Baby Slings - Comfort for Both the Child and the Parent

Baby slings are one of those things that have been in existence for thousands of years but have only just recently made a comeback in modern society. It's hard to imagine how previous generations of mothers manage without something like baby sling carriers to help them carry their babies.

There are several advantages to using a sling to carry your baby in. First of all, baby is comforted by the presence of your body. This has both a calming influence and creates more of a bond between parent and child.

Fathers can particularly take advantage of sling carriers. With these items hey get to participate more in the life of their new baby. When carrying a baby in a sling, you become closely attuned to her breathing rhythms and movements. This allows you to anticipate your child's needs more fully.

There is evidence that the babies cognitive abilities develop more rapidly when he is transported in a swing. One of the reasons for this could be the reduced stress because of the soothing effect of being close to the parent. Seen in this light a sling or carrier is a 2-way street where both parent and child will benefit.

Yet another big advantage of sling carriers is that they free your hands and allow you to do other household tasks while carrying your baby. You can look after older children and do household chores while the new baby is safely tucked into the sling.

You can adjust the position of the sling to make both you and baby more comfortable. Baby can be placed on the hip, the belly, or even on the back, but this requires some skill to get used to doing safely.

Mothers can nurse their babies while they are in the sling, providing both privacy and mobility -- the sling can be adjusted so that baby can nurse on her own, leading Mom's hands free to do other things.

Slings are most often used with newborns, but they can also be used for toddlers up to 35 pounds. Carrying around a big baby like this can be tiresome, though, and most parents opt for a stroller at that stage.

Some parents may find that sling carriers are not as comfortable as other types of baby carriers. Parents with back problems in particular may find a sling to increase their back pain.

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Popular Baby Names

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains the meaning and history of the 50 most popular baby names in the United States this year.

25 Most Popular Names for BOYS

1 (most popular). Jacob is a biblical name, which has its origins in the Hebrew language.

Jacob means 'supplanter' or 'one who grasps the heel;' this is because the biblical Jacob
was born holding his twin brother's heel.

2. Michael is a biblical name, which means 'who is like God.' The bearer of this name
in the bible is the leader of heaven's armies, and so is considered the patron saint of
soldiers.

3. Joshua is from the Hebrew language, and means 'savior.' In the bible Joshua was
chosen to lead the Isrealites as the successor to Moses.

4. Matthew is a biblical name, meaning 'given,' or 'reward.' Matthew was one of the 12
apostles, and wrote the first Gospel in the New Testament regarding the life of Jesus.

5. Andrew is a biblical name which means 'manly' and 'brave.' In the bible Andrew
was the first apostle, and is the patron saint of Scotland and of Russia.

6. Joseph is a biblical name meaning 'addition,' or 'increase.'

7. Ethan is the name from the Old Testament. It means 'solid, strong,' and 'constancy,
enduring.'

8. Daniel means 'God is my judge.' In the Old Testament Daniel was a prophet.

9. Christopher is a Latin name, and it means 'bearing Christ,' or 'he who holds Christ in
his heart.' When Jesus was a child, Saint Christopher is believed to have carried him
across a river.

10. Anthony is a Latin name which means 'flower,' from the Greek word anthos, or
'priceless.'

11. William has its origins in the German language, and means 'helmet, protection.'
This is also the first name of Mr. Shakespeare.

12. Ryan is an Irish name in origin, which means 'little king

13. Nicholas is a Greek name which means 'the people's victory.' St. Nicholas, better
known as Santa Claus, is the patron saint of children and merchants.

14. David is a Hebrew name meaning 'beloved,' or 'dear.' In the Old Testament David
was the second king of Israel.

15. Tyler is derived from an Old English surname which was used to denote one's
occupation as a 'tile layer.'

16. Alexander is derived from the Greek. It means 'defender of men.'

17. John is a biblical name; owned by John the Baptist and John the apostle. John means
'gracious,' or 'mercy of the Lord.'

18. James is a Hebrew name, and a derivative of the common name Jacob. James means
'to supplant.'

19. Dylan is a Welsh name and means 'sea,' or 'Son of the wave.'

20. Zachary is an English variant on the Hebrew name Zachariah, which means
'remembered by God.'

21. Brandon is an English name of a place, which meant 'hill covered with broom;'
broom is a weed. Brandon is also a variant of the Irish name Brendan, which either
means 'prince,' or 'stinking hair.'

22. Jonathan is a biblical name which means 'given of God.'

23. Samuel is a Hebrew name, held by a prophet in the Old Testament. It means 'God
has heard.'

24. Christian meand 'follower of Christ,' and has origins in many languages and
cultures.

25. Benjamin is a Hebrew name appearing in the Old Testament; it means 'son of the
right hand.'

25 Most Popular Names for GIRLS

1. Emily has its origins in Latin, and means 'industrious' in French and German as well.

2. Emma has German and English origins, and means 'whole,' or 'universal' in both
languages.

3. Madison is an English surname derived either from the name Matthew, meaning 'gift,'
or is derived from the name Matilda, meaning 'strong fighter.'

4. Hannah is a Hebrew name which means 'gracious,' and 'merciful.'

5. Olivia is a derivative of the Latin word 'olive,' which is a symbol of peace.

6. Abigail is a Hebrew name meaning 'Father's joy.'

7. Alexis is from the Greek; it means 'helper,' or 'defender.'

8. Ashley is an English name that means 'she dwells in the ash tree grove.'

9. Elizabeth is a biblical name; the mother of John the Baptist in the New Testament.
Elizabeth means 'oath of God.'

10. Samantha is a feminine form of the name Samuel. Samantha means 'listener.'

11. Isabella means 'devoted to God' in Hebrew. It is also supposed to be a Spanish
variant on the name Elizabeth.

12. Sarah is the biblical wife of Abraham and mother Issac, the name Sarah means
'princess.'

13. Grace is an English name meaning 'God's favor.'

14. Alyssa, according to the Greek tradition, means rational.

15. Lauren means 'from the place of Laurel trees,' which in Greek culture are symbols
of honor and victory.

16. Kayla means 'keeper of the keys,' or 'pure' in both English and Greek.

17. Brianna is from Celtic, meaning 'she who ascends,' or 'strong.'

18. Jessica has Shakespearean origins, first appearing in its modern form in the play 'The
Merchant of Venice.'

19. Taylor was an English surname denoting the occupation of tailor.

20. Sophia is from the Greek, and means 'wise.'

21. Anna was used in the Native American Algonquin tribe to mean 'mother,' and also
holds the meaning 'grace' in many languages, including Russian.

22. Victoria was the Roman goddess of victory, and the name consequently means
'victorious.'

23. Natalie is derived from the Latin, and means 'born at Christmas.'

24. Chloe means 'green shoot' in Greek. The name also appears in the bible.

25. Sydney means 'from Saint-Denis,' or 'wide-island.' The name has traceable origins in French and in English.

Monica Nelson writes articles that answer womens health questions such as what are common pregnancy symptoms, which pregnancy tests are more accurate, what are popular baby names which weightloss programs really work, and other topics of interest to women.

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Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant mother's pregnancy. Planning a baby shower requires some thought and consideration for the expectant mother's special event. Baby shower favors are among the items that must be considered when planning a shower.

Baby shower favors do not have to be complicated to make an impressionable impact on visitors. Most people are happy enough to come to the shower just to visit the mom to be in all her pregnant glory. Baby shower favors however can provide a memento of the unique event and offer a simple way to thank guests for visiting and celebrating the mother's time of joy.

Baby shower favors come in every size, shape and form. Some simple gift ideas include the following:

• Candles
• Miniature boxes of chocolates or candy
• Bath and body items
• Pictures
• Gift baskets
• Lotto tickets
• Movie tickets

Keep in mind that to make any party even more fun and eventful, baby shower favors that coincide with the "theme" of the party are even more fun to pass out. For example, if the expectant mother is carrying twins, and the theme of the shower revolves around multiples, it might be possible to offer baby shower gifts that coincide with this idea. Some ideas in this situation might involve the following:

• Double Bubble
• "Twix" Candy Bars
• 2 pairs of anything
• Identical picture frames
• Manicure and pedicure set
• Pair of coffee spoons

One neat idea for baby shower favors is to have each guest bring a "white elephant gift". The idea of white elephant gifts typically surfaces during Christmas time, when guests are invited to bring a "mock" gift to a party for exchange. This may include silly items such as used household appliances, a roll of toilet paper or an open box of Oreo cookies. Guests are encouraged to wrap the gifts, then each member of the party can select a number and draw gifts. Using white elephant gifts as party favors is a great way to share laughter and joy in a shower situation.

About The Author

Corporate gift strategist Adriana Copaceanu specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase their referrals through the strategic use of gifts. She offers a customized worry free gift giving service to fit the budget of any size business to assist them in standing out from the crowd. See her gift basket gallery here: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/

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Baby Proofing - Steps to Baby Proofing a Home

Taking steps to baby proof your home is essential for baby and toddler safety - starting when they can move around on their own. Start the process by getting down low at the level where babies and toddlers operate to identify threats and dangers. Make a list of your new found dangers and start looking for items to baby proof and make these dangers non-threatening to your baby.

Tips to baby proof your home:

• Electrical outlets: Baby proofing electrical outlets are your main priority. Don't wait for baby to start crawling, make it your first baby proofing duty while baby is not yet mobile. I prefer to use universal outlet covers that slide shut when the electrical appliance is removed. Remember to use power strip covers to guard against electrical shock from power strips that are usually under the office desk or around home appliances and electronics.

• Cupboard doors: Cupboards below the kitchen and bathroom sink usually store household chemicals. Move these to an area above the reach of baby and toddler, then use sliding door locks or magnetic locks to secure these doors.

• Drowning threats: Secure your bathroom toilet lid cover with a lid lock. Use wireless outdoor/indoor monitors to monitor areas around you swimming pool or areas where large pools of water exist. It is a good idea to use baby walkers equipped with safety brakes if baby is mobile around swimming pools.

• Fingers and Toes: Babies and toddlers push and pull on doors, and fingers get slammed between door and door jamb. Prevent this by installing child proof door locks.

• Safety Gates: These come in many different styles and function. Some are designed for the top of the stairs, some can be custom configured and some are made of soft material, while others use pressure mounted designs that won't mar walls. Most of designed to fit standard doorways.

• Coffee tables: Buy round edged tables and avoid sharp edged 90 degree angles. Soft wood and not metal or glass. Simply remove glass and metal coffee tables and replace with soft furniture made of leather or fabric.

• Driveway: Toddlers have what experts call the "goodbye syndrome", simply it is the urge to follow mom and dad out the door to say good bye, as small children it is important we have an alarm system to detect motion in the driveway.

• The not so obvious: At the level where kids crawl, live, dust, dirt and insects that can irritate lungs and skin. We use a robotic vacuum to clean areas where baby crawls, while the robot cleans we use this time to play with baby.

Top 10 Baby Items to NOT Buy

1. Walkers

Many people mistakenly believe that baby walkers can help babies learn to walk, but in fact, they can delay walking and cause improper muscle development. Additionally, they are not safe. They have been taken off the market in Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends they not be used. There's really no reason to use a walker. If you need a safe place to place your baby while your doing something, get a stationary activity center or swing instead.

2. Bumbo Chairs

These popular baby "sitters" were recently recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to their unsafe nature. Because there is no belt or safety harness. Babies can easily flip out of the seat and fall. Additionally, some health practitioners believe it puts babies in an unnatural position. These chairs are not safe places to leave your baby unattended, and are not supposed to used above floor level, which kind of eliminates their usefulness.

3. Diaper Genie

These environmental hogs encase each dirty diaper in its own little plastic casing, in effort to eliminate odors. But you have to keep buying the refill plastic thingys which cost around $8 for 110 diapers, for the average newborn that could last about a week! Not to mention the addition of MORE plastic to the landfill. Instead, consider a diaper pail that allows you to put a dirty diaper in the pail without exposing all the other dirty diapers.

4. DVDs/Movies

While there are some videos that claim to make babies smarter, there is no evidence that this is true. In fact, it is not recommended that babies watch TV at all until the age of two, while that might seem like a long time, many babies are not even intereseted in watching TV and many can be confused and overstimulated by the fast pace. Even children's cartoons can be violent and contain adult content, and babies don't understand that it is not real.

5. Toys

Yes, I know this is shocking. But here's the honest truth: When you have a baby you will amass a large collection of toys, without ever having to buy a single one. And a lot of babies don't like toys that much. I found myself completely overwhelmed by the amount of toys we received, and I never really needed to buy any.

6. Sterilizer

Unless you have an immune-compromised baby, it is not necessary to steam sterilize the bottles. And in fact the high heat can break down the plastic, causing it to be absorbed into the breast milk or formula.

7. Wipes Warmer

Most wipes warmers require batteries, electricity and refill cartridges. Why not just warm the wipe with your hands?

8. Crib Bumpers

Crib bumpers are an unnecessary bedding accessory that can pose a risk of suffocation. A new study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that many infants lack the motor development necessary move their head away if they are up against a bumper. Additionally they reduce the air flow around the crib area, and can collect dust.

9. Flame-Retardant PJ's

The reason that many pajamas for children are flame-retardant, is because they are made of polyester, which will melt instantly when in contact with flames or high heat. Instead use 100% cotton pajamas that are not loose fitting. The chemicals used as flame retardants, PBDE's (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) have been linked to brain and thyroid problems, and levels of PBDEs in people's bodies are rapidly increasing.

10. Nursery water with Fluoride

While many people believe in the helpful effects of fluoride in preventing tooth decay, it can be very harmful for infants to ingest. Both the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control have warned that infants should not be exposed to fluoride, nor is there any evidence that ingesting it can benefit their teeth. Ingestion of fluoride has been linked to bone cancer, thyroid disorders and an arthritic-like condition, skeletal fluorisis.

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Baby Walker - Friend or Foe?

Baby walkers, or sometimes also called a walking ring date back as far as 1870. Parents have been using this aid to amuse and keep babies occupied for many years.

Nowadays many parents use this plaything to encourage their baby to walk.

Of course, when parents talk about babies, walkers and encouraging them to walk, one question is bound to be raised sooner or later...

"Does a walker really encourage my baby to walk? And will a walker help my child to walk at an earlier age?"

The answer lies in looking at the pros and cons. And how to use it sensibly.

Normal baby development follows very definite development patterns.

These patterns are commonly known as milestones. And each milestone develops very specific skills babies need for normal functioning.

Many toys and aids are nowadays designed to encourage and stimulate infants to develop these skills. Thereby stimulating development.

On the other hand, walkers were initially used as an aid to give infants the ability to move about in an upright position before they've developed the skills to do so on their own.

Walkers were not designed to stimulate and encourage normal walking.

What it means is this:

Before any baby can walk, she must master proper balance and bearing weight on her legs and feet.

But when small babies spend most of their early weeks in a walking ring, they almost always learn to walk on their toes.

This walking style is abnormal and often shortens the Achilles tendon which eventually messes up your child's balance when she really starts to walk independently.

What's more, the actual standing position in a walker doesn't improve an infant's balance. And teaching the knees to take weight is often disturbed and often does not develop naturally.

Practical observations show that many babies who spend most of their days in a walker struggle to or never crawl.

This is especially true if a baby is put in a walker at a very early age. Or spends too much time in a walking ring.

Crawling on the other hand teaches important motor and perceptual skills such as distance, depth... concepts such as in, out, on and under.

Chances are therefore good that a baby who spends too little time crawling won't properly master or take longer to master these skills.

One more important point:

Injuries to your baby's head caused by the walker falling over is probably the single biggest reason to use a baby walker sensibly and under supervision.

Bottom line is... spending too much time in a walker rarely encourages your baby to walk sooner.

So, is using a walker forbidden?

No, definitely not.

As long as you use it sensibly and for short periods to keep your child entertained while you're occupied elsewhere, it can be a good friend.

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Baby Safety Checklist - Protecting Your Baby

When bringing home your new baby, there are so many things to do in order to get ready. Making your home a safe haven for your new little one is one of the most important things you will do to get ready. Each room contains its own set of dangers. Below is a baby safety checklist to ensure that every room in your house is baby friendly.

General Safety Tips:

___ Place child-resistant covers on all electrical outlets.

___ Install safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.

___ Don't use baby walkers because they have been known to have caused serious injuries to babies. Use stationary exercisers instead.

___ Keep all dangerous chemicals out of the reach of children.

___ Shorten curtain and blind cords.

___ Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas. * Be sure to change the batteries each year.

___ Keep all small objects away from young children. (This includes tiny toys and balloons.)

___ Use corner bumpers on furniture and fireplace-hearth edges.

___ Know the names of all plants in case a child eats one of them.

___ Be sure that furnaces, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and all gas appliances are vented properly.

___ Place screened barriers around fireplaces, radiators, and portable space heaters.

___ Keep firearms and ammunition safely locked away.

___ Secure unsteady furnishings.

___ Check your house for lead and asbestos. If you detect either of these substances, contact a professional. Any house built before 1978 is at risk for lead paint.

Protect your kids rooms:

___ Ensure that your crib meets national safety standards.

___ Place guards on windows and stops on all doors.

___ Make sure your baby's crib is sturdy and has no loose or missing hardware.

___ Make sure that the mattress fits snugly.

___ Be sure the crib sheet fits snugly.

___ Never put stuffed animals or heavy blankets in the crib with your infant.

___ Never leave your baby unattended on the changing table.

___ Remove mobiles and other hanging toys from the crib as soon as your child can reach up and touch them.

___ Place infants under one year of age on their backs to sleep. Mattress should be firm and flat with no soft bedding underneath. * Following this advice will reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

___ Place night-lights at least three feet away from the crib, bedding, and draperies to prevent fires.

___ Check age labels for appropriate toys.

Keep the bathroom safe:

___ Put a lock on the medicine cabinet.

___ Lower the household water temperature. (It should be set at 120 degrees F or below to avoid burning your baby)

___ Always test the water first before bathing a child.

___ Never leave your child alone in the bathtub or near any water.

___ Secure toilet lids. Many young children are fascinated by putting objects inside.

___ Make sure that bathtubs and showers aren't slippery.

___ Install ground-fault circuit interrupters on outlets near sings and bathtubs.

For the Kitchen:

___ Keep all knives, cleaning supplies, and plastic bags out of children's reach.

___ If stove knobs are easily accessible to children, use protective covers to prevent kids from turning them.

___ Never leave your baby alone in a highchair. Always use all safety straps.
___ Replace any frayed cords and wires.

___ Keep chairs and step stools away from counters and the stove.

___ Remove all household cleaners from the bottom cabinets or put them in a cabinet that is out of your baby's reach.

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