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Baby's First Year: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
When it comes to alcohol and breastfeeding, there are several inaccurate myths circulating among nursing mothers. Learn the facts if you plan on drinking alcohol and breastfeeding.
Babies' Physical Development
Milestones in physical development for babies in their first year. A breakdown of height and weight growth expectations, physical appearance, sensory development, and gross and fine motor skills for ages 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months, and 9 to 12 months.
Baby Christmas Ornament
Your Christmas tree won't be considered "done" this year until you have a Baby's First Christmas ornament delightfully hanging from one of its branches. Take a look at some of these adorable ornaments that will make fine heirlooms.
Pump and Dump
Planning on a night out drinking alcohol? Breastfeeding moms may wonder what the facts are - if they must pump and dump their breastmilk before feeding following a night of drinking and is it safe?
Baby Sleep Needs
Wondering about baby sleep needs? Perhaps your baby is sleeping too much or Not enough.Find out general guidelines for baby sleep amounts.
Newborn Physical Development
Learn the physical development benchmarks of 0 to 3 month old babies. Growth, gross motor, fine motor, physical appearance, and sensory development detailed.
Homemade Soups
If you've got a hectic lifestyle, but still like to prepare good meals check out this great homemade soups. Fairly quick to make, they aren't short on flavor.
Infant Formula Amounts
Wondering how much baby formula to give your baby? Several factors can help you how many bottles and how many ounces of formula your baby needs daily.
Baby Grasping Skills
Babies' ability to grasp and manipulate toys advances rapidly during the first year. Learn developmentally appropriate exercises that will enhance their gripping skills and promote cognitive development.
Soy vs. Cow's Milk Formula
Wondering which is the best infant formula to begin your baby on, cow's milk based or soy formula? Find out the recommendations and whether or not you should stock up on infant formula before baby is born.
Alcohol Breastfeeding
Drinking alcohol, breastfeeding, is it a no-no? Find out if that glass of wine is a no-no, whether you need to "pump and dump" your milk, and other safety precautions.
Increasing Milk Supply
If your breastfed baby is having difficulty gaining weight and you have been diagnosed with low milk supply, these tips can help increase your milk production.
Baby Spitting Up
Feel like you are being covered in baby spit up? Fear it might be too much? Before you head to your pediatricians for a diagnoses of reflux, realize that it is at all uncommon for frequent baby spit up. Find out if your baby spitting up is a medical problem and ways to decrease the amount of spit up.
Dr. Sears Baby Sleep
Dr. William Sears, noted American pediatrician, deviates from traditional theories of baby sleep. Advocating cosleeping and denouncing "cry it out" methods, Sears' baby sleep ideas are embraced by some and rejected by others.
Physical Development 9 12 Mon
Learn the physical development benchmarks of 9 to 12 month old babies. Growth, gross motor, fine motor, physical appearance and sensory development detailed.
7 Tips for Starting Solids
Feeding baby food to your growing child is a landmark milestone. Check out these tips, advice, and nutritonal guidelines before you start.
Co-Sleeping Definition
Co-sleeping, sleep sharing, and the family bed are different terms that describe the same parenting sleep practice. Many advocate co-sleeping for its benefits, others attack it for its potential dangers.
Physical Development 3 - 6 Mon
Learn the physical development benchmarks of 3 to 6 month old babies. Growth, gross motor, fine motor, physical appearance and sensory development detailed.
Cluster Feeding and Breastfeed
Cluster feeding is the term that refers to when a baby breastfeeds often over the course of a few hours.
Lactose Free Formula
Lactose free formulas are on rare occasions used to replace cow's milk based formula for infants shown to have lactose intolerance.
Baby Bedtime Routines
Sleep is a treasured thing, and most parents long to find how to improve how much, how well, and how independently their baby sleeps. These tips provide suggestions on how to improve how well your baby sleeps by using bedtime routines.
Baby Items and Essentials
Wondering what baby items you need to pack for the hospital delivery? Though the hospital will provide for most of your baby's essentials during the stay, there are a few items that may be helpful to bring.
Physical Development Month 6-9
Your baby's physical development will continue to make great strides during months 6 through 9. Check out what to expect in the areas of growth, motor skill, and sensory development for this age.
Diaper Rash Yeast Infection
An unrelenting diaper rash that plagues your baby might be caused by a yeast infection. Diaper rash caused by yeast is not uncommon.
Car Seat Expiration
People sometimes question what is up with car seat expiration. Find out why it's important to stop using car seats past the expiration date.
Infant Cereal
The traditional first food of infants is infant cereal. However, more and more parents are questioning whether there are other options on starting solids.
Baby Bedding Safety
For many parents, a nursery just isn't complete without the finishing touches of adorable baby bedding. However, many safety groups advises against using crib bedding for fear of SIDS. Find out why you may want to skip those items altogether.
Frugal Tips for Babies
Looking for ways to save money? Check out this frugal tips for babies' needs. Find ways to cut costs without skimping on the essentials.
Where to Get Baby Shoes Bronze
Bronze baby shoes are a way to put time in a bottle. It has been a popular way of preserving the memory of baby's first steps. Parents looking to have their baby's first shoes bronzed may consider several possibilities.
Acid Reflux Infant Formula
For infants diagnosed with acid reflux, pediatricians may recommend acid reflux infant formula. AR formulas are thicker in consistency than other infant formula.
Alcohol Milk Supply
Is there truth to the old wives' tale about alcohol, breastfeeding, and building breastmilk supply.
The New Baby By Mercer Mayer
In this fun book featuring the much loved character, Little Critter, children will learn how Little Critter adjusts to a new baby. It will help them understand what they can do to be a good brother or sister. Perfect to be read with 4 to 8 year olds.
Make Reusable Cloth Baby Wipes
During your baby's first year you will likely spend over $150 on disposable baby wipes alone. Learn how to make reusable cloth baby wipes out of extra recieving blankets or soft flannel shirts for $10 or less.
8 Gift Ideas for New Moms
What's one way to pamper the new mom? Gifts that indulge or address a need. New moms truly deserve a little bit of coddling once a new baby arrives. These gift ideas are sure to point you in the right direction for a special gift for the new mother.
Dads Pack for Delivery
Often parents focus so much on packing the hospital bag for mom and baby, but they forget about what dad may need during the hospital say. Here's the rundown on what dad should stash in his suitcase.
Overview of Infant Colic
Wondering if your fussy baby has infant colic? Though many babies are labeled by parents as having colic, there are specific signs and symptoms of the mysterious behavior that involves inconsolable crying. Get an idea if your baby's issues are more than just crankiness, and learn about the signs, symptoms, and possible treatments of infant colic.
Calm Colic
For fussy babies or those who are suffering from colic, there are many natural, in-home remedies that can be used. Consider these methods to calm colic.
Quick Meals
Had a new baby and need help preparing quick meals? Or perhaps you know someone who just brought a newborn home and you want some easy recipe ideas. Use these suggestions to point you in the right direction.
Yeast Diaper rash
If your baby has a yeast infection in the diaper area, he may not need to see a pediatrician. There are over-the-counter treatments that may work to rid your baby of that pesky yeast diaper rash.
Pumpkin and Homemade Baby Food
Pumpkin is an excellent ingredient in homemade baby food. These tips will help you in preparing the pumpkin.
Treatments for Sore Nipples
When breastfeeding isn't going smoothly, sometimes the mother suffers from sore nipples. Here are some quick and easy treatments for sore nipples mom can use until she gets help from a lactation consultant.
Baby Mobile Safety
The baby mobile, often placed hanging above the crib, can be a wonderful element for the nursery - serving a practical and decorative purpose. However, be sure to consider safety precautions when using mobiles.
Make Disposable Baby Wipes
Simple directions on how to make your own disposable baby wipes from paper towels.
Chicken Casserole Recipe
Looking for a quick and easy chicken casserole recipe to prepare for your newly grown family or to help out a family that just had a baby. This creamy casserole has healthful adaptations and is no less yummy!
Tuscan Bean Soup
This delicious bean soup is just the quick meal you are looking for. Made with cannelline beans and kielbasa sausage, it's a satisfying soup that doesn't require intense effort.
Baby's First Year - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Baby's First Year guide site.
Newborn Baby Toys
Looking for a Christmas present or special gift for the newborn in your life? Not sure what baby toys are best suited for these little ones? Check out these ideas for newborn baby toys.
Italian Soup
This hearty Italian soup combines meatballs, chick peas, pasta and spinach. It's a low calorie meal sure to please.
What Is Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting, a method of raising socially confident children, is defined. Learn the basic principles of attachment parenting and how cosleeping, babywearing, and gentle discipline ties into the philosophy of rearing children.
Baby Cereal or Fruits
Getting ready to start your baby on solids and wondering if you must begin with baby cereal? Find out what your options are.
Healthy Baby Meal Planner
Annabel Karmel has an updated edition of her book, The Healthy Baby Meal Planner, on the book shelves. Find out why this recipe and nutrition guide is a must-have for parents who make their own baby food.
Breast Compressions
Breast compressions are a breastfeeding technique with great benefits. Find out why and how to use compressions to improve nursing problems.
Make Baby Food Tools
Learn how to make homemade baby food with these tools found in practically every kitchen.
Hypoallergenic Formula
Details on hypoallergenic formulas which are occasionally used as an alternative to cow's milk based formula and soy formula.
Soothing Baby Care
If you've got a fussy baby on your hand, one of the first things to consider is if you have addressed her basic needs. Soothing baby with newborn care essentials is a great starting point.
Colic Baby Massage
Some parents identify a relationship between soothing colic, baby massage, and other methods of gentle physical contact. If you are trying to calm your colicky or fussy baby, you might find success with one of these methods.
Colby Corn Chowder
Cheesy, satisfying, and delicious, colby corn chowder is an easy soup you can prepare with little time.
Cow's Milk Based Formula
Cow's milk based formula differs from other types of infant formulas.
Free Babysitting
Looking for a way to get a night out without breaking the bank? Join a babysitting cooperative as a way of locating free babysitting services.
Hidden Dairy
Though in most instances breastfeeding babies showing sensitivities to dairy proteins in their mothers milk can adjust if mom cuts out obvious sources of dairy, some babies with intense sensitivies or cow's milk allergies will need the mother to restrict her diet of hidden dairy ingredients as well.
Newborn Physical Development
The first 3 months of your newborn's physical development will pass by more quickly than you can imagine. During this time you will note changes in your infant's growth, appearance, motor abilities, and sensory development.
Soy Formula
Brief summary and definition of soy infant formula. Information provided on when parents should consider using soy formula as opposed to cow's milk based formula.
Baby Diaper Rash Causes
Baby diaper rash is simply a pain in the butt. Wondering why your baby keeps getting bothered by it? Find out why.
Umbilical Cord Care
Alcohol swab or not? Learn about practice for baby umbilical cord care.
Diaper Rash Cream
When selecting a diaper rash cream, you have a wide variety of options. Here's a list of effective diaper rash treatments.
What Baby Needs by Dr. William Sears
What Baby Needs is the perfect book to read with siblings before the new baby arrives. Using simple text and colorful illustrations children learn about the reality of living with a newborn and ways they can help.
Infant Car Seat Carrier Guide
Parents often get caught up in buying the "best" infant car seat for their baby. However, there is no one "best" restraint. Rather parents should look at a number of factors to determine which car seat is best for their car, their baby, and their lifestyle.
Baby Food Browning
Browning when make homemade baby foods is a common problem. Find out how to prevent discoloring from occuring.
Gifts for Baby 9 to 12
Got a baby cruising or walking? Looking for gift ideas for babies aged 9 to 12 months? Find out what the best gifts for baby cruisers and walkers really are.
Baby Clothing
Looking for great deals on cheap baby clothes? Use these resources to find great prices on clothes or possibly get free baby clothing.
Character Crib Bedding
Looking to decorate your nursery with a specific character theme? Crib bedding is available in multiple popular cartoon characters. See which manufacturers put out certain designs.
Calm Colic With Soothing Sound
One of the ways that some parents report as a way to calm colic is to using soothing sounds - white noise, music, or familiar vibrations. Consider these options as ways to soothe your colicky or fussy baby.
Gifts for Babies 3 to 6
Buying gifts for babies can be so much fun, but it can be hard to figure out what gifts are developmentally appropriate. Check out these gift suggestions for babies age 3 to 6 months.
April's Cutie-Patootie Gallery
About.com showcases a Cutie Patootie Gallery. Readers can share pictures of their babies (age newborn through 12 months) for display.
Gift for Baby
Looking for the perfect gift for baby aged 6 to 9 months? Check out these suggestions for fun, developmentally appropriate toys that are sure to keep him entertained?
Toothbrush Feeding
Problems feeding your baby? What to do when he won't feed himself from a spoon? Here's a quick tip to encourage self feeding.
Recipes for Baby Food
Looking for some recipes for baby food? Check out this breakfast recipe that uses pumpkin purée, applesauce, and oatmeal for a hearty quick morning meal.
Pumpkin Baby Food Recipe
Here's a great baby food recipe that uses a popular fall harvest fruit- pumpkin!
Couples' Breastfeeding Classes
If you are planning on breastfeeding your baby, one of the ways to set yourself up for sucess is by attending a breastfeeding class with your main support person. Your husband, parent, or close friend should attend the class with you.
Colic Diary
If you are floundering with the mystery of a colicky baby, a colic diary that keeps detailed information about fussy periods and potential causes might help you address your baby's needs. Diaries help you pinpoint causes of colic in babies.
Physical Development 9 to 12 Months
The first year of your baby's physical development will pass by more quickly than you can imagine. During this time you will note changes in your infant's growth, appearance, motor abilities, and sensory development.
Summer Safety for Baby
It's imperative to be aware of hot weather safety precautions for your baby. Learn tips on how to have a safe, fun-filled summer with your child.
Acid Reflux
A description of what happens when a baby has acid reflux and a brief overview of possible GERD treatments.
Cloth Diapering Stash
Want to try cloth diapering but unsure of how many diapers you will need? Here are some general guidelines to start your stash.
Materials Needed to Make Disposable Baby Wipes
Simple directions on how to make your own disposable baby wipes from paper towels.
Number Awareness Activity
This simple activity builds early mathematical number awareness skills in babies. Use stuffed animals to play this infant game to reinforce quantity concepts.
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
Kevin Henkes' lovable and familiar character, Lilly, gets a new sibling. As she journeys through sibling rivalry and disgust of her little brother, Julius, she finds out how special he really is.
Oonga Boonga by Frieda Wishinsky
When baby Louise comes home from the hospital, the family is overwhelmed by her loud and long crying spells. As the story unfolds, big brother Daniel seems to be able to soothe Louise like no other. This books is well-matched to siblings feeling a bit lost at the birth of a new baby brother or sister.
Movement and Motion
Soothing your fussby baby or your colicky infant can be a fine art. Movement and motion can be a very effective tool to calm the colicky baby.
Crib Sheets
Likely no other bedding item will get laundered as much as your crib sheets. Learn what to look for and what to avoid in this baby bedding item.
Baby Sled
Let your baby enjoy the winter snows. A baby sled is a great seasonal toy. Check out these options.
Baby Halloween Treats
Looking for some Halloween treat ideas for the youngest of trick-or-treaters? Here are 5 treat ideas that are sure to be a hit!
Baby's First Year - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Baby's First Year guide site.
Baby's First Year - Recipes
An index of recipes for the Baby's First Year guide site.
Baby's First Year - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Baby's First Year guide site.
About - Baby's First Year Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.
Baby's First Year - Articles
An index of articles for the Baby's First Year guide site.
Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
Though published in 1967, Peter's Chair is a book that children of today can still identify. Keats' now classic character, Peter, faces his jealousy over his new baby sister. Illustrated in Keats' hallmark style, children will delight over the pictures just as much as they will the story and the familiar characters.
Baby's First Year - FAQs
An index of FAQs for the Baby's First Year guide site.
Add 2 Tablespoons Baby Oil
Simple directions on how to make your own disposable baby wipes from paper towels.
All in One Cloth Diaper
The All In One cloth diaper is a very popular choice among cloth diapering families.
Baby's First Year - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Baby's First Year guide site.
Call the Pediatrician
Concerned that your baby is sick, but aren't sure it merits that you call the pediatrician? Use this reference list to know what to call the pediatrician.
Physical Development from 6 to 9 Months
During months 6 to 9 of your baby's physical development will pass by more quickly than you can imagine. During this time you will note changes in your infant's growth, appearance, motor abilities, and sensory development.
Baby's First Year - GuideReviews
An index of GuideReviews for the Baby's First Year guide site.
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