Designer duds for baby DO make sense though – and by designer, I mean the elite in the baby design field: OshKosh and Baby B’Gosh, Carters, Sweat Pea and other top-of-the-line baby clothing manufacturers. They concentrate on the little details that cheap clothing manufacturers skimp on – little details that make a major difference in fit, appearance and comfort. You want to take advantage of nice, flat seams that don’t irritate, and nylon snaps that don’t scratch or pull through fabric. But you don’t want to pay $30 for a sleeper!

The answer is shopping around for gently worn using baby clothes and checking with friends and relatives for outgrown hand-me-downs. Yard sales are a great source in the spring and summer months. You’ll often find great clothes that are barely worn in sizes for the next couple of years. Check the newspaper for upcoming yard sales – baby clothes are often one of the advertised items.

Another great place to buy designer baby clothes at rock-bottom prices is a good consignment shop. Strike up a relationship with the owner, and she may even put aside items that she knows you’ll love and give you a call to let you know what she’s got. In addition, you can often sell the same baby clothes BACK, or trade them in on the next size up when baby outgrows them.

How about a place to get gently used baby clothing for the cost of the gas to go pick them up? Freecycle.org is a national movement of community bulletin boards who are committed to the concept of ‘one man’s junk’. Check http://www.freecycle.org to see if there’s a chapter near you, and join up. Seldom a day goes by that someone doesn’t offer a few bags of baby and children’s clothing in various sizes. The quality varies, but the younger the baby, the more likely that the clothing is still in excellent shape.

Don’t overlook church and community thrift shops as sources of good, well-cared for baby clothing. If there’s a Junior League thrift shop in your city, you’ll find beautiful clothing for baby at bargain basement prices.

When you do pick up used clothing for baby, launder it as soon as you get it home. Pretreat stains if there are any, and wash with a gentle laundry soap meant for baby. Add borax to the water for extra whitening power, and be sure to rinse at least twice if you use bleach. By the time you’re done, you’ll have one of the best-dressed babies in town – without breaking your piggy bank.

Related posts

• Baby Clothes Online (0)
• What Does My New Baby Really Need? A Guide (0)
• Watch Out For Allergies With Baby Laundry! (0)
• Traditional, Classic, And Old World Baby Clothing Dressing Your Baby (0)
• Spelling Games for Kids (0)

No doubt parenting has its priceless rewards. No treasure could equal having our own flesh and blood continue the family line and seeing facets of ourselves in sons and daughters. We all look forward to seeing our grandchildren around us during visits and warm family gatherings. Grandchildren (well supported and taken cared of by their parents of course) are the rewards of old age.

It is a fact though, that being a parent is stressful and demanding. We are faced with situations that would require Solomons wisdom. Unfortunately, as most of us know, we are no Solomon. We face a thousand and one issues everyday.

For most of us who have been in this parenting business for more than 10 years, we found out that just when we knew all the answers, they changed all the questions! The issues differ from pregnancy to babies, from babies to toddlers, from toddlers to pre-schoolers. These go on and on until our precious children reach adulthood and have families of their own.

This might sound scary to first timers. However, we must remember that for every stressful situation, they are magical moments and lots of them. We just have to learn to appreciate them when they come and not be bogged down with the challenges of the day. Children, trying as they are most of the time, are a great source of joy.

When these situations and issues come though, dont we just wish that there is someone who could give us advice? We seek out that special parent who has gone through the same ordeal we are now in yet came out triumphant. How we wish we had a support group to discuss certain case studies so much like our own and find a list of solutions and alternatives. Then we could go back to our parenting with renewed confidence and hope instead of feeling hopeless and distraught.

Being parents, being good parents is challenging. No, its not just challenging. Its tough! It is more than just providing for the material needs of our children. Wed like to be there for them, raise them to be winners or at least equip them with what they need to make a go at life.

On top of being parents, we are also faced with the challenges of our own careers, our relationships and our dreams. We have inner conflicts that we have to deal with. We have seemingly mundane tasks that are a necessary part of life. Dont we just wish we could find out how other parents cope? Just maybe, they have strategies to share with us or us with them. We all have our unique experiences that when shared could enrich each other.

Its really all about sharing what we know, what we have gone through, what works and what may not work. Its all about us and our children. Its all about being parents and what we could do to make each other better parents. Parenting is actually one long roller coaster ride for a lot of us. We could either be alone and agonize all through out the ride or with the help of others, enjoy it to the fullest.

Related posts

• Sleep Experts Conclude That Kids Don’t Get Enough Sleep (0)
• Let’s Use The Potty-Potty Training (0)
• Keep it Pure and Simple by Breastfeeding Your Baby. (0)
• How To Make The Transition To A Toddler Bed (0)
• Conflict Resolution for Pre-Schoolers (0)

It does not need to be so difficult though and by following some simply guidelines this can also be very fun. Finding just the right words to write on the baby shower invitation can feel like a real accomplishment.

The following steps are suggestions that will help in finding the right wording for a baby shower invitation:

1. Use the Theme – If a theme has already been chosen for the event this will lend itself to writing the invitation easily. Try to pick up on the theme and use it to help write the words. For example if the theme is a stork bringing a cute baby you can easily write something like “Look at what the stroke is bringing”. Also try to use the theme to express the tone of the event. If the theme is informal then you will want the wording on the baby shower invitation to reflect this.

2. Rhymes – There are tons of nursery rhymes and fun kid songs that can quickly be adapted to make a very fun and easy baby shower invitation. For example use, “Row Row Row your boat, Gently to the Baby Shower” or some other rhyme that one can easily change the words for. Some suggestions might be Hickory Dickory Dock, Humpty Dumpty, or Baa Baa Black Sheep.

3. Poems – Poems are another great source of baby shower invitation wording that can easily be adapted to the event. For example everyone know the “Roses are red”. By simply changing this to baby rattles are red, onsies are blue I love baby (insert name) and I bet you will too!

4. Quotes – Famous quotes about babies can be a wonderful source of wording for baby shower invitations also. These are so easy to find with the power of the internet. Just type in something like famous quotes and babies, or newborn and discover what comes up.

5. Internet – Another great resource for finding a fun baby shower invitation wording can be the Internet. Search for terms like baby shower invitation. Find some catchy themes and wording from these online samples and then make your own using these as a guide. Be careful to not copy exactly word for word the online invitations but use them as a template and then spice it up with your own version.

Don’t forget to also include the basic information. Things like the name of the guest of honor, when and where the event will take place. It can be helpful to include a small map for those traveling to a new place they have not been before. This will ensure that they arrive on time and in a calm happy mood ready to celebrate the baby to be.

Some other optional ideas to include might be places where the couple has registered for gifts. It can also be helpful to the organizer of the shower to include a way for guests to RSVP. Make sure you include a date to RSVP by and a phone number and contact name.

As important as the wording for a baby shower invitation can be the artwork and presentation can be equally important. Including fun graphics, clip art and other add-ons that can help carry the theme for the event can be lot of fun. The main tip is to plan ahead and leave yourself extra time to complete the task. This will help you relax and simply have fun with the invitation. You can easily master baby shower invitation wording if you simply relax and have fun. Baby shower invitations written in love will express the right wording no matter what.

Related posts

• Baby Shower Invitation Help: What To Write (0)
• Baby Shower Invitation Wording – How to Write Your Baby (0)
• Theme for Your Baby Shower (0)
• How To Create Amazing Baby Shower Invitations (0)
• Fun And Funny Baby Shower Invitations (0)

Many Health Professionals believe that dummy use should be restricted from around six months of age and that the use of a dummy or pacifier has ended by the age of one, however as children differ age is not set in stone.

Now you will have different reasons as you want your child to ditch their dummy, here are a few important reasons you may not be aware of:

Increased ear infections: There is a proven link between prolonged dummy use and ear infections. Sucking on a dummy increases the chance of an infection back tracking from the mouth into the Eustachian tube (the narrow channels that run between the ears and the throat). Childrens tubes are very small and can easily get blocked.

Link to stomach and other infections: Dummies can harbour many germs therefore they pose a risk to your child suffering from symptoms such as vomiting, fever, diarrhoea and colic..

Dental problems: Dummies / Pacifiers can lead to teeth growth and development, especially if your child is still using their dummy when they have their adult / permanent / second set of teeth. Always try to at least use an orthodontic one available from most chemists and baby stores etc.

Speech impediments: You should always remove the dummy from your childs mouth when they speak and try to get them to speak more rather than keep pointing at various items or objects.

Remember all the times your child whined or cried, and they were given the dummy / pacifier.

They were programmed to learn that when they were upset this was part of the way they were comforted.

Now we are going to kind of “de-programme” them to thinking that they don’t need this any longer.

Just think if you have to give something up you love, its not fun is it????

So as a parent you will have to take several steps to achieving this goal for your child.

Ok, lets get rid of that dummy, FOREVER !
Step 1 : Involve your Child

Don’t just turn up one day and snatch the dummy / soother / pacifier from their mouth or hand.

The trick is to make your child feel involved every step of the way and to let them feel that it is partly their decision too!

So sit them down, make sure you are at eye level with them, and speak softly, clearly and slowly so they understand.

Simply explain that as they are getting older, now that they are a big boy or girl, etc you know how to speak to your child so use whichever term you feel appropriate and at ease with, that its time they didn’t use their dummy pacifier all the time.

Don’t say never, they will be told that in later steps.

Now you may be met by screams of “no” “no” “no” or tantrums and tears but don’t make an issue of it, this is a good sign that they understood you and know what lies in the future for them and their dummy.

You will re-iterate this point to them at least once every day, no more is needed, too much pressure on your child will not help achieve their dummy free life.

There is no set time scale in your task, patience is a virtue and you will need your patience as anger never gets the right results.

Step 2 : Slowly Wean Your Child off the Dummy

In order for your child to give up their dummy or pacifier, you will have to remove the habit that has formed in their mind.

You have to get your child used to the idea of not having their dummy / pacifier and you have to let your child see that they can cope without the dummy, in fact they will see they can be happy without the dummy at all.

Now you are going to have the patience of a saint, there are testing times ahead but you have to be strong for your child. As a parent you are responsible for teaching them and guiding them to a happy and healthy life, they are totally dependant on you.

Now its up to you which way you would like to perform this step.

a) You can choose a certain time of the day, say 9am until 10am, when no matter what happens your child wont get their dummy, you dont tell your child that this is the case, instead if they are upset or crying you are going to use your skills to comfort them in other ways, you know what comforts you child but dont use the dummy.

b) You could just remove the dummy whenever the child seems uninterested in using it, ie. anytime you see the dummy / pacifier you will take it away, out of sight out of mind they say. Often when the child sees the dummy they immediately want it, so removing it from their eyesight is n excellent way to take their mind off it.

c) Pretend to your child that the dummy is lost. Then make a game of finding it, obviously you wont find out, instead you will use this opportunity to distract their attention and focus it on something else. Find a toy, book, when you are looking for the dummy.

d) Your own way! Each and every child has different needs and behaviours. Obviously you know what your child needs, if you think of another way then use that, my steps only worked for my little girl and are just guidelines for you and your child.

Another good tip is never let your child have a favourite dummy now, always change it to a new one, different colour etc, we dont want them familiar with any dummy.

Step 3 : Alternative methods of comfort

Up until now your child has used their dummy or pacifier for comfort. So now they need an alternative to comfort.

Obviously we are not going to bribe them or buy them gifts, we are not swapping a dummy or pacifier for something else they will have to give up. Your child is upset and needs comfort from you.

Imagine how you feel when your upset, maybe frustrated, hurt or angry.

Try to imagine how your child feels.

Communication is an excellent way of finding out why they are upset so you can therefore remedy the situation, so ask them why they are upset, make sure you ask in a soft voice tone and have direct eye contact with them.

Touch them, its very comforting to know someone is there for you when your upset, especially when youre a child, give them a hug, hold their hand, sit them on your knee etc, show them you care.

Distract them, we all know how to distract our child from their upset frame of mind. Maybe take them into the bathroom and run the water, children love running water, even let them put their hands or feet in it or read them their favourite story, you know what will distract them.

If all else fails and your child will only respond to the dummy or pacifier, then give them it, we havent got to the step where they have dumped that dummy !

Step 4 : Leave the house without a dummy or pacifier

Dont Panic ! It wont be that bad. If this fills you with dread dont let it. Just take little steps at a time, I dont mean go out for a whole day without the dummy, start off little but aim big!

A trip to the swing park, feeding the ducks, take them swimming, anything that will amuse your child and show them that they dont need a dummy to have happy and good times.

Gradually you will increase the time that you are out the house without the dummy, observe your child when you are out, remember the time it took for them to ask for their dummy, or start to need it. This will help you avoid any screaming matches and those strained looks from other people.

By the way, never mind what other people think, your child is upset and they are your priority, not the disapproving look of some strangers.

Restrict dummy use to key times during the day, such as bedtime or when your child is unwell.

Reward your child with fun activities, or stickers charts, but not sweets or candy!

When you are out make sure you point out any other boys or girls who are not using a dummy, it will make them feel more grown up.

You are aiming to get your child used to large amounts of time without their dummy,

This will help when you both take the final step in ditching the dummy.

Step 5: Ditching the Dummy FOREVER

Ok the time has come, can you say yes to all of the following statements.

You have gradually decreased the amount of time your child uses their dummy, i.e they can go for long periods of time without using it.

Your child is aware that they will be giving up their dummy.

You are confident that you can comfort your child when they are distressed without the use of a dummy

Yes? Great, then you are ready.

One final step, as a grand gesture, you can have a pretend ceremony for your child to get rid of their dummy, the purpose of this is to let your child see that the Dummy is gone, forever and never to return.

My daughter loves Fairies, so the fairies came one night and took her dummy for a little baby fairy.

One person I know tied their childs dummy to a helium filled balloon and let it float away up in the clouds, gone forever !

Another of my friends gave her childs dummy to the Bin Man, Trash Man and he threw it in the back of the Trash / Bin Lorry.

It is important that your child knows the dummy is gone, and they see that it is never coming back.

ONE LAST THING REMEMBER THAT ONCE THE GRAND GESTURE HAS BEEN DONE, AND THE DUMMY IS GONE, IT CAN NEVER RETURN!

BE PATIENT, BE STRONG AND NEVER GIVE IN.

YOUR CHILD CAN AND WILL GROW OUT OF THEIR DEPENDANCY OF A DUMMY

Sally Neill
http://www.sallys-ebooks.co.uk

Related posts

• Your Babys Growth And Development (0)
• WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR KIDS CRY ? (0)
• Toddler Skills for Personal Responsibility (0)
• Tip-Top Treatment For Baby Bottoms (0)
• The Importance of Baby Sleep (0)

Once your child has been diagnosed with autism, you may at first go through a typical sort of panic mode. One of the first things you may want to do is set up counseling for yourself to help you deal with any negative feelings you are having about your child. This can help you in this overwhelming time. You may also want to do some research on your own regarding Autism, as it will help you to understand what you may expect with your child.

When you start researching, youll, of course, want to start with your childs pediatrician. They can certainly help to point you in the right direction. There also may be support groups in your area and youll find that parents of children with autism can help you deal with this initial period, as well as being a great source for information.

When you are choosing a program for your child with autism, youll want to seek the advice from professionals, such as your pediatrician and other autism professionals. Research the program to make sure it will deal with all aspects of autism, as well as make sure they are qualified to assist your child.

Once youve come to terms with your child being diagnosed with autism, there are certain things youll need to take care of in the home. You want to bring your autistic child up in a home that is safe, as well as comfortable for your child. One of the first things you should do is a safety check. For example, if you worry because your child likes to sneak outside, you may want to install security locks on the doors. Make sure, however, the child can get out in case of an emergency. You may also want to consider fencing in the yard where your child can play safely.

Some autistic children are very sensitive to touch and even bathing them becomes a struggle. You want your child to be clean however, you also want them to be happy. If this means foregoing a daily bath for one every other day, then by all means, do it. You can also help them to overcome their sensitivity to water by scheduling regular playtimes in water, such as playing with lawn sprinklers and squirt guns. You can make it a fun time and they may come to enjoy bathing.

Most importantly, provide your child with activities at home, as well as outside the home. They may not want to participate in all of them, but it is important for your child to be treated as if they are included. Dont leave your child home when going out for dinner. Take your autistic child with you and just make sure you go to a family type restaurant so if your child does misbehave in public, it is not such a big deal. Provide your child with an environment filled with different colors and textures. This will help to keep their attention on certain activities and if you provide them with the opportunity for social interaction, this can certainly help them in the long run.

Most importantly, however, provide your child with love. Even if your autistic child does not like to be touched, there are other things you can do to let them know you love them. Talking with your child, even when you dont feel they are listening is important to their development. Tell them how much you love them, whether they respond in turn or not. A child that is loved will feel this love, even if they have autism.

Related posts

• Managing Social Anxiety In Children With Autism (0)
• If You’re A Parent Then Parent Well (0)
• Advice On How To Successfully Get Your Children To Bed (0)
• What You Can Expect From 7 To 9-Months-Old Babies (0)
• The Trouble With Parents (0)