about baby : Summertime Safety

"Fun in the Sun" is the theme for summertime. Everyone heads outdoors for picnics, barbecues,
wilderness treks and theme park visits. What does this mean for you and your little one? Here are some tips to help you have a fun and SAFE summer:
Water- Everyone loves to get wet in the summer. Infants can enjoy this as well, with a little extra caution.Most importantly, your infant should ALWAYS be within an arm's length of the responsible adult. Try to keep their little ears out of the water to avoid swimmer's ear and general discomfort. There are inflatable rings with an infant harness that babies will love, but you must be sure not to rely on this as a life saving device and continue to remain within arm's length. Remember that the AAP does NOT recommend swimming lessons for infants.
Be careful when visiting public pools as there is always the threat of contacting E-coli by swallowing pool water contaminated with diarrhea or stool remnants. To help prevent this make certain the pool's chlorine level is checked hourly, use swim diapers, don't change diapers near the pool, and be certain to wash your hands after changing diapers. Be aware of other water hazards near your baby. Infants can drown in a very short time in a very small amount of water such as in pools, jacuzzis, toilets, and even a regular 5 gallon bucket. Being top-heavy and having immature balance, a baby can fall headfirst into a bucket and be unable to get out. Even a dog's water dish can be hazardous to a crawling baby. Sun It is possible for infants who experience sunburn to have permanent damage. Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight by use of shade, light clothing, brimmed hats, etc. Sunscreen may be used on small areas of the body such as the face and the back of the hands if adequate clothing and shade are not available. For older babies, sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. The SPF of your sunscreen should be 15 or higher. Even waterproof sunscreens will likely need to be reapplied every hour or so. Bugs Another annoying factor of life outdoors is insects, especially those that bite! Help your little one stay bug free by avoiding areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and blooming flowers. Avoid dressing your baby in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints and don't use scented soaps or other perfumed products on your child. Otherwise the bugs might mistake him for a flower! In the case a sting or bite does occur, be sure to watch your baby for any abnormal or allergic reaction and call your pediatrician immediately if one occurs. For stings with a visible stinger remaining, remove it by gently scraping it off with a credit card or your fingernail. You may have to use tweezers or your fingers to pinch it out. Soak a cloth in cold water and press it over the area of the sting to reduce pain and swelling. To relieve the itchiness that accompanies bites by mosquitoes, flies, fleas, etc., apply calamine lotion freely onto any part of your child's body except the areas around his eyes and genitals.

Tips FOR Nursing Bras

By Jane Bear

A baby's cries for milk can come at any time and breastfeeding clothes can make the whole experience easier. One of the most necessary pieces of breastfeeding clothes that a nursing mother requires is a good quality nursing bra.

Making certain a nursing bra fits correctly is important. You should not buy your bra too early in your pregnancy as your breasts will be nearing their full size prior to breastfeeding your baby, buy during the last months instead. The best people to consult about the perfect bra for nursing are the experts.

A nursing bra that does not fit correctly will fail to support your breasts and can block your milk duct causing milk production to decrease, and in extreme cases blocked ducts caused by a badly fitted one can lead to mastitis.

One of the more popular types of nursing bras are those that have under wires. Under wires provide extra support, especially to those who have bigger bust lines. However, these bras, particularly if they are too small or tight, can dig into your breast tissue and clog a milk duct, which can lead to mastitis. If you do opt for an under wire bra, make certain that the bra fits properly and that the wire is not pressing on any part of your breast.

For mothers who want a quick and comfortable nursing experience, an option is to choose nursing bras that have flaps. Bras with flaps allow for just the breast-area material to be removed instead of the entire bra during feeding time. This is very useful, because it makes for discreet, convenient breastfeeding for mothers who nurse in public. Choose the one that is easiest for you to fasten and unfasten with one hand.

But there are also bras that have no flaps and under wire, which some mothers prefer strictly based on comfort. However, these kinds of nursing bras are not especially comfortable for women who have larger breasts, as they find it does not give them as much support as those nursing bras with an under wire.

You should invest in a number of nursing bras because you'll need a clean one each day. Look for bras that are made of cotton or materials such as micro fiber that allow you to breathe and move in comfort. Also, go for wide, comfortable shoulder straps to support the extra weight.

Don't be fooled into thinking that nursing bras have to be unflattering. There are various styles and colors to choose from, and they are every bit as sexy as the bras you wore before you were pregnant. There is no such thing as the best nursing bra. Buy the one that gives you the best support, is easy for you to use and gives you the greatest confidence. The Internet is a great place to find the maternity clothing that is right for you.

About the Author:

About the author: Jane Bear is the best writer since Shakespeare. See more of her stuff at Free Maternity Clothing Guide Get your free report on Maternity Clothes and Apparel

Mom's Fail-Safe Checklist for Traveling with Kids

by Karyn Zielinski, Fun Places to Go With Kids.com
You've finally planned that big day out with the kids. You've got the destination. You've got the
kids. You've got the car keys. You're about to head out the door��but wait! Are you really
prepared? Diapers, wipes, sun screen, blankies��you hope you remembered everything! Why leave yourself open to chance? You need an easy way to make sure you really are prepared. You need Mom's Fail-Safe Checklist!
This checklist includes the basic travel items you'll need to ensure you are prepared for most trips with your kids, as well as some ideas for maximizing safety and enhancing your day. Just print out this list and hang it on your refrigerator so that you can refer to it whenever you are planning a special day out with your kids. Remember the Essentials
l Maps and directions
l Money/tickets
l Walkie-talkies
l Bus/train schedules
l Diaper bag
l Diapers or Pull-Ups
l Baby wipes
l Hand sanitizer
l Medications such as Baby or Children's Tylenol or Motrin
l Thermometer
l Change of clothes
l Pacifiers, blankies, dolls, or favorite stuffed animal
l Baby food, bowl, and 2 spoons
l Lunch, including sandwiches and fruit
l Kids' snacks in bagged individual portions
l Water bottles filled with water, juice, or milk
l Thermal carrier with ice pack to hold food and drinks
l Paper towels/napkins/tissues
l Sunglasses
l Hats
l Sunscreen
l Lip balm
l Insect repellent
Put Safety First
l Car seat, booster seat, baby carrier, stroller
l Cell phone and list of emergency numbers
l First Aid Kit that includes bandages, antiseptics, cotton balls, antibiotic ointment, and
doctors' phone numbers
l Bee sting kit if allergic
l Allergy/asthma medicines and inhalers
l Blanket, flashlight, and roadside emergency kit
l Spare tire and jack Maximize Comfort For All Seasons
l Swimsuits, towels, goggles, flotation devices (Summer)