Moms all have their own opinions on lidded cups and how long their children should be allowed to use them, and I’m no exception. While all my kids are old enough to use lidless cups, I do still enlist their handiness throughout the day.

When my kids are sitting at the table for meals, we always serve their drinks in regular, lidless tumblers. They’re in a controlled environment, and though spills still do happen, the mess is relatively easy to contain. I think it’s important for my kids to use cups without lids on a regular basis, and meals are the perfect time to practice.

This is where the controversy comes in. Some moms and experts feel that children should be weaned from lidded cups and/or only have drinks at the table during meal and snack times. Other moms and experts feel that allowing kids access to drinks…especially water…throughout the day is healthy and ensures that they’ll never become dehydrated. The lid’s appropriateness is, in my opinion, dependent on the shape of the mouthpiece.

The spouted learning “sippy cup” lids are generally meant for the transitional period between bottle feeding and using a cup. However, continual use can cause a toddlers teeth to grow in the wrong positions. If the child uses it as a type of pacifier, because that sucking motion is soothing, the oral muscles can be affected and there could be some speech issues.

My eldest son is 6 and my youngest is 2 1/2, so we no longer use the spouted sippies in our home. I do, however, allow my children to have a lidded cup filled with water available during the day. Rather than using spill-proof cups with spouts, my kids have lidded cups that are designed like adults’ travel cups with a hole for drinking. They also have a collection of cups with straw holes which they can use throughout the day. Unfortunately, these cups aren’t designed to completely prevent spills, but they sure do slow them down if tipped. Wiping up drips and soaking up eight ounces of water from a plush carpet are two totally different animals.

Many moms may disagree with my children’s continued use of lidded cups, and that’s okay. This is what works for my family, and I’m not offended by differences of opinions.

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Even though I have relaxed a bit on the hyper-antisepticize mode, (a bit: the paci landed top up), I remember how learning how to sanitize baby bottles. It was overwhelming the first time I stood in my kitchen with bottles taken apart, nipples, plastic bits, pots of boiling water, tongs, and dry rack all on the ready. In order to sanitize bottles properly, here are some steps to follow:

Sterilize the bottles before their first use.
Get everything ready before starting anything. You will need a large pot filled (three-fourths of the way) with water), dish soap, a bottle brush, tongs, a bottle dryer or dish drainer.
Boil the water.
While the water is warming up to boil, wash the bottles, nipples, collars, and any other accessories that are used on the bottle. A dishwasher is sufficient to do the job as well, and there are baskets to ensure the small parts don’t get lost.
When the water is boiling, place the bottles and accessories into the pot.
Leave them in to boil for 5-10 minutes.
Remove everything with the tongs and place it all on the rack to dry.

This is also how I sanitize all of my little one’s new pacifiers.

Most sources will say that this whole process only needs to be done prior to the first use. I found myself doing it every couple of weeks (paranoia), but have been told that a good hot wash is sufficient. I can handle that.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/justcharlaine/2675479759

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Everyone agrees that breastfeeding is best, but for various reasons, many mothers choose to bottle feed with formula.  Although there are more baby formula choices now than ever, it’s not as simple as you’d think to formula feed.  Here are my baby formula feeding Do’s and Don’ts:

Do:  Ask your doctor for help in choosing a baby formula.  Many doctors prefer certain specific brands because they’ve seen patients use them with success over the years.

Don’t:  Be afraid to switch.  There are formulas made to help with digestive issues (such as acid reflux).  Don’t be afraid to try them if you feel like your baby could benefit for them.  If you do switch formulas, do it slowly and carefully as baby’s tummy might not be able to handle an abrupt switch.

Do:  Warm baby’s bottle.  When a mother breastfeeds, the milk coming out of her is warmed by her body. Don’t upset baby’s tummy with cold formula. Warm up your baby’s bottle under hot running water (and shake it to evenly distribute the warmth) or use a bottle warmer.

Don’t:  Use a microwave to heat your baby’s bottle.  The microwave doesn’t heat evenly and the formula can have “hot spots” which can seriously burn a baby.

Do:  Wash your baby bottles.  It sounds silly, but I’ve seen parents do a quick rinse of a bottle and then refill them.  This is not a good idea because your baby’s saliva can encourage bacteria growth in the bottle, which can get out of control and potentially make your baby ill.   You can boil them, or put them through the dishwasher on the hottest setting, but you must make sure they are clean.  In my opinion, glass bottles are easier to clean than plastic.  If you choose plastic, consider BPA free bottles.

Don’t:  Use a towel to dry your baby bottles.  Air drying is much more sanitary than a towel.  You can find drying racks just for baby bottles, and they are usually very inexpensive.

Do:  Prop up baby so that his or her head is higher than her stomach.  Hold the bottle so that the nipple stays full of formula and not air, which can cause uncomfortable gas.  It’s also best to keep baby’s head up higher so that baby doesn’t gulp too fast.  Have a burp cloth ready and burp your baby every so often during the feeding so there is not a build up of gas.

Don’t:  Prop your baby’s bottle up.  You must hold your baby while he or she is eating, there is no alternative.  Not to alarm or upset anybody, but babies have died from propped bottles: The item used to prop the bottle can fall on baby’s face and suffocate them, or the bottle can unexpectedly leak and drown baby.  It’s scary, but true.

Use your feeding time with baby to bond.  Gaze into your baby’s eyes and smile.  Sing to your baby. Make feeding times happy times.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for baby feeding products.

Image Source: abcnews.com, 1-formula.com

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Safety 1st Vineland Solid Wood High Chair : $129.99 Now: $74.98

Look how lovely this high chair is!  Solid wood, with an adjustable tray that is dishwasher safe!  It’s so hard to find a high chair that is functional but not gaudy.  The wood is dark and the cushion is neutral, so it truly would look good in any kitchen.  It also supports up to 50 lbs, so you can use it well into toddlerhood.   I made the mistake of buying a high chair that was so huge and plastic that it was an eyesore and nearly impossible to store.  I love that the Vineland tray is simple and doesn’t have all kinds of toys attached.  High chair toys can be nearly impossible to keep clean!

Foogo Leak Proof Sippy Cup: $15.95 Now: $9.99

Also on sale right now is the Foogo Leak-Proof Sippy Cup with Handles.  It’s stainless steel so it keeps drink cooler for much longer.  The spout is soft so it’s easy on tender gums.  It’s also BPA (Bisphenol A) free, dishwasher safe, and best of all—because there is no condensation, there are no water rings on your furniture!  Cool, huh?  My little girl would love a cup like this.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable high chairs and sippy cups.
Discounts on baby feeding products.

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Many of us watched in disbelief and awe as the Duggar family quickly expanded before our eyes through the past few years.  Now we get to see their eldest son, Joshua, and his wife Anna take on the child-rearing tradition. One question on my mind: Is he hoping to have the same kind of family in which he grew up?  He was raised in a household where his parents believed in having as many children as God gives them.  It would not be a surprise to me if he ends up with his own large Duggar clan one day.

One thing is for sure, that boy will make a great daddy!  He must already have so much knowledge in raising children.  As a new mommy, expecting my first child in August, I have learned so much just by watching the show.  As crazy as Michelle and Jim Bob may appear to the average viewer for even having that many children, I have looked to their show as an additional resource for managing a household with children.  I mean, if they can do it with 19 kids, I can surely handle one, and eventually the three more that my husband and I hope to have.

One thing I admire about that family is that they do not let having so many children get in the way of doing various outings with the children.  Even with a little newborn, Michelle continues to appear calm and collected and prepared as she handles her little one on the outings.  This assures me that if you are a mommy of a newborn, it doesn’t mean that you must remain confined to the house while the rest of the family gets to enjoy the world out there.  During one show I watched the other day, Michelle contributed this ease to a helpful breast feeding item called My Brest Friend ($34.95)

My Brest Friend Pillow ‘Sunburst’ Slipcover: $16.95

Deluxe My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow: $44

It straps around mommy, providing the baby with the perfect positioning for latching on and eating comfortably.  Michelle was actually standing as she used this item to provide extra support since she was not in a place where she could easily sit down to feed the baby.

Of course, you would also need a good breast feeding shawl to keep you covered and able to feed your baby while on outings.  One great product that I will be adding to my registry is this 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl by L’ovedbaby ($29.95).  There are not clasps or ties to mess with. As a poncho-style faux suede poly shawl, you simply place it over your head and feed with comfort and confidence as it will not slip or come untied. It comes in a selection of beautiful colors, and it is so versatile! Not only is it a breast feeding shawl, but also can be used as a stroller or car seat canopy and a lightweight blanket for the baby. It comes with its own carrying pouch, which can also be used as a mini diaper bag for quick outings.

Find at Smarter.com:   Shop for more nursing shawls.
Discounts on nursing pillows.

Source: LATimes,  Babble

Related posts:

1. Breastfeeding Tips
2. To Feed, Or Not To Feed….
3. “Oh…That Garfield is Up to His Tricks Again”

So many baby food jars and nowhere to store them?  Are they just jumbled around in your pantry?  This Skip Hop food organizer should help you keep things neat as it holds up to 12 baby food jars.  You can also display them on your kitchen counter for more convenience when its mealtime.  It also come in different colors like white and marine (turquoise-ish color), but not on sale. 

Skip Hop Chow Baby Food Organizer: $29.95 Now: $12.00 ($17 off!)

Shop for more baby food organizers at Smarter.com.

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Here is a cute and classic high chair on sale for under $100. The wood finish is beautiful and it’s features include a 4 position adjustable tray (which is also dishwasher safe) and a machine-washable seat pad.  Perfect for extra messy babies & super busy parents.

Safety 1st Sundance Solid Wood High Chair: $99.99 Now: $69.95 Lowest Price on Smarter.com

Shop through all high chairs on Smarter.com.

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It’s MY Binky

“Consumers should immediately take these pacifiers away from children and return them to the store where purchased or contact the firm if purchased online to receive a free replacement pacifier.”

Click here to read the full press release.

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Avent ISIS iQ DUO Twin Electronic Breast Pump: $299.99 Now: $219.95 – Save: $79.05!

Bob Strollers Ironman Yellow Diaper Bag: $65.00 Now: $22.95 – Save $42.05!

Peter Potty My First Potty: $19.99 Now: $9.95 – Save $9.05!

Bobby Newborn Lounger: $34.99 Now: $25.95 – Save $8.05!

Cariboo Classic Changing Table: $350.95 Now: $249.99 – Save $109.01!

Click here for their entire collection of clearance items.

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                                                                    Preppy Flower Burp Cloth

                                                                      Rubber Ducky Burp Cloth

Click here to see the variety of cute designs you can choose from at MaiseyMae.com.

They also carry baby bibs.  I love these bibs because the colors are fun, bright & remind me of summer. :) They have velcro staps so they are easy to take on & off.  $39 for a bundle of three:

                                            ‘Madison’ Bib                                              ’Sophie Bib‘

                                                     ‘Luke’ Bib                                               ’Jake’ Bib

Click here to shop for more bibs at Smarter.com.

Related posts:

1. Modern Style Baby Bibs
2. This Week in Babies and Kids Blogs
3. Baby Formula Feeding Do’s and Don’ts