Monthly Archives: November 2014

Knowing Your Pumps – Electronic Vs. Manual

Knowing Your Pumps – Electronic Vs. Manual

Knowing Your Pumps – Electronic Vs. Manual

Breast pumps are a great invention because they allow you to still breastfeed your baby even when you do not have the time to always be physically present to do it. You can use your breast pump to collect breast milk as you have time, store the milk in your freezer and then grab it when you need to feed your baby, or a babysitter needs to feed him or her. You can defrost frozen breast milk in your refrigerator so that it is not left out in room temperature because it can spoil like any other type of milk.

What Are the Best Manual Breast Pumps?

Manual breast pumps are the most common because they are less expensive than the electric versions. Depending on the one you choose, you may need both hands or just one to effectively operate it. These pumps are slower than the electrical version, but they mimic a suckling infant, ensuring more comfort for you during the pumping process. These are also smaller than the electric ones, making it easier to carry your breast pump around when you have to go to work. The manual type is also ideal for work because they work very quietly.

Exploring the Medela Breast Pump

Mendela is a popular line of breast pumps that help busy moms to provide the best source of nutrition to their babies. There are several options, including those that are portable. These are ideal for women who work because you can easily take your pump to work and pump throughout the day without much hassle. There are different accessories, such and carrying bags and breast shields, for different size breasts, all of which help to further the convenience of breast pumping.

Keep Your Breast Pump Working Optimally

When it comes to keeping your breast pump working well, you need to perform some routine maintenance from time to time. You will find that this is very easy and it only takes a couple minutes in most cases. When you take care of your breast pump, it can last you through several children. Perform the following to maintain your breast pump:

a)     Regular cleaning: After each use, you should clean your breast pump and this is especially important for manual ones. After each pumping, remove and clean the breast shields.

b)    Replacement parts: On occasion, you may need to replace some of the small parts to keep your pump working flawlessly.

c)     Breast shields: You can order shields that fit with your breast size. This allows for more efficient pumping.

Breast pumps are the next best thing when it comes to breastfeeding. You are still able to provide your baby with the antibodies and nutrients of breast milk without the massive time commitment. This gives you some flexibility in your schedule and allows others to feed your baby. This is especially good for the baby’s father because it allows him to spend some time bonding with the baby during feeding sessions.

Knowing Your Pumps – Electronic Vs. Manual Credit Picture License: quinn.anya via photopin cc
Ameda Or Medela?

Ameda Or Medela?

Ameda Or Medela?

Your breast pump allows you to provide your baby with healthy breast milk even when you are not able to breastfeed him or her directly. This is ideal for women who work, attend school or have other responsibilities that take you away from your baby throughout the day. You can pump when you have time and store the breast milk in your freezer. There are special bags that you can buy that are sterile and they will keep your breast milk safe and healthy until it is time for your baby’s next meal.

Looking at the Ameda Breast Pump

Ameda breast pumps are hospital-grade, ensuring that you get the maximum amount of milk expressed without any discomfort. Breastfeeding experts and lactation professionals also provide the right training and information to help ensure you know how to use this breast pump. This pump helps to make breastfeeding your baby more convenient because you can collect breast milk when you have time and then store it safely for your baby to eat at meal times. This ensures that your baby always has what he or she needs.

There are manual and electric versions that you can choose from. This brand of breast pumps has many different features, including timers, portability, microprocessors and suction adjustments. There are also options where you can pump one breast at a time or you can pump both. Pumping both of your breasts simultaneously is best if you are short on time and you need to get as much milk as possible in a shorter period of time.

Exploring the Medela Breast Pump

Medela is a brand of breast pumps that offers several different styles, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs. These pumps use effective pumping technology, and there are breast shields to choose from. The brand states that the majority of all people will be able to use this pump through several children, saving you money since you will not have to buy a new one for each child. Periodically, you may have to replace the small parts to ensure that everything continues to function optimally, but these are inexpensive.

If you have a manual breast pump, you can use the pump for several years, but you will need to occasionally replace the o-rings. It helps to stimulate the natural rhythm of a baby nursing, using a two-phase technology. This helps to express the optimal amount of milk with each pumping session.

Before you buy a breast pump, you will find yourself reading many breast pump reviews and this is a good thing. You want to make sure that you are choosing one that will help you to best provide your baby with food and nutrition. Ameda and Medela are two of the most popular breast pumps on the market due to their ease of use and their reputation for being high in quality. They are also relatively affordable and you can quickly put them together so that there are no hassles when you need to feed your baby.

Ameda Or Medela Credit Picture License: reuvenim via photopin cc
Breastfeeding – The Strongest Bond

Breastfeeding – The Strongest Bond

Breastfeeding – The Strongest Bond

Breast is best is something you have surely heard at least once and this is because breast milk ensures optimal nutrition and antibodies for your baby. It also allows you to bond with your baby and the skin-to-skin contact that occurs during breastfeeding helps to promote comfort and feelings of safety for your baby. Since many women are very busy, they are not able to breastfeed exclusively, so they use breast pumps to ensure that their baby always has a constant supply of breast milk.

What is a Breast Pump?

A breast pump works to extract breast milk so that you can store it for later use for your baby. You can pour it into sterile bags and then freeze it until you need it for your baby. There are both manual and electric versions that you can choose from, based on your needs and preferences. It is safe to give your child breast milk that is extracted using a breast pump. Just make sure that the pump is always clean and sterile before you have a pumping session.

What to Look for in Breast Pump Reviews

When you are exploring the different breast pumps available, there are a few things to look at to ensure that you get the best one for your needs. Manual pumps are slower at extracting breast milk than electric ones, but you do not have to worry about batteries or a source of electricity to use it. Electric options work quickly, but they can be harder to clean since you cannot submerge the entire pump in water. Those who are short on time should use a double pump so that you get twice the milk in a shorter period of time.

Looking at Baby Monitors

Exploring baby monitors can seem daunting at first because there are so many options. Start by considering a television monitor or not. If you want to be able to see your baby, then a television monitor is best because then you can see and hear your baby. Some of the newer monitors that are available today have extended features, such as being Wi-Fi compatible, recording video and being smartphone compatible.

You also have the option to choose one that allows you to hear your baby and your baby to hear you. If you can soothe your baby with your voice, this is a good option.

Breast milk and baby monitors are two very basic things to help ensure that your baby is healthy, happy and safe. You can use a breast pump to ensure that there is always adequate breast milk for your baby, even when you are unable to physically breastfeed your baby because you are at work or somewhere else. A baby monitor allows you to keep a close eye on your baby at all times, even though you are unable to constantly be at his or her side. This monitor also helps you to know when your baby is hungry and ready for another serving of breast milk.

Breastfeeding – The Strongest Bond Credit Picture License: archangeldeb via photopin cc
Things To Look For When Buying A Travel Crib

Things To Look For When Buying A Travel Crib

Things To Look For When Buying A Travel Crib

Before you head out to purchase your next crib, you want to look at a crib buying guide so that you know exactly which features to look for and how to evaluate them. This essentially gives you a list of criteria that you can use to follow as you buy a crib. However, before you dive into this, you want to choose the type of crib you need, such as a portable crib or a convertible crib. Both of these are very different and they have different features, depending on the needs of you and your baby.

Looking at Portable Cribs

Portable cribs are lightweight and easy to carry with you when you are on the go. In some cases, parents use this type of crib as the sole crib for their child because it is easy to keep their children close to them at night. You can lie this type of crib on your bedroom floor next to your bed so that you can easily tend to your child throughout the night. This also helps to ensure that you always hear your child when he or she wakes up.

Portable cribs are very convenient, but since they are generally made of fabric, they do require some extra upkeep. Some people put a cover on them, or even just a basic blanket, to help prevent staining and to make it a lot easier to clean.

What Are Convertible Cribs?

Convertible cribs transform from a crib into a toddler bed, allowing you to save money and easily make the transition as your child gets older. These come in just about every color and style you could want, so you can easily match the crib to the chosen décor for your child’s room. When you turn the crib into a bed, you will be able to put a railing up so that your child does not roll out of the bed. After the transition, the bed is low to the ground, so this type of bed is very safe for a child who is just learning to sleep in a regular bed.

If your child is chewing on the railings when he or she is teething, there are some railing covers that you can put on so that the wood does not get ruined. You may also need to get new bedding to ensure that it fits for the newly transformed bed.

A travel crib can make traveling a lot more fun and comfortable for your baby. It will also be easier for you because you will be able to ensure that your baby gets adequate rest and naps on time. When a baby gets enough sleep, he or she is less likely to be crabby and start crying. These cribs are easy to transport and you can use them just about anywhere. You can also hold some of them on your lap if there is nowhere safe or practical to lie your child down.

Things To Look For When Buying A Travel Crib Credit Picture License: H is for Home via photopin cc
The Big Travel Crib Review

The Big Travel Crib Review

The Big Travel Crib Review

Travel cribs are becoming more popular as people’s lives become busier. You want your baby to be comfortable at all times, but you are unable to stay home where your child’s regular crib is. When you have a travel crib, you can take it with you, unfold it and then lie your baby down for naps and sleep. This is in addition to the stationary crib or the convertible crib that you have at home.

Best Cribs for Your Baby

The best crib for your baby is dependent on your lifestyle because there are convertible cribs, basic stationary cribs and portable cribs. A basic stationary crib is a crib that your baby grows out of and then transitions to a bed. A convertible crib becomes a bed and your child can use it until he or she is out of a toddler bed. Portable cribs are cribs that you can actually carry around with you so that your baby has a comfortable place to sleep at all times.

Guide to Finding a Good Crib

There are so many options today that finding a good crib can be completely overwhelming. Start by looking for a crib that is sturdy because your child will be in this crib for at least one to two years and you want it to last. If you want to use it even longer consider a convertible crib. This will allow you to convert your crib into a toddler bed as your child grows. Make sure that the convertible crib has a good railing so that your child does not roll out of bed. In most cases, you will have to upgrade the bedding to fit a toddler when you convert from crib to bed.

Choosing the Safest Cribs

Look at the slats on the railings and make sure that they are not far enough apart for your baby to squeeze between. If there is too much space between each slat, there is a chance that your baby could get stuck between them and this can lead to injury. Make sure that the bed has options that allow you to lower the mattress as your child grows so that he or she is unable to climb out and fall. Check all of the hardware and ensure that it is made of a durable metal, but the edges should be smooth to avoid injury.

To make a crib even safer, consider a crib bumper because this will provide some cushioning and prevent your baby from attempting to get between the slats of the railing. Avoid excessive pillows or blankets to prevent suffocation when your baby is in the crib.

After following all of the above steps and advice, make sure that the crib adheres to all national safety standards. You can check the crib model against the database to ensure that there are no recalls or other issues associated with its safety. You also want to make sure that your chosen crib has excellent safety ratings.

The Big Travel Crib Review Credit Picture License: w2scott via photopin cc
How to Prevent Dog Allergies

How to Prevent Dog Allergies

How to Prevent Dog Allergies

If you have allergies and you really want a dog, it is important to choose a hypoallergenic dog breed. With all of the dog breeds available, what dog breed should you choose if you want to avoid allergies? There are a lot of hypoallergenic dog breeds out there, but what can you do to help them remain hypoallergenic and avoid breakthrough allergy issues.

How do Dogs Cause Allergies?

Dogs cause allergies because they build up dander. Dander, in dogs, is similar to dandruff in humans. This dander holds in various particles that lead to allergic reactions in humans who are sensitive to them. So how can you prevent your dog from causing you and your family allergic reactions?

How do you keep your Dog from Spreading Allergens?

There are many different ways to keep your dog from spreading allergens. Each and every way that you can prevent your dog from spreading allergens involve reducing the amount of dander that your dog produces or expels into the air.

Regular Grooming

Grooming your dog on a regular basis ensures that there is no dander build up in their fur. When you do pet your dog, any dander that is in their hair gets released into the air. This loose floating dander is one of the main contributors to allergic reactions.

Regular Brushing

Brushing your dog outdoors on a regular basis is a great way to remove any excess dander that has built up in their fur. The dander is released outside, instead of in your home and can prevent allergic reactions.

For Serious Allergies

For someone with serious allergies to dogs, having your pet groomed on a regular basis by a professional groomer will prevent dander build up. Having your pet groomed by a professional will prevent you from coming into contact with their dander while grooming them.

Keep Your Dog’s Hair Short

For some people, the allergic reaction to their dog is caused by hair and not dander. If dander is the problem, it can be remedied by regular grooming. If your dog’s hair is the problem, keeping it as short as possible can prevent loose hair from building up and causing an allergic reaction.

Choosing a Professional Shampoo

Choosing a professional grade anti-dander shampoo is important if you want to avoid allergy flares associated with your dog. These shampoos, like anti-dandruff shampoos, prevent the buildup of flaky skin and allow you to have it removed at the groomer, instead of on your couch.

Choose a Hypoallergenic Dog

Choosing a dog breed that is considered hypoallergenic can greatly reduce the risk of your family developing allergies to your beloved pet. Dogs breeds like basset hounds, bichon fries, and Maltese will ensure less maintenance to maintain an allergy free environment.

Even though your dog is hypoallergenic, it is still recommended to have them groomed and brushed on a regular basis. They produce less allergens than the average dog breed, but they do still produce allergens that can cause your family to react.

How to Prevent Dog Allergies Credit Picture License: Nick Welles via photopin cc