Trampolines Sold at ‘Toys R Us’ Recalled

Posted by Parenting Source on May 18th, 2012

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Aqua-Leisure Industries is recalling approximately 40,000 First Fitness trampolines. The trampolines were sold exclusively at Toys R Us.

The reason for the recall is that the handlebar attached to the tramp can break, putting children at risk of falling or get scratch from the metal. Currently, there have been four reports of the handlebars breaking, but no reports of any injuries.

The recall is specifically for First Fitness trampolines and will have a red and blue metal handlebar. The model number is FF-6902TR and Toys R Us SKN 491463 on the packaging’s back, lower right corner. A sewn-in tag on the bottom of the trampoline lists a factory date code:  five numbers followed by “GLTX.”

Again, the trampolines were sold exclusively at Toys R Us between September 2010 and April 2012. They cost between $45 and $70 and were made in China.

What you can do if you’ve purchased one of the trampolines:

  • Stop your child from using it immediately
  • Contact aqua-leisure for a full refund
  • For additional information, contact Aqua-Leisure toll free at (888) 912-7087, or visit the company’s website
  • Discuss the recall with other parents

Whooping Cough Declared Epidemic in Washington State

Posted by Parenting Source on May 16th, 2012

Washington State is currently seeking federal help in an effort to deal with its worst outbreak of whooping cough in decades. The Associated Press reported that because of concern that the number of cases of highly contagious disease could climb much higher, officials are urging residents to get vaccinated.

Currently, about 1,280 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have been reported so far in 2012. State officials predict that by the end of the year that number could be as high as 3,000 cases. Washington is the first state to declare a whooping cough epidemic since 2010, when more than 9,000 cases (including 10 deaths) occurred in California.

Wisconsin has had nearly 2,000 cases of whooping cough so far this year but has not declared an epidemic, the AP reported.

 

How can a child get the disease?

Whooping cough is very, very contagious and usually enters through the nose or throat. Children often get it from direct contact with someone else who is infected with the bacteria. Sometimes your child can catch it simply by breathing air that is infected with the germs.

Most children receive several vaccinations against whooping cough as part of the DTaP series, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus. The shots start at two months of age and continue until the child is four-six years old. Your child’s protection against the disease increases with every shot given, so their risk of getting the disease will be at its lowest after they receive the fifth shot of the series (between the age of four and six). Even then your child’s chances of getting whooping cough aren’t guaranteed, the vaccine isn’t 100% effective.

 

What are the symptoms?

Whooping cough often starts with cold or flulike symptoms such as:  sneezing, running nose, possible fever and a mild cough. This usually can last up to two weeks before the more severe coughing spells start.

 whooping cough with whoop

A child with whooping cough will typically cough for 20-30 seconds nonstop and then struggle for breathe before the next coughing spell begins. Coughing episodes can occur at anytime, but they seem to occur more often at night. When your child has whooping cough, his or her lips and nails may turn a bluish color from lack of oxygen. He or she may also cough up or vomit a thick mucus substance.

Making Baby Food 101

Posted by Parenting Source on May 15th, 2012

It’s something more and more mommies are beginning to do:  make their own baby food! And why not? It’s extremely simple, fast and cost effective. You simply blend up a few steamed veggies, fruits or well-cooked meats and you’re ready to go. Along with saving money and time, there are also several other benefits to making your own baby food. They are:

- It’s your way of controlling exactly what food is going into your baby.

- Making your own baby food is also a good way to help head off future picky eaters because it can expose baby to a greater variety of flavors earlier on.

- More options, for example:  Greens like kale, spinach and Swiss chard are rich in lutein, an antioxidant important for eye health. You won’t see those in the baby food aisle, but will be able to prepare it at home.

Ready to begin making your own baby food at home? Here’s what you need to do:

Start Simple

While there are several amazing baby steam-and-puree systems out there, the pricey gadgets aren’t necessary for making baby food. Odds are you probably have everything you need already in your kitchen. The items you will need are a microwave or stove stop (to steam the food) and a blender, food mill or food processor.

Choose the Right Foods

Not sure what foods to puree?? Try any of these:  Sweet potatoes, green beans and carrots for veggies. Just cook them and mash. For fruits try:  pears, peaches or plums. Also, try foods that are no-cook, such as:  bananas and avocados. These can be mashes and pureed quickly and will be super fresh! When prepping fruits and veggies, make sure you wash them thoroughly and remove any parts that could cause choking, such as stems.

Make BIG Batches

You don’t have to make your baby’s food fresh every night. Instead, make a large batch of a single type of puree and freeze it into smaller units. Ice cube trays make perfect one-ounce servings. Then, simply thaw out your baby’s meal a little before it’s time for him to eat. Baby food can be kept in the freezer for up to three months, so be sure to label and keep track of the dates.

Let Them Have What You’re Having

You’re baby might not be ready for hot wings or tacos, but if you’re serving something simple like steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes—you can throw some in a blender and puree it so your baby can have some too. Just remember to add the seasonings after you’ve set aside a serving for your baby—he/she doesn’t need the added salt. When you introduce new foods to baby, you’ll want to wait a few days in-between each new serving, to monitor for any potential allergic reactions.

Move Beyond the Basics

Challenge your baby’s taste buds and give him the nutrition he needs by trying new and different foods. Don’t be afraid to try ultra healthy options, like kale, spinach or avocado. They may not sound very appetizing to you, but you never know, he may love these healthy options for life if exposed early on.

DIY Mother’s Day Bangle Bracelets

Posted by Parenting Source on May 11th, 2012

I’m always looking for easy but trendy craft ideas for kids, so when I stumbled upon these DIY bangle bracelets, I knew this would be one to share! These custom designed bracelets take approximately 5-15 minutes to make and are relatively non messy. The perfect craft gift for Mother’s Day this Sunday!

 

Project Supplies:

  • Mod podge (the instructions recommend this one in particular: CS11305 – Mod Podge ® Matte, 4 oz),
  • Thick wood bracelets (as many as you need, depending on number of people)
  • Tissue paper in three different colors (such as: yellow, purple & pink)
  • Napkins with patterns
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush

Instructions:

  1. Use the scissors to cut out small squares of each color of tissue paper. Cut it large enough that it will fit around the entire bracelet. Using a paintbrush, paint on the mod podge. Then glue each color to a separate bracelet. (Use the mod podge glue sparingly, as it just needs to be slightly damp).
  2. Let the tissue paper dry.
  3. Once the tissue papers have dried, remove the top layer of the napkin with the printed icons. Begin cutting out the different designs and then glue them on top of the tissue paper.
  4. Apply a top coat of mod podge and let it sit until dry.

This Do it Yourself craft doesn’t have to use just tissue paper. I’ve also seen DIY bangles where people have used ribbons, fabric, newpapers, lace and even magazine clippings. The design aspect of this craft is limitless! So get out there and get crafty for Mother’s Day! Below are just a few other mod podge bangles for inspiration. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Help Kids Cope with Moving

Posted by Parenting Source on May 10th, 2012

It’s pretty common in today’s society for many families to face the prospect of moving. The decision to move isn’t an easy one, but as disruptive as it is to adults, the experience can be even more traumatic for kids. If you and your family are going to move, or are thinking about moving, consider using this how to guide to help make the move a more pleasant and smoother process.

Making the Decision to Move

Children thrive on familiarity and become comfortable in their daily routines. So as you consider moving, weigh the potential pros and cons of changing your kids comfort zones. Kids many times are not part of the decision to move and consequently can become angry when you take them from their established surrounding, such as:  school, social life, sporting teams, family, etc.

If your family has recently dealt with a major life change, such as divorce or death, consider postponing your plans to move if possible. Your kids will need time to adjust and process the new change. Some kids may need time and/or special attention throughout the transition, so be sure to have an open door policy when it comes to communication. Let your kids know it’s ok to be upset with the move, but explain to them the reasoning behind it.

Discussing the Move with Kids

It doesn’t matter what the circumstance is, the most important way to prepare a child for a  move is to talk to them about it. Try to give them as much information as you are able as to why the move is occurring and how they will fit into the new change. Answer their questions completely and truthfully, and be receptive to both positive and negative reactions.

Even if you know the move will mean an improved family life, sometimes kids can’t understand that right away. They tend to focus on the frightening aspects of change, so if you involve them with as much planning as possible, it will make them feel like participants.

For far distant moves, provide as much information as you can about the new home, city, state or country you will be moving to. If you have teenagers, allow them to help seek out their potential new schools and/or communities. Utilize the internet to show them pictures of the new house, Google map where your new community will be and teach them about the local culture and activities available to them in the new place.

 

Moving with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Kids younger than the age of 6 are usually the easiest to move, as they have a limited capacity to understand how big the changes really are. Still, your guidance throughout the process is crucial. Here are some tips to make the transition easier for young children:

  • Keep explanations clear and simple.
  • Use a story to explain the move, or use dolls and cars to act out the move.
  • When you pack up your toddler’s toys, be sure to explain to him/her that you are not throwing them away or getting rid of them.
  • If your home is nearby and vacant, go there for a visit before the move. Take a few toys and let him/her get a feel for the place ahead of time.
  • Hold off getting your young child new bedroom furniture, this may provide a source of comfort in the new house. It’s also a good idea to arrange the furniture in a similar fashion to how his/her room was at the old home.
  • Avoid making any other big changes during the move, like potty training.
  • Arrange for your toddler to stay with a babysitter on moving day.

 

Moving with School-Age Kids

Kids in elementary school may be open to the idea of a move, but still need help and guidance throughout the transition. There are two different ways you can approach the move:  during the summer when it avoids disrupting the school year or midyear giving your kids the chance to meet new friends right away.

To avoid any glitches, gather all the information you will need to transfer your child to his/her new school. Documents may include:  most recent report cards or transcripts, birth certificate and medical records.

 

Moving with Teens

It’s not uncommon for teens to actively rebel against a move, and who really can blame them? Your teen has probably invested a considerable amount of energy in a particular social group and might also have a romantic relationships they don’t want to have end. It also means your teen may miss an important long awaited events, such as prom or a team competition.

It’s particularly important with teenagers that you let them know you want to hear their concerns, and that you will listen and respect what they have to say. Talk to them about what the new move means for them. For example, let them know of the new colleges he/she is now able to look at.

After the move, consider planning a visit back to the old neighborhood if you’re able. It would also be beneficial to try and see if they can return for events, such as prom. Allow them to stay in touch with old friends, possibly having them over in the summer or on the weekend depending on how far away you move.

How to Save Money on Baby Gear

Posted by Parenting Source on May 9th, 2012

Times are tough and for families that are expecting a new baby, money can seemto be even tighter. So if you’re looking for some good tips on how to save money on baby gear, then look no further, here are our top suggestions for saving money on that new bundle of joy.

Use Your Smart Phone

Technology has become a part of our everyday lives, so why not put it to use saving money on needed baby supplies? We’re talking about shopping apps (most are free). Shopping apps are applications that allow you to scan bar codes as you shop to see where the best deals are. ‘Red Laser’, ‘ShopSavvy’ and ‘the Find’ are a couple to check out.

Buy Used

Don’t be afraid to check out garage sales, thrift shops, flea markets and consignment stores for baby gear. Many times you can find brand new items with tags for items such as: toys, clothing and furniture. Gently used strollers, rockers and other major purchases can also be found at these shops, most of the time for half the price it sells for in retail stores.

Be careful about certain purchases though, not everything from a thrift store or garage sale is a good find. Older products may not meet current safety standards—so be sure to double check any recalls or safety hazards for cribs, car seats and baby walkers before purchasing.

Shop After Holidays

Many stores will sell the bulk of their inventory (especially toys) during the Christmas/Holiday season. After the holidays, however, everything goes on sale, usually at drastically reduced prices. Purchase birthday presents and/or next year’s holiday gifts after Christmas and you could save tons of money!

Outlets, Older Models and Floor Samples

Ever consider making a trip to the furniture outlet of a large department store? It could save you some serious money. The furniture in these stores often have small nicks or other imperfections so they aren’t able to sell them for full price. If you’re willing to live with a ding or two, this is the perfect route for you. Scour the sales floor for older models as well, usually stores mark down older models as soon as new ones come into stock. Many times to get rid of inventory, stores will also sell floor samples at a discounted rate as well.

Put it Together Yourself

Skip the fancy furniture stores that also make you pay for delivery and check out big-box furniture stores like, IKEA. You will find sturdy basics, but they will be at affordable prices. You usually have to assemble the furniture yourself, but anyone who can use a screwdriver and glue can generally manage.

Create a Registry

And put the supplies you’d absolutely love to have on it. If you’re dying for a certain baby item, relatives and friends will know exactly what that item is because it will be on the registry. This way you can also track what gifts have already been bought, saving you the money, time and energy of possibly having to return items.

Make the Web Work for You

Check out children’s bargain sites like Zulily and Totsy, where you can find adorable children’s fashions, as well as clothing for yourself. The deals are incredible and new stock is being added constantly. Also, check out sites such as eBay, Craigslist and overstock.com for baby supplies. Lastly, don’t forget to search the web for baby coupons. Just go to your favorite search engine and type in terms like “coupons” or “baby coupons”. Be sure to double check the source and know it’s a legit coupon from a reputable site. You should be able to print out your coupons to use in stores or apply them as codes to use them online.

A-Z Solutions for Helping Baby Sleep

Posted by Parenting Source on May 8th, 2012

From A-Zzzz, here are some of our favorite baby sleeping strategies!

A is for – Avoid Eye Contact

To help you and your little one get as much rest as possible, try to restrain from prolonged eye contact. The last thing you want to do right before bed is excite your baby. So avert your eyes when you’re putting him to sleep or calming him when he wakes up.

B is for – Bath time

Warm water, combined with soft loving strokes from a washcloth can relax just about anyone. Forgo the squirt toys and try to keep voices and activity down to make bath time a soothing experience that will help put your baby to sleep.

C is for – Co-Sleeping

Whether you’re for it or against it, studies have shown that children who co-sleep with their parents grow up with higher self-esteem and less anxiety. To co-sleep, safely place a co-sleeper or bassinet next to your bed. (The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend actually sharing a bed with your baby.)

D is for – Dream feed

If you have a baby that wakes up in the middle of the night hungry, a dream feed might be just what you need. Coined by Robert Bucknam, M.D., the term dream feed refers to parent-directed, late-evening feeding. Instead of waiting for your baby to wake up, feed your baby before you go to bed, while she is still asleep. This may take some practice, but some believe that the extra feeding fills the baby’s belly just enough to earn a bit more uninterrupted sleep.

E is for – Empty the Crib

It’s a good idea to keep the sleep surface free of all stuffed animals, extra blankets and toys. A fitted sheet is all he/she needs on his mattress. If you’re worried about warmth, try a sleep sack instead of a loose blanket.

F is for – Fragrance

Some tiny noses can be lulled to sleep with a scent or two of natural lavender oil. Place a drop onto a tissue near the bed. Although lavender and other essential oils are known for their relaxation benefits, this is not recommended for any child under the age of six months. So for those who are too young or too sensitive to smell, instead of using lavender, try using unscented laundry detergent when washing the crib sheets to reduce discomfort.

G is for – GERD

Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a commonly undiagnosed medical reason why some babies have issues sleeping. GERD is caused by a malfunction in the muscle where the esophagus meets the stomach; as a result, acid is being drawn up into the esophagus causing pain. Symptoms to look for include:  spitting up, colic-like fussing, wheezing, choking or gagging and/or feeding problems. If you think your child might have GERD, make an appointment to see your child’s pediatrician.

H if for – Hands On

When you move your baby into their crib, try putting your hand gently on her stomach, arms and head to comfort and soothe her. Something as simple as having you close can do wonders when trying to get them to fall asleep.

I if for – Ideal Bedtime

Setting an established bedtime is very important. Many experts believe that between 6:30 and 7 pm is an appropriate time for babies under 1 year old to be in bed.  Surprisingly, early to bed does not necessarily mean early to rise, and a good night’s sleep often results in later wake up times.

J is for – Jammies

Sometimes babies can develop sensitivity to synthetic fabric, which can lead to discomfort and ultimately sleepless nights. Try purchasing pajamas that are made of natural fibers, like cotton, to avoid any irritation.

K is for – Keep Cool

Most adults sleep better when the temperature is comfortable and your baby is no different. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the temperature in your baby’s room between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent SIDS.

L is for – Lights Out

Forgo the use of nightlights and use dark shades to blackout light, the darkness will help your baby understand when bedtime is. Once it’s time to wake up, open the curtains and let in the light to help her understand the difference.

M is for – Massage

Babies and toddlers who enjoy a 15 minute massage before bedtime are more likely to fall asleep faster than those who are only read a bedtime story. So break out the baby lotion and rub him/her down with soft strokes and moderate pressure before bedtime.

N is for – Naps

You need your baby to take naps so you’re able to take a shower, return a phone call, write an e-mail, etc. But naps are very important for your baby as well, as it helps with their mental and physical growth. Don’t omit naps in hopes that your child will sleep during the night, studies have found the opposite to be true.

O is for – Overnight Diapers

Wet diapers can be a real pain in the middle of the night. If your child wets themselves (bowel movements should be changed immediately), and you’re not treating a case of diaper rash, don’t wake her. Be sure to pick up some Super-absorbent overnight diapers first though. Overnight diapers along with an application of diaper cream (if needed), will keep her comfortable and asleep throughout the night.

P is for – Pacifiers

A binky at bedtime may be all your little one needs to soothe himself to sleep, and some studies show it may protect against SIDS. Mom trick: once your baby is asleep, remove the pacifier from his mouth she he doesn’t wake up if it falls out.

Q is for – Quirky Fixes

Don’t be afraid to experiment, you never know what might work—and what you’ll be willing to do in the middle of the night. I’ve heard stories from parents that have driven around the block slowly over and over again, sat on a clothes dryer, or even sang to a baby half the night to get them to sleep.

R is for – Routines

As mentioned before, consistent bedtime routines can help your baby understand when it’s time to sleep. Choose a soothing ritual and stick to it, consistency is key.

S is for – Swaddling

Learning to make the ‘baby burrito’ is essential for new parents when it comes to baby’s sleep time. Your newborn was used to being in a tightly packed space in your womb, so naturally the feeling of swaddling duplicates what they once were used too, helping them to fall asleep faster and longer.

T is for – Tell a Story

At this point your baby can’t really tell if it’s Goodnight Moon or a People magazine article, so while you is entertaining yourself, you might as well read to your baby. Reading a story or anything for that matter before bed in a soothing voice will help relax your baby. It’s also a great habit to carry on as your child grows up.

U is for – Understanding Cues

Instead of waiting for a baby bedtime meltdown, look for cues that your baby is tired. He might rub his eyes, become fussy or yawn. Sometimes overtired babies do the opposite and become wound-up, confusing parents. So be sure to pay close attention to what sets your baby off and what his/her unique cues are that they are sleepy.

V is for – Voice

When your baby is born, your voice is already familiar to her and thus has a positive effect on her. Shhhh-ing or speaking in a soothing tone can help baby drift back into dreamland knowing mama is safely nearby.

W is for – White Noise

Peace and quiet may be what you want while you sleep, but your baby is a different story. Inside the uterus, your baby was used to constant sounds like your heart beat and noisy stomach. Some babies in turn sleep easier if you turn on a little bit of white noise while they sleep. We’re not kidding… fans, machines and even vacuums can all lull a baby to sleep with the noise they make.

X is for – XOXO

As if you needed another reason to adorn you baby with hugs and kisses! When you snuggle with your baby before bedtime, you make him/her feel more secure and loved, allowing him to sleep deeper and longer.

Y is for – You Are My Sunshine

Along with reading, singing is another great way to help make your baby fall asleep. It doesn’t matter what song, but research has shown that singing helps to relieve stress levels, so look at it as killing two birds with one stone—getting the baby to sleep and helping relieve your own stress.

Z is for – Zzzz

What’s that sound? The baby is sleeping, now go and enjoy it!

Cinco de Mayo Piñata Cookies

Posted by Parenting Source on May 4th, 2012

I cannot tell you how excited I am to make these piñata cookies! I saw this on Pinterest, and the concept seems simple enough, but there is a lot of time involved. It’s a great way to have fun with the kids this weekend, and also explain to them what Cinco de Mayo is all about. This is a how to guide to making sugar cookies with a surprise inside!

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup butter, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 5 cups flour, 1 tablespoon vanilla, mini M&M candies (or other small candy of your choice), ½ cup powdered sugar (frosting), 2 teaspoons milk (frosting).

Supplies:

1 donkey cookie cutter, a set of gel food coloring, 1 container, plastic wrap, cookie sheet and parchment paper.

Step 1:  Make the dough

You’ll want to cream sugars with butter and beat in eggs, add oil, combine dry ingredients together, and then gradually add them to the mixture. Lastly, mix in the vanilla and almond extract. (if you would like to skip all this hard work, simply buy already made dough from your local grocer.)

Step 2: Color the dough

Split the dough into five, even sized balls and one small ball. Add the food coloring to each of the dough balls until it’s the desired color you like. Gel food coloring gives you more intense colors than liquid.

Step 3:  Layer the dough

Use a container big enough to fit the width of your donkey cookie cutter and line it with your plastic wrap. Split all your colored dough balls in half (except the black one) and begin layering them on top of each other in the container. Be sure to start with the black dough on the bottom, as these will be the donkey’s hooves. Alternate the colors so that you end up with two layers of each color.

 

Step 4:  Wait….

Next you’ll want to cover the layered dough and freeze for about four hours.

Step 5:  Bake the cookies

After your cookies have had time to chill out in the freezer, you’ll remove the dough from the container and unwrap from the plastic. Next, cut slices into approximately ¼ inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 12 minutes.

Step 6:  Cut the cookies

Immediately after your cookies are done baking, use your cookie cutter to cut the cookie shapes. Working in sets of three, cut two cookies in one direction and one in the opposite direction (just flip the cookie cutter over). This way, when you go to assemble the cookies, the finished look with be “pretty” on both sides.

Step 7:  Create the hidden pocket

This is where the magic happens. For the middle cookie in each set, cut off the ears and legs, as well as the center (this is where the M&Ms will go). You can use a small square cookie cutter to cut the center out… or simple use a knife to cut out a rectangle. Try to work as quickly as you can as the cookies will cool, making them more likely to crumble.

Step 8:  Assembling the piñata cookies

Take the first piñata cookie and lay it upside down (so the bottom is facing you). Outline the body area of the piñata with a frosting glue mixture. To make use ½ cup of powdered sugar and two teaspoons of milk. If you put it inside of a Ziploc bag you can cut the corner to use as a piping bag.

Take the middle cookie on top of the frosting glue and add the M&Ms to the open center. Put another outline of the frosting glue on the middle cookie and place the opposite-cut piñata cookie on top (so that the pretty side is facing you). Let these sit and harden for at least 30 minutes before you try and stand them up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 9:  Show off your finished piñata cookies!

U.S. Ranks 131st in World for Premature Births

Posted by Parenting Source on May 3rd, 2012

According to reports released Wednesday by the March of Dimes and several other organizations, more than 15 million—or 12 percent—of U.S. babies are born premature. This in turn ranks the U.S. at 131st place in the world; on par with other countries such as Somalia, Thailand and Turkey; and slightly lower than the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“It was surprising to see the U.S. ranked 131st in terms of its rate of preterm birth,” said report co-author Christopher Howson. “This really should be seen as a call to action in the United States.”

Babies who are born before the 37 week gestation are considered to be premature.  And according to the report, more than 1 million of the babies born premature die as a result of complications from being born too early, making prematurity the leading cause of newborn death in the U.S.  Many others go on to have lifelong disabilities and sicknesses as well.

“Preterm babies can have developmental delays, cerebral palsy and, with extreme prematurity [babies born before 28 weeks gestation], we have what we call chronic lung disease,” said Dr. Abeer Axxuqa, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Magee-Women’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “Premature babies will need more support than other babies. They are at risk of being readmitted to the hospital.”

Worldwide, the rate of babies being born prematurely seems to be one the rise, but what factors are causing this? Experts believe it may have to do with women waiting to have children until their older, use of fertility drugs and rise of multiple births and/or higher rates of caesareans (c-sections).

So what country had the fewest and most premature births?? The country of Belarus, one of the former Soviet republics, had the fewest preterm births at only 4.1 per 100 births, while Malawi had the highest rate with 18.1 premature babies per 100 births. In the United States, the rate was 12 per 100 births.

Which brings us to the question of the day:  Were you surprised by the United States rank worldwide for premature births?

Mom Accused of Putting 6-Year-Old in Tanning Bed

Posted by Parenting Source on May 2nd, 2012

Patricia Krentcil, 44, appeard in court Wednesday on accusations that she allowed her 6-year-old daughter to tan at a salon.

The New Jersey mom was charged with child endangerment after her daughter, Anna, showed up at school with a sunburn. When asked how she attained the sunburn, Krentcil’s daughter replied, “I go tanning with mommy.” School officials called the police to the elementary school and Krentcil was subsequently arrested.

Krentcil on the other hand denies the charge, saying she “would never permit” her daughter to go tanning. Instead she suggests that her burn actually came from playing outside.

“I’m a great mother, I’m a wonderful mother,” Krentcil said as we walked into court.

Krentcil previously admitted to brining Anna into the salon but says she’s never allowed the fair-skinned girl into the tanning bed.

“It didn’t happen,” Krentcil said. “She’s 6-years-old. Yes, she goes go tanning with mommy, but not in the booth.”

Currently, Anna is still living with her mother.

New Pregnancy Shows Coming to TLC

Posted by Parenting Source on May 1st, 2012

You’ve probably already seen shows such as Say Yes to the Dress, Toddler and Tiaras and even Long Island Medium, but now TLC is taking it to new extremes with the docu-drama show called Obese & Expecting.

If you haven’t guessed by now, the show documents four morbidly overweight women who are expecting. Entertainment Weekly recently reported that the series will chronicle the health issues, weight gain and relationship struggles of the pregnant women. TLC further commented, “These women are challenging the perception—and the odds—of obese pregnancies, as they become moms, no matter their size or complications.”

Pregnancy always involves a certain amount of risk, but for obese women there are extra risks involved: Their babies have double the risk of stillbirth and higher risk of birth defects. Also, there’s a higher chance of obese moms developing gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

But wait TLC isn’t stopping there, another show called Birth Moms, which will follow three women as they struggle with the decision to give their babies up for adoption, will premiere on May 17th at 10pm following Obese & Expecting.

What do you think of TLC’s new and upcoming shows? Do you think you will watch them?

Kids Prefer Pets to Toys, Study Finds

Posted by Parenting Source on April 30th, 2012

Researchers conducted three separate experiments in which children had the opportunity to choose between animals or attractive toys.  The results showed that children ultimately preferred the living creature. 

Even babies as young as 11 months old are naturally drawn to animals, including those that may frighten many adults, such as spiders and snakes, investigators from the University of Virginia and Rutgers University found. 

Although the children were naturally drawn more to the animals than toys, research also showed that the animals sparked more curiosity and interest. For example, when the children focused their attention on the animals, the kids gestured more, talked about the animals more and asked more questions.

“The fact that children find animals so appealing suggest that children may benefit from having an animal, like a pet, in their lives,” Vanessa LoBue, from Rutgers University, said in a news release from the British Psychological Society.”

“Our research develops the idea that animals may be a good instrument for learning,” she said. “This is borne out by the widespread use of animal characters in children’s books and TV programs.”

The study was published April 27, online in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology.

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