The Parenting Forum Blog

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Since the last few months, my teenager has been refusing to have spinach. The excuses are different each time. As a result, I need to find out innovative ways to make him have those nutritious leaves. And it is then that I really really miss Popeye!

This cartoon, who is a sailor lands himself in several types of challenging situations. It is just when he is not able to find his way, that he opens his can of spinach and pops it up. The spinach gives hime the strength and wisdom to get himself out of any blues. Thanks to Popeye that spinach was and is popular amongst his kid fan club. When my boy was small, Popeye used to be one of his favorite shows and as Popeye always has spinach, this kiddo loved it too! So things were very easy for me, just point to Popeye and the spinach would be gulped in minutes.
Now he is growing up and cannot be convinced in these ways! Nutrition is the only way that I can explain him. The whole point behind this incident is also that animations and cartoons are not just a pass time. They influence the kids a lot and are also capable of teaching them a lot of things. Popeye is one of the examples where a positive aspect influences the kids at a tender age.

How I wish that every animation would give such fruitful message and make life easier for Moms.
Miss you Popeye !

A baby's nails grow very quickly and babies tend to scratch themselves as they move their hands and feet. Their toe and finger nails are very delicate too. Therefore, you need to look into the nail trimming at least once or twice a week depending on the nail growth. You also need to be very careful when you cut the nails.

The best time to cut the nails is when the baby is fast asleep, preferably during the day so that you can be extra careful. The sleep after the bath is also a good time, as the nails become soft after a bath. Depending on the sleep pattern, you can decide which time would be ideal.

Place the baby on a wide surface and sit beside her. Gently hold the hand and cut the nail using an infant scissor or an infant nail clipper. Do not use scissors or clippers that are sharp or meant for adults. If the baby tends to wake up or moves, stop for a while and then resume. When cutting the nails, make the nail stick out by applying slight pressure and cut it in one single motion. Cutting the nails in an irregular manner can leave sharp jagged edges and the baby may hurt herself. Repeat the same process for the toe nails. Observe the growth of the nails and trim them as needed.

Do not cut the nails too deep as it may hurt the tender skin. If there is any dirt, gently remove it with your fingers.

There are various accessories intended for baby nail care. You can also buy a baby manicure set. The important nail care items for babies are:
Infant nail scissors:These are especially designed for baby nail cut. They have large handles that are comfortable to hold without the risk of losing the grip. The blade has rounded edges that eliminate the risk of pricking or causing cuts. Scissors are much convenient to handle than nail clippers.
Infant nail clippers: These are available in various sizes and pretty shapes, but the clip size is small and designed for the tiny nails. They also do not have sharp edges and are safe. Nail clippers are more useful if there are any jagged edges that need a trim.
Infant nail files: These are small files that are exceptionally tender on the soft nails. Files may be used to file off the fresh cut nail surfaces or any sharp edges.
You can manage your baby's nail care with just a pair of baby scissors, but you can have the other two items ready if you feel any sharp edges still persist.

Important:
Be extremely careful when cutting your baby's nails. Do not haste and cut it in an incorrect way as this can harm the tender skin.

If you have decided to buy a pacifier for your little one, here are some important tips that you need to remember:

• Research for the correct pacifier size that your baby is going to need with respect to age. Pacifiers usually occur in the range of 0-6 months and 6+ months. If the pacifier is large, it becomes uncomfortable for the baby while a smaller size may result in choking hazards.
• Study the various pacifier brands available in the market and try out 2 to 3 different brands so as to know which one suits the best. Opt for different designs and select the one that is safe and convenient for the baby.
• Once you narrow down your search to specific brands, observe the design of the pacifier and shape and size of the nipples. You can opt for a BPA free nipple that is extremely safe for the baby. BPA Bisphenol-A is a synthetic compound that is found in plastics and is supposed to be risk posing. In other cases, prefer the silicone nipples. Avoid plastics and also check out for latex allergies. The pacifier shield should be broad but it must also provide sufficient breathing space to your baby.

 Warnings:

• Strictly avoid pacifiers that may pose any type of choking hazard.
• Examine the pacifier and nipple intermittently. If there is any discoloration or wear out, discard the pacifier immediately. In any case replace pacifiers frequently.
• Keep the pacifier regularly to avoid infections.
• Pacifiers are many a times not recommended as they may interfere with breast feeding.
• Avoid using bottle nipples as pacifiers as it results in choking hazards.

When you think of buying a feeding bottle for you baby, you may get confused with the numerous options that you find in the market. There are various types of bottles, several types of nipples, bibs, and a range of bottle accessories. However, a feeding bottle is definitely a product that you need for your baby. It may be required at the stage when you start bottle feeding or you may need it to store breast milk.

There are basically three types of feeding bottles and every type has its own benefits and drawbacks:

• Plastic bottles are easy to carry, unbreakable and safe to handle than glass ones. However, the quality of the plastic needs to be good. It is also advisable that the plastic should be BPA free. The plastic bottle shave a low life as compared to the glass bottles.
• Glass bottles can be cleaned thoroughly by boiling. They also last longer, but have a risk to being cracked or broken if not handled properly.
• You also get disposable bottles that have a sterilized liner that can be disposed after each feeding. If the quality of the liner is good and safe to use, these bottles are very convenient. However they are expensive than the other two types.

There are wide varieties in nipples too when it comes to material, shape and size. Nipples are usually made of plastic, silicone or latex. If you are opting for latex, you need to ensure that the baby does not react with any allergy. For plastic nipples you again need to ensure that the plastic is safe and preferably BPA free. The best choice to opt for is silicone nipples. The shapes vary from rounded to flat or mimicked to the shape of mother's nipples. Nipples also come in various sizes. Accordingly the holes in the nipple may be small or large, thus affecting the milk flow. You need to test the milk flow before using it.

There are some important tips that you need to follow regarding nipples:

• Your baby may or may not adapt to a particular nipple type. If she is a picky one, the you will be required to try variety of nipples till the baby gets used to a particular one.
• Nipples may gradually get cracked by wear and tear, hence need to be replaced periodically.
• Always use a bottle or nipple cap for safety and hygiene.
• Research for good nipple brands to ensure good quality.

Accessories related to feeding bottles
Though there is a wide range of accessories that relates to feeding bottles, you need not have all the items. There are certain accessories that are important like bottle brushes, nipple brushes, extra nipples, bibs and burp cloths.

Here you go! Let us begin with the source item, the diapers:


Diapers: These are basically of 2 types, if you go in for the ready-made ones available in the market. You have the cloth diapers and the disposable ones. Cloth diapers also occur in wide range of varieties. They are leak proof, customizable and soft enough to make the baby comfortable. Disposable diapers of brands like Huggies and Pampers are famous. They occur as simple diapers, diaper pants and as nappies. There are many other well known brands as well.
When selecting a diaper, you need to find out the correct size for your little one. You need to test whether the baby is comfortable in the diaper and has no tendency of any allergy or rashes. Gradually you also need to follow up with the change in size. For the cloth diapers, you need to verify the texture of the cloth and the nature of the anti-leak mechanism.

Baby Wipes: You can clean your baby at home the usual way. However, when you are out or you are travelling, it is advisable to carry wipes. Baby wipes are wipes that are extra soft for the baby skin. Most of the baby wipes have the specifications described on them. They are alcohol free, fragrance free and so on. Wipes may be dry or moist. You may select as per your choice and convenience.
There are a variety of wipe holders and wipes dispensers available in the market. These items are very convenient when you take your baby for outings.

Diaper Pails: Diaper pails depend on the type of diapers that are used. For cloth diapers, you need to rinse them if they are stored till laundry time. These pails are dry and have liners that can be washed along with diapers. For disposable diapers, the pails come in varieties. They are deodorized and have filter mechanisms to prevent unpleasant odour. They contain liners that can be disposed with the diapers.

Diaper Refills: These are containers or holders where you can stack in diapers and then use them throughout the day or night. Some refills come in a combo along with diaper pails. You need to ensure the excellent quality of the refill since the diapers are supposed to be stored in it for a long time.
Alternatively you can go in for stacks or organizers. Stacks come in varieties as multi purpose stacks, where you can store the baby's clothes and other items as well. However, if you are a travel person, then you need handy portable refills.

Changing Pads: These are soft pads that come in various dimensions are are made of variety of material. They are used for changing diapers and can be used at home and outside as well. Changing pads are leak proof and deodorized. Some are washable while some are disposable. You can also have covers for changing pads that are not disposable. The cover helps the pads to last longer.
Another option for changing pads is Changing Kits. These are amazing fold-able kits that you can carry in your purse as well. Just open them to turn them into a changing pad. You can use them conveniently anywhere on the go. They occur in various sizes and shapes.

Diaper Bags: These are not exclusively meant for diapers. They are also called Mommy's bags and are customized to carry all the baby necessities. The Mommy bags market has revolutionized and now you get a whole new range of bags that include Daddy's bags and stylish Mommy bags too!

Diaper Creams and Powders: After cleaning, Moms usually apply baby creams or powders to keep the skin moisture free and clean. There are anti-rash creams specially available for babies who have a sensitive skin.

So this is the list of all the possible diaper related items that I can recollect.

                                        
                                                    Image Source: Amazon.com

 Your baby loves to have a bath while playing with the bath toys, or you are getting her comfortable with the bath by using bath toys.Alternatively, you may be very enthusiastic in buying toys and may land up with numerous bath toys. Now you have an additional job of managing the bath toys. You need to ensure that they are cleaned and dried thoroughly. Managing bath toys can be tedious. Every time you clean the bath tub and the bath space, you need to collect the toys, dry them thoroughly and make space to store them.

There are some objects that can really ease your task:

Nets and Holders for Bath Toys: You can get get scoop nets exclusively or along with the set of bath toys. It is convenient to just scoop up the dispersed toys in the tub.Your toddler can also help you with this. There are netted holders which can be suspended and which hold the toys easily. The net helps to drain the moisture and the toys can dry up gradually. However, you need to be careful to thoroughly clean and dry up the nets too.

Bath Toys Bags: These are netted bags that come in various sizes. You can collect the toys in this bag and allow the excess water to drip off. It is then easy to dry them and the bag in sunlight.

Bath toys Organizers: You get storage baskets or toy organizers in different shapes and sizes. According to the design of your bath space or nursery, you can place them. Some are large enough with independent spaces for bath accessories and bath toys. They are easy to clean and have slits that drain off water.
Some organizers come in suitable sizes to be fitted on to the bath tubs as well.

You may have visited the baby toy shop to find an exciting range of bath toys or you may be planning to shop them online. The next thought that flashes across your mind is whether they are safe for the infant. As the toys are bound to be immersed in water, preferably hot water, they are expected to be of the best material. You are also aware that the baby is quite likely to put the toy in her mouth. You may have similar questions in mind when you plan to gift bath toys.

How do you select the correct bath toy for your little one? Here are few tips:

Rather than going in for offers and quantity, go in for well known brands and quality. Baby toys of established brands like Fisher-Price are a bit costly but they are safe and durable.

Check the age group for which the toys are meant. Some toys that are safe for 6 months and above may not be recommended for younger babies. Infant and baby toys vary for different age groups.

Be careful to read the specifications on the cover. Ensure that the colour and material are safe and free from any type of hazards. Make sure that the toy size is safe for the baby and is free from any kind of choking hazards. Especially the squirking or squeaking toys have small parts that may pose a risk.

Ensure that the toy material does not pose the risk of growing molds. You also need to clean and dry the toys after the bath in any case.

Research different brands and their reliability before you go shopping. Read reviews related to the product. Bath toys is an item that you may frequently shop for. They make the bathing experience a delight and babies may love the varieites.

Ideally do not let the baby chew the bath toys. Let the baby enjoy the toys under your supervision. Prefer teethers for chewing. However, prefer BPA free toys in case the baby does put the toy in her mouth.

Tip to remember: Along with the bath toys, be careful to follow all the safety measures for your baby's bath too!