Taking Your Toddler Grocery Shopping How To Survive It And Even Enjoy It!

Taking your toddler grocery shopping can feel like the parental equivalent of a trek up Everest. Negotiating tricky crevasses (your toddler's willingness to participate) through to sudden storms (tantrums) can make that push for the summit (tonight's dinner) feel particularly unreachable. So what's a mom or dad to do? Abandon all attempts and go internet grocery shopping instead? Not a bad idea. Live on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Well, it's probably your toddler's idea of a gourmet meal.* But like peanut butter or not, you're going to have to go at one point. It's one of those unfortunate musts and the survival trick is preparation.

Just as you wouldn't make your quest for Everest's summit in a bikini, so you shouldn't take your toddler when she clearly has no chance of making it through the event. Plan early in the day what you need and make sure you go shopping either well before nap time before the 'cranks' arrive or after her nap when you're sure she's fully awake. No adult likes being dragged out of bed and shoved in to a car seat, so try to offer the same consideration to your little person. Plan a snack which you can either give just before you go or alternatively, make a picnic out of it.

Have realistic expectations for your shopping experience and make sure that you are also as well rested as you can be, before you embark on your voyage. Don?t cram too many errands in together. Getting those last few things done may seem like a good idea, but when you?ve got your little person in tow, it?s a recipe for a disaster. Tell your toddler your plans. We?re just going in to this store to get groceries and you get to sit in the cart! Make sure you phrase it in such a way that it?s a done deal. Make it sound like you confidently expect your toddler to participate in this wonderful exercise.

Put your toddler in the cart immediately on entering the store, unless you have another mode of transportation that does not involve her walking independently. Do up the safety straps and take advantage of those grocery store cleaning wipes to give the handle a swipe if they offer one. Bring a long a toy for her that you can preferably attach to the cart.

Resist the temptation to offer treats in the grocery store. If you do provide a treat, you could well create a problem that will last for years and make grocery store visits about as appealing as having a root canal. Why not just one? Well, just introducing the concept can cause problems both now and down the line. Make a habit of never offering anything in the store, except your delightful company. Just remember, if you can encourage them to find you scintillating at this age, you might be in with a hope that they will still find you even remotely interesting when they?re a teenager.

Make your toddler part of the shopping experience. Take time out to make it a fun and educational experience for her. Show her the produce you?re buying and name things for her. Let her help you put things in the cart, is she?s in a good enough mood. Take time to enjoy her as she learns something new. Expect little hands to reach and be careful where you park your cart as you don?t want to be responsible for creating a roller derby out of tomato sauce cans.

When you get back in the car, congratulate her on a job well done. Tell her how much you liked her helping you. Take time out to offer her a pleasant activity once you're home and you?ve put the perishables away. Remember you want to praise her when she behaves well and the rest of the groceries will always be there to be put away later. *If your toddler eats peanut butter be sure to use smooth peanut butter thinly spread. ?

Annie the Nanny provides advice and techniques to empower parents and help them with any behavior issues their child or children may be having. Trained and experienced, she helps parents by showing them the keys to bringing up happy, confident, well behaved children. Banish whining, bedtime battles, or other challenging behaviors. Check out her website @ http://www.anniethenanny.ca for lots of free information, fun articles and even get your parenting questions answered for free!

Potty Training Get Ready Get Set Go!

Get Ready

If your child is near or has passed his first birthday, you can begin incorporating pre-potty training ideas into his life. They are simple things that will lay the groundwork for potty training and will make the process much easier when you're ready to begin.

* During diaper changes, narrate the process to teach your toddler the words and meanings for bathroom-related functions. Include descriptive words that you'll use during the process, such as wet, dry, wipe, and wash.
* If you're comfortable with it, bring your child with you when you use the toilet. Explain what you're doing. Tell him that when he gets bigger, he'll go in the toilet instead of in his diaper. Let him flush the toilet if he wants to.
* Help your toddler identify what's happening when she wets or fills her diaper. Have her watch you dump and flush.
* Start giving your child simple directions and help him to follow them. For example, ask him to get a toy from another room or to put the spoon in the dishwasher.
* Encourage your child to do things on her own: put on her socks, pull up her pants, carry a cup to the sink, or fetch a book.
* Have a daily sit-and-read time together.
* Take the readiness quiz again every month or two to see if you're ready to move on to active potty learning.

Get Set
* Buy a potty chair, a dozen pairs of training pants, four or more elastic-waist pants or shorts, and a supply of pull-up diapers or disposables with a feel-the-wetness sensation liner.
* Put the potty in the bathroom, and tell your child what it's for.
* Read books about going potty to your child.
* Let your child practice just sitting on the potty without expecting a deposit.

Go
* Begin dressing your child in training pants or pull-up diapers.
* Create a potty routine--have your child sit on the potty when she first wakes up, after meals, before getting in the car, and before bed.
* If your child looks like she needs to go--tell, don't ask! Say, Let's go to the potty.
* Boys and girls both can learn sitting down. Teach your son to hold his penis down. He can learn to stand when he's tall enough to reach.
* Your child must relax to go: read a book, tell a story, sing, or talk about the day.
* Make hand washing a fun part of the routine. Keep a step stool by the sink, and have colorful, child-friendly soap available.
* Praise her when she goes!
* Expect accidents, and clean them up calmly.
* Matter-of-factly use diapers or pull-ups for naps and bedtime.
* Either cover the car seat or use pull-ups or diapers for car trips.
* Visit new bathrooms frequently when away from home.
* Be patient! It will take three to twelve months for your child to be an independent toileter.

Stop
* If your child has temper tantrums or sheds tears over potty training, or if you find yourself getting angry, then stop training. Review your training plan and then try again, using a slightly different approach if necessary, in a month or two.

This article is an excerpt from The No-Cry Potty Training Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Child Say Good-Bye to Diapers by Elizabeth Pantley. (McGraw-Hill, 2006)

About the Author

Elizabeth Pantley has redefined stress-free parenting with her classic books The No-Cry Sleep Solution, The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers and No-Cry Potty Training. She is the president of Better Beginnings, Inc. and the author of seven books for parents that are available in eighteen languages.

How Effective Are Car Seat Clinics?

Recent studies found out that car seat clinics are successful in helping parents and caregivers properly restrain children in back seats. However, there is a need to exert more effort to reach underserved communities.

One of the recent studies about car seat clinics has been conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide and this research includes 29 states in February 2005. Based on the study, it was revealed that car seat clinics have efficiently persuaded parents and caregivers in promoting safety measures for children. According to Safe Kids, parents have successfully changed their behavior and retained their child passenger safety knowledge six weeks after receiving hands-on instruction. At the second checkup, researchers discovered an additional 45 percent seats installed by parents.

Child safety seats, if properly installed and used, could reduce the risk of injuries by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Also, injuries for children using belt-positioning booster seats are decreased by 59 percent. As a fact, over 70 percent of child safety seats are improperly installed. That aspect should be corrected to ensure maximum safety.

The study also found out that the checkups disproportionately reached highly educated parents or white parents as opposed to less educated or ethnically diverse families. We need to do more to reach the communities that need our help the most, said Lorrie Walker, training and technical manager for Safe Kids Worldwide. Safe Kids' network of more than 600 coalitions and chapters in the United States has the flexibility and skills to meet the needs of each community we serve.

Safe Kids are working to install more permanent inspection stations in economically disadvantaged areas to serve more people. The group?s Buckle Up program is financed by several supporters and the largest so far is General Motors Corp. Safe Kids has tools in place to help educate families of all backgrounds, said Bob Lange, GM's executive director of Structure and Safety Integration. We need to keep working to reach high-risk groups of parents with communication and training to keep their children properly restrained every time on every trip.

Underrepresented in the latest study are families with older children. Those who participated in check up events ranges from ages four and under. Experts recommend that kids who have outgrown car seats ride on booster seats. This should be done until they are about four feet, nine inches tall and 80 to 100 pounds. Usually, children reach this height and weight when they are between the ages of eight and twelve.

In the event of a crash, a belt-positioning booster seat and safety belt provide better protection for most tweens than the adult safety belt alone, Walker said. Children in this age group are among the least likely to be in the correct restraint. We need to make booster seat use among tweens who need them just as automatic as it is for small children to ride in car seats.

The program turned out to be successful. It has taught parents to use child safety seats that meet federal standards. These guidelines reduced the number of inappropriate seats used at the second event, weeding out many secondhand seats that do not have a known history or seats that are more than six years old.

Car owners may be putting much of their attention to Volvo radiators, Chevy rotors or Ford engines but one thing that they should not neglect is the efficiency of car seats for their children.

Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.

Car Seat Safety: Statistics and Law

Driving around with your child, you want to make sure that your car is as safe as can be. Here's how to choose a car seat or booster seat for your child.

Know the Facts

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, in Canada, collisions are the number one cause of death for children. Having a properly installed car seat can minimize fatalities, and decrease the risk by 75%.

Choose the Right Car Seat

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) surveys all car seats for infants and children. They are rated on a number of categories from clear instructions to ease of use. The good news is, car seat manufacturers are listening to the government's suggestions, and are constantly improving designs. For current information, visit the NHTSA website. You can easily find a car seat that has earned all As in every category. If you work with ebay or froogle at the same time, you can also complete some of your comparison shopping online. If you have seen a car seat that you think you like at the store, check out its safety rating.

Know the Age Groups

The following are just guidelines to get you started. You should always read the instructions on every car seat carefully to find out the height and weight restrictions.

Infants need to be in rear facing car seats. This is until they are roughly 1 year old or 20 lbs.

Toddlers need to be put in forward facing seats with tether straps. Tether straps are very important to safety: if your vehicle doesn't have a tether anchor, contact the dealership to have one installed. This is between roughly 20-40 lbs.

Children who are old enough move out of a car seat still need to use a booster seat. This is until the child is 4'9 tall. This will probably be until the child is about eight years old. Boosterseat.gov is a site that information on when your child can stop using a booster seat.

Airbags

Children should always stay in the back seat away from any airbags. This means that children should always ride in the back seat until they are old enough to use a regular seatbelt. Again, this will probably not be until your child is 8 or 9.

If you buy a used carseat

Make sure that it has not been in an accident. Make sure there is no discoloration or strain marks on the car seat. Check that it has been certified for safety. Don't buy a car seat more than ten years old.

NHTSA has a site, the Office of Defects investigation, that lists all car seats that were recalled from the year 1990 to present. You can check this site for your peace of mind.

Install it properly

You can call your local public health branch to stop by and make sure that your car seat is properly installed. Up to 80% of car seats were not installed correctly (and so would not have the same safety effects that they are designed for) at recent government-held car seat workshops. Find out if there are workshops that you can attend to establish quickly if your child will be safe.

About the Author

If you are interested in car safety and want to get a new car, or a safer old car, or you just want information on cars in general, visit The Guide to Car Loans.

How Long Should Your Child Stay In A 5Point Harness Car Seat?

By now, nearly every parent with an Internet connection has heard of the sad video that came out on YouTube.com in November 2006, urging all parents of toddlers to keep their kids in a car seat with a 5-point harness as opposed to graduating them to booster seat attached with a regular seat belt.

The video was an emotional succession of photos with interspersed screens of text and music playing throughout. For those who missed it, message contained in the video started with:

I'd like you to meet my son Kyle.
Kyle was 3 years old when he was killed because an incompetent driver ran a red light and hit our mini-van at an intersection on May 29th 2005.
Kyle was in a booster seat, wearing his seatbelt when we were hit.
We thought he was protected...
Seatbelts are supposed to work? 100% of the time... right?
Well they don't.
Seatbelts frequently fail by either unlatching or not tightening upon impact. Kyle's seatbelt was buckled but came unlatched upon impact.
His big sister was sitting right next to him in an identical booster, but her seatbelt worked and she walked away.
The only difference was that her seat belt worked and his didn't...
Seatbelts are wonderful things, when they work...
There is something that could have prevented Kyle's death though...

According to Kyle's mother, a car seat with a 5-point harness could have saved the child's life. She even goes as far as recommending a specific car seat model suitable for older children (the Britax Regent) and encouraging viewers to learn from [our loss by keepikng older children in a car seat with a 5-point harness.

Ever since this heart wrenching video came out, many parents all over the country have rushed to move their children from a booster seat back into what is essentially a giant car seat: the Britax Regent. This sudden surge in demand has even caused the manufacturer to be back ordered for several month.

Is this an over-reaction? Another group of parents believes it is: In their opinion, seatbelt failures are very rare and certainly not as common as the video claims. In addition, they point out that the latch system used to attach a car seat can not be used above 48 pounds in most vehicles, which means that the car seat must be attached by a regular seat belt, just like a booster seat would be.

The full transcript of the video including the reference to the Britax Regent car seat can be found here

How To Relieve Financial Stress On Baby Needs

 



How To Relieve Financial Stress On Baby NeedsSubmitted By: GuruCreation [See Author?s Biography  

B aby showers are wonderful occasions where families and mothers are aided in surviving the financial strain of a forthcoming baby. Babies, as mothers should know, are very expensive after weighing in clothes, furniture, food, toys, decor, and diapers.

But how does a mother get relief of such stress after the initial support from family and friends? Baby showers come and go- but the financial strain just keeps building. To help avoid stressful financial scenarios, there are indeed a few things mothers can do to better their situation.

The First Step: Take Inventory

After the baby shower an inventory should be taken. A list of what was obtained and what is still needed should be created, as it will serve as a great guide for baby shopping later on. You'll want to focus on the long-term items such as furniture, clothing, or strollers since other items such as diapers are depleted within a week or less, and usually have little financial weight.

As for what a family should have for the baby, there are a few things to look out for. Baby strollers, cribs, carriers, and strollers are the most basic of needs. More importantly, there should be safety devices installed on items such as wall outlets, to ensure the best environment for your little one.

Although it was previously mentioned that taking inventory of temporary goods such as diapers and food isn't necessary, it is usually a good idea as well. Stockpiling diapers and food is a great way to save money if you find sales and discounts here and there. It's also a nice feeling to have a stockpile of goods to fall back on when a stressful schedule forbids trips to the supermarket (or even your wallet).

Keeping Success High With Cutting Costs

If you've followed the above tips, chances are that you'll be off to a great start. But don't expect this leap ahead to last long; you'll need extra supplies sooner than you'd think! The trick to keeping one's life stress-free at this point is to go bargain hunting.

Bargain hunting was made easy with the invention and rise in popularity of the Internet. Now you don't have to wait for local supermarkets to have sales on the baby items you need. Instead, simply go to online websites or trade with others at online auctions to barter and buy what you need. This technique has enabled many parents to keep costs minimal; making a stress-free environment for families that would otherwise need aid.

Another good tip is to buy generic goods. Instead of buying diapers with fancy labels, or baby food with expensive packaging and name branding, go for the cheaper products. In many cases, they are just as good or better- and cost a fraction of what the brand name products do. It's perplexing to find families buy such brands, even though they could be saving hundreds of dollars annually and still be getting the same quality of service.

Final Thoughts on Baby Needs

Above all else, make sure a baby is well clothed, is kept safe, and is comfortably living the perfect life for a toddler. Just remember that babies aren't as stressful and expensive as some make them out to be- simply learn how to prepare and be thrifty, and the difficulties associated with babies becomes nonexistent. And what a relaxing feeling that is!

About the Author:

Find Baby Bargains - Save Money on Baby Essentials such as Car Safety Seats.

Article Tags: babies, baby, diapers

Keeping Your Older Dog Safe

Can you imagine letting a toddler run along the edge of a mountain? Would you leave your elderly grandparent who suffers from dementia alone on a bench in the hot sun? Would you let your mom whose eyesight is failing, walk around the edge of your pool? Of course not!

However, many loving pet owners make the same mistakes with their elderly dogs. As a dog ages, his eyesight fails along with his mind and energy. Things that were easy for him to navigate, such as the edge of a hill or a walk through the woods, are now extremely difficult. He can't always see the edge of a pool or cliff and his joints won't allow him to recover from a misstep as easily as when he was a young pup. Older dogs, like elderly people, tend to be more susceptible to heat and need to be kept comfortable during extremely hot days.

Here are a few reminders of what can be dangerous to your older pet and some ideas on how to keep them safe.

Daily Walk Safety

Retractable leashes are a great way to let your dog run a bit without getting away from you. Many older dogs get a bit of puppy in them and they will take-off running only to get into trouble because they can no longer see very well or hear commands. Some older dogs also develop dementia and cannot sense danger. Senior dogs need to be kept from wandering too far. A retractable lease will keep you in control but allow your dog the ability to roam.

Flashing safety collars or bright safety vests are also a great way to keep your dog visible to you and others. The collars can be seen up to one mile away and the vests are reflective. If your dog does wander off during his nighttime business, he will be less likely to be hit by a car and easier to locate.

Water Safety

Accidental drowning is a major problem for older dogs. Many older dogs develop cataracts and they are no longer able to determine the edge of the pool. Once in the pool, they often do not have the energy to swim long enough to be noticed, nor have the strength and agility to jump out. There are several options to keep your dog safe near water. There are pool alarms designed to float on the surface of the pool and react to motion in the water. Another alarm attaches to your dog's collar and sounds if they fall in. There are also life vests for dogs, which are great for boating or when your dog is around a lake or river.

Extreme Temperatures

No dog is comfortable in extremely hot or cold weather and again, just as elderly adults are more vulnerable to the excessive temperatures, it can also be deadly for your dog. Keep him in air conditioning as much as possible on extremely warm days. Make certain that your dog has access to plenty of water. Avoid taking your dog in the car with you if you cannot bring him inside at your destination. If your dog is longhaired or tends to be easily overheated, consider a cooling bed or collar.

In the extreme cold, make the outdoor visits as brief as possible. Remember, dogs can get frostbite on their paws and noses. Outdoor dogs need to be brought in from the cold when the temperatures are significantly below zero.

Car Rides

Your dog might still love to ride with you in the car but now his safety is more important than ever. Getting your beloved pooch into the car can be a challenge. Arthritis can mean his jumping-into-the-backseat days are over! Ramps are available to help your dog into his co-pilot chair. There is also a lifting aid that will wrap comfortably around his middle to give you a way to assist him into the car. Remember, his balance is not as good as when he was younger so consider a seat belt harness to keep him from falling off the seat.

Household Dangers

It is as important as ever to keep your dog away from any plants, foods, or poisons that are toxic to canines. As they age, their systems won't be able to tolerate the damage from the poison or the treatment.

ASPCA is warning dog owners the newly discovered danger posed by is grapes and raisins. These fruits have been used as a training treat for dogs, but have been recently found to cause renal failure if eaten in large doses. If your older pet was trained using grapes and raisins or you have used these fruits as treats for your dog, he probably has developed a taste for them. You need to store these fruits where your dog cannot get into them. Of the 10 dogs that were reported poisoned by overeating grapes/raisins, only 5 survived. And that was with early, aggressive treatment. An older dog would not have much of a chance if he is accidentally poisoned in this manner. Please visit the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center Website, www.napcc.aspca.org for addition information.

Copyright 2006 Dave Eckholm/OldDogPaws.com

About the Author

Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for his quality of life so we searched for new ideas, resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!

Some Of The Car Seat Covers You Should Consider For Your Baby

Wool is the softest and most comfortable material that can be used for Car Seat Covers and Baby Buntings. Organic cotton flannel, unbleached cotton flannel and regular cotton flannel are choice backings for wool car seat covers and baby Buntings.

Wool car seat Covers swaddle baby in security and warmth. Therefore, Wool is a choice material in the construction of these covers because of its softness and insulating qualities. The outer cells of the fiber repel water while the inner cells absorb moisture. Wool is highly absorbent, and can retain up to 25 percent of its weight in moisture. As wool slowly absorbs moisture from the air, the cover becomes warmer to baby. Wool will take on a lot of moisture before it feels damp. It also dries slowly so as not to chill baby by drying too quickly. Because of Wool's tendency to retain moisture, Wool is naturally flame-retardant.

Many of the synthetic fabrics and fillers used to make Car Seat Covers and Baby Buntings do not breathe. Over time they can emit toxic fumes during the aging process, thus posing respiratory and allergic reactions as well as asthma like symptoms.

Wool is a natural fiber and naturally hypoallergenic; as are the cottons used to back Car Seat Covers and Baby buntings. It helps keep the baby warmer in cool temperatures, and cooler in warmer temperatures. Plush Merino wool provides an extremely soft surface.

Cleaning Wool

The oil extracted from the leaves of the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) is well known to be effective against dust mites, a cause of allergens for asthma sufferers, and particularly infants. Tea Tree Oil is also noted for its general beneficial qualities such as being a natural fungicide. It also helps in the healing of wounds and reduces skin irritation. Kookaburra Woolwash also works well for laundering bed linens and clothing for asthma sufferers where dust mite feces is a critical matter.

Good Padding Important for Infants

A good feel with a tad of pressure would deem the use of padding necessary for Baby Car Seats, High Chairs and Infant Rocking Seats. It would seem that proper padding would add more in the name of safety to car seats. Wool products will place a barrier between baby and the synthetic unknowns of the factory provided products.

The car manufacturer's concerns are with the highest possible safety performance of the car seat for baby's safety, not the health concerns that may be posed by the liners used to soften the hard plastic of such baby accessories. Because synthetics have only come about in the last century or so, the mother's of yesterday had little concern in the products they purchased for baby. Today's moms must research and take full responsibility for understanding the products that come in contact with their baby.

Give a Gift of Wool for Baby

A gift of wool for baby whether it is a Car Seat Cover, a Bunting or a Wool Fleece Blanket is a gift of quality. The next time you are purchasing a baby gift consider making it something wool!

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as baby car seat covers at http://www.jansbedding.com

By Gregg Hall

Have You Lost Your Mind?!

He was fighting me every step of the way, arched back, stiffened legs and an indignant bellow. With my mind focused on securely fastening my toddler in his seat, all else was an insignificant distraction. Even when my remote became wedged between my hipbone and the carseat and locked the doors. Even when my keys, once secured in my pocket, dislodged and fell to the floor. Yes, they were all just distractions. When I accomplished the chaotic task and my son was secured in his babyseat I shut that door and knodded with the confidence of a true champion.

Have you ever had one of those slow-motioned moments when you know you just did something really unintelligent? Well, the ton of bricks hit me right before that door slammed. My stomach sunk and I looked at my babe who was staring back at me through a slightly tinted window with those wide, bright blue eyes waiting for me to make the next move. Thank goodness the windows were cracked and more thanks and goodness that it was a cool Autumn day. But what to do next flooded my head and my heart began to race. Yes, my first thought was that nifty little yellow tow-truck, but how long would it take to reach me? There must be something else I could do, maybe try a little brute strength. I positioned my forearms between the doorjamb and cracked window as if I would miraculously pry it open...fruitless. Then, I journeyed to the back hoping that the trunk would not be locked in conjunction with the rest of the doors...to no avail. It was a terrible moment. Though I was in the family-friendly environment of my older son's swim lessons, I had to face that fact that I would have to acknowledge my glaring blunder in front of all the other kids, parents and teachers who would be observing this whole ordeal unfold.

I rushed to the owner's side, who rushed to her office to phone for help. She immediately called her roadside service. Sensibility began to seap back into my head as I noticed panic rushing into hers. I asked for a wire hanger. Yes, I realized that today's lock tops are not as easily accessible as the flat-disk shaped tops of yesteryear, but why not give it a try. I hustled back to my car and unraveled and retwisted and folded and molded that hanger into a handy widget and fished it down into my car. I weedled it around the middle of the lock at the most subtle indention. I was able to hook and yank it with a mighty jerk. The locks went up, the alarm went off and I opened my door and reached down to my back floor mat to grab those auspicious keys. Roadside was cancelled, I have a new and improved relationship with my son's swimming instructors and hopefully I have learned that some distractions are to be taken very seriously.

Perhaps you have heard the saying that for every child you give birth to a percentage of your brain. Why has it become so common that I forget things? What happen to that efficient, organized and precise thinking that I needed for my job within the high-profile corporation. If I operated in this manner in that environment I would have never made it out alive. Has each of my childred placed a deficiency in my cranial cavity? Aside from the episode above, there have been more oddities: refrigerator doors left open, milk in the cupboard and plenty of burnt meals. As the strangeness began to add up, I found the courage to consult my friends. They too had their heaping share of stories. Feeling better that someone shared my pain; I was compelled to look up more information on the web. I read stories upon stories of moms in the same predicament. I followed this observation up with medical research as to why this happens; and, while even the medical profession could not offer a clear and final explanation, there were plenty of possible excuses offered. Hormones, the fact that the brain shrinks during pregnancy (supposedly to return to normal size thereafter), post partum depression symptom, sleep deprivation and finally the distractions and chaos that come with raising children all surmised the malady quite well. The last two I am going to grasp and hold on to as my alibi...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Think of the distractions your mind inherits once you find out you are pregnant - all those things that could go wrong before the baby comes, plus you have to eat for you and for the baby. During childbirth, you may turn down painkillers or epidurals - for the baby. Zero to six months are dedicated to avoiding newborn dangers and providing comfort for the baby. Toddlerhood is your period of safety precautions (aka - 'more and more dangers') for the baby. Kindergarten yields its own new discoveries of parental inadequacy and so on. One friend who is currently tormented by her oldest son's first year of middle school, says that not only does she worry about her own peaks and valleys, but now her son's middle school insecurities are fed directly into her as well. Till you are smiling down from heaven above, you will be worrying about your children and how to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Obvious, right? Well, if it is so obvious why do we as moms, wonder why our ability to focus, process information and remember things has gone to the birds? Why are we secretly wondering what is wrong with us and whether or not we are clinically losing it or just showing the early signs of senility? Why do moms begin to label themselves as stupid (a common occurance in the chatroom scripts I read), less than adequate or incapable of furthering themselves in an intellectual manner, with intellectual people?

I am encouraging all of you once fiercely sharp women to forgive this phase of your mental life. The distraction of raising children is reason enough to miss a couple cues during your daily routine. Add any type of medical matter to this package and you are to be given extra allowance of compassion. While we are so lucky to experience our children's delight and victories as they grow, so must we endure their pain and sorrow. In doing so, it can overwhelm, divert and consume our every thought. While I would love to give you the timetable of recovery, I cannot. I can only look at the many other moms and grandmothers who are still thriving and be inspired that no matter how much matter you lose, there is still a chance to live a wonderfully fruitful life well into your golden years, kids included!

Have you ever had one of those slow-motioned moments when you know you just did something really unintelligent? Well, the ton of bricks hit me right before that door slammed. My stomach sunk and I looked at my babe who was staring back at me through a slightly tinted window with those wide, bright blue eyes waiting for me to make the next move. Thank goodness the windows were cracked and more thanks and goodness that it was a cool Autumn day. But what to do next flooded my head and my heart began to race. Yes, my first thought was that nifty little yellow tow-truck, but how long would it take to reach me? There must be something else I could do, maybe try a little brute strength. I positioned my forearms between the doorjamb and cracked window as if I would miraculously pry it open...fruitless. Then, I journeyed to the back hoping that the trunk would not be locked in conjunction with the rest of the doors...to no avail. It was a terrible moment. Though I was in the family-friendly environment of my older son's swim lessons, I had to face that fact that I would have to acknowledge my glaring blunder in front of all the other kids, parents and teachers who would be observing this whole ordeal unfold.

I rushed to the owner's side, who rushed to her office to phone for help. She immediately called her roadside service. Sensibility began to seap back into my head as I noticed panic rushing into hers. I asked for a wire hanger. Yes, I realized that today's lock tops are not as easily accessible as the flat-disk shaped tops of yesteryear, but why not give it a try. I hustled back to my car and unraveled and retwisted and folded and molded that hanger into a handy widget and fished it down into my car. I weedled it around the middle of the lock at the most subtle indention. I was able to hook and yank it with a mighty jerk. The locks went up, the alarm went off and I opened my door and reached down to my back floor mat to grab those auspicious keys. Roadside was cancelled, I have a new and improved relationship with my son's swimming instructors and hopefully I have learned that some distractions are to be taken very seriously.

Perhaps you have heard the saying that for every child you give birth to a percentage of your brain. Why has it become so common that I forget things? What happen to that efficient, organized and precise thinking that I needed for my job within the high-profile corporation. If I operated in this manner in that environment I would have never made it out alive. Has each of my childred placed a deficiency in my cranial cavity? Aside from the episode above, there have been more oddities: refrigerator doors left open, milk in the cupboard and plenty of burnt meals. As the strangeness began to add up, I found the courage to consult my friends. They too had their heaping share of stories. Feeling better that someone shared my pain; I was compelled to look up more information on the web. I read stories upon stories of moms in the same predicament. I followed this observation up with medical research as to why this happens; and, while even the medical profession could not offer a clear and final explanation, there were plenty of possible excuses offered. Hormones, the fact that the brain shrinks during pregnancy (supposedly to return to normal size thereafter), post partum depression symptom, sleep deprivation and finally the distractions and chaos that come with raising children all surmised the malady quite well. The last two I am going to grasp and hold on to as my alibi...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Think of the distractions your mind inherits once you find out you are pregnant - all those things that could go wrong before the baby comes, plus you have to eat for you and for the baby. During childbirth, you may turn down painkillers or epidurals - for the baby. Zero to six months are dedicated to avoiding newborn dangers and providing comfort for the baby. Toddlerhood is your period of safety precautions (aka - 'more and more dangers') for the baby. Kindergarten yields its own new discoveries of parental inadequacy and so on. One friend who is currently tormented by her oldest son's first year of middle school, says that not only does she worry about her own peaks and valleys, but now her son's middle school insecurities are fed directly into her as well. Till you are smiling down from heaven above, you will be worrying about your children and how to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Obvious, right? Well, if it is so obvious why do we as moms, wonder why our ability to focus, process information and remember things has gone to the birds? Why are we secretly wondering what is wrong with us and whether or not we are clinically losing it or just showing the early signs of senility? Why do moms begin to label themselves as stupid (a common occurance in the chatroom scripts I read), less than adequate or incapable of furthering themselves in an intellectual manner, with intellectual people?

I am encouraging all of you once fiercely sharp women to forgive this phase of your mental life. The distraction of raising children is reason enough to miss a couple cues during your daily routine. Add any type of medical matter to this package and you are to be given extra allowance of compassion. While we are so lucky to experience our children's delight and victories as they grow, so must we endure their pain and sorrow. In doing so, it can overwhelm, divert and consume our every thought. While I would love to give you the timetable of recovery, I cannot. I can only look at the many other moms and grandmothers who are still thriving and be inspired that no matter how much matter you lose, there is still a chance to live a wonderfully fruitful life well into your golden years, kids included!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherri Dodd is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, a Lifestyle and Weight
Management Consultant and the creator and author of Mom Looks Great - The
Fitness Program for Post Partum Women. With over fifteen years of exercise
experience, she is dedicated to a life of fitness as well as encouraging
others to seek healthy habits and a better quality of life.

Potty Training Resistance

Potty training, unfortunately, comes at a time in life when a child is learning to be more independent. Known as the ?terrible twos?, your toddler may resist potty training altogether, dirty his or her diaper for spite, act differently about the toilet for different caregivers, and generally cause potty training to be a hassle for parents. However, don?t despair, potty training can still be accomplished even if this is the case, if parents remain calm and understanding and make potty training a fun activity.

First, be sure your child is ready and establish a potty training routine with your child. These two steps are the basis for quick and stress-free potty training. However, many children will still resist, so you are not alone if you are often faced with a screaming child or one who is learning early to talk back (good luck with him or her as a teen?). Refusing to potty train can be simply frustrating, or it can have real health consequences if they chose to ?hold it? for long periods rather than use the potty. Remember to consult your paediatrician if resistance continues for a long period of time.

Rewarding your child is an appropriate step in the potty training process, and one that will possibly make your child less resistant. Have him or her help choose the prizes. For example, visit the local toy store and purchase some new items that your child may not have until he or she meets certain goals. You may also wish to talk to your child about what he or she cannot do without being potty trained (staying the night at grandma?s, going to school, visiting friends, etc). Motivation is the key to successful potty training.

Talk with your child if he or she is normally well behaved, but extremely resistant to potty training. Perhaps your child is scared of using a potty seat. Have him or her use, instead, a small potty chair and decorate this chair with stickers. Some children, for example, are scared of the flushing noise a larger toilet makes. Wait until your child leaves the room to flush, or have him or her flush the toilet themselves, both when they use it and at other time in the day, simple to get used to the idea. You may also wish to have your child watch while you, older siblings, and family members use the toilet to show your child that it is not scary.

Punishment is appropriate when your child knows that he or she is acting inappropriately. For example, if he or she won?t let your change his or her dirty diaper, even though they have been previously telling you when they have to go, you may wish to punish your child. Also consider punishment for inappropriate behavior such as hitting or throwing temper tantrums.

Punishment is not appropriate for accidents, on the other hand. Remember that your child may simply not know he or she had to use the toilet. Even with older children, accidents sometimes happen, especially with urination during play as they get distracted until it?s too late to make it to the toilet. Try to be understanding about this so that your child does not continue to resist using the toilet.

There are many tools on the market to help make potty training fun. If you make it a fun activity, your child will not be as resistant, and the process will be much faster. Use a variety of games, songs, and activities to teach your child about using the potty and remember that each child is different and will learn toilet use at a different pace.

Diane Ball has an interest in Potty Training. For further information on Potty Training please visit Potty Training or Potty Training Symptoms .

An inexpensive device that benefits the whole family

What is one of the best and least expensive purchases you
can make that benefits your whole family? Better yet, this
purchase will save you lots of money over time. Dont laugh
when I tell you to buy a bidet!

In America our awareness of bidets is limited to bad jokes
and toilet humor, but millions of people all over the world
take them very seriously as devices that will benefit every
member of the family. In some countries like Argentina your
house actually loses value if it doesnt have a bidet! In
Japan, over half the homes have high-tech bidets installed
for the use of the whole family.

The term bidet refers to several different devices that
use water to clean your perianal region (the area commonly
called your crotch). While a bidet is best known for
cleaning your derriere after defecation, some forms of bidet
can also be used for spot cleaning of your body without
requiring you to fully undress. Bidets have many medical
benefits and are a godsend for people with limited physical
mobility. They are also excellent aids for toilet training.

I chose marketing (the bidet) because I truly believe in
it. I have three units in my home, two at my office, one in
my motor home and on my boat. I potty trained my kids on it
and they refuse to sit on a cold seat. Keith Chamblin,
Hygiene For Health (perhaps the most knowledgeable bidet
marketer in the U.S.)

So how does the bidet benefit every member of the family?

Mother - women are susceptible to a number of diseases in
their perianal region, such as vaginitis or cystitis, which
the bidet significantly helps. Bidets have known benefits
for pregnant women as well as their infants. Bidets also
benefit bowel dysfunction and hemorrhoids. During the
reproductive years it is normal for women to experience
mucous secretion from their vagina, and at times this makes
it difficult to achieve good menstrual cleanliness. Bidets
are an excellent means of improving this condition.

Father - men also suffer diseases in their perianal region
that bidets benefit. Men also suffer from bowl dysfunction
and hemorrhoids, perhaps more so due to the stress of their
lives. Bidets can also ease and improve the speed of
defecation. Many European men use bidets for spot cleaning
of their bodies when they do not have time to fully shower.

Mothers and Fathers both benefit from the improved physical
intimacy that the bidet can give, both before and after
intercourse.

Children - Infants and toddlers need a lot of bottom
cleaning and some bidets are excellent aids in this task.
There are specific types of bidets that have been developed
just for this task that parents rave about. Children find
toilet training easier and less traumatic when they have
ready access to a bidet. Some forms of bidet are useful for
cleaning soiled diapers or the soiled clothes of children in
the process of toilet training.

Grandparents - At some point it becomes difficult to wipe
after defecation, or some cant comfortably reach the flush
lever. There are bidets that automatically wash, wipe, and
dry your behind thus relieving an embarassing or frustrating
situation. Aged skin is much more susceptible to infection,
and thus requires more cleanliness and more frequent
washing. Care givers have access to a whole variety of
devices that make their tasks easier and less demanding.

What do you spend on toilet paper in a year? Many bidets
completely eliminate the need for toilet paper. It is not
hard to see how a bidet can pay itself off and at some point
be saving the family money.

This short article just touches on the many benefits the
bidet offers modern families. Choosing the right bidet for
your families needs at the best price can be a difficult
task, despite a number of web merchants touting their own
form of bidet, but almost any bidet can benefit your family
and save you money over time.
can make that benefits your whole family? Better yet, this
purchase will save you lots of money over time. Dont laugh
when I tell you to buy a bidet!

In America our awareness of bidets is limited to bad jokes
and toilet humor, but millions of people all over the world
take them very seriously as devices that will benefit every
member of the family. In some countries like Argentina your
house actually loses value if it doesnt have a bidet! In
Japan, over half the homes have high-tech bidets installed
for the use of the whole family.

The term bidet refers to several different devices that
use water to clean your perianal region (the area commonly
called your crotch). While a bidet is best known for
cleaning your derriere after defecation, some forms of bidet
can also be used for spot cleaning of your body without
requiring you to fully undress. Bidets have many medical
benefits and are a godsend for people with limited physical
mobility. They are also excellent aids for toilet training.

I chose marketing (the bidet) because I truly believe in
it. I have three units in my home, two at my office, one in
my motor home and on my boat. I potty trained my kids on it
and they refuse to sit on a cold seat. Keith Chamblin,
Hygiene For Health (perhaps the most knowledgeable bidet
marketer in the U.S.)

So how does the bidet benefit every member of the family?

Mother - women are susceptible to a number of diseases in
their perianal region, such as vaginitis or cystitis, which
the bidet significantly helps. Bidets have known benefits
for pregnant women as well as their infants. Bidets also
benefit bowel dysfunction and hemorrhoids. During the
reproductive years it is normal for women to experience
mucous secretion from their vagina, and at times this makes
it difficult to achieve good menstrual cleanliness. Bidets
are an excellent means of improving this condition.

Father - men also suffer diseases in their perianal region
that bidets benefit. Men also suffer from bowl dysfunction
and hemorrhoids, perhaps more so due to the stress of their
lives. Bidets can also ease and improve the speed of
defecation. Many European men use bidets for spot cleaning
of their bodies when they do not have time to fully shower.

Mothers and Fathers both benefit from the improved physical
intimacy that the bidet can give, both before and after
intercourse.

Children - Infants and toddlers need a lot of bottom
cleaning and some bidets are excellent aids in this task.
There are specific types of bidets that have been developed
just for this task that parents rave about. Children find
toilet training easier and less traumatic when they have
ready access to a bidet. Some forms of bidet are useful for
cleaning soiled diapers or the soiled clothes of children in
the process of toilet training.

Grandparents - At some point it becomes difficult to wipe
after defecation, or some cant comfortably reach the flush
lever. There are bidets that automatically wash, wipe, and
dry your behind thus relieving an embarassing or frustrating
situation. Aged skin is much more susceptible to infection,
and thus requires more cleanliness and more frequent
washing. Care givers have access to a whole variety of
devices that make their tasks easier and less demanding.

What do you spend on toilet paper in a year? Many bidets
completely eliminate the need for toilet paper. It is not
hard to see how a bidet can pay itself off and at some point
be saving the family money.

This short article just touches on the many benefits the
bidet offers modern families. Choosing the right bidet for
your families needs at the best price can be a difficult
task, despite a number of web merchants touting their own
form of bidet, but almost any bidet can benefit your family
and save you money over time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
William Bruneau wrote the first book on the bidet. It is the most complete and objective source of information on all forms of bidet, and lists all bidet
manufacturers and the features of the bidets they offer. Industry leaders praise The Bidet. This book is essential for improved personal health and hygiene. Includes all known
medical references. For more information visit his website,
www.bbruneau.com, or contact him at publish@bbruneau.com

Have You Lost Your Mind?!

Have You Lost Your Mind?!

 by: Sherri L Dodd

Have You Lost Your Mind?!

He was fighting me every step of the way, arched back, stiffened legs and an indignant bellow. With my mind focused on securely fastening my toddler in his seat, all else was an insignificant distraction. Even when my remote became wedged between my hipbone and the carseat and locked the doors. Even when my keys, once secured in my pocket, dislodged and fell to the floor. Yes, they were all just distractions. When I accomplished the chaotic task and my son was secured in his babyseat I shut that door and knodded with the confidence of a true champion.

Have you ever had one of those slow-motioned moments when you know you just did something really unintelligent? Well, the ton of bricks hit me right before that door slammed. My stomach sunk and I looked at my babe who was staring back at me through a slightly tinted window with those wide, bright blue eyes waiting for me to make the next move. Thank goodness the windows were cracked and more thanks and goodness that it was a cool Autumn day. But what to do next flooded my head and my heart began to race. Yes, my first thought was that nifty little yellow tow-truck, but how long would it take to reach me? There must be something else I could do, maybe try a little brute strength. I positioned my forearms between the doorjamb and cracked window as if I would miraculously pry it open...fruitless. Then, I journeyed to the back hoping that the trunk would not be locked in conjunction with the rest of the doors...to no avail. It was a terrible moment. Though I was in the family-friendly environment of my older son's swim lessons, I had to face that fact that I would have to acknowledge my glaring blunder in front of all the other kids, parents and teachers who would be observing this whole ordeal unfold.

I rushed to the owner's side, who rushed to her office to phone for help. She immediately called her roadside service. Sensibility began to seap back into my head as I noticed panic rushing into hers. I asked for a wire hanger. Yes, I realized that today's lock tops are not as easily accessible as the flat-disk shaped tops of yesteryear, but why not give it a try. I hustled back to my car and unraveled and retwisted and folded and molded that hanger into a handy widget and fished it down into my car. I weedled it around the middle of the lock at the most subtle indention. I was able to hook and yank it with a mighty jerk. The locks went up, the alarm went off and I opened my door and reached down to my back floor mat to grab those auspicious keys. Roadside was cancelled, I have a new and improved relationship with my son's swimming instructors and hopefully I have learned that some distractions are to be taken very seriously.

Perhaps you have heard the saying that for every child you give birth to a percentage of your brain. Why has it become so common that I forget things? What happen to that efficient, organized and precise thinking that I needed for my job within the high-profile corporation. If I operated in this manner in that environment I would have never made it out alive. Has each of my childred placed a deficiency in my cranial cavity? Aside from the episode above, there have been more oddities: refrigerator doors left open, milk in the cupboard and plenty of burnt meals. As the strangeness began to add up, I found the courage to consult my friends. They too had their heaping share of stories. Feeling better that someone shared my pain; I was compelled to look up more information on the web. I read stories upon stories of moms in the same predicament. I followed this observation up with medical research as to why this happens; and, while even the medical profession could not offer a clear and final explanation, there were plenty of possible excuses offered. Hormones, the fact that the brain shrinks during pregnancy (supposedly to return to normal size thereafter), post partum depression symptom, sleep deprivation and finally the distractions and chaos that come with raising children all surmised the malady quite well. The last two I am going to grasp and hold on to as my alibi...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Think of the distractions your mind inherits once you find out you are pregnant - all those things that could go wrong before the baby comes, plus you have to eat for you and for the baby. During childbirth, you may turn down painkillers or epidurals - for the baby. Zero to six months are dedicated to avoiding newborn dangers and providing comfort for the baby. Toddlerhood is your period of safety precautions (aka - 'more and more dangers') for the baby. Kindergarten yields its own new discoveries of parental inadequacy and so on. One friend who is currently tormented by her oldest son's first year of middle school, says that not only does she worry about her own peaks and valleys, but now her son's middle school insecurities are fed directly into her as well. Till you are smiling down from heaven above, you will be worrying about your children and how to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Obvious, right? Well, if it is so obvious why do we as moms, wonder why our ability to focus, process information and remember things has gone to the birds? Why are we secretly wondering what is wrong with us and whether or not we are clinically losing it or just showing the early signs of senility? Why do moms begin to label themselves as stupid (a common occurance in the chatroom scripts I read), less than adequate or incapable of furthering themselves in an intellectual manner, with intellectual people?

I am encouraging all of you once fiercely sharp women to forgive this phase of your mental life. The distraction of raising children is reason enough to miss a couple cues during your daily routine. Add any type of medical matter to this package and you are to be given extra allowance of compassion. While we are so lucky to experience our children's delight and victories as they grow, so must we endure their pain and sorrow. In doing so, it can overwhelm, divert and consume our every thought. While I would love to give you the timetable of recovery, I cannot. I can only look at the many other moms and grandmothers who are still thriving and be inspired that no matter how much matter you lose, there is still a chance to live a wonderfully fruitful life well into your golden years, kids included!

About The Author

Sherri Dodd is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and the creator and author of Mom Looks Great - The Fitness Program for Post Partum Women. With over fifteen years of exercise experience, she is dedicated to a life of fitness as well as encouraging others to seek healthy habits and a better quality of life. Find out more about Mom Looks Great at www.momlooksgreat.com.

An Introduction to Baby Car Seats

Becoming a parent for the first time involves a huge amount of learning, as there are hundreds of things involved which childless people will have had no reason to come across before, nor had any incentive to learn about. When you first learn of the impending new arrival, your thoughts will probably be taken up with decorating and equipping a nursery, buying clothes, bottles, and much more, but many people don't think of a baby car seat until later on in the pregnancy. It's very important to make sure you know what to look for in a seat, as after all, you'll need one on your baby's very first journey, from the hospital back to home.

For this first journey, you'll need a seat which faces towards the rear of your vehicle. This provides the best protection in the event of an impact for an infant who is unable yet to support the weight of their own head. The seat will be nicely reclined backwards, providing a safe and comfortable coccoon for your baby.

It's important to choose a rear-facing seat which is sturdy and dependable, yet light to carry. Young babies sleep a little and often, and the last thing you want to do after finally getting your child to sleep in a car journey is to wake them by removing them from their warm and cosy seat. Having an easily detachable model which is light to carry means you can ferry your baby from car to house with as little disturbance as possible.

These rear facing seats are only suitable for younger infants. Once they've grown to weigh around 20 pounds, or the top of their head is nearing the upper edge of the seat and thus no longer protected properly, you'll need to move to a forward facing seat.

These seats are much more upright, but better models can be adjusted to provide a more horizontal position to help your toddler sleep during longer journeys. Because of the upright position, it's essential that your child is able to sit up on their own before using this kind of seat. Forward facing seats are built to last for a fair few years, and most will be good until your child reaches the age of 4 or 6.

Before we finish, there are two extremely important things to bear in mind when buying a car seat.

Firstly, you should be very careful when buying one that isn't brand new. Although it might seem like an economy to get a second hand seat, there's no way of knowing for sure its history. It may have been involved in an accident at some point in the past, resulting in weaknessess that may not be visible to the naked eye. These weaknesses could endanger your baby even in a minor accident. You should only buy a used seat when you can be absolutely sure of the history - such as when buying off close friends or family.

Finally, baby car seats shouldn't be fitted in front seats where an airbag is fitted. In an accident, the inflation of the airbag could cause serious injury or suffocation to a child, so always fit car seats in the rear of the vehicle in this case.

Simone writes for Nappies From Hell, a guide for new parents, where you can read more about baby car seats and other aspects of moving about with your new arrival.

Traveling with Babies & Toddlers

You may be surprised at how often babies will sleep to & from the destination. Be sure to have their favorite stuffed animal ready & blanket for the trip (also a pacifier & bottle if the child is young enough).
For babies & toddlers, bring along cassette tapes filled with stories & music that is age appropriate. You can sing along to help entertain them.

Other items that you will want to take with you are :

A foldable playpen

An age appropriate car seat

A diaper bag

Something to keep the sun out of the child抯 eyes

For children ages 1 ? years, bring items to play with. Such items can include: scotch tape, window clings, books, coloring books, crayons, a couple plush animals & finger food.

Be sure to bring out toy at a time. When you get out one toy, put the others away. This way the items stay new. Switch toys every 10 ?5 minutes (longer if the child is older). This keeps the toys & books new and exciting. You will want to have at least 12 toys. 12 toys is appropriate for a trip of 12 hours or less. To be on the safe side add a couple extra or buy a few at stops on the way there. This will allow you to rotate for two hours without having anything boring. You will not need a ton of toys for under a year old, as they will sleep most of the way there (at least hopefully ?if you child isn抰 prone to sleeping in the car ?you will have to improvise).

You will want someone next to the young child at all times to make sure they stay happy during the entire trip. It can be upsetting to the driver if the baby is constantly crying.

For those crying fits: First try the basic easy things by offering a bottle, pacifier, blanket, doll/stuffed animal, finger food or new toy. If these don抰 work and the child continues to cry for longer than five minutes, pull over at a rest stop. Check the child抯 diaper, look for rashes, or places the skin may be rubbing against the car seat, and check for food or items underneath their bottom. If none of these work, re-adjust the child in their chair & keep driving. If the child is old enough to talk, ask them what is bothering them. If nothing works and the child continues to cry, strap him/her back in the car seat and continue to drive. This time don抰 stop the car until 30 minutes or longer has passed. During this half hour try the things you tried initially. If all is hopeless, ignore the child. Before 30 minutes, it is very likely the child will calm down or fall asleep unless something is seriously wrong. If you stop every time the child cries, he/she will cry MORE! If you do end up stopping a second time (after 30 minutes), first re-check the diaper (it is not uncommon to have two incidents in a half hour) and second check to see if the child is ill. If the child is old enough (2-3 years) and there is nothing wrong (diaper etc) & the fit continues, it may call for disciplinary action (always give the child try to give the warning before disciplining ?this way the child chooses his/her own fate). A quick note: choose a driver that can handle crying for 5- 10 minutes without getting too irritable.

It is true that there may be the occasional crying, but for the most part the trip should go well for both you, the riders and your child.

Sarah Delaporte is the owner of Freebie Coupon Corner. She loves helping consumers save money on their groceries with her helpful e-book publications. For more information about Freebie Coupon Corner, you can visit the website at: http://www.couponcorner.net

Helpful Tips To Make Bath Time Easier And More Fun For Both You And Your Baby

If you were like me, you were probably bathed in a sink lined with a towel, well those days are long gone.

For the first couple of weeks of your new baby's life, you won't have to worry about bathing your baby. Bathing your little one doesn't start until the umbilical cord stump falls off and all has healed. During that time you will just gently sponge bathe your baby.

Most new parents develop anxiety when it comes to bathing their newborn and rightfully so, drowning is a major cause of infant/child deaths.

Safety Tips on Bathing Your Baby:

First and Foremost, NEVER leave your child unattended in water for even a second.

Bath Water should be between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Always test the water with your elbow or thermometer.

Do not leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub or in water under the care of a young child.

Have all supplies needed to bathe your baby within arms reach in front of you.

Supplies You need while bathing your baby include:

Hooded Towel

Washcloth or sponge

Baby shampoo

Baby Wash

Have new diaper and clothes ready

There are many baby bath tubs available today which helps make bathing your baby easier and less stressful. You will find that most baby bath tubs cost between $15.00 and $30.00 and by manufacturers such as Evenflo, The First Years, Graco and Safety First. An advantage of using a baby tub is the fact that it keeps your baby in a confined area and easier to manage.

You will want to purchase a baby tub that features:

A contour design and slip resistant padded liner which helps support and keep your baby from sliding around.

A slip resistant bottom to keep the tub from moving.

Mildew-resistant foam pad.

Made of thick, sturdy plastic.

Indented section at one end for bathing supplies.

A plug for easy draining.

Avoid bath rings and bath seats. These can tip over easily and lead to drowning.

Even though your baby may not be happy about being bathed and may squirm and cry at first, once your little one gets use to it, bath time will help create a wonderful bond between you and your baby.

Terri O. is an author and publisher of Baby Cribs. Providing helpful information when shopping for baby cribs, bassinets, cradles and crib bedding!

Consumer Reports Strollers

Most strollers have become larger, but not necessarily heavier, and easy to maneuver. Many are also compatible with infant car seats.

Navy remains a popular color, and black is now in vogue. You'll also see shades of green, silver, and other bright colors. Electronic gadgets for babies and parents abound.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The biggest-selling brands are Cosco, Evenflo, Graco, and Kolcraft. High-end import brands include Aprica, Combi, Maclaren, and Peg P?rego. Your baby's needs and your own preferences will determine which you'll use and how you'll use it. There's a host of types to choose from:

Traditional strollers. This category includes conventional strollers and lightweight umbrella strollers. Many conventional models can accommodate infant car seats. Unless used with an infant car seat, they're generally not suitable for babies younger than 6 months.

Pros: Often fairly lightweight and convenient.

Cons: Heavier models are difficult to carry on public transportation or to use in buildings with elevators or escalators. And you still need a car seat.

Price range: $20 (for some umbrella strollers) to $300.

Travel systems. A stroller and infant car seat combo for use with newborns and toddlers. The car seat fits in the stroller. When the child outgrows the car seat, usually at about 22 pounds, the stroller is used alone.

Pros: Adults can move a sleeping baby undisturbed from car to stroller.

Cons: Some early models were recalled because the stroller collapsed suddenly or the car seat handles failed. New models are improved.

Price range: $150 to $200.

Jogger or all-terrain strollers. Three-wheeled strollers for running with mom or dad, or traditional-style strollers with heavy-duty suspension or air-filled tires.

Pros: Good for off-road use.

Cons: Not suitable for babies younger than 6 months old. Can be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb.

Price range: $100 to $300.

Double strollers. Some models seat children side-by-side; tandems seat one child behind the other or face-to-face. Some can accommodate newborns in infant car seats.

Pros: The only way to push two children.

Cons: Heavier and harder to maneuver than single strollers. Side-by-side models can't be used with infant car seats; tandems can be hard to push over curbs.

Price range: $100 to $500.

Seat carrier frames. Lightweight, empty frames designed to hold an infant car seat, using it as the carriage.

Pros: Inexpensive and convenient.

Cons: Both the car seat and the frame must be replaced once the child outgrows the seat.

Price range: $40 to $50.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Generally, paying more gets you options such as extra padding, additional reclining positions, or a sophisticated suspension.

Safety belts. Get a model with a sturdy safety belt and crotch strap, which help keep a baby or a toddler from slipping out. Thick nylon webbing is the typical material used. Look for buckles that are easy for you to operate but difficult for small hands to unfasten. Most strollers offer only waist and crotch straps, but more (usually upscale models) are starting to offer an adjustable five-point harness (two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap), much like those found in car seats.

Brakes. Over the years, stroller brakes have become increasingly reliable and easier to use. Some are activated by a bar in the rear of the stroller frame (single-action). Others require two actions and have foot-operated tabs above each rear wheel. When brakes are engaged, plastic cogs engage with the sprockets of the rear wheels. Some pricier strollers have brakes on the front as well as the rear wheels. Avoid models that can hurt your feet as you engage or disengage the brakes with light shoes or bare feet.

Wheels. The SUV-syndrome has carried over into the stroller design with large wheels and rugged off-road appearance. The larger the wheels, the easier it is to negotiate curbs. But big wheels eat up trunk space. Most strollers offer double wheels on the front to make steering easier. Front wheels feature two positions: full swivel for smooth surfaces, or locked in the forward-facing position for rough terrain. Misaligned or loose wheels are a chronic stroller problem. One sign of good construction is that all wheels of a stroller contact the floor uniformly when there is a baby inside. Relatively new in stroller design are pneumatic (air-filled) tires. A pump is needed, but not supplied with some models. Some manufacturers have created wheel assemblies that can be completely slipped off the frame for easy replacement, which is a plus.

Shock absorbers. Some tires can help give baby a smoother ride. So can shock absorbers--covered springs or rubber pads above the wheel assemblies. Softer suspension is a newer feature that offers a smoother ride, but too-soft a ride can be at the expense of steering control. A few expensive imports have loose, nonrigid frames that are supposed to reduce jarring.

Handles. Handles might be padded, even thickly cushioned, on more expensive models. Adjustable handle bars can be extended or angled to accommodate parents of different heights. Reversible handles allow you to swing them over the top of the stroller, then lock them into position so that baby rides facing you. The same is possible with models with a reversible seat. A U-shaped handle not only allows for one-handed steering, but generally makes the stroller more stable and controllable. Umbrella strollers and other models with two independent handles require two hands to maneuver.

Canopies. These range from a fabric square strung between two wires to a deep, pull-down canopy that shields almost the entire front of the stroller. A canopy is a must-have, especially in glaring sunlight or inclement weather. Some canopies have a clear vinyl window on top so you can keep an eye on baby.

Leg holes and other openings (such as the head and around the occupant area). Strollers, for use with newborns or very young infants, must have leg holes that close so that an infant can't slip through. Manufacturers typically use fabric shields or hinged footrests that raise and clamp over leg holes.

Footrests. These can help children sit more comfortably without their legs dangling. Even the flimsiest strollers offer some type of footrest, but most are too low to help any but the tallest toddlers. For that reason, make sure the seat rim is soft and won't press uncomfortably into the back of the child's legs.

Fabric and upholstery. You'll want to be able to sponge off spills and splashes and launder the upholstery without worrying about shrinking, fading, or puckering. Look for a removable seat and laundry instructions, usually on an attached tag or on printed instructions inside the packaging.

Play tray. Strollers may have a tray where baby can play, dribble milk, and drop cookie crumbs. If the tray comes with attached toys, check their size. Some strollers have been recalled because small parts on their play trays' toys pose choking hazards. (No toy part, removable screws included, should be smaller than the diameter of a toilet-paper roll.) To make it easier to seat a squirming baby or toddler, the tray should open or be removable rather than permanently attached.

Parent trays. They're usually molded with a cup holder or compartment for keys, cell phone, etc.

Storage areas. Large, easily accessible storage underneath the stroller makes running errands with baby a lot easier. Basket sizes vary. Try to choose one that's at least big enough to hold a diaper bag. When shopping for a stroller, press on the storage-basket floor--it shouldn't drag on the ground when loaded.

Boots. A few strollers offer protective leg coverings, or oots, made of a matching fabric that can snap over baby's legs for added warmth.

Reflectors or reflective trim of fabric. Many strollers have this essential safety feature.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Key differences. A high price does not ensure high quality. Consumer Reports tests have shown that some economical strollers can perform as well as or even better than models priced hundreds of dollars more. Even higher-end models can suffer typical stroller flaws: rivets on frames that sheer off, seat fabric that rips, wheels that become misaligned, folding mechanisms that cease to function, and squeaks and rattles that develop.

Recommendations. A stroller is a key item of baby equipment, and you may well end up with more than one. To take a small infant or new born for a stroll, you'll need a model that lets you close the leg holes or other openings or one that's car-seat capable. Another option is to buy a travel system, which lets you transport the infant in the car seat.

For babies who can sit up, any type of stroller is fine. A lightweight model that's easy to fold and carry and has good shock absorption is an excellent choice. Off-road or three-wheel-type strollers steer differently than four-wheelers. Try them first to see if you can handle them. They can be unstable when you lift their rear wheels, say, going up a curb. Multiple-occupancy strollers are becoming increasingly popular, not only for transporting twins, but also for strolling with kids of different age levels. Tandem models are a bit harder to steer and move up a curb, but they pass through most doorways. Side-by-side models are easier to steer, but pose a challenge in narrow doorways.

When shopping for strollers, here are things to consider:

Test-drive the stroller. A stroller should fit the baby and the person pushing it. Take the models you're considering for a test drive. Make sure that you're not hunched over when you push and that your feet don't hit the stroller as you walk. For parents of different stature, look for a model with adjustable handle height. Try pushing with one hand as well as two; the stroller should immediate respond to your hand.

Check sturdiness. The frame should feel solid, not loose.

Check ease of folding/opening. See how easy it is to fold the stroller, remembering that you'll often be holding your baby and folding the stroller at the same time.

Consider weight and size. Strollers weigh anywhere from 7 to 35 pounds. That's important if you have to carry the stroller up the stairs at home. Check the size for fit in your car's trunk.

Manufacturers set a weight limit, usually 40 pounds. Too much weight loaded into the stroller can cause the frame to bend, the wheels to loosen, or the safety catches to accidentally release, leading to possible injuries. Never try to put two kids in a stroller meant for one.

Evaluate warranties and return policies. Most stroller manufacturers and retailers have warranties that protect you from poor workmanship and inherent flaws. Manufacturers may replace the stroller broken part--but in the meantime you're stranded without baby wheels. They also include a registration card with each new stroller. Fill out and return the portion that enables the manufacturer contact you in case of a recall.

Copyright ? 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

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