If you are looking for even more health information, please check my health and safety page.
Looking for a remedy for really stubborn diaper rash? I've got one listed below but it's long, so I wanted the following links to be seen first!
BabyCenter is one of my favorite sites! And it's free! I've been a member since I was pregnant with our first child, who was lost in a miscarriage. Belonging to a community of parents at BabyCenter during my time of crisis helped me tremendously. There are groups you can join and talk with others for every stage of life, whether you just lost a baby, you're pregnant with complications, have a newborn, toddler or adolescent. You can even join groups for the exact month and year of your child's birth. If you have an older child, then their ParentCenter is where you belong. You can even shop for great products for pregnancy and beyond. See their store: BabyCenter store
is a great group (free!) for mothers of all types and ages. Not only are there forums, but it's a place you can voice your opinion as well as get awarded. If you do online shopping at all, ClubMom is a must. You can get points that add up and equal very good prizes. After being a member less than a year, I was eligible for some significant gift certificates to some of my favorite stores, such as Bed, Bath and Beyond, as well as many other great prize choices. It's a club to celelbrate moms, and they do a good job of it. Also, there is always some type of sweepstake(s) going on exclusively for members. You will also get great coupons in the mail from Bed, Bath and Beyond, and homebasics, a magazine absolutely filled with recipes, fun ideas for family and GROCERY store coupons! Best of all, it's all free!
Product Recalls can be found at American Baby. Pick up a FREE magazine subscription while you're there! It's a great one and comes to your mailbox once a month!
Baby Talk is another FREE (postal service -- not e-mail -- magazine subscription for you! Just click on the box on the lower left hand corner of their page to sign up!
Check the safety of medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding at Safe Fetus.
Wendy Bellissimo gave me SO MANY great ideas when I was getting ready for my baby!
If you love taking pictures of your family, and want to share them but don't know how, then Snapfish is the place for you. (Upload your digital photos and get 20 FREE prints with your first order! Sign-up today!) It's free to join, upload and store photos and share them! I even get my film developed with them. I've been using them for years, and love them! You can even make gifts out of your pictures and send them to family and friends. It's where we get our holiday photo cards every winter, too!
Have you seen ads mentioning something called Upromise but didn't know what it was? It's an organization, free, that helps you save some money for your kids' college, or pay off your own student loans. We don't make a lot of money at it, but we so far we do get about $50 a year in an account. Multiply that times 18 years and that's a significant chunk of change to pay for books! It works by registering your debit and/or credit cards and whenever you shop with a Upromise merchant partner, that merchant gives a percentage of your purchase to your Upromise account. You can even have it emptied into a 529 college savings plan. I tend to be a cynic, and somewhat of a conspiracy theorist (I prefer the term realist!) and was uncomfortable with joining for a while, so we didn't. I was thinking it's just another way for the government and whoever else to know what we are purchasing. But once I started realizing that unless you pay cash for EVERYTHING, they already know. Checks aren't even safe as far as that's concerned. So then I figured, we may as well benefit since they know anyway! If you join and do any online shopping, then you should install their RemindU onto your computer. It doesn't really take any space, takes just a second or two to download, and it automatically registers your purchase with Upromise if you are on a partner site, so you don't have to worry about remember to shop through the Upromise links first.
Below are some great sites to find products, other than the popular Target, Walmart and BabiesRUs. (Don't forget about ebay!) Whenever I'm looking for baby or toddler-related products, I go to these stores, as well as the ones listed below, and compare selection, prices and coupon codes (see my shopping page) before making a purchase.
BabyUniverse.com is a great store, and the best in my opinion to buy the Britax line of carseats (also the best, in my opinion, once baby has graduated from the infant carseat/carrier) -- they usually have some kind of sale on them, free shipping and a great selection.
One Step Ahead is definitely one of my favorites! They have so many neat items, especially for safety, and I've had good experience with returns. You can also create a Registry.
Here's the diaper rash rememdy: We must have had it made with our first daughter, now 3.5. She never had a diaper rash until she was at least 4 months old, and then after that she still hardly ever got them. We used Boudreaux's Butt Paste (our favorite diaper rash ointment) on her as prevention and remedy, and in the rare occasion she had one we thought was being stubborn (little did we know!), we used Balmex and it was gone within a day.
Well we've got another little girl now, 6 weeks old as of this writing in August 06. And she has very sensitive skin. Starting at about a week old, she started getting a bad diaper rash. The Boudreax's obviously hadn't prevented it or treated it, so we moved on to Balmex and it kept getting worse. By the time she'd had it more than a week, there were a couple of large red and raw patches. By the time she'd had it two weeks, we'd tried, among others,Triple Paste, Lansinoh, Aquaphor and a hard-to-get cream called Calmoseptine. We'd also tried cod liver oil and some other remedies I'd read about working on stubborn rashes. We'd tried changing diaper brands and she was getting bare-bottom time several times a day but it wasn't really working b/c she was having so many BMs that her bottom was constanly being wiped or had poop on it the whole time. Nothing was working and I was near despair as it just continued to get worse. I was going to take her in, but it didn't fit the description of a yeast diaper rash and didn't look like the pictures I had seen in my books and online, so I didn't think they would be able to do much if it was just a regular rash. I started blow drying (set on low and cool setting) her bottom several times a day and it didn't get better but it seemed to stop getting worse. Well, here's what finally worked: - Continued to use the blow dryer
- Stopped using disposable wipes (except for in the diaper bag) even though the ones we used were fragrance-free and sensitive. I cut up some flannel receiving blankets to make cloth wipes (I don't have a sewing machine to sew the edges so it took several washes before the fraying slowed down!) I started using a solution called Baby Bits that I get here: http://www.jardinediapers.com/Babybits-Wipe-Solution-p-6.html I make up some of it and keep it in a squirt bottle (the peri bottles from the hospital are great for this!) and usually just squirt it on the cloths, but I also keep a wipes container full of cloths that are wet with the solution as well, for convenience.
- Got some plain yogurt (not the fat free or low fat but regular plain, make sure there's no extra junk in there) and mixed extra acidophilus into it and spread a thin layer over the rash and surrounding area every diaper change, then patted it dry. Then spread Original A&D ointment over that. Then spread Original Desitin over that. Even though it didn't fit the description of a yeast rash, I was worried since it was so raw that yeast might become a problem.
We noticed a difference within three diaper changes of starting the last step. Within a week and a half, it was completely gone. She started to get a rash again later and we started doing that again and it was gone in no time. Now we use the A&D and Desitin together at every change for prevention. She obviously has very sensitive skin and needs more than our first daughter did.
I just wanted to post this in case anyone else is desperately seeking a remedy for diaper rash. This is what worked for us when I was beginning to think nothing ever would!
Car Seats
In my opinion, from the research I did when it came time for our daughter to graduate from her infant car seat that came with the Graco travel system and the reviews I read from other parents, the Britax brand is the way to go. (We bought ours from BabyUniverse, see below.) Here are some resources to help you make a decision:
Things I either couldn't live without or found VERY helpful with my baby:
*Boppy nursing pillow
*What to Expect the First Year (see my store)
*The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (see my store)
*Secrets of the Baby Whisperer
*The First 2 Years (or you can just get the Complete Book of Baby and Child Care, which has all of the First Two Years in it, with great photos and more -- see my store)
*Avent nurser bottles (the kind with liners and the 4 oz. you get two 4 oz. with the pump.Youll need the 9 oz. later but by then the baby might accept a different kind. Of course you can start out with a diff. kind but I like these because they are so versatile and if you use the pump you can pump directly into bottle or disposable/reusable, etc.) These are the only kind my daughter would take but some babies choke on them at first and then another like the original Playtex nurser is probably the best.
*Nurser bottle liners
*Avent Isis manual breast pump (unless you go electric. I find this is a great one and I also had a Medela manual and hated it. I borrowed an Ameda purely yours double electric, which is nice if you want to go electric, but the Isis is the best by far for comfort. If you decide to go electric sometimes, you may be able to find a good price on a brand new one on ebay. But you really need a manual too its great for pumping in the car and stuff if you need to and this one is the most comfortable.)
*Microwave steam sterilizer
*Contoured changing pad (Rumble Tuff is good unless your changing table has a pad. This one, and probably some other brands, you can attach directly to the top of the dresser so you dont need a changing table. Changing pad covers are a waste of money until the baby is older. I recommend getting them for later, but in the first several months, just keep the plastic on the pad and put baby towels or flannel receiving blankets or something under the baby. The covers will get stained very quickly until they are older!) Also, take home all the extra stuff you dont use at the hospital everything! The blue plastic sheets with the absorbent padding on them are excellent for this kind of thing bring them all home with you! Theyll just throw out what you dont use and youre already paying for it.
*Organizer (unless you get a changing table with one attached). I got mine at the Family Dollar Store for $10 and its still holding up! Its as tall as the dresser (very tall dresser) and sits right next to it.
*Hamper (we use a cute natural color wicker basket next to the dresser/changing pad that I got at the dollar store)
*Blankets (youll need a lot of receiving blankets)
*Crib and crib bedding several sheets and at least two mattress protectors, plus a waterproof vinyl cover that zips around the entire mattress.
* Diapers (tons). If you buy the newborn size at all, only buy one small package unless youve got a premie like my daughter was. You can always buy some when the baby is born if you need them. Size 1 doesnt last long and size 2 lasts a few months. Size 3 is probably the size they are in the longest unless youve got a really big baby. I like Pampers swaddlers for the first few weeks, then Huggies Ultratrim (because they are sold in bulk at Sams) for the next few months, then switch to Luvs. They are the best! I may even go with Luvs when Im ready to make the switch from swaddlers with the next one.
*Burp cloths
* Diaper Genie or Diaper Champ or pail of some sort. If you get Diaper Genie you have to get refills for it. Diaper Champ uses any plastic bag and works really well.)
*Wipes (lots) The best kind are the store/generic brand from Sams. They are unscented for the sensitive baby skin, and thicker and more cloth-like, plus they are so much cheaper! You may want to go with something ultra-gentle for the first month or so though.
*Rash ointment (I think Boudreauxs Butt Paste is the best for every day prevention and treatment of diaper rash and other skin ailments, Balmex or Triple Paste is the best for severe diaper rash. Aquaphor is EXCELLENT for just after a change when everything is fine. Have some on hand.
*Cetaphil lotion. This will come in handy when the infant acne starts. My daughter's was really bad for a little while and they say not to use any soap or anything, but the dr. told me I could use some extra virgin olive oil, which didnt help, and try cetaphil if it didnt. The cetaphil worked wonders, and I still use it on her to this day since she has sensitive skin.
*Baby brush and comb (at least two take the comb home from the hospital too its the one I use the most to this day!!)
*Onesies
*T-shirts
*Clothing (sleepers and gowns mostly in the beginning)
*Booties
*Socks (a baby doesnt need shoes until they are at least beginning to walk, and then a soft shoe like Bobux -- that's what my daughter wore till she was about 20 months! or Robeez is best even for grass and dirt until they are walking on concrete and rocks, glass, etc.)
*Hats
*Bibs
*Carrier/infant car seat/stroller combo and an extra base for the infant seat if you have two vehicles. We have the Graco Breeze travel system and its great but not made anymore but the Graco line is really good.
*Carrier cover for cold and rainy weather
*Head/neck supporter for carrier
*Car seat saver (protects the upholstery)
*Fun links (for toys in carrier or stroller, so they dont fall out completely!)
*Floor activity gym
*Baby hugger/holder (I like the Snugli that you can use in three diff. positions and detach from the sides. This is an absolute must I tried using one that I had to put and take my daughter out of from the top and its a real pain.) I think Im going to get a sling for the next one to use in the first few months. A sling is really nice, too, like the ones from New Native and others. New Native is a brand some friends have used and really like.
*Towels, hooded and other (about 4 hooded)
*Baby washcloths
*Nursing pads (Lansinoh disposable is the best. Avent disposable and Medela are good, too, but not as good. Ive tried EVERY brand of disposable and have three diff. brands of washable. Lansinoh is the only one that prevents leaks completely.)
*Nursing bras and nursing clothes (motherwear.com and motherhoodnursing.com nursing clothes are a must! I started out with two nursing shirts and now Ive got a whole wardrobe. 100 percent cotton with no underwire is the best to avoid plugged ducts.)
*Lansinoh lanolin ointment
*Baby shampoo, soap, lotion, oil, powder (cornstarch kind only youll only need a small bottle), etc.
*Diaper bag with changing pad AND WATERPROOF LINER! Youll probably get a smaller one at the hospital and/or doctors office that is great for quick runs somewhere but I think a big one is good too.
*Ear thermometer and a digital thermometer for under the arm and/or rectal (Ive never been able to do that!)
*Baby bathtub AND a baby sponge bath to put inside it for when they are really little. One with a thermometer is really good. Ideal bath temp is about 99 to 100 degrees once they are taking baths in the water at a young age (test with your elbow).
*Monitor (we have a Graco one with lights that go up and down and it came with a base and two receivers, its very good)
*Pacifiers (Avent are the only ones my daughter would take in the beginning but then loved the Gerber gentleflex and the Nuk but never really used any of them that often).
*Pacifier holder/keeper these are a must!
*Bright, soft noisy toys (this quiets them sometimes)
*Playpen/portacrib
*Fingernail clippers or safety tip scissors (I used a soft nail file the first 10 months because I was terrified of cutting her but now I use clippers that have a thick, longer easy grip handle made by Safety 1st).
*Nasal aspirator (at least three one for bathroom, one for nursery and one in diaper bag)
*Infant nasal saline drops or gel Little Noses is great.
*Cool mist humidifier
*Infant pain/fever reducer (ask dr. which is best)
*Mylicon drops
*Vibrating bouncy seat
*Wipe warmer
*Moses basket (were using this in combination with the portacrib in place of a bassinet the next time around -- when my daughter was just a few weeks old, we put the Moses basket between us in the bed and she slept in it in our bed for months. We used it for so much!)
*Bassinet (see Moses basket above above)
*Swing (make sure you get one thats battery operated, adjustable speed and can fully recline)
*Avent breast shells (you only wear them for 30 or 45 min. max, but it really is a lifesaver to collect the leaking milk. Avent is the only brand that sells them to where you can collect the milk to use later.)
*Breast soothers (several brands make them), filled with gel for warm or cold. Really helps with breast engorgement and if you get a plugged duct, which is very painful.
*Side positioner. We got one after my daughter started getting a flat head in the back. The one we have has a mat under it made of that memory foam to help reduce the pressure on her head.
*Baby Einstein videos (see my store). Talk about something that will stop the crying for LITTLE while!
*Something to strap to the crib that plays music, white noise and a light and can be set to go off when they cry if you want it to.
*A mobile for when they are a couple of months and up.
When the baby is older:
*High chair (Fisher Price Healthy Care is the best in my opinion. Its not real expensive and its a great one removable tray, easy care wipeable seat)
*Bouncy swing for doorway (Graco is nice because it has a little tray around it)
*Exersaucer (Evenflo is a good brand. Walkers can be a health hazard because the baby can get to things they aren't supposed to -- not a good idea for anyone with stairs in their house.)
*Larger car seat. I did tons of research on safety and parent reviews on convenience, etc. and the Britax Marathon is what we ended up getting. It is rear-facing to 33 lbs. and forward facing to 65 pounds.
*Tubsider this great seat thing for parents to sit on when bathing the child. Takes stress off knees and back I cant bathe my daughter without it with my bad back! I didnt have a bad back until she was 9 months old, then I herniated a disk when I was putting her down! I wish I had this sooner. Maybe I would have prevented it!!
Any information or advice found from SAHMs n WAHMs is not intended in any way to replace that of your healthcare and/or legal professionals. Any views expressed in any forums affiliated with SAHMs n WAHMs are not necessarily the views of SAHMs n WAHMs.
