What goes in the diaper bag?

Their are great resources out there for the new parent who needs extra tips on what to put in"the diaper bag".  After all you never had to carry one of these bags around before. 

Be prepared, getting out the door !

You're most likely all familiar with the dreadful scene of being away from the house and no more diapers in the diaper bag. It has happened to all of us. Or you forgot to pack a snack, a bottle or a soother. Assembling a diaper bag is not rocket science but if packed properly it sure could ease the stress of a crying baby!

What's in the diaper bag?

Diapers, changing pad, baby wipes, bottle water (optional but sometimes is nice to have), diaper cream, Ziploc baggies for disposal of the dirty diaper or other wet messes, change of clothes, feeding supplies, bibs, two clean pacifiers, favourite toy, teething toy, spit up cloth (burp cloth), baby Tylenol, extra blanket and if you still have room ,  a little first aid kit.

Diaper bags aren't just for babies, toddlers need them too.  Even bigger kids require snacks, and portable distractions etc.  Another good idea, you can leave this bag in your car, it's called the " portable distraction bag".  Bring crayons, drawing pad, stuffed animal, favourite toy, books etc, what ever your little tot likes at home.

Trunk essentials:

Here are some good items to stick in your trunk for emergencies if you have room: Wipes, diaper cream, changing pad, more diapers, burp rags, and another change  of clothes, blankie, anything you think your baby or toddler might need.

Goodluck !

Bath Mitts

TinyWiggles Ltd. introduces a new product to their online store located at www.tinywiggles.etsy.com - a new bath mitt.  If you click on the etsy logo on the left hand side ,it will take you directly to the site. Have fun shopping.

Our little tot mitts !

NUTRAMIGEN FORMULA

In the last year I have talked to many mother's who have had babies that show symptoms of cow's milk protein allergies.  There are great doctors and resources out there that will help you figure out what is best for your baby.  A formula that is recommended for this type of allergy , which  worked great for my son is called Nutramigen.  It is very expensive but well worth the price especially if your baby is displaying colic like symptoms. 

The belief out there is that babies only have milk allergies if the mother is breastfeeding , and that is not accurate.  For so many years, people thought it was a mother's diet , and that is why they assumed that formula fed babies didn't have these types of allergies.  How frustrating is that for the mother, when no one will listen ! It's hard enough to hear your baby cry but when you notice he/she has excessive gas and can't sleep , you need answers!  Enough of the " don't worry your baby will outgrow it, it's normal"  easy for someone to say until they go through it.

What I am trying to say is both mother's who breastfeed and formula feed their infants can experience milk allergies.  Always consult your doctor before  starting a new formula, and of course before your decide to stop breastfeeding.

This post is only to advise mother's that there are options available even when you feel alone and like no one is listening.

If you need more information on Nutramigen check out the website : http://www.meadjohnson.ca/en/products/formulas_6.html

Parenting Power

Just a quick note of a great website that a few friends of mine have recommended is www.parentingpower.ca .  They have been featured on BT channel in Calgary Alberta.  They have great courses , some of which help parents deal with the terrible toddler stage. Check it out, let me know your thoughts and I will post your comments.

 If you have any other recommendation for parenting books, or website, let me know by posting a comment on my blog.

Free shipping !

For busy moms who would like to purchase their cosmetics and some baby care products on line without having to pack up baby every-time, there is a great website called well.ca and the best part they ship for free.

It's great, and they have a great selection for Burt's Bees Baby Products, which I highly recommend as an all natural type product.

Tid bit of safey information (baby proofing!)

This month's issue of Today's Parent has a great article on baby proofing your home.  Two websites were recommended and they are great for innovative products on the market today that will help keep your little one safe.

The two sites are :

1)  Kiddieproofers.com

2)  Babyproofingplus.com

The Scoop on Diaper Creams

Take this advice for what it's worth, what works for one baby may not work for another but it's good to know stuff. Here is a bit of good to know information on how diaper creams work.

Most diaper creams act like  "barrier creams". They act as a "barrier" between your baby's skin and the diaper and will also contain some soothing or healing ingredients.

Petrolatum products  - These creams look clear, like "Vaseline," instead of the white zinc oxide. Petrolatum is good for protecting against diaper rashes and it is less messy than zinc oxide. Petrolatum ointments is great for protecting all types of irritated skin, not just diaper rashes.

Creams for mild to moderate diaper rash:

Zinc oxide - This is the main ingredient in most commercial diaper creams, such as Balmex, Desitin, and Zincofax.   Compared to the creams for preventing rashes above, zinc oxide is "stickier" than petrolatum and will last longer as a barrier between your baby's skin and the diaper. These various creams will also have other soothing ingredients.  I like these creams for the mild to moderate rash. They can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies. My personal favourite is Zincofax, because it works great and doesn't have a strong smell. It's important to experiment to find the best product for your baby, because every baby's skin is different, so one product may work better for your baby.

Recommended products:

1. Zincofax
2. Vaseline ( cheap and works great!)
3. Desitin
4. Burt's bees Diaper Cream)
5. Aveeno's  Soothing Relief Diaper Cream
6. Palmer's Bottom Butter
7. A-D Original Diaper Cream
8. Butt Paste (Bourdreaux's)