2nd Chance for Great Items

In tough economic times like these, it's a great idea to check out your local consignment stores. If you're baby is over the age of 3 months, you've probably come to the conclusion that he/she outgrows things before they become worn. And why not take advantage of that fact? You can find clothes to furniture, bottles to lamps, strollers to shoes, and much more--often times unused with tags still attached.

Are there items in your possession you know will not be used again, such as duplicate presents you're not sure where to return and items you don't try because an alternative item is your favorite? Then, consign them. Even if you don't want to buy consignment items, you might as well get some cash with which to buy new needed stuff. Or, pass them to someone who would use them.

If you're buying consignment, have an idea of what the product originally cost. It should be consigned for about half that, if it's in good shape. Also, many shop owners are willing to bargain, particularly if you're buying several things.

Maybe you're a mom who doesn't like to use items which you're not sure from where they've come. That's fine, and you have a couple of options as well. First, if you know a mom who doesn't plan to have more children, ask her if she's willing to sell some of their used items. Tell her you'd like the option to purchase before she consigns them. Who knows? She might even give them to you. Secondly, you can buy off of local website exchanges, like http://www.craigslist.com/ . Then, when you go to check out the goods, you can judge for yourself whether the original owner's home is sanitary. The same practice works well for yard sales.

Happy hunting!

Teething, the Phenomenon

Dear God, I know you know best, but why, oh why, do tiny teeth breaking through the surface (or pushing and pushing and pushing at the gums) have to hurt my baby so badly??? It's seriously unfair when he's too young to hold would-be soothing objects in his mouth...

This has been baby's ordeal for the past month. During that time, Smart Mom friends have shared their tricks to use until those chompers have matured. When you're desperate, you'll try anthing. Each baby's preferences seem very different.
*Refrigerate a wet washcloth to put in baby's mouth.
*Numbing gel.
*Age old remedy: teething ring.
*Teething tablets. However, I have heard of a case of overdosing, as they may not be heavily regulated by FDA. Ask your Dr.
*Frozen fruit in a fresh food feeder.
*When all else fails, Tylenol, following Dr.'s recomendations.

DON'T USE BENADRYL. Pediatricians everywhere are telling moms to avoid it altogether for infants. For more info, ask yours.

In case you wondered about the crazy wives' tale about the egg in the sock... I tried it, you know, for reporting purposes. Total hoo-haa, at least at our house.

The trick up my sleeve: distract him. He can forget about the pain for a while if I take him for a walk in the stroller or give him a bath.

To chart your baby's progress, here's a chart: http://www.anbesol.com/baby/chart.asp

Giftedness

Did you know according to Parenting magazine (Sept., 2008 issue) that only 2 to 5 percent kof children are considered "gifted?" Many other children may be considered advanced. And, believe it or not, giftedness does not usually apply to a child that is generally very intelligent. A gifted child is usually extraordinary in one area of interest.

All children will thrive at their highest potential if you:

• create a predictable life with a fairly-ordered environment.
  
• give them plenty of affection.


• talk or sing to them often.


• read to them frequently.


• expose them to varied experiences.


• give them opportunities to learn through play.

As you do the things listed above, look for activities to which your child is naturally drawn and encourage their interest.

For the Good Life

As the saying goes, "If Mama Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy." Whether we realize it or not, we have a lot more to offer our children when we feel good. For that reason, it's important to take a minute every day and reflect on something that makes you smile. Really, every day.

I got an email from a friend with the same subject as this post. I have no idea where it orginally came from. If any readers do, please let me know so I can give credit where it's due. Here were my favorite items on the list:
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2. Buy a DVR, tape your late night shows, and get more sleep.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
4. Try to make at least 3 people smile every day.
5. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is about.
6. Go on and burn those special scented candles, use the 600 thread-count sheets, the good china, and wear fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Every day is special.
7. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
8. What other people think of you is none of your business.
9. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed-out charge card.
10. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.

Think for a minute about what your good life list would say. We must be learning some lessons through the chaos, right? And, smile--it's your best accessory.

Smart Mom's Guide to Fall Fashion

Here are the essential pieces. Do you ever find yourself thinking that one year's trends are going to have to grow on you? That's me this year, but nevertheless, this is what's hot:

Voluminous tops. Great news for those of us carrying any leftover baby weight or pudge: no more attempting not to breathe in a tight frock! They are best worn with slim-leg pants.

Flats (yes,still). No one is suggesting you should give up your heels for motherhood. But if giving your feet a well-deserved break appeals to you, check out a pair with an embelishment on the toe.

When All Else Fails, raid Grandma's closet for a floral dress. The most popular ones are belted and hemmed below the knee.

Whadja say?

Hearing ability at birth is hereditary, but we need to do all we can to protect little ears from Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). With the onset of football season and the TV volume and yelling along with it, the question has been raised in our house, "How loud is too loud?"

Sound is measured in decibels, and certain levels warrant considerable ear protection or avoidance.
85 decibels = heavy city traffic. Prolonged exposure could cause gradual hearing loss.
100 decibels = wood shop, snow mobile. You should not be exposed and unprotected for more than 15 minutes.
110 = chain saw, rock concert. Regular exposure for more than one minute could cause permanent hearing loss.

FYI, firecrackers are 150 decibels.

If you have suspected that your child may have hearing impairment, check out this questionnaire by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/silence.asp. Their homepage (http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/index.asp) will lead tons of other great info, too (and they didn't even pay me to say that!).

Headlines: Crib Recall

Simplicity released its news today of a crib recall. Their cribs are very popular, so help get the word out. Don't assume yours is fine; be a Smart Mom and check the model TODAY. Here's the link for more info from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08401.html

Sweet dreams to you and yours!