lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Baby Wellness: Baby's Skin Conditions

lilsugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:00:13 -0800

Babies' skin is supposed to be perfect, so how come your bundle of joy doesn't look flawless? Newborns go through a lot to enter the world and most end up with some skin conditions. These imperfections shouldn't alarm or bother you, they certainly aren't bugging your newest addition (nor should they affect her later in life). Here are a few things that may show up:

Premature babies and even some full term can be born with a soft, fine hair (lanugo) covering the skin. This fur should disappear after a few weeks.
Any splotchy, peeling or cracking in your newborn's skin is normal and should improve over time. If it appears on her head it's called cradle cap and should clear up on its own after several months.

There are others including baby breakouts so

Medibottle: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

lilsugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:00:43 -0800

Does a swig of the bottle help the medicine go down? With the onset of cold and flu season, sixty-five percent of you will give your children medicine and trying to get your darling to take his full dose can be a battle. The creators of the Medibottle ($15) have designed a bottle with a syringe attachment that tricks the tot into swallowing meds. The novel approach allows the tyke to take his prescription without ever tasting it.Would you buy this bottle?

Medibottle: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Kid friendly — It's great, so practical and safe!

Are you kidding — This product is unnecessary.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

Baby Wellness: The Basics of Food Allergies

lilsugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Lil Jayden James Federline was recently rushed to the hospital after suffering an allergic reaction to something he ingested. He is going to be OK, but food allergies are scary and can be a source of worry for parents — especially those with babies just starting to eat solids.

Luckily, there are a few ways to detect if your child is reacting to something she ate. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), symptoms of an allergic reaction include: Skin problems (hives, itchy skin rashes, swelling), breathing problems (sneezing, wheezing, throat tightness), stomach symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea), and circulation problems (pale skin, light-headedness, loss of consciousness). Some symptoms occur right after eating while others take a few days, but BabyCenter recommends that you call 911 immediately if your baby has trouble breathing, swelling of the face and/or lips, or severe vomiting or diarrhea after eating. In the case of less severe symptoms, you should contact your pediatrician who will most likely refer you to an allergist since food allergies can often be hard to diagnose.

To find out if you can prevent your child from getting food allergies and how to pinpoint the culprit, just

Do You Follow All of Your Doctor's Orders?

babysugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:00:21 -0700

The process of choosing your lil one's pediatrician is not easy. You ask around, do the research and interview until you find one that you trust with your newborn's life. You choose her because you trust her and feel comfortable with her philosophies. But there often comes a time where you question your doctor's orders or directed course of action. So we want to know, do you always listen to your doctor?Source

Do You Follow All of Your Doctor's Orders?

Yes — I chose my pediatrician because I trusted her and she is the expert.

Sometimes — I use a mix of my own beliefs and the doctor's when caring for my child.

No — My pediatrician may have a medical degree, but parental knowledge must come into play when caring for a child.

Other - I'll tell you in the comments.

babysugar Diaries: Pertussis For Mommies and Daddies, Too

babysugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700

On top of regular exams and doctor's appointments I have scheduled, I made it a point to get my flu shot last week to help prevent my unborn child and I from getting knocked out with the nasty illness. Before she gave it to me, my OB/GYN also told me that I will need a Dtap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine soon after my delivery.

Although children are often vaccinated with the Dtap vaccine at two, four and six months of age, the shots may not take effect until the child has received one or two of them. Parents who contract pertussis, better known as the whooping cough, may not suffer too badly from it but can easily pass it onto their newborn who cannot fight it with the same adult strength. For that reason, doctors recommend both parents get the vaccine. So guess who's off to their doctor next week? You guessed it — good old hubby.
Source

Do You Know Your Flu Facts?

babysugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:00:30 -0700

In case you haven't heard, flu season is upon us. Each year, approximately one in 100 tots are hospitalized for the flu and between 75 and 150 children succumb to it. Unlike last year, the Centers for Disease Control says that this year's vaccine should be more successful than last year's serum. Whether you have gotten your flu shot yet, or not, test your knowledge of influenza here.

Source

Are You Trained in First Aid?

babysugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:00:04 -0700

Many expecting parents sign up for First Aid classes before their first born arrives so they will be prepared for that hot dog in the throat or a trip in the pool. As scary as those incidents sound, it is better to be skilled in rescuing than left wondering what to do. As children age, the skill set changes and certification should be renewed every two years.I'm certainly out of practice on infants and could use a lesson on toddler CPR. Are you up to date on your training?
Source

Are You Trained in First Aid?

Yes — I've got it under control.

No — I should probably brush up.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Baby Wellness: Up the Ante on Vitamin D

babysugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

The rules of parenting are constantly changing. Just last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that children should receive a daily dosage of 200 daily units of Vitamin D. As of today, the figure has doubled to 400 daily units. Dr. Roshini Raj tells parents about the importance of the supplement in the video below:

Before making any moves, consult with your child's pediatrician.

Scare SIDS Away With a Fan

babysugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:00:41 -0700

Alive and well since 1994, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's (NICHD) "Back to Sleep" campaign has been encouraging parents to put their children to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Additionally, the NICHD and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also advise parents not to share their bed with infants.

While nobody can pinpoint the exact cause of SIDS, Kaiser researchers found:

Infants who slept in rooms ventilated by fans had a 72 percent lower risk of SIDS compared to infants who slept in bedrooms without fans. Using a fan appeared be most effective with infants in high-risk environments, such as those sleeping in overheated rooms or on their stomachs. Researchers hypothesized that fans may improve ventilation and decrease the chance that babies will rebreathe exhaled carbon dioxide (an explanation for SIDS known as the "stale-air hypothesis").

To see what one consultant to the National Institutes on Health has to say about it,

Do You Give Your Tots Cold Meds?

babysugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:00:27 -0700

As the flu season quickly approaches, many parents will have to decide how to deal with snotty noses and congested chests. While many have warned parents not to give their tots over the counter cold medications, the FDA is still rejecting an immediate ban on over-the-counter cold and flu drugs for children under six claiming more testing is needed.

Do You Give Your Tots Cold Meds?

Yes

Sometimes

Never

Other — I'll tell you below.

Do You Know Your Baby Skin Conditions?

babysugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:00:27 -0700

Newborns do not usually have the flawless skin they show in the movies. Rather, they may have bruises from their birth experience, acne and a number of other imperfections when they enter the world.

As the child grows, a parent will begin to notice a number of other skin conditions on their lil one. Take my quiz and see if you know what you are looking at on your babe.

Source

Baby Wellness: Forget the Vegetables

babysugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:23 -0700

As parents, we often worry about our children getting the proper food, nutrition, water, education, and other nurturing necessities. As covert moms publish books like the Deliciously Deceptive and the Sneaky Chef, which aim to help disguise healthy food options under the masks of cupcakes and waffles, one esteemed pediatrician says to forget the vegetables.

Curiosity got this cat. Having forced, I mean spoon, fed my child peas and carrots, I was interested in why Dr. T. Berry Brazelton thought that the greens weren't as essential as I thought they were. To see what he has to say on the subject,

Do You Wash Your Hands Before Holding Babies?

lilsugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:00:09 -0700

Having grown up in a big extended family, it's become second nature to me to wash my hands before holding a baby. When my daughter was born, my husband was amazed that each and every one of my relatives stopped by the sink in our hospital room or apartment to scrub their hands before unleashing their excitement and laying their hands on our infant. Do you abide by this practice? Source

Do You Wash Your Hands Before Holding Babies?

Yes — I'd never touch a new babe without washing my hands.

No — Germs are everywhere, infants should build immunity.

Other — I'll tell you below.

Baby Wellness: Broken Clavicle

lilsugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:00:25 -0700

When big babies make their way into the world, sometimes something has to give and in my son's case it was his collarbone. My lil guy's debut was a bit of a struggle. As all nine pounds and four ounces of him squeezed down the birth canal, he fractured his clavicle, which connects the sternum to the shoulder.

Had my lil sister, who weighed in at 12 pounds, 6 ounces, not broken hers when being born, I would have worried. But, since I remembered that the bones reconnect rather quickly on their own and all I'd have to do was scoop my baby up carefully to avoid antagonizing the tear, we checked in with our pediatrician and the break healed in a matter of months. To learn how the clavicle breaks,

Mommy Spots Cancer in Pen Pal's Child Over the Internet

lilsugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:28 -0700

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It seems that almost anything can be done over the Internet. Mothers Madeline Robb and Megan Santos have never met, but since their children were born on the same day, the two became pen pals sharing advice and photos of their tots over email. Madeline noticed a shadow on lil Rowan's eyes in the pictures suggested Megan to take her daughter to get it checked. Her advice likely saved the girl's life.

What Do You Know About Colic?

lilsugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Whenever a baby is fussy and prone to crying everyone starts talking about colic. What is it exactly? A baby is considered colic if she is between three weeks and three months and cries excessively.

What else do you know about colic? Take my test and find out.

Source

Baby Wellness: Get Down on Those Tummies!

babysugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

At one of my daughter's earliest doctor appointments, her pediatrician told me to keep her on her belly for tummy time whenever she was awake. I was in disbelief as my tot hated being on her stomach. The doc said it was important for her development and that the babe would eventually get used to it and may even enjoy it.

I'm glad we listened to her and powered through the initial days of tummy-time agony. The American Physical Therapy Association recently issued a warning telling parents that time spent on the stomach is not only beneficial for the skull's formation, but it also allows the baby's neck and shoulder muscles to develop in a timely manner. Physical therapist Colleen Coulter-O'Berry advises parents:

Increasing the amount of time your baby lies on his or her tummy promotes muscle development in the neck and shoulders; helps prevent tight neck muscles, and the development of flat areas on the back of the baby's head; and helps build the muscles baby needs to roll, sit, and crawl. . . Don't be afraid to put your baby on their tummy for short periods of time while they are awake. After a nap, diaper change or feeding, roll the baby onto his or her stomach, and encourage the infant to find, focus, and follow your face or a toy with their eyes looking up.

Did you practice tummy time with your tot?
Source

Pharmaceutical Company Called About Son's Missed Shot

lilsugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:00:09 -0700

I'm starting to think that the pharmaceutical company is keeping better tabs on my 20-month-old than I am. Earlier in the week, it struck me as odd when my son received a stock-printed card from a pharmaceutical company reminding him that he had missed a vaccination. As he can't read and I handle our family's medical matters, I relayed the message and meant to call our pediatrician's office to inquire about the notice, but haven't had a chance. So my jaw dropped today when I came home to hear a message on our answering machine from the pharmaceutical company reminding me once again that my lil guy was due for shot.

In addition to advising that I make an appointment, it said that none of my tot's medical information had been sold as the voicemail was simply a courtesy call. I am now debating whether I should call my doctor or just wait a few more days until the doorbell rings and a medic with a syringe arrives looking for my child.
Source

Mommy Bloggers and UNICEF Unite to Wipe Out Tetanus

lilsugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:46 -0700

As mothers, it is our instinct to help those we see in harm's way — the fallen child on the playground, the lost lil one in the supermarket or the tot running toward traffic, but it's hard to assist those that we do not see, people who struggle just to survive. At the Pampers Mommy Blogger Event earlier this month, I had the great pleasure of meeting Caryl Stern, the President and CEO of the US Fund for UNICEF. She is both an inspiring woman and a mother of three who is committed to wiping out tetanus, which killed 140,000 babies and 30,000 mothers last year. These deaths are preventable with a vaccine that costs five cents.

Pampers has partnered with UNICEF on this cause and allowed us to screen an internal video they made for their employees. After watching this footage of Bryan McCleary (director of external relations for P&G baby care) in Angola, there was not a dry eye in the room or a blogger who wasn't committed to making a difference. We asked that Pampers release this video so we could share it with our readers and inspire them to join the movement to help fellow mothers and babies around the world. Please be warned that there is an image of a baby who contracted tetanus in the tape.
To find out how you can contribute to wiping out tetanus,

Guess Who Reminded Me That My Son Missed His Vaccine?

lilsugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:00:52 -0700

Like many other mamas, I am a bit weary of vaccinations. The autism argument aside, my daughter used to sleep most of the day after getting her shots. My son, on the other hand, has developed fevers after a few of his vaccinations and once had two quarter sized welts on his arms in the weeks that followed.

While I have a lot of faith in our pediatrician and have discussed the benefits and risks of vaccinations at length with him, I went with my motherly instincts and skipped my son's last shot, as he was under the weather. So it came as no surprise when I received a reminder in the mail that my lil guy had missed his vaccination. But, I was stunned that the card was not from the doctor's office — it was from a pharmaceuticals company. It also advised me to contact my provider and find out if I need to schedule an appointment.

We often hear that these companies are behind the increased number of vaccines and this notice hit me the wrong way. What's your opinion?

Source

Grieving Mother Donates 100 Gallons of Breastmilk

lilsugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:00:03 -0700

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The mother of twins turned the loss of one of her beloved babes into an opportunity to help other children struggling to live. Born three and a half months premature, Leo and Kelley Durant's son, Cameron and daughter, Ressa, fought to survive. Unfortunately, the little girl died of an infection at just three weeks old. But, the postpartum mom continued to pump her breastmilk for the next 17 months and recently made her last final donation to the Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas. In total, Kelley donated 100 gallons in her daughter's name.

Baby Wellness: Think It's Colic? Maybe It's Just Acid Reflux

babysugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:00:08 -0700

Too many parents are familiar with the wretched screams a child makes when diagnosed with colic. For ages, children have been labeled colicky when no other term would fit a fussy baby. Melinda Beck from the Wall Street Journal presents another option that distraught parents may want to note.

For infants who spit up constantly, stop gaining weight, vomit blood or refuse to feed at all, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) may be a diagnosis. Instead of, or sometimes in addition to, treating a babe for colic, many doctors are prescribing acid–reducing drugs to tots suffering from GERD. Not surprisingly, there are some who believe doctors are throwing the term GERD around too loosely.

To see what one pediatric gastroenterologist's point of view is on it,

How Much Do You Know About Childhood Strokes?

lilsugar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 06:00:24 -0700

People tend to associate strokes with adults, but they also happen in children, even babies. One report said they affect 10 out of every 100,000 children each year. The American Heart Association released guidelines for childhood stroke this week. Test your knowledge of what to look for by taking this quiz.
Source

Toy Box: Cheery Yoga Mats

babysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:01:00 -0700

Youngsters are oddly flexible. When changing their diaper, it doesn't faze them that their feet are positioned easily by their ears. Encourage that ability to reach between their tiny legs with spider–like agility by giving them their own yoga mat.

Pint size yogis will enjoy the child sized Pottery Barn Kids (on sale for $20) elephant and hippo shaped mats. The large creatures will add a little flair and a lot of smiles to the standard downward dog and tree poses.

Baby Wellness: Kids Don't Like Veggies That Bite

babysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:00:25 -0700

As a child I could never get enough crowns — not the kind other lasses loved, but artichokes. I hope my tot has a taste for them too. Though I may need to be patient as the majority of children have a distaste for bitter vegetables. A new study from Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia found:

A gene called TAS2R38 may be responsible for children's aversion to bitter tastes. . . The study included 143 children and their mothers, and over 79 percent of the children had one or two copies of the bitter-sensitive gene present. Interestingly, the presence of the bitter-sensitive gene made a bigger impact on the children's food preferences than their mothers. The mothers tastes seemed to be influenced more by race and ethnicity than the children.

If your youngster shies away from bitter greens, dress them up with butter and cheese or offer them sweeter veggies until the phase passes.
Source

Baby Wellness: They Like to Move It, Move It

babysugar — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 05:00:50 -0700

Instead of drawing with crayons, I see kids busily punching their thumbs away while parents converse over dinner at restaurants. Slaves to electronic entertainment, mom and dad often welcome the distraction video games offers when they are enjoying an adult conversation or flying across the country. Sitting motionless for hours may keep the peace, but it's not doing your children any favors.

If you must indulge your child in video games at home, make it a virtual exercise game to get their bums up and moving. While it's no surprise that physically active video games are better for one's health than a stationary hand game, there are some that do a better job of "exercising" your child. To see what the experts say,

Baby Girl Born Twice

lilsugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:00:49 -0700

Giving birth to a child is a poignant moment in a mom's life — one Texas woman experienced it twice with her daughter. One-month-old Macie Hope, had been medically taken from her mother's womb during the sixth month of pregnancy so doctors could remove a tumor the size of a grapefruit that would have killed her. Then, she made her official debut ten weeks later on May 3rd. According to an NBC report, the surgery the fetus underwent was risky. It said:

The happy couple talked exclusively to TODAY’s Ann Curry on Friday from the hospital, where they were joined by Dr. Darrell Cass, the fetal surgeon who led the team that performed a surgery that has been successfully completed fewer than 20 times around the world. In Macie’s case, he said, “We were very, very fortunate. It really turned out perfectly.”

The baby's middle name was chosen when her parents learned that she had less than a ten percent chance of surviving, but now the miracle baby is expected to be released from the hospital this weekend.

Mommy Alert! Metal Fillings

babysugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:05 -0700

Dentists and I do not get along. It's not so much the tooth doctor as it is the drills and hard core flossing that I detest. However, keeping a clean mouth is part of maintaining a healthy pregnancy. But pregnant women beware — after years of speculation, the Food and Drug Administration said:

Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses.

Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.

If money is not an issue, porcelain, gold and glass cement fillings might prove to be better options than their debatable mercury ridden counterparts.
Source

Lil Tip: Eczema Relief the Natural Way

babysugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:00:24 -0700

My six–year–old niece has been through the ringer with eczema since she was born. Cortisone creams and prescribed medications were the only things that kept her from rubbing her beautiful skin raw. Moms hoping to avoid medicinal cures for the common scratchy nuisance may find relief in this homemade paste recipe.

Michele from Glam Spirit uses a combination of Vitamin E oil, Goldenseal powder and honey. Vitamin E oil, as you may know from stretch mark creams, helps heal the skin by keeping it moisturized and therefore, less itchy. Goldenseal is an herb that disinfects and reduces swelling. Honey also reduces inflammation and scarring while the antioxidant agents help heal pained areas.

To see how to make the homemade healer,

Man Molests Girl in Plain Sight in Borders Bookstore

lilsugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:30:35 -0700

You can never be too careful when it comes to your kids. Sexual predators are brazen so parents need to be aware of who their children are with at all times whether they are at a the local playground, a family event or even the children's section of a bookstore. And, as an adult it's important to trust your instincts and err on the side of caution rather than dismissing something as a fleeting feeling and have your offspring pay the price.

A southern Californian girl was reading a book at Borders when she was molested by a sex offender who had at least one prior for the same offense. The five-year-old was in plain sight of adults, but the perpetrator used subtle tactics to victimize her. The man was caught on tape so watch the unsettling footage for yourself.

Lil Tip: Capture Kid's Identifiers on Camera

lilsugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:00:19 -0700

It's better to be safe than sorry and since many families are headed to amusement parks and other crowded destinations with their tots this Summer, you may consider taking a few precautions. Yesterday, Greggie shared this great tip in response to how she keeps track of her kids. She said:

I take a picture of them before we enter so that if something were to happen, I could give that picture to the authorities as an exact description of what they were wearing.

Along those same lines, someone once told me that it takes a matter of minutes for a predator to change a child's appearance, so carrying pictures of your wee one's identifying characteristics whether it be a birthmark, a scar, or a unique eye color, could help in the event that he or she goes missing. While this is unsettling, it's best to be prepared.
Source

Steer Clear of Second Hand Smoke

lilsugar — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:00:18 -0700

While pregnant, my heightened sense of smell picked up even the slightest scent of smoke and made me nauseous. And, maybe more than a few of our lilsugar readers felt the same way as 58 percent of you said the sight of a pregnant woman smoking incensed you more than catching a woman with child sipping a cocktail. Medically speaking, we should be just as leery of lil ones being around cigarette smoke. It doesn't matter if a parent, caretaker or stranger indulges. According to WebMD, there is evidence that no amount of smoke inhalation is without repercussions. It said:

The findings add to the growing body of evidence that suggests that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke, contains an array of harmful chemicals, including nicotine, which have been shown to increase one’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Exposure to such smoke causes upwards of 50,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers every year in the United States, making it a major public health concern.

Do you make an effort to keep your kids in a smoke free environment?

Bee Prepared for Bee Stings

lilsugar — Sun, 25 May 2008 05:00:42 -0700

The warm weather months mean picnics, pool parties, barbecues and unfortunately for some, more exposure to bees. I'll never forget being at the beach with my aunt and baby cousin years ago when a bee flew in his mouth and stung him. So as Summer approaches, prep yourself on what to do if a yellow jacket stings you or your youngster.

According to WebMD, most bee stings only require self-care. They offer the following advice*:

Avoid further stings by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and avoiding infested areas.
Remove any stingers remaining in the skin (most likely from bees) immediately. Some experts recommend scraping out the stinger with a credit card. However, it is probably more important to get the stinger out as quickly as possible than to be overly concerned about how it is removed.
Application of ice to the sting site may provide some mild relief. Ice may be applied for 20 minutes once every hour as needed. Cloth should be placed between the ice and skin to avoid freezing the skin.
Consider taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or a nonsedating one such as loratadine (Claritin) for itching.
Consider taking ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief as needed.
Wash the sting site with soap and water. Place an antibiotic ointment on the sting site.
If it has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus booster immunization, get a booster within the next few days.
Most insect stings require no additional medical care. More serious reactions may need immediate medical care.
If you have been stung by a bee or wasp and have previously had a serious allergic reaction, seek medical attention. Consider taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or a nonsedating one such as loratadine (Claritin) as soon as possible. If any allergic symptoms develop, consider using the epinephrine part of an emergency allergy kit (EpiPen) if previously prescribed by a doctor.

*Consult your pediatrician before giving your child medication.
Source

Texting Tweens Medication Reminders

lilsugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:00:09 -0700

Use your tween's texting obsession to your advantage. Parents who wish their kids independence, but need to remind them to take their meds can quit the nagging and turn to technology. When children are preoccupied with school, friends, dating and Hannah Montana, they tend to forget to take the pills and injections that regulate their asthma, diabetes and other ailments.

A recent CNN article on the experiment said:

Of necessity, parents start turning over more health responsibilities to their children at this age. It's also an age of angst, sometimes rebellion, and when youths may most hate feeling different from their friends because of medication, special diets or other therapy.

To see the specifics,

Get Kids Squeaky Green

lilsugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:00:04 -0700

Add some Method to your madness at bath-time. Bathing babe is a chore in itself, so no mama wants the added worry of toxins floating in their tub. Method's Squeaky Green line is chemical free so you can lather up your lil ones with the hair and body wash ($7) that is made from ingredients including rice milk and mallow. The bubble top works well for traveling tots as it can be used as a rinse cup. The 99 percent natural line also includes, 3-in-1 shampoo ($7) that is a body wash, shampoo and conditioner. The fuzzy peach scented potion comes bottled up in a squeezable bath-time buddy.

Father Fined For Buckling in Beer Instead of Boy

lilsugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:14:09 -0700

Beer before boy? An Australian police officer pulled over an unregistered and uninsured car on Friday only to find the driver, a dad, had seat belted his beer in, but failed to secure his son. The case of beer sat between two adult passengers in the backseat, while the 5-year-old road on the lump of the car's floor.

According to ABC news:

"I haven't ever seen something like this before," he said. "This is the first time that the beer has taken priority over a child."

To see a similar instance,

Baby Wellness: Three Year Old Hasn't Slept

lilsugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:00:18 -0700

When kids have a lot of energy, it can be tough for their parents to keep up with the tots let alone get enough sleep.

Since even the most active children eventually tire themselves out, it's usually not a long term issue for families.

But, what if your wee one literally never slept? Imagine the exhaustion and paranoid it induces.

Due to chiari malformation, three-year-old, Rhett Lamb is awake for nearly all of the hours of the day. And, as a result he is incredibly irritable. To see what happened,

Lil Tip: When Kids Get Sick in the Car

lilsugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:23 -0700

Once when my aunt was queasy in the car and they couldn't pull over, my grandmother passed her hat back for the child to throw up in.

While I've never tried that trick, in a pinch I've caught vomit in my hands, my skirt, a blanket, a box, and a shopping bag.

Unless your tot gets carsick, you probably won't have too many of these situations.

To see what happened to me recently,

Autism Risk Doubles When Parent Has Mental Illness?

lilsugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:00:22 -0700

Advocates and scientists may differ in their thoughts of what causes autism, which is now said to affect an estimated one in 150 American children, but both sides seem passionate about finding a cure.

A recent study is shedding some light on the notion that genes and environment may have something to do with the brain development disorder that impairs communication and social interaction. To see the findings,

Kidmazing: Letter Carrier Saves Falling Child!

lilsugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:34:45 -0700

Mamas can never be too careful with wee ones around windows!

A woman in Albany, NY, is thanking her lucky stars that a postal worker was passing by when her 1-year-old crawled out the home's second story window. To see what happened,

Mommy Alert! Sex Offenders Living at Childcare Centers

lilsugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Mamas should make sure to do their research when it comes to placing their lil darlings in daycare facilities.

A recent comparison of 75,000 licensed California centers with the state's address database of sex offenders had more than a few matches. To see what happened,

Breastfeeding Babes Infect Mothers With HIV

lilsugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:00:22 -0700

Kyrgyzstan mothers who did what they thought was best for their babies are now paying a potentially fatal price.

Seventy-two children were infected with HIV at two hospitals in the poverty stricken village of Osh.

And, since some mothers continued to nurse their tots, they contracted the virus that way.

MSNBC report about the children who were infected by tainted blood and shared needles said:

Although HIV infection from breastfeeding is rare, it is possible, usually when the baby has mouth sores and the mother has lesions on her nipples, according to AIDS experts. Mustafakulova, whose son was 7 months old at the time, said her breasts were cracked and bleeding.

To make matters worse, the mothers are not eligible for free treatment. To see why,

Baby Wellness: Watching a Bumped Head

babysugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:00:45 -0700

Yesterday, my babe and I were walking up our stone steps when we lost our grasps of each other's hands.

I tried to grab hers, but she lost her balance and fell forward bumping her head on the stair. Wailing from the pain, I scooped her up and ran up the rest of the stairs scared she had injured herself.
To see what happened,

Baby Wellness: Steering Clear of Certain Plastics

babysugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:00:35 -0700

On the Today Show, Matt Lauer sat down with Dr. Leo Trasande from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine to discuss which plastic bottles families should avoid.

While many bottles are okay to drink from on a one–time basis, others containing bisphenol A can be harmful as they leach chemicals that can affect hormones and reproductive organs in the consumer.

To watch the clip to see which plastic bottles are labeled as dangerous,

Height Predictor

lilsugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:00:36 -0700

Every parent envisions their child's future — the type of life they will lead, which occupation the tyke will choose and what the tot will look like.

When it comes to height, some people look at their babe's foot size, birth height or a combination of the parents' stats. To see the predictor my pediatrician recommended,

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Strangers Touching Baby

lilsugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:00:49 -0700

The only thing worse than strangers rubbing your pregnant belly is when they touch your children!

And, as a new mom, it took me by surprise since I had lived my life as a person who kept her hands to herself.

My daughter had a set of irresistible chipmunk cheeks that passersby felt free to pinch. But beyond the sheer germ factor of dirty hands touching my infant's face, the tugging alarmed me.

To see what happened,

Fish: Brain Power for Baby at a Price?

lilsugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:00:57 -0700

A new study suggests eating fish is a delicate balance for mamas-to-be. A Reuters article about the findings said:

Researchers found that among 341 3-year-olds, those whose mothers ate more than two servings of fish per week during pregnancy generally performed better on tests of verbal, visual and motor development.

On the other hand, tests scores were lower among preschoolers whose mothers had relatively high mercury levels in their blood during pregnancy.

To see the list of fish to avoid,

Next Time Babe Has a Fever, Don't Blame His Teeth

babysugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 06:00:02 -0700

Two weeks ago, my daughter had a fever for three days. I wondered if she was just teething.

According to the New York Times, I might have been barking up the wrong tree. In two separate studies, the same conclusion was reached:

There was no link between teething and body temperature or high fever. (104 or higher.)

While teething can sometimes cause an increase in body temperature, high grade fevers are often signs of something more concerning.

Source

Want Kids to Eat Their Vegetables? Just Ask.

lilsugar — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0700

While cookbooks based on sneaking vegetables into children's food have become popular, my children's pediatrician took a different approach.

The other day when my daughter went in for an annual check-up, her recent distaste for everything from carrots to cauliflower came up in conversation. While she used to eat a wide variety of foods and flavors, she became more and more picky in the past six months. I'd heard about the "white food" phase and other dietary oddities from other moms so I wasn't too worried, but curious if my now finicky eater should take vitamins.

Rather than trying to trick her into eating healthy foods, our doctor just made a pact with her to eat them. When my husband told me what happened, I was curious to see if our daughter would follow through on her end of the bargain. But by the time I got home from work, she had already eaten carrots and was wondering what vegetable we would have the next day.

Last night as a true test, I mixed spinach, carrots and mushrooms. Though the foods weren't her favorite, she ate it and said, "A promise is a promise."

Baby Wellness: A Doctor's Inside Advice

babysugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:00:25 -0700

As moms, we think we know best. And, sometimes we do. But, pediatrician Barney Softness dished out doctor advice to the New York Times that no parent should ignore.

Topping his list, he said:

Don’t make promises you may not be able to keep. While parents will want to reassure a child who is afraid of needles, it is far worse to make a promise the doctor cannot keep. Then you have lost trust. I may look at the child’s record and discover she is due for a vaccination. A promise of no needles would mean coming back another time — and the anticipation of coming back for a shot prolongs the agony. Focus on the positives when you are trying to reassure your child about a doctor visit — a favorite toy in the waiting room, the stickers we give at the end of the visit, or the trip to the playground after the appointment.

To see the rest of his recommendations,