When your expecting baby #2 – or 3 or 4 – it’s time to look further than your single stroller that you’ve relied so heavily on. Don’t worry though! Just because you may be moving on to a larger stroller doesn’t mean you’ll be finding yourself wedged in between public doors with a double stroller. There are many wonderful, hip strollers on the market that will keep your tots comfy, grow with your family and look complementing as you grace the streets.

Here are some of the best features to look for when choosing a double stroller:

Reclining Positions –  Baby may be ready for a nap, but your toddler is wide awake. Look for strollers that have two seats that can be reclined at different times. This keeps everyone comfortable without having to recline both seats.

Standing Options – If your toddler or preschooler loves to run around, but finds him or herself tired after awhile, opt for a stroller that allows him or her to stand in the back. More stroller companies are offering their own version of the original Sit and Stand, and it’s a great option for the older kids to be free, while hopping on the back of the stroller to sit or stand when they’re tired.

Infant Seat Capability – During the first year of baby’s life, he or she will be spending a lot of time in the infant carrier when out and about. Be sure that the double stroller you choose can accommodate a baby seat to make things hassle-free. Many infant carriers are compatible with front-to-back strollers, although they may not “lock” in as they’re supposed to, so use added caution and discretion.

Adapters - Since families are always growing and changing, some models of strollers are coming out with adapters. This allows parents to work with the base of the stroller and add various adapters over the years. Some of the adapters, for example, allow you to add a car seat or second seat. Cool!

Seat to Storage - When your child is capable of walking on his or her own and only your tot needs the stroller, what do you do with a double stroller? Continue using it of course! With sleek, contemporary designs, many of the newer strollers offer the second seat as a convenience, but it can either be removed or used as a handy storage compartment.

Image: babytravelsystem.biz

Preemies are so extra sweet and extra special, but there may be many concerns that arise for you as the parent.  One of those many concerns may be how much your preemie should be fed.  Some new moms still choose to breastfeed their babies even though they feel it may not be enough or may be too much.  Some mothers choose to simply bottle feed their preemies, but how much should a little one like a preemie consume in one feeding?  Here are some tips that I have found to be helpful and hopefully you also will find them helpful as you transition at home with your preemie.

Tips on how to bottle feed your preemie

You have probably figured out by now that bottle feeding is a major challenge for preemies because of the strength and energy that it takes.  Follow these tips suggested by Stacy Connerty over at eHow.com:

- Only begin feeding when you see signs that your little one is actually hungry.  When you see signs such as sucking their fingers, crying, etc., be sure to have the bottle handy to begin feeding your preemie.

- Give your preemie a brief taste of the formula or breast milk by putting a drop on your finger and placing it in her little mouth. Hopefully this will jumpstart her urge to feed.

- Try as much as possible to keep any air out of the bottle. We know this can be the cause of major gas in preemies and newborns.  Consider purchasing bottles that prevent gas.

- Burp your preemie as often as possible and allow her to rest in between feedings.

- Watch for signs that your little one is finished feeding.  Usually a good sign is a baby falling a sleep while feeding.

Every baby is different and only you as the parent know your baby better than anyone else.  Take the time to observe your baby’s every physical sign.  This will be helpful in determining what your preemie needs.

Source: eHow

Image: Preemie Prints

Remember the big, bulky high chairs that would take up too much space in the corner of a kitchen? Not anymore, as today’s high chairs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their space-saving properties allow them to take up little space, and some of the newest versions will even blend in well with stainless steel appliances!

Here’s what to look for in your new high chair that will maximize space and function, while giving your little one a cozy place to eat.

Removable Trays – The high chair should have a large removable tray that can be tossed in the dishwasher. This makes it easy to keep clean, and the size offers plenty of room for food and a few toys.

Reclining Positions – High chairs don’t have to be for eating anymore. Look for those that have added features, such as relaxing tunes and different chair settings that allow baby to relax. Some high chairs can even convert to a swing so baby can have his cake and eat it, too – in the terms of a snack and quick snooze that is!

Conversion Chairs – Spending the dough on a chair that your child will only use for a short time can be hard. So why not invest in something that will last a little longer? Conversion high chairs can convert from a standard high chair, to an infant booster, toddler booster and then a young child’s chair.

Swinging Trays – If you’re tired of the gliding trays that seem to get stuck all the time, opt for the contemporary swinging style. These trays lift up and swing open, so it doesn’t matter where you place them. In an effort to streamline the design, these chairs often come with an easy carry handle for portable use.

Easy Cleaning Properties – No one likes a dirty high chair – not even your messy baby. So look for streamlined designs that won’t allow food to get stuck in every groove. Also look for waterproof and tear-resistant materials if the high chair isn’t made from plastic.

Five-Point Harness – Five-point harnesses are commonplace in infant products, but not so much in toddler ones. Yet at the rate that kids grow into toddler products and the squirmy nature of their bodies, a five-point harness is never a bad idea. Look for high chairs that offer these harnesses in the toddler position as well.

Comfort – And finally, you want your little one to enjoy sitting and eating, so choose a seat that’s comfy for him or her. With reclining positions and a cushiony seat, you can find the optimal position for your little one at his or her stage of eating.

Image: highchairsforbabiesguide.com

Ahhh yes, garage sales. If you are like me, you probably enjoy garage sales, specifically ones that have mainly children’s items. Just recently I visited a garage sale that had what seemed like endless amounts of baby clothing ranging from preemie to older babies. If you think about it, babies do grow quickly, so it’s in our best interest to buy items that are as inexpensive as possible – if not free. (Gotta love those hand me downs, right?)  This recent garage sale was fabulous as the prices ranged from 25 cents to $1.00.  Can’t beat that!

If you are lucky, you can even find garage sale baby clothes that still have the price tags on them. Obviously this means that the original owner of the clothing never got around to those clothes and put them out for resale. After my babies were born, I was fortunate to buy a whole box of clothing at a garage sale that still had the price tags on them, and they were marked 25 cents to $1.00 an item. This also works out perfectly as you don’t have to worry about old stains on the clothes which, unfortunately, you have to watch out for since many people do put out their stain covered clothes. It’s definitely worth what I like to call “garage sale hopping” to get deals like this. Why pay an arm and a leg for baby clothes when they are going to outgrow them in just a few short weeks?

What do you think? Would you consider purchasing your baby clothes from a garage sale? Maybe you already do. Share your successful experiences with us, we would love to hear from you!

Image: m_bartosch

Although the standards for crib safety are always changing, many parents still use secondhand cribs from previous siblings or other children. After all, cribs are only used for a few short years, if that, so why spend the big bucks on a new one?

While it’s ideal to buy new because of the safety regulations, this isn’t always practical for families. And thanks to the Internet and resale websites, buying used cribs has never been easier. If you plan to buy a used crib, take these precautions to ensure the safe sleeping of your little one.

1. The crib should not have dropside rails. Although once popular, these cribs are being recalled all the time and are actually being banned in upcoming models.

2. The hardware should be secure. Make sure that the bolts are tightened and screws are secured into place. If anything looks loose or eroded, skip it.

3. The mattress should fit snuggly within the crib with no gaps. Kids are known for wrangling their way into tight spaces, so make sure this won’t happen with a tight fit.

4. The width between the crib slats should be 2 3/8 inches apart or less. This prevents kids from getting their head stuck through the posts, yet is large enough that arms and legs won’t become wedged between the bars.

5. Check the recall list. Before you settle for anything new, make sure the crib isn’t one of the millions that have been recalled. A quick search online will do the trick. If possible, get all the paperwork and see if there is an extended warranty.

Of course, buying new is always best, especially as higher standards are implemented into crib safety. A popular alternative are the convertible cribs, which can be converted into toddler and day beds for more use and economic value.

Image c/o: kalanicrib.info

For many parents, adding a baby to the home may feel like a new family is moving in. Between new furniture and oversized toys, you’ll soon find yourself limited on space. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to maximize space without compromising the look and function of the nursery.

First, make a plan for how you intend to arrange your baby’s nursery. You can do this online or by drawing a sketch on graph paper. This will serve as a guide when you shop for baby’s furniture. Prepare the space for your little one by cleaning out the room and closet.

Next, you’ll need to start shopping for baby’s furniture. Look for versatile pieces such as cribs with drawers underneath or combo dressers that have a changing table attached. Many cribs are convertible style, which means they can convert to toddler and day beds. These furniture choices are ideal, as they maximize the years your child can use them.

Remember that when it comes to furniture, it’s always best to start with the essentials. Although some furniture sets may appear attractive in price and design, your baby’s nursery may not be able to fit 4 or 5 pieces. Instead, start with the basic crib, changing table/dresser and rocking chair. Then you can add additional pieces if you choose such as an armoire or hutch.

The closet is another place you’ll have to tackle, as not only will it be storing your baby’s clothes, but blankets, swaddles and crib sheets. Purchase inexpensive bins and hanging shelves to place in the closet, which are great for storing these types of items. Shoe holders work great too.

For storing baby’s essentials such as Q-tips, cotton balls and nail clippers, use small clear containers or decorative mugs to place near the changing table. A small table is also ideal next to the rocking chair for feedings. Install two lights; a dim one over the feeding area and a brighter one for the center of the room.

Thanks to modern decorating, you can enjoy simple furniture and accessories that will keep the nursery looking clean and simple. Toys can be kept in wicker baskets and books placed on shelves.

With a little smart planning, your baby’s space, no matter how limited, can go a long way!

Image: thesweetestoccasion.com

Although simple in shape and design, nursing pillows are an important part to the success and comfort of breastfeeding. Friends and family may have recommendations, but ultimately, you’ll need a pillow that fits you and your needs. Keep our simple tips in mind when choosing a nursing pillow for you and your newborn.

A nursing pillow is important for the following reasons: It allows a comfortable position for the baby to nurse, prevents back pain in the mother and ultimately, encourages breastfeeding.

There are different types of nursing pillows on the market. One of the most popular is the U-shaped pillow that fits around the mother’s waist and puts baby in an optimal position. Moms love these pillows because they’re soft, portable and include washable slipcovers. And, these pillows double up for tummy time for baby.

Another option is a sturdy foam pillow that offers a more customized feel. These pillows form to the baby’s body and create a supportive place for baby to nurse. The advantage is that babies can be placed in a variety of positions, which is especially beneficial during the newborn stage. Included are straps that secure the pillow to the mother’s waist.

If you’re someone who is on-the-go a lot, you may benefit from an inflatable nursing pillow that has a removable cover and straps to secure the pillow. These portable pillows are especially useful, as they contain quick inflatable pumps and back-support pillows.

Image: womenhealthtips.net

There is something about pregnancy and your brain that just doesn’t go together. Often times, new moms are scared, confused and nervous when bringing baby home. Luckily, with today’s technology, mommies have a lot more ways to take the pressure off of themselves. These apps for your smart phone are extremely useful for new moms.

Baby Tracker:Diaper App Helps you track the amount of times baby has a dirty or wet diaper. Also allows you to add notes and track the color and consistency of baby’s bowels. ($1.00)

Total Baby For parents with multiple children, the Total Baby App is a great way to track doctor visits, vaccinations, charts and any other medical records you’d like to have at hand. ($8.00)

Flashlight No more stumbling around your baby’s nursery using the back light to your cellphone. This is a free app that instantly turns your cellphone into a flashlight.

Mommy’s Little Helper:Baby Monitor This acts like a traditional baby monitor. You simply place the phone by your baby and when the app detects any sound, it will automatically call whichever phone number you’ve entered. ($5.00)

NikeWomen Training Club helps you get back that hot body you had before the baby. This app is totally free and helps with beginner level exercises.

Baby Tracker:Nursing App Works the same way as the diaper tracker, only this app is used to track how many times, when, and how much your baby nurses. ($5.00)

QuadCamera This app allows you to take multiple snapshots at a time, helping you capture those cute candid moments and even first smiles!

Image c/o Sagarrai.com

All while carrying your precious baby in your belly, you have been advised and encouraged about breastfeeding.  Because it sounds wonderful and the benefits are amazing, you make the decision to do it before your baby is even born.  This is great news.  Of course it is easier said than done for a lot of new moms.  I remember being on board with the decision, thinking it was going to be a breeze and absolute bliss.  Boy was I wrong!

The first few days of breastfeeding I became so discouraged I wanted to give up.  My milk wasn’t coming in as fast as I would have liked it to and my sweet baby wasn’t latching on very easily.  I felt alone and like I couldn’t do it and just thought it would be easier to simply bottle feed.  A friend of mine who nursed 4 of her children gave me endless tips and encouragement.  Finally, it became very easy and was a joy.  The key is to not give up.  Here are some of those tips that I learned and used on all my babies:

Breastfeeding Tips

• It’s important to make yourself as comfortable as possible before breastfeeding.  If you are uncomfortable, then it will become difficult to achieve the proper milk flow and your baby will sense you are not comfortable and will also become uncomfortable.
• After you achieve your comfortable place of nursing, make sure your baby is latching on correctly.  You want his mouth to be completely covering the nipple and areola.  If you hear a gulping sound, it is working swimmingly!
• Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.  I learned that water helps with your milk supply!
• Refrain from pacifiers or bottles for at least the first month of breastfeeding.  You want your newborn or preemie to adjust to one nipple – your own.
• There are special lotions you can apply to your nipples since they can become cracked, raw and sometimes bleed.  Taking care of yourself will help everything become easier than you could have imagined.
• Hang in there for at least 6 weeks.  If it doesn’t become better after those six weeks, consider another method, but at least try pumping before giving up altogether.

After breastfeeding became easy for the first three months, I was very frustrated! Why?  My sweet babies, all three of them (different ages), decided to completely stop at three months.  Strange isn’t it?  They preferred bottles after that, so I pumped my milk for 6 months and gave it to them in the bottle.  At least they were still getting the best milk a mom could ever give them, mother’s milk! 

So, hang in there!  You can do it!  You are never alone in the breastfeeding world.  You can always talk to a friend or a family member who is experienced or search for online support groups.  There are even books that make it so much easier.

If you have any breastfeeding tips that worked for you that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you!

Image: Wikimedia Commons