The Stork Brought You a Baby - Now What?

One of the first critical decisions a mother makes is whether to breast-feed or bottle-feed her baby. She's probably read many articles and warnings to the point of wondering what's the best choice amid all of the confusion.

Perhaps she asked the pediatrician or her own mother for advice about breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding. Ultimately, she makes the choice that's right for her and her baby.

The Nursing Mother's Companion:
Revised Edition

For centuries, babies thrived on breast milk alone. It's custom designed for your baby, complete with antibodies from the mother that help build the infant's immune system and improve resistance to diseases. Breast milk is less likely to cause allergic reactions, although it does happen with some babies.

Mothers also feel it increases their unique bond with the babies. Breastfeeding advocates are almost rabid in their support of this method. Some mothers can't breastfeed due to medical conditions or the inability to generate enough milk to meet the baby's needs.

Bottle Feeding may be necessary to find the right elements to deal with a milk allergy or a picky baby. Working mothers may need to use bottle-feeding as an alternative or supplement to breastfeeding. Bottle-feeding has the same opportunity for bonding as the mother cuddles the baby during feeding. With bottle-feeding, the father also gets to enjoy this bonding experience.

As the breast milk versus baby formula debates rages, all that matters is that your baby gets high quality nutrition in sufficient quantity to grow and thrive. It's not a contest for superiority. Whether breast-fed or bottle-fed, your baby can get the healthy start that it needs in life.

If only there was a product to restore adult skin to the silky quality of baby skin. Of course, there isn't - but even baby skin can become rough and chaffed without the proper care, and this can be painful to your little one. You need a little crash course in baby skincare treatments!

Natural Baby Care:
Pure and Soothing Recipes and Techniques for Mothers and Babies
(Natural Health and Beauty Series)

Your baby's skin is fresh and new, yet it's also delicate. The same laundry detergent that you've used for years may cause a painful irritation to your baby's skin. If you see redness or dry and flakey patches on your baby's legs, back or tummy, you need to make a list of all of the chemical exposures and start a process of elimination.

Even mild or hypoallergenic detergents can contain fragrances, which could b the cause of the irritation. Avoid washing your baby's clothes or crib sheets in products that contain fragrances, softeners or other chemical additives.

Be just as choosey about shampoo, body wash, lotion, creams and diaper rash creams that you use on your baby. Any of these may be the cause of skin irritation. Each baby is a unique little human who may react differently to these things than your other children did.

If the irritation becomes a rash with increased redness or is warm to the touch, go immediately to the pediatrician. Your baby may need medicated creams to counter the irritant. Speaking of irritants, add sun exposure to that list.

Sensitive baby skin needs to be protected with sun screen and shade. Painful sunburn can quickly turn into third degree burns for sensitive baby skin. Keep your baby's skin protected from sun and wind for that healthy glow . It isn't rocket science - you can master your baby's skincare regimen easily and quickly by being a parent who pays attention!

Parents feel so helpless when they're trying to find out why their baby is crying. First they look for the obvious signs of discomfort - hunger, cold or dirty diaper. After dealing with those, the crying continues - is it colic, teething, constipation?

Why Is My Baby Crying? :
The Parent's Survival Guide for Coping with Crying Problems and Colic

Not knowing, first time parents have moments when they just want cry right along with the baby. Crying can be a baby's way to get your attention. After hanging out in the crib, baby is ready to be held or rocked.

A baby who is uncomfortable from gas or stomach upset will cry to say, "Help me, I feel awful!" Try holding the baby, repeat the burping and walking or rocking. Gentle movement can be comforting. Some babies are soothed by going for a stroll or motion of the baby swing.

Hyper stimulation is a big cause of crying. The family gathering or a birthday party can become too much for the baby to process. Passing the baby from stranger to stranger to hold can be disturbing. By crying, your baby is saying, "Give me a break - I want my Mom and Dad!" He or she may need quiet time in the crib.

Parents begin to associate the tone of the crying with what the baby needs. When the crying pattern changes or becomes louder - turning into screaming or the baby's face turns red from crying - that's a likely signal that the baby is in distress.

If you've tried everything that usually works but don't see a change in intensity of the baby's crying, then the situation could be something like teething or it could be something more serious. Don't hesitate calling your pediatrician to see what it might be because it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Truly amazing information on 10 Things Every Child Needs For the Best Start In Life!

Forget all the fancy toys and games for our babies and children. Let's give them what they really need. This DVD explains child development in easy to understand terms.

used this DVD with college students learning about human development. Using experts in the field, such as Brazelton and trained teachers working directly with children in an inner city day care center, this DVD gives specific examples of what helps and what hinders healthy development.

My only reservation about the content was the implication of dire consequences if a child did not receive these opportunities at a given age. Adults have similar needs and it is never too late to heal and learn the value of self esteem, music, play, care, touch, etc. That said, care givers of young children will benefit from the ideas presented in this well-scripted and interesting DVD.