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Get up and go out

Feb 8, 2010 Welcome to the week o' love here at pnmag.com! As we gear up for Valentine's Day on Sunday, our Baby Buzz will feature Cupid-inspired baby goods along with tips on how to nurture the bond with the original heartthrob in your life: your man!

Check out hearty find numero uno: Who doesn't love BabyLegs? These particular lovable leg warmers are edged with a braided cuff, making them doubly adorable.

Tip of the day: Don't forgo date night! No matter if you're pregnant and pooped out or crazy busy with a new baby, it's still important to make the effort to keep some good old-fashioned romance in your relationship. Even if it only happens once or twice a month, you'll feel great dressed up and out in society with your sweetie. Take your time, hold hands, and try to talk about something other than spit-up and diapers. Your baby will be just fine with a sitter for a couple hours—seriously! That's what breast pumps are for.
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Friday Freebies: SIDS prevention

Feb 5, 2010 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants ages 1 to 12 months in the United States. Every mother fears it, and many have lost precious little ones to the mysterious killer. However, just this Wednesday, The Journal of the American Medical Association published astonishing findings that may help doctors to successfully identify babies at risk for SIDS and provide preventative treatment. For the first time, strong evidence has shown that SIDS is linked to low serotonin levels in the brain. This discovery provides great hope, although the cure for SIDS may still be years away.

In the meantime, there are many steps parents can take to decrease their baby's risk. (Click here for a full list.) One of the top precautions is to be careful about baby's bedding: Loose or fluffy bedding is a no-no, and baby shouldn't be overheated as he sleeps.

So how can you keep your baby comfortable in the cold winter months without overheating him? Check out the new cozy collection from aden + anais, sponsor of the CJ Foundation for SIDS. Then enter for your chance to win a cozy sleeping bag in the pattern of your choice! The bag is made with four layers of breathable muslin cotton for the ultimate in safety and comfort. Email us at giveaways@pnmag.com with the subject line “Snuggling in safety” by midnight on Sunday, February 7. Three will win!
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It's National Children's Dental Health Month!

Written by P&N on Feb 4, 2010Many moms think that they don’t have to worry about their babies’ teeth until they’ve seen them, but that’s actually not true: You should start cleaning those little gums after meals from day one, to promote healthy dental growth and habits. Until baby sprouts some pearly whites to justify a toothbrush, you can simply wipe her milky gums clean with a soft washcloth. Brush with only water until baby turns 1; once you begin using paste, make sure it’s a baby-safe fluoride-free formula and just use a tiny pea-sized amount.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Denistry, you should schedule your baby’s first dental checkup between 6 and 12 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, says that it’s fine to wait until baby is 3, as long as there don’t appear to be any dental problems before then. The best way to decide? Talk to your pediatrician to see what he recommends, and make sure that he’s checking dental development at your baby’s well-baby checkups. Leave A Comment

Getting personal

Written by P&N on Feb 3, 2010Savvy shop Hopscotch Tees takes the personalized t-shirt to a whole new level with hip designs that will make your little dude the coolest guy at playgroup. Featuring your child’s name, hometown and year of birth, these shirts make the perfect unique gift for new babes and big brothers and sisters. From a pretty princess to a stylin’ pirate, there’s a little something for everyone!

Hopscotch also makes age tees, so your kiddo can show his new number at his birthday party and throughout the year. (Or, if he’s 2, explain that public tantrum without you having to say a word.) Shop online at hopscotchtees.com; shirts start at $22. Leave A Comment

The little linguist

Feb 2, 2010 Have you considered raising your tiny tyke bilingual? Bilingualism comes naturally to many kids raised in foreign language-speaking homes, but  lots of monolingual parents would also like to bestow their brood with dual language understanding. It can be tricky (and it definitely takes a lot more time and patience than simply sticking your babe in front of a video or playing an MP3 while she's sleeping), but double language acquisition is attainable and very valuable to those who undertake it!

Click here to learn more about the vast benefits of raising bilingual children, and pick up some tips on how to get started.
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