Baby Tips

This is the king of all debates in the disposible diaper world: Are Huggies or Pampers the better diaper for baby?  There are definitely many other brands of diapers on the market, but Huggies and Pampers and probably the two most prominent and popular.  I have personally used both brands and to me there is a clear winner.  But first, here is my experience in using these popular diaper brands.

The first type of diaper we used on baby were Pampers Swaddlers provided by the hospital.  The first thing I noticed was how soft they were.  They claim to be “blankie soft”, and indeed they are extremely soft to the touch.  They also come with a built-in strip on the diaper that changes color from yellow to green when the diaper is wet so you have a visible marker when baby needs to be changed.  The Swaddlers also have an indent in the newborn diapers for umbilical cord care.  We continued to use Pampers for the first few weeks of our son’s life.  We experienced some occasional leaking but overall were very happy with the Pampers.

We also tried Huggies Snugglers for some time.  They have similar qualities of the Pampers Swaddlers, with a wetness indicator and umbilical cord care indent in the diaper.  They didn’t seems as soft as the Swaddlers, but were still fairly soft to the touch.  However, they did feel more stiff than the Pampers.  The thing I definitely did not like about the Huggies was the fit.  The cut and the tab system is different than that of the Pampers, and it simply didn’t fit as well with our baby.  We had more problems with leaks as well.

We have since gone back to using Pampers since we overall had a better experience, although now our son is out of the Swaddlers and now only fits into Pampers Cruisers.  The Cruisers are not as soft as the Swaddlers and more stiff.  I wish Pampers made all of their diapers as soft as the Swaddlers.  The Cruisers also don’t have the wetness indicator, which is really unnecessary for an older baby anyways.  We are amazed as to how much the Cruisers hold.  Our son can sleep in them all night and not have any problems with leaks.  They have the classic Pampers fit, which has definitely been superior to the Huggies in our case.

When trying to decide the best diaper for baby, it is important to remember that your baby is unique.  What worked best for us might not work best for you.  You may find that Pampers are the best diaper, or possibly even Huggies are the best fit for your baby.  I just know that in our experience, Pampers were the definitely best for our baby.

Which diaper do you find to be best for baby: Huggies or Pampers?

Do you have a cozy living space and not much room for a lot of big, bulky baby gear?  Luckily, there are many space-saving options for baby gear on the market so you can have all you need for baby without it completely taking over your living space.  Here are a few recommendations for items that are often bulky that I was able to find space-saving solutions:

1.  The Baby Swing

Most baby swings on the market are tall, wide, and downright noisy.  And on top of all of that, they are expensive!  Traditional baby swings aren’t easily broken down and packed away and definitely aren’t travel sized.  Wanting to be space-conscious in our own home, my husband purchased the Fisher-Price Take-Along Swing.  It is simply the perfect size for our small living room.  It sits low to the ground so it isn’t an eye sore, and its legs and seat easily fold up at the push of a button.  This space-saving option allows us to quickly fold up the swing when it’s not in use and tuck it next to a wall, behind a chair, or in the closet.  This capability also makes it very portable which is great for traveling.  I have also found that this swing is very quiet compared to more traditional baby swings.  And with a retail price of $69.99, it is a more economical option as well.  And for an even better deal, a more simplified version of this swing is available for $49.99, called Woodlands.  By far, this is the best space-saving swing.

2.  The High Chair

Fisher price makes a high chair specifically with space-saving in mind, thus called the Fisher-Price Space Saver High Chair.  This high chair acts more like a booster seat that is simply strapped into one of the chairs at the dining room table, thus not taking up any extra space that a more traditional high-chair with its own legs would.  This also makes the Space Saver a very portable high chair.  It retails for about $54.99.

If you are looking for a more traditional high chair that stands on its own, the Graco Contempo is an excellent choice.  Although it is more pricey than the Space-Saver high chair, it is probably the best full-sized high-chair on the market with the ability to save space.  The Contempo can quickly and easily be folded and compacted into a very slim frame for sensible storing.  I opted for the Graco Contempo for a few reasons: it’s space-saving design, it’s fashionable colors, and the fact that it is a recommended buy from Consumer Reports.  We have been very happy with our decision.

3. The Exersaucer/Jumper

As baby gets older and likes to play in a more upward position, many parents turn to exersaucers or jumpers, or even both, as entertainment for baby.  However, these activities are probably the bulkiest of baby activities.  A great solution is the Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Activity Center.  It combines the function of both the exersaucer and jumper into one and is a much more compact option.  This item retails for $69.99, so it is also cheaper than many exersaucers and jumpers.

4.  The Crib

If you’ve got a small space to work with for the baby nursery,or maybe you’re sharing your room with baby, a mini crib might be a good option.  Not only will they take us less space, but there are many design options and colors to choose from so you don’t have to sacrifice looks.  Some mini cribs are even able to be converted into twin sized beds.  Here is a list of some of the available options:

• DaVinci Mini Emily Crib
• Ethan 2-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib
• DaVinci Annabelle Convertible Mini Crib
• Orbelle Tian 3-in-1 Portable Crib
• Orbelle Mini Crib and Bed with Changer

Whether you have a smaller living space or just don’t want your house overrun with baby items, use these space saving solutions to help you breathe easy. 

What space-saving products have you seen or used that you could recommend?

It’s an exciting event in baby’s development when he or she is old enough to start eating solid foods.  Many parents look forward to this milestone in hopes that eating solids will give a break from breast of bottle feeding as often as well as keeping baby satisfied for a longer period of time between feedings.  And although it’s not always the case, many even hope that starting solid foods will help baby sleep longer at night.  Most experts agree that solid foods can be introduced anytime between four and six months of age, depending on baby’s developmental readiness.  But before you go jumping into feeding baby solid foods, beware the following mistakes that are often made by well-meaning parents:

1. Too soon.  Although many pediatricians agree it is okay to start a baby on solid food at four months of age, this may not be best for your baby.  At four months, baby may not be ready to know how to eat from a spoon a swallow, which is a totally different mechanism to eat compared to drinking from a bottle.  Starting too soon will cause baby to simply spit the food out as they don’t know how to eat this way.  Solid foods will also be digested much differently than what baby is used to, and the body just may not be ready to handle it yet.  My husband and I tried solids with our son at four months of age after recommendation from our pediatrician, but it made his stomach extremely upset.  We took him off it completely and reintroduced it at six months.  Not only did he eat from a spoon better at six months, but he had no problems digesting it.  So when it doubt, wait!  Your baby will be just fine living off of breast milk or formula until then.
2. Too much.  The first time you give your baby solid food and he has no problem getting the hang of it, it can be very tempting to overfeed.  After all, it’s fun watching your baby master his new skill!  However, keep in mind that the first few introductions to solid food should be in very small amounts, even just a few spoonfuls.  You don’t want to overdo it.  Babies stomachs are not huge, and on top of that you don’t want to load them up on a new food that you’re not sure how their body is going to react to.  So at the beginning, keep to small amounts of food and build your way up from there.
3. Too oblivious.  Any time something completely new and foreign is introduced to your baby’s body, whether it be food, vaccines, or a new shampoo, you need to pay attention!  Most likely your baby won’t have any problems, but on rare occasions a bad reaction can occur.  Starting a baby on solid foods can cause bad reactions and parents need to be watching for physical and behavioral changes.  I am guilty of being oblivious to my son’s reaction to rice cereal when we started him on it at four months.  The first few days he started on cereal, he would wake up in the middle of the night screaming.  He had bad gas and constipation.  Unfortunately, it took me three days to realize the cereal was causing his behavior.  We took him off the cereal and he was fine.  The moral of the story is pay attention!  Don’t be oblivious to something that just isn’t right!

The most important key to remember is to follow your baby’s lead.  You will know when they are ready for solids but you still need to remember to follow some guidelines so you don’t make some of the big mistakes.  You will never regret using these three precautions when starting baby on solid foods!

What common mistakes do you think parents make when introducing solids to baby?

Are you buying a baby gift for a new parent and aren’t sure where to start?  Scanning through registry lists can be overwhelming, but there are a few key gifts for baby and the new parents that are sure to never fail.

1. Diapers and wipes. When in doubt, buy diapers and wipes!  Yes, they aren’t a flashy gift that everyone “oohs and ahhs” over, but the new parent will definitely appreciate and use them.  Remember to buy larger sizes since babies often outgrow the newborn size rather quickly.
2. Baby bathtime supplies. Baby shampoo, lotion, baby oil, wash cloths, and hooded towels are great gifts to give in a gift basket.  Top it off with a little rubber ducky and a bow and you’ll have a very cute, but very practical gift that is sure to be useful.
3. Baby health supplies. One thing many parents don’t think about when registering for baby gifts is the fact that baby is going to get sick eventually.  Have them prepared by making a gift basket of Baby Tylenol, Motrin, Cough Syrup, Gas Drops, and Diaper Rash Cream or Vaseline.  Add a thermometer and a little teddy bear to dress up the basket.  The parents will be so glad they have these items when the day comes that baby gets sick!
4. Bibs and burp cloths. A parent can never have too many bibs and burp cloths on hand.  Never!  As much as babies spit up, drool, and make a mess when they start eating solid foods, these items will never go out of style, or demand!  Many people underestimate how many bibs and burp cloths they will actually need, so you can’t go wrong loading them up with these essentials!
5. Something for mom. One of my favorite things to do for a new mom is get a gift specifically for her. Get a gift card to her favorite coffee shop or for a pedicure.  Not only will such a gift be unexpected, but memorable.  Sometimes a little relaxation is all a new mom needs, and you can never go wrong with it either.

Yes, most of these gifts are more on the practical side, but they are guaranteed to never fail.  Do yourself and the person you’re shopping for a favor: Stick to this list and get something they are going to need and appreciate!

What never-fail baby gifts have you given or received?

Having to purchase a crib, dresser, changing table, and rocking chair for the baby nursery can get expensive rather quickly, and if you’re on a budget it may not be possible to buy all of these items new.  But why spend hundreds of dollars on these items when you can make find these items at a great deal, and maybe even free?  Just a little creativity and possible elbow grease is all you need to save a lot of money to make the perfect nursery of your dreams.  Consider the following ways to save a lot of money on the “big items” found in the nursery: [continue reading…]

Let’s face it, babies cry.  And sometimes they cry a lot.  Whether they are colicky, sick, or are just wanting attention, crying is their only way to convey that they need you or that something is wrong.  Unfortunately, when you’re the parent of a young infant and are already physically drained from lack of sleep and all the demands that come with having a baby, excess crying can become intolerable. 

I remember the first few weeks home with our son.  It was rough!  He never was the type of baby that would sleep long stretches at a time.  He was up every two hours to eat at night and had trouble settling back to sleep after waking.  It was physically and emotionally exhausting.  I also exclusively breastfed, which meant I was the one who had to get up with him during the night to feed him, which added to my exhaustion since my husband and I couldn’t really take turns.

To make things worse, starting at about 3 weeks of age my son went through and extremely fussy stage where he would cry for a couple of hours straight every night.  It was probably colic but I never really wanted to admit it.  I remember on a few occasions where I would get so frustrated with his crying that I would start to feel very angry to the point I just wanted to scream.  And although hate to admit it, there were a couple times that I did. To this day I still feel horrible about losing my cool.

I hate it when someone asks me the question “is he a good baby?” about my son.  What parent is ever going to answer “no” to this type of question?  Yes, I know I have an precious baby whom I love more than anything in this world, but there were and are definitely times where I don’t consider him to be a “good baby”.  Unfortunately it is almost a taboo subject to talk about.  I have never had another mom talk to me about a time that they became angry with their crying baby, or that they yelled or started crying because they just couldn’t handle it.  Come to find out, it is much more common than anyone is willing to admit.  I came across an article called “Home Stressed Home” which is all about parents losing their cool with their children, including babies.  Apparently half of parents with children under a year old admitted to screaming at their babies.  Half!  I was amazed to read this, and somewhat relieved that those couple of instances I had were something that other people have experienced and struggled with. 

Let me make it clear that I am not condoning this behavior.  It is not okay to lose your temper with a baby.  I’m  simply saying that sometimes it is very easy to and it is normal to feel frustrated and even angry at times.  Noone ever wants to cause emotional or physical harm to their children, and that is why it’s extremely important to learn how to control your emotions and your anger when dealing with a baby that won’t seem to stop crying. 

Here are a few helpful tips to help you keep your cool with a crying baby:

1. Take a deep breath:  Try and relax!  Close your eyes and focus on the big picture.  You love your baby and your baby is only crying because he is doing what babies do.  Talk it through your head or even say it out loud. 
2. Sing or tell a story:  Sometimes just hearing your voice over baby’s crying will help you blow off some steam and at the same time your baby will hear your calm voice and know you are there for him. 
3. Hand baby off:  If you have someone else living in your home with you, let them have a turn holding baby so you can walk away for a minute or two to gather your thoughts. 
4. Call someone:  If you are feeling very frustrated and just need to talk to someone to get you through, call a parent or a good friend who will be understanding and can give you encouragement.  Maybe they will even come over and give you a break!  Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed.  Most people will be more than happy to help since many have been in the same situation in the past.
5. Lay baby down:  If all else fails, it is okay to lay baby in a safe place like a crib or swing and walk away!  If holding them, talking to them, feeding them, and everything else won’t make them stop crying, you might as well lay them down if you feel like you’re going to snap.  Your baby will be fine, and better yet, you will have a moment to step away and focus on calming yourself.  Letting your baby cry it out is better than you losing your cool and yelling at them, or even worse, doing something physical.  Protect your baby and yourself by laying them down in a safe place.

Caring for a baby can be very challenging at times.  It is very normal to feel frustrated and even angry.  Just remember to do whatever you can to get yourself through the tough times with no regrets.  Many times excess crying is just a temporary phase that many babies go through.  It will pass and you can make it through the tough time guilt-free.

Do you have any tips for how to keep your cool with a crying baby?

Here is a fun and easy project to make a very cute stuffed animal dog for your baby which can either be used for play, decorating the nursery, or even decorating at a baby shower.  The idea and pattern came from allsorts.  This project took approximately 2 hours for me to complete including the time it took to cut out the material.  I’m sure it would have gone faster but it was my first project of this type.  It is very easy to do.  My 8 and 10 year old nephews made them right along with me with little help.  I also changed the pattern a little bit from the original.  I cut the ears off and rounded the nose off for my nephews’ dogs and also changed the bottom piece from the original so I didn’t have to sew as many pieces.  I then had them sew “floppy ears” on their dogs versus the spiked ears in the pattern.  Either way, it’s an easy and fun project to do.

Here are the steps to sew your own stuffed animal dog: [continue reading…]

Having a sleep routine is essential when trying to teach your baby healthy sleep habits, especially if you’re trying to teach your baby to put himself to sleep at night.  A consistent bed time routine will help signal to your baby that it is time to wind down and go to sleep.  Falling to sleep, although natural, is a learned behavior.  Your baby relies on your cues to learn and know when it’s time to sleep for the night.  Creating a sleep routine is an easy and great way to help your baby learn healthy sleep habits.

First and foremost, the key to a successful sleep routine is consistency!  If you want to avoid giving your baby mixed messages, you will need to do the same routine every night at the same time.  Typically a healthy bed time for infants is between 7 and 8 pm, but you may have to follow your baby’s cues at first to choose the best time.  If you remain consistent in the routine and time, your baby will learn to associate the bed time routine with sleep.  Simply doing the routine will help baby unwind enough so that when placed in the crib, they will fall asleep on their own.

So what does the routine consist of?  Here’s the good part: whatever you decide!  Keep in mind that you will want to do activities that will help your baby relax for the night and that will take between 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on what you decide.  My baby’s routine starts at about 7:30 each night.  I change him into his pajamas and then feed him.  I never let him fall asleep while feeding him because I want to lay him in his crib awake so he can put himself to sleep.  After being fed, I read at least two books to him.  I read in almost a whisper to help him relax.  When we are done with the books, I say a quick prayer, lay him in his crib with his pacifier and blanket, turn out the light and walk out.  He then goes to sleep on his own after the routine.

Here is a list of activities for you to choose from for your baby’s bedtime routine:

• A bubble bath
• Baby massage
• Change into pajamas
• Read
• Listen to quiet music
• Sing a song
• Play quietly
• Cuddle in a rocking chair
• Praying

Feel free to try different activities as well, just remember that they should be something that helps calm your baby.  Also, it may help to keep the light dim in the nursery during the routine and to always speak in a quiet, calm voice.

Creating a bedtime routine is a great tool to use for your baby’s sleep habits.  Your baby will learn quickly to follow the cues you are giving and prepare their body for rest.  For more information about baby’s sleep habits, read about how to get your baby to fall asleep on their own.

Do you have any tips for creating a successful sleep routine for baby?

Bath time for baby just isn’t quite complete without a little rubber ducky to play with.  Unfortunately, many of the rubber duckies on the market are made of very hard plastic that not only makes it difficult for baby to hold onto, but the plastic may be unsafe. 

I received a few different rubber duckies at my baby shower, and one stands above the rest.  It’s the Original Rubber Duck.  The thing I disliked about the other rubber duckies I received is that they weren’t made from rubber at all, but rather a very hard plastic.  My baby had a hard time grabbing onto these ducks.  The Original Rubber Duck is exactly what it says it is, made from 100% natural rubber.  There aren’t any unsafe plastic chemicals hiding out in it anywhere that you have to worry about.  On top of that, the rubber is so soft and pliable that my son has been able to grab onto it and hang onto it ever since he learned to reach for things.  Since it is soft, it is great for chewing on as well.  He plays with it non-stop every time he gets a bath. I also love the simple, classic look of the duck. 

I’m definitely into the Original Rubber Duck and so is my son!  It’s cute, it’s soft, and it’s safe!