Babies

Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers – What’s Best?

By Guest Blogger, April from Mama on a Green Mission

What’s Better – Cloth Diapers or Disposable Ones?

One of the most exciting times in one’s life is finding out you’re expecting a baby. My husband and I found out in November of 2009 that we were pregnant, and I spent a lot of time researching everything under the sun about pregnancy, baby, baby products, etc. I kept very busy during those nine months and at times it was overwhelming because there was so much information. There were lots of things to read about, to learn and to decide on.

The thing I did the most research and reading about was using cloth diapers versus disposable diapers.

Disposable Diapers Take Between 250 to 500 Years to Decompose

At first, I was disgusted about the thought of using cloth diapers. But the more I read about it, the more these thoughts changed. I think the one thing that made me seriously consider using cloth diapers was the one fact that a disposable diaper can take up to 250 to 500 years to decompose in the landfill. [Read more…] about Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers – What’s Best?

Should You Use a Pacifier? The Pros and Cons of Pacifiers

by DP Nguyen 13 Comments

Dummy, paci, binky – The pacifier has many names, and it comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Every parent has a different pet name for the pacifier. This cherished baby accessory is beloved by infants and a source of intense debate for parents. Should you use a pacifier, or avoid them completely?

Pacifiers have been making headlines this week. Ever since a photographer snapped a photo of Suri Cruise, the almost five-year-old daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, walking around with her binky in her mouth.

What are the pros and cons of pacifier use? And when should you start weaning your children off the binky?

The issue surrounding pacifier use isn’t as black and white as you might think. Some parents absolutely love the pacifier, while other moms and dads think they should be banished from the face of the earth. Before making your own decision, you need to weigh the pros and cons of pacifier use. [Read more…] about Should You Use a Pacifier? The Pros and Cons of Pacifiers

New Mom’s Guide to Baby Massage

by DP Nguyen 7 Comments

Everyone has heard about prenatal massage and the benefits for pregnant women, but did you know that babies benefit from massage too? Babies love to be touched and caressed. Your loving touch offers your baby comfort, security, and most importantly, and the knowledge that they’re loved.

When you stop and realize what a traumatic experience your baby has been through – she has gone from a warm, calm underwater bath to a strange world full of cold objects, air conditioning, and strange faces looking at her – you’ll understand why baby massage is so beneficial to both parents and baby.

Infant massage calms fussy babies, and it also enhances the bond between mother and baby. Skin-to-skin contact is actually very therapeutic for babies, especially for newborn babies. If you have a particularly fussy baby, or one who seems colicky, baby massage may just soothe your baby. [Read more…] about New Mom’s Guide to Baby Massage

How Skin-to-Skin Contact Benefits Newborn Babies

by DP Nguyen 62 Comments

When you’re creating your birth plan, you should consider adding a clause that states you want skin-to-skin contact with your newborn baby. The benefits of skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth are numerous, and more hospitals are accommodating this wish.

Skin-to-skin contact (which is also called “kangaroo care” or “kangaroo mother care”) doesn’t just benefit premature babies. It’s beneficial for full-term infants too. A multitude of research studies have looked the benefits of placing a newborn on his or her mother’s skin immediately after birth. [Read more…] about How Skin-to-Skin Contact Benefits Newborn Babies

Parenting Twins: 7 Things You Didn’t Know about Raising Twins

by DP Nguyen 4 Comments

Twins can be twice as nice, or partners in crime. But at least you get double the love and double the snuggles. Whether you’re pregnant with twins or you’re already a mom, it’s no exaggeration to say that raising twins (or multiples) can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be twice as hard.

In fact, there are some twin moms and dads that argue that raising twins is easier than parenting two children of different ages. You might agree or disagree with that fact, but read on and you’ll see the perks of raising twins.

Here are 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Raising Twins:

[Read more…] about Parenting Twins: 7 Things You Didn’t Know about Raising Twins

Natural Home Remedies for Babies with Colds

by DP Nguyen 31 Comments

When your baby is sick with the cold or flu, it’s tough . . especially if you have other children in the home. You have to take time off work. You are up at all hours of the night and day trying to comfort your fussy, unhappy baby. You might be calling the pediatrician every hour on the hour. And unfortunately, you can’t give your baby any over-the-counter cough or cold medicine.

Babies have immature immune systems, and it’s easy for them to catch the common cold – particularly if they’re around other children or people who don’t wash their hands before they touch them. Young infants haven’t had the time to acquire immunity to many common illnesses.

In a single year, it’s estimated that a typical baby will experience up to seven colds. Bottle-fed babies usually experience more colds and sickness than breastfed babies. However, all babies will get sick at some point or another.

So what can you do when your baby comes down with the cold or flu? Over-the-counter cold medicine is not an option for children under age 2. It is too dangerous. (Read below for the reason why). [Read more…] about Natural Home Remedies for Babies with Colds