Category: Family Life

As a parent, you want to make sure your babies are protected, especially when you’re not around. Thankfully, you live in the modern-day, where that kind of surveillance is 100 percent possible!

Cool little gadgets like a nanny cam can create accountability for those in charge of watching your pride and joy.

However, they don’t come without their drawbacks as well… drawbacks that people don’t often consider before spending hundreds of dollars to buy and install them.

Take the time to consider the pros and cons carefully before deciding on the best way to monitor your kid’s nanny.

Here are several things that may not have occurred to you about the nanny cam you’re thinking of buying.

1. Their Only Legal Use Is in Public Areas

As a parent, you have a legal right to monitor and record the happenings in your home in an effort to watch your children. 

However, there are only certain areas of the house that you’re allowed to do so.

Whether you realized it or not, there are areas of your house considered public areas and private areas. You could probably guess which rooms fall into which category.

The cameras can be hidden or be out in plain sight (whatever your preference), but they can’t be legally placed in the bathroom or a temporary room the nanny might be staying in. Doing so would compromise the nanny’s rights to privacy.

Just make sure that your nanny cam is in a legal area of your house and it’ll be good to go!

2. They Can Lead to a Misunderstanding

Often times, nanny cams will only give you half of the story.

You may see your baby crying and alone in the room your cam is in but not see the nanny hustling in another room to find her pacifier. That can lead to a huge misunderstanding from you as the concerned parent.

In short, a nanny cam may stress you out in a situation that the nanny has completely under control.

If you’re looking to avoid those types of situations, but are still heavily interested in monitoring their safety, home security systems might be a better option.

3. Set the Expectation with Your Nanny

The last thing you want is to hire a nanny that’s uncomfortable with being monitored via a nanny cam or home system.

During the nanny hiring process, make them all aware of the nanny cam you have and ask if they’re comfortable with it.

Be sure to explain your reasoning, the peace-of-mind that it gives you and why you’d feel more comfortable with one. If they agree with your reasoning, then all parties involved are fully aware of the situation.

4. Nanny Cams Can Be Hacked

Unfortunately, there are people out there in the world that hack into home cameras in an attempt to spy on others.

Fortunately, they only pry on those that are unaware of the hacking that can take place.

Just make sure the cam you purchase is protected and loaded with security features and you’ll be good to go.

Carefully consider the track record of the nanny cam you’re purchasing. Research some online reviews and make the right decision for your family based on what you find.

5. You Might Be Interested in It for the Wrong Reasons

First and foremost, a nanny cam shouldn’t be used to catch the immoral acts of a nanny, it should be used to stop them from happening at all.

In order to do that, your nanny has to know it’s there. Let them know that it’s in the house and how many that you have.

If you only have one, let them know where the camera is and inform them the baby isn’t to leave that room while you’re away from the house.

That may seem a bit harsh, but you’re the parent. You’re the one paying for them to watch your child. Setting these guidelines in place will protect your kid(s) from any harm while they’re out of your reach.

6. It Can Create Tension Between Nanny and Parent

Depending on the person, some people can be a bit too much of a helicopter parent.

Pairing that with a nanny cam can lead to some confrontations between the parent and the nanny. Even though you have the nanny cam in place, don’t use it as an opportunity to scrutinize your nanny’s methods.

If the nanny has been understanding and trusting as to why you wanted the camera in place, then you need to be just as trusting with their methods of caring for your child.

7. They Can Speak for Your Children When Your Children Can’t

One of the main concerns you may have as a parent is that your child is too young to speak up for itself and tell you if anything was wrong.

The nanny cam can be the voice for your child and fill you in on anything that’s crossing the line.

Now you’ll have a clear understanding of what goes on in your home even when you’re away. 

Not only will you be able to see any wrongdoing, but you can also put an end to it once and for all.

Consider All Your Options with a Nanny Cam

Whether you ultimately decide to go with a nanny cam is entirely up to you. Only you know your situation.

If you feel that you can trust your nanny, but just want a bit more surveillance, then a nanny cam can be a great option for you.

If you want more informative info like this, check out the rest of our blog. 

Congratulations! You’re about to have a baby!

Although it can seem extremely scary, you’re in good company. In fact, 130 million babies are born each year, meaning you’ve got at least 130 million other parents anxiously awaiting their new little bundle.

There are so many things to think about when you’re pregnant that you might feel overwhelmed. Some parents don’t feel they can begin really shopping and decorating until they find out during the pregnancy the gender of their baby.

While some parents-to-be opt not to find out their new baby’s gender, others can’t wait to know. But most have to wait until 16 to 20 weeks in the pregnancy so that the ultrasound tech can see the fetus’ genitals.

But what happens if you want to know earlier than that? Are there any reliable ways to find out the baby’s gender as early as 8 weeks in?

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to find out your child’s gender as soon as humanly possible.

When During the Pregnancy the Gender Develops

Before we go over some of the ways you can tell a baby’s gender before 16 to 20-week scan, let’s discuss when the baby actually develops a gender.

You may or may not be aware that until several weeks into the pregnancy, all babies look the same no matter their gender. However, the child’s gender is set in stone from the moment of conception. The mother’s egg carries an X chromosome. The father’s sperm carries either an X or Y chromosome, which means the baby’s sex is the man’s “responsibility.”

If the egg meets a sperm carrying an X chromosome, the baby is a female. If the egg meets a sperm with a Y chromosome, the baby is male. But until the 7th week of pregnancy, your baby’s genitals do not exist, and instead, there is what is called a “genital ridge.” From week 7 to week 12, the baby begins to develop the genitals of their assigned sex.

Boys, for instance, do not develop a penis until week 9.

So, now that we know the inner workings of when the gender begins to “show,” are there ways to tell the baby’s gender before the scan? Yes.

We’ll move on to discuss some accurate ways and a few folklore methods.

Scientifically Accurate Ways to Determine the Baby’s Gender at 8 Weeks

During your pregnancy, you’ll probably hear a lot of wives’ tales and folklore about whether you’re carrying a boy or a girl. These likely stem from the fact that most parents weren’t able to find out the gender of their baby, unless the child was being tested for genetic abnormalities, until the last few decades.

But, thankfully, times have changed, and there are ways you can have your future baby’s gender accurately predicted at just 8 weeks.

Here are some of them:

1. Blood Test

An early gender blood test isn’t routine, but parents can turn to private companies to learn to the sex of their babies very early on in the pregnancy.

This test looks at the fetal cellular material that gets released in the mother’s bloodstream and is an accurate way to determine your child’s sex at this stage.

2. Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a way for doctors to determine if your child has fetal infections or any type of chromosomal abnormality. It can also predict the gender of the baby much earlier than scans, as it can help determine if the child has an abnormality related to their gender.

This procedure is done by inserting a needle into the sac through the mother’s abdomen and taking a sample of amniotic fluid for analysis.

While gender can be determined this way, most doctors would not agree to perform one for gender detection alone. For those who have to have this test to ensure the health of their baby, it’s simply a perk.

3. Chorionic Villus Sampling

Chorionic villus sampling, or CVS, is another way to accurately determine your child’s gender. But, like amniocentesis, it is only done if the doctor believes your child is at risk of a genetic or chromosomal abnormality.

This procedure involves taking a sample of the placenta tissue. Doctors can perform it through the vagina, or through the abdomen, the way amniocentesis is performed.

This test can take place as early as 8 weeks into the pregnancy.

Non-Scientific Ways to Guess Your Child’s Gender

While the three options listed above are the only way to tell if you’re having a boy or girl prior to your 16 to 20-week scan, wives’ tales and folklore abound to help parents-to-be guess their child’s gender. These are by no means scientifically accurate, but some people find them fun.

1. Your Stress Level Before Pregnancy

While science has seen a higher rate of stress correlated with conceiving a girl, it isn’t a fool-proof method. But some folks equate being stressed at the time of conception with having a girl.

2. Having a Craving for Salt

An old wives’ tale states that if you crave salt, you’re more likely to have a boy. However, most pregnant women have cravings, but it mostly relates to the baby’s nutrition requirements.

3. How You’re Carrying

It’s a popular theory that if you’re carrying your baby high, you’ll give birth to a girl, whereas if you carrying your baby low, you’ll give birth to a boy. In reality, the shape of your stomach isn’t really determined by the sex, but many hold fast to this belief.

Determining Your Child’s Sex

Most parents don’t mind what sex they will be having, as long as the baby is healthy. But with modern technology, you determine earlier in the pregnancy the gender of your child.

Check out the rest of our website for more content for parents, and parents-to-be, looking to save a little bit of cash!

Are you interested in scheduling your baby’s first dental visit?

Scheduling a dentist appointment for your baby can seem daunting, but it’s necessary. Your child’s first dental visit will be important to their health because it will outline any problems if they might have.

When you schedule an appointment for your baby, you’ll need to know of several things to help prepare both you and your child. The dentist will be able to provide you with general advice, but there are a few things you can do to ensure the appointment goes smoothly.

Read on to learn more about everything you can do to prepare for the dental visit.

Prepare Your Baby

When preparing for your baby’s first dentist appointment, you’ll want to do several things to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Preparing your baby for the appointment is best done by scheduling an early appointment.

When the appointment is early, your baby will be wide awake and alert. This will prevent them from dozing off as they’re being examined. If your baby already has several teeth, be sure to clean them before going in.

Prepare the Dentist

When you visit an infant dentist, you’ll want to inform them of your baby’s health history. While your baby most likely hasn’t had many medical visits, any information will be helpful to the dentist.

If there’s a problem with your baby, knowing their medical history would help a dentist conclude what’s wrong. They’ll then be able to give you the appropriate advice.

What to Expect

Your child’s first dental visit will be longer than the future ones because your baby’s entire mouth will be looked at. The dentist will typically look at the jaw, gums, and any teeth to ensure that they’re growing properly.

X-rays aren’t common in a baby’s first dentist appointment because baby teeth regularly fall out. However, an x-ray might be done if your child has a facial deformity to see if there’s a problem with the bone structure.

Your Baby’s Dental Health

Pediatric dentistry is important for your baby’s health because it ensures that their teeth are properly developing. With improper hygiene, things like cavities and mouth diseases can arise.

Visiting a dentist for toddler dental health will put your child on the right path to having excellent dental hygiene. The dentist will recommend you several ways to brush your baby’s teeth, what kind of foods to avoid, and how to teach them to brush their teeth when they’re older.

Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Visit Today

When do babies go to the dentist? It’s recommended that babies have their first dental visit the moment one of their teeth appear. If your baby already has a tooth, you need to take them to a dentist soon to make sure that they’re healthy.

After scheduling the appointment, start preparing your baby by cleaning whatever teeth they have. You’ll also want to gather any documents relating to their health history. 

Browse our blog if you’d like to read a variety of health articles that will help you and your baby.

Babywearing offers many benefits, including a calmer baby and increased bonding with you. It keeps your hands free so you can get more done while keeping your little one close.

Choosing between all of the baby wraps, slings, and carriers can feel overwhelming. They’re a big investment, and it’s difficult to know what to look for if you’ve never purchased one before.

Picking a baby carrier is a matter of personal preference, but there are certain things to consider. Keep these things in mind when choosing a carrier for your infant.

Basics of Baby Wraps and Slings

Baby wraps are large pieces of fabric that you wrap around your body. You can tie them in different ways depending on the style. They hold your baby close and often work well for different sizes of people.

A ring sling, such as a Rebozo, is a different type of wrap with two rings along the fabric that rest on your shoulder. The fabric piece goes through the rings to hold it at the correct size. Ring slings are often easier to wear and adjust since you don’t have to tie anything. 

Structured baby carriers have soft fabric components, but they feature straps, padding, and a seat area for the baby. They typically have shoulder straps and a waistband for support and can hold older and larger babies well.

Comfort for Mom and Baby

The type of carrier that’s most comfortable often comes down to personal preference. Structured carriers distribute your little one’s weight across both shoulders and provide support at the waist. Wraps offer versatile tying methods and are easy to adjust to get a perfect fit. 

Young babies often like the coziness of wraps and ring slings. They can snuggle in and rest close to your body. Some babies may prefer the higher seat with a little more mobility from structured wraps.

Test out different types of carriers with your baby to see what you both prefer. Check with local babywearing groups to see if they have meetings where you can try different types of carriers before you buy one. Another option is testing out carriers your friends own. 

Ease of Use

Baby wraps can take some time to learn how to tie. Ring slings offer an easy option that’s similar to a wrap without needing to master the tying methods.

Structured wraps often have clips that are easy to close, but it may be more difficult to adjust the length of the straps. Wraps and slings are easy to adjust by simply tying them at the appropriate length. That makes them easier to share with your spouse without have to adjust the straps every time you swap babywearing duties.

Cleaning and Care

Research the care and cleaning of baby carrier options. Your little one may spit up or have a diaper blowout while in the wrap. Babies can also get sweaty, especially being so close to your body.

A machine-washable carrier lets you wash away those messes easily. Check the tag to look for special care instructions that might make the cleaning process more difficult.

Carrier Style

Your baby’s comfort and safety is the most important aspect, but baby carriers can also double as a fun accessory. Look for slings and carriers in fun patterns to match your personality.

Bright colors also add a fun touch to your look. Or opt for a neutral-colored wrap that goes well with all of your outfits.

Choose Your Baby Carrier

Baby wraps offer a hands-free way to carry your baby and help you bond. Comparing the styles and features lets you pick a carrier that you and your baby love. Check out more Family Life articles for more parenting tips.

When it’s time for your son or daughter to learn how to drive, it’s a huge milestone. But if you worry about their safety, you’re not alone. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, drivers under 20 years of age had the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. Teens are also more likely to text and not wear a seatbelt while driving.

You want your kid to be prepared, but you might not want to be the one to get them ready. Driving school is an excellent way to prep your adolescent without the anxiety of riding shotgun. 

Read along as we discuss five reasons you should invest in drivers ed for teens.

What is Driving School?

A driving school specializes in teaching formal driving courses for a person to prepare to get a learner’s permit or a driver’s license. 

Driving school for unlicensed drivers usually comes in two parts the classroom education and behind-the-wheel lessons.

1. Become Familiar with Driving

Driving school is a fantastic way for a teen to learn the basics of operating a vehicle. Depending on when he or she attends class, many teens get to take the course with friends or peers.

The amount of hours for behind-the-wheel lessons varies by state and driving school. But after successful completion of the classroom education driving lessons, your teen will be more confident and prepared to take their road test.

2. Put Knowledge of Driving Laws To Work

During the classroom education, your teen reviews driving situations, strategies, and techniques to reduce the risks of being on the road. 

The information taught in class will prepare the student for the privilege of having a license and the responsibilities of driving a vehicle. 

3. Convenient

The driving school enables your teen to learn the ins and outs of driving while you go about your day. Whether you’re busy working or running errands, driver’s ed allows you the freedom to live your life. While you may need to spend some time in the car while your kid practices, having a professional do the majority of the work does help.

4. Flexible Schedules

Many driving schools will work around you and your teen’s schedule. They may pick up and drop your teen at home, so you don’t worry about transporting them to and from behind-the-wheel lessons. 

Working with a friendly staff to accommodate your needs is one of the biggest advantages of using a driving school. Your son or daughter won’t need to wait around for you or your spouse to use your free time to teach them.

5. Lower Insurance Premiums

With the cost of living increasing it’s not surprising auto insurance premiums can be expensive. But using a driving school for your new driver in the house might save you money. Many insurance carriers give a discount for teens who complete driver’s education.

Lower insurance prices mixed with affordable driving courses make this beneficial for you and your teen.

Sign Them Up

Driving school not only teaches your teens the basics of driving, but it helps you stick to a busy schedule. When your teen takes driver’s ed they receive preparation for driving responsibly. 

To learn more interesting tips about saving money or being a mom check out our blog.