TLC Newborn

Breastfeeding: Nature's Perfect Baby Food

2011-04-12T11:59:00.007-04:00

The moment a mother delivers a new person into the world,

her next amazing feat begins:

producing and delivering the perfect food to that baby

Man Rolled Over on Infant Niece While Napping

2011-01-27T13:51:00.011-05:00

Please remember that safe sleep for baby

is on the back,

in a co-sleeper, bassinet or crib.

The tragedy of infant rollover death
is completely preventable.

Co-Sleeper

Bassinet

Crib

Christmas Keepsakes You Can Make

2010-12-09T20:55:00.000-05:00

There are a few things that are worth taking time for and if you're a crafter and new mother, maybe a little time can be spared for one of these 1st Christmas projects or maybe these will spark some ideas of your own.

Hand made or store bought, baby's first Christmas ornament is always a treasure

Here are a few ideas...

Find the how-to here.

How-to here.

We've Said It Before.....

2010-12-09T20:45:00.000-05:00

TV Watching is Bad for Baby's Brain

read this article to find out why

Bassett Crib Recall

2010-11-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

And the crib is supposed to be one of the safest places to put your baby

See the recall at the Consumer Products Safety Commission website

Meijer Recalls Infant Shoes

2010-11-04T11:27:00.003-04:00

Choking Hazard!

Britax Infant Car Seats Recalled

2010-11-04T11:18:00.001-04:00

Possible laceration and choking hazard

Is this your baby's car seat?

To Vicks or NOT to Vicks

2010-11-03T06:47:00.001-04:00

Before you rub....

Please read this article

TLC Newborn - How Do You Do What You Do?

2010-10-28T10:46:00.004-04:00

TLC Newborn is a Success by Six Initiative
funded by the United Way of Indian River County
in collaboration with
the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition.
and the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners through the Children's Services Advisory Committee.

Additional funding is provided through Generous Contributions from the Community - Beachside 1/2 Marathon, Dancing With Vero's Stars, "in kind" gifts and donations/grants for individual projects or programs.

TLC services are available to ALL residents of Indian River County who have a baby less than 12 months of age. Our staff consists of five Family Associates who are available to provide up to date, evidence based information regarding baby care as well as infant development and safety. In addition we are all Certified Lactation Counselors who are qualified to assist families in their desire to breastfeed.

We thank our funders for their ongoing support of TLC Newborn and if you love the services we provide, we encourage you to thank them too.

Could It Be the Formula?

2010-08-19T10:17:00.002-04:00

Here at TLC, there have been quite a few phone conversations over the years about infant formula and the effects it's believed to have on a baby's digestion. Parents want their babies to be content and happy so when they seem to be experiencing pain, they become (understandably) worried. Then begins the search to stop it! Here's a good article to read before you change the formula... again....

Nap Nanny Recall

2010-07-28T15:30:00.002-04:00

Consumer Products Safety Commission recalls Nap Nanny after Infant Death

Crib Information Center

2010-06-24T08:21:00.002-04:00

Sadly we are faced with too many crib, play yard, walker, bassinet, stroller, high chair recalls to keep track of by ourselves. Fortunately The Consumer Products Safety Commission has it all organized for us. Please check their website for an up to date, organized presentation of baby equipment recalls. Names, manufacturers, model numbers, pictures - it's all there. Check on the equipment your baby is using at your house, Grandma's house, day care or church to see if any of it has been recalled because of questions about its safety.

Fish For Your Health

2010-06-21T15:11:00.004-04:00

Pregnant or nursing women who eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids will pass these nutrients to their babies and support healthy brain and eye development.

How Much Fish to Eat?

Health experts recommend that women eat 8-12 ounces per week and children (ages 2-6) eat 2 ounces per week. Three ounces of fish is about the size of a deck of cards.

Best Choices (Lowest in Mercury and Highest in Fats)

Eating as little as 6 ounces per week of these fish provides the recommended amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
anchovy, herring, mackerel (Atlantic, jack, chub), rainbow trout (farm raised), salmon (wild or farm raised), sardine, shad (American), whitefish.

Excessive mercury can pass through the placenta or mother's milk and harm your baby. Do not eat fish from the high mercury category. If you eat 4 ounces from the moderate category, don't eat any more fish from this category until the next week.

Lowest Mercury Contamination (12 ounces per week)

catfish (farm raised), clam, cod, crab, flatfish (flounder, plaice, sole), haddock, herring, mackerel (Atlantic, jack, chub), mullet, oyseter (cooked), pollock, rainbow trout (farm raised), salmon (wild or farm raised), sardine, scallop, shrimp, squid, tilapia, tuna (canned Skipjack or Light), whitefish.

Moderate Mercury Contamination (4 ounces per week)

bass (saltwater, black), buffalo fish, carp, grouper, halibut, lobster (northern, Maine, Atlantic), mahi mahi (Dolphin-fish), perch (freshwater), Pompano (Florida), sablefish, sea trout (weakfish), snapper, Spanish mackerel (S. Atlantic), tilefish (Atlantic), tuna (canned Albacore, Yellowfin, or White), white croaker (Pacific).

High Mercury/PCB Contamination (Do Not Eat)

bass (striped), bluefish, Chilean sea bass, golden snapper, jack (Amberjack, Crevalle), king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, sea lamprey, shark, Spanish mackerel (Gulf of Mexico), swordfish, tilefish (Gulf of Mexico), tuna (all fresh or frozen), walleye (Great Lakes)

Before Eating Fish that You Catch

Do Not Eat Raw Fish

When pregnant, avoid eating raw oysters, raw fish (sushi) or refrigerated smoked fish. Do not feed raw fish to infants or children.

Sum-Sum-Summertime Sunscreen Tips

2010-05-25T13:58:00.009-04:00

In Florida, we may use sunscreen throughout the year, but now it's a must. Summer is coming quickly and carrying a bottle of sunscreen everywhere just follows along with the air conditioners kicking on full-time.

Having fun in the sun with baby is a wonderful experience... but the joy quickly diminishes when a baby suffers with sunburn. Older children need to be protected too... and don't forget about yourself!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has okayed the use of sunscreen for babies under 6 months in minimal amounts on the face and neck and back of hands BUT advises that these young ones be kept in the shade instead if at all possible. Their skin is thinner and the protective tanning response hasn't kicked in yet.

Here's a couple of links for quick reading to be sunscreen savvy this summer:

Testing Your Sun-Safety IQ

Safety and Prevention

Now go have fun!

Why Is Breast Milk Best?

2010-05-13T11:53:00.003-04:00

It's All in the Genes!

How Much TV Watching Is Your Toddler Doing?

2010-05-04T19:09:00.002-04:00

Children who are exposed to more hours of TV at 29 months of age appear to have more problems in school and poorer health behaviors in 4th grade according to a JAMA article released May 3, 2010.

Simplicity Cribs Recalled - Is Your Crib One of Them?

2010-04-29T09:18:00.002-04:00

Mattress Support Collapse

Can Cause Suffocation or Strangulation

Camp Chrysalis

2010-04-15T12:43:00.001-04:00

Mother's Day Coffee

2010-04-15T12:42:00.007-04:00

Attention First Time Moms!

TLC Newborn Invites You!

It's a Mother's Day Celebration

honoring first time mothers.

All TLC Family Associates will be there.

Bring your baby and join us Saturday, May 1.

Space is limited so call TLC at 772-794-7484

to reserve your spot. Can't wait to see you there!

Breastfeeding Saves Lives

2010-04-05T09:46:00.003-04:00

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Rethink Using A Baby Walker?

2010-04-01T15:40:00.002-04:00

What makes mobile baby walkers dangerous? Experts say their very design helps kids move easily - often much too easily. About three million baby walkers are sold in the US each year and thousands of babies have ended up in emergency departments as a result of injuries that are directly related to their use. They are generally used in the 2-4 month period after a child can sit up and before he can walk without assistance. But by giving a child added height, a walker suddenly brings him within reach of hazards such as boiling pots, electric irons and unprotected electrical cords. And kids in walkers travel so fast - three or four feet a second - that even the most attentive parents may not be able to avert disaster.

The length of time your baby spends in a walker determines how prone he or she is to accidents. In general, the risk of accidents increases in kids who spend an hour or more a day in them. Babies in walkers plummet down stairs, turn over in walkers that are snagged by cords, door thresholds and carpet edges, roll themselves against hot wood stoves and heaters, fall over concrete curbs or tumble into swimming pools. Parents should be particularly wary of old style x-frame walkers that are still being sold in garage sales. these designs have been responsible for many injuries, including a finger amputation when a baby's hand got caught in the closing x-joint of the frame - such models should be discarded.

Parents often purchase a walker in the belief that it will help their child walk sooner. 50% of walker buyers had this impression but the facts say otherwise. As it turns out, walkers interfere with learning to walk. In addition to decreasing the desire to walk by providing an easier alternative, walkers strengthen the wrong muscles. The lower legs are strengthened, but the upper legs and hips become relatively weak. and it is the upper legs and hips that are most important for walking.

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages anyone from using a mobile baby walker and has even gone so far as to call for a ban on their sale in the US.

Who Knew?

2010-03-30T12:26:00.002-04:00

Cavity causing bacteria can pass from mom to baby through the transfer of saliva, such as sharing utensils, blowing on food, and yes even kissing that sweet little bundle of joy on the mouth.

Spring is Heading Our Way...

2010-03-19T14:23:00.000-04:00

... and I don't know about you but it always makes me think I need to get busy with spring cleaning! It seems the feeling is valid and stems from age old customs and traditions. There's a Jewish custom of a complete cleaning with the coming of Passover. It was forbidden for them to have any foods in the house that were leavened so a thorough cleansing was done in preparation. In Orthodox nations it was traditional to clean before Easter, cleaning homes along with a cleansing of souls. March was a good month during previous centuries in European and North American countries to open windows without the onslaught of bugs. It stands to reason it was the best time to thoroughly dust and take things outside to get rid of the winter ashes and smells... a freshening.

Well, ready or not, here it comes! And here is a website that will help... Marla Cilley started FlyLady.net after getting help with home organizational skills and has been expanding on and teaching others how ever since. Some of us need a lot of help and some of us just a bit of tweaking. Whether you have a newborn, older children, work an outside job, are on your own, the information freely given on this website will help whether you dive in or begin with baby steps. It's hard finding time in our busy schedules, but do this for yourself... get this part of your life organized and begin to enjoy the benefits of spring year round!

Graco High Chairs Recalled

2010-03-18T09:48:00.001-04:00

Do you have one of these high chairs?

Weird Things Babies Do

2010-03-16T14:21:00.003-04:00

Seven seemingly odd (yet normal)

things babies do

from finding themselves funny

to shaking and hiccups

Baby Sling Concerns

2010-03-10T11:02:00.004-05:00

You don't have to stop "wearing" your baby. Just be aware of the dangers and use your well developed mommy common sense. Baby upright and tummy to tummy with mom is the preferred way (wraps might work best for this). Slings that allow baby to roll up into a chin to chest position have the potential to occlude the airway. So closeness with the baby is a beautiful nurturing opportunity but be safe about positioning and always protect baby's airway.

News article

Local Organic Vegetables

2010-03-04T14:23:00.002-05:00

For anyone wondering, there is a local certified organic farm vegetable source in the area, Osceola Organics. For more information go here.

If anyone knows of others in the Indian River County area, please leave the info... thanks!!

Just One More Thing...

2010-03-04T14:20:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder, with love, from those who know how fast it goes!

Winner!

2010-03-02T10:13:00.006-05:00

We have our first give-away winner.... Christian Eisert! We waited a bit past deadline, gathered the names from the fanpage (except ourselves), and had a friend from a different office draw a name... not rocket science but fairly done!

Everyone who joined or joins our fanpage is automatically entered in any upcoming give-aways. Thanks so much for your participation! And remember, even though the newsletters we send (in county only) stop at the end of baby's first year... we are still available for those concerns through the toddler years too! Love you guys!

Read Across America

2010-02-24T12:03:00.002-05:00

JOIN US FOR STORYTIME

FREE AT ALL

TARGET STORES

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 27, 9-11am

Our First Give-Away!!

2010-02-22T11:48:00.002-05:00

Fresh warm breads, sticky buns, coffees, teas.... healthy soups and salads!! Panera Bread has so much to choose from to satisfy tastebuds and warm tummies!! SO... our first give-away is going to be a $25 gift card from Panera Bread!! For a chance to win the card, just go to our Facebook Fanpage (link below, in title, and in the sidebar) and become a fan! A winner will be chosen from the fans on March 1st.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=96887378470#!/pages/TLC-Newborn/96887378470

News Moms Need

2010-02-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

A New Blog from the March of Dimes!

What moms and moms to be need to know.

Brain Abnormality Linked to SIDS

2010-02-02T19:12:00.000-05:00

Infants who die of sudden infant death syndrome have abnormalities in the brain stem - part of the brain that controls heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, temperature and arousal. Innate differences in a specific part of the brain may place some infants at increased risk for SIDS.

2010 Census - Your Chance to Be Counted

2010-02-01T10:27:00.002-05:00

Click here to read a fact sheet about the 2010 census.

Click here to read some history and frequently asked questions about the census.

Click here to find out how $400 billion per year is in our hands.

Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition Community Survey

2010-01-27T11:38:00.005-05:00

If you are an Indian River County Florida resident,
fill out our community survey and enter to win a $100 Simon gift card!
Click here to take the survey now!
Indian River Healthy Start Coalition

A Glimpse of Dance

2010-01-26T12:09:00.003-05:00

Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition Presents
“A Glimpse of Dance"
Prelude to Dancing with Vero’s Stars

Did you miss last year's wildly popular inaugural Dancing with Vero's Stars? Are you excited to meet this year's Star Dancers? Do you like to "cut a rug"? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are invited to attend Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition's "A Glimpse of Dance."

"A Glimpse of Dance" - a prelude dance party to Dancing with Vero's Stars is a special event being held on Thursday, February 4, 2010 from 6:30-9:00 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Hall. Glimpse is a way for people to dance the night away, meet the new 2010 Star Dancers and enjoy professional dance performances from last year. Hors d' oeuvres will be served along with a cash bar. Tickets are $40 each or $70 for two.

The Healthy Start Coalition and their community partners have pregnancy and postpartum services that support a healthier future for moms, babies and the families. Proceeds from this event will benefit Healthy Start Coalition programs and services (TLC Newborn is one!). For more information and exciting sponsorship opportunities, call 772-563-9118.

Breastfeeding Rocks for Moms

2010-01-25T11:17:00.007-05:00

Pregnancy and Oral Health

2010-01-25T10:55:00.003-05:00

Did you know the health of your teeth and gums plays an important role in the health and well being of your unborn baby? Daily brushing and flossing is always important but it is particularly so during pregnancy. Bacteria from your mouth can actually travel through your bloodstream to the placenta and begin colonizing there. So put regular flossing and brushing on your daily schedule to protect your health and that of your baby. Click here to see the complete article.

It's Tax Time and Help is Available!

2010-01-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

VITA SERVICE

(Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

What could you do with $5,657?

• If you earned under $43,279 and have three or more qualifying children, OR

• If you earned under $40,295 and have two qualifying children, OR

• If you earned under $35,463 and have one qualifying child, OR

• If you earned under $13,440 and have no qualifying children

get your taxes filed free and claim your EITC and CTC for as far back as 2007

If your income was $49,000 or less in 2009 you can get your taxes filed for free

BY TRAINED, CERTIFIED, VITA TAX PREPARERS HERE IN

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY STARTING JANUARY 19, 2010

VITA SITES:

United Way Indian River County, Mondays & Wednesdays plus Wed. evenings

phone 567-8900 ext.20 for appointment

EOC of IRC (hablan espanol), Tuesdays, phone 569-1030 for appointment

North IRC Library, Sebastian, Tuesdays 9am – 12 noon, plus alt. Tues. 5pm – 8pm

Fellsmere City Hall (hablan espanol), Thursdays 9am – 3pm

RCMA , Fridays 1pm – 4:30pm

Graco Recalls 1.5 Million Strollers

2010-01-22T12:05:00.002-05:00

The recall was prompted by a finger amputation risk involving the stroller's canopy hinge.

This follows a recall of nearly 1 million Maclaren strollers last November for the same problem. Follow this link for complete information.

Cell Phones and Driving Don't Mix

2010-01-22T11:51:00.002-05:00

Whether you are texting, making a call or accepting a call while you are driving you are much more likely to be involved in a wreck. It's not a coordination thing, it's a brain thing. People are just not capable of focusing on driving to the degree necessary to remain safe and competent if they are focusing somewhere else. It's just not possible. Please follow the link to learn first hand from the people involved in tragic accidents caused by a mere moment of inattention. See why distracted driving ranks with chemically impaired driving when it comes to likelihood of being involved in an accident.

600,000 Cribs Recalled

2010-01-22T11:38:00.001-05:00

20 models of Dorel-Asia cribs with drop side as well as fixed side rails sold through Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sears and others have been recalled due to the death of a 6 month old child in Iowa. Side rail connecting hardware failed and the baby became entrapped between the mattress and the rail.

Please follow this link to read the full story and learn how you can get the repair kit if you or someone you know is using one of these cribs

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-12-08T11:35:00.002-05:00

So you're breastfeeding and have tackled many challenges, including breastfeeding in public... wonderful! Now it's the holiday season and you're invited to the big family Christmas party at a relative's house. Breastfeeding with passing strangers is one thing but in a room full of family and friends is quite another. Do you go with gusto and dare anyone to express their opinion about breastfeeding? Do you simply pass this year? How about just making an appearance, planning your visit between feedings? Don't torment yourself too much, the worry won't change anything. Make your decision understanding there is no perfect plan. That said, you can prepare by thinking ahead.

You decide to pass this year; don't fret about the decision and don't play the martyr:

Cheerfully ask someone to send you pictures from the event. That's such an easy request, you'll probably receive more than you ever bargained for!
Don't feel you have to explain yourself. Having a new baby in the home is reason enough for anyone to understand without going into too much detail. 'Tis the cold and flu season afterall!
Everyone doesn't have to stay home. Send older children, husband, and others off with a kiss and your promise to keep your feet up and just relax with baby.
Keep your promise!

You decide to go with gusto; realize everyone has a right to an opinion even if their opinion isn't right so:

Remember your baby above all else. Added attention, noise, lights, and distractions may disrupt the well maintained rhythm between you and baby and things may not flow as usual.
Don't take it upon yourself to use this day to change any dissenting opinions in your family in regard to breastfeeding. Your continued success will speak louder than any momentary verbal skirmish.
Remember your family isn't against you. They want you to be a good Mom so just accept their advice and opinion at every baby peep as proof they care.
Practice nodding and smiling politely while doing what you know is right anyway.

You decide to go show and tell with an exit plan carefully orchestrated between baby's somewhat typical feeding times... but:

Realize this is family and friends. Everyone will want to speak to you and baby and this will probably be the day baby decides to change the typical.
Since you feed on demand, this means the plan is now moot.
SO be prepared by asking the host either before or on arrival if there's a quiet, discreet place you can retreat to take care of important matters when the need occurs.
OR at least have a hasty exit strategy planned at early feeding cue signs, even if that means a 180 degree turn upon arrival! (Practice your princess wave and use it as you pass.)

This time of year can bring enough to fret over so don't make your breastfeeding an issue. Make your decision and carry forth with the same determination that has gotten you this far, making your adjustments as needed.

And remember... breastfeeding is a gift you give your baby that will last a lifetime.

FREE! FREE! FREE!

2009-12-08T11:27:00.001-05:00

Stork Craft Crib Recall

2009-11-24T08:25:00.008-05:00

The Stork Craft website was down when I checked but that may be temporary. Their listed contact number is (877) 274-0277 for a free repair kit or go HERE for ordering the kit on-line.

Following are some links regarding this serious recall:

The Consumer Product Safety Commission report from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Article and video from CBS news website, (click the play video button). Video from CBS the early show.

Please check your crib and take note of all these safety concerns!!

Pregnant Women and the FLU - H1N1 and Seasonal

2009-10-29T11:04:00.003-04:00

Visit the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology website to see their latest recommendations for pregnant women and swine flu. And if you have not already done so, please get vaccinated - the shot, not the mist, is safe for you and your baby during pregnancy.

Public Vaccination Clinics Begin in Indian River County

2009-10-27T12:59:00.002-04:00

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Contact: Larry Macke

IRCHD Public Information Officer

772-794-7400, ext. 2130

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY H1N1 PUBLIC VACCINATIONS BEGIN NEXT WEEK WITH CLINICS FOR SIX MONTHS OF AGE THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

October 27, 2009 – The Indian River County Health Department (IRCHD) will begin H1N1 influenza public vaccination clinics for residents in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) target groups, starting with clinics for children on November 3, 4, and 5, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, at the Health Department’s Vero Beach facility at 1900 27th Street. There will be a mass vaccination clinic for the five CDC target groups on November 14 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Indian River County Fairgrounds. A second public mass vaccination clinic will be held later in November if IRCHD receives sufficient quantities of vaccine.

Next week’s clinics will be open to all children six months of age to school age and those children attending Indian River County schools through high school age. Those younger than 18 years of age cannot sign the required consent form and must be accompanied by a family member or legal guardian authorized to provide consent. The vaccination is voluntary and free. Children represent one of the groups identified by the CDC as being at highest risk for complications related to H1N1 influenza. Children aged six months through nine years need to receive two doses of the H1N1 vaccine separated by an interval of 28 days (minimum 21 days) in order to develop the same level of immunity that older people attain from a single dose.

A second round of children’s clinics is planned for December 1-3, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at the IRCHD Vero Beach facility. All clinics are subject to vaccine availability.

Indian River County received its first shipment of H1N1 vaccine on October 8, and so far it has been targeted to pediatricians and obstetricians. Pregnant women are another CDC priority group; others include household and caregiver contacts of children younger than six months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons aged six months through 24 years of age, and persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease.

Production complications have limited delivery of H1N1 vaccine to the public health entities responsible for distribution. IRCHD will have 400 doses available for each of the clinics for school children on November 3, 4, and 5, and 1,500 doses for the public clinic on November 14.

“Because we currently have limited amounts of vaccine, we are asking people to be patient and to understand that our first public mass vaccination clinic on the 14th is for those in the CDC’s priority groups: those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come in contact with novel H1N1, and those who could infect young infants,” said Miranda Swanson, health department administrator.

Plum Organics Baby Food Recall

2009-10-20T14:58:00.001-04:00

Possible botulism contamination in portable pouches of apples and carrots

The Happiest Baby on the Block

2009-10-16T10:35:00.004-04:00

Dr. Harvey Karp, renowned pediatrician, explains how calming even the fussiest infants is easy once you can see the world from their point of view. In the womb, babies are continually fed, shushed, jiggled and cuddled. After birth they are often left alone, in almost total stillness, for hours a day! This abrupt change can trigger waves of crying which may erode a parent's confidence and lead to exhaustion, breastfeeding failure, marital stress, postpartum depression and even abuse. No wonder so many parents and babies have trouble adjusting during those first three months. As certified educators of The Happiest Baby, TLC Newborn family associates teach Dr. Karp's methods to expecting and new parents at Partners in Women's Health - The Missing 4th Trimester, The Calming Reflex, The Five S's, The Cuddle Cure. New parents learn step-by-step how to help babies sleep longer and how to soothe even the fussiest infant. Is it magic? A miracle? No, it's a reflex!

To Clip or Not to Clip?

2009-10-08T09:17:00.001-04:00

There are many reasons not to coupon:

Who has time?

Store brands are cheaper anyway.

They never have good coupons for the things I buy.

I’m not going to run all over town to save a couple dollars when I can buy everything I need in one store.

I’ve used each of those excuses and more myself. Just as for exercise, finding an excuse not to is easy. So instead of focusing on why not, I’ll give you one simple reason why to do it…. a penny saved is a penny earned! It doesn’t matter whether you work or not, how many children you have, or whether you’re on financial assistance or not. A bit of coupon planning simply saves money.

My foray into a more serious season of couponing actually started with my 16 year old daughter. She had the privilege of learning a bit from Tanya Sensensy, aka Coupon Queeny, while visiting her best friend. In just a few hours she gleaned more information than I have discovered in my years of ho-hum clipping.

The first thing made the least sense… I had to spend money to successfully save money. But my daughter insisted it makes a difference to buy a zippered notebook, page separators, and plastic baseball card pages.

Next was the Sunday paper, and she said we must buy two. We clipped, sorted, and organized the coupons and then perused the current ads to determine the best bargains. The first time I purposely set out for some serious coupon shopping, I hit all 5 stores on my list, even if it was only one item. I wondered if it made sense but I actually did save a lot of money. The next week I was able to save money and buy items to shelf because I couldn’t pass up getting good toothpaste and shampoo for 25 cents! The next week I spread out the shopping instead of doing it all in one day by stopping by a store on my list on my home from work or on a different errand.

I haven’t had the fortune (yet) to save like some at 90%… but I am sometimes saving half of what I spent before after just a few months of practice. It required some time to get the notebook organized and it does require time each week to clip new coupons and go through the ads. Since the zippered notebook is organized and everything can be stored neatly and zipped up inside, it can be grabbed and worked on whether fixing dinner, watching TV, or on a lunch break.

Here’s a list of helps to get organized:

Use an on hand or buy a zippered notebook, plastic baseball card pages, and page separators. Newspapers are where you’ll find most of your coupons, the Sunday paper has packets of coupons and department store ads and the Wednesday paper has the grocery store ads.

A few pointers:

How you separate your sections and coupons depends on what works for you and is subject to change as you go. I started simply with my page separators categorized: cold/freezer; dry goods; wet goods; meds; body detergents; home detergents; feminine; paper, etc; and pets. I put the coupons in the plastic page pockets by name brand; I could have a shampoo and body wash coupon in the same pocket in the body detergent section as long as it’s the same name brand. When I spot an ad for Dove shampoo on sale, I’ll make sure to look through all the coupons in that pocket to find a match. I can see the Dove pocket quickly and it's separated from the other brands. If you want to separate your coupons more, just buy more plastic page pockets.

If you're like me, you don't like the idea of having a big stash of items. But if you do run across a great sale where you can buy an extra bottle or tube of something for very little money while staying well within your budget, consider the possibility that you may run out before a product goes on sale again OR you may be able to bless someone else with your stash! A stash shelf that is saving your family money or blessing another family is worth the space.

If you’re a brand name diehard, you may have to get over it to save substantially with coupons. Another thing to get over is the possibility of annoying others. You could go during a less busy part of the day if possible. One good thing is most stores have updated registers and the cashier has little to do but pass the coupon over the scanner. If it’s a coupon where a price has to be written in, you can help by giving a heads up when the item passes, otherwise, if you get a cashier that seems to be bothered by coupons, they’re the one who needs to get over it.

A coupon can actually be doubled if the store is participating and the coupon has a double bar code on it so don’t hesitate to call stores around your area to see if and when. Even if they don’t participate in this way, try using more than one coupon with a particular sale. For instance, I have a coupon that takes $1 off of orange juice if I buy a certain cereal brand. One store is having a B1G1 (buy one get one) sale of that same brand and I happen to have a coupon for each cereal box and the orange juice. Plus, I may even have a store coupon on one or both of the cereals or another manufacturer's coupon for $1 off if you buy 2. Every store I’ve shopped at so far has not given a bit of problem in taking advantage of the whole deal. That’s one way the coupon professionals buy more product for less cash. You may get a cashier who will question a second (and third) coupon even though invalid coupons get rejected by the register. Just nicely ask the cashier to simply try it, they usually do once they realize they can leave it to the register to accept or reject coupons.

Be careful in your spending habits with coupons. Trying something is one thing, but if you know no one in your family will eat it or use it, then the coupon or sale is of no value. Pass it up and give the coupon to someone else or leave it at the store with the item for someone else. You can take your whole binder into stores with you if you don't mind carrying it around. I prefer to carry in my list and only the coupons planned for that particular store. I do have my binder in the car available if I run across the unexpected sale.

Food coupons can be used along with food stamps and stretch both the collective and personal dollar. (WIC items are different.) Everyone's budget can be stressed less with a bit of careful coupon planning.

For further information check out:

Coupon Queenie at her website and blog.

There are many and varied coupon sites on-line and many sources to finding coupons to print... be resourceful but always be careful passing out your information.

8 Commonly Missed Medical Problems in Babies

2009-09-24T14:49:00.002-04:00

Ailing babies can't tell you where it hurts, when it started, what would make them feel better, or what makes them feel worse. In short, a sick baby is a blank slate for diagnosis. And getting the diagnosis wrong - missing a possibley serious condition, or treating it improperly - is potentially more dangerous for little patients than it is for older kids. Even garden-variety childhood illnesses, the kind pediatricians see every day, often manifest themselves very differently in babies than in older kids. Here are some of the most common and commonly missed, medical conditions that affect children under age 2, and how to make sure you and your doctor get the diagnosis right.

More About Breastfeeding and H1N1 Swine Flu

2009-09-17T17:29:00.006-04:00

The bottom line is keep breastfeeding. Read more from the CDC.

Breastfeeding Is Priceless

2009-09-17T13:13:00.004-04:00

There is no substitute for human milk. The World Health Organization (WHO), health care associations and government health agencies affirm the scientific evidence of the clear superiority of human milk and of the hazards of artificial milk products. The WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months and continue for at least a year and as long thereafter as mother and baby wish. Read the complete article.

Baby Jogger City Mini Strollers Recalled

2009-09-16T15:30:00.006-04:00

Yikes! The restraint buckle could break or unlatch allowing the baby to fall out! No injuries have been reported but now is a great time to check your equipment whether or not you use this particular brand. Inspect your jogger from time to time to make sure everything is secure and working as it should.

Support From the Start: Increasing Breastfeeding in El Paso, Texas

2009-09-16T14:20:00.009-04:00

Look what El Paso, Texas is doing for babies! The Breastfeeding Cafe is a community effort to support breastfeeding moms and increase breastfeeding frequency and duration. I love to see the community getting behind this effort to promote better health among it's citizens - it pays now and far into the future. Texas knows breastmilk is the perfect food for optimizing infant growth and development and they are doing what it takes to increase and support breastfeeding.

Handwashing VS Germs

2009-08-31T12:24:00.004-04:00

Washing your hands well and often is your best defense against disease.

Safe Sleep? Car Seat or Crib?

2009-08-31T09:11:00.007-04:00

Oxygen saturation levels of infants taking long naps in the car seat fall below the oxygen saturation levels of infants sleeping on their backs in the crib. The recommendation now is that babies who are sleeping for an extended period of time sleep safest on their back in the crib - not in the car seat. See the video by clicking here.

H1N1 Swine Flu and Pregnancy

2009-08-28T15:14:00.004-04:00

From The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "We know that pregnant women are more likely to get sick than others and have more serious problems with seasonal flu. These problems may include early labor or severe pneumonia. We don't know if this virus will do the same, but it should be taken very seriously." Follow this link to the CDC website for up to date, correct information on how to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 Swine Flu.

CDC's Priority Groups for Vaccination Against H1N1

All people 6 months through 24 years of age

People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

All pregnant women

Healthcare and emergency services sector personnel

People aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

Hyperthermia Deaths of Children in Cars

2009-07-24T14:23:00.010-04:00

Two tragic hyperthermia deaths in Indian River County in two months. Two babies left in hot cars. One 16 months old, one 5 months old, both boys. The heartbreak and sadness of their families and this community is beyond words.

In 2009 22 children in the US have died as a result of being left in a hot car. Please follow the link to "Hyperthermia Deaths of Children in Cars" by Jan Null, Adjunct Professor of Meteorology at SFSU. Ms. Null writes an excellent piece on the facts of this most preventable of occurrences as well as offers very helpful ways you can remind yourself the baby is in the car. It's a "must read" for everyone who has children.

Play Yard Recall

2009-07-13T14:38:00.005-04:00

Oh my goodness! Another baby play yard recall. Please check this link. With 1 million play yards being recalled, the chances are quite high that you own one of them.

Recession Survival Guide

2009-05-06T13:34:00.008-04:00

The United Way of Indian River County Florida has very kindly provided us with a Recession Survival Guide for use by community residents in these uncertain economic times. Take a moment to see the "helping agencies" of the United Way available to help in times of stress and need. And if you don't need the help right now, maybe you can volunteer to help one of these worthy agencies.

The first Recession Survival Workshop will be held Wednesday, June 3, 5:15 pm at the Gifford Youth Activity Center, 4875 43rd Avenue. The workshop is free and open to the public. Snacks and child care provided.

http://www.unitedwayirc.org/documents/workshop.pdf

When Breastfeeding is Accepted, It Won't Be Noticed

2009-05-05T11:44:00.005-04:00

An interesting campaign in Marin County California.

Could we do it in Indian River County Florida? Click here to learn more.

Breastfeeding and Swine Flu

2009-05-01T21:27:00.004-04:00

Just one more of the many advantages of breastfeeding - protection from Swine Flu. Read the United States Breastfeeding Committee's stance in this May 1, 2009 release. You now know to click on the title of this post to go to the whole piece right? I love the internet!

Crib Recall

2009-05-01T07:27:00.005-04:00

JARDINE has expanded its crib recall to include seven more models that pose entrapment and strangulation hazards. The cribs were sold between September 2005 and April 2009 at Toys R Us, Babies R Us, KidsWorld and Geoffrey Stores. Click on the title of this post to go to cpsc.gov for the complete details.

The cpsc.gov site also provides information on Bassinet, Crib and Play Yard recalls which have occurred over the last two years. Parents should always be vigilant about baby's safety. Get into the habit of looking at toys and baby equipment beyond how cute it looks and consider how it's going to hold up to daily use by your active, exploring, grabbing, reaching, mouthing, climbing, bouncing, jumping little one. Periodically inspect your baby gear to make sure nothing is loose, broken, frayed, coming apart or missing and regularly check the recalls - they seem to be happening with frightening frequency these days.

3 Indiana Safe Kids Public Service Announcements

2009-04-28T18:35:00.003-04:00

These 3 videos are very short, very powerful PSA spots from the state of Indiana aimed at reminding all of us about the dangers to infants and young children of co-sleeping, swimming pools and bathtubs. We've watched them here several times and they still have not lost their horror factor.

Breastfeeding Has Health Benefits for Mom Too

2009-04-22T10:26:00.005-04:00

Did you know breastfeeding has lifelong health benefits for moms too? See what the Women's Health Iniative trial based on the nearly 140,000 women who participated has to say.

Minimize SIDS Threat to Babies 1 and Under

2009-04-21T16:11:00.005-04:00

Thursday is National SIDS Awareness Day. Read what Amy Royster of the Palm Beach Post has to say about how you can minimize the risk to your infant.

You know if you click on the title of this post it will take you to Amy's article right?

And for the National Sudden and Unexpected Infant/Child Death and Pregnancy Loss site: http://www.sidscenter.org/multimedia.html

EEUWW!!! Your Child Swallowed What?

2009-04-21T14:22:00.010-04:00

Once your baby gets to a certain age you all know that everything within grabbing range is eligible for the old taste test. So you are on a constant vigil to keep the yuckies beyond the reach of your beautiful, curious, determined little explorer.

But we all know that despite our very best efforts some stuff manages to slip through and we don't know if it's poisonous or not so we freak out! Not to worry - quite so much anyway.

Did you know you can call the Florida Poison Information Center for guidance? Their help is confidential, available 24 hours, staffed by health care professionals and FREE!

Call them about anything your child has accidentally swallowed at 1-800-222-1222. Commit this number to memory, put it on speed dial, post it by the phone. Keep it handy and hope you never need to use it.

Check this link from MSN Health & Fitness for some things your child just might try to sample.
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100236978&imageindex=1

Taste of the Treasure Coast

2009-01-14T13:30:00.005-05:00

Taste of the Treasure Coast!

Tickets are currently on sale for the 10th Annual "A Taste of The Treasure Coast" presented by the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition. This popular culinary and wine tasting extravaganza will be held on Thursday evening, February 5, 2009 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Hall in Vero Beach.

"Taste" attendees will discover an eclectic mixture of mouth-watering food, a specialty drink, raffle drawings and a silent auction. This will be a sell-out, so people are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. The cost is $40 per ticket and $70 for couples. Tickets may be purchased at RBC Bank at the 20th Place and Beachland Boulevard branches, Holy Cross Catholic Church, Inlet Wines in Riverwalk Shopping Center in Sebastian, by calling and charging at the Coalition office at 563-9118, or going online to http://www.irchealthystart.org/. Proceeds from this event will benefit Healthy Start Coalition's programs and services that support healthy pregnancies and young children.

Sponsors include George E. Warren Corporation, RBC Bank, David M. Jones, Professional Surveyor & Mapper, O'Haire, Kmetz, Nuttall, Elwell and Co., CPAs, Marine Bank & Trust Company, Charles A. Sullivan Jr. Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Mantle and VanHoose, Schlitt Services and Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory. In-kind sponsors are Squared Studios, Holy Cross Catholic Church, Inlet Wines, National Distributing Company, Kayte & Mike's Acoustic Pop Tour, The Official Dining and Entertainment Guide and Gould Cooksey Fennell, P.A. Print media sponsor is the Press Journal. Radio media sponsor is 93.7 The Breeze.
Buy your tickets now!

Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition1615 10th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960Phone: 772-563-9118

http://www.irchealthystart.org/

Yet Another Crib Recall

2009-01-14T09:37:00.008-05:00

Bed should be the safest place for baby. We all strive to make that "environment" as safe as possible - a fitted sheet over the mattress and the baby on top placed on his back of course. No bumper pads, no blankets, no quilts or toys or pillows.

But what about the crib itself? Parents certainly need to inspect the crib periodically for loose screws, sharp stuff or gaps AND keep up with the recall status of their particular brand. The Consumer Products Safety Commission has just added 500,00 Stork Craft cribs to its list of possible entrapment and/or suffocation dangers to infants.

Check the website for all the particulars. The defect is something that can be remedied but you must request the part.

Did you know if you click on the title of this post you will go immediately to the cpsc page you need? I love the internet! What did we ever do without it?

Welcome to TLC!

2008-12-02T14:38:00.010-05:00

Indian River County's own TLC Newborn is a support and education program promoting the care of newborns and infants during the first 12 months of life. We are affiliated with the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition and receive our major funding from The United Way and The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida.

TLC speaks the language of babies!

In an effort to further support our families we have created this interactive blog and hope that all who visit here will learn something or teach something or generally just feel a closer connection to other TLC families and Family Associates.

Check out the Links on the right for some of our favorite sites related to parenting, breastfeeding, infant growth and development, safety and all sorts of other interesting and unique topics that concern all families raising children in the 21st century.

Have a question? Looking for specific information?........Go ahead, make a post or a comment we're always available to discuss whatever may be on your mind and like nothing better than talking with you about babies and parenting! This blog is created for you so let us know what's on your mind. You are invited to reach us at tlcnewborn.blogspot.com anytime!