What Happens When Breastfeeding isn't an Option

Breastfeeding your child is a joyful experience that most expecting moms look forward to. However, it is an unfortunate fact that due to various reasons, this isn’t always possible. Some mothers are unable to produce enough breastmilk due to hypoplasia, which occurs when the glands in the breast are underdeveloped. Other reasons for not being able to breastfeed include postpartum depression or a previous breast reduction surgery which can negatively impact milk production. Whatever the reason might be, new moms should rest assured that not being able to breastfeed is not the end of the world.

Baby Formula Nutrition

When you can’t breastfeed, you must invest in a good quality baby formula. Good brands like Alula offer infant to toddler formulas that provide complete nutrition for your baby, so you won’t need to worry about your child’s growth and development. While doctors do recommend breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for your newborn baby, you don’t need to be concerned about their health in the slightest – a good formula will take care of the job, and some even provide extra vitamins and minerals which otherwise may need to be supplemented. 

Pumping and Supplementing

If you are able to express milk and it’s just not quite enough, you can always consider pumping and supplementing your breastmilk with formula. A good breast pump is going to be a great investment in this case, and you can express and store your milk during bottle-feeding periods. Do some research on the best way to go about this combination method. 

Consider Donated Breast Milk

If your heart is set on breastmilk for your little one or formula isn’t going to cut it, but you can’t express yourself, using donated breastmilk is another option you could think about. Research shows that donated breast milk from another woman can nourish your baby just as well as your own. You can check in with your hospital if this is available or otherwise check in with a milk bank in your area. However, keep in mind that this method may be less accessible since premature babies and babies with certain medical conditions are prioritized by these institutions. 

Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

Many moms who can’t express enough milk to feed their babies feel that they are failing them. This is never the case! Keep in mind that there are many mothers out there facing the same problem as you, and many healthy, happy children who were raised on formula. You can still create a strong emotional bond with your baby while bottle-feeding, too, so don’t be distressed about missing that skin-on-skin contact. This can still be generated by holding and cuddling your baby close while feeding them.

If this is a problem that you’re struggling with, don’t forget to reach out for support from your partner, friends and family, and a mental healthcare professional if that’s what you need. Postpartum depression is common after giving birth, and struggling with meeting your baby’s needs could contribute to this. Make sure that you’re providing not only for the baby’s needs but your own too. 

Defective Strollers: Is Yours on the Recall List?

A good stroller can make it infinitely easier to tote your little one around. Sadly, however, when these products are defective, even a short ride can leave infants and toddlers with lasting injuries. 

Each year, defective products have life-changing effects on consumers of all ages. As a parent, finding out whether your baby's stroller has been recalled is always a top priority. 

Things That Can Go Wrong When a Stroller Is Defective

There are countless considerations that parents make when choosing products for their children. This is especially true when shopping for newborns, infants, and toddlers, and when buying items that are used for transportation. 

Strollers are designed to help parents take their kids for long walks, jogs, and even runs. Many options even have lower, side, or front baskets for carting toys, bottles, blankets, and other essential items. When one or more of a stroller's components fail, both babies and anyone pushing a stroller can be harmed. Some of the problems that can occur with a defective stroller include:

• One or more front wheels detach so that the stroller comes to an abrupt stop
• Seat harnesses or seat supports detach or fail
• Unexpected folding and closure of the entire stroller system
• Parking brake failures that lead to rolling

When parents put their babies in strollers, they are rarely expecting things to go awry. Moreover, when the structural integrity of a stroller fails, there are few things that adults can do to mitigate damages.

How Babies Can Be Harmed by Defective Strollers

There's a very broad range of injuries that babies can sustain when their strollers fail. The severity of the damages incurred are largely determined by the speed at which a stroller is moving at the time of failure, the age and weight of the child, and the type of malfunction that occurs. 

When harnesses and other supports do not perform as they should or when front tires pop off, children can fall out and may be run over by their own still-moving strollers. This can be especially problematic when parents are using jogging strollers and traveling at relatively fast speeds.

Among some of the injuries that infants and toddlers have sustained due to defective strollers are:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Disfiguring facial injuries
• Concussions
• Strangulation
• Lacerations

In some instances, defective stroller designs can even lead to infant or toddler death.

What To Do if Your Child Has Been Injured by a Defective Stroller

There are a number of things that parents must do to protect their little ones from stroller injuries. To start, it is always important to read through the owner's manual before assembling and using one of these products. This will detail the correct way to put the entire system together, and the best way to use all available safety harnesses. If a child sustains a stroller injury due to improper use or failure to secure safety harnesses, product manufacturers cannot be held liable for the resulting damages. This same is also true if you take your baby jogging in a stroller that's only built for walking, or if you choose to leave your napping child in a stroller unattended.

However, if your child is injured because their stroller was improperly designed, you have the right to seek compensation. Settlements from defective product lawsuits can be used to cover the costs of essential medical treatment and therapies, even as they provide additional compensation for pain and suffering. 

How To Get Notifications of Stroller Recalls

The best way to remain abreast of product recall information is by completing the product registration card that came with your new stroller. You'll find registration cards attached to any strollers, car seats, infant swings, and other baby products that you buy. Simply fill out your name and contact information, and then mail this card directly to the product manufacturer. Once you do, you'll be put on a mailing list and will receive all recall-related information for the stroller model that you've purchased.

Strollers are designed to make life easier for parents. They should not cause life-altering or life-threatening injuries. By taking the proper precautions when purchasing these and other baby products, you can be alerted of stroller recalls before a defective design results in harm. Strollers are one of the most common defective products that lead to legal  action from injury (source: https://www.boginmunns.com/areas-we-serve/orlando-fl/product-liability-lawyer/).To find out more about filing a defective product lawsuit, you can contact your lawyer. 

How You Can Increase Your Baby's Iron Level

Though you may have stocked up on immune boosting foods for kids and babies already, you might have specific concerns about a few essential vitamins and minerals, especially when it comes to iron. Although it might not get as much attention as vitamin C, calcium or other nutrients, having adequate iron levels is essential to your baby’s overall health. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body and brings oxygen to vital organs, so getting enough iron is fundamental to healthy brain development throughout childhood. Additionally, low iron levels can even lead to anemia. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help raise your baby’s iron levels to a healthier place.

Ask Your Pediatrician About Incorporating a Supplement

Perhaps the most straightforward way to get to the heart of the issue is by getting a Wellements baby multivitamin and supplementing your baby’s diet with iron. An exception, of course, is if you’re currently feeding your baby formula, which today is often already fortified with iron. Of course, because it’s possible to get too much of a good thing, you’ll want to talk with your family pediatrician about whether supplementation is a good route for your child. Your pediatrician might, in more severe cases, even be able to prescribe your baby iron drops to help get their levels up faster. 

Focus on Making Tweaks to Your Child's Diet as They Age

As your baby starts to get older and eat a more diverse range of foods, your options for tweaking his or her diet to include more iron become broader. With these new diet possibilities, you can focus in on making targeted changes in a number of different areas. Some particularly useful tweaks are:

• Incorporating more vitamin C in your child’s meals, like pairing citrus with iron-rich foods such as beans, since it can help boost iron absorption
• Providing your child with fortified infant cereal for breakfast or snacks, or using it as a cooked ingredient in some of your other prepared dishes.
• Offering a range of foods rich in iron, including spinach, peas and raisins, and finding a way to work them into your meals

Double-Check Whether Your Baby Actually Requires More Iron

Though it may be tempting to jump to the conclusion that your child needs more iron, very young infants may already have adequate stores. It’s typically the case, in fact, that babies under six months of age are likely to have been born with enough iron. After the six-month mark, however, those stores could begin to get depleted, raising the need to incorporate iron-rich foods or supplements.

Even if it doesn’t get as much publicity as some other nutrients, iron is vital to your child’s brain development, and getting enough of it is key to preventing anemia. Though you might already have a well-balanced diet planned out for your child, ensuring your baby’s iron levels are healthy can feel tricky sometimes. By using some of these methods, you can help increase those iron levels to where they need to be for optimal health.

4 Reasons Parents Choose to Adopt

There are many reasons why a person or couple would decide that adopting a child is the best choice. Pregnancy may be difficult or impossible due to medical conditions or the age of the child could be a big concern. Potential adoptive parents may also consider the impact of adding to the existing population or be ready to start a non-traditional family. 

1. Medical Conditions

Infertility issues range in severity and cause, which can render some people unable to conceive a child naturally while others experience great difficulties. Other people may be able to have natural children but may hesitate due to the risk of passing on certain inherited disorders. In those cases, it is natural for people who still want to raise a family to look for birth parents who are placing a child for adoption.

2. Prefers Older Children

While babies and toddlers are the most popular among prospective adoptive parents, not everyone wants to experience the early years of development. Some prospective parents may not have the resources to care for an infant and would like to care for a child that is more self-sufficient, or they may enjoy helping teenagers navigate life challenges as they prepare for adulthood.

3. Population Concerns

Environmental issues are incredibly important to many people, and those who are considering becoming parents may feel that the expanding population is a concern. As a result, they may decide that adopting a child who is already in the world is a better choice than conceiving a new baby. This allows them to have a family with the added bonus of giving an existing child or children a loving home. 

4. Desires Non-Traditional Family

A traditional family is usually thought to consist of a married man and a woman and their child or children. However, there are many other ways to have a family that can be explored by people who wish to raise children. In many areas, single men and women are allowed to adopt without any restrictions, allowing them to fulfill their desire to raise children without the need of a partner. Same-sex couples can also adopt in many regions in order to create a loving, non-traditional family.

Deciding to start a family, whether through pregnancy or adoption, should be done after careful consideration. Raising a child involves dedication and at times it can be stressful. However, it can be very rewarding to watch a child flourish and grow into a healthy, happy adult.

New Baby Dove Moisture Rich Product Line (Giveaway)

Did you know that Dove makes baby products? I did not know until recently and thought, it's about time! Dove has been a reliable household favorite for decades. You can't beat that gentle clean with powerful moisturizers. Now you can give that same thing to your baby or little one. The new Baby Dove Rich Moisture product line offers a tip-to-toe wash, baby lotion, baby bar, shampoo, and baby wipes.

Each product is made with your delicate baby's skin in mind. All products are dermatologist and pediatrician tested. Here is a little information on each product:

• Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash - As gentle as water, tear-free, hypoallergenic, pH-neutral baby wash and shampoo in one. It contains super mild cleansers for baby's skin and helps more moisture and nutrients stay in the skin. Retails for $5.99 for 13oz or $7.99 for 20oz. 
• Rich Moisture Baby Lotion - Soothes dry skin and leaves baby's skin extra soft and delicately scented. Retails for $5.99 for 13oz or $7.99 for 20oz.
• Rich Moisture Baby Bar - This is like junior version of the adult bar and retails for $2.49 for 3.17oz. 
• Rich Moisture Shampoo - Unlike regular baby shampoos, this one contains 1/4 moisturizing cream. Retails for $5.99 for 13oz.
• Rich Moisture Baby Wipes - As gentle as water and effectively removes impurities while moisturizing baby's delicate skin. They are hypoallergenic and alcohol-free. Retails for $4.49 for 30 wipes. Great for travel! 

Although my son William is no longer a baby, I still have to use gentle products for his skin. The Baby Dove Rich Moisture Line is excellent and I suspect will last for a long time. I confess, I love the very light scent that is reminiscent of a freshly bathed baby. There is also a sensitive skin version of these products as well. This is one of those times I wish I had these skin care items for all of my babies when they were babies. 

You can find Baby Dove products at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Amazon. If you are looking for a great baby shower gift, I suggest this entire product line. I know that the recipient would love it! Of course, I know you will love these products for your own baby. For more details on these products, visit the Baby Dove site. 

We have great news! One very lucky Mom Files reader will win the entire Baby Dove Rich Moisture product line. Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on June 16, 2017. Please follow all rules in the Rafflecopter widget and be sure to use a valid email. One winner will be selected and contacted via email to claim prize. Please be aware that Mom Files is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged prizes. Good luck! 

Disclosure: We received products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% our own. 

Keeping Your Head with a Child in Hospital

Whenever someone in your family is sick, it can be difficult to deal with. But when it's your child who isn't very well, it's never easy to cope. If they have to have a stay in the hospital for a while, it can disrupt your whole life. It's a hard thing to get through, but there are things you can do to make things a little easier. If you have a child who needs to stay in the hospital for a bit, you can get through it with a few tips to help you approach it in a way that will allow you to stay as calm as possible. When you pack a bag, take the time to think about these important things.

Try to Be Present As Much As You Can

It can be hard to rearrange your life around a poorly child, but most parents want to be there for their parents as much as they can be. Your employer should work with you to ensure you can take off the time you need. You have the right to time off work to take care of a dependent during emergency situations. However, if you know that your child will be going into hospital soon, you might need to look at arranging compassionate leave. Speak to your employer as soon as you can to see what you can do. Being there for your child during their hospital stay will help them to get better, reassure them and you, and keep you involved in their care.

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Don't Be Scared to Speak Up for Your Child

When you're surrounded by medical professionals, it can make you a bit wary of voicing your opinion. After all, they're the ones with years of medical training and experience. But even though the doctors and nurses know what they're doing when it comes to treatment, you're the one who knows your child. If you can sense when your child has had enough or if they need something, speaking up for them will help them, and it's useful for the staff too. If you can offer information about how much they normally eat or sleep, or how they usually behave, it can help doctors and nurses to see if they're different from normal.

Ask Questions

Speaking up and advocating for your child is important when they're staying in the hospital. If you have any questions about what's happening, don't be afraid to ask them. It's important that you understand what's going on and perhaps that you can explain it to your child in terms they can understand too. Medical professionals should be willing to answer your questions, except perhaps in emergency situations when they don't have time. Make sure they explain things to you in words you can understand. They might be able to give you relevant literature to read or make an appointment for you to have a discussion later on.

Make Friends with the Staff

If your child is settling in for a longer stay at the hospital, getting to know the staff is a great idea. Having the nurses on your side can be useful if you need any favours. They'll always be ready to do their jobs, but it can't help to butter them up a little too. Plus, it's always good to show that you appreciate them, and it gives you someone to make friendly conversation with. Make yourself familiar with the different positions and staff members. For example, auxiliary nurse jobs are sometimes referred to as healthcare assistant positions. They help out doctors and nurses to perform various tasks. For example, they might help patients to wash and dress or go to the toilet. Just knowing who to ask for what can help to move things along quicker.

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Get Organized at Home

There's no denying that a hospital stay for your child can disrupt life at home. If you have other children, you need to juggle their care with your other child. There may or may not be another parent around to help you out. If you want to make things easier, you need to come up with a plan to keep things ticking along at home while things are a little different. You might not be able to keep everything exactly the same, but you can try to make arrangements to keep everything organised. It might help if you can get friends or neighbours to help with some things, like collecting your other children from school.

Keep Things Consistent

Staying in the hospital is a huge change for your child, and it can be upsetting. You can be tempted to let go of the usual rules and perhaps let them get away with things you wouldn't normally allow. But it's more helpful for you to keep your expectations consistent with what you expect at home. If your child is expected to be polite at home, they should be in the hospital too. Of course, you don't have to be too strict, and there are moments when they might not be feeling well when you might let things slide.

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Have Someone to Talk To

When you have a child in the hospital, it's also important that you have someone you can talk to. While you're not the one who is ill, it can be emotionally trying to deal with. You might have a partner you can talk to, but it can also help to reach out to other people. As well as speaking to family members and friends, you might like to talk to a professional. There might be someone at the hospital you can speak to or a charity you can call to have a chat with a volunteer. Sharing your feelings helps you make sure you don't bottle them up.

Educate Yourself

Learning as much as you can about the reason your child is in the hospital and the methods used to treat it will help you immensely. Firstly, you won't feel as lost when you're talking about their treatment with their doctor. You'll also be able to advocate for your child better if you're more aware of the options they have. Your child's medical team should be willing to help you learn more. You can also look for charities or official resources that might give you the information you need. There's usually plenty of information online, as well as people you can talk to.

Look After Yourself

It's also very important that you look after yourself so that you're able to be there for your child. While it might be difficult to do even basic things like eating or sleeping, it's essential to try and stay healthy. You may not want to leave your child's side, but try to make time for things like eating, washing, or just taking a breather. Don't neglect your own health in favour of your child's, or you won't be able to be there for them like you want to. At the very least, you can plan to eat with your child. Sometimes, you might be able to stay overnight with them too.

Bring in Home Comforts

Items from home can be helpful for you and your child. They would much rather wear their pyjamas than a hospital gown and might prefer to have some food from home too. If they have any special things they can't live without, make sure they have them. You can bring things to do, such as books to read or music to listen to. There can often be a lot of waiting around.

Hospital stays are tough for anyone, and it's even more difficult when your child is the patient. But if you prepare yourself, you can get through it.

Nursery Design Trends in 2017

If you are expecting a new baby and are currently trying to figure out a nursery theme or even find a starting place, check out the infographic below. It has a lot of great ideas as far as choosing colors and patterns. Get inspired!

Nursery Design Trends for 2017 by 76th & Newbury

Choosing to Have Hope - Make Frozen Donor Eggs Your Fertility Alternative

Life doesn’t always work out the way we think it will. Sometimes, even the most perfectly laid plans go awry. If you dream about having a big family, maybe with a black lab and leisurely weekend breakfasts on the porch with the little ones running around, you may feel like your dreams have been shattered after several rounds of unsuccessful IVF.
But don’t give up hope-- remember what your grandmother used to say? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. With major advances in donor egg IVF treatment, now you don’t have to give up on your dream of working on the Sunday crossword while nursing your infant, and all the other little pleasures that come from being a Mom.

Moving Forward

Whether you’ve already experienced a successful pregnancy or are trying for your first, some couples never find out the reasons behind their negative pregnancy tests, for others the facts can be cold, hard, and inescapable. Those three little words, “no longer viable,” can be devastating for any woman to hear. For many couples, deciding to use a donor egg is one of the toughest decisions they will ever have to make – but it can also be one of the most rewarding.

You and your partner may find it helpful to speak to a therapist or counsellor when weighing up your fertility alternatives, as the psychological impact of using a donor egg needs to be fully understood by both parties. This can be a testing time in your relationship.

Coming to terms with the fact that your child won’t share your DNA can be hard, but knowing that you’ll experience the joy of carrying your own baby and feeling her kick and hiccup inside of you is still a real possibility.

Using Frozen Donor Eggs

If you and your partner are seriously considering your fertility options, then using frozen donor eggs may be something for you to look into, as there are numerous benefits of this technology. If the high price (typically between $35,000-50,000 per cycle) of using fresh donor eggs is an issue, the good news is that a frozen donor egg cycle generally costs around half as much, and some companies also offer flexible financing plans.

Frozen donor eggs are also much more convenient for women who work or lead demanding lifestyles. With traditional fresh eggs, the donor’s cycle has to be synched to your own, which can mean lengthy delays and high amounts of medication. When using frozen donor eggs, any potential complexities have already been taken care of, and cycle synchronization is no longer an issue. You can start embryo transfer as soon as your schedule is open and your uterus is ready.

You’ll also have access to a national donor pool, which means you’ll have a greater selection of nationwide samples from different ethnicities to choose from, and you won’t be restricted to finding a donor locally available.

But Are Frozen Eggs Successful?

If you’ve done your research, then you’ve probably read that success rates are still slightly higher when using fresh donor eggs; that’s partly because fewer studies have been conducted regarding frozen donor egg fertility treatment. There have been major breakthroughs in vitrification (egg freezing) over the last few years.

Vitrification is a flash freezing process that minimizes the risk of ice crystals forming in the eggs, which was a major problem with previous slow-freeze methods. This latest technology, combined with overall improvements in thawing protocols, means that your chances of success with frozen donor eggs are now higher than ever before. So, now you can choose to have hope by making frozen donor eggs your fertility choice.

This guest post was provided by Heidi Hayes, CEO of Donor Egg Bank, USA

Not Done This Before? Here's What You Need For Your Baby Nursery

Pregnancy can be the most incredible experience of your life. Or it might be your worst! Either way, you will soon have a beautiful little person to adore and nurture. The nesting phase of pregnancy turns up at different times for everyone. But when you feel that urge to get up and knock together some flat-packed furniture, you’ll know you’re there. So what does a newborn baby actually need for their bedroom or nursery? Here are some of the things you’ll need to consider:

Sleeping
A newborn baby can sleep almost anywhere that is same, warm, and enclosed to prevent falling. Some cultures choose a box like a drawer. Others offer their babies the floor with a cushion nest. You may be rushing out to buy a big cot. Perhaps it converts overtime to become a toddler bed. Consider also getting a Moses basket and a rocking frame. These are really portable so you can move your sleeping baby around the house with you. Best of all, they can be placed next to your bed, so you don’t have to get up to give him a feed in the night.

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Changing

All you really need is a wipe-down mat to pop the baby on while you clean him up and dress him again. But after a caesarean or a particularly painful birth, getting down on your knees on the floor is no fun. Instead, try a baby changing station. This is a cabinet on lockable casters that can be moved around the nursery as you need. The top of it is the right size and shape for your changing mat to sit upon. Then you can change your baby without needing to kneel or bend over. Inside the cabinet is ample storage for nappies, sacks, wipes, and powder. 

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Feeding

Breastfeeding is not easy for you and bubba to master. Nor does it feel natural for many women. The important thing to do is to get yourself comfortable. When your tummy has gone, you’ll find you need to lift the baby up to your chest. And if your baby struggles to feed, you could be there for over an hour seven or eight times a day. You can try a baby sling, or a nursing pillow to leave your arms free for caressing your bubba, or changing the channel on the TV! Make sure you have a comfortable seat. You might enjoy a recliner so you can put your feet up. Why not get a rocker so you can soothe little one to sleep?

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Playing

All babies, toddlers, and children need plenty of toys. They help your baby to learn more about taste, touch, smell, sound, and everything else in the world around them. Some will be used as comforters. Others will be used as amusing ways to wind you up! But all of them will be of value to your child’s physical, emotional and mental development. You might start with a comforter teddy bear and a cot mobile.

Having a baby will keep you busy for years. It’s important to get the nursery ready ahead of the birth for your own comfort and peace of mind. Get some help with the heavy bits, though!

The Dos and Don'ts of Coats and Car Seats

With winter weather in full effect, I wanted to pass along some great information about keeping your little ones cozy and safe when traveling in the car.

These tips are provided by: Allana Pinkerton, Global Safety Advocate for Diono. 

BIG DON'T: Never place a child in a car seat with a thick, bulky winter coat because the harness might not be snug enough to perform as it should during a crash.

WHY? If they are wearing a thick coat, the padding in the coat will not allow you to snug up the harness correctly and the harness will actually be loose on the child.  The padding in the coat will compress during a crash until it gets to the body which doesn't allow the child to ride the crash down appropriately.

Important to note: Car seat manufacturers cannot determine if it is safe to use a thick winter coat because they do not crash test with coats on the test dummies. They do test for misuse and they can determine if a loose harness causes injury.

DO: Follow the car seat manual for proper harness fit, installation and use. The manuals are written based on crash test data.

DO: Use an appropriate car seat no matter what the weather conditions are outside.

DO: If there are no safety issues in doing so, heat up the car ahead of time.

DO: Put a thin fleece jacket on your baby, toddler or older child.

DO: Put a toboggan hat and gloves on your child. This definitely helps retain some internal warmth.

DO: For a newborn baby, many infant carrier car seats come with a "warming boot" to put over the baby. If not, one may be purchased from the manufacturer of the car seat or they may have approved the use of one manufactured by another company.

DO: Throw a blanket around your child when carrying them out to the car to keep them warm. (If you are super nice, you might have even warmed it up in the dryer first.)

DO: Place them in the harness and snug it up. Then you can place the blanket over them so it doesn't interfere with the harness and tuck it in around the child's sides. To avoid the possibility of suffocation do not put the blanket near their head.

Check out the Motorola MBP36S Remote Wireless Video Baby Monitor

Are you looking into purchasing a baby monitor either for yourself or as a gift? I recently got the opportunity to test out the MBP36S Remote Wireless Video Baby Monitor.

Oh boy, this monitor has so many useful features. I can't believe how clear the video is. This is really helpful when you are trying to keep a close eye on baby, young children or even pets. It has a two-way audio feature allows you to clearly communicate without being in the same room. This video monitor also showcases a 3.5” full color LCD screen, remote pan, tilt and zoom functionality and infrared night vision for keeping watch in very low light levels. This expandable unit with split screen capability allows you to add up to four cameras, making it easy to check in on multiple rooms of your home. This is especially helpful if you have more than one level in your home.

I was watching my son and our puppy and I was able to adjust the camera to look at my family room from all angles and hear every word (and bark) that they spoke. If you don’t need the sound on, you can easily disable it by the touch of a button. What makes this monitor great is how user friendly it is. It took me all of 15 minutes to figure out how it works. This is an excellent buy for your home or as a gift for the very particular parents in your life. It is a bit pricey, but you get superior quality and again, you can purchase additional cameras to use at the same time in different locations of your home.

Specifics:
• Wireless technologies: 2.4 GHz FHSS
• 3.5 inch diagonal color screen
• Remote pan, tilt and zoom
• Crystal clear two-way communication
• Infrared night vision
• Room temperature display
• 5 Lullabies
• Low battery alert
• Out-of-range alert
• Expandable up to 4 cameras
• Picture-in-picture capabilities
• Suggested Retail: $239.99

The Motorola MBP36S Remote Wireless Video Baby Monitor can be purchased from Target, Amazon and other participating retail stores. 

I received a unit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 

Choosing Christening Decorations for a Main Table

If you'll be celebrating your baby's christening soon you should think about decorating the celebration you'll have with friends and family after the religious ceremony. Christening-related table decor will not only make the dining area more appealing, but will serve as an elegant reminder of the reason why everyone gathered.

Things to consider when choosing appropriate christening decorations:

Size of baptism favors and decorations
Select christening decorations for the table and make sure they are noticeable, but not too overwhelming when it comes to the size. For example, if you have invited not so many guests and have a square table, then a small collection of rosaries with rose petals will do perfectly. For a larger number of people, you can decorate the table with a pair of ceramic doves and ceramic replica of a cross. They would look great as symbols of peace and love.

Color palette of the party
Mostly, it's preferred to use white color palette for christening decorations, because this particular color symbolizes the beginning of something positive and purity. But, on the contrary, it is allowed to complement the white tablecloth with silver or gold accents to add the peculiar elegant touch – this is referred to the tableware or table flowers. For example, place a bouquet of white roses in a silver vase.

Significance must be emphasized through unique christening decorations
Make sure that the major christening table decoration is remarkably memorable. For example, enlarge the infant’s photo and then frame it in a silver or golden frame to make an awesome table centerpiece. Designers also recommend decorating the table with white, gold and silver banners displaying the baby's name and the date of the christening ceremony.
Make sure your christening decorations for the table have a personal touch. Do not just copy the magazines or your friends’ christening parties – this party has to be individual so do not be afraid to add your own ideas and homemade christening decorations for the table.

Vinyl Wall Art Decals for Nursery - Best Choice for Your Baby’s Room

For a new couple who are well-off, it can be exciting to have a baby. The joy of expecting can be difficult to believe at first but when the realization finally dawns on the mind, there is excitement brimming in the minds of would-be parents. The entire process seems more real once you begin to plan the nursery for your bundle of joy that is soon to arrive. As a new parent, you want to make the room of your kid more special and make it look like a safe haven for your child. Vinyl wall art can make the decoration more beautiful. When you use wall decals for nursery, you can be assured that you are creating a room that can be more inviting for your baby. You can buy from wallstickersshop.co.uk if you want to decorate your children’s room.

Advantages of Using Vinyl Wall Decal for Nursery

You can get a lot of advantages out of using wall stickers for nursery.

1.    Many individuals, especially those without an artistic bent of mind, find it extremely hard to decorate nurseries properly. You can use vinyl wall art to make a perfectly themed decoration for your baby nursery walls and transform the simple room into a fantasy land for your baby. It can be really simple to use this type of instant wall decoration. You do not require any professional assistance for the placement and installation of these stickers. It is very simple to set up and can be performed by any person.

2. As your baby continues to grow up, his or her maturity and interests will obviously change. You can easily customize the walls by removing the old vinyl decals and replacing them with fresh wall decals for nursery. You wall can be a sign of the growth and maturing tastes of your child over the years as they continue to make their journey to adulthood. You can easily peel off these vinyl stickers and change them as your kid grows up. This can make an economical as well as sun decoration for your child’s room. A lot of teenagers do not like to use cartoon characters or alphabets in their rooms. You may easily remove them and stick an inspiration picture or a family photo, whichever is loved by your child.

3. Vinyl wall art can be an excellent way to add flair and color to your nursery. You may select geometric designs, characters from fairy tales or other artistic stuff to express your thoughts and your love for your baby. You can create a nursery wall where you can display the achievements of your child in vinyl lettering as he or she continues to grow up.

4. Decals are available in a variety of shapes and sizes that you can choose from for your nursery. You can create a beautiful summer garden blooming with cute animals, bright flowers and streams to make a personal and warm environment where your baby can live and grow up in. You need to select those decals that you wish to have and peel off their backside to paste them smoothly on the walls of the nursery and provide it with a fun décor.

5. You need to tamper with paints and stencil which need some amount of finesse that you will probably be lacking in. You will not have to worry about any spills or drips and find out that your nursery does not look as bright as it is supposed to be. When you use vinyl wall art, you can get the bright colors that you deserve. You may even take the stickers, which have been designed for your nursery, along with you as you shop for the perfect wall paint that can match the color of your stickers. In case you paste them in a wrong area, you can also easily peel off the backside of the stickers and move them over to the exact spot that they should rest on.

6. The majority of wall stickers for nursery and replaceable and reusable. This means you can easily peel them off and store them for use for the next generation. This can really be the best way to transform the room of an older kid back into a nursery.

Things to Remember While Going for Vinyl Wall Stickers for Nursery

When you are looking for the best wall decals for nursery of your baby, you need to keep a few things in mind.

7. You can select from thousands of designs to customize the wall of your baby nursery in the most apt manner. Wall decals can be availed in a lot of colors that you can choose from to match the paint and overall decoration of your walls. There are many vinyl wall art decoration items available, which include Vinyl Wall Word Art, Vinyl Wall Lettering and of course Vinyl Wall Stickers which are the most common. You may even opt for customization.

8. You may even use your own photos or your family photos for vinyl wall decals. If you show off an enlarged family portrait as a wall decal, it can appear as if it has been painted by a professional artist and hung on the wall as was the custom in the olden days. With wall decals in vinyl, your creative designing options are truly endless.

9. Wall quotes, flowering trees and branches, customized photos, stars, lettering and geometric shapes are some of the more famous types of vinyl wall art. You can browse the online catalogs or directly call up a qualified representative in order to have a discussion about your artistic ideas.

10. Bright shapes and colors on walls can make a warm atmosphere for newborns and also learn to recognize shapes, stars and dots from an early age. It can be a god idea to coordinate dots of varying colors and sizes on the wall that can match floor tiles, crib sheets, furniture and curtains of bright color.

With wall art decals for nursery, you can showcase your creativity and make just the type of growing environment that your kid will love growing up in. It can be fun to use wall decals and you will be surprised at the number of options that you can pick from.

Helpful Tips for Introducing a New Pet to Family or New Baby

To answer questions every pet owner should be asking when it comes to preparing for a new pet or for baby, Heidi Ganahl, CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest and fastest growing pet care franchise and INC 5000, has some very helpful tips.

Tips for Introducing a New Pet to Family

1. Get everyone in the family on board – It is important that all of your family members are ready for the responsibility of a dog. Prior to bringing your new dog home, determine who is responsible for walks, feeding, etc., so once your pup is in the home, you are ready to get started on the right paw.

2. Head to the store – You will want to purchase items you will need for your pet prior to them coming home. You will need food, dishes, toys, cleaner for accidents, a leash and collar and more. You want to ensure that you have as much as you need.

3. Let your pet settle in – When you bring your dog home, give them time to settle in and relax, especially if you have child. It can take a new dog a few days to acclimate to their new surroundings, so give them time to de-stress.

4. Get your pup on a schedule - Dogs are very schedule-oriented, so ensuring that you get them on a routine as quickly as possible will help them understand potty times, feeding, walks and more. This will help the transition of having new pets in your home easier for the dog and your family.

Tips for Introducing Pet to Baby

1. Get started right away – Start working on helping your dog get prepared for the new little one’s arrival as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you wait until the last couple of months, you will have less time to devote to helping get your dog ready for the baby’s arrival. It will also help your dog by not overwhelming them with too many changes at once.

2. Take a training class- If your dog has not been to training in a while, it is important to take a refresher course. There are many commands that will be extremely helpful for you to use when the baby arrives. You want to ensure that your dog is able to understand your requests and respond in a timely manner once your baby arrives, so a refresher course will help both you and your dog.

3. Put the baby gate up now - You want to start teaching your dog boundaries, especially at the door of the baby’s room. You want to ensure that your four legged family member starts getting used to not being able to come everywhere with you. Practice going into the baby’s room and closing the baby gate so your dog can’t come in with you so they get used to seeing that behavior before your baby arrives. By the time your baby arrives, your dog will see it as a normal behavior and not something that is occurring just because of the little one.

4. Put baby items around the house – Start bringing in items that will be around the house when the baby arrives. Put a bouncy chair on the floor, bring in a high chair and other items. This will allow your pup to get used to seeing them. It is also a good idea to get a CD of a crying baby and baby noises and have your dog get used to hearing those.

5. Let Fido adjust to new smells – Dogs have a very keen sense of smell so it is important to bring in items that are going to be used on the baby. Purchase baby powder, some diapers, and any other items you know you will be using that have a distinct scent. Your pup will acclimate to them and they will be part of their everyday experience before the baby even arrives.

6. Quality time - Spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day doing something with your dog that they enjoy. Play fetch in the back yard, go for a ride in the car, or simply spend time petting them.

7. Buy a baby doll - You will want to practice having your dog respond to commands and displaying good manners when you are holding the baby, so there is no better way to practice than to carry a baby doll. Sit on your couch and hold and talk to the baby doll and make sure your dog sits on the floor and doesn’t try to jump up, put the baby doll in the bouncy chair and get your dog to lay down next to it. Getting your dog practicing manners right away is a must.

Fun & Stylish new baby gear from Little Tikes® from Diono® #ad

If you are familiar with the brand Diono, you know that they are all about safety. They make premium car safety seats and travel items for babies and children. Introducing a new line of baby gear from Little Tikes from Diono that combines fun, safety and style. 

First up is the Sit & Play Bouncer 

This bouncer has such a fresh, modern look with bold color. It is unisex which I think is nice. Sometimes couples that are having a baby choose to not find out the gender of their baby until it is born so this would be a great choice as a gift. This bouncer will keep baby entertained with all of the fun features. It's always a plus that the cover is machine washable since babies have a tendency to spit up without warning. 

Next up is the super cute Cozy Coupe® Bouncer. It has many of the same features of the Sit & Play except for the fabric print inspired by the popular and iconic Cozy Coupe toy. Most children (including my own) have taken a "drive" on one of those fun coupes! 

Last, but not least, here is the Cozy Coupe® Doorway Jumper. How adorable is this? This would be the perfect addition to the matching bouncer. This doorway jumper is sure to provide entertainment for baby while encouraging exercise. It is easy to assemble and is great for travel. It retails for $49.99. 

It even has a play dashboard with steering wheel, music, horn, mirror and more. 

Additional features: 

Any of these items would make a great baby shower gift. My favorite is the Cozy Coupe Bouncer and Jumper. You can purchase them at Walmart or Babies R US. Prices range from $14-$54 and are suitable for ages newborn-4 years old. 

Be sure to connect with DionoUSA on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube for product updates and promotions. 

Disclosure: Items were received in exchange for sharing information on the newest baby gear from Diono. No additional compensation was received and all opinions are 100% mine as always. 

Kardashian Kids coming to Babies“R”Us beginning March 15th

Kourtney, Kim and Khloéé Kardashian Unveil Their First-Ever Collection for Baby Girls

NEW YORK, NY (FEBRUARY 19th 2014) – Kourtney, Kim and Khloéé Kardashian, in collaboration with Jupi Corp, will soon debut designs for girls up to 24 months at Babies“R”Us, the nation’s leading juvenile products retailer.  The Kardashian Kids collection features much adored motifs including butterflies, shimmering stars and a uniquely sweet take on the Kardashian’s signature animal print.  The line ranges from newborn onesies, snuggly caps and cozy blankets, to stylish and functional two-piece sets, jackets and dresses.  Kardashian Kids will be available exclusively at select Babies“R”Us stores across the U.S. and online at Babiesrus.com/KKids beginning March 15.

“Since becoming a mom, I’ve been so inspired to create Kardashian Kids with perfect prints, heavenly fabrics for a baby’s skin and to bring fashion to the baby world that is affordable,” said Kourtney, mother of Mason and Penelope.

The sweetly sophisticated pieces include delicate details of layered lace, pearl-embossed buttons, georgette appliques and leatherette.  Pastels, touches of gold, calming neutrals and pops of color are all a part of the collection’s color palette.  Cherished items include a playful white cotton onesie with girly tulle ruffles, soft gold polka-dot leggings and darling butterfly-printed bloomer shorts. From newborn must-haves to luxurious special occasion pieces, the line offers gentle fabrics in delightful and tender designs.

“Our grandmother opened a children’s fashion store, and from an early age I adored baby fashion.  Later when Penelope was born, my sisters and I had so many ideas for how we wanted to dress her, but didn’t always find what we were envisioning.  Now, as a mom, I cherish the time my baby and I spend together getting her dressed.  The items in this collection are exactly what I have imagined for her,” said Kim, mother of North.

“With our ever-expanding family and our wide circle of friends having children, designing a baby collection was the next natural progression for my sisters and me. We hope the charming patterns and the uniquely stylish items are gifts new parents will be delighted to open,” said Khloéé.

“The line was designed with fashionable parents in mind, and although trend is at the core of the collection, we never let it compromise quality and functionality. We always want to ensure we are offering our customers the finest quality at the best possible price and knew Babies“R”Us would be the perfect fit,” said Bruno Schiavi, Jupi Corp Chairman and Founder.

“At Babies“R”Us, our customers love sweet and sensible looks for their little girls, and always appreciate a good buy – something with fashionable flair and an affordable price tag. That’s just what Kardashian Kids offers,” said Tom Via, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager. He continued, “Kourtney, Kim and Khloéé each have their own, unique perspective and bring their individual strengths to the table. This has resulted in an adorable collection that pays close attention to the details that moms – and gift-givers – look for, and we’re thrilled to launch this line exclusively in March.”

Kardashian Kids items will retail from $15 to $30 and will be available at all Babies“R”Us stores and online at www.Babiesrus.com/KKids. Fans can stay up-to-date on the latest Kardashian Kids news by following on Facebook (facebook.com/kardashiankids), Instagram (@KardashianKids) and Twitter (@KKidsOfficial).

Introducing Purex® Crystals for Baby {Review & Giveaway}

Hi everyone! I wanted to introduce you to the newest product in the popular line of  Purex Crystals, made specifically for babies. Purex Crystals for Baby was developed with babies' gentle skin in mind.

Just like the other Purex Crystals, they are 87% natural. You add the hypoallergenic, dye-free crystals directly with your laundry detergent. The scent is very soft and baby-inspired. I LOVE it! It's not overwhelming and our clothes came out so soft. Even if you don't have a baby, it is wonderful for all clothes, sheets and towels. It is a great addition to the Purex Baby detergent. Of course, you can't beat the great value! Purex Crystals for Baby would make a great add-on item for a baby shower gift. Purex Crystals for Baby will be available at Walmart stores in early February.

Right now you can enter Purex Crystals for Baby- Welcome to the World Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 while 250 additional winners get FREE Purex Crystals for Baby.

How would you like to win a coupon to try out the new Purex Crystals for Baby for FREE? Enter below (3 winners)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on February 3, 2013. Three winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Purex provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals for Baby in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Buying for Baby: Adorable Babygrows

There’s nothing nicer than buying for baby, provided it doesn’t break the bank of course! Don’t let a big shock at the tills ruin your purchasing pleasure – it’s perfectly possible to find adorable babygrows, bodysuits and more at teeny, tiny prices.

The humble supermarket is one place to find great deals on all the basics needed to kit out your tiniest tots. George at ASDA has a fantastic range of cheap yet cheerful essentials from ‘tiny baby’ size upwards, helping you to keep the cost of this expensive time manageable.

Buying baby essentials from the supermarket is also a fantastic time-saving option for busy mums. Simply throw baby’s new wardrobe additions in the basket or trolley while you shop – or shop online at ADSA Direct if braving the supermarket seems too much of a daunting prospect with your precious newborn.

What to Buy?

Babygrows
There’s no need to spend lots on little outfits for a very young baby – as tempting as it may be. Little ones love to be comfortable, and soft, comfy outfits are perfect for sleeping, rolling, sitting and crawling in. Babygrows (or sleepsuits as they are also known) are ideal not only for night time, but also for casual days spent relaxing at home. They are also great for putting on under a pramsuit or snowsuit for cosy and comfortable trips out in the pram.

As your little one grows, simple babygrows are ideal to wear at night. They’re unable to ride up like pyjamas, keep feet warm and cosy and have easy popper openings to make those night time nappy changes a doddle.

Pretty, detailed babygrows are great for showing off in the daytime, so stock up on sweet patterns and fun character designs. When it comes to nightwear babygrows, fleece is a good choice of material for winter – it will keep baby snugly, warm and cosy (although be careful to check baby for signs of overheating).

Bodysuits
Bodysuits are another baby wardrobe essential, and are likely to be worn under every outfit until your tot is out of nappies. Like a vest, but fastening under the nappy, a bodysuit adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort. During the summertime they also make ideal nightwear, to keep baby cool yet covered.
There’s really no need to spend a lot on patterned or character design bodysuits, as they are worn under clothes the majority of the time so not seen. In summer, you could however pair a bodysuit with a little skirt or pair of shorts, for a cute yet cool and comfortable hot weather outfit.

Outfits
Of course, you’re likely to want to buy some sweet little outfits for those special occasions, days out or trips to playgroup. Keep your baby’s comfort in mind with soft fabrics and designs that allow for flexibility of movement and your baby can look great without feeling hindered by cumbersome clothing.

Enjoy shopping for your baby but don’t let the basics break the bank. Choose quality baby essentials from the supermarket for the easy way to fill baby’s wardrobe with adorable babygrows, bodysuits and more!

Sponsored post/I was compensated for this article