First Time Parents Guide on Starting Solid Foods for Baby

Just as you follow the doctor's advice on your baby's formula and vitamins D and C supplements, you will let him direct the addition of solids. He should decide when your baby is ready for them, suggest what should be served and the order in which they should be added.

Doctors have varied opinions on when solids should be started. There is widespread medical agreement that appropriate cereals and strained foods agree with babies almost from birth. On the other hand, there is seldom a reason why they need to started so early and it takes much time and patience to spoon feed a newborn baby.

That's why the majority of doctors delay the starting of cereals and/or strained food until sometime within the baby's second or third month. The family and baby have made many adjustments by this time, permitting the introduction of solids under more favorable circumstances.

The doctors who start babies on solids in the second and third months don't expect large quantities to be consumed. It is more with the idea of giving the baby plenty of time to get used to spoon feeding before there is a great nutritional need for solid foods. Knowing this, parents can offer the first solids in a relaxed frame of mind, not worrying about how well they are accepted the first day, the fist week or even the first month.

Set the Stage, starting solid foods is a limestone in your baby's development. The "feel" of the spoon and of cereal or strained food will be puzzling. Movements of the tongue and throat muscles, beyond those used in sucking and swallowing liquids, will have to be learned. The occasion merits careful staging so that the first experiences with solids will be relaxed and pleasant.

Timing is important. The first solid food should be given while the baby is in a pleasant frame of mind. Morning is usually a good time. It should be when the baby is reasonably hungry but not necessarily at the beginning of the meal. Babies very greatly in when they are most receptive to new foods. It may take a bit of experimenting to learn what works best with yours.

Prepare a small portion of the first solid food recommended by the doctor. This probably will be pre-cooked cereal but it might be plain strained fruit, vegetable or meat. For the first few feedings, it is well to thin down cereal with either formula or milk. A starting strained food could be thinned similarly but this probably will not  be necessary. Test the food for body temperature by putting a drop on your wrist.

A small, narrow, shallow-bowled spoon is best for early feeding. The preferred style might be described as a  "long-handled, after-dinner coffee spoon."

Take it Easy. When ready to try the solid food, hold the baby in your lap in a comfortable position. This should be similar to that used in breast or bottle feeding but more upright. This familiar position helps the baby anticipate food. Also, the food is less likely to "go down the wrong way." Draw a deep breath, relax and put on your best smile. Remember that it's unimportant whether the first try is successful or not.

Take a small amount of the new food on the tip of the spoon and place it well back on the baby's tongue. His head maybe tipped back slightly at the same time. This offers the best chance for the food being swallowed. Rather than the above method, some people advocate making the food more liquid and letting the baby suck it from the tip of the spoon. With some babies, this may work better. However, it doesn't teach a new skill and there's more chance of the food being pushed out when the baby's tongue encounters a new "feel."

Even with the best method of introduction, your baby may spit out the first few portions of solid food. It has nothing to do with whether he likes or dislikes it. He simply doesn't know what to do with it. Whatever happens, present a calm, unconcerned front. Offer another bite or so in the same casual manner, giving your baby plenty of time to get used to the idea. Avoid antagonizing the baby by holding him too tightly or using force or pressure. Make every effort to maintain the pleasant atmosphere you want your baby always to associate with eating.

Usually a baby will accept a new food or appear merely indifferent to it. The latter simply calls for a little more time and patience. But occasionally there will be signs of determined resistance or serious objection. When this happens, just calmly remove the food and make a fresh start the next day. If the same thing occurs then, it might be better to forget that food for several days, or even weeks, moving on to the many alternates available.

No Food a "Must". It is reassuring to know that there is no one food which your baby must eat to be healthy. Certain amino acids in proteins, certain fatty acids in fats and many individual minerals and vitamins are essential nutrients. But one gets these nutrients from so many different foods. If your baby strongly dislikes some food or one doesn't agree with him, there are any number of alternates choices.

First Time Parents Guide to Catering to Baby’s Likes in Food

Knowing the kinds of foods babies like is helpful in keeping meals pleasant and in building good food acceptances. Infants instinctively accept foods that are sweet, slightly sour and slightly salty. They reject bitter foods and those strongly sour and strongly salty. The basic tastes, in combination with odors, contribute to the overall characteristic flavors of different foods. Most baby foods have flavors infants naturally like or readily learn to like.

The texture and consistencies that infants like vary with age. Newborn babies want liquids only. Within a few weeks, the "feel" if starting cereals, strained meats, vegetables and fruit becomes acceptable. Junior (minced) foods and teething biscuits are favored after the appearance of a few teeth. You can use each progressive stage to add to the total variety of foods known and accepted by your baby.

When served "warm," baby foods should be just above body temperature. More leeway is possible when serving foods "cold." Recent studies have even shown good acceptance of cold formula! Though not necessary, it is still customary to serve formulas, meats, vegetables, egg yolks, dinners and high meat dinners warm. Precooked cereals usually are mixed with warm milk. Fruit juices, fruits, cottage cheese and desserts are more appropriately served without heating. 

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. Even in the first year, babies react to examples set by parents and older children. They are accomplished mimics at only a few months. Any attitude expressed toward food should be a pleasant one. NEVER indicate or discuss a food dislike in front of a baby.

Parenting Tips on How to Remove Formula Stains

All milk formulas will stain clothing or other items. To remove such stains from cotton materials, immediately place the garment in clear water to soak, or, if possible, wash in hot, strong soapsuds, so that the stain will not dry in the material. (If the stain has been allowed to dry in the fabric, soak overnight in a bleaching agent diluted according to directions; then wash in hot, strong soapsuds.) This will remove all but faint traces of discoloration. Wash stained woolen materials in warm, strong soapsuds (do not use chlorine bleaches) and dry in sunlight.

To remove formula spilled on upholstery or carpets, brush the stains briskly with warm water. If traces remain after the fabric has dried, rub stained spots with household cleaning solvent, or if they are persistent, use diluted ammonia water containing soap (first make sure solution will not fade or injure a test specimen of the material).

Financial Freedom and Saving for Retirement

Attaining financial freedom has always been my dream. I have been learning a lot about managing finances through so many financial resources, may it be online or books and I also attend seminars about personal finance whenever I get the chance or opportunity. Learning about how to open ira is also very useful. We don’t want to be a burden to our children when we retire right? So saving up for retirement is a must so we’ll not end up broke when retirement comes.

There are a lot of things to do before achieving financial freedom. It is not as easy as it appears to be. It involves hard work, discipline, perseverance, commitment to ones goals. The first step to financial freedom is to eliminate all bad debts that we have. Bad debts take away money from our pocket and the law of compound interest works against us if we have bad debt. The next step is to save up. For me, saving up 20 percent of our gross active income is ideal. Save up around 6 months to one-year of salary for emergency in case we lose our job. That way, we have something to spend while we look for another job. Then also set aside funds for healthcare. It is also advisable to get health insurance so we can use it when necessary.

The next thing to do is to invest. We need to invest some of our savings in order for it to grow. Investing in diverse portfolio is what financial experts advise. As the old adage says, “Do not put all your eggs in just one basket”. Then strive to get multiple income streams and create passive income. By doing all of these, we can achieve financial freedom.

Simple Ways To Stimulate and Bond With Your Unborn Baby

Though most moms to be just read to their babies all day or set their classical playlist on repeat, there are more fun and creative ways you can stimulate and bond with your unborn baby. Here are some ideas.

1. Stage a concert. Instead of playing a CD or cranking up the volume for your tiny iPod earphones, why not invite your friends and family members who play musical instruments to jam and perform for your baby bump? If you could play an instrument, that would be even better! Don't forget to record the performance so you can play it over and over again when everyone has gone home.

2. Curtain call. Invite Daddy to join in the fun and act out a play for your baby. Do different voices, too! If more friends and family members want to join in, why not? You can try simple one act plays or be ambitious and bring out the Shakespearean comedies (the tragedies might be too gory for your delicate prenatal sensibilities).

3. We are family. Record your family members giving different messages to your baby. You can even play it for him after he's born. See if he remembers and recognizes their voices! This works best for relatives who live far away.

4. Paint a picture with words. when you're alone, start describing what you see to your little one. Include colors, smells and textures. This is great practice for when he's born and you'll want to work on his language acquisition skills. By then, a one sided conversation will be second nature to you!

5. Play drummer. But a gentle one. Play music and start tapping away on your belly. Ask daddy to try it, too. Try this when your baby is awake and movie around. You'll be amazed at how he can already respond to you! Bring out the video camera, and film the ripples and waves your belly will make as your baby reacts to your drumbeats.

It's never too early to start letting your baby know how much you love him. Even if you can't hold him in your arms, communicating with him while he's still inside you is a great way to begin.

On Using Credit Card

Me and my wife have been using credit card when purchasing something may it me on groceries, clothes and shoes. We also use it in our purchases online. Using credit card is very convenient because you don't have to bring cold cash especially on purchases that are huge. Aside from that, we also get to enjoy some perks like freebies when there are promos.

Proper management and discipline are the keys to using credit card effectively. In our case, we see to it that we keep all receipts of our purchases to keep track of our credit card usage. We also discipline ourselves when purchasing using credit card. We see to it that we'll be able to pay what we have charged in our credit card and that it is within our budget to avoid problems with credit card bills. We also pay our credit card bill before its due date to avoid incurring surcharges.

Being an online shopper, my wife and I are looking for an online credit card that we can apply to. We are looking for a low interest card and something that offers cash rebates like Credit-Card-Surplus. Shopping online is lesser of a hassle and it really is convenient especially if you have a credit card that values customers as well.

Do All Newborn Startle?

All healthy newborn are born with an evolutionarily programmed involuntary impulse called Moro reflex. So if your baby is startled by the sound of a pot clanking or a siren, for instance, he'll fling his arms wide, spread hid fingers, then grab instinctively - for Mom, of course. Then he'll bring his arms back to his body and relax. Newborn's haven't learned to differentiate between common and uncommon noises. As you little one matures, his brain learns to distinguish sounds and movements and suppresses this primitive reflex.

Important Reminders When Raising Twins

The most important aspect in raising twins is allowing them to discover their own person. Here's how parents can build individuality in them:

• Never compare. Avoid labeling (such as "the smart one" or "the athletic one") because this will limit her potential. Make it a habit to call them each by their names.

• Identify each child through an item. (such as a different backpack or shoelace) to discourage people from guessing based on physical appearance (such as "the heavier one")

• Dress them similarly but not identically. This will help the child know that she is her own person and has her own things; give them their own closet space for their belongings.

• Spend alone with with each child. This will allow you the opportunity to see each child's personality as a while and not just as a part of the other.

• Build each child's interest without forcing one or the other to be the way; like taking one twin to a soccer game and the other to a guitar class.

• Show affection to each child with individual praise and recognition. Make sure you give all this equally no matter what.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Child

Parents adopt various "rules" when it comes to naming babies. The more practical ones include giving your child a name that..

• is easy to pronounce in most languages
• others can easily spell
• is short and singular (for someone with long surnames)
• is not owned by an infamous character
• hasn't already been "coveted" by a relative
• has a meaning you like
• goes well phonetically with your surname
• doesn't form monikers or initials that might be made fun of (like P.O.O. or R.I.P.)

Signs That your Child is on Dope

It is not always easy for parents to tell if their child is using or experimenting with drugs. Some of the warning signs include:

• Drop in school performance
• Decrease in out of school activities (such as sports)
• Red eyes
• Always tired
• Suddenly having a new set of friends
• Irregular behavior and mood swings
• Withdrawal from family contact
• Changed eating pattern
• Money or valuable items going missing

Of course, many of these are features of normal adolescence, so tread warily if your suspicions are raised. Be honest with your child about your concerns and avoid being judgmental. It will only turn off your teener.

10 Golden Rules of Child Rearing

Raising children can be the most wonderfully challenging adventure of your life. Here are 10 useful reminders and rules.

1. Children are not pets.
2. The life they actually live and the life you perceive them to be living is not the same.
3. Don't take what your children do too personally.
4. Don't keep score cards on them - a short memory is useful.
5. Dirt and mess are breeding ground for well being.
6. Stay out of their rooms after puberty.
7. Stay out of their friendships and love life unless invited in.
8. Don't worry that they never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.
9. Learn from them; they have much to teach you.
10. Love them long; let them go early.

Your Baby is Bowlegged

Almost all babies are born with some degree of bowleggedness because of the cramped quarters in the womb. Since there isn't enough room in there for a baby to stretch his legs, the leg bones (which are still somewhat soft) become a little curved. As children walk and bear more weight on their legs, the bones naturally straighten. New walkers tend to look particularly bowlegged because they bend their knees to help them balance and support their body weight. Don't stress about bowlegs unless your baby;s legs are extremely or unequally curved, or the condition gets worse.

Practical Guide on your Baby's First Outing

While lolo or lola will tell you that baby should not be brought to the mall until he turns 1, a short trip for Sunday lunch won't do much harm to most babies. While lugging baby supplies is important, bring only the essentials - you'll need your hands free to tend to baby.

What to bring:

1. Extra diapers
2. Alcohol free wipes
3. Changing mat
4. Extra outfits
5. Burp cloth

Notice no bottles? We encourage you to breast feed.

Practical Guide on your Baby's First Few Steps

Witnessing baby's first steps is one milestone all parents look forward to. On the average, a child begins walking between 12 to 14 months, but some walk as early as 9 months and as late as 21 months! Experts say that when it comes to walking, parents can do little more than provide an encouraging environment for walking.

What you can do:

1. Encourage him to walk. It would be frustrating to always hear, "No, not there, it's not safe," or "Oops, you might break that."
2. Set a safe environment. Remove obstacles, such as chairs or toys. Have the area cushioned or padded, if possible.
3. Be very careful with using walkers, especially if your home has stairs. If possible, avoid walkers altogether. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued warnings against their use.

Practical Guide on your Baby's First Solid Foods

Pediatrician recommend waiting until baby is around 6 months before introducing solids. Some doctors recommend ride and cereal, mashed or pureed vegetables or fruits. Discuss your options with your pediatrician and ask for the pros and cons of each food group. What's more important is to give baby three to five days to get used to one food before introducing a new one.

What you can do:

1. Take out those bibs! For the baby's first solid meal, he should be made to sit upright.
2. Feed him only when he's hungry. Schedule the meal one hour after nursing.
3. Give him only one solid meal a day.
4. With each mouthful, give only enough food to cover the tip of a teaspoon. Also expect much of the food to ooze out as everything from eating from a spoon to the texture of non liquid is very new to baby.

7 Resolutions for Closer Family Ties

1. I will talk to my children more often. Some parents only talk to their kids when they get in trouble. But family discussions need not be like a third degree interrogation. Chat them up while on the road or doing the dishes together. Show that you are there to listen, not to judge.

2. I will listen and learn. Don't be afraid to see things from your children's point of view. As they mature, they can make more decisions and express themselves better. Understand and take their perspective seriously.

3. I will be a good role model. Role modeling is important because you are your child's first teacher, and no matter how much your child may seem to dislike you, deep down he wants to be proud of you and emulate you.

4. I will be more demonstrative and affectionate. Affection is very important in the development of your children as well as the development of your family. Touch is the universal language of love. Hold your children's hand, pat them on the back or shoulder, hug them.

5. I will boost self esteem. Bonding time is enjoyable for children only if they feel accepted, loved and wanted. Encourage them to be confident in small or big house or school projects, because their self esteem lowers as they grow older.

6. I will spend more face time with my family. With the 3G cell phones and other techie stuff, we think a call, a text message or a chat window passes off as communication. But this only works if you want to inform your kids of something. Take the time to really connect with your children by making face time.

7. I will make sure we stick to our resolutions. Change is a long and arduous process that needs consent and commitment from all family members. If kids are determined to have more family bonding moments, it'll be easier to repair gaps and silences; otherwise, give it some time and don't give up.

Too much Fruit Juice can be Bad for Kids

Kids love fruit juice. But that tasty package of vitamins and minerals has a price. Juices is loaded with natural sugar, so drinking too much can cause obesity, stunted growth, digestive problems and tooth decay.

If children eat full meals on top of that juice, they risk obesity. If they full up only on fruit juice, failing to receive nutrients from a well balanced diet, they may face malnutrition or short stature.

Too much juice also means too much sorbitol, one of three natural sugars in most fruit juices. Our intestines can't absorb it, so it ferments in the colon, causing stomach aches, gas and sometimes diarrhea. White grape juice provides one alternative: it doesn't contain sorbitol.

Here are some tips from experts:

• Limit preschoolers to 4 to 6 ounces of juice a day - 8-12 ounces for older children and teens. Make sure what they drink is 100 percent juice, not a fruit flavored beverage.

• Dilute juice with club soda or mineral water.

• Milk and water are still excellent choices for kids. You can try spicing up water with lemon or other fruit.

• Limit carbonated drinks. By the time kids turn 13, they are drinking four times as much carbonated drinks as fruit juices.
  

Helpful Tips to teach your Child to Manage Money

Well, Its never to early to teach your child the value of money, here are some practical tips on teaching your child to manage his own money.

• Money Jars. Divide clear jars (since kids are visual) for different purposes, such as short term (weekly) and long term (money you can physically put in the bank) purposes. Discuss with your child what these are for and how the money saved will benefit him int the future.

• Have a field trip to the bank. Bring him along when you deposit his money so he has a concept of saving, and explain where the money will go to, say for his college tuition or birthday party.

• Chores. Encourage regular age appropriate chores (packing away of toys, setting the table, etc.) something your child can do well without Yaya's help. Let him earn his money.

• Money monitoring. Ask your child to write down in a small notebook all his expenses. This way, you can monitor how responsible your child is and what his needs are.
  

Tips to make going to school easier for your Child

• PUT ON A HAPPY FACE. Children are very receptive to the emotions of those around them. So even if you feel like crying, put on a brave front, and mask your apprehensions with a smile and lots of assuring words. When your child sees you are okay, he is reassured that he will be okay.

• NEVER SNEAK OFF. If parents or caregivers disappear, this would only make the situation worse, and build more anxiety within the child. Do not sneak out of the classroom or keep coming back for a last hug or kiss. The caring thing to do would be to get out efficiently and effectively.

• HAVE YOUR CHILD COME TO SCHOOL WITH A REMINDER OF HOME. A family photo or a special toy will help bridge the familiar with the unfamiliar. It will also give the teacher plenty of opportunity to talk to your child about something he is familiar with, allowing the bond of trust to develop.

• TRUST YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER. Be assured that the teachers are equipped to handle your child's distress. It is easier for a child to warm up to a teacher if he can see that you trust her, too.

• ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PROMISES TO YOUR CHILD. If you say you will pick him up right after school, be outside when dismissal time comes so your child sees you immediately. This reinforces the trust between you and your little one and lessens the anxiety he is feeling.
  

Different ways to deal with Child Misbehavior

1. Divert their attention. Suggesting an alternate acceptable behavior, changing the setting to prevent misbehavior, or gently taking the child's hand and showing him what you want him to do are some of the ways to redirect a child's attention.

2. Ignore provocations. Children sometimes misbehave to get attention and ignoring fights between siblings is sometimes helpful. However, arguments between children in the family that put a very young child in danger should be addressed.

3. State the consequences firmly. Allow children to experience the consequences of their behavior. Unpleasant consequences will likely discourage a child from misbehaving. Remember to be firm when setting and reinforcing rules and consequences. Children can easily detect weak arguments.

4. Set clear, reasonable limits. Letting your child know and understand the rules allow him to expect the unexpected. Limits must be correspond to the child's ability and be consistently enforced.

5. Offer choices. Allowing children to make small choices prepares them to make bigger decisions in the future. Also, it's a good way to build confidence.

6. Call attention to good behavior. This approach reminds children to change behavior. Children who behave well deserve appreciation. In time, they will understand that good behavior is a way to get noticed. However, be careful with comments and how you express them. They may sound more like criticism.

7. Provide renewal time. Renewal time or time out is an excellent discipline method to use when your kids are bugging you. A child is asked to move to a quieter and safe place for some renewal time until he feels more relaxed.

8. Remove yourself from the situation. Some children consider a parent's presence rewarding. Try isolating yourself.

9. Use positive and encouraging words. Let children know what kind of behavior you approve of rather than those you disapprove of. Changing the "donts" to "dos" will definitely take time, but is worth the effort. Give gentle reminders. This will give children a sense of security and strengthen self control.

10. Practice thinking like a child. Children experiment on things they see adult doing. Providing ample and interesting opportunities for learning will keep your child busy and productive.