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I came across this story today about a baby girl born in Russia that weighed in at a wopping 17.1 lbs. The baby girl is the 12th baby for her parents, who have 8 other girls and 3 boys. Apparently, the parents other children were all large at birth as well, with all of them weighing in excess of 11 lbs at birth. Photos show the baby in a bassinet next to another baby in the nursery at the hospital, the size difference is astounding.
The World Health Organization says the average weight of a baby born to a healthy mother is 7.06 lbs. This baby born in Russia was 10 lbs heavier than average. I can't imagine giving birth to a child that large, it would be like having a child who is almost the size of a one year old!! As you can imagine the baby was born by cesarean section as she was too big to deliver vaginally. Both mother and baby are reportedly healthy and doing very well.
Reading to your child is not only a very important part of their development but it also gives the two of you a chance to spend some quiet, quality time together. Literacy rates around the world continue to be a problem and children are struggling when they enter school to read at their grade level. Parents play a key role in their child’s ability to read and their enjoyment of reading. By reading to your child early and often you can greatly impact not only your child’s ability to read but also their desire to read as well. By reading with your child early on can also be instrumental in identify potential learning disabilities and begin work early to help your child work around those challenges and with those challenges.
In this computer driven world we live in the book seems to have lost a bit of its importance. As parents we need to work with our children to help build their love for reading, which in turn helps build their intelligence and their creativity. So what can parents do?
- Begin reading to your child right away. Reading to your baby is a great way to spend some nice, quiet time together. Your baby will enjoying hearing the sound of your voice and this early reading will build the framework for their language development.
- As your baby becomes a toddler focus on books that will help build their vocabulary and understanding of the language. Encourage them to read with you and repeat words they remember. Reading is a great way to teach your toddler their ABCs.
- Encourage your child to pick out the books with you so they feel part of the process and can focus on those types of books that they get the most enjoyment out of. They will be really excited for reading time if they have picked out the book you are going to read.
- As your child is able to recognize letters and words begin to work with them and allow them to read part of the book to you.
- When your child is old enough to read on their own encourage them to continue reading with you, either they can read to you or the two of you can sit quietly and read together.
- Talk to your child about the books they are reading, get them to describe what is happening, this will help with their retention of information.
- Always encourage your child to read. Even if life seems too busy. If you have read to them starting early and often, and communicated with them about the importance of reading, they are more likely to take time out of their busy day to do a little reading.
- When they are old enough get them involved in book clubs, reading clubs, and other activities at the local library or bookstore.
From personal experience I can tell you that my love for reading directly stems from my mother and her love for books and reading. She read to us early and often. There were always books around our house and we all grew up understanding how important reading is and how enjoyable it is. So as you are picking up things for your new baby’s nursery be sure to pick up a few books. When you tuck your little one into bed tonight take the time to read them a story. Encourage your teenager to keep reading, even if you don’t get to do it together anymore. All of these things will help foster a love for books and reading that will be invaluable throughout your child’s life.
The baby product manufacturer, Simplicity, has recalled over 1 million cribs, including some with the Graco logo, as a result of a dangerous design defect that can result in injury or death to children from suffocation. Apparently the drop side was not designed properly and can inadvertently be installed upside down by the parents creating a gap between the mattress and the bars. Three children have died as a result of the drop side being installed upside down.
There are several models involved in this recall, none of which are currently sold in store. For a full list of the affected models, by name and model number, visit Simplicity’s website. The cribs in question were sold in stores starting in January 1998 through May 2007.
If you have a crib on the recall list you should contact Simplicity and you will provided with a replacement drop side kit. The drop side hardware has been redesigned since the affected models were on the market making it so the drop side cannot be installed upside down. You will be provided with this new designed hardware to replace the recalled hardware.
When you are putting your crib together, no matter what brand or model you have, be sure to be extra careful when installing the drop side to ensure it on the right way to help prevent unnecessary injury or death.
Consumers with questions about this recall should contact either Simplicity or the CPSC.
There is nothing more exciting when your pregnant than keeping track of how your baby is developing. Seeing all the changes he or she is going through, how big the baby is getting, and every little aspect of their development.
Here is a list of some websites that are great resources for images and information on fetal development, enjoy.
I have to say there is nothing more fun than shopping for your new baby. The baby stores are filled with endless aisles of adorable baby stuff that you just can’t live without. From the crib to the car seat to the stroller to the ever fun to buy baby clothes you could spend a small fortune. It is a good idea to develop a budget for your baby shopping so you don’t go over board. Be sure to recognize what you can afford to spend; and make a decision about what you really need versus what you just “want” to have for the baby. It can still be fun to shop for your baby, even on a tight budget.
So how can a parent save money while they make those necessary purchases?
- If you’re budget is really tight try getting some second hand items. If you know people, either friends or family, who have baby stuff that you might be able to borrow hit them up for it. Co-workers who have children can be great resources as well. You can also scan the classifieds for second hand baby items for sale. This is a great way to save on the big ticket items like the nursery furniture.
- Look for sales. It can be tempting to buy something right away when you find just the right item, but wait for sales. You have time on your side (for the most part) during your pregnancy so you can afford to wait a little bit if you have to.
- Sign up for flyers from the baby stores in your area. The flyers usually contain great coupons. I personally have save a good deal on most of the items I’ve purchased for my little one by doing this.
- If you are comfortable shopping online do so. You can usually find things at a discount and avoid paying sales tax and shipping costs if you shop around. Those online stores that don’t have an actual brick and mortar store usually offer the best deals.
- Shop at discount stores like Walmart and Target. You can usually get things cheaper than at a traditional baby store. The selection isn’t always as good, but you can usually find what you’re looking for.
There are many ways to save as you make those big yet fun purchases for your new bundle of joy. As I have been shopping for my little one I have looked for deals, held out for coupons before buying things, and shopped online where I have found great deals. I have managed to get pretty much everything cheaper than I originally expected.
What tricks did you use to help save a few dollars when you were shopping for your baby? Where did you find the best deals?