How to Prepare Your Dog for Your Newborn Baby

If you are like much of the population, your four-legged friend is your first "baby." Many people worry needlessly about how their dog will handle a baby in their life. Many owners think of getting rid of the family pets because of fears that they will harm the baby. Please do not do this unless there is no other option. Most dogs, when treated and trained properly, can handle life with a newborn very well.

Children and pets make wonderful companions when raised properly together and taught how to behave with each other. Children that grow up in a home with pets learn respect and love for animals, and more importantly, respect for life. As the children grow older they can learn responsibility by helping to care for the animals. Animals enrich our and our children's lives beyond belief.

Having a baby can cause problems for both humans and dogs, as the dog tends to be treated differently, and because of this, may act differently. Some owners baby the dog more, causing the dog to become spoiled and hard to handle. Other owners get over-stressed and punish the dog for normal, curious behavior toward the baby. Often our pets are the center of our world, our "babies" if you would, and can get "jealous" if not equipped to handle losing that status to the new baby. If you are willing to make the time and effort to prepare your pets for the new arrival, everyone can live in harmony.

Sometimes the dogs become overprotective of the baby. Many owners enjoy and even prefer the dog being a guard for the baby. While it is normal for the dog to become protective of the baby, it is dangerous for the dog to become overprotective and not let anyone near the baby. All of the above scenarios can lead to the dog being kicked out of the house!

As you are making preparations to bring home baby, you need to prepare your dog(s) for the same in advance if possible. While most dogs will be very gentle with the baby, many dogs do not see babies as humans because of their size, smell, and the strange noises they make. By taking the time to give your dog some extra love and attention he should be fine and not turn to bad behavior to get your attention. You need to prepare and educate your dog for what lies ahead. This will ensure that they are ready and willing to accept the new family member with open and loving paws.

Using calming remedies (herbs, aromatherapy, oils) and or prescription medications are also an option to help facilitate a better behaved dog. You can talk to your veterinarian to inquire about these products and the implications associated with their use. I am a believer in the holistic approach whenever possible, instead of using drugs.

Please, please always be aware that your dog is an animal and animals can bite or do harm to a baby, intentionally or unintentionally. No matter how well-behaved or loving your dog is NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE WITH YOUR BABY! I cannot stress this enough. Accidents can happen. You do not want to harm your baby or have to get rid of your dog because of an unfortunate, and possibly avoidable, incident.

If you are unsure that your dog will accept your new baby, please seek the advice of a professional trainer or behaviorist before making any decisions.

Believe it or not, your behavior with, and toward your dog matters. It can make or break your dog's acceptance of and respect for your baby. If you act like a leader, you will be treated like a leader. You want your dog to respect every human being in your household, including your baby. You must teach your dog respect for the baby. This will make life easier for all those involved.

Be firm but fair-

Do not let your dog get away with things, but don't be a drill sergeant either! Try to make any corrections as gentle as possible, but make sure they are effective. Try to have fun with your dog and the training - you both need to enjoy it or neither one will want to continue!

Your tone of voice matters-

DO NOT YELL at your dog! Convey the meaning of the command through the tone of voice - match your voice to what you are telling your dog. Commands should be short and succinct, in a low, almost growling voice. Your voice should not get higher as you give the command. Do not sing to your dog or ask the dog a question! You will not get the answer you want! When giving praise, sound like you mean it! It should be the opposite of a command - higher pitched and enthusiastic. If your dog gets overly excited when you praise him, tone it down a bit and speak softly. Your dog will still understand that he is doing a good job, but he will be less likely to jump around and be crazy.

Be calm and assertive-

Our dogs feed off of our energies and emotions. This affects their behaviors and reactions. If we are relaxed and confident, our dogs will feel the same, and know that we are LEADING them, and they do not have to lead us.

Use a crate-

If your dog does not already use a crate, now is the time to start. A crate is not cruel, it can actually be a wonderful and safe place for your dog. Confining your dog at certain times, such as for sleep or times when you cannot supervise, is no different than putting your baby in its crib for the same. It is actually very easy to teach your dog to accept being in the crate. Most people think that a dog who has not used a crate before will have a hard time, but that is not usually true. My two older dogs started using the crate when they were 7 and 8 years old, about the time my son started crawling and exploring on his own. This allowed me to know that both my child and my dogs were safe and nothing bad could happen. Your child can be hurt by your dog as easy as your child could hurt your dog. The problem lies in the fact that if the dog makes even the slightest threat to your baby or even inadvertently hurts your baby, it is your dog's fault. It is not fair to the dog for something like that to happen because you were not supervising the two together at all times!

Eliminate bad manners-

Bad manners cannot be accepted as they can be dangerous to a new baby and a new mom. Jumping and nipping are behaviors that need to be stopped right away. Stealing and rough-play also need to be nipped in the bud immediately.

Teach your dog how to be calm and gentle, by praising and treating this behavior.

Working commands into everyday life and play makes listening easy and normal for your dog. It becomes natural to the dog and it is less-likely that your dog will be out-of-control. It is also good for you too, as it makes sure that you are training your dog everyday, making you the leader - not the follower.

Exercise is key for good behavior-

As I stated earlier in the guide, exercise is imperative for your dog. This ensures that your dog will be better behaved because it doesn't have the energy to misbehave! Regular walks are important. If you do not have the time to walk for miles, using a doggie backpack can make a short walk seem like a long walk for your dog. A dog backpack immediately puts your dog into work mode, which will help to tire her brain. If you evenly balance some weight on each side, such as water bottles, it will further the amount of physical energy that is expended by your dog. Teaching your dog to walk nicely next to the stroller is also important. It is very difficult and dangerous to have a dog pulling and out of control while trying to maneuver a stroller. If you plan to use a baby carrier, sling, backpack or car seat your dog needs to behave on the leash and walk with you, not pull you. It is a good idea to practice with the equipment before baby comes (use a doll in place of the baby) so that you can work out any kinks or problems.

Have regular obedience sessions with your dog so that she does not forget her commands and remembers that she has to listen at all times. This also helps to tire her brain! Try to work the commands into everyday life so that it becomes second nature to her.

Is your dog allowed on your furniture?-

If your dog is currently allowed on the furniture you may want to reconsider this as your baby will likely be on the furniture a lot. Dog hair and dirt can irritate your baby. You also don't want to have to constantly clean up after the dog. Your dog could also inadvertently injure the baby jumping up on the furniture or repositioning himself. It's best to restrict access to the furniture so that problems do not occur.

Time-out for your dog-

Be sure you give your dog time away from the baby to settle. Time outs are an effective tool to allow your dog to keep its sanity and also for when they are doing something wrong.

Your new schedule and your dog-

It is time to readjust the dog's schedule to acquaint her with the upcoming changes. Think realistically about the time you will have for the dog for things such as walks, feeding, potty breaks, play and attention. Try to keep the schedule consistent for your dog so that she does not feel unnecessary stress from the changes that are happening before your baby arrives. Having as little disruptions as possible will help to accomplish this goal. Once your dog feels secure and is used to the new routine, try to start having slight variations in your daily happenings. When your baby arrives things do not always go as planned. You can have every intention of staying on schedule and inevitably something will change that schedule! Babies do not follow schedules! Do try to stay on schedule, when possible, so that your dog is allowed some semblance of a routine. Dogs feel safety when the rules and routines stay the same.

Pay less attention to your dog-

It is now time to teach the dog to expect less attention from you in one sitting. Once the baby arrives you will not have the same amount of quality time to spend with your dog, but it is still essential to make time for your dog. Schedule regular 5 to 10 minute sessions each day where you pay full attention to your dog. You can do things such as play, grooming, petting or just talk to your dog. This allows your dog to understand that he is still an important part of your life. You need to teach the dog that this time may be with or without the baby. This is also a good time for you to relax and unwind as pets are very therapeutic. Be aware that if you have more than one pet, each will need individual attention if possible. You can also give the pack the attention at the same time, providing they get along, or allow them to play together to burn energy.

Your dog needs to be calm and balanced-

You need to make sure that your dog is calm and balanced before baby comes into the house. It is very important for your dog to learn how to be calm so that he does not hurt you or the baby. Your dog needs to be balanced so that he does not stress needlessly and act out inappropriately. If your dog is not calm and balanced there are ways to help you accomplish this. Training and exercise are good places to start to achieve a calm and balanced dog. If these do not work your dog may have something wrong with him, such as a mental or physical problem. Consult with your vet and local canine behaviorist or trainer. They should be able to steer you in the right direction. They can help advise you of the route you should take, whether behavior modification, medication, or holistic remedies.

Is your dog gentle?-

Teaching your dog how to be gentle is extremely important so that he will not inadvertently hurt the baby. Many dogs use their teeth too much and need to be taught the proper way to use their mouths - without the teeth!

Does your dog jump?-

If your dog is a jumper, teaching proper greetings will help to curb this problem. It is vital that your dog can see people without jumping or getting overly excited. When the baby comes home there will probably be lots of people visiting and he will need to be on his best behavior. It also facilitates the proper, gentle behavior your dog should have around the baby.

How will my dog handle the baby being rough with her?-

Teaching your dog what to physically expect from your baby is extremely important so that she is able to cope with and know what to do when baby pulls, hits or pushes her. Infants and children are not necessarily gentle by nature, and have to be taught how to be so. Your dog also needs to learn how to deal with these behaviors from his small leaders. Start to gently handle your dog in a rougher fashion while praising good behavior and gently, if possible, correcting inappropriate behavior such as nipping or mouthing. Children tend to pet roughly, pull ears and tails, put their hands in the dog's face and touch sensitive areas on the dog. You need to mimic these behaviors in order to teach your dog what to expect and how to deal with it appropriately. Make it a daily habit to have time on the floor with your dog touching every part of his body in a loving fashion. This is good because it allows the dog to accept touch in areas that it may not want touched. It also teaches the dog to be gentle while on the floor and to be submissive to you and your baby. Do this slowly and your dog will understand

Obedience training your dog-

Your dog needs to be obedience trained and have basic manners. I suggest that you enroll in a training class if you can. Check your local training clubs, or facilities, for classes and make sure to observe a class so that you can see how they train. Make sure that you are comfortable with their techniques and the instructors. If you are not allowed to observe a class, please look elsewhere. Trainers who are legitimate should have no problem with this and encourage you to do so.

The following are some basic commands and actions that your dog should be able to do to ensure that he will listen and be under control:

Walk nicely on a leash
Sit
Down
Stay
Leave-it
NO
Understand boundaries
Quiet
Attention/Look
Drop-it
Go to Your Spot/Place

Teaching the dog to respond to hand signals will also be beneficial. A sleeping baby is less likely to get woken up if you are not talking.

It is also a good idea to teach your dog to accept wearing a leash - in and out of the house. This ensures that you have control over your dog and tends to help make the dog better behaved. Most towns and cities have leash laws so it is imperative that your dog get used to the leash. You should also walk your dog everyday. This gives your dog mental stimulation, as well as physical exercise, which helps to tire them out, thus making them less likely to get into trouble and an overall better behaved dog.

Spot, Go To Your Spot!-

The "Go to Your Spot" command is a great command to have in your arsenal for a well-behaved dog. You can use this exercise to allow your dog to be with you and not underfoot, or keep your dog at a distance and still know where he is and what he's doing. It teaches your dog to go lie down on a rug or blanket and stay until released.

Long down stays are important in general, whether or not he is "in a spot", because they help you to maintain control over your dog. By your dog having to work for you, it facilitates a relationship in which you are dominant (in charge or the alpha figure) in your and your dog's mind.

Teach your dog what he can chew on-

All dogs chew. Each has a specific reason for it, and has a physical need to chew. They need to chew to exercise their jaws as well as to let out pent up frustrations. Excessive chewing can also be a breed trait. To help avoid problems, do not set yourself up for failure.

Soiling in the house-

If your dog has an accident in the house, or is not housetrained, you need to clean it properly to avoid further "accidents" or remarking of the same areas and to maintain a sanitary environment. Dog feces can contain parasites and other unwanted disease. Giardia, E-Coli, other worms and parasites are sometimes present in the feces and many are transferrable to humans.

Use high-value treats-

Use treats of high value - treats your dog loves and doesn't normally get - when dealing with new baby sights, sounds and scents. This tells your dog that these are good things, and that he should like them and associate them with rewards, instead of feeling malice or fear towards them. Make sure to keep the treats special, and only use them for the purposes of getting your pup familiar with what the new baby will be like.

The health and cleanliness of your dog is vital-

It is essential that your dog has a clean bill of health and is clean before you bring your baby home. Take your dog to the vet for a check-up to make sure that he has no health problems as these can cause unwanted behaviors in your dog that will interfere with his life with your baby. Make sure that he is up-to-date on all shots, or that his titer levels are good, and that he is worm-free.

The next thing you need to make sure of is that you bathe your dog or have him groomed BEFORE the baby comes home. If your dog sheds, it is a good idea to start a de-shedding program, such as regular grooming and adding a product such as Linatone (which you can obtain at your local pet store, online or at some groomers) which has a special combination of oils to help the skin and coat. Be careful not to over-bathe your dog as this can cause skin problems in many dogs. Make sure that he has no fleas or ticks as this is unsanitary and can expose your baby to health problems. It also creates problems as you will not have much time to bathe him once the baby is around. Using special flea and tick medication will help to ensure that he remains flea-less and tick-less.

Start teaching your dog to accept his paws and body wiped when he comes in from outside will aid in reducing the amount of dirt he tracks in the house. It also reduces the chance that your dog will carry in something that will cause an allergic reaction in you or your baby

Also, make sure to vacuum or sweep regularly as dog hair accumulates fast. This is especially important once your baby starts to crawl or be on the ground a lot, unless of course you want the baby to be a human Swiffer!

Carry a doll-

The idea of carrying around a doll (preferably one that cries) may seem silly, but it is a very good way to get your dog used to an addition to the family. Everything is different with a baby. Holding a baby changes your posture, and your mannerisms, so your dog needs to be comfortable and accepting of this. The dog also needs to follow commands and be obedient when you have the baby or the baby is out and about. Using a doll while practicing everyday commands will help your dog respond better when the baby arrives. Take the dog for walks, play with the dog, and all the normal things you do with your dog with and without the baby equipment and doll.

Baby sounds-

Getting your dog used the sounds of a baby is also a good idea. This allows your dog to familiarize herself with the alien noises that it may not have heard before so that it is not a surprise when baby comes home. Things like crying, gurgling, yelling/screaming, and baby babble are not necessarily normal for a dog to hear. There are many cds and tapes that you can purchase for this purpose. Start the volume low and expose your dog for short periods of time at first. Gradually increase the volume and amount of time you play the sounds. Try to play the recording everyday until the baby arrives.

Real babies and children-

Another good idea is to expose your dog to the real thing - real babies and children. If you have friends or relatives who have babies you can ask if they will allow your dog to listen in or even record them for you. You can visit places like parks, if your dog is well-behaved, so your dog can hear all of the noises children make. Make sure to start this away from your house so that your dog does not feel threatened in her own territory. The next step is to expose your dog in your yard, and then in your house. Make this a gradual process so your dog can slowly accept it.

Baby smells-

The smells of a baby are often unfamiliar to a dog. Slowly start to get your dog used to these new smells by using the products you will use on your baby, such as baby oil, powder, baby wash and diaper cream. Putting these products on baby blankets and baby clothes will also help. If you have friends or relatives that have babies, ask to borrow used and unwashed blankets and burp cloths so that the dog can get accustomed to the real smells of a baby.

The Nursery-

Setting up the nursery allows your dog to become acquainted with changes in the house. It allows your dog to become comfortable with the sights and sounds associated with baby equipment, thus avoiding shock when baby arrives.

If you don't want your pup in the nursery you need to start restricting access now. Keeping the door shut or a baby gate in the doorway helps to achieve this. Your dog will not feel left out or anxious about no longer being allowed in that room. Another good idea is to put a dog bed outside of the nursery so that your dog is still close to you, but not in the room. He will not feel banished, but will feel more included. Spend time in the room without your pooch so he understands that this will be normal, and that it is no longer his territory. As he starts to understand that the room is no longer his, he will accept it and be less likely to try to get in there when the baby comes home. This also helps to keep the room clean and free of dog hair and dirt. You will have more than enough to clean in the nursery as it is!

If you plan to allow your dog in the nursery start to teach the proper behaviors as soon as possible. Train her to be calm in there and not to jump up on the furniture and baby equipment. It is also a good idea to teach her to do down-stays when in the nursery so that she is allowed to be with you and the baby, but is out of the way and behaving. You may also want to have a bed or rug in there that your dog is allowed to lay on (remove it when you and the dog are not in the room). When the baby starts to crawl and move about you may want to limit the amount of time the dog spends in there and never leave the baby alone with the dog.

Baby's things are off-limits-

Make sure to constantly reinforce that the baby's things are not the dog's things. Even though you may have practiced this before the baby came home, dogs do need reminders.

It is important to dispose of dirty diapers properly to ensure that your dog does not get them. Dogs love things that have human waste on them, such as dirty diapers and feminine products. Keep these products out of reach as they will make an awful mess and are very unhealthy for your dog to ingest. They have chemicals that are not good for your dog and can cause blockages. Besides, the consuming of human waste can also make your dog sick (and have disgusting breath!).

Teach your dog to leave baby blankets alone and not to lay or step on them. Lay them on the furniture and the floor to teach your dog that they are off limits. If your dog tries to walk or lay on them use a firm "NO" and redirect your dog to a proper spot and have him lay down. When your dog avoids these on his own, praise him for his good behavior with a treat or petting and he will understand that these items are not something to go near. You want to prevent possible injuries to your baby from your dog while baby is lying on or hiding under the blankets (as often babies do!).

Teach your dog which toys belong to him-

It is recommended to teach your dog what toys are his and what toys are the baby's before baby arrives so that you will not have problems after. This is also a good idea because you can purchase toys similar to what your baby will have and not worry about using baby's actual toys for these exercises. An easy way to do this is to use peanut butter (or something like it such as cream cheese or cheese spread) and bitter apple (you can purchase this online or at pet stores). Put bitter apple on the baby's toys and peanut butter on the dog's toys. Before you give your dog the choice about which toys he wants, take a little bitter apple on your finger and wipe it around in your dog's mouth. This will help your dog to immediately identify the nasty taste on the baby toys. If you do not do this the bitter apple often dilutes and the dog will be able to get the baby's toys because the taste is bearable. Make sure to have some treats ready to reward your dog when he chooses his toys over baby's. Put the dog's leash on and you are ready to begin. Put the "marked" toys on the floor and let your dog decide which toys he prefers. If he still tries to take the baby toys, tell him "no, leave-it", and if necessary pull him away with the leash with a quick jerking motion. Do not try to hurt the dog, just give a quick correction as you repeat "no, leave-it". When your dog does "leave" the baby toys alone, praise and treat. You can also teach the dog the concepts of "Mine", "Baby's" and "Yours" by adding these phrases to the training sessions. When the dog goes for his toys you can say, "Good! Yours!" When the dog goes for the baby's toys say, "No, Leave-it, Baby's". You can use the same principle as used for the baby's toys when the dog goes for something that is yours by substituting "Mine" in place of "Baby's."

Please remember that if you leave your baby's toys lying around your dog will most likely try to steal them. The temptation is too much for her to handle and she probably will fail. Do not set her up for failure! Try to get toys for the dog that are not like the baby's - no stuffed animals and things that rattle. There are plenty of good dog toys that are very different from baby toys. Lastly, only keep a few of the dog's toys out at a time. This will avoid her falling prey to the syndrome of "everything within my reach is mine!" If she understands that the three toys on the ground are hers, she will be less apt to take things she shouldn't.

If you follow the guidelines set forth in this article you should be able to accustom your dog to your newborn without much difficulty. Remember, when in doubt, always consult a professional trainer!

Mandy Makein is an author and dog trainer. For free dog training report visit http://www.stopdogjump.com/

(c) Copyright Mandy Makein 2010. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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How To Get Pregnant With Baby Twins

This ebook is a comprehensive guide on ways to conceive twins called How to Get Pregnant with Baby Twins.

Check it out!
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Baby Health ~ Natural Remedies - Relieve Colic, Intestinal Cramps, Gas, Teething Pain, Promote Sleep

What is the Baby Bowen Procedure? The Bowen Baby Procedure consists of 7 gentle, light touch moves for stimulating balance in your baby's autonomic nervous system (ANA). This gentle stimulation will relieve your baby's colic and enhance her/his overall health and well-being.

Bowen therapy was developed by an Australian named Tom Bowen. The government-commissioned Webb report in 1975 reported Tom Bowen attending some thirteen thousand patients annually with an 80-90% success rate, usually in only one or two sessions.

BENEFITS: Colic; Asthma; healthy functioning of all organs and systems, especially the nervous, respiratory, digestive and alimentary (elimination) systems; promotes bonding between parents and baby.

HOW OFTEN: May perform Baby Bowen Moves as often as needed (at the first sign of your baby's discomfort) for the first six-weeks after birth, or weekly as a preventative and for Well Baby Care.

BABY BOWEN PROCEDURE, Part I

The first 4 moves are made on your baby's back, between her/his shoulder blades.

Your baby lays face down, on her/his stomach, or if there are two of you one may hold the baby with her/his chest facing you while the other one performs the first 2 Baby Bowen Moves.

BABY BOWEN MOVES

1. Always begin by doing your first Baby Bowen Move on the Left side. Place the pad of your Right thumb flat on top of the muscles lying along the Left side of your baby's spine. Your Right thumb is just above the bottom angle of your baby's Left shoulder blade.

You must first get into the correct position for performing your Baby Bowen Move by gently pulling the flat pad of your Right thumb toward you, moving the skin away from your baby's spine as far as it will go, like drawing the string of a bow.

At this end point you will gently press down and in, hooking the bottom edge of your thumb slightly. Hold this "gateway" entry position for 3-seconds.

By holding for 3 seconds you are giving a tiny challenge to your baby's nervous system, letting it know you are there. You may (or may not) notice a slight softening of the tissue as the nerve endings repond and open to your tiny challenge. This feedback loop takes about 3-seconds.

Remember there is ALWAYS a 3-second challenge before each Bowen Baby Move!

Now push your Right thumb TOWARD your baby's spine, move slowly with even, gentle pressure across the muscles, the pad of your thumb flattens as you perform the move.

Your gentle Bowen Baby Move are activating nerve endings and sending a signal along the nerve pathway, like a reset switch to your baby's nervous system, to enhance balance and stimulate your baby's natural healing response.

Think of your Baby Bowen Move like turning on a light switch.

2. Now immediately perform the next Baby Bowen Move by reaching across your baby's spinal column and placing the Right pad of your index finger atop the muscles along your baby's spine.

Again you must first get into the correct position for performing your Baby Bowen Move by gently pushing with the pad of your Right index finger, to move the skin away from your baby's spine as far as it will go.

At this end point you will gently press down and in with the pad of your Right index finger, hooking your finger tip slightly. Remember to hold this gateway entry position for a 3-second challenge.

Now with the pad of your Right index finger, pull your index finger TOWARD your baby's spine, move slowly with even, gentle pressure across the muscles, the pad of your Right index finger will flatten as you perform the move.

3. You will immediately follow these first two moves with two more in the same exact sequence and locations except in the opposite direction, AWAY from your baby's spine.

Place the pad of your Right index finger, flat on top of the muscles along the left side of your baby's spine, and push the skin away towards your baby's spine, as far as it will go.

Gently press down and in with the pad of your Right index finger, hooking your finger tip slightly, press gently on the muscles, activating the nerve endings for a 3-second challenge.

Now with the pad of your Right index finger, pull your index finger away from your baby's spine, move slowly with even, gentle pressure across the muscles, the pad of your index finger will flatten as you perform the move.

4. Now immediately perform the next Baby Bowen Move by reaching across your baby's spinal column and placing the Right pad of your thumb atop the muscles along your baby's spine.

Again you must first get into the correct position for performing your Baby Bowen Move by gently pulling with the pad of your index finger, to move the skin toward your baby's spine as far as it will go.

At this end point you will gently press down and in with the pad of your Right index finger, hooking the bottom edge of your thumb slightly. Remember to hold this gateway entry position for a 3-second challenge.

Now with the pad of your Right thumb, push AWAY from your baby's spine, move slowly with even, gentle pressure across the muscles, the pad of your Right thumb will flatten as you perform the move.

BABY BOWEN PROCEDURE, Part II

Your last 3 Baby Bowen Moves are made with your baby lying flat on her/his back.

BABY BOWEN MOVES

Holding Point or Energy Blocker - With the middle finger of your left hand apply gentle pressure just below the tip of cartilage at the end of your baby's breast bone, called the xiphoid process. Maintain this holding point with gentle pressure while performing the following two Baby Bowen Moves.

The purpose of a Holding Point or Energy Blocker is to set your intention for focusing your Baby Bowen Move to a particular location and effectively concentrates the signal you are sending along a particular nerve pathway.

5. Place the pad of your Right thumb mid-way along the border of your baby's left rib cage, slowly move the skin up along the border of your baby's rib cage, to end point as as far as it can go.

Now slip the edge of your Right thumb pad slightly under the angle of your baby's rib and with very gentle, light touch pressure, move your Right thumb downward, along the angle of your baby's rib to the end point and flatten your thumb.

6. Repeat the move on the right side of your baby's rib cage this time using the pad of your Right middle finger. Find your position mid-way along the border of your baby's rib cage, move up along the border to the end point.

Now slip the edge of your Right middle finger slightly under angle of your baby's rib and with gentle, light touch pressure, move downward along the angle of the rib to the end point and flatten your finger.

7. Take your Left middle finger off your Holding Point or Energy Blocker and place your Left hand on top of your baby's chest to feel your baby's rythmic pattern of breathing.

Place the pad of your Right middle finger about 1 inch below your baby's xiphoid process.

Feel the breath, in and out, get in sync and on an out breath perform the following move.

Baby Bowen Move: With the Right pad of your middle finger, gently draw your baby's skin up toward the tip of her/his xiphoid process, then press gently down and in, hooking your finger tip and pulling downward with gentle, light touch pressure then flatten your finger.

Baby Bowen Moves are most effective when performed as your baby is exhaled, breath out. Just do the best you can and with practice you will get into the feel of doing your Baby Bowen Moves to achieve outstanding results!

Bowen therapy is currently being researched in hopes to better understand why this gentle, noninvasive and holistic system of healing is so effective. The International Bowen Therapy Academy Conference is being hosted in June 2006 by Yale University where a Masters Degree program is being offered.

AROMATHERAPY FOR YOUR BABY: German (True) Chamomile is a traditional remedy for fussy babies. Known to help relieve colic, intestinal cramps and gas, as well as to ease teething pain. Because of its benign nature True Chamomile may be used to soothe diaper rash. Use in a very weak dilution of pure jojoba oil of less than 1%.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG Stiles is a registered & accredited Bowenwork & BodyTalk practitioner & a certified aromatherapist practicing for more than 30 years in the alternative health care field. PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic essential oils. She is available for distant healing sessions, training seminars & speaking. Click to learn about & order: GERMAN (TRUE) CHAMOMILE To learn about Bowenwork visit LEARN ABOUT BOWENWORK Click to learn about & order PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products: PUREPLANT ESSENTIALS AROMATHERAPY PRODUCTS More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

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Stroller Recall Prompted After 4 Infant Deaths

Strollers Recalled Due to Risk of Entrapment and Strangulation
Four Infant Strangulation Deaths Reported

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga., is announcing the recall of about 2 million Graco strollers due to risk of entrapment and strangulation. CPSC and Graco have received four reports of infant strangulations that occurred in these strollers between 2003 and 2005. In addition, CPSC is aware of five reports of infants becoming entrapped, resulting in cuts and bruises, and one report of an infant having difficulty breathing.

Entrapment and strangulation can occur, especially to infants younger than 12 months of age, when a child is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but his/her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray. Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation.

The recall involves older versions of the Graco Quattro Tour™ and MetroLite™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to the existence of the January 2008 voluntary industry standard which addresses the height of the opening between the stroller’s tray and the seat bottom. This voluntary standard requires larger stroller openings that prevent infant entrapment and strangulation hazards.

This recall involves Graco Quattro Tour™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to November 2006 and MetroLite™ strollers and travel systems manufactured prior to July 2007. The strollers and travel systems were distributed between November 2000 and December 2007. The model numbers are printed on a label at the lower portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels or underneath the stroller. The name “Graco” appears on a label on the stroller tray and the headrest. Models included in the recall are:

Quattro Stroller
$100-$190
Distributed Between
Nov 2002 – Dec 2007Quattro Stroller Travel System
$200-$250
Distributed Between
Oct 2002 – Oct 2007MetroLite Stroller
$90-$190
Distributed Between
Nov 2000 – Dec 2007MetroLite Travel System
$190-$250
Distributed Between
Dec 2000 – June 200535735
35759
7111ASB
7111BKW
7111CLN
7111CUN
7111DIA
7111HEA
7111HIG
7111LAG
7111KSH

7112CNP
7112MTR
7113CJR
7113CMR
7113COT
7119GGG
7119WSR
7121MAY
7125QST
7126RNS
7127LEG
7132RXY
7134SMB
7138RNS

35760
7411ATR
7411BGN
7411BGN2
7411BLB
7411KBK
7411KBK2
7411LV

7411MCH
7411MCH2
7411MLY
7411MLY2
7419LIM
7419LIM2
7419OWD2
7B00BDA
7B00DRB
7B00KAS
7B01MNS
7B03CST2
7B03LTC2
7B03TFE2

1104
1240
6110DW
6110F3
6110S7
6110TS7
6111FKB
6111VIN

6113SCR
6114HAV
6114JAM
6114LAG
6114NGS
6116NRF
6120SHL
6121CJG
6121CNP
6121GGG
6121MTR
6123EME
6124LRD
6125SMB
6J01DAI
6J01HRL
6J03RIT
6J04JEN
6J05MIN

1070
7000KSB
7308DEL
7308DEL2
7308DEL4
7308TYR
7308TYR2
7406PLT
7408MRT
7409GRG
7410CON
7413CML
7413MRN
C7413CML

NOTE: Quattro and MetroLite strollers ending with the number 3 are NOT affected by this recall.

The strollers were sold at AAFES, Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Fred Meyer, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other stores nationwide between November 2000 and December 2007 for between $90 and $190 for the strollers, and between $190 and $250 for travel systems.

The strollers were manufactured in China.

What Should You Do If You Own One of These Strollers?

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco for a free repair kit. To order a repair kit, contact Graco toll-free at (877) 828-4046 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.gracobaby.com. Consumers can continue use of the stroller as a “travel system.” When the stroller is used with the infant car seat, the entrapment and strangulation hazards posed by the space gap are not present.

For additional information, consumers can contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

NOTE:: When using a stroller, parents and caregivers are encouraged to always secure children by using the safety harness and never leave them unattended. To learn more about the importance of stroller safety, download CPSC’s safety alert: www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5096.pdf

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Posted by Dan on Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 at 4:45 pm and is filed under Recalls.
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Tags: China, Entrapment Hazard, Graco, recall, strangulation hazard, stroller, unsafe strollers
Posted in: Recalls

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How To Survive And Thrive When Your Baby Is Colicky

It can be scary for a parent when their child cries for long periods... for seemingly no reason at all. If your baby shows symptoms of Colic (what seems like gas baby) or constant crying, then this may be the most important letter you ever read...

Check it out!
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Top Ten Baby Presents - Buy Baby Gift Items That Are Needed

It is always difficult to come up with ideas regarding what to get when you need to buy

baby gift items. Baby gifts are as much for the mother as for the baby since there are

many items that a mother could use but cannot necessarily afford to buy. So, the next

time a baby shower, a birthday party or a christening has to be attended, use the

following list of ten ideas to buy baby gift items that will make an impression:

Top Ten Baby Gifts

Baby Toys - These are baby gifts that will never go out of style, and can be actually

enjoyed by the baby instead of the parents. There are baby toys that are specifically

designed for certain age groups. So, all one has to do is go to the market and buy a

toy that is made for the appropriate age, which is put up on the cover or packing of the

toy. But the best and the most liked baby toy is a teddy bear or other soft toy, which is

appropriate for babies of all ages. So if there is confusion, it is best to buy baby gift

toys that are soft and plush.

Baby Monitor - Baby safety is constantly on the minds of the parents. Baby monitors

are a perfect solution to end this worry. Now it's possible to monitor and detect the

movements, whining and breathing of the baby audibly and visually too. There are

many different models of audio-only, audio/video, and motion-sensor baby monitors

to choose from in a wide price range.

Baby Bath Care - Getting an expensive bath care set for the baby is the perfect way to

show that you care about the welfare of the baby.

Baby Stroller - This a device that a parent cannot do without. It has to be bought

anyway, so why not save the parents that much cash? Gift it instead of something

that is completely unnecessary.

Baby Books - Gifting the baby with books, appropriate for his/her age, is always

good. This actually helps in developing a joy of reading from a very young age.

Pictures and colors fascinate the baby's eyes, so make sure your book has a lot of

illustrations. Buy baby gift books that have thick, cardboard or other material for

durability.

Baby Blankets and Sleep Kits - Getting a cozy baby blanket and other sleep

accessories is a perfect way of celebrating the baby's arrival. These days, it is

possible to customize the baby blankets. A personalized baby blanket is a truly

unique gift. They are available in many colors, materials and designs. The next

time you need to buy baby gift items, consider a personalized baby blanket!

Baby Clothes - Smart clothes for the baby will definitely make the parents happy,

especially if it's the second child. The baby will be spared from using hand-me-

downs! These days, baby clothing is given a lot of importance, and one is likely to

find beautifully made baby clothes in the market, keeping in mind the contemporary

trends in fashion. To buy baby gift items that are useful, always consider baby

clothes.

Baby Bedding - This will include everything from the mattress to the blanket and

pillows, as well as the mosquito netting.

Baby Bouncers - Baby bouncers are the baby's sitting place, where he/she can roll

and bounce and have the time of his/her life. These are somewhat like a bean bag,

with a belt, to ensure the safety of the baby. Buy baby gift bouncers or other

mobile-type walker since parents need an item like this.

Baby Jewels - A jewel is a priceless gift that will be cherished for a lifetime. They

also make a unique baby gift. There are many websites online which are dedicated

to baby accessories that carry baby jewelry and have their items displayed online.

They also ship and home deliver the items, so that you don't need to go out and

purchase them.

When you have to buy baby gift items, the above choices are always winners!

Isaac Rubens makes it easy to find the perfect gift for that special baby. Visit buy baby gift for more great ideas and to receive other special offers.

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Expectations For Baby’s First Christmas

I had a vision in my mind of what my baby’s first Christmas would be like. She would be a few days away from her first birthday, so this would be her first experience with a big bundle of gifts all for her. I imagined the magic of the lit Christmas tree, the joy of the snow falling outside, and the joy in my daughter’s face as she experienced her first major holiday.

My daughter was excited by the first gift and spent most of her time playing with the wrapping paper and ribbons. My husband and I tried to dissuade her from the wrapping paper and compel her toward her next gift under the tree – after all, she had a huge pile of gifts from us and other family members- but she spent quite some time with that paper as my husband and I sat there impatiently until she was ready to rip open her next gift.

Gift number two resulted in a similar reaction from my daughter. She didn’t care so much about the toy but instead was happy with the wrapping paper. Her interest waned, however, and soon she wanted to toddle off and do something else. My husband and I weren’t ready to accept the end to the “magic,” however, so we brought out another gift from under the tree and prompted her to open it.

It was either the third or fourth gift when she melted down. She started pushing the gifts away and crying. My husband and I were amazed that any baby would not want to get a gaggle of gifts, and we were so intent on having the beautiful first Christmas with our baby that it never occurred to us that the whole process might be incredibly overwhelming for a baby who really doesn’t know what is going on. Sure, babies like getting new toys, but when you look at the bigger picture with the flashy Christmas lights, the wrapping paper all over the room, and two parents looming over the baby expectantly. It’s no wonder my baby melted down; this was unlike anything she had experienced before and we kept pushing her to experience it.

If this is going to be your baby’s first Christmas, please allow me to give you a little bit of advice. Don’t expect too much from your baby. You may have a vision in your mind of Yuletide perfection, but you never really know if your baby is going to want to sleep instead of opening gifts, or want to play with wrapping paper while ignoring the gifts you painstakingly selected, or if your baby is going to get so overwhelmed that a meltdown is inevitable.

So while you’re probably envisioning a magical Christmas morning, do try to control your expectations for baby’s first Christmas. I suggest you keep an extra close eye on your baby for signs of being overwhelmed and be willing to back off the gifts and let your baby take a break. Don’t push your baby to celebrate when your baby doesn’t even really understand the concept of celebrating yet at all.

Merry Christmas!

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Posted by Tamsen Butler on Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 at 8:32 am and is filed under Holidays.
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Tags: celebration, Christmas, expectations, Gifts, meltdown, tantrum
Posted in: Holidays

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