The top 5 baby proofing products

Keeping your baby's safe is the most important thing for any mother. Most babies loves to crawl and get into everything, and keeping them away from all harmful products is very simple. Nowadays they have many product to help baby proof your house. One of the most popular brand is Safety 1st. Safety 1st provides all the essential to baby proofing your home. I have come up with a top 5 list of the most important products that a parent may need. Safety 1st is an expensive, I recommend purchase from reputable companies and whatever is the cheapest.

1.Baby Gates

Baby gates help keep your child from climbing up the stairs and falling they may also help blocking the kitchen when cooking or anywhere else you may deem dangerous for your child

2.Outlet Covers

Outlet covers are essentially a protective casing on plugs all over the house. They prevent children form getting electric shocks or having them stick something in the plugs that may cause them to get hurt

3.Door handle covers

These covers help you keep your child from being able to open doors to rooms that you may not want them to get into. The front door is another place you may want to use this cover on. This prevents the child from being able to go outside and depending on where you live, prevent them from getting to the main road and possibly cause them to get severely injured

4.Cupboard and Drawer locks

Kids like to open up cupboards and explore. Some of our cupboards or drawers have chemicals and or sharp objects that can hurt the child. Having those locks help prevent your child to ingest anything that can cause bodily harm or hurt them.

5. Toilet seat locks

The bathroom contains the most bacteria and kids love to put their hands in the toilet its the easiest thing to reach and in their perspective the most intriguing. By having a lock on the toilet it prevents them from getting their hand in there and kids are notorious for throwing various objects in the toilet which could cause a major plumbing problem.

Toys, Toys, Toys!

Keeping your child entertain is a challenge in itself. Finding educational toys that encourages learning and stimulates growth is what any parent wants for their child. With recalls occurring more frequently, how do parents know what their purchasing is safe? Even though the toys being imported into USA and Canada are heavily regulated, it is still the job of the parent to inspect the toys that they purchase. Reputable toy companies such as Toys R’ Us have weekly flyers that let you know when popular toys go on sale; but usually it would require a subscription.

Here are a few general guidelines:

• Toys with fabric and/ or stuffed should be labelled flame resistant and machine washable
• Try to avoid painted toys, but if purchased make sure the label states painted with lead free paint
• Is the toy suitable for the age of your child
• Toys should be bigger than the child’s mouth, especially if the child is under the age of 3
• The weight of the toy
• Is the toy well put together
• Are there sharp corners or edges
• Does the toy come with any ropes, plastic restraints, or cords
• The condition of the toys
• Children like colourful and noise making toys
• Try to avoid hand-me-down toys ( they may be filled with dust and other micro-organisms, or may not be up to today’s code)
Make sure to purchase toys from companies that you recognise and trust. If you still have doubts you can check out the Canadian Toy Testing Council. They test hundreds of toys and produce annual reports for the best and safe toys. All results are posted on their website.
Below are some websites to check out, make sure to do your research!
http://toy-testing.org/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2011/11/what-do-you-look-for-when-buying-toys.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/toys-jouets-eng.php


Happy Buying 

Registered Education Savings Plan

Children are our future, providing them with the necessary education is very important for their personal success. Education plays a huge roll in an individual’s success in life financially but it also costs a fortune for those paying for the education. In the past 10 years, tuition have skyrocketed in price and with every year the costs for college and universities seem to get higher and higher. We are fortunate to have many resources to help provide the best possible education for our children without having to pay an arm and a leg. One of these resources is RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). RESP is an education savings plan for your child to help pay for college and university tuition, the government will contribute 20% of what your monthly contribution is. A monthly installment up until the qualified age, (usually when the child turns 18) for post-secondary education provides parents with the flexibility needed for their children's education and ensuring financial support for tuition. Most RESP, financial investment companies and financial institutions provide a certain percentages of interest on the principal paid throughout the year which is what helps pay for the tuition and the principal is returned to the parents. Principal is the accumulated money given to the RESP over the years. Each company charges a managing fee, which comes out of the payments made, until the fees are covered. This means the monthly installments aren’t going towards the principal and gaining interest until all managing fees are paid, each year. Also, when selecting an RESP company, you can’t base your selection on their past history as the return on investment will not be the same. In Canada, the government is giving money away for parents that qualify for extra grant money. For eligible parents, you get an additional 20% on top of what the government is contributing to ensure you have enough money saved for your child’s future.

In my case, I decided to go with a financial investment company, Edward Jones. Another education fund company, Heritage approached me making me believe I wasn’t getting all the eligible government grants. So I switched companies, to only realise after I was locked in that I didn’t have any flexibility with Serena’s education fund; it is locked in for the next 18 years and that I was getting all eligible grants with the other company. Make sure to do your research, and don’t just get one opinion, get many. Choose the company that you feel comfortable with, and don’t let them intimidate you. It is your child, and their education savings is a priority.
If your family and friends wants to get your child a present, advise them money would be best and tell them why. You can have more than one RESP for your child. You can always get your child toys, and clothing, but their educational future can be costly as tuition fees keep rising.

Check out my fellow blogger, if you have an interest in where the tuition is today http://risingtuitionfees.blogspot.ca

Daycare Facilities and Nannies

The health and safety of your child is very important when looking for a daycare facility or nanny. As new parents, it is hard to entrust your child with anyone. Especially when you hear things like: child is abused or neglected on the news. It is important for your child to interact with other children their age to help stimulate growth and development. Most parents do not know where to start with regards to getting started in selecting a daycare.
Best way to get started is to consider all options, even if it’s not in your price range. This allows you 6to see the bigger picture before eliminating possible choices. In my case, I am still a college student and my daughter’s paternal grandfather is retired, so I don’t have to worry about daycare costs, right now. But I still had to go through the process, the fear. This option is not feasible to all new parents or single parents.

In the province of Ontario, eligible parents are eligible for daycare subsidy. This option varies in the region you reside in and perhaps the city or region you are looking for daycare services. To be eligible you require you recent tax year summary. This will allow the government to see if you qualify for this program. You would need to do your research with regards to the facility, and the cost. Each region has a comprised list of subsidized daycare facilities and home based day cares that have been approved by the ministry and offers subsidy. When I was pregnant, I was attending a school outside of the region I lived, it was recommended that I apply while I was still pregnant as a lot of students enroll their children at the daycare facilities at the college, unfortunately because the school is outside the limits of where I reside, I would not be eligible for subsidy. If this is the case for you, do your research to see if you may be eligible for other subsidies in other cities if you will be working or studying full-time in that city. Also keep in mind that because this is a government program that the wait times might be long, so apply early.
Who can apply:
• Child is under the age of 12
• Is in a licensed child care program
• Is a school aged child enrolled in a recreation program
• Is in a before and or after school program in a school that offers full day kindergarten.

Make sure to check out the facility. Things to look in a day care facility are:
• Cleanliness
• Happy, learning environment
• Each teacher is a certified in ECE
• Teacher to toddler/infant ratio ( usually 1:3)
• Parents being involved in their child’s progress
• Snacks are provided ( depending on the facility)
• Your overall feel of the facility and Teachers running the program

If subsidized daycare is not an option you feel comfortable with and you don’t have family that can help out, another option, if you can afford it is a nanny. This option allows parents to personally screen and hire the candidates; discuss rates; and the conditions (whether they will be live in or come over the days needed). This option is great if you want dedicated service for your child, not stating you wouldn’t receive that in a daycare facility but it would be more personalized towards your child. The only downsized it is considered a luxury and you would not be eligible for any subsidies.
The most important thing is your comfort level with whatever choice you make. You need to be comfortable with the environment that your child will be in; the care that will be given to your child; and the people or person watching your child. Your child is the most important person in your life, their unique and there will never be another one like him or her. Make sure you do your research as it will benefit both you and your child in the long run.

If you would like more information with regards to the province of Ontario child care subsidy please look at link:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/paying.html#subsidy

This information is very generalized and I would advised to look at your city's page for their subsidy information

Store Bought Food vs. Home Made

We live in a very busy world, where were constantly on the go. Moms these days are constantly juggling between going to school, work and raising their little ones. Healthy choices are always a concern for any new parent, but when your on the go what can you do? Grocery stores and super stores make it quite easy for parents on the go, to purchase bottled food for there growing little ones. With a variety of vegetables such as peas, carrots, sweet potatoes and a very reasonable price 60-80 cents per bottle, it allows mass purchasing at a given time. Parents who choose this route can ensure that their little one is getting the recommended amount of vegetable intake. To keep these products as fresh, companies such as Gerber and Heinz have to add preservatives to their product. How can you really know if its the type of food or the add-preservatives your baby may be allergic too? You really don't know! Snacks such as rice cakes/husks, rice puffs, and bottled fruit can be purchase. Just make sure to read the label and purchase stage appropriate foods for your little one, as choking is a big concern.

Not all moms are living the fast-paced life of juggling work or school and raise their child. Moms who have time may want to make their own baby foods. Ensuring that there are not any additional stuff added to the food they choose to introduce. There are many easy ways to puree and prepare baby food. Most people tend to boil the vegetables until they become a mushy state, and then strain it and put in in a blender or magic bullet to get it to the consistency they want. Foods prepared at home, tend to be bland, but you can jazz it up with just a little bit of butter. Fruits and meats can be prepared the same way. You can keep track of when you prepared the food, but I would recommend only to make a few servings at a time to avoid wasteful dumping.


In my case, I just found that was not enough time in the day to make my own food, and relied on purchasing bottled baby food. As Serena grew, her taste in the baby food declined as she was more interested in what I was eating. As she progressed, she ate fresh fruits daily, the only store bought items were her DHA yogurt( Stimulates brain development)rice puff snacks and baby cereal. She is 14 months now and eats whatever I or her grandparents cook. At this stage, it is very cost-efficient, but I still have to slowly introduce new foods just to make sure there is not an allergic reaction.
If you do choose to purchase bottle food, make sure you read the ingredients. Don't buy too much at one time, to avoid expiration, and watch to see if they go on sale, they will probably drop by 10 cents if theys do go on sale.


Happy Feeding :)

Organizing a Swap Party & Second-Hand Stores & Buying Clothes

Many young mothers and young parents struggle with daily expenditures such as food, diapers, baby essentials and most importantly clothes. By organizing a swap party young mothers can benefit from getting essentials from friends and families without spending any money. A swap party is when a group of young mothers and family members get together to swap clothing and baby essentials that they might not need anymore for their child but can be useful for those who are expecting or new moms. The party entitles everyone to get together and provide food and snacks prepared by those attending and bringing a whole bunch of things that they might not need anymore for their children. By providing one article they may swap for another essential from a group member. This is extremely beneficial and encouraged to many young parents to participate in to help them provide for their young families.

If swap parties are not your forte there are other resources you can use such as; Second hand stores. Although they require to spend money they are relatively inexpensive to shop at. You can generally find brand name items gently used for the fraction of the price at retail stores. They also buy gently use clothing (almost like a swap). I personally have bought many items from 2nd hand stores for my daughter Serena. Many things including; strollers, change tables, cribs, high chairs, car seat snuggles and age appropriate clothing.

If any of the two options are not your cup of tea you can just wait for retailers to put certain items of sale. The best time to buy clothing and other essentials are during off seasons for example; buy winter clothing for your tots during spring and summer and vice versa. Many retailers provide promotional coupons as well for certain child friendly products they just require you to sign up on their website.

Hope this helps :) keep smiling and buying

Disposable Diapers vs Cloth Diapers

When it comes to being a new mom, especially a young mom you have a lot of concerns for your little one. You want to provide the best for your child, but also being bombarded with everyone's opinions and advice. Every young mom wants to provide the world to their child and do it reasonably priced.

Whether one chooses disposable diapers instead of cloth is a very personal choice. A woman might choose disposable diapers instead of cloth because it is convenient; easily available; there are no extra loads of laundry; no additional laundry costs and, it can be disposed of with the weekly garbage collection. However it is also very costly. In addition to the diapers, the costs of the diaper genie, diaper genie refills and disposable wipes must also be considered. Eventually all this diaper garbage goes to a landfill and, the cost to the environment cannot be ignored since it takes years for these diapers to decompose.
On the other hand a woman might choose cloth diapers because her infant is allergic to all disposable diapers; cloth diapers are cheaper; less garbage is created; but you have to wash them yourselves.

When it comes to disposable diapers the market is monopolized by two large companies
Pampers- is a diaper brand that is the most widely known. It was introduced by Procter & Gamble back in 1961 and paved the way for a whole new category of baby products.
Huggies-is the second leading diaper brand and is a market innovator as well. Over the years, they have continuously evolved with new diaper products to meet the changing needs.

There are other brands of diapers, but in Canada most people buy either Pampers or Huggies.

Each brand of diapers have a wide aray of lines, that fit each stage of your childs growth. They come in BIG giant boxes or packages. Dispoable diapers are very pricey, if you subscribe to Pampers or Huggies as a memner you are able to order free manufacture coupons. Only catch is you can not use more than one coupon per transaction.

There are alot of great reptuable companies out their that provide cloth diapers at a reasonable price. A few sites are:
www.diapersupply.ca
www.happybabycompany.com

I would recommend if you are going to be going through this route to do your research.

Formula vs. Breast Milk

Formula:

Historically formula was designed as a source of nutrition for babies whose mothers were ill or had died; babies who were ill, premature or had a malformation of the oral cavity. Numerous factors influence a woman’s decision regarding her choice of infant feeding method. A woman might choose formula over breast feeding because of painful nursing due to cracked nipples; she has a health condition and the prescribed medication is not safe for baby; religious and cultural beliefs; she wants family members to help feed the baby; she received free samples of formula at the hospital; she lacks knowledge about breast feeding; she works outside the home and does not have a place to nurse her baby or pump milk and store it safely. However, choosing formula comes with a cost; on average the cost of infant formula during the first year of life is approximately $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the brand.

Breastfed:

The benefits of breast feeding are well documented; it is an excellent source of nutrition, antibodies in breast milk protects baby against ear infections, diarrhea and meningitis. Breast milk is easily digested by the digestive system of a newborn; it prevents allergies and is also cost-effective. A woman might choose breast feeding over formula since it is always fresh, convenient, sustainable, safe and free. In addition, breast-fed babies are healthier; this means fewer visits to the doctor and less time taken off work by the mother to care for a sick baby. Breast feeding is also beneficial to a new mother since it burns calories and helps the uterus shrink to its pre-pregnancy state.

In some cases, breast feeding is not an option. My daughter was unable to latch on, I tried pumping but barely any milk came out; I tried nipple shields and tubes; and breast feeding clinics but all unsuccessful. The hospital introduced formula to my baby while only being 2 days old. I found formula very conveinient as it was ready to go, but the cost was riddulous. I was spending $50 a case/week and for the brand of formula there wasn't any manufactures coupons. I would wait until Wal-Mart or another super store had it on sale and buy in bulk.

If you do choose to formula feed your child, determine if you can afford powdered or the ready to feed; and look onto the manufacture's website such as nestle to see if they do offer manufacture's co
upons.

Baby Has Arrived.. Now What

Congratulations! The most difficult part is over.. the Delivery.

Time to cut the umbilical cord...

You have just delivered your precious bundle of joy, and your wondering why the nurse or obstetrician has taken them to an examining table. This is normal, this is to ensure that your little one has no respiratory issues; to gather the weight and height, and to place a diaper on the baby. At this time they also place a plastic clamp on the remaining piece of the umbilical cord to keep it in place. It will change colour and fall off within the first 2 weeks. This process takes approximately 5-7 minutes and then they will swaddle your baby in a blanket, these blankets are just for use within the hospital. Once the nurse or doctor brings your little one back they will place him or her on the new mom's chest to establish bonding. This bond helps baby to connect to the mother in an intimate way as well as it starts the process of breast milk to start being produced and flowing.

First Time moms, tend to stay in the hospital more than 24 hours, as nurses want to show you how to cradle, feed, and bathe your little one. In some instances you might be there more than a few days if your baby has a condition called Jaundice.( It is not a serious condition, it is with regards to to the pigment of the child's skin, they may have a yellow-like pigment. It is easily correct using UV Light Therapy) There are other tests that are preformed such as hearing, and a few blood test. The blood test hurts the parents more than the child, as there is nothing they can do as they watch the doctors prick the heel of your child and squeeze the blood out.

The nurse will remind you to make an appointment to see either your family doctor/general practitioner or the pediatrician 2-3 days after the birth, to ensure they have baby's updated height and weight, and see how the baby is progressing. You will also be reminded to apply for the birth certificate, record of live birth, health card and social insurance card, this can be done online or the hospital will provide you with a paper version that must be filled out before departure of the hospital.

Now it is time to take the little one home, make sure you have a change of clothes as well as your baby must be placed in an infant car seat, with a 5 point harness and is properly secured or you will not be able to leave the hospital!
The next few days and weeks are crucial as both baby and new parents are in a learning phase. It is normal to make mistakes or not know what to do. Each parent is different, yes books and family may help but you need to do what is natural to you and your family.