How to Make Your Own Baby Wipes

Baby wipes have long been hailed as a godsend for parents, and many parents use them for far more than just their intended purpose. In addition to being used to clean up messy babies during a much-need diaper change, lots of parents swear by using them to wipe up messes, act as a mini-shower, and serve as tissues, paper towels, and napkins. However have you ever taken the time to look at the ingredients listed on your baby wipes packaging?  Are the ingredients listed full of words that you can’t pronounce?  Babies have sensitive skin, and the harsh ingredients in commercial wipes can irritate a baby’s soft bottom, not to mention while wipes are super convenient, they can also get pretty expensive. By making your own baby wipes you will not only save money, but you can use gentle ingredients that won’t harm or irritate your baby’s delicate skin.

Gather together the following items:

• 4 qt. round or square container with a lid (wide enough for paper towel roll to fit in and tall enough for ½ of the roll to fit)
• Roll of 2-ply paper towel (Bounty select-a-size work well)
• 2 tablespoons of baby wash
• 2 tablespoons of mineral oil (use coconut oil or vegetable oil if sensitive skin)
• 2 ½ cups of hot water
• Cutting board
• Knife

Start by cutting the roll of paper towel in half using the knife.  Pull the cardboard core out of the paper towel halves.  The last paper towel is usually glued on, but with a little work you can get it to come loose.  Place half of the paper towels into the container, cut side down.  Measure the hot water, add the baby wash and oil to the water, and stir.  Pour this mixture over the paper towels.  Put the lid on and turn the container upside down.  Allow the container to sit for about 5 minutes.  Flip container back over and now the wipes are ready to use.  Cut an “X” in the lid of the container if you’d like to pull the wipes through.  Otherwise you can just take the lid off each time.  Start pulling wipes from the center.

Since there are no preservatives in these wipes there is a chance for mold to form.  To avoid this keep them in a cool place that is out of direct sunlight.  If you are worried about mold you can add 4 drops of tea tree oil to the water before adding it to the paper towels.  Tea tree is a natural antiseptic and will help to prevent any mold from forming.

You can also customize these wipes to suit you and your baby’s needs.  It’s simple to add a few drops of lavender essential oil if you’d like to have scented wipes.  Lavender also has antiseptic properties.

Homemade wipes can also be used in your travel wipes container, or you can simply throw some in a zip top bag and go.

The savings on these wipes will vary by where you live, but on average you can save about $10 a month by making your own wipes.  Homemade wipes tend to be moister then store bought ones, so some parents think they work better as well. If the wipes seem too wet for your liking just decrease the amount of water you use the next time you make them.

 P. S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Kaitlyn Johnson   I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.newborncare.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-baby-wipes/

Is the Bedtime Story a Dying Art

Storytelling used to be the only way families could pass on knowledge from generation to generation.  There were no books or computers to keep track of information.  Those born in 2012 are looking at the possible extinction of the paper book in their lifetime.  E-readers are so compact and can hold so much information that they are much easier and more convenient to hold and take along.  Will this change bring back the art of the bedtime story, or further help to get rid of it?

It’s not that children aren’t getting bedtime stories. They are, but they are stories read from a book.  With millions of books available it’s often easier to grab one of those than to come up with you own story.  According to Rick Polito, creator of Shake-N-tell, by reading books to our kids we are showing them how to be consumers and not creators.  Though reading books is very important in helping children learn to read, hearing original stories helps them learn to imagine.

Kids enjoy stories that are about things that have happened in their family.  You could call these stories non-fiction.  Tell your children about adventures you had when you were young.  Let them know how you spent your days.  In the days before computers and massively complicated video games kids actually played outside and made mud pies.  Use your stories as a jumping off point.  If you were once chased by a bumble bee, put yourself in the character of the bumble bee and tell the story from that perspective.

It seems that it’s easier and quicker to just grab a book at bedtime.  Parents are tired and want to sit down, put their feet up and relax a little before going to bed.  Keep in mind that your kids are only young once and if you make up stories for them at bedtime it is likely that they will do the same for their children.

Telling and sharing stories puts a personal spin on them.  There’s something about hearing stories that connects the teller and the listener.  Watch how differently your child looks at you when you read them a story versus when you tell them a story.  There are no pictures to look at because you are creating pictures with your words in their imaginations.  The stories are more interactive because the kids can ask questions about the characters.  When you read a book it’s not really possible to get into the author’s head.  Kids really like being able to find out the “back story” and will be that much more drawn in.  If you can help your kids use their imaginations they will be more prepared for all of the writing they will do in school.  Teachers ask the kids daily, to write a page about … fill in the blank.  If you have laid the ground work with your kids in story telling they will have no trouble writing these stories in school.

Then there are those people that say they can’t come up with their own stories.  They say that they are just not good at it.  You know the saying, “There’s an app for that!”  Well there is and it’s free.  It’s called Shake-N-Tell.  This application helps by providing the bones of a story and lets you use your imagination to embellish the details of the story.  The kids can help tell the story too.  Even if you don’t use it as a bedtime tool it would be a fun way to make a long car ride go by faster.

The creator of this application, Rick Polito, is a newspaper reporter turned stay-at-home dad and it occurred to him after talking with some of his friends that this application might help those people that are tired from a long day and are unable to come up with their own stories.  He wanted to give people the tools to create their own stories and possibly jump start their imaginations and get them to create their own after a while.

Give storytelling a try with your kids tonight and watch their imaginations grow.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication byCarol Watson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.nationalnannies.com/blog/is-the-bedtime-story-a-dying-art/

10 Clothing Basics to Buy for a Mix and Match Kid’s Wardrobe

Back to school time is the prime time to go through your child’s existing wardrobe and figure out what still fits and what’s no longer an option. It’s also the perfect time to clean out the closets and the drawers and get ready to add some new and fun pieces to her wardrobe.  Before you invest in new clothes, though, take inventory of what your child still has that fits.  Either take pictures of these pieces or make yourself a list prior to going shopping so you don’t double up on the same items.  To maximize her wardrobe, you will want to buy pieces that coordinate with the ones that she already has.

1. Jeans are a must.  Jeans are a wardrobe staple that match just about everything, so having a few pairs on hand is never a bad thing. Colored jeans are all the rage right now, so make sure to pick up at least one pair of those.  Stick to a few pairs of basic blue jeans as well so that they can be mixed and matched with tops.
2. Leggings are great for girls. For girls, leggings are a must wear item.  They can be paired with a cute dress or a long shirt, or they can be worn under a shorter skirt.  Choose basic colors like navy, black, and white when buying leggings so that you can mix and match them easily.
3. A basic white shirt goes with everything.  For both boys and girls, buying a basic white shirt is a closet staple. The white shirt doesn’t have to be a plain t-shirt though, and you can buy girls a pretty blouse and boys a white button-down or polo.  Make sure to use bleach when you wash these because a bright white shirt looks great, but a dingy gray one does not.
4. Underwear and socks are very important.  As kids grow it’s often overlooked if they need bigger underwear or new socks.  See how your child’s are fitting and assess if she needs some new ones.
5. A jacket or hoodie will allow kids to layer.  Fall is an especially tricky time to dress for the weather since it frequently changes throughout the day, so putting your kids in layers will help them stay comfortable all day long.  If it’s a little cool in the morning when he walks to school a jacket or hoodie will keep him warm, but you don’t want to dress him in a sweatshirt because by afternoon it will have warmed up and he will be hot.  Sometimes the air conditioning in schools can seem too cold to some so having a way to keep the chill off will make your child more comfortable.
6. Tennis shoes are a must for gym class.  Kids don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest brand name shoes, but they do need shoes that fit well and allow them to move quickly with ease.  Whatever your budget, it’s important that the shoes fit and support her growing feet.
7. Boys will need a pair of nicer slacks.  Sometimes schools will take the kids on a field trip to see a play or musical and ask that they dress up for the event.  Having a pair of dress slacks that can be paired with the basic white shirt that you’ve already bought will give them an easy option when they need to look a little nicer.
8. Girls may need a dress.  This dress does not have to be overly frilly and full of ruffles, but it shouldn’t be too casual either.  Find something comfortable that would be age appropriate for your girl.
9. Dress shoes are needed.  To go with the boys’ dress pants and with the girls’ dress a pair of dress shoes is needed.  Unlike the tennis shoes that will most likely be worn almost every day, the dress shoes can be inexpensive if they aren’t going to be worn frequently.  Buy something very basic, like a black or brown shoe that can be worn with most colors.
10. A winter coat is a must in most climates.  Some areas of the country will use this more often than others, but most areas will need a winter coat at some point during the year.  How heavy the coat is will be determined by where you live.  If you have almost six months of winter, like in the Midwest and Northern states, you will want to get a coat that is heavy or has several separate layers. Warmer climates may only need a light parka.

Buying clothes in basic colors can extend her wardrobe and increase her ability to mix and match her clothes.  Adding a hoodie to an outfit will change the entire look of an outfit.  Having shirts that can be worn with jeans, leggings, or a skirt will give her the versatility to make different looks throughout the year.  While these are just the basics, you should also plan to pick up a few special items for picture day or other times when she wants to look especially nice.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Tina Marconi.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:


http://www.babysitters.net/blog/10-clothing-basics-to-buy-for-a-mix-and-match-kid%E2%80%99s-wardrobe/

How to Teach Your Child to Tie Their Shoes Without Bunny Ears

Tying your shoes is something that most people do almost every day, often without even thinking about it, but with the invention of Velcro shoes some parents are putting off teaching their children how to tie their shoes.  However tying shoes is a necessary lesson that can be taught when a child is young.  If your child can handle a pair of scissors and successfully cut paper then she has the dexterity to tie her own shoes.  Kids should have the ability to tie their shoes between the ages of 3 and 6.

The easiest way to start teaching your child to tie her shoes is to get a couple of adult shoes out to practice on, one for you and one for her.  On her shoe it might make the teaching process easier if you re-lace her shoe with a white lace in which you have taken a marker and colored half of the lace.  That way you can refer to the white lace and to the colored lace instead of trying to explain right and left to her.

If your child’s dominant hand is the same as yours, sit side by side with her to teach her.  If your child has the opposite dominant hand, then sit across from her.  This will ensure that you are not teaching her backwards.

Step 1: Cross the laces and tuck one lace underneath the other lace and pull both laces tight to the shoe.

Step 2: Make a loop out of one of the laces.  While holding that loop tightly in one hand, use the other hand to wrap the straight lace around the loop.  Show her how to tuck the straight lace through the hole beneath the loop that she is holding.  Let go of the loop.

Step 3: Take a loop in each hand and pull tight.  Adjust the loops until they are about the same.

Step 4: Take a loop in each hand and cross them, just like she did at the beginning with the laces.  She will tuck one loop under the other and pull tight.  Now she has double tied her shoes and they shouldn’t come untied.

Step 5: Practice, practice, practice!

Allow your child to practice with you and patiently help her perfect her skills.  This lesson could take as little as 45 minutes or it could take several days, depending on how quickly your child picks up on the technique.  Make the process fun and your child will want to keep practicing.  If you get upset with her then she won’t want to continue practicing because it will no longer be fun.

Once she has mastered tying the big shoe let her practice on her own little shoe.  This will be harder because the laces will be much shorter.  After she has gotten good at tying her shoe with it off her foot, show her how to loosen the laces and put her shoe on and then tighten up the laces and tie her shoe.  She can sit and practice this skill on her own at this point.  Make sure that you lavish her with praise every step of the way.  Soon you will be able to have her put her own shoes on and tie them herself.  This is a huge accomplishment for her and one she should be proud of.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Meghan Welker.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.babysitting.net/blog/how-to-teach-your-child-to-tie-their-shoes-without-bunny-ears/

30 Killer Blogs Full of Snack Ideas for Kids

It’s not uncommon to fall back on snack staples when it comes to getting food to your kids during their afternoon snack attacks, however sometimes those old standbys can get a little stale. These 30 blogs offer tons of fun, new snack ideas for you to try to keep the kids satisfied when the afternoon munchies strike.
Homemade Snacks for Kids
By making homemade snacks that look and taste like the store bought varieties that kids love you achieve two goals.  First, you can control the ingredients that go into the snacks and second, you can save money.  Kids won’t feel like they are missing out on what their friends are eating when they’re served these snacks.

• Recipes for making granola bars, goldfish crackers and more
• Free e-cookbook for copycat recipes for store bought snacks
• Recipes for personal pizzas and other yummy snacks
• Frozen custard recipe along with many other snacks
• Recipes for homemade girl scout cookies

Snacks for kids following the Paleolithic Diet
The Paleo diet, or Caveman diet as it is also known by, is made up of food that is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, soy-free and preservative-free.  Eating like the cavemen used to eat before foods became commercialized and filled with chemicals can be a smart, healthy choice for kids with allergies.

• Recipes that are gluten free, grain free, dairy free, lactose free, soy free etc
• Recipes for snacks and meal ideas
• Trail mix recipe and other kid meals
• Recipes for Paleo Crunch and a new product reviewed
• Recipes from Paleo cookbooks

Bento or Muffin Tin Snacks
Bento boxes are of Japanese decent and contain many little boxes or compartments within a larger box.  Bento boxes can be used for lunches as well as snacks.  Muffin tin snacks are similar to Bento boxes in that they utilize a variety of small foods making up the lunch or snack, but obviously there is no box to hold the muffin tin.  Muffin tins are a fun way to serve lunches and snacks at home.

• Healthy wraps, fruit and other small bites
• Nutritionist and blogger that loves bento boxes
• Fun and fabulous snack ideas that are nutritious too
• Tons of muffin tin snack and lunch ideas
• Muffin tin nibbles and many other snack ideas

Vegetarian and Vegan Snack ideas
Vegetarian or vegan snacks are a great idea whether you’re a vegetarian or not.  Children need to eat approximately 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to get all of the vitamins and minerals they need.

• Many yummy suggestions for using eggs, veggies and cheese
• Yogurt parfaits to baked potatoes the snack ideas abound
• Ants on a log to a butterfly snack this blogger is very creative
• Mini versions of larger things make for great snacks
• Snacks the kids will want to eat

Snack Ideas for Busy Moms
When kids walk in the door from school you know what comes next. “I’m hungry.”  With everything that busy moms have going on, it’s nice to have snacks ready and waiting and snack ideas for things kids can easily pull together themselves.

• Make ahead ideas so kids can help themselves
• Planning and organizing ideas to make snack time simple
• Inexpensive ideas to feed the kids when they need a snack
• Fun and easy snacks to keep kids busy and full
• Even toddlers can help make some of these recipes

Healthy Snacks that Kids Will Love
Snacks that are healthy and fun to eat are a winning combination.  These bloggers have kids too, and have found some healthy snack options that their kids love.

• Spiced edamame and frozen treats cover both hot and cold snacks
• Healthy ideas with some unusual ideas
• Healthy ideas for mind and body
• High Protein Snack ideas
• Funny and idea filled with healthy snacks
•  P.S.. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Paul Taylor,  I'm therefore publishing it by his invitation and under his permission. See also the link below fore more information:  
•  
•  http://www.babysittingjobs.com/blog/30-killer-blogs-full-of-snack-ideas-for-kids/
•  

How to Keep Baby Cool in the Summer Without AC

Staying cool during the summer isn’t just a desire for babies, it’s a necessity. Babies who become overheated can suffer terrible consequences, ranging from heat exhaustion to heatstroke. While babies can’t exactly tell you when they are hot, there are signs that can indicate your baby is overheating. Some signs that indicate overheating include your baby being extremely thirsty, tired, and having skin that is cool and moist.

Overheating is one of the leading causes of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) according to the National Sleep Foundation.  When babies are too warm they sleep deeper, which can lead to trouble. For this reason, it’s important not to overdress your baby for sleep. When she is sleeping in her crib and there is no air conditioning in her room, putting her in a onesie or a pair of light pajamas is best.  You’ll also want to have a fan running in her room to circulate the air, but make sure that the fan isn’t blowing directly on her. To cool the air that the fan is blowing you can put a pan of ice water in front of it.

A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby like you are comfortably dressed, plus one layer. If you are comfortable wearing shorts and a T-shirt then put her in that as well, plus a onesie underneath.  If you’re burning up and have a pair of shorts on, leaving your baby just in her diaper may be appropriate.  Try to avoid synthetic fabrics when dressing her as they tend to trap the heat and moisture in instead of allowing her skin to breathe.

If you are going to be going outside with your baby then dress her in lightweight cotton long pants, long sleeves, and a floppy hat.  Keep her in the shade and preferably somewhere she can feel a breeze.  It’s better to keep her skin covered than to use sunscreen on a very young infant.  If you must use sunscreen, apply it conservatively and only to the areas of skin that are exposed. You’ll also want to avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m because the sun’s rays are the most damaging during these times.

On hot days holding your baby can cause her to become too hot. Your body is warm against hers and she can overheat from being held close to you.  If you must use a baby carrier, make sure it’s a lightweight nylon or mesh one and not something heavy like denim.  You want to use breathable fabrics wherever possible.

It’s also essential to keep babies hydrated when it’s hot outside.  Babies sweat too, and in warmer weather you need to make sure that you are giving her plenty of fluids.  Infants over six months of age can be given water to help keep them hydrated.

Water play can be a good option for those babies that are able to sit up on their own.  Never leave your baby unattended during water play or a bath.  Babies love to splash in the water.  Taking her to a covered baby pool will also help to keep her cool.  If these things are not an option, putting a cool wash cloth on your baby from time to time throughout the day will help keep her cool.

If it just seems too hot both in your home and outside and you fear that your baby is too warm it’s a good idea to go hang out in a public place with air conditioning.  The library or the mall can offer convenient, cool choices.

If you feel like your baby is becoming sick from the heat, contact her healthcare provider. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious conditions that warrant medical attention.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Carrie Dotson.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.summernannyjobs.com/blog/how-to-keep-baby-cool-in-the-summer-without-ac/

Come on Kukena! It's time to walk on your own please!!!

- It's not mum! Just hold me tight please! The world down there looks really terrifyng to me!!!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2068475/emailArticle.html

That's the way they come from!

Long time ago I was told they were brought by the stork! Some others told me they were born under the cabbage! Many more talked about a mistery way...... But now I know where babies come from!!!!


http://www.dailymail.co.uk