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With all the decisions new parents have to make you wouldn’t think diapers would be such a tough one, yet it is one that parents routinely struggle with: cloth or disposable diapers? This article lays out the pros and cons of both to help you make the right decision for you and your family.

Disposable Diaper Pros

• Disposable diapers are extremely convenient, no doubt about it. It makes changing your infant a quick and easy process. When you’re shopping and you have to change a messy cloth diaper, you don’t get to just drop it in the garbage, you have to haul it around with you.

• - Disposable diapers seem to fit better. The adjustable adhesive fasteners make it easy to fit any size or shape baby. This is not always so with a cloth diaper which always seems to stretch out once you have it on your child and certainly more so once it’s been soiled.

Disposable Diaper Cons

• - Disposable diapers are petroleum-based products, which means they’re just downright awful for the environment. Carbon emissions are created in the manufacturing of disposable diapers, fuel is used in the transportation from manufacturer to store and diapers don’t biodegrade but sit in landfills for decades.

• - Disposable diapers also contain a number of chemicals, which may harm an infant’s sensitive skin.

• - Disposable diapers are more expensive than cloth diapers even if you have a diaper service.

Cloth Diaper Pros

• - Cloth diapers can be environmentally sound, particularly if you purchase organic cotton diapers. And while cloth diapers have to be laundered, which does contaminate the water supply and use water, they can be washed with biodegradable detergent. This makes them more environmentally friendly than disposable. However, if you have a diaper service then you’ll also have to weigh in the fact that delivery is contributing to greenhouse gases.

• - Cloth diapers, if they’re organic cloth diapers, don’t have harmful chemicals which means they’re not going to be as likely to irritate your baby’s skin.

• - Cloth diapers don’t fill landfills since they’re reusable.

• - Cloth diapers are generally less expensive than disposable.

Cloth Diaper Cons

• - They’re inconvenient, particularly for moms on the go.

• - They don’t necessarily fit as well, though some cloth diapers being manufactured today do have a better fit and fastening system than the old rectangle and diaper pin method.

• - If cloth diapers are not organic, then the cotton used to make them is grown and harvested with pesticides, chemical fertilizers and other environmentally harmful chemicals.

Disposable diapers are more convenient, though more expensive but they are generally an environmentally unfriendly practice. There are some more natural disposable diapers but for many they leave a lot to be desired. Cloth diapers, if they’re organic, are the most environmentally sound practice. The downside is they’re inconvenient. Ultimately, the decision to buy disposable or cloth must meet your personal beliefs as well as your lifestyle and family needs.

Selecting the best baby stroller for your child can be a daunting task at best. As a parent you will come to know that, a stroller is an essential utility, when it comes to manage your baby. If you buy right, it can make your daily activities much easier and definitely less tiring.

Things to consider when selecting a stroller for your child

Before buying a stroller, you may consider several factors and issues such as:

• Your current lifestyle. For what purpose are you using the stroller for, apart from carrying the baby for a walk? Does your lifestyle involve jogging and exercising? You will need to consider these points before making a purchasing decision.
• Family size. Do you wish to expand your family? If you are looking for more babies in the near future, you can consider buying a multiple occupancy stroller.
• Buckling and restraining system. The stroller should have easy to latch and unlatch buckles and harnesses to save your time as well as provide sufficient security for the baby. The belt must be smooth and fit snugly around the baby’s body
• Construction material. The material from which the stroller is made is also a critical factor. Stroller contains materials like mild steel, plastic, aluminium or a combination of one or two of the above materials. You may wish to buy one of those lightweight strollers for extended and easy usage.
• Fabric quality. The quality of fabric is also very important; make sure that the stroller contains materials that are easy to remove and wash.
• Braking system. The stroller that you buy must have very efficient brake system to avoid unforeseen accidents. The wheelbase must be sturdy enough to withstand intense pressure and sudden jerks.
• Goods storage. The stowage area should be large enough to place your baby without any hassles.
• Ease of handling. As far as possible, look for a stroller that is easy to fold and carry; in other words, the stroller must be portable and storable.

Best baby stroller models

Baby strollers come in an array of models and types; while some of them offer simple features, others are superior in their build and quality. Baby strollers also come in many materials, colors, shades and finishes. Here are some of the most common types of baby strollers:

1. The traditional pram type of baby strollers: These are the age-old type, simple designed prams that were so common years ago!
2. Convertible and all-purpose push chairs: These baby strollers offer you unlimited convenience and luxury both to you and your baby. They can be used flat for your new born infant or in an upright position for better head and body control.
3. Two-in-one plus type of baby strollers: It has a lie back seat that allows you to carry a sleeping baby.
4. Combination baby strollers: Almost similar to two-in-one stroller, but consists of a lift off carrycot. It can also become an overnight sleeping quarter for your baby.
5. Travel type baby strollers: It has all the common features of a baby stroller plus travelling accessories.

Best baby stroller styles

Here are additional details and information on different types of baby strollers:

1. Light umbrella strollers offer you additional conveniences like easy storability, foldable, transportability and additional safety. They can fit in any close place like car trunks and overhead airplane compartments. However, they are not sufficient for newborn babies and offer poor lumbar support.
2. Standard Baby Strollers: These strollers are very sturdy, compact, robust and long lasting. They offer you everything in convenience, features and amenities, and provide you additional safety features like enhanced braking system.
3. Travel strollers: It can be used as a travel amenity to move your child from one to another in your car. It can also be used as a full time stroller when your baby outgrows the car seat.
4. Multiple occupancy strollers: If you have twin babies, a multiple occupancy strollers work the best. However, they are heavier, less manoeuvrable and more costly than standard strollers.

All the above strollers have their own advantages and disadvantages, both in their model and usage patterns. You will need to consider all of them to decide which is the best baby stroller for your particular purpose.

Tips for selecting your best baby stroller

The best baby stroller you can buy is:

• S-afe and secure to use and prevent most everyday accidents.
• T-horoughly adjustable to suit your baby’s growing size and needs.
• R-eplacement parts can readily by obtained to always keep your stroller in perfect working condition.
• O-perator friendly. It’s easy and practical to use and take along wherever you go.
• L-ong-lasting. Will last for another child if well cared for.
• L-ots of add-ons. The stroller comes with all the bells and whistles you may need.
• E-conomical and affordable to suit your needs and pocket.
• R-obust and Durable to withstand the hammerings of raising a child.

Accessories to consider when choosing the best baby stroller

Each and every stroller comes with his or her own accessories and optional tools and equipments for extended usage. These accessories can provide more convenience and enjoyment both to you and your baby. Here are some of the necessary accessories and tools for your baby stroller:

• A good cover that protects your baby from harsh sun and rain. You can also find completely coverable hoods that give all-round protection. Many strollers allow you to install optional umbrellas over the baby’s head.
• An efficient net that prevents insects and pests entering the stroller.
• A goods storage area that allows you to store baby food, baby essentials and other necessary items. You can also keep a small shopping or carrying basket in the stroller.
• Stimulation objects. It is also possible to hang and place attractive, colorful and pleasing hanging toys in the stroller.
• Additional headrests and padding materials will provide supplementary comfort and relaxation to your baby.

Safety issues to consider when using your baby stroller

Baby stroller is a wheeled vehicle that carries your baby from one place to the other. Just like any other vehicle, even a baby stroller is prone to accidents and mishaps. You may wish to learn pushing a stroller and manage it through the city walks and garden paths. Here are some safety precautions and parameters that you must observe for a safe ride:

• Check that the brake system for the stroller is solid and works well. You may need to get the brake system services on a regular basis.
• Do not hang heavy objects on the sides of the stroller as it may tip the balance to one side; when the stroller looses its balance, it may fall on one of its side and cause serious injuries to your baby.
• Observe strict safety rules while crossing the road or traversing through busy side streets. Rushing and busy people may barge into the stroller to cause accidents. Rushing traffic is also quiet dangerous while crossing the road. Ensure that you are crossing the road only at designated points so that you can avoid possible accidents.
• Never leave the stroller unattended at strange places… especially when doing simple everyday chores such as shopping!

3 Must-ask questions for deciding which is the best baby stroller for you

To buy the best baby stroller for your purposes, you may consider several factors that affect both convenience and utility value. Here are some more ideas that help you make a wise purchasing decision:

1. What is the price? Probably, nothing is as important as the price of the stroller. There are strollers that cost just $25, while many others are exorbitantly expensive, costing more than $300. What is your budgetary allocation and how much are you willing to spend in case the stroller offers additional convenience?
2. What is the typical usage pattern? Do you wish to go for a long walk with your friends? Or, do you wish to use the stroller for private use or a private walk through a quiet garden pathway?
3. Where are you going to use it? Do you wish to buy an all round and all-season stroller than can be carried everywhere you go? If so, you may need to spend more on one of the more sophisticated baby strollers.

Whatever you do, ensure that you are buying the right type of baby stroller to save money and accrue additional convenience and benefits.

A pacifier is an artificial nipple designed for babies to suck on for comfort. Pacifiers have always been a popular way for parents to soothe their little ones when all else fails. It’s important to understand that your child can become dependent on them rather quickly, so before you pop that binky in your infant’s mouth, consider the pros and cons to using one.

Pacifier Pros

Most babies cry for an average of three hours a day, because they do not have methods for soothing themselves yet. Giving your baby a pacifier to suck on is a good way to calm them down, because their energy goes into sucking rather than crying.

Parents find pacifiers especially helpful when they are preparing a bottle, getting ready for a diaper change or putting their baby to sleep. A binky will often keep your baby content while you get everything in order. Pacifiers are also commonly used in public places to keep your baby quiet, so that the people around you are not subjected to a screaming child.

Studies have shown there are some health benefits linked to pacifiers as well. Preemies who suck on pacifiers will gain weight faster. Sucking promotes oral-muscle function and muscle development. There is also some evidence that a pacifier may decrease the risk of SIDS when used at bedtime or naptime.

Pacifiers Cons

Offering a pacifier early on can interfere with breastfeeding. Babies may get confused with the different nipples they are presented, and those with problems latching on may find it more difficult to nurse if they also use a pacifier. If you’d like to use a binky, wait about 4-6 weeks so that a breastfeeding routine is well established.

Pediatricians recommend that pacifiers be taken away when babies hit six months in age because pacifier sucking promotes fluid collection in the ears, which leads to ear infections. To make it easier to get rid of a pacifier- try reading, rocking or singing to your baby. Although this requires more time and energy, it will gently break your child of the pacifier habit.

Children who suck on anything- fingers, thumbs or pacifiers- past the age of 3 have a higher risk of developing dental problems. Pacifier use can contribute to protruding front teeth or an overbite. Many dentists believe that the use of a pacifier should cease once all of the baby teeth have erupted.

Pacifiers tend to get dirty easily, which leads to germs and poor hygiene. Make sure you clean your baby’s pacifier daily with boiling water or by washing in a dishwasher. Do not store them in plastic bags, where dampness can encourage fungal growth. It’s also a good idea not to share your baby’s binky with other playmates.

Parents who become dependent on pacifiers to soothe their baby create more work for themselves, since the baby may be relying on a pacifier to fall asleep. Hurrying back and forth all night to pop a binky back into your baby’s mouth every time it falls out will get exhausting pretty quickly.

Breaking the Habit

Many babies begin to lose interest in pacifiers at about 4-5 months of age, as the need to suck subsides. They will suck on it less or spit it out. Fight the urge to replace the pacifier in your child’s mouth when this happens. Other ways to wean your baby off slowly ~ try dipping the pacifier in pickle juice to make it less appealing and reward pacifier-free days. Don’t worry- it may take several weeks for your baby to give up their pacifiers, but with constant encouragement, the habit will eventually drop.

Baby slings and baby-wearing have universally adopted and prominence over the past several years. Slings appear like the trouble-free solution for busy parents who need to take their babies with them wherever they travel. Baby slings have been promoted by baby care experts as a way to calm fussy babies or for nursing moms who can breast-feed their little ones in the sling. Baby slings are also promoted by persons who believe in attachment parenting since it increases encourage the bonding between the parent and the baby.

Guidelines On using Baby Sling

• Inspect your baby sling on regular basis to ensure it is safe & sound. Check the fabric, seams, and every buckle or other fastening. Don’t use a carrier unless it is structurally sound & safe for your baby.
• Never permit a baby to be carried, held, or placed in such a way that his chin is curled against his chest. This rule applies to babies being held in arms, in baby slings, in infant car seats, or in other kind of seat or situation. This position can restrict the baby’s ability to normal breathe. Babies lack the muscle control to open their airways.
• Never allow a baby’s head and face to be covered with sling. Covering a baby’s head and face can cause his/her to exhale the same air, which is a dangerous situation. Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow in baby sling.
• Avoid jogging, running, jumping on a trampoline, or do whichever other activity that subjects your baby to similar shaking or bouncing motion. The motion can do damage to the baby’s neck, spine and/or brain.
• Avoid baby sling when riding in a car, soft baby sling provide none of the protection that car seats can provide to your baby.
• While wearing a baby sling, put on the baby sling up high.
• Don’t let your baby’s legs hang down from the baby sling.
• Place your baby close to your body while carrying in baby sling.
• Don’t let the baby sling get bunched up or wrinkled.
• Wrap the baby tightly in baby sling to ensure the proper support of his / her body posture.
• Do not face your baby outward the baby sling.
• Make an effort to practice for baby sling in front of a mirror.
• Do not bend over while your baby is in the sling, as baby could fall out from the sling.
• If baby refuse to go along with the sling, gently take baby out of the sling and try again later.
• Do not wear the baby sling near open flames, including stoves. In general, never carry your baby while cooking or while carrying a hot beverage.

You may not be sure what kind of toys, or how many, you baby should have. It’s likely that you hear conflicting advice that runs from one extreme to another! It’s either: “Don’t give your baby toys – he’ll be spoiled,” to “Give your baby lots of toys – they develop his brain.” So…which is it?

Both sides of this debate have valid points. A baby does indeed learn from the things she plays with, and the more things she has access to, the more she can learn. With this in mind, many parents spend a fortune buying toys; however, many toys hold a child’s attention for three or four days, only to be relegated to the bottom of the toybox or back of a shelf.

Babies learn about their world by using all five of their senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Toys engage and refine these senses by:

• Helping your baby learn how to control his movements and body parts
• Helping your baby figure out how things work
• Showing your baby how he can control things in his world
• Teaching your baby new ideas
• Building your baby’s muscle control, coordination, and strength
• Teaching your baby how to use his imagination
• Showing your baby how to solve simple problems
• Helping your baby learn how to play by himself
• Setting the foundation for learning how to share and cooperate with others

Experts agree that babies need a variety of toys to enrich their lives and encourage learning. While your baby can learn from expensive store-bought toys, she can also learn from a crumpled piece of paper, a set of measuring spoons, an empty box, or a leaf. Everything is new and interesting to a baby, and if you open your eyes to the many wonders in our world, you’ll see that you don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your baby happy, interested, and learning.

What “home-grown” toys are best?

As you view the whole world as a bottomless toybox, here are some tips to consider:

1. Search for items of different weights, materials, textures, flexibility, sizes, shapes, colors, and smells. (Most store-bought baby toys are primary-colored plastic; that’s why your metal keys on a leather key ring are so very appealing – they’re different!)
2. Babies are generalists. Your little one will apply what he learns from one object to any other that is similar. Therefore, don’t give him an old book or magazine to scribble in unless you want all of your books to be potential notepads. A sealed bottle may look fun, but your baby may then think he can play with your pill bottles.
3. Take a closer look at the things you consider “trash.” Some may be valuable toys! Empty boxes, egg cartons, and tin containers are just a few examples of everyday castoffs that, once cleaned, can provide endless hours of play.

PARENT TIP

Your kitchen is overflowing with baby toys! Once your little one begins to crawl, it’s time to rearrange the kitchen. Put all your baby-safe items, such as plastic containers, pots and pans, potholders and canned goods, in your lower cabinets and let your baby know where his “toys” are. You’ll have to relax your housekeeping standards and deal with disorganized cabinets for a while, but the play potential is so fantastic that it’s worth it!
Young children love water play, and a bowl or pan of water along with spoons and cups of various sizes make a fabulous source of fun. You can put your baby in his high chair, sit him on the floor on a beach towel, or take him outside in a shady spot if the weather’s warm. I guarantee he’ll be soaked when he’s done, but that will be after a very long and happy play session.
Containers to fill and empty are lots of fun for a baby. You can safely fulfill your older baby’s desire to manipulate small things by filling a large bowl with a variety of colorful children’s cereals (nothing hard or ball-shaped) and supplying spoons, measuring cups, and other containers. Since you’re using cereal pieces, it’s okay if some end up in his mouth. Don’t try this with beads, seeds, macaroni, or other items that pose a choking hazard.

Look for these qualities as you shop for your baby:

• Long-term play value: Will this hold your little one’s attention for more than a few weeks?
• Durability: Will it hold up when sat on, thrown, jumped on, mouthed, or banged?
• Solid simplicity: Babies don’t need complicated toys.
• Challenge: Look for toys that teach but do not frustrate.
• Appropriateness. Does it match your baby’s thinking, language, and motor skills?
• Interest: Will it encourage your baby to think?
• Stimulation: How does this toy foster creativity and imagination?
• Interactiveness: Does it engage your child or just entertain him as he watches passively?
• Versatility: Can your baby play with this in more than one way?
• Washability: Well-loved toys tend to get very dirty!
• Fit with your family value system: Does this toy reflect your family’s particular values? For example, is the toy friendly to the environment? Does it promote diversity? Are you comfortable with what the toy represents?
• Novelty: Is this toy different from others your baby already has? You don’t want a toy box filled with 30 different kinds of rattles!
• Fun appeal: Is it something that you will enjoy playing with, too? Toys that encourage you to play along with your baby are ideal.

Best toys for young babies:

• Board books
• Foot or hand puppets
• Musical toys
• Rattles
• Small, lightweight, easy-to-grasp toys
• Squeaky toys
• Teething rings
• Toys with high-contrast graphics, bright colors, or black-and-white patterns

Best toys for older babies:

• Activity boxes (levers/buttons/dials/hinges)
• Balls
• Beginning puzzles (two or three large pieces; knobs are helpful)
• Blocks
• Cars and trucks
• Chunky small people and accessories
• Dolls and stuffed animals
• Hammering toys
• Large interlocking beads
• Modeling dough
• Musical toys
• Nesting cups
• Peg boards
• Picture books
• Plastic animals
• Pop-up toys
• Push or pull toys
• Shape sorters
• Stacking rings
• Toy versions of everyday items (telephones, cooking utensils, doctor kits
• Toys you still remember from your childhood (The classics endure and are always a good bet!)
• Washable crayons or markers and blank paper

Playtime

As you give you baby new things to play with, keep in mind that there is no right way to play with toys. For example, a puzzle is not always for “puzzling.” The pieces make great manipulative characters, can be sorted or put in boxes, and make interesting noises when banged together or against an empty pot. Children learn through play, so any toy they enjoy playing with is, by definition, educational.

Safety for all toys

1. Always consider well the safety aspects of anything your baby is going to play with. Here are a few ways to keep playtime safe:
2. Discard any plastic wrapping, plastic bags, packaging, or tags before giving a toy to a baby.
3. Always watch for choking hazards. Anything small enough to fit in your baby’s mouth has the potential for danger. Watch for pieces that may become loose from a larger object, too. Make sure that no small parts can be pulled off or chewed off the toy.
4. Check the paint or finish on the toy to make sure it is non-toxic, since babies put everything in their mouths.
5. Check toys for sharp points, rough edges, rust, and broken parts.
6. Always abide by the age rating on the package. No matter how smart your child is or how wonderful the toy, don’t second-guess the manufacturer, since age rankings often are given due to safety issues. If you choose to purchase a toy with an older age recommendation, make certain that the toy is used only when you are playing with your baby, and that it is stored where your baby can’t get to it without your supervision.
7. Remove rattles, squeeze toys, teethers, stuffed animals, and other small toys from the crib or bed when your baby goes to sleep for naps or bedtime. The exception here is a specialty made-for-baby toy that has been carefully created to be a safe sleeping lovey.
8. Avoid pull toys with long cords that could wind around your baby’s neck. Pull toys for babies should have either very short strings or rigid handles.
9. Make sure toys are properly assembled, with no loose parts.
10. Beware of excessively loud toys. Babies tend to hold things close to their faces, and you want to protect your baby’s sensitive ears.
11. Buy mobiles or crib toys from reputable manufacturers, and make sure that they attach to the crib without dangling strings. Remove mobiles and other crib toys once your baby can sit up.
12. Make sure that toys are never left on stairs, in doorways, or in walkways.
13. Your baby’s toybox should have a special safety lid (or no lid at all) to prevent it from slamming on your baby’s head or hands, or trapping your baby inside. There shouldn’t be any hinges that could pinch little fingers.
14. Never give a baby a balloon, Styrofoam, or plastic wrap as a toy; these present a serious choking hazard, since they cannot be expelled using the Heimlich maneuver.
15. If a toy is second-hand (whether purchased from a second-hand store or garage sale, or given to you by a friend or relative), give all of the above rules extra consideration. If you have any doubts, always err on the side of safety and discard the toy. Don’t let your baby play with a paint-finished toy that appears to be older than a few years – the paint may be lead-based, which poses serious hazards to a baby who touches or mouths it.
16. Keep toys (and parts of toys) designed for older children out of the hands of babies. Your baby may like to play with toys belonging to an older sibling or friend, but these are geared, safety-wise, to older kids and are not safe for little ones to use without very close supervision.

Getting ready for your baby’s arrival is an exciting time and there are enough preparations to make to confuse even the person not suffering from pregnancy-induced mindlessness. The joy of setting up a bassinette or putting everything in its place can make having your baby feel closer.

We have tried to compile a comprehensive checklist with many items you might need. But not every item is necessary and there may be things that we have missed, so use this checklist as a reference only. Make sure to have at least a few basic items on hand, so you can focus on caring for and loving your baby, not shopping.

With a seemingly endless amount of products to choose from, in a wide range of colors, styles, quality and price range, it is often difficult to resist buying “everything”. But if you have budget constraints it is important to work out what you really need or can afford and sort out the items that would be nice to have, but not really necessary.

Baby’s Nursery

• Crib sets
• Crib mattresses
• Bassinets
• Cradles
• Bumpers
• Sleepers
• Nursery decor
• Changing tables
• Dressers
• Small lamp or Nightlight
• Rockers

Baby Bedding

• Crib bedding
• Crib sheets
• Receiving blankets
• Mattress pads
• Waterproof liners
• Baby blankets

Clothing

• One-piece outfits
• One-piece pajamas
• Sock and booties
• Mittens
• Fleece outfits
• Sweater or Jacket (for winter)
• Bonnet or Cap (for summer)

Diapering

• Cloth diapers
• Disposable diapers
• Wipes
• Washcloth’s
• Diaper powder
• Sealable trash can

Feeding

• Baby bottles
• Nipples
• Bottle liners
• Bottle brush
• Bottle rack
• Baby bibs
• Teethers
• Breast pump
• Breast milk storage bags
• Breast pads
• Pacifiers
• Highchair
• Cream for nipples
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras

Baby Bathing and Health

• Soaps & Lotions
• No-Tears shampoo
• Newborn tub
• Baby oil
• Hooded towels
• Ointment
• Thermometer
• Petroleum jelly
• Sterile cotton balls
• Baby powder
• Washcloths
• Baby nail scissors
• Baby nail clippers
• Liquid aspirin
• Baby brush
• Nasal aspirator

Miscellaneous

• Car seat
• Stroller
• Baby monitor
• Smoke alarm
• Toys
• Dreft laundry soap
• Books on parenting
• Flowers from dad