Featured Sponsor: Medela
Becoming a mom is nothing less than amazing. You build this
little life
inside you, and then you give birth to that little baby, and
it's
worth it! That amazing body of yours knows just how to nurture
the new
love in your life.
We at Medela believe that breast is best! Breastfeeding is convenient, natural and protects from illnesses while promoting good health. Today moms are on-the-go, and there is an increasing need for pump and breastfeeding accessories to compliment all lifestyles. For over 20 years, Medela's primary focus has been and remains breastfeeding. Which Medela pump is right for you? Find out which pump is right for you with this chart.
Bellybar Nutrition Tip
In
all of this holiday craziness, relish in those lovely moments of
quiet
when you are feeding your baby. Whether you are breastfeeding or
using
a bottle to nourish your little one, it gives you a moment to
take care
of you. How? Replenish yourselves with vitamins that
breastfeeding, delivery
or the daily grind took out of you! Bellybar is choc full of
vitamins
and minerals for a healthier you, and it even has 8 grams of
protein
in each bar to keep you going to all of those fun holiday
parties. And
don't forget, a box of Bellybars is a perfect gift for the
expectant
or new mom—give her a gift that is good for her and that
she'll
love every day!
Click here to buy Bellybars from BabyCenter.com
Creating Healthy Children's Rooms
Because children inevitably put toys into their
mouths, knowing what
their toys are made of is of utmost importance. Some old toys
may contain
lead paint or mercury beads enclosed in plastic that can be
lethal if
ingested. If you buy plastic toys, stay away from toxic
polyvinyl chloride
(PVD) as much as possible. PVC is commonly used in teethers and
soft
squeeze toys for young children, beach balls, bath toys, dolls,
and other
products. Phthalates (the ingredient that makes plastic soft and
pliable)
have been linked to reproductive and developmental disorders,
cancer,
and organ damage. Substitute polyethylene or polypropylene, as
they are
not chlorinated. Toys made from wood with nontoxic paints or
finishes
are beautiful alteratives to plastics; they are inspiring to
make yourself,
or you can support woodworking craftspeople.
Don't forget the imagination of a child, developed in quiet playtime before the days of TV, video games, and cell phones. The development of every individual, including intelligence, personality, health, and happiness, begins when that person is a child. The complexities of brain development are far from being understood, but it is clear that the need for natural play is a real one. Set limits on computer, TV, and electronic toy time. Try to make equal time for active exercise outdoors, contemplative nature walks, quiet time reading, coloring, building with construction-type toys, and make-believe. Music and art are inspiring; many companies sell sustainably made instruments such as drums and nontoxic craft materials. Toys and games in nontoxic materials that focus on teamwork and collaboration teach cooperation. The formative years can set patterns that lead to a healthier, more balanced adult life.
Win These Prizes
This week, we're giving away the following prizes. If you haven't=20 entered our sweepstakes, do it already!
(NOTE: If you've already entered, you're automatically eligible for every bimonthly giveaway.)
Pump in Style Advanced backpack from Medela. Retail
value: $350.
Subscription
to FitPregnancy magazine.
Retail value: $12.97.
DVD
box set from Laugh and Learn.
Retail value: $90.
Healthy
Home Workbook from Chronicle
Books. Retail value: $24.95.
A box of 12 Bellybars. Retail
value $30.
Congratulations to Robyn Hunter of Brookline, MA! Robyn won our tenth round of prizes including the mother of all gift baskets from Earth Mama Angel Baby—retail value $250!
Every two weeks, we're giving away high-end prizes for pregnant women and new mothers. If you've already entered the sweepstakes, you're automatically eligible for each bimonthly giveaway. A new winner will be announced every two weeks until January 2007 in this e-newsletter—so spread the word and invite other expecting or new moms to join in!
Additionally,
every two weeks, you’ll receive Bellybytes®,
this parenting e-newsletter, filled with helpful tips on
parenting, nutrition
and pregnancy and special information about our featured
prizes.
No purchase necessary—a purchase won't increase odds of winning. One entry per person. Duplicate entries will be deleted.
Instant Gratification:
Toy
Box Tip
Create or purchase storage bins or drawers to hold toys, because some chemicals and finishes on toys can be kept at bay when contained. This also creates good habits and helps to eliminate clutter in a child's room. An orderly house is easier to keep clean and free of dust and dirt, plus it is so nice for you and your children to be able to find things when you want them.
