Category Archives: Everything Baby

Baby Sleep Tips

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on September 5, 2014 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Getting your child to sleep is one thing. Getting your child to sleep when you want them to sleep is another. Check out these tips to help get your baby to fall (and stay) asleep!

Massage
You probably know from experience just how relaxing massages can be. So why not give one to your baby? A short massage (ten to fifteen minutes) can reassure your child and help them drift into the land of nod. This is an activity many fathers like to participate in, since it can create a bond, just as breastfeeding does. For some babies, thought, massages can stimulate rather than relax. Which type of baby do you have?

Make sure they’re dry
Having the correct overnight diaper on your baby can make all the difference. A diaper leak could possibly wake them up. Cuties Diapers feature an ultra-absorbent core that whisks the wetness away and keeps your baby feeling dry. Having an ultra-absorbent diaper also means less diaper changes are necessary in the middle of the night, meaning you don’t run the risk of waking them up during a change. However, if they have a bowel movement, it is necessary to change them.

Create a schedule
It’s hard to keep a schedule that’s consistent when there’s more than one person caring for the baby, but it will help. If possible, keep nap times and bedtime consistent (at least within a half hour, or so) and you may find your little one is ready to go down.

Know you’re different
What worked for your niece may not work for your baby. Your baby may not want to give up two naps when they’re a year and a half. If a white noise machine doesn’t seem to be helping, don’t be afraid to drop it. Maybe it will work for your baby later. Just be flexible and you’ll eventually find what works for you and your baby.

Solutions for Diaper Rash

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on September 3, 2014 under BladderMatters, Everything Baby | Read the First Comment

The cause of diaper rash can be caused by several different issues. But the root of the problem is in the term itself. It’s diaper rash. Wouldn’t it just be so easy if that diaper didn’t have to be used? But if it’s necessary, what is the alternative?

Several sources suggest leaving the diaper off for extended periods of times. Well and good. But how to do that? How can the parents or caregivers create situations where a diaper isn’t needed?

Enter the underpad. Yes, underpads are often used as a backup to regular diapers, but they have more to offer. Especially during nap time.

With a baby, if you’ve observed that they don’t move too much during nap time, you can go ahead and take the diaper off. Place the child in their crib, on their back, with one or two underpads under them. With a boy, place a cloth over the groin. With disposable underpads, all urine will be quickly collected during naptime. Afterward, you can wipe the baby off or have a quick bath (warm water only, or a very mild soap).

With adults, an underpad can be used during naptime (during which people move around less than at night) or during some downtime. Reading or TV watching can pass the time while the area airs out. When ready to put the brief back on, use a soft cloth with warm water to wash the area, maybe some gentle wash. If you like, you can put cream on at this point, but stay away from powders like cornstarch or baby powder. Both can lead to a bacterial problem.

Much luck and tell us what you’ve had success with when diaper rash appears!

When Your Baby is Sick

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on August 29, 2014 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Having a sick baby can be scary, but with some knowledge, some extra liquids and some sympathy, most colds and flus will disappear without issue. Check out these tips for what to do when your baby is sick.

Pay attention
You know your baby best. You don’t need to measure how much liquid winds up in their diaper each time you change it, but you will get an idea for the weight and feel of a normal used diaper. If it seems that the diaper is less full (or more full) than normal, start to pay attention. Peeing more or less often or having different types of poop can indicate an oncoming sickness or infection. See if there are other symptoms that you may have missed.

Keep them cool
If your baby has a fever, you generally do not need to worry, as long as they are not a newborn and the fever stays under 102 degrees. But you will help them be more comfortable by helping to keep them cool. Remove their clothing, offer more liquids than normal and give them a bath in tepid water. Don’t have time for the full bath immersion, or maybe they’re too fussy? You can also wipe them down with baby wipes. Just a quick swipe could lower their temperature as much as a couple degrees!

Slow down
You’re not sick, so just keep up all your normal tasks, right? Wrong. Having a sick child can take a lot out of you. So go ahead and let people know you might flake on that plan, and let them know why. They’ll understand. Then take that time to just relax and hold your child, or stay with them while they nap. You’ll both feel better for it.

National Breastfeeding Month

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on August 25, 2014 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

August is National Breastfeeding Month and to celebrate, the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) is holding a social media campaign. This campaign asks the questions “What does breastfeeding mean to you and how can every one of us play a role in supporting breastfeeding?” Participants are to use the hashtags #NBM14 and #SixWords with a picture to answer. We thought we’d take today to highlight a few of these great pictures and answers:

Find the original post of the above picture here.

And our favorite:

Find the original post of the above picture here.

If you make your own on Twitter, we’d love for you to tag us (with @THCSupplies) so we could see it. And you can find all our baby supplies here, including breast pumps and accessories.

Baby Diaper Issues: Wiping

Posted by Jeanne Lowry on August 18, 2014 under Everything Baby | Read the First Comment

Last year, I helped out a neighbor every so often by babysitting her two-year-old. She quickly filled me in on the basics: the child’s food allergies, TV rules and diaper changing specifics. The mom mentioned something I hadn’t heard before, but a quick Internet search told me she was not alone in her thinking. She asked that I only wipe the child if there was poop, but if the child had only peed, to just change the diaper and move on. Wiping after just peeing, she suspected, caused her child diaper rash. It was just a theory she had developed over time, but does it have some validity?

Logically, yes. The idea of wiping as an adult is to keep the area dry. But when a baby is wearing a diaper, that moisture gets whisked into the fluff of the diaper. Urine is sterile at first. Bacteria only start to develop over time. Most of the time, when changing a diaper with only pee, the child’s skin will be dry.

Another issue with wiping causing diaper rash can be the wipe itself. Wipes with perfumes or alcohol can irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. Check to make sure the wipes you’re using are perfume and alcohol free, such as Cuties Premium Baby Wipes. These wipes also have the added advantage of being hypoallergenic and having aloe and vitamin E in them.

An Internet search reveals that many doctors believe wiping after changing a pee diaper is unnecessary. Does this mean it’s always harmful to wipe a child after changing a pee-filled diaper? No. Every child’s skin and PH-balance is different. If your child is developing diaper rash, first pay attention to the diaper changing regimen, and see what changes need to be made.

How To Choose The Right Size Baby Diaper

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 10, 2014 under Everything Baby | 2 Comments to Read

What Size Baby Diapers Should I Use?

Choosing the right size diaper for your baby can be confusing. Since babies grow at different rates and have different builds, diapers are sized by weight, not age. For most diaper sizes, the weights overlap. If your baby’s weight is in-between sizes, how do you decide which size is better? For example, size 1 baby diapers fit babies 8-14lbs, while size 2 diapers are for babies 12-18lbs. If your baby weighs 12lbs, what size diaper should you use?

If you’re not sure, sample a diaper size to make sure the diaper has a snug fit around your baby’s leg. No matter how quickly a diaper absorbs, if there’s a gap where liquid can escape, it will. If you’re experiencing a lot of leaks, you may need to go up or back down a diaper size. Red marks can indicate a diaper size that’s being outgrown, while gaps indicate a diaper size that’s still too large. Incorrect size is the most common reason for leaks and blowouts.

How Many Baby Diapers Do I Need?

New parents can expect to change more than a thousand diapers just in their baby’s first year. On average, most young babies go through 10 to 12 diapers a day. However, every baby is different. Some babies may need more changes, while others don’t pee or poop as frequently. For the first few weeks, breastfed babies often have a bowel movement after every feeding, while most formula-fed babies have a bowel movement at least once a day. In your baby’s first month, you should expect a minimum of six diaper changes a day (more is fine). If your baby is peeing fewer than six times a day in the first month, he or she may not be getting enough milk.

After the first month, a baby’s bowel movements often slow down. If your breastfed baby goes several days without having a bowel movement and shows no signs of being in pain, this is normally nothing to worry about. Breast milk is rich in all the vitamins and minerals your baby needs, and at times may be completely absorbed and produce very little waste. Bowel movements often slow down for formula-fed babies after the first month as well, and most formula-fed babies have around one bowel movement a day. However, formula is more likely to cause constipation than breast milk. If your formula-fed baby goes several days without a bowel movement, contact your pediatrician.

Baby Diaper Samples

To sample a diaper size, find a retailer who offers samples before making a purchase. TotalHomeCareBaby offers Cuties Baby Diaper samples for sizes 1 through 6. Each baby diaper sample pack includes 2 baby diapers and a $9 coupon off your next order.

What To Eat While Breastfeeding

Posted by Brooke Phillips on under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Best Breastfeeding Foods

There’s a reason breast milk is the perfect food for your baby: breast milk contains just the right amount of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals that your baby needs to grow and thrive. Although there are no special foods that will help your body create more milk, the foods you eat while breastfeeding provide all the nutrients that nourish your growing baby. Lactating parents should aim for a healthy, balanced diet that gives your body everything it needs to create rich, quality breast milk for your child.

This means that for the most part, you can continue to eat and enjoy the same foods you ate before pregnancy. There are no foods you need to avoid unless they bother your baby. Nutritious foods for your body while breastfeeding include lean proteins, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals.

A lactating parent should aim to drink at least 12 8-ounce glasses of caffeine-free fluid daily. One popular technique is to drink a glass every time you nurse. Doctors strongly recommend avoiding alcohol, especially in large amounts, and limiting the amount of caffeine and sugary drinks you consume. A moderate amount of caffeine (no more than 2-3 cups of coffee daily) will not bother most breastfed babies. Approximately 1% of the caffeine consumed by the nursing parent will pass through your breast milk to the child. Too much caffeine may make it harder for your baby to sleep or cause fussiness.

Recommended: Breastfeeding and BPA (Bisphenol A)

How Do Foods Affect Breastmilk?

Research shows that your breast milk is only affected slightly by the food you eat. In most cases, your baby enjoys the different flavors that come from your diet. If your baby is sensitive to certain foods, the following signs may appear anywhere from a few minutes up to 24 hours after a feeding:

Fussiness during or after feedings
Waking up in discomfort
Wheezing or coughing
Inconsolable crying after feeding

These signs do not mean that your baby is allergic to your milk, only to something that you are eating. If you cut back on the food that is bothering your baby, or remove it from your diet, the problem usually goes away on its own.

More serious symptoms in your baby after breastfeeding may include vomiting, diarrhea, green stools with mucus and/or blood in the stool, rash or hives. Talk to your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms. If your baby ever has difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Vegan Parents

A lactating parent’s body requires up to 500 more calories a day to create breast milk. If you follow a diet without any forms of animal protein, or eat very little meat or animal protein, you or your baby may not get enough vitamin B12 while breastfeeding. Your doctor may recommend taking vitamin B12 supplements during this time to protect your and your baby’s health. Signs of low B12 in your baby can include loss of appetite, slow motor development, weak muscles and vomiting. If you are a vegan parent, it is important that you talk to your doctors about your vitamin B12 needs.

For more information on breastfeeding, visit the TotalHomeCare Resources Blog, Womenshealth.gov, HealthyChildren.org and La Leche League.

Breastfeeding and BPA (Bisphenol A)

Posted by Brooke Phillips on under Everything Baby | Read the First Comment

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical additive in many food and liquid containers that helps to harden plastics, keep bacteria from contaminating foods, and prevent cans from rusting. BPA can be found in many hard plastic items, including baby bottles, water bottles, food containers and other storage containers. It can also be found in the lining inside metal containers that come into contact with foods or beverages, such as food cans and bottle tops.

However, there are concerns over the possible harmful effects that ingesting BPA might have on humans, especially on infants and children. There are several studies underway to determine what levels of BPA exposure may be harmful. In the meantime, concerned parents can reduce their babies’ exposure to BPA by taking the following steps:

Use a BPA-free breast pump, and make sure all parts that come into contact with breast milk are BPA-free
Use BPA-free plastic baby bottles
Avoid clear plastic baby bottles or containers imprinted with recycling number 7 and “PC”
Use bottles made of opaque plastic, or look for containers imprinted with recycling numbers 2 or 5
If possible, breastfeed instead of using formula, which is frequently packaged in metal cans

Heat may cause the release of BPA from plastic. If you are concerned that the bottles or containers you use are made with BPA, consider the following precautions:

Do not boil plastic bottles or containers
Do not heat plastic bottles or containers in the microwave
Do not wash plastic bottles or containers made with BPA in the dishwasher

BPA-Free Breastfeeding Products

TotalHomeCare is committed to the health of all parents and babies, which is why we carry breastfeeding products that are 100% BPA-free. Ameda has been a hospital-trusted brand for more than 70 years, and the Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump Kit is 100% BPA-free. All accessories that come into contact with breast milk or your baby are also 100% BPA-free, including CustomFit Breast Flanges, Store’N Pour Breast Milk Storage bags and Breast Milk Storage Bottles. In addition, Ameda’s Dual HygieniKit collection system is the only milk collection system approved by the FDA to protect against cross contamination. Click here to see all BPA-free breastfeeding supplies at TotalHomeCareBaby.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Posted by Brooke Phillips on April 9, 2014 under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Why Breastfeed?

Breast milk is the best food for your baby. Not all parents are able to breastfeed, but for those who have the option, there is no better food for your new child. In addition to the emotional fulfillment and joyful bonding between parents and children while breastfeeding, the health benefits for both parent and your new baby are well-documented.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) until your child is six months old. As you begin to introduce foods, complimentary breastfeeding is recommended until your child is at least 1 year or older.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Your Baby:

The unique bonding experience of breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby. Breastfeeding has been proven to help protect your baby from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, ear infections, allergies, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and much more. Breastfeeding your baby can also reduce his or her risk of developing diabetes or becoming obese later in life. Breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that help protect your baby from illness. The colostrum a birth mother produces for her baby in the first few days of nursing is rich with a protective substance that coats your baby’s mucous membranes and guards against invading germs.

Breastfeeding significantly reduces your baby’s risk of developing:

Ear Infections
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Gastrointestinal Tract Infections, which can lead to an increased risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Allergies
Celiac Disease
Obesity
Diabetes
Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Breastfeeding Benefits for You and Your Family:

Besides the emotional satisfaction of connecting with your baby through nursing, breastfeeding provides significant health and practical benefits to new parents. Breastfeeding releases the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which produce a peaceful, nurturing sensation and encourage strong love and attachment to your child. Oxytocin also helps birth mothers recover from childbirth more easily, reducing postpartum bleeding and helping the uterus return to its pre-childbirth size more quickly. Because your body requires more calories to produce breastmilk, breastfeeding speeds the birth mother’s loss of baby weight, and studies show a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer among women who have breast feed. Breast milk is less expensive than formula, and in many instances – such as night feedings – it can be much more convenient than needing to prepare formula.

Breastfeeding can reduce a woman’s risk of:

Postpartum depression
Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Breast cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Breastfeeding Tools

There are times when a breastfeeding parent can’t be present for a feeding. However, with the use of breast pumps, a lactating parent can safely express and store unused breast milk to be used at a later date. A comfortable, efficient breast pump is an essential tool for a lactating parent. TotalHomeCareBaby is happy to carry the hospital-recommended Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Breast Pump and Ameda breast pump accessories. Nursing pads are highly recommended for nipple comfort and discreet protection against leakage.

Safely stored breast milk can also be used by a non-lactating parent to help with feedings, and so that parent can also enjoy the bonding experience of breastfeeding their baby.

For more information on breastfeeding, visit Womenshealth.gov, HealthyChildren.org and La Leche League.

Cuties Premium Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin

Posted by Brooke Phillips on under Everything Baby | Be the First to Comment

Protect your baby’s soft bottom with Quilted Cuties Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin. These softly textured quilted wipes are made with hypoallergenic, unscented cleansing ingredients designed for sensitive baby skin. Each wipe is pre-moistened with cleanser and enriched with healing aloe and vitamin E to protect against diaper rash and promote skin health. Cuties Baby Wipes are thicker, softer and stronger than retail baby wipes.

Cuties Premium Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin are made from a triple-layer, cotton-enhanced fabric for exceptional performance and comfort. Single Hand Dispensing with a push button flip-top lid gives you easy, one-handed access each and every time. Thick and cushiony, these strong and durable baby wipes can handle the toughest cleanups while remaining gentle on baby’s skin.

Cuties Premium Baby Wipe Features:

Easy to use soft-packs with flip-top lid
Single hand dispensing for one-handed use
Thick, soft, cotton-enhanced triple layer fabric
Hypoallergenic cleanser with aloe and vitamin E
Wipe dimensions: 6.7in x 7.7in.
Made in the USA

Cuties Premium Baby Wipes come with 72 wipes per soft pack, with free shipping on all orders over $40:

CR-164131 Cuties Premium Baby Wipes for Sensitive Skin 72/pack $4.00

At Total Home Care Baby, shipping is completely free on all orders over $40. Orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer security. With our fast, free shipping and superior customer service, parents can save time and money from the convenience of home. Spend less time at the store, and more time with the little ones you love…