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Baby Safety
Having a baby can be expensive, so many parents bargain shop to help cut the costs. This is fine as long as you know what you are buying and what is considered unsafe for your child. Here are some items you may be in the market for that can be potentially unsafe:
Crib
Don't buy a crib until you measure the distance in between slats. There shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches between each slat. If the space is larger, your baby's head can slip through the open areas leading to strangulation. Cribs with decorative knobs or corner posts should be avoided. There is always a possibility that these items can be pulled off and hurt your child. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib. If there are open spaces between the crib sides and mattress, your baby can be injured or die. The crib should meet national safety standards - look for a tag that displays the safety information. Antique cribs can be painted with lead and are not something you should have in your home. Read more below.
Bunk Bed
If you are looking for bunk beds, look at the structure of the piece. Be sure your child cannot get stuck in any bars or rails. Your child should not be able to become wedged between the bed and the wall as well. The spaces between the headboard and bed frame should be less than 3 inches. This is also true with the space between the headboard and the footboard. There must be two guard rails on the top bunk and both must be secure.
More on, << Shopping Safely >>
Breastfeeding Your Baby
As a mother of three, my first bit of advice to a new mom is to never give up nursing if your breastfeeding experience
begins with a rocky start. Not every baby instinctively knows how to latch on correctly, and no first time mom has
ever known the complete "art of nursing" immediately after birth. Women with past breastfeeding experience often
need help as well - after all, every baby is different! It takes time, it takes patience, and then it takes more time.
But the benefits to both you and your baby are well worth the practice it will take to learn the correct way to breastfeed.
To begin, hold your baby close to your body, supporting the head and back. Try to keep your own back straight to avoid
straining your muscles. Many new mothers keep a pillow under their arm and baby to provide support while they learn how
to breastfeed. If your breasts are hard and swollen, try to hand express some milk to make your breast soft enough for
your baby to latch on. After all, imagine trying to wrap your mouth around a bowling ball - pretty tough!
More on, << Breastfeeding >>
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First Signs of Pregnancy
- missed menstrual period
- nausea or upset stomach
- extreme fatigue or tiredness
- frequent urination
- tender breasts or soreness
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