by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

How many ounces of formula does a newborn drink?

Infant Formula Dos and Don'ts for New Parents
When it comes to formula feeding, there are some things that are a must. There also are things that will be a definite no-no. Here is my list of infant formula do's and don'ts for new parents.

Newborn Feeding Guide for New Moms
If you're a new mom, you likely have many questions about feeding your new baby. Being a mom to multiple kids, as well as a former nanny, I offer tips and advice related both to formula feeding and breastfeeding based on my experiences and research.

Soy Baby Formula Benefits
Choosing the right formula can be a challenge. There are many great options for parents to consider. This article discusses some of the benefits of formula feeding a baby with a soy-based formula.

How to Tell If Your Baby Has a Soy Allergy
Cow's milk may be the most popular formula allergy to be discussed, but it isn't the only one. Did you know that a baby can be allergic to soy milk based formula as well? This article explains common soy allergy warning signs when formula feeding a baby.

How to Reduce Infant Spit Up
Infants spit up. That's a fact that cannot be completely avoided. However, there are ways to reduce infant spit up, whether formula feeding a baby or breast feeding. This article gives tips and advice on reducing the occurrence of infant spit up.

How Can I Cure My Formula-Fed Baby's Vomiting?
Spitting up is normal in babies. But vomiting is a warning sign. How can you tell which one your baby is experiencing? How can you cure vomiting in a formula feeding baby? This article can help parents faced with this issue.

5 Secrets To Successfully Bottle-Feeding Your Infant
Feeding your baby can often be a challenge, no matter the method. Here are 5 secrets to successfully bottle-feeding your infant.

What NOT To Do When Bottle-Feeding An Infant
So you’ve read up on successfully bottle-feeding your baby. Now, here’s what NOT to do.

Crying Baby with Colic? Soothing Sounds Plus Bonus Tips to Comfort a Colicky Baby
Babies who are breastfeeding, as well as those who are formula feeding can develop colic. Colicky babies often are uncomfortable and cranky. Many times soothing sounds will help. Here are some of the best soothing sounds for babies with colic.

How to Help a Newborn Poop
Sometimes your newborn may have difficulties making a bowel movement. Learn how to help a newborn poop safely.

*This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

How Often Should I Feed My Newborn Baby?

A newborn baby should feed every 2 - 3 hours, but might go up to 4 hours without feeding on occasion. If your newborn sleeps past 4 hours or doesn’t demand to be fed at that point, you will need to feed him or her anyway. Newborns should never go longer than 4 hours without eating. If your baby asks to be fed more often, that’s fine. Some babies feed on demand. A newborn won’t feed if they’re not hungry. Therefore, you can’t overfeed a newborn.

How Long Can Formula Sit Out?

Follow the instructions on your exact infant formula package, as they can vary. Most formula can remain unrefrigerated for up to two hours if the baby hasn’t drank from the bottle. If the baby has drank from the bottle, instead it will last only an hour, due to bacteria concerns.

Formula Feeding Safety Tips

• Make sure to burp your baby after feeding each half to full ounce
• Use bottles and nipples designed to help prevent gas bubbles
• Never feed baby formula that has been left out for too long
• Refrigerate unfed formula only (once fed, it is no longer good to refrigerate)
• Never heat formula in the microwave
• Never prop a newborn’s bottle for feeding
• Use only the scoop that came with the formula to measure
• The directions on your formula package should be trusted before the advice here
• Disinfect all bottles properly

How to Get Free Baby Formula

If you’re a low-income family, many food banks will provide infant formula for free, as will other charitable organizations. You can also sign up for discounts and free samples on infant formula websites, such as Enfamil.com. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also provides free formula to those who qualify.

*This is not meant to be a complete guide on formula feeding a baby. It also should not substitute the advice of a licensed medical professional. Your child's pediatrician is always the best source for health matters.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

your baby needs, but don't buy the cheapest just to save money. Always do research and listen to the pediatrician. It's good to save money in most cases, but not at the expense of your infant's health and nutrition.

DO Stock Up When Practical
Sometimes stores will have sales on baby formula. When baby has no issues with formula, it can be practical to stock up. It's wise to be sure you have been using the same formula to feed your baby for a while before stocking up.

DON’T Switch Brands Too Often
Switching formula can be tough on a baby's stomach. Try not to switch from the type of formula you are using unless recommended by the pediatrician.

DO Prepare Formula in Advance Where Practical
Some new moms may find it easier to prepare bottles in advance when using formula to feed a baby. However, if there is not a practical and safe way to store the bottles, it may not be a good idea.

DON’T Feed Baby Formula That Has Been Out Longer Than Recommended
New moms can check the label of the infant formula to see how long it can be unrefrigerated before going bad, as well as how long it can be refrigerated before it spoils.

DO Follow Preparation Instructions Exactly
Baby formula is developed in a way that provides a particular amount of nutrition to the infant. If it is prepared wrong, the nutritional value is altered.

DON'T Use More or Less Powder or Mixture Than Suggested
Using formula to feed a baby can be healthy if done right. Using too much mixture can cause gas, constipation, and other complications. Using less than suggested can cause poor nutrition and take away essential nutrients.

DO Heat Baby Formula Before Feeding
Babies should drink their bottles heated at an appropriate temperature. Room temperature is ideal. Babies should not drink cold bottles or those that are too hot. Both can be dangerous.

DON’T Use a Microwave For Heating Formula
Do not use a microwave to heat formula in a baby bottle or other container. Because microwaves heat unevenly, this could result in scalding.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

If you are pregnant or have a newborn baby, you may be wondering about the health benefits of soy baby formula, compared to breast milk, cow's milk-based formula, or another formula type. Are there health benefits to soy formula over other formulas, and when should a baby drink soy formula?

Soy Formula May Decrease Rotavirus Infections

According to ScienceDaily, research has shown that soy isoflavones found in soy baby formula may help decrease the likelihood of rotavirus infections. Rotavirus infections are the leading cause of diarrhea in infants. Also, just like cow's milk baby formula, soy baby formula can be an adequate source of nutrition during baby's first year. This may leave some parents wondering if they should use soy baby formula from the start or make the switch to soy baby formula for their infant's health.

Are Soy Baby Formula Benefits Worth The Risks?

While there are health benefits to soy baby formula, that does not mean it is the correct choice for every infant. Each baby has unique medical and nutritional needs. Therefore, any dietary habits should be discussed with the baby's pediatrician. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), soy-based infant formula should be used only in certain circumstances.

Soy baby formula used to be a common alternative for infants who were lactose intolerant, but that is no longer the case. There now is lactose-free baby formula, as well as hypoallergenic baby formula. Many babies who have an allergic reaction to cow's milk will also have an allergic reaction with soy based formula. In fact, a significant percentage of infants who have severe gastrointestinal problems as a reaction to cow's milk baby formula will likely have similar reactions to soy baby formula.

Which Babies Should Consume Soy Baby Formula?

The benefits of soy baby formula are said to be recommended to infants who have strict vegans as parents. Infants who have true lactose intolerance (not to be confused with a cow's milk allergy) could also benefit from soy baby formula. Although, as mentioned above, there are other options.

Another group of infants that is said to gain health benefits from soy baby formula are those with congenital galactosemia. Babies with this rare condition do not have the enzyme that would turn galactose into glucose. Galactose is found in breast milk, cow's milk, and other dairy products. If too much galactose builds up in the body, it can lead to serious health concerns, including death. Therefore, soy baby formula is recommended for infants who have congenital galactosemia.

Discuss Soy Baby Formula With Your Pediatrician

If you are concerned about your baby’s health or are curious about soy baby formula, ask your pediatrician. The research and information above is not intended as a replacement for discussing a child's health and nutritional needs with a qualified pediatrician. Before starting, switching, or stopping any type of baby formula, the child's pediatrician should always be consulted.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Some mistakenly think that healthy skin comes naturally for a baby. In a sense, it does. But, to keep infant skin healthy, proper skin care techniques should be applied. I am a mother experienced in infant skin care for several children, as well as keeping my own skin healthy. I feel my experience could be useful to many parents interested in baby skin care. Over the years, I have gained knowledge through trial and error, the advice of doctors, and also through research.

Getting Started With Healthy Infant Skin Care

Before starting to care for your baby’s skin, do a product inventory. Read labels of cleansing products, lotions and moisturizers, and laundering products. Check for unnecessary chemicals and fragrance. Products that promote healthy infant skin should include mainly water, moisturizers, disinfectants (for cleansing products), and vitamins and minerals. Beyond that, there shouldn't be many other ingredients. While fragrance is included in many baby care products, it often is not good for promoting healthy skin care. Some babies are sensitive to fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals. Even those who are not should be limited to their exposure. I personally do not use any commercial baby products and opt for making my own, due to difficulty finding any that do not contain harmful chemicals.

Cleansing Your Baby’s Skin For Optimal Health

The first step to maintaining healthy skin for an infant is properly cleansing the skin. A baby should not necessarily be using the same cleansers as an adult. Some of those can be harsh on a baby's skin, causing it to dry out or get irritated. Dry or irritated skin is not healthy skin. A good baby cleansing product should contain a cleanser or disinfectant, possibly a moisturizer, water, and vitamins or minerals. Other ingredients should be minimal or non-existent. Soft cloths made of 100% cotton are best for applying cleansers to infant skin. Plain, fragrance free glycerin soap with only oatmeal and almond oil (not to be confused with almond extract or scented essential oils) is a good choice. It’s actually quite easy to make your own.

Moisturizers For Infant Skin Health

Moisturizing is another important step to healthy skin care in infants. Many babies naturally have soft skin, but to maintain that soft, healthy skin, frequent moisturizing is necessary. Using just any moisturizer is not necessarily better than none. The harsh ingredients in some of them can be detrimental to healthy skin care for a baby and can actually deplete moisture. If you can’t make your own products, check labels to be sure the ingredients consist of a proper moisturizer, preferably some vitamins and minerals, as well as purified water. I personally recommend simple coconut or almond oil infused with pure (unfragranced) vitamin E oil.

Bedding and Clothing Play an Important Role in Infant Skin Care

Often overlooked are the garments babies wear, as well as their bedding. Anything that comes in contact with a baby's skin should be considered in maintaining healthy skin care habits. Be cautious of the fabrics used to make the bedding and clothing. Also, pay attention to the laundering products used. Avoid products that contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. Natural laundry detergent is best for maintaining healthy skin care in an infant.

To avoid wrinkling in the clothing, try hanging the clothing neatly on the clothesline in the sun. The sunshine method also can help to freshen the clothing, taking away the need for a fabric refresher. Another freshening method is to add a small amount of baking soda (maybe a teaspoon) to the washer with a cup of vinegar. This can serve as a cleanser, disinfectant, de-wrinkler, and fabric softener all at once.  
                           
Things to Remember:                                                           

• Check infant skin care products for chemicals, dyes, and fragrance.
• Anything that touches a baby's skin should be considered in maintaining healthy skin care habits.
• To maintain that soft, healthy skin babies can have, frequent moisturizing is necessary.
  

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

If you are breastfeeding, you'll want to know when to begin weaning your baby from breastmilk. There is no generalized answer to that question. However, the following information may be helpful in determining an answer. Some may be weaning in order to go back to work while others may be weaning for other reasons, such as the transition into solid foods.

When Should I Start Weaning My Baby?

According to KidsHealth.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies are breastfed until at least 6 months of age. At that point, it is recommended that a combination of breastmilk and solid foods be given until the baby is at least 1 year old.

Experts will vary on the exact time when moms can begin weaning their baby. Consulting with your child's pediatrician is a great way to be sure that the choice you make is catered to your baby's individual needs. Beyond that, watch for cues from your baby's actions, combining that with the doctor's advice. I always found that combining the doctor's advice with baby's cues led to a successful weaning process.

Transitioning to Solids

Some babies will wean on their own naturally during the transition to solid foods. Others may need their mother to take a leadership role when it comes to weaning. Some are not as willing to wean as others. It may be the easiest to begin weaning your baby when solid foods are a particular interest or distraction. The excitement of new foods may distract the baby's attention from breastfeeding.

When a baby is showing more interest in transitioning to drinking liquids in a cup and eating more solid foods, this is a good indication of when to begin weaning. Baby food and liquid amounts should be discussed with the pediatrician to be sure that baby is eating the correct amount.

Reducing & Eliminating Nightly Feedings

The nightly feedings seem to be the hardest to shy the baby away from. Therefore some mothers opt to use transitioning to solid foods as a perfect opportunity to eliminate nightly feedings. Some mothers may still choose to offer a nightly feeding while transitioning the baby to solids.

Importance of Gradual Weaning

During the process of weaning, you don't want to just stop breastfeeding all of a sudden. Weaning a baby should involve gradually decreasing the amount of breastmilk given, while gradually increasing other forms of nourishment. This helps to ensure that the baby is getting the proper nourishment needed to thrive. If you are at all unsure of what to do during the process, don't hesitate to talk to your child's pediatrician to accurately assess what is healthy for your baby.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Whether it’s for natural care reasons or health care benefits, parents may request soy-based baby gifts for their newborn. Know an expectant parent who is into natural care, being eco-friendly, or who has an infant with lactose intolerance? This gift guide to soy-based baby products may help you decide what gift is best. As a mom who's into natural living and researching new things all the time, I've come across a variety of potentially useful products.

Soybean Fiber Baby Clothes

For the eco-friendly mom or dad, there are companies who make baby clothing out of soybean protein fibers. These baby clothes are eco-friendly, all-natural, and can by quite stylish too. Baby clothing made from soybean fibers is very soft to the touch and makes great soy-based gifts for newborns.

Baby Soap Enriched With Soy Proteins

Many natural organic soaps are made with protein oils, such as soybean oil. Soy proteins are great for the skin. As long as Baby isn't allergic to soy, baby soap enriched with soy proteins would be an appreciated gift for newborns. If you feel like being creative, you may even want to look up a recipe and make homemade soap using soybean oil and other ingredients.

Soy Baby Formula

If the newborn you are buying a gift for is lactose intolerant or requires soy baby formula for another reason, this could be a good gift idea. The best newborn baby gifts are those that will actually get used. Baby formula does not exactly sound like a pretty or fancy gift, but it's definitely useful. Formula prices can be costly to some, so soy baby formula could be a well-appreciated gift for newborns who can use it.

Soybean Crib Mattress

Did you know that soybean fibers can be used to make a crib mattress? Mattress foam made from soy fibers is said to reduce sagging and increase durability in infant mattresses. This could add to the firm support required for newborns. Since soybeans are a renewable resource, this likely is a more earth-friendly purchase than other mattresses. As long as the baby's parent/s don't already have a mattress, a soybean crib mattress could make a great soy-based gift for newborns.

Homemade Soybean Puree

If you like to cook, you could try making homemade soybean puree baby food and freezing it to make a parent's job easier a few months down the line. Keep in mind that frozen baby food should not be kept frozen too long. Three months is a general time limit, but it could keep longer (or for less time) depending on the freezing and storage method. Another option is to gather some great baby food recipes involving soybeans and assemble them in a homemade recipe book made from recycled papers.

**Author’s Note: Not all experts agree on the health benefits of soy, so it's best to know the family's stance on this before giving a soy-based newborn baby gift. The author is not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a licensed physician for health matters.

Eliminate The Need To Haul Playpen/Bassinet To Park Or Other Outing

Baby can get worn out in the most inconvenient places, but it's up to the parents to prepare for this. With a double stroller, you can just lie the back seat down and bring up the footrest or under-attachment for protecting baby from falling. All four sides will be secure and create a quick napping spot that is also safe and comfortable. It can also act as a bassinet for smaller babies. If you have a particularly fussy baby, this can come in handy. Just pull the stroller back and forth to create motion for a cranky baby. Most double strollers also have a 4-way harness system (much like that of a car seat, but a bit thinner) in the back seat to prevent a small baby from rolling. The footrests usually also will latch upright. Some models may allow two such resting areas.

No Need To Hunt Down a Sanitary Changing Station

Changing a baby when you're on the go can be a challenge. You need a place to do it, which can't always be found and then if you do find a spot, it is rarely clean or sanitary. That's when your back seat in the double stroller comes in handy. Lie it all the way back and strap baby in with the correct buckle (harness or regular), depending on baby's age. Now you have a clean and safe surface for changing baby. This can also be a good spot to change baby's clothing if it gets soiled.

If You Get Pregnant Again, It's One Less Item To Buy

Sometimes a new baby will come right after the first or at least two years apart. The first child is still in the stroller, but now a second child will be in the stroller as well. Well, have no fear. You've already purchased the double stroller, so you're one step ahead in that department.

Most Infant Car Seats Can Attach To Both Seats

Lugging around the car seat of a sleeping baby is not exactly fun, but you don't want to wake baby, either. Most double strollers allow for two infant seats to be attached to the stroller easily. You may only need to attach one, but if so, you'll still have room for another child or some cargo. Cross-branding is okay, too because many models, like the Graco DuoGlider (mentioned above), will give instructions for latching other brands into the stroller properly.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Babysitting is a fee many parents will be faced with, but how high is too high? Are nannies, childcare facilities, and babysitters charging too much these days? To answer that question, I looked into my own personal experience, not only as a mother, but as an experienced nanny. Here are the conclusions I came to and why. Some may agree and some may not.

Children are a parent's responsibility - However, sometimes parents have other responsibilities that must be taken care of, such as employment, that do not allow for our children to be in our presence. Sometimes parents just want to have fun without the kids. Whatever the case may be, responsibility of the children needs to be delegated to someone else (the nanny, babysitter, or childcare or daycare facility) for a period of time that a parent will not be present.

You get what you pay for - A parent knows how hard it is to care for children, so why should we expect someone to want to care for our children in the proper manner, without compensating that person to do so? Good childcare often comes with a price. Ever heard the old saying "You get what you pay for"? It applies very well to the service you should expect from your babysitter or nanny. babysitting fees might be high, compared to what you’d like to pay. But there’s generally a reason for that.

But that nanny is cheaper! - If you hire two nannies to watch four kids on two separate days for the same number of hours and pay one of them two dollars per hour and the other eleven dollars per hour, which one do you think is going to work the hardest and want to come back? Of course, it would most likely be the one who got paid eleven dollars per hour. This is not always going to be the case, as some people will be a good nurturer and hard worker regardless. But it is definitely something to consider. Someone who is only being paid two dollars per hour to watch four children might watch the children well, but do you think that person will want to go the extra mile? Probably not. They might even just plop the children in front of Disney Channel the entire time because the money is not worth the effort of organizing activities, cleaning up messes, and doing other things.

You asked for this, the care provider is doing a difficult job - Aside from that, remember that caring for children is hard work. Any parent knows that. We may act like it's easy in front of family and friends, but in all reality, it is the hardest job in the world. You have to constantly make sure everything is clean and neat, while at the same time making sure that everyone is fed, changed (or uses the potty), and happy. You have to find time to play with, and possibly teach, the children while still keeping things in order and tending to the occasional bump, fall, pants wetting, tantrum, or more. While it is fun and rewarding, it is still hard. This aspect should not be forgotten, in regards to paying your sitter.

Your children deserve quality over risky business - Furthermore, these are your children. They deserve quality care, which is sometimes not given when the pay is too low. Children are not capable of caring for themselves, thus the reason for the nanny. Most parents care deeply for their children, so why would a parent put their child's life at risk just to save a buck? Yes, I said their life, because if a sitter is charging a lower rate, that sitter may not have any first aid training, which is vital when caring for children.

Rates will vary depending on the area you live in, so use your best judgment to decide what's fair. Just remember not to short your nanny because she might just fall short on caring for your children properly.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

You've made the decision to bottle feed your infant. Now you want to be sure it's successful. Whether you are using breast milk or formula, these 5 secrets to successfully bottle feeding your infant may come in handy. My experiences as a mother and former nanny, in addition to research over the years, has taught me some great lessons that I hope will help others.

Choose the Proper Nourishment
Infants have sensitive stomachs. They also each have their own specific nutritional needs. A big part of successfully bottle feeding your infant is the choice of formula. You may use breastmilk exclusively, a combination of breastmilk and formula, or formula alone. If you are choosing formula, it is important to check with the pediatrician to be sure the brand and type you choose meets the needs of your baby.

Choose the Correct Bottles
Successfully bottle feeding an infant also lies in the bottle choice. Choose a bottle design that allows for the least amount of air bubbles to flow out with formula. Too many air bubbles can cause gas. Check not only the bottle itself, but the nipples and attachments as well. If the nipples flow too quickly, that also can cause too much air to escape while baby is feeding. The best bottle systems are designed to keep out air and have choices of nipples with varying flow levels. For instance, newborns should use nipples with a slower flow. However, older babies will swallow too much air from trying too hard on a nipple with very slow flow. The flow should match the baby’s efforts and abilities.

Burp Baby Often
Even with the best bottle systems, a baby is still going to need to be burped frequently. This does not mean the bottles aren't working. It is simply a normal action that should occur during and after feeding. Successfully bottle feeding an infant is about nourishing the baby as well as making sure the baby is comfortable as possible. Relieving the baby by burping him or her is part of that. Talk with your pediatrician about proper burping techniques if you’re having difficulties with what was instructed by the medical professionals at your birthing location.

Keep Bottles at Correct Angle
There is no general angle that will apply to all bottles because there are so many different designs. However, keeping bottles at the correct angle for their design and baby’s needs will be integral to successfully bottle feeding your infant. The bottle should be held at an angle that allows the formula or breast milk to flow without any air pockets. Some bottles are designed with a tilted position that helps with this, while others are not. Follow the directions that come with the bottle, as well as instructions from the pediatrician.

Hold Infant Close and at Proper Angle
Another very important aspect of successfully bottle feeding your infant will be bonding. Be sure to hold the baby close and at an appropriate angle for feeding. Baby's head and chest should be elevated and your baby should be supported at all points. Perhaps the most common bottle feeding position is to lie baby in the lap and support his or head with one arm, holding the baby close. Use the opposite hand to feed the bottle to the baby. Ask the pediatrician to instruct you of proper feeding positions shortly after birth.

-- Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is provided for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any advice pertaining to health matters.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

According to reports from various sources, such as TheFrisky and DailyMail, parents have been using baby wigs to enhance the look of their infants. This trend may be most popular with parents of bald babies. Is a baby wig necessary for a bald infant? Is it safe?

Bald Babies
Probably since the beginning of time, some babies are naturally born bald. It's simply a fact of life. Does this mean there is something wrong with the way these babies look? Apparently, that depends on who you ask. Some parents support the use of wigs on babies, especially girls, for reasons like making them appear more girly or look like celebrities. Other parents, such as myself, oppose the use of wigs on infants for any reason. Which of us is right?

Why Some Parents Support Using a Baby Wig
According to another report on TheFrisky.com, one mother sent pictures of her infant in a lace front wig to another website. The report stated in the mother's view it's never too early for a child start looking as glamorous as stars like Beyonce. Looking at the picture, to me the baby looks no more than six months old. Another website, Baby Bangs, creates hairbands for baby girls that have hair attached to them. This site claims that the wigs allow baby girls who have little to no hair the chance to look girly.

Why Some Parents and Experts Are Against Wigs for Babies
According to DailyMail, Michelle Elliott of Kidscape said "This is ridiculous. Any parent who buys one of these wigs for their child needs their head examining." The report also says that she pointed out how dangerous wigs could be for babies. Apparently, this was her response to the wigs on BabyToupee.com that are modeled after hairstyles of current superstars such as Lil Kim, Bob Marley, and Donald Trump. As a mother, stepmother, and former nanny, I do not agree with wigs for infants either. This especially is true when it comes to wigs that require gluing. Another thought that comes to my mind is safety.

Are Baby Wigs Safe?
The FAQ on the Baby Bangs website states that the Baby Bangs hair+bands have been safety-tested and approved for infants ages 0-9 months. I could find no information on who conducted the safety testing. That's not to say that it isn't valid, but upon my visits to the site, I could find no information regarding the source of any safety testing. As for the other types of wigs, BabyToupee.com states on the front page that the wigs are safe for ages 0-9 months as well. I could find no other safety information regarding these or any other wigs for babies. As a mother, the fact that I am unable to locate any specific safety information does not make me very comfortable.

Should Parents Really Use Baby Wigs for Bald Babies?
Because baby wigs are more of a vanity accessory than an actual need, I would have to conclude that they are not necessary. My personal thoughts are that all babies are beautiful no matter how little or how much hair they have. There have been bald babies for ages and it's very likely that the majority went without a wig as a baby. My take is that kids can already pick up on so many vanity and self-esteem issues as is. Why add to that by covering up their natural beauty, especially at such an early age? That's not even taking into account any safety issues that may arise. Should parents use them? I can't be the judge of what others do. But I do hope that parents do their research and make a wise decision.

UPDATE: Since I first published this story several years ago, many more wig stores featuring products for babies have come about.

*I originally published this content via Yahoo Contributor Network

As you get closer to that big day, the day of your precious baby's birth, a variety of things will be going on inside your head, as well as your home. You probably will find yourself on a countdown of sorts. Anxiousness and excitement are just a couple of the emotions you might be feeling. Likely, with the help of your newfound "nesting" instinct, your home will be undergoing changes, preparing for the arrival of the new baby.

Seeing your precious little one through ultrasound or sonogram and hearing his or her tiny persistent heartbeat during the final stages of pregnancy may have you steadily finding yourself on a countdown. How many days until it is time for baby's arrival? You have been carrying and nurturing this sweet bundle and you are anxious to not only see the fruits of your labor but to meet this little person you have somehow come to love without yet seeing in the outside world.

It can be beneficial to feel excited or anxious, but it can also cause stress. One way to avoid this type of situational stress is to pour that anxiousness and excitement into planning for the baby's arrival. This is where the excitement and anxiousness actually will come in handy. There is plenty to do and plan for. Keep busy at it and before you know it, your pregnancy will be over and you will have given birth, in what can seem like a blink of an eye. Creating lists for each task can help make this aspect easier. Writing is also a great stress reliever, so the lists could have more than one benefit.

One thing you may be planning on your countdown is the type and style of furniture you would like in your baby's nursery. There could also be wall decorating or painting, the choosing of the nursery bedding, packing the hospital diaper bag for mom and for after the birth of the baby and many more tasks. A baby needs various supplies, some small and some large. It may take some time to come up with everything you feel is necessary, which is perfect for keeping your mind busy and focused, rather than stressed about the countdown to the big day.

Another great thing to do while on your birth countdown is to talk to family and friends who have experience with pregnancy and birth. Asking them what they did in their final days could yield some great tips and possibly uncover some ideas on preparing for the baby that you may not have thought about previously. Spending time laughing with friends and family can also be beneficial in preparing for the new baby. Not only can it be a stress reliever, but once baby comes, you may not be as available for this special time. For this reason, getting plenty of rest during the birth countdown is also a good idea.

*I originally published a version of this content via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

It's three o'clock in the morning and your baby is not happy. You check all the usual needs. It's not yet time for a feeding. The baby does not seem to have gas. The pacifier is not satisfying him. You then check to see if the diaper is soiled. Now you know why the baby is upset. He is uncomfortable, due to a diaper rash. But, you have a problem. You have no diaper rash ointments and the stores are all closed.

Having multiple children, I've been there a time or two (or more). Don't worry. Those over-the-counter products are not always the best for baby's skin anyhow. Many home diaper rash remedies are simple to prepare and very effective. Below are three of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. You likely have at least one of these home diaper rash remedies on hand already.

An oatmeal bath is one of my favorite home diaper rash remedies. This simple homemade diaper rash remedy takes away the itching and discomfort. It also helps to heal and soften the skin. To make an oatmeal bath suitable for home diaper rash remedies, you'll need an adult-sized tube sock and some old-fashioned oats. Generic brands work just as well as brand names.

Fill the tube sock about halfway with the old-fashioned oats. Then, tie the open end with a knot. Run the bathwater as usual. Swish the sock around in the water for about 30 seconds. Remove the sock from the water and squeeze the excess liquid into the water. Then, give the baby a bath as normal. This method works in a baby bathtub or regular bathtub. Use the appropriate bathtub for your baby, depending on his or her age.

Another of my favorite home diaper rash remedies, homemade baby powder, has been around for centuries. Home diaper rash remedies are often very simplistic in nature, but many are effective as well. For this homemade diaper rash remedy, it is no different. All that is need for homemade baby powder is flour and a saucepan. Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add 1 cup of flour. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until lightly browned. Pour into a cup. Test the flour before applying to baby's diaper area. The flour should be warm to the touch, but should not be warm enough to irritate the skin. This should be applied after each diaper change. This home diaper rash remedy helps to soak up excess moisture. Excess moisture is a leading cause of many different types of diaper rash. While a common ingredient in over the counter baby powders, talc (or talcum) can be harmful when breathed into a baby's lungs.

Milk of Magnesia (commonly used as a treatment for heartburn) is also on my favorite list of home diaper rash remedies. This simple home diaper rash remedy only requires a bottle of milk of magnesia and a soft cloth. Simply apply milk of magnesia to the affected area with the soft cloth after each diaper change. Allow the area to fully dry before placing a clean diaper on baby.

Note: These home diaper rash remedies are for common diaper rashes. Diaper rashes due to a bacterial or viral infection must be examined by a licensed medical professional. If a baby's diaper rash is not improving, see a licensed medical professional. These tips are intended for informational purposes only.

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* I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network