Babies & Toddler

Archive for the ‘Baby Names’ Category

After the arrival of new baby, it is very much exciting for the whole family. This is one of the most fun and joyful event in the family’s life.

After the arrival of your newborn there are some associated tasks and responsibilities that you need to learn for your child safety. Preparing a room for your child safety is also very much important out of all the tasks in the preparation of the baby’s arrival.

Parents often want to offer a best room for their child safety. Most of the couples would probably start planning of their child safety the moment they found that the wife is pregnant.

Some of the basic things that you need to do for your child safety:

So, you are now busy in preparing the things for your child safety. Preparing the baby room is one of the most important tasks that you need to consider with child safety.

You must need to know that what the basic things that provide child safety. You need to create a room that is worth living for your child.

You are confused with what things you have to buy and what things you have to install in your baby room? Here are the things you have to install in your baby’s room for your child safety.

The Mattress:

The mattress is a sleeping accessory worthy of scrutiny. The ideal mattress for your child safety should be perfect in size to fit snugly inside the crib. The mattress must fit tightly all round the crib for safety reasons.

If there is a space between the edges of the mattress and the side of the crib, there is a possibility for your child’s arms to get trapped in the space.

Hence, your baby could get suffocated if his or her head got caught. Therefore you have to purchase the mattress that fits tightly inside the crib and this gives perfect child safety.

The crib:

The crib is the most important thing that you should buy or create for your child safety. This is the basic thing where your baby sleeps. [Choosing Baby Cribs]

Your newborn will spend most of the time in his/her crib. So, the crib should be chosen and prepared meticulously that allows child safety.

Most of the mothers will get a question that is how to choose a crib that provides child safety environment?

• This is just a simple thing. You just remember one thing when choosing the baby’s crib, think child safety first. Child safety is highly recommended here.
• So, make sure that slats in the crib are no more than 2 to 3/8 inches apart. For your child safety, this is the standard measure for the crib’s slats.
• Check that you can manipulate the drop side easily with just one hand as there are some instances that you will need to hold your baby on your other arm.
• Ignore those cribs that feature corner posts that tend to extend above the rail. If you purchase this kind of crib, there is a possibility that the clothing of your baby may get hung on them especially when he starts moving on his own.

The Bumper Pad:

The bumper pad should also be taken into consideration as this also plays a very important role in your child safety. Basically it takes the role of protector.

It gives child safety by protecting your child from direct contact with the hard slats on the crib. Moreover, it can be a fun point to apply whatever decorating style you have got in mind.

However, it is vital to maintain the standard measure of the bumper pad in order for it to fully perform its role. The bumper pad must have at least six straps to grip it in place. The straps should be closed with snaps as this offers more child safety with those that are tied to the crib.

In addition, it is a constraint for the bumper pad to fit tightly around inside the crib. Similar to the mattress, the bumper pad should be fixed without leaving open spaces for the baby to bang head or block in between the side of the crib and the bumper.

You can purchase, or make your own bumper pad if you wish for your baby room. While choosing a bumper pad you have to consider the following things which give child safety:

• However, select a bumper pad that has its own fabric and firm foam.
• Select one that will coordinate with the pattern of your crib.
• By the way, discourage the use of the bumper pad when your baby is capable of reaching a standing position.
• Note that the pad can be his or her stepping stone to crawl out of the crib. So watch out for this purpose.

Swaddling blankets:

Swaddling is an effective child safety tip. Swaddling is the art of wrapping your baby with blankets to comfort and protect him or her from adverse temperatures. It gives child safety zone by avoiding sudden infant deaths.

Baby’s bath tub:

A bath tub in your baby room is another essential item for your child safety.

A small plastic child safety bath tub can provide a comfortable bath environment for your little one. Therefore, try to buy one that may fit the bathing needs of your baby.

Moreover, you can find a lot of both tubs and it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer for your child safety. Make sure that before using the tub it is completely clean. Be careful and never leave your baby alone in the bath tub. Tips for Safe Infant Bath

The changing table:

Changing table is not that much important for the baby room as the baby can be changed on any surface. It can be of great help to mothers and guardians. It can be a back saver for everybody as it places the baby at a comfortable height.

You can dress him or her, or change the diapers comfortably. It makes the clothing and diaper changes easier and faster. It also helps to keep everything handy and at your easy access.

While choosing a child safety changing table for your baby room, make sure that it has a comfortable restraining belt to keep your baby while you wipe and change his or her diaper.

Also, ensure that it should have a safety railing around the top and should be strong. Prior to using it, it is best to test it to make sure that it doesn’t bob.

And, at the time when you change your baby’s clothing or diaper, keep an eye at all times on your child. Never leave the baby alone on a changing table even for a split second.

A nightlight:

A nightlight is a requirement for a safe baby room. For safety don’t enter into your baby room at night to feed her not being able to see in the dark.

The nightlight offers you the possibility to see where and what you are stepping at so you don’t get bumped or tripped into things inside your baby room.

It is important, however, to ensure that the nightlight is out of your baby’s reach for your child safety. If you have placed it at floor level, that might attract crawling babies to sockets.

So, you have to avoid that and instead you can install a dimmer switch for the lighting fixture of the baby room. You can also use a lamp.

There are a lot of other requisites that your baby room needs to have. It may include the layette, a baby sling, books, baby clothes, and health care items for child safety.

But, other than these material things, every nursery needs caring adults, not just parents, who will be a part of the baby’s life.

How to decorate room for your child safety?

Finally you have got all the essential items for your baby room. The next thing to do now is to decorate the room for your child safety. Make the room like a heavenly place for your child safety.

To decorate a room, it needs careful planning, attention, time and effort. Hence, be ready to apply all of these when decorating your baby room.

Follow the below mentioned tips when decorating the nursery for your most precious one:

1. Think and plan for a child safety room that may last through childhood

Here you have to note only one main idea, that is, to think that your baby will grow old. With this idea, while planning for a baby room, you should not give the room too much of a baby feel.

The colors that you have chosen, like pink or blue might not great for grown ups, as it might seem like it is for babies. Therefore, maintain a color that might be great for both babies and preschoolers.

You have to choose furniture and wall treatments that can suit every age and gender. You can use accessories to give the room a baby feel, but don’t over do it.

It is also important to ensure that there is a comfortable place for a bed as this may be of great use once your baby grows out of the crib.

2. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting

When decorating your baby room, it is best for you to choose either cork floor or area rugs on a wood.

If you use area rush rugs, they can be replaced easily than carpeting in case they get dirty and the cork or hard floors are easier to clean up. They don’t even hide allergy-annoying things like dust and dirt.

3. Watch out for the best lightning in the baby room

When it comes to lightning, a nightlight is not only the thing of focus here. A nightlight can help you from bumping and tripping on things inside the nursery every time you visit the baby room at night to feed your baby.

It is also necessary for you to take note of the light in the baby room in the daytime. You have to notice the angles of sunlight in your baby room at day time.

The idea here is, for your child safety, doesn’t place the crib in a spot where there is a direct sunlight in the morning. You also have to notice the place of the crib at night because there is the focus of streetlights at night time.

4. Adequate storage space is best

In your baby room, you probably need more storage space that you think. So, make a plan to build a room with enough space for you to store away baby’s accessories once the child gets older.

Adequate space allows your child to walk and crawl easily and gives child safety.

Your child will require bigger clothes, then shoes, and other accessories he needs for his age. As your child grows the number of toys may even increase. So you must expect that as your baby grows, his stuff grows too.

5. Create a room for you in the nursery

Possibly a time comes for every mother or father to spend a number of nights in the nursery with their baby. The situations may be rocking the baby to sleep or reading him or her stories later on.

So, it is important for every nursery to include a rocking chair or simply a comfortable chair where you and your child can spend some bonding hours.

How to turn your baby room into a child safety zone?

There are a lot of things that you can consider to make your baby room truly worth living for child safety. Just like you, your baby will also needs a room that is safe from whatever environmental harms.

Child safety is the main rule to consider. So, before transferring your baby from your room to his or her room, make sure that everything in place is safe.

Here are some tips to turn your baby room into a child safety zone:

• Make sure that the crib you have installed for your baby has a firm mattress and doesn’t include decorative patterns. Also watch out for corner posts.
• Check and make sure that the crib slats are narrow. Never ever leave any space for the head of your baby to get wedged between these slats.
• Ensure that the changing table has a preventive strap and three raised sides.
• Avoid the things like comforters, pillows and soft stuffed animals from the crib, because these things might suffocate your baby, especially when your baby is in between the age of 4-6 months old.
• Once your child started reaching for things, it is best to take down all decorations or toys you have placed in or strung across the crib, from rail to rail for your child safety.
• It is best for you not to buy a toy box that features a heavy hinged lid. There is a possibility that these things might fall on your baby especially when he reaches to obtain a toy.
• Use a soft rug for the floor. This will give child safety by preventing your child from injuries and pain from those unavoidable falls.

When planning for child safety room, it is best to have an idea on how to decorate the room, what are the needed things for your child safety and how to maintain a safe place for your baby.

This process involves a lot of effort and time to be invested. The best way to succeed is to be conscious of what you want and need to make the baby room a pleasing place to be comfortable and provides child safety.

Baby Parenting: Guide Your Baby Everyday

Be a Good Teacher for Your Baby

Babies learn by exploring the things around them. Show your baby how to look at, listen to, touch or smell something new or different. Hold your baby so she (or he) can see things. Help her hold objects like her socks or a rattle. As she grows, give her safe objects to feel, shake or put into her mouth.

· Be your baby’s teacher. She (or he) will see how you react to things. When you get excited about a toy or object, she’ll get excited too. As she grows, show her how things work; for example, how doors open and close. Talk about what you are doing. For example, “I am putting the food in the pot to cook it.”

· When a baby is learning something new, it helps her to try it again and again. With your help and support this can be fun, and your baby will like trying new things.

· Protect your baby from harsh disapproval, teasing or punishment. A baby doesn’t understand right from wrong. She doesn’t know what things are dangerous for her to do. Watch her to keep her safe. Remove her from situations where she can be hurt or injured.

· Talk and sing to your baby. Even before she is able to speak, this helps her develop language skills. Babies learn best when you talk to them.

· Read to your baby from the earliest months of her life and continue this habit as she grows.

Babies Have People Skills, Too

From the start, your baby is interested in your face. She notices your expressions and tone of voice. She reacts to your emotions. For example, when you say something in a soft and loving way, she will relax and feel more secure.

Scientists have learned that babies show emotions as early as when they are one month old. Something else scientists have learned is that feeling good helps babies learn better.

Why? Happy babies are more alert, attentive and responsive. Babies remember things better when they are happy and at ease. The way you hold and talk to your baby can help her feel happy.

Babies who are alert and feeling good are more likely to look at things, explore and play. They will pay attention more. For example, they will try to make new things happen with toys or make sounds with people. This helps them learn and remember new things.

Brief periods of distress or difficulty will occur. These will not harm a child. Short periods of negative emotions can be helpful for your baby. You should do something quickly to help her feel better. From this she will learn you care about what she tries to tell you. Long periods of negative emotion, like crying, can do harm.

In the first month, the negative emotion that occurs is distress or a response to pain. Later, she will show sadness and anger. Next comes fear. All people have these emotions to protect themselves. Help your baby be at ease with having emotions. Respond to her emotions in a warm and loving way.

You can tell what your baby is feeling by changes in her facial expression. You can also see what she is feeling by her posture, movements and the sounds she makes.

Learning to Communicate

It will be months before your baby says her first word. But babies start learning about language much earlier.

Even in the first few weeks after birth, your baby is learning about language. Very young babies can tell the difference between speech and other sounds. They can tell the difference between the voices of men and the voices of women. They even know the voices of their own mothers. A baby can tell the voice of her mother from the voices of other women. Researchers think babies are able to do this because of the way specific parts of their brains work.

Babies can also communicate long before they speak. They use movements and sounds to let you know what they want or don’t want. Some people refer to these as a baby’s “signals”.

Right now, your baby can tell you if she needs something by fussing or crying. She can also let you know when she likes something or someone by looking intently. Babies learn best how to tell parents what they like or don’t like when they begin to see that parents respond to them in positive ways.

Even before she can speak, you need to talk to your baby. Even though there are differences among individuals, babies whose parents talk to them talk sooner. They also have larger vocabularies. Talking to babies gives them language skills that will help them learn more easily when they get to school. Hearing words on the radio or TV is not very helpful to babies learning language. Your baby benefits from having you up close smiling, talking and singing.

Babies Cry for Lots of Reasons

Crying is the way newborns communicate. Your new baby cries to let you know she needs or wants something.

The first thing to try when she cries is to feed her. By noticing when she wants to be fed and when she doesn’t, you will learn which cries mean that she is hungry, uncomfortable or wants attention. Sometimes she will want to be held. Sometimes she wants a dry diaper. Sometimes she is tired or bored.

As you and your baby get to know each other, you will sometimes be able to tell the difference between each kind of crying. You can then try to give her what she needs.

Taking care of your baby when she cries will not spoil her. It will help your baby feel loved and secure.

Smile, touch and talk to your baby as often as possible. Do this when you feed her, change her diaper or give her a bath. Your baby will learn that she can rely on you to take care of her.

Ways to Soothe Your Baby

Sometimes babies cry even when they have been fed, have clean diapers and are healthy. If your baby is crying because she needs comfort, there are many things you can do. Every baby is different.

Here are things you can try to find out what calms your baby down.

- Rock your baby in your arms or while sitting in a rocking chair.

- Stroke your baby’s head very gently, or lightly pat her back or chest.

- Make soft noises to let your baby know you are there and you care.

- Talk to your baby.

- Softly sing to your baby or play soft music.

- Wrap her up in a baby blanket (but not too tightly).

If your baby keeps crying after you have tried everything, stay calm. Babies know when you are upset. No matter how stressed you are, never shake your baby. Shaking your baby can cause blindness, brain damage or even death.

If you need a break, call a relative, neighbor or friend to help. All babies cry. You will not be able to comfort your baby every time. That does not mean you are a bad parent. Do the best you can to soothe and comfort your baby.

Here’s a simple tip to help your baby cry less – carry her. Research shows that babies who are carried more often don’t cry as much as other babies.

Dainty ducks made out of sugar frosting are great for a first birthday party, but the new grandma in the room might secretly be wishing it were something a little more…interesting. After all, it’s not often that friends and family can come together to celebrate a new pregnancy, so why not forgo the traditional store-bought baby shower cake with the pastel building blocks and make something that adults will be more than eager to sink their teeth into?
If you’re looking to break away from the traditoinal baby shower cake routine, try these sophisticated and interesting alternatives!
Frozen cakes are great, especially in the summer – they take minimal ingredients and incorporating your favorite ice cream flavor into the recipe is easy!
Or you can try invidual cakes for your guests. Chocolate lava cakes are a great treat that you can garnish with fresh raspberries or chocolate dipped strawberries for a healthy illusion.
Why not go with a decadent, calorie-laden cheesecake? A turtle cheesecake is a great way to go. Hey, if you’re going to cheat on your diet, why not make it out?!
There’s also the gluten-free option. This is a great idea for guests with special diety needs. You could try a gluten-free yellow cake recipe adapted for individual cupcakes if you don’t want to make a whole cake. These are sure to be appreciated by some of your guests!
Any of these cakes or desserts can easily be decorated to coincide with your baby shower theme. Decorative cake toppers, accents and lay-on graphcis can add the finishing touches to whatever you decide to whip up.

Recent media attention concerning chemicals in baby products has caused much concern and alarm. The No More Toxic Tub report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a non-profit agency whose goal is to bring attention to harmful chemicals in our skin care products, informs us that many of the baby products that we know, love, and have used for many years contain cancer-causing (carcinogenic) chemicals, specifically, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. In addition to these two harmful chemicals, parents have to worry about the presence of phthalates and parabens in their personal care products as well as their baby’s. These chemicals are not federally regulated here in the United States, but have been banned in other countries. 1,4-dioxane has been banned in Europe and formaldehyde is banned in Japan and Sweden. The U.S. and Europe have banned three phthalates (DEHP, DBP, and BBP) from children’s toys.

1,4-dioxane is not a product added intentionally, but instead is considered a contaminant and therefore is not required to be listed on product labels. This chemical is used as a foaming agent and found in many of the products that we use today, such as shampoos, liquid soaps, deodorants, laundry detergents, toothpastes and much more. 1,4-dioxane is readily absorbed into the bloodstream potentially causing damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and may even result in death.

Formaldehyde exposure occurs everyday in the air that we breath and from some of the foods that we eat. Formaldehyde is a gas which can cause throat, nose, skin, and eye irritation. Exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, itching, and skin irritations. Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to allergies and asthma in children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies formaldehyde as a carcinogen and high levels of this chemical have been linked to the development of nose, lung, and brain cancer as well as leukemia.

Phthalates are another man-made chemical found in many of our personal care products. Phthalates are used to make plastics flexible and used in many fragrance oils to help prolong the fragrance’s scent. A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that many young infants are frequently exposed to phthalates in common baby lotions, powders, and shampoos thereby making them more vulnerable to the developmental and reproductive adverse effects of these chemicals. Phthalates have been linked to hormonal changes, birth defects, reproductive abnormalities in baby boys (i.e. low sperm count, testicular cancer, deformities of the penis), and damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Parabens are used as a preservative in many cosmetics, foods and pharmaceutical products. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen and when absorbed through the skin, parabens have been linked to breast cancer and male reproductive abnormalities.

Recently, even natural and organic products have been shown to contain these worrisome chemicals. Bottom line, read the label. Here is a list of the worrisome ingredients to watch for in you and your baby’s products:

1. Avoid products containing “Fragrance”. Oddly enough, the various chemicals present under the name “fragrance” do not have to be listed individually, thereby hiding them under the broad category “fragrance” (this is where common phthalates hide).

2. Avoid products containing the following ingredients which may contain 1,4-dioxane:

A. PEG compounds (example: PEG-80)

B. Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)

C. “cetearth”

E. “xynol”

F. “oleth”

G. . polyethylene

3. Avoid products containing the term “phthalate” (example: monoethyl phthalate).

4. Avoid plastics that contain the

recycling number “3″ which is a possible source for phthalates.

5. Avoid products containing the word paraben.

6. Avoid other worrisome ingredients:

A. BHA

B. Oxybenzone

C. Triclosan

D. Boric acid

E. Sodium borate

F. Tolune

G. Triethanolamine

H. Dyes

I. Methylchloroisothiazolinone

J. Methylisothiazolinone

K. Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

L. Benzyl alcohol

M. Isopropyl alcohol

N. Oxybenzone

7. Review product safety ratings on the

Skin Deep database.

Sure, there is only small amounts of these chemicals in our baby products which are stated to be below the acceptable levels, but isn’t it possible that repeated exposure over a life-time can increase the risk for cancer? Here are some sad cancer statistics:

A. Cancer is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 15.

B. Cancer kills more children than any other disease.

C. The median age for a child with cancer is 6 years old.

Maybe, just maybe, we can help reduce these sad and shocking numbers by becoming more informed and making better choices in the products that we use, the food that we eat and the water that we drink.

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The choice of baby crib mattress is at least as important as the selection of the right baby crib. When researching crib mattresses, there are a few important things to look at to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe in the crib.

Coil Innerspring or Foam Core

The preference of coil over foam is probably due to the fact the most parents sleep on coil spring mattresses.  For your choice of crib mattress, just make sure to get the best quality crib mattress that you can afford of which ever type you like.  The mattress should be firm, not soft. You do not want your baby sinking into it as this poses a risk of suffocation.

When looking for a coil crib mattress, check the number of coils it has.  This information should be readily available.  Usually, more coils usually means a firmer mattress.

In a foam crib mattresses, look for the one that feel heavier than the others as this usually means a higher quality foam was used.  You also want to see how fast the mattress regains its shape so push down on the mattress and then take your hand away. The faster it goes back to its original shape the better.

Choosing the Correct Size

Most cribs made today are a standard size and most crib mattresses are made to fit.  Older cribs may be a different size and some designer cribs also have different dimensions.  The standard size for a baby crib is 51 5/8″ x 27 1/4″.  Make sure you should measure the crib just to make sure.  You can look at the label on the crib mattress which should have the dimensions on it. It is a good idea to measure the mattress anyway as mistakes do happen.  It is important to measure accurately as a little error can mean a big difference to your baby’s safety.

It is essential that the mattress fits snugly in the crib and not leave a gap between the edge of the mattress and the sides of the crib.  If you can fit two adult fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress then the mattress is too small. Having a crib mattress that is too small can result in your baby could possibly slipping between the mattress and the side of the crib.  This can cause injury to your child.

The Cover

The crib mattress cover should be durable and, needless to say, easily cleaned.  The majority of today’s baby crib mattresses are covered in vinyl. More layers usually means a more durable mattress.  The better quality mattresses have a double layered cover while the best quality have covers made of three layers.

You can find crib mattresses that have an antimicrobial cover that can slow the growth of molds and bacteria.  These covers do NOT prevent the growth, only slow it.  You still need to make sure you clean up well after spills and leaks.

Taking the time to find out what is available online or locally before you buy can help ensure that you find the best baby crib mattress so that your baby will be comfortable and safe when sleeping.

My O Baby is delivering healthy clothing alternatives for today’s babies. The chemical and pesticide free cotton which comprises our entire line is certified by The Control Union which guarantees that, addition to being free of chemicals and pesticides, the materials across our clothing lines are organically grown. To ensure that My O Baby is creating the safest garments possible, The Control Union has also certified that the snaps are nickel-free, dyes carry a minimum of metal content and that the garments will not cause the rashes and skin irritations which typically result from conventional cotton. The importance of chemical and pesticide free baby clothes has been reinforced by recent statistics on the content of dangerous elements in conventional cotton.    

According to Lotus Organics, “Millions of children in the US receive up to 35% of their estimated lifetime dose of some carcinogenic pesticides by age five through food, contaminated drinking water, household use, and pesticide drift”. The most shocking aspect of this statement is that the children are receiving this exposure when they are the most susceptible to those poisonous elements. This dilemma is described in detail on Johnson and Johnson’s website where they state, “A baby’s skin is thinner, more fragile and less oily than an adult’s. A baby’s skin also produces less melanin, the substance that helps protect against sunburn. It’s less resistant to bacteria and harmful substances in the environment, especially if it’s irritated. Babies also sweat less efficiently than the rest of us, so it’s harder for them to maintain their inner body temperature.” A baby’s skin is also more porous, meaning that impurities can pass into their systems in greater concentrations. When those impurities are carried in clothing that can be in contact with a baby’s skin for hours at a time, the potential for exposure to toxins increases dramatically.  

One of the potential carriers for these toxins is conventional cotton, one of the biggest crops grown for use in clothing production in the world. The industry, by itself, accounts for $2.6 billion in pesticide spending each year. Because cotton is not a food crop, it is not regulated in terms in terms of pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals that come in contact with it. According to the EPA, 7 out of the 15 pesticides that are regularly used on cotton carry labels classifying them as either potential or known carcinogens. The unregulated nature of cotton production explains why despite using only 2.4% of the world’s farmland, 25% of the world’s pesticides and 10% of its insecticides are used on it yearly. That calculates out to one pound of pesticide and one pound of chemical fertilizer for each pair of jeans or t-shirt produced. The conversion of this unregulated cotton into clothing requires additional chemicals that are added at various stages during the process. These chemicals include petroleum scours, softeners, brighteners, heavy metals, flame and soil retardants, ammonia and formaldehyde.

Considering those statistics, it’s not surprising that organic clothing for babies is rapidly gaining in popularity despite being more expensive than regular cotton apparel. In addition to being a much healthier choice, consumers are finding that clothes made of organic cotton last five to ten times longer than chemically treated cotton. The longevity of organic cotton clothes is attributed to the abuse that conventional cotton receives during processing where the breakdown of cotton fiber begins even before being sewn.    

It might be more expensive and more difficult to find at times but organic clothing brings so many healthy benefits it’s worth the money, time, and effort to put your baby into outfits that have not been touched chemicals and pesticides. Indeed, by lasting longer than conventional cotton clothes, they’re sure to make great hand-me-downs as well.

Visit us at http://www.myobaby.com or email us info@myobaby.com
(925) 988- 0169

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Here are some key points to remember to help keep your baby healthy and safe. Remember, newborns, preemies, and young infants are very susceptible to illness. Be sure to:

* Wash your hands frequently when caring for your little one (especially after going to the bathroom and changing diapers).
* Make sure all visitors wash their hands prior to touching your baby.
* Make sure visitors are not ill when coming to visit.
* Avoid large crowds for at least 1 month after your baby is born.

Help protected your baby from accidental injury. Be sure to:

* Always place your baby in an appropriate car seat when traveling in any vehicle.
* Never leave baby unattended (especially in the car, bathtub, changing table, or on any other elevated area).
* Always keep one hand on your baby when in the bathtub, on the changing table, or on any elevated area.
* Never shake your baby. Shaken baby syndrome can cause blindness, brain damage or death.
* Place baby on his/her back to sleep to reduce the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome.
* Always test the temperature of the water before giving a bath.
* Use a non-skid mat in the bathtub.
* Never prop a bottle when feeding your baby.
* Never place pacifier on a string around baby’s neck.
* Check pacifiers and nipples for holes and tears frequently.
* Always test the temperature of breast milk/formula prior to feeding your baby.
* Never leave pets or young children alone with your baby.
* Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.
* Do not carry infant when you are cooking or holding hot drinks.
* Make sure that your baby’s toys are unbreakable.
* Remove toys from the crib when your baby is sleeping or unattended.
* Never give an infant under 1 year of age honey. Honey has been associated with botulism.

The most popular type of crib mattress is still the coil baby mattress, although foam mattresses are increasing in popularity. There are good and poor quality mattresses available in both types.  If you are considering a coil mattress, here are 4 things to consider to help you find the best quality baby mattress you can afford.

There are a few different layers that make up a coil baby mattress.  The two major ones are the coil layer and the layer of padding that covers the coil layer and separates it from the soft cushioning layer.

The Cushion Layer

Although it is not a structural layer, the cushion layer is very important in choosing a baby mattress. It must be soft enough to provide a comfortable sleep but not so soft that your baby sinks into it as this poses a risk of suffocation.

The Padding Layer

The padding layer, also known as the insulator layer, separates the metal springs from the cushion layer.  It is important that you know what material is used in this layer of the baby mattress.

The best material for the padding layer is a coir fibre pad.  Coir fibre is made from a part of the coconut shell and is naturally water resistant and strong.  This type of pad is also the most expensive but well worth the extra cost.

A pad called a fibre wrap is more commonly used in the padding layer.  It is made from scraps of various material that pressed into a pad that resembles felt.  These pads tend to break down more easily over time than the coir fibre pads and can leave you with a lumpy baby crib mattress.

The Coils

The coil layer is what gives the mattress its spring and support.  Both the number of springs and the thickness of the steel (gauge) are important in determining how much support the mattress will provide.

A good starting point for spring count is around 150.  More coils does not necessarily mean a firmer or better quality crib mattress as the gauge of the steel is a factor here too. Make sure you squeeze or press on the mattress to get a feel for the firmness.  Do not rely on the number of coils alone.

If the steel coils are a heavier the gauge the mattress will be firmer.  Gauges run from around 13 to 19, with 19 being the thinnest.  There for a mattress with 200 springs with a steel gauge of 15 will be firmer than one with the same number of coils with a gauge of 19.

As you can see, you will want to find a good combination of coil count and gauge.  A coil count of 150 with a gauge of 13.5 is a good starting point, giving even support and a firm baby crib mattress.

Support Bars

As your baby begins to stand, he will pull himself up using the side of the crib.  This places his full weight on the edge of the mattress. Border support rods that run around the edges of the mattress are available on some baby mattresses to prevent the sides off the mattress from collapsing.

There are so many features available today on coil baby crib mattresses that the task of buying a good quality baby mattress can seem a bit daunting.

Despite all the bells and whistles, it really comes down to getting a firm baby mattress offering good support to provide your baby a comfortable place to sleep.