Working Mother v/s An At Home Mother

After reading my posts about Atharv's cough and bad health over FB, today another friend suggested I take a couple of weeks off from office to take proper care of Atharv by not sending him to day care. I never had even thought of this option before. Wonder why? Was it because my company does not give me the facality to avail such an long leave or cause I don't love my son any longer, or am I not making his health my first priority of life?

All this has now made me to feel, I am not a good mother at all, or perhaps I was never a good mother to begin with. Am I sending Atharv to daycare, so that I get that feeling of having accomplished something at work, or I am sending him to daycare so that I can be away from this constantly demanding boy for a few hours in the day, or am I just not the type who finds the ever lasting routine of diaper changing, feeding and cleaning any fun any longer. I try to argue with myself and tell my own self - I send him so that he can get the company of other children of his own age for some hours in the day - something which I can't give him if I were a full time homemaker. But is that really true? What is he going to miss if he does not learn what he learns at the day care, if he does not sit on his baby chair with other toddlers and doesn't learn how to lift the spoon and not lift the plate at meal times, does not learn what different colors mean, or what circle time or what importance do group activities have in life?

Or wait, how about solving the companion problem by helping him with the company of a sibling. Won't that be so much easier on his health, when both of them would play together at home and fall less sick. At lest much less sick than having 6 ear infections in a course of being at the day care for just 10 months so far. After all every one around me is telling how many times their moms or mom-in-laws have requested them already to have a sibling for their grand children... but do our moms think the same way? Thankfully neither do. They are both progressive in their thoughts and care more for the mother who is having a tough time with her only kid, rather than asking her to deliver one more to and to be unable to take care of either. Thank God, at least something is right in my life.

But what happens to Atharv health then? What do I do to make him get rid of ever lasting cough. Give him those steroid puffs that Dr. Zorn recommended last week? Or take a month break from work. The option of taking a break is now making more sense now. Ah but under which company policy can I take a month long break? I don't have any earned leaves, as I just went for a 3 week vacation to India, to meet out parents after 2 years and I don't have any sick leaves either, as the new fiscal just started. And anyways the company never made a third category of leave policies keeping mothers in mind. They have more important things to bother about such as their own 'revenue' they earn from their 'resources'. Little do they have time to wonder on petty issues such as how to enable mothers to take off a couple of weeks to take care of their sick little ones. Now why am I working for such a company in the first place? That gives me a great idea - why not quit? Okay so by now, I have finally made by my mind that given my situation, the best option would be to quit and then look for another job when Atharv gets better. But let me discuss this a little bit with Abhinav first. I know my supportive husband will never let me down in my decisions and would have something to add.

I discuss with Abhinav and true to his habit he never says - 'no' [immediately]. He supports my decision and then before I can rejoice of knowing what I want to do now... he carefully reminds me about my pleasures of being a frustrated mom. and how I used to long to go back to work after I had been a mom-at-home for 6 months.

I remember having read somewhere. For a child's all round development, whats more important is to have a happy mother than having a at-home but frustrated mother. What does that translate to? That I care more about my needs than I do about about is more important.

I think I have come to terms with the reality now. The reality is that I ain't a good mom! Let me accept the known fact and then live with it.

Plastic and Bottles

Dear Reader, I am not aware of the authenticity of this article. This was sent as a forwarded email to me. --------------------------------------------
Did ya ever drink from a plastic bottle and see a triangle symbol on the bottom with a number inside? Do ya know what the number stands for? Did ya guess that it's just for recycling? Then ya are WRONG !!!!!! THE NUMBER TELLS YA THE CHEMICAL MAKE UP OF THE PLASTIC.....
1) Polyethylene terephalate (PET)
2) High density polyethylene (HDPE) 
3) Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)
4) Low density polyethylene LDPE
5) Polypropylene (PP)
6) Polystyrene (PS) or Expandable polystyrene (EPS)
7) Other, including nylon and acrylic

What ya aren't told is that many of the plastics used are toxic and the chemicals used to create a plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food / drink. Think about it, how many times have ya or a friend said "I don't like this, it taste like the plastic bottle ..... " THAT'S BECAUSE YA ARE TASTING THE PLASTIC The WORST ONES are Nos: 3, 6, and 7 !!! DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS if stated at the bottom of the bottle) !!!

Check out this chart that breaks down the plastic, its uses and chemical makeup (I find #7 a little scary)
http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_plascod3.html

AVOID re-using plastic bottles RIGHT AWAY!!!

Does your ped say formula is better than cow's milk

Next time show them this:
http://www.cornucopia.org/2008/01/replacing-mother-infant-formula-report/

Oh by the way, did you know a couple of decades ago around the time when you and I were born, doctors were so sure formula is so much more better than mother's milk...

Looks like in the last few 10's of years, in lieu of the millions of years of human evolution; there has been a marked improvement in the quality of mom's milk ... after all, how can a doctor's theory based on 'scientific research' go wrong?? LOL

Cheers,
Deepti

About oxymorons :)

My cousin Pawan sent me something I couldn't resist posing ...too funny..

An oxymoron is usually defined as "A phrase in which two words are contradictory meaning " are brought together:-
1) Clearly misunderstood
2) Exact Estimate
3) Small Crowd
4) Act Naturally
5) Found Missing
6) Fully Empty
7) Pretty ugly
8) Seriously funny
9) Only choice
10) Original copies

And .......
.
.
.
.
.
.
11) Happily Married

McDonald FrenchFries have added beef flavor

To All my French Fry Lover Friends,

I received the note the bottom of this email as a forwarded email mentioning that McDonalds adds beef flavor to its French Fries which are advertised to be cooked in vegetable oil. (Not that me or Abhinav have been to McDonalds more than 4 times in the past 4 years of our stay in Seattle, but a lot of our friends go and tell us that I can go too) Me and Abhinav too occasionally do have French Fries. We would eiter go to Ivars in Downtown and while feeding the Seaguls, would pop-in some in our mouths too, or ma be at the Pacific Mall as so on...

Basically on reading the forwarded email, I wasn't quite convinced, since it looked like a hoax to me. So I thought of contacting McDonald myself and here is what their reply is.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "McDonalds.CustomerCare@us.mcd.com"
Sent: Fri, January 8, 2010 2:10:04 AM
Subject: Message from McDonald's USA

Hello Deepti:
Thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald's. We appreciate this opportunity to share information with you about our French fries.

For flavor enhancement, McDonald's French fry suppliers use a very small amount of beef flavor as a natural flavoring during the par-frying process at the potato processing plant. In the restaurant, the French fries are cooked in vegetable oil.

You may be interested to know that we recently updated our nutrition information to include the ingredients in "natural flavors" for all our US core menu items. Customers will now be able to find out if a natural flavor comes from a dairy, meat or vegetable source. If you are interested in reviewing this information, please visit our web site at www.mcdonalds.com.

We hope this information is helpful and we appreciate the time you took to contact us.

Lisa
McDonald's Customer Response Center

ref#:6579373

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You wrote:

Hi McDonald,
I am a McDonalds fan. As a child, I have had all my birthday parties at McDonalds @ UK.

Today I am emailing you for a specific reason. I received this email from a friend and was interested to confirm the validity of the statement below received in response to a question asked by this friend of mine. The remaining response is also copied below.

With anticipation on a speedy response,
With warm regards,
Deepti

--------------------
"For flavour enhancement, McDonald's French fry suppliers use a very small amount of beef flavour as a natural flavouring during the par-frying process at the potato processing plant."
--------------------

"Thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald's. We appreciate this opportunity to share information with you about our French fries. For flavour enhancement, McDonald's French fry suppliers use a very small amount of beef flavour as a natural flavouring during the par-frying process at the potato processing plant. In the restaurant, the French fries are cooked in vegetable oil. You may be interested to know that we recently updated our nutrition information to include the ingredients in "natural flavours" for all our US core menu items. Customers will now be able to find out if a natural flavour comes from a dairy, meat or vegetable source. If you are interested in reviewing this information, please visit our web site at * www.mcdonalds. com* ."
--------------------

Stories from a mom's chidhood to hers son's adulthood

Very touching and very innovative ...

The story of when I was a kid and went out somewhere - by Khushi

Last year I thought I need to tell the babe more about my childhood. Because the context was so vastly different from where we are today and because I was quite sure he would never get to know many of the characters or locales or culture intimately. So every night as I lay beside him I would dish out a snippet from my past. The ones I remembered as most interesting however were not examples...

http://bloggermoms.com/newblog/?p=2282

How To Grow Fresh Air

Talks Kamal Meattle on how to grow fresh air

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/kamal_meattle_on_how_to_grow_your_own_fresh_air.html

What is Atharv upto these days - Part 1

March 11th 09
Atharv is becoming naughtier by the day. I need to tie him in his swing more than often now. Yesterday he was looking cute sitting up in his bouncy swing. I wanted to capture those expressions on his face and did not tie him up. Within less than 5 seconds, as I came back, there bhomm... right in front of my eyes, he falls on his head.. upside down over the carpet... I think I was about to cry before he would... but realized that he did not even understand what had happened, to I somehow managed to control my tears.

March 12th 09
Today he had been crying almost the entire day and I was so emotionally exhausted trying to console him hour after hour, that around evening I called Abhinav and said... "main tumharey betey ko nahin pahachanti hoon!!!". [I no longer know your son] In the next two minutes Abhinav had a meeting, where incidentally his colleagues asked him about Atharv. Abhinav replied... "just now my wife called and told me she no longer recognizes our son".. so his colleagues ask... "...then what are you doing here in the office?".. to that he says..."by staying in the office... I am ensuring that at least one parent continues to recognize him :) ".... LOL

March 13th 09
Atharv has just had his feed. He is lying down inclined with the support of my lap and a thick pillow beneath him. Abhinav is (as usual) lazing around in the morning.. even though he is already late for office. Its been 10 minutes, and I speak to my little one... "Beta chalo utho, diaper change karte hain tumhara". [Son, lets get up your diaper needs to be changed] To our surprise he instantaneously gets up. Abhinav laughs and teaches me ... how I need to have a vision into the future... and how I should have instead said.. "Beta utho,jao apna diaper change karo and phir wapis aajao" [Son, go, change your diaper and then come back].
So like a dutiful wife, the next time, I did as my husband suggested... nothing happened...then I thought let me try what I said this morning. That didn't work either... Finally after trying up a couple of times more, when I was about to give up, he did respond - in his usual way of course - by throwing up milk and then wailing out loud :)


March 14th 09
Abhinav was away in NJ for the weekend to perform at a Kavi Sammelan. Deepa was home to give me some help, when she decided to surf for a couple of minutes before continuing to play with Atharv. Suddenly Atharv shouts out so loud that poor Deepa gets scared herself. Petrified she looks at me, as if her eyes saying...'Deepti I did not do anything to him... believe me.' Well that's an important lesson to learn - "Deepa Mausi how can you sit next to me and not talk to me...huh"

March 15th 09
As I type all this, Atharv is staring at the monitor, trying to make sense of all that is happening on the monitor. He is wondering 'Huh how about me trying to hit one of those black keys... to see what happens... after all there is something magical about them that keeps mommy and papa so much occupied with them, that each time I have to cry out loud enough to grab back their attention.

Hindi Kavi ka English mein Interview :)

This week's edition of 'The South Asian Times' has published a beautiful article on Abhinav.

Abhinav Shukla, magic through poetry
- by Archana Chaudhary/SATimes

"Engineering and poetry are extremely diverse fields but young Hindi poet Abhinav Shukla is a perfect blend of the two. Abhinav’s poetic journey began while he was still in school. He continued to keep the poet in him alive through school, college and even while studying for his Masters in Engineering by participating in national level Hindi poem meets. No wonder, moving to a foreign country didn’t deter him from following what he calls his “passion”, his love for poetry and Hindi language led him to pursue Hindi poetry in the US."

Click Here to Read The Whole Interview - page 15

Vicks VapoRub Linked to Infant Breathing Problems

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/13/AR2009011301089.html

Why should women MUST see Ghajini...

Why should women definately see Ghajini...
After watching Ghajini…












PS: This was sent by a friend as a forwarded email. I do not know the source of this cartoon.

Atharv's Own Blog

You can visit Atharv's Blog at this link. This blog will list everything about Atharv. His activities, mannerisms, milestones and even his monthly snaps. So you could even see him growing...

See you at http://atharvs.blogspot.com/
then :)

Cheerio...

We joyfully announce the birth of our first child

Dear All,

In our lives has come a time
When our wishes have come true
We are delighted to let you know
Our home has come some one new!

We were blessed with a baby boy on November 22nd 2008 at 5:20 am at the Swedish Medical Hospital. The baby and his mom are doing fine.

At his birth, Atharv weighted 8.6 lbs and measured 21.5 inches long. Pictures at the link below, taken on Day3 at the hospital.

http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=a5d4a745-8d83-48e1-9312-7c72f823baab

In anticipation of your blessings to the new born.

Proud Parents,
Abhinav & Deepti

Remembering Dadaji - Shri Atul Krishna Sharan

Sadly enough I never knew my Dadaji was such a great person, until Piyush Bhaiya (see below) wrote all that about him. As a kid, for me he was a good friend, always ready to play with me and my Chachaji's sons and my cousins; Ankur, Ankit. He would tell us stories and engage us in his conversations.

He would sometimes accompany the three of us to school, when Ankur and I would walk while Ankit would perch at the back seat of at the front bar of his cycle. Perhaps one of the reason why I never felt ashamed to ride a cycle, even when I working as a lecturer; where as all my school friends had long back started riding scooty's / cars; was that I had seen my Dadaji riding a cycle all his life. This thought must have occurred to me; when we could ride one at his age, why couldn't I ride one at my age?

At Dusshara, Dadaji would bring us toy teer-kaman (bow and arrow) to play with. Once Ankit who was barely 5 that time, aimed and by mistake shot that wooden toy arrow at Dadaji's eye. My daddy who was passing by and saw that, suddenly came into a complete state of shock and was almost on the verge to loose his temper, but on the other hand there was not a word of anger in Dadaji's voice, not a single brow on my his forehead. He simply lay down for a while, treating his eye. And in the next 15 minutes got back to his feet and started playing with us again, as if nothing had happened in the middle.

I always heard my daddy say in admiration, of how Dadaji managed to raise his kids; how by Dadaji's inspiration and motivation; 4 of his kids ultimately went on to study at one of the most reputed engineering and medical colleges of their time. All that happening within the limited means that he had.

Everyone used to appreciate his stamina and health conscience attitude where he could walk for miles together, without feeling the need to hire a rickshaw or an auto. My parents always realized that Dadaji was light years ahead of them in terms of the strength he possessed and drew immense inspiration to be like Dadaji.

Dadaji was not only good at his work; he was a great cook too. Several years after Dadaji moved to Allahabad, and once came to visit us; on one occasion he tough us how to prepare post-partum ladoos. They were full of rich dry fruits, black pepper and tons of ghee; and undoubted the most different and best ladoos I had ever tasted before.

The last time I had the fortune to seek Dadaji blessings was in my marriage. In spite of his poor health condition, Dadaji stayed awake through out the marriage, and gave his last blessings to me and Abhinav; as we got prepared to leave for my new home.

May his sole rest in peace.

My paternal cousin - Piyush (Bua's ji son) wrote this when my Dadaji left this earth for his heavenly abode on November 5th this year.
-----------------------------------------------

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
This is a tribute to our beloved Nanaji.
Please share any memories you have of him, with all of us.
Love,
Piyush
-----------------------------------------------
My maternal Grandfather, Shri Atul Krishna Sharan left for his heavenly abode, at the age of 94.

He was a model of simplicity and righteous living.

A large part of his career was spent as a News Editor, at the All India Radio (AIR).
In the later part of his life, he also acquired a LLB law degree, and worked in the offices of the noted jurist, LM Singhvi.

Not many people know that Nanaji was an expert at many languages. Apart from Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi, he also knew French and Russian.

I have fond memories of the love he showered on us as children. When we used to visit Ghaziabad, he would stand outside the gate waiting for us to arrive from the station. When we arrived, he would lift us in his lap, and hug us.

He led a very simple life. He never liked wasteful expenditure. He was happy with whatever he had, and led a life of contentment. He did not like to throw anything away, and would try to reuse and recycle everything. He never craved for materialistic possessions.
His life was based on a spirit of sacrifice.

He used to do Shirshasana and other Yogic exercises regularly. His regular Yoga exercises, moderation in eating, temperance in outlook, and contentment of heart were the secrets of his long and healthy life.
As children, we loved to see him do Shirshasana, where he would show us how to balance himself on his head.

He was a pure vegetarian, and only ate Sattvik food.

He was a very sweet and simple man, whom you always found smiling. I never saw him angry, or shout at anyone. He would take life's ups and downs with equanimity, without losing his cool. He was a straightforward person, who bore no ill-will towards anyone.

He liked to keep himself updated on current affairs, and would read the newspapers regularly. When we used to go to his room, we would usually find him reading something, wearing his characteristic dhoti.

One of his interests was to listen to radio channels from around the world.
He was very fond of his beloved radio.

His blessings will always be with us.
May God give Peace and Liberation to his soul.
________________________________________________________________________

Points to consider when searching for Pediatrician

PEDIATRICIAN
1. Is the doc taking new patients?
2. Is the doc BOARD specialized?
3. Is the doc a general or a specialize one (in some form of child treatment?)
4. Does the doc see the baby after his birth in the hospital or do we need to bring him to the clinic for the first visit?
5. Is he interested in meeting parents before accepting the child to his list? (to make sure the parents aren’t over cautious or of the careless category?)
6. Is there a nurse who handles questions over the phone during office hours?
7. How about after hours? Is there an after-hours clinic, or would we need to go to an emergency room?
8. Who will my child see if our doctor is not there?
9. What hospital or hospitals can the doctor refer patients to? (where does the doc have privileges to see the baby)
10. Does doc offer to see baby in evenings or weekend hours or holidays? Where?
11. Children’s hospital?
12. Swedish hospital?
13. Hospital closest to our new Family Home?
14. Any other specific place?
15. Does the doc come himself or allows the Emergency doc give orders for the baby; and then come himself the next morning?
16. What does the doc think about immunizations?
17. What is the average waiting time?
18. What is the doc philosophy? – antibiotics and medicines are the only cure or does the doc believe in natural treatments / natural healing by the body?
19. How can I know whether baby too also RH +ive?
20. Breast pumps – which ones suggested – Medalla / Aveno / others?
21. (can adults and kids be given the same nasal spray – or are there different potencies)
22. DPT(diphtheria, polio, whooping cough, tetanus) (4th, 6th, 9th, 12th months and then 5 years)
23. Does DPT include Polio – Also in India all kids below 5 need to get vaccinated
24. Diapers / Wipers – which brands suit babies best?

Considerations for parents –
ο Is the doc new or old in practice
ο Which school does the doc belong to? US / India?
ο Do you want a doctor who treats only children (a pediatrician)?
ο Would you like a doctor who treats the whole family?
ο Do you want a doctor who is close to your home or work place?
ο Do you need to choose a doctor from a list given by your insurance provider?
ο Do you want a doctor who?
ο Would you or your child prefer a man or a woman doctor?
ο Does your child need a specialist?
ο Do you want a doctor who speaks a certain language?

List of Things To Buy For New Born & Would-Be-Mom

1) Prefer Baby Bag over Diaper Bag. Baby Bags are bigger.
2) Maconium time ke liye cream
3) Pure Cotton caps (topi)
4) A to D / Boudreaux’s Butt Paste – Diaper Rash ointment
5) Sore Nips – Bandages etc. (Lancare Danish Wool Pads – no need to wash before 30 days. Best recommended for sore nips – available at (Swedish-Health Building $27)
6)
7) Rectal Thermometer – should buy one. + Vaseline
8) Sleeping bag for babies
9) Bottle Purifier
10) Syringe + catheter?? India or US?
11) alcohol wipes - to wipe of thermometer
12) petroleum jelly - before inserting into rectus
13) http://www.babywrappers.com/ one is $34. Try one and get another only if this suits.
14) Spanx Belly Band / - Ugg Boots / - Birkenstocks
15) Co-sleeper?
16) Double lock safety pins – mainly for diaper
17) Sleeping Bag (cocoons)
18) Baby Snow suits (http://yellow-turtle.com/store/index.html?action=browse&CategoryNum=31116550861057202&sortby=sale&showall=y ) – has warm stuff
19) Instant formula
20) Mineral water for instant water
21) Enfamil – yellow wala – its regular for babies 0-12 months
22) 1v. Vinly sheet for changing station
23) Laundry bag – for baby’s tiny clothes
24) Boppy Cotton Slipcover (Boppy pillow ka cover)
25) Double Headrest (as in near car seat section, to keep head in position)
26) Post partum support
27) Amazon se CDs - Womb CD - Music as baby hears when in womb
28) Witch hazel
29) Poise Pads (are wider and are suggested for incontinency) / Super maxi - not P1
30) For same purpose:
1. Tucks pads – for cleaning mom and babes bottom (both - as a hemorrhoidal treatment for adults: -
1. when practical, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly
2. gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying
3. gently apply to the affected area by patting and then discard tissue
4. can be used up to six times daily or after each bowel movement)
2. OR benzocaine (sometimes it's in a spray form, that's how I got it) and it numbs it so it doesn't hurt
3. OR Solarcaine Burn Aloe Extra Relief Spray (at Walgreens)
31) Philips AVENT bottle brush? / The First years Double Scrubber Bottle Brush?


CLOTHES - ALL (i) 0-3 months *3 (ii) 3-6 months *3
19) Body Care banyan
20) Warm socks
21) Warm gloves
22) Monkey Cap
23) Triangular Diapers
24) Mosquito net type ka kuch

MEDICINES
25) Pure Hing – whole (not powder) – for Gas
26) Pure Ghee
27) ColicAid for Gas (adhir’s wife)
28) Neopeptine – Allopathic - for gas
29) Calpol Syrup – for temperature (not added anywhere)
30) Dabur Lal Oil
31) Sona Chandi Oil
32) Dabut Janam Ghutti
33) BalGuti by Green Pharmacy. - Green Pharmacy, 4 Suvarnarekha society, Pune- 52 - e-mail: amodsane@vsnl.com This Balguti pack contains about 20 (jari-butiyan) ayurvedic herbs, which have to be rubbed in circles (ghisna) on chandan base. (to give 2-3 drops each time – 1-2 times each day )
34)

GENERIC BABY
35) Black moti / mankey necklace *2, bracelets *2
36) Silver ware (not very light, little thick so that it does not break - & from a reliable shop, which wont add aluminum to it)
37) Gold sili / tili
38) Small (Chandan types) nutmeg / almonds ghisaney wala
39) Gudhari to cover baby (has cris cross stitches)
40) Langot as a spread sheet (is stitched only on the sides and is rectangular or square)

List of Articles on my blog related to Preg and Child Care

This is a list of Articles on my own blog related to Preg and Child Care

some-websites-for-pregnancy

new-born-infant-care-tips-and-remedies

happiest-baby-on-black-excerps

preventing-baby-hazards

baby-has-cold-home-remedies

seattle-pi-news-article-after-checking

Seattle PI - News Article - After checking your ID, check your children's

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/money/380846_idtheftkids27.html

NEW YORK -- Among the people Linda Foley is currently working to help are a 3-year-old whose Social Security number is being used by someone for work purposes. And there's a 5-year-old whose identity is linked to driver's licenses, arrest warrants for drunken driving, and a warrant for unpaid child support.

These stories may sound unusual, but Foley has heard of many such situations since she started the San Diego-based Identity Theft Resource Center in 1999, and she's convinced that the poaching of children's identities is more common than anyone knows.

Because identity theft is typically associated with financial matters like the misuse of credit cards, most people don't consider the possibility that their child's personal information could be stolen and misused. But more than 34,000 reports of identity theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission from 2005 to 2007 concerned children younger than 18.

"I think we just see the tip of the iceberg. We don't know how deep this problem goes," Foley said.

One reason there is no clear figure for the number of children affected is that the crime often goes unnoticed for many years, said Scott Mitic, chief executive of TrustedID, a Redwood, Calif., company that offers ID protection services.

Usually, there's a narrow time gap between the discovery and the theft, Mitic said of identity theft in general. "But in this age group, you're much more likely to see a lag."

Because children don't have complex financial lives, there is less opportunity to notice that something has gone awry than for adults who try to get loans, mortgages and credit cards -- one major factor that plays into child identity theft going undetected for years.

A second major reason is that frequently, the thief is a parent or other relative of the child.

"In excess of 50 percent of all child ID theft, involves a perpetrator who is one of the parents or someone who is close to the family," estimated Foley, basing her figure on counseling experience and work with law enforcement agencies.

That was the case for Randy Waldron Jr., now 27, who has spent the last decade trying to clean up his reputation.

"My father began using my Social Security number in 1982," Waldron said. But his father was not a part of his life as a child, and it wasn't until 16 years later, when Waldron was applying for college, that it was discovered he had run up a total of $2.5 million in debt in his son's name.

The tally included myriad accounts from unpaid utility bills to defaulted credit cards and back taxes. There was even an unpaid storage facility rental that ballooned to a $10,000 debt.

"It took many years to correct it," Waldron said, estimating that he has spent about $30,000 in attorney fees to clear his name. "I am still hounded by credit card companies, I am still hounded by collection agencies."

Waldron, who lives in Revere, Mass., has worked with Foley in handling his own personal matters, and is now trying to start an organization on the East Coast to help other victims, the Center for Compromised Identities and Child Identity Theft.

Though you may feel secure in your own family, another recurring scenario is that a child's Social Security number becomes associated with a different name -- a technique that's sometimes used by an undocumented immigrant or someone who is trying to avoid child support payments.

"As amazing as it sounds, it is still very difficult for an employer to establish that a Social Security number they've been given corresponds to the person they are employing," said TrustID's Mitic.

"The reason thieves prey on children is for one simple fact. It's because a child in this country is born into a society where you're required to have a Social Security number, and that Social Security number gives you a clean credit record, a clean slate," Waldron said. "If a child identity thief gets a hold of a child's Social Security number at this instant, the parent may not know for 18 years."


TIPS
Some tips for protecting your child's identity:


Teach your child not to give out personal information, particularly online.


Shred all papers to be thrown away that contain account numbers or Social Security numbers.


Store your child's Social Security card in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box. Neither you nor your child should carry the card in a wallet.


If you receive a preapproved credit application or similarly unusual offer in the mail, investigate. Some banks may add a child's name to a mailing list if an account has been opened in his or her name, but this could be a red flag that your child's identity has been compromised.


If you have reason to believe there may be fraud, write (certified return receipt) to the three credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- and ask for a credit report in your child's name. A child should not have a credit report, because minors are unable to enter into contracts. You can find a sample letter and addresses on the Web site of the Identity Theft Resource Center, idtheftcenter.org.


If you discover a credit report in your child's name, ask to have all accounts, applications and collection notices removed, and have a free security freeze put on the file. This will remain on the file until you request it be removed or temporarily lifted.


Ask if adults who work with your child and might have access to sensitive information -- such as coaches, scout leaders or other activity leaders -- have had a background check. Also be careful when providing documents such as birth certificates to activity leaders, and ask to be notified if they will be shown to other people.


If you think there may be a problem, contact the Social Security Administration for a copy of an earnings statement for your child. If it shows that your child has earned wages, it could indicate theft of the child's Social Security number. Details and forms are available on the agency's Web site at ssa.gov/mystatement.

Preventing Baby Hazards

1. Get down on your hands and knees to your child’s level so you can identify potential hazards.
2. Place child resistant covers on all electrical outlets.
3. Use door knob covers to prevent access to off-limit areas (basement stairs, garage, outdoors, bathrooms).
4. Shorten curtain and blind cords.
5. Use corner bumpers on all sharp furniture corners.
6. Know the name of all houseplants in case a child eats them.
7. Secure any unsteady furniture.
8. Safety-proof your stairs with baby gates, both top and bottom.
9. Secure cords so lamps and appliances cannot be pulled down onto a child.
10. Remove the plastic caps from doorstops or replace them with one piece stops.
11. Consider taking a Basic First Aid and/or CPR class so you can be prepared if an accident occurs.
12. Put Chime Off alarms, when kid opens backyard doors and tries to sneak off; specially if you have a pool in your backyard.


Bottom Line:
Its something to cherish. The 1st weeks and 1st months will
2-3 hours. Rather than trying to make them fall in a routine, enjoy that period.
3 months or 12-13 pounds tab they wake up all night.

Kitchen
12. Keep knives, cleaning supplies and plastic bags out of children’s reach.
13. If stove knobs are accessible to children, use protective knob covers to prevent children from turning them.
14. Unplug all electrical appliances when not in use.
15. Install cabinet door locks if cleaning supplies are stored in the kitchen.
16. Keep handles of pots and pans over the stove towards the inside.
17. Give your baby their own compartment shelf in the kitchen, since they are going to be with you all the time and you will not like to say 'NO' to them all the time.

Bathrooms
16. Lock all vitamins and medicines well out of reach.
17. Use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower to avoid falls.
18. Set your water heater to 120F degrees or lower
Home Office
18. If you use an electric shredder, unplug it when it is not in use. Many new models will work automatically even when in the off position. Never leave it on “Auto.”
19. Beware of dropped paper clips, staples, push pins, and rubber bands that can be choking hazards.
20. Secure cords to computers and monitors well out of reach of little hands.

For Safety products, check this link:
http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2964402
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Links to Other Safety Tips
http://www4.toysrus.com/safety/holiShopSafeTips.cfm
http://www.recalls.gov/
http://www3.toysrus.com/safety/prodRecalls.cfm


Main Sources:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_tips-for-safe-bathing_40.bc
http://www.cordblood.net/pdf/200807_Grandparent.pdf

Happiest Baby on the Black - Excerps

=> The 5 S's: Five Steps to Turn On Your Baby's Calm Reflex

1. Swaddling - tight wrapping
2. Side/Stomach - laying a baby on her side or stomach
3. Shushing - loud white noise (just as comes from within)
4. Swinging - rhythmic, jiggly motion
5. Sucking - sucking on anything from nipple or finger or a pacifier


Some Vital Clues to baby's sound
1. Is baby opening mouth and rooting (This could indicate hunger)
2. Is baby yawning rubbing his eyes, moving his head from side to side, or staring out with droopy eyelids (This could indicate fatigues)
3. Does he seem to be intentionally looking away from you aor starting to hiccup? (This could indicate over simulation)
4. Is he making facial grimaces and trying to bear down (This could indicate intestinal discomfort)


Extracted by Deepti from Dr. Karp's Book, The Happiest Baby On The Block -
http://www.thehappiestbaby.com