Eco Baby Shopping

Anyone who has had a new baby in the house knows that for something so small, you can end up accumulating an awful lot of stuff. Expectations of a new arrival sends people into a frenzy of spending on all that experts say they will need, such as clothing, furniture, diapers, and toys. But how much of it is really necessary?

When it comes to the baby’s actual needs, much of it can actually be foregone without any ramifications. When it comes to the purchases you do need to make for a new baby, it’s worth it to look into options that are environmentally friendly as well as baby friendly. Green baby care is simpler than you might think.

Feeding Your Baby

The main thing you need for the perfect baby food won’t cost you anything, is portable, and is always available at the right temperature without requiring any energy. It’s breastfeeding! Breastfeeding eliminates the need to purchase expensive formula, and also eliminates waste from those baby bottles and formula cans. You can always supplement breastfeeding by pumping milk, and then there are greener options for bottle feeding as well. Glass bottles are much more eco-friendly than plastic, which are not biodegradeable and break easier. Glass bottles can be reused and recycled. There are also green accessories for breastfeeding, such as organic creams and cloth or wool breast pads.

When baby is ready for solid food, it is healthy for baby and eco-friendly to make it yourself with organic produce by mashing or pureeing it. You don’t need to buy wasteful tiny baby food jars or boxes of cereal. By freezing extra food in ice cube trays, you can use it later when you need it.

Clothing Your Baby

The best clothing for baby and for our planet is made from sustainable fibers. Organic hemp, cotton, wool, or bamboo, all make great choices, especially if dyed with natural colors or low impact dyes. The alternative is fibers that are farmed with chemicals, which is not environmentally friendly and can be an irritant to baby’s tender skin.

Another sustainable option is to buy gently used clothing rather than new. Hand-me-downs are always available from family and friends, or for purchase at thrift stores or through local internet lists such as freecycle or Craigslist. Not only is it greener to recycle, but it saves money too.

Cloth Diapers

Disposable diapers are convenient. But there’s no getting around the fact that after that convenience they turn into tons of non-biodegradable landfill waste. Though they might sound like a hassle, cloth diapers have actually become easier and more convenient than they used to be. You no longer have to worry about folding and pinning, unless you want to. Newer cloth diapers come fitted with elastic, close with Velcro or pins, and are easier to clean. Diaper services are available in many communities to take care of the laundry. Cloth diapers are a great investment because they can be passed on to another child and last for years.

We want to bring our babies into a world that will be around for a long time. Adding some of these eco-friendly tips to regular baby care can ensure that we have a cleaner environment for generations.

Shopping for Kids–A Guide on Buying Toys Online

All parents would like to give the best things for their children – kids’ toys and clothing are the main things parents buy for their kids. Being a child is a wonderful thing since it is a stage of exploration -to fuel a kid’s curiosity, it is important that parents provide them with toys that will allow them to make use of their imagination.

Every parent knows that if you bring a kid shopping for toys in your local toy store, you are likely to spend hours of aimlessly scouring the aisles of toy items in the process of having your little ones choose their toys. Worse, they may even select a kids’ toy that is way over your budget and you end up disappointing them if you can not afford to buy the toy for them. One good way to avoid this kind of stress for both parent and child is to do toy shopping online.

Prices are definitely cheaper online because of the low overhead cost online stores have. Aside from saving money, you can also save time when shopping online. You don’t even have to tag your children along the many aisles of toy items because you can just ask them to sit beside you as you choose a kids’ toy.

But just like any online shopping endeavor, there are some considerations you have to make when you want to purchase kids’ toys online. The first of which is to look at the company’s policies before buying anything from them. Ensure that the company places a prime value on safety and quality. This way you will be assured of your money’s worth.

It is also logical to buy kids’ toys from a website that is reputable. You can ask around or read client testimonials as to the store’s products, shipping terms, customer service, and return policy. Several blogs and newsletters are also available to aid you in how to effectively carry out kids’ toy shopping online. Some stores will also offer coupons and points for every purchase of a kids’ toy, which you can collect and get a free toy for.

Shopping for Kids–Tips on How to Make the Most Out of Online Shopping

Today, more parents are finding themselves going online to shop for their kids. One good thing about doing shopping online is that there is a wide variety of manufacturer websites and toy stores which you can browse and compare products from. These websites also help greatly because of the shopping advice and toy reviews they include in their site. Albeit being an easy way to do shopping for kids’ toys, kids’ furniture, and kids’ clothes, you can still make the most out of your online shopping by taking the following tips into thought.

Going online to shop, whether for kids’ toys or kids’ clothes, can be an overwhelming affair. The many choices available online will stray you from what you originally intented to buy. A lot of online shoppers attest to the fact that there are just so many temptations when shopping online because different products will catch your attention and you end up buying something which isn’t really what you wanted to buy initially.

To avoid finding yourself in this situation, what you can do is to first have an idea of what you want to buy online. Then, write this down on a list, similar to what you do when grocery shopping, so that you don’t get distracted. Once a final list is established, only browse websites which carry the kid’s toys, kid’s clothes, or kid’s furniture that you want to buy.

If you don’t have an idea of what item to buy just yet, you can opt to do window shopping online. But restrain yourself from getting impulse items; make sure that you have already gone through all the possible items before buying one. To make things easier, you can use your favorites or bookmarks to save the product pages of the items you are interested in.

Another tip when shopping for kid’s toys, kid’s clothes, and kid’s furniture is to get on the manufacturer’s or retailer’s email list. Circumstances may not allow you to visit these stores’ websites frequently; however, you can still stay on top of things by getting promotional emails as these contain deals and special offers you might not want to miss. You can even set your email program to filter these emails to a shopping emails folder and browse through it when you have the time.

Speaking of promotions, it is always good to take advantage of any kind of special offers. Online, it is easy to do a comparison of prices for kid’s toys or kid’s furniture. There are also several promo coupons and codes which you can avail of. If you dig deeper in giant online stores, you may be lead to smaller yet specialized retail stores which will give you a unique yet varied selection. Online retailers do offer a great selection of value when shopping for your kid’s needs.

An important tip when shopping online for your kids is to look at the retailer’s shipping terms. There are retailers who offer free shipping once a certain amount of purchase is made. Also, take note of the return policy of the retailer as this will come handy when buying kids’ clothes.

Using these tips will allow you to make the most out of your online shopping endeavor. Thank God for the Internet because now, shopping for kids’ toys and other kids’ essentials have become hassle-free.

What Kinds Of Maternity Clothing Do You Really Need?

Becoming pregnant is a very happy time for the proud parents-to-be. Your new addition to the family will require a lot of exciting shopping trips and during pregnancy, those shopping trips will largely be for those all important maternity clothes. You may at first, just opt for a slightly larger size than your usual then move on to the specially designed maternity wear.

It is easy, while shopping for maternity clothes, to get carried away in the moment. Shopping for your new and exciting body shape is a novelty and it can be very easy to over-spend. Initially, to prevent you from losing sight of the overall mission, write a list of the things you really need before leaving home as opposed to a whole new wardrobe that you don’t quite need.

Because maternity clothing is a specialized line, you can expect to pay more than regular clothing. With this in mind, you might want to get only the basics and make do with that.

When is your baby due? Consider the time of the year you will be heavily pregnant, whether it is winter where you will require lots of warm clothes or summer with light, cool clothing. You may still fit into many of your clothes initially and should think about the particular season of when you will require the maternity alternatives.

Should your pregnancy fall in the winter time, you will need plenty of warm pullovers and pants. A warm coat will be essential to see you through the cold days and lots of warm, possibly thermal underwear, depending on how cold it gets. Don’t forget about some dresses for the festive season, you may be going out to parties and get-togethers and a sweatshirt and pants just won’t do.

Should you be planning to nurse your child, you might want to think about getting some good nursing bras also. During your pregnancy, your bra size will increase considerably, so larger bras will also be required. This might require you to be resized, you don’t want to be wearing an ill-fitting bra as this could cause sagging when the breasts return to the normal size.

Similarly, with panties, you will need a larger size to incorporate the expansion of your tummy. Make sure they are well elasticised for comfort.

It can be easy to forget about shoes. Your feet may become swollen and it is normal to go up one size during pregnancy. If you a due in summertime, you can make sure you have plenty of comfortable slip-ons or flip-flop style.

If you are due in winter, it may be best to wait until nearer the time to gauge exactly what you need, especially if you will require to get boots. If you are buying now be sure to get shoes/boots with a good grip on the sole to avoid slipping.

If you are on a budget, try to shop wisely. Your maternity clothes are essential and comfort wise, you can’t afford to pass on the items you need. Don’t forget you can also purchase online, for a less expensive shopping trip but with all the quality intact.

What to Expect in the First Three Months of Pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy will typically appear in about two weeks but during the first three months, you will begin to notice all types of changes to the body and emotions. Known as the first trimester, this is one of the stages of pregnancy when the majority of changes occur. The one thing we want to remind you is that while feeling nauseated, tired, and uncomfortable are common, every pregnant woman has different symptoms and different intensities of symptoms.

It is important to understand the different changes occurring so you have a better idea as what to expect. In this article, we will go through the most common complaints of pregnancy, as well as tips for managing them.

Morning Sickness

During your first two weeks pregnant, the hormones in your body are going through major changes. You will find that foods, perfumes, and even environmental smells that you normally like now become repulsive. In fact, many pregnant women agree they get very nauseated and even vomit because of the heightened sense of smell.

Of course, there are other causes of nausea, one being the pressure being placed on your digestive system due to the stretching of the uterine muscles and growing size of the fetus. What happens is that there is a higher production of acid that can be pushed upwards, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

There are some positive things you can do to help reduce the effects of morning sickness. Now, there are some women who never have nausea or have only a slight problem – how fortunate. For the pregnant women who have intense problem, being nauseated 24 hours a day is a very serious problem.

Keep in mind that while you deal with morning sickness during pregnancy, most often the feeling of nausea will disappear at about the 12-week mark. Morning sickness is the most common pregnancy symptom so if you are faced with this problem remember that you are perfectly normal.

You can do several things to lessen the intensity of pregnancy morning sickness. For starters, instead of eating three large meals a day, switch to six smaller meals. This way, the stomach is never empty so increased acid is not as much a problem. In fact, experts agree that one of the triggers for morning sickness is not having any food in the stomach. Since you go all night without eating, we recommend you keep bread or crackers on your nightstand and then before even getting out of bed, munch of a few.

This symptom of pregnancy can also be controlled by eating the right foods. While pregnant, you need to increase the amount of starchy foods, breads, and proteins consumed. You are going to gain weight during pregnancy and while you want to be careful, when dealing with certain pregnancy symptoms, weight gain should be the last thought. Typically, eating a little food will make a huge improvement in the way you feel so during the first weeks pregnant, keep your focus on feeling good and not so much on weight gain, which you can worry about after the morning sickness passes.

Food Cravings

Everyone has heard the story of a pregnant woman craving pickles and ice cream but do not laugh. While pregnant, you will have some of the strangest food cravings such as this. For instance, there will be some women who have a very powerful craving at 2:00 in the morning for strawberry shortcake or she may want liver and onions, something she would normally never eat. Although strange, do not be afraid to indulge in these cravings, as this is a very normal part of pregnancy.

Swelling and Tender Breasts

Another symptom of pregnancy noticed early on is changes in your breasts. They will become very tender and sore and even swell. This happens because progesterone and estrogen levels increase, which means more milk, is being produced by hormonal changes and thus, swelling and soreness.

You may also notice that the area around the nipple called the areola becomes darker and larger. In some pregnant women, the breasts will also develop tiny white bumps and experience blue colored veins that can be enlarged in order to handle the additional blood supply needed when breastfeeding.

While some pregnant women will only experience swelling and soreness in the first few months, others have this symptom throughout the entire pregnancy. To ease some of the discomfort, we recommend you invest in a good support bra, one that will help with the added weight of the breasts.

Short Breath and Fatigue

Two other pregnancy symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue. Trying to live a normal job, working, or going to school while pregnant can be physically difficult, which then affects the emotions. Even though getting more rest than normal might be challenging, it is important you work your schedule so you can rest. Typically, the overwhelming sense of fatigue is only during your first weeks pregnant but this symptom can last longer.

Rest is very important when pregnant so even though hard on some days, do all you can to get six to eight hours of good sleep. In addition, taking several short naps during the day can also alleviate some of the pregnancy fatigue.

In addition to naps, even eating a well-balanced diet can fight off pregnancy fatigue. If your body is getting the nourishment needed with minerals and vitamins, not only will you have more energy but you are also doing something good for the growing baby. During your pregnancy, your doctor will have you take prenatal vitamins, which really help but if fatigue becomes too much of a problem, the doctor may put you on other supplements and vitamins to help.

Other pregnancy information pertaining to fatigue has to do with exercise. Light to moderate activity actually boosts a person’s energy level so consider walking, yoga, or swimming. Of course, before you get involved with any exercise or physical activity, talk to your doctor to make sure it would be safe for your pregnancy.

Irritability, Mood Swings, and Emotions

Every pregnant woman deals with these symptoms to some degree. Remember, the hormones in your body are going through rampant changes so breaking out in tears for no apparent reason is common and normal. Sometimes, just having a good crying spell will make the pregnancy easier to handle.

Being Lightheaded

Next, when pregnant, your heart is doing a lot more work than usual. The heart needs to push blood throughout the body in a more effective way to ensure the fetus is getting what is needed so having bouts of being lightheaded is expected. However, if you are not eating the right foods and six small meals throughout the day, you might also have a problem with blood sugar levels dropping. This too can cause dizziness and is usually resolved after eating a meal.

Frequent Urination

The final pregnancy symptom we want to address is very common and also annoying. As the baby grows, the bladder is pushed on, which means when you go to the bathroom, it becomes harder and harder to completely empty it. This means as you go about your day, you will have a frequent urge to urinate even though only a small amount will come out. Unfortunately, this is a pregnancy symptom that cannot be avoided so understand this is just a part of being with child.

One tip that some pregnant women find helpful is to lean forward as far as possible when going to the bathroom.

Each of these pregnancy symptoms is common although each woman will have a slightly different experience and level of intensity. Additionally, while one pregnancy may involve having all the listed symptoms, others only have a few.

Being pregnant is hard on the body and the mind, which is why now more than ever, you need to take good care of you. Make sure you never miss an appointment with your doctor, eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, get daily exercise, and if necessary and with your doctor’s approval, add supplements and vitamins to your daily regimen.

Reduce Stretch Marks Using Stretch Mark Solutions

If you are looking for ways to reduce stretch marks from your body, then you can try different methods like using stretch mark creams that can give some beneficial results.

Stretch marks may occur at any stage of life but they are more common at the time of pregnancy and even during puberty, due to sudden increase or reduction in weight. Most women find it difficult to reduce stretch marks and try to search for various methods that can help them to cope up with this problem more effectively. Many of them even use natural remedy for reducing stretch marks, which may give them temporary benefits.

There are other methods, which can be used to reduce stretch marks from different parts of the body, which includes laser treatments which may turn to be expensive. The best way to treat these stretch marks is to use advanced stretch marks products like Revitol, which helps in improving the elasticity of the skin and also reduces the appearance of existing stretch marks. This product is made using natural ingredients, which is 100% safe and does not have any side effects.

How do stretch marks occur on the body?

Stretch marks are caused on the body mainly due to overstretching of the skin and when the fibers of the dermis are broken which could happen at the time of pregnancy or on account of excessive weight gain. These stretch marks can be found on different parts of the body, which includes the stomach, abdomen, buttocks, arms and the legs along with the breasts. They may appear as red lines and may slowly turn into a pale white color after several months and spoil the physical appearance of a woman.

Pregnant women need to take special care to prevent stretch marks from occurring at the time of pregnancy. This mainly happens due to sudden increase in weight, which results in tearing of the elastin and collagen fibers and gives rise to stretch marks. It is a good idea to apply an effective moisturizer, which can help in controlling the appearance of stretch marks and following the right kind of pregnancy diet, which is rich in vitamins and essential minerals.

Using natural ways to reduce stretch marks

Cocoa butter can be quite helpful in visibly reducing the appearance of stretch marks if used on a regular basis. You can even try taking a massage using Vitamin E rich oil, which keeps your skin supple and smooth and helps you to reduce stretch marks on your body. Regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fiber and protein along with vitamin and mineral supplements can help in building the cells and promote greater elasticity.

Try to consume foods that are rich in zinc, which helps in building collagen, which is essential to reduce stretch marks on the body. Revitol is one of the best creams for reducing stretch marks, which guarantees the best results when used to reduce stretch marks.

Tips for Keeping your Body Fit and Strong during Pregnancy

The way to an easier pregnancy starts by being in shape. Today, there are a number of programs and exercises designed specifically for pregnant women but it is vital that women talk to their doctor first to ensure there are no health risks. The best solution to keep the body fit during pregnancy is by getting about 30 minutes of exercise every day. Not only will you gain less weight and have an easier pregnancy and delivery, you will also discover you have increased energy.

In addition, exercise while pregnant will reduce the risk of certain health issues that are common while carrying a child to include gestational diabetes. Even after giving birth, your body will respond faster, meaning you heal quicker than someone who did not exercise while pregnant and feel better overall. Again, if you are pregnant and you want to be in the best shape possible, exercise is key but always discuss options with your doctor first.

Typically, pregnant women should only use fitness programs that are easy on the body but also effective. Such activities would include swimming, low impact aerobics, yoga, and walking. In some cases, even Pilates can be highly beneficial. Of course, anything that is too strenuous should be avoided. After all, your pregnant body is carrying additional weight and the body is being stretched so it is important to choose wisely, particularly in the second trimester. There are also some activities that should be avoided throughout the pregnancy altogether such as scuba diving. The reason is that gas bubbles could form in the circulatory system of the unborn child, causing serious problems.

Your pregnancy is important and to stay in shape, exercise on a daily basis will make everything easier. Keep in mind, exercise will burn off more calories. However, because you have a baby growing inside, weight gain is inevitable. Exercise will keep you from gaining too much weight, something you will be thankful for after giving birth. Once you become a new mom, exercise should continue to be a part of life so you avoid heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure among other things, giving you and your child a long life together.

A common problem that pregnant women deal with is stress. A lot of this is about hormonal changes occurring in the body, which is normal but adding exercise to your daily regimen actually reduces stress. The benefit here is not only for you but also for the baby. Stress you experience is felt by the baby, something you want to avoid. Exercise also helps tremendously in lowering stress levels after the pregnancy, a time when new moms deal with the “blues”.

Postpartum depression is a real condition and in some cases, very serious. With this problem the new mom feels overwhelmed and even questions her ability to be a good parent. Exercise can help lift some of this pressure, making the bonding time between mom and baby more effective.

Talk to your doctor when trying to get pregnant or after becoming pregnant so you can learn which activities are safe. From there, you can do research to find a program that includes activities you enjoy and on your schedule. Even when you feel tired, 30 minutes of exercise during your pregnancy can make you feel more balanced.

The exciting thing about exercise programs today is that they are designed with new exercises and activities that are really enjoyable. The key to being consistent is trying to find things you like so you will not become bored. As you exercise throughout the pregnancy and after birth, you are giving yourself a great gift – the gift of life.

Things You Should Know Before You Choose Your Physician

Any expectant mother will find the task of choosing the perfect doctor to help deliver her baby daunting. The best way to go about doing this is therefore to sit down and make two lists of questions, one encompassing the various issues that the pregnant mother needs to know about her doctor, and the other involving all the actual aspects of the childbirth.

First thing to consider is the practicality of your choice. Is the physician you are mulling over on the list of your insurance firm? Do they have a good connection with the hospital you have in mind for your childbirth? Does this hospital accept insurance coverage from your insurance firm? What about the other issues involving billing and payments? All these questions need to be answered to your satisfaction before you opt for your physician.

Also, any pregnant woman will not feel comfortable knowing that her physician may not be there at the end moment. You’ll want one who will be in town, and available for you during the delivery, even if it happens before or after the due date. Also, will he or she be available to see you at a moment’s notice if complications arise? If not, who stands in for them? You must meet the back-up physician in any case, and ascertain your confidence in them!

When you meet with the physician you’re considering, ask the questions that matter to you. How long have they been practicing? What do they think about the use of anesthesia? How do they administer pain control medication? What is their Caesarian section percentage? Many physicians own up to a range of fifteen to twenty percent, which enable you to ascertain their standings on potential risks.

The best way to truly know a physician is to talk to nurses who have worked with them. Get their opinions. Nurses will tell you a lot about a physician, what he’s like, how he works, how he is under stress, and so on. This will really help you make an informed decision.

The doctor who has been with you throughout your pregnancy is the ideal one to use for your delivery. This way, your physician will know your entire medical history beforehand, which may help in the choosing of medication for inducing labor or pain control. Also, this physician will be with you during the entire childbirth process, which is comforting for the pregnant mother.

Of course, being the warmest physician with the best manner isn’t all you’re looking for. Always go for a physician with whom you can question and talk about your fears with ease and without fear of them being condescending towards you. This will help assure you of their medical and childbirth experience.

Go for a physician that you can always trust to tell you the truth, without being brash about it. Obviously, any expectant woman will ask for the best in the medical field. That’s fundamental. But then, being the best in the field does not necessarily translate to being the best for you. It is more important that you choose a physician who is in tune with what you need and works hard to put you at ease, rather than one who treats your pregnancy as an experiment that they need to complete!

Knowing a bit about what your physician thinks pertaining to certain issues can help with your decision. Obviously, you don’t have to have factors like religion or political opinions in common! But knowing that this is the person you want through your pregnancy can smoothen your path, right from your first ultrasound to the delivery of your baby!

 

Factors That Affect Fertility And How To Combat Them!

Most couples who have actively tried to get pregnant know that having intercourse near the scientific dates appropriate for conception isn’t all that matters. In fact, less than two thirds of those trying to get pregnant do so within six months. However, 90% of those who try manage to be successful within eighteen months.

There are plenty of considerations that influence the chances of conception, some of which carrying more weight in this process than others.

Let’s take a look at caffeine. The intake of caffeine tends to have an effect on fertility for both males as well as females. Cappuccino tends to have 300-400 mgs of caffeine, whilst brewed coffee has 100-300 mgs of caffeine. The least amount of caffeine is found in decaf coffee (7-8mg), which is the best type of coffee to take if you’re trying to get pregnant.

Some pre-existing conditions are also known to affect fertility in men and women.

Some men have lower sperm motility, which is a condition whereby the sperm cells lack the energy to move up the fallopian tube to fertilize the ovum. This condition is mostly genetic, but can also be temporarily induced by excess caffeine or alcohol levels in the blood.

Low sperm count also affects fertility. Although fewer than 10% of all men have this condition, it rates highly on the infertility chart. Having a low sperm count is normally a factor of genetics, but can also be due to some illness or heavy alcohol consumption. In some cases, it can also be a consequence of high fever.

However, low sperm count caused by heat is temporary and can be sorted easily. In fact, the myth that heat causes low sperm counts came about when laboratory tests for sperm counts showed lower numbers after exposure to high temperatures. However, for sperm counts to decrease drastically, continuous exposure to high temperatures is required, not the small changes caused by wearing different types of underwear or having different lifestyle preferences!

Let’s now look at the factors affecting fertility in females. In women, infertility occurs in a manner of degrees. Some women tend to have a uterine environment which doesn’t facilitate implantation of the fertilized egg, whilst a few women are totally infertile. Some women undergo ovulation irregularly. About 20% of all women who have low fertility determine the root cause of it to be a problem with the fallopian tubes, whereas 20% blame it on endometriosis, whereby uterine tissue lining grows out of the uterus.

Keeping track of the menstrual cycle may help in knowing the best times for possible conception. It is therefore important to maintain a proper chart of body temperature and other monthly events. These should be put down twice every day, morning and evening.

Weight also measures up as a major factor of fertility. Women who are more than a little overweight will find it hard to conceive, because of ovulation and other hormonal aspects associated with being overweight. Body fat that surpasses fifteen percent over the recommended range leads to production of extra estrogen, hence leading to a lower degree of fertility. Generally, any kind of hormonal change will affect a woman’s ability to conceive.

Other external factors that can affect fertility in women include use of antidepressants, excess tobacco as well as heavy alcohol intake.

Medical research has advanced the field of fertility in both men and women. In today’s world, there are several fertility treatments that perform wonders when it comes to conception and implantation. However, most physicians require couples to try naturally for eighteen months before approaching artificial methods. Also, fertility treatments have their own risks, and are not totally foolproof.

So before opting for fertility treatments, consult a fertility expert to determine the best course of action for your needs!

Tips and Techniques Guaranteed To Give You The Baby Of The Gender Of Your Choice