Friday, November 28, 2008

Antique Baby Cribs - Find What Your Looking For

Tons of new parents relished the idea of having their children use an antique baby crib that has been handed down from generation after generation. For some of them, those antique baby cribs brings forth years and years of memories and legacies. For others, who don't really have an antique baby crib in their family's possessions but nurtures the same idea, the solution is to buy one from flea markets or thrift shops. But a quick reminder to those impulsive parents, those antique baby cribs, though very nice to look at may pose a dangerous threat to your babies especially if the crib does not meet today's safety standards. So make sure that you take note of these tips before you place your precious toddlers in an antique baby crib.

First, consider the mattress. Old mattresses can be too soft and runs the risk of suffocating your baby. Sometimes, it may not even fit the frame of the crib, causing your baby to slip off the mattress and the crib frames. Second, make sure that the antique baby crib does not have anything protruding on its posts or railing. It can be potentially dangerous to babies who can already stand up as loose clothing or toys can become caught on these. Third, make sure that the slats of the crib are not too far apart nor broken. This also goes for any decorative holes in the headboard or footboards. Small baby heads might get trapped between these slats. Article on Baby Crib Bedding Set

So given the necessary precautions above and you are still dead set in buying or finding an antique baby crib. Time to check out the following things:

Craftsmanship, Uniqueness and Safety : Craftsmanship is what makes antique baby cribs unique in their own style. They are all hand crafted with pride, sometimes, making the design more elaborate and intricate than most common cribs. Be it as it is, still make sure that the crib's pieces are held together firmly. Though an antique baby crib is generally made up of steel tubing, iron rods and aluminum castings, some may be manufactured using solid wood or materials that are made from pressed wood. Just the same since your baby is your number one priority, their safety should always come first in choosing an antique baby crib. Uniqueness comes into play specially for those meticulous set of parents that really has an eye for style. Antiques often symbolizes heritage, so manufacturers aim to achieve to create masterpieces that will be different from everything else.

Though an antique baby crib may be nice to look at and may pass as sentimental, if it does not meet modern safety standards, it should not be used. Cribs that don't meet safety standards are not really worth it, considering the danger your babies might be facing. You're better off using it for decorative purposes only.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Finding Organic Baby Clothing And More On The Internet

The internet is a terrific resource, we all know that, but did you know that you can even buy organic infant outfits on the web?. Here are some online retailers worth checking out if you are you thinking about natural infant clothing.

Bunnybury Baby

If you are considering non-synthetic baby apparel, this is a company that you might want to look into if you would like to get all of your infants apparel and more in one place and make the entire process as quick and easy for yourself as possible.

Their range of natural items are chosen carefully for quality, purity and safety, as well as nourishing and safeguarding your little ones world at a practical price.

Their clothes are all made to be super comfortable for children while playing in and gives them some room to grow. They size generously so that your little one doesn't feel like their clothes are too tight and as though they are scrunched in.

They have garments made from Soybean fiber and their cotton is 100% certified organic.

Baby Center Store

Another store you can shop at for organic baby clothing is Baby Center Store. This baby clothing company is truly committed to offering their consumers only the highest quality organic clothing, at a sensible price.

They are always updating their selection so no matter what new fashions and styles you might be looking for, you will be able to find them here. They offer much more than just organic baby clothing, they also have many other products that you may want for your baby.

Maybe you are in the market for organic baby bedding, this is particularly popular, and for the bedroom organic bedding adds a lot and ensures that your baby is going to be sleeping on only the safest and gentlest materials available so you can both sleep well at night.

If you are considering making the switch to organic for your little ones apparel,there are a lot of fantastic organic cotton baby clothes and other natural infant clothing vendors available online that you can shop at.

Some benefits of shopping online are, no waiting in long lines at check out. You don't have to deal with crowds or traffic, especially during the holiday season. Heck you don't even have to get dressed to shop and most have a great return policy.

Locating retailers that sell natural baby clothing and more, are as close as your fingertips. Utilizing the web you can find some awesome companies. Let your fingers do the walking (or the typing in this case) to locate a website that sells natural infant clothing and more.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Everlasting Memories With A Disney Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is a hobby that appeals to both young and old, creating a Disney Scrapbook adds a totally new dimension to scrapbooking as you can incorporate some of your favorite characters into your everlasting memories. This type of scrapbook can be created by a beginner and seasoned veterans.

Disney characters have a magical quality about them and have a timeless appeal. Can you resist the delightful Winnie the Pooh? What about the crazy and silly antics of the famous Donald Duck? Or the everlasting beauty of Cinderella. I know I can’t!

What is a Disney Scrapbook? There are essentially three types of Disney Scrapbooks that can be created:

1. One that is made with materials that feature Disney Characters and themes.

2. One that encapsulates the memories of a visit to a Disney theme park or other attraction.

3. And the last; one that does both of the above things.

Disney products rank high in family friendliness. Making a scrapbook together with your children is a great family activity that is enjoyed by everyone it’s no wonder the two go together so well.

You can find many places to buy all the supplies you need to make your Disney Scrapbook. The Disney Comany has been creating wonderful characters for your so you will not be short for ideas. My goal is to provide you with a comprehensive reference source for everything you need for your Disney scrapbooking activities.

I’ll have links to the best places to buy pre-made Disney Scrapbook albums, Disney-themed Scrapbook paper, Disney stickers and much more.

There will also be articles on how to create your  Disney Scrapbook with the help of your children, Disney Scrapbook layouts, Disney Scrapbook ideas, journaling tips and general scrapbooking tips that can help you create your timeless memory that will be handed down from generation to generation.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sign Language Lessons - Learn The Essentials Of Silent Communication For Free

Babies sign language is a popular communication technique that parents and caregivers of small children use to communicate with each other before the child can use speech effectively. Parents can start teaching a modified version of ASL (American Sign Language) to their children as early as six months old. Babies can learn a few basic signs for everyday objects and things they want and need. Toddlers and older children can benefit from learning baby sign language as well.

If you really want to teach sign language to your baby here are few helpful tips for learning sign language

1.) Start Sooner than Later
First of all it is best to begin teaching your child as young as a few weeks old they will understand what signs mean much sooner. It is a lot like teaching your child how to speak a foreign language, the sooner you incorporate it into their normal routine the easier it is for them to learn.

2.) Make Signing Part of "Normal Conversation
When talking with your child, be sure to make it "normal" when you ask them if they are thirsty gesture the sign, if you ask them if they are all done, use the gesture. Incorporating sign into your everyday living makes the learning process flow, and the learning process seamless.

3.) Make Signing Fun
Make a game out of signing, see how many signs your child has retained be saying the word associated with it and see if they can gesture it back. Don't forget to reward them with stickers, snacks or by using your own personal reward system. Learning sign languageshould be fun, not a chore. Learning to communicate is a reward in itself.

4.) Use Resources to Your Advantage
Small children tend to take a great interest in anything on TV. Buying a movie that will help teach your children sign language can be very effective in helping them learn.

There are also a number of books that are great for younger children, as well as websites which have a directory, almost similar to a traditional dictionary, of words in sign language.

5.) Buy or Make "Flash Cards"
One of the most effective ways for a child to learn anything is through visualization. Help your child learn sign language by making "flash cards" for each and every word that you are teaching them. You may be able to find them online to print out. If not, you can try photocopying and enlarging words from books or if you are artistic, you can even make your own.

6.) Another way of Communicating
One thing that you should keep in mind when you are trying to teach your children how to sign is that it is important to associate the sign or gesture with the word associated with it. When we learn languages, we associate objects with words. Well, with sign language, we associate words objects with gestures. Keeping this in mind will make teaching your child sign language easier in the long run.

There are several benefits of teaching your child baby sign language:

- Early development of language skills

- Advanced mental development

- Increased vocabulary

- Less incidents of tantrums due to frustration in communicating

- More parent-child interaction

You can experience these benefits with your child when you teach your baby sign language. You will be amazed at how much your little one has to share with you and how much fun it can be to learn together. Your child will be able to express their needs and wants to you and experience the joy of communicating with you about their world.

 

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Best Wireless Baby Monitors

wireless baby monitors

A baby monitor is essentially a radio transmitter on a fixed frequency that puts out a nice FM signal so long as it is on. Most baby monitors transmit on a fixed frequency of 49.300, 49.830, 49.845, 49.860, 49.875, or 49.890 MHz (some have an A/B switch that lets you pick one of two of these). If the monitor is in an upstairs bedroom, in a house not covered with aluminum siding, even the simplest radio scanner can easily hear all sounds from that room. The receiver in a radio scanner is typically quite a bit more sensitive than the receiver portion of your baby monitor, and the scanner can pick up the transmission from perhaps half a mile away.

Baby monitors can be used for a large number of different practical applications. Some Baby Monitors is also useful for home security. You can use the Baby Monitor to monitor doors and windows throughout the house. Often overlooked is the securtity aspect of baby monitors. Sometimes, elderly family members can be very difficult to care for, but the Home Sentinel Baby Monitor can make the task a little bit easier.

The two-piece monitor sets resemble walkie-talkies. The monitors have pale gray and royal blue plastic casing. A red "on" light and a blue "Gerry" label appear on the front of each monitor. The back of the monitors are embossed with "GERRY DELUXE BABY MONITOR MODEL 602" and the manufacturer's date code. The date code appears as a circle of numbers, with an arrow pointing to the number of the month and the two-digit year number on either side of the arrow. This recall involves monitors with date codes "8806" (June 1988) through "9005" (May 1990).

Walking into a room while a child is sleeping could potentially wake him or her. Baby monitors with digital video allow parents to watch over their children without being in the room, ensuring they wont wake their child.

Newer digital baby monitors have come out to address the problems of static and eavesdropping by using digital spread spectrum (DSS) technology. This technology scrambles signals traveling from monitor to receiver so that signals can't be intercepted by any outside devices.

There are many types of baby monitors available. Some of the best baby monitors offer wireless designs with color lcd's for easier viewing. Prices of some of the best wireless baby monitors are dropping and many good deals are to be had.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Holiday Crafts to Make

For most people, Christmas is one of the most enjoyable and vibrant seasons of the year. It is also one of the best times to show off your creative side. There are numerous Christmas crafts to make during this holiday season!

 

Christmas crafts can be used for a number of purposes. Many people use Christmas crafts as holiday décor. Crafts, such as homemade Christmas balls, candy cane reindeer, and miniature Santa figurines can be used to adorn one’s homes and Christmas trees. Meanwhile, other crafts, such as scented candles, gift baskets or knitted clothing, can be given away as gifts to other people. Food, such as Christmas cookies or crackers, can be eaten or be used as decorations around the house.

 

Deciding on what Christmas craft to make can be overwhelming, with the many different crafts available. When choosing which Christmas crafts to make, take into consideration what crafts you or the receiver will have use for. Try checking out the local shops and stores to see what the current trends are for the season. Use Christmas craft books and various Internet resources to help you in the selection. Don’t forget to put your own special twist to the finished product so that it will remain unique and one-of-a-kind. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one – make as many as you want!

 

Although making Christmas crafts can take some time and can occasionally be quite tedious, a lot of people continue to create and give away Christmas crafts for several reasons. First of all, Christmas crafts are more personal than gifts bought from the store. Time and effort is required to create high-quality crafts to be used at home or to be given away as presents. Some people also include in the designs the name of the receiver of the gift, making it even more special and personalized.

 

Another great thing about Christmas crafts is that they aren’t expensive. Some Christmas crafts, such as pinecone angels or snowman puppets, can be used to decorate your living spaces even after Christmas. If the crafts are preserved well, they can even be used years after.

 

Finally, making Christmas crafts is a great time to bond with your family and friends. Keep your children busy but happy by having them help out and show off their artistic side. Take time out to set the table for Christmas dinner or decorate the Christmas tree together. Making Christmas crafts is definitely a rewarding experience that you and your family can share!

 

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Keep Baby Safe - Get a Baby Sling

Until you have fully experienced the incredible value of carrying your newborn "hands free," you will never know what you are overlooking. From the beginning of time, mothers of newborns have been busy with other day-to-day responsibilities that often involved the use of their hands. Because a newborn human demands to have the need to be nurtured met in a very persistent way at times, the new mother has few choices: let the infant cry it out until he or she either fell asleep or reached the realization that crying was not going to produce the desired nurturing, put off the work at hand in order to tend to the baby's needs and wants until the baby was ready for a nap, or incorporate the physical contact into the work at hand.

Somewhere along the way, western civilization got away from the use of baby slings, scarves, and carriers that functioned to keep the baby close to his or her mother's body without paralysing the mother from being able to accomplish her many daily duties. Luckily, with the coming of the internet, women have started opening their eyes to some of the incredible ideas that were lost with the introduction of pushchairs, bouncy seats, car seats, and bassinets.

You have many different types of front baby carriers to choose from including backpacks, front carriers and slings.. All will enable you to work hands free and look after your baby while safely performing other jobs.

Baby front carriers, which are comprised of two shoulder harness straps that typically criss-cross the back and support a fabric seat that the baby is {slid|slipped} into with his or her feet dangling. In this type of carrier, the baby can face toward either the front or the back and is usually held very close to the parents chest.

A baby backpack is typically used for a slightly older baby that has good neck control and is sitting up fairly well without support. Baby backpacks typically have a sturdy aluminum or plastic frame. The benefit is that the heavier baby is more easily held with the stronger back muscles. Although good the backpack has your baby in a place were it is not easy to give him attention.

A baby scarf is a long fabric that is wrapped around the baby and the shoulders and back of the mother. The swaddling effect keeps the baby close to the heat, sound, and contact of his or her mother. Once a baby begins to get a little older and more active, a scarf is more difficult to use as the baby often works them loose, making them less safe.

A baby sling is perhaps the most versatile of the choices available for hands free carrying of a baby because of the ease in positioning the baby in accordance with his or her size, strength, development, and immediate needs. A baby can lie down in a cradled position, discreetly breastfeed (Yes. With practice, this too can take place HANDS FREE!), sit up either facing the adult, facing away from the adult, sitting on the hip of the adults, or even on the back. The disadvantage of the sling is that it will take diligent practice to get comfortable with as your baby grows. Take the word of somebody who has experience, your perseverance will pay off and you'll be able to use your baby sling until he is four or five years old.

Take the time to look into which hands free baby carrying method is best for you and your family. The value and peace of mind you get will be immeasurable!

To learn more about Baby Front Carriers please click the link.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Keep your Family Photos Safe

Digital cameras make it easy to take lots of photos, but you can easily find yourself without any of them if your computer crashes.All your familiy photos, your priceless memories, lost forever.

Most people who do backup their photos do it to CD's or DVD's.  But this is a feel good measure that does little good.  CD's and DVD's can start showing errors within three years even when stored in the best of conditions.Only perfect conditions will prevent these errors from happening faster.

And sharing your family photos between your computer, your mates, your kids, is just burdensome.Most end up using an online freebie service that makes you give up personal information or resorting to email just to share pictures.  But there is a much better way that is both inexpensive and easy to use, Internet Attached Storage.

Internet Attached Storage (like OPENRSM CloudBackup) is the combination of Online Backup, local network disk, and file sharing all in one.You don't have to live within the limits of a free service and you also gain a great backup of all your other precious data.

Here's how it works.  You create an with an Internet Attached Storage provider.You set up the software provided for Internet Attached Storage on every computer you have.  Every computer will then automatically back up when you've configured and every computer will also have it's own private backup at the Internet Attached Storage provider show up as a disk on the local system.And the best thing is.A shared folder can be created.Doing this makes the newly shared folder accessable everywhere you want.

No more emailing photos, no more using services that make you give up your privacy.  And all the computers have backup for your other important files (like banking, documents, email) as well as having all those photos available from every computer.This saves disk space and if your daughter happens to delete one of your photos, the backup copy is only clicks away at your Internet Attached Storage area.So if you don't discover a damaged photo immediatly you still have the original available.

Here's the important things to remember.Trusting CDs isn't smart if your photos are important to you. They damage easily. Also, recorded CD's can deteriorate in just a few years.Most online photo sharing sites are free but there is a cost in privacy and control of your precious photos.Internet Attached Storage gives you a safe backup away from the dangers associated with your home or computer.  Keeping photos organized makes everything easier because Internet Attached Storage mirrors the structure of your own disk. Ensure you automatically backup new photos, you don't want to lose pictures because you forgot that one time.Make it automatic so you can't fail to remember to do it.

Not every online backup or Internet Attached Storage provider have advanced synchronization, automation, or network drive and folder sharing features.  We've looked as many of these services and suggest that you use OPENRSM CloudBackup.It has advanced file sharing, low cost, and the ease of use and automation you need to keep your precious family pictures safe.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Beeswax Candles Are Great For Your Home

The beeswax candles are currently at the very top in the candles world. These candles are really expensive, but there are good reasons for that. And it is great to know that you will hardly find a candle that is as clean as beeswax candle.

There are three different candle competitors that beeswax candles are competing with: paraffin candles, soy candles and gel candles. You will see that the competitors have lower quality and are less pricey.

Commercial bee farmers are collecting the wax from the bee hives, and this wax is what we use to make beeswax candles. Then the beeswax is purified and prepared specially for the process of candles making. The purification process includes heating the wax in hot water.

There are scented and unscented varieties, besides the difference beeswax candles have in their form and shape. Because of their great burning characteristics, these candles are considered to be the best there is on the market. Candles like these are emitting a heavy yellow color as well as burining with a warmer flame which makes them different from other candle types.

There is only a small amount of wax dripping from a beeswax candles.

And it is because of these characteristic that the candles are very welcome in religious services. Some religious institutions like the Catholic Church make heavy use of candles during their services. It would make a real mess if those candles were dripping a lot of wax.

And they handle this problem by choosing only beeswax candles, since they do not drip wax at all. You will not have to tolerate a lot of smoke from these candles, simply because they do not produce it. To tell it in a different way, beeswax candles burn very cleanly. This characteristic makes them desirable candles to burn with children in the home and also generally to protect your family's respiratory systems.

Bad candles will produce soot that will leave dark spots and your ceilings and walls or you will have a bad petroleum smell in your room if you have paraffin candles; but beeswas candles do not have these problems.

Even though the beeswax candles are more expensive due to the labor involved during the farming process, their benefits make them worth the additional expense.

Monday, November 3, 2008

How to Help Your With Their Baby Teething Pain


The baby teething process is a difficult one on both the parents and the child.For most babies, it is a very painful process as the baby teeth begin to come in.  It is difficult to sooth their gums, leaving many parents upset by their crying child.  While some babies do not have a complicated time, parents should be prepared for difficulty.  Infants generally begin teething at around six months old.

Indications of Teething

The baby teething process will be unique to every child.  With some children, the crankiness and agitation begin just before the teething process starts.  Some children will become the most irritable just as the teeth break through the gums.  Other children may be fine while the first few teeth appear, but grow more agitated as later teeth appear.  It is thought that babies are caused the most distress because they are not familiar with the sensations, so the new feelings scare them.

Baby teething can also cause your child to drool excessively.  Many babies will begin producing extra saliva while they are teething.  This excessive dribbling can cause rashes on the chin, because of the excess moisture that lingers on the skin.  Use a drool bib or wipes to keep the chin as dry as possible.  Preventing a rash will keep your baby from suffering further agitation during this painful process.

Some children will begin to show symptoms that resemble the common cold during the baby teething process.  They might have a low fever, runny nose, or a slight cough.  If you notice any of these symptoms lasting for more than a day or two, consult your physician to make sure that there is not a problem.

Some babies pull on their ears or chew things when they begin teething.  The chewing is an attempt to put pressure on the gums and relieve the teething sensation.  If your baby is pulling on their ear and displaying a slight fever, check with your pediatrician to see if it is just teething or if it is an ear infection.

Baby Teething Assistance

It can be difficult to see your child in pain.There are some otc medications available to parents who want to alleviate the hurting.  Discuss these options with a physician before using them.

A baby teething ring is a safe way to help your child.  Place the ring in the refrigerator to cool it, and then your child can gnaw on the ring to soothe their gums.Other similar options include rubbing their gums with a chilled wash cloth or your finger.  Some babies find lots of relief in these strategies.  Try them all to see what your child best responds to.

The baby teething process can seem like it never ends, especially if the baby is constantly agitated and crying.  Pay attention to the symptoms and begin to offer remedies as soon as possible.  This will help you both through the process more easily.  It is only a temporary pain that will be over before you know it.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Give the Perfect Baby Christening Gift

So, you've been invited to celebrate the first spiritual occasion in a child's life and are now looking for the perfect christening or baptism gift

 

You are no doubt looking for the ideal baptism or christening gift that will put a smile on the faces of the parents as they open it.  It’s always so rewarding when you see how genuinely delighted they are with your gift.  It makes you feel good that you chose something they really appreciate. 

 

Since a baby’s christening or baptism is such a special event, you might want to consider giving a gift that will become a treasured memory for years to come.  A personalized gift is a great choice since it will be engraved with the baby's name and the date. This is a terrific way for the baby to always remember their baptismal day when he or she officially became a member of God's family.

 

Here is a list of just some of the wonderful baptism and christening gift ideas available that will create a lifetime keepsake for the baby.

 

·         Engraved Picture Frame – A great way to display a favorite photo of the baby all dressed up in their baptism or christening gown. 

·         Cross Necklace – A baby’s first cross necklace will complement any outfit on their baptism or christening day and will become a treasured family heirloom.  Presented in a personalized keepsake box will make it even more of a memento.

·         Children’s Bible – A child will love learning Bible stories when the illustrations are meant to appeal to children.  Some versions even offer front cover personalization with keepsake packaging.

·         Cross Plaque – Hanging on the child’s bedroom wall, it’s the perfect reminder that they are a member of God’s family.  There are many styles to choose from.  A cross might picture a boy or girl praying or it might display a special prayer along with the child’s name.

·         Personalized Photo Album – Provides a terrific way to display all the cherished photos from this special occasion.   

·         Embroidered Blanket – Throws are quite popular these days so why not give one that is personalized and commemorates the baby’s baptism day. 

·         Plush Lamb – A truly unique gift that the child can cuddle with and learn the prayer or song it plays.        

Giving a keepsake baptism or christening gift is a wonderful way to honor the memory of this special Christian celebration as the child grows, both physically and spiritually.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

The Importance of Sleep and Routine for Young Children

Sleep problems in children are oftentimes very different from the sleep troubles that plague grownups. Studies have shown that youngsters who do not receive sufficient sleep at night will frequently drop off in class, will not have the get-up-and-go to exercise and will experience feelings of depression. Nightmares, bedwetting together with sleepwalking are common symptoms of sleep problems in children, so parents should know how to deal with these issues. If you are concerned about your children's sleeping habits, then read on for some valuable advice on getting them into a sleep schedule that will better their quality of life.

New parents are frequently very concerned about how much sleep their child is having. Newborn babies have irregular sleep cycles and sleep an average of sixteen to seventeen hours per day. However, they may only sleep one or two hours at a time. As babies progress, the total number of hours they need for sleep decreases. A pre-school youngster might still want to sleep ten to twelve hours in every twenty four, whereas a school age youngster sleeps about ten hours in every twenty four. It is important to remember that each child's sleeping pattern will be different.

Studies have shown that, as many as thirty seven percent of all youngsters suffer some form of major sleep issues including disrupted sleep, nightmares, sleepwalking and unwillingness to go to sleep.  Bedwetting is an additional problem in older kids. The culmination of these issues can be the trigger of attention and behavior problems as well as attention deficit hyperactive disorder or ADHD in some school age children. If your child has trouble getting off to sleep, it is important for you, as a parent, to work out if the cause might be the result or side effect of any ADHD medication he or she may be taking.

Sleep problems in children can without doubt be overcome if a normal sleep schedule is adopted to ensure that your child gets enough rest. Begin by establishing a quiet time before bedtime. This is a great time to take a bath and read a story. By winding down and relaxing, your little one will be able to drop off faster. Once the body adjusts to a set schedule, he or she is more likely to be ready for bed at the same time each night. If your youngster suffers from night panics or nightmares, then make her more comfortable by turning on a night light in the bedroom and allowing her to sleep with a favorite teddy or other cuddly toy. Physical comfort, such as a firm sleep system is also key to a good night of rest, as well as roomy and cozy pj's.

Kids learn from good example, so stick to a regular sleep ritual yourself. If your child's symptoms remain, then look at visiting a sleep specialist. Sometimes sleep problems in children can be caused by depression or several other anxiety disorders. However, remember that every child is unique. If they are lively and active during the day, then do not worry if they are suffering periodic sleepless nights.