning of weaning, if possible, as gluten can cause coeliac disease. Usually a six month old baby can digest gluten without any problems but younger babies are more at risk.

Some babies react to citrus fruits such as oranges but alternative fruit juices can be given instead, such as apple juice.
Never add salt to food which your baby will eat. If he is ready to eat the same meals as the rest of the family do not add gravy until you have removed the baby's portion, as gravy can contain a lot of salt.

It is best to introduce savoury foods prior to sweet foods as babies very quickly develop a sweet tooth! They tend to enjoy pureed carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, turnip and parsnip and any combination of these foods. Babies also love stewed apples and pears or mashed bananas and strawberries!

However, many babies dislike potatoes at the beginning of weaning. When the baby is a little more experienced with tastes and textures you can start adding some potato to his meals.

Let the baby decide when he has had enough of any particular meal. Never force-feed the baby. He only needs a little bit of solid food each day. For some babies a few spoonfuls will be enough; for others a main course and dessert are required!
If he refuses to eat one type of food avoid it for a while and try something else. Return to the disliked food after a few days and try again. Some babies can be very fussy, whereas others eat whatever is placed in front of them!

Take it slowly and it will not be such a big change for either you or your baby. Weaning should be a fun experience for you both. After a very short time your baby will look forward to his solid feeds and will even start to let you know that he wants more!

7/06/2005

Buying A Baby crib set


Buying a baby crib set is something worth taking a minute to think about. There are endless of patterns and colorings to choose from, but there are a lot of toxic colorings in many fabrics nowadays, so take a moment and learn a couple of things about.

Let's start by talking a bit about the production as such. There's plenty of cheap baby crib bedding out there, mainly because that the really cheap ones are produced in China or other Asian countries with a low cost production. The products coming from there, can contain basically any toxic colorings (or be made by child labour, if that's a concern for you), and can be really unhealthy for your newborn. Be sure that you buy from a quality product. How to know that?well, if they are produced in this country you can be quite sure it's a good product. a bit more expensive, yes, but remember that you actually don't need ten bedding sets, you can start with two. Buy more along the way when you know what you really need.

For the first half a year or so, babies haven't developed the ability cooling their bodies through sweating. Keeping the baby cool by using breathable fabric at places where fabrics contacts the baby's skin. Nowadays you can buy baby bedding in most every color or design. It should be soft so that it wont hurt your baby's delicate skin. A blanket is good to have in addition if you live in colder parts of the country so you can easy regulate the temperature of your little on. But remember to check that your baby isn't to warm! It's quite common that parents have too much on their baby instead of too little, and can be quite dangerous to get too hot!

You should choose all natural fiber, cotton, silk, Egyptian cotton, cotton velvet, wool, sateen or cotton blend satin. Let your baby sleep only on breathable natural fabrics, and no polyester!

To get some bumpers that goes around the crib is important. It will keep your baby from getting stuck between the bars, and will keep the baby safe inside. There are bumpers to fit your sheets and that are easy to wash. The should be made of cotton, and no artificial fabrics. Small babies like strong bright colours, so why not let your crib bumber be in colors that will give it something to look at when resting in the crib.

Organic bedding can be something to look into. Nowadays s there are organic beddings in all kinds of colors and designs, not just only beige or natural white that you might think of when you think of organic fabrics. Organic bedding products automatically provide relief from allergies.
The benefit for your baby is the softness and quality that only organic cotton can provide, and it is one of the top reasons people choose organic cotton for their baby's undeveloped skin. Cotton grown in commersioal ways is poorer and weakened by the chemicals used in growing, processing and dying of the cotton. All these things break the fibre down creates a much weaker and reduced product in the end.


For the newborn and small baby you shouldn't use a pillow. Their neck is not fully developed yet, and it can also be a choking hazard for the newborn.

Want to know more about baby bedding? Please visit my site http://www.babysafety.efven.com/bedding.html for more information.

7/05/2005

Using Acupuncture For Female And Male Infertility


Some people wait their entire lives to have children and to be told that you can't make you feel worthless or inferior. A lot of factors that are involved in the natural conception all have to be in the correct place and balance for it to be successful. The organs of the female and the sperm of the male need to in the right order. The environment needs to be in proper order. When anything is out of place in either man or woman, you have female and male infertility. If you feel that there is a problem with you and your spouse having a baby, you need to read on to understand what may be going on.

When a couple finds out that they can't have children, the woman often blames herself first. It's a woman's worst fear, in most cases, to be told that they can't have children.

However, a woman shouldn't jump to conclusions without getting tested by a doctor because it may be the man that is the cause of their inability to become pregnant. If the man is the cause of the couple's inability to conceive. The doctor will ask the man to provide a sperm sample for testing. A urine and blood test may be necessary as well to determine if there are any other internal causes for infertility

Female infertility can be caused by genetics, smoking, a poor diet, lack of exercise, a hormone imbalance and more. Female can also suffer from ovulation disorder. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the more known problems in female. The common problem that male face is known as azoospermia and oligospermnia. The first causes are no sperm to be produced and the causes of oligospermnia are the sperm to be reduced to a point where it is not useful. The problem might also be from sperm that is not formed correctly or they die before they can reach the egg to fertilize it. A disorder that is genetic, in nature, can also become a problem. Male and Female infertility are about the same percentage when you are looking into the causes.

Acupuncture, the Traditional treatments

Acupuncture has been used for centuries in some cultures as an effective means of treating a variety of illnesses. The function of acupuncture is that it regulates blood pressure by stimulating the central nervous system. This process also causes the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, which assist the body in healing itself. Finally, acupuncture releases endorphins which will inhibit pain and give the body an overall feeling of wellness.

When to Use Acupuncture

Most medical experts will agree that acupuncture and infertility are generally and effective combination when used to treat issues like hormonal imbalances, rather than structural abnormalities like blocked fallopian tubes. Since acupuncture can help to regulate your body's system, blood flow is increased to the vital organs and hormone levels are better regulated. This will allow your body to heal itself from issues regarding an imbalance of hormones in some cases. It has been found that acupuncture and infertility work best together when acupuncture is done after conventional methods of treatment have been tried, or in conjunction with these treatment.

Sometimes during acupuncture sessions, herbs will be recommended to enhance the acupuncture experience and aid in healing the infertility issues. Keep in mind that some of these herbs can actually counter the effects of some of the fertility drugs that you might also be taking, so talk to your doctor before taking any kind of supplement. It has been shown that acupuncture and infertility are particularly effective when acupuncture is used while a woman is going through an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. This may be because acupuncture also serves as an aid to relaxing the body and reducing tension, which may contribute to the success of the IVF cycle.

To see Result

If you are stressed with an inability to conceive, perhaps you should look into the link between acupuncture and infertility. At the very least, these sessions may help you to handle the other infertility treatments a bit better. Keep in mind that you will most likely scheduling one or two sessions of acupuncture a week for a number of weeks at a time in order to see results. However, it may be your key to success - and a health baby.

7/04/2005

What is Male Infertility and How to Test It


When young people (or even a little older people) have reached the point in their lives where they find that the time is right for having children, this is not always as easy as it sounds. Some couples hit a "homerun" the very first time, while other will struggle for years and might not even have any luck at all. Some couples go year after year of trying to have children but it just is not happening. For starters this is an extremely frustrating experience for those couples and especially the woman takes this very seriously because most women feels that it is her fault.

Even though it might be her body that is causing the infertility issue it is not always her own fault. There are many things that affect the body on a daily basis and some of them are not under you direct control. But when that has been said we are currently experiencing more and more men being the reason for the couples not to have children. You don't need to look back more than a few decades when it was considered unthinkable that the male could be the problem for the infertility. It might have something to do with male pride or something like that but luckily things have changed.

Today it is very common that couples are having a hard time conceiving and according to the latest statistics it is now every fifth couple that needs help of some sort. This can be from some basic guidance and sound advice on a dietary plan to strong medication and hospital treatments. For the most couples the guidance and advice will often be sufficient.

After trying out a between a half to a whole year without any luck it is advised to go see your doctor. Most often you doctor will give you a recommendation to another doctor whose specialty is infertility issues and he or she will therefore be much better equipped to give you the right answers to your questions. The first consultation will often be a talk between you and the doctor about how long you have been working at having children and what you have done to increase your chances (e.g. making sure that you try out at the right time in the woman's cycle).

Secondly the infertility doctor will probably talk to you about having some tests taken. This might be blood samples for both parties and other gender specific test for the male and the female. The male infertility test is much simpler than the tests that the female will need to go through. All he will need to do is deliver a sperm test, which will often be done at an infertility clinic, and that is it. When the results come the doctor will be able to determine the amount of sperm cells and the quality as well. These two factors are the determining ingredient when it comes to the man's part of the action.

Unfortunately more and more men are experiencing bad semen quality and a low sperm count and that is what is causing a lot of the problems that couples face when trying to conceive. This result can be caused by a lot of things but scientists and doctors believe that some of the main reasons are a bad dietary plan, a bad or not existing exercise schedule and some believe that underpants or boxers that are too tight might be a determining factor as well.

Because the reasons for the male infertility are so strait forward and the ways to change the condition are so simple it is a mystery why most men are still not following the advices given. By giving your body the right amount and the right type of exercise while applying a good dietary plan you will experience a significant change in life quality. The main reason is of cause to have children but the additional benefits of working out and eating the right nutrients are so overwhelming that being able to conceive will soon become a minor add-on bonus.

You vitality, strength and overall mood will change for the better and that in return will result in a better quality of life. If you are about to take a male infertility test or if you are having trouble conceiving you are both advised to start changing you life by eating a healthier meal and exercising more. You don't need to wait for the doctor to give you the test results or to even wait till you have consulted with the infertility doctor. I encourage you so start moving on a daily basis and to start thinking about what kind of building block you provide for your body so that is in return can give you the optimal results (mentally, physically and when is comes to reproducing yourselves). So do not delay, but take action today.

7/03/2005

Your Baby And Teething


The appearance of your baby's first tooth is a major milestone in her development, and one that will likely see you sharing photographs with family, friends, and anyone else who may happen by! Unfortunately though, the arrival doesn't always go smoothly - it can be a testing time for both you and your baby, as there will inevitably be some discomfort involved, leading to yet more sleepless nights and grizzled behaviour.

There are usually some warning signs that a tooth is on its way, and these can include an increase in salivation or drooling, an intensified tendency for your baby to bite down on toys (or even people!), flushed cheeks and swollen gums, and a general malaise shown through loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and irritability.

Many parents will tell you that teething is often accompanied by other problems such as stomach upsets or colds, although most medical experts say that there is no real connection, and that young children are more or less constantly fighting off one bug or another, and so any signs of illness appearing together with teething are probably just coincidences.

Teething generally starts at around 6 months, although as with all things related to babies and kids your own experience may vary. Indeed, a very few babies will be born sporting a tooth or two, while some may not see their first tooth emerge until their first birthday or even later. Whenever it starts, your baby will normally have a complete set of teeth by their third birthday, and these milk teeth will last until around the age of six, when they will begin to be replaced by adult teeth.

Although some infants sail through the whole teething process with little difficulty, for others it can be a real ordeal. Unfortunately there's nothing we as parents can do to speed the growth, but there are ways to relieve the discomfort a little.

The most traditional remedy for teething pain is a rubber biting ring, which works with your baby's natural inclination to bite down on things. A soft rubber ring provides a safe outlet for this urge, and keeping the ring in the refrigerator when not in use will also provide a cooling sensation.

Teething gel can also be applied to the gums, which can provide comfort, and can be smeared onto a dummy or pacifier if the biting reflex means direct application to the gums is risky for the parent!

Teething powders are also available, which consist of a sachet of crystals which you can pour into your baby's mouth, and seem to prove more effective than gels with some children.

Finally, you may find yourself having to resort to pain relief medication if the problem is severe. Be certain to use a medicine specifically formulated for babies of your child's age, and stick to the recommended dosage. Medicine which also induces drowsiness, such as anti-fever preparations, can also be very useful - especially at bed time.

Hopefully your own baby will not have too much difficulty developing a healthy toothy grin, but if you're finding teething is a problem, then remember that it doesn't last forever, and keep counting the teeth as they arrive!

7/02/2005

Make yours an Organic and Eco Baby


The author looks at things that can make all the difference to an eco baby and eco family.

Organic and Fairtrade Baby Food

Organic baby food has been around for decades and fairtrade baby food has only recently been launched. Why feed your baby with chemicals, additives and possibly genetically modified ingredients when you can feed them fresh, organic and healthier food? By buying fairtrade it also enables you to put something back into local communities where the ingredients originated from, so that they can look after their families better due to being paid a fair price for their food and hence they are able to reinvest the funds into their community and families.


Organic and Eco Friendly Baby Care

Babies have extremely sensitive skin that requires a mild and gentle touch - which is why it makes sense to treat them with products made from the purest ingredients. The skin is the largest part of the babies body and is often prone to sores and nappy rash in the early days. Minimise the amount of chemicals coming into contact with the babies skin by buying organic or natural baby care products.

Organic and Fairtrade Baby Clothing

A babys skin is thinner than that of an adult, so make sure the clothes against their bodies are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals by buying clothing which are made from organic or hemp fibres which are made with the minimum or no chemicals in the production and processing. By buying Fairtrade or ethical baby clothes from companies such as HUG ensures that other babies in developing countries may benefit as well from the clothes that you buy. Cheap, brand new clothes from supermarkets etc. are often made in China in low cost production facilities where workers are paid the minimum wage and where the term sweatshops originated from. Buying second hand or using donated clothes is the ultimate form of recycling and is cheaper too at this expensive time of life.


Environmentally Friendly Cloth Nappies

Cloth nappies can be washed and reused hundreds of times. Millions of disposable nappies are used throughout your country and you can imagine what size of landfill is needed to bury them all! Cloth nappies can reduce nappy rash and have no suspect chemicals. By washing them with your normal clothes, you again minimise your babies impact on the environment.


Breast feeding

Breast milk is very economical, constantly available at the right temperature and if your diet is organic then so is your milk which is therefore better for your baby. If you have to buy formula we wary of buying Nestle as an International Nestle Boycott is in effect in 20 countries. The boycott will continue until Nestle ends its irresponsible marketing of breast milk substitutes world-wide and abides by the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent Resolutions in policy and practice.

Looking for more information on baby milk action or organic things for babies then see GuideMeGreen.com.

7/01/2005

Eating The Right Foods While Pregnant


Even if you eat a healthy diet, you may need to modify it when you are pregnant. There are certain foods you should avoid and certain foods that you should eat more of.

Today, in our effort to find out more about food, health, and nutrition when pregnant, we must know more about the foods we eat and the impact they have on our bodies. Many studies are easily available to read on the Internet, as well as, in your local library.

You may have a lot of questions concerning organic foods, vegetarian diets, and more when you become pregnant. These too are worth looking into, to make sure you supply the important nutrition that your baby will require to grow and develop normally.

Foods to Eat

Some of the best foods you can eat contain protein. Since protein is the building block of all cells, you will want to eat more of it when you are pregnant. You may sense a natural craving for protein, over all the other kinds of foods that you consume in a day.

During your first trimester, your baby's organs will develop. This is a crucial time for development and will need a lot of protein material to grow normally. You will want to give your baby the proper nutrition by eating foods that are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Foods to Avoid

Do you know which fish to avoid, or, which types of cheese? If not, then you need to research this information before you eat out at your favorite seafood restaurant or the next time you make a sandwich. Certain foods carry bacteria that can harm your baby. Protect yourself and your baby by avoiding these foods.

Eating a healthy diet through all stages of life is important, but never more so than when you are expecting. You should develop lists of the right and wrong foods to eat, as well as, heed advice on which organic foods to eat while pregnant.

If you eat a vegetarian diet, you should make sure that it is still filled with the protein needed for cellular development. Vegetarian diets have quite a large variety of foods with protein that after some research, may surprise you, and let you and your baby have a more healthy life.

6/30/2005

crying baby


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.

6/29/2005

5 Top Things Baby Boomers Must Do Before Starting A Home Business


Don't quit your day job just yet. If you are a baby boomer looking to start a home business, there are 5 essentials things you must do first before starting your home business.

Leaving the security of a job with established 401(k) plans, health insurance or other benefits can create a real tug of war for baby boomers who want to pursue their dreams of owning their own business.

Analyze Your Exit Strategy

At the time of this writing, the youngest of the baby boomers are turning 42 and the oldest are turning 60. No matter where you fall into this group, analyzing and preparing your exit strategy from your job will be crucial to your long-term success as a home business entrepreneur.

Create a Financial Plan

How much is your salary now? What are your fixed, variable and frivilous expenses? Creating a solid plan so that you and your family will know exactly what the financial picture will be until your business gets off the ground.

Choosing a Business Model and Legal Entity

There are several business models to choose from; home party plans, consulting, and affiliate marketing to name a few. Choosing a legal entity for your business should be discussed with a tax accountant or your attorney.

Set Business Benchmarks

You wouldn't travel across the country without a road map, your business is the same. Setting benchmarks will help you to create a focused plan that will help you to reach your success.

Get a Physical

What does getting a physical have to do with your business? Once you leave your job, most likely your health insurance will change. While pursuing your dreams of a home business is something you are probably very passionate about, it you do not have good health to enjoy the rewards of your efforts, then not much else is important.
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The baby boomer generation is like no other before it or after it. Technically, we are considered middle-aged, but we are anything but middle-aged in mind, body and spirit. We know there is more meaning to life than a commute to an unrewarding 9-5 job, but there are also important steps we must take first
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6/28/2005

6 Things to Consider When Naming Your Baby


Have you ever considered the immense responsibility in choosing a name for your child? This is not just something that sounds good at the time but it is the choice of your child's identity for life. A name, though not necessarily unique, reflects how your child is known. Hence, the importance in taking your time and choosing just the right name for your baby. Read on for some tips on how to provide that best baby name for your little angel.

1. The first thing you need to do is to ignore family tradition unless the traditional names are something that you see as providing the right identity for your child. The name doesn't always need to be one that your elderly relatives deem to be the right one. They already have their identity, this is your child's identity. Once your baby is born he will be stuck with that baby name for life. That means it's not wise to just settle for any baby name that will suit your grandma's or auntie's taste.

2. Think of your child's future. You don't want your child to be ridiculed because of what you have named him or to allow his playmates to make him the butt of all the jokes, do you? Research the meaning of the baby name you are thinking of giving to your baby. Don't consider a particular name as a prospective baby name just because you heard it from a TV show and you find it cute. Don't name him after an actor just because you consider him a hunk or after something else just because it is very unusual.

3. Be careful of the initials of your child's name. Make sure they don't stand for anything funny, disturbing or something utterly stupid. Sometimes, the initials of the child can spell something really derogatory or hurtful that others can use against them. Can you imagine the sickening situation you may put your child into when he or she grows up?

4. Go check your family tree once and for all. Some can't still get away from some traditions regarding baby name decisions, especially when they have a special bond with a certain family member that they want that person's name to be a part of their baby's name. If your planning to still follow the tradition of putting a part of your elder relatives' names on your baby's name, you have to know whether anybody else in your family use that name too. You don't want to confuse people when they're calling a name that's owned by two.

5. Don't go for the overkill. Being too creative on thinking of a baby name can backfire, I'm telling you. Examples are too unique spellings. It will be hard for the child to keep on spelling his or her name to people who only know the common spelling of such a name.

6. Decide with your partner in coming up with the best baby name for your sweet baby. It wouldn't be nice to be always blamed when people ask who chose that awful baby name, right? Sharing on this kind of decision-making is a good way of furthering your bond as a couple, not to mention the possibility of coming up with a better baby name. Remember that the "two heads are better than one" thought also applies to dealing with the troubles of finding the most suitable baby name for your baby.

Sound, appeasing relatives and friends and avoiding embarrassing initials and discovery of disgusting meanings are some of the major concerns that should be considered in your quest for the perfect baby name. You might find them a bit taxing. But in the long run, you'll see that doing your homework will make your baby thank you when the right time comes. Happy baby naming!



Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is the owner of http://www.mummansun.com, a discount retail outlet, and a co-director of http://www.betterhealthshoppe.com which is an information portal with many interesting medical articles. She is also an associate of http://www.timzbiz.com which features many articles on internet marketing and resources.

6/27/2005

If your baby is in hospital


Baby sickness � is always a hard trial for family, and if the matter concerns baby's hospitalization, then you can become panic-stricken only at the thought of the fact that a baby will be estranged from his family, painful procedures expect him, and strangers will surround him.

Because of hospitalization, a baby can get the whole complex of serious psychological problems, caused by sickness, isolation from home and conditions of hospital. Even adult person experiences stress, when he needs to apply to a doctor and moreover, while necessity of long staying in hospital. Needless to say about baby's stress! Strange atmosphere, strange people, new, constantly renewed children collective, forced separation from parents, fear of medical procedures � all this is quite enough for psychological discomfort. And all these factors accompany symptoms of disease.

However, you shouldn't dramatize situation. Of course, disease and necessity of hospitalization - are traumatizing factors. But for majority of children staying at hospital can become an important stage in formation of personality, bring lots of new impressions and knowledge, and give possibility to try themselves in difficult life circumstances. This experience will be useful in further life of a child.

Processes of adaptation are individual for each child. This depends on many reasons: whether he had diseases earlier, stage of disease, is he staying at hospital for the first time or not, baby's age, whether he was separated from his family before etc. Often everything passes quite smoothly, due to presence of inner reserves of a baby and correct behavior of parents.

It's quite normal, if period of adaptation at hospital lasts during 3-5 days. There're no reasons for anxiety, if a baby is rather careless during first days of hospitalization, asks to take him home, gets into contact with coevals not at once. Excess care and parental inclination for dramatizing situation can only damage. On the other hand, you shouldn't leave a baby alone with his problems. He shouldn't feel abandoned and lonely.

Quite often parents of sick children need more psychological help, then children themselves, as it is their correct behavior that influences a baby's mood for recovery.

Here're several recommendations of experts. Never frighten your baby with hospital. Don't create future problems, as there's hardly any baby, who hasn't been at hospital for his life. During conversations with other people avoid such phrases, like: "There doctors hardly understand something, I wish only they don't harm my child" etc.

In case of baby hospitalization do your best to reduce stress and melancholy because of coming separation from home and parents. Adults themselves should be confident in future, calm and wise, so that a baby would treat staying at hospital calmly. If hospitalization is planned and you have at least 1-2 days for preparation, involve baby in preparations, as if he would be going to health centre or camp.

Try to dispose your baby to optimism. Children have great intuition, and it's almost impossible to persuade them in things, which you don't believe yourself in. So, first of all you should analyze your own emotions and forget about affirmation: "Hospital � pain, fear, danger". Replace it by "Hospital � help, relieve, recovery". You confidence and peace of mind will be passed to your daughter and son. Talk to your child about coming hospitalization softly-softly. You can explain to schoolchild, that sickness is not a catastrophe, but a peculiar exam for courage and firmness. Tell your child that you will be thinking of him constantly and you're always ready to help him. Think and discuss ways of your contacts.

During separation avoid touching scenes, restrain excessive emotions. Try to behave the way, so that a baby would treat hospital not as punishment, but as a place, where he will be helped to recover sooner and return to usual life. Form positive attitude, both to improvement of health and doctors' work. Explain your child an objective necessity of medical assistance.

Don't persuade him that he is guilty of his sickness, trauma etc. himself. By doing this, you will increase sense of guilt and fear, which can cause undesirable psychological complications. Of course, there're situations, when it is important to discuss wrong behavior of a child, which caused disease. But it is also very important that a result of your conversation would be not a sense of guilt, but understanding of cause and effect connection between wring behavior and disease.

Discuss schedule of visiting a child with relatives for sure, to avoid situations, when there're several visits per one day and no visits at all other day. This is very important, as excess of visitors can lead to emotional overloads of a sick baby, and their absence � to increase of longing for home and relatives.

Try not to hung up on topic of disease and treatment. Life goes on. Ask your child about his new friends, news, what he does in spare time. Keep all your doubts concerning effectiveness of treatment inside of you. Don't overload patient with your doubts and fears. As medicine, which you doubt, will not help, as doctor, whom you don't trust, won't be able to help. Try to avoid unpleasant topics, wait a little with information about bad news: sick baby need not to know that his favorite doggie eats bad or that cat ate hamster. While talking to a baby, pay attention to positive moments of staying at hospital. Think about things you can compliment him for: he bears procedures with fortitude, doesn't play about, could make friends with somebody, drew a good picture etc.

Unfilled spare time increases feeling of loneliness, longing for home. So you should definitely worry about things your child should do. Bring him an interesting book, meccano, some new game, paints, crayons etc. Bring a toy for a small baby surely. You can tell that a new "friend" came to him specially to protect him at nights (if a baby is predisposed to night fears). It will be very good, if you bring him a toy bear, elephant, lion, tiger, i.e. any big animal, which will be able to personify power and protection (size of toy is not important).

After discharge talk to your baby about time he spent at hospital. Ask him about things he learned to do, what he understood about himself and his relations with other people, help him to realize value of experience he gained.

6/26/2005

Baby Care Tips


The mother of a baby is the most busy person on earth, when she is not very gathered about her daily routine vis-�-vis the baby.

Breast feeding

Everyday she has to bother about the baby's feeding, sleeping, clothing, changing and bathing. It is the best to feed your own milk to the child. Please do not forget to give her the first milk of yours because that would contain colostrums, which is vital for the immune system of the child. Mother's milk will always create the body resistance and the child will be a healthy one in future.

When you are breast feeding your child, the food that causes problems in your body may be communicated to the baby as well. Foods that cause gas or cold should be avoided or the baby will have uncomfortable state or congestion.

Bottle feeding

If you are bottle-feeding your baby for some reasons, then make sure that the bottles are well sterilized and clean. Scrub them with washing liquids. Boil them for 25 minutes to kill unwanted organism that may have developed in it due to the fermenting milk. Steam sterilizer and cold sterilizer methods are also there, about which one has to consult with an expert and should see to it that those are readily available in the market.

Baby sleeping

The materials needed to put the baby to sleep are a good, firm mattress, sheets and blankets. Keep one feet distance from the nostril range of the baby if you are lying along with your baby on the same bed. There should not be unnecessary clothing or clothes around the baby's body and bed which may cause temperature rise and heating. The baby is not going to talk about it, and you should be sensitive enough to remove the body coverings as much as possible. There should be a mosquito net, or at least a netted covering around the baby to keep away the flies and the mosquitoes.

Clothing

Summer clothes should be light cotton ones. When the baby is taken out, make sure that his head does not get the direct sun. In winter, there may be sweaters, trousers and other woolens.

Changing

The baby's diapers should be regularly changed. The intervals should be fixed according to the baby's routine of potting and wetting. Despite the routine, the baby may need changing because of untimely nature calls at times. It is the baby's right to feel dry at every moment. See to it that the bed is not wetted and the smelly clothes and bed sheets are removed.

Bathing

The baby needs a mouth washing with cotton. A bath tub large enough to hold it and is easy to wash should be made available. The baby should enjoy the water which can be assessed if leg splashing which is very distinct. The baby should be rubbed with baby oil and baby cream. The nail clippers should be used at bath time. After bath, the baby should be thoroughly dried and should be applied with a baby powder.

Immunisation

The baby should be immunized against Small Pox & Measles with BCG within 3 months of its age. The first DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Psertussis, Polio, HIB, Meningitis C) is due within the first 2 months followed by the 2nd and the 3rd one at one month intervals. The MMR vaccination against Measles, Mumps and Rubella should be done within 1 years of age. The boosters should be taken after the baby is 4 years old.

Training and Education

Though regular training and teaching should not be started before the age of three years, the child's habits and sense of discipline is cultivated through the discipline the mother maintains. When the mother is calm against odds like the baby fever, or baby dysentery while making sure of the treatments, the child gets the idea to be calm against disastrous times.

The most important babycare tip

The parents should find enough time to spend with the baby.

6/25/2005

About the risks that infertility can bring


There were made some researches, and it was reached to the result that couples with fertility problems are three times more predisposed to have a child with conditions like autism and cerebral palsy. It is possible that fertility treatments, such as IVF to contribute to the risk as well.
Researchers suggest it is very important that before undergoing fertility treatment, couples to be encouraged to improve their health and counseled about the risks that can appear.
A study revealed that women with fertility problems were at a greater risk to develop other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes; they were also more at risk at pregnancy and labour complications.

A study also discovered that children of women who experienced fertility problems were at an increased risk of autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, seizures and cancer. In fact, this risk was 2.7 higher in those children then in the children of women with no fertility problems.
Couples who have problems conceiving are 40% more common to give birth to children with moderate developmental problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or serious sight or hearing disorders.
We can say that there is sure the fact that those who have difficulties with their fertility have difficulties conceiving and carrying pregnancies, but it has not been shown if infertility is causing the problems.

It is known that around the world there are clinics that pay women to donate their eggs. For example, in many cases US clinics pay women up to $10,000 per IVF cycle, and in comparison to this, British clinics can offer �250 plus travel and childcare expenses.

In conclusion, we must know that there were made studies comparing couples who did and did not seek fertility treatment, and it was seen that couples with fertility problems were more likely to have a child with serious conditions. Seems that the extra risk is caused by the health problems that make it difficult for the couple to conceive.
However, the experts believe that the overall risk is still relatively low. But this doesn't mean that the risk does not exist. That is why discussions with the doctor are very important, couples with fertility problems must know all the risks that can appear and all the possibilities they have. They must be counseled about the risks, and, an important thing they should be encouraged to improve their health before undergoing fertility treatment.

6/24/2005

Drug risks when pregnant


In the cases of women risks, problems and complications can be very sever if any narcotic drugs are used. The amount of drugs that can create dependence is very small in their cases. This is why a lot of second thoughts must be given to the simple fact of drug usage; by the time the woman may decide to seek help their addiction may have already installed being very difficult to treat. Drug usage in women can cause a lot of nasty side effects like health problems, sexual transmitted diseases and mental problems like depressions.

In the cases of women a remarkable discovery has been made: studies have shown that many of them who decided to use drugs have lived a very troubled life. As a fact, it has been discovered that most of he women that decided to take up drugs have been sexually abused at some point of their lives, but most often before the age of sixteen. Again a tendency to start using drugs and alcohol has been found in women who have had one or both parents abusing the same things.

From the psychical point of view, a certain pattern has been found to stand out dorm the other: this way we see that people who have low self�esteem or very little self-confidence tend to be more likely to be using drugs than normal people. With the beginning of using drugs or alcohol the feeling of not having the power to do anything installs creating even more problems for the person and making rehab even tougher. A feeling of isolation and loneliness installs in the patients mind. Certain women from minority groups or the ones not knowing proper English could find it difficult to seek and get good medical help.

Problems and risks are even grater in the cases of pregnant women; not only are they seriously endangering their lives but they are also putting at very hi risks the life of the un borne child. Serious health problems may occur during the pregnancy if any drugs or alcohol are abused of. We all know that the mother and child are very tightly linked together so f the mother uses or takes any drugs it's more certainly sure that the child is going to suffer from them to. This way we see a lot of risks that are brought upon the un borne child; he may be infected with HIV if the mother gets it, AIDS, may suffer a premature birth, low birth weight or may even end up dying in the mother's womb. Further continuing to abuse drugs after the child's birth may also lead to neglect, malnutrition and in very often cases physical abuse.

6/23/2005

Get the support you need during your pregnancy with memory foam pillows!


Lately, pregnancy products have appeared on the market in hundreds of versions, aiming at helping expecting mothers deal with all the inconveniences of pregnancies, but one of the most important inventions is in the form of memory foam pillows. Any expecting mother deals with lack of sleep and discomfort when lying down. This is because as the baby grows so does the tummy of the mother. During sleep, the tummy needs upholding and pillows specifically designed for this purpose lessen back pain and diminish soreness during side-sleep.

NASA invented memory foam to help astronauts in combating gravity, but nowadays we have transformed it to adjust a number of common products to help people get better rest. The material belongs to the same family as the synthetic polyurethane foam (conventional foam in mattresses and seats) with extra chemicals, which put in weight and density, and which create a special molecular makeup as compared to the traditional foam. Good quality foam maintains the impression of your body for a few seconds and not longer, because elsewhere it would weaken quickly.

Pregnancy products made with such foam include regulating memory pillows, banana pillows and easy-feed pillows. Adjustable foam pillows can help you from the beginning to the end of the pregnancy, sustaining the belly throughout side sleeping and lessening any pain. Banana pillows also covered in this type of foam have many uses, helping you sit up in bed or get rest that is more comfortable by sustaining your spine. You can hold banana pillows between your knees to support the spine and alleviate any strain.

Once the baby is born, it is a truly good idea to purchase an angled feeding pillow that helps the baby breathe and swallow safely, and helps alleviate tension in mother's arms, shoulder, neck and back allowing her to relax.

Undoubtedly, memory foam is not useful only for pregnant women, but also for anybody because pillows made from such foam reduce any discomfort while sleeping or just sitting back and relaxing. Such pillows are very useful in hospitals for recuperating patients, because they reduce pressure on certain areas and make available great quality relaxation.

Memory foam pillows reduce snoring and even back pain caused by sitting at a desk for long periods. Such products can be used anywhere and are designed to keep your spine straight and relaxed, and reduce any pressure soars caused by bad mattresses or chairs. These products include some mattress tops that help you get better rest and guarantee that you will never wake up stiff and soar again.

Memory foam pillows and mattress tops have a high-quality finish and come in different colors and materials. You can find satin slipcovers for pillows or products with a water-resistant finish to help cleaning. Good quality pillows can help you reduce snoring or do away with back pain, edema and swelling and improve circulation and support. In addition, these several pregnancy products and mother & baby items will make your life a lot easier and happier.

Such products are both soft and firm, and pillows have a shape that gives good support to your neck while offering support to the natural bend of your spine. Getting a good rest is vital to everything you do. You will be happier and more aware of things around you if you have benefited from genuine relaxation. It is also very important to feel relaxed and rested during pregnancy; in this manner, pregnancy products will improve your life significantly.