Are you a first time grandparent? If you are, you may be nervous and unsure of yourself and your intended roles. After all, a large amount of time has likely passed since you were a parent yourself. That is why many new grandparents are urged to take the time to re-familiarize themselves with newborns and infants.

Although you are likely well aware of the fact that newborns and infants are fragile, you may need to refresh your memory when it comes to feeding, burping, bathing, dressing, and changing your new grandchild’s diapers. When your new grandchild comes home, you will want to keep a close eye on your son or daughter to examine their actions. In all honesty, once you see your new grandchild getting a bath or having their diaper changed, it should all come back to you. Just remember to proceed with caution.

Grandparents often spend large amounts of time with their new grandchildren, especially in the first years. Whether you stop by for a visit or take on the role of a babysitter, it is important to know your grandchild’s feeding schedule and habits. This is particularly important if you will be watching your grandchild in your own home. While many parents will send a supply of diapers and baby formula, you may also wish to purchase your own supply. This is okay, as long as you receive the proper information first. Constantly changing diapers and baby formula can unintentionally cause problems for newborns and infants.

One of the many tasks that you will likely complete, when assisting your son or daughter with your new grandchild, involves dressing. When dressing your new grandchild, especially newborns and infants, it is important to double check everything. Newborns and infants are at an increased risk of suffocation from wearing the wrong clothes or from clothes that weren’t properly put on. Make sure that there are no dangerous or loose buttons on your grandchild’s clothing, as well as strings that may pose chocking hazards. If anything looks out of the ordinarily, it may be best to choose a new outfit. You are also advised to keep these safety points in mind when shopping for baby clothes.

The above mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help you adjust to your new role as a grandparent. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a baby book for yourself or doing additional research online. In fact, the more knowledgeable you are about newborns and infants, the more helpful support you will be able to provide your family with.

Every mother to be or new mom will be well aware of the need for nappies for their little one. Nappies, or diapers as they are more commonly known in the United States, are one of the biggest necessities for families with young children, but they can also be one of nature’s greatest enemies! That conflict is a big reason why more and more parents are turning to the old style cloth nappies in an attempt to reconcile their family with their beliefs.

Nappies have been around in cloth form since the Elizabethan era in England. Although they were only squares of linen back then, they have been used ever since. If you are over the age of forty then the likelihood is that you wore cloth nappies when you were a child, but from the 1970s onwards more and more children wore disposable nappies. They were actually introduced in the 1940s but were not affordable for the average family until thirty years later. Now, they are more common than ever and brand after brand adorns the supermarket shelves, but why should we regress and use cloth nappies in the 21st Century?

There are a number of reasons why you should use eco friendly cloth nappies over disposables on your children. Whilst many of them relate to the environment, some also relate to the well-being of your child:

• Disposable nappies take, on average, 500 years to decompose. This is hotly debated because many experts have predicted that they will take much longer than that, but when you consider that disposable nappies actually account for one full black bin bag’s worth of trash every week per child then you get an idea of just how big a problems this is. 90% of nappies will end up in landfill sites so we are degrading the earth.
• Washing a disposable nappy 400 times is comparable to the manufacturing of one nappy in terms of the amount of energy that is used in both processes. This makes the cloth nappy far more energy efficient and in keeping with a greener lifestyle.
• The average baby will use over a thousand disposable nappies in one year, but would only need between twenty and thirty cloth nappies for the same period of time. Of course, some families would purchase more to accommodate physical growth, but the number is still nowhere near as large. In terms of the financial and environmental burden that the former brings, cloth nappies seem infinitely preferable.
• You can purchase environmentally friendly cloth nappies that are made of hemp, wool and organic cotton now so even the material that they are made with will not damage the environment! Not to mention the fact that they would be extremely kind on your little one’s skin.
• Finally, baby faeces that are left as rubbish for two weeks contains around 100 viruses on average. If you think about the fact that the faeces is not going through a proper sewerage treatment plant but is instead filtering through the groundwater system. It could actually make its way into your own water supply at a later date. You may want to seriously consider using cloth nappies. They are better all around for you, your family, and the environment in general so they are by far the better choice!

by Elizabeth Pantley, Author of Perfect Parenting and Kid Cooperation

Question
What are the signs of thrush? If we have it, how do we get rid of it?

Learn about it
Thrush (Candida albicans) is a common yeast infection that occurs in a baby’s mouth and diaper area, and on a nursing mother’s nipples. It is almost always harmless, but because it thrives in these warm, moist places, it is extremely stubborn and difficult to eliminate. In addition, it can be very annoying because it is quickly and easily transferred back and forth from mother to baby, until both are totally clear of it.

The signs of thrush in the baby
You baby may have all of these signs, some of them, or even none. If you suspect thrush, review both the signs for a baby and the symptoms that you have. The following are typical signs of thrush in a baby:

• White or gray spots or patches on the inside of your baby’s mouth, gums, or on his tongue. (A milk coating on the tongue wipes off easily; thrush does not.)
• An opalescent shine on your baby’s lips or inside his mouth.
• Red face, particularly on the cheeks.
• Persistent diaper rash that doesn’t respond well to usual remedies.
• Fussiness that appears worse during or after feeding.
• Bleeding of the mouth or gums in severe cases.

Signs of thrush in the mother
The following are typical signs of thrush, but many of these can signal other problems as well. If you review the list for yourself and that for your baby, and suspect thrush is the problem, call your healthcare provider, lactation consultant, or La Leche League leader.

• Pain in the nipples or breasts during or after feedings that may persist between feedings
• Deep pink, red or purple discoloration of the nipple and areola
• A shiny glow on the areola
• Dry, peeling nipples
• Rash or white spots on the nipples
• Itching or soreness that indicates a vaginal yeast infection

Note: You are particularly susceptible to thrush infection following the use of antibiotics, as these medications kill off not just “bad” bacteria, but the “good” types that keep candida under control.

Treating the family
If you suspect a thrush infection, both you and your baby will need treatment simultaneously until all signs of thrush are gone. If you are also nursing an older child, you will have to treat her, too. In some cases, your partner or other members of the family may shows signs of thrush (athlete’s foot, severe dandruff, jock itch, vaginal yeast infection) that will have to be treated to prevent the recurrence of thrush in the family.

Treating the baby
Many babies with thrush show little response to the yeast infection. For others, it is painful and prevents proper nursing. In that case, the infection should be treated promptly and aggressively so that your baby’s growth is not compromised. It’s important that you talk to your baby’s doctor, who may prescribe a topical medication that can be applied directly to your baby’s mouth for pain relief and to clear up the infection. The most common medication is a prescription anti-fungal cream. A homeopathic doctor can talk with you about using a tincture made of usnea lichen, mugwort, rosemary, or unsweetened yogurt with active cultures.

An alternative treatment is 1% gentian violet solution, painted with clean cotton swabs onto affected areas once a day prior to breastfeeding. These areas include your baby’s mouth as well as your nipples and areolae. It’s very messy and will turn your baby’s lips and your nipples purple for a few days, but it is often very effective. (Watch your baby’s mouth carefully for any signs of negative reaction, such as sores, from the treatment. Too much of the solution can burn the skin’s surface. If anything seems amiss, or if no relief occurs within four days, stop treatment and visit your doctor.)

In addition, the following may help your baby feel better, speed up the eradication of the infection, and prevent it from recurring:

• Change diapers immediately when your baby’s wet or soiled.
• Coat baby’s bottom with a diaper ointment between changes.
• Avoid using diaper wipes with ingredients that may cause stinging.
• Let your baby’s bottom dry thoroughly before re-diapering, and allow your baby to be naked for a time during the day.
• Avoid using plastic diaper covers. Instead, use coverings that allow air to circulate, or go cover-less if you’re not expecting a big poop anytime soon.
• Wash cloth diapers, cloth wipes, towels, and washcloths in very hot water to remove all traces of the yeast. A vinegar rinse will complete the disinfecting process.

Treating the mother
Talk with your doctor or lactation consultant about your suspicion of a thrush infection. She will confirm the diagnosis and prescribe a medication to clear up the thrush and any accompanying vaginal yeast infection. As mentioned earlier, if thrush is confirmed in the mother, the baby must be treated also, or the infection may continue to be passed back and forth between you. The following also can be helpful when treating thrush:

• Take an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil), for breast pain; alternatively, try chamomile, skullcap, or low doses of valerian.
• Place ice packs on the nipples prior to feeding to reduce pain.
• Massage the breasts to stimulate letdown before attaching your baby to the breast.
• Start feeding sessions on the least painful side.
• Take extra care in ensuring a proper latch when nursing.
• Position your baby tummy-to-tummy with you for feeding to create a straight latch position and reduce pulling on the nipple.
• Break the suction with your finger to gently detach baby from your breast.
• Go braless or topless, or keep the flaps down on your nursing bra to allow your nipples to air dry.
• Avoid using breast pads, as these create a warm, moist place for yeast to thrive.

How to prevent recurring infections

• Clean and sterilize all pacifiers, teethers, and bottle nipples after each use.
• Let nipples dry after breastfeeding before covering them with clothing.
• Avoid letting your baby suck for long periods on a bottle or pacifier.
• Discard breastmilk that was expressed and stored during a thrush infection.
• Maintain diligent hygiene with frequent handwashing after breastfeeding, diapering, and using the toilet. Pay attention to underneath the fingernails, too. Wash your baby’s hands frequently.
• Avoid excess sugar ¾ that applies to you and baby.
• Add plain yogurt to your diet (and to your baby’s diet if she is eating solid food).
• Avoid fermented foods, such as cheese, beer, and wine.
• Wear clothing that allows the skin to breathe, and avoid synthetic fabrics.
• Use regular hand soap instead of antibacterial soap ¾ it kills beneficial bacteria that control yeast growth.
• Disinfect toothbrushes and mouth appliances regularly with a bleach and water solution, or put them in the dishwasher.
• Wash dishes in very hot water.
• Discard solid deodorants used during a thrush infection.
• If the thrush infection isn’t going away, have other family members and even pets checked to see if they are carriers.

Copyright Elizabeth Pantley. (McGraw-Hill, 2003)

About the author:
Elizabeth Pantley is the author of several books, including Gentle Baby Care : No-cry, No-fuss, No-worry — Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby, The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night, Kid Cooperation (with an introduction by William Sears, MD), Perfect Parenting, as well as her latest The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers and is also president of Better Beginnings, Inc. She is a popular speaker on family issues, and her newsletter, Parent Tips, is seen in schools nationwide. She appears as a regular radio show guest, and has been quoted in Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, American Baby, Working Mother, and Woman’s Day magazines. Visit Elizabeth’s web site http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth.

By Elizabeth Pantley, Author of Kid Cooperation and Perfect Parenting

Toddlers and preschoolers require finesse to gain their cooperation, because they have not yet reached the age at which they can see and understand the whole picture, so simply explaining what you want doesn’t always work. Robert Scotellaro is quoted in The Funny Side of Parenthood as saying, “Reasoning with a two-year-old is about as productive as changing seats on the Titanic.” (He must have had a two-year-old at the time.)

You can get around this frustrating state of affairs by changing your approach. Let’s look at two situations – first the typical (Titanic) way:

Parent: David! Time to change your diaper.

David: No! (As he runs off)

Parent: Come on honey. It’s time to leave, I need to change you.

David: (Giggles and hides behind sofa)

Parent: David, this isn’t funny. It’s getting late. Come here.

David: (Doesn’t hear a word. Sits down to do a puzzle.)

Parent: Come here! (Gets up and approaches David)

David: (Giggles and runs)

Parent: (Picking up David) Now lie here. Stop squirming! Lie still. Will you stop this! (As parent turns to pick up a new diaper, a little bare bottom is running away)

I’m sure you’ve all been there. Oh, and by the way, David is my son. And this was an actual scene recorded in his baby book. Like you, I got very tired of this. And then I discovered a better way:

Parent: (Picking up diaper and holding it like a puppet, making it talk in a silly, squeaky voice) Hi David! I’m Dilly Diaper! Come here and play with me!

David: (Running over to Diaper) Hi Dilly!

Parent as Diaper: You’re such a nice boy. Will you give me a kiss?

David: Yes. (Gives diaper a kiss)

Parent as Diaper: How ‘bout a nice hug?

David: (Giggles and hugs Diaper)

Parent as Diaper: Lie right here next to me. Right here. Yup. Can I go on you? Oh yes?! Goody goody goody! (The diaper chats with David while he’s being changed. Then it says, Oh, David! Listen, I hear your shoes calling you – David! David!

The most amazing thing about this trick is that it works over and over and over and over. You’ll keep thinking, “He’s not honestly going to fall for this again?” But he will! Probably the nicest by-product of this method is that it gets you in a good mood and you have a little fun time with your child.

When you’ve got a toddler this technique is a pure lifesaver. When my son David was little I used this all the time. (I then used it with my youngest child, Coleton, and it worked just as well.) Remembering back to one day, when David was almost three, we were waiting in a long line at the grocery store and I was making my hand talk to him. It was asking him questions about the items in the cart. Suddenly, he hugged my hand, looked up at me and said, “Mommy, I love for you to pretend this hand is talking.”

Another parent reported that she called her toddler to the table for dinner a number of times, when he calmly looked up at her, chubby hands on padded hips and said, “Mommy, why don’t you have my dinner call to me?”

And suddenly, the peas on his plate came to life and called out to him; he ran over to join the family at the dinner table.

A variation on this technique, that also works very well, is to capitalize on a young child’s vivid imagination as a way to thwart negative emotions. Pretend to find a trail of caterpillars on the way to the store, hop to the car like a bunny, or pretend a carrot gives you magic powers as you eat it.

It’s delightful to see how a potentially negative situation can be turned into a fun experience by changing a child’s focus to fun and fantasy.

About the Author:
Elizabeth Pantley is the author of several books, including Gentle Baby Care : No-cry, No-fuss, No-worry — Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby, The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night, Kid Cooperation (with an introduction by William Sears, MD), Perfect Parenting, as well as her latest The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers and is also president of Better Beginnings, Inc. She is a popular speaker on family issues, and her newsletter, Parent Tips, is seen in schools nationwide. She appears as a regular radio show guest, and has been quoted in Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, American Baby, Working Mother, and Woman’s Day magazines. Visit Elizabeth’s web site http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth.

By Brenda McLean

Are you planning a baby shower? Diaper cakes can be a creative centerpiece for your table as well as a practical gift for your expectant mom. A Diaper Cake is created out of dozens of diapers and decorated with small baby products such as combs, pacifiers, teething rings, booties and toys. The entire cake can later be taken a part and the items utilized for the new baby.

Diaper Cake Ingredients:

• 16″ disposable cardboard platter
• Baby bottle or empty cardboard towel roll
• 8 feet of 1” wide ribbon
• Rubber bands of different sizes
• Clear adhesive tape
• Approximately 50 newborn diapers
• Decorative baby items (bibs, socks, toys)
• Cake Topper (candy filled baby bottle or stuffed animal)

Diapers:
The number of diapers you will require depends on the size and number of tiers you would like your cake to have. On average 50 newborn diapers will create a standard sized 3-layered cake.

• 20 diapers for the bottom layer
• 10 to 15 diapers for the middle layer
• 5 diapers for the top layer

Assembling Your Diaper Cake:

• Use a cardboard paper towel roll or a baby bottle to roll your diapers
• When rolling your diapers, have them opened lengthwise with tabs tucked in
• Secure your diapers with a rubber band whenever necessary
• Fold and wrap a receiving blanket around each tier using tape to hold in place
• Use a ribbon to cover and hide the rubber band and as a decorative touch.
• Assemble your tiers on top of your cake platter, using adhesive tape
• Tuck your baby items in the ribbons as decorations
• Top your cake off with something fitting the theme of your party. Whether it be a small stuffed toy, a baby bottle or rattle

Other Decorative Ideas:

• Drape baby bibs over the receiving blankets
• Use baby items related only to your theme
• If using a baby bottle as the topper, fill it with candy or small baby items.

Add a professional touch by using clear cellophane. Spread a sheet out and center your cake in the middle. Gather the sides and edges and tie together with a nice ribbon or bow

A diaper cake is a fun gift to give. Be creative and happy baking!

About the Author:
Brenda McLean is a stay-at-home of two small children and is married to her husband Albert. Brenda is also the creator of http://www.your-baby-shower-guide.com/ A website providing in-depth information, fun ideas and useful tips to help guide you in your baby shower planning. Brenda and her family enjoy camping

by: Adriana Copaceanu

A few guests can get together and get a big laundry basket. Place in it a long clothes line with outfits, diapers, bibs, etc. pinned to it. It can also be used as a room decoration. It has a bit of everything and something to carry it in!

Baby Quilt – here’s a great gift from those that love to sew and quilt. Find an alphabet quilt pattern. Each square has a letter of the alphabet on it and a picture of an object that started with that letter. It can have numbers too. Each guest can be given/sent a square before the shower and can embroider, quilt, or embellish it according to her own taste. If the quilt is meant to be a wall hanging, guests can also attach little items like rattles and toys. Be sure that everyone signs their own block in some way and have the blocks returned by a certain date in order to have it put together. This can also be used as a decoration at the shower.

Make a scrapbook album. Take blank scrapbook pages and have everyone write down their well wishes (without Mom knowing it) for the new baby. This can be done at or before the shower and can be given at the shower or to Mom while she is in the hospital. If given after the shower, it can include photos taken there.

Pass out sheets of heavy paper decorated with baby related stamps, stickers, or pictures several lines drawn on. Have the guests write their name on the paper and then write down some baby/parenting advice. Once everyone is finished, collect them, add a cover, punch holes in it, and tie it together with some ribbon. Then hand it to Mom to read aloud. This will be entertaining as well as touching and is a nice keepsake. There is tons of room for creativity on this one.

Have each guest bring an extra gift (small item recommended) for Daddy-to-be and the host of the shower will then place them in large gift bag to present to him at the close of the party (usually after the main gifts are opened). He opens this with Mommy-to-be at home or in presence of close family or friends.

Diaper Shower – For a second (or more) baby, consider a diaper shower. Ask each guest to bring only a package of diapers as a gift. Some guests may bring other gifts also, but Mom will end up with a mountain of diapers … something she’ll really need! Items could also include anything associated with diapering such as wipes, ointment, powder, etc.

Casserole Shower – For the mother who has everything already, how about a Casserole Shower? Have each guest bring a casserole or other ready-to-cook meal that can be frozen or stored until after the baby is born. Be sure to have the containers clearly labeled with contents and any cooking instructions. How helpful that will be when Mom and Baby come home!

Book Party – Have each guest purchase and give a copy of their favorite childhood book.

About The Author
Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don’t blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you’ll find at her site: www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm.

Do you have a favorite baby shower not listed?  Please comment!

1. Baby Bank – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Ask guests to put the money in a piggy bank and give it to the parents for their baby’s first bank account. (usually goes with the baby pool)

2. Baby Bingo – Contributed by: Audra
   Print out BINGO sheets for all guest. Before gift opening instruct guests to fill in squares with “baby items”, rattle, teething ring, etc. While honored guest is opening gifts instruct guests to circle any and all items that are given that match what they have written on their BINGO sheets. As BINGO’s are being yelled out have a designated person pass out Shower prizes.

3. Baby Food Guess – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Preparation: Take about 10 different baby food jars and number the bottom of each bottle. Use a permanent marker or write on masking tape and stick it to the bottom of the jar. Be sure to write down which baby food goes with which number.Directions: Place the bottles on a tray and pass it around to the guests. The guests then try to guess what flavor is in each bottle and write it down. After everyone has seen the bottles and guessed, then read the answers. The person who has the most flavors listed correctly is declared the winner.Variation: Buy a stack of papered plates and write the numbers 1-10 around the outside. Then put a small spoonful of each baby food next to the number. Give each guest one of these baby food plates and a spoon. The guests then guess the food by tasting all the flavors! As before, be sure to write which flavor corresponds to which number.

4. Baby Pool – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Copy a page or two of a calendar. Have the guests put their initials on the date and time they predict the baby will be born. Each person pays a dollar or so for each chance she takes. For more variables, have people try to guess the sex (if unknown), weight, and length of the baby. The prize can be the money or another gift.

5. Baby Quiz – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Ask the grandparents to write up what the parents were like as babies. Have them include vital statistics such as time of birth, height, weight, first tooth, first smile, age when toilet trained, and early indications of personality. Based on this information, make up a quiz about the future parents to hand out to guests. The person with the most correct answers wins a prize.

6. Bottle Races – Contributed by: Anne
   Put 1 or 2 oz of milk or juice into bottles. Before explaining the game ask for volunteers (3) you can make sure to include the mother to be too. Give each volunteer a bottle, explain that they must drink from the bottle until the liquid is all gone, the first guest who finishes wins. It is a lot harder to drink from a bottle than you think! Even the people who are not drinking have fun cheering, watching, and laughing. This is a good time for pictures too.

7. Diaper Derby – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   To play, you’ll need a four-roll pack of toilet paper. At the shower, divide your guests into four teams. Give each team one roll of paper. Using only that, each group should dress one of their team members in a diaper. They can’t use pins, staples, or anything else to hold it together. The mom-to-be picks the best-diapered baby, and the whole team wins small prizes.

8. Dirty Diapers! – Contributed by: Phyllis C.
   Make diapers out of paper napkins, put mustard inside of one napkin. Each person is to pick a napkin and the one with the dirty diaper (napkin) wins a prize!

9. Variation on Dirty Diapers Game – Contributed by: Alyssa W.
   Buy several diapers and several kinds of chocolate (Mars, butterfinger etc.). Melt one of the chocolates in one of the diapers. Do this with all the different kinds of chocolate. Lay the diapers on a table with a number next to each one. Have each guest look at and smell the inside of the diaper. Then have the guests write down the number and what kind of chocolate they think it was on an index card. The guest with the most right wins!

10. Don’t Say Baby! – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    The object of the game is to avoid saying the word ‘baby.’ Everyone gets a clothespin or safety pin when they arrive, and if someone catches you saying ‘baby,’ she gets your pin. The person with the most pins at the end of the party wins a prize.Variation: Everyone gets a clothes pin… and anytime you were sitting down, you couldn’t cross your legs. If you were caught crossing your legs, the person who caught you got your clothes pin. The one with the most in the end got a little prize.

11. Dress the Baby – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Get a life-size baby doll, receiving blanket, cloth diaper, diaper wrap, and one-piece underwear. Guests take turns trying to either dress or swaddle the baby. Time each guest – the one who does it fastest wins.

12. Feeding Time! – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Place a bunch of cotton balls in a large bowl. Set an empty bowl in front of it. Instruct the guests that they are to transfer as many cotton balls as possible from one to the other while blindfolded. Blindfold the guests, one at a time, and hand them a large wooden spoon from the kitchen. Give them 30 seconds to scoop up as many cotton balls as possible and place them in the second bowl. This is harder than you think because the balls are almost weightless on the spoon and the blindfolded person has no idea how many cotton balls they’ve gotten. The balls are counted after each guest plays. The guest who transferred the most wins.

13. Grab the Baby Pins – Contributed by: A. Swim
    Put several small safety pins in a bowl full of rice. Give each guest one minute to find as many pins (blindfolded) as possible. It’s amazing how difficult it is. The guest with the most pins, wins.

14. Gum Babies – Contributed by: Julie S.
    Each guest gets a piece of bubble gum (the square ones like bubble yum) and a number is attached. The guest has to make a baby out of the piece of gum, the wrapper can also be used. The gum is collected along with the number (each guest has to remember their number). The mom-to-be judges the baby figures for best and worst and a prize is won. It is a great way for guests to loosen up and meet the people around them.

15. Ice Cube Game – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Buy a bunch of tiny plastic babies – the kind you might put on a cake – and freeze them in ice cubes. Each guest gets one in a cup or bowl. The first one whose baby is ‘born’ wins

16. Jellybelly Count – Contributed by: Adrienne C.
    You will need a baby bottle and 1/4 lb. of jellybellies. Fill the bottle with the jellybellies and write the number on a sheet of paper. Have the guests and guest-of-honor write their guesses on pieces of paper. The person with the closest guess wins the bottle!

17. Memory Game – Contributed by: Phyllis C.
    Place a large number of baby items (rattle, diaper, teething ring, etc..) in a large bag. Give each guest 1 minute to study the items in the bag. They need to write a list of as many items as they can remember. The guest with the most correct answers, wins!

18. Mom’s Book – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Buy or make a small blank book. Ask each guest to write in advice, their blessings, a wish, proverb, or poems the mom may enjoy. She can read the book while waiting for the newest additions arrival. It’s nice to let guests know ahead of time so they are prepared.

19. The Name Game – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Using the baby’s full name, the guests make up words using the letters in the name. The person who comes up with the most words is the winner.

20. Name That Tune – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Play or sing the tunes to children’s songs like ‘Pop Goes the Weasel,”Hush Little Baby,’ ‘Rock-a-Bye Baby,’ and ‘Lullaby and Goodnight,’ and have the guests guess the titles.

21. Onsies Paintathon – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Get some white onsies or undershirts and give each guest one. With (non-toxic) fabric paint the guests can decorate each one for the baby. Variation: – Contributed by Debbie L.
    You can also do this with bibs.

22. Picture It – Contributed by: Alisa V.
    Ask all of your guests to bring in a photo from when they were babies, hang them all on a bullitien board and have everyone try to guess who each photo belongs to. The person who has the most correct answers wins!

23. Pin Counting – Contributed by: Amy N.
    Fill an 8 oz bottle with diaper pins and pass it around to your guests. Have them write down their guess on how many are in it. The closest guess wins!

24. Pin the Umbilical Cord on the Baby – Contributed by: Sarah H.
    A variation on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” with a twist! Use a photo of a baby and a paper umbilical cord.

25. Playdough Babies – Contributed by: Mindy C.
    Using playdough, have your guest make a baby item. Mom-2-be will deside the winner!

26. Round the Tummy – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Buy a ball of yarn or string before the shower. Pass the ball of yarn to each guest and let them cut off the amount that they think best represents the waistline of the mother-to-be. After each guest has their string, have the mother to be go around the room and try out each string by wrapping it around her waist. The one that comes closest to her actual size wins.

27. Time Capsule – Contributed by: Lainey
    Ask each guest to bring an item for a time capsule. It could be anything from a newspaper cutting for the year he/she was conceived, to a poem written by a friend of the mother-to-be on their thoughts of the mother-to-be.

28. Zoo Babies – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
    Have someone name an animal like ‘bear’ and then everyone writes down what it’s baby is called (e.g. ‘cub’ for bear). The person with the most correct gets a prize too.

29. Onsie Messages – Contributed by: Shannon Ley
    Have some onsies of different sizes available and some permanent fabric markers so guests can write a message or draw a design on a onsie if they choose to. You can also ask each guest to bring their own onsie in the invitation. Be sure to have little pieces of cardboard cutouts to stick in each onsie so the markers don’t bleed through.

Do you have a favorite baby shower game not listed?  Please comment!

When your baby is born he does very little. Eats, poops, sleeps and cries. Crying is the only way that your baby can communicate and at this point, all the cries sound alike. As your baby gets older however you will begin to notice different cries coming from him and you will begin to recognize better what it is that your baby needs. As your baby gets older some of his reasons for crying will change, while others stay the same.

Hunger
Still one of the most obvious reasons for your baby to be crying is hunger. Your little one is growing and burning through calories so fast that it is hard to keep up with him. If he gets a growth spurt it can seem as if never stops eating. You will learn to recognize the cry of hunger from your baby.

Pain
A newborn has very little “pain” in most cases. However, as his grows the pain begins to appear, first in teething, then in bumps and bruises as he gets on the move around the house. The pain cry will probably be more of a shrill cry, one you haven’t heard before, and one you quickly learn to recognize.

Fear/Anxiety
As your baby gets older he may start to feel a little anxiety about being left alone or being away from you. If this is the case for your baby, a brand new cry will be heard and your baby will learn from your reaction to use that cry in these circumstances.

Tired
It is possible for your baby to get over tired. When this happens not only will he not want to go to sleep, but he will probably have a cry that is so pitiful that it breaks your heart. Try not to let your baby skip a nap or get too tired that he doesn’t want to go to sleep. If he does it may be a long night for all of you.

Stubbornness
You can’t spoil a baby but boy can they make you feel like they are spoiled. Your baby may decide to get stubborn and start crying till he gets his way. This cry will probably sound less pathetic than his other ones; instead sounding more angry and upset. If this is your baby, try not to give into his stubbornness, but offer him something else to divert his attention.

As your baby changes so will his ways of communication. Soon will come the day when your baby is talking back to you and you are wishing he could only cry. Remember that at this point your baby’s only way of communicating is still crying and that the faster you learn to understand him, the happier everyone will be.

We all know that taking care of a sick baby can be a tough, tiring task. The crying, fussiness, fevers, and coughs that never seem to end. Many times parents will think to themselves, “At least I am not sick, so I CAN take care of my baby.” What happens when you are sick though? How do you take care of your baby, whether he is sick or well when you are sick yourself?

Being sick is miserable. Fevers, chills, sore throats, and difficulty in breathing can make basic functioning a very tiring process. When it hurts to get out of bed, it can hurt to pick up your baby, feed him, change his diaper and get him dressed. Unfortunately parenting is one job where you can’t call in a sick day.

Young Baby
When you are sick it is best to remember to take as few steps as possible when it comes to doing for your baby. If your baby is young enough, have him lay in bed with you, and keep a pile of diapers and wipes nearby. If you are breastfeeding your baby you will need to be sure to keep your fluid intake up, and try to eat when you can. With everything within arms reach and your baby’s food readily available then you can spend most of your time resting, trying to get well. If your baby is formula fed then you can make one trip to the kitchen to collect a few bottles, formula and a pitcher or bottle of water so that you can easily make bottles for your baby without having to get out of bed too often.

Older Baby/Toddler
With an older baby or toddler, it might be easier to move yourself to another room, where most of the child’s toys are, or to move some toys to the living room so you can lounge on the couch. Have movies handy to help keep your baby entertained. If he is eating finger foods, you can have some of his favorites within your reach to give to him. This will help you keep your energy up as you are able to rest more, while helping your baby stay busy.

Accept Help
You have to remember that you can not do it all when it comes to taking care of yourself and your baby when you are sick. If you have friends or family that offer to take your baby or offer to come over and help at your house, let them. Don’t refuse the help and assistance when you are at your worst. You can’t take care of your baby properly if you are not well, and it may take you longer to get better if you can’t properly take care of yourself. The sooner you can get to be 100%, the sooner you are able to play with and enjoy your baby again.

Remember You Aren’t Alone
You aren’t the first mom, nor are you the first parent to get sick while having to take care of your baby. For as long as there have been mothers and babies, there have been sick moms and sick babies. Give yourself proper time and space to get well and you will be back to running around like crazy, changing diapers, doing laundry and cleaning the spit up before you know it.

By Michelle Shelton, Parenting Coach

With my first son, Phillip, we had a great Pediatrician from India. This man was very gentle with babies and you could tell when he held a baby that he loved children. When my son was a few days old, this doctor told me something that I had a difficult time grasping at first. He said, “Don’t wipe your baby’s bottom every time you change the diaper.”

This seemed foreign to me. I listened but I walked away thinking he didn’t know what he was talking about. I was under the impression that I was to clean that baby thoroughly every time I changed him. 

Well, I set out to do just what the doctor told me; after all, he was the expert and I was a new mom! I realized somewhere along the line that the doctor was right. The only time I would wipe the baby’s bottom was when he had a bowel movement never when he was wet. Looking back I realized how wise that doctor really was. He understood that the PH of the baby’s skin was the same as the acid in the urine. Rubbing the baby’s sensitive skin 9 or 10 times a day, coupled with the constant PH change was a sure cause of a sore baby bottom. The urine didn’t cause a diaper rash, the wiping did! There was one other culprit that would cause a rash and that was a bowel movement.

With 5 children over several years, I can tell you that diaper rash honestly did not happen at our house. I attribute this to a quick and immediate change with diaper wipes whenever there was a bowel movement and NO wiping baby’s bottom when there wasn’t a bowel movement. Over the years I received many snide comments from on-lookers and well-intentioned friends and family but I would happily report to them that it was the doctor’s orders! What could they say to that?

To wipe or not to wipe must be a personal decision and I will leave you with this bit of “only wiping with bowel movement” information to do with what you will. One more thing though, after years of dealing with doctors, I wish I could tell you that they were all “experts” and that you should always do exactly everything they say, unfortunately, I have not found this to be true. I have found that there are some really good doctors out there and even then you should use your best judgment when dealing you’re your child.

While we are on the subject of baby bottoms and baby wipes, you might want to use this recipe. I made these wipes for over 5 years and always had them on hand. They were easy and saved a lot of money and my husband and I always felt they were just as good as the store brand!

Home Made Baby Wipes
If you go to a second hand store you can pick up an electric knife for about $3 and use it to cut your paper towels in half the short way. I tried other paper towels that were cheaper than Bounty and they would fall apart and mold if you left them in the container, so stick with Bounty for best results.

• ½ Roll of Bounty paper towels
• 1-Cup Water
• 1 TBS baby oil
• 2 TBS baby shampoo or baby bath of your choice
• Rubbermaid cylinder type container or old baby wipe container.

Mix all liquid ingredients in cylinder container. Remove outside plastic and inner cardboard tube from paper towels and place them in the container and put the lid on tight. Flip container over and wait until towels are thoroughly saturated. Pull wipes from middle. Want a printable version of this recipe? Go to: http://www.keys2kids.com/babywipes print.htm

Happy wiping!

© 2003 by Michelle Shelton. All rights reserved

About the Author
Michelle Shelton is an author, parenting coach, parent consultant, acclaimed public speaker, and Arizona Real Estate Agent and parent educator. Michelle is the author of the well known column Life with all these Kids. Visit her web site www.askmichelleshelton.com or contact her at 480-577-8272.