Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and joyous experience for parents. As they prepare for their little one's arrival, it's important to ensure they have the essential items that will make life easier and more comfortable for both baby and parents. In this article, we will explore the top five must-have essentials for babies, providing a comprehensive guide for new parents.     Crib or Bassinet: A safe and comfortable sleeping environment is crucial for babies. A sturdy crib or a cozy bassinet is a must-have item. Look for cribs with adjustable mattress heights to accommodate your growing baby. Ensure the crib meets safety standards and has properly spaced slats to prevent any potential hazards. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet and a breathable blanket will complete the setup, providing a secure and cozy sleep space for your little one.   Diapers and Changing Essentials:  Diapers are an absolute necessity for any parent. Whether you choose disposable or cloth diapers, having an adequate supply is essential. Additionally, invest in a changing pad or table to create a convenient and hygienic diaper changing station. Stock up on diaper rash cream, baby wipes, and diaper disposal bags to keep your baby clean, comfortable, and happy.   Feeding Supplies:  Feeding time is a significant aspect of a baby's day. Depending on your preference, you'll need feeding essentials such as bottles, nipples, and a bottle brush for cleaning. If you plan to breastfeed, consider investing in a breast pump, nursing bras, and nursing pads. For formula-fed babies, a formula dispenser can be handy when on the go. Introducing solid foods later on will require spoons, bowls, and a high chair. Remember to sterilize all feeding equipment regularly to maintain hygiene.     Baby Clothing and Bedding: Babies grow quickly, so it's essential to have a range of clothing options in different sizes. From onesies and sleepers to hats and socks, make sure you have a variety of comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing. Swaddling blankets and sleep sacks can provide warmth and security for newborns. Soft and breathable crib sheets are also important for your baby's comfort during sleep.   Baby Safety Equipment: Keeping your baby safe is a top priority. Invest in safety equipment such as a baby monitor, baby gates to block off hazardous areas, cabinet locks, and outlet covers. A thermometer is crucial for monitoring your baby's temperature, and a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for handling minor accidents or illnesses. Babyproofing your home will give you peace of mind as your little explorer starts to crawl and explore their surroundings.    Preparing for a new baby involves making thoughtful choices about the essentials they will need. The top five must-have items discussed in this article - a crib or bassinet, diapers and changing essentials, feeding supplies, baby clothing and bedding, and baby safety equipment - will lay a solid foundation for your baby's well-being and comfort. Remember, every baby is unique, and as you navigate this exciting journey, trust your instincts and adapt these essentials to suit your baby's individual needs. Enjoy the precious moments with your bundle of joy!

Preparing your current child or children for a new sibling often depends upon the age and temperament of the child or children. Certainly, it is a good idea to prepare your son or daughter for the advent of another family member. Youngsters are often very excited about the prospect of having someone to play with, and are unworried about the finer points of childbirth – such as where do babies come from. The Announcement Be as upbeat, positive and excited about the new baby as you can possibly be, in a restrained sort of way. But don’t be too surprised if you don’t get a positive reaction when the idea is first brought up. Some children are quite excited about the prospect of a younger sibling, but many are not as thrilled as you might think. A new baby means having to share mom and dad, perhaps having to share a room. Play up having someone to play with as much as possible and gloss over some of the practical aspects, such as having to share a room or mom and dad having even less time for the “old baby” than usual. Peter Pan was a story about having to share – make no mistake about that.   Develop a collection of stories about becoming a big brother or a big sister. The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby is an excellent example of a good book about introducing a new child into a family. In the end, Brother Bear helps make a cradle for Sister Bear. This is only one example of many good books about being a big brother or big sister. For older children, My Rotten Red-Haired Older Brother is a great book about siblings and sibling rivalry – and about the protective role of older siblings. How Much Biology Does Your Child Need? Unless your current child is old enough to comprehend the broader points of biology, he or she isn’t likely to need to know the mechanics of how the baby got started or what happens as a baby grows inside the mother. For example, one precocious little girl asked her mama about an aunt who was expecting a baby. Her parents purchased a copy of “Where Did I Come From?” by Peter Mayle. The cover of the book shows a naked baby climbing through the first O in book. The little girl’s mama read the book aloud, and thought she had explained the pictures about babies and where they come from pretty thoroughly. At the end of the book, she then asked the child, “So where do babies come from?” The little girl looked thoughtfully at the cover illustration. “Out of the O,” she said. The point here is that we can explain many things to children, but some things are truly beyond their comprehension. Maturity is a factor in understanding. Helping Build Anticipation You can tell your preschool or school age child that mommy is growing a baby inside of her. It will explain why Mom is getting more rotund every day. Take your child shopping for things for the new baby – but don’t forget to buy a tidbit or two for the “old baby” to help with that feeling of being pushed out. When you begin to feel your baby kick, make listening to the baby or feeling the baby move a family affair, shared with dad and with siblings. A pregnancy is a special time for everyone. Do Other Things with Your Older Child Even though  you have a new baby on the way, your current child still has needs and wants. Take time to read books, watch television or play games with your older child or children. Attend his or her school presentations, and try very hard not to miss important things like T-ball or Scouts. Allow Dad to have some extra time with older siblings. This is a good time to bond over nature walks or building things in the garage. Whether your child is a daughter or a son, sharing time with dad helps give a balanced view of life. Don’t short girls on learning how to make things with Legos or how to clean a battery or change a tire; and remember to show boys that dads can cook, mend and clean just as well as moms. If you or your spouse don’t know how to do some of these things, this is a good time for everyone to get in some learning. Gender equality means everyone knowing how to shovel the snow off the walk or how to wash dishes. It also means letting Dad have a share of the parenting. Let Your Child Help As Mom becomes more ungainly, let your child do things like bring a drink of water. Encourage acts of responsibility, such as picking up his or her own toys or pouring a scoop of kibble in a pets food dish. Chores are a good way for children to prepare for having a place of their own. Develop Special Quiet Time Activities Children are not naturally quiet. They are built to run, romp, yell and have fun. When you bring home a baby to a small house or apartment, there will be times when this very natural behavior will not be acceptable. Forestall conflict in your family by developing ways for your current child to let off a little steam safely, and prepare him or her to play quietly alone some of the time. Collect some good books, coloring activity books, or even purchase a child friendly computer tablet and load it with educational games – but don’t forget to provide a set of headphones! Remember, it is so much easier to be still and quiet if you have something fun to do. A Little Homework for Mom and Dad What and how much you tell your child isn’t as important as it is reassuring him or her that they are still loved. Especially during the first six years of life, you are your child’s security. Show your child that you still love them as much as ever. And you can – because love is one of those elastic things where the more you give, the more you have to give. One way you can show your older child that you care is to help prepare ways to keep special things safe from the new younger sibling. Before you begin to think about it, a baby will begin to crawl and pull up on furniture. You can protect both your children by making sure that the model airplane is safely out of Baby’s reach and by providing older children with a secure place to keep items that are not baby safe. Putting It All Together The bottom line is to tell your child that a new family member is expected. Encourage your older child or children to anticipate the new baby as a joyous event, even if you might be struggling with the idea. And apply practical considerations such as making sure that the older children do not feel abandoned or left out. These things are much more important than explaining the mechanics of childbirth. That part will come along soon enough.      

Babies are in tune with mama’s voice. It is one of the first things that they hear, along with her heartbeat. They might hear other family voices, as well, helping them key in on the people who will care for them as they grow. Lullabies are a way to continue that focus, and to develop a warm relationship with your little one, a relationship that engenders trust and that will help carry you through the stormy years of developing independence. Sources for Lullabies If your mother and your mother’s mother sang to you and your siblings, then those songs become part of your memory bank. Even if you have to look them up to get all the words,  they are part of your heritage. If your family wasn’t focused on singing, you can still locate and learn lullabies. Walk into any music store,  go to the section that has music for children, and you are certain to find a recording or two of sleepy-time music. If your budget doesn’t run to buying music recordings, especially after purchasing all the “must-have” things for baby, your public library is like to have music recordings as well as a friendly librarian to point you toward some all-time favorites. If you have a device that plays sound, such as a phone, tablet or computer, YouTube has a wealth of lullabies, as well as background music for sleeping. Here are a few links and some ideas.   Hush Little Baby This is a classic lullaby, with a wide variety of lyrics. You can find a pretty recording of it here. This is an especially nice recording with sweet, gentle lyrics.  If you delve very deeply into lullabies you will discover that they, like nursery rhymes, often have hidden meanings and questionable pasts. But this one has all the earmarks of a perfect lullaby: a sweet, singsong tune that is easy to sing softly, multiple verses, and a tune to which you can add your own lyrics. Hush-a-Bye, or All the Pretty Horses All the Pretty Little Horses has an incredibly lovely melody. It is often suggested that it is of African-American origin, and that it might have been sung to the Master’s child, while the care-taker’s own child was left behind, untended. This recording is a sweetly sung version with one of the least jarring central verses. It might be noted that one version of the primary lyric runs, “…and when you wake, you shall have cake, and all the pretty little horses.” Brahms’s Lullaby No list of lullabies would be complete without the classic Brahm’s Lullabye. This pretty rendition from YouTube is complete with lyrics and two youngsters. Rock-a-bye Baby Here is a humorous rendition from Kids TV of this classic lullaby. The music is gentle and lovely, and the cartoon rendition is a loving recounting of this lullaby classic, as well as the classic frustration of a parent who is trying to get the youngest member of the family to sleep. What’ll We Do With the Baby-O This is another lullaby from the bad old days of the south. Clearly, care of this baby wasn’t high on anyone’s priority list! If you can find a copy of the lyrics from Suzette Haden Elgin’s filk song, it is much more fun and a lot more gentle – as was her explanation. It went something like this: back when people went to dances as a family, someone always got stuck watching the baby. You could sing mean lyrics to the baby, and he or she wouldn’t care as long as you bounced him or her (gently) on your knee. What would you do with the baby-o is a baby bouncing song designed to keep little ones entertained until the parents get off the dance floor. Elgin’s version started out, “What should we do with the baby-o? Send him off in a rocket-o…”   Sleepsong If you like your music a little more modern, here is a lovely one from Secret Garden’s album “Earth Songs.” It isn’t as easy to sing as some of the others, but if you squeak on some of the high notes, no one but you and the baby are likely to notice at 3:00 am. Irish Lullaby For sweetness you can scarcely surpass the Irish. This sweet and gentle lullaby is a wish for many good things for a little one.  It is also an acknowledgement that parents aren’t always able to fix all of the problems that will arise. But you can always wish. Lullabies don’t have to be traditional sleep songs for babies. They can be any song that has a repetitive rhythm, an easy tune and is something you can remember. For example, Janis Joplin’s song “of great social and political import,” the Mercedes Benz song makes a decent lullaby. Long mournful ballads with a lot of verses also work well. And we should not forget Arlo Guthrie’s Car Car song. The real point of a lullaby is to make soothing vocal noises that keep baby’s attention, then slowly lull the little … ah… sweetheart off to sleep. Hopefully the lulling part will be soon enough for a tired parent to get some sleep as well. Singing lullabies also gives the parent something to do while waiting for those little eyes to drift slowly closed. If some homemade lyrics get in there somewhere, well that’s the creative part of parenting. Just remember that if you sing something like, “Go to sleep, little creep…” it could come back to haunt you when your little one moves from preverbal into verbal. Just remember not to sing anything to your baby dearest that you don’t want to share with your mother-in-law, nursery school teacher, and any other handy adult. Babies do love to share, and they don’t discriminate. If you don’t have time or the voice to sing lullabies, there are long sections of sleepy-time songs available on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and many other sources. Just be careful that you don’t fall asleep along with your baby before you can get your little one tucked in for the night.

Human breast milk is usually the very best food possible for an infant, but there are exceptions. Something to remember when you are nursing an infant is that what you eat is passed through your milk to the baby – and that includes medications, alcoholic beverages, caffeine in various forms, nicotine and illegal drugs. You make milk from the things you ingest, as nature intended. Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby Good health for you and your baby begins with a healthy diet. That doesn’t mean you need to embrace a particular sort of diet, such as one of the well-known reducing diets. It means that you need a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and quality protein sources. A recent popular diet study commented that the best diet is food. It went on to elaborate that we aren’t likely to be able to eat like our ancestors. No one is going to be able to go down to the local market and buy a mammoth steak. Even if we could, the kinds of vegetation mammoths and our ancestors ate has long since mutated into different forms. But real food, as close to the natural state as it is healthy to eat it, provides the best nutrients possible for humans.   Personal Comfort Breasts that are full of milk are a lot heavier than those without. A good nursing bra can provide support, and is a lot more convenient than a regular bra when it comes feeding time. When shopping, buy one that fits comfortably around your ribs, but with a cup that is a size or two larger than your normal bra. Not only will you need to take into consideration your increased size, you might also want to have room for breast pads to keep from leaking. That will protect your blouse or dress front from being perpetually wet and help prevent staining. Have a look at a useful video showing you tips on how to breastfeed. A baby is intent on one thing when nursing, and that is getting a good dinner. Especially early in the process, your nipples might become sore. They can also chap if you go out in the cold when they are damp, and teething can bring a whole new level to the need for a little self-care. Select a lotion that is safe for you and baby, then you won’t have to worry about washing it off before nursing.   Foods to Avoid When Nursing Not all foods are the same, and not all mothers are the same, so “foods to avoid” can vary. A good rule of thumb is if the food makes you gassy, it is likely to form gas for baby, too. But you might find that eating certain foods that you love while nursing will give your baby an upset tummy. Chocolate can be a big offender in this department, and that can be hard for some moms to give up. But one long night walking the floor with a screaming baby who has the colic can make that delectable treat seem a lot less attractive. After all, you don’t have to give it up forever; just until your baby is old enough to eat on her own. Getting a Chance to Eat While Nursing Nursing a baby can give you quite an appetite. If you have other children, work at home, or have an outside job, you body is being taxed. Skipping meals simply is not a good option. One young woman developed a juggling method that allowed her to manage a sandwich in one hand, and a book in the hand attached to the arm that curled around the baby. With an active toddler, and a school-age child, it was the only way she got a chance to rest and eat. Rotate Sides Nursing a baby does cause some change in breast shape and size. To keep yours in good shape, unless you have twins, be sure to swap baby to the other side about half way through feeding so that you will develop evenly. Although your breasts are likely to eventually go back to an even size, it can be a bit of a bother to have one that is larger than the other for a while after your baby is weaned. Wean your Baby Gradually Unless you have a situation that dictates that you must wean your baby abruptly, it is best to do it gradually. If you know that you will have to return to work at the end of six weeks, begin using a breast pump and a bottle for daytime meals so your baby will become used to it. If possible, introduce your care giver early on as well to help prevent separation anxiety. One grandmother who was baby-sitting her first grandson discovered that the baby had an internal timer that went off when he felt his parents should return. Grandma was fine until it was time for Mama to arrive. After that, the little fellow would begin fussing, then the fussing would turn into a full-fledged roar. Introducing Solids There are a lot of different theories about when to introduce solid foods, and when to start weaning your infant from breast or bottle. Each child is a little bit different, but there are certain signs that can help let you know when it is time. These include: Eruption of those first teeth. You can keep nursing after that, but you and your wee one will probably need to come to an understanding about what those new chompers are for – biting mama is strictly off the menu. Interest in what other people are eating. Some babies will enjoy having a taste of whatever is available long before they are ready to seriously depend on solid food. Just keep in mind that tasting can sometimes cause tummy upsets. Ability to pick up and hold food. While feeding your baby with a spoon and making all those fun airplane noises can be a bonding time, when your baby can feed himself you might have a chance to eat a meal or two in peace. Above all, enjoy your time with your baby. They are only little for a short time. Be sure to make time to share with Dad. While it is possible to raise a healthy, well-balanced child on your own, fathers play an important role in social development. Life gets to be very busy but spending a little time together as a family each day can be pleasant for everyone.

Home Remedies for Babies that Actually Work Or Grandma’s Emergency Checklist Keeping a pharmacopeia of common items or over-the-counter items that can bring relief for ordinary day-to-day ills is just plain common sense. With that said, this list is not intended to replace advice from a doctor, nor is the writer in any way qualified as a medical person. This is for-your-information, one parent to another. Diaper Rash Prevention is your number one arsenal for this one. It begins with changing the diaper as soon as it is wet or dirty. Don’t count on that “wicking moisture away from baby’s skin” bit that some disposable diaper companies use as a selling point. Use cloth diapers and place the baby on a rubberized mat instead of using leak-proof covers. The covers trap moisture, which is part of the cause for diaper rash. Use detergents that are scent and additive free to wash cloth diapers, and the rest of baby’s clothes. Rinse with vinegar, not bleach. Relief after established – A & D Ointment for most babies. – Aloe for babies with extra sensitive skin. – For babies with super sensitive skin, clean with warm water and place child on a rubberized mat covered with a receiving blanket and leave unclothed. Change blanket and mat as needed. Fussy Baby Countdown Check the diaper. Offer food – formula or breast milk for infants. Baby food, drinks or finger food for older babies. Cuddle and sing or talk to the baby. Sometimes it really is a desire for attention. Watch body language. Does the baby flail arms or draw knees up to stomach? These are signs of distress, and possibly pain. Check clothing for anything that could be irritating or painful Offer food again, if accepted, burp by placing infant over shoulder and rubbing or gently patting back. If refused, check for fever. For babies younger than 2 months, call your physician right away if fever is over 100. Three months and older, call the physician if the fever is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, persists more than three days or is exceptionally high Fever helps: children’s liquid Tylenol if approved by your pediatrician Tepid sponge bath Sips of distilled water Check gums. Hard, swollen areas might indicate new teeth erupting. Teething helps include: Rubbing the gums gently with a clean finger Giving baby something cool to chew on Baby Tylenol in doctor approved dosage Nubbly teething toy – it massages and sooths the gums while encouraging the teeth to break through If you haven’t found the problem, start again at the top to see if you’ve missed anything. Things not to do with a fussy baby: Shake the baby or respond in any aggressive physical way toward your infant. If you are out of control, gently place your baby in a secure area, such as a crib, and walk away.Get a drink of water, take three slow deep breaths and let them out slowly. When you are under control check your baby. Leave the baby to “cry it out.” Crying is a distress signal and can indicate something is wrong. Dose with adult medicines or herbal preparations of any kind Administer an alcoholic beverage Minor cuts and scrapes Wash the area with warm, soapy water, then rinse well. Stop the bleeding by placing a clean cloth or even clean toilet paper over the cut Apply a soothing protective ointment such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel If the cut or scrape is large, cover with a protective bandage. If it is small, leave it open air Burns Place under cold running water Apply ice Sooth the area with aloe vera gel – from the fresh plant, if you have it, from a bottle without additives such as alcohol if you don’t Open air if possible Upset Stomach A tummy that doesn’t feel well can come to anyone at any age. Since it can have multiple causes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Gassy tummy Walking or movement. If the baby has the gassy tummy, walk around with the baby over your shoulder, gently patting or rubbing the back Ask mommy, if the baby is breastfed, what she ate last. Chocolate is a big culprit for a baby upset tummy. Pepperoni pizza can also create problems for some people. For older babies, sips of a clear, carbonated soft drink. The bubbles help with burping Constipation Doesn’t usually happen with breast fed babies For bottle babies older than 1 month, try a little apple juice If the problem persists, talk to your pediatrician about a formula change Ease up on feeding solids until the problem resolves Bee stings and insect bites For minor stings and bites, make a paste of baking soda and apply it to the area Avoid bathing in baking soda as it can sometimes irritate Use an over-the-counter ointment that contains Benedryl Apply ice to bring down swelling and stop spread of poison.   Be alert for signs of an allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing Severe swelling or painful itching When in doubt, go to the emergency room. Better to feel silly and have an unnecessary bill than to make a mistake in the other direction. For some types of bites, such as spider bites, use a drawing ointment Don’t hesitate to get medical help if you suspect a spider bite Prid is an otc drawing ointment that works very well Cover to keep Baby from eating the ointment Use bread and milk mixed into a paste if nibbling the poultice is a problem. Plant Allergies Begin with prevention. Do not encourage your child to run through tall grass or to come in contact with a lawn. Many children will develop something commonly called “grass itch” which is a moderate rash that often goes away in a few minutes. A bigger problem in our modern world might be the insecticide or herbicide sprayed on the lawn. If a rash develops, try washing the area with a  solution of baking soda or tea. Caladryl is a good over the counter remedy. It is a combination of calamine and Benadryl lotion. Animal Bites As with many things, begin with prevention. Never leave your infant alone with the family pet and avoid introducing your baby to other people’s large dog or cat. If you have a large snake or exoticas pet, keep a closed, locked door between that animal and your baby. Teach older children how to behave respectfully around animals. Always supervise child/animal interactions, especially initial ones. If your child is bitten by a cat, dog or other creature here are the immediate steps: Remove child to safe place Check extent and nature of injury Minor injury, clean with soap and water Call pediatrician Moderate injury, clean with soap and water Call pediatrician Might need emergency room visit Severe injury, call 911 – don’t hesitate Catch and confine the animal Consider the circumstances Call vet to examine animal if it has been acting strangely Pediatrician might want to administer a tetanus shot and prescribe antibiotics A grandmother who has seven grandchildren and numerous pets remarked, “Children have incomplete thinking, and animals behave according to their natures. While many dogs and cats are nurturing toward human babies, they are still animals and might respond to the child in the same way they respond to their own young. When it comes to kids, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution. That goes for puppies, kittens, and other young, as well.” Injuries When babies become toddlers, accidents happen, especially if your little one is a climber. For some kids it seems as if “up” is far better than down, but down can happen quickly with painful results. Prevention is always best, but if “oweys” happen, there are steps to take after. Prevention Retire the crib and provide your toddler with a  Big Kid bed that is low to the ground. Avoid placing tall dressers in baby’s room. Wait until school age for those fancy playroom bunkbeds. Supervise! Supervise! Supervise! Ignore comments about helicopter parent. Those only apply to older children. Intervention – the worst has happened. Your ambitious 18-month-old climbed out of his high chair (don’t ask—you don’t want to know) and followed the cat to the top of the refrigerator. Once there, the cat made a leap, and the baby tried to follow. OUCH! Check your child. Look for: Blood Bones at odd angles Broken skin Large immediate swelling – especially on the head If your child is unresponsive and there are no screams and crying, call 911. Calm your child. (And yourself. Goodness! How did the baby get on the refrigerator?) When the initial sobbing and wails of terror are over: Try to use a small penlight to check pupils. They should dilate and contract at a similar rate. If they don’t, call your pediatrician. Mop up any blood. Clean scrapes, cuts, etc. with soapy water and assess the damage. If there is a cut that won’t stop bleeding, call 911. If a bump in forming on the head, check the scalp for softness. Place ice on bumps or bruises. If you don’t have ice, a frozen bag of peas works really well. Don’t hesitate to get your pediatrician in on the action. Falls from a height can have unforeseen consequences. Better to be seen as a bad parent than to have something happen to your baby. Respiratory From a snuffly, runny nose to feverish difficulty breathing, respiratory illnesses range from aggravating to scary for just about anyone. When you are a tiny person who must depend on others for just about everything, not being able to breathe properly is really upsetting. There are so many causes for the respiratory problems that it can be really difficult to make blanket statements for all of them. But here are some tips for snuffly nose days: – Use an ear/nose syringe to remove mucous from baby’s nose. Wash the syringe with soapy water and dry well between uses. – Have a box of the really soft facial/nose tissues on hand. – A tiny bit of cooking oil can be used to treat chapped nostrils. Dampen your finger with it, and gently wipe over the affected area. – Moisten the air with a cool-air humidifier – use with caution if your child has asthma – Give sips of distilled water to moisten mouth between feedings – Keep comfortably warm, but not overly hot – Babies over age six months can have a little juice to help break up phlegm – Check temperature periodically; consult your pediatrician if it begins to climb Remember, the common cold will generally last two weeks if you medicate it, and fourteen days if you don’t. (Yes, that does work out to the same amount of time.) That can seem like a very long time with a fussy, grumpy baby that is having trouble breathing, but as long as it doesn’t progress much beyond a runny nose, waiting and relieving symptoms is often the best medicine. Herbs and Babies Babies are delicate. It might seem tempting to dose your infant with peppermint or chamomile, but these herbs can cause young babies some real problems. Keep in mind that even the mildest of herbs is real medicine and should be treated with the same respect as an over the counter drug. Honey Honey is a natural, unpasteurized product. It has the potential to cause infant botulism, which is potentially fatal. Although it works well as a cough syrup for older children, it isn’t a good idea for infants. Pedialyte Ice Pops Pour Pedialyte into a popsicle mold and freeze. Good for sore throats, hydration, and teething. Bored Baby in a High Chair Sometimes it seems as if your not-quite-mobile infant demands a lot of attention. To gain a few minutes to wash the dishes try placing a few dots of pureed baby food on a clean high chair tray. Encourage Baby to explore the texture and the way it smears around – think of it as early finger painting.