Day 346 - How to Buy the Right Size Clothes for Your Baby

Today's first time parenting tip - Buy clothes for your baby based on weight, and buy a size up

Here in the States, the size standard for baby clothes goes by month. We've never been able to use this system because our son was so large when he was born. He was into "6 month" clothing right out of the gate!

A better way to buy clothes if you've got a baby on the heavy or light side of the spectrum is to buy based on weight. Sometimes stores like Target have a handy chart right there in the store, sometimes they don't.

In case they don't, here's a chart for you to take to the store. And within this, sizes can vary from brand to brand. And if your baby is closer to the next size up than he is the next size down, you might want to buy a size bigger to let him grow into it. Chances are at this age that he'll outgrow it before he wears it out.

See the Chart

Parenting, Baby, Clothes, Size, Infant

Day 342 - How to Help a Choking Infant

Today's first time parenting tip - Use 5 back blows, then 5 chest thrusts to help a choking infant.

Your baby is chowing down on some cut up pieces of fruit when all of a sudden you see them try to cough and their eyes go as big as saucers. They're choking - what are you going to do?

The important thing is to not panic. Commit the following steps to memory so you can spring right into action.

If they are not breathing and have something lodged in their throat, have someone call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. If you're alone, do one set of back blows and chest thrusts, and then call the emergency number as you are starting the second set (speaker phone comes in handy).

Hold your baby face down, lengthwise on your forearm with their head pointed towards your hand. They should be pointed down towards the ground, sit down or brace your arm against your thigh if you have to.

Using the palm of your hand, firmly give 5 back blows between your baby's shoulder blades.

If your baby doesn't cry or start breathing, flip him over to the other arm, face up. Give him 5 chest thrusts using two fingers. Place your fingers in the middle of his chest between his nipples.

Check to see if whatever it is he is choking on is in his mouth. If it is, sweep it out using your pinky finger like a hook. If it isn't, repeat the back blows, chest thrusts and check until your baby starts breathing again or goes unconscious.

If your baby loses consciousness, begin baby CPR. This is a topic that really requires a hands on approach, and you should see a certified CPR instructor to learn. A good place to start would be your local Red Cross.

Parenting, Choking, Infant, Conscious, First, Aid

Day 287 - Are Kids Welcome Here?

Today's first time parenting tip - Don't be afraid to ask if you can bring your infant to an event

With wedding season getting ready to kick into full gear this spring and summer, you may be wondering whether or not it’s kosher to bring your little one along with you to events. How do you know if it's OK or not?

This isn't just restricted to weddings. My wife and I want to go to a friend's opening for her art show, but we aren't exactly sure if it's appropriate for children to be at those types of things.

As a parent, you have both sides of the story to consider. On one hand, you have your family, and you want to do lots of things together. And getting a sitter and arranging for a night out can be a hassle.

But you also need to understand that if you are going to someone else's event, it may not be appropriate to bring a small child. You wouldn't bring your infant to a bar, would you? I've been to more than one wedding where a talking/crying child seemed to pick the vows to pipe up.

Some people are perfectly fine with this and will be able to laugh at the moment. Some people want their day to go off without a hitch, and frankly, kids don't always stick to the plan.

A lot of times, it will say right on the invite whether or not children are welcome. If not, don't be embarrassed or think it's rude to ask if you can bring your kids. Make sure the person on the other end knows it’s OK for them to say no. And if you still feel weird about asking, try someone who is close to the host and can speak for them. They should be able to give you a good barometer for the host.

Parenting, Event, Friendly, Infant, Kid, Party, Wedding