Are you ready to introduce your baby to the outside world? Your diaper bag is about to become your new best friend – it’s your changing table on the go. In addition to holding the items that your baby needs, your diaper bag should be something that you will feel comfortable carrying. Once you’ve found the right bag, backpack, or tote, you’ll need to figure out what to put in it. Read on to learn how to pack the perfect diaper bag. Choosing Your Diaper Bag Find a diaper bag that’s comfortable when you pick it up and sling it over your shoulder. Today’s diaper bags come in every shape and style, from bulky tote to stylish backpack. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your diaper bag, so make sure you like how it looks and feels. Pick a bag with a plastic liner for easy cleaning. It’s…

Has your baby become extra fussy when you change her diaper? Diaper rash may be the culprit! Diaper rash is extremely uncomfortable for your little one. Fortunately, it’s also fairly easy to treat. Many parents choose a natural treatment, like coconut oil. There are also several commercial products available at your local drugstore that can be effective. In extreme cases, a visit to your doctor may be necessary. You’ll have a happier baby if you learn how to prevent diaper rash (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure). Even with the best prevention, however, most babies develop a diaper rash at some point in their first year. Use these prevention and treatment tips to help your baby avoid or recover from diaper rash. Tips for Preventing Diaper Rash Diaper rash is most often caused by a wet diaper that’s been left on too long. A diaper that’s…

Changing diapers isn’t difficult, but it does take up a surprising amount of time.  Infants require an average of 10 daily diaper changes. As they mature, the number decreases to about 5 or 6. However, since the average child doesn’t potty train until they’re two years old, it’s safe to assume that you will spend over 400 hours changing nearly 5000 diapers in those first few years. But, don’t look at those hours spent as a burden.  Moments spent diapering your child can be special bonding times, as long as you’re properly prepared so that you can focus on the positives instead of the inevitable messiness that is part and parcel of diapering. Three Basic Rules of Safe Diapering There are three concrete rules that all caretakers must abide by.  They are not up for debate. Always wash your hands before changing your baby’s diaper. I know, it sounds counter-intuitive……

If you’re a first-time mom wondering how to potty train your baby, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes the most challenging part is figuring out when your child is ready. Although each child’s development is different, most babies are ready to start potty training when they are between 20 and 30 months old. You can look for some behavioral and physical signs to figure out when your child is ready. Physical readiness Your child should be able to walk and run easily, with minimal falling. He should also have enough fine motor skills to be able to do things like remove clothing and tear a piece of toilet paper from the roll. His bladder and bowel muscles also need to be developed enough that he can control them. Signs that he can control these muscles include staying dry for at least two hours, and well-formed bowel movements that happen at…

Diaper bags are essential items for new parents.  They come in all shapes, colors, and sizes.  You can find inexpensive vinyl ones, moderately priced printed fabric ones, or even top-of-the-line Italian leather ones. But, regardless of what you pay or what it’s made out of, the dirty truth is, diaper bags get messy. Really messy. Since it’s not always an option to toss our diaper bags in the trash when they become too soiled, it’s best to concede to the idea that you will need to spend some time caring for your trusty sidekick. For the most part, diaper bags can be cleaned and cared for with just a few simple non-toxic household items. If you put a little time and effort in every now and again, your bag shouldn’t have any trouble going the distance and staying with you for the long haul.  While there are several cleaning agents…