Home Improvement » Baby Bedding Tips

Cleaning Baby Toys

Handy Maxx — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:41:41 +0000

There is a wide array of baby toys for all age groups in the market. The baby toys are either made of plastic, rubber, stuffed material or wood. Each and every baby would have its own favorite toy. They would want to go to sleep even with it and in short, it should be with them always. It is a good idea and highly recommendable keeping the baby toys clean. The baby tends to touch everything and anything, and tends to put their hand and objects in the mouth. So when the toys become dirty or when the baby recovers from flu or viral fever, it is the mother’s duty to clean the toys.

Ways to clean baby toys

There are basically two ways to clean baby toys. The first one is to scrub clean the toy with soap and water. This would remove the grease and grime. Second method is to sanitize the toys with mild sanitizing liquid. However, before sanitizing the toys, one needs to clean the toy to remove the germs that can hide in the grease and grime. Depending on the size and type of the material used there are different ways of cleaning and sanitizing the toys.

How To Clean Small Plastic/Rubber Toys

Most of the baby toys are either plastic or rubber. If the toy is battery operated, clean the toy with damp cloth and the dust in the battery slot can be removed with a dry cloth. If the toys are not battery operated then, they can be washed in the dishwasher with dish detergent and hot water. Once the toys are cleaned dipping them in the diluted bleach solution can sanitize them
The wooden toys and large plastic/metal toys can be wiped with the diluted bleach solution and air-dried. The fabric toys can be washed in the laundry.

How Often To Clean The Toys

It is always good to keep the toys clean. However it is not necessary that they have to be cleaned everyday. Clean the toys whenever they are soiled. It is not a bad idea to clean the toys when the baby is recovering from diarrhea or flu. It is highly advisable to clean and sanitize the toys after a play date. It is recommended to clean the toys that are frequently used regularly.

Mosquito Nets

Handy Maxx — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:56:46 +0000

Mosquito nets are an ideal tool for protecting the baby from the mosquitoes and other insects while sleeping. The mosquito nets are the most effective type of protection against mosquitoes and other insects. There is a wide variety of mosquito nets available in the market today. Most of the baby crib nets are portable. They can be used at home or taken along while traveling.

Different Models Of Mosquito Nets

There are different models of mosquito nets for the crib, strollers, and for small cots. Many of the manufacturers of the mosquito nets are the Chinese and the Thais. The different models of mosquito nets for the baby crib include

1. Four point mosquito net
2. Bed canopy
3. Mosquito net patio umbrella
4. Stroller mosquito net.

These mosquito nets are firm fitting, made of high quality mesh, soft and safe and also fire retardant. The mosquito nets are easy to use and are perfect for cribs, playpens or small single beds. The mosquito nets can be hung from a hook on the ceiling when the crib is placed inside the house and it can hang from a tree when the playpen is placed outdoors. The pop-out ring in the mosquito nets allows for easy installation, folding and also makes it a compact storage, so that it can be carried wherever the baby goes.

Types Of Mosquito Nets

There are a wide variety of designs of mosquito nets for versatile uses. The mosquito nets are made with the outdoors in mind. There are some mosquito nets that are pretreated with a pesticide for additional protection. The chemical used is permethrin and it binds with the fiber of the fabric used. It is not harmful to the environment or the baby. When the pretreated mosquito net is used in the sunshine. It gets degraded. However, the mosquito net can be retreated periodically with permethrin spray. Most of the mosquito nets are designed to hang from the ceiling, umbrella, or the top of the tent (if the baby is taken out for camping). However, if there hanging is not possible, then freestanding or self-supporting mosquito nets are also available. In short there are mosquito nets designed for any situation.

Clean Baby Room

Handy Maxx — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:26:41 +0000

While furnishing or decorating the nursery, give priority to the safety. Also make sure that it is easy to clean out the room. There are many themes for the nursery available in the market. Choose the one that keeps the room bright and makes it look spacious. Avoid filling the nursery with antique baby furniture.

Suggestions To Keep The Room Clean

Vacuum the room atleast monthly and clear all the clutter. Do not pile objects on the floor. Keep the room clean and uncluttered. Open the windows daily to let in fresh air and even in the winter leave the window open for short periods. Use airy and light colored curtains that let in light.

Clean Air For The Nursery

The baby breathes in two or three times more air than adults and they are vulnerable to the negative health effects of indoor air pollution. The air the baby breathes in the first few months should be free of pollutants. The reason is that, the babies breathe through the mouth, which does not filter the dust particle. So it is better to remove the sources of pollutants like formaldehyde from the crib sheets than to attempt to remove pollutants from air. However, if it is not possible to remove the pollutants, then an air cleaner can be installed in the nursery.

Tips To Choose An Air-Cleaner
Remember these tips while buying an air-cleaner.
1. Always buy a single- room cleaner
2. Before buying an air-cleaner determine which pollutants need to be removed and choose an air cleaner accordingly.
3. Choose the air-cleaner that is suitable for the room.
4. Look out for a cleaner that requires less maintenance.
5. Check out for a unit that makes less noise and has good fan speed.
6. Choose a unit that is energy efficient.
7. Avoid air cleaners that generate ozone.

The baby’s room should be a less toxic environment. That is an environment, which is smoke free, free of pesticides, disinfectants, air fresheners and anti-bacterial cleaners. Exposure to such pollutants can cause health problems. It is advisable to use natural and organic products to clean the room and the nursery items.

Baby Nursery Storage

Handy Maxx — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:41:41 +0000

It is practical to have an ample and well-organized storage space for the baby nursery. Even if the nursery is small, there are ways to make the most of the space and also create extra storage space in the areas that might be overlooked. There is nothing like being able to find what one needs when one is soothing a baby. When investing in baby’s storage pieces select pieces that are versatile and can be used as storage in the future too. Some of the storage units in the nursery include the closet, bookcases, toy chest and more.

Closet – Store Clothes

Something that is a necessity is a good closet to organize the baby clothes, shoes and other items. To keep the items like shoes and other essential items like diaper pins, comb etc, organized, use plastic baskets or small wicker baskets.

Under The Crib Storage

To create extra space for storage, the space under the baby crib can be used too. The storage baskets will make good storage units. Extra bedding, crib sheets, blankets and diapers can be stored in these baskets. The items like wipes, creams, changing pad can be stored under the changing table. Consider using a diaper stacker as diapers can take up a lot of space.

Toy Box

The baby toys accumulate very quickly. To keep them organised and to store them, an additional storage unit or space is required. Installing a toy chest or box will help to store the toys and keep the nursery neat and organized.

Bookcases

Bookcases can be used to store toys, stuffed animals, books and so on in the nursery. If the floor space of the nursery is less, installing a ceiling to floor bookcase should be considered. If the space is more, then two or more short bookcases can be placed. This will make it easier for the small children to pull out toys and books with the help of adults. However, ensure that the bookcases, short or tall are fixed to the wall to prevent children from pulling them down on themselves.

With careful planning, it is possible to create ample baby nursery storage to keep the baby items organized. There are multipurpose storage baskets available in the market that is lightweight and easier to manage.

Cleaning Baby’s Clothes

Handy Maxx — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:26:41 +0000

The laundry doubles with the coming of the newborn into the family. Baby is a messy eater and the bibs tend to stain badly. The diapers need to be changed frequently. The mattress and the sheets need to be washed and so on. The new mother needs to be on her toes to see that she has a stock of clean baby clothes in the nursery closet.

How to clean baby’s clothes?

Many parents think that the baby’s clothes need to be washed using baby detergent. However, it becomes necessary only if the baby is suffering from allergies, eczema or other skin diseases. If the baby detergent is not helping in removing the stains or the odour, it is advisable to use the regular liquid detergent. Liquids detergents work for all types of clothes. Stain-removing detergents can be used to remove tough stains. It is advisable not to wash cloth diapers along with regular laundry because the strong detergents can cause diaper rash. The cloth diapers need to be washed with mild baby detergent. Avoid using anti-static products or fabric softeners. Also rinse the diapers in hot water. Wash the bibs after every meal, and hang them on the back of the high chair to dry. This way the bibs can be reused without having to use new ones at every meal.

Some Cleaning Tips

Most of us ignore the instructions that manufacturer provides in the garment label. If the clothes are washed as instructed, it does help clothes to last longer.

1. Use fabric protector on the collars, cuffs to clean the dirt.
2. Soak the soiled soaks in water and washing soda solution for sometime before washing. White socks can be re-vitalized by boiling them in water with a slice of lime.
3. Use vinegar instead of bleaching agent.
4. To treat the vomit stain, hold the fabric under water and then rub the paste of borax over the stain and soak in salt water for some time and then rinse properly.
5. The grass stains can be removed from the baby clothes by dabbing it with white vinegar.
6. To remove stain from white clothes, soak the clothes in a bucket filled with a mixture of dental cleaning tablets and one-cup water. The proportion is one cup of water to 2 dental cleaning tablets.

Clean Cribs

Handy Maxx — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:41:41 +0000

During the early stages of growth the baby spends more time in the crib. So a crib should be both safe and comfortable. It is an important decision made by the parents. Apart from looking for the safety features and appearance also see to that the crib is easy to dust and clean.

Different Styles Of Cribs

There is a huge array of cribs to choose from, available in the market today. There are models that can be converted in stages from a crib to toddler bed to a full sized single bed. The standard cribs are mainly of two styles. One is the single drop side and double drop side. In the single drop side, one of the sides is fixed and one side is dropped down. Whereas, the double drop side can have both the sides dropped down. The double drop side cribs are expensive but very convenient to clean and dust.

Tips To Remember While Buying The Crib

Keep these things in mind when choosing a crib.
1. The distance between the crib slants should be less.
2. Ensure that the drop sides have an easy to use and secure locking mechanism.
3. The crib mattress should fit snugly and the mattress height should be adjustable as the baby grows.
4. A crack-free teething rail should cover the top of the crib railings to prevent the child from chewing on wood.
5. Lockable rolling caster on the legs would be a good feature when cleaning the baby’s room or changing the bedding.

Safe And Clean Crib

A crib is a safe one, when it is not a decorated crib. It is better not to use a crib that has lead paint finish and open cutouts. Avoid using decorative bumpers that has buttons and ribbon on it. It is dangerous as the baby can pullout the ribbons or swallow a loose button. Never tie or harness the baby in a crib. The baby should never be left alone in the crib for long hours. Adjust the mattress to the lowest position as soon as the baby is able to stand-alone. Never clutter the crib with quilts, blankets, sheets and toys – soft or plastic ones. Do not put the crib near window curtains, blind cord or an electrical outlet.

Baby Cot Bedding

Handy Maxx — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:41:44 +0000

The baby’s nursery can be completed with a choice from a variety of different sleeping arrangements ranging from cots to cribs, to Moses baskets and sleeping sacks/bags. There is a wide assortment of baby cots and bedding available in the market. Whatever the choice, keep the safety and comfort as priorities. To avoid strangulation hazards put the baby to sleep on his/her back with the feet just touching the bottom of the crib and the baby bedding tucked upto his chest.

Baby Cots and Baby Bedding

While buying cots for the baby, it should include a firm mattress. The reason is that, the soft mattress makes it easier for the baby to roll over onto their stomachs. So avoid buying waterbeds or pliable mattress and beddings for a newborn. There are different varieties of baby bedding to choose from. Beddings are stylish and colorful. Baby beddings provide comfort as well as protection to the baby. The beddings are soft and tender. The most common and popular baby bedding set includes zoo bedding sets, little duckling bedding and happy bear bedding sets. These beds complement with any cot. The baby bedding set comprises of cot bed quilt, cot bed bumper, pillow case drape and drape bar.

Baby Bedding Theme

Baby nursery bedding includes cot bed bedding, duvet and duvet covers, quilts sheets, cot bed blanket and so on. The bedding that matches the nursery themes is available. The bedding can be coordinated with the wall dcor of the nursery. So of the very popular themes that the baby would love to sleep in include,
1. Hug Me Bear cot bed bedding
2. Best of friends- Lemon
3. Jelly Bean Jungle
4. Pink and White Cot bedding for girls
5. Blue and White bedding for boys
6. Sleepy little Lamb

Baby Bedding – Popular Brands
There are many companies that are famous in producing baby bedding and inshort all the baby nursery accessories. Some of the brands that are popular include the following

1. My Simon
2. Lambs & Ivy
3. Fleece
4. Bale Junior Joy

The bedding set comes with a set of four or six accessories. There are separate bedding themes available for baby boys and girls.

Baby Pillow

Handy Maxx — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:56:44 +0000

The neck of the baby is not strong enough to support its head for a long period of time. Any strain on the neck may prove painful for the baby. That is why head and neck support for the baby is very important. There are many soft pillows available in the market. They come in bright colors, rainbow colors and great designs. The baby pillows would make a perfect and great baby shower gift.

Baby Pillow Types

Pillow is used to support the neck and head of the baby. So buy pillows that are soft and gentle and the ones that can keep the baby’s head and neck straight. There are support pillows called tuck-in cushion wing-tips. These provide extra support to the shoulders and the body. The wing tips of this type of pillows can be adjusted according to the baby’s size and growth. The baby pillows made of satin, cotton and silk are also widely available. Musical baby pillows are also available. They come in the soft colors of pink and blue. It plays rhymes like ” twinkle twinkle little star” and other rhymes. It uses a key wind technology.

Baby Nursing Pillows

Nursing pillows are used to position the baby comfortably while breast-feeding. There are different ranges of such pillows that are available and each one of them serves a different purpose.

1. Natural nursing pillows fit perfectly on the lap of the mother and are comfortable to use. They are available in bright and beautiful designs. They can be used as sleep petitioners for the baby.

2. There are nursing props and pillows that encircle the mother’s waist fully and at the same allow mobility to feed the baby.

3. Boppies are also baby pillows. They are more of a toy than a pillow. However at times they serve the purpose of nursing pillow too.

Tips To Remember

Baby pillows are soft, colorful and snuggly. However, there are certain things the mother needs to keep in mind while putting the baby in the crib.

1. The baby pillow and other soft bedding should be removed from the crib before placing the baby in the crib. The reason is that they can cause suffocation to the baby by obstructing free breathing.

2. Check frequently to ensure the baby’s face is unobstructed by pillows and other objects.

Storybook Baby Bedding

Handy Maxx — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:11:44 +0000

There are different varieties of bedding available in the baby stores. There are innumerable fabric samples, colors, patterns, designs and an array of different types of nursery bedding themes to choose from. There are different types of bedding for baby girls and boys and gender-neutral themes are also available for the expectant parents who do not know the gender of the baby.

Specifics To Keep In Mind While Choosing Baby Bedding

The mother and the baby are going to spend a lot of time in the nursery. So select the baby bedding that will keep both the mother and the baby happy. The theme of the bedding depends on the specifics like
1. How much the parents can and want to spend
2. If they already know whether the baby is a boy or a girl
3. Whether, the expectant parents already have decided on a particular scheme or color

Baby Bedding Themes

There is a huge variety of trendy baby bedding accessories and ensembles for both baby boy and baby girl nurseries. The designers are creating baby bedding that has more appeal to adults. One is drawn towards the cute, traditional or whimsical designs. Storybook characters, fairy tale themes, angels, nursery and circus themes are some of the themes that are very much in demand today. Apart from that there are bedding themes based on the animal stories like baby animals, puppies, kittens, dolphins, and African safari – there is just about any animal pattern imaginable.

Storybook Theme

Storybook themes are an all time favorite for sheets and mattresses. Some of the popular storybook themes include
1. Red riding hood
2. Cinderella
3. Snow white
4. Pea princess and so on.
Storybook theme beddings make the sleep time easier. The parents can soothe their little one by telling the stories about the characters on the beddings, instead of reading from the book.

Popular Brands

There are many popular designers who design the storybook themes bedding. Storybook beddings come in a set of nursery accessories put together. It can be a four or six piece set. The pack will contain comforter, dust ruffle, bumper, sheets, diaper stacker, window valance and wall borders depending on the designer and the packet size chosen. The popular designers include
1. Crown Crafts
2. Patch Kraft
3. California Kids
4. Lambs &Ivy

Comfortable Baby Bedding

Handy Maxx — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:26:44 +0000

Baby nursery bedding includes items like baby mattress, cover, quilts, sheets, pillows and pillow case, blankets, sleeping bags and so on. The list is numerous and it is the decision of the expectant mothers to choose the baby beddings. The nursery beddings come in many styles. Pleasant colors and in different themes like cartoon characters, animals, storybook and fairy tales and so on. However, while choosing the baby bedding keep in mind the safety and the comfort of the baby

Organic Baby Bedding

Compared to other fabrics of the bedding, the organic baby bedding is any time better. Though a bit expensive compare to other baby beddings, organic bedding is an non-toxic and non-pesticide bedding. The parents who are health conscious would prefer the organic bedding. Babies spend most of their time sleeping and they should be sleeping on something completely natural and purely comfortable. Organic flannel, crib sheets, wool pads and comforted are so soft that the baby would surely get a good nights rest naturally. Since the fabric is cotton, it is machine washable and can be dryer dried

Baby Blankets

Baby blankets made of chenille, fleece and soft flannel feels soft and keeps the baby warm during the winter. However, it is recommended to use the blanket only when the parent is with the baby. It is advisable to use the sleeping sack and if it is necessary, then cover the baby with the baby till the chest and tuck the blanket under the mattress.

Baby Pillows

Pillow is used to support the neck and head of the baby. So buy pillows that are soft and gentle and the ones that can keep the baby’s head and neck straight. Pillows provide extra support to the shoulders and the body. The baby pillows made of satin, cotton and silk are also widely available. They come in the soft colors of pink and blue.

Crib Mattress

One important measure that needs to be ensured is that the bedding mattress fits snuggly in the baby crib. Bedding must be of proper size for the safety of the baby. If the bedding slips the baby can be entangled in it and be injured. The traditional fabrics used for the bedding are cotton and flannel. The bedding mattresses vary from expensive innerspring models to economical polyurethane foam

Handmade Quilts

Handy Maxx — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:41:43 +0000

There are different varieties of quilts available in the baby departmental stores today. The quilts are available in different themes to match the theme of the nursery. Handmade quilts can be given away as gifts. They are wonderful to use and a wonderful piece of history just waiting to be passed on down the line

Story Of Quilt

In the olden days handmade quilts that originally began as being serviceable much later ended up being works of art. These handmade quilts were passed on from one generation to another generation with a sense of pride attached to each quilt. Handmade quilts were not easy to make in those days. The reason is there was no sewing machine for assistance.

Handmade Quilts -meaning

The quilts are made from patches or small squares of different types of clothes of variety of colors pieced together with a backing. The handmade quilts for the baby keeps the baby warm on cold winter nights. In the early days the patches were not made from new piece of fabric but rather pieces of worn clothing that were no longer used.

Handmade Quilt Pattern

Women began using imagination to make these handmade quilts. Thus was the origin of different patterns and designs. Today there are many quilt pattern books that can be bought to make one’s own baby quilt. Many people also use the pattern that was passed on from previous generation. Today handmade baby quilts are an upcoming business so instead of worn out fabrics new fabrics are being used. The parents can select the fabric and color of the material and the shops are more than willing to make an unique handmade quilt. The hand-sewn quilts are more expensive than the machine sewn one. The handmade quilt is a treasure that is given from the heart and is handed over from one generation to another.

Popular Brands
There are many companies that make baby quilts. To name the few: -
1. Baby rainbow
2. Baby Bee hat company
3. JCPenny
4. Lambs &Ivy
5. Best Baby
There are companies like kushtush, Colgate, Naturepedia, that manufacture organic cotton hand made quilt.

If the mother to be knows how to make her own handmade quilt, her baby is going to treasure it close to the heart.

Baby Blankets

Handy Maxx — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:56:44 +0000

Baby blankets keep the baby warm and give them a cozy feeling. When shopping for baby blankets the size matters so read the dimensions on the blanket before purchasing them. The reason is that some blankets are so small that they cannot wrap the baby properly. This happens when the blankets come in a pack of three or four. However these small blankets can be used as makeshift mattress pad on which you can change the baby in the public places.

Types Of Baby Blankets

There is a wide array of baby blankets from which the expectant parents can choose. They come in a limitless variety of colors, materials, sizes and prices. The most popular fabric that is used is cotton, flannel. However fur and mink baby blankets are also available. These can be used as a wrap, throw or play mat. Blankets that can be gifted to a newborn are personalized and unique blankets like stuffed teddy blankets, elephant blankets, doggy blankets. These blankets are available in a limitless variety, fabric and colors.

Personalized Blankets

Personalized baby blankets make a perfect and unique gift for a new born. They add a personalized touch to the gift. They are custom embroidered with the baby’s name, design, birth date and they are also guaranteed keepsake for years to come. The personalized blankets are saved and treasured long after the baby is fully-grown. These blankets are available in many shapes, sizes, colors and qualities. There are a variety of stylish letters and colors to select from. The letters and characters are knitted or embroidered. Stuffed animal blankets come attached with plush animal figures, featuring a nose and eyes that are hand stitched.

Tips To Keep In Mind

Safety, comfort and happiness of the baby are important when the baby is sleeping. Fluffy comforters, pillows and stuffed animals in the baby crib are considered to be safety hazards. So here are some useful tips.

1. It is advisable to dress the baby in a one-piece sleeper or sleep sack. If a situation arises, where a blanket must be used, then cover the baby with a thin blanket that is tucked under the mattress.
2. The blanket should only come upto the baby’s chest.
3. Do not leave blanket folded over the sides of a baby’s crib.
4. Blankets made of chenille, fleece and soft flannel would keep the baby warm and comfortable.

Rocking Basket Stand

Handy Maxx — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:11:40 +0000

There is a wide range of sleeping arrangement for the baby. The arrangement vary from baby bedding, from cots and cribs to Moses baskets and basinets. They are available in different shades and styles. However, the safety of the baby should be taken into consideration while choosing the sleeping basket. Moses baskets and the wicker baskets can be carried form one place to another. Suppose the mother wants to rock the baby to sleep. Then the best option is to buy a rocking basket stand.

Rocking Basket Stand – To Put Moses Baskets

Baby Moses baskets are the traditional way of carrying the baby. Moses baskets are attractive and are one of the practical types of baby bedding. This wicker bassinet can be decorated and ornamented with bumpers and bows. Moses basket is more convenient and comfortable sleeping place for the baby during the first months of infancy.

Most of the Moses baskets have to bought without the rocking basket stand. Later on, if one feels that a rocking basket stand is required it can bought separately. There are certain shops that sell Moses baskets that are already fixed to the rocking stands. However, the parents can always buy the rocking basket stand if the need arises. The rocking basket stands are easy to assemble. They are mostly made of solid wood. They come in pleasant colors of whites, cherry, natural, rubber black and chocolate finish. Orders can be placed with the shops for rocking basket stand, according to the size of the Moses Baskets.

Popular Rocking Basket Stand Brands

There are many manufacturers that make the rocking basket stand. Some manufacturers make only Moses basket and one have to purchase the rocking stand from another manufacturer. While some companies manufacture both the Moses basket and the rocking stands. So of the popular brands include the following

1. Petit cadeauMoses basket – rocking stand
2. Jolly Jumper
3. Mamas and papas
4. Clair de Lune Palm

These companies make rocking basket stand and also the Moses basket. The prices of the rocking basket chairs (excluding the Moses basket) start at the price range of approximately $50. The popular brands are available on the online shops too; the parents can place orders online and the product shipped home.

Clean Bed Cover

Handy Maxx — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:26:45 +0000

The skin of the baby is very sensitive and is prone to rashes, if the bedding of the baby crib is not clean. One of the tips to keep the beddings clean and hygienic is by changing the bedding covers once in week or as soon as they are soiled. The baby bedding consists of the duvet/comforters, pillows, bumpers, quilt, blankets, sheets, crib mattress and so on. To keep the bedding clean and appealing, parents need to see that there is cover for the pillows, mattress, duvets and so on. There are many bedding fabrics available in the market today. Always choose a fabric that can be cleaned easily and that is durable.

Duvet Cover

Duvet cover is the protective and decorative cover that slips over the comforter or duvet like a pillowcase on a pillow. There are duvet covers available in different types of fabric, ranging from silk to cotton.

Coyuchi Organic Cotton Duvet Cover- A Popular brand

This brand of bed linens and covers are manufactured from organically grown cotton. They have an innumerable collection of fabrics for babies as well as for adult beds. There are no chemicals used in these fabrics. The fabric is very soft and they are free of solvents and resins. Fabric is machine washable in warm water with organic detergent. The bed linen for both adults and babies are available mainly in two colors of Ivory and white.

Zippered Vinyl Crib Mattress Cover

It is essential to have a cover over the crib mattress. It protects the mattress and also extends its life. The vinyl crib mattress cover is easy to clean and wipe. They are Non- allergenic. The locking zips are rust proof. These covers are stain resistant and do not require to be washed frequently.

Tips To Wash The Bedding Covers

To keep the bedding covers clean, they need to be washed or aired or dusted frequently or as they get dirty. The pillowcases are the ones that have chances of getting stained and dirtied early. Some of the things that have to be remembered while laundering the bedding covers are

1. Before washing the covers read the instructions of the case label carefully.
2. If the bedding covers are cotton, then wash with mild detergents, which has no fragrance.
3. For silk and woolen covers, it is best to dry wash.

Toddler Toys

Handy Maxx — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:41:40 +0000

From about eight months the baby will start moving. Whether crawling, cruising along furniture or walking the toddler is inquisitive and very curious to know everything. Toddlers have enormous amount of energy and it is hard to keep the toddlers still. What they really need are some toys that would keep them engrossed and happy. Today there are many toys in the market that are specially designed for the toddlers. These toys are not only fun to play but are also of educational value.

Types Of Toddler Toys

There are many manufacturers today who produce toys for the children of various age groups. Toddler is curious to know about the things around him/her. They enjoy the challenge of toys that stretch them a bit. When the baby is around two years, they would be so much fascinated with shapes and colors. This is the time when they are very creative, so buy paints, glues and tissue paper for them. They also love music, so try presenting them a musical activity toy that rewards light and sound. The toddlers would love to imitate anything and everything that they see around them. So the ideal gift would be the mini versions of real life vehicles, household appliances. If they show interest in solving puzzles and jigsaws, they should be introduced to simple jigsaws and puzzles. Apart from the toys there are educational videos that help to develop the speech, intelligence and other senses. There are many wooden toys and building blocks, which would help the toddler to develop the creative skills and at the same time learn the alphabets and numericals, figures, colors and so on.

Popular toddler toy brands

The popular brands include
1. My Simon
2. Best Toys
3. Tulip toys and so on

Toddler Toy Maintenance

Toys are something that the toddler or the children consider to be theirs. So it the parents should encourage the toddlers to be responsible for taking care of their toys. Check the toys once in a while to see if there is any wear and tear and repair damaged the toys to prevent further damage and a possible accident. Never leave the toys outdoors overnight. The reason is dew, rain or snow can damage the toys. The toys beyond repair should be discarded. Parents should teach the children to place the toys properly in a place. The encouragement will help to foster a sense of responsibility.

Cleaning the crib

Handy Maxx — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:56:40 +0000

There are many things that need to be done by the expectant parents prior to the arrival of the baby. One of the important furniture that is recommended by many pediatricians is the crib. Cribs are suitable for the babies from birth till the age of three months. There are many good and high quality cribs that are designed with crib safety in mind, available in the market. However choosing a safe and suitable crib for the baby is important since it is the place where the baby should feel comfortable while it sleeps and also the place where the mothers have no fear of putting the baby in. For the babies to have a good sleep the crib has to be clean and fresh.

Crib Beddings

Some of the crib bedding that the baby needs are mattress, sheets, quilts, blankets, bumpers and so on. These beddings have to be dusted and cleaned atleast twice a week to keep the crib clean. Failure in hygiene can cause the baby skin rashes. The blankets and the mattress should be aired atleast once a week. The sheets have to be changed as they become wet.

Crib beddings – Cleaning Tips

Take care to wash the light and dark colors separately. Use warm water for polyesters and blends and hot water for cotton. Use mild detergents. However, if the baby has allergy use the detergent that is organic and fragrant free. Before washing the blankets, inspect the care label and then follow the instructions carefully. If the label says hand wash, never put it in the washing machine. If the baby is prone to allergy use foam pillow instead of feather ones. To clean the pillow, fill a large basin with water and add mild soap solution. Dip the pillow one small section at a time in the solution and squeeze out the solution. Once the whole pillow is clean, rinse a few times to remove the soap. Lay the pillow in the sun to dry, turning it frequently. Once a month the slants and the railings of the crib should be wiped clean with a cloth and a mild disinfectant. Vacuum the crib frequently would help to keep the dust and the dust mites from harbouring between the crib and the mattress.

Baby Crib Bedding Mattress

Handy Maxx — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:41:44 +0000

The baby should be comfortable while it’s sleeping. To make the babies comfortable crib bedding is important, as it not only protects the crib mattress but also the crib itself. There is a wide variety of crib bedding mattress in the baby stores to match the theme of the nursery. It is an exciting activity to choose the fabrics, colors, prints and designs of the bedding mattress. There are innumerable fabric samples in the market. However, do not be lured by the glamorous look, also test the beneficial points before purchasing a bedding mattress.

Types Of Bedding Mattress

1. Foam mattress is less expensive than the innerspring mattress. The quality of the foam mattress depends on the weight of the mattress. Firmer the mattress the better. Always consider the resiliency of the mattress, as the high quality foam mattress will regain its shape quicker than the poor quality mattress.

2. Innerspring mattress is comparatively expensive than foam mattress. This mattress is a combination of steel and coir. The steel border prevents the mattress from sagging. The top layers are well cushioned using expensive coir fiber and pads of cloths. This adds to the cushioning and softness of the mattress. This type of baby crib bedding mattress is sometimes called as a fiber wrap pad.

Tips To Remember
1. The mattress should be the same size as the crib.
2. Use firm mattress instead of soft mattress. The reason is that it is easier for the baby to lift its head out of the firm mattress .
3. Check the quality of the coil /innerspring mattress before purchasing. Foam mattress is light and easy to pick up to change the sheets.
4. Anti -microbial layer crib mattress is also available in the market. Multi-layer mattress cover is advisable for longer durability.
Finally, the purchase of the bedding mattress depends on the parents taste and budget.

Waterproof Mattress Pad

Handy Maxx — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:10:33 +0000

One of the important purchases that is made for the baby’s nursery are the crib and a good mattress. There are many types of crib mattresses available in the market today. The baby spends 50% of the time on the mattress and the quality mattress is the key to growth of the baby. There are mattresses that have built in waterproof mattress. There are waterproof mattress pad available separately. This can be spread on top of the mattress or zippered inside the mattress. It is considered as one of the important accessories of crib

Waterproof Mattress Pad

Incase the baby crib mattress is an non- water proof one, then the parents can buy waterproof mattress pad, which is available in most of the baby departmental stores. Waterproof mattress pad helps to avoid middle of the night bed stripping. All that is to be done is simply lay it on top of the bottom of the bed sheet i.e. on top of the mattress. This waterproof bedding will protect both bed sheet and the mattress. This waterproof mattress pad comes in various colors and fabrics like soft quilted, cotton or poly surface. The inner layers are absorbent and it is 100% waterproof vinyl barrier. These pads are machine washable and can dried easily.

While Searching For Good Waterproof Mattress Keep These Points In Mind

1. Firmness – the firmer the mattress the better.
2. Fit- the mattress must be not only firm but also it must also fit snuggly. So there is no chance of the baby getting struck between the mattress and the cot.
3. Ventilation- for better ventilation choose a mattress that has lots of vents on the sides. These vents help to avoid the trapping of the odors and keep the mattress fresh smelling.

Waterproof Mattress Brands

There are many popular brands available in the market today. Some of the brands that many people use for their little ones today include
1. Colgate
2. Da Vinci
3. Jupiter
4. Angel Line
5. Kolcraft
6. Moonlight Slumber and so on.
These companies also produce other baby products. They also have waterproof mattress pad, which can be spread on the mattress.

Features Of Good Waterproof Mattress

Apart from the brands, one must keep in mind the features of the baby crib waterproof mattress. So the features include the density of the foam used, fit is a standard crib size, number of coils and whether the mattress has a waterproof covering.

Soft Baby Pillows

Handy Maxx — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:44:23 +0000

Soft Nursing Pillows
Soft nursing pillows helps to position the baby while feeding. There is a wide range of nursing pillows available in the baby stores. They come in different colors, shapes and patterns. They come in form of soft toys too. However, choose a nursing pillow that fits ones lap comfortably and easily. These nursing pillows can also be used as cushions and sleep positioners.

Baby Pillow Types

Soft Pillow Washing Tips
Carefully follow the washing instructions found on the packaging of the pillow. If the soft pillow can be machine-washed then remember the following tips.
1. Wash with mild detergent on a gentle setting.
2. Rinse the pillow a few times to get rid of any soap.
3. Dry the pillow on a low heat setting.
4. For some brands of soft pillows it is advisable to dry the pillow for at least four to six hours. The reason is the pillow may still be damp inside even when they feel dry to touch
5. Put the pillows inside a machine wash bag if the fill of the pillow is fiber. This will help to preserve the fiber for long and also keep them soft.

Washable Baby Bedding

Handy Maxx — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:34:38 +0000

There is a wide selection for baby beddings. There are different themes for baby girls and boys. However, parents should ensure that the baby beddings should be of hypoallergenic material and easy to clean. The baby bedding consists of a comforter, quilt, bed sheet, pillows and pillowcases and the bumpers.

Baby Bedding A Lifetime Choice

There are wide choices of baby beddings made from different fabrics available in the market today. One can choose from the huge range of fabrics that is available. The buying of the baby bedding depends on the budget of the parents. The baby bedding can be silk, toile, chenille and cotton. The beddings can have decorative embroidery that is simple and elegant or a detailed one. However, it is always advisable to buy the beddings that are made of natural or organic cotton. The reason is that, cotton beddings are machine washable. They are easy to maintain as they retain the color and the shape. There are advances in fabric treatment currently; many silk and chenille baby bedding are machine washable.

Natural Baby Crib Mattress

NaturePedic produces natural baby crib mattress. They are non-toxic, natural and organic. This is a no-compromise mattress for the baby. This mattress is popular among health conscious parents because this baby crib mattress is waterproof, fire safe, firm and eliminates the many harmful chemicals the baby cribs may contain. The surface of this baby mattress is easy to clean and is resistant to water and tear. The filling is 100% cotton hence provides good air circulation while maintaining even humidity and balanced temperatures.

Washable Bedding Fabrics

There are many baby bedding fabrics that are washable. Though it is advisable to buy cotton-bedding set, there are bedding sets made from nylon, silk and wool. Nylon is durable and basically machine washable on a regular cycle. However avoid line drying the nylon set. It can be tumble dried or dryer dried. The silk baby bedding is also washable either in hand or in a machine. Be careful of wringing after washing. The reason is silk is a thing that can be easily damaged. Whereas, sateen can be hand washed and dried in machine as it is 100% cotton