Parenting

Baby Milestone Chart (Infographic)

From the time your baby is born, he or she will undergo dramatic change in the first two years of life. Your baby’s diet will change from breast milk (or formula) to solid foods, then finger foods, and so on. Your baby’s physical development will astound you. For example, you will love hearing your baby’s coos, his or her first words, and his or her first sentence.

I found this really impressive baby milestone chart – which will take you through your baby’s development month-to-month. You will learn how your baby’s dietary needs will change, his or her physical development, language development, and cognitive development. It is amazing how much a baby will change in the first two years of life.

And if you’re wondering how expensive a baby’s first year will be, this infographic also gives you an interesting view. For instance, did you know that in the first year alone, you will spend $2,000 in disposable diapers? And $1,700 in formula (if you don’t breastfeed).

Check it out, and let me know what you think!
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Should You Become a Single Mother by Choice?

by Guest Writer Leave a Comment

Even in our modern society, when we hear of a woman becoming pregnant we immediately assume she is part of a loving relationship – either a committed relationship, or a marriage. But of course, things do not always work out like this. Not every woman is able to find her Prince Charming, and with her biological clock ticking, she may make the decision to become a single mother by choice.

Some women are desperate to have a child and become a mother. Having a baby is something they’ve always wanted, but yet they haven’t met a man to settle down with. Perhaps, they haven’t fallen in love with the right person. Whatever the case may be, single parenthood is something they may choose.

With fertility treatments and sperm donors, in today’s technological age, it’s entirely possible for a single woman to have a child without being married or being in a relationship. But should they do it? Should a woman choose to become a single mother by choice?

This is a complex issue and there are arguments for and against.

If you are yourself in this situation and agonizing over the decision to become a single parent, there is no easy answer, but maybe these few things you need to carefully consider.

Childcare Advice: Tips for Interviewing a Nanny

by Guest Writer 1 Comment

Finding the perfect nanny for your home and your children is vital. This is someone who will be in your life and in your children’s life day in and day out. You need to ask the right questions so that you can find the most qualified, most reliable caregiver for your children.

Hiring a babysitter or a nanny is a time-consuming process, but you don’t want to rush it because your child’s safety is most important.

There are a few tips to consider before you start interviewing nannies:

Prepare A List of Your Wants and Needs

Before you start your interview with a nanny, be sure that you sit down with your family and write out a list of everyone’s wants and needs. Your wants and needs is a list that includes things like daily duties, discipline procedures, chores, behavior and things like vacation and compensation. It is important that you know before you begin what kind of nanny you are looking for and what you expect from that nanny.

Sleep FAQs: Why Do Children Need Sleep? How Much Sleep Do They Need?

by DP Nguyen 1 Comment

Sleep is a vital part of our lives. For adults, when we don’t get enough sleep, we are groggy, cranky, and tired. Our concentration isn’t so great, and we are more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Like adults, children also need to get enough sleep. Younger kids require more sleep than older children, and they may need naps during the day.

When a child is sleep deprived, it can cause them to develop behavioral problems and become very cranky and moody. Their performance at school may suffer, and they aren’t as alert as they need to be to learn. That’s why it’s very important that you help your kids develop good sleep habits at an early age.

Moving to a Toddler Bed: Strategies for an Easy Transition

by DP Nguyen 1 Comment

The transition from crib to toddler bed is a momentous occasion. Your child isn’t a baby anymore. He has entered into toddlerhood and is ready to be a big kid. There’s no set time for making the move to a toddler bed, but most children do make the transition sometime between 18 months and three and a half years old. It’s often best to wait until your child is closer to three, since many younger kids just aren’t ready for a bed – just yet.

How to Stop Thumb Sucking

by DP Nguyen 2 Comments

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex that begins in the womb. Babies in utero begin sucking their thumb in the second trimester – even as early as 15 weeks of gestation. Sucking is a reflex that babies use to soothe and calm themselves. It makes them feel happy and secure. Babies use sucking to learn about the world around them. Infants suck on pacifiers, thumbs, fingers, and other objects.

Toddlers and young children may suck their thumbs to soothe and comfort themselves. Because thumb sucking is relaxing, it helps babies and young children fall asleep. That’s why you may notice that your toddler or young child starts thumb sucking when they’re getting tired. Thumb sucking allows children to fall asleep more easily, and it helps them sleep through the night at an earlier age than children who don’t thumb suck.