Baby Health and Hygiene Buying Guide

New parent? Expecting parent? Whether you're on your first or fifth bundle of joy, health and hygiene will always be important and never easy. As the parent of a infant, much of your time will be spent trying to keep your baby clean, safe, and healthy.  Modern technology is here to make your job a little easier. Digital thermometers,  soothing herbal bath soaps,  tear free shampoo,  long distance baby monitors. .. you name it, and there's a newer, better, more accurate version than there was last week. Today, there is a product for every baby concern and every type of parent.

Be sure to consult your paediatrician before purchasing any home health products and always read the instructions before using any new product on your child. The safety of your baby is worth doing it right, so make sure you've covered your bases.

Don't rush out and buy every baby product on the market just yet! It may be a good idea to include these practical gifts on your baby registry. A baby can only wear a new outfit  once or twice, but items like tubs  and soaps  will be used everyday. You probably already know, having a baby gets to be very expensive. By registering for the necessities your baby's most pressing needs are addressed, and you can decide how many pairs of polka dot socks it needs.

Baby Health
Humidifiers Purchasing a humidifier  can help ease a child's discomfort caused by congestion.  Since the majority of kids will contract a cold, many parents add a humidifier to the nursery. Moist air from a humidifier prevents the baby's mucus from getting too thick and causing breathing problems.	Teething You should expect your baby to start sprouting his or her first baby teeth between 4 and 7 months, but it is not unusual for babies to still be toothless on their first birthday. It may be teething  time when your baby appears to be gnawing on everything.	Baby Thermometers When you suspect that your baby is sick, you're going to want a quick and accurate reading of his or her temperature. Since you cannot use a normal oral thermometer  until your child is at least four years old, consider the many options available for your baby.

Baby Bath
Baby Powder Keeping your baby fresh and dry is the best preventative measure against nappy rash. That's why using baby powder  is excellent after a bath or when changing a nappy.  Baby powder is so soft and pleasant-smelling, you may end up using it yourself too!	Baby Bath Tubs Before your little one is old enough for a regular bath tub,  you're going to need a baby bath tub  to safely support your baby while you bathe him or her. A small portable baby tub will save you from straining your back attempting to clean your child in a traditional baby tub.	Baby Shampoo A good baby shampoo  is tear free  and gentle on baby's delicate skin. If you're looking to relax your baby at bath time as well, look for brands with aromatherapy  that were designed specifically for this purpose.

Nappies and Toilet Training
Nappies The average newborn goes through 8-12 nappies  a day.  Picking the right nappy is a important decision, but the options can be overwhelming. Not to worry - parents have more than enough choices when shopping for nappies.	Nappy Rash Care Get ready for red, scaly, maybe even swollen rashes on your baby's beautiful skin. The combination of sensitive skin and warm, wet nappies is disastrous for any baby. This guide can help prevent and heal your baby's rash.	Potty Training So your toddler is finally ready to master the skill of potty training?  Try to keep an open mind and a positive attitude when starting down the potty training road.  If you make bathroom time fun and stress free, your child will embrace this new concept.	Nappy Disposal As a parent, poopy nappies are a fact of life; a fact you should probably prepare for. While the first few nappies won't be too scary, things are going to go downhill fast.  You'll need an item with a lid to help keep the funky smells under control--a proper nappy pail.

External Links 

• About.com -- Basic baby item check-list.
• Baby Center-- Provides a list of what you'll need to survive the first 6 weeks.
• Parents Magazine --  Community boards include Preemies and "All About Dads" solid parent-to-parent communication.
• iVillage -- From pregnancy through the teenage years, you'll find parents willing to share information.
• Baby Center-- Bulletin boards include preconception groups, baby groups, toddler groups, preschooler groups, and more.