Infant Care | From Childhood to Adulthood

Child Care Credits Can Give You a Larger Tax Refund

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When you have children – especially if you’re first-time parents – you might not know all of the tax implications that come along with kids and their care. You can certainly claim your children as dependents on your tax return, and that will provide you with some important deductions. However, there are more than just the dependent credits. If you pay for childcare because you’re working and can’t be there all the time for your children, you can also deduct that. Many people don’t realize that childcare is a tax-deductible expense, so they miss the credit and don’t get any money back that they should have received.

Sometimes the IRS will send you a letter and notify you if you miss an obvious credit, because their system catches it, but they have no way of knowing whether you paid for childcare. They won’t be sending you any letters to make sure you’re claiming that credit. One of the best ways to remember to take the credit is to follow blogs that offer free tax tips on how to claim the credit. The filing program will ask you plenty of questions, including whether you paid someone for childcare. If you did, the program will help you put in the right information and get the maximum refund that you’re owed. It’s a great feeling to know that you don’t have to worry about that.

Children can be expensive, but they can also really help you out on your taxes. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t claim every credit and deduction that you’re rightfully entitled to, either. That money belongs to you, and you should go ahead and take it so that you can put it to good use for your children’s future. Pay down debt, start a college fund, or simply do something fun as a family – there are plenty of great options for a tax refund.

Filed Under: Budgeting, Infant Care, Resources Tagged With: Tax, Tax refund, tax returns

Your Baby’s First Year — Birth to Three Months

Being a first-time mom can be a scary prospect, but learning more about what to expect ahead of time can relieve some of the apprehension you may be feeling. Your new baby will go through a lot of changes in the first year of his/her life. In the first three months of life your baby will go from being a newborn that mostly eats and sleeps to a baby that is beginning to discover things around him/her. The changes your baby will go through will happen quickly and it will be an exciting time for you as the parents as well as for your baby.

Newborn babies require frequent feedings, diapering, and comforting. Enjoy this time with your infant because he/she will grow and develop quickly. At first your baby’s head is wobbly and needs extra support before he/she develops the muscles to properly control the head. In the beginning your baby may try to focus on your face and may turn his/her head towards sounds, etc.

As your baby develops many changes will take place. Your baby will begin to develop more head control and will begin to hold his/her head up when placed on the belly. By the third month your baby may even be pushing up slightly on his/her hands. Your baby’s kicking and movements will become more vigorous. Within the first couple of months of your baby’s life he/she will begin to smile and may even make cooing noises when content. He/she will begin to recognize people in his/her daily life. You may notice your baby reaching for you during feeding or when wanting to be comforted.

Enjoy every minute with your newborn baby. This time will go quickly and your infant will be learning and growing at the fastest developmental rate of his/her entire life during this time. Capture these memories through journals and pictures. You are with your child every day and may not even notice how quickly your baby is growing!

Filed Under: Infant Care Tagged With: Diaper, Infant

Motherhood: Chock Full of Surprises

Having your first child is a wonderful experience. From the first steps to the first words, you will marvel at how your baby grows and develops. Being a mom is not always sunshine. Sometimes, bad things can happen when you least expect it. One of the biggest hassles you might have to face as a mother is your car breaking down. Without your car, you and your baby are stuck, even in an emergency. If money is tight, you may not be able to afford basic supplies, like diapers and wipes, because you have to fix your car. Instead of choosing between your baby’s needs and fixing the car, consider some alternatives.

• Borrow from friends and family. – You may have to swallow your pride but there is no shame in asking friends and family for help fixing your car. Your family loves you and your baby, too, so in most cases, they will be happy to help.

• Take out a payday loan. – Payday loans from paydayone.com are another alternative. If you are not comfortable asking for money from your family and friends, getting a short-term loan may be the answer. The qualification process is easy and you can have the money to fix your car as fast as the next day.

• Borrow a car. – Instead of asking for money from your family and friends, consider asking to borrow a car. This will allow you to save up the money to have your car repaired and you can still have money for your baby’s basic needs.

Choosing between costly car repairs and meeting the needs of your baby is not a choice any mother should have to make. Unforeseen events happen of course when you least expect. Your child should always come first so utilize the resources around you to get your car repaired. You may be surprised at how quickly others will be willing to help.

Filed Under: Infant Care, Parenting Tagged With: Family (biology), Loan, Payday loan

Pregnancy: Know What to Expect

There are many old wives’ tales about pregnancy. These stories and superstitions are handed down from one generation to the next. In the age of the Internet, expectant moms can be their own mythbusters, using online tools to sort facts from fairy tales and become knowledgeable.

There are many websites that offer accurate and dependable pregnancy information. You’ll want to pay particular attention to information on diet and exercise. Giving your body the appropriate doses of vitamins is incredibly important for your baby’s development because whatever goes into your body also goes into your baby’s body. Likewise, eating the right foods and achieving a balanced intake of nutrients are strategies that help your baby grow. Knowing how to eat well during pregnancy can stave off potential health threats such as gestational diabetes and toxemia (preeclampsia). There are also guidelines for the exercises and level of exertion that are appropriate throughout pregnancy. Women need to know what they can do to keep their bodies active during pregnancy without harming their baby.

One of the biggest areas of concern for pregnant women is how the pregnancy will impact their bodies. Give yourself time each week to do some online research, finding pregnancy information about how your body is changing as the baby grows. Throughout pregnancy, there are changes in your body’s hormone levels, appearance, stamina, mobility, weight, and metabolism. Being clued in to what is normal and what isn’t will help you identify potential health problems early so you and your doctor can address them before they progress too far.

Of course, doing this kind of research during pregnancy is just the start of being a good mom. Once the baby arrives, you’ll find yourself hopping online after the little one is asleep to learn more about colic, fevers, and other questions and common issues that cause concerns for new parents. Find those resources now, before your baby arrives, so you’ll be prepared.

Filed Under: Infant Care, Parenting Tagged With: Gestational diabetes, Infant, Pregnancy

Sleeping and Your Newborn

Of course it is your instinct and desire to want to hold your baby every minute you possibly can. It is advisable, however, that whenever your baby is sleeping that you let your baby sleep and do not disturb the baby unless it is necessary to wake your baby to feed him/her. The reasoning behind this is that when you spend the majority of your time holding, caressing, and cuddling your baby you are not getting the rest you need and are training the baby that they need to be held all the time.

It is natural to want to love and cuddle your baby as much as possible, but at the same time you want to train your baby to sleep without being held and that it is okay to spend some time out of mother’s arms too. There are plenty of opportunities while your baby is awake to cuddle and get to know each other better. In fact, during the first month of your baby’s life you will spend the majority of your time feeding and changing your baby’s diapers.

One of the things you will want to start working on right away when you bring your newborn home is to train your baby in his/her sleeping pattern. It takes several weeks to work through this, but it is well worth the time and effort. While your baby was in the womb there was no real night and day pattern. Your baby woke and slept whenever it was most convenient, in fact your baby probably slept during the day when you were up and moving because of the rocking action of movement.

Now that your baby is on the outside they continue to desire that rocking motion for sleep. You cannot always be available to rock your baby yourself and you honestly should not get your baby in the habit of doing so. Therefore, you may decide that you want to offer other solutions such as a swing or bassinet that has a rocking motion.

Filed Under: Infant Care, Parenting Tagged With: Infant, Parent, Sleep

Absolute Essentials To Have In-House When Your Baby Comes Home

Nervous about bringing your baby home for the first time? Here’s a list of absolute essentials to have already in your home before you go into labor.

1.) A sleeping option.
It doesn’t matter what you choose–bassinet, crib, or Pack N’Play. For first-time parents, a Pack ‘N Play might be the best option for first time parents because they’re space-effective and easily portable.
2.) Bathing Options.
You’re going to need something safe to prevent drowning, be it a ring or an infant tub.
3.) Diapers.
Whether you choose cloth, disposable, or a diaper service, you want to research your options before you bring your newborn baby home.
4.) Carseat. Many hospitals will check your car to see if you have a safe seat for your baby before allowing you to take your infant home.
5.) Swing. While it may not seem like an ESSENTIAL, you may be underestimating just how needy your newborn will be. If you want to get anything done–dinner, housework, etc.– a swing is a safe space for your baby to be.
6.) Snuggly. Again, sometimes you will need to have both hands free but still have your newborn close. A snuggly or sling will safely free up your hands.
7.) Baby monitor. Some are audio and some are video.
8.) Cap. Even in the summer, much of your baby’s heat escapes through their head.
9.) Receiving blanket. Infants love to be swaddled, and this will make them feel warm and secure.
10.) Diaper cream. You’ll want to have this on hand just in case.
11.) Baby wipes. You’ll be surprised how many other uses you’ll find for these besides diaper changes.
12.) Burping rags. Always keep one on hand for spit-up.
13.) Baby shampoo. Regular shampoo isn’t safe for delicate infants
14.) Baby detergent. Your infant will require a gentler detergent for their clothes.
15.) Thermometer. An absolute necessity.
16.) Pacifier. Your newborn needs this up until 3 months of age.

Filed Under: Health, Infant Care Tagged With: Children, Diaper, Infant

Newborn Bonding for Dads

Many fathers tend to feel left out from the mother-newborn bonding process. Let’s face it, fathers don’t carry children in their stomach and they certainly don’t breast-feed. Babies come out of the womb with a natural connection towards their mother. However, the most important things for new dads to remember is that a prior bond shouldn’t intimidate them from bonding with their own child. Here are some ways to do just that.

1.) Take part in feeding time.
Dads can still play a major role in feeding even if you decide to breast-feed your baby. Simply have your wife pump enough for at least one feeding and use a bottle to feed your infant. If she pumps enough, you get to play a part in the midnight feedings as well. While that may not sound remotely appetizing, you’ll be surprised how much it makes you bond with your child.
2.) Don’t be afraid of comforting.
Okay, maybe your baby quiets quicker when she’s handed to Mom. You can still comfort too, even if it takes a little longer. Soon you’ll develop your own cuddling and comforting strategies for a wailing baby.
3.) Participate in bath time.
You may even want to consider taking your child in the bath with you.
4.) Read to your baby.
Read the books you loved as a child to your newborn. It’s a great way to bond, especially before bed.
5.) Coax your baby to sleep.
Whether your method of choice is rocking, patting, or a bedtime story, find a way that works for both of you.

Bonding with your baby basically boils down to one thing: spend time with your baby. Don’t be afraid of your newborn infant. Sure, a baby is delicate and fragile; but you shouldn’t let that intimidate you. You’re just as good of a parent as any mom. Now get out there and participate in your baby’s 4 AM wake-up calls!

Filed Under: Infant Care Tagged With: Breastfeeding, Infant, Mother

All About Diaper Services

: Image via Wikipedia

Ever heard of diaper services? If you’re a first-time parent, probably not. A diaper service will come to your house, deliver fresh cloth diapers, and take away all your used cloth diapers. They’ll then clean them at a facility and bring them back. Depending on what disposable diapers you use, it may even be more cost-effective than disposables. It’s a much more environmentally friendly way to handle diaper changes, but is a diaper service right for you?

Pros of a diaper service:

-Cloth diapers are much more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers, and cleaning them at a facility uses less resources than a home washing machine.
-Since your diapers are delivered, there’s no need to constantly run out to the store.
-You won’t be faced with the unpleasant task of cleaning cloth diapers.
-Potty training is much easier because it’s more unpleasant for a child to sit in wet cloth than a wet disposable diaper.
-There’s less of a chance for diaper rash since wet cotton still allows the skin to breathe, unlike disposable diapers.
-Some diaper services offer combination cloth-disposable combination packages, in which the service will also take your used disposable diapers and deliver them to a compost pile.
-No increased garbage fees because of all your disposable diapers.

Cons of a diaper service:
-It’s exceedingly difficult to travel with cloth diapers.
-Storage may be an issue, two or more diaper pails may be needed since delivery only comes once a week.
-Depending on which service or disposable diaper you choose, it can be more expensive than disposables.
-Cloth diapers are more likely to leak than disposables.
-Cloth diapers are terrible for loose or watery bowel movements.
-Diaper pins are inconvenient and easily misplaced.
-You must remember to put your diapers out every week.
-There’s more planning involved as you must guesstimate which amount of diapers is best for your child.

Filed Under: Child Development, Infant Care Tagged With: Diaper, Disposable, Textile

Alternative Uses for Cloth Diapers

: Image via Wikipedia

Do you have some old cloth diapers lying around from a previous child? Have you just used some too much that they’ve worn thin? Here are some alternate uses for your old cloth diapers.

1.) Cleaning rags. Cloth diapers are the perfect cleaning rags. Cloth rags are lint-free so they won’t leave lots of fuzzballs everywhere. They’re sturdy, they hold moisture well, and they’re the ideal size. Keep some under your sink or in your closet.
2.) Dusting rags. Cloth diapers are great for wiping down wood or dusting your house.
3.) Burping rags. Throw this over your shoulder while you’re burping your baby to avoid messing up your clean clothes.
4.) Diaper bag wipes. It’s a fact of parenthood: your baby will throw up or spit up while you’re out in public. Cloth diapers are thin, absorbant, and travel well.
4.) Tye-dye cloths. Practicing tye-dye or looking for things to dye with the kids besides T-shirts? Cloth diapers hold dye well and they’re perfect for practicing designs.
5.) Pet bandannas. Your pet will definitely not care if their bandanna has been on a baby’s bottom. Consider dying them, too. You can also use them to dry off a pet’s paws or fur after a rainy walk.
6.) Sell them. Believe it or not, there is a market for used cloth diapers, such as the Used Diaper Company. If you’re looking for more cloth diapers, you can buy them from the Used Diaper Company too.
7.) Training pants. If you’re good with a sewing machine, use cloth diapers to whip up some training pants for your toddler. Additionally, you can create special pajama bottoms or sleep underwear for middle-of-the-night accidents.
8.) Sheets for the accident-prone. If your child is having problems with bed-wetting, consider stitching together cloth diapers into a sheet or quilt for them to sleep on. These sheets will be a lot softer than rubber sheets, but more absorbent than typical sheets.

Filed Under: Infant Care Tagged With: Diaper, Disposable, Textile

Cats and

If you have a cat and you’re pregnant, chances are someone has already warned you about toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted by cats and it can cause birth defects in your unborn child, but it’s generally not something you need to be concerned about as long as you take proper precaution. Here’s what you need to know about toxoplasmosis.

Cats are not the only species who can contract toxoplasmosis. In fact, humans can just as easily get it as cats. Cats are the only species whose feces carries the infectious disease, so litter boxes can carry the disease. However, toxoplasmosis is generally transmitted through consuming the raw or undercooked meat of an animal who carried toxoplasmosis. If you give your cat raw meat or it likes to hunt a lot of mice, it’s something to watch out for. However, an infected cat’s feces only become infectious after one to five days. If you change your litter box every day, it won’t be a problem. Additionally, the only way to contract the disease from feces is if a woman ingests the infected feces. The simple act of washing your hands after cleaning your cat’s litter box takes care of this.

If you’re still worried about toxoplasmosis, simply stay away from raw or undercooked meat. Be thorough when you rinse unwashed vegetables. Wear gloves while taking care of the litter box and always scrub your hands afterwards. Keep the litter box clean and change it every day. Alternatively, coerce your spouse into taking over litter box duty while you’re pregnant–it’ll give you a nine month break from cleaning the litter box!

Never get rid of your cat simply because of the fear of toxoplasmosis. Your risks are too low and animal shelter populations are too high to even consider giving up your cat.

Filed Under: Health, Infant Care Tagged With: Cat, Litter box, Toxoplasmosis