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

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About 2-1/2 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home each year. The good news is that many of these incidents can be prevented - by using simple child safety devices on the market today. Any safety device you buy should be sturdy enough to prevent injury to your child, yet easy for you to use. It’s important to follow installation instructions carefully. In addition, if you have older children in the house, be sure they re-secure safety devices. Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them.

Here are some child safety devices that can help prevent many injuries to young children.

SAFETY LATCHES and LOCKS
Safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers can help prevent children from gaining access to medicines and household cleaners, as well as knives and other sharp objects.

Look for safety latches and locks that adults can easily install and use, but are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children. Safety latches are not a guarantee of protection, but they can make it more difficult for children to reach dangerous substances. Even products with child-resistant packaging should he locked away, out of reach; this packaging is not childproof.

SAFETY GATES
Safety gates can help keep children away from stairs or rooms that have hazards in them. Look for safety gates that children cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can open and close without difficulty. For the top of stairs, gates that screw to the wall are more secure than pressure gates.”

New safety gates that meet safety standards display a certification seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). If you have an older safety gate, he sure it doesn’t have “V” shapes that are large enough for a child’s head and neck to fit into.

DOOR KNOB COVERS and DOOR LOCKS
Door knob covers and door locks can help keep children away from places with hazards, including swimming pools. Be sure the door knob cover is sturdy enough not to break, but allows a door to be opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency. By restricting access to potentially hazardous rooms in the home, door knob covers could help prevent many kinds of injuries.

To prevent access to swimming pools, door locks should be placed high out of reach of young children. Locks should be used in addition to fences and door alarms. Sliding glass doors, with locks that must be re-secured after each use, are often not an effective barrier to pools.

ANTI-SCALD DEVICES
Anti-scald devices for regulating water temperature can help prevent burns. Consider using anti-scald devices for faucets and showerheads. A plumber may need to install these. In addition, if you live in your own home, set water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent burns from hot water.

SMOKE DETECTORS
Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Check smoke detectors once a month to make sure they’re working. If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year or consider using 10-year batteries.

WINDOW GUARDS and SAFETY NETTING
Window guards for balconies and decks can help prevent serious falls. Check these safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure and properly installed and maintained. There should be no more than four inches between the bars of the window guard. If you have window guards, be sure at least one window in each room can be easily used for escape in a fire. Window screens are not effective for preventing children from falling out of windows.

CORNER and EDGE BUMPERS
Corner and edge bumpers can be used with furniture and fireplace hearths to help prevent injuries from falls or to soften falls against sharp or rough edges. Be sure to look for bumpers that stay securely on furniture or hearth edges.

OUTLET COVERS and OUTLET PLATES
Outlet covers can help protect children from electrical shock and possible electrocution. Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.

CARBON MONOXIDE (C0) DETECTOR
Co detectors can help prevent CO poisoning. Consumers should install CO detectors near sleeping areas in their homes. Households that should use CO detectors include those with gas or oil heat or with attached garages.

WINDOW BLIND CORD SAFETY TASSELS
Mini Blind safety covers on miniblinds and tension devices on vertical blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths and injuries from strangulation in the loops of cords. For older miniblinds, cut the card loop, remove the buckle, and put safety tassels on each cord. Be sure that older vertical blinds and drapery cords have tension or tie-down devices to hold the cords tight. When buying new miniblinds, verticals, and draperies, ask for safety features to prevent child strangulation.

DOOR STOPS and DOOR HOLDERS
Door stops on doors and door hinges can help prevent small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges. Be sure any safety device for doors is easy to use and is not likely to break into small parts, which could be a choking hazard for young children.

CORDLESS PHONES
Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously, without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it’s the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach.
by Tan Jian Yong
About the Author: Get the Full eBooks at http://www.pickaebook.com/babyfirstyear

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Are you one of the increasing numbers of women experiencing unbearable nipple pain because of breastfeeding? Did you know that 83% of new mothers experience varying degrees of nipple pain and trauma as well as other lactation problems? Don’t worry, you are not alone. These problems are thought to be due to the teaching of incorrect breastfeeding methods.

Basically, current teaching involves the mother or others thrusting the baby onto her breast and this is completely unnatural, resulting in the baby being rammed to the breast by the base of the head, neck or shoulder, preventing the baby from vacuuming correctly and causing the nipple to be crushed between baby’s tongue and the hard palate. This is not your fault. It seems that, for all its good intentions, our modern approach has overcomplicated the breastfeeding process and unnecessarily interfered with what should be for most mothers and babies a relatively simple and completely instinctual process. To ‘unlearn’ this unnatural method, especially with the first and early breastfeeds after birthing, it is suggested that mothers need to first understand a few key points about their newborn. Remember, healthy babies are not as helpless as you may think - they are programmed to survive. They are already skilled at drinking the surrounding water before birth.

Within minutes of birth the healthy newborn instinctively seeks, attaches and vacuums to the mother’s nipple and breast in a natural, harmonious way which allows it to leisurely draw colostrum - the first, super-concentrated form of milk that mothers produce. The act of breastfeeding, when done correctly, is also critical in stimulating maternal hormones and milk volume over those vital first 72 hours.

It never ceases to amaze me as I watch a newborn’s survival instincts in action - minutes after birth, if gently placed skin-to-skin with the mother, facing the breast, the baby’s ‘rooting reflex’ will kick in. This is where they use their senses - smell, taste, sight and touch - in order to locate the nipple. The baby will eventually draw the breast and nipple comfortably into their mouth, perfectly and gently molding the nipple and breast tissue inside the oral cavity.

When a mother is focused on her baby, the “love” hormones present just after birth are primed, and without interruption the mother gently guides her baby so that nose, cheeks and chin touch her breast symmetrically. Once the baby is swallowing symmetry can be fine tuned by slight, gentle movements, improving extension of the tongue, preventing gums pinching and painful ridging of the nipple. Given that it sounds so simple, you might wonder why you weren’t told this beforehand. This has to do with our modern tendency to overcomplicate many natural life events.

Western expertise assumes that newborns do not know how to feed, whereas in fact they have a pre-programmed instinct for it. Your baby already understands what it has to do to feed and the mother’s role is simply to gently guide the baby into the right comfortable position for easy access. Natural breastfeeding allows evolved behaviors to have their play. The baby draws intermittently, swallowing in harmony with the pulsating ejections, taking in breast milk until they reach satisfaction. The baby will then generally stay nurtured in its mother’s arms for a while until the important emotional and psychological part of the feed is completed.

The baby always knows how long to feed for satisfaction and emotion. Therefore, timing feeds interrupts this cycle. As a guide it is suggested that the young baby takes approximately one hour, including a rest in between each breast for digestion and a nappy/diaper change. The very first feed may take up to three hours changing from breast to breast until satisfaction with small amounts of colostrum is achieved.

A baby will feed from the first breast until relaxed and sleepy, and then continues nurturing until slipping off. Afterwards the baby rests and digests, lying stretched out, slightly inclined, in order to help with self burping and the transfer of pre-digested milk into the intestine. When ready for the second breast, the baby communicates with its arms and legs, and rooting begins again until the baby increasingly vocalizes. The feed continues from the second breast until the baby is relaxed and comes off again.

It’s wise to hold the baby upright for a while until the stomach has time to settle. By this stage pre-digested milk from the first breast has transferred to the intestine, allowing milk from the second breast to refill the stomach. Time and patience minimize gastro-intestinal problems like reflux and colic, which encourages relaxed and healthy sleeping. Healthy mothers and infants should be able to breastfeed in an essentially painless and low fuss way. Nipple damage, she says, should not be the norm, but a rarity. So relax all you frustrated mothers - there is an alternative to the pain and anguish of incorrect breastfeeding methods.

by Robyn Thompson
About the Author: For more information on Robyn’s incredible breastfeeding breakthroughs, and a host of breastfeeding tips, visit http://www.benefitofbreastfeeding.com/a1.html . For a limited time Robyn is offering a free ebook, ‘20 tips to pain-free breastfeeding’. You can also find out more about her instructional breastfeeding video.

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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.

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Lactivists and the formula companies may know it all too well, but unsuspecting new mothers believe they are simply getting a “perk” for delivering in the hospital. Forego the goody bag if you are a new mom because every sip of formula will alter your baby’s latch and reduce your own milk supply. Leave it at the hospital or dump it down the drain if feel inclined but whatever you do, don’t bring it home.

Watch the video: Mixed Messages Discourage Breastfeeding

The decision of how to feed your baby is a very personal one. The benefits of breast-feeding are numerous and significant, but many women still choose not to for reasons all their own. Before you decide how to feed you child, take a few moments to study up on breastfeeding, then armed with information, making your choice should be easier.

Breastfeeding has two stages, colustrum and regular milk. Colustrum is the very first milk produced. It occurs during the first two to three days, and is a thick, whitish liquid. Colustrum is exactly what a new baby needs. It is low in fat and high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies. It is also extremely easy for the newborn’s system to digest. One of the first things that the colustrum does is produce a laxative effect. It helps the baby to pass the meconium, which are thick and tarry. It also helps to clear excess bilirubin and prevent jaundice. So, if a baby is born with jaundice, the best thing is to nurse. Colustrum also carries an extremely high number of both antibodies and leukocytes (protective white cells), and helps the baby’s immature immune system fight off diseases, viruses, and bacteria. In effect, colustrum super-charges the baby’s system and helps prepare him for life outside the womb.

By the third or fourth day after birth, the second stage of breastfeeding occurs. This is when the regular milk comes in. This milk is much thinner, but contains all the nutrition a baby needs to grow and thrive. Just as colustrum did, the regular breast milk carries much-needed antibodies to the baby’s system. Antibodies are molecules made by your immune system that help to fight off illness. Breast milk contains all of the antibodies that the mother’s body has created. As new germs are introduced into the baby’s environment, the mother’s body begins preparing antibodies to ward off those germs. These new antibodies are then passed through the breast milk to help the baby fight off the new threat. Now, this doesn’t mean that breastfed babies never get sick, but research has shown that they do typically recover more quickly than a formula-fed baby.

There are additional benefits to breastfeeding other than just the antibodies. It has been shown that breastfeeding offers protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, allergies, intestinal disorders, colds, viruses, staph, strep, e-coli infections, diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, childhood cancers, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, salmonella, and SIDS. Breastfeeding also offers lifetime protection from Chrohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, some lymphomas, insulin dependent diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding also offers benefits to the mother. Long-term breastfeeding, for a cumulative total of two years or more, has been shown to reduce a mother’s chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also helps the mother to lose weight more quickly after having a baby. Because many women do not get their periods back until they stop nursing, breastfeeding also helps to naturally space out children. But, it is important to note that one should never rely solely on breastfeeding for birth control.

These are just a few of the amazing things that breast milk can do for a baby. You would think that with all this research, the decision to breast-feed would be a “no-brainer”. Unfortunately, one of the biggest deciding factors of whether a woman decides to breastfeed is the reaction of family members. Oftentimes the husband is uninformed on the benefits of breastfeeding, and pushes the woman to wean to formula. Many mothers and grandmothers don’t support the breastfeeding woman because “that wasn’t how it was done in their day.” Many women receive dirty looks or harsh comments for discretely nursing in public. All of these factors push a new mother towards formula, despite the amazing health benefits of nursing.

The decision to breast-feed is yours. Take at least as much time to learn about breastfeeding as you did when you picked out your babies crib; more if you can spare it. Arm yourself with knowledge and then make a decision. Only you can decide if breastfeeding is right for you family.

Kathleen Frassrand is a firm believer in helping women find the answers they need to make the best decisions for themselves. For more pregnancy information, be sure to visit: http://www.pregnancy.info-for-you-online.com

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by Dr. Melanie Beingessner

As new parents, it can be daunting to try to soothe a baby when they fuss and cry. Here are some ideas that might help you to calm your baby.

1. Dance together. Gentle music soothes babies rather than fast music with a lively beat. By swaying and humming to the music, you can entertain a baby enough to help her relax and stop crying. If you can, make a tape or CD of your favorite slow songs and enjoy some bonding time together.

2. Carry your baby with you wherever you go. Studies have shown that babies who are carried cry less. Babies relax when they feel you close and hear your heartbeat. To make it easier on your back, a sling works best for a new baby. Baby carriers are excellent choices for babies that can sit on their own, as their backs can support their bodyweight in the sitting position.

3. Swaddle your baby before you rock her to sleep. New babies like to feel snug and cozy, and swaddling can create that feeling for them.

4. Skin-to-skin contact can help. One of the nicest ways to accomplish this, especially in the evening, is to run a warm bath, light a few candles and turn off the lights. Sit in the tub, place the baby on your chest, and cover her with a warm facecloth. Babies like the feel of the close contact, the warm water, and the pretty lights. Bath time is an excellent way for dad to have special bonding time and it gives mom a bit of a break.

5. Infant massage provides great relief for babies. It helps to promote relaxation, improved digestion, bonding and brain stimulation. Studies done on premature babies have shown that massaged babies sleep better, and gain weight more quickly, and infant massage for full term babies provides the same results.

6. Watch what you eat. If you are a breastfeeding mother and your baby tends to get fussy, especially after 5:00 pm, what you are eating can be causing your baby distress. If mothers can eliminate dairy products and other specific foods from their diets on a short-term basis, babies tend to become calm, relaxed and happy. For more information on this subject, please refer to drmelaniebee.org

7. Consult with a chiropractor. The birth process can be a difficult passage for some babies and sometimes a baby is fussy because her neck or back is hurting her. If the problem is caused by a vertebra that is not moving in a proper pattern of motion, chiropractic care is safe and effective treatment to relieve the problem.

About the author:

Dr. Beingessner is a chiropractor, a breastfeeding counselor, a certified infant massage instructor and the mother of three fabulous kids. She is the author of The Calm Baby Cookbook, written to help breastfeeding moms calm their fussy babies by changing their diets. Dr. Melanie’s website provides information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, ADD/ADHD, chiropractic, health and wellness at drmelaniebee.org

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As a single mother with very limited resources I was looking for ways to save money from the get go. While I was pregnant I began to question many common “extras” that go with parenting such as a separate nursery, crib, stroller, etc. It just all seemed expensive, would clutter my home, was one more thing to clean or carry or lift out of the trunk and I began fighting the system one plastic contraption at a time.

Despite my battle against other society imposed baby “necessities, it never occurred to me to fight traditional diapering. (I am using the term traditional loosely since disposable diapers are a relatively new phenomenon). I happened to be surfing the internet when my daughter was about a month and a half old. I googled “diaper alternatives”. I am not sure what I was looking for exactly but I was hoping to find a way to save money on disposables because I simply couldn’t afford them.

I ran across a few elimination communication sites. I thought they were a joke. I had never heard of such a thing. (This was about six months before the 2005 media coverage of elimination communication kicked in). I had to read through about five websites on the subject before I concluded that so many people would not create joke websites about pottying their babies.

I immediately took my little 1.5 mo old daughter to the kitchen sink and held her naked butt over it and said “pssssssssssssss”. She peed. It was utterly miraculous to me. I just could not believe it. She has been using a potty ever since.

For the first few months I had to hold her over a receptacle (usually a sink or bowl) and make a noise. “psss” to pee and raspberry noises if I felt she had to poop. She would sometimes have to suck on the tip of my thumb in order to poop. Why? I have no clue why she needed the thumb but it worked so I did it.

As soon as she could hold her head up, I got a Baby Bjorn little potty and she was totally delighted to be able to “sit up” long before she could sit on her own. I think it gave her a feeling of independence early on. I usually put some of her favorite books or toys in a basket next to her potty and let her play for as long as she felt like sitting there.

I would like to say that I stopped using diapers entirely then and there but I did not. In retrospect I would have done that and if I ever have another child I wont use diapers at all. I had a tough time doing the EC out of the house and I didn’t really want her to pee in my brother’s sink so we continued to use disposables any time we were out of the house.

I can count on my hands the number of times that she ever had a soiled diaper against her skin. (she did have her share of wet ones though). As soon as she was able to communicate that she had to go (by grabbing her crotch) I stopped buying diapers altogether. She was out of diapers for good, before her second birthday.

Would I recommend infant pottying? Absolutely, without a question. It is so much better for the child. It is cleaner, more sanitary and I believe it shows the child that you respect them and it maintains their dignity. It is also a heck of alot easier on the environment. Are there misconceptions? Do people fight this idea? Do they consider it uncivilized? They do. But tell me who is the loser when the parents refuse to try EC?

Common misconceptions about Elimination Communication
EC Communities
Purchase the: Levels of Discovery Her Majesty’s Throne Potty Chair

Would you like to learn simple ways to bond with your baby and form a loving, nurturing attachment to your baby? Others may tell you that you are spoiling your baby or forming an “attached at the hip” relationship that will forever harm your baby.

Be reassured that if you practice the tips presented in this article with love balanced out with your own needs for rest, adult contact and intellectual stimulation, your child will definitely not grow to be forever attached to your hip.

Instead, he or she will grow to be an independent and secure adult, which is at the core of exactly what you as a parent have the responsibility of forming in your child.

These first years of life are when this foundation is laid. A strong, healthy attachment is the key to rearing a secure and independent adult.

As a parent or caregiver you have a lot of things to get done in a 24 hour period of time. There is laundry to do, meals to cook, errands to run and if you care for or have other children, their individual needs must be attended to as well.

Tips for forming a closer bond with your baby:

* Read and talk to your baby, especially if it is just you and your baby together for the majority of the time. Reading and talking to your baby helps your baby to understand and trust you. Good early books are picture books with one word descriptions of everyday objects on each page or books with short rhyming patterns.

* Avoid a non-stop chatter for your baby all day long; this can cause your baby to become over-stimulated and tune you out.

* Make reading times routine: Your baby will learn when it is time to listen.

* Play lap games with your baby: Peek-a-boo and patty cake help children develop fine motor skills and object permanence. More important, they provide times of closeness for you and your child.

* Massage your baby: Especially good for babies who get worked up quickly and have a hard time calming down, and for babies who are not able to self-soothe. Don’t wait until he or she is fussy to give a massage. Massage your baby before and after a bath and during diaper changes. Infant massage is an important way to build attachment and soothe fussiness.

* Look at your baby while you are feeding him: This promotes attachment, but it also helps him or her to develop his own sense of identity. When you look into his eyes during a feeding, there is prolonged, intimate contact combined with warmth of being nestled in your arms. Change sides and you give baby a different view of you and help him or her to develop both sides of his brain and body. Of special note here, I observed a very young girl feeding her baby in this very manner, and I thought how beautiful the two of them appeared during those moments of feeding times, and how content they both appeared. Not only does your baby benefit from this close interaction during feeding times, but you will benefit as well.

* Kiss your baby: Kissing is an intimate activity that signals affection toward your baby and helps promote attachment. A kiss from “mommy” can often cure a whole realm of ailments and boo-boos in a baby’s life.

* Talk to your baby when you are out of sight: Often babies become frightened when they realize a parent or caregiver has left the room. This can become frustrating if it happens every time you need to leave the room to answer the phone or to use the bathroom. Start early and you can help alleviate this fear. As you leave the room, talk to your baby about what you are doing or where you are going. Just hearing your voice is reassuring to baby that you are not far away.

* Be there when your baby wakes up: If possible, and you know your child always wakes from a nap at a certain time, make it a habit to occasionally be nearby when he or she wakes up, ready to give a hug and kiss.

Practicing these few simple tips should help you form a closer attachment to your baby that will help to lay the foundation for him or her to grow into the secure, independent adult you desire.

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

Connie Limon. Visit us at http://babiesandtoddlers1.com About Babies and Toddlers is a collection of articles available for information, education and FREE reprints to your newsletter, website or blog.

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Incorrect Breastfeeding Advice Results In Fussy, Uncomfortable Babies
This past month, I have had quite a few frantic calls from stressed out moms who have fussy babies and are hoping that The Calm Baby Cookbook could help. After a short conversation, their problem was easily diagnosed over the phone. These women were experiencing problems with breastfeeding because of well meaning, but totally incorrect advice from prenatal instructors and support people in their lives.

The problematic advice is one that many of us have heard already. “You must feed the baby for 10 minutes on one side and then switch to the other side and feed for another 10 minutes.” This advice is absolutely incorrect and contributes to so many breastfeeding problems for new moms. The result is a gassy, fussy baby who cannot be easily comforted. The underlying problem is what is called a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance.

Many people (health care practitioners and prenatal instructors included!) do not know that breastmilk changes throughout the breastfeeding session. For the first part of a feed, breastmilk contains more water and more sugar. It rehydrates the baby quickly and helps to fill the baby’s stomach. Towards the end of a feed, breastmilk changes to contain more fat. The fatty part of the milk is very important as it helps a baby to digest breastmilk more easily and it helps a baby to feel full and satisfied at the end of the feed. The fatty part of breastmilk offers so many benefits to a baby: it contributes to nerve and brain development, it acts as a laxative and so much more.

If a woman switches sides before the baby is able to get the hindmilk, the result is a fussy, gassy baby who has green, explosive, frothy stools. This baby has lots of cramping and is so uncomfortable that she cries soon after a feed and cannot be consoled. The closest way for an adult to understand this discomfort is that it mimics quite well the feelings of lactose intolerance.

A baby who is able to feed on one side until the breast completely drains will usually fall asleep at the end of the feed and will slide off the breast, full and completely satisfied. It can be quite difficult to wake a baby after she is able to get her hindmilk from the feeding session and most babies are simply put to bed. Getting to the hindmilk is like having rich cheesecake at the end of a good meal. You feel relaxed and ready to go to bed. The same is for a baby after a good feed off of one breast.

If you have been breastfeeding your baby and switching breasts often, you can certainly change the way that you feed your baby so that she can get the hindmilk. It will take a few days (possibly up to a week) for your breasts to become used to this new feeding pattern, so you’ll need to be patient. Breastmilk is produced from direct stimulation to nerve endings in your areola as your baby feeds. Because your breasts are being stimulated with each feed, they are accustomed to making lots of milk (possibly too much milk).

If your breasts are making lots and lots of milk, you will need to feed on one breast for many complete feeds to help your baby get a good feed on your hindmilk (anywhere from 2 to 5 feeds). Your breast should be soft at the end of the feed. If it still feels full, have the baby feed on that breast again. As you are feeding from the same breast often, the unused breast will become full of milk. Simply pump the side that is full FOR COMFORT ONLY: just enough so that you can feel comfortable without draining the breast. Again, breast milk is produced from direct sucking at the breast, whether from your baby or a breast pump. If you completely drain the second breast by pumping, you will make too much milk and it will be harder for your baby to get to the hindmilk. Your breasts will not be able to adapt to this new method of breastfeeding, and you will continue to have feeding difficulties.

Once the first breast has been drained, start with the second breast. You may have to feed for quite a few (2-5) complete feedings on the second side as well until the baby can drain the breast and it feels soft at the end of the feed. You may need to pump the first breast for comfort as well. Eventually, you will have one breast ready for a feed, the baby will be able to drain it completely, and fall off the breast fast asleep, full and completely satisfied.

Once your milk starts to regulate, you’ll notice that: * The breast that feeds the baby will be soft at the end of the feed. * Your second breast will be slightly full and preparing itself for the next feed. * Your baby will be satisfied at the end of the feed. She will start to sleep better - deeper and longer.

If you and your baby are experiencing a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, relax and know that this can be remedied easily over time. Many medical professionals who do not know or understand what a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance is, will tell you that “you are not producing good milk” or that “you are not producing the right kind of milk” or that “your baby is allergic to your milk.” And then they will ask you to feed your baby a hypo-allergenic formula “to let everything settle down.” Most women give up on breastfeeding at that point, especially since they have just been told that their body is incapable of feeding their child.

I am constantly amazed at how quick some professionals are to dismiss a woman’s body as being inferior instead of recognizing that she has been given incorrect information on how to feed her child. Please know that many health care professionals or prenatal instructors do not understand breastfeeding or how it works and that you cannot assume that they do. Ask them about their breastfeeding training and experience. If they have not taken courses in breastfeeding, they are not qualified to offer advice or help you with your problems. Medical doctors are not taught about breastfeeding, or if they are, it is for 2 hours at some point in their school curriculum.

If you need help, see a lactation consultant as soon as you are having problems with your latch. You can also contact someone in La Leche League - an organization of breastfeeding mothers who are more than willing to help you with your breastfeeding difficulties as they are personally experienced in feeding their own children. (You can find them listed in your local white pages or you can visit www.lalecheleague.org to find help close to you.) The La Leche League has a wonderful book called The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. You will find it in any bookstore. You can also contact your local midwife; she will know of qualified people in your community who can help.

After your breastmilk regulates, if your baby is still fussy, especially between 5:30 and 11:30 at night, you may want to look at the foods that you are eating. Some foods that breastfeeding mother eat can irritate a baby’s digestive system and cause fussiness and crying. You can find out more by visiting drmelaniebee.org

Dr. Melanie Beingessner is a chiropractor, a breastfeeding counselor, a certified infant massage instructor and the mother of three fabulous kids. She is the author of The Calm Baby Cookbook, written to help breastfeeding moms calm their fussy babies by changing their diets. Her website offers information on pregnancy and breastfeeding and can be found at www.drmelaniebee.org

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