by Ashley Brady

Your baby's cold can be just as hard on you as it is on her. To keep your baby's infection and discomfort from getting worse, make sure she gets enough rest and liquids like formula if she's less than 4 months old or breast milk. Babies who are a little older can have some water and by 6 months they can have juice as well.

Try squeezing some over the counter saline solution drops into each nostril to relieve congestion, then after a few moments remove the mucus and liquid by suctioning with a rubber bulb syringe. This works well about fifteen minutes prior to a feeding if it's difficult for your baby to breathe nasally while nursing. A bit of petroleum jelly to the outside of your baby's nostrils can help reduce irritation.

Sitting with you in a steamy bathroom while the hot water's on in the shower for about 15 minutes, or using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to increase the moisture in your baby's room should also help provide some relief for her. Also providing additional comfort is a hot bath.

If you try to sleep at a slight incline, postnasal drip can be relieved. But using pillows in her crib just to accomplish this is a bad idea because the risk of suffocation is too great. You may want to allow her to sleep in her car seat in a slightly upright position or place a couple of rolled up towels between the crib springs and mattresses.

At the first sign of illness in a infant of under 3 months old, contact your pediatrician especially if your baby has a cold or has a fever of 100.4 degrees. Guidelines about what constitutes a fever in older infants can be given to you by your pediatrician. If baby's symptoms don't improve within five to seven days, her cough worsens, she's wheezing or gasping (possible pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV), or tugs at her ear (possible ear infection), your pediatrician should also be notified immediately.

For more information on coughs and cold in babies and young children, check out the articles we have published over the last two years.

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author Arthur Goldberry - editing Les Scammell

Many parents are concerned about how to teach their baby to walk. It seems to come naturally, and in a way it does. However, there are things you can do to prepare your baby for walking.

You know, babies don't just wake up one day and start walking. There is a natural progression from rolling over, sitting up, scooting, crawling, and then pulling up to walk. If you want to teach your baby how to walk, it will depend on how he/she masters those steps. It should also be remembered that some babies skip steps, or seem to take sometime to progress from one to the next - in most cases, this is normal.

Once your baby has become mobile, providing a safe environment in your home is very important. If you're going to teach your baby how to walk, you need to inspect your home for dangers in order to prevent your child from getting hurt on sharp corners, stairs, and ledges etc.

You could also be tempted to buy a walker from the store. They are great playthings but they do not teach your baby to walk. Some specialists believe they hold your baby back. Occasional use of a walker is harmless, so don't leave your baby in it for hours.

You may also be tempted to buy your baby the perfect pair of shoes when you're teaching him/her to walk. Recent research suggests that babies actually learn to walk better when they're not wearing shoes. Here's a little known tidbit - babies are born without kneecaps. It is not until they are around 12 months that knee caps start to form. So initially, baby will be trying to walk without those knee caps and shoes can put pressure on the knees. When baby first starts to walk, watch them, they will be on tip toes rather than flat feet. Shoes interfere with this and so slow down the child's ability to learn to walk.

So save your money and teach your baby to walk without those pretty little shoes. If you want your child to wear shoes, just be aware that they won't make it easier for your baby to walk. Follow a few simple rules of thumb. When you teach your baby to walk, you must make sure that his shoes are going to help instead of hurt. Try looking for shoes that have soles that are flat and flexible. Pass up the high-tops and go for a shoe that allows your baby's ankle to move. You should frequently check your baby's shoe size if you want to make sure he/she hasn't outgrown them.

When it comes to teaching your baby how to walk, one of the most important things you can do is encourage their every achievement. Balance and coordination can be developed by playing physical games and toys that promote dexterity. Toys that allow your baby to push or pull are excellent to teach your baby to walk. You can also play by kicking and throwing balls. With the help of these activities, your baby can also achieve balance and eye-hand coordination.

Just have fun! Enjoy the process and try not to push your baby too hard.

by Mary Roadings

Most babies have baby colic during their first year. It is something common to many toddlers, however doctors still can't pinpoint what is the actual cause. They do agree though that many times an upset stomach can often lead to colic, which makes the baby feel bloated as gas is gathered in the intestines. This gas needs to be let out and the best way to do it is by baby massage.

When the child has colic, he or she tends to cry a lot due to the strong pain felt. Many times parents experience a strong sense of panic because of this constant crying as they have no idea what to do, how to help their kid. And often times the cure is really a proper baby massage that stops the crying right away, it's that simple really.

One of the best ways to help your child get relief from stomach pains and colic is by learning how to do baby massage. This will relax the stomach muscles and will stop those nasty spasms that tend to come and go. The baby will be able to pass wind which is accumulated in the intestines.

For massage, use natural oils for best results. Avoid doing the massage right after feeding as this will upset the stomach and cause more pain. Lay your palm flat on the stomach and go clockwise in circling motions a few times over the abdomen. Then use your hand to make a circle around the belly button after which use your fingertips to do the same thing. Finally use again your flat palm to go around the stomach in a clockwise direction as a last exercise.

Next take the legs and do a bit of bicycle exercise with them, one after another one. This will push the wind from the intestines and stomach. After that stretch the legs with an easy pressure applied and then wobble the legs a bit. This will finally eliminate the last wind from the stomach for best results

by Colby Brister

Nutrition is a vital part of the development of humans, plants, and animals alike. There is a delicate balance that must be met in order for a person, especially a child, to develop properly. When children are younger, parents encourage them to eat fruits and vegetables, but it is generally up to the child what is eaten. It is up to you as a parent to ensure that your baby or toddler is getting the right nutrients each day to grow strong and healthy. There are many questions in the modern age when it comes to health, but by following some simple rules, you will ensure that your baby or toddler will grow into a self reliant adult that makes healthy eating decisions. It starts from the very first bite of food.

Beginning good eating habits begins with your pregnancy. Proper consumption of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins leads to an uncomplicated birth, a healthy mother, and a healthy baby. You should continue your great eating trends into the breast feeding part of your infant's life. You are passing your nutrients directly to your child, so it is essential that you have plenty of nutrients. Mother to be and new mothers should eat lots of fresh, raw vegetables and fruits. You should try to eat different colors of the rainbow when it comes to produce, and limit sodium and Trans fat intake. It is best to eliminate Trans fat and caffeine altogether. As your child begins eating foods, make sure that it is organic, pure, and free of chemical add in's or fillers.

You need to understand the right kinds of foods that should be eaten by babies and toddlers. Babies do not need solid foods until they are a year old, but your doctor may suggest it sooner or later for your child. You should begin with one fruit or vegetable at a time and stay away from peanuts and strawberries, as they can cause allergies when introduced too early. Once your child begins eating regular foods, you should encourage many different fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and juices. Your child should discover the foods that he likes, and try them different ways. These steps can ensure that your child enters adolescence with healthy eating habits and tastes.

You should try to eat lots of different things with your children to provide them with an open mind about new foods, and this also gives them the most nutrients possible. If you have a picky child, try disguising the vegetables and fruits that they don't like with the foods that they love. For example, chocolate milk has long been a way for mother's to get young children to get more calcium. Try vanilla soy milk for the same effect with less processed sugar. Eating organic foods can also be great.

You can ensure that your child is developing great eating habits by setting an example and doing your research. Keep improving your own habits as well. Your entire family will be better off for it.

by Nancy Newell

You have your baby in your arms, she is changed, cleaned and fed, but still crying. This is probably one of the times when you feel frustrated and unable to understand what is going on. The baby is crying and suffering and you cannot do something to make her feel better.

The first thing you should check is if the baby needs to be fed, if the baby is thirsty or if there is something else that causes discomfort. This can be something minor like the clothes being too tight or an eyelash that is in the eye. See that the baby has no apparent reason for crying. Then check if the baby has any signs of illness. Fever, sweat or signs of nervousness might mean that the baby has a cold. If everything seems fin, the baby might have a colic hit. In this case, you should hold the baby in your arms and try to relax her. Reduce anything irritating in the room like bright lights or loud noises. If the baby is scared of something or dislikes company, move to a room that you can be alone and calm the baby down. Make sure the baby understands your presence through cuddling and hearing your voice.

Colic has a way to appear and a pattern that could become evident to you if you notice things. If you breast feed the baby, avoid food that can be irritating as onions, spices, strawberries and grapes. There are also other foods that can be irritating so ask for a list from your doctor. Check if the baby has a minor allergy to milk.

The one thing to do however is to hold the baby in your arms. There are studies that show that babies that are being held several hours a day don't have colic because the presence of the mother reassures them and they develop better. Hold the baby and read a story to allow the baby to hear your voice at a steady pace. Put on some soft music and relax. If your baby likes walks, try to walk inside the room until the baby stops crying.

If your baby has colic, making simple lifestyle changes can help you cope with this situation. Spend time with the baby and avoid letting other people taking care of the baby. Babies that have colic suffer from lack of contact to their parents. Make sure the baby sees you and hears your voice. Hold the baby any time you can. Colic will be reduced if you keep your environment calm and relaxed.

Nancy Newell is a writer for My Baby Bedding Shop. Even though her children are all grown up she still loves giving advice to new mommies. She hopes this article was of some help to you. She would also like for you to check out her Baby Bedding Store

by Byron Jonas

What an exciting time for new parents! Your new baby has arrived and you want to enjoy every moment of his development. Keeping him safe is a big part of that enjoyment. Here are ten tips to help you along the way.

Inspect the crib for safety

Many hours will be spent in the crib so it is imperative that it is safe. The spaces between the slats should be no more than two and three eighths inches wide. This is about the width of a soda can. Spaces that are wider can allow baby's head to slide through them and become trapped, causing possible strangulation. Also, make sure the crib mattress fits snugly around the edges so that little legs and arms cannot get wedged in between the mattress and the walls of the crib.

Schedule regular visits to his pediatrician

Baby should begin visiting her pediatrician at about two weeks of age. The doctor will check her growth and weight gain as well as physical development. Immunizations will be discussed, as will nutrition.

Heat bottles in warm water, don't use the microwave

Microwaves do not heat evenly. They create hot spots in the formula or breast milk that could scald your baby's mouth and also destroy nutrients. Heat the bottle in tepid water instead. It takes longer but it is much safer.

Don't leave toys in his crib

An infant does not yet know how to move away from a toy that has become pushed up against his face. Although the toy may be soft and inviting, it can cause suffocation. It's best to take them out of the crib, especially when your child is sleeping.

Never turn your back on an infant on a changing table, couch, or bed

When changing your baby's diaper, turning away for even a second can have terrible results. Babies who have not yet turned over on their own can suddenly figure this out and flip before you can catch them. Pick baby up if you have to reach for a diaper or a cotton swab. Don't take any chances.

Use a car seat especially made for infants

New babies should ride in a car seat that is made especially for infants. These seats have proper head support for newborns . It is important that you also face the seat backwards and learn to strap it in correctly.

Make a regular inspection of his toys

Make sure there are no small parts that could break off and become lodged in their throat. Also look for sharp edges and peeling paint. Fuzzy toys can shed and cause fibers to be inhaled, so check the stuffed animals also for shedding fur or loose stitching.

Keep an eye on pets

Pets can become confused when a new little life enters their world. The celebration and changes in their schedule could make them anxious. Never leave baby alone with a pet. Even the most loved and obedient animal can act unpredictably.

Keep small objects out of reach

A baby's natural instinct will be to put things in her mouth. If small items are within reach, this could cause a choking hazard. Watch what she picks up and be prepared to act quickly!

Don't let him wear clothing that is too tight or constrictive

Clothing that is rubbing on soft, tender skin can irritate and cause rashes and discomfort. Little socks can become tight around the cuffs as her legs grow. Check often to make sure there are no tight elastic bands or rough edges on her clothing.

Having a great start in life will be a bit easier if you follow these tips towards the health and safety of your new baby.

by Marry Johnson

Anytime a new baby enters a family, concerns arise about the health of the baby until sufficient time has passed to ensure the newborn's system functions adequately on its own. Whether the new member of the family is the first baby or the fifth, the first several weeks at home are critical. To ease the minds' of caregivers, the baby industry has created the baby monitor movement pad which alerts parents to potential dangers.

Parents are able to rest and sleep soundly knowing that the system will alert them if the baby stops moving for fifteen to twenty seconds. The alert will provide parents with the opportunity to intervene in the incident before any injury occurs. If there is movement in the nursery that should not occur during the night, an alarm will alert parents to the movement without waking the sleeping infant.

Many of the systems are made with sensor pads that fit under the crib mattress. These sensors are extremely delicate and detect any change in the baby's movement. The alarm can be set to alert parents when the baby is not moving at all, or is moving a lot.

As manufacturers continue to develop more sensitive equipment, the baby monitor movement systems are becoming highly advanced pieces of equipment that are very important for new parents. Many of the digitalized systems provide necessary information to the parent if there is movement in the nursery. This allows a parent to be aware if a sibling is in the nursery when the baby is sleeping.

It is important to remember that even when babies sleep they move. They toss and turn, just like adults, and they even move when they breathe. If caregivers should become concerned, the night-light qualities the monitors contain illuminate just enough to guide parents to their precious bundle. Many also include a room temperature gauge as well as a remote control which will turn on a sound system when a baby becomes fussy.

Monitors are available in a wide range of sizes and designs. They can be selected to match the theme or color in a room. Or, be chosen to stand out and provide a bright spot of color on a baby's dresser. The systems are available with a tremendous array of options and features. Some of the monitors are equipped to provide vibrating stimulation from the sensory pad to quiet the baby when it is fussy. Other monitors transmit soft sounds that are designed to soothe the baby when it is tossing.

Manufacturers who have developed monitors that can be used with infants who are crawling have designed monitors that do not have cords and are run by cellular batteries. The transmitters can be placed anywhere in the nursery and provide the same alarms and alerts as those monitors that sit next to the crib. These monitors are especially helpful in rooms where the crib may be away from a table or surface.

When looking for baby monitor movement systems a parent will want to check on the type of features and functions that are provided by the system. When one gets the monitoring system it should be able to be used to monitor babies from infancy through the crawling stages. These monitors are often used by parents throughout the child's infancy and provide a great deal of support and security to parents.

The safety first baby monitor is one of the most used baby monitor systems. Check out real customer reviews at http://www.babymonitormovement.com.