Dirty Baby

I came across this video and it was so much fun. Well, the kind of thoughts that runs through the minds of our babies when they are feeling the urge to "go" is very well captured. I have not started potty training my 15 month old yet and I guess I should pay more attention to her thoughts when she is feeling the urge. Usually she goes, stans in a corner and twitches areound when she wants to poo-poo. After that she will come running to me and hugs my feet. If I ask her did you do ayyeyye.... she will also go ayyayyee... hehe... Enjoy the video...

What is the best diet for pregnant women?

What is the best diet for pregnant women?
By: Aliceshown

There are many myths surrounding the diet for pregnant mothers. We often hear the elders of the family advising young mothers to eat enough for two individuals. Today, we know that this is not true. In fact, unbridled eating during pregnancy can make you put on a lot of weight and can make your child unnecessarily overweight. What then could be the best diet for pregnant women?

The growing fetus derives all its nourishment from its mother through the umbilical cord. Therefore, while the mother does not have to eat enough food for two individuals, it is important that she take in enough nutrients for two individuals. If the mother suffers from nutrient deficiency, this will be passed on to the child. Early nutrient deficiency can lead to a number of developmental problems in young children.

The pregnancy diet must be rich in all the vital nutrients that the body needs. Doctors recommend the intake of six to seven servings of bread and grains, two to four servings of fruit, four to six servings of vegetables, two to four servings of dairy and approximately three servings of protein every day. It is always advisable to choose food that is rich in fiber. Excellent examples include whole-grain cereals, rice, fruits and fresh green veggies.

Calcium is vital to the growth of bones and teeth. Remember to take in at least four servings of calcium rich dairy products. This will ensure that you get approximately 1200 mg of calcium every day. The diet of pregnant women should be rich in iron.

Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system of the mother and child. Important sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes. Vitamin A is equally important. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, turnip, apricots and water squash contain lots of vitamin A.

An expectant mother must always take all her prescribed prenatal vitamins. These are specially devised multivitamins that compensate for any nutrient imbalances or deficiencies in the mother's diet. Generally, these contain iron, minerals, vitamins, folic acid and calcium. The deficiency of folic acid can lead to serious birth defect in babies. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, citrus fruits and beans are rich in natural folic acid, vitamins and iron.

Just as there are things that must be included in the diet for pregnant women, there are certain items that must be avoided during pregnancy. These include alcohol, caffeine, surplus sugar, surplus fat and raw meat. It is advisable to avoid soft cheese, and to abstain from eating shark, swordfish and mackerel which high levels of mercury in them.

Most pregnant mothers feel nausea and a depressing lack of appetite during their first trimester. At this stage, they may eat small meals throughout the day.

Many women put on a lot of weight due to the high fat, salt and sugar content in their pregnancy diet. It is true that pregnant women often go through strong cravings and sharp hunger pangs. But if you desire to keep your weight under control and shed extra pounds quickly after delivery, then, it is important to eat foods low in calories and high in nutritive value.

About the Author:Diet for Pregnant Woman - Pregnancy Planet is the only community on the web dedicated to pregnant and TTC parents. We provide week by week pregnancy information, symptoms & advice along with parenting tips & solutions, conception due date calculator, celebrity baby news, free TTC tickers & blinkies and much more.

First Aid Kit For Babies

First Aid Kit For Babies
By: C.L. Hendricks

A first aid kit for babies is something often overlooked in emergency and disaster survival preparedness. All of the prep lists advise that you include a first aid kit in your plans, however standard first aid kits rarely include supplies that babies require in an emergency situation. Pre-planning and preparing will ensure that your baby will have the emergency medical supplies should the need arise.

Standard first aid kits contain many items that can be used by people of all ages. All kits should have a thermometer, a pair of tweezers, Bandaids, gauze, surgical or medical tape, elastic bandages in multiple sizes, disposable one time use heat and cold packs, disposable medical gloves, hand sanitizer, surgical masks and small splints.

Most quality first aid kits also contain a number of over the counter medications. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea medicines, antihistamines and anti-vomiting preparations. However, babies are smaller and require specific OTC medicines that are prepared especially for them. Infant fever reducers and anti-diarrhea preparations are just a couple of the baby specific OTC medicines to include.

A large diaper bag can be used to create a first aid kit for babies. Not only will it hold a modified first aid kit, but it will hold all of the other items necessary for an emergency preparedness kit for your baby.

Diaper rash cream, infant sunscreen and travel size bottles of baby wash with a few baby size washcloths in a Ziploc bag will keep your baby comfortable during an emergency where bathing may be difficult. Teething gels and rings are also good to have on hand during especially during and emergency. Nose tissues and paper towels are also quite handy to keep in a first aid kit for babies.

Dehydration is a serious but preventable condition. By keeping water, formula and dry electrolyte packs in your first aid kit you can reduce the chance of dehydration. Placing bottled water in your child’s first aid kit will allow you to make safe replacement fluids or formula. By using a fluid replacement instead of plain water you can reduce the concern of dehydration. Water that is safe for drinking is difficult to find in an emergency situation.

During an emergency everyone’s stress levels will be high. Stress will also affect your baby. The baby that rarely cries may whimper or cry for no apparent reason. Infant stress may also cause gas or colic to develop. There are herbal preparations available for infants and toddlers. Catnip will relieve the pain of gas and colic while chamomile will help calm and soothe a cranky baby. Both of these preparations can be found in infant and toddler strengths. They are safe to use and do not require a doctor’s prescription. Keeping these in your baby’s first aid kit may help everyone relax during a difficult and stressful time.

Including a few days worth of disposable diapers, baby wipes and a few changes of clothing in this kit allows you to grab and go if needed. You will not need to stop and gather these items. Natural disasters are unpredictable and too often occur without warning.

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when the body temperature drops and stays there. Footed blanket sleepers, hats, mittens, socks, long sleeve bottom snap t-shirts along with a few blankets into your baby’s first aid kit will keep your baby warm. Dressing your baby in layers will increase the baby’s ability to stay warm. Remember to include a hat along with spare clothes. This type of clothing is important even in temperate climates.

Sanitary facilities may not be available during an emergency or natural disaster. Keeping rolled plastic shopping bags, which are secured with a rubber band, will provide a sanitary way to dispose of used diapers. By placing each soiled diaper in a bag twisting and securing with the rubber band you can prevent contamination from the diaper. This practice will also reduce odor.

By planning ahead and updating your first aid kit for babies every three months, (babies grow quickly and you should change the clothing and OTC medications to fit your child’s age) you can eliminate many of the worries regarding natural disasters or emergency situations.

About the Author:C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She writes about survival preparedness and pregnancy, children, and weddings, and investment and precision casting.

What To Do About Baby Skin Rashes

What To Do About Baby Skin Rashes
By: C.L. Hendricks

Knowing what to do about baby skin rashes is often a dilemma faced by first time parents. We are all know there are few things as soft and smooth as your baby’s skin, unfortunately, even perfect baby skin will occasionally develop minor skin irritations. These cause reddening, rash, swelling, and worry for new parents.

Rest assured, most of these skin conditions will go away on their own and are nothing to be worried about. On the other hand, there are skin rashes that require minor changes such as switching laundry detergent or fabric softener. Then there are a few rashes and skin problem that will require treatment.

Normal Baby Skin Conditions Not Requiring Treatment:

* Vernix - Newborns are born with skin discolorations and occasionally a few patches of ��oevernix”, a substance that protected their skin that has the feel of cream cheese. These skin discolorations disappear within a day or two after birth.
* Birthmarks, while not rashes, often not visible at birth may appear within a few days.
* Hormonal bumps - Most babies will develop small pin prick red bumps caused by the mother’s hormones passed via the umbilical cord prior to birth. These bumps require no intervention and will go away on their own.
* Millia - Occasionally small white bumps will appear on the newborns nose and cheeks and are the result of clogged pores. It is not necessary to cleanse the area more or to try to squeeze them or apply any creams as these too will go away on their own.

Treatable Baby Skin Rashes:

* Diaper rash - something that all parents will experience at least a few times before their child no longer wears diapers.
* Heat rash is a common problem with newborns and infants who are born in late spring and summer.
* Eczema is a more serious rash and should be assessed by a physician.


Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is caused by a number of different agents; allergic reactions to chemicals in disposable diapers, cleansing cloths, the detergent or fabric softener that cloth diapers are washed in; leaving soiled diapers on too long especially during warm weather; infection from a bacteria or yeast; from wearing diapers that are put on too tight restricting air flow.

Fevers and teething sometimes causes mild diaper rash. If your child is old enough to be cutting teeth check their gums for redness and slightly swollen areas. If your child feels hot or is cranky take their temperature. If the child has a fever, keep a close eye on it and call your physician if the fever persists.

One of the best things for diaper rash is exposure to the air. Whenever possible allow your child to have a bare backside. The air coupled with the lack of moisture allows the skin to repair any minor damage and will inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus such as yeast. At the first signs of any rash apply Zinc Oxide. It soothes irritated skin while forming a waterproof barrier. A thin application works best. Keep in mind that Zinc Oxide is thick and allowing a small amount to warm in the palm of your hand will allow you to apply a thin even layer on the rash.

If the rash persists and is not getting better try changing your cleansing cloths. Some of the baby wipes have fragrances and other chemicals that may be irritating to your baby’s skin. If that doesn’t work you can try one of the following:

* if you’re using disposables try cloth diapers for a few days;
* if you’re using cloth diapers change the detergent they are washed in;
* if you’re washing your own diapers allowing them to sit in a white vinegar and water solution prior to the final rinse will also destroy any lingering bacteria or fungus;
* allowing cloth diapers to dry in the sun on a line also destroys any bacteria or fungus that may be hiding in the fabric;
* if you’re using cloth diapers do NOT use fabric softener these products are not needed.

Heat Rash

Newborns and young infants usually need the security of a blanket or sheet wrapped around them. While this is soothing it can lead to heat rash. �'Using cornstarch based baby powder helps as does a short bath in cornstarch water. Remember that powders can become airborne so protect those little lungs by placing the powder in your hand in small amounts to apply.

Eczema

The big difference between this rash and normal childhood rashes is the raised, angry red splotches it causes. Baby eczema can be anywhere and is not limited to the nose like Millia, or to the diaper area as with diaper rash or to the neck, shoulders and upper back like heat rash. It will occasionally feel warm to the touch and the infant can be cranky. Eczema itches and occasionally is painful. Listen to your baby as those cries can tell you a lot. Your doctor will be able to help you determine how to best treat your baby’s eczema.

Having the products on hand to treat normal baby skin rashes before your infant is born will save you a lot of time and heartache. There is nothing more frustrating than an infant who’s uncomfortable. They cannot tell you what is wrong and parents can become overwhelmed when nothing they do comforts their child.


About the Author:C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She writes about survival preparedness and pregnancy, children, and weddings, and investment and precision casting.