Choosing Baby Names

Take Your Time
The worst thing you could do when choosing a baby name is to rush into it. Settling for second best may affect you and your child for a lifetime! Don't commit yourself to the first name that you fancy. Keep searching until you find a name that you are 110% happy with. And don't forget that you don't need to have a name for your baby before birth. Some parents have been known to wait 2 or 3 weeks before deciding on that perfect name.

cute? butwhat is my name ? moms... papa

What Does it Mean?
Some parents don't really care for the meaning of their baby's name, where as others base their decision solely around it. But, in our opinion a quick check couldn't hurt. Do you really want your big strong boy to have a name that means "pretty flower"? If you have a meaning in mind, but don't know what names contain that meaning, visit our baby names and meanings database.

Spelling
Try to make sure you don't choose a name that ends with the same letter that your last name begins with. This can sometimes make pronunciation a challenge. There are some exceptions to this rule, but in general it is best to keep it in mind when choosing a baby name. Try it for yourself and you'll see what we mean. Letters like "l" and "s" are especially bad.

Say it Out Loud

Twin? A lots of name?

Instead of referring to your unborn baby as he or she or "the baby", try using one of the names that you like for a week or so. Saying it out loud and using it in common sentences will give you a better idea of how much you really like the name. Don't forget, some names look great when written on paper, but sound terrible off the tongue.

Initials, Nicknames and Middle Names
There have been some embarrassing mistakes made when choosing baby names in the past. One of these is the uncanny chance of initials forming some undesirable abbreviation. 'I P Daily' is just one classic that springs to mind. Is what I'm trying to say is that you should always double check what the initials of your baby name choice are. Also think about possible nicknames that will be used to shorten your choice of baby name. You may love the name Robert, but hate the name Rob or Robby. When it's time for your child to start going to school, there is a 99.9% chance that he will be known as Rob or Robby instead of Robert.

This also applies to using a suffix. If you are going to name your child after yourself or your partner, such as John Edward Mitchell III, remember that you will probably end up referring to the child by its middle name to avoid confusion. Therefore it is also important to remember all of these things when choosing a middle name for your little one.

Above all these baby naming tips, choosing a baby name can be broken down into two parts. Baby naming tip number one: choose a name that you think your child will be happy with. Baby naming tip number two: choose a name that both parents are 110% happy with. Follow these two main rules and everyone will be happy. Best of luck to you!

By Sarah Mitchell

The Top Diaper Bags for Stylish and Savvy Moms

Forget bears and bunnies. Today's diaper bags are all about
mom and her needs: The need to be organized. The need to
feel stylish. The need to have daddy lug the thing around
once in awhile.

First, some general guidelines from veteran moms:

1. Always, always, always try it on first.

And if possible, stuff it with as much junk as you plan to
carry on a regular basis. This is the only way to tell if
it's everything fits, if it's too heavy, and if it will be
easy for you to carry.

2. When in doubt, make it black.

Yes, the new Kalencom Retro Tall Diaper Tote in pink poodles
is awfully cute ($39.90 at Oh BabyGift.com), but choose
this, and you don't have a prayer of getting your hubby to
carry it for you. Ever.

3. First functional, then fashionable.

It is wonderful that there are so many new designer diaper
bags out there. But cool doesn't cut it when you're in the
mall with a screaming baby, and you can't find the pacifier
because your diaper bag has no pockets or compartments.

What's New, What's Cool, What's Right For You

For the super-organized, highly-functional mom, check out:

1. The Lands End Do-It-All Diaper Bag ($29.50)

This bag is practical, well-designed and won't break the
bank. It has an extra long changing pad, an adjustable
strap and a "parent pocket" to hold your sunglasses, cell
phone and other grown-up stuff. (http://www.landsend.com)

2. The L.L. Bean Diaper bag ($36)

Roomy enough to carry everything you'll need, but not so big
that you'll feel like you're carrying a suitcase, the L.L.
Bean diaper bag is designed with function in mind. For
example, it has a large zippered front section with the key
clip, so you can easily find your keys. Even more neat: The
lining is in a contrasting fabric color to make it easy to
spot whatever you're looking for inside.
(http://www.llbean.com).

3.The Functionally Arranged Diaper Bag ($119.99)

This has to be one of the most innovative diaper bags I've
ever seen. It has a removable lightweight organizer insert
with compartments designed to carry diapers, bottles, etc.
It also has a place for keys, cell phone, wallet, etc., and
a strap that converts the bag from a shoulder bag to a
backpack. Plus, you can buy slipcovers in different
fabrics, so you can change the look of the bag without
having to buy a new one. (http://www.babyuniverse.com).

For the Cool Daddy

4. The Skip*Hop Duo Diaper Bag ($50)

What makes this messenger-style diaper bag cool is that it
can attach to the handlebars of a stroller, leaving you
precious storage space in the stroller basket. It has two
interior organizer pockets, a cell phone holder, pen holders
and two zippered pockets. It's a great diaper bag for dads,
because the style doesn't scream, "I'm a pocketbook!"
(http://www.babyuniverse.com).

5. The Diaper Dude Bag ($49.95)

Another sporty, messenger-style bag, the Diaper Dude bag
comes in several manly colors, including black, gray and
camouflage. It's designed to wear across your chest, so it
doesn't look like a purse. It has handy clips for keys, a
padded changing pad, three exterior pockets, and a removable
cell phone pouch. (http://www.babystyle.com).

For the Ultra Hip and Super Stylish

6. Carter's Diaper Bag tote ($9.98)

Stylish and affordable, the Carter's Diaper Bag tote has
plenty of room, but no special compartments. What's nice
about it is the sleek, microfiber styling, which makes it
look like a stylish tote, rather than a diaper bag.
Currently on sale for 50% off at Babycenter
(http://www.babycenter.com).

7. Amy Michelle diaper bags ($195-$225)

Amy Michelle makes two diaper bags: The Camellia and the
Jasmine. You'd never know these were diaper bags. They
just look like elegant black purses, yet they have many nice
features for moms, including internal and external bottle
pockets, a quick-release pacifier holder, an easy-to-find
key ring, cell phone holder, compartments for diapers,
wipes, etc., a removable wet bag and a large side pocket.
(http://www.amymichellebags.com)

8. The Pursonality Messenger Bag ($120)

Fun and sporty, the Pursonality Diaper Bag in Sugar and
Spice comes in a cotton candy color that will make you feel
like a star. And it's practical too. The fabric is stain-
resistant and easily wipes clean. You can convert it from a
shoulder bag to a backpack, and it's designed so you can
access all the pockets with one hand.
(http://www.diaperbags.com).

By Stephanie Gallagher

Cloth Diaper Your Baby - Beginner's Guide

Suitable to my baby?

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

- 2-3 dozens of cloth diapers, more for younger babies, less for older ones. We recommend trying out a few different styles before purchasing a large quantity of one style. From personal experience I prefer contour diapers for a younger baby:

snugglier fit,

no snaps or velcro strips to irritate tender skin,

as your baby grows, very adjustable contour diaper "grows" with him,

less bulky, especially on smaller babies.

Snap-ins and fitteds with lots of snaps for different size adjustments are good too, because they can fit a much wider weight range, meaning you will need less of them.

- diaper covers: 6-8 covers for newborn/infants, 4-6 covers for larger sizes.
- gentle wool wash with lanoline for wool diaper covers.
- 10-20 inserts or doublers, depending on which type of diaper you use.

Some diapers are so absorbent, that you won't need any doublers unless for overnight use or if your munchkin is a very heavy wetter. Doublers and soakers with fleecy top lining are better for overnight use because of that stay-dry feeling. Otherwise many babies would wake up during the night because of the cold and wet feeling to their skin. The quantity depends on individual preferences. I have about 10 soakers, which I use on Max at night for extra protection.

- diaper pail. Any large square or round plastic container with a tight lid will do.

- diaper pail liner. A water- and odor-proof bag for wet and soiled diapers. Make sure it fits well over your diaper pail.

- diapering accessories such as: 2-3 wet bags for travelling, flashable liners & cloth wipes .

HOW MUCH MONEY WOULD I NEED TO INVEST IN CLOTH DIAPERING?

It all depends on the type of diapers you choose. The average investment would be between $400 to $1200-$1400 incl. two extra laundry loads per week. Comparing this to over $2,000 in disposables for a two-year period you will save quite a bit of money, especially if you plan to cloth diaper your subsequent children too!

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO CHANGE MY BABY?

It is not recommended to leave your baby in wet diaper for over two hours due to increased risk of infection, so do check her often. At least every 1.5 to 2 hours. Due to the nature of cloth diapers, many cloth diapered babies are potty trained a lot sooner then the ones in disposable diapers.

HOW DO I WASH MY DIAPERS?

Keep your wet and soiled diapers in the diaper pail and wash them every 3-4 days, depending on how many you have on hand. Cloth diapers should be washed on hot cycle with any detergent that does not contain bleach or fabric softener. Add a couple of drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil to your detergent to boost the antibacterial properties.

DO I NEED TO WASH CLOTH DIAPERS PRIOR TO USE?

Yes, your cloths diapers need to be washed before use in order to reach their maximum absorption capacity. Wash in a full cycle, using hot water, and your non-bleach household detergent. Bleach is very harsh against your baby's skin and may damage the diaper's fibers and elastics, reducing its lifespan. Your cotton diapers and liners will arrive sort of stiff and flat, but will fluff up and soften wonderfully just after one wash!

HOW DO I GET THE STAINS OUT?

If your diapers got stained we recommend to hang wet diapers in the direct sun outside for a few hours to dry. You can also squirt it with a little lemon juice before the sunshine "treatment". The stubborn stain should come right out after this.

CLOTH VS. DISPOSABLES

Apart from the obvious environmental reasons, there are great economical and health reasons to why switching to cloth diapers is better for you and your baby.

It's a money saver. In two years from birth to potty training each baby needs an astonishing 6000 diaper changes. Choosing cloth can save you up to $2000! Even with extra laundry to do. The savings will be even bigger if a family chooses a more affordable cloth diapering option such as contour diapers or prefolds.

Disposable diapers are made with polyethylene and polypropylene plastic with bleached paper pulp, AGM (a gelling substance), petrolatum, sterile alcohol, cellulose tissue, elastic, and perfume. Many of the chemicals used in the production of disposable diapers are direct health hazards. Some scientific studies have linked disposable diapers and their harsh perfumes and toxic substances to the increase of asthma in small children. Now think about that your baby could spend at least two years of his life in those diapers and you will see the picture.

Cloth diapers, on the other hand are what they are - cloth. Organic cloth diapers are even better, because the fabric or yarn they are made of have never been treated with chemicals. We applaud you for considering cloth for your little one! Once you've tried it - you will never want to use disposable diapers again.
Enjoy!

Natallia. Organic Mom and Founder of Organic By Nature company
www.organicbynature.ca

Cute Bottom Babies Wear Baby Diaper Bloomers

By Joseph L Wilson

Childbirth is a happy occasion for any family. But after the baby shower it is time to start caring for the baby with all the constant and special attention it needs. Babies need pacifiers, milk bottles, baby wipes, milk formula, bibs, clothes, and of course diapers; the list just keeps going on and on. It becomes very hard to carry all of these around, but that is why we have the trusty diaper bag.

What diapers should my baby needs?

What the Best Diaper Bags Should Carry

The best diaper bags carry everything that mom needs to carry such as car keys and cell phones and what the baby needs while traveling. Diaper bags should have many compartments to hold specific baby items.

Diaper bags are part of every mom's normal life if she has a baby. It is just as important as your purse because the best diaper bags should carry everything you carry in your purse when you were not pregnant. No one would dare go out in the city without the proper essentials in the diaper bag because what if the baby throw up or went to the bathroom and you did not put diapers in the diaper bag.

New Moms and the Diaper Bag

If you are a new mom, it can be very hard to figure out everything that is supposed to go in the diaper bag. You do not want to forget anything necessary but you also do not want a diaper bag that weighs more than the baby otherwise it is like carrying two babies around. So I have made a list of what is essential to the baby that should be in a diaper bag and then you can add your personal items.

10 Essential Items to Put in Your Diaper Bag

1. Diapers - Make sure you have a lot! It is a good idea to keep an extra pack of diapers in the trunk of your car in case you ever happen to forget to put diapers in the diaper bag even though the word diaper is in that word.

2. Baby Wipes - Instead of a carrying a large bulky plastic container full of baby wipes around, just put some inside of a plastic Ziplock bag and also pack a nice cloth in case you happen to run out.

3. Bottles, Water, and Milk Formula - Bottles for the milk, water to mix the formula, and milk formula to use with the water to put in the bottle.

4. Pacifiers - One or two will do the trick

5. Diaper Cream - You never know when your baby will get a diaper rash

6. Blanket - There might not be time to run to the bathroom and you might just have to change the baby in the car and I am sure you would not want to make a mess in your car.

7. Clothes - Lots of them, just in case your baby likes to throw up a lot.

8. Bibs - Babies love to drool.

9. Ziplock Bags - To store dirty diapers in.

10. Toys - To keep the baby from crying.

Should I have a baby?

It's the biggest decision of your life, and could be the most fulfilling. Here are the major issues to consider as you work out whether it's time to become a parent.

Should I have a baby now or next year? What should i do?

Emotional

If you're feeling down, lonely or unloved, it's easy to think a baby will be the solution to your problems. Yes, a child may adore you unconditionally, but unless you feel good about yourself there's little chance you'll be able to meet their emotional needs in return.

You need to feel stable and fulfilled if you're going to provide a baby with a loving home. Don't be tempted to go for it as a means of filling an emotional hole. Also, be sure you feel able to talk openly about your feelings, preferably with the other potential parent of your child. Does he or she share your desire to become a parent? Is he or she prepared to make sacrifices as you are?

In addition, consider how you'd behave as a parent under pressure. Small children can behave appallingly at times, so you have to be absolutely sure you can keep your cool and not place them at risk of any kind of abuse. Of course, we learn many parenting skills by experience, but this is one issue where you have to know you won't lose it when the going gets tough.

I have a cute baby!

Domestic

What kind of environment can you offer a child? If you're still living at home, at war with your parents or squeezed in with little room to breathe, will a child be able to thrive as you hope? Yes, the local authorities will seek to house a single parent or young family, but this really shouldn't be a reason for having a baby. And if you are setting up a new home, can you afford to furnish it?

Financial

Babies aren't cheap and even with careful budgeting it can be a stretch for some parents. With commitment and carefuly planning, you will find a way to fund parenthood. Just be sure to think things through with a level head.

If you're at school or college right now, for example, a baby is likely to make a tough time much tougher. Are you prepared to make sacrifices with your education, even if you plan to return to it at a later date? Juggling parenthood with a career can be equally daunting, so consider what kind of support you'd receive from your employer. Will they offer any kind of maternity (or paternity) package, over and above your statutory allowance, and just how flexible will they be when you need to leave early to relieve your childminder?

I have two cute baby! thanks God.

Long term

A newborn baby doesn't take up much space, eat a great deal, or demand that you give it a lift to the shops. In time, however, you'll be faced with childcare considerations, sorting out schooling and out-of-school activities. Being a parent can be as rewarding as it is demanding, of course, but it's vital that you think beyond the super-cute bundle of joy that first springs to mind when you consider having a baby.

Need to talk things through?

Whatever questions you may have about parenthood, help and advice is always out there. Nobody can tell you whether or not to have a baby. It's your choice, after all, which is why it's good to be informed when making your decision. So speak to your GP or contact one of the organisations.