How to Keep the Bottle Feeding Clean?

Author: TravisOl

The most important and paramount thing while feeding the baby is the cleanliness of the given milk. It has to be clean and germ-free. Breastfeeding mothers don’t have to worry about it because their milk is perfect but mothers who use formula milk to feed their babies always have to think about the bottle sterilizing and teats cleaning.

Sterilizers
Mothers who decided to bottle feed their children must have an adequate bottle sterilizer to keep the feeding bottles always clean. There are bottle sterilizers which work by placing them in a microwave. These types are the cheapest and it is their greatest advantage but before using them you have to make sure that your microwave is clean, especially after cooking there some spicy food. If not, you have to clean it. And if you decide to go somewhere it will be a bit problematic to take the sterilizer and the microwave with you. Its portability is far from being perfect. The best choice but a more expensive one is purchasing an electric bottle sterilizer. It is very simple in use. First you have to wash the bottle then place it into a plastic tray and then place the tray into the sterilizer. Pour into the sterilizer some water – not more than is recommended by the manufacturers and your electric sterilizer will do the rest. There are also types of sterilizers which can work both as electric and microwave ones; this means you can put the plastic tray with the baby bottle in the microwave as well as in the electric equipment.

Cleaning
Before using any type of sterilizer you have to wash the bottle very thoroughly. There is a special brush made for bottle cleaning. A feeding bottle has to be washed in warm soapy water and the teats have to be cleaned with salt to disinfect them and peel the film of remained milk. And before sterilizing make sure that the teats and the caps of the bottles are not left on.

Some more suggestions
Sterilizing is not the only thing mothers have to follow to keep baby feeding germ-free. Formula milk can provide perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive if it stands in a warm place for a long time. If you bottle feed your baby you must mix the milk powder with water just before feeding and never give your baby the milk which was prepared for a previous feed. Formula milk has never to be made in advance, if you are going to have a long trip, take with you some warm water in a thermos flask and the baby powder milk and mix it when you need it. Your hands have to be washed well before making your baby’s formula. Every baby has to have his or her personal bottle, so never share it with another one, because it can be a good way to share germs as well. Containing more sugar than breast milk baby’s formula can become a real problem for your baby’s teeth – cause decay. To a void it you should never put baby to bed with a bottle giving him or her opportunity to suck the bottle for hours, because the sugary liquid flows over the baby's upper front teeth and dissolves the enamel. Bottle feeding is as safe as breast feeding if you follow the guidelines above and it gives your baby all the nutrients he or she needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/how-to-keep-the-bottle-feeding-clean-536834.html

About the Author

We can offer all the correct equipment for bottle feeding beginning with such paramount things as bottle sterilizers, which can work by placing it in a microwave or electric units, different types of baby bottles designed to be adequate and interesting for your infant and ending with a great variety of teats or other things which can make the feeding more pleasant.

Checklist for Expecting Mothers

Author: Robert Meyer

by Robert Meyer

If you are expecting you may want to start preparing early for the arrival of your new baby. Below is a checklist of things you will need when the baby arrives. I found this list in Consumer Reports and thought it would be helpful. You might want to start shopping early so you don’t have to incur a very large expense all at one time. It would also save some money if you had a baby shower and shared the list with friends and family.

Here is a checklist of what you should have on hand before your baby arrives.

Tooling around

_____Car seat

_____Stroller

Beds and linens

_____Crib

_____Crib mattress

_____Bassinet/cradle (if you don't want to put your baby in a crib right away)

_____Two to three fitted crib sheets

_____Four or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby

_____Two mattress pads

_____One to two waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet).

Diaper duty

_____Diapers. Disposable or cloth

_____Diaper pail. (Optional with disposables)

_____Diaper bag Dressing baby

_____Four sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet

_____Six side-snap T-shirts

_____Four to six one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch

_____A small baby cap (although the hospital will probably give you one)

_____Six pairs socks/booties

_____Two to three soft, comfortable daytime outfits. Get only a few items in newborn size. Then,

go for clothing in the 6-month size--your baby will grow into it quickly. But don't buy baby

sleepwear that's too big; it'sa fire hazard

_____Cotton sweater or light jacket

Summer babies

_____Brimmed hat Winter babies

Winter babies

_____Snowsuit or heavy bunting

_____Heavy stroller blanket

_____Warm knit hat

Feeding time

If you're planning to breast-feed:

_____Two or three nursing bras

_____A box of washable or disposable breast pads

_____Breast pump if you expect to use one

_____Four small baby bottles with newborn nipples for expressed breast milk

_____Bottle drying tree

_____Bottle brush

_____Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag (the hospital may give you one)

_____Three packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths.

If you're planning to bottle-feed

_____Six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a dishwasher basket if you use a dishwasher

Bathing/grooming

_____Three soft hooded towels

_____Two packs of baby washcloths

_____ Baby body wash that doubles as shampoo

_____Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers

_____Zinc-oxide-based diaper rash ointment

_____Infant bathtub

_____Soft brush and comb

_____Mild laundry detergent

Medicine chest essentials

_____A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby's doctor,

such as Infant's Tylenol

_____Cotton pads/swabs

_____Nasal aspirator

_____Digital thermometer

_____Rubbing alcohol

_____Petroleum jelly

Keeping baby happy

_____Pacifiers

Extras: Nice but optional

_____Monitor

_____Changing table

_____A rocker or glider

_____Soft carrier

_____Swing

In addition to shopping so you don’t have to incur a very large expense all at one time you should also do some price comparison research on the internet to save some money. My favorite site is http://www.bestbabythingsonline.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/checklist-for-expecting-mothers-207337.html

About the Author

The author operates a website

Best Baby Things Online

where many of these items can be purchased at a discount.

Baby Shower Songs Great Background to Open Newborn Baby Gifts

Author: Edie Mindell

Everyone loves a good pop song to groove to, so why not choose a couple of those great hits to play in your baby shower while mom is opening all the amazing newborn baby gifts. Two great songs that were hits a few years ago were Mariah Carey’s "Always Be My Baby" and Britney Spears’ "Baby One More Time." These songs will make all your guests stand on their feet and dance around!

"Always Be My Baby" has a great beat and amazing lyrics. The words can easily be interpreted from a mother to her precious baby. Mothers say that no matter how much their kid grows up, they will always be their baby. This amazing hit begins saying, "We were as one for a moment in time and it seemed everlasting, that you would always be mine; now you want to be here so I'll let you fly 'cause I know in my heart our love will never die; you'll always be a part of me; I'm part of you indefinitely."

A mother experiences nine months of carrying her child before she gives birth. This is one of the best times in her life where she feels like she is one with her baby. This song can be interpreted as expressing the feeling of being one with your baby and then watching him or her grow up and make their own life. One of my favorite parts is when the Mariah Carey sings, "Don’t you know you can’t escape me, oh darling cause you’ll always be my baby." Every mother feels like this; no matter how old her baby gets, she knows that they will always be her baby.

Britney Spears’ unforgettable hit of the late 90’s, "Baby One More Time" is a song that all of your guests will know and sing along to. Regardless of age, most people have heard the famous song numerous times. This one is great for singing along and dancing. The number one pop hit begins with a repetitive "Oh baby, baby." When you play this song, your guests will go wild, especially if mom is in the process of opening the baby shower gifts. There is actually a part of the song that describes a feeling that can be applied to mothers.

We all know moms can be overprotective at times and can almost lose their minds when their children are not under their supervision. I absolutely love the part of the song when the pop princess sings, "Show me, how you want it to be, tell me baby 'cause I need to know now what we've got; My loneliness is killing me; I must confess, I still believe; When I'm not with you I lose my mind."

However, my favorite part of the whole song, which I think definitely resembles a mother’s words toward her baby is when Britney sings, "The reason I breathe is you." There is a popular belief that says that when a person has a baby, they stop living for themselves and start living for their child. "Baby, One More Time" is probably one of the best pop songs for a shower that all your guests will enjoy.

Pop songs are known for their cool beats, catchy lyrics, and ability to make people get up and dance. Use a couple of them that relate to or mention the word "baby" and include them as part of your music for the baby shower. They will definitely stir up fun and laughter for opening the newborn baby gifts!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/baby-shower-songs-great-background-to-open-newborn-baby-gifts-738431.html

About the Author

Edie Mindell writes for http://www.simplyuniquebabygifts.com. For newborn baby gifts, including baby gifts baskets. Enjoy free shipping with no minimum purchase requirements.

The Dangers of Giving Your Baby Cereal in a Bottle

Author: Tamika Gardner

Many parents have been adding cereal to their babies bottles with the hopes that baby will sleep better through the night or because they feel the baby is not getting enough to eat.

If you've heard the statements, "Add cereal to your babies bottle and he'll sleep for 5 hours" or "If your baby constantly wants to nurse or seems hungry, add cereal to the bottle," know that those are myths and not facts.

Your baby gets enough nutrition from breast milk or formula for the first 6 months of life. In fact, many medical experts agree that introducing cereal before 4 months of age can cause food allergies. Additionally, adding cereal to your babies bottle is a bad idea. Period.

Experts like Dr. Alan Greene, M.D. believe that the sucking and swallowing actions are not fully coordinated in some children, which can lead to pulmonary problems because they can inhale small amounts of rice cereal in their lungs.

What other dangers are there with adding cereal to a babies bottle? For one thing, your child could very well be on the road to obesity. The extra calories in the cereal itself is enough to teach your child to overeat. When your child is at least 4 months of age, it is more suitable to introduce cereal by feeding your baby with a spoon. Not only does this teach them to learn to eat from a spoon, but it also allows them to rest in between and it helps the baby learn the proper way to eat.

Well, what about your mother, and your grandmother, and your sister, and all those people who swear that adding cereal to a babies bottle will help them sleep and stay satisfied longer? Dr. Alan Greene, M.D. states, "I suspect the reason is that kids do fall asleep a bit more quickly, and some babies may even go a bit longer between feedings. There is no scientific evidence, though, to support the claim that cereal in the bottle will help an infant increase total sleep or decrease crying."'

The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises against feeding a baby cereal from a bottle. The only time feeding a baby cereal in a bottle is when your Pediatrician recommends it to help with reflux.

Obesity. Food Allergies. Pulmonary problems. Bad eating habits. Those are all enough reasons to steer away from giving your baby a bottle of cereal. You may be happy you did.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/the-dangers-of-giving-your-baby-cereal-in-a-bottle-722146.html

About the Author

Tamika is a devoted wife and mother of 2 beautiful children. She is the owner and editor of an homemade baby food website, www.SimplyBabyFoodRecipes.com, and an ecommerce store, www.TheBabyChefStore.com, which offers products to make homemade baby food, baby shower favors, gifts, and high-quality wood play kitchens & playsets.

Tamika hopes to inspire moms on ways to save money by making homemade baby food and other small things that can be done to get more for less. Her homemade baby food recipe website and blog features tons of homemade baby food recipes that can be made at home and are very nutritious for infants and toddlers.

Bicycle Trailers - Peddling Fun That Includes The Baby

Author: David Cummings

Previously parents were limited in their ability to take their children along for bicycle rides. Bicycle seats are for children who are at least able to sit up and then they are a bit precarious as well if you are not an expert bicycle rider. Now there are bicycle trailers which can be pulled safely behind your bike with up to two children.

There are many different brands and styles of bicycle trailers that can be pulled behind your bicycle. Most have two rear wheels while some have three total wheels. All are covered from the sun and other elements. Children can bring blankets and pillows inside and make a nice, comfortable ride for themselves.

Each of the bicycle trailers attach to your bicycle in a variety of ways, mostly with a long metal tube and a hitch that securely connects to your seat stem. Some of them come with an extra harness strap for added security.

Many of the bicycle trailers are made not only for use with the bicycles, but convert into walking strollers, snow ski strollers or jogging strollers. This multiple use trailer is one of the higher-end bicycle trailers , but well worth the additional cost for the extra uses. There are even snow ski bicycle trailer kits to be able to place skis on the bottom of the trailer so you can snow ski or skate ski or even snow shoe with your child or children in the trailer while you wear a harness and pull the trailer along behind you.

Made of a durable, breathable material, a mixture of vinyl, and tent material, the bicycle trailers can tow one or two children or up to 100 pounds of camping gear, hiking gear or whatever you need to haul with your bicycle. They also come with a thin layer of netting so that bugs stay out and your child can see the world as they travel along with you. And many of the bicycle trailers are lightweight so that you are not weighing down when you are cycling. In addition, if something were to happen to you on your bike and you do tumble, the trailer will remain upright and the children or gear will be safe.

A bicycle trailer is great for taking the smaller children to preschool or having them accompany you to the grocer for a few items. Bicycling is a great way to stay fit and taking your little ones along is more fun than doing it alone. Using your bicycle trailer to haul groceries will save you gas by not using your car, or when you go camping, you can take the bicycle trailer on the trails with hiking and camping or fishing gear so you don't have to use a backpack.

Babies and small infants must be secured in a car seat before being placed in the bicycle trailer. Even though the trailers are stable and rarely tip over, the babies do get jostled around quite a bit and babies and infants can't hold on or sit up like toddlers and older children can. They must be protected and a carrier or car seat is the best way to protect them from bumps.

So if you are an active parent who enjoys a leisurely bicycle ride, a bicycle trailer is a great way to combine both your love of riding and your love of your children.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/bicycle-trailers-peddling-fun-that-includes-the-baby-558913.html

About the Author
Learn more about bicycle trailers and understand why many parents choose bicycle trailers for their outdoor enjoyment. David Cummings is General Manager of Bustling Baby, a business devoted to providing baby mobility, comfort, and convenience to active families.