by Linda Foss | Dec 5, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Nobody wants a cold, that is a fact. In the office we actually call it the plague when viruses begin to make the rounds and co-workers drop like flies. It is rough when adults get stricken with this malady (maybe a little dramatic but true), but it is even worse when our littles get sick. Colds are a common viral infection that affect the respiratory system – all of it. As if to add insult to injury we get really frustrated and annoyed when we are cursed with a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, headaches and body aches. As a mom it is tough to see your toddlers suffering from colds with their weepy eyes and runny noses.
The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when we look at our health and the health of our children. One of the topics we have found that focuses on this preventative type of medicine is Homeopathic treatment. These medicines are typically made from natural substances so they’re absolutely safe and usually have no side effects. According to professional homeopaths, when you’ve experienced colds more than twice in a year it is better to seek help to fortify your immune system. We say that our family members’ health is our wealth. We have complied 7 Homeopathic Remedies which can help keep you well all year long (no trip to the doc needed). Some may view these methods as antiquated, they have been proven to work time and again. As a matter of fact, I have not used my inhaler for several years because I have an essential oil blend that actually works better (this is not recommended for everyone, I just know it works for me – consult your doctor before you change up your meds). We have detailed several homeopathic remedies and the symptoms they have been used to successfully treat. Hope you are able to use some of these to ease your pain and suffering this cold and flu season.
ACONITE NAPELLUS
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Dry painful cough, high body temperature and sensitivity to light, watery mucous, thirsty most of the time, bright red nose bleed, hot red cheeks, perspiration on uncovered parts of the body, runny nose, restlessness, anxiety.
Aconite is a very handy remedy that every family needs close by. This is suitable mainly during the first 24 hours after the onset of a cold. After being exposed to dry cold weather folks that are sniffling and sneezing or kiddos have increased odds of getting colds or a cough. Aconite napellus is of great help when your child has a stuffy nose and is sneezing a lot.
BELLADONNA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Dry with high fever, red face, throbbing headache/pain, patient radiates heat, dry cough, eyes dilated, cold extremities.
Belladonna should be considered when there’s a rapid stopping of nasal discharge accompanied by throbbing, headache, and a high fever. When your infants have pain in their throat caused by the cold, this medicine can help soothe their pain. Usually when you touch their skin, it is dry and they don’t want to drink water. Their larynx is dry and it aches when they swallow food or drink a small amount of water. Belladonna can also help children who have uncontrollable convulsions because of its calming effect on the nervous system. It is a great medication for treating flu symptoms and alleviates fever quickly. The herb is essentially used for tonsillitis, extreme headaches and sore throats.
EUPHRASIA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: large amounts of fluid from nose, can feel little pain all over the body during the night, heat descends the body, violent cough, chills, pressing pain under sternum, sweats only on the front of the body, coughing typically during the daytime.
Your child needs euphrasia if you’ve seen the symptoms given above. The white of their eyes gets reddened and it gets worse in the open air. Their cough lightens when they just lay down so you have to give your children a rest. Euphrasia has antioxidant properties and it is also effective for various kinds of eye problems. It relieves whatever allergic reactions your child has and infections in their eyes. It is also able to stiffen the mucous membrane encircling the eyes.
PULSATILLA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: The nose is bleeding and your kiddo has a runny nose during the day, and their nose is blocked at night, loss of smell, headache is above the eyes, they have teary eyes and want to be comforted, they have a dry mouth but they are not thirsty and it gets worse at twilight.
Most toddlers end up being super clingy and in need of a constant cuddle simply because they don’t feel well. Sometimes, you will notice they’re breathing through their mouth as they are sleeping because of the nasal congestion. Colds result in the loss of smell, a clogged nose and offensive breath. Keep in mind that single symptoms are common here. Pulsatilla is a common cure for newborn infants specifically if their nasal discharge is yellow or green. You may have a hard time getting them to take it orally, but if you can get them to take it, it will help to ease their symptoms.
ALLIUM CEPA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Extreme sneezing, tickle in the larynx, raspy voice, difficulty breathing, short dry frequent cough, excessive watery discharge from eyes.
The use of allium cepa brings relief when hot watery nasal discharge turns your child’s upper lip raw. Cold air aggravates the situation but at the same time people who need this remedy hate a warm room because their symptoms are exasperated in both environments. Allium Cepa is principally used for colds.
NATRUM MURIATICUM
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: The cold starts with fits of sneezing, the nose is blocked and can develop cold sores, runny eyes get worse in open air or wind, irritated with sun and lights, cold sores on lips, cracked lips.
This remedy is known to be one of the more successful ones because it is a multipurpose cure used for many types of conditions. Specifically, this cure can help with your infant when they develop the cold. Consult with your local homeopath for the best advice on how to apply this treatment.
BRYONIA
POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS: Cold moves into the chest, painful and dry cough, headache can be present across the entire head or on just one half, erratic cough, child may hold chest when they cough, very thirsty, can be in an especially aggravated mood.
When your tots have coughed and it goes down to their chest, this remedy can ease the pain they feel inside. Even if they move a little bit or cough slightly, children frequently hold their chest in order to limit the motion and will not be hurt. You can give this your tots so their breathing will get back to normal.
In conjunction with all of the advice above remember the best way to prevent or cure colds is to drink lots of fluid, eat well, and rest. While the above remedies can provide simple, effective, non-invasive relief for your little one please remember – if they have an illness that lingers, if there is ANY trouble breathing, or if they become dehydrated – you need to get them in to see their doctor as quickly as possible. Homeopathy is a great, natural way to treat some of our illnesses in a way that is designed to work with our bodies and our immune system. The more frequently you can use natural solutions, the stronger and more resilient your little ones will become.
by Linda Foss | Oct 27, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Our baby’s life is a gift—a gift that can’t be measured. Words can’t define the pleasure we felt inside while carrying that little bundle of joy. Nine months we carried our little angles in our womb and then they were here. That moment was full of expectation, hope and happiness. Not too long after the new baby makes their first appearance reality sets in for new parents and many ask “Now what do I do?” Parenting is not easy, or for the weak of heart, but it is absolutely worth it.
Modern technology has been evolving and many applications focused on the safety, entertainment and well-being of our children have been introduced into the marketplace. As parents we will do anything for the well-being of our babies to ensure they enjoy every stage of their life. But what if you are busy with your job and businesses? How can you enhance your abilities to keep your tots in good condition and safeguarded? Sometimes, we can feel like we are super-parents, but the reality is our super powers have limitations.
Babies can get into all sorts of trouble – they wander away, get into cabinets, figure out how to open doors, and the list goes on. It only takes these little people seconds to get into a world of trouble. Additionally, even small things like an infant stuffy nose can play havoc with our schedules and throw our day for a loop. Even the most experienced parents are not able to monitor their kiddos all of the time. Fortunately for new-parents, advances in technology make it much easier to monitor our toddlers even if we are not around. The protection, welfare and satisfaction of our babies is of the utmost significant because they are precious to us.
Listed below are 8 Awesome & Cool Baby Apps that will absolutely support you and your baby’s journey in growing.
Stork Drop—Baby Names
The baby journey starts with choosing a great name for your little angel. Sometimes this can be a challenge (we have 13 kiddos so names get scarce sometimes), not because you can’t think of a name but because you have many choices in your mind. Now, the Stork will be the one to pick a name for you – they have 7,000 plus names in their database that you may ponder and chew on. The app gives you the ability to save names you like. The name that you’ve selected will show its origin, meaning and popularity. For all of our kids we get little placards made up that show the meaning and origin of their name. It is fun to talk about as they get older.
Baby Sleep: Lullabies and Teddys
Our little ones deserve to experience a smooth and comfortable rest. As parents it is really easy to get tired of singing lullabies to the kiddos. This app is your savior because it lets you play 21 wonderful lullabies which will soothe the ears of your babies. It also comes in handy if you are out of your house and you are self-conscious about singing lullabies in public. This app is the answer to your shyness. You can put the songs on queue to play for three to thirty minutes and you can create your own playlist. The list of lullabies covers Au Claire de la lune, Edelweiss, Hickory Dickery Dock, and Rock a Bye Baby. The app accompanies the songs with attractive images of animals. I’m pretty sure that you’ll admire this application; it’s simple yet awesome.
Baby Shusher
Having a hard time sleeping because your baby keeps crying aloud at night? According to the developer of this app, because of its rhythmic shush sound it can harmlessly stop your baby from crying and calm them because it reminds the baby of being in the womb of their mother. The shush sound will automatically adapt based on the volume of your baby’s cry; when the cry is loud the app will also play louder and when the cry subsides the volume of the app lowers. The application has built-in sound sensor which lets you play it for 15 or 30 minutes. An added bonus of the Baby Shusher is that you may also record your own version of the shush.
Baby Pack & Go
Are you always forgetting something for your baby when you leave your house especially when you’re rushing? No more trouble for the new parent because this app assures that you pack the items needed for your baby before travelling. It has a packing line-up and travel lists for your tots so you won’t forget all of the items you need to take along. You may also customize and personalize the app by adding images, colors and even sounds. It contains a Task Reminder Alert, which is sent so you can bring all the items you identified as needing. It makes it easier to prepare for your travel because you can instantly use this app when you’re busy and thinking of other things. Less hassle, less stress and you’ll have peace of mind all throughout the day because finally you didn’t forget anything for your infant.
Baby Connect
This application tracks everything about your baby. Baby Connect is an application to log the daily activities of your tot. It documents and graphs the feedings of your baby by tracking the pump schedule (if you are pumping), solid foods, diapers, medicines, sleep patterns, mood and even the temperature of your little one. With the data captured, you can check to see if there’s progress from the previous data capture. You can also track measurements such as the weight, height and head size of your toddlers. The nice thing about this app is that data can be automatically delivered to your family members or nanny. This type of an app is especially nice when you have a baby stuffy nose or cold. As an added bonus you can even communicate with caregivers in real time. This app is accessible on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, and as an application on the web. The app is completely secure. It uses password protection for all aspects of data capture and reporting.
Parenting Ages And Stages
This app will be a favorite with the new parent. You are able to receive information concerning the development of your toddler and the app provides parenting ideas and tips, which can help you figure things out as you start into the parenthood journey. The app contains 5 stages: pregnancy, first year, second year, the early years, and the school years. It provides useful information to help guide you as you train and discipline your baby as they grow. Similar to other apps we reviewed in this article; this app helps you compile information about your baby’s progress. It also provides advice and instruction that a new parent will absolutely need.
Angel Sense
Angel Sense is a one-of-a-kind, easy to wear tracker that is created with oodles of features for toddlers and children in general. It is a friendly wearable GPS device that can be magnetically attached to the clothing of your babies. The app provides an update and shows your child’s location every 30 seconds and stores that information in logs. Not only can you see where your child has been / is going, but you can also hear what is going on around them. Every 10 seconds, a live update is automatically sent to your app. When your baby is off crawling around the house and you’re unaware that they have disappeared (it only takes a second for those pesky little buggers to slip away), this app will show you where they are. The best feature is that you can set up your own designated safety zone that your babies are allowed to traverse and will get a warning if he/she strays outside of that zone. The app has far-reaching cellular coverage so it is not limited by the availability of a local wireless network.
My Kid’s Health
Our baby’s health is one of our primary concerns as parents. When our infant is sick, we become a frazzled parent and it impacts our effectiveness at home and in the workplace. My Kid’s Health seeks to lessen that stress by providing us with a high-tech solution to making sure our kids are in optimum health. The basic information provided by this app incorporates date of birth, growth records, appointments they have had with their doctor and dentist, allergies and illnesses, and height and weight. All of this information is synced with the app and kept in a single place so you can access it quickly in an emergency. The nice thing about having all of this information in one place is also that you are able to see the health of your child evolve over time by reviewing check-ups, medical procedures and medicines they have taken over time.
We hope you found a couple of these apps useful. Technology has opened new doors in many areas of our lives, and we think it is great that this tech can be used to make the job of parenting easier.
What are your favorite baby apps? Please share with us. We would love to know.
by Linda Foss | Oct 18, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Every year when September rolls around seasons begin to change, days become shorter, and nights become cooler. The hot humid warmth of summer gives way to a cool rainy season that can bring with it plenty of sickness and sniffles. As moms everywhere know, these sniffles and coughs are not reserved for just big people, but also affect the newborns, infants and toddlers in our lives. This is also the time of year when flu season begins to kick into high gear. Typically flu strikes our little ones because their immune system is still feeble and not equipped to fight the virus. While we can’t bend the weather and change the seasons, we are able to protect our babies from flu.
Exactly what does “FLU” mean? Flu as defined in the dictionary, is a shorter version of the word “influenza” which specifically references the influenza virus. It is an infectious disease which is commonly spread through the air from coughs or sneezes. Flu can be passed on to others around us if they touch a surface infected by the virus and then touch their eyes or mouth.
When it comes to our infants, we get easily rattled trying to figure out how to cure the pain they feel inside and outside. Listed below are the common symptoms that are associated with the flu in infants and toddlers (courtesy of http://www.babycenter.com/0_flu-in-babies_10877.bc). Keep in mind that from zero to six months, infants are especially susceptible to viruses.
SYMPTOMS
Your infant has a high fever.
What it looks like – Temperatures that define high fevers are typically associated with the following ranges. For three months or younger, they have 38ºC (100.4F) or higher. For 3 to 6 months, they have 38.39ºC (101.1F) or higher. And for toddlers older than 6 months, they have 39.44ºC (102.9F) or higher.
Your baby is experiencing a dry cough, sore throat and runny or congested nose.
What it looks like – When your tots have coughs that last longer than one week and if the infant stuffy nose lasts longer than ten to fourteen days, you should make an appointment and have the baby seen by their general practice doctor.
Vomiting and Nausea
What it looks like – If your little one continues to vomit for a period of time greater than 24 hours or if they repeatedly throw-up everything that they eat they may have the flu. There may also be instances where your baby vomits with blood then their lips or nails turn blue.
Extreme Tiredness
What it looks like – Your baby does not have its typical energy levels, they are very cranky, they may be lethargic and having trouble breathing. They may also experience muscle or body aches that contribute to their irritability and unhappiness.
Diarrhea
What it looks like – Your baby might have flu if diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or there’s a red body fluid in it and your tot indicates signs of dehydration wherein sunken eyes and decreased urination is evident.
The flu in and of itself can be very worrisome for parents and with good reason. Left unchecked and untreated there is the possibility that the virus can become increasingly difficult to treat and may even turn into pneumonia—that being one of the worst-case scenarios that might occur.
What To Do If Your Newborn Infant Has The Flu
FLU VACCINATION
A flu shot during pregnancy can help to safeguard your little baby before they are able to receive their own vaccine at six months of age. Take note that the flu vaccine is not recommended for newborn infants. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), babies as young as 6 months old all the way up to 18 years old can take the flu vaccine and it is recommended to have it annually. Flu shots are recommended for patients every year because the flu virus can evolve and mutate into a new virus that can be marginally dissimilar from the one you were vaccinated against – when that happens, you are not protected from the new flu strain. It should be noted that nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women but it is allowed for healthy people aged 2 through 49. The CDC recommends pregnant women get the vaccine in injection form.
Does the vaccine have possible side effects? Yes it does. The vaccine can cause unwanted side effects such as soreness or redness, headache, fever, muscle aches, fatigue and swelling from the shot. Side effects typically occur after the shot and will last for one to two days. Please note – if your baby has an allergic reaction to the vaccine you should a call a doctor immediately.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Many folks think personal hygiene is a rudimentary life skill, but lots of people still fail to do it. Keeping yourself and your baby in good health and clean decreases the chance of contracting the flu. Simply washing the hands of your baby with soap and warm water makes a big difference and can help keep the influenza from spreading. It sounds corny but singing two rounds of “Happy Birthday” is a good way to get your hands sudsy and scour away the germs. When you cough and sneeze, cover your mouth with tissue in your hands then throw it away as soon as possible or cough into the inner part of your elbow joint to keep the germs from going everywhere. After coughing and sneezing, never touch your eyes, nose and mouth. You should also be very careful to not touch your infant with potentially contaminated hands. Wash your hands and put some alcohol based sanitation gel on them to sterilize them. Additionally, if there are others in the home that are sick, it is a good idea to ask them to steer clear of the baby while they are coughing and sneezing.
Diet and Rest
Aside from hygiene and vaccinations, eating healthy food is a fundamental habit to boost the immune system of your baby. Our diet is where we obtain vitamins that our bodies require to stay healthy and fight off illness. Ensuring your baby is getting adequate sleep will also help their bodies fend off any infection or virus. Toddlers need approximately 13 hours of sleep nightly.
In the event your little one ends up coming down with the flu (even after you have been diligent with precautionary measures) here are some remedies to help treat the flu in your newborn infant or child.
PROPER HYDRATION
Small amounts of warm water, apple juice, and pedialite are some of the best ways to soothe the throats of your tots for 3 months and older to keep them hydrated (popsicles can work well also). For those babies who are accustomed to solid foods, broth is a good way to get fluids in to them – especially if it is homemade. Obviously, if you are a nursing mother that is the best way to keep baby hydrated and nourished. An added bonus for nursing moms is that antibodies from the mom are passed to baby through the breast milk.
RECOVERING STRENGTH
Rest will bring healing to your infant and getting that rest is absolutely essential when your babies have the flu. Provide a serene place so that your child can experience a peaceful rest and sleep. Use a towel or pillows to elevate your little angel’s head so they can breathe easily (assuming the child is old enough to sleep with a pillow).
MEDICATION
Over the counter pain relievers and cold medicines can help ease your baby’s suffering during their flu exposure. My experience has been that infants benefit the most from Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen when 
they are wrestling with flu like symptoms. Acetaminophen works very well to suppress fevers and the ibuprofen helps to ease aches and pains. Be sure to read the packages for these over the counter drugs to get accurate dosing guidelines. How much medicine your baby can have and how frequently they can have is typically determined by age and weight. Medicine boxes include a dosing chart that provides dosage guidelines. I have also found over the counter decongestants to work very well to relieve the congestion brought on by the flu in toddlers and older kids (decongestants are not typically recommended for a newborn or infants blocked nose. While infant are not able to take medicine to help with the congestion, you can use a medical grade baby nasal aspirator to get the mucus out of their head. If your child is diagnosed with an actual strain of the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine like Tamiflu to shorten the life of the virus.
Fortunately the flu is survivable and treatable in this day and age. There are plenty of homeopathic remedies and if those fail a visit to the doctor’s office can help get the babies health back on track. The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with your babies flu is to remain vigilant, watch the health of your baby, and don’t hesitate to get the little one into the doctor or urgent care if it looks like the effects of the virus are worsening instead of getting better.
by Lawrence Goodhue | Oct 1, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
February is the month of love where couples spend their significant moments together. Traveling, doing adventurous activities, romantic date nights…you get the gist. It’s no surprise then that September is one of the most popular months for pregnancies. According to statistics, the demand and interest regarding ideas for baby shower gifts are at a peak during this month of the year. It’s a trending topic every year – and this year is no different. A baby shower is a joyful celebration and the best way to make it even better is to accompany it with an astonishing present. Looking for a cute gift is not difficult, especially with the internet, because there are a lot of interesting baby stuff and baby accessories out there. Sometimes that is a part of the problem – we have so many options it becomes very difficult to figure out what to purchase. The key is to find something that’s valuable, special, personal and a great keepsake that will be treasured.
If you want your gift to be noteworthy, think of it as an opportunity to let the parent-to-be feel that their little angel is precious and important to you. It’s like giving hope that the next phase of their life will be more thrilling with many wonders and exciting experiences.
Baby shower guests, do you need help picking out that perfect practical present? To save you time searching and agonizing over gift selections, we have chosen a couple of products that are unique gifts for tots. Listed below are the 7 baby shower gifts that we’ve scoured the web to present to you.
HALO SLEEP SACK
In every precious moment you partake with your baby, this wearable blanket suits your lovable and adorable little angels. No more sleepless nights – especially on those cool nights. This Halo SleepSack was designated as the #1 Safe Sleep Product gold seal by First Candle/SIDS Alliance. No more buttons, just one zip and it will keep your baby warm. It makes baby changing easy. It’s a snug blanket that will perfectly fit your little one so that they won’t get mussed up. The item is soft and luxurious and provides just the right amount of comfort for your babies. They can’t kick the blanket off and it ensures your baby will sleep safe and sound throughout the night. It’s not so tight that’s why it will not hinder the proper breathing of your baby.
TUMMY TIME
To hear and see your baby giggle makes it all worth it, right mom? This modern color combination play mat has a soft quilt bottom and is designed to let your baby enjoy leisure time. It has accessories like a dangling monkey toy, wind chime and teether to provide a fun jungle feel for your little one. It has three musical tunes and lights to energize your baby while having a good time. Gymini Monkey Island was established to develop plenty of activities. Cushioned for the welfare of your infant, its pad is squishy and will keep your baby superbly engaged while having fun. It’s versatile for when your baby gets tired and falls to sleep, because the pad is firm but pliable fabric and adjustable to meet the needs of your infant. The dual purpose of the toy is to allow your baby to play and rest. Aside from making your tots jubilant, it also makes your life easy because the pad is machine washable and super easy to fold.
PERFECTLY SIZED GIFT IDEA – ZUTANO BABY CLOTHES
Not sure about the gender of your baby? Many families are choosing to wait for the gender reveal – seems everyone wants to be surprised about the new edition. No worries, we have the perfect gift for you. This gift is great for the early weeks of your little one. The Creative Zutano line includes caps, sleep gowns, leggings and footie pajamas for infants up to 13 pounds. The clothing line has harmonious prints and a touch of vivid colors which work well for both boys and girls. You can’t go wrong with this as it is unisex. So if you don’t have any idea about the gender, pick this one. Selecting tiny little outfits like this really enhance all of the most adorable aspects of your new edition. Baby clothes are one of the best gifts you can give especially when the outfit matches from head to toe. Sometimes you have to change outfits on little ones three or four times in a day and it is nice to have a little bit of variety when shifting them in and out of those outfits. One of the best things about this gift is that it can keep on giving. If families end up having additional babies, this gift can be used again at a later date. These types of gifts are also great even if you don’t expect to have more children because there are lots of moms out there that you can pass these types of outfits on to. Everybody wins.
INCOGNITO NURSING COVER
It’s challenging for new moms when it’s time to breastfeed in public. That is why this next item caught our eye – a cute breastfeeding-friendly outfit. Something that will not sacrifice your fashion style all the while protecting your modesty. Pirose Motherhood provides an incognito nursing cover which is twistable, which means you can use it to discreetly feed your baby in public. It’s a scarf or a shawl that comes with a chic pattern and can easily complement your regular wardrobe. It’s effortless to wear and it absolutely doesn’t skimp on material. The poncho-type design gives you confidence and makes you feel comfortable when you have to breastfeed your baby in public. Because the material is lightweight, it can easily fold up and be carried in your bag. No more hesitations on your part when breastfeeding anywhere and your little ones will no longer have to waste away while you seek out an area that is safe to breastfeed in.
HIGH TECH BABY MONITOR
These days it is possible to capture every moment of your infant’s day – even when you’re not around. Those comical, funny, crazy and weird facial expressions of your infant can now be captured and immortalized. The Levana ERA Advanced Digital Video baby monitor helps you collect unexpected moments of your baby’s day and upload them to your computer. While your little angel is sleeping, the subtle nuances of all of your baby’s facial expressions can be snapped by the camera in an instant. Additionally, this monitor gives you an extra set of eyes and ears so that you can multitask on your daily responsibilities while keeping an eye on your kiddo. It’s safe and wise to have this kind of device for your baby’s own sake. It’s like spying your baby’s breathing, body positions and how well they are sleeping. It assists you in checking out your baby even when you’re sleeping too.
STURDY STROLLER FOR TWINS
There’s a quotation that says “two not just one means double fun”. Some parents-to-be wish to have baby twins for it feels like a duet of happiness is in your home. But carrying the twins around all the time when walking around malls and parks or visiting your relatives will stress you out and can cause moderate pain for your back and legs. Your back, your arms and even your hips can be affected by this double-duty kid carrying. Luckily, we have a solution for moms of multiples that are excited to have outdoor time with their babies. The Phil & Teds Explorer is a double seat sturdy stroller that’s good for newborn to age six. It’s three-wheeled design lets you carry your twins as you roam around shopping, walking, jogging or just visiting with friends. This single stroller that carries both of your babies is much easier to manage than having two individual strollers (one for each baby). The stroller is hassle-free and it offers an easy solution to your multiple baby transportation needs. As an added bonus the second seat has a sun visor to protect your baby that is easy to use and stow. The twins will surely experience a smooth and undisturbed ride.
SNOT SUCKERS AND BABY NASAL ASPIRATORS
This last gift idea might give you impressions that it is “gross” or your mind screams “ew”, but looking beyond it, a snot sucker (yes, I just said snot sucker) is a must-have for every mom and infant. There’s a lot of gunk in our baby’s nose and we don’t want to hear them crying because they can’t breathe comfortably. We can’t afford to see them going through that. Remember that babies don’t know to blow their own noses yet. While this fact is well known to veteran moms, the inevitable baby stuffy nose is not one of those things that new moms think about until they have a sick baby. To remove or reduce the mucous safely, this baby nose sucker is a big help without irritating the child. Nowadays, there are many variations of nasal aspirators but we really like this cleanable snot sucker. Other than cleaning their nose so they can breathe easily, it will enable the babies to feed easier and allow them to sleep well. Keep in mind that having a clogged nose affects the breathing and eating of your tots. The best nasal aspirators should work efficiently, hygienically and be easy to clean. This gift is best for ages 0-3.
Baby showers are a special time of bonding and a lot of thought goes into finding the perfect gift for the mom-to-be. Looking for these gifts can be entertaining, overwhelming and fascinating yet at the end of the process we have to whittle all of the possible gifts down to our final selection. Hopefully our recommended 7 Baby Shower Gifts provide you with a couple of fun ideas that you can use for your next baby shower.
by Linda Foss | Aug 25, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
Hospital Grade Baby Nasal Aspirators also known as “Bulb Syringes” are common devices used by doctors, nurses and parents to clear a newborn’s airway for easier breathing. If you are a new parent, it may seem a little scary or risky using a hospital grade baby nasal aspirator for the first time. So, no need to be alarmed because if used properly they are pretty safe.
Proper Use
The tissue lining in your infant’s nose is delicate, so it is essential that you use the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe properly to avoid discomfort for your little one. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using saline drops in conjunction with the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe to loosen the mucus first before you suction it out. Before inserting the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe into your infants nose, you will need to compress the bulb from the bottom (see picture B) before you insert the tip into your infants nose. Doing it this will way will prevent you from blasting air into the nostril passageway which causes sneezing or gagging, plus if gives you the best results for suction. I’ve seen too many individuals squeeze the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe from the sides and this is improper technique and won’t remove nearly as much mucus doing it this way.
Over-suction is a No-No
Dealing with a congested infant can be a little stressful especially knowing that your infant is helpless and depends on your for their care and comfort. As a parent, it’s our job to make sure our infants are comfortable while they are getting better, but at the same time we need to make sure that we aren’t using excessive suctioning. You may want to limit suctioning to no more than three times a day. This should do the job because hospital grade baby nasal aspirators have great suction. Plus, excessive suctioning can make the nostrils sore and dry and cause swelling in the mucus membranes. So there is no 
need to overdo it.
Controversy over proper cleaning of bulb syringe
Cleaning the hospital grade baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe has been a hot topic. The main reason being is that these medical grade nose suckers are really not cleanable. You can submerge them under water to clean it out but it will eventually get mold build up and start to smell because the baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe can’t properly air dry, thus creating the need to replace your baby nasal aspirator or bulb syringe often.
Best Baby Nasal Aspirator or Bulb Syringe to Buy
There is some good news for those individuals who prefer using the bulb syringe for removing mucus. There is a new hospital grade baby nasal aspirator on the market that is now completely cleanable. It’s called the BoogieBulb®. The BoogieBulb® is the same bulb syringe used by hospitals across the U.S. that easily comes apart for proper cleaning and disinfection. In the Journal of Infection and Immunity, a study showed that bacteria can live on surfaces for weeks or even months. BoogieBulb® offers a cleaning/ disinfecting solution kit that will kill all of the major viruses in 30 seconds and is completely safe to use.
Closing Comments
Baby nasal aspirators or bulb syringes are safe to use and have been around for decades. You have to choose what works best for your child. Most parents prefer the hospital grade baby nasal aspirators or bulb syringes over other nose suctioning devices because they can trust it will get the job done effectively and easily. Whatever method you choose, always educate yourself for proper usage to ensure the best results.
by Linda Foss | May 16, 2016 | Boogie Bulb Blog |
If you are an OCD mom like me, we care about the cleanliness and safety of the products we use on our babies. Let’s talk about the baby nasal aspirator for instance. You know the one I’m talking about, the blue booger sucker you get from the hospital the day you take your newborn home. If there is one thing that gets the job done, it’s that hospital baby nasal aspirator. The suction is fabulous! What’s the downside to using this blue booger sucker? You can’t properly clean them. Let’s discuss why you should buy a cleanable baby nasal aspirator. (more…)
