Pregnancy Tips

Bringing a child into this life is the best and most rewarding feeling in the world. Being pregnant is such a joyous time in your life! 

Being pregnant is amazing as you are carrying a baby that you have created with someone you love. Its a feeling you can't imagine until you are going through it. No words can describe it!

If you are pregnant or if you are thinking about getting pregnant, you need to take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby. 

I have got some pregnancy tips for you that may help you. Some woman are lucky and go through pregnancy with no issues but some aren't as lucky. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Obviously, no alcohol & no smoking are no-no's if you want to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. It's also a good idea to limit your caffeine. 


Regular exercise is a great idea. Not only is it healthy for you and your body, it helps you control your weight. Some people are lucky and don't put on weight, but some people end up eating more when they get cravings. Exercise also helps with circulation and can help you sleep better. 

Activities such as pilates, yoga, swimming and some light swimming are great for most pregnant women but you do need to check with your doctor just in case before doing an exercise programs. Always listen to your body as it will tell you when enough is enough. 30 minutes a day is a nice start. Just don't overdo it! We are talking about light exercises here.

A childbirth class is a good idea if this is your first child and you are not sure what to expect. You learn so many things and you will know which action to take. In these classes you will learn about childbirth and how to care for your baby. It will also give you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like. Write a list if you have to.

Lastly, treat yourself before the baby comes. Do things like relaxing, manicure, facials, dinner with the girls, or just chill because this is good for you. Once the baby comes, it will be harder to find time to do these things for a while.

You can find some great books on pregnancy and what to expect at www.littlepeepz.com

How To Soothe A Baby

Sometimes a baby needs to be soothed and there are many ways of doing this. 

Babies love:

* Heartbeat, 

* Rocking,

* Walking,

* Talking,

* Music,

* Swinging,

* Pacifier/Dummy,

* Drives,

* Prams/strollers,

* Massage,

* Tummy rub,

* Warm bath.

Familiar sounds are easy as it is the things you used to do whilst you were pregnant with them. Sounds like your talking or music that you listened to, or songs that you sang. Its all familiar to them and they remember so it calms them. Your heartbeat is a sound too, so just pull them close and it should soothe them quickly.

Babies also love to be rocked and this can be done by walking around with the, a rocking chair or a baby swing. 

You could also try taking the baby for a drive in the car or go for a walk in the pram/stroller. 





You can find these items at www.littlepeepz.com/baby_gear.html


Let the baby suck on something like a pacifier/dummy as babies have a strong need to suck.

Another great way to soothe the baby is a massage and a tummy rub.




Finally, a warm bath can help calm the baby but always remember to check the temperature before placing the baby in the bath. 

What To Carry In Your Bag For Baby

A baby bag is something you will probably find that you are taking everywhere you go....and I mean everywhere!!
It is such a great idea to have one as you can place all your baby needs into it and take it anywhere.

Things to carry in your bag at all times:

For changing:
* Baby nappies/diapers (at least 6),
* Nappy/diaper rash cream,
* Portable change mat,
* Tissues,
* Baby wipes (travel size),
* Sanitising Lotion for your hands,
* Plastic nappy/diaper disposable bags,
* A full change of clothes for baby,
* A change of clothes for yourself,
* Jumper for cool weather.

Younger babies:
* Insulated bottle holder,
* Bottles,
* Formula,
* Bibs,
* Burp cloth,
* Muslin wrap/blanket.

Older babies:
* Drink,
* Snacks,
* Food,
* Spoon/bowl/fork etc,
* Baby wipes for hands.

General:
* Favourite toy,
* Teething ring,
* Blanket,
* Pacifier/dummy,
* Baby hat,
* Pram/stroller cover,
* Sunscreen,
* Insect repellant,
* Plastic bag (for soiled or dirty clothes).

Your stuff:
* Keys,
* Wallet,
* Phone,
* Sunglasses,
* Hat,
* Bottled water,
* Nursing Pads.

You can buy these items at www.littlepeepz.com/basic_needs.html

Why Reading Books To Children Is Important

Reading to your babies and children is so important for the stimulation of the brains and it allows them to think and register what you are saying to them. It doesn't matter what age they are, or whether or not they can understand you, you can start anytime. They love to hear stories as they can communicate with you by sound, movement and by laughing. Its also great for bonding with your loved one. They just have to hear your voice and they are happy as they recognise it.It builds their listening and you can continue for years and years to come. Reading can also help with speech development which is really important!

Children whose parents read to them will get a head start on learning skills, language skills and literacy. All very important when growing up. No time like the present to start!

Little kids like to listen to the sound of our voices when we read, especially familiar voices.

Reading to babies not only makes them love reading, but it is an important way to strengthen their speaking vocabulary.

Books for babies should be nice and big and colourful. Big is good as they can hold them too but you may find them wanting to chew the book but thats ok too.

If you start reading a book and you don't finish, don't worry, you can always continue later.

Pointing to a colour, shape or animal repeatedly in the book, will help them to learn them quickly. you will be surprised at how quickly they will learn.

For more reading books you can find them at this website on most pages on the side bar:

www.littlepeepz.com

Setting Up Your Nursery

This is the best and most joyful job of all. Setting up the nursery and waiting for baby to come home. Exciting times are ahead! There are sooooo many things you can do here. Paint the rooms, add decor to the walls, buy the cot, buy clothes, clothes and more clothes....

The crib should be the biggest investment in your room. You may think you don't want to spend a lot of money however, this in not a temporary piece as kids can sleep in cribs for 3 or more years......so my advise is, spend the money and get a really good mattress as the baby will spend a lot of time sleeping on one. Don't forget, if you are planning on having more children, it's a must!!

In the nursery, you can buy so many things but just stick to the main items as you can add as you go along. Its very easy to get carried away.

You should start with:

* Crib and/or Bassinet
* Crib bumpers
* Crib set
* Mattress
* Change Table and Mat
* Dresser
* Rocking Chair Glider (optional) but definitely worth it
* Lamp
* Baby Monitor

See this link for more information on setting up the nursery:

http://littlepeepz.com/nursery.html

PottyTraining

Soooo you have have now reached the time in your child's life where you are ready to get them out of nappies. This is a trying time for all and there are going to be mistakes....a lot of mistakes but don't give up!

It is best to train toddlers during the day and during the warmer periods preferably on tiles or something that does not involve carpet....trust me on this one!! Let them walk around with just a singlet or nothing at all. This way less clothes to clean and no mess on the carpet. If no one is home - except for you of course - let them walk around outside in the garden - probably a better idea! Less cleaning always sounds good to me. Now just relax as there will be accidents, mark my words. Don't fret and don't get upset, they are learning too. Making them upset will make it worse so don't do it. It may deter them from trying. Just keep praising them and they will keep trying. 

These things take time, some kids are quicker to learn than others. It really depends on your child but majority of parents start training at around 2 years of age. Start slowly throughout the day. It may take some time before you can let the evening nappies/diapers go.

See this link for some products on potty training including the step toilet seat.

http://littlepeepz.com/baby_gear.html

You will also find books at this website that may help with the training.

Safe Toys

Parents....listen up!!! This is a very important message. Please be careful with what toys or items you leave around the house. If its little or big enough to swallow.....get rid of it or put it away....far away!!!

Toys are important for learning but you really need to choose very carefully to keep kids safe. Some injuries can be serious enough to require hospital emergency treatment. Small parts that are swallowed can become lodges in a child's throat, ears and even nostrils. 

Important things to look out for when buying toys for young children:

* look for high quality (cheap quality can break),      read reviews and feedback to get ideas,
* Watch out for sharp edges and small parts,
* Read the labels such as "Not recommended for children under 2 years of age" or "non-toxic" on toys in case it ends up in their mouths which is likely as kids are known to put everything in the mouths.

When choosing a toy for a young child make sure it:

* is big enough so it cannot be swallowed,
* does not have small pieces that can detach,
* will not break easily,
* is labeled "non-toxic" and is age appropriate.


You will find so many great toys at www.littlepeepz.com/toysactivities.html