Nursery Theme Ideas for Baby Boys

The ultrasound showed that a bouncing baby boy is on the way. Now you need to prepare a room in which he can grow and have adventures. You may want to stimulate his very active imagination along with his very active play. However, sometimes it’s wise to create a cozier, less stimulating room, so your baby boy is easier to put to sleep at night. You can adapt any of the themes below to be perfect for your baby boy.

Cars

Cars are a tried and true theme for a boy’s room. You can find pages of wallpaper borders with cars in every color scheme. There are car shaped beds and other accessories that will fit into the theme as they grow older. An area rug with streets printed on it is a perfect addition. It is sure to become a favorite as your son gets older.

Trains

Little boys seem to love trains. Decorating the room with toy trains is a perfect fit. Some people have even built a suspended track around the room for a decorative and fun accent. Thomas the Tank is a very popular and natural way to add to your train themed room.

Boats

Boats are another good theme for a boy’s room. You can find inspiration for your room by examining the simple designs of signal flags to life preservers. Pirates would also be a great addition to a boat themed room as pirates are very popular with little boys.

Sports

A sports-themed room is very easy to set up for a baby’s nursery. Combine items from football, baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey – which are all easy to find. From preprinted wallpaper and borders to stencils and even actual balls and other equipment, decorating the room is a snap. If mom or dad has some trophies from their glory days, these would make wonderful accents. Of course, you can always find banners and posters from your favorite teams to add even more visual appeal to your baby’s room.

Characters

Popular shows such as Bob the Builder, Blue’s Clues, Diego and Sesame Street offer bedding sets and accessories that will make decorating very easy for the baby’s room.

Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker

Product Name: Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker

Submitted by: Kate Towers; Cambridgeshire

Rating: 9

Where to buy: Amazon.com

Description: This seat features a stand so you can have it as a normal seat that sits still or a rocker. Other features include a toy bar that goes across the front of the chair and it vibrates which keeps my little boy amused for hours.

Review: I purchased this online a month ago and I think its great and it has probably been our best purchase so far. My son has loved being in this and has spent more time asleep in this than in his cradle.

I love the fact that we will be able to still use it when he’s older too, so I think its great value for money. I also prefer to use this chair for when I am feeding him as he seems to feed better in this than with his high chair, I think he prefers being lower down. I would definitely recommend this rocker to friends. Great for when he sleeps, for rocking, feeding....everything.

Parenting - Learn to Listen to Your Instincts

New mothers often feel inadequate as a parent. They question their instincts because it’s strange and new to have these feelings. An important thing to remember is that your instincts are real. Every woman has intuition. As a mother, your intuitive instincts will grow even more. Here are a few points to help you as you learn to listen to your instincts.

Trust Yourself
What is your inner voice telling you? Be still and quiet and you will hear it. Let’s suppose your baby is crying and running fever but has no other symptoms. Your instincts tell you that she has an ear infection, even though you haven’t noticed her pulling at her ears. Do you trust yourself enough to take your baby to the doctor, or wait?

Don’t Second-Guess Yourself
You know your strengths and weaknesses. Are you naturally jumpy, or nervous? Do you overreact to minor situations? Do you rely on other people’s instincts or advice instead of following after what your own intuition tells you? Never second-guess yourself. If you think your baby needs medical attention, even though a “veteran” parent says that you’re overreacting, what would you do?

Know that You are Capable
One of the greatest fears of a new mother is that you will fail your child. Be assured that you know what is best for your child. You are able to provide for his needs. You are the best person for the job!

Mom and Baby Can Exercise Together

If you’re a new mom, you probably know that getting exercise can be tough. Taking care of a baby takes up a lot of your energy. It’s often difficult to find someone to watch the baby while you go to the gym or you may not want to leave baby with someone yet. To stay healthy and take off those extra pounds, try incorporating your baby into your workout routine. This way, baby can be entertained and you can work up a sweat. Plus, once you’re used to it, exercise can give you a great energy boost to get through your long, stressful day.

Here are some great exercises to try today:

• Walking - There are some great multi-terrain strollers which you can use for walks with your baby. You can also buy a sling and go for walks with baby. This will make your baby easier to tote around with you. Plus a walk can be a great way to stimulate your baby with new sights, sounds and smells.
• Running and biking - Instead of buying expensive workout equipment, why not check out the specialized strollers the next time you’re at a sport supply store? They make devices specifically for running and biking safely with your child. And like walking, this also exposes your baby to new stimuli.
• Move, shake, and dance with your baby - Next time your baby is crying, instead of jiggling and rocking them, try putting them in a sling and dancing with them. If this doesn’t work to quiet them, you can still do it when they’re happy.
• Take a class - Take a look on the internet or at a local gym. You can probably find a class in your area designed to give you and your baby a workout at the same time. If you’re serious about getting in shape with your baby, find a personal training who’s also a mom. She’ll be able to give you exercises you can not only do with your baby, but one that is also specifically tailored to you.

Working out with your baby can not only get you back into shape, it can also give your baby the stimulation they need to lead and active, healthy life. Just remember to be safe and always make sure your baby is secure.

Having Twins? Here are Some Breastfeeding Tips

Having multiple births can be a blessing but, at the same time, can pose several problems. One of which is breastfeeding. Before you hit the panic button, here are some helpful breastfeeding tips for moms of multiples.

Most experts, including other moms of multiples, suggest buying a really good nursing pump. It not only stimulates milk production, but allows you to collect as much milk as you need to feed the babies. There are electric double pumps which allow you to express milk from both breasts at the same time. Although this can be costly to purchase, you may want to think about renting this kind of pump from a medical supply company.

In addition, seek and accept whatever assistance is offered by either family members or friends. This is a time when everyone needs to come together and address the concerns on a day to day basis. If you’ve had twins, try breastfeeding both at the same time. It is really whatever you feel comfortable with. There are no rules defining the right or wrong way to handle this situation.

While nursing one baby, use the pump on the other breast in order to increase milk production. Above all, when breastfeeding your baby, choose a quiet area in your home where you are most comfortable. Ensure there are no disturbances. Make certain you get plenty of rest in between feedings; reduce your stress level by engaging in a proper diet, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

According to experts, newborns breastfeed from eight to fourteen times a day within a 24 hour period. In addition, they suggest simulating a newborn’s feed routine in order to produce more milk. While each pumping session may take 10-20 minutes, the length of time will vary with each woman. Continue to pump as long as you have a good flow.

As long as you are surrounded by those willing to assist you with your multiples, there is nothing to worry about except you and the babies. Trying to do everything yourself will only complicate the process. Take it slow and easy, and everything will be fine.

Exercising AFTER You Have the Baby

During pregnancy, it’s good to gain a certain amount of weight. This is used to support your growing child and to provide the extra calories if and when you start breastfeeding. New mothers naturally lose weight after the birth; however, if you don’t lose the weight because of gaining too much weight, or other reasons, it can be hard to take the rest off.

Here are some tips to help you get on track with your exercise plan:

• Get Baby Involved! - Don’t wait till your child is asleep to try to get a decent workout. Strap on a baby sling or get baby in a good walking/jogging stroller so you can take the baby with you for a walk.
• Don’t Begin Too Soon - Whether you’re had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body has gone through quite a bit. If you start a workout routine too soon, it can be damaging to your health. It’s usually recommended to wait 6 weeks before you start trying to workout; however, if you had a vaginal delivery, you can use those first 6 weeks to strengthen your vaginal muscles and start stretching exercises. Just be sure to check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.
• Don’t Work Too Hard - It’s pretty likely that you haven’t been able to do a normal workout for at least a few months, maybe more. Just like starting any exercise program, you should not start full force right away. Trying to do too much is likely to do more harm than help. Before you start working out, ask your doctor for recommended exercises and how often you should do them. Remember, if you hurt yourself, you’re not going to be able to take as good care of your baby.
• Make Room for Exercise in Your Schedule - While having a regular routine is helpful, it’s almost impossible to get a baby to conform to your schedule. This means you have to change your schedule to fit your baby’s. You’ll probably have to squeeze in workouts where you can. Choose exercises that you can do in different places at different times. Get an exercise tape or something else you can do at home. You should also remember that two 15 minute workouts or three 10 minute workouts can be just as helpful as a half hour work out. If you can set a rigid work out schedule, that’s great. If you can’t, set a looser schedule and be sure to stick with it.

Getting back in shape after a baby can be difficult, but with time, patience, and planning, you too can get back to your healthy self.

Luvs Ultra Leakguards Diapers

Product Name: Luvs Ultra Leakguards Stretch Diapers
Submitted by: Jeannie Kerns; Colorado Springs, CO
Rating: 10
Where to buy: Amazon.com

Description: Luvs Ultra Leak guard diapers are the kind of diapers you have been waiting for. They are made with a plastic coating instead of the cloth coating that leaves little cotton ball like particles all on the outside, they have tape instead of Velcro like most diapers these days, and the characters that are across the diapers change every few weeks. You can't go wrong with Luvs Ultra Leakguards.

Review: Well I tell you, I think that I have been able to try almost every diaper out there in the past 20 years. I have gone through the most expensive (like all us new Mommies tend to do) to the least expensive (that is when we realize there all the same) diapers.

Well after using Drypers for the longest time, I decided that I would try a new one. Actually a name brand one that was cheaper by a couple of bucks. To my surprise and that is exactly what it was, I loved them.

I bought Luvs Ultra Leak guard thinking I was going to be disappointed like the rest. But I honestly was shocked. They were like the old diapers. And I am talking like 20 years ago when my first daughter was born.

They have the plastic outside, which I love because the cloth outside is terrible, I was sick of seeing pieces of the diaper balled up when my son walked away. That is what they do, they collect and make lint balls all over the diaper and they are terrible.

The pattern: Well let me tell you I honestly do not like Barney, but yes, my son does. And when he saw Barney on his diaper he was in a rush to put them on. Thank goodness too, because any other time he wants them off.

The tape: Well this is a big thing for me. I am so sick of the Velcro, I can't even begin to start. I don't know who thought that it was better to do this, but whoever it was needs to be spoken to. All that does is give the child an easier way to take the diaper off. That is exactly what he would do. "Mommy my hiney is showing", well if the Velcro wasn't so easy we wouldn't have had that problem now would we have. Sheesh. But with Luvs, I can be at ease that his diaper will stay on until it is ready to be changed. The tape comes off easy and applies easy as well. No red marks to where the tape cuts into the skin because it is hanging off, no problems at all.

As for quality: Excellent. I have used these for about 4 weeks now, and not once has there been a wet bed. With the others, I was washing sheets and blankets on a daily basis. It is nice not to be the queen of the washing machine for a chance.

Anyways, if you’re planning on buying diapers, buy Luvs. They will not let you down, and you save money as well.

Teething Remedies

Teething normally occurs in babies between the ages of six and nine months, but can begin as early as 3 months and last through 12-15 months (although it is easier for them to find relief themselves when they're that old).

Some common symptoms of teething include cranky moods, swollen gums, drooling, fever, diarrhea and excessive biting on objects.

You should expect your baby to be fussy, as her gums are in an extremely tender state during the teething process. She might even refuse to eat or take her bottle if she is uncomfortable or in pain.

Here are some common baby teething remedies that will help ease your baby’s discomfort:
* Rub his gums with your finger. Remember to wash your hands before doing so.
* Soak one end of a clean bath cloth in water. Place the wet cloth in a refrigerator. Once chilled, let your baby bite or suck on the cold cloth.
* Chill a teething ring or teething toy in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Let your baby chew on the cold toy.
* Offer your baby a frozen banana (with adult supervision). Be sure to freeze the banana thoroughly before giving it to your baby. Cut the banana in half to make it easier for your baby to hold.
* Use an OTC (over the counter) teething gel. These gels are specially formulated to be safe for your baby. Read and follow the instructions on the package carefully before applying the gel to your baby’s gums.
* Administer Tylenol or Motrin, for pain and fever as recommended by your pediatrician. If your baby has trouble sleeping at night, consider giving them a dose of pain medication just before bedtime. If you’re unsure of what pain medications to give your baby, make sure to check with your pediatrician first.