Congratulations to Emma Whiston, Catherine Boktor and Rachel Hoyle  who are our bebeonline December 2009 review winners. By now you would have been contacted via email with details of your $50 bebe virtual voucher  for you to spend either in store or online.

January reviews are now well under way, remember you have to be in it to win it - good luck to all reviewers for January 2010 ! If you’re un-sure as to how to review a product, see here.

 

I’ll admit it. I have judged another Mum. I’m sure sometimes I’m not even aware that I’m doing it, but I know I’ve done it and without personal discipline may well do it again.  I’m also quite sure my parenting choices are regularly judged by other Mums, particularly since being an attachment parent is not something that is common in mainstream Western society. 

Almost every Mum  has opinions on how other people parent.  “She‘s having another caesarean?” or “Her child STILL uses a dummy!” are all comments we’ve heard or even (gasp!) said. Check out these 10 ways mums judge other mums.

 

Birthing choices

It’s just as common for a woman having a caesarean to be labelled as ‘too posh to push” as it is a woman having a homebirth to be labelled irresponsible. With birth being such a personal experience there will always be strong opinions.  

 

Breastfeeding

Ask a mother if she thinks an 18 month old baby should be breastfeeding, and she probably has a word or two to say about it.

 

 Working Mum

Many mums don’t need other women to pile on the mother guilt when it comes to their careers — they do it enough on their own. Still, some traditional ladies believe a woman’s place is in the home while others pride themselves on contributing to the workforce. Some work for balance or financial reasons.

 

 Wild Child Behaviour

It’s easy to criticize a wild child when mum’s got an angel seated beside her. But, the parent of the crazed kiddo may love his spunk and spirit and loathe the calmness of the other.

 

Too Much TV Time

Television is also known as baby crack. Children could sit for hours watching it, but it’s up to the parents to limit their intake. Some are absolutely against their babes ever viewing it while others enable their child to watch it for hours.

 

Bedtimes

Some mums are strict about bedtimes while others let their wee ones choose their snoozing hours. For those on a stringent schedule, the unknown is too chaotic. The parents with the lax bedtime may cringe at the clock driven time line.

 

Timeliness

She’s always 15 minutes late. If tardiness is her thing, someone is going to call her on it.

 

A Messy House

Not everyone has the resources or desires to keep a shipshape house. Mums that are compulsive about cleanup may despise the messy house of a friend and harried moms may find a well-kept abode too sterile for their liking.

 

A Naughty Restaurateur

Some parents let their wee ones rule the roost, even if it’s at a quaint eatery. There will be patrons that won’t mind, and there will be some begging for the tiny consumers to go home.

 

Eating Habits

Too much ice cream and not enough veggies. Some kiddos load up on McDonald’s while others are fine with broccoli. Many mums are not lacking in the food advice department.

 

This week’s Facebook contest gives you the opportunity to win a Baby Bjorn Organic Active Carrier (valued at $219.95). Entering is as easy as carrying a baby. We want to know WHAT BABY PRODUCT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?  A favourite lovey? DVD/CD?, Bath toy? or that hidden bottle of only-after-5pm-vodka (maybe not . . .) Whatever it is, we want to know and you just have to tell us.

To enter, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bebeonline and post your answer. You will see our competition on the Facebook Wall. 

Please note this contest has now closed. Congratulations to Amy Green!

We’re all aware that keeping babies cool and hydrated is so important on hot days, but there seems to be mixed opinions on whether to give baby water. We checked in with the ABA’s Breastfeeding Helpline for some important advice on the topic.

Studies carried out in hot climates, like India, have shown that babies allowed to breastfeed whenever they want, do not become dehydrated. Breastmilk is itself mostly water and in hot weather, babies tend to go to the breast more often, for short feeds. This way they get extra foremilk, which is thinner and more refreshing than the fat rich hind-milk. So let your baby have as many extra feeds as she wishes and she will get plenty of water.

In case your baby gets irritated and hot while nursing you may want to place a cool towel or baby sheet on your arm and lap. You may also want to try lying down on your side and feeding your baby.

Do remember that air conditioners can also dehydrate the body and your baby may need frequent feeds even though she may be cool. It is important that you drink adequate water through the day, especially before you sit down to nurse your baby. And it is wise to offer bottle fed babies some boiled cooled water in hot weather.  BPa-free sippy cups such as the Thermos Sippy cup are perfect for babies 6 months plus.  I find my 9 month old baby is very easily amused with her cup and treats it as quite a game (as you can see!), making it a fun way to stay hydrated.  As she has started solids, we mix extra breastfeeds with sips of water throughout the day.