Baby Girl Name That Begins With An ‘A’: SOS Mom
This week, we had a really cute query on the SOS Mom forum. Mum Devangi Khandelwal is looking for a delightful name for a baby girl starting with ‘A’. Needless to say, our SOS Mom mommies just dived in with joy 🙂
We loved most of the names, especially the ones that also came with a meaning! As Devangi clarified later, the name is for a friend who is expecting a baby girl soon. Devangi’s little princess is called Aadya.
The A-list:
- Avanthika
- Ananya
- Anaswara
- Ayra
- Aayushi
- Aanya (means grace and splendour)
- Arushi
- Anwesha
- Astha
- Aashima
- Aashika
- Aarna
- Aadya
- Aashna
- Anukriti
- Aahana
- Aleeza
- Aisha
- Anushka
- Aarabhi
- Adhaya
- Ajyaa
- Aarya
- Adivtyaa
- Aarohe
- Avika
- Aranya
- Apeksha
- Avenika
- Arpita
- Anshika
- Anshika
- Ayesha
- Arundhati
- Antara
- Anuja
- Anupriya
- Aakira
- Anny
- Aanika
- Aena
- Alia
- Anushree
- Anamika
- Anaisha (name of a Persian princess / goddess of love)
- Akira
- Advaita (means unique)
- Anagha
- Aarna
- Anvi
- Arshiya
- Ambreen
- Amber
- Anoosha
- Alankrita
- Apsara
- Asmi
- Ashraya
- Anmol
- Amanat
- Ankita
- Aaradhna
- Anshu
- Amisha
- Anushmita
- Aarzoo
- Avishi
- Amaira
- Aumrita
- Aansi
- Amita
- Atithi
- Aanchal
- Aakankshi
- Armani
- Adrija (another name for Goddess Durga)
- Aakashi
- Akshaya
- Akshara
- Ambika
- Aarti
- Afsha
- Antima
- Angelina
- Aaniya
- Amulya
- Ashvagandha
- Asamnya
- Anokhi
- Ankahee
- Aasma
- Ami
- Aapti
- Areeha
- Aashita
- Anaaya
- Aabhaa
- Asath
- Ariana (means the holy one in Greek)
- Armaan
- Aashavahaari (filled with high hopes and aspirations)
- Abhipsa
- Abhilashi
- Athira
- Arna
- Angira
- Aninditha (pure, virtuous, without any flaws)
- Ahiliya
- Adah
- Abir (diamond)
- Aaraisha (beautiful face)
- Aishneet
- Aaina
- Amna
- Aliza
- Angi
- Angalina
- Aratrika
- Aashleen
- Alveera
- Anupriya
- Agnita
- Ashlesha
- Ayantika
- Aashee
- Ana
- Aura
- Ashlee
- Aayaas (means blessed baby)
- Aiyat
- Amiran
- Ashley
- Anmadika
- Ashvika
- Alakshana
- Asin
- Aashea
- Aafra
- Anargha (meaning precious)
- Agamya
- Amvi
- Aaraana (goddess Lakshmi)
- Apurvi
- Abhinavya (meaning new each time)
With special thanks to:
Saumya Ramdas, Aisha Farhad, Ankita Sushil Sharma, Deepshikha Sarma Thakur, Manpreet Walia, Pragya Singh, Rajnit Kaur, Jha Banna, Astha Vijayvargjya, Priya Varun Tayur, Pooja Kapoor, Garima Sharma, Arpita Yadav, Heer Garg, Meenakshi Nair, Rain Just Rain, Harsha Singh Maurya, Angel Savii, Vinutha T. Suvarna, Snehasikha Sahu, Nams Bali, Kareena Narwani, Prachi Patankar, Sach Jaz, Roopa Harish, Himani Panda, Anuradha Bhadauria, Poonam Sawla, Susana Ekka, Pooja Joshi, Daniel Tamang, Smita Panwar, Sevitha Sriram, Dalia Sinha Roy, Deepika Gardner, Palak Mashruwala, Arpita Apu Mitra, Mehta Jitendra, Arpana Pinky, Pooja Bhandari, Hema Asnani, Natasha Dias, Rutuparna Patnaik, Aditi J Raura, Palepu Shivani, Vasantha Ayalasomayajula, Aniket Patil, Preeti Jain, Shivali Shukla, Kavitha Hagamilal, Lijj Varghese, Panchali Roy Mukherjee, Sheetal Singh, Ami Thakkar Pamnani, Kripa Vijay, Paromita Ghosh, Monica Paul, Rose Kaur, Aarti Jalan Kedia, Sanjukta Banerjee, Shrawani Bose, Poorva Ranjan, Riddhima Kondabathini, Nalin Ranjan, Krystle Vaz, Anushree Shah Jhaveri, Musarrat Haider, Tina Chowdhury Negi, Deepshikha Nath Hazarika, Inderpreet Kaur, Surbhi Shukla, Athira S Krishna, Shipra Ghosh, Loveena D’Souza Kirtani, Anwesha Bhattacharya, Vijaya Lad, Aarti Vedpathak, Kiran Joshi Juglan, Lakshmi Harikrishnan, Leena Bijoy, Kc Castellano-Anolin, Anee K Naik, Sweta Shree, Nidhi Singhal Sangal, Rohan Mehta, Mohan Kumar, Gareema Burman Sehrawat, Christina Davison, Puja Sood, Chinnu’s Crafts, Puja Sood, Pinky Rai Pradhan, Akshaya Aquarian, Suman Sharma, Pavani Sucharitha Yarra, Dilpreet Parmar, Agarwal Sunita, Vijaya Dudeja Mahlawat, Nayna Sheikh, Safoora Firdausi Mudassir, Roopa Mv, Jyoti Pur, Swati Verma Mathur, Shreya Chakravarty Bhattacharya, Parul Malhotra, Sonam Sarawagi, Honey Bindra, Anamika Chauhan, Sneha Joshi, Annu Das, Kanchan Ahuja, Smitha Srivastava, Arpita Mondal, Sumiti Budhiraja, Preeti Ved, Ashwini Tandale, Amulya Raj Kammili, Tiny Bahri, Basabendu Madhab Sarkar, Meghna Saxena, Preethy Thomas Nazare, Barkha Kataruka, Soneiya Bansal, Supreet Saini, Lipika Sanjay, Cheenu Khural, Brindha Karthikeyan, CapstaMonika Capstar, Sandhya Agarwal, Sita Laxmi, Preeti Jain, Ritu Pri Cath, Anjali Sharma, Rimpi Bhullar Sekhon, Nitu Mallik, Munmun Jain Goel, Shanu Sharma, Navjot Nagi, Pooja Ummat Malik, Dipti Berad, Tarul Lakhani Kaura, Sunny Bakshi, Loshini Nagendiran, Neha Hamirwasia, Mayuri Takke, Gaurita Turme Katre, Happy Singh, Dimple Karia, Divya J Solanki, Adaa Anu, Amruta Gondkar, Padmashree Nagaraj, Smriti Kakkar, Snehal Deherkar, Nidhi Vidhani, Pia Bhau, Babita Rawat Bhanjdeo, Manali Brijesh, Neeraj Manu Singh, Abhinav Mathran, Mahua Khanna
Bibs and More For A Clean Meal Time
Mums, as much as you are trying to make your little one get familiar with meal times and trying out new food, there’s one thing that can definitely help make the process a little more cleaner and less messier – BIBS! Here’s a few that will make meal times fun and less messy!
Soft and simple to keep meal times clean
A simple cute bib for your cutie!
Comfortable set of wash cloths to gently clean baby’s face
Cute way to keep you tension free and let your baby enjoy food.
A fun way to keep the food off your little one’s clothes. Dishwasher proof and easy to clean and re-use.
Easy-to-tie and adjust. Use and throw.
Catches spills, easy to tie and clean.
Essentials For Your Baby After Birth
Mums, the biggest urge to shop for the soon-to-arrive bundle is strongest during the final months… You may have been a controlled-shopper till now, but as the day approaches nearer and you know that your mobility is somewhat going to be restricted for the first few days or weeks, you want to stock up on everything for the little one.
It is an awesome experience to shop for your infant, but sometimes, we end up with goods that will have no use for the first few months, and will be a total waste of money and space back home.
To make it a little easier for you, we made a list of the essentials you would actually need once the baby has arrived:
1. Baby lotion, baby powder, baby cream, baby shampoo, nappy rash cream. You may also go for a top-to-toe baby wash that can be used on the head as well as the body. Check what suits your baby’s skin and your pocket.
2. You will need to stock up on loads of cloth nappies. During the first few days you will have to discard the nappy each time after it gets soiled.
3. Dettol. You need to disinfect all of baby’s clothes with the antiseptic.
4. Baby thermometer. The latest in the market is a strip that needs to be placed on baby’s forehead for as little as 15 seconds to see the temperature. You may also go for the traditional ones or the new ones that come with a beep once the temperature is recorded.
5. Baby dresses. Only buy in pure cotton for summers. Go for the ones which have buttons in the front as buttons in the back are uncomfortable for baby to sleep and can hurt their skin.
6. Baby bed linen. You usually get a full set that comprises of a sheet, a night suit, a cap, small pillow and a spread. Also, buy a baby comforter or blanket as per the weather.
7. Antiseptic cream for baby.
8. Baby booties and mittens.
9. Baby nail-cutters. You will be surprised to see how soon the nail growth takes place in babies. You trim baby’s nails and they will be back to their sharp and grown stage within 3-4 days!
10. Infant/Baby diapers. For the first few weeks you will need to take baby for regular check-ups. Doctors will advise you to put them in a diaper during such visits.
11. Baby carrier.
12. Dim lights. With a new-born in the room you would require to have some light on even when it’s goodnight time.
13. Baby scrap-book. Get this if you want to keep a track of your little one from the time of birth.
14. Sanitizer. You would need a big bottle of sanitizer right after baby’s birth as relatives and well-wishers begin to pour in and you would want them to first clean their hands.
15. Baby cot. You may not make baby sleep in the cot during the night, in most Indian households, babies always sleep together in the same bed with their parents. But during the day, when you are busy in other work or when you need your own rest, it is a good idea to keep baby in the baby cot during sleep time. This will also help baby sleep better.
16. Baby wipes. These will be your saviour for at least the next 3-4 years.
17. Baby Sweaters and jackets
18. Last and one of the most important on the list – A BABY NAME !!!
Benefits Of Holding Your Little Ones In Your Arms
Mums, its a beautiful feeling when you hold your little one in your arms, isn’t it? The world becomes a beautiful place, the smile on your face extends the whole day long, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that you would want to get in the way of you and baby, as you look at your little angel in your arms. Wow! That’s some feeling!
What researchers have said time and again, you already know as a parent – that there’s no better feeling than you and baby than having your little one right next to your heart! As an expectant mother, you’ve cherished baby’s first heartbeat at your regular check-up, and while you were simply blown away, it’s a known fact that for your baby who was still being cherished inside the womb, your heartbeat was the most comforting and familiar sound!
One of the best ways for mother and baby to bond is bare, skin-to-skin contact. Another most popular way for babies to feel their mother’s heartbeat is when you hold your little one near you, whether while feeding, while putting to sleep, or during any other activity.
Here are a few times in the day when you can be sure of holding your baby close to you, and of course, if you have the time, you can extend these moments and give baby that much more comfort and warmth:
- while feeding
- whileputting baby to sleep
- while patting baby for burping
- while playing with baby
- while going with baby for a walk
- while lying down with baby
- while traveling and holding baby close
Not only is this a comfortable setting for your little one, but holding your baby close to you has many benefits as well:
- Helps mothers fight post-natal depression
- Helps mothers form a stronger bond with little one
- Regulates baby’s body temperature
- Helps in baby’s breathing, heart beat and sugar levels to be stable right after birth
- Helps baby recover from birth process, especially in cases of a natural delivery
- Calms baby and provides security, comfort and familiarisation
- Regulates mother’s hormonal responses and leads to reduced bleeding after birth
- Helps baby to breastfeed naturally
- Helps baby sleep better
- Reduces baby’s crying bouts
- Helps in developing baby’s senses
- Build stronger immunity
- Helps in baby’s psychological and emotional growth
Mums, a baby close to mommy is the happiest baby! It’s definitely true when they say that no one knows her baby as a mommy does. So mums, trust your heart and your instinct, and do what’s best for your baby…after all, as we’ve been saying all along, Mommies Know Best!!!!!
05 Fun Activities This Weekend
Mums and Dads, it’s weekend again! So as you plan to head out to the mall with your little one or get ready for some free, relaxing time, here are 05 fun things your little one would love you to join in….
01. Dance dance dance – anywhere for that matter! You know how your little ones start pumping up those little fists and dancing along anywhere, as soon as they hear music? It’s sooo cute to watch and lifts up your mood instantly. So why not join in with your little one for a change? If you’re at home, put up some music that your little one enjoys, some rhymes even, and jump on! Jiggy, shimmy, jiggle and shake that body up, and laugh out loud with your baby, as you show the world what a perfect mamma-baby team you are!
02. Bubbles – Have some fun with bubbles this weekend. You don’t really need to create a full soapy bubble water for this…just get a glass of water and straw and make bubbles inside the cup! See who creates the most water bubbles and makes the loudest sounds!
03. Walk In the Rain: If your little one can walk independently, go out for a nice stroll in the drizzle. Get some fun umbrellas and raincoats and have a splashy time, make a few noises in the puddles and see your little darling squeal in delight!
04. On-Screen Games: Yes, your little one probably has already started playing on-screen games, if not in real, then at least holding on to a remote and trying. Get together in front of the screen, hand a remote to your kid, even a spare one will do if your baby cant really play but wants to still get the feel of it, while you can play along.
05. Cartoon time: What better way to end the weekend than going back to your childhood and getting some stress off, especially if it can make you have some special fun time with little ones. Round off your weekend with a few back-to-back baby movies and cartoons.
Everyday Ways To Connect To Your Little One
Mommies, ready for a fun week ahead with your little one? Come on, as much as your little darling makes you tear out your hair, accept the truth that your baby also makes you go back to those fun playful days of your own childhood, isn’t it? There is absolutely so much you can do with your little one, playing and doing things together and bonding!
You do spend a lot of time with your little one, but other than diapers and feeds and schoolwork, are you really spending that fun time together? Why not book a full hour of one-on-one fun with your little one? If your baby is too young to speak, pick her up in your arms and talk to her with lots and lots of smiles. Hear the giggles and gurgles, make some of your own and be a baby with baby!
Massage time is essential time for baby’s growth and development, and massage time can be an important connect time too. Remove all the noise from the room and make it your and baby’s special time; as the little one enjoys your caring fingers shaping and strengthening those little baby arms and legs, sing a rhyme or play a lullaby or share a story. You’ll be amazed at how soon your little one learns these stories and rhymes!
Time for a bath? Of course there are a lot of bath toys that your baby loves, but what about baby’s best friend jumping in to play with water as well! YOU Mamma! Splash spray and squirt…have fun, play with water with your baby as you clean up your little one, and have some cuddly moments as baby comes wrapped in a towel right in your arms!
Bath over its time for a sleep? As the baby mobile or the rhyme-toy plays a lullaby, sing to your baby, look into those little bright eyes and bring in the sleep fairy…your baby will love the bed-time ritual, we promise!
Going out for a little walk with little one? Identify the birds and flowers as baby toddles along with those baby steps..
Play together….what more fun to have some baby-mamma time together than to play along with baby and baby’s favourite toys!
Create..take a few old paper sheets and use all kinds of colours you can. Baby crayons are quite a fun way to colour up the day! And sometimes, it’s okay to let your little one get a little dirty, of course under constant adult supervision.
Books That Help Young Parents
As young parents, there are many questions that will come up million times as you begin the new phase of life with your little one. Sometimes, you may have family and friends around who can help with practical and real advice, but most of the times, you’re pretty much on your own.
While it’s true that parenting doesn’t come from a book, it’s also true that these days, you can read about and understand almost everything related to babies and parenting. We decided to tell you about a few books that we feel might help you and your partner as a parent:
1. What To Expect Before You’re Expecting: If you are still a couple who is looking forward to begin a family, it’s a good idea to read this one together. From the author of the world’s bible in pregnancy and childcare, this books helps you plan a healthy pregnancy for a healthy baby, with advice on how to conceive, practical tips and reassuring advice – a must-have guide for all parents-to-be.
2. What To Expect BabySitter and Nanny Handbook:If you are trying to make time as a couple while having a little one at home, chances are, you may be taking the help of a babysitter or a carer. The book provides information for anyone who is looking after a baby/child, from birth till 6 years of age. With information from why babies cry, how to talk to a baby and how and what to do for baby in an emergency, this is one book that every baby home should have.
3. 101 Most Important Things You Need To Know Before You Have A Baby:Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Then read this book together with your partner to read about topics like time management, patience, faith, memories, laughter, hope and gives you simple tips and tricks that help you create a balance in life.
4. 365 Days of Baby Love:Wonderful ways to help parents and babies enrich each others’ lives – playing, growing and exploring with babies from birth till 2 years of age.
5. The Secret Language of Babies:Understand what your baby is trying to tell you and make parenting a little more easier and fun!
6. Smile Baby Smile:A cute book that gives you useful thoughts and ideas to stop baby crying and bring back those smiles, for your little one and you!
7. Trouble-Free Travel With Children:Packed with over 700 helpful hints for parents on the go.From fussy newborns to demanding toddlers, this book gives ideas to make your family trip a fun and memorable one!
8. Siblings Without Rivalry:Not a new parent but concerned about how the new baby will affect your older one! This book offers practical and sensitive advice on how to make your siblings grow together with love, making you smile each day.
9. Games Babies Play From Birth To Twelve Months:Tells you about games and structured activities designed to stimulate the intellectual development and motor skills of infants.
10. Juggling Twins:Practical advice and a healthy dose of humour – this book has exactly what parents need to help them survive and thrive with multiples.
10 Products To Let Your Little One Enjoy The Sunny Days
It’s sunny again, and most of us are already getting into our shades and umbrellas. So mommies, while we take care to keep that complexion sun-safe and protected, here are a few must-use products to help your little one beat the sun…..
1. Sun-Screen: We’ve been told over and over again that using a good sunscreen regularly should be a habit, rather than a routine, and this habit should be applied in case of our little ones too. Get a baby-suitable sunscreen that will help keep out the harmful effects of the sun, while being soft and caring on baby’s skin.
2. After-Sun Lotion: These are recommended for newborn babies if they are exposed to the sun, or even for a little older babies who have extremely sensitive skin. The after-sun lotion/milk helps moisturise baby’s skin.
3. Bath Toys And Books: Summer times are fun times, as long as you get a splash in the water. Make the sunny days fun for your little one by filling up the tub/bucket with bath-toys and see your baby enjoy! Get a bath-book and read along while splashing with baby…
4. Swimming Costumes:Summer times are swimming times, and what better way to let your little one get into the pool than by wearing a colourful, cute and comfortable swimming costume.
5. Flip Flops: Colourful strappy flip flops are a must-have in the summers. Get some fun strappies for your little ones in bright and vibrant colours.
6. Caps and Hats:Let your little one make a style statement while protecting them from the sun.
7. Umbrellas: Your little one will love taking a walk in the outdoors with these cute, colourful and favourite character umbrellas.
8. Sunglasses: Protect those little eyes with some stylish, funky and trendy sunshades.
9. Water Bottle: Encourage your little one to be outdoors, but make sure they are properly hydrated by having adequate amounts of water.
10.Body Wash and Shampoo: Summer times will mean that your little one spends lots of time outdoors, so make sure you wash off the dirt and sweat at the end of the day with some soothing and refreshing body-washes, shampoos and soaps.
8 Quick Ways To Ease Your Little One Into The Nursery
Mumsies, while you’re trying to get back into your relationship as a couple, one of the first steps to start the balancing of roles of mother and partner is to help your little one sleep in the baby room, or nursery.
1. Begin by doing up the room in bright and cheerful colours, something that will instantly appeal to the little one and add a fun element to the room. Use stickers, wall decals and wallpaper to do it up in style.
2. All babies love soft toys, so why not do something creative in the nursery with soft toys? Deck up the shelves, or place them around the floor for baby to want to play with.
3. A colourful and soft play mat will be a sure hit – babies can crawl, sit and play on it, even doze off to sleep! So get one now!
4. Bright and cheery curtains in baby’s favourite characters will prove quite a hit.
5. Why not get a display shelf that allows you to showcase baby’s favourite items?
6. Brighten up the room with some fun lights.
7. Make it your baby’s very own personal space by putting up a picture/activity board, showing off baby’s pictures and creative side.
8. A comfortable cot, complete with favourite characters on the bedspread and the pillow to accompany baby to sleep.
How to Choose a Breast Pump
Breast pumps are used when women need to store the feed for the baby. Breast pumps are ideal for the women who are ready to get back to work. Storing the milk ensures that the baby is not denied of the mother’s milk. There are other reasons why a breast pump can be used, for ex. if a mom is under medication that is incompatible with breastfeeding, an increase in the milk production or an occasional separation.
Basic Types of Breast Pumps
There are a variety of breast pumps available in the market. It is recommended that you try it out well before you return to work or leave your baby at the day-care
Breast pumps fall in three categories:
Manual Pumps
Manual breast pumps come with a pump piston or a squeeze handle that allows you to create a suction to empty the milk from your breast. Manual breast pumps are lightweight, and are easy to carry around. These also work quietly allowing you to express milk discreetly anywhere, anytime.
Since a manual pump empties only one breast at a time and involves the use of both the hands, some moms can find this very tiring and time consuming. There are new models available in the market that need occasional compressions on the handle after achieving let-down. Manual breast pumps are best suited for women who need to use this pump occasionally
Battery-Operated Pumps
Most battery operated pumps are hand held. This pump is ideal for the mom who needs to use this occasionally. While the pumps in this are portable, it could generally take a little longer to express milk. Batteries in this pump need to be changed constantly which can be costly.
Electric Pumps
Electric breast pumps come with single or double pumping capabilities. If you are a full time working mom, it is a good idea to invest in a double electronic pump. These allow milk to be expressed from both the breasts at a faster rate. Most of the newer designs are easy to use and also give options to store the milk. There are single electronic breast pumps that are available in the market which are a less-expensive alternative. These are better suited for a mom who works from the home.
How to choose the right car seat for your baby?
When it comes to choosing the best products for your baby, the car seat should be indeed at the top of your list. After all, it is not all about ensuring safety of your kid only at home; what matters the most is your baby’s complete well being anywhere, everywhere. And when it is about utmost protection of your little one, you simply cannot do without considering a safe car seat for your baby.
With more and more parents becoming conscious about the safety of their baby, they often ask, “Which is the right car seat for their baby?” The truth is; there is not one factor involved, but several aspects that need to be considered when making the right selection for your angel. After all, it is safer to go by the famous adage “Prevention is better than cure.” It is all about picking the best car seat that ensures superior comfort to your baby, while providing utmost safety in the most cost-effective manner.
Ideas for Buying the Right Car Seat for your Baby:
Nothing is more important in your life than your baby’s safety. Here are a few unique ideas to buy a suitable car seat for baby that guarantees safety and comfort in the most notable manner.
Types of Car Seats for your Baby: One size does not fit all. Owing to this facet, there are different types of baby car seats available in the market today, and you should explore all the choices to pick the best-fit. Infant carriers or seats are the most popular ones, as they are rear-facing and specially designed for babies weighing up to 22 pounds. Many of these carriers come with a removable seat whilst the pedestal remains in the car, specifically thought off for the little ones who fall asleep in the car. For the kids weighing up to 40 pounds, but who haven’t reached the height to use adult seatbelt, booster car seats are the ideal choice for them. It is available as a seat or with a removable back rest for additional comfort.
Safety: Nothing is more valuable to you than your baby’s safety. With this factor in mind, select a car seat that ensures absolute security of your baby, while on the go. Appropriate installation is the key to the safety of your child, and certain additional features like non-twisting straps or in-built locking clips can ensure complete protection of your little one from sudden jerks or accidents.
Perfect Fit: Proper installation and perfect fit are the key factors in guarantying safekeeping of your baby, while on the move. The baby’s height, weight, and age should be considered when making the ideal choice of the car seat.
Easy Installation: All your money and effort will go in vain, if you fail to understand the instructions and install the carrier inappropriately, every time you use it. Thus, it is imperative that you select a car seat that explains the process of installation elaborately, further guaranteeing protection.
Best Fit to your Vehicle: It is not merely about the car seat providing best fit to your baby; it is important that it also fits perfectly inside your vehicle. It is vital that you pick a product that provides a tight fit, with less than an inch for side-to-side wriggle and the proper angle for your baby. The best fit with your vehicle, will only ensure absolute safety of your baby.
Comfort – This is one of the most important factors in selecting a baby car seat , and is often missed by parents in search of safety measures. It is good to buy a seat that renders absolute protection to your baby with all its accessories and features, but it is equally important that such settings should not make the little one grasp for breath.
Considering these dynamics will help you make an informed decision, when it comes to purchasing the ideal car seat for your little one.
How to choose the right pram for the baby
Most of us love to take our little ones for that walk around the park in a stroller or a pram. With so many prams in the market, it does get confusing for some parents and they are quite lost with the variety around them. Choosing a pram or a stroller is not very heard, just jeep a look out for a couple of things that your stroller or pram must have!
Safety features
Safety happens to be the most important feature while buying a stroller. The stability and the harness aspects are most important aspects while purchasing one. If the objective is to undertake small mall trips once in a while, a three point harness should work fine.
Stroller handles and tables
It is necessary to walk with the stroller before you buy it, Since you are the one who will pushing the stroller, you need to check how comfortable it is for you.
Convenience features
Do you need a diaper to be hanged or want a storage basket underneath? Some strollers come with a host of features like additional trays and containers. While the attachments look fancy and really nice, opt for a stroller that can be easily folded when not in use.
Lightweight and heavy trolleys.
The former resembles an umbrella tower and in terms of weight is less than 20 pounds. On the other hand larger strollers are heavier in weight and features larger criteria in terms of wheels and storage space.
Some brands to consider:
Mee Mee Pram – The transportation is easy, carrying is easy and the light weight aluminium structure makes it ultra compact when closed. The single handle provides a soft group which makes it quite easy to pull through tight spaces. One can push it from front as well as back by using the reversible handle. Sleeping, seating and recycling are the three mechanisms taken care of in the best possible way.
Hauck _ Stoller Sport – Original Minne pink by Disney Baby
This is perfectly designed to be taken to a shopping mall. It has ample space and is light weight. It is ideal for babies above 3 months of age. It is easily movable and has an adjustable foot rest
Catering to the dynamic mindset of the modern mums this is a modern and a stylish product.. Your little ones can use it right from the early months and the seat is pretty spacious. The backrest is padded which can be adjusted making it possible to be adjusted in 4 major positions. The add-on features include a shopping basket, a summer and winter hood which can be foldable. The wheels are incorporated with the traditional Echo Stroller logos.
Buggy Stroller
Most of the moms are confronted with this dilemma of sorts. The baggy stroller is bright blue in colour and ideal to take for taking your child out in the evening. The stroller is light weight, is easy to push and moreover the seats are comfortable. From the safety aspect the handle is in front and the belt is alimony to the fact that your child is protected on all counts. The wheels are embedded with breaks which make them move in a particular direction only.
Educational Toys – Starting The Learning Process Right At Home
We know that as a working mum, you may not always be around your little one. While a mother is a baby’s first teacher, for times when you’re not by your little one’s side, it’s a good idea to leave an educational toy with your baby, one that will not only be fun, but also help baby learn and explore!
One of the most basic, as well as important, tool to ‘educate’ your child and encourage them to observe, question and understand is TOYS. Your baby’s first joy will be a special toy, and what better way to use learning toys that will not only be fun, but also help them learn as they play! Today, toys are much more than just a play thing. They aid your child’s growth and development, stimulate interest and open a world of ideas and possibilities.
So be sure to pick what’s right for your little one.
Eye-Hand Coordination:Rattles, beaded toys, clip-on toys, balls, bending and twisting toys are all great to help your baby through the first learning stages of eye-hand coordination.
Colours And Shapes:Your little one will not be able to identify colours for the first two months, but after that, it’s going to be a riot of colours and shapes every where the little eyes see. Mobile toys, play gym toys, toys with bright colours and patterns, blocks, rattles with different shape and colour attachments are all a great way to introduce your little darling to the world of colours, shapes and patterns.
Movement: Toys with wheels, dangling toys, balls in different shapes and sizes, wind chimes and skiddy toys are great fun and will help your little one understand and grasp the concept of movement.
Motor & Cognitive Skills: Toys that require stacking and building aid in the development of your child’s reasoning skills, and the concept of maths and numbers. They also help develop hand and finger muscles, thus assisting your child’s motor skills.
Outdoor toys: These are especially good for increasing your child’s physical activities and stamina, and help establish a sense of movement and direction.
Perceptual Skills: Musical toys not only assist your little one in learning music and rhythmic skills, they also encourage sensory tendencies in your baby, thus giving them a creative way of self-expression.
Emotional & Imaginative: Dolls, cartoon toys and puppets can open a world of imagination for your little ones, as they create and enact their own stories and plays. Not only this, toys such as these end up being your child’s comfort toy, with a strong emotional bond being formed.
Educational toys: These can be a fun way of learning. In addition, educational toys also help develop your child’s social skills like sharing, boost creativity and encourage curiosity and exploration.
Social Skills: Multi-player games, especially board games (and there are a host of board games for small babies), can help your child develop social skills, assist in public speaking, leadership qualities and the ability to manage a team. These are not only fun and interesting for your little one, but can also be a source of entertainment to the entire family.
On-screen games: Used in moderation, these are good for developing hand-eye coordination. They also enable your child’s developmental skills like problem-solving, imagination and decision-making.
Things to carry when travelling with a baby
The first time I travelled with my twins in tow, I packed almost everything I could lay my hands on. I was not sure what was required and what was not. I made a list of what was in which suitcase diligently, but I forgot to carry that list when I actually travelled. Luckily, it was an eight hour drive by the car and the boys slept peacefully most of the time, so I was saved.
I’ve made a list of things that you can require when you travel by car/train or flight. The list we have provided is for a baby less than a year. We recommend that you invest in a nice diaper bag that can accommodate quite a lot of your stuff. You could also opt for a mini suitcase for your child that can be kept in overhead baggage (if in a flight) or under the seat in the train.
Extra clothes – Pack 2-3 pairs of clothes. Just in case the kids soil the clothes or get them dirty, you will always have an extra set of clothes or two.
6-12 sterilized teats that can be changed after every feed.
If you can manage to buy the plastic drop-ins that are used in feeding bottles, it can be very useful. You will need to clean just the outer cover and ring with soap and water (no sterilization required). Carry at least two dozens of drop-ins.
6-12 diapers and a packet of wet wipes.
A bottle brush for washing rings and feeding bottles.
Two bottles mineral water to wash the bottles after use.
Buy a Baby Formula Feed Dispenser – This plastic box which has three or four compartments that allows you to store the specific quantity of the formula feed. You can just use each box to pour out the already measured feed.
If your baby is eating, then carry some finger food that your baby likes.
Carry the baby’s favourite toys like rattles or musical toys.
Take the stroller or baby carry on which can be strapped like a kangaroo pouch so that it will be convenient while walking.
If you are travelling in a flight, keep a light jacket and blanket for the baby as the interior of the aircraft will be cooler.
Keep hand sanitizers to use before you prepare a feed.
Keep cotton balls and a bottle of water for the baby to sip from during the landing and take offs to reduce the ear pressure.
Choosing The Age-Appropriate Toy For Your Little One
A good toy should excite and encourage your child at every age. Whether it’s a rattle or a complex board game, if it can’t challenge a growing mind, it’s really no use. FirstCry recommends choosing toys according to the age of your little one. We’ve come up with a list that will help you make an informed choice.
0-6 months: For the first two months, your baby will hardly need any toy. Once they enter the third month, give them toys that will help them see bright colours, hear some music/sound, suck, grasp, shake.
Ideal toys for this age-group are: rattles, wind chimes, mobiles, sound books, teethers, small balls with bells inside, rolling toys.
6-12 months: As your babies begin to crawl and explore the world around, give them toys that will help them explore, observe and use hand and leg movements. Let your child play with toys that let them put things in and out, make them understand concepts like up down, big small, let them stack and build.
Ideal toys for this age group are:
- Blocks – big blocks, colour blocks, shape blocks, soft blocks
- Pull Along toys – vehicles, wooden toys, rolling toys,
- Musical Toys – Drums, rattles, chimes
- Books – Picture books, Musical books, Bathing time books, large books
1-2 years: Your baby will now crawl, walk and run! So it’s only natural that their toys too need to keep up with this little bundle of energy. Your baby is also ready to co-ordinate well now, so it is advisable to buy toys that will help them with proper co-ordination.
Ideal toys for this age group are :
2-3 years: You will need toys that will enhance their creativity. Since they can identify words, animals or characters now, but things that will interest them
Ideal toys
- Books – Picture books, Musical books, large books
- Sorting toys : These are typically where the child can sort and build a character
- Educational DVDs
Remember, toys are never a replacement for the quality time you spend with your little one, so make sure you do a lot of that!
How to Choose a Bathing Tub for Your Baby
Bathing is essential, even for newborns and it becomes easy while your baby is supported. The kind of equipment’s used to bathe babies range from bath mats, bath supports, bath chairs and bath buckets to bath seats and bath tubs. Having the right equipment to bathe your baby ensures that your baby is safe and does not slip off until the bath is finished.
Bath buckets, bath seats and supports are ideal for a new born baby to bathe in. Choose one that comes with a backrest and headrest because it allows your baby to relax. Most of these are available in various shapes and sizes. Quite handy and mobile, such bathing accessories are essential for those who have wiggly babies. As a matter of fact, once your baby’s motor skills develop and they eventually turn over or progress into crawling, a bathing accessory like the tub is ideal.
Tubs – What Works for Your Baby
Baby bathing tubs come with anti-slip bottoms and can be placed on any surface. They are contoured to offer great comfort while your baby enjoys the bath. With a variety of options to choose from such as foldable tubs, tubs with slings, hard plastic tubs, inflatable tubs, etc, bath tubs are a great choice. Some bath tubs come with rinse hoses that can be attached to water faucets in your sink. Some are available with mesh slings that let your baby recline while bathing. Moreover, tubs are great to put bath toys to keep your baby occupied while you bathe your little one.
The best is to opt for the plastic sturdy tubs and bath sponges that prevent bumps and could fit it into even an adult bath tub.
Ease Your Back – Say No to Leaning Over
Alternatively, you could use bath tub stands to place the tubs and bathe your baby both outdoors and indoors. The tubs can be raised to any height, and some tub stands come with preset heights without having to place a tub over it. It will be great fun to bathe your baby outside in a not so sunny area such as a balcony, during summer months. Holding your baby in a comfortable elevated position will ease your strain without aching your back.
Things to Consider – Before Buying and While Using
Before buying a baby bathing tub, ensure that the quality of material used is good. Go for durable and sturdy ones. Buy the sleek ones that can be folded and do not take a lot of room to store. It is important to choose a safe and comfortable spot to use the tub to bathe the baby. Furthermore, never leave your baby unattended while on a bath equipment.
Understand that bathing is essential for your baby’s health and a wonderful bath can relax your baby and induce a good sleep. As your baby relaxes, you will have more time to scrub up all the dirt and muck from your little one’s tender body.
Fun Nursery Ideas For Your Little One’s Room
From the time that you introduce your little one to their own room, it will become ‘their’ space, a place they will occupy most of the time while they’re home, a room that will contain all their essentials and knick-knacks. Decorating the nursery is one of the most fun parts of becoming a new parent, and is something that should ideally be done before the baby arrives, while you’re still comfortable moving around, and especially if you’re planning on getting the room re-painted (which in all probability you will).
Ensure that you buy furniture which can be used now, as well as come handy when baby is older. See that the furniture is of medium height, neither too high nor too low, so that your baby can use them as the years pass by. In the initial few months, you too would be spending a considerable time in the nursery, so it needs to be comfortable for you both, and safe and hygienic for your baby.
Before you begin decorating the nursery, you may need to re–paint or use wallpaper. Choose colours that are bright, yet not too loud, like greens, blues, pinks, yellows, oranges, lavender. Doing up the room in neutral colours (other than the clichéd blues and pinks) will help in case of more than one child. You may decorate the walls by using stencil art, stickers, colorful picture frames, child-friendly clocks, patterns, alphabet patterns and much more. Keep space to change and re-do things as little one grows, like making hand-print patterns, framed kid art and the like. You can also use single-sheet story pages and get them framed; not only will these brighten up the room, your baby can later read from the same. Use baby’s pictures, make a family picture tree and mix-and-match the picture frames to create a dramatic wall.
One of the first things you would need when baby comes home is a crib or a baby bed. Go for one that converts into a cot later. For the first few days or weeks, you may want to keep baby near your bed, so get a crib that can attach to your bed, one with a three-way-rail system. Most infant cribs come with pillows and comforters, but if your new-born is sleeping in the crib, make sure to place ALL pillows, throws and comforters outside the crib, as these can cause infant suffocation. Your baby will be comfortable in proper warm sleeping pyjamas, so no added blankets required. Choose the right pillows and bed sets.
If your baby is a little older and can now sleep on a full-size bed, go for a pull-out kid cot or pull-out couch that can accommodate guests later. A bunk-bed is another great option as this will save space and provide adequate sleeping space for multiple kids, kiddie sleep-overs as well as for grown-ups.
As a new mum, you’ll be spending a lot of time in baby’s nursery, so make sure it’s comfortable for you too. If you’re going to feed baby in the nursery, get a comfortable rocking chair to sit in while you feed, and if you want to give those tired feet some rest, get a foot stool. These can later be shifted to your bedroom once baby overgrows feeding. Add cushions and rugs to make it cosy and easy to feed.
Many parents change a baby on the bed, but this is an extremely unhygienic practice. Get a bureau and attach removable rails on top, so that once your baby is out of diapers, you can remove the rails and use it as a storage option instead.
With a baby in the house, you can never have enough storage, so go for smart storage ideas like beds with storage, boxes designed to look like bunk-bed ladders/steps, window seats that can double up as storage. You can also keep a collection of baskets and bins to hold things like toys, board games, diapers, towels, baby bath accessories, art and craft supplies and other small items. If you don’t want to spend on much furniture right now, place low-height plastic storage trays under baby’s crib or bed to hold essentials. Cloth storage racks place alongside the crib or baby bed are a great way to hold essentials.
A nursery is a great place to introduce your baby to reading, so make sure you keep some space for books. Bookshelves, book racks, or a comfortable window-seat converted to a reading area, complete with rugs, cushions, pillows and a handy book basket will help your child’s interest in reading.
While baby will make the transition to a separate room, it’s extremely important to make sure that the lighting in the nursery is adequate – not too bright, yet not very dim. A good idea is to get lights that can be controlled with a regulator, to brighten up when you want to read out stories to little one, and dimmed when baby is sleeping. You can get multiple lamps and shades to make the room interesting and cosy. Sensor-lights are another option that comes handy when your toddler sleeps alone.
An easy-to-wash colourful rug is a good idea to brighten up the room and make a cosy place for baby to play on the floor.
Remember, the nursery should be a reflection of what your baby likes and how it connects to a little one, not just what you like. Though we love doing up a kids’ room, in the end, it’s just that, so it’s okay to go a little overboard, while making sure it’s comfortable, safe, hygienic, stimulating and interesting enough to make baby want to spend time.