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Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his or her first Birthday Party? Then you need to come up with interesting ideas for party games and activities. It’s not a problem to entertain one child, but if your guests are brining their babies too, then you better plan party activities in advance. Here are some ideas of the games to play during the party.

Rubber Ducky Bathtime

This little washing game will delight the children and parents with its emphasis on good, clean washing fun! All you need is a rubber ducky and a washcloth for each child, a washing basin, bars of soap and either some flour, breadcrumbs, syrup or molasses. Before the party take out the rubber ducks and make them look as dirty as possible. Dip them in molasses or corn syrup and roll them in flour, cereal, breadcrumbs, or whatever you’ve got (you get the picture). Store them in a tray in the freezer. Once the children are ready, round them to come around the washbasin and give the rubber ducks a bath. Pass them out on a tray and put each child to work (help them out, of course, if they need it). Once they’ve cleaned their ducks they each get to take their clean ducky home with them!

Animals and the Sounds They Make

Gather up an eclectic mix of stuffed animals, plastic animal toys or animal puppets into a toy basket. With each animal, hold up the toy and ask the children, “What’s this?” and “What kind of noise does this animal make?” Go through all the animals at least once. Soon the children will be meowing and bowing and hissing and mooing in unison. Let the children play with the soft animal toys afterwards!

Bubble Popping Contest

Use either a bubble machine or get someone to blow bubbles so the children can catch and pop them by clapping their hands. If you have a cat that’s safe around small children, you may want to let him or her join in! Put on some fun music and let the popping begin!

Sandbox

If you have a sand pit, hide toys (small trucks are ideal!) and sweets in plastic containers and have the kids dig for them. They can go one at a time for say a minute each and keep what they can find and place in the bucket (but make sure you have enough to go round if clever diggers uncover most of the goodies early on!) If you have no sandpit, you can fill a large box or paddling pool with sand instead for the day.

It’s a Story Time

Gather the children around for a cozy story time or, if you’re feeling creative, coordinate a puppet show for the kids. Use bought or homemade sock puppets or your child’s toys, and try to get at least one other person to help out. Hang a portable coat rack with a red blanket or curtain as a partition and stage the puppet play just above it. Sure to capture the awe and giggles of the children! Narrate and act out one of your child’s favorite educational storybooks. Remember to read with lots of expression to keep them enchanted!

See other First Birthday Party Ideas including games, party decoration tips, and free printable invitations.

About the Author: Oleg Khasimkhanov is a father of two loving children. He thinks kids are our future and we should constantly learn how to contribute to their development. He was amazed when discovered that building a themed website is a great way to learn and share knowledge at the same time. Look at his website about Ideas for Kids Birthday Parties.

You are at the end of your rope. You have tried everything under the sun to soothe your little one who is still crying non-stop. Your pediatrician gave you the diagnoses of colic and told you the condition would pass. But they have no recommendations for any type of medication. You have talked with friends that have had babies with Colic and tried all of their suggestions, but you are still staying up at night and becoming more frustrated because you can not help your new born baby.

There are a few home remedies that have proven to help babies with colic. All of these are herbs and before using them you should talk with your baby’s physician.

1.) Bryonia alba will help if your baby is irritable and shows signs of constipation.

2.) Chamomilla helps when your baby is cranky and will not stop crying. This soothes the baby that wants held constantly.

3.) Colocynthis should be used for infants with severe colic. If your baby curls up in a ball and seems to be in pain, this is the best herb for relieving the pain.

4.) Magnesia phosphorica works great also if your little one shows any sign of relieve when you place something warm on their tummy such as a hot water bottle.

Pulsatilla is also good for irritable and cranky babies.

You can purchase some colic drops from your local grocery or retail store. These drops do work and will help your little sleep peacefully and you can find these them in the pharmacy area of most grocery stores. You can also speak with the pharmacist and he can recommend which drops are better.

Remember, before you use any type of herb or medication you should consult with your baby’s physician.

Taking turns caring for a colicky baby may also help not just your sanity, but also can soothe your baby. Each parent holds the little one in their special way and can comfort them differently.

Jason Rickard is the owner of http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs

Confused by the phrase ‘Long and Lean’ following Baby Clothes? Well, this article works both ways to reduce the confusion of those online baby cloth hunters. And surprisingly, most of the optimized searches will disappoint you if you are either searching clothes meant for your long and lean babies, or clothes to make your baby look long and lean! Confusing, right?

For those who have been thinking that buying a baby’s cloth is just a child’s play, note that baby clothes have their whole of rules. And as they begin their growth, you will realize that your baby should be understood in terms of their growth and gender in order to meet their needs. Let us take a peek into what makes these criteria a must for those parents shopping for baby clothes.

The Long and the Lean

It is believed that the condition of birth determines what a child will look like when it grows up. But there is no way to predict exactly the rate of their growth. However, recent studies have claimed that heavy babies tend to grow up fat and long babies tend to grow up tall. But this may be contestable.

Sizing a baby’s clothing: the Long and the Lean

Parents might be often asking: “What do I need to buy for my lean or fat baby?” Though a baby’s clothes comes in sizes shown by months, as in 0-3 months, this question calls in for a different set of solution. How do you know that this is a standard? There are four fundamental flaws in this standard:

1. The sizes of babies vary enormously. And the manufacturers might claim that a particular size is the standard of your baby’s age group.

2. The growth of babies varies, ranging from slow to rapid. And some babies might be double the size of their same age group.

3. The shape also varies. Some children might outgrow their clothes; clothes made for round babies might stop snapping at the crotch well before they hit their supposed limit.

4. Different manufacturers have their own specific standards. This considerably confuses parents while buying clothes for their babies.

So what do we do? Does one need to buy by weight, or size, or age group? A baby’s age stage is the most confusing stage indeed! And, parents will be likely to keep buying clothes to keep up with the alterations in the baby’s growth - size, weight, length, and shape.

The best advice is not to buy very expensive clothes for this stage. You will not be able to keep up with the speed a baby soils the clothes. However, ensure that the clothes are friendly with your child.

And remember that we cannot help the fluctuations in a baby’s growth; while searching clothes for your long and lean baby, or clothes to make your baby look long and lean, just be patient. We all have been through it as babies!

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Voices!

So many voices crying out for adherence and so many people confused about values, virtues and life.

What voices are calling out to you and what voices are you listening to?

My daughter is just now enjoying her first year in life. As I listen to the voices calling out to young ladies these days, I can’t help but wonder what the popular trend will be when she has to decide which voices she will lend an ear to.

As she enters young adulthood, I hope this is what she finds.

I hope the popular trend of the day is a video craze called, “Girls Gone MILD!”

No, that’s not a misprint!

I hope it is popular because it depicts women in the following ways:

* As more than full-of-brandy eye candy and toys-for-boys
* As pillars in the community instead of pillows for the community
* As being more concerned about innocence lost than being “not that innocent”
* As valuing their bodies and it shows by how they use them instead of showing them using their bodies to be valued
* As valuing being wanted for a lifetime of nights and not just a night of a lifetime

* As adhering to the belief in moral decency instead of the belief that it is indecent to be moral
* As being applauded more for lifting their skills to the world than lifting their skirts

High hopes, you say!

Yes, maybe high hopes, maybe wishful thinking, or maybe I’m just adding my voice to the mix.

(C)Copyright advice-for-lifetime-relationships.com by Stanley J. Leffew
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Stanley J. Leffew is the Author of, “How To Be Wanted For A Lifetime of Nights and Not Just a Night of a Lifetime”. His website is based on this same theme. Find out for yourself why feeding desire and leading-with-the-body in life and relationships fails to satisfy the longing of the human heart to connect by visiting http://advice-for-lifetime-relationships.com.

Pregnancy Discharge

It is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is best to discuss with a midwife or other health care professional the nature of the discharge in case of problems. The root causes behind vaginal discharge in pregnant women are the same as the causes in those who are not pregnant.
These causes are:

• Hormonal activity,

• Infection,

• Non-infective irritation,

• Cervical ectropion (cervical erosion)

Hormonal Activity

It is quite normal for increased hormonal activity to lead to an increase in normal vaginal emissions. Clear or whitish mucous based discharge known as Leukorrhea, which is non irritant and mild smelling, can increase substantially while pregnant. Panty liners can be used to control these increased emissions, but tampons and douching are not advised as they can cause problems.

Infection

Discharges that are smelly, discoloured, irritant or bloodstained need to be assessed for infection. This will probably involve the use of swabs in order to find out the type or types of infection suspected.
The two most common infections are:

• Candidiasis (thrush)

• Bacterial vaginosis

Candidiasis

Commonly known as thrush or yeast infection, emissions from candidiasis are characterised as being whitish or whitish grey in colour, having a lumpy consistency similar to cottage cheese and a yeasty smell like beer or baking bread. These infections occur when the yeast organisms, which are always present, are affected by certain conditions, including pregnancy, and become out of balance with the other natural micro organisms. For the treatment of thrush, various home remedies are said to work quite well. Ingestion or direct application of yoghurt will help to kill the yeast organisms as it contains lactobacillus which is a probiotic or “friendly bacteria”. The use of garlic and boric acid are also said to be effective. Various prescription antifungal drugs exist to treat candidiasis:

• Clotrimazole (e.g. Canesten) whilst no adequate tests have been performed on pregnant women (as is common with most drugs), no adverse effects on the foetuses of pregnant animals have been found in tests.

• Nystatin (e.g. Mikostat, Mycostatin oral and Restatin) has a similar safety status to the above.

• Fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan, Flucand and Flucoheal) also has not been adequately tested on pregnant women.Tests on animals do indicate adverse effects and toxicity on foetuses but the drug could be prescribed if the benefits were thought to outweigh any potential dangers.

• Ketoconazole (e.g. Nizoral creams and shampoos) has a similar safety status to the above.

Other drugs are used in more severe cases, usually in hospitals.
Sugar intake is a factor that affects yeast infections, and it is sometimes recommended that cutting back on refined sugars is a good idea.

Bacterial Vaginosis

This condition is also related to the balance of micro organisms present in the vagina, and is characterised by watery non irritant discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell. BV is thought to increase the risk of premature labour threefold, so it is especially important that it is treated. Antibiotics like metronidazole (e.g. Anazol and Elyzol) are used to treat BV. This drug although not adequately tested on pregnant women, has not been found to indicate any risks to animal foetuses in studies

Other Infections

Trichomoniasis is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. Symptoms include soreness and a greenish yellow or grey discharge that is foul smelling. It can affect both sexes, therefore partners must also be treated to avoid passing it back and forth. Treatment is usually by prescribed antibiotics.

Chlamydia is also sexually transmitted and sometimes results in discharge. It is more common to have light bleeding especially after intercourse and sometimes pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal region.

Always consult a midwife, doctor or health visitor if you suspect an infection before attempting any course of action.

Non Infective Irritations

Non infective irritation, or non infective vaginitis, is fairly self explanatory. The symptoms are irritation, itching and sometimes vaginal discharge without there being any infection. Causes of this condition can be:

• Reaction to toiletries, vaginal deodorants, fabric softeners etc,

• Wearing tights, exercise pants etc,

• Sweating,

• Wearing a wet bathing suit,

• Sexual activity.

Treatments for this condition should be discussed with a doctor. Precautionary measures include:

• Wearing cotton underwear

• Cleaning the vaginal area from front to back to avoid contamination

• Not wearing too constrictive clothing around vaginal area

• Not scratching

• Avoiding that which may trigger reaction, vaginal deodorants etc.

Cervical Ectropion (Cervical erosion)

This is a fairly common condition during pregnancy as it is affected by changes in hormones. It involves a shifting of a delicate membrane in the cervix area which contains mucus producing glands. This in turn can lead to vaginal discharge of a mucous like nature and also some light bleeding which is painless.

The Mucus Plug

The mucus plug is like a gel sealant inside the cervix which protects the foetus from infection by sealing the mouth of the uterus. Expulsion of the mucus plug is also sometimes called “bloody show”. The mucous discharge is usually brownish yellow, sometimes pinkish in colour.
Along with a general increase and thickening of discharge that may occur as the pregnancy nears labour, there can be quite a lot of mucous when the mucous plug loosens, which can be a sign that labour is imminent. Although it could be a matter of hours, days or even weeks until the cervix becomes fully dilated.

Bleeding in Pregnancy

There are many reasons why vaginal bleeding may happen during pregnancy. Some of these reasons have already been covered. It is not unheard of for women to experience some bleeding during early pregnancy around the time they would normally have their menstrual cycle. In some cases this can continue throughout the pregnancy. There can also be some bleeding in the very early stages of pregnancy at the implantation stage of the fertilized egg. Bleeding can also occur later on due to the placenta embedding itself in the lining of the uterus.

Bleeding in early Pregnancy

Other reasons why bleeding could occur in the first trimester are threatened miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. In the case of threatened miscarriage, bleeding can be brown spotting, blood stained discharge or bright red bleeding. There could also be abdominal pain. A midwife or doctor should be consulted if there is any vaginal bleeding.
The highest time of risk for miscarriages is immediately after implantation. It is estimated that 50% of all fertilized eggs fail to remain in place. This results in many unnoticed miscarriages as the eggs simply come away with normal or slightly delayed periods. It is thought that 80% of all miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, often around the times when the monthly cycle should be.

Ectopic pregnancy is where the embryo is implanted outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube. This is a potentially very dangerous condition which could lead to haemorrhaging if not diagnosed in time. Abdominal pain, caused as the tube becomes distended, tends to happen around the second month of pregnancy, and vaginal bleeding is often also present. A scan will be taken to confirm any diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancy.

Bleeding in later stages of Pregnancy

Any bleeding that takes place after 28 weeks is known as ante-partum haemorrhage and could be caused by one of two potentially serious conditions.

Placenta praevia occurs when a low lying placenta blocks the entrance to the cervix. This complication affects approximately 0.5% of pregnancies. Women who are at greater risk of placenta praevia include those who have had caesarean delivery or an abortion.

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta comes away from the wall of the womb. This occurs in about 1% of pregnant women. A major factor in this complication is maternal hypertension.

If bleeding suddenly occurs in the late stages of pregnancy, the women should lie down and arrangements should be made to immediately get her to hospital.

Zac trained as a sonographer at Leeds in 1996. He worked at Pinderfields hospital Wakefield, Queens Park Hospital Blackburn, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Liverpool Womens Hospital as a sonographer before joining General Elecctric as an ultrasound applications specialist. In this role Zac travelled throughout the north of England demonstrating and teaching the latest ultrasound techniques to sonographers and doctors in obstetrics and general ultrasound. It was with his time at GE healthcare that Zac was introduced to the Voluson 730. It is the class leader in 3d/4d technology and as such the only choice for Inner-Vision. Zac has lectured to ultrasound students at the universities of Liverpool, Leeds and Lancaster

There are many types of car seats available on the market today. In order to be able to make an informed decision it is best to check out car seat manufacturers. You can also check any consumer guide for information on recalls, seats that have been crash tested, the best type of restraint systems for your child. Before that even starts be aware of the fact that there are many types of car seats. The choice you make will be based on your prior research and your child’s needs. A note of caution: before you purchase a car seat check the manufacture’s recommendations and be sure the seat is compatible with your vehicle.

One type of car seat is the infant only car seat. This seat comes with a detachable base, comes with higher weight and height limits, harness slots that will help to change the seat from rear facing to front facing. The multiple slots can be adjusted to fit your baby. They also have handles that can be folded down while the child is in the car. They can be raised to make carrying your baby easier.

Convertible car seats are bigger and heavier and may not be appropriate for some newborns. The reclining position and ease of adjusting the harness are important assets. A convertible seat can be used rear facing for most newborns and front facing for older babies over twenty pounds. The American Pediatric Association recommends a child stay rear facing until s/he reaches the maximum weight and height listed by the manufacturer. The straps and are adjustable to a child’s size, the seat should be moved to the proper position for the weight and height of your baby. The seat belt should be threaded through the seat belt path.

Forward facing seats cannot be used in the rear facing position. They are only for children over a year old and over twenty pounds. They can be used with either a lap only or lap/shoulder belt system.

Combination seats also cannot be used in the rear facing position and are also only for babies over a year and over twenty pounds. It has an internal harness for children whose weight is between forty and fifty pounds. It can convert to a belt position booster seat by removing the harness for larger children. They can be used with lap only or lap/shoulder belts.

Booster seats come in different types. Some come with shield boosters that are padded bars that lock into position much like the handlebars on carnival rides. There are booster seats that come with a high back to support your child as s/he rides in a car. Some booster car seats are built into vans and some cars. Check with your vehicle manufacturer to be sure the seat will accommodate your child’s size. There are travel vests that attach to the seats with lap only belts.

Now that you know the types of car seats, there are things that must be considered in order to ensure the safety of your baby. Is the seat safe? How did it fare in crash testing? Is the restraint system easy to manipulate? If they are difficult to buckle your child in or remove him from the seat your child’s safety could be compromised. In an accident, a sudden stop, or quick swerve will the seat hold your child? If the seat moves in any way in these situations your baby could be at risk. The car seat should attach snugly to the seat if properly installed. With seats that have multiple belt slots to accommodate your child be sure you use the right one. The belt should be at your child’s shoulder level or just above.

Most newer car seats come with the LATCH (lower anchor and tethers for children) system. Installation is supposed to be easier but they are difficult to use and are not always safe. Parents complain that upon installing seats with this system there is too much slack, the seats have a tendency to move or slide out of position. In an emergency situation this could have seriously disastrous results. A company has created a tool called Mighty Tite that is used to pull in the slack and it has been safety tested and is recommended.

As previously stated check consumer guides and online sites for recalls. This is especially important if you have a used car seat. If you purchase your seat second-hand you need to inspect it thoroughly. Check that all belts and buckles are in good shape and working as recommended. Make sure the belts aren’t frayed or the buckles cracked. Check the frame for any breaks or gaps that your little one could get fingers stuck in or that are sharp. If you find such things don’t use the seat until you can get it repaired or replaced. If the seat comes with removable covers it is suggested that you remove them and wash them well. If it doesn’t have cloth covering you might want to buy some. A vinyl seat, could in the summer, burn your little one’s tender skin. In a desperate attempt to remedy this when my own child was an infant, I found a large towel and cut holes in it and place it on the seat so that anywhere my son’s skin would meet the seat, it was protected at least with the towel. If you are really creative you could make your own.

Be practical in purchasing your car seat. If you have an infant buy a seat that will convert to a front facing seat as your child grows. Infant seats also come with a base that remains installed while you are able to remove a sleeping child from the car without disturbing him too much. Some such infant seats can also attach to a stroller frame. This multi-use seat is practical and will save all the bending and unbuckling and buckling of seat belts and then stroller belts. The internal harness keeps your child appropriately restrained.

Let’s go over some important considerations in purchasing car seats. Keep in mind compatibility with your vehicle’s specifications. Check for recalls and safety testing- how did the seat fare in these situations? Is it the proper seat for the size of your child? Can the seat be converted from a rear and front facing seat - it is more economical to buy a convertible seat. Is the installation easy or does the seat seem to move around in the belt system? There is a tool called Mighty Tite that can take up any slack and make the seat secure in its position, thus enhancing your baby’s safety. Choose carefully and choose wisely, you are carrying very precious cargo.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for parents and consumers on purchasing a variety of
baby products which includes
baby crib bedding,
strollers,
and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information