Survival Guide, Infant

How to Explain Things to Your Child in Ways They Understand

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:18:34 -0700

Have you ever tried to explain something to your kids using language that they are simply too young to understand? Or, worse yet, using language with your teenager that is more appropriate for a toddler? Either way can be a waste of your time and your child's time. Telling your four-year-old toddler to clean his room because a messy room is a socially unacceptable behavior and girls don't like men who keep messy rooms won't do a bit of good. And trying to explain sex to your 14-year-old by using the "birds and bees" will only make them laugh at you even more than teenagers typically do. Consider these suggestions to ensure that your conversations with your children are always age-appropriate and effective so you can enjoy better communication with them.

Think like a child - For some of us, this isn't very difficult. Women always say we think like children anyways, so it might not be much of a stretch. But when you're trying to explain something in an age-appropriate way, try to put yourself in your son's or daughter's situation to find the best language to use. The best way to do this is to listen to how they speak and then use many of the same words they use.
Let them ask the questions - By allowing them to lead the conversation, you might "luck out" and get a bunch of "yes or no" questions. That relieves the pressure on you to think of the words you should use. It also gives you an idea of how mature your child is and the types of things they have already learned. This can help you find the best words to use when explaining other things to them in the near future.
Use school situations - School is such a huge part of a child's life. As a result, they can readily relate to the situations they face. When trying to explain something to your children, try to use recent school experiences or hypothetical school situations to help them understand what you're trying to say. You can also use their playtime or the cartoons they watch if they're too young for school.
Simplicity works - Don't make things too difficult for them to understand. For instance, if you're trying to explain birth to a toddler, you don't need to explain the intricacies of the birth canal and the umbilical cord. Keep the process as simple as possible or else they just won't understand.
Read what they're reading - Take an interest in your child's hobbies and interests. For instance, what type of books do they enjoy reading? What type of TV shows do they watch? Get a feel for their language by looking at their surroundings. If you do this enough, using age-appropriate language will eventually become second nature to you.
Enlist some help - An ideal person to ask about age-appropriate language is your child's teacher. They deal with children all day and they have to know how to communicate effectively with them. They've probably even heard some of the slang and lingo that the kids your child's age tend to use when they're with each other. Ask the teacher for suggestions. They'll be more than happy to help you out.
Find a video to do the trick - While it's not best to let videos and TV teach your children all the time, sometimes they can be very handy. This is especially true when you're at a loss or when you're stuck. You might be surprised about the wide range of videos that are out there. You can probably find one relevant to almost any situation and relating to any age group. Do you want to explain racism to your toddler? There's likely a video out there that will do just that in an age-appropriate and sensitive way. From sharing to learning about puberty and everything in between, there's likely some material that can be a lot of help.

Sometimes it's not easy to talk to your children because of the generation gap. This gap can also lead to a language barrier that can prevent you from communicating effectively with your child. Remember, there's no shame in asking for help or finding other materials that can make the job easier. It's better than not communicating with your young children at all.

How to Baby-Proof Your House

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:09:28 -0700

Having a baby quickly changes a man's outlook on life. That box of magazines and videos you've been collecting for years? It's now a trunk full of evidence that you were once decadent and sleazy. All that loud music? Those CDs are now just glorified baby alarm clocks. And your man cave, filled with all your trophies, figurines, video games, comic books and posters? Sorry to tell you this, but your special place is a big, fat choking hazard.

Your baby has a way of taking everything benign and dull in your life and making it new and exciting. That is to say, everything that you thought was safe will quickly become life-threatening when she focuses her little eyes on it. Your once-safe home is now a minefield, a jungle of booby traps just waiting to explode in her face.

Baby-proofing the home is generally one of the first tasks expectant fathers undertake, as it is also one of the only things they have control over during the pregnancy. There's a lot that goes into it, though - it's a little more complicated than simply plugging in electric outlet covers. Follow these tips to make sure you've covered all the bases.

Be the baby - Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around in the areas you plan to have baby. Look for things that could be hazardous, like small choking items, loose power cords or top-heavy furniture. Don't overlook anything.
Start from the ground floor - Babies live their lives at your knee level. They see the world from the floor, and the things that pose the most danger to them are at that level. Pay very specific attention to the items in your home that sit that close to the floor. Vacuum every day to take care of small items that could pose choking hazards. Inspect the lower half of your furniture to make sure it's not breaking apart or chipping paint, and watch the carpet for frays or loose carpet tacks.
Invest in baby-proofing supplies - There are all kinds of baby-proofing supplies that will make your home infinitely more hospitable to babies. Pick up outlet covers, cabinet locks, toilet-seat locks, bathtub knob and spout covers and stove knob locks.
Gate off the house - Baby gates are an amazing invention, but they're by no means a replacement for adult supervision. However, they are beneficial for keeping baby out of areas she's not supposed to be. Some caveats, however: use gates only at the bottom of the stairs, never the top. One strong push, and gate, baby and all will come tumbling down.
Supervision is key - There is no substitute for adult supervision. You can baby-proof your house as much as you want, but it will never be enough; your baby will find a way to put herself in danger. Always keep an eye on your baby, no matter how safe the situation may seem.

You don't have to remodel your house in an effort to baby proof it. Above all, baby-proofing simply requires mindfulness. You can keep the things you love as long as you understand how your child is going to relate to them and plan accordingly. Essentially, you shouldn't be too worried, because you don't have to throw anything away - you just have to set it up higher.

How to Choose the Best Pediatrician

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:47:52 -0700

Finding the ideal pediatrician might be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make concerning your child. As a dad, you might be compelled at first to find the pediatrician with the most attractive nursing staff. While it might be the best choice for you, it might not be best for your child.

If you've never had to choose a pediatrician, this can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. You want to make sure you pick one that will treat your child with compassion. But you also want to make sure the one you choose has enough experience to treat anything that ails your child. On the other hand, you probably don't want to choose a pediatrician who is so old that his hand shakes as he's putting the thermometer in your child's mouth. Here are some of the more important things to consider when choosing a pediatrician for your child to help you make the right decision.

Start early - You don't want to wait until you have an emergency with your young child before you start looking for a pediatrician. When you do, you might end up with choosing somebody based solely on the size of their ad in the Yellow Pages. This is no way to find the best doctor for your toddler. Before the infant is born, start doing your research and asking around about doctors in your area. Also check out physician rating/info sites like HealthGrades and RevolutionHealth. This way, you won't need to rush through the process and you can feel more comfortable knowing you've taken the proper amount of time needed.
Make the decision together - You shouldn't just make this decision with your wife only because you're afraid of the "I told you so" for making the wrong choice. When both parents are involved, choosing a pediatrician is less stressful. Your wife might have questions that you didn't think of and vice versa. She can also ask her friends about their pediatrician to see if they are satisfied with their choice and why.
Make a list and check it twice - You'll likely start out with a long list of possible pediatricians, but you'll narrow it down as the process moves along. Decide what's important to you in a child doctor. Do you want a young doctor with fresh ideas or an older one with experience? Keep in mind that older pediatricians may be retiring before your child outgrows their services, too. Are you willing to travel to a different city for doctor visits or do you want one with an office around the corner? These and other questions will likely narrow your list down quickly and you'll find the pediatricians that fit your specific criteria.
Be sexist and choose a gender - Most boys will be more comfortable with a male doctor while most girls will be more comfortable with a female doctor. Consider this when choosing a pediatrician. If you have a mix of boys and girls, maybe you can find a pediatrician that has a doctor from both genders so you only have to make one trip each time.
Visit their office - First impressions are often the best impression you'll get of a pediatrician. That's why visiting their office is so important. Take note of the cleanliness of the facility and the friendliness of the nurses and staff. Which pediatricians have two waiting rooms - one for sick children and one for healthy children that are simply there for checkups? You don't want your kids playing with the same toys that sick children have just sneezed all over, so two waiting rooms are a definite bonus.
Interview the possibilities - Potential pediatricians should be accommodating for parents who want to schedule an interview. They should understand that this is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make about your child's future and that you want to ensure that it's the right decision. Make a list of questions before the interview so you don't forget anything. Don't be afraid to ask them as many questions as it takes for you to feel satisfied. If they won't take the time to sit down and talk with you, though, that's a potential red flag and you might want to consider disqualifying them from your list completely.

Choosing a pediatrician isn't an easy task. In fact, it might be one of the most difficult decisions you'll make about your child's health. But following these suggestions can make the entire process feel less overwhelming and help lead you to the right person for the job. Don't be afraid to take as much time as you need to in order to make the right decision. And don't be afraid to reevaluate your decision if red flags occur during your toddler's childhood. A dad's instinct is unmistakable and you should listen to it at all times.

Check out our post especially for new dads.

How to Survive the First Day of Daycare

tony — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:44:28 -0700

Few things hurt a dad's heart more than dropping a toddler off at day care for the first time and watching them bawl their eyes out as you leave. The look on their face almost makes you want to run back and hold them until they stop crying. But that's the last thing you want to do if you want to encourage your toddler to feel comfortable about you leaving. By following these tips, you can learn how to deal with dropping your toddler off in a way that is productive for both of you. After a few days, they might not even want you to come pick them up at the end of the day!

Don't let your toddler see you sweat - Children are extremely perceptive. Sometimes, they can be too perceptive. If they see you shed a tear (yes, dads shed tears, too) or if they see anxiety in your face when you drop them off at daycare, they are going to feel the same way. But if you can make yourself calm and have a happy face when you drop them off, they will likely be more comfortable about you leaving. When you get back to your car and out of sight, you can let the waterworks flow as much as you want. Just don't let your toddler see it.
Misery loves company - One thing that will help your toddler feel better about being dropped off at daycare is having one of their friends along for the ride. If there are toddlers in your neighborhood that are going to the same daycare, try to coordinate with their parents to drop off your toddlers at the same time. When children have a friend next to them, the experience will be more fun for them. This will also help you to have another dad alongside, especially if you're both dropping your toddlers off for the first time. It's amazing how many similarities there are between toddlers and adults, isn't it?
Bring along a comfort or security item - A special teddy bear or security blanket might help your toddler feel better about being away from mommy and daddy. It gives them something familiar in a sea of unfamiliarity and new things. And since toddlers often transfer the feelings they have for their parents to one of these items, they typically feel much more comfortable when their parents are no longer in their sight.
Don't be ashamed for being upset - As a dad, there's nothing wrong with being upset when you drop your toddler off for the first time. These feelings might even last for the for first couple weeks. But you will get over it and feel comfortable with the situation over time. Continue to be strong and calm. Before you know it, you might even look forward to the time when you can drop your toddler off at daycare each day.
Prepare your toddler beforehand - If your toddler knows what to expect, they might not be filled with anxiety when you drop them off. You can even get your toddler excited about their first day of daycare by driving by the building and showing it to them the day before. Take them shopping for fun school supplies and clothes that same day, too. Also, talk about how daycare is for "big boys" or "big girls" so they feel like they're growing up. Even though we don't want them to grow up any sooner than they have to, that's the first thing on their list of priorities.
Go to the open house or orientation - Many daycare facilities will have an orientation or open house for first-timers. Dads can bring their toddlers for a tour and they can meet the daycare providers as well. This gives the entire family more familiarity with what happens at the facility. When the setting isn't so new, your toddler won't feel as threatened or sad when you leave.

There's nothing wrong with feeling sad about dropping your toddler off at daycare for the first time. But there are some things you can do to lessen the emotions you and your toddler feel when that time comes. The best way is to prepare your toddler because the more they cry, the more you're going to cry or show anxiety. The most important thing to remember, though, is that these feelings are normal and they will pass. It just takes some time.

How to Be a Supportive Husband During Your Baby's First Year

tony — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:50:16 -0700

Today's the day. The doctor has signed the release form, your wife is in the wheelchair, and you've got your brand new baby in the crook of your arm. You're taking your family home. Let the fun begin.

For new parents, your baby's first year is the most earth-shattering, mind-blowing time of your lives. Where once there was only the two of you, there now exists a family of three: two adults who can fend for themselves, and a strange, pink ball that is utterly, utterly helpless without its parents. For the next 12 months you have to feed it, wash it, change it, clean it, feed it again, change it again, put it to bed, wake up with it ... you've essentially given over your life to this brand new creature. And for every beautiful, heart-achingly sweet moment, there will be 100 deliberate tests of your strength and patience.

It's an amazingly difficult life change, and many secure and strong couples have buckled under the pressure of the sudden shift. Most times this happens because of an unequal balance in the relationship. Having a child has a way of bringing out the true nature of a person's character when it comes to responsibility.

As the father, now is your time to shine. Your wife has been hoarding that baby for nine months, and now you finally have a chance to take over responsibility. While she recovers from the pregnancy (which will take at least six weeks), it's also time for you to become a supportive husband and father. Your wife's body has undergone a very traumatic event, and for the next year all of her biological cycles are going to be slowly falling back into place. This will leave her at times moody, unpredictable, elated, stressed out, tired, erratic -- essentially, all the best things about a period.

If your relationship is to survive this new, stressful period in your lives, you're going to have to learn how to be a supportive man for your wife. While there are hundreds of ways that you can show your wife support, here are some helpful places to start.

Get ready for Daddy Duty -- If you're the primary breadwinner, you're going to be out of the house eight hours a day. That's eight hours that your wife will be at home taking care of your baby. Don't fool yourself into thinking she's got it easy, either -- that's easily more than a full-time job. She's going to be so desperate for you to get home that you'll have the baby in your arms before you can shut the door. Do not under any circumstances complain about having to watch your child. It is unfair and self-centered to assume that you deserve time off because you bring home the paycheck. No matter what you do while you're away from the home, you should always, always share parental duties. That means you're going to be on the clock when you're home almost exclusively. Deal with it; you had a baby.
Don't let sleep ruin your relationship -- You have a child now, so it's best to just acknowledge the fact right now: you're never going to sleep the same way again. Relationships can easily begin to unravel, though, when one of you refuses to get out of bed when it's their turn. No matter how much you love sleeping in, don't make it a habit of sleeping more than your wife does. Going to bed together and getting up together will prevent either of you from forming resentments over unfair sleep time.
Make her feel sexy again -- Your wife's body has changed significantly, and lots of previously fit women have come out of the back end of a pregnancy looking a lot different than they used to. As a supportive husband, however, you have to make sure your wife continues to feel as sexy as you know she is. She just gave birth to your child; she deserves it. Don't ever hesitate to compliment her on how good she looks. If you can't say it in all honesty, pick out a feature that you love and dote upon it. Make her feel like you still want her, because one of a woman's greatest fears is that you'll stop seeing her as a beautiful woman and start seeing her as a haggard old mother.
Show her you appreciate her every day -- Being a mom can be a very thankless job, so it's essential that you show your wife constantly how much you appreciate her. Bringing home random gifts and thoughtful tokens for your wife is a perfect way to show her how you feel. Another good idea is to hide notes with little love messages all over the house. Let her find them on her own time. Believe me, when she finds a note in the toe of her shoe telling her how sexy she is, she'll fall apart.
Date night -- You cannot forget date night. You should have one scheduled date night at least every month, if not every week. Find a baby sitter, pay her whatever you need to and get your wife out of the house. You'll probably spend the entire night talking about the baby, but it'll do you both good to get out and relax, if only for an hour or two.

This is a beautiful time in you lives, but it is also a tremendously trying one. As long as you remain as supportive as you can, though, you can make sure that you and your wife are together for many years -- and many children -- to come.

Check out our post especially for new dads.

How to Get Your Infant to Sleep through the Night

tony — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:26:43 -0700

One of the most precious things in the entire world is watching your baby sleep. Their soft breathing, cute face and tiny bodies are enough to just melt your heart. But the kicking and screaming before they fall asleep is enough to drive you crazy! And that's just from you when your infant simply won't go to sleep. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease your infant into peaceful slumber each night without making yourself go insane. Follow these suggestions and you'll both be sleeping like a baby in just a few short nights.

Allow your infant to wind down before bedtime - Just like adults, babies tend to stay riled up for awhile after an exciting activity. You can't come home from a rock concert and go directly to sleep. The same is true for your baby. Stop playing with your baby about one hour before bedtime because that just causes too much stimulation for them. Instead, read or sing softly to them. Infants tend to feel comfortable when they hear the soothing rhythm of a parent's voice (even if you do sound like Kermit the Frog or Fran Drescher).
Give your baby a warm bath about one hour before bedtime - Make sure the water is lukewarm by testing it on your wrists. A warm bath is soothing to a baby and calms them down at night. Don't you tend to sleep better when you feel clean?
Rocking is a perfect way to make your infant tired and ready for bed - The back-and-forth motion makes them feel comfortable as you hold them in your arms. Snuggle them as you rock and hold the baby close to your heart. Hearing the parent's heartbeat soothes the savage beast that is your baby to sleep.
Soothe the infant's crying with soft music - You can do this while you're giving your infant a bath or in their room as they are falling asleep. A good classical CD or some nature sounds will help your baby fall asleep in a matter of minutes almost every time. Also, create white noise for your baby throughout the night when the music's not playing. You can either purchase a white noise machine or simply put a fan in their room to help block out other noises that the baby might hear.
Decide if you should use a nightlight or not - Some infants sleep better when the room is completely dark. Others sleep better when there is a dim nightlight in the room. The only way to make this decision is to try each way separately to see which one works best.
Wrap the infant in swaddling clothes - You've probably heard the term "swaddling clothes," but do you know what it means? Essentially, it just means tight blankets. But make sure they're not too tight. The snuggly feeling of being wrapped semi-tight imitates the feeling of the womb, making the infant feel more comfortable and secure.
Learn your infant's tired signals - If you're like me, you get cranky when you get hungry or tired. Your baby is the same way. If you can learn how to decode your infant's signals of tiredness, you can save yourself a lot of time by simply learning the signals and bowing to them.
Be prepared for the difficult situations - Unfortunately, desperate times call for desperate measures. If your infant simply won't fall asleep, you might have to try taking it for a walk or a drive. There's something about riding around in a car that makes infants sleepy. In fact, they'll usually fall asleep before you even pull back into your driveway. Some parents have found placing that placing an infant on top of a running dryer in their car seat has a similar effect.

Most nights, getting your infant to sleep is a simple job. It might take a few minutes of rocking or just a quick lullaby. Other nights, it could take an hour or even more before your baby rests in peaceful slumber. But knowing how to calm your baby down at night and keep it calmed down will help prevent you from losing valuable minutes, or even hours, of restful sleep.

How to Teach Your Child Table Manners

tony — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:18:44 -0800

Anyone who has ever seen "A Christmas Story" certainly understands the value of teaching your child good table manners. In one of scene of this holiday classic, the mother, in an attempt to get her child to eat his mashed potatoes, asks her son to show her "how the piggies eat." The child proceeds to snort and dives face first into his dinner repeatedly, all the while snorting and laughing, along with his mother, as his brother and father look on in pure disgust. Good table manners are important and parents everywhere likely cringed at this scene in the movie. To avoid having your child mimic such a rude display at your (and anyone else's) kitchen table, follow these tips on reaching your child good table manners:

Lead by example: If you chew with your mouth open or laugh loudly while food flies out everywhere and on everyone, expect your child to do the same. Your children watch everything you do and in most instances, mimic it. So chew quietly and with your mouth closed, be polite, do not eat with your hands, etc. and you can expect your children to follow suit and do the same.
Encourage your children to take their time: All too often, bad table manners are caused by children attempting to rush through the dining process. Eating food too quickly is not only unhealthy, but it leads to sloppy behavior. Teach them to take their time, savor their food and to chew slowly and thoroughly. Encourage them to keep pace with the other people dining with them.
Chew correctly: Teach your children to chew with their mouths closed and do not gulp beverages. Also, teach them not to loudly burp (which means you cannot either) at the table and do not speak with food in their mouth.
Consistency is key: This is a good opportunity to intertwine being polite with good table manners. Teach them to say "please" and "thank you" when they are passing things around the dinner table. No one, including adults, should be talking on the phone, watching television or reading the newspaper during family dining time. Encourage everyone to develop a friendly conversation in between concentrating on eating his or her food properly. This might seem overly traditional to some parents, but the good table habits your children will learn will carry them throughout their lives.
Develop age-appropriate rules: For example, you realistically cannot expect your two-year-old to sit quietly through a meal. Plan ahead, depending on the child's age. For example, some experts recommend allowing a small child to make a mess on their highchair, but not anywhere else on the table. Or give your child two small, plastic utensils for each hand to keep them occupied while you feed her with another utensil. If you come up with plans ahead of time to encourage good eating habits, you can be prepared and avoid chaos at your dinner table.

As with just about any other form of child rearing, it is important to be consistent with your child. Developing good table manners is an ongoing process - one that will take time for them to learn and require constant reinforcement from you. Focus on the positive things they do and correct them when their manners are not up to par. As long as your child does not snort and bury their face in their dinner plate, you are on the right track!

How to Help Your Toddler Overcome Separation Anxiety

tony — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:55:01 -0800

One of the hardest things to do as a new dad is to watch your toddler cry as you drop them off at preschool. You know they think you're abandoning them and the vision of their teary eyes and outstretched hands just breaks your heart. It makes you never want to leave them anywhere ever again. Fortunately, though, there are some ways that you can help your toddler deal with this separation anxiety in a productive manner. Following are some "do's" and "don't's" you can do to help your toddler (and you) feel more comfortable when you have to be apart.

Understand why separation anxiety happens. The best thing you can do to minimize the discomfort of separation anxiety is to understand why it happens. At around six months old, infants realize that you still exist even if they can't see you. As they get older, they want to become more independent, but they still need you. Most toddlers grow out of this by age three, but some continue to have this feeling for a couple years afterwards.
Don't disappear. As a parent, it might be harder on you to watch your toddler cry than it is to simply slip out the door when they're not looking. But this is exactly one of the reasons that many toddlers have a problem with you leaving. Instead of pulling a Houdini, give them a hug and wave bye-bye to your toddler as you leave. This way, they know you are leaving instead of being surprised when you're suddenly not there. If you just disappear on them, they'll never want to let you out of their sight because they'll never know if you're going to leave or not.
Do show strength and maturity. If you don't show that you are comfortable leaving your toddler, how are they supposed to feel comfortable about it? They look to you for emotional support. But if you are crying or looking apprehensive about leaving, that's going to make them feel even more anxious about being separated. As tough as it might be, look calm and stay positive when you're getting ready to leave. It'll help your child feel more comfortable.
Don't make your first separation a long one. Making your first separation from your toddler an extended one could be trouble in the future. Every time you leave after that, they will think you're going to be gone for a long time. If you know you're going to take a trip or leave for an extended period of time, prepare your toddler by "working up" to that long period with shorter periods of separation.
Do talk to your child about being separated. Communicate with your toddler about leaving. While they might not have a large vocabulary, they still understand more than you might think they do. Tell them about the separation ahead of time so they know what to expect. Tell them where you plan on going and how long you'll be gone. The more details they have, the more accepting they will be of the experience. Also, get them excited about the separation by telling them how much fun they're going to have with the babysitter while you're gone. Be enthusiastic about leaving and your toddler will be excited as well.
Do allow the toddler to be the one to leave first. When you're planning a night out with your wife or friends, ask the babysitter to arrive early so they can take your toddler somewhere first. When your toddler is the one leaving the house, they generally feel less separation anxiety than if you are the one leaving the house.
Do develop a routine when leaving. Young children thrive on routines and repetition. That's why it's so important to develop a routine when you leave. Giving them a great big hug or kissing them on the forehead is a simple routine that only takes seconds, but it can work wonders in making them feel more comfortable about being separated. Do something that makes them smile, too. Most parents say something like, "See you later, alligator," while the toddler responds, "After awhile, crocodile." It might seem simple and corny, but it works.
Don't leave on a bad note. The absolute last thing you should do is leave your child after yelling at them or scolding them. Help them associate leaving with comfortable thoughts. Even if they are crying and clinging to your leg, counter that with hugs and smiles. And when you come back, make that just as pleasant.

There is no trick to avoiding separation anxiety with toddlers. Some will experience it more than others. You might even get lucky and have a toddler that looks forward to being away from you at times. As with any new experience with your children, though, communication is one of the best ways to help them learn how to deal with situations productively. Unfortunately, this is one of those things that is hard on both the toddlers and the parents.

How to Travel with an Infant

tony — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:36:51 -0800

Most travelers would agree that when you're on an airplane, there's nothing worse than sitting next to a parent with a screaming baby. But you know what is worse? Being that parent.

There's no way around it: Traveling with a baby is a challenge. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you and your child still have a fun trip:

Know your airline: Visit your airline's web site and look for information about traveling with children, as well as baggage requirements. Some airlines have different rules about advance boarding, checking strollers, items that are not included in your baggage allotment, and other child-related concerns.
Review the rules: The Transportation Safety Administration has information about items that can be carried on, as well as information on carry-on items for children, and details on what to expect from security personnel when traveling with children. For example, juice, milk, formula, and breast milk are not subject to the three-ounce limit, but you must present them to security personnel to be checked-so make sure those bottles aren't buried too deep in your bag.
Decide about the car seat: For shorter flights, you may be able to save some money and hold the baby in your lap. However, for long flights, it may be worthwhile to buy the baby a seat and bring the car seat on board. Make sure your car seat has a sticker that indicating that it is FAA-approved; it will say "FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approved for Aircraft Use Only."
Borrow or rent: If you're staying with friends or family at your destination, ask your hosts ahead of time if they can borrow a car seat, portable crib, high chair, or any other baby equipment from a friend. If not, this web site provides a directory of companies that rent this equipment. The prices are usually quite reasonable, and most companies will bring the items to you. Also, if you are renting a car, you can usually rent a car seat for about $20 a day extra.
Pack snacks: Bring more drinks and food than you think you need; don't forget bibs, spoons, and bowls. Pureed baby food is also not subject to the three-ounce rule, but as with baby drinks, it will need to be checked separately by security personnel.
Time feedings: If possible, try to time the baby's feedings to coincide with takeoff and landing. The sucking will keep the baby's ears from popping and prevent some discomfort. If it's not time to feed, try giving your baby a pacifier during these times.
Deal with diapers: Before you actually need to change the baby, ask a flight attendant about changing facilities. Some airplane bathrooms have a fold-out changing table, but your plane may have another arrangement-it's best to know before the inevitable diaper emergency occurs. Also, bring extra diapers and wipes, as well as an extra set of clothes in case of diaper leakage.
Bring an old toy and some new toys: If your child has a favorite blanket or other "lovie," bring it on the plane so your child is at ease. Also, purchase a few new toys (depending on the length of the flight), and surprise your child with them throughout the plane ride. And don't forget to save some surprises for the return flight.
Keep 'em quiet: Most passengers will understand the occasional outburst, but long bouts of crying make the trip more difficult for everyone. If your baby cries, do whatever you can to quiet him down: Feed him, change him, walk up and down the aisle...and don't be shy about singing (quietly). Plus, if the other passengers see that you're at least trying to calm the baby down, that will keep their glaring to a minimum.
Talk to the crew. Flight attendants have a wealth of information on traveling with kids and may have some valuable tips for you.

Once you've landed, make a beeline for the nearest diaper changing station to take care of business-and commiserate with the other travelers with babies. Maybe they'll have some tips for your trip home.

How to Cope When Your Infant Won’t Stop Crying

tony — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:34:56 -0800

The newness of your fatherhood has worn off and now you're wondering what to do if your infant won't stop crying. This happens with every infant at some time or another and different babies will have varying patterns of unstoppable crying, too. The simple answer for this problem is to invest in a good set of earplugs. But that isn't the best way to deal with your baby's noisy nature. Here are some things you can do to cope with the situation when your baby seems to cry for hours on end.

Identify the reason for the crying. Since infants can't speak, the only effective form of communication that they have in their arsenal is crying. Usually, babies also have different cries for different problems. For instance, a "hungry cry" will be slightly different than a "restless cry." But if you're a new parent, it might take some time to notice the subtle differences. Until then, it's mostly trial-and-error. Start by trying to feed the baby. If that doesn't work, try burping them. It will take practice to find out what they want, but it will pay off once you learn how to decipher the different types of cries.
Wrap it in swaddling clothes. If your baby is a newborn, it might be crying because it feels uncomfortable. The womb was a very warm and cozy place for your baby and sometimes they might want to have that secure feeling once again. The only way to duplicate this feeling for them is to wrap them in a blanket. Wrap it tightly, but not too tight. Also, keep the arms and legs wrapped inside the blanket, too. Babies generally feel uncomfortable with their arms and legs flailing around.
Soothe the cries of the savage baby. Find some music that comforts you and play it while you hold your baby. This often works unless you're soothed by the melodies of death metal. Play some classical music or nature sounds as you hold your baby close. When in doubt, you can even find CDs at your local music store that are made for comforting babies (and yourself) during these tumultuous times. If you're feeling especially adventurous, you can even sing to your baby. The soft sounds of a parent's voice are very soothing to a baby's nerves.
Plug it up. Sometimes, coping with an infant that won't stop crying is as simple as giving the baby a pacifier or something else that they can put in their mouth. Unfortunately, though, it's usually more complicated than this.
Invest in a rocking chair. Rocking your baby is often one of the best ways to cope with the crying. The rocking motion is very soothing to the baby and it also helps you keep your nerves at bay. Even if it doesn't stop crying, you'll feel more relaxed. Combine this with the soothing music from the previous step and you'll be on your way to coping effectively with your crying infant.
Give them some stimulation. A baby's mind is always wandering. They're new to the world and they are trying to absorb everything they can. But by being a baby, their exploration skills are limited as to where they can go and what they can do. As such, they might start crying when they get bored. If they are old enough to bounce around in an exerciser or crawl around on the floor, allow them to explore their surroundings.
Use this trick for colic. Everybody always worries that their baby is crying as a result of colic. Most parents look at this as a no-win situation because there's nothing you can to about colic. But this parent relays the tip that if you lay your baby on its tummy across your lap and rock gently back and forth, this allows the gas to escape effectively from its body and makes it more comfortable. It might not work for every baby, but it's certainly worth a try.
Leave it alone. This sounds like the easiest solution, but it's often the hardest thing a parent can do. Allowing your infant to "cry it out" can sometimes solve the problem, especially when it happens throughout the night. While attending to your crying baby won't necessarily cause them to be "spoiled," running to their crib at every little whimper could make them extra dependent and needy. Use your own judgment about using this method.
Take turns with mom. Sometimes, babies simply won't stop crying and you just can't figure out what the problem is. When this is the case, take turns with mom to hold the baby and make them feel as comfortable as possible. Whether it has a case of colic or the crying is stemming from something else, there may be nothing you can do besides spend some time with your arms around the infant.

Learning how to cope when your infant won't stop crying will undoubtedly take some practice. Patience, however, is the most important aspect of coping. And learning what is making your baby cry won't happen overnight. It will take some bonding time for the first few months to even know why your baby is crying. While following these steps won't guarantee that your baby will stop crying, you will have a good chance at peace and quiet by following these suggestions.