The benefits for your child are equally important to saving money: cloth diapered babies tend to have less diaper rash and skin irritation and they will probably be potty-trained before their disposable diaper-wearing peers.

If you are hesitant to use cloth because you fear sticking your baby in the hip with a big diaper pin or you wonder if you'll be able to wrap them correctly in order to prevent leakage, don't worry. Today's cloth diapers are much more parent-friendly and easy to use.

There is no doubt about it: diapering technology has advanced.  While it means drier bums, it can also mean intimidation for new parents.  How do you start?  Which fabric is best?  Do you need liners, doublers, or both?  And what in the world is an AIO or an AI2?

The first step is to learn about the different kinds of cloth diapers.  This isn't your grandma's square of linen anymore; you have incredible options, including:

• All in One (or AIO).  This diaper includes all the parts you need, such as an inner soaker and waterproof cover.  They are relatively easy to use and do not require additional supplies.  Many people consider them just like disposable diapers in terms of ease – the only difference is you wash it instead of throw it away!  On the con side, these take longer to dry and they can cost between $16 and $30.  Remember, though, you can use the same diaper for years.  BumGenius is a highly recommended brand, particularly their organic AIOs.
• All in Two (or AI2).  Because AIOs take so long to dry, AI2s can be a great choice.  They come apart to speed up drying times.  You simply fasten the soaker, or the inner absorbent part of the diaper, to the outer cover.

The downside to both AIOs and AI2s is that they are quite expensive because you have to have enough on hand to last until you do washing next.  Having 10 – 20 $30 diapers is a big upfront expense.  But there are some other options.

• Prefolds. These are the least expensive option.  They look like squares of cloth but have prefold seams to help make diapering a bit easier.  You fold them into a rectangle and put them inside a diaper cover (which are inexpensive and can be reused between changings). You then fasten the cover, and you are done.  You can also skip the cover and fasten the cloth diaper with a Snappi. Prefolds can be used throughout your child's diapered life – and beyond.  They can be used as diapers, liners, and soakers, as well as baby bibs (or mainly burp cloths) when thoroughly cleaned.
• Pocket diapers.  These have a waterproof outer layer and then a layer of suede cloth or microfleece inside.  In between the layers, in the pocket, you can put whatever you want for lining and increase absorbency if you need to.
• Fitted diapers. These have elastic and fasteners built in so you do not need snaps or Snappis. You will need a separate cover.  These are like a combination of prefolds and pockets.

Most parents use a combination of these options.  For instance, they may use prefolds at home and then use AIOs, AI2s, or pocket diapers for going out or when a babysitter or less experienced diaperer is watching the baby.  ClothDiapersMadeEasy has a convenient chart to help you determine how many diapers you need, depending on which option(s) you choose.

The “how” is slightly different with each type of diaper.  AIOs, for instance, work just like regular disposables.  Prefolds are probably the most intimidating at first, but you just need to practice – and invest in a few great covers and a diaper pail with liners. You can find some great video tutorials on YouTube, like the one shown below.

The most important tip is do not be intimidated.  You will soon find that it is easy to use cloth diapers, even prefolds.  You may have some new parent mishaps at first, but everyone does – even those who use disposable diapers!

Related Articles:

• Baby Diapering 101
• Baby Shower Diaper Cakes - A Gift And Centerpiece All Rolled Into One!
• Bathing Baby 101

You definitely need a crib for your baby to sleep in. She’ll probably sleep in the crib until she is about two. But when baby comes home from the hospital, she will be a precious little ball of cuteness. That crib is going to seem so big and maybe her room is down the hall from yours. That’s when a bassinet or Moses basket comes in handy.

A bassinet is going to be your best friend during the first few weeks of baby’s new life. She will sleep in it during the night and also during the day. It’s a secure place to put her down when you have to run to get the phone or if you want to change her diaper quickly without running upstairs. The bassinet is designed to go next to your bed while you are sleeping. The reason for it is so that baby can be near you without being in your bed. It’s not advised to put a small baby in bed with you as she can become entangled in covers. It’s safer to have her near you by the side of the bed.

The bassinet will be right near you so when baby cries during the night, you can get to her quickly. Nighttime feedings are easy when you have baby right there. You can even bring bottles into your room at night filled with sterilized water and keep the powder for the formula all measured out in a plastic container. Mix the bottle and you don’t have to run to the kitchen in the middle of the night. And if you are breastfeeding, you’re already there to feed baby when she cries.

The Moses basket is a different story. They sure are cute. These little woven baby baskets have a liner and are designed to hold baby in a comfortable place when she is tiny. The name of the basket is derived from the type of basket Moses from the Bible may have been placed in when he was floated down the river. The problem with the Moses basket is that it rests on the floor. If you have pets or other children, that’s probably not the safest place for a sleeping baby.

There are some good uses for the Moses basket, however. If you want to go out to eat with a friend, bring along the Moses basket and baby can sleep at your feet in it while you eat. But you can also use your stroller for that as today most come with a car seat that sits on top for this very purpose.

Another use of the Moses basket is in the home while no one but you is around. If you’re going to be doing laundry, baby can sleep in the basket by your side. When in doubt about which to buy, however, it's safe to say go with the bassinet.

Related Articles:

• Choosing a Baby Crib
• Ways To Put Babies To Sleep
• Tips for Introducing the New Baby to Your Pet

If you have relatives in the area, take advantage.  Most of the time, aunts and uncles love to get their hands on a baby and will gladly watch your little one for a few hours or for the day. It's a gift for new grandma or grandpa to be able to spend time with their precious grandchildren.  If they do it free of charge, so much the better.  If you have a sibling or friend you can rely on, that is another avenue to explore.  You may want to approach the topic of paying them and see what their feelings on the matter are.  You do not want to take advantage of them and alienate a good babysitter.

If you do not have family in the area, word-of -mouth is the best way to find a great babysitter.  Ask your friends, your neighbors, and people in your school or church community with children if they can recommend someone.  You may find that people don’t want to give you their sitter’s name for fear you’ll steal her away when they need her, but most of the time, parents are glad to recommend qualified people to you.

If you’ve just moved to a new area, you may find that your child’s teacher is able to refer you to someone that she knows and trusts.  If you know any high school teachers, ask them if they could recommend several students for the job.  Use your community resources; it is the much more reliable than depending on an ad or interviewing a total stranger.  Other options include calling the Red Cross and getting the names of babysitters who have completed their safety course in your area, advertising at a local college for students who are working in the education or other child-related field, or inquiring about possibilities from your local 4H or Girl Scout troops.   None of this guarantees a perfect baby sitter, so always ask questions and always check references.

Whether you have found someone through friends’ recommendations or by an ad you answered or posted, take the time to interview them thoroughly.  Some people look great on paper but do not handle your children very well.  Ask question after question; you can find lists online of things to ask, and do ask all of them and more.  Gauge the answers in terms of honesty, as well as ability.  Can this person take care of your child, and is she going to treat him well?

When you think you have someone in mind, see how she interacts with your child.  Keep in mind that it may take a while for your child to warm up to her, but watch how she treats him, speaks to him, and see whether she engages him in any way.  Does she offer to play games with him?  Does she ask him questions about school or his hobbies?  Look for someone who is willing to get to know your child.

If you’re still a bit apprehensive, hire her for an evening you are home.  If you’re having a party, for instance, she can keep your child occupied and put him to bed.  This way, she has direct contact with your child and can begin to build a relationship.  At the same time, you’re there in case anything goes wrong or she cannot handle your child.

Leaving your child with a new babysitter is one of the most difficult things a parent has to do.  When you find someone, though, hold on to her! Send her a little thank you gift every now and then to show her she's appreciated. You’ll feel much more comfortable leaving the house, and as importantly, your child will be just as comfortable.

Related Articles:

First Babysitters

Choosing the Right Babysitter

To make your own baby food, you will need:

• A blender, hand blender, baby food grinder, hand turned food mill, or food processor.  A fork can be a great, convenient substitute for any of these for mashing food for baby.
• Small containers for the food.
• Fresh vegetables, organic fruit, grains, and meats.

Homemade baby food is easy to make.  After thoroughly washing the food, such as carrots, you cook it by steaming or boiling it until it is very tender.  Save some of the water in which you boiled the carrots, and add it to the carrots to help you mash them.  Depending on your baby's age, you can make it very smooth or leave some texture. For younger babies, you can also add a bit of breast milk or prepared formula in place of the water.  As baby grows, you can use less liquid and start making the food have a firmer texture or more chunks.

Grains can be ground in a mill after cooking, and grains like brown rice and quinoa can be used as finger foods for older children.  To make meat dishes, remove fat and skin and cook thoroughly.  Once prepared, the meat can be pureed and mixed with a little liquid for younger babies or cut into very small pieces for older babies.

When serving homemade baby food, make sure it is no warmer than body temperature.  Make sure the foods are evenly cooked by mashing and mixing them thoroughly and testing the temperature first.  This is especially important if you are microwaving foods.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

• Prepare food from fresh produce and meat as soon after purchase (or picking) as possible. Freeze them in ice cube trays or specially made trays for this purpose.  After they have frozen, put the cubes into a plastic freezer bag.  Vegetables and fruit will keep for about six months, and meat and poultry will last from one to two months.  This will allow you to make a lot of food at once and then use it as needed.
• Put a small amount of food into a dish for feeding.  Whatever you don't use must be thrown away because your baby's saliva has touched the food and can allow bacteria to grow, so it is good to not eat from the main container.  You can refrigerate leftovers and use within a few days.
• Don't sweeten your homemade baby food with honey, sugar, or corn syrup.  Not only are these unnecessary, they are potentially hazardous for small babies. Honey, for instance, should be avoided until your child is at least one. Salt, too, is unnecessary but other seasonings are fine. Babies can tolerate different seasonings, so feel free to try them.

Start with one food, and as your child shows that he will eat it and that he tolerates it, you can add other foods.  It is a gradual process, but it is one that is giving your child a healthy start in life.

Making your own homemade baby food is great on several levels: not only is it healthier and less expensive, it also introduces your child to the concept of eating the same foods as the rest of the family.  You don't have to open a jar of strained peas for baby while your family eats chicken stir-fry, for instance. You can simply take a few more minutes and prepare healthy, real baby food.  Just skip the corn syrup-based sauces – for baby and for the rest of the family!

Want to read more? Try this article on All About Organic Food.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to a first birthday party is that it should be short.  You needn’t serve a five course meal to impress your guests.  Your guest of honor, in fact, will probably be more impressed with the bright balloons, first birthday gifts and gooey, messy cake.  This relieves the pressure of planning a menu.

To keep your little guests happy and fed, try the following toddler-friendly snacks:

• Cheerios.  These are an all-time favorite toddler finger food.  Chances are the adults won’t like picking at them much, but there are plenty of other foods to try.
• Animal crackers or Goldfish.  Fun for everyone, these are a great, minimally-messy choice.
• Apple wedges without the skin.
• Soft cheese cubes.
• Juice boxes.
• Cookies.

This will probably be more than enough to keep your little one satisfied.  You can always set a bowl of chips and dip, veggies, fruits, or candies out on the table or countertop for the adults and older children to enjoy.

If you want to serve a meal, or your party will work best at lunch or dinnertime, serve a meal that your child likes.  Well-cooked noodles are always great, and for the other guests, you can simply add a sauce so you don’t have to make separate meals.  You can also try chicken and steamed vegetables (soft enough for your child), pot pie, or other child-friendly foods.

The cake is the most important food you will serve at your child’s first birthday party.  You can always pick up a cake from your local bakery or a mix from the grocery store.  But if you want to continue the healthy eating habits that your baby has developed, why not try this healthier ice cream cake?

You will need:

• An angel food cake (which has less fat and fewer calories than regular cake)
• ½ gallon of vanilla frozen yogurt
• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or bananas
• Sugar to taste

Cut the angel food cake in half and tear one half into small pieces.  Set this aside and slice the other half into thin slices.  You’ll probably have 12 to 14.  Arrange the slices in the bottom of a baking pan lined with wax paper.  Spread the frozen yogurt over the cake.  Try to smooth it as much as possible.  Then press the cake bits into the yogurt.  Cover and put the dish into the freezer.  When it’s time to serve dessert, slice the strawberries (or bananas if you do not want to introduce berries to your child yet).  Cut the dessert into squares and put the fruit on top.  Light a candle, and you have a great dessert.

Planning a child’s birthday party can be stressful, but a one year old is very easy to please.  Give her some finger food, birthday party favors, some balloons and streamers, and a piece of cake, and you have the makings of a great first birthday party.

Related Articles:

• Baby's First Tooth
• First Birthday Party Decoration Ideas
• First Birthday Party Favors

Babies do need a number of different clothing items, along with their precious baby blankets!  Since you’re not going to have a whole lot of time, or the desire, to go out shopping after baby comes home from the hospital, get everything ready well before you have your baby.

What are the absolute necessities and what are just for fun? It’s hard to tell if you’ve never had a baby before. Everything looks so cute and cuddly. You have to start somewhere, so go with the basics.

Every baby needs at least the following items:

• Several long sleeved undershirts or onesies that snap at the bottom, newborn sized
• Several short sleeved undershirts or onesies for wearing under layers, newborn sized
• Rompers or one piece cotton outfits for awake times, you’ll need many of these as babies tend to wet themselves, spit up, or soil themselves without warning. Start with newborn sizes but have three-and six-month sizes ready to go to. Of course don't forget the baby bibs!
• Sleeping sacks. These are one piece items made of cotton that have a drawstring bottom. They are ideal for newborns as you can quickly undo the bottom drawstring, change a diaper, and get baby back to sleep with little hassle or disturbance. Buy these in newborn, but also three-and six-month sizes.
• Diapers, diapers, and more diapers. If you are using cloth diapers, you’ll need those waterproof diaper covers to prevent leakage onto clothes. If you’re using disposable, get newborn and small sizes now to have on hand.
• Socks. Baby’s feet can get cold quickly, so stock up on socks. They’re so small that they’re barely there, but you’ll need them just the same. Consider washing them in a lingerie bag when the time comes. Otherwise they’ll disappear in the dryer.
• Cute outfits for when you take baby out to the doctor’s or to Grandma’s. The best outfits are one piece or a pull on pair of pants without zippers or snaps and a onesie type shirt that snaps at the bottom. These will stay on the best and will not rub against baby’s delicate skin. You may be tempted to put baby in cute ornamented outfits with buttons and ruffles, but these can be irritating to newborn skin. If you must, dress baby up for a few minutes, snap a photo and then dress her in cotton play clothes again.
• A coat sack if you have a winter baby. If you are bringing baby home from the hospital in winter, you’ll need a coat that is also a bunting sack. These ingenious outfits have cutouts where the seatbelt of the car seat has to go through. So you can leave baby right in her coat sack and click her in safely into her seat.

Related Articles:

• Top Ten Baby Gift Ideas
• Baby Shower Crafts - Create Onesies For The New Baby
• Top 10 Personalized Baby Gifts
• Baby Food - Is Organic the Way to Go?
• How to Choose an Infant Car Seat

It will depend on the type of man you married. Some men love to be involved from the first minute you relay that you are pregnant. Others want to wait until the baby is actually born before they feel like it’s a real person. After all, a woman can feel the baby kicking and moving. A man is on the outside wondering what’s going on. So, don’t pressure your husband if he’s not as immediately as excited as you are. It may take until the delivery for your husband to realize that there’s a real person involved.

If dad seems reluctant to hold the baby, don’t fear. It doesn’t mean he’ll never bond with the baby or that they’ll never be close. All it means is that he’s not the type to rush in and start handling a delicate new baby. Many men fear doing the wrong thing or hurting the baby by accident. A man may feel clumsy and insecure with such a tiny baby in his care. Don’t blame him; just take a little time to gently advise him on how babies work.

Involve your husband from the very beginning. Take a birthing class together and be sure that he’s right there in the delivery room with you. Give him opportunities to do more and more tasks that involve baby’s care. Let him help with baths and get baby dressed. If he doesn’t feel ready, don’t push him. It can be daunting to hold such a tiny person and not know what to do next.

After a while, start leaving your husband to take care of the baby for a few minutes at a time. Don’t make an announcement that he’s going to be alone, but just go run off for a shower or clean up your room or do some laundry. Make sure he knows he’s got the baby for a few minutes and then take a little break. As he does more and more for and with the baby, he will want to be more involved naturally.

Have a sense of humor about dad’s abilities. He’s probably never seen a onesie before and has no idea which side is the front of a diaper. Help him get acclimated and then let him do it his own way. As long as baby is not being hurt, there’s no harm in a diaper that’s put on slightly crooked or socks that don’t go with an outfit. Let go of perfection and accept help. Praise him for helping and tell him he did a good job. The more he bonds with baby, the more everyone will benefit. You will have more time and baby will get to know his daddy.

Give it time. No one is born knowing how to care for a baby. In time, he will be more and more involved and feel like he has more confidence in caring for baby. And pretty soon you’ll have to pry baby away from him just to put her down for a nap.

Related Content:

• Great Ways To Get Dad Involved with a New Baby
• Gift Ideas for the New Dad
• Favorite TV Dads
• 5 Gadgets for Father's Day
• Children Need Their Fathers Too

Sorting is always a good idea. If you pull out a batch of laundry and ask your grandchildren to sort the socks, they’ll think it’s the best game ever. Give them a chance to sort some socks while you fold laundry. Then make sock puppets out of any lone socks you find. Add felt embellishments and googly eyes. Hold a puppet show afterwards.

Allow kids to rifle through your drawers. Jewelry drawers are kid magnets. Let both boys and girls look through your jewelry if they seem interested. There’s nothing like a new drawer of goodies to spark the imagination. Show them your charm bracelet, personalized jewelry or high school ring. They’ll remember it and ask to see it again and again. Anything that is special or different will remind them of you from now on. Even those red plastic hoop earrings from the ‘80s will become meaningful to them.

Bake something. Kids love to help out in the kitchen, but when it’s with grandma’s bowls and her chocolate chips it’s so much more fun. Be sure to eat the cookies hot out of the oven with cold milk. These are the memories that your grandchildren will have forever. If there’s a famous recipe in your family, teach it to them and let them help make it. While you have a captive audience, you might as well pass down a tradition or two.

Depending on kids’ ages, they may be happy just pulling out an air mattress and reading books with you. The novelty will go a long way. They may tell their parents they had the time of their lives when all you did was cuddle and read to them.

Let them do one thing they are not allowed to do at home, within reason. If mom says no ice cream in the living room, let them have a small bowl while watching a movie. You’ll be the favoritest grandma and grandpa ever. Just don’t break too many of your daughter or son’s rules or they may not be too happy with you. But within reason, it’s all in good fun.

Is there a holiday coming up? Use it as an excuse to make decorations or to set up the Christmas tree. Kids love seeing what is in grandma and grandpa’s attic and basement, so let them help take out decorations that have been stored and that maybe they have never seen.

You will be a favorite if you actually listen to your grandchildren’s stories. Sitting with a bowl of popcorn and talking is often the only activity you need. Watch a movie that can become “your” movie together. And they’ll ask to watch it every time they come. When they’re older, you can give them their copy and they’ll always remember they watched it at their grandparents’ home.

Related Articles:

• Children Craft Ideas For Grandparents Day
• Grandparent's Day Idea - Write your Family History
• Grandparent's Day Fun Facts

Here are some baby bathing tips to keep in mind for newborns and young infants:

• The most important rule is Never Walk Away. Don’t walk away from an infant in a tub or sink for any reason whatsoever. Your Aunt Margaret can call back. The UPS guy can leave the package at the door. You are chained to the tub or sink until baby’s bath is over. Infants can drown in less than one inch of water in less than a few seconds. So, don’t be scared, but don’t be careless.
• Use warm water only. Babies have such tender skin that they can be sensitive to temperatures adults would consider fine. Use a baby bath thermometer. These come in cute shapes and you probably got one at your shower. Test the water first before putting baby in and never run the faucet directly on baby.
• It’s best to bathe baby in a sink fitted with a plastic baby bath tub. You won’t have to bend over a tub and besides, baby is too small for a full tub bath. Just clear out the dishes and place the bath tub right in the sink.
• Fill the bath water before baby gets in. Ensure that it is the right temperature (your thermometer will have markings to tell you when it’s safe) and then gently place baby into the baby bath tub.
• You only need a dime sized dot of baby bath. The less the better. It’s hard to rinse a wiggling infant, so just use a little on a washcloth. Never pour baby bath directly on a newborn’s head as it may get in their eyes and will be hard to rinse out.
• You’re there to hold the baby at all times. You may want another pair of hands there for your first few baby baths. Don’t move from baby to grab lotion or a towel. Your hands stay on baby at all times.
• Support his head and talk to baby during the bath. Most babies love their bath, but the first few times he may be cold or sense your nervousness. Don’t worry. It gets better and soon he’ll be cooing right back at you.
• You don’t need to run the faucet water over baby to rinse him. Gently clean between baby’s toes and fingers where formula or breast milk can hide and then use a plastic cup to gently run some of the tub water over baby to rinse.
• Because tiny infants get cold quickly, make bath time a fast in and out. Save the toys from the baby bath gift baskets til later. As baby gets older you can spend more time playing and splashing. But tiny infants need to be dried off and swaddled in a blanket or hooded towel before they have time to catch a chill.
• Arrange to have help getting baby dressed after the bath at least for the first few times. You’ll wrap baby in a dry towel and carry him to his changing area. Have pjs or a new outfit ready to go. You’ll need diapers, socks, t-shirt and pants along with any other layers. Be sure that you send someone to get them for you and never walk away from a baby on a changing table. Not even for one short second while you reach for a diaper. If you find you are missing something at the changing table, carry baby with you to get the item. Even the smallest of infants can fall off a changing table in a fraction of a second. Better safe than terribly sorry.

More Newborn Tips:

• What to Bring For An Overnight Trip with Baby or Toddler
• How To Babyproof Your Home
• Tips for Introducing the New Baby to Your Pet
• Eco-Friendly Baby Tips

You can find teethers of every shape and size. Today’s teethers often come in shapes that look so much like regular toys you’d never guess that they even are teethers. But some of the best teethers are liquid filled. They are great because you can freeze them in the freezer. When baby chews on the cold ring or shape, the iciness is just enough to soothe the pain of teething. The liquid inside is harmless and it is designed to withstand constant biting. They are washable and refreezable, so they are perfect.

Choose a teether that will be easy for baby to handle. Chubby little fingers need objects that are easy to grab, like a ring. If it’s too heavy or bulky, baby won’t be able to pick it up. Check the safety of the teether before giving it to your baby. Make sure it has no BPAs, the harmful material in some plastic. Make sure any paint or coating is non-toxic and can’t chip off. Also, check where the teether is made and whether it is up to snuff on U.S. regulations for safety. Be careful with any from overseas that may not have to adhere to the same standards to be sold.

Teething toys actually help baby’s brain to develop. They will encourage baby to check out his environment, explore, and exhibit curiosity towards objects. These are all great ways for him to develop ideas about the world around him.

You can get soft or hard teethers and either solid or liquid filled teethers. Try a few different kinds to see which your baby prefers. It may be that one day he prefers to chew on a teether blanket and the next day he’s grabbing for a gel-filled one. It’s fine to alternate as long as each choice is proven safe for use with babies.

The age that your child may start noticing and wanting a teether can vary. Some babies want them at eight months and others later. It depends a lot on when he gets his first teeth and how fast his teeth come in. If it’s very painful for him to teethe, he may want to chew on a teether all day. Those are times when you can ask your pediatrician whether it’s ok to give him something like Anbesol to soothe his gums.

Teethers are great for distracting babies, helping to alleviate tooth pain, and allowing babies another tool for exploring their world. Choose a teether based on the style you like as well as what baby seems to gravitate towards. There’s always a new model coming out and you'll have plenty to choose from.

If you are giving a teether as a baby gift, ask the parents what kind she might like or buy a few types so the parents can experiment with the different textures and brands.