Sunday, February 23, 2014

Baby Eczema Cure ... What Worked For Us

It's been a very dry winter. So dry, my baby's skin had paid dearly. Her skin was dry, bumpy, and blotchy. I tried all sorts of lotions and creams before finding the cure from our pediatrician. Eucerin and Aquaphor helped for a time ... and then it got really bad.

Here's what we did that finally did the trick:



  • Added about 1 ounce Robathol Bath Oil to bath water and let baby soak in water for about 3 minutes



Our doctor warned us Robathol Bath Oil was easiest found online and, of course, Amazon has it. We picked up the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser from CVS and had this first -- I used the cream before the bath oil arrived. Her skin began to clear up! We may be able to forego the Robathol Bath Oil ... I'm gonna stick with what the doctor recommended for now.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Make Baby Applesauce in a Baby Food Steamer/Processor

Making baby food isn't as hard as you think! A few simple steps using a Baby Food Maker is all it takes!

This may be TMI, but my baby was very regular ... until we introduced cereal. One ounce of breast milk and a tablespoon or so of oatmeal cereal for supper changed all that. It scared me. Is she constipated? Is this normal? She's had cereal for a while now, so ... it's time for something new. I had all intentions of introducing veggies next, but applesauce seems like a good thing to help "move things along". So, without further adieu, here's how I made applesauce!

First, you'll need some supplies/ingredients.
125 ml water 
3 small apples or 2 medium apples 
ice cube tray 

  1. Peel, core, and cut up the apples into 1/2" pieces. 



  2. Place apples into Baby Food Maker food compartment. 
  3. Pour 125 ml water into the water compartment of the Baby Food Maker. 
  4. Set the Baby Food Maker to steam (takes about 20 minutes). 
  5. Once the apples have been steamed, puree the apples. 

Viola! Homemade baby applesauce. I served my daughter about 1 ounce and froze the rest in an ice cube tray. The next day, I removed the applesauce cubes and put them in a labelled freezer bag for later. Remember, once you thaw any baby food, do not refreeze.


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Baby Wearing - Tale of Two Carriers: Moby Wrap and Ergobaby

Baby Wearing - Tale of Two Carriers: Moby Wrap and Ergobaby

It was once easy for me to carry my baby ... when my first child was born, I was only 19 and very full of energy. Even with my second child 9 years later, I still had the ability to carry him around like it was nothing. Now, 10 years later, my back simply can't handle more than 5 minutes. To boot, my third child, a baby girl, loves for us to walk around while carrying her ... just loves for Mommy or Daddy to walk around with her much to our aching backs' disagreement.
With age also comes wisdom and knowledge. I've learned baby wearing also helps sooth fussy babies with warmth and heartbeat - which, my little girl can be very fussy at times. Furthermore, since I am breastfeeding, baby wearing has been known to help maintain my milk supply. I can also see how the closeness of the baby to me helps in development and interacting with others.
With this, I've chosen to baby wear and have found two carriers which help tremendously. My baby wearing experience is only a few weeks old and so far has been completely enjoyable.

Moby Wrap Official Website

Moby Wrap UV - Almond Blossom
The Moby Wrap is a 15 foot cloth wrapped around your body in such a manner that you can safely tuck your child inside the wraps in the front (as shown), on your hip, or on your back. Of course, written and picture instructions are included with the wrap and on their website; however, many find the video easiest to learn how to use the wrap (also on the website link above).
I only use the Moby Wrap at home. It's long and I can foresee it being near impossible to put on without it dragging all over a dirty floor at the grocery store or elsewhere. Plus, skin-to-skin baby wearing is ideal in this wrap. It's so soft, too. I purchased this from diapers.com for $48.49 which is a small sale price at the time of this post as it normally retails for $55.95.

Ergobaby Official Website


Ergobaby Carrier - Night Sky
The Ergobaby carrier is sturdy, well-designed, and extremely comfortable. Once the waist strap is adjusted, only a few steps are needed to safely have your baby in tow. Those with long hair beware of the shoulder harness buckle ... it's in the perfect place to grab some of your hair.
I've used this carrier inside and out. It's perfect anywhere and so easy to wear.
Watch out for counterfeits! I purchased mine from an authorized retailer, diapers.com for $120.00. They really never go on sale and any retailer coupon I've seen excludes Ergobaby from the discount.

If I had to choose between the two, I wouldn't. They both are extraordinary carriers and worth every penny spent on them.