GreatDad Blog - Official blog of GreatDad.com with parenting advice, tips and experience for new dads and experienced father » Babies http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog Because dads don't always think like moms. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:50:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 New JPMA crib guidelines http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2010/01/22/new-jpma-crib-guidelines/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2010/01/22/new-jpma-crib-guidelines/#comments Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:42:57 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2010/01/22/new-jpma-crib-guidelines/ For Crib Safety Month in January, the JPMA suggests the following safety tips to protect the baby and sustain the proper lifespan of your crib: Parents should not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. ... Also NEVER use a crib with corner posts over 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless they’re over 16 inches high, such as for a canopy). ... When using a drop side crib parents and caregivers should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving parts operate smoothly. ... Additional safety tips to sustain the proper lifespan of your crib: Always check all sides and corners of the crib to assure proper assembly with no openings that may entrap a child. ... Even if you are on a tight budget, you should not purchase an old crib at a garage sale or accept a hand-me-down crib that may not meet Federal and ASTM standards.

]]>

One of the big changes at the ABC Kids Show last fall was the disappearance of cribs with up and and down gates. Continuing improvements in safety can help cut crib deaths.

For Crib Safety Month in January, the JPMA suggests the following safety tips to protect the baby and sustain the proper lifespan of your crib:

  • Parents should not use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy.Crib

  • Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and none should be loose or missing. Also NEVER use a crib with corner posts over 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless they’re over 16 inches high, such as for a canopy).

  • Never place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep. NEVER place the crib near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords.

  • When using a drop side crib parents and caregivers should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving parts operate smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib, especially with duct tape, wire or rope. Parents should be sure that hardware is installed properly. When assembling and disassembling drop side cribs, parents should always confirm that the parts are reassembled following the manufacturer’s guidelines as listed in the instructions.


Additional safety tips to sustain the proper lifespan of your crib:

  • Always check all sides and corners of the crib to assure proper assembly with no openings that may entrap a child. The crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width, one-inch, between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. Otherwise, the baby can get trapped between the mattress and the side of the crib.

  • Do not try to repair any side of the crib without manufacturer approved hardware.

  • Putting a broken side up against the wall does not solve the problem and can often make it worse.

  • Many older cribs do not meet all current safety standards. Even if you are on a tight budget, you should not purchase an old crib at a garage sale or accept a hand-me-down crib that may not meet Federal and ASTM standards.
]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2010/01/22/new-jpma-crib-guidelines/feed/ 0 Free Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail Contest! http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/12/21/free-arm-hammer-diaper-pail-contest/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/12/21/free-arm-hammer-diaper-pail-contest/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:48:08 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/12/21/free-arm-hammer-diaper-pail-contest/ All you have to to do is watch "Real World Cribs," the newest show from DadLabs.com for a chance to win a new Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail from Munchkin. In the style made famous by MTV, tour cool nurseries and meet interesting parents in the premiere webisode. ... And to enter to win the diaper pail, all you have to do is enter the name of the best starring role for a dad in a motion picture. We're looking for the character here, not the actual actor person. If you are commenting for the first time, other readers can not see your email, but we will use it to contact you if you have won the prize.

]]>

Our friends at Dadlabs.com have helped organize a contest. All you have to to do is watch “Real World Cribs,” the newest show from DadLabs.com for a chance to win a new Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail from Munchkin. In the style made famous by MTV, tour cool nurseries and meet interesting parents in the premiere webisode. A must see for expecting and new moms and dads.

And to enter to win the diaper pail, all you have to do is enter the name of the best starring role for a dad in a motion picture in our comments section. We’re looking for the character here, not the actual actor person. If you are commenting for the first time, other readers can not see your email, but we will use it to contact you if you have won the prize.

Comments must be made prior to January 11, 2010.

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/12/21/free-arm-hammer-diaper-pail-contest/feed/ 1 More fun than a barrel of monkeys? Will Ferrell to become a dad for third time. http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/10/02/more-fun-than-a-barrel-of-monkeys-will-ferrell-to-become-a-dad-for-third-time/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/10/02/more-fun-than-a-barrel-of-monkeys-will-ferrell-to-become-a-dad-for-third-time/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:06:23 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/10/02/more-fun-than-a-barrel-of-monkeys-will-ferrell-to-become-a-dad-for-third-time/ People Magazine reports that the former Saturday Night Live star and his wife, Viveca Paulin, are expecting a third child. ... The third child is expected to be a boy and I have to say, you've got to hand it to the mom. ... The new baby is in January 2010, according to the Ferrell's representative.

]]>

People Magazine reports that the former Saturday Night Live star and his wife, Viveca Paulin, are expecting a third child.

The star, 42 and Ms. Paulin, 40, already have two sons, Magnus, 5 ½, and Mattias, 2 ½. The third child is expected to be a boy.

You’ve got to hand it to the mom. Jumping around with Will Ferrell alone has to be exhausting. I can’t imagine a house full of four of him.

The new baby is in January 2010, according to Ferrell’s representative.

Ferrell starred in last summer’s Land of the Lost. He also had a Broadway show early in 2009, featuring his George W. Bush impersonation that was nominated for a Tony Award.

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/10/02/more-fun-than-a-barrel-of-monkeys-will-ferrell-to-become-a-dad-for-third-time/feed/ 0 Baby bath options new at ABC http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/15/baby-bath-options-new-at-abc/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/15/baby-bath-options-new-at-abc/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:52:50 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/15/baby-bath-options-new-at-abc/

Spa Baby European-style baby tub let’s you large baby in a natural way for the baby. Covers the baby with water rather than allowing baby to get cold while water is spread over baby.

$45 for translucent and new Eco version made out of recycled plastic.

Features fill line to control water level for baby.

I was skeptical about this category but after seeing this and Tummy Tub, this looks like a better alternative to the horizontal bath tub.

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/15/baby-bath-options-new-at-abc/feed/ 0 Baby n Pet Gate http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/13/baby-n-pet-gate/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/13/baby-n-pet-gate/#comments Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:29:04 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/13/baby-n-pet-gate/ Innovation allows small pets to pass through. Baby n Pet Gate - $24.99

]]>

Innovation allows small pets to pass through. Baby n Pet Gate – $24.99

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/09/13/baby-n-pet-gate/feed/ 1 Three hot new baby monitors dads can get excited about http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/07/21/three-hot-new-baby-monitors-dads-can-get-excited-about/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/07/21/three-hot-new-baby-monitors-dads-can-get-excited-about/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:03:50 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/07/21/three-hot-new-baby-monitors-dads-can-get-excited-about/ DECT Baby Monitor SCD 520/00 does the regular listening stuff but also monitors the temperature in the baby's room so there's one less thing for mom to worry about on cold winter nights. ... The camera in the baby's room is controlled on the monitor side and you can pan, zoom and swivel it to take in the whole room. ... Graco Imonitor Mini Baby Monitor vibrates and makes noise when baby makes a sound so you can strap it on and "hear" the baby even during a party or while vacuuming. $100 at GracoBaby.com.

]]>

Baby monitors are one gadget that mom’s give dad permission to buy. The technology is advancing rapidly. Here are three new ones that might get you excited about outfitting the nursery:

1.
DECT Baby Monitor SCD 520/00 does the regular listening stuff but also monitors the temperature in the baby’s room so there’s one less thing for mom to worry about on cold winter nights. $150

2.
Best View Handheld Color Video Monitor has a 2.5 inch screen and a strong digital image. The camera in the baby’s room is controlled on the monitor side and you can pan, zoom and swivel it to take in the whole room. $199

3.
r Mini Baby Mo Mini Baby Monitor vibrates and makes noise when baby makes a sound so you can strap it on and “hear” the baby even during a party or while vacuuming. $100

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/07/21/three-hot-new-baby-monitors-dads-can-get-excited-about/feed/ 0 And the world’s oldest first-time fathers are… http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/30/and-the-world%e2%80%99s-oldest-first-time-fathers-are%e2%80%a6/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/30/and-the-world%e2%80%99s-oldest-first-time-fathers-are%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:09:45 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/30/and-the-world%e2%80%99s-oldest-first-time-fathers-are%e2%80%a6/ Italian men become fathers at a later age than any other nationality, and do little or nothing to help their wives once their babies are born, statistics office Istat said Thursday. Italian men have their first child at an average age of 33, compared with younger than 31 for fathers in Spain, France and Finland, Istat said. Part of the problem is that many Italian men live with their parents for longer than elsewhere in the world, with 40 percent of 30-34 year-old Italian males still staying at home.

]]>

This just in from the Armenian Medical Network website (story available also in Russian).

I love the “failure to launch” reasoning.

Italian men become fathers at a later age than any other nationality, and do little or nothing to help their wives once their babies are born, statistics office Istat said Thursday.

Italian men have their first child at an average age of 33, compared with younger than 31 for fathers in Spain, France and Finland, Istat said.

Part of the problem is that many Italian men live with their parents for longer than elsewhere in the world, with 40 percent of 30-34 year-old Italian males still staying at home.

[From And the world’s oldest first-time fathers are… - Gender: Male -]

I can’t find the average age of first time fathers in the U.S. It’s 32 in the U.K.Bjorn...Baby Bjorn - 4/365

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/30/and-the-world%e2%80%99s-oldest-first-time-fathers-are%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Crying babies make dads cry and vice versa, says study http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/29/crying-babies-make-dads-cry-and-vice-versa-says-study/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/29/crying-babies-make-dads-cry-and-vice-versa-says-study/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:21:37 +0000 Paul Banas http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/29/crying-babies-make-dads-cry-and-vice-versa-says-study/ While colicky babies have been known to make grown men (and moms) cry, a new study published today in Pediatrics says that babies are more likely to be colicky if the fathers are depressed. ... Colic usually goes away by three to four months old, but can be so frustrating that parents shake their babies, sometimes resulting in irreversible brain damage or death. ... Unfortunately, the study was not able to correct for under-reporting of depression by people who did not fill out the surveys, or who underestimated the crying, so it likely underestimates the link between depression and colic.

]]>

While colicky babies have been known to make grown men (and moms) cry, a new study published today in Pediatrics says that babies are more likely to be colicky if the fathers are depressed. Colic is defined as three hours of crying at least three hours per day. Previous studies have shown a link between depression in women and colic in babies. The study looked at 7600 babies and parents during pregnancy through two months after birth.
Colic usually goes away by three to four months old, but can be so frustrating that parents shake their babies, sometimes resulting in irreversible brain damage or death. The results of the study suggest that doctors should integrate colic awareness into pregnancy planning tips. Couples need to be aware of both dad and mom’s mental condition before birth to predict colic, but also to identify parents who may need help.

Unfortunately, the study was not able to correct for under-reporting of depression by people who did not fill out the surveys, or who underestimated the crying, so it likely underestimates the link between depression and colic.

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/29/crying-babies-make-dads-cry-and-vice-versa-says-study/feed/ 0 New Dadlabs book out in time for Fathers Day http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/02/new-dadlabs-book-out-in-time-for-fathers-day/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/02/new-dadlabs-book-out-in-time-for-fathers-day/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:04:38 +0000 Paul Banas http://blogs.greatdad.com/2009/06/02/new-dadlabs-book-out-in-time-for-fathers-day/ Our friends at DadLabs.com are at it again with a new book that tries to put in prose what they do so well in video. ... It has many practical tips on subjects like picking a baby name and how to change a diaper, just as you will find on DadLabs TV, but much of the value of this book is the ability to laugh at the early stages of parenthood, just as your pregnant partner is taking it so seriously. There is a time for soulful feelings about incipient fatherhood, but also a time for having a beer and making some crude jokes using all the new vocabulary you've just learned in Childbirth class.

]]>

Our friends at DadLabs.com are at it again with a new book that tries to put in prose what they do so well in video. And, they do a great job, with tongue in cheek article son everything about pregnancy through Year 1 (subsequent volumes will treat older kids).

The new book is DadLabs Guide to Fatherhood. It has many practical tips on subjects like picking a baby name and how to change a diaper, just as you will find on DadLabs TV, but much of the value of this book is the ability to laugh at the early stages of parenthood, just as your pregnant partner is taking it so seriously. There is a time for soulful feelings about incipient fatherhood, but also a time for having a beer and making some crude jokes using all the new vocabulary you’ve just learned in Childbirth class.

Recommended for nervous dads who need to see the lighter side, or as a fun shower gift (you are throwing a man shower, right?).Eat Your House 4

$16.95 on Amazon and other fine booksellers.

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/06/02/new-dadlabs-book-out-in-time-for-fathers-day/feed/ 1 Famous older dads http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/04/29/famous-older-dads/ http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/04/29/famous-older-dads/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:21:44 +0000 Paul Banas http://blogs.greatdad.com/2009/04/29/famous-older-dads/ For you men hoping to have a baby at a more advanced age, here are a list of your potential heroes: David Bowie (at 53), Mick Jagger (at 57), Michael Douglas (at 58), Rod Stewart (at 60), Paul McCartney (at 61), Eric Clapton (at 59), Pierre Trudeau (72), Charlie Chaplin (at 73), Saul Bellow (at 84), Pablo Picasso (at 68), David Letterman (at 56), Larry King (at 65 and 66), Woody Allen (at 51), Warren Beatty (at 62), Dennis Quaid (50) and Jack Nicholson (at 53)

]]>

For you men hoping to have a baby at a more advanced age, here are a list of your potential heroes:

David Bowie (at 53), Mick Jagger (at 57), Michael Douglas (at 58), Rod Stewart (at 60), Paul McCartney (at 61), Eric Clapton (at 59), Pierre Trudeau (72), Charlie Chaplin (at 73), Saul Bellow (at 84), Pablo Picasso (at 68), David Letterman (at 56), Larry King (at 65 and 66), Woody Allen (at 51), Warren Beatty (at 62), Dennis Quaid (50) and Jack Nicholson (at 53)

]]> http://www.greatdad.com/greatdadblog/2009/04/29/famous-older-dads/feed/ 23