Thursday, December 04, 2014

Too many parents still ignore dangers of baby blankets


Sudden infant death syndrome is a parent's worst nightmare and often one that's preventable. However, too many U.S. infants still sleep with blankets, pillows or other unsafe bedding that may lead to suffocation or sudden death, despite guidelines recommending against the practice. That's according to researchers who say 17 years of national data show parents need to be better informed.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health and federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed annual telephone surveys involving a total of nearly 20,000 parents. Back in 1993, almost 7 out of 8 parents used blankets or other soft bedding for their infants; the number dropped sharply over the years but by 2010, more than half still were doing so. The practice was most common among young mothers, blacks and Hispanics. The study was published Monday in Pediatrics.
Accidental suffocation in bed, though uncommon, is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in infants. While the number of deaths from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) has declined in recent years, it still totaled about 2,000 in 2010.
For more than a decade, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the NIH and safety experts have warned parents against using soft bedding in infants' cribs, either over or under the baby. That includes blankets, quilts, cushiony crib bumpers, pillows and soft toys.
That doesn't mean letting babies freeze; experts recommend safe sleepwear including one-piece sleepers, and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature
Another study published in July in the journal Pediatrics, looked at the sleep-related factors linked to sudden infant death. The researchers found SIDS involving newborns up to three months old often was a result of sharing a bed with a parent, also known as co-sleeping. Deaths among slightly older infants ages 3 to 12 months was often related to the crib environment, such as objects that rolled into the sleeping area or unsafe bedding which caused suffocation.
The decline in SIDS deaths is often attributed to the government's "Back to Sleep" campaign emphasizing the importance of placing babies to sleep on their backs, not stomachs.
"Rates of SIDS have dropped more than 50 percent, so really just getting rid of that one risk factor has really made a huge impact," medical contributor Dr. Holly Phillips said in July on "CBS This Morning."
To encompass other sleep-related risks, including suffocation, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and its partners renamed the effort the "Safe to Sleep" campaign in 2012. Safe practices include having babies sleep alone in cribs or bassinets, not putting them to sleep on couches, water beds or sheepskin that could smother a young infant.
These infant deaths "are tragic and they're just not necessary," said study co-author Marian Willinger, a SIDS expert at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.



Thursday, November 13, 2014

Stay in and Save!
 

 We know it's freezing out.  Actually below freezing!  So stay inside and shop online at Real Baby.  Today only we are offering 20% off  your online purchase of anything in our store! Just use coupon code COLDOUT14 (all caps) at check out to receive this discount.  20% off our entire selection of online products with No exclusions!  Take advantage of the cold and stay inside and get a jump on your holiday shopping and save at Real Baby!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Breastfeeding Tips!


Are there any foods I should avoid while breastfeeding

Some nursing moms find they can eat whatever they like. While it's true that some strongly flavored foods may change the taste of your milk, most babies seem to enjoy a variety of breast milk flavors! Generally, the dominant flavors of your diet — whether soy sauce or chili peppers — were in your amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Fetuses swallow a fair amount of amniotic fluid before birth, so when they taste those flavors again in their mother's breast milk, they're already accustomed to them.

 

10 tips for breastfeeding success

Watch a lactation consultant help a new mom learn how to breastfeed her baby.
Occasionally a baby will be fussy at the breast or gassy after you eat a particular food. If you notice a pattern, avoid that food for a few days. To test whether that food really was the cause, reintroduce it once and see if there's an effect. Mothers report that babies most often object to chocolate; spices (cinnamon, garlic, curry, chili pepper); citrus fruits and their juices, like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit; strawberries; kiwifruit; pineapple; the gassy veggies (onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers); and fruits with a laxative effect, such as cherries and prunes.
A daily cup or two of coffee is fine, but too much caffeine can interfere with your baby's sleep or make him fussy. Remember that caffeine is also found in some sodas, teas, and over-the-counter medicines.
It's also okay to have an occasional alcoholic drink. But having more than one drink increases your blood alcohol level to the point that the alcohol gets into your milk. If you plan on having more than one drink at a time, wait two hours per drink before resuming nursing (or nurse, then have your glass of wine). There's no need to pump and dump unless your breasts are full and it's still not time to feed your baby. Moderate or heavy drinking is definitely not recommended while breastfeeding. An old wive's tale suggests that dark beer increases milk production, but recent studies suggest this is not true and that alcohol, in fact, reduces milk production.
If your baby has allergy symptoms (such as eczema, fussiness, congestion, or diarrhea), they may be caused by something he's in regular contact with, such as soap, mildew, or foods he's eating himself. Or he may be reacting to foods you eat that get into his system via your breast milk. It usually requires a bit of detective work to figure out exactly what's causing the sensitivity.
If you think that something you're eating is causing problems for your baby, it's usually something you've eaten two to six hours before feeding. The most common culprits include cows' milk products, followed by soy, wheat, egg, nuts, and corn or corn syrup.
Talk to your baby's doctor before you omit any foods from your diet. If avoiding a food could cause a nutritional imbalance (for example, if you eliminate all dairy products), you may need to see a nutritionist for advice on substituting other foods or taking nutritional supplements. Continue taking your prenatal vitamin as long as your baby's fully breastfed to cover any gaps in your own diet.

Thursday, September 04, 2014

Poorly placed sticker!

Someone wasn't paying attention when they priced this or Disney is moving into the adult market!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Pain While Breastfeeding


One of the biggest myths that I encounter every day in my practice as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant is that it is normal to have pain while breastfeeding.  Pain is a sign that our body is telling us that something is wrong.  Many nursing mothers feel that they should have pain while feeding their babies, or that the skin needs time to toughen-up. I see many clients in my office at two weeks with nipple pain that hasn't gone away and now they are dreading the feedings. Typically, slight nipple pain can turn into a chronic problem if not corrected.  Nipple pain that goes uncorrected turns into chronic, long-term breast pain or shooting pains in the breast. Many mothers feel they have a yeast problem, when really it is probably due to trauma, or a latch issue.  One of the simplest fixes is to have solid latch assistance from a Lactation Consultant. With some valuable time, the mother and the baby can learn how to achieve a deeper latch, decreasing nipple pain, improving milk removal by the baby, which improves milk supply and weight gain in the baby!  The sooner the correction of the latch, the sooner the overall improvement!  So, I am all for not to have pain!?

Marianne Kmak RN, BSN, IBCLC
Nourish Family Center

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Explore Colorado with your kids!


Five ways to explore Colorado with kids


In Colorado, age is indeed a state of mind, and for families looking for adventure, the options seem almost endless.
From the finest forest rambles nature has to offer to man-made amusements with a high squeal factor, there's something for everyone.
Here are five ways to explore, get some fresh air and exercise, and most important, have fun and make memories with your family in some of the state's best summer getaway spots.

Experience family-friendly high country fun in ...

1. Estes Park, RMNP

2. Glenwood Springs

3. Snowmass

4. Steamboat Springs

5. Vail







Friday, April 18, 2014

Munchkin Latch Event at Real Baby Was a Huge Success!


Our Munchkin latch bottle event was a smashing success!  We want to thank all of the moms and families that showed up to learn and share ideas!  Real baby would especially like to thank our new friends Jamie The Denver House Wife,  Jessica and Maithili from Konnect Public Relations, Marianne Kmak from Kmak Breastfeeding Support Service and Censie from Building Our Story.  Thank you all for making this event so fun and  memorable.  The Latch bottle was well received by all the moms in attendance, and I saw three or four babies using and enjoying the bottle right away!  Thanks Munchkin!  We Can't wait to see you all at our next event!







Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Great new bottles from Munchkin!

We love the new Latch bottles from Munchkin!  Beautiful and simple design makes so much sense!

See how the LATCH nipple stretches from Munchkin on Vimeo.


Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Learn to Love cooking with your kids


Cooking with your children can be challenging and at times stressful.  However, if you take the time to teach and take some simple steps to make it fun, you will be rewarded in so many ways!  Your children will learn an appreciation for what you do to create all of their meals.  They will learn to love new foods and be less fussy about new ingredients.  They will learn healthy habits and a love for good food and healthy ingredients.  They will learn a life skill that will help them from high school through college all the way to becoming a great spouse!  Her are a few simple steps and ideas to get you started on cooking with your child!


Create a kids cooking station:  seat your child at the dinner table or counter away from the heat so you  can continue to cook but still involve your child with a few tasks.

Start small:  give toddlers little tasks that won't slow down your meal preparations, such as stirring, finding ingredients, or rinsing vegetables.  You can increase your little chefs responsibilities as they age.

Create a menu together:  Encourage your kids to look at your cookbooks, magazines or cooking shows for recipes that they are interested in.  They will be excited with the end result! 

Get them cleaning:  keep cleaning equipment close by and enlist your kidskin the cleanup along every step of cooking.  It will teach them organization and cleanliness.

Invite a friend to cook:  invite a friend over who loves to cook.  Your children will learn new things from your friend and you will have some company!

Accept that not all kids like to cook:  Just like our grown up friends, not all kids are interested in cooking.  Instead, have them set the table or come up with a fun table display of food.  They can fold napkins or make menus, or decide with platters and plates to use.  They will have just as much fun as cooking!

Teach essential skills:  As your children get older, slowly incorporate essential cooking skills such as, peeling potatoes and veggies and  basic knife skills and safety.  Don't be afraid to help create a true chef!

Have fun and give praise:  Above all, don't forget to enjoy your time with your child.  This is a fun learning experience for both of you.  praise your child's efforts as they explore this great new world.  It will payoff for both of you!

Take a Parent/Child cooking class:  get out of your kitchen and into someone else's!  There are numerous classes out there that can be fun for your whole family.  Learn new skills and new recipes.  Most importantly, make a mess in someone else's kitchen!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Be Loyal!


We Love Our Loyal Customers! 

Join our new loyalty program and begin earning rewards and taking advantage of exclusive promotions. It's quick and easy!   

Simply download the free Loyal Blocks App and show us your virtual punchcard at checkout. For every $25 you spend you will receive a punch.  Collect ten virtual punches and receive a $50 Real Baby gift card to use on your next visit!    
As an added incentive, sign up and receive 10% off of your first purchase!   
 We will also offer exclusive promotions to our Loyal Blocks members, so sign up today! 


 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Graco Car Seat Recall

Graco Recalls Nearly 3.8 Million Child Car Seats


The My Ride 70 was one of the models recalled by Graco.
The My Ride 70 was one of the models recalled by Graco.
Graco
Graco is recalling nearly 3.8 million car seats because buckles may be hard to release, posing a danger in the case of an accident.
The AP reports that despite the massive recall, which involves 11 models sold from 2009 through 2013, The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is unhappy with the company.
The NHTSA wants Graco to recall another 1.8 million rear-facing infant car seats because the regulators say they suffer from the same problem. Graco meanwhile argues the buckles stop working properly when debris and liquids are dropped into them. In a scathing letter to the company (pdf), the NHTSA said it is "completely foreseeable that children will eat or drink while seated in their car seat." Debris and liquids, the NHTSA argues, "should not inhibit or prevent the buckle from its intended function as a 'quick release device.'"
USA Today talked to Graco, which said that the infant car seats can be taken out of a car with the child still strapped in — that is the car seat can be detached from a base that's strapped to the car seat. The paper adds:
"Graco said it is offering an improved replacement harness buckle to affected consumers at no cost.
"'Graco would like to stress this does not in any way affect the performance of the car seat or the effectiveness of the buckle to restrain the child,' the company said in the statement."
The recalled models, USA Today reports, include: "Cozy Cline; ComfortSport; Classic Ride 50; My Ride 65; My Ride with Safety Surround; My Ride 70; Size4Me 70; Smart Seat; Nautilus; Nautilus Elite; and Argos 70.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Go Broncos!


  Real Baby Loves The Broncos!

Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, and we couldn't be more excited for our Broncos to bring home the championship!  In celebration of our team, Real Baby will be offering Super Bowl savings of 15% off your entire purchase!  Stop in the store before the game this Sunday from 11AM to 4PM showing your Broncos colors or yell OMAHA! at checkout to save 15% off your entire purchase!  Offer good on in store items only.  Special orders and sale items are excluded.  We Can't wait for a victory and we can't wait to see you this Sunday!