Features to Look for on the Best Baby Monitors

There are many very good baby monitors available to buy. On the best baby monitors features to look for are :

• It has Wireless technology.
• Non interference technology
• An incorporated digital camera that can show the video footage on the receiver
• Its allows you to talk to your children through the monitor and soothe your baby
• Lightweight and comes with a belt clip

Additional facilities to consider in the best baby monitors if your child asthma, sleep apnea or bronchitis etc

• Room temperature monitor
• Movement sensors
• Baby heart and breathing monitor

For parents that have hearing problems and vibrating alert is also something to be considered useful

Motorola, Summer Infant Day, Phillips, Angelcare, Mobicam and others, all make Baby Monitors that incorporate many if not all of the above features

Here are a few examples:-

What to Look for in a Video Baby Monitor

The major benefit of a video baby monitor is that you can keep a close eye on your child from a different room in the house. Monitors are either audio or video in nature. For many years audio monitors have been popular but  with the advent of technology video monitors are fast becoming the must have monitoring device for  the modern parents.

There is a considerable variety of models to choose from when considering buying a video baby monitor. By browsing them online you can read reviews and usually find cheaper deals than those in store. You can choose the quantity of cameras that are included with a  video monitor, these can be 2,3 or even 4. There are also models which allow you to switch to night vision enabling you to monitor your child in a darkened room.

As well as video images these monitors still provide an audio monitor option so you can listen to your child in the usual way. Another useful function that you may wish to consider is a talk back facility, this two way communication allows you to talk to your infant and sooth them without actually entering the room.

A video baby monitor comes in two parts, one is a transmitting device that has an inbuilt camera and microphone, this is placed so the baby can  be seen and a monitor with a screen that receives the picture of your infant. These monitors are portable and can be carried around as required. Some monitors that are fitted with infra red options enable you to see your baby in darkness.

You can buy video baby monitors which can be attached to a wall in a permanent setting or even ones that are remote controlled, allowing you to turn the camera in response to a restless, moving child. Should you require extra cameras you can easily purchase them which increases the coverage area monitored whilst your baby sleeps or plays. Real time images are conveyed via cables onto either a computer or television screen.

So how do you choose the best baby monitor for you and your baby?
Consider the following:

• Where will you position the monitor? Will you need access to mains power or will you require rechargeable battery power? The monitor will indicate when power is low or you are not within range.

• You need to consider the transmission range you will require and ensure the monitor you select allows adequate coverage. Remember you may require the monitor to function whilst you are in the garden or even transmit the images of your toddler from the garden therefore check coverage before you buy.

• Screen size; Will the screen needs to cover your baby’s every move but not be so large that you cannot  easily carry it. Some screens are heavy and not easily portable, most people prefer a palm sized screen.

• Would you want your monitor to have WiFi internet access

• Interference; this can be a problem as most monitors use radio waves and can be affected by computer networks, wireless phones and even your microwave. There is always the possibility that your neighbor can pick up your signal on their monitor or visa versa, so consider a monitor that has a variety of frequencies to choose from.

Here is a list of video baby monitors with their unique features.

* There are many companies Lorex, Motorola, Mobicam, Summer Infant and Levana that offer video baby monitors.
Summer Infant Best View Handheld Color Video Monitor from Summer Infant has an LCD screen of 2.5î it is Small, lightweight in size with B&W night vision, LED sound lights and one touch video on/off for night time convenience that zooms in and out.
Lorex LW2003 LIVE snap is Compact, has rechargeable camera and video monitor.
Snap, store, and share with microSD recording Talk with Baby (Two-way audio communication) See baby at all times with automatic night vision Secure, interference-free, long-range digital signal
Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor has High resolution with 2.4 inch diagonal color display, Enhanced infrared night vision, 2 way communication, Portable parent unit 3.5 hours wireless monitoring without recharging
Mobicam DXR Digital Monitoring System has High-resolution, color LCD display for crisp picture, Record directly to the receiver, Expand system to 4 cameras, Two-way communication, See all 4 cameras on the quad screen view
Levana BABYVIEW20 Digital video and audio signals between camera and monitor are secure and interference free and also has:-

Rechargeable monitor that comes with ENERGY STAR qualified adapter
Night vision allows you to monitor your child around the clock
Standby mode allows you to turn off the monitor’s screen and be alerted only when your child makes noise. The camera helps soothe your child with lullabies and a built-in night light

How To Choose the Right Baby Stroller

So you’re expecting? Congratulations! Now the hard bit begins. How do you choose the right baby stroller and what should you consider before you buy? Believe me do this right and you will be in the minority. How many people (me included) buy with their eyes not their heads? I can guarantee most first-time parents ( me included) buy a stroller and regret it in the first six months, learning the hard way and having to buy another one!! So how do you choose? What makes the perfect purchase that is your stroller-dream rather than your worst nightmare? Simple…you need to consider your lifestyle (yes it’s going to change!) and find the stroller that fits it.

Safety First

So your main consideration has to be safety. Will your stroller stand up to the diaper bag, shopping bags and purse draped from the handles when you lift baby out? Or more alarmingly when baby is still be in! How many times have I seen stroller gymnastics! You will overload the stroller…babies DON’T travel light. Thankfully most babies will fall asleep in the stroller so get a 5 point harness or you will find them slumped forward. Check out the safety of the fasteners as little fingers will explore.

 

Sleeping and Baby Travel System

It sounds obvious but most parents forget that babies like to sleep in the car…how many nights did I drive around getting my colicky baby to sleep? So if you spend a lot of time in the car and shop at the mall it’s likely you will be faced with disturbing your sleeping baby. The solution is a travel system. A travel system stroller adapts to hold an infant car seat, clip in your sleeping baby and off you go. No need to risk waking them as you transfer them from car seat to stroller. The systems usually have a seat base that you leave in the car, you simply clip the seat into it therefore eliminating complicated seat belt buckling manouveres. As baby grows the stroller adapts to a basic stroller.

 

Lightweight

This is a vital consideration. As your baby grows, he or she will  need accessories, toys, changing bags, spare clothes etc…choose a lightweight Stroller! You can find Strollers under 20 pounds with all the features of their heavier counterparts. Remember if you go for a heavier model and compensate with a cheap umbrella folding stroller you can’t use it before your baby can happily sit unaided, i.e 6 months or so.

 

Testdrive Testdrive Testdrive… – (Stroller Wheels and handle height)

Not just for cars. Are you short? Is your partner tall? Buy a stroller with adjustable handles- save a fortune at the Chiropractor! Think about the turning radius of the stroller wheels busy bustling Malls require good articluate handling.

 

Extra Features

What do you/will you carry with you? Consider an under stroller basket to aid stability. A toy bar to entertain junior, a cup holder for that pick me up coffee perhaps? Sunshade? Raincover? I could go on but remember you can buy these as optional extras so don’t let the lack of  them dissuade you from your perfect stroller.

Trunk  Space and Folding

Try out your prospective stroller in your trunk or measure it at least. I know it seems obvious but you’ll be amazed how many people don’t!!! Also see how easily you can fold your stroller and get it into the trunk. One handed folding strollers are great-especially if your toddler is throwing a tantrum!

The Standard Style Stroller

The benefits of these is you get more seat space and extras like, more storage, ergonomic handles, even built in entertainment systems. They also have the ease of folding. Their main disadvantage is, weight, they are heavier and bigger so check your trunk space!

Three Wheeler Jogging Strollers

If you are sporty then this is for you. However they rarely fold easily and they take up space as the have large wheels and they don’t fold flat. What they do provide is a smooth ride for your baby with their all terrain suspension! Some also adapt to hold an infant seat but most are not suitable for babies under 6 months old.

Transporting Older Siblings

Consider the age of your older child. If they walk most of the time then look into a rear board for them to stand on. Ensure one fits your stroller. Double strollers maybe the answer but check they recline flat for child at nap times.

So in short the perfect stroller for you is out there, it depends on your lifestyle so consider carefully and try before you buy!

Are You a New Mother? Be Prepared for Change

Your life will change beyond all recognition after having a child, especially your first and it’s something that you will need to |get used to as time goes on.

Saying that, you also still have a life of your own as well and even though it will be devoted to bringing up your baby everybody needs some time to themselves.

This is where the need to develop a network of trusted friends and family comes into play. By developing such a network you should be able to get some precious time out and maybe catch up with a girlfriend, without ignoring the needs and requirements of your child.

Something that is often overlooked in early motherhood, is the need to look after your own health and well being. In fact by doing this you are going to be able to give your child the all support that he or she needs.

Some may consider this to be selfish to actually think about yourself as well, because you are the provider of your child’s support, but without maintaining a balance in your own life you will not be capable of doing the same for your newborn child.

If you can find other new mothers in your area to help share and support each another, as well as have some adult conversation at some point during the day, is a great way of keeping your sanity and will help you to understand the varied and different aspects of bringing up a child.

A common habit that is done when new mothers get together with each other on a regular basis is, to compare the progress and development of your child to that of others. As I say it is a common habit and it is a bad habit, do not do this. As every child reaches different milestones in their life at different rates which are not carved on stone.

Provided your child is healthy developing well with his or her abilities and achievements then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, for example my friends baby daughter refused to eat her normal amounts of solids, in next to no time at all she had the child nutritionist on the phone. To a long story short the only problem the little one had, was her first teeth coming through.

However, saying that, if you are concerned about your child’s development then it pays, like my friend did, to consult a professional, rather than try to sort these problems out with other young mothers or people who don’t have the necessary knowledge or experience to give you good advice.

Some days your head will be spinning and you will be pulling your hair out. Other days will be quiet and you may feel lonely. Just remember that this is all part of motherhood and it will just take a little time to adapt to your new and very rewarding life.

If your baby is ready for or already started on his or her solid and you are concerned about the quality of mass produced baby food, here is a solution to providing your child with healthy baby food

Halloween Costumes for your Baby

Everyone who has a newborn child should be thinking about getting a Halloween costume for their baby in the fall. It’s a great thing to be a new parent and find out that you can be a kid again along with your own child!

I don’t mean to dress up your baby like a doll, taking photo’s and cooing over how cute he or she looks. Not only that, anyway. The most fun thing you can do at Halloween is to dress up with your baby and go out!

I bet you have not been trick or treating since you were at school, well, what are you waiting for? It is probably best to go out with a few other new parents or people will guess the candy is all for you! Saying that, I would imagine that most people will be too distracted by how cute your baby is to really care, but then they may also be too distracted to remember to give you any candy at all.

Another idea is, to go out with a small group of children of an age big enough to walk. If you don’t have any of your own, find friends who do and go trick or treating with them and their kids. Everyone should have a great time!

You can buy baby costumes for Halloween and parties but check the fabric as it is often synthetic which may give your baby a rash and may be highly flammable too. If you have the time, it would be a good idea to create the main body part of the costume yourself from a piece of clothing that the baby already owns and add some accessories.

Do not forget to make the costume suitable for the weather during the fall. For example keep your baby’s hands and feet to be covered if it is cold, and consider rain protection. Obviously in warmer weather you will not need a costume that is heavy, which will make your little one too hot, but be sure to carry some extra layers in case the weather changes, after all it is the fall.

You do not have to dress your baby as anything scary, like a ghost or a witch. You can take something like a fuzzy bodysuit or a pair of baby’s pajamas and create an animal costume from that. Maybe you have something with a tiger print, but it does not have to be so exotic. A plain white suit could be made into a rabbit costume with the addition of ears, whiskers and a little white tail.

If you really want to join in the fun, why not dress yourself up to match your baby’s costume? That way you really get to be a kid again! You could be a mother white rabbit with your bunny baby rabbit, or if both parents are going you could be a family of tigers or bears. Or how about a butterfly and a baby caterpillar, how cute is that? The combinations of Halloween costumes for your baby and one or both parents are endless, have fun!

Getting Out and About with Your New Baby

At first having your first child will turn your life upside down, as there are now many unknowns and lots of extra tasks to take care of in and around the home.

Once you get used to this upheaval in the home you can to start getting some of your life back on target and there is no better way to get out and about with you newborn, than with a baby stroller.

This will allow you to get out and about and improve your fitness plus it will also allow you to do so without having to pay for someone mind your baby while you are exercising and hence save you money

Baby strollers are an excellent way to improve your fitness after your pregnancy and getting outside in the fresh air will also reduce your stress levels that could increase due to a lack of sleep and additional tasks required with a new baby.

The fresh air will do both you and your baby a lot of good but remember that you will need to provide protection from the elements for you child, whether it be from the heat in the summer or the rain and cold in the winter.

Pushing a stroller actually gives you a better workout than simply walking so you might just find that your fitness levels come back sooner than expected and that additional weight that you would have gained during your pregnancy will also reduce a lot faster.

There are many different strollers available on the market with models designed specifically for people who want to improve their fitness faster and these strollers provide better stability and elements that allow you to run while pushing your baby around.

There are also other benefits that many mothers find whereby the motion of the stroller helps to put a baby to sleep and if you have a child that is having difficulty sleeping during the day then it might be time for a little outdoors exercise.

For the best prices I would recommend that you check online as there are lots of options to choose from and many bargains to be had as the baby care stores compete for your custom.

Scares And Their Credibility

There are no small amount of health scares that persist in this day and age – as adults we see them ourselves in cases of epidemics and “epidemics”, some of which are credible and some which are, to be charitable, less than helpful. In the case of babies’ health there is no less controversy, and there have been more than a few scares that have been shown to be unfounded. This has the highly unfortunate and undesirable effect of making people naturally skeptical, which can cause harmful indecision in times of genuine illness. Pediatricians are understanding and well-trained, so if you have a cause for concern it is worth taking it up with them.

One example of scare mongering having a negative effect is one that happened in Britain, when a medical paper written collaboratively by several doctors included a single line that raised the possibility that the MMR vaccination that had been in circulation for quite some time may be linked to autism in children. Although this line was written by one doctor, who had not even definitively claimed that the link was real and provable, the national press picked up on it and made it into a huge story. Although the other doctors involved in the study distanced themselves from the claim and it emerged that no evidence existed for any such link, the press had their story, and many parents were understandably reluctant to have their child immunised with the vaccine. When it comes down to it, getting medical advice from the media is not advisable.

Preventing Diaper Rash

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. For all that we may fear the onset of diaper rash in our children, there is no certainty of absolute and total prevention – but there is a lot that can be done to make it far less likely, and it revolves mostly around keeping your baby dry and clean as far as is possible. Your baby will not be shy about letting you know when it is in any discomfort. This can prevent diaper rash from developing, but would obviously not be a way of preventing it before it begins.

The prevention of diaper rash is something that requires no small amount of diligence, as well as some luck. But there are some simple rules which can make the process a lot more straightforward. Firstly, you must change your baby’s diaper as soon as it is obviously soiled. This will prevent the infection from having somewhere to live. In the same spirit, it is important to clean your baby in the affected area after it has become soiled. Allowing the area to dry before putting on a fresh nappy is essential. A thin layer of ointment on the affected area will kill off germs while preventing others from taking hold. And applying the fresh diaper loosely will give room for the skin to breathe. Finally when your baby moves on to solid foods you should take a few days between introducing new items. This will help you determine if the infection is down to a food allergy.

How to Treat Diaper Rash

A baby with diaper rash will not be shy about letting his or her parents know that they have a situation on their hands. This, along with the readily decipherable signs of the problem, does mean that it can be treated at an early stage, and hence treated effectively and decisively. Treating diaper rash is not something that takes too long, and the results tend to be swift. Of course it could be almost instantaneous and any parent would still feel that it was an eternity, but it needs to be said that a parent who has a child with diaper rash is not a bad parent at all, just unlucky.

In cases of diaper rash, it is important to change your baby even more regularly than you currently do. It is something inside the diaper that has caused it, and this same thing will either aggravate it or retard its eradication if left unchecked. Keeping your baby clean and dry will prevent the conditions in which diaper rash thrives. If your child has scope to play outside or on a surface that wipes clean, you may even leave their diaper off for a time, as the flow of air around the area will speed the healing. If you use disposable diapers, using a different brand free from fragrance and additives may also help, especially if the rash is a symptom of an allergy.

After three days the diaper rash should be more or less gone. If it still persists, then a cream for treating fungal infections will be well employed.

Why do babies get diaper rash?

Diaper rash is something that parents hate to see on their child, however common it may be, and even for parents who remember having it themselves (less common now, but in the not-too-distant past variations of diaper rash could occur even into late infancy) it is something that no-one wants to see on their newborn child. The reasons for it are quite simple and entirely commonplace, but it is preventable and treatable. If your child does develop a diaper rash, quick treatment is advisable. And prevention is a matter of following some simple rules and showing diligence at key points which might lead to infection.

The major cause of diaper rash is wetness. This is no big surprise. The reason that it does not occur with any regularity in adults, after all, is that we are able to perform our bathroom rituals ourselves and know what needs to be done – essentially, what feels right and what we have learned. Babies, however, urinate quite often and will sometimes be in a dirty diaper for a while before changing. In addition to this, their stools are generally quite loose and their bowel movements are more frequent than those of adults. Unless they are changed with a regularity bordering on the obsessive, there is a chance of infection. Even then a baby with sensitive skin can become infected.

In an older baby, a time of sickness which is treated with antibiotics can be a risky time, as they are prone to diarrhea and the higher risk of diaper rash that that can bring. In short, even the best parents can have a case to deal with, and it is how they respond that is important.

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