Monday, March 31, 2008

Day Care's New Frontier: Baby At Your Desk

More than 80 companies across the nation allow babies in the workplace, according to Parenting in the Workplace Institute in Framingham, Mass., which says that number is likely to be low. It's an extreme — and controversial — example of how employers are seeking more ways to help workers strike a balance between work and the rest of their lives.

Remember our BBA post about "Paid Maternity Leave" and how the U.S. is behind the rest of the industrialized world? Maybe if the United States had a better maternity leave policy, new parents wouldn't have to bring their babies to work with them.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Baby and the Big City

Dying to visit Chicago, but Baby is holding you back? Take heart, Mama and Dada. You can take your toddler or baby along.

“We took our daughter to Chicago when she was 4 months old, then again when she was 7 months old,” says Tina Dzikowski, 30, of Eastpointe, Mich., whose daughter is now 3 and son is 1. “It worked out fine. I haven’t tried it yet with two. But I’d say, go.”

Video: Funny Baby Laugh

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Internet Addiction Worst Among Middle-Aged Women Who Stay At Home

I came across this article titled, "Internet addictions: A real medical menace?" It states:

  • Internet addiction...is becoming so common that at least one psychiatrist says it merits inclusion in psychiatry's official handbook of mental illness, the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders."
  • ...But other doctors comment that Internet addiction, while it may be real, is too new of a condition and needs further study before being medically classified.

Of course I thought about us Baby Blog Addicts while reading the article and chuckled because they were talking about people waaaaay beyond us, right? Until I got to the part that said, "Recent studies are surprising, indicating the problem is worst not among game-obsessed teens, but rather among middle-aged women who stay at home, constantly on the computer as a way of connecting to the outside world."

I guess we need to feature a 12 step program soon!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Call a Baby Name Consultant

Actress Halle Berry's decision to call her daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry had some people perplexed, but baby experts said it mirrored a trend for unusual names which has helped create a new profession -- baby name consultant.

Today's Headlines

>> Woman expecting first baby at 57...
>> Would you like to 'bring your baby to work' every day?...
>> Pregnancy after cancer treatment is increasingly possible...

Sunday, March 23, 2008

A PEEP Show for Easter

Check out The Washington Post's 2nd Annual Peep Show. They received more than 800 Peep dioramas and chose "The Tomb of King Peepankhamun" as the winner.

HAPPY EASTER!!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Ten Reasons to Hold your Toddler

Some parents begin to think that toddlers shouldn’t be held as much as they were holding their babies a few months ago. But Joanne Baum says that’s largely a misperception. Toddlers still need a lot of holding. Check out what she has to say in "Pick Me Up, Mommy."

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Baby Shower Gifts

In the past, we've highlighted a few items on BBA that would be practical or unique baby shower gifts like the Pee-Pee Tee Pee (unique...I'm not sure how practical).

We'd love for you to share your favorite baby shower gift and let us know if you were expecting a baby boy, girl or didn't know. Just post your favorites in the comments here and help others (like BBA reader Laura) who are shopping for baby shower gifts.

Why Working Dads Don’t Need Support Groups

Women tend to rely on support from friends for lots of things in life and it seems that parenting is no different. Guys on the other hand...well, just click the link to this column to find out why working dads don't need support groups.

Here's an interesting point that stood out to me: A part of the piece with thoughts from RebelDad blogger Brian Reid seems to hit the nail on the head: “Dads, though, don’t always seek support for the simple reason they don’t feel the same parenting pressure as moms, Reid points out. While moms may feel a societal push to be perfect, dads often are praised for whatever they do, Reid suggests. That means dads feel less pressure to check the latest parenting book or Parent magazine for tips.”

Today's Headlines

>> Halle Berry's got a baby girl...
>> George Clooney not going to be godfather to Kidman's baby...
>> Soleil Moon Frye welcomes a baby girl...

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Babies Can Cause 'Momnesia'

Momnesia — the mental fuzziness and memory lapses that set in shortly after childbirth. Scientists agree that momnesia exists. While researchers say they can't explain all the ways motherhood affects a woman's memory, they agree there's a pattern.

Isn't it comforting just knowing that we are not crazy or alone. I personally think momnesia actually sets in during pregnancy (way before childbirth) and I bet my husband would agree.

Paid Maternity Leave: What’s It Worth to You?

Last week, the New Jersey State Senate approved legislation that would grant employees paid maternity or dependent-care leave, making New Jersey one of only three states in the U.S. to pay workers who need time off to care for a new child or a sick relative. The other two are California and Washington.

Check out the rest of Lyla Alphonse's article, but read at your own risk. You may be ready to pack your bags and move out of the country when you are done...how about Canada or France or just about any country as long as it's not the U.S.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Late Night Announcement

Actress Minnie Driver used Thursday's broadcast of 'The Tonight Show' to announce that she is pregnant. The unmarried 38-year-old did not reveal the father.

Today she talked with Ellen Degeneres about her name dilemma.

Glass Baby Bottles Make a Comeback

New York - Meg Robustelli had heard reports that a chemical in most plastic baby bottles could be dangerous, but she had not done anything about it. That's when her mother stepped in and bought her glass bottles.

"She's an alarmist, but I'm grateful," said Robustelli, whose daughter, Mia, is 14 months old. "I switched because of all the concerns about the plastic."

She made the change about six months ago, becoming one of a relatively small but growing number of parents turning to glass bottles amid concerns over a chemical used to make plastic bottles, bisphenol A.

Earlier on BBA: Heating Plastic Bottles Poses a Risk

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Easter Basket Ideas That Won’t Rot the Kids' Teeth

Easter is just a week and a half away and...OK, OK...I know I'm beginning to sound like an anti-sweets mom after my Valentine's Day ("Alternative to Sweets") post and now this Easter one. But I'm just offering alternatives to the same ole basket full of candy that you give and get everywhere you turn on holidays like Easter.

It’s true that filling an Easter basket with chocolate and candy are an easy way to commemorate the holiday but there are other ways to have a great Easter basket that your kids will love! Check out DotComWomen for a few ideas.

This was a picture of my son's Easter basket last year. He loved the "Little Bunny: Finger Puppet" book, the blue Crocs and his Superman pjs. You can also see a little bit of chocolate peeking out. He did get some M&Ms and a small chocolate bunny, but I think he liked the non-chocolate items best!

The alternative baskets are also a great idea for babies (who can't eat real food yet) and children who have food allergies. Have fun being creative!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Not Yet a Toddler, But She Can Read!

It’s hard to imagine, but at just 17 months Elizabeth Barrett is already reading. She showed her amazing talent on TODAY this morning.

She read her first word when she was just 13 months old. The word was “corn,” and little Elizabeth read it on a cereal box at the supermarket. There was no picture of corn to give her a clue. She just pointed at the word and read it. She also signed the word in sign language.

Today's Headlines

>> Matt Damon and wife expecting second baby...
>> Jaundice: Why your baby may look yellow...
>> Woman delivers baby in McDonald's bathroom...

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Website Spotlight: Baby Names Country

Baby Names Country is a site dedicated to baby names and their meanings and origins.

I thought it was fun to play with the Baby Names Advisor in the right column. I put in my name and my husband's and it recommended Triston for a boy and Brynn for a girl. I also put in my parents' names and it recommended Regina. I'm glad my parents went with Jennifer instead. I feel a lot more like a Jennifer than a Regina.

As you are looking through the list, you can even add names to your personal favorite names list and then print it out to help you to make a decision before the baby arrives. The printed list would be great to add to your baby's memory book, so they can look back one day (and probably laugh) at some of the other names you considered for them.

Special Delivery: Baby Born at Home

Amy Harper was home with her five-year-old daughter, when her water broke five weeks early. She called her sister-in-law, but the women quickly realized it was too late get the hospital.

They called 911, and a short 6 minutes later: "One big push and the baby was out!"...

Miscarriage Causes Not Easy to Find

Women who have struggled through a miscarriage are often desperate for clues to what went wrong, and what they can do differently the next time. But doctors seldom have solid answers.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

10 Surprising Easter Dangers

Easter Celebrations are supposed to be enjoyable. We prepare delicious food, arrange fun activities and gather together with our family and friends."

But with all the joys of the Easter Holiday comes potential safety hazards which can hurt or kill a child, dog or cat," warns Debra Holtzman. She suggests following ten simple tips to keep your family and pets safe this Easter...

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Baby Einstein's Parent-Child Interaction Campaign

We are thrilled to be part of Baby Einstein's Parent-Child Interaction Campaign. As a result we were given the opportunity to review the Baby Einstein Baby's First Moves DVD, thanks to Mom Central and The Baby Einstein Company. There's something about the Baby Einstein DVDs that is captivating, especially to little ones...but watch out, you may catch yourself captivated by them too.

Our household already had a few Baby Einstein DVDs that my son received when he was a baby, but Baby's First Moves wasn't one of them. This DVD does a great job showing clapping, dancing, jumping and taking first steps in a similar way to the other Baby Einstein DVDs -- with other babies, puppets and classical music -- all of which my son loves. Even though my son is already two, he still enjoyed this DVD and I'm sure he would have loved it when he was hitting those motor milestones from about 9-18 months.

I know that TV in general is controversial for children under two years old, but I agree with The Baby Einstein Company's stance that "they believe that when used properly, developmentally-appropriate video content can be a useful tool for parents and little ones to enjoy together."

Like many other parenting situations, it's what you make of it. If you consider the Baby Einstein DVDs tools to interact with your child, you will both get so much more out of them. Clap with your child, dance with them and jump with them. Ask them about the colors of the puppets, which is their favorite and let the interaction continue beyond the DVD.

Don't just take my word for it, check out what Baby's Einstein is saying about Parent-Child Interaction. And if you'd like to share your own parent-child interaction tips and stories of discovery, you can post them at BabyEinstein.com. Your story may be chosen for their homepage news widget.

Study: Heating Plastic Bottles Poses Risk

Parents who heat plastic baby bottles risk feeding their children a synthetic hormone linked with medical, reproductive and developmental problems, according to a University of Missouri study released recently.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Massage Benefits

Experts say that babies reap the same benefits from massage as adults. In addition to promoting better sleep, "it stimulates their body and their immune system," says massage therapist and registered nurse Vickie Hawkins.

Preventing Pain in Infants

Infants have to get shots, and they hurt. But a new study finds that there is an anesthetic that is not only effective but also easy to administer and safe: sugar water.

Bill Would Guarantee Right to Breastfeed in Public

It's a question most nursing moms have to face sooner or later -- whether or not to breast-feed in public. In Boston, advocates are pushing the Legislature's Judiciary Committee to support legal protections for mothers nursing infants in public areas.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Blog Designer Spotlight: Once Upon a Blog

Here's another fabulous blog designer for all of you Baby Blog Addicts. Jennisa is the designer behind Once Upon A Blog. She is a stay-at-home mom of two who designs blogs in her spare time and has a wait list for a reason...she is very creative and has some adorable blog designs at reasonable prices.

Check out her portfolio of blog designs she's already completed. One of my favorite features is that she has some digital design kit options posted that you can look at and let her know which style you would like her to use for your blog. And they are all soooo cute!

Celeb Baby News

>> Jeri Ryan gives birth to a baby girl...
>> Nicole Richie's baby cover outsells Christina Aguilera's...
>> Nicole's baby album...
>> J Lo hires baby masseuse for twins...
>> Is Jamie Lynn having a boy?...

24,000 Cribs Involved in Recall; Gov't Warns About Soft Bedding

Last week, safety officials announced a recall of 24,000 cribs and also warned parents against putting their babies to bed with pillows and other soft bedding that could suffocate them.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Woman Gives Birth to Baby Nearly Her Size

Imagine giving birth to an 18-inch baby. That would be hard enough for the average-sized female, but for Stacey Herald, who is 2-feet, 4-inches tall, it was an amazing task.




Barack Obama Offers Parenting Tips

At a recent speech, the Democratic presidential frontrunner urged parents to teach healthy lifestyles. “Make them go to bed at a reasonable time, keep them off the streets, give them some breakfast, come on,” he said. “Can I get an amen here?”

He also admonished parents to take responsibility for their children when they make mistakes at school. “Since I’m on a roll here,” he said, “if your child misbehaves in school, don’t cuss out the teacher. You know I’m right about that.”

Damn, Your Baby is Ugly

Blog: I know all babies are "beautiful and special" and all that, but have you ever been introduced to a baby who was, honestly, not that cute? [MomLogic]

Parenting 101

Blog: I don't care how old you are. Children are forever joined to your hip, no matter how close or far away they are from your nose. The hard part of parenting is not jangling that invisible chain too loudly as your children get older. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

Parenting Obstacles

Other parents, experts and your kids get in the way.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Infertility Strikes Generation X

Women who want to have children should make it a priority in their twenties to find a partner. That's because one of the most dramatic issues facing Generation X is infertility. No generation of women has had more trouble with fertility than this generation, who received the terrible baby boomer advice, "Wait. You have time. Focus on your career first." [Boston Globe]

Today's Headlines

>> Baby's amazing survival story...
>> Both grandma and baby are "leapers"...
>> Sisters in sync? Britney pregnancy rumors...
>> Crib safety: when less is more for baby...
>> Gizmos to help parents of babies and tots...