Baby Health Care – Baby care center

Make time stand still with a newborn time capsule

Time stands still the moment your baby enters this world, and you’ll want to remember the moment for years to come. A newborn time capsule is a great way to commemorate your baby’s birth and share with him a snapshot of that special time when he is grown.

To create your time capsule, you need to gather several things that reflect the events of the day.

Newspapers make a great addition to any time capsule. Local papers tell the story of what was happening in your community on the day he was born, while national papers provide a glimpse of then-current events. Both offer the opportunity for you to stroll down memory lane, as well as give your child a brief history lesson when the capsule is finally opened.

Money and stamps provide fun signs of the times, too. Throw in a few different coin denominations and one or more sheets of stamps. If possible, make a list of prices for goods and services, like milk and bread or gasoline. Whether done on the computer or simply handwritten on a sheet of paper, this is a nice addition.

You can personalize the time capsule by adding things like baby’s first picture and the outfit he wears home from the hospital. Take time to write a special letter welcoming your child and sharing your hopes for his future to give the capsule even more meaning.

You are limited only by your imagination – and the size of your capsule container.

The container, however, is another important part of this project. Make it as simple or ornate as you like. Some online vendors carry special newborn time capsule kits, while others offer containers meant to stand the test of time. But you needn’t invest a lot of money to make a nice time capsule. Simply choose a can or box and decorate it to your taste. A seal with the date of its intended opening – perhaps baby’s 18th birthday — adds a nice touch, as well.

On that special day, you and your child will make yet another special moment in time, as you enjoy the contents preserved in his newborn time capsule.

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Treasure those early memories in a newborn journal

She’s brought unparalleled joy to your life, and you want to treasure every precious moment. A newborn journal can help you capture those special memories, especially during that hectic first month.

The first few weeks with a new baby go by so quickly. Busy making transitions and adjustments to your lifestyle, it’s not easy to remember all the wonderful memories you’d like to preserve forever. That’s why it’s important to capture them as you can and journaling makes it possible.

To begin your newborn journal, all you need is some paper, a pen, and your thoughts. Yes, you can actually begin in a notebook, as long as you make sure to get your thoughts down on paper. If you don’t do it now, you’ll be less likely to remember all the special details you hoped to preserve. There will be time later to transfer what you’ve written into a keepsake edition of your journal, if you wish.

Make it a point to write in your journal everyday. Even if only for a few moments, record what you think and feel. The more you write, the more you’ll want to write. And if you aren’t sure just how to get started, try one of these prompts: Three wishes I wish for my baby are

Make sense of car seat safety for your newborn

Parents go out of their way to choose the right car seat for their baby. They spend significant time and money to protect their most precious cargo. Yet, in 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, according to a multi-year study, misuse occurred in 79.5 percent of the child safety seats inspected.

The study suggests that many parents unwittingly put their children at risk by failing to use the safety restraints properly. The most common mistakes found were loose harness straps and safety belt attachments. Unfortunately, the NHTSA also calls these misuses “critical” because of the potential for injury.

So how do you know make sense of keeping your newborn safe?

First, make sure you are using the correct seat – in the correct position — for your baby’s age and weight. Most infant seats can be used in the rear-facing position for children under one year of age who have not yet reached 20 pounds.

Infant-only seats are designed for younger, smaller babies, so they are a good choice for your newborn. They offer a good fit and are conveniently small and portable. Infant seats should always be used in the back seat, as should all child safety restraints, and only in the rear-facing position.

If you prefer a seat that will accommodate your baby as she grows, a convertible seat is another option. Convertible seats are larger and heavier, so they can accommodate your baby for a longer period of time. They are used in the rear-facing position for children under one year of age and for children over one year who do not yet weight 20 pounds. When baby turns one and exceeds 20 pounds, you can turn the seat forward-facing. Most convertible seats accommodate children up to 40 pounds.

Whichever seat you choose, it is absolutely essential you know how to use it. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as your vehicle owner’s manual. To be effective, your child’s seat must be buckled into the seat correctly, and the seat must be correctly buckled into your car.

Harness straps seem to be an area of particular difficulty for parents. For your baby’s safety, the harness must be in the correct slot position and fitted snugly to your baby’s chest. The straps should be in the slots at or below your baby’s shoulders for most infant seats and at or above baby’s shoulders for more convertible seats. The harness clip that holds the straps together should be at about armpit level, and the straps should not be twisted. You should always check the owner’s manual to confirm appropriate placement.

Safety belt use is a common problem, as well. Be sure the seat belt follows the correct path for the position of the seat and recline the seat at about a 45-degree angle, if possible. A rolled towel under the base helps secure the seat into position. Tighten the seat belt, as needed, to ensure the restraint is secured to your vehicle. If your automobile has a LATCH system, use it according to the specifications of your baby’s seat and those of the vehicle owner’s manual.

Other important seat considerations include seat age and condition. If your seat wasn’t purchased new, check the label. Don’t use a seat that is more than five years old or does not come with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you have all the parts and know whether it has been in an accident. If so, be safe not sorry – don’t take the chance.

Finally, if you are unsure about your safety seat sense – or even if you are, visit a safety seat technician to have your seat checked. Your baby’s life may depend on it. To find a technician near you, go online to www.seatcheck.org or call 1-866-SEATCHECK.

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