Baby

A playpen or play yard help both parent and baby. Parents feel better knowing their baby has a secure, interesting place to play. The baby develops his or her physical and mental abilities by exploring all the features of the playpen and the toys provided.

Safety is the first consideration, of course. Babies vary naturally in how vigorous they are. Some are quieter, others bounce all over the place at a very early age. A good playpen should stand up to the hardest punishment the baby can deliver, over the months or years they will use it.

How many more toys does the little one need? Before you answer, consider that toys do much more than entertain. They educate, stimulate the development of perception and cognition, and may help build muscle strength and control. And, of course, amusement shouldn't be scoffed at, either. A happy baby is a healthy baby.

Parents around the world recognize similar behavior in babies: they like to move. That's good for them, since it develops strength and muscle control. It also helps keep several other body systems tuned up, like the cardiovascular system.

One way to make sure they satisfy that natural desire in a safe way is to invest in a good baby bouncer. But what makes a baby bouncer 'good'?

There was a time not too many years ago when baby strollers were much like the Model-T Ford. You could have any style you wanted, so far as it was just the single type offered. With flaky rubber tires on rickety tin wheels and covered with cheap plastic, it was a thing to behold. Today, the ancestors of those old strollers are a technological wonder.

What's old is new again. For thousands of years, mothers have carried their babies in slings on the back or near the heart. Though out of fashion in many Western countries for a while, they've come back into style with a vengeance. But this ancient idea has been adapted to modern times where it's sometimes known as 'babywearing', with greatly enhanced benefits.

Think a baby hamper is just a functional item? Think again. Sure, a good hamper needs to do the job. But it can (and should) add safety, convenience and style to the list of attributes.

Every parent knows that babies can go through more clothing in a week than the average teenager getting ready for a date. The pile just keeps growing until there's time to do something about it. Which, for nannies and parents alike, is always in very short supply!

Skin care and grooming aren't just for adults. They're equally important for babies. Infant pimples aren't typically something requiring treatment, unlike the adult variety. Left alone, they usually go away safely all on their own. But there are a variety of products that are highly useful for keeping that all-important aspect of your baby's health in tune.

Grandparents today would never have thought a day would arrive when bathing the baby was fun. But modern technology has transformed what used to be a chore into a joy.

It's Time for Bath!

Newborns don't require, and generally should not have, anything more than a sponge bath. But after the first few months, especially when the child can sit up and hold its head erect, baths are great. Baby gear manufacturers have responded by offering a hundred different items that make it not just easy, but actually a lot of fun for both parent and child.

Shop for baby carriers today and you'll find a large range of slings, backpack-style and similar fabric-based devices that are great for taking the baby anywhere. They have all kinds of benefits. But they're all designed to ease carrying the child on the body. Still, the more traditional shell design retains its value as it improves technologically.

Many things about watching babies hasn't changed for thousands of years. But, happily, technology has improved one aspect dramatically. Baby monitors allow for remote viewing and listening that provides security and safety for the child and peace of mind for parents.

All About Baby Monitors

Not surprisingly, since consumer electronics has developed to such an extent over the past 10-20 years, baby monitors are now equally sophisticated. Many have become a combination of TV/Security camera, microphone and speaker, and computer all rolled into one.