Baby Club 11/09
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We all know that times are tough and let’s face it…babies are expensive! Below are just a few ways to save your dough and not deprive you or your little one. If you have a tip you’d like to share, drop us an email. We’ll be posting fresh tips every month.
Make the Change to Generic Diapers
Generic disposable diapers are better than ever these days, and are actually quite comparable to their name-brand versions. Most come with all the bells and whistles that the “fancy” brands have. They cost about 30% less than premium brands, saving you about $200-$300 per year!
Save the Whales!
Save money on electricity by saving up laundry for big loads instead of doing multiple smaller ones. Pick a designated day (or two) each week that is just for laundry. This can save you stress and help you manage your To-Do List.
Be the Photographer
Digital cameras have come such a long way. Instead of paying an arm and a leg for a professional photo session, why not have one of your own? Use the photo-maker kiosk at your neighborhood Martin’s to make prints for super-cheap.
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Do It Yourself: Homemade Baby Food
Baby's Thanksgiving Dinner
For babies 8-10 months
1 cup turkey breast or leg meat, uncooked
½ cup white potato, cubed and peeled
½ cup sweet potato, cubed and peeled
½ cup squash (your choice), cubed and peeled
1 small handful fresh/frozen cranberries
Combine all ingredients and two cups of water in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce to simmer for 20 minutes, until turkey is cooked and veggies are tender. Transfer to a mixing bowl and chop or mash as needed (you may also put in a blender or food processor for a smoother consistency).
Note: Leave meat and cranberries out for babies 6-8 months
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Are you expecting a little bundle of joy? Tune in each month as we review our favorite baby names, their origination and meaning. You just might find the perfect one!
For Him: Alfie
What does it mean? A variant of Alfred, meaning elf, magical council, and ready for battle
Where does it originate? Alfred is of Old English origin
Variant Forms/Spellings of Alfred: Ahlfred, Ailfred, Alf, Alfeo, Alfey, Alfie, Alfre, Alfredo, Avery, Elfred
Popularity: Alfie is an uncommon first name for men and an equally uncommon last name for both men and women. British soap star Jane Danson and actor husband Robert Beck have a son named Alfie Sam Robert Beck
For Her: Seraphina
What does it mean? “Burning Ones.” In Jewish scriptures, the seraphim are the highest-ranking angels of God (above angels, archangels, cherubim, etc.) They have six wings and are known for their zealous love. Also the name of a fifth-century saint.
Where does it originate? Seraphina is of Hebrew and Latin origin
Variant Forms/Spelling of Seraphina: Sarafina, Serafine, Seraphe, Serofina.
Popularity: Seraphina is an uncommon first name for women and an equally uncommon last name for both men and women. (1990 U.S. Census). Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s daughter is named Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck.
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Scary as it is, children’s products are always being recalled. Check here for the latest in what to watch out for.
Children’s Toys, Purses and Pen Cases Recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Daiso recently announced a voluntary recall of about 130 varieties of children’s toys, purses and pen cases. The surface paint on the balancing toys and zippers of the purses and pen cases contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause serious health effects. The inflatable baseball bat toys contain excessive levels of DEHP, violating the federal phthalate standard. No injuries have yet been reported. The toys sold at Daiso stores from March 2008-May 2009 for between $1 and $4. They were made in China and Vietnam.
What should you do if this affects you?
- Immediately take the recalled products away from your child and contact Daiso for a refund or exchange
- For more information contact Daiso toll-free at: (888) 580-8841 between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Pacific Time.
- View photos of the recalled toys by visiting CPSC’s website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10004.html
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Join us each month as we tackle the weird and wacky questions you have about all things baby. To submit a question, simply send us an email.
I’m getting ready to send my baby girl to daycare, but I’m concerned because so many kids who go seem to get sick a lot. Is there anything I can do to prevent this??
~ Jennifer in Osceola
It’s a fact: kids do pass infections to each other very easily in a group setting like daycare, especially during the winter season. Unless you switch to a nanny or decide to be a stay-at-home mom, you can’t prevent it entirely. But, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances your baby will be ill. Make sure that the daycare center you choose does not allow sick children to attend. You may also want to choose a smaller-sized daycare; that way your child will be exposed to fewer kids. No matter the size of your center, make sure those taking care of your child routinely wash their hands before and after changing diapers, and when helping children blow their noses. Also make sure the staff helps your baby wash her hands throughout the day.
You can also help keep your baby’s immune system as strong as possible to help her fight off infection. Breastfeeding will give her a huge advantage in preventing respiratory infections and stomach illnesses. When your baby starts eating solid food, offer a good variety to help her get the most nutrients and vitamins possible. Also, the standard stuff like ample rest and exercise, and getting the recommended immunizations will help to prevent serious infections.
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Austin Shively
Submitted by: Nicole Shively (Mother)
Birthday: January 19, 2009
In a Nutshell:
Austin is an active and happy 9 month old who is always on the move! He crawls everywhere, has learned how to climb the stairs and is trying to walk. His favorite pastimes include spending time with Mommy, Daddy and Grandma, playing with the kitten, climbing on the dog, going on walks, chasing balls and throwing things. Austin has mastered the words "mama", "dada", "cat", "dog" and "car' and likes to watch and sing with The Wiggles and Dinosaur Train on TV. He is looking forward to his first Thanksgiving and Christmas and can’t wait to try turkey!
If you have an adorable baby (0-24 months-old), send us a photo! Simply email us your photo and we’ll feature a different baby each month right here in the “Cute Baby” section of the E-Newsletter.
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Money Saving Coupons Exclusively for You!
Click on the links below to print your coupons.
Save $1 on any Top Care Baby Product purchase
Save $1 on any size pkg of Huggies Diapers
Martin's Super Markets | 760 W. Cotter St | South Bend | IN | 46613
