The exhaustion of the first trimester pretty much guarantees most women a good night’s sleep at the start of the pregnancy. Chances are, you’re falling asleep on the sofa long before the watershed. You may find yourself needing more sleep than ever before. No matter how much sleep you get though, you’re probably still exhausted. From the excessive sleeping of the first trimester, to the rare uninterrupted sleep of the third trimester, sleep during pregnancy is never easy.

How should I sleep?

During the first trimester, you don’t need to worry too much about the position you sleep in. Which is handy, because you’re likely to fall asleep in strange places like on the bus, or hiding in the stationery cupboard at work.

As the baby starts to get bigger, and your uterus expands, you’ll need to start paying attention to how you sleep. Pregnant women are advised to avoid sleeping on their tummy once their bump begins to show. By this stage, sleeping on your front will probably be quite uncomfortable anyway.

Around the same time, you’ll need to avoid sleeping on your back too. Your expanding uterus can restrict blood flow when you lie on your back. The uterus compresses the vein that returns blood to the heart, and this can restrict the amount of nutrients and blood reaching the baby. If you do lie on your back for long periods, you may find yourself feeling nauseous and light-headed.

Your healthcare provider will recommend that you sleep on your left hand side throughout the pregnancy. This position will allow the baby to receive the optimum amount of nutrients through the placenta. Sleeping on your left hand side will improve circulation, so your body won’t have to work quite as hard.

Getting a good night’s sleep

It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy, especially in the last few weeks. You may find yourself needing to use the bathroom throughout the night, and your bump may be preventing you from finding a comfortable position. You may also have a busy mind because of the impending arrival. To try and get a good night’s sleep, you could:

• have a bath to help you relax before bed
• ask your partner for a massage before bed
• drink hot teas (not caffeinated) before bed
• prop yourself up with extra pillows
• sleep with a pillow between your knees
• if you are feeling anxious about anything, speak to your partner about it before you try to sleep

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

As you near the end of your pregnancy, you should have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. You may find it useful to keep it by the front door, or in the boot of your car so it’s with you at all times. Even if you’re aiming to have a homebirth, you should pack a hospital bag just in case. In fact, you should have two hospital bags – one for you, and one for the baby. Your birth partner should have a hospital bag too, but we’ve covered that here.

As your nesting instinct kicks in, you may find yourself unpacking and repacking this bag time and time again – just to be sure it’s perfect. It’s important to talk your birth partner through the contents of your hospital bag, and how it’s packed. After all, it’ll be them desperately scrabbling around to find your iPod while you’re in the throes of labour.

Ideally, you should travel light to the hospital. The following list includes useful items that you may want to include in your hospital bag:

• Your birth outfit – don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be stylish, fashionable or flattering. It really just needs to be comfortable and practical. Many women choose an old nightie or t-shirt to wear. If you’re planning to labour in a pool, you might like to pack a bikini top. Your hospital may want you to wear a standard issue gown, so you may want to ask your provider about this beforehand.
• Clothes to go home in – you’ll need a comfortable outfit to travel home in. Remember, you won’t shrink straight back down to your pre-pregnancy self, in fact you’ll still have a bump for the first few days.
• Pyjamas or nightie for after the birth. Or comfortable loungewear for your hospital stay.
• Sanitary towels or maternity pads – you’ll need around 24 of these.
• A few pairs of old, cheap or paper knickers (underwear).
• Toiletries – shower gel, shampoo, a hair brush, toothbrush, and anything else you think you’ll need.
• Your hospital notes and birth plan.
• Phone charger
• Snacks – you may find yourself peckish for snacks during labour, so make sure you have some just in case. Small easily digestible foods like rice cakes, jelly sweets and energy drinks may come in useful. Cereal bars, chocolate and crisps may come in useful after the birth, too.
• Labour props – birthing balls, massage oils and your MP3 player. Anything you want to have at hand during labour.
• More labour props – a water spray or flannel to keep you cool.
• Lip balm – dry lips is a common complaint during labour, so keep some lip balm to hand.
• Socks – cold feet is another labour complaint so make sure you’ve packed plenty of warm socks.
• Towels – some hospitals provide towels so find out in advance whether you need to pack your own.
• Nursing bra and breast pads
• Slippers
• Pillow – hospitals only have so many pillows so you might benefit from taking your own pillow to get comfy in hospital. You might like to take a breastfeeding pillow to help with the early breastfeeds.
• Nipple cream – if you’re planning to breastfeed, you should buy some nipple cream for the first few days.
• Camera – you will want to take hundreds of photos of your perfect new baby, so make sure you have a camera and the charger.
• Going home outfit for baby – pack a weather appropriate outfit to take baby home in.
• Bodysuits and babygrows – five of each.
• Nappies (diapers), wipes and nappy bags.
• Baby blanket.

This list covers everything you should need for your hospital stay, but there might be extra bits you want to take. Is there anything you think we’ve missed off the list, or you can’t see in the App? Please share your tips in the comments.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Braxton Hicks are irregular uterine contractions experienced during pregnancy. They are usually painless, although some women find them uncomfortable. Unlike the contractions of real labour, Braxton Hicks do not become more frequent or longer over time. In fact, it is unusual for women to have more than four in an hour. Braxton Hicks contractions tend to last around 30 seconds, although can sometimes be longer.

Braxton Hicks contractions start around week six, but will not be felt until much later in the pregnancy. As the uterus grows, the contractions will become more obvious. Some women may not feel the contractions at all, whereas others will be aware of them from the first trimester.

What is the point of Braxton Hicks contractions?

These irregular uterine contractions are believed to increase blood flow to the placenta and uterus. Some experts think the contractions are preparing the body for real labour. Towards the end of the pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions encourage the baby into the right position to engage for labour.

You shouldn’t worry if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, they are a normal part of pregnancy. If you haven’t felt any Braxton Hicks contractions, that’s nothing to worry about either, it simply means you cannot feel them happening.

What should I do during Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks will make your stomach feel quite tense and hard. Towards the end of the pregnancy, you may notice an increase in the number of Braxton Hicks contractions. If you find the contractions uncomfortable you could try the following:

• Stay hydrated – these irregular uterine contractions can be caused by dehydration
• Change position – stand up, lie down or sit down and see if it helps
• Go for a walk – taking some light exercise can cause the contractions to ease off
• Have a bath – the warmth and relaxation may help with any discomfort
• Empty your bladder – a full bladder can cause a bout of Braxton Hicks

Different remedies work for different people, so try out all of the above until you find something that works for you.

Is it real labour?

Braxton Hicks contractions should not grow longer, stronger and closer together. If you have been timing your contractions for an hour, and they are growing longer and closer together, you may be in real labour. If you think this is the case, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

You should contact your healthcare provider if the contractions are accompanied by:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Lower back pain
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal Discharge

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

One of the most expensive, useful and confusing purchases you will make prior to your baby’s arrival is the car seat. Today, cars seats come in such a wide variety of options and choices that picking one can be super confusing. Every company boasts their car seat as the safest, and many have bells and whistles that can make the cost double. Of course you want THE BEST for your baby, which can make it difficult to decide on which car seat is for you.

Today, we offer 5 useful tips for buying a car seat.

1. Does it fit? First and foremost, find a car-seat that fits your car. The last thing you want to do is put a car seat on your baby registry, then get it at your baby shower only to find out that it doesn’t fit your car well. Word to the wise, go to a baby store and actually test the demonstrator car seats IN YOUR CAR. Most stores will allow you to take it out to your vehicle and try it out for size. The LATCH system won’t be effective if your vehicle is not equipped with LATCH (many older cars aren’t). Likewise, if the seat doesn’t fit into your backseat well, it won’t be the safest choice for you. All car seats are made a little bit differently and will fit in your vehicle differently. Find the one that FITS the BEST!

2. Is it washable? Make sure it is completely 100% washable! They look so cute when they are new. But in 5 months when your baby spits up, spills his or her bottle, urinates, or otherwise soils the seat – you want to make sure it is easy to wash. In fact, one great idea is to check with the manufacturer to make sure that they sell replacement covers (some do and some don’t). Replacing the fabric after a year is much less expensive than replacing the whole seat.

3. Will it grow with your baby? Todays seats are made in many options. The newborn seats will only be effective until your baby is 20 pounds or 1 year old. Other seats are convertible, which means that they can be turned to forward facing seats and will accommodate a toddler. Considering how expensive these seats are, purchasing one that will be good for more than a year may be a good use of your hard earned money!

4. Is it used? Think twice before buying or accepting a hand-me-down. Car seats laws change all the time. And, car seats are recalled ALL THE TIME! If you purchase a used car seat or take a hand-me-down, parts may be missing, it may have been in an accident thus less effective, and you won’t be able to stay up-to-date with recalls on the product. When you buy a new car seat, make sure you take the extra five minutes to fill out and mail the warranty card so you can be notified if the product is recalled.

5.  Do your research. Find two car seats that you are interested in, and that fit in your car well – and then do simple online searches to find out if there are any complaints, deaths, or pending recalls. This will help you narrow your choice down to the best seat for you. If you do your research early enough, you can add the car seat to your baby registry!

What features are most important to you when looking for a car seat? Share your experiences with us!

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

One of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is the opportunity to hear the heartbeat of your baby. The first time you hear the heartbeat of your baby will probably be at your prenatal appointments. At these visits, your provider will most likely use a handheld Doppler device to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. According to a study, the average fetal heart rate is 120-160 beats per minute. This rate will change throughout pregnancy, and your provider can use it to calculate gestational age as well as gauge the wellbeing of your baby.

A fetal Doppler device uses ultrasound to map the uterus and playback representations of the fetal heart rate. Your baby’s heart will start beating around 5 or 6 weeks gestation, and it can sometimes be heard as early as 8 weeks (with ultrasound). Typically, though, it’s not strong enough to be heard with the handheld Doppler until 12 weeks gestation. Doppler devices can be rented or purchased for home use, but this is not recommended for a number of reasons, including the potential dangers of prolonged ultrasound use. There is some controversy about whether ultrasound use is completely safe in pregnancy. The amount of ultrasound that healthcare providers use with occasional monitoring is thought to be safe; however, using a Doppler at home can lead to excessive fetal exposure to ultrasound waves with no definitive guidelines for how prolonged and repeated exposure can impact growing tissues.

Luckily there are other ways to listen to your baby’s heartbeat at home, without the use of ultrasound waves.

Below some ways to listen SAFELY to the heartbeat of baby at home.

• A standardstethoscope can amplify the baby’s heartbeat around weeks 18 to 20 of pregnancy. Quality matters – the better the craftsmanship, the more likely you are to hear your baby’s heartbeat.
• APinard Horn, traditionally made of wood, has one end that is placed against mom’s belly and the other against the listener’s ear. The fetal heartbeat can be detected around 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. While mom can’t do this herself, her partner may be able to use it to hear the baby’s heartbeat.
• Afetoscope is a specialized stethoscope that takes advantage of the concept behind the Pinard Horn and combines it with a stethoscope. While it looks much like a stethoscope, it has a piece that fits against the user’s forehead to conduct the sound for increased sensitivity to subtle sounds. Some practitioners describe the sound of baby’s heartbeat with this device as a ‘wristwatch under a pillow.’ Accurately using the fetoscope takes some practice, and even an experienced healthcare provider may not be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat with it until 18 to 20 weeks.

No matter the method used, healthcare providers have the training and experience to easily locate and interpret your baby’s heartbeat. You may not be able to find the heartbeat with the same ease at home. Factors that can impact whether or not you will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat include:

• The baby’s position:The heartbeat will be more difficult to locate if your baby’s back is toward your back. Ask your provider for tips on determining how your baby is positioned.
• The amount of amniotic fluid:Too much or too little fluid can impact the quality of sound.
• The location of the placenta:If your placenta is located at the front of the uterus, you may be picking up your own heartbeat rather than your baby’s.
• The point in gestation:The farther along in pregnancy, the more likely you will be to find your baby’s heartbeat.
• The mother’s weight:If a pregna nt mother is overweight, the device may not be sensitive enough to pick up the fetal heartbeat through thicker tissue.

Use caution when monitoring your baby’s heartbeat at home. If you have trouble finding the heartbeat, or if you misinterpret other noises for a heartbeat and think something is wrong, you can add undue stress to your pregnancy. Also, don’t be complacent if other bodily signals tell you something’s not right – even if your baby’s heartbeat seems alright. Tune in to your body, and listen to your intuition.

If you find hearing your baby’s heartbeat reassuring, or want to share the experience with your partner, you may benefit from listening at home. Consider taking your device to a prenatal appointment, and ask your provider to teach you the best way to use it.

Have you used a stethoscope or Doppler at home?

Written by Michelle: writer, editor, Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

By the third trimester of pregnancy, you have probably become used to – and fallen in love with – the feeling of your baby moving around inside you. Feeling your baby move inside your belly, and being able to actually see it through your skin and recognize little fingers or toes, is truly an amazing part of pregnancy.

But what happens when you are in the third trimester and it seems like your baby has stopped moving? Should you be immediately alarmed? Is it normal?

The reality is that your baby will have a pretty consistent cycle of wake and sleep. If you are up and moving around a lot, you may have lulled your baby to sleep inside you. Then suddenly, you realize that you cannot remember the last time you felt your baby move and begin to panic. Additionally, as your baby grows – there is less room for him or her to move around, which can cause a difference in the fetal movements you feel. When you do feel movement, it can be abrupt, painful and very uncomfortable for you. So a change in the types of movement late in pregnancy is normal for most women.

The best thing to do is to lie down on your left side, and drink some orange juice – or eat something sweet – and wait for 30 minutes or so.  Often times, the ‘sugar rush’ and your stillness will make the baby more active. You can also try to manipulate the baby with your hands by mashing gently on your belly.  Sometimes, you can push your belly in one way and force a movement or kick.

If none of these things seem to be working, then call your doctor. Chances are they will have you come in and hook you up to a baby monitor that will track the heartbeat and be able to pick up movements. Plus, if there is anything wrong – the doctors will have ultrasound equipment on hand and can take a quick peek at your baby to ascertain his or her welfare.

The best rule of thumb to follow when you are pregnant, is to follow your instincts. Worrying is just part of parenthood, and it starts even when you are pregnant. It is important that you pay attention to your body and the routine activities of your baby – so that if something goes astray, you will catch it right away. Your healthcare providers are there to HELP you, and it is better to be a little paranoid and err on the side of caution rather than wait it out.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Naming your baby can be difficult. There are some women who aren’t sure about their baby name until its time to sign the birth certificate, while others have known since they were 9 years old what they would name their son or their daughter. And every year, it doesn’t help to have so many celebrities naming their children outlandish names that can have us ‘regular folk’ thinking outside of the box.

Each year, it is fun to look back and see what the most popular names of the year were. Will your baby be among the popular names, or have you chosen a name that is lesser known? Is your one of a kind name as unpopular as you really think?

Today, we present you with the top baby names of 2013.  Is the name you chose on this list?

If you are having or had a girl, you will find it interesting to know the top girl names of the year. Looking at the list, it looks as though several of the names came from the hit TV show, Dance Moms. Even more interesting is that several of the names in the top 10 were popular names in the 1920’s, which definitely shows that what comes around goes around when it comes to baby names.

1.  Sophia

2. Emma

3. Olivia

4. Isabella

5. Mia

6. Ava

7.  Lily

8.  Zoe

9.  Emily

10. Chloe

And for the boys, the top 10 names of the years also have historic roots. According to the Huffington Post, the top 4 names of 2013 were also on the top 10 list back in 1941 and many of them have biblical roots. Since many parents admit today that they are trying to find names with meaning, this list only makes sense. So what were the top 10 boys names of 2013?

1.  Jackson

2. Aiden

3.  Liam

4.  Lucas

5.  Noah

6.  Mason

7.  Jayden

8.  Ethan

9.  Jacob

10. Jack

So confess!  Are you naming your baby any of these names, or do you have something more unique to share? When picking a baby name do you look for names with meaning, or do you choose a name based on the way it sounds? And is it important to you to utilize family names when naming your baby?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2014. All rights reserved.

The basics of infant spine development
Adult spines are ‘S’ shaped, and feature four slight curves that assist with balance and flexibility. The curves in our spine also help to absorb stresses placed on our back. For example, when walking down a cobbled street, the curves will take the impact of each step to prevent damage to the spine. Babies are not born with ‘S’ shaped spines, instead they have a long ‘C’ shaped spine. This is why babies appear curled up, because gravity has not yet lengthened and altered their spines.

The ‘S’ shape develops as your baby grows. When he learns to lift and hold his head, he will start to develop the first curve at the top of his spine. It will take until after your child’s first birthday, when he walks away from you unsupported, for him to acquire the ‘S’ shape of a developed spine.

Prams and infant spine development
Newborn babies do not naturally lie flat. They will have their legs pulled up to allow the spine to adopt the natural ‘C’ shape discussed above. Lying your baby down in a horizontal position for long periods, such as in a pram, forces the ‘C’ shape to flatten, putting pressure on the developing spine.

Babies can often be contained in prams for lengthy durations during the day. If the pram is used for the duration of a day trip, the baby could spend a long time lying flat. This would put a lot of pressure on the developing spine, and even prevent it from developing properly.

While this doesn’t mean that you must never lie your baby flat, it does mean you should try to reduce the amount of time your baby spends in this position. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should relocate your baby to the car seat as an alternative.

Car seats and infant spine development
Car seats, while allowing the baby’s spine to stay in its natural ‘C’ shape, are still problematic for infant spine development. Babies who are restricted in car seats for long periods may find that their spinal development is delayed. If sat upright in a car seat, the baby may not strengthen and learn to use the muscles to hold up and control his head. Experts advise that babies should spend no longer than two hours a day in a car seat.

What should I use?
Obviously, a car seat is a legal requirement and should always be used when in a moving vehicle. However, you should try to reduce the amount of time your baby spends in his car seat outside of the car.

To avoid your baby spending a lot of time lying flat in a pram, you could invest in a sling. Slings hold babies in the foetal tuck position which supports the natural ‘C’ shape of your baby’s spine. Being held upright allows your baby to develop and use muscle control to stay upright, get comfortable and look around. Babywearing is a great way to support the natural development of your baby’s spine.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

Image: http://www.wallaboo.com/baby-carriers.html

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.

California’s Cedars-Sinai Hospital is using iPads to help new mums bond with their newborns. The iPad app, BabyTime, allows recovering mothers to log on twice a day, and speak to and see their babies on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) via a secure server.

Up to 30% of new mums who deliver by caesarean section feel unable to move around easily within the first 24 hours after the birth. Unfortunately, this means that many new mums are missing out on quality bonding time with their newborn baby on the NICU. For some mothers, the wait to see their baby can be even longer.

New mothers separated from their babies often report feeling helpless, powerless and isolated after the birth. Experts believe BabyTime will allow new mothers to take a more active role in their baby’s care, even if they are not able to attend the ward in person. It is also hoped that this initiative will allow new mothers to bond with their babies, in spite of the separation.

“The BabyTime program will reduce fear and stress in the new moms as they are able to see their babies and also communicate with the doctors and nurses,” said Selma Braziel, nurse manager for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. By using the iPad, the new mother can ask questions to their baby’s medical team, as well as communicating with the newborn baby.

“BabyTime is an excellent marriage of healthcare and technology, allowing us to securely use new technology to keep our patients more informed and more comfortable during their stay,” said Darren Dworkin, senior vice president and chief information officer at Cedars-Sinai.

For the new mums unable to be with their newborns, it is hoped that this initiative will offer reassurance that the baby is well and being looked after. It can be scary for new mothers to be on different wards, unable to see or hold their newborn, and hopefully this app will make that unfortunate event a little easier to bear.

Newborn babies are comforted by familiar sounds, and instantly recognise their mother’s voice. By talking to their baby over BabyTime, new mothers can help to reassure and soothe their babies. Being told your baby is fine, just isn’t the same as seeing it for yourself.

Does your hospital use technology to allow babies and mothers to connect when they can’t be together? Is this something you wish had been available when you had your baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Celebrities have a habit of coming with unusual, unique and magnificent names for their offspring. Much like marmite, the unique nature of celebrity baby names usually split people into two distinguished camps: the lovers and the haters. Here we take a look at the celebrity baby names of 2013 so far:

Klay
Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s latest addition, born in May, is named Klay. While this may be an unusual name, it is by no means new. Klay is a variant of Clay, a name that has been around for generations. The name Clay originally comes from the natural resource taken from the ground, so Klay is a name inspired by nature.

Alaia-Mai
The Saturdays’ Rochelle and husband, former JLS singer, Marvin Humes welcomed their first daughter, Alaia-Mai, in May. Alaia is a Nordic name meaning joyful or happy. Mai (pronounced May) has a number of potential origins. In Japan it means dance, in China it means ocean or elegance, in Vietnam it means cherry blossom, and in Wales it simply means May.

Phaedra
The second son born to Peaches Geldof and her musician husband Tom Cohen, Phaedra, was born in April. Phaedra is a name from Greek mythology. Phaedra was the wife of Theseus, who fell in love with and was rejected by her stepson, and then hanged herself. The name itself is Greek in origin and means bright. Phaedra is most commonly used as a girls’ name, although there may be an increase in baby boys named Phaedra now.

Rex
The radio presenter Fearne Cotton and partner Jess Wood welcomed their first son, Rex, in February. Rex is a name of Latin and English origin, and means king. It can also be interpreted to mean ruler.

Marnie
Lily Rose Cooper and husband Sam Cooper welcomed their second daughter, Marnie, at the start of the year. Marnie is a Scottish name meaning of the sea. Other interpretations include sparkling and shining as the meaning of this name. Marnie is a popular name in the US, and popularity is set to increase in the UK following the birth of Marnie Rose Cooper.

Milan
Pop singer Shakira and her footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique welcome their first son, Milan, in January. Milan is a name of Slavic origin, and means dear, loving or gracious. In ancient Rome, the name Milan was thought to mean eager, laborious or rival. The Sanskrit interpretation of the meaning of Milan is unification or coming together.

There are a number of celebrity babies expected in 2013, and we’re eagerly awaiting more birth announcements. The most anticipated baby name of 2013 must be the Royal Baby. Prince William and Kate are keeping quiet about the exact due date, but we do know the baby is due during July. Another celeb baby due in July, is the first child of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. We’re looking forward to finding out the name of this already internationally famous baby.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.

Everybody gets excited when a new member of the family comes. That is because they get to pick baby names, buy fancy baby products, and play with the little one. However, most of it is buying baby essentials. There are thousands of baby products available online and offline. Here is a list of new baby products you should check out for your little one.

1.       Aden + Anais Easy Swaddle

Above the cost and magnificence of a product, comfort takes precedence. Aden + Anais is a brand known for the best swaddle blankets. Now, they have introduced an easier design of their muslin product. This Easy Swaddle secures your baby with a simple snap of soft, breathable muslin fabric.

2.       Angel Care Bath Support

Angel Care Bath Support gives you baby a safe and comfortable place for bathing. It is made of a mould resistant and soft-mesh material that assures the hygiene of your child. It is made of durable plastic and an anti-slip base to keep it in place.

3.       BabyBjorn Rocking Harmony Cradle

This is one of the new baby products. It is highly-researched and carefully designed. It is the first-ever cradle to use mesh fabric for better air circulation. The natural movement of the baby gently bounces the cradle, lulling him/her to sleep.

4.       Skip Hop Lady Bento

Skip Hop updated their bento diaper bag and gave it a more feminine design. It is a travel friendly bag to keep your snack containers and insulated food pack. The black-on-black pattern provides dimension, while the faux leather offers sophistication. You also can grab and go easily with the structured, slip-resistant rolled handles.

5.       Skip Hop Pink Elephant & Giraffe Safari

If you have a baby boy, the Skip Hop Giraffe Safari bedding set is a good choice to provide your little one with warmth and comfort. If you have a baby girl, you can opt for the feminine pink elephant design. The themed sheet set includes a complete sheet, nursery blanket, wall decals, and a linen crib skirt.

6.       BabyCook Pro2x

BabyCook Pro2x allows you to cook healthy food for your baby. You can cook, steam, or puree food easily and quickly. With its dual bowl system, it allows you to make more food in less time. Plus, you can defrost or reheat meals to help you prepare meals in advance. This is certainly one of the new baby products you should get for your baby.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.