Start them off right with the Learn and Groove Alphabet Drum. They tap the top and it lights up with a letter from the alphabet. At the same time, the toy makes a musical sound. Children as young as 8 months can easily play this delightfully colorful toy and parents will appreciate the volume control knob.

Introducing music to your child is easy as sitting down with the Musical Toy Box Bench. A real toy box in multiple colors, the back has a little xylophone and comes with two mallets. Tap the back and hear a tone. Strike the bell and ring out all the fun as they’re entertained while they learn.

Let them rock away their blues in the Musical Rocker from Levels of Discovery. With a xylophone built into the armrest, they can play a tune whenever they want. Just pick up the handy mallet and tap away. Then turn around and tap the simple keyboard built into the back. Sturdy and colorful, you’ll wish you had one of these when you were a baby.

Move up to the Band In a Box, with a whole set of easy-to-play instruments. A tambourine, maracas, hand cymbals, triangle and more offer choices for one child or a chance for an ensemble of many. Colorful and very durable, your children will get tons of fun while they learn hand coordination and the ability to distinguish musical sounds. Comes with its own sturdy wooden storage case.

For those who prefer the piano, the Piano Pal Hippo is the perfect choice. This fun, purple creature opens his mouth to reveal a toothy keyboard that is ready for play. Press a tooth and hear any of 8 classic children’s songs. Press a button and the baby can tap out tunes on the color-coded hippo teeth. This one will entertain and educate for hours a day.

Your child will soon graduate to the Doodlebops Keytar that combines a guitar shape with an easy-to-play keyboard. Made of sturdy, lightweight plastic it can play notes, chords or entire songs. Then your child can simply repeat what they hear. Great fun and a simple way to begin to learn music, this pink, 16″ instrument with nylon strap will get them started right.

It won’t be long before they point to the Disney Princess Guitar and ask you to ‘get that one!’ Decorated with female characters from several Disney films, this pink instrument really plays. It’s easy to strum but aids your child’s musical skills while having lots of fun.

Pretty soon your young ones will be composing their own little songs and amazing you with their skills on a musical toy. Call the record companies!

This type of diet normally involves a high calorie, high nutrition diet which follows on from that in pregnancy. Even though mothers in famine conditions can produce milk with nutritional content, a mother that is malnourished may produce milk with lacking levels of vitamins A, D, B6, and B12.

If they smoke, breast feeding mothers must use extreme caution. More than 20 cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce the milk supply and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, and restlessness in the infants. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is more common in babies that are exposed to smoke.

Heavy drinking is also known to harm the imfant, as well as yourself. If you are breast feeding, you should avoid alcohol or consume very small amounts at a time.

The excessive consumption of alcohol by the mother can result in irritability, sleeplessness, and increased feeding in the infant. Moderate use, normally 1 – 2 cups a day normally produces no effect. Therefore, mothers that are breast feeding are advised to avoid caffeine or restrict intake of it.

By following a healthy diet and limiting your intake of the above, you’ll ensure that your baby gets the right nutrients during your time of breast feeding. This stage of life is very important – as you don’t want anything to happen to your baby.

Qualifications For Your Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician can seem like a daunting task. During your pregnancy, your midwife or OB/GYN provided you maternal and infant health care, but now you have to find someone to care solely for the baby. The healthcare provider you choose for your baby is going to be your go to person for many years to come. You have to trust his or her to do the right thing for your child, and as such, having a connection with your pediatrician is a must. If you do not feel comfortable with him or her, avoid choosing that pediatrician if at all possible.

In addition, you should make sure that you pediatrician’s views are closely aligned with your own. If you choose not to vaccinate your child, you need to make sure that your pediatrician will be okay with that. Some pediatrician’s unnecessarily push for vaccinations and other standard medical healthcare for a baby. If you choose to do things nonstandard, look for a pediatrician who has a history of working with nonstandard care patients.

Another view that is important when choosing a healthcare provider for your baby is how you plan to feed your baby. Unfortunately, doctors and pediatricians do not have to take classes on breastfeeding at medical school. As such, many pediatricians are misinformed on breastfeeding. Some pediatricians judge how well your baby is growing from standard growth charts. However, these growth charts were formed using primarily formula fed babies. Formula fed babies tend to grow quicker in the beginning and taper off while breastfed babies tend to grow slowly at first and then quickly. Many pediatricians have told the mother to stop breastfeeding due to failure to thrive when the baby is actually doing just fine. In addition, while the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until the baby is two years old, many pediatricians believe that breast milk loses its benefits after three, six, or nine months of age. If you plan on breastfeeding, make sure to discuss all of this with your pediatrician in reference to the healthcare for your baby.

Sleep deprivation is at least as serious for infants as it is for adults. The underlying causes remain an area of active investigation, but scientists believe they’ve identified several key ones, and some possible solutions.

Causes

Sleep deprivation occurs for any cause that prevents adequate quantity of sleep. Infants vary considerably in how much that is, with the amount changing for the first year. A one month old will need as much as 16 hours, sleeping off and on all day and night. From 6-9 months the number decreases to about 14, with the nighttime taking over about 3/4 of the total.

Quality of sleep counts, too. Several different sleep disorders can decrease it.

Nightmares, night terrors and other conditions are foremost examples. Nightmares are familiar to adults. Night terrors differ in that children are generally able to fall back asleep right away. The key neurological difference is that night terrors occur during deep sleep, nightmares during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) portion of the cycle.

Sleep apnea is a different type of sleep disorder, one in which breathing stops. In some cases the underlying neurological reasons are still unclear. In others, it’s simply the result of enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a sub-category called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In either case, the episodes are invariably short. Still, they interrupt the normal sleep cycle and can lead to lack of restful sleep.

Psychological issues may be at the root of some cases of newborn sleep difficulties, though this is likely more common in older babies of 9 months to about 3 years old. Separation anxiety, in which the child fears being away from the parent, can lead to a form of infant stress that interferes with the ability to sleep.

Treatments

Nightmares or night terrors may be the result of tension in the home, but they’re just as often mysterious. Closeness and reassurance can go a long way toward helping the newborn fall back to sleep quickly.

Apnea that results from obstructions can be treated surgically, if the physician counsels that it is warranted. Typical pre-surgery evaluation includes careful monitoring of brain waves using an EEG and eye and chin movements. For this and other types of apnea, monitoring systems are available that will alert the parent when breathing stops for more than a few seconds. Gentle waking, followed by reassurance will let the child resume breathing and fall quickly back to sleep.

Separation anxiety is more difficult to detect, but easier to treat. Simple closeness, perhaps even co-sleeping, may be enough. Attachment bonding is desirable to let the infant know someone is close by to meet their needs at all times, even though they obviously aren’t consciously aware of the need.

Avoid creating sleep problems by not feeding solid foods before infants are ready. For the first six months breast milk or formula is all they need. Also, avoid juice or milk near bed time after about 3 months of age, and don’t feed in order to induce sleep. A full tummy doesn’t necessarily lend itself to restful sleep. Instead, associate sleeping with positives by providing closeness, a pacifier, a stuffed toy or other safe object.

Summary

At bottom, parents need to be realistic. Individual babies vary widely in how long they sleep through the night normally, especially in the first six months. And, in almost all cases, even the most restless child will grow out of any sleep problem with time.

In the nursery, they entertain while they encourage development. Colorful figures float around at the slightest touch. Those colors in motion help develop visual acuity for the eyes of maturing young ones. They help the baby associate movement of the limbs with motion in the world. They exercise that new hearing by offering several sounds to distinguish from one another.

At the same time, mobiles are just sheer fun. Seeing those dancing animals makes babies laugh. Watching rocket ships zoom around brings a smile to a young face. Hearing musical sounds makes them perk up and enjoy playing with the many objects producing them.

The Symphony in Motion mobile is an excellent example. It’s filled with colorful, funny little farm animals that dance up and down as they fly around. Not far behind them are dazzling saucers that look like something straight out of a cartoon version of a ’50s sci-fi movie. But the music is straight from Beethovan, Bach and Mozart so you know they’re getting the best possible mental development as their eyes are delighted and their hearing stimulated.

The Precious Moments Mobile is another good example. These 5″ plush toys glide around as the music box plays a soothing melody. The little blue horse chases a star as the teddy bear looks on, smiling. With delightful sounds and entertaining characters that bob up and down, your baby’s attention will never stray.

Mobiles have gone mobile, too. Even on the road you can take advantage of the fun and cognitive development values of a mobile baby toy.

The ClassiGo Mobile can be attached anywhere – the playard, the beach umbrella or even above the car seat. With its ocean theme, the colorful creatures will delight your young one. The Take-Along Arch offers toys to see and touch that make traveling fun. Made of soft plush toys that just clip on it’s easy to fold out or fold up. The Lamaze Phase One Traveling Mobile is another one that offers fun and exercise for the creative faculties. Colorful animals encourage play that develops good eye-hand coordination while they offer tons of fun.

When Spring arrives you’ll appreciate even more the Springtime ClassiGo mobile. Butterfly, bee and sun all dance around while they smile down at the baby. With a mirror overhead, the reflections will amuse and help develop the visual system as the classical music delights them.

Windchimes are a great way to take advantage of that cool breeze and let the baby get her kicks out. Offering indestructible birds made of safe materials, it develops motor skills and hearing at the same time. It’s also a lot of fun thanks to the colorful springtime theme.

Get a mobile and watch your baby become fascinated. You will be too.

If your baby has trouble finding or staying on your nipple, you shouldn’t panic. Breast feeding is an art that will require a lot of patience and a lot of practice. No one expects you to be an expert when you first start, so you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for advice or have a nurse show you what you need to do.

Once you start, keep in mind that nursing shouldn’t be painful. When your baby latches on, pay attention to how your breasts feel. If the latching on hurts, break the suction then try again.

You should nurse quite frequently, as the more you nurse the more quickly your mature milk will come in and the more milk you’ll produce. Breast feeding for 10 – 15 minutes per breast 8 – 10 times every 24 hours is an ideal target. Crying is a sign of hunger, which means you should actually feed your baby before he starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to wake your baby to begin breast feeding, and he may end up falling asleep during feeding. To ensure that your baby is eating often enough, you should wake him up if it has been four hours since the last time he has been fed.

Getting comfortable Feedings can take 40 minutes or longer, therefore you’ll want a cozy spot. You don’t want to be sitting somewhere where you will be bothered, as it can make the process very hard.

Your baby’s skin is more sensitive to chemicals and absorbs chemicals a lot more easily than adult skin. If you’d like to avoid rashes and skin irritation in your baby then going natural is really the best baby skin care.

Natural Alternatives

Using natural baby skincare products instead of the widely marketed products sold in drugstores and supermarkets is a good alternative. Many parents are not aware that there are natural baby skincare products out there. If you knew what was in the mass market products you would definitely make the switch.

Bubble baths seem like a fun way to bathe baby but these products are often do more harm than good. In fact it has recently been ruled that bubble bath products have to carry a warning label warning against excessively bathing your child. Use a soap formulated for babies that is made from natural ingredients and chemical free.

Another baby product that is constantly used is talc powder. It is used to treat diaper rash and other rashes. Some doctors will tell you that talc powder can actually irritate the skin. A natural baby skincare product you might want to use instead is powder made from bentonite clay or cornstarch.

If your baby does have diaper rash chamomile might be a good alternative to talc powder to help soothe skin. Zinc oxide is also a great way to naturally treat diaper rash. Making sure your baby’s bottom is well ventilated to avoid diaper rash.

Baby oils are constantly being marketed as great for massaging your baby. However most commercial baby oils are made from petrochemicals. Natural baby skincare oils are made from nuts or other natural ingredients. Try to buy natural baby skincare oils that contain aloe and chamomile, great for reducing inflammation and irritation.

Shampooing should be kept to a minimum. Only shampoo as needed, when your baby’s hair is oily or dirty. Avoid using any shampoos with fragrances or colors. Try looking for a natural baby skincare shampoo that contains coconut oil. Coconut oil has been proven to moisturise and condition hair and skin.

Anything which irritates the skin can cause diaper rash. A baby’s skin is very sensitive. Still, there are a few common causes.

Long exposure to urine and feces is one example. Pure urine is not infectious. But it mixes readily with organisms, providing them with a growing medium. Bacteria are often found in feces, as a normal part of the body’s disposal of potentially harmful ‘invaders’.

One organism in particular accounts for a large number of diaper rash cases: yeast. This common fungus grows well in moist, warm environments, such as soiled diapers. Even when waste isn’t present, excessive humidity in the air encourages moisture under the diaper. That condition is especially likely in skin folds that trap moisture.

Other causes are possible, as well.

A change in diet can increase stool production, which increases the time the baby’s skin is exposed to it. Ironically, even a new cleansing product can cause diaper rash. Though rarely the cause, thanks to considerable testing, some babies are sensitive to certain products. A new detergent or fabric softener, or even a new disposable wipe, can irritate the skin.

And, not least, some babies are simply more sensitive than others to potential irritants. Tight diapers that are perfect for one will chafe another.

Home treatment is all that’s required in the overwhelming majority of cases of diaper rash.

In most cases, simply cleaning your baby gently but thoroughly will provide the right environment for time to do the rest. Changing diapers promptly and often will help prevent any instance or reoccurrence. Rinsing with warm water during a change to remove all trace of urine and feces is a good idea.

There’s rarely a need for swabbing with alcohol and it can often be counterproductive. It tends to dry the skin excessively. Patting with a soft towel followed by air drying is best. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before fitting the baby with a new diaper.

For babies that tend to develop diaper rash, avoid diapers or outer pants that have elastic bands that tighten against the legs. This blocks air flow that helps to keep the area dry. They may also chafe.

For more serious cases, an antifungal cream may be called for. There are over the counter ointments and prescription strength creams. Which is needed depends of course on individual factors that should be discussed with your physician.

With proper care almost all cases of diaper rash can be conquered within a few days. For those that persist or grow, see your doctor. Any time the rash is accompanied by pus or boils you should seek professional treatment for your baby at once.

The classic stacker is a great example. Made of durable plastic, it is a set of rings that fit over a cone, in order. The toy could not be simpler. Yet it continues to be popular generation after generation because it offers the two key values in a simple way. It helps the developing mind learn shapes, and how they can be fitted together, while babies have great fun working with them.

A baby loves to sit in Mom’s lap while she’s working at the computer. She enjoys even more being able to participate, which can be a problem. Turn lemons into lemonade by getting the baby a ‘computer’ of her own! Studies show that babies as young as 9 months can do amazing things with infant-appropriate software.

With a keytopper just right for those little hands, you’ll be amazed when you see them match the sound ‘dog’ with the picture of the dog on the screen. Watch as they choose a musical tune they enjoy from several different options. You’ll be surprised when you see the little one distinguish between a square and a rectangle after only a little guidance.

Soon, they’ll be grasping the basics of math. It’s astounding to watch a three year old able to count to 10, match shapes with numbers (like a 3-sided triangle) and more. In English or Spanish, these beginner LeapPad systems are awe inspiring.

Dr. Seuss helps get them started on the road to fun learning long before you would have thought it possible. The Wocket In My Pocket is full of games that do just that. Letters, rhymes and illustrations stimulate the imagination while they educate. Beginning phonics gets them started on associating sounds with meaning that will later blossom into language.

Another clever way to learn the alphabet is offered by the Learn and Groove Alphabet Drum. Babies love to pound and make noise. Turn what could be an annoyance into something you’ll encourage. Their actions cause the letter to appear and the music and lights keeps them going. Pretty soon, they’ll be saying the ABCs with ease. Parents will appreciate the volume knob, too.

The LittleTouch Learning System has really revolutionized the baby book. Made of a durable plastic outer covering, the electronics inside are ruggedly protected. The multiple pages provide a host of musical sounds, words and phrases, and even rhymes to stimulate the young mind. Children as young as 6 months will enjoy pressing the buttons and watching animated characters and text appear.

An entire library lets the system grow along with your young one. Shape recognition, reading readiness, numbers and more are all right here. The baby interacts with the toy and it guides him to learn as they have fun controlling the system.

Investigate the whole range of learning toys available and you’ll wish you were a child again!

The causes Within 72 hours of giving birth, an abundance of milk will come in or become available to your baby. As this happens, more blood will flow to your breasts and some of the surrounding tissue will swell. The result is full, swollen, engorged breasts.

Not every postpartum mom experienced true engorgement. Some women’s breasts become only slightly full, while others find their breasts have become amazingly hard. Some women will hardly notice the pain, as they are involved in other things during the first few days.

Treating it Keep in mind, engorgement is a positive sign that you are producing milk to feed to your baby. Until you produce the right amount:

1. Wear a supportive nursing bra, even at night – making sure it isn’t too tight.
2. Breast feed often, every 2 – 3 hours if you can. Try to get the first side of your breasts as soft as possible. If your baby seems satisfied with just one breast, you can offer the other at the next feeding.
3. Avoid letting your baby latch on and suck when the areola is very firm. To reduce the possibility of nipple damage, you can use a pump until your areola softens up.
4. Avoid pumping milk except when you need to soften the areola or when your baby is unable to latch on. Excessive pumping can lead to the over production of milk and prolonged engorgement.
5. To help soothe the pain and relieve swelling, apply cold packs to your breasts for a short amount of time after you nurse. Crushed ice in a plastic bag will also work.
6. Look ahead. You’ll get past this engorgement in no time and soon be able to enjoy your breast feeding relationship with your new baby.

Engorgement will pass very quickly. You can expect it to diminish within 24 – 48 hours, as nursing your baby will only help the problem. If you aren’t breast feeding, it will normally get worse before it gets better. Once the engorgement has passed, your breasts will be softer and still full of milk.

During this time, you can and should continue to nurse. Unrelieved engorgement can cause a drop in your production of milk, so it’s important to breast feed right from the start. Keep an eye for signs of hunger and feed him when he needs to be fed.