Stork Baby Gift Baskets - Baby Talk Blog

Swine Flu: What You Need to Know

Protect Your Family and Keep Them Healthy

The swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is all over the news. A string of cases have been reported across the U.S and internationally, and now a toddler in Texas has died from the disease. It's easy to freak out when you hear these disturbing reports, but the truth is that by being a little extra vigilant with some sensible health precautions, you'll be doing everything you can to protect your family.

Read Mom's Guide to Swine Flu  (courtesy of Parenting.com) and understand:

• Signs & Symptoms
• When to Head to the ER
• Prevention 101
• Easing Symptoms & Treatment
• Is it Allergies, the Flu or a Cold?

Click here to read Guide to Swine Flu now!

Breastfeeding Pros And Cons

By: Linda Davis

No matter how you look at it, breastfeeding is the best feeding alternative to keep your child healthy and strong. Breast milk, according to the experts, contains proteins, fats, and antibodies that help protect your child from infection and disease. It also provides your child with enzymes that help with his or her digestion.

How To Choose A Baby Monitor

By Tom Hacket

With hundreds of different models, it’s hard to choose the right one. Factors such as your location and lifestyle will influence your decision. Do you need audio/video or audio only? 40 MHZ or 90 MHZ? Read on to find out.

Mom's turning to bottle too soon

It has been well-established that breastfeeding is good for the health of your baby. Mother's milk offers natural protection against diseases that formula just cannot. Dr. David Paige, a Johns Hopkins University reproductive health expert says that ideally, mothers should breastfeed their children for at least the first six months of life. A lot of effort has been made to get this message out and it seems to be working: according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly three quarters of new mothers in the United States are breastfeeding their children.

Great Reading for Young Listeners

I started out reading to my baby at a month old.  I just couldn't wait to start reading to him and although he didn't understand anything I was reading, he could still hear my voice and the rythmic tone as I read.  I would hold him in one arm as we sat in the antique rocker in his nursery and just bonded. I loved it and he loved it.

I read to him everyday and as he grew, we planned day trips to the library and book store to find interesting reads for the week. His personal collection of books began growing so quickly, I had to purchase a book shelve for his room.  It was filled with favorites like "Good Night Moon" and "Just Because I Love You".   

Reading to Baby

Jacob loves books. His mom knows this because when she sits down to read to him every night, he waves his arms excitedly.

His favorite page of "Goodnight Moon" shows a cow jumping over the moon. He squeals and reaches for the book every time he sees it. When she is done reading, his mom usually lets him hold the sturdy board book, which he promptly sticks into his mouth.

Jacob is only 6 months old, but he is already well on his way to becoming a reader.

Be Prepared for your New Baby: A Checklist for New Parents to Be

If you are expecting a new baby you have probably already been preparing for your little one for quite some time. Packing for the hospital and preparing your home for the new baby are the most important things you can do to make your transition from the hospital back home smoother. Here are some preparation tips that I found the most helpful before the birth of my daughter.