There are many different options for baby wearing.  Some prefer the large backpacks that carry the baby (and this is great for dad’s as well), but there are also slings and carriers that keep the baby close to you, but can be worn in many positions.

Being worn close to you is very beneficial to the baby as well:

• Studies show that babies worn close to their mother or father cry up to 50% less than babies that aren’t worn close.  It may be the closeness that is comforting them or the fact that they are constantly processing new images, so they don’t get as bored. The constant stimulus that the baby receives while being worn helps stimulate their brain and promotes their neural development.
• The physical bond between the mother and child leads to an emotional bond, which means the baby feels more secure and safe.
• Hearing the mother’s heartbeat helps the baby develop his or her biorhythms faster, so they get on a schedule quicker and easier.

Baby wearing has many benefits for the baby, but it also has benefits for the mom too:

• You have the security and convenience of having the baby right there with you while still being able to use your hands.
• You can also breastfeed while still having your hands free to do other things.
• It is easier to move through stores with the baby next to you rather than carrying around a heavy stroller or car seat.
• You get a good workout from carrying around the extra weight.
• You will be able to notice the subtle clues of what the baby needs and wants by having them close to you.

Although baby slings and carriers are safe, here are a few precautions:

• Be sure to change the baby from side to side every so often to prevent hip or back problems.
• Read the box and directions before you purchase the sling or carrier to make sure it is age appropriate for your child.
• If you are uneasy about it at first, practice carrying around a doll or teddy bear so you get comfortable with it.  This will also help you learn certain precautions like watching the baby’s head.
• Never wear the baby in the sling or carrier on you while driving.

Baby wearing, when done safely, is a great way to bond with your child, but it also comforts them while allowing you to get your stuff done as well.

Take a close look at the cost of disposable diapers.  Do the math – after you purchase the diapers, figure out how much each diaper costs.  Then figure out how many you use each week and multiply that by 52 weeks in a year.  It will add up to a lot of money.  It can cost you as much as $2,000 to $3,000 just to use disposable diapers on your child until the age of 3.  If you compare that to the cost of cloth diapers, you will see they are much less expensive.  Initially the cost may be more when you first buy the cloth diapers, but in the end, you will see the savings.

If you think of how many people are using disposable diapers, it can be overwhelming.  Those diapers are placed in landfills each year and they aren’t biodegradable.  They take up tons of space and are bad for our environment.  Because of the urine and feces, the landfills become hazardous waste that contains harmful bacteria.

Most middle-aged people grew up during a time when there was no alternative to cloth diapers.  Even some younger people grew up with cloth diapers because the disposable diapers were giving them rashes.  Cloth diapers may actually be more soothing on your baby’s bottom and thus cause less irritation and rashes.  Diapers contain dioxin, which some studies have shown to cause cancer, birth defects, liver damage, skin diseases, and genetic disorders.  While the disposable diapers may be easier and more convenient for you, are they really what is best for your child?

Cloth diapers have gotten much more convenient since the 50s.  There are now cloth diapers that come all-in-one – with the plastic cover included.  Some have snaps instead of annoying pins, so you don’t have to worry about the baby getting suck.  There are fitted cloth diapers that are better at preventing leaks and there are wool covers that replace the uncomfortable plastic.

Before you make the choice between cloth or disposable diapers, take a look at all the facts.  Using cloth diapers can help you protect the environment as well as save you money AND they are safer for your child.

The first step to raising an eco friendly child is to make sure you practice what you preach.  If you tell your child to respect the environment, but you don’t do it yourself, it won’t do much good.  Children learn much of what they know simply by noticing what we do.  You don’t have to do anything outrageous.  Just simple steps such as recycling will help.  As your child grows up seeing you do things like that, it will be second nature to them when they grow up.  You can also use environmentally friendly products.  Check to see if there are any organizations that you can join in your town that are concerned about protecting the environment.

As you get involved in protecting our environment, begin to involve your child.  They can start by putting recyclables in the bin.  Most toddlers love helping mommy or daddy like that, so be sure to praise them for all their help.  You can have them help you as you build a compost pile.  Let them help you pick out organic products at the grocery store.  Even if you just have them help you pick up trash from your neighborhood, you are setting a good example that they will learn.

Do not forget to teach them about our environment as well.  They are never too young to start learning.  Take your child to a local zoo or nature center.  These usually have experts who offer education classes for children on how to protect the environment and endangered species.  Their little minds will soak up all this information like sponge.

Once your child gets a bit older, get involved in volunteering and have them help you.  Many organizations have volunteer position for teens and young adults.  Start simply with your family, but as your child grows, get them involved in the community.  They will enjoy meeting other teens who share their interest in environmental issues.

The most important thing is to start early and continue to show your child how to help the environment.  As they age, get them involved in their community.  They will learn to be a good citizen and that is something they will take with them their entire lives.

When babies cry during teething, most parents just assume they are in pain. They may just be uncomfortable and unsure about what is going on.  One thing that many parents never think about is simply distract the baby with a toy or by singing to them.  By making them feel more comfortable and secure, it may actual ease their anxiety and calm them down.

Another way to provide relief to a teething baby is to provide them something to chew on.  Babies will vary as to what they like.  Some of the options are:

Frozen teething rings – The cold may help numb the gums, so if the baby is actually experiencing teething pain, this can help.  Most rings today are soft, so if the baby chews to hard, they might break the teething ring open.  Check the package to see if the ingredients are safe if this happens.  Some babies may not like the teething ring to be frozen.  You can try putting it in the refrigerator just to get it chilled or some may even prefer chewing on the ring at room temperature.
Frozen washcloth – These are easy to do at home.  Just wet a washcloth, ring out the water, and put it in the freezer.  It is a bit softer than the teething rings, so babies with sensitive gums may prefer it.
Food – Sometimes something as simple as a banana will sooth aching gums.  You might even try freezing the banana as an alternative to a frozen teething ring.  But, be careful – for infants without teeth, foods such as this can pose as choking hazards.
Teething biscuits – Teething biscuits are designed just for that – teething.  Many of the teething biscuits now days are organic, but again, watch closely as they may be a choking hazard to children without any teeth.

If none of these remedies works, you may want to consult your physician.  There may be some problem other than teething that is causing your child’s irritability and crying.  Just remember that most teething babies are going to have their fussy periods and you will need a lot of patience.  If the baby sees you upset, it will just further upset them.

No matter what your decision, it is important to discuss it over with your doctor and make sure that natural childbirth is a safe option for you.  Always, always listen and follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to the health and safety of you and your child.

First and foremost, once you make your decision to have natural childbirth, it is important that you are confident in that decision.  If you find yourself saying you will try to have a natural childbirth, you still have some doubt in your mind as to whether you will be able to go through with it or not.  Get it set in your mind that you “will” have a natural childbirth.  Once you have made up your mind and you have decided to stick to your decision, it will make the labor pains tolerable.

If you are not a high-risk pregnancy and are serious about giving birth naturally, you can hire a midwife rather than having a physician attend the birth.  A midwife is someone who is there to support you during your birth and support your decision to give birth naturally.  He or she still has the expertise needed if something unusual arises.  You can also hire a doula.  A doula is a birthing coach.  You will still be in the hospital with a physician, but the doula will couch you through the pain and encourage you to stick it out until the birth is over.

There are also classes that you can take to prepare you for natural childbirth.  Lamaze classes are very popular with many women.  These classes teach you how to breathe during labor.  The breathing techniques help you deal with the pain in a natural way.  You can also take a self-hypnosis class.  This will help you learn to lessen the pain in a natural way.

A perineal massage is another way to lesson your labor pain.  At 34 weeks, begin massaging the muscles of your vagina for between six and eight minutes a day.  Don’t start any earlier than 34 weeks, however, you can start any time after 34 weeks.  This helps stretch the vagina muscles and will make them more flexible for the birth.

Be sure that your doctor and nurses are aware of your decision to have a natural childbirth.  You can even ask your physician to not offer any medications unless they are absolutely necessary.  This means you are setting your birth plan.  Now you can have some sort of backup plan if the pain is too excruciating, but again, that goes back to the “try” natural childbirth plan.  It is important to remain confident in your decision.

There may be unforeseen circumstances in which a natural childbirth will just not be safe for you or your baby.  Listen to your doctor if he says your safety is in danger and medication is needed.  It also helps to have someone else there to help you make a decision.

There are several different versions of cloth diapers on the market today:

• All-in-Ones – These diapers come complete in one piece, so there is no need for inserts or plastic outer coverings.  There are also wool versions of all-in-ones that have a softer cover layer.  These diapers work great in some situations, but they do sometimes present problems when you clean them because it does come as one piece rather than separate items.
• Fitted Diapers – These cloth diapers are fitted at the edges, so they look a bit like disposable diapers.  This helps prevent leaks, however, you do still need a plastic cover.  If you are worried about the edges being too tight for the baby, you can get fitted diapers that are contoured rather than elasticized.
• Flat and Prefolded Diapers – These are the diapers most people think of when they think of cloth diapers.  But, even these have been improved upon.  Some use snaps rather than pins, so you don’t have to worry about the baby getting poked.  However, they are not fitted and you still need to fold them.  The prefolded diapers do provide an extra layer, which provides for better absorption.  Because these are the basic, old-fashioned cloth diapers, they are the cheapest alternative.
• Pocket Diapers – These cloth diapers offer a specific pocket for inserts.  This allows you to use thicker inserts when the baby is younger, but use thinner as they begin to potty train.  You can even use old diapers as inserts for the pocket.
• One-size Diapers – One problem with cloth diapers is you need to increase the size of the diaper as your child grows.  One-size diapers solve that problem.  You can use the same diapers when the child is a baby as you can when they get older.  This is a great option if you have several children of different ages because you don’t have to worry about sorting the diapers by size.

There are also other things to keep in mind when considering cloth diapers:

• Diaper Liners – These are great for keeping excrement from getting on the main fabric of the cloth diaper.  The diaper liners come in many varieties including those you can wash, those that are made of paper, and those that you can throw away or flush.
• Diaper Covers – Diaper covers now come in wool, meaning they are warmer.  In fact, there are even wool covers in pants form.
• Organics – Are you interested in something that is great for both the environment and your baby?  There are now organic diapers, liners, and soakers made of organic material.

Take the time to look over all the options for cloth diapers before you begin to make purchases.  You will find that the cloth diapers are not only inexpensive, but also environmentally conscious and easier to use than ever before.

To start, you will need a container in which to keep the wipes. This will need to be something with a lid that seals. You can use an old box from wipes you have purchased or you can use something like Tupperware. If you own one of the wipe warmers, you can keep them in there as well. It is just important that whatever you keep them in seals so the wipes do not dry out.

Once you have the container, you need to purchase a roll of Bounty paper towels. Other paper towels are not as sturdy, so unless you want a mess on your hands, get Bounty. Cut the roll in half and throw away the paper tube in the middle.

Now it is time to make the wipe solution. There are many recipes on the Internet – most people have their own version. Search the Internet and if the first recipe you try does not work well, try another until you find the one that is just right for you. Most of them will contain a combination of boiled then cooled water, baby shampoo or baby bath, and a type of oil, gel or lotion. Some may include herbal ingredients for sensitive skin or for aromatherapy.

Place your paper towels in the container and pour the solution over it. Let the paper towels sit for ten minutes then flip them over and let the other side soak for ten minutes. After both sides soak, your wipes should be ready to use.

Store the second roll of paper towels and any left over solution until needed again. Because these homemade wipes do not have the chemicals in it that store bought ones do, they will get musty and mildew if you make up too many at once. If your one roll of wipes seems to go bad too quickly, make up a smaller amount of solution. Pour that in a spray bottle and simply spray the paper towels when you need to use them. If you do not have a spray bottle, place the solution in a jar and dip the paper towels in the solution right before using.

Once you find a recipe you like, be sure to write it down so you don’t forget the items used and the measurements. Not only will you soon have gentler wipes for your baby’s bottom, but you will also see the savings start to mount up.

Store bought baby food has two disadvantages – it is often expensive and some of it contains preservatives you may not want your baby to have. Some parents prefer to give their baby organic items. If this is the case, you can save money and give your baby healthier food by taking the time to make your own delicious baby food.

What you will need to make your own homemade baby food:

A steamer. It will be better to steam the baby’s vegetables rather than boil them. When vegetables are boiled, many of the nutrients are taken away. With steaming, it leaves in all the vitamins and minerals the baby needs.

A food processor. While you may be able to use a blender for some foods, you will probably find it does not puree the food enough for the baby. Plus, a blender is often more messy than a food processor.

Ice cube trays, freezer bags, and space in your freezer. To prevent from cooking and processing food each day, you will want to make up several days then freeze it. That way, you will be able to put the food in the microwave to warm it easily. Using ice cube trays allow you to make small, convenient sized portions.

Before you start, make sure you wash the fruits or vegetables carefully then remove the skin. If you dislike the skinning and peeling, you can purchase prepared foods at the grocery store, such as baby carrots. Cut the item into small pieces.

Next, if you are dealing with vegetables, you will want to steam them. After you steam them, retain the water. It can be used later if the food is too thick. If you are cooking meat or pasta, cook it as you normally would but remember to avoid oil or spices. Even salt and pepper should be avoided. If you have leftovers from your dinner, you can save them to make baby food as well.

Once you have steamed the vegetables, you are ready to process them. Most fruits do not need to be steamed before they can be processed. Put the items in the food processor and puree until it has the smoothness for which you are looking. You may want to stir it with a spoon to check for lumps.

After pureeing the food, you will need to store it. Food that you plan to use immediately or within the next day or so can be stored in the refrigerator. But, if you are making up a batch for a later date, you will need to pour it into an ice cube tray then freeze it.

After the portions freeze, you can remove them from the ice cube trays then place about four cubes in one freezer bag. You may want to keep the different types of items separate at first, but later on, you may want to combine veggies and meat or pasta in the same bag to provide a balanced meal.

Once you are ready to feed the baby, simply pop one of the cubes into the microwave to heat it. If you don’t have a microwave or don’t want to use one, you can heat it up by placing the bag in saucepan full of hot water.

With just a little time and effort, you can have flavorful, nutritious, inexpensive meals for your baby.

There is one school of thought that says if the baby is crying, just leave them alone. Eventually, the baby will learn to sooth itself and quit crying. The problem with this is that baby’s minds aren’t developed enough to sooth themselves. If a baby is left alone to cry, it may quit crying, but only because it feels abandoned and has given up. Babies who are left to cry may think their parents don’t care about them anymore and this can destroy the bond established between the parent and child. It can affect the baby’s self esteem, so seriously consider this option before choosing it.

Of course, the parents themselves have their own psychological issues to deal with. There will probably be times when you simply think you cannot take it anymore. If that is the case, it is okay to take a break from the baby for a few minutes. Take your time to calm down then go back to the baby. This way, you get some times to sooth your nerves and the baby is less likely to feel it has been abandoned.

Understanding your child and its needs is the best way to sooth their crying. Because babies cannot talk and tell you what is wrong, you need to pay close attention to their cries. The baby will have a different cry for different emotions. Its hunger cry will differ from its sick cry. Once you have spent time with the baby and paid attention to the cries, it should give you a clue as to what is going on. Also, take a close look at the baby’s facial expressions and body language when they are crying. By noticing the cries, facial expressions, and body language, you should soon learn what is going on and that will help you satisfy the baby’s needs.

There may be times when your baby cries for no apparent reason. To calm a fussy baby try:

• Playing music or singing to the baby. This may help sooth them.
• Use something with a lavender smell. Lavender has been known to have calming properties, so try giving the baby a bath with lavender soap or rubbing some lavender lotion on them.
• Practicing the 5 S’s. The five S’s are swaddling, laying the baby on the side or stomach, shhing the baby, swinging them, or offering them something to suck on such as a pacifier or breast if they are breastfeeding. Any of these may calm a crying baby.
• Distracting them. Talking quietly to the baby or distract him or her with a favorite toy. This may help the baby forget why he or she is upset.
• Massaging the baby. Just as with adults, a massage can be very relaxing for a baby, but remember to be gentle while giving the massage.

If none of this helps sooth the baby, take them to their pediatrician as a precaution. There may be something physically wrong with the baby such as colic and it is best to have it checked out.

As nature intended, your breast milk contains just the right amount of nutrients the baby need. There are other benefits involved with breastfeeding as opposed to bottle-feeding such as:

• Breast milk boosts the baby’s immune system – Nutrients in the mother’s breast milk helps the baby fight off infections. It is based on any infections to which the mother (and therefore the baby) is exposed. So the baby gets customized protection from diseases. Studies show that breast fed babies are less likely to be ill, develop immune disorders or allergy related diseases such as asthma.
• Breast milk aids in the proper physical development – Breast milk helps babies initially gain the weight they need, yet over time, it can prevent them from becoming overweight.
• Breast milk aids in mental development – Breastfed babies may have a more alert state, which helps their brains develop properly.

It is possible for a mother to express their breast milk and use a bottle to feed the baby. While this is preferable to feeding the baby formula, there are still some lost benefits by not actually breastfeeding. While breastfeeding, there is a closeness between the mother and child that improves the bond between them. Breastfeeding is also good for the baby’s oral health. It can prevent tooth decay associated with bottle-feeding. Breastfeeding helps your child develop good hand eye coordination when you switch sides and positions during feeding.

While breastfeeding have many benefits for the baby, there are also benefits for the mother. Mothers who breastfeed find they:

• Experience less hemorrhaging – breastfeeding will shrink the uterus naturally and prevent dangerous hemorrhaging where as mothers who give their babies formula may need to take medication for this.
• Experience less stress – Because babies who breastfeed do not experience as many infections, they are healthier. This can reduce the amount of stress a new mother feels. Also, mothers who need to feed in the middle of the night don’t have to get up and mix formula then heat it up, so they aren’t as sleep deprived.
• Lose the baby weight quicker – The production of breast milk burns calories, so mothers who breastfeed tend to shed the pregnancy pounds quicker.
• Bond quicker with their babies – Breastfeeding not only helps the baby bond to the mother, but also helps the mother bond to the baby.

Of course, not all mothers can breastfeed and formula feedings will be necessary. Mothers who have tested positive for a disease should not breastfeed as it can be transmitted to the baby through the breast milk. Also mothers who are taking some type of medication should avoid breastfeeding as the medication can be transmitted to the baby and cause possible harm. If you have any concerns, speak to your physician about them. In most cases, breastfeeding is a wonderfully close and valuable experience between the mother and baby.