What to Buy for Your Newborn Baby | Shopping for Newborn Clothes and Accessories

Shopping for newborn clothes and whatnots is an exciting and exhilarating experience. But it can also be quite overwhelming, especially for newbie parents. It is therefore important to come up with a comprehensive checklist that outlines the things that are absolutely essential and those that may be done away with. It is also helpful to compare notes with other mothers. I find it particularly less stressful to check other mom blogs and websites for tips on newborns.

Stick to the basics

Welcoming a baby to the family can put a toll on the family budget if you are not careful with your expenses. For the first few weeks, it would be practical to only buy the basics. Also, other people may give presents; if you buy only the basics, you reduce the chances of buying doubles.

What are these basics? First, you would need a layette and a set of newborn clothes. You would need a special going-home outfit, for the benefit of those who eagerly wait that day when you bring home your baby. Do not forget to buy gentle and scent-free laundry detergent for your baby’s clothes.

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Do You Have a Close Relationship With Your Child? | Benefits of Attachment Parenting

Taken before our trip to Manila

In a nutshell, attachment parenting is responsive parenting. It is a parenting philosophy coined by esteemed pediatrician William Sears, MD. During childhood, a strong emotional bond is formed between parents and their kids so it is important to be able to assess and address the latter’s needs. The ability to be sensitive to the needs of a child yields a lot of benefits, not only to the child but also to the parent.

I got interested in attachment parenting when I was pregnant with Daniel. I learned that being attached to your baby develops in him the ability to receive and give love when he grows up. He becomes more trusting and more competent. He grows better because he feels better. At the same time, I become more confident as a parent, being able to intuitively make decisions in response to my child’s needs. Being able to read my baby’s cues helps me understand my baby’s temperament, which gives me ideas on how to discipline him.

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Orthodontists—Your Partner to a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

Today’s blog is from our guest blogger, Catherine Manabat, who is writing on behalf of the California Association of Orthodontists.

The California Association of Orthodontists is a resource for parents to learn more about orthodontic treatments and provides general tips on how to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, get braces-friendly recipes, and find an orthodontist near you by using the Find an Orthodontist Locator service. Why should you choose an orthodontist? Orthodontists receive an additional two-to-three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.

Catherine is also a proud former “braceface” and smiles every day to prove it!

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The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding | 3 Reasons to Choose Breastfeeding over Bottle feeding

Breastfeeding is a personal choice. I chose to breastfeed my baby after learning about its many benefits. Although I have heard that “breastfeeding is best for baby,” the one thing that truly convinced me is the fact that antibodies are passed on to my baby, shielding him from diseases and other infections. I urge mothers to educate themselves well so that they can come up with a decision that would be best for them and their babies.

1. Breastfeeding your baby helps in fighting infections

Illnesses such as ear and respiratory infections, diarrhea, and meningitis are less frequent when a baby is breastfed. This is because breast milk improves your baby’s immune system. Researches reveal that premature babies cope better when they are breastfed.

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