Pregnancy, Parenting and Beyond

Here's a list of the Best convertible car seats in 2018. Graco-Extend2Fit-Convertible-Seat-Gotham   with almost 2000 reviews on Amazon. This one gets a definite thumbs up!! Safety-1st-Grow-Convertible-Coral   Close to 1900 review on Amazon. All the way from 5lbs to 100lbs. this is a tough one and lives up to its claims. check it out now!! Graco-4Ever-Convertible-Seat-Studio   Serves you and your family for upto 10 years. Safely towing kids from 4lbs to 120 lbs. Rear facing - front facing - booster seat, this one's got it all! Britax-Marathon-ClickTight-Convertible-Cowmooflage   Britax speaks for itself.  A brand like no other. Built to last.  14 colors to pick from. 5lbs to 65lbs.  

My mum arrived from India to support and help me for my delivery and post partum. She'd been in a road accident and lived through it only by the grace of God. After being hospitalized thrice in 2013.... in  little over a month from her last hospitalization Mum traveled all the way to the USA to come take care of her baby (me) and my baby. She's a blessing, My Rock, My all !!! She arrived... the first two days we rushed around buying a warm clothes to survive our brutal winter... and crazy brutal is was indeed with history being made... most snow received since 1884... and more. Day 4-5 after her arrival, I got an urge to clean the house and pack my hospital bag. This is the list i referred to  Hospital Packing List on Parents dot com . The next day we watched a birthing video, drove back to the library to return it. And Woah! the day after that, low and behold... my water broke at 7am (3 weeks before my EDD) and I was rushed to the hospital, where my LO was born. From t...

For Baby #1... we didnt even attempt potty training until 2yrs. until we could communicate with our ds. at that age he began to show signs as well as his day-care volunteered to help and encourage him. it took us all of 6-8 months to get it All dry!! Starting with taking him every 1-3hrs during the day. Using training pant for the night time. He would still go first thing in the morning - if we were lazy adn didnt get him from bed to bathroom in the first 2 mins of him waking up. Then the poop stoop... took a while, coz we've suffered with constant constipation and it was easier going while standing up versus sitting down. A little miralax everyday and that got sorted out as well. Baby #2 on the way... and I came across this method. Elimination communication starting from birth until 4-6 months. Has its own pros and cons... Read the link below and decide... Is this my cuppa tea? infant-potty-training-what-it-is-and-how-to-do-it 12 Nov 2013 Courtesy: babycenter Up...

Need two options for sleeping arrangements. Get a sleeper for your bedroom... baby can co-sleep with you for the first 3 months. The First years - Secure Sleeper better option is to get  Arms-Reach-Mini-Co-Sleeper-Bassinet and a play-yard for your living room/kitchen/main floor... Graco-Pack-Playard-Bassinet-Morgan  Available in variety of colors, easy to install, convenient for diaper changes, storage to keep diapers, wipes, creams, easy to carry around. I have the Arms reach co-sleeper, my DS used it until 3-4months...once they learn to turn over... u need to take out the higher position of the cosleeper... and make it into a playyard. I wud leave DS in there with toys, or when I needed to attend the door, or go to the restroom. At 2yrs, we still take it on our road trips, so easy to fold and use... and we know we have a safe space for him to sleep in at hotels or even at friend's place.

One could start using a high chair/booster seat from the time u start solids at around 4-5mnths and use it all the way until your LO in into the toddler/pre-school years. I personally have this one:  http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-First-Years-Reclining-Feeding-Seat/14254250?findingMethod=rr Available in colors. Main features are:  Safe and durable feeding seat Adjustable height helps the seat fit most tables. I kept it reclining until he was 10mnths, helps in feeding younger infants. By age 1, he was fine with sitting upright. When DS turned approx 16-18mnths, I placed this on the floor - we eat on the sofa on most days. Since its on the floor he can sit by himself, and goes there for all meals and drinks Removable, dishwasher-safe tray makes clean up a breeze.  Full-sized pad is soft, reversible, and machine-washable. Best feature. Features an 123 tray mat, which is easy to clean. DS loves to count the animals on the mat. BPA-free plastic Reversible, washable s...

I traveled to India when my DS was 3months, accompanied by my DH and returned alone when he was 7months. The best option is to carry your baby during travel is in a Baby Bjorn carrier I would highly recommend - Baby Bjorn Carrier Active - Sporty It provides great back support. Very easy for travel. Useful for travel in India, as you cannot really use a stroller there. Very convenient to keep baby close to you - in cold weather, or in crowded areas, its great to carry the little one to put him to sleep as well. It works like a charm. There are always plenty of helpful people travelling on India flights... if anyone offers, take help and let them carry your baby for you... in turn u can tag along their stroller or anything. Ask and u will get help. Next best option is a light weight stroller... something like this  Dream on Me Featherlight Stroller This stroller is light in weight and, can be checked in at the airplane gates.... this way u can use it all the way...and at u...

Its up to you and your beliefs to follow it or not but these are the ideal things to follow. I followed them... 1. Babies till 5months don't need anything other than Breast milk. If you have enough milk to give its the best thing for baby. It gives baby nutrition and immunity . Formula doesn't give immunity. BREAST MILK IS PRECIOUS.     http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020100.asp 2. You can start formula once a day to make baby aware of its taste by 4 months.  Also, if u have enough milk, introduce a bottle. You can use breast pump to increase your milk quantity. 3. Continue formula till 1 year. Start Whole milk only at Age 1. 4. Babies do not need water at all till you start babies on solids. Your supply of breast-milk alters itself to provide the required nourishment for your baby. Best indication of good hydration is 6-8 wet diapers or bowel movements per day. 5. For Gas ...The trouble resolves once baby becomes 4-5 months old. Nothing helps ...

It is true from what I have heard and experienced with my own little DS and with my neice in India too. As per my opinion, 9 out of 10 babies get rashes with J & J baby oil...  Indians generally prefer using Parachute Coconut oil, its what your mom or mil will advice you to use. Some say that coconut oil makes the skin dark, and so opt for Almond oil available at Indian stores. Figaro Olive Oil from India. Sesame seed oil. Burt Bees oil. PED's recommend to avoid coconut oil in the winters as it harden and does not wash off easily from the skin and may cause rash for babies. So you could go for Olive oil for winter and coconut oil for the summer. you can use any brand of extra virgin olive oil. Click below:   Guideline on How to Massage your baby.

This journey could prove quite challenging if you are not fully prepared. Have a List of Items: Cabin Bag/Diaper Bag (most airlines allow one Cabin bag + shoulder bag as diaper bag) Changing Pad Diapers - Wipes - Desitin(diaper rash cream) Bottles - Bowls - spoon - bib - get paper towels from the airplane You can carry water in sippy cups or your own water bottle (its allowed) package/sealed bottled water is not allowed through security Sealed jars/boxes of Gerber(or any other) foods are allowed - these stay good for upto24hours once opened. formula and scoop. Milk - Whole milk available on flight. Ask for it. They could warm it up too. You may carry single serve packs of milk too. do not over-load. toys - to keep baby busy carry a blanket or two of your own. a set of extra clothing for baby and yourself Keep it light... don't over load on items. In India Formula/Milk substitute - Lactogen Cereal - Easum (rice+dal) can be started at 4-6months and given right upt...

To boost your supply of breast milk Soak methi seeds overnight, drink the water & eat some seeds if possible You also get Methi seeds supplements/tabs at the store Soup of masoor/red dal(lentils) Papaya sabzi - prepare it like lauki/doodhi sabzi , Sabudana Roasted zeera oatmeal There is no food which can increase the milk production initially it is low it increase slowly Weting diapers 8-10 times and poop 4-5 times then milk supply is okay wrap hot water towel around your breast for 10 mins before nursing or pumping. You will see milk flow. Very good info on BF http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=17 http://www.kellymom.com/ onion, brocooli and cabbage are gassy items so they will create problem for the baby that why my pediatrician told me to control. i have never seen her crying for gas..but also give burp always. chocolate and coffee is also no.... is caffine so..baby wont sleepi used to drink milk, ...

Help your baby learn to talk Guide to Motor Development Month by Month - Baby's First Year Physical Development and Milestones Social Development Making Baby Smile and Laugh Enjoy Reading the above links!!

Benefits of Breast-feeding: >For baby: > Builds a strong immune system. Protects against allergies, ear infections and illnesses during the first year. > B-milk is easy to digest, rarely causes constipation and is filled with nutrients. > B-milk is the prefect food, it changes in consistency based on the baby's needs. The first flow is called Colostrum, which is thick and full of nutrients. > B-milk is naturally formulated for a baby's diet and promotes normal weight gain. >For Mom: > B-feeding causes the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. > B-feeding can reduce stress levels and help you feel happier. > B-feeding heals your body and builds up your immune system. http://www.promom.org/101/ Problems faced during Breast Feeding: > Stimulate your breasts before feeding sessions - massage the breasts. > After baby is done feeding - use a pump to empty out the breast - that way more milk will be produced. > S...

Cloth diapers is a subject that has been discussed and something that i myself was considering on doing... > The cloth is soft and delicate to the baby's skin. > Lesser chance of rash. > Out here they use the cloth diapers and a waterproof chaddi/diaper outside. but the outer pant/panty costs approx $17 each, which i personally feel is too expensive.. > Moreover, washing and drying the cloth is gonna be really tough... as most of our babies are due almost in Fall/Winter. > Cloth diapers are good to use in the afternoons, especially during summer. > Also, u can use it more often in the first 3months, when baby will mostly be in the Crib (confined area - not moving around as much). > Diapers are easy to use and throw.. Pampers is a gr8 brand for newborns. and with all the other issues of your own back ache, your vagina healing, your body changes, getting baby to BF, burp, sleep, colic.... diapering is something u dont want to fuss with... jus use disposable and b...

Contributed my mom's on the IHM Comm. >Cotton bedsheets >Baby pillows for positioning (mustard seeds-RYE- pillows) >Light Blankets >Mittens >one-foot square bits of cloth as Burp Cloths >Swaddle cloths >Towels >gripe water >plastic or cane mat/chatiee >Almond oil for body massage >Coconut oil for hair and to massage self >Kajal Pencil >Sweaters and caps >Flasks >Pressure Cooker >Any of your favorite foods, especially ladoos (ding and methi) >Incense - if you wish to use it for baby and yourself Avoid using Gripe water for gas relief, baby gets used to it and you may have to continue using it until your child is 3-4yrs. Just give lil' sips of warm water, and if baby cries for more than 20mins - due to stomach ache - give Mylicon. Avoid buying Clothes from India, baby out-grows them real fast, Indian clothes don't fit well due to use of diapers here, and clothes available here are really good.

Are u kidding me?? I have never heard of this one before... Have any of us done this? http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/articles/tool-birth-plan.aspx

After delivery you will not have the time or energy to go shopping until approximately 3 months - so shop before delivery... 1.Big box of diapers. Pampers is the best and most recommended brand. (minimum 15-20 diapers during the initial days. Diapers never go waste.) 2. Wet wipes. 3. Minimum 10 soft blankets. 4. 5 towels. 5. 6-8 burp towels. (buy matching with dresses) 6. Car seat with stroller matching - buy good and long purpose which we can be converted for toddler use 7. pink clothes for girl baby and blue clothes for boy baby full cover clothes till toe, half clothes 8. Bath tub - infant to toddler and bath-time toys. 9. Bath liquid soap, shampoo, lotion and powder. (for massage Almond oil or regular Coconut oil (Johnson baby oil gives rashes to most Indian babies) 10. Alcohol swabs. 11. Baby complete bath to medical kit (consists thermometer, medicine droppers, comb, nail-clipper, e.t.c) 12. Car seat toys and Crib hanging toys. 13. Breast pump and some bottles in case of eme...

== You may Email this list to yourself and take a Print-out to use it as a check list during shopping. BABY SHOPPING LIST Nursery Needs Bassinet or Cradle (used in the first three months) Fitted bassinet sheet (3 sets) Crib (4-in-1 convertible is a good buy) Fitted Crib sheet (3 sets) Quilt (place under the sheet to soften and protect the mattress) Waterproof crib mattress and protector {Sealy or Serta} Dresser/Drawer (with wheels makes it comfortable to use) Diaper changing station (preferably not portable) Night light Toy chest Humidifier Air Purifier Feeding Essentials Nursing Pillow Burp Cloths Cloth bibs (8 to 10) Nursing Bra Breast Pads (to absorb leaks) {Lansinoh, Medela} Nipple Cream (to relieve soreness - wash off before nursing) Breast Pump {Medela, Lansinoh - double electric, Playtex embrace} Breast milk storage bags {Medela, Lansinoh} Formula {Similar Advanced EarlyShield, Enfamil LIPIL, Good Start Supreme} Bottles (6 - 2 to 4 oz; 6 - 4 to 8oz : Angled neck or Vent prevents...

Ø Have ginger tea Ø Gargle with lukewarm water by adding some salt 3 times a day Ø Take a glass of milk. Add little haldi, ½ tsp black pepper, 5-10 dry grapes (kissmiss) & required. qty of water. Boil this milk & drink it before going to bed. Don’t drink water immediately after consuming this mixture Ø Take small pieces of ginger & garlic. Grate them well. Take a tsp of honey & mix grated ginger-garlic. Swallow before going to bed & don’t drink water. Ø Take 1 cup of rice (Sona masoori is best or else Basmati but not boiled rice) & prepare it like normal white rice. Add bit salt while preparing. For tadka- use ghee or any kind of oil. Heat it & to it add 1 tsp of black pepper, cumin seeds (jeera), hing, cashew nuts(optional), curry leaves. Let this mixture stand for sometime & then add it to rice along with some salt for taste. It should be warm/hot when you eat it. You can eat this for dinner along with dal too. Ø You can ...

>> Contributed by members on the IHM Comm. DEE - Pampers Sensitive Rocks..... For size N and 1 ... ur baby is so delicate and Pampers is so soft and wonderful.  I've used Pampers Swaddlers until month 8... Size 2-3. Then switched over to Cruisers. At 11 months, I started using Luvs... its economical and works well when my DS is teething, as he got diarrhea for every tooth that popped out. Mallika Suresh Diapers -- >Initially Pampers >After 6 months, Huggies. >After 1year, Sam's Brand - Members Mark Diapers Wipes -- >Huggies >Later started using Members Mark Namrata >HUGGIES ....is the best >You can get it frm COSTCO,Sam's club or BJs (more economical to buy in bulk. >Pampers unscented wipes is good. Also, wash your baby's privates once in a day. >Huggies wipes are thicker and more absorbent - better to clean baby poop. Bhavna Patel-Bhatt >Pamper Swaddlers N is good for the first 1 week - until cord falls of...

Contributed by members on the IHM Comm. Chicco Cortina KeyFit Travel System Evenflo Aura Select Travel System Shaily - Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System - Bermuda Its so nice and easy to maneuver. Tejas is 14 months and he uses a front facing car seat; he used the car seat of the travel system until last month. It can accomodate a baby till 30 pounds and 32 inches. Its sturdy and safe. It comes in 2 colors....both r nice. Graco Quattro Travel System Bhavna Patel-Bhatt I have bought 3 Travel systems in total Graco is the worst purchase ... Very bulky and inconvenient... i used the Snap and Go until 8 months Later on bought the macclearan Voila stroller... Best stroller in the world. Also, Indian babies never reach 32lbs within one year... and after than rear-facing car seat become uncomfortable for baby... so the smaller version is fine. Shriya There's one more choice for travel system too, the earlier one was Alano Travel System - Mulberry And the ...