Posts Tagged ‘Baby’s’

Your baby?s weight and insurance

Monday, July 19th, 2010

There’s a school of thought that says, “the number don’t lie”. The assumption is that numbers are facts and facts are always true. So if someone counts the number of times something happens, this gives you a basis from which to estimate the probability of the same thing happening across a population. This is the basis of underwriting for insurance purposes. Teams of highly trained people called actuaries count how many traffic accidents there are. They break it down into the age, make and model of car, the age, gender and profession of the driver, the time of day, the weather conditions, and so on. We happily accept information that, in the first half of 2009, only 16,626 people were killed in crashes, a 7% drop as against the same period last year. We are not surprised when we read this proves that there are 1.15 deaths per 100 million miles driven. The facts are facts and must be true. Except when we apply the same approach to health insurance, some people get upset. Perhaps it’s appropriate to be writing this at Halloween but the same actuaries have been counting the number of people who die from various diseases. For the purposes of this article, one of the main areas of interest has been the question of obesity. There are detailed numbers available across the country showing that people who have a high Body Mass Index (BMI) are more likely than thin people to die of heart disease. The medical evidence proves what are called “comorbidities”, i.e. the presence of two or more conditions which, more often than not, suggests a cause and effect at work, or that there’s an underlying vulnerability to both conditions. We are not so unhappy to accept a link between drug abuse and mental illness, but mention a possible link between body weight and disease and, suddenly, people are upset. People do not want to hear a link between their lifestyles and the probability of early death. The reality is that adults with a BMI of 30 and above are either being turned down for health insurance or charged a higher premium. No matter how politically correct it may be to talk about obesity, insurance companies protect themselves by classifying obesity as a pre-existing condition justifying refusal or a premium loading. So welcome to baby Alex, a newcomer to Grand Junction. He’s four months old and breast-feeding. He’s a happy, bouncing baby weighing in at seventeen pounds. With a length of 25 inches, this puts him in the 99th percentile for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s height and weight charts for babies of the same age. So the health insurance company refused coverage. Their cut-off point is the 95 percentile. When you think about it, this is a dramatic piece of news. It seems you are never too young to be overweight. This is not something to be dealt with through an increase in health insurance rates. This is a blank refusal of coverage. At four months, the actuaries have already decided this baby is too big a risk to insure. The parents are naturally upset. Even though their pediatrician has no health concerns, they are talking about putting the baby on the Atkins diet. They may joke but this may be a real sign of change in the health insurance industry. There is no sentimentality here. After all, the numbers don’t lie, except the insurers changed their mind when the publicity hit. Alex is now insured. Some good news to end on.

Touch—A Baby’s First Active Sense

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

From the time of birth, a child is instinctively pushing into his mouth everything he gets hold of. . His tongue and lips have a desire to feel things.  His sucking instinct is inherent and you will see him sucking his finger or hand.  Many mothers will put a pacifier into his mouth right away to keep him from sucking his thumb.  Upon the arrival of my first baby, I swore she would never have a “dirty old pacifier” sticking out of her mouth (she of course ended up sucking her thumb and being a very fussy baby).  But when the second baby came, I gave him the pacifier almost immediately..  He was a much happier and contented baby than his older sister was  because I had provided something for him to feel and suck on. When teething time came and his little gums began to swell, he liked to bite on something hard because it felt better. A teething ring or even a clean finger works very well at this stage.Next, the baby begins to handle objects with his own hands—holding onto a finger, his bottle, or an end of a blanket.  Apparently the child  finds some sort of pleasure in touching or kinesthetic experiences.  The baby is unable to perceive details of any sort.  He is in the earliest stages of “learning to see.”  By sight he cannot distinguish among members of his family.  He cannot follow movement with his eyes.  He is frightened by unexpected sounds or movement.  He finds security in circumstances simulating the time when he was still being carried by his mother.  This developmental level will largely consume the first year of his life and will continue in some aspects on into his kindergarten years.  Throughout the first year of the child’s life or until he takes the initiative, place a variety of textural materials into his hands.  Be certain that none are harmful or small enough to swallow.  Let him hold onto such things as clean fingers, plastic rattles, blankets, diapers, and rubber bones.  Place the child in changing environments throughout the day so that he has a variety of visual experiences.  Talk to him and play with him throughout his feeding and while you are changing his diapers and clothing.  All of these things are as important to the baby’s early perceptual development as stories are to his reading readiness.Before a child  no longer needs the kinds of experiences described above, a variety of other needs will have developed.  Kinesthetic experiences to some degree or another will be important to the child at all stages of his development but are particularly crucial through the primary years.I’ve seen kindergarten and first grade teachers even use sand and shaving cream on a table so that the children can use their fingers to feel their numbers and letters. (The shaving cream is a good  cleaner for the table when they’re done.)You can find a variety of teething bibs, teething blankets, and baby gift baskets (containing rattles, blocks, and other textures to feel) online at www.babyblanketbabe.com

How to Treat your Baby?s Eczema: an Healthy Alternative to Steroids and Prescribed Medications

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

If you are looking for a way to treat your baby’s eczema, then this article is a must read for you. My baby used to have year-round Eczema on his face, hands, and feet. Trust me, there is nothing worst than your child having dry and itchy skin. So I decided to find natural solutions to fix my baby’s eczema outbreaks besides the ointment that my doctor was prescribing for him. Guest what, I found some! There are some simple steps that you can take to reduce your baby’s eczema and flare-ups. However, before we continue, let’s define eczema.

What is Eczema?

Eczema may look different from person to person, but it is most often characterized as dry, red, and extremely itchy patches on the skin. Some people have more severe Eczema than others. Some people even have weeping or oozing Eczema. But, having Eczema is not a horrible plague. Many people have to deal with Eczema on a daily or seasonal basis. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body and many substances have been identified as itch “triggers” for those with Eczema. Eczema is something that affects individuals of all ages; from young babies to adults.

What Things Should You Do to Help Your Baby Avoid Eczema Outbreaks?

Anything from changing weather conditioners to dish detergents and clothing fabrics can aggravate your baby’s Eczema. If your child is susceptible to Eczema, avoid dressing him or her in wool or rough fabrics. These fabrics will only irritate their dry, itchy skin.

Also, consider getting your baby an allergy test. Although having one done is sometimes cumbersome and time consuming, but you can discover what foods, animals, carpets, or even trees cause your baby’s Eczema to flare up. I used to love dressing my baby in little polyester Hawaiian shirts and shorts, but after the allergy test I learned that this was triggering my baby’s eczema.

If you can’t afford to have an allergy test done, consider keeping a journal. Keep a log of everything your child eats and wears. Eventually, you will discover certain patterns. That is where self-diagnosis can begin.

What can I do to treat my baby’s Eczema?

There really isn’t a cure for Eczema. However, there are tons of over-the-counter lotions, creams, and baths available. If you really want a high-powered solution, you may even opt to get some prescribed medications. But, there are pros and cons for both options. Here’s some natural and extremely effective remedies for your baby’s eczema that I discovered work best.

All-Natural Creams

The best product that I found for my baby’s Eczema was Beauty 4 Ashes’ eczema creams and oils. It took me awhile to find this stuff; but, boy am I glad that I did. So, let me save you time and money and give you the company’s website address. It is www.discoverb4a.com.

There are virtually no all-natural Eczema products out there. Most prescribed medications for your baby are actually steroids. Unfortunately, steroids can have a harmful affect on your child’s health. As a result, your baby’s skin will age very quickly. Steroids are also pretty toxic and ultimately, your child will grow immune to lower dosages and require more milligrams. My recommendation, avoid prescribed medications.

As for the over-the counter stuff, you get what you pay for. Most over-the-counter products like Cortisone 10, Cortaid, or Calamine Lotion do more harm than good. Moreover, most store products have chemical emulsifiers and preservatives that actually can make your baby’s skin drier, such as Aveeno and Eucerin. They are temporary, ineffective solutions. Your best bet is to buy an all-natural cream or oil that contains Eczema healing essentials and herbs. This is why I recommend Beauty 4 Ashes’ Eczema products for your baby. Their products contain essential oils and herbs that are stronger and safer than any chemical alternative. Plus, their products contain skin healing Aloe Vera and skin penetrating natural oils— and oils actually moisturize your skin better than lotions because they penetrate the dermis. If you use Beauty 4 Ashes, your baby’s Eczema should get healed within a few weeks

Why Giving Gifts Throughout A Baby’s Young Life is Important

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Many of us are crammed with excitement when we hear that a new baby is on the way. It is irrelevant if that baby will be a family member such as a grandchild, a niece or nephew, or a cousin or whether it is going to be a friend’s child or that of a work mate or the child of one of the members of a church or club you go to. The thrill is there and we would like to perform a part in this new child’s life, no matter how tiny a part that may be. There’s nothing like watching a child grow and develop and understanding that you played some part in that babies development. One of the best methods to have a part in this new person’s life is through the giving of baby gifts. Babies and toddlers grow swiftly, making the giving of baby gifts important to keep up with the babies changing needs . Not only is there the baby shower itself, but there is the baptism, birthdays, first steps, and each vacation that we will be able to use as a reason to indulge our wish to be part of this new child’s life. Giving gifts for such occasions helps us to be a part of the baby’s ongoing development and helps the parents in these industrial times. Announcement of Babies Arrival While baby showers are the expected time to give gifts to the new baby, why not start early and give a present when you first discover a baby is pending. Your present at this time does not have to be huge or dear. Something as easy as a sleeper, a package of nappies, a few rattles, or maybe a book or two for the ma to read out loud to the baby in her womb all make great statement gifts, as do cuddly stuffed animals, and other things the newborn will need or like. Baby Shower Historically baby shower gifts include all kinds of garments for the baby as well as diapers, blankets, and newborn toys, strollers, auto seats, and other big items are also much welcomed and required gifts for a new baby. There are crib toys as well as toys that will grow with the baby and help them develop. Mobiles and other such toys can entertain a baby for long times of time so helping to focus their eyes and strengthen their eye muscles. A portable CD player with a few kids’s CDs makes an amazing baby gift that may grow with the new baby offering years of entertainment and academic possibilities. Baptismal Gifts An infant’s baptism is another great gift giving opportunity. While you do not want to go over the top with gifts for this occasion, a little present to celebrate the occasion is certainly appreciated. Fabric storybooks or a small piece of jewellery the kid can wear later might be just what the occasion calls for. Accomplishments Each new accomplishment or phase in a baby’s life is a good reason to get a little something for a kid. When they sit up, crawl, stand, or get their first tooth, as well as their primary step are great excuses for showering the kid with a present or 2. Educational toys are always welcome at any stage of a kid’s development and the choices are limitless. From soft puzzles, to crawling tunnels. Holidays and birthdays Holidays and birthdays are a great time for purchasing gifts for that special baby or toddler. Anything from new garments to toys are welcome and appreciated by the folks and will light the eyes of any toddler up. As the baby grows and matures, you have even more choices in items to get for this excellent child as their personality starts to appear and this allows for even more creative ideas. Age acceptable automobiles and wagons, tiny outdoor play sets, or a baby gymnasium are great decisions for present giving at vacations or for birthdays. Summer holidays and birthdays are a great time to give sand toys and those toys kids can enjoy outdoors, while cooler weather gifts may include rocking horses, films acceptable for small kids and a whole host of other toys. No matter what the occasion, baby gifts are the easiest way for you to play a small part in the development of this precious child.

Your Baby’s Bedtime Routine

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

As soon as possible, you should start a bedtime routine with your baby. You can start when the baby is six to eight weeks old, and your baby will surely reap benefits from the early routine setup. Establishing a stipulated system will make your baby appreciable of the consistent pattern. The baby will be comfortable knowing beforehand what is it follow next. This would facilitate better and faster sleep for your baby. Even without your presence in the house, make an attempt to maintain the routine of the baby. And when you try to settle down your baby in a new place, the routine will ease the baby.Some tips that you can involve in organizing the routine of the baby are giving your baby a bath, helping him to get into pajamas, telling stories, or playing a game. Select activities that soothe the mind rather than those that excite the mind, because they would help your baby to fall asleep faster.Keeping track of a baby by following a bedtime routine is beneficial to both the parents and the baby. At the fag end of the day, the routine gives an opportunity for the child and the parent to create a special bond between them. Following are a few ideas worth a try:At times you should allow the baby to let his stored energy to escape before you settle him down. Two good ways to do so are bouncing in a bouncer or on a knee or having a ride on a horse. When the excitement is done with, change into an activity that is quieting and relaxing. Follow this only when your little one goes to sleep effortlessly during bedtime, or it might be too much excitement for him.Bath is a bedtime routine that is calming. A warm bath cleans the baby and makes him relax. You can try an aromatherapy bath by putting some scented lavender oil into the warm water. But then again if you see that your baby cannot adjust with a bath at night and feels uncomfortable and cannot go to sleep, then it would be prudent to strike it out from the list of bedtime routines.Indulging in some quiet playing games can bring some fun moments to the bedtime ritual, like a floor game, stacking blocks, or peek-a-boo.One of the most famous bedtime routine that almost all parents do is reading stories to the baby at night. This ritual has many benefits – it introduces your baby to the new world where he would grow up to be through a huge vocabulary and is a step towards acquiring skills of language.Singing is another idea. Sing a popular song and let the process grow into a tradition in your family. By and by your baby will understand that when the song ends its time for him to get some shut-eye.On the way to the bed, bid good night to inanimate objects in the house like favorite toys and other items. You can also include pets and other family members – this way your baby will get acquainted with the various things in the house and would begin to understand and identify things by their names. Leave out no stuffed toy because they would be his childhood playmates for sometime.A host of other activities could be included in your bedtime routine. Indulge yourself and the baby with the fun methods and let them be a great time for the two of you.

My baby’s reading books (?)

Sunday, May 16th, 2010


My baby is studying to read books (?). However, not read books, rather hit books.

Your Baby’s First Teacher

Friday, May 14th, 2010

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, TooFrom 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 CommunicateIt 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 ReasonsCrying 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 BabySometimes 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, neighbour 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.

Baby’s First Year • Netmums with Hollie Smith

Monday, April 26th, 2010


BABY’S FIRST YEAR is an indispensable, month-by-month guide to the first year of your baby’s life, combining advice from the experts with the invaluable experiences of the members of Netmums, the UK’s fastest-growing online parenting organisation. www.netmums.com

Headzup: Palin’s Daughter’s Baby’s Daddy’s Mother Arrested

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010


www.headzup.tv Sarah Palin talks about the drug related arrest of Sherry Johnson, mother of Levi Johnson, father of Sarah’s daughter Bristol’s unborn baby. Read more about it here– http Download daily Catch and Release Comedy™ political cartoons to your mobile phone or ipod at www.headzup.tv

Celebrating Your Baby’s First Noel

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

If the best gift possible – your new baby — arrived just weeks before Christmas, you’re probably too tired to even think about holiday festivities. But you needn’t let the excitement sap your spirit. Instead, you and your newborn can celebrate her first Noel in one of these three ways that won’t wear you out. 1. Baby’s first tree. Okay, so maybe you won’t be trekking into the wilderness to cut a fresh tree this year. Baby’s first Christmas tree can still be special, and this one won’t break the bank or your back. Choose an artificial, table-top tree and decorate with baby items. Brightly colored rattles, binkies, and teething rings give a festive touch and can be put to good use later. Top it off with a diaper angel. To make, take a cloth diaper, stuff with a small handful of cotton balls for the head, gather cloth together beneath the head, and tie with a festive bow of green and red curled ribbon. Using a yellow pipe cleaner for the halo, shape a four- to five-inch piece into a circle and poke the remaining straight section through top of diaper fabric, securing to angel. Once the celebration is over this year, the tiny tree can be the basis for a lifelong family tradition. Put the tree up every year and, as your child grows, let her decide how to decorate it. 2. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. If your church holds a Christmas program or indoor live nativity, volunteer to provide the “babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,” along with Mary and Joseph. A real baby adds depth to your church family’s celebration and will make a memorable experience for your family, too, with little effort required on your part. Not quite up to going out? Recreate the scene of that very first Christmas on a smaller scale, of course, in your very own home. If possible, have a friend video record or photograph your portrayal to add to baby’s scrapbook. Keep the spiritual meaning alive every year by making the family nativity a Christmas tradition. Bring the family together at the beginning of the holiday season and watch the video together to set the tone for your holiday celebrations. 3. Enjoy the eve. Spending Christmas Eve together at home allows you to focus on the quieter aspects of the holiday and what really matters. Hang a stocking with care and fill it with an ornament for each member of the family. Put the family stocking at the top of next year’s list of must-do traditions by surprising everyone with an ornament that reflects something you’ve done together during the previous year. Before heading off to bed, share the Christmas story by candlelight. As Dad reads the story and Mom nurses baby, you’ll experience a special closeness and joy that you’ll want to repeat again and again. So, if the usual holiday havoc has you thinking your newly expanded family will have to put the celebration on hold, think again. And make your newborn’s first Noel one you’ll all want to remember for years to come.