2008-04-21
Changing Your Baby's Diaper
Changing Your Baby's Diaper
by Andrew Ashworth
There are many different brands and types of disposable and cloth diapers. No matter which type you use, change them as soon as they are wet or soiled to avoid diaper rash. If you use cloth diapers, you might want to try diaper wraps, which are pieces of fabric shaped like disposable diapers that fit over a cloth diaper. Diaper wraps fasten with plastic hook and loop closures, eliminating the need for pins and rubber pants. Although most cloth diapers are pre-folded, you may need to fold them more to fit your newborn. Put the extra fabric in front for a boy, in back for a girl.You can hire a diaper service to launder your baby's soiled cloth diapers. If you wash them yourself, launder them separately from your other laundry in hot water with a mild detergent and rinse them twice. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the last rinse cycle to help neutralize the ammonia in the baby's urine. Don't use fabric softeners or antistatic products because they can cause rashes. The time you spend changing diapers can be a chance to play with your baby. Talk to him or her, sing, play peek-a-boo, and exercise his or her arms and legs. While you are diapering your baby, keep one hand on him or her at all times and never turn your back on your baby-even for a second. A newborn can roll over and fall off a bed or changing table and be seriously injured. Use a changing table with a restraining strap, or simply change your baby on the floor.Get in the habit of washing your hands before and after changing diapers. Assemble everything you need before you start. You'll need a clean diaper; a soft, wet washcloth or a container of baby wipes; petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide cream; a dry towel; and, possibly, a change of clothing. Some babies are sensitive to baby wipes; if they produce any irritation on your baby's skin, stop using them. (Don't use talcum or baby powder that contains talc because your baby could breathe in particles of powder and develop upper respiratory problems. If you wish to use cornstarch or baby powder without talc, use a small amount and apply by hand to minimize inhalation). You'll quickly develop your own diapering techniques but here are some basic steps:If you're changing your baby on a surface other than a changing table, put down a protective towel, cloth diaper, or changing mat. Unfasten the diaper and, holding the baby's feet together with a finger in between the feet to keep the ankles from chafing, lift up the feet as you fold the soiled part of the diaper in on itself with your other hand. Set the soiled diaper aside. Still holding the baby's feet, use a wet washcloth or baby wipe to gently clean your baby's bottom, around the genitals, in the skin folds on his or her thighs, and between the buttocks. Always wipe from front to back for girls to keep bacteria away from the urethra. Gently pat the diaper area dry with a small towel and let it air dry completely. If your baby has a rash, expose the rash to the air as long as possible, and then apply petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide cream to the area. Hold you baby's feet together again and pull his or her bottom up as you place the diaper underneath. Finally, bring the bottom half of the diaper up between the baby's legs and fasten it in front.
by Andrew Ashworth
There are many different brands and types of disposable and cloth diapers. No matter which type you use, change them as soon as they are wet or soiled to avoid diaper rash. If you use cloth diapers, you might want to try diaper wraps, which are pieces of fabric shaped like disposable diapers that fit over a cloth diaper. Diaper wraps fasten with plastic hook and loop closures, eliminating the need for pins and rubber pants. Although most cloth diapers are pre-folded, you may need to fold them more to fit your newborn. Put the extra fabric in front for a boy, in back for a girl.You can hire a diaper service to launder your baby's soiled cloth diapers. If you wash them yourself, launder them separately from your other laundry in hot water with a mild detergent and rinse them twice. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the last rinse cycle to help neutralize the ammonia in the baby's urine. Don't use fabric softeners or antistatic products because they can cause rashes. The time you spend changing diapers can be a chance to play with your baby. Talk to him or her, sing, play peek-a-boo, and exercise his or her arms and legs. While you are diapering your baby, keep one hand on him or her at all times and never turn your back on your baby-even for a second. A newborn can roll over and fall off a bed or changing table and be seriously injured. Use a changing table with a restraining strap, or simply change your baby on the floor.Get in the habit of washing your hands before and after changing diapers. Assemble everything you need before you start. You'll need a clean diaper; a soft, wet washcloth or a container of baby wipes; petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide cream; a dry towel; and, possibly, a change of clothing. Some babies are sensitive to baby wipes; if they produce any irritation on your baby's skin, stop using them. (Don't use talcum or baby powder that contains talc because your baby could breathe in particles of powder and develop upper respiratory problems. If you wish to use cornstarch or baby powder without talc, use a small amount and apply by hand to minimize inhalation). You'll quickly develop your own diapering techniques but here are some basic steps:If you're changing your baby on a surface other than a changing table, put down a protective towel, cloth diaper, or changing mat. Unfasten the diaper and, holding the baby's feet together with a finger in between the feet to keep the ankles from chafing, lift up the feet as you fold the soiled part of the diaper in on itself with your other hand. Set the soiled diaper aside. Still holding the baby's feet, use a wet washcloth or baby wipe to gently clean your baby's bottom, around the genitals, in the skin folds on his or her thighs, and between the buttocks. Always wipe from front to back for girls to keep bacteria away from the urethra. Gently pat the diaper area dry with a small towel and let it air dry completely. If your baby has a rash, expose the rash to the air as long as possible, and then apply petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide cream to the area. Hold you baby's feet together again and pull his or her bottom up as you place the diaper underneath. Finally, bring the bottom half of the diaper up between the baby's legs and fasten it in front.
Bottle Feeding Your Child
Bottle Feeding Your Child
by Andrew Ashworth
Breast-feeding is not for everyone. If you can't breast-feed or choose not to (for example, if you take certain medications or develop a severe breast infection), a variety of nutritious formulas are available. Infant formulas are designed to resemble the nutritional content of breast milk as closely as possible. Ask your pediatrician which formula he or she recommends. Bottle-feeding has several advantages. It frees the mother from her baby; other family members, especially dad, get a chance to be more involved with feeding. With a bottle, you know exactly how much your baby is taking at each feeding. A bottle-fed baby still gets the needed cuddling and closeness at mealtime. But avoid propping the bottle up so you won't have to hold your baby during a feeding. You will deny yourself and your baby important opportunities for closeness and bonding. Propping a bottle can also increase a baby's risk of choking and make him or her more susceptible to ear infections.Your doctor will probably recommend a formula based on cow's milk, fortified with iron, and that comes in a powder or liquid concentrate that you mix with water or in a ready-to-feed form. Babies under 1 year of age should not get regular cow's milk because the unprocessed protein it contains is hard to digest and the high protein and salt content can strain immature kidneys. All types of formula are basically the same in nutritional content; they differ only in price. The most convenient, ready-to-feed formula costs the most. Never try to make your own formula at home-your baby might not get the nutrients needed for growth, development, and good health.Whatever type of formula you use, follow these preparation and refrigeration guidelines:* Always check the expiration date before you buy or use any formula. Don't buy or use leaky, dented, or otherwise damaged containers.* Always wash your hands before preparing formula.* Wash bottles nipples and caps in hot soapy water rinse them carefully and let them air dry Running them through the dishwasher will kill even more germs. Rinsing out bottles and nipples right after feedings will make them easier to clean. Sterilizing is unnecessary.* Refrigerate all opened cans of ready-to-feed and liquid concentrate and use them within the time specified on the can.* Immediately refrigerate any unused formula you have prepared from powder or liquid concentrate.* Don't use formula that has been frozen.* When making formula from powder or liquid concentrate, use the exact amounts of water recommended on the label.The major advantage that bottle-feeding has over breast-feeding is that dad doesn't get left out. Make each feeding session a chance to bond and get close to your baby. While dad is bottle feeding the child, he will have time to bond with it. Many times, when new couples get a child, Dad's are typically felt left out or sometimes try to look for opportunities to help his wife with the new born child. Having the dad bottle feed the child, will give mom a good resting time.Another great advantage of bottle feeding is convenience. Bottle feeding gives the mom an opportunity for her not to feel pressured to feed her child when her circumstances are not convenient. All she has to do is to get her child's formula and give the bottle to her baby. This is extremely convenient especially if the mom is traveling or in public.
by Andrew Ashworth
Breast-feeding is not for everyone. If you can't breast-feed or choose not to (for example, if you take certain medications or develop a severe breast infection), a variety of nutritious formulas are available. Infant formulas are designed to resemble the nutritional content of breast milk as closely as possible. Ask your pediatrician which formula he or she recommends. Bottle-feeding has several advantages. It frees the mother from her baby; other family members, especially dad, get a chance to be more involved with feeding. With a bottle, you know exactly how much your baby is taking at each feeding. A bottle-fed baby still gets the needed cuddling and closeness at mealtime. But avoid propping the bottle up so you won't have to hold your baby during a feeding. You will deny yourself and your baby important opportunities for closeness and bonding. Propping a bottle can also increase a baby's risk of choking and make him or her more susceptible to ear infections.Your doctor will probably recommend a formula based on cow's milk, fortified with iron, and that comes in a powder or liquid concentrate that you mix with water or in a ready-to-feed form. Babies under 1 year of age should not get regular cow's milk because the unprocessed protein it contains is hard to digest and the high protein and salt content can strain immature kidneys. All types of formula are basically the same in nutritional content; they differ only in price. The most convenient, ready-to-feed formula costs the most. Never try to make your own formula at home-your baby might not get the nutrients needed for growth, development, and good health.Whatever type of formula you use, follow these preparation and refrigeration guidelines:* Always check the expiration date before you buy or use any formula. Don't buy or use leaky, dented, or otherwise damaged containers.* Always wash your hands before preparing formula.* Wash bottles nipples and caps in hot soapy water rinse them carefully and let them air dry Running them through the dishwasher will kill even more germs. Rinsing out bottles and nipples right after feedings will make them easier to clean. Sterilizing is unnecessary.* Refrigerate all opened cans of ready-to-feed and liquid concentrate and use them within the time specified on the can.* Immediately refrigerate any unused formula you have prepared from powder or liquid concentrate.* Don't use formula that has been frozen.* When making formula from powder or liquid concentrate, use the exact amounts of water recommended on the label.The major advantage that bottle-feeding has over breast-feeding is that dad doesn't get left out. Make each feeding session a chance to bond and get close to your baby. While dad is bottle feeding the child, he will have time to bond with it. Many times, when new couples get a child, Dad's are typically felt left out or sometimes try to look for opportunities to help his wife with the new born child. Having the dad bottle feed the child, will give mom a good resting time.Another great advantage of bottle feeding is convenience. Bottle feeding gives the mom an opportunity for her not to feel pressured to feed her child when her circumstances are not convenient. All she has to do is to get her child's formula and give the bottle to her baby. This is extremely convenient especially if the mom is traveling or in public.
How to Plan a Baby Shower
How to Plan a Baby Shower
by Jamie Jefferson
Planning a baby shower doesn't have to be stressful. With a little organization and inspiration, you can easily create a party to honor your friend or family member and her new bundle of joy. Here are some tips for planning a baby shower.Your first step is to choose the date. Although showers are normally held on weekends, weekday evenings are a good option if there are conflicts.Showers are typically held in the third trimester of pregnancy or shortly after the baby is born. Talk with the mother-to-be about which date would work best for her and her important guests (such as her mother, mother-in-law and other close family members). Although you can't accommodate everyone's schedule, make sure to choose a date so that those closest to the guest of honor can attend.Once you have picked a date, get a list of possible guests from the mother to be, or work with her to create one. The number of guests will help you determine whether you can hold the shower in your home, or if you'll need to have a separate location. Find out as soon as possible so you can make reservations if you need to.Pick a theme based on the baby's gender, the nursery décor or something else that the mother-to-be likes. Find something that will be fun for everyone and then look for accessories to go with the theme. Party supply stores often have a wide variety of baby shower themes to choose from. Buy invitations in the same theme so that the guests get a sense of the party's theme before they arrive.Choosing your menu is the next step. If you're serving a sit down lunch or dinner, this requires a bit more planning. Many hosts choose to hold the party in the morning between breakfast and lunch, or in the afternoon between lunch and dinner. This way you'll only have to serve finger food type snacks and it makes the planning a bit easier. Chips and dip, cheese and crackers, small sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays are always popular. It's best to leave alcohol out of your menu, since your guest of honor can't imbibe. But sparkling apple cider or another fun beverage are great ideas. Baby shower games are always the most memorable part of the shower. They provide a nice opportunity before presents are opened for everyone to have some fun together. Your game choices will depend on your audience. Word games are popular with everyone. You can print out a game card with the baby's name and give a prize to the person who comes up with the most words with letters from the name. The best part of the shower, especially for the mother to be, is the gifts. Make sure to have a pen and paper handy so someone can write down the gifts received and whom they came from. This makes the task of sending thank you cards a lot easier. With these simple plans you can create a fun, entertaining and enjoyable baby shower for your friend or family member.
by Jamie Jefferson
Planning a baby shower doesn't have to be stressful. With a little organization and inspiration, you can easily create a party to honor your friend or family member and her new bundle of joy. Here are some tips for planning a baby shower.Your first step is to choose the date. Although showers are normally held on weekends, weekday evenings are a good option if there are conflicts.Showers are typically held in the third trimester of pregnancy or shortly after the baby is born. Talk with the mother-to-be about which date would work best for her and her important guests (such as her mother, mother-in-law and other close family members). Although you can't accommodate everyone's schedule, make sure to choose a date so that those closest to the guest of honor can attend.Once you have picked a date, get a list of possible guests from the mother to be, or work with her to create one. The number of guests will help you determine whether you can hold the shower in your home, or if you'll need to have a separate location. Find out as soon as possible so you can make reservations if you need to.Pick a theme based on the baby's gender, the nursery décor or something else that the mother-to-be likes. Find something that will be fun for everyone and then look for accessories to go with the theme. Party supply stores often have a wide variety of baby shower themes to choose from. Buy invitations in the same theme so that the guests get a sense of the party's theme before they arrive.Choosing your menu is the next step. If you're serving a sit down lunch or dinner, this requires a bit more planning. Many hosts choose to hold the party in the morning between breakfast and lunch, or in the afternoon between lunch and dinner. This way you'll only have to serve finger food type snacks and it makes the planning a bit easier. Chips and dip, cheese and crackers, small sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays are always popular. It's best to leave alcohol out of your menu, since your guest of honor can't imbibe. But sparkling apple cider or another fun beverage are great ideas. Baby shower games are always the most memorable part of the shower. They provide a nice opportunity before presents are opened for everyone to have some fun together. Your game choices will depend on your audience. Word games are popular with everyone. You can print out a game card with the baby's name and give a prize to the person who comes up with the most words with letters from the name. The best part of the shower, especially for the mother to be, is the gifts. Make sure to have a pen and paper handy so someone can write down the gifts received and whom they came from. This makes the task of sending thank you cards a lot easier. With these simple plans you can create a fun, entertaining and enjoyable baby shower for your friend or family member.
Helping Your Baby Sleep Through The Night
Helping Your Baby Sleep Through The Night
by Jesse Walters
When you get a new born baby, typically you will may find yourself waking up odd hours of the nigh to take care of it. Since the baby does not have a set sleep schedule, waking up at odd hours will be consistent for the first few weeks. By about I month of age you can start to influence your child's sleep schedule, but don't expect your baby to give up middle-of-the-night feedings until some time between the third and fifth month. There are no hard-and-fast rules for getting a child to sleep through the night. Some experts recommend putting a fussy baby to bed, leaving the room, and letting him or her cry until he or she falls asleep-no matter how long it takes. They promise that this technique works in 3 nights or less. Others say to put the child to bed, give a reassuring pat, leave the room, and let the child cry for increasing intervals before returning to the room and calmly reassuring him or her. This method promises to train a child to fall asleep on his or her own within 1 week. Most parents try these and other techniques and find a way that works for them.
Most experts discourage parents from letting their children sleep in bed with them. The restless sleep of an infant can prevent parents from getting enough sleep and can interfere with their need for intimacy. The baby can also fall out of bed or the parent can roll over onto the baby. Letting your child sleep with you can also make training the child to fall asleep independently even more difficult. Try some of the following tips to help your child sleep through the night:
* If you have just fed your baby and he or she is crying, check his or her diaper to make sure it is dry. If not, change the diaper.
* Try cuddling, rocking, or stroking your baby.
* If it has been 1 to 2 hours since the baby's last feeding, he or she may be hungry, especially during early infancy. Work toward five feedings every 24 hours by the time your baby is about 4 months old.
* Establish a regular sleep schedule. Small children thrive on routine. To help your child develop a regular sleep pattern, put him or her down for naps at about the same time each day and schedule your child's bedtime for the same time each night.
* Develop a bedtime routine. Before putting your infant to bed at night, engage in relaxing and enjoyable activities-a warm bath or a soothing massage, singing, soft music, or reading.
* Help your child distinguish between night and day. Spend lots of time during the day cuddling, socializing, and playing. Make middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes more brief and less fun, done only by the light of a night light.
* Put your baby in the crib when he or she is quiet, but not yet asleep. Gently rub or pat his or her stomach as you talk or sing softly to help him or her find ways to fall asleep.
* Minimize putting your young baby to bed with a pacifier. A pacifier may interfere with your child's ability to develop his or her own self-comforting techniques and the child could wake up when the pacifier falls out of his or her mouth.
by Jesse Walters
When you get a new born baby, typically you will may find yourself waking up odd hours of the nigh to take care of it. Since the baby does not have a set sleep schedule, waking up at odd hours will be consistent for the first few weeks. By about I month of age you can start to influence your child's sleep schedule, but don't expect your baby to give up middle-of-the-night feedings until some time between the third and fifth month. There are no hard-and-fast rules for getting a child to sleep through the night. Some experts recommend putting a fussy baby to bed, leaving the room, and letting him or her cry until he or she falls asleep-no matter how long it takes. They promise that this technique works in 3 nights or less. Others say to put the child to bed, give a reassuring pat, leave the room, and let the child cry for increasing intervals before returning to the room and calmly reassuring him or her. This method promises to train a child to fall asleep on his or her own within 1 week. Most parents try these and other techniques and find a way that works for them.
Most experts discourage parents from letting their children sleep in bed with them. The restless sleep of an infant can prevent parents from getting enough sleep and can interfere with their need for intimacy. The baby can also fall out of bed or the parent can roll over onto the baby. Letting your child sleep with you can also make training the child to fall asleep independently even more difficult. Try some of the following tips to help your child sleep through the night:
* If you have just fed your baby and he or she is crying, check his or her diaper to make sure it is dry. If not, change the diaper.
* Try cuddling, rocking, or stroking your baby.
* If it has been 1 to 2 hours since the baby's last feeding, he or she may be hungry, especially during early infancy. Work toward five feedings every 24 hours by the time your baby is about 4 months old.
* Establish a regular sleep schedule. Small children thrive on routine. To help your child develop a regular sleep pattern, put him or her down for naps at about the same time each day and schedule your child's bedtime for the same time each night.
* Develop a bedtime routine. Before putting your infant to bed at night, engage in relaxing and enjoyable activities-a warm bath or a soothing massage, singing, soft music, or reading.
* Help your child distinguish between night and day. Spend lots of time during the day cuddling, socializing, and playing. Make middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes more brief and less fun, done only by the light of a night light.
* Put your baby in the crib when he or she is quiet, but not yet asleep. Gently rub or pat his or her stomach as you talk or sing softly to help him or her find ways to fall asleep.
* Minimize putting your young baby to bed with a pacifier. A pacifier may interfere with your child's ability to develop his or her own self-comforting techniques and the child could wake up when the pacifier falls out of his or her mouth.
2008-04-11
Tips for Purchasing "Big Ticket" Items for a Baby Room
Tips for Purchasing "Big Ticket" Items for a Baby Room
by My Dream Home Registry
plug itPreparing for a new baby in the home is an exciting time in one's life. There are so many preparations to make before the big day arrives. One big step which must be taken before the birth of your little one is setting up the baby's room. The following will provide some tips for purchasing the "big ticket" items for the baby room which may help to make the process go that much more smoothly. Some of the main inclusions will be highlighted which can often be pricey in nature but can be found for a reasonable amount with a little research.
Glider Chair
A wonderful thing to have in the baby room is a glider chair. This is the perfect seating arrangement for feeding the baby in the middle of the night, soothing the little one, or just spending some nice quiet time together. When buying a glider chair you should look for certain features in order to pick the perfect one. Different options such as comfortable cushioning, sturdy construction, included ottoman, smooth gliding capabilities and reasonable price are all attributes to consider when selecting the right type of glider chair. If looking for a good deal, try to shop clearance sales and online retailers as these often yield a good price.
Bumper & Crib Bedding Set
Another "big ticket" item to purchase for your nursery is the bumper and crib bedding set. These items are available in a wide array of styles, colors and patterns. Some sets come with just the bumper and crib sheet; whereas others contain everything from the bumper to matching window valances. Some tips to keep in mind when choosing a bumper and crib bedding set for your baby's room include choosing a set which will match the color of the room, choosing the correct style for the gender of the baby, knowing what inclusions you want with the set, determining if the set pieces are washable and settling on a reasonable price for the items. You can often find reasonably priced bumper and crib bedding sets at local department stores or by shopping sales at larger baby stores and boutiques.
Diaper Station
When shopping for a necessary item such as a diaper station, there are a few considerations to make. These include choosing the right style, selecting the desired amount of shelves and compartments and settling on a specific material which the diaper station is comprised thereof. Also, determine where you are going to put the diaper station as these can often take up a lot of room and you want to be sure that you can accommodate the particular diaper station prior to buying it. Some diaper stations are simple in nature whereas others are extremely inclusive. Prior to buying a particular type of diaper station, determine what you want to use yours for and narrow down the search from there.
Built To Grow Crib Idea
In the "old days" cribs used to only be available in one stage. In other words, convertible cribs were pretty much non-existent and once the baby outgrew their crib they went right into a small bed. Today, cribs come in a variety of styles and convertible cribs posses the built to grow crib option. When the baby outgrows the crib stage, their crib will magically be transformed into a toddler bed and then often into a twin size bed. When choosing a crib which grows with the child, determine how long you want the crib to be put to use. For example if you want the child to have the same bed until they are ten years old, then purchase a 4-in-1 convertible crib as this will continue to change in form until you or your child grows tired of it. If you simply want the crib to convert into a toddler bed, then select a 2-in-1 crib for your baby's room.
Another tip to keep in mind when shopping for a convertible type of crib relates to getting the best price. These types of cribs can be quite pricey at times, costing around $400, which can be costly for individuals on a tight budget. The good news is that there are ways to get a great deal on the crib. One way is to look for closeout items as these always yield a good price. Another way to get a good deal on convertible cribs is to find bundle sales where you will receive a certain percentage off your purchase if you buy the crib along with a few other "big ticket" items. This is a great way to save money on things you have to buy anyway. And don't forget about your baby shower! A great way to get some help for those big-ticket items is by using My Dream Home Registry, the gift registry for everything home.
by My Dream Home Registry
plug itPreparing for a new baby in the home is an exciting time in one's life. There are so many preparations to make before the big day arrives. One big step which must be taken before the birth of your little one is setting up the baby's room. The following will provide some tips for purchasing the "big ticket" items for the baby room which may help to make the process go that much more smoothly. Some of the main inclusions will be highlighted which can often be pricey in nature but can be found for a reasonable amount with a little research.
Glider Chair
A wonderful thing to have in the baby room is a glider chair. This is the perfect seating arrangement for feeding the baby in the middle of the night, soothing the little one, or just spending some nice quiet time together. When buying a glider chair you should look for certain features in order to pick the perfect one. Different options such as comfortable cushioning, sturdy construction, included ottoman, smooth gliding capabilities and reasonable price are all attributes to consider when selecting the right type of glider chair. If looking for a good deal, try to shop clearance sales and online retailers as these often yield a good price.
Bumper & Crib Bedding Set
Another "big ticket" item to purchase for your nursery is the bumper and crib bedding set. These items are available in a wide array of styles, colors and patterns. Some sets come with just the bumper and crib sheet; whereas others contain everything from the bumper to matching window valances. Some tips to keep in mind when choosing a bumper and crib bedding set for your baby's room include choosing a set which will match the color of the room, choosing the correct style for the gender of the baby, knowing what inclusions you want with the set, determining if the set pieces are washable and settling on a reasonable price for the items. You can often find reasonably priced bumper and crib bedding sets at local department stores or by shopping sales at larger baby stores and boutiques.
Diaper Station
When shopping for a necessary item such as a diaper station, there are a few considerations to make. These include choosing the right style, selecting the desired amount of shelves and compartments and settling on a specific material which the diaper station is comprised thereof. Also, determine where you are going to put the diaper station as these can often take up a lot of room and you want to be sure that you can accommodate the particular diaper station prior to buying it. Some diaper stations are simple in nature whereas others are extremely inclusive. Prior to buying a particular type of diaper station, determine what you want to use yours for and narrow down the search from there.
Built To Grow Crib Idea
In the "old days" cribs used to only be available in one stage. In other words, convertible cribs were pretty much non-existent and once the baby outgrew their crib they went right into a small bed. Today, cribs come in a variety of styles and convertible cribs posses the built to grow crib option. When the baby outgrows the crib stage, their crib will magically be transformed into a toddler bed and then often into a twin size bed. When choosing a crib which grows with the child, determine how long you want the crib to be put to use. For example if you want the child to have the same bed until they are ten years old, then purchase a 4-in-1 convertible crib as this will continue to change in form until you or your child grows tired of it. If you simply want the crib to convert into a toddler bed, then select a 2-in-1 crib for your baby's room.
Another tip to keep in mind when shopping for a convertible type of crib relates to getting the best price. These types of cribs can be quite pricey at times, costing around $400, which can be costly for individuals on a tight budget. The good news is that there are ways to get a great deal on the crib. One way is to look for closeout items as these always yield a good price. Another way to get a good deal on convertible cribs is to find bundle sales where you will receive a certain percentage off your purchase if you buy the crib along with a few other "big ticket" items. This is a great way to save money on things you have to buy anyway. And don't forget about your baby shower! A great way to get some help for those big-ticket items is by using My Dream Home Registry, the gift registry for everything home.
JOHNNY'S JOURNAL. Chapter 6. The Expectant Daddy?
JOHNNY'S JOURNAL. Chapter 6. The Expectant Daddy?
by Michael Knell
plug itBabs bursting into the projection box to loudly announce she was pregnant came as an Almighty shock. Not only to me, I might add. Terry, The Third, whose buns my eyes were appreciating at the time, and which noticeably tensed to the news as he patiently peered out looking for the change-over cues, missed them completely and the end of the film on the other machine rattled through the gate to show a white screen immediately followed by usherettes from both the stalls and the circle persistently pressing their attention bells. He'd never missed a change-over before, and so it went to add extra dramatic effect to the statement.
Having kids was something I had never even remotely considered. We had always been so careful, taking all the precautions. Did I want to be a father? No, I most definitely didn't! I was homosexual. I was only playing at being straight. That was hard enough as it was, how could I be a daddy too? Nevertheless I grinned, told her it was great news, and she departed, probably to announce it to world in every way possible but flash it on the screen. I could picture whole gaggles of the female staff pouring over a catalogue with her in the staff room to pick out baby clothes. God! What had happened to my life?
Kids need loving parents, a two-some, and it had to be faced: I didn't love Babs, not in the way I should for being a parent. I couldn't. That kind of love was kept for Tony, or whoever might one day follow him. To be tied down to a commitment for something like sixteen years or more, whilst the child grew up, might be to lose all chances of one day finding true happiness.
So the prospect of fatherhood hung over me like a heavy, dark cloud, although I did not allow Babs to see it. For her sake I made out I was happy, when all the time I was looking for a way out. I considered what Adrian, the Third when I started at the cinema, had done on getting Janet pregnant - he'd had it away on his toes, sharpish! - but I knew I couldn't do that, it was not me.
Then that Thursday afternoon, whilst Babs was up the West End doing some necessary shopping - there was always a lot of that to be done, she spent money like water! - I happened to be foraging around in her office looking for a receipt for some carbon rods I was sure we were being billed for twice, when my eyes fell on an envelope addressed to me and marked: "Personal". It had been opened, and yet I was sure not by me. I had not seen it before.
Picking it up, I noticed Babs had scrawled on the back of the envelope: "Replied 4th April". That was a week ago! I opened it up, and after reading the first few lines had to sit down. The letter was from Head Office, and from none other than Ted Shields himself. He wanted to see me. Why had Babs kept this from me? I liked Ted. He had given me the job without question when my father asked, and the few times I had seen him he had always made time to have a word with me. He was a nice guy. I rang him.
I had to suffer the line being diverted a couple of times, but finally spoke to him - and later that afternoon I removed all my personal belongings from the house in Knighton Park Road, bundled them into a taxi, and headed for a certain Guest House just outside Croydon.
The car pulled up on the gravel drive to this very large Victorian house that stood back from the main road. As I fumbled to find some money to pay the driver, he put up his hand declining it before quickly driving off. I looked after him in amazement as I sauntered towards the front door. Inside, with no double glazing in those days, I could quite plainly hear a lot of noise, as if there was a bit of a party going on. At least two people seemed to be jokingly arguing in the passageway over who should open the door to me.
The teapot that finally opened it looked me up and down, comically pursed his lips several times, and then spluttered, "Ooh! Well, I say! Mmm . . . Oo-er. Well, yes. I s'pose you'd better come in then. Hmm . . . This way. Ooh, I say, who's your tailor, duckie? Can't be one of us!"
Gobsmacked at who it was, I followed his limp wrist into the lounge where I straightaway recognised Ted sitting in the corner, with a grin from ear to ear. Sprawled across his lap was quite a good-looking guy, perhaps a bit younger than me. Then my eyes fell on all the other faces in the crowded room. They waved and greeted me, and I recognised several of them. This was undoubtedly a gathering of the greatest, and many of them had young lads in attendance.
I had not witnessed such freedom to be oneself since the Winchester basement parties, and for those, as great as they were, who I now realised must be homosexual too. Pushed into a chair and fussed over for what was my poison, I was dumbfounded, absolutely speechless, and my mouth must have been wide open, because everybody's favourite schoolmaster stood up, unzipped himself, and threatened to fill it!
This, it turned out, was Ted's way of thanking me for all I had done at the cinema - and I very nearly missed it! With the demise of so many theatres at that time, and with them all the actors' boarding houses, many of the famous names of a like clan that had played them, along with some of the theatre owners, were having a nostalgic party at this well known accommodation which had so many special fond memories for them. But how Ted knew I was "one of them" and would appreciate all this, I could not work out - and he refused to tell me! But then Ted seemed to know everything. He'd certainly opened my eyes in that phone call - stupid young fool that I was!
The drink flowed, the laughter roared, the stories rolled on and on into the night, and the young guys in attendance were most obliging. It had been years since I enjoyed proper sex; proper sex for me, anyway. That night I made up for everything. Mainly going for the young lads, but often finding myself in a threesome or a moresome with some of the much loved people there, I had the most wonderful time.
Next morning there were no big farewells. Few took breakfast. Cars just arrived and people left with little more than a quick wave of the hand. I think many were suffering from the abundance of drink. Thelma, the lady who ran the place, handed me a large envelope. Inside was a gold watch, and I believe I know who left it for me - a lovely teapot. I still have it today, but I don't wear it. For reasons, I wear another one.
I had to wait around for some considerable time, whilst Ted held long conversations with other theatre owners, before we left in his chauffer driven white Jaguar. It had been a hectic night, so not unexpectedly within minutes of departing my head kept lolling onto Ted's shoulder as I was falling asleep. He dropped the blinds, and then cuddled me in his arms, pulling me in tight to him. I felt warm, safe, and strangely at home there.
What about Barbara call-me-Babs Bloomfield, and the Century cinema? She, as it turned out, hardly even missed me. Because I didn't have that "proper" love for her, there was none of the inbuilt jealously that though often denied always comes with it. I could not have, and did not, notice all the advances she made on others. She had been putting it around with a lot of guys, including one up the West End where there had been many shopping expeditions, but more closer to home her talons had been in Terry, the Third. Little wonder he missed those cue dots! No, I didn't hate him. Why should I? But I did miss his buns!
The cinema had enough staff to cope, and my job there was done. Ted promised to pay for any blood test needed if Babs tried to hit me with a paternity order, and pay her off if it was mine, but it didn't come to that. She had an abortion, and apparently not the first.
Ted was a great guy, and he sure knew how to run things. Nothing escaped him. Old Bill, the doorman who looked as old as the cinema, continued to feed him all the latest news until his death several years later. He had a remarkable funeral - Ted saw to that, even closing the cinema for an afternoon.
I loved having a sugar daddy, but I was not to stay with him for long. More on that next time, when I tell you how I go overboard for someone and land up all at sea!
Johnny.
by Michael Knell
plug itBabs bursting into the projection box to loudly announce she was pregnant came as an Almighty shock. Not only to me, I might add. Terry, The Third, whose buns my eyes were appreciating at the time, and which noticeably tensed to the news as he patiently peered out looking for the change-over cues, missed them completely and the end of the film on the other machine rattled through the gate to show a white screen immediately followed by usherettes from both the stalls and the circle persistently pressing their attention bells. He'd never missed a change-over before, and so it went to add extra dramatic effect to the statement.
Having kids was something I had never even remotely considered. We had always been so careful, taking all the precautions. Did I want to be a father? No, I most definitely didn't! I was homosexual. I was only playing at being straight. That was hard enough as it was, how could I be a daddy too? Nevertheless I grinned, told her it was great news, and she departed, probably to announce it to world in every way possible but flash it on the screen. I could picture whole gaggles of the female staff pouring over a catalogue with her in the staff room to pick out baby clothes. God! What had happened to my life?
Kids need loving parents, a two-some, and it had to be faced: I didn't love Babs, not in the way I should for being a parent. I couldn't. That kind of love was kept for Tony, or whoever might one day follow him. To be tied down to a commitment for something like sixteen years or more, whilst the child grew up, might be to lose all chances of one day finding true happiness.
So the prospect of fatherhood hung over me like a heavy, dark cloud, although I did not allow Babs to see it. For her sake I made out I was happy, when all the time I was looking for a way out. I considered what Adrian, the Third when I started at the cinema, had done on getting Janet pregnant - he'd had it away on his toes, sharpish! - but I knew I couldn't do that, it was not me.
Then that Thursday afternoon, whilst Babs was up the West End doing some necessary shopping - there was always a lot of that to be done, she spent money like water! - I happened to be foraging around in her office looking for a receipt for some carbon rods I was sure we were being billed for twice, when my eyes fell on an envelope addressed to me and marked: "Personal". It had been opened, and yet I was sure not by me. I had not seen it before.
Picking it up, I noticed Babs had scrawled on the back of the envelope: "Replied 4th April". That was a week ago! I opened it up, and after reading the first few lines had to sit down. The letter was from Head Office, and from none other than Ted Shields himself. He wanted to see me. Why had Babs kept this from me? I liked Ted. He had given me the job without question when my father asked, and the few times I had seen him he had always made time to have a word with me. He was a nice guy. I rang him.
I had to suffer the line being diverted a couple of times, but finally spoke to him - and later that afternoon I removed all my personal belongings from the house in Knighton Park Road, bundled them into a taxi, and headed for a certain Guest House just outside Croydon.
The car pulled up on the gravel drive to this very large Victorian house that stood back from the main road. As I fumbled to find some money to pay the driver, he put up his hand declining it before quickly driving off. I looked after him in amazement as I sauntered towards the front door. Inside, with no double glazing in those days, I could quite plainly hear a lot of noise, as if there was a bit of a party going on. At least two people seemed to be jokingly arguing in the passageway over who should open the door to me.
The teapot that finally opened it looked me up and down, comically pursed his lips several times, and then spluttered, "Ooh! Well, I say! Mmm . . . Oo-er. Well, yes. I s'pose you'd better come in then. Hmm . . . This way. Ooh, I say, who's your tailor, duckie? Can't be one of us!"
Gobsmacked at who it was, I followed his limp wrist into the lounge where I straightaway recognised Ted sitting in the corner, with a grin from ear to ear. Sprawled across his lap was quite a good-looking guy, perhaps a bit younger than me. Then my eyes fell on all the other faces in the crowded room. They waved and greeted me, and I recognised several of them. This was undoubtedly a gathering of the greatest, and many of them had young lads in attendance.
I had not witnessed such freedom to be oneself since the Winchester basement parties, and for those, as great as they were, who I now realised must be homosexual too. Pushed into a chair and fussed over for what was my poison, I was dumbfounded, absolutely speechless, and my mouth must have been wide open, because everybody's favourite schoolmaster stood up, unzipped himself, and threatened to fill it!
This, it turned out, was Ted's way of thanking me for all I had done at the cinema - and I very nearly missed it! With the demise of so many theatres at that time, and with them all the actors' boarding houses, many of the famous names of a like clan that had played them, along with some of the theatre owners, were having a nostalgic party at this well known accommodation which had so many special fond memories for them. But how Ted knew I was "one of them" and would appreciate all this, I could not work out - and he refused to tell me! But then Ted seemed to know everything. He'd certainly opened my eyes in that phone call - stupid young fool that I was!
The drink flowed, the laughter roared, the stories rolled on and on into the night, and the young guys in attendance were most obliging. It had been years since I enjoyed proper sex; proper sex for me, anyway. That night I made up for everything. Mainly going for the young lads, but often finding myself in a threesome or a moresome with some of the much loved people there, I had the most wonderful time.
Next morning there were no big farewells. Few took breakfast. Cars just arrived and people left with little more than a quick wave of the hand. I think many were suffering from the abundance of drink. Thelma, the lady who ran the place, handed me a large envelope. Inside was a gold watch, and I believe I know who left it for me - a lovely teapot. I still have it today, but I don't wear it. For reasons, I wear another one.
I had to wait around for some considerable time, whilst Ted held long conversations with other theatre owners, before we left in his chauffer driven white Jaguar. It had been a hectic night, so not unexpectedly within minutes of departing my head kept lolling onto Ted's shoulder as I was falling asleep. He dropped the blinds, and then cuddled me in his arms, pulling me in tight to him. I felt warm, safe, and strangely at home there.
What about Barbara call-me-Babs Bloomfield, and the Century cinema? She, as it turned out, hardly even missed me. Because I didn't have that "proper" love for her, there was none of the inbuilt jealously that though often denied always comes with it. I could not have, and did not, notice all the advances she made on others. She had been putting it around with a lot of guys, including one up the West End where there had been many shopping expeditions, but more closer to home her talons had been in Terry, the Third. Little wonder he missed those cue dots! No, I didn't hate him. Why should I? But I did miss his buns!
The cinema had enough staff to cope, and my job there was done. Ted promised to pay for any blood test needed if Babs tried to hit me with a paternity order, and pay her off if it was mine, but it didn't come to that. She had an abortion, and apparently not the first.
Ted was a great guy, and he sure knew how to run things. Nothing escaped him. Old Bill, the doorman who looked as old as the cinema, continued to feed him all the latest news until his death several years later. He had a remarkable funeral - Ted saw to that, even closing the cinema for an afternoon.
I loved having a sugar daddy, but I was not to stay with him for long. More on that next time, when I tell you how I go overboard for someone and land up all at sea!
Johnny.
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