Baby Feeding Tips...

Before the birth of your child you may have planned to breastfeed your child. You may have even done a lot of reading in preparation for this. However, when it finally comes time to start breastfeeding your child you may discover that you are uncomfortable. This may be due to your baby having trouble with breastfeeding or because your nipples have become very sore and irritated. At this point in time your doctor may highly recommend that you start bottle feeding your baby.

Despite everything that you have gone through, bottle feeding may still not seem right to you. It may even feel as though you have failed your newborn. However, it is important to relax and understand that you have not failed. You can still form a very close and tight bond with your baby. You also need to realize that your baby will also grow up to be healthy and fine even though you have chosen to bottle feed him.

So, now that you realize that it really is fine to bottle feed your baby you probably have a lot of questions. After all you have done all kinds of reading and research about breastfeeding in preparation of this but you are about to start bottle feeding your child instead.

Now you are probably wondering: How often should I feed my baby? How much should I feed my baby? How should I take care of the bottles? How should I warm the bottle? How should I make my baby comfortable?

Relax, there are answers to all of these questions throughout this article.

Many new parents often wonder just how often they should feed their newborn. This is especially true since most experts say that you should not follow a rigid schedule at first. However, you may be able to work out an approximate schedule within the first 2 months of your baby’s birth. At first though you are going to need to feed your newborn every couple of hours, or whenever your baby seems to be hungry.

Until your newborn weighs 10 pounds she will probably want between 1 and 3 ounces of formula per feeding. Of course, you do not ever want to force your baby to eat more than she wants. Then as your baby starts growing, your pediatrician will be able to tell you how much to feed your baby as she grows.

Of course, since you are bottle feeding your baby you are going to have to sterilize the bottles, nipples and rings that you are using. This is done by washing them in hot soapy water or running them through the dishwasher. It is a good idea to then submerge these things in a pan that is filled with boiling water for at least 5 minutes. You should then place a clean towel on your counter so that when you remove these things from the boiling water they can air dry.

There are a lot of neat things that you can purchase to help you clean your baby’s bottles. Of course, you do not have to purchase these things in order to get your baby’s bottles clean. After all, people have been cleaning their babies’ bottles for centuries now without any of these things. Nevertheless, you should know that there is some hand baby bottle gear on the market today. At most baby supply stores you can find special baskets for washing nipples, rings and bottle caps in your dishwasher. You can also find special baby drying racks.

Now that you know how to clean your baby’s bottles, it is also important to know how to make formula for him. While you do not have to sterilize the water that you use to make your baby’s formula, unless your pediatrician recommends it, many parents choose to do so in the early months of their baby’s life. The reason why your pediatrician may recommend it is because of your local water supply. This is especially true if you have well water. However, you should know that you can always use bottled water instead of sterilizing it. If you still wish to sterilize your water, save yourself some time by preparing enough each morning for the entire day.

Now that you know how to prepare the water that you will be using to make your baby’s formula, you will also need to know how to warm her bottle. First of all, it is important to know that there is no health reason that says that you “must” feed your baby warm milk. However, you may find that your baby prefers it. If this is the case, then whenever you are getting ready to feed your baby, simply place their bottle in a pan of warm water or under a faucet. Of course, you can also purchase a bottle warmer that has been specially designed for this purpose. Whatever you do, make sure that you never use a microwave because it heats unevenly and thus creates hot pockets that not only can burn your baby but can also cause the nutrients in the formula to break down.

One last thing that you need to know is how to ensure that your baby is drinking comfortably. Since this is something that will vary from baby to baby you will have to listen to and observe your baby. If there is a lot of noisy sucking sounds while your baby is drinking, then it is possible that your baby is taking in too much air. In order to remedy this situation you will need to be sure to hold your baby at a 45 degree angle. You also need to be sure to tilt the bottle just enough so that the bottle’s nipple and neck are always filled with formula.

You also need to be sure to never prop up your baby’s bottle as this not only takes away from the time that you and your baby have for bonding, it can also cause your baby to choke. Therefore, you really should take this time to snuggle with your baby, just like you would if you were breastfeeding her.

Now that you know how to properly bottle feed your baby go ahead and give it a try. Remember! Bottle feeding also for just as much bonding as breastfeeding does.

Spa Bathroom Trends...

Today there is a tendency for those people who are remodeling their bathrooms to turn them into spas.  This is something that is quite similar to the trend that took place several years ago wherein people were turning their kitchens into “social centers.”  Herein bathrooms are being remodeled to reflect a spa-like relaxing atmosphere.  It seems that this is a trend that is here to last for a long time to come into the future.  This is because people are spending more time in their bathrooms.  As such people are considering these spa-like bathrooms a necessary staple in their home.

Of course, this means that small bathrooms are a thing of the past.  Today these bathrooms need to be big and versatile in order to be functional.  This is because these bathrooms need to be able to include a seating area, a television set, a place wherein you can get a massage and even a shower that will accommodate 2 people.  The materials that are the most popular in these areas include marble, metal, steel and wood.  As for the sink, there is usually more than one of them so that large families can all work together to get ready to go out.

One of the reasons that this may be happening is because in our rushed lives, the bathroom is the one area of our home wherein we can have a moment of silence.  Of course, it is really nice to be able to be pampered whenever you are enjoying this silence.  Furthermore, these types of bathrooms are also great for our aging population who are starting to have difficulty getting around.  For these reasons, the flow of the bathroom and the colors that are used are of great importance.  With these things in mind you can easily see how there would be a great variety of bathrooms available for you to choose from.

The Children’s Spa Bathroom

If you would like to create a children’s spa bathroom in your home, you should consider using a variety of materials such as enameled cast iron, ceramic and glass tile, colored cement, anodized aluminum and frosted acrylic.  With these materials you can create a retreat that is uniquely designed with children’s needs in mind.

One of the interior designers who is designing this type of children’s spa is Christopher Coleman.  Using his previous experience in designing children’s bathrooms, Coleman created an edgy, lively multi-level spa that urban children are sure to love.  In the bathroom that Coleman has designed there is a 5-foot tub and a deck-mounted faucet that is set within a rolling, blue, concrete enclosure.  He has also place a floor to ceiling size mural of a rolling ocean wave that is made out of wallpaper.  This bathroom is perfect for any child who loves the ocean or simply loves to swim.

This bathroom also has some great amenities.  For instance, there is an elevated cozy reading platform at the head of the tub and a flat screen TV so that the bathroom can also be an entertainment retreat.  Of course, there are also 2 sinks with faucets that have been specifically designed for children’s developing hand dexterity.  Then in the shower there are 2-way adjustable water sprays that are at the perfect height for children.  The toilet is also nicely designed with children in mind since it has a power-assisted flush that prevents clogs from happening whenever a child uses too much toilet paper.  There is also plenty of storage room for towels, robes and, of course, toys.

A Spa Dedicated To The Ritual Of Cleansing

If you would like to have cleanse yourself in a bathroom that is full of luxurious materials and sculptural drama, then the “Arcadian Chapel,” which has been designed by Jose Solis Bentacourt and Paul Morgan Sherill, is what you have been looking for.  This powder room’s design places special emphasis upon cleaning, which is one of the last few rituals that are still in existence today.  Herein you will find a petite mini chapel whose focal point is a handcrafted toilet that is made out of a single sheet of marble with a faucet included.

Architecturally this soft blue bathroom has plastered walls and a ribbed half dome.  There are also columns interspersed with curved walls.  The floor and ceiling are also made of marble, just like the toilet.  This makes the bathroom feel like a small sanctuary.  The room’s accessories include a classical French mirror whose frame is slightly distressed, framed by 2 nickel scones and ivory domed shades.  For functional storage there are 2 towel bars and a small side table.

The Bathroom As A Personal Haven

These new immersion suites use water, light, color and texture to enhance your spa exposure.  With an open floor plan, the bathroom, which is in its normal place, is made the focal point of the guest room.  Herein natural materials are used so that you feel as though you are at one with nature.  Both color and lighting are used to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.

This bathroom’s floor is made out of bamboo with a natural sisal rug that visually designs the sleeping and sitting areas.  The colors that are then used are those that are harmonic derivatives of nature.  Soft greens are accented with soft orange accents that are used in the room’s accessories.  Natural grasses are emulated through the wall covering.  There is also a Calcutta marble bar and vanity as well as the Eastern influences are found throughout the room via such things as thoughtfully mixed dark tables and benches.  These actually complement the upholstered pieces by bringing balance to the soft colors that are used herein.

In this suite’s bathing area, bluish green limestone adorns both the floor and the walls.  This is also used to create a deck for the whirlpool that is just big enough for 2 people to enjoy.  It includes a chroma therapy and the customized shower includes multiple spray heads.  Translucent glass stones are then used to form a border for the whirlpool.  The room is then made to look even bigger than it is thanks to the mirrored cabinetry.

Conclusion

Now you can see just why these spa bathrooms are becoming so popular today.  They sound lovely just listening to their description.  Can you imagine how much more beautiful they are when you see them in person?  These really do provide you with a luxurious space to rejuvenate and reconnect.