Parenting Videos: Bonding with Dad part 1 and 2

This weeks Baby names

Natural wood teething ring

Natural wood teething rings

Great for mothers that are thinking green when choosing products for their baby, choosing natural materials such as wood is a great non-toxic alternative. There are many different versions of wooden teething rings out there in the market. Most of them are hand made and made out of maple or cherry as they’re solid woods that won’t splinter. Most of the teethers are also finished with bees wax, however it is best to ask what the teething rings have been finished with before you buy.

The teethers can be introduced to your baby at 3 months +. The teethers are easy to hold by an infant and can be used as a toy as well. The care for the teether is important to know. Like your wooden chopping boards or any wood product, they are naturally anti-bacterial, however you still need to clean and oil wood. Don’t submerse the teething ring in water, it is best to clean the teether with warm mild soapy water then rinse in water and leave the teething ring to dry. To seal the teething ring, use a food oil such as olive oil. The best recommendation I have found so far is to coat the ring with beeswax and allow it to dry before you give it back to your baby to chew on.

The wooden teething ring can be found on-line or you can buy it at your local baby boutiques, especially your eco friendly baby shops.

You may also like the article on plastic teething rings

Toddler Sun tips

Sun Tips

• young children have very sensitive skin, so make sure you use 30+ sunscreen
• put sunscreen on their face, arms, torso and legs
• Do not take babies out into the sun, always keep them in the shade
• Always seek doctors advice before venturing outside with your bub
• use disposable swimmer nappies and a sun suit that covers most of the child body
• A wide brimmed hat or one that has fabric sides and covers the back of the neck
• sunglasses must have a UV filter protection for your child's eyes
• take a sunshade tent if there is no shade where you are going
• remember only short periods of exposure to the sun

For more information about being sunsmart www.sunsmart.com.au

I found this fantastic website Babypoop

There is this great color chart of baby poo "What does it all mean?" have a look its worth it....

www.squidoo.com/babypoop

Parenting Videos: Nappy Rash

Some advice on how to treat nappy rash

Tips: Nappy Rash

• change your babies soiled nappy as soon as possible
• Keep bottom clean and dry
• poo is acidic and can burn your babies skin
• clean bottom with water instead of wipes
• aloe vera gel makes a great barrier
• use nappy rash cream to prevent nappy rash
• create a barrier using nappy cream
• airing the affected area, keeping them out of a nappy for a while
• apply olive oil on baby skin to create barrier
• see a doctor if the rash is not healing up

Teething rings and teething toys

When babies begin to get teeth they will show signs of pain, discomfort, red cheeks, drooling, crying and being fussy. Teething starts around 6 months and 12 months of age and by 3 years the child should have all its teeth.


Your baby will tend to start chewing on their fingers or toys to help relieve the pressure in their gums, so that’s when it’s a good time to introduce a teething ring or toy. As the teeth cut through, a teething ring can help soothe. It's also beneficial during teething as the chewing action helps to push the tooth through. There are so many teething products out there, you have lots to choose from so to help you through it I have reviewed some teething rings.

Teething rings can be made of plastic, metal and rubber. Make sure that what you are giving your child is safe to put in their mouth and never freeze, steam, boil, or put them in the dishwasher or microwave as your teething rings could burst or crack or the plastic may degrade. The best way is to wash the teething ring in warm soapy water.

The first teething ring on my list is
IcyBite Hard/ Soft Keys from Nuby



Age: suitable for 3 months +
Features: The key's cooling gel is nontoxic, it's also BPA free (its a chemical (bisphenol-A (BPA) used in plastics), it has bright colours for visual stimulation and a good sized ring to make sure the keys are easy to hold and shake. The tops of the keys are constructed of purtex. Bumps and riders that the child can chew to massage sore gums.

Performance: I bought this for my son when he started teething and he loved it straight away. It wasn’t just a teething ring, he also used it as a toy. He could clutch it in his hand to shake it and individually move the keys around the ring, which is great for his hand eye coordination. Easy to use, each of the 3 keys has a different shape and texture and in our experience every corner of the keys and the ring has been chewed, bitten and sucked on.

Reliability: After the good workout that our son gave the keys, they are still in quite good shape with no splits in the gel pockets though there are lots of little teeth marks and scratches. He is now 2 ½ years old so they have lasted very well.

Tips: When placed in the fridge it becomes cold, the gel is designed to stay cooler for longer than normal water filled teethers.

Cost: Varies from $9:00 to $12:00 AUS available at all your usual parenting outlets.

Rating: 4/5

This is not an advertisement from Nuby, I will only review products if I think they will befit and are suitable for the parenting community. All products submitted for review are given to charity.

The wooden teething ring article continues here

Parenting Videos: bamboo nappies