Colicky Baby - Bedtime Tips

Sleep is the most important thing to think about when you have a colicky baby. The whole family suffers if the baby in the house won’t sleep. Following are some bedtime rituals that may help you and your baby sleep:

* Develop a routine. Not every bedtime routine will work forever, but once something becomes established in your child's mind, he or she will come to expect it. A sample routine might include a warm bath, reading a book or listening to music, singing songs, being tucked in with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, followed by a back rub.

* Be consistent. Establishing a daily routine allows your baby to establish his or her time clock. Babies thrive on a schedule where they anticipate what is coming next. Unexpected items tend to upset a colicky baby more so.

* Keep activities relaxing. Do not over stimulate your baby right before bed. Remove toys from the crib, except for a favored item. Removing toys every night at bedtime will help your baby realize it’s time to sleep.

* Be brief. Small babies have limited needs at bedtime. Spend a few minutes soothing your baby then settle down for bed. More than 30 minutes is almost always too long.

* Turn the lights off. It's important for a baby to learn the difference between day and night, and that nighttime is for sleeping. This way, if your baby wakes up and it's dark in the room, he or she will learn that it's not time to get up yet. Leaving a bright light on is confusing for a baby and could result in frequent awakenings.

* Remove the bottle. Although it's true that sucking helps soothe a baby, swallowing milk or juice at nighttime will cause tooth decay and gum problems. Also, drinking while lying down can lead to fluid buildup in the ears which will make the colic worse. If your child is used to falling asleep with a bottle in mouth, he or she will have trouble settling down when awakened during the night and doesn’t have one available. Try a pacifier instead.

* Be flexible. It’s okay to bend bedtime rules if your child is sick or experiencing a stressful time with colic. Try not to change your bedtime routine completely. Instead, maintain relative consistency but add to the routine where needed, such as reading an extra bedtime story.

* Be wary of feeding your baby solid foods too early. Some parents believe babies wake up often because they're hungry again. Breast milk or formula is the best food for a baby's first six months. Solids don't really help your baby sleep at night, so don't introduce them before your baby is six months old unless your pediatrician recommends it.

* Maintain the bedtime routine even when frustrated. Keep your bedtime routine no matter how frustrated you may be with your colicky baby.


Try these tips to soothe your colicky baby at bedtime.

5 Tips On Baby Shower Cake Decorations

Make a baby shower more special by giving the mother-to-be an unforgettable and beautifully decorated cake. Here are several tips on baby shower cake decorations to design the ideal cake for your guest of honor.

1. Size

When considering baby shower cake decorations, remember that you'll have more options to choose from if you've got a bigger canvas to draw on. Thus, in terms of baby shower cake decorations, a bigger cake always allows you more chances to explore your creativity.

2. Ingredients

Certain ingredients can make a cake more flexible in handling various types of baby shower cake decorations. Thus, if you're hiding something special up in your sleeve make sure to inform the pastry chef about your plans so he or she can make the necessary modifications with the ingredients if any.

3. Color

This is one of the most important factors to consider for baby shower cake decorations. Just as color's said to be able to bring things to life, color can also make baby shower cake decorations more festive and fit for the occasion. Although pink and blue are the traditional colors for baby showers, you can opt for other hues for baby shower cake decorations as long as they're neither too bright nor dark.

4. Illustrations

You can have the actual photo of the mother-to-be printed on the cake if you want to but it's better to use that as a last resort since it virtually presents no challenge at all to your creativity. Drawings of babies and baby stuff are common as well. This is one of the most eye-catching factors of baby shower cake decorations so take the time when considering your choices.

5. Text

Baby shower cake decorations are not all about pictures. Although pictures can paint a thousand words, remember that words are sharper than swords as well. Simply put, the greetings you've had your pastry chef write on the surface of the baby shower cake can serve as significant decorations too.

Safety Tips for Decorating A Baby's Whole Nursery

Crib Safety Buying crib bedding for your child's nursery is very exciting. But as parents or caregivers we need to take into consideration proper crib safety. Make sure that the crib mattress you choose to use fits snuggly within the crib frame. Alway use crib sheets that fit securely on the mattress and wrap the corner edges. Having bumper pads in your child's crib helps keep baby's limbs from becoming stuck or injured. Make sure when using bumper pads that they fit around the crib and can attach to the crib with fabric straps. Remember though, when your child can start pulling themselves up or stand, it is time to take out the bumper pads. By leaving them in the crib can lead your child to climb out of their crib, which is not what you want. Finally, when placing your infant down for sleep, make sure everything is out of the crib like, loose pillows, any stuffed animals, and quilt or comforters to prevent suffication. Only use light blankets or breathe throw blankets when your child is asleep.

Decorating Safety Tips It is always great to decorate the nursery with pictures, diaper stackers, mobiles, and crib organizers, but, try not to place wallhanging over the crib. All it takes is that one day when your child can stand and rip it right out of the wall along with a nail or tack, which could end up in the crib. Also, don't place diaper stacker on the wall next to the crib for the same reason. And last, it is best to take out the mobile when your child is able to stand or even sit up.

Nursery Safety Child proofing the nursery is a good way help your child from becoming hurt. Here is a check list to help you out. 1). Choose window protectors that adjust window open heights. Better yet use window guards that fit right in your windows. 2). Make sure the outlets have covers especially if behind a crib because beleave it or not babies can reach them through the crib bars. 3). Make sure all furniture is secure to the wall. 4). Do your dressers have drawer stops built in. If they don't, you may want to insert childproof locks on the drawers. 5). One thing we often forget about is night lights. It may be a good idea to use shock proof night lights. 6). Some furniture corners are just the right height for your children to get hurt on, so you may need corner protectors. 7). Kids love to play with doors and a good thing to have on a door is a finger guard to help prevent pinched fingers. 8). Finally, use baby gates where needed especially at the top of your staircase.

We hope we have helped you dearly. Our intent is to make your life peaceful by warning you of possible dangers that can occur in your toddler's bedroom.

Cats and Babies - Tips for a Peaceful Coexistence

If you are an expecting family, it is natural to worry about the safety of your baby. There are many tales going around about newborns and cats, some of them none too pleasant. There's no need to worry, though. Cats and babies have lived together harmoniously throughout the ages, and there are many things you can do to help them become friends.

If you are a cat owner, I am certain that you love your feline friend and worry that now that a baby is on his/her way, you may have to rehome your feline. This can be a heartbreaking thought, and I can assure you that it is not necessary.

Before Birth

There are a few things you can do to allow a cat to get used to the upcoming changes in your household. This will make the introduction of a new family member that much easier, and will allow your cat to learn that a baby's presence poses no threat.

- It is important to familiarise your feline with the sounds and smells of a baby. Experts recommend expecting mothers to wear, for example, baby lotions and powders of their chosen brands. Allow your feline to sniff these smells and get used to them, praise her and give her a treat, to develop positive associations.

- If you have friends or family with a baby, ask them to visit you a few times, bringing the baby along. This way, your cat can get used to having a baby in the house.

- A baby's crying can be unsettling to a feline. Not many cats enjoy loud noises, so it's best to get her used to it in advance, to learn that there is nothing to fear. Experts advise to get a recording of a baby crying. Play this recording softly and for a short while, then build up to a louder volume and a lengthier amount of time. Be sure to praise your cat and treat her, again to develop positive associations.

- Cats are always curious about any changes in the house, so when you are setting up the nursery, allow your cat to investigate, but teach her that she is not allowed to get inside the cot, pram or bath. You can provide yourself with a cot and/or pram net. Do make sure that you pull the cot netting taut, otherwise it might make for a very inviting sleeping spot!

- If you are still worried about your cat having access to the nursery, my best advice is to get your feline used to the idea that that space is out of bounds, at least whilst the baby is asleep and/or being bathed.

Health Issues

- Though, yes, cats can indeed harbour diseases, there are very few that are transferable from cat to human. In fact, it is quite rare for a human to pick up anything from a cat. Still, it is advisable to take your cat to the vet for a check-up before the baby is born.

- Make sure to wear protective gloves when cleaning the litter tray and wash your hands afterwards. Alternatively, ask someone else to clean the tray for you.

- Regularly de-worm and de-flea your cat.

After The Happy Event

- Don't be worried if your feline is curious about the newcomer and wants to sniff him/her. This is only natural, and it will help your cat grow familiar with the newborn.

- To avoid any jealousy issues, do spend some quality time with your feline. Make sure she knows she still has your affection. Giving your cat a little treat when feeding the baby can be helpful in building good relations and letting her know you are thinking about her.

- Some cats are more wary of change than others. Don't be offended if it takes a while before your cat shows any enthusiasm for the new addition to your family. She might be a bit quiet and withdrawn until she is used to the situation.

In Summary

Please don't worry about the urban legends about cats and babies. With a bit of care and good judgement they can happily coexist, just as they have done throughout the ages.

And when your child gets older, no doubt he/she will become great friends with your feline and both will bring you many smiles.

Travelling With Baby - Tips To Make Life Easier

It may sound daunting, but travelling with baby does not have to be a nightmare! A little preparation and forward planning is all you need for a successful trip with your tiny traveller.

There are certain supplies that are essential for any trip with your baby. The most important, of course, is enough food and milk for the journey. Always pack more than you think you'll need and include plenty of finger foods if your baby is old enough -- these are great for helping to keep him occupied! If you are breastfeeding and need to express milk, you can store it in a cooler, with ice, for up to 24 hours. You can also store bottles of pre-made formula in the same way -- alternatively, you can add pre-measured powdered formula to the bottles, then top it up with cooled, boiled water as required.

Another option is to bring "ready to drink" cartons of formula. Whilst ideal for the journey itself, be aware that you may not be allowed to take these cartons with you into certain countries. Sealed containers of formula do not normally present a problem.

Solid foods can be packed into a cooler, although a better idea is to bring foods with you that you can easily prepare during the journey. Avocado pears and bananas are good examples, as they can be simply peeled, mashed and served to your baby at room temperature.

Always bring your own feeding bowls and utensils when travelling with baby - many eating establishments do not have cutlery appropriate for an infant's use. A travel high chair is incredibly useful, too -- and means that you can comfortably feed your baby wherever you go. Disposable bibs, or a wipe-clean plastic bib, can be very convenient when travelling and they certainly cut down on the laundry!

If you ask for food or milk to be warmed for you, be VERY careful to check the temperature on its return. Busy waiters or cabin crew may overheat the food and you will need to wait for it to cool down. With this in mind, ask for any food or milk to be warmed well before you're actually going to need it!

Many parents worry about how to sterilise feeding equipment when travelling with baby. There are many products available to assist with this, from microwave steriliser bags to disposable bottle liners. Most stores dealing with infant feeding equipment will offer a range of travelling accessories such as these.

Other essential items for your trip will include nappies/diapers and scented diaper bags. If you're heading to a warm destination, adequate sun protection is a must! Also, consider bringing a small nightlight - if you're breastfeeding, it can be very useful in a dark, unfamiliar hotel room.

To help your baby cope with the trip and to reassure him in new surroundings, be sure to bring his favourite blanket. This can also serve as a handy "curtain" to shield an aeroplane sky cot/bassinet from the light, or for naps in his stroller when out and about.

Dress your baby in light layers when travelling -- not only does this make it easier to cope with fluctuating temperatures, but if your baby spills his food, for example, you can easily remove the top layer of clothing. Bring a change of clothes for yourself, too -- baby's mess tends to have a habit of transferring itself to his parents!

Enjoy your trip!

Bathing Your Baby -- Tips and Ideas to Keep Bathtime Safe

Bathing your baby can be an ordeal if you are not prepared. It is obviously much different from when you yourself take a bath or shower. Things that you don’t even think about or take for granted – like the temperature of the water -- can be a very big deal when bathing your baby. There are a few things that you can do to help you prepare for your baby’s bath

Make sure that you plan ahead for your baby’s bath. Get everything ready before you start bathing your baby. It is a good idea to keep everything that you need in a bucket, together. Keep in this bucket a towel and washcloth, mild soap, cotton balls, and a clean diaper. This way, you won’t forget anything.

You never want to leave your baby in the bath, even if you forgot something. If you did forget something, carry your baby with you to go get it.

Never ever leave your baby alone in the water! Do not answer the phone or the doorbell when bathing your baby unless you take your baby with you. If a friend or relative calls you often, be sure to let that person know when it is you that you will be bathing your baby so that he cannot interrupt. It is a well-established fact that a baby can drown in just an inch of water.

Babies can get scalded easily. Fill the sink or bathtub that you are going to use to bathe your baby with warm water. Be sure to test the water with your wrist or elbow – the water should not be hot, just comfortably warm.

At first, you should only give your baby sponge baths. Give your baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord or circumcision (if there was one) has healed. Then you can move on to bathing your baby in the tub.

You should use something to line the tub to keep your baby from slipping. You, of course, want to be very gentle when bathing your baby. Use a clean, damp washcloth (without soap) to wash her face, outside and back of each ear.

Cotton balls can be used to wipe your baby’s yes before you put her in the tub. Don’t use bubble bath or other detergents because these can cause rashes. Be sure to support your baby’s head when she is in the tub. You only want to wash your baby’s hair once or twice a week. Make sure the mild soap’s suds don’t get into your baby’ eyes.

Bathing your baby can be a fun and bonding experience as long as you keep it safe.