Newborn Items You Don’t Actually Need to Buy

We get it: Buying all the baby gear can help you feel more in control. But you can save a lot of cash—and still get by in those early months—without purchasing everything you think you need to read more

Everything You Need to Know About Breast Milk Storage

What You Need to Know

Having the flexibility to pump and safely store breast milk will be extremely helpful if you are a mother planning to return back to work or be away from your infant for extended periods of time. Storing breast milk may seem like a simple task at first; however, it can be an extremely complex process. You need to ensure the milk is placed in the appropriate containers and stored properly in order for it to remain safe for your baby to consume.

The Best Containers to Store Milk

First and foremost you want to be sure you wash your hands with soap and water to ensure the milk will not be contaminated. Additionally before you begin you will also want to make sure you invest in the appropriate storage containers. These containers are going to be special plastic bags designed for breast milk collection, food-grade glass containers with a cap, or hard plastic containers also with a secure tight cap.

Best Ways for Breast Milk Storage

If storing the milk at room temperature, the freshly expressed breast milk will stay safe to use for up to six hours. However, it is recommended to use the milk within four hours. If you are keeping your milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs, you will want to use the milk within 24 hours. For refrigeration the milk can be stored safely for up to four days in optimal conditions. Again, it is recommended to use the milk by day three or freeze for the safest milk product. Lastly, breast milk may be placed in the deep freezer for up to 12 months but again it is recommended to use the milk within six months for the best product. Additionally, freshly expressed breast milk may be added to already frozen milk but you will want to allow the fresh milk to become cooler by refrigeration so that it does not thaw the frozen milk once combined.

Dates and Expirations

You will also want to make sure you invest in a label system for your breast milk storage needs. You may use just a simple sharpie if writing on the disposable breast milk plastic bags or you may want to pick up some waterproof labels and ink if you opt for the storage containers.

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When to Pump and Dump During Breastfeeding

Pumping is common among most breastfeeding mothers as it is used for a number of reasons including pressure relief from swollen breasts to even increase the milk supply. While many pump to store milk to feed their child another time, pump and dump breastfeeding is a method used when mothers shouldn’t be giving the milk from their breasts on that occasion. If you have been out drinking at a party and have second thoughts about feeding your baby, then this article will tell you all you need to know about pump and dump read more

Why It’s Important to Childproof Your Home

As a parent, there are lots of things we worry about for our children. Are they getting the proper nutrition? Are they happy? Are they hurt? These are typical concerns to have, and every parent can relate. However, while keeping your child safe from minor injuries is important, it’s even more crucial to prevent the possibility of life-threatening injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most injuries among children ages 0 to 5 were caused by falls, burns, poisoning, or being struck by or against an object. Fortunately, these accidents at home are entirely preventable if you take the proper steps to ensure your child’s safety.

In this article, we’ll explain what babyproofing your home means, why it’s essential, and when you should get started to ensure that your child is as safe as possible at home.

What is babyproofing your home?

Babyproofing your home is the process of recognizing risks in your home environment and taking action to fix them. In doing this, you’re making your house a safer place for infants and young children by eliminating or minimizing potential hazards.

Childproofing any home is a lot of work, and you’ll likely need to do it several times as your child reaches different stages in their development. Although some people say injuries are a normal part of childhood, carefully consider the risks of not babyproofing your home and ensure you’re doing everything you can to prevent injury. If you plan to have friends’ children over to your house, you may also want to consider the liability you could have if they get hurt.

Why is it important?

Children are more vulnerable to injuries because they are naturally curious but have not yet developed the judgment to know when something is dangerous. Some household tools or items may also cause injury if a child explores them unsupervised.

Babyproofing your home is crucial because it keeps your baby safe from potentially life-threatening injuries. Having children is a big responsibility, but one of the best ways to protect them while they’re at home is by childproofing your home. Although children are resilient, areas like staircases, water features, or electrical cords can be serious safety hazards for little ones, and preventing harm should be a top priority.

When should I start childproofing my home?

You should start childproofing your home before your baby is born. It would be best if you also did it again shortly before your child starts crawling and again before they begin walking. Although it may seem unnecessary to do it so many times, your baby’s point of view and physical abilities will change as they grow, so it’s important to revisit the issue often.

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What To Expect During Your Baby’s 4 Month Checkup

At four months, your baby might already be smiling, cooing, and laughing. He has grown up fast since he was born, and you can already see changes in his behaviour and feeding. It is also time for his 4th-month check-up at the paediatrician. If your baby is due for this checkup in the near future, this article has all you need to know about what to expect and how to prepare for it read more

Nursing Wear Advice for New Moms

If you’re a new nursing mom, one thing you’ve probably had trouble figuring out is what to wear. You need something that makes it easy to nurse when it’s feeding time, but you also want something that is comfortable, easy to adjust and looks good in the meantime! Here’s some ideas on what to wear.

Comfortable Nursing Bras and Tanks

First things first, it’s a good idea to have some comfortable nursing bras and tanks. With comfortable nursing bras and tanks, you can wear something under your other clothing and easily layer on more stylish clothes while also having something that makes nursing convenient. Make sure to find reviews for comfortable nursing bras so you can choose the right one for you.

Camis and T-Shirts

Camisoles and loose-fitting t-shirts can be comfy and make it easy to transition to nursing. This is especially the case with a loose-fitting, deep v-neck knit shirt or top. These are easy to throw on, and they’re perfect for nursing.

Button-Ups

Of course, button-ups are another great option. You can simply take the buttons down to where you need them to be and start nursing. Once you’re done nursing, it’s easy to simply button back up.

Pretty much any shirt with buttons that go down to the chest or lower is going to be great for nursing moms.

Cooler Weather

For cooler weather, a loose-fitting sweater is a great option. This is where those deep Vs are useful again. A warmer button-up is a great option here too.

Wear What Feels Comfortable

Of course, what’s more important than anything is that you wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. You won’t be nursing forever, so getting just a few good quality, comfortable nursing bras and tops will do wonders for you. They’re definitely worth the investment with how much easier they’ll make the nursing process, especially in the early days when you’re still getting used to the feeding and pumping schedule. If you follow these tips and find some great clothes that work for you, the nursing experience is going to be much simpler and more enjoyable for you!

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First Ever Baby Born With Antibodies After Mother Receives Vaccine

They say miracles happen when we least expect them. While most of the human race await their turn to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, one tiny soul entered the world with a blessing. She was born with antibodies to COVID-19, which were passed down from her mother read more

What New Parents Need to Learn About Diapering

Not everyone has changed a diaper by the time they become a parent. And unfortunately, there’s quite a bit to know about diapering well before your baby is even born! If you’re feeling totally clueless, there’s no need to worry. Here’s a quick roundup of everything you need to know about diapering.

Diapering Materials

When it comes to materials, you have choices.

• Disposable diapers are made of cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene and a super absorbent polymer. They also contain small amounts of tapes, elastics and adhesive materials. Generally, you’ll need to change your baby’s diaper about every two to three hours, if that gives you an idea of how many disposable diapers you’re likely to go through in a day.
• Cloth diapers are less likely to give your baby a diaper rash, as they’re made of soft cotton. However, they’re not as absorbent and need to be changed more frequently. If you wash your cloth diapers at home, you can save a significant amount of money, and it’s also a more environmentally friendly diapering option.

Diaper Brands

There are many different diaper brands to choose from, but ultimately the right one is the one that works best for your lifestyle and budget. Typically, more expensive diapers will be made with higher-quality materials and are more absorbent, so you may use less of them. Cheaper diapers are usually made with lower-quality materials and you’ll likely use more of them as a result. Eventually, the cost levels out, but certain brands may offer special features such as pee detectors (a line on the outside of the diaper that turns blue when baby pees), cute designs or special options for sensitive skin.

Diaper Sizing

Diaper sizes are typically determined by your baby’s weight. Check the packaging for weight and size recommendations. Bigger diapers will provide better absorbency. If you notice your baby is starting to have more blowouts or you are changing the diaper quite frequently, it’s likely time to size up. If you find that a recommended size isn’t right for your baby, don’t be afraid to go a size up or down. Just make sure to buy a small quantity of the new size first in case you need to switch sizes again.

Wipes for Babies

Like diapers, there are also plenty of options when it comes to baby wipes. Wipes can be harsh on your baby’s skin, so it’s best to buy ones for sensitive skin. You should wipe your baby’s bottom every time you change their diaper and choose fragrance-free wipes to avoid causing rashes. Wipes are not typically flushable, so make sure to put them in the trash when you’re done.

General Diapering Tips

• Change your baby’s diaper on a changing table with a changing pad whenever possible.
• Have extra diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream and a trash can within arm’s reach so you can stay at your baby’s side while you change their diaper.
• Make sure your baby’s bottom is clean after removing the old diaper and before putting a new one on.
• Make sure the new diaper is situated snugly on your baby’s thighs and belly (but not too tightly).
• Consider investing in a Diaper Genie or similar trash can to keep stinky old diaper smells contained.

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How To Survive (And Thrive!) In The First Weeks Of Parenthood (Hint: Prioritize!)

While early days with a newborn can be exhilarating, they can also be exhausting and unpredictable. Baby’s circadian rhythm is “upside down” —they want to sleep all day and feed all night. This “upside down-ness” can leave newborns too sleepy to eat during the day and too hungry to sleep at night read more

Why Sunglasses Should Be Used to Protect Kids’ Eyesight

Have you ever seen someone post a pic on social media of their baby in sunglasses? Other than being super cute, it’s actually very practical to get your baby some baby sunglasses! You should also make sure to get them bigger sizes as they grow older. Getting baby sunglasses for your baby and older kids is important for preserving their eyesight and keeping their eyes safe and healthy.

Keep on reading to find out why!

Why Baby Sunglasses Are Important for More Than Just a Cute Picture

Baby sunglasses serve an important purpose. Younger eyes are more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) rays than adult eyes, so it’s extra essential to protect them as best you can. Also, kids tend to spend more time outside than adults. Obviously, this can be controlled better when they’re babies, but as they grow up, you’ll want to make sure to equip them with some fun, UV-protected sunglasses that they’ll wear when they’re playing. When they’re babies, you can keep them out of the sun as much as possible with sunshades and other tools, but a good pair of baby sunglasses adds that extra layer of protection to give you complete peace of mind.

Also, once your child is old enough, you’ll want to make sure to get them regular eye exams. This helps you catch any issues and ensures that you’re able to learn from the eye specialists the best way to protect your child’s eyes.

Choosing Baby Sunglasses

Now that you know how important baby sunglasses are, you’re going to want to pick some out. Luckily, there are tons of options out there. In fact, the options can get a little overwhelming. Obviously, you want to pick some that will protect them from UV radiation, but once you narrow that category down, there’s still a plethora of choices.

If you’re having trouble sorting through the options, you can always turn to reviews to help you find a pair that is perfect for your baby. That way you can start protecting your baby’s eyes in style!

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