Baby Birth Announcements

by Randy Wilson

Baby bassinets are portable cradles. The difference being that a cradle is bigger and is usually left in one place. A bassinet is smaller and portable.

Most come as complete sets including the bumpers, sheet and mattress. Occasionally even a baby blanket is included to match the theme of the set.

The average price is anywhere between $60 and $120 including the accessories. However, you can find them anywhere between $40 to $300.

When looking for a bassinet find one with a sturdy bottom that will support the mattress. Also check to see that the spindles are no wider than three and a half inches apart for safety.

They are used for the first 3 to 4 months. After that the baby will usually have outgrown the bassinet.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

About the Author
Randy is owner of How to Plan a Baby Shower, Profitable Home Businesses and Las Vegas Weddings. Randy owned and operated a very successful storefront/mailorder business from 1988 to 2003.

by Nell Taliercio

There are actually many benefits to consider when contemplating the art of baby massage. This practice is becoming more commonplace than ever before.

One of the most important benefits of baby massage is the added and continuing bond it creates between you and your baby. Even if your baby is premature, you can still perform the type of massage known as ‘still or containment holding’.

This is very easily accomplished by placing one hand on your baby’s head and the other on his or her stomach. Baby will feel secure and loved without leaving the safety of the incubator.

As with adults, babies enjoy the relaxing sensations, they of course feel when being massaged. A massage before a nap or bedtime helps to ensure a longer lasting and even more restful sleep. For most parents, this is a welcome benefit of baby massage.

If you are a first time Mother (or Father) chances are you may be a bit nervous around your baby. You may feel as though you are not ‘handling’ him properly… that he might ‘break’.

Experienced parents, over time, will convince you that this is simply not the case. But until that fear is laid to rest, do you know that you, yourself, will benefit each time you massage your baby? You will begin to feel more at ease and come away with a greater sense of confidence, after each session.

Some of the other benefits of baby massage include: provides colic relief, promotes accelerated weight gain in premature infants, eases nasal congestion, builds trust between parent and child, stimulates nutrient flow to body cells and is even thought to aid in the reduction of post natal depression.

Yes, the art of massage is an ancient practice. Utilized today, by parents everywhere, baby massage offers many benefits and is a wonderful way to bond with your baby.

About the Author
To find many more articles on parenting babies and toddlers and kids and teens head over to http://www.freeparentingtipsonline.com where you will find all you need to know about being a parent! Be sure to subscribe to the Mom Audiozine while there!

by: Dominic Ferrara

Many parents already know that it is better not to use bedding with small babies. It would be better for them to be dressed in something that will keep them warm. In case you feel the need to use bedding, you should be careful for it not to be very soft. It is preferable to use a sheet and a blanket, and not a comforter or duvet.

A baby under the age of three months can be swaddled in the blanket while older babies or younger ones who cry if they are swaddled, should be made the bed at the bottom. You should put the baby’s feet against the footboard of the crib. The bedding should be tucked into the bottom of the bed, then you should bring the blankets and sheets up, across the chest, and tuck them in. If you do that, the baby cannot wriggle down and get his face covered by the bedding.

There are baby sleeping bags that can be bought, or you can make one of your own. They are like a sleep suit, they have cutouts for the arms, and a zipper at the front of the suit. There shouldn’t be a hood. These sleeping bags are a very good solution to the problem of bedding, because they cannot cause suffocation and they keep the baby covered during the night.

Dominic is the author of this article. This article may be reproduced on websites subject to credit being given to the author, and a link to his website. If you would like more information go to http://www.babybeddingsources.com.

by: Martin Smith

In this article you will be provided with information about baby car seats and keeping your baby safe while in the car. There are tips for buying new and used baby car seats. Answers to some of the most asked questions about car seats are provided as well.

Q. What is the best baby car seat?

The best car seat is the one that matches your baby’s size and weight. It also fits properly in your car and is easily installed.

Q. What types of baby car seats are available?

There are several types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front facing car seats, and convertible seats. There are also combination seats (can face front or rear), booster seats and integrated car seats. With each type of seat there are variations.

Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest for my baby?

A five point harness gives your child the greatest protection because it holds your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash. A T-Shield or over-the-head restraint allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious injury to your baby.

Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby’s car seat?

All car seats (except most second hand seats) come with printed directions. If after reading the directions you still are not sure how to properly install it. You can call or email the manufacturer. Some police stations and hospitals have assistance programsas well.

Q. Is there a correct way to secure my child in the baby car seat?

Yes, there is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat. How you secure your baby in the car seat will likely depend on the age and size of your baby. For children under a year of age they should be placed in rear-facing seats in the centerof the rear seat. Older children can sit facing front and their seat are generally placed behind the driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts.

Q. What is LATCH?

LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat installation system. The lower hooks are attached between the bottom of the back of the seat and seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip that secures forward facing baby car seats and prevents excessive movement of the baby’s head in crashes.

Q. What is a Tether?

The tether is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip. It attaches to the clips on the seat and secures front facing baby car seats. In a crash it prevents excessive movement of the seat and the baby’s head, reducing the severity of injuries.

Q. How can I tell when my child is ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat?

Your child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when s/he can sitall the way back in the seat and the knees can bend comfortably over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the thighs. Your child must be able to remain seated the whole trip.

Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane?

Yes it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be in approved car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in the airplane seats. Call ahead and find out ifyour seat is an approved seat. Once on the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to assistyou.

Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car seats?

Yes it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety check. Belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. There should be no cracks or tears in the seat cover and the seat should recline easily and stay upright when the baby is seated. Look into the history of the seat, if it has been in a car crash do not buy it, its ability to safely restrain your child has been compromised. If the seat doesn’t come with a manual contact the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be properly installed.If the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it, it may have been in a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new model cars.

Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled?

In most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with instructions of what to do if baby car seat is recalled. In some cases they will replace it for free they will have you bring it somewhere to get replacement parts also at no cost to you.

Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with special needs?

Children with special needs may require different restraint systems. Discuss your options with your pediatrician. Agencies such as Easter Seals have programs and information on baby car seats for special needs children.

Q. What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat?

There are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and two at the crotch. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and latches at the crotch also. The safest harnesses are the five or six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive movement of the baby in crash situations. The t shield and the over-head shield allow for too much room and could cause your baby to be ejected from the car in a crash.

In Conclusion

You can never go wrong if you err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby. The size and weight of your baby as well as your budget will decide what type of seat you will purchase. This article has provided you with a number of tips to keep your baby safe while riding with you in the car.

(c) www.1st-babies.com

Reprint Rights feel free to publish this article on your website but you must agree to leave all active links contained within ‘About The Author’ intact and “as is” and NOT hidden behind a java or redirect script.

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Nursery Bedding which includes Baby strollers, Baby car seats, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. Visit http://www.1st-babies.com

by: Cassandra Germsheid

There is actually a bit of controversy about this question. Some pediatricians recommend that your baby not wear shoes until at least 15 months of age. Others feel that a child should start to wear shoes as soon as they’re walking. However, you have to consider where your baby is walking. If they are cruising around your own home, then there is usually no need for shoes. But what about outdoors? Obviously you wouldn’t want your child running around barefoot on cement or in the dirt. Babies should be wearing a firm shoe in this case to prevent injuries (and dirty socks).

Shoes are also protection from sunburn, cold weather, scratches and bumps. Just make sure that when your baby has the opportunity to go barefoot, let them. And don’t keep shoes on for too long at a time.

If you do purchase outdoor shoes for your baby, make sure they fit properly. Their tiny toes should not be cramped. Also, make sure they are flexible enough that their feet can still wiggle in them. Mothers and pediatricians recommend soft soled shoes or booties.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s for the best interest of your child. Don’t make them wear shoes all the time for the sake of looking cute. Barefoot is best at home, and when they are outdoors, make sure they have a soft sole for the most natural fit.

Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online (http://www.babytipsonline.com). She is a stay at home mother but sometimes works part time for her local newspaper. This article may be used as long as the content is not changed and the links are active.

Baby Place: The starting point for information on pregnancy, birth and babies.

BabyWhiz - Baby Store - Discounted Baby Products for sale online

Baby shower ideas - Baby shower food, favors, supplies, and more. Also lots of free articles and ideas for planning your baby shower.

baby safety at CompareStorePrices

Shower Your Baby-Online Baby Specialty Store. Cribs, Strollers, Sexy maternity clothing and much, much more all with FREE SHIPPING!

Kiddie Corral Shopping, recipes and tips for moms & kids. Shop for clothing, kids room decor, toys, costumes and more! Plus lots of recipes and crafts for kids.

Birth Announcements and Baby Shower Invitations - OVER 1,000 Designs! A BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND INVITATIONS SUPERSTORE!!

My Birth Announcements - Baby birth announcements, twin, sport, and photo birth announcements.

Baby Names

Macroeconomics Books
Books on art, math, and philosophy.

Home Decor - Ruby Glen - Family, home and hobby resources including free craft patterns, and links to free clip art, recipes, holidays, and much more!.

Rexanne.com -”Parenting, Holidays, Humor, Family, Fun!”