Saturday, April 9, 2011

Baby Nutrition - Is it Better to Use Formula Or Breast Feed?

Author: Jamie Anthropology of Breast-Feeding

When it comes to breast feeding and the usage of formula, opinions differ. Many mothers believe that the natural way is always the better one. Yet, scientists have been able to establish no developmental differences between babies that have been breastfed and those that have been fed formula.



A comparison can be drawn only after the pros and cons of each feeding method have been examined. Both breastfeeding and formula usage have their advantages that receive serious scientific support.



Breastfeeding Pros


If the nutritional values are to be examined, breastfeeding provides the perfect balance. Mother's milk contains useful nutrients and is very easy to digest.



The composition of mother's milk changes as the baby grows. This way, it meets the nutritional requirements of the child during each development stage. Further, the baby decides on its own how much milk it will need per feeding.



Mother's milk is always featuring the optimal temperature, unlike formula. It is cost-free and it helps the baby develop its immunity.



Formula Pros


Formula has its pros, as well.



It is readily available and designed by experts to provide the child with all nutrients that it needs to grow.



Further, the feeding of the baby is independent of the mother's diet and health condition. Many mothers are willing to breastfeed but are advised from doing so because of medical concerns. In addition, anyone can feed the baby, not only the mother.



Breastfeeding Cons


When it comes to breastfeeding, the mother needs to be available each time the baby gets hungry. It will be difficult for someone else to feed the child and it makes the mother unable to go out or perform some timely chores.



During the first weeks, breastfeeding can be quite uncomfortable for the mother.



Breastfeeding is related to some expenditure. The mother will need a special bra, breast pumps and other accessories.



Alongside the useful nutrients, breastfeeding can transfer some harmful substances from the mother to the baby. These include microorganisms, nicotine, alcohol and viruses.



Formula Cons


Some babies have difficulties digesting formula. The nutritional value depends on the right preparation method.



The formula needs to get warmed in advance. It takes preparation time and perfect hygienic practices.



Formula usage is also related to some expenditure. It has to be bought together with bottles, sterilization equipment and some additional tools needed for the proper preparation of the baby food.



Drawing a Conclusion


Scientific research shows some relation between breastfeeding and the better health of a child. Babies that have been breastfed are less prone to respiratory diseases, allergies and ear infections. This phenomenon probably results from the fact that mother's milk contains antibodies.



Further, breastfeeding is an excellent natural mechanism that allows the mother and her baby to bond. It establishes a very strong connection that can be vital to the development of the baby.



Still, the decision is personal. Formula-fed babies are most often just as healthy and active as breastfed babies. If breastfeeding conflicts somehow with the mother's understanding or if it is impossible because of some condition, the mother should not be pressured into attempting it.



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/baby-nutrition-is-it-better-to-use-formula-or-breast-feed-4568941.html

About the Author

Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the baby bottle baby shower theme or some Short and Long Term Effects of Breast Feeding on Child Healthhref="http://www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/babyshowergifts.html">baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link. Reprint Statement: Note: You can reprint this article in your ezine, blog, or website as long as the credits remain intact and hyperlinks remain active and dofollow.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

New Passports for Newborns

Author: Alison Kroulek

When you get your new baby home from the hospital, paperwork and documents are probably the last things you want to think about. However, if you plan to travel with your little one any time in the next couple of months, it's a good idea to start the process of getting your newborn a passport as soon as possible.



Unfortunately, getting a passport for your newborn may prove to be a bit of a hassle, especially for a sleep-deprived new parent. Here's what you'll need to do:





  • Get baby's passport photo taken. The Department of State wants infants in passport photos to appear to be floating in space – nothing used to support the child, whether it's your arms or a car seat, can be visible in the picture. Unless you're Houdini and can levitate your baby, the best way to achieve this effect is to place the infant on top of a plain white sheet or use the sheet to cover his car seat. Make sure his eyes are open and he's not bawling. Yeah, good luck with that.



  • Apply in person at a passport acceptance office (usually a post office, library or municipal building).



  • Bring a state-issued photo ID for you, your baby's official birth certificate (not one issued by the hospital), evidence of your relationship to your child (the birth certificate will work, as long as your name is on it), the photo and money to pay the fees.



  • Getting a passport for a child requires the consent of both parents. Ideally, both of you should show up at the passport office to apply for the passport on behalf of the child. However, if only one parent can make it, he or she should bring a notarized consent form signed by the other parent.



Once you've submitted the application, all you have to do is wait. If you ordered standard processing, you can expect to wait 4 to 6 weeks to receive the passport. If you paid an additional $60 and ordered expedited processing, it'll be 2 to 3 weeks before you get your baby's new passport. The time will probably fly by – they grow up so fast!



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/new-passports-for-newborns-4539437.html

About the Author

Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Easy and affordable newborn Shower Ideas


Author: Susan H. King

Planning a newborn shower may possibly be extremely high-priced and stressful. if you pondering of preparing just one for the expectant friend, you can possibly be worrying concerning the cost to organize that party. Well, be worried no an amazing offer more because there are loads of affordable shower methods that you just can use. Know what one of the most effective element is? They are darn easy!

Whether you desire to plan an enormous or small shower, you will require advantage of different effortless and affordable shower methods to organize a momentous celebration without owning breaking your bank.

Tea newborn Shower Party

One belonging in the direction of one of the most effective useful methods can be to plan a good afternoon tea party. if you are wanting to organize a newborn shower within a limited budget, skip the huge luncheon at a hall or restaurant. Instead, plan of throwing a relaxing tea celebration in a really solo blessed afternoon. this kind of shower celebration is genuinely affordable because you will only should serve tea, coffee, biscuits, cookies with one another with other finger dishes that are much much less high-priced than dishes that are usually served in a really sit-down party. Skip stylish centerpieces that cost as well an amazing offer by replacing them with affordable tea pots on good serving trays.

Themed newborn Shower Gifts

Choose a theme for the shower and stimulate family and friends to deliver presents that ideal for that theme. just one terrific example can be to plan a diaper themed shower especially where you will ask every guest to deliver a good pack of diapers as their presents for the baby. be particular that you just will assign them with different sizes of diapers. That way, the diapers will genuinely get employed although the small just one is growing. A diaper themed shower is not merely affordable but also a fulfilling idea, specifically if a element belonging in the direction of the actions can be to create newborn diaper cakes. You can possess the family and friends do the cakes as an icebreaker belonging in the direction of the party.

Online newborn Shower

This is just one modernized and useful shower notion that doesn't should use a specific location, serve menu, with one another with other actions that are normally integrated in a really conventional shower. on collection shower only specifications pc and internet entry to acquire linked with everyone which have been invited by means of an electronic invitation. This exclusive and affordable shower notion usually requires sending shower presents in the direction of the mom-to-be and as her to log in for an on collection film chat, especially where everyone can see her as she opens the gifts.

DIY newborn Shower Ideas

Do-it-yourself newborn shower methods are economical choices to organize a newborn shower without owning spending a fortune. There's loads of factors that may possibly be produced away from DIY kits that are usually obtainable at regional craft stores and on collection stores. DIY shower methods usually consist of home made shower favors, self-made shower invitations, positively free shower film games that you just obtained from an on collection source, home made newborn treat baskets, and definitely DIY newborn diaper cakes. they are just quite a few effortless and affordable DIY methods you will make to cut back cutting costs when preparing a momentous shower.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/easy-and-affordable-newborn-shower-ideas-4399658.html


About the Author

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Save bucks With Diaper Coupons


Author: Susan H. King

Diapers are important for babies. But as tiny babies may possibly need about eight to 10 diapers within a day, it is occasionally high-priced to acquire preserve on these diapers. although there are many affordable and reduced best quality diapers that may conserve you bucks but going for these reduced best quality is not in any way a great believed for the newborn health.

With escalating need of diapers moms and dads frequently lookup the methods by which they are able to conserve some bucks for buying the diapers. youthful moms and dads regularly can be found throughout it difficult to acquire some affordable diapers for their babies. But with some best techniques it gets effortless for you personally to acquire affordable diapers devoid of compromising with reduced quality.

First of all you could get some diapers in amount for the baby. As this could very likely be the element that will not get broken soon, you can try buying them in bulk for the needs. You will obviously need these diapers for two to three many years and for that reason getting them in bulk will not in any way be considered a bad believed for you.

But treatment must can be found to be used that you simply purchase these diapers in combine sizes to make certain that when your newborn grows up you can take advantage of the large sized diapers. and also this way your bucks don't go wasted.

Another exceptional way for acquiring the diapers at extremely affordable costs will be to acquire them online. There undoubtedly are a tremendous amount of exceptional companies that are advertising these diapers online. right here you could get different discounts and provides in your purchase which produces it effortless and affordable to buy.

There are also a tremendous amount of in the diaper coupon codes obtainable for you personally on internet that facilitates one to conserve bucks in your purchase. You could get these coupon codes on collection or at stores near to you. occasionally these coupon codes are also found out within your packets of diapers that you simply are using. as well as you can obtain the advantage by utilizing these coupon codes for the up coming purchase.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/save-bucks-with-diaper-coupons-4399666.html


About the Author

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Prepare Your Pet For Your Baby

Author: Maria Cummings

A baby is going to cause changes in the household routine and lifestyle. Your pet will get used to the changes much easier if a lot of them happen before the new baby arrives home. Cats, dogs, and babies are beings of routine. They are all sensitive to routine and change tends to upset them. If the changes gradually happen before baby comes home then your pet probably will not resent the baby since baby will not be associated with the change in your pet's view of the world.



During the weeks before you are due to have your baby, gradually lessen the amount of time that you spend with your pet. If you think the time of day that you walk, feed, and play with or exercise your animal will change, modify those routines now giving your pet time to adjust. Have you trained your dog to commands like sit, stay, no, and heel? Does he obey you? Does he have any aggressive tendencies? You may need a dog trainer's help before baby arrives to help make sure your dog knows you are in charge.



If you have a cat, make sure the claws are routinely trimmed. Trim your dog's claws too. Get another family member used to cleaning the cat box. Have whoever changes it wear rubber gloves and wash their hands thoroughly afterward. Follow these precautions if you end up cleaning the litter box. Animals are easily startled by the spontaneous actions and noises of children. If your pets haven't been around children much, have your nieces and nephews over a few times or invite your friends kids over to play some games and have lunch. Don't let them mistreat your pet, but let them be in the house so your pet gets used to the noise of children.



You'll be preparing for the new baby by buying various baby items and setting up the baby bed. Let your pet smell these items. This can help your animal get used to these items being around. Never allow your pets to lie on your baby's belongings or get into the baby bed. If necessary keep the door closed to the baby's room.



Buy a container that seals to put the dirty diapers in so your animals won't get into the container. Unfortunately, they will be attracted to the odor. Your cat or dog needs a place of his or her own also. If you haven't made that space in your house yet, do it now before baby gets home. Teach your pet this is his special spot by putting one of his toys there and giving him bedding. He may need to get away from the baby and other children sometimes and this should be off limits to children.



To get your pet familiar with baby noises you can play a CD of a baby crying starting a few months before you have your baby. You can rock in the rocking chair and turn on the mechanical swing routinely ahead of time too. These small preparations can make the changes positive and less stressful for your pet. And you can also give him a treat or play with him as a reward for his ability to adapt to his new family member.

About the Author:
Maria Cummings is a devoted parent, wife and expert author on family matters and parenting. She is devoted to helping children's organizations and activities. Maria is the Sales Manager for BustlingBaby.com which offers a variety of baby products to help make parenting easier, from Baby Sherpa Backpacks to Snug As a Bug slings

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/prepare-your-pet-for-your-baby-836731.html

Adventures In Pet Sitting: A Collection Of True Pet Stories

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Choosing a Baby High Chair

Author: Jason Lewis

There are always so many things to buy before a new baby’s arrival nursery furniture, clothes, supplies, and things that you did not even know existed! However, you will want to pay special attention to the high chair that you are going to buy because it is going to be something that you are going to be using every day. You will want to make sure that the high chair that you purchase is going to be safe, durable, and easy to use.


One of the most traditional types of high chairs are wooden highchairs. These are often considered to be the most attractive high chairs to look at, but they are not without their flaws. Wooden high chairs can be more cumbersome to move and store. They do not fold up so you will need to ensure that you have a set area in your home that you can store the high chair in when you are not using it. Also, they are a little more difficult to clean, and the wood can stain more easily that other types of high chairs.


There are also high chairs that are made of metal, usually built so that they are easily folded. This will allow you to store your highchair easily. Additionally, cleaning off the metal is much easier than cleaning off a wooden highchair. However, metal high chairs are also not without their drawbacks. Though they are typically lighter than a wooden highchair, they are significantly heavier than a plastic highchair.


The most convenient type of high chair is usually thought to be one made of both metal and plastic. With this hybrid type of highchair, you will have the flexibility of a compact and collapsible metal highchair with the lightweight feel of a plastic highchair. Also, many metal/plastic highchairs offer seats that can recline, have adjustable seat heights, and handy removable trays. Often they are fitted with castors on their legs so they're easy to move. With such a wide variety of makes and models it's certainly worth checking out a number of different brands before making your final decision, including Graco, Fisher Price, Cosatto, Chicco and many more.


When looking to purchase the perfect highchair, you will want to make sure that whatever type you choose to go with is very stable. You will need to inspect it to make sure that it stands securely and that it does not tip over easily. Additionally you will want to make sure that the highchair comes equipped with a safety belt to secure around your babies waist to prevent them from standing up or slipping out of their seat. You will also want to run your hand all over the highchair to make sure that there are not any sharp edges that might catch on your little one's skin. Lastly, but probably one of the most important things to look at is how easy is your highchair to clean. Let’s face it, babies can’t help but be messy when they eat so ensuring that your high chair is easy to clean is essential to making sure that your little one will have a clean and germ free place to eat.


Getting ready for your new arrival can be overwhelming, but by putting in a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your baby will be able to eat in a safe, clean, and stable highchair.

About the Author:

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/choosing-a-baby-high-chair-771680.html

Doll High Chair w/Plate, Bib, and Spoon by Badger Doll Furniture

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Top Three Things to Consider When Choosing an Educational Toy For Your Toddler

Author: Rachel Nunez

Toddlerhood is the best time to start building your child's fundamental skills. During this stage, which typically lasts during the ages of 1-3 years old, your toddler has a heightened sense of curiosity towards the world around him. He will begin to explore new objects and sensations with more than just a passing interest.



This is also the time when your child starts learning how to speak. As he advances further into the later stages of toddlerhood, he will be able to add new words to an ever-expanding vocabulary and use those words to form simple phrases and sentences.



You can maximize your toddler's rapid brain development by giving him educational toys to play with. These toys stimulate your child's inquisitive mind and hasten the learning process. At the same time, your toddler can have loads of fun!



Here are some helpful tips to consider when selecting an educational toy for your child:



* Choose Eye-catching Toys


Guidecraft Toddler Kitchen Island

With so many new stimuli bombarding your toddler's senses and vying for attention, it is important to pick out a toy that will hold your toddler's attention for more than just a moment. Bright, gay colors will help capture and hold your child's attention. Your highly inquisitive toddler will also be drawn to toys that come in different shapes and sizes.



When picking out any toy, educational or not, looks play an important role so choose carefully. Educational toys are only educational if your toddler plays with them. Moreover, it is economically wasteful to buy a toy that will only be relegated to a recluse corner in the nursery to gather dust.



* Select Multi-purpose Toys



There are so many educational toys to choose from that selecting one for your toddler can be quite a headache. With a limited budget, you can make the most out an educational toy by choosing one with a variety of uses. Some toys, like flash cards, only allow your toddler to practice their alphabet or numbers. While playing and learning one thing is great, playing and learning multiple things is better!



One very useful toy that develops multiple skills is a building block set. You can get your toddler to sort out the blocks according to color and shape. They will also introduce your toddler to patterns and dimensions -- concepts that he will be able to appreciate more when he matures into childhood.



* Make Safety a Priority



Lastly, but most important of all, choose toys that are safe for your child's age. Toddlers perceive objects through all the senses: sight, taste, touch, smell and sound. Primary among these senses is that of taste. If you give a toy or any object to a toddler, he will automatically put that object in his mouth. It is therefore very important not to give toddlers toys that contain small parts or toys that are prone to breaking. Your toddler may choke on the small pieces.


Toddler Painting Brush Set by Alex Toys

With these tips to guide you, you will be able to choose a safe, educational toy that will engage your toddler for countless hours on end!

About the Author:
For more tips and information about educational toys, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/science-kits.html.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/top-three-things-to-consider-when-choosing-an-educational-toy-for-your-toddler-765796.html