Have you ever gone to a baby store recently? There are so many products available that it’s overwhelming! Many first time parents wonder how many items they really need. Of course, everyone knows that you need diapers, clothes, and, if you aren’t nursing your child, bottles. You’ll also need a crib and a car seat. But beyond that, what do you REALLY need?

I’ve raised quite a few babies: our 6th child is due in August. I’ve learned a lot over my parenting career, mostly from my mistakes. I’ve spent a lot of money I really didn’t have to spend on too many gizmos I thought I needed, and I’ve not spent enough money other items that I actually did need. Right now, I’m creating a must have list as we are beginning to shop for our impending arrival. Read on to see my list!

Health Care Items

Many stores sell health care packages. Everything is nicely contained in a cute container and it looks so appealing. Usually, the price tag is expensive, but it’s worth it. Right? Wrong. You are paying for a bunch of items that you will never use and that cute container. Buy the items separately as you need them, if you need them. Store them in an inexpensive container.

There are two exceptions to this rule: a bulb syringe and nail clippers are an absolute necessity. Look for the syringe that is easy to clean and that has a safety tip. When purchasing the nail clippers, but the kind with the built up handle. They are easier to use.

While you are making purchases, consider buying a cool mist vaporizer. When your little one is congested, a vaporizer is so helpful!

Medicines

When your little one is sick, you’ll want to be prepared. Keep some items on hand now for future use. Some medicines to have include: Gas Drops, infant Tylenol drops, and salt water nose drops.

Comfort Care

The transition from the comfort of the womb to the “real world” can be a real shock for babies. There are a bunch of comfort care products on the market which help to soothe a crying or fussy baby. These are the items I am purchasing for our new baby.

Baby swings are worth every single penny they cost. Most babies love to sit in the swing; for some of my children, a swing was the only thing that helped with their colicky times. When purchasing a swing, look for one that has both a battery and electric option. If you choose to purchase the swing that just runs on batteries, buy re-chargeable batteries and a battery charger. Otherwise, this product can be expensive. I truly haven’t found that the models with the music and sounds work any better than the “regular” model. Don’t worry about that so much! If you can, check to see that the swing has different positions for the seat. For younger infants, it is helpful to have a seat that can recline. Otherwise, a tiny infant will slump over in the seat. Models that have several speeds are also helpful.

A baby sling is so helpful! I have used one for all of my children and I’ve found that it really helps reduce their crying. It is also great for busy moms because you have both hands free to fold laundry or do the dishes. Slings have been used by generations of mothers to calm their crying infants because it works. Many slings are available nowadays in a variety of trendy fabrics. You can even order a few to match different outfits.

Swaddling is an ancient technique used by parents to calm their crying child. When your child is in the nursery at the hospital, you’ll notice that the nurses swaddle the infants in receiving blankets. I never have been able to master the swaddling technique, but I found that I can “cheat” and get the same great results! You can buy swaddling pouches which help swaddle your baby easily and quickly. Simply slide your infant into the pouch and wrap the pouch wings around them. The wings attach to the sides of the pouch with velcro.

Bedding Items

When my children first came home from the hospital, I put them to sleep in a bassinet which I kept near my bed. I found that my children tended to sleep better in a bassinet than in a large crib. When they outgrew the bassinet, I moved them to a crib. If you decide to get a bassinet, make sure to get a model that can rock! This is so helpful to calm a crying infant.

You can never have too many crib and bassinette sheet sets! You’ll need at least four sets of each to be safe. Another product to check out is crib sheet savers. The idea is that you lay your infant’s head on the sheet saver which is on top of the sheet. If your child spits up, you just need to change the sheet saver and not the entire sheet. You can even get different colors to match your nursery color scheme!

Making Memories

It is incredible how quickly children grow and change. I recommend purchasing a quality digital camera which you will use regularly to help you remember all the special times that will happen during your baby’s first year. Above all else, remember to think about storing your photos in a safe place! It is fine to save your photos on your computer, but it’s best to save another copy elsewhere. You could accidentally delete the photo file, or your computer could crash. You don’t want to risk losing those memories.

Important Accessories

While you are shopping, don’t forget “the small stuff”. Pacifiers are an example of a small, but important accessory. I like to purchase silicon pacifiers because they seem to last longer than the latex ones. I also try to purchase orthodontic pacifiers which are better for baby’s teeth than the “regular” kind of pacifier.

A Boppy pillow is an essential purchase. If you are nursing, you can use the Boppy pillow to help you position the baby for feedings. As the baby grows, you can use the Boppy as a support when your baby is learning to sit. Remember to purchase at least two covers for your Boppy pillow just in case baby spits up on it!

I also found that a diaper Genie was a great item to have. The diaper Genie system minimizes the smell that can be so common in a baby’s room. It’s an effective and simple way to dispose of your babies diapers until you are able to empty the diaper pail. Remember to purchase a refill kit for your system. Your baby will go through a LOT of diapers during his or her first few weeks!

You made it to the bottom of my list! That’s not so bad, is it? Remember, preparing for you’re the arrival of your baby doesn’t have to take a huge bite out of your budget! Start early on in your pregnancy and purchase small amounts of items regularly. Before you know it, your pregnancy will be over, and you’ll be bringing home your beautiful bundle of joy.

Author: Michelle Schaefer

You have been waiting for this month since the first trimester began and you got your positive pregnancy test! At the end of this month you will be holding your precious baby in your arms. But are you ready for all that labor and delivery will bring?

You have probably had at least one baby shower, or if you already have kids you had several “left over” items you can use for this baby. Before you bring the baby home there are several essentials that you want to make sure you have waiting for you.

Infant/Convertible Car Seat
There are no ifs, ands or buts when it comes to having a car seat to bring your baby home in. If you have your baby in a hospital then you will not be allowed to leave the hospital without having your newborn secured in a car seat.

There are two types of car seats you can buy for your baby. One is an infant car seat. It is specifically designed to hold babies up to approximately 22 pounds and 26 inches, and being portable so you do not have to disturb a sleeping baby to get him out of a car. They are also convenient because you can strap your baby in while in the house and then just lock the car seat in the base.

The other type of car seat you might buy is a convertible car seat. This kind stays in your car all the time, but is designed to face backwards until your babies first birthday, and then sit forwards until your baby is about 40 pounds. Some convertible car seats can hold your baby till they are about 60 pounds.

Supplies
Before you head to the hospital, you should make sure you have your house well stocked on all the supplies you will need when you bring your baby home, so that you do not have to run to the store immediately. Make sure you have plenty of diapers, diaper rash ointment, baby powder, diaper wipes, wash cloths, scratch mitts, and gowns for your baby to sleep in. You will be tired upon arriving home from the hospital so having the supplies close at hand will help save time and save your energy.

A Place for Baby to Sleep
Make sure you have a plan for a place to lay your baby to sleep. There are many choices out there. You may choose to co-sleep with your baby in your bed. If so you might want to buy a sleep positioner to help keep your baby safe. Other choices for sleeping arrangements include a crib, a bassinet or a travel yard. Bassinets are designed to keep your baby close by you and can often be moved throughout the house.

Travel yards are often designed with built in bassinets that can be removed when the baby outgrows the weight limit. Travel yards are nice because not only can they be taken around the house, but they can be packed up and taken to Grandma’s for the day. Some babies will remain in a travel yard until they outgrow it and move into a toddler bed.

The majority of babies are placed in a crib at some point, whether it is when they are first brought home, or when they outgrow a bassinet. The crib is normally the center of a nursery, and can come in many styles and colors. Crib bedding that you pick will lead to the entire design of your nursery.

Baby Bath Tub
You want to make sure when you bring your baby home that you have a safe place to bathe him or her once the umbilical cord falls off. Newborns are too small to be placed in your bath tub and they will need support to keep from falling over. Some people choose to set their baby in a sink. If you choose to use the kitchen sink, you will want an infant bather to set the baby in, so that your baby doesn’t fall over. You can also set the bather up in the bath tub as the baby gets bigger and wash him there. There are several different types of baby bath tubs normally ranging between $10 to $40.

There are probably other products that you will find that you can’t live without once you get your baby home. If you find that you have forgotten something don’t panic. If possible send out a friend or family member to pick up the item for you so that you can concentrate on settling in with your new baby.

by Armin Brott

Dear Mr. Dad: My wife just had our first child. I’m insanely happy and I want to get more involved but I’ve never been around babies before and have absolutely no idea what I’m supposed to do with him. What do you suggest?

Armin answers: Although it may be tempting to just sit around and stare at your baby, marveling at every little thing he does, you’ll need to do a lot more than that if you’re really going to get to know him. Here are some of the best ways to start:

• Hold him. Newborns love to be carried around, held in your arms, held in a pack, etc.

• Talk to him. No, he can’t understand a word you’re saying. In fact, he barely even knows you exist. But talk anyway–explain everything you’re doing as you’re doing it, tell him what’s happening in the news, etc.–it’ll help him get to know the rhythm of the language.

• Change his diapers. It doesn’t sound like much fun, but it’s a great time to interact with the baby one-on-one, to rub his soft belly, tickle his knees, kiss his tiny fingers. For at least the first month or so, he needs to be changed every two hours–baby’s super-sensitive skin shouldn’t stew in human waste–so there are plenty of opportunities. And don’t worry: changing diapers is an acquired skill–in just a few days you’ll be able to do it with your eyes closed (although you probably shouldn’t—especially if you’re using pins). In the meantime, even if you don’t do it right, baby poop washes right off your hands and won’t stain your clothes. One hint, though: immediately after undoing the diaper, put something (like a towel or cloth diaper) over baby for a few seconds. The sudden rush of fresh air on the baby’s crotch can result in your getting sprayed.

• Play with him. During the first few weeks, forget about football and chess. But try to spend at least 20 minutes (probably broken into 5-minute installments) a day doing something with the baby one-on-one. Chatting, reading aloud, rocking, making faces, experimenting with the baby’s reflexes or even simply catching her gaze and looking into his eyes are great activities. Here are a couple of things to remember:

• Take your cues from the baby. If he cries or seems bored, stop what you’re doing. Too much playing can make your child fussy or irritable, so limit play sessions to five minutes or so.

• Be encouraging. Use lots of facial and verbal encouragement, smiles, and laughter. Although the baby can’t understand the words, he definitely understands the feelings. Even at only a few days old, he’ll want to please you, and lots of encouragement will help build his self-confidence.

• Be gentle-—especially with the baby’s head. Because babies’ heads are relatively large (one-quarter of their body size at birth vs. one-seventh by the time they’re adults) and their neck muscles are not yet well developed, their heads tend to be pretty floppy for the first few months. Be sure to support the head—from behind—at all times, and avoid sudden or jerky motions.

About the Author:
Armin Brott, hailed by Time as “the superdad’s superdad,” has written or co-written six critically acclaimed books on fatherhood, including the newly released second edition of Fathering Your Toddler: A Dad’s Guide to the Second and Third Years. His articles have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Newsweek, American Baby, Parenting, Child, Men’s Health, The Washington Post among others. Armin is an experienced radio and TV guest, and has appeared on Today, CBS Overnight, Fox News, and Politically Incorrect. He’s the host of “Positive Parenting,” a weekly radio program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit Armin at www.mrdad.com.

Having a baby can be expensive, but there are ways to cut down on your expenses. When you become overwhelmed, remember this: if you waited until you had enough money, time and energy to have your baby, you would probably never have children. Here are a few ways to ease the strain on your budget, so that you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.

1. Health Insurance. This is one area which is a HUGE concern. Yes, insurance can be expensive, but you will need it. You simply can not afford to cut this cost from your budget. You can reduce insurance costs by checking into HMO policies which have lower premiums and out of pocket expenses. Many states have free shot clinics which can help lower your expenses. If you can’t afford to carry insurance, see if your state has insurance for people in your situation. Many states will cover insurance premium costs if your income is under a certain level.
2. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. If you can’t breastfeed, there are ways to save money on formula. Try to apply for WIC (Women , Infants, and Children), a program designed to help middle and low income families with educational resources and food. You can also save money by buying formula in bulk, clipping coupons, and accepting free samples whenever they are offered. Check with your doctor to see if you can feed your infant a generic formula.
3. Diapers. Store brand disposable diapers can be just as good as the name brand, for several dollars less than their name brand counterparts. Experiment until you find a store brand that works for you and your baby. Clipping coupons also can help to lower diaper expenses.
4. Baby food. You can save a lot of money buy making your own baby food. You can use a blender or a baby food grinder to grind table food for baby. Simply put the puree into an ice cube tray and freeze. Then place the cubes in a labeled freezer bag. When your baby is hungry, you can microwave the food cubes.
5. Clothing. There is no need to buy expensive designer clothing for you little one. You can get most of your baby clothing at yard sales or second-hand stores. If you have a neighbor or friend with slightly older children, ask if she would be willing to send some “hand me downs” your way. Remember that many discount stores also sell inexpensive clothing.
6. Toys. Don’t feel pressured to get the latest and most expensive models. I remember buying expensive toys for my first child one Christmas only to find that she spent the entire day playing with boxes and wrapping paper. Kids don’t need a lot of toys; quality is more important than quantity.

What other suggestions do you have for reducing baby expenses?

Author: Michelle Schaefer

By Elizabeth Pantley, Author of Gentle Baby Care

Question
To Grandmother’s house we go! And we’ll be in the car for five whole hours? How can we make the trip enjoyable with a baby along?

Learn about it
There’s no question: Marathon car trips with a baby on board take a good amount of planning and organization. But it can be done, and yes, it can even be fun!

Planning the trip
In the hustle that precedes a trip, it can be easy to let things happen, instead of make things happen. Be proactive in making your trip decisions. Contemplating these questions, and coming up with the right answers, can help make your trip more successful:

Does your baby sleep well in the car? If yes, plan your travel time to coincide with a nap or bedtime so your baby can sleep through part of the journey. If not, plan to leave immediately after a nap or upon waking in the morning. Don’t fool yourself into thinking your baby will behave differently than usual in the car just because it’s a special occasion.

Is it necessary to make the trip all at once, or can you break it up with stops along the way? The longer your baby is strapped in the carseat, the more likely he’ll become fussy. Planning a few breaks can keep everyone in a better frame of mind.

When estimating an arrival time, have you factored in plenty of extra time for unplanned surprises? A diaper explosion that requires a complete change of clothes or a baby whose inconsolable crying requires an unexpected 20-minute stop are just two of the things that can easily happen.

Do you have everything you need to make the trip pleasant? Items like:

By Nancy Dean

If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard your grandparents telling you how lucky you are and singing the praises of disposable diapers. Way back then, the only option was cloth diapers, which require a ton of laundry work. See, less than thirty years ago, disposable diapers were considered a luxury. Nowadays, everyone uses cloth diapers and people that use cloth diapers for their babies are considered to be odd. There are several reasons that modern parents might want to use cloth diapers instead of disposables, and, believe it or not, cloth diapers are starting to make a bit of a comeback.

The main reason that a parent may choose to start using cloth diapers instead of the name brand disposables is the cost. Cloth diapers are much cheaper than disposables, even if the parents are paying a diaper service to haul away the used diapers and bring clean ones each week. Disposable diapers can easily cost well over one hundred dollars per month or more, and you’ll be paying this expense every month for around two years. Many parents are starting to forgo the convenience of disposables to save this extra money.

There are also environmental issues to consider. Disposable diapers are made out of plastic and a pad of absorbent cotton. Plastic does not biodegrade well at all, which means that our landfills are filled with diapers that aren’t going away anytime soon. Most people believe that the convenience offered by disposable diapers outweighs this fact. They might not consciously make this choice, but their actions speak for themselves. Environmentalists believe that those who use cloth diapers are taking one small step which goes a long way to protect and preserve the Earth for future generations.

Those whiny parents and grandparents might still have a few bones to pick with today’s parents who decide on using cloth diapers, because the today’s cloth diapers are much different from those that they were using on their own kids and grandkids several decades ago. They are used to awkward folding and having to use safety pins to fasten the diaper to the baby. Modern cloth diapers are pre-cut and shaped to cover the baby’s backside quickly and easily. They also have Velcro fasteners or snaps to make it easier to secure. One other added feature is that many cloth diapers now come with a flushable, biodegradable paper lining hold in solid waste so you can easily flush it down the toilet. So no more stinky diapers sitting around waiting for trash pickup day.

Cloth diapers are currently used by only a very small percentage of parents, but they are still out there and available. Any parent concerned with the cost or environmental impact of disposable diapers should seriously consider going with cloth.

About the Author
Nancy Dean is a freelance author and mother of three. She contributes to several websites and specializes in articles about children and decorating.

Raising your baby is going to cost a lot of money, no matter how you look at it. There are several things you can do however to help it be a little bit easier on your check book while still giving your baby the quality he deserves.

Nursery
When you go to register for your baby’s nursery you will probably see a lot of dollar signs. There are all kinds of themed, fancy bedding sets that can cost you hundreds of dollars. That is on top of the cost you have for the crib, dresser, changing table and other furniture items you may choose to buy. In reality the expensive crib bedding will do you little good. It is recommended that you do not use soft comforters and blankets as they can increase the chance of SIDS. Your baby will definitely need sheets and a bumper to protect his head as he starts moving around (before he can sit up), but you can pick up those items very inexpensively, and save the rest of your money for the diapers you are sure to need! 

A crib can be another expensive item. A choice that is growing in popularity is buying a crib that can convert from a crib into a toddler bed. You can even find cribs that convert from a toddler bed into a twin or full size bed for when your baby gets bigger. These are nice because it saves you money down the road when your baby starts eating you out of house and home, and you have school costs piling up.

You can also save money by purchasing a dresser that has an area for changing your baby on top, or one that you can put a pad on to help you change your baby. This cuts out the cost of the changing table that you will not use much probably after your baby’s first birthday. As your baby enters toddler hood and is running and busy you will find that it is often easier to just stop and change your baby where he is playing, or while he is standing, than it is to drag your baby from his toys to his room to change his diaper.

Necessities
While you may think that many things would be great to have, like a diaper wipe warmer, most are actually unneeded and items you could cut out to save a little money. You will definitely need a car seat and stroller, and having a swing and bassinet is a great idea. However the little things like baby food organizers and special dishwasher items are things you can do without. With the exception of the car seat, check out consignment shops and yard sales for the bigger and more expensive items. Generally with a good cleaning, most items could be used again, safely for your baby. Also be sure to check out the recall list put out by the manufacturer of any product that you buy new.

Since your baby is going to grow so fast shopping for clothing at consignment shops, thrift stores or garage sales can save you a lot of money as well. Baby clothes can quickly cause you to go broke if you have to buy them new and because babies out grow them so fast your baby will probably only wear his outfits once or twice before they don’t fit. This is true for most people so you can normally find clean, almost new and sometimes even brand new with tag items at used clothing venues.

Diapers and Baby Food
Both diapers and baby food can be done much more naturally in an effort to keep the max amount of money in your pocket. Disposable diapers are very expensive and alone can take all your money. There are diapering options such as cloth diapering and flushable diapers that can save you a lot of money and some claim will cause less diaper rashes and discomfort for your baby.

Baby food is often around 50 cents a jar on the shelf. It is much more inexpensive to make your own by making extra dinner and using a blender and some breast milk to blend your own veggies and fruits from leftovers. As your baby gets older and stronger you can blend up meats and noodles as well to give to him. You can thin out store bought oatmeal and blend up rice to make your baby’s first cereals. If you choose to do organic food, which is already more expensive, then making your own baby food will save you even extra!

Breastfeeding vs. Formula
Cans of formula are very expensive and can easily be wasted if your baby doesn’t eat as much as you make, or you spill as you are preparing a bottle. Breastfeeding is nature’s way of feeding a baby that is not only the healthiest for the baby but is free! Breastfeeding is the best nourishment that you can give your baby. If you have to use formula be sure to sign up on all the formula websites and look for coupons. You will save a lot of money with coupons and freebies of formula that companies will send you.

Coupons
There are baby coupons in papers almost every Sunday. Whether it is for bath products, diapers or food, be sure to look for these coupons. In the long run the savings will add up! Ask your friends and neighbors to clip their baby coupons for you, or if they don’t clip coupons, ask them if they will give you their batch of coupons. Watch for sales at stores on products you have coupons for, and even watch for stores to do double and triple coupon offers. Take advantage of every money saving offer you can.

Once the umbilical cord has come off your baby you can start giving him baths! Some babies love baths, other babies detest them; if you are lucky yours will love his bath. What do you need to know before you start however and how can you make it easier?

Checklist:
What items do you need to have prepared before you put your baby in the bath in order to make your job go smoother?

____ A sparkling clean baby bath (or sink) with soft insert (towel or sponge, also clean)
____ Running water
____ Baby soap
____ A warm room
____ Wash cloth and small face washing cloth
____ Clean baby towel
____ Clean outfit
____ Two clean diapers (just in case)
____ A baby!

Tips:

• Have everything ready before you start the bathing process.
• Make sure the room is warm – if necessary, use a space heater to help warm it up.
• In a small bowl, mix a little baby soap with warm water. Use this solution for washing so you won’t have to worry about getting too much soap on an already slippery baby.
• Want to remember these early days? Get someone else to take a picture or two of your little one in the bath.

Step-by-step:
1. Choose a clean place to bathe your baby. The kitchen sink, since it’s higher it won’t strain your back as much, is a popular place for a baby to take their first bath. You can also use a baby bath. You will want to use a foam bath mat or washcloth at the bottom of your “tub” so that your baby doesn’t slip.

2. Make sure that the room is warm and draft-free and have everything – from soap to towel – ready.

3. Don’t plan on answering the phone or the door or using the facilities. Babies can drown quickly in as little as two inches of water so stay within arms reach of your baby at all times.

4. Fill the bath a few inches deep with warm water. Some babies don’t like the water running while they are in the bath. If this is your baby turn it off before you put him in.

5. Slowly get the baby undressed. Tell your baby what is going to be happening and make it sound like fun. Babies will learn what bath time is and get excited, often kicking and squealing if they know it is something you are excited about as well.

6. Slowly put your baby in the tub, supporting her neck and body the whole way as she gets used to it.

7. Start washing her face. Use a very small amount of soap. (We cut a soft towel into little strips for washing the baby’s face.) They really don’t like having their whole face covered, so just wash one small area at a time.

8. Some people will start with the head next and work their way down, but if your baby isn’t really dirty you may want to do the body first. Heat is lost through babies head so often if you wash their hair first and then wash their body they may get chilled. Don’t forget to get behind the ears, her neck and under the arms – all places where stuff can accumulate.

9. Wash your baby’s arms and legs. It’s amazing the lint that collects in their little fingers and toes, so make sure to rinse those areas well.

10. Clean around the belly button, and finally, the diaper zone. Remember to rinse this area thoroughly so that there isn’t soap left there that will irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.

11. Once you’ve washed the front of baby, it’s time to clean the back. Cup your hand around the baby’s neck and hold your little one up so that with the other hand, you can clean her back and rear.

12. Almost done! Lean your baby back and hold on tight, they are slippery! Place a hand under each arm, lean her slowly forward and pick her up out of the bath. Gently lay her down on the towel.

13. Dry off your baby thoroughly. Some babies like hooded towels (they are cute) and it’s comforting to them and keeps their wet heads warm. (Make sure the hood doesn’t descend into their eyes). Hood or no hood, make sure that you keep your little one’s head warm while you dry her.

14. Your baby’s clean! Time for a new diaper and a clean outfit.

When you get pregnant you tend to get your name on lists at the local maternity stores and baby stores and things start rolling in with the mail. Everyone wants to get you hooked and get you to give them your business. This is true as well in the hospital where when you give birth you will be given at least one bag (normally either a diaper bag or bottle carrier), from a formula manufacturer with a can of formula as well as papers and flyers offering freebies and samples to you.

You may wonder how you can make the most of the free stuff on the market for you and your baby. Knowing what companies to call and what they will give you is a good start! Make a list, keep it close, and don’t forget to ask to be put on mailing lists for these companies in order to receive new products when they are available.

Diapers
There are several companies that will send you free diapers allowing you to have a wide selection of diapers to try and figure out which one fits your baby the best. Different butts have different shapes, and while most manufacturers won’t admit it, different diapers will fit different babies…well differently. Here are a few of your choices.

Procter & Gamble (Pampers)
In the United States or Canada, call (800) 543-0480, (800) 726-7377
US web site: www.Pampers.com
Canadian web site: www.Pampers.ca

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Huggies)
In the United States or Canada, call (800) 544-1847
www.huggies.com

Associated Hygenic Products (Drypers)
PO Box 8830
Vancouver, WA 98666-8830
In the United States or Canada, call (888) 639-5863
www.drypers.com

Procter & Gamble (Luvs)
In the United States or Canada, call (800) 543-0480, (800) 726-7377
www.luvs.com

Formula
Breastfeeding is best for your baby but there are some instances where a woman is unable to breastfeed or unable to breastfeed as long as she would like too. Because of this there are formula companies out there that can not wait to send you samples and coupons so that you will buy their formula.

PBM Products Inc. (America’s Store Brand Infant Formulas)
In the United States, call (800) 485-9969
www.storebrandformulas.com

Mead Johnson Nutritionals (Enfamil)
In the United States, call: (800) BABY-123
In Canada, call (800) 361-6323
US web site: www.meadjohnson.com

Similac Welcome Addition Club
In the United States, call (800) BABYLINE
In Canada, call 800-518-CLUB
www.welcomeaddition.com

Nestle Carnation Infant Nutrition
In the United States, call (800) 242-5200
In Canada, call (800) 387-5536
US web site: www.verybestbaby.com
Canadian web site: www.nestle.ca

Baby Food
Once your baby has turned six months and is ready to start on solids you will be faced with a number of food choices on the market. Not only food choices, but different choices in makers of sippy cups, bowls and spoons. Just like with formula, the baby food companies are willing to send you all the samples they have in order to help sway you to buying their product.

HJ Heinz Company
In the United States, call (800) USA-BABY
In Canada, call (800) 565-2100
www.heinzbaby.com

Gerber Products Company
In the United States & Canada, call (800) 4GERBER
US web site: www.gerber.com/special
Canadian web site: www.gerbercanada.com

Baby Care
Johnson and Johnson is the biggest supplier of baby wash and baby care products. While they probably do not NEED to give away samples to the extent that the diaper companies and formula companies do, their coffers are still bulging with free things that they can give away to you. Be sure to contact them to get samples of their products, many of which will be perfect to stick in the diaper bag in case you need to give your baby a quick bath when you are at grandmas.

Johnson & Johnson
In the United States, call (800) 526-3967
In Canada, call (800) 361-8068
US web site: www.johnsonsbaby.com
Canadian web site: www.jnjCanada.com

There is no doubt that your baby will cost you a lot of money in a lot of ways. Why not start doing what you can while you are pregnant to keep your costs down as much as you can. After all, the money you save on diapers can buy a great new toy for your new little angel. Also, done forget to check out our offers page to find new and exciting freebies that you can get!

There are always new things coming out on the market for your baby; new toys, new clothes, new types of furniture items. When it comes to diapers though, the market has been pretty steady. You have disposable diapers like Pampers and cloth diapers. That is easy enough! Until now…a new diaper is on the market: the flushable.

Yes, you heard us right, you can now put your baby’s sensitive bottom in a diaper that you can take off, throw in the toilet and flush away! This keeps the dirty, disposable diapers out of the landfills and helps keep the risk of ground water contamination low from your baby’s poop! You can flush your baby’s poop away so that it gets broken down properly in our sewage treatment facilities, safely treated and where the valuable nutrients can be utilized as biosolids. Best part is the flushable diapers consist of no chlorine, perfumes or dyes that could hurt your baby’s skin.

Environment
On the other end of the spectrum, people who do home composting for their gardens can add the diapers that are ONLY wet to their compost and use it to help their garden be healthy. The diapers will completely decompose within six months (vs. 500 years with your traditional disposable diaper), and your garden will love you!

Fashion
Not only are they easy to use, and help keep the stink out of your baby’s room, but they are fashionable as well! The diapers consist of a cover and an insert, much like a cloth diaper would. The covers have a snap in liner, which can be replaced if necessary, and the refills sit in these liners for easy removal and flushing. The covers come in a variety of fabric colors and patterns from solids to florals, and come in three sizes which your baby can wear all the way up to 35 pounds. The covers called “little g” pants can also be used as covers for your cloth diapers.

Cost
There are many questions you may be asking about when it comes to buying your flushable diaper. Among these is probably wondering where you can get them and how much they cost. You can order them online from www.gdiapers.com or you can buy them at your local Whole Foods Market or Wild Oats store. The diaper covers are approximately $15.00 a piece and the inserts range from $15.00 for a small package of refills to $45 for a larger package of refills. For some cost is not a problem when it comes to helping keep the environment safe and healthy for our children, grand children and even great grandchildren. In order to see if flushable diapers are for you, there is even a starter kit available that includes the inserts and covers for $25.00.

Controversy
There is a lot of controversy on whether or not these flushable diapers are really environmentally friendly. People question if it is just causing more build up of paper in the sewage system. Paper tends to decompose much faster than disposable diapers do so for some this may be a moot point. It is important that you do your research though regarding all options when it comes to diapering your baby so that you can make the best decision for your family and your family’s finances.