Babies can be pretty fussy when they’re teething. The bad news is that they seem to be perpetually teething in the first two years or so. This makes it difficult to tell whether your child has a new tooth coming in or whether something else is wrong. Here are few things to look for to help you figure out if a tooth is getting ready to show itself.

If your baby seems like he or she is getting a cold, it might in fact be teething. When the teeth come in, they sometimes put pressure on the baby’s sinuses or ear canals. This can cause cold symptoms to occur. These symptoms can be as mild as a runny nose or as extreme as a full blown ear infection.

You might be surprised to realize that ear infections are a sign of baby teething. Sometimes a baby will develop this painful condition because the emerging teeth are placing pressure on the ear canal. Then fluid backs up and gets infected. You’ll need to deal with an ear infection immediately in order to avoid damage to the baby’s hearing.

Likewise, your child may develop a fever during the teething process. However, you should be aware that normal teething will not result in a high fever. Never ignore a high fever in an infant. There’s a risk that he or she has an ear or sinus infection. You’ll need to take your baby to its pediatrician to be examined and see if a prescription is in order.

When your little one is teething, there will be several other symptoms you can look for. For example, red cheeks usually accompany this process. You might notice that one cheek is red and the other is normal; chances are the new tooth will emerge on the side that’s red.

Excessive drooling is one more symptom of teething. Babies are always drooling anyway, but when they’re teething it becomes extreme. The drooling might be so excessive that you have to change your baby’s outfits all the time due to dampness.

Teething can also be the explanation for unexplained, sustained periods of crying and misery. One of the worst symptoms of teething is excessive crying. And this will typically lead to sleep problems as well. These behaviors can be very hard on both of you.

Most people who offer you baby advice will suggest that you give your child some pain reliever to ease the symptoms. However, discuss the situation with your doctor before administering any medications, even over the counter ones.

Baptism gifts can represent the spiritual theme of this momentous occasion.  The cross is one of the most familiar religious symbols.  A great way to symbolize a baptism is to give a gift that displays the holy cross.  

Here are some cross themed baptism gift ideas that will create the perfect remembrance.

• Cross Wall Plaque – A day-to-day reminder as they grow of their being a member of God’s family.  You may even choose a design that has a special children’s prayer engraved on it.  
• Embroidered Afghan or Blanket – A lasting memento that can be stitched with a cross along with the baby’s name and their baptismal date. 
• Child Bible – This baptism gift is the perfect way to introduce Bible stories to a child with special illustrations that appeal uniquely to children.  Some designs may allow for personalizing.
• Engraved Photo Album – A wonderful keepsake with an engravable front cover to hold all the cherished photos of their special day for years to come.
• Customized Picture Frame – A custom-made way to display a cherished photo from their baptism.
• Cross Jewelry - An infant-sized necklace or bracelet can be worn as baptism jewelry that will elegantly accessorize any baptismal outfit and can be cherished as an heirloom for passing down to future generations.
• First Rosary and Keepsake Case - Given together as baptism gifts, they will be inspiring souvenirs of the child’s baptism day. 
• Plush Bear or Lamb – Can commemorate this special occasion for years to come by having special words or a cross embroidered on it.  If it happens to be musical it may play a favorite children’s tune for the child to sing along with, such as ‘Jesus Loves Me’.

As you can see, there are many baptism gifts that not only symbolize but also create lasting memories of this once-in-a-lifetime Christian celebration.  Since they are only a baby, they will appreciate the keepsake gifts as they grow both physically and spiritually.

It is absolutely critical that you start to stimulate your child’s mind as early as possible when you consider that 75% of your infant’s intellectual growth occurs before the age 6. With babies, everything around them is extremely influential on their developing mind - sights, sounds, smells, and touches.  No matter what their age, these early influences and inputs will help your child to learn and grow.  Considering this, it is extremely important for any parent to create a stimulating environment for their child.  A few ways to stimulate your newborn’s intellect are as follows.

1. Supply them enough to look at.
Stimulate your child’s visual sense by surrounding them with color. Place them in a play yard like the Graco Playard so they’ll be surrounded by different colors and shapes for them to look at. Hang a mobile above their playpen or hang colored shapes on the wall.  You might also want to hang a baby-safe mirror on the wall so your baby can recognize themselves.  Whatever you can add to spice up the visual excitement of your child’s world - the more the better.

2. Provide lots to listen to.
It is a well-known fact that babies respond to music, even when in the womb - you can play music for them as soon as you’d like.  Play a CD of nature sounds for your infant - whistling wind, rainforest sounds, or rain showers - anything to stimulate your infant’s sense of hearing. There is no more beautiful voice on earth to your baby than Mommy’s voice - infants love to be sung to. Also, make sure you allow your newborn to make their own sounds and noises - encourage them to play with rattles or musical toys.  Teach them how to clap. The more they explore their own sounds, the more they learn.

3. Give them enough to touch.
Make sure your newborn has plenty of room to crawl or roll around in - you might want to consider a larger size play pen, like the Graco Pack n Playard, which gives them enough room to explore the world around them. Play hand games with your infant - paddycake is always a favorite. Bounce and dance with your newborn in your arms or your lap, really involve them in your motion. Let them touch and explore different textures. Different fabrics or toys with different surfaces, for example the toys in the Graco Pack n Playard provide many different textures for your baby to touch. The more you allow your infant to touch and feel the world around them, the greater the intellectual stimulation and the greater the learning.

Your newborn’s intellectual stimulation is one of the most important aspects of their development. Giving your child an environment to safely learn and explore the world around them is one of your key jobs as a parent. Provide a world full of color for your baby. Give your child the gift of stimulating and soothing sounds of music.  Give your child many things to touch - all the different textures and surfaces you can find.  All of these things are be very influential on your baby and on their mind.

Child safety is the number one priority for each and every parent. We are spending more time in our cars from commuting to work to going shopping and child safety in a car is becoming a major issue of concern. It has been established that many child injuries during car accidents could have been averted if the child was safely tucked in a car seat.

Small infants cannot sit or hold their heads up well. This is one of the reasons that you should have them in a car seat that allows them to lie back comfortably. Infants should be placed in a rear facing car seat. The car seat must also be the right size.  

It is your responsibility as a parent to acquaint yourself with the various types of car seats in the market. The choice for parents can seem daunting at first. Talk to your friends and even read up consumer reviews on the best car seats around. One of the best is the Britax Frontier booster.  

Read the instructions on installing your car seat properly and make sure you understand and follow them. Many incidents with car seats occur due to improper installation. There is nothing wrong with seeking help from the manufacturer or retailer to make sure that you have the car seat properly installed.  

Though there are hundreds of car seats out there, it is important to choose one that is approved by your state or country. Become acquainted with the various safety regulations and ensure that your chosen car seat follows them. Even a simple Google search should point you to the right direction on car seat requirements.  

Lastly, you should never leave your child with anyone who does not know the importance of using car seats. Insist that they all know how to properly use a car seat. If you can take the time to teach the nanny how to cook your favourite food, then there should be time to teach them how to properly use a car seat. 

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your newborn baby. It provides her with all the nutrition and immunity protection she needs. However, there are circumstances where it simply isn’t feasible, either for the baby or the mother. For various reasons, they find themselves turning to baby formula.

Some parents, however, are concerned about potential problems resulting from feeding cow’s milk to babies. They’re not comfortable with the thought of giving their baby formula. But the fact is that commercial baby formula is perfectly safe and nutritious.

For infants under a year of age, regular cow’s milk isn’t recommended. The quality and quantity of nutrients it contains aren’t as ideal as those found in breast milk. But baby formula isn’t just milk in a fancy package. The manufacturers of baby formula put considerable research into their products. It contains proteins and fats that resemble breast milk very closely.

There are also various kinds of baby formula that aren’t made from cow’s milk at all. Occasionally, a newborn baby will be unable to process dairy products because she is lactose intolerant. However, there are several good alternatives.

One good alternative is formula based on soy products. It’s made with soy protein and is lactose free. However, don’t buy regular soy milk because it’s not meant for babies; make sure it’s soy formula.

Another substitute for formula made from dairy products is a product containing protein hydrolysate. The proteins it contains are already broken down similar to what would take place during natural digestion.

All these products are available in a variety of formulations. Powdered formula is the least expensive. It’s designed to be mixed with water that’s been boiled. Formula in a liquid concentrate format also needs to be mixed with water, but it’s simpler to do so.

When preparing either powdered or concentrated products, it’s important to measure carefully. It’s essential that you use the correct ratio of water to formula for the health of your baby. Also be sure to sterilize all utensils that are used to prepare the formula.

Pre-mixed, ready to use formula, however, can be used straight from the container. It’s also the most expensive of your various options. Similar to the other formulations, you can feed it to your baby either warmed up or at room temperature, depending on her preferences.

One drawback with bottle feeding formula is that parents become more aware of the quantities being ingested. According to trusted sources of baby advice, you should never force your child to drink more than she is willing to consume. If she hasn’t drunk the full amount at the time you think she should, just wait and try again later. Your baby won’t starve; when she’s hungry, she’ll let you know.

Parents have transported their infants in slings attached to their body for centuries now. However, they haven’t enjoyed much popularity in western culture during all those years. Nowadays, though, they’ve become an essential component of any parent’s supply of baby equipment.

A baby sling is a safe and easy way to carry your infant around. They provide comfort and flexibility for both parent and infant. As well, they facilitate the transfer of the parent’s body heat so the baby stays comfortable. As well, they allow for physical contact between parent and child that’s beneficial to both.

Some styles of baby carriers are fashioned after ancient Asian wraps. They loop around the parent’s back and waist, forming a sling in which the infant is able to lie or sit securely. Another style of carrier resembles a backpack. The straps fit securely over the shoulders and a belt wraps about the waist.

Either style lets you carry your baby on either the front or back. Experts in baby advice agree that both positions have their advantages. In the front, the infant is positioned near the chest, where it can look at or reach for the parent’s face. If placed on the back, the weight is more evenly distributed. The parent can transport the baby for a longer time without becoming uncomfortable.

In either position, children can face towards the parent or away, both of which have their benefits. The baby will feel more secure when facing towards the parent. Facing out, they can observe their surroundings. This gives your baby a chance to learn about his surroundings, and will help him remain engaged and happy.

There are a few advantages to a backpack carrier over a sling. As a rule, they’re sturdier and can be fastened to your body more securely. The sturdier frame of this piece of equipment will maintain your baby in an upright position.

Backpacks make it simpler to reposition the weight load to your shoulders, where the child can be carried for extended periods of time. This is especially useful if you’re going for a long walk or on a lengthy shopping trip.

Baby carriers are available in a colorful assortment of shades and patterns. There are any number of styles and patterns that will appeal to just about anyone’s tastes.

Car seats and strollers will always have their place in your lineup of necessary baby safety gear. But backpacks and slings have some advantages that those products don’t. Most people are glad they made the investment.

Baptism invitations are one of the main items when planning this special occasion for your baby but there are actually many pieces that can be a part of your invitation ensemble.  To help you in your invitation planning, here is a listing of items you may also consider.   

Photo Baptism Invitations:  A great way to make your invitations very personal is to have a photo of your baby printed on them.  This makes the invitation a special keepsake for your guest to save beyond the celebration.

Reception Card:  If you are planning a brunch or any type of celebration following the baptism ceremony and there is not enough room for the information on your invitation, you could include a reception card for listing all the details.  Most invitation styles have these cards available in a matching design.  Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Respond Card:  To properly plan for your celebration as far as food preparations and seating arrangements, this card is essential so you have an accurate guest count.  You will also have to decide on a reply date to list on the card so guests will respond accordingly.  The respond card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your baptism invitations.  For easy return mailing by your guests, the respond envelope will have your address printed on it so be sure to also include a postage stamp.    

Printed Return Address:  This option of having your return address printed on the back flap of the invitation mailing envelope can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable ones are returned to you.  There is an extra cost involved so it is optional.   

Lined Outer Envelope:  As an added touch to your baptism invitations, you can add a colored lining to your mailing envelopes.  Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose. There is an extra charge for a colored envelope lining.

Envelope Seal:  These self-adhesive decorative stickers add a nice finishing touch to your mailing envelope.  Available in many styles and colors, a seal is used to make it look like it is holding the flap down even though it has already been sealed.

Informal Note:  Also used as thank you cards, they are pre-printed with the baby’s name on the front and the inside being left blank for handwriting your own personal thank you note to guests.  Since informal notes are usually available to match your baptism invitations, it is recommended to order them at the same time to save time and extra shipping costs later.  Blank mailing envelopes are included in the price or you can have a return address printed on them for an extra charge.

As you can see, there are many items that can be part of your baptism invitation ensemble.  It is a personal choice as to which of the above items you choose to include.  Your budget may also dictate which items you purchase as well. 

These days, there are numerous products available that claim to be important for the skin care of a newborn. However, you might be surprised to learn that many doctors think these baby skin care products might actually be detrimental to your newborn. This is because of the chemicals that some of them contain.

Chemicals shouldn’t come in contact with your baby as long as you can possibly avoid it. Leave your baby’s skin to develop unimpeded. This discourages the emergence of skin irritations such as eczema and allergies.

Your baby needs only the simplest of skin care. So avoid any kind of chemicals for the first month of your baby’s life. In your baby’s first month all that’s necessary for bathing is some warm water and a soft cloth. If your baby has thick hair, you can use a baby comb to clean it while bathing.

Nature Knows Best

The best baby skin care routine is the all natural route. To follow a natural skin care routine, leave your baby’s skin untreated as much as you can.

When your baby is born you may notice a white substance on your baby’s skin that is sticky in texture. This is a natural moisturizer so don’t wipe it away. It should be allowed to penetrate the skin on its own.

If your baby is premature then it is even more important that you hold back on using any baby care products. This is because a premature baby’s skin is even more delicate than other babies. Don’t use any skin care products at all on your premature baby until after the original due date has passed.

Cord Care and Cleaning

Until the cord falls off, it’s important that you keep the area clean and dry. You don’t have to use lotion and powder on it. If the area gets dirty simply use a soft cloth and water to wipe it clean before patting dry.

You might need to follow a different routine for cord care if your baby is sick or premature. You may need to use antiseptic wipes in the area to help prevent infection. Ask your doctor for advice when it comes to skin care for your premature or sick baby.

Don’t use baby wipes until your baby is at least one month of age. Choose baby wipes that don’t contain alcohol and are unscented. Get the mildest ones you can find. Emollient based moisturizers are the best for your newborn.

There are various beautiful and effective ways to personalize any baby shower gift and the results can change a gift into something very special.

A gift may be personalized by putting a sticker on the underside, embossing it on the side or stitching it across the top. And your addition can show the baby’s name, the the names of the parents, the names of the grandparents or the name of the giver.

A gift may even be decorated with a meaningful logo, phrase or photo. The text used to personalize the gift can be selected by the giver or added by the designer of the gift. A logo might be designed by a professional designer or by the individual who is purchasing the gift. A photo could be selected from a wide range of professional stock images or suppliedand then incorporated into the gift.

Personalization quite literally transforms an otherwise impersonal gift into a keepsake that will be treasured for many years. It gives a reminder of festive occasions and imparts an incentive to pass the gift on from generation to generation. Monogramming can be used to add names to items made of cloth and printing can personalize any item that will absorb ink.

For instance, a slumber bear makes for an ideal present. Children adore the cuddly, teddy bear design and parents feel safe knowing the gift is strong and manufactured out of good materials. Later in life both parents and the then child will be able to look back on the baby shower at which the gift was received and personalization will make the memories all the sweeter.

Yet another wonderful gift is a Dilly the Duck cashmere booster pillow which provides the perfect opportunity to stitch on the name of the baby. In the years ahead that gift will change from a treasured nursery item to a memento of those youthful years. Years after it has been received both parties will look back to the many happy moments spent reading a storybook while the young one’s head rested on it.

And storybooks themselves can be personalized in the shape of a Fairy Tale book that carries all manner of individual markings. For stories that have been written by the parents, the storybook can simply be signed with the author’s name and date. When the book is bought then the giver can sign the book and print the name of the recipient on the flyleaf. All these methods and more can turn a simple book into a precious souvenir of childhood.

Yet another baby shower gift which offers the opportunity for personalization is a birth plate on which to paint the baby’s name around the rim or on the base. The best option is possibly to print the name of the baby, birth weight and date along the rim to mark the birth of that very special individual who entered your life on that day.

These are of course just a few of the many ways in which you can create unique baby shower gifts.

Maybe you were thinking that baby shower cakes were simply an appetizing dessert served to your guests… Well, that is without doubt one form of cake. However there is another kind of baby shower cake which is filled with all sorts of helpful gifts for the expectant mom. One very popular choice in this area is a gift that really can look like a tiered wedding cake. But instead of being made of flour, eggs and sugar, it’s built from the one thing that a new mom can never have too many of - diapers.

These decorative and ingenious baby shower cakes make for the perfect gift for the event. Everyone thinks about giving diapers to the expectant mother and she will definitely be able to use them. However giving diapers in this way turns a necessary but mundane gift into an occasion for laughter for the guests and the mom-to-be.

Piled high one on top of another and covered with decorative items that really do make it look like the genuine article, diaper cakes are fun and practical and the recipient can simply peel them off one at a time as needed. Exactly like eating a wedding cake that can last for days or weeks, this particular gift affords its own storage bin.

This same idea has been used with great success for lots of other baby shower gifts. The false wedding cake can be filled with any type of toys for the baby, gifts for the mom-to-be and much more.

After all, it is not only diapers that the happy couple will need soon. Baby oil, baby powder, ointment, lotion and many similar hygiene products are all common items for the nursery. At about 32 inches high, you will find that these cakes can hold a lot of these necessities. A baby cap, booties, a terry cloth towel and several other clothing items are part of the package too.

Even the somewhat smaller two-tiered baby shower cakes offer dozens of valuable gifts and provides a fabulous decoration as a centerpiece for the baby shower table. Merely peel off the outer layers and enjoy the teething ring, pacifier, rattle and more which will assuredly get used. Open it up and discover a brush and comb, socks, a manicure set and other equally useful presents.

A few baby shower cakes will contain only decorative gifts, but these too will be highly appreciated by the mother-to-be. Ceramic baby blocks, silk roses and more set on a silver platter make this a gift which will not be put away the closet after the party. You’ll find the blocks lining the shelf in the baby’s room and the silk roses on the mantle, while the silver platter is used to liven up the table on special occasions.

Discover the full range of baby shower cakes available nowadays and you will be amazed by the number of highly creative options.

And, remember of course to order the real thing for the party while you’re at it.