So You Have A Baby, What’s Its Name? by Ashton Renderly

Naming a baby is easy. All you have to do is think of a name that would suit him or her and viola, the child will carry it all throughout its life. Some pressure.

Relax though, naming a baby should not be difficult. Just make sure that whatever name you come up with will suit the baby up until the baby becomes a full-fledged adult.
The following are helpful tips to make baby naming a fun, enjoyable work.

Know what you want and do not want

Early on, it is best that you decide what kinds and types of name do you want to call your baby. Do you imagine yourself shouting “Ralph!,” “Amanda,” “Edward, or “Raul?”
What you call your baby now is what he or she will be called for life. So decide where and how you want to go about choosing names. Do you prefer a more traditional route or would you want to choose from a list of unusual baby names?

Ask family and friends

To probably give you an idea on the names you might want to call your child, ask around or interview relatives and get to know your family tree as well as your partner’s. If there are those people whose lives have touched you or those who have played a significant if not meaningful part in your lives, you may consider their names. Make sure though that both you and your partner agree to such a condition and that it is a name both of you will like.

Make a list and check it twice

Another option you could do is making a list of your personal favorite artists, actors, actress, places, characters from novels, movies or plays or from history or art, mythology, etc.
It would be best if such names or places have a significant meaning to you and your partner. If you and your partner considered the capital of France as the place where you definitely fell in love, proposed, (or where the baby was made), name the child Paris (at your own risk of course).

Know your lineage

In struggling to come up with a beautiful baby name, take this opportunity to also know your family’s heritage as well as your partner’s.
Would you want to have a specific ethnic sounding name for your baby? It may also be a chance for you to acknowledge or recognize your own or your partner’s nationality.

Buy a baby name book

This cuts out the effort, sweat, toil and tears of having to come up with a unique name or in looking for one. Through a baby name book, all you have to do is open its pages, close your eyes and let your finger do all the walking.

Wherever your eyes or your finger rests on may be the name that you might be looking for all yourlife. Be careful though and always feel free to change your mind just in case your finger rests on a Bartholomew or a Willamina.
The best way to go about this process is by highlighting the names you or your partner prefers. Then start from there.

Look at the big picture

Now that you may have a probable list of names, try to check how they stack up against the last name of the baby. First and last names that rhyme really do not sound too good. Long names are really not preferred, imagine how your child will write his or her name or introduce him or her self during their first day of school. Also, try to avoid any names, the nickname of which may be unflattering.

All in all, naming a baby is supposed to be a fun thing to do. Enjoy it, until the child grows up and become old enough to legally change it on its own.

All Rights Reserverd - Reprint of this article is only authorized when links remain intact.

Ashton Renderly talks all about finding the perfect baby name on his website http://www.bestbabygift.info/. He also has compiled a great deal of health insurance information as well.
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Pregnant....how do we tell the kids?

You just found out the exciting news. The positive sign on the pregnancy test is proof of the new addition to your family. Since this isn't your first pregnancy, you can focus more on your expanding family.

How will your family adjust to the news? How will you tell them? Will they be happy or upset? These may be just some of the questions on your mind. With the proper preparation, your family will start to have fun with the idea of a new baby.

When is a good time to tell your children? This depends on their ages. Children, age ten or older, are usually excited about bringing a new baby into the family. They understand the pregnancy will take nine months for the baby to develop and grow.

Children between the ages of five and nine will have a harder time comprehending that the pregnancy will take nine months. They will recognize that your body is changing and usually have many questions.

Children under the age of five usually aren't capable of understanding that it takes nine months for the baby to arrive. You may want to wait until the second trimester to tell your children, especially very young children. This makes the waiting time a little shorter for them and gives you time to prepare for any questions they may come up with.


Regardless of the ages of your children, always be sensitive to their questions. Spend time together as a family to talk about their new sibling. Explain how you will be going through changes (both physically and emotionally) so they are not scared or worried if you experience morning sickness or other pregnancy symptoms.

Talking about feelings is very important. Ask your children how they feel about having a new sibling. Discuss with them that it's all right if they feel scared or jealous. Try to find out why they feel this way and ease their concerns. Maybe they're scared the baby will get all their toys. When you explain that the baby will have his or her own toys, your child's fear should subside. It may also help to take your child shopping to help pick out new toys for the baby.

Go through pictures with your children when they were newborns. Explain the time and attention a baby requires. If your children show interest in helping you when the baby arrives, let them. It depends on their age to what they're capable of doing but even a preschooler can get things for you such as diapers or help find a lost pacifier.

Getting the children involved with the pregnancy will help them to accept the arrival of the baby. Let them help pick out clothes, bedding and toys for the baby. Ask their opinions about themes, designs and colors for the nursery.

As your due date arrives, prepare the children for your hospital stay. Explain to them why you need to go to the hospital for the delivery. Tell them that you will be home in a couple of days and until then they can visit. When you pack your hospital overnight bag, pack their bags as well if they are staying at a relatives or a close friend's house. Allow each child to select a small inexpensive gift for the baby such as socks or bibs. Give them paper to wrap the gift themselves to bring to the baby when they visit you in the hospital. You may also want to buy inexpensive gifts for each of the children from the new baby.

With a little preparation, your children will accept the new addition to your family with open arms.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Baby and Toddler guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

A sleep schedule for baby

Has it gotten to the point that you want to cry right along with your baby when it's time to put her to sleep? We've all been there. Parents who have much better little sleepers than my baby all have had "THOSE NIGHTS" from time to time.

There does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel. The problem of getting baby into a sleeping routine that all household members can live with seems to be one that's solved within a year or so.

A year or so you say?

I know, when you're dead tired and can hardly hold your head up the last thing you want to hear is that there will be a sure fix in the distant future. There are a few things that can be done now. Well, how about we start fresh tomorrow.

That's really lesson number one, don't wait till 9pm and baby's screaming every time there's a lack of body contact to look for direction! I'm convinced that the best strategy for getting baby to sleep at night begins with a well-laid plan beginning early that morning.

Take a look at baby's nursery, is it an ideal environment for sleep? The room should be dark and quiet as possible. Room darkening shades for daytime sleeping are a must.

Learn to read your baby's signals. The moment you see baby's eyes droop, her little mouth open in a yawn, stop what you are doing immediately and begin your bedtime routine. If you let baby get past this stage without making your move, you will most likely regret it. They can go from pleasantly drowsy to fussy to downright worked into a lather in record time. Timing is important.

Every mother's procedure for settling baby down is unique, there is no steadfast rule for what should be involved. Whatever your pre-sleep actions may be, they should vary very little from day to day. In order for baby to get a routine, mommy must have one too.

Be very predictable. You will have a calmer and more confident child if she always knows exactly what to expect. This is not to say you should train baby to be in a rut. Where surprises and treats are the frosting on the cake of life, surprises for baby at bedtime are not advisable.

Try to keep to an approximate timetable. Put baby's jammies on at a certain time and begin working your way toward the crib. A friend whose child had been keeping her up past midnight told me she went through the same steps every night for a week and almost gave up several times, then at the end of the week the baby drifted into an 8pm to10pm bedtime. She still has a little work to do, but as of this writing mother and baby are much happier.

Along with a routine, there's some baby gear available to make your task more pleasant. Of course, there is the trusty nursery rocking chair. However, if you've exhausted all the standard methods for putting baby to sleep. I have a few suggestions you may not have gotten around to that are definitely worth a try.

Have your sleep aid equipment checked, in place and ready to go before anybody goes into meltdown mode:

A baby sling

You carried baby for nine months without a hitch. Maybe she needs a little time to adjust to the world? The motion of your body may be all that it takes to get you through a rough patch and get a few chores done while you're at it! Start baby out in a ring sling and if it proves to be a workable solution for the two of you, graduate into a mei tai or a backpack.

A fan

Yes a common fan can produce wonderful baby calming white noise. White noise machines are available that mimic the sounds that baby was used to while still happily enclosed in your womb, but the common fan will work in a pinch.

A Warm Water Bottle

How many times have we rocked baby to sleep in our arms only to have them wake when we put them down on a cold crib sheet? Place a warm water bottle in the crib as part of your routine, and when you slip baby out of your arms safely into her crib the sheets will be warmed and the transition won't be as much of a shock. Always remove the water bottle before placing baby in the crib.

The list of tried and true baby sleep tips is a long one. What works for you one day, may not work every time but there's one indisputable fact, calm, loving perseverance will be invaluable in building your child's healthy sleep habits

For suggestions on creating an ideal sleeping environment for your child go to UNIQUE BABY GEAR IDEAS

Disclaimer: The contents of this article and website are for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a doctor or professional. You should always make your own choices on the advice of your chosen professional in matters concerning your baby's safety.

Jan Bay

Freelance Author of Nursery Decorating Articles Baby Gear Reviews and Webmaster for UNIQUE BABY GEAR IDEAS

Use of article requires an active link to Sleep Baby Sleep.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Bay

Baby Quotes

Baby Quotes by Alli Ross

To become a mother is one of life’s greatest blessings. It is a lifelong event that forever changes you. Becoming a mother changes your heart, your thoughts, and your actions. However, you may soon wish you had a few extra hands.

As a mother, you find that they first tug on your sleeve and later on your heartstrings.

To share in some of the joys of newborns, here are some popular baby quotes:

A baby is an angel whose wings decrease as his legs increase. ~Author Unknown


Babies are always more trouble than you thought - and more wonderful. ~Charles Osgood
Babies are such a nice way to start people. ~Don Herrold

When babies look beyond you and giggle, maybe they're seeing angels. ~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

It was the tiniest thing I ever decided to put my whole life into. ~Terri Guillemets


A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on. ~Carl Sandburg

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. ~ Eda J. Le Shan

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.

My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.
~ Stephen Wright


I can't think why mothers love them. All babies do is leak at both ends. ~ Douglas Feaver

Laughter is like changing a baby's diaper. It doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while ~ Unknown

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~ Milton Berle

I always wondered why babies spend so much time sucking their thumbs. Then I tasted baby food.
~ Robert Orben

Parents have the glorious opportunity of being the most powerful influence, above and beyond any other, on the new lives that bless their homes.
~ L. Tom Perry

The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children. ~ Elaine Heffiner

Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be. ~ David Bly





For a complete database of baby names and their meanings, go to http://www.babynamebox.com .


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Seven tips for effective parenting

The birth of a child changes lives forever. Becoming a parent brings with it several concerns and responsibilities. And, the central concern becomes “effective parenting.” While parenting comes naturally to most, the many concerns of the modern world and it’s fast paced existence make parenting a many tiered concern.
Parenting in simple terms just means loving your child, and teaching him to be a rounded and caring individual. Children need understanding, love, as well as a certain guiding hand which will help them make appropriate choices.
The keys to effective parenting are:
1. Understand that you child is an individual with the ability to think. Never try and mold a child into what you imagine to be the right mold for him or her. Every child has certain inborn talents and must be given the opportunity to discover their own identity and personality.
2. Instill in the child a sense of self confidence and trust in you. They must know that at any time they can turn to you for advice and help. Help the child discover themselves, their inner talents and strengths. Keep all avenues of conversation open. Listen to what a child has to say. You will be surprised at how much children know today.
3. Nurture your child’s talents and give them the space and opportunity to fly with the wind and touch the skies. Never try and push a child into a study course or profession they are not comfortable with let the child find its own level.
4. Reassure the child that he has your unconditional love and support. Your love is not a measure of the child’s behavior, performance, or achievements.
5. Freedom needs limits. Being understanding and lenient does not mean running wild. Children need rules to work under as well as a pre-determined schedule. This instills in them a feeling of security as well as discipline. So, a parent must wield the carrot and stick but subtly not like a military general or great dictator.
6. The adage, spare the rod and spoil the child is valid. What a parent needs to do is use positive methods to discipline a child. Never beat or abuse a child but devise a way in which a child looses certain privileges when he or she behaves badly or oversteps limits. Decide with the child whether it should be TV privileges, or pizza treats, or movies, or visits to the mall. Many parents find “grounded” works well.
7. Create bonds that a strong and will stand the vicissitudes of time. Be warm, share interests, spend time together, establish routines and rituals, be vigilant and pick up clues when a child is upset or angry. Keep lines of communication open, a child must be able to come and share is troubles and problems with you without hesitation.
Being a parent is not about providing well, giving pocket money, or satisfying material needs. It is about creating love, understanding, and trust. Bonds that are formed in the early years of life will last a life time of good times and bad. It is important for parents to extend a warm hand of friendship.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/parenting/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Parenting Forum including topics on general parenting, best parenting moments, motherhood, fatherhood, parenting advice and more. He also freelances for the premier Submit Article Services site http://www.submit-article-services.com/
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Bathing your baby

New parents, especially with a first baby, want to do everything exactly right – at least according to the latest baby book, their pediatrician and, of course, the grandparents.
The standard advice for bathing your baby is that you must do this every day. In actuality, until your little one is crawling and getting into messy things, a bath is only necessary once or twice a week. Other days, just wash your baby’s face often and thoroughly clean the genital area after each diaper change.
When it is time for a real bath, you will be able to handle your wiggling, soapy, slippery baby much easier and more safely in the sink or a special baby tub. If you’re leaning over a regular bathtub, your position is more awkward, and you will have less control over your baby’s quick movements. The good news is that most babies find warm water very soothing and are likely to relax and cooperate. Of course, having a favorite tub toy for distraction never hurts. With luck, bath time will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your parenting experience.
Here are some tips to make this adventure much easier for you and safer for your baby.
1. Gather all necessary bath accessories, including a towel and something to place your baby on before and after the bath.
2. Fill the tub or sink with no more than 2 to 3 inches of water. It should feel warm – not hot (about 90 degrees). Babies generally prefer a much cooler tub that you do. Keep in mind that children can drown in less than an inch of water - and in less than 60 seconds! So don’t add too much water, and never leave your baby unattended.
3. Bring your baby to the bath area before removing all clothing, including the diaper.
4. Ease your baby into the tub, using one hand to support his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly during the bath so he doesn't get too cold.
5. Use soap sparingly, as it dries your baby’s skin. Use your hand or a washcloth for bathing and move from top to bottom, then front to back. Wash his scalp with a wet, soapy cloth or baby shampoo. (Do this at the end of the bath to avoid too much soapy water, which can lead to urinary tract infections.) A routine washing is all that is needed for the genitals. Bath oils and bubbles can lead to urinary tract infections, too, so only use soaps that are specifically made for babies.
6. Moistened cotton balls are perfect for cleaning the eyes and face. Soften any dried mucus in the corner of the nose or eyes with a small section of a moistened washcloth before wiping it out.
7. Rinse your baby thoroughly with a clean washcloth, and you’re done. Use care when you remove your baby from the tub, as his skin will be wet and slippery.
8. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat him dry. For dry skin or a bit of diaper rash, apply a mild lotion.
For older babies and young children, make the family tub a safe place. Be sure there’s a rubber bath mat in the bottom and a padded cover to cushion the spout.
Never fill the tub more than waist-high when your child is sitting in the tub. Bath rings which have suction cups to attach it to the bottom of the tub add a safety factor and give you a helping hand. Still, it’s not a substitute for keeping your eye on your baby or toddler at all times. Teach your child to always sit while in the tub.
Don’t allow your child to touch the faucet handles. Serious injury can occur if they accidentally turn on the hot water. This is a good habit to start before your child is strong enough to turn the handles.
Once again – never leave your child unattended even for a few seconds! If you feel you have to leave the room to answer the door or tend to another child, wrap your baby in a towel and take him with you.
Bath time can be fun. Keep it that way by starting early to teach your little ones the basics of water safety.
For beautiful monogrammed hooded towels and even little slippers that match, visitWelcomeBabyGifts.com.
Other Child Safety Publications can be found at Consumer Products Safety Commission.

By Janet Winter

Janet Winter is a web designer, travel agent, and writer on many topics. She delights in providing great resources for parents and unique gifts for newborns, toddlers and baby showers at Welcome Baby Gifts.com.
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Baby's on the way

Baby Expense - When Money is Tight, and Baby's on the Way... by Adriana Copaceanu
As you probably know, baby expense should be high on your list of things to plan for, before the baby comes. There is no cheap way to have and raise a baby: it takes sweat, work, lots of cash, patience, and more to have a happy, healthy baby. Some studies suggest that you will spend anywhere between $150,000 and $200,000 for your kids by the time they are 18 years old, not including private schools, special lessons, or college.
But if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably end up without any children. Here you'll find a few ways to ease the finances, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.
1. Get health assistance - if you don't have health insurance, and can't afford it, doctor's bills can ad up really easy. But there are options out there for people just like you. This baby expense will probably be one of your biggest, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance if your family needs it.
2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. It's free, it's convenient, and it might help against breast cancer. It's recommended as being the best form of nutrition for baby.
If you can't breastfeed, don't feel guilty. Try to apply for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic, a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. This is a baby expense you can't do without.
3. Diapers - Some diapers are better than others, but most are basically the same. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. You can save even more, if you use cloth diapers instead of disposable. As with breastfeeding, it's a little more work involved, but well worth it.
4. Diaper Rash Prevention - instead of taking action after your baby got a diaper rash, prevent it with a drop of olive oil applied to their bottom every time you change their diaper: it works wonders (you should check with your doctor first).
5. Baby food - When it comes to baby food, a blender is your best friend: it will help you keep this baby expense at its lowest. Not only is it much cheaper, but it's so much healthier! Save the little baby food jars for quick trips, or special occasions, and give your baby pureed food made by you. You can cook a week's supply on the weekend, put the blended vegetables in the ice cube tray, for a few hours, and then place them in a freezer bag. Depending on your baby's appetite and age, you can microwave one, two or three cubes before meal time. It's quick, healthy and inexpensive.
6. Clothing - There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. Do you think anyone will really notice that your baby is wearing Tommy Hilfiger? Babies look cute in anything: don't waste your money! You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores.
7. Toys - they are big business, but you don't have to feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. My kids were happy with everyday items as their toys: empty shampoo bottles (make sure they are cleaned and rinsed very well before handing them to your baby), plastic bowls, plastic containers from food products (margarine, sour cream , etc.) that they could stack up, etc. Also, buy some toys that will help with your baby's development, are durable, and are age appropriate: a baby expense worth the money.
8. Wills - Get a will or update your old will. Name a guardian for your child and the trustee of your child's inheritance (often but not always the same person). Without a will, the court will name these individuals and also split up your assets in accordance with state law which may not be the way you would wish. Please don't try to avoid this baby expense: your kid's future might depend on it. A simple will that includes a trust for minor children costs between $150 and $250.

Adriana Copaceanu is a busy mom of 2. Visit her at Busy Moms Online if you are looking for ways to maximize your precious time. And if you are a new mom, you'll find everything you need to know at herBaby's First Year website.
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