H1N1 has been our first pandemic flu since....? I actually don't remember the last pandemic flu we have had. This strain of the flu was first detected in individuals in the US this past April, and with its' growth in areas around the world the World Health Organization (WHO) gave it the pandemic label in June of 2009. However, even with this scary label of "pandemic," this illness does not have to be fatal if we take some simple and logical precautions.

First, and foremost, the flu virus remains alive and active for anywhere between 2 to 8 hours after contamination. That means that any surface in your home can stay infected with either the H1N1 flu or seasonal flu for that period of time. How many people touch your doorknob in an 8-hour period of time? How many of those individuals fall into the risk categories?  

Many of the households in the United States have children or elderly living in them, and these are the family members we need to protect the most. Here is a list of the most common and effective ways to prevent the flu virus from contaminating your home: 

• First and foremost it is important to have frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds at a pop. If frequent hand washing is unrealistic, such as in the workplace, it is important to always have a hand sanitizer handy to use in between hand washings. 
• Try to keep children from touching their eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible to prevent germ contamination from their hands and fingers. 
• Be vigilant about wiping down all hard surfaces, especially those in common areas, with a household disinfectant at the highest potency deemed safe. Pay special attention to remember areas in bedrooms and bathrooms in addition to family rooms and kitchens. Not only will you be killing unsafe and pesky germs, your home will smell lemon fresh! 
• Dispose of any tissues used during the illness immediately after use and wash your hands thoroughly after contact with them.

If unfortunately you have contracted either the H1N1 or seasonal flu, it is best to have healthy family members, if possible, care for your children or elderly relatives. If you are sick, and unfortunately have no one else to care for your children, please follow these simple guidelines to protect your children's health.  

• Wear a face mask over your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs from coughing. 
• Wash hands frequently. 
• Do not touch yours or your children's eyes, nose, or mouth. 
• If you are breastfeeding an infant, do not quit, as no known passing of the virus has been detected through breast milk. Just make sure that your skin is clean and sanitary for your baby prior to feeding.  

Remember, the flu season is here and can be dangerous; however, it can be managed if you decide to remain vigilant and alert to the potential dangers around you and your loved ones.

This article has been featured at Ezine Articles and can be seen at: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=3304048.

Pregnant Women - What You Want To Know About the H1N1 Flu

Compared to the general population, pregnant and expecting women are more likely to catch the flu than any other population in the U.S. Even scarier than this, a pregnant woman with the H1N1 virus is more likely to have to be admitted to a hospital, more likely to have serious illness, and are more likely to die from H1N1 than any other of our populations. In fact, there have been many cases in the U.S. of deaths to pregnant women from this virus.

A pregnant woman experiences many changes in her body during pregnancy to her immune system, heart, and lungs, making her very susceptible to severe illnesses.  A woman’s systems do not change back to normal until about 2 weeks after giving birth. Because of this, an expecting woman needs to avoid close contact with any person experiencing an illness.

This is not good news for those expecting; however, there is no reason to panic if you start to experience flu-like symptoms. It is important to have a plan in place for reaching your doctor quickly by telephone if you think you have the flu.

If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms, Contact Your Physician Right Away:

• ·      Fever
  
• ·      Cough
  
• ·      Sore Throat
  
• ·      Runny or Stuffy Nose
  
• ·      Body Aches
  
• ·      Headaches
  
• ·      Chills, or
  
• ·      Fatigue (abnormal from your regular fatigue level)
  

Please note that a fever should be treated right away. Begin taking acetaminophen immediately when a fever is recognized as it can cause severe problems for both the baby and the pregnant woman. Also, a woman who has given birth or lost a pregnancy within the past 2 weeks of contracting the flu is in additional risk for complications, including death, and should contact her doctor immediately if experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Although the presence of these symptoms may not mean that you have the flu, it is always better to be safe than sorry; however, if it is indicative of the flu, treatment is most successful if instigated within 48 hours of the symptom occurrence.  If you do become sick with the flu, do not leave your home except to seek medical care. Also, do not leave your home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medications.

Flu vaccinations are the best way to prevent getting any of the flu viruses. Antiviral medications are the only prevention for severe illness. Both the vaccines and medications have been deemed safe for pregnant women to take. There are TWO (2) flu vaccines that should be received by pregnant women - the H1N1 Flu and the Seasonal Flu - and are available in two forms:

• ·      Arm Injection (dead virus) – RECOMMENDED FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
  
• ·      Nasal Mist (live vaccine) – NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
  

The H1N1 and Seasonal flu vaccine contains thimerosal, a mercury preservative that helps to keep the vaccine sanitary, and has not been shown to cause any harm to a pregnant woman or her baby. However, because some women are concerned about taking thimerosal during pregnancy, companies have made a preservative-free vaccine for both the H1N1 and Seasonal flu in single dose syringes for pregnant women and children.

For a pregnant woman who already has the H1N1 flu, the antiviral Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) have been shown to be the most effective ways to make the illness milder and prevent serious health problems that can occur.  A pregnant woman should not delay or deny herself treatment from these medications from fear of residual affects to her baby; the harm is far greater to have the illness and go untreated than to treat with a doctor’s recommended regime.

This articles has been featured on Ezine Articles and can be found at http://EzineArticles.com/?id=3257534.

What's That Question Again? To Use Or Not To Use?......

I recently looked into pregnancy forums to see what pressing questions expecting mothers have about bassinets and bassinet safety. Here are the top three frequently asked questions followed by some hopefully helpful and informative answers for those of you expecting!

Question #1 – Which is better to use - a bassinet or a crib?

This question has neither a right nor a wrong answer. The choice between using a bassinet or a crib is really up to personal preference. There are many pros to choosing a bassinet, however, and here is a list of the most common benefits:

·      You can keep baby in your room for convenient night feedings (whether you nurse or not)

·      You can keep baby right next to your bed for easier recovery after a C-Section

·      Bassinets are portable

·      Chores are easier to accomplish when you have baby in the room with you to check on, rather than having to stop your chores and leave the room to check on baby

·      You can develop sounder sleeping babies when you have them sleeping in a room that has activity in it as they get used to sleeping through noise

·      Bassinets offer a smaller, more confined space that comforts a newborn baby in sleep

·      Parents feel more comfortable and have less fears when their baby sleeps in their room during the night

Question #2 – How do you transition your baby from a bassinet to a crib?

This, again, becomes an issue of personal choice; however, this time it becomes the personal preference of your baby. Although the sky could be the limit in this topic, I have assembled a list of tips that will surely soothe 99% of babies in the bassinet to crib transition.

·      Swaddle baby tightly to imitate the confined cocoon-like feeling a bassinet helps imitate

·      Move the bassinet into baby’s nursery to sleep in before actually transitioning the baby to her crib

·      Try lying baby close to the side crib bumpers when you lay her down to help her feel close and confined to a side barrier

·      Attach a musical mobile to the crib

·      Play lullaby music on a CD

·      Sing to baby while letting her grasp your finger as she falls asleep

Although this may not comfort all babies, trying these suggestions may just solve your problem in a hurry!

Question #3 – Is it safer to have a newborn baby in a bassinet instead of a crib?

Three guesses what my answer will be!  You got it – not technically; however, there are a few safety issues that can be addressed with the use of a bassinet:

·      If you have baby in a bassinet in the room you are occupying, whether it be at night or during the day, you can immediately hear and respond to any emergency or situation that may arise

·      Having baby next to you at night means that you can quickly check on them without even getting out of bed. This in turn translates to better sleep for you, which is always safer J, but also translates to checking on baby more often since it can be done by simply opening your eyes.

·      Finally, having baby in the same room as you means that she doesn’t have to work up into an angry tantrum before being heard, meaning that you can respond to a calm baby’s needs, instead of a screaming baby’s needs. Also, it has now been proven that babies that are allowed to cry for long periods of time are actually destroying brain cells, and that is the last thing I want happening to my newborn baby.

·      Bassinet safety is based on using new, undamaged equipment. The CPSC has reported a study that found that approximately 50 infant deaths per year are caused by using old, borrowed, or heirloom bassinets or cribs. The dangers occur because the pieces may have been manufactured prior to publication of the most up-to-date bassinet safety standards and regulations, or they may just be used and abused in ways that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Parents, you wouldn’t use an old and used car seat, would you? The same principle applies.

Bassinet safety is always dependant on your particular item, however. Remember that any crib or bassinet that has been recalled needs to be immediately disposed of so that no chance of baby injury can occur.

Hopefully this helps to answer the most questioned topics involving bassinets and bassinet safety. I should mention in closing that the only con to using a bassinet is that you may spend money on an item that is not absolutely necessary - depending on how you look at it. Again, even this statement comes down to your point of view and personal preference.

This articles has been featured on EZine Articles and can be found at http://EzineArticles.com/?id=3149660.

Flu Season - Since When Did They Start Naming the Strains Like STAR WARS Characters?

The H1N1 virus - who else could not help but think of R2D2?

Seriously though, I have a lot of concerns this winter about the flu. Case in point: I have a son who is is four years old (RISK) who rides a school bus (RISKY) four days a week to preschool (RISKY RISKY!). I have a daughter who is two going on three, and a baby boy who will be a year in a few weeks. Already, they have all three been down with stuffy and runny noses and a cough.

I have to admit I am getting a little nervous about the upcoming winter season with all the warnings you hear about the flu every year, and the H1N1 has hit Cedar City already. In fact, my babysitter already contracted it and beat it a few weeks ago. Is it as scary as it was 2 years ago when it was all the media spoke about? Or have we had enough time to develop enough vaccines?

I plan on getting the kids vaccinated, but then I heard something about parents being against the H1N1 vaccine, but don't remember where I heard the rumor.

Does anyone else have any information about flu season this year they would like to share? This is a discussion I would really like to pursue to inform all mothers out there what to worry about and what is just babble.

Your Newborn Can Literally Be A "Babe In Toyland"

I am dating myself, a little, by sharing with you fond memories of watching Walt Disney pictures “Babes in Toyland” when I was just young. It was old when I watched it, back when you went to Video Tyme and chose from a wall of VHS or Beta movies. There was no Hollywood Video, Blockbuster, and I’m sure Netflix wasn’t a twinkle in anyone’s eye!

No, just the joy of walking into the children’s section and viewing a wall of white, plastic VHS tape holders with pictures of various Disney movies or cartoons. My brother and I always chose the movie we wanted to see based on the picture. But I will never forget the day we saw and chose “Babes in Toyland” and remember how nostalgic I felt watching a movie based around toys, toy making, and Christmas.

When I first saw the Badger Basket Convertible 2-in-1 Bassinet and Toy Chest, immediately my mind began playing the song, “Toyland…toyland…dear little girl and boy land.” What an absolutely useful, darling and practical combination of two of life’s joys – newborn babies and toys – for which of course you need a toy chest!

This beautiful little rocking bassinet is anchored onto a white, wooden storage compartment that can be used to keep your most used items handy – blankets, diapers, wipes, extra clothing, etc.  The handy – and portable – bassinet can be lifted off its’ base and transported anywhere in your home or travels.  Then, when the baby has outgrown the beautiful bassinet, you simply attach the provided wooden sides to the bottom storage compartment and it magically becomes baby’s first toy chest to be enjoyed for many years to come. 

Due to it’s white nature, the toy chest can be sanded and painted any color to blend with your décor, or you could become creative and wallpaper the sides with the nursery wall border. The sky is the limit with this blank canvas and your customization can make this one of your favorite memoirs from your baby’s childhood.

The bassinet itself can be purchased in different nursery appropriate colors such as white, ecru, sage, pink, and blue, in either a traditional ruffled style or a sophisticated pleated style sure to catch the most critical eye. The toy chest/storage compartment is situated on caster wheel rollers so the bassinet can be easily switched to a rocking cradle with a quick flip of the wheel, for those times when your newborn needs a little comforting rocking motion.

Whenever I think of a tiny newborn baby in the comfort of one of these toy chest bassinets, I cannot help but get warm fuzzies inside and smile – because literally, that little one has become a real-life “Babe in Toyland.” And I love the thought of that.   


Paige Pehrson Marsh is the owner of Lullaby Bassinets, an online baby bassinet boutique. Paige began this site after having three babies in three years, and found that bassinets were beneficial in keeping her newborn babies safe yet nearby while going about her daily activities. Now, she has the opportunity to spread the joy to other new moms with the same concerns! See for yourself how much functionality and beauty a toy chest bassinet  gives you and your home!


This articles has been featured on EZine Articles and can be found at http://EzineArticles.com/?id=3058391


This article has been featured on HubPages.com and can be found at http://hubpages.com/hub/Am-I-Old-If-I-Remember-Babes-in-Toyland. 

"Just Say No" to Heirloom Bassinets and Moses Baskets

     As stated above, saying no to old and used bassinets, moses baskets, and cradles may be just as important as saying no to drugs. Just like car seat safety, it is important to purchase new equipment when it comes to areas that your baby will be spending a lot of time, like in the piece shown here.

     Purchasing a moses basket will allow you to keep your newborn baby in a safe and secure bed while allowing you the flexibility of keeping the baby nearby. This portability benefit will give baby safety and security as you can keep him safe from other children and pets, and be able to keep an ear on him for any signs of distress.

    Here are a few more baby safety tips recommended by ConsumerReports.org:

• Don't leave your baby unattended in a rocking cradle. Use the hardware to stop the rocking motion before your baby's bed and naptime, and around pets and toddlers.

  
• If you carry or move a bassinet or cradle, do it without your child in it.

  
• Use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer and only the fitted sheet made for the bassinet, and put your baby to sleep in a wearable blanket (swaddle sack) instead of covering him with a blanket.

  
• Don't add any bedding, such as a mattress, pillow, comforter, or padding, to your baby's bassinet or cradle.

  
• Don't let strings, toys suspended from a mobile, or window blind or curtain cords hang into the bassinet. Position the mobile so your baby can't reach it. Don't worry; it will still stimulate him. And don't add any suspended toys on your own. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, place your baby on her back in a cradle or bassinet, just as you would in a full-size crib.

Source:       http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/nursery-furniture/nursery-furniture-bassinets/furnishing-the-nursery-crib-alternatives-503/bassinet-and-cradle-safety/0704_crib-alternatives_bassinet-and-cradle-safety.htm

     Your newborn baby is a precious commodity and deserves to have the safest and most up-to-date equipment your budget allows. There are many safe and budget friendly products in the baby world to choose from so take your time, look around, and choose a bassinet that makes you smile when you walk into the nursery – because you never know what dirty diaper might be lurking behind that door!  “Just say Yes” to baby safety!!

This article has been featured on EZine Articles and can be found at: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=3038621

Paige Pehrson Marsh is the owner of Lullaby Bassinets, an online baby bassinet boutique. Paige began this site after having three babies in three years, and found that a moses basket was beneficial in keeping her newborn babies safe yet nearby while going about her daily activities. Now, she has the opportunity to spread the joy to other new moms with the same concerns! See for yourself how much functionality and beauty a baby bassinet gives you and your home!  

Be The First One On Your Block - Choose the Round Bassinet!

Do you want the same old ho-hum nursery for your baby that your friends have created? Or, do you imagine walking into your nursery and seeing a glowing golden light cascading from above to rest upon and highlight your baby's bed with a beautiful amber glow? And don't forget hearing that familiar angelic "aaaaaaaaaaaa" tune that is experienced with these sightings!

Let's back up a little. When I first found out I was having a baby, I went through all the emotions and feelings you get when encountering your first pregnancy. One of my favorite things to sit and dream about was the way the baby's nursery would look - was the baby a girl or a boy, what colors would I choose, what theme would I choose - you get the picture. I am the type of person who wants uniqueness in her decor, and I quickly decided I wanted to have a round crib instead of a traditional rectangular style.

     I started doing internet research to see if I could find round cribs as the stores in my hometown of Las Vegas only carried traditional styles. I was shocked and very disappointed to find that the only round cribs in this style carried with them a hefty price tag from $1800 - 5000. I could actually feel my spirits deflating.

Recently, I discovered that bassinets were being offered in non-traditional styles, such as round, and I am sooo jealous that I have already had my three babies, and being recently divorced, don't know if I will have any more children that would need such a piece.

Round bassinets come in a variety of colors and wood finishes to complement any nursery decor, and are accessorized with beautiful canopies that make these pieces look almost like renaissance-era tents. And the best part of it all? They are priced in a family-friendly budget range so that any mom can now afford to own a round bassinet.

One of the best features of using a bassinet is the small enclosed space used for the baby. Newborn babies feel safer and are more comfortable in small, tight enclosures that more closely resemble their time in the womb. This in turn correlates to better sleep patterns for your baby.  (Priceless!!)

So, I suggest you click on the links below and discover for yourself just how beautiful your nursery can be with a distinctive round bassinet!

Paige Pehrson Marsh is the owner of Lullaby Bassinets, an online baby bassinet boutique. Paige began this site after having three babies in three years, and found that bassinets were beneficial in keeping her newborn babies safe yet nearby while going about her daily activities. Now, she has the opportunity to spread the joy to other new moms with the same concerns! See for yourself how much functionality and beauty a round bassinet gives you and your home!

This article has been featured on EZine Articles and can be found at http://EzineArticles.com/?id=2986912.

This article has been featured on HubPages.com and can be found at http://hubpages.com/hub/Be-the-First-One-on-Your-Block-Choose-the-Round-Bassinet