LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Feel like you're losing it yet? That's ok, maybe some of this information will be a little helpful. My biggest piece of advice, if you will indulge me, however, is to get away sometimes. Even if it's just to watch tv in the other room. Hopefully you are not totally alone and you have some support to halp make this happen and remember, almost everything is replaceable, almost.WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
www.nannydeprived.com - Such a fun website with so many products and links for parents!!BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Baby Owner's Manual (Owner's and Instruction Manual) by Borgenicht, Borgenicht, Kepple, Buffum - Just trust me, fun, tounge in cheek and graphically intriging look at basic baby needs
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1931686238/ref=rdr_ext_sb_ti_sims_8
ALSO PLEASE CHECK OUT THESE COMPANION VOLUMES -
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
BUMBO - this seat helps your baby to sit up before he can on his own and remains a comfy seat after he learns how on his own...continue to use as booster seat. Available at Target, Wal-Mart and at Amazon.com
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE/WELLNESS
NEWBORN MASSAGENEWBORN MASSAGE CAN BE A HUGE HELP IF YOU HAVE A BABY THAT HAS DIFFICULTY TRANSITIONING FROM AWAKE TO ASLEEP (AKA FUSSY OR HIGH-NEED). IT CAN ALSO BE A BLESSING IF YOU HAVE A "COLICKY" BABY. FOR RELATIVLY EASY BABIES, MASSAGE TIME IS JUST A GREAT WAY TO BOND AND HAVE THAT ALL IMPORTANT SKIN TO SKIN CONTACT BABIES CRAVE.
THE BEST TIME FOR MASSAGE IS AS PART OF THE BEDTIME ROUTINE, AFTER THEIR BATH, BEFORE YOU PUT ON THEIR JAMMIES. MAKE SURE THEY ARE GOOD AND DRY AND THAT YOU ARE IN A WARM ROOM SO THEY CAN ENJOY THE SENSATIONS WITHOUT BEING TOO COLD (BABY BEING TOO COLD WILL ONLY REVERSE ANY CALMING EFFECT YOU ARE HOPING TO ACHIEVE). YOUR BED IS A GREAT PLACE FOR THIS, SOFT AND WARM, AND BABY WILL LOVE THAT SMELLS LIKE YOU. WARM THE LOTION OR OIL IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE APPLYING IT AND MAKE SURE THE ROOM IS QUIET AND NOT TOO BRIGHT.
FOR GREAT MASSAGE TECHNIQUES, CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES www.makewayforbaby.com/massages and http://www.babymassage.com/
BEAUTY
Welcome to parenthood and goodbye to accurate makeup application...but if you really want to look like you've slept recently next time you go out here aur your four closet friends - Concealor - under your eyes and on any blotchiness (in a creamy consistancy so it won't crease)
Blush - in a pinkish shade (trust me, brushed on lightly it will brighten your whole face)
Mascara - in whatever formula you prefer (it will open your eyes up big time)
Tinted lipbalm - in a shade that works for your skin tone (it will make you look finished, as if your face is on purpose)
FASHION
CHEWBEADS THESE ARE GREAT AND ADORABLE NECKLACES AND BRACELETS FOR YOU TO WEAR AND BABY TO CHOMP ON...GREAT FOR NURSING, WHEN BABY IS BORED OR EVEN OVER STIMULATED...www.chewbeads.com
DIY CRAFTY PROJECT
NOT YOUR MAMA'S BABY BOOK - SCRAPBOOKINGSCRAPBOOKING CAN CONGURE UP IMAGES OF PTA MOMS WEARING APPLIQUE SNOWMAN SWEATSHIRTS AND TIGHTLY PERMED SHORT HAIRCUTS HOT-GLUING LACE TRIM TO THE OUTSIDE OF A PADDED PHOTOALBUM FULL OF FAMILY REUNION PICTURES. WELL, NOT ANYMORE. SCRAPBOOKING HAS COME A LONG WAY, AND IN SOME WAYS, GONE BACK IN TIME TO THE HEIGHT OF SCRAPBOOKING, THE 30'S - 50'S.
INSTEAD OF PICTURES THAT ALL SEEM THE SAME YEAR AFTER YEAR, SCRAPBOOKERS ARE REFINING THEIR PICKS DOWN TO THE TRULY GOOD PHOTOS AND PERSONAL MOMENTOS. THEY ARE ALSO USING THE MILLIONS OF PRE-DESIGNED DIECUTS AND STICKERS TO CREATE IMAGES THAT ARE UNIQUE. THEY LEARNING TO BE STORYTELLERS THROUGH THE ARTISTIC USE OF PHYSICAL MOMENTOS...TELLING THE STORIES OF THEIR FAMILIES AND PERSONAL LIVES.
USING THESE SAME IDEAS YOU CAN CREATE A BEAUTIFUL, LASTING AND UNIQUE BABYBOOK INSTEAD OF USING ONE OF THOSE CHEAP BOOKS YOU GET AT WALMART. YOU CAN CREATE A BOOK TO KEEP THE PARTICULAR MEMORIES SACRED TO YOU AND YOUR BABY.
INSTEAD OF THE STORY OF HOW YOU AND THE BABY'S MOTHER/FATHER MEET WRITTEN IN LINES ON A QUESTIONNARE PAGE, YOU CAN CREATE A PHOTO STORY ABOUT YOUR ROMANCE (IF THERE EVEN WAS ONE). AND IT'S REALLY EASY AND AT TIMES, QUITE THERIPUTIC. WHAT COULD BE BETTER THEN SPENDING AN HOUR OR TWO A MONTH SURROUNDED BY PICTURES OF YOUR LITTLE ONE GROWING UP?!
CHECK OUT SPECIALTY AND CRAFT STORES FOR NEW DIECUTS AND TRIMS. USE PHOTOBUCKET AND PHOTOSHOP TO CREATE UNIQUE PICS. GET A SCRAPBOOK, SOME SCISSORS AND A GLUESTICK AND HAVE SOME FUN. INCLUDE DETAILS LIKE TICKET STUBS, INVITATIONS, NEWSPAPER HEADLINES AND ARTICLES. CREATE YOUR OWN STORY.
GOING GREEN ONE MONTH AT A TIME - JUNE
SOAP NUTS - Soap nuts are a great alternative to regular detergent, they work great, are reusable, are incrediably cheap by comparison, sustainable and easy. If you really want to, you could even plant a few and with much patiance start harvesting your own soap nuts (and even selling them) in a couple of years. They are available at health food/organic stores, online and even in some chain grocery stores.MENU PLANNER
ONE-POT MEALSYummy Vegetarian Pot Pie
This is easy and vegetarian!
Serving: 6Prep Time: 12 minutesCook Time: 35 minutesTotal Time: 47 minutes
2 9" frozen pie crusts
1 10.75 oz can creamed soup
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 cup milk
1 cup cheese
pepper
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Mix soup with about 1-2 c. frozen mixed vegetables and enough milk to moisten to mixture without becoming runny. 3. Stir in pepper, to taste, and any other spices you like. 4. Crumble one frozen pie crust into a bowl. 5. Mix with grated cheese. 6. Pour vegetable/soup mixture into remaining pie crust. 7. Sprinkle crust and cheese mixture over the top to cover contents. 8. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until crust looks brown.
Based on individual serving.-->Calories: 420Total Fat: 27 gCarbohydrates: 34 gProtein: 10 g-->
Source: Kathy Gunst, with the editors of Parenting Magazine Laura
© 2001 iVillage Inc.; all rights reserved
Texas-Style Chili
from Goodhousekeeping
INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 pound(s) beef for stew
1/4 cup(s) salad oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium green peppers, diced
4 clove(s) garlic, crushed
2 can(s) (28-ounce) tomatoes
1 can(s) (12-ounce) tomato paste
1/3 cup(s) chili powder
1/4 cup(s) sugar
2 teaspoon(s) salt
2 teaspoon(s) dried oregano leaves
3/4 teaspoon(s) cracked black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Cut beef for stew into 1/2-inch cubes. In 8-quart Dutch oven over high heat, in hot salad oil, cook one-third of meat at a time, until browned. With slotted spoon, remove meat cubes to bowl as they brown; set aside.
Reserve 1/2 cup onions; cover and set aside. Add green peppers, garlic, and remaining onions to drippings in Dutch oven; over medium-high heat, cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return meat to Dutch oven; add tomatoes with their liquid, tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, salt, oregano leaves, cracked black pepper, and 2 cups water; over high heat, heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until meat is fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
Spoon chili into large bowl. Pass reserved onion to sprinkle over each serving.
SUPPORT THIS
I'm going to do a bit of shilling for my own group here...Household Good. We are an organization that assists families with obtaining regular household items they may not be able to afford during times of economic difficulty such as diapers, toilet paper, toothbrushes and the like. We accept donations at our sponsored events and through arrangement via facebook message. One of the projuects we are participating in is creating diaper kits for babies...we would prefer to create kits from reusable cloth diapers and accessories that will last from bitrh to potty training as well as workshops in diapering & care, making your own diapers and handwashing to save money and resources. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Household-Good/101345219947755
FEATURES
SOCIAL SERVICES YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR (FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO SPECIFIC)
IN THE STATE OF OHIO (AS WITH MOST STATES) THERE ARE MANY PROGRAMS LOW INCOME PARENTS/FAMILIES MAY QUALIFY FOR. WITH THE FAILING ECONOMY AND UNEMPLOYMENT AT AN ALL TIME HIGH, MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE UTILIZING THESE SERVICES, CAUSING OHIO TO CHANGE SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS. SOME OF THE PROGRAMS ARE MORE DIFFICULT TO GET AND SOME ARE EASIER. FOR EXAMPLE, IN OHIO, YOU CAN NOW QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID FOR YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU HAVE A JOB BUT CANNOT AFFORD OR ARE NOT OFFERED INSURANCE THROUGH YOUR EMPLOYER.
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF JOBS AND FAMILY SERVICES ( http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/ ) OFFER HEALTH COVERAGE (MEDICAID), CHILCARE ASSISTANCE, FOOD ASSISTANCE (FOOD STAMPS/EBT CARD) AND CASH ASSISTANCE (OWF) FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES OR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING A RECENT JOB LOSS (THOSE EARNING LESS THEN $27,560 A YEAR FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR). THEY ALSO OFFER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY. THE PROCESS CAN BE TIME CONSUMING AND AT TIMES OVERWHELMING WITH THE AMOUNT OF PAPERWORK IT CAN ENTAIL AND THE APPOINTMENTS YOU MUST ATTEND, BUT FOR A SINGLE UNEMPLOYED MOTHER OF ONE CAN RECIEVE $259 A MONTH IN FOOD STAMPS AND $355 IN CASH ASSISTANCE EVERY MONTH (UP TO 36 MONTHS FOR CASH ASSISTANCE) AS WELL AS FREE CHILDCARE TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IN WHEN YOU DO FIND EMPLOYMENT. THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE MUCH, BUT WHEN YOUR INCOME IS $0...IT'S A HUGE HELP!
ODJFS ALSO OFFERS A PRC PROGRAM THAT WILL HELP PAY A UTILITY OR YOUR RENT IN THE EVENT OF A DISCONNECTION OR EMINENT EVICTION (UP TO $400 FOR UTILITIES AND $1500 FOR RENT/DEPOSIT ONCE IN A 12 MONTH PERIOD). TO QUALIFY FOR THIS, HOWEVER, YOU MUST HAVE EMPLOYMENT SO THEY FEEL YOU CAN CONTINUE TO PAY FOR THE UTILTY OR RENT ONCE YOU ARE CAUGHT UP. THIS IS GREAT FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE OR BREAKUP AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD INCOME DROPPED WHEN THE OTHER PERSON MOVED OUT OR IF YOU RECENTLY LOST YOUR SECOND JOB (FOR EXAMPLE).
THE COLUMBUS HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS A CAR SEAT PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES. QUALIFIYING FAMILIES CAN RECIEVE A BRAND NEW CAR SEAT FOR ONLY $30! THE PHONE NUMBER FOR THIS SERVICE IS 614-645-7748. OTHER COUNTIES, SUCH AS LICKING AND PERRY OFFER FREE CAR SEATS TO THOSE WHO ALSO QUALIFY FOR WIC.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT WIC. WIC IS RUN BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, NOT ODJFS SO THERE IS A DIFFERENT INTAKE PROCESS BUT THE REQUIREMENTS ARE SIMILAR. THIS IS FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS OR PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDER AGE 6 ONLY AND THEY WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH MONTHLY COUPONS TO EXCHANGE AT YOUR LOCAL STORE FOR SPECIFIC FOOD PRODUCTS SUCH AS FORMULA, CHESSE, MILK AND EGGS. IT CAN SAVE YOU ABOUT $200 IN FOOD COSTS EACH MONTH. THEY ALSO PERFORM BABY CHECKS AT EVERY OTHER APPOINTMENT, CHECKING WEIGHT, DEVELOPMENT, IRON LEVELS. JUST SO YOU KNOW, IF YOU ARE APPROVED FOR WIC YOU WILL MOST LIKELY BE APPROVED FOR SOME TYPE OF ASSISTANCE THROUGH ODJFS AND VICE VERSA AS THE INCOME REQUIREMENTS ARE VERY SIMILAR.
IF YOU ARE BREASTFEEDING BUT NEED AN ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP DUE TO JUST ABOUT ANY REASON FROM RETURNING TO WORK TO NIPPLE CONFUSION AND YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO RECIEVE MEDICAID, THERE ARE PROGRAMS THAT WILL GIVE YOU EITHER A USED OR NEW BREAST PUMP AT LITTLE TO NO COST TO YOU!
THIS ISN'T A GUIDE FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO WORK...THIS IS TO INFORM THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE THE HARD WORKERS OF THIS COUNTRY THAT MAY FIND THEMSELVES IN SHITTY CIRCUMSTANCES RIGHT NOW. THERE IS NO LOSS OF DIGNITY IN ASKING YOUR GOVERNMENT FOR A LITTLE HELP!!! YOU'VE PAID INTO THE SYSTEM FOR YEARS FOR THIS REASON, BECAUSE ONE DAY, YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN MIGHT NEED IT TOO.
INTRODUCING YOUR PETS TO YOUR BABY
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONCERNS FOR PARENTS CAN BE THEIR FIRST BABY(S) MEETING THEIR NEW BABY. IT CAN BE AWKWARD FOR YOUR PET TO MEET YOUR BABY IF THEY HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH INFANTS OR TEND TO BE SPOILED BY YOU. HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON GETTING YOUR ANIMALS PREPARED TO MEET THE NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY.
GET YOUR PETS' VACCINATIONS UPDATED AND GET THEM SPAYED/NEUTERED IF THEY AREN'T ALREADY TO HELP KEEP THEM HEALTHY AND REDUCE AGGRESSION AND TERRITORALISM. ADDRESS ANY MAJOR BEHAVIOUR ISSUES SUCH AS NIPPING, JUMPING OR CONSTANT BARKING WITH TRAINING/CLASSES IF NEEDED WELL BEFORE THE BABY ARRIVES. GET YOUR PET USED TO GROOMING LIKE REGULAR BATHS AND NAIL TRIMS. LET YOUR PET MEET OTHER BABIES BEFORE HAND SO THEY CAN GET AN IDEA OF THE NOISES AND NEED TO BE GENTLE (MOST DOGS WILL ACTUALLY BECOME PROTECTIVE OF THE BABY BECAUSE THEY CAN SENSE IT'S IMPORTANCE TO THE ADULTS AND IT'S INABILITY TO PROTECT ITSELF), YOU CAN ALSO TRY RECORDINGS OF BABY SOUNDS AND USING A PROP SUCH AS A BABY DOLL TO RETRAIN THE ANIMALS TO STAY OFF OF SURFACES WHERE THE BABY IS LIKELY TO BE, LIKE THE COUCH OR THE BBY BOUNCY SEAT. USE THE BABY'S NAME AROUND THE ANIMALS IF YOU HAVE ONE PICKED OUT. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, FOR CATS...IF THE CAT WILL NOT STAY OFF THE BABY'S FURNITURE, TRY DOUBLE STICK TAPE, THE CAT WILL HATE IT AND WILL EVENTUALLY STAY AWAY.
IT CAN BE DONE, I BROUGHT HOME A BABY TO TWO DOGS AND FOUR CATS AND WE ALL GOT ALONG GREAT.
INSTALLING THE CARSEAT PROPERLY
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH YOUR CARSEAT. THERE ARE, HOWEVER SOME GENERAL TIPS THAT RELATE TO ALL SEATS. IF THE SEAT IS REAR-FACING (AS IT SHOULD BE FOR NEWBORNS), RECLINE IT FIRST. MAKE SURE THE INTERNAL BELTS ARE FITTED PROPERLY TO ACCOMEDATE A BABY BEFORE YOU INSTALL THE SEAT. THREAD THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELT THROUGH THE PROPER BELT PATH ON THE SEAT AND BUCKLE IT. PULL THE SEAT BELT AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE THEN TUG ON THE SEAT TO MAKE SURE IT IS SECURE. YOU CAN ALSO SO TO ANY FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THE SEAT CHECKED FOR PROPER INSTALLATION OR REQUEST A CHECK AT THE HOSPITAL BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
FOR BEING SO LITTLE, WHY DO THEY NEED SO MUCH CRAP? HOW NOT TO OVERPACK
I MUST ADMIT THAT I GET A GOOD CHUCKLE OUT OF SEEING BRAND NEW PARENTS WHEN THEY ARE OUT AND ABOUT WITH THEIR LITTLE ONES WITH THEIR 2 TON DIAPER BAGS FLUNG OVER THEIR SHOULDERS . THESE BAGS ARE OVERFLOWING WITH EVERY SINGLE PURPOSE BABY PRODUCT YOU CAN THINK OF THAT YOU COULD POSSIBLY NEED. BOARD BOOKS THAT ARE TOO ADVANCED FOR THE BABY AND CAN'T EVEN BE USED AS CHEW TOYS YET; 15 DIAPERS FOR A TWO HOUR JOURNEY; A BLANKET, A SWEATER AND A JACKET IN THE MIDDLE OF MAY; ACTEMINIPHIN, IBUPROFEN, COLD MEDICINE, COUGH MEDICINE AND ORAGEL AND THE BABY ISN'T SICK OR TEETHING.
A DIAPER BAG DOESN'T NEED TO WEIGH 50 POUNDS OR BE SO PACKED FULL YOU CAN'T ZIP IT FOR YOU TO BE PREPARED FOR JUST ABOUT ANY SORT OF BABY RELATED DISASTER. BY PURCHASING A SMALLER BAG, FORCING YOU TO SCALE DOWN, USING MULTIPURPOSE PRODUCTS AND ONLY PACKING BUT NOT OVER PACKING THE BASICS, YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF SOME SERIOUS BACK PAIN AND ANNOYANCE.
DIAPERS - YOU ONLY NEED ONE DIAPER FOR EVERY TWO HOURS YOU WILL BE OUT PLUS ONE FOR EMERGENCIES (SUCH AS DIARHEA IN WHICH CASE YOU SHOULD BE HEADING HOME ANYWAY) SO A 5 HOUR TRIP ONLY NEEDS 3 TO 4 DIAPERS.
BABY WIPES - IN ONE OF THE MINI CASES THAT COME WITH THE LARGE PACKS OR A COOL CUSTOM CASE, YOU SHOULDN'T NEED ANYMORE THEN THAT IN YOUR AVERAGE TRIP.
BLANKET - BIG ENOUGH TO SWADDLE THE BABY BUT NO BIGGER IN A SOFT FABRIC. USE IF THE BABY GETS COLD, GETS OVER STIMULATED, TO BLOCK THE SUN OR AS AN IMPROPTU CHANGING PAD.
PREFOLD DIAPER - BURP CLOTH, BIB, EMERGENCY DIAPER, CHANGING PAD, WAS CLOTH, BUTT WIPE - EASILY THE MOST USEFUL ITEM IN THE BAG...A MUST!
BANDANA - BURP CLOTH, BIB, EMERGANCY DIAPER, CHANGING PAD, TO WRAP DIRTY DUDS, HEADBAND FOR MOM/DAD - EASILY THE SECOND MOST USEFUL ITEM, YOU'LL BE SURPRISED HOW MUCH YOU USE A BANDANA WHEN IT'S AVAILABLE.
ONESIE OR SLEEPER - DEPENDING ON THE SEASON AND CLIMATE, AS A CHANGE OF CLOTHES IF THE BABY HAS A BLOWOUT. IF YOU'RE OUT RUNNING ERRANDS, YOU DON'T NEED A COMPLETE WARDROBE CHANGE IN CASE OF A DIAPER ACCIDENT, JUST SOMETHING THAT WILL KEEP THE BABY COVERED AND COMFORTABLE UNTIL YOU GET HOME.
WATER/WATER BOTTLE - AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, FOR MIXING BOTTLES OF FORMULA OR TO REHYDRATE YOURSELF DURING BREASTFEEDING AND IN GENERAL.
MEDICINES - IBUPROFEN IS A BETTER CHOICE FOR TRAVEL BECAUSE IT IS A PAIN RELIEVER, A FEVER REDUCER AS WELL AS AN ANTI-INFLAMETORY. A DIAPER CREAM THAT YOU LIKE. TOOTH PAIN GEL ONLY IF THE BABY IS ACTUALLY TEETHING. ALLERGY DROPS OR TOPICAL CREAM INCASE OF A BUG BITE OR ENCOUNTER WITH AN ALLERGEN/IRRITANT. CARRYING THESE ITEMS IN A COORDINATING MAKEUP BAG IS AN ATTRACTIVE AND ORGANIZEDWAY TO TRANSPORT THEM THAT EVEN DAD SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE.
SNACKS - IF BABY IS OLD ENOUGH FOR FINGER FOODS, A SNACK CUP OR BAGGY OF SOMETHING SIMPLE THAT TAKES NO PREP TIME SUCH AS CHERRIOS IS ALL YOU SHOULD NEED. FOR A LONGER TRIP, TWO SNACKS IS MORE THEN ENOUGH. AFTER ALL, YOU DON'T WANT TO THROW OFF THEIR MEAL SCHEDULE ENTIRELY.
TOYS - ONE COMFORT ITEM THE BABY LOVES (BLANKET, STUFFED ANIMAL...) ONE OTHER TOY THAT IS ACTUALLY ON PAR WITH THE BABY'S AGE AND DEVELOPMENT.
PARENT STUFF - WHEN OUT WITH THE BABY, YOU REALLY DON'T NEED THAT MUCH STUFF FOR YOURSELF EITHER...LIP BALM (TINTED?), HAIR ELASTIC, KEYS, PHONE/PDA, WALLET, A SNACK AND YOU SHOULD BE GOOD TO GO. KEEP THESE IN A CERTAIN POCKET OR IN A DIFFERENT COORDINATING MAKEUP BAG SO YOU CAN FIND YOUR THINGS QUICKLY WHEN YOU NEED THEM.
CARABINER - WHEN ATTACHED TO THE STRAP OF YOUR BAG, THIS IS A PLACE FOR YOUR KEYS, AN EXTRA PACIFIER, A MINI-BOTTLE OF HAND SANITIZER SO THAT THEY DON'T SINK TO BOTTOM OF THE BAG AND ARE IN EASY REACH ALL THE TIME.
OF COURSE THERE ARE GOING TO THINGS SPECIFIC TO YOU AND YOUR KID(S) THAT YOU CANNOT BE WITHOUT BUT THESE ARE THE BASICS YOU REALLY NEED...EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST EXTRA (AND EXTRA WEIGHT). DON'T FORGET, IF YOU ARE DRIVING, YOU CAN LEAVE THINGS LIKE A SPARE OUTFIT, EMERGENCY CAN OF FORMULA/JARS OF FOOD, BAGGIES OF SNACKS, EXTRA ANYTHING CAN BE LEFT IN THE CAR AND RETRIEVED WHEN REALLY NEEDED. YOU'RE ALREADY HAULING AROUND A BABY , WHY ADD MORE TO BAG IF YOU DON'T REALLY NEED IT?!
SWADDLING
BABY'S ARE USED TO SOME PRETTY WEIRD CONDITIONS, COMPARITIVLY SPEAKING. THEY'RE USED TO THE DARK, TO MUFFLED SOUND, TO BEING UNDER WATER ALL THE TIME. THEY ARE ALSO USED TO YOUR CONSTANT HEARTBEAT, EATING THROUGH THEIR BELLIES NOT THEIR MOUTHS AND BEING HELD ALL THE TIME, WITH THEIR KNEES IN THEIR FACES.
BEING BORN IS A PRETTY EXTREME EXPERIENCE FOR ANY HEALTHY, FULLY DEVELOPED BABY. IT CAN BE DOWN RIGHT TRAUMATIZING FOR A PREMATURE BABY. OFTEN, ALONG WITH THEIR LUNGS BEING UNDERDEVELOPED, THEIR EYES ARE UNABLE TO HANDLE THE LIGHT OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD. THEY HAVE TO WEAR COTTON CLOTH BLINDERS AND LIVE IN INCUBATORS IN DARKENED ROOMS. THEY ALSO HAVE DIFFICULTY KEEPING A CONSTANT BODY TEMPERATURE. ONCE YOU ARE ABLE TO BRING YOUR TINY INFANT HOME, THERE IS ONE TRICK THAT IS GOING TO BE INVALUABLE TO YOU BOTH, THAT TRICK IS SWADDLING. BEING SWADDLED IS THE CLOSEST WE CAN COME TO MIMICING THE WOMB FOR BABY. IT KEEPS THEIR FLALING LIMBS TUCKED AND TIGHT AS WELL AS KEEPING THEM WARM.
LAY THE BLANKET AT AN ANGLE AND PLACE BABY'S HEAD AT THE TOP CORNER. TAKE THE SMALLEST CORNER AND FOLD IT OVER BABY.
TAKE THE BOTTOM CORNER AND FOLD IT UP AND OVER BABY.
TAKE THE LAST CORNER AND WRAP IT AROUND BABY, TUCKING IT UNDER.
DO THIS AS TIGHTLY AS YOU CAN, TUCKING BABY'S ARMS IN (UNLESS YOUR BABY REALLY PREFERS TO HAVE HIS ARMS OUT). ALL DONE. NOW YOU CAN HOLD HIM, FEED HIM, PUT HIM TO BED, WHATEVER IT IS YOU NEED TO DO.
(photos starring Chris and Sophia Arzaga)