Babys First Year

Lightly Padded MAYA WRAP Ring Sling Carrier SMALL OLIVE

Lightly Padded Maya Wrap Baby Sling Carrier Olive, XL

Lightly Padded Maya Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier ~ Sz M

Maya Wrap Pouch Baby Carrier/Sling small +nursing shirt

BABY MAYA WRAP SLING DENIM COLOR SZ XL CARRIER

Lightly Padded Maya Wrap Baby Carrier Ring Sling ~ Sz L

Lightly Padded Maya Wrap Sling Carrier~Brown~Sz Medium

Original Maya Wrap Ring Sling Carrier~MEDIUM- Choose!

ORIGINAL Maya Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier Olive Cotton

Maya Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier M, Great for Nursing!

NEW! Fisher Price Easy On Infant Baby Carrier Sling

FISHER PRICE EASY-ON INFANT CARRIER NEW IN BOX

New Fisher Price Easy on Baby Infant Carrier Back Saver

FISHER PRICE Loving Family Dollhouse BABY CARRIER New!

Fisher Price Easy-on Infant Carrier Portable New

Baby Carriers

When we were kids, our moms had one choice for cloth diapers. It involved folding, pins, plastic covers, and a lot of frustration. Many of us have simply switched to disposable diapers because they’re more convenient. Well, most cloth diapers today are not only convenient, they’re also more attractive and sometimes work better than disposable. The key to using and sticking with cloth diapers is choosing the one that works best for you. Here are some of the cloth diaper options on the market.

• All-in-Ones. These are basically cloth versions of disposable diapers. They come in once piece and require no inserts or outer coverings; they’re already built in. You can also get wool versions of these that have a softer cover layer. These diapers are great for busy parents, but you may have cleaning problems because you have to wash them as one piece.
• All-in-Twos. These are just like all-in-ones except the absorbent layer is an extra piece that fits in the diaper. They are almost as convenient, but they’re more hygienic because it’s easier to clean the inserts.
• Fitted Diapers. These look a lot like plastic diapers because they are fitted at the edges to prevent leaks. Unlike all in ones, they do require a diaper cover. You can also get contour diapers that are shaped to fit the baby, but not elasticized to fit tight.
• Flat and Prefold Diapers. These are basically old fashioned diapers. Many have been made more convenient using snaps instead of pins, but they still require folding and aren’t fitted. Prefold diapers provide extra layers of fabric for better absorption. While these may seem archaic, they’re the cheapest option for cloth diapering.
• Pocket Diapers. These diapers are similar to two-in-ones because you can add your own inserts, but instead of sitting in the diaper, the inserts are put into a special pocket. This is great if you need varying levels of protections and absorbency. Another great feature is that you can use almost any naturally absorbent material to put in the pocket, including old flat and prefold diapers.
• One-size Diapers. While most diapers need to be replaced as your child grows, one-size are exactly as they sound: one size fits all. This means you can not only use the same diapers from infancy up, but you can also use the same diapers for your older and younger kids and avoid tedious diaper sorting.

You may think that choosing a diaper type is a big enough decision for you to make, but there are other variables you must consider.

• Diaper Liners. This is what keeps excrement from getting into the main fabric of the diaper. These can be fabric, which you wash, or paper, which you can throw away or flush down the toilet.
• Diaper Covers. It used to be you have to cover cloth diapers in annoying plastic. Now there are new materials being used including wool. Wool offers the added benefit of being warm. You can also get wool covers in pant form for a great looking, easy outfit.
• Organics. You now have the option of getting your diaper, liners, soakers, and everything else, made from organic materials. They’re better for the environment and for your baby.

While sifting through the many diapering options can be overwhelming, it’s better to take the time. This way you can find cheap, environmentally friendly diapers that fit into your life.

Baby Care

Toddlers certainly have their own ideas about what they want or don’t want. Unfortunately, going to bed falls into the “don’t want” category. Getting a cranky toddler to go to bed is no walk in the park.

The best thing you can do is to establish a bedtime routine for your toddler. Toddlers need routine to feel safe and also to learn their boundaries. It will take a little patience and perseverance, but gradually your toddler will start to cooperate.

Here are a few ideas:

Give him soothing bath before bedtime – This could be considered one of the oldest and most successful bedtime routines for kids. A warm bath will soothe and help your toddler calm down before bed. You can add a little lavender or chamomile oil to help your little one relax. Try to keep things calm and don’t add too many toys to the bath. This is a time for your toddler to relax.

Toddlers love good story – Your toddler loves listening to the sound of your voice. Engage her in a bedtime story to help her drift off to sleep. Also try making up stories instead of reading. Include your child as one of the characters and talk about things your child will find interesting. Regular bedtime stories and reading to your child will help influence her interests and develop her creativity.

Sing a Lullaby – The long loved lullaby does just that, it helps lull babies and toddlers to sleep. Your voice and lulling rhythm of the song will give your toddler security and calm him down. You can also play soft music in their rooms. Just watch the reaction of your toddler. Sometimes even low music can stimulate or irritate very sleepy toddlers.

Don’t Surprise Him – Not when it comes to bedtime. About 15 minutes before you start your bedtime routine let your toddler know. Try not to say it’s time for bed in 15 minutes instead say it’s time for a story or a bath in 15 minutes. Some toddlers will automatically go into overdrive if they hear the word bed.

Remind him again about 5 minutes before the time. You can also get him to help you tidy up the toys as a way of preparing for the next activity, the bedtime routine. Once it’s time to go, gently tell him that it’s time for a story or bath and help him to the bedroom. Your toddler may try to think of a million excuses or things she needs to do at this time but remain calm and insist that it’s time to go.

Don’t Rush Him – Toddlers really don’t like being rushed. As a fully fledged parent of a toddler you already know the patience you need to exhibit doing the simplest things like getting your toddler in and out of the car. Bedtime is no different.

If you’re rushing and putting the emphasis on getting them to sleep then your toddler will pick up on that and lash out. Try to place the emphasis on spending quiet, quality time with your toddler. Allow yourself plenty of time so that you can get through the whole bedtime routine without rushing and be flexible and allow for little glitches in your routine.

Don’t Give In – Speak to your toddler before hand about your new bedtime routine, warn him soon before the time. When it’s time be firm and consistent. Even the most reasonable of toddlers, will push their boundaries when allowed. It’s a normal part of growing up and development. Remember your toddler looks to you to make all the grownup and important decisions for him.

Sleep is important for all of us and more so for young children. Be consistent in your bedtime routine and even if things don’t go well at first keep it up. If you’re consistent your toddler will eventually come around.

Baby Care

Babies need a lot of attention and there’s a great way you can have your baby with your all day, hands free.  Imagine being able to cook, clean, shop, and play with your other children all while you baby is safely snuggled up against you.  Well you can do that and more with the art of baby wearing.

Most people have seen the large backpack carriers that used to be very popular, but babies can now be worn in lots of different positions using several kinds of baby carriers.

There are many different types of carriers that you can get.  The kind of carrier you want depends on how you want to carry your baby.  There are tons of different choices, so research before you decide which kind you want.

Being worn in a baby sling is good for your baby.  Here are just a few benefits your baby gains by being worn during the day:

• Most babies cry less when they’re being worn; up to 50% less.  This is because they’re always close to mom.  They’re also constantly getting new images to process and understand, so they’re less bored
• The constantly changing stimuli when being carried help stimulate your baby’s brain and promote neural development.
• Babies who are worn by their moms tend to form a stronger bond with her: this is because they always feel safe and secure near her.
• Being able to feel mom’s heart beat and body functioning helps the baby’s biorhythms develop faster.  This means they get on a schedule faster and easier

Baby wearing is not only great for your baby: it’s great for you too.

• Wearing your child gives you the comfort of having them there with the convenience of being able to use both your arms.
• With a baby sling, you can breastfeed your child without using your hands.
• You don’t have to haul around and annoying stroller or car seat when you’re out.
• You get a great weight-bearing workout from carrying the extra weight.
• Being with your baby all the time helps you learn their normal cues.  Then you can anticipate when they’ll need to be fed, changed, or cuddled.

While baby slings and carriers are considered safe for you and your child, there are some precautions you should take.

• If you carry the baby on your hip or to one side, change sides and directions regularly so you don’t cause yourself back and hip problems.
• Make sure you’re using a carrier or sling that is appropriate for the age of your child and the way you carry them.
• Practice with a doll, teddy bear, before you start carrying your child. This will help you learn to watch their head and to take other  precautions to keep them from being injured.
• Don’t wear your baby while in the car: they should be in an appropriate car seat.

If done safely and properly, wearing you baby in a baby sling, or baby carrier can be a great way to bond with them, comfort them, and get all your chores done all at the same time.

Baby Gear

Along with the benefits of breastfeeding such as exceptional nutrition for your baby and a close knit bond between mother and child, the mothers can often experience some sort of breast pain.  It is important to know what methods are a combination of effective, natural, and won’t harm baby or mom.

Cracked or Dry Nipples and/or Areola: Cracked nipples can occur a number of ways.  The most common is if the baby is not latched on correctly.  Make sure your baby’s mouth is taking in the entire areola.  If not, you will soon experience cracking of your nipples.  Another way cracked or dry nipples can occur is by naturally just being used more than normal.  Your body is still getting used to breastfeeding several times a day and the result can dry out the skin.

The most common way to help correct this is after each feeding, squeezing a small amount of milk onto your areolas and nipples.  Allow to dry naturally, soaking in the breastmilk.  If you continue to have cry and cracked nipples, especially ones that really hurt, proceed to using lanolin.

If you are vegan, lanolin is not the product for you since it is extracted from wool.  However, it is an all natural product.  If you purchase the Lansinoh brand of lanolin, you’ll find it is the purest form out there, without any additives.  Take the lanolin and generously apply to your nipples and areola.  You might want to cover your breasts with a light breast pad to keep your clothing from getting sticky.  The good part is that lanolin is safe for baby (and for you), just be sure you’re not super gooey before feedings.  But a thin layer is appropriate to remain on.

Your body will soak in the lanolin and within a day’s time you should start to see a major difference.

Hard or Tender Breasts: If you go too long without feeding, your breasts can become very hard.  They are filled with milk and can feel like rocks living inside.  It can be quite painful to some, especially to the touch.  What you’ll want to do is carve out a little ‘me’ time to take care of the soreness.  If you have warm heating pads, such as a DIY rice sock or gel pack, warm up and then place on each breast, paying special attention to the sorest parts of your breasts.  You can even use a warm compress such as a washcloth soaked in warm water.  Other ways are to take a warm bath or lightly massage the hard areas with olive oil.  Depending on the severity of the problem, the above method can start to take effect within hours or even days.

Itchiness: If you sense this is normal itchiness due to irritation, there are some natural steps you can take on your own.  If you’re worried it could be thrush or a bacterial infection, you should talk with your doctor on what she or he believes you should do to help cure it.

However, many moms often experience itchiness of the nipples early on.  The skin can become irritated from constant use or from exposure to certain fabrics.  First of all, you’ll want to start using a bra that is made from organic cotton.  You can even look for a specially-made nursing bra that removes the cups for easy feedings.  This should make a major impact on the itchiness.

During shower time you’ll want to avoid using any sort of soap on the breasts.  Just use warm water and be careful to be tender when washing.  This will help remove any bacteria and cleanse the area naturally, without irritants.

Breastfeeding