What Your Mother Didn't Tell You...
Compiled by The Cradle Staff
Your mother might think she has all the answers, but products, philosophies, and parenting issues are constantly changing in the baby world.
Here are a few things that your mother's friends probably weren't chatting about.
Public Cord Blood Banking
Feeling philanthropic?
If you vowed to give back more this year, you can start with your baby’s birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released a statement encouraging parents to donate their newborn’s cord blood to public cord blood banks (rather than private banks) to be used by others in need. However, if you'd still like to store your baby's cord blood with a private bank, you are not alone. Many families opt for private banking for several reasons. Read our article
"Should We Bank Our Baby's Cord Blood?" to make the decision that's right for you and your family.
More about Public Cord Blood Banking
A Safety Boost
Too big for a car seat, yet too little to ride “shot-gun”? Keep your little ones safe in your set of wheels by giving them a boost. New booster seat rules went into effect in July 2006. Each state has specific provisions, including age, weight, and height limits. For Instance, California requires kids up to age 6 to ride in a booster, while Wyoming requires them up to age 9.
Check Your State's Booster Seat Laws
Ergo Baby Carrier
If the Baby Bjorn wasn’t for you, check out this carrier for baby number two. It rests comfortably on your hips and doesn’t pull on your back. In the beginning, infants ride facing towards you, but once your baby gets bigger, he or she can ride either on your hip or piggyback style. It’s designed to “keep your body aligned and alleviate back pain so you can carry your baby longer.” So, if you’re into babywearing, yet also want to get things done, get in the know with the Ergo. More about the Ergo Baby Carrier
Water, Please
More and more toddlers are showing signs of tooth decay. In response, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recently released a statement suggesting that sippy cups be used for water only, unless it’s mealtime. Sugary drinks, or other beverages, should be served in regular cups only… and should have a limited consumption time. The AAPD believes that sippy cups, originally designed as transitional device, are being misused, causing little ones to be exposed to a higher risk of decay. More about the AAPD's statement
