Big Baby Book

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

Big Baby 2011 Book guid e for New and Expe c Pare tant nts

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Big Baby Book

inside:

before baby

de guior f nd t a Newectans Exparent P

8 / Alphabet Soup

17 / The Hospital Bag What to take, what to leave behind.

12 / Stress Busters

18 / Just Say No Healthy choices for pre-pregnancy noshing as well as a look at the medicine chest.

14 / Why an Ultrasound?

22 / Making a Birth Plan Learn your options as well as what is realistic.

16 / Not a Beautiful Morning

24 / Baby’s Best Start Breastfeeding advice for getting you and baby off to a great beginning.

Our A-Z guide tells you what to expect once you learn a baby is on the way.

During Pregnancy Healthy ways to get through the next nine months, and beyond.

What they cost, where to go, and should you have one?

Strategies to combat morning sickness.

Where to have baby: A grid of area hospitals / Page 26

after baby

28 / Mixed Signals How to decode what your baby is feeling.

30 / Nursery Décor

Make the most of your space.

44 / Buy Second Hand Sometimes gently used is the better way to go.

34 / Choosing a Pediatrician How do you decide?

46 / How to Pick a Stroller Tips on buying your baby’s first set of wheels.

Plus: stroller stride fitness classes.

36 / The Diaper Bag How to be stylish and prepared.

48 / Baby on Board How to reconnect with single friends, now that you’re a mom.

38 / Dad’s First Steps Tips for bonding with baby and easing into fatherhood. Plus: Dad on diaper duty.

40 / Choosing Childcare Sorting out the options and finding what’s best for your family.

Big Baby Book Staff

43 / Buckle Up, Baby!

Learn about car seats and the law.

50 / go green, Baby!

Products that show you care about your little one and the Earth.

52 / What’s in a Name?

Ten common sense tips to keep in mind when picking a name.

l

Publisher Liz White

l

eDitor Ann Hardie

l

eDitoriAl Art Director Sheri Taylor-Emery

l

AssociAte Publisher Laura Powell

l

AssociAte eDitor Melanie Wagner

l

ProDuctioN MANAGer Trysh Clark

How to Reach Us 770-454-7599 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, GA 30342

6

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

Everything [but the baby] giveaway!

gRAND PRiZE!

Let us know why you deserve the brand new nursery of your dreams!

Winner will select nursery furniture by Munire from three styles and finishes, courtesy of A Room of Their Own. Jennifer Smith Gallery will create a custom mural to complete the nursery. Visit atlantaparent.com for a chance to win the grand prize or the great prizes listed below.

Additional prizes include: In-home newborn baby care session with Baby Care Connection, Jamboo Creations, custom HearthSoft fireplace safety cover, Prepare First baby safety fence, newborn photo session & 8x10 print with Jess Kamm Photography, maternity & newborn photo sessions with JK Mitchell Photography, newborn photo session & 11x14 print with Laura Brett Photography, NurturMe baby food gift box, aden + anais baby gift set, ECO Emporium Organic mommy gift basket, Baby exederm products, Moby Wrap gift set, Nurse & Nurture gift certificate, Daddy Scrubs gift set for new dads, Chocolate Soup gift basket, Nestled Newborn gift basket & gift certificate, plus much more!

Deadline for entries is June 15th, 2011.

Grand prize winner will be featured in the September issue of Atlanta Parent!

www.atlantaparent.com

Sponsored by

Big Baby Book

7

alphabet soup(

If you’re new to this whole baby thing

)

by Ann Hardie and Melanie Wagner

You’ve got nine months to plan for every last detail of your pregnancy and birth. But once baby comes home, prepare for a whole lot of surprises! Check out our version of what to expect, from A-Z.

a b c d e f g 8

Big Baby Book

Anxiety. For the next nine months, you’ll be feeling everything

from anxious to ecstatic. Remember, about 4 million babies are born in the U.S. every year, and chances are yours will be just fine.

So relax (well, try) and enjoy the ride!

Put your baby on his back when he sleeps. This position reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome – SIDS. Remember to keep this position for both naps and nighttime sleep.

Babies cry – get used to it. Here are common reasons your little one gets fussy: dirty diaper, hunger, gas, exhausted, sick, bored, colic or just wants to be cuddled.

Diapers: New babies typically soil 8-10 diapers a day.

Get enough exercise while you’re pregnant. If you worked out before, continue your program, with modifications if you need them (check with your doctor first). The health department recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week. Try walking, swimming, water aerobics, Pilates or yoga.

Hello, Flintstone feet! Say goodbye to strappy heels and sexy feet during your pregnancy. Your body is producing and retaining more fluid. But don’t worry; the swelling will go down after you give birth!

gender. In the U.S., boys are more common than girls, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2004, when the most recent numbers were released, 94,232 more boys were born than girls.

www.atlantaparent.com

h i j

k l m n o p q

Is it safe to soak in a hot tub while you’re pregnant? Not if the temperature is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Sitting in a hot tub can raise your heart rate and reduce blood flow to your uterus, which can put stress on your baby.

Which immunizations do babies in Georgia need? At birth, hepatitis B. At two months, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), pneumococcal (PPV or PCV) and inactivated poliovirus (IPV).

Keep a journal while you’re pregnant to remember the good, the bad, the ugly and the funny. Many moms like to document their growing bumps with monthly photos.

kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus and bowels. Strengthening these muscles can help you prepare for labor and birth. To do a Kegel exercise, imagine you’re trying not to urinate or pass gas without moving your legs, buttocks or abs.

Leaky breasts. Until your body gets used to breastfeeding,

many factors can make you spring a leak – hearing your baby cry, looking at his picture or even while you’re sleeping or showering. Plan your outfits accordingly for the first few weeks!

Having multiples? The birthrate for twins has increased 50 percent since 1980, and triplets, quads and higher order multiples have increased at an even higher rate.

What’s in a name? Aidan, Liam, Noah, Jackson, Ethan, Cayden, Mason, Logan, Landon and Oliver were the top boy picks in 2010, according to babynames.com. The top names for girls: Sophia, Charlotte, Ava, Addison, Olivia, Amelia, Lily, Isabella, Chloe and Bailey.

Sure you can have an ultrasound. But why not check the accuracy of an old wives tale first? Attach a ring or needle to a thread. Lie down and have someone dangle it over your belly. If it moves in a circular motion, you’re having a girl. Back and forth like a pendulum means it’s a boy.

Pickles. Cheese. Peanut butter. Chocolate. Eggs.

Apples. Bacon. These are the most common foods pregnant women crave.

Queasy? Join the club. Nausea is a hallmark of eight in 10 pregnancies and generally diminishes by 14 weeks.

Cont’d on page 10

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

9

alphabet soup

r s t u v w

x y z 10

Big Baby Book

According to the Chinese zodiac, babies born in 2011, the Year of the Rabbit, are creative, compassionate, sensitive, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They also avoid conflict – good news if you have other kids!

Stretch marks can be a downer to the happiest expectant mother. Daily massage to your stomach, breasts and thighs may help prevent them.

All newborns get tested. The first test, an Apgar score evaluating a baby’s physical appearance, occurs just after delivery. A heel prick allows doctors to test for a number of genetic disorders.

After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving an umbilical stump that dries up and drops off in about 10 to 21 days. Until then, keep it clean and dry.

Vaginal delivery is the most common type of childbirth.

Nevertheless, cesarean section deliveries are at an all-time high in the U.S. and are expected to keep rising. Among the causes – a rising obesity rate among moms-to-be, an increase in multiple birth deliveries, and a reluctance to allow a vaginal birth after a C-section delivery.

Wednesday has edged out Tuesday as the most

popular day for children to be born. Sunday is the slowest. The fact that far fewer babies were born on the weekend may be influenced partly by scheduled labor induction and c-sections, according to the CDC. But vaginal births also occur less often on the weekend.

Avoid X-rays, including dental, to protect your baby from the toxic effects of radiation. What about airport scanners?

TSA says full-body scanning technology is safe for pregnant women. However, you can opt for alternative screening that may include a thorough pat down.

If your emotions are like a yo-yo, up one minute, down the next, you are normal. Mood swings, a natural part of your hormonal cycle, escalate during pregnancy. Even so, be on guard if the ups don’t follow the downs. Pregnancy can trigger depression in women genetically predisposed to the disorder.

Get plenty of Zzz’s during pregnancy. It takes many months for most babies to sleep a good six-to-eight hours. Then, many babies are like owls – they like to sleep during the day and stay awake at night!

www.atlantaparent.com

With your body morphing, your emotions yo-yo-ing and your to-do list out of control, stress during pregnancy is a given. Finding healthy ways to handle it will get you through the next nine months – and the years after baby arrives. Get off to a good start:

Stress Busters During Pregnancy l identify the problems: Are you stressed by financial concerns, changing body or physical illness, changing relationships, fears of inadequacy, too much to do, interfering parents or in-laws, or more than one of the above? Finding the reasons for your stress will help you to identify solutions or to understand you’ll need to accept what you cannot change. l Stay connected: Family and friends are excellent sounding boards for working out your problems. Keep in contact with upbeat friends who can help lighten your mood. Share your feelings with your spouse. If you don’t feel comfortable venting your frustrations to friends, contact a qualified therapist or pastoral counselor.

February

13

Parent Parent day, o on Sun mp Exp s Our Ca Don’t Mis

Atlanta’s No.

1 Parenting

Magazine

atlanta

l go for a walk or a pregnancy fitness class: Exercise is a great stress-reliever for the body. When you feel better, you feel more in control and able to cope. Joining a class will make you feel part of a group whose members share your concerns.

l Rest and relax: Get a good night’s sleep every night; your body needs rest to create a healthy baby. Pamper yourself with a nap in the afternoon, or a massage or manicure or bubble bath. l Eat a balanced diet: You and your baby need fresh fruits and vegetables and a fair amount of protein to stay healthy and strong. l Make time for mood-lifters: Get together with friends for board games, watch a movie that makes you laugh, play fetch with the dog – do anything that gets your mind off your problems or off your aches and pains. l Say yes to help: Let go of your need to control. Accept offers from family, friends or co-workers to carry some of the load. You may need to cut back your work schedule or get help with errands. Ask your mother or mother-in-law to help prepare the nursery. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your baby.

February 2011

www.atlantap

arent.com

Atlanta’s No.

1 Parenting

Magazine

atlanta

How Sweet! s Crafty Way to Say I Love You

TelliNg TAles

March 2011

Atlanta Meet Some rs Story Spinne

Black History Month: Why it Matters

/ www.atlantap

arent.com

The Best

Bt ir rt th hd da ay y Overnigh ide ever!

Camp Gu Our Ann Party Pla ual nner

Lessons from a Tiger Mot her

Spell Cho res This Way: F-U-N

Baby Products

Parents Lov Don’t Miss e Our Camp Expo on Satu rday, Mar ch 19

Be sure to check out

atlanta baby a special section in the

baby March, June, September and December issues of

Atlanta Parent magazine!

www.atlantaparent.com

12

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

There’s an App for that!

For tech-savvy moms-to-be, phone apps have replaced shelves of books. Atlanta Parent checked out some of the best. Here are our favorites: ✽ iPregnancy: Track your due date by

weeks or days, store photos of yourself, save questions for your doctor, list favorite baby names and store important phone numbers – this pregnancy planning app does it all for $3.99. With iPregnancy, you can also schedule OB visits, keep track of weight gain and figure your total expected weight gain. Each week, learn more about baby’s development while looking at 2D/3D ultrasounds and images tracking your baby’s development. You can even link to Twitter or Facebook and decide what to share from the app.

✽ What to Expect: If you’re familiar

iPregnancy

www.atlantaparent.com

with the What to Expect book series, check out its free app, which provides information in an easy-to-follow format. Individually track your pregnancy with a countdown, compare your baby’s size to objects like a cabbage or tennis ball each week, keep track of your body’s development, get daily tips, add photos of yourself and more.

✽ BabyCenter: BabyCenter.com’s free app has daily tips, checklists, photos and informative videos.

The app also provides easy access to community forums and birth boards, which connect moms who are due around the same time.

✽ Pimp My Ultrasound/Baby Picture:

This free app lets moms and dads get creative with ultrasound pictures. Make your baby into a sports fanatic, rock star or even capture the picture in a “Best Grandbaby” frame for the grandparents to be!

The app lets you upload your picture and then add accessories and text bubbles to decorate the picture.

✽ Baby Names: Search through more than 25,000 boy and girl names for $1.99 with the iTunes Baby Name app (there is free version available too, with fewer features). Learn the meaning and origin of your favorites, then save your top names to a boy or girl list. Much easier than wearing out (and keeping track of) that baby name book! ✽ mPregnancy – for men with pregnant women:This app, developed just for dads, helps men follow their partner and their baby’s development throughout the pregnancy. For $2.99, it has a sense of humor and presents information in a simple, easyto-follow manner. Each week the app compares the baby’s size to items men can relate to – like a football or bottle cap. Plus, find answers to questions such as how to prepare a nursery and what foods your pregnant partner should avoid.

– Laura Powell

Big Baby Book

13

Why an ultrasound?

Most pregnant women in the United States will undergo one to three ultrasound scans, a safe procedure that uses sound waves to see 2D images inside the womb. Doctors also may use 3D imaging in making other medical diagnoses.

Here are some of the things a 2D scan can tell you and your doctor:

✽ The stage of your pregnancy and your due date ✽ Whether you’re carrying a single infant, twins or more ✽ The gender of your infant ✽ Whether your infant and pregnancy are developing normally ✽ If your infant has some birth defects, such as a missing limb; it cannot detect Down syndrome.

Baby’s first picture

M

Many pregnant women are opting for 3D and 4D ultrasounds as a keepsake image or video of their infant. Should you?

While 3D imaging appears safe, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has some caveats. The institute recommends you use a registered sonographer who is trained in techniques to avoid ultrasound exposure beyond what is considered safe for the fetus. Ultrasound has the potential for adverse effects if scanning is prolonged or if equipment settings are inappropriate, according to the institute.

That said, keepsake 3D imaging has many positives.

Because parents can see their infant’s face, it encourages bonding, anticipation and planning for the family-to-be. Parents also have a color photo to show relatives and friends that’s much more engaging than a 2D scan.

And because it’s become more commonplace, non-medical imaging isn’t expensive. For around $60 for a 10-minute scan at 16 weeks, you can determine your baby’s gender. Packages starting at $90 will give you a lifelike image of your infant in the womb at 26 to 32 weeks. Cost is important because insurance plans will not pay for ultrasounds that aren’t ordered by your medical team.

14

Big Baby Book

Some local providers of 3D and 4D ultrasounds:

✽ 3D baby, Midtown, 404-871-3121, and Stockbridge, 770-692-0344, www.3dbaby.net.

✽ baby Dimensions, Newnan, 770-502-0225, www.babydimensions.com.

✽ baby’s First images Atlanta, Alpharetta,

770-573-8989, and Baby’s First Images Buckhead, 404-419-6200; www.babysfirstimages.com.

✽ baby Vision 4D, Sandy Springs, 404-257-3304, www.babyvision4d.com.

✽ First impression ultrasound, Cumming, 770-500-9876, www.1stimpression3d.com.

✽ images From the Womb, Suwanee, 678-546-0502, www.imagesfromthewomb.com.

✽ Nestled Newborn, Marietta, 404-944-5095, www.nestlednewborn.com.

✽ Peek-a-belly, Woodstock, 770-924-2024, www.peekabelly.com.

✽ stork Vision ultrasound, Atlanta, 404-816-9004, www.storkvision.com.

www.atlantaparent.com

Mother and Baby Measures

Full Service Obstetrics

87

Complete obstetric care including:

25

Prenatal visits, Vaginal Delivery, Cesarean Section, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), External Cephalic Version

Percent of pregnant women have trouble finding maternity clothes they like

Percent less risk of delivering dangerously large newborns in women who exercise at least three times a week during pregnancy

56

Percent of twin births do not involve fertility drugs

22

Percent of twins are left-handed

10

Percent of lefties make up the general population

7

Most insurances accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare. All major credit cards accepted & financing available upon request. Call the office for details.

2500 Hospital Blvd. Suite 410 • Roswell 678-393-0980 2911 Piedmont Rd. Suite E • Atlanta 404-365-0160 www.InGoodTimeObGyn.com

Average number of ounces heavier May babies are than babies born in any other month

90

Percent of males born in the U.S. in the 1960s were circumcised shortly after birth

50

Percent today

31

Percent of circumcised adolescent males don’t know they’ve been circumcised

6

Age in weeks when babies start to make distinctive cries depending on whether they want to be changed, fed or held

More than

50

Gallons of mother’s milk a baby blue whale drinks per day, for the first six to eight months – Cynthia Washam

Sources: Letstalkbabies.com, Journal Watch Women’s Health, Families.com, Baby-names-now.com, 1UP, U.S. News & World Report, Parenting, Odyssey

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

15

Preferred

Women’s Healthcare

Not a Beautiful Morning?

Dedicated • Compassionate • Caring

Obstetrics and Gynecology Byron C. Dickerson, M.D. Audrey J. Arona, M.D. Ursula N. Carter, M.D. Mary E. Long, M.D. Cosmetic services available

770.962.5100

www.preferredwomens.com 500 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 290 Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Half of all women breeze through pregnancy with little or no nausea or morning sickness. If you’re in the unlucky half, try these natural remedies to lessen your discomfort. ✽ ginger, ginger tea or ginger

ale: It’s the remedy most often recommended to calm a roiling stomach. Not all ginger ale is made with real ginger, so check to make sure.

✽ Wheat germ powder: Mixed with a glass of milk and consumed before bedtime, wheat germ often lessens early morning queasiness.

✽ Red raspberry leaf tea: It contains calcium, iron and B vitamins and soothes jumpy stomachs. Peppermint tea also helps some women.

✽ Acupressure band: Worn on the wrist, this band often aids people with motion sickness and nausea.

✽ Lemon or honey water: Lemon and honey stimulate enzymes to aid digestion.

✽ Vitamin B6: Inadequate levels of this

vitamin can contribute to nausea; ask your doctor if you should take a supplement, usually 10-25 milligrams daily.

If you experience prolonged nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor. Vomiting can lead to dehydration and cause other complications for you and your baby.

No more Limburger cheese?

Diet and lifestyle could be contributing to your problem. these simple strategies might help: The LATCH system makes is easier to be sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly every time. Just clip it to the lower anchors, attach the top tether, and pull the straps tight.

To find out more, visit safercar.gov

✽ Drink plenty of liquids. ✽ Eat small snacks throughout the day. ✽ Stick to bland foods. ✽ Move more – take regular walks or do light housework; exercise often decreases nausea.

✽ Get up slowly in the morning to ease stomach butterflies.

16

Big Baby Book

✽ Avoid strong

smells that might trigger your gag reflex, whether it’s Limburger cheese, peanut butter or raisins.

www.atlantaparent.com

The Hospital Bag

This is one bag you don’t want to be packing at the last minute.

Here’s our guide to packing your bag for the hospital.

Electronics: Cameras, phones, batteries and chargers will keep you connected with family and friends.

Snacks and treats: Pack something to eat for hubby during labor and for you during recovery.

Nursing bra: Get familiar with how it works beforehand.

Makeup and toiletries: You’ll feel better in lip-gloss.

$25 off session fee

with mention of this ad

Music: Bring an iPod or CDs (and a portable CD player if your room isn’t equipped).

Sanitary napkins and oversized panties: The hospital will supply pads, but you might prefer your own brand.

Notebook and pen (or laptop): You may want to make notes for later.

Contact information: Type up your medical and home information, plus phone lists of family and friends; include hospital paperwork, insurance and ID cards.

Breast pump and lanolin nipple cream: If you’re unsure how to use the pump, the nursing staff can demonstrate.

going home outfits: Take some stretchy postpregnancy clothes for you and a soft cotton outfit for baby, with an adjustable hat and coordinated blanket.

Photo courtesy of Vera Bradley

Magazines or books: You and your husband might spend a lot of time waiting.

Robe and slippers: You’l need them for hospital hallways. Take a nightgown, if you’re not required to wear hospital gowns.

And, don’t forget the comfy socks.

Capturing first moments Prints, albums, birth announcements, custom framing, canvas prints, coffee table books, CD of high resolution digital images, and more.

Newborns should be photographed within the first 10 days of life, please book your newborn portrait session while you are still pregnant.

All are sold separately.

first moments 4 Tiny Tush Collections to choose from and a la carte items.

www.TinyTushPhotography.com 404-626-5276 www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

17

Just Say

Massage & Doula services

NO Touch ouch be from

l l i es to

ba b i es

When you’re expecting, there are some foods that you really should avoid.

A simple touch makes a difference.

Tara’s

Gift Certificates available

www.TarasTouch.info

770-380-6364 No Time To Clean?

“Helping Low Income Single Mother”

AMERicAn HOME cLEAning

since 1988

Here’s What We Do:

•Vacuum all carpets, clean, sweep and mop all floors • Pick up and straighten up • Empty all trash • Dust furniture and make beds • Make your bathroom shine!

• And much more

39

95

Cleaning Special

• One Bedroom • Kitchen • One Bathroom • Living Room • Dining Room • Halls • Foyer With Coupon use us 5 times within 90 days and get 40% off your 6th cleaning

American Home Cleaning is the proud sponsor of www.WomensWagerevolution.com “Helping Low Income Single Mothers”

18

Big Baby Book

Foods to Avoid n soft cheeses made from

unpasteurized milk like Brie, feta, queso blanco (Mexican cheese dip), queso fresco, Camembert and Roquefort.

n seafood high in mercury, such as

(770) 795-8399

$

As a general rule, ob-gyns agree on what to consume when you are expecting. “What would normally be considered a healthy diet is also true for a pregnancy diet,” says Dr. Holly Sternberg of Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Focus on lean protein, fruits and vegetables.”

Keep the sugar consumption down to avoid diabetes or unnecessary weight grain, Sternberg says.

swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish.

Too much mercury can damage your baby’s developing nervous system. But don’t skip all seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids can help promote brain growth. Eat shrimp, salmon, pollock, catfish and cod instead, along with small amounts of canned, light tuna (just avoid albacore tuna).

n raw, undercooked or contaminated

seafood, such as sushi, sashimi, oysters and clams. Also avoid refrigerated, smoked seafood such as lox. If you’re going to eat shellfish, cook until the internal temperature is 145 degrees.

n undercooked meat, poultry and

eggs. Don’t forget processed deli meats and hot dogs – cook these until they are steaming hot since they can carry the foodborne illness listeriosis. Cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm, and avoid eggnog and hollandaise sauce.

n excessive amounts of caffeine. If you

have to have it – limit the amount to less than 200 mg a day, or one 8-ounce mug of coffee. Caffeine can decrease birth weight and affect your baby’s heart rate.

n Alcohol. While one drink a day isn’t

likely to cause problems, moms who drink during pregnancy have higher rates of stillbirth and miscarriage, not to mention fetal alcohol syndrome, which causes facial deformities, heart problems and mental retardation.

n raw honey, which can carry botulism.

Medicines…

Avoid Advil, Motrin, aspirin and prescription medicines, unless your doctor says otherwise.

But it’s still ok to use…

Benadryl, Tylenol, Robitussin, Vicks, Metamucil, Imodium, Neosporin, Maalox, Tums and Mylanta, hemorrhoid creams, and saline nose sprays. www.atlantaparent.com

✽ Spotlight on baby Banking on Miracles

Can you imagine the wonders that may unfold in your newborn’s lifetime? Your baby’s cord blood stem cells may hold the key to many of those wonders. Once discarded as medical waste, cord blood is widely known to be a rich source of stem cells – the building blocks of all cells in our blood and immune system. For decades, stem cells have successfully treated nearly 80 devastating diseases in over 20,000 transplants worldwide.

Cord blood can only be collected at the time your baby is delivered, after the umbilical cord has been clamped and cut. There is no pain or risk to you or your baby. Using the supplies provided in your cord blood collection kit, your healthcare professional collects the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta.

Following the collection of your newborn’s cord blood, the specimen is transported to a cord blood bank facility for testing, processing and storage. The specimen is frozen in the vapors of liquid nitrogen to extremely cold temperatures of approximately -195°C. This process, known as cryopreservation, halts the cellular activity of the stem cells almost as if they are frozen in time. When cryopreserved in accordance with industry standards, cord blood stem cells remain vital for many years.

Life-Saving Opportunity: A Family Healthcare Investment While preserved cord blood stem cells do not guarantee a treatment or cure for every disease, studies have shown that recipients of stem cells from a related donor’s umbilical cord blood have greater success and fewer complications. Banking your newborn’s cord blood stem cells in a private family cord blood bank will provide your family with the confidence and peace-of-mind of having immediate availability should the stem cells ever be needed for the medical treatment of your newborn or related family member. Stem cells harvested from umbilical cord blood are a 100% match for your baby. These stem cells have at least a 1-in-4 chance of matching a sibling and may also match other family members. Preserving your newborn’s umbilical cord blood stem cells is a healthcare investment that may potentially grow in value as future stem cell therapies emerge. An increasing number of experimental clinical studies are underway at prominent research institutions in the U.S. and abroad that utilize cord blood stem cells to treat a broad range of conditions such as juvenile diabetes, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury.

Key Decision Criteria As you prepare for the birth of your baby, you are balancing multiple priorities in the midst of a flurry of activities. It is important to remember that your decision to bank cord blood is one that may potentially impact your family’s future healthcare long after your baby is born. Here are some factors to consider:

www.atlantaparent.com

✽ ✽

Private Family vs. Public Cord Blood Bank Storing your baby’s cord blood with a private facility will guarantee that these preserved cord blood stem cells will be available only to you and your family. Stem cells donated to a public facility become the property of a publicly accessible cord blood bank registry and are available on a first-come, first-served policy. If needed, a donor’s cells may already have been used by someone else. By choosing private family storage, you will not pay extra fees associated with sourcing a specimen match and you will have the assurance that your newborn’s specimen will be available if needed.

Quality Leadership Be sure to ask about the cord blood bank’s industry accreditations such as AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) and ISO 9001:2008 (International Standards Organization) to ensure that your newborn’s cord blood will be processed in accordance with the highest standards.

Longevity and Clients A good indication of whether a company will be around in the future is to consider how long they’ve been in business and how many clients have entrusted that company. Ask when the cord blood bank was established and how many clients they have.

Financial Stability Financial stability is also an important criterion. Publicly-traded companies, for example, are governed by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), which means that the Company’s financial information is audited by an independent firm and is available to the public.

Control of Processing and Storage Some cord blood banks are simply marketing outlets that do not perform their own processing or storage. By choosing a private family cord blood bank that operates its own state-of-the-art processing, testing and cryopreservation operation, you are assured that the provider is in complete control of every step to ensure the highest quality available today.

Value In comparing cord blood banks, expectant parents are encouraged to evaluate the provider’s standards of industry-leading quality, client service testimonials, exclusive features and value proposition. You may be surprised to discover greater value in an affordable cord bank versus other cord blood banks, many of which are higher priced.

Cord Blood Stem Cells Save Lives Our greatest hope is that your family will never have to use your child’s cord blood stem cells for medical therapy. Should the need ever arise however; cord blood stem cells stored in a private family cord blood bank are immediately available for medical treatment. As you await the magical moment of your newborn’s birth, consider the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to safeguard your family’s future health and well-being by banking on miracles.

For more information, please call 1-800-STOR-CELL or visit www. cryo-cell.com.

By Zoe Corretjer, Marketing Director, Cryo-Cell International, Inc. CAD0013_0111A

Special Advertising Section

Big Baby Book

19

✽ Spotlight on baby

✽ ✽

Emory University Child Study Center

In Good Time Ob/Gyn

How do children learn and grow?

How do they think and remember? How do they change as they grow older?

These are some of the questions that Emory University Child Study Center is constantly asking...and you and your child can be part of uncovering new answers!

The center invites Atlanta area families to participate in studies focused on language, learning, memory. It also investigates the role that brain development plays. Emory faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students conduct research studies on each of these fascinating areas.

The Child Study Center studies how children learn and develop by watching and interacting with them and their parents. Each study is carefully planned to be fun and interesting. It usually involves one or two sessions, and typically takes place at the Emory University campus in a comfortable setting. Parents with newborns through school-age children are encouraged to participate.

Parents may stay during the session and play with their children and observe the study sessions. Parking is free and convenient.

If you are interested in participating please visit w w w. psychology.emory.edu/childstudycenter or contact the center at childstudies@emory.edu or 404-727-7432. The center will contact you when an appropriate study becomes available.

Do you like options? Research suggests that most people do.

Whether you would like to get pregnant, are pregnant or would never again want to get pregnant, your treatment options will be thoroughly explained by Dr. Akiva Gimpelevich and the professionals at In Good Time Ob/Gyn. Dr. Akiva Gimpelevich received his degree of Doctor of Osteopathy from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Johns Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, NY. Dr. Gimpelevich went on to continue his education with a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. As a specialist in minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Gimpelevich is able to give you a full spectrum of ways to reach your goal of treatment. He can perform most investigative and therapeutic procedures in the office under local or general anesthesia as needed.

Your safety and comfort are their highest priority.

So call them today at 678-393-0980 or log onto their web site at www.ingoodtimeobgyn.com and find out how your health questions can be answered In Good Time.

Two Convenient Locations: 2500 Hospital Blvd. Suite 410, Roswell 30076 / 678-393-0980 and 2911 Piedmont Rd. Suite E, Atlanta 30305 / 404-365-0160.

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS)

NurturMe Baby Food

When a baby is diagnosed with a lifelong disability or serious medical condition, parents just want to kiss and make it better. This can be a scary and emotional time, and some parents may be so overwhelmed by the medical terms and by their emotions that they really do not understand; they might not even know the questions to ask! Parents often feel relieved to know that they are not alone, that another parent has walked the road they are on.

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS) offer comfort and encouragement and is there to help – to listen and cry, to inform and educate, and to offer programs for the families and the baby with special needs through our support groups and programs. Seek support so you can have the information and tools to help your baby and to help meet your emotional needs.

FOCUS offers support groups all over metro Atlanta; a newsletter with stories by families about their experiences and information about equipment and resources; an education conference; community respite programs; and several annual activities for the entire family. FOCUS believes that if your baby has special needs, then your family has special needs – FOCUS cares. If your child has a physical, cognitive or developmental disability, please call FOCUS at 770-234-9111 or go to our website at www.focus-ga.org.

20

Big Baby Book

NurturMe Baby Food was inspired by the most basic, natural instinct—the need to nurture, and now NurturMe can be found in the West Paces Ferry, Ponce de Leon and Sandy Springs Whole Foods stores in Atlanta.

NurturMe Baby Food is a new approach to feeding baby. Naturally grown and quick dried, the organic fruits and vegetables maintain more of their nutritional value and come in light weight, eco-friendly pouches. With the addition of breast milk, formula or water, the powdered fruits and veggies are the perfect way to nurture baby on the go or at home while entertaining the modern mom’s green sensibilities. And when baby grows, NurturMe is excellent to mix in with toddler food for added nutritional value. Weighing less than one traditional baby food jar, each recyclable box contains eight pouches of plump peas, scrumptious squash, crisp apples and hearty sweet potatoes with more varieties to come.

Currently, NurturMe can be found in select Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Atlanta Whole Foods and Central Market stores. NurturMe is also sold nationwide online at www.nurturme. com, Amazon.com, Diapers.com, BabiesRUs.com and soon to be launched on Target.com.

For more information on this innovative product, visit www.nurturme.com.

Special Advertising Section

www.atlantaparent.com

✽ Spotlight on baby

✽ ✽

Quality Care for Children

The Suzuki School

Deciding who will take care of your child is one of the toughest choices a parent can face. Parents and caregivers can call a toll-free number – 1-877-ALL GA KIDS – to find licensed child care anywhere in the state. Quality Care for Children and Bright from the Start: Georgia D epartment of Early Care and Learning have teamed up to provide this FREE service to parents.

Callers to 1-877-ALL GA KIDS will be connected with trained staff who will help families connect with child care providers in their area that are licensed, convenient to work or home, and within the family budget. They will also provide information and advice on how to select a qualified child care provider. A searchable database will also be available at www.allgakids.com.

An estimated 64% percent of families in Georgia already use child care, and demand is growing as more family members work outside the home. Quality Care for Children CEO Pam Tatum said tough economic conditions this year are putting an additional strain on families and the child care services they use in Georgia, as more parents are turning to unlicensed providers that might cost less, but aren’t always safe or properly trained.

The Suzuki School, located on two campuses in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, is a SACS-accredited private preschool for children between 3 months and 6 years of age. Founded in 1976, The Suzuki School is based on the philosophy and teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, whose work teaching young children how to play violin is internationally recognized. The Suzuki philosophy affirms the importance of cognitive stimulation beginning with infancy because learning begins at birth. The school mission is to develop in young children a lifelong love of learning by nurturing each child’s natural talent and ability in partnership with the parents. A low student/teacher ratio assures that each child receives focused attention from degreed teachers in a collaborative setting. Because the physical environment is so important to the Suzuki teaching philosophy, the school’s two new facilities, both designed by nationally-known architectural firms, utilize color, art, nature, and music to stimulate young minds. In addition, Suzuki children receive early instruction in the French, Spanish, and Chinese languages and cultures.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. For more detailed information about the Suzuki School, please visit the website at www.suzukischool.com, or contact the Admissions Director at 404-869-1042.

Cover Kids CONTEST 2011

Parent 5O Atlanta’s

No. 1 Paren

ting Maga

zine

atlan ta

June 2009

www.atlan tapar

Calling All Cute Babies!

Yes! www.atlantaparent.com

ent.com

Parents, would you like to see your baby on the cover of Atlanta Parent magazine? It’s time to enter our annual Cover Kids Contest. 50 finalists will appear before a panel of industry professionals in mid-July.

Six Cover Kid Winners will be selected to appear on

Ways to Beat Summer Boredom Childcare for Today’s Kids Get Wet Guide

Atlant Special a Baby Section

Why New Parents Clash Over Cash

Let’s Go Camping !

future Atlanta Parent magazine covers!

My baby wants to be a Cover Kid!

Visit www.atlantaparent.com/coverkids to complete the form (please print) and mail it in, along with your $25 entry fee (per child) and a recent photo (4x6 preferred). Sorry, photos cannot be returned.

Special Advertising Section

Big Baby Book

21

Creating an Effective Birth Plan Here are some things to consider when creating a birth plan:

by Melanie Wagner

You’ve been to countless appointments, picked out the pediatrician, prepared the nursery, packed the hospital bag…but have you created a birth plan? A birth plan is a personalized “to do” list for your ideal labor and delivery scenario. Keep in mind when you’re drafting your plan that it is just a plan. Your doctors will do whatever they must on the big day to keep mother and baby safe and healthy!

Kate Ferguson, a counselor with Lifegate Counseling Center who specializes in motherhood and women’s issues, helps Atlanta moms create effective birth plans.

“I encourage women to have a journey mentality when they think about their labor and delivery experience,” Ferguson says. “A birth plan can be an effective tool if the parents are aware that there can be complications and everything won’t necessarily go according to the plan. But having a plan can help return a sense of control to an otherwise chaotic situation.”

Ferguson, mother of two girls, ages 3 and 9 months, created a birth plan when her first daughter was born. “My husband and I wrote out our birth preferences in the second trimester and kept a copy with our insurance card in the hospital bag,” Ferguson says.

“And while everything did not go according to plan when my daughter was born, it made us feel better because we were informed and knew what questions to ask.”

22

Big Baby Book

n Who do you want to be present at the birth? Your spouse, partner, friends, relatives or doula? n Know who will deliver your baby, and the backup doctor or midwife, just in case. n Know when you should go to the hospital (immediately if you are Group B strep positive or when your water breaks). n How will you labor? Walking, birthing bed, sitting in a chair, rocking on a big ball, a water birth? n Which pain relief would you like administered? An epidural or spinal block, acupressure, no pain medication? n Would you like to push instinctively or be coached on when to push and for how long? n Do you want your partner to help “catch” the baby? Do you want him or her to cut the umbilical cord? Do you want to hold your baby right away? n Do you want all newborn procedures to take place in your presence? Do you want your baby to be in the room with you at all times? n Do you want to breastfeed only, formula feed only or a combination? n Do you want your baby boy circumcised at the hospital, at a later date or not at all?

www.atlantaparent.com

Who’s What?

In your journey from pregnancy to baby, you may end up with more than a few professionals added to your contact list. Some specialize in fields you might have never heard of. No matter how many you wind up with, you’ll be grateful to each who helped you and your baby along the way. oB An obstetrician is a medical do ctor who specialize s in pregnancy, labor and birth. They als trained to manag o are specially e complications as well as perfo rm surgery if a cesarean is nece ssary.

Perinatologist An OB who specializes in highrisk pregnancies or complications.

Midwife e midwives Certified nurs ll prenatal and fu e id ov pr n ca , re. In Georgia ca m rtu postpa ives can w id m e rs nu certified or spital settings mes. practice in ho ho in t no t bu es private practic

Doula A professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional and physical support to a mother who is expecting or has recently given birth. Doulas can help navigate the birth process as well as issues such as breastfeeding.

nselor genetic Cou nals trained to Health professio rstand genetic de un s ilie fam help h flagged throug disorders often . ng sti prenatal te

Lactation Consultants/ Breastfeeding Counselors People who help new moms with initial breastfeeding support and issues.

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

23

Baby’s Best Start

24

Big Baby Book

by Amanda Miller Allen

Breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your infant, but most new mothers will tell you it doesn’t come naturally.

You and baby will be learning a new skill. It takes a little patience to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll quickly become a pro.

“Some women breeze through it,” says Sharon Birdseye of Lactation Consultants of Atlanta. “We see women who realize they need a little help.

It’s a learned experience and it takes practice, just like using a computer or riding a bicycle.”

Plan to take classes in the second trimester of your pregnancy to get prepared.

www.atlantaparent.com

[

Some resources to get you started: l La Leche League international: Don’t wait until your infant is born to get in touch with this organization that has been helping new moms get comfortable with breastfeeding for more than 50 years. Though the group does not hold formal classes, it does offer informational meetings and support for new mothers. Many new mothers find the group’s book, The Womanly Art of Breast Feeding, essential.

To find a group that meets near you, call 404-681-6342 or visit www.lllofga.org.

]

l Your doctor and hospital: Most obstetrics hospitals also have breastfeeding support classes, usually for a fee, to attend before birth and for support afterwards; some have breastfeeding hotlines to answer questions. Most have lactation consultants on staff to help with the first feedings in the hospital. Most insurance plans cover in-patient lactation services and some reimburse out-patient services or allow use of flexible spending accounts to pay for services. l Certified lactation consultants: Several private companies in metro Atlanta offer breastfeeding classes for a fee, plus office, hospital and home visits and telephone services. Some insurance plans reimburse for these services or allow use of flexible spending accounts.

All About Pumps Once you’re committed to breastfeeding, you’ll need a breast pump. The type of pump you need depends on your circumstances. l Will you be a stay-at-home mom whose breastfeeding adventure is off to a great start? If you’ll only occasionally need to pump, you might be fine with a manual pump. l Will you only be leaving your infant with a sitter for a night out now and then? A mid-grade electric pump costing less than $100 might be fine. l Will you be working and need to pump several times every day? You might want a hospital-grade dual electric pump that allows you to pump both breasts at once. Those units can cost $1,000 or more, but many lactation consultants and hospitals rent them for $55-$75 a month. You’ll have to buy a personal collection kit to use the pumps, in the $50-$75 range.

Some working moms choose a personal dual electric pump that’s lighter to transport and costs in the $200-$400 range. While these pumps might sound expensive, keep in mind that you’ll be saving more than $200 a month on infant formula.

Resist the temptation to borrow or buy a used pump. The Food and Drug Administration says personal pumps can harbor bacteria and viruses when droplets of milk get into their internal parts; the hospital pumps are designed to prevent milk from seeping into those inner parts.

www.atlantaparent.com

5 reasons to breastfeed your infant:

Breastfeeding may make the baby’s immune system stronger. The practice reduces your infant’s risk of developing a food allergy.

Breastfeeding may lower your child’s risk of developing diabetes.

Breastfed babies have fewer respiratory and ear infections.

Breastfed babies may have better cognitive development and higher IQs.

bonus for Mom: Breastfeeding promotes emotional well-being and lessens new-mother anxiety, delays fertility, aids in weight loss and lowers the risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. It also saves preparation time and money, compared to using formula.

Read Up on it: ✽ Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers, Second Edition

by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PH.D., IBCLC (New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 2010, $13)

Read up on the “laws” of breastfeeding – for example, mothers and babies are hardwired to breastfeed. The book offers tips and advice on the benefits of breastfeeding from two certified lactation consultants. Find out what to do when the “system” stops working, what does (and does not) affect your breast milk and more.

Plus, check out the back for a list of helpful websites and contacts on everything from milk leakage to where to rent a breast pump.

Big Baby Book

25

Where

Will You Have Your

Baby?

Compiled by Melanie Wagner

Your baby is on the way!

Time to shake, rattle and roll. There are so many things to do before your anticipated due date. One of your first decisions is where to deliver your new bundle of joy.

It’s important to consider which hospital would best suit your personal needs. Expectant parents should make a list of questions to ask the staff to get a better sense of what each facility has to offer. To help you get started, We have complied a chart of 19 metro-area hospitals with information including birthing rooms and birth rates. Hospital services have changed over the years – when we first published this chart, some hospitals would not allow midwives and now they all do.

We urge you to take advantage of hospital tours to determine which facility best suits your needs and whether you feel the staff is experienced and knowledgeable. Be sure to find out if your insurance is accepted, learn the policies for visitation and guests in the delivery room and find out which hospitals are closest to your home.

Having answers to all these questions and being prepared will lead to a pleasant experience for you and your baby.

26

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

Private (P) Maternity Beds

Birthing Rooms LDR/LDRP*

Births Per Month

C-Section Rate

Maternity Tours

Atlanta Medical center 303 Parkway Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 404-265-4786. atlantamedcenter.com

30-P

13 LDR

300

15%

By appt. 1st. Mon (except holidays) 404-265-4786

DeKalb Medical center at North Decatur 2701 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA 30033 404-501-2229. dekalbmedicalcenter.org

52-P

18 LDR

465

22% Primary 13% Repeat

Maternity Tours 404-501-9355

22-P 5 Antepartum

13 LDR

150-190

24.36% Primary 46% Repeat

By appt.

770-972-7570

emory Johns creek hospital 6325 West Johns Crossing, Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-474-7000. emoryjohnscreek.com

24-P

8 LDR

80-100

30%

Thurs. at 6 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m.

emory university hospital Midtown 550 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 404-778-7777. emoryhealthcare.org

30-P

11 LDR

330

15.71% Primary 12.63% Repeat

1st, 2nd & 3rd Thurs.

6:30, 7:30 p.m. and on request. 404-778-7777.

Grady health system 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30303 404-616-1000. gradyhealth.org

27-P

20 LDR

251

31%

Weekdays at noon.

Call 404-616-5084

Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion 550 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA 30045 678-442-3600. gwinnettmedicalcenter.org

37-P 12 High Risk

19 LDR

440

31%

Tues., 6:30, 7:30 p.m.

3rd Wed. 10 a.m.

678-312-5000

henry Medical center 1133 Eagles Landing Pkwy., Stockbridge, GA 30281 678-604-1000. henrymedical.com

36-P

12 LDR

196

18% Primary 50% Repeat

1st Tues. 7 p.m.

678-604-1040 to register.

North Fulton regional hospital 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell, GA 30076 770-751-2500. northfultonregional.com

20-P

6 LDR

140

13% Primary 13.6% Repeat

By appt.

770-751-2660

Northside hospital-Atlanta 1000 Johnson Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342 404-845-5555. northside.com

200-P

42 LDR

1,180

40%

Daily by appt.

404-845-5555

Northside hospital-cherokee 201 Hospital Rd., Canton, GA 30114 770-720-5300. northside.com

10-P

8 LDRP

79

33%

Daily by appt.

404-845-5555.

Northside hospital-Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr., Cumming, GA 30041 770-844-3200. northside.com

24-P

6 LDR

166

35%

By appt.

404-845-5555.

9-Antepartum 28- Postpartum

15 LDR

285

24% Primary 16% Repeat

Sun. at 2 and 3 p.m. (except holidays)

23-P 6 Antepartum

11 LDR

185

17% Primary 12% Repeat

2nd Sun. 4 p.m.

Appt. not required.

south Fulton Medical center 1170 Cleveland Ave., East Point, GA 30344 404-466-1170. southfultonmedicalcenter.com

17-P

17 LDRP

119

19.6% Primary 14.6% Repeat

By appt.

404-466-9355

southern regional Women’s life center 11 Upper Riverdale Rd., Riverdale, GA 30274 770-991-8200. southernregional.org

40-P

14 LDR

350

26%

By appt.

770-541-1111

Wellstar cobb hospital 3950 Austell Rd., Austell GA 30106 770-732-4000. wellstar.org

46-P

20 LDR

360

19.6% Primary 15.7% Repeat

By appt.

770-956-7827

Wellstar Douglas hospital 8954 Hospital Dr., Douglasville, GA 30134 770-949-1500. wellstar.org

11-P

6 LDRP

40

19.4% Primary 14% Repeat

By appt.

770-920-6240

Wellstar Kennestone hospital 677 Church St., Marietta, GA 30060 770-793-5000. wellstar.org

58-P

21 LDR

460

19.1% Primary 15.6% Repeat

By appt.

770-956-7827

Hospital

eastside Medical center 1700 Medical Center, Snellville, GA 30078 770-979-0200. emoryeastside.org

Piedmont hospital 1968 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 404-605-5000. piedmonthospital.org rockdale Medical center 1412 Milsted Ave., Conyers, GA 30012 770-918-3677. rockdalemedicalcenter.org

The information on this chart has been provided by each hospital.

www.atlantaparent.com

*Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum Rooms

Big Baby Book

27

Mixed signals

Happy? Sad? Tired? Mad? Here’s how to decode your baby’s behavior.

by Beth Kanter

Ever wish your baby came with an instruction manual? No doubt it would help, since trying to figure out his wants and needs is never straightforward.

“One of the toughest challenges for new parents is to learn to decipher their infant’s cues,” says Katherine L. Rosenblum, a developmental psychologist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “Sometimes you can figure out what he’s trying to tell you right away; other times, you completely miss the mark. And that’s OK as long as you keep trying.”

To help you get a handle on what’s going on in your baby’s brain, we asked our experts about four situations that parents most often misread. Here’s the scoop.

Your 3-week-old flashes you a smile. n You think: My baby loves me! n What’s actually going on: While those toothless grins can melt your heart, they don’t mean much at this stage. In fact, before 6 weeks, those sweet smiles most likely result from a pleasant sensation (like a light massage) – or they could just be a release of pent-up energy. “It isn’t until sometime between 6 and 12 weeks that infants begin to have social smiles – a responsive behavior in which you smile at your baby and she beams back at you,” says Parents adviser Dr. Ari Brown, coauthor of Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year. Even then, a baby doesn’t discriminate – she’ll smile at everyone. At around 4 months, she develops what experts call “selective social smiling,” which means that your baby reserves her biggest grins for her parents and anyone else with whom she’s formed a close relationship.

Your 2-month-old won’t stop crying. n You think: He’s not tired, he’s not wet, he’s not hungry. Something must be terribly wrong. n What’s actually going on: Most likely, your little one’s simply feeling a bit distressed. After all, for a tiny baby, an annoyance as small as a scratchy tag on his clothing, lights that are too bright, or music that’s overly loud can lead to nonstop wailing. Another possible cause of your baby’s tears: overstimulation. If you’re playing with your baby and he starts to look away, turns his head to the side or breaks eye contact, chances are he needs a little downtime. Stop playing and let him rest in your arms. “Infants are like runaway trains: Once they start crying, they can’t put the brakes on their emotions,” says Linda Acredolo, Parents adviser and coauthor of Baby Hearts: A Guide to Giving Your Child an Emotional Head Start.

“That’s why you need to let them recharge before they get too worked up.”

28

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

Your 9-month-old tosses his plate on the floor. n You think: He doesn’t like his food.

Your 6-month-old is babbling up a storm. n You think: She’s trying to tell me something. n What’s actually going on: Babbling is just that: babble.

“Babies play with their vocal cords like they play with their fingers and toes,” says Acredolo.

There are two areas of the brain that control language, one primitive and one more mature. “At this age, the primitive skills are in full swing as your baby begins to make a range of sounds and try out a variety of intonations that mimic adult conversation,” explains Brown. When she’s closer to a year, her mature language skills will kick in and she’ll be able to associate words with objects. And even though her early chatter isn’t code for “give me more milk,” it’s still an important part of language development.

“Answer your baby’s babble, and encourage her to keep making sounds,” says Brown. “You’re laying the groundwork for healthy verbal give-and-take as your child gets older.”

www.atlantaparent.com

n What’s actually going on: So maybe you’re not the next Rachael Ray. But unless your little one also sticks out his lower lip and tongue and spits out his food (both are ways a baby displays disgust), chances are your meal is just fine. Your baby is just exploring and being curious. “Babies throw things to see what happens to [the objects],” explains Brown. “It’s that simple.”

Parents also often misread this action – along with the throwing-toys-out- of-the-crib game – as their child’s way of testing limits. But that’s not it. “Babies throw because it’s fun, not because they’re being manipulative,” says Acredolo. If you need a break from the flinging, try filling a tissue box with old washcloths and hankies, then let your baby pull and throw to his heart’s delight.

Big Baby Book

29

Nursery Time

So many choices, so little time. Every parent-to-be has been there, worrying over how to prepare for baby, and especially getting the nursery ready.

Where to begin? Take some expert advice from a decorating professional: Start simple and you won’t feel overwhelmed.

“Many moms-to-be make the mistake of getting too stressed out over how the room should look. This should be exciting and fun,” says Rose Grove, head designer for Carousel Designs, an Atlanta company that’s been helping parents create the right atmosphere for their infant for more than 22 years.

“There is a huge variety of ways you can go in decorating a nursery, but you can’t go wrong,” she says. “If you like it and feel comfortable, everyone else will.”

Grove offers these tips to help you get started, get the job done, and feel the joy of preparing for your newborn.

Photos courtesy of Carousel Designs

Start simple: Pick a wall color that appeals to you, or art work you must have in the room or the crib you want to use, then build the room around that item, instead of trying to figure out every piece all at once. get trendy, or not: Grays and taupes are “in” when it comes to bedding. But many parents-to-be are choosing pastels, bright colors and bold prints. Go with the color scheme that pleases you. If bold colors and prints make you uneasy, choose neutrals, pastels and muted prints.

Mix and match: Your ultra-modern

crib design will look fine with your mother’s antique rocking chair. Tie them together with matching or complementary fabrics, and don’t worry about being “matchy, matchy” with the furniture.

Blend in or break away: Some

on a budget ensive nursery “One of the least exp e Grove says. Furnitur ” int, pa is s ver makeo g as it’s lon as , tch ma to ve doesn’t ha r a more cohesive sturdy and safe. Fo tching bedding, look, you can buy ma s for around $400. ow pill air ch d an s drape tick murals and an d-s an elpe e Inexpensiv room together. the tie lp he area rug also

30

Big Baby Book

on a bigger budget Again, fresh pa int is a must. Ha nd-painted murals and ceilin gs are popular wi rooms. Chande liers are a trend th custom for girls’ rooms. “I’ve se en some that ar e gorgeous and provide a ch ic look,” Grove says.

Designer room s often have pr icey furniture and custom lam ps and durable, bu . Iron cribs are beautiful t expensive. So me iron cribs are desig ned for fairytale-them to look like carriages ed rooms, and dr flowing fabrics, they can be stu aped in nning, she says. Designer bedding might cost in the $1,000 range.

parents want the nursery to be an extension of the design of the rest of their home, not too much of a contrast with the colors and style of the other rooms. Others choose to make the nursery absolutely unique and whimsical with color or design, so that when you step in the room, you know it’s special.

Consider a mural or wall art:

You don’t have to pay for a custom design and artist’s time, unless you want to. You’ll find many peel-and-stick murals, wallpaper and wall art in all price ranges in retail stores and on the Web. Cont’d on page 32 www.atlantaparent.com

✽ Spotlight on baby A Room of Their Own Creating your dream nursery? Start with the right furniture from A Room of Their Own! From traditional to contemporary styling, they offer a wide selection to make your baby’s room a great place to grow up. Most parents decorate their nursery with a plan in mind. What is the theme and / or color scheme that fits your style and will make the nursery a special place for your child? What is the best layout for the room? Where will you place the crib, changing table and rocker or glider to make it easy to move around in the room? How will you store toys, books, etc.? With unique bedding and décor options, the professionals at A Room of Their Own can help you create your dream nursery that is original, beautiful and functional.

When it becomes time to transform your nursery into a big kid room, it’s not just the fur niture that’s a challenge... it’s the children. When kids start to assert their individuality between ages three and five, that’s a good time for a big kid room makeover. And the first step you should take is to go through the same planning process you used for the nursery with one major exception...kids want to be involved in the decision making. Experts agree that by getting kids involved, there’s a better chance they’ll enjoy the room and even take better care of the furniture. The experts at A Room of Their Own knows this fact better than anyone and encourages their customers to bring their big kids with them to let them explore the possibilities. They have added over 2,000 square feet of floor space devoted exclusively to big kid’s furniture with fun and functional room set-ups with a variety of styles and finishes to choose from.

A Room of Their Own offers first time parents as well as growing families with big kids a one-stop-shopping experience that provides them with everything from baby and big kids furniture and décor to bedding, strollers, car seats, unique gift items and more! All showcased in a customer friendly way to help you create the best space for your growing family. The knowledgeable sales staff prides themselves on personally helping each customer stay within their budget by offering a variety of quality furniture made by different manufacturers. A Room of Their Own is locally owned and operated,

www.atlantaparent.com

✽ ✽

however they also offer online shopping, gift registry and financing options similar to some of the much bigger retail stores, but with a more personalized touch.

A Room of Their Own prides themselves on carrying high quality products along w ith unmatched customer service. As a familyowned company, they strive to make your trip to their store as enjoyable and informative as possible, and make you feel as if you were a part of their family. They always strive to be a “helpful and friendly place to shop” and their pledge to their customers is that they will continue to achieve that goal in everything they do.

A Room of Their Own is located at 2615 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 9, in Kennesaw, GA 30144. Call them at 770-792-3942 or visit online at www.aroomoftheirown.com.

Special Advertising Section

Big Baby Book

31

getting Started: Resources for ideas and inspiration n www.babybedding.com: Visualize your nursery before you get started by using the DYOBB (Design Your Own Baby Bedding) tool developed by Carousel Designs and Benjamin Moore paints. It lets you choose a color for the walls and trim, fabrics for the bedding and a rug for the floor. You’ll be able to experiment with color and design without committing a penny.

You’ll also find examples of more than 300 fabrics, plus furniture, drapes, changing pads, lamps and other décor, for inspiration or purchase.

n www.chiccheapnursery.com: Find examples of nursery décor and ways to keep costs down.

n www.projectnursery.com: Find examples of nursery decor and some product information.

n www.jackandjillinteriors. com: Jack and Jill Interiors has a beautiful website for nursery decoration. Find out exciting ideas from renowned designer Sherri Blum to decorate the room for a baby boy or girl. You will also find attractive pictures reflecting the changes made to an empty baby bedroom. You can also watch video on baby nursery décor.

The decorating pieces are really unique and have a touch of specialty. You can also purchase these artistic pieces for decoration from the retail sites through this website.

n www.sherwin-williams.com: Use the Color Visualizer to paint your room online. You can upload a photo of the room, or use an example that’s similar to your space, and see the results before you pick up a paintbrush. n www.parents.com: See how other parents have decorated their nurseries, many incorporating the name of their newborn.

32

Big Baby Book

n www.ohdeedoh.com: See more examples of cool nurseries and get tips on decorating for less. n www.babysupermall.com: From ideas for crib bedding and nursery decorating accessories to baby room furniture and even painting advice and color suggestions is found here. www.babybedding.com

www.chiccheapnursery.com

www.atlantaparent.com

Bookshelf

An Internet search for pregnancy/baby books turns up hundreds of titles.

As Atlanta Parent looked at the latest releases, these caught our attention. ✽ You, Raising Your Child

by Michael F. Roizen, MD, and Mehmet C. Oz, MD (Simon & Schuster, 2010) This book’s subtitle, “The Owner’s Manual from First Breath to First Grade,” describes it perfectly. These doctors guide you through the hundreds of issues you’ll face in the first few months and the next several years, from breastfeeding advice, milestones to check your baby’s development, parenting skills and even kid-pleasing, healthy recipes that adults will love too. It’s organized, informative and easy to read.

✽ How to Have Your Second Child First by Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorensen (Chronicle Books, 2010) Let’s face it, new parents make a lot of mistakes they would have avoided – if they’d only known. That’s where this book comes in, making it OK not to hover over your baby 24/7. It’s fine to escape for exercise or to take a shower. Baby doesn’t have to have his bottles warmed. These and other useful tips will help you keep your sanity in the first weeks after your world changes forever (in a good way).

www.laurabrettphotography.com • 770-362-4672 ✽ The Hot Mom’s Handbook

by Jessica Denay (William Morrow, 2011) When you become a mother, you don’t automatically lose your skills as a fun-loving woman and spouse or a caring friend – it only feels like it sometimes. It’s important to take care of yourself as well as your baby, and to preserve your identity apart from being Mom. This book helps you do that with humor and style.

– Amanda Miller Allen

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

33

East Cobb Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Choosing a Pediatrician: Call for Prenatal Visit Eric B. Karlen, MD • Marisa R. Gadea, MD Salathiel Kendrick, MD • Beth Kemp, MD Shefali Chheda, MD • Tracy Barr, MD Barbara Cossman, CPNP, IBCLC Darlene Coyne, CPNP, IBCLC Deanne M. Fetsch, RN, CPNP Sharon Lebedin, RN, CNP Kennesaw Office in Shiloh Square

3895 Cherokee Street • Kennesaw

770.795.4553

Johnson Ferry Office

1121 Johnson Ferry Road • Marietta

770.977.0094

www.eastcobbpeds.com

What to know about making this very important decision.

by Tali Toland

When you see the little pink line on the pregnancy test, a million things run through your head. Choosing a pediatrician isn’t the first thing you think of, but it’s something you should focus on sooner rather than later. According to Dr. Vivian Lennon, medical director of primary care services for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, you should choose a pediatrician as early as possible and no later than the beginning of your last trimester. “It’s important for new moms to have a pediatrician lined up when the baby is born,” says Lennon. “I recommend parents interview a few different doctors. You may end up choosing the first one, but it’s important to get a sense of what’s available.”

What to Ask: Once you’ve decided on a few pediatricians to interview, here are a few basic things you should ask. n What are your office hours? n What days of the week do you work? n How would I contact you if I have

a concern? n In the event you aren’t available, who covers for you? n What happens when I call after office hours?

n Do you work Saturdays or evenings?

If so, what types of visits will you see during those hours? n Are there other doctors in the practice?

Will we also deal with them at some point? n What are the expected visits during the first year? n What is the scheduling process? What is the average wait time for an appointment?

Call the doctor when… n Your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 104 degrees or higher. n Traditional treatments don’t work. n Your child is vomiting. Children under 1 have a higher risk for dehydration. n Your child is more lethargic and irritable than normal. Parents can usually sense a change in their child’s behavior. You will know when something is not right with them. n Your child has breathing problems. Signs that your baby is having trouble breathing include difficulty eating or sucking a bottle, and a breathing pattern that is too fast or labored.

34

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Pa rent Maga zine’s

BIG Baby BOOK 2011 Gu ide N for Expew an Parectand ents t

Big Baby Book

Call Wendy at 678-222-1919 to reserve your advertising space in our 2012 issue.

www.atlantaparent.com

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

35

Mama’s Got a Brand New

(Diaper) Bag

by Laura Powell

New babies come with lots of essentials to tote around, from diapers to an extra change of clothes. A diaper bag is one of the many purchases new parents make that is used on a daily basis.

Atlanta Parent gathered some of our favorite picks for parents – whether you are a penny pincher or a fashionista.

✽ Is it a laptop bag or a diaper bag? It’s nice that you can’t tell and even dad won’t mind toting around this stylish diaper bag from Trend Lab. The Ultimate Diaper Bag, a great value, includes three outside magnetic pockets. Inside the main zippered compartment is a mesh pocket, zippered pocket, and detachable, easy-to-access changing pad and clear storage bag.

Two insulated bottle holders on each side complete the variety of storage in this bag. Available at Babies ‘R’ Us, buybuy BABY and Amazon.com. $29.95

36

Big Baby Book

✽

A good budget buy, the gerber 4-in-1 striped diaper bag also passes for a stylish tote.

A changing pad, wipes case and additional tote to store other items included. This bag does not include many interior pockets, so the extra tote comes in handy. Two zippered pockets on the outside provide additional storage. It’s made of easy-to-clean, 100 percent nylon. Available at buybuy BABY, Target. com and Babiesrus.com. $24.99

✽ ✽

Skip Hop is known for trendy diaper bags, and many parents are fans of the durable Skip Hop Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag. Reasonably priced, the bag comes with strong magnetic closures, 11 pockets (including a zippered personal pocket) and a changing pad. Shuttle clips that can attach to any stroller make it easy to tote around town. The bag comes in a variety of colors and patterns, from a feminine look for mom to a neutral one for dad.

Available at SkipHop.com, buybuy BABY and A Room of Their Own. $54

A stylish bag that can pass as a purse, the fun and funky kokopax Samantha Diaper Bag is 100 percent cotton canvas on the outside and waterresistant on the inside. Store all of baby’s supplies in the three deep pockets and your goodies in a separate zippered pocket. Also includes a beverage compartment and changing pad.

Available at New Baby Products, Amazon.com and kokopax.com. $99.99

www.atlantaparent.com

Sma ll toy Sna s to cks keep D baby W S ia ipp a amu te yc pe sed r u p for rs for tod ,o dr dle ink fc rs ing ou Bib or rs m e, ixi ng en for ou mu gh la fo r th e tr ip an d a fe w ex tr as

Diaper Bag Basics Frequent travelers suffer much trial-and-error to become expert packers, and so do new moms.

Our guide to packing the diaper bag will save you some “Oh, no!” moments.

in pa

or rf e v lie re

s ie b ba

ho w

e ar

d ol

h ug o en

ot if n a l mu for

nd eam r cr sa e e p l t dia ot and ;b g s g n e ri sin wip ur hing by n ng a i B r clot f u i o h y r e ct ds et itiz prote Te st pa d san th to o l c n Burp ea Ha Br Change of clothes for baby Extra pacifi er Chang ing pad Plas tic b Dis ags pos for d abl irty d ec iape Sm a rs or m al era wet l fi cloth for rs es une t-a xpe id c kit ted pho to o ps

d an

A splurge, this stylish oioi Diaper Bag doesn’t even look like a diaper bag. It comes in a variety of styles and patterns. The Pompeian Red Ikat Tapestry Hobo Diaper Bag is made of organic cotton and includes a changing pad, insulated bottle holder and wipes pad.

An easy-to-clean interior includes a zippered pouch, two inside pockets, divided pocket and a small outside lined zippered pocket. Also includes a strap so it can easily attach to a stroller. Available at buybuy BABY, A Room of Their Own and Due Maternity. $160

✽

✽

If you are already a Vera Bradley fan, you may know that the design company also makes a diaper bag. Its roomy diaper bag includes 11 pockets, inside and out, including a full zippered back, key fob, cell phone holder, easy-to-clean liner, pacifier clip and matching changing pad.

When spills happen, you can toss it in the wash.

This lightweight diaper bag comes in more than 40 patterns and can convert into a weekend or gym bag. Available at Vera Bradley Phipps Plaza (VeraBradley.com), Mori Luggage & Gifts and Limetree. $97

✽ For families on the go, Skip Hop’s new Bento Ultimate Diaper Bag is more than a diaper bag – it’s a handy mealtime kit. This bag features 15 pockets, including five mesh pockets, two insulated bottle pockets, mealtime bento compartment, padded tote straps, and shuttle clips to attach to any stroller. The insulated mealtime kit keeps food separate and includes CLIX containers for snacks and a cooler bag for fresh food. The CLIX containers are BPA-, PVCand phthalate-free. This bag has use beyond the baby years. Available at SkipHop.com, Babies ‘R’ Us, buybuy BABY and A Room of Their Own. $99

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

37

Dad’s First Steps

New moms bond quickly with their infants, but new dads sometimes feel as if the new arrival is too fragile to touch.

Try these 10 tips to ease into fatherhood: l Look baby in the eye: Eye contact helps you and your infant build a bond; pretend you’re in a staring contest.

l Sing: Babies love the sound of music, particularly a lullaby. l Read aloud: Your baby will get tuned into the sound of your voice reading – or making up – a bedtime story. l Rock: Hold them gently and rock them to sleep. l give mom – and baby – a hand: You can’t breastfeed your baby, but you can do most everything else that mom does, and she’ll appreciate the help. Start slow, with touching, holding and comforting, then learn to change a diaper or get your infant into a sleeper. l Feed: When your infant is old enough for solid foods, pick up a spoon and watch the madcap mayhem begin. l Bathe: Gently soaping little arms and legs will put you in awe of the life you’ve created. l Spend time alone with baby: Let mom take a nap while you go for a walk with baby in the stroller, take baby for a car ride or push baby in an infant swing. l Bounce baby gently on your knee: Once an infant is old enough to sit up, squeals of delight will follow. l Take pictures: That’s one lasting way to put the focus on your new baby and your new relationship.

38

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

Dad’s Guide to

Checking Diaper Contents

by Matthew M. Miller and Sharon Perkins, RN

Knowing how much food a breast-fed baby is getting is very difficult, especially when your partner is just starting out. To make sure baby is getting enough milk, keep track of wet and poopy diapers for the first week, taking note of the number and type of soiled diapers.

Comparing your notes to the following norms can put your mind at ease or can alert you to a breast-feeding issue that may need attention: l Every day, baby should dirty 8-12 diapers total. l on day 1, poop should resemble black tar. l on day 2, poop should look like brown/black tar. l on day 3, poop should begin to be greenish. l on day 4, poop should change to greenish yellow. l on days 5 to 7, poop should be yellow.

Contact your child’s pediatrician if any of the following situations occur: l You see dark-colored urine after day 3. l You see blackish stools after day 4. l Baby has fewer than 8 wet or poopy diapers on any day.

Excerpted from Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy for Dummies (Wiley Publishing, 2010)

good Reads for Dads ✽ Dad’s guide to Pregnancy for Dummies Help and Humor on the Web

Sometimes Dad needs serious parenting advice, sometimes he just needs a good laugh. Here are some sites to check out: ✽ dadlabs.com: News and advice on parenting issues, discussion forums and entertaining videos.

✽ fathers.com: Father training courses, parenting resources and

advice for fathers in all situations, from the National Center for Fathering.

The center supports and teaches dads to love their children, coach their children, model for their children, encourage other children, and support other dads to do likewise.

✽ mrdad.com: Advice and support for dads at all stages, from new

fathers to fathers of school-age kids and beyond, including recommended books.

✽ greatdad.com: Forums, newsletter, humor and advice for fathers with children of all ages.

✽ athomedad: Resources and support for stay-at-home dads. ✽ webmd.com: The “parenting and pregnancy” section has advice

and videos for fathers (and mothers).

✽ dummies.com: Child-rearing advice for dads (and moms) for the first year and beyond.

www.atlantaparent.com

by Matthew Miller and Sharon Perkins, RN (Wiley Publishing, 2010, $15.99) This guide, co-written by an author and a registered nurse, covers every detail, from getting pregnant to what to expect during each trimester. It takes on hard subjects, such as dealing with the delivery room, going back to work, creating a baby budget and financing your family’s future.

✽ Dude, You’re gonna to be a Dad! How to

get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 Months

by John Pfeiffer (Adams Media, 2011, $13.95) Pfeiffer cleverly divides the chapters into four “trimesters.” (The fourth being after you take your baby home). Learn how to handle all those hormones and appointments, and how to pick the right baby name – the author suggests “Danger” as a middle name.

✽ Pacify Me: A Handbook for the

Freaked-out New Dad by Chris Mancini (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2009, $14.99) When the first chapter of a parenting book is titled “My Life is Over” – you’re going to want to keep reading.

The author (a comic-filmmaker-dad by day) has a funny and sympathetic voice that will put even the most “freakedout” new dads at ease. Read up on everything from getting pregnant to the delivery room to picking childcare.

Big Baby Book

39

Who Will Take Care of Baby?

For working moms, and dads, choosing a childcare provider is one of the most important – and stressful – decisions you’ll ever make.

by Ann Hardie

i

f you’re headed back to work, you’re in good company. Hundreds of thousands of Georgia’s children are cared for by someone other than a parent. Luckily, you have plenty of childcare options in the metro area to meet your needs. Do your homework, weigh the pros and cons, then put your mind at ease.

Pros

Cons Relative

n Usually free or cheaper than

n Correcting or criticizing care could be

you’d pay a nanny. n Already loves your child. n Your child and family member have the opportunity to forge a lifelong relationship.

tricky, especially if your mother is the caregiver. n Often hard to draw and keep boundaries. n Hard to fire a relative if things don’t work out.

Nanny

n Helps avoid the hassle of getting you

n More costly than other forms of childcare.

and your child out in the morning. n Gives your child more individual attention. n Easier to set your baby’s eating and sleeping schedule. n More flexibility if you get stuck at work.

n Limits baby’s socialization. n Nobody to supervise the nanny. n Need backup if nanny gets sick.

Au Pair n Same as nanny but with a cultural flair.

n Same as nanny.

n Usually helps with household chores.

n Less privacy since an au pair lives

n Don’t have to worry about stranger anxiety.

in your home.

n Can be a language barrier.

Family Day Care Home (cares for 3 to 6 children) n n n n

Promotes socialization.

Licensed and inspected by the state.

More homey than larger childcare centers.

More affordable than most other care.

n Fewer eyes to watch caregiver. n Need backup if caregiver or baby gets sick. n Must conform to rules and hours.

group Day Care Home (cares for 7 to 18 children) and Childcare Center (cares for more than 18 children) n Promotes socialization.

n Less individualized attention.

n Extra “eyes” on child and licensed

n Need backup if baby gets sick.

and inspected by the state. n Backup if teacher gets sick.

n Must conform to center rules and hours.

n More affordable than a nanny.

40

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

Choosing Childcare:

Important Questions to Ask Caregivers n Are the childcare providers trained in child development and early education?

As a parent, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right caregiver. You want your child to be in a healthy safe environment with plenty of stimulation and emotional support. Here are some of the most important questions you need to answer before allowing someone else to watch over your child.

n Do they have any accreditation? n Are there a sufficient number of trained adults present? n Is the caregiver warm and caring with the children? n Are you satisfied with the way the caregiver responds to a hurt or unhappy child? n Is there time for caregivers to give individual attention to each child? n Do you feel satisfied with the way toilet training, diapering and discipline are handled in this setting? n Have the caregivers been with the center long enough to create a stable environment for your child?

Cont’d on page 42

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

41

Environment n Do the children appear to be happy? n Is the facility bright, clean and cheerful with well-maintained, safe equipment?

The Suzuki School is a SACS-accredited private preparatory preschool for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our curriculum surrounds children with activities and experiences designed to maximize emerging growth in all areas of development.

Program Components Degreed Teachers  Infants through Kindergarten  Enrichment Programs Include French, Spanish, Chinese, Gymnastics, Ballet, and Sports Movement  Low Student/Teacher Ratios  Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm  Exceptional and Innovative Facilities at Both Campuses 

n Are toys in good condition and washed frequently? n Are there adequate changing and hand washing areas? n Is there sleeping space with individual beds, cots or mats? n Are you comfortable with the type of food served? n Would you want to come here if you were a child? n Do you think your child will fit in comfortably with the other children?

Policies n Are children cared for in small groups and given activities according to their level of development? n Does the daily schedule include active and quiet play, rest time and outdoor activities? n Are the children allowed time and space for individual play? n Do the children have a choice about participating in certain activities? n What happens if the child cannot be picked up on time? n Do concerns arise over the distance involved in getting to the child in an emergency? n Can you stop by and check on your child any time during the day? n Who has access to your child and why?

pediatric dentistry

n Will there be continuity and stability in the child’s life as they transition back and forth from home to a caregiver?

– From the American Academy of Pediatrics and Quality Care For Children

AT VININGS

Faith N. Bates, DMD AAPD, ADA, GDA

Creating a generation of kids who LOVE going to the dentist!

• Parents welcome in treatment rooms • Babies age 1 and older, Children & Special Needs Patients

(678) 305-1090 www.PediatricDentistryAtVinings.com

The Fountain Building • 3200 Highlands Pkwy. #110 • Smyrna

42

Big Baby Book

What is NAEYC accreditation?

Schools and childcare centers that have successfully been reviewed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) are awarded accreditation, which is valid for five years. There are 219 accredited centers in Georgia. To obtain a list of accredited centers in the metro Atlanta area, visit www.naeyc.org.

www.atlantaparent.com

Hey, Baby! Buckle Up Any parent will tell you infant car seats are a hassle – but one well worth it when you consider that half of all children ages 1-14 who die in vehicle crashes either weren’t in a car seat or weren’t wearing a seat belt.

How do you know if your child’s seat is installed correctly? Follow these tips from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, then make an appointment for a free inspection at a child safety seat fitting location near you, often a fire station or health department. You’ll find locations at gahighwaysafety.org and more information on car seat use at choa.org.

children younger than age 13 are always safer in the back seat. if you must put your child in the front seat, push the seat back as far as it will go and disable the airbag if the child is in a car seat.

Car seats n Infants younger than a year old or under 20 pounds should ride in a rear-facing seat to protect their spinal cords. Read installation instructions carefully. Safety seat harness straps should be snug and you shouldn’t use padding under or behind your infant in the car seat. n At age 1 or when your child weighs at least 20 pounds, use a forward facing seat.

Read installation instructions carefully, and make sure harness straps are snug. n A LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for vehicles made after Sept. 1, 2002, makes car seat installation easier. LATCH and seat belt installation are comparable as far as safety, but make sure you know how to use the LATCH system.

Booster seats n Children who weigh less than 40 pounds and are shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, need a booster seat to keep their lap and shoulder harness in the right position. Booster seats come in two varieties: a Backless BPB (belt-positioning booster) or a High-back BPB. Backless BPBs must be used on a vehicle seat with a built-in or adjustable head restraint. High-back BPBs should be used in vehicles with no head restraints.

Safety belts n Say goodbye to the booster seat when your child can keep his back against the vehicle seat and his knees will bend over the seat edge, when his feet will rest flat on the floor or when the lap belt is low and snug across his upper thighs and the shoulder belt crosses the center of his chest and collarbone. Then make sure he buckles his seat belt before the vehicle moves.

How do children learn?

We’d like to find out – and you and your child can help!

Currently seeking families with babies to school-age children to participate in fun, game-like studies. Each study is usually a brief, one-time visit and you are with your child at all times. We study language, learning, memory and how children understand space and numbers. Children receive a small gift as thanks for participating.

For more information, call 404-727-7432 or visit: www.psychology.emory.edu/childstudycenter www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

43

}

“Congratulations, you’re going to have a baby!”

That one little sentence has rocked the world of generations of parents-to-be. When you become parents, your life and relationships change forever, and so do your family’s household needs.

In less than nine months, you’ll need a bassinet, a crib and mattress, a changing table, a car seat – and that’s just the start. Brand new, the cost of these items will add up. But should you buy used or accept the flurry of hand-me-downs you’ll be offered from friends and relatives? Here are some guidelines:

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes?

Well, maybe. But sometimes it makes sense to buy or borrow used infant items.

Bassinet While great-grandmother may get weepy that a new generation won’t be using the antique bassinet she offered, gracefully decline. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued recalls on much newer bassinets for strangulation or suffocation hazards. An older one is even more likely to pose a safety risk. ✽ Watch for: Make sure the bassinet you buy new or used is not on the recall list. If you buy used, look for a newer model and check for a manufacturer’s name, date and model number; look closely for any defects or damage.

Changing Table

Baby Monitor Buy used or accept a handme-down, but be careful – they can be dangerous, too. Some corded monitors have been recalled for strangulation risk, and some that run on batteries may pose burn hazards. Use common sense and put the monitor and cord at least three feet from the crib.

Why not give a changing table a new life? Just make sure it hasn’t been recalled due to a design flaw that could cause a falling hazard, as two Cariboo products were in 2006. ✽ Watch for: Check that the table is sturdy and that its wood has no signs of mold or water damage; disinfect thoroughly.

Clothing

Stroller It’s fine to buy used strollers manufactured recently, if you can check their model number for recalls. Buy new if your only alternative is from someone’s attic. Remember, never leave baby unattended in a stroller; some infants have been entrapped by strollers, leading to suffocation, and others have had a finger pinched or amputated by a stroller mechanism. ✽ Watch for: Check the sturdiness of the stroller, and ensure the restraint system keeps baby from falling or sliding out.

44

Big Baby Book

Gladly accept or buy used infant shirts, caps and clothing, so long as you wash them before baby wears them. Your child doesn’t need baby shoes until he starts walking, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. ✽ Watch for: Check used items for stains, wear and tear, and snaps or zippers that don’t work.

Make sure pajamas are flame resistant. ✽ better off new: When it comes to baby shoes, flexible, non-skid soles and a good fit are the most important factors, and it might be helpful to have your child fitted by a baby shoe expert.

High Chair You don’t have to buy a new high chair, but make sure a used one is a recent model. ✽ Watch for: Check the manufacture date and model for any recalls. Be sure the chair is easy to use and the tray easy to clean; it should not have nooks and crannies where food can be trapped.

Check the chair’s sturdiness, and if it’s a folding model, whether it easily locks and the mechanism can’t pinch baby’s fingers. Make sure it has a good restraint system, including crotch post or strap, to keep baby from sliding under the tray or from standing up and falling. www.atlantaparent.com

Crib and Mattress

Toys Many parents view used toys with skepticism after recent scares over lead paint. Make sure the toys are not on the CPSC’s recall list, and buy new if you have any concerns.

The CPSC set limits on lead in children’s products manufactured after August 2008, but often it’s hard to determine lead content on toys manufactured earlier. ✽ Watch for: Anything baby might put in his mouth, unless it can be thoroughly sterilized.

Resources To locate used baby products, check these sites:

✽ Atlanta Parent, www.

atlantaparent.com, for a comprehensive list of consignment sales in metro Atlanta.

✽ the bargain Watcher, www.

thebargainwatcher.com, for lists of consignment sales, garage and yard sales, and consignment and thrift stores.

✽ Atlanta consignment stores, www.atlantaconsignmentstores. com, for lists of clothing and furniture stores. www.atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

family block party

Entertainment • Food • Music

Don’t Miss the Toddler Play Zone!

Interactive Games & Activities

Be careful buying a used crib or accepting one from your aunt’s attic. The CPSC has recalled more than 11 million cribs since 2007 for safety reasons; drop-side cribs are more prone to cause infant injury or death than fixed-side cribs, and the CPSC has prohibited the manufacture or sale of drop-side cribs starting this summer. With any crib, a new mattress is a must. ✽ Watch for: Signs of mold or water damage on the wood; make sure slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and no slats are missing or cracked; corner posts should be no higher than 1/16 inch above the headboard or footboard; mattress support should not be easily released from the headboard or footboard; check for nuts and bolts, knobs or other protruding objects; make sure all crib hardware is secure and intact. ✽ better off new: With the threat of germs, mold and possibly bedbugs, buy a new mattress, and make sure the mattress fits the bed tightly. Ditto for the crib, if you have any concerns about whether a used crib is safe.

Saturday, October 8, 2011 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

to find out more:

Call 678-222-1915 Event to Benefit Local Charities

Car Seat Say no thanks to a used car seat, unless you know its manufacture date or expiration date. Child safety seats expire within five years of their manufacture date or may have an expiration date printed on them. ✽ Watch for: Check the label of the car seat to look for date of manufacture and model number, then check to see if it has been recalled. Look for any cracks, and make sure the seat has all of its instructions and parts.

For information to help you evaluate used baby gear, try these phone numbers or websites:

✽ consumer Product safety commission, 800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov, for general information on product safety, recalls, and to report an unsafe product. ✽ National highway traffic safety Administration, 888-327-4236 or www.nhtsa.dot.gov, for guidelines on how to choose a child safety seat, recall information or to locate a child safety seat inspection station.

✽ Keeping babies safe, www.keepingbabiessafe. org, for recalls or safety information on many baby products. ✽ home safety council, www.homesafetycouncil. org, for tips to make your home safer.

Big Baby Book

45

HOT✽ WHEELS

by Laura Powell

It’s time to shop for new wheels for your growing family – and we are not talking about a car. It may feel that way when you see the variety of strollers on the market today.

Manufacturers have created an endless supply of options, ranging from umbrella strollers for $13 to high-end fancy ones for over $1,000. Here are a few of our suggestions.

The Jeep Liberty Limited by Kolcraft is a basic stroller with lots of perks, including an iBaby Sound System to hook up your iPod or mp3 player for music on the go. The stroller works well on all terrains and has a convenient one-hand and self-standing fold. It comes with a swivel child tray with cup and snack holder as well as an entertainment toy that includes a horn, car sounds and music. It can also accommodate specific infant car seats. We found it a bit on the heavy and bulky side – it weighs in at 30 pounds – but it is comparable to other travel stroller systems. It holds a maximum weight of 40 pounds. Available at Babies ‘R’ Us, Walmart.com and Amazon.com. $149.99-$179.99

➤

The City Mini from Baby Jogger is compact and sleek, making it easy to get around town while looking stylish. Its quick-fold technology allows moms to break down the stroller one-handed and storage is a breeze. This stroller also is lightweight and easy to navigate over uneven pavement and grass. The seat has many reclining positions, including nearly flat.

A car seat adapter is also available, but then you lose the ability to collapse the stroller with one hand. Belly bar, child’s tray, rain cover, bassinet and additional accessories are available. The stroller weighs in at 16.8 pounds and can hold a maximum of 50 pounds.

Available at buybuy BABY, A Room of Their Own and Baby on the Go. Single model, $239.99; double model, $429.99 ➤

For high-end strollers, the Mutsy 4Rider Light Stroller is right up there. This stroller comes with an extra bassinet option (0-6 months) and a seat that can fully recline. The seat can be used in both directions, to face outward or toward you. The folding mechanism is easy once you get the hang of it. The easy-to-adjust handle is a bonus for taller stroller pushers. The Mutsy offers many accessories, including the bassinet, a car seat adaptor for specific models, and a dinner tray.

This stroller weighs in at 23 pounds and carries a maximum weight capacity of 45 pounds. Available at New Baby Products, Baby on the Go and kastelinternational.com. Stroller frame with seat, $545

➤

46

Big Baby Book

Baby Trend Snap-N-Go

Stroller Frames

N

ow that you have baby home, you may be overwhelmed at the thought of ever taking her out again. Consider the stroller frame. You can snap your car seat into one of these frames and off you go. Some more expensive strollers have attachments that allow you to do the same thing but they typically cost about as much as a stroller frame. These frames also can be found for cheap at consignment sales or online.

Baby Trend, Graco and Kolcraft all make these types of strollers.

Check their websites to see if your car seat is compatible with the frames you are considering.

All of the frame strollers are lightweight and take up less room in the trunk than the bulkier strollers that come with travel systems. Many moms like the Baby Trend Snap-NGo because it is easy to fold up with one hand. Prices start at $49.99 for the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go frame.

If you start out with the stroller frame, you will eventually need other wheels since your baby will outgrow the car seat. www.atlantaparent.com

Stroller Walks

Stroll Through History

for Baby (and You)

What

Cost

Details

Atlantic Station: station stroll This weekly program takes parents and their little ones on a one-mile walk through Atlantic Station, starting at Central Park. The morning begins early with coffee and social time.

Free

Atlantic Station, Midtown Atlanta. 404-876-2616; www.atlanticstation.com

$15/family for non-members and $10/ family for members

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055; www.chattnaturecenter.org

$90/6 sessions

678-528-1390; www.ohbabyfitness.com

✽ 1889: William Richardson introduces the reversible stroller. For the first time, the bassinet was able to change from facing a parent to facing forward. Richardson also improved the maneuverability of the stroller by allowing each wheel to move separately. ✽ 1920s: By this time, baby carriages

were available to most families. They now had improved safety features, such as bigger wheels, brakes, deeper bassinets and sturdier frames.

Stroller Strides: Fitness Program Stroller Strides offers power walking and interval weight training during a one-hour session. Stroller Stride workouts are available at Piedmont Park, Chastain Park and Perimeter Mall. Pre-register.

first American baby carriages. His son, Jesse Crandall, is issued patents for improvements to strollers, including the brake, an umbrella hanger and a model that folded.

✽ 1848: Baby carriages with handles for pushing make their debut. Up until this point, most models were designed to be pulled by dogs, ponies or donkeys.

oh Baby! Fitness: stroller Workout Each class offers the ability to get a great workout, enjoy the outside, and spend time with your baby. The stroller workout incorporates muscle conditioning, strengthening and stretching. There is also an abs portion at the end of each class where mom tones while baby plays in the grass next to her. Classes are offered three times a week at Piedmont Park. Pre-register.

✽ 1733: English garden architect William Kent constructs the first pram for the Duke of Devonshire, who wanted a means of transportation that would amuse his children. The original pram was designed to be pulled by a goat or donkey and was made of wood and brass. ✽ 1830s: Benjamin Crandall makes the

Chattahoochee Nature Center: infant Walk Find out what plants are safe to touch, learn great places to explore shapes in nature, and connect with other parents and their little ones.

Pre-registration required.

When you were a baby, you probably rode around the block in a baby “buggy.” If your mother was really old-fashioned, maybe she called it a pram. Today, baby can ride facing you, facing forward, or alongside his twin (and even triplet). He can go jogging with dad and sleep through the carto-stroller transition thanks to 3-in-1 combo models. Take a look at the baby stroller’s history, and be thankful you’re not lugging a wooden pram around town!

$50/month or various multiple-class packages

866-348-4666; www.strollerstrides.com

✽ 1965: Aeronautical engineer Owen Maclaren introduces the aluminum stroller and the first true umbrella stroller. ✽ 1980s:

Top 5 Places To Walk On Your own

✽ Arabia Mountain trail. Johnson St. in Lithonia www.pathfoundation.org.

The jogging stroller is invented

by Phil Baechler, who used bicycle wheels in his original model!

✽ chastain Park. Corner of West Wieuca, Lake Forrest

✽ Today: Parents today have tons of options.

and Paces Ferry in Buckhead. www.chastainpark.org.

✽ chattahoochee river National recreation Area.

Off Johnson Ferry Rd. on Columns Dr. in Marietta. www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/columnsdrive.htm.

✽ Piedmont Park. 10th Street and Piedmont Ave. in Midtown. www.piedmontpark.org.

✽ silver comet trail. Begins at South Cobb Dr. and the East-West Connector in Smyrna. www.pathfoundation.org

www.atlantaparent.com

Many models now feature “carrycots,” detachable infant carriers that strap into a base to be kept in the car. When attached to the stroller, the carrycot can face either a parent or the other way. Today’s models have features such as the five-point harness safety system, retractable canopies, shock suspensions, drink holders, safety bars and air-filled tires. Parents of multiples can find double, triple and even quad strollers to walk all of their babies safely and comfortably.

– Melanie Wagner

Big Baby Book

47

BabyonBoard How to reconnect with old friends when a new baby arrives.

by Sharon Miller Cindrich

A

fter I had my baby, I needed a shopping trip with my girlfriend more than ever.

But our time together proved more stressful than relaxing.

My friend arrived on time, dressed in tight jeans, high heels and sporting a fashionable designer purse. I fumbled in late wearing a pair of old maternity stretch pants, a breastfeeding blouse, and the industrialsized diaper bag I was now using as my purse – complete with giant giraffes on the side and a pacifier dangling from the shoulder strap.

Aside from our fashion differences, we discovered that the cadence of our conversation was off kilter, too. The play-by-play account of the weekend’s partying escapades and work gossip seemed to lack its usual interest for me. And as I detailed my recent visit to the pediatrician and lamented over my inability to get more than 20 minutes of solid sleep, I noticed that she was the one suppressing yawns.

Having a baby changes a lot. Your body, your job, your free time – and sometimes your friendships. But change doesn’t mean a relationship has to go sour. In fact, while it may take a little adjusting and a bit of planning, friendships can become even stronger when a baby arrives.

How can you find a connection when a baby makes three? Try these tips for getting past the pacifier and nurturing your friendship.

✽ Be yourself: Share your feelings,

surprises and joys about your baby with your friend – even ask advice. It can be tempting to avoid the topic of baby altogether or to feel self-conscious when you find yourself gushing over the experience of parenthood, but trying to force conversation will be uncomfortable and make your friend feel left out. Just because your friend doesn’t have a baby doesn’t mean she won’t be fascinated with your experiences and share in your joy, too.

✽ Be honest: When you’re with your friend, if you feel awkward, sense tension or feel distant, get it out early. Reassure your friend that you don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.

Listen when she expresses concerns about growing apart. Talk about the changes in your relationship and openly acknowledge the new differences in your lifestyles.

✽ Develop a plan: Once you have a baby,

you may feel “on call” 24/7 and your friend may have a hard time stealing your attention.

Set up a time to connect – on the phone or in person – when there’s little chance of being interrupted. Naptimes, evenings when your partner is feeding the baby, or early on a Saturday might work. Let her know you’re making an effort to carve out time for your relationship and she’ll be more understanding, even when naptimes end early.

✽ Take interest in your friend’s life:

The truth is that your perspective on workrelated gossip or the worry involved in finding a new hair salon has completely changed – these topics that might have consumed your pre-baby life seem inconsequential now. But you can remember when a bad haircut or a ruined date night were hugely important to you, so make time to listen with a sympathetic ear to your friend’s worries, concerns and stories.

✽ Connect on the subject of change:

You may not be the only one who is going through a life change. Perhaps your friend is starting a new endeavor too – entering into a new relationship, buying a new house, training for a marathon or starting a new job. Find ways to relate the new experiences in your lives to each other and share the common challenges, fears and excitement associated with change.

✽ Reclaim your common ground:

Maybe you worked out together. Perhaps you loved to bargain shop or had drinks at a favorite Mexican restaurant every Friday during happy hour. You may not be able to spend an evening eating chips and salsa at your favorite cantina, but you can invite your friend over, whip up a couple of non-alcoholic margaritas in your blender, and share a bag of chips on your deck one evening. Find new ways to spend time and conversation on the things you enjoyed together before the bundle of joy entered your life.

48

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

✽ include old friends in your new

life: Perhaps you’ve met new friends through a Mommy and Me class. Or you’ve connected with another couple through your Lamaze experience. There’s no need to keep your circles of friends separate. Include your old friends in invitations to birthdays, baptisms and cookouts. Help new and old friends mingle.

✽ Leave the baby at home: Babies

are amazing, wonderful bundles of joy. They are also unpredictable, demanding and downright distracting. When you need a little one-on-one time with your friends, it is OK to occasionally leave the baby with your partner or a family member. Even an hour to have coffee together without the baby can be more enjoyable for you and your friend.

Need a few more ideas?

Try these tweaks on your traditional hangout time to reconnect and establish some new friend trends – with or without baby on board. if you used to work out together, pick a time to walk once a week with or without the stroller.

✽ Be sensitive: There are circumstances

when your new child may make a friend jealous, angry or sad. Friends who long for a relationship and family, have miscarried or are waiting for an adoption to come through may find it difficult to spend time with you and your new little one. Try to be understanding and not take their distance or emotions personally.

Find opportunities where you can both benefit from a friend-to-friend getaway – a long walk on the beach or a dinner out together.

www.atlantaparent.com

if you used to shop together, agree to split the shopping between your friend’s favorite clothing store and the new baby boutique.

if you used to talk on the phone for hours, try texting or sending e-mail. Both are more flexible when it comes to finding time to connect and dealing with interruptions.

If you used to see movies together, try renting a chick flick and pop some microwave popcorn at home. if you used to meet for coffee on Fridays, whip up a pot at home and share a cup on your front porch.

Big Baby Book

49

“Going green” with baby products used to mean choosing cloth diapers over disposables. Now you’ll find hundreds of items, from organic sock toys and wooden rattles to baby shampoo and laundry detergent.

GO GREEN, BABY! These products caught Atlanta Parent’s fancy.

✽ Maggie’s organic Barnyard Animals

These adorable animals, made from excess sock fabric or irregular socks and stuffed with polyester mill scrap, keep those discarded items out of a landfill.

The outside is 85 percent organic cotton, 13 percent nylon and 2 percent spandex. $14.99 at www.asmallgreenfootprint.com

The Organic Nursery Store

.

. .

mattresses bedding essentials gifts and more 280 Elizabeth Street Suite B103 Atlanta, GA 30307 404.875.5224 www.theEcoEmporium.com

✽ Bamboo Dreams

Baby Two-knot Hat

Keep your baby’s head warm with this eye-catching hat, made of 95 percent bamboo and 5 percent Spandex. The organic fabric is buttery soft and the hat comes in three colors. $14.50 at www.yaladesigns.com

✽ Under the Nile

organic Bear Teether

These cute and soft teethers come in a variety of colors and styles. $9.99 at www.gogreenbabyshop.com

✽ Sprout Change

Super Saver inserts

These clever organic inserts keep baby dry with less effort and can be used with any diapering system. You simply put the soiled insert in the laundry and replace with a fresh one. $4.75 and $5.75 at www.thewillowstore.com

50

Big Baby Book

www.atlantaparent.com

✽ Naturalmat Top Mat The company noted for its mattresses made with 100 percent certified organic raw materials ($399) now offers an organic mattress overlay.

You lay it over an existing mattress cover or use it when traveling. $129 at www.naturalmat.com

✽ gDiaper Baby Diapers This disposable diaper has an organic cotton, reusable outer pant and uses two inserts: a gCloth liner or a gRefill liner made of biodegradable tree pulp material. Flush the gRefill liner, compost it or toss it. Buy coordinating shirts to match. GDiapers Little gPant, $18; case of four pack of flushable refills (40 refills per package), $50, at www.diapers.com

✽ Earnest Efforts

Handmade Rattle

These simple wooden rattles can be used as a musical instrument as your child grows. $14.99 at www.asmallgreenfootprint.com

www.atlantaparent.com

Big Baby Book

51

10 Rules for Naming Your Baby What does naming a baby have to do with laundry detergent? More than you might think.

Just as a good commercial brand name creates positive interest and helps that brand succeed in the marketplace, the right first name can smooth your child’s path and predispose people to think well of him or her. The brand-naming consultants at Catchword present the 10 naming rules that are just as applicable for babies as they are for products:

1

know your product. You wouldn’t name a new

2

Differentiate from the competition.

skincare lotion before getting to know everything you could about it. Why name your baby before getting to know him or her?

Having a handful of names selected ahead of time is always a good idea. But wait until after the birth to make the final decision. Every little one has her or his own personality, as any parent can attest. Even just a few hours getting acquainted with your new baby can help you decide which name’s the best fit.

Children vie for attention from day one. A distinctive name can give them a head start. That’s not to say a name should be different just for the sake of being different. (Like Frank Zappa’s offspring, Moon Unit, Dweezil and Diva Thin Muffin. That’s pretty serious karma.) But it’s worth researching what the most popular names of the day are and going against the grain. Do you really want your kid to be called Emily M at school so she’s not mistaken for Emilys A through L?

3

go for brand longevity.

Today’s phenom could be tomorrow’s punch line. Take the longview, and beware of names whose only virtue is a link to a celebrity or cultural trend. For instance, Chanel, Armani, Porsche and Camry – all popular baby names in early 2000 – may lose their cachet over the next few decades.

Just witness Toyota’s recent woes.

4

Consider your target audience.

5

Limit the number of decision-makers. Ask

A name like Ocean (Forest Whitaker’s child) may play well in a Beverly Hills school full of celebrities’ kids – and be the kiss of death in Akron, Ohio. And there’s the workplace milieu to consider too. If you want your child to be able to move freely in a variety of circles, Rocket (the name of Robert Rodriguez’s son) is probably over the top.

10 people what they think of a name ahead of time and you’re likely to get 20 opinions. Relatives, friends, colleagues – everyone will have their own idiosyncratic take if you invite them into your process.

So don’t. You’ll probably have a tough enough time just coming to agreement with your “co-producer.” And just as with commercial products, a name that may sound preposterous to “focus groups” in the abstract often will come to sound perfectly natural when paired with the item in question in real life.

52

Big Baby Book

6

keep the master brand in mind.

7

Use sounds to create a brand personality.

In marketing parlance, your surname is the master brand; your little one’s name, the sub-brand. You want the two to pair well together. If your last name is long or hard to pronounce, a simple, short first name is a good idea. If your last name is short and prosaic, a longer, more evocative first name could provide balance. Also, make sure the two names aren’t tongue twisters when pronounced sequentially.

(For instance, Seth Shostak, the radio host’s name: not good.) And avoid cutesy pairings, like Candy Barr, Penny Nicole Dimes, and Tu Morrow (what Rob Morrow from TV’s “Numb3rs” named his poor daughter). They’re pure bully fodder.

Sound symbolism can convey a range of desired qualities. For instance, names with “hard” consonants like Jack and Kurt come across as more testosterone-y than Ralph or Jeffrey. On the other hand, names like Ava, Isabella, Mia – among the most popular girls’ names of 2009 – have a graceful, light feeling, thanks to open vowels and soft consonants (the cushiony “v” and lilting “l”).

8

Make it easy to spell. Grace. Brandon. Jacob.

If you look at the most popular boys’ and girls’ names of the last decade, most of them are intuitive to say and spell. There’s a reason for that. You don’t want your child to be forever spelling her or his name for people. Think Madison vs. Madyson. Katelyn vs. Kaitlyne. Erica vs. Erykah.

9

Exercise care when recycling old brands. Well-worn names that have been around

for decades – or in some cases, even a few years – can have some pretty musty baggage. If you want to use the name of a relative or ancestor and it’s an old-fashioned one, consider freshening it or giving it a new twist. Edie instead of Edwina. Gene instead of Eugene.

Skyler instead of Schuyler. You’ll still be paying homage to your ancestry, but your child won’t be paying penance.

10

Avert public-relations disasters. Kids can be cruel; don’t

saddle yours with a name that lends itself to embarrassing nicknames or jokes. Consider the initials of first and last names together; possible homonyms (a colleague was almost named Dustin Uriah); closeness in spelling to other, less savory words; historical and cultural associations (Adolf or Hannibal: not), etc.

And it doesn’t hurt – especially if you move in international circles – to make sure that the name doesn’t mean something awful in common foreign languages. Pity the poor kid named Desdemona, for instance, which means “ill-fated one” in Greek. Talk about inauspicious beginnings.

www.atlantaparent.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Dr. Robert Sears One of America’s leading pediatricians answers a question on every expectant parent’s mind.

10:32 p.m. A family is born.

10:41 p.m. A future is protected.

Ask Dr. Sears

Should I bank my baby’s cord blood?

I strongly recommend cord blood

banking to my patients. One of the most compelling reasons to save cord blood stem cells is that new research is investigating the use of cord blood to treat conditions like brain injury and juvenile diabetes. And, they have already been used to treat many diseases, including leukemia and other cancers.

As new treatments develop, having cord blood on hand may be invaluable.

Using your own family’s cord blood has been shown to improve medical outcomes compared to using stem cells from someone outside your family.

I am glad we decided to save cord blood for our son, and I feel confident recommending the bank I chose, Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®).

Parents have only one chance with each child to bank his or her cord blood stem cells. The importance of banking is clear, but the financial commitment may deter some families. Thankfully, payment plans make the cost well within reach for most people. I believe cord blood banking is well worth the investment for a family’s future, and parents should strongly consider

Saving your baby’s cord blood may be lifesaving for your family.

Nothing is more important than protecting your family. Although your loved ones will never be immune to accidents or illness, you want to know you’ve done everything possible to protect them. It begins with banking your baby’s cord blood stem cells.

Today, cord blood is used to treat many life-threatening diseases, such as leukemia and other cancers. It is also being used in groundbreaking clinical trials to evaluate its ability to treat brain injury and juvenile diabetes.

Save your baby’s cord blood with CBR, the largest, most experienced family bank and the bank most recommended by Ob/Gyns.

Call CBR today for your free information kit

1-888-770-6110 or visit cordblood.com

making use of this valuable service.

Pediatrician Robert Sears, MD, FAAP, is a noted author, CBR medical consultant, and the father of three boys.

Banking cord blood does not guarantee that the cells will provide a cure or be applicable for every situation. Ultimate use will be determined by the treating physician. Treatment for brain injury and juvenile diabetes is experimental and currently requires the use of your own cord blood. Source for Ob/Gyn claim: Blind survey, GfK Market Measures, 04/07, funded by CBR. © 2011 Cbr Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. • 0311 • MA02048.00