Baby

How to Wean a Baby: Everything You Need To Know

Jan 15, 2019 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Baby weaning seems like a simple thing, but there’s not one universally-accepted method to accomplishing it.

After many months of a formula or breastmilk-only diet you may start to wonder, “is it the right time to wean my baby”?

Or you ask yourself, “how will I know when my baby is ready to wean?”

While sometimes it’s nice not to have “rules” to follow about something so natural, for new mothers, having a bit of guidance can be a good thing.

What is Weaning?

Weaning your baby means changing his food source from formula or breastmilk to other fluids and foods, depending upon his age and readiness.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that a baby should be fed only breast milk from birth to six months, followed by solid foods and breast milk until age one.

Nonetheless, the weaning process is a very gradual and personal one, dependent primarily upon your lifestyle and your baby’s readiness.

Signs a Baby is Ready to Wean

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends weaning your baby between four and six months of age, but again, the decision is a personal one.

In some countries, babies are not weaned until they’re two — and some keep breastfeeding until they’re four or five years of age.

While that’s not the norm in the U.S., it doesn’t seem to have any adverse effect on the children or their mothers, so you needn’t be in a great hurry to wean.

Weaning — from the bottle or the breast — can be initiated by the mother or the child.

For most mothers, however, it’s better if you see the signs a baby is ready to wean before you start the process. Some typical signs of a child that’s ready to wean include:

She’s breastfeeding or drinking her formula often.
Her birthweight has more than doubled.
She’s interested in solid foods.
She puts her hands and toys in her mouth often.
Her mouth opens when she sees other people eating.
She can sit without support.
She can hold her head up steadily.

If you notice these signs, you feel you’re ready for weaning to begin, and your pediatrician is okay with it — it’s time to give weaning your baby a try.

Weaning Your Baby the Right Way

As we’ve expressed earlier, how and when to wean would be a decision all moms must make for themselves.

If you decide you and your little one are ready for the weaning experience, then let’s take a look at some simple methods that will get you started.

How to Wean Your Baby from Nursing

Weaning a baby off the breast is a little bit more complicated than weaning a formula-fed baby. This is simply because of the emotional closeness that breastfeeding engenders.

Remember, weaning from breastfeeding is a natural progression for children, so don’t stress too much about it — even if you’re the one that needs to start the process due to returning to work or some other reason.

You can begin the weaning process in several ways:

Skip a feeding so baby’s hungry — then offer a bottle.
Shorten nursing time — offer a bottle if he’s still hungry.
Postpone and distract your (older) child to reduce feedings and offer solid food.

If you’re going from the breast to a bottle, make the transition easier by adding some breast milk to the formula to get your child interested in the bottle.

Try not to wean during other big changes in a child’s life, such as

a new sleep schedule
a new home
while starting daycare for the first time
while he is sick

Keep the process slow and gradual if you can — not just for your child, but to avoid weaning breastfeeding pain from engorged and painful breasts.

A long, slow weaning process helps reduce the chance of breast engorgement and mastitis, a painful condition caused by clogged milk ducts.

If you feel pain from engorgement, express your breasts by hand or use a breast pump just until you relieve your pain.

During weaning, your milk supply will decrease gradually over several weeks, after which engorgement isn’t an issue. Avoiding engorgement is another good reason to keep your weaning process gradual.

How to Wean a Baby from a Bottle

Babies are sippy-cup ready by six to nine months, so if you’re ready to wean from the bottle at that point — so are they.

Weaning to a sippy cup can be accomplished easily with a few tips:

Start gradually, just like how to wean a baby off breast milk.
If she loves to suck, let her — just not on her bottle. Offer other toys she can suck on in between feedings.
If she can’t hold a sippy cup or doesn’t understand it — demonstrate by pouring a bit of the formula or milk into her mouth so she knows it’s in there.
Don’t worry about your baby not getting enough nutrients if she’s resistant to weaning. She may drink less formula, but she’ll be turning her interest in solid foods to make up for it.
For older babies who are solid-food ready, offer tasty snacks in between feedings to help pique her interest in new flavors and textures.
Turn a nightly bottle-feeding into a sippy-and-snuggle to give your little one comfort during the transition.

Just like weaning from the breast, weaning from a bottle to the sippy cup can be done gradually. If your child shows resistance, take it slow and have patience — you’ll get there eventually.

Are You Having Difficulty Weaning?

Sometimes, babies (and moms) are resistant to the weaning experience. If this is the case with your little one, be patient.

As long as your child is not refusing to eat at all, you don’t have to worry. However, if your baby refuses all foods and drink, you should call your pediatrician immediately.

Babies going from the breast to bottle may experience some gas and cramping, as well as changes in bowel movements.

A weaning baby may also be more tired and cranky. Therefore, it’s important to provide a lot of soothing contact and plenty of opportunities to nap.

If you’re a little emotional due to weaning, have patience with yourself as well. Spend extra time with your little one and find other ways the two of you can bond.

Experience the Joys of Weaning

Weaning is an emotional experience — for moms and for babies.

Whether you’re weaning from a bottle or the breast, there can be some bittersweet emotion in watching your little one move to the next stage.

Allow yourself — and your baby — time to adjust to your new routine. Increase your snuggle-time and be considerate of your baby’s emotions — and your own.

Before you know it, you’ll both have adjusted and be excited about the new freedom that weaning will bring to your schedules.

Can you share your journey of weaning your baby with other parents?

Post in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

When Does Baby Teething Start? 5 Effective Remedies To Help

Jan 8, 2019 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

The onset of baby teething towards that first tooth is a big step in your little one’s life, but it comes along with a fair amount of discomfort, too.

Sometimes, the eruption of teeth can cause occasional fussiness and irritability.

But teething isn’t the only reason for a fussy baby, so you’ll want to sort out whether your child is grumpy due to teething symptoms — or something else.

How Do You Know When Your Baby is Teething?

Every baby is different, so no two children will exhibit the same signs of teething.

Before we jump into the symptoms, let’s talk about babies and teething in general so you have all the background on this exciting new stage in your baby’s life.

What is Teething?

Your baby was born with teeth situated below the gumline — 20 of them! These are called “primary teeth” and they’re the first ones on the developmental scene.

When they start to grow upward and move through the gums, or “erupt,” that process is called “teething.”

In Which Month Do Babies Start Teething?

Every child is different, but most babies begin to teethe between four and seven months of age.

Getting those first teeth is an important milestone to let you know your baby is on the right track, developmentally.

While four to seven months is a guideline, every baby is different, so don’t panic if you don’t see that first tooth by month seven.

However, if you still haven’t noticed any teeth by 18 months, it’s time to see a pediatric dentist to make sure everything is on track.

Signs a Baby is Teething

Although some babies breeze through the baby teething experience with hardly any symptoms, others can have one or more of the following:

Swollen or tender gums
A visible tooth below the gum
Fussiness or irritability
Drooling
Trouble sleeping
Gnawing or biting on everything
A change in eating patterns
Face rubbing
Ear grabbing
A slight temperature (under 101F)

If your baby has other symptoms, like rashes, cough, a higher fever, or diarrhea and vomiting — call your doctor. These are not the signs of a fussy teething baby.

Is Your Baby Teething? Ways to Help Relieve Your Baby’s Teething Pain

If you’ve got a fussy, teething baby then you’ll want as much baby teething information as you can get your hands on.

Fortunately, there are many ways to soothe your child’s teething pain — although we recommend natural remedies to over-the-counter help.

Some over-the-counter medications have had warnings issued due to mislabeling and ingredients found to be unsafe for baby.

One homeopathic product, Hyland’s Teething Tablets, were recalled due to the presence of alkaloids of belladonna in the formula.

Belladonna, or deadly nightshade, is an unsafe substance used as a sedative, an ointment for joint pain, and various other uses.

Two other widely used baby teething formulas, Anbesol and Orajel, contain benzocaine, a substance the FDA says can cause a blood disorder that can be serious — and even fatal.

While there are some drugstore remedies currently available that are regarded as safe, we think it’s best to be conservative and try and manage baby teething pain a more natural way.

So, don’t fret — there are many fantastic ways to soothe your baby’s pain naturally. Let’s take a look at some of the best.

1. Massage the Gums

Who doesn’t love a massage? Babies who are teething can get relief if you apply gentle pressure to their sore gums with a clean finger.

If your baby’s back teeth are coming in, consider a gum massager that can reach all the way to the back of his mouth to hit those hard-to-reach sore spots, like the ZoLi Chubby Gummy Gum Massager.

2. Apply Something Cold

Using something cold can help numb the pain of growing teeth. You can keep a range of spoons in your fridge (not freezer — frozen metal can stick to baby’s gums!) and offer them as needed for baby to gnaw on.

An ice cube in a muslin bag can do wonders for baby’s gums, too.

A cold washcloth soaked in breast milk, water, or chamomile tea can be a comforting soother as well.

If your little one is ready for solid foods, offer foods that have been nicely chilled. This will not only make his gums feel good, but fill his tummy as well.

A great way to contain the mess while giving baby some cold foods is to use a clever mesh bag in pacifier form that you can fill with chilled fruit, like the Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder.

Some teethers have built-in cooling such as the MAM Mini Cooler Teether. Just pop it in the freezer and take out when your little one is feeling uncomfortable!

3. Offer the Breast

If you’re breastfeeding, offering the breast can comfort a baby in pain. While some reject the breast during teething because sucking aggravates their pain, others crave the closeness.

If your baby is using your nipples as a teething toy, however, it’s best to do a quick gum massage before feeding to reduce the chances of biting and gnawing.

4. Wear a Teether

Teething babies love to gnaw, even if they’re being held. This means any jewelry you may wear is fair game for baby’s mouth.

To keep your little one safe — and soothe her gums in the process — consider wearing baby teething jewelry.

You can wear a soft, silicone necklace in fun and fashionable colors to keep baby calm at home or on-the-go. The necklace is made of safe, organic, food-grade organic silicone and can be frozen or cooled for extra relief.

If you want something really different, you can try an amber necklace. Baltic amber has soothing succinic acid in it, which is thought to be released when in contact with baby’s warm gums.

Succinic acid has analgesic properties to help with pain relief, although it’s difficult to know whether this is effective for baby teething.

5. Try an Oldie but Goodie

Teething rings and teething toys have been around for decades, and they still work great.

You can find old standbys, like Sophie La Girafe, or choose from any of the colorful rings and shapes at your local baby store.

If you like sustainable, natural teethers, choose one made of wood. Wood doesn’t attract dirt and dust like silicone and it’s safe for baby.

Wood teethers can come with a rattle component or other shapes and rings to keep baby’s mind off her pain.

Celebrate the Milestone with a Calmer, Happier Teething Baby

That first tooth is a big deal!

Help your little one — and yourself — enjoy the milestone more by using one or more of these baby teething remedies to help soothe your baby’s fussy moments.

Teething pain can come and go, so your baby won’t be fussy forever.

In the meantime, give him lots of love and comfort with one — or more — of these simple, natural solutions to the pain and discomfort of teething.

Is your baby teething? If so, what age have they started?

Share with us in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

3 Ways To Save Money For A Baby That’s On The Way

Dec 18, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Are you expecting…or thinking about it? If so, we have the solutions for how to save money for a baby.

When you’re seeing diapers and bottles in your future, you may be feeling a bit worried about how having a baby will affect your income — and savings.

Don’t worry — you’re not alone.

As long as there have been parents in this world, there have been parents worried about the cost of raising kids.

Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can get a jump of child-rearing costs before your baby’s even born!

Let’s start with the costs of having a baby before we talk about tips for saving money for a baby.

The Cost of Having a Baby

There’s the cost of having a baby — and then there’s the cost of having a baby.

No, that isn’t a typo.

The first calculation includes the money you’ll spend on getting your little one to term and in your arms, resting peacefully.

The second calculation refers to the money it costs to raise your child to adulthood.

As far as pregnancy and childbirth go, costs will vary based on where you live and how much your health insurance provider pays in benefits.

That being said, according to Business Insider, the average cost to have an uncomplicated birth is $10,808. This does not include care for the expectant Mom before and after the birth. For costs with care, look at spending about $30,000.

If you have a C-section, that cost could escalate to around $50,000.

Once your little bundle is here, it will cost you an average of $233,610 to raise her to age 17 — and that’s not including the costs of college!

No matter how you look at it, having a baby right now is an expensive proposition.

But, parents-to-be have a lot of options at their fingertips for how to save money for a baby in advance of getting pregnant. Or, even during pregnancy, if you’ve gotten a late start.

Let’s look at some of the best ways to corral your expenses and get your bank account flush before the baby arrives.

How to Save Money for a Baby

If you’re already expecting, you’ll want to know how to save money for a baby in nine months. Believe it or not, there’s a lot you can do to get ready, even in that short amount of time.

Let’s jump right in with things that can help both expectant parents and those thinking about kids in the near future.

1. Start with a Calculator

You need to know what kind of numbers you’re dealing with in order to prepare for birth and bringing baby home.

There are lots of great “saving-for-a-baby-calculators” out there that can help you determine what kind of savings you’ll need to start with, such as:

With all these choices, you’re bound to find a calculator that appeals to you. All are easy to use and give you a good baseline for figuring out how much money you’ll need to feather your nest appropriately for baby.

If you need to save your nest-egg within nine months, the Nine-Month Plan over at Parents Magazine is a terrific foundation for setting up a budget while you’re expecting.

Once you get your final calculations, you can move on to the planning stage.

2. Develop a Checklist for Planning

Now that you have an idea of costs, it’s time to see exactly where your money will go. That way, you can determine which areas give you the most opportunity for cost-cutting.

Using a “baby on a budget checklist” will help you fine-tune your expenses and find products that are budget-friendly.

Good lists to try include:

Once you’ve filled out the checklist of your choice, you can move on to finding great deals on the things you know you’ll need in the first year.

Which bring us to our next tip, finding ways to cut costs on baby products you know you’ll need.

3. Source Bulk Baby Products

There’s no time like while you’re pregnant — or even before — to find ways to save money on baby products.

For items you know you’ll need in bulk — like diapers, wipes, and bottles — you can pick up memberships to discount buyers clubs like Sam’s or Costco.

Since a baby can tinkle through 2,200 diapers per year on average, buying bulk is a no-brainer.

You can even apply for an Amazon Family Account to save 20% on items like bulk diapers, baby food, and other items you’ll need in quantity.

If you’re really interested in having a “frugal living baby experience” you can choose cloth diapers, which are reusable and even make your own baby wipes at a fraction of the cost.

Saving Money for Your Baby’s Future

Of course, there are other ways to prepare your finances for baby — and raising him or her to adulthood.

Even simple things like the following can help you plan sensibly:

Selling items you don’t need
Reducing household expenses like premium TV packages
Opening a savings account for baby
Opening an Educational Savings Account (ESA) for baby
Making sure you have life insurance

Making sure you and your partner have good insurance — health, home, and life — is critical to avoiding financial pitfalls due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Baby Budget — Making it Fun

A baby budget doesn’t have to be an onerous thing, as long as you have the right perspective.

First, by planning, you’re already doing the right thing by your new little one, and you haven’t even become a parent yet.

Go, you!

Second, finding ways to creatively manage a budget can bring out the imagination and fun in the experience. Really dig deep and see how many sales, coupons, and deals you can find on baby equipment you know you’ll need.

Get rid of old junk in your attic that you’re not using or even looking at — and discover an unexpected windfall that you’ve been sitting on all this time.

As you watch your nest-egg grow, impending parenthood will feel easier and lighter than it did before you started.

And don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done.

Always leave a little room in the budget for a fun night out, a special piece of clothing, or something for the nursery or house that you’d considered a splurge.

As long as you’re tracking what you’re spending — and saving — you’ll be on target to have a smooth, and worry-free launch into the expenses of parenthood when you’re little one arrives.

What is one item you can live without, to help save money for a baby on the way?

Share in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

The 8 Most Incredible Pieces Of Advice For New Parents

Dec 11, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Expecting Moms and Dads are bombarded with information and advice for new parents every day. However, once the little one arrives, it can be a challenge to remember everything — especially when it’s the first time.

Is the baby supposed to do this?

Is it okay if he cries when I put him down?

She looks hot — is she too hot?

As babies get older, things get even more complicated. For this reason, it’s important that advice for new parents keeps coming from trusted sources like parents who have experienced — and overcome — these issues.

Words of wisdom for new parents are often a welcome reminder that ultimately, everything is going to be okay.

Let’s take a look at some of the most heartfelt, useful, and poignant advice for new moms, new parents, and parents-to-be.

Advice for Parents-to-Be

Much advice for expecting parents aims to boost their confidence before the big day and helps them to gather the tips, tricks, and tools they’ll need to meet this life-changing new chapter head-on.

Among advice for expectant mothers, these little nuggets of wisdom stand head-and-shoulders above the rest:

1. Take Time for Yourself

Your baby will be the best thing that ever happened to you, but everything is going to change drastically when she’s here. That includes being able to look after yourself in any logical manner.

So, before your new arrival appears on the scene, take time to treat yourself to a movie, get a manicure, or just enjoy the freedom of walking down the grocery aisle alone.

In a few months, when it’s hard to even find time to go to the bathroom alone, you’ll be glad you did.

2. Get Your Finances in Order

Seems like a bummer, right? The last thing you want to do before baby gets here is to have to focus on a budget.

After all, you have the nursery to decorate and cute clothes to buy!

But having your ducks in a row when it comes to finances ahead of your child’s birth is a smart move that will save you stress and tension later.

At the very least, you should:

Plan for costs of your delivery
Get your maternity or paternity leave figured out
Estimate expenses and plan a budget for when baby arrives

And be sure to make certain you have health, life, and home insurance coverage so you’re protected in the case that anything goes awry in your household after you’ve become parents.

Having financial peace of mind goes a long way to smoothing over stressful moments all new parents face.

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways to Save Money for a Baby That’s On the Way

3. Get Your House in Order

Being a first-time parent, you won’t have the time — or the energy — to ferret out and fix all the safety issues in your house.

Baby-proofing an entire home can take a lot of energy. Start swapping out toxic cleaners for natural, organic choices now and change your outlets, drawer pulls, and door handles to safety ones.

Discover the “dirt-magnets” in your home — those places where dirt and germs seem to accumulate — and start getting them squeaky clean before baby’s arrival.

If you think you’ll be hosting a mother (or mother-in-law) to help with the baby when he’s born, prepare that space in advance.

Think of little things your live-in guest may need, like toothpaste and such, so you’re not worried about making sure they’ve “got everything” while you’re trying to adjust to your new life with baby.

SEE ALSO: How to Install an Infant Car Seat (Or Where To Get Help)

4. Prepare Everyone Ahead of Time

Things are gonna change. Now’s the time to prepare friends, family, and even pets for the coming event.

Discuss how you prefer visitation, line up some post-baby help, or just set guidelines for the days after your baby’s birth (for example: please don’t call after 9pm, no more dropping by unexpectedly).

If you have pets, get them used to the new routine ahead of time, and conduct any re-training that needs to be done. There’s nothing worse than dealing with a surly pet and a new baby at the same time!

SEE ALSO: 6 Important Ways of Preparing Pets for a Baby’s Arrival

Advice for New Parents

Some of the best advice for new parents comes from parents who have, “been there, done that.”

These savvy survivors have tried-and-true tips for new parents that come from experience, not from the pages of a magazine.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. Play More Than You Clean

There will always be laundry to do, a kitchen to clean, sheets to change, and toys to be put away. But you won’t always have the precious time with your babies, as they grow and change all too quickly.

Don’t stress about the cleaning — it will be there tomorrow.

2. Remember That You WILL Sleep Again

In the middle of sleepless nights — and sometimes days — it’s hard to remember what a good night’s sleep felt like.

Just keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel.

The sleep-deprivation stage doesn’t last forever. By six months, your baby will be ready to get some z’s at night rather than be up playing — or crying.

In the meantime, try and tag-team with your partner so you can get a bit of shut-eye.

SEE ALSO: 3 Tips to Establish a Baby Sleep Schedule in the First Year

3. It’s Hard to Really Mess It Up

Sometimes, all the helpful parenting tips start to pile up and cancel each other out. Group A says to pick your baby up when he cries, Group B says to let him cry it out. Which do you choose?

The good news is — you can choose either and your child will still end up being a happy, well-adjusted member of society.

It’s hard to really screw up parenting, so don’t beat yourself up about the choices you make.

4. Don’t Compare Your Child to Others

With social media all the rage, it’s hard not to fall into the child-comparison trap. But try to resist it, because it’s not good for you or for your baby.

Every child is different. They reach milestones at varying times, they look different, act different — they even eat differently.

And thank goodness! What a horrible, boring world it would be if we were all alike.

Comparing milestones can really put new parents in a spin and adding stress and shaking confidence. If you’re really concerned about a milestone — check with your pediatrician. Otherwise, shake it off.

Just Relax — The Best Advice of All

The best advice of all for new parents is to just relax about parenting. Stop overthinking every milestone, worrying about your dirty house, and stressing over whether or not your parenting skills are up to snuff.

It WILL be okay.

Your sweet baby will grow up to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Well-adjusted enough to have a family of her own one day and turn to you for some sage advice.

You can simply smile and tell her, “Relax.”

What is the best piece of advice for new parents that you’ve heard?

Share with us in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

How To Install An Infant Car Seat (Or Where To Get Help)

Dec 4, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Most states have laws that specify you must have an infant car seat when traveling with your baby by car. The reason is that accidents while in a motor vehicle cause the highest number of injuries and deaths in children.

Using a car seat can reduce the chance of injury by up to 82% and death by 28%. But did you know that more than half of all baby safety seats for the car were installed incorrectly?

And, for brand-new infants, those statistics were worse — up to 95% of parents installed their car seats incorrectly.

Prevention is key.

We’ll review how to choose the right infant car seat, car seat installation tips, and what mistakes to avoid.

Let’s dive in!

Choosing the Right Infant Car Seat

Before we discuss installation, we need to go over some quick reminders about what’s an appropriate car seat for your newborn.

Since we’re talking about a baby infant car seat, you’ll have a few choices to choose from:

a car seat that’s for infants only
a car seat that is convertible (meaning it can grow with your child)

An infant car seat with a base is nice because it allows you to remove the inner insert with baby. Therefore, you can carry baby with you into stores and restaurants in his own seat.

As your baby grows, it might be tempting to use an infant booster car seat. However, these aren’t appropriate until your child is much older — weighing anywhere from 40 to 85 pounds.

And, while it might be tempting to go for looks — like an all black car seat to match your car’s interior — making sure the car seat you choose is safe should be the first priority.

Installing Your Infant Car Seat Properly

Once you’ve decided upon a seat, it’s time to install it. Here are some quick tips:

Read through the car seat instructions and your vehicle manual to understand how to install the seat correctly.
If you have trouble understanding the instructions, call the seat manufacturer and/or your automaker to get clarification.
Use the provided tether system in your car. If your car is older than 2002, retrofit it with a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Check that the seat is flat on the bottom and has a correct incline. Push hard on the seat bottom to squish the air out of the seat cushion for better positioning.
If your car was manufactured before 1996, check to see if the car seat moves forward even if the belts are tightly buckled. If it does, install a locking clip around the seat belt.
Check if the seat moves side-to-side. If it does, tighten it until there’s no movement.

While these instructions might seem simple, today’s infant car seats can be quite elaborate and confusing. As a result, we’ll outline some of the most common things that go wrong with a car-seat install.

The Most Common Car Seat Install Mistakes

There are plenty of ways you can install your infant car seat incorrectly. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study, here are some of the most common things parents miss:

1. Wrong: Rear-facing seats with an incorrect recline angle.

The NHTSA study found that 12% of rear-facing convertible seats and 16% of rear-facing infant seats were not angled correctly.

Infant car seats should recline at 30 to 45 degrees. This is in part because a 45-degree angle of recline helps keep baby’s airway unobstructed.

Look for an adjustable foot that helps maintain the correct angle of recline. In addition, it should have a built-in angle indicator that shows you’ve got the right positioning.

2. Wrong: Forward-facing car seats that were too loose.

Forward-facing convertible seats in the NHTSA study were prone to movement — 17% moved more than two inches in a side-to-side motion.

To fix this, give the belt path a tug each time you use the seat to check for motion. If it moves, push on the bottom cushion firmly while pulling the latch strap to tighten it.

3. Wrong: Not using a tether anchor on a forward-facing convertible seat.

If the tether strap isn’t connected to the tether anchor, it can’t reduce the seat’s — and your child’s head’s — movement.

Almost 40% of convertibles baby seats that were forward-facing were installed without this important connection.

To fix this issue, just make sure the tether strap is connected to the tether anchor. Anchors are normally found on the car’s rear shelf, the seat back, or the cargo floor or ceiling area.

(Check your car’s manual if you can’t find yours.)

These are just a few of the many — sometimes subtle — ways your car seat could be installed incorrectly, putting your baby at risk of injury if you’re in an accident.

Getting Help with Newborn Car Seat Installation

Even if you think your infant baby seat is installed correctly, it’s a good idea to get it checked by someone who understands infant car seat requirements to be sure.

First, get your newborn car seat inspected. Take it to one of the many inspection locations of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA partners with State and local agencies to provide locations around the country for families to get their car seats checked for proper installation. In addition, they ensure you’re using the right seat for your child.

If you know you’re having trouble with installation, you could also go to a local firehouse or police station.

It is important to note, that not every firefighter or police officer knows the correct way to install all the various types of car seats.

You’re better off finding an NHTSA inspection location or seeking a child passenger safety technician. Child passenger safety technicians are experts in car seat installation.

Experts have taken 40 hours of instruction on the curriculum that the NHTSA, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the National CPS Board provides. Most importantly, they have the skills for installing and inspecting of all types of seats.

That makes them the ultimate guide for proper car seat installation and safety. Best of all, they can also provide configuration advice to ensure your car seats are positioned to best advantage in your vehicle.

And, if you’re having some frustration over car seat installation, it’s worth it to leave it to the experts.

Keeping Baby Safe Onboard

With a new baby on board, make sure that her car seat is size appropriate for her age. Also, that you have it installed safely and correctly.

If your newborn infant car seat manual is poorly written or you’re struggling to comply with the instructions, don’t get frustrated.

Find a certified child passenger safety technician or a local NHTSA car seat inspection location. Let an expert help you secure your child’s car seat correctly.

Above all, having a properly-installed seat means peace of mind for you and safety for your child.

What is your favorite brand and model of infant car seat?

Share in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

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3 Tips To Establish A Baby Sleep Schedule In The First Year

Nov 27, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links through which we may receive a commission for purchases made by you.

Sleep is essential for the health and well-being of all living creatures. But did you know a baby sleep schedule is especially important for newborns and infants?

A typical sleep schedule for newborns can be anywhere from 10 to 18 hours per day. Brain development occurs during this sleep time, which is important for the emotional and behavioral health of your child as he or she grows.

Nonetheless, setting sleep schedules for baby is important, as they help your child to begin to develop natural circadian rhythms that teach them to distinguish night and day.

In addition to promoting good development, having your baby used to a specific routine makes it much easier to leave him with a babysitter if that becomes necessary.

In this article, we dive into whether getting a newborn on a schedule a good idea.

You might be wondering:

When Can I Start a Sleep Routine for a Baby?

Contrary to popular belief, there is little you can do to coax a brand-new baby into a schedule.

Not to fret; this is normal.

For the first month of life, newborns will wake and sleep according to hunger signals — and they should be allowed to do this.

Around one month to six weeks of age, however, is the right time to think about implementing an infant sleep schedule.

Routines like sleep schedules help a child feel secure and help them negotiate the big developmental changes that are waiting just ahead.

Getting Baby on a Sleep Schedule

So, how do you get a baby on a sleep schedule?

There are a lot of different scheduling styles, including parent-led, child-led, and a combination of the two.

While there are pros and cons to each, we’re going to concentrate more on the “when” of scheduling rather than the style you choose.

Let’s look at a simple way to ease your child into a baby schedule with the least amount of fuss.

1. One Month to Six Weeks

Beginning around six weeks after birth, you can begin to introduce a routine the precedes your child’s sleep time.

Your newborn will sleep anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day, including the naps taken between feedings. When your baby has been fed, let him stay awake for a short while and then put him down before he becomes overstimulated.

During the evening prior to an overnight sleep schedule, set the scene. This can include dimming the lights, giving him or her a warm bath, and perhaps a feeding. Establishing this little routine is the foundation of a good infant nap schedule and bedtime sleep schedule.

2. Three Months

Your baby is growing quickly and learning to understand the difference between daytime and nighttime activities.

This is a good time to start keeping track of your baby’s daily schedule — her normal sleep/wake cycles — to see if you can determine a pattern.

You could use a simple notebook to keep track of changes, but there are lots of great apps to help you do this, like:

Using these apps will help you envision the emerging patterns of your child’s schedule so you can follow them, improve on them, or modify them as necessary.

Once you have a good idea of her schedule, you can start incorporating play times during your child’s most wakeful moments and implement your nap-time routine right before she gets sleepy.

This daytime/playtime activity will further reinforce your baby’s nap schedule and help her look forward to the natural rhythm of your days together.

At this age, your child should be allowed to try to self-soothe during naptimes and bedtime. Crying is normal when you put your baby down, but it is okay. If he cries for longer than 10-15 minutes, then go in and check on him. Don’t get him up, but pat his bottom or lightly rub his back until he calms down.

3. Seven Months

If you’ve been consistent with your routines, your baby will have fallen into a regular schedule of waking, feeding, playing, and sleeping that will help him be well-adjusted, fully rested, and ready to learn and grow.

Most babies can sleep through the night by this time, if they’ve been used to a schedule.

Having this kind of regular schedule also helps tired parents get much-needed restorative sleep so they’re better able to cope with the rigors of having young children.

Tips for Establishing a Sleep Schedule

Now that you know when your baby is ready for a routine, let’s examine ways to make it easier for you — and your baby — to get to sleep on schedule.

Tip #1: Set the Stage

The best way to help your baby learn to anticipate sleep time is to set the stage for sleep — no matter which scheduling option you prefer.

Give her a warm bath, keep the lights low, and rock or sing quietly in advance of bedtime. Of most importance is to put her to bed while she’s sleepy — but still awake. This helps her to put herself back to sleep if she wakes up, because she’ll remember the routine.

Tip #2: Be a Calm at Night, Play During the Day

If you must feed or change your baby at night, keep the lights low and don’t play with him.

In the daytime however, you can feel free to play, laugh, and giggle with your baby.

Expose him to bright light while you’re playing so he understands that bright light and lots of play means it’s time to be awake.

Follow playtime with a feeding and then begin the slow, wind-down to sleep time. Remember to begin your sleep-time routine, even if it’s for a daytime nap.

Tip #3: Wait and See

It’s normal for babies to cry when they awaken at night. To keep your baby on a schedule, she needs to learn how to self-soothe.

You can help her by waiting a few minutes before you check on a fussing infant. If she’s still crying, check on her without turning on a light, picking her up, or playing with her.

If she’s still frantic after that, consider that she might be wet, feeling unwell, or hungry and attend to those needs if necessary.

Even though you might need to change or feed him, remember Tip #2. Stay calm and quiet and try to manage the diaper or bottle with the minimum of fuss. Keep the lights low.

When you’re finished, put her back to bed and darken the room.

Baby Sleep Schedule: The Right Thing for Baby — And You

Having a baby sleep schedule is not only necessary for helping your baby develop good emotional and behavioral skills, it’s also essential to help you get the rest you need.

Introducing your baby to a routine in a gradual way that aligns with her ability to understand and comply makes developing a schedule as fuss-free and drama-free as possible.

Allowing your child to develop her own natural circadian rhythm is critical to good sleep habits later.

Just as some people are “morning people” or “night owls,” your baby may also exhibit these tendencies early on.

No matter what the schedule, babies need rest for proper growth and development.

Developing a baby nap schedule not only promotes good health for your baby — it allows busy parents time to rest, work, or take care of essential chores that are set aside while baby is awake.

What methods have you tried for implementing a baby sleep schedule with your little one?

Share with us in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links through which we may receive a commission for purchases made by you.

2018 Best Baby Monitors For All Budgets, Types, And Needs

Nov 13, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links through which we may receive a commission for purchases made by you.

As any new parent knows, it can be hard to leave your little one alone in a room when you put him down for that nap. Sometimes, using a baby monitor is an outright necessity.

You want to have your eyes on him at all times — just in case. On the other hand, you have chores to do, dinner to cook, or maybe you just want to sit down and watch Netflix in peace for a moment!

That’s where the best baby monitor can literally save the day.

Before you rush out and buy one, though, understand that these are not your mama’s baby monitors.

Types of Baby Monitors

There used to be only a few brands and one type of monitor available, so purchase was easy-peasy.

However, with today’s vast and rapidly-changing technology, baby monitors have suddenly become endowed with near-superpowers.

Much like having a Transformer guarding your sweet sleeper, some smart-tech-enabled versions can do things such as:

Track your baby’s sleeping patterns
Check the humidity levels in the room
Sense air quality

Of course, you’ll pay a premium for those options. This might have you wondering, “Are expensive baby monitors worth it?”

As we run through our top picks for all budgets, you’ll be able to decide for yourself which features are essential. (And, which belong on Optimus Prime rather than in your nursery!)

Best Baby Monitors on the Market

As we mentioned, there are many bells and whistles on today’s baby monitors. But generally, they can be divided into two categories: video and Wi-Fi enabled.

We’re going to show you our top picks for the best selling baby monitors available for each budget level, so you can make your own conclusions about which fits your family’s needs best.

Best Baby Monitors with Wi-Fi

Of the baby monitors with Wi-Fi, our three top choices are all reliable and high-performing. The price is consistent with smart-app features.

High Budget Pick:

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor

Read Reviews >

Are you tech-obsessed? Then this is the monitor for you. The Nanit won Bump’s Best of Baby Awards for 2018 and for good reason.

This over-the-crib monitor offers all you’d expect from video monitoring with the addition of an app that records sleep scores and sleep insight reports. It also provides tips on helping your child sleep better.

The innovative bird’s-eye-view camera uses real-time video in HD quality to track when your baby is sleeping, fussing, or wide awake.

It translates this data into individualized reports, so you can monitor your baby’s sleep quality.

Budget Pick:

Vtech DM221 Audio Monitor

Read Reviews >

This pick, while middle-of-the-road in price, is a bit old-school in that it is a simple audio monitor.

However, it’s been recommended by the Bump and other sites and it gets consistently good reviews all around.

The digital audio technology is excellent with clear, crackle-free transmission.

The two-way intercom function allows you to soothe your baby from afar. The transmitter also offers a dim, unobtrusive night-light for your little sleeper.

The best part is its compact size, which allows you to tuck it away in an overnight bag — or your purse — for travel.

Where to Buy Baby Monitors

If you’re wondering where to buy baby monitors like the ones we’ve specified, you can find all the ones mentioned above at Amazon.

Take a more in-depth look at the features and read many of the highly rated reviews to make the best choice for your family!

Best Baby Monitors 2018 — At Your Convenience

With all the choices available today, your only decision will be whether you’ll go high-tech, low-tech, or somewhere in between.

Our high budget choices are amazing, but our mid- and low-range options have all the functionality and reliability you need to feel like both you — and your baby — can get a good night’s rest.

However, it also doesn’t hurt to review baby monitor consumer reports to help you make a more informed decision.

Will you be purchasing a new baby monitor soon? Are you looking for simplicity, or all the bells and whistles?

Share in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links through which we may receive a commission for purchases made by you.

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2018 Most Popular Baby Names And Their Meanings

Nov 6, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links through which we may receive a commission for purchases made by you.

If you’re expecting this year (or next) you’re probably wondering what the most popular baby names are, so you can be prepared for your little one’s arrival.

Here’s a peek at the most popular names in 2018. And, some other great resources for finding the perfect name for your new baby.

Most Popular Baby Names in 2018

Some people want their baby to have an on-trend name that’s appropriate for their birth decade. Others fear choosing a popular name that will have their child being just “one of many.”

Whether you’re in the first category or the second, we’ve got the resources for the most popular baby names in 2018. Plus, the meaning behind some of them.

Love them or avoid them — it’s all up to you!

Baby Boy Names 2018

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails — if you’re having a baby boy this year, you’ll be interested in our collection of universal baby names and unique baby names that are topping the charts.

This year’s selection of popular names is a great mix of traditional names like William, James, and Michael. Those baby boy names are mixed in with more esoteric choices like Grayson, Mason, and Logan.

A mix like this makes it easy for everyone to find a name they love, from biblical (Samuel, Isaac, and Noah) to secular (Hunter, Carter) to everything in between.

But first, let’s check out some of the most popular boy names and their meanings. Ready?

1. Liam

This year, it’s a fight between Noah and Liam for top spot, but we’re going to give it to Liam. One of the quintessential strong boy names for babies, Liam has been around in the name pool in Ireland since medieval times.

However, in the mid-1850s when the Irish fled the great famine, Liam became more well-known. By 1955 around two in every 10,000 boys had the name.

Liam is short for William and means “protector” or “strong-willed warrior.” Liam’s you may be familiar with include Liam Hemsworth and Liam Neeson.

2. Noah

Coming on the heels of Liam for popular American baby boy names is Noah, a classic name with a worldly feel.

Noah is Hebrew for “comfort,” or “rest,” and many people associate it with the ark-building Noah of the Christian bible.

Noah’s been a popular moniker since the early 2000’s, but saw a sharp surge in recent years, bringing it into the number two spot on our chart.

Do you know a Noah? Noah Wylie and Noah Emmerich, both film stars in recent years, are good examples of how popular this name has become.

3. Oliver

Oliver, meaning “olive tree,” was once a classic name. Now, although it’s very popular at number three, it’s still considered one of the more unusual baby names.

From the French name “Olivier,” Oliver has shown up in historical records (as in Oliver Cromwell, the English political and military leader), in literature (as in Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens’ enduring classic tale), and in entertainment, (as in Oliver Hudson and chef Jaime Oliver).

Any way you look at it, these three top boy names have the enduring appeal that make them a great choice for your new baby boy.

Baby Girl Names 2018

Sugar and spice and everything nice? If you’re expecting a baby girl, then you need to check out the top baby girl names and meanings to see if anything strikes your fancy.

This year’s crop of girl’s names is a mix of ultra-unique and traditional. From super feminine choices like Isabella, Sophia, and Amelia to unique choices like Luna, Paisley, and Riley.

Fans of popular entertainment will see names from Harry Potter (Luna) and Game of Thrones (Arya). Those who love a global influence can find good picks like Aaliyah, Niamey, Nevaeh, and Mila.

Girl’s names are often creative and that shows in this year’s list.

We’ve got choices like Serenity, Kinsley, and Everly riding high on popularity, giving new moms some unique and unusual choices to pick from.

For now, let’s dive right in with the top baby girl names for 2018 and learn a bit about where they came from and what they mean.

1. Emma

Emma is the perfect mix of classic and popular, having been in a top choice for baby girls’ names since the 19th century.

A romantic English name, Emma comes from Old German origins and it means “universal” or “whole.”

And there are plenty of Emmas you’ll be familiar with — Emma Watson, Emma Stone, and Emma Thompson from contemporary entertainment and Jane Austen’s Emma from literature.

This name has been a front-runner for baby girls for the last four years and will probably continue into the future.

2. Olivia

Going hand-in-hand with the popularity of the boy’s name Oliver, the feminine form of this name, Olivia, is a popular pick for a baby girl.

Based from the same Latin root meaning “olive tree,” Olivia was first on the scene in a Shakespearean play, Twelfth Night.

It makes sense that a lot of prominent entertainers are Olivia’s then, like Olivia Newton-John, Olivia Pope, and Olivia DeHavilland.

Both classic and feminine, Olivia is a lovely choice for any baby girl.

3. Ava

A modern twist on the classic “Eve,” Ava is of classic German origin. Variations of the name show up in languages around the world and it’s relatively popular across the globe as well.

While most believe it comes from the Hebrew “Chava” meaning “life,” some also think it could be from the Latin “avis,” meaning “bird.”

Either way, it’s beautiful, short, and sweet. It’s the perfect easy-to-spell, easy-to-write, and easy-to-pronounce name for your baby girl.

We’ve explored the top three names in each category, but you’re probably wondering where to get your hands on the most popular and unique baby names for this year — and beyond.

Cool Names for Babies

There are millions of baby names to choose from, all with their own meanings, spelling variations, and popularity.

Some sites focus on the top 100 baby names, while others have special focuses, like uniqueness and meaning.

We’ve compiled a list of the best baby name resources, below, to make it simple for you to choose the perfect name for your little bundle of joy.

Babycenter — popular names and meanings
Nameberry — universal baby names with categorized lists (cool, unusual, popular)
Behind the Name — lists names, origins, and popularity by nationality
Babynames.com — clearinghouse of names and meanings with category search
Babynamewizard — find names by endings, beginnings, length, number of syllables
Mom365 — fun random baby name generator, pick boy’s or girl’s names and take it for a spin!

These resources should give you a good start on your research and kick your imagination into high gear.

Don’t forget to explore all the options, from popular names to unique ones, since you never know when that perfect name will pop up!

What else should be on the list of most popular baby names in 2018?

Share with us in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links through which we may receive a commission for purchases made by you.

5 Tips On How To Make Baby Bath Time Fun And Safe

Oct 9, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

There are babies who love the feel of splashes of water, who enjoy baby bath time and look forward to this activity every day.

On the other hand, there are those who are terrified just at the sight of the tub, who are scared to be dipped in the water.

Which one is your kid?

No matter what, there are certain things you can do to ensure that bath time for baby is safe and fun for both of you.

Take a look!

1. Talk gently during bath time with baby.

More often than not, your baby will be interested in what you say even though he or she does not yet completely understand you. Talking gently will also give assurance that he’s safe and there’s nothing to be scared of.

Say things like, “I’m now washing your hair with this sweet smelling shampoo!”

Or, “Now it’s time for a rub-a-dub. Let’s go soap this cute little body of yours!”

2. Sing or play baby bath time music.

Young children and infants love music, especially upbeat songs.

Once babies have learned to associate fun baby bath time music (and also your singing) with taking a bath, they eventually love and enjoy these baths.

3. Play with bath time toys in the tub.

A squeaky toy like a rubber duckie or a bath puppet like Baby Einstein puppet would definitely keep your baby entertained while you clean him from head to toe.

Baby bath time toys can show babies that baths are not scary, but a fun time to play.

Check these fun and entertaining baby bath toys out:

4. Use safe and durable baby bath tubs.

And always be careful in handling your baby during baths. Remember, babies are slippery when wet!

It’s good if you have someone to assist you during the bath and help you get hold of your baby. Especially, if he’s the energetic kind who loves to kick around and splash water.

Always place the baby bath tub on top of a rubber mat to prevent it from slipping.

Here are few of the top rated baby bath tubs that can grow with your child:

Boon Soak 3-stage Bathtub

The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub

Summer Infant Comfort Height Bath Tub

5. Bathe your baby in lukewarm water.

Adjust the temperature of your water heater to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when bathing a baby. Water that is too hot may scald or burn your baby, and water that is too cold might scare him.

Is your baby scared of bath time? It’s important that you encourage your baby to love taking a bath because this is a very important part of personal hygiene and good grooming. Positive outlook on baths and good bathing habits contribute to good health.

Provide toys that will incite creative imagination. Building blocks are ideal toys for this age, because they work to improve fine motor skills. They also encourage using imagination to build. Stacking toys such as stackable cups and pails are also exciting for your child and are great for the stimulation of creativity.

What tips can you share with new parents about making baby bath time a success?

Post in the comments below!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

The Important Benefits of Bottle Feeding For Baby And Mom

Oct 2, 2018 By Baby Help Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

For many Moms, deciding whether or not to bottle feed your baby is not a decision that you made lightly. Society and the media don’t make the choice any easier. Oftentimes, bottle feeding can appear a bad choice compared to breastfeeding. But it’s not, and we’ll tell you why in this article.

Many mothers decide not to breastfeed or cannot breastfeed for different reasons, specific to each individual. Therefore, do not need to feel guilty about choosing to bottle feed—fed is best!

While nothing can truly replace the natural benefits of mother’s milk, using baby formula also has several benefits for mother and baby. Baby formulas are created to be as close to mother’s milk as possible.

What Are The Benefits of Bottle Feeding a Baby?

Here are some of the top benefits of bottle feeding your baby:

1. Formula from a bottle is nutritious for your baby

Today’s baby formulas can be just as nutritious as breastmilk. Many types are fortified with iron, a key ingredient in helping to prevent anemia in infants.

Another great benefit of bottle feeding is portion control. With a bottle, you know exactly how much your baby is consuming. You won’t wonder if your child is eating enough or is overeating.

2. Bottle feeding your baby in public has less of a stigma

Unfortunately, mothers who breastfeed still have to deal with the stares and sometimes comments they may receive when breastfeeding in public. The benefit of bottle feeding is eliminating the frustration of dealing with ignorance.

You no longer have to stay indoors to avoid the embarrassment of wanting to feed your child in public.

3. Bonding over a bottle is quality time with your baby

Many mothers may also worry about losing the bonding that can come with breastfeeding. However, bottle feeding can still bring the same type of mother and child bonding that breastfeeding does.

You are still close to your child, able to talk and spend quality time during a feeding. Don’t let the worry of bonding play in your decision to bottle feed.

4. Bouncing back to life a little quicker

Another plus to bottle feeding is that moms can get back to living a normal life a lot sooner. Breastfeeding alters a mother’s daily life due to certain factors that must be considered, primarily in the case of medication. Mothers being prescribed medication must remember to check with their doctor before taking them. Medication can be passed through to baby during breastfeeding. Bottle feeding clears the way for things like medication as well as oral contraceptives. Having the choice to take an oral contraceptive is a concern for many mothers who do not desire to have another child right away.

5. Bottle feeding can be convenient

Bottle feeding is also much more convenient. You can store baby formula easily and it makes traveling a lot easier as well. Ready-made baby formula requires no mixing. You can feed your baby its contents right away which is a time saver.

One of the biggest benefits of bottle feeding is allowing others to help. You can have others feed your baby when you are busy. Or, because they want to share in the experience (such as dad or grandparents helping out during a feeding).

This can be a huge help when you are burned out from the day’s activities and need to catch a nap or are not feeling well.

Mothers who choose to give formula are making the best choice for their baby. Just like breastfeeding, there are many positive benefits of bottle feeding.

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

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Baby

Baby weaning seems like a simple thing, but there’s not one universally-accepted method to accomplishing it.

What is Weaning?

Signs a Baby is Ready to Wean

Weaning Your Baby the Right Way

How to Wean Your Baby from Nursing

How to Wean a Baby from a Bottle

Are You Having Difficulty Weaning?

Experience the Joys of Weaning

Can you share your journey of weaning your baby with other parents?

The onset of baby teething towards that first tooth is a big step in your little one’s life, but it comes along with a fair amount of discomfort, too.

How Do You Know When Your Baby is Teething?

What is Teething?

In Which Month Do Babies Start Teething?

Signs a Baby is Teething

Is Your Baby Teething? Ways to Help Relieve Your Baby’s Teething Pain

1. Massage the Gums

2. Apply Something Cold

3. Offer the Breast

4. Wear a Teether

5. Try an Oldie but Goodie

Celebrate the Milestone with a Calmer, Happier Teething Baby

Is your baby teething? If so, what age have they started?

Are you expecting…or thinking about it? If so, we have the solutions for how to save money for a baby.

The Cost of Having a Baby

How to Save Money for a Baby

1. Start with a Calculator

2. Develop a Checklist for Planning

3. Source Bulk Baby Products

Saving Money for Your Baby’s Future

The Baby Budget — Making it Fun

What is one item you can live without, to help save money for a baby on the way?

Expecting Moms and Dads are bombarded with information and advice for new parents every day. However, once the little one arrives, it can be a challenge to remember everything — especially when it’s the first time.

Advice for Parents-to-Be

1. Take Time for Yourself

2. Get Your Finances in Order

3. Get Your House in Order

4. Prepare Everyone Ahead of Time

Advice for New Parents

1. Play More Than You Clean

2. Remember That You WILL Sleep Again

3. It’s Hard to Really Mess It Up

4. Don’t Compare Your Child to Others

Just Relax — The Best Advice of All

What is the best piece of advice for new parents that you’ve heard?

Most states have laws that specify you must have an infant car seat when traveling with your baby by car. The reason is that accidents while in a motor vehicle cause the highest number of injuries and deaths in children.

Choosing the Right Infant Car Seat

Installing Your Infant Car Seat Properly

The Most Common Car Seat Install Mistakes

1. Wrong: Rear-facing seats with an incorrect recline angle.

2. Wrong: Forward-facing car seats that were too loose.

3. Wrong: Not using a tether anchor on a forward-facing convertible seat.

Getting Help with Newborn Car Seat Installation

Keeping Baby Safe Onboard

What is your favorite brand and model of infant car seat?

Sleep is essential for the health and well-being of all living creatures. But did you know a baby sleep schedule is especially important for newborns and infants?

When Can I Start a Sleep Routine for a Baby?

Getting Baby on a Sleep Schedule

1. One Month to Six Weeks

2. Three Months

3. Seven Months

Tips for Establishing a Sleep Schedule

Tip #1: Set the Stage

Tip #2: Be a Calm at Night, Play During the Day

Tip #3: Wait and See

Baby Sleep Schedule: The Right Thing for Baby — And You

What methods have you tried for implementing a baby sleep schedule with your little one?

As any new parent knows, it can be hard to leave your little one alone in a room when you put him down for that nap. Sometimes, using a baby monitor is an outright necessity.

Types of Baby Monitors

Best Baby Monitors on the Market

Top Baby Video Monitors

Best Baby Monitors with Wi-Fi

Where to Buy Baby Monitors

Best Baby Monitors 2018 — At Your Convenience

Will you be purchasing a new baby monitor soon? Are you looking for simplicity, or all the bells and whistles?

If you’re expecting this year (or next) you’re probably wondering what the most popular baby names are, so you can be prepared for your little one’s arrival.

Most Popular Baby Names in 2018

Baby Boy Names 2018

1. Liam

2. Noah