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Baby Equipment and Furniture

	& Baby Cribs Safety Checklist by Parvati Markus Once your baby has arrived, one of the most important parts of your new life together will be getting a good night’s sleep — you in your bed, the baby in a safe and comfortable crib. At first, you may want your newborn to sleep in a bassinet by your bed, making it a little easier for breastfeeding moms, but have a crib ready by the time your baby can roll over. Your baby will spend more time in the crib than anywhere else, so safety is of utmost importance. What makes a crib safe? * The bars or slats of the crib railing should be no more than 2-3/8" apart, close enough together to prevent your baby’s head from slipping through or getting stuck. That crib in the attic may be a beautiful antique, but it probably does not meet this safety standard. Secondhand older cribs may also have splinters or lead paint as well as slats that are too far apart. * Cribs with cutout designs along the rail may look pretty, but your baby’s arm or neck could get stuck in them. * The crib must be sturdy. Your child will sleep in a crib until it’s time to move into a regular bed between the ages of 2 and 3. When shopping for the crib, give it a good shake to see if it wobbles or rattles. * Construction materials should be stained or painted hardwoods like maple, ash, beech or oak. The use of inferior woods can potentially weaken or warp the slats. Some metal cribs are also very sturdy and secure. All finish materials must be lead free and non-toxic. * For safety, the dropsides must be at least 9" above the mattress support when lowered. When the side is raised, the top must be at least 26" above the support at its lowest position. You should have no trouble quietly raising and lowering the side rail easily with one hand, since chances are you’ll have a sleeping baby in your arms. * Make things a little easier on your back by choosing a crib with an adjustable height mattress. A newborn can rest higher in the crib, while a baby who can sit up needs a lower mattress so he can’t climb out. You can change the height of most mattresses by simply raising or lowering the mattress support. * Check the hardware on the crib for sharp edges or points or anything else that could hurt your baby. * The mattress should fit snugly into the crib. If you can fit two fingers between the side of the mattress and the crib, it is too small. Keep an eye on foam mattresses; over time, they may break down at the edges and leave gaps. Check the mattress support to make sure there are safety clips that lock the hangers into their notches. * Use nonflammable and hypoallergenic bumper padding attached to the inside railings of the crib to cushion all four sides and prevent your baby from sticking an arm or leg through the railings. Securely fasten the bumper pads to the sides of the crib in at least six places. Be sure to remove bumper pads when your baby becomes more active. * Follow assembly instructions carefully. Periodically tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws and check teething rails for cracks. Check the mattress support hooks regularly. * Don’t place a crib against a window, near curtains or drapery cords, or near furniture that could help your baby climb out. * Crib toys need to be removed from the crib when baby is sleeping. And remove mobiles when baby is able to grab at objects. Federal safety guidelines went into effect in 1973, but only since 1991 do most cribs meet all mandatory safety standards (16CFR part 1508) as set by The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the voluntary standards (ASTM F966 and F1169) as set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The Juvenile Products Manufacturers’ Association (JPMA) certifies cribs that meet the safety standards. For more information on crib safety and other nursery equipment, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772. Please find the original article and more information about this subject at http://www.homeandliving.com/DesignAdvice.aspx?Category=BabyCribSafety If you would like to publish this article on your own site, please feel free to do so. Please let us know the URL of the posted article by emailing the URL to customerservice@homeandliving.com. All we ask is that you include the whole article, without changes, including the link to the original article location, author information, this disclaimer and the following link. Find great home furniture online at www.homeandliving.com... PARVATI MARKUS is a writer/editor with a Masters in Creative Writing from Antioch. She works with The Kabbalah Centre and freelances on non-fiction books and articles. As a recent arrival in L.A. Parvati is completing her “residency requirement” by writing a screenplay. Article Source: ArticlesOn.com ;		iAmplify Find Something Magical for Everyone on Your List at the DisneyShopping.com Holiday Gift Shop!
	Choosing The Right Potty by H Barnard You want to start potty training with your child, they are approaching the right age, so you go to the store and pick up a potty... easy right?... Well no! not so easy... maybe 10 or 20 years ago but now the choice of potties can be overwhelming. To help you with your choice and to discover the best model for your child we present you with brief resume of some of the different models available. Basic Potty: This is the basic traditional design, normally a one piece coloured plastic potty that sits on the floor. They are cleaned by tipping the contents down the toilet and can be easily rinsed out. These are the cheapest option and as such some people have several in different rooms of the house in case of emergency. Basic Potty Chair The basic potty chairs are usual made of one piece of plastic and are designed to sit on the floor. It can be cleaned easily by dumping the contents into the toilet and rinsing the bottom which is convenient. Basic potty chairs are relatively cheap as well so it's easier to keep one in several rooms of the house. It’s not fancy but it does its job. Theme Potties These are basically designed to help motivate the child to use the potty. They can be quite large and expensive. They include amongst others; - Royal Thrones, a high backed seat with armrests and four legs and a potty bowl sunken into the seat of the chair. - Full miniature copies of a regular toilet complete with seat, lid realistic flushing sounds. - Musical potties that play a tune when something is deposited in the bowl. - Potties shapes as trains, cars, animals and all manner of things including television and film characters. Toilet Seat Hole Reducers This does exactly what the name sounds. It is a mini toilet seat that sits inside the existing one effectively making the existing ‘hole’ smaller. These are very useful for the child as it can bypass the whole ‘potty’ stage letting the child sit on the proper toilet comfortably without fear of falling in. It also gets the child used to using the toilet and makes them feel more grown up as they are using the toilet just like the rest of the family. If the toilet seat reducer is used then it is very important to use a non slip step or box for the child to the actually get up onto the toilet on their own and also to rest their feet on once sitting down. This has the added advantage of not requiring special additional cleaning. Hybrid Potties There are models which include all of the above models in one. A base with a potty bowl inserted that will probably play music that has a seat and a lid too. As the child progresses the seat can be removed and used on the toilet and the base upturned and used as a step. This is an outline of just a few of the different models available today. You should choose the potty which will best suit the needs of your child. If you are having trouble deciding then you might want to take your child to the store with you to show you which one they like the most. This will also help in your efforts to get them to use it. At htpp://pottyaid.com there is lots more information and other articles similar to this one. There is also the 5 day email course you can sign up for free of charge - Potty Training made easy. Article Source: ArticlesOn.com
	Buying Custom Baby Bedding and Pre-made Baby Nursery Bedding by Kiran Joseph When a new baby is on its way, the first thing a new parent thinks about is how to make the baby most comfortable when they arrive into their new world. A lot of effort goes into building the perfect ‘nest;’ i.e., nursery, and one of the most important items in a nursery is a baby’s bedding. Because babies are so susceptible to their surrounding environment, where and how a baby sleeps can make all the difference in how they rest. It is important to invest wisely in proper baby bedding. This means materials that are soft, resilient, light, and warm on a baby’s skin, and sheets that fit as snugly as possible over a firm, snug mattress. This also means no quilts, comforters or pillows, as they are considered risk factors in sudden infant death syndrome. There are two options when buying baby bedding: pre-made baby bedding and custom baby bedding. Pre-made baby bedding is a great, cost effective way to buy for your baby. If you do decide to use pre-made baby bedding, a good idea is to pick the bedding before anything else in the nursery or bedroom. This way you can design around the bedding, which often makes it easier to manage. The problem many new parents face is that they may not be able to find exactly what they want, and will put it off, looking for the perfect match for a nursery or bedroom theme. Pretty soon the baby comes along, and the parents still haven’t chosen the bedding; they are now rushing to throw something together, and are unhappy with what they get. While this isn’t always the case, it is for many people. Others are happy and find what they need quickly, but for those that are having trouble, there is always custom-made baby bedding. Custom baby bedding is great, especially if you can’t find a material you want, a pattern you like, or design element you require. Custom baby bedding can be manufactured to any and all specifications you have, and that is what makes it so great. You have full say in layout, looks and design, ensuring the uniqueness of your baby bedding and your happiness with finding exactly what you need. This also creates less stress, because you will pick your design and layout, order it, and wait for it to arrive. This save saves you time and energy that can be better spent elsewhere. While you may fear that custom-made bedding is very expensive, many manufacturers are very reasonable, and are worth at least a call or an email. Buying baby bedding is a very personal and individual experience for most people, and getting exactly what you want is important. Whether you decide on pre-made or custom baby bedding, the most important thing is that you are happy and satisfied with your choice. Make sure you do the research and find out what materials are out there (cotton jersey is a great one) and what’s available for new parents. Kiran Joseph from http://www.sheetworld.com Article Source: ArticlesOn.com p;
	Difference between a bassinet and a cradle by Kiran Joseph If you’re a new parent looking for bed supplies for your new baby, you’ll likely wonder whether you should buy a cradle or a bassinet. And then you’ll ask yourself what the differences are between a bassinet and a cradle. Many people tend to lump the two together, but there are some differences that new parents should be aware of. Bassinets Much of the time, bassinets are made of natural fibers like wicker and tend to be more portable than cradles. Bassinets are great for parents who travel a lot, live in a house with more than one floor, or are very active. In addition, they are usually smaller and lighter than a cradle, but the sizes do vary. Bassinet bedding can either be purchased or custom made to fit the requirements and tastes of the parents; new parents need to be aware that though there are similarities between Bassinets and cradles, they take different mattresses, sheets, and bedding. Cradles Cradles are usually larger than bassinets and more stationary. They are usually made of wood and manufactured materials. Cradles come in many forms and with differing functions. There is a portable cradle that is smaller and more manageable that you can take on an extended visit to family or friends. Cradles are usually manufactured with a mechanism that will produce a side-to-side motion designed to comfort your baby and help them sleep. Most cradles have two floor rockers that allow a side-to-side rocking motion; others come with the frame suspended on hooks and gently sway rather than rock your baby. Baby bedding for cradles follows the same rules as bassinets: the bedding between the two is not interchangeable, so make sure you get the appropriate bedding for your choice of baby bed. Whether you purchase a bassinet or cradle, remember to always buy a firm mattress that fits snugly and fits properly. You should not be able to stick more than two fingers between mattress and the side of the cradle or bassinet. Look for legs with strong locks to avoid fold-ins, smooth surfaces without wicker particles or outside hardware, and a sturdy, stable base that is both appropriate for the baby’s weight and wide enough to remain stable, especially in the case of a rocking cradle. Ensuring your child has an easy transition into the world is hard enough without having to worry about how well they will sleep at night, Both bassinets and cradles are excellent choices for those with new baby’s—simply follow the guidelines and proper use for the cradle or bassinet, buy the correct baby sheets, bumpers, and liners, and buy the correct mattress. Figure out which option best suits your lifestyle and move ahead, confident and secure in the fact that your child will soon be sleeping safely and soundly in their new bed. Kiran Joseph from http://www.sheetworld.com Article Source: ArticlesOn.com
	Double Strollers: What Do You Really Need? by Anik Giguere-Biollo Is baby number two on the way or are you expecting twins? Then you definitely need a double stroller. Before you begin your search among the countless models that are available, you need to determine what your stroller needs are for your particular lifestyle. For example, it doesn't make sense to purchase the same double stroller your best friend raves about if you're an avid jogger and her favorite hobby is shopping. To help you narrow down the possibilities, answer the eight following questions. 1. What activities do you need a double stroller for? Do you do most of your shopping in malls? Do you like to jog or take long walks around the neighborhood in all types of weather? Are you a frequent traveler? The activities you do most often will decide what type of double stroller you should choose, whether it be a regular double mall stroller, a lightweight (ex. umbrella) double stroller, a double jogging stroller or a double all-terrain stroller. 2. Which seating design would best suit your needs? Double strollers come in two seating designs: tandem (one seat in front of the other) or side-by-side. Both designs have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important for you to think carefully about what your lifestyle will be like with twins or two children of different ages (although this is not easy to do before actually living through it!). 3. What are the ages and temperaments of your children? Your double stroller needs will be slightly different if you're the parents of twins than if you have a baby and an older child. Some double strollers are true twin strollers, meaning they have features that are meant to accommodate two children of the same age, such as the ability to clip in two infant car seats. There are also double strollers that are designed so that a toddler can sit in the front seat where he can have a better view and more legroom while baby brother or sister sleeps comfortably in the fully reclining rear seat. Many parents find that side-by-side double strollers help keep the peace between children because they prevent arguments about who gets to sit in the front seat. On the other hand, being side-by-side can also create other problems with the two children sitting in such close proximity. 4. How often are you going to use the double stroller? If you're only planning on using a stroller for quick errands to the mall a couple times a week, you don't need to purchase a heavy-duty, high-end double stroller with all the bells and whistles. However, if you like going for walks or runs on a daily basis, or if you go out with your children often and for long periods of time, you should consider getting something that is comfortable and durable, since double strollers take twice the abuse of single strollers. 5. Who will be using the stroller? Keep in mind the height and stride of the person or persons who will be using the double stroller the most, as well as their physical strength. It's no fun pushing a stroller with a handle that is too low or too high for comfort and neither is folding and picking up one that is cumbersome. It's true that double strollers are heavier and bulkier than single strollers due to their very nature, but there are models on the market that are easier to handle than others. 6. What features are you looking for? Do you want a simple, no frills double stroller, or something with lots of comfort, durability and storage space? This brings us back to the types of activities you do most often. It's very disappointing to purchase a stroller and then realize that its features don't meet your needs as well as they could have. 7. How much space do you have for transporting and storing it? With a few exceptions, double strollers take up a lot of room. The size of your vehicle may be a big deciding factor when choosing a double model. Make sure it fits! Also, take into account where you will store the stroller at home. 8. What can you afford? This is probably the most important question of all. Think carefully of your present and future stroller needs with your two children. What is the minimum you are willing to live with? Can you afford to pay for a higher quality double stroller that will make your life easier in the long run, or are you willing to take your chances with a budget stroller that may break down before you're done using it? For twins, a double universal car seat carrier (stroller frame) is an inexpensive alternative to buying an actual stroller during the infant stage if you're yet not sure what you'll need later on. Once you've determined what you really need, then you can begin researching the various brands and models that are on the market. You will be able to quickly eliminate double strollers that don't fit your criteria, making the whole process a lot easier and less time-consuming. Copyright 2006 by Anik Giguère-Biollo. Permission is granted to reproduce this article in electronic newsletters or on websites provided that it is not edited in any way, all the links are left active, and that neither the copyright declaration nor this license are removed. This article was originally published at http://www.stroller-advisor.com/double-stroller-needs.html Anik Giguère-Biollo is the mother of a three year-old girl and one year-old twin boys and has owned a total of eight baby strollers of different types. She offers a great deal of detailed information about choosing and purchasing double strollers and twin strollers (see http://www.stroller-advisor.com/double-strollers.html ), as well as all other types of strollers, on her website. You can visit her site by going to http://www.Stroller-Advisor.com Article Source: ArticlesOn.com ;
	& Baby Products that make Baby's Lifestyle Easy and Comfortable by Anna Josephs Are you looking to buy unique gift for your baby? Online sites are always available with huge collection of numerous products which claim to be best for our baby’s and provide you much related information about the products that are used to comfort your little. Some are specialized in baby products. But it is always good to be cautious before buying any baby products because most of the times to look good and attractive manufactures make use of chemicals, synthetic additives and irritants which dry baby’s skin and are absorbed into their bodies. The related products are listed below: Baby Powder if something you are buying for your baby skin choose a product which is smooth and 100%safe for the skin. While buying baby powder make sure that it should not contain any chemicals like zinc stearate, magnesium silicates and other substances, which are harmful for your baby. Baby ointment To prevent your baby from diaper rashes make use of baby ointment so as to make your baby a healthy baby. Baby Food There are many food items in the market that contain chemicals which are harmful for our baby’s health. Buy baby food from reputed company and have some popularity. Do not give your baby hard food to swallow. You must see that the food you serve your baby is soft and easy to digest. Always serve fresh and healthy food to your baby Baby Clothing Always it is not necessary which look good should be good. Many times we parents just buy anything which looks good on our baby and forget that our baby may not be comfortable in wearing that. Do not dress your baby too tight or too loose. Select soft material that does not create on your baby's skin. Always choose attractive clothes as baby too gets attracted towards the design and pattern of the cloth. Baby Toys Make sure the toy your purchase for your baby should always have a blunt edge and a smooth surface. See that toys do not have a pointed edge. It is good to purchase soft toys for your baby. Anna Josephs is a freelance editor having experience of many years in writing articles and news releases on various topics related to health, automobile and social issues. Currently, she is working on http://www.benzer3.com. To get more details on Baby Products, please visit http://baby.benzer3.com/baby-products.html . Please feel free to write feedback on this article. Anna Josephs can be contacted at annajosephs@gmail.com Article Source: ArticlesOn.com ;
	& What Type of Baby Equipment Will You Need? by Morgan Hamilton Are you planning to have a baby? Having a baby is a major event in any couple’s life and would often entails major adjustments as well. You will realize that you will need a big space just to accommodate all the baby equipment you will need. For such tiny beings, their stuff can certainly occupy a lot of space. Visiting family and friends can seem like a military operation and can’t really be unplanned. You have to plan ahead and decide which equipment will be required for a particular trip. Many parents keep a bag ready and full of all the equipment they’ll need. Going on grander trips like vacations requires even more preparation. Baby equipment is also an expensive business, and some parents buy used equipment or receive gifts from grandparents and other relatives. If you have items for your firstborn, you can hand them some of them to your next baby. It is important to purchase products from reputable companies, to guarantee safety and quality. Parents also need to consider a baby’s daily need such as, sterilization units, formula bottles, and bottlebrushes for cleaning the baby’s bottles. A teat brush is perfect for cleaning the teats. It would also be a good idea to obtain a set of bibs with convenient Velcro strips. If you are using non-disposables diapers, you’ll require pins for fastening them. It would also be good if you can have a changing mat that your baby can lie on and such a delicate bottom will require lots of moistened baby swipes. It can be easy to over look the less obvious baby equipment you’ll need, like cotton tipped baby ear cleaners or baby nail clippers. Finding a cot with a good mattress and bedding will be crucial in giving your baby a good sleep. A well rested infant is a happy baby, with happy parents. You may also need a traveling cot for overnight visits to grandparents and other relatives. Another major concern to consider when purchasing baby equipment is safe transportation. A good car seat is essential, and most stores will supply a trained individual to fit it in your car. A baby will also need a buggy. This can have a variety of accessories to cope with different weather conditions, such as a parasol to shade your baby from the sun and a rain cover to keep your infant dry and snug. When your baby grows into a toddler, you will need other types of baby equipment to keep your child safe. To prevent accidents, install stair gates at the top and at the bottom of the stairs. Cooker guards will thwart your toddler from pulling down cooking pots, and socket guards will prevent your child from poking curios fingers into dangerous places. Your baby equipment must keep up with your infant’s development, as your child progresses from formula into a variety of drinks and solid food. You will need weaning spoons and training cups at this phase of your baby’s growth. Baby equipment can also provide a lot of fun, with colorful swings, play pens, and rocking cradles. You can choose to stencil cartoon character into your toddler’s high chair. After a day of fun, you can lie down for the night while listening to the baby monitor. Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning babies. Get more information by visiting Baby Equipment Article Source: ArticlesOn.com