Munchkin, Inc., designer and manufacturer of clever infant care and toddler products, in partnership with Church & Dwight Co., Inc., makers of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, today unveiled the ARM & HAMMER Diaper Pail, a breakthrough diaper disposal system. The ARM & HAMMER Diaper Pail neutralizes odors in the nursery through a patented odor control system with the power of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda at its core.

“The most important thing about any diaper disposal system is that it controls odors. This new system employs the built-in power of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to provide natural, safe and effective odor elimination,” said Doug Gillespie, Munchkin Vice President of Marketing. “We also knew the pail had to be easy for parents to use, so we developed a patented self-sealing system and refill bags that you simply snap, seal and toss in the trash.”

The ARM & HAMMER® name has been trusted for generations to eliminate odors, and Munchkin is known to today’s parents for delivering clever solutions to their everyday needs. The ARM & HAMMER(TM) Diaper Pail has numerous innovations that reflect the respective strengths of the two brands.

Baking Soda Dispenser: A built-in, vented dispenser sprinkles odor-eliminating baking soda each time the lid is closed and continuously absorbs and eliminates odors even when not in use.

Self-Sealing System: Munchkin’s patented system automatically seals the bag when the lid is closed and keeps it sealed when the lid is reopened.
Snap, Seal and Toss Bags: The disposable refill bags, each of which can hold up to 25 diapers, shut tight with a snap and can be easily tossed and replaced without cutting or tying.

Source: Munchkin

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Single parents try to be both father and mother to their children. The other parent may be out of the picture due to many reasons, such as military deployment, divorce, or death. But no matter what the reason, it’s important for single parents to learn to manage their time wisely as it is crucial for child development. If you are a single parent, these five time management strategies may help you get more time for your children and for yourself.

Create a central calendar

Think about the activities you and your children are involved in that require you to be out of the home. Placing these items on a central calendar that can be viewed by everyone will help you know when you have to take the children for practices or to visit their other parent if you are divorced.

You may want to use color coding to make your calendar more functional. By assigning each person a color, everyone will be able to see when activities are planned and whether there is room to add another. Having a central calendar will also help you learn to say “no” when you simply can’t fit anything else in your day.

Ask for help

You’re only one person so don’t feel bad if you have to ask for help. If the ex-spouse is involved in your children’s life, be sure they are helping when necessary. You can also ask from help from the grandparents, aunts and uncles, or friends if there are two activities planned for the same time. You can’t be in two places at once, so you’ll need help if you don’t want to let one child’s activity slide.

Do your best to be organized

Besides having a central family calendar, it helps to be organized in your home so you can easily find items that are needed. If your child is always losing their homework, designate a special place for their book bag at the end of the day. Then go through their assignments to ensure they’re done and returned to the book bag before your child retires.

Having an in-box for papers you need to sign for your child will also help you be more organized. You can also immediately transfer any important dates onto the family calendar so you don’t forget about them.

Delegate to others

Your children may be without one of their parents but that doesn’t give them a free pass for helping around the house. Asking and expecting your children to help you may seem like two totally different things, but it’s important for your children to pitch in with household chores. Not only will they help you, which will make you less stressed, but they’ll also be learning life skills they’ll need when they strike out on their own.

Learn to say “No”

This one tip, saying “no,” may seem like an obvious time management tip you can follow as a single parent. However, many single parents have a hard time telling anyone no, especially their children. You’re not doing anyone any favors by saying “yes” to every request, though; in fact, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. You’re allowing all of your time dictated when you need time to take care of your own needs as well.

No one doubts that single parents have a more difficult time than dual parent homes. These five time management strategies for single parents can be used with good results. Not only will you be more organized, you’ll also be able to take much-needed time to meet your own needs as well as those of your children.

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The threat of the sun’s harm to our eye is just the same as it is to our skin. The fact that the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun are damaging to all the layers of our eyes, sunglasses are truly necessary to wear. Everybody is advised to wear sunglasses especially when outdoors. As early as infancy, wearing of sunglasses is advised.

Children’s eyes are more susceptible to any eye damages caused by too much exposure to the sun. Their lenses do not block as much UV rays as adults do.

Children’s sunglasses don’t have to be expensive. The sunglasses should have 100% UVA and UVB protection created by chemicals in the lenses. Stick to the recommended UV protection not by the darkness of the lenses. The lenses should be dark brown or black. No any other color is recommended.

Just as how you protect your children’s skin from UV rays, eye protection should be taken seriously. Make sure the sunglasses fit properly and are comfortable. Buying the proper sunglasses won’t do any good if your children won’t wear them. If your children do not like wearing their sunglasses (even with straps), insist that a wide-brimmed hat that shades their face can go with their sunglasses.

Children’s sunglasses should be made of polycarbonate to protect against possible shattering. Polycarbonate lenses are used in quality sunglasses that incorporate filters to block ultra-violet (UV) rays and near-UV rays. The main advantage of polycarbonate is the unbeatable strength, durability and distortion-free combined with light weight. While a glass-made sunglasses is not recommended because it puts a risk for potential eye injury if in case it breaks. Ensure as well that you check the sunglasses for bubbles or distortions that could cause squinting, blinking, headaches and dizziness.

Be an example to your children. Wear sunglasses as well when outdoors. Make this a part of your child care responsibility. Encourage your children to wear the sunglasses because the more time the eyes are exposed to harmful UV rays, the more likely to suffer vision problems in the future.

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Burping your infant is one of the essentials of your infant care experience. After every feeding of your baby, whether through breastfeeding or bottle feeding, burping is a need to do.

It is a need because during feeding, air can be swallowed and accumulate in your baby’s stomach. The formation of air bubbles will possibly lead to discomfort to your baby. Too much air in the stomach can lead to uneasiness, colic, and later on, spitting up of the milk.

Proper burping technique helps prevent your baby’s discomfort. If your baby is on bottle feeding, you can choose to burp after every few ounces. While for breast feeding babies, every 10-15 minutes is recommended.

Breastfed and Bottlefed babies are recommended to be fed in a more upright position of 45 degrees. Avoid frequent feedings with short intervals because it will contribute to less swallowing of air. If your baby is bottle fed, it is not a good idea to let your baby drink milk while straight on her back. Not only will it increase gas, choking is at an increased risk to happen.

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Having a child at home that ranges from 18 months to 3 years is quite challenging. This is the stage where an infant turns into a toddler who seeks his/her autonomy and independence as well as temper tantrums. How to handle them? Here are some tips to help you enjoy the toddler years:

-    Play: Toddler’s play is called a parallel play wherein two toddlers playing separately. To avoid having a fight, provide two similar toys. Best toys to give are pull-push trucks or waddling truck that will help in walking, building blocks, balls and even pencils and crayons for scribbling. They can also be given toys that can explore their imaginative side provided that it’s safe to use.

-    Language: One of the milestones that are developing at this kind of stage. Toddlers learn new words to use. They mimic what they hear from others.  Parents should talk to them in a clear and complete manner; avoiding baby talk will help toddlers to learn to use words correctly.

-    Emotions: This stage also is where possessiveness heightens. The word “mine” maybe prominent and also temper tantrums are more evident. Temper tantrums can be best handled by avoiding it. Give your toddlers right attention for positive behavior. Also, setting control over little things by offering choices rather than asking questions that will evidently result in a “no” answer. Lastly, know your child’s limit and behavior so giving activities will be appropriate.

-    Safety: To decrease parent’s worries concerning child safety, ensure that electrical outlets have safety plugs. Keep cords, sharp objects and poisonous substances out of reach.  Don’t give small objects that they can put in their mouth. These tend to choke them up. Have a place that is child proof to ensure safety.

Giving toddlers ample time with their limited independence will help you have a less-stressful and more enjoyable time together.

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Play is of vital importance in the life of a child. It is an outlet for the wholeness of their creativity. Basically, it helps in the child development.

Play helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it. All the aspects of a child’s life is promoted through play- may it be, mental, physical, social, critical or emotional.

Children (depending on their age) do not all play the same way. There are unique stages that children go through as they grow by which each stage is completely interconnected for the development of the next stage. Their progress varies.

There are stages of a child’s play.

Basically for an infant, solo playing is the typical.  Physical movements are random and not purposeful. An infant plays independently or alone.

For a Toddler, playing independently with educational toys is the usual. Toys that promote body movements are the recommended toys to be given for this age group.

On the other hand, a preschooler enjoys playing near others, watching and imitating them while older preschool children begin to play with peers.  That is also the time they begin to borrow and to lend toys. This age group often initiates make-believe play.

School-aged children are more advanced now at this time. A school-aged child enjoys competitive games and sports, formal board games, and still engages in some fantasy play.  Rules are very important during play with the school-aged child.

When puberty arises, socialization is the bottom line of the game. An adolescent enjoys competitive games and sports.

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You must be so eager to play with your infant and your mind is thinking of what you can do to help promote play.

Here is a good way to guide you through your infant care experience.

From birth to 1 month, your infant likes to be wrapped and/or held securely, likes the colors black, white and red and Will be startled and disturbed by loud noises. As a parent, you can sing and talk to your infant, play music softly, rock your infant or you can take him/her for walks

When your infant is 2 to 3 months old, he/she likes bright objects and enjoys pictures and mirrors, Rattles can be given to your infant. Swinging also is loved at this time. You can as well sing and talk to your infant.

On the 4th to 6th month, you can sing, talk and read to your infant. Provide tummy time for your infant. Encourage your infant to crawl and sit by placing him/her on the floor.

By 6th to 9th month, large toys with bright colors that move are the enjoyment of your infant. At this time, you can call your infant by name. be sure to speak clearly to your child and encourage different sounds. Body parts naming can now be done. You can begin saying words that tell what you are doing as well. Encourage your infant to crawl by placing toys beyond his/her reach. Continue to cuddle, sing and read with your infant.

On the 9th to 12th month, your infant now enjoys looking at books, likes naming animals and identifying animal sounds and enjoys large toys that can be pushed and pulled. By this time, you can now take your infant to different places and outings. Playing ball with your infant can now be possible.

Enjoy every moment with your infant. Every time you play or give infant care is a perfect time to promote a strong bond between you and your child.

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Any parent that spends time with their children around water knows how important it is that their children learn to swim. However, when those children are very young, they may not be able to learn. Using swimming aids and safety measures to protect young children may safeguard them, but are they as helpful as they are thought to be?

Babies can actually learn to swim if taught to do so. However, you may not know how to teach them or may not have baby swimming classes available to you. You may feel that the best way to protect your child is to use swimming aids.

There are several types of swimming aids but they don’t all provide the same level of confidence for keeping young children safe. The following are some types you may think of:

* Inflatable animals – An inflatable animal may be good for having fun in the pool if you already know how to swim, but they are not advisable to keep non-swimming children safe. The inflatable animals will keep children afloat as long as they are strong enough to hold on; should they let go, drowning is a possibility if no one is watching closely.

* Arm bands – Inflatable arm bands are a better option for children that cannot swim. However, they still don’t provide enough protection. These are good for children that are learning to swim but haven’t quite gotten the hang of it yet.

* Floating swimsuits – Floating swimsuits come in a variety of styles. They can be as simple as a swimsuit with an inflatable ring to something more elaborate like a swimsuit with life vest material in them. If you choose to have your child swimming with you in deeper water, the latter floating swimsuit would be a better choice.

* Life vests – Life vests are probably the best choice if you have your children around water. Not only will they keep your child afloat, they are designed to keep your child on its back to avoid drowning. Life vests truly can save a child’s life if used whenever a child is near the water.

Pros of using swimming aids

If used properly, and consistently, some of the swimming aids can save your child’s life. They are readily available through most discount stores; however, you may want to buy actual life vests at sporting goods stores to ensure you’re getting the best quality.

Cons of using swimming aids

Swimming aids can give you a false sense of security where your small, non-swimming children and water are concerned. You may not think you have to watch them as closely if they have on a swimming aid, but the truth is supervision is important whether your child can swim or not and whether they are wearing a swimming aid or not. Flotation devices such as animals, arm bands, and some floating swimsuits are not life preservers and it is best not to think of them as such.

Swimming aids and safety may seem to go hand-in-hand, but that isn’t always the case. While they may keep your child safer than not using one, nothing can beat having supervision whenever your child is near the water. Summertime fun in the sun and in the water is right around the corner. Are you prepared?

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Traveling with a young infant for the first time can be a frightening experience but it does not have to be as scary as some parents expect it will be. It is part of your infant care responsibility to secure all the necessary items needed for the travel.

By the time a baby reaches three months or age there is no reason why you cannot travel with him or her. Babies are not as fragile as many parents believe them to be and they are not able to walk or run off therefore keeping your baby close to you should not be a problem!

Food and comfort tips

* If you are breastfeeding your baby then make sure you bring a water bottle for yourself to help keep yourself hydrated during the trip.
* If you are bottle-feeding then the most convenient thing to bring along for the trip is ready-to-use formula.
* Make sure you bring a bib for your baby (or a couple) that have a plastic or waterproof coating and is big enough to cover his or her whole front.
* Pack enough diapers for the trip as well as bags to put dirty diapers in and lotion in case diaper rash develops.
* In your carry-on bag or in a bag that is easily accessible to you in the car, pack an extra set of clothing for both yourself and your baby in the event that your baby spits up on you or vomits or if a diaper leak occurs.
* Always have a blanket with you so your baby has a cozy, soft place to lie his or her head down and take a nap or even crawl around or roll on.

Health and safety tips

* Gather together all of the supplies you need to create a first aid kit to ensure that you can cope effectively with any minor medical problem that takes place on your trip, with either yourself or your baby. If your infant has any prescription medication that he or she needs make sure to pack it. Write out a list of essentials for the first aid kit if you are concerned that you might forget something important. Any over-the-counter drugs that you might need for your baby is important to include in the first aid kit as well.
* Make sure you have completed an emergency sheet for your baby, which details his or her health information as well as any medication he or she requires. Also include on this sheet all relevant names and telephone numbers of family, friends and doctors.
* A hat is essential for your baby both in the hot months as well as the cold months. Sunscreen is an essential item as well if you plan to have your infant outside. This is not just the case in the summer but all year long. Apply a sunscreen to the face and backs of hands of infants who are under six months of age and apply even more to babies who are older than six months. Always buy a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 for protection.

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Your baby may not yet be able to communicate in words, but when he’s ready for solid foods- he has his ways to let you know! You have to be ready as well because your baby’s feeding is part of your infant care responsibility. Here are questions to help you determine whether he is now ready or not.

* Does your baby watch you with eager anticipation when you eat? Maybe he even opens his mouth, or tries to grab your spoon? Besides making you feel guilty as you enjoy your dinner, this behaviour indicates that he may be ready for solid food.

* Does your baby seem hungrier than usual, appearing dissatisfied after his usual milk feeds? Once you’ve ruled out teething or illness as possible causes, you may find that he needs something a little more substantial to satisfy his growing appetite!

* Is your baby waking at night after previously sleeping through? Or, if he was waking at night anyway, is he now waking more often? This can be a sign that he’s ready for solids. And it’s very tempting to get baby started on solid foods so that he’ll settle at night and “sleep like a baby”! (Where did that expression ever come from?)
But be careful! He may be waking more often due to teething, or some other discomfort. If you introduce solid foods too early, it can have the opposite effect on your baby to the one you seek. His immature digestive system may not be able to cope. This can mean an upset tummy for him … and even more sleepless nights for you!

* Can baby sit well, without support? This will make swallowing easier. Not all babies are able to sit unsupported at this stage, though. So it’s important that you provide the proper support when feeding, if this is the case.

* Does your baby have good head control? This is important, so that your baby can turn his head away to refuse food.

These are all good indicators of your baby’s readiness for solids. You can all take these into consideration. You will then be well knowledgeable to determine whether or not your little one is ready for solids.

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Crying is a physiological process in the life of a baby.All normal babies cry to communicate with others.Sine they can’t express their feelings in words crying is the only way for communication. If any uncomfortable feeling comes they simply cry.Normally babies cry in situations like hunger,wetting,too heat or cold,tight cloaths,pain ect. Some kids need the presence of somebody otherwise will cry simply.Crying without any cause is habitual in some babies.  Eventhough crying is considered as normal it may worry the family members.Since the reasons for crying ranges from simple causes to serious causes it should not be ignored and hence exact cause has to be identified and managed accordingly.

The following are some points which should be considered while dealing with a crying baby.

1. It is dangerous to shake the baby vigorously.

2. Tight cloaths can cause irritation hence it should be removed.

3. If the room is hot put the fan and open the windows.

4. If the nappy is wet remove it and after cleaning the parts make it dry with a soft towel.

5. Pat her back or stroke her head slowly and let her here your soothing sound.

6. Give breast milk and make her quiet.

7. If the climate is cold cover her in soft towel.

8. Rock her gently in your arms and walk slowly in the room.

9. Take a music making doll and let her listen.

10. Try a pacifier or help her for thumb sucking.

11. If no response change her position.

12. Walk outdors with her.

13. Put her on the cradle and rock gently.

14. If no response ask somebody to carry the baby.

Even after all these steps the baby goes on crying see for the following signs.
( Probable cause is given after every sign)

1. Press her abdomen gently,she may twist or resist you:—Colic

2. Pull her ear gently she may become worse or push your hands away:—Earache.

3. Feel her temperature with the back of your hands:–Fever due to any infection.

4. Examine the skin from head to foot:–Eruptive disease,nappy rash,measles,vesicles,allergy ect.

5. See the nose for any discharge:–Coryza.

6. Move the head gently to feel any neck stiffness:–Meningitis,head injury ect.

7. Keep your ear near her chest to hear any rattling sound:–Increased mucus in wind pipes.

8. Examine the anal orifice:–Anal erosion,rectal polyp,crawling of worms.

9. Examine the genitalia:–Any discharge or erosion.

10. In male baby see the testicles which may be swollen or tender:–Orchitis,torsion of testes.

11. Also notice the body movements and see for any convulsions,rigors,vomiting,cough, labored breathing etc.

If you see the above signs or any other abnormal signs consult your doctor for proper treatement.

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Crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies.When a baby comes out of the woomb the first thing to do is crying.By the first cry he will take some air in to the lungs for the first time in their life.After delivery if the baby doesnot cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently strocking the feet.From this it is clear that the healthy baby should cry and it is a normal physiological event ,still some times it can upset the mother or family members.

We all know that a baby can’t tell his needs or troubles in words. The only way for him  to communicate with others is by crying.Babies show some other signs like feet kicking,hand waving and head turning ect.But the best way to take the attention of others is by crying.

Excessive crying may not have a firm definition because the crying habit changes from baby to baby and some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth.If crying is distressing for the mother and home nurse it can be called excessive.Many a times baby become quiet by giving breast milk or by carrying with a gentle rocking.Sudden onset of excessive crying means baby is distressed and needs attention.The causes of crying extends from simple reasons to life threatening conditions.Hence crying of a baby should not be ignored.

Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the cry .Common causes are discussed here for awareness.

A) Common Reasons for Crying

Hunger
A hungry baby will cry till he gets  the milk. Here the old saying comes true’crying baby gets the milk’.

Wetting
Urination and defecation causes some discomfort and results in crying till his parts are cleaned and made dry .

Company
Majority of the kids need somebody near.  If they feel lonely they cry.When their favourite doll slips away from the grip they cry for help.

Tired
When the baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep just cry simply.They feel tired in uncomfortable sourroundings and due to unhealthy climate.

Heat & cold
If they feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. Child is comfortable in a room with good ventilation.

Tight cloathing
Tight cloaths especially during warm climate is intolerable for kids.Tight elastic of the the dress can also produce soreness in the hip region.

Dark room
When the baby wakes up from sleep he needs some dim light.If there is darkness he will disturb the sleep of parents by crying.Ofcourse he will be irritated by strong light resulting in cry.

Mosquito
Yes,these creatures disturb the sleep by their blood sucking and make the baby to cry.

Nasal blocking
Child may not be able to sleep when there is a cold and go on crying till the passage is open.

Phlegm in throat
This also causes difficult breathing resulting in cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

General aching
Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous cry.

Habitual cry

Some babies cry without any real cause ending the parents in agony.Many a times doctor is called for help.

Nappy rash

A tight and wet nappy which is left unattended can result in this condition. Nappy rash can also be due to some allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy.  When the rash appears it causes soreness and baby become sleepless and cry.  All other skin lesions like eczema, ecthyma, candidiasis ect also causes same problems.

Earache
Ear infection is common in wet climate.The infection may spread from the throat.Ear infection can result in rupture of ear drum causing discharge of pus.Eareache usually becomes worse at night when lying down.Child will become restless with cry and may not allow you to touch the ear.Some children with earache rub the affected ear frequently.

Colic
When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This roblem is still a topic for debate because exact cause for colic is not known and diagnosis is also difficult to confirm.Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of abdomen.Child often feels better when lying on abdomen.Some children may not allow you to touch the abdomen.If the child cries continuously doctors help is needed.

Infections
All infections causes some kind of pain or irritation resulting in cry.Infection may be anywhere in the body.Usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

Reactions to certain food
It is said that one man’s food is another man’s poison. Some food articles can produce some allergic reactions.Allergy  is manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness,gastric symptons and continuous cry.

Hard stools
Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge for stool.Some children hesitate to pass stool because of pain .

Gastro esophageal reflex
Here baby cries with spilling of food after feeding.If this continues it may be due to gastroesophageal reflex.This is due to failure of the lower part of esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach.It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be confirmed by giving antireflex medicines.

Dentition
During dentition child becomes restless with crying.Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhoea.

B) Some Rare Reasons for Crying

Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting.Abdomen is distended with rumbling sound.Baby is constipated with absence of flatus.

Septicemia
Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms in to the blood is called septicemia.Fever is associated with this condition.

Torsion of testes in male kids
When a male baby cries continuously his scrotum should be examined.Torsion of the testes produce severe pain which will be worse by touching the affected testes.When the testes is pressed upwards pain is releived.If this is not treated properly it can damage the affected  testes due to lack of blood supply.

Meningitis
Initially there may not be fever,hence crying baby with alternate vacant stare and irritability should not be ignored.Fontanel is bulging. Neck rigidity and seizures may appear later.

Retention of urine
Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them   restless.

Major injuries
Major injury to any parts of the body causes pain.Occasionally children will fall while arrying and results in head injury.Head injury is associated with reflex vomiting and convulsions.

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