Friday, September 23, 2011

Ten Tips for Preparing Your Home for Your new Baby’s Arrival!

How important is it to prepare for a baby? Just so you know, don't wait until a week before your due date to start preparing. Knowing from experience, your baby may arrive well before the due date, and you may be taken by surprise, ending up being unprepared, in total dismay or confusion, without anything in which to bring your baby home. So preparation is crucial.

Consider the following tips for the good of your newborn:

1. Do a little shopping and get some clothes and supplies for when the baby arrives. A baby blanket, socks and maybe a few newborn diapers. Newborn baby clothes should be soft non irritant and nonflammable but easy to put on and off. Clothes made from organic cotton will not irritate baby's sensitive skin. In addition, have you considered using eco-friendly products that are safe for the baby, and biodegradable products that are safe for the environment? Now is a good time to invest in green products for the health of your baby. They may be a little more expensive but in the long run they are better for you and your baby.
2. Buying a bassinet or a crib for your baby may require a little thought. Consider safety precautions, safety nets and positioning of baby for protection. This is a good time to sign up for recall updates and information. listserve@cpsc.gov is an excellent resource for finding out about the latest recalls to help protect you and your baby.
3. Car seats and baby carriers that follow safety regulations are important. You may also want to visit your local fire department to get help with proper installation techniques.
4. Don't forget bottle warmers, baby bottles, diaper warmers, sterilizers and a good breast pump for your feeding station. These all help make caring for your baby a little easier.
5. Baby medication and diaper rash ointment are must-haves. Make a list so you can pick these up ahead of time so that your medicine cabinet is well stocked.
6. Are your other children mentally prepared for the readjustment, you may not have time after the baby is born to secure them emotionally and to explain important issues to them.
7. Have you prepared your pets for your new baby's arrival? Sometimes pets need to be kept away from the baby and introduced at a suitable time so they can adjustment to the new arrival.
8. Find out about recommended pediatricians for your new baby.
9. Have your baby book with important information and telephone numbers on hand.
10. Last but not least, did you think of names for the baby? Discuss before hand with the Dad.

When buying for baby, consider Seventh Generation Free and Clear Chlorine free disposable diapers and baby wipes. They are good for your baby and the environment.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.(make sure you link to http://seventhgeneration.socialmoms.com/about)

#SeventhGeneration

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Best Days Playing Outdoors!

Playing outdoors is always a great way to get in some family time and fun, especially if the weather is good and there’s a lot going on. I have always had a lot of fun playing outside with my daughter and son. We live near the beach which gives us countless opportunities to play from sun up to sundown, especially in summer when the days are long and we are looking for things to do. Sometimes there are special events on the beach, which makes playing there even more fun.

Being outdoors is also an excellent way for the kids to stay healthy; after all, there is nothing like playing outside in the fresh sea breeze. One of the places we love to visit most is the water park on the beach. It has the most fantastic water slide, a mountain climbing rock wall, and some awesome monkey bars. The kids can play there for hours and never get bored. This is also a place where my kids meet their friends from around the neighborhood. The moms would pack picnic lunches and be out there all day long with the kids running in and out the sprinklers with the dusty sand between their toes and the moms taking pictures and shooting videos. Also, while the kids are doing their thing, the moms get a chance to relax and enjoy each others company knowing that all the kids are happy and safe. What wonderful memories we have!

Every year there is a sandcastle building contest. Everyone always tries to compete to see who could build the best sandcastle and win all the fun prizes. It never ceases to amaze us how someone who doesn't live near the beach wins the contest every year. Go figure!

Giving children access to sunlight and fresh air can only do the world of good, for their health and for their motivation. They are always more pleasant and even tempered, they even listen more, which makes parenting a more tolerable challenge. Playing outside always creates good memories that you remember for years to come.

Every now and then it brings a smile to my face when one of my kids says, "Mom, remember the time when we went to the beach and we had so much fun? We should do that again. These are really the best of times- for kids and parents alike. Did you take your kids outside to play today?


 If you love to play just click on the link below:


Take the  Clorox2® Play 2Day pledge to play outside!





“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox2® blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://clorox2.socialmoms.com