Sunday, January 29, 2017

Top 5 Best Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding Moms | 2017 Reviews

Top 5 Best Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding Moms | 2017 Reviews

Breastfeeding is best for children up to two years. How familiar is this line every time baby milk is advertised on TV or on the internet. But it is true though that breastfeeding the ideal way to nurse your baby. It is loaded with benefits for both you and your baby—well, especially your baby, of course. As a mother, we understand that you want the more than the best for your baby and that includes pure and natural breastfeeding, however, it does come with a repercussion especially when your child begins to enter the teething stage. Your baby starts to bite!

It gets really painful for mothers to deal with teething babies because the nipples end up being a chew toy. However, to help relieve that sudden bites and nibbles from your tot, you need a nipple cream safe for baby and you. You might also want to train your child how not to bite you when he/she is breastfeeding.

Here’s the trick to help your child stop biting without you getting mad at him/her. Once they bite, push your finger on her cheek between his/ her gums. You won’t be hurting your child because there are no teeth there to push. Just push firm enough for your finger to slightly open his/ her jaw. Your baby will cry not because it hurts but because he/ she was disturbed in breast feeding. When your child gets familiar with the finger-on-the-cheek move, the biting will be reduced. Nonetheless, the mere fact that you breastfeed your child very often makes your nipples prone to wounds, bruises, blebs and other breastfeeding issues and the best relief you can get is the relief nipple creams can offer.

You will find it amazingly good when you get your child to stop biting. You can continue to breastfeed your child as long as you want. But for the meantime, you need to heal the biting wounds or bruises that’s why we are giving you our top 5 list the best nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers.

Quick Comparison Table

Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve

Motherlove Nipple Cream Organic Salve

Earth Mama Angel Natural Nipple Butter

Green Goo Organics Nursing Comfort Cream

Mummy’s Miracle Natural Nipple Balm

Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve
Motherlove Nipple Cream Organic Salve
Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter
Green Goo Organics Nursing Comfort Cream
Mummy's Miracle Natural Nipple Balm

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Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve

Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve

It’s hard to believe when you hear that a product is made purely of a certain natural chemical. Well, you don’t have to worry about Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve because it exactly says what it is made of, pure lanolin. Lanolin is the oil that we get from animal wool. Lanolin is a pure and clean animal oil that is used in many beauty products like lotions, creams, moisturizers and that includes nipple creams.

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is our top pick for the best nipple cream for nursing because it is the #1 recommended best nipple cream for breastfeeding recommended by Lactation consultants and doctors across the United States and the only breastfeeding cream recommended by La Lecher League International, the finest of the lactation consultants that set international standards for breastfeeding. It is also made of the purest form of Lanolin, it is safe for both mommy and baby. You don’t need to worry about asking the question, ‘is lanolin safe for babies?’ because the answer is yes.

Is Lansinoh Lanolin cream safe for babies? Most definitely! In fact, it is the only regarded topical breastfeeding cream that is labeled as safe for babies. Other lanolin products mixed with industrial chemicals are not good for your baby that’s why it has to be wiped off before breastfeeding but for Lansinoh, it can stay on your nipple for as long as you want it to. It is great in helping your dry, cracked nipples heal and stay healed.

Another thing that is so great about Lansinoh is that it can double as a lanolin face cream. Since it is mde of pure lanolin, it can be used as a topical cream over any dry skin patches, minor scratches and abrasions and even as a lip balm. You can easily relieve your chapped lips with Lansinoh HPA Lanolin nipple cream at the same time softening those sore cracked nipples of yours.

The reason why we love this so much is because there is practically nothing bad to say about it! There really isn’t any. Mothers love it, your babies aren’t affected by it, it’s natural, it’s recommended by experts, and it’s easy to use! So, the next time you plan on giving your friend a baby shower present, this could be an item you would want to include as your friend’s next breastfeeding essential.

Details of the Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve

Active Ingredients

100% Lanolin

Size

0.25 ounce tube, 1.41 ounce tube

Dimensions

5 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches

Other Uses

lip balm, minor scratch relief, dry skin

Motherlove Nipple Cream Organic Salve

Motherlove Nipple Cream Organic Salve

You heard it right! Motherlove Nipple Cream lives up to its name. Mothers love this product and it’s always included in their daily baby bag. They tend to be the best relief you can get whenever your nipples grow sore. Babies love breastfeeding and we know that you do too, but the reality is that it can also be a hassle when it starts to get sore, dry, cracked or all at the same time.

Motherlove nipple cream for nursing is as organic breast cream that is ideal in helping you with your breastfeeding worries. We top Motherlove Nipple Cream as the best organic nipple cream available in the market. It works its magic as it helps your cracked nipples heal and prevents it from drying up. It is also the best cream for cracked nipples because it uses the most organic herbals that can aid in keeping your nipples healthy.

Since it is purely natural and organic, it is certified to be safe for your babies and you won’t have the need to wash it off prior to breastfeeding. You also don’t have to worry about any lanolin cream side effects or any other side effects it can pose to you and your baby. And another reason why this product is so great is because it can be used on open wounds without affecting its healing process. In fact, it can even help soften the healing skin around your wounds.

It uses calendula flower extract to relieve the sore nipples and even inflammation when it gets worse. It uses shea butter and extra virgin olive oil as the nursing creams’ softening agent. It also includes beeswax and marshmallow roots. This herbal salve is the perfect match for eco-friendly cautious mothers like yourself. You won’t have the need to fuss about applying nursing creams on your nipples that would pose a risk to your baby. If you do need the best breastfeeding organic nipple cream, then Motherlove Nipple Cream is the right choice for you and also for so many other happy mothers out there.

Details of the Motherlove Nipple Cream Organic Salve

Active Ingredients

calendula flower extract

Size

1 ounce glass jar, 2 ounce glass jar

Dimensions

1.7 x 1.8 x 1.7 inches

Other Uses

Minor wound itch relief, dry skin lotion, nipple lotion

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter

Yet another mom’s favorite organic breastfeeding essential, Earth Mama Nipple Cream is one of the best breastfeeding creams that you can buy. We don’t know where else can you find an organic nursing cream that is certified to have no Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) in it. You can hear organic products everywhere but they use GMOs to make those products, which is just the same as giving you an unhealthy and risky product to use considering that you are using it on something your baby puts in his/ her mouth.

Going eco-friendly and organic for you and your baby is the best choice yet, you just need to find the right and best breastfeeding cream that fits your lifestyle. Earth Mama Nipple Butter uses calendula as its main ingredient to help reduce swelling in your nipples. It uses shea butter and cocoa seeds as an emollient, candelilla wax, mango butter and olive oil to moisturize your nipples, and calendula to help relieve the sores. It is the first lanolin-free and GMO-free certified nipple cream for breastfeeding.

Not only does it serve as a cracked nipple cream, it can also be used as a facial cream for you and your baby. Because it uses natural and organic calendula extract, you are sure that it can also be used to help your baby’s dry and cracked skin. You can apply it on your baby’s dry skin patches, skin irritation caused by eczema, a diaper rash cream, and even as a breast pump lube.

We love this breastfeeding cream also because of the cocoa shea butter scent. And when you apply it, it is easily smoothed on your skin. Earth Mama Nipple Cream is gentle and doesn’t feel greasy at all. It feels like a second skin even though it has a thick consistency it doesn’t give you that icky feeling even in summer. Another plus factor for this breast cream is that when it mixes with your sweat, your sweat starts to smell this creamy cocoa-y scent that’s really alluring.

Details of the Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter

Active Ingredients

calendula flower extract

Size

2 ounce jar

Dimensions

2 x 2 x 1.8 inches

Other Uses

diaper rash cream, face moisturizer for mom and baby, lip balm, minor scratch relief, breast pump lube

Green Goo Organics Nursing Comfort Cream

Green Goo Organics Nursing Comfort Cream

Organic lanolin-free breastfeeding cream that’s healthy for my skin and safe for my baby to eat? Sign us up for that! Green Goo Nursing Cream is one of the best nipple creams for breastfeeding mothers out there and for good reasons too! It’s safe for your baby to eat. It doesn’t have any lab chemicals that are dangerous to your health. It also doesn’t have lanolin either. Lanolin may be a natural product but since it is an extra product in wool, the danger of pesticides used on wool is dangerous for anyone to consume, especially for babies. So, is lanolin cream safe for babies? The answer is an indirect no. Lanolin may be a safe animal fat; you don’t often get a certified pesticide free lanolin product.

Green Goo Nursing Cream includes beeswax, chamomile flower extract and extra virgin olive oil. Mothers love this product because it is safe for both mom and baby. We also love this nursing cream because it is non-greasy; it has a nice texture to it that makes it easy to spread on your nipples. You might also enjoy using it on chapped skin.

Green Goo is originally called Sierra Sage, it’s a well-loved brand for mothers and babies altogether. We really think it’s a good gift to offer in baby showers and it’s also a great nursing cream that works well for mothers who get really sore from pumping milk or nursing. It’s also really good in helping relieve the burning sensation in open wounds. Another thing to love about Green Goo Nursing cream is that it comes in a small handy tin that can be brought around anytime anywhere. It is indeed the best nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers that should always be in your baby pack everywhere you go. It’s an easy instant relief for soreness.

The only problem with Green Goo nursing cream is that it has a unique smell that may not be so appealing to everyone. It may smell nice to most mothers but other mothers just don’t find the scent appealing and neither do their babies.

Details of the Green Goo Organics Nursing Comfort Cream

Active Ingredients

beeswax, extra virgin olive oil

Size

1.82 ounce tin

Dimensions

2 x 2 x 0.7 inches

Other Uses

lotion for cracked skin

Mummy’s Miracle Natural Nipple Balm

Mummy's Miracle Natural Nipple Balm

We always check on the labels every time we try out new products all the time. The thing is we have labels that say ‘medical-grade’ and ‘food grade’. We recommend you take the food grade over medical grade or industrial grade products because they are the safest and healthiest especially for your baby. Mummy’s Miracle Nipple Balm for breastfeeding is a food grade nipple cream. It is a good nursing cream that is safe to eat and good enough to heal that soreness on and around your nipples.

Moringa is directly linked to breastfeeding because it actively helps a mom increase her milk production. In this case, it helps the nipple heal faster because it is an active anti-inflammatory agent. Along with other natural products like shea butter, castor oil and cod liver oil, this serves as the best nipple shield because it uses a lot of natural oils. It has high oil content that protects your nipples from getting sore and even becomes a very effective breast pump lube.

What’s also great about this nursing cream is that it uses non-GMO ingredients, meaning all the components used in this breast cream is as natural as it can get. It’s great in keeping your nipples soft and healthy while also making sure your baby is also gaining herbal support from it. Moringa is a medicinal plant that is rich in Vitamin A and B vitamins. Added with castor oil and cod liver oil, your skin will be left feeling soft and tender. In fact, if you use this breastfeeding cream as a lip balm, you might not be able to restrict yourself from touching your lips.

You will love this nipple cream for breastfeeding because it’s non-toxic, phthalate free, no petrochemicals, no parabens and no lanolin. It is the only of the best breastfeeding nipple creams that uses Moringa. You will definitely love the way this silky cream makes your skin feel just as silky, just the way we do.

Details of the Mummy’s Miracle Natural Nipple Balm

Active Ingredients

Moringa oil, castor seed oil

Size

2 ounce jar

Dimensions

2 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches

Other Uses

lip balm, hand cream, breast pump lube

Getting the most of top nipple creams is reducing the soreness your nipples feel while also keeping your baby free from any chemicals that breastfeeding creams may have. You only need to use the best nipple balm for breastfeeding that fits your baby’s need and yours. So, if you do consider buying one but will get really confused when you’re in the supermarket looking for the best nipple cream for breastfeeding mothers, consider our options because we always have you and your baby in mind.

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Saturday, January 28, 2017

Single Parenting: Tips on How to Cope With Raising a Child on Your Own

Generally, raising a child comes with challenges, but when you are a single parent, these challenges are doubled because you don’t have someone to lean on. People become single parents for many reasons. Some people have children with a partner that is so unreliable, to the point that they feel like a single parent even when they have a spouse. Whatever the case, there are a few tips in this article which you can use to cope with single parenthood.

A single parent is someone who is an uncoupled individual and someone who shoulders the responsibilities of raising a child. Historically, the major cause of single parenthood is death of a partner. Single parenthood can also be the result of unplanned pregnancy and divorce of married parents. Custody battles resulting from divorce determine which parent will have custody of the child for the majority of time. It is most common in the US for a child to be placed in the custody of the primary caregiver, which is usually the mother. The father is usually the secondary caregiver. In the most recent years, however, we have been seeing a rise in the incidence of single women choosing to be single parents. With the changing times, it is now not uncommon for single women to seek getting pregnant intentionally and to become single mothers. Single parent adoption, or sometimes called fostering, is also becoming an option for single people wanting to raise a child on their own.

There is a general increase worldwide in the number of children who live in households raised by a single parent. Majority of these cases are results of divorce and pregnancy out of wedlock. In the United States, being a single parent is fast becoming a norm.

What are the stressors that a single parent may encounter?

  • Custody battles and visitation problems when divorce is involved.
  • Shouldering most of the day to day responsibilities of raising your child may compromise the actual bonding time that you can spend with your child.
  • Continuing the battle outside the court and having constant conflict with your ex-partner may negatively impact your child’s life. It isn’t healthy for you either.
  • Extended family relationships may be disrupted.
  • Problems may arise when you try dating again or enter a new relationship. Your child may not be able to take it well, if not handled delicately.

Tips on how to cope with raising a child on your own

Single parenting is truly no walk in the park but it is not impossible. Single parents all over the world have been raising children successfully by themselves.Single parenthood may be difficult but, by following these tips, you will be able to cope, and enjoy your children rather than just merely survive through their development.Here are some tips to help you become the best single parent that you can be:

Focus on the important things

The most important thing to a child is the love of the parent. This has to be your first priority. It helps them to adjust to life and grow up to be confident individuals. Every chance you get, you should bond with your child and show them unconditional support. Children are resilient. They are tougher than we give them credit for and they can survive on the most basic of necessities as long as they have a strong bond with their parents. However, without love and a strong connection with their parents, it can be a disaster. Some parents forget this and they run around looking for the best life for their child, but neglect to bond with them, and end up raising unhappy children.

Routines are your friend

Without a routine, parenthood can be a nightmare. This is the case not only for the parent, but also for the child. Children desire stability, and it is through routines that they can establish stability. They feel secure knowing that someone has set a schedule, and it is followed. It makes feeding time and bed time manageable. It is important to have a bonding with your child.

Discipline is important

Children need love and a firm hand. If they don’t know you are boss they will be the boss, and it will be hard to parent them. As a single parent, you need to know that you can tell your child to do something, and they will listen. Discipline has to be inculcated in the child at a young age. If you do this, you will have fewer tantrums and bad behavior which can make being a single parent difficult. Divorced parents should be able to work together when it comes to disciplining their child. Both should agree on the type of discipline that they will enforce so that there will be consistency, making it easier for your child to learn and adapt. Checking out your local library for parenting books might be helpful if you are at a loss. Parenting classes are also sometimes sponsored by your local hospitals and church groups, so be sure to be in the loop and check them out.

Child care

As a single parent, you may not always be able to be with your child, so you need to find a good child care person to leave your children with. It’s a crazy world now, and the person you leave your child with should be a qualified caregiver. Don’t leave your child with his sibling unless you cannot avoid it. This robs many children of the opportunity of being children as they are busy taking care of their sisters and brothers. Take care that your caregiver is not perverted. Don’t totally give your child up to caregivers and always monitor anyone who takes care of your child so that they do not behave inappropriately.

Keep communication lines open

In line with love, support and discipline, your child needs to feel they can talk to you about anything. The focus of your parenting should be on showing them that they can come to for anything. This will save them from turning to undesirable characters or making wrong judgment, and you will have fewer problems to deal with as they grow up. Be patient, as open communication lines can help you avoid many issues such as child abuse, drug abuse and teenage problems in the future. When you talk, sit quietly and allow them to talk about their feelings without interrupting them. Be constructive when you give out advice and be gentle.

Gently inform that family of the changes that will happen. The single parent can help family members face these difficulties by talking with each other about their feelings and working together to tackle problems. Support from friends, other family members and the church or synagogue can help too. But if family members are still overwhelmed and having problems, it may be time to consult an expert.

Have a support group

You need to have people you can turn to for support when you have problems. For some, it is a circle of trusted friends, for others its family or even a group of other single parents that you can talk to and share opinions and experiences.

Being stuck with just your child for company can bet a bit tiresome. The best way to overcome this is by finding other people who somehow share the similar situation. You can find a buddy with whom you can have regular dinner dates with, along with both your children. It’s nice to be with people who are going through the same thing as you are. You can look for inspiration and seek some advice. You can join support groups through social media such as Facebook or through your local church groups. You can even start your own group.

The important thing is that you build a community. From this community, you can seek emotional support and get a sense of belonging. This will do wonders to the feeling of isolation that is commonly amplified when one is a single parent. You don’t always have to be surrounded by co-single parents. Your community could be and should be diverse. The more diverse your community is, the richer the insights you get will be. At the end of the day, you should accept that you will need some sort of support along the way. Accept the help that other people can provide you.You can’t and you shouldn’t have to handle everything by yourself. Give your family members and friends the chance to be there for you. Just because you are a single parent does not mean you literally have to do everything on your own.​

Take care of yourself

While your child is your utmost concern, don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. Do not neglect your needs, and yes, even your wants. Pay attention to your basic needs. Sometimes single parents could be so busy, they are no longer eating enough or resting enough. Keep in mind that if you neglect your own well-being, you may not be able to properly take care of your child. And you do deserve a break or two, so indulge yourself once in a while with a trip to the spa or gym. A happy and healthy version of yourself will make a better parent any day.

Do not let “couple envy” get the best of you

On your first weeks and months, it may be hard to avoid, but try not feeling envious of people who have kind, involved and reliable partners who actually want to be there to raise their child. Never compare yourself, never envy. You never know what lies beneath the projected lives of the people around you. It may just be an illusion that everything is fine and dandy in the lives of those who have partners to help them out. Even married people have problems. There is no sense in trying to compete. The important thing is to focus on your child and yourself. Feeling envious will only cultivate bitter and negative feelings and that sure is not good for you nor your child.

Do not fail to plan

It is imperative that you plan ahead in case of urgent situations like suddenly coming down with a fever and there’s no other adult in the house to handle your baby for you. Prepare for the unlikely. Be ready with emergency babysitting services and make a list of your friends whom you can count on.

Manage your finances

Money is very important especially when there’s only one income coming into the household. Budget your money wisely by keeping track of your household bills and tracking when your next paycheck should come in.

Stay positive

Your presenting mood can easily affect your children. Children easily pick up on their parents mood and attitude. It is important that they grow up in an environment with a positive vibe.

What are the benefits of being a single parent?

  • There no longer has to be a fight about who gets to do what. There is no more nagging involved when it comes to what is needed to be done. Either there is no one to nag on or there is no one who will nag. Figuring out a system of how to share the responsibilities and then fighting each other over it can be draining.
  • No one is there to undermine your authority. Your word is the word and your word is final. There will be no contesting or deferring it. As a result, your child will benefit from a consistent and stable form of discipline.
  • You get the whole closet to yourself. You get the whole house, actually. Do with it what you will.
  • You can get every other weekend off to spend time for yourself. You get to have an uninterrupted afternoon where you can enjoy your tea or a favorite book and you don’t have to worry about child care at least for a little while.

Important things to keep in mind when you are a single parent

  • Never leave your child at home alone. Leave them with someone you trust if you have to leave home.
  • Don’t leave your younger children with their older siblings. You may be robbing all of them of a good childhood by doing so.
  • Break in your new partner before asking them to look after your children. Their patience might need warming up.
  • If you are going to rely on a babysitter or child care center, be sure to check out their services by watching the babysitter when they are handling your children or by visiting the child care center.

Single parenthood may be difficult but, by following these tips, you will be able to cope, and enjoy your children rather than survive through their development.

Originally posted 2013-11-11 10:08:30.

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Benefits of Using Pacifier and Tricks to Keep it on Baby’s Mouth

Benefits of Using Pacifier and Tricks to Keep it on Baby’s Mouth

A Closer Look at Pacifiers

A pacifier can do wonders for a mommy. A pacifier can work like magic in comforting and soothing a crying baby. It’s quick and easy. It works well in calming your baby down when she is feeling a strong need to suck but not you nor her hands are an option. Pacifiers sound great, right? Right. That is if you manage to keep it in your baby’s mouth. Otherwise, you’re giving your baby another frustration to cry about.

In this article, we will discuss some tricks and tips on how to keep your baby’s pacifier in his or her mouth. First, let’s talk about the basics of a pacifier. A pacifier is essentially a nipple that is made of rubber, plastic or silicone. Also called as a dummy, binky, soother or teether in countries other than the US, a pacifier is given to babies to suck upon. The basic parts of a pacifier include a teat, a mouth shield, and a handle. The teat is where the baby latches on. Both the mouth shield and handle should be big enough in order to prevent the baby from swallowing the pacifier or choking on it.

Pacifiers have been around for decades, although back in the olden times, pacifiers looked a whole lot different. They were actually a development of hard teething rings, which were given to toddlers to aid and comfort them during the teething process. Pacifiers came to replace sugar-teats or sugar rags, which had been used to distract and calm babies. Sugar-teats were made from small pieces of linen, with a balled up sugar at the center, and with a thread tied around it.​

If you have just become a new mommy, we are sure you highly value the importance of comforting your baby. A crying baby is distressful. Of course, you only want your baby to feel comfortable and satisfied. A distressed baby means a more distressed mommy. While babies can easily be soothed by cuddling and swaddling, there will be moments when they won’t feel content to suckle only during feedings. Sometimes they feel the need to suck on something, even when they’re not hungry. Here’s where a pacifier comes in the picture. You many ask, how to get a breastfed baby to take a pacifier? Now a pacifier is not, by any means, a substitute for feeding. It is meant to appease your baby’s desire for more, when she has already had her fill of formula.

What are the Benefits of Pacifiers?

● Pacifiers can be soothing for both you and your baby.

A pacifier can help relax your baby and satiate her need to suckle some more, when she is not supposed to feed on more milk. It soothes her without risking your baby to overfeed. A soothed and satisfied baby could mean longer sleep for you, as well. As a new mommy, you know very well how precious sleep can become. The fact that pacifiers can help you and your baby lock in hours of undisrupted sleep is precisely the reason why a pacifier may be a welcome childcare buddy.

Benefits of Using Pacifier and Tricks to Keep it on Babys Mouth

● A pacifier could save your precious baby’s life.

Studies have shown a link between the use of pacifiers and a decrease in the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. According to research, babies who had been given pacifiers during bedtime or naptime were less susceptible to SIDS. It is believed that babies wake more easily from sleep when they are sucking on a pacifier. Due to the suckling that a pacifier entails, babies who suck on them may not sleep as deeply compared to babies who do not use pacifiers. Additionally, sucking on a pacifier ensures the baby is receiving enough oxygen by helping open up air space around her mouth and nose.

● You are in control.

You get to say when to start giving your baby his first pacifier. You get to pull the plug on it as well. Giving your baby a pacifier is better than letting her learn to thumb suck. Thumb sucking proves to be a harder habit to break.

Will a pacifier be bad for your baby’s teeth?

A pacifier’s effect on your baby’s dental health will only be of real concern once he or she enters toddlership. Continued pacifier use beyond two years of age is linked to ear infections. A teething toddler who is still reliant on a pacifier past two years of age may suffer misalignment of her teeth and changes in the structure of her mouth’s roof. Anterior open bite, which can be described as the presence of a gap between the front upper and lower teeth, is the most common dental effect of continued pacifier use in older children. If the use of pacifier is not properly weaned off, the child stands to risk having crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth. Experts advice to wean the baby off of the pacifier before she turns two years of age.

What are the things to consider when choosing a pacifiers?

There are a number of types of pacifiers that you can choose from. Here are some of the factors that may affect how you choose your baby’s pacifier:

Benefits of Using Pacifier and Tricks to Keep it on Babys Mouth
  • Nipple shape. Common nipple shapes to choose from may include the standard-shaped pacifiers that have straight elongated nipples. A cherry nipple pacifier has a trunk that gets ball-shaped towards the bottom, while an orthodontic pacifier has a rounded top and a flat bottom.
  • Material. The usual choice is between a pacifier made of latex or one that is of silicone material. Latex pacifiers are softer and more flexible, although they also deteriorate faster and wear out sooner. Keep in mind that your baby might be sensitive to latex. Silicone pacifiers are sturdier and last longer. They don’t retain odors and are dishwasher-safe. The likelihood of your baby chomping through the silicone material is lower than that of latex pacifiers.
  • Mouth shield. While some pacifiers may be one-piece and completely made of latex, other models come with plastic mouth shields. These mouth shields may come in different colors and with different shapes. Keep in mind that a mouth shield should always have holes for ventilation.
  • Handle. Common handles for a pacifier include rings and buttons. Pacifier with ring handles are easier to retrieve once the pacifier has fallen off. Button handles make it easier for your child to grasp on the pacifier.
  • Nipple cover. Nipple covers are meant to protect the pacifier from getting dirty when not in use. Just be mindful of the cover since it may become a choking hazard for your baby.

How to keep the pacifier in your baby’s mouth

Pacifiers are one of our ever reliable sleep crutches. Of course, this is only true when the pacifier stays in the baby’s mouth. If the pacifier keeps falling out of your baby’s mouth, your baby will only cry and complain, and will require more reapplication by you. Frequent reapplication equates to less sleep for you. Keeping a pacifier from falling out of baby’s mouth is challenging especially when the baby still has the inability to fully use her hands. No, you may not tape the pacifier to her mouth, but you are also not the first to want to attempt it. Still, no. To help you out, we have gathered a few tips that don’t involve duct tape. Below are some of the common tricks used by parents to keep the pacifier in their baby’s mouth:

● Gently introduce the pacifier.

Introduce the use of pacifier to your little one at a time when she is content and calm. You may do this directly after a feeding session. Avoid using the pacifier as a substitute to feeding. When you do this, you are teaching your baby to associate his pacifier with hunger and your baby will only learn to spit out the pacifier when you offer it. It is helpful to introduce the dummy when she is happy so that she will learn to associate it with contentment.

● Make it a pleasant experience.

You may coat the pacifier with a small amount of your breast milk or your baby’s formula. This will give the pacifier a more pleasant taste that your baby may enjoy, instead of the usual rubber-like taste that new pacifiers have. Avoid using honey or other sweeteners. These substances may affect your baby’s gums and teeth development. The application of breast milk or formula should only be for the purpose of introducing the pacifier. Do not make a habit out of it just to get your baby to always take pacifier.

● Swaddle and tuck.

Given that your baby is not old enough yet to fully use her hands, you may try to keep the pacifier in place by tucking just its bottom into the edge of your baby’s swaddle or bib. This trick will only work for babies who still cannot roll. Once your baby learns how to roll, the pacifier will just fall out from the tuck. The good news is that your baby is probably gaining more hand control, too, if she could already roll. Hand control is useful for our other tips on how to keep the pacifier from falling out.

Benefits of Using Pacifier and Tricks to Keep it on Babys Mouth

● Use pacifiers with stuffed animals.

Pacifiers with stuffed animals attached to them are easier for babies to handle. These are easy to grab, and your baby can use his or her arms to push the pacifier back into the mouth when it starts to fall off.

● Get the right match.

It is important to get the right size of pacifier. Match the size to your baby’s age to make sure that the pacifier fits her mouth. With the right-sized pacifier, your baby’s suckling will seem more natural, and there will be less tendency for the pacifier to be spat out. Also consider the shape and texture of the nipple of the pacifier. What you can initially do is purchase a couple of inexpensive options from a baby supply store to figure out which works for your baby, and go from there. Try each one until you see which combination your baby enjoys best.

● Let your baby learn how to keep the pacifier.

Apply a little reverse psychology to teach your baby to suck on the pacifier. Your baby must learn how to keep the pacifier in her mouth. Your baby will never figure out how if you keep re-applying it for her. While your baby is sucking on her dummy, gently try to tug it away. Tug just enough to let her instinct kick in, which will make her suck the pacifier back in. Keep doing this exercise for a couple of times, spread over several days until your baby gets the hang of it.

Other pacifier tips

  • Avoid strangling hazards. Do not secure the pacifier to your baby with a cord or ribbon that is longer than 6 inches. The same goes when attaching the pacifier to your baby’s crib, carriage or stroller. Cords longer than 6 inches can strangle your baby. Go for clips or tethers that are specially designed for pacifiers, instead.
  • Don’t clean the pacifier by putting it in your mouth. Adult saliva contains bacteria capable of causing cavities in your baby’s teeth. Keep the pacifier clean by washing it in soap and hot water. Clean it regularly, in between use.
  • Never let children share a pacifier. This is unhygienic and can pose serious health issues.
  • Choose a pacifier with a mouth shield that has holes. These ventilation holes will serve to let the air in and ensure that your baby is getting enough oxygen.
  • Sure, glued-on moustaches are cute when you glue it on your baby’s pacifiers but they can become serious choking hazards as well. Use the pacifier as is and do not attach anything that doesn’t belong to it.
  • Do not use the pacifier to delay or replace a meal. Offer only the pacifier when your baby isn’t hungry. Give the pacifier in between feedings.
  • If the pacifier falls off while your baby is sleeping, don’t force it back in. Cuddle or rock your baby instead if she seems fussy while napping.

Babies shouldn’t be used to having pacifier for long. For sure, the will come a time when you will ask, when to stop pacifier use? Eventually, you have to learn pacifier weaning system. For the mean time, just don’t forget the importance of breastfeeding because it is still the best for both moms and babies.

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Friday, January 27, 2017

Top 5 Best Tandem Strollers | 2017 Reviews

Top 5 Best Tandem Strollers | 2017 Reviews

Looking after a baby can be tough work for many parents but having two of them could almost always mean twice the challenge. One of the things that parents worry about when having two small kids is how to make it possible to run errands or go around for casual walks or shopping. Whether you have kids of the same age or varying ones does not matter a lot because both situations calls you to be twice as alert as you already are.

Thankfully, there are a lot of products made for families that have at least two small kids with a small age gap in between. Take the tandem stroller, for example. Unlike regular strollers, this piece of equipment is designed to hold to growing babies and perhaps even more for their stuff and the parents’ stuff. Some are even strong enough to hold an additional load such as a small bag of groceries.

Tandem strollers are not just great for use with twins, Irish twins or an infant and a toddler. They can also be used with just one kid riding and, after the other seat has been removed, can be turned into additional space to make room for shopping bags and other items.

How do you choose the best tandem stroller for your kiddos? The few things that you might want to consider are: age of kids, weight and convenience, orientation, storage space, canopy and brakes, among many others.

To help you further refine your choices, we have come up with the top 5 best tandem strollers. Hopefully our list of reviews will give you a better view at which model to purchase for your kids.​

Quick Comparison Table

Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double

Baby Jogger City Select

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Chicco Cortina Together

Delta Children LX Tandem

Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double Stroller
Baby Jogger City Select
Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller
Chicco Cortina Together
Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

33.1 pounds

35 pounds

39 pounds

34 pounds

23.5 pounds

Inline

Inline

Side by Side

Inline

Side by Side

Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double

Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double Stroller

When it comes to double strollers, the Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double might just be considered the best double stroller with infant car seat, at least in our books.

Yes, it can accommodate two children of different ages but they are also perfect for kids of the same age (or nearly the same age aka Irish twins) and it grows with them, too. The good news is that this tandem stroller can fit two infant car seats at the same time, without any problem. You can interchange the way the passengers sit – with the older one in front or at the back, you only have to follow whatever arrangement they prefer best. The seat at the back can even be turned into a standing platform, perfect for preschoolers and school-aged children.

Another thing to love about this double baby stroller is that it comes with a huge storage basket making it perfect for grocery trips. If you only have one passenger with you, you can remove the seat at the back and turn it into extra storage. At just 33.1 pounds, this stroller is definitely among the lightest in the group considering that is packed heavy with features.

Did we mention that it comes with a huge and super convenient parent tray? Each seat is also equipped with child trays with a cup holder each.

There is nothing much we can say about this double stroller that will not make us want it. Its price is even quite inexpensive compared to other brands. For all these great things, we are putting the Baby Trend stroller on the top spot of our list.

Details of the Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double

Weight

33.1 pounds

Orientation

Inline

Dimensions

49 x 21.5 x 43 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 50 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Baby Jogger City Select

Baby Jogger City Select

Yet another great stroller for infant and toddler is the Baby Jogger City Select.

With 16 different seating combinations to choose from, this is perhaps the most versatile of all twin strollers with car seats. You have both kids face front, face the parent or face each other – whatever position they want to ride in, it is totally possible.

While the City Select is not designed for jogging, it still provides a comfortable ride for everyone. It comes with 8-inch swivel front wheels that make it easy to maneuver or you can choose to lock it in place for long distance walks. Another plus point for the City Select is the huge UV 50+ sun canopy that provides more than ample protection for your little ones.

We truly think that this is the best double stroller for infant and toddler and is a great investment but the $600 price tag is quite a steep price. If you do not mind the price (it can be used up to five years so it is worth it in the long run), then go for it. The price tag, which is nearly three times that of the Baby Trend, is the biggest reason why it takes the second rank.

Details of the Baby Jogger City Select

Weight

35 pounds

Orientation

Inline

Dimensions

43.5 x 25.8 x 38.5 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 45 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Joovy might just be the best double side by side stroller in the market today. The great thing is that even with the side by side design, it measures just 30 inches in width so it fits through most doors while still allowing ample space for its passengers inside. You no longer have to fold the stroller to get through narrow spaces because it can fit quite well.

What is so good about the Joovy Scooter? For one, it has bigger and better wheels with sealed bearings so your passengers can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable ride no matter the terrain. You can trust that the wheels can provide extra stability especially since you are pushing around two children. Aside from that, each seat in the Joovy Scooter works independently so you can put each kid on recline at different times, depending on their nap schedules and riding preferences. The 5-point safety harness ensures that your little ones stay securely strapped inside this stroller for twins but it also has a removable bumper bar for added protection. Did we mention that it comes with huge storage space and that it packs small?

There are just a few things we don’t quite like about this compact double stroller. For example, it wobbles slightly and leans toward the heavier side when the passengers are not of the same weight. The handlebars are also not adjustable and rather short at 41.75 inches and the weight is also a major issue. Thus, we will have to push the Joovy in the middle of the list, getting it to the third spot.

Details of the Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Weight

39 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

32.5 x 30 x 41.8 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 45 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Chicco Cortina Together

Chicco Cortina Together

Whatever seating arrangement your kids want – two car seats in, two children, an infant in front and a child at the back or vice versa – is possible with this best stroller for twins and siblings of different ages.

We love that its canopy provides ample amount of protection for its passengers, even with the car seats on. It also comes with huge amount of storage at the bottom thus it gets a big plus point from parents who frequent the groceries with their children.

Storage is quite easy through the one handed activation and self standing fold of this double baby stroller. However, at 34 pounds, it is among the bulkiest and heaviest double strollers in the market so lifting it to put inside the car trunk can be a challenge. Thankfully, it folds quite compactly so fitting it is not a problem.

​Another thing that we didn’t quite like about this stroller is that the front seat will not recline and so the passenger in front might have a hard time falling asleep when on the go. Maximum weight capacity may not be an issue but height capacity could be! Be sure to check your kids’ height first and compare it with what the Chicco Cortina can accommodate before making the purchase.

Other than these few cons about the Chicco Cortina, it is still a great product. However, other models do a better job than this one so it gets down to the fourth spot in our list.​

Details of the Chicco Cortina Together

Weight

34 pounds

Orientation

Inline

Dimensions

23.5 x 45.5 x 47.2 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 40 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

If you are looking for a lightweight double stroller to use when running errands with your kids, this is the most recommended brand to use.

This cheap double stroller is pretty straightforward and does not have a lot of frills. For those going around on short trips that do not require bringing huge bags of shopping or other heavy loads, this is a great product to use.

For one, it doesn’t have enough storage, if at all, at the bottom. The canopy also uses the European design so it doesn’t really provide that much protection against the sun compared to the other brands. We highly recommend the Delta Children Side by Side Tandem for quick trips around the city or zoo that do not require a lot of stuff. This is even great if you decide to walk around Disneyland with your little ones.

This compact double stroller weighs only 23.5 pounds so you do not have to worry about pushing them around or folding them for storage. It is possible to do everything with one hand and you do not have to strain your back when trying to lift it into your car’s trunk. This lightweight tandem stroller is also perfect for travel as it can be gate checked due to its very simple and lightweight design.

However, if you are on who constantly uses their tandem strollers for running errands or going on long trips. It doesn’t have storage baskets underneath so you will have to hang your diaper bag on the handles (but make sure there are passengers inside to prevent it from toppling over) or wear it around your body.

This tandem stroller cannot be recommended for everyday use, only for short, quick trips, so we place this one at the fifth place on the list.​

Details of the Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

Weight

23.5 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

31.2 x 29.6 x 37.3 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 35 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Conclusion

How did that go? Did you like our choices in the best tandem strollers so far? We had a great time reviewing the strollers above and we hope it helps you in making the right decision in your purchase.

Remember, expensive isn’t always the best – you have to listen to what your kids tell you. They will be the ones riding it, after all! Of course, you also have to consider your preferences. You certainly do not want to hurt your back or have a hard time pushing it around – that wouldn’t be too enjoyable, right?

Happy shopping!​

FAQ (By Our Ardent Readers)

  • What is a Tandem Stroller? How is it different from a side by side stroller?  A Tandem is typically the same size as a single stroller where the children are sitting one behind the other unlike in side by side stroller where there are sitting next to each other.
  • Why do i need to buy a tandem stroller? A tandem is very useful if you have twins or kids who are just a few years apart. Also since it is not very wide you could navigate through doorways and narrow passageways very conveniently.
  • Is the tandem stroller very bulky? Some of them are moderately heavy. But most of the models are designed to be sturdy enough to be able to carry 2 kids and its belongings and as a bonus a small bag of groceries too. But not to worry as it is very easy to handle and move around with it.
  • Can i fix my infant car seat to my tandem stroller? Yes you can very conveniently or you can choose to have the normal seat which reclines back(though not fully flat) if your child is slightly older and is able to hold his head properly.
  • Can the car seat be fixed at both front and rear positions? Some models in the market do allow that,  but not all of them. It is always advisable to keep the little one close to you while the toddler is sitting in the front with unrestricted views.
  • Can the car seat and the standard one be interchanged? Yes in some models this can be done depending on which child needs more attention. 
  • Can both standard seats recline? Yes they can. But makes it slightly uncomfortable for the passenger at the back with less leg room when the front seat if fully reclined.
  • Are there any models with infant seat attachment and sit n stand option for the second? Yes certainly there is. Please read through our in depth review of tandem strollers page before you make your decision.
  • Can i put my newborn in the tandem? Not really unless you are using the infant car seat. The standard seat in tandem, though reclines back, does not go fully flat. The child must be able to hold its head in position properly before they are ready to sit on it.
  • Can the tandem be folded easily? Yes of course with just the push of a button and can easily be stored away when not needed.
  • Does the tandem have a snack tray and a cup holder? Yes it does for both passengers and also for the parent to store coffee, keys, mobile etc.
  • Can i get a triple tandem stroller? Yes you can. There are several designs for twins, and for infant and toddlers of varying age. Some common brands that do these tandems are Joovy, Childcraft, Baby Trend, Graco etc.
  • Where can i buy the tandem strollers? You could buy them in store or from a trusted online retailer like Amazon. We would strongly recommend you to read through the reviews first before you nail down on the stroller of your choice.
  • Are the accessories and spare parts easily available? yes you could buy them in store or order online if you are sure of what you need.

Originally posted 2016-08-21 15:12:18.

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