By Patrice Cosier

All normal babies cry, different only in frequency and loudness. Crying is a form of communication for babies since they cannot express their feelings and needs in words. Babies cry when they are hungry, wet, too warm, too cold etc. They can be crying for attention too when they sense no one around. You may be surprise but they can be crying without a cause.

Since crying for babies is normal, why do we need to bother too much? Well, a baby can cry for a serious reason and so when your little one cries, it is the best baby advice is to attend to him or her at once. 

Below are the tips to help you deal with a crying baby.

• One common reason is hunger. Newborn babies actually have an interval of around 2 hours in between two feedings. So if you have a record of the feeding times, you should more or less know whether your baby is hungry. Feed them with milk to satisfy their hunger.

• Clothes your baby is wearing may be too tight and uncomfortable. When clothes are too tight, it irritate the baby. Some babies have sensitive skin and uncomfortable clothing may cause rashes. So if you suspect that the clothing is too uncomfortable, it should be removed and changed to another set.

• Is the room your baby in too warm and stuffy? If it is, open the window to let the fresh air in and if necessary, turn on the fan. Let the air circulate and your baby should feel better.

• Is your baby feeling cold? During cold weather, make sure that your baby has enough warmth. If he or she is cold, cover him or her with a soft towel to keep warm.  

• Another common reason is wet nappy. Clean and dry the affected area of your baby before putting on a dry nappy. Wet nappy should be changed immediately for hygiene reasons. It can be very common for baby to get nappy rash.

• Some babies actually sleep with their pacifiers. So one reason for them to cry is that they may have dropped their pacifier. Let them have the pacifier back.

• Babies may cry for attention. If this happen to your baby, you may try carrying him or her and pat the back gently. You may also stroke his or her head gently and sing softly to let him or her know that you are around. When the desire for attention is satisfied, your baby will stop crying.

• There are times when you cannot determine the reason. Carry your baby up and rock him or her gently in your arm. A piece of baby advice is that never ever shake your baby vigorously because by doing that, you can actually cause harm to his or her brain. Walk around in the room and speak softly to your baby to soothe him or her.  You can also play soft lullaby music (http://www.jackandjillsbabyboutique.com)

If your baby continues to cry even after all the above steps have been taken, he or she may be feeling unwell. Look out for symptoms to find out other possible causes.

• Feel you baby’s forehead to see if he or she is having a fever. Always keep a thermometer at home so that you can be sure if your baby is having a fever. If the body temperature is too high, consult the pediatrician immediately.

• Press your baby’s abdomen very gently and if he or she resist or twist and cry even louder, your baby is most probably suffering from colic; severe pain in the stomach or bowel. Seek the pediatrician’s help at once.

• Observe to see if there is any discharge from your baby’s nose. It can be coryza if there is some discharge. Consult the pediatrician because it can be serious if there is any accumulation of mucus in the windpipe. Consequences like pneumonia, asthmatic, bronchitis etc can be dangerous.

There are many other signs which you should be looking out for. The best baby advice is to get the pediatrician to examine your baby if he or she is crying nonstop. But of course before you seek any professional’s help, you may apply the above tips to help you deal with a crying baby.

***Get out of the house!***

Traditionally, showers are usually held in the home of the hostess. This is fine, if that’s what the mom-to-be really wants.

But you also need to think about the guests too. Women get invited to a lot of baby showers and we have to pick and choose sometimes. It’s nice if the shower can
be an event that the guests look forward to with anticipation.

I can say from experience that showers in more creative locations are always a hit. Plus it relieves a lot of the burden for you. Also, your family will thank you because you won’t be all stressed and running around the house making everything clean and perfect.

Let me help you brainstorm some ideas for shower venues. Here are some that have been a hit with many moms-to-be:

* The local country club.
* Bed and Breakfast establishment.
* Day spa.
* The party room at a condo or apartment complex.
* Church fellowship hall.
* Office conference room. Sounds boring, I know, but some office buildings have nice office rooms and if it’s a shower for a co-worker this is an option to consider.
* Botanical gardens or indoor conservatory. The conservatory would be especially welcome for a winter shower.
* A room in the local museum.
* The library. Many have public rooms available for rent.
* Tea house.
* Skating rink.
* Bowling alley.

This should help you get started with brainstorming. Showers at venues like these tend to be well-attended. Brace yourself, because a lot of women might show up! I know if I got an invitation to a baby shower cocktail party I’d definitely put that on my calendar.

You are enjoying your day outdoors at the campground—perhaps fishing, swimming or just sitting and reading peacefully.  Now, it’s dinnertime…PANIC!?  No, not at all.  Cooking and camping go hand in hand.  And in fact, with a little planning making dinner can be easier in the great outdoors than in your cozy kitchen. 

 Our family has a number of traditional foods we enjoy while camping… and we only eat some of these dishes while camping thus reinforcing the “special-ness” of getting away from it all.

First, before we head out we make the menu as a family.  Each family member gets to pick his or her favorite dinner.  After a trip to the store I pack a cooler for the fresh items and the kitchen staples get put in a plastic tub that stays packed   for the entire camping season.  

One of our favorite meals cooked over a roaring fire is kabobs.  We spear chicken, steak and lots of veggies and reminisce about the day as they cook over the fire.  Corn on the cob cooked over the fire is also delicious.  My tip is to soak the cobs all day in water and when you return put them on a grate over the fire.  It tastes like the corn you get at a state fair…yummy!

 One of our favorite meals is the “Camp Stew” that cooks all day in our Stansport cast iron pot.  It’s so easy to prepare and so yummy to eat!  Put everything in the pot in the morning and head off for the day of boating or walking or whatever.  When you come back to camp your dinner is done and it’s so delicious…it tastes like you have been slaving over the stove—or campfire–all day

 For dessert try peach cobbler in the cast iron pot ….nothing beats warm peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!  Don’t forget one of the best and simplest desserts is s’mores.  Roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire at the end of the day is a great way to spend some quality family time.  There’s no TV, phones, visitors; just your family and a few thousand stars. 

 My real reason for loving camping so much is that I do not do a lot of the cooking.  My husband takes over the “chore” because it does not seem like one when you are outside.  Every morning we are treated to a huge breakfast of pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs and bacon cooked on our Brunton propane stove.  What a treat!  Good food and I did not have to cook it; even better.  No wonder camping is so relaxing to me! 

 So as you can see camping and cooking go well together and you don’t have to intimidated about fixing meals when you are not in your kitchen.  

 For anything you may need to cook your delicious meals check out www.outdoortentsupply.com.  We also carry tents and other wilderness equipment to make the great outdoors truly great!

       By Mary McNeil

Yeah!  A new little one has arrived. There are tons of options for baby gifts in stores and online.  But don’t be overwhelmed when choosing a gift.  There are plenty of great baby items to choose from so you really cannot go wrong.  Just think “different”.  As a mom, three times over, I enjoyed getting something that was unique. 

I loved the personalized candy bar wrappers with the name and date of our baby’s arrival.  I also loved the monogrammed blanket we received commemorating that special day.  An added benefit of that was it became my child’s “lovie” for many years.  One great surprise was a bouquet of baby clothes.  It looked like flowers but when you “unrolled” the rose it was a t-shirt or an onesie or a sock.  So cute!

Homemade gifts are great too.  It was fun getting a collage of the headlines of the day he/she came into the world.  We have since looked back and remembered that day fondly for many reasons. 

Practical gifts are so handy… you can’t have enough onesies, rompers, diapers and stuffed animals.  That’s why sometimes a gift basket stuffed with those goodies is great to give and receive. And since each basket or bucket is uniquely put together the gift is truly one of a kind.   Diaper cakes can serve as wonderful centerpieces at the shower and then can be used once the baby arrives; very helpful especially at the newborn stage when you go through diapers like water. 

Food is also a good gift…anything from sugar cookies to a complete Italian supper are much appreciated when time and energy are scarce those first few weeks after the baby is born. 

No matter what you choose to welcome the little one it will be appreciated.  Remember…it is the thought that counts.  And with a little thought you can find something truly unique to give!

1. What is a Diaper Cake anyway?
A diaper cake is a wonderfully creative gift for an expectant mother. It is a collection of diapers (either disposable or cloth) rolled and stacked together to resemble a traditional tiered cake. There can be 1, 2, 3 or more tiers. The tiers of diaper cakes are also garnished with baby care items such as bibs, pacifiers, baby socks, bottles, toys, and more.

  Step 1. Ingredients for a diaper cake:

  Step 2. Here we go: Let’s build this cake one tier at a   time.

For the first tier, you will need about 35 newborn or stage 1 diapers.

Unfold 17 of them and, one at a time, roll them up tight, starting from the front of the diaper and rolling it to the back. The tighter the better. Place a rubber band around the center after you roll each diaper up to hold it tight. These are the inner diapers for the cake.

Take the cake platter and place the 8-oz baby bottle or large bottle of baby lotion in the center. Then place about 5-6 diapers around the bottle and put a large rubberband around the entire ring of diapers.

Next, form a 2nd ring with the remaining 11-12 diapers by placing them around the 1st ring of diapers. Complete it by placing a large rubberband around the 2nd ring.

Now for the final ring of diapers for the 1st tier: Take 18-20 diapers, unfold each one, roll them up tight like before, but instead of a rubber band around each one, tie a thin, 1/4 inch piece of ribbon around the middle around each one. Then place them around the second ring to form a 3rd ring. Now take a large, 1/2 to 1 inch wide ribbon and tie it around the entire tier to hold them all together in a circle shape.

(Note, you could use just rubberbands around each diaper for the 3rd ring if you have opaque ribbon to hold the 3rd ring together. The important part is that no rubberbands are showing when you are done.)

  Step 3. The second tier is made much the same way, only instead of 3 rings, you will only make 2 rings of diapers. Just like the 1st tier, the inside ring will need about 5-6 diapers. Part of the 8-oz bottle will be sticking out of the 1st tier, so place your 5-6 diapers around it to form the 1st ring of the 2nd tier. The 2nd ring will need 11-12 diapers. Place a ribbon around each one of those 2nd ring diapers and hold them all together in a circle with the 1/2 to 1 inch wide ribbon, just like before.

   Step 4. Third tier is easy!

It is probably easiest to assemble this tier on a table and then place it on the rest of the cake after it is assembled. So, take a 4-oz bottle and place it on the table.

Then take 5-6 diapers and roll them up like before and tie them with the thin ribbon.

Then place them around the 4 -oz baby bottle and tie your wide ribbon around it to hold it together tightly in it’s shape. Take the top tier and place it on the top.

 Step 5. Now for the fun part:

Add little baby items like Pacifiers, bottles, lotion, bibs, receiving blankets, miniature stuffed animals, baby towel, onesie, wash cloths, baby hygiene products, toys, etc. Place them between the folds of the diaper, tuck the larger items into the outer layer of ribbon.

Add stickers and decorations to match the baby shower theme.

Place a stuffed animal, such as Winnie the Pooh, teddy bear, Elmo, Demdaco angel, Precious Moments figurine, pair of baby shoes, or something else on top to match the baby shower theme.

  And Voila! You’re done and it’s a masterpiece! Your baby shower diaper cake is sure to receive plenty of oohs and aahs.

Copyright © 2004-2005, plan-the-perfect-baby-shower.com

 You can also visit www.jackandjillsbabyboutique.com to view already made diaper cakes.  There are many themes to choose from and are ready to be shipped!  No hassle.

by Mary McNeil

When you are pregnant you are constantly thinking of the little baby inside you and how you have to protect it from harm.  You try and eat healthy so the baby will be healthy.  You avoid dangerous things like smoking and drinking so the little one can have the best start in life.  You should also avoid some things common in the home or your environment so as to not hurt the child.  There are some things you can alter in your home to prepare for the arrival of your little bundle of joy. 

Feline Frets:

While being around Fluffy is not a problem, his litter box is.  The litter box is a “must avoid” for pregnant woman due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the microscopic parasites that often resides in cat feces.  Put the litter box in a room that the mom-to-be won’t be in much…and have someone else take over the duty of cleaning the litter boxes.

Safe Cleaning

You don’t need to worry too much about cleaning products; most are safe.  But you do need to make sure there is enough ventilation in the room when you are cleaning.  Open windows and doors while spraying and wiping.  Maybe even a fan if there is no window.  Obviously avoid any product says that “toxic” since they have solvents that could harm the baby.  Sites such as www.greenhome.com list the latest lines of  environmentally friendly cleaning products.  If you don’t want to read labels or worry about what you are using to clean your house a combination of baking soda and vinegar will do that job just about anywhere in your home. 

Nursery No-No

It’s so fun and exciting to decorate a nursery for the new little one, but that is one project best left to dad or grandad or friends.  Nearly all paints emit fumes and it is unknown what their effects are on the baby.  It’s best to ignore the painting for sure.  The U.S. Envrionmental Protection Agency recommends that pregnant women avoid newly painted rooms–and their harmful odors–for at least two days after the job is done.

Begin To Baby Proof

Nine months may seem like a long time to prepare for the new arrival, but the time goes fast.  Especially fast after the baby is born, so the best advice is to begin baby proofing your home before the birth.  Babies become mobile quickly and you want to be ready.  Take an inventory of your home–sharp corners, cabinets with dangerous objects inside and electrical outlets.  Purchase and install necessary safety items, such as corner pads, outlet covers and cabinet locks to keep baby safe.  Next look for any breakable items that are low enough to be reached or heavy objects that are  hup that could topple over.  Inviting friends who have toddlers over to play is a great way to “test” your baby proofing. 

You can be safe during pregnancy with a few common sense rules and then take a few additonal steps once he or she arrives to ensure continued safety for your precious cargo.

We put together a few pointers to help you throw a memorable and FUN baby shower! 

Who should host the Baby Shower?
Traditionally baby showers have been given by a non-relative of the Mother-to be but in recent years it has become more acceptable for showers to be given by Grandmothers-to-be, Cousins, friends, co-workers or anyone close to the Mom. Many times more than one host will give the shower to defray costs and responsibilities.

What are the host’s responsibilities?
The host’s most important job is to create an event that the Mother-to-be will be comfortable with. This includes getting the Mother-to-be’s input on all aspects of the shower (unless it is a surprise shower)including who should be invited, what the date of the shower should be (she’ll know more on the key guests schedules than the host will), what theme will be part of the shower, if games will be played, the selection of food and how long the party will last. The host is also responsible for making sure the Mom-to-be is taken care of, sending out the invitations, being the RSVP respondent, Greeting guests as they arrive, coordinating the activities such as gift opening, game playing and the meal and be an active participant in the running of the shower.

Who should be invited to the shower?
The Mother-to-be should be involved with selecting the guest list as it is her day. If the shower is to a surprise for the new mom, a close friend or relative should help plan the guest list. Generally, anyone who is close to the Mom-to-be, relatives and the Grandmothers–to-be are invited to help celebrate the new arrival.

When should a baby shower be held?
Traditionally baby showers are held 1-2 months before the mothers due date. Showers may also be held after the baby is born. Some people prefer the post partum shower because baby gifts can be personalized and given in the correct size and style. This after the arrival shower is tradition in many cultures and regions so everyone can meet the new arrival. The newborn also becomes the star of the party and a great conversation starter. 

Should Co-ed showers be given?
If the couple is comfortable with the idea of a co-ed shower than why not get dad and his friends involved. Keep in mind men are not going to as interested in frilly decorations or silly games so the co-ed shower tends to be more low key.

Should a shower be given for the second or third child?
Of course. Baby showers are held to show love and support for the mom-to-be and the new arrival. The family probably already has all the essentials so smaller, more practical gifts like, onesies, diapers, formula and toys for the baby are gifts that are usually given.

Should showers be given for adopted children?
Yes. Keep in mind that showers for adopted children usually take place 1-2 months after the child is adopted. This is because adoption proceedings don’t always go as planned and the parents will want to spend some time alone to bond with their new child. 

Should your shower have a theme?
Themes have become very popular for baby showers. Today custom invitations, Thank You cards, party supplies, centerpieces and favors for the guests can be coordinated for an unforgettable event.

Where should the shower be held?
Traditionally it is given in the home of the host, close friend or relative. In recent years many are held at restaurants, parks, day spas and clubs. It is always a good idea to check with venues to see if they have rules against playing games or other activities that happen at Baby Showers.

Is an office Baby Shower appropriate?
Yes but you should check with company policy to see if there are rules against having a baby shower on the premises. 

How should you invite people?
A written invitation is the best way to inform people about the Baby Shower. Hosts may call the guests and invite them but a written invitation contains all the specifics they will need.

What information should be on the written invitation?
Who the shower is being given for, Location including address, time of the shower, host/hosts name, Who to RSVP to and a deadline for RSVP, gift registry information, sex and name of the child (if the Mom-to-be would like this information shared). Other information that is sometimes given is if it is a luncheon, a potluck, if there is a “Wishing Well” and if there is a theme to the shower. A map to the shower location may also be included.

What should be served at the Shower?
Typically the host will provide finger foods, a light lunch, set up a buffet, potluck or barbeque. There is usually not a served meal. Beverages usually include coffee, punch or sodas. Alcohol should not be served out of respect for the Mother-to-be.

Should you play games at the shower?

Games are a very popular activity at a Baby Shower. The host should talk to the Mom-to-be and see how she feels about games. The mom-to-be may not be comfortable playing games, especially those that call attention to her belly. Generally 1-3 games will be played at a Shower. Games can be a good way to get things started and introduce guests to one another.

How do you deal with sensitive issues?
Should you invite guests that have recently lost a child or have had trouble conceiving? -The best thing to do is ask. If she is up for attending a baby shower she will come. If she does RSVP and doesn’t show, don’t hold it against her. This is probably a very difficult ands sensitive time for her.

To Do Checklist for Host:

6-8 weeks before shower
-Decide on the date and time with the Mother-to-be
-Prepare a guest list with Mother-to-be
-Reserve restaurant or decide on a shower location
-Decide on shower theme with Mother-to-be
-Make or order invitations
-Make a list of food and beverages to be served

4-6 weeks before shower
-Send out invitations
-Keep a record of all names and addresses to give to the Mother-to-be to send out Thank You cards
-Finalize the menu
-Decide on what games, if any will be played and what prizes will be awarded to the Winners
-Purchase prizes for game winners
-Begin shopping for baby shower favors ~ what is a favor? a favor is an item you give to each guest “thanking” them for coming to the shower. This is becoming more and more popular to do!! -Order decorations and party supplies that go with the theme
 -Don’t forget about the table centerpieces, this can be a gift for the new mommy or a game winner idea or even favors to pass out to guests. Try to get a ‘usable’ centerpiece so it can be used double purpose and saves money in the long run .
-For couples showers, don’t forget about the new daddy!
-If siblings are going to attend, a small gift for them should be purchased.

3 weeks from the baby shower
-Purchase and wrap your gift
-Make sure that there are sufficient utensils and serving spoons
-Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for number of guests
-Confirm reservations if the shower is held at a restaurant, spa or club
-Order of make plans for the cake

1 week before the shower
-Call guests that have not RSVP’d to see if they are coming
-Clean your home
-Prepare dishes that can be frozen
-Arrange transportation for the Mom-to-Be
-Arrange for someone to record names and gifts given to give to the Mom-to-be for Thank You cards
-Arrange for someone to hand the Mom-to-be the gifts, take the wrapping paper and place gifts to the side so everyone can see her opening the next one.
-Write out a timeline that you can follow to keep things on schedule such as play game number one, eat lunch, open gifts, play game 2, have dessert etc.
-Purchase extra film or charge digital camera batteries

2 days before the shower
-Call the Mom-to-be about any last minute details
-Decorate for the party
-Set up tables and chairs
-Set up a gift table
-Call bakery if cake has been ordered and confirm details

1 day before the party
-Make the remaining food on your list
-spot clean your home
-pick up flowers or centerpieces
-Make sure you have enough ice
-Place several garbage receptacles in key areas so guests don’t leave plates, napkins and trash on the tables

The day of the party before guests arrive
-Relax take a deep breath
-Purchase or have balloons filled
-Pick up the cake
-Set up food and beverage tables

As the guests begin to arrive
-Greet each guest at the door and let them know where the refreshments are
-Introduce guests to one another
-Have a comfortable chair, pillow and footstool ready for the Mother-to-be
-Introduce the activities as they begin, explain the rules for games, announce when the meal or gift opening begins.

By Mary McNeil

 You find out your best friend is pregnant with her first baby…how exciting.  You want to be a good friend and help her in any way possible.  You even offer to throw her a baby shower.  She is thrilled and excited to be having a shower…. sharing her good news with her friends and family.  Now what?  Panic time?  No way…..

Baby showers are relatively easy and fun events to plan.  Don’t get overwhelmed with little details.  Remember, people really just want to come and relax, eat some good food, laugh and help celebrate the arrival of a new little one. 

The first thing you do is pick a theme.  Having a theme makes everything flow and it’s easier to plan that way.  Let’s say you want to do a zoo theme…it’s a very popular theme and so cute.  You can get (for example) either personalized monkey or giraffe invites—but you need plenty of lead time—or simple fill in ones with the cute zoo crew theme.   Get the invites out three weeks before and then you can think about food and games.  It’s cute if the food goes with the theme.  For a zoo theme a fruit salad would be perfect because many zoo animals eat fruit.  Since you are doing a healthier fare the fruit salad would go great with chicken or tuna salad sandwiches.  A yummy dessert is decorated giraffe or monkey sugar cookies. 

 Don’t forget to order favors for your guests.  They are great to hand out as a thank you gift for coming and they also serve as a memento of the special day.  Personalized candy bar wrappers that go with the theme are as delicious as they are cute….but you can also find soaps, candle tins and lip balms that go with the theme. 

Diaper cakes are fun to have as a centerpiece on your table.  Again, the cakes can match the theme and the mom to be will appreciate the diapers once the little one arrives. 

 I’d recommend using paper plates…so much easier clean up.  You can find matching cups, plates, napkins and even personalized banners that will go with any theme at www.jackandjillsbabyboutique.com.    

 So, don’t worry when you are in charge….simply pick a theme and search for items that are useful and cute for your party.  It will be a blast and the mom to be will be very thankful for your efforts.