My Baby Connection Newsletters

MyBabyConnection.com
Connecting You to the Best Baby Sites on the Web today!

SEPTEMBER 2004

Here is what you'll see in this issue of MyBabyConnection.com Newsletter

1. Feature Products
2. Article: Going Visiting with Your Baby
3. Hot Sites to See!
4. Motherhood Quotes

Please support our sponsors above. MyBabyConnection.com would like to
thank them for allowing this monthly newsletter to be free of charge for
all subscribers!

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**FEATURED PRODUCTS***
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GOING VISITING WITH YOUR BABY
By Elizabeth Pantley, Author of Gentle Baby Care

Babies love new places! There's so much to investigate and new things to
touch. But many people aren't too happy to have your little one crawling
or toddling freely about the house exploring everything in sight. While
you think its adorable that Baby found the Tupperware, your host may not
think it's cute that her tidy cabinet has been rearranged by sticky baby
hands. If your host has a big heart she'll let you know that your baby's
exploring is okay. But even then, you run the risk of your baby breaking
or losing something.

BRING TOYS
The best thing you can do is bring along a bag of toys to seize your
child's attention. You can purchase new items, or dig through your
baby's toy box to put together a collection of forgotten favorites.
Avoid bringing loud toys that may annoy others, and bring toys that will
hold your baby's attention for a long time.

BRING YOUR OWN SUPPLIES
Think about things that keep your baby happy at home or in the car, and
bring these with you, such as your sling, a favorite blanket, a Boppy
pillow, or a special lovey. If you are prepared, then your baby will be
more content.

SAFETY ISSUES
Visits with a mobile baby are tricky, especially if you're at a home
that isn't childproof. If you want to avoid physically shadowing your
baby around the house, bring a few safety tools, such as outlet plugs
and a folding baby gate to section off stairways. When you arrive,
assess the area and ask if chemicals, medications, or fragile vases can
be put away during your visit. Remember that you're certain to miss some
hazards, so keep a close eye on Baby during your entire visit.

FOOD AND EATING
Whether your baby is new to solid food or has been eating it for a
while, bring along a few favorites. If you don't bring snacks with you,
your baby may not touch the dinner that's served and may cry for her
favorite crackers. In any case, don't feel you must push your baby to
try something new to the point of a temper tantrum. Politely requesting
something simple like toast or cheese is perfectly okay and will be
welcomed more than a loud and tense test of parent/child wills.

WHAT IF YOUR BREASTFEEDING AND YOUR BABY IS HUNGRY?
Do what comes naturally: Feed him! Breastfeeding is the most natural way
to feed a baby. If your hosts aren't used to seeing a mother breastfeed,
then you're doing our world a favor by introducing one more person to
the beauty of baby feeding. Be thoughtful about other's sensitivities.
This doesn't mean you need to hide, but your efforts to be discreet are
a courtesy for those around you and may help others feel more
comfortable about seeing you breastfeeding your baby. Using a sling,
blanket or nursing shirt are easy ways to accomplish this.

CHANGING DIAPERS
Bring a changing pad; this will protect the surface you're using. If you
don't have a pad, ask for a towel. Ask where your host prefers that you
change the baby, or suggest a location: "Do you mind if I lay the towel
on your bed to change the baby?"
Bring along (or ask to use) plastic bags to store messy diapers. Make
sure that they are sealed so that they don't create odors. If you use
disposables, put used diapers in a sealed bag and offer to take them out
to the trash. People don't like stinky diapers in their bathroom trash.

SLEEPING AND NAPPING
If your little one sleeps in a cradle or crib you may want to bring
along a portable crib. If you don't have one, or if you co-sleep at
home, this is a time when "anything goes." If your baby will sleep in
your arms, then go ahead and enjoy an in-arms nap. If your baby is
flexible, put a blanket on the floor and set up a sleeping nest. Don't
leave Baby alone, since the area probably isn't childproof.
A great nap solution is to bring your car seat into the house and strap
your baby in securely, or fashion a bed from a large box or an empty
dresser drawer. Keep your baby close by or check on her frequently.
For co-sleepers, your first order of business is to create a safe
sleeping place. Inspect the furniture placement in the bedroom. If you
know that pushing the bed against the wall would make the situation
safer for your baby, then politely explain to your host. Let her know
that you'll move it back before you leave (and then remember to do so).

BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING
Life with a baby is filled with surprises. Take a deep breath, and do
your best to keep your baby content....and if things don't go as well as
you'd hoped, remind yourself that "This too shall pass."

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION
If you've had an overnight stay, if your host is helpful, or if you made
special requests during your stay, remember to send a thank you note
that expresses your appreciation.

This article is an excerpt from Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley.
(McGraw-Hill, 2003) You are welcome to reprint this article on your
website or in your newsletter, provided that you reprint the entire
article, including the complete byline with author's name and book
title. Please also send a link or copy to elizabeth@pantley.com.

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**HOT SITES TO SEE**

Occasion Essentials - http://www.occasionessentials.com

MiniTots - http://www.minitots.com

Lovely Baby CD's - http://www.lovelybabycd.com

DoodleBug Creations - http://www.DoodleBugCreations.com

Dipsy Diva Designs - http://www.dipsydivadesigns.com

The Next Generation - http://www.nxtgeneration.net

BabySee - http://www.babyseeusa.com

All About Baby - http://www.allbaby.com

Bama Babies & Birthdays Celebration Sign Rentals -
http://www.bamababiesandbirthdays.com

Flutterbye Garden - http://www.flutterbyegarden.com

Creative Name Signs - http://www.creativenamesigns.com

Birthing Better - http://www.birthingbetter.com

ZB Kids Designs - http://www.zbkidsdesigns.com

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MOTHERHOOD QUOTES

"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of children."
Author: William Makepeace Thackeray

"Motherhood is the one thing in all the world which most truly
exemplifies the God-given virtues of creating and sacrificing. Though it
carries the woman close to the brink of death, motherhood also leads her
into the very realm of the fountains of life and makes her co-partner
with the Creator in bestowing upon eternal spirits mortal life." -
President David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals

"Her dignity consists in being unknown to the world; her glory is in the
esteem of her husband; her pleasures in the happiness of her family." -
Jean Rousseau

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CONGRATULATIONS to LISA McCLOUD of ERIE, PA. -
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If you are interested in advertising in MyBabyConnection Newsletter just
e-mail request to advertising@mybabyconnection.com

If you have any questions concerning this newsletter or above articles,
you can e-mail me at newsletter@mybabyconnection.com

All information is copyrighted. Be sure to get permission from the
author to reprint any of the above information.

Michelle Floyd
www.MyBabyConnection.com
Connecting YOU to the Best Baby Sites on the web!