Wednesday

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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Saturday

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

Friday

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.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com/

Thursday

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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