Tips To Baby Care Things You Should Know

Wonderful moment has arrived ? you had a baby! Now what? Caring for your baby is a skill, lucky us it can be easily acquired and learned. Baby care and nurturing is going to fill your days for the first few month to the maximum, and here are some tips to help you reduce stress and make parenting more enjoyable!

• Talking to, touching, and holding your new baby in the delivery room is good for you and your baby.

• This is a wonderful time to start breastfeeding. Tell your care giver not to let anyone else feed your baby so that your baby will only get your breast milk.

• Your health care giver will examine your baby right after birth, checking appearance and color, reflexes, breathing, heart rate, and activity to see whether your baby needs any special care.

• Ask to have your newborn placed beside you in bed. Touch and hold your baby, and get to know how your baby feels.

• Your baby may look different from the way you expected. Ask the hospital staff if you have questions about the way your baby looks.

• Ask the staff to show you how to take your baby?s temperature and read the thermometer.

• All infants should be protected against hepatitis B. Some doctors recommend the first shot be given before going home from the hospital.

• You should take your baby to see the doctor when your baby is about 1 week old unless you are told to come in sooner. Call your baby?s doctor right after your baby is born for an appointment.

Before you and your baby leave the hospital, a few drops of blood will be taken from your baby?s heel to check for some rare problems.

You will need a car safety seat (marked ?federally approved?) to bring your baby home. It is the law?your baby must always be in an approved safety seat when traveling in a car, van, or truck. Ask your health care giver, the hospital where you deliver, or health department about programs that loan federally approved car safety seats.

If you or the baby?s father have any questions about how to pick up, hold, feed, bathe, diaper, or dress your baby, ask the hospital staff to help you. Your new baby needs all of the love and comfort you can give. You cannot love a baby too much. Your entire family can share in the joy of this love.

Caring for your baby at home ?

Most newborn babies spend most of their time sleeping and eating. You want to make sure that baby has a safe place to sleep and is put to sleep in a safe position.

A safe crib will have slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and corner posts less than 5/8 inch high above the rails.

Baby should sleep on a firm mattress that fits tightly in the crib, cradle or bassinet.

Do not put pillows, comforters or other soft padded materials in the bed under the baby.

Put healthy infants to sleep on their backs or sides.

Keep the sides of crib raised when baby is sleeping in it.

Try to keep sleeping newborns away from pets, other children and large overstuffed toys.

Don?t let people smoke around your baby. Your baby?s lungs are delicate. Babies are not as resistant to respiratory infections as their parents.

Hopefully these simple tips will help you enjoy your new responsibilities to its fullest and fill your days with joy, not stress.

Olga is a co-publisher of baby care guide designed to Unlock your Inner Mother Code. Parenting manual that mother nature should have included with your new baby http://www.Baby-Formula-Advisor.com

Top Speaker Says: When The Buyer Is Ready The House Will Appear!

That old Rolling Stones tune, ?I Can?t Get No Satisfaction? could have been sung by those seeking to buy homes during the real estate bubble of a year ago, and more, which of course has been bursting ever since.

At that time, it was a seller?s market, and multiple buyers frequently offered more than the official asking prices because there was so much demand and so little supply.

Now, we may be on the threshold of a true buyer?s market, with home prices that reportedly have taken a 10% dip in the last year, alone.

Still, buying your dream house is difficult in any market. It just seems hard to find all of the practicality and frills you need and can afford in a single dwelling.

But instead of abandoning hope, I suggest you relax and consider my spin on an aphorism that I once heard, and you may have, too:

?When the student is ready, a teacher will appear.?

I?d like to offer this twist:

When the buyer is ready, the house will appear!

This has happened to me on multiple occasions. I?ve admired certain homes for years, and then, when I have been ready to upgrade, I?ve driven by these addresses and noticed For Sale signs. Within days, I?ve bought them.

When I haven?t quite been ready, I?ve seen some nice places, but the deals could never quite come together. Maybe the small yards bothered me or the absence of swimming pools, or the loudness of the air conditioning system right outside of the master bedroom window.

The market is telling me this is a good time to start looking, and I have. But I?m not really ready to move, yet, so I expect I?ll see some decent listings, but in a few months that one-of-a-kind, must-have beauty will come along, and we?ll live happily ever after!

Best-selling author of 12 books and more than 900 articles, Dr. Gary S. Goodman is considered The Gold Standard--the foremost expert in sales development, customer service, and telephone effectiveness. Top-rated as a speaker, seminar leader, and consultant, his clients extend across the globe and the organizational spectrum, from the Fortune 1000 to small businesses. He can be reached at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

Playtime Is Meant To Be Fun And Safe: How To Make It That Way

Playtime is important in the development of a child?s imagination and social skills. However, how a child plays and what the child plays with is equally as important. Playtime should be safe for the child and age appropriate. It should also be fun and encourage imagination. Parents can do several things to help ensure their child?s safety when playing.

To ensure safety during playtime, it is important for parents to choose the correct toys. It is very tempting to always buy the latest, greatest popular toy on the market or to buy your older child the fun technology oriented toys that are so prevalent. However, a parent should be aware that there are certain physical and developmental dangers in choosing certain toys or allowing too much access to particular toys. Safety starts at the toy store with parents and caregivers choosing toys that are safe and age appropriate for the child.

?Look at the design of the toys to ensure they are well made and will not break easily.

?Toys that are very small can be a choking hazard for young children. Even if you do not think your child will put a toy in their mouth or lodge it elsewhere, do not choose these types of toys for small children. It only takes a moment for a fun toy to become a hazard.

?Do not buy toys that have loud noises that can potentially impair hearing.

?Toys that propel objects can be a danger to eyes. If older children have such toys, make sure they are not accessible to the younger children in the house and that the older children do not play with these in the vicinity of younger children.

?Watch out for toys that have sharp edges, small parts, or sharp points. Avoid toys that produce extremely loud noises that can damage hearing and propelled objects that can injure eyes.

?Read the labels for safety information such as suggested age ranges, hygiene information and toxicity issues.

?If you are buying an electrical toy, make sure there is a UL seal that proves the product was safety tested.

In addition to safety, it is also important to let the child know the parent is willing to play with them. A parent?s involvement with a child can be a great bonding experience for the entire family, bringing the family closer. Babies and small children learn skills and develop through play and interaction. If a parent actively plays with their child, studies indicate that they will develop faster.

Today, many children are exposed to large amounts of television, computers and video games. While these items can be helpful in learning certain skills, too much exposure to them will quell a child?s imagination. Make sure to limit television time and allow children to use their imagination. Playtime outside is also healthy for the child. Let the child run and play and toss a ball around so they can practice motor skills and get some exercise. Parents should get involved.

?Parents can read to their child and encourage reading once the child is able to read alone. This will help cognitive skills and develop the imagination. Make story time part of the bedtime ritual so it is a fun way to end the evening and a great bonding experience.

?Play games with your children. This will help teach sharing, taking turns, patience and rules. Card games, puzzle games and board games are a great way to interact. If you are in a car together, play games such as ?I Spy?.

?Create imaginative activities such as putting on plays or musicals. Playing dress up or house with your child can expand the imagination and can be a lot of fun.

?Play with action figures, stuffed animals and dolls with your children. This can add to social interaction by giving the child the tools to act out what the feel is appropriate and you can guide them by teaching appropriate play and manners.

?Sing songs with your children. Children love to sing and it can be fun for everyone. It is also a great opportunity to learn the alphabet and rhyming.

Playtime is an important activity in a child?s life. It will help teach them and can help parents and children form a stronger relationship. It is necessary to choose toys and activities that are both fun and safe. With a parent?s involvement and attention, this can be an easy task to accomplish.

About the Author:

If you would like more information on wooden toys for your child please visit our site. MonkeyBeanToys specializes in traditional wooden toys that will last longer than cheap plastic toys.

Budgeting Ideas For Mother And Baby

The good news is that there are ways to effectively budget and save that can greatly reduce these costs. You will find with smart shopping and good planning, you can still provide everything that your child needs while saving a great deal of money in the process. Here are some cost-saving tips that are sure to take some of the strain off of your bank account:

Dont feel that you need to buy everything at once. Your baby will not need to much more than an infant car seat, a safe place to sleep, diapers, and a few changes of clothing for the first few weeks.

Consider breastfeeding. You can save considerably if you dont have to buy formula and bottles.

Buy nappies on sale and in bulk, or better yet, buy a few dozen reusable cloth nappies that can be worn and washed over and over.

Dont be embarrassed to accept hand me downs from friends and family or shop in resale stores. You might be surprised to find that much of the clothing and toys have hardly been used at all.

Dont always assume that the more expensive items are better quality. Ask a trusted family member or friend who has small children what brands they like and use.

Shop the end-of-season sales for baby clothing and stock up on sizes that youll need for next season.

Water Balloons

This is a great activity for children, teenagers and even parents to do together. Buy a bag of water balloons and fill as many as you can. Place in plastic buckets or washing up bowls. Small children will need help. After everyone has an equal amount of wobbly, jiggly balloons, go into the garden and let the water fight begin! Hosepipes and water guns are not allowed. Wearing funny goggles, bathing caps, snorkels and NOT changing into bathing costumes makes it even more fun. The more spontaneous the better. Simple safety rules should be laid down first i.e., no running in the house, balloons must not be aimed at chest or head etc., Everyone will be laughing and having a great time, especially if grownups get involved. Afterwards, the children can go on a treasure hunt to see who can collect the most pieces of broken balloons in the garden - we don't want birds, dogs or cats to choke on any bits of rubber left in the garden.

If you have internet access log on to large coach company websites to find special deals: on one its possible to pre-book to any destination for ?1 each way per person. You have to be specific about times outward/return etc. This is a cheap way of introducing your children to different cities and having fun. Do your homework on your chosen destination and find out free venues and events. Pack a lunch and get discovering!!

Save up your vouchers from supermarket point systems and exchange them for days out tokens. This is a cheap way of affording expensive days out at theme parks as the vouchers are often worth more than their money equivalent.

Evaluate how much youll be spending for childcare if you are returning to work. You may just find that its less expensive to stay at home with your child.

Explore options to work from home to eliminate childcare costs.

Begin a higher education savings plan early on and contribute to it on a regular basis.
About the Author

Julian Hall of GiftBabies.co.uk - The
Baby Christening Gifts Company - The Most Unique,
Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalised
Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

Is Adventure Travel For YOu

Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com interviews adventure travel expert and founder of Adventure Travel Meldia Source, Nancy Pfeiffer.
Nancy is proud to say she is a 58 year old grandmother and still an active adventure traveler.

Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com interviews adventure travel expert and founder of Adventure Travel Meldia Source, Nancy Pfeiffer.
Nancy is proud to say she is a 58 year old grandmother and still an active adventure traveler.

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com is excited to have as our guest, Nancy Pfeiffer, founder of Adventure Travel Media Source. 

Good day Nancy and thank you for agreeing to participate in our interview. 

Norm: 

Nancy, could you tell us something about yourself and how did you become interested in setting up Adventure Travel Media Source? 

Nancy: 

I had been doing general marketing consulting for a variety of clients, including guest ranches, river rafting companies and B&B's.  In the course of this, I realized over many years that the best thing I could do for them as far as marketing was to get editorial coverage for them.  I eventually made the decision in 1999, to switch to doing media relations exclusively.  That's when ATMS was born. 

Norm: 

What are the principal objectives of ATMS? 

Nancy: 

To obtain quality editorial coverage for our clients in targeted publications.  To provide employment for a team of talented people and allow them to grow and develop skills in the media relations environment.  To serve the publishing industry by providing them access to and information about unusual trips and destinations; and to be a participant in the global community of adventure travel and ecotourism. 

Norm: 

Have you found that adventure travel today is much more popular than it was several years ago, and if so, what do you attribute this to? 

Nancy:  

Adventure travel has become a very popular form of travel, making it the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry for the past 5-7 years, according to various industry specialists.  Adventure travel takes many forms and can mean anything from a bus tour through a national park to extreme mountain climbing in Nepal.   

The reasons for this are many including the fact that the baby boom generation has had access to travel during their lives.  They tend to be well education, high wage earners and very curious about the world around them.  These tendencies make them a natural for adventure travel where they can do such things as: a cooking school in Provence, a bike tour of the Canadian Rockies, a safari to Kenya, an adventure cruise to the Galapagos, a backpacking trip in Moab, skiing in Jackson Hole, wildlife expeditions to Churchill, Manitoba to view Polar Bears, a Native American guided tour of the Ute Tribal Park, etc.   

No more are travelers content to drive through Glacier National Park- they now want to hike the glaciers, view wildlife and learn to fly fish on their vacation.  These factors have led to the genre of adventure travel. 

Norm: 

No doubt, you have experienced many adventure experiences. Which ones would you consider to be your favorites and why? 

Nancy: 

My personal favorite adventure is whitewater rafting.  I did not begin adventuring until I was 40 and recently divorced.  I took my first week-long rafting trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho with a client.  I was frightened to death and determined that I would do it and survive. 

I did survive the River of No Return and have now done that trip 13 times as well as the Middle Fork of the Salmon, many stretches of the Colorado River as well as other rivers. 

River trips are wonderful because they include many other elements such as hiking, fly fishing, wildlife viewing and camping.  I also enjoy hiking, camping and fishing with my husband, riding horses, snowshoeing  really anything that takes place outdoors, in nature, and involving some activity or personal challenge.  I'm a 58-year-old grandmother and if I can do it, anybody can! 

Norm: 

Readers of Sketchandtravel.com are always on the lookout for unique romantic getaways. Would you be able to recommend five adventure tours that you would not only consider to be adventurous but also romantic? 

Nancy: 

• Lapa Rios Eco Lodge in Costa Rica is a spectacular and romantic destination.  It is located on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica so there is plenty of surfing, wildlife tours, hiking and water sports available right outside your door. Activities at Lapa Rios are focused around the rainforest and the nearby Ocean.   Rainforest hikes, bird watching, Ocean Kayaking, horseback riding, catch and release sport fishing and surfing are some of the activities offered.   Furthermore, guests can take massages, participate in Yoga classes, relax at the pool with a tropical cocktail or just take a nap in a hammock and maybe observe the birds, monkeys and other animals that come by.   For many guests, the highlight is a tour to Corcovado National Park by plane or a night camping in the jungle. 
• The Ashley Inn in Cascade, ID is the most beautiful Inn I've ever visited  it's so sweet and romantic with a fireplace in every room, a spa tub with lighted waves for soaking, very feminine dcor and the most attentive staff anywhere.  And, you can board the historic Thunder Mountain RR line right behind the Inn for a trip that follows the Payette River Scenic Byway.  There are dozens of creeks and rivers for fly fishing, Lake Cascade 2 blocks from the Inn. Its Idaho's own little mountain kingdom  perfect for a romantic getaway. 
• Canyon Villa in beautiful Sedona, AZ, is located right on the border of the Coconino National Forest.  Of course, everyone knows that Sedona is a getaway for the rich and famous and you don't have to be rich OR famous to stay at this beautiful Inn.  It's a hideaway just for the two of you and when you're ready to peek outside your door, you are surrounded by the red rock beauty which beckons you to come out and play.  Options include jeep tours, horseback riding, golf, tennis, and spas, biking, hiking and shopping at Tlaquepaque, a unique arts and crafts village with shops, galleries and fabulous restaurants. 
• Brooks Lake Lodge in Wyoming's NW Corner, just outside Grand Teton National Park, is a very special place.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lodge is secluded in winter only reachable by dogsled, snow coach of x-c skis.  Their lodge rooms and individual cabins are so cozy; you will just want to snuggle together with a cup of hot chocolate or a special bottle of wine.  Gourmet food is prepared by the four star chef and a winter wonderland awaits you when you want to be active.  To top it all off, Brooks Lake Lodge just added complete spa facilities, so you can share a couple's massage to soothe those sore muscles after a day of play.  The Lodge is open in summer as well but nothing compares to the winter getaways at Brooks Lake Lodge. 
• Hidden Creek Ranch in Harrison, ID, just outside Coeur d'Alene is a dude/guest ranch second to none.  The cabins offer the perfect retreat for the two of you, all decorated in Native American style.  Gourmet food and wine are served in the dining room; horseback riding takes guests through forests and up the mountainsides each day.  Hot tubs are discreetly positioned behind the cabins for late night soaks under the moon.  A very well-trained staff will attend to your every need.  Each Wednesday evening, owner, Iris Behr, leads a special program of Native American ceremonies, including a pipe ceremony and a traditional sweat lodge.  What a wonderful way to connect with your spouse or lover than to share such an intimate evening.  Massages are available as well as yoga and meditation classes; fly fishing lessons, an adventure challenge course and much more await you at this beautiful Ranch. 

Norm: 

What does travel mean to you? 

Nancy:  

Travel is an exploration, a learning experience and an opportunity to refresh and restore my spirits through trying new things, meeting new people, etc. 

Norm: 

How many months of the year do you devote to travel? 

Nancy: 

It varies, according to my business, but counting both business and leisure travel, probably about 5-6 months are spent on the road. 

Norm: 

What advice would you give to anyone who never experienced a travel adventure tour and would like to try it? 

Nancy:  

Be sure to go with a reputable outfitter or operator.  Try something you've always wanted to do the options are limitless!  Ask for references from others who have traveled with the company you are considering booking with.  The company will provide you with lists of what to wear, what to bring and what to expect.  If they do not answer your questions and treat you with courtesy and kindness go to someone else. 

There are resources out there that provide professional credentials to outfitters America Outdoors, the Dude Rancher's Association, etc.  They will work with you to find the right trip and the right outfitters or operator. 

Norm: 

Is there anything else you wish to tell our readers? 

Nancy:  

I have had a much more wonderful life in the years since I began adventuring.  Experiential travel is so fun and exciting.  I've met wonderful people and it has enriched my life beyond measure.  I encourage everyone to get out there and learn about our world, about the cultures of the world, about nature and wildlife.  It will make you a better citizen of the planet earth!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Norm Goldman is the Editor of the travel site, www.sketchandtravel.com and the book reviewing and author interviewing site, www.bookpleasures.com.

Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife Lily, the couple meld words with art focusing on romantic destinations.

If you wish to know more about Norm and Lily click on www.bookpleasures.com

Home Appreciation Slows to Lowest Rate in Nine Years

Existing home sales fell 1.3% in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. This marks the eighth decline in 10 months.

June's average price of a sold home increased 0.9% from the year prior, to $231,000. This is the smallest year-over-year price increase since May of 1995.

Regionally, June's sales were down 3.5% in the Northeast and 2.3% in the South, while sales in the West and Midwest remained steady.

The supply of unsold homes has risen to a record 3.725 million units. The inventory is a 6.8 month supply at June's sales rate -- the greatest amount of time in over eight years.

Single-family home sales were down 0.9% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.81 million units, whereas sales of condominiums fell 5.5% in June.

David Lereah, NAR chief economist, says that home sales are beginning to level out after five years of record sales. With interest rates increasing, housing sales have slowed.

Lereah suggests that there are two markets seen in the industry right now -- one where red-hot markets are cooling, and the other where moderately priced areas are starting to heat up.

The NAR reports that sales have decreased in New York, Boston, Minneapolis and Chicago, but have increased in Syracuse and Pittsburg.

Overall, sales are increasing in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, while decreasing sales are seen in Maryland and Virginia.

Martin Lukac represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate and mortgage rates. We specialize in daily updates, mortgage news, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Three Amazing Things To Do In London!

A review of three fascinating attractions in London which offer more than the usual visitor experience!

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was founded by the late Sam Wanamaker. Its objective is to help everyone to understand Shakespeare's work and gain an appreciation of the theatre for which he reputedly wrote his plays.

The first part of this tri-part venture is the Globe Theatre itself; no amateur theatre, this, boasting a full professional theatre company which puts on an entertaining season of plays each year. The second part is the Globe Education Trust, which helps students of all ages to understand Shakespeare's work as it relates to performance and the stage. And the third part is Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, the most comprehensive exhibition in the world about William Shakespeare and his contemporaries. More than 700,000 children, women and men enjoy all these facilities each year - and no wonder, for the Globe is located on a first class site, on the south bank of the River Thames, looking across to St Paul's Cathedral.

A tour of the Shakespeare Exhibition includes a fascinating guided tour of the rebuilt theatre. As tours depart every 15-30 minutes, you don't even need to book (though groups will get a reduced rate if they notify the theatre in advance of their visit). If there's a performance going on, you'll visit Bankside's first theatre, the Rose, instead.

The Shakespeare exhibition provides a lot of active displays and live demonstrations, which are great for kids. These include costume dressings, amazing performances by musicians, mock sword-fights and many more besides.....when you've seen enough, you can buy a souvenir at the Globe shop and refresh your body at the Bar and Brasserie. You can find Shakespeare's Globe at 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT Phone: 020 7902 1400

Have you ever thought about how London is protected from rising tides? If left exposed, surge tides and winds would put over a quarter of a million people at risk of flooding. And a disastrous flood in the early fifties killed more than 300 people and devastated parts of Canvey Island. It was in response to this sad event that the Thames barrier was designed and built.

Finally opened in 1984, the Thames barrier is made up of nine reinforced concrete piers and ten metal, movable gates that span the entire river, a distance of 520 metres from one side to the other. When advance warning of a high tidal surge is received, the steel gates are raised to seal off the upper part of the Thames from the sea.

This amazing feat of engineering is well worth a visit, especially now that walkways and exciting amenity areas have been developed near the barrier. You can even enjoy a working model of the barrier and an audio-visual exhibition on the history and operation of this astonishing flood defence system. You'll also be able to learn about the wildlife in the ever-developing environment of the River Thames. If you need refreshments, there's a super cafe; and there's a picnic and play area for the little ones. For school parties, the Thames Barrier Learning Centre offers an educational centre that also has a whole variety of etertaining activities with an appropriately aware environmental theme. The Thames Barrier Information and Learning Centre is located at 1 Unity Way, Woolwich, SE18 5NJ Phone: 020 8305 4188

For football fans, what could be more interesting than a visit to Chelsea FC's Centenary Museum, a highly entertaining tribute to the first hundred years of the famous club based at Stamford Bridge? With a history as diverse and fascinating as Chelsea's, there's a host of material to look at and enjoy. What's more, entrance to the museum is through a mock-up of a cobbled London street typical of the kind which surrounded this part of London when Chelsea FC was originally formed in 1905.

The opening section of the museum is called The Champions Room and celebrates the title winning side of 2004-5. There are flat screen televisions showing highlights of this enormously successful season, exhibitions marking the club's trophy successes over the past hundred years, the centenary tribute, and various photo opportunities. As you walk through the decades of the club's history, you'll see exciting images and displays of the club's performance at Chelsea and historical events which happened in London.

The first half of Chelsea's century exhibition includes exhibits on the club's development, the visit of King George V and the so-called Khaki Cup Final. Of course, like all clubs, Chelsea went through highs and lows, in the 1970s and 1980s, and these are covered, with additional focus on the Chelsea of today. The museum features many interesting objects and memorabilia, including Seamus O'Connell's England caps and medals. And with items being added all the time, the displays are ever-changing.

If you take the tour, you'll also have the chance to see the changing rooms and press room, sit in the dugout, walk up the players' pitch tunnel, and enjoy a photo opportunity with the shirt of your favourite player. There are many fascinating facts to learn about the pitch, security and players' pre-match rituals.

Besides the standard tour, if you're a really keen fan, you can enjoy a luxury break with the Ultimate Chelsea FC Experience, which includes overnight accommodation. The exhibition is closed home football match days or on the day before a Champion's League football game. Chelsea Football Club, Fulham Road, SW6 1HS Phone: 0871 984 1905

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Discover more about London's fascinating attractions and best accommodation options at the London Visitor Guide