Have you ever wondered how you can get your baby to stop crying? How you can get something done around the house when your baby doesn’t want to be put down? Have you wondered how you will get out and about now that you have a baby?

Babywearing will calm your baby down, let you work with both hands free, and give you complete freedom to get out of house - all while your baby is securely on your body. Even celebrity mamas are realizing just how wonderful babywearing is. Mamas like Angelina Jolie, Michelle Williams, Liv Tyler, and Joely Fisher have all been spotted wearing their babies around.

Babywearing is easy - just pick up one of the many baby carriers on the market and pop your baby inside. Most carriers come with clear photo instructions and some even come with videos to help you learn to wear your baby! Your baby will love being close to your body. A fussy baby is soothed by the rocking motion as you walk with him in the carrier. It’s similar to how he felt in the womb - including the close, cradled position.

As your baby grows you can carry her sitting up and facing out or straddling your hip. She can see the world and you can get out in the world! Your baby will be able to interact with others in a way that is just not possible when she’s close to the ground in a stroller. Babies in traditional societies were able to learn how their family and culture worked right from the start - because they were right there with their mothers. Your baby can have the same benefit. Your baby will pick up on language quickly because he’ll be listening to you as you talk with other adults.

The shifting and bouncing that your child gets in the baby carrier will help enhance her sense of balance. She’ll gain muscle tone and strength as she travels with you and learns how to adjust her body in the sling or carrier. It will also make her happy to be an active part of your day. Having your baby snuggled in the sling or cheerfully straddling your hip will leave your hands free to get some things done. Some baby carriers even allow you to put your older child on your back. What fun for baby and how nice for you! You’ll easily be able to handle the housework. And you’ll be able to take your baby out without having to lug a heavy stroller or baby carrier.

Your sling or baby carrier will also keep your baby close to you. People are less likely to ask to hold your baby while she is safely in the baby carrier. You can nurse your baby discreetly in a sling. And when you are in crowded areas your baby will feel more secure and be happier - meaning you can still hit your favorite malls or enjoy popular natural trails.

Wearing your baby in a baby carrier will result in a happier, more secure baby. And you’ll be a happy mama (or maybe daddy!) knowing that you can take care of life and still get out to play - all with your bouncing baby on your hip!

by Kristen Hart
About the Author: Kristen Hart is the owner of Natural Birth and Baby Care.com, a website devoted to healthy pregnancy, natural birth, and the best baby care. You can learn more about babywearing and research all different types of baby carriers at Naturalbirthandbabycare.com

Sheryl’s comment:
As a single mother, my New Native Carrier was the one thing that I absolutely positively could not live without. My daughter is now two and we still use it regularly. She sits in it rather than laying down so we can dash through airports, stroll through farmers markets or just walk to grandma and grandpas without all the extra “stuff”. I usually ask her if she wants the sling or stroller and she will inevitably pick the sling.

While using the sling we talk and I get to shower her little noodle with kissies. While she is in the stroller however, we are generally just lost in our own thoughts. A stroller ride is a far cry from bonding.

When she was younger I regularly nursed her in public and people never knew. The outside of the sling covered her head and people thought she was sleeping. If I have the privilege of having another child I can pretty much guarantee that I will use the sling even more especially during the first 9 months or so. Babies love it and I promise that it makes your life unbelievably easier.

Buy Babywearing, The Benefits and Beauty of This Ancient Tradition

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/happykatie/1511812102/

The fact is, however that babywearing has very real psychological and physiological benefits for both baby and mom and that is precisely why it has grown in popularity, rather than simply being a “trend”. It is an offensive ad but as they say, there is no such thing as bad press, right? I know I will never buy a Motrin product.

Check out this great post on the Motrin/babywearing issue and then watch the original video and a couple of great comeback videos that started twitter and the blogosphere afire a few days ago:

The original Motrin moms anti-babywearing video that caused all the ruckus:

A lovely pro-babywearing “comeback” video

The best comeback of all:

Visit http://babywearinginternational.org for
Award Nominations (general awards nominations closed on Nov 7 but there are still some top award nominations still active)
Children’s coloring contest
Local groups and activities

So you have decided to buy a sling to carry your baby? Welcome to the wonderful world of baby wearing. The next question is what type of sling will you choose? What are the differences? This article will guide you through the vast array of baby carriers that are now on the market.

• Wraparound Sling
• Ring Sling
• Pouch Sling
• Soft Carrier and Backpack

Wraparound Sling
This is probably the most versatile of all the slings .Wraparound slings are sometimes called “a simple piece of cloth” as they are constructed from a piece of fabric that is tied around your body ensuring that your baby is held securely in place. The wrap can be used to carry the baby in many different positions and offers a versatile travel system. A baby or toddler can be carried on the parent’s front, back or hip or with shorter wraps they can be carried on one shoulder if desired. Most carries involve the sling being worn over both shoulders and often around the wearers waist in order to offer maximum support to the baby.

Wrap baby slings are made from either a stretchy fabric or woven cloth. The length of the fabric varies but is usually between 6-20 feet long. The stretchy wraps are usually made from materials such as jersey or micro fleece and allow the baby to be lifted in and out of the sling as desired. This type of wrap is particular popular for young babies but they may not be as comfortable for the parent as the youngster gets heavier.

Woven wrap baby slings are often available in a wide range of colors and designs. Cotton is the most common type of woven wrap available but hemp, silk, linen and wool are also used. Most weaves used provide some stretch allowing the fabric to conform to the baby and wearer’s body. Woven wraps tend to give more support to heavier babies and toddlers.

As the fabric is wrapped around your waist and shoulders, the baby’s weight is well distributed which ensures that they are a comfortable choice for the wearer. They are particular suited if you suffer from back pain. It may take time to learn how to tie the sling correctly but the effort will be worthwhile. Excess fabric may be used for more discreet breastfeeding while the wrap may also double up as a blanket or changing mat while out and about.

Ring Sling
This baby sling consists of a piece of fabric threaded through two rings, forming a loop. The cloth wraps around the wearer’s body, from shoulder to the opposite hip and back up to the shoulder. The end of the fabric is then threaded through the rings to create a buckle effect. The baby can then be placed into the pocket of fabric in either a sitting or lying position. The sling can be taken off and put back into place without rethreading.

The baby’s weight creates tension on the fabric causing the friction between the fabric surfaces and the rings to lock the carrier in place. This type of sling is easily adjustable to suit different wearer’s size and different wearing positions.

Ring slings are available with padded shoulders, some models also have padded edges. Some rings slings also have a curved seat sewn into the fabric. A variety of fabrics is used in ring sling designs including cotton, hemp, rayon and silk brocade. Most commonly used are homespun fabrics and lightweight twills. It is important to ensure that the rings are sturdy and have been stitched repeatedly to the fabric.

Ring slings can be used from birth and are also suitable for toddlers. They are an excellent sling for breastfeeding as they are adjustable allowing them to be lengthened to allow easy access to the nursing mother’s breast. They can also be quickly adjusted once feeding is done.

Pouch Sling
Pouch slings are probably some of the easiest slings to use. They are formed by a wide piece of cloth sewn into a tubular shape. Simple pouches do not tend to have rings, adjustable pouches may adjust using a variety of methods including zips, buckles and press-studs. Most pouches have a curve sewn into the fabric that will hold the baby more securely in place. The sling is slipped over the wearer’s head and worn sash-style across the body. Most baby wearers find that they adapt to using the pouch sling very quickly.

Pouch slings can be used from baby to toddler and are an excellent choice for situations in which the baby is frequently removed from the pouch and being placed back into it. The asymmetrical weight distribution can make carrying heavier children more challenging. Pouch slings offer excellent value for money and are relatively easy to make.

Soft Carrier and Backpack
Many different types of sling fall into the soft carriers and backpack category. Although there are many different types of designs most are structured and often have shoulder straps and waist straps. Some of these carriers are suitable from birth and there are models that are ideal for carrying older children. If you’re not sure, double check with the vendor. Some carriers are closed with buckles. Chinese inspired mei-tai are tied at the waist and under the baby’s bottom. They are usually quick to put on and can be a good option for heavy toddlers.

Now that you understand the different types of sling that are available on the market it is time to consider which option will best suit you and your family. Things to take into consideration will include how you wish to wear the sling, whether you intend to keep the baby in the sling or keep removing from the sling, if you require a sling to provide discreet breastfeeding and also how willing you are to practice using your sling until you get it right. Armed with this information it just remains to wish you and your child many hours of very happy baby wearing!

About the author:
Anne Dhir is the owner of http://www.calinbleu.com, a company specialising in comfortable baby carriers and http://www.slingmeet.co.uk, a forum where parents can meet up with other sling parents locally.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/zen/31039045/

So you’re pregnant? Congratulations! Your life is about to change in ways you might find unthinkable (and we’re not even talking about the surrender of your once slim waistline to proportions most comparable to that of a Dr. Suess character). Pregnancy is the beginning of a new life for a baby, but also a new life for you as a parent. If this is your first baby, you may be filled with an endless list of questions and concerns. If you’re a veteran of the labor and delivery room, you’ve got a better idea of what to expect, yet every pregnancy, like every mother and child, is different.

Making Choices
While pregnancy and birth have physiologically been the same since the beginning of time, your options as a pregnant woman today are greater than at any previous time in history. After confirming your pregnancy, your first (and arguably most important) decision to be made is choice of caregiver. While traditionally in the U.S., maternal care has been provided through obstetrical physicians and hospital births, there is a growing movement towards return to low intervention, midwife-assisted births*.

How do you know which is right for you? Consider what is most important to your birth experience (always remembering that birth is anything but predictable and flexibility is vital). Are you interested in birthing naturall, without the aid of drugs or invasive procedures? Would you rather give birth at home or in a birthing center as opposed to a hospital? A midwife may be the right choice for you. Conversely, if you know up front you’ll want an epidural at the first sign of labor pain you’ll probably find the anesthesiologist at your local hospital to be your best friend. Keep in mind, each choice has its pros and cons and it’s up to you to weigh which option is the best for your needs. If you give birth at home and have complications, you’ll need to be transported to the hospital. Epidurals may provide excellent pain relief (or not), but have potentially serious, although rare, side effects. Some birthing centers will not accept a mother attempting vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). Being an educated consumer in your pregnancy will allow the best possible birth experience and beginning for your new baby.

Planning for Baby
Somewhere around middle to late pregnancy (usually about the time you can no longer see your toes because of your protruding middle), you’ll want to start making accommodations at home for your babies expected arrival. If this is your first, trust yourself to the care of an experienced mommy friend who can prevent “New Mother Shopping Syndrome,” i.e., going to Babies ‘R Us and spending an exorbitant amount of money on baby paraphernalia that, not only do you not need, but you will never use. Yes, the mommy bear that emits sounds of the womb is cute. No, your baby will not be fooled. This is the time to cultivate self control, which will particularly come in handy when your precious baby has become a 16-year old who has just wrecked the
family car.

Babies actually need very little in the way of gear for the first few months of life. If you’re planning to family bed, you can skip the nursery furniture altogether. Some good choices of useful items include a five-point harness infant car seat, a quality hospital grade breast pump if you’re planning to breastfeed (Medela is the gold star standard), and plenty of Onesies for sleep and play. A baby sling is also useful for helping mom get things done around the house while still meeting the babies need to be held, and also for discreet public breastfeeding. Also unnecessary are baby toys, gyms, etc., which will not be of interest to the infant until they are at least six months old.

Delivering the Goods
Prepare for labor and delivery by compiling a plan for your caregiver sharing your wishes for birth. Discuss your feelings on all types of childbirth medical intervention including the use of epidural, IV’s, artificial rupture of the membranes, fetal monitors, episiotomy, etc. Remember that a birth plan is simply that, a plan. Since no one knows exactly how any given birth will proceed, it is not a guarantee of any kind*.

While the mother’s experience with birth is important, the ultimate goal is a healthy baby, whatever it takes to achieve it*. A birth plan is simply helpful in communicating the type of birth experience you would like to have, and if you have made a wise selection in caregiver, you will have someone who will work with you to honor these wishes to the extent they are possible. You may want to hire a doula to assist during labor. A doula’s purpose is to support and be an advocate for the mother, and can be helpful in achieving the mother’s goals towards birth.

Surviving the First Weeks
After nine months of waiting and planning, your baby is finally in arms. What next? Despite that you might feel you’ve gotten away with something when the hospital staff actually allows you to leave with your baby (whom you think you have no idea how to care for), remembering a few simple tips can help things go more smoothly.

Feed your baby on demand. Don’t try to schedule feeding sessions, which can be detrimental to establishing a proper milk supply if breastfeeding, and simply isn’t good for baby. Keep a record of wet and soiled diapers for the first few weeks to assure baby is taking in enough breast milk or formula.

Hold baby as often as possible. Contrary to popular opinion, he can’t be spoiled.

Always remember to place your baby on his back to sleep and tummy to play, to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Call your pediatrician if your baby develops a fever, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Most importantly, remember motherhood is a work in progress and cut yourself some slack. You will make mistakes, learn, grow and change. Both babies and parents are born, and neither reaches their full potential overnight.

Author: Barbara Eastom Bates
About the author: Barbara Eastom Bates is a freelance writing living in east Tennessee with her husband and two children. In addition to writing articles about pregnancy and parenting, Barbara develops quality of life media for Navy and Marine Corps families.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/supercake/438139776/

If you are a first time mother, you will most likely have some apprehension about breastfeeding in public unless you grew up on a hippie commune. The biggest hurdle first time mothers face is the decision to breastfeed in the first place. This can be daunting in the face of formula advertisements and samples, ignorant relatives who think breastfeeding is sinful or well meaning friends who shoo you to the bathroom to nurse. Learning how to be discreet from the get go can help ease you into your breastfeeding relationship so outside influences do not cause you undue stress, force you to hide or worse yet, wean too soon.

Have you ever wondered how you are going to be able to go out with your baby because he needs to feed so often? Do you carefully plan when and where you go so there’s somewhere convenient you can feed your baby? Have you ever sat in a cold, smelly public bathroom wishing your baby would hurry up and finish feeding so you could get out of there?

Once you’ve got the hang of breastfeeding/ nursing at home you may wonder how to breastfeed discreetly in public. This is actually much easier than you may think. It is perfectly possible to breastfeed so discreetly that no one will even know that your baby is feeding. It’s also possible to breastfeed ‘on the go’, so you don’t need to find somewhere private to sit and you can keep yourself and your baby covered so that no one can see anything. I’ve found that the key to discreet breastfeeding is to have the right ‘tools’ to do the job.

Useful tools to help you breastfeed your baby discreetly

Attitude
The most important part of successfully breastfeeding in public is attitude. When you know you are giving your baby the best start in life you can breastfeed with confidence. However, although you know you’re doing the right thing for you and your baby not everyone sees it like that. We all know that many people are uncomfortable with seeing mothers breastfeeding their babies and so I believe it is worth learning how to do it discreetly to minimize other people’s discomfort when in public.

Breastfeeding and Nursing Bras
Many maternity bras can be used for breastfeeding, however sizing is very important when you are breastfeeding. It’s not unusual to experience quite significant changes after giving birth when your milk comes in, and for some time afterwards, for as long as you breastfeed. So be prepared to go through several sizes during this time.

Nursing bras are designed to offer easy access so you can feed your baby quickly, easily and discreetly. You may also use pads, which help absorb excess milk. Some bras have clips or clasps that allow access to one side at a time, while others are simply moved aside. Which styles you choose will be largely a matter of preference and may depend upon other factors such as your bra size. For discreet breastfeeding a bra that allows you to quickly and easily open and close each side, preferably with one hand works best.

Breastfeeding / Nursing clothing
If you want to discreetly feed your baby in a sling or just while you’re sitting in a public place it helps to be able to do it with as little skin showing as possible. When you are feeding your baby and no skin is showing most people will not be aware that that is what you are doing. They will probably just see you holding a sleeping baby in your arms.

Nursing or breastfeeding clothes are specially designed clothes that have concealed openings, or that can be moved up, down, or to the side to give you easy access so that you can quickly feed your baby with a minimum amount of fuss or disruption. Breastfeeding when wearing clothes like this helps you to feel less exposed, not to mention it keeps you warm in cold weather! It also reduces the amount of unwanted attention you may receive in public, as it is very hard to tell that your baby is feeding.

Breastfeeding clothes can help you feed your baby quickly, easily and discreetly. It may be helpful to remember that there is nothing dirty or shameful about feeding your child. When you are breastfeeding, your child’s head will totally cover your breast. Nobody will see anything. The problem arises because ignorant people have a problem with the act of breastfeeding in public not the fact that they saw exposed breast. It is sad that women are so embarrassed of the act of breastfeeding that they feel compelled to hide.

Baby slings and wraps
There are many reasons for carrying your baby in a sling. One of the most useful is that you soon learn your baby’s cues so when you’re carrying her in the sling and she’s hungry you can feed her immediately. What this means is that your baby will rarely cry when she’s hungry, simply because she doesn’t need to. You can give her what she needs without having to stop what you’re doing in order to find somewhere convenient to feed her. So if you’re in the supermarket and she wants to feed, you can do it. Not only is this convenient for you, but it’s very discreet, because nobody else can see what your baby is doing!

How discreet depends on the type of sling or carrier you have and the position you use to feed your baby in. Cradle hold is the most commonly used position for feeding. This position works well in pouches, ring slings and wraps. Most of the time it’s hard to tell what the baby is doing, however, open tails on ring slings provide extra cover for even more privacy.

The snuggle hold or tummy-to-tummy position can also be used for breastfeeding, however, this tends to be a little less discreet. This position is commonly used with other soft fabric carriers like Mei Tais as well as with pouches, ring slings and wraps. Most mothers find it quite difficult to breastfeed in rigid or structured carriers, as they are generally not very adjustable.

As babies start getting more interested in what’s happening around them they can get easily distracted which can make it quite difficult to feed your baby in public at this stage. Discreet breastfeeding becomes almost impossible as he may stop and start at every sound or passer-by. To help prevent this, feeding your baby in a sling means you can protect him from outside distractions, especially if you use the tail of a ring sling to cover him completely. You can also more easily hold him in position by using the sling in addition to your arms.

Another option to ensure your baby feeds discreetly at this stage is to walk around with him feeding in the sling. No one will be able to tell your baby is feeding and he’ll likely be soothed by the familiar rhythm of your movement, losing interest in outside distractions.

For successful discreet breastfeeding it’s important to choose a sling that allows you to easily hold or switch your baby into a natural feeding position with the minimum amount of fuss as well as offering ample cover-up.

Breastfeeding / nursing necklaces
Some mothers find that their baby’s hands can wander while they’re feeding, so it can
be helpful to wear a specially designed nursing necklace. You can then redirect your baby so that she can play with the necklace instead of doing things like playing with your clothes, which may draw attention to the fact that you are breastfeeding. Nursing necklaces can help keep your baby’s attention focused so you can continue to breastfeed discreetly.

Practice
With practice you will find you can quickly and easily breastfeed your baby discreetly, anytime, anywhere. It’s like breastfeeding itself, or using a baby sling - practice at home first, watch yourself in a mirror and you’ll soon see how difficult it is to see that your baby is breastfeeding.

If you are at all nervous about breastfeeding/nursing in public, then I hope these tips will help support you with your decision to breastfeed your baby so that you can do it both discreetly and with confidence.

Good luck!!! Please remember to keep at it. Do not let a few naysayers ruin the bond or nutrition between you and your child. You may be unsure of yourself while your baby is a newborn but six months or a year down the road you will realize that the vast majority of total strangers are very supportive and happy to see you nursing. The rest of them usually think your baby is sleeping. You can’t get the time back so nurse proud and nurse long! You can do it!

Author: Karen Hunt
About the author: The author is mother of 2 and founder of natya BABYSLINGS, the stylish UK made baby sling. http://www.natyababyslings.com/

Buy the: Arabella Nursing Privacy Drape - Breast-Feeding

Image Source: The International Women’s Day Demostration in Valencia Spain, March 8, 2008

First time parents are in for the experience of a lifetime! After surviving 9 months of pregnancy, a wardrobe of maternity clothes, baby showers, and decorating the nursery with care, you have gone through the exciting, heroic experiences of labor and delivery. Now you are ready to begin your new life as first-time parents!

First-Time Parent Jitters
For many first-time parents, having a new baby in the home is an exciting experience mixed with apprehension. Silent questions such as “How will I know…” “How will I cope…” and “But, what if…” mingle with exuberant joy as you look down at the precious bundle sleeping in your arms. You’ve got the first-time parent jitters!

Not to worry! Siblings and friends with children, parents, and in-laws have been waiting for this moment, too. They will offer expert advice on feeding, diapering, and proper baby care. Books galore are also available, written by baby doctors and psychologists offering guidance on parenting, and the latest in child development research.

When it comes to reading material, be prudent about book selection. And, don’t be afraid to set down boundaries on visiting times for over-eager friends and relatives. While you can learn proper baby care from the expertise of others, you and your spouse also need time alone with your baby, to bond.

Bonding with Baby
Bonding with you baby will include kisses, touch, talking to and eye contact. Touch is crucial both for the babies proper development and because it is through touch your baby will come to know you.

Breastfeeding is the most basic form of bonding between baby and parent. For fathers, adoptive parents and those who are physically unable to breastfeed, there are plenty of opportunities to use touch to bond with your newborn. Cosleeping and babywearing allow both parents to bond with baby. You can find other opportunities to bond with you baby as well. Cradle your baby in your lap and gently stroke him or her. Nestling the newborn at your neck is another bonding-touch that provides baby with a sense of security. Support the baby’s head and neck with one hand, and his or her bottom with the other.

Forget the old wives’ tale that holding a baby too much will spoil the child. Some believe that a baby should not be picked up each and every time they cry as long as they have been adequately fed, are clean and dry, warm and comfortable, a baby does need to learn there are times when they should rest, or entertain themselves. Attachment parenting purists believe that it is not only OK to respond to all babies cries, but it actually gives your child a greater sense of security allowing them to become independent faster.

Quiet moments alone with baby without distractions are necessary to form the emotional connection between parent and child, essential to a healthy attachment. An important bonding process noted by pediatricians in the late 1970s. This process has been proved vital for both parent and child. Parents who form this type attachment with their newborn make better parents. They are better equipped and more willing to make the necessary sacrifices to care for their child; during infancy as well as through childhood.

Newborns provided the benefit of gentle contact and tender touch by parents feel loved and secure. This sense of well-being impacts both their emotional growth and physical development.

How to handle a newborn
The importance of touch - gentle, loving contact when holding your baby, cannot be emphasized enough. Rough handing and harsh jostling, especially with a newborn, can not only frighten your baby, but be life-threatening, as well.

Always be careful to support your newborn’s head and neck when you pick them up, or lay them down. If you need to wake up your newborn, don’t startle them by jostling or shaking them. Instead, gently tickle their feet, softly blow on their cheek, or tenderly rub the side of their head while speaking softly and saying their name.

Relish time with your baby. Gently cradle him or her in your arms, and tenderly rub his or her back using slow, wide circles. Caress your baby soothingly as you rock them.

Talk in a low, comforting tone, or quietly sing to them. Make sure to smile when you make eye contact with your baby, even if you aren’t sure whether or not their eyesight has developed enough yet to see clearly.

While it is true the importance of proper baby care (bathing, adequate nutrition, a safe, clean environment, play and nap time, and comfortable, warm clothing) cannot be over emphasized, neither can the healthy-bonding process between parent and child and the importance of touch. Both vital ingredients that say, “You are loved!”

Author: Lori S. Anton; Savvy Baby Gear editor
About the author: Lori Anton has been a published writer for 30 years. She is an editor for Savvy Baby Gear at Savvy Baby Gear.com, your one-stop shop for everything today’s parents of infants need: clothes, educational and fun toys and activities, care and safety products, clothing, nursery supplies, and educational aids for mom and dad…essentials for happy babies and parents.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/valentinap/129820098/

Search the net and you’re sure to find list upon list of what you need for a new baby. Most of those lists go way overboard. Babies don’t usually need much at all. Here’s a list of what I found, through my own experiences, to be the most useful.

Clothing
Plenty of t-shirts and sleepers - If you only want to do laundry every few days figure around 4 t-shirts, and 2 sleepers per day. This may be a bit more than necessary on most days, but there will always be the occasional day, or days, when baby is spitting up more than normal, or has messy blow-outs. You’ll appreciate the extra tees.

Diapers and Wipes
Disposables or Cloth - In today’s internet world, you will find diapers and wipes in variety of styles, patterns and personalities. The options are even wider for cloth than they are for disposables, can you imagine? There are some really ingenious designs that make diapering a baby’s tush almost seem exciting! And the following within the cloth diaper community feels the same way. However, beware, you may end up needing to one day admit “My name is ___. And I’m a cloth diaper addict.”

Can’t talk yourself into cloth? No worries, the disposable diapers have come along way and while they aren’t soft natural cotton and wool, they do keep your baby dry and don’t leak. How much of each? Only keep a couple jumbo packs of disposables on hand at a time. Babies grow so fast you aren’t always able to gauge how soon they’ll be into the next size. Planning on using cloth? A dozen or two dozen would probably be a good start. What I’ve seen is that cloth diapers are an addictive thing and you may end up with wonderful cloth diapers coming out your ears! Wipes? I always buy by the package and sometimes by the box. Making your own? A yard of flannel or fleece would probably yield a good start.

Blankets
Receiving blankets; those itty bitty blankets you wrap a newborn in, but after the first month aren’t good for much baby wrapping. But if you, like most women, end up with a few dozen of them, they make great lap pads, burp pads, and for mom, use them to wrap your hair when you get out of the shower - they are light-weight so they don’t fall over when you are tending to baby, or use them as a nursing pad when you are bra-less. They work just fine. They may also be used when baby is going bare - to catch any accidents. On the other hand, a couple of really nice, kid-sized blankets are must have!

Sling or Carrier
The online mothering community has been inundated with every type of baby sling and carrier you could imagine, and then some; padded to unpadded slings, pouches, wraps and carriers. These, like cloth diapers, may lead to addiction, tread with caution! But a good carrier is a must have. You even see mothers in the public eye touting their babes in slings nowadays. It’s no longer alternative, having paved a path into mainstream.

Structured carriers are great too. Do some research and where possible, give one a test run. Some communities offer baby wearing classes and have slings you can test. Some online shops will even send you a used sling to try, reserving cost on your credit card - then applied back when you return the carrier.

Sleeping Area
Co-sleeping has become more commonplace practice, but it isn’t always for everyone. Not to mention, some moms, even the attachment parenting mom would like a place to lay baby. Some ideas include a bassinet or cradle, a travel crib, a Moses basket, or many others. This is something you may need to experiment with to find the best fit for you and the baby. Different stages of babyhood may require some changes.

Pad an out of the walk-way area of the floor with a couple receiving blankets and make a little nest for baby to lay. No extra expense.

Required:Car Seat
Unless you live in a walking/biking community, chances are you’ll need a car seat. For safety’s sake, do your research on this one. An infant seat is nice when you can take it in and out of the car easily while baby sleeps, but any secure, up-to-date infant approved car seat is great, necessary! Also, take note that not all car seats fit all cars.

Optional: Stroller
Most mothers who “wear” their babies say you don’t need a stroller. Strollers don’t have to receive use directly from the baby to be useful. It comes in handy to carry coats and jackets, drinks, purse or diaper bag, extra diapers, change of clothes, not to mention any purchased items on your outing. As an added benefit, it leaves mom pretty hands free - you get really good at pushing a stroller with one hand! If you opt for a stroller, choose one that has drink carriers.

Bouncy Seat
A bouncy seat comes in handy so often, that while I’d classify it as “optional”, for myself, it was necessary. I loved our bouncy seat as much as baby enjoyed it. I carried it everywhere with me, to the bathroom for instance. It was a great baby holder while I took care of bathroom duties, did the dishes and cooked dinner. Baby and I would sing, talk and play while I got chores done.

Diaper Bag
Any bag with a couple pockets works well. The younger the baby, the bigger the bag needed. As baby grows and has less accidents (i.e. spit up, bottom blow-outs), you’ll get more efficient at packing just what you may need. Don’t go overboard on a diaper bag with all the frills. A nice canvas bag, decorated by you and siblings, will work as a great bag for outings. Toss in a couple gallon-sized baggies for messes, a couple of receiving blankets for padding and you’re good to go!

Author: Judi Cox
About the author: Judi Cox is a work at home mom living in the Ohio Valley with her husband and 4 children. Judi’s current online interests include working on two of her websites
http://www.momslittlegarden.com and http://www.mommamuse.com.

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Are you currently pregnant and discouraged about getting back into shape after having your baby? Or maybe you’re a new Mom who is exhausted and getting to the gym is the last thing on your mind! Either way, I hope the following tips help you lose that baby weight.

I don’t have any fancy initials behind my name, I’m just a Mom of 4 kids. I’ve been able to get into my favorite Gap jeans fairly quickly after my babies, and I’ve observed that women who do the same have a few things in common. Here are my tips for losing the weight postpartum:

1) Don’t use pregnancy as an excuse to binge.
Pregnancy is the time to get strict about nutrition. Eating junk food will produce a small baby and a big Momma. Make your pregnancy a time to turn over a new leaf if you are a junk food junkie. You’ll be developing habits that will serve you well as you teach your children about nutrition.

At the same time, don’t obsess about weight gain. I gained between 35-50 pounds for each of my pregnancies, and still didn’t have trouble getting back into my old clothes within a few months postpartum. Focus on good nutrition, stay as active as you can, and you won’t go wrong.

2) Breastfeed your baby.
Breastfeeding burns around 500-700 calories a day. Wow- that’s not bad for sitting around relaxing on the couch! Your body puts on 9 pounds during your pregnancy specifically for the purpose of lactation. The extra weight is laid down on your thighs to make sure you will have enough fat to burn to make milk for baby. Call it “famine insurance” if you will. If you don’t breastfeed, guess what? That 9 pounds stays.

Several studies show that nursing Moms return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly. Nursing also helps your uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size faster. Plus you’ll have a nicer décolletage to boot!

3) Talk a walk every day
Walking is probably the perfect exercise for new Moms. It’s not stressful on your joints (which are still loosey-goosey from the pregnancy hormones for a while after you give birth). It’s free and doesn’t require a babysitter or any special equipment. It gets you out in the sun, which helps regulates your sleep/wake cycle, causing you and baby to sleep better at night and possibly helping prevent postpartum depression. And you can do it with a friend. If you’re sleep deprived and can’t bear the thoughts of exercise, call up a buddy and make a date with her to walk several mornings a week. Then you can treat yourselves to Starbucks and gossip afterwards.

4) “Wear” your baby
In addition to the many other benefits, using a baby sling or other soft cloth carrier and wearing your baby will burn lots of calories during the day as you do your household chores or care for other children. It also makes it easier for you to be active. You’ll be less tempted to sit around. Throwing on a sling and sitting baby inside it is much easier than lugging out and setting up a heavy stroller.

5) Curb those cravings
Postpartum Moms have cravings for several reasons. One is because serotonin levels are dropping, leading to cravings for sugar. Substitute snacking with another, health producing activity, like getting together with your buddy and going for a walk.

Another cause of cravings may be low blood sugar due to inadequate nutrition (eating too infrequently or eating too much refined sugar). Keep your blood sugar in control by eating frequent small meals that are balanced in nutrients. Keep snacks handy that you can grab quickly before you feed the baby. You need fats, protein and complex carbohydrates. Things like dried fruit and nuts, granola, full fat yogurt (buy the plain kind and mix in all-fruit jelly. Most yogurt has way too much sugar otherwise), kefir, vegetables sliced ahead of time and served with dips, hummus, whole grain pita bread, fruit smoothies, etc will keep your blood sugar constant and provide good nutrition. And keep taking your prenatal multivitamin to help prevent deficiencies that may cause cravings.

6) Avoid excessive caffeine

Drinking too much caffeine leads to insulin surges which cause your blood sugar to drop. When this happens most people head straight for the refined carbs to quicky bring their blood sugar back up. That’s no good.

7) Get enough rest

Easier said than done for a new Mom, to be sure! But if at all possible, nap with your baby. When you are terribly sleep deprived, you tend to gain weight. Consider bringing baby to bed with you if you are nursing. You will sleep better, baby will sleep better, and Daddy will sleep better (making it more likely that he will take baby for a walk and let you nap some afternoons!). Women all over the world have been doing it for thousands of years. As long as you are not morbidly obese, using sleeping pills or inebriated, cosleeping is safe.

Focus on good nutrition

This is also a challenge for a new, stressed out Mom. Check out books like “The One Armed Cook” for ideas on how to prepare healthy meals with a baby in arms. Visit a La Leche League meeting and ask other Moms how they manage to eat well with kids in the kitchen. Some Moms who were former junk food junkies have done well with the following technique. Before feeding themselves a particular food, they ask: “Would I feed this to my baby?” If the answer is no, they don’t eat it.

9) And lastly, give it time

Be realistic- don’t expect yourself to be back into your favorite jeans within a few weeks of delivery. In the meantime, appreciate your new, womanly curves (especially the cleavage that breastfeeding gives you!). I noticed that my clothing style changes somewhat after I have a baby. My normal tailored, classic look gives way to a soft, feminine style that flatters my postpartum body more.

Rejoice in your body that can do such awesome things as give birth and nourish a new life! Likely, your partner is much more forgiving of your changing body than you are. Just the other day as I was feeling embarrassed about my still stretched-out postpartum belly, my husband commented on how sexy my belly was, “because that’s where my babies grew”.

Enjoy your new baby!

Author: Carrie Lauth
For more articles for Moms who want to take care of their health naturally, visit http://www.NaturalMomsHealth.com/. For free whole food recipes each month, sign up for the newsletter at http://www.NaturalMomsRecipes.com

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Bonding is essential for any baby. Whether adopted or biological, babies have needs that are critical for proper development of mind and body. Newborns come ready to start this bonding process. Parents are the ones who don’t know where to start, especially if their baby is adopted or been placed in the NICU.

KidsHealth.org says, “Studies of newborn monkeys who were given mannequin mothers at birth showed that, despite the efforts of the baby monkeys to get a response through holding and touching the mannequins, the lack of a parental response caused stunted development, sadness, and failure to thrive… Scientists suspect that lack of bonding in human babies causes similar problems.”

Infants spend nine months inside their mother…listening to her heart beat, her voice, her breathing, the rhythms of her body. After birth, there is another world to contend with. For some babies, this can be frightening. How can you make this transition easier while promoting bonding at the same time? Try these tips from Tweetie Pie Baby.

Hold your baby so she can feel your heartbeat. Skin to skin contact is known to be a calming, familiar experience for newborns. They can hear your heartbeat, smell your scent and know that you are close. This connection is important for dads too. Even if you can’t be skin to skin, you can use a baby sling carrier placed so your baby can hear your heart.

Talk with your baby, and make eye contact often. This not only increases awareness and communication, but rapidly encourages developing language skills. Hearing your voice provides reassurance to your baby. Maintaining eye contact builds trust and nurtures your growing relationship.

Use a baby sling carrier to create a womb like atmosphere. While inside carrier, an infant is held close to your body, feeling all the very same rhythms they felt before birth. That familiarity gives them comfort and increases their level of attachment. Babies who are carried are known to sleep better and have less colic.

According to Dr. Jim Sears, “Carried babies fuss less and spend more time in the state of quiet alertness, the behavior state in which babies learn most about their environment.” A baby sling carrier can help with the concern about attachment and healthy emotional development.

Use Infant Massage to comfort your baby. All babies, especially premature babies and those with medical problems may respond well to infant massage. Muscular stimulation increases feelings of comfort and relaxation. Be sure to use gentle pressure with your newborn.

Consider breastfeeding either biological or adopted babies. This may be a complex task, but it can be done. The benefits both emotional and nutritional are outstanding. Bottle feeding can still be a bonding experience as long as you hold your infant close with skin to skin contact. Hands free nursing while using a baby sling carrier is a wonderful option to provide more freedom and privacy. Information on how to breastfeed an adopted child can be found by contacting La Leche League or a lactation consultant at your local hospital.

About the Author:
Jenna Haynie is a Denver Colorado native and owner of Tweetie Pie Baby. A resource for baby essentials.

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