Posts Tagged perfumes
Stages of Developmental Toys
Posted by in Babies on October 4th, 2009
Lots of toys are designed with child development in mind. But, do you know how to choose the ones that are developmentally appropriate? You probably have a general idea, based on your knowledge of your child’s developmental level. But, you can use this guide to be sure that you are not missing the opportunity to identify and nourish a critical stage of your child’s development.
1) To encourage the first stages of development, remember to focus on visual, social, touch, sound and smell. Newborns can focus best eight to twelve inches away from their faces. It is easy to hit all of the areas of development if you just talk to your baby. Give the baby plenty of gazing time to focus on your expression. Let them learn to recognize the sound of your voice and the smell of your skin. Avoid perfumes and scented soaps. Skin can be very sensitive, so gently let your baby feel soft objects only during the first three months.
2) By three months of age, a baby should be developing some social skills and some hand-eye coordination. This is a good age to start encouraging your baby to play with soft toys. Babies also love to study themselves in the mirror at this age. They should be able to imitate some facial expressions and movements. You can encourage hand-eye coordination by wearing a nursing necklace during feeding times, giving the child a target to focus on grabbing and manipulating while they are relaxed and content. Start working on gross motor skills by letting your baby stand with help in your lap. Developmental toys would include ones that are activated by swiping or kicking.
3) At seven months, your baby can most likely roll, sit and stand with help. The brain is developing very quickly and you will notice more problem solving skills emerge. For example, children around this age will figure out that they can move objects from one hand to the other if they need to hold on to something. Encourage these cognitive skills by purposely offering desired object to the child, one after another, all from the same side. Hide objects to see if your child can find them. Bouncy seats, assisted walking and jumping in your lap are appropriate gross motor skill activities.
4) By one year of age, your baby will understand facial expressions, tones of voice, have verbal responses to let you know how they feel, and many other skills. One year olds will be learning to walk, run, climb and jump. They will also be learning to speak and solve more complex problems. This is a good age to introduce puzzles, learning toys, and preschool toys without small parts. An activity table will encourage your child to develop some fine motor skills. Pincher motions are important to focus on at this age.
If you have questions concerning your child’s development, talk with your pediatrician.
About the Author: Jim Ford is the President of KinderMark, a family owned and managed business which sells waiting room toys and waiting room furniture used in doctor’s offices, hospitals, auto dealers, dentists offices and libraries. Preschool toys such as an activity table and learning toys are favorites for pediatric offices. For more information, visit www.kindermark.
Article Source: Stages of Developmental Toys
Is it Safe to Use Perfume when Pregnant?
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 21st, 2009
Something that may not occur to most pregnant women is that perfumes and other scented products may not be the most desirable thing to wear during this time. Even though something applied to the skin topically seems harmless, there are a few things to consider if you wish to use perfume when pregnant. Currently the research on this matter is somewhat inconclusive. So, is perfume harmful? Or is it something you can safely enjoy during your pregnancy?
While most research into whether it’s safe to use perfume when pregnant has not found a link to most of the common worries like miscarriage and stillbirth, some recent studies have found that there may be a link between perfume use and reproductive problems in male children. It seems that perfume use between 8 and 14 weeks of pregnancy may lead to improper development of the male sex organs. Some of the potential problems include undescended testicles, risk of testicular cancer and low sperm count. It seems that some women who use perfume when pregnant risk absorbing chemicals that affect the development of testosterone in the male fetus.
So far though, the research remains largely inconclusive, partly because the most obvious results have only taken place in rodent test subjects, not human ones. Still, if you wish to err on the side of caution, it would be best to avoid wearing perfumes or scented creams of any kind.
Generally though, most experts would say it is quite safe to use perfume when pregnant. Many pregnant women find however, that scents they used to enjoy now trigger nausea, light-headedness or headaches. If this is the case, it’s usually best to remove all fragrance from your environment to begin with, and then gradually add one fragrance at a time, starting with the mildest. You may wish to experiment with body sprays and lotions, because they are often less intense than perfume, and tend to contain less alcohol.
If you wish to use perfume when pregnant, you might try some natural scents that are known for being pleasant and soothing. Scents like peppermint, ginger and cardamom have been known to help fight nausea, and citrus scents like lemon, neroli and mandarin seem to help soothe feelings of nausea as well as leaving a feeling of refreshment and relaxation. Other soft scents to consider are rose, chamomile and lavender. These scents make lovely massage oils as well.
While most perfumes are relatively safe, this is not always the case with essential oils. Because they are so concentrated, and are derived from plants, some can be toxic on the surface of the skin. Be sure to consult your doctor before using.
So, is perfume harmful? The answer is not completely cut and dry, but it most likely is safe for pregnant women to use. If you have any doubts over whether you should use perfume when pregnant, consult your doctor. As long as you feel comfortable, you can continue to enjoy scents that will make you feel relaxed and happy.
You can find helpful information about is perfume harmful and everything you need to know about use perfume when pregnant at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Is it Safe to Use Perfume when Pregnant?
Looking Good While Pregnant
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 7th, 2009
Although many pregnant women suffer from negative changes to their skin and hair during pregnancy, this is not the case for many other women. In fact, it is possible to maintain your good looks during pregnancy. Some women will even experience amazing hair texture pregnancy changes. Those who had particularly thin hair before may notice their hair texture thicken. Practicing a few simple tips, can help you maintain your good looks while you’re pregnant. These tips will help your appearance, and many times, your overall health. Rest is a common factor to maintain your good looks. It is very important to get the proper amount of rest and sleep, particularly when you are pregnant.
It is also important to take care of your skin during pregnancy. Finding the right products for cleaning your skin can promote your appearance. Using mild soaps on your face, can give you the natural look you want. Other soaps, which contain perfumes and dyes, may dry your skin excessively. Dry skin, tends to look aged or worn.
It is crucial to use moisturizers during pregnancy. This is important not only for your face, but your hair, as well. A good moisturizing shampoo or conditioner can enhance your hair texture even more. Once you have the right products, and use them regularly you will maintain your good looks. You will not believe all of the compliments, you’ll receive!
Facial moisturizers can be used as often as twice a day, during pregnancy. This is especially beneficial to women who have dry skin issues. So far as, hair texture, and hair care are concerned good hygiene isn’t the only way to get a good look. You may want to consider a different style, or even a shorter hair cut.
Some pregnant women would prefer not having to deal with a lot of hair. So in these cases, getting a shorter style, may be the answer. Since pregnant women’s hair typically grows fast, you needn’t be concerned with keeping a short style. Chances are a hair cut will grow out, before you get the opportunity to get used to it.
Another consideration pregnant women usually have to deal with, is clothing. After a woman begins to put on a few pounds, she begins to realize that her old clothes will not do. Visiting a maternity shop can allow you to find styles that are trendy and comfortable. Comfort is very important to the dress of pregnant women. It is wise to find items that aren’t too tight, but look good.
Even if you can’t find a good maternity shop, all is not lost. Most department stores, even budget ones, have maternity departments. If you’re unsure at first, try a few items on before you buy them. This is the best way, to determine, if the clothing size, color, and style suit you. Don’t forget the wealth of the internet.
Many maternity offerings, are online for customers to take advantage of. If nothing else, you will be able to get ideas on style, you like.
You can find helpful information about maintain your good looks and everything you need to know about hair texture at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Looking Good While Pregnant
Keeping Watch During Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 24th, 2009
Experiencing vaginal discharge is a regular way of life to women. But when they are pregnant, women tend to keep a more watchful eye on the discharges they have. It doesn’t matter whether you’re experiencing a normal one, or a thick vaginal discharge, pregnancy makes the issue worth noting. In some cases, it will be necessary to consult your doctor.
This is especially true when you notice differences in the kinds of discharges you’re seeing. Even a thick vaginal discharge, or a brown vaginal discharge, can mean something entirely different. This is why understanding discharges, and their meanings can be very important during pregnancy.
When women experience discharge, it is essentially the body’s way of discarding excessive fluids. This process is entirely natural, and occurs to some extent on a daily basis. These fluids that are being expelled contain old cells that had a one time lined the walls of the vagina. This type of discharge is most often clear, or milky in color. It is often odorless.
A thick vaginal discharge can signal that some other problem is occurring inside the body, other than the discarding of fluids. An infection is an example of one of these problems. There are other reasons for a thick vaginal discharge, too. Sexual activity, can be the cause of thick vaginal discharge.
Certain feminine products can also cause this type of discharge. Using products, which contain perfumes or dyes, can enhance your chances of seeing thick vaginal discharge. In some cases, pregnant women who have diabetes will experience a thick discharge. This is one of the scenarios that calls for the help of your physician.
It is also well known that the taking of certain medications can produce thick discharge, as well. Pregnant women, who are taking some sort of antibiotic, may be more likely to see this kind of discharge. This is why medications during pregnancy have to be monitored closely.
Brown vaginal discharge experiences, do not have to be particularly serious. Quite often a brown discharge is simply the body’s means of eliminating old blood. This could even be blood left from the woman’s last period. In some women, a brown discharge has resulted from a small tear on the cervix. Seeing this type of discharge in these instances is normal.
Women with this discharge can also have experienced it due to sexual intercourse. This is not an abnormal cause of brown discharge from the vagina. It is more typical to notice a brown discharge early in pregnancy, though. In general women, who are only 2 weeks along, tend to see a brown discharge.
In more serious cases, brown discharge can be the beginning of miscarriage. Discharge and other noticeable symptoms will take place if this is the situation. Whenever you begin to see unusual changes in discharge color, or discharge odor, you should call your doctor. This is especially true if you see blood following brown discharge.
Your doctor will most likely want you to come in for an examination. This is the best way to ensure that miscarriage is not taking place.
You can find helpful information about brown vaginal discharge and everything you need to know about thick vaginal discharge at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Keeping Watch During Pregnancy
