Healthy skin for a baby doesn't happen by accident. While babies are born with soft, delicate skin, maintaining that health requires proper care. With a mix of personal experience, doctor recommendations, and thorough research, I’ve gathered effective techniques to ensure your baby’s skin stays in top condition.

Getting Started with Infant Skin Care

Before diving into a skin care routine, review the products you use. Inspect the labels of cleansers, lotions, and laundry detergents. Ideally, these should contain primarily water, gentle moisturizers, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid products with unnecessary chemicals and fragrances, as they can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. In my experience, homemade products are often the safest choice due to the absence of harmful chemicals.

Choose Gentle, Natural Products

For instance, the Intent-sive Healing Baby Balm is designed to soothe and moisturize sensitive baby skin. It’s free from harmful chemicals, making it a great option for maintaining healthy skin.

Cleansing Your Baby’s Skin

Proper cleansing is the cornerstone of infant skin care. Avoid using adult cleansers, which can be too harsh. Look for baby-specific products with minimal ingredients. A good cleanser should primarily contain water, a mild disinfectant, and perhaps a moisturizer. Using soft, 100% cotton cloths to apply the cleanser can help avoid irritation. A simple, homemade glycerin soap with oatmeal and almond oil is often the best choice.

Keep Bath Time Short

Babies don’t need long baths. In fact, too much water can strip away natural oils, causing dryness. A quick bath with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser is sufficient. Pat your baby dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing to avoid irritation.

Moisturizing for Healthy Skin

Moisturizing is crucial for maintaining a baby’s naturally soft skin. Choose products free from harsh ingredients that can deplete moisture. If you prefer not to make your own, look for moisturizers with simple, natural ingredients like coconut or almond oil infused with vitamin E.

Regular Moisturizing

After every bath, apply a gentle moisturizer to lock in hydration. The Intent-sive Healing Baby Balm is an excellent choice for this.

Bedding and Clothing

Your baby’s bedding and clothing are equally important in skin care. Choose soft, natural fabrics and avoid detergents with chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. Natural laundry detergents are best.

Sun-Dry Clothes

To avoid wrinkles and chemical exposure, hang clothes to dry in the sun. This method also freshens clothing naturally, eliminating the need for fabric refreshers. For added freshness, add a teaspoon of baking soda and a cup of vinegar to the wash. This acts as a natural cleanser, disinfectant, and fabric softener.

Additional Tips for Healthy Baby Skin

Protect Against the Elements

Shield your baby's skin from harsh weather. In the cold, dress your baby in layers to protect against dryness. In the sun, always use a baby-safe sunscreen and keep them in the shade.

Monitor Skin Regularly

Check your baby’s skin daily for any signs of irritation or dryness. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Hydrate

Ensure your baby is well-hydrated. Proper hydration supports overall skin health.

By following these tips and using gentle, natural products, you can maintain your baby’s skin health. For a comprehensive guide on parenting and holistic care, consider the FLOW-Key Parenting Book by Lyn Lomasi, which offers valuable insights for raising healthy, happy children.

Remember:

• Avoid products with chemicals, dyes, and fragrances.
• Everything that touches your baby’s skin impacts their skin health.
• Frequent moisturizing is essential to maintain soft, healthy skin.

Ensuring your baby’s skin stays healthy requires mindful product choices and regular care. By adopting these tips, you can protect and nurture your baby’s delicate skin, ensuring they grow up with healthy, happy skin. For more natural baby care products and parenting advice, visit our website regularly and make yourself at home.

Picking a name for your baby is an important decision. Choosing between baby names is a meaningful moment in parenting that will remain a treasured memory. It’s something that will represent that baby their whole life. The name-choosing process can bring the first feelings of parenthood to the forefront for expectant parents, especially if it occurs during the first pregnancy. Something about finalizing the name finalizes the fact that a child exists because of you and you will now be a parent. I've had the joy and privilege of experiencing this seven times. Here’s how the names were chosen for each of my children. 

The Naming Process

For each of my subsequent baby girls, I wanted their names to be unique. In fact, their names are so unique that it's possible no one else has them - at least not exactly as they are. I put a ton of time and effort into choosing the names for my first three girls, composing most of their names myself, including the meanings for each one. 

The names needed to include French and/or Native American influences. The first names needed to be very unique and the middle names needed to be simpler, in case the girls wished to use an easier name as they grew older. One has chosen to use her middle name with friends. 

I spent entire months of each of the first three pregnancies combining letters to form possible names, keeping note of my favorites, eliminating name after name as time went on to eventually come up with the final choices. Ironically, with my second daughter, after all that work, I changed a couple letters last minute as I was filling out the paperwork for the birth certificate. It just came to me to change it for some reason.

However, with the fifth child (fourth girl), my partner (at the time) and I varied slightly by choosing something that is an existing name, but is very unique. We wanted a unisex name that still had both the French and Native American influence. I narrowed the choices down to a list of several and sent it to him, not telling him which name I had in mind. He actually favored the same name. So, we went with that. The same process occurred with the next two kids, with us both favoring the same names. 

To me, there is no one like any of them and I wanted the kids’ names to reflect that. Names should reflect each person’s individuality, rather than going along with the crowd. They should not be copied, but should instead come from the heart. As the kids have grown older, it’s been fun to watch their personalities develop into exactly what the meanings of their names are. They have made me even more of a believer in baby name choice being such an important decision. 

With my oldest son, I had different thoughts. He was originally going to be a junior, simply because he was the only boy and that was special to his father (my partner at the time). But, that didn't happen. On the day of his birth, I all of a sudden got a change of heart in this baby’s name. I said to him, “I want to name him after your father”. He agreed. Two months later, his father passed away very unexpectedly. I now feel like that was not only an instinct of motherhood, but some sort of sign when I got that change of heart on the name.

The Final Names & Their Meanings

KaShayonay Amber [Kuh - Shy - Uh - Nay; Am - Ber] - KaShayonay is my first daughter. Her name means patient, kind, loving, ambitious, beautiful, strong-willed, and stylish. The spelling and pronunciation are influenced by both French and Native American languages. But I also derived it from a mixture of letters from two family member’s names. The middle name Amber refers to the gemstone, which is similar to the color her eyes are sometimes (they change colors) and was also taken from another family member. I felt it went along with the stylish and beautiful definitions. She does love fashion and is very creative. Interestingly, all of the meanings did end up fitting her personality. 

Tiala Chérie [Tee - Ah - Luh; Shay - Ree (Fr.); Shuh - Ree (En.)] - Tiala is the second born. Her first name means cheerful, sweet, helpful, kind, loving, and strong-willed. The spelling/pronunciation of this name has origins in both Native American and French languages. Chérie is French for dear or sweetheart, which goes along with her sweet and helpful aspects. 

Ajaléa Naté [Ah - Zhuh - Lay - Uh (Fr.); Nuh - Tay (Fr.)] - Ajaléa is the third-born child and third daughter. Her first name means strong-willed and stubborn, creative, loving, kind-hearted, and helpful. The spelling and pronunciation is again influenced by Native American and French languages. Her middle name is French-influenced and means creative and strong. She is definitely both. 

Nathaniel DeWayne [Nay - Than - Yuhl; Duh - Wayn] - Nathaniel is the fourth-born and goes by Nathan for short and never Nate. Nathaniel means “gift from God”. I’m not religious and this name was simply to carry on his grandfather’s legacy. However, I do feel he is a gift from the universe. Curiously, this is also a French name. DeWayne is his father’s middle name and means “wagon maker,” which goes along with his creative nature. 

Nova Skye [No - Vuh; Sky] - Nova is the fifth. Her name also has Native American and French roots. In English, Latin, and French, Nova means “new”. But we didn’t choose it for that. In one of the Native American languages, it means “chasing butterflies,” which fits her personality. We also chose it for the starry phenomena known as a supernova. Because of the starry connection, we chose Skye to go along with Nova. The meaning of Skye is obvious. It is a variation of the word sky. True to the name choosings, her personality matches these definitions like those of her siblings have. 

Kymani Lyrique [Ky - Mah - Nee; Leer - Eek] - Kymani is a variation of Ky-mani, which is a popular African name, traditionally used for boys. However, since when do we do anything “regular” or “normal”? I removed the dash and since she was being named before we knew if we were having a boy or girl, that was to be her name, regardless. Curiously, Kymani has Native American and also Arabic and Muslim roots as well. It typically means “adventurous traveler” and can also represent “huge,” (as in, very important) “leader,” or “strength,” all of which would describe her personality. Lyrique is the French spelling of Lyrical, yes, like song lyrics. She loves making up stories and songs and is always singing. So that turned out perfect, as usual. 

Mekai Indigo Dustin [Muh - Ky; In - Dig - Oh; Dust - In] - Yes, Mekai has two middle names. But first, let’s talk about the origin of Mekai. This name actually has origins across many cultures from Native American to Japanese to French to British, to African, and many other cultures and countries. They each spell it differently and it has many meanings from God-like, to tree of life, to strong warrior, and more. We mostly resonated with “Tree Of Life.” However, I’d say all the meanings here are fitting. Indigo is a type of Indian dye that holds a deep blue hue with a touch of purple. This is a color of wisdom, creativity, justice, and devotion. It is definitely fitting. Dustin was chosen after a friend’s son who sadly took his life. I chose this name to honor him. It is also associated with thunderstone (or Thor’s stone) and stands for valiant warrior. This is also fitting. 

Bonus Tips From An Experienced Mom

• Choose a name that seems to reflect your baby’s personality while in the womb. I found this to be helpful. 

 

• Remember that your child’s name should be special and unique.

 

• Try not to copy someone else’s special name. This can be seen as a compliment, but also may be taken as rude. Again, your baby’s name should be special and should reflect your baby’s individual personality. 
• Experiment with known names, as well as with variations and names you make up yourself. Trying several options can help you come to a final decision you (and your partner, if applicable) will be happy with.

 

• Consider how your child might feel about their name once they grow up. Leave room for alternatives, if possible, such as choosing a middle name your child might be able to use instead. 

 

• Try using influences from your heritage or another culture you appreciate. 

 

• Whichever options you go with, be sure you are doing so out of love for your child and you’ll never make the wrong choice. 

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 1/26/2016 AND LAST UPDATED 5/16/2024

Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family! As expectant parents, you're on an incredible journey. To help you prepare, we've crafted a concise essential checklist of what your newborn baby truly needs. Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to confidence.

Nursery Essentials:

1. Crib or Bassinet: A safe, cozy place for your baby to sleep.
2. Mattress and Fitted Sheets: Ensure a snug fit for a comfortable sleep.
3. Diaper Changing Station: A changing table or pad makes diaper duty a breeze.
4. Baby Monitor: Keep an ear on your little one, even from another room.

Feeding Necessities:

1. Breast Pump (if breastfeeding): For expressing milk.
2. Bottles and Nipples: Opt for baby-friendly designs.
3. Formula (if not breastfeeding): Consult with your pediatrician.
4. Bottle Warmer: Convenient for late-night feedings.

Diapering Supplies:

1. Diapers (Disposable or Cloth): Stock up on different sizes.
2. Wipes: Gentle and hypoallergenic for baby's sensitive skin.
3. Diaper Bag: A must-have for on-the-go parents.
4. Diaper Rash Cream: Keep baby's skin soft and protected.

Clothing Basics:

1. Onesies and Sleepers: Easy, comfy outfits for daily wear.
2. Hats and Socks: To keep baby warm and cozy.
3. Swaddle Blankets: Perfect for soothing and sleep.
4. Mittens: Prevent scratches from tiny nails.

Bathing and Grooming:

1. Baby Bathtub: Make bath time safe and fun.
2. Baby Shampoo and Soap: Gentle, tear-free options.
3. Soft Washcloths and Towels: Delicate on baby's skin.
4. Nail Clippers or Files: Keep those tiny nails trimmed.

Health and Safety:

1. Car Seat: Ensure it meets safety standards.
2. First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor baby mishaps.
3. Baby Thermometer: Monitor your baby's temperature.
4. Babyproofing Supplies: Prepare your home for a curious crawler.

Comfort and Soothing:

1. Pacifiers: A source of comfort for many babies.
2. Baby Swing or Bouncer: Great for soothing fussy moments.
3. White Noise Machine: Helps create a calming environment.
4. Soft Toys or Lovey: Something to cuddle and cherish.

Parental Essentials:

1. Baby Carrier or Sling: Keep your baby close and your hands free.
2. Postpartum Supplies: Don't forget self-care items for mom.
3. Support System: Connect with other parents for guidance and encouragement.
4. Baby Memory Book: Capture those precious first moments.

The Joy of Parenting:

Remember, every baby is unique, and your parenting journey will be filled with moments of wonder and love. This checklist serves as a foundation, but the most essential thing your baby needs is your care, attention, and love. Embrace this incredible adventure with confidence, and savor every precious moment.

Wishing you a beautiful journey into parenthood!

byLyn Lomasi; Owner & Ordained Shaman atIntent-sive Nature &Brand Shamans Content Community

There are many methods for getting children to sleep. They all work in different ways. My daughter actually inspired me to invent this method. It may have been done before, but if it has, I sure haven't heard of it. If I had, it just may have helped avoid some sleepless and restless nights prior to the idea. My hope is that my experience will help other parents get their children off to sleep and dreaming peacefully at night.

One night, my (then) four-year-old daughter was very restless at nap time. I knew she was tired, but she just could not sit still. Call it normal child restlessness or the urge to avoid sleep at all costs - who knows? Whatever the reason, I knew I had to do something about it.

First, I tried reading her favorite Dr. Seuss book "Fox In Socks", which was generally a nap time favorite. However, after the story was over she was still fidgeting and she also did so throughout the entire story. I wondered what to do next. "Hmm", I thought to myself. I then tried gently massaging her neck and shoulders, which tends to help on days like this. Nothing.

I was forced to think deeper and get more creative. I had it! I laid down beside her and whispered softly in her ear "Close your eyes and pretend you're a pretty butterfly flying high in the sky." She smiled. And closed her eyes. Success! It worked. Within mere seconds, she was fast asleep.

Since that day I used the same technique on all of the children many times, with success (until they got old enough that they didn’t want or need it). Each time, I would give them something new to think about. It became somewhat of a game. They’d eagerly await their nightly or nap time suggestion with a look of anticipation on their innocent little faces. Despite the regularity, the looks on their faces were priceless each and every time.

I noticed that the suggestive thoughts helped them sleep more soundly. Did they dream them? Did they give them peace? I can't say for sure, but I know that once they had their thought, my kids always slept without tossing and turning and would wake rested and cheerful for the day to begin. They would also drift off to sleep extra fast, seemingly eager to picture the thoughts in their heads.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Last updated 7/8/2023 by Lyn Lomasi

byLyn Lomasi; Owner & Ordained Shaman atIntent-sive Nature &Brand Shamans Content Community LLC

Baby Eczema can be either mild or serious. From natural to prescription remedies, treatment options are varied. Here are some of the most common ways to treat baby eczema, as well as a few tips and tricks I learned in dealing with baby eczema in more than one of my kids. Learn how to treat baby eczema and turn your back on it forever, with tips from a mom who knows the pain all too well.

What is Baby Eczema?

Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a skin eruption that can cause mild to very severe symptoms, like redness, raised skin, and itchiness. Many times it afflicts those with asthma or allergies, but it can occur in anyone. The exact cause is unknown. Baby eczema is that which occurs in infants. Because babies already have sensitive skin, this can be a delicate issue to deal with. Some infants can even get cracked, bleeding, or even yellow and infected skin, due to eczema.

What Can You do to Treat Baby Eczema?

There are many ways to treat baby eczema. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized is key. Fragrance free lotions and creams may be a recommended first step. There are over the counter creams, such as cortisone cream, to help treat itching. However, frequent use of those can actually cause further damage to the skin. The doctor may also prescribe an ointment or cream to treat the eczema or an antihistamine to help control the itching.

What Worked for My Baby's Eczema?

Each child is different, as far as how they react, as well as which treatments worked. Here are a few of the treatments that worked best for us. I have more than one child who was prone to eczema flare-ups as a baby. Even the doctor-recommended lotions and creams that were fragrance free would irritate the eczema, rather than helping, in our case.

Original A+D Ointment - I decided to try the A+D ointment one day after asking the pediatrician. To my surprise, the A+D ointment started working fairly quickly. I noticed results the same day and began using the ointment every day. After that, flare-ups started occurring less and less and eventually cleared for good. The same thing happened in three cases, so I definitely recommend talking to a doctor about the A+D ointment.

Medline Remedy Olivamine Clear-aid Skin Protectant - One of my babies would break out very easily and her eczema rashes didn’t respond to anything until we tried the Medline Remedy Olivamine Clear-aid Skin Protectant. This was recommended by NICU nurses for our preemie baby’s diaper rashes. But we liked it a lot and started using it for all skin irritations in multiple kids. It turns out that any time there’s a rash, dry skin, or other skin irritation, this cleans it up quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, which is like a miracle, compared to other treatments that take days or months. With the kids this was tried on, flare-ups only seem to occur when they're accidentally exposed to an allergen. Other than those instances, after using this on every flare, it hasn't come back at all.

Homemade Intent-sive Healing Baby Balm - Once we better learned what worked and didn't on everyone's sensitive skin, we decided to invent our own healing balm with all natural ingredients. While the above methods worked, we found the homemade healing baby balm was not only clearing up outbreaks, but it was making the skin healthier day by day. Not only is everyone's skin glowing now, but all outbreaks have completely stopped, even when they are accidentally exposed to things that made them break out previously.

When Should You Call a Doctor for Baby Eczema?

A properly licensed pediatrician or family practice doctor should always be contacted if you suspect that your baby has eczema or notice any other rashes or skin irritations. Treatment options should also be discussed with a doctor. If you hear about a product or treatment option that your child's pediatrician has not mentioned, discuss it with him or her before trying it on the child's baby eczema.

Extra Tips for Treating Baby Eczema

>>>>MORE ECZEMA ARTICLES>>>>

*Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. This is intended for informational purposes only, as individual results may vary. Always contact a licensed medical professional for health matters.

Sources:
Personal experience
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eczema/DS00986

Last updated 7/9/2023 by Lyn Lomasi

byLyn Lomasi; Owner & Ordained Shaman atIntent-sive Nature &Brand Shamans Content Community LLC

Prevention is the best method to solve the problem of baby stains on clothing. However, sometimes accidents still will happen. Such is routine when there are children around. To prevent baby accidents or spills, try using flat fold cloth diapers as shoulder and lap covers when handling the baby. This will help prevent spit up and other baby stains. It also is a smart idea to not wear your best clothing when feeding the baby. When prevention fails, parents need to know how to remove stains from clothing, be it the baby's clothing or their own. Here are my best tips on how to remove baby stains from clothing.

How To Remove Baby Stains From Clothing

Act Quickly

Act quickly when it comes to baby stains. The quicker you remove baby stains from clothing, the better the results. Most baby food stains are going to be food-based, even the worst ones, so think in terms of getting out food stains.

First Steps for Removing Baby Stains From Clothing

To remove baby stains from clothing, first use a Huggies baby wipe to wipe it away while it's still wet. You can also use a wet cloth or oil-free homemade baby wipes. If there is any stain remaining, you can lightly dab on either some eco-friendly fragrance & dye-free dish soap or hydrogen peroxide and lightly rub the solution in with a Huggies baby wipe.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Tougher Baby Stains

Hydrogen peroxide works best for tougher stains and also is only good to use on white clothing. It has a very effective bleaching effect, so do not use it on colors. On colors, instead use the liquid laundry soap.

Removing Baby Stains Completely

Once you have applied the hydrogen peroxide or soap, to remove baby stains from clothing completely, fill a sink with warm water and swish the stained item around with the soap or hydrogen peroxide still there. If necessary, also lightly rub the stain. Apply more soap or hydrogen peroxide as necessary, rinsing until the stain is gone. Do not scrub the clothing too hard or it may get ruined. Gentle scrubbing is best. Rinse the baby clothing out. If this process did not remove the baby stains from the clothing, repeat the process.

Finishing Steps to Remove Baby Stains from Clothing

Once you have gone through the steps to remove baby stains from clothing, hang the clothing to dry. Sometimes a lighter version of the stain may still be there once dry. Do not put the clothing in the dryer again until the clothing has dried and you can see that the entire stain is removed. The dryer can set the stain in. If you have already done this, you may have to work extra hard with a combination of all three scrubbing ingredients to remove baby stains from clothing.

Why This Method Works for Removing Baby Stains From Clothing

The reason the hydrogen peroxide works to remove baby stains is because its bubbling action pulls out residue that might get under the surface. Laundry soap works is because, well, it's designed for dirty laundry. Liquid dish soap can remove baby stains from clothing because it is designed to remove food stains. Again, most baby stains are related to food, including those that come out the other end. It is, after all, food waste processed by the body.

*For more baby and parenting tips, please click the subscribe button to the right and check out our other sections as well.

Source: Purely Personal Experience

Last updated 7/9/2023

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Finding safe toys for babies and toddlers has gotten harder, with so many recalls happening. However, there are still many toys that are safe for children as birthday and Christmas gifts or for everyday use. Here are 10 toys for babies and toddlers that have been tested for safety. The toys listed below come from companies who have stated that all of their toys meet or exceed the requirements for toy safety, so with that statement in mind, feel free to browse  other toys made by the same companies.

*As with any toy, these toys do not replace the need for parental supervision. Accidents can happen, even with the best safety ratings. Always use caution and always supervise your baby or toddler.

**The author is a part of the Amazon Associates Program. This means she earns a small portion of sales generated from clicking on the links in this post and uses it to provide for her family. Said partnership did not influence the opinions on these products. See our full Disclosure Policy for more information.

With motherhood comes joys, laughter...and baby weight. With my first child, all the pregnancy weight practically disappeared the day I gave birth. Within a week, the remaining 10 pounds melted off easily. It was almost the same with the second. However, when I got to my 3rd and 4th (and then my 5th and 6th), that was not the case. I had my kids all in sets of two (They are 20 & 19, 14 & 13, and then I have two more under 2), so that added to the baby weight problem. Here’s how I used creativity to lose baby weight from pregnancy and how you can too!

No Time For The Gym? No Problem

Because I have a pretty full schedule as a homeschooling mom who also owns a home-based business along with my life partner, there was no way to be sure I could keep regular gym appointments without going crazy. That left me with a decision. It was either ditch one of the kids' activities, sacrifice some work time, or get creative. I chose to get creative.

Adding To The Existing Routine

Using creativity to lose baby weight may have been the most effective plan for me. Why? It was super-easy to stick to my plan. What I did was add a little exercise to many different daily routines of motherhood. Parenting is a full time job, so there were many things I could add to. Let me explain.

Intensifying Daily Walks With Baby (Or Babies)

Daily walks are a part of our family’s routine, so there was one way to lose baby weight. Just walking (for me) was probably not going to do it, since it is something my body is already accustomed to. I wanted to add more. Since baby number three and four were so close in age, I used a double stroller. That got me thinking. That double stroller was sort of hard to push in certain situations. So, we started taking walks uphill to increase the workout. The slopes put more of the weight of the stroller in my control, making the walk more intense. I did the same thing with baby 5 and 6 and it’s working again!

Stroller Maneuvers That Help Baby Also Help Mom

Another way I used creativity to lose baby weight include workouts involved different maneuvers with the stroller whenever the baby (or babies) wanted to be rocked to sleep in the stroller. This worked out arms, abs, and legs. I later found out that there was an actual workout built around the baby stroller. Based on my experience, I could see that working out. I’ve invented a ton of my own stroller workouts, but there are stroller exercise programs and guides you can purchase for a low fee if you don’t feel like being that inventive. Fitdeck Exercise Playing Cards have illustrated stroller exercise guides.

Meal Prep Workouts

When in the kitchen doing dishes and preparing meals, you can do small things like countertop pushups. Place your hands palm down on the edge of the countertop and extend your legs straight back. You will basically be doing angled pushups against the counter. Opening and closing cabinets is another good one. Do a few sets of ten on each side (rotating in between) to workout your arms.

Your Baby Makes a Great Weight Set

Yes, really. Babies enjoy playing with their moms. Try making motions with your baby that he or she enjoys, such as raising him or her up high slowly and then back down slowly. This works out your arms and gives baby some entertainment too. There are many motions like this that will help you both.

Breastfeed

If you are able to and it is practical for your family, breastfeeding actually helps shed those tummy pounds. This is one of the body’s built-in mechanisms for regulating itself after a baby is born. Some moms can’t breastfeed the usual way, but are able to pump. If this is you, pumping should also work similarly, if you are able to do it. If you are unable to breastfeed for whatever reason, be it medical or otherwise, don’t feel bad. Not everyone can do it. As long as your baby is eating, be it breast milk or formula, you’re still doing it right. There are plenty more creative exercises to help out you and baby.

Think Up Your Own Creative Exercises

There actually are many moments during motherhood that can be added to for promoting weight loss. Motherhood in itself really is a workout. For some, like during the infancy of my first two kids, that alone will be enough to shed off those pounds. But, if you have a hard time losing weight or this is not your first birth, I highly recommend adding to normal routine for quick loss of baby weight. Just don't forget to check with your doctor first.

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

If you just found out you’re pregnant, you may be thinking about when to tell others. Some people base this on when the baby bump starts emerging. So, when does pregnancy show?

When Do First-Time Moms Start To Show?

Many people who are pregnant for the first time will start to show very early on, some as early as 4-12 weeks. But this isn’t true for everyone. So, don't worry if you’re a first-time mom and you don’t show until later. In my personal experience, I actually didn’t show very much until further into the pregnancy and there wasn’t any cause for concern.

When Do Experienced Moms Show?

Those who have had previous pregnancies sometimes don’t sport a visible baby bump until late in the first trimester or even the second. If you’ve had previous pregnancies and your pregnancy shows early, this doesn’t necessarily indicate anything bad. We’re all different. I actually showed early on in all my pregnancies, except the first.

What If I’m Not Average?

Unless your doctor has a concern, then you shouldn’t either. Everyone is different, based on many factors. One woman may gain a lot of weight in the beginning, while another may gain more toward the end. When your pregnancy shows doesn’t necessarily say anything about how healthy your baby is or isn’t.

So, When Does Pregnancy Show?

As you can see, when pregnancy shows can vary greatly. Be prepared with bigger clothes early on. But don’t alarm yourself unnecessarily if you don’t follow the same pattern as someone else. Your OB or midwife will guide you and examine you, as well as inform you if there are any concerns.

If you’re about to give birth to or adopt a new baby, you may be wondering about infant care. One common question is how many newborn diapers do I need?

How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need?

Each baby is different, as far as how many diapers are used during the newborn stage. On average, most babies use about 8-12 newborn diapers per day.

How Many Newborn Diapers Should I Buy?

You will use the same amount of diapers per day, whether you are using disposable diapers or cloth diapers. However, with cloth diapers, you can reuse them. So the number you buy will be lower. If you’re using cloth diapers, plan on how many to buy according to how often you can launder the cloth diapers. If you’re using disposable, you of course cannot reuse them, so you will need to buy enough for every use.

Number of Disposable Newborn Diapers to Buy

If you’re like me, you’d rather have a few too many than not enough. So, it’s a good idea to plan on buying enough for at least 12 diapers per day per newborn baby. Depending on your payment schedule, you can stock up accordingly. For instance, if you get paid weekly and want to buy a week’s worth of diapers each time, you would buy a package that has at least 84 diapers or multiple packages that add up to at least that amount.

How Many Disposable Diaper Wipes Do I Need?

Every baby is different. However, with the wipes, you can plan on using at least one for every wet diaper, at least 2-4 for every soiled diaper, and others here and there for wiping hands and faces and other messes. On average, we usually go through at least one refill pack per week per child (about 144 wipes, give or take, depending on brand). Some babies will use more and some less.

Number of Cloth Newborn Diapers to Buy

With cloth diapers as mentioned above, you need to have enough for 8-12 changes per day. If you can wash the cloth diapers daily, 12 diapers may be enough to start with. But if you need to last longer, get enough for the number of days you think will accommodate your laundering schedule. If you can only launder them once per week, you need 80-100 cloth diapers. And don't forget liners. You need the same number of liners as you have diapers because they each need their own. To cut down on space and spending, we like to hand wash each cloth diaper directly after use and hang them to dry on a hanging dry rack.

How Many Cloth Diaper Wipes Do I Need?

Again, this depends on how often you can do laundry. Because cloth wipes are thicker, you may use a few less than disposable. So, plan according to this factor, as well as your laundry schedule. Remember that you can also hand wash these and hang to dry to make sure you always have enough on hand.

Extra Tips

• Don't stock up too much on disposables because babies grow fast.
• If using cloth diapers, choose adjustable sizes to avoid having to replace them often.
• Don’t wait for the last minute to buy diapers. It may cause a rash or an undiapered baby.