Babies & Kids Blog » 2009 » July

Looking for cute maternity jeans? Look no further! Here are three pairs that are cute, comfortable and flattering too! Chances are, one pair of jeans won’t if you throughout your entire pregnancy. You might want to buy a couple pairs of jeans to get you through your pregnancy.

Luckily for you, maternity jeans come in more colors and styles than ever. Find a style that you like. You can find maternity jeans that are dark, light, vintage, stretch, boot cut, wide leg, capri and almost any other style you may like.

Motherhood Maternity: Secret Fit Belly(tm) 5 Pocket Straight Leg Maternity Jean $44.98

These have a really nice wide stretchy panel that will last you a long time throughout your pregnancy and even postpartum when you still have some belly hanging around

Lucky Brand Under Belly Signature Pocket Maternity Crop Jean $54.99

These are great casual crop jeans. Very cute for the warmer months! These go under the belly. Some women don’t like the added bulk of a tummy panel, so these would work well if you’re looking for that.

Rock & Republic Maternity Ritchie Varnish Jeans $220

If you want to splurge and buy yourself one special thing to wear, these jeans might be for you! Straight legs and dark and weathered, these jeans are really cool! Wear them somewhere special!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable maternity jeans.

If you’re a new parent, you want everybody you’ve ever met to see your precious bundle of joy, so you take a million pictures a day and can’t wait to share them. There are tons of photo sharing sites and social networking sites, and it’s so quick and easy to upload and then share them. But, do you know who is viewing your pictures? Nothing on the internet is really private or safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you want to show off your child online:

• Do not post full names or personal information with the photos of children. For example, parents should not post photos of children with a visible address in the background and don’t post full names in the captions.

• Use private gallery settings in photo-sharing sites. Likewise, use private settings on social networking sites, restricting access to profiles and images only to trusted friends. There has been no evidence found of sexual solicitations based on photos of children or information they posted at social networking sites.

• Remember that most information and photos of children on the Internet are public and permanent.

• If any kind of solicitation occurs, save all emails and records of other communication and contact law enforcement.

• Finally, use common sense. Don’t post pictures of your children in the nude, in the bath, during diaper changes, etc. Remember that your baby is his or her own person and is entitled to the same level of respect as anybody else. Don’t post potentially embarrassing photos of the online.

A baby monitor is probably the single most used baby item a parent will use. Choosing one can be hard because there are so many options. When selecting one, look for the following:

• A low-battery indicator: If the batteries quit, you won’t hear baby, so you need to know right away when to replace the batteries or plug it in.

• Size: The smaller the model, the more easily you can carry it with you wherever you go.

• Multiple receivers: Some models come with two receivers which is nice because you can leave one next to where you sleep and carry the other around. With certain brands, you can purchase additional receivers.

• A sound activated light: Normal household noise can drown out a baby’s cries, but with a sound activated light you’ll know with just a glance whether or not baby is awake.

• The right bandwidth for you: Some high-end models offer a wide bandwidth (up to 900 megahertz) for better clarity. That’s fine if you live in a suburb or out in the country. But if you live in an area with a lot of potential interference (portable phones, cell phones, other monitors, and so on), a low bandwidth, such as 40 megahertz, will serve you better in the long run.

Baby monitors can cost anywhere from $40 to $90 for radio models — the price depends upon the frequency level — and up to $300 for those with the video option.

Here are my top three baby monitor picks:

Graco iMonitor Multi Child Digital Baby Monitor $116.00

Monitor two children OR two rooms at the same time! Two color sound lights let you “see” which child you are listening to as it switches between rooms. Adjust volume AND length of time to listen for each room. Digital security for complete privacy so you can’t hear your neighbors and they can’t hear you. Rechargeable batteries with docking station make it super convenient. Compact parent unit with belt clip for easy mobility. It comes with two child units and two parent units.

Summer Infant Baby’s Quiet Sounds Hand Held 2.5″ Color Video Monitor $174.95

The Baby’s Quiet Sounds Hand Held 2.5″ Color Video Monitor is small, lightweight with a 2.5″ screen and color camera with 900 MHz technology for superior clarity and range. Night vision allows you to see baby in a dark room. Rechargeable batteries last up to 10 hours with a 350 ft. range. You can even turn off the video at night and just use the audio feature!

The First Years - 49 MHz Two Receiver Monitor $34.99

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a nice baby monitor. With 49 MHz technology, lightweight portability and sound lights that let you see baby’s activity level, The First Years 49 MHz is a great choice. It includes two receivers so you can keep each receiver in a different room or so two listeners can have a monitor handy at all times. Plus, low battery indicator provides extra reassurance that when your monitor is quiet, it just means that baby is sleeping-not that your monitor isn’t working.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable baby monitors.

Baby walkers have been very popular for many years now. Chances are, you had one when you were a baby so you’re probably thinking about getting one for your own child. If you are, beware. Baby walkers are considered by many today to be dangerous and may even delay your baby’s first steps.

In 1997, baby walkers sent more than 14,000 babies to the hospital emergency room. Walkers were even involved in 34 deaths from 1973 to 1998. The initial standards for safety of walkers set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission dealt with injuries to the hands from pinching, but did nothing to address the issue of falls. And the majority of the severe injuries occur when the walker goes down the stairs.  Because of all of the injuries, a new standard adopted as of July 1, 1997 required that the new generation walker must have one of two features. Walkers are now made wider so they cannot fit through most doorways and can stop at the edge of a step.

In recent years, we have learned that walkers are detrimental to normal development. Because the babies can get around too easily, their urge to move across the floor is satisfied, and many of them will not undertake the important task of crawling, creeping, scooting, or hitching. This stage is important for developing strength and coordination.

Many parents think that walkers will help children learn to walk. As it turns out, walkers interfere with learning to walk. In addition to decreasing the desire to walk by providing an easier alternative, walkers strengthen the wrong muscles. The lower legs are strengthened, but the upper legs and hips become relatively weak. The upper legs and hips are most important for walking.

If you do choose to buy a walker, make sure that you allow your baby to use it for very short periods of time and allow them plenty of crawling and rolling around on the floor. Here are some things to look for when you choose a walker:

• Make sure that the walker you chose has met the Product Safety Standards Baby Walker Regulations.

• Pick a walker which has a large base that cannot fit through the a regular door frame so babies cannot scoot into other rooms or down stairs.

• Look for a walker that has protective coverings over all metal screws or hinges so you baby does not get cut or pinched in any way.

• Choose a walker that meets the manufacturer’s recommended weight and height for your baby and do not start your baby when they are too small or allow them to use it when they are too big.

An alternative to the traditional baby walker is the push wagon or car. Some look like little lawn mowers. You will need to be careful with them as they can fit through doorways and fall down stairs, but they strengthen the correct muscles that babies use when they are learning to walk.

Image: about.com

Hiring a babysitter is hard. If you’re lucky enough to live near family who will babysit for you, be very thankful. Most people these days don’t live near their extended families. Here are my do’s and don’t for hiring a babysitter:

Do: Rely on word of mouth. Ask your friends, your neighbors, your church, even your children’s teachers for recommendations.

Don’t: Completely trust a babysitter just because they were highly recommended. Just because one babysitter worked out very well for somebody else doesn’t mean they’re necessarily right for you.  Interview them just as you would anybody else who is applying for a job.

Do: Check all references. Ask questions like: “did they ever do anything with your children that you did not approve of?”; “did they ever brings friends over?”

Don’t: Just accept a quick positive reference.  Everybody has a different idea of what is okay for a babysitter to do, so get specific information so you know whether or not you’ll be okay with the sitter.

Do: Invite the sitter over to interact with your children while you’re there. You may see right away if there will be personality conflicts. Trust your gut feelings. If something seems off with the potential sitter, there probably IS something off with them. Move on to the next candidate.

Don’t: Forget to ask your children if they liked the potential sitter. Sometimes kids pick up on things that we adults overlook. If your kids don’t like somebody, don’t force them to be alone with them.

Do: Make a list of guidelines for both your children AND the babysitter. The sitter needs to know how you expect her to deal with your children and what is okay for her to do. Can she surf the web when the kids are in bed, or text message her friends while caring for your kids? Set the expectations before the sitter watches your kids.

Don’t: Forget to leave emergency numbers and information. How can the sitter get a hold of you? If there’s a fire, which neighbor should the sitter take the kids to?

For more help on how to hire a babysitter, check out the book ‘Protecting the Gift’ by Gavin De Becker.

He provides a ton of helpful and innovative advice on hiring babysitters. He also covers family safety in general and is especially informative for mothers.  Good luck!

Image: bmcredcross.org

Kids learn best when they don’t know they’re learning.  Science and discovery toys are great because they teach children how things work in a comfortable and non-intimidating way.  All of these toys are for school aged children and will keep their minds fresh over the summer break and help them to get ready for the new school year.

Discovery Kids Glow Star Globe  $34.99

The Star Globe has two great functions in one:  a planet Earth globe and a glowing star map.  It has all of the regulation markings on the Earth globe and all of the major stars and constellations.  Not only is is educational, it’s really cool and decorative and since it illuminates a whole room, it’s a great night light too!

StarScope Telescope $125.55

The StarScope is just like having a real astronomer by your side as you observe the night sky!  An advanced-design telescope with unique computer software to help you experience the night sky like never before!  Install the software on your computer to get coordinates.  Set your telescope with these coordinates to target planets, stars and constellations.  No more frustration over whether you are pointed at a star, a planet, or even a street lamp with this high-quality, high-tech telescope.  Load the included software onto a computer and it provides young stargazers coordinates to find the star field, planet, or solar system they want to investigate.  It features 38X and 103X magnification.

Thames & Kosmos Wind Power $39.99

Build a working wind turbine to harness power out of thin air.  Wind is one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable energy available today.  Wind energy has been used for centuries to pump water and crush grain in windmills, and is now increasingly being used to generate electricity to power our modern world.  Kids can conduct more than 20 experiments with the wind turbine, including experiments with different numbers of rotor blades, different blade angles and profiles, different wind speeds, different gear ratios, and so on.  Use the wind turbine to generate mechanical power to lift a heavy weight, or generate electricity to light up an LED and charge a rechargeable battery.

With these toys, your children will soon be off the couch and out exploring instead!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more science and nature toys.
Discounts on learning toys.

A few days ago, I was cleaning out the deep dark dust bunny filled area beneath my bed.  I came across several socks, half read books, and a newborn pacifier.  When my daughter was born I spent many nights in my bed with her, trying to find any way to keep her from crying all night long.  I went through every single kind of pacifier that I could find at the store.  My daughter turned out to be one of the few babies that outright refuses to use a pacifier.  When I found that teeny little newborn pacifier, I started to think about why people buy them, what the benefit is, and if they’re even recommended these days.  I wanted to save it as a reminder of those sleepless nights, but my daughter promptly tossed the pacifier right into the potty.  Gotta love the toddler years!

So why use a pacifier?  Babies are happiest when they are sucking on something, so a pacifier provides comfort to baby and a few moments of calm for mom and dad.  According to researchers, they also may help reduce the risk of  sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Many people advise against using a pacifier for many reasons, but the main one is that it can be nearly impossible to break a child from their pacifier habit.  Early pacifier use may also interfere with breast-feeding.  Sucking on a breast is different from sucking on a pacifier or bottle.  Some babies have trouble learning how to nurse properly if they’re given a pacifier too soon.  There is also an increased risk of ear infections from pacifier sucking and the possibility for dental problems.

The Mayo Clinic offers these pacifier tips:

• Wait until breast-feeding is well established.  Be patient.  It may take a few weeks or more to settle into a regular nursing routine.  If you’re breast-feeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until your baby is 1 month old.

• Let your baby set the pace.  If your baby’s not interested in the pacifier, try again later — or skip it entirely.  Don’t force the issue.

• Choose the one-piece, dishwasher-safe variety.  Pacifiers made of two pieces pose a choking hazard if they break.  The shape and firmness is up to you — or your baby.

• Buy extras.  Once you’ve settled on a favorite pacifier, keep a few identical backups on hand.  Many babies refuse a substitute pacifier.

• Keep it clean. Before you use a new pacifier, wash it with soap and water.  To keep fungus at bay, soak your baby’s pacifier in equal parts white vinegar and water for a few minutes a day.  Allow the pacifier to air dry thoroughly before returning it to your baby.  Resist the temptation to “rinse” the pacifier in your own mouth.  You’ll only spread more germs to your baby.

• Watch for signs of deterioration.  Replace pacifiers often.  A worn or cracked nipple can tear off and pose a choking hazard.

• Use caution with pacifier clips.  Never use a string or strap long enough to get caught around your baby’s neck.

• Let sleeping babies lie.  If the pacifier falls out of your baby’s mouth while he or she is sleeping, don’t pop it back in.

• Try other ways to calm your baby.  Don’t use a pacifier as a first line of defense.  Sometimes a change of position or a rocking session may be all that’s needed.  If your baby is hungry, offer the breast or a bottle.

• Know when to pull the plug.  Most kids stop using pacifiers on their own between ages 2 and 4.  If you’re concerned about your child’s pacifier use, consult his or her doctor for suggestions.

Every baby is different, but hopefully this expert information will help you in deciding whether or not to introduce a pacifier to your baby.

Image: airqualitytips.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for pacifiers.

Beyoncé rocks!  Well, according to her four-year-old nephew anyway!  Beyoncé and mom Tina took cute little Daniel Julez out shopping last week.  Daniel is the son of Beyoncé’s sister, Solange.  Daniel seems to be pretty proud in his “My Auntie Rocks!” tee shirt.  If you know an Auntie that rocks (don’t they all?!) you’ll be pleased to know that this tee shirt is a steal at only $18!  Help your toddler show his or her Auntie love!

Other cute t-shirts from Rebel Ink Baby:

Fight for Your Right to Potty Toddler Tee: $18

I will never sing that Beastie Boys song the same way again…

I Voted to Whirled Teas Tee: $18

This one will get you more than a few laughs!

Momma: Master of Diapers:$24

Hilarious!

I love seeing that the Knowles have Daniel wearing eye protection.  Children are particularly vulnerable the effects of UV rays from the sun.  Since the lenses in their eyes do not block as much UV radiation as adult eyes do, their risk of eye damage increases significantly.  Daniel is wearing pricey Oakley sunglasses, but you can get top of the line eye protection for your kids for much, much less. Julbo Keedz Sunglasses have smoked Spectron X5 lenses for Category 3 eye protection in strong sunlight and the spectron X5 lenses allow for 12% visual light transmission which is good for bright light.  They’re priced to fit most budgets too.

Image source: celebrity-babies.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more toddler t-shirts and kids’ sunglasses.

Your baby is fascinated by the world around her: the sights, smells, tastes and textures she comes into contact with are all part of the rich sensory information she’s soaking up as fast as she can.  The best way to explore her world is side by side with her parent, carefully supervising her adventures.  There may be times, however, when you will need to ensure that she is in a safe, contained environment when you can’t be right at her side.  When that time comes, you might consider a play yard.

You may remember these portable devices as “playpens” in the days of your childhood; now, however, “play yard” is the preferred (and less barnyard-sounding!) term.  Today’s models range from very basic to bell-and-whistles and everything in between. Prices begin at about $40 and go up from there.

Basic models are generally simply four or six-legged enclosures with a washable pad on the bottom and mesh or netting on the sides.  More expensive play yards often come with a removable changing table or bassinet, and some feature removable mobiles or other toys to interest young babies.  All play yards are collapsible and should be reasonably easy to store away.

What are some practical uses of play yards?  While they’re certainly not a necessity, they can be useful for those times when you need the baby to stay in one place - for example, a quick trip to the bathroom or to load the dishwasher.  It goes without saying, of course, that you should never put a young baby in a play yard with pillows or an excessive number of blankets, as this may pose a suffocation risk; and of course, always ensure that your child is not able to reach anything he could choke on, pull down, or that is otherwise dangerous to him.

Another use for a play yard - particularly one with a bassinet insert - is as a portable crib for visits to relatives or friends.  Again, always make sure you read the set-up instructions carefully before placing a small baby in a play yard or bassinet.

Do you have to buy a play yard brand-new?  Not necessarily, but there are some issues to consider before purchasing a used one.  For example, the sides of the play yard should be intact with no holes, tears, or other defects.  The hinges should be in good working order, and it is wise to ensure that there is no problem with the collapsing mechanism or with the “floor” or pad of the play yard before buying it.  Finally, make sure you thoroughly clean any used baby items you buy.

Play yards are nice to have for some purposes, but are certainly not a absolutely necessary baby item.  If you do decide to use one, always make sure your baby is not left unattended - accidents can and do happen.  With some careful research and a close eye for detail, a  play yard can be a great addition to your collection of baby gear.   Most importantly, enjoy the short period in your baby’s life BEFORE she figures out how to climb over the side and wreak a little havoc!

Image source: Consumer Reports

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more play yards and play pens.

You may remember when I wrote about women of retirement age having babies and the risks associated with that.  Well, the worst that could have happened HAS happened–one of the world’s oldest mothers, Carmen Bousada, died last week.

Beginning in 2005, Bousada underwent hormone treatments to reverse nearly 20 years of menopause and sold her house to pay for in vitro fertilization at the Pacific Fertility Clinic in Los Angeles.  She told the clinic she was 55 — the facility’s maximum age for single women undergoing the procedure.  When her sons were born in December 2006, Guinness World Records said she was the oldest woman on record to give birth.

Shortly after giving birth to twin boys in 2006, Carmen became ill with cancer. Several news sources are reporting that she passed away due to ovarian cancer, while Bousada herself reportedly said that she has stomach cancer.

Carmen once said: “Often circumstances put you between a rock and a hard place, and maybe things shouldn’t have been done in the way they were done, but that was the only way to achieve the thing I had always dreamed of, and I did it,” she said.

Her dream may have been achieved, but now her children are motherless.  You can’t replace your mother.  Is it fair that she got to live out her dream and now her children will grow up motherless?  They’re not even three years old yet.  Most likely, they will remember very little about her.  They will only have photos and newspaper articles to remember her by.

Speaking to a Spanish TV show on the eve of her death on July 12 she said: “I have no regrets. I am calm because I see the children are happy.  I’m happy because the children are my life.  I would like to have done more things. I’m not afraid of what’s going to happen.  I just don’t want to go yet.  I would like God to have left me the way I was, before I was ill, so I could  have enjoyed a few more years with my sons.  But knowing they will be looked after by my family does give me peace of mind.”

I hope it did give her peace of mind before her death, but even more than that, I hope her children grow and find happiness in the tragic situation their mother put them in.

Image/Source: dailymail, associated press