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Baby Games

03/07/2008 by

By Gregory Hepburn

These days, all parents want their children to be the brightest in town. They spend a lot of money on educational toys and games that are supposed to make their kids extremely clever. It seems to be such a wonderful idea to do so. In contrast, there are other parents who are concerned that their children are growing up too quickly for their age. The world is full of contrasts and we as parents need to decide whether we want our kids to enjoy the childhood phase of their lives, or whether we want them to become super intelligent beings at a very tender age.

Things have been hyped up to such an extent that even baby toys are now being marketed as objects of mind inspiration. Baby toys are being made in bright colors for mind stimulation. There are still other baby toys that come with common phrases recorded in French, German and several other foreign languages. Many parents question the advantage of such toys for babies who have yet to learn and speak in their own basic language. Babies should be allowed to be babies, and given toys that help them be just that. It has been found that the best toys for babies are the ones that roll and rattle and emit sounds when squeezed, because they help them understand how things move and make noises; in addition such toys hold their attention for long periods of time and make them giggle and be happy.

When my daughter was still an infant, I devoted all my efforts on making sure that she enjoyed her childhood. I only got her toys in bright colors, that made nice sounds, were cute and that were cuddly. I found that my selection of her baby toys helped her no end in enjoying her childhood.

One of my better purchases for my daughter was not even a toy; it was a video. She seemed to be captivated when she saw the Baby Einstein videos. The colors and the music held her attention for the duration of the video. I am certain that she was learning and that her brain was being motivated without any harm to her.

You can never make a mistake when you buy baby toys for your infants. The toys may require your baby to lie on their tummies to help brace their muscles; but then this is something that all infants need to do. On the other hand, you may be more interested in teaching your baby different sounds and colors. Irrespective of what your baby's favourite toy is, their minds are being stimulated all the time. It is my considered opinion that we should not waste our time and efforts in making a genius of our infant. Instead, we should always try to bring up happy, healthy and intelligent kids. There is no need to force ourselves and our babies to go beyond the realms of a natural, happy and healthy growth for them.

Gregory Hepburn is an online marketer and entrepreneur who builds and publishes content websites. His website on Baby Games has been published. Please visit http://www.educational-toy-and-game.com for more details.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Games&id=1289516

Filed Under: Articles · Tagged With: child educational game toy, educational game great toy, educational toy and game, game, games, s, toy, toys

Your Walking Baby

03/07/2008 by

By Simon Brice

Well if you though crawling created problems...a walking baby is something else!

Nothing compares to watching your babies first few dodgering steps, arms flailing and then plonk! as he or she lands on their bum. From then on you are always wondering where she is. No longer the tell tell slap slap sound of her hands on the floor. No, now a more stealthy arrival.

Safety is paramount once your baby becomes mobile. Almost sure as eggs are eggs your baby will try to improve each day. Try and go faster each day. Climb higher each day. And reach higher each day. Soon you will find all breakables skyhigh or locked away. Work surfaces become a feature for a couple of fingers desperately trying to grab whatever is reachable. Stairs prior to stair gates will be scaled. Cupboards will joyfully be opened and shut. Items removed then misplaced. Saucepans will litter the floor. Washing machines will be emptied...the list goes on.

In order to combat the new walking demon kitting your house out with baby safety gadgets is a must. Stair gates, safety gates, safety door jammers(very highly recommended - stops their fingers getting caught in a door), cupboard safety locks and protectors, cable tidys etc etc. The list is endless. Depending on room a small pen area or a travel cot to plonk your baby at times of emergency, eg. going to the toilet in piece without worrying where the babies gone or what they are getting up to.

Once your house has been converted to a safety haven for your joyous moving disaster then you will be able to relax that little bit more and maybe enjoy the odd phone call or television programme without worrying as much.

It's always worth checking out the safety gadgets available as this can also highlight other areas of danger. Clip on plug socket covers and oven safety catches for example.

I did tell you the list went on and on.

http://www.maternity-babies-ladies.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Walking-Baby&id=1290254

Filed Under: Articles · Tagged With: babies, baby clothes, child safety, Maternity, nursery, nursing bra, Pregnancy, stair gates

Pediatric GERD – Protect Your Child Against GERD

03/07/2008 by

By Jeff Martin

In this article we are discussing pediatric GERD and its various related issues.

Like adults, children also fall victim to GERD in much the same way adults suffer from it. But since very little children or infants cannot express the distressing condition, they end up crying. The problem is adults are often unable to understand the rue reason behind this, and think that the child is just hungry or feeling sleepy.

It may be relevant to understand that gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, also called 'functional GERD' is a physiological process that may happen to anyone, children and adults alike. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a pathological process involving complications like failure to thrive, esophegatitis, feeding aversions, etc. While the former needs careful studying of the symptoms, the latter asks for treatment.

Some of the symptoms of GERD in children include excessive drooling, incessant or impulsive crying, spitting up or attempt at vomiting, wet burp or frequent hiccups, aversion to food or unending demand for liquids, irritability and pain, sudden change in sleep habits, running nose and sinus infections, hoarseness, neck arching (Sandfer's syndrome), forcing fingers within the mouth (first signs of esophegitis), erosion of dental enamel and respiratory problems relating to asthma, bronchitis, wheezing, pneumonia, etc.

It is therefore the duty of every parent to identify the symptoms and get the child examined by a medical doctor, have the disease condition diagnosed and follow the course of treatment recommended by the medico.

Though diagnosis can often be arrived at from the report tendered by the parent, detailed diagnosis may involve several tests that include Barium Swallow that highlights the esophagus, upper intestines and the throat from which the doctor can ascertain the extent of damage caused to these parts. Reflux Scan, meanwhile determines the frequency of reflux episodes over a given period of time. Sometimes an Upper Endoscope is done to ascertain the degree of damage caused by acid reflux but is rarely required as a means of diagnosing the disease condition.

As for treatment of pediatric GERD, the same principle is applied here that works for the adult sufferer. The only difference being the use of discretion in determining what triggers the discomfort. Also, certain acid blockers cannot be used in the case of infants where side effects could cause serious problems - do keep this in mind when treating children. Keeping the baby propped up during feeding is rather important in avoiding acid reflux. Lifestyle changes include several short feeding episodes instead of one long continuous feed and total abstinence from citrus fruit juices once acid reflux have been diagnosed.

Surgery (Fundoplication surgical process) should never be tried as it would cause untold side effects, which are far more serious than acid reflux.

Pediatric GERD can be best treated using holistic remedies - this is the case both in adults and in kids. Holistic remedies are so effective (more than conventional medicine) because it treats the body as a whole and tries to diagnose all the causes behind the illness. This is often the better approach than just treating the symptoms because GERD can happen due to many reasons, and some of them are even genetic.

Treating the body as a whole through holistic is indeed the better way to get rid of the symptoms of GERD.

While this article will help you know more about the disease and what you can do when Pediatric GERD becomes a problem, but you should always consult your physician prior to administrating any medication.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To Learn More About Jeff Martin's Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: GERD and Acid Reflux

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Martin
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pediatric-GERD---Protect-Your-Child-Against-GERD&id=1290356

Filed Under: Articles · Tagged With: Acid Reflux in Kids, Acid Reflux in Toddlers, Baby Acid Reflux, Infant GERD, Pediatric GERD

New Baby Arrival Preparation Checklist

03/07/2008 by

By Dan Forsyth

Checklist of Items for New Baby's Arrival

The birth of a child is one of the greatest moments in a person's life. There are many things that you will need to do to prepare for your new baby's arrival. So many in fact that it can leave a new parent's head spinning and their wallets empty.

What is really necessary to buy? What can you do without? Below is a list of the items that we used with both of our girls and highly recommend. I've also made note of some of the more popular items that people buy that may not be necessary.

Baby's Room

1. Crib, Crib Mattress and Crib Sheet - our girls slept in our bed for the first 6 months, so we actually didn't use the crib at first... so no rush to get a crib if you plan on co-sleeping or using a bedside bassinette

2. Dresser - for all those cute baby clothes that you will be getting as gifts!

3. Nightlight - so you don't bang your knee on the dresser when you go in to check baby at night

4. Lamp - for some nighttime stories before going to sleep

5. Books - we started reading to our older daughter long before she 'understood' it

6. Rocker and Ottoman - makes reading a story together so much fun!

7. Change Table - it can be hard to try to change baby on a table too low or too high - can give you a sore back!

8. Diapers - but of course! You may want to consider cloth diapers if you have the time and energy to do that extra laundry

9. Diaper Wipes - we use disposables, although some people will get a bunch of those baby washcloths and use those.

10. Diaper Bin (with tight lid) (We actually rarely use our diaper bin, it is really just a glorified trashcan, so you may want to save a couple of dollars and just buy a good trashcan instead.)

11. Diaper Ointment - keep those baby bottoms super soft

12 Sleep Vest - a really nice alternative to a baby blanket, which is easily kicked off by baby in the night

Feeding

1. Nursing Pillow - so mom is comfortable while nursing!

2. Breast Pump - for those times when mom just needs a break or has to go back to work.

3. Bottles - make sure they are BPA free! Lots of great alternatives on the market these days

4. Formula (if not breast feeding) - doesn't hurt to have some around even if you are nursing, just in case you need it.

5. Booster Seat - Don't waste your money on a high chair that is going to take up lots of room in your kitchen. A booster seat that sits on a chair costs less and does the same thing.

Clothing

1. One piece outfits (also known as onesies) - babies will live in these in the early months, so much easier than trying to put on a two piece outfit on such a wee baby

2. Socks and Shoes - probably won't need shoes so much in the early days, but socks are a must

3. Teething Bibs - so you don't have to change baby's wet clothes throughout the day once she starts drooling

4. Hat - especially in cooler weather!

5. Sweater - ditto

6. Jacket - double ditto

7. Laundry detergent for sensitive skin - some babies can be really sensitive to the regular chemical detergents out there

Going Out

1. Car Seat - keep baby safe!

2. Diaper Bag - your home away from home when you have a baby, make sure to get a big one and something that looks cool so you don't mind carrying it around

3. Change Pad - you never know what is on those change tables in public restrooms, eek

4. Baby Sling - gives you an extra hand or two, and babies generally like the closeness

5. Stroller - make sure it's a good one (ie: a Phil and Ted). A lot of the standard strollers are really tough to maneuver

6. Bumbo Seat - great for when going to a restaurant or for at home when you need to put baby down for a minute

Fun Stuff

1. Play Arches - great for them to kick with their feet and fun to watch!

2. Swing - good place for baby to hang out for a while

3. Newborn Toddler Rocker or Bouncer - especially once they are older, toddlers love to rock, bounce, dance, move, groove

4. Wagon for going out for walks - a nice alternative to the stroller

Dan Forsyth is a father of two lovely girls and owner of the online baby gift store My Favorite Baby Gifts.com (http://www.myfavoritebabygifts.com). Dan can be reached at dan@myfavoritebabygifts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Forsyth
http://EzineArticles.com/?New-Baby-Arrival-Preparation-Checklist&id=1292403

Filed Under: Articles · Tagged With: baby, Baby Gear, Baby Items, New Baby, Newborn, Newborn Gear, Newborn Items, Prepare Baby