Baby Name Origins

Baby Name Origins:
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Baby Toxic Bottle

Baby’s Toxic Bottle

Executive Summary

Bisphenol A, a hormone-disrupting

chemical that is the building block of polycarbonate plastic, has been found to leach out of six major brands of popular baby bottles sold in the United States and Canada. Baby’s Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular Brands of Baby Bottles, commissioned by a coalition of U.S. and Canadian environmental health organizations, tested plastic baby bottles in the U.S. and Canada, including products made by Avent, Disney/ The First Years, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex, for leaching of bisphenol A. The U.S. bottles were purchased in nine states at major retailers: Babies”R”Us, CVS, Target, Toys”R”Us, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart. Tests found these popular bottle brands leach levels of bisphenol A (5-8 parts per billion) when heated. Laboratory experiments with animals show that exposure to this level of bisphenol A causes a range of adverse effects. Bisphenol A, first synthesized in 1895, was discovered in 1936 to be a synthetic estrogen. The chemical is now utilized in hard, polycarbonate plastics, as well as the epoxy resins used in the linings of some food and beverage containers, dental sealants and numerous other consumer products. Bisphenol A is a developmental, neural, and reproductive toxicant that mimics estrogen and can interfere with healthy growth and body function. Animal studies demonstrate that the chemical causes damage to reproductive, neurological and immune systems during critical stages of development, such as infancy and in the womb. The levels sufficient to cause harm in animals are beneath the average levels reported in people living throughout the developed world2. Many scientists now suggest similar damage may be occurring in the human population. The objectives of this report are to a) determine whether bisphenol A leaches at measurable levels from baby bottles widely available in the United States and Canada; b) add to the growing body of knowledge highlighting the extent to which humans are exposed to bisphenol A; c) identify a responsible and precautionary legislative

approach to managing bisphenol A and other harmful chemicals, and d) help parents decrease their children’s exposure to bisphenol A. The test results of our study indicate that the

United States’ current lack of regulation of bisphenol A exposes infants and children to potentially

dangerous levels of this unnecessary toxic chemical. Our study confirms the findings of the 2007 Environment California study that tested Avent, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber and Playtex baby bottles. All five brands of the popular polycarbonate bottles tested in Environment California’s

study leached bisphenol A the range of 5–10 ppb.3 This report is the first dual-nation study to measure BPA leaching from baby bottles purchased from U.S. and Canadian retailers.

Key Findings

• Popular brands Avent, Disney/The First Years, Dr. Brown’s, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex market baby bottles that leach bisphenol A when heated;

• The laboratory tests detected between 5-8 ng/ml (parts per billion) bisphenol A leached from all bottles when heated; • Based on over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles on bisphenol A, we onclude that the amount leaching from heated bottles is within the range shown to cause harm in animal studies and is therefore a health concern for infants; • This report is the first dual-nation U.S./ Canadian study to measure the extent of bisphenol A leaching from plastic baby bottles

• Dr. Brown’s brand bottles had the overall

highest levels of bisphenol A leaching, while Avent brand bottles had the overall lowest

levels of leaching in U.S. bottles; Canadian results differ.

• The levels of bisphenol A leaching increased dramatically when the bottles were heated, with highest concentrations reported from Dr. Brown’s brand bottles. These findings are significant as baby bottles are often heated, and/or very warm liquids are poured into

bottles;

• Heating bottles to 80°C provides evidence of leaching when bottles are heated; heating to 80°C has been found to simulate 60–100 bottle washings and normal wear and use conditions;

• Major retailers including Babies”R”Us, CVS, Target, Toys”R”Us, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart sell baby bottles that leach bisphenol A when heated.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study and the research that precedes it, Baby’s Toxic Bottle calls on major retailers and manufacturers of baby bottles to switch to safer products and phase out bisphenol A. Research shows5 that most people are exposed to bisphenol A at levels higher than those that cause health effects in animal studies. We support state policy efforts to safeguard our health by working to pass laws that phase out bisphenol A in baby bottles and other consumer products. And, we urge the federal government to reform chemical regulations to be more protective of human health, particularly the health of pregnant women and the in-utero child, as well as infants and children. In detail: • Manufacturers and retailers should immediately phase out use of BPA-containing baby bottles in favor of available, safer products. • States should act quickly to adopt policies to protect consumers and restrict BPA use in all food and beverage containers, including

those intended for use by infants and children.

• The Food and Drug Administration and manufacturers of BPA-lined infact formula cans should respond urgently and with full disclosure to the landmark investigation by Reps. Dingell/Stupak into BPA leaching from infant formula cans.

• Champions at all levels of government should work to reform America's outdated chemical policies that are failing to protect Americans from chemicals already on the market. Policies must be adopted that prevent he leaching of some of these chemicals from our consumer goods into our food and water.

• The federal law regulating industrial chemicals is 30 years old. It is outdated and does not protect Americans. We need to reform this law to protect consumers. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) must be amended to:

– Require comprehensive, publicly available health data on industrial chemicals

– Require product manufacturers to test and disclose the chemical contents of their products

– Prohibit the use of dangerous chemicals in products, especially those targeted at infants and children

– Arm consumers with useful information to make safer product choices

– Provide information and technical resources to businesses so they can make products safe for consumers, and invest in green economic development to spur innovation of safer products.

Background on Bisphenol A (BPA)

In 1936, scientists discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) could be used as a synthetic hormone that mimicked estrogen, which they thought might be useful to help control difficult pregnancies. Bisphenol A took a back seat to a similar chemical called diethyl sylbestral (DES), which was determined to be more effective in this application. It was not until after it had been given to millions of women that DES was identified as a cancer-causing agent and the cause of serious reproductive defects, including rare vaginal cancer, in the daughters of mothers who had taken DES during pregnancy. In the 1950s chemists found that BPA could be polymerized to produce commercially viable plastics. Bisphenol A is now used to make polycarbonate plastics—the clear or tinted, unbendable plastic used to make some of the most popular baby bottle brands and reusable water

bottles, including most Nalgene bottles. Polycarbonate plastic bottles often have the number 7 in the recycling triangle on the bottom of the bottle, falling into the “other” category of plastics, and/or the letters “PC” near the recycling triangle. Other products that often contain BPA include CDs, DVDs, eyeglasses, dental sealants, and epoxy resins used in the lining of food and beverage containers. Currently, 95 percent of baby bottles on the market are made with BPA. Worldwide production of bisphenol A exceeds six billion pounds per year and demand for the chemical has risen significantly in recent years. Exposure to bisphenol A is widespread. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 95 percent of Americans tested have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies, and a 2008 study shows that BPA levels are lowest in adults, mid-range in adolescents and

highest in children.10 The chemical bond between bisphenol A molecules is unstable, and with

time and use, the chemical leaches from bottles into materials it comes into contact with (for

example, milk). Heating bottles or pouring hot liquids into bottles, the presence of acidic or

basic foods and beverages, and repeated washing have all been shown to increase the

rate of BPA leaching from bottles. A January 2008 University of Cincinnati study found BPA

Heating bottles or pouring hot liquids into bottles, the presence of acidic or basic foods and beverages, and repeated washing have all been shown to increase the rate of BPA leaching from bottles.

leaching from Nalgene bottles. An August 2007 Environmental Working Group study found BPA leaches from the inner lining of popular infant formula cans. In March 2007, independent laboratory tests found BPA in over half of 97 cans of name-brand fruit, vegetables, soda, and other commonly eaten canned goods. A recent consensus statement by of over 30 expert scientists states that adverse health effects occur at levels in animals within the exposure range typical for people in developed countries,14 levels well below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ”acceptable” human exposure level of 50 μg/kg/day. The EPA standard was set in 1993 on studies completed in the 1980s. A recent review of scientific literature demonstrates a wide range of health effects resulting from bisphenol A at significantly lower levels than considered “acceptable”, as low as 2 parts per billion in some studies

Health Effects of Bisphenol A

Mounting evidence indicates that low dose exposure to bisphenol A can lead to adverse health effects. As a hormone disruptor, bisphenol A causes a response in cells similar to the effect

of estradiol (estrogen hormone). Bisphenol A binds with estrogen-related receptors but does not replace the activity of estrogen. As a result, bisphenol A may be adding a “false” estrogen effect in the body, off-setting the hormonal balance required for healthy human development. Experiments with animals link exposure at very low doses to a range of serious health problems including:

• prostate and breast cancer

• early onset of puberty

• obesity

• hyperactivity

• lowered sperm count

• miscarriage

• diabetes

• altered immune system

Scientists and international organizations have identified bisphenol A as a potential reproductive and developmental toxin, as well as a hormone disrupting chemical leading to a variety of adverse health effects. In addition, two recent panels in the U.S. have pointed to potential health effects of exposure to bisphenol A.

Reproductive and Developmental Effects

A recent review of scientific literature affirms that bisphenol A can alter brain chemistry and the reproductive and immune systems in a variety of animals.20 Some research also indicates that the sexual behavior and sexual development of mice can be impaired and variably altered from bisphenol A-induced hormone disruption. Another study found that female mice exposed to short-term, low doses of bisphenol A experienced sudden and significant increases in genetic abnormalities in their eggs. In preliminary research based on these genetic abnormalities, researchers have also found that women with a history of recurrent miscarriage had higher blood serum levels of bisphenol A than women with successful pregnancies. Bisphenol A has been reported to suppress the activation of thyroid hormone-regulated genes in rats. These results show that low doses of bisphenol A can disrupt hormone action within cells by competitively displacing naturally occurring hormones. These hormones regulate the rate of metabolism and the growth of many systems in the body. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in brain development during

fetal life. Studies have shown that bisphenol A can, at low doses, significantly stimulate the release

of the hormone prolactin and activate breast cancer cells.

The Work Group for Safe Markets Low Doses Can Be Dangerous

Recent studies have challenged the current acceptable daily intake level of bisphenol A, as new scientific evidence shows that even low doses of this chemical can disrupt development. The current acceptable level of bisphenol A is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 50 μg/kg bodyweight/day, which is a measure in parts per billion (ppb). While Baby’s Toxic Bottle measured bisphenol A leaching in levels below the 50 μg/kg/day acceptable daily intake from polycarbonate baby bottles, a number of other scientific studies have shown that bisphenol A levels as low as parts per trillion have been found to alter cell function. Parts per trillion expresses a concentration 1,000 times smaller than parts per billion, indicating that extremely low-doses of bisphenol A can be potent. Moreover, exposure to BPA from baby bottles may not be an individual’s only source of exposure to BPA, making it difficult to calculate any one person’s actual daily dose. Finally, we lack studies to determine the synergistic effect of BPA exposure with other chemicals that an infant, child or adult might be exposed to. This further complicates the accuracy of the EPA’s current acceptable daily exposure limit for BPA.

Exposure

Testing of Americans done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 95 per cent of adults studied had bisphenol A in their urine. This demonstrates the extent of human exposure since bisphenol A spends approximately 10 hours in the body28 and indicates that we are continuously exposed to bisphenol A . Animal studies suggest that bisphenol A is quickly absorbed and eliminated, but some residual BPA remains in the intestines, liver and
kidneys for a period of several days. A recent U. S. biomonitoring project titled Is It In Us? Chemical Contamination of Our Bodies tested 35 men, women and young people for the presence of a variety of chemicals in their bodies. All of the participants who submitted urine samples had bisphenol A in their urine, and more than half had it in their blood. The levels of bisphenol A found in the blood and urine of those studied was within the range shown to cause effects in laboratory animal studies, including impacts on cell function. A November 2007 U.S. National Institute of nvironmental Health Sciences expert panel of 38 leading scientists32 found that most people are exposed to bisphenol A at levels higher than those that cause health effects in animal studies. The Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group found high levels of bisphenol A in canned food, including infant formula, ravioli and chicken soup.33 A 2008 University of Cincinnati study found BPA leaches from the popular polycarbonate Nalgene reusable water bottles.

Children

Children are especially vulnerable to bisphenol A because endocrine disruptors affect how their bodies grow and develop. Young children still have immature organ systems, high metabolic rates, relatively low bodyweight, and are going through rapid physical development; therefore, even low levels of repeated exposure may lead to adverse health effects. An expert panel of the U.S. National Toxicology Program concluded recently that bisphenol A exposure to fetuses and to children could impact their behavioral and neural systems. Exposure in the womb is particularly worrisome as fetuses have immature detoxification systems, not equivalent to adults’, and they are at a delicate

stage of development. Bisphenol A is very much present in children’s lives. A recent investigation of bisphenol A exposure in preschool children in North Carolina and Ohio (2000–2001) over a 48-hour period found that more than 68 percent of children’s liquid food and more than 83 percent of their solid food samples contained bisphenol A.

Real World Laboratory

Linking the animal and laboratory evidence for bisphenol A with human health effects is diffiBaby’s toxic bott le: bisphenol A leaching from popular baby bott les cult for many reasons, including a lack of oncrete data on human exposure, other factors contributing to diseases, and the delay between exposure and some health effects. What cannot be disputed is that a number of tests have detected bisphenol A in human tissue and this indicates widespread exposure Coupled with the knowledge of increasing rates of infertility, prostate and breast cancer and other conditions such as diabetes and obesity in the human population, the possible effects of hormone disruptors like bisphenol A cannot be ignored.

N o n - D e t e c t

Ten new polycarbonate baby bottles were purchased from a variety of retailers in California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon, Minnesota, Connecticut, Maine and Washington in December 2007. We selected popular, easily available brands from well-known retail outlets, ranging from 4 oz. to 9 oz. in size. (See Appendix 1: Retail Locations.) The laboratory of Dr. Frederick S. vom Saal, a leading researcher on bisphenol A at the University of Missouri-Columbia, conducted the analysis. The lab subjected these bottles to a test designed at the University of Missouri to simulate repeated washing. Each bottle was filled with water, sealed and left undisturbed for 24 hours. Two tests were conducted; all bottles were first tested at room temperature and then at 80ºC/176ºF.

Step in the Right Direction

At the University of California, with the assistance of a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, we have begun a family-friendly initiative for faculty that aims to alter the workplace to accommodate families and promote cultural change (see box below). The university hopes the initiative will help it become more competitive in recruiting and retaining talented faculty, particularly women who may be the stars of their graduate programs but who are reluctant to continue in academia. Many of the program's features are attractive to fathers as well as mothers and will benefit faculty members who are caring for other family members, such as aging relatives. The new initiative adds to a series of family-friendly programs already in place in the UC system. Introduced in 1988, they were progressive for their time but have had low use rates, mostly because of a discouraging campus culture. Existing policies include an active service-modified duties program that enables tenured and tenure-track faculty members with a newborn or newly adopted child to request a grant of temporary relief from duties (normally partial or full relief from teaching for one semester); a tenure-clock stoppage, which allows a tenure-track faculty member to ask that the tenure clock be stopped for a year; paid leave, which grants a leave with base pay of up to six weeks before, during, or after pregnancy; and unpaid leave of up to one year, which may be granted by the chancellor for care of one's own child or the child of one's spouse or domestic partner. Our survey found that faculty underuse these programs for several reasons. Some programs are unknown to the faculty. Some go unused because of confusion over eligibility. And some opportunities to take advantage of the programs are waived because of the workplace climate in which they are offered: many faculty members fear that using these policies will be met with retribution. One survey respondent noted, "My chair argued that relief from teaching duties was exceptional." Another noted, "Over the course of my career, I have observed the university increasingly taking on the model of corporate culture. I am not surprised that so few of my junior colleagues have decided to have children. Graduate students pick up the signal very early: devote time to family or community at your own risk." The new UC initiative focuses not just on building extra features onto an existing framework, but also on ensuring that the entire package becomes institutionalized into the campus culture. Some of the new proposals, such as introducing part-time tenure-track positions, are controversial. It will take much groundwork to convince all constituencies that the changes are worth the time and money. But they are necessary to ensure gender equity-in both career and family goals-for the next generation of academics. We want to be able respond to the question, frequently asked by our women graduate students, "When is a good time to have a baby?" with a resounding, "Any time."

Baby Gap Test

The “Baby Gap Test”

current structure of American research universities forces men and women on the fast track, but particularly women, to choose between work and family. Many faculty members reported having sacrificed time with family to demonstrate they were committed to their work. One faculty member advised, "Avoid having kids before getting tenure. I wish it wasn't so, but I had to learn it the hard way myself." Another faculty member observed, "You should know that female graduate students are telling us over and over again across the nation that they are not going to become faculty members because they do not see how they can combine work and family in a way that is reasonable." Achieving gender equity in terms of careers and families in the academy requires a restructuring of the workplace. We now know that structural changes must be put in place to tackle some of the greatest obstacles to success for women. We also know what many of these changes must be and that they must happen during the "probationary period"— the time of maximum demand in the fast-track academic career, the years leading to tenure. They include stopping the tenure clock for childbirth, generous childbirth leaves, modified duties, and on-site child care. Many other initiatives could also help attract women job candidates and assist them in achieving professional success and family goals. All of them, however, depend on a collective will to change the campus culture. Passive and active resistance on the part of men (and even many women) poses a serious roadblock to cultural change.

Gender Equity and the Baby Gap

Of course, many factors influence why women do or do not have children. Yet the UC survey suggests that the time women spend on child care compared with men is important. Women between thirty and fifty with children clock over a hundred hours each week on caregiving, housework, and professional responsibilities, compared with a little more than eighty-five for men with children (see figure 7). This model is not very attractive for women who hope to succeed in academia. Looking at faculty members' family lives in this way suggests that gender equity in terms of family goals is even more unbalanced than it is in terms of career aspirations, raising the fundamental issue of what gender equity means. Women have changed their family formation patterns to pursue the elusive goal of equality in the workplace. Women aiming for high positions in the professional, corporate, and academic worlds neither marry nor have children in their early twenties as their mothers did. The culture has shifted to a delay mode, where a good boost up the career ladder is considered the prudent preface to starting a family. In focusing on professional outcomes as the measure of gender equality, we have failed to notice the widening gap between men and women in forming the families they want, as measured by marriage and children. A true measure of gender equity in the academy would look at both career and family outcomes. We call this two-pronged measure the "baby gap test," because it takes into account both the gap in professional outcomes for women with children compared with men and the gap in family formation for academically successful women. We need to ask not only how many women are professors and deans relative to their male counterparts; we also need to ask how many women with children are in high places compared with men with children. Viewing the situation in this way reveals that women have much further to go than would otherwise be evident

mom and baby

short answer: men do, but women don't. "Married with children" is the success formula
for men, but the opposite is true for women, for whom there is a serious "baby gap."1
For this study and our previous one, we used the incredibly rich Survey of Doctorate
Recipients (SDR).2 It is perhaps the best life-course employment database in the United
States. A biennial weighted, longitudinal study, it follows more than 160,000 PhD
recipients across all disciplines until they reach age seventy-six. The scope of the SDR is
similar to famous longitudinal clinical trials such as the Nurses' Health Study and the
Framingham Heart Study. Tracking a huge population for years allows researchers to
isolate specific factors and, with a great deal of certainty, to determine their importance.
Using the SDR data set, we analyzed the life courses of PhD recipients, including their
decisions about marriage and fertility, to determine whether an academic career affects
family formation. We found that careers matter: the life trajectories of tenured women
differ from those of tenured men (see figure 2).%
Only one in three women who takes a fast-track university job before having a child ever
becomes a mother. Women who achieve tenure are more than twice as likely as their
male counterparts to be single twelve years after earning the PhD (see figure 3). And, as
figure 4 indicates, women who are married when they begin their faculty careers are
much more likely than men in the same position to divorce or separate from their
spouses. Women, it seems, cannot have it all—tenure and a family—while men can.

The Right Baby Clothes

When you are expecting a new baby boy you want to be sure you have everything you need. Usually you will wait until after the baby shower and all of the gifts have come in before you know what you really need to buy. Most often it is impractical boy clothing you receive the most of.

Baby showers are a lot of fun because your friends and family shower you with gifts for your new baby. The gifts for boys usually include cool baby clothes. Sometimes the cool clothes are a lot of fun but they aren't too practical for a newborn baby. Unless the outfits are for your newborn to grow into when he is around six months old the cool and stylish boy clothing might not ever be worn by your baby.

In addition to the boy clothes you will receive at your baby shower you should also expect a lot of blankets. If you have the opportunity to create a list of items you want then you should. Your list shout include bottles, a baby bath tub, baby shampoo, body wash, lotion, powder, oil, a hair brush, and more. Many gifts for boys can include socks, t-shirts, pajamas, and outfits that are practical.

When you receive gifts for boys many of the items may not be practical. This is because most people who don't already have kids don't know what you will need. If this is your first baby you also might not know what is practical. Your baby is going to sleep the majority of the time for the first month or too. Cool baby clothes are fun but not top priority.

You want to be sure to stock up on newborn diapers, wipes, pajamas, t-shirts, bottles, pacifiers, and blankets. You can never have enough blankets and burp rags. If the delivery of your baby is rough, you won't be up and around doing laundry right away so you want to have plenty to use before you have to be up and about.

Boy clothing is a lot of fun to receive at your baby shower but sometimes it is not the most practical items for your baby. If you have the opportunity to make a list of the things you want to receive at your shower, you should. This will ensure the gifts are practical. You might even think about creating a registry for your guests.

1st Year Birthday Parties Gifts

When you go to a first year birthday party there are usually so many toddler boy gifts including toys. No one ever really considers buying toddler boy clothes. It is important to remember that toddlers are still in diapers and going through quite a few at age one. Plus, they are still on formula and have many other expenses. Babies are expensive. Clothing is expensive. Moms love to dress their babies in cool outfits but they don't often have much money due to the other expenses.

When you buy gifts for a baby's 1st year birthday you are really buying for mom. This is your chance to help out mom with some of the expenses. When you consider gifts for boys it is best to think about things you can help her for the baby.

These things include shoes, clothes, more diapers, and more. You might even consider a toddler bed if the baby is almost ready to transition out of the crib and more. Practical gifts are the most important.

A one year old is going to play with the wrapping paper more than he will the toddler boy gifts themselves. Babies are intrigued by the different colors in the wrapping papers. The cake is fun and the party with all of the attention is a great day. The birthday will be fantastic no matter what. However, the best thing you can do is help mom out with something practical.

First year birthday parties are a lot of fun when you have to buy toddler boy gifts. You should consider toddler boy clothes to help out mom. This is because the expenses of a baby can be outrageous and it will be more appreciated if you can help with practical items. When you buy gifts for boys that are toys at the age of one, the baby won't even know what it is.

Gifts For Baby

Baby showers can be boring if everyone is buying mom the same gifts for boys. You usually see an overwhelming stack of blankets and onesies. You should buy something fun and unique for the baby that will be absolutely cute. Some of the fun things you can buy include accessories that a baby can never have too many off.

These things include hats, pacifiers, bottles, socks, and more. A newborn needs to wear a hat for the first couple of weeks to maintain the warmth. Why wear the standard issue hospital hat when you can find something adorable. You can never have enough pacifiers either. Why not get one that has text or a funny saying on it.

Baby showers can be dull if the gifts for boys are all the same. You want to be sure to think about cool baby boy clothes. Baby boy gifts are a lot of fun to shop for when you are at the right place.

There is nothing wrong with dressing a baby in the cutest styles as long as the baby is comfortable. Why not? The typical pajamas and one piece outfits are boring. It is hard to tell it is even a boy most of the time with the typical outfits today.

When you are shopping for a baby shower you have to be sure to find baby boy gifts that are fun and unique. You don't want to bring the same gift everyone else did. Get something fun for the baby to wear that will make a statement. It is the unique and fun items that create the memorable photos for later.

Now What

So you found out you are going to have a boy. Its time to get ready and be sure you have everything you need for when your baby comes. You will have the most fun when you buy boy clothes for your baby but you need much more than just that.

When you consider the baby clothes for boys it is important to remember you are shopping for a newborn. A newborn is going to be wrapped up inside of blankets for the first couple of weeks and sleep most of the time. If your baby is born in the summer and you have poor air conditioning then your baby may not be wrapped up so much.

However, the doctors will recommend you wrap the baby. This is because the baby is used to being in a tight space and it needs to feel cozy. Before you check out the baby clothes for boys you need to look at the cozy blankets. The hospital usually has the best receiving blankets because they are bigger.

The boy clothes are a lot of fun to shop for. You will need to get at least 5 one piece outfits. These are like t-shirts that snap at the diaper area. You should get at least 5 t-shirts. The most comfortable of the baby clothing for boys as an infant is the full body outfit with the feet in them. Your baby will most likely kick off any socks and he needs to keep his feet warm. You can never have enough full body outfits and t-shirts for a baby to lounge around in. Pants with elastic around the waste may be uncomfortable for a newborn though. You should keep that in mind when you are shopping for baby clothing for boys.

It is fun to buy a few cool outfits for your newborn baby. Your boy won?t spend a lot of time all dressed up. However, you have to buy a couple of baby clothes for boys that are styling. You should be sure to have a hat if you plan on being outdoors. Your baby shouldn't be in the sun. You might want to avoid shoes altogether because this could hurt your baby?s legs if they are too heavy.

When you get ready for your new baby the first thing you will want to do is buy boy clothes. It is fun to shop for baby clothing for boys but don?t forget the extras. You should stock up on diapers, pacifiers, sheets, blankets and other items too. Don?t stock up on formula though because you don?t know which formula your baby?s tummy will accept.

About the Author:

Visit Trendy Remedy's site for information on cool Baby Boy Clothes and Baby Boy Gifts.

Dressing Up Your Baby

By Terry Stanfield

There are many reasons and occasions you will find you want to dress up your toddler. Toddler boy clothing can get expensive when it comes to certain events. It is a lot of fun to dress up your baby.

When you are going on trips or to family events you always want to be sure you have the right toddler boy clothing for the pictures. You should also be prepared to bring extra boy clothes with you in case something gets spilled all over his clothes.

You don't want pictures with stains on the front of them. This even includes picture day at the day care center, with Santa, the Easter Bunny, or any other occasion where your son is getting his picture taken. There are many other events you want to dress up your baby.

When it comes to a birthday it is the perfect time to ask for gifts for boys in the form of nice dress up outfits. You will need an outfit for the Christmas party and one for possibly New Year's. You will need an outfit for any formal event or party you go to with your friends. If you go to church on Sundays you should also have a few nice outfits for each weekend. These outfits can be rather expensive having to continuously buy them. It is best to receive boy clothes as gifts.

When you dress up your baby it is a lot of fun because of the attention you and your baby get. People notice your baby almost more than they do you and you want him looking super cool.

You should remember though when you dress up your baby you should be sure he is comfortable. Don't forget to bring an extra set of clothes to an important event in case there is a spill. Remember, people like to buy toddler boy clothing as gifts for boys and it is the perfect way to absorb some of the costs.

About the Author:

Visit Trendy Remedy's site for information on Cool Baby Boy Clothes and Baby Boy Gifts.

Cool Accessories for Babies and Toddlers

By Terry Stanfield

There are many accessories for babies and toddlers you might consider. If you are looking for a baby boy gift or a toddler boy gift you can find the perfect gift. Boy clothing is a lot of fun but you need to top of the trendy little outfit with some cool accessories.

Most accessories for babies include things they need the most. Most often people don't think about buying the accessories a baby needs or mom needs for the baby.

One of the most important accessories you can buy for a baby boy gift includes a pacifier. Most babies use pacifiers and there aren't many that don't. In addition to a pacifier you should also consider the pacifier clip for the clothing. Once a baby becomes slightly mobile or begins to spit out the pacifier it helps to clip it on. This way the pacifier is not lost and easy for the baby to reach. Many parents don't even realize these accessories even exist until their baby is not using a pacifier anymore.

Toddler boy gift accessories can include an abundance of things. Sunglasses and hats are the most important because you want to protect toddlers from the harmful ultra-violet rays from the sun. They eyes need to be protected too. You should never forget about the scalp. It can be very painful for a toddler if he burns his scalp.

You also need the most important thing for your baby or toddler of all. That includes a diaper bag to carry all of your accessories and boy clothing in. The hospital will always give you one for free but you should have one that is stylish and matches your personality. Many of the diaper bags often are not the style you want them to be.

When you are looking for a cool baby boy gift you should think about accessories. There are plenty of things parents don't get or even know exist for their baby. People often buy clothes and things but forget about the useful accessories like bottle holders, pacifier clips, bandanas, hats, and more.

About the Author:

Visit Trendy Remedy's site for information on Cool Baby Boy Clothes and Baby Boy Gifts.

Toilet Training

By Paul Jason James

Everyone has an opinion on when a child should be toilet trained. First time parents are often bombarded with comments of "isn't he potty trained yet?" and

"My baby was potty trained at eighteen months". The conflicting advice can be confusing.

Are You Ready?

Toilet training isn't something you wake up one morning and decide to do. Before you begin, there are preparations that can make the whole thing easier. First, both parents need to decide the method that they're most comfortable with. Do you want to use a potty chair? A potty seat? What words are you comfortable teaching your child to communicate the need to use the bathroom. Next, decide if you're going to use a reward system. What will it be? A sticker chart?

What does the child get for how many stickers? Is this the best time to start? Is there something major coming up in the near future that will throw the potty training program off schedule? If you're planning a marathon cross-country trip in two weeks, this probably is not the time to try to toilet train your baby unless you're ready to make potty stops every ten minutes.

Is Baby Ready?

Unless your child is ready to begin toilet training, you're in for a long haul and a lot of resistance. Until a child's neurological development reaches the point that the signal from the bladder reaches the brain in time to act, potty training will be futile.

You'll know your child is ready to begin toilet training when he expresses curiosity about the toilet and follows you into the bathroom to see what you are doing. You should encourage this and answer his questions. He'll also start having longer periods of clean diapers as he develops more control over his bladder and bowels. Ease Into It

Toilet Training is a process, not an event. It can very well take several months for daytime toilet training to be successful and nighttime toilet training can take even longer so prepare yourself and your expectations accordingly.

If you look at this as the final step from babyhood to childhood, the time flies. Just like Potty Training, this is a process which required focused effort.

About the Author:

Great tips from http://www.pottytrainingtipsonline.com/

Serving A Delicious Baby Shower Cake

Cakes are one of the good things about baby showers, and they can be made using diverse standard methods, such as the following:

1. All-in-together - this is done by putting the dry ingredients in a food mixer (together with the shortening) before bit by bit adding together the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming technique - this is by 'creaming' butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing technique - this is accomplished by 'rubbing' the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by first mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the liquid butter and the different liquid ingredients later on to finish the cake.

5. Sponge-making - this is accomplished by whisking the eggs and sugar into a foam, with the flour slowly combined in. Producing a light sponge requires good skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fats. Finished Up cakes are normally dressed up with the aid of frosting or toppings such as sprinkles.

There are various kinds of baby shower cakes to select from. Many of them are listed here such as Angel food Cake, Butter Cake, Butterfly Cake, Carrot Cake, Pound Cake, Spice Cake, Sponge Cake, Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake these are just some of the traditional cakes that can be witnessed at a baby shower party. With some supplemental inquiry online you will be able to find some very spectacular baby shower cakes that are not enclosed here.

Apart from the cake assortments above-mentioned, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower festivity more special for all the guests and the parents to be:

1. Belly Cake Theme. One great thought is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a roundish cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a expectant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Baby Shower Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like babies play blocks (either one big cube or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be even more exaggerated by fencing them with lollies or small toy motorcars.

Of course, you can also experiment and strive to come up with inventive thoughts of your own. Think that the 'goal' is not only to create a tasty sweet, but as well a special centerpiece that will stand out in the thoughts of the parents-to-be.

5 Habits to Ditch to Lose Pregnancy Weight Fast

By Teresa Brown

A mother's life is so focused on her family that she has a tendency to "let herself go" resulting in a mom with a weight problem. The inability to lose pregnancy weight fast is strongly correlated with how you deal with food and the kind of lifestyle you live. The following reasons are some of the most common obstacles that prevent women from losing the excess body fat and keeping it off.

1. Making Poor Food Choices

Do you eat foods that are bad for you? Whether it's because of your busy schedule or you just hate cooking, eating unhealthy foods adds excess body fat to your waistline, hips and thighs. Cutting out processed foods such as packaged luncheon meats, canned foods high in salt and sugar, refined breads and pastas, packaged snack foods, frozen dinners or boxed meals will help you lose pregnancy weight fast. Although these foods are convenient and taste good, many are high in saturated and trans fats (bad fats), salt and sugar which increases your chances of developing diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Not all processed foods are bad. Frozen fruit or vegetables are good because they still retain their nutrients. As a general rule, shop mainly around the perimeter of the grocery store because that's where the fresh produce and meats are. When buying processed foods remember to read the ingredients and product labels to know the salt, fat, and sugar content in the products.

2. Super Size Me

Fast food is addictive. The convenience of fast food is an easy meal solution for moms on the go. But due to the high in saturated fat, sugar, salt content, these foods are just empty calories. Eating too much fast food will increase your size and is a definite self-sabotage to losing the pregnancy weight fast.

One way to cut back on frequenting the fast food restaurants is to buy fresh food and cook at home. You can find hundreds of mouth watering recipes that don't take much time to prepare and are healthy. Need some inspiration? Watch the Food channels or go to the library and check out cookbooks or ask friends for their favorite recipes. Make it a fun thing to do!

3. Bad Eating Habits

Do you eat during the wrong times of the day? Some moms are so preoccupied with looking after the baby, running errands, and so on that they forget to eat until the end of their day. Not fueling your body properly and frequently will affect your metabolism's normal rate of activity and prevent you from losing your pregnancy weight fast. Skipping meals such as breakfast or eating just one big meal for the day only serves to make your body conserve energy instead of burning it.

Just think of how often you feed your baby and how often you feed yourself. A baby feeds often because a baby's body needs frequent nourishment to provide energy to fuel proper development and growth. Likewise, in order for your metabolism to be able to sustain your daily activities and to lose pregnancy weight fast you should eat six small healthy meals per day.

4. Emotional Eating

How often do you find yourself watching favorite Soap Opera with some junk food? Or if you are depressed about your current body image, you soothe your depression with your favorite pint of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Bad eating habits prevent you from losing pregnancy weight fast.

A reliable method to aid your efforts to lose pregnancy weight fast is to refrain from purchasing junk food. If you can't go cold turkey, try substituting junk snacks for healthier snacks. Take responsibility for your actions and seek help if you have emotional eating issues or disorders, or learn behavioral tools that help you overcome your food dependency.

5. Lack of Exercise

A busy mom's life maybe fast paced, but if she's not losing the pregnancy weight fast, it's because she's not getting enough exercise. Driving around town doing errands, picking up after your toddler and looking after a household can keep you busy but not burning the baby fat.

Exercise and health go hand in hand. If you want to lose the pregnancy weight fast, you have to work your heart and skeletal muscles. Living an active lifestyle doesn't require a gym membership or spending hours on a treadmill. Just playing some basketball with the kids, taking the stairs instead to the elevator or walking your dog to the park are simple activities to make exercise a necessary part of your day-to-day life.

Everyone on a self-improvement journey will encounter failure from time to time. Nobody's perfect. Be careful not to let yourself fall back into your old eating patterns once you are committed to living a healthy lifestyle. The moms that succeed to lose pregnancy weight fast for the long term are those that climb right back on the horse when they fall off, before it gets too far ahead of them.

About the Author:

The journey to lose the pregnancy weight can be daunting but there is no time like the present to start today. Being able to lose your tummy today is the difference between the size you wear today and the size you want to be. Teresa Brown is an enthusiastic supporter of women's health and wellness.

Avoid Begin Caught

Where do the rip offs come in when planning a do it yourself (DIY) project like building a outdoor storage shed or a woodwork project ? Thats easy to resolve. Possibly anyplace along the step of the way. Having said that ,doesnt mean it constantly happens or even frequently occurs.

They are a few things you can do to spot this is happening. The very first thing is to cultivate yourself by doing your preparation. If you are inquiring if you need to purchase a kit, discover what it all means. If you have access to the internet, this is the perfect location to use as your source. People often fail to use this resource for items such as shed kit, as its problematic to purchase an item this size for delivery. So they tend to head to their local home improvement store. This is a mistake. Even though you cant buy the merchandise on line you sure can discover all about it. There are many websites that will provide you will ample information on what a superb kit should comprise of, and the types and quality of materials that should be used. So all you to do is follow their example.

The next step is try and deal with a well established store. Stores that have forged the habit of cheating people will not be in business for long, and there will be signs that business is breaking . Word of mouth from other customers goes a long way. One of the ways that you could be cheated with is through the supplements. At first you may be led to think that the floor model you see is precisely the same as the one in the kit you just bought.

People tend to forget to ask if they are identical. Most respected stores will now place signs in front of their floor models explaining what the optional and supplement items are. If you dont see this then just be a little more guarded. Then theres the case where you purchase the kit and they dont tell you that its the end of the line of the specific model. If you happen to make a mistake when putting it together and harm some of the material, you may not be able to substitute it. The shop is unlikely to take the package back because it was your fault.

Be careful with woodworking plans that you have had designed by a local home improvement store. Remember this is a free service they offer in order to lure you to buy the items you will need from them. They will draft these plans most likely using the highest quality items on hand. If you have done your internet research you will have a good idea if this is befalling.

You can then just make it self-explanatory that you are learned, and replace the pricey material with what is acceptable. This not only applies to larger items but can also apply to your smaller woodworking projects.

Burn the Baby Fat - 4 Tips to Get in that Morning Workout

A morning for the average mom signals a new day of the usual and sometimes-unpredictable family morning rush. Getting your children ready and out the door for school in time can put your morning workout on the back burner and this only makes it less likely that you'll do it later that afternoon. But as busy as you are, exercising in the morning is the best way to re-stimulate your metabolism to burn the baby fat for your entire day. This is easier said than done but there are some things you can do to get the most out of your morning and your day.

1. Get Ready the Day Before

Organizing and keeping things simple will certainly lower the morning stress and open the window of opportunity to workout in the morning to burn your baby fat. Making a morning chart or schedule listing the duties of family members can dilute the morning chaos. Weekday breakfasts should be simple and healthy such as whole grain toast, low fat yogurt, fresh fruit or some low sugar, high fiber cereal with skim milk.

2. Are you Getting Enough Sleep?

Not getting enough sleep makes it more difficult to get motivated to go out and get proper exercise. A mom is usually either too busy or too tired to get enough exercise to burn the baby fat. Moms who fail to maintain or change to healthy sleeping habits are more likely to abandon their workout regime within three weeks. Get back into the habit of having a regular "10 p.m." bedtime to better prepare your body for the demands of the following day.

3. Use the Power of Positive Thinking

Stop negative thoughts and substitute them with positive ones. Thinking positively requires a conscious effort on your part but it will help you to re-direct your actions towards living a healthier lifestyle to burning the baby fat. Having a positive outlook can improve your self-confidence and help you to see your weight problem for what it is - temporary. A positive attitude permeates into all aspects of your life changing how you sleep, deal with your children, re-act to stress, etc.

4. Give your Body some Time to Wake Up

Falling asleep takes time and so does waking up. Make the time to wake yourself up mentally with some positive thoughts or just reviewing your itinerary for the day. And physically with some deep breathing or a few good stretches. Drink a tall glass of water to help wake up your digestive system. Getting ready without the rush will keep your mood up to motivate you to burn the baby fat with a good workout.

5. Start your Day with Breakfast

Eating breakfast is an important part of attaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A morning meal enables your body to refuel itself after enduring a nightlong ten-hour or more fast. Eating breakfast is good for many reasons, but especially so for moms trying to lose the pregnancy weight. The main benefit in eating breakfast is that it speeds the metabolism, which is necessary for burning the baby fat.

Exercising in the morning is the best time for you to burn the baby fat because this increases your metabolic rate and sustains it for the rest of your day. Prepare and organize your morning ahead of time and get enough sleep. Try to focus your energy on positive thinking rather than negative thinking, and find reasons to feel happy and hopeful every day. If you put your positive energy toward wellness, you will find ways to stay healthy and make your life more enjoyable.

Baby Shower Cake And Party Ideas

Getting everything ready for a baby shower party can be a trying time for the host. With all the arrangements you need to make from choosing the guests to deciding on a theme, then ordering or printing out the shower invitations to send out, and then lastly making sure you are ready for this special day.

Another aspect of organizing the baby shower is that you need to be thinking about what decorations to purchase or make for the venue, what will be the planned events, such as what games to have, what baby shower favors to give to your guests, and what food and beverages to serve on the day.

During the baby shower party, the table centerpiece is most likely to be a baby shower cake. The baby shower cake cannot be similar to the cake that can just be bought from the local bakeshop. Some hosts will go to great lengths to also design a diaper cake to have as a centerpiece at the party.

It is always a good idea to have some one who is attending the baby shower to bake the cake. This will show the mother-to-be that you are dedicated to supporting her and the newborn as well having the added benefit of being perfectly themed for the table centerpiece and the theme of the party.

If you have to pre-order the baby shower cake it is better to meet with the person who will be creating this special cake, after all it is a very special day. In doing this you will have peace of mind that the cake will be designed the way you require and it should be organized well before the commencement of the baby shower party.

For those that fancy they have baking skills, or or maybe there is someone who can follow the recipe from the cake cookbook as well, it is a much better idea to try and prepare the cake yourself. Doing it this way you get a chance to show your creativity with the design and you always have the option to ask for assistance from friends that are attending the shower. It is also a cheaper solution to help keep down the costs of the baby shower.

Make sure you use your resources when designing the baby shower cake such as the internet to find some suitable cake recipes that you can make easily. There are many different styles and designs to choose from when you research this online.

The most popular colors for the baby shower cake are pink, yellow, blue, white and green with the design of the cake usually reflecting a flower, baby toys, butterflies and even birds. Again though you can come up with many ideas after using the internet to research this topic.

If the baby has already arrived you might consider having a photo taken of the little one and then having that placed on the top of the baby shower cake using edible icing. This can be placed on top of the cake whether you have created it or you have had the cake ordered.

If you are not interested in eating the baby shower cake then a good way to still present a cake is by creating it from diapers. This is known as a diaper cake and has been very popular amongst baby shower hosts around the world. It also serves as a great gift after the party with all those diapers ready to go.

Its fairy simple to prepare a diaper cake, all you need to get start is some rolled diapers that are several layers deep. For beginners it is suggested to only use three levels. You can then use pretty ribbon or laces to tie the diapers in place. Making sure that you do not tie the diapers to tightly as to crush them or the diaper cake will lose its shape. If you damage them during this process you will not get the result you are looking for and will possibly have to discard them to the trash.

The table centerpiece would now be your masterpiece the baby shower diaper cake for all to enjoy during the baby shower. For those that have decided on creating or purchasing their own custom cake this to could become the centerpiece of the party ensuring a fun and enjoyable day for all.

Now that the cake is out of the way you need to decide on what foods you will be serving. Usually you will see punches, tea, finger food and deserts being served. Another alternative especially if it is a mixed occasion is to have a barbecue accompanied with some grilled foods. This is a great time for the fathers to get to know each other while standing around the barbecue. The benefit of a Mixed baby shower is that all the parents and friends can have an opportunity to welcome the new baby into the world.

About the Author:

Cathrina has been hosting baby shower functions for many years with great results. With some great Baby Shower Cake recipes found on the way as well as a indepth guide to hosting your very own Baby Shower Party from games, invitations to decorating the venue every thing is covered from start to finish.

to build a storage or garden shed

Do you want to build a storage or garden shed? You will need some plans to get started.. It doesnt matter if you are a beginner or a professional, you need guidelines. There are many sources to get free shed blueprints and plans. If you are a beginner and the word blueprint scares you, relax. These are elementary detailed drawings that show everything that you are going to want to know how to construct your shed. They are no different than a travel map. It merely tells you that you require to travel from one step to the next, and what you require to get there.

So why bother with free shed plans? How often have you purchased an item, and then when you got it home, you wished you had bought the deluxe version, or vice versa? Its the same with plans. You go to all the fuss of picking one, purchasing it, then get it home, and for one of different reasons and it just isnt what you wanted. If its free, then you have lost nothing, you can just go and acquire another one. You can do this several times if you require to until you ascertain the perfect one for you.

Ok its a super idea. Now where do we go to find these free shed blueprints and plans? To begin with, you could check out your local home improvement shops. Some of these have some fantastic options. They oftentimes will have a series of standard plans in stock. They will give some of these to you free of charge, in the desires that you will buy your materials from them. These plans usually consist of the absolute majority of items they carry in their store. Some of them have even wrote their own series.

Another alternative is take in a raw outline of the items of what you are searching for. Many building providers will draft up blueprints and plans for you. They may volunteer to do this for you with some type of commitment that you will buy supplies from them. Sometimes they will offer this as free deal as a promotion.

Then there is always the internet. A Good Deal of sites are happy to give away the publishes and plans for free. One such example is MyShedPlans. Not as they are generous, but due to the fact that they hope it will entice you to purchase some of the other items they carry.

These items are ordinarily relevant to what they are giving you at no charge. For illustration if they give you all the drawings and plans you require., then you are going to have to know how to do the things that the plan says. This is where the extras come in. Possibly the company that passed you the free shed plans sells some self help, or do it yourself ebooks. They would be pleased to sell these to you. This is not being underhanded. In fact its an superb business proposal. They help you describe what you need and then provide support where you need it. With the combination of your plans, and the self help materials you need, you're prepared to build one tremendous shed!

Using Shed Kits Instead Of Building a Shed From Scratch

If you are interested to construct any shed, whether it is a storage or garden shed,, make a point that you do some homework first. If you are a carpenter or experienced handyman you have the advantage over the initiate, in a few ways. You will be able to discover what would be best for you, either using a shed kit or building from scratch. With your experience your have more options based on your knowledge.

You novice builders have the same alternatives, but its a matter of what would be the advisable for you. It genuinely would be worth your while to check the tremendous range of selections that are available. I know, you truly wanted to construct this from scratch, and maybe feel like youre cheating if you use a kit. On the contrary, you are doing a informed decision, and besides someone has to still put it together, plus you can custom-make it. Its that all-purpose completed look that a person takes pride in, not in how many parts of wood they had to cut.

These prefab store units give you many picks and have lots of vantages. First of all, you can have a pick of materials such as wood, vinyl or metal. If you were to construct the shed from scratch, you likely would only be able to use wood, if you didnt have any knowledge or tools to work with vinyl or metal. With some shed kits due to the fact that of the way they are manufactured you dont need to worry to much about insulating, because of the way they are made. So that wipes out your problem of having to work with insulations.

If you purchase one of the self locking units, then you dont have to be worried about putting in rafters, which is special, as it also passes you more functional space on the inside. You never have to worry about warping provided you have put it together properly.

Think Of I said that you could accessorize it? In other words add your own creativeness to it. For example, you can plan where you want the windowpanes to be. You could even choose to put in skylights which not only is practical ,it modernizes the decor as well. What you want to do, and with what accessories are useable to you, counts on the style of shed you are taking, plus the material. If you are accessorizing, it is usually an added expense.

You will be pleased with how easy it is to erect one of these sheds when you purchase the bundle. There are so many advantages to it. For example.

-It is an all-in-all package. Everything gets inside and you don't have to find anything else
-You can build it even if you have limited knowledge of woodworking
-Your option of material grants you to prefer something that will blend in and enhance your house and property
-They are hardy, useable and a real bonus is they are maintenance free
-If your demands grow, and you require more storage space then you can either add an addition to the existing one, or buy another one the same.
-There are no concealed prices. Everything you want is in the package and paid for at the time of purchase., so you know what its going to cost you.
Although remember if you dont purchase one that comes with a base, you will incur extra costs with that, plus dont forget about the accessories.

5 Tips to Stop you from Quitting

Lose your Tummy - 5 Tips to Stop you from Quitting

Trying to lose weight after giving birth can give you a headache especially when you're trying to lose your tummy. Rules, diets, schedules, and a new baby can be a lot to handle but here are five simple stress releasing ways you can toss the extra pounds without losing your mind.

1. Yoga - This is a popular exercise for moms who are keen to lose the tummy and get toned and lean. Yoga comes in various traditions so find one that suites your tastes and sign up and get stretching. If you like saunas and don't mind sweating, you should try a 90 minute session of Bikram Yoga to burn the baby fat and sweat out those toxins from your body. Or you can join a Yin Yoga class for deeper stretching and challenge your muscles with its longer duration of the poses. No time to leave the house? Then rent or buy a Yoga DVD and workout at home.

2. Kickboxing - On the flip side of the coin, a good way to lose your tummy fast while freeing stress is to take up Kickboxing. The pacing of your feet, the muscles used in your legs and the intensity of the workout ensures knockout results when burning the baby fat.

3. Tea Time - If you like a good cup of coffee, you can get to like a good cup of tea. Drinking teas such as Green or White tea gives you a three fold benefit by providing you with anti-oxidants, satisfying your caffeine needs and helping you to lose your tummy. Compared to a specialty coffee at your local cafe, a cup of Green tea will save you the calories and the money.

4. Beef is Back - Beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, iron and B vitamins. Maintaining a healthy diet to lose your tummy includes ensuring a balance in the nutrients your body receives and in keeping your size portions small. Beef is no exception and like any good protein source, it needs to be eaten lean and in moderation. Also switching to lean meats helps to sustain low saturated fats in your diet.

5. Laughter - Laughing really is the best medicine when stuck in the stressful chore of losing pregnancy weight. Rent a comedy or play some games over dinner with friends. Laughter releases endorphins just like your morning jog and can take your mind off your bodies weight gain and loss.

Losing your tummy can be a long and unpleasant journey but only if you make it that way. Getting healthy and staying that way will require throwing out the old bad lifestyle habits to embrace new healthy ones and having fun along the way.

4 Ways to Stay Keen to Lose your Tummy

Autumn is a beautiful season that comes with the cool nip in the air that reminds us of the long winter that is to come. Unfortunately fall usually finds us being less active and being more of a homebody, which can do more harm than good especially if you are on a mission to lose your tummy. Here are some health tips to get the most out of autumn and keep you motivated to losing the baby fat.

1. Trick or Treat

When summer turns to fall our local fruit and vegetable selection become sparse. The harvest calendar brings to the table sweet potatoes and other starchy veggies keeping us properly fed during the winter. Instead of piling on the mash potatoes due to the lack of fresh garden salads try some soups! The trick with Turkey Noodle, Minestrone or any hearty soup is that they contain all the nutrients, proteins and fats we need in one warm meal. Cook a big pot at the start of the week and enjoy the treat of a quick and healthy fall dinner that helps with losing your tummy.

2. Fall TV

Everyone loves getting back into the swing of things and its no surprise TV networks start their new series when fall comes around. Instead of eating a bag of Doritos on the couch during your favorite sitcom try exercising! Pick a few nights of the week and organize a floor routine around your shows. Sit-ups, crunches, stretches and even a few free weight exercises will fill up that 30-minute TV time slot and you'll be rewarding yourself while still working hard to lose your tummy.

3. Seasonal Sports

Lose your tummy by embracing the sports that come along with the fantastic fall season. Ice hockey, Skiing, and Snow shoeing are just some of the outdoor activities that give you a great cardio workout while still being fun. Even just going for a hike amongst all the changing leaves can be breath taking and you'll be losing pregnancy weight while having fun.

4. Join a Fitness class

Fall is the season to start losing your tummy by taking advantage of the new autumn fitness programs at your local community center. The great thing about community centers is that they serve the need of the public and are inexpensive. Find a class that fits your interest and fitness level. From Total Body workouts to Classic stretch classes, signing up for one or more of the many fitness classes offered could be the breath of fresh air you need for your workout routines.

With Halloween candy and Shortbread cookies just around the corner at Christmas, try and stick to your healthy eating guns. Remember to eat in moderation and allow yourself a treat day once a week where you won't feel guilty. Lose your tummy with these tips the easy way and no matter what you decide to do this fall, make sure you don't fall off the fitness wagon.